I've just accepted it. I will not be a daily post kind of girl. So here's your taste of the last week of my life:
Tuesday, Feb 10:
You know the phrase, "under the bus?" As in, "He just threw you under the bus?" Well, I learned that the origin of the phrase is, in part, attributed to my very own hometown newspaper! There are a few ideas of where the phrase came from- ranging from Cyndi Lauper in 1984 to Minor League baseball slang. But there is mention that one of the first citations for the phrase in text is from a 1991 article in the Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph (currently The Gazette). Who knew? To read more on the origin of the phrase, click here.
Wednesday, Feb 11:
I had some girl-time with my friend Rochelle. We had popcorn and watched The O.C. on DVD (yep, I'm serious. We are unapologetic about the quality of television we enjoy). I leanred that Ro has a horrifying habit. She eats unpopped popcorn kernels. She has no explanation for why. I don't even know what else to say, but if you've been wondering what to do with the kernels in the bottom of the bowl, just invite Ro over. They'll mysteriously disappear before you realize what has happened, because of course, you'd never believe a human would eat them. But it's true. And I saw it. And heard it.
Thursday, Feb 12:
I went to court today. I attended a hearing. It was actually incredibly interesting. I learned that some lawyers will use "objection" very liberally in the hopes that the judge will let something slide. I learned that we have at least one magistrate in Colorado Springs who is not all that dissimilar to Judge Judy. And I like her for it. I also learned that if a particular residence has a large number of police/911 calls, the police will assign an officer to check on the residence and try to figure out why the pattern exists.
Friday, Feb 13:
I learned that Anne Boleyn made a joke about having a small neck on the day of her death. For those of you not as obsessed with Tudor England as I am, Anne Boleyn was an English Queen who was executed. She was the second wife of King Henry VIII, and he had her tried for treason and sentenced to death by beheading. On the day of her death, it is said that she joked about her own impending death, saying, "I heard say the executioner was very good, and I have a little neck." She then reportedly put her hands around her neck and "laughed heartily."
Saturday, Feb 14:
I learned something I may never have to use in my entire life. On the original Mario Brothers Nintendo game, there is a place where it is (theoretically) possible to earn 99 lives. If you already know this, you are a bigger nerd than I thought (and you join the ranks of some of my best friends). Anyway, this marvelous opportunity is in level 3-2. At the very end, when you are hopping up the pyramid to get to the flag, there are two turtles walking down the pyramid toward you. You have to jump on one of them, knocking him into just a shell, and then jump up on him again, knocking him against the stairs, and then keep jumping up right as he is bouncing off the stair wall and toward you. If you do this with just the right timing, you keep knocking him against the stair wall every time you jump, which earns you points. If you do it repeatedly in rapid succession, your point values increase by doubles until you are earning 1ups every time he hits the wall. Apparently you can do this 99 times (if you have cat-like reflexes and the patience of a snail). And truly, I suppose you could do it more, but since the original Mario game was pre-Y2K, it didn't foresee such things as triple-digit life counts, therefore, Mario or Luigi can only have up to 99 lives before the game would not track it.
Use this knowledge wisely, folks. With great power comes great responsibility.
Sunday Feb 15:
I learned once again that the logic of children is neither sound nor complicated. My little cousin, Isaiah, is three. I got to see him on Sunday. We were at my friend's photography show (which was awesome, by the way), and there were fruit trays all around. I helped him get some snacks, offering him grapes and melons. He wanted grapes. About halfway through a nice-sized bunch of grapes, the following exchange took place:
Isaiah (holding a grape in his hand after taking a bite of it): "I throw up grapes."
Me: "What?"
Isaiah: "I throw up when I eat grapes." (He pops the other half of the grape in his mouth.)
Me: "Then why are you eating them?"
Isaiah: "I like grapes."
Me (turning to his mom): "Does Isaiah throw up when he eats grapes?"
Isaiah's mom (looking at his plate with more grapes on it): "Yeah."
Awesome.
Monday, Feb 16:
This lesson was learned somewhere between Sunday and Monday, I can't be sure. Some friends and I went to Cripple Creek on Sunday afternoon. We spent time in the casinos Sunday night and into Monday morning. I can sum up the Cripple Creek gambling experience with the following:
-People under age 40 do not fit in.
-People who can breathe without the aid of medical equipment may or may not fit in, depending on which casino you are in and what time of day it is.
-'Restaurant' is a term used very loosely in Cripple Creek.
-And finally, be careful to look closely at the denomination of your money when tipping cocktail waitresses.
17 February 2009
10 February 2009
I've got to improve on updating...
Tuesday, Feb 3:
Tuesday I learned what people mean when they say something tastes 'gamey.' I tasted venison for the first time, thanks to the Badrys' fridge. Yum. (ish.)
Wednesday, Feb 4:
Wednesday the Stick Horses had their weekly practice at my house. It's the benefit of living with someone in the troupe- I get to see a free show in my own house! So I tried to follow a game they played. It was called Wizards, Goblins, and Dragons. Or something like that. And all I can say is that they stood in a circle and stared at each other for a while. Then everyone struck a pose or did a little dance at the same time. Then they all celebrated to varying degrees, although it was unclear from my perspective what poses or dances or outcomes were cause for celebration. They repeated this several times. It looked like a strange full-body version of Rock Paper Scissors, but I can't be sure. All I know for sure is that Lacey did the best Goblin dance.
Thursday, Feb 5:
I re-learned today's lesson. I remembered the value of taking an evening to slow down. I generally keep my days full. It's not necessarily that I want to be busy all the time, but I don't say no very often, because I am blessed to have fabulous friends who are always thinking of interesting things to do. And most days, I'm enjoying my busy life. But sometimes I have to remind myself to step back and be by myself. I am a true introvert. As much as I enjoy the people in my life, it is not energizing to me to spend time with people. I get energy by taking time to myself. I need that time to recharge. I need that time to watch horrible primetime dramas without ridicule (tonight it was night one of the Grey's/Private Practice crossover EVENT). Basically, I just need 'me' time.
*As a sidenote, is it just me, or does anyone else think it's ridiculous when a TV show is referred to as an Event?
Friday, Feb 5:
I thought I learned that Yaks' milk is pink. My sister told me this. I'm always skeptical of the things that I 'learn' from teenagers, so I asked where she heard it and she said she read it in a Science magazine she had to read for school. Then I googled it and I found some places that said it is pink and others that said it is not pink. So who knows? I guess the real lesson is that the color of Yaks' milk is disputed. First one to get a Yak and solve the mystery is the winner.
Saturday, Feb 6:
I learned that Paris Hilton has a whole line of hair extensions. You can purchase these at your local Sally Beauty Supply store. I'm speechless, as you are, I'm sure.
Sunday, Feb 7:
One of my oldest and dearest friends is named Aba. She is incredibly driven, intelligent, and talented. She is currently in LA working as an actress. I learned on Sunday that she is starting up a production company! It's called The Ohemaa Project. The project is based on her faith and her vision to use entertainment as a means of empowerment. You can read up on her company here. I am so excited for you, Aba!
Monday, Feb 8:
Another priceless lesson in dating from The Bachelor:
If your mother is freaky, it's best not to introduce her to the guy you're hoping to win as a "potential future husband." She might make him hula-hoop. Or bury an animal she killed with her car. Or talk about reincarnation.
And none of these things adds points to your game.
Tuesday I learned what people mean when they say something tastes 'gamey.' I tasted venison for the first time, thanks to the Badrys' fridge. Yum. (ish.)
Wednesday, Feb 4:
Wednesday the Stick Horses had their weekly practice at my house. It's the benefit of living with someone in the troupe- I get to see a free show in my own house! So I tried to follow a game they played. It was called Wizards, Goblins, and Dragons. Or something like that. And all I can say is that they stood in a circle and stared at each other for a while. Then everyone struck a pose or did a little dance at the same time. Then they all celebrated to varying degrees, although it was unclear from my perspective what poses or dances or outcomes were cause for celebration. They repeated this several times. It looked like a strange full-body version of Rock Paper Scissors, but I can't be sure. All I know for sure is that Lacey did the best Goblin dance.
Thursday, Feb 5:
I re-learned today's lesson. I remembered the value of taking an evening to slow down. I generally keep my days full. It's not necessarily that I want to be busy all the time, but I don't say no very often, because I am blessed to have fabulous friends who are always thinking of interesting things to do. And most days, I'm enjoying my busy life. But sometimes I have to remind myself to step back and be by myself. I am a true introvert. As much as I enjoy the people in my life, it is not energizing to me to spend time with people. I get energy by taking time to myself. I need that time to recharge. I need that time to watch horrible primetime dramas without ridicule (tonight it was night one of the Grey's/Private Practice crossover EVENT). Basically, I just need 'me' time.
*As a sidenote, is it just me, or does anyone else think it's ridiculous when a TV show is referred to as an Event?
Friday, Feb 5:
I thought I learned that Yaks' milk is pink. My sister told me this. I'm always skeptical of the things that I 'learn' from teenagers, so I asked where she heard it and she said she read it in a Science magazine she had to read for school. Then I googled it and I found some places that said it is pink and others that said it is not pink. So who knows? I guess the real lesson is that the color of Yaks' milk is disputed. First one to get a Yak and solve the mystery is the winner.
Saturday, Feb 6:
I learned that Paris Hilton has a whole line of hair extensions. You can purchase these at your local Sally Beauty Supply store. I'm speechless, as you are, I'm sure.
Sunday, Feb 7:
One of my oldest and dearest friends is named Aba. She is incredibly driven, intelligent, and talented. She is currently in LA working as an actress. I learned on Sunday that she is starting up a production company! It's called The Ohemaa Project. The project is based on her faith and her vision to use entertainment as a means of empowerment. You can read up on her company here. I am so excited for you, Aba!
Monday, Feb 8:
Another priceless lesson in dating from The Bachelor:
If your mother is freaky, it's best not to introduce her to the guy you're hoping to win as a "potential future husband." She might make him hula-hoop. Or bury an animal she killed with her car. Or talk about reincarnation.
And none of these things adds points to your game.
02 February 2009
January is over and my blog is overdue.
It's been one long week, my friends. But I did keep track of what I learned. So here goes:
Monday, Jan 26:
My friend Sheonaid taught me what a yurt is. It's like a hut/tent that is semi-permanent. When I looked it up, I found out they were originally used by nomads in Central Asia. But we also have them here in Colorado in the mountains, if you ever want to use one for camping.
Tuesday, Jan 27:
My sister is doing a report on Ella Fitzgerald, and she taught me some of what she has learned. Ella Fitzgerald had a troubled childhood and an amazingly successful career. But the thing that stuck out most that I didn't know before was that she had both of her legs amputated due to complications with diabetes. I might be a little out of the loop not knowing that, but I'll admit my ignorance anyway.
Wednesday, Jan 28:
Wednesday was a re-learn day. Most of my friends know I'm not a big fan of the being in the gym. I like to exercise outside in the sun and wind and nature. But in Colorado, there are times of the year that it's the gym or nothing. So I was at the gym on my lunch hour, which is unfortunately a pretty busy time for my YMCA branch. And I re-learned another reason why I hate that place.
IT STINKS. Yes, running makes me feel healthy, but exposure to the smell of sweaty people in close proximity is a definite temptation to join the ranks of the sedentary. At least the odor suppresses my appetite, so even if I have to cut my workout short in order to breathe, I can make up for it by skipping my dinner.
I can't wait for spring.
Thursday, Jan 29:
My friend Laura is one of my favorites. She lives in NYC and I am staying with her when I go out there at the end of February. We were talking about all the things to do in New York, and I learned one thing I am unapologetically excited about (in all my nerdiness): The Tenement Museum. I love history. I love learning about the day-to-day in different periods of history. I love seeing old furniture, clothing, houses, and buildings. I love learning about the way things were. So the Tenement Museum is a must-see for me. They conduct tours of an old tenement building. It was built in 1863 and housed thousands of New York immigrant families until it was vacated and boarded up in 1935. It was untouched until 1988 when the Tenement Museum discovered it and restored it to its former glory. I'm probably more excited to see that than I am about seeing Times Square.
Friday, Jan 30:
I learned a few small lessons from a night with friends:
1. The proper pronunciation of the word Curaçao is "cure-a-so," like this.
2. Some people aren't cut out for card tricks.
3. It is possible to spend time with Jared Harp without witnessing a Chris Brown dance routine.
4. Best in Show is still hilarious.
Saturday, Jan 31:
I learned the joy of answered prayers. I had a date with my sister. If you are not a girl with a sister, I'm sorry you'll never know the pleasure of a sisterly bond, but it is a beautiful thing. There are ten years between me and my sister, so when she was little, our relationship was atypical. I was more of a babysitter/third authority figure. But now, she's a teenager. She's heading into high school, and over the past few years, I've been praying about how to navigate the transition between authority-type and sister/friend. It's not been that easy, but it has been worth it. Friday was a really sweet time. We had dinner and a movie and talked about boys and school and real life. I realize I might be biased, but I'm pretty sure I have the best sister ever.
Sunday, Feb 1:
I learned that some things are still embarrassing, no matter how old you are. On Sunday we had fantastic weather, so I went for a run outside. At least, I made it through most of my run. But on the last block back to the house, I definitely took a nice, classic, completely ungraceful face plant. I am blaming it on the downtown sidewalk that is cracked and broken. But I had just run on such a sidewalk for 20 minutes, so there might be more to it. Like me not picking up my feet. Or the gods being against me.
Anyway, I definitely scraped a nice piece of skin off my knee. And I definitely looked around immediately afterward (you always do the look-around when you're embarrassed). The only thing that saved me was the complete state of desolation that befalls most of America from 4pm-9pm on Superbowl Sunday. So there was basically nobody around to see it. Although I'm sure some CC student was looking out the window of their apartment and had a good laugh. All I know is, it still hurts, and I still feel like a kid. Your pity is welcomed.
Monday, Feb 2:
I learned that my friend Allison is now LEED-accredited! Allison is an architect and she has been studying like crazy for the test she took today. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accreditation demonstrates a knowledge of green building: environmentally friendly design and construction with an emphasis on sustainability. Last week, Angela, another good friend of mine, also became LEED accredited. Congrats Al and Angela! I'm proud to know you both. I'll take you out for a celebratory drink at the next possible time. Ange- that means we should wind up in the same state again sometime. ;)
Monday, Jan 26:
My friend Sheonaid taught me what a yurt is. It's like a hut/tent that is semi-permanent. When I looked it up, I found out they were originally used by nomads in Central Asia. But we also have them here in Colorado in the mountains, if you ever want to use one for camping.
Tuesday, Jan 27:
My sister is doing a report on Ella Fitzgerald, and she taught me some of what she has learned. Ella Fitzgerald had a troubled childhood and an amazingly successful career. But the thing that stuck out most that I didn't know before was that she had both of her legs amputated due to complications with diabetes. I might be a little out of the loop not knowing that, but I'll admit my ignorance anyway.
Wednesday, Jan 28:
Wednesday was a re-learn day. Most of my friends know I'm not a big fan of the being in the gym. I like to exercise outside in the sun and wind and nature. But in Colorado, there are times of the year that it's the gym or nothing. So I was at the gym on my lunch hour, which is unfortunately a pretty busy time for my YMCA branch. And I re-learned another reason why I hate that place.
IT STINKS. Yes, running makes me feel healthy, but exposure to the smell of sweaty people in close proximity is a definite temptation to join the ranks of the sedentary. At least the odor suppresses my appetite, so even if I have to cut my workout short in order to breathe, I can make up for it by skipping my dinner.
I can't wait for spring.
Thursday, Jan 29:
My friend Laura is one of my favorites. She lives in NYC and I am staying with her when I go out there at the end of February. We were talking about all the things to do in New York, and I learned one thing I am unapologetically excited about (in all my nerdiness): The Tenement Museum. I love history. I love learning about the day-to-day in different periods of history. I love seeing old furniture, clothing, houses, and buildings. I love learning about the way things were. So the Tenement Museum is a must-see for me. They conduct tours of an old tenement building. It was built in 1863 and housed thousands of New York immigrant families until it was vacated and boarded up in 1935. It was untouched until 1988 when the Tenement Museum discovered it and restored it to its former glory. I'm probably more excited to see that than I am about seeing Times Square.
Friday, Jan 30:
I learned a few small lessons from a night with friends:
1. The proper pronunciation of the word Curaçao is "cure-a-so," like this.
2. Some people aren't cut out for card tricks.
3. It is possible to spend time with Jared Harp without witnessing a Chris Brown dance routine.
4. Best in Show is still hilarious.
Saturday, Jan 31:
I learned the joy of answered prayers. I had a date with my sister. If you are not a girl with a sister, I'm sorry you'll never know the pleasure of a sisterly bond, but it is a beautiful thing. There are ten years between me and my sister, so when she was little, our relationship was atypical. I was more of a babysitter/third authority figure. But now, she's a teenager. She's heading into high school, and over the past few years, I've been praying about how to navigate the transition between authority-type and sister/friend. It's not been that easy, but it has been worth it. Friday was a really sweet time. We had dinner and a movie and talked about boys and school and real life. I realize I might be biased, but I'm pretty sure I have the best sister ever.
Sunday, Feb 1:
I learned that some things are still embarrassing, no matter how old you are. On Sunday we had fantastic weather, so I went for a run outside. At least, I made it through most of my run. But on the last block back to the house, I definitely took a nice, classic, completely ungraceful face plant. I am blaming it on the downtown sidewalk that is cracked and broken. But I had just run on such a sidewalk for 20 minutes, so there might be more to it. Like me not picking up my feet. Or the gods being against me.
Anyway, I definitely scraped a nice piece of skin off my knee. And I definitely looked around immediately afterward (you always do the look-around when you're embarrassed). The only thing that saved me was the complete state of desolation that befalls most of America from 4pm-9pm on Superbowl Sunday. So there was basically nobody around to see it. Although I'm sure some CC student was looking out the window of their apartment and had a good laugh. All I know is, it still hurts, and I still feel like a kid. Your pity is welcomed.
Monday, Feb 2:
I learned that my friend Allison is now LEED-accredited! Allison is an architect and she has been studying like crazy for the test she took today. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accreditation demonstrates a knowledge of green building: environmentally friendly design and construction with an emphasis on sustainability. Last week, Angela, another good friend of mine, also became LEED accredited. Congrats Al and Angela! I'm proud to know you both. I'll take you out for a celebratory drink at the next possible time. Ange- that means we should wind up in the same state again sometime. ;)
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