Wow. New York = Crazy.
First off, graduate classes here are very similar to high school. We do a lot of ungraded work, we "work together in groups" and we have projects instead of papers and quizzes. I'm not complaining. If anyone wants to breeze through graduate school, I highly recommend the CUNY system. If you want a legitimately good education, however, perhaps you would be best served by going elsewhere.
I have the same group of about 20 kids in both of my classes, which is fine since I like all of them. There's one other group of Spanish fellows up here, and I really dislike about half of them, so I guess that I got lucky to be in the class that I am. I have one psych class, one spanish ed class, and one Teaching Fellows class (the biggest joke of them all).
Second off, my job rocks. I will be working at a 6-12 building, teaching Spanish to 8/9. THe school is allied with the College Board, which means it's a highly preparatory school, lots of AP, and it gets lots of money funneled in through the College Board. Fantastic. Some of the kids are rough, but a lot of them are dedicated. My eighth grade should be good--the middle schoolers have to interview to be accepted in to the program, show good grades, etc. My 9th graders could be a challenge--they come from anywhere and everywhere. The teacher is pretty cool. I also get to design one class of my own, so I'm going to do a Speech class first semester, and then second semester offer it again along with a competitive Forensics team. I'm pretty pumped about that.
Finally, New York City. Honestly, I've been so exhausted from class that I haven't done much over the week. WE leave for class at 7 am, and don't get home until 7 or 8, and then we have a bit of homework, must search out dinner, etc. Friday I went out with a friend from the program. Originally we planned for an easy night--we'd see a movie, maybe get ice cream or something, go home. But one of her friends from the area called in the middle of the movie (Evan Almighty, which I liked better than Bruce Almighy, but maybe that's just because I adore Steve Carell) and invited us to the Village for drinks. So we went out with him and his gorgeous Brazilian roommate. And we went around. And around. And around. And I came home at 6 am, which I have NEVER done before (in memory). And then, as you know, I cannot sleep in, so I woke up at nine.
Anyway, there are a billion things to do in NY, but nothing is free. Except drinking, because guys here will buy any girl anything she wants. Which is really kind of sad. My goal is to find free things to do, and dorky friends to do them with. Wish me luck. Because neither my wallet nor my not-delicate figure can handle nights upon nights of boozin
Later, gatorz
J
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Monday, June 18, 2007
I Got A Job!
Yes, this whole "every other post will be a book review" is failing madly. My most profound apologies.
Buuuuuuuutttt.t . .I got offered a job today! My first real, post-college, career-bound job, teaching High School Spanish in the South Bronx.
I move into my sublet tomorrow. Whooot.
And I start classes tomorrow. I'me xhausted, sweaty, and a job peed on my feet.
Buuuuuuuutttt.t . .I got offered a job today! My first real, post-college, career-bound job, teaching High School Spanish in the South Bronx.
I move into my sublet tomorrow. Whooot.
And I start classes tomorrow. I'me xhausted, sweaty, and a job peed on my feet.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Taking A Bite Out of the Big Apple
Well, I'm here now, officially and permanently. New York, the City that Never Sleeps (actually, that might be Las Vegas or something, though it certainly applies here as well). Let me tell you one thing--it's stressful.
Of course, that is mostly due to the fact that I still have nowhere to live. Not entirely true: I have a lease starting July 1, it's just the interim with which I struggle. At the moment I am holed up in a friend's apartment, which is fine, but overall an inconvenience for her, and I feel slightly terrible about it. Tomorrow I go and check out a few sublets that have gotten in contact with me.
Two interviews Monday morning and the beginning of classes Tuesday. I still haven't decided how I feel about everything. I almost cried at the airport today, which would have been a first for me. It's just difficult to deal with a permanent move away. I don't live in Grand Rapids anymore--that isn't my home at all. And it's not like going to school, when I know that I'll be home for breaks, and when summers (potentially) would include home visits. I'm gone, far away, and suddenly getting back to my family is either a $300 flight or a twelve hour drive.
And a career. Frightening thought. Not just a job ordering around freshman and occassionally deep frying potatoes, but a real career complete with benefits, a union, and a salary. I think I'm ready for that. I'm just not sure I"m ready for everything else.
Except that everything else isn't anything new. I've lived with roommates before, in a city away from home. I've taken college classes. I've paid bills and rent. So why does this feel different?
And that, I think, is the New York experience. This city is unlike anything I've ever experienced. It's a city of strangers, which both fascinates and repels me. There's no connection here, and yet, at the same time, there is this great feeling of togetherness. We are separate yet we are one, and yes, I know how cheesy that sounds.
It's so big, and so overwhelming in many ways, yet also very accessible. I think it's mostly the division of wealth that drives me crazy. That I will stand on the subway beside a Hispanic construction worker from Queens, a black businessman from Brooklyn, a white thespian from Manhattan, and a black/hispanic family from the Bronx. On the subway everyone is equal, but the further into Manhattan you go the more white people are on the train, while the further into the Bronx the deeper the skin color gets.
It's annoying and it's irritating, and it's wrong. And what is worse, anyone that I've spoken with from my socio-economic status (ie white, upper middle class) always goes "well, things are gentrifying, it's getting better, but it's still not safe" as though race is the determining factor. There's something so wrong about the way Manhattanites are willing to believe theirs is the only part of the city that counts.
Also, air pollution. Bad. I miss fresh air, and I've only been here a few hours.
We'll see how things go when I start school, and move to my permanent place. Our apartment in Woodlawn is adorable--an Irish-Italian Catholic neighborhood (I should fit right in!) with plenty of trees and small stores. And, in theory at least, my work could be incredibly fulfilling--helping to erase the academic divide, etc. But here's the truth--I don't think I will ever be a New Yorker. Maybe, anything is possible, maybe I will come to love the city, but I find that difficult to believe. I find it more likely that I will finish the program, and then promptly move back to Michigan. Detroit maybe, or even Grand Rapids (ehhhhh). Or maybe Washington DC.
That's what she said. Or, that's what I say, and there's nothing more to it, really. Next post, in theory, should be a book review. Perhaps Little Children.
-J
Of course, that is mostly due to the fact that I still have nowhere to live. Not entirely true: I have a lease starting July 1, it's just the interim with which I struggle. At the moment I am holed up in a friend's apartment, which is fine, but overall an inconvenience for her, and I feel slightly terrible about it. Tomorrow I go and check out a few sublets that have gotten in contact with me.
Two interviews Monday morning and the beginning of classes Tuesday. I still haven't decided how I feel about everything. I almost cried at the airport today, which would have been a first for me. It's just difficult to deal with a permanent move away. I don't live in Grand Rapids anymore--that isn't my home at all. And it's not like going to school, when I know that I'll be home for breaks, and when summers (potentially) would include home visits. I'm gone, far away, and suddenly getting back to my family is either a $300 flight or a twelve hour drive.
And a career. Frightening thought. Not just a job ordering around freshman and occassionally deep frying potatoes, but a real career complete with benefits, a union, and a salary. I think I'm ready for that. I'm just not sure I"m ready for everything else.
Except that everything else isn't anything new. I've lived with roommates before, in a city away from home. I've taken college classes. I've paid bills and rent. So why does this feel different?
And that, I think, is the New York experience. This city is unlike anything I've ever experienced. It's a city of strangers, which both fascinates and repels me. There's no connection here, and yet, at the same time, there is this great feeling of togetherness. We are separate yet we are one, and yes, I know how cheesy that sounds.
It's so big, and so overwhelming in many ways, yet also very accessible. I think it's mostly the division of wealth that drives me crazy. That I will stand on the subway beside a Hispanic construction worker from Queens, a black businessman from Brooklyn, a white thespian from Manhattan, and a black/hispanic family from the Bronx. On the subway everyone is equal, but the further into Manhattan you go the more white people are on the train, while the further into the Bronx the deeper the skin color gets.
It's annoying and it's irritating, and it's wrong. And what is worse, anyone that I've spoken with from my socio-economic status (ie white, upper middle class) always goes "well, things are gentrifying, it's getting better, but it's still not safe" as though race is the determining factor. There's something so wrong about the way Manhattanites are willing to believe theirs is the only part of the city that counts.
Also, air pollution. Bad. I miss fresh air, and I've only been here a few hours.
We'll see how things go when I start school, and move to my permanent place. Our apartment in Woodlawn is adorable--an Irish-Italian Catholic neighborhood (I should fit right in!) with plenty of trees and small stores. And, in theory at least, my work could be incredibly fulfilling--helping to erase the academic divide, etc. But here's the truth--I don't think I will ever be a New Yorker. Maybe, anything is possible, maybe I will come to love the city, but I find that difficult to believe. I find it more likely that I will finish the program, and then promptly move back to Michigan. Detroit maybe, or even Grand Rapids (ehhhhh). Or maybe Washington DC.
That's what she said. Or, that's what I say, and there's nothing more to it, really. Next post, in theory, should be a book review. Perhaps Little Children.
-J
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Two In One Day????
Hello again,
I know, two in one day, I'm a mad narcissist. But I wanted to write about my recent journey to NYC.
I am completely divided on whether I like/love/hate the city. Never have I been to a place so segregated, and seemingly so voluntarily. Never have I seen such disparate display of wealth. Yet at the same time there is so much life to the city. You're never alone, no matter what time you're out, or where.
And, I've got to say: Times Square is pretty much the coolest place in the world, and Central Park is definitely one of the prettiest.
Nonetheless, these are tiny little stretches in a huge city. It's hard to take the subway and see white businessmen from the Financial District sitting next to hispanic unemployed men from the Bronx, knowing that this is the only (non) interaction they'll ever have. Supposedly the city is gentrifying, but it's hard to believe that. You ride the subway from Brooklyn to the Bronx and the clientele completely changes.
I can't stand the fact that on Lexington and 2nd Avenue there's a Vera Wang store, and on 169th and Fulton there isn't even a Dunkin Donuts. Sorry, there's some problems there, my people.
One of the schools I interviewed at I really liked. It's working with the College Board and is pretty hard core. I'd love to work there, but they're interviewing about a bajillion people, so I'm not so sure that the odds are in my favor. Oh well.
Anyway, I guess I'm not that inspired to write about NY. I thought I was, while I was there, anyway, but now. . .not so much. So. . .short post! Yea! Get back to your lives! The weather is beautiful, what are you doing on yours bums reading about me?
-J
I know, two in one day, I'm a mad narcissist. But I wanted to write about my recent journey to NYC.
I am completely divided on whether I like/love/hate the city. Never have I been to a place so segregated, and seemingly so voluntarily. Never have I seen such disparate display of wealth. Yet at the same time there is so much life to the city. You're never alone, no matter what time you're out, or where.
And, I've got to say: Times Square is pretty much the coolest place in the world, and Central Park is definitely one of the prettiest.
Nonetheless, these are tiny little stretches in a huge city. It's hard to take the subway and see white businessmen from the Financial District sitting next to hispanic unemployed men from the Bronx, knowing that this is the only (non) interaction they'll ever have. Supposedly the city is gentrifying, but it's hard to believe that. You ride the subway from Brooklyn to the Bronx and the clientele completely changes.
I can't stand the fact that on Lexington and 2nd Avenue there's a Vera Wang store, and on 169th and Fulton there isn't even a Dunkin Donuts. Sorry, there's some problems there, my people.
One of the schools I interviewed at I really liked. It's working with the College Board and is pretty hard core. I'd love to work there, but they're interviewing about a bajillion people, so I'm not so sure that the odds are in my favor. Oh well.
Anyway, I guess I'm not that inspired to write about NY. I thought I was, while I was there, anyway, but now. . .not so much. So. . .short post! Yea! Get back to your lives! The weather is beautiful, what are you doing on yours bums reading about me?
-J
Back from hiatus
Hello, all of my loyal readers and fans. I apologize for the long hiatus. And now, for the promised book review.
A Long Way Down
By Nicolas Hornby
Mr. Hornby is known, of course, for his sympathetic portrayals of somewhat seedy characters, his emphasis on light, satirical humor, and, of course, the propensity with which his novels are made into movies. It would not, then, be at all surprising to me if this piece were also converted into the film medium.
I would like to begin by mentioning that this book is identical to Bridge Club Thursdays--Amy, at least, would recognize this. Beside the point.
The novel focuses upon four characters, all of whom meet on a London rooftop while contemplating suicide. One is a middle aged woman, trapped in a life that bores her, with a son in a vegetative state since birth. One is a fallen media icon, an early morning talk show host who engaged in sexual activities with a minor and has since lost job, family, and respect. One is an American musician, finally facing the fact that he lacks either the talent or the resources to become a successful artist, and the final main character is a rebellious teenager with quicksilver moods and a slightly psychotic temperament.
Of course the characters do not jump, and the book chronicles the myriad ways in which they try to get their lives back on track. Amusing at times, poignant at others, A Long Way Down does not delve terribly deeply into the character's psyches, but provides a slight gloss which makes for enjoyable reading, if not terribly enlightening.
The greatest strengths, as ever, are Hornby's ability to capture his narrator's voice along with deftly interweaving humor into every scene. It is always a pleasure to read his works. Here, especially, he shines as he switches between these four incredibly different narrators with ease. The middle aged woman is as believable as the youthful musician. Compassion is carefully constructed for all four characters--despite their occassionally unsavory activities, there is still a desire to see them do well for themselves.
The book is far from ambitious, however. Rather than constructing characters who are serious about suicide, Hornby's men and women are dabblers, people who are curious, or show-offs, and not those who seriously entertain the idea of death. While this keeps the book from becoming overly morbid, it also prohibits greater exploration. Similarly, each character has one concrete reason for contemplating suicide, many of which are somewhat cliched. Though it is mentioned again and again that characters are depressed, such deep emotion is not displayed through action.
Hornby is a great writer of summer fun. Difficult to imagine reading of four suicidal people as fun, yet Hornby, magically, creates such a book. HIghly recommended for a rainy day or day at the beach--the mood could fit either atmosphere. Crime and Punishment it is not, but A Long Way Down is definitely still worth the read.
-J
A Long Way Down
By Nicolas Hornby
Mr. Hornby is known, of course, for his sympathetic portrayals of somewhat seedy characters, his emphasis on light, satirical humor, and, of course, the propensity with which his novels are made into movies. It would not, then, be at all surprising to me if this piece were also converted into the film medium.
I would like to begin by mentioning that this book is identical to Bridge Club Thursdays--Amy, at least, would recognize this. Beside the point.
The novel focuses upon four characters, all of whom meet on a London rooftop while contemplating suicide. One is a middle aged woman, trapped in a life that bores her, with a son in a vegetative state since birth. One is a fallen media icon, an early morning talk show host who engaged in sexual activities with a minor and has since lost job, family, and respect. One is an American musician, finally facing the fact that he lacks either the talent or the resources to become a successful artist, and the final main character is a rebellious teenager with quicksilver moods and a slightly psychotic temperament.
Of course the characters do not jump, and the book chronicles the myriad ways in which they try to get their lives back on track. Amusing at times, poignant at others, A Long Way Down does not delve terribly deeply into the character's psyches, but provides a slight gloss which makes for enjoyable reading, if not terribly enlightening.
The greatest strengths, as ever, are Hornby's ability to capture his narrator's voice along with deftly interweaving humor into every scene. It is always a pleasure to read his works. Here, especially, he shines as he switches between these four incredibly different narrators with ease. The middle aged woman is as believable as the youthful musician. Compassion is carefully constructed for all four characters--despite their occassionally unsavory activities, there is still a desire to see them do well for themselves.
The book is far from ambitious, however. Rather than constructing characters who are serious about suicide, Hornby's men and women are dabblers, people who are curious, or show-offs, and not those who seriously entertain the idea of death. While this keeps the book from becoming overly morbid, it also prohibits greater exploration. Similarly, each character has one concrete reason for contemplating suicide, many of which are somewhat cliched. Though it is mentioned again and again that characters are depressed, such deep emotion is not displayed through action.
Hornby is a great writer of summer fun. Difficult to imagine reading of four suicidal people as fun, yet Hornby, magically, creates such a book. HIghly recommended for a rainy day or day at the beach--the mood could fit either atmosphere. Crime and Punishment it is not, but A Long Way Down is definitely still worth the read.
-J
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Everyone's Allowed a Selfish Moment
And this is mine. So if you're looking for anything interesting, positive, whatever, don't look here. Oh, except for this! I've decided to make this into a book review blog. So I'm going to try very hard to make every other post a book review, starting with the next one that I post. But I will still write about my life, because apparently some people care about that.
So, with that all said, on with the self-indulgence!
Last night I had my farewell barbecue. It was nice, seeing a lot of my friends. Not all of them, of course, since some are in Seattle, or Arkansas, or Grand Rapids, or Africa, or, you know, MADRID. But it was cool. It was like a review of college, with a few people from work, a few from the dorms, a few from rugby, and then, of course, the necessary contingent from St. Mary's.
As Brian (P., who apparently has dubbed himself #2. . .No comment from me on that) pointed out, it was impossible to really feel sad, or cathartic. I can't imagine not being friends with some of those people. It's impossible to imagine a world where I can't walk down the street and see my friends, or go bother Al in her room with hyperactive speech, or wave at Mike as he comes by every day. Hee.
So I didn't feel sad, i just couldn't. ANd I tried, I really did, but it just doesn't work that way. It's the next stage in life, and i these relationships are really important enough, I'll maintain them. I mean, I'm still good friends with people from high school, and I only see them a few times every year. No, it's not the same, but it's just. . .different, not worse. And besides, this will happen to everyone next year. Ha. Look forward to it, punks!
And Alanna, I am fully capable of Top Ten Lists, as proven by my Top Ten Favorite Things only a few days ago. I just gave up on the Office one because. . .it wasn't really a top ten list, it was just covering all the characters I like. So nyah. But, to prove you wrong further, here is a top ten list of people I will miss next year, in no particular order. ANd I"ll probably forget someone who deserves to be in the top ten, so if you're forgotten. . .I am sorry. It doesn't mean you don't belong there.
1. Alison. (She's picked first because I can see her). Al has been my sounding board for many years. She has acquired an amazing skill at understanding what I say, even when the words are frighteningly mushed together, made up, or just not. . .real. . .sentences. . .I don't even know what I'm saying. SHe even manages to nod at hte right places and avoid a glazed over look. AMAZING!!! However, I know that AL and I will have at LEAST one more conversation in life: When the seventh Harry Potter book comes out and I call her to gloat over Ron's death.
2. Lydia. (She's picked second because yesterday I told her that I missed her). Lydia is one of my favorite all-time people. And she got me a card for my going away, that made me laugh and giggle. The CHihuahua said Adios. It was terrific. Also, Lydia manages to be the most optimistic pessimist that I know. Figure that one out, holla yeah. Also, Lyds always joined me on English major exclamations, and we could discuss random theory and semantics for many minutes. We enjoyed great geekdom together, along with a healthy fear of Ralph Williams' hands.
3. Brian P. (Picked third because we talked about not missing people last night. And, officially, from this point on I will no longer say WHY I chose the order I did). Brian, I didn't like when I first met him. And now I adore him. Bizarre? Perhaps. I will miss Brian because with nobody else could I go from silly jokes and laughter to an in-depth religious conversation. He understands the need for justice in the world, and one of the best listeners. And he looks really good with a beard. I don't have many friends that I can say that about, and I will be sorry to not see that beautiful black stubble on a weekly basis.
4. The East Quad Captain Staff. Perhaps I should divide them into individual people, but because I often see them as a unit, I do not feel like losing the space. I only really befriended them as more than mere coworkers this year, but I'm so glad that I did. They are amazing people, full of warmth, ambition, and ridiculous tolerances for alcohol. I couldn't have chosen better people to work with. Well, maybe I could have, but that would have taken time and effort, instead of just me falling in with terrif people.
5. Alanna. Alanna belongs in Slytherin. Sorry, I had to slam that up there right away, because, let's face it, she does. But that is not the reason I will miss her. I will miss ALanna because she is the only person in the world that I can have a serious argument with, and then still love her after it. No bad feelings. . .bitch bitch, yell, yell, hug, kiss, love. That's the best way to be with anyone, but usually people just get offended when I tell them they're wrong and stupid. Plus, ALanna was always up for anything. Now I will have to find another fearless psycopath to hang around with. Not as easy as it sounds.
6. Jen. I have chosen Jen to be my mini-me. I can laugh for hours with her, but then there's also a great depth to her, her dedication to social justice and her Christian attitude. My friendship with Jen will never end--I know this, because we are going to form a new order of nuns. I forget what they're called, but they will be amazing. And priests, not nuns, so I got that part wrong. Plus, she let me cut her hair. You know it's a true friendship when you're allowed to cut someone's hair.
7. Brian (#3? 4? I gave up on numbers so long ago!) Brian was one of my first friends here, and hopefully he will be one of the last (does that make sense? I don't even know). During the second part of the year especially we didn't get to hang out as much as I would have liked, but as we know, distance makes the heart grow fonder. Or absence does. Or something. Anyway, I will miss him, but I kind of already do, so I'm not sure that counts. Whatever.
Whew. Pause. THis is hard work! Only three more people. . .difficult. difficult. . .alright, stretch, stand, stretch. . .hey, am I allowed to put down Sawyer? Or John Krasinski? 'Cuz they won't be back for months. No? Bummer. Family?
8. My family. Yes, it's six people (and yes, I'm counting the dog) Bite me. It's crazy to think that after next week I might not see my brothers until Christmas. Will I come home for THanksgiving? Won't I? I just don't know. Regardless, there's not that guarantee anymore. Both of my parents are agreeing to travel (Mom's going to China to lecture about new therapy techniques and Dad's off to Afganistan. Again. I DON'T KNOW WHY, DON't ASK!!!) so I can't even just pop home and know they're there and will want to hang out with me. Sigh.
9. Andrew. Andrew makes me laugh. and he gives good hugs. And he lets me play Guitar Hero for many, many minutes (aka hours). One of the most good-natured people I know, it's hard to imagine a world without his smiling, laughing face. Though, I don't think I will regret missing the poking. No poking. . .good.
10. The boys/Gen. SHUT UP. I CAN'T DECIDE!! I'm already skipping half a dozen people. Anyway, JoeChrisMikevieve are among my favorite people on earth. I am not going to elucidate more, becuase I think I"m getting carpal tunnel. Can you get that with one post? I think so. I think I"ve got it. I still have JOe's shirt. Maybe I will sleep in it, and smell his essence (I will call it Eau du Joe) and then I will not be as lonesome.
PHEW. DONE. I probably forgot people. Whatever. I guess that I am really bad at Top Ten Lists. Oh well.
Coming soon: Review of Nicolas Hornby. I haven't decided whether I"ll do "Long Way Down" or "About a Boy" or "High Fidelity". Maybe I'll stick'em all together. How does that sound?
-J
So, with that all said, on with the self-indulgence!
Last night I had my farewell barbecue. It was nice, seeing a lot of my friends. Not all of them, of course, since some are in Seattle, or Arkansas, or Grand Rapids, or Africa, or, you know, MADRID. But it was cool. It was like a review of college, with a few people from work, a few from the dorms, a few from rugby, and then, of course, the necessary contingent from St. Mary's.
As Brian (P., who apparently has dubbed himself #2. . .No comment from me on that) pointed out, it was impossible to really feel sad, or cathartic. I can't imagine not being friends with some of those people. It's impossible to imagine a world where I can't walk down the street and see my friends, or go bother Al in her room with hyperactive speech, or wave at Mike as he comes by every day. Hee.
So I didn't feel sad, i just couldn't. ANd I tried, I really did, but it just doesn't work that way. It's the next stage in life, and i these relationships are really important enough, I'll maintain them. I mean, I'm still good friends with people from high school, and I only see them a few times every year. No, it's not the same, but it's just. . .different, not worse. And besides, this will happen to everyone next year. Ha. Look forward to it, punks!
And Alanna, I am fully capable of Top Ten Lists, as proven by my Top Ten Favorite Things only a few days ago. I just gave up on the Office one because. . .it wasn't really a top ten list, it was just covering all the characters I like. So nyah. But, to prove you wrong further, here is a top ten list of people I will miss next year, in no particular order. ANd I"ll probably forget someone who deserves to be in the top ten, so if you're forgotten. . .I am sorry. It doesn't mean you don't belong there.
1. Alison. (She's picked first because I can see her). Al has been my sounding board for many years. She has acquired an amazing skill at understanding what I say, even when the words are frighteningly mushed together, made up, or just not. . .real. . .sentences. . .I don't even know what I'm saying. SHe even manages to nod at hte right places and avoid a glazed over look. AMAZING!!! However, I know that AL and I will have at LEAST one more conversation in life: When the seventh Harry Potter book comes out and I call her to gloat over Ron's death.
2. Lydia. (She's picked second because yesterday I told her that I missed her). Lydia is one of my favorite all-time people. And she got me a card for my going away, that made me laugh and giggle. The CHihuahua said Adios. It was terrific. Also, Lydia manages to be the most optimistic pessimist that I know. Figure that one out, holla yeah. Also, Lyds always joined me on English major exclamations, and we could discuss random theory and semantics for many minutes. We enjoyed great geekdom together, along with a healthy fear of Ralph Williams' hands.
3. Brian P. (Picked third because we talked about not missing people last night. And, officially, from this point on I will no longer say WHY I chose the order I did). Brian, I didn't like when I first met him. And now I adore him. Bizarre? Perhaps. I will miss Brian because with nobody else could I go from silly jokes and laughter to an in-depth religious conversation. He understands the need for justice in the world, and one of the best listeners. And he looks really good with a beard. I don't have many friends that I can say that about, and I will be sorry to not see that beautiful black stubble on a weekly basis.
4. The East Quad Captain Staff. Perhaps I should divide them into individual people, but because I often see them as a unit, I do not feel like losing the space. I only really befriended them as more than mere coworkers this year, but I'm so glad that I did. They are amazing people, full of warmth, ambition, and ridiculous tolerances for alcohol. I couldn't have chosen better people to work with. Well, maybe I could have, but that would have taken time and effort, instead of just me falling in with terrif people.
5. Alanna. Alanna belongs in Slytherin. Sorry, I had to slam that up there right away, because, let's face it, she does. But that is not the reason I will miss her. I will miss ALanna because she is the only person in the world that I can have a serious argument with, and then still love her after it. No bad feelings. . .bitch bitch, yell, yell, hug, kiss, love. That's the best way to be with anyone, but usually people just get offended when I tell them they're wrong and stupid. Plus, ALanna was always up for anything. Now I will have to find another fearless psycopath to hang around with. Not as easy as it sounds.
6. Jen. I have chosen Jen to be my mini-me. I can laugh for hours with her, but then there's also a great depth to her, her dedication to social justice and her Christian attitude. My friendship with Jen will never end--I know this, because we are going to form a new order of nuns. I forget what they're called, but they will be amazing. And priests, not nuns, so I got that part wrong. Plus, she let me cut her hair. You know it's a true friendship when you're allowed to cut someone's hair.
7. Brian (#3? 4? I gave up on numbers so long ago!) Brian was one of my first friends here, and hopefully he will be one of the last (does that make sense? I don't even know). During the second part of the year especially we didn't get to hang out as much as I would have liked, but as we know, distance makes the heart grow fonder. Or absence does. Or something. Anyway, I will miss him, but I kind of already do, so I'm not sure that counts. Whatever.
Whew. Pause. THis is hard work! Only three more people. . .difficult. difficult. . .alright, stretch, stand, stretch. . .hey, am I allowed to put down Sawyer? Or John Krasinski? 'Cuz they won't be back for months. No? Bummer. Family?
8. My family. Yes, it's six people (and yes, I'm counting the dog) Bite me. It's crazy to think that after next week I might not see my brothers until Christmas. Will I come home for THanksgiving? Won't I? I just don't know. Regardless, there's not that guarantee anymore. Both of my parents are agreeing to travel (Mom's going to China to lecture about new therapy techniques and Dad's off to Afganistan. Again. I DON'T KNOW WHY, DON't ASK!!!) so I can't even just pop home and know they're there and will want to hang out with me. Sigh.
9. Andrew. Andrew makes me laugh. and he gives good hugs. And he lets me play Guitar Hero for many, many minutes (aka hours). One of the most good-natured people I know, it's hard to imagine a world without his smiling, laughing face. Though, I don't think I will regret missing the poking. No poking. . .good.
10. The boys/Gen. SHUT UP. I CAN'T DECIDE!! I'm already skipping half a dozen people. Anyway, JoeChrisMikevieve are among my favorite people on earth. I am not going to elucidate more, becuase I think I"m getting carpal tunnel. Can you get that with one post? I think so. I think I"ve got it. I still have JOe's shirt. Maybe I will sleep in it, and smell his essence (I will call it Eau du Joe) and then I will not be as lonesome.
PHEW. DONE. I probably forgot people. Whatever. I guess that I am really bad at Top Ten Lists. Oh well.
Coming soon: Review of Nicolas Hornby. I haven't decided whether I"ll do "Long Way Down" or "About a Boy" or "High Fidelity". Maybe I'll stick'em all together. How does that sound?
-J
Friday, June 1, 2007
Why I Must Find a Menial Paper-Shuffling Job
. . .at Dunder-Mifflin.
Well, it was a valiant effort to complete the first two seasons of The Office in one night, but alas, I fell short of the task. Nonetheless, in the joyous hours of a humid Michigan day, I have little doubt that I can accomplish the goal. So, because I apparently love lists, top ten reasons why everyone should watch the office.
1. Jim. Jim is adorable. Jim is cute. Jim is the kind of guy that you would have a blast on a date with, and still want to take home to your mom. And then you'd want to take him back to your home. Also, Jim is funny. Basically, Jim is perfect, even though his job sucks. Jim is a pleasure to watch. I heart Jim.
2. Phyllis. Phyllis is my second favorite character. Shy, sweet, matronly, and easily one of the funniest characters on the show, PHyllis can go from "Busiest Beaver" to "are you calling me a ho?" in four seconds flat. She plays basketball! She knits oven mitts! And she is married to Bob Vance, Vance Refridgeration. Phyllis rocks the house, and my life.
3. Homoerotic overtones in a show with a homosexual character. Yes, Michael G. Scott has an eerie man-crush on Ryan. And it's awkward, and I feel bad for Ryan (voted Hottest in the Office! Invited to come "clean off" Michael at all hours! THe man with whom Michael would definitely have sex!). This apparent gay-bashing is off-set by the presence of Oscar. . .an actual gay man, who is subdued, calm, and rocks the world.
4. Toby. I am coming to recognize that this is not a list so much of reasons to watch the showas it is a list of my favorite charactesr. Which, I suppose, is the primary reason TO watch the show. The characters are amazing, touching, eccentric, and adorable. Especially Toby. And Jim. And Dwight, strangely enough. And Pam. And Kevin. Not Creed, though. Never Creed.
So, for those of you who have never seen The Office, get your fat butts off--er, ON the couch and watch it! 'Tis fun, 'tis pleasant, 'tis a wonderful bonding experience not likely to be forgotten!
J
Well, it was a valiant effort to complete the first two seasons of The Office in one night, but alas, I fell short of the task. Nonetheless, in the joyous hours of a humid Michigan day, I have little doubt that I can accomplish the goal. So, because I apparently love lists, top ten reasons why everyone should watch the office.
1. Jim. Jim is adorable. Jim is cute. Jim is the kind of guy that you would have a blast on a date with, and still want to take home to your mom. And then you'd want to take him back to your home. Also, Jim is funny. Basically, Jim is perfect, even though his job sucks. Jim is a pleasure to watch. I heart Jim.
2. Phyllis. Phyllis is my second favorite character. Shy, sweet, matronly, and easily one of the funniest characters on the show, PHyllis can go from "Busiest Beaver" to "are you calling me a ho?" in four seconds flat. She plays basketball! She knits oven mitts! And she is married to Bob Vance, Vance Refridgeration. Phyllis rocks the house, and my life.
3. Homoerotic overtones in a show with a homosexual character. Yes, Michael G. Scott has an eerie man-crush on Ryan. And it's awkward, and I feel bad for Ryan (voted Hottest in the Office! Invited to come "clean off" Michael at all hours! THe man with whom Michael would definitely have sex!). This apparent gay-bashing is off-set by the presence of Oscar. . .an actual gay man, who is subdued, calm, and rocks the world.
4. Toby. I am coming to recognize that this is not a list so much of reasons to watch the showas it is a list of my favorite charactesr. Which, I suppose, is the primary reason TO watch the show. The characters are amazing, touching, eccentric, and adorable. Especially Toby. And Jim. And Dwight, strangely enough. And Pam. And Kevin. Not Creed, though. Never Creed.
So, for those of you who have never seen The Office, get your fat butts off--er, ON the couch and watch it! 'Tis fun, 'tis pleasant, 'tis a wonderful bonding experience not likely to be forgotten!
J
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