Remembering those who paved the way

You may have already read this, but I wanted to share.

http://sarathacker.blogspot.com/2008/08/should-you-vote.html

Life After August

I'm excited. Why? Well, one might think it's because it's Friday, meaning I have a entire weekend coming up. Or perhaps I'm excited because it's Labor Day weekend, which means three days off instead of two, not to mention two days I can actually sleep past 6:30. These are very valid reasons, but, more importantly, it's Labor Day weekend, my FIRST one in seven years where I will not be doing any homework! And, that's what I'm celebrating this weekend. I remember my first semester of college, I spent Labor Day doing math homework and labs. Last year, I was writing a thesis proposal and trying to stay on top of reading for History & Theory. In 2008, I don't have to do any of that. Yah!!! I can do things Kira wants to do instead of sacrificing for the greater of academic good. :)

While I haven't made any specific plans for Monday, there are several projects I can either continue or begin.

• Start my graduation scrapbook. I had the pictures printed two days ago and already bought the supplies. I could celebrate my first holiday with NO homework by reliving graduation. Hmmm....this would be fun.
• Continue editing my oral history transcripts.
• Transcribe another twenty minutes of my thesis oral histories.
• Clean out my closet and make room for new clothes!
• Vacuum the inside of my car.
• None of the above. Spent the day sleeping in, watching movies, reading, or whatever my heart desires.

Whatever happens, it's just nice to know I have a life after August! Happy Labor Day everyone!

Highlights from Iowa and Wisconsin

On the road to Cassville, Wisconsin (population 1085!)
First town we stayed at, and one of the prettiest

Mississippi River. Illinois is across the river.

Me posing by the Mississippi

We saw enough red barns to satisfy anyone's curiosity

Another view of the Mississippi, this one from Cassville. Iowa is across the river.

Pictures do not do this view justice. We saw green and the river far as

the eye could see. This was a highlight of the trip.

Fox river in De Pere, Wisconsin

The clouds are gorgeous.

I think I have a problem. I seem to be addicted to my computer. Now that I am no longer a student, I technically don't have to be attached to my computer 24/7, but I find that I still take it with me everywhere. I do have several post-graduation projects I am slowly plowing through, and most require the use of MS Word. I still sit and watch TV with my computer on my lap. I take it with me on trips just in case I need it. (it did come in handy on my most recent excursion since we needed to look up directions several times) I can always think of something to that I have to do on the computer. I seem to have forgotten how to sit and relax. It is such a habit to always be doing something. Any tips on how to solve this little problem? Perhaps I should just quit cold turkey!

Welcome to Dubuque, Iowa!

Greetings from the Midwest. I have truly been all over the US today. I started in Orange, CA, traveled to Fullerton, flew out of Ontario, had a layover in Dallas, then Chicago, and finally land at our final destination of Dubuque. I just watched Bridges of Madison County and I admit, part of me was hoping for a glimpse of Francesca Johnson's Iowa. The other part of me was hoping for modernity to have hit the area. I think I ended up with a mixture of the two, however, it is definitely more rural than Southern California.

My day began dark and early at 2:30 am! Yes, I really said 2:30. All in all, the traveling part was fairly smooth. We didn't have any delays and or lost luggage. We also had some funny mishaps throughout the day, however the funniest by far was at DFW. We had a short layover and decided to grab breakfast (after all, it was 9:00 our time) and then I had a hankering for a latte from Starbucks. So, down we went to buy one. The funny thing was neither Janet nor I looked at the time and were talking about touring the airport further. We honestly thought we had time to roam the expanse called DFW. As we walked by our gate we noticed people were standing in line and Janet had the presence of mind to ask what flight they were waiting for. Turns out our flight was boarding and they were past the individual groups and move on to general boarding!!! Yes, while our flight was boarding we were down at Starbucks buying me a mocha latte. To top it off, our plane pulled away from the gate about ten minutes after we boarded. We laughed over that one for a while. If we had missed our flight how in the world could we have explained that one away...

Flying the friendly skies

Although it seems I just returned from one trip, I leave again on Tuesday for Iowa and Wisconsin. I'm going with a friend and co-worker to conduct 10-11 interviews for the El Toro Oral History project I have been part of as a graduate student and now as an employee. I'm going as interviewer and videographer! We will be gone for 8 days, two of which will be travel, and the rest will be interviewing galore. I hope to blog while I am gone, however we have a very intense schedule so it might not be possible. Much of our downtime will be spent driving and preparing for upcoming interviews. There is one rather large drawback to the trip, however...our flight leaves at 6:05 am. That means we have to be at the airport by 4:30, up at 2:30. You may all think of me as you sleep in your soft, comfortable beds on Tuesday morning!

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