Bowling

Sleep tugs at my eyes, but I am not quite ready to give into it just yet.

Bowling, after checking with four different alleys in 2 cities, was a success. Six of us, Ryan, David, Kurt, Alvin, his girlfriend, and I, rented two lanes. It was the second or third time I have ever bowled, and the first time in over a decade.
I bowled a 17.
Yeah, that's right.
Seventeen.
I actually was in the 20's, but accidentally bowled the wrong lane on my last frame, because I am awesome like that.
Other then that, it was a lot of fun. David really seemed to enjoy himself, which made it even better. I did have my chemistry book out, peeking at it in between my turn. Next time I will be more sociable, but I am further behind on my chemistry readings then I care to admit.

Then, after bowling and a quick study session at Ryan's, I came across this t-shirt, which makes me happy:

Oh, happiness ^_^  You can find this shirt here.

The successful bowling night with a chance to see David, along with a productive lab, an informative lecture, getting through an entire clinical chemistry chapter, and going back to the gym after a week hiatus made this a very successful day.

Smile

This kid is my hero today. Sometimes when life gets rough, the best thing you can do is just stick your tongue out at it. At the very least, you'll get a smile.

I am in the gallery, taking advantage of some quiet rest before diving into the rush that is my Tuesday. Chemistry, work out, Microbiology lab, possible bowling with Ryan and David.  I'm still trying to work out the details on the bowling thing, but I really hope it works out. He's been itching to go do something.

I've been trying to get to the zendo the past couple of days, but have failed in favor of sleep. I slept nearly 12 hours last night; much needed recovery from my severe lack of sleep last week. I feel much, much better. Maybe I can go tomorrow morning.

(I didn't take this picture, sadly. I found it while stumbling through the internet, but didn't save the source. If you know the source, please let me know so I may cite it.)

Snowed In

I went to David's house today to watch the Superbowl. Good food, good people, good game. I don't even like football, but I do enjoy getting together with friends, and of course the commercials (which sadly, weren't all that great this year). Unfortunately I got snowed in. I attempted to drive into Anchorage, but my car spinning on the highway was a convincing argument to turn back. Which is why I am back at David's house, sitting in his bed blogging, reading old Dilbert comics, and eating a twice-baked potato.

David and I have been going through a bit of a rut lately. We both think it will get better by the time he finds work, and when spring hits so we can go hiking. But it is still frustrating. He sits home most days to watch the puppies and watches TV; I am on campus 12 hours a day. So on Friday nights when we get together, I am exhausted and all I want to do is sit in front of the TV and fall asleep, and he wants to go out and do something. We talked about it a bit, considered cooking classes, judo, or dancing. I think we finally settled on dancing because it was the cheapest and required the least amount of commitment.
We both knew times like this were going to occur this semester, especially with me in school and him newly graduated and looking for work. Living in two different cities, albeit 20 minutes apart, doesn't help either. But I am glad he told me about it instead of keeping it to himself.

I will try to track down Ryan this week to inquire about local dance lessons and opportunities around the community.

Good night world.

Free Rice

The United Nations Food Programme has a nifty little online game called Free Rice. Its a simple multiple choice format where a word is given and you chose the best definition of the word. For every answer you get correct, the organization donates 10 grains of rice, which is paid for by donations and sponsors. While 10 grains of rice doesn't seem like much, it adds up quickly. I had accumulated 400 grains within a matter of minutes. It's free, can be done during a quick break, and helps in the fight to end hunger.

Check it out, play for a few minutes, and tell your friends: http://www.freerice.com/index.php

Website

Thanks to the lovely Ryan Nixon, I finally have a website up and running.

Epiphany In Motion

For now it's just a site which unites my photo site and this blog. It's a work in progress, but as my life progresses, I hope it will grow with me. At the very least it will serve as encouragement to get through school and go on to help people.

 I hope you enjoy it.

Sponsor a Child

I've been looking into sponsoring a child. With my college funds, I know it's something I won't be able to do for a while, but I would like to one day. I did once as a teenager, but after a while the charity increased their rates, and my mom found another sponsor to take over.

At first the problem was finding the right charity. Compassion is one of the biggest and most successful, but also more expensive ($38 a month), and very evangelical Christian. Compassion is very insistent that they are doing God's work, and therefore involve all their children in church activities. According to the website, they will deny any letters or gifts which they feel go against biblical doctrine, and state very clearly that they are a part of an evangelical organization.

I am grateful for the Compassion organization and the huge success they have had in helping children. However, I am a Buddhist girl who feels that religion is a private thing, something that should be willingly chosen and privately engaged, not forced or pressured. I also believe good should be done simply for the sake of good, and not as a way to spread a propaganda. I am not comfortable supporting this organization, but if a Christian family asked me for ways to sponsor a child, I would happily point them to that organization, knowing their money would be wisely used.

I think that when I do decide I am financially able to sponsor a child, I will go with Save The Children. They've been around for decades and have a great reputation. They're lower cost ($28 a month), and offer a variety of programs and locations. They also really encourage potential sponsors to pick the children with the greatest need. The money goes toward helping the children of the entire community, and not just the singular child, though the gifts and letters you send are directly to that child.

Big Brother/Big Sister

I found out today that my Dad was once involved in the Big Brother/Big Sister program when he was living in California. He was a big brother to a 14 year old named Steven, whose father had left him. He did it for about a year until life pulled him in other directions and he had to move away. He wrote and called a couple of times after moving, but eventually lost touch.
Steven would be about 43 now.
I wonder if Dad could find him. He couldn't remember the last name when I asked, but it may come to him.

Every time I think I know all his stories, he tells me a new one.

This was originally brought up because our MLT club president mentioned that the local Big Brother/Big Sister club is looking for volunteers. I am considering it, but I may do it when I start practicum, or going through less schooling. It looks interesting.

Today, I sent an email to the volunteer coordinator for Beans Cafe, a local establishment to help the poor and homeless. I hope I hear back from her soon.

Refugee Design Concept.

Felix Stark, a German designer, has designed a beautiful refugee tent concept which not only provides shelter, but maintains privacy and encourages community interaction within its circular courtyard..

For further information, I encourage you to click here.

RIP JD Salinger.

JD Salinger died today, age 91, of natural causes. He was the author of 'Catcher in the Rye,' which contains one of my favorite quotes in history, one that has had an incredible impact on me:

"Among other things, you'll find that you're not the first person who was ever confused and frightened and even sickened by human behavior. You're by no means alone on that score, you'll be excited and stimulated to know. Many, many men have been just as troubled morally and spiritually as you are right now. Happily, some of them kept records of their troubles. You'll learn from them — if you want to. Just as someday, if you have something to offer, someone will learn something from you. It's a beautiful reciprocal arrangement. And it isn't education. It's history. It's poetry"


Rest in Peace, JD Salinger, and thank you. Thank you so very much.

Ryan/Cassie

We had a study group last night; Ryan, Cassie, Laura, and I. Not as productive as I hoped, but more productive then I expected (C'est la vie).

 Snapped a few great shots of Ryan and Cassie curled up on the couch. Ryan lectured me about them afterward. But they turned out beautiful.

Rough Day

Three hours into sleep, a cruel alarm starts screeching.

Eight hour fast turned into a ten hour fast as five different students tried to coax blood from my veins. The lab assistant finally broke down and drew me. Six puncture marks, rashes from the band-aid adhesive, and a blown vein. I look like a junkie.

The girl in my classes who always says borderline offensive things crossed the line by declaring that no one without a master's degree in education should be teaching college classes. She said this because she's frustrated with our Clinical Chemistry teacher. We reminded her that both Heidi and Gloria don't have a masters degree in education. Her response: "Well that's just stupid." Apparently a masters degree in MT (Gloria) or a Ph.D (Heidi) isn't good enough for her.
Last week it was a very rude "WHY?" when Dave was showing us videos of microfluidics. The week before that, she deemed Germans as rude people because they tend to stare (the concept of cultural differences surely eludes her). Gloria told me to just respond to her negatives with a positive. I am trying to look at dealing with her as a learning experience; I will have to deal with people like her in the field occasionally. I don't know why she's so negative; doesn't she see how lucky she is? Isn't she thankful? Doesn't that cross around her neck mean she should follow her messiah's teachings of "Do not judge, lest ye be judged?"

I don't understand people.

Late to work, because my shift starts right as my lab ends. Will have to iron that wrinkle out with Brandon. Late to class, because my replacement took her time getting on the clock.

I can't find my microbiology binder. I had it in lab, then went straight to Ryan's to study, and couldn't find it when I was getting ready to leave. It doesn't seem to be in my car, in his apartment, or in the lab. I wonder if Laura accidentally took it home. More frustrations as I misplace things. This one was lost in a surprisingly small time span. It will show up soon, I hope. I didn't have anything in it that I can't print from Blackboard. My Bioethics book is missing too, but that's either in my car, apartment, or locker; I remember putting it aside because I wouldn't need it for two weeks. Now, where did I put it? I bought it during the first week of school, when I was stressed and out of adderall; a bad combination. My memory of that week is rather blurred.

Ate dinner with Dad. Greasy food wreaks havoc on my stomach. I still feel nauseous, and very thankful for my cup of green tea. Darlene isn't feeling well. My friend who is half a world away in Argentina is also sick. I worry, as per usual. Dad told me Terry informed him about losing my iTouch. Is she stalking me again online, like the whole Myspace fiasco? I'm sure she can find more productive things to do while at work. Please leave me alone; wasn't 15 years of verbal abuse enough? I've gotten over it, thanks to time and therapy, and all I want is for her to leave me alone.

Called up David. Insert laughter.
He always knows how to make me smile. Instant relief from a exhausting day.
Rambled and ranted to Christina.
Made more tea.
Curled up in bed.
Tomorrow will be better.

Something New

"Do something everyday that scares you"
- Eleanor Roosevelt.

This year, my goal is to experience something new every month. I've already joined a gym, and am going a step further by attempting rock climbing. It's something I haven't done since I was 13. I am going to take a beginners class this Friday at the local rock gym. I am a little nervous; most of my strength is in my legs, and my arms are pathetically weak. Maybe this will be good encouragement to focus more on arm strength at the gym.
I haven't been to the gym since Thursday or so, and I notice I get really antsy if I go too long without working out.  I'm going later today during my break. I always feel better afterwards.
What else do I plan on doing? Conservation of funds for my trip to Cambodia is a big financial priority, so any new experiences will have to be low cost. We'll see how it goes.

Summer Plans

I've decided to make this summer an adventurous one. I am going to spend a lot of time hiking, especially in Hatchers. I would love to be able to go skydiving and ice climbing, but I think I will only be able to afford one or the other. I noticed a flyer yesterday for The Ascending Path, a locally run tour group that does a lot of local hikes, rock climbing, and ice climbing. I hope to do the ice climbing, it sounds the most fun (and is, of course, the most expensive). If you're ever in the Anchorage area and want to see the state without having to deal with the hordes of annoying tourists we get every summer (we do get some of the worse tourists, and most Alaskans loathe them, despite the money they bring), then I advise you check out the unique opportunities The Ascending Path offers: http://theascendingpath.com/

Hopefully I will do one of their trips this summer, and will write about how it goes.

The other adventure is skydiving. There is a company up there that offers summer sky diving: http://www.1800skyride.com/Skydiving/Wasilla/index.html
My friend Bina did it in high school, and the video footage looked amazing. I will call them later to inquire on prices (alas, none were listed on the site). I know it costs a little extra to get video footage, but for me, it would be worth it. They also offer lessons.  I doubt I'll ever get into skydiving as a hobby, but it would be fun to do at least once.

My room mate wants to do white water rafting again. I've never done it, but she assures me that it is a blast. Additionally, Anchorage has a plethora of trails to hike, bike, and explore. This will be a wonderful summer.