ATTENTION: People of the cafeteria,
You do not have to steal my table as I am walking towards it. You also do not have to circle my table when I'm almost done eating, like a pair of angry vultures, so you can swoop in and sit down when I stand up. THERE IS ROOM FOR EVERYONE. Well, okay, maybe there actually isn't room for everyone...But I live here, for goodness sake! Go eat at your own cafeteria instead of crowding mine!
I really hope Shaw dining hall is open soon, because I don't know how much more of this I can take. One more incident and I may end up just eating in my room for the rest of my life.
Thank you for your patronage,
-Frustrated Eater
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
What Is Your Song?
Sometimes, I listen to soundtracks. No lyrics, no voices. Just pure music.
And here is the question I get asked so often: why?
Why? Because: It is the music, the notes that impact me. It is the melody, the harmony, working in perfect syncopation to create something so full and beauteous that I can't even describe it properly. Have you ever noticed that music is the one thing in the world that everyone can at least stand? I've never heard one person say "I hate music." Sure, we all have different tastes in music, but we all know music. We all get pleasure from at least one song in our lives.
What is your song?
I have many songs. Usually, my specific taste is on the alternative side, with violins and a unique melody. However, I do occasionally dapple in the world of pop and hip-hop. And soundtracks. I'm the only person I know who loves listening to soundtracks.
But what is it about music that raises such feelings within me? What is it that touches my heart and makes me imagine world after world, none the same as the last? Maybe it's the bells ringing, banging against each other to echo across the fields and pastures. Maybe it's the violin strings plucking gently one after another, lifting me up and carrying me towards a clear, running stream hidden between the trees. Or maybe it's the drums beating like a pulse, driving me, pushing me, onwards. Onwards and Upwards.
Some of my favorite music is music that I listen to over and over again. It never gets old. I know all the lyrics (if there are any), and I can hum the entire song to myself without a second thought. As dumb and cliche as it may sound, the songs have become a part of me. I spend so much of my time listening to them, admiring their simplistic beauty, that I know them just as well as I know my own hand. And I am positive it is the same for many others. Think for a second: is there any particular song that reminds you of a time in your life? What is that tune that carries you back, or drives you forward?
My song is the collection of soundtracks that remind me of the shows I used to watch as a child; an assembly of the music I've heard in movies that deeply impacted me. It is a mishmash of beats I've collected on my iPod, or of pieces that remind me of family members, living and deceased. I do not have one song; I have many.
What is your song?
And here is the question I get asked so often: why?
Why? Because: It is the music, the notes that impact me. It is the melody, the harmony, working in perfect syncopation to create something so full and beauteous that I can't even describe it properly. Have you ever noticed that music is the one thing in the world that everyone can at least stand? I've never heard one person say "I hate music." Sure, we all have different tastes in music, but we all know music. We all get pleasure from at least one song in our lives.
What is your song?
I have many songs. Usually, my specific taste is on the alternative side, with violins and a unique melody. However, I do occasionally dapple in the world of pop and hip-hop. And soundtracks. I'm the only person I know who loves listening to soundtracks.
But what is it about music that raises such feelings within me? What is it that touches my heart and makes me imagine world after world, none the same as the last? Maybe it's the bells ringing, banging against each other to echo across the fields and pastures. Maybe it's the violin strings plucking gently one after another, lifting me up and carrying me towards a clear, running stream hidden between the trees. Or maybe it's the drums beating like a pulse, driving me, pushing me, onwards. Onwards and Upwards.
Some of my favorite music is music that I listen to over and over again. It never gets old. I know all the lyrics (if there are any), and I can hum the entire song to myself without a second thought. As dumb and cliche as it may sound, the songs have become a part of me. I spend so much of my time listening to them, admiring their simplistic beauty, that I know them just as well as I know my own hand. And I am positive it is the same for many others. Think for a second: is there any particular song that reminds you of a time in your life? What is that tune that carries you back, or drives you forward?
My song is the collection of soundtracks that remind me of the shows I used to watch as a child; an assembly of the music I've heard in movies that deeply impacted me. It is a mishmash of beats I've collected on my iPod, or of pieces that remind me of family members, living and deceased. I do not have one song; I have many.
What is your song?
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving! (Belated)
I'm back! Did you all have a good Thanksgiving?
I ate so much food in the past two or three days that I think I may actually be suffering from a food coma. All that turkey, stuffing, potatoes and pie. So. Much. PIE. And of course, I got to see my family and friends. I mean, isn't that kind of what that holiday is all about?
Well, I had a splendid weekend with my mom, dad, and sister. We got our Christmas tree earlier today and we had our two separate Thanksgivings (as we do every year) for both sides of the family. At the one, I enjoyed the company of my three uncles who live in-state and my Aunt and cousin. At the other, I got to see my cousins that are grown now with families of their own, but are still my favorite cousins ever, and my uncle and grandpa (not to mention spouses, children, etc).
This Thanksgiving I wanted to take the time to reflect on what I am most thankful for, and I realized that that is a lot! I mean, I have friends that are kind, generous, caring people who love me and have some of the best personalities of anyone I've ever met. I have excellent health and have never had any serious health-related issues (knock on wood). I can afford to go to college and prepare myself for a better future. I have a roof over my head and food and drink everyday, sometimes too much! I am an intelligent person, who is not afraid to be herself and who is capable of great, great things.
And I am most thankful for my family.
My family is not perfect. Far from it actually. We argue, and yell, and often get on each others nerves. But I know they love me, and at the end of the day, family is everything. Not everyone is as blessed as I am to have a family. Not everyone has parents that can help them afford college, or support them in their endeavors (no matter how stupid), or buy them presents for their birthday and Christmas. Not everyone has that. And I think sometimes I forget how important it is to account for these blessings I've been given. My family may not be perfect, but I love them just the same.
It's easy to get along with your friends; you chose them after all. It's not so easy to get along with your family. But they're all you've got, so you best realize how blessed you are, before what you've got is gone.
I ate so much food in the past two or three days that I think I may actually be suffering from a food coma. All that turkey, stuffing, potatoes and pie. So. Much. PIE. And of course, I got to see my family and friends. I mean, isn't that kind of what that holiday is all about?
Well, I had a splendid weekend with my mom, dad, and sister. We got our Christmas tree earlier today and we had our two separate Thanksgivings (as we do every year) for both sides of the family. At the one, I enjoyed the company of my three uncles who live in-state and my Aunt and cousin. At the other, I got to see my cousins that are grown now with families of their own, but are still my favorite cousins ever, and my uncle and grandpa (not to mention spouses, children, etc).
This Thanksgiving I wanted to take the time to reflect on what I am most thankful for, and I realized that that is a lot! I mean, I have friends that are kind, generous, caring people who love me and have some of the best personalities of anyone I've ever met. I have excellent health and have never had any serious health-related issues (knock on wood). I can afford to go to college and prepare myself for a better future. I have a roof over my head and food and drink everyday, sometimes too much! I am an intelligent person, who is not afraid to be herself and who is capable of great, great things.
And I am most thankful for my family.
My family is not perfect. Far from it actually. We argue, and yell, and often get on each others nerves. But I know they love me, and at the end of the day, family is everything. Not everyone is as blessed as I am to have a family. Not everyone has parents that can help them afford college, or support them in their endeavors (no matter how stupid), or buy them presents for their birthday and Christmas. Not everyone has that. And I think sometimes I forget how important it is to account for these blessings I've been given. My family may not be perfect, but I love them just the same.
It's easy to get along with your friends; you chose them after all. It's not so easy to get along with your family. But they're all you've got, so you best realize how blessed you are, before what you've got is gone.
Friday, November 16, 2012
The Little Things
Christmas lights, giant ornaments, deer, and sledding hills.
What do all of these things have in common?
Last night, on my way home from the movies with some friends, I had one of the most fantastic cab rides of my life. Now I know I say this a lot. I refer to everything as "the best", so does that word really have any meaning in my dictionary? YES. This cab ride was splendid in every meaning of the word. The cab smelt wonderful, our driver was very friendly, the only thing that could have made it better is if it was free (which no, it was not).
The first things that really caught my attention were the Christmas lights. We were driving around downtown, and I began to notice the small twinkles bobbing in and out of my vision as we passed them by: blue, green, red, yellow-and of course the clear, traditional white lining the trees on the sidewalk. In the center of the town were three very large, very beautiful ornaments, each painted red. Draped over the windows of shops and little stores were more lights, more garland and wreaths and holly. This most certainly is the most wonderful time of the year.
And something I suppose you should know about me is that I am a Christmas junkie. Everything Christmas. Tree, stockings-I have even experienced the distaste that is a fruit cake. And every little bit of Christmas that I can soak into my system is worth it. It's what I look most forward to every year.
Now to the part of the story that gets random. As we drove down our little pathway, the cab driver decided to show us the downtown zoo. And there, at the entrance, were two stoic, grazing deer. We pulled up to them and they lifted their heads to us, but other than that, they were completely still. Only a few feet away too! We took pictures of them, and I, being my philosophical self, realized what beautiful creatures they were. So gentle and graceful. I felt privileged to be in their presence, to have them allow me to gaze at them with such admiration.
I'm sure this makes me sound odd. You have to know me to understand. It's the little things.
On our last stop before heading back to the dorms, we went to a golf course and learned of the best hills to sled on in the winter. This took me back to so many memories of when I was younger. It was a much simpler time. I didn't have to worry about my future, or my past. Everything was about the present. All that mattered was that I hop on that little piece of plastic and get down that hill as fast as possible, so I could experience the euphoria of sledding. All I want is to go back to that.
It's the little things that excite me. Partying, staying up late all night doing stupid things; that's all fine and dandy. If that's your thing, kudos to you. That's just not me.
I love Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen. I love singing in the car so loud I can't actually hear the radio. I love driving in a taxi and seeing Christmas lights, giant ornaments, deer, and sledding hills.
I love the little things.
What do all of these things have in common?
Last night, on my way home from the movies with some friends, I had one of the most fantastic cab rides of my life. Now I know I say this a lot. I refer to everything as "the best", so does that word really have any meaning in my dictionary? YES. This cab ride was splendid in every meaning of the word. The cab smelt wonderful, our driver was very friendly, the only thing that could have made it better is if it was free (which no, it was not).
The first things that really caught my attention were the Christmas lights. We were driving around downtown, and I began to notice the small twinkles bobbing in and out of my vision as we passed them by: blue, green, red, yellow-and of course the clear, traditional white lining the trees on the sidewalk. In the center of the town were three very large, very beautiful ornaments, each painted red. Draped over the windows of shops and little stores were more lights, more garland and wreaths and holly. This most certainly is the most wonderful time of the year.
And something I suppose you should know about me is that I am a Christmas junkie. Everything Christmas. Tree, stockings-I have even experienced the distaste that is a fruit cake. And every little bit of Christmas that I can soak into my system is worth it. It's what I look most forward to every year.
Now to the part of the story that gets random. As we drove down our little pathway, the cab driver decided to show us the downtown zoo. And there, at the entrance, were two stoic, grazing deer. We pulled up to them and they lifted their heads to us, but other than that, they were completely still. Only a few feet away too! We took pictures of them, and I, being my philosophical self, realized what beautiful creatures they were. So gentle and graceful. I felt privileged to be in their presence, to have them allow me to gaze at them with such admiration.
I'm sure this makes me sound odd. You have to know me to understand. It's the little things.
On our last stop before heading back to the dorms, we went to a golf course and learned of the best hills to sled on in the winter. This took me back to so many memories of when I was younger. It was a much simpler time. I didn't have to worry about my future, or my past. Everything was about the present. All that mattered was that I hop on that little piece of plastic and get down that hill as fast as possible, so I could experience the euphoria of sledding. All I want is to go back to that.
It's the little things that excite me. Partying, staying up late all night doing stupid things; that's all fine and dandy. If that's your thing, kudos to you. That's just not me.
I love Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen. I love singing in the car so loud I can't actually hear the radio. I love driving in a taxi and seeing Christmas lights, giant ornaments, deer, and sledding hills.
I love the little things.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Laptop Destruction
Today, I dumped a cup of coffee on my laptop. Today, that laptop stopped working correctly. Today, I took that laptop to the computer center to get it fixed, and they said it would cost upwards of $200.
Today, I went without a computer. And tomorrow, I will do the same.
It's an odd feeling, not having the internet at your fingertips anymore. I don't have a smartphone, so sometimes I wonder; what would it be like if someone with a smartphone and a laptop lost both in the same setting? What if they couldn't use either for a week? What would they do with themselves?
And then I laugh, because twenty years or so ago, this was how it was all of the time. I like to think I am doing pretty well (borrowing my roomate's laptop as we speak) without my baby, but I do miss it terribly. I keep thinking "maybe this happened for a reason." Maybe somebody somewhere wants me to learn to be less dependant on the internet and computers. And maybe that's a good thing.
I think when the snow fell today, that was the moment that I realized what should really be important. So, I do not have my laptop. I am suffering. But I will get over it. Things could be much, much worse.
Today, I went without a computer. And tomorrow, I will do the same.
It's an odd feeling, not having the internet at your fingertips anymore. I don't have a smartphone, so sometimes I wonder; what would it be like if someone with a smartphone and a laptop lost both in the same setting? What if they couldn't use either for a week? What would they do with themselves?
And then I laugh, because twenty years or so ago, this was how it was all of the time. I like to think I am doing pretty well (borrowing my roomate's laptop as we speak) without my baby, but I do miss it terribly. I keep thinking "maybe this happened for a reason." Maybe somebody somewhere wants me to learn to be less dependant on the internet and computers. And maybe that's a good thing.
I think when the snow fell today, that was the moment that I realized what should really be important. So, I do not have my laptop. I am suffering. But I will get over it. Things could be much, much worse.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Pointless Poem Post
I haven't written anything here in some time, so here is a little poem to describe my week. Have a gander:
To live as a student: here's what you need to know
There are papers and math; my dreaded old foe
Plenty of drunk peeps, this much is true
But when you're the one sober, it's no fun for you
So sitting at my laptop, I try to reflect
On what I've been doing since last I project
-ed my opinion on life and all of it's jokes
From goofy male waiters to Batman and folks.
I realized that this week was uneventful, this much is true
But that does not sound appealing to you!
So if you want a deeper look inside my head
Delve into my dreams, filled with white, green, and red.
I dream of these colors, and shapes and sounds
All mixing together, all out of bounds
Without lines that are drawn between fiction and real
Without anyone telling me how I can feel
And inside my dreams I see people I know
Flying and running through the thick snow
My friends are these people; the ones close to me
Dancing and laughing oh so merrily
That there is Christmas, what I await for
But first I must finish this semester, for sure
And when I get my 4. and go home once more
I'll be thinking "what the hell did I write this post for?"
To live as a student: here's what you need to know
There are papers and math; my dreaded old foe
Plenty of drunk peeps, this much is true
But when you're the one sober, it's no fun for you
So sitting at my laptop, I try to reflect
On what I've been doing since last I project
-ed my opinion on life and all of it's jokes
From goofy male waiters to Batman and folks.
I realized that this week was uneventful, this much is true
But that does not sound appealing to you!
So if you want a deeper look inside my head
Delve into my dreams, filled with white, green, and red.
I dream of these colors, and shapes and sounds
All mixing together, all out of bounds
Without lines that are drawn between fiction and real
Without anyone telling me how I can feel
And inside my dreams I see people I know
Flying and running through the thick snow
My friends are these people; the ones close to me
Dancing and laughing oh so merrily
That there is Christmas, what I await for
But first I must finish this semester, for sure
And when I get my 4. and go home once more
I'll be thinking "what the hell did I write this post for?"
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Free
So yesterday was a rough day. I'm pretty sure most of you know why...
Yup. The election. That wonderful time of year when everyone moans and groans about everything possible and gets mad at everyone else. I hate it.
I was angry because of the social media spam about the election. Facebook and Twitter folks: that stuff kills you. And to counter the sour mood these wonderful sites induced me into, I decided to do something that most people would only dream of.
I went outside. AND, I also ran. Outside. I know, it's scary. Me, exercising? Of my own free will? What is this madness???
But it was one of the best decisions I've made all day. Being in the fresh air, feeling the cool, clean breeze on my cheeks, watching the ducks waddle by the river that crosses campus. And to top it all off, I had a friend with me. We talked, and it was so nice to talk about something that wasn't related to taxes or civil rights for once in the last week. I think people need more of that time; the time when you are just free. Not talking about freedom. Not discussing freedom as it relates to politics. Just being free. It's one of the best feelings in the world.
What made me feel even better after this wonderful jog through nature was the fact that, just by coincidence, most of my best friends were at the same dinner as I this evening. We all ran into each other, and decided to eat together. And as I sat there, looking at each of my friends around the table, I realized how fortunate I am to have them. Maybe there are people out there who hate each other. Scratch that, I know there are people out there that hate each other. But I don't have to hate anybody. My friends have proven to me that, no matter how different we are, we can always be friends.
We are Fortunate.
We are Friends.
We are Free
Yup. The election. That wonderful time of year when everyone moans and groans about everything possible and gets mad at everyone else. I hate it.
I was angry because of the social media spam about the election. Facebook and Twitter folks: that stuff kills you. And to counter the sour mood these wonderful sites induced me into, I decided to do something that most people would only dream of.
I went outside. AND, I also ran. Outside. I know, it's scary. Me, exercising? Of my own free will? What is this madness???
But it was one of the best decisions I've made all day. Being in the fresh air, feeling the cool, clean breeze on my cheeks, watching the ducks waddle by the river that crosses campus. And to top it all off, I had a friend with me. We talked, and it was so nice to talk about something that wasn't related to taxes or civil rights for once in the last week. I think people need more of that time; the time when you are just free. Not talking about freedom. Not discussing freedom as it relates to politics. Just being free. It's one of the best feelings in the world.
What made me feel even better after this wonderful jog through nature was the fact that, just by coincidence, most of my best friends were at the same dinner as I this evening. We all ran into each other, and decided to eat together. And as I sat there, looking at each of my friends around the table, I realized how fortunate I am to have them. Maybe there are people out there who hate each other. Scratch that, I know there are people out there that hate each other. But I don't have to hate anybody. My friends have proven to me that, no matter how different we are, we can always be friends.
We are Fortunate.
We are Friends.
We are Free
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Olive Garden Oddities
I decided that after two full days of very little exposure to sunlight and extensive indoor study time, it was time to go outside. I packed up my money and bus pass and prepared for a good time with some friends from my freshman seminar class. Thing is, only two of them showed up. No matter, we decided, because those breadsticks weren't going to eat themselves! Getting on the bus, we prepared ourselves for the glory that is Olive Garden.
Olive Garden; the home of all things heavenly. And also the home of one of the most fantastic human beings I've met in a while.
Okay, that may be a bit of a stretch, but the guy was very, very nice. Super friendly, for sure. I'd say that his one fault was being too friendly. His laugh boomed throughout the restaurant, indicating his presence and forcing us to stop our mealtime conversations to find the source of this explosive sound. It reminded me of a mix between a jolly old man and a grumpy cow: unmistakable. Besides his laugh, was his choice in conversation.
My friend Brittany and I had been talking about a trip to Spain our junior year, to study abroad, when apparently he overheard us. Stepping in, he told us, extensively, about his trip abroad with his sister. He backpacked through 19 countries, apparently, and he missed running with the bulls by three hours. He told us every city to see in Spain (Madrid gets boring after 3 or so days). He gave us tips about never leaving your wallet or camera unattended...the list goes on and on.
And then comes the titanium purse.
"And you should invest in this titanium purse, it's only like $250 and it's really great because then pickpockets can't cut the strap and take your things."
Well that's wonderful, random waiter guy, but I am not going to be investing $250 on a titanium purse. My apologies.
Anyway, this guy was just an utterly fantastic human being and I enjoyed my evening all the more because of him. He may be wacky, he may be strange, but he was my Olive Garden waiter and for that, I respect the man. Good choice in eateries, good choice in company. What more could a girl ask for?
Olive Garden; the home of all things heavenly. And also the home of one of the most fantastic human beings I've met in a while.
Okay, that may be a bit of a stretch, but the guy was very, very nice. Super friendly, for sure. I'd say that his one fault was being too friendly. His laugh boomed throughout the restaurant, indicating his presence and forcing us to stop our mealtime conversations to find the source of this explosive sound. It reminded me of a mix between a jolly old man and a grumpy cow: unmistakable. Besides his laugh, was his choice in conversation.
My friend Brittany and I had been talking about a trip to Spain our junior year, to study abroad, when apparently he overheard us. Stepping in, he told us, extensively, about his trip abroad with his sister. He backpacked through 19 countries, apparently, and he missed running with the bulls by three hours. He told us every city to see in Spain (Madrid gets boring after 3 or so days). He gave us tips about never leaving your wallet or camera unattended...the list goes on and on.
And then comes the titanium purse.
"And you should invest in this titanium purse, it's only like $250 and it's really great because then pickpockets can't cut the strap and take your things."
Well that's wonderful, random waiter guy, but I am not going to be investing $250 on a titanium purse. My apologies.
Anyway, this guy was just an utterly fantastic human being and I enjoyed my evening all the more because of him. He may be wacky, he may be strange, but he was my Olive Garden waiter and for that, I respect the man. Good choice in eateries, good choice in company. What more could a girl ask for?
Saturday, November 3, 2012
First Blog = The Batman!
I guess I'll start this blog by talking about one thing: Batman. Yes, Batman. Why? Because I just saw the third movie for the second time, which, if you have yet to do so, I recommend you go and see it. Right. Now.
Batman is one of my all time favorite movies, right up there with Harry Potter and Pocahontas. Batman is one of the only movies that has ever made me laugh, cry, and want to jump out of my seat all at the same time. It's that good. And I think there are a few reasons why.
1.) Anybody ever stop to think that this movie is totally plausible? Because it is. Batman didn't fall into a toxic pit of waste and gain super speed or anything. He can't fly (without the help of his machines). He's just smart, and rich, and has the resources to make this happen. And the situation he gets into is also completely possible. It's just mind-blowing to think about.
2.) Bain, the Joker, and everyone Batman has faced are, in a way, completely real people. If you listen to their lines, actually listen to them talk, they have legit points and, in their hearts, think they are doing something necessary. (I promise I'm not a crazy person, and I in no way agree with what they are doing. I'm just saying.)
3.) The stunts, the lines, the timing of everything is PERFECT. Beautifully done. And the actors? Couldn't get any better than this, folks. Alfred makes me cry every time. Bruce Wayne makes me want to be a better person. I love all of them. Well, almost all.
So you get it, I love Batman. It is a movie I can respect and enjoy, and there aren't many of those movies around. I'm proud of this movie, and of the message it sends of hope, peace, and perseverance. And if you're looking for something to see this weekend, I recommend it.
Thanks for reading! Many more, shorter blogs to come. Maybe next time, I'll talk about something that isn't completely irrelevant!
Nah.
Nah.
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