Rants by Reba

Crabby Crabster

2011-04-05T16:13:00.002-05:00

Can I complain for a couple minutes???

Ok, thanks. :-)

I get phone calls ALL THE TIME from numbers I don't recognize. I no longer pick up, because it wastes my minutes to always have to tell these people that they have the wrong number...and then when they don't believe me, I have to waste my minutes convincing them that I'm not Jose, Salvador, or their caseworker.

You might think I'm joking, but I'm not.

What happens when I don't pick up is a situation that I have now determined is even worse.

People just call over and over, sometimes as many as 10 times. Seriously, what possesses people to do this???!!! Voice mail was invented for this purpose, wasn't it? Leave a message, I'll call you back.

Sometimes I just can't get to the phone - example, maybe I'm at work...you know, a job...maybe you've heard of this. Sometimes it prevents people from answering the phone.

Or maybe I'm babysitting, and the baby is screaming...and then in the background I hear Poker Face (hell yeah that's my ring tone) playing over and over again!!! Well, looking on the bright side, the kids love the song, so they start dancing every time they hear it.

The poor idiot who did this to me this afternoon caught me in a very crabby mood. So after his 3rd try I picked up. Here's the convo:

Idiot: "Hey What's Up??"

Me: "Who is this?"

Idiot, trying to be cute: "Who's this??"

Me, in my angry voice: "Um, no. Who is this."

Idiot finally gets it and hangs up. If that's me being mean, then I'm a pretty nice person eh?

So please, in the words of the great No Doubt, if you call & I do not pick up: "Sorry I'm not home right now, I'm walking into spiderwebs, leave a message and I'll call you back."

Thank God for Caller ID.

Can I have the negatives please?

2011-04-04T20:19:00.004-05:00

My dear grandmother, Ms. Georgia Rapaelian, turned 90 last week! Doesn't she look amazing?!

She wouldn't let us throw a big party ("When I turn 100, THEN we can have a big party!)...so the family went out to dinner at the very fancy Olive Garden. We asked the servers what they could do since it was the old lady's birthday and they gave us two options:

1. buy a personal size cake for $6 (ummm...heck no. I spent the day making 2 desserts!)

2. they told us WE could sing to her, and if they were around, they'd join in. Apparently "corporate" has told them they can't sing "their song" anymore...whatever that means.

So, we sang our hearts out, and the whole restaurant laughed at us, and then we went home and ate my desserts.

Dessert was pineapple cheesecake squares (Grams told me that pineapple was her fave fruit so that's how I chose that one), and I made a vegan chocolate bundt cake (shhh I didn't tell anyone it was vegan haha!!!).

Grandma wanted to do a photo shoot of the grandkids since hers are all from when we were in high school. My brother and I are single. My 2 cousins are partnered. So the shoot went like this:

G: "Ok, Becky, go stand over there, alone."

Me: "What? Why do I have to go alone? Can't my brother and I be in a pic together?"

G: "No! I have 4 photo frames...what am I supposed to do with the 4th frame if you and your brother are in the same pic?"

So my brother and I stood alone for our pics...my brother held his arms around an imaginary girlfriend, and I pretended to sit on an imaginary man's lap. That way, it's easy enough to photoshop someone in? :-)

But...the BEST part of the night...after we took the pics, Grandma asked if we could give her the negatives so she could get copies made! Poor thing...didn't realize we don't use negatives anymore. So about 10 minutes after we told her this, Grandma bursts out with, "Wait...so if we don't use negatives anymore, does that mean that Kodak has gone out of business??" She was so sad for Kodak.

I reallllly love my grandma.

The One Where I Try To Take My Mind Off Icky Things

2011-03-29T07:07:00.009-05:00

I haven't been home much in the past several days, but when I was, I was usually cooking or baking. I decided this would be a great way to take my mind off recent events (car accident-bleh). And since I can walk to a grocery store and get anything I need (thank you Chicago!), there's no excuse for me not to cook for myself. In fact, I am thankful for being able to do so!

On my recent road trip, I purchased this cookbook because it was on the bargain shelf and looked like it had good recipes (p.s. I'm a sucker for good marketing in cookbooks - if it has glossy beautiful pictures of food, then I want it!) Cook Yourself Thin Faster. It's small-ish, with...you guessed it, lovely pictures :-)

I decided to make the Chopped Taco Salad. Pretty obvious and could've come up with it myself. But there was a recipe with it for homemade dressing and I wanted to try it. It's kinda like ranch dressing, with cilantro in it. Not the prettiest dressing ever, but it sure was yummy:
Because I was making taco salad, I got all Mexican-focused and decided to attempt my own salsa for the first time. I used a recipe from the America's Test Kitchen cookbook that I have (awesome/massive cookbook). I think I pulsed it too many times in the food processor, cuz it looked a little mushy:

And then, I thought, how about some guacamole also? I make an awesome guac if I do say so myself (if there's anything I learned in my previous relationship, and there were many things, one of them was definitely how to make delicious guac!)

A pic of the finished salad...mmmm....

And the best part was enjoying the food with my dear friend who came over for dinner :-)

2 questions:
*Does anyone recommend a good salsa recipe? I'd like to try one with fruit - pineapple or mango maybe?

*Does anyone want to come over for dinner?

14/40 Days

2011-03-23T21:53:00.003-05:00

Fourteen days ago I started my Lenten practices. Here’s an update on how they’re going so far…

I will not be spending ridiculous amounts of money on fancy coffee drinks when I can easily make my own. This one is going amazingly well so far, for my wallet, my waistline, and my peace of mind. Since I’ve been traveling for the past couple weeks, I would drink coffee that my friends had made, or I’d heat up some water and have my Starbucks Via. While I was in South Carolina, I bought a coffeemaker on sale at Target. My friends taught me how to use it. Today I bought fair trade coffee to make in it. I came home and unpacked the coffeemaker, set up a nice spot for it on the counter…and then realized I had never bought filters! That’s okay…I have several packets of Via and de-lish caramel macchiato flavored creamer.

The only sweets I will eat are those that I made myself, or that someone close to me has made themselves. Also going fabulously! I LOVE this rule for myself! It makes me think a lot more about what I’m putting in my body, and where it comes from. You can read about my spinach brownie experiment here. Last weekend, when I was with friends in DC we made “Monster” cookies…delicious oatmeal, peanut butter, chocolate goodness. Not sure what I’m going to try next! But I’m definitely eating much less sweets because of this rule. One thing that makes me feel like I’m cheating is that my morning granola has chocolate in it. I blame this on Virginia for buying the granola (although I can’t blame her for the fact that I bought it at the grocery store upon returning to Chicago!). But I figure, I’m eating ½ cup for breakfast. I don’t eat it all day long so that I can eat a “treat” – that’s when it would be cheating, right?

I won't be using plastic bags at all. I stopped to get some groceries in South Carolina and forgot to bring reusable bags. The groceries were: a baguette, Brie, ½ gallon of milk, bag of spinach, turkey meat from the deli, and creamer. I can tell you that I must’ve looked pretty ridiculous trying to carry these awkwardly shaped items to my car. I can also tell you that I don’t mind looking ridiculous.

Bookworm Becky

2011-03-23T21:26:00.003-05:00

I've recently re-discovered reading for fun again.

Reading for fun. That giddy feeling you get when you can't wait to start reading again so you can find out what happened. When you accidentally stay up all night so you can finish a book (ok, let's be honest. I've never been able to stay up ALL night, and in my ripe age of 30, well...no all-nighters for me!).

When I was a kid, I used to plot ways to move my bedside light around so that my parents could not tell that my light was on. And I'd stay up til the wee hours of the morning reading book after book, usually RL Stine, or Babysitters Club (omg, I LOVED these!!!).

I haven't felt that excited about reading in a good decade, at least. Let's face it. When it takes 3 months to read a measly fiction book, because you're too busy reading the loads of work for school...well, a book just isn't the same. And no matter how often I tried to continue to read for fun during my undergrad and graduate years....it just wasn't fun. I'd fall asleep after a couple pages (well, that still happens sometimes, but now I blame old age.) :-) Or I'd have to go for a week without picking up the book, and by then I'd forgotten everything I'd already read!

Fast forward to the past month or so. OHMYGOSH reading is so back! I joined goodreads.com - kinda like social networking for book nerds. Well, not kinda like...it IS. So you can keep track of the books you've read, books you are currently reading, and ones that you want to read in the future. You can write reviews, and see your friends reviews.

My rediscovering happened when I decided to re-read the 7th (& Final - sad face) Harry Potter book. I wanted to be fully prepared for the movie to come out this summer. Wow, that book starts out sorta slow, setting up what is to come. And then I just couldn't put it down. I'd be excited to get home so I could read some more. I'd turn off the tv (or never turn it on) so that I could see what else Hermione would pull out of her magical bag. Aaahhhh

Then I picked up Lord of the Rings. I've never read those. And started making lists of all the classics that I never read that I think I should read. And before you know it, I was in the midst of 4 books at the same time. See above comments about my old age and forgetfulness, and you can maybe guess that this was a problem. Too many books!

I'm trying to tone it down a bit. But not too much. I'm soooo happy to have rediscovered my love of reading. I wasn't sure it would ever return. But return it has.

What good books have you read recently?

An afternoon of not-so-deceptive domesticity

2011-03-13T23:34:00.010-05:00

Virginny Lee & I were feeling quite domestic on Friday, and attempting to be radical homemakers. We started updating our old blog, which is now new-ish...but I won't unveil it quite yet. I'm just getting the hang of this again, prolly too soon to commit fully to a second blog, eh?!

VA has the book "Deceptively Delicious" by Jessica Seinfeld - yeah, THAT guy's wife. The whole concept of the cookbook is that you can puree various fruits & veggies, stick them in random foods that you wouldn't normally, and voila! You will have successfully deceived your kids and fed them healthy food without them even realizing it!

Now, I don't have kids...and I'm not so into the deception part....but I AM all about figuring out more ways for ME to get more produce in my diet - especially veggies. So when we found a recipe adding veggies to one of my FAVORITE desserts (BROWNIES!!), I thought, why not?!

So here is a story about VA & Reba making low-fat spinach brownies :-)

The first thing you need to do is puree some veggies. This particular recipe called for pureed carrots and pureed spinach. Pureeing requires steaming the veggies, then blending in a food processor or blender. Here's some pics:

After the pureeing, it was time to make the brownies!
And I just realized I totally forgot to take a pic of the actual brownies!! It's okay, I want to try making them again sometime with a few tweaks of my own. They tasted...spinach-y. haha. I'll try and post the recipe for y'all (I've been down South too long!) when it's not 2 am...

40 Days

2011-03-10T12:51:00.002-06:00

Lent.

Commonly a time where self-indulgent people everywhere choose to give something up....we often hear about people giving up a certain food (chocolate, anyone?), or soda (mmm, bubbles), and these days there are crazy people everywhere even giving up Facebook (crazy I tell you!).

Forty days without chocolate, Dr. Pepper, or putzing around on Facebook when I should be writing cover letters & applying for jobs? EEK.

Try forty days without running water, or 40 days on minimum wage, or 40 days without any internet whatsoever (gasp!).

Ok, that last one is a joke. Hopefully if you're reading this you know me well enough to know that every once in awhile I throw a little sarcasm in to spice things up. But only a bit. :-)

But seriously. It's ONLY 40 days. And maybe it would do well for all of us, church goers or not, to try a measly 40 days without something. However, I would argue that it's not just about giving something up. For me, it's about what I mentioned above - honoring the things I eat, and the products I use, and all the things I take for granted - honoring where they came from; honoring the hands that contributed to their production; acknowledging my own privilege in being able to CHOOSE to give something up. There are plenty more people in the world who have no choice, who don't even know when their next meal is, and here I am choosing to give up (gasp!) chocolate. What a sacrifice.

These are things I will reflect on for the next 40 days. In the midst of the various things people choose to reflect on during this time of year, this is where my heart lies right now. And, as a method of accountability, here are the things I'm going to be intentional about these coming days....

1. I will not be spending ridiculous amounts of money on fancy coffee drinks when I can easily make my own. No, I'm not quitting coffee. This would be unwise and detrimental to myself and all those who come in contact with me (my therapist agrees with me). But let's talk about the many reasons I should NOT be frequenting Starbucks every day...I'm spending crazy amounts of money!! Why is this bad? Well, there's the obvious reason of I don't have a real job and can't even afford health insurance so what the hell am I doing spending $$ at Starbucks?!! Ultimately, though, there are much better places and things I could spend my hard-earned part-time money on, and Sbux is not it. And when I make my coffee myself, I can choose fair-trade options, I can know where it came from, and I can know what I'm putting in it (instead of all those fatty delicious calorie-laden syrups that Sbux adds). Overall, I think this should be healthier for both my wallet and my waistline.

2. The only sweets I will eat are those that I made myself, or that someone close to me has made themselves. I'm smart, you see - I'm not doing the typical "I'm giving up sweets for Lent!" That's just crazy. And I've done it before. It doesn't work for me. Easter comes and I gorge myself on ice cream and chocolate, and then think constantly about these things pretty much everyday thereafter. (Yes, I'm admitting this to the whole world right here - please don't judge).

My reasoning for this one comes from reading in the last several months all of Michael Pollan's books about the US food system. In Food Rules, Pollan talks about how readily available and cheap so much processed food is in the US. Back in the good ole days, if someone wanted fried chicken, or french fries (or you name it), they couldn't just run to McD's or KFC and pick up a box. They had to spend the day cutting and peeling and battering and frying, which takes awhile! Not to mention all the cleanup that comes with it. Ick. So...in an effort to honor where my food comes from and what goes into them, I'm going to make my sweets myself - that way I know exactly what's going in them, and reducing my intake of processed foods...which is a long-term goal of mine. This will ultimately be healthier for me as well because it will cut down on the number of sweets I eat. Plus, I can't wait to see how homemade ice cream turns out! And I'm also on the lookout for a Nutella recipe. :-)

3. I won't be using plastic bags at all. If I go to a store and forget my reusable bags - well, I'd better not buy more than I can carry in my own 2 arms. When I need to clean up cat poop, well, I'd better figure out a more environmentally friendly way to dispose of it. Need I say more?

What practices are you giving up or adding for Lent this year?

Check back next week for an update on my Lenten practices :-)

I'm Baaaack!

2011-03-09T14:45:00.003-06:00

I last wrote an entry in the blog in May 2009. And by "wrote" I of course mean, I posted a picture of me with my shiny new purple iPod. Clearly, I had my priorities!

Here it is March 2o11. Nearly 2 years later. I'm all graduated. I'm 30 years old. I'm still running (both literally & figuratively - ha)...and listening to that same iPod.

But why does May 2009 seem like a million years ago?

I've been toying with the idea of becoming a more serious blogger for about a year now (which equals about a half million years in my time-warped brain). It all started with my idea to have a blog solely about Chicago drivers. You see, I have a plethora of tips & tricks, not to mention some common sense, that I'd LOVE to teach my fellow drivers in Chicago. And, considering that I'm obviously an excellent driver....who better to teach others...than me, right?!

But that felt pretty limiting as I thought it through. I'll be sharing those here, along with the other random, yet relevant thoughts that pop into my head.

Yep - relevant random rants by Reba. How can you resist my rambling?

Who knew I was so skilled at alliteration.

By the way...if you find yourself thinking, haha this is funny, or haha this chick is crazy, or haha I don't get what this girl is sayin but for some reason I kinda like it....well, fell free to spread the love. You should know that after many years of school and thousands of dollars spent, I've realized that my true calling was not to be a member of the traditional work force. Nope! My true calling is to write a random ass blog that hits it big and makes me a billionaire. True story!

But I'm starting from scratch here and will need all the help I can get. If there's a topic you want me to write about - please let me know! I welcome your thoughts. And if you've read this far, well, shucks. You're amazing.

my new shiny purple iPod

2009-05-07T15:34:00.000-05:00

Yes, I'm excited :)

Swine what?

2009-04-30T09:40:00.001-05:00

I'm not concerned about swine flu.

Just wanted to put that out there.

Soul Mates a la Sex and the City

2009-04-27T22:22:00.000-05:00

carrie: i don't even know if i believe in soul mates.

charlotte: don't laugh at me but maybe we could be each other's soul mates. and then we could let men be just these great nice guys to have fun with.

samantha: that sounds fabulous!

38:31 - The previously posted time WAS wrong!

2009-04-27T14:38:00.001-05:00

Imagine me screaming with excitement....turns out the time for the 5K was wrong, and they had only posted my "gun time," and not my "chip time." Sooooo the stopwatch was RIGHT!!!! I ran the 5K in 38:31!!!!! 38 just sounds so much better than 39.

I am finally getting an iPod

2009-04-26T22:41:00.002-05:00

Please read this post and more at the blog I share with 2 lovely ladies trying to get fit and healthy just like me! http://vbkweightlossjourney.blogspot.com/

On Saturday, I officially ran for an entire 3.1 miles!!! Although most runners would probably shudder to hear that I call what I do "running"....more like shuffling. hehehe I set out to run it, and I didn't care how fast (um, slow) I was, just that I was in the act of running.

What I learned is this - while it does take a certain level of physical fitness to be able to run for more than a couple minutes at a time, so so soooo much of it is mental. If you set out to run for 5 minutes, that's how much you'll run, and most likely, you'll think it was a lonnngggg 5 minutes. If you set out to run for 3 miles, and you don't let anything stop you, you WILL run 3 miles. Seriously people - it's in your head! Ya just gotta psych yourself up!

In addition, it certainly helps to have some extra motivators...for example, knowing that bunches and bunches of people believe in you, and believe you can do this. If I ever felt the temptation to walk (which, surprisingly, was not often at all), I would say to myself "think of all the people who wished you luck before the race, who said they knew you could do this. don't let them down. I can TOTALLY DO THIS!!!"

Ok, so there's more that motivated me. I've said for over a year that I would finally join the 21st century and buy my first Ipod if I could run a 5K without any walking. So I would actually say all the stuff before, and that would kinda help, and then I'd just chant "purple Ipod, purple Ipod." Wow, a reward is incredible motivation people!!! Click the link to check out what I plan to purchase.... :)

I'm not done. I am convinced my official time is wrong (39:56) as I was wearing my own reliable stopwatch that said 38:30. And believe me, I busted my ass those last .3 miles so that I would beat last year's time of 39:07. And I mean busted. It was reallllly windy, blowing right against my whole tired body, AND the last part was uphill. Freaking uphill! In Chicago!! Seriously people!!! The race clock said 1:22 when I crossed the starting line, and 39 something when I crossed the finish line. So, clearly their chips were wrong. Please don't tell me otherwise, and let me believe I completed it quicker than last year when I actually walked for a bit....Or even better, tell me stories of races you've completed that you believe were timed wrong as well. That would really make my day.

Ahh...so after all this, my friend has convinced me to sign up for a 10K at the end of May. Which I believe to be absolute insanity. And I don't think there's any way I'd be able to run it. 6.2 miles. See? I told you it's all mental. I have 5 weeks to tell myself I CAN DO THIS! And so can you!

Chocolate Rehab

2009-03-03T20:46:00.001-06:00

This post is also on my "health blog" that I share with my good friends...check it out: http://vbkweightlossjourney.blogspot.com/

I gave up chocolate for Lent. I don't always jump on the whole "giving something up for Lent" bandwagon, mostly because I want it to actually be meaningful and not just for the heck of it. However, these past few months, as I have really been focusing on my health, I'm realizing that I have an addiction to chocolate. Oh, I've used every excuse in the book, including "it's good for me!" But let's be honest, it's not like I'm only eating the "healthy" dark chocolate. I like all kinds of chocolate, especially M&M's. When I lived in France, I was eating practically a whole chocolate bar per day. That's not a French diet that gets you skinny!!! Duh.

So I thought what better time to test myself than now. I don't need chocolate....right? My pastor also quit chocolate. She told me when she really wants some, she stops to pray and thank God for all she has, instead of wanting more, more, more. And to pray for the people who don't even have a reliable source of food every day. Wow, shouldn't we all do this more often anyway?!

I lost 2 pounds this week. Is it because I gave up chocolate? We'll see if the trend continues...In the meantime, I will try my best to be thankful for all that I have.

Obama joys & Gym woes

2009-01-21T21:32:00.002-06:00

I just wrote this post on my other blog - the we're getting healthy blog that my friends and I started...check it out: http://vbkweightlossjourney.blogspot.com/ and I thought it would make for a good post here as well...

:) I have been on a high since all of the inauguration festivities yesterday. I won't make this post too "political" (although anyone who knows the 3 of us knows where we stand...), but I must say the fact that I can now say "President Obama" will quickly contribute to me being healthier. I am now proud to say that I am American, and Americans voted for Barack Obama.

Even though it's been a great week, I've also had some challenges. I was quite frustrated much of last week - It was VERY cold here in Chicago, so I was forced to do all my running at the gym, sometimes at very crowded times. I would either wait forever (an hour = forever at the gym in my book!), or I would wait and the machine I'd been waiting for would be broken (are people seriously so selfish that they cannot go report the machine??? or at least cross it out on the sign-in sheet?? Seriously, people.)...or I would be on some stupid treadmill in which the emergency stop would keep slipping and causing me to almost fly off the treadmill.

Sorry, I'm a little bitter!

Yet - proud of myself for keeping it up, and not leaving after each of these things happened. And tonight, I had a fabulous time at the gym. Well, fabulous is pushing it, but it was pretty great! I even got to watch last night's Daily Show on Comedy Central so I was quite entertained as I ran.

Which, by the way, I am now walking 5 minutes, running 5 minutes, alternating for about 40 minutes. Even thinking about running in the infamous Shamrock Shuffle at the end of March...

Snooze Blues

2009-01-05T22:49:00.002-06:00

(this is a recent post I wrote for my other blog with 2 friends of mine who are trying to take care of themselves as much I am) - check it out! http://vbkweightlossjourney.blogspot.com/

Every evening I set my alarm for the next morning, and I tell myself that I won't hit the snooze button when it starts to go off.

And every morning, I hit the snooze button. Many times. Way too many times.

I love being up in the morning, but I have a terrible time getting out of bed. It's like as soon as the alarm rings, this wave of extra sleepiness falls over me! And my snooze goes off every 5 minutes, so it's not as if the "extra" sleep I get is at all restful. In fact, I think it's a total waste of my time to hit the snooze! Plus, I hate sleeping in too late and then having to rush to class or work. I feel flustered when that happens.

I want to make a habit of getting up earlier each day and working out in the mornings because I find that it helps me have a better day.

Please advise me! I need to figure out how to be able to wake up in the mornings!!

2009 - My year to shine

2009-01-01T21:13:00.003-06:00

2009 - How can it be possible? I remember thinking it was a pretty big deal when it turned 2000, and how would I get used to writing the year with a 0 in front? (1/1/09)...turns out it's not so hard to get used to, and all of a sudden a whole decade has passed. Wow.

And what a year it has been. My biggest highlight would be getting back together with Richard, although the election of Barack Obama follows at a close second (sorry, honey) :) hehe We spent a quiet New Years Eve together, and discovered how really awful all the tv programming is these days on NYE. Oh well ;)

This is gonna be a great year - I'll be graduating from at least one of my 2 masters programs if all goes as planned. I'm also totally committed to improving my health this year. I'm excited because me and 2 friends, Virginia and Kat, are all going to be writing a blog about our journey together. Check it out: http://vbkweightlossjourney.blogspot.com/. We have many individual goals, but we also want to all become runners (for real this time-haha). One of our hopes is to run in a 8K or 10K together by 2010 (and of course, start running 5K's on our own this year). Specifically, I will be running in the same race as last year, to support the American Brain Tumor Association. It's on April 25, and I have started training for it this week!!!

If you haven't looked at sparkpeople.com yet, you should check that out too. A free way to keep track of your food and exercise, and find all kinds of info on health of the body, mind, and spirit. Please let me know if you join so we can be buddies!

And please, do take care of yourselves as well. Hold me accountable, and if you need motivation, you know where to come to!!

On another note, go see Slumdog Millionaire if you haven't. A fabulous movie! You'll get angry, you'll cry, you'll laugh...and you'll leave feeling like awwwwwww. That's my best explanation. :)

Here's to a new year. Thank you to each of you for being a part of my life.

cuteness

2008-12-30T09:10:00.003-06:00

Last night I was babysitting Will and Grace (yep, that's their names!)....I had just helped the 4 year old wipe his bottom, when he looked at me and said: "Becky? (giggle) I think....I think that I love you!"

Quite possibly the cutest thing ever. The boy appreciates a good bottom-wiping...

shoe-throwing

2008-12-16T17:27:00.002-06:00

"President" Bush had a pair of size 10 shoes thrown at him this weekend in Iraq. Is he really all that surprised?

*34 days til Barack Obama is inaugurated.
*34 days more that Bush has to smile his dumbfounded look and pretend like he gives a shit what happens to our country.

And check this out - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnkMCvzjWJs

2 soldiers are practically pushed by Bush for him to stand between them and take a picture. That's our president folks, and even soldiers don't want a pic with him.

And don't get me started on our lovely governor....sheesh!

Barack - you give us hope. Thank you for being you. Please don't let this new power you have alienate you from the people of the world.

2008-12-08T20:32:00.002-06:00

I just discovered my dear friend Virginia's weight loss blog. I was thinking, hmm, maybe that's a good idea. She heard that if you blog about your weight loss journey, you're more likely to stick with it. I'm worried if I did I'd just end up embarrassing myself.... haha.

I've been really wanting to get healthy, and so is Richard. I always seem to do really well for a limited amount of time, and then something happens that makes it all go away - and makes it so hard to start up again. Right now, I finally have less stress since I'm on break from school, but now I'm sick with a mysterious stomach illness that strikes suddenly, and keeps me feeling quite fatigued. I'm hoping the doctor will give me some good drugs soon so I can beat this thing!

Any of my other blog friends struggling to lose weight/be healthy? Let's all be buddies and motivators. Send me an email or give me a call. I think power in numbers is a huge support system. Also, if you haven't heard of it or checked it out before, please look at sparkpeople.com. It's a great free site where you can log your calories/exercise, etc, plus there's lots of info and support for you. It also sets up a plan for you to get healthy and you can opt to get regular emails as well. Let me know if you join and we can be "friends." :) (Thanks to Virginia for introducing me to this site!)

I don't believe in "diets" by the way, especially anything that tells you not to eat a certain type of food. Depriving oneself will inevitably lead to failure, as you will most likely burst and binge on that food you haven't been eating! It's all about integrating this into your lifestyle. I've heard it takes 3 months to make something a habit. Sooooo let's set some short-term goals and accomplish them in 3 months, and after that it should be a piece of cake right?!

Anxious Excitement!

2008-11-04T07:38:00.000-06:00

You may or may not be aware that I am heading to South Africa TOMORROW, November 5, for two weeks. This is well-timed, as I will either be extremely joyous and wanting to celebrate, or I will be in a deep depression and needing to take my mind off the election.....Oh please US citizens everywhere, do the right thing and vote for CHANGE, HOPE, PEACE - VOTE FOR OBAMA!!!

The trip is a global seminar for young women in the US and various countries in Africa. Please follow our blog at http://wbgc2008southafrica.blogspot.com. It already has a couple posts on it. I'll also try to download pics while we are there.

I'm soooo excited for this trip!!! But unfortunately, I have so much schoolwork to do today, plus I am so anxious about the election, that it almost doesn't seem real that I am leaving tomorrow. I'm sure that will change at some point on my 16 hour flight from DC to Johannesburg tomorrow... haha...but until then, I think I just have to accept that my stomach will be in knots for the rest of the day so I just need to deal with it!

Please keep our group in your thoughts and/or prayers!!

OBAMA!

2008-10-21T09:58:00.001-05:00

Well, regardless of who you are voting for, get on out there and vote! Many states have Early Voting, which I plan to take advantage of in the next week. I have yet to volunteer by calling swing states and such, which I really hope I don't regret, but if you happen to have 20 minutes of spare time it is easy to click on the site below and call up some potential supporters of Obama! It's no secret who I'm supporting, eh? Anyway, please read on...

From MoveOn.org...

TOP 5 REASONS OBAMA SUPPORTERS SHOULDN'T REST EASY

1. The polls may be wrong. This is an unprecedented election. No one knows how racism may affect what voters tell pollsters—or what they do in the voting booth. And the polls are narrowing anyway. In the last few days, John McCain has gained ground in most national polls, as his campaign has gone even more negative.

2. Dirty tricks. Republicans are already illegally purging voters from the rolls in some states. They're whipping up hysteria over ACORN to justify more challenges to new voters. Misleading flyers about the voting process have started appearing in black neighborhoods. And of course, many counties still use unsecure voting machines.

3. October surprise. In politics, 15 days is a long time. The next McCain smear could dominate the news for a week. There could be a crisis with Iran, or Bin Laden could release another tape, or worse.

4. Those who forget history... In 2000, Al Gore won the popular vote after trailing by seven points in the final days of the race. In 1980, Reagan was eight points down in the polls in late October and came back to win. Races can shift—fast!

5. Landslide. Even with Barack Obama in the White House, passing universal health care and a new clean-energy policy is going to be hard. Insurance, drug and oil companies will fight us every step of the way. We need the kind of landslide that will give Barack a huge mandate.

If you agree that we shouldn't rest easy, please sign up to volunteer at your local Obama office by clicking here:

http://pol.moveon.org/obama/office.html?source=blog&id=14534-2659530-vweqxmx&t=1

Times of transition

2008-08-20T20:06:00.002-05:00

This summer has been a summer of transitions (as usual?).......

*I moved...just down the street. To a fabulous new apt - my room is huge, and my rent went down because I have 2 roommates instead of 1.

*I saw my roomie off as she moved to Baltimore for her year-long internship in a Lutheran church. Krista is going to be amazing there, and Richard and I can't wait to go visit her and eat some crabcakes! Hopefully sometime in the spring we'll get out there, and visit Jennifer and Dave and their new pup, Thula, in DC too!

*I have 2 new roommates - Elizabeth and Rebecca, and they are both friends of mine that I've gotten to know the past couple years. We're all so busy - since I moved in a month ago, the 3 of us have all been here at the same time only twice!

*I got a new cat. Simba is a 4-month-old kitten that I picked up off the street. Richard and I were at a block party "in the hood" as he would say...and this little kitty just came up to me and fell asleep on my lap. The neighborhood said his owners moved and left him there, so he was homeless. Soooo needless to say I couldn't just leave him there. :) He's adorable, and verrrrry playful. The vet also diagnosed him with ADD...which seems to be true so far. He also has a bit of an aggressive side, and keeps missing the litter box, so we're working on all that... :) We also found out he has a parasite so he's been on meds as well. Nala has been dealing with all the transition very well, but she's not the happiest kitty at the moment. I think she would prefer to be back in our old place with Krista and no other kitties, haha. But fortunately, my roommates have been awesome and very helpful with both cats, so I'm sure we'll all be settled soon...

Yeah, go ahead and say it - I've turned into a cat lady. I know I know

*School transitions - finished my not-so-great internship in early June...worked a busy but good job this summer (still working) helping the orientations for all the missionaries run smoothly. My last event is this week, and all the participants leave on Monday. Oh, and my internship for next year starts on Monday. eek. Seminary classes start the following week, and U of C classes start in a month. Whew!

*I bought a new car. I got a great trade-in deal on my Corolla, so I went for it. I have no business buying a new car, nor do I have any money, but somehow it all worked out and that's what happened...so I'm now the owner of a silver 2009 Toyota Camry. Wow!

What I'm most excited for in the next couple months is the 2 trips I have planned - somewhere I've found time/money to do that! I figure I need to do it to keep my own sanity. Soooo I'm going to visit Virginia and Michael in Philly over Labor Day weekend, and then helping Danielle and Bill and their 2 babies move from San Diego, CA, to Pensacola, FL, the 2nd week in September. The next month (and more) are gonna be craaaaaaaaaaazy!!!

Thank goodness for all my awesome family and friends (and oh yeah, that wonderful boyfriend!)

so this is freedom?

2008-07-10T22:31:00.002-05:00

I was just thinkin' about how long it's been since I've updated my blog...and then I see my last posts were about my upcoming "freedom" from school, homework, etc....alas, I didn't have a break and jumped right into my summer job and here I find myself with the summer half gone. Yikes! Where has the time gone? The world is a whole different place now - Sex and the City has come and gone (?) from movie theaters. We are a changed people.

But seriously...

Speaking of movies...DO NOT go see "The Happening." Do whatever you can to stay far away from that movie. Seriously.

Thanks to Jennifer for making me think of blogs and movies :)

Some may think this blog entry has been completely pointless...well...you just may be right. Peace!

Update

2008-05-27T17:10:00.002-05:00

Update:

How many days til June 5th? NINE!!! June 5th is when I will be fully done with my first year of working on my social work masters. I CAN'T WAIT. SERIOUSLY. READY TO BE DONE. FOR REAL!!!!

How many days til this frickin' weather will warm up? Yesterday, 80. Today, 45. Seriously.

As much as we could all find to complain about (school, work, weather, gas prices, idiot presidents, etc...), I'm going to say that really, I can't complain (except for that weather complaint above...ha). Life is good. Real good.

Sunday night

2008-05-18T21:00:00.001-05:00

It's my goal to find songs that refer to "home" - hit me up if you know some good ones!!!

Looking at you, holding my breath
For once in my life I'm scared to death
I'm taking a chance letting you inside

I'm feeling alive all over again
As deep as the sky, under my skin
Like being in love, she says, for the first time
Maybe I'm wrong, I'm feeling right
Where I belong with you tonight
Like being in love to feel for the first time

We're crashing
Into the unknown
We're lost in this
But it feels like home

~Lifehouse. Duh.

40's

2008-05-13T19:21:00.002-05:00

Today, I paid over $46 for gas. FORTY-SIX DOLLARS. To fill up my little Toyota. That's freakin' Ridiculous, with a capital R.

Today, the weather was finally NOT in the 40's. But it'll probably be back to that tomorrow, since apparently spring does not want to last!

Today, driving home from work, I realized that I had the volume to my music playing at over the number 40. 40 used to be ridiculously loud, unbearably loud. Clearly, I listen to my music too loud.

Today was a day of 40's, or at least my being weird and noticing s@#* like that.... :)

pic

2008-05-12T08:38:00.002-05:00

Here's a pic of us dedicated and soaked walkers at the breast cancer walk yesterday. I happen to think the picture does not quite convey just how soaked we are... :)

Breast Team Ever!

2008-05-10T15:41:00.002-05:00

Yes, tomorrow is my second "race" of the year, but I will be walking in this one. Our team name is the Breast Team Ever - I have such clever friends :)

Weather forecast for tomorrow:
"Windy...showers. Highs in the lower 50s. North winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 40 mph at times. Chance of precipitation 100 percent."

What gives?! It's May!!! Soooo sick of this weather....especially on days that I'm out running/walking for a good cause!!!

If you haven't donated, and want to, there's still time! Here's the link:
http://main.y-me.org/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=1241&px=2129594

Hanging By A Moment

2008-05-06T19:51:00.002-05:00

I'm falling even more in love with you
Letting go of all I've held onto
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you

There's nothing else to lose
There's nothing else to find
There's nothing in the world
That can change my mind
There is nothing else
There is nothing else
There is nothing else

Desperate for changing
Starving for truth
I'm closer to where I started
Chasing after you....

Yay for Lifehouse playing on my way home from work tonight!

Tragedy in Burma

2008-05-05T08:53:00.002-05:00

By now you have probably heard about the devastating cyclone that hit Burma (called Myanmar now, but many residents refuse to call it this because it's the ruling military government that changed the name). My close friend, May May, who I work with in the Admissions Office, is from Burma. Specifically she is from Rangoon (which you will see as Yangon in the news reports). Communication is down over much of the country and May May is unable to find anything out about her family. Her cousin is also here in Chicago and was able to get connected for a short conversation and was told that her whole house was destroyed, but that her family was safe. They are saying as many as 10,000 could be dead - and the country has a major lack of food and clean water. Please pray/send good thoughts for May May and her whole family. It is so difficult for her to be here and trying to go on with life as usual, not knowing about her parents and the rest of her family.

I'm back

2008-05-04T22:46:00.003-05:00

I'm back...and with nothing interesting to write about.

Well, I guess I did just return from a trip to Vegas with my familia....I think I was punished for rubbing it in to everyone that I was going somewhere warm...only in the 60's really - that's freezing to the Vegas people. haha Pics will have to wait as of course I am too lazy to download them at the moment. :)

Vegas isn't really my favorite place in the world. Nor do I think I would choose to voluntarily go there. However, I go for the good company (and my mom bought my ticket!). My great aunt Nettie is 92 years old, and moves faster than I do. Watching her and my grandma catch up, laugh, argue...there's not much better than that :)

I'm back. And I'm sleepy....

Monday night

2008-04-28T18:24:00.001-05:00

"Then again, maybe there are some things worth gambling on."

~more Sex and the City wisdom

2 more days

2008-04-28T16:52:00.003-05:00

Current Temp in Chicago: 37 degrees
Current Temp in Vegas: 85 degrees

Forecast for Chicago:
T:46 W:61 Th:66 F:63 S:60

Forecast for Vegas:
T:92 W:83 Th:77 F:82 S:84

Ok, so 60's in Chicago is not so bad, but after 40 over the weekend, and 30's right now....yeah I'll take the 80's and sun in Vegas!

pics

2008-04-27T21:15:00.004-05:00

I failed to mention before that my overall time puts me at an average of 12:38 minute miles....yay!

Yeah, I'm proud. I have to be. It's fun to have something that I'm really excited about again, cuz school and work have not been doin' it for me lately! hahaha

Enjoy the pics from the windy morning....

Team photo, Post-Race...we are about to blow away :)

my time

2008-04-27T08:34:00.002-05:00

39:07 - not half bad for a girl who's never run 3 miles in her life, right?!!!

in other news, it's so cold that our heat is on :( yay for going to vegas in a few days!

What a day

2008-04-26T23:47:00.003-05:00

I DID IT!!!

The 5K today went really well, and I think I may be addicted to racing now :) This morning started out quite dreadful - it was only about 40 degrees when I arrived at the check-in...along with crazy winds. We were soooo cold (I may sound wimpy, but being next to the lake when it's windy and chilly is not really ever anyone's cup of tea), and we were standing outside for about an hour and a half before the race even started. Anyway, the sun finally came out as we started running, and stayed out the whole rest of the day. It's amazing what the sun can do.

I had set a goal for myself of finishing in 45 minutes, based on the fact that Jennifer told me another friend had just finished her very first 5K in about 42 minutes. Let me tell you, nothing beats the adrenaline of running with several thousand other people! I ran for the first 2 miles without stopping, which I've never really done before believe it or not. Then I walked for about 5 minutes, and ran the whole rest. There was a point at about 2.75ish that I so wanted to stop, but I knew the finish line was nearing my line of vision, so I pressed on! It really was incredible. Crossing the finish line I was overcome with emotion and just started sobbing. It was a whole mixture of emotions - seeing all these people who were running for those who had suffered from brain tumors, and knowing I was running for Frank....it was incredibly meaningful and special. Add to that it's the first time I've done anything like this and there you have a sobbing runner :)

But seriously - I think the adrenaline and my heart were racing (no pun intended) when I finished, and that's how my body reacted. I found Jennifer and Elizabeth and hugged and cried some more, and wow. It really was a spiritual experience in a way. Within a few minutes of finishing, I was already thinking "when will I do my next race" - everyone told me once you do one, you are addicted, but I never believed them!

So if you want to start running with me, it sure would be nice to have some running buddies in Chicago :)

I don't know my exact time yet (my dumb stopwatch died during the race). They are going to post it online soon and then I'll put in on here. I will also post some pics once I get them from Jennifer.

Also - Today I reached my fundraising goal of $500!!!!! Thank you to all who supported me, both financially and in many other just as important ways. I am so grateful.

Until next time....

Look out - I'm quotin' the Bible

2008-04-25T18:20:00.002-05:00

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
~Hebrews 12:1-2

Funny Commercial

2008-04-25T09:58:00.001-05:00

Watch this clip on YouTube - it's only 45 seconds long, and it cracks me up :)

http://youtube.com/watch?v=PDnUmE3oucg

TOMORROW IS THE BIG DAY! PLEASE SEND ME ALL YOUR GOOD VIBES FOR THE RACE!!

YAY

2008-04-24T22:40:00.001-05:00

I got a new computer!!!!

Oh freeeeeeeeeeedom

Runnin', runnin', runnin'

2008-04-21T20:17:00.001-05:00

Dear Friends,

About a year and a half ago, Frank Slagle, my dear friend's father, passed
away from complications with a brain tumor. With him as my
inspiration, I have decided to take up running, something I've always
wanted to do, but never felt motivated enough. On April 26th, I will
participate in the 3rd Annual Brain Tumor Path to Progress to raise
money for the research programs of the American Brain Tumor
Association....So that means that in just five days I will attempt to
run my very first 5K! My friends, Jennifer and Elizabeth, and their
mother, along with many friends will also be running/walking. We have
formed a team called "Running for Frank."

I am asking you to support my efforts with a donation. You can do
this easily by clicking the link below.

I appreciate any donation you give! As you can tell, this is
time-sensitive, as the race is in just FIVE DAYS! Thank you so much
for considering what you are able to give for this important research.

Here's the link:
http://hope.abta.org/site/TR/ABTAEvent/PathtoProgress?px=1610717&pg=personal&fr_id=1220

To learn more about the American Brain Tumor Association, visit their
website at www.abta.org.

In addition, this Mother's Day, I'm participating in Y-ME's Race to Empower with the Breast Team Ever! I have many friends whose lives are deeply affected by the tragedy of breast cancer. We will be walking on Mother's Day in support of all those affected. To donate to this event, please click here:

http://main.y-me.org/site/TR/MothersDayEvents/MothersDayEvents-Chicago?pg=personal&fr_id=1241&fr_id=1241&px=2129594

Thanks for supporting me in these endeavors!

quote from Lauren

2008-04-20T23:12:00.001-05:00

"Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity."

This is from The Alchemist, a must-read according to Lauren...yay!

today's song

2008-04-17T20:58:00.003-05:00

Should I be embarrassed that I whipped out one of my old Savage Garden albums today? (or should I be more embarrassed that I actually saw them in concert a few years back and LOVED them?!!!). Anyway, this song below was playing in the car on my way home this evening. I had an eventful day that included one of my clients (a teenage mother) finally opening up to me and sharing some heavy stuff. It's a good thing that she trusted me enough to do that, so I feel good about it, but also quite drained from the experience, and worried about her of course.

Overall, though, it was a pretty good day...and emotionally better than the past several days have been...thanks for all your warm & fuzzies sent my way!

Affirmation by Savage Garden

I believe the sun should never set upon an argument
I believe we place our happiness in other people's hands
I believe that junk food tastes so good because it's bad for you
I believe your parents did the best job they knew how to do
I believe that beauty magazines promote low self-esteem
I believe I'm loved when I'm completely by myself alone

I believe in Karma what you give is what you get returned
I believe you can't appreciate real love until you've been burned
I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side
I believe you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye

I believe you can't control or choose your sexuality
I believe that trust is more important than monogamy
I believe your most attractive features are your heart and soul
I believe that family is worth more than money or gold
I believe the struggle for financial freedom is unfair

I believe the only ones who disagree are millionaires

I believe forgiveness is the key to your unhappiness
I believe that wedded bliss negates the need to be undressed
I believe that God does not endorse TV evangelists
I believe in love surviving death into eternity

I believe in Karma what you give is what you get returned
I believe you can't appreciate real love until you've been burned
I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side
I believe you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye

Me.

2008-04-16T21:18:00.003-05:00

So I don't usually post much about the G-word, or get too preachy in my blog (well, in general, I don't start chatting about God at random times...not your typical seminarian, eh?)...but I have this deep need to share just a couple of my experiences this week where I saw God.

As you can tell from my posts, or if you've talked to me at all lately, I haven't been well emotionally for the past month or so...but it's been especially difficult the last couple weeks. I have been in a major rut of being really down on myself. While dealing with this depression, I hope that none of you become too concerned about me, because I know that it is temporary and just something I'm dealing with right now. A lot has been thrown at me all at the same time (crazy how that works!), along with trying to stay on top of things at school....just hasn't been easy. While it has been incredibly difficult for me to handle (lots of crying, sleepless nights, etc...), I have this feeling wayyyy deep down that this is all making me a better person in the long run. Everyone needs to confront issues they have with themselves, and actually DO something about it, rather than just letting it fester somewhere in your being. I don't want to go into it too much, especially on something so silly as a little blog post, but this can give you some idea why some of my posts may seem depressing. It's where I'm at right now.

So back to God. In the midst of all this, when I like to feel that "no one gets me" or something like that, God will just pop up every once in awhile. (Side note - if you don't believe in God, I am not at all about to force my beliefs on you...maybe you could think of it as "Something bigger than me" has been showing itself to me lately. Call it whatever makes you feel comfortable).

Ok, I keep rambling. Sorry. Anyway, the other day I had a very intense therapy session (No, I'm not crazy - if you have good insurance, YOU should seek therapy too. I highly recommend it for all! I think there's a chance of world peace if everyone saw a therapist...ok sorry rambling again). After this, I got on the train headed back home and was feeling VERY emotional...just kept telling myself "Don't cry, don't cry"...along with a million other thoughts racing through my being. I looked up and a couple seats away from me was a little boy, just looking at me. When I looked at him, he just gave me the sweetest little smile. His eyes looked so deep into mine. (I'm actually getting teary-eyed just writing about it)...needless to say, I just started weeping right there on the train. I needed that smile so badly, and there it was. I saw God (or something bigger than me) in that little boy.

Tonight I went to kickboxing as I often do on Wednesday nights. It's a great stress reliever, and I figured it would be good for me to go tonight, even though all day I'd been so looking forward to being home and by myself again. For days, I've not wanted to get out of bed - not from laziness - but from sheer undesire (I know, not a word) of showing my face to the world (really shows how deeply I believe in self-care right!)...anyway, my kickboxing instructor (who I think is one of the wisest people I know, although he'd never let me say that to his face) asked me to wait so he could walk home with me (which doesn't usually happen). On our walk, he asked me how I was doing since my break-up (which was 5 months ago, so kinda funny that he'd think of asking me tonight. He wouldn't know that it's something that's been on my mind almost constantly), also asked if we'd "stayed broken up or not." His questions led to an awesome conversation, and him sharing his wisdom with me. I got to kickboxing feeling down and agitated...I left tonight with a sense of peace. Of course, I'm not just amazingly healed in 20 minutes, but I feel more at peace than I have in awhile. I saw God (or something bigger than me) in my kickboxing instructor.

Whew - this is the longest blog post ever. Thanks for indulging me in my venting/sharing. The introvert in me has been in overdrive (quite understandable considering...) so it's easier for me to write it all down rather than try to put it into spoken words. Of course, there's been plenty of other times I've felt God, and there are plenty of people in my life who have been nothing but totally there for me...this post should not downplay how much I appreciate having you in my life.

~Peace & Love~

Song of the Day

2008-04-16T17:52:00.000-05:00

So I close my eyes

Try to hold my head up high

And I pray my soul

Not to break

~Dan Wilson

Hmm

2008-04-16T17:29:00.001-05:00

Have you ever felt like all you wanted was to be by yourself, while at the same time dreading being alone because that's when your thoughts would go into overdrive and leave you feeling like a crazy person?

Song of the day

2008-04-13T10:58:00.003-05:00

Sundrenched world
I'm talking to you
But you're not listening
I don't know what to do
My heart is blistering

Tell me I belong
Tell me I
Tell me I belong

~Joshua Radin, Sundrenched World

Note to Self

2008-04-13T10:34:00.002-05:00

Note to self: Using your laptop during parties to look at silly videos on YouTube could very well put said laptop at risk of having large amounts of wine spilled onto it, hence leading to the very death of said laptop. Which then may lead you to have to borrow others computers for awhile to do all the homework and taxes that you put off...which then my lead you to have to spend all your tax refund on buying a new computer. And while that actually sounds pretty exciting since you may have been getting bored with said laptop, it means that your tax refund will not help towards paying off credit card bills that were waiting for said refund. It also means that you are doing exactly what Bush wants you do with the refund and stimulating the economy.

So the real question is - does anyone have any recommendations or suggestions for my next laptop?! What to stay away from...what I should be able to live without...etc.....

this is what happens when you're cocky

2008-04-11T17:31:00.002-05:00

Last weekend, my friend Rich was drinking a tasty looking frappucino. I wanted to try its deliciousness, and he warned me of his cold before I greedily took my precious sips. I told him that I take care of myself, so clearly I wouldn't get sick. I also said that he probably wasn't even contagious anymore, because you're really only contagious at the beginning, and he'd had it for awhile. Basically, I told him I didn't care one stinkin' bit that he was sick, I just wanted my sips....and that there was little to no chance I would catch the cold.

I now have a cold....I have learned my lesson.

It's the weekend! Friends over tonight for dinner, seeing my friend Joe who I haven't seen in forever tomorrow night, and lots of homework and paper-writing in between! woohoo

Effortlessly

2008-04-10T23:38:00.002-05:00

Thursday night. Almost the weekend. Here's my song of the day. As a bit of a disclaimer, do I need to mention that even if I put a bunch of song lyrics on my blog, it doesn't mean that I necessarily feel the exact same way or believe the exact same thing? I hope that's clear. When I put lyrics here, for me they are thought-provoking and they speak to me. Anyway, today's song...an idealist's dream...."I want to effortlessly be." but where would the fun in that be, eh?

Effortlessly by Sister Hazel
I won't be so hard on me today
I start to take myself so seriously
Shouldn't be so hard just to be effortlessly
It shouldn't be so hard to keep it together
It shouldn't be so hard to say the right things to you
It shouldn't be so hard just to be effortlessly

[Pre-Chorus]
Weightless worries fall away
Wasted pools of energy
I want to know I want to breathe

[Chorus]
Effortlessly - just be
I want to be effortlessly
I want to be

It shouldn't be so hard to be inspired
It shouldn't be so hard just to write this song
It shouldn't be so hard to be wrong or to agree
It shouldn't be so hard to change the world
It shouldn't be so hard just to change your mind
It shouldn't be so hard just to be effortlessly

[Pre-Chorus]
[Chorus]

I won't be so hard on me today
I start to take myself so seriously
Shouldn't be so hard just to be effortlessly

Effortlessly
I want to know
I want to breathe
I want to simplify my needs
I want to live inside this moment
And just be effortlessly
Just be
I wanna be effortlessly
I want to be

Chicago drivers

2008-04-08T23:03:00.002-05:00

I have an 8-10 page paper due tomorrow. Seriously, people, it's only the second week of the quarter!!! Why on earth would you want us to have any sort of free time ever - even in the beginning of the quarter....

On my way home tonight (in a wild thunderstorm!) I saw a bumper sticker that really amused me. It might be because I'm a little stir crazy from working on my paper, and tomorrow I'll look back at this and go "What was I thinking?!" We'll just have to see, I guess. I think it exemplifies the attitude of many (most?) Chicago drivers....and I just might have to pick one up for myself.

How am I driving?
Call 1-800-EAT-SHIT.

:)

More Sex and the City relationship wisdom

2008-04-07T17:55:00.002-05:00

It's Monday night - time for dinner with my roomie while watching an episode of Sex and the City before hitting the books. :) Good times. The episode focused on the ever-changing lives of the four friends - Carrie and Charlotte's singlehood after recent breakups, Miranda's life after having a baby, and Samantha's pain over her boyfriend cheating on her. This is the quote from the end of the episode (and for all you SATC lovers out there, it comes from the first episode of Season 5). :)

“Maybe the past is like an anchor holding us back. Maybe, you have to let go of who you were to become who you will be.”

10 things to know about McCain

2008-04-07T17:42:00.002-05:00

I get the emails from MoveOn.org and they recently sent out this one called "10 things you should know about McCain but probably don't." Check it out. It's interesting.

Used To

2008-04-06T21:55:00.003-05:00

Back and forth, back and forth. I am rarely constant for more than a few days at a time (which you can tell from the bipolar-ishness of my blog posts. hehe). I fluctuate each day - there are those days where I think I have everything figured out (which I must be delusional on those days, right?!), and there are those where....well, it feels like I can't figure anything out for the life of me. In the midst of the fluctuations, though, I do feel that I am in a good place in my life. I have done an incredible amount of soul-searching in the last 6 months or so, more than I imagined possible. I have discovered things about myself that will help me be a better person throughout the rest of my days. Clearly I'm not perfect, but I'm getting there. :) But seriously....My goal in life is to never stop with the soul-searching and bettering of myself. Not only can I be a better contribution to the world by doing that, but I will be more at peace deep in my being.

So I heard this song today, and it spoke to me. It spoke to me a lot. I have some thinking to do.

Do with it what you will....

"Used To" by Daughtry

You used to talk to me like
I was the only one around.
You used to lean on me like
The only other choice was falling down.
You used to walk with me like
We had nowhere we needed to go,
Nice and slow, to no place in particular.

We used to have this figured out;
We used to breathe without a doubt.
When nights were clear, you were the first star that I'd see.
We used to have this under control.
We never thought.
We used to know.
At least there's you, and at least there's me.
Can we get this back?
Can we get this back to how it used to be?

I used to reach for you when
I got lost along the way.
I used to listen.
You always had just the right thing to say.
I used to follow you.
Never really cared where we would go,
Fast or slow, to anywhere at all.

We used to have this figured out;
We used to breathe without a doubt.
When nights were clear, you were the first star that I'd see.
We used to have this under control.
We never thought.
We used to know.
At least there's you, and at least there's me.
Can we get this back?
Can we get this back to how it used to be?

I look around me,
And I want you to be there
'Cause I miss the things that we shared.
Look around you.
It's empty, and you're sad
'Cause you miss the love that we had.

You used to talk to me like
I was the only one around,
The only one around.

We used to have this figured out;
We used to breathe without a doubt.
When nights were clear, you were the first star that I'd see.
We used to have this under control.
We never thought.
We used to know.
At least there's you, and at least there's me.
Can we get this back?
Can we get this back to how it used to be? Yeah.
To how it used to be.
To how it used to be, yeah.
To how it used to be.
To how it used to be.

Update

2008-04-05T11:56:00.002-05:00

It's in the 60's today! Yeah, I'm a tad obsessed with the weather these days. It happens to every good Midwesterner about this time of year. :)

Song of the Day: Joshua Radin "Everything'll be alright"

Way down, in New York town
Thinking about the way she loved me
There's a hole in my pocket
That's about her size
But I think everything
Is gonna be alright
Yes I hope everything
Is gonna be alright

The smiling face, straight in LA
The gifts are found at the bar
But I wish my car
Could drive to her tonight
Then I'd know everything
Is gonna be alright
Yes then I'd know
It'll be alright

The rain in New Orleans, forgot to end
But the mouths of the people are dry
And we watch and wait
And do nothing but sigh
And hope everything
Is gonna turn alright
But I don't know
If it'll be alright

But I look at you, warm in your dream
While your mobile dances above
And I think to myself
It's a beautiful night
And I know everything
Is gonna be alright
Yes now I know
It'll be alright

Far Away

2008-04-05T01:18:00.002-05:00

Well, until I can come up with my own words to express myself, I'll just have to keep sharing song lyrics and Sex and the City quotes, eh? It has been quite a week....They say bad things come in threes, so I'm gonna go with those folk and hope that I'm in the clear for a little while...Peace!

Far Away by Ingrid Michaelson

I will live my life as a lobsterman's wife on an island in the blue bay.
He will take care of me, he will smell like the sea,
And close to my heart he'll always stay.

I will bear three girls all with strawberry curls, little Ella and
Nelly and Faye.
While I'm combing their hair, I will catch his warm stare
On our island in the blue bay.

Far away far away, I want to go far away.
To a new life on a new shore line.
Where the water is blue and the people are new.
To another island, in another life.

There's a boy next to me and he never will be anything but a boy at the bar.
And I think he's the tops, he's where everything stops.
How I love to love him from afar.

When he walks right pass me then I finally see on this bar stool I can't stay.
So I'm taking my frown to a far distant town
On an island in the blue bay.

Far away far away, I want to go far away.
To a new life on a new shore line.
Where the water is blue and the people are new.
To another island, in another life.

I want to go far away.
Away away, I want to go far away, away, away
I want to go far away, far away.

Where the water is blue and the people are new.
To another life, to another life.
To another shore line
In another life.

buh-bye sun

2008-04-03T21:55:00.002-05:00

I wore flip-flops today. It was the 2nd sunny day in a row...and supposed to be nearly 50. Yeah, still a bit on the cold side for flip-flops but the sun kidded me into wearing them!!

Throughout the day the temperature dropped and by evening the rain started. My feet are freezing.

And I heard that Michael Buble "Home" song again today. I'm starting to get creeped out. But I have some theories on the meaning of "home" for me. I'll save those for another blog entry, I think.

Finally, tomorrow is Friday. :) Yahoo.

sun

2008-04-02T22:26:00.000-05:00

The sun came out today after disappearing for several days.

You wouldn't believe how good 48 degrees feels when it's sunny!

That's all for today :)

Home

2008-04-01T16:00:00.003-05:00

Do you ever hear the same song over and over? I'm not talking when the radio keeps replaying the latest Rob Thomas or Britney Spears. What I'm talking about is when you hear a more obscure song, something you haven't heard in awhile or something you never really knew. And you hear it everywhere - in the car, the store, the bank, even on a commercial. When this happens, I kinda feel like it's trying to tell me something. That I'm supposed to listen to what it's saying. Maybe someone is trying to get through to me through this song?

Or maybe I'm just crazy?

Whatever the case may be I keep hearing the Michael Buble song "Home." Seriously, nonstop for at least the last month. It's not a new song, my Michael Buble-loving friends tell me. It's actually a few years old. I'm not the hugest Buble fan in the world, never really heard his stuff before. Anyway, what all this rambling is to say is that I'm going to analyze these lyrics and figure out what they mean for me, because there must be something to all this, right? (Just go with me here ok!). If you have any thoughts, let me know (however, if you do think I'm crazy, please just keep it to yourself and pretend I'm not - please?) :)

So here it is:

"Home" by Michael Buble

(well, technically I'm not sure he wrote it....but he sang it at least).

Another summer day

Has come and gone away

In Paris and Rome

But I wanna go home

May be surrounded by

A million people I

Still feel all alone

I just wanna go home

Oh, I miss you, you know

And I’ve been keeping all the letters that I wrote to you

Each one a line or two“I’m fine baby, how are you?”

Well I would send them but I know that it’s just not enough

My words were cold and flat

And you deserve more than that

Another aeroplane

Another sunny place

I’m lucky, I know

But I wanna go home

I’ve got to go home

Let me go home

I’m just too far from where you are

I wanna come home

And I feel just like I’m living someone else’s life

It’s like I just stepped outside

When everything was going right

And I know just why you could not

Come along with me

'Cause this was not your dream

But you always believed in me

Another winter day has come

And gone away

In even Paris and Rome

And I wanna go home

Let me go home

And I’m surrounded by

A million people I

Still feel all alone

Oh, let me go home

Oh, I miss you, you know

Let me go home

I’ve had my run

Baby, I’m done

I gotta go home

Let me go home

It will all be all right

I’ll be home tonight

I’m coming back home

Sex and the City Wisdom

2008-03-31T19:11:00.002-05:00

My roomie and I just watched the Sex and the City series finale over dinner. I absolutely love love love the last 2 episodes, and it was a perfect thing to do on a rainy/gross evening on the first day back in class. And in light of what I wrote about earlier, I'm gonna write down Carrie's relationship wisdom...

“Later that day I got to thinking about relationships.
There are those that open you up to something new and exotic,
those that are old and familiar,
those that bring up lots of questions,
those that bring you somewhere unexpected,
those that bring you far from where you started,
and those that bring you back.
But the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself.
And if you can find someone to love the you you love,
well, that's just fabulous.”

One of those days

2008-03-31T11:05:00.002-05:00

You ever have one of those days where you just want to curl up in a ball under all the covers in your bed, and blare lots of good bitter break-up music? You know, like some classy Kelly Clarkson, maybe a little Three Days Grace, maybe shake things up and switch to the emo Dashboard Confessional. You want to just lay in your cozy bed, knowing that everything'll be okay, but right now it just doesn't feel that way. You are confident that you'll get through it - you always do. But for now, you just want to have one of those days. Tomorrow you can get up and show your face to the world again.

I'm having one of those days.

Gee, it really would have been helpful for this to not fall on the first day of the Spring Quarter.

"Spring Break 2008"

2008-03-30T22:55:00.005-05:00

Ah, such a fun week! Crazy how "spring break" is neither very springy nor a break. Hmmm. It snowed a foot of snow on my first day of Spring Break. Aside from the fact that it was almost Easter and the day before had been the first day of "spring," it was very pretty. I love big snowstorms. Except when they leave me trapped in my parents house (literally - I couldn't leave til my dad plowed the driveway out).

While it was a "break" from school, it definitely was busy. But good busy. No, great busy. I was running around seeing people and all that, which was awesome. And staying up really late and sleeping half the day - can't really complain about that!!! Megan and Sarah were here in Chi-town for the weekend and we had a blast. Friday night's concert pretty much rocked my sweet little world. And Saturday night's birthday festivities for Lauren pretty much knocked me senseless. haha. Note to self: Long Island Ice Teas DO work wonders.

I don't have the energy to put up pictures/videos from my fabulous weekend...and really, the good stuff is on Megan's camera, now far far away in Minneapolis. :( Since I don't have the energy/the actual pics, I thought I'd leave you with some Dan Wilson lyrics...

One life is all we ever get
And all we ever give up for it in return
Is all the ones we might have been (Seems to be a theme for me lately)
Just one kind of beautiful each in our turn
Innocence and consequence
I only hope we never learn
Running all around all around
All kinds of beautiful.

Back to school tomorrow. Real world - you suck!

also - Earth Hour, Saturday night

2008-03-29T01:22:00.002-05:00

Earth Hour on Saturday night, happening in cities around the world. Check out the website. Raising awareness about global warming and energy consumption and all that not-so-fun stuff. Tons of energy will be saved just by reducing lights and other energy-consuming activities around big cities for an hour. Seriously.

tonight still

2008-03-29T01:16:00.002-05:00

Pictures/videos from tonight's fabulous show to be posted soon!!!!

But as a highlight, I got to have a conversation with Dan Wilson (remember Semisonic?). Yay!

Quote of the day: "I'm tired of being yelled at for having eyelids." by Megan W.

tonight's fun

2008-03-28T13:17:00.001-05:00

http://www.myspace.com/hotelcafetour

that's the link for the concert I am going to tonight with megan and sarah. check it out, dude.

YAY!

how can it still be snowing?

2008-03-27T11:50:00.002-05:00

Ahhh the joys of living in the Midwest, and the pains of traveling anytime between the months of October and April. Snowstorms threaten plans of travel constantly. Take today, for example. I'm headed back to Chicago this evening. Already not looking forward to the drive because it means heading back to the 'real world.' And it's gonna snow/freezing rain the whole way. Damn.

My favorite things

2008-03-26T13:24:00.002-05:00

Some of my favorite things....

*Sun, Sun, Sun, especially these first days of spring.
*the Twin Cities - somewhere I am destined to live again someday in my future. When? who the hell knows.
*Sleeping til 10 everyday, and staying in my pajamas til noon
*No homework.
*my Minnesota friends, especially the pregnant ones :) For some crazy reason, I'm feeling this huge urge/desire to be married and having babies...and I thought I wasn't ready for that anytime soon. But I might be. Oh, Crap.
*Sucking at that ridiculous buckhunter game at the bar...well, that really wasn't that much fun. hahaha
*pedicures with the funny woman who called Marie "wide."
*Potbelly is now in Minnesota!
*Free alcohol. And free food. In no particular order.
*did I mention no homework?

Moral of the story: I love driving up to the Cities on spring break and hangin' with my favorite people in the world, and being lazy, and ..........

5 Years in Iraq

2008-03-17T21:00:00.002-05:00

If you are interested in attending a vigil to observe the 5th anniversary of the war in Iraq, check out the following message from MoveOn.org and find a vigil near you. Hard to believe it's been 5 years.....

The war in Iraq has gone on for nearly five years. The unbearable costs at home and abroad keep mounting. It's clear that Americans are ready for a real change in direction.

On March 19th, tens of thousands of people across the country will gather to observe the fifth anniversary of the war with candlelight vigils. We'll commemorate the sacrifices too many families have made, and the billions of dollars wasted in Iraq that could have been better invested at home.

Join us at a candlelight vigil on Wednesday, March 19th. Honor the sacrifice. Change our priorities. Bring the troops home.

Click here to organize your own vigil, or sign up for one near you.

Vigil Before the Rally
Federal Plaza - West Side
250 S. Dearborn St.
Chicago, IL 60603
Wednesday, 19 Mar 2008, 5:30 PM

You can sign up for this event, or to host your own, at:
http://political.moveon.org/event/5yearsvigil/45948

I hope you'll sign up.

....

2008-03-17T01:18:00.002-05:00

I have great friends. No, I have amazing friends.

Just wanted to put that out there. If you are reading this, there's a pretty good chance you're one of them..............

Song of the day: still Lie in our Graves (see below)

Irish for a Day

2008-03-16T00:38:00.006-05:00

Yes. That is a neon green river behind me and a couple of my favorite girls. :)

I have finally experienced the dying of the Chicago River. They dye it green. No matter that it is already green. They actually dye it this crazy ectoplasm-like neon green. Supposedly it's non-toxic and safe...A few more pictures:

Yay for a lovely day of hanging out downtown with fabulous friends, drinking some Bailey's, and pretending I'm Irish for a day. :)

Song in my head today:
Dave Matthews Band (how fun to rediscover cd's I didn't even think I really liked anymore)
Lie in our Graves
~I can't believe that we would lie in graves wondering if we had spent our living days well.
I can't believe that we would lie in graves wondering what we might have been.
I can't believe that we would lie in graves wondering if we had spent our living days well.
I can't believe that we would lie in graves wondering what we might have been.

would you not like to be
would you not like to be
I can't believe that you would not like to be
would you not like to be

ok, ok, ok,
ok, ok, ok,
ok, ok, ok,
ok, ok, ok,

and we dance away~

Heat Wave Haikus

2008-03-13T14:15:00.002-05:00

Fifty-five degrees.
Sun is out and tests are done.
Yet still I work, work...

Inside where I sit:
Quiet, hot, stuffy, and gross.
The outdoors calls me.

5:30 is three
more hours away from now.
Thank you, dear Jesus.

New & Improved

2008-03-11T10:28:00.003-05:00

Welcome to my new and *improved* blog! Well....the design is new. Maybe not so improved. But I needed a change.

So does inspiration to post regularly come with the new design of my blog? Doubtful. But I'll try.

After today I will be done writing papers for about 2 weeks. One more final next Monday, but that'll be easy compared to all this writing I've been doing. Any good vibes/prayers/thoughts sent my way will be most appreciated! :)

Please take 30 seconds to sign this petition to Target stores

2008-02-10T19:50:00.000-06:00

Ok, let's admit it. We all knew Walmart wasn't the only bad guy store in the world. But it's sad for me to hear about these injustices at Target, one of my fave places to shop...Please read the following email from Interfaith Worker Justice (a very reputable organization that I interned for last summer) and take a minute to sign the petition to Target. Thanks.

Dear Friends of Social Justice,

While at least one "big box" store has been the subject of much attention regarding its community and workplace practices, as people of faith and action we are compelled to ensure that ALL of our country's corporate leaders subscribe to a policy of fairness for their workers.

We're asking you to join us in TAKING ACTION for justice at Target stores, where not all store workers are receiving living wages, access to affordable health care or respect and dignity on the job. Worse than that, most Target store janitors are LOCKED IN overnight, with limited or no emergency escape option.We're asking you to fax a letter to Target management, which can be sent from your computer.

Unfortnuately, Target has a history of worker problems, for example:

Jim's Maintenance janitors in Texas worked mandatory overtime in locked Target stores. When Target cancelled the contract, $150,000 in wages were withheld from the janitors. The janitors have filed a lawsuit against Target.

Wackenhut Security provides security at Target corporate headquarters in the Twin Cities. The company has a growing record of problems that include reports of discrimination, fraud (for $20 million in Miami Dade County alone), falsified training records, excessive overtime, violations of client policies, and retaliation against whistleblowers. Recently, Target cut the pay of security officers by $1.00 per hour, even as Target reported record profits.
(For more information, go to www.eyeonwackenhut.org.)

Excel Building Services cleans Target's California retail locations. Workers at Excel report ongoing violations of local wage and hour laws, as well as federal labor laws. The company was fined by the city of San Francisco and has settled at least one lawsuit for paying substandard wages similar to the wages Target's janitors are now reporting.

Click here to take action.

Thank you and Blessings,

Kim Bobo, Executive Director
Interfaith Worker Justice

Super Tuesday coming fast!!!

2008-02-01T09:20:00.000-06:00

As you are getting ready to vote on Tuesday (or you've already early voted - like me! or your state already had their primaries....or your state is yet to come), here are some sites that friends have recommended to me to help you choose your candidate.

Electoral Compass quiz

Glass Booth quiz

Green Voters Guide

HOPE EVERYONE IS OUT THERE VOTING!!!!!

Word of the Day: Primiparous

2008-01-30T10:48:00.000-06:00

In writing my paper last night, I learned a new word. PRIMIPAROUS.

Any guesses as to what it means?

It means woman who has only one child, in other words, a woman who has only given birth once. Who knew.

I am determined to find ways to use this word in everyday conversation.

Another interesting article from Co-Op America

2008-01-29T17:14:00.000-06:00

Here's the link: http://www.coopamerica.org/programs/climate/dirtyenergy/nuclear.cfm

Much of this was stuff I hadn't known, or even thought of before. Do with it what you will...
p.s. notice how often I have been updating my blog :)

Ten Strikes Against Nuclear Power

Here at Co-op America, we’re working hard to heal the climate by transitioning our electricity mix away from its heavy emphasis on coal-fired power. In 2007, you helped us stop fifteen new coal plants, tell the financiers of major coal projects to stop funding coal, and persuade mutual funds to support shareholder efforts to mitigate climate change.

But all of that good work will be wasted if we transition from coal into an equally dangerous source – nuclear power, which is why we've put together this list of reasons why nuclear power is not a climate solution.

Solar power, wind power, geothermal power, hybrid and electric cars, and aggressive energy efficiency are climate solutions that are safer, cheaper, faster, more secure, and less wasteful than nuclear power. Our country needs a massive influx of investment in these solutions if we are to avoid the worst consequences of climate change.

Thankfully, no new nuclear plants have been built in the US for over 30 years. That means that a whole new generation of concerned citizens grew up without knowing the facts about nuclear power – or remembering the terrible disasters at Three Mile Island and Chernobyl. So it is time to remind everyone that nuclear is not the answer. Please help us get the word out.

Currently we draw electric power from about 400 nuclear plants worldwide. Nuclear proponents say we would have to scale up to around 17,000 nuclear plants to offset enough fossil fuels to begin making a dent in climate change. This isn’t possible – neither are 2,500 or 3,000 more nuclear plants that many people frightened about climate change suggest. Here’s why:

1. Nuclear waste -- The waste from nuclear power plants will be toxic for humans for more than 100,000 years. It’s untenable now to secure and store all of the waste from the plants that exist. To scale up to 2,500 or 3,000, let alone 17,000 plants is unthinkable.

Nuclear proponents hope that the next generation of nuclear plants will generate much less waste, but this technology is not yet fully developed or proven. Even if new technology eventually can successful reduce the waste involved, the waste that remains will still be toxic for 100,000 years. There will be less per plant, perhaps, but likely more overall, should nuclear power scale up to 2,500, 3,000 or 17,000 plants. No community should have to accept nuclear waste site, or even accept the risks of nuclear waste being transported through on route to its final destination. The waste problem alone should take nuclear power off the table.

The Bush administration’s solution – a national nuclear waste storage facility at Yucca Mountain – is overbudget and won’t provide a safe solution either. The people of Nevada don’t want that nuclear waste facility there. Also, we would need to transfer the waste to this facility from plants around the country and drive it there – which puts communities across the country at risk.

2. Nuclear proliferation – In discussing the nuclear proliferation issue, Al Gore said, “During my 8 years in the White House, every nuclear weapons proliferation issue we dealt with was connected to a nuclear reactor program.” Iran and North Korea are reminding us of this every day. We can’t develop a domestic nuclear energy program without confronting proliferation in other countries.

Here too, nuclear power proponents hope that the reduction of nuclear waste will reduce the risk of proliferation from any given plant, but again, the technology is not there yet. If we want to be serious about stopping proliferation in the rest of the world, we need to get serious here at home, and not push the next generation of nuclear proliferation forward as an answer to climate change. There is simply no way to guarantee that nuclear materials will not fall into the wrong hands

3. National Security – Nuclear reactors represent a clear national security risk, and an attractive target for terrorists. In researching the security around nuclear power plants, Robert Kennedy, Jr. found that there are at least eight relatively easy ways to cause a major meltdown at a nuclear power plant.

What’s more, Kennedy has sailed boats right into the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant on the Hudson River outside of New York City not just once but twice, to point out the lack of security around nuclear plants. The unfortunate fact is that our nuclear power plants remain unsecured, without adequate evacuation plans in the case of an emergency. Remember the government response to Hurricane Katrina, and cross that with a Chernobyl-style disaster to begin to imagine what a terrorist attack at a nuclear power plant might be like.

4. Accidents – Forget terrorism for a moment, and remember that mere accidents – human error or natural disasters – can wreak just as much havoc at a nuclear power plant site. The Chernobyl disaster forced the evacuation and resettlement of nearly 400,000 people, with thousands poisoned by radiation.

Here in the US, the partial meltdown at Three Mile Island in 1979 triggered a clean-up effort that ultimately lasted for nearly 15 years, and topped more than one billion dollars in cost. The cost of cleaning up after one of these disasters is simply too great, in both dollars and human cost – and if we were to scale up to 17,000 plants, is it reasonable to imagine that not one of them would ever have a single meltdown? Many nuclear plants are located close to major population centers. For example, there’s a plant just up the Hudson from New York City. If there was an accident, evacuation would be impossible.

5. Cancer -- There are growing concerns that living near nuclear plants increases the risk for childhood leukemia and other forms of cancer – even when a plant has an accident-free track record. One Texas study found increased cancer rates in north central Texas since the Comanche Peak nuclear power plant was established in 1990, and a recent German study found childhood leukemia clusters near several nuclear power sites in Europe.

According to Dr. Helen Caldicott, a nuclear energy expert, nuclear power plants produce numerous dangerous, carcinogenic elements. Among them are: iodine 131, which bio-concentrates in leafy vegetables and milk and can induce thyroid cancer; strontium 90, which bio-concentrates in milk and bone, and can induce breast cancer, bone cancer, and leukemia; cesium 137, which bio-concentrates in meat, and can induce a malignant muscle cancer called a sarcoma; and plutonium 239. Plutonium 239 is so dangerous that one-millionth of a gram is carcinogenic, and can cause liver cancer, bone cancer, lung cancer, testicular cancer, and birth defects. Because safe and healthy power sources like solar and wind exist now, we don’t have to rely on risky nuclear power.

6. Not enough sites – Scaling up to 17,000 – or 2,500 or 3,000 -- nuclear plants isn’t possible simply due to the limitation of feasible sites. Nuclear plants need to be located near a source of water for cooling, and there aren’t enough locations in the world that are safe from droughts, flooding, hurricanes, earthquakes, or other potential disasters that could trigger a nuclear accident. Over 24 nuclear plants are at risk of needing to be shut down this year because of the drought in the Southeast. No water, no nuclear power.

There are many communities around the country that simply won’t allow a new nuclear plant to be built – further limiting potential sites. And there are whole areas of the world that are unsafe because of political instability and the high risk of proliferation. In short, geography, local politics, political instability and climate change itself, there are not enough sites for a scaled up nuclear power strategy.

Remember that climate change is causing stronger storms and coastal flooding, which in turn reduces the number of feasible sites for nuclear power plants. Furthermore, due to all of the other strikes against nuclear power, many communities will actively fight against nuclear plants coming into their town. How could we get enough communities on board to accept the grave risks of nuclear power, if we need to build 17, let alone, 17,000 new plants?

7. Not enough uranium – Even if we could find enough feasible sites for a new generation of nuclear plants, we’re running out of the uranium necessary to power them. Scientists in both the US and UK have shown that if the current level of nuclear power were expanded to provide all the world's electricity, our uranium would be depleted in less than ten years.

As uranium supplies dwindle, nuclear plants will actually begin to use up more energy to mine and mill the uranium than can be recovered through the nuclear reactor process. What’s more, dwindling supplies will trigger the use of ever lower grades of uranium, which produce ever more climate-change-producing emissions – resulting in a climate-change catch 22.

8. Costs – Some types of energy production, such as solar power, experience decreasing costs to scale. Like computers and cell phones, when you make more solar panels, costs come down. Nuclear power, however, will experience increasing costs to scale. Due to dwindling sites and uranium resources, each successive new nuclear power plant will only see its costs rise, with taxpayers and consumers ultimately paying the price.

What’s worse, nuclear power is centralized power. A nuclear power plant brings few jobs to its local economy. In contrast, accelerating solar and energy efficiency solutions creates jobs good-paying, green collar, jobs in every community.

Around the world, nuclear plants are seeing major cost overruns. For example, a new generation nuclear plant in Finland is already experiencing numerous problems and cost overruns of 25 percent of its $4 billion budget. The US government’s current energy policy providing more than $11 billion in subsidies to the nuclear energy could be much better spent providing safe and clean energy that would give a boost to local communities, like solar and wind power do. Subsidizing costly nuclear power plants directs that money to large, centralized facilities, built by a few large companies that will take the profits out of the communities they build in.

9. Private sector unwilling to finance – Due to all of the above, the private sector has largely chosen to take a pass on the financial risks of nuclear power, which is what led the industry to seek taxpayer loan guarantees from Congress in the first place.

As the Nuclear Energy Institute recently reported in a brief to the US Department of Energy, “100 percent loan coverage [by taxpayers] is essential … because the capital markets are unwilling, now and for the foreseeable future, to provide the financing necessary” for new nuclear power plants. Wall Street refuses to invest in nuclear power because the plants are assumed to have a 50 percent default rate. The only way that Wall Street will put their money behind these plants is if American taxpayers underwrite the risks. If the private sector has deemed nuclear power too risky, it makes no sense to force taxpayers to bear the burden.

And finally, even if all of the above strikes against nuclear power didn’t exist, nuclear power still can’t be a climate solution because there is …

10. No time – Even if nuclear waste, proliferation, national security, accidents, cancer and other dangers of uranium mining and transport, lack of sites, increasing costs, and a private sector unwilling to insure and finance the projects weren’t enough to put an end to the debate of nuclear power as a solution for climate change, the final nail in nuclear’s coffin is time. We have the next ten years to mount a global effort against climate change. It simply isn’t possible to build 17,000 – or 2,500 or 17 for that matter – in ten years.

With so many strikes against nuclear power, it should be off the table as a climate solution, and we need to turn our energies toward the technologies and strategies that can truly make a difference: solar power, wind power, and energy conservation.

Famous Friends

2008-01-28T18:16:00.001-06:00

In today's post I will be honoring my lovely friends, Tim and Marie. They are a young married couple, on their way to officially being adults...they just bought a house, and they are going to welcome their first child in June. Wowowow. Yes, they are making me feel like I might be a bit behind in this thing called life, but you know what, I'm okay with that. :) And I'm excited to live vicariously through them.

If you are interested, they made the Twin Cities news when they bought their new house in an auction this weekend, so check out this link to watch my famous friends: http://wcco.com/video/?id=35847@wcco.dayport.com

And a picture of us, from several years ago - I hope we look older now than we do in this pic!!!

Heath Ledger

2008-01-22T20:50:00.000-06:00

It may seem odd to you that I'm a bit down upon hearing of the death of Heath Ledger. Sure, famous people have died in my lifetime, but for some reason this hits a bit harder. I think one reason is his age, one year older than me. Another reason is that Heath was one of my first big star crushes. Think Ten Things I Hate About You and A Knight's Tale. Aaaah... And regardless of whether his death was intentional or accidental, I find it very sad and disheartening. What a life it must be to live in the public eye for so long. I can't even imagine how difficult it must be. I will miss you, Heath Ledger.

Super Bowl sadness

2008-01-21T11:20:00.001-06:00

I had predicted that it would be the Packers and the Patriots in this year's Super Bowl...and after yesterday's cold & close game, I have found my prediction was dreadfully wrong. I don't think it's normal for someone to feel this sad about her team losing...I actually feel heavy-hearted about it. Well, I guess there is always next year, but I really thought this was our year.

The new quarter has started. Caucuses and debates are happening regularly. Football is still being played, at least a couple more games. The weather is colder than I-don't-know-what. Decisions that affect the rest of my life are to be made in the next couple weeks. Papers to be written, and many many articles to be read, which means lots to be learned, right? Volleyball games to be lost (but we're getting better!). So much life to be lived!

Yes, the new quarter has started...

2008-01-19T16:52:00.000-06:00

So I was checking cnn.com as I often do to catch up the latest news....and I saw this picture on their front page, projecting that Clinton and Romney were the winners in Nevada...

It seems to me that Hillary bears a striking resemblance to Jack Nicholson as the Joker...see below.

While this has nothing to do with politics or anything of the sort, I couldn't help but think: if Hillary Clinton is the Democratic Presidential candidate, will the American people feel comfortable voting for someone who looks like a character from Batman??

(I give full credit to cnn.com and yahoo.com for these pics. they can be found at these links:)
hillary pic
joker pic

Eat Pork? Please don't eat it from Smithfield

2007-11-20T21:17:00.000-06:00

Please see the following notes from http://www.smithfieldjustice.com/ If you haven't heard of Smithfield, and especially if you eat pork, I really encourage you to check it out. DON'T WORRY - I'm not telling you to quit pork, simply asking you to choose your pork wisely....thanks!

Give the Gift of Smithfield Justice this Holiday Season!

As Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas fast approach, take a moment to do something this holiday season to support the men and women who have been fighting through threats, intimidation and brutal working conditions for over a decade to win a voice on the job at Smithfield Foods in Tar Heel, NC.

Choose from these easy ideas to contribute to Smithfield Justice:

1) Treat your family to a Smithfield-free Holiday
>>> Stay away from Smithfield pork products that are packaged with abuse: those with USDA Establishment Code 18079 or 79C correspond to the Tar Heel plant. (Click here to see where to look)

2) Encourage others to have a Smithfield-free Holiday by hand-billing in front of your neighborhood grocery store.
>>>Download flier

3) Send a holiday card encouraging Smithfield workers to keep up the fight!
>>> Cards can be mailed c/o
The Eastern North Carolina Workers Center
3450 Capuano Road
Lumberton, NC 28358

4) Donate money in any amount to the Smithfield Worker Justice Fund!
>>> The Fund is sponsored by Interfaith Worker Justice and all proceeds go directly to Smithfield families in need
Contributions can be made online here.

5) Tell Paula to drop Smithfield!
>>> Celebrity chef Paula Deen has sold her good name to Smithfield Foods to help Smithfield present a wholesome, family-friendly image.
>>> Go to Ask Paula and tell Ms. Deen what you think of her support of Smithfield. Ask her to meet with the suffering workers of Tar Heel!

6) Become a Smithfield Sleuth!
>>> Follow our easy instructions to find out if your grocer carries Smithfield Tar Heel pork. If you find the problem pork, the instructions include an educational letter to your store manager.

These are just a few things you can do this holiday season to help bring peace and justice to Smithfield workers in Tar Heel, NC.

Life in November

2007-11-17T14:11:00.001-06:00

It's hard to believe that finals are nearly here for me. Quarters are something that will take awhile for me to get used to, I think. My first final is due on Monday. It's for my Sexuality Across the Life Cycle class, which is a great class except for the super-uber anecdotal nature of it. I love stories, but do I seriously need to know the details of the sex lives of all the people in my class?! Do we need to preface every comment by saying "well, I'm straight, but..." or "yeah, I'm gay, but..." Seriously people!

So yes, now it is time to find the motivation to write my 10 page final for this class. The bright side is that once I finish, then I'm finished....the down side....well, I have to write it. duh.

I'm not feelin so hot (cold, cough, Rudolph-lookin face...) plus there's been a lot of stuff happening in my life lately that I don't intend to plaster all over my blog or facebook....but essentially it all adds up to making life and school more difficult. I'm not complaining though....well, maybe I am. I think I can allow myself some weeks of feelin crappy about life, and then get back on the horse in a few weeks right?

On a more exciting note, I played football with LSTC last weekend in Gettysburg, PA and we kicked ass and had an awesome time. brought home the trophy. AND I'm a new momma...to Nala, a sweet, mischievous, hungry cat. A friend of ours rescued her, brought her back to health for a month, and now I've had her for about a month. She is convinced we are starving her, although I swear to you we aren't. She also has been known to attack our friend's weiner dog (sorry Hannah!). We have had no squirrel incidents recently, and I thank Nala for that. She's also a total lover - of everything, but especially food and attention. She likes to sleep on my chest right in front of my face. It's also nice when I'm feelin lonely to know that I'm not alone, cuz she's sitting her with me as I write these papers :)

Here's some pics:

LSTC Football Champions!

Nala, chillin with my froggie

Please sign this petition and watch the YouTube video

2007-10-20T08:43:00.000-05:00

From MoveOn.org:

I had to tell you about the energy bill that Congress is about to pass. Most of it is great--gets us more solar and wind energy and even makes cars more fuel efficient. But there's one line in there that was added at the last minute that gives up to $50 billion for the nuclear industry. Enough money to launch a whole new generation of plants.

If you thought we had beat back nuclear power in the 70's, you're not alone. A bunch of musicians who fought nukes back then have picked up their instruments and started fighting again.

Click here to check out the music video and sign the petition:

http://pol.moveon.org/nukefree/?r_by=&rc=paste

Nukes present a real security threat and environmental hazard. We've got to get Congress to strip this money before they pass the energy bill.

So, pass this on!

Thanks!!

Have you heard about the crisis in Burma?

2007-10-03T18:13:00.000-05:00

(The following is a email forward with a link at the bottom to sign a petition. I have a good friend here in Chicago who comes from Burma. While I am definitely not an expert on what's happening there, I know that this is something I would encourage others to support. Peace.)

Burma is ruled by one of the worst military dictatorships in the world.
Last month Buddhist monks and nuns began marching and chanting prayers
to call for democracy. The protests spread and hundreds of thousands of
Burmese people joined in -- but they've been brutally attacked by the
military regime.

I just signed a petition calling on Burma's powerful ally China and the
UN security council to step in and pressure Burma's rulers to stop the
killing. The petition has exploded to over 500,000 signatures in a few
days and is being advertised in newspapers around the world, delivered
to the UN Security Council, and broadcast to the Burmese people by
radio. We're trying to get to 1 million signatures this week, please
sign below and tell everyone!

http://www.avaaz.org/en/stand_with_burma/tf.php?CLICK_TF_TRACK

Squirrel Update

2007-09-25T18:09:00.001-05:00

Apparently nothing generates comments like talking about squirrels!! :)

Well our situation has only gotten worse. I'm sorry for those of you who actually like squirrels but my opinion has not changed...much. I'm actually starting to feel sorry for the things. They must be incredibly confused about their environment and all that to think that my apartment might actually be a good place for them to eat and live.

Yep, that's right. Turns out the squirrels found our stash of Hershey kisses. We found the container knocked over in our living room. Along with chocolate crumbs and wrappers nearby. My roommate swears it wasn't her doing :) So then for several days we started finding kisses hidden throughout the apartment: in the couch, behind a bed, and yeah, IN my bed. Um, I thought I hated squirrels and then I discovered that one (or who knows how many) had actually been scurrying around hiding hershey kisses in my bed. Now I'm furious. And like I said, feeling some pity towards them. But more on the hateful side unfortunately. So now we never open our door or windows, even when we're home we have to watch pretty carefully or they actually try and "sneak" by, like I don't notice or something when I'm sitting right there on the porch!!! No more hershey kisses in our apartment and I keep my door closed. And my bedding and everything in my room is sparkly clean in order for me to get every possible squirrel germ out of there!!!

So I challenge you - do you still want to tell me that squirrels are cute? :)

(I love you Sarah - thanks for trying to stick up for the squirrel community. I should really work on my compassion!!!)

I hate squirrels

2007-09-18T20:43:00.000-05:00

I know - hate is a harsh word. I try not to use it. However in this case, it is completely acceptable. Squirrels apparently want something in my apartment. I'm not sure what. I mean, I know my roomie and I are pretty cool and all, and we have lots of cool stuff. But I didn't know squirrels would be so interested in it. I also had no idea that squirrels have gotten so brave. After replacing our screen on the back door after a squirrel had bitten through and come into our apartment, one promptly made another attempt - while I was sitting on the porch in front of the door. They hang out outside and wait for an opportunity. They've actually been on my roommate's desk and knocked down picture frames. I don't want squirrels in my apartment. I still have a bit of a grudge from a few years back when one ate my infamous geranium plant right in front of me. And now this. I think I'm jinxed.

In other news, I'm officially a University of Chicago student - have the id card, and even my first assignment. Mind you, classes have not started yet. Nope. I have a paper due on the first day! I'm not sweating it though. I am so ready.

21 Things You Didn't Know You Could Recycle

2007-09-12T09:28:00.000-05:00

(found at Co-Op America's website: click here www.coopamerica.org)

21 Things You Didn't
Know You Can Recycle

Garbage. Americans produce more and more of it every year, when we need to be producing less.

Even the most waste-conscious among us can feel overwhelmed by the amount of household waste that goes beyond what municipal recyclers and compost bins can handle.

That’s why our editors have spent the summer investigating the state of waste management in our country, and putting together information for you, our Co-op America members, explaining how we can get serious about the three R’s – reducing, reusing, and recycling. Supporting members of Co-op America can expect to receive this issue of the Co-op America Quarterly this fall. If you’re not already a supporting member, join us now to get this special issue mailed to you.

1. Appliances: Goodwill accepts working appliances, www.goodwill.org, or you can contact the Steel Recycling Institute to recycle them. 800/YES-1-CAN, www.recycle-steel.org.

2. Batteries: Rechargeables and single-use: Battery Solutions, 734/467-9110, www.batteryrecycling.com.

3. Cardboard boxes: Contact local nonprofits and women’s shelters to see if they can use them. Or, offer up used cardboard boxes at your local Freecycle.org listserv or on Craigslist.org for others who may need them for moving or storage. If your workplace collects at least 100 boxes or more each month, UsedCardboardBoxes.com accepts them for resale.

4. CDs/DVDs/Game Disks: Send scratched music or computer CDs, DVDs, and PlayStation or Nintendo video game disks to AuralTech for refinishing, and they’ll work like new: 888/454-3223, www.auraltech.com.

5. Clothes: Wearable clothes can go to your local Goodwill outlet or shelter. Donate wearable women’s business clothing to Dress for Success, which gives them to low-income women as they search for jobs, 212/532-1922, www.dressforsuccess.org. Offer unwearable clothes and towels to local animal boarding and shelter facilities, which often use them as pet bedding. Consider holding a clothes swap at your office, school, faith congregation or community center. Swap clothes with friends and colleagues, and save money on a new fall wardrobe and back-to-school clothes.

6. Compact fluorescent bulbs: Take them to your local IKEA store for recycling: www.ikea.com.

7. Compostable bio-plastics: You probably won’t be able to compost these in your home compost bin or pile. Find a municipal composter to take them to at www.findacomposter.com.

8. Computers and electronics: Find the most responsible recyclers, local and national, at www.ban.org/pledge/Locations.html.

9. Exercise videos: Swap them with others at www.videofitness.com.

10. Eyeglasses: Your local Lion’s Club or eye care chain may collect these. Lenses are reground and given to people in need.

11. Foam packing: Your local pack-and-ship store will likely accept foam peanuts for reuse. Or, call the Plastic Loose Fill Producers Council to find a drop-off site: 800/828-2214. For places to drop off foam blocks for recycling, contact the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers, 410/451-8340, www.epspackaging.org/info.html

12. Ink/toner cartridges: Recycleplace.com pays $1/each.

13. Miscellaneous: Get your unwanted items into the hands of people who can use them. Offer them up on your local Freecycle.org or Craigslist.org listserv, or try giving them away at Throwplace.com or giving or selling them at iReuse.com. iReuse.com will also help you find a recycler, if possible, when your items have reached the end of their useful lifecycle.

14. Oil: Find Used Motor Oil Hotlines for each state: 202/682-8000, www.recycleoil.org.

15. Phones: Donate cell phones: Collective Good will refurbish your phone and sell it to someone in a developing country: 770/856-9021, www.collectivegood.com. Call to Protect reprograms cell phones to dial 911 and gives them to domestic violence victims: www.donateaphone.com. Recycle single-line phones: Reclamere, 814/386-2927, www.reclamere.com.

16. Sports equipment: Resell or trade it at your local Play It Again Sports outlet, 800/476-9249, www.playitagainsports.com.

17. “Technotrash”: Easily recycle all of your CDs, jewel cases, DVDs, audio and video tapes, cell phones, pagers, rechargeable and single-use batteries, PDAs, and ink/toner cartridges with GreenDisk’s Technotrash program. For $30, GreenDisk will send you a cardboard box in which you can ship them up to 70 pounds of any of the above. Your fee covers the box as well as shipping and recycling fees. 800/305-GREENDISK, www.greendisk.com.

18. Tennis shoes: Nike’s Reuse-a-Shoe program turns old shoes into playground and athletic flooring. www.nikereuseashoe.com. One World Running will send still-wearable shoes to athletes in need in Africa, Latin America, and Haiti. www.oneworldrunning.com.

19. Toothbrushes and razors: Buy a recycled plastic toothbrush or razor from Recycline, and the company will take it back to be recycled again into plastic lumber. Recycline products are made from used Stonyfield Farms’ yogurt cups. 888/354-7296, www.recycline.com.

20. Tyvek envelopes: Quantities less than 25: Send to Shirley Cimburke, Tyvek Recycling Specialist, 5401 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Spot 197, Room 231, Richmond, VA 23234. Quantities larger than 25, call 866/33-TYVEK.

21. Stuff you just can’t recycle: When practical, send such items back to the manufacturer and tell them they need to manufacture products that close the waste loop responsibly.

Presidential Debate on Tuesday

2007-08-11T12:50:00.000-05:00

Last Tuesday I was fortunate enough to attend a presidential debate at Soldier Field. It was for union members and their families only. The focus was "Working Families" and each of the Democratic candidates were present: Biden, Clinton, Dodd, Edwards, Kucinich, Obama, and Richardson. I was looking forward to going, but I wasn't overly excited. Once I got there though I realized how awesome it was that I was there. I've seen debates on TV but never in person. It was great to be right there where the action was. Unfortunately it was 8000 degrees out, but we survived! There were 17,000 people in attendance - imagine that energy! Some pics from my cell phone:

This is one from before it started with all the candidates up front. I haven't been a huge Hilary fan, but I must admit it was pretty fabulous to see a woman up there! Maybe that will be me someday?!

Here's a pic of Barack Obama on the big screen...a beautiful beautiful man with lots of good things to say :)

And Kucinich, by far the best candidate at the debate that night - at least if you're talking about someone who will support the rights of workers everywhere. I'm not saying I'm in the Kucinich camp at this moment, but I definitely need to do some more research before the primaries!

If you'd like to watch the debate online or read an article about it, click here....

Picketing

2007-08-04T16:29:00.001-05:00

Today at the Congress Hotel Picket line Senator (and presidential candidate) John Edwards stopped by. Granted, he only stayed about 10 minutes and only walked around a few times, but it's still good for these candidates to stop by. It gives the strike more publicity, and it's important for these influential people to show their support. We had a great time making some noise and there were probably about 100 people there. Barack Obama came a couple weeks ago (unfortunately I missed it) and I heard he stayed a bit longer than Edwards. Here's a picture of Edwards during his mini-speech (taken on my cell so not the greatest quality)....and don't forget to tell all your friends if they come to Chicago to NOT stay at the Congress!!! http://www.congresshotelstrike.info/

Is it seriously August???

2007-08-02T19:59:00.000-05:00

Where has the summer gone??? I honestly don't think it has EVER gone this fast! After only 3 weeks at the union I left for the lovely town of Gettysburg, PA for what I think might be the best 2 week trip I've ever taken. Hard to believe considering I didn't want to go in the first place! I was there for the Diaconal Ministry Formation Event - ask me if you have no idea what I'm talking about. Anyway, I really learned a lot about myself and about what I want to do with my life, plus I met some amazing friends that I know I'll be friends with forever. Yeah, they were all guys, most of them married, and all of them wonderful :) Who ever woulda thunk I'd be the girl bonding with all the guys?! But we had great times playing lots of Ping-Pong and....shoot, I can't remember the name of the card game - it was this game with tons of rules to try and follow all at the same time. Anyway....

On a way different note, I can't stop thinking about Minneapolis - my home. I think I have heard from most of my loved ones up there, but I'm still pretty traumatized that something like that happened, and that that's actually the way people had to die. Freaky.

Much love to all...

Week 1 Complete

2007-07-01T15:22:00.000-05:00

Well I have survived my first week! There was never any doubt really....

I had a big week of meeting lots of new people, learning lots of new things, and adjusting to the schedule of a dedicated union worker. :) Some of the best experiences I had this week were getting to know some members of the union who are working in food services. Each person expresses a deep desire for something better. They know that the wages they receive and the benefits they do not receive just aren't cutting it. These people are leaders and they are trying to help others in their workplaces find energy to fight....but this task finds opposition. People are tired and overworked, and the thought of adding another thing to their schedule doesn't seem possible. And yet, they keep on fighting. I am in complete admiration of each person I met this week, and I only hope that I am able to keep the same constant passionate energy that I found in each person.

Update

2007-06-26T22:12:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone!

So I started my internship yesterday. I have survived 2 days of working in a union!!!

So what am I doing exactly???

Well, I got an internship with Interfaith Worker Justice called Seminary Summer. They are a way cool non-profit that focuses on rights for all workers. Check it out here. Anyway, they set up internships with labor unions for us seminary students (and rabbinical and muslim students - hence, the interfaith part...). I was placed with a fabulous union right here in my city of Chicago called UNITE HERE. Specifically I will be working within the food service industry - mainly cafeteria workers. There is so much I'd like to write, but I definitely need to get to bed. We are working about 10 hours most days, 6 days a week. Yipes!

In the meantime please check out the Interfaith Worker Justice website, and UNITE HERE's site...along with a couple other informative sites:

Service Workers Rising - This includes part of what I'll be working on this summer.

The Congress Hotel Strike - the workers at this hotel on Michigan Ave have been on strike for FOUR years. PLEASE PLEASE check out this site, and never ever stay there. PS Friends don't let friends stay at the Congress....or any nonunion hotel for that matter!!! Why? I'll save that for another blog entry, but you'll get a big glimpse if you check out this site.

Hotel Workers Rising - See how UNITE HERE got most hotels in the city of Chicago to allow their workers to organize and in effect get MUCH better contracts!!!

Sleep With the Right People - Come on the name itself makes you want to check out this site doesn't it??? :)

Dreams Across America - a recent (and ongoing I think) campaign on immigration reform.

Peace out friends - hit me up sometime!!!

Makes Me Wonder

2007-05-08T13:10:00.000-05:00

Becky's Song of the Moment:

Makes Me Wonder

MAROON 5

Click on the link and go to "Launch Audio Player". This song is fabulous. It makes me feel like wearing bellbottoms and an afro wig and groovin around my apt. I hope it gives you the same joy it gives me.

Luther Blows?

2007-05-08T08:47:00.000-05:00

Someone is clearly not happy with my people!!! Thanks to Marie and Tim for texting me this pic all the way from good ole St. Paul, Minnesota. What do the Minnesotans have against Luther?! You maybe can't tell, but it is actually written in tar, not spray paint. Someone had some serious issues with Luther and wanted to share them with all who drove down this road. Interesting. I will admit, I have some issues with Luther too (predestination anyone?), however I wouldn't go so far as to tar my issues onto the street. Oh well. Freedom of speech is a good thing and I will not complain!

I would personally change it to say "Finals Blow" ....however I can't complain really. Two classes down, only two more to go. I can do this!! Maybe I should stop procrastinating this morning...

April in Chicago (Take 2)

2007-04-23T18:09:00.000-05:00

Well it finally stopped snowing in Chicago (I have a feeling I'm going to kick myself tomorrow-the temperature is dropping as I write!). We had an absolutely amazing weekend of not-a-cloud-in-the-sky-sunny-days and temps reaching 80. It's awesome what a little sunshine can do for a stressed out student :)

On Sunday Richard and I went to Green Fest. Super cool. Click on the link to read about it....or else you're clearly not cool. Yesterday was EARTH DAY - and if you didn't know that - WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!! What's the easiest thing you can do to help care for our dear earth?? How about:

*Buy energy saving light bulbs - sure, they may cost a bit more, but they last forever (almost) and they will help your electric bill go down.

*Ride your bike - get off your arse, you know you need the exercise!!!

*Recycle - especially your paper. Do you realize how much paper you throw away?! There's a website you can go to to stop getting junk mail too. Don't know it off the top of my head but I'll post it another time.

That's only a few. Don't tell me you can't think of others!!!

Let's change the subject and honor my most amazing honey. Richard and I had such a fabulous day yesterday, and he (finally-sorry honey :) took me out for a celebratory dinner, for getting into the University of Chicago. We went to Chinatown. Really the entire day was perfect - and so is he.

I'm gonna come back and read this entry whenever I start complaining about life.

A disturbing dream

2007-04-16T13:17:00.000-05:00

Well a research project was turned in today...and I survived singing for the worship taping last week (Even got told I have a "good voice" and to "keep working on my chanting.") Impressive, eh??!

Anyway for the research project, I wrote a Bible Study exploring salvation, both in the context of the book of Romans, and the Confessions of the Lutheran church....so who gets saved, who doesn't, why not, that sort of thing.

Which led to this disturbing dream...

Richard and I are on a cruise ship and it's sinking. Just about everyone is pretty calm, seemingly accepting the fact that they are going to die. I however was not calm; I was freaking out. I didn't want to die, and I didn't want Richard to die too. I also was terribly concerned about what would happen to us when we die. A friend of mine was on the boat, and he also was calm. I was crying and said to him, you're lucky because your fiance isn't on the boat, so you must be happy to know that she will keep on living. He told me, no that's not true and that Richard and I were the lucky ones because we'd be dying together, living together in eternity. I then went to check out how far sunk the ship was, and found many people standing in the bottom, letting the water come up over them (again, apparently just letting death come, rather than fighting or going to the top and waiting for it a little longer). Then I also saw a former pastor of mine, who I haven't spoken with in a couple years, and just as the water was about to go over head, we hugged and said goodbye.

Then I woke up.

I was pretty disturbed, feeling like I wanted to cry. Poor Richard was wondering if it meant our love was sinking! But I think it's completely the result of working on that project all day yesterday and thinking about salvation.

I don't like to think about it. It makes my head hurt. Some might say that since I'm in seminary, or since I want to be a leader in the church, that I should really want to delve into these issues deeper, really hash out. But frankly, I'd rather just leave some things up to mystery that is God, the mystery that is faith...rather than spend my earthly life debating who gets saved.

Oh well, I like to be different. :)

winter haiku

2007-04-12T09:29:00.000-05:00

The snow never ends
It snows then rains then snows then...
Rains more, it's April.

A busy week

2007-04-09T18:04:00.000-05:00

It's going to be a busy week....or should I say month. April holds many exciting things for me, such as:

*a Lutheran Confessions Midterm (The day after Easter -yipes)
*Lutheran Confessions Research Project
*Lutheran Confessions Paper
*Worship Quiz
*Worship Paper to be presented to the class
*Worship taping of a whole service, in which I have to actually sing...IN FRONT OF PEOPLE
*Another paper

Did I mention I might be busy this month???

Thank goodness for all the amazing fabulous beautiful hot people in my life - you know who you are.

GREAT news!!!

2007-03-27T17:08:00.000-05:00

Well, after much anticipation, anxiety, and the like, I finally found out today that I was accepted at the School of Social Administration at the University of Chicago!!!! Yay, I am officially $30,000 in debt!!!! :)

Not much else is new....just happy not to be living in the unknown so much anymore...should find out about my summer job soon too and then I will be super happy. Woohoo!!!

Here I am

2007-03-19T14:58:00.000-05:00

I don't have anything too exciting to say at the moment...just not to worry, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth!

Yes, I made it back from Switzerland and I am in the thick of the Spring semester. April is going to be a crazy month homework-wise so I'm trying to be a responsible student and prepare myself for that by starting early. :)

In other news, I'm in the Twin Cities for a couple days. Tim played with my computer and I now have Google Desktop and Picasa photo album. So now I've been playing with that rather than studying!!!