1. Is this the beginning of the end for this blog?
No! This is the...interlude. The intermission.
2. How are you feeling? (illness-wise, and otherwise too if you want)
Illness-wise, I've reached the long period of mostly-fine-still-a-little-sniffly. Otherwise -- the acute bout of loneliness I was feeling a week or so ago has mostly abated. I'm still living in near seclusion -- I'm more motivated to get out more now, except first I was sick and now my car's broken down. But I think once all of that dust settles, I'll start being more social.
3. Excited for upcoming trip to Chicago?
Yes! I'm excited to see everyone and to get a chance to train, and of course it's always exciting to witness/be part of a shodan test.
4. Do you plan to have a car at SDIC/ST?
I plan to have a plan about it sometime before it happens. Maybe we can talk about it in May? I've set up my internship so that it ends the week before SDIC/ST, so I actually have a whole bunch of question marks around that week. Well, not so much question marks as one big black void. Like, I know what my life is like now, and I can predict more or less what it'll be like next month, and June, and then July comes and...hrm.
5. What's the most inspirational thing you've heard recently?
Huh. I don't know. I don't feel like I've heard anything specifically inspirational, in the forms of quips or witticisms. I'm inspired by my clients, but it's more their lives than anything specific that they say. I'll have to keep an eye (an ear?) out.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Week 12: ...and Amy
1. Will you answer Week 11 now that Week 12 has been posted?
Yes. Yes I will.
2. Since you seem to have so much free time, any chance you can still work on a website for me?
What, all this free time not updating the blog, you mean? Anyway, yes. We should talk about getting you a url and hosting, and also what you want.
3. What's the most interesting thing you've read in the past week?
I've started reading When a Heart Turns Rock Solid, which is about three boys/men (it follows them through that transition) who live much of their lives right here in Springfield. I've only just started, but it has me thinking about dignity, and how important it is to people, and how if they don't have it in one social milieu, they'll gravitate towards another.
4. How was your trip to New York?
It was mostly really great. I saw Hands on a Hardbody, the musical, which was in previews. I did two classes at Honbu, and went to the top of Rockefeller Center, which is very high in the air indeed. I revisited my push-pull relationship with heights there.
5. Do you have a roommate for Special Training?
I don't! Would you like to be my roomate? You can help me wake up! One of my best early-ST memories is of you being my wake-up call.
Yes. Yes I will.
2. Since you seem to have so much free time, any chance you can still work on a website for me?
What, all this free time not updating the blog, you mean? Anyway, yes. We should talk about getting you a url and hosting, and also what you want.
3. What's the most interesting thing you've read in the past week?
I've started reading When a Heart Turns Rock Solid, which is about three boys/men (it follows them through that transition) who live much of their lives right here in Springfield. I've only just started, but it has me thinking about dignity, and how important it is to people, and how if they don't have it in one social milieu, they'll gravitate towards another.
4. How was your trip to New York?
It was mostly really great. I saw Hands on a Hardbody, the musical, which was in previews. I did two classes at Honbu, and went to the top of Rockefeller Center, which is very high in the air indeed. I revisited my push-pull relationship with heights there.
5. Do you have a roommate for Special Training?
I don't! Would you like to be my roomate? You can help me wake up! One of my best early-ST memories is of you being my wake-up call.
Week 11: ...and Amy
1. How's the weather up there?
It's spring! Which, here, means more sunshine, and days that mostly get into the 50s -- though it allegedly hit 60 yesterday. But then the temperature dropped. I think the overnight low was mid-20s.
2. What did you have for breakfast today?
Uh. Leftover chicken wings from the Chinese I ordered last night. I was going to go shopping, I really was! But then my car broke down. So I have very few groceries.
3. Did you take any time off to observe spring break this week?No more than the two days a week I have weekly. Which, frankly, seems like a lot -- though never enough to get the homework done I have to do for capstone.
4. Have you been to one of those Meet Ups yet?
I went to one. It was in Connecticut. Didn't really seem worth it. But I'm thinking that some of the outdoorsy stuff is going to start happening now that it's Spring (they take this spring thing seriously up here).
5. How's the femme thing working out?
Well...I got my eyebrows waxed for the first time ever. And now I have this gaping wound on the bridge of my nose. So not that well at the moment.
It's spring! Which, here, means more sunshine, and days that mostly get into the 50s -- though it allegedly hit 60 yesterday. But then the temperature dropped. I think the overnight low was mid-20s.
2. What did you have for breakfast today?
Uh. Leftover chicken wings from the Chinese I ordered last night. I was going to go shopping, I really was! But then my car broke down. So I have very few groceries.
3. Did you take any time off to observe spring break this week?No more than the two days a week I have weekly. Which, frankly, seems like a lot -- though never enough to get the homework done I have to do for capstone.
4. Have you been to one of those Meet Ups yet?
I went to one. It was in Connecticut. Didn't really seem worth it. But I'm thinking that some of the outdoorsy stuff is going to start happening now that it's Spring (they take this spring thing seriously up here).
5. How's the femme thing working out?
Well...I got my eyebrows waxed for the first time ever. And now I have this gaping wound on the bridge of my nose. So not that well at the moment.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Week 13: Questions
1. Is this the beginning of the end for this blog?
2. How are you feeling? (illness-wise, and otherwise too if you want)
3. Excited for upcoming trip to Chicago?
4. Do you plan to have a car at SDIC/ST?
5. What's the most inspirational thing you've heard recently?
2. How are you feeling? (illness-wise, and otherwise too if you want)
3. Excited for upcoming trip to Chicago?
4. Do you plan to have a car at SDIC/ST?
5. What's the most inspirational thing you've heard recently?
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Week 12: Questions
1. Will you answer Week 11 now that Week 12 has been posted?
2. Since you seem to have so much free time, any chance you can still work on a website for me?
3. What's the most interesting thing you've read in the past week?
4. How was your trip to New York?
5. Do you have a roommate for Special Training?
2. Since you seem to have so much free time, any chance you can still work on a website for me?
3. What's the most interesting thing you've read in the past week?
4. How was your trip to New York?
5. Do you have a roommate for Special Training?
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Week 11: Questions
1. How's the weather up there?
2. What did you have for breakfast today?
3. Did you take any time off to observe spring break this week?
4. Have you been to one of those Meet Ups yet?
5. How's the femme thing working out?
2. What did you have for breakfast today?
3. Did you take any time off to observe spring break this week?
4. Have you been to one of those Meet Ups yet?
5. How's the femme thing working out?
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Week 10: ...and Amy
1. Hey, what happened to Week 9? (oh yeah, that was my screw up, sorry)
I think asking a question and answering it yourself is cheating. However, your answers to my questions at the end make up for it.
2. What's seeming more likely at this point: heading straight on to PhD program or getting some practice time under your belt first?
It comes down to UIC. I found out that Cure Violence (nee' Cease Fire) is based out of UIC, which makes me even more excited to get a PhD there. I'm on the waitlist, you'll recall. I think if they don't accept me, I'm going to defer my UT acceptance and try to work for a year in Chicago.
3. Have you actually done any work inside the jail or only in the transitional program? (I ask because I've started my trauma group at the detention center and am curious about how jail atmosphere/regulations might compare with detention center atmosphere/regulations.)
Both. I'm doing an anger class in the jail once a week. I'm doing two anger groups at the re-entry center. I'm also seeing individual clients at the re-entry center, but not in the jail. One of my current challenges is finding a way to encourage practicing mindfulness in the jail. While doing some work around that, I noticed that Travis County Jail and Travis County Correctional Complex (I do not know the difference between these two; maybe it's a county/city thing?) are both participants in the Prison Yoga Project (http://www.prisonyoga.org/mission/prisons-involved/). Please to be investigating that and reporting back? Might be useful for your work, too (I'm assuming you're working at an immigrant detention center, which is a different thing...?)
4. Still doing your New Years resolution push ups? (we are)
Yep! I'll confess I've missed a total of 3 days (2 in a row and then one sometime later). I made up for them by doing them later (so when I missed two days in a row, I did 30 on the third day, etc). I've also been gradually upping the difficulty -- I started out doing all 10 from my knees (what KJ taught me to call "junior pushups," because fuck calling them "girl pushups"); in Febuary I went to 5 from my knees/5 from my toes, and now in March I'm doing all 10 from my toes.
5. What's your favorite color?
Blue, mostly.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
In answers to your questions:
-Yes, you can stay with us in May (though not really room for your friend to stay here too unless you guys want to camp in the yard in our tent)
I figured. 'Sokay, she's a big girl.
- All jobs are going well for all of us. I have five or six of them right now and am hoping there will be a way to consolidate that down a little soon!
Per our conversation the other day, you actually have 8. I feel like that's too many jobs.
- Kids are good. Garin has advanced yellow belt + patch so will likely have green the next time you see him. Nyle takes soccer classes and is the coach's favorite (we think). Nyle is also fascinated by making "hand weapons" and can recite several of them (he goes around muttering: seiken, uraken, koken, tetsui, shotei, shuto, heito, toho, nukitei)
It's interesting being at VWMA and hearing their different words/pronounciations. For example, what we call 'tie-key-oh-ko' they pronounce 'tie-oh-ko.' They also have, as part of their ritual, something that has the word (or root?) of gassho, and the hand position is the same, but it's a longer word (or maybe it's two words). To bring it back to hand positions, they have a uraken (no break in the wrist), and the word they use is recognizably related to 'uraken' but is slightly different. Mind-boggling in that 'similar-yet-different' way.
- Garin is now reading Spanish at a 1st grade level (though he isn't good yet at generating his own thoughts in Spanish); English reading is at 3rd grade
I am so impressed by bilingualism at any level; I wish I had a second language at the 1st grade level! I'm surprised his reading is only 3rd grade level, though. I bet it doesn't stay there for long.
- Nyle asks about you frequently and wants to Skype
I want to Skype, too! We should set up another Skype date.
- Scott's fine, enjoying his last couple months of independence in the garage apartment before having to move in with us as a cost saving measure for everyone
Are y'all still moving in July?
- The dojo is good (including Amy Jones Bike Rack) although I haven't been recently because Jess was out of town last week for a conference so I didn't get non-kid time
You should bike there! It's only, what, 14 miles? Assuming you stopped by my old apartment on the way, which I don't know why you would do (except maybe to give my landlord grief on my behalf, I've seen nary a cent of my deposit). Anyway, if you took a more direct route (I'd suggest taking Guadalupe down to MLK, going through the Capitol grounds, Congress down to Mary, and Mary to Lamar), it'd probably be slightly shorter. Of course, from your place to Sun Dragon puts you crossing the bridge at approximately half way, so you'd be going uphill both ways, which would suck a bit.
- We all miss you lots but will understand if you don't move back (that's Mel - Jess would say "waaahhhhhhaaaaaa, you have to move back! - not because she likes you more than I do, just because she likes to keep her people close -note locations of her family members versus mine- and I want to live vicariously through you)
See, I like this -- this way, no matter what I do, I'll get the approval of one of you.
As you can tell from my answer to your second question, it's seeming less likely that I'll move back this summer. But Chicago's not that far, and the Thousand Waves/Sun Dragon connection will work in our favor. And of course, that's all assuming I can make the Chicago thing work, which is not at all assured. And if I don't, I'll be back in Austin. And if I do, I'll be back in Austin...eventually.
- You should buy primitivo, negroamaro, or beaujolais if you want something lighter.
I should remember to write this down is what I should do. I got a nice, smooth Cabernet Savingon (sp?) last week.
If you send the plane ticket, we will come drink it with you. Hell, if you send the plane ticket, we'll bring the wine!
Don't tempt me! Actually, if it was just one plane ticket, I'd probably have already bought it. I'm not sure if I can swing 4. But I'll see you in May, at least!
I think asking a question and answering it yourself is cheating. However, your answers to my questions at the end make up for it.
2. What's seeming more likely at this point: heading straight on to PhD program or getting some practice time under your belt first?
It comes down to UIC. I found out that Cure Violence (nee' Cease Fire) is based out of UIC, which makes me even more excited to get a PhD there. I'm on the waitlist, you'll recall. I think if they don't accept me, I'm going to defer my UT acceptance and try to work for a year in Chicago.
3. Have you actually done any work inside the jail or only in the transitional program? (I ask because I've started my trauma group at the detention center and am curious about how jail atmosphere/regulations might compare with detention center atmosphere/regulations.)
Both. I'm doing an anger class in the jail once a week. I'm doing two anger groups at the re-entry center. I'm also seeing individual clients at the re-entry center, but not in the jail. One of my current challenges is finding a way to encourage practicing mindfulness in the jail. While doing some work around that, I noticed that Travis County Jail and Travis County Correctional Complex (I do not know the difference between these two; maybe it's a county/city thing?) are both participants in the Prison Yoga Project (http://www.prisonyoga.org/mission/prisons-involved/). Please to be investigating that and reporting back? Might be useful for your work, too (I'm assuming you're working at an immigrant detention center, which is a different thing...?)
4. Still doing your New Years resolution push ups? (we are)
Yep! I'll confess I've missed a total of 3 days (2 in a row and then one sometime later). I made up for them by doing them later (so when I missed two days in a row, I did 30 on the third day, etc). I've also been gradually upping the difficulty -- I started out doing all 10 from my knees (what KJ taught me to call "junior pushups," because fuck calling them "girl pushups"); in Febuary I went to 5 from my knees/5 from my toes, and now in March I'm doing all 10 from my toes.
5. What's your favorite color?
Blue, mostly.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
In answers to your questions:
-Yes, you can stay with us in May (though not really room for your friend to stay here too unless you guys want to camp in the yard in our tent)
I figured. 'Sokay, she's a big girl.
- All jobs are going well for all of us. I have five or six of them right now and am hoping there will be a way to consolidate that down a little soon!
Per our conversation the other day, you actually have 8. I feel like that's too many jobs.
- Kids are good. Garin has advanced yellow belt + patch so will likely have green the next time you see him. Nyle takes soccer classes and is the coach's favorite (we think). Nyle is also fascinated by making "hand weapons" and can recite several of them (he goes around muttering: seiken, uraken, koken, tetsui, shotei, shuto, heito, toho, nukitei)
It's interesting being at VWMA and hearing their different words/pronounciations. For example, what we call 'tie-key-oh-ko' they pronounce 'tie-oh-ko.' They also have, as part of their ritual, something that has the word (or root?) of gassho, and the hand position is the same, but it's a longer word (or maybe it's two words). To bring it back to hand positions, they have a uraken (no break in the wrist), and the word they use is recognizably related to 'uraken' but is slightly different. Mind-boggling in that 'similar-yet-different' way.
- Garin is now reading Spanish at a 1st grade level (though he isn't good yet at generating his own thoughts in Spanish); English reading is at 3rd grade
I am so impressed by bilingualism at any level; I wish I had a second language at the 1st grade level! I'm surprised his reading is only 3rd grade level, though. I bet it doesn't stay there for long.
- Nyle asks about you frequently and wants to Skype
I want to Skype, too! We should set up another Skype date.
- Scott's fine, enjoying his last couple months of independence in the garage apartment before having to move in with us as a cost saving measure for everyone
Are y'all still moving in July?
- The dojo is good (including Amy Jones Bike Rack) although I haven't been recently because Jess was out of town last week for a conference so I didn't get non-kid time
You should bike there! It's only, what, 14 miles? Assuming you stopped by my old apartment on the way, which I don't know why you would do (except maybe to give my landlord grief on my behalf, I've seen nary a cent of my deposit). Anyway, if you took a more direct route (I'd suggest taking Guadalupe down to MLK, going through the Capitol grounds, Congress down to Mary, and Mary to Lamar), it'd probably be slightly shorter. Of course, from your place to Sun Dragon puts you crossing the bridge at approximately half way, so you'd be going uphill both ways, which would suck a bit.
- We all miss you lots but will understand if you don't move back (that's Mel - Jess would say "waaahhhhhhaaaaaa, you have to move back! - not because she likes you more than I do, just because she likes to keep her people close -note locations of her family members versus mine- and I want to live vicariously through you)
See, I like this -- this way, no matter what I do, I'll get the approval of one of you.
As you can tell from my answer to your second question, it's seeming less likely that I'll move back this summer. But Chicago's not that far, and the Thousand Waves/Sun Dragon connection will work in our favor. And of course, that's all assuming I can make the Chicago thing work, which is not at all assured. And if I don't, I'll be back in Austin. And if I do, I'll be back in Austin...eventually.
- You should buy primitivo, negroamaro, or beaujolais if you want something lighter.
I should remember to write this down is what I should do. I got a nice, smooth Cabernet Savingon (sp?) last week.
If you send the plane ticket, we will come drink it with you. Hell, if you send the plane ticket, we'll bring the wine!
Don't tempt me! Actually, if it was just one plane ticket, I'd probably have already bought it. I'm not sure if I can swing 4. But I'll see you in May, at least!
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Week 10: Questions
1. Hey, what happened to Week 9? (oh yeah, that was my screw up, sorry)
2. What's seeming more likely at this point: heading straight on to PhD program or getting some practice time under your belt first?
3. Have you actually done any work inside the jail or only in the transitional program? (I ask because I've started my trauma group at the detention center and am curious about how jail atmosphere/regulations might compare with detention center atmosphere/regulations.)
4. Still doing your New Years resolution push ups? (we are)
5. What's your favorite color?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
In answers to your questions:
-Yes, you can stay with us in May (though not really room for your friend to stay here too unless you guys want to camp in the yard in our tent)
- All jobs are going well for all of us. I have five or six of them right now and am hoping there will be a way to consolidate that down a little soon!
- Kids are good. Garin has advanced yellow belt + patch so will likely have green the next time you see him. Nyle takes soccer classes and is the coach's favorite (we think). Nyle is also fascinated by making "hand weapons" and can recite several of them (he goes around muttering: seiken, uraken, koken, tetsui, shotei, shuto, heito, toho, nukitei)
- Garin is now reading Spanish at a 1st grade level (though he isn't good yet at generating his own thoughts in Spanish); English reading is at 3rd grade
- Nyle asks about you frequently and wants to Skype
- Scott's fine, enjoying his last couple months of independence in the garage apartment before having to move in with us as a cost saving measure for everyone
- The dojo is good (including Amy Jones Bike Rack) although I haven't been recently because Jess was out of town last week for a conference so I didn't get non-kid time
- We all miss you lots but will understand if you don't move back (that's Mel - Jess would say "waaahhhhhhaaaaaa, you have to move back! - not because she likes you more than I do, just because she likes to keep her people close -note locations of her family members versus mine- and I want to live vicariously through you)
- You should buy primitivo, negroamaro, or beaujolais if you want something lighter. If you send the plane ticket, we will come drink it with you. Hell, if you send the plane ticket, we'll bring the wine!
2. What's seeming more likely at this point: heading straight on to PhD program or getting some practice time under your belt first?
3. Have you actually done any work inside the jail or only in the transitional program? (I ask because I've started my trauma group at the detention center and am curious about how jail atmosphere/regulations might compare with detention center atmosphere/regulations.)
4. Still doing your New Years resolution push ups? (we are)
5. What's your favorite color?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
In answers to your questions:
-Yes, you can stay with us in May (though not really room for your friend to stay here too unless you guys want to camp in the yard in our tent)
- All jobs are going well for all of us. I have five or six of them right now and am hoping there will be a way to consolidate that down a little soon!
- Kids are good. Garin has advanced yellow belt + patch so will likely have green the next time you see him. Nyle takes soccer classes and is the coach's favorite (we think). Nyle is also fascinated by making "hand weapons" and can recite several of them (he goes around muttering: seiken, uraken, koken, tetsui, shotei, shuto, heito, toho, nukitei)
- Garin is now reading Spanish at a 1st grade level (though he isn't good yet at generating his own thoughts in Spanish); English reading is at 3rd grade
- Nyle asks about you frequently and wants to Skype
- Scott's fine, enjoying his last couple months of independence in the garage apartment before having to move in with us as a cost saving measure for everyone
- The dojo is good (including Amy Jones Bike Rack) although I haven't been recently because Jess was out of town last week for a conference so I didn't get non-kid time
- We all miss you lots but will understand if you don't move back (that's Mel - Jess would say "waaahhhhhhaaaaaa, you have to move back! - not because she likes you more than I do, just because she likes to keep her people close -note locations of her family members versus mine- and I want to live vicariously through you)
- You should buy primitivo, negroamaro, or beaujolais if you want something lighter. If you send the plane ticket, we will come drink it with you. Hell, if you send the plane ticket, we'll bring the wine!
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Week 8:... and Amy
1. Are you coming back for SXSW? (Or any other visits. Come this Saturday and co-teach a self defense class with me?)
Alas, I won't be back for SXSW, nor can I co-teach with you, though I would love to. I will be back the last two weeks in May, however, with the exception of a weekend I'll be in Natchitoches for my 20-year high school reunion. Anybody who wants to offer me a place to stay, let me know.
2. What's the last movie you watched?
Les Miserables, at the Alamo South Lamar, right before I left and they closed for remodeling. I saw it with Kevin, who was not particularly impressed. I thought that Russell Crowe did not have the vocal chops for Javert, which was dissapointing; "Stars" is my favorite song in Les Mis. Whatserface, Cossette's mother, was phenomenal, though, and Jean Valjean was also quite good. Really, Javert was the only disappointment. Also, I realized that I've only ever actually seen the musical from the nosebleed seats, and as a result I did not entirely understand the plot, though I listened to the soundtrack incessantly in my youth.
3. Did you do anything to observe Valentine's Day? (the cats must have gotten you something, right?!?)
The cats are ungrateful wretches. I did nothing in particular for Valentine's Day, though I did go to Valley Women's, as I recall. One day, I'd like to have a valentine on Valentine's Day. It's a goal.
4. If you could go anywhere in the world for one week, where would it be? (and don't say Austin because that's lame even though we want you to come visit)
See, the challenge with this question is that I only know what a place is really like if I've been there, but if I could go anywhere in the world for a week, I'd want to go somewhere new. So, if I could go anywhere (excepting Austin) that I've been before, I think it would probably be Germany -- somewhere in Bavaria. Or maybe San Francisco. If I could go anywhere I haven't been, maybe India? [I realize India is huge, so that's an imprecise answer. But I don't know enough about it to be more precise.]
5. Is there anything you would like to ask us? (that can be the "us" that live in my house or the larger "us" of our circle)
Wow, this is surprisingly hard. Mostly I want to know how everyone is doing. How's the new job (Mel), how's the old job, how is teaching going this semester (Jess), how are the kids (both of you + the kids), how is G's spanish coming along, does N still ask about me, how's Scott doing, how's the dojo, how much do you miss me, how crushed will you be if I don't move back to Austin, what wine should I buy, will you come up here and drink it with me...
Alas, I won't be back for SXSW, nor can I co-teach with you, though I would love to. I will be back the last two weeks in May, however, with the exception of a weekend I'll be in Natchitoches for my 20-year high school reunion. Anybody who wants to offer me a place to stay, let me know.
2. What's the last movie you watched?
Les Miserables, at the Alamo South Lamar, right before I left and they closed for remodeling. I saw it with Kevin, who was not particularly impressed. I thought that Russell Crowe did not have the vocal chops for Javert, which was dissapointing; "Stars" is my favorite song in Les Mis. Whatserface, Cossette's mother, was phenomenal, though, and Jean Valjean was also quite good. Really, Javert was the only disappointment. Also, I realized that I've only ever actually seen the musical from the nosebleed seats, and as a result I did not entirely understand the plot, though I listened to the soundtrack incessantly in my youth.
3. Did you do anything to observe Valentine's Day? (the cats must have gotten you something, right?!?)
The cats are ungrateful wretches. I did nothing in particular for Valentine's Day, though I did go to Valley Women's, as I recall. One day, I'd like to have a valentine on Valentine's Day. It's a goal.
4. If you could go anywhere in the world for one week, where would it be? (and don't say Austin because that's lame even though we want you to come visit)
See, the challenge with this question is that I only know what a place is really like if I've been there, but if I could go anywhere in the world for a week, I'd want to go somewhere new. So, if I could go anywhere (excepting Austin) that I've been before, I think it would probably be Germany -- somewhere in Bavaria. Or maybe San Francisco. If I could go anywhere I haven't been, maybe India? [I realize India is huge, so that's an imprecise answer. But I don't know enough about it to be more precise.]
5. Is there anything you would like to ask us? (that can be the "us" that live in my house or the larger "us" of our circle)
Wow, this is surprisingly hard. Mostly I want to know how everyone is doing. How's the new job (Mel), how's the old job, how is teaching going this semester (Jess), how are the kids (both of you + the kids), how is G's spanish coming along, does N still ask about me, how's Scott doing, how's the dojo, how much do you miss me, how crushed will you be if I don't move back to Austin, what wine should I buy, will you come up here and drink it with me...
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Week 8: Questions
Theme of the week is parentheticals (mostly):
1. Are you coming back for SXSW? (Or any other visits. Come this Saturday and co-teach a self defense class with me?)
2. What's the last movie you watched?
3. Did you do anything to observe Valentine's Day? (the cats must have gotten you something, right?!?)
4. If you could go anywhere in the world for one week, where would it be? (and don't say Austin because that's lame even though we want you to come visit)
5. Is there anything you would like to ask us? (that can be the "us" that live in my house or the larger "us" of our circle)
1. Are you coming back for SXSW? (Or any other visits. Come this Saturday and co-teach a self defense class with me?)
2. What's the last movie you watched?
3. Did you do anything to observe Valentine's Day? (the cats must have gotten you something, right?!?)
4. If you could go anywhere in the world for one week, where would it be? (and don't say Austin because that's lame even though we want you to come visit)
5. Is there anything you would like to ask us? (that can be the "us" that live in my house or the larger "us" of our circle)
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Week 7: ...and Amy
ACK! Missed my deadline for posting this week. So now you have only 3 hours and 3 minutes to respond =)
I think I missed that deadline. :-/
1. Is there still snow up there? (if yes: How is it affecting your life?)
Yes! It's not severely affecting my life, though. Mainly it means I shouldn't bike (but I did, once. It was mildly treacherous), and that I should be careful either about where I walk or what shoes I wear. The morning I biked, I did not fall off the bike. However, I did fall before getting on the bike. But I was fine. For more on falling, read on.
2. How was your trip to Boston yesterday?
It was super-fun! The purpose of the trip was to go two-stepping with H at the Gays for Patsy dance. I got to follow all night, except for one dance with H wherein I almost broke her. I'm very out of practice (and also I was never a very good lead), but it was a good night. I stayed the night, which was the plan; then I stayed an extra day & night, which was not the plan. However, it meant that we got to go ice-skating! I was all confident about it beforehand, telling H that we could go fast, and also that I had done it before. Which I still think I have. I distinctly remember thinking it was like a cross between roller skating and snow skiing. But I don't remember when; also it was just once (and probably years ago), and it turns out that means that I can not go fast. I did go, though. Mostly. I mean, I mostly went horizontal and occasionally vertical, which is to say that I fell several times. Three, I think. I have an impressive bruise on one of my legs that I'm quite proud of. The falling wasn't so bad -- the worst part of it was that I don't know how to stand up on ice skates without holding on to something. So I had to scoot or crawl from wherever I was to the edge of the pond to stand up. Those were not my most dignified moments.
3. Now that you're doing more in your internship, what has been your biggest "ah-ha" moment? (and now you'll also be ready to complete that question on your UT field evaluation)
I still haven't really had an ah-ha moment, so to speak. At least, not in the "flash of insight" way. Two things of note, though. First, it amazes me to see people building their lives starting from so little. So many of the clients where I'm interning are starting from a place where they have no job, no place to live, no network of family & friends, no money...nothing. Public assistance here is slightly more accessible, but only slightly. And of course, there's always significant trauma (I mean, being in that situation is traumatizing in itself, but before that). It's heartbreaking, and humbling.
The second is about the group I'm running, and the clients' willingness to come in and get to work on really hard, uncomfortable emotional work almost immediately. Speaking of humbling...
4. Are you doing any martial arts training (on your own or with others)? [Jess says you have already talked to her about this but I don't think I know the answer.]
I'm training at VWMA once or twice a week, which means I'm starting to learn some Modern Arnis, and a little bit of Shorin-Ryu. I've trained in Seido by myself exactly once, though I've intended to do it more. I have many strengths; training by myself is not one of them. And I've been to Honbu once, for a kata class. Hoping to get back there in March for at least one class.
5. What food/restaurant from Austin do you miss the most?
I miss the Alamo Drafthouse, which is only kind of food/restaurant. I also miss Magnolia, even though I hardly ever went there. I ordered in from Austin's Pizza a lot, so I guess I miss that. Oh, and Shady Grove. This question makes me realize that I don't go out to eat all that often, though. I miss my people, and I miss my bike routes. I miss the possibility of going to Magnolia, or Justine's. I miss Sun Dragon.
I think I missed that deadline. :-/
1. Is there still snow up there? (if yes: How is it affecting your life?)
Yes! It's not severely affecting my life, though. Mainly it means I shouldn't bike (but I did, once. It was mildly treacherous), and that I should be careful either about where I walk or what shoes I wear. The morning I biked, I did not fall off the bike. However, I did fall before getting on the bike. But I was fine. For more on falling, read on.
2. How was your trip to Boston yesterday?
It was super-fun! The purpose of the trip was to go two-stepping with H at the Gays for Patsy dance. I got to follow all night, except for one dance with H wherein I almost broke her. I'm very out of practice (and also I was never a very good lead), but it was a good night. I stayed the night, which was the plan; then I stayed an extra day & night, which was not the plan. However, it meant that we got to go ice-skating! I was all confident about it beforehand, telling H that we could go fast, and also that I had done it before. Which I still think I have. I distinctly remember thinking it was like a cross between roller skating and snow skiing. But I don't remember when; also it was just once (and probably years ago), and it turns out that means that I can not go fast. I did go, though. Mostly. I mean, I mostly went horizontal and occasionally vertical, which is to say that I fell several times. Three, I think. I have an impressive bruise on one of my legs that I'm quite proud of. The falling wasn't so bad -- the worst part of it was that I don't know how to stand up on ice skates without holding on to something. So I had to scoot or crawl from wherever I was to the edge of the pond to stand up. Those were not my most dignified moments.
3. Now that you're doing more in your internship, what has been your biggest "ah-ha" moment? (and now you'll also be ready to complete that question on your UT field evaluation)
I still haven't really had an ah-ha moment, so to speak. At least, not in the "flash of insight" way. Two things of note, though. First, it amazes me to see people building their lives starting from so little. So many of the clients where I'm interning are starting from a place where they have no job, no place to live, no network of family & friends, no money...nothing. Public assistance here is slightly more accessible, but only slightly. And of course, there's always significant trauma (I mean, being in that situation is traumatizing in itself, but before that). It's heartbreaking, and humbling.
The second is about the group I'm running, and the clients' willingness to come in and get to work on really hard, uncomfortable emotional work almost immediately. Speaking of humbling...
4. Are you doing any martial arts training (on your own or with others)? [Jess says you have already talked to her about this but I don't think I know the answer.]
I'm training at VWMA once or twice a week, which means I'm starting to learn some Modern Arnis, and a little bit of Shorin-Ryu. I've trained in Seido by myself exactly once, though I've intended to do it more. I have many strengths; training by myself is not one of them. And I've been to Honbu once, for a kata class. Hoping to get back there in March for at least one class.
5. What food/restaurant from Austin do you miss the most?
I miss the Alamo Drafthouse, which is only kind of food/restaurant. I also miss Magnolia, even though I hardly ever went there. I ordered in from Austin's Pizza a lot, so I guess I miss that. Oh, and Shady Grove. This question makes me realize that I don't go out to eat all that often, though. I miss my people, and I miss my bike routes. I miss the possibility of going to Magnolia, or Justine's. I miss Sun Dragon.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Week 7: Questions
ACK! Missed my deadline for posting this week. So now you have only 3 hours and 3 minutes to respond =)
1. Is there still snow up there? (if yes: How is it affecting your life?)
2. How was your trip to Boston yesterday?
3. Now that you're doing more in your internship, what has been your biggest "ah-ha" moment? (and now you'll also be ready to complete that question on your UT field evaluation)
4. Are you doing any martial arts training (on your own or with others)? [Jess says you have already talked to her about this but I don't think I know the answer.]
5. What food/restaurant from Austin do you miss the most?
1. Is there still snow up there? (if yes: How is it affecting your life?)
2. How was your trip to Boston yesterday?
3. Now that you're doing more in your internship, what has been your biggest "ah-ha" moment? (and now you'll also be ready to complete that question on your UT field evaluation)
4. Are you doing any martial arts training (on your own or with others)? [Jess says you have already talked to her about this but I don't think I know the answer.]
5. What food/restaurant from Austin do you miss the most?
Friday, February 8, 2013
Week 6: ...and Amy
1. How much do you miss Jess?
So much. Loads. Completely. I stay awake at nights, crying and writing in my journal about how much. I rend and tear my garments. And then I shiver, because it's cold up here.
Ok, so maybe I exaggerate. But: a lot.
2. Have you managed to order wine by yourself yet? [If so: what kind? and was it any good?]
I have not yet been that brave. I can move across the country by myself (with two neurotic cats, no less), I can bike in -6 degree weather. But order wine without Jess? Just who do you think I am?
That said, I did have a rum & coke. During its preparation, I bemoaned the lack of Jess, and thought about how much more delicious a JessDrink(tm) would be.
3. At this point, how likely do you think you are to move back to Austin?
I can only answer this by reciting my PhD news. First of all, I've been accepted to UT! Woot! I've also been: denied by Berkeley (boo, but I wasn't a good fit), wait-listed by UIC, and thus far ignored by U of Chicago and Northwestern. So...I don't know much. I will say that winter agrees with me. Quite a bit.
I can also that this would make me more likely to move back:
http://kutnews.org/post/map-could-austin-be-high-speed-rail-city-future?
4. How are your finances and have you done your taxes yet?
My finances are pathetic. My knowledge of my finances is advanced enough to know that my finances are pathetic. I'm currently trying to get some more money for the spring, and I've looked into (but not pursued very hard) doing some contract work for my old employer.
I've done my taxes! I needed to in order to get my FAFSA in (they say you can do the FAFSA without doing your taxes, but then they turn around and ask you all the same questions the IRS does, so one might as well).
5. Have you guessed who the guest blogger is?
Hi, Jess! I do miss you loads. Call me maybe.
So much. Loads. Completely. I stay awake at nights, crying and writing in my journal about how much. I rend and tear my garments. And then I shiver, because it's cold up here.
Ok, so maybe I exaggerate. But: a lot.
2. Have you managed to order wine by yourself yet? [If so: what kind? and was it any good?]
I have not yet been that brave. I can move across the country by myself (with two neurotic cats, no less), I can bike in -6 degree weather. But order wine without Jess? Just who do you think I am?
That said, I did have a rum & coke. During its preparation, I bemoaned the lack of Jess, and thought about how much more delicious a JessDrink(tm) would be.
3. At this point, how likely do you think you are to move back to Austin?
I can only answer this by reciting my PhD news. First of all, I've been accepted to UT! Woot! I've also been: denied by Berkeley (boo, but I wasn't a good fit), wait-listed by UIC, and thus far ignored by U of Chicago and Northwestern. So...I don't know much. I will say that winter agrees with me. Quite a bit.
I can also that this would make me more likely to move back:
http://kutnews.org/post/map-could-austin-be-high-speed-rail-city-future?
4. How are your finances and have you done your taxes yet?
My finances are pathetic. My knowledge of my finances is advanced enough to know that my finances are pathetic. I'm currently trying to get some more money for the spring, and I've looked into (but not pursued very hard) doing some contract work for my old employer.
I've done my taxes! I needed to in order to get my FAFSA in (they say you can do the FAFSA without doing your taxes, but then they turn around and ask you all the same questions the IRS does, so one might as well).
5. Have you guessed who the guest blogger is?
Hi, Jess! I do miss you loads. Call me maybe.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Week 6: Questions
This week's questions posed by a special guest blogger:
1. How much do you miss Jess?
2. Have you managed to order wine by yourself yet? [If so: what kind? and was it any good?]
3. At this point, how likely do you think you are to move back to Austin?
4. How are your finances and have you done your taxes yet?
5. Have you guessed who the guest blogger is?
1. How much do you miss Jess?
2. Have you managed to order wine by yourself yet? [If so: what kind? and was it any good?]
3. At this point, how likely do you think you are to move back to Austin?
4. How are your finances and have you done your taxes yet?
5. Have you guessed who the guest blogger is?
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Week 5: ...and Amy
1. How was your trip to New York last weekend?
It was amazing! Just what I needed. I saw the show, which was great as always. Afterwards, I loitered and thus made several for-the-night friends, one of whom bought me a shot. He was from Connecticut but went to Tulane, so he had some Louisiana cred. He was also, as I recall, wearing a Mardi Gras flag as well as a Saints jersey (or maybe it was the reverse). The other dude I met was wearing red zebra striped leggings and a red top hat and was very concerned with finding the merch table, which never materialized. Fred, the frontman, did materialize, at which point red-zebra dude complained to him about the lack of a merch table. I do not think that Fred found him especially endearing.
The woman friend-for-the-night I met was from Newtown. She hadn't lost one of her own children, but she had friends who had. She cried on my shoulder a little bit, and also told me that during the show was the first time she had felt joy since the shooting. Powerful, yo. She also thanked me for letting her cry to me, because she felt like it meant she wouldn't cry when meeting/talking to Fred. I was just happy to be able to help a little.
I got to meet Fred, and I told him the line I had been thinking about all night, to wit, "Three weeks ago I left everything and everyone I knew and loved in Austin, Texas and moved to Massachusetts. Two days after I got there, my grandfather died, so last week I flew back to Monroe to attend his memorial service..." Fred interrupted, "Monroe, Louisiana?" I affirmed this, and continued, "but tonight, I'm at a Cowboy Mouth show, and it's all going to be ok." Fred hugged me! And then he took a picture with me. This is it. Note that my smile is very broad.
The next day I went to Honbu, where I had to help lead warm-ups (I really should have been prepared for that) and Nidaime welcomed me -- he taught the kata class I took. I was also going to take an endurance class, but I decided that was ambitious of me, so I took my leave. All of the Honbu karateka were confused that I was from Texas but only there for the one day. And then I spent the afternoon with my friend Jim from high school. He was an awesome kid, and he's become an awesome adult.
2. I'm in Houston right now, are you jealous?
No. That's where the devil lives, didn't you know?
3. Have you gone to any of those MeetUps that I signed you up for?
Not yet. But I did sign up for one next Friday!
4. Have you started hearing from PhD programs yet?
Yes, actually. I've been wait-listed by UIC. I also heard from UT that the faculty committee is currently reviewing my application (and, as an aside, that the PhD Coordinator has not yet needed my help with her computer, but she still misses me).
5. When can we make a time to Skype? (I'm in Houston then Charleston until Sunday night so after that.)
I'm going down to part-time starting next week, so anytime that isn't Mondays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays work for me!
It was amazing! Just what I needed. I saw the show, which was great as always. Afterwards, I loitered and thus made several for-the-night friends, one of whom bought me a shot. He was from Connecticut but went to Tulane, so he had some Louisiana cred. He was also, as I recall, wearing a Mardi Gras flag as well as a Saints jersey (or maybe it was the reverse). The other dude I met was wearing red zebra striped leggings and a red top hat and was very concerned with finding the merch table, which never materialized. Fred, the frontman, did materialize, at which point red-zebra dude complained to him about the lack of a merch table. I do not think that Fred found him especially endearing.
The woman friend-for-the-night I met was from Newtown. She hadn't lost one of her own children, but she had friends who had. She cried on my shoulder a little bit, and also told me that during the show was the first time she had felt joy since the shooting. Powerful, yo. She also thanked me for letting her cry to me, because she felt like it meant she wouldn't cry when meeting/talking to Fred. I was just happy to be able to help a little.
I got to meet Fred, and I told him the line I had been thinking about all night, to wit, "Three weeks ago I left everything and everyone I knew and loved in Austin, Texas and moved to Massachusetts. Two days after I got there, my grandfather died, so last week I flew back to Monroe to attend his memorial service..." Fred interrupted, "Monroe, Louisiana?" I affirmed this, and continued, "but tonight, I'm at a Cowboy Mouth show, and it's all going to be ok." Fred hugged me! And then he took a picture with me. This is it. Note that my smile is very broad.
 |
| That's me on the left. |
The next day I went to Honbu, where I had to help lead warm-ups (I really should have been prepared for that) and Nidaime welcomed me -- he taught the kata class I took. I was also going to take an endurance class, but I decided that was ambitious of me, so I took my leave. All of the Honbu karateka were confused that I was from Texas but only there for the one day. And then I spent the afternoon with my friend Jim from high school. He was an awesome kid, and he's become an awesome adult.
2. I'm in Houston right now, are you jealous?
No. That's where the devil lives, didn't you know?
3. Have you gone to any of those MeetUps that I signed you up for?
Not yet. But I did sign up for one next Friday!
4. Have you started hearing from PhD programs yet?
Yes, actually. I've been wait-listed by UIC. I also heard from UT that the faculty committee is currently reviewing my application (and, as an aside, that the PhD Coordinator has not yet needed my help with her computer, but she still misses me).
5. When can we make a time to Skype? (I'm in Houston then Charleston until Sunday night so after that.)
I'm going down to part-time starting next week, so anytime that isn't Mondays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays work for me!
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Week 5: Questions
1. How was your trip to New York last weekend?
2. I'm in Houston right now, are you jealous?
3. Have you gone to any of those MeetUps that I signed you up for?
4. Have you started hearing from PhD programs yet?
5. When can we make a time to Skype? (I'm in Houston then Charleston until Sunday night so after that.)
2. I'm in Houston right now, are you jealous?
3. Have you gone to any of those MeetUps that I signed you up for?
4. Have you started hearing from PhD programs yet?
5. When can we make a time to Skype? (I'm in Houston then Charleston until Sunday night so after that.)
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Week 4: ...and Amy
1. Should we be numbering the weeks on the blog consecutively or keeping true to the number of weeks you have been in Massachusetts? (I am in favor of keeping true to the number of weeks, gives a better track of time.)
I don't have a strong opinion, and you post first, so I'll follow what you do. The number of weeks does give a better track of time, and when we inevitably post less often, it maybe won't be so obvious.
2. What's been the coolest thing you've done (not learned or seen, but actually done) at your internship so far?
Hum. I haven't done much, honestly -- I'm still training. I'll be leading some anger groups soon, which ought to be cool. And I got to sit in on a meeting where staff discussed with a partner agency how they're trying to start and study a new, hopefully more effective batterer intervention group. "Holy crow!" I thought, "That's only EXACTLY WHAT I WANT TO DO WITH MY CAREER!!!" It's actually kind of lucky that I didn't know folks better, because if I had been more comfortable I probably would have done something embarrassing.
I did get to go to jail the other day. That was cool.
3. Have you gotten to bike in snow?
Yeah, a couple of times. Scott called it, I need goggles. I also got to bike when it was -6 (according to my phone). It's really awesome to bike when it's cold. It's cold, of course, and I'm still perfecting my clothing strategies, but it's such an awesome feeling. Also, even when it's -6 degrees, I still sweat when I'm biking.
4. Any lingering stories from the road trip that you're dying to tell us?
The first one happened in the great town of West, Texas, at the much-beloved Czech Stop. I was standing in line to get some kolaches (as you do), and the young woman ahead of me ordered, like 12, super-confidently. She remarked to me that she went there all the time, and thus knew exactly what she wanted. Which was made comical in the next moment when she then said, "Oh, they have danishes!" She was forced to admit that, while she had been there often, she hadn't been there for quite a while. Busted. Anyway, she was nice. I made agreeable, small-talky sounds at her, and she responded in kind. We were friends now.
We get up to the counter, and I'm paying and she's lingering (probably because she had ordered a thousand kolaches and they weren't all ready). So she overheard me when I asked if they had any ibuprofen, because I had a headache. The nice man behind the counter said they didn't, but my new friend was all, "I have some!" She then dashed out to her car and came back and gave me 2 800 milligram, prescription-strength (and indeed, it was a prescription bottle) ibuprofen. I put them in my pocket, thanked her, and we went our separate ways.
I know, I know -- don't take drugs from strangers. Especially not while on a road trip, and especially especially when you're driving. I did, though. First, I resolved to be alert to whether I started feeling at all unusual. Then I looked at the pill, and it looked like it COULD be 800 milligram ibuprofen. I took the chance, and it both made my headache go away and didn't make me feel funny, so I'm pretty sure that's what it was. We all like to have adventures, right?
The next one isn't really a story so much as a sentence: I was at a McDonald's drive thru in Little Rock (don't judge me), and there was a rooster in the parking lot. I mentioned it to the woman taking orders, and she was entirely unimpressed. The rooster is coming over to me, all rooster-y, and I'm ordering, and I say, "do you know you have a rooster in your parking lot?" No response. She reads me back my order, and asks if it's correct, and I'm like, "yes, but what about the rooster?" I guess she knew about the rooster, and didn't feel like he merited much discussion. She had orders to take.
5. What feels like the biggest contrast between Central Texas and Western Massachusetts right now?
Hm. The cold, I think. It's such a great feeling to know that it's cold and it's going to stay cold for a while. I was always a little sad during cold fronts in Texas, because I knew that sure, it may be 30 degrees now, but it'll be 80 again by the end of the week. It's comforting to know the cold has staying power here.
People look different, but it's subtle. I can't quite put my finger on it, and maybe it's all my own projections, but I feel like there are slight differences in facial features between people from here and people from the south. The accent is definitely noticeable.
The assumptions and expectations are different. The blue state-ness is noticeable, if not incredibly in-your-face, and not without exceptions. One disappointing fact I learned today from my upstairs neighbor: apparently it's now state law that all school classes must be taught in English.
I don't have a strong opinion, and you post first, so I'll follow what you do. The number of weeks does give a better track of time, and when we inevitably post less often, it maybe won't be so obvious.
2. What's been the coolest thing you've done (not learned or seen, but actually done) at your internship so far?
Hum. I haven't done much, honestly -- I'm still training. I'll be leading some anger groups soon, which ought to be cool. And I got to sit in on a meeting where staff discussed with a partner agency how they're trying to start and study a new, hopefully more effective batterer intervention group. "Holy crow!" I thought, "That's only EXACTLY WHAT I WANT TO DO WITH MY CAREER!!!" It's actually kind of lucky that I didn't know folks better, because if I had been more comfortable I probably would have done something embarrassing.
I did get to go to jail the other day. That was cool.
3. Have you gotten to bike in snow?
Yeah, a couple of times. Scott called it, I need goggles. I also got to bike when it was -6 (according to my phone). It's really awesome to bike when it's cold. It's cold, of course, and I'm still perfecting my clothing strategies, but it's such an awesome feeling. Also, even when it's -6 degrees, I still sweat when I'm biking.
4. Any lingering stories from the road trip that you're dying to tell us?
The first one happened in the great town of West, Texas, at the much-beloved Czech Stop. I was standing in line to get some kolaches (as you do), and the young woman ahead of me ordered, like 12, super-confidently. She remarked to me that she went there all the time, and thus knew exactly what she wanted. Which was made comical in the next moment when she then said, "Oh, they have danishes!" She was forced to admit that, while she had been there often, she hadn't been there for quite a while. Busted. Anyway, she was nice. I made agreeable, small-talky sounds at her, and she responded in kind. We were friends now.
We get up to the counter, and I'm paying and she's lingering (probably because she had ordered a thousand kolaches and they weren't all ready). So she overheard me when I asked if they had any ibuprofen, because I had a headache. The nice man behind the counter said they didn't, but my new friend was all, "I have some!" She then dashed out to her car and came back and gave me 2 800 milligram, prescription-strength (and indeed, it was a prescription bottle) ibuprofen. I put them in my pocket, thanked her, and we went our separate ways.
I know, I know -- don't take drugs from strangers. Especially not while on a road trip, and especially especially when you're driving. I did, though. First, I resolved to be alert to whether I started feeling at all unusual. Then I looked at the pill, and it looked like it COULD be 800 milligram ibuprofen. I took the chance, and it both made my headache go away and didn't make me feel funny, so I'm pretty sure that's what it was. We all like to have adventures, right?
The next one isn't really a story so much as a sentence: I was at a McDonald's drive thru in Little Rock (don't judge me), and there was a rooster in the parking lot. I mentioned it to the woman taking orders, and she was entirely unimpressed. The rooster is coming over to me, all rooster-y, and I'm ordering, and I say, "do you know you have a rooster in your parking lot?" No response. She reads me back my order, and asks if it's correct, and I'm like, "yes, but what about the rooster?" I guess she knew about the rooster, and didn't feel like he merited much discussion. She had orders to take.
5. What feels like the biggest contrast between Central Texas and Western Massachusetts right now?
Hm. The cold, I think. It's such a great feeling to know that it's cold and it's going to stay cold for a while. I was always a little sad during cold fronts in Texas, because I knew that sure, it may be 30 degrees now, but it'll be 80 again by the end of the week. It's comforting to know the cold has staying power here.
People look different, but it's subtle. I can't quite put my finger on it, and maybe it's all my own projections, but I feel like there are slight differences in facial features between people from here and people from the south. The accent is definitely noticeable.
The assumptions and expectations are different. The blue state-ness is noticeable, if not incredibly in-your-face, and not without exceptions. One disappointing fact I learned today from my upstairs neighbor: apparently it's now state law that all school classes must be taught in English.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Week 4: Questions
1. Should we be numbering the weeks on the blog consecutively or keeping true to the number of weeks you have been in Massachusetts? (I am in favor of keeping true to the number of weeks, gives a better track of time.)
2. What's been the coolest thing you've done (not learned or seen, but actually done) at your internship so far?
3. Have you gotten to bike in snow?
4. Any lingering stories from the road trip that you're dying to tell us?
5. What feels like the biggest contrast between Central Texas and Western Massachusetts right now?
2. What's been the coolest thing you've done (not learned or seen, but actually done) at your internship so far?
3. Have you gotten to bike in snow?
4. Any lingering stories from the road trip that you're dying to tell us?
5. What feels like the biggest contrast between Central Texas and Western Massachusetts right now?
Monday, January 21, 2013
Week 2: ...and Amy
1. How are things going???
Pretty well, all things considered. The dominant exception to that, of course, is that my grandfather died two days after I arrived. I say "died," but really, I think that's inaccurate. I think he decided to stop living. He was just shy of 94 years old, and up until 6 months ago or so, had rarely even been ill. Of course it's sad that he's gone; but he had an incredibly full life, and he died, as he lived, on his terms. I can't begrudge him that. Below is a picture of him and his first wife, named Dot, my biological grandmother. She died when my dad was just a teen; I never met her. He is survived by his second wife, the woman I consider my grandmother. It's a little confusing, and led to my having uncles that are the same generation as I am (8 and 11 years older, respectively), but I suppose few families are truly "normal" these days. Anyway, I love this picture (this is a picture of the picture, since I didn't take the original home with me). Below that is a more recent picture of him. He was an institution for me. I'm going to miss him.
...So that led to me flying back to Houston and driving to Monroe this past weekend, and arriving home this morning at 4 AM. Which was absolutely necessary, of course, and I'm exceedingly glad I did it -- but also not the most fun thing ever.
Other than that significant 'but,' life is good. I'm loving the winter, and the internship is, so far, as awesome as I had hoped.
2. What's the most absurd thing that happened during the move? (getting out of the Austin apartment counts as part of that)
Getting out of Austin definitely ranks. You were there, but for our adoring audience (Hi, mom! Hi, Jess!):
First, I was vacuuming, as one does when one moves out. I had previously taken the cover off the vacuum to check the bag, because it didn't seem to be clogged, but also did not seem to be 'vacuuming' so much as 'going over the dust and kitty litter, driving it into the carpet.' And then of course I couldn't get the cover back on, which made it all the more dramatic when the bag exploded, getting dust and kitty litter all over me and the surrounding environs.
So we bailed on that project, and moved on to the kitchen. You did an admirable job of cleaning the fridge; I tried, and failed, to clean the oven. I've never cleaned an oven before, and also I occasionally lack common sense. So I skimmed the instructions on the Easy-Off, and it seemed to suggest that one should line the bottom of the oven with newsprint. I did so.
A few moments later, you pointed out that the newsprint was catching fire.
Of course it was, it was essentially on top of the element, which was on. We (you -- I think I was still insisting that the directions said to do it that way) quickly removed the smoldering paper and extinguished it. A closer inspection of the instructions clarified that the newsprint is for the floor below the oven. Oops. The Easy-Off wasn't so easy, anyway, in that it wouldn't spray. So I abandoned the project. I had joked before about lighting a match and throwing it over my shoulder while I walked away, but I really didn't mean to burn the apartment down!
There are some other stories, but you'll have to ask more questions to hear them.
3. A four-day drive with cats: as bad as you expected or not?
Not, shockingly. I'm sure the drugs helped considerably. They mostly hung out silently in their carriers. Towards the end of the drive every day Clay would start telling me about how he didn't like this so much. That was it. And they were surprisingly decent in the motel rooms. The worst part of it was that I didn't think to put the kitty litter scoop where I could find it, so I had to throw out all of the litter each time, and clean the box and such. This is not so easy to do in a Motel 6 room. I left large tips for the cleaning staff and hoped for the best. They've been surprisingly decent in the new place, too (the cats, not the cleaning staff. The staff, so far, has not tracked me to my new home). Partly I think they're still traumatized, but this is also a larger space than my Austin apartment, and I think them having more 'territory' to split between them helps considerably.
Clay had some crazy reverse tolerance with the sedatives -- at least they hit him more quickly than I would have expected. He was loopy within 20 minutes the first morning, and 5 the second morning, of dosing ("dosing," in this case being me trying to get him to swallow it, and him spitting it back out, enough times that it turned to powder, at which point I smeared it on his face. Not the best approach, maybe, but it seemed to work).
4. Have you met any new friends (or potential friends)?
Given that the unexpected travel means I've been here less than a week at this point, no. Except that some of my co-workers seem nice. One of them gave me a great tip about parking in Boston that saved me quite a bit of money over parking at the airport. I'm hoping she'll be my friend.
5. What do you like best about your new apartment?
It has a bathtub! You didn't ask what I liked least, but here it is: thus far, there has not been enough hot water for me to take a bath. I'm hoping this got rectified today. Apparently it has something to do with the...boiler? Furnace? The thing I had to pay an assload of money to put oil in. There are whole apparati involved in this winter thing I'm unfamiliar with, it seems.
Pretty well, all things considered. The dominant exception to that, of course, is that my grandfather died two days after I arrived. I say "died," but really, I think that's inaccurate. I think he decided to stop living. He was just shy of 94 years old, and up until 6 months ago or so, had rarely even been ill. Of course it's sad that he's gone; but he had an incredibly full life, and he died, as he lived, on his terms. I can't begrudge him that. Below is a picture of him and his first wife, named Dot, my biological grandmother. She died when my dad was just a teen; I never met her. He is survived by his second wife, the woman I consider my grandmother. It's a little confusing, and led to my having uncles that are the same generation as I am (8 and 11 years older, respectively), but I suppose few families are truly "normal" these days. Anyway, I love this picture (this is a picture of the picture, since I didn't take the original home with me). Below that is a more recent picture of him. He was an institution for me. I'm going to miss him.
 |
| Jimmy and Dot Jones, my grandparents. I like to think they're together somewhere now. I don't know that I believe it, but I like to think it nonetheless. |
 |
| My grandfather and my then-youngest nephew. At the time of the photo, they were the oldest and youngest Joneses in the family. This was on my grandfather's 92nd birthday. |
Other than that significant 'but,' life is good. I'm loving the winter, and the internship is, so far, as awesome as I had hoped.
2. What's the most absurd thing that happened during the move? (getting out of the Austin apartment counts as part of that)
Getting out of Austin definitely ranks. You were there, but for our adoring audience (Hi, mom! Hi, Jess!):
First, I was vacuuming, as one does when one moves out. I had previously taken the cover off the vacuum to check the bag, because it didn't seem to be clogged, but also did not seem to be 'vacuuming' so much as 'going over the dust and kitty litter, driving it into the carpet.' And then of course I couldn't get the cover back on, which made it all the more dramatic when the bag exploded, getting dust and kitty litter all over me and the surrounding environs.
So we bailed on that project, and moved on to the kitchen. You did an admirable job of cleaning the fridge; I tried, and failed, to clean the oven. I've never cleaned an oven before, and also I occasionally lack common sense. So I skimmed the instructions on the Easy-Off, and it seemed to suggest that one should line the bottom of the oven with newsprint. I did so.
A few moments later, you pointed out that the newsprint was catching fire.
Of course it was, it was essentially on top of the element, which was on. We (you -- I think I was still insisting that the directions said to do it that way) quickly removed the smoldering paper and extinguished it. A closer inspection of the instructions clarified that the newsprint is for the floor below the oven. Oops. The Easy-Off wasn't so easy, anyway, in that it wouldn't spray. So I abandoned the project. I had joked before about lighting a match and throwing it over my shoulder while I walked away, but I really didn't mean to burn the apartment down!
There are some other stories, but you'll have to ask more questions to hear them.
3. A four-day drive with cats: as bad as you expected or not?
Not, shockingly. I'm sure the drugs helped considerably. They mostly hung out silently in their carriers. Towards the end of the drive every day Clay would start telling me about how he didn't like this so much. That was it. And they were surprisingly decent in the motel rooms. The worst part of it was that I didn't think to put the kitty litter scoop where I could find it, so I had to throw out all of the litter each time, and clean the box and such. This is not so easy to do in a Motel 6 room. I left large tips for the cleaning staff and hoped for the best. They've been surprisingly decent in the new place, too (the cats, not the cleaning staff. The staff, so far, has not tracked me to my new home). Partly I think they're still traumatized, but this is also a larger space than my Austin apartment, and I think them having more 'territory' to split between them helps considerably.
Clay had some crazy reverse tolerance with the sedatives -- at least they hit him more quickly than I would have expected. He was loopy within 20 minutes the first morning, and 5 the second morning, of dosing ("dosing," in this case being me trying to get him to swallow it, and him spitting it back out, enough times that it turned to powder, at which point I smeared it on his face. Not the best approach, maybe, but it seemed to work).
4. Have you met any new friends (or potential friends)?
Given that the unexpected travel means I've been here less than a week at this point, no. Except that some of my co-workers seem nice. One of them gave me a great tip about parking in Boston that saved me quite a bit of money over parking at the airport. I'm hoping she'll be my friend.
5. What do you like best about your new apartment?
It has a bathtub! You didn't ask what I liked least, but here it is: thus far, there has not been enough hot water for me to take a bath. I'm hoping this got rectified today. Apparently it has something to do with the...boiler? Furnace? The thing I had to pay an assload of money to put oil in. There are whole apparati involved in this winter thing I'm unfamiliar with, it seems.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Week 2: Questions
1. How are things going???
2. What's the most absurd thing that happened during the move? (getting out of the Austin apartment counts as part of that)
3. A four-day drive with cats: as bad as you expected or not?
4. Have you met any new friends (or potential friends)?
5. What do you like best about your new apartment?
2. What's the most absurd thing that happened during the move? (getting out of the Austin apartment counts as part of that)
3. A four-day drive with cats: as bad as you expected or not?
4. Have you met any new friends (or potential friends)?
5. What do you like best about your new apartment?
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Week 1: ...& Amy
1. How are you feeling now about moving to western Massachusetts in the middle of the winter?
I'm excited about it. But I really have no idea what I'm getting myself into. I'm from the south -- I've only ever visited winter, I've never lived in it. I will say that my bike ride in to work this morning from the mechanic's was lovely, and it's currently 39 degrees.
2. How would you rate your progress towards moving (on a scale of "all set" to "totally F#&#ed")?
Oh, I'd say pretty close to totally F#&#ed. On top of the packing I still need to do (most things are sorted but need to be boxed), I had to take my car back into the shop this morning. Also, my air mattress is leaking, so I need to send a strongly-worded letter to the vendor and find something else to sleep on.
3. Do you think you will actually keep up with this blog?
If the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior, I give it three weeks. But I will try very hard, and also do 10 pushups every morning and clean out the litter box every day. These are my resolutions.
4. Do you think I will actually keep up with this blog?
If there is any hope at all, it is with you. You're marginally better at this than I am, and much of my success in the past (not that it was great success, mind you) was because you pestered me to update. No pressure.
5. Do you think anyone else will read this or are we just talking to ourselves?
My mother probably will. Your partner might. Other than that? Hard to say...
I'm excited about it. But I really have no idea what I'm getting myself into. I'm from the south -- I've only ever visited winter, I've never lived in it. I will say that my bike ride in to work this morning from the mechanic's was lovely, and it's currently 39 degrees.
2. How would you rate your progress towards moving (on a scale of "all set" to "totally F#&#ed")?
Oh, I'd say pretty close to totally F#&#ed. On top of the packing I still need to do (most things are sorted but need to be boxed), I had to take my car back into the shop this morning. Also, my air mattress is leaking, so I need to send a strongly-worded letter to the vendor and find something else to sleep on.
3. Do you think you will actually keep up with this blog?
If the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior, I give it three weeks. But I will try very hard, and also do 10 pushups every morning and clean out the litter box every day. These are my resolutions.
4. Do you think I will actually keep up with this blog?
If there is any hope at all, it is with you. You're marginally better at this than I am, and much of my success in the past (not that it was great success, mind you) was because you pestered me to update. No pressure.
5. Do you think anyone else will read this or are we just talking to ourselves?
My mother probably will. Your partner might. Other than that? Hard to say...
Week 1: Questions
1. How are you feeling now about moving to western Massachusetts in the middle of the winter?
2. How would you rate your progress towards moving (on a scale of "all set" to "totally F#&#ed")?
3. Do you think you will actually keep up with this blog?
4. Do you think I will actually keep up with this blog?
5. Do you think anyone else will read this or are we just talking to ourselves?
2. How would you rate your progress towards moving (on a scale of "all set" to "totally F#&#ed")?
3. Do you think you will actually keep up with this blog?
4. Do you think I will actually keep up with this blog?
5. Do you think anyone else will read this or are we just talking to ourselves?
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)