Date: August 25th, 2010
My family is very friendly. For years, whenever I've gotten to know people, I've eventually invited them to come hang out with my folks, get dinner with my folks or visit my folks at their house in Fenton. See, I enjoy my parents - I find them delightful - I choose to be around them on a regular basis. I know, weird right?
That being said, in my whole life, I've never felt as comfortable around anyone else's family as I have around my parents. I suppose that's fairly normal, given that I know them better than anyone else. The reason its noteworthy though is that I've spent a fair amount of time around other people's families in my life. In addition to being around parents of friends throughout high school and college, I had the same boyfriend (on and off) for almost a decade, so I spent a fairly hefty chunk of time with his family.
In all those years, while I've really adored my friends families, I've still felt like I had to be on good guest behavior. The same goes for my ex-boyfriend's family. Even up until the last time I saw them, I felt like I had to talk and act a certain way that wasn't entirely myself. I was making an impression, if that makes sense. I expected that "on your best behavior" thing to persist for a good deal of time with Justin's family since, well, I'm just now getting to know them.
That's why, when I looked around his dad's house on Wednesday, I was shocked at how at ease I felt sitting on the couch and watching TV. The jokes I cracked were the first ones that came to my head. The way I sat was the way I sit at home. The conversation I had with Justin was the kind I'd have if we were sitting by ourselves. That was the first realization I had. The second was that I'd never felt that comfortable with someone else's family before.
As I write this entry, Justin and I have decided to start a more serious relationship (he's no longer my not-a-boyfriend), but the day we spent with his family was about a week before we made that decision. I found myself delighted at the fact that I felt so at ease. It was, in truth, a small but important part of the reason we got more serious. The biggest reason being, of course, that Justin is amazing. But that's neither here nor there.
What does all this have to do with the larger, meta-experience that is my project? Really nothing besides the fact that I'd never experienced it before and it made me super happy. Not every story has a moral - some days are just wonderful days.
August 31, 2010
Day 230 - Wax my Hands
Date: August 24th, 2010
I'm an only child. One of the perquisites of being an only child is that every once in a while, I got, umm, pampered. There's really no way to explain that without sounding deeply spoiled. So, I think, in the interest of time, I'll just admit to being deeply spoiled and we'll move on. When I was younger, I got to go to the spa about once every couple of years to enjoy a massage, facial and mani-pedi.
I'm an only child. One of the perquisites of being an only child is that every once in a while, I got, umm, pampered. There's really no way to explain that without sounding deeply spoiled. So, I think, in the interest of time, I'll just admit to being deeply spoiled and we'll move on. When I was younger, I got to go to the spa about once every couple of years to enjoy a massage, facial and mani-pedi.
August 30, 2010
Day 229 - Face my Superstitions
Date: August 23rd, 2010
I'm a surprisingly superstitious person at times. I tend to think that things are supposed to happen and I don't want to carelessly mess that up by, you know, breaking a mirror or opening a fortune cookie improperly. I thought about this as I ate my Chinese food and tried to stop myself from looking at the fortune before I ate the cookie. It won't come true if you do that, you know.
As I finished a delicious meal, it struck me that believing, even in passing, that my fortune cookie fortune could come true no matter what I did is a superstition of its own. So, in an act of calculated defiance, I smashed the cookie inside the wrapper, read my fortune and went about my business. Then I went on a bit of a superstition spree. I opened up a step ladder at my house and walked under it, then undid an umbrella in my kitchen. I was going to break a mirror, but it struck me that in addition to superstition, there is a good reason for that rule. Mirrors are made of glass. I'm sure y'all can work out the rest of the logic.
Granting this entry is rather short, my main lesson came a few days later when all Hell didn't break loose in my life. I have officially trial-and-errored superstitions and found them lacking. Your welcome.
I'm a surprisingly superstitious person at times. I tend to think that things are supposed to happen and I don't want to carelessly mess that up by, you know, breaking a mirror or opening a fortune cookie improperly. I thought about this as I ate my Chinese food and tried to stop myself from looking at the fortune before I ate the cookie. It won't come true if you do that, you know.
As I finished a delicious meal, it struck me that believing, even in passing, that my fortune cookie fortune could come true no matter what I did is a superstition of its own. So, in an act of calculated defiance, I smashed the cookie inside the wrapper, read my fortune and went about my business. Then I went on a bit of a superstition spree. I opened up a step ladder at my house and walked under it, then undid an umbrella in my kitchen. I was going to break a mirror, but it struck me that in addition to superstition, there is a good reason for that rule. Mirrors are made of glass. I'm sure y'all can work out the rest of the logic.
Granting this entry is rather short, my main lesson came a few days later when all Hell didn't break loose in my life. I have officially trial-and-errored superstitions and found them lacking. Your welcome.
Day 228 - Go in a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride
Date: August 22nd, 2010
The second day of our Chicago adventure was significantly more laid back. The plan involved walking. Then getting on a train. Then being home. Not unlike the last time I was in a major city, I relied on the fact that they are jam packed with activities to ensure that something new happened. At first that didn't seem to be as solid a plan as I'd hoped though.
The second day of our Chicago adventure was significantly more laid back. The plan involved walking. Then getting on a train. Then being home. Not unlike the last time I was in a major city, I relied on the fact that they are jam packed with activities to ensure that something new happened. At first that didn't seem to be as solid a plan as I'd hoped though.
Day 227 - Eat Authentic Chicago Deep Dish
Date: August 21st, 2010
The interesting thing about the Chicago trip is that, for the most part, I'd already done some form of everything we did that day. I say its interesting because it was an amazing experience and, on the whole, it was an entirely new feeling day. But going thing by thing, I'd done all but one of the things that were on the activity list already.
- Take a train into Chicago... done.
- Go to a Major League Baseball game... done.
- Drink a beer at a sporting event... done.
All things that, absent having done them already, would be amazing things of the day for my project.
The interesting thing about the Chicago trip is that, for the most part, I'd already done some form of everything we did that day. I say its interesting because it was an amazing experience and, on the whole, it was an entirely new feeling day. But going thing by thing, I'd done all but one of the things that were on the activity list already.
- Take a train into Chicago... done.
- Go to a Major League Baseball game... done.
- Drink a beer at a sporting event... done.
All things that, absent having done them already, would be amazing things of the day for my project.
Day 226 - Learn to Install a Children's Car Seat
Date: August 20th, 2010
So we enter day two of "Kristen really should've planned ahead" mode. Thankfully, Justin's family was there to rescue me.
Justin and I were on our way to spend the weekend with his family in Chicago so we drove over to Kalamazoo on the Friday before to socialize and get ourselves in the right place to catch the train we were all taking into the city. As we pulled off the highway at 10ish at night, I realized that I hadn't done a new thing. I'd spent the day packing and cleaning and hadn't thought for a second about the fact that all the officially awesome stuff didn't start until the next day.
So we enter day two of "Kristen really should've planned ahead" mode. Thankfully, Justin's family was there to rescue me.
Justin and I were on our way to spend the weekend with his family in Chicago so we drove over to Kalamazoo on the Friday before to socialize and get ourselves in the right place to catch the train we were all taking into the city. As we pulled off the highway at 10ish at night, I realized that I hadn't done a new thing. I'd spent the day packing and cleaning and hadn't thought for a second about the fact that all the officially awesome stuff didn't start until the next day.
Day 225 - Dye my Eyebrows
Date: August 19th, 2010
My mom dyed my eyebrows. It was, well, I'd never done it before.
Interesting works. Interesting is a word I'd use for it.
I worked the long shift at work and found myself pushing 10pm without a new thing of the day. Determined not to fail, I let my mother put chemicals on my face for the enjoyment and amusement of the crowd. About halfway through the process, I had the eyebrows of Frida Kahlo (and the jawline of a young Mick Jagger, but that wasn't because of the chemicals).
She had gotten a kit that was a two step process and, delightfully, didn't involve just putting hair dye on the brows. I was mildly concerned about that prospect until she showed me the kit, which was actually kind of neat. Three little bottles on a tray gave her like ten or fifteen uses. I had a momentary realization of how little hair there was on any give person's eyebrows. That's not the kind of thing I generally choose to think about, but it was interesting, to say the least.
There was very little philosophizing after my eleven hour shift and hour long commute. Not going to lie. Mostly just didn't want to fail the project. And now I have dyed eyebrows. Thanks will power. You did me a solid on this one.
My mom dyed my eyebrows. It was, well, I'd never done it before.
Interesting works. Interesting is a word I'd use for it.
I worked the long shift at work and found myself pushing 10pm without a new thing of the day. Determined not to fail, I let my mother put chemicals on my face for the enjoyment and amusement of the crowd. About halfway through the process, I had the eyebrows of Frida Kahlo (and the jawline of a young Mick Jagger, but that wasn't because of the chemicals).
She had gotten a kit that was a two step process and, delightfully, didn't involve just putting hair dye on the brows. I was mildly concerned about that prospect until she showed me the kit, which was actually kind of neat. Three little bottles on a tray gave her like ten or fifteen uses. I had a momentary realization of how little hair there was on any give person's eyebrows. That's not the kind of thing I generally choose to think about, but it was interesting, to say the least.
There was very little philosophizing after my eleven hour shift and hour long commute. Not going to lie. Mostly just didn't want to fail the project. And now I have dyed eyebrows. Thanks will power. You did me a solid on this one.
Day 224 - Give myself a Virtual Makeover
Date: August 18th, 2010
In a delightfully superficial turn, I found a site that allows you to do personal makeovers with their software. Having had a long day the day before, I decided to go through the lighthearted exercise of making myself feel pretty. So I found a picture that didn't have any makeup on and was a pretty normal shot of my face and went to work.
In a delightfully superficial turn, I found a site that allows you to do personal makeovers with their software. Having had a long day the day before, I decided to go through the lighthearted exercise of making myself feel pretty. So I found a picture that didn't have any makeup on and was a pretty normal shot of my face and went to work.
Day 223 - Visit DHS
Date: August 17th, 2010
I know I'm behind on entries, but I held off on this one because I didn't want to go from Jon's awesome Korean adventures to the depressing existence that is the Department of Human Services. One of the things I've encountered in my job is that there are "bad guys". People or organizations who, if we have a client who has a problem with them, we know we're in for a fight. The Department of Human Services is one of those.
I know I'm behind on entries, but I held off on this one because I didn't want to go from Jon's awesome Korean adventures to the depressing existence that is the Department of Human Services. One of the things I've encountered in my job is that there are "bad guys". People or organizations who, if we have a client who has a problem with them, we know we're in for a fight. The Department of Human Services is one of those.
August 25, 2010
Day 222 - Outsource Something
Date: August 16th, 2010
Around the time I started my project, my friend Jon Hop was getting himself established in Korea and decided that he should write a blog both about his experiences there and about the game of Go. It is my intention to learn (at least the basics) of Go as one of my things of the day and use his first book (that's right, he's written and published books on the subject) as my teaching tool.
More relevant to this entry is that fact that his blog is incredibly insightful and well written. See, I'm a control-freak. An honest to goodness, dyed-in-the-wool control-freak. If something is mine then by dernit I'm going to dictate how it goes. So, as part of the "stepping outside my comfort zone" aspect of the project, I decided to force myself to relinquish control for a day and see what happened.
To be fair, I didn't totally give up control. I picked someone who's an awesome writer (which made me a lot calmer about it) and who lives in another country (making it highly unlikely for the material to be lacking). But as for micromanaging my hand-selected, eloquent-writing, living-in-a-foreign-land friend... I managed to bite my metaphorical tongue long enough to let him do his thing without interference. The result is an amazing entry with a completely different style than mine - in other words, exactly what I was hoping for.
Around the time I started my project, my friend Jon Hop was getting himself established in Korea and decided that he should write a blog both about his experiences there and about the game of Go. It is my intention to learn (at least the basics) of Go as one of my things of the day and use his first book (that's right, he's written and published books on the subject) as my teaching tool.
More relevant to this entry is that fact that his blog is incredibly insightful and well written. See, I'm a control-freak. An honest to goodness, dyed-in-the-wool control-freak. If something is mine then by dernit I'm going to dictate how it goes. So, as part of the "stepping outside my comfort zone" aspect of the project, I decided to force myself to relinquish control for a day and see what happened.
To be fair, I didn't totally give up control. I picked someone who's an awesome writer (which made me a lot calmer about it) and who lives in another country (making it highly unlikely for the material to be lacking). But as for micromanaging my hand-selected, eloquent-writing, living-in-a-foreign-land friend... I managed to bite my metaphorical tongue long enough to let him do his thing without interference. The result is an amazing entry with a completely different style than mine - in other words, exactly what I was hoping for.
Day 221 - Consult a Cookbook for a Recipe
Date: August 15th, 2010
I haven't used my grill in a while. I know this because rust doesn't form quickly. Nor do wasp's nests establish themselves and then die over night. And upon opening my grill, I found both rust and a now-defunct wasp's nest. I am of the belief that neither of these things will make my steak taste particularly juicy and/or delicious. And thanks to this delightful discovery, Justin and I were left with spectacular cuts of meat and no known ability to cook them. Ok, granted that eventually any form of significant heat would cause the meat to be cooked, but I do not abide ruining good meat.
I haven't used my grill in a while. I know this because rust doesn't form quickly. Nor do wasp's nests establish themselves and then die over night. And upon opening my grill, I found both rust and a now-defunct wasp's nest. I am of the belief that neither of these things will make my steak taste particularly juicy and/or delicious. And thanks to this delightful discovery, Justin and I were left with spectacular cuts of meat and no known ability to cook them. Ok, granted that eventually any form of significant heat would cause the meat to be cooked, but I do not abide ruining good meat.
Day 220 - Ride a Jetski
Date: August 14th, 2010
After riding the motorcycle, I put off riding a jetski for a couple weeks because, well, fast things without walls make me fear death. And I know that now. After a little convincing and seeing pictures of my mom riding a jetski, I decided it wouldn't be prudent to be less of a badass than my parents. So I told my folks I was ready to go and pretended not to be petrified.
I'm keeping this entry short because pictures exist, just not on my harddrive. Justin and I went up to the lake for dinner and hanging out with my folks and he was kind enough to take pictures of me riding the jetski with my dad.
I enjoyed it significantly more than the motorcycle. Despite my general fear of death when I'm moving fast, I did find that knowing the water was there made my less concerned. We headed down to the other side of the lake to see the boats lining up for the boat parade. There was a fantastic display of hilarious creativity that will also be featured in the picture update for this entry. Needless to say, riding a jetski and seeing the boat parade made me feel incredibly lucky to have the life I have. There's a certain level of ridiculousness and exhilaration that happened that day that simply cannot be matched.
All I could think, that whole evening, was how good life was. I was with my family and Justin and Wes. We were relaxing, goofing off, eating good food and all around enjoying the atmosphere. I also got to enjoy my thing of the day without much fuss. It was the right level of calm for me given the slight lull I'd been in.
After riding the motorcycle, I put off riding a jetski for a couple weeks because, well, fast things without walls make me fear death. And I know that now. After a little convincing and seeing pictures of my mom riding a jetski, I decided it wouldn't be prudent to be less of a badass than my parents. So I told my folks I was ready to go and pretended not to be petrified.
I'm keeping this entry short because pictures exist, just not on my harddrive. Justin and I went up to the lake for dinner and hanging out with my folks and he was kind enough to take pictures of me riding the jetski with my dad.
I enjoyed it significantly more than the motorcycle. Despite my general fear of death when I'm moving fast, I did find that knowing the water was there made my less concerned. We headed down to the other side of the lake to see the boats lining up for the boat parade. There was a fantastic display of hilarious creativity that will also be featured in the picture update for this entry. Needless to say, riding a jetski and seeing the boat parade made me feel incredibly lucky to have the life I have. There's a certain level of ridiculousness and exhilaration that happened that day that simply cannot be matched.
All I could think, that whole evening, was how good life was. I was with my family and Justin and Wes. We were relaxing, goofing off, eating good food and all around enjoying the atmosphere. I also got to enjoy my thing of the day without much fuss. It was the right level of calm for me given the slight lull I'd been in.
Day 219 - Go to a Saloon
Date: August 13th, 2010
Like most people my age, I've seen awesome western-bar-themed dance movies and thought to myself "what sort of mystical playground is this saloon I keep hearing about?" That's why, when my original plans with Tim fell through (we were going to go to a street fair in Ypsilanti, but it didn't exactly look legit), I was really excited that he mentioned going out to Diamondback Saloon along I-94. Having never been there before, I had to keep my expectations reasonable.
Like most people my age, I've seen awesome western-bar-themed dance movies and thought to myself "what sort of mystical playground is this saloon I keep hearing about?" That's why, when my original plans with Tim fell through (we were going to go to a street fair in Ypsilanti, but it didn't exactly look legit), I was really excited that he mentioned going out to Diamondback Saloon along I-94. Having never been there before, I had to keep my expectations reasonable.
Par for the course, I assume.
August 24, 2010
Day 218 - Have a Cavity Filled without Novocaine
Date: August 12th, 2010
Well, today didn't work out as I planned.
Well, today didn't work out as I planned.
August 23, 2010
Day 217 - Prepare a "Food Combining" Meal
Date: August 11th, 2010
One of the reasons why I've been in such bad physical condition is that I never thought about food. I ate things that taste good. I was pretty shocked to start learning what things are high calorie and what things are low calorie when I started paying attention. For example. I could eat this:
Or this:
For about the same number of calories. And no. That's actually not an exaggeration.
One of the reasons why I've been in such bad physical condition is that I never thought about food. I ate things that taste good. I was pretty shocked to start learning what things are high calorie and what things are low calorie when I started paying attention. For example. I could eat this:
For about the same number of calories. And no. That's actually not an exaggeration.
Day 216 - Look Up Criminals in my Neighborhood
Date: August 10th, 2010
One of the things that makes the internet delightful is that it puts a world of information at your fingertips. Unlike in years past when paranoid peoples had no simple way to know whether or not they were surrounded by creepy people, now there is a website for all your creeptastic needs. I, however, had not previously desired that information. I know it seems counter-intuitive for someone, especially a young woman living alone, to not want to know if there were criminal types living in the neighborhood, but I really genuinely didn't.
One of the things that makes the internet delightful is that it puts a world of information at your fingertips. Unlike in years past when paranoid peoples had no simple way to know whether or not they were surrounded by creepy people, now there is a website for all your creeptastic needs. I, however, had not previously desired that information. I know it seems counter-intuitive for someone, especially a young woman living alone, to not want to know if there were criminal types living in the neighborhood, but I really genuinely didn't.
August 20, 2010
Day 215 - Get Acupuncture
Date: August 9th, 2010
I'm afraid of needles. There was a time when this fear was debilitating. When I was younger, it often took several nurses to hold me in place while I got my shots. I would generally succumb to psychological warfare though. Around three-four minutes into full on tantrum phase, my mother would quietly tell me that if I didn't calm down, the doctor might accidentally break the needle off in my arm and then there would be more needles and some cutting involved to get it out. This usually quelled the physical manifestation of fear long enough for them to give me the shot.
I'm afraid of needles. There was a time when this fear was debilitating. When I was younger, it often took several nurses to hold me in place while I got my shots. I would generally succumb to psychological warfare though. Around three-four minutes into full on tantrum phase, my mother would quietly tell me that if I didn't calm down, the doctor might accidentally break the needle off in my arm and then there would be more needles and some cutting involved to get it out. This usually quelled the physical manifestation of fear long enough for them to give me the shot.
Day 214 - Return a Tuxedo
Date: August 8th, 2010
Anti-climatic, right? Yeah, that's how I felt too. I decided that this should be the thing of the day after the wedding for one, very brief reason. I was struck by how deeply sad I was that it was over. Sure, returning a tux (I went with Justin and Ryan to bring theirs back) isn't in and of itself a sad act, but it felt like watching the slow, poignant, end of an era.
You know at the end of the movie when the guy walks away into the sunset? Or after a ball game when they shut off the lights? Or after a hockey game as all the people walk to their cars and the zamboni rolls out onto the ice to smooth away the lines and scars of the game? I had that feeling. That's when it hit me - the day before there was a sort of euphoric high that came with sharing a joyful moment with friends. August 8th had the corresponding "low".
The difference between this "low" and others is that it was surprisingly somber, for me at least, but not sad. The memory lingered and brought a sense of completion. It wasn't until the people were in their places, the tuxs were returned and the parties were cleaned up after that the wedding truly felt like it was over. And now, kids, its back to the grind.
Anti-climatic, right? Yeah, that's how I felt too. I decided that this should be the thing of the day after the wedding for one, very brief reason. I was struck by how deeply sad I was that it was over. Sure, returning a tux (I went with Justin and Ryan to bring theirs back) isn't in and of itself a sad act, but it felt like watching the slow, poignant, end of an era.
You know at the end of the movie when the guy walks away into the sunset? Or after a ball game when they shut off the lights? Or after a hockey game as all the people walk to their cars and the zamboni rolls out onto the ice to smooth away the lines and scars of the game? I had that feeling. That's when it hit me - the day before there was a sort of euphoric high that came with sharing a joyful moment with friends. August 8th had the corresponding "low".
The difference between this "low" and others is that it was surprisingly somber, for me at least, but not sad. The memory lingered and brought a sense of completion. It wasn't until the people were in their places, the tuxs were returned and the parties were cleaned up after that the wedding truly felt like it was over. And now, kids, its back to the grind.
August 18, 2010
Day 213 - Dance the Hora
Date: August 7th, 2010
August 7th was boring. Nothing of any interest or importance happened. By the time evening rolled around I just kept thinking to myself "gosh, I can't wait to go to sleep so I can wake up tomorrow and have a more interesting day". I mean, seriously. Literally nothing cool happened at all. It was an utter waste of a day.
August 7th was boring. Nothing of any interest or importance happened. By the time evening rolled around I just kept thinking to myself "gosh, I can't wait to go to sleep so I can wake up tomorrow and have a more interesting day". I mean, seriously. Literally nothing cool happened at all. It was an utter waste of a day.
Oh. Right.
August 16, 2010
Day 212 - Hook a Computer up to the Television
Date: August 6th, 2010
For Ben and Lisa's wedding (sensing a theme on these entries?), my parents' house was the staging area for the bridal party and my condo was the staging area for the groom's party. My parents generally keep their place spiffy regardless of what's up. I, on the other hand, do not. Its not on purpose. Its just that cleaning takes effort and I generally choose to expend mine on something else. Like television or mercenary spelunking.
For Ben and Lisa's wedding (sensing a theme on these entries?), my parents' house was the staging area for the bridal party and my condo was the staging area for the groom's party. My parents generally keep their place spiffy regardless of what's up. I, on the other hand, do not. Its not on purpose. Its just that cleaning takes effort and I generally choose to expend mine on something else. Like television or mercenary spelunking.
August 15, 2010
Day 211 - Go to a Bachelorette Party
Date: August 5th, 2010
One of the things that I was highly irrationally (and totally selfishly) excited about during the week before Lisa's wedding was that I got to participate in the pre-wedding goodness. When I was in Alana's wedding, unfortunately, I was only able to be in Hawaii for a couple days. I had class in the days before and after her wedding so I had to come, do the last 48 hours before the ceremony and then turn right back around. Consequently, the first bachelorette party I got to attend was Lisa's.
One of the things that I was highly irrationally (and totally selfishly) excited about during the week before Lisa's wedding was that I got to participate in the pre-wedding goodness. When I was in Alana's wedding, unfortunately, I was only able to be in Hawaii for a couple days. I had class in the days before and after her wedding so I had to come, do the last 48 hours before the ceremony and then turn right back around. Consequently, the first bachelorette party I got to attend was Lisa's.
August 14, 2010
Day 210 - Cook a Romantic Dinner
Date: August 4th, 2010
August 4th was a rough day. Work was long and tiring. The weather was cloudy. I was pretty, well, lethargic. Turns out I wasn't the only one. Around 10AM I started getting texts from Justin about how rough his day was going too. I think there was some sort of weird, work being tiring mojo going around. I decided to offer Justin an evening in Ann Arbor, if he was willing to make the drive, figuring we'd watch some TV, relax and just not think about the rest of the day. That was the original plan, at least.
August 4th was a rough day. Work was long and tiring. The weather was cloudy. I was pretty, well, lethargic. Turns out I wasn't the only one. Around 10AM I started getting texts from Justin about how rough his day was going too. I think there was some sort of weird, work being tiring mojo going around. I decided to offer Justin an evening in Ann Arbor, if he was willing to make the drive, figuring we'd watch some TV, relax and just not think about the rest of the day. That was the original plan, at least.
Day 209 - Examine a Witness in Court
Date: August 3rd, 2010
Remember a while back (like a week ago) when I promised no more work entries unless I got to do something epic like stand up in court and speak before a judge? I got to stand up in court and speak before a judge. And it was epic. There aren't pictures because, of course, I couldn't tarnish the sanctity of the courtroom.
Remember a while back (like a week ago) when I promised no more work entries unless I got to do something epic like stand up in court and speak before a judge? I got to stand up in court and speak before a judge. And it was epic. There aren't pictures because, of course, I couldn't tarnish the sanctity of the courtroom.
...but this is about what it looked like...
August 13, 2010
Day 208 - Make Myself Throw Up
Date: August 2nd, 2010
In a wild swing the other direction from the amazing upliftingness that was the bridal shower or the superfab time that was the weekend on Holland, I decided to explore another one of the "things that aren't good for us". A couple weeks ago, I spend the evening drinking by myself. You know, for science. So what else is there that we all just know is bad for us? Well, bulimia, for one.
In a wild swing the other direction from the amazing upliftingness that was the bridal shower or the superfab time that was the weekend on Holland, I decided to explore another one of the "things that aren't good for us". A couple weeks ago, I spend the evening drinking by myself. You know, for science. So what else is there that we all just know is bad for us? Well, bulimia, for one.
Day 207 - Attend a Bridal Shower
Date: August 1st, 2010
In less than a week from this date, my friends Lisa and Ben got married. I blame them, utterly and completely, for me getting behind on entries. Luckily, they make up for it by being incredible human beings whose wedding was a blessing to be a part of. You know, so there's that.
Now, I'd not been to a bridal shower before. When our good friend Alana got married in Hawaii, I could only get a couple days of class off so I had to miss most of the pre-festivities. Consequently, the only thing I know about bridal showers is what I've been told by my parents and seen on the HBO. Thus it was my assumption, as well as my parents' assumptions, that the bride was to be embarrassed with hilariously risque gifts. Luckily we realized that was not the case this time before it was too late.
In less than a week from this date, my friends Lisa and Ben got married. I blame them, utterly and completely, for me getting behind on entries. Luckily, they make up for it by being incredible human beings whose wedding was a blessing to be a part of. You know, so there's that.
Now, I'd not been to a bridal shower before. When our good friend Alana got married in Hawaii, I could only get a couple days of class off so I had to miss most of the pre-festivities. Consequently, the only thing I know about bridal showers is what I've been told by my parents and seen on the HBO. Thus it was my assumption, as well as my parents' assumptions, that the bride was to be embarrassed with hilariously risque gifts. Luckily we realized that was not the case this time before it was too late.
Hi Ben's Gramma!
Day 206 - Sample Beers at a Mircobrewery
Date: July 31st, 2010
Day two of Justin and my fabulous Holland vacation was amazing. It was about my perfect day in the world. We slept in, watched some TV at the hotel, headed over to meet everybody and relaxed some more. So, you know, it was my kind of morning. I forgot to caffeinate and spent most of the morning staring at people like a manikin. I remembered to laugh at things that were funny about an hour in. Before that I wouldn't be surprised if Justin's extended family and friends had all taken turns making silly faces at me without getting a reaction.
Day two of Justin and my fabulous Holland vacation was amazing. It was about my perfect day in the world. We slept in, watched some TV at the hotel, headed over to meet everybody and relaxed some more. So, you know, it was my kind of morning. I forgot to caffeinate and spent most of the morning staring at people like a manikin. I remembered to laugh at things that were funny about an hour in. Before that I wouldn't be surprised if Justin's extended family and friends had all taken turns making silly faces at me without getting a reaction.
August 9, 2010
Day 205 - Watch 8mm Home Movies
Date: July 30th, 2010
I had the distinct pleasure of being invited to visit Justin's extended family/friends in Holland, Michigan this year. It was an all around new experience for me since my family generally vacations in a single, nuclear unit. If we can't fit in one car, its probably not a DCamp vacation. While I greatly enjoy seeing the world with my parents, it is something entirely different to go to a large gathering of old friends and family and catch up. I was pretty darn flattered to be invited too.
I had the distinct pleasure of being invited to visit Justin's extended family/friends in Holland, Michigan this year. It was an all around new experience for me since my family generally vacations in a single, nuclear unit. If we can't fit in one car, its probably not a DCamp vacation. While I greatly enjoy seeing the world with my parents, it is something entirely different to go to a large gathering of old friends and family and catch up. I was pretty darn flattered to be invited too.
August 8, 2010
Updates Coming
Hi all,
For those who don't know - two of my best friends got married this weekend. I was a bridesmaid and hosted the bridal and groom's parties in Ann Arbor. Everything was beautiful beyond words, but it goes without saying that blog entries were the furthest thing from my mind while I was helping out the wedding parties.
That being said, I have not missed a single day, as you shall all see once the entries are posted. Today is Day 214 and I'm off to go do my new thing. Wish me luck!
~Ms. Pallaton
For those who don't know - two of my best friends got married this weekend. I was a bridesmaid and hosted the bridal and groom's parties in Ann Arbor. Everything was beautiful beyond words, but it goes without saying that blog entries were the furthest thing from my mind while I was helping out the wedding parties.
That being said, I have not missed a single day, as you shall all see once the entries are posted. Today is Day 214 and I'm off to go do my new thing. Wish me luck!
~Ms. Pallaton
August 5, 2010
Day 204 - Ride a Motorcycle
Date: July 29th, 2010
One of the things I wanted to do this year was push myself past some of the fear I had about things. In the past, I've been hesitant to do things that seem difficult, where failure is close to guaranteed or where my life might vaguely be endangered. I credit my prior hesitancy with, you know, continued living thusfar. That's probably why it took until the end of July for me to try riding a motorcycle even though my friend Louis first mentioned it way back in early June.
One of the things I wanted to do this year was push myself past some of the fear I had about things. In the past, I've been hesitant to do things that seem difficult, where failure is close to guaranteed or where my life might vaguely be endangered. I credit my prior hesitancy with, you know, continued living thusfar. That's probably why it took until the end of July for me to try riding a motorcycle even though my friend Louis first mentioned it way back in early June.
Away, Death Machine. Away!
August 2, 2010
Day 203 - Write a Letter to a Judge
Date: July 28th, 2010
I'm promising this is the last work entry unless and until I actually stand up in a court of law, before a judge, and argue a case. Until that point, work stays at work and blog stays at, well, blog. See, I get that there is a lot of redundancy in the work entries and on a project about doing new things, that sure doesn't make a lot of sense. For me, each of these little, different tasks has been worlds apart from the one before. But, for the most part, a letter is a letter is a letter.
As for my letter to the judge, well, the thing that was different about it was that I had to focus on what the judge would think. One of the things that I learned early on in law school is that everything is discoverable. Yeah, there are rules against sharing attorney work product and whatnot, but just to be on the safe side, its still best to avoid dropping the f*bomb in your letters. No matter how annoying opposing counsel may be.
What I also learned, along the same lines, is that letters between attorneys aren't as much information sharing as they are posturing. It is just as important to make opposing counsel view your information a certain way as it is to present it in the first place. I found that there was a lot less posturing in my judge's letter because I knew going in that I was writing it for the judge to read. I wasn't crafting anything or laying out an argument - just making a single, straightforward, well-researched point. Though scary (since a judge would be reading my writing), it was actually much simpler than other letters.
Ok. Now, I did something new and I learned something. I promise no more work entries unless they're epic.
I'm promising this is the last work entry unless and until I actually stand up in a court of law, before a judge, and argue a case. Until that point, work stays at work and blog stays at, well, blog. See, I get that there is a lot of redundancy in the work entries and on a project about doing new things, that sure doesn't make a lot of sense. For me, each of these little, different tasks has been worlds apart from the one before. But, for the most part, a letter is a letter is a letter.
As for my letter to the judge, well, the thing that was different about it was that I had to focus on what the judge would think. One of the things that I learned early on in law school is that everything is discoverable. Yeah, there are rules against sharing attorney work product and whatnot, but just to be on the safe side, its still best to avoid dropping the f*bomb in your letters. No matter how annoying opposing counsel may be.
What I also learned, along the same lines, is that letters between attorneys aren't as much information sharing as they are posturing. It is just as important to make opposing counsel view your information a certain way as it is to present it in the first place. I found that there was a lot less posturing in my judge's letter because I knew going in that I was writing it for the judge to read. I wasn't crafting anything or laying out an argument - just making a single, straightforward, well-researched point. Though scary (since a judge would be reading my writing), it was actually much simpler than other letters.
Ok. Now, I did something new and I learned something. I promise no more work entries unless they're epic.
August 1, 2010
Day 202- Go to the MSU Surplus Store
Date: July 27th, 2010
I'm starting to discover that Lansing has a lot to offer. When I first started at Legal Services, I thought that I was going to have to do all things in my place or drive back to Ann Arbor to see new and exciting awesomenesses. What I realized is that Michigan State is its own incredibly unique campus that has a ton to offer. The Dairy Store was delightful, but even cooler were the pithy signs I kept seeing for the Surplus Store. I had no idea what it was though. Surplus what? MSU is an aggie college... they couldn't mean surplus cows, could they? Perhaps I'd find gently used dormitory furniture. It was an adventure I had to go on.
I'm starting to discover that Lansing has a lot to offer. When I first started at Legal Services, I thought that I was going to have to do all things in my place or drive back to Ann Arbor to see new and exciting awesomenesses. What I realized is that Michigan State is its own incredibly unique campus that has a ton to offer. The Dairy Store was delightful, but even cooler were the pithy signs I kept seeing for the Surplus Store. I had no idea what it was though. Surplus what? MSU is an aggie college... they couldn't mean surplus cows, could they? Perhaps I'd find gently used dormitory furniture. It was an adventure I had to go on.
Day 201 - Take the MENSA Mental Workout
Date: July 26th, 2010
I've started thinking about things I didn't do before in various terms over the course of the last two-hundred days. In one category are the things I never thought I'd get a chance to do (swim in a waterfall, fly a plane, etc...). In another are the things I never got around to (making jewelry, doing my own taxes). Finally, in the last category, are the things I've actively chosen not to do out of some combination of fear and determination. Most well known, in this category (among my friends at least) is watching Star Wars. Haven't done it. Don't want to. The force can be with you for all I care, cause it ain't with me.
I've started thinking about things I didn't do before in various terms over the course of the last two-hundred days. In one category are the things I never thought I'd get a chance to do (swim in a waterfall, fly a plane, etc...). In another are the things I never got around to (making jewelry, doing my own taxes). Finally, in the last category, are the things I've actively chosen not to do out of some combination of fear and determination. Most well known, in this category (among my friends at least) is watching Star Wars. Haven't done it. Don't want to. The force can be with you for all I care, cause it ain't with me.
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