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.
August 30, 2010
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.
July 31, 2010
Day 200 - Fly a Plane
Date: July 25th, 2010
I've dated a surprising number of pilots in my life. By which I mean two. I have dated two people who are pilots. Which is significantly more than most people's number: zero. The first pilot I dated was also my first boyfriend. Kevin. I was 14 and he was 16 and instead of trying to get his driver's license the second he turned 16 like a lot of guys, he was focusing on getting enough hours to get his pilot's license. I asked him about it a couple times, but being 14 and shallow, I actually found his love of the sky to be somewhat distracting from the task at hand. Dating me. Like I said - 14 and shallow. The thing was though, it stuck with me how much he loved being up in the air.
I've dated a surprising number of pilots in my life. By which I mean two. I have dated two people who are pilots. Which is significantly more than most people's number: zero. The first pilot I dated was also my first boyfriend. Kevin. I was 14 and he was 16 and instead of trying to get his driver's license the second he turned 16 like a lot of guys, he was focusing on getting enough hours to get his pilot's license. I asked him about it a couple times, but being 14 and shallow, I actually found his love of the sky to be somewhat distracting from the task at hand. Dating me. Like I said - 14 and shallow. The thing was though, it stuck with me how much he loved being up in the air.
July 29, 2010
Day 199 - Cut Down a Tree
Date: July 24th, 2010
American mythology taught us that George Washington couldn't tell a lie so he admitted to chopping down a cherry tree. Or was that Abe Lincoln? Being Honest Abe and all. I've heard it both ways. The point is, lying is bad. Also, don't cut down trees. Unless they're gigantic, ugly, power-line strangling monsters without a vegetative soul, to speak of. That was the case this weekend as I head down to Southgate to chill with Justin's family. One of the things his folks had been asking him to do (before he started disappearing to Ann Arbor every weekend for two months... something I take full personal blame for) was help cut back and poison one particularly aggressive tree-bush-monster that had been growing outside his brother's window.
American mythology taught us that George Washington couldn't tell a lie so he admitted to chopping down a cherry tree. Or was that Abe Lincoln? Being Honest Abe and all. I've heard it both ways. The point is, lying is bad. Also, don't cut down trees. Unless they're gigantic, ugly, power-line strangling monsters without a vegetative soul, to speak of. That was the case this weekend as I head down to Southgate to chill with Justin's family. One of the things his folks had been asking him to do (before he started disappearing to Ann Arbor every weekend for two months... something I take full personal blame for) was help cut back and poison one particularly aggressive tree-bush-monster that had been growing outside his brother's window.
July 27, 2010
Day 198 - Make a Microloan
Date: July 23rd, 2010
One of the things that I have to fight with clients a lot at work is this idea that taking charity or getting assistance is somehow a bad thing. A lot of the people I talk to would benefit greatly from food stamps, government cash assistance, or medicaid, but they haven't applied yet because they don't want to take "hand outs". For the most part, the people who I talk to that are taking government assistance are people who have children to feed and care for, rather than just themselves. It is such a surprising stance for me to hear from people, having been raised to believe that a society should care for all its members. I've been blessed not to need food stamps or government assistance, but if I qualified for the programs and needed the help, I would surely take it. The stigma that others feel is something that I never really, well, got.
One of the things that I have to fight with clients a lot at work is this idea that taking charity or getting assistance is somehow a bad thing. A lot of the people I talk to would benefit greatly from food stamps, government cash assistance, or medicaid, but they haven't applied yet because they don't want to take "hand outs". For the most part, the people who I talk to that are taking government assistance are people who have children to feed and care for, rather than just themselves. It is such a surprising stance for me to hear from people, having been raised to believe that a society should care for all its members. I've been blessed not to need food stamps or government assistance, but if I qualified for the programs and needed the help, I would surely take it. The stigma that others feel is something that I never really, well, got.
Day 197 - Listen to NPR
Date: July 22nd, 2010
Generally speaking, I think of one of two things when I think about NPR -- how every unwashed hippie turns into a foreign policy expert after an hour of listening to it and how, every once in a while, SNL hits the nail on the head. I also realized toward the end of last week that NPR is such a cultural icon that I feel like I understand it and appreciate it without ever having listened to it.
Generally speaking, I think of one of two things when I think about NPR -- how every unwashed hippie turns into a foreign policy expert after an hour of listening to it and how, every once in a while, SNL hits the nail on the head. I also realized toward the end of last week that NPR is such a cultural icon that I feel like I understand it and appreciate it without ever having listened to it.
July 26, 2010
Day 196 - Run a Meeting with a Client in Full
Date: July 21st, 2010
I've been taking baby steps at work for the past month or so, all leading up to eventually being a real lawyer. Each brief I write needs fewer corrections and each phone call I take needs fewer follow ups. I still have miles and miles to go, but I'm starting to really notice progress. Even so, it has been small, incremental, comfortable steps. So, when one of the attorneys I've been working with said I should handle a meeting in a divorce case completely unsupervised, I felt substantially more nervous than I expected.
I've been taking baby steps at work for the past month or so, all leading up to eventually being a real lawyer. Each brief I write needs fewer corrections and each phone call I take needs fewer follow ups. I still have miles and miles to go, but I'm starting to really notice progress. Even so, it has been small, incremental, comfortable steps. So, when one of the attorneys I've been working with said I should handle a meeting in a divorce case completely unsupervised, I felt substantially more nervous than I expected.
Day 195 - Use a Wedding Registry to Buy a Gift
Date: July 20th, 2010
In less than a month, the most awesome, super-fantastic, crazypants adorable couple in the world is getting married. Their illustrious nuptials will put all others, past and future to shame. Your wedding? Shame! My wedding? Shame! The marriage of Princess Diana to Prince Charles? Shame! Of course, I may be biased, since, well, I semi-sort-of-partly fixed up the couple in question. Also because they're so sweet they'd give the candy man a toothache.
In less than a month, the most awesome, super-fantastic, crazypants adorable couple in the world is getting married. Their illustrious nuptials will put all others, past and future to shame. Your wedding? Shame! My wedding? Shame! The marriage of Princess Diana to Prince Charles? Shame! Of course, I may be biased, since, well, I semi-sort-of-partly fixed up the couple in question. Also because they're so sweet they'd give the candy man a toothache.
July 25, 2010
Day 194 - Install a Portable Air Conditioner
Date: July 19th, 2010
For the last week, during the heatwave that gripped the country, I was in a place in Lansing without benefit of air conditioning. While it was a great way to empathize with people who can't afford A/C, it was also a freaking nightmare when it came to sleeping comfortably, not sweating and, you know, existing in general. I did develop a good system after a while. I would alternate freezing three towels. The first towel I placed on my head and waited until the joyful chill started to fade. When it was half frozen and half thawed, I moved it to my feet and took the second towel out of the freezer. When the foot towel got warm and the head towel got semi-thawed, it was time to rotate.
For the last week, during the heatwave that gripped the country, I was in a place in Lansing without benefit of air conditioning. While it was a great way to empathize with people who can't afford A/C, it was also a freaking nightmare when it came to sleeping comfortably, not sweating and, you know, existing in general. I did develop a good system after a while. I would alternate freezing three towels. The first towel I placed on my head and waited until the joyful chill started to fade. When it was half frozen and half thawed, I moved it to my feet and took the second towel out of the freezer. When the foot towel got warm and the head towel got semi-thawed, it was time to rotate.
Day 193 - Attend a Reiki Share
Date: July 18th, 2010
Several of the things I've done this year have been about maintaining or creating balance. I'm starting to discover a side of myself that is much more calm and zen focused than before. For a long time, I thought that was something that would conflict with my Christian beliefs. What I'm finding is that it strengthens them to acknowledge the inherent energy of the universe around us. Given that heightened connection to God that I've been experiencing, whenever there is a chance to learn something new about energy work, Reiki, etc... I've jumped at the chance.
Several of the things I've done this year have been about maintaining or creating balance. I'm starting to discover a side of myself that is much more calm and zen focused than before. For a long time, I thought that was something that would conflict with my Christian beliefs. What I'm finding is that it strengthens them to acknowledge the inherent energy of the universe around us. Given that heightened connection to God that I've been experiencing, whenever there is a chance to learn something new about energy work, Reiki, etc... I've jumped at the chance.
July 20, 2010
Day 192 - Edit a Wikipedia Page
Date: July 17th, 2010
July 16th, 2010 would've been Devin Gaines' 26th birthday. Three years ago, about a week before his 23rd birthday, he passed away. I know that there are a lot of people in the world who his death had a profound effect on and that there are lots of people who were closer to him at the time than I was. Despite having drifted apart from him since high school, I remember him each year on his birthday because of the profound impact he had on my life.
July 16th, 2010 would've been Devin Gaines' 26th birthday. Three years ago, about a week before his 23rd birthday, he passed away. I know that there are a lot of people in the world who his death had a profound effect on and that there are lots of people who were closer to him at the time than I was. Despite having drifted apart from him since high school, I remember him each year on his birthday because of the profound impact he had on my life.
Day 191 - Shoot a Bow
Date: July 16th, 2010
Survival skills are really important. I know this because I don't have any. It is to my great personal fortune that I didn't encounter anything dangerous, deadly or otherwise concerning while out camping earlier this year. Having no concept of my own safety might've lead to my befriending a poisonous snake or wiping my butt with poison oak or eating a poison mushroom. I guess what I'm getting at is that the entire wilderness is poisonous and it is only by sheer luck that I managed to escape with my life.
Survival skills are really important. I know this because I don't have any. It is to my great personal fortune that I didn't encounter anything dangerous, deadly or otherwise concerning while out camping earlier this year. Having no concept of my own safety might've lead to my befriending a poisonous snake or wiping my butt with poison oak or eating a poison mushroom. I guess what I'm getting at is that the entire wilderness is poisonous and it is only by sheer luck that I managed to escape with my life.
July 18, 2010
Day 190 - Be Treated Like a Peer at Work
Date: July 15th, 2010
This job has been a job of a lot of firsts, pretty much all of which have made it into blog entries. I had one that I didn't expect on Thursday though. At each of the jobs I've had, I've been treated as a subordinate by my boss or bosses. That's not a negative statement whatsoever. I've been a subordinate so, you know, the universe is in balance. In each of my other jobs, I've been learning the trade and the company culture as well as doing a job.
This job has been a job of a lot of firsts, pretty much all of which have made it into blog entries. I had one that I didn't expect on Thursday though. At each of the jobs I've had, I've been treated as a subordinate by my boss or bosses. That's not a negative statement whatsoever. I've been a subordinate so, you know, the universe is in balance. In each of my other jobs, I've been learning the trade and the company culture as well as doing a job.
Day 189 - Rub Vasoline on my Feet
Date: July 14th, 2010
I come from a family that loves knowing the little tricks and solutions to problems that most people miss. Got a sty? Here's this goop from Poland; rub it on your eye. Got a hangover? Yellow Gatorade works better than red Gatorade. They even bought a watering can that needed to be plugged in at one point. That's right. Someone, somewhere, invented a watering can that required an electric charge and my parents got it. Turns out it didn't work. Water leaked onto the electrical part. So, you know, that's probably a design flaw.
I come from a family that loves knowing the little tricks and solutions to problems that most people miss. Got a sty? Here's this goop from Poland; rub it on your eye. Got a hangover? Yellow Gatorade works better than red Gatorade. They even bought a watering can that needed to be plugged in at one point. That's right. Someone, somewhere, invented a watering can that required an electric charge and my parents got it. Turns out it didn't work. Water leaked onto the electrical part. So, you know, that's probably a design flaw.
July 17, 2010
Day 188 - Slap a Cow on the Butt
Date: July 13th, 2010
I had another reminder of why I'm on this project when I headed out to the Eaton County Fair on Tuesday. When I left work, I was insanely tired, and contemplated quite seriously just going back to my place in Lansing, laying down and taking a long nap. Then I remembered that my lack of air conditioning made living there similar to sitting in a sauna at the center of the freaking sun. So I yawned my way to a gas station, grabbed some caffeine and thought "well, it probably won't be a great afternoon, but I'll go anyway".
I had another reminder of why I'm on this project when I headed out to the Eaton County Fair on Tuesday. When I left work, I was insanely tired, and contemplated quite seriously just going back to my place in Lansing, laying down and taking a long nap. Then I remembered that my lack of air conditioning made living there similar to sitting in a sauna at the center of the freaking sun. So I yawned my way to a gas station, grabbed some caffeine and thought "well, it probably won't be a great afternoon, but I'll go anyway".
July 15, 2010
Day 187 - File a FOIA Request
Date: July 12th, 2010
I know I've been writing a decent number of work entries, leaving those who are less legally inclined to be highly and rightfully bored out of their collective minds. However, this one is different. Mostly because I found myself pleasantly surprised by it. Now, I've been consistently shocked at how overly complicated the paperwork for a lot of proceedings has been. Especially the cases where our clients are applying for or appealing a denial of benefits. Those cases will just lose you in paperwork. I assumed, what with the double-secret-probation the whole freaking country has been on for the last ten years, that filing a Freedom of Information Act request would be the same complex nightmare as all those other things.
It was not.
I know I've been writing a decent number of work entries, leaving those who are less legally inclined to be highly and rightfully bored out of their collective minds. However, this one is different. Mostly because I found myself pleasantly surprised by it. Now, I've been consistently shocked at how overly complicated the paperwork for a lot of proceedings has been. Especially the cases where our clients are applying for or appealing a denial of benefits. Those cases will just lose you in paperwork. I assumed, what with the double-secret-probation the whole freaking country has been on for the last ten years, that filing a Freedom of Information Act request would be the same complex nightmare as all those other things.
It was not.
July 14, 2010
Day 186 - Participate in Free Slurpee Day
Date: July 11th, 2010
I woke up at the lake after heading over there around dinner time the night before and felt incredibly, deeply rested. As a result, I made the command decision not to get up and get moving super early in the morning. I slept until about 10am (which is, for me, decadent) and then lazed about watching the waves roll by on the lake. Around noon I got a text message from Justin reminding me of the joyful rapture that is Free Slurpee Day. Sweet glorious rapture of the Gods. Not really. I snagged myself an 8oz Cherry and called it a day.
Seriously. This entry is gonna be super short cause there's nothing to learn from Free Slurpee Day except that not doing it for 25 years was really stupid. Slurpee's are awesome, the lines at the place I went weren't bad at all and cherry rocks my socks off. The end.
I woke up at the lake after heading over there around dinner time the night before and felt incredibly, deeply rested. As a result, I made the command decision not to get up and get moving super early in the morning. I slept until about 10am (which is, for me, decadent) and then lazed about watching the waves roll by on the lake. Around noon I got a text message from Justin reminding me of the joyful rapture that is Free Slurpee Day. Sweet glorious rapture of the Gods. Not really. I snagged myself an 8oz Cherry and called it a day.
Seriously. This entry is gonna be super short cause there's nothing to learn from Free Slurpee Day except that not doing it for 25 years was really stupid. Slurpee's are awesome, the lines at the place I went weren't bad at all and cherry rocks my socks off. The end.
Day 185 - Housesit
Date: July 10th, 2010
For the past two weeks, I have felt like I needed a break from everything. I love this project, but there is no stopping, no sitting down, no just having a day off. I love my job, but its so incredibly tiring to know how much stuff the clients are having to deal with on a daily basis. I love my friends and family, but sometimes a girl just needs to sit and watch some TV. Enter housesitting.
A friend of Justin's asked him if he could watch her house and puppy for the weekend while she was out of town and, with her permission, he asked me to come keep him company. Now the puppy, a shih tzu/yorkie mix, was adorable and well behaved, so there was very little to actually, you know, do at the house. So we sat, watched some TV, wrote some bloggings, slept, drank pop and ate pizza. Other than making sure no one broke in, keeping the dog happy and not wrecking up the place, housesitting was literally no work at all.
Well, unless you count the incredible hassle that was figuring out someone else's cable set up. I mean, really? How hard is it to make these things universal, Comcast? Just saying.
It was the perfect break. I got to put my feet up (not on the couch, of course) and relax, knowing that this was still a new experience, albeit the most relaxing one I've had yet. I can't say there was any great insight or lesson in housesitting, except that I'd be totally happy to do it again. It is exactly as the term describes - you go to a house and you sit in it. And here I was expecting to have to work over the weekend.
For the past two weeks, I have felt like I needed a break from everything. I love this project, but there is no stopping, no sitting down, no just having a day off. I love my job, but its so incredibly tiring to know how much stuff the clients are having to deal with on a daily basis. I love my friends and family, but sometimes a girl just needs to sit and watch some TV. Enter housesitting.
A friend of Justin's asked him if he could watch her house and puppy for the weekend while she was out of town and, with her permission, he asked me to come keep him company. Now the puppy, a shih tzu/yorkie mix, was adorable and well behaved, so there was very little to actually, you know, do at the house. So we sat, watched some TV, wrote some bloggings, slept, drank pop and ate pizza. Other than making sure no one broke in, keeping the dog happy and not wrecking up the place, housesitting was literally no work at all.
Well, unless you count the incredible hassle that was figuring out someone else's cable set up. I mean, really? How hard is it to make these things universal, Comcast? Just saying.
It was the perfect break. I got to put my feet up (not on the couch, of course) and relax, knowing that this was still a new experience, albeit the most relaxing one I've had yet. I can't say there was any great insight or lesson in housesitting, except that I'd be totally happy to do it again. It is exactly as the term describes - you go to a house and you sit in it. And here I was expecting to have to work over the weekend.
Day 184 - Play Dungeons and Dragons
Date: July 9th, 2010
There are certain things that I have preset opinions about. This can be both a good thing and a bad thing. On the one hand, it makes assessing situations a lot simpler than if I, you know, stopped and politely reserved judgment. In the words of George Clooney (one of the few guys over 50 I'd still totally hop into bed with, just saying) in Up in the Air: "I'm like my mother, I stereotype. Its faster." I'd like to think I'm not that bad about it, but when it comes to certain things, my opinion is well-formed despite little to no contact with the actual activity.
There are certain things that I have preset opinions about. This can be both a good thing and a bad thing. On the one hand, it makes assessing situations a lot simpler than if I, you know, stopped and politely reserved judgment. In the words of George Clooney (one of the few guys over 50 I'd still totally hop into bed with, just saying) in Up in the Air: "I'm like my mother, I stereotype. Its faster." I'd like to think I'm not that bad about it, but when it comes to certain things, my opinion is well-formed despite little to no contact with the actual activity.
July 13, 2010
Day 183 - Become an Ordained Minister
Date: July 8th, 2010
Day 183 is special. Its not that there is anything particularly special about the number 183 or that July 8th has some particular meaning for me. Day 183 is special because it is the exact midpoint of my project. I woke up, sat in my bed, and contemplated the fact that I had completed 182 days of new things and at the end of the evening I would have 182 more days to go. I spent most of the day deciding between one of three or four different "super special" new things I could do, only to turn around in the late evening and realize that I'd done none of them.
Day 183 is special. Its not that there is anything particularly special about the number 183 or that July 8th has some particular meaning for me. Day 183 is special because it is the exact midpoint of my project. I woke up, sat in my bed, and contemplated the fact that I had completed 182 days of new things and at the end of the evening I would have 182 more days to go. I spent most of the day deciding between one of three or four different "super special" new things I could do, only to turn around in the late evening and realize that I'd done none of them.
July 12, 2010
Day 182 - Create a Dungeons & Dragons Character
Date: July 7th, 2010
I may have mentioned this recently, but I'm a recovering WoW player. Now, there's nothing particularly wrong with playing World of Warcraft. Its an incredibly interesting and complex game. The problem with it, for me at least, is that none of the parts that are simple and short are fun. All the things I enjoyed involved hours upon hours of committed play time to achieve. I loved being able to raid. I loved having a high level character with high level gear and a proper build. That was the challenge for me. Because of that, and because of the blatant social climbing involved in getting oneself into said endeavors, I didn't exactly go making a lot of friends online. So I missed out on the social aspects of the game.
I may have mentioned this recently, but I'm a recovering WoW player. Now, there's nothing particularly wrong with playing World of Warcraft. Its an incredibly interesting and complex game. The problem with it, for me at least, is that none of the parts that are simple and short are fun. All the things I enjoyed involved hours upon hours of committed play time to achieve. I loved being able to raid. I loved having a high level character with high level gear and a proper build. That was the challenge for me. Because of that, and because of the blatant social climbing involved in getting oneself into said endeavors, I didn't exactly go making a lot of friends online. So I missed out on the social aspects of the game.
Pictured: The Social Dynamic
Day 181 - Go to the MSU Dairy Store
Date: July 6th, 2010
Last week in Michigan was hotter than the surface of the sun. It was like someone took a kiln, made it mate with the sun and then set its child on fire. Then added humidity. So, I guess more like the flaming love child of the sun and a kiln had an affair with a pot of boiling water. I got first degree burns from my steering wheel it was so freaking hot. My glasses melted onto my face. I can't take them off anymore. Thank you very much, Michigan.
Last week in Michigan was hotter than the surface of the sun. It was like someone took a kiln, made it mate with the sun and then set its child on fire. Then added humidity. So, I guess more like the flaming love child of the sun and a kiln had an affair with a pot of boiling water. I got first degree burns from my steering wheel it was so freaking hot. My glasses melted onto my face. I can't take them off anymore. Thank you very much, Michigan.
July 11, 2010
Day 180 - Draw a Political Cartoon
Date: July 5th, 2010
When I was younger I wanted to be a comic strip author. I never tried though. Mostly because me and art are mortal enemies. We have tangoed many times lo this past six months and art has always kicked my ass. Remember that necklace from day five (an oldie, but a goodie)? Yea, the clasp broke on that about a month ago. Remember my mousetrap car? It is in dire need of repair. So freehand drawing was something I generally avoided. See, the way I figure it is, if you can't learn to square dance, trying break-dancing might be hazardous to your health.
When I was younger I wanted to be a comic strip author. I never tried though. Mostly because me and art are mortal enemies. We have tangoed many times lo this past six months and art has always kicked my ass. Remember that necklace from day five (an oldie, but a goodie)? Yea, the clasp broke on that about a month ago. Remember my mousetrap car? It is in dire need of repair. So freehand drawing was something I generally avoided. See, the way I figure it is, if you can't learn to square dance, trying break-dancing might be hazardous to your health.
Day 179 - Host a Fourth of July BBQ
Date: July 4th, 2010
My earliest memories of 4th of July are from Enfield, Connecticut. Every year, my family would head up there to visit my grandparents and participate in parades, races, and all manner of other patriotic whatnot. I loved the camaraderie, atmosphere and having an excuse to wear bright red, white and blue clothes for a day. Not to mention the watermelon eating contest. I didn't even play to win. I just really loved free watermelon. Since then, 4th of July has meant spent time with family, good food and blowing things up in celebration of independence.
My earliest memories of 4th of July are from Enfield, Connecticut. Every year, my family would head up there to visit my grandparents and participate in parades, races, and all manner of other patriotic whatnot. I loved the camaraderie, atmosphere and having an excuse to wear bright red, white and blue clothes for a day. Not to mention the watermelon eating contest. I didn't even play to win. I just really loved free watermelon. Since then, 4th of July has meant spent time with family, good food and blowing things up in celebration of independence.
Day 178 - Watch a World Cup Soccer Game
Date: July 3rd, 2010
In my life, I have operated under the belief that there are few things more boring than soccer. Off the top of my head, I'd say HGTV, watching paint dry (which I've also done), and reading the dictionary may be more boring than soccer. Conversely, things that are less boring would include watching the Weather channel, online solitaire and mercenary spelunking (though that one is awesome). You would think, given that attitude, that I would be avoiding the World Cup like some sort of weird, international plague. And I was. Oh golly I was.
In my life, I have operated under the belief that there are few things more boring than soccer. Off the top of my head, I'd say HGTV, watching paint dry (which I've also done), and reading the dictionary may be more boring than soccer. Conversely, things that are less boring would include watching the Weather channel, online solitaire and mercenary spelunking (though that one is awesome). You would think, given that attitude, that I would be avoiding the World Cup like some sort of weird, international plague. And I was. Oh golly I was.
July 10, 2010
Day 177 - Take the Online Boater Safety Course
Date: July 2nd, 2010
One thing that I didn't realize about boating is that there are, you know, rules. I knew you couldn't drive a boat drunk, but other than that, I assumed it was like the wild wild west, but with a lot more water and a lot fewer gun battles. Turns out there are more rules than that to worry about. Anybody can drive a pontoon boat, but youngsters wanting to drive a jetski need to take a safety course. Seeing as I can't pass for 32-years-old (and nor do I want to), I had to get my boating safety certification.
The way to do that is to take an online course and test for free (unless you pass, then its $30) and then go take an in person test. I figured it wouldn't take too long to take the online test and I made the, apparently faulty, assumption that it would be really easy. See, here's my logic. When I was in high school, I got a speeding ticket. I was going 62 in a 40mph zone. I wasn't in a hurry. I was just a teenager. We do stuff like that.
When you get a ticket in California, you have a choice between getting a point on your license or taking traffic school and getting it wiped from the record within about a year. I opted for traffic school. That involved an online course with such gems as "what color is a stop sign?" and "always remember not to drive angry". Apparently the idea was to patronize people out of doing things that might get them tickets in the future.
I finished the 30 question in person test with 100% accuracy in about five minutes. That's how easy it was. I think if anyone fails California traffic school they should just never be allowed to drive again. I figured, since the test was free if you fail, it was worth taking a swing and seeing if it was as easy as traffic school. So what happened? Swing and a miss.
It was mostly common sense, but with a lot of boating terms that I had no idea about. So, I'm back to square one. No jetskiing for me for a little while. Though I will have to study for and take the test again soon because, well, I've never driven a jetski before and summer's a wastin'.
One thing that I didn't realize about boating is that there are, you know, rules. I knew you couldn't drive a boat drunk, but other than that, I assumed it was like the wild wild west, but with a lot more water and a lot fewer gun battles. Turns out there are more rules than that to worry about. Anybody can drive a pontoon boat, but youngsters wanting to drive a jetski need to take a safety course. Seeing as I can't pass for 32-years-old (and nor do I want to), I had to get my boating safety certification.
The way to do that is to take an online course and test for free (unless you pass, then its $30) and then go take an in person test. I figured it wouldn't take too long to take the online test and I made the, apparently faulty, assumption that it would be really easy. See, here's my logic. When I was in high school, I got a speeding ticket. I was going 62 in a 40mph zone. I wasn't in a hurry. I was just a teenager. We do stuff like that.
When you get a ticket in California, you have a choice between getting a point on your license or taking traffic school and getting it wiped from the record within about a year. I opted for traffic school. That involved an online course with such gems as "what color is a stop sign?" and "always remember not to drive angry". Apparently the idea was to patronize people out of doing things that might get them tickets in the future.
I finished the 30 question in person test with 100% accuracy in about five minutes. That's how easy it was. I think if anyone fails California traffic school they should just never be allowed to drive again. I figured, since the test was free if you fail, it was worth taking a swing and seeing if it was as easy as traffic school. So what happened? Swing and a miss.
It was mostly common sense, but with a lot of boating terms that I had no idea about. So, I'm back to square one. No jetskiing for me for a little while. Though I will have to study for and take the test again soon because, well, I've never driven a jetski before and summer's a wastin'.
Day 176 - Back into a Parking Spot
Date: July 1st, 2010
I'm not a good parker. I'm a good driver. I've never been in an accident and I've had enough close calls to confidently say that I know how to avoid other drivers when they start acting wack. Though, I'm unsure as to what to do when they become wiggity wack. In any case, the story isn't the same for parking. The one time I've ever hit another car with my own was trying to wedge it into a parking spot. The woman I hit was incredibly nice though. She had her three year old with her and I'd walked back to her car (after reparking) to leave a note. When she walked up, I explained what happened and handed her my information. As I walked away, her daughter asked what happened. Her response was: "That lady accidentally hit our car when she was trying to park and she was very responsible to come back and make sure we could get in touch with her if we needed to fix anything".
And that's the story of how I became a learning experience for someone. The end.
I'm not a good parker. I'm a good driver. I've never been in an accident and I've had enough close calls to confidently say that I know how to avoid other drivers when they start acting wack. Though, I'm unsure as to what to do when they become wiggity wack. In any case, the story isn't the same for parking. The one time I've ever hit another car with my own was trying to wedge it into a parking spot. The woman I hit was incredibly nice though. She had her three year old with her and I'd walked back to her car (after reparking) to leave a note. When she walked up, I explained what happened and handed her my information. As I walked away, her daughter asked what happened. Her response was: "That lady accidentally hit our car when she was trying to park and she was very responsible to come back and make sure we could get in touch with her if we needed to fix anything".
And that's the story of how I became a learning experience for someone. The end.
July 7, 2010
Day 175 - Drink Alone
Date: June 30th, 2010
I've spent my whole life knowing that certain members of my family were alcoholics. Some in recovery, some functional but still drinking, some who dodged a bullet by realizing their disease early in life (before true problems arose). Because of that, when I reached an age that I might start wanting to drink, my parents had the alcohol version of the birds and the bees talk with me.
From the first time I ever took a drink, I did so with the knowledge that alcoholism runs in my family. So I was always strict with myself about drinking. I never did it in the morning (with one notable St. Patty's Day exception). I avoided doing it when I was sad or upset. I stopped drinking anytime I started feeling sick (and the vast majority of the time, I stopped long before feeling sick). And most importantly - I never drank alone.
I've spent my whole life knowing that certain members of my family were alcoholics. Some in recovery, some functional but still drinking, some who dodged a bullet by realizing their disease early in life (before true problems arose). Because of that, when I reached an age that I might start wanting to drink, my parents had the alcohol version of the birds and the bees talk with me.
From the first time I ever took a drink, I did so with the knowledge that alcoholism runs in my family. So I was always strict with myself about drinking. I never did it in the morning (with one notable St. Patty's Day exception). I avoided doing it when I was sad or upset. I stopped drinking anytime I started feeling sick (and the vast majority of the time, I stopped long before feeling sick). And most importantly - I never drank alone.
Day 174 - Learn the NATO Phonetic Alphabet
Date: June 29th, 2010
Its well settled that about the only thing cooler than being an astronaut-lawyer is being a secret-agent-astronaut-lawyer. I could sue the moon for espionage... or something. In any case, in the course of my daily news readings this past week, it became clear to me that being a spy is, well, kind of freaking easy. I'm just saying, when CNN sarcastically puts "deep cover" in semi-quotes in your headline, you've probably made more than a few mistakes.
Its well settled that about the only thing cooler than being an astronaut-lawyer is being a secret-agent-astronaut-lawyer. I could sue the moon for espionage... or something. In any case, in the course of my daily news readings this past week, it became clear to me that being a spy is, well, kind of freaking easy. I'm just saying, when CNN sarcastically puts "deep cover" in semi-quotes in your headline, you've probably made more than a few mistakes.
July 6, 2010
Day 173 - Learn Piquet
Date: June 28th, 2010
I'm a huge card player. Growing up, I learned how to play double-bid euchre from my parents, then pinochle, then various forms of poker. Real, honest-to-goodness, strategic card games are my bread and butter. That's why, when I stop and think about how little strategy the vast majority of two player games have, I find myself deeply frustrated.
On a note thusfar completely unrelated to card games, it had been way too long since I'd last hung out with Louis. I was tired and/or sick the last two weeks in a row, making handball an impossibility. We decided not to let my repeated illness get in the way of hanging out and having a good time so I got in the car and headed back to Ann Arbor for dinner at the original Cottage Inn and some card playing good times.
I'm a huge card player. Growing up, I learned how to play double-bid euchre from my parents, then pinochle, then various forms of poker. Real, honest-to-goodness, strategic card games are my bread and butter. That's why, when I stop and think about how little strategy the vast majority of two player games have, I find myself deeply frustrated.
On a note thusfar completely unrelated to card games, it had been way too long since I'd last hung out with Louis. I was tired and/or sick the last two weeks in a row, making handball an impossibility. We decided not to let my repeated illness get in the way of hanging out and having a good time so I got in the car and headed back to Ann Arbor for dinner at the original Cottage Inn and some card playing good times.
Day 172 - Hear Tornado Sirens
Date: June 27th, 2010
I have, on a few occasions, completely flipped out. Its rare, but it happens. One of said flip outs happened this weekend as yet another wave of big storms came rolling in.
In the past month, tornadoes and bad storms had decimated neighborhoods in several states, killed people and wrecked havoc on Ann Arbor and the surrounding area. For the longest time I operated under the naive fallacy that Ann Arbor was in this small pocket of protected zone. Sometime back during my freshman year in college when, let's face it, I essentially believed everything I was told, someone came to me and explained that tornadoes never hit Ann Arbor. Apparently, I was to believe, there was some magical atmospheric force field around the town that wind and destruction could not penetrate.
I have, on a few occasions, completely flipped out. Its rare, but it happens. One of said flip outs happened this weekend as yet another wave of big storms came rolling in.
In the past month, tornadoes and bad storms had decimated neighborhoods in several states, killed people and wrecked havoc on Ann Arbor and the surrounding area. For the longest time I operated under the naive fallacy that Ann Arbor was in this small pocket of protected zone. Sometime back during my freshman year in college when, let's face it, I essentially believed everything I was told, someone came to me and explained that tornadoes never hit Ann Arbor. Apparently, I was to believe, there was some magical atmospheric force field around the town that wind and destruction could not penetrate.
Day 171 - Be Someone's Date to a Wedding
Date: June 26th, 2010
I love weddings. They're one of the few times that I really feel like I can suspend my general sense of cynicism for just a few hours and watch two people celebrate a deep and abiding love. I choose not to acknowledge the divorce rate, general sense of drama at large family gatherings or inevitable drunken dancing. Why? Because there is nothing more touching than the look on the groom's face when he first sees the bride. Some of the more rom-com oriented readers may notice that my delight at weddings is eerily similar to that of the main characters in 27 Dresses. I felt that way long before the movie came out and, I assure you, a lawsuit is pending.
I love weddings. They're one of the few times that I really feel like I can suspend my general sense of cynicism for just a few hours and watch two people celebrate a deep and abiding love. I choose not to acknowledge the divorce rate, general sense of drama at large family gatherings or inevitable drunken dancing. Why? Because there is nothing more touching than the look on the groom's face when he first sees the bride. Some of the more rom-com oriented readers may notice that my delight at weddings is eerily similar to that of the main characters in 27 Dresses. I felt that way long before the movie came out and, I assure you, a lawsuit is pending.
July 4, 2010
Day 170 - Become a Jigsaw Puzzle
Date: June 25th, 2010
People are often concerned with their legacy. One of the common comments about children is that a person lives on through them. I've wondering many times whether or not Einstein had a sense of how his name would live on. Or Washington. Or Lincoln. Could those men have known that they would leave something that would outlast their beating hearts?
People are often concerned with their legacy. One of the common comments about children is that a person lives on through them. I've wondering many times whether or not Einstein had a sense of how his name would live on. Or Washington. Or Lincoln. Could those men have known that they would leave something that would outlast their beating hearts?
July 3, 2010
Day 169 - Use my Own Money to Pay for Something for Work
Date: June 24th, 2010
Very few of the jobs I've held entail the possibility of having to pay for something on the job. There are not job-related expenses at grocery stores and in dormitory kitchens; and while there were such expenses at Cisco and Yahoo, there was never an occasion for me to have to pay them. There were so few "emergencies" on the job that it never occurred to me that, at some point, I might have to reach into my own pockets to make something happen.
Now that I've been working at Legal Services, I have realized that there truly are situations in which we run out of time. In the corporate world, there is always another day, always another five minutes. If you miss a deadline, you get yelled at, but that's about it. I know this is a realization I've had before, but it was so strongly reinforced this week that I felt the need to restate it.
I had to pick up some papers from the court clerk for a project with a hard and fast court deadline. Unlike deadlines from corporate bosses, if you miss a court deadline, there is no going back. There is no excuse. There is no way out. Given that the weekend was fast approaching, it was my last chance to get said papers. So when the court clerk giggled at my measly $20 from the work cache, I knew I was in trouble.
Luckily, I'd gone to the bank earlier in the week. With the clerk's office closing in fifteen minutes, me having no idea where the nearest bank was and work being a solid twenty minutes away; my only chance to get the papers was right at that moment. Its not the big dramatic song and dance it could've been, but for me, reaching into my own wallet and paying for the rest of the papers without thinking about it was definitely a new experience.
I didn't really realize how much I care about this job and the things I'm doing at it until that moment. There wasn't a question. There wasn't hesitation. It just... needed to be done. I think this is what a sense of purpose truly feels like. Its not the pomp and circumstance and prideful chest pounding that is might seem to be, but just the simple, unquestioned choice to do what needs to be done.
Very few of the jobs I've held entail the possibility of having to pay for something on the job. There are not job-related expenses at grocery stores and in dormitory kitchens; and while there were such expenses at Cisco and Yahoo, there was never an occasion for me to have to pay them. There were so few "emergencies" on the job that it never occurred to me that, at some point, I might have to reach into my own pockets to make something happen.
Now that I've been working at Legal Services, I have realized that there truly are situations in which we run out of time. In the corporate world, there is always another day, always another five minutes. If you miss a deadline, you get yelled at, but that's about it. I know this is a realization I've had before, but it was so strongly reinforced this week that I felt the need to restate it.
I had to pick up some papers from the court clerk for a project with a hard and fast court deadline. Unlike deadlines from corporate bosses, if you miss a court deadline, there is no going back. There is no excuse. There is no way out. Given that the weekend was fast approaching, it was my last chance to get said papers. So when the court clerk giggled at my measly $20 from the work cache, I knew I was in trouble.
Luckily, I'd gone to the bank earlier in the week. With the clerk's office closing in fifteen minutes, me having no idea where the nearest bank was and work being a solid twenty minutes away; my only chance to get the papers was right at that moment. Its not the big dramatic song and dance it could've been, but for me, reaching into my own wallet and paying for the rest of the papers without thinking about it was definitely a new experience.
I didn't really realize how much I care about this job and the things I'm doing at it until that moment. There wasn't a question. There wasn't hesitation. It just... needed to be done. I think this is what a sense of purpose truly feels like. Its not the pomp and circumstance and prideful chest pounding that is might seem to be, but just the simple, unquestioned choice to do what needs to be done.
July 2, 2010
Day 168 - Follow a Random Person to Wherever they are Going
Date: June 23rd, 2010
Have you ever sat and watched people and wondered where they were going? I do that all the time. I sit at restaurants, look out the window as people walk down the street, and wonder about them. I wonder if they're coming or going. I wonder if they're shopping or meeting friends. I wonder if they're happy. I wonder if their lives are good and filled with new, interesting things. That being said, like most people, I've never dropped what I'm doing and followed someone down the road.
Have you ever sat and watched people and wondered where they were going? I do that all the time. I sit at restaurants, look out the window as people walk down the street, and wonder about them. I wonder if they're coming or going. I wonder if they're shopping or meeting friends. I wonder if they're happy. I wonder if their lives are good and filled with new, interesting things. That being said, like most people, I've never dropped what I'm doing and followed someone down the road.
Day 167 - See a Chihuly Glass Exhibit
Date: June 22nd, 2010
So, the thing about having a job, having this project and having a not-technically-a-boyfriend is that it takes up a lot of time. The past two weeks have consisted of a lot of sleep, doing fairly easy project things and making sure not to get behind on work, despite being super crazy tired. Thus ends my excuses about why the updates are so far behind and begins the actual update.
About three weeks ago, I let it slip at work that I'm doing this project. See, one of the attorneys mentioned that there is a festival coming up that has a power tool race. It seemed just kitschy enough to be completely unmissable. Of course, that wasn't how things turned out, but having let the cat out of the proverbial bag, I found that my coworkers (in addition to being delightful human beings) were a veritable goldmine of new project ideas.
So, the thing about having a job, having this project and having a not-technically-a-boyfriend is that it takes up a lot of time. The past two weeks have consisted of a lot of sleep, doing fairly easy project things and making sure not to get behind on work, despite being super crazy tired. Thus ends my excuses about why the updates are so far behind and begins the actual update.
About three weeks ago, I let it slip at work that I'm doing this project. See, one of the attorneys mentioned that there is a festival coming up that has a power tool race. It seemed just kitschy enough to be completely unmissable. Of course, that wasn't how things turned out, but having let the cat out of the proverbial bag, I found that my coworkers (in addition to being delightful human beings) were a veritable goldmine of new project ideas.
June 30, 2010
Promises of Updates
Hi all!
Bulk updates are coming over the course of the next couple days. I decided my interests were best served by being highly irresponsible and seeing the midnight showing of Twilight: Eclipse the first night it came out. Thus, it is 3am and I'm super tired.
On the bright side, I did learn the NATO phonetic alphabet this afternoon. So I got that going for me. I promise we'll play catch up starting tomorrow. More importantly, if you like pretty shiny things, you're going to love the first entry that gets posted in the morning. I went to the Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids last Tuesday and got some amazing sculpture and botanical pictures for your amusement and enjoyment.
~Ms. Pallaton
Bulk updates are coming over the course of the next couple days. I decided my interests were best served by being highly irresponsible and seeing the midnight showing of Twilight: Eclipse the first night it came out. Thus, it is 3am and I'm super tired.
On the bright side, I did learn the NATO phonetic alphabet this afternoon. So I got that going for me. I promise we'll play catch up starting tomorrow. More importantly, if you like pretty shiny things, you're going to love the first entry that gets posted in the morning. I went to the Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids last Tuesday and got some amazing sculpture and botanical pictures for your amusement and enjoyment.
~Ms. Pallaton
June 27, 2010
Day 166 - Send a Care Package to a Serviceman Overseas
Date: June 21st, 2010
I'll keep this entry short and to the point, mostly to make the point that it is just that easy to send a care package to one of our servicemen overseas. I've sent a postcard to a military member, but I hadn't sent an actual care package. Unfortunately, there is no simple way to do that from a little studio in Lansing. I guess what I'm saying is that life sometimes gets in the way of giving. It became really easy to say that I'd done so much for one day and skip out on putting together a care package.
I'll keep this entry short and to the point, mostly to make the point that it is just that easy to send a care package to one of our servicemen overseas. I've sent a postcard to a military member, but I hadn't sent an actual care package. Unfortunately, there is no simple way to do that from a little studio in Lansing. I guess what I'm saying is that life sometimes gets in the way of giving. It became really easy to say that I'd done so much for one day and skip out on putting together a care package.
June 25, 2010
Day 165 - Learn to Drive a Boat
Date: June 20th, 2010
This Sunday was Father's Day. Having celebrated 25 Father's Days (well, I took an active role in the last twenty, but I was pretty checked out for the first five), I've pretty much done everything Father's Day related that people do. I've bought presents, given cards, wrapped my own presents, planned surprises, been super nice (despite being a teenager for a solid seven Father's Days in a row). It struck me that short of building something with my dad, there wasn't much new I could do. Wait, no, I did that when I was six. Never mind. Well. Crap. Now what? Well, I guess I'll just have to be...
This Sunday was Father's Day. Having celebrated 25 Father's Days (well, I took an active role in the last twenty, but I was pretty checked out for the first five), I've pretty much done everything Father's Day related that people do. I've bought presents, given cards, wrapped my own presents, planned surprises, been super nice (despite being a teenager for a solid seven Father's Days in a row). It struck me that short of building something with my dad, there wasn't much new I could do. Wait, no, I did that when I was six. Never mind. Well. Crap. Now what? Well, I guess I'll just have to be...
June 23, 2010
Day 164 - Go to the Ann Arbor Farmer's Market
Date: June 19th, 2010
After barely surviving the night before, Justin and I decided that we wanted to do something calming on Saturday. So I looked through the events page on AnnArbor.com (I would've failed so many times if not for that page) and found the Ann Arbor Farmer's Market. The thing about living in Ann Arbor for seven years and not having gone to the Farmer's Market is that it might actually be an unforgivable offense. Realizing that I'd angered the Gods of Ann Arbor (also know as Yost (the God of Winter), Bo (the God of Class) and Jake (the God of Joy)), I decided it was time to stop putting off a visit to the market.
After barely surviving the night before, Justin and I decided that we wanted to do something calming on Saturday. So I looked through the events page on AnnArbor.com (I would've failed so many times if not for that page) and found the Ann Arbor Farmer's Market. The thing about living in Ann Arbor for seven years and not having gone to the Farmer's Market is that it might actually be an unforgivable offense. Realizing that I'd angered the Gods of Ann Arbor (also know as Yost (the God of Winter), Bo (the God of Class) and Jake (the God of Joy)), I decided it was time to stop putting off a visit to the market.
Day 163 - Go to a Pow Wow
Date: June 18th, 2010
I like to think I'm decently culturally aware. I bristle at racist jokes, work closely with LGBT issues and, umm, enjoy sushi. That being said, insomuch as I've worked to avoid being ignorant of other cultures, there are gaps in my understanding. I was keenly aware of that as Justin and I contemplated going to the Riverbank Pow Wow in Lansing. Had I been asked what a Pow Wow was before we went, my response would've been, essentially, "I don't know, but it has something to do with Native American culture".
I like to think I'm decently culturally aware. I bristle at racist jokes, work closely with LGBT issues and, umm, enjoy sushi. That being said, insomuch as I've worked to avoid being ignorant of other cultures, there are gaps in my understanding. I was keenly aware of that as Justin and I contemplated going to the Riverbank Pow Wow in Lansing. Had I been asked what a Pow Wow was before we went, my response would've been, essentially, "I don't know, but it has something to do with Native American culture".
Pictured: My expectations being met.
Day 162 - Bail Out my Mom
Date: June 17th, 2010
June 17th has a lot of significance in my family. More directly important to me is the fact that its my parents' anniversary. Granted I wasn't there for the big show (ok, I was about seven years late for the big show), its still nice to see them be mushy for five minutes once a year. My parents are, generally speaking, otherwise disinclined to public shows of rom-com style affection.
This year, my folks were celebrating their love (ok, gross) up at the lake. The lake, more specifically Lake Ponemah in Fenton, is almost always my Thursday night crash pad. And by crash pad I mean that I go chill with my parents. And by chill with my parents I mean, well, chill with my parents. I'm a nerd. Learn to deal. Since that is almost always my Thursday night plan, I was a little surprised when my phone started buzzing as I was leaving Lansing for the weekend.
June 17th has a lot of significance in my family. More directly important to me is the fact that its my parents' anniversary. Granted I wasn't there for the big show (ok, I was about seven years late for the big show), its still nice to see them be mushy for five minutes once a year. My parents are, generally speaking, otherwise disinclined to public shows of rom-com style affection.
This year, my folks were celebrating their love (ok, gross) up at the lake. The lake, more specifically Lake Ponemah in Fenton, is almost always my Thursday night crash pad. And by crash pad I mean that I go chill with my parents. And by chill with my parents I mean, well, chill with my parents. I'm a nerd. Learn to deal. Since that is almost always my Thursday night plan, I was a little surprised when my phone started buzzing as I was leaving Lansing for the weekend.
June 22, 2010
Day 161 - Go to a Minor League Baseball Game
Date: June 16th, 2010
For most of my life, I wondered why baseball was considered "America's Pastime". I mean, its kind of neat. Its better than soccer, though most things are. Realistically, I would've always considered football to be America's pastime. I mean, think about it. Violence is not only allowed - its part of the game. It comes in short, quick bursts so our adorably nonexistent American attention spans can still keep up. The ball itself is non-conformist - there's nothing more American than individualism even at the cost of quality. And finally, the points are crazy and disorganized (in a move that I've long believed was to pay homage to our refusal to cop to the metric system).
More importantly, I've generally found baseball quite boring. The one exception being a Tigers game I went to with my friend Tim back in August. Even then, it was Tim's delightful company that made it a nice afternoon. The baseball was just window dressing.
For most of my life, I wondered why baseball was considered "America's Pastime". I mean, its kind of neat. Its better than soccer, though most things are. Realistically, I would've always considered football to be America's pastime. I mean, think about it. Violence is not only allowed - its part of the game. It comes in short, quick bursts so our adorably nonexistent American attention spans can still keep up. The ball itself is non-conformist - there's nothing more American than individualism even at the cost of quality. And finally, the points are crazy and disorganized (in a move that I've long believed was to pay homage to our refusal to cop to the metric system).
More importantly, I've generally found baseball quite boring. The one exception being a Tigers game I went to with my friend Tim back in August. Even then, it was Tim's delightful company that made it a nice afternoon. The baseball was just window dressing.
June 21, 2010
Day 160 - See a "Corpse Flower" in Bloom
Date: June 15th, 2010
There are some things that come around over and over again. If I miss the 5pm showing of Iron Man, I'm not going to flip. There's a 6pm, a 7pm, an 8pm and, of course, the inevitable DVD/Blu-Ray blitzkrieg that will show up six months from now. In short, if I want to see it, I'll get to see it.
There are other things that come significantly less frequently. The last Triple Crown winner was Affirmed in 1978. The last time Halley's Comet was visible was 1986. The last time we elected a Catholic President was 1960. (Guess which one of those I didn't have to look up).
There are some things that come around over and over again. If I miss the 5pm showing of Iron Man, I'm not going to flip. There's a 6pm, a 7pm, an 8pm and, of course, the inevitable DVD/Blu-Ray blitzkrieg that will show up six months from now. In short, if I want to see it, I'll get to see it.
There are other things that come significantly less frequently. The last Triple Crown winner was Affirmed in 1978. The last time Halley's Comet was visible was 1986. The last time we elected a Catholic President was 1960. (Guess which one of those I didn't have to look up).
Day 159 - Learn Shorthand (Gregg)
Date: June 14th, 2010
If u kan rd ths, ure <30 yrs old.
And if you write like I did in my example, you're less than 20 years old. See, the internet and texting have created this phenomenon of treating bad grammar and misspellings like some kind of etymological revelation. The result is that about half the people who grew up when I did have become so militant about grammar that we won't even send a simple text message without proper spelling and punctuation. ThE oThEr HaLf Of ThE pEoPlE sTaRtEd DoInG tHiS. I think it might be a protest of some kind, but one cannot be too sure.
If u kan rd ths, ure <30 yrs old.
And if you write like I did in my example, you're less than 20 years old. See, the internet and texting have created this phenomenon of treating bad grammar and misspellings like some kind of etymological revelation. The result is that about half the people who grew up when I did have become so militant about grammar that we won't even send a simple text message without proper spelling and punctuation. ThE oThEr HaLf Of ThE pEoPlE sTaRtEd DoInG tHiS. I think it might be a protest of some kind, but one cannot be too sure.
Day 158 - Volunteer for a Disaster Relief Effort
Date: June 13th, 2010
Like most people, I watch the local and national news well enough to know when something goes down. I'm generally aware of earthquakes, hurricanes and major tornadoes. So when a series of tornadoes struck Michigan and Ohio on June 6th, I saw the story on television and online. My usual reaction is to see the story, feel bad and do nothing. Disasters always seem so far off when we aren't directly harmed by them. That's why I was so shocked that it only took about an hour to get ourselves down to Millbury, Ohio.
Like most people, I watch the local and national news well enough to know when something goes down. I'm generally aware of earthquakes, hurricanes and major tornadoes. So when a series of tornadoes struck Michigan and Ohio on June 6th, I saw the story on television and online. My usual reaction is to see the story, feel bad and do nothing. Disasters always seem so far off when we aren't directly harmed by them. That's why I was so shocked that it only took about an hour to get ourselves down to Millbury, Ohio.
June 18, 2010
Day 157 - Attend a Vegan River Potluck
Date: June 12th, 2010
There are few things scarier for a microwave chef, such as myself, than a potluck. Sometimes I've taken adventures in cooking and attempted to, as they say, bring the flavor. That was back when I was cooking at University Lutheran Chapel as an undergrad. After a few years, I realized it actually is possible to get out of practice with cooking. I assume, today, I would be relegated to bringing something store brought, easy to prepare and nonessential.
There are few things scarier for a microwave chef, such as myself, than a potluck. Sometimes I've taken adventures in cooking and attempted to, as they say, bring the flavor. That was back when I was cooking at University Lutheran Chapel as an undergrad. After a few years, I realized it actually is possible to get out of practice with cooking. I assume, today, I would be relegated to bringing something store brought, easy to prepare and nonessential.
Hey guys, I brought dessert!
June 16, 2010
Day 156 - Look at the Stars through a Dome Telescope
Date: June 11th, 2010
I think I may have mentioned that I like looking at stars. And by may have, I mean that I have. And by mentioned, I mean mentioned repeatedly. I have always thought it would be cool to look through a telescope inside an observatory. That's why, as soon as I was able to, I registered for the Astronomy Lab section (instead of the boring, old, during the daytime, Astronomy Discussion section). Once a week, my section would gather in Angell Hall to compare notes, work on computers and, weather permitting, look at stars up on the roof. What's the catch? Weather permitting.
I think I may have mentioned that I like looking at stars. And by may have, I mean that I have. And by mentioned, I mean mentioned repeatedly. I have always thought it would be cool to look through a telescope inside an observatory. That's why, as soon as I was able to, I registered for the Astronomy Lab section (instead of the boring, old, during the daytime, Astronomy Discussion section). Once a week, my section would gather in Angell Hall to compare notes, work on computers and, weather permitting, look at stars up on the roof. What's the catch? Weather permitting.
Day 155 - Go to Court with an Actual Client
Date: June 10th, 2010
I know, I know. For all you non-legal-beagles out there, these law entries are getting tres boring. My vast and deepest apologies, oh fickle audience. I chose to make this my thing of the day because, well, for me, its a pretty big deal. It was also incredibly eye opening.
When I was an undergrad, I interned at the US Attorney's office in Detroit. I spent the vast majority of my time sitting in a dark room, cataloging checks and receipts that they subpoenaed from, umm, someone, somewhere. I'm not trying to be vague for confidentiality. I just don't remember. It was some dude. He was maybe doing bad things. So we did the absolute most logical thing to start the investigation. We looked in his checkbook.
I know, I know. For all you non-legal-beagles out there, these law entries are getting tres boring. My vast and deepest apologies, oh fickle audience. I chose to make this my thing of the day because, well, for me, its a pretty big deal. It was also incredibly eye opening.
When I was an undergrad, I interned at the US Attorney's office in Detroit. I spent the vast majority of my time sitting in a dark room, cataloging checks and receipts that they subpoenaed from, umm, someone, somewhere. I'm not trying to be vague for confidentiality. I just don't remember. It was some dude. He was maybe doing bad things. So we did the absolute most logical thing to start the investigation. We looked in his checkbook.
Et tu, American Express?
Of course, I know now that even the most impressive criminal masterminds can be brought down by a thorough investigation of their finances. I mean, when you pay someone off, that money has to come from somewhere. It doesn't just grow on the illicit pot plants you used to build your empire. More importantly, I am now keenly aware of just how valuable it is to get the bad guys' accountant to turn state's evidence. Who knew such a dorky job could wield so much power over murderous thieves?
Call me a putz, will you?
All that mumbo-jumbo aside, I thought I got a good education about the American court system when I was working there. And I did. Well, at the federal level. The thing about the courthouse I went to in Detroit is that it was exactly what people think of when they picture the halls of justice. There were portraits on the walls of past judges, mahogany benches upon which learned men sat to deliver their judgments. The outside of the building bore that impressive marble facade that courthouses are supposed to display.
As for the court I went to in Lansing? Not so much. As we sat and waited on a bench outside the courtroom, I couldn't help but notice how little pomp and circumstance there was compared to Detroit. It isn't a Lansing/Detroit distinction either. Its a federal/state distinction. We were in the local, less auspicious court. Despite how much less austere it was, the sense of import was definitely still present.
Our client would not be any less impacted by the ruling of the court because there weren't marble floors. Our client would not be better off if the bench was made of rich mahogany. In fact, sitting there with the dim lighting, pressed linoleum floors and courtrooms that looked more like strangely laid out offices to me; I felt even stronger of a pull to help the client. Here, in this place, people fall through cracks. I wanted to make sure that didn't happen to the person we were there representing.
I'm not sure if it was the atmosphere or the fact that I'd worked on this particular client's case directly, but I got back that old familiar feeling that I was in the right place at the right time. I was also stricken by the fear that we would be ruled against. See, when I was working in Detroit, if my boss came back with a ruling against his client, well, quite frankly, it didn't change my day much. Here though, well, it would be a blow. The tension and nervousness, as well as the whole 'hurry up and wait' sensation were all present.
It was like being backstage at the Oscars. If the Oscars weren't televised, no one wore gowns and losing meant you had to go to jail. So, you know, no pressure.
Day 154 - Write a Fan Letter to a Celebrity
Date: June 9th, 2010
Generally speaking, I'm not really one to entertain celebrity crushes. There is, however, one notable exception to this rule. Jon Stewart. I'd love to romanticize things and say it was love at first Daily-Show-viewing, but in reality it was the kind of love that starts out as friends and grows over time. I have to believe that living in Ann Arbor was the impetus for my one and only celebrity crush.
Do you remember where you were when you heard about Jon's appearance on Crossfire? I do. I do because it was such big news in this town, I was surprised the man didn't get a parade and a key to the city. In a town filled with all manner of brilliant, often liberal, but always insightful people; someone holding politicians and pundits accountable is almost cultishly adored. At least by my circle of friends, that is.
Since then I've found occasion to discuss his charming good looks and well-oiled smackdownery with many an Ann Arborite. Even so, I'm still not one to openly fawn over a celebrity. Although I did place him on my very exclusive, super-secret "old guys I would have an affair with" list. No. You can't know the other names on it.
A few days ago, in the wake of a particularly brilliant episode, I decided it was time to use my little project to my distinct advantage. Mr. Stewart, prepare to get fanmailed. I assume, of course, that he rarely receives mail from viewers and will, therefore, be deeply touched and impressed with the personal attention he is receiving from yours truly. Or it'll get thrown on the pile and three weeks from now I'll get a $0.50 Jon Stewart plushy in the mail.
I went through about three iterations of the letter before I finally settled on the one I wanted to send. After two versions of me trying to be funny, I decided that maybe the best way to show a comedian how impressed you are with them is to stop and be serious for a moment. So I settled on this:
------------------
Kristen DCamp
This is totally where my address went
Ann Arbor, MI
Dear Jon,
I’m not really a fan mail kind of person, but I wanted to write and tell you how impressed I’ve been with The Daily Show in the past few years. Even though I know it is just a comedy show, there are times when I’ve felt like I got better analysis of current events from the way you mock them than from the way the news presents them. More than that, I wanted to thank you for holding your guests to task in interviews. You’ve found a way to walk the line between respectful jibes and hard questions and, as a viewer, I really appreciate it. I wish more people would hold our leaders accountable the way you do. So, thank you. You and the rest of the Daily Show team are hilarious, but also deeply insightful.
Sincerely,
Kristen DCamp
-------------------
If I get a response, I promise to post it on here for y'all's reading pleasure. Who knows? Maybe in private he's, like, totally a diva.
Generally speaking, I'm not really one to entertain celebrity crushes. There is, however, one notable exception to this rule. Jon Stewart. I'd love to romanticize things and say it was love at first Daily-Show-viewing, but in reality it was the kind of love that starts out as friends and grows over time. I have to believe that living in Ann Arbor was the impetus for my one and only celebrity crush.
Pictured: My Adonis
Since then I've found occasion to discuss his charming good looks and well-oiled smackdownery with many an Ann Arborite. Even so, I'm still not one to openly fawn over a celebrity. Although I did place him on my very exclusive, super-secret "old guys I would have an affair with" list. No. You can't know the other names on it.
A few days ago, in the wake of a particularly brilliant episode, I decided it was time to use my little project to my distinct advantage. Mr. Stewart, prepare to get fanmailed. I assume, of course, that he rarely receives mail from viewers and will, therefore, be deeply touched and impressed with the personal attention he is receiving from yours truly. Or it'll get thrown on the pile and three weeks from now I'll get a $0.50 Jon Stewart plushy in the mail.
I went through about three iterations of the letter before I finally settled on the one I wanted to send. After two versions of me trying to be funny, I decided that maybe the best way to show a comedian how impressed you are with them is to stop and be serious for a moment. So I settled on this:
------------------
Kristen DCamp
This is totally where my address went
Ann Arbor, MI
Dear Jon,
I’m not really a fan mail kind of person, but I wanted to write and tell you how impressed I’ve been with The Daily Show in the past few years. Even though I know it is just a comedy show, there are times when I’ve felt like I got better analysis of current events from the way you mock them than from the way the news presents them. More than that, I wanted to thank you for holding your guests to task in interviews. You’ve found a way to walk the line between respectful jibes and hard questions and, as a viewer, I really appreciate it. I wish more people would hold our leaders accountable the way you do. So, thank you. You and the rest of the Daily Show team are hilarious, but also deeply insightful.
Sincerely,
Kristen DCamp
-------------------
If I get a response, I promise to post it on here for y'all's reading pleasure. Who knows? Maybe in private he's, like, totally a diva.
June 15, 2010
Day 153 - Do Prison Cell Exercises
Date: June 8th, 2010
I make all sorts of excuses to justify not exercising. I was busy. I was stressed. I walked from my car to the office so that's kind of like going for a jog. You know, in the sense that they're both form of movement. My room is too small. The sun was in my eyes. Exercise is for heathens and Republicans. You know, the usual stuff.
I decided, as a nice change of pace, to actually attempt to find a way to gain a modicum of fitness in my room. Now, during the week in Lansing, I live in a... well... let's just call it cozy. Its not exactly a place you can run laps in. I'd been using that as a reason to justify lazing about every evening after work instead of getting out there and burning of the deliciouschocolate-chip pancakes, juicy steak, cheeseburger, salad. Ahem. Yes. Salad, that I had for lunch.
Well, I ran out of excuses when I found this site. If a prisoner can do these exercises in their cell (and with what I imagine to be significantly more stress than I have to deal with), the surely I can muster the energy to give them a try.
I make all sorts of excuses to justify not exercising. I was busy. I was stressed. I walked from my car to the office so that's kind of like going for a jog. You know, in the sense that they're both form of movement. My room is too small. The sun was in my eyes. Exercise is for heathens and Republicans. You know, the usual stuff.
I decided, as a nice change of pace, to actually attempt to find a way to gain a modicum of fitness in my room. Now, during the week in Lansing, I live in a... well... let's just call it cozy. Its not exactly a place you can run laps in. I'd been using that as a reason to justify lazing about every evening after work instead of getting out there and burning of the delicious
Well, I ran out of excuses when I found this site. If a prisoner can do these exercises in their cell (and with what I imagine to be significantly more stress than I have to deal with), the surely I can muster the energy to give them a try.
I don't know what all the fuss is about.
Prison looks quite comfortable.
As a more general term, it turns out, "prison exercises" refers to just about any repetitive motion exercises that you can do in a confined space without benefit of machines or equipment. And if you take the safe search off google, you'll see the other repetitive motion exercises you can do in a confined space without benefit of machines or equipment. I guess what I'm saying is, don't search for "prison exercises" without the safe search on. I may or may not have gotten scarred for life.
The specific one that I tried was an exercise I'd never done before. Some basic exercises like pull ups, push ups, sit ups and others are also listed on various sites as prison exercises. The one I found and tried is apparently called a burpee. So, you know, that sounds attractive. It is actually really freaking hard to do too. Look at the link - its a mix of a jump, a squat and a push up.
Since then, my legs, knees, lower back and shoulders have been in some serious hurt. My body does not want to go back to prison. No no. It is definitely protesting this decision. Granted, I've done the exercises again, three more times, since I initially tried them a week ago. That's probably why my legs are still screaming at me. The biggest thing, though, is reminding myself that I don't need money to get fit. I just need the willingness. And an interesting set of google search terms.
Day 152 - Take Work Home with Me
Date: June 7th, 2010
Like most 25 year olds, I've had a decent number of jobs in my life. In high school, I was a bagger at Gene's Fine Foods in Saratoga. That store produced some utterly fantastic stories and about a dozen arguments against unionization. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to get all political. I'm just saying, the number of times my troublemaking butt should've been fired from that place is not countable on a single hand. Or two hands. Maybe two hands and a foot.
I'm far enough removed from that job, I think I can get away with detailing my sixteen-year-old shenanigans. Let's see. Hitting on customers. That was numero uno. But to be fair, I did end up dating a customer for almost a year. Now he's an MMA fighter and ordained minister. There's not a joke in there. Its actually what happened. What else? Starting political discussions with customers. I saw no possible way that could've gone badly for me. There were Pringle fights in the warehouse. Of course, that did get my friend Kenny fired, but his union benefits hadn't kicked in yet (see what I mean?). I'd say, by far, the biggest mistake I made while working there was letting the boys in the meat department borrow my camera for an afternoon. What was seen cannot be unseen. Dating one of the guys over in produce lands at a close second.
Like most 25 year olds, I've had a decent number of jobs in my life. In high school, I was a bagger at Gene's Fine Foods in Saratoga. That store produced some utterly fantastic stories and about a dozen arguments against unionization. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to get all political. I'm just saying, the number of times my troublemaking butt should've been fired from that place is not countable on a single hand. Or two hands. Maybe two hands and a foot.
I'm far enough removed from that job, I think I can get away with detailing my sixteen-year-old shenanigans. Let's see. Hitting on customers. That was numero uno. But to be fair, I did end up dating a customer for almost a year. Now he's an MMA fighter and ordained minister. There's not a joke in there. Its actually what happened. What else? Starting political discussions with customers. I saw no possible way that could've gone badly for me. There were Pringle fights in the warehouse. Of course, that did get my friend Kenny fired, but his union benefits hadn't kicked in yet (see what I mean?). I'd say, by far, the biggest mistake I made while working there was letting the boys in the meat department borrow my camera for an afternoon. What was seen cannot be unseen. Dating one of the guys over in produce lands at a close second.
Day 151 - Design Salvaged Art
Date: June 6th, 2010
Granting that I am deeply prone to random flights of fancy, it somehow never occurred to me to look at antiques as anything but what they are. See, my dad loves antiquing, so its something that I've tagged along on since before I was able to watch. On any given weekend, growing up, it was a distinct possibility that I would be at an antique mall, walking around and looking at fancy hats, dresses, pictures or dolls. For whatever reason, I never used this time to indulge my creative side.
Granting that I am deeply prone to random flights of fancy, it somehow never occurred to me to look at antiques as anything but what they are. See, my dad loves antiquing, so its something that I've tagged along on since before I was able to watch. On any given weekend, growing up, it was a distinct possibility that I would be at an antique mall, walking around and looking at fancy hats, dresses, pictures or dolls. For whatever reason, I never used this time to indulge my creative side.
June 14, 2010
Day 150 - Buy a Meal for a Stranger
Date: June 5th, 2010
Sometimes you wake up, look out the window and realize that its going to be a beautiful day. I love mornings like that. I watched the sun stream in the window to my wall and slowly crawl toward my head as the sun rose over the trees. I decided to stay in bed and watch the sunspot crawl toward my face. Thirty minutes later I was enjoying the warm glow of sun on my cheeks and thinking about how lucky I am to have the things I have in this life.
I had planned on doing one of several highly interesting and amazing things on Saturday afternoon with Justin, but decided instead to go shopping. I know, I know, highly irresponsible, but we were planning on going to the lake in the evening to hang out with my parents so I figured, worst case scenario, I learn to drive a pontoon boat for my thing of the day. I have to admit, as I approach the halfway mark, a shift has begun to happen. My daily habits revolve around finding that new thing. Some of the polish has worn off this project, which isn't to say that I'm not loving it. I still adore it, but its more real than it was before. There was a little too much shine, as I look back.
In any case, we were out shopping on a sunny Ann Arbor afternoon when we stumbled past a young woman sitting on the sidewalk. She was playing music softly, with a little bit of a lilting tone. She was beautiful. I mean, strikingly, strangely, alluringly beautiful. Next to where she sat was a sign asking for money. It wasn't an obnoxious or obvious sign. I saw plenty of people walk right past and not even see it. But as we walked past, Justin and I both saw it and had the same thought. We walked into the nearest store, browsed for a while and subtly gathered what few small bills we had to give to her.
As we were leaving the store, I was struck with another idea. She was there, clearly tired and hungry, watching as people pretended their purses lacked change and their pockets were empty, just patiently hoping someone would notice. There was a point at which I would muse about what put her there. Drugs? Family trouble? Hard times? I've come to a point in my life where I don't care about what put someone in the situation they're in; just that they're there.
With that thought in mind, we walked across the street to Starbucks and bought her a bottle of water and a bagel. As with the few dollar bills we'd given her just moments earlier, we focused on being subtle and polite. We were both keenly aware of the fact that spectacle was not the purpose of the gesture. I set the bagel and water down next to her, smiled, nodded and walked with Justin back to his car. It was almost a block later that I realized I'd never done that before. I felt alternately proud of and disappointed in myself.
How did I go a quarter century without buying a meal for a stranger? It was definitely a "paint-by-number" moment for me. I've been having more and more serious moments of reflection as time has gone on. I'm deeply sorry to the people who started following this project for its comedic value. The past couple weeks have just been too, well, real, for that. Hopefully the silliness will resume. Perhaps I'm due for some more "out there" experiences to shine this project back up. In the meantime, the real impetus of this project is starting to sink in. That comment will make a lot more sense when you read Day 158.
Sometimes you wake up, look out the window and realize that its going to be a beautiful day. I love mornings like that. I watched the sun stream in the window to my wall and slowly crawl toward my head as the sun rose over the trees. I decided to stay in bed and watch the sunspot crawl toward my face. Thirty minutes later I was enjoying the warm glow of sun on my cheeks and thinking about how lucky I am to have the things I have in this life.
I had planned on doing one of several highly interesting and amazing things on Saturday afternoon with Justin, but decided instead to go shopping. I know, I know, highly irresponsible, but we were planning on going to the lake in the evening to hang out with my parents so I figured, worst case scenario, I learn to drive a pontoon boat for my thing of the day. I have to admit, as I approach the halfway mark, a shift has begun to happen. My daily habits revolve around finding that new thing. Some of the polish has worn off this project, which isn't to say that I'm not loving it. I still adore it, but its more real than it was before. There was a little too much shine, as I look back.
In any case, we were out shopping on a sunny Ann Arbor afternoon when we stumbled past a young woman sitting on the sidewalk. She was playing music softly, with a little bit of a lilting tone. She was beautiful. I mean, strikingly, strangely, alluringly beautiful. Next to where she sat was a sign asking for money. It wasn't an obnoxious or obvious sign. I saw plenty of people walk right past and not even see it. But as we walked past, Justin and I both saw it and had the same thought. We walked into the nearest store, browsed for a while and subtly gathered what few small bills we had to give to her.
As we were leaving the store, I was struck with another idea. She was there, clearly tired and hungry, watching as people pretended their purses lacked change and their pockets were empty, just patiently hoping someone would notice. There was a point at which I would muse about what put her there. Drugs? Family trouble? Hard times? I've come to a point in my life where I don't care about what put someone in the situation they're in; just that they're there.
With that thought in mind, we walked across the street to Starbucks and bought her a bottle of water and a bagel. As with the few dollar bills we'd given her just moments earlier, we focused on being subtle and polite. We were both keenly aware of the fact that spectacle was not the purpose of the gesture. I set the bagel and water down next to her, smiled, nodded and walked with Justin back to his car. It was almost a block later that I realized I'd never done that before. I felt alternately proud of and disappointed in myself.
How did I go a quarter century without buying a meal for a stranger? It was definitely a "paint-by-number" moment for me. I've been having more and more serious moments of reflection as time has gone on. I'm deeply sorry to the people who started following this project for its comedic value. The past couple weeks have just been too, well, real, for that. Hopefully the silliness will resume. Perhaps I'm due for some more "out there" experiences to shine this project back up. In the meantime, the real impetus of this project is starting to sink in. That comment will make a lot more sense when you read Day 158.
Day 149 - Have Energy Work Performed on Me
Date: June 4th, 2010
It has always been interesting to me that people are so skeptical about things like energy work. While I'm sure there are some crackpots out there claiming to have the cure for cancer literally at their fingertips, the idea that a touch can heal has been around for centuries. It struck me that I had fallen victim to the same skepticism about the power of touch, despite oodles of studies showing that all sorts of touching (all the way from nice to naughty, and everything in between) can have healing effects. For the most part, something about the idea of someone else shifting around energy in my body just seemed too out there for me. But since this year is essentially a parade dedicated to "out there", I figured it was something I should try.
It has always been interesting to me that people are so skeptical about things like energy work. While I'm sure there are some crackpots out there claiming to have the cure for cancer literally at their fingertips, the idea that a touch can heal has been around for centuries. It struck me that I had fallen victim to the same skepticism about the power of touch, despite oodles of studies showing that all sorts of touching (all the way from nice to naughty, and everything in between) can have healing effects. For the most part, something about the idea of someone else shifting around energy in my body just seemed too out there for me. But since this year is essentially a parade dedicated to "out there", I figured it was something I should try.
June 12, 2010
Day 148 - Join a Gym
Date: June 3rd, 2010
My life has been a series of vain attempts to persuade and cajole myself into getting into better shape. I bought exercise equipment so I wouldn't have the excuse of not having time. I locked my own cabinets at one point. At another, I convinced myself that chocolate was poisonous. That did not last long at all. Often, when starting a diet, I have made a point to tell someone that I'm doing it so that if they see me snacking they can mock me into submission. Other times, I've contented myself with the lie that salad is a fulfilling meal.
One thing I'd never done before was actually attempt to make the commitment to paying for a gym membership. Well, I made even that attempt to cajole myself into fitness before joining my friend Louis for handball. We had so much fun the week before that we decided to do it again, but this time it was highly unlikely that I'd be able to get into the gym for free.
Turns out the gym was offering a free two week trial membership. Given that it saved me $10, got me an extra two weeks of full gym access and just seemed like a wholly good idea, I signed up without even thinking about it. I do think I'll go ahead and join when the trial time is up. I rather like that gym and all its machines and whatnot. What I did realize is that I used to hesitate about things like that. There used to be a serious level of consideration and planning before I did physical things. I did them with an eye towards convincing myself to exercise. This time, I did it without thinking about it.
Its the first time, that I can think of, since the project started, that I'm proud of the lack of thought and planning behind one of my daily things. I finally had that moment of enjoying physicality enough that I didn't have to use it as a tool for health. It was a neat feeling.
My life has been a series of vain attempts to persuade and cajole myself into getting into better shape. I bought exercise equipment so I wouldn't have the excuse of not having time. I locked my own cabinets at one point. At another, I convinced myself that chocolate was poisonous. That did not last long at all. Often, when starting a diet, I have made a point to tell someone that I'm doing it so that if they see me snacking they can mock me into submission. Other times, I've contented myself with the lie that salad is a fulfilling meal.
One thing I'd never done before was actually attempt to make the commitment to paying for a gym membership. Well, I made even that attempt to cajole myself into fitness before joining my friend Louis for handball. We had so much fun the week before that we decided to do it again, but this time it was highly unlikely that I'd be able to get into the gym for free.
Turns out the gym was offering a free two week trial membership. Given that it saved me $10, got me an extra two weeks of full gym access and just seemed like a wholly good idea, I signed up without even thinking about it. I do think I'll go ahead and join when the trial time is up. I rather like that gym and all its machines and whatnot. What I did realize is that I used to hesitate about things like that. There used to be a serious level of consideration and planning before I did physical things. I did them with an eye towards convincing myself to exercise. This time, I did it without thinking about it.
Its the first time, that I can think of, since the project started, that I'm proud of the lack of thought and planning behind one of my daily things. I finally had that moment of enjoying physicality enough that I didn't have to use it as a tool for health. It was a neat feeling.
Day 147 - File Divorce Papers
Date: June 2nd, 2010
I know, I know, back-to-back work entries, but I had an epiphany while I was filling out the paperwork for one of our clients and, having never filed divorce papers myself, I decided to share it.
What was this important, life-altering, epiphany that must be shared? Filing for divorce is actually rather boring. I'm sure its less boring for the parties directly involved, but the level of paperwork and the specificity required to make sure that all the loose ends are tied up is quite cumbersome.
This may sound crazy, but I was kind of happy to find a part of this job that I don't love. I was starting to worry about myself. Like I'd caught some disease that makes people subconsciously adore their jobs in a way that borders on inappropriate infatuation. That would be a horrible disease, wouldn't it? The job just feels so much more real now that I've found something tedious about. Perhaps that's silly, but its the truth.
I also found myself marveling at how much detail is required to perform even the simplest of divorces. Ensuring that the separation is appropriate takes a lot of work. I think that divorces are something that I will struggle with because I see the need and importance every day (especially when clients who've been the victim of domestic violence), but I found myself so, well, bored. The work isn't invigorating or enthralling like the briefs and motions for court that I sometimes get to write. It isn't a scavenger hunt for important details like the answers I've gotten to write. Its just paperwork.
The true epiphany that I had that day was not how boring divorce papers are, but that the true selflessness of a job comes not from doing it and loving it, but from doing even the parts that you don't love. I take great pride in helping people, especially by working at Legal Services. However, if I can't wrap my head around doing even the boring parts then I'm not as committed as I'd like to believe. So far I was able to soldier through the tedious work. It is, however, going to be my biggest challenge in the future.
I know, I know, back-to-back work entries, but I had an epiphany while I was filling out the paperwork for one of our clients and, having never filed divorce papers myself, I decided to share it.
What was this important, life-altering, epiphany that must be shared? Filing for divorce is actually rather boring. I'm sure its less boring for the parties directly involved, but the level of paperwork and the specificity required to make sure that all the loose ends are tied up is quite cumbersome.
This may sound crazy, but I was kind of happy to find a part of this job that I don't love. I was starting to worry about myself. Like I'd caught some disease that makes people subconsciously adore their jobs in a way that borders on inappropriate infatuation. That would be a horrible disease, wouldn't it? The job just feels so much more real now that I've found something tedious about. Perhaps that's silly, but its the truth.
I also found myself marveling at how much detail is required to perform even the simplest of divorces. Ensuring that the separation is appropriate takes a lot of work. I think that divorces are something that I will struggle with because I see the need and importance every day (especially when clients who've been the victim of domestic violence), but I found myself so, well, bored. The work isn't invigorating or enthralling like the briefs and motions for court that I sometimes get to write. It isn't a scavenger hunt for important details like the answers I've gotten to write. Its just paperwork.
The true epiphany that I had that day was not how boring divorce papers are, but that the true selflessness of a job comes not from doing it and loving it, but from doing even the parts that you don't love. I take great pride in helping people, especially by working at Legal Services. However, if I can't wrap my head around doing even the boring parts then I'm not as committed as I'd like to believe. So far I was able to soldier through the tedious work. It is, however, going to be my biggest challenge in the future.
Day 146 - Meet with a Client in Person
Date: June 1st, 2010
After the epic camping weekend, it was time to get back to the grindstone. On Sunday night, after the drive back from the Upper Peninsula, I had to get back in my car and get myself over to Lansing for work in the morning. I was a little worried about what I would do for new things, given how busy my job keeps me now. I was decidedly tired and sunburned after the trip and decided that I would simply have to do one of my backup projects once work got out.
After the epic camping weekend, it was time to get back to the grindstone. On Sunday night, after the drive back from the Upper Peninsula, I had to get back in my car and get myself over to Lansing for work in the morning. I was a little worried about what I would do for new things, given how busy my job keeps me now. I was decidedly tired and sunburned after the trip and decided that I would simply have to do one of my backup projects once work got out.
June 9, 2010
Day 145 - Leave my Mark on a Picnic Table
Date: May 31st, 2010
Shamelessly titled: Why I'm a Bad-Ass.
Of all the things I've done this entire year, the one that I'm most proud of myself for completing was the canoe trip. I'm most in awe of swimming in a waterfall. I'm most, umm, comfortably full of Frankenmuth chicken? OK. That one maybe not so much. The point is, it was a weekend of amazing, life changing experiences. Truth be told, I haven't even mentioned half of the things we did on the camping trip. Which is why, on the last day, with the prospect of returning to normal society looming ominously on the beautiful Lake Superior horizon, we decided we needed to commemorate the trip somehow.
Shamelessly titled: Why I'm a Bad-Ass.
Of all the things I've done this entire year, the one that I'm most proud of myself for completing was the canoe trip. I'm most in awe of swimming in a waterfall. I'm most, umm, comfortably full of Frankenmuth chicken? OK. That one maybe not so much. The point is, it was a weekend of amazing, life changing experiences. Truth be told, I haven't even mentioned half of the things we did on the camping trip. Which is why, on the last day, with the prospect of returning to normal society looming ominously on the beautiful Lake Superior horizon, we decided we needed to commemorate the trip somehow.
June 8, 2010
Day 144 - Shower in a Waterfall
Date: May 30th, 2010
Conveniently subtitled: Why Justin is Awesome.
The wake of day two's canoe ride was the stuff of legend. Sunburnt, achy, fly-bitten legend. It was also the kind of tiredness that makes the Rip Van Winkle strategy seem like a good idea. At dinner, we sat around and enjoyed each other's company in the warmth of a local pub as the realization that we were going to just pass out when we got back to the tent set in. Truth be told, I rather enjoy that feeling. Being so tired you're about to collapse makes every subsequent step feel like a little victory. And I do enjoy victories.
Justin had to deal with quite a bit more than that pleasant/proud tiredness that I had. See, having broken his back and messed up his knees at various points, the canoe trip was a bit harder on him than it was on me. He's not the type of person to dwell on a little pain, however, and if you didn't know about the previous injuries, it would've been impossible to tell by looking that he was hurting. Even so, as we all sat and talked, we decided that the out-of-shape contingent would relax in the afternoon while the experienced campers would enjoy a nice hike through the woods.
Conveniently subtitled: Why Justin is Awesome.
The wake of day two's canoe ride was the stuff of legend. Sunburnt, achy, fly-bitten legend. It was also the kind of tiredness that makes the Rip Van Winkle strategy seem like a good idea. At dinner, we sat around and enjoyed each other's company in the warmth of a local pub as the realization that we were going to just pass out when we got back to the tent set in. Truth be told, I rather enjoy that feeling. Being so tired you're about to collapse makes every subsequent step feel like a little victory. And I do enjoy victories.
Justin had to deal with quite a bit more than that pleasant/proud tiredness that I had. See, having broken his back and messed up his knees at various points, the canoe trip was a bit harder on him than it was on me. He's not the type of person to dwell on a little pain, however, and if you didn't know about the previous injuries, it would've been impossible to tell by looking that he was hurting. Even so, as we all sat and talked, we decided that the out-of-shape contingent would relax in the afternoon while the experienced campers would enjoy a nice hike through the woods.
Day 143 - Go Canoeing
Date: May 29th, 2010
As promised, this entry is subtitled: Why Tim is Awesome.
As we rolled into the campsite at 4am on the first night, we all had a similar thought. Going canoeing sure seemed nice, but if we have to be awake at 8am for it, well, maybe its not going to happen. God had other plans. I sat bolt upright in the tent at 6:45am and looked over to find Justin already awake and gone. By the time I'd gotten up and stretched my legs, Christine and Tim were already awake. I didn't realize it at the time, but canoeing was one of those things that was just supposed to happen.
As promised, this entry is subtitled: Why Tim is Awesome.
As we rolled into the campsite at 4am on the first night, we all had a similar thought. Going canoeing sure seemed nice, but if we have to be awake at 8am for it, well, maybe its not going to happen. God had other plans. I sat bolt upright in the tent at 6:45am and looked over to find Justin already awake and gone. By the time I'd gotten up and stretched my legs, Christine and Tim were already awake. I didn't realize it at the time, but canoeing was one of those things that was just supposed to happen.
June 7, 2010
Day 142 - Eat Famous Fried Chicken in Frankenmuth
Date: May 28th, 2010
This entry has an alternate title. That title is: "Why Christine is Amazing".
See, I spent the last week wracking my brain to come up with a way to do justice to the camping trip with my entries. I wanted to do anything and everything I could to convey the level of life-changing that was the UP camping tip of aught-10. See, here's the thing, though. This whole adventure started on Day 142. That means that there were 141 slightly or significantly life-changing days before the trip even started. Simply describing the trip in the same terms, well, it just didn't seem right. So I thought for a while about what made the trip so incredible. I'll give you a hint - it wasn't the Memorial Day traffic or the bugs the size of flying walnuts. It was the folks I got to go with.
This entry has an alternate title. That title is: "Why Christine is Amazing".
See, I spent the last week wracking my brain to come up with a way to do justice to the camping trip with my entries. I wanted to do anything and everything I could to convey the level of life-changing that was the UP camping tip of aught-10. See, here's the thing, though. This whole adventure started on Day 142. That means that there were 141 slightly or significantly life-changing days before the trip even started. Simply describing the trip in the same terms, well, it just didn't seem right. So I thought for a while about what made the trip so incredible. I'll give you a hint - it wasn't the Memorial Day traffic or the bugs the size of flying walnuts. It was the folks I got to go with.
Listen, Tahquamenon River, Imma let you finish...
But these people are the best campers of all time.
June 3, 2010
Camping Posts
Hi all!
I will likely not be posting the entries about the camping trip until tomorrow because I want to make sure that I can fill them with the full and beautiful detail of the trip. It was sheer amazing awesomeness. They will be up soon and in glorious, glorious detail. I promise.
Love and Kisses,
Me
I will likely not be posting the entries about the camping trip until tomorrow because I want to make sure that I can fill them with the full and beautiful detail of the trip. It was sheer amazing awesomeness. They will be up soon and in glorious, glorious detail. I promise.
Love and Kisses,
Me
June 2, 2010
Day 141 - Be the "Court Runner" for the Day
Date: May 27th, 2010
Despite the difficulties I experienced with my job earlier in the week, I found myself slowly gaining back some excitement about it. This was, in part, because I had started working on some of the paperwork for the client I spoke to earlier in the week and, in part, because there is just so much to learn that its hard not to be excited. After a morning working the intake hotline, I was about to depart for lunch when one of my bosses approached me with a small stack of papers.
Turns out, one of the rotating jobs that I did not realize I had was to be the day's "court runner". Seeing as I had no idea what it even was (minus the one sentence description in our orientation packet), it was a fair bet I'd never done it before. Being court runner is like being a glorified errand girl. Ok. Its just like being an errand girl. I had to drive down to the county court house and police station to pick up a copy of a recent judgment and a police report that one of my bosses had put out a FOIA request on.
I did had one learning moment in the course of that new experience though. As I walked in the door to the police station, I saw an older gentleman in uniform sitting by the metal detector. His job was pretty straightforward. He just had to make sure that no one brought anything illegal into the station or courthouse. I watched him put his book down on the counter, stand up slowly and walk over to the door I'd come in and it struck me that his job must be alternately boring or relaxing given the day.
It also struck me that people were probably rarely nice to him. What I mean to say is that most people going to a police station or a district court on any given day are probably (validly) not in a great mood. Surely some of his coworkers probably smiled and asked about his day, but the vast majority of people there were there under a lot of stress.
I thought about these things while I waited in line to get the second set of paperwork I'd been sent for. As I walked to the elevator on my way out of the building, I made a decision to be as pleasant as I could possibly be to the gentleman on the way out of the building. Maybe seeing one smiling face would make the afternoon go by quicker. So, as I walked by, I smiled as broadly as I could and wished him a nice afternoon. The look I got in response was nothing short of joyful.
In that moment I realized how important it is to stay cheerful whenever possible. Happiness is infectious. It spreads to everyone you come in contact with. As I left the courthouse that afternoon I made a decision to always be as upbeat as I could (without becoming that annoying little perky chipmunk everybody loves to hate) in hopes of brightening everyone's day just a little. Because why not, really?
Despite the difficulties I experienced with my job earlier in the week, I found myself slowly gaining back some excitement about it. This was, in part, because I had started working on some of the paperwork for the client I spoke to earlier in the week and, in part, because there is just so much to learn that its hard not to be excited. After a morning working the intake hotline, I was about to depart for lunch when one of my bosses approached me with a small stack of papers.
Turns out, one of the rotating jobs that I did not realize I had was to be the day's "court runner". Seeing as I had no idea what it even was (minus the one sentence description in our orientation packet), it was a fair bet I'd never done it before. Being court runner is like being a glorified errand girl. Ok. Its just like being an errand girl. I had to drive down to the county court house and police station to pick up a copy of a recent judgment and a police report that one of my bosses had put out a FOIA request on.
I did had one learning moment in the course of that new experience though. As I walked in the door to the police station, I saw an older gentleman in uniform sitting by the metal detector. His job was pretty straightforward. He just had to make sure that no one brought anything illegal into the station or courthouse. I watched him put his book down on the counter, stand up slowly and walk over to the door I'd come in and it struck me that his job must be alternately boring or relaxing given the day.
It also struck me that people were probably rarely nice to him. What I mean to say is that most people going to a police station or a district court on any given day are probably (validly) not in a great mood. Surely some of his coworkers probably smiled and asked about his day, but the vast majority of people there were there under a lot of stress.
I thought about these things while I waited in line to get the second set of paperwork I'd been sent for. As I walked to the elevator on my way out of the building, I made a decision to be as pleasant as I could possibly be to the gentleman on the way out of the building. Maybe seeing one smiling face would make the afternoon go by quicker. So, as I walked by, I smiled as broadly as I could and wished him a nice afternoon. The look I got in response was nothing short of joyful.
In that moment I realized how important it is to stay cheerful whenever possible. Happiness is infectious. It spreads to everyone you come in contact with. As I left the courthouse that afternoon I made a decision to always be as upbeat as I could (without becoming that annoying little perky chipmunk everybody loves to hate) in hopes of brightening everyone's day just a little. Because why not, really?
Day 140 - Write a Song
Date: May 26th, 2010
Ever since Ryan and I went to see Don Giovanni, I've marveled at the amount of contemplation and calculation that must've gone into writing that opera. Mozart didn't just have to write music and words, but also a play and, in some senses, choreography. Granting the director has his actors do what he pleases, Mozart still must've had a sense of where they would stand and how they would interact. The idea of putting all that together just seemed so, insurmountable to me.
In retrospect, that was probably, at least in part, because I don't usually do anything with music. Knowing that one part of a huge endeavor is outside of my expertise has tended to make the whole project seem more impressive. I decided to test that theory by trying to write a song. A few years back I went to visit my friend Sean in Evanston for his 21st birthday. On the way out to Illinois, I stopped at a Native American outpost along Route 12 and bought a Navajo flute.
Ever since Ryan and I went to see Don Giovanni, I've marveled at the amount of contemplation and calculation that must've gone into writing that opera. Mozart didn't just have to write music and words, but also a play and, in some senses, choreography. Granting the director has his actors do what he pleases, Mozart still must've had a sense of where they would stand and how they would interact. The idea of putting all that together just seemed so, insurmountable to me.
In retrospect, that was probably, at least in part, because I don't usually do anything with music. Knowing that one part of a huge endeavor is outside of my expertise has tended to make the whole project seem more impressive. I decided to test that theory by trying to write a song. A few years back I went to visit my friend Sean in Evanston for his 21st birthday. On the way out to Illinois, I stopped at a Native American outpost along Route 12 and bought a Navajo flute.
Day 139 - Learn Handball
Date: May 25th, 2010
When I was younger, I used to play wall ball. Its not really a well defined game. Its a tennis ball, a brick wall and lots of free time at recess. Everyone I know played some version of it and when I couldn't find anyone to play catch with, I'd practice for softball doing the same thing. Apparently, years ago, someone got overwhelmed by recess nostalgia and created an honest-to-goodness sport out of throwing a ball at a wall.
My friend Louis plays handball quite a bit so he offered to teach me how to play on one evening after work. I showed up at the gym expecting to rock the pants off of handball. Hmm. In retrospect, that sentence had way to many entendres for my taste. The point is, despite not having done the spot, I figured this new experience would be right up my alley, against my brick wall and back into my hand. Ok. Again. That sentence was much dirtier than I intended.
When I was younger, I used to play wall ball. Its not really a well defined game. Its a tennis ball, a brick wall and lots of free time at recess. Everyone I know played some version of it and when I couldn't find anyone to play catch with, I'd practice for softball doing the same thing. Apparently, years ago, someone got overwhelmed by recess nostalgia and created an honest-to-goodness sport out of throwing a ball at a wall.
My friend Louis plays handball quite a bit so he offered to teach me how to play on one evening after work. I showed up at the gym expecting to rock the pants off of handball. Hmm. In retrospect, that sentence had way to many entendres for my taste. The point is, despite not having done the spot, I figured this new experience would be right up my alley, against my brick wall and back into my hand. Ok. Again. That sentence was much dirtier than I intended.
So yeah. Hi Louis.
Day 138 - Want to Give Up
Date: May 24th, 2010
This entry is a bit more serious and its one of the reasons that I'm a little behind. I sort of dreaded writing this one because I feel like I'm admitting more about myself than I usually choose to outside of my immediate family.
Twenty years ago, I was five. (Check out those math skills). And at five, I thought about many fanciful things. I wanted to be an astronaut, I hated playing house and I was really good at arguing with people. One of those three things has stayed a fundamental part of who I am. Guess which one, says the law student. The fact of the matter is, I've never met an argument I didn't want to be a part of. That got me in a lot of trouble in grade school, college, law school, relationships, run ins with law enforcement, neighbors, friends, coworkers, bosses, customers at jobs, strangers at the gas station. You get the point.
This entry is a bit more serious and its one of the reasons that I'm a little behind. I sort of dreaded writing this one because I feel like I'm admitting more about myself than I usually choose to outside of my immediate family.
Twenty years ago, I was five. (Check out those math skills). And at five, I thought about many fanciful things. I wanted to be an astronaut, I hated playing house and I was really good at arguing with people. One of those three things has stayed a fundamental part of who I am. Guess which one, says the law student. The fact of the matter is, I've never met an argument I didn't want to be a part of. That got me in a lot of trouble in grade school, college, law school, relationships, run ins with law enforcement, neighbors, friends, coworkers, bosses, customers at jobs, strangers at the gas station. You get the point.
June 1, 2010
Day 137 - Go Disc Golfing
Date: May 23rd, 2010
A few years ago, I beat Tim at bowling. He has never forgiven me. As penance, it was decided that I should be forced to, at some point in the future, engage in an activity in which he clearly excels, thus righting the universe. I agreed to these terms with roughly the same amount of thought as one puts into the decree to return a favor to the Godfather. With a mix of apprehension and vain belief that my number would never be called to repay my transgression, I went about my business for years.
Flash forward to a balmy Sunday afternoon in May. I recently developed a hankering for not sitting on my ass, so anything physically inclined has been a welcome suggestion. That's when Tim and I got in touch about Disc Golf. In case you're wondering, that's golf, but with discs.
A few years ago, I beat Tim at bowling. He has never forgiven me. As penance, it was decided that I should be forced to, at some point in the future, engage in an activity in which he clearly excels, thus righting the universe. I agreed to these terms with roughly the same amount of thought as one puts into the decree to return a favor to the Godfather. With a mix of apprehension and vain belief that my number would never be called to repay my transgression, I went about my business for years.
Flash forward to a balmy Sunday afternoon in May. I recently developed a hankering for not sitting on my ass, so anything physically inclined has been a welcome suggestion. That's when Tim and I got in touch about Disc Golf. In case you're wondering, that's golf, but with discs.
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