I realize I maybe give the impression that I no longer use this blog. This is incorrect. Like any child of the 21st century, I feel obligated to maintain, at least sporadically, each social media outlet I have begun. Consider this, then, my sporadic update.
I have been part of AmeriCorps now for close to 3.5 months. It has been an interesting experience thus far, although being an Individual Placement (IP) member has drawbacks. Exhibit A - networking activities for 20-somethings planned by 50-somethings. Think crosswords about AmeriCorps history and Karaoke and you'd be about on target. I did the crossword for lack of anything more substantive or pertinent to do and avoided the Karaoke like the plague. I also learned Yakima has the 6th highest automotive crash fatality rate in the nation - down from 3rd highest last year! What improvement!
My AmeriCorps presence at my actual service site has been much less...unproductive. In all honesty, I absolutely love my job. We provide nursing and rehabilitation services and social programs to vulnerable adults through adult day health. It is one of the most worthwhile things I have ever done and, as the baby boomers age, it is an area of expertise that will only come in more handy as time goes on.
My age, though, is the one thing that I felt surprisingly tender about and I have only recently began to be more comfortable with it in this setting. First of all - all of our clients are at least 30, with the average age being 74 (or is it 76?) Then, all of my co-workers are far, far older than I. The closest co-worker just turned 23 but even she has already gone to college and is probably going to be getting married next year. I feel very misfit at times, which is why I avoided telling anyone my age for a few months. Gradually, however, it leaked out and I had to endure people gasping and saying, "I had no idea! You act SO much older."
I'm getting used to that now, I think, so I just shrug it off, laugh at their surprise, or make a joke about it. Still, it is awkward when my co-workers talking about their kids in front of me and I realize that they are my age and the encounter begins to feel very much like I'm talking to my mother's friends. c'est la vie.
But enough about work! It takes up enough of my time as it is. Besides work, I am now judging high school debate - a position I happen to like very much. I also had a brief stint in the UW-Bothell's Ultimate team and will be playing mixed winter league which I am very much looking forward to. (I ended my sentence with a preposition. Sue me.) I am also a lector and EM at Church and play the piano, cook, etc. This is starting to feel like a mini bio. Which it is not.
Well, I think Louie is finally awake. Time to rot our brains out playing WiiSports. Viva the Weekend!!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Ave Maria
I recently stumbled upon an Ave Maria arrangement for cell by Caccini. It is simply beautiful and is probably now my all-time favorite arrangement.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjwnWWNNeFg
Along with the theme of hymns, O God Beyond All Praising is one of my favorite hymns and although the recording isn't as good as it could be, I love this video of the choir at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome singing it. Their organ is so freaking awesome and it makes me want to visit the Vatican even more. Someday...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWzqVhPLF8o
Well I was going to expand this post a little with updates about my job but I have to go peel garlic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjwnWWNNeFg
Along with the theme of hymns, O God Beyond All Praising is one of my favorite hymns and although the recording isn't as good as it could be, I love this video of the choir at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome singing it. Their organ is so freaking awesome and it makes me want to visit the Vatican even more. Someday...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWzqVhPLF8o
Well I was going to expand this post a little with updates about my job but I have to go peel garlic.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Summer 2010: Recap and Reflection
I guess my summer is nearly complete. I begin working at my new job full-time on September 1st. On the one hand, I'm really really excited about what I get to do and about finally start working in healthcare but on the other hand I'm a little apprehensive about jumping straight into my first full-time job. We don't even get Labor Day off!
To prepare for this momentous life-changing occasion I have finally gotten a car. It's a 90 Acura Integra LS (which means it has a souped up engine and racing seats) and I'm getting to be pretty proficient in driving my car (which happens to be manual.) No definite names yet, but I'm entertaining suggestions. It is by no means an amazing car but it is a pretty sweet deal for a first car.
Working backward, my time in Yosemite with Sheila & co. was amazingly fun. I became exceedingly attached to this little orange kitten at a party Sheila and I went to on Saturday night (and have since gone into orange kitten mourning) and even went so far as to contemplate sneaking it home. I also enjoyed Tracy, Veronica Mars, Wii Just Dance, Taio Cruz, Yosemite Falls, "ELMER!!!", The bear, trading diaries, The Best Ice Cream Cone I Have Ever Had in My Entire Life, Yosemite busses, "This could have been a better idea," In-n-Out, Sheila singing me lullabies on the long car ride home, Hot Tub Time Machine, and Ozzie.
I didn't enjoy car troubles, mosquitos, dirty pools, the almost-perfection of my sundress, not getting to meet Andrew and go to Idyllwild. But all in all it was a great trip.
Ultimate Frisbee season is also officially over. We had our final playoff on Thursday against the Pan Galactic Groovesquad. Despite missing 4 of our best players we still finished a spirited 9-15. Not great, but we played hard. It was a frustrating end to the season - we finished in 2nd place, the Groovesquads were poor sports, I wasn't on my game, but I still had a blast playing summer ultimate. Afterward a few of the UW guys, Luke, Alexander, Louie, Grace, and I stayed on and played fliers up for probably another two hours until the lights went off. We then got Dick's and that was a really fun after party. I'm definitely going to play summer league again next year if Spencer puts it together and I'm also going to look into UW women's (which I definitely wouldn't make A team since they're took 9th at 2010 nationals) and also UW coed because they need more girls (and also frisbee guys are hot.)
As far as movies and stuff to review, I honestly don't think anyone reads them/cares (I only occasionally reference them for future choices) and I'm feeling slightly sorry for myself because my entire family ditched me at home to go do other stuff so I'm just going to end here.
I plan on making the most of my last week of summer and you should too!
To prepare for this momentous life-changing occasion I have finally gotten a car. It's a 90 Acura Integra LS (which means it has a souped up engine and racing seats) and I'm getting to be pretty proficient in driving my car (which happens to be manual.) No definite names yet, but I'm entertaining suggestions. It is by no means an amazing car but it is a pretty sweet deal for a first car.
Working backward, my time in Yosemite with Sheila & co. was amazingly fun. I became exceedingly attached to this little orange kitten at a party Sheila and I went to on Saturday night (and have since gone into orange kitten mourning) and even went so far as to contemplate sneaking it home. I also enjoyed Tracy, Veronica Mars, Wii Just Dance, Taio Cruz, Yosemite Falls, "ELMER!!!", The bear, trading diaries, The Best Ice Cream Cone I Have Ever Had in My Entire Life, Yosemite busses, "This could have been a better idea," In-n-Out, Sheila singing me lullabies on the long car ride home, Hot Tub Time Machine, and Ozzie.
I didn't enjoy car troubles, mosquitos, dirty pools, the almost-perfection of my sundress, not getting to meet Andrew and go to Idyllwild. But all in all it was a great trip.
Ultimate Frisbee season is also officially over. We had our final playoff on Thursday against the Pan Galactic Groovesquad. Despite missing 4 of our best players we still finished a spirited 9-15. Not great, but we played hard. It was a frustrating end to the season - we finished in 2nd place, the Groovesquads were poor sports, I wasn't on my game, but I still had a blast playing summer ultimate. Afterward a few of the UW guys, Luke, Alexander, Louie, Grace, and I stayed on and played fliers up for probably another two hours until the lights went off. We then got Dick's and that was a really fun after party. I'm definitely going to play summer league again next year if Spencer puts it together and I'm also going to look into UW women's (which I definitely wouldn't make A team since they're took 9th at 2010 nationals) and also UW coed because they need more girls (and also frisbee guys are hot.)
As far as movies and stuff to review, I honestly don't think anyone reads them/cares (I only occasionally reference them for future choices) and I'm feeling slightly sorry for myself because my entire family ditched me at home to go do other stuff so I'm just going to end here.
I plan on making the most of my last week of summer and you should too!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
WAY overdue
The Amazing Summer of Miss Michelle has already been underway for quite sometime; however, my vague, incomprehensive (which I hereby christen a real word), rambling, sporadic updates fall deplorably short of offering any real insight into this most wonderful month and a half. Therefore, this is going to be one hell of a long post. Get ready.
June 11th, 2010:
I graduated from high school. Commencement was satisfying, if a bit awkward. 31 psudeohomeschooled students who made no pretense of knowing each other. Outfits which ranged from prom-worthy gowns to jeans and a t-shirt. Blissfully short speeches (including my commencement address.) Agonizingly long slideshow. Hideous blue gowns. Unique and admittedly touching actual graduation ceremony. Old friends, family, cheesecake. Hurry home and crash.
June 12th - June 19th 2010: NFL Nationals
3:30am up and leaving for Nationals!
Nationals was definitely an interesting tournament. It was bittersweet because it was my very last high school forensics competition and quite possibly my last forensics competition ever because the odds of me in college debate are shaping up to be pretty slim. It was slightly odd as well, because the event I qualified in (DX) I had only done three times before as a joke and had never actually received a ballot or watched another competitor so I pretty much had no idea what I was doing. However, I ended up just really savoring the opportunity and concentrated instead on making the most of the experience as opposed to trying to be competitive. Honestly I am disappointed with how I ended up doing overall for my final Nationals, but I was proud of my record in DX (my cumulative scores was 40 and they broke at 27 so not all that bad. My round ranks were: 4,2,4,2,3,3 which were the best in DX (and extemp in general sans Mitch Murdock) from WA and also incredibly respectable for someone as inexperienced in the event as I.) Supplemental events were where I really started to unravel. I was getting sick on Wednesday and while my first two (guaranteed) rounds of EC were the absolute best EC speeches I'd ever given the later two sucked and I was eliminated painfully early. In fact I was feeling so sick I skipped my consolation event altogether on Thursday and instead used the morning and afternoon to rest and recharge. Many of my friends were incredibly successful at Nationals, though, and I am so so proud of them all. Seeing Kansas City and experiencing my first club (Jardine's) was also a fun experience.
June 29th - July 4th 2010: Club Rust
Club Rust contrasted Nationals in many ways. Accommodations, weather (no humidity :D), purpose, etc. Rancho La Paloma is, in your author's humble opinion, one of the most beautiful places on earth. It is so completely relaxing and peaceful and I look forward to going back again and again for the rest of my able-bodied life. The food was incredible as only authentic Mexican food can be, I felt useful and (somewhat) more competent on the worksite and again made wonderful new friends while rekindling old ones. I got to practice my Spanish a little and made friends with the two neighbor girls helping on our house - Miriam and Liz. The last day they went around and had each person from our house write on their shirts, then asked me if they could write on mine. I soaked my shirt in vinegar and hope their messages stay on it forever. I am continually amazed by how much we can convey when languages don't match. It was almost more of a language bridge than a language barrier. I pounded nails on the latrine roof with Erika and Jorge, mudded drywall with Miriam, and (at her insistence) recited the alphabet and counted to 100 in both languages with Liz. In addition, I renewed engagement vows, got engaged a few more times, and even became married in the back of the bus early one morning on the way to the worksite. I love Club Rust not only because what it holds - lifelong friends, relaxation, beauty, delicious food, cold showers - but also because of why - bringing Christ and stability to a region ravaged by poverty, American greed, and the drug war one house and family at a time.
July 9th-July 11th: Long Beach
On a spur-of-the-moment weekend vacation the Herman side of my family made the trek down to Long Beach at the treat of my Uncle Jeff. We enjoyed a freezing pool (although once we discovered the root of its polar temperature - a hose spewing freezing water into the pool - and shut it off the temperature warmed considerably), the Buck Hunting Game, long walks on the beach, go-karts, bumper cars, Mexican food (not NEARLY as good as real Mexican food but at his treat I wasn't going to complain), and time with my family. My little cousin Lauren is just getting old enough that she remembers me and playing with her is such a treat. I love finally having a cousin (two, counting Seth.) It was a fun break from daily living but I'm ready to stay home for a while.
Now that all of my travels have been elaborated upon I briefly considered delving into my summer reading and movie plans but decided against it. For now, travels recounted will suffice. Maybe I'll do some movie/book stuff tomorrow. Who knows! I love summer.
June 11th, 2010:
I graduated from high school. Commencement was satisfying, if a bit awkward. 31 psudeohomeschooled students who made no pretense of knowing each other. Outfits which ranged from prom-worthy gowns to jeans and a t-shirt. Blissfully short speeches (including my commencement address.) Agonizingly long slideshow. Hideous blue gowns. Unique and admittedly touching actual graduation ceremony. Old friends, family, cheesecake. Hurry home and crash.
June 12th - June 19th 2010: NFL Nationals
3:30am up and leaving for Nationals!
Nationals was definitely an interesting tournament. It was bittersweet because it was my very last high school forensics competition and quite possibly my last forensics competition ever because the odds of me in college debate are shaping up to be pretty slim. It was slightly odd as well, because the event I qualified in (DX) I had only done three times before as a joke and had never actually received a ballot or watched another competitor so I pretty much had no idea what I was doing. However, I ended up just really savoring the opportunity and concentrated instead on making the most of the experience as opposed to trying to be competitive. Honestly I am disappointed with how I ended up doing overall for my final Nationals, but I was proud of my record in DX (my cumulative scores was 40 and they broke at 27 so not all that bad. My round ranks were: 4,2,4,2,3,3 which were the best in DX (and extemp in general sans Mitch Murdock) from WA and also incredibly respectable for someone as inexperienced in the event as I.) Supplemental events were where I really started to unravel. I was getting sick on Wednesday and while my first two (guaranteed) rounds of EC were the absolute best EC speeches I'd ever given the later two sucked and I was eliminated painfully early. In fact I was feeling so sick I skipped my consolation event altogether on Thursday and instead used the morning and afternoon to rest and recharge. Many of my friends were incredibly successful at Nationals, though, and I am so so proud of them all. Seeing Kansas City and experiencing my first club (Jardine's) was also a fun experience.
June 29th - July 4th 2010: Club Rust
Club Rust contrasted Nationals in many ways. Accommodations, weather (no humidity :D), purpose, etc. Rancho La Paloma is, in your author's humble opinion, one of the most beautiful places on earth. It is so completely relaxing and peaceful and I look forward to going back again and again for the rest of my able-bodied life. The food was incredible as only authentic Mexican food can be, I felt useful and (somewhat) more competent on the worksite and again made wonderful new friends while rekindling old ones. I got to practice my Spanish a little and made friends with the two neighbor girls helping on our house - Miriam and Liz. The last day they went around and had each person from our house write on their shirts, then asked me if they could write on mine. I soaked my shirt in vinegar and hope their messages stay on it forever. I am continually amazed by how much we can convey when languages don't match. It was almost more of a language bridge than a language barrier. I pounded nails on the latrine roof with Erika and Jorge, mudded drywall with Miriam, and (at her insistence) recited the alphabet and counted to 100 in both languages with Liz. In addition, I renewed engagement vows, got engaged a few more times, and even became married in the back of the bus early one morning on the way to the worksite. I love Club Rust not only because what it holds - lifelong friends, relaxation, beauty, delicious food, cold showers - but also because of why - bringing Christ and stability to a region ravaged by poverty, American greed, and the drug war one house and family at a time.
July 9th-July 11th: Long Beach
On a spur-of-the-moment weekend vacation the Herman side of my family made the trek down to Long Beach at the treat of my Uncle Jeff. We enjoyed a freezing pool (although once we discovered the root of its polar temperature - a hose spewing freezing water into the pool - and shut it off the temperature warmed considerably), the Buck Hunting Game, long walks on the beach, go-karts, bumper cars, Mexican food (not NEARLY as good as real Mexican food but at his treat I wasn't going to complain), and time with my family. My little cousin Lauren is just getting old enough that she remembers me and playing with her is such a treat. I love finally having a cousin (two, counting Seth.) It was a fun break from daily living but I'm ready to stay home for a while.
Now that all of my travels have been elaborated upon I briefly considered delving into my summer reading and movie plans but decided against it. For now, travels recounted will suffice. Maybe I'll do some movie/book stuff tomorrow. Who knows! I love summer.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
A whole lot can change in six days
It's June! So why is it raining, cloudy, and cold?
At times I feel like I'm fighting a losing battle against the lethargic northwest weather. It can't be bothered enough to get really hot or really cold so it just kind of clouds over and leaks.
Thanks a lot.
However, in brighter news I just finished my final English research paper which incidentally happens to be the final English paper to the final undergraduate English class I'll ever have to take. Good riddance. I am celebrating this joyous occasion with a momentary break which I'm using to post on my blog. Now all I have left in the quarter is my oral defense of paper, possible psych final, golf paper, and my STUPID HATEFUL SPANISH ORAL FINAL. 7-14 minute presentation on (for me) Bolivian wind instruments as well as Bolivian history and geography all in Spanish and all memorized. My teacher changed my assignment at the last minute which is why I'm presenting on something as boring as Bolivian wind instruments. I was going to talk about Spanish card games (did you know there is a separate Spanish set of playing cards?) and board games but...whatever. I'm done complaining.
This week is a big week for me. Although one stalker commented on my apparently distasteful use of lists, I resent those implications and present another list:
Michelle's Final Week of High School:
Monday -
- English
- Golf
- Research Spanish like Hell
- Spanish class with Final preparations
- Frisbee practice?
Tuesday -
- English
- Research Spanish like Hell
- Debate in which I research like Hell and begin memorizing my expos
Wednesday -
- English Oral Defense of Paper
- Golf (turn in paper)
- Research & Prep Spanish Oral like Hell
- Give Spanish Oral Presentation (like Hell?)
- YFL?
Thursday -
- Turn in English Research Paper
- Debate which includes any final, frantic research and expos memorization
- First Frisbee Game
- Pack for Nationals
Friday -
- Continue packing for Nationals
- Finish up any last minute school assignments that teachers random assign
- Graduation preparation
- Graduation
- No party
Saturday -
- 5am at airport
- 7am LEAVE
- 4:30 arrive in Kansas City
- 7 Jazz Club Reservations!!
The next week will be completely and utterly full of debate. Sunday is registration/service project/site seeing then basically from 6am Monday morning to about 6 or 7pm Thursday night or sometime Friday afternoon if I make finals, non-stop competition. When I'm not competing I'm preparing and when I'm neither competing nor preparing I'm catching a precious few hours of sleep. Although Ali and I have concocted an ambitious plan to watch a classic horror movie each night we're at Nationals so the sleep part might not actually happen.
My schedule for this coming week also fails to mention my necessary trip to the mall to get my ears pierced and get some last minute clothes for graduation and nationals as well as setting up my interview for ElderHouse NW (local Americorps site...fingers crossed)
However, in the midst of the craziness I still find time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, as should you: http://xkcd.com/64/
At times I feel like I'm fighting a losing battle against the lethargic northwest weather. It can't be bothered enough to get really hot or really cold so it just kind of clouds over and leaks.
Thanks a lot.
However, in brighter news I just finished my final English research paper which incidentally happens to be the final English paper to the final undergraduate English class I'll ever have to take. Good riddance. I am celebrating this joyous occasion with a momentary break which I'm using to post on my blog. Now all I have left in the quarter is my oral defense of paper, possible psych final, golf paper, and my STUPID HATEFUL SPANISH ORAL FINAL. 7-14 minute presentation on (for me) Bolivian wind instruments as well as Bolivian history and geography all in Spanish and all memorized. My teacher changed my assignment at the last minute which is why I'm presenting on something as boring as Bolivian wind instruments. I was going to talk about Spanish card games (did you know there is a separate Spanish set of playing cards?) and board games but...whatever. I'm done complaining.
This week is a big week for me. Although one stalker commented on my apparently distasteful use of lists, I resent those implications and present another list:
Michelle's Final Week of High School:
Monday -
- English
- Golf
- Research Spanish like Hell
- Spanish class with Final preparations
- Frisbee practice?
Tuesday -
- English
- Research Spanish like Hell
- Debate in which I research like Hell and begin memorizing my expos
Wednesday -
- English Oral Defense of Paper
- Golf (turn in paper)
- Research & Prep Spanish Oral like Hell
- Give Spanish Oral Presentation (like Hell?)
- YFL?
Thursday -
- Turn in English Research Paper
- Debate which includes any final, frantic research and expos memorization
- First Frisbee Game
- Pack for Nationals
Friday -
- Continue packing for Nationals
- Finish up any last minute school assignments that teachers random assign
- Graduation preparation
- Graduation
- No party
Saturday -
- 5am at airport
- 7am LEAVE
- 4:30 arrive in Kansas City
- 7 Jazz Club Reservations!!
The next week will be completely and utterly full of debate. Sunday is registration/service project/site seeing then basically from 6am Monday morning to about 6 or 7pm Thursday night or sometime Friday afternoon if I make finals, non-stop competition. When I'm not competing I'm preparing and when I'm neither competing nor preparing I'm catching a precious few hours of sleep. Although Ali and I have concocted an ambitious plan to watch a classic horror movie each night we're at Nationals so the sleep part might not actually happen.
My schedule for this coming week also fails to mention my necessary trip to the mall to get my ears pierced and get some last minute clothes for graduation and nationals as well as setting up my interview for ElderHouse NW (local Americorps site...fingers crossed)
However, in the midst of the craziness I still find time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, as should you: http://xkcd.com/64/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)