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Posted on July 16th, 2007 by Olivia.
Categories: Et Cetera.
Dudes Long Time No Blog
Today was so Monday at the office. It was pretty much crazy! I guess I don’t mind when it’s so busy for one reason: the day goes faster.
But I really shouldn’t wish my time away. Recently I heard my younger sister say something to the effect of, “I wish I didn’t ever have to go back to school.” I remember those days, when I wished it would be summer forever. Of course, today I wish I could go back and find those days again. I would like to try harder, read more, write more, learn more.
I learned a new word: indicium. Plural indicia. I like it because it’s fun to say. I don’t like it because it starts with a vowel.
~
Every summer our church hosts a children’s camp in West Milton (OH). The teenagers/young adults in our church group volunteer for kitchen cleanup, bathroom patrol, songs, skits, games, et cetera, for the kids. We always have a blast at Camp Dove!
This year one of the classes is set in StoryBookLand, where Humpty Dumpty and the Big Bad Wolf move and speak and teach lessons. (not necessarily on the same day – that would be kind of confusing) My brother and I have been cast as Raggedy Andy and Raggedy Ann (respectively). We’re going in the morning to try on some costumes.
I’ll have to post FYA pictures after camp …
Here’s the story I got … “Gruelle created Raggedy Ann for his daughter, Marcella, when she brought him an old hand-made rag doll and he drew a face on it. From his bookshelf, he pulled a book of poems by James Whitcomb Riley, and combined the names of two poems, ‘The Raggedy Man’ and ‘Little Orphan Annie.’ He said, ‘Why don’t we call her Raggedy Ann?’
Marcella died at age 13 after being vaccinated at school for smallpox without her parents’ consent. Authorities blamed a heart defect, but her parents blamed the vaccination. Gruelle became an opponent of vaccination, and the Raggedy Ann doll was used as a symbol by the anti-vaccination movement.”
I just thought that was so touching… *sniff sniff tear*
Long Live the Raggedys
Liv
5 comments.
Posted on June 19th, 2007 by Olivia.
Categories: Et Cetera.
The media has given quite a bit of attention to this brand new museum. And for good reason. It’s a great experience.
I went today with my family. The place is huge! [60,000 square feet] We were there for about five hours. [wear comfortable shoes] Walking through the museum, we viewed over 150 exhibits, and watched several small theater presentations. Moving, “speaking” wax figures along the way illustrated Bible stories. The video presentations used scientific fact and special effects to answer familiar questions and to prove Biblical truths.
Some of them reminded me of the Physical Geology class I took last semester. *nostalgia*sniffles* 
This is Jacob and something scary looking.
It was puckering up … I just couldn’t help it!
So we were walking through the rooms and halls of the museum, around the Garden of Eden exhibits. I was walking a bit ahead of the group, into a dark tunnel. I looked to my left, and through a glass, and into the eyes of an EVIL looking serpent!
It scared me so much that I screamed! My younger sister heard me scream, so SHE screamed! I was embarrassed. But it was scary.
This summer is going by WAY too quickly!
HELP!
Liv
23 comments.
Posted on June 10th, 2007 by Olivia.
Categories: Et Cetera, My Music, School and Such.
When I registered for Spring 2007 at IUE, I planned on taking four basic classes. I had already completed the expected Intro to Computers, Elementary Composition, Public Speaking, and (online) History. Spring rolled around and I was ready for the next set of general requirements. What I ended up with was this:
Sure, I play the piano here and there. Love to sing. Appreciate several different genres. It wasn’t even Music for the Musically Inclined. Shoot, anyone can listen to music. I wasn’t a music major. In fact, at the time I hadn’t even declared a major. But it was offered at the right time on the right day, and it wasn’t trigonometry or environmental science.
Music for the Listener?
Bring it on.
I’m sure that I was not the only one surprised by Chris Rogan. She was an attractive, professional pianist, and she was for real. She was cool with us, but she didn’t mess around. We found out pretty soon that we would be listening to music – with our ears, eyes, fingers, textbooks, pencils, CDs, movies, concerts. Chris Rogan filled that classroom with so much music that we couldn’t help but breathe it. We listened to music, and we diagramed, charted, outlined, and discussed music.
At first I loved it. Then I hated it. Then I wished I would have loved it the whole semester. Then I was sorry to leave passionate, sarcastic, colorful Chris Rogan. After I took the final exam, I spoke with her for a while, and she asked me to keep her posted on my future.
Here is a picture of my tall friend Bill and I on the day of our presentations. I chose Frank Sinatra and Bill (obviously) chose Johnny Cash.
I officially decided to attempt a degree in linguistics, one of the things I have always wanted to study. My good intentions are to study over the summer, so I picked up several books from the library that said Linguistics somewhere in the title. Upon thumbing through the one I had already dubbed my favorite (the one that looked the least like an encyclopedia), I read this paragraph:
“Our type of linguist is perhaps best likened to a musicologist. A musicologist could analyze a piano concerto by pointing out the theme and variations, harmony and counterpoint. But such a person need not actually play the concerto, a task left to the concert pianist. Music theory bears the same relation to actual music as linguistics does to language.”
I immediately sent an email to Chris. I told her, “whether or not I can outline a fugue or name all the instruments in the brass family, I won’t say. But Music for the Listener got my analytical wheels turning.” In that class, I got a lot of practice dissecting and closely examining music. I’m sure the logical skills we exercised will help me in my linguistic studies.
THE END *sniffles*
Happy ending? Well, I haven’t finished school yet. But it was encouraging to find that Music for the Listener, surprising as it was, helped me more than I thought it did.
Similar situation? Favorite professor? Share your story!
Liv
11 comments.
Posted on May 28th, 2007 by Olivia.
Categories: Et Cetera, School and Such.
** stereotype
Well!
School is Out and Summer is In!
…unless you’re taking summer classes. Pah! I’m going to take a breather for a couple months, but I’m sure I’ll be ready to jump into my sophomore year by the time August rolls around!
Someone told me today that I am “very emotional”. I agreed with him only because I will admit to being dramatic, on occasion. Of course, all women are emotional. *rolls eyes* I detest stereotypes. Especially when I’m in one.
All devils carry tridents, all blondes are ditzy, and all teenagers love rock’n'roll. Owls are wise, sloths are lazy, and every dog is a man’s best friend.
Alfred Hitchcock said, “I am a typed director. If I made Cinderella, the audience would immediately be looking for a body in the coach.”
Aldous Huxley said, “To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.”
Apparently, the stereotype for college kids is this: during the week their free time is spent playing video games, and on the weekends they all drink and party.
In an online article, William Christenson says, “I want to know if these stereotypes exist because this is the way most college students really are, or if college students model themselves after the stereotype. I am inclined to think that the latter is true. Because of the image of college students portrayed by pop culture and the media, students choose to act and look a certain way.”
Check it out! It’s an interesting article, and not very long.
So what do you think? Which came first, the stereotype, or the stereotyped?
Let the comments begin.
Liv
12 comments.
Posted on May 15th, 2007 by Olivia.
Categories: Et Cetera.
Long Time No Blog!
The highlight of this year, and possibly my life, happened in Ft. Wayne, Indiana a couple weeks ago. I and a few friends went to a David Copperfield show. We had awesome seats in the balcony, and the show was amazing! But the best part didn’t involve props, lights, smoke, or sleight of hand. It was AFTER the show when we MET the man, THE David Copperfield! My friend had pulled some strings, talked to some people, made some connections. Wow! I felt like a million dollars! I would put up a picture of us, but of course, my camera was without batteries. We DID get a picture with Copperfield though. I promise.
Another trip I took recently was not quite as far away and definitely not as notable as the one above, but I shall note it anyways. For the first time, I visited Sinclair Community College. My friend Aubrey was the hostess and tour guide, and Nathan, Brant, and Brittany were the guest stars. I courageously wore my favorite IU tee, but thankfully I escaped any violence and discrimination it may have attracted.
The last assignment I had to complete for this semester was something unique. I was told to choose any creative attempt as a final project for my online theatre class. I decided to write a play! In a way, it was a tribute to my late maternal grandfather. It turned out rather well, actually! Copies are available upon request at a nominal charge of $50.00.
*flashes a magical smile and disappears as lightning strikes*
Liv
11 comments.
Posted on April 21st, 2007 by Olivia.
Categories: Et Cetera, School and Such.
Today I participated in the Walk for Life 2007!
Why?
We had a great time! There were so many good things about it. We were saving lives, we had gorgeous weather, my best friends were there, we were getting exercise, I got a Walk for Life 2007 tee shirt, I won a door prize, and they served donuts and granola bars and bananas and snow cones and popcorn and cotton candy! I’m excited for the next one already! If anyone would like more information about the Walks scheduled or the local pregnancy centers, let me know!
It’s Crunch Time again! Time to cut out the play time (and sleep time) (and shop time) (but not eat time). Overtime Geology Study. Overtime Writing Papers and Plays. Overtime reading American Literature.
So don’t forget your basic food groups, students! I am by no means a “health nut”, but we all realize the value of a nutritious diet! You know what I’m talking about. How would we ever make it through those lonely nights of typing and clicking and reading and writing without the right support, stimulants, snacks?!
Power Food! Coke and Doritos and M&Ms! Stack ‘em up wherever your workstation is. Our grades are worth it. Our careers. Our lives.
I’m exhausted just thinking about the next few weeks.
I think I need a power nap …
Liv
14 comments.
Posted on April 10th, 2007 by Olivia.
Categories: Et Cetera, School and Such.
After my music appreciation class yesterday, I went to Wendy’s for some lunch. I’m now in the habit of ordering a cup of mandarin oranges with my sandwich or nuggets. After I had eaten, I read a few stories for my American Literature class. Nearly halfway through O’Connor’s Good Country People, I read something that made me forget about mandarin oranges (briefly).
The text said, “… working like the ugly sweating Vulcan who stayed in the furnace and to whom, presumably, the goddess had to come when called”. The footnote explained, “Vulcan was the Greek god of fire whom Venus, goddess of love, “presumably” obeyed as her consort”.
I’ve always been mildly interested in Greek or Roman mythology. Apparently, if Vulcan was ever to summon Venus to his dark pit, she was obligated to meet his demands. I mentioned the footnote to a friend of mine. I told him that I don’t believe Vulcan ever would summon Venus.
(Often enough, I make outrageous blanket statements to spark conversation ((or debate)) but in this case, I really wasn’t educated enough on the subject to do so.)
His response was, “Well, from what I can see…there are a few differences of opinion as to what their relationship was. Some say that Venus was his wife, while others maintain that she was more of a ‘mistress’ to him. Some might say that whether or not he would summon her and whether or not she would obey would hinge on that.” True enough.
In a later conversation, he asked me about my bold statement. In a great flash of inspiration, I rattled off an answer: “The only control Vulcan has over Venus is to command her presence. What’s he going to do after that? Vulcan must know that the power of love is stronger than the power of fire. He could say Venus, thou goddess, I command thee to come hither, but once she is there, she is not [in any large way] at his mercy.”
I don’t know about the intricacies of their relationship, but I don’t think they even look well together. I highly recommend the cup of mandarin oranges. Get your fruit for the day for under a dollar.
All who agree, join me in proclamation — FOR THE LOVE OF ORANGE!
Liv
21 comments.
Posted on April 1st, 2007 by Olivia.
Categories: Et Cetera, School and Such.
Making IT Happen 2007
… was great!
A large crowd filled the White Water Hall Lobby the entire time. There were several prize drawings. Shout Out to my friend Nathan Klein, who won a router!
I didn’t win anything (drat) but holding a ticket made me feel special (woot). I had to meet with *Zak and *Aaron to discuss the presentation, so Zak and I both left our tickets with someone in the lobby.
(I wrote on the back of my ticket, to avoid confusion)
I also decided to keep it forever and ever. For memory’s sake. Because mine is horrible.
Special Thanks to JOE’S PIZZA for catering a ton of cheesy goodness!
Spring Break is over, and Crunch Time is here. This is the time to take advantage of the free services in Springwood Hall. Use of the Writing Lab, Math Lab, and Reading Lab has been statistically proven to raise grades, sometimes an entire letter difference.
Good luck, students!
Liv
* These are great friends of mine from the IT department. I met Zak last semester in Public Speaking class, and I met Aaron through the blog. Thanks guys, for all your help!
9 comments.
Posted on March 19th, 2007 by Olivia.
Categories: Et Cetera, My Music, My Pad, School and Such.
“I feel like a million dollars!”
I told my dad, and he said to mom, “Let’s cash her in, quick!”
Yeah. I’m underappreciated.
But I was stoked. Yes, it was another concert. I love music, so? This was Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. They happen to be the best jazz musicians, and he the best known trumpet player in the world! Furthermore, we had the best seats in the auditorium. I think, anyways. Center of the center, level with the stage.
It occurred to me during this program that jazz is a genre that is felt as much as it is heard. I loved that the musicians were so … I don’t know, human … laughing and talking between and even during numbers! I wouldn’t have gone, or even known that the legendary Wynton Marsalis was coming to Richmond – if I hadn’t taken this music appreciation class at IUE. The instructor has offered my class several opportunities to attend plays, symphony, and orchestra concerts.
I got a digital camera for Christmas 2005. I’ve tried to use it fairly often. Kaitlin has tried even more often. I’ve put ‘HER OWN digital camera’ on Christmas List 2007. So we were playing around with it at home last night… mostly silly pictures.
Good times… we really look pretty cool. And just a little bit mean. Mwahaha!
BTW, if you love jazz, you should hear Jane Monheit sing “Hit the Road to Dreamland” and “Love me or Leave Me” and “I’m Through With Love” and “No More Blues” and … shoot, buy the album.
Smiles,
Liv
12 comments.
Posted on March 14th, 2007 by Olivia.
Categories: Et Cetera, My Pad, School and Such.
-I DON’ CARE WHO Y’AR, THA’S FUNNY RIGHT THERE-
I have an older sister and a younger brother and sister. When we were fun-loving kids, we would often respond to [knock-knock] jokes with a deadpan “HARDY-HAR-HAR, so funny I forgot to laugh”. Of course, this classic one-liner only brought more laughter.
My younger sister is now twelve years old and, at times, quite witty. Here are some things Kaitlin has amused us with over the past few months…
Kaitlin: “Liv, you think you’re directionally disordered. I just took my [cereal] bowl to the bathroom to put it in the sink.”
Kaitlin on the messy quality of Steak’n’Shake’s burgers: “I still had ketchup on my arm the next day.”
(On biscuits)
Dad: “Kate, I think those are ready to consume.”
Kaitlin: “Go ahead, I think I’ll eat mine.”
On the Christmas story:
Jacob did correct her on one translation. “Katie, they say “sore afraid”, not “fraid half to death”.
Liv: “If my kids are going to be like me, I don’t want any.”
Kaitlin: “Then you’d better change your ways. Do unto your parents as you would have your kids do unto you.”
My mom is always out to have a good time. She sent me an email recently that made smile…
“I had a feeling yoo wood find someone to play with yoo! Btw…I can’t yoose that one key…something needs fixed on the keyboard…so that is why I have spelled some things kind of different…can’t type f_nny!
Congrats to yoo!
Love yoo!
Mom”
Last semester I took a history class online. We had a great professor and a great class! There were two typos that caught my attention. (The offender will remain anonymous.) One was meant to be Pope Paul, but turned out to be Pop Paul. In another instance, Martin Luther became Martian Luther.
One of my favorite IUE IT Nerds and I were discussing life (yes, computer geeks discuss life). He said something that I thought was worth taking down as a [male] quote: “i think you’ll find that most guys are the mentally incompetent kind”.
Come on, life is funny! Okay, I may be easily amused… but just try to look for the laugh! At home, work, or school.
It’s there!
-LOL-
Liv
16 comments.
