1.31.2009
1.30.2009
FINISHED
Yep...you saw the title.
I finished my grad school applications! They are done, in the mail, at the schools, being reviewed by people far more intelligent than me.
There is nothing more to do now, but wait..and wait, I will.
I finished my grad school applications! They are done, in the mail, at the schools, being reviewed by people far more intelligent than me.
There is nothing more to do now, but wait..and wait, I will.
1.26.2009
wine tasting
Saturday night was great. Daniel. Micah. Me. Elisa. Jon. Elisabeth. WINE.
The goal was to try different wines and decide upon a red and a white wine that we will serve at the wedding. Early in the afternoon, Jon, Micah, and I hiked up to TJ's. We bought 5 bottles of wine (3 reds and 2 whites) and lots of bread, crackers, and cheese. Yum!
That evening with the bottles already covered so we could not tell what was what, we popped open the wine and toasted to june 20. We tasted. And tasted. And tasted. Number 1 was bold. Number 2 was smoothe with after tastes of black cherry. Number 3 was earthy. Number 4 was sweet..a little too much. Number 5 was heaven, aromas of peaches and apricots.
We sat around the kitchen table stuffing ourselves with cheese and wine. We reminisced. We story told. We joked. We laughed.
The winners:
How great is it that our white wine is called Honey Moon...Honeymoon??!? It's almost too cute.
oh, and we drank all 5 bottles..what lushes!
The goal was to try different wines and decide upon a red and a white wine that we will serve at the wedding. Early in the afternoon, Jon, Micah, and I hiked up to TJ's. We bought 5 bottles of wine (3 reds and 2 whites) and lots of bread, crackers, and cheese. Yum!
That evening with the bottles already covered so we could not tell what was what, we popped open the wine and toasted to june 20. We tasted. And tasted. And tasted. Number 1 was bold. Number 2 was smoothe with after tastes of black cherry. Number 3 was earthy. Number 4 was sweet..a little too much. Number 5 was heaven, aromas of peaches and apricots.
We sat around the kitchen table stuffing ourselves with cheese and wine. We reminisced. We story told. We joked. We laughed.
The winners:
How great is it that our white wine is called Honey Moon...Honeymoon??!? It's almost too cute.
oh, and we drank all 5 bottles..what lushes!
1.22.2009
new beginnings
I thought it appropriate to reflect a little bit more on the inauguration. So, here it is:
As I sat in front of the tv on tuesday (jan 20) watching the historic inauguration of Barack Hussein Obama, I pondered what this new beginning means for our country. I thought of the millions of African men, women, and children that were bound and beaten, who were used as free labor in our "free" society. I thought of the great joy that must have come from the Emancipation Proclamation issued by Abraham Lincoln on September 22, 1862 declaring freedom to all slaves. I thought of the immense anger and frustration that proceeded as those emancipated still did not enjoy the same freedoms as white Americans did. I thought of the courage of Rosa Parks, Fred Shuttlesworth, Martin Luther King Jr, Coretta Scott King, Roy Wilkins, and thousands more as they combated the racism, hypocrisy, and prejudices of American society. I thought of the tragic shooting ending the life of Martin Luther King Jr. far too short. And I thought of the thousands more that continued his fight, their fight, our fight, and continue to do so today.
In this moment in our young country's life, we should rejoice. We should smile, jump, clap, and sing at the top of our lungs that after 233 years an African American was elected to the highest leadership.
So what does this mean? Well, honestly, I won't pretend to know what it means. Because, really, I could never fully understand what this moment means. I will never know the emotions flooding through elderly African Americans who can still vividly remember a time when they were not allowed to sit in the front of the bus. I will never know what this inauguration truely means to an African American 7-yr old who's belief that he can be president just got a little stronger. But, even though I will never know what this new beginning means for our country from the perspective of a race that is still thoughtlessly brushed aside and ruthlessly told their place, I KNOW that it is monumental.
Barack Obama cannot solve all our problems (God knows we have WAY too many). His strength and intelligence demonstrate a dedication to empowering our people, to promoting healthy foreign policy, and to creating good, balanced government at home. He cannot fix everything. He may not fix much. He may even fail. But whatever he does, he is the United States' 44th president and this is a new beginning.
As I sat in front of the tv on tuesday (jan 20) watching the historic inauguration of Barack Hussein Obama, I pondered what this new beginning means for our country. I thought of the millions of African men, women, and children that were bound and beaten, who were used as free labor in our "free" society. I thought of the great joy that must have come from the Emancipation Proclamation issued by Abraham Lincoln on September 22, 1862 declaring freedom to all slaves. I thought of the immense anger and frustration that proceeded as those emancipated still did not enjoy the same freedoms as white Americans did. I thought of the courage of Rosa Parks, Fred Shuttlesworth, Martin Luther King Jr, Coretta Scott King, Roy Wilkins, and thousands more as they combated the racism, hypocrisy, and prejudices of American society. I thought of the tragic shooting ending the life of Martin Luther King Jr. far too short. And I thought of the thousands more that continued his fight, their fight, our fight, and continue to do so today.
In this moment in our young country's life, we should rejoice. We should smile, jump, clap, and sing at the top of our lungs that after 233 years an African American was elected to the highest leadership.
So what does this mean? Well, honestly, I won't pretend to know what it means. Because, really, I could never fully understand what this moment means. I will never know the emotions flooding through elderly African Americans who can still vividly remember a time when they were not allowed to sit in the front of the bus. I will never know what this inauguration truely means to an African American 7-yr old who's belief that he can be president just got a little stronger. But, even though I will never know what this new beginning means for our country from the perspective of a race that is still thoughtlessly brushed aside and ruthlessly told their place, I KNOW that it is monumental.
Barack Obama cannot solve all our problems (God knows we have WAY too many). His strength and intelligence demonstrate a dedication to empowering our people, to promoting healthy foreign policy, and to creating good, balanced government at home. He cannot fix everything. He may not fix much. He may even fail. But whatever he does, he is the United States' 44th president and this is a new beginning.
1.20.2009
Where were you when the first African American became President of the United States of America?
I was in San Francisco, in the Western Addition neighborhood, in my apartment, in the living room. I was sipping Good Earth tea and eating a bowl of Life cereal with slices of bananas.
I was PRESENT for the Inauguration of President Barack Obama!!
I was PRESENT for the Inauguration of President Barack Obama!!
1.19.2009
Slumdog Millionaire
Last night I saw Slumdog Millionarie. I wanted to see it, because I had heard good things about it. However, I didn't know that much about the movie, therefore I didn't really know what to expect.
It was a very powerful movie. For those like me that have weak tolerance for visual violence, some parts were hard to watch. It was emotionally draining to keep my eyes focused on the screen during scenes I'd rather bury my head under a blanket for. The movie was a heart-wrenching tale of the poverty of this world, the greed and hatred of the "oppressor", and the enduring power of love. It was not cheesy though. It was well-written and well-performed. The story was brought to life in a way that I believed the sadness, the pain, the happiness, the confusion, the anger, and the hope that all 3 main characters felt.
The filming was bursting with unique shots; capturing colors, movements, and emotions in new angles.
I recommend seeing the movie. It is worth the $10 to see it in the theater. But, if you don't want to take my opinion, the movie has a 95 % on RottenTomatoes, a B+ for Critics on Yahoo, and an A for Users on Yahoo.
Go see it...It Is Written.
1.14.2009
in the news
SAN DIEGO (NBC NEWS) - A San Diego woman who is auctioning off her virginity said she has now received a bid of $3.7 million, according to a published report.
Natalie Dylan, a 22-year-old San Diego woman, said she got the idea for the auction after her sister was able to pay for her college education after prostituting herself for three weeks, according to the London Telegraph.
Dylan has a degree in women's studies.
She told the paper she hopes to pay for an advanced degree in family and marriage therapy with the proceeds from the auction.
She told the Telegraph that she doesn't think she's the only one who will be benefit from the auction.
"I think me and the person I do it with will both profit greatly from the deal," Dylan told the paper.
Thoughts:
1. why is this news? i mean, this story is over the top and ridiculous, but there are lots of prostitutes.
2. who's the creepy, hairy, fat 61-yr old man paying $3.7 million for sex with a 22-yr old virgin?
3. what an amazing sister this girl has as a role model!
4. dear god, don't anyone let this girl be a marriage and family therapist.
5. how do we know she's really a virgin?
Natalie Dylan, a 22-year-old San Diego woman, said she got the idea for the auction after her sister was able to pay for her college education after prostituting herself for three weeks, according to the London Telegraph.
Dylan has a degree in women's studies.
She told the paper she hopes to pay for an advanced degree in family and marriage therapy with the proceeds from the auction.
She told the Telegraph that she doesn't think she's the only one who will be benefit from the auction.
"I think me and the person I do it with will both profit greatly from the deal," Dylan told the paper.
Thoughts:
1. why is this news? i mean, this story is over the top and ridiculous, but there are lots of prostitutes.
2. who's the creepy, hairy, fat 61-yr old man paying $3.7 million for sex with a 22-yr old virgin?
3. what an amazing sister this girl has as a role model!
4. dear god, don't anyone let this girl be a marriage and family therapist.
5. how do we know she's really a virgin?
1.11.2009
do we need a cleaver?
Friday night consisted of burgers, fried potatoes, hard apple cider, a rousing game of settlers of catan, sarah and larry, chocolate fondue, and great conversation
Saturday morning I spent time working on my University of Denver application. In the afternoon I ran 4 miles at the gym. And at night, Micah and I celebrated our engagement with good friends. We were treated to a fabulous homecooked meal (go ji hae!) and dessert at Candy Bar.
Sunday I got up early to get to church to meet with the elders to go over membership vows. Micah and I are now official city church members! After church we made some brunch and chatted it up with the roomies. After brunch, we embarked on the arduous challenge of registering.
We're still chipping away at our macy's registry, but we thought we could accomplish BB&B all in one day. We spent FOUR relentless hours there. It was hands down the longest time I've spent in one store. I was exhausted. Micah was exhausted. We were both overwhelmed by the amount of choices and the amount of things to register for. It's even stressful to look at the list your given to go through! I mean, who registers for a remote control holder and what is a fat separator?
Bus ride to BB&B: free with my bus pass
Registering at BB&B: 4 hours of my life
Buying a trader joe's spring roll before dying of starvation after registering at BB&B: $4.00
Registering for a lifetime spent with Pyrex: priceless
Saturday morning I spent time working on my University of Denver application. In the afternoon I ran 4 miles at the gym. And at night, Micah and I celebrated our engagement with good friends. We were treated to a fabulous homecooked meal (go ji hae!) and dessert at Candy Bar.
Sunday I got up early to get to church to meet with the elders to go over membership vows. Micah and I are now official city church members! After church we made some brunch and chatted it up with the roomies. After brunch, we embarked on the arduous challenge of registering.
We're still chipping away at our macy's registry, but we thought we could accomplish BB&B all in one day. We spent FOUR relentless hours there. It was hands down the longest time I've spent in one store. I was exhausted. Micah was exhausted. We were both overwhelmed by the amount of choices and the amount of things to register for. It's even stressful to look at the list your given to go through! I mean, who registers for a remote control holder and what is a fat separator?
Bus ride to BB&B: free with my bus pass
Registering at BB&B: 4 hours of my life
Buying a trader joe's spring roll before dying of starvation after registering at BB&B: $4.00
Registering for a lifetime spent with Pyrex: priceless
1.10.2009
Cool, Grey City of Love
The Cool, Grey City of Love
(SAN FRANCISCO)
By GEORGE STERLING
Tho I die on a distant strand,
And they give me a grave in that land,
Yet carry me back to my own city!
Carry me back to her grace and pity!
For I think I could not rest
Afar from her mighty breast.
She is fairer than others are
Whom they sing the beauty of.
Her heart is a song and a star--
My cool, grey city of love.
Tho they tear the rose from her brow,
To her is ever my vow;
Ever to her I give my duty--
First in rapture and first in beauty,
Wayward, passionate, brave,
Glad of the life God gave.
The sea-winds are her kiss,
And the sea-gull is her dove.
Cleanly and strong she is--
My cool, grey city of love.
The winds of the Future wait
At the iron walls of her Gate,
And the western ocean breaks in thunder,
And the western stars go slowly under,
And her gaze is ever West
In the dream of her young unrest.
Her sea is a voice that calls,
And her star a voice above,
And her wind a voice on her walls--
My cool, grey city of love.
Tho they stay her feet at the dance,
In her is the far romance.
Under the rain of winter falling,
Vine and rose will await recalling.
Tho the dark be cold and blind,
Yet her sea-fog's touch is kind,
And her mightier caress
Is joy and the pain thereof;
And great is thy tenderness,
O cool, grey city of love!
I bought a new book that is titles "cool, grey city of love." It is a collection of sketches from Jane Chamberlin and exerpts of poems from SF's most beloved poets. I love it!
1.09.2009
current thought
My, oh, my, how is that it is already January 9, 2009 and I haven't written in my blog. Good thing my new year's resolution wasn't to write in my blog everyday or I would have failed miserably. Anyway, I suppose since I missed the beginning of the year, I'm going to go ahead and forget about writing one of those welcome-new-year blog posts. I'm just going to dive right into 2009.
I've been thinking recently about my wedding. Of course, that's a natural thing to do, given the fact that I'm planning on getting married in less than 6 months and planning tends to require thinking about the actual event. But, I'm thinking about the actual day in terms of family and friends and not really wanting to think about (although I am) what kind of cake I'll be shoving into Micah's face at precisely 8:21pm, or if I'm going to hold white flowers or green flowers, or if a southern food buffet is too informal. Yes, I do want to have all those little details worked out, but I can honestly say I don't really care about them.
What I do care about is having kristen, heather, veronique, sarah, mary kay, and alison around to remember "that time when..." I want fall '05 Urbanites present (shout out to Melissa, who actually reads my blog) who remember all the gruesome details of the awkwardness of our beginning and still can't wait till we tie the knot. I can't wait till my parents see me on the wedding day in my dress for the first time. I can't wait to have my aunts, uncles, cousins, grandmother, and SF friends and college friends all together. My heart beats faster and I can't help a smile spreading across my face when I think about all the people that will come together on june 20 to celebrate Micah and me getting married.
June 20 needs to come really quickly, because I can't wait to party with all the people I love the most!
I've been thinking recently about my wedding. Of course, that's a natural thing to do, given the fact that I'm planning on getting married in less than 6 months and planning tends to require thinking about the actual event. But, I'm thinking about the actual day in terms of family and friends and not really wanting to think about (although I am) what kind of cake I'll be shoving into Micah's face at precisely 8:21pm, or if I'm going to hold white flowers or green flowers, or if a southern food buffet is too informal. Yes, I do want to have all those little details worked out, but I can honestly say I don't really care about them.
What I do care about is having kristen, heather, veronique, sarah, mary kay, and alison around to remember "that time when..." I want fall '05 Urbanites present (shout out to Melissa, who actually reads my blog) who remember all the gruesome details of the awkwardness of our beginning and still can't wait till we tie the knot. I can't wait till my parents see me on the wedding day in my dress for the first time. I can't wait to have my aunts, uncles, cousins, grandmother, and SF friends and college friends all together. My heart beats faster and I can't help a smile spreading across my face when I think about all the people that will come together on june 20 to celebrate Micah and me getting married.
June 20 needs to come really quickly, because I can't wait to party with all the people I love the most!
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