school started on Thursday. my productivity has since risen about 500 percent. really. still, the satisfaction of productivity never outweighs the supreme relief of break, the joy of watching many tv show episodes (new favs discovered: Dexter and Robot Chicken; old favs revisited: Doctor Who topping that list!), days where I'm searching for something to do, social interaction without guilt(!), actually cleaning and cooking, being snowed in and not being anxious about catching up in school work, and brain recovery!
but, I'm glad to be back. it's the next step on my path toward being a degree holder and getting back into Parks & Rec. it surprises me how much I miss the park, my park. :-) I love where I am now, but it's not the same. while it's a great fit for me right now, it's not where I plan to be for years, and I want to get back to that place where my investment will pay off greatly.
anyways, this semester I have a lot of electives and only one bad class. the bad class is re-doing the math class I failed this fall. blerg. outside of that tho, I have British Lit II (19th century to present), General Psych, Appalachian Culture, and World Religions. a lot of reading will be involved, but I enjoy it and can knock it out quickly.
we had a good New Year, went to Atlanta for a Black Lips concert. I survived the show without having beer flung on me, being hit in the head with a empty or partially empty beer can, or being spit on, so it was a successful night! Aside from getting second-hand smokers cough. Atlanta is beautiful and I want to go back and spend more time walking and looking up at the buildings (yes, I'm a small town girl). Kyle's GPS was wonderful and make the navigating easy and painless as opposed to: "I think this is your turn!" "are you sure!?" "yes, yes, get over now!" "oops...now what..."
my goals for the new year are to keep my grades high, bike more, and actually do some over night hiking/camping trips. we've decided that we're going to hike the Appalachian Trail at some point, so building and endurance is a priority for this year. it's yet to be decided if we want to thru-hike the trail, or just stick with section hiking. we definately plan on starting with section hiking regardless. i'm excited about it!
i feel a little justified for the months (has it really been months?!) of absence now.
many wishes for love and happiness for you all!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Sunday, December 27, 2009
The world grows....
I used to feel that as I got older and had lived more of my life, that the world was growing smaller. People I knew were acquaintances of other people I knew, spreading outwards like little webs, surprising me as they burst into existence once a degree of connection was made.
But now, I feel that the world is more connected, and wouldn’t be surprised if I travel to Germany and found a mutual friend!
I like this global thing.
But now, I feel that the world is more connected, and wouldn’t be surprised if I travel to Germany and found a mutual friend!
I like this global thing.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
apologies
My apologies for the long long asbence! My life is consisting of school, studies, failure fears, and work. Wednesday morning I'll be through with the most stressful part of my life, the school part, and maybe then I'll return to the world of meaningful blogging!
Love!
Love!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
The best things about winter
1. Thai Kitchen Noodle Soup Bowls
My favorite is the Spring Onion. I could probably eat about 3 of these a day. You can bowls or pouches. I prefer the bowls, it keeps me from toting a reak bowl around with me everywhere. The best thing tho, is that the soups are made with rice noodles, making them gluten free. While I don't have a gluten allergy, I am sensitive to it at times and this is a tasty way to get pasta without wheat!
2. Emergen-C
Tasty and loaded with good stuff to avoid sickness!
3. Boots. Need I say more? Cozy shoes and socks, to overcome the coldest, muddiest, iciest days.
4. Polenta and cheese. Comfort food FTW!
5. Hats.
For real. I love hats, but in the winter they keep my little short-haired head warm!
6. Hot beverages such as the chocolate, coffee and tea types.
7. Flannel. The best clothing item when the chill takes over!
8. Christmas lights Love them! I have that trashy, tackyness that longs for them year round!
9. Incense I like it more in the winter since Nag Champa especially makes my house smell warm and cozy. And there are other scents like evergreen that are quite festive as well!
10. Movies and computers When it's too cold and nasty to enjoy being outside, it's time for the next best thing: time killing!
11. Alcohol Mm...yes.
I'm sure there's more...but those are the most memorable things.
My favorite is the Spring Onion. I could probably eat about 3 of these a day. You can bowls or pouches. I prefer the bowls, it keeps me from toting a reak bowl around with me everywhere. The best thing tho, is that the soups are made with rice noodles, making them gluten free. While I don't have a gluten allergy, I am sensitive to it at times and this is a tasty way to get pasta without wheat!
2. Emergen-C
Tasty and loaded with good stuff to avoid sickness!
3. Boots. Need I say more? Cozy shoes and socks, to overcome the coldest, muddiest, iciest days.
4. Polenta and cheese. Comfort food FTW!
5. Hats.
For real. I love hats, but in the winter they keep my little short-haired head warm!
6. Hot beverages such as the chocolate, coffee and tea types.
7. Flannel. The best clothing item when the chill takes over!
8. Christmas lights Love them! I have that trashy, tackyness that longs for them year round!
9. Incense I like it more in the winter since Nag Champa especially makes my house smell warm and cozy. And there are other scents like evergreen that are quite festive as well!
10. Movies and computers When it's too cold and nasty to enjoy being outside, it's time for the next best thing: time killing!
11. Alcohol Mm...yes.
I'm sure there's more...but those are the most memorable things.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Proust
Since I've been so absent for a while, and don't seem to have any brilliant things to share, I decided to do the Proust Questionnaire. I've done it once before, almost ayear ago and I've decided to do it at least once a year, just to see how my answers have changed.
WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS?
The Beach Vacation Feeling, IE perfect relaxation, stimulation, good food and drink, no cares, and Kyle!
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR?
Loss. In almost any form.
WHAT IS THE TRAIT YOU MOST DEPLORE IN YOURSELF?
Ah, my good ol' laziness! I just can't help it!
WHAT IS THE TRAIT YOU MOST DEPLORE IN OTHERS?
Ignorance and intolerance.
WHICH LIVING PERSON DO YOU MOST ADMIRE?
First and foremost, Kyle. I've watched him grow and change himself into such a strong man, sure of exactly who he is and want he wants. And then Tim. Tim exposed me to what has ended up being the thing I enjoy the most in the world (outside of my life with Kyle), and is such an encouragement and roll model to me and has helped me out so much!
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE?
little things, presents, travel!
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT STATE OF MIND?
Happy, eager, impatient! :-)
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER THE MOST OVERRATED VIRTUE?
Humility.
WHAT DO YOU MOST DISLIKE ABOUT YOUR APPEARANCE?
My child-baring hips!
WHICH LIVING PERSON DO YOU MOST DESPISE?
No one particular person, just people who refuse to better themselves.
WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST LIKE IN A MAN?
Understanding and Leadership
WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST LIKE IN A WOMAN?
Understanding and empathy
WHICH WORDS OR PHRASES DO YOU MOST OVERUSE?
Dude, awesome, jus' saying
WHAT OR WHO IS THE GREATEST LOVE OF YOUR LIFE?
Kyle!
WHEN AND WHERE WERE YOU HAPPIEST?
The days following our engagement, our honeymoon, pretty much any time off that we get together!
WHICH TALENT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE?
To play a lot of musical instruments!
IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Iah, that I put everything off, even at the loss of my performance level
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
I'm working on it right now! But probably actually taking the initiative and doing what I have to do to accomplish my goal.
IF YOU WERE TO DIE AND COME BACK AS A PERSON OR A THING, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
A squirrel! No doubt!
WHERE WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO LIVE?
Here, but on 5+ acres on a mountain side!
WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?
The letters and emails that Kyle and I wrote back and forth when were first starting our romantic relationship, my 1 year anniversary earrings, and the handmade quilt that was my great grandmothers and then my mothers.
WHAT DO YOU REGARD AS THE LOWEST DEPTH OF MISERY?
Losing one that you love.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE OCCUPATION?
Parks and Recreation Management!
WHAT IS YOUR MOST MARKED CHARACTERISTIC?
For anyone that knows me physically, my expressions and weird sound effects! :-) That I'm super chill!
WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS?
Depth.
WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE WRITERS?
Kundera, Gregory Mcguire, CS Lewis
WHO IS YOUR HERO OF FICTION?
Jane in That Hideous Strength by CS Lewis
WHO ARE YOUR HEROES IN REAL LIFE?
Well... Kyle, Tim, my dad, Gwen Stefani
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE NAMES?
The ones that aren't super common, like Eden. If I have a kid, a girl, she's Eden.
WHAT IS IT THAT YOU MOST DISLIKE?
Intolerance and ignorance.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST REGRET?
Not doing more with my time.
HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO DIE?
Unaware!
WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Pretty much love and live.
:-)
WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF PERFECT HAPPINESS?
The Beach Vacation Feeling, IE perfect relaxation, stimulation, good food and drink, no cares, and Kyle!
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR?
Loss. In almost any form.
WHAT IS THE TRAIT YOU MOST DEPLORE IN YOURSELF?
Ah, my good ol' laziness! I just can't help it!
WHAT IS THE TRAIT YOU MOST DEPLORE IN OTHERS?
Ignorance and intolerance.
WHICH LIVING PERSON DO YOU MOST ADMIRE?
First and foremost, Kyle. I've watched him grow and change himself into such a strong man, sure of exactly who he is and want he wants. And then Tim. Tim exposed me to what has ended up being the thing I enjoy the most in the world (outside of my life with Kyle), and is such an encouragement and roll model to me and has helped me out so much!
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST EXTRAVAGANCE?
little things, presents, travel!
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT STATE OF MIND?
Happy, eager, impatient! :-)
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER THE MOST OVERRATED VIRTUE?
Humility.
WHAT DO YOU MOST DISLIKE ABOUT YOUR APPEARANCE?
My child-baring hips!
WHICH LIVING PERSON DO YOU MOST DESPISE?
No one particular person, just people who refuse to better themselves.
WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST LIKE IN A MAN?
Understanding and Leadership
WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST LIKE IN A WOMAN?
Understanding and empathy
WHICH WORDS OR PHRASES DO YOU MOST OVERUSE?
Dude, awesome, jus' saying
WHAT OR WHO IS THE GREATEST LOVE OF YOUR LIFE?
Kyle!
WHEN AND WHERE WERE YOU HAPPIEST?
The days following our engagement, our honeymoon, pretty much any time off that we get together!
WHICH TALENT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO HAVE?
To play a lot of musical instruments!
IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Iah, that I put everything off, even at the loss of my performance level
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
I'm working on it right now! But probably actually taking the initiative and doing what I have to do to accomplish my goal.
IF YOU WERE TO DIE AND COME BACK AS A PERSON OR A THING, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
A squirrel! No doubt!
WHERE WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO LIVE?
Here, but on 5+ acres on a mountain side!
WHAT IS YOUR MOST TREASURED POSSESSION?
The letters and emails that Kyle and I wrote back and forth when were first starting our romantic relationship, my 1 year anniversary earrings, and the handmade quilt that was my great grandmothers and then my mothers.
WHAT DO YOU REGARD AS THE LOWEST DEPTH OF MISERY?
Losing one that you love.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE OCCUPATION?
Parks and Recreation Management!
WHAT IS YOUR MOST MARKED CHARACTERISTIC?
For anyone that knows me physically, my expressions and weird sound effects! :-) That I'm super chill!
WHAT DO YOU MOST VALUE IN YOUR FRIENDS?
Depth.
WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE WRITERS?
Kundera, Gregory Mcguire, CS Lewis
WHO IS YOUR HERO OF FICTION?
Jane in That Hideous Strength by CS Lewis
WHO ARE YOUR HEROES IN REAL LIFE?
Well... Kyle, Tim, my dad, Gwen Stefani
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE NAMES?
The ones that aren't super common, like Eden. If I have a kid, a girl, she's Eden.
WHAT IS IT THAT YOU MOST DISLIKE?
Intolerance and ignorance.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST REGRET?
Not doing more with my time.
HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO DIE?
Unaware!
WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Pretty much love and live.
:-)
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Today...
Today is my mother's birthday. She would have been 44. She and my dad would have been married 22 years. And this past year would have been completely different.
Happy Birthday Mama! I love you.
Happy Birthday Mama! I love you.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
...
I like to think of myself as intellectual and smart, uniquely qualified to live my life simply and fully due to my strange upbringing, the opportunities that have been given me, the values and skills I possess that have been/are recognized by great people, and motivation to do exactly as I desire with the support of those great people and Kyle.
After writing that all out and re-reading, I sound arrogant, don't I? But I don't feel as if that's wrong. I am Laura, completely different and skilled from everyone else in the world. I can do it, and if I want to, I will. [I am woman, hear me roar] The people who see that and value it in me are amazing, and are the most incredible supporters. They feed me confidence and show me my strengths. I love them and admire them for that.
I am blessed to have those people, so very blessed. I was talking with one of them the other day, about how supporting relationships shouldn't be so much about what 'they can do for me' but 'what can I do for them.' Afterwards, thinking about the conversation, I realized that's a mindset, and quality. I've always enjoyed going out and helping people with things--be it compiling information, researching, bringing them little gifts, notes, working/volunteering at events. And I think, as long as I'm able to enjoy being helpful, there will always be someone wise and helpful nearby who sees that, and will have the same attitude towards me.
Let's hope so!
After writing that all out and re-reading, I sound arrogant, don't I? But I don't feel as if that's wrong. I am Laura, completely different and skilled from everyone else in the world. I can do it, and if I want to, I will. [I am woman, hear me roar] The people who see that and value it in me are amazing, and are the most incredible supporters. They feed me confidence and show me my strengths. I love them and admire them for that.
I am blessed to have those people, so very blessed. I was talking with one of them the other day, about how supporting relationships shouldn't be so much about what 'they can do for me' but 'what can I do for them.' Afterwards, thinking about the conversation, I realized that's a mindset, and quality. I've always enjoyed going out and helping people with things--be it compiling information, researching, bringing them little gifts, notes, working/volunteering at events. And I think, as long as I'm able to enjoy being helpful, there will always be someone wise and helpful nearby who sees that, and will have the same attitude towards me.
Let's hope so!
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