#pause
So I just finished watching Prozac Nation. It's based on a book that I've picked up several times (I adore the cover, I'm not sure why, but it always catches my eye) and tried to read as many times. I somehow never quite manage to get through it. It may be because it holds the same potential that anything I've ever read by Joyce Carol Oates does: a destroyed sense of self worth and an abundance of interior monologues. Be that as it may, the film adaptation popped up on the movies page of Hulu today and I figured why the heck not.
Having watched the movie, I'm even more certain that the book would be a mind-altering experience for me, and not necessarily for the best. I found the movie to be powerful and confusing and depressing and entrancing all at once. While I don't know that I could particularly put my finger on any one part of it as responsible, I thought that it did an excellent job of capturing a sense of futility and terror and, well, depression.
Everything about the film - the narration, the color fill, the flashes of others - served to highlight and enhance Lizzie's difficulties, the state of her mind, and to help the viewer feel something of the same. I don't know if it's a movie for everyone but I certainly found it to be powerful, and I hope it does the book justice.
Honestly, my head is still kind of reeling from it, and I certainly wouldn't suggest watching it if you're already in a bit of a down mood. But if you like pseudo-biological stories of people experiencing and overcoming mental illness - or if you want to voyeuristically (my spell check says that's not a word...) experience mental deterioration - then I highly recommend the watch. Plus it's free on Hulu.
Heck, just go watch the movie. It made me want to write, so that must mean it's good art.
#play
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Monday, July 8, 2013
The I.T. Crowd
[pause]
So I've loved Big Bang Theory since it premiered (TV junkie extraordinaire and nerd that I am, I knew I'd watch the show from the moment I saw previews for it.) It's wonderful for a whole host of reasons, but mainly because, especially in the early seasons, they got being a physicist/astronomer/engineer down so well and Penny was just lovable. As an aspiring astrophysicist myself, well the humor just hit the right chord.
Anyway, I've tried to get my Computer Science boyfriend to watch it for ages, but he just doesn't particularly like the humor. Not sure particularly why, if it's the his mum is British and he just doesn't think American funny is funny, or because Computer Science majors are just a different breed. Regardless, TV junkie that I am I determined to meet him half way and watch I.T. Crowd. Which is sort of a British Computer Science version of Big Bang Theory.
I'm now half way through season 3 and it's just delightful. The only thing that I think it lacks is the properly second level of what I'm going to call "smart humor" - you know, jokes about Schrodinger's cat and all that. But any show that says "The elders of the internet would never stand for it!"
is good in my book.
Oh and if you want to watch - as of 7/8/2013 it's free on Hulu!
[play]
So I've loved Big Bang Theory since it premiered (TV junkie extraordinaire and nerd that I am, I knew I'd watch the show from the moment I saw previews for it.) It's wonderful for a whole host of reasons, but mainly because, especially in the early seasons, they got being a physicist/astronomer/engineer down so well and Penny was just lovable. As an aspiring astrophysicist myself, well the humor just hit the right chord.
Anyway, I've tried to get my Computer Science boyfriend to watch it for ages, but he just doesn't particularly like the humor. Not sure particularly why, if it's the his mum is British and he just doesn't think American funny is funny, or because Computer Science majors are just a different breed. Regardless, TV junkie that I am I determined to meet him half way and watch I.T. Crowd. Which is sort of a British Computer Science version of Big Bang Theory.
I'm now half way through season 3 and it's just delightful. The only thing that I think it lacks is the properly second level of what I'm going to call "smart humor" - you know, jokes about Schrodinger's cat and all that. But any show that says "The elders of the internet would never stand for it!"
is good in my book.
Oh and if you want to watch - as of 7/8/2013 it's free on Hulu!
[play]
Thursday, March 14, 2013
OUaT - The Miller's Daughter
kittenPAUSE
I had to say I was initially not all that pleased with hearing about Cora's back story on Once. What did I care what made this horrible woman as horrible as she is?
Of course all that changed the minute I realized Rose McGowan was playing young Cora.
Rose McGowan has been a favorite actress of mine since she was on Charmed and I was sneaking into my mom's sewing room late at night to watch the slightly racy show. She was as beautiful and excellent an actor then as she is now. So good, in fact, that it took me a moment to realized who young Cora was - her mouth is held in an entirely different way.
Aside from Rose, I enjoyed the spinning straw to gold story, looking forward for most of the episode to the moment when Cora would turn on Rumple, having learned his name. I found the alterations to the contract and her own removal of her heart to be well… fascinating.
And poor Regina… Well who thought I’d ever be saying that?
Thoughts on the last Once?
kittenPLAY
I had to say I was initially not all that pleased with hearing about Cora's back story on Once. What did I care what made this horrible woman as horrible as she is?
Of course all that changed the minute I realized Rose McGowan was playing young Cora.
Rose McGowan has been a favorite actress of mine since she was on Charmed and I was sneaking into my mom's sewing room late at night to watch the slightly racy show. She was as beautiful and excellent an actor then as she is now. So good, in fact, that it took me a moment to realized who young Cora was - her mouth is held in an entirely different way.
Aside from Rose, I enjoyed the spinning straw to gold story, looking forward for most of the episode to the moment when Cora would turn on Rumple, having learned his name. I found the alterations to the contract and her own removal of her heart to be well… fascinating.
And poor Regina… Well who thought I’d ever be saying that?
Thoughts on the last Once?
kittenPLAY
Friday, March 1, 2013
Grad School vs the Real World
kittenPAUSE
Hello again, been a while.
I've been working on a mountain in SoCal for the past two months, and I have to say, overall it's pretty great. I mean, for one thing I've been doing things I've never done before. Go on a zipline? Check. Climb to the top of a pole and jump off 30 feet from the ground? Check. Become a lifeguard? Done and done.
The people here are amazing, and I'm finding my niche, but as excited and happy as I am to be here, it's already time to start planning my next move. That is, I have to figure out what I'm going to do this summer and next fall.
Notes on applying to grad school:
Do: procrastinate to the last possible minute, give your recommenders absolutely no time to write their letters, don't proofread anything, don't check your internet connection
Don't: plan everything out months ahead of time, give your recommenders a ton of reference material, contact the department ahead of time and the person you are interested in researching with, get everything in at least 2 weeks early
Or was it the other way around? Eh, too late now.
So I applied to three schools and now is the part where I wait with bated breath. Well to be accurate my backup has already accepted me, but I'm still waiting to hear from the other two schools who might be more financially sound decisions.
...yep. My life is full of thrills.
kittenPLAY
Hello again, been a while.
I've been working on a mountain in SoCal for the past two months, and I have to say, overall it's pretty great. I mean, for one thing I've been doing things I've never done before. Go on a zipline? Check. Climb to the top of a pole and jump off 30 feet from the ground? Check. Become a lifeguard? Done and done.
The people here are amazing, and I'm finding my niche, but as excited and happy as I am to be here, it's already time to start planning my next move. That is, I have to figure out what I'm going to do this summer and next fall.
Notes on applying to grad school:
Do: procrastinate to the last possible minute, give your recommenders absolutely no time to write their letters, don't proofread anything, don't check your internet connection
Don't: plan everything out months ahead of time, give your recommenders a ton of reference material, contact the department ahead of time and the person you are interested in researching with, get everything in at least 2 weeks early
Or was it the other way around? Eh, too late now.
So I applied to three schools and now is the part where I wait with bated breath. Well to be accurate my backup has already accepted me, but I'm still waiting to hear from the other two schools who might be more financially sound decisions.
...yep. My life is full of thrills.
kittenPLAY
Saturday, August 11, 2012
DCP Arrival/Check In
#kittenPAUSE
So as most of you may or may not know, I'm currently down in Orlando doing the Disney College Program (DCP). I'm probably one of the oldest in the program as I've already graduated college, and this was an "it's my last chance, I'm doing this before life really starts" type thing. I read so many of these blogs and had so many questions, so I'm just going to type up my experiences.
So my check in was on August 8, and as per Disney directions on the site I didn't want to arrive too much before 6:45, and so got there about 6:15. I was driving and I'm going to count this as mistake one. To be elaborated on later. The small parking lot outside Vista Way had filled up by that point, and Vista Way was not open for further parking, so one of the crossing guard/security type people told me to park in the Walgreen's parking lot. I was the third roomie to arrive and we were maybe 100 people back in line. We stood there until they opened the gates to Vista Way at maybe 8 am (honestly, I didn't have my watch and don't remember the precise time.) They had us queue up and around that time my other suitemate with a car realized she didn't have her registration/insurance information to get her car decal and ran off to do that. Shortly thereafter she texted one of my other suitemates saying she had to move her car because Walgreen's had informed the Disney security that they were starting to tow. I stayed in line until a cast member came over to us in line and told us the same thing. Cue me running. I moved my car into the now open Vista Way, where there were parking spots in abundance and no threat of a tow.
I called my suitemates and the other one with a car (henceforth J) said the cast members had let her get back in line with everyone and that I needed to get a nametag before I resumed standing with them. Cue me going up to cast member distributing nametags: "Hi I had to go move my car so it wouldn't get towed, is it okay if I go stand with my roomies again?" "I don't care if everyone else in line doesn't." Nametag: acquired. Back in line with roomies for more waiting. First group of cast members at a table with computers - check in and check phone number/email info. Wait wait wait. Enter into large tent area. Receive program guide (with sticker on back for housing arrival meeting). Profession intern (PI) tells us the law of the land (contract for behavior while in apartment complexes. No drugs, alcohol, you know the drill.) Enter into pool house type thing (AIR CONDITIONING!!) with monitors telling us important things like "close and lock your apartment doors and windows" and "Star tours has 52 possible combinations" (actually I don't remember if that's the right number, but let's assume it is. Okay? Okay.) There were several booths with cast members and the suitemates and I were called up to one (funnily enough the one my possible cousin went to. There is going to be a lot of questions as to whether we're sisters - same last name and first initial). Mission Get Chatham 3-Br not on first floor: Accomplished. Then sent to a table where we received apartment keys and they were taped in our program guide. Shuffle shuffle. Sign paper saying that housing can take rent from my paycheck. Shuffle shuffle. Housing complex ID photo time! Take out hair bow, rearrange myself. Smile. Shuffle shuffle. Don't lose ID, costs $50 to replace. Shuffle shuffle. Registering a car? Over here please (cue mistake 2 where I write X's instead of initial on all the car agreement lines) Sticker for windshield. Shuffle. Catch up with roomies. Sticker for shuttle to casting. Not 'til 11:00 am (in about 2 hours.) Another discussion with cast member about time to arrive/what to wear, how to behave aka chance to ask questions.
Back in car, drive to apartment, move all my crap in, help move everyone else's crap in. Eat something despite nerves. Wait for bus to casting. Wait. wait. Get on bus. Super attractive PI. Cue suitemates giggling. Ride ride ride. Casting!!!! ZOMG I'M GOING TO KNOW WHERE I WORK!!!! Not so much. Sticker with Adventureland/Liberty Square (AdLib) designation and Traditions group. Wait. Wait. Wait. zzzzzz Wait more. Disney look spiel for traditions. Wait wait. Somewhere in here was receive training schedule. Mine only says what I'm doing for first day of training. Guess I don't find out my location today. Talk to new people. Process I-9 documentation and get a chance to have questions answered. Cast member I talk to had a spiel ride. Express my hope that I do as well. Wait wait. Verify my number a bajillion times. Fingerprinting. Fingers don't want to be printed. Wait wait. Paperwork. Cast member from Colorado Springs: "My brother went to USAFA" "So did I! 7th graduating class!" Wait wait. Discussion about courses during the program. Wait wait. Bus. (Cute PI is back.) Aaaand 3 hours later, back to apartment to chat and wait to meet our sixth suitemate who flew in.
We went over to the Beach and Yacht resort in hopes of visiting Beaches and Cream with the new suitemate, alas the wait was 2 hours so we went to the boardwalk and got some unhealthy food. Stopped at super overpriced grocery store (never again, mistake 3) and back to room to finally sleep!
End Day 1.
#kittenPLAY
So as most of you may or may not know, I'm currently down in Orlando doing the Disney College Program (DCP). I'm probably one of the oldest in the program as I've already graduated college, and this was an "it's my last chance, I'm doing this before life really starts" type thing. I read so many of these blogs and had so many questions, so I'm just going to type up my experiences.
So my check in was on August 8, and as per Disney directions on the site I didn't want to arrive too much before 6:45, and so got there about 6:15. I was driving and I'm going to count this as mistake one. To be elaborated on later. The small parking lot outside Vista Way had filled up by that point, and Vista Way was not open for further parking, so one of the crossing guard/security type people told me to park in the Walgreen's parking lot. I was the third roomie to arrive and we were maybe 100 people back in line. We stood there until they opened the gates to Vista Way at maybe 8 am (honestly, I didn't have my watch and don't remember the precise time.) They had us queue up and around that time my other suitemate with a car realized she didn't have her registration/insurance information to get her car decal and ran off to do that. Shortly thereafter she texted one of my other suitemates saying she had to move her car because Walgreen's had informed the Disney security that they were starting to tow. I stayed in line until a cast member came over to us in line and told us the same thing. Cue me running. I moved my car into the now open Vista Way, where there were parking spots in abundance and no threat of a tow.
I called my suitemates and the other one with a car (henceforth J) said the cast members had let her get back in line with everyone and that I needed to get a nametag before I resumed standing with them. Cue me going up to cast member distributing nametags: "Hi I had to go move my car so it wouldn't get towed, is it okay if I go stand with my roomies again?" "I don't care if everyone else in line doesn't." Nametag: acquired. Back in line with roomies for more waiting. First group of cast members at a table with computers - check in and check phone number/email info. Wait wait wait. Enter into large tent area. Receive program guide (with sticker on back for housing arrival meeting). Profession intern (PI) tells us the law of the land (contract for behavior while in apartment complexes. No drugs, alcohol, you know the drill.) Enter into pool house type thing (AIR CONDITIONING!!) with monitors telling us important things like "close and lock your apartment doors and windows" and "Star tours has 52 possible combinations" (actually I don't remember if that's the right number, but let's assume it is. Okay? Okay.) There were several booths with cast members and the suitemates and I were called up to one (funnily enough the one my possible cousin went to. There is going to be a lot of questions as to whether we're sisters - same last name and first initial). Mission Get Chatham 3-Br not on first floor: Accomplished. Then sent to a table where we received apartment keys and they were taped in our program guide. Shuffle shuffle. Sign paper saying that housing can take rent from my paycheck. Shuffle shuffle. Housing complex ID photo time! Take out hair bow, rearrange myself. Smile. Shuffle shuffle. Don't lose ID, costs $50 to replace. Shuffle shuffle. Registering a car? Over here please (cue mistake 2 where I write X's instead of initial on all the car agreement lines) Sticker for windshield. Shuffle. Catch up with roomies. Sticker for shuttle to casting. Not 'til 11:00 am (in about 2 hours.) Another discussion with cast member about time to arrive/what to wear, how to behave aka chance to ask questions.
Back in car, drive to apartment, move all my crap in, help move everyone else's crap in. Eat something despite nerves. Wait for bus to casting. Wait. wait. Get on bus. Super attractive PI. Cue suitemates giggling. Ride ride ride. Casting!!!! ZOMG I'M GOING TO KNOW WHERE I WORK!!!! Not so much. Sticker with Adventureland/Liberty Square (AdLib) designation and Traditions group. Wait. Wait. Wait. zzzzzz Wait more. Disney look spiel for traditions. Wait wait. Somewhere in here was receive training schedule. Mine only says what I'm doing for first day of training. Guess I don't find out my location today. Talk to new people. Process I-9 documentation and get a chance to have questions answered. Cast member I talk to had a spiel ride. Express my hope that I do as well. Wait wait. Verify my number a bajillion times. Fingerprinting. Fingers don't want to be printed. Wait wait. Paperwork. Cast member from Colorado Springs: "My brother went to USAFA" "So did I! 7th graduating class!" Wait wait. Discussion about courses during the program. Wait wait. Bus. (Cute PI is back.) Aaaand 3 hours later, back to apartment to chat and wait to meet our sixth suitemate who flew in.
We went over to the Beach and Yacht resort in hopes of visiting Beaches and Cream with the new suitemate, alas the wait was 2 hours so we went to the boardwalk and got some unhealthy food. Stopped at super overpriced grocery store (never again, mistake 3) and back to room to finally sleep!
End Day 1.
#kittenPLAY
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Sally Ride (and other science-y things)
Okay everybody, let's take a kittenPAUSE.
While I'm sitting at work, waiting for a webcam software to install that was manufactured in, wait for it, 2002 (oh and by the way, this is the updated version), I figured I would take these few precious moments of being connected to the world by more than a two-year-old Droid with a horrible OS (really, motoblur, and it has no support) to talk a little bit about Sally Ride and Women in Science in general.
Well, I mean I am a Woman (ish, does 22 make me woman? Am I more than Young Lady? Lady? Definitely not a Ma'am.) And I have a degree in Astrophysics. So that should qualify me to talk about Women in Science.
Actually the whole topic is something really interesting to me, and all the more interesting because I am really passionate about girls doing science and equal potential and all those really important things, but at the same time, as someone who is working on getting kids interested in science and showing the wonder of science, there's a sort of untruth because I myself have chosen not to have a science research career. Not because I couldn't, or because professors doubted me (actually one of my professors is still convinced I'll get my PhD in Astronomy,) or any of that but because the day to day work in science just didn't mesh with my personality. Took me four years to admit that, but there it is. I want to inspire kids, girls in particular, to love science and the cool things that we can do because of it, but I don't want to sit in a lab all day.
But Sally Ride went through all the really arduous getting-your-PhD-in-Physics-ness, was the first American woman in space, and, in 2001, finally started her own inspire-girls-to-do-science company. And she was certainly someone who inspired me. I was never under the impression that I couldn't do science because ew-that's-what-boys-do. Doctor, lawyer, engineer, astronaut, astrophysicist - I could do and be any of those things because all of them were achievable through hard work. Well, a little luck might be required for the astronaut, but because of Sally Ride and women like her, I never felt a huge wall standing between me and being a Woman of Science.
Since she passed away on July 23 of pancreatic cancer, I just wanted to take this pause to remember her and all of the inspiration that she has given thousands, if not millions, of girls since her groundbreaking flight in 1983. Because of her, I never thought that a woman couldn't be an astronaut. I didn't have to overcome huge hurdles of "girls just can't do science." And I just wanted to say thank you to her.
Thanks Sally. I never knew you, you never knew me, but your work did not go unnoticed and so many girls do not have to face the barriers you met because of what you did.
PLAY
While I'm sitting at work, waiting for a webcam software to install that was manufactured in, wait for it, 2002 (oh and by the way, this is the updated version), I figured I would take these few precious moments of being connected to the world by more than a two-year-old Droid with a horrible OS (really, motoblur, and it has no support) to talk a little bit about Sally Ride and Women in Science in general.
Well, I mean I am a Woman (ish, does 22 make me woman? Am I more than Young Lady? Lady? Definitely not a Ma'am.) And I have a degree in Astrophysics. So that should qualify me to talk about Women in Science.
Actually the whole topic is something really interesting to me, and all the more interesting because I am really passionate about girls doing science and equal potential and all those really important things, but at the same time, as someone who is working on getting kids interested in science and showing the wonder of science, there's a sort of untruth because I myself have chosen not to have a science research career. Not because I couldn't, or because professors doubted me (actually one of my professors is still convinced I'll get my PhD in Astronomy,) or any of that but because the day to day work in science just didn't mesh with my personality. Took me four years to admit that, but there it is. I want to inspire kids, girls in particular, to love science and the cool things that we can do because of it, but I don't want to sit in a lab all day.
But Sally Ride went through all the really arduous getting-your-PhD-in-Physics-ness, was the first American woman in space, and, in 2001, finally started her own inspire-girls-to-do-science company. And she was certainly someone who inspired me. I was never under the impression that I couldn't do science because ew-that's-what-boys-do. Doctor, lawyer, engineer, astronaut, astrophysicist - I could do and be any of those things because all of them were achievable through hard work. Well, a little luck might be required for the astronaut, but because of Sally Ride and women like her, I never felt a huge wall standing between me and being a Woman of Science.
Since she passed away on July 23 of pancreatic cancer, I just wanted to take this pause to remember her and all of the inspiration that she has given thousands, if not millions, of girls since her groundbreaking flight in 1983. Because of her, I never thought that a woman couldn't be an astronaut. I didn't have to overcome huge hurdles of "girls just can't do science." And I just wanted to say thank you to her.
Thanks Sally. I never knew you, you never knew me, but your work did not go unnoticed and so many girls do not have to face the barriers you met because of what you did.
PLAY
Friday, June 15, 2012
Game of Owns: Post the Second
#pause
grumble
So I wanted to blog about Game of Thrones #gameofowns episode by episode, but here's the truth: They're so good, any time I'm by my laptop and have an internet connection, I'd rather watch them than blog about them. So, verdict: good show, if you're okay with v. graphic violence (including beheading, stabbing, rape, and entrails) then you should DEFINITELY be watching it. Well, unless you've got exams; then wait, because they're addictive!
I'm going to assume anyone who reads further is okay with spoilers ;) #season2episode7 I'm definitely spit between Arya and the Dragon Girl as far as my favorite character. Arya because she reminds me so much of Tamora Pierce's Alanna. And if I have my way she'll end up with the king's blacksmith bastard son. Because, well, all of the adorbs. I hope she gets Needle back soon. Dragon Girl is just boss. Three dragons. Young. Compassionate. Strong. Pretty. (and gorgeous clothes)
On the note of clothes the costume department clearly has the Best Job Ever.
The fire priestess worries me. One shouldn't mess with Demons.
John Snow is just amazing. And yummy. #girltalk But really. He is so noble. Sometimes to the point of stupidity. But frequently I just want to hug him.
I'm mad the sea prince and his betrayal of the Starks.
Someone ought to start paying attention to the Stark boys' prophetic dreams.
Until next time.
#play
grumble
So I wanted to blog about Game of Thrones #gameofowns episode by episode, but here's the truth: They're so good, any time I'm by my laptop and have an internet connection, I'd rather watch them than blog about them. So, verdict: good show, if you're okay with v. graphic violence (including beheading, stabbing, rape, and entrails) then you should DEFINITELY be watching it. Well, unless you've got exams; then wait, because they're addictive!
I'm going to assume anyone who reads further is okay with spoilers ;) #season2episode7 I'm definitely spit between Arya and the Dragon Girl as far as my favorite character. Arya because she reminds me so much of Tamora Pierce's Alanna. And if I have my way she'll end up with the king's blacksmith bastard son. Because, well, all of the adorbs. I hope she gets Needle back soon. Dragon Girl is just boss. Three dragons. Young. Compassionate. Strong. Pretty. (and gorgeous clothes)
On the note of clothes the costume department clearly has the Best Job Ever.
The fire priestess worries me. One shouldn't mess with Demons.
John Snow is just amazing. And yummy. #girltalk But really. He is so noble. Sometimes to the point of stupidity. But frequently I just want to hug him.
I'm mad the sea prince and his betrayal of the Starks.
Someone ought to start paying attention to the Stark boys' prophetic dreams.
Until next time.
#play
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Game of Owns: Blog the First
Okay so I'm officially watching episode 5 of season 1 - and I only started watching yesterday!
First of all, I lovelovelove the opening sequence. It's sort of steampunk but mostly not, and the music is absolutely beautiful.
Secondly, and I should have expected this, having watched True Blood, but there is SO MUCH GORE. An unbelievable amount.
Thirdly, direwolf pups are like the MOST ADORABLE THING EVER. And also the most boss pets ever. But I felt bad for Lady...
And then there's the whole wtf incest thing and the whole why you push small child out window thing. And I really like the bastard son, he's awesome. And I also really like the blonde girl who lives with the horse people as their queen type person. She's so boss.
So yeah, lots of thoughts, I'll post more (and more like profoundly) but I am packing! I just thought I should jot some of this down while it was still in my head. Watch along with me and tell me all these people's names...
Oh and the dwarf guy is both awesome and a douchebag - which is to say I don't know how I feel about him.
First of all, I lovelovelove the opening sequence. It's sort of steampunk but mostly not, and the music is absolutely beautiful.
Secondly, and I should have expected this, having watched True Blood, but there is SO MUCH GORE. An unbelievable amount.
Thirdly, direwolf pups are like the MOST ADORABLE THING EVER. And also the most boss pets ever. But I felt bad for Lady...
And then there's the whole wtf incest thing and the whole why you push small child out window thing. And I really like the bastard son, he's awesome. And I also really like the blonde girl who lives with the horse people as their queen type person. She's so boss.
So yeah, lots of thoughts, I'll post more (and more like profoundly) but I am packing! I just thought I should jot some of this down while it was still in my head. Watch along with me and tell me all these people's names...
Oh and the dwarf guy is both awesome and a douchebag - which is to say I don't know how I feel about him.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Game of Owns and Post Graduation-ness
Time for another kittenPAUSE
I've been having a very weird week. What is today? Thursday? Yes I think that's right. Weird. As weird as it was to be done with exams and done with classes and it being senior week and all that, being graduated is way way weirder. I'm sure there's a vlog to come on this soon. For one thing I have very little else to do, and for another I like vlogging. And something is grammatically wrong in that last sentence, commas related I think, but let's ignore that and move on, shall we?
So right, being graduated is weird. I have a BS in Astronomy and Astrophysics, I'm looking at grad schools, and I'll be spending the next year working minimum wage jobs that I'm really interested in, but right now I'm at my parents' house, living in a room that is only sort of mine, and unpacking boxes. I have an interview in about a week for a volunteer position at a local museum (looking forward to that, seeing if I like the place and whatnot) and so I'll hopefully be meeting people from the area soon, but for now, I'm just on edge and miss everyone from school like crazy!! Well and also everyone from home.
But now that I've vaguely caught you up on my life, I'll let you in on my secret plans for the summer (not so secret, really) - I'm going to be traveling the West Coast for a bit, and what better way to spend that than blogging/vlogging/tweeting. I SHALL FILL THE INTERNET WITH ALL THE CONTENTS. ALL OF THEM. But starting now is the blogging of Game of Thrones.
But now that I've vaguely caught you up on my life, I'll let you in on my secret plans for the summer (not so secret, really) - I'm going to be traveling the West Coast for a bit, and what better way to spend that than blogging/vlogging/tweeting. I SHALL FILL THE INTERNET WITH ALL THE CONTENTS. ALL OF THEM. But starting now is the blogging of Game of Thrones.
I am breaking a cardinal rule with this show that the hipster in me is going to hate - I'm not reading the books first. I've actually done this with a couple of series now and it's nice for a couple of reasons:
1. I don't spend the entire show being angry that it's not as good.
2. I don't spend the entire show being mad that they changed something/left something out/put something in.
3. I don't read the book that is apparently super detailed a la LOTR - eventually I'll have to watch those movies but I'll let a boy feel like he's achieved something by making me :D
Looking forward to sharing my thoughts on the show (and not being crazy behind everyone else in the world.)
kittenPLAY
Saturday, April 28, 2012
That Thing I Do...
And youuuu doing that thing you dooo
And PAUSE on the movie music
So it's April and no blogs in ages? Could it be because I've stopped watching television (as if) gotten my act together socially (well it's 7:30 pm on a Saturday and I'm blogging from my bedroom sooo that's a no) been bogged down in work (sort of, but no more so than usual). Do I have an excuse? No. Am I going to list some of my favorite shows on tv like the good #tvjunkie I am? Why yes, yes I am.
So without further ado, some shows that I like (guilty pleasures and otherwise) and comments about this season:
1. Once Upon A Time - Still solidly at the top of my list, I like that it manages to trick even me (totally had me going on the whole the writer is Rumple's son thing...) and that the costuming and casting is just fantastic. And with the season finale so close, it can only get better!
2. Fringe - I love this show, have for a while actually. I remember reading about it in my morning paper all the way back in Freshman year and, well, graduation is literally weeks away so, no surprise here. The sending to the future bit? Excellent, even if I have no idea why the Observers would go so dictatorship-y and saw Etta being Olivia and Peter's from like opening act. It'll be a great last season for sure.
3. Castle - What's not to like? Nate Fillion is hilarious and the red headed daughter is witty and I have no idea what the actress who plays Kate Beckett is called, but she's lovely, and Brad from Sabrina makes me giggle on a regular basis. He should call someone a witch, come to think of it... And plenty of romantic tension for the plot to go on for a good long while, if you ask me.
4. The Big Bang Theory - Another show that I've been watching from the beginning, I just can't get enough of their antics. And as an astrophysics major well... Let's just say it's very accurate.
5. Don't Trust the B**** in Apartment 23 Oh my goodness, such solid powder puff comedy, and it's great to see an actress from Gilmore Girls again.
6. GCB Same kind of hilariousness, plus K. Chenoweth's amazing vocals. Yessss please.
7. Hart of Dixie Adorableness. And also I don't think my rankings are particularly relevant at this point. I'm just listing things I like now...
8. Dance Moms Gotta stick some reality tv in here, although I think the season is over now. Brooke was my favorite, I just loved to watch her dance. Could've done without the whole "mom" aspect of it though.
9. How I Met Your Mother NPH, need I say more? Oh and wanting to bang a chick in a stormtrooper costume? Leia fantasies aside, that's just weird Barney. Weird.
10. Suburgatory Witty and plastic - perfect!
Honorable Mentions: Psych, Community, Vampire Diaries, Raising Hope, Royal Pains, White Collar, Happy Endings, Grimm, Top Model, Last Man Standing, Touch, Bent, Revenge, and Up All Night.
Dear Lord what have you DONE to your show: Glee
PLAY (or go hiking or something)
And PAUSE on the movie music
So it's April and no blogs in ages? Could it be because I've stopped watching television (as if) gotten my act together socially (well it's 7:30 pm on a Saturday and I'm blogging from my bedroom sooo that's a no) been bogged down in work (sort of, but no more so than usual). Do I have an excuse? No. Am I going to list some of my favorite shows on tv like the good #tvjunkie I am? Why yes, yes I am.
So without further ado, some shows that I like (guilty pleasures and otherwise) and comments about this season:
1. Once Upon A Time - Still solidly at the top of my list, I like that it manages to trick even me (totally had me going on the whole the writer is Rumple's son thing...) and that the costuming and casting is just fantastic. And with the season finale so close, it can only get better!
2. Fringe - I love this show, have for a while actually. I remember reading about it in my morning paper all the way back in Freshman year and, well, graduation is literally weeks away so, no surprise here. The sending to the future bit? Excellent, even if I have no idea why the Observers would go so dictatorship-y and saw Etta being Olivia and Peter's from like opening act. It'll be a great last season for sure.
3. Castle - What's not to like? Nate Fillion is hilarious and the red headed daughter is witty and I have no idea what the actress who plays Kate Beckett is called, but she's lovely, and Brad from Sabrina makes me giggle on a regular basis. He should call someone a witch, come to think of it... And plenty of romantic tension for the plot to go on for a good long while, if you ask me.
4. The Big Bang Theory - Another show that I've been watching from the beginning, I just can't get enough of their antics. And as an astrophysics major well... Let's just say it's very accurate.
5. Don't Trust the B**** in Apartment 23 Oh my goodness, such solid powder puff comedy, and it's great to see an actress from Gilmore Girls again.
6. GCB Same kind of hilariousness, plus K. Chenoweth's amazing vocals. Yessss please.
7. Hart of Dixie Adorableness. And also I don't think my rankings are particularly relevant at this point. I'm just listing things I like now...
8. Dance Moms Gotta stick some reality tv in here, although I think the season is over now. Brooke was my favorite, I just loved to watch her dance. Could've done without the whole "mom" aspect of it though.
9. How I Met Your Mother NPH, need I say more? Oh and wanting to bang a chick in a stormtrooper costume? Leia fantasies aside, that's just weird Barney. Weird.
10. Suburgatory Witty and plastic - perfect!
Honorable Mentions: Psych, Community, Vampire Diaries, Raising Hope, Royal Pains, White Collar, Happy Endings, Grimm, Top Model, Last Man Standing, Touch, Bent, Revenge, and Up All Night.
Dear Lord what have you DONE to your show: Glee
PLAY (or go hiking or something)
Sunday, January 8, 2012
OUT - Episode 8 - Desperate Souls
Literally just finished watching tonight's new episode of Once Upon a Time (or as I have affectionately dubbed it "OUT.") I'm a little late to the finish line because my grandparents are staying over (I've been kicked out of my comfy bed and into the cold, uncomfortable basement) and my grandpa, despite not following either of the teams, had to watch the Steelers/Broncos game. Now, don't get me wrong, people are allowed to watch sports; I'm just not a fan. Anyhow, game went into overtime and I just have to be pleased as punch that my dad has a dual tuner DVR because I didn't miss a moment of my precious fix and had the added bonus of no commercials. Of course, there were the 10 minutes where I was rewatching "The Price of Gold" (aka the Cinderella episode) due to a misclick on my dad's part. But all was saved.
My thoughts on this most recent episode (SPOILERS):
-THRILLED to see some Rumple backstory. Backstory of villains I often find the most compelling - how did they get to be the person they are? Were they always evil? So seeing that Rumple was himself tricked and in it because he wanted to save his son from going to war - well that was epic.
-Also glad to see Emma make sheriff - and how Rumple even manipulated her when she thought she was free of him.
-The continued faces from the Queen - especially her "cat got into the cream" face when you know that things have not turned out how she thinks they did. Also her "you're dead to me" face is pretty fabulous.
-Loved Mr. Glass - Who else would the man in the mirror on the wall end up being but a news reporter? You love what he has to say until he says something you think is wrong. And supposedly "honor bound" to tell the truth... but I digress into a non-necessary tangent here
-I love Red's hair. Like, love it. And her makeup. The stylists and makeup artists on this show ought to win an award because it's just stupendous work every week.
-The previews for next week! Hansel and Gretel? Another witch? Count me in!
She may be an unconventional hero, but like Henry, and probably the rest of the world, I'm rooting for Miss Emma Swan.
Oh and that moment between Snow and Charming? Loved it. And I miss the old sheriff. I can't wait until more cracks start showing in that spell of Madame Mayor's. :D
Until next Once Upon a Time (or my next True Blood Post), toodles!
My thoughts on this most recent episode (SPOILERS):
-THRILLED to see some Rumple backstory. Backstory of villains I often find the most compelling - how did they get to be the person they are? Were they always evil? So seeing that Rumple was himself tricked and in it because he wanted to save his son from going to war - well that was epic.
-Also glad to see Emma make sheriff - and how Rumple even manipulated her when she thought she was free of him.
-The continued faces from the Queen - especially her "cat got into the cream" face when you know that things have not turned out how she thinks they did. Also her "you're dead to me" face is pretty fabulous.
-Loved Mr. Glass - Who else would the man in the mirror on the wall end up being but a news reporter? You love what he has to say until he says something you think is wrong. And supposedly "honor bound" to tell the truth... but I digress into a non-necessary tangent here
-I love Red's hair. Like, love it. And her makeup. The stylists and makeup artists on this show ought to win an award because it's just stupendous work every week.
-The previews for next week! Hansel and Gretel? Another witch? Count me in!
She may be an unconventional hero, but like Henry, and probably the rest of the world, I'm rooting for Miss Emma Swan.
Oh and that moment between Snow and Charming? Loved it. And I miss the old sheriff. I can't wait until more cracks start showing in that spell of Madame Mayor's. :D
Until next Once Upon a Time (or my next True Blood Post), toodles!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
True Blood
It's that dreaded time of year: the mid-season hiatus. Which means I haven't had an OUT fix in ages. So not okay. The good this is Vampire Diaries returns tomorrow and I'll be watching it on my parents' 60" TV. In the mean time, having lots of free time (winter break, wooh!) and pretty much nothing to do (I do have to write a paragraph for my bossies in Aussieland this past summer, but I'm failing miserably at that) I've turned to books (8 of them, 1 down, 6.75 to go) and, of course, my go to, some good ol' fashioned television.
What's on my watch list?
- I finished the Australian teeniebopper show H2O: Just Add Water. I have to say, the third season definitely suffered from ducking out casts, plot holes, and a general sense of urgency. I will say that it had plenty of mermies and pretty girls to look at though. Overall, worth the watch, especially since it's on Hulu now, but only if you want to learn the accent and you really love mermies. Which both applied to me.
- I'm currently in the third season of True Blood. After ages of seeing the commercial for it for Christmas time, finding out Sookie is a faerie from that (although I still don't know it from the show yet), and the fortuitous discovery that my dad has HBO GO, meaning I can watch it legally, I've been on a major vampire binge.
I have to say the plots are superb, the color palette is gorgeous, and despite its graphic nature (both sexual and gory-wise) I just can't stop watching. Vampires, shifters, mindreaders, demons, and werewolves, oh my! All they need is an Australian mermaid, and it'll be perfect. My favorite characters so far are Sookie (of course), Godric (can he come back please?), Jessica (I think it's because I like the hair so much), and Eric (because I just can't figure him out, and I like that he fucks with everyone else's minds).
You can expect more commentary from me in the future, as I have very few friends that share the show with me.
Toodles!
What's on my watch list?
- I finished the Australian teeniebopper show H2O: Just Add Water. I have to say, the third season definitely suffered from ducking out casts, plot holes, and a general sense of urgency. I will say that it had plenty of mermies and pretty girls to look at though. Overall, worth the watch, especially since it's on Hulu now, but only if you want to learn the accent and you really love mermies. Which both applied to me.
- I'm currently in the third season of True Blood. After ages of seeing the commercial for it for Christmas time, finding out Sookie is a faerie from that (although I still don't know it from the show yet), and the fortuitous discovery that my dad has HBO GO, meaning I can watch it legally, I've been on a major vampire binge.
I have to say the plots are superb, the color palette is gorgeous, and despite its graphic nature (both sexual and gory-wise) I just can't stop watching. Vampires, shifters, mindreaders, demons, and werewolves, oh my! All they need is an Australian mermaid, and it'll be perfect. My favorite characters so far are Sookie (of course), Godric (can he come back please?), Jessica (I think it's because I like the hair so much), and Eric (because I just can't figure him out, and I like that he fucks with everyone else's minds).
You can expect more commentary from me in the future, as I have very few friends that share the show with me.
Toodles!
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Once Upon A Time - Shepherd
I promised more blogs right? Well I have to start somewhere, and I figure making my unhealthy obsession at least marginally productive would be an excellent idea - so I'm going to review some of the shows I watch - starting now.
I am absolutely in love with the new show from the writers of Lost - Once Upon A Time. It suffers from the same flaw that made me lose track in Lost - miss one episode and, pardon the pun, you're lost. Which is what happened to me and that show. I have intents to start that from the beginning... I would need to acquire it.
My roommates and I love OUT (that's what I'll call it, it seems reasonable, no?) - we look forward to watching it every Sunday and, along with Vampire Diaries, it's one of the few shows I actually watch when it airs. I'm a huge proponent of Hulu, but sometimes I just need to know RIGHT AWAY what happens on a show. Every single time we watch this show, we are left with more questions. It's entrancing - I love the costuming, the visuals, the script, the acting - it's all superb. And this coming from an indiscriminate TV junkie.
This last episode was no exception. Charming came so close to a resolution with Snow only to be thwarted once again by the Queen. I had such hope that he would be the first to remember, but it seems the forces of evil are too organized at the present time. I can't quite get an understanding of Rumple's motives - but that's the point of him, isn't it? I'm just SO FRUSTRATED by the whole thing, I want Snow and Charming to get together so badly, I'm so mad that his false memories have been implanted, and the doctor aka the uncle from Vampire Diaries is just Mr. McCreepyPants.
I continually enjoy the piecing together of the timeline, and revelations of the characters' pasts. Charming's real world wife as the daughter of King Midas? No wonder she's such a meanypants (I'm having a pants night, sorry guys)
Things I am most looking forward to in this show:
- next week's episode (which I won't be able to see until Monday :[ )
- someone remembering his true past
- the continued cracking of the spell (Snow's coffin last week?)
- more deals with Rumple
- general interactions among the first family (Snow, Emma, Charming, and Henry)
Them's the way I see 'em
Looking forward to keeping this blog (more) active!
I am absolutely in love with the new show from the writers of Lost - Once Upon A Time. It suffers from the same flaw that made me lose track in Lost - miss one episode and, pardon the pun, you're lost. Which is what happened to me and that show. I have intents to start that from the beginning... I would need to acquire it.
My roommates and I love OUT (that's what I'll call it, it seems reasonable, no?) - we look forward to watching it every Sunday and, along with Vampire Diaries, it's one of the few shows I actually watch when it airs. I'm a huge proponent of Hulu, but sometimes I just need to know RIGHT AWAY what happens on a show. Every single time we watch this show, we are left with more questions. It's entrancing - I love the costuming, the visuals, the script, the acting - it's all superb. And this coming from an indiscriminate TV junkie.
This last episode was no exception. Charming came so close to a resolution with Snow only to be thwarted once again by the Queen. I had such hope that he would be the first to remember, but it seems the forces of evil are too organized at the present time. I can't quite get an understanding of Rumple's motives - but that's the point of him, isn't it? I'm just SO FRUSTRATED by the whole thing, I want Snow and Charming to get together so badly, I'm so mad that his false memories have been implanted, and the doctor aka the uncle from Vampire Diaries is just Mr. McCreepyPants.
I continually enjoy the piecing together of the timeline, and revelations of the characters' pasts. Charming's real world wife as the daughter of King Midas? No wonder she's such a meanypants (I'm having a pants night, sorry guys)
Things I am most looking forward to in this show:
- next week's episode (which I won't be able to see until Monday :[ )
- someone remembering his true past
- the continued cracking of the spell (Snow's coffin last week?)
- more deals with Rumple
- general interactions among the first family (Snow, Emma, Charming, and Henry)
Them's the way I see 'em
Looking forward to keeping this blog (more) active!
I'll never get this right, will I?
Hey y'all.
It's been a couple of months so of course it's time for another blog. I wish I remembered to do this more often but with two vlogs (kittenpaws33 and 39reasonswhy) and it being my final year at uni - welllllll you know.
I tried (by tried I should say signed up for) NaNoWriMo but as with this, I never seemed to have time to start. And I made up lots of excuses. I'm good at that.
It's hard for me to take a leap, especially when I think I can fail. I don't think that's really news to anyone. So I have lots of ideas, but I rarely manage to have the wherewithal to start them on my own. It's funny because I excel at things when I set my mind to them but lately, my brain has seemed... fuzzy. I don't know how else to explain it. 16 years of knowing exactly what I'm supposed to do, where I'm supposed to go, what I'm supposed to excel at - it's gotten me here and I'm not sure where to go next.
I have a plan though! And I'm not telling you internet, but it's a good one! In the mean time, look forward to more posts from me, as I procrastinate these last few weeks of class.
It's been a couple of months so of course it's time for another blog. I wish I remembered to do this more often but with two vlogs (kittenpaws33 and 39reasonswhy) and it being my final year at uni - welllllll you know.
I tried (by tried I should say signed up for) NaNoWriMo but as with this, I never seemed to have time to start. And I made up lots of excuses. I'm good at that.
It's hard for me to take a leap, especially when I think I can fail. I don't think that's really news to anyone. So I have lots of ideas, but I rarely manage to have the wherewithal to start them on my own. It's funny because I excel at things when I set my mind to them but lately, my brain has seemed... fuzzy. I don't know how else to explain it. 16 years of knowing exactly what I'm supposed to do, where I'm supposed to go, what I'm supposed to excel at - it's gotten me here and I'm not sure where to go next.
I have a plan though! And I'm not telling you internet, but it's a good one! In the mean time, look forward to more posts from me, as I procrastinate these last few weeks of class.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Australia
Hey y'all.
It's the weirdest thing. I've been in Australia now for a little over 8 weeks. Well, to be honest, almost 9 weeks. 2 days short of 9 weeks. And I've had a great time, don't get me wrong.
Okay so there were a few ups and downs along the way, but mostly ups.
THINGS THAT HAPPENED WHILE I WAS HERE:
Decided that science research just isn't for me. Which means: I'll be applying to science communication programs. And real world jobs. I'm still graduating with a degree in Astronomy/Astrophysics. But I've grown a lot in the past 3 years and it's made me become way more aware of what I need out of a job. And writing papers/going to astronomy conferences/presenting papers/day to day research: it's just not for me. I'd've been way happier doing normal intern-y stuff (making coffee, sorting mail, filing) than what I was actually doing (computer programming, using software, getting headaches)
Got my hair done. Super exciting I know. :P
Went to the telescope in Coonabarrabran (AWESOME - reminds me what I love about astronomy - the side that the public gets to see)
Explored Sydney including, but not limited to: Bondi Beach, Luna Park, Surry Hills, Paddington Market, Paddy's Market, Darling Harbor, several Arcades (shopping alleys), the Royal Gardens, the Opera House.
Made videos about most of the places I went on youtube.com/kittenpaws33
Cooked for myself. Legit food. Like chicken. And curries (with the aid of seasoning packs). Experimentally made apricot honey chicken. Quite successful.
Met and petted at least 3 kitties.
Made friends from England. And other places.
Had a boss who was Scottish.
Got sick (it is winter here, after all)
Realized how inexpensive the US is.
Got mad about seeing the exchange rate fall for AUD to USD.
Realized, once again, that textual communication is unhelpful in many cases. And that I have MASSIVE moodswings sometimes. Realization is the first step, right?
Knitted and donated a blanket.
Ate too much chocolate and Tim Tams (noms) - stopped eating said things and switched to trying to eat super healthy.
Almost collected the ULTIMATE HARRY POTTER MOVIE POSTER/POSTCARD COLLECTION but failed on the last day. Learned that I should've skivved off work.
Learned many British words.
Watched Tangled like 4 times in 3 days. Loved Tangled.
Went to the movies to see: Transformers 3, HP7part2, Captain America, Bridesmaids
Heard about, freaked out about, got into Pottermore
Missed everyone in the States SO MUCH. It's not even funny how much I missed y'all.
THE END
It's the weirdest thing. I've been in Australia now for a little over 8 weeks. Well, to be honest, almost 9 weeks. 2 days short of 9 weeks. And I've had a great time, don't get me wrong.
Okay so there were a few ups and downs along the way, but mostly ups.
THINGS THAT HAPPENED WHILE I WAS HERE:
Decided that science research just isn't for me. Which means: I'll be applying to science communication programs. And real world jobs. I'm still graduating with a degree in Astronomy/Astrophysics. But I've grown a lot in the past 3 years and it's made me become way more aware of what I need out of a job. And writing papers/going to astronomy conferences/presenting papers/day to day research: it's just not for me. I'd've been way happier doing normal intern-y stuff (making coffee, sorting mail, filing) than what I was actually doing (computer programming, using software, getting headaches)
Got my hair done. Super exciting I know. :P
Went to the telescope in Coonabarrabran (AWESOME - reminds me what I love about astronomy - the side that the public gets to see)
Explored Sydney including, but not limited to: Bondi Beach, Luna Park, Surry Hills, Paddington Market, Paddy's Market, Darling Harbor, several Arcades (shopping alleys), the Royal Gardens, the Opera House.
Made videos about most of the places I went on youtube.com/kittenpaws33
Cooked for myself. Legit food. Like chicken. And curries (with the aid of seasoning packs). Experimentally made apricot honey chicken. Quite successful.
Met and petted at least 3 kitties.
Made friends from England. And other places.
Had a boss who was Scottish.
Got sick (it is winter here, after all)
Realized how inexpensive the US is.
Got mad about seeing the exchange rate fall for AUD to USD.
Realized, once again, that textual communication is unhelpful in many cases. And that I have MASSIVE moodswings sometimes. Realization is the first step, right?
Knitted and donated a blanket.
Ate too much chocolate and Tim Tams (noms) - stopped eating said things and switched to trying to eat super healthy.
Almost collected the ULTIMATE HARRY POTTER MOVIE POSTER/POSTCARD COLLECTION but failed on the last day. Learned that I should've skivved off work.
Learned many British words.
Watched Tangled like 4 times in 3 days. Loved Tangled.
Went to the movies to see: Transformers 3, HP7part2, Captain America, Bridesmaids
Heard about, freaked out about, got into Pottermore
Missed everyone in the States SO MUCH. It's not even funny how much I missed y'all.
THE END
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Aussieland
PAUSE.
Hallioooooo. I've been in the land of kangaroos for over 4 weeks now. It's craziness I tell you, craziness!
For one thing, who ever heard of allergies in the winter? Lame Australia. Lame.
So as I sit waiting for a good friend to sign on skype (14 hour time difference? pshaw) I needed to do something to keep myself awake (it's 11:34 here).
I went for a walk today. I have put on a little bit around my hips due to the facts that:
1. Cadbury chocolate is amazing. Particularly the crunchie kind which tastes like sponge candy
2. One such chocolate bar has 26 grams of fat in it... I was averaging one a day.
(chocolate sooooo good)
I have therefore 1. eaten all chocolate in my possession so that I will not be tempted to eat it and 2. bought lots of veggies. In particular carrots. I LURV CARROTS.
But you don't read this to read about my chocolate woes (which wouldn't bother me so much if not for the fact that my only pair of jeans were no longer comfortable to sit in.) Actually, I'm not sure why you read this blog. For all I know, no one reads this blog. I do have an awful lot of content on the internet (a personal vlog, group vlog, twitter...)
Update on my life you say? Still don't know what I'm doing with it. Should probably obtain a GRE study book though...
Well there it is. A whole 10 minutes of my night taken care of. 50 more to go XD
PLAY.
Hallioooooo. I've been in the land of kangaroos for over 4 weeks now. It's craziness I tell you, craziness!
For one thing, who ever heard of allergies in the winter? Lame Australia. Lame.
So as I sit waiting for a good friend to sign on skype (14 hour time difference? pshaw) I needed to do something to keep myself awake (it's 11:34 here).
I went for a walk today. I have put on a little bit around my hips due to the facts that:
(chocolate sooooo good)
I have therefore 1. eaten all chocolate in my possession so that I will not be tempted to eat it and 2. bought lots of veggies. In particular carrots. I LURV CARROTS.
But you don't read this to read about my chocolate woes (which wouldn't bother me so much if not for the fact that my only pair of jeans were no longer comfortable to sit in.) Actually, I'm not sure why you read this blog. For all I know, no one reads this blog. I do have an awful lot of content on the internet (a personal vlog, group vlog, twitter...)
Update on my life you say? Still don't know what I'm doing with it. Should probably obtain a GRE study book though...
Well there it is. A whole 10 minutes of my night taken care of. 50 more to go XD
PLAY.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
BEDA
PAUSE...
So yeah, long time, no blog.
I mean I had plenty to blog about (SETI Institute REU until August, my vlog, the crazy classes of an astronomy major, figuring out what to do with my life, boy drama) but, as you might have guessed, having a lot to blog about also means having very little time to blog.
But I really enjoy blogging (and vlogging) and since I haven't gotten to vlog recently due to a whole bunch of things (primarily Christine and her not starting our new season), and because it's Blog Every Day in April, I felt at least one post was necessitated. I miss this.
So what have you missed? A birthday (another year older and all that jazz). Continued questions of what I should do with my life (yes I'd probably get into graduate school but what do I want to go for? Science outreach? Astronomy? Planetary Science? Space Science? So many choices, so indecisive...) I had the prospect of a boy for all of about 5 days until he stopped texting me and I discovered that we had VERY different understandings of where the relationship was going. It ended up blowing up in a lot of ways and resulting in way too much drama. Interpersonal relationships initiated via text message result in many many many miscommunications. Oh, and I'm taking Quantum Mechanics. So that's fun.
I'm also going to be in Australia for the summer! I'm super excited, I got an excellent internship, but now I have to figure out flights and housing and all of that... Hopefully it'll help me focus on the good in life and not perseverate on my lack of romantic interest.
I'm thinking about starting a fun science blog, or at least posting some fun science here, so if there are cool experiments you've heard about and would like to know more about, cool scientists you care about, or even science related TV shows you care about, let me know in comments!!
...PLAY
So yeah, long time, no blog.
I mean I had plenty to blog about (SETI Institute REU until August, my vlog, the crazy classes of an astronomy major, figuring out what to do with my life, boy drama) but, as you might have guessed, having a lot to blog about also means having very little time to blog.
But I really enjoy blogging (and vlogging) and since I haven't gotten to vlog recently due to a whole bunch of things (primarily Christine and her not starting our new season), and because it's Blog Every Day in April, I felt at least one post was necessitated. I miss this.
So what have you missed? A birthday (another year older and all that jazz). Continued questions of what I should do with my life (yes I'd probably get into graduate school but what do I want to go for? Science outreach? Astronomy? Planetary Science? Space Science? So many choices, so indecisive...) I had the prospect of a boy for all of about 5 days until he stopped texting me and I discovered that we had VERY different understandings of where the relationship was going. It ended up blowing up in a lot of ways and resulting in way too much drama. Interpersonal relationships initiated via text message result in many many many miscommunications. Oh, and I'm taking Quantum Mechanics. So that's fun.
I'm also going to be in Australia for the summer! I'm super excited, I got an excellent internship, but now I have to figure out flights and housing and all of that... Hopefully it'll help me focus on the good in life and not perseverate on my lack of romantic interest.
I'm thinking about starting a fun science blog, or at least posting some fun science here, so if there are cool experiments you've heard about and would like to know more about, cool scientists you care about, or even science related TV shows you care about, let me know in comments!!
...PLAY
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Lassen!
Stop. Kittenpause.
buh buh buh buh bup can't touch this!
Hello my dear readers. At this point I've probably lost those of you who don't know me personally but that's okay! I promise, I'll make a concerted effort to post more.
So I spent the last week at Hat Creek Radio Observatory and Lassen Volcanic National Park. It was hugely exciting and a ton of fun.
Plus, I got to meet and spend time with Jill Tarter. You know, that person that the book and then movie Contact was based on? yeah. Her. AWESOMESAUCE! She's a crazy driver!
My favorite part of the week was on Friday when a bunch of us went to Burney Falls. We walked over to the viewing deck which was cool and took some pictures and then I complained copiously that I wanted to go down closer to the falls. But the usual trail was closed! Finally somebody noticed that there were people walking down there and someone else started walking the other way and we ended up finding the alternate path. Which was such such fun. We got to the bottom and then scrambled out onto the rocks. As we stood there it seemed to me a better and better idea to jump in the water (and how cold could it be, really?) So I did. It was MUCH MUCH colder than I thought it would be. Like 40 degrees. I got in and swam like halfway to the waterfall and then went "My arms aren't really working properly" and swam back to the shore. But it was TOTALLY worth it!! So so soooo glad I did that.
That day we also went to Subway Cave which was formed from the volcano eruption. And I had brought my bicycle headlight for my flashlight which happens to have a blink feature on it. So I instigated a cave rave. It was awesome.
I also got to see Devil's Kitchen and the Jumbles at Lassen which were cool, but I wish I would've had more time to just explore.
A bunch of people went backpacking but since I didn't have the right equipment and my back has been acting up (essentially my bad posture is catching up with me) I decided it was unwise to go backpacking even though I would've loved the hike.
We also got to see some really kick-ass fluorescent and phosphorescent rocks the one night. They looked normal under regular light but under UV they were these gorgeous neon oranges, greens, purples, and even some pinks! It was soooo cool. Sumac, for example, is luminous under black light. Makes me wonder what those rocks my parents just threw out would've been light under an appropriate light source ;)
Anyhow I keep on trucking. I've met some really nice people here and no one is particularly hateful or mean (although being with people for a week pretty much nonstop if I don't particularly love them is hard for me. Definitely wished I would have had internet in my own room or at least cell phone use). I have to remember to tell myself to be nice and play nice and not overreact or take things too far. Which I sometimes have the tendency to do. And I apologize for that. Sometimes I am just not a pleasant person to be around :/
The Doctor Who series (to us Americans, season) finale was great and I can't wait until series... 6? If any of you aren't watching it you should!
I'm currently on the hunt for a new old show to watch and catch up on. I may do Lost or Star Trek, but I'm not sure so if YOU have ideas, let me know!
All right. Proceed with your regular business.
PLAY
buh buh buh buh bup can't touch this!
Hello my dear readers. At this point I've probably lost those of you who don't know me personally but that's okay! I promise, I'll make a concerted effort to post more.
So I spent the last week at Hat Creek Radio Observatory and Lassen Volcanic National Park. It was hugely exciting and a ton of fun.
Plus, I got to meet and spend time with Jill Tarter. You know, that person that the book and then movie Contact was based on? yeah. Her. AWESOMESAUCE! She's a crazy driver!
My favorite part of the week was on Friday when a bunch of us went to Burney Falls. We walked over to the viewing deck which was cool and took some pictures and then I complained copiously that I wanted to go down closer to the falls. But the usual trail was closed! Finally somebody noticed that there were people walking down there and someone else started walking the other way and we ended up finding the alternate path. Which was such such fun. We got to the bottom and then scrambled out onto the rocks. As we stood there it seemed to me a better and better idea to jump in the water (and how cold could it be, really?) So I did. It was MUCH MUCH colder than I thought it would be. Like 40 degrees. I got in and swam like halfway to the waterfall and then went "My arms aren't really working properly" and swam back to the shore. But it was TOTALLY worth it!! So so soooo glad I did that.
That day we also went to Subway Cave which was formed from the volcano eruption. And I had brought my bicycle headlight for my flashlight which happens to have a blink feature on it. So I instigated a cave rave. It was awesome.
I also got to see Devil's Kitchen and the Jumbles at Lassen which were cool, but I wish I would've had more time to just explore.
A bunch of people went backpacking but since I didn't have the right equipment and my back has been acting up (essentially my bad posture is catching up with me) I decided it was unwise to go backpacking even though I would've loved the hike.
We also got to see some really kick-ass fluorescent and phosphorescent rocks the one night. They looked normal under regular light but under UV they were these gorgeous neon oranges, greens, purples, and even some pinks! It was soooo cool. Sumac, for example, is luminous under black light. Makes me wonder what those rocks my parents just threw out would've been light under an appropriate light source ;)
Anyhow I keep on trucking. I've met some really nice people here and no one is particularly hateful or mean (although being with people for a week pretty much nonstop if I don't particularly love them is hard for me. Definitely wished I would have had internet in my own room or at least cell phone use). I have to remember to tell myself to be nice and play nice and not overreact or take things too far. Which I sometimes have the tendency to do. And I apologize for that. Sometimes I am just not a pleasant person to be around :/
The Doctor Who series (to us Americans, season) finale was great and I can't wait until series... 6? If any of you aren't watching it you should!
I'm currently on the hunt for a new old show to watch and catch up on. I may do Lost or Star Trek, but I'm not sure so if YOU have ideas, let me know!
All right. Proceed with your regular business.
PLAY
Saturday, May 1, 2010
The Beginning of the End & How to Procrastinate
Surprise! It's kittenpause time again!
I know, 5 months, no excuse.
To be fair it's been a very long, frustrating couple of months in my land, and free time was more likely to be spent on mind deadening things than anything else.
Anyhow, exams will begin Monday and be over by 1:15 on Thursday at the latest so... I'll try to be a more prolific writer. Although I won't have my own computer for almost a month, so my ability to post may be limited. BUT once I get to SETI (where I'm working this summer!) I'll try to post what I can and keep you all apprised.
Onto the meat of this post... procrastination strategies!
STRATEGY #1: sleep. This is an excellent form of procrastination. Just don't get out of bed. Side effects including feeling gross and the need to shower.
STRATEGY #2: watch Hulu. This also applies to regular tv, youtube, any website with video content, really. Basically watch everything you find interesting. Then search for new shows.
STRATEGY #3: Find friends. They are very diverting and distracting. Go for a walk, go on an adventure, forget that you have to study for things in general.
STRATEGY #4: make a list of things you need to do. Don't do any of them. Feel that this is enough work and read a book, play a game, check all of the above to see if anything new is going on.
STRATEGY #5: learn an instrument! Not well enough that you can actually play, just well enough to annoy people.
STRATEGY #6: Realize it's too late to start anything. sleep some more.
Who else has effective procrastination strategies? I think zoning out is also pretty effective.
Thanks for reading this brief kittenpause. Now back to your regularly scheduled life.
PLAY
(finished SG-1 ages ago)
I know, 5 months, no excuse.
To be fair it's been a very long, frustrating couple of months in my land, and free time was more likely to be spent on mind deadening things than anything else.
Anyhow, exams will begin Monday and be over by 1:15 on Thursday at the latest so... I'll try to be a more prolific writer. Although I won't have my own computer for almost a month, so my ability to post may be limited. BUT once I get to SETI (where I'm working this summer!) I'll try to post what I can and keep you all apprised.
Onto the meat of this post... procrastination strategies!
STRATEGY #1: sleep. This is an excellent form of procrastination. Just don't get out of bed. Side effects including feeling gross and the need to shower.
STRATEGY #2: watch Hulu. This also applies to regular tv, youtube, any website with video content, really. Basically watch everything you find interesting. Then search for new shows.
STRATEGY #3: Find friends. They are very diverting and distracting. Go for a walk, go on an adventure, forget that you have to study for things in general.
STRATEGY #4: make a list of things you need to do. Don't do any of them. Feel that this is enough work and read a book, play a game, check all of the above to see if anything new is going on.
STRATEGY #5: learn an instrument! Not well enough that you can actually play, just well enough to annoy people.
STRATEGY #6: Realize it's too late to start anything. sleep some more.
Who else has effective procrastination strategies? I think zoning out is also pretty effective.
Thanks for reading this brief kittenpause. Now back to your regularly scheduled life.
PLAY
(finished SG-1 ages ago)
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Christmas Traditions
It's time for a Christmas-themed KITTENPAUSE.
So being confined to a tiny apartment is just no fun. I realize I should probably be working on Goldwater and my poster and REU applications, and the various and sundry things I have to do, but motivation level is low and that's my excuse.
I'm done with Siah and the first semester from Hell! Surprisingly (at least for me), ObLab was not the worst part about this semester, and the one class that I quite enjoyed going to, was actually my worst grade (take "worst" with a grain of salt, I'm a perfectionist).
I thought I'd share some of my Christmas traditions and maybe other people can share their Christmas/whatever holiday you celebrate traditions.
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is the traditional Polish Wigilia. We have home-made pierogie (cheese and sauerkraut, yum!), mushroom soup, fish, mashed potatoes, and other stuff I'm probably forgetting. Usually my family hosts, because we rotate holidays among the family at large, but not always (for instance, this year there just isn't the room). Sometimes we have traditional pierniekes - polish anise cut-out cookies, though those aren't specific to Wigilia. We also do Oplatek (Oh-pwah-tek) which is a sharing of the Christmas wafer during which you wish every other individual good things for the new year (in our household, it's usually "health, wealth, and happiness"). This is also the time my family exchanges gifts with my Dad's parents and siblings.
Christmas Day
Wake up really, obnoxiously early because you're soooooo excited for presents! Wait at the door to the parents' room until they finally come out, and Dad sets up the video camera so we can open presents. Open everything possible, go to Mass, come back for some of Grandpa's Polish sausage, scrambled eggs, and rye toast.
Around 3 o'clock it's time to go to "The Estate," the house in the city where my great aunts and uncles live, and where my Dad's father grew up. Here we have a Christmas dinner, also generally Polish food, and open more presents! But you get a number and you have to wait until your number is up to open them. Also I generally get deigned "Santa's Helper" and have to run the gifts to everyone.
So that's what I do for the two days of Christmas. There's also the tradition of watching Rudolph, A Christmas Story, and The Santa Clause while eating Boy Scout caramel popcorn, which happens over the duration of the Christmas season, but hasn't started here yet...
What does anyone else do? Favorite gift ever? Christmas decorating with carols and dancing? Percy the Puny Poinsettia singing?
all right, you go have a very Merry Christmas with your family!
KITTENPLAY
So being confined to a tiny apartment is just no fun. I realize I should probably be working on Goldwater and my poster and REU applications, and the various and sundry things I have to do, but motivation level is low and that's my excuse.
I'm done with Siah and the first semester from Hell! Surprisingly (at least for me), ObLab was not the worst part about this semester, and the one class that I quite enjoyed going to, was actually my worst grade (take "worst" with a grain of salt, I'm a perfectionist).
I thought I'd share some of my Christmas traditions and maybe other people can share their Christmas/whatever holiday you celebrate traditions.
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is the traditional Polish Wigilia. We have home-made pierogie (cheese and sauerkraut, yum!), mushroom soup, fish, mashed potatoes, and other stuff I'm probably forgetting. Usually my family hosts, because we rotate holidays among the family at large, but not always (for instance, this year there just isn't the room). Sometimes we have traditional pierniekes - polish anise cut-out cookies, though those aren't specific to Wigilia. We also do Oplatek (Oh-pwah-tek) which is a sharing of the Christmas wafer during which you wish every other individual good things for the new year (in our household, it's usually "health, wealth, and happiness"). This is also the time my family exchanges gifts with my Dad's parents and siblings.
Christmas Day
Wake up really, obnoxiously early because you're soooooo excited for presents! Wait at the door to the parents' room until they finally come out, and Dad sets up the video camera so we can open presents. Open everything possible, go to Mass, come back for some of Grandpa's Polish sausage, scrambled eggs, and rye toast.
Around 3 o'clock it's time to go to "The Estate," the house in the city where my great aunts and uncles live, and where my Dad's father grew up. Here we have a Christmas dinner, also generally Polish food, and open more presents! But you get a number and you have to wait until your number is up to open them. Also I generally get deigned "Santa's Helper" and have to run the gifts to everyone.
So that's what I do for the two days of Christmas. There's also the tradition of watching Rudolph, A Christmas Story, and The Santa Clause while eating Boy Scout caramel popcorn, which happens over the duration of the Christmas season, but hasn't started here yet...
What does anyone else do? Favorite gift ever? Christmas decorating with carols and dancing? Percy the Puny Poinsettia singing?
all right, you go have a very Merry Christmas with your family!
KITTENPLAY
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