If my word is my bond, I guess it is most like rubber cement... Does anyone really like that stuff? It's all brown and gross and isn't really effective keeping things stuck together... In other words, my bond SUCKS. I guess the whole, write for thirty minutes a day until April 30th went right down the tube. I really can't commit to anything for longer than a week... Sad. It's truly a wonder I am still married! Things have been crazy on the homefront this week. And on the workfront, and on the schoolfront, and .... yeah yeah yeah, you get it. I had to read a 200 page book, write a 5 page report on it and write a research paper within 2 days this last week. I am really starting to regret taking on an extra day a week at work, because I would be so much less stressed if I just had one more day to work on things. I am hoping to get not only caught up, but ahead while on Spring Break next week. Yeah, right. Right?
I am now finally somewhat back in business. I mailed my 9th and final grad school application on Wednesday and children in Japan probably heard my ridiculously loud and long sigh of relief. I am SO glad to finally be done with this process... All I can say is it BETTER be worth it! Now that I'm not so preoccupied and stressed with getting them finished, I am starting to feel the mounting anxiety and wonder if I will actually get into the schools I want to go to the most... I guess all I can do is wait and see.
This week has also been crazy (but kind of exciting) because I have been arranging the details of my (and Brett's) graduation. I really can't believe that I am really done in a month and a half... While me and my mom were e-mailing back and forth about the graduation ceremony the other day, she made an interesting point. I am the first of the "Parry" grandkids to graduate college. I don't know if that statement is 100 percent true (I am pretty sure at least a couple of my cousins started college...whether they finished or not is lost on me) but if so, it is really kinda crazy to think about. I know it is somewhat vain and gloaty to say that I am proud of myself, but I really think I am. I have worked my ass off for so long and now I feel that I finally have something to show for it.
Despite my excitement to once again be recognized in a pretty cheesy ceremony, I am also somewhat sad. My grandma Parry was a lot like me; strong, independent, etc. If I really am the first Parry grandkid to graduate, I am sure that she would be extremely proud. It has been really hard for me to not have her and my other grandparents around these past few years to share my most special moments with me. They were not there when I got my associates degree, or when I got back from my trip to France. It was extremely hard to not have them in the temple when me and Brett got married. That day was one I had been working towards for a really long time, and though it was one of the happiest days ever, I would have loved to share it with some of the most important people in my life.
Wow, I just started bawling even writing that... I am getting too nostalgic, and I don't even know where that came from... Well, It is now 2:30 a.m. and Roseanne is still on, so I think I'm going to try and relax from a long day at work and get some sleep. I'll try and be better about writing and find something to say tomorrow. Until then... Au revoir!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
But Mommy I Have a Headache!
So it is almost one in the morning, my head is pounding and I almost fell asleep on the drive home from work so I'm going to keep this one short.
In the midst of all I am learning about race and minorities this semester, I had an interesting thought the other day. When we talked about Affirmative Action in one of my classes, there seemed to be a general vibe that most people did not like the concept of AA much at all. An example was brought up by an annoying "know-it-all" who cited an instance where a white man was denyed acceptance into an incredible medical school despite having an immaculate academic record just because the school had to comply with the Affirmative Action regulations. Supposedly, the "African American" who took his place at the school scored much lower in his academic endeavors and this created quite a stir and had (and probably still has) many believing that Affirmative Action is just discrimination in reverse.
So, as I was running some errands, I noted my sheer annoyance at the lack of parking spaces close to the building besides all the empty handicap ones (yes, I am extremely lazy!). I found myself thinking... Hey, if you really think about it, ADA accomodations such as handicap parking stalls being required EVERYWHERE is kind of like Affirmative Action!
Think about it. I am sure at some point, you have like me, been annoyed that you were not able to park close to a store you were shopping at, and wished you had a handicap sticker on your car so you could get front row seats. Am I right? (Of course I am; I am always right!) But, when was the last time (or ANY time for that matter) that you heard someone protesting about the unfairness of disabled people getting all the good parking?? Probably never.
Some white Americans take issue with Affirmative Action and claim their reasoning to be: "I do not discriminate against minorities. I was never, nor would ever be a slave owner. Discrimination is a thing of the past!" and so on and so forth. Yet, they deny and are ignorant to the reality of what it really means to live as a minority in the United States. Most handicap people haven't been afforded their status at the hand of an ordinary white American like you or I. Most of us are probably ignorant to any form of discrimination we might impose on these unfortunate poeple, but the fact of the matter is, it is o.k. for us to help them by providing them with an unfair advantage at the expense of the rest of society.
Look at how many handicap parking stalls are EMPTY the next time you go to the grocery store. There will probably be a lot. So why aren't we getting pissed about this? Because for some reason, handicap people are seen as "more deserving" than minorities. I don't remember reading anywhere in history that my anscestors monstorously created a bomb that caused many handicap people today to take on their disability, so really, I am in NO way responsible for their condition. Yet, you and I don't have a problem that they receive certain benefits that we dont. But, when we want to provide opportunities for black people (or other minorities) we raise a ruckus and say "It isn't fair!" despite the documented, disgusting mistreatment our ancestors put many of their ancestors through. AHHHH!!! White people can be so freaking ridiculous!
Now, I am not saying that I agree with Affirmative Action; In the case of the medical student, I don't believe it was fair that he busted his ass and someone of color got in with a lower g.p.a. and he was left out on the street. But that fact of the matter is, we as Americans are SO ignorant it is disgusting! Even if the guy didn't get into medical school, he will surely have many other opportunities just because he is white. The black man probably would not have been as lucky.
Obviously, ADA accomodations and Affirmative Action are not the same thing, and I would never take my argument like this to court. However, I think it somewhat does prove the point that as a society, we determine who it is ok to help out, and those who aren't as worthy of our assistance. Americans should be getting off of their lazy asses, turning off their 52" plasma screen HDTV's and reading books on these issues so they will quit circling these ridulous, prejudice beliefs from generation to generation. Or, better yet, they should go make friends with the many minorities that live all around them! I'm sure they would learn a thing or two hundred!
Well, I am freaking tired, so off to bed I go... So much for a short post, eh? I hope I don't sound too ridiculous because my sleepiness is really starting to take over.
Peace out.
In the midst of all I am learning about race and minorities this semester, I had an interesting thought the other day. When we talked about Affirmative Action in one of my classes, there seemed to be a general vibe that most people did not like the concept of AA much at all. An example was brought up by an annoying "know-it-all" who cited an instance where a white man was denyed acceptance into an incredible medical school despite having an immaculate academic record just because the school had to comply with the Affirmative Action regulations. Supposedly, the "African American" who took his place at the school scored much lower in his academic endeavors and this created quite a stir and had (and probably still has) many believing that Affirmative Action is just discrimination in reverse.
So, as I was running some errands, I noted my sheer annoyance at the lack of parking spaces close to the building besides all the empty handicap ones (yes, I am extremely lazy!). I found myself thinking... Hey, if you really think about it, ADA accomodations such as handicap parking stalls being required EVERYWHERE is kind of like Affirmative Action!
Think about it. I am sure at some point, you have like me, been annoyed that you were not able to park close to a store you were shopping at, and wished you had a handicap sticker on your car so you could get front row seats. Am I right? (Of course I am; I am always right!) But, when was the last time (or ANY time for that matter) that you heard someone protesting about the unfairness of disabled people getting all the good parking?? Probably never.
Some white Americans take issue with Affirmative Action and claim their reasoning to be: "I do not discriminate against minorities. I was never, nor would ever be a slave owner. Discrimination is a thing of the past!" and so on and so forth. Yet, they deny and are ignorant to the reality of what it really means to live as a minority in the United States. Most handicap people haven't been afforded their status at the hand of an ordinary white American like you or I. Most of us are probably ignorant to any form of discrimination we might impose on these unfortunate poeple, but the fact of the matter is, it is o.k. for us to help them by providing them with an unfair advantage at the expense of the rest of society.
Look at how many handicap parking stalls are EMPTY the next time you go to the grocery store. There will probably be a lot. So why aren't we getting pissed about this? Because for some reason, handicap people are seen as "more deserving" than minorities. I don't remember reading anywhere in history that my anscestors monstorously created a bomb that caused many handicap people today to take on their disability, so really, I am in NO way responsible for their condition. Yet, you and I don't have a problem that they receive certain benefits that we dont. But, when we want to provide opportunities for black people (or other minorities) we raise a ruckus and say "It isn't fair!" despite the documented, disgusting mistreatment our ancestors put many of their ancestors through. AHHHH!!! White people can be so freaking ridiculous!
Now, I am not saying that I agree with Affirmative Action; In the case of the medical student, I don't believe it was fair that he busted his ass and someone of color got in with a lower g.p.a. and he was left out on the street. But that fact of the matter is, we as Americans are SO ignorant it is disgusting! Even if the guy didn't get into medical school, he will surely have many other opportunities just because he is white. The black man probably would not have been as lucky.
Obviously, ADA accomodations and Affirmative Action are not the same thing, and I would never take my argument like this to court. However, I think it somewhat does prove the point that as a society, we determine who it is ok to help out, and those who aren't as worthy of our assistance. Americans should be getting off of their lazy asses, turning off their 52" plasma screen HDTV's and reading books on these issues so they will quit circling these ridulous, prejudice beliefs from generation to generation. Or, better yet, they should go make friends with the many minorities that live all around them! I'm sure they would learn a thing or two hundred!
Well, I am freaking tired, so off to bed I go... So much for a short post, eh? I hope I don't sound too ridiculous because my sleepiness is really starting to take over.
Peace out.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
The Never-Ending To-Do List
Because I just spent two hours reading about women who kill their children (this was required for a class, I promise, I'm not completely psycho), I feel like keeping it light and simple today.
Just when I thought my stress level would finally diminish because almost all of my grad school applications are signed, sealed and delivered, I realized that never will I find myself that lucky. Today I have felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of things on my current to-do list, so I figure I would spare you (and me) the details of that list. However, because I am so good at making lists, I thought I would take a minute to think about the big and not-so-big things I hope to accomplish this summer before I submit myself to another grueling two years of academics. So, here goes:
1. Vacation!
It has been so long since I have actually spent some serious FUN time! Sure, me and Brett used to play around at Zion and Vegas all the time, but our adventures were like Nancy Drew books. Youthful and exciting, but usually done by the end of the day. No, I want the real deal. A week long cruise, a trip to sandals maybe. It must be somewhere tropical and VERY warm. And it must require round trip airfare. I have been craving an airplane ride like you wouldn't believe! I want to enjoy that stroll through the airport, looking through books at the little shops and buying the most recent addition John Grisham has made to the world of courtroom (or law office) fiction. Yes, some serious vacationing this summer is a MUST.
2. Upload the rest of my CD collection on my laptop
Yeah, this one is pretty stupid, but oh-so-necessary. I have an annoying cardboard box at my bedside that has been there since I moved into this place... Because most of my old cds are mixes I made myself back in my hardcore downloading days, ITunes does not recognize them, so it takes me like an hour search the song titles so I can burn each one onto my painfully slow laptop. It won't be fun, but it sure needs to be done! (Haha. That rhymed!)
3. Spring cleaning
Because of our ridiculously busy lives, Brett and I don't have much time for cleaning. Well, sincere cleaning, I should say. Most of the time I will not tolerate a messy house; everything needs to be tidy before I start my homework or go to bed or I just cannot focus! Yes, sadly I am one of those freakishly anal people. However, I haven't had time to really get down and scrub the place, and it is beginning to look worse and worse by the day. The end of May we will either be preparing for a move-out or a lease-renewal, so either way, I am left with a mission: to make the place sparkle!
4. Catch up on my recreational reading
One thing I hate about school is the fact that I never have time to read anything I want! Half of my life used to be spent getting lost in the words of amazing authors, but college has deprived me of this, and summer is the only time I get to kick back and truly unwind to a good read. The tops on this summer's reading list: Identical by Ellen Hopkins, The Associate and Ford County Stories by John Grisham, Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, and Being Sixteen by Allyson Condie.
5. Plan movie/game nights once a week with family/friends
One thing that we haven't done since moving into our house, is throw a house party! Sure, Brett and I have had a few guests over, but nothing too exciting. We use our busy lives as an excuse (a sincere one, but still...) to socially isolate ourselves, but I am going crazy from the lack of interaction with other adults! Dealing with irritable, hormonal teens, and fidgety five year olds most of the week leaves me less than satisfied, and I am ready for some intelligent conversation and fun.
6. Watch all the seasons of Roseanne
Brett was kind enough to buy me 2 seasons for Christmas, and his mom and dad gave us another two. Though we watch it almost every night on TV Land or Nick at Nite, I would love to sit down and watch it from the beginning. And to think, I used to hate the madly, hilarious woman... What was I thinking?!
7. Work on my book
I decided just over a year ago that I need to write a book. I have always enjoyed writing and once dreamed about being an author, but life has led me in so many different directions. However, after reading some freaking great books and getting to know some amazing, wonderful people, I have been inspired to put my life to work and go back and write the the novel that I dreamed of writing as a teen. I have thought of so many ways to put the dang thing together, but every time I start writing I get stuck. Hopefully with summer days wide open, I can finally get somewhere.
8. Finish my France scrapbook
I have been working on this thing far to long and I just need to finish it. With the rate I have been going with it, I will make it back to France before I even finish the dang thing!
9. Clean out my closet
Isn't it kind of crazy how many clothes girls have? I really don't have all that many, but after moving in with Brett, I realized just how many clothes I still have that don't even fit/look good anymore. As much as I would love to think that some of them might be nice to have when I "get back in shape," it will never happen, so it's time to let go!
Last but not least....
10. Work on earning my Americorps service hours
I hope to do this in as many ways as possible. I don't want to be stuck in one boring place like I seem to have done in the past. I hope to find as many cool non-profit orgs around here so I can meet lots of people while I try to make a difference.
Whew! Well, now that I got that all out, I better get back to accomplishing the things on this week's to-do list.
In the words of Tigger, "TTFN-Ta ta for now!"
Just when I thought my stress level would finally diminish because almost all of my grad school applications are signed, sealed and delivered, I realized that never will I find myself that lucky. Today I have felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of things on my current to-do list, so I figure I would spare you (and me) the details of that list. However, because I am so good at making lists, I thought I would take a minute to think about the big and not-so-big things I hope to accomplish this summer before I submit myself to another grueling two years of academics. So, here goes:
1. Vacation!
It has been so long since I have actually spent some serious FUN time! Sure, me and Brett used to play around at Zion and Vegas all the time, but our adventures were like Nancy Drew books. Youthful and exciting, but usually done by the end of the day. No, I want the real deal. A week long cruise, a trip to sandals maybe. It must be somewhere tropical and VERY warm. And it must require round trip airfare. I have been craving an airplane ride like you wouldn't believe! I want to enjoy that stroll through the airport, looking through books at the little shops and buying the most recent addition John Grisham has made to the world of courtroom (or law office) fiction. Yes, some serious vacationing this summer is a MUST.
2. Upload the rest of my CD collection on my laptop
Yeah, this one is pretty stupid, but oh-so-necessary. I have an annoying cardboard box at my bedside that has been there since I moved into this place... Because most of my old cds are mixes I made myself back in my hardcore downloading days, ITunes does not recognize them, so it takes me like an hour search the song titles so I can burn each one onto my painfully slow laptop. It won't be fun, but it sure needs to be done! (Haha. That rhymed!)
3. Spring cleaning
Because of our ridiculously busy lives, Brett and I don't have much time for cleaning. Well, sincere cleaning, I should say. Most of the time I will not tolerate a messy house; everything needs to be tidy before I start my homework or go to bed or I just cannot focus! Yes, sadly I am one of those freakishly anal people. However, I haven't had time to really get down and scrub the place, and it is beginning to look worse and worse by the day. The end of May we will either be preparing for a move-out or a lease-renewal, so either way, I am left with a mission: to make the place sparkle!
4. Catch up on my recreational reading
One thing I hate about school is the fact that I never have time to read anything I want! Half of my life used to be spent getting lost in the words of amazing authors, but college has deprived me of this, and summer is the only time I get to kick back and truly unwind to a good read. The tops on this summer's reading list: Identical by Ellen Hopkins, The Associate and Ford County Stories by John Grisham, Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, and Being Sixteen by Allyson Condie.
5. Plan movie/game nights once a week with family/friends
One thing that we haven't done since moving into our house, is throw a house party! Sure, Brett and I have had a few guests over, but nothing too exciting. We use our busy lives as an excuse (a sincere one, but still...) to socially isolate ourselves, but I am going crazy from the lack of interaction with other adults! Dealing with irritable, hormonal teens, and fidgety five year olds most of the week leaves me less than satisfied, and I am ready for some intelligent conversation and fun.
6. Watch all the seasons of Roseanne
Brett was kind enough to buy me 2 seasons for Christmas, and his mom and dad gave us another two. Though we watch it almost every night on TV Land or Nick at Nite, I would love to sit down and watch it from the beginning. And to think, I used to hate the madly, hilarious woman... What was I thinking?!
7. Work on my book
I decided just over a year ago that I need to write a book. I have always enjoyed writing and once dreamed about being an author, but life has led me in so many different directions. However, after reading some freaking great books and getting to know some amazing, wonderful people, I have been inspired to put my life to work and go back and write the the novel that I dreamed of writing as a teen. I have thought of so many ways to put the dang thing together, but every time I start writing I get stuck. Hopefully with summer days wide open, I can finally get somewhere.
8. Finish my France scrapbook
I have been working on this thing far to long and I just need to finish it. With the rate I have been going with it, I will make it back to France before I even finish the dang thing!
9. Clean out my closet
Isn't it kind of crazy how many clothes girls have? I really don't have all that many, but after moving in with Brett, I realized just how many clothes I still have that don't even fit/look good anymore. As much as I would love to think that some of them might be nice to have when I "get back in shape," it will never happen, so it's time to let go!
Last but not least....
10. Work on earning my Americorps service hours
I hope to do this in as many ways as possible. I don't want to be stuck in one boring place like I seem to have done in the past. I hope to find as many cool non-profit orgs around here so I can meet lots of people while I try to make a difference.
Whew! Well, now that I got that all out, I better get back to accomplishing the things on this week's to-do list.
In the words of Tigger, "TTFN-Ta ta for now!"
Monday, March 1, 2010
Awaiting the Almighty Landlord
So, a couple hours ago I got a call from my landlord...
"I haven't got a check from you, yet... I'm on my way to the complex for 'some other business,' could I stop by and get your rent payment?"
CRAAAAAP.
What with all the craziness going on in my life, I have done everything but pay my rent. Luckily she called me, or I would have honestly forgotten. How silly is that? So, while I'm sitting here waiting for her to show up, I am procrastinating other homework and refraining from doing all the things I need to before the in-laws show up to stay the night which includes:
*taking brett's car to the shop
*grocery shopping (so i can feed the weary travelers!)
*clean my house (this hasn't been done in awhile, so the place is looking a bit scary)
*workout (i need to keep it up so i can earn my massage!!)
*clean howard's tank
*submit brett's scholarship application
*read 5 chapters (ok i'm exaggerating a bit on this one) for tomorrow's classes
*shower and make myself presentable
I have approximately 2 1/2 hours to do all of that, and I have already wasted 2 precious hours today laying in bed watching t.v. because I am just SO tired! Do you think I can all that before they get here? Nah, me neither. So while I'm waiting for old maid to show up, I'll blog.
What possible topic could I get lost in today? How about I rant about the clearance signs on the overpasses every 20 miles or so on the interstate... Have you ever noticed those? Well, I have. This last weekend during my roadtrip to Cedar City and back I actually payed quite a bit of attention to them. I found myself wondering this: The clearance sign says 9', but what happens when randomly, a foreign trucker (or someone with a REALLY tall trailer or something) is cruising down the-15 and comes upon one of these overpasses and realizes that his cargo is 10' tall?
I mean, this probably would never happen in a million years, but what if it did?? He would be freaking screwed! He would have to slam on his brakes to avoid hitting the bridge (which I'm betting might happen anyway because most truck drivers are crazy and oblivious and I'm sure this guy would be too if he was driving a too-tall truck). Because of the number of Utahns who think it is ok to tailgate, I'm sure the dude would have like 10 cars crash into the back of him within 3 minutes. Because most of these little bridges are out in the middle of NOWHERE, there would be no way for the diesel to take a nearby offramp and find an alternate route; This leaves him with quite a predicament. I mean, what else can he do but flip a U-ey? (wow, I have no idea how to spell that) Think of the ensuing disaster that would likely occur if he attempted such a feat... Wow. All that because his truck is a foot too tall... Do you think this has ever happened? I am sure it hasn't, but when you think about it, it's kind of funny to picture.
Or maybe just to me.
Well, the rent nazi finally came to pick up her check so I'll get back to the rest of my errands. 2 hours and counting.... Wish me luck.
"I haven't got a check from you, yet... I'm on my way to the complex for 'some other business,' could I stop by and get your rent payment?"
CRAAAAAP.
What with all the craziness going on in my life, I have done everything but pay my rent. Luckily she called me, or I would have honestly forgotten. How silly is that? So, while I'm sitting here waiting for her to show up, I am procrastinating other homework and refraining from doing all the things I need to before the in-laws show up to stay the night which includes:
*taking brett's car to the shop
*grocery shopping (so i can feed the weary travelers!)
*clean my house (this hasn't been done in awhile, so the place is looking a bit scary)
*workout (i need to keep it up so i can earn my massage!!)
*clean howard's tank
*submit brett's scholarship application
*read 5 chapters (ok i'm exaggerating a bit on this one) for tomorrow's classes
*shower and make myself presentable
I have approximately 2 1/2 hours to do all of that, and I have already wasted 2 precious hours today laying in bed watching t.v. because I am just SO tired! Do you think I can all that before they get here? Nah, me neither. So while I'm waiting for old maid to show up, I'll blog.
What possible topic could I get lost in today? How about I rant about the clearance signs on the overpasses every 20 miles or so on the interstate... Have you ever noticed those? Well, I have. This last weekend during my roadtrip to Cedar City and back I actually payed quite a bit of attention to them. I found myself wondering this: The clearance sign says 9', but what happens when randomly, a foreign trucker (or someone with a REALLY tall trailer or something) is cruising down the-15 and comes upon one of these overpasses and realizes that his cargo is 10' tall?
I mean, this probably would never happen in a million years, but what if it did?? He would be freaking screwed! He would have to slam on his brakes to avoid hitting the bridge (which I'm betting might happen anyway because most truck drivers are crazy and oblivious and I'm sure this guy would be too if he was driving a too-tall truck). Because of the number of Utahns who think it is ok to tailgate, I'm sure the dude would have like 10 cars crash into the back of him within 3 minutes. Because most of these little bridges are out in the middle of NOWHERE, there would be no way for the diesel to take a nearby offramp and find an alternate route; This leaves him with quite a predicament. I mean, what else can he do but flip a U-ey? (wow, I have no idea how to spell that) Think of the ensuing disaster that would likely occur if he attempted such a feat... Wow. All that because his truck is a foot too tall... Do you think this has ever happened? I am sure it hasn't, but when you think about it, it's kind of funny to picture.
Or maybe just to me.
Well, the rent nazi finally came to pick up her check so I'll get back to the rest of my errands. 2 hours and counting.... Wish me luck.
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