Thought: A Lost Art

I love movies that make me think. I love movies that are entertaining and fun too, but movies that lead to continued discussion have the ability to influence our lives. A couple of nights ago Adam and I watched Lion for Lambs. Critically, the movie bombed and the ending was terrible, but I appreciated its message and honesty. Lions for Lambs centers around three separate story lines, one being between a politician and reporter. These characters engage in a political tennis match questioning each other and their professional foundations. In turn, they challenge the viewer's perception about journalism and the media. Today's society seems more interested in which celebrity is dating whom, who is having an affair, and Angelina Jolie's pregnancy. Whatever happened to 'real' journalism where we actually learn about world affairs or read intelligent editorials from people willing to critically and somewhat unbiasedly report on viable news stories?

What I took from this movie is a question of responsibility. Who is responsible for the state of journalistic affairs? Is the media providing this to the American people because we actually want it or because that is what they think we want? Furthermore, what can I do to make a difference and make a positive change in this area? What can I do as a citizen of the United States of America, and what can I do as a citizen of the world? It is so easy to talk, complain, or share opinions about the state of world affairs, but if I choose to sit back and do nothing, do I have the right to say anything at all?

It seems all I have done is ask questions...but, like I said, I like movies that make me think and encourage me to make a change in society. The question is how?

More pictures

Now that I realize the pictures post in reverse order, I might actually finish this little album.

Two chefs, cooking up a storm! Thai, Italian, vegetarian, and plenty of desserts!

Rochester Falls

Lake Ontario

Touring the George Eastman house in Rochester, NY. The gardens were gorgeous.

Another beautiful view of the gardens

Capturing raindrops

Celebrating Christina's birthday!!

Taking off from JFK (finally!) and the thrill of seeing Manhattan from the air.

Photo's from Rochester

This was taken after my first Rochester thunderstorm.

The amazing 12 corners!

Driving tour of Rochester. I loved this house! (yes, it is a single family residence)

There were lots of streets named after universities!

Mamma Mia!

Yes, I am writing about a movie. Admittedly, I do love film, but I haven't made a habit of blogging about them. However, I decided this warranted a post. (Don't worry, I won't be typing a detailed review) While most people have been eagerly anticipating The Dark Knight, my summer fare is Mamma Mia. It was a fun movie, whimsacle, had fabulous music, starred my favorite actress, and was a pleasant way to cheer my mood after leaving Rochester. It was also the first movie I've seen guilt free since I started graduate school. Imagine that! Since Saturday, I've also been happily singing Abba tunes...Super Trooper, lights are going to blind me, but I won't be blue...

Lest I Forget

I don't have access to the pictures I've taken of my trip, but I'll be sure to post upon my return. In the meantime, here's a sampling of some fun things we've done in Rochester:

* Visit Lake Ontario. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I can say I touched the lake and surprisingly, the water was warmer than expected.

* Saw the University of Rochester, Eastman (the best part was seeing Christina's studio and classrooms!), the gorgeous Rochester falls times two, and had a fun tour of the city in the rain.

* Went to the grocery store! This may not be the first thing one normally does on a vacation, but we did have to buy groceries for our forthcoming meals. Plus I got to see where Christina shops, and I found extra sharp cracker barrel cheese. Yum!

* Worked out at the University of Rochester. Again, not your typical vacation fare...

* Witnessed a Rochester thunderstorm.

* Took a drive down Park Avenue, enjoyed a massage with Christina, read in the spa's library, learned how to play Dutch Blitz, saw gorgeous local mansions, enjoyed the East Coast architecture, and much, more more.

Le Tablier Rose

One of the things on our list of things to do in Rochester was find the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe. Well, not only did we test the first two recipes, but Christina had the brilliant idea of starting a blog, Le Tablier Rose, to document our cooking adventures. For those of you who know me well, you may laugh since you know how "often" I actually cook! (However, in my defense, Christina and I started cooking together several summers ago and have tried a wide variety of recipes.) We will post our cookie findings, recommend the best recipe, and provide any number of random bits of cooking advice, experiences in the kitchen, and suggestions for recipe alterations. We'd love to have you visit our virtual kitchen...and who knows, we may even turn into the next Martha Stewart...or not!

Tales of a Cross-Country Traveler

Greetings from Rochester, New York. This now day five of my trip to visit Christina and Peter, and I'm having a marvelous time.

My flights began as less than eventful, but instead of flying into Rochester at 10:30, I didn't arrive until 1:30 local time. The reason for this was a MAJOR backlog at JFK thanks in part to a storm system in the midwest. About an hour outside of New York City we were informed of a previosu course correction and had to circle Atlantic City for thirty minutes before proceeding to JFK, where we circled for another thirty minutes. At this point I was getting a little concerned because I wanted to make my connecting flight. Little did I know it had been delayed two hours! By the time all was said and done, the flight left three and a half hours after the original departure time. Joy. The Jet Blue terminal was less than impressive so I can't even say I enjoyed being part of the airport hussle and bussle. Fortunately, I met up with another lone female traveler also waiting for her flight, so we hung out until we had to report to our respective gates. Yeah for people to talk with! Christina and Peter very graciously picked me up around 1:30 and began the nighttime version of the local tour. :) I haven't done too bad with the time change, although getting to bed around 2:30 and sleeping in might have something to do with that. :)

Start Spreading the News...

I'm leaving today. I want to be a part of it, Rochester, New York!

Okay, I may have changed the words. And I'm actually leaving tomorrow instead of today, but you get the point. Tomorrow officially marks the first day of my New York trip. Packing is done, except for last minute items, carry-on is currently in a state of flux because I can't decide what books to bring (the bio on Elizabeth I looks really good right now...), and I bought the Sees Candy. All that's left is to straighten my room so I don't return to a disaster and make sure I sleep tonight. :)

My dream of post-graduation travel begins tomorrow!

Oh, in case any of you were wondering, I officially passed my thesis defense last week (July 7), was consumed by last minute revisions until last night, and turned in the 132 page document this morning. I will most likely have some formatting issues to work with, but the content is FINISHED!

Hurrah for fireworks!

Since I missed the fourth of July firework extravaganza, our family headed to Downtown Disney last Friday to watch Disneyland's famed firework display. I'm happy to report they did not disappoint and actually had some new ones I hadn't before. I also took the opportunity to try out my brand new Panasonic Lumix camera. What a perfect way to try out the firework setting...granted I still need practice, but I think they turned out well for a first-timer!

Happy Birthday America!!!

How many of us have actually read all of the lyrics to the Star Spangled Banner? We may sing the first verse, but there are three more we rarely hear. Today, I aim to rectify this situation! It is a beautiful document and testimony to our countries heritage. Today, I honor my country and am proud to be a citizen of the best country on earth!

Star Spangled Banner.

Frances Scott Key, 1814.

Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light

What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?

Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,

O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?

And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.

Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,

Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,

What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,

As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?

Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,

In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:

'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore

That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,

A home and a country should leave us no more!

Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.

No refuge could save the hireling and slave

From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:

And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand

Between their loved home and the war's desolation!

Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land

Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,

And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

One Night Left!

Yeah! I've almost made it! In reflecting back on the past 12 days I have definitely confirmed / re-confirmed some very important things about myself:

1.) I do not want to live by myself. I value human companionship too much.

2.) I prefer outdoor animals. I may not be the biggest animal person (orca whales are another story!), but outdoor is preferable.

3.) I value my family very much and have missed not spending time with them.

4.) I am a bigger fan of 4th of July fireworks than I thought; especially when I can't see them.

But, hey, it was an experience. Thanks for taking the journey with me. It's been fun having you along. :) Tomorrow night I sleep in MY OWN BED!!!!

Laundry...exciting??

Yup, it sure is! One night left, and I've started doing laundry. Who would have thought I would actually enjoy this little, domestic task!!!

Random (Countdown: Two Nights)

I am disappointed this evening. I intended to see the local firework display and mis-ordered my day so that I completely missed them. :( What is July 4th without fireworks? It's been a family tradition for years to walk down the street and see them, officially beginning the July holiday. Instead of watching with my parents, I was driving back to Ontario. I did glimpse one measly firework in the distance, but it's rather difficult to watch while I'm supposed to be driving. I think a trip to Downtown Disney (to see the Disneyland fireworks) is definitely in order.

Okay, I've vented! Let's see, other random happenings of today.

• I realized I have given the pets nicknames. Why on earth did I do that?! Simon (cat) is Sy, Hershey (cat) is Hersh, Scruffy (dog) is Scruffs, and Snickers (dog) is the only one who retained his name. I'm not sure how that could be shortened...this thought led me to mulling over the origin of nicknames and why we humans feel the need to shorten names in the first place. But, that is a conversation for another time.
  
• A fellow grad student whom I have known for 2 years stopped by work and mentioned he officially leaves for Atlanta next week. I'm happy for he and his wife but discovered that my tenure as a student is truly coming to an end. People I have voyaged with along this unknown road of graduate school are graduating and moving on with their lives. It was expected but feels strange knowing that part of my life is almost over.

In the Garden (Countdown: Three Nights!!)

During my numerous drives over the past 8 days, I actually haven't listened to much music. However, two days ago I started listening to a county/bluegrass style gospel album. This is not my preferred genre of music, but I've been enjoying it. In particular the hymn In the Garden has been especially beautiful. I've been looking for a decent version of this song for sometime and am excited to revel in my new find. I have posted the lyrics below so you too may enjoy them.

Today was my second day of working as a student assistant again. My grad assistantship ended on Monday, and I'm so happy to still work at COPH. It's been a little odd knowing I'm no longer the GA, but I'm excited to be moving forward in my life.

Only 3 more nights!!!!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I come to the garden alone

While the dew is still on the roses

And the voice I hear, falling on my ear

The Son of God discloses

And He walks with me

And He talks with me

And He tells me I am His own

And the joy we share as we tarry there

None other has ever known

He speaks and the sound of His voice

Is so sweet the birds hush their singing

And the melody that He gave to me

Within my heart is ringing

And He walks with me

And He talks with me

And He tells me I am His own

And the joy we share as we tarry there

None other has ever known

I'd stay in the garden with Him

'Tho the night around me be falling

But He bids me go; through the voice of woe

His voice to me is calling

And He walks with me

And He talks with me

And He tells me I am His own

And the joy we share as we tarry there

None other has ever known

Skyline (Countdown: Four Nights)

Only four more nights! I can't wait . . . onto other topics.

The other night I was driving back to my house-sitting job and feeling a little down. As I reached the crest of the 57 freeway I was cheered by a surprise. One of my favorite sites awaited me: a city skyline at night. It reminded me of the drive home from visiting our cousins in Palm Springs. Although I always hated to leave, my favorite part of the drive home was seeing the city lights of Riverside from Moreno Valley. They were beautiful twinkling beacons guiding our way home. Silly, but it was fun reliving a time from my past and brightened my evening.

Day Seven: Bittersweet Musings

Today was Dr. Hansen's last day at the Center. Although he officially retired a little over a month ago, he spent the past five weeks cleaning out his office. Art finished the task today and bid farewell to his COPH family. I had no idea today was going to be his final day and had a lump in my throat as I said goodbye. Thankfully, it is not final. We have our 40th anniversary celebration coming up in September, and Dr. Hansen will certainly have a role to play in that event. However, it saddens me to think his jovial self won't be around the center on a regular basis. It has truly been a honor to work under his direction for the past two years. I honor his commitment to excellence, his steadfast drive in furthering his historical passions, and his consistent direction. He may no longer be the director for the Center for Oral and Public History, but his 42 year legacy lives on as we continue the work he so faithfully dedicated his career to. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors, Dr. Hansen! Your future is bright with opportunity.

Day Six: The Trials of Stubborness

Good news! I slept last night . . . finally. I'm still tired after several sleepless nights, but it was wonderful to actually rest.

Yesterday Mother and I went to Illuminations at Downtown Disney to check out their semi-annual sale. I also had a delightful 50% off coupon and thought it would be great to use it on the gorgeous willow branch sconce pictured above. I love wrought iron decor and and have wanted this particular item for some time. True I have no place to hang it at present, but I think of it as planning for the future! Anyway, I bought it and thought I would have no trouble carrying the massively oversize, cumbersome box to the car. Wrong! The store manager offered us a dolly and I declined, certain I could handle the situation. (that should have been my first clue) Suffice it to say, Mother and I took turns carrying it, then dragged it, then carried it again only to discover it didn't fit in the trunk. We tried the trunk multiple times, the back seat, put the seat down and tried again, all to no avail. We ended up calling Adam and having him pick me up in the van so I could transport my brilliant find home. But the story doesn't end there. I am extremely sore today, all thanks to my willow branch sconce. My shoulders, forearms, and back have discovered muscles they didn't know they had! I mean it hurts to lift my arm shoulder high let alone above my head!

The moral of the story: if you should decide to purchase something requiring packaging in a large, oversize, cumbersome box and the store employee offers you a dolly . . . I suggest you accept! Trust me, you will be very glad you did.

Day Five: The Cat Needs to Sleep!

I completely intended for the posts about not sleeping would last one or two nights, be funny for me to re-read in about a week, and move on to another topic. The problem is last night was worse than the others. I suffered from a serious case of insomnia, and it was not fun, let me tell you. I don't know if it's unfamiliar animal noises, strange environment, sleeping arrangements, or what, but it's really getting old. Last vacation I slept in at least 4 different locations and had no problems at all. So once again, I need more than 4 hours of sleep tonight. :-/

Thesis Update: On a lighter note, I wrote my thesis abstract today. It is exactly 150 words, the limit imposed by the Masters Abstracts database. They should be happy! (I was stuck at 151 for a while until I found a word to eliminate.) Unless I am forgetting something, that was the last major task to complete before my defense. All that remains is preparing for the blessed event and articulating what the weaknesses are. I'm getting closer . . .

Day Four: Sleep Depravation

Only eight more nights. Only eight more nights. Yes, I am counting the days (and nights!) until I can be home for good. Until then, I would settle for a good nights sleep. Aside from the minor issue with oversleeping, I haven't had one good nights rest since Monday, and my body can really tell. Last night it was the cat who decided to parade through the house at all hours meowing, climbing onto the window sill behind me, etc. I mean it's dark for pete's sake. Go to sleep! But no, she had to have her say. So, I spent yet another night awake for hours. The couch is not working for a bed, and I'm going to investigate other options for this evening. Sore hips, pulled back muscles, and feeling cramped are not what the doctor ordered. I'll keep you posted on what I work out.

P.S. And here I thought sleepless nights were only for children. . .

Day Three: Oversleeping

Day three of my house sitting adventure got off to a very inauspicious beginning. On work mornings I typically get up at 6:30. I decided to keep the same schedule since I had a longer drive to work and more details to attend to in the morning. I went to bed early last night since I had been running on 3-4 hours of sleep from the night before. Needless to say, I was exhausted. I remember waking up several times during the night including at 3:00 am when the sprinklers went off. The next thing I know I heard the trash trucks outside and thought they were coming rather early. Thank God I checked my phone; it was 7:55!!! I had planned on leaving at 8:15! Guess who didn’t leave on time?

I flew around the house, did my hair in loose curls then up in a pony tail, and made sure the animals were well taken care of. Breakfast became something I could eat in the car and since I was already late, I stopped by Starbucks once I arrived in Fullerton. Figured I deserved a little treat. Nothing like a little adrenaline to kick start ones morning, though as those of you who know me well can attest to, I need time to wake up in the morning. This is not the way to do it. I finally started feeling more like myself around noontime, the same time cat allergies began wearing off.

I later discovered my phone reverted to the weekend alarm setting of 8:00 explaining the mix up. Guess who is going to double and triple check her alarm EVERY night!

Day Two: A Different Sort of Adventure

Over the course of the next 10 nights I will be house sitting for a couple with two dogs and two cats. Oh my! This is only my second night and already I have confirmed what I already knew: I am not an animal person. I can do infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and up, but animals are a completely different ball game. It took until 11:45 to finally get one of the cats into the garage! (I fared better tonight) One thing I know: I CANNOT wait to sleep in my own bed again!

The dogs are currently dreaming happy dreams in sleep land giving me time to actually finish an essay . . .

Thesis Update: I postponed the abstract but need to get back to it.

Step Two

Step one: print thesis for committee -- check
Step two: submit thesis to commitee -- check
Step three: finalize acknowledgements page -- check

My acknowledgements page has been finalized and proofed thanks to the help of my friend, Janet. Despite the pressure for a sneakpeek, I don't plan on unveiling it to the general public until I turn my thesis into the bookstore. :)

Step four: continue working on abstract and prep for defense.

Step One

Step One: Print thesis for committee.

Good news. Tomorrow I begin printing my thesis for my committee! Now, this is one of many one of many steps leading up to my defense and final printing, but I'm going to glory in each little victory. :)

Next on the agenda: Finalize acknowledgements page and write abstract.

I am beginning to see the light

Yesterday I combined all of my thesis chapters into ONE document!! So far the grand total is 116 pages, and I have yet to add the bibliography. I know I'm not at the finish line yet, but I am reveling in each step of accomplishment along the way.

Next Step: On Saturday, I will print 3 drafts for my committee members in preparation for my defense.

P.S. I decided that MS Word section breaks are fabulous!

A Song of You

I fully intended to write a stirring piece on my thoughts about Memorial Day, however my thesis, once again, took most of my time today. Instead, I would like to offer a tribute to one of cinema's finest directors: Sydney Pollack. Like Robert Altman's untimely death, I am still in shock that we have lost of one our greatest. Pollack's myriad of credits will carry his legacy forward for generations to come.

Personally, he was one of my favorite directors. His films were quality, and you knew you were watching a masterpiece. My personal favorite is Out of Africa, and it represents some of his finest work. To quote from the film, "If I know a song of Africa, of the giraffe and the African new moon lying on her back, of the plows in the fields and the sweaty faces of the coffee pickers, does Africa know a song of me? Will the air over the plain quiver with a color that I have had on, or the children invent a game in which my name is, or the full moon throw a shadow over the gravel of the drive that was like me, or will the eagles of the Ngong Hills look out for me? "

We know a song of you, Sydney. Farewell.

Saturday

Oh, to have a Saturday where I didn't have to spend all my time on my thesis. That would truly be beautiful. Since I am facing some very strict deadlines, I will post about my graduation (and out of this world surprise!) after I'm over the thesis hump. Chapter two requires my attention, and would be a better use of my time right now. 'Til next time...

T Minus 2 days and counting

Graduation is in two days. Amazing to think that it's already here. I'll post again after Saturday with a report on the festivities. :)

Checking-In

Hi Everyone! I realized it's been almost a month since I last posted, which is indicative of how my life has looked...busy! It occurred to me today that I only have two months in which to finish my thesis. While this should bring cheer, it instead seems like an eternity away and not near enough time to finalize the most important paper of my life. (up 'til now anyway) I decided I have to go back to being hermit until I finish. This isn't exactly how I want to spend my time, but I can be in "the zone" when I am in that state, exactly what I need to insure I don't procrastinate. :)

On a happier note, graduation is in two weeks!!!!!! The downside: I have yet to send out my announcements, decorate my cap, arrange parking with guests, find the punch recipe for our party, etc. Basically, I have yet to work though my graduation to-do list, and these are tasks I usually love. So I must make time this weekend to mail my announcements or else they may sit in my room forever! (and we certainly wouldn't want that!)

P.S. Tomorrow I am taking my LAST final, followed by my German exam on Monday. Think of that, my last final!!!!!

Am I done yet?

I just submitted my draft of chapter two (the last of the three chapters I had to write) to my advisor. Usually, after I submit a draft I take about two days to focus on German and catch up on other tasks before re-entering writing mode. This time, however, I need to immediately begin revising chapters one and three and should not waste any time. Why, then, do I feel like throwing in the towel and just going to bed, and perhaps not seeing my computer again for a very long time...

Celebrating His Sacrifice

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is God’s yes to Christ and to His atoning Word.
*Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Meditations on the Cross

Happy St. Patricks Day!

This Irish hymn was written to the tuneof a song about slane hill, which is where St. Patrick bravely lit the pascal fire, defying the king,and began one of the first steps in beginning the spread of christianity around Ireland.

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;

Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.

Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,

Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;

I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;

Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;

Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;

Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;

Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:

Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,

Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:

Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,

High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,

May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

One of my favorite things...

The Joys of Childhood

I am sitting in my room working on my thesis (what else!) and, at the same time, watching our neighbors across the street play a rousing game of tag with their friends. I was suddenly transported back into my own childhood, specifically remembering playing this game with our cousins. It was so much fun to be it, and even more challenging to insure I was *not* caught! I remember our mothers telling us to not run in the house because might hurt ourselves and the feeling of exhilaration when every sense was trained on outwitting the person who was 'it.' Childhood is such a simple time of life; if only I knew that fifteen years ago!

Reflections of a Masters' Candidate

During the past week I have been giving a lot of thought about my life as it currently it and how much will be changing in the next few months. Over the years, I have heard different people say that life is about change. In a way, this is true because there is always something else just around the corner. My tenure as a graduate student is swiftly coming to an end, and I am truly excited about my future as I imagine a life without endless reading, writing, translations, exams, and other academic pursuits. I will hold a full-time job for the first time, bring home a ‘real’ paycheck, and re-learn what it means to actually have a social life.

However, in my retrospection I have come to realize that I will miss certain aspects of my life as a graduate student. Part of me is surprised by this, while the other part of me was fully expecting this realization to hit. Last week I was sitting at my desk at work looking around at the office I have grown to love when these ideas began percolating in my mind. At first glance it is nothing spectacular, but frills are not what make the Center for Oral and Public History the wonderful place it is. Nor does our collection of interviews or the services we provide to students and community alike. Rather, it is the people, and they are who I will miss. We all have our quirks; our good days and bad days, our little office squabbles, yet I’ll miss seeing these individuals almost every day. I will miss the laughs, the crazy re-tellings of the ‘what was that student thinking’ stories, being part of our office family and feeling like I am helping to give back to the community.

The oft quoted lyrics to Joni Mitchell’s song Big Yellow Taxi seem fitting for this moment: Don’t it always seem to go, you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone. Yes, as I always suspected, deep down I will miss being part of a larger than life campus, walking the quad when everyone else is in class, smelling the fresh cut grass in the mornings, and enjoying the connection to my fellow students and faculty. But, I do not want these words to become a reality in my life. I want to appreciate where I am and value every moment. One of my favorite quotes originates from Star Trek Generations, and I desire to remember this throughout my life…"Someone once told me that time was a predator that stalked us all our lives, but I rather believe that time is a companion that goes with us on a journey…reminds us to cherish every moment because they’ll never come again."

As I finish out my grad assistantship and complete my thesis, my goal is to pay extra attention to the little details and value the time I spend with co-workers, fellow colleagues, and academic mentors, all who have contributed to my time at Cal State Fullerton.

Have you ever noticed...

Have you ever noticed how a day of inactivity can make you just as tired as a day where you are running non-stop? I find this to be a curious fact, however, I have seen it play out in my life over and over again. Sometimes sleeping in and doing nothing but writing for hours simply do not lend themselves to feel energized, whereas I can have more energy if I'm gone all day engaging in a variety of events. For example, yesterday I spent the majority of the day doing things that involved a lot of sitting in one location and was exhausted by the end of the day. I suppose this means that just stimulating the mind does not help keep the entire body energized!

This is just something I was thinking about last night...

Work in Progress

I am currently in the process of updating the aesthetics of my blog. Please bear with me as I play around with the various options to find the 'perfect' look.

Deutsch

Why, I ask, can't languages be learned through osmosis? It would require far less work and comprehension would increase by a substantial amount. But, no, we have to do things the old-fashioned way.

I have wanted to learn German for a long time, and thanks to pursuing my graduate degree, I was forced to make this a reality. But, it is A LOT of work! I know that in the end it will have been worth it; too bad I can't fast forward in time to save the hours of sweat, blood, and tears. There is definitely something to teaching languages to young children. Depending on how well I master German, I will consider it for my own family.

For now, think of me...memorizing vocabulary and trying to figure out what the heck this passage means! (and, this class was only two units! Ba humbug!)

Rambling

Hmm...I don't really have anything of consequence to write about. Things have been busy but still a little quiet on my end. I'm excited I don't have any oral history interviews scheduled for this week. I did not one, but TWO last week and spent over 7 hours listening to people. (and, perhaps also got lost a couple of times as well, but we shan't discuss that little detail!) Regardless of how easy it sounds, interviews can be exhausting!I'm spending Tuesday night with my friend Jessica and am really looking forward to it. I've been a little too wrapped up in my own little world as of late and haven't been out doing things. Thankfully, I don't have that problem with my best friend since we talk or leave messsages all the time! And, I really am on my last semester for grad school. It's a good thing too, because I don't think I can stick it out much longer.

Shock Factor

Okay, perhaps I had a little too much fun with my previous posts subject line, but I was going for shock factor! You know, the, "I'm in love" (creates great anticipation) only to be dashed by, "...with a web camera." Sorry for making you all wonder...though one day I will be shouting that to the world, and I will mean something entirely different. :)

I'M IN LOVE...

...with a web camera!!!! Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, and a brilliant Christmas present from my parents, I was able to see my best friend and her husband face-to-face again!!!!!! Christina and Peter moved to Rochester, New York, last August, and we haven't seen each other since. Of course, we spend lots of time on the phone to compensate, but seeing her again with my own eyes was so much fun! I will be visiting them in July, so, until that time this is the next best thing to being in the same room together!

Give me a word, any word...

So I'm sitting in my room hard at work on revising chapter one. My goal was to have a workable draft ready by last night for submission to my adviser. (3 weeks ahead of schedule I might add) We have family coming over this afternoon to celebrate Seth's birthday, and I have plenty to do before they arrive. Yet, here I sit going over my chapter...let me amend that, I am dissecting my chapter paragraph by paragraph, agonizing over whether or not I am adequately expressing my argument and if the word I am using encapsulates the essence of what I am trying to say. And I keep thinking there might be a better way to phrase this and why can't the thesaurus give me a better choice of words.

Now here's the really sad part: I'm only on page 3!!

Light at the end of the tunnel...

I am officially hard at work on my thesis. I’ve decided to break the project down and refer to it as a ‘chapter,’ ‘introduction,’ or another term that does not specifically refer to it by name. Actually saying the word ‘thesis’ keeps reminding me that this will be the longest, hardest, yet most rewarding piece I will have ever written. Somehow refering to the individual components is not quite as intimidating!

That said, I’m in the midst of writing and have reached a bit of an impasse. My advisers have been most encouraging by exhorting me to, “chain yourself to your desk and write!” In the past, I would have wholeheartedly agreed with them, knowing no other way to conduct myself during the semester. My typical MO was to spend the majority of my time holed up in my room doing homework. But recent events with Mother have changed my outlook on life. I know I’m at the end of a very long academic road, but I don’t want to look back with regret. We only have the opportunity to live this life once, and I don’t want to let a moment go by.

My goal is to find a way to balance my academic perfectionism with living. I want to get out more socially and have time to goof off. These desires make it more difficult to convince myself to actually sit down and do the work required of me when life beckons! (I blame much of this on an acute case of advanced senioritis!) Christina and I were talking about our futures the other day, and I’m excited about mine. Post graduation is a blank slate right now, and I am okay with this because I know God has the perfect thing in store. However, before I get there I must complete this little task. For now, I will console myself with knowing there is light at the end of the tunnel. One hundred pages can’t be that difficult to write...right? :)

Gratefulness

I read this in my devotional this morning:

"Don't overlook God's gifts. Every sunrise represents yet another beautifully wrapped gift from God. Unwrap it; treasure it; use it; and give thanks to the Giver."

What a reminder!

Quoted from: Above All Else: Directions for Life by Dr. Criswell Freeman

Living Our Standard

The other night I was working on correcting a little wireless snafu I created and overheard part of a Christian television program. Jack Hayford was a guest and said something so profound that I felt compelled to share. He said, "Jesus did not call the church to lift the standard of righteousness; Jesus called the church to live the standard of righteousness." We are not called to condemn, backbite, judge, or intimidate people. As believers, Jesus called us to be the salt of the earth:

Matthew 5:12-14: 12 "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 13 You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden."

This really made me re-think and possibly challenge the way modern Christianity chooses to conduct itself. If we do not live our faith/standard of righteousness why would anyone even be interested in joining a body that is known for condemnation? Instead of allowing ourselves to be swept along the current of griping and fault finding, I challenge us all to rise above this behavior. Let us live the standard imposed by Jesus and be an example to the world. When we make this our testimony, we can represent our Lord in love and show people what it truly means to be a Christian.

2008

Happy New Year, Everyone!

A Farewell Toast

This seemed like an appropriate time to bid 2007 a fond farewell and wish all of you a very, very happy new year.

You know, when I was young I always thought that family was defined solely as blood relatives; however the more I live the more I realize that 'family' extends far beyond this small sphere. Family is the close friends God has brought into our lives, those who share that special bond in our in the hearts. Family enriches life, and I am so grateful to all of these individuals for their support, encouragement, and friendship. I offer a toast of appreciation to my family and friends...Happy 2008!!

Sabrina Fair

Song

Sweet Echo, sweetest nymph
that liv'st unseenWithin thy airy shell

By slow Meander's margent green,

And in the violet-imbroider'd vale

Where the love-lorn nightingale

Nightly to thee her sad song mourneth well:

Canst thou not tell me of a gentle pair

That likest thy Narcissus are?

O if thou have

Hid them in some flow'ry cave,

Tell me but whereSweet Queen of Parley,

Daughter of the Sphere,

So mayst thou be translated to the skies,

And give resounding grace to all heav'ns harmonies.

Sabrina fair

Listen where thou art sitting

Under the glassy, cool, translucent wave,

In twisted braids of lilies knitting

The loose train of thy amber-dropping hair;

Listen for dear honour's sake,

Goddess of the silver lake,

Listen and save.

Listen and appear to us

In name of great Oceanus,

By the earth-shaking Neptune's mace,

And Tethys' grave majestic pace;

By hoary Nereus' wrinkled look,

And the Carpathian wizard's hook;

By scaly Triton's winding shell,

And old soothsaying Glaucus' spell;

By Leucothea's lovely hands,

And her son that rules the strands;

By Thetis' tinsel-slipper'd feet,

And the songs of Sirens sweet;

By dead Parthenope's dear tomb,

And fair Ligea's golden comb,

Wherewith she sits on diamond rocks

Sleeking her soft alluring locks;

By all the nymphs that nightly dance

Upon thy streams with wily glance,

Rise, rise, and heave thy rosy head

From thy coral-pav'n bed,
And bridle in thy headlong wave,

Till thou our summons answer'd have.

Listen and save.

Sabrina rises, attended by water-nymphs, and sings

By the rushy-fringed bank,

Where grows the willow and the osier dank,

My sliding chariot stays,

Thick set with agate, and the azurn sheen

Of turkis blue, and em'rald green

That in the channel strays,

Whilst from off the waters fleet

Thus I set my printless feet

O'er the cowslip's velvet head,

That bends not as I tread;

Gentle swain at thy request

I am here.

-John Milton

Returning from exile

Well, hello again. I realized it’s been a couple of months since I’ve posted anything truly substantial. In retrospect, I can use this as a gauge to how busy my life has been. Busy!!! Not having time to post means I’ve been in academic exile for what feels like forever. But the hard work has paid off…Last Wednesday I successfully defended my thesis prospectus!!!! A lot of time and energy went into those twelve pages, and even though the real work begins now, I’m still excited it went so well. I was fully prepared to be challenged in certain areas and instead, the entire ordeal lasted less than forty-five minutes. In a way, the defense was invigorating and hopefully, my last one will be too.

Quote

"Music at its best is not in need of novelty; indeed, the older it is, the more one is accustomed to it, the stronger its effect."

Goethe

Immersion

I am immersed in war. I study WWII from the German/European perspective, the U.S. Pacific Theatre, history of the El Toro MCAS, the Holocaust, interview women who grew up during the Third Reich... Is this strange to anyone? This is literally the only thing I read about. And I love it.

Repeating History

Click on the picture to read the text

We cannot, we must not, ever forget what happened in Europe over 60 years ago, because it could happen again. Anyone, any group, could be the target. It has been said that those who refuse to study history are doomed to repeat it. In this case, those who are attempting to rewrite history are probably planning to repeat it! The hatred is already there, in place, taught to the children from infancy, with promises of glory and honor to those who carry out the plans. Forewarned is forearmed.

In Memoriam: It is now more than 60 years after the Second World War in Europe ended. This is being sent as a memorial chain, in memory of the six million Jews, 20 million Russians, 10 million Christians and 1,900 Catholic priests who were murdered, massacred, raped, burned, starved and humiliated with the German and Russia peoples looking the other way! Now, more than ever, with Iran , among others, claiming the Holocaust to be "a myth," it is imperative to make sure the world never forgets, because there are others who would like to do it again.

The Islamic extremists are bent on the same thing that Hitler and Stalin were. The conquest of the world and the destruction of anyone who doesn't believe the way they do. The rest of the Muslims who say or do nothing about them are as guilty as the extremist.

Find Your Wings

I love dreams, and I love to dream. I always have ideas for the future: something I will do, see, experience, marvel at...and the list goes on. Dreams are an integral part of where I am going. Dreams are an inspirational, almost tangible force that help me hold fast during times when I am overwhelmed or seemingly can't find my way. Dreams remind me what is possible and what I have yet to achieve.

I heard this song for the first time this morning, and it reminded me why I so love dreams. Why I call this blog "Little Dreamer." A reminder to look to the amazing future God has in store, yet fully experience all life brings day to day. It is only then that we will truly live life to the full.

It's only for a moment you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you
Will all too quickly unfold
So many different prayers
I'll pray For all that you might do
But most of all I'll want to know
You're walking in the truth
And If I never told you
I want you to know
As I watch you grow

Chorus: ** I love the chorus and following verse**
I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

May passion be the wind
That leads you through your days
And may conviction keep you strong
Guide you on your way
May there be many moments
That make your life so sweet
Oh, but more than memories

Chorus

It's not living if you don't reach for the sky
I'll have tears as you take off
But I'll cheer as you fly

Chorus

Puccini

With regards to the passing of opera legend Luciano Pavarotti, I was compelled to listen to my recording of Nessun Dorma. This aria never fails to move me. It elicits such intense passion and beauty, two characteristics that define why I fell in love with Puccini’s work. The music swells in a never ending expression of joyous ecstasy, and each time I listen I find creative inspiration and emotions swell inside which I cannot explain.

Despite the beauty of the Italian verses, I decided to look up an English translation which I have posted below.

The Prince:
No one shall sleep! ... No one shall sleep!
Even you, O Princess, in your cold room, watch the stars, that tremble with love and with hope.
But my secret is hidden within me, my name no one shall know ...
No! ... No!... On your mouth I will tell it when the light shines.
And my kiss will dissolve the silence that makes you mine! ...
The Chorus of women:
No one will know his name and we must, alas, die.
The Prince:
Vanish, O night! Set, stars! Set, stars!
At dawn, I will win!
I will win! I will win!

Concentration

Merely because I feel like sharing, I'm having a hard time concentrating on homework this evening. I feel like I've taken care of so many misc details that I need a break, and I have yet to read a page in Tosh's Pursuit of History. Yikes!

Nothing Earth Shattering

With one week until the fall semester begins, I find that I have just begun to truly relax. It has taken the entire summer to reach this point where I am enjoying the little things and allowing myself to focus on something other than the pressing details or to do list. Why did it have to take so long?!!!

It’s been a while since I have posted on a regular basis. Life has been busy, and I seem to have the idea that if I don’t have something substantial to say then I might as well not write anything at all. However, I decided that even if my post is not earth shattering there’s no reason why I can’t share a random quote, musing, or any other little tidbit of information. Hopefully, I can contribute on somewhat of a regular basis…which would afford a nice respite from the rigors of graduate school. :)

Wedding Memories

Congratulations to Christina & Peter!!!!!!!

Dreams

I have spread my dreams beneath your feet. Tread softly because you tread on my dreams. W.B. Yeats