update de vie

Duke and Michigan State apps are due by tomorrow. I submitted the Duke app over the break, but I will be working feverishly all day to get the Michigan State stuff submitted.

Friday I visit St. Louis to look at Wash U. Anyone know someone up there I could stay the night with so I can save money I would otherwise have to spend on a hotel?

Oh yeah. And yesterday was my birthday. 23. Woohoo!

Something long and thoughtful, coming soon ...

Camera?

Hey you. Yes, you. All of you.

With the photography hobby.

What camera/brand would be the best average of good and cheap?

Thanks!

New Addition to the Family

So, this is my new baby:



It's an HP Deskjet 3050 3-in-1 thing. So far, I love it. It's really convenient because it's wireless, so I can be sitting downstairs on the couch with my laptop and hit print and the document will magically appear in the tray upstairs.

I may or may not have done this for fun over the last few days.

(It also freaks out the dogs. I'm so mean.)

Anyway, he needs a name and I am drawing a blank. I've never named a printer before, so there's no precedent. My laptop is Scheherezade. My phone is Batman. Ipod is Damon.

Suggestions?

In other news:

-John is coming into town later today--will have to let everyone know if we do anything interesting.

-Most of the time not taken up by work is filled with applications. Will be ready to have those behind me.

-I'm trying to finish the last two Harry Potter books in time to see the new movie in theatres. Almost done with one of them, not sure how much more time I will need.

... and that's about it.

Help me name my printer!

Looking forward to November

Well, apparently October happened. Not that you would know from reading this blog.

(It's a little amusing that the more there is going on the less time/incentive there is to actually write about it--for not having any posts all month, it was actually insanely busy.)

I helped organize and run a conference on community-campus partnerships with nationally recognized speakers, took an impromptu late-night road trip to St. Louis just for kicks, attended two weddings, started filling out applications, and ironed out the basics of my statement of purpose. To name a few.

And now we are on the cusp of November, my favoritest month.

My favoritest month that will probably stress me out beyond belief before rewarding me with food and presents in the last few days.

I'm assuming from the e-silence that everyone else has had a busy October, too. Highlights?

Transitions to Adulthood: Maturity

So ... I've always been a little more mature than my contemporaries. Generally. Maybe. This could probably be argued, but go along with me.

As a result, I've kinda always looked forward to becoming an adult and interacting with other mature people. Being mature together. Doing mature things. Talking maturely about the news. You get the picture. I assumed that people grew up when they grew up.

And then today a man in his 40s with two kids pulled the office equivalent of telling the teacher.

It wasn't even really tattling, because I didn't do anything wrong--he dropped the ball and then went over my head to get his version of events (where it looks like I did something wrong) in with the Bossman first.

Seriously?

Just steal my toy or rub dirt in my hair. Sheesh.

Is this the Real World I've heard so much about?

Not impressed.

And September went ... where, exactly?

I have been so insanely busy, it's not even funny.

When they told me this job was a 24/7 kinda affair, I thought they meant 24/7 in the same way my old resident advisor position was: you know, the wink-wink-nudge-nudge-you-are-technically-working-but-you-can-sleep kinda thing.

And, while I haven't gotten calls in the middle of the night to let people into their rooms like I used to, this position has kept my days completely full. Which is a blessing and a curse, I suppose. More blessing or more curse depending upon the specific task at hand.

Anyway, all that to say that while I wish I had blogged more this month, there really hasn't been much (of interest) going on outside work.

The grad school search continues. The list of schools that was final a while back was not, it turns out, very final after all. Only a few of those schools are still up for consideration and a few more have been added to the list. I'm eventually going to have to just decide on a few to apply to and see how it goes, because I can't keep searching or I'll miss the boat.


Right now the list goes something like this:

Washington University (PhD)

Duke (PhD)

University of Florida (PhD)

American University (PhD)

Michigan State (PhD)

University of Montana (PhD)

University of Arizona (MA)

George Washington University (MA)

University of Memphis (MA)


That's probably still not final, though. And it may shift around some. Duke and UF got added to the list because I found out I have contacts there. I think most of the others are old. Still really debating on whether or not to apply to Memphis--I'm sure I could get in and get fully funded, but I am reeeally ready to leave.

I think that's about it. I wish I had something more interesting to talk about, but I can't think of anything. I'll try to do better with my updates.

Transitions to Adulthood: Names

So, I've noticed, when you graduate from college, people begin to treat you differently. The Real World really is, apparently, fundamentally different from everything that has been experienced previously. Adulthood is like this elite club and a Bachelor's is the entry fee.

The result is a lot of mental transitioning. Especially, I'm noticing, with names.

And I don't really know what to do.

People who four months ago would have signed an email "Dr. Doe" are now signing off with "John" or simply "J." Imperious professors around campus now talk to me like we're besties.

And I really don't know what to call them.

So I ask you.

If an "adult" signs an email "John" do I call them that from there on? Or stick to "Dr. Doe?" I don't want to look like a kid calling everyone "Dr./Mr./Ms. Lastname" all the time, but first names seem so personal.

Help?

Shelf Organization

So, since I am embroiled in a comment war here, I will ask all of you your opinion.



Do these look like the shelves of someone who actually reads and appreciates the books they own? Or some superficial dandy who went "Ooh, pretty colors!"?

Maybe I'm biased--or OCD--but I keep all of my books organized by topic and/or author. All the cookbooks are together, the Tolstoy is together, all the spirituality/religious books are together, and all of the Star Wars books are arranged chronologically.

They aren't all spread out because some publisher decided The Hobbit should be green and Fellowship of the Ring should be blue.

How are your shelves organized?

Studying Abroad

I stumbled across an absolutely amazing MA program this morning that has had me daydreaming all day.

The International Institute for Social Studies in The Hague.

The MA program is in International Development and offers a concentration on Children and Youth.

In The Hague.

A couple of the faculty have interests that line up with mine, so I think I'll email them and see what they say, then go from there. It would be an amazing opportunity, though. I could get my MA there then come back over here for a PhD.

See? Lots of daydreaming. Sigh.

(The only downside I can think of is keeping my favorite team in the 2010 World Cup under wraps.)

When in Rome

... shoot off emails to Roman professors trying to set up a meeting and see if a program is worth adding to your list.

This applies when in Atlanta, as well.

The way I figure it, if I'm sitting here in the Conference Center on the Emory campus with a few breaks in my training, I may as well see if I can set something up with the Anth Department, right?

Even if it doesn't help, I don't imagine it could hurt.

Woohoo!

When one door closes, a flight takes off ...

So today is technically my last day of work at TUCI. I say technically because, due to some complications, the paper I've been working on isn't done and I'll still be around until it's finished. But this is the last day I get paid for.

Tomorrow I leave for orientation in Atlanta for my VISTA position. A little nervous about that. I don't expect the work to be exceptionally hard (maybe time-consuming) but the boss seems to be a bit of an absent-minded professor. Turn-around on emails is usually a week or two (if ever) and I think he assumes I know a lot of stuff I don't. I kinda get that drowning feeling when I talk to him.

Yikes.

I'm excited to see Atlanta, though. I haven't been through there in aaages and, while I'll be going to all sorts of meetings, etc., it's going to be the closest thing to a vacation I'll get this summer.

It's also getting closer and closer to grad school deadlines which means I'll be working on those at the same time I'm figuring the new job out.

Right now, I think I'm ready to get settled into the new job and get some stability in my life. This up-in-the-air stuff stresses me out. Considering yoga classes.

hygge

I have just discovered this word/concept and fallen completely, madly in love with it.

First things first. It's a Danish word of Norwegian origin. On both counts I can lay ethnic claim (unlike some of my other favorite words/concepts which tend to be Eastern or Mediterranean).

Second, it has no direct English translation. This makes it all the more endearing.

But what does it meeean?

According to Wikipedia, it is most frequently translated "coziness" or "tranquility." But neither of these does the term justice. So you have to resort to scenes to convey the message.

Imagine a table laden with food and drink surrounded by family and close friends. By twinkling candlelight, they lean in close, laughing together and just enjoying the company. They are completely immersed in the joy of that particular moment without concern for anything else.

That's hygge.

It reminds me of both the general concepts of Zen and the Italian ideal of il dolce far niente, "the sweetness of doing nothing." Except, unlike those two, I have a claim on this.

And I'm kinda excited about it.

Blame the Yankees

As a good Southerner, I've been doing this for quite some time. For just about everything.

However, it was only within the last week that I began to put the pieces of an argument together. A surprisingly good argument. For why the Yankees really are to blame for everything.

I started reading Gone with the Wind the summer after my senior year of high school when I was stuck inside with mono. I got about halfway through before I got better and too busy to ever finish it. It sat on my bookshelf until I picked it back up a week or so ago. I figured starting the summer before college and finishing it the summer after had a nice symmetry to it.

Reading, a line struck me:

"The old days had gone but these people would go their ways as if the old days still existed, charming, leisurely, determined not to rush and scramble for pennies as the Yankees did, determined to part with none of the old ways."

Determined not to rush and scramble for pennies as the Yankees did.

This reminded me of something I knew. Merchants--precursors to today's CEOs and brokers--were once looked down upon. The idea of scrambing for pennies was completely abhorent and shameful. Scarlett was especially horrified that "Frank had the gumption to start a store."

What a completely foreign notion in today's culture of rush-rush-rush, me-me-me, money-money-money at all costs. The same merchants and Scrooges who selfishly think of nothing but money have gone from despised and untrusted to the top of the social pyramid. In fact, they've become the ideal and "corporate citizens" can get away with just about anything.

Imagine, once upon a time, there was a world where people thought there was something more important than the unconstrained pursuit of wealth. Education, culture, and refinement were the ideal. And there was that weird honor thing.

Not to say that world was perfect, of course. There were (obviously) problems. Some of them quite big. You know, like that slavery ordeal.

But, to me, the idea that money wasn't the ultimate goal of existence is one of the most regrettable things to have gone with the wind.

And I'm gonna blame the Yankees for the current state of affairs.

Images of Authority

It should be obvious by now that my self-regulatory abilities at work are next to nothing. Give me a computer and a rolling deadline and I can procrastinate like no one's business.

I read a thing recently (don't remember where) saying there is statistically-supported evidence that hanging a picture of an authority figure over your desk increases your focus and productivity.

So, I started thinking ... whose mug would I want staring down at me, guilting me into working hard?

Honestly, I have no idea. Most of my fictional heros are outlaws (Han Solo, Jack Sparrow) and the real ones are predominantly revolutionary figures (Che, Sultan-Galiev). None of those really make me want to sit down and churn out a paper for The Man.

Jesus, maybe? Or does He still fall into the "revolutionary characters" category?

I really don't know.

Who would you pick?

Gender Roles

Okay, I know this is a topic that may ruffle some feathers, but I want to get a sense of what people think on this topic. And, considering (to my knowledge) my readers are universally female, I want your thoughts and opinions on gender roles.

However, before you give me yours you have to read mine. Mwahaha.

I know I might be in the minority on this, but I like to think there's a difference between people's genitalia and their brains.

My brain decides what bands I like to listen to, what books I want to read, and what activities I would like to participate in. Not the bodypart south of the border. Consequently, the idea that guys should only do certain things while girls should do others--moreover, that each sex was meant to perform certain tasks--is completely foreign to me.

This is probably reinforced by what I've studied in my international studies/anthropology courses and witnessed firsthand in my travels. Ideas of what is masculine or feminine vary widely from place to place and culture to culture. There are no universals.

I like to cook and bake. This is not because I'm "feminine" but because I'm hungry and it provides me with a creative outlet that has a practical end. I enjoy crocheting. Once again, it is creative and ultimately practical, while also being relaxing. The same is true of gardening, art, or writing.

I also enjoyed the time I got to spend building decks with my dad and I can scream at a soccer game on television with the best of 'em.

So, to me, it seems more important that my interests are, you know, interesting than that they are "masculine." I like things that are expressive, creative, and have a practical end.

My brain decides what I do.

It seems to me that the cultural ideas of the ultimate masculine or feminine are wholy impractical and don't exist in the real world. Would you want to be friends with our society's incarnation of the uber-man or superwoman? Yeah, thought not.

Everyone exists in the middle between these two extremes, so it seems ridiculous (to me) to even have these ideas. Let kids do what they want or what they are good at without attaching a list of arbitrary expectations to their behavior.

Now, in the home, I understand that there needs to be a division of labor between the two people. But shouldn't they decide who does what based on their interests/personal goals and needs? My mom stayed home to raise John and me. I'm glad she did. But I know other families where the dad stayed home and everything worked out fine.

What matters most is that things get done and that children are taken care of, not the person performing the tasks. My thoughts, anyway.

Yours?

Update from Work

The more writing you have to do for work, the harder it is to write for fun. I'm getting back into the swing of it, though. At least a little.

Reading's like writing in this respect, as well. Especially if the book you decided to read came from the history section. And was written by a stuffy British historian. And is more than 400 pages when it probably could have been half that.

I've been trudging my way through The Last Mughal, a book about the 1857 uprising against the British in India that was centered around the figurehead of Zafar, the last Mughal Emperor, descendent of Timur and Genghis Khan.

See, sounds like it should be all interesting and exotic, right?

Leave it to a Brit to take something that juicy and completely desiccate it.

I'm almost halfway through, and plan something much fluffier to come next.

Let's see ... what else is going on.

Pay day in 2 days. Can't come soon enough.

Oh, and I have orientation for my VISTA position in Atlanta a few weeks from now. It'll be exciting to get out of Memphis (on a plane!) for the first time in a while. Not sure how hard they are going to work us, but I'm hoping there will be some downtime.

Anyway, the boss is finally out of the meeting he was in so I guess I should go see what the next step in this assignment is. Ciao!

The Possibilities of Fall 2011

In which we discuss potential graduate programs. Not because anyone cares, but because I need to organize my thoughts.

Over the past few months I have narrowed the list of programs I want to apply to down to eight schools. Within those eight, there are four "priority" schools (in bold when discussed below). I will briefly outline the pros and cons of each program. The list is organized by application deadline. Unless otherwise noted, they are all ANTH programs.

Michigan State University (PhD)

Michigan State is one of my favorite programs because (a) it is a relatively prestigous PhD program that accepts people with only a BA and (b) they have a concentration in "Culture, Resources, and Power" which is kiiinda right up my proverbial alley. The faculty also includes one of the experts on the people group I did my thesis on--who is also the friend of one of my favorite professors--so I have an "in." You can also do an interdisciplinary graduate minor thing relating to infants and young children, so I could tie in the indigenous children interest.

University of Maryland (PhD)

Not one of my favs on the list, but a decent program that also has an emphasis on identity and international development. Of the eight, this is probably the most likely to be cut if funds don't hold out for all the application fees.

Arizona State University (PhD)

This is actually one I had thrown out of the running, but added back in because of a program they have in downtown Phoenix that works with--you guessed it--early childhood development for indigenous children. It's the only center of its kind I've been able to find in the US, so this program is near the top of the list. The one downside is that, despite the awesome indigenous program, none of the professors have research interests that line up exactly with mine--which cooould be an issue.

George Washington University (MA)

GW has a concentration in international development and just about the best location of all the programs: Washington, DC. Going there would give me the chance to be right in the middle of it all with loads of opportunities for internships and networking (UNICEF HQ, etc.). Downside? It's only a masters program so I'd have to go through the whole application process again in two years to get a doctorate.

University of Kansas (MA)

This is the same interdisciplinary program I was admitted into for this fall but had to postpone enrollment because there were no monies. While it's the only program in the US with a specifically international focus on indigenous peoples (most only deal with Native Americans), it (a) is only a masters program and (b) doesn't have an emphasis in exactly what I want to do.

University of Kentucky (PhD)

Reasonable PhD program that is a little closer to home and has a focus on applied ANTH (where you study to actually address social problems). The faculty have research interests that cooould overlap with mine, but there is no specific focus on children available. About on par with the Maryland program.

University of Montana, Missoula (PhD)

I actually found this one a couple days ago and kinda love it. Faculty have research interests I can relate to, there's a focus on the applied ANTH part of things, and the setting is supposed to be amazingly beautiful. Me gusta.

University of Arizona (MA)

I would actually rather go here for my PhD, but they only accept people who already have a MA. Probably because they are in the top five programs in the US. I'm kinda half-hearted about this program because, if I have to get a MA first anyway, I'd rather do that at GW then go here for the PhD later. Still wouldn't hurt to apply, though. This is kinda the "dream school" but while the name has a lot of prestige, I don't know how apropos it is to what I really want to do.

Aaanyway, those are the programs I've been looking at. Will have to start work on applications soon. If you read through all that, God bless you, and please give me your thoughts.

World Travels

I thought I finally had these Saturday afternoons holed up in the third floor of the library behind me. But alas, here I am. Same project for work, same Brian.

Same blog to distract me.

A while ago, Mama Woerner requested a post detailing trips I've taken abroad over the years. I may work in some pictures later to make this a more interesting read, but I really don't feel like it right now.

The first time I left the US, I was a freshman in high school. I went on a mission trip to Aldama, Mexico, with the Belle Aire youth group. I loved it. It was very eye-opening and probably contributed (to some degree) to the course my life has taken since then--the degree in International Studies, etc. The best two memories I have from this trip involve (a) Graham, Ashley, and an exploding Coke bottle and (b) Shannon and a looot of parsley . . . but those are stories for another time.

I repeated the Mexico mission trip experience a few years later in my senior year. Different set of people that time around and a generally different experience. The strongest memory from that trip involves a bunch of little boys in some town we visited. We were handing out toys and one saluted me--God knows why--so I saluted back. Seeing this, every other kid in line from that point on saluted me to get a toy. The makings of my world-conquering army.

Next Came Montenegro, which I kinda think of as my first big international trip. I spent a couple weeks touring the sites of Montenegro proper (amaaazing little coastal towns with amaaazing fried ice cream) and then spent a few days in Belgrade (nicer than expected, and the best banana split I have ever had).

Sophomore year in college I went to Spain with my friend Missy. We spent time in Madrid and Barcelona. In Madrid, I got to see the royal palace (picture along the side) and my favorite painting (Picasso's Guernica). Barcelona gave me the opportunity to see all of Gaudi's architectural exploits and spend New Years Eve with an actual Spanish family enjoyed the traditional meal of infinite courses (we started eating around 7 and dessert was served after midnight). Best meal I've ever had.

And, finally, my most recent trip to Paris and Brussels. Paris was absolutely amazing, everything I dreamed it would be. You can't walk three feet without bumping into something of historical or cultural significance. Brussels was neat, too, but a whole lot more laid-back. Have to go back to Paris, but I think I've seen all I need to of Brussels.

Anyway, that brings us up to present day. I still have a bajillion places to visit on my list, I just need the funds. Oh, and to not lose my passport (it disappeared between Spain and Paris and had to be replaced).

Where has everyone else been/still need to go?

Postponing the Inevitable

I have work to do, but I can't sit down and make myself do it.

The problem is probably that I wasn't given a due date. If I knew that the thing had to be finished by such-and-such a time, I would be able to make myself focus. As is . . . I'm updating my blog for the first time in weeks.

It's not even really a hard assignment--I just have to flesh out an outline for a paper. A paper that I get to co-author (and possibly present) at APSA this fall. In other words, unless I screw this up, I'll be published in an academic journal.

So this is a big deal.

And I still can't make myself work on it.

Blah.

In other news, stuff is finally coming together and I'm getting an idea of what I want to do with the rest of my life. I've known for a while I want to work with indigenous communities, but now that I'm working at TUCI, I know that I want to work with kids. Sooo, I want to do stuff with indigenous children to improve their education opportunities.

So I've achieved something, I guess?

Better than nothing.

World Cup: Quarter Finals and Beyond

I should be working right now, but this stuff is incredibly mind-numbing and I need a break. And, considering the World Cup is responsible for most of the distractions I have faced at work over the last few weeks, why stop now?

(Though a post about sports is a first and highly uncharacteristic--look for Jesus outside.)

Uruguay faces off against Ghana in the first quarter final game this Friday. I think Uruguay will take it--both because I think they are a slightly stronger team and because I really disapprove of how the Ghanan players behaved themselves in the closing minutes of the game against the US. There's running down the clock--which everyone does--and then there's being obnoxious. They were obnoxious and I hope they get creamed.

Also Friday is the Netherlands/Brazil game. Barring something crazy, Brazil takes it and the Dutch go home. Sorry, Grace, but it's hard to feel sympathy for them--they helped send the Danes packing. :(

Saturday, Argentina plays Germany. I say Argentina takes it--they've been doing really well this year and a lot of Germany's goals can be credited to the ubiquitous bad calls by refs this Cup.

The last quarter final is between Paraguay and Spain. I want Spain to win (with France, Denmark, and the US out, Spain is my only favorite remaining) and I think they will, though it may be close. ESPANA!

That sets us up for Uruguay/Brazil and Argentina/Spain in the semi-finals. Brazil makes it through for sure, and the Argentina/Spain battle would be the best match of the Cup so far--the teams are both very strong but with radically different playing styles. It could be anyone's game.

If I have my way, Spain takes the cup, Brazil gets second, Argentina third, and Uruguay rounds things out in fourth. The Hispanic world has dominated so far and I think that trend will continue.

Kansas Deferred

I just officially deferred my enrollment at Kansas and declined the scholarship money.

I knew it was coming. I know I couldn't have afforded to go on the money they were willing to give me. It had to happen this way.

Somehow, I'm still bummed.

Blah.

It just seemed like the right thing. So perfect. And, while there is the potential for some cool stuff to happen in Memphis over the next year, it still seems like Plan B.

If I were a girl, I'd pop open a tub of ice cream and watch a romantic comedy.

As is, I guess I'll start a new Star Wars novel and make homemade cheese in the morning.

Explosions (in space) and cheese fix everything.

Soccer, Redwoods, and Resumes

So, first things first.

Once every four years I care about a sports event. Yep, the World Cup. This year it's particularly interesting because the US team is actually supposed to stand a chance and not get eliminated right off the bat. I suppose we'll know how good they actually are after they've played England later today.

More posts on soccer later.

My Sequoias died. All three of the little guys. I weeded two out of the little greenhouse (to prevent over-crowding) and replanted them, but they didn't survive. And now some wee tiny bugs have eaten completely through the stalk (Is it a trunk even if it's no bigger around than a needle?) of the last one.

So that was a waste of ten dollars, I guess. A particularly annoying, frustrating waste.

Speaking of frustration, resumes.

Particularly objective statements/summaries. I'm supposed to submit a resume to apply for this other position on campus and the whole thing looks really schnazzy, I just keep drawing a blank on the objective section. There are two big problems.

First, the only description of the job I'm applying for is beyooond vague. Thus it's hard to narrow down what I should say about myself and my goals because I don't know what they want to hear.

Second, I am too long-winded. I only have 2-3 lines to communicate all of this information and make an impression and what-not, and I have a real problem being concise and detailed.

Blah. I need to get something done, though, I've been sitting on this resume for like a week.

Anyway, gotta go clean up. People are coming over to watch the game and the apartment is a wreck.

Go USA!

The Emperor's New Clothes

New jobs are great.

Buying new clothes to wear to new jobs . . . that I find less appealing.

Today I had to go shopping for grown-up clothes. No longer will t-shirts from high school and ratty athletic shorts suffice.

(Not all the time, anyway.)

I found a few things, but could use some help from my more fashion-savvy readers. I need stuff that is somewhere on the dressed-up scale between shirt-and-tie and polo. Ideally, things that can be mixed and matched to keep me from paying more than absolutely necessary.

Help?

Also, please pray for the car. We just fixed the front end and now I'm having trouble with the battery. I'm supposed to head to the Boro tomorrow, but I'm a little nervous the way the car has been acting.

In which Brian takes the bus and gets employed.

Note: These are separate, but related, events.

My car broke over the weekend. Not broke down, where the only sign that something is wrong is smoke or a horrible noise, but broke. You can jiggle the front passenger-side wheel around. I mean, there was a horrible noise, too, but it was accompanied by this very tangible evidence that something was wrong.

Luckily, Marvin's brother's wife's uncle (yep . . . I enjoyed writing it out that way) is a mechanic so he took a look at it but said he wouldn't be able to fix it until Monday. Which was yesterday. The same day I needed to be downtown for an interview.

The solution? Memphis public transportation.

(Cue gunshots and police sirens.)

But really, it wasn't that bad. I actually kinda enjoyed it. There's a certain comraderie amongst public transportation passengers.

Not that I wasn't nervous at first. Which really didn't make any sense. I've ridden buses in cities around the world with no problem, but I was scared to death I would miss the bus or they would want exact change and torture me if I didn't have it. Actually, now that I think about it, the nervousness was probably more connected with the interview than the busride. Anyway, moving on.

What was labeled on the map as the Orleans stop was, in fact, the Dunlap stop. Luckily I knew the landmarks and was able to get off at the next stop to backtrack. Unfortunately, in my hurry to get off the bus, I left my handwritten directions sitting on the seat.

I knew I had to go South, right, left, so I started walking. I got lost (though less lost that I thought I was) so I called Mom at work and she and Stacy (Stacie?) got on Google maps and helped me find my way. I still got there with a few moments to spare.

But where, you might ask, is there?

A good question. The Urban Child Institute (UCI). I was referred there by my advisor because one of the guys there is a professor at U. Memphis and does some research on indigenous movements. Do I get to help with that? No. Not now, anyway. But the guy did hire me as a temp for June, with the possibility of extending it for the next year or so if it works out. I will make decent money and be doing research (even if it isn't on subjects I am particularly interested in). He also mentioned the possibility of the UCI paying for graduate school--if I go to Memphis.

Much better than stocking shelves at Target.

The weirdest thing is that I can't get a read on the boss guy. It's like being a Jedi and coming across someone who doesn't show up in the Force. We just didn't click. Hopefully this will get better.

Well, as usual, this post has grown too long. And I still don't feel like I addressed everything. I'll field questions in the comments.

Also, everyone, I would like to wish you a happy Tennessee Secession Day! Drink some tea or eat a cobbler, or something. I'll probably bake a cake later. I think this marks something ridiculous like the ninth year I've observed the day.

You know it's cool.

Also: kenobiwrites.blogspot.com

Books

I love books.

No matter how many books you read, there is always a humongous (and ever-growing) stack that remains to be read. And every time you start to feel accomplished in your reading, you realize that there are probably hundreds (thousands?) of classics you will simply never have time to get around to.

There are 11 books on my official Wish List on BarnesandNoble.com. There's a stack of that many (or more) sitting on a table downstairs that I need to read. Every time I walk into a bookstore, I find something else that looks sooo interesting.

I wish I were independently wealthy so that I could (a) afford all the books I want and (b) have the time to read them all.

It's not fair.

Anyone got any good summer reading suggestions?

(Not that I could get around to any new books until next summer, probably.)

The Mat Universe

Amy P-Shaw showed some interest in the Universe I've been developing for the past few weeks and, considering I haven't been inspired enough to add anything new to it in a while, I thought this might be a useful forum for organizing my thoughts and getting some input from others.

The plan right now, as I'm starting to write this, is to divide what I have so far into general categories and give brief overviews of each. more detailed posts (focused on individual topics) may come later.

Geography:

Hard to describe without pictures, but here goes. Imagine a square. The West side is a coast and the North, South, and East sides are mountains, impassible but for a small pass on the (very distant) Eastern side. It was through this pass that the inhabitants first passed many, many years ago, though they have lost all memory of it beyond mentions of "The Great Passing" and "The Gate" in their mythology.

A huge river runs East to West dividing the land in two. To the North of this river, another parallels it for a time, creating a sort of peninsula between the two rivers. This fertile area--and the delta the two rivers share--is where the majority of the people in the main ethnic group live. A smaller, separate river running further to the south is the home of the other major group.

People:

There are two major ethnic groups (as mentioned above) though one greatly outnumbers the other and has an offshoot that leads a different lifestyle, though sharing the same language and worldview.

The primary ethnic group refer to themselves as the Mat (a as in father). This word evolved from the Old Language word Mu'ot over time (mu- meaning "children, people, followers" and Ot being a religious concept described below). The majority of the Mat live in settled city-states along the main river. The most powerful of these city-states are Banipal, Ashur, and Dhopur (-ur meaning "city of" and the other parts of these names refering to the respective local cult deities).

The offshoot of this group are the Muhal ("People/children/followers of Hala"). Rather than living in settled communities, the Muhal live in nomadic clans who roam the region between the river and the Northern mountains.They are based on a combination of the Mongols and the Plains Indians, and their only permanent settlement is on a lake in the mountains where they have a temple to Hala, the horse goddess. They are the only people with horses and they guard them carefully. They are also looked down upon as uncivilized by the sedentary population, but still respected for their military prowess.

The other major ethnic group, on the Southern river, live around a city named Bumul (no definite translation). I haven't done as much work on this group because they are mostly just the exoticized "others" at the far end of the trade routes. They are descended from the same group of nomads who passed through The Gate, but their language and culture evolved independently of the Mat.

Worldview (Mat):

This is really complicated, but I'll do my best.

The broadest concepts in the Mat worldview are Actuality and Reality. Actuality being what actually is (the "Ultimate Truth" kinda thing) and Reality being the observable world (only the part of the Actuality you can see and experience). This is something that mostly the priests and philosophers discuss, the average person doesn't have much knowledge of these ideas.

Reality is divided into Orders or "echoes." The Mat word for these categories (not yet developed) calls to mind both the echoing of sound and the concentric circles formed on the surface of a pond by a drop of water.

The First Order deities are Oum, Ta, and Ot [-um (m) and -a (f) are suffixes attached to the names of deities and extremely important figures (posthumously) with a meaning similar to "Saint." Basically a respect thing--say "Hal" instead of "Hala" and you can expect some divine retribution.]. Oum is the sun and represents creative power (the potter). Ta is the earth and represents creative potential (the clay). Both are seen as equally powerful and equal partners in creation.

Ot is not a deity as much as a concept, and probably the most important component of the Mat worldview. Ot is the relationship between Oum and Ta (the process of making the pot). Everything between the sun and the Earth is part of Ot, the expression of the love between the two primary deities. Thus, Ot is most frequently equated with the sky (and sometimes fire). The idea is similar to the Force or the Tao, and I haven't even ironed it out completely yet.

The First Order is symbolically represented by a triangle: the top point represents Oum, the bottom line is Ta, and the space in the middle is Ot.

The Second Order is made up of secondary deities (think Greece, Rome, Egypt, etc.) often equated with familiar animals essential to survival: Banum (heron), Pala (fish), Ashum (bull), Dhopum (ram), Hala (horse), and Lhupum (wolf). These are the deities that the common man is most familiar with, and more details will be given in the post on mythology.

The Third Order is humanity, an echo of the First Order. Thus Mat, the children of Ot.

The Fourth Order consists of all other living things and is an echo of the second order; a horse is just an "echo" of Hala, for example.

The Fifth (and final) Order is everything else--dirt, rocks, etc. This is the echo of the Third Order ("from dust to dust" kinda thing) and thus the property of humanity to do with as they please.

Whew. Okay, that's it for now. I think I've given all the basics--that's about all I have so far. I also have some of the history and a few myths developed, but may give those separate posts. Thoughts? Or did I lose everyone?

Not-so-Giant Redwood

So last summer the family and I went on a vacation to California. While there, we visited the Sequoias and I picked up a seed growing kit. After refrigerating the little greenhouse (to simulate winter) I put it in the window (to simulate spring/force the seeds to sprout).

Yesterday, the first one popped up out of the soil.

Thinking about it, it's kinda crazy. That little seedling, presently about a quarter of an inch tall, could potentially become one of the largest trees on Earth. If all goes well, he could still be around in 2,000 years. My great-great-great-great-grandchildren could walk around his trunk. Or, you know, take pictures driving through it.

But right now, he's tiny. And completely dependent on me for survival.

I kinda feel a sense of awe and privilege. And maybe a little responsibility.

It's cool.

Creating a Universe

It's been a while since I've posted anything even remotely creative. Mostly because of a longterm dearth of inspiration. However, thankfully this might be ending. Maybe. Sorta.

Allow me to explain.

Ever since I was little, I have enjoyed creating what will here be called Universes--imaginary lands (or galaxies) where the adventures of my imagination could unfold. I would invent countries, planets, galaxies, species, and the occasional language. It was fun.

Perhaps the most elaborate Universe was created by John and me when we were younger (as an add-on to the Star Wars saga).

My favorite way to start a new Universe was just to draw a Line on a piece of paper. This would--depending on appearance--become a river, a coast, a mountain range . . . whatever I saw in that line. Other lines would be added, along with dots and names, until an entire plane of existence was delineated by that single sheet of paper.

Until about a month ago, I had not done this in something like five or six years.

I was writing in my journal a few weeks ago and just started doodling (you know, like you do) when a Line appeared unbidden from my imagination. A new river.

More lines followed: tributaries, coastline, forests, mountains, cities.

Four subsequent journal pages outline a brief history, religious beliefs and practices, three ethnic groups, agricultural practices, and the rudimentary elements of two languages (mostly related to place names and deities).

A brand new Universe.

The problem?

After the initial creative breakthrough, I've hit a wall. I don't know where to go from here. Work on more backstory to flesh out the Universe? Brainstorm a story to plop down in the middle of it? Wait for more inspiration to come down from on high?

Where do I go from here?

School Stuff

So . . . I graduated a little over a week ago. That was exciting.

And now I guess I'm in the dreaded Real World. Yikes.

With regard to grad school, everything is still very much up in the air. I got money from Kansas, but not near enough. I emailed the director who said that there is not really much they can do at this point because their scholarship budget was cut by 50% by the state. There may be more money if other applicants drop out, but I won't know that until sometime in June. And it would take a lot of applicants dropping out to cover the difference between my award and out of state tuition.

So, as Wile E. Coyote would say, back to the old drawing board.

Which means I will probably be delaying my enrollment at KU by a year and in the mean time reapply for scholarship (and look for other means of funding) while also applying to other programs and hoping I catch a break. This actually might be a blessing in disguise, considering I missed the deadline on a lot of programs last fall and now have time to apply to these places.

Of course, this also means I need to, you know, get a job or something to support myself in the meantime.

I'm not sure I like this Real World place.

Amy P-Shaw asked about my thesis, so I will now give you a brief synopsis. Or try to.

Basically, I was using a political science model to analyze the process of identity formation over the course of an episode of contention. Contention being political struggle where there is a claim at stake and at least one government involved and an episode being a particular contentious struggle (think French Revolution, Tianenmen Square, the civil rights movement in the US, etc.).

Identity formation is the process where the identity of a group is shaped by the interaction of all of the political actors involved in the contentious episode. Instead of being hard and set, identity is fluid and shifts to suit the political climate. For my case studies, I used three separate but related indigenous movements in Southern Africa.

Hopefully that made sense. I can clarify if need be. If anyone cares.

Alsooo, this post is my first from my new laptop. In keeping with the tradition of naming laptops after literary figures (my last was Cervantes), I have named her Scheherazade. Only had her a few days, but so far so good. Yay!

Current Love Affairs

I'll admit it. I've been unfaithful to the Cause. I have cheated on the People.

Twice.

I've been with chips. And coffee.

(Well, the People have always known I have a thing for coffee. The chips may come as a surprise.)

But not just any chips. Sun Chips.

I have always loved Sun Chips. Ever since I was little. More recently I began appreciating them because they are better for me than Lays or anyone else. But we always maintained a very professional relationship. Until this:

Yeees. A compostable bag. Sends shivers down my spine.

I can eat chips and throw the bag in my compost bin. Weeks later it will be gone and can be used to fertilize plants.

True. Love.

Speaking of true love, on to coffee and my second consumer endorsement.

Yuban!

Aromatic. Tasty. Rainforest Alliance certified.

And it comes in a container made from recycled materials.

Oh baby.

I always drink my coffee black, but my brother--whose attitude towards coffee is decidedly "Meh."--will even drink this stuff without anything in it.

Go. Buy these things.

I have never felt so good about participating in the global capitalist market system.

Paris et Bruxelles 2010

So, I'm a horrible blogger. Here are some of the photos from my trip (finally).


This was stupid. That's me standing on the retaining wall riiight at the edge of the Seine (the big river that runs through Paris) with absolutely nothing between me and the frigid water (and a 30-minute metro ride back to the hotel). I'm facing the bank of the Ile-de-la-Cite, the island where Notre Dame is, and behind me across the river (out of view) is the Latin Quarter, where there were lots of fun restaurants--we ate over there two or three times. I'm also pretty sure that's the Pont Neuf--the oldest bridge in Paris whose name ironically translates to "New Bridge"--in the background. It was made in 11- or 13- something.

Versailles, outside a literal golden gate (gilded, anyway). I let everyone on the trip in on my plan to conquer the world. This is me posing for a future statue outside "my house."

Me and Chase (short for Chastity) in the courtyard. She's in a lot of the pictures because I forgot my camera so I shared with her.


The Hall of Mirrors. Uber famous. Huge ballroom where, among other significant events, the Treaty of Versailles to end World War I was signed. There's a famous painting of that somewhere.

This is me mourning the death of Napoleon . . . in front of his gigantic crypt in a gigantic room under the gigantic dome and spire of a gigantic building right on the banks of the Seine. Someone was compensating for something . . .


This was at our traditional Belgian dinner the last night of the trip. From the left: Paul (my roommate), Myranda (his girlfriend-turned-fiancee--he proposed in Paris on the trip!), Lauren, and Sheena. Paul and Myranda were the only two here pictured in our "clique" that stuck together through the trip.


And here's the other half of the crew! From the left: Laura (fellow ANTH student), Leslie (in my film class), Kati, me, and Chase. I think that's a plate of the traditional mussels-in-cheese dish that was served as an appetizer. Yuuummm.

Hope you enjoyed! I'll post more sometime.

Back Home

Brussels is nice, but Paris is amazing.

Probably better than New York.

I'll post more soon, including pictures.

:D

We are the World 25

So, have you seen the new We are the World video?

It's a nice thought.

But watching it, I can't help but notice all the rap artists. You know, the guys normally singing about drugs, alcohol, and the objectification of women.

Seeing these men--usually so disrespectful and full of themselves--singing about coming together to help others really threw my little brain for a loop.

And, excuse my cynicism, but I can't help but wonder if they would have come forward if the vast majority of Haitians weren't black.

Watch the video and tell me what you think (about this or the song in general).

Memphis . . . Yay.

As part of my scholarship package back in 2006, I was awarded a (small) stipend to help cover the costs of studying abroad.

Earlier this week, to claim the money I was awarded four years ago, I had to make multiple trips to four different offices in two buildings and provide three pieces of documentation to prove that I was, actually, studying abroad.

Because, obviously, a letter from the director of study abroad is not evidence enough for the scholarship office that I will be leaving the country. Nope. You also need a signed receipt saying I paid my application fee (my $350 non-refundable application fee) and the program description to ensure that the program is actually academically beneficial.

Naturally, none of these things would have been addressed by the study abroad director before she wrote me a letter.

If you remember the Rome Debacle, you know I have never had a good experience with the study abroad office. If you remember the Znamenski Affair, you know that I have never had a good experience with the scholarship office. So, by their powers combined . . .

Blah.

Nonetheless, I did eventually get it taken care of and will be on my way to Paris and Brussels in a week. I'm horrible at remembering to take pictures, but I will do my best. I don't know if I'll be able to blog while I'm gone, but I will journal and maybe get some of those entries up here when I'm back. Woo!

(Further scholarship woe: in addition to the stipend, I got the absolute minimum award the study abroad people give. I am a senior in my last semester with majors in international studies and history and minors in anthropology and French. A freshman biomedical engineering major was awarded the same sum. If you can make sense of this, I will bring you a cool souvenir. Like the Eiffel Tower.)

Life in Seven Lines

So, I dropped the creative writing class.

I'm 16 pages into my thesis and barely done with the introduction.

I'll be done with my Kansas application and ready to submit that later today.

It's my third week tutoring athletes in French.

I leave for my trip to Paris and Brussels in two weeks.

And I just wanna sleep for about a month.

Consider yourselves updated.

Maybe more of a POW camp . . .

Creative Writing Thursday was not so bad as Tuesday, but still not quite as nice at I had hoped.

We did two stories instead of one. One of these stories was absolutely amazing--it reminded me strongly of Poe--and the other was kiiinda at the opposite end of the spectrum. Interestingly, the class tore the good one to shreds and spared the other girl.

Weird.

It was still mostly people giving opinions on changing the story or what they would have done differently and the graduate student still didn't take control of the situation to preserve decorum.

But it went better.

End result? Not as willing to drop but still unsure.

Blah.

Speaking of unsure, I found another graduate program that seems interesting. Naturally, it's in a completely different field than the other two I have applied to/am applying to. The fact that I can't even narrow down what field I want to go into is really bothering me and making me second guess even going to graduate school at all right now.

Of course, if I don't do that, what will I do?

I don't like this whole real world thing where you make your own decisions. I miss kindergarten.

I want naptime. I want to color.

Give me some paper and crayons and leave me alone, world.

Workshop or Firing Squad?

. . . I mean, yikes.

I was seriously considering dropping my Creative Writing class, but I decided to keep it and have since crossed the academic Rubicon of the drop date.

After how the class "workshopped" the first story yesterday, maybe I should have thought about it a little harder.

We workshopped one story (which was, thankfully, not mine) because the other two people who were supposed to submit simply didn't. Now, this girl's story was by no means great, but it wasn't awful, either. She just needed a few things corrected (for example, 28-year-old women don't behave/talk like they are in high school) and some of the scenes expanded so that they made a little more sense.

That class ate this poor girl alive and spat her back out just to barbecue her and eat her again.

Holy cow.

People openly laughed at her, told her that her characters were stupid, that the way they behaved didn't make sense (though, they often did--she just had trouble expressing it on the page) and that the whole thing was generally bad. Expletives were frequently used.

I do not exaggerate. I am amazed the girl did not leave the room in tears.

If it had been my story, I probably would have.

Perhaps the most amazing thing, to me, was that the instructor--a graduate student--never stepped in to say the class was getting a little out of bounds; rather, he participated in the bashing.

Correct me if I am wrong, Amy, but it doesn't seem like this is how a workshop should function. I thought the idea was to use constructive criticism . . . not viciously tear the story (and author) limb from limb.

And, honestly, most of the criticism wasn't really valid. It was opinion. Most of the people in there apparently think their opinion is divinely inspired and the One True Path to Great Writing.

I am very interested in reading their stories to see if they can do much better.

Sheesh kebab.

Maaaybe I should take a W for this class.

Reviews . . . Reader's Digest-style

So I keep meaning to write reviews for everything I either watched or read over the winter break. While I would like to devote entire posts to each of the movies/books, I don't think it will ever happen because I'll keep putting it off until there are even more.

Ergo, you're all getting the abridged version.

Let us begin.

Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett is a lighthearted tale of the apocalypse gone wrong. It all begins when the Antichrist is accidentally dropped of with the wrong family and proceeds through many interesting, often humorous, turns before a poignant end. I had no previous experience of Pratchett and am only familiar with Gaiman because of Stardust (I've only seen the film . . . book is on the list!).

This book was good--easy reading and quite funny at times--but it didn't quite live up to the hype; this book was recommended to me as "hilarious" by a friend here in Memphis. Hilarious? No, though I did laugh out loud (literally) at one or two points. Humorous and entertaining? Yes--but I won't be rereading it or seeking out works by these two authors any time soon.

In my opinion, the beauty of Cameron's Avatar is almost beyond words. If you haven't seen it yet, go. Perhaps the best way to briefly summarize this movie is to call it "Pocahontas in space," though the similarity is relatively superficial. I haven't read too much about what other people have been saying about this movie, but from what I gather the main focus has been on the visual effects, which--while impressive--weren't the clincher for me.

Yes, the plot is a little lacking. Yes, some of the characters may be a little flat. However, the message is a good one and there are plenty of wonderful lines in the dialogue to make up for the insubstantial, sliiightly trite plot.

Of course, I'm going to love anything that combines a strong message on indigenous rights with science fiction/outer space. I may be biased in reviewing this movie, but it is my current favorite at the box office and the first film I have bothered to see three times in theatres since Return of the King. Go watch this movie--if you haven't already--and let me know your impressions.

City of Thieves by David Benioff was billed on the back cover as humorous. Considering it was a story about two prisoners trapped in Nazi besieged Leningrad during World War II, I had my doubts, but gave it a shot. It was entertaining at points, but I never found it funny. I enjoyed it, yes, but more as an accurate representation of the horrors war inflicts on a civilian population (a side you see less often than the patriotic heroics on the battlefield).

City of Thieves isn't long, but covers a wide array of situations--often disturbing--that hold you enthralled. The story is based upon the experiences of his grandfather, though it seems to have been highly fictionalized--if most of these events really happened, that old man deserves a medal.

For me, this book was perhaps the most interesting when juxtaposed with another I read a few years back, A Woman in Berlin. While City of Thieves chronicles the horrible things the Nazis put the Russians through during the siege, A Woman in Berlin was the published diary of a female journalist who lived through the Russian occupation of Berlin. It was interesting--and disheartening--to see the overlap in how occupiers treat the occupied. A dark comment on the human condition (though either book is worth your time).

(500) Days of Summer is to rent/own as Avatar is to theatre. I love this movie, and considering the preponderance of my readers are girls, this is probably the movie that most of you would enjoy the most of everything I've discussed, as well.

It's a love story but not, all the fun trappings of the traditional romantic comedy without the cliché and predictable plot--and with an interesting twist/moral to boot. It's indie, so it can be a little unusual at times, but never so far out there you can't enjoy it. Characters are fun, plot is believable, dialogue is funny . . . this movie is amazing. Ben introduced it to me while I was home over the break and within a week I had purchased my own copy and subjected 3 other people to this film. (So do yourself a favor and watch it before I force you.) Additionally, the soundtrack is amazing.

Anyway, I think that's it. I could be missing a couple, but those are the biggies.

Went to my "French Connection" class yesterday and am pretty excited. All the people in the class seem fun and I like the professor. He's supposed to email us the itinerary sometime this weekend, so I'll get it up soon for you to feel jealous. As a francophile, I am beyond excited to finally have Paris penciled in for the near future.

GRE and New Classes

Well, the GRE was about as bad as I expected: I've been too brain-dead to blog since Wednesday.

I did about 4 points above average on the quantitative (math) and did quite well on the verbal (English). I also feel confident in my two essays.

This, too, is about what I expected.

I would probably try to take it one more time if I could, but as there isn't time to do that and get the scores to Tulane, I'm just gonna stick with the score I got.

Getting the GRE out of the way didn't leave me any time to relax, however: classes started yesterday! Woo!

Le breakdown:

Creative Writing

This class is bigger that what I expected, especially for a workshop kinda class . . . there are probably 20 people or more in there. I have to get 2 stories finished over the course of the semester, which seems a little daunting, but feasible. Amy P-Shaw, you may get drafted to do first round editing before I turn my work over to complete strangers. If you're willing. :)

International Seminar

We will only be meeting 4 times over the course of the semester, most of our work being done independently. Basically, I choose an issue of international scope and write a 30-page paper about it. Probably gonna do something with indigenous rights.

Contemporary Theories in Anthropology

Interesting, though with the potential to try to kill me. This class meets once a week from 5:30-8:30 and talks about a bunch of particulars and points of view. Generally, I dislike courses on theory because none of these guys are totally right, the truth is somewhere in between all of the theories. I also have 3 papers due. Lots of writing this semester.

Those are the only three I've been to so far. I have 2 more classes on MW and one later this afternoon, the honors class with the trip to France and Belgium over the break. I'll cover those three later.

Additionally, I'm gonna look into getting my International Seminar paper counted as a thesis by the Honors people. We'll see how that goes.

And I may be tutoring. Have to meet with a guy today.

Promise to post something more interesting soon!

A Blessing and a Curse

So apparently a water main exploded earlier today at the site in Cordova where I was supposed to take the GRE and it will be closed until Tuesday.

I had to reschedule. Which, while frustrating, was less-so than one might have imagined because the woman on the other end of the line when I dialed the 800 number to reschedule was actually really nice, concerned, and helpful.

I suppose that's one aspect that fits under the heading "Blessing."

Others would include the fact that my new test time on Wednesday is at the University and not at some secret location out in the 'burbs and that I now have more time to study for the test.

Because, realistically, I was (read: am) not prepared to take the test right now.

So what falls under "Curse?"

I have a million different applications to work on right now and I wanted the GRE out of the way so there would be one less thing to stress about. It's snowing outside, for Pete's sake! I should be curled up with a book and a cup of chai right now, not memorizing vocabulary words and working math problems!

Also, while I now have more time to study, it means that I have less of an excuse to do poorly. If I mess it up, it's entirely on my head. Eek.

Anyway, I'm off to enjoy a cup of chai and a chapter or two before I hit the books again. Hopefully all of you are actually getting a chance to enjoy your winter!

Because it's easier than I thought it would be.

. . . And more fun than studying for the GRE.

1. I would see a movie for the sole purpose of this actor/actress being in it.
2. This was apparently a big deal the year I was born.
3. My favorite musical instrument.
4. A place I want to visit before I die.
5. A movie I have practically memorized.
6. Another place I want to visit before I die.
7. A show I watched as a child and actually miss.
8. What I wanted to be when I grew up, and am still striving to be.
9. One other place I want to visit before I die.
10. The person who said my favorite quote.
11. My favorite thing to eat.
12. Something that makes me laugh a lot.

Life in Recent Days

Having been away from the internet for a few weeks, I am drastically behind on reviews. This problem is compounded by the fact that Amy P-Shaw has written a particularly detailed review of the new Sherlock Holmes film, which raises the stakes and makes all my previous reviews look bad.

However, as I am lazy and not in the mood for writing about anything too deep or profound, I'm just going to give you a little update for now and save the five or six reviews I need to churn out for later.

It was really nice to be home for the holidays and get to visit with family, both in Cleveland and the 'Boro. After last semester I really needed the R&R that being home provided.

I got back in Memphis in time for New Year's Eve and had fun hanging out with Sarah and Marvin. The highlight of the evening was definitely Dick Clark counting down out of order. I cannot help but laugh, still, when I think of that.

Yes, I know. That makes me a horrible person.

But who didn't already know that?

This past weekend was also fun because John came down to Memphis and I got to spend Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday showing him the sights. Monday (you know, yesterday) morning we got up early--in the single digits--and I drove him down to Mississippi State to move into his dorm for the new semester.

And by dorm, I mean hotel suite.

Compared with what I am used to in Memphis, Mississippi State's campus was amazing. The buildings were pretty and well-kept, everything was clean, and I was not exaggerating when I compared John's dorm to a hotel. I mean, holy cow. Compared to that place, Richardson Towers was a Colombian prison. I will definitely be pickier when looking at grad schools.

Speaking of which . . . I need to get cracking on my applications.

I have given up on the MFA, in no small part because of the comments left by you on my last grad school-themed post. Instead, I'm applying to a couple different places for things that relate more closely to my undergrad fields of study.

Right now, I'm applying to Tulane and Kansas State for different things. I was also going to apply to Memphis as a back-up school, but--as I mentioned--having seen Mississippi State, I'm pretty much ready to get out of here as soon as possible.

Tulane is a good school with a decent history program. I'm applying there so I can get my Masters and possibly pursue a career as a history professor type person. Pros? I love history, I'd get summers off, and I could wear fun sweaters for the rest of my life. (Ever had a history professor who didn't wear sweaters? Didn't think so.) Cons? I would have to narrow my interest down to one particular field of history, like a specific region, and I am broad (read: fickle) enough in my historical interests that I don't know if I could spend the rest of my life delving into only one subject.

Kansas State wasn't on the plate until a couple nights ago when I was perusing the internet while Marvin and John watched football. They have a program there entitled Global Indigenous Nations Studies, which is a really long and complicated name. Pros? I love studying indigenous people and have been searching for a program like this for a while; as the name indicates, the focus is global--I don't have to narrow it down to one people group; there is a study abroad opportunity in Finland where you learn about the Saami (my favorite indigenous group); and the program is interdisciplinary, so I can combine my interests in history and anthropology. Cons? I have no idea what specifically I would do once I had earned such a degree and it's in Kansas, where I never in a million years would have imagined going.

Thoughts?

I also need to finish the application for funding to go to Paris over spring break and I have to study really hard for the GRE, which I am taking Saturday. There is also a tentative campus visit to Tulane in the works for the near future that needs to become less tentative soon or it won't happen.

*Heavy Sigh*

Growing up, blah.