Adventures in Unemployment

Ha! I said I would blog everyday of unemployment... and here it is, Day 3 and not a peep out of me... ooops. 


This post is a pre-unemployment list of the things I want to do while I am unemployed.  The best advice I got about unemployment was to enjoy the time off, because sometimes we forget to see the blessings in the hardships we face, and to stay busy! Stay busy for your own sanity and stay busy because when I (inevitably, right?) go back to work, I will be remorseful if I wasted the opportunity to do some fun things and get some things accomplished.

So, first I made a list of things I want to do, in general:

1. Make homemade yogurt. 
Thanks to our Iowegian friends for giving me the skinny on how to successfully make my own yogurt.  I am pretty excited to try this out!


2. Homemade bread. 
So many people I know make their own bread, and yet every time I look online for a recipe I get totally daunted.  Also, how do you keep a giant lump of dough away from a very curious cat while it rises? I can just imagine all the floury cat prints... My parents have a breadmaker in their basement. Maybe that will be the route to homemade bread I take.

3. Crochet slippers.
I crocheted one. Not sure how I feel about it. So I made a scarf instead.  Now I have a blister from crocheting. I am not sure how much leverage this little goal is going to get.

4. Open Courseware.
There are a bunch of schools (Yale, MIT, Johns Hopkins, etc.) that offer open courseware.  There is no credit, no classroom, no assignments, no grades.  But you do get to see the lectures and sometimes read the course material online, sort of as if you were taking the class. I totally love to learn and this is right up my alley.

5. Design and order Christmas cards.
Done! And they are darling, I think.

6. Paintings.
I have several requests for paintings-- thanks, friends, for liking my stuff!


7. Free museums.
I love a good museum.  I even sometimes love a mediocre museum.  In the Cities, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts is free every day (yay! art as a public good! love love love), the Walker Art Center is free on Thursday nights, and there are a handful of museums that are free or only like $2 admission.  Love.

Unfortunately, lots of places are only open during business hours and then the weekends are filled with sticky-fingered children and women (poorly) driving strollers into my shins or the backs of my knees. It might be very nice and relaxing to take in a museum on a Tuesday afternoon, you know?


8. Actually sleep 7-10 hours per night.
Who can remember the last time they got that much sleep for, say, 3 days in a row? Other than times I have been sick (in which I slept around 19 hours a day), I don't know that I have gotten a good 8 hour night's sleep in a long time.  I look forward to meeting with you, deep sleep and REM cycle.  I hear you guys are wonderful.

9. Volunteer.
Having just moved to my community, I have been actually wanting to find a volunteer opportunity for a while. Now is the perfect time to put some more effort into finding a place that can use me.

10. Get a library card.
Can you believe I don't have a library card in my county? And I drive by TWO public libraries all the time. Ridiculous.


In addition to some of the bigger things I want to do, I am also trying to take this opportunity to start some good habits. So there is a list of things to do every day.

1. Make the bed.
My dad's cousin always had the best excuse for not making the bed: "It was so comfortable when I got out of bed, why would I want to mess that all up by making it?!"

2. Do all the dishes.
One of my favorite household tasks to neglect. Well, I am sick of running out of forks.

3. Spend no less than 90 minutes doing something that contributes to securing employment.
This isn't vacation, after all.

4. One-woman dance party.
What's better than grooving any way you want, to any music you want? Nothing.

5. Spend no less than 20 minutes contributing to the organization and cleanliness of the house. Sweep, dust, rearrange, whatever.
I love to make a mess and then just leave it. My house is a petri dish of unfinished projects.  Even cleaning projects get halted before they are done.  Just ask my why my vacuum has been in the dining room for 2 days.

6. Go outside.
I love my apartment, I really do, but if I don't go outside I will go crazy. Even if I just hobble down the street and back in, I am going outside every day.

Okay everyone, wish me luck. Luck that this is not a very long stretch of unemployment and luck that I survive it with all my mental faculties in tact.

The First 24 Hours

There is a more insightful blog post about completing my first marathon a-brewin'. But considering my current physical and mental state, you get this instead.


If you follow me on Facebook and Twitter, you have seen a gazillion posts on the same topic.  But if you don't (you should)...

I finished my first marathon yesterday! 


You should do a victory dance for me, because I can hardly move.

Why can I hardly move, you ask?
1. Two blisters the size of house cats and 3 more the size of grapefruits.
2. All the skin on my feet is inexplicably peeling off.
3. General muscle soreness from my belly-button down as well as entirely up my spine.
4. A suspected stress fracture. Or heinous heinous shin splints. To be physician confirmed tomorrow.

Here are my observations from the first 24 hours, post-marathon:

1. I am STARVING but preparing food feels like so much work that I lose interest.  And, once I do finally make something, I can eat about 4 ounces of food at a time and then I am stuffed. For example, I only ate 3 spoonfuls of Ben & Jerry's Cookie Dough ice cream before putting it back. 3 spoonfuls?! Unheard of.

2. Waking up every 2 hours throughout the night to stretch and walk is annoying, but probably not as annoying as being frozen in my bed would have been.

3. I don't think I will ever feel hydrated again. Ever.

4. Blister-specific Band-Aids are all entirely too small. Dear Johnson + Johnson, the blister has at least doubled the size of my toe. Please make an appropriate bandage. xoxo, Katie


5. The size of a Target store grows exponentially in relation to the amount of pain you are in.

6. IcyHot (and I have complained about this before): not even remotely icy enough to soothe the pain, too damn hot to relax anything. Too. Damn.  Hot.

7. Also, on the topic of IcyHot, my whole house smells like it. Every single surface. It's like a mix of old people and toothpaste. Yuck.

8. I thought this day would be ultra-nice and relaxing, and it has been to a point. But it has also been like being at home sick, except I feel well enough to do things, but I can't really physically do them due to the aforementioned menagerie of maladies.

9. The internet is a limited place. And there is only so much you can do before you get bored. However, the one thing that never gets boring? Watching this: http://www.mtecresults.com/runner/videoResults?rid=27125&race=507

Click that link. Click it. Click it click it click it click it. Click. IT. So cool.

10. One last complaint: Ice packs take a LIFETIME to get frozen in the freezer... but about 20 minutes to get warm on my leg.  One human could not possibly own an adequate number.

On a more serious note, thanks to my family and friends who supported me at the race, through a Facebook post, an email, a Tweet, or a in text.  You. Are. Awesome! Lotsa lotsa love to you!

25 Things of Importance from My 25th Year

I kicked off the 25th year by going to the Red Bull Flugtag in Saint Paul.  Grown adults, about 6-8 per team, build falling flying machines and throw them into fly them over the Mississippi river.  Very fantastic way to celebrate one's birthday!

Brewhouse Triathlon in Duluth, MN.  This trip also included my first time swimming in Lake Superior and a chance to see the beautiful tall ships in a special event in the Duluth Harbor. 

The Muddy Buddy Race, where I learned that ski slopes are for skiing and mountain bikes are heavy.

A pop/rock concert with my grandma at the Target Center (American Idol on Tour).

Two lovely camping trips to the North Shore with two lovely friends, one of which who has a gift for cooking over a fire.

A trip to our nation's capitol, which I think should be called the City of Learning.  You cannot possibly be seeing Washington, DC right if you do not learn something.  Also got to see an exhibit by one of my favorite contemporary American artists, Chuck Close.

Defended my Masters thesis on a sunny Tuesday afternoon.

(So I am using my calendar to make sure I don't miss any important events) I wrote "Christmas Tree Extravaganza" on a weekend in December and at first couldn't figure out what on earth that meant.  But then I remembered: it means even as an adult, there is something very safe and a bit magical about getting to go to the home where you grew up, even if it is only 15 miles from your current home.

Right away into the new year I met someone who weekly reminds me to 'chill out,' taught me to play frisbee golf, also has good taste in beer, tells wonderful stories from around the world, routinely emails me "must hear this" music, and provides a lot of perspective when things feel chaotic.

The ladies of the family took a clay tiles class.  The lesson? Canvas and paint just makes more sense to me, but I did walk away with at least one awesome coaster and a cool trivet.

Had an article I wrote about going to ASA Fastpitch Nationals as a young teenager published in the ASA Softball magazine.

Weekend trip to Fort Myers, Florida to watch Twins Spring Training, hang out with two fabulous ladies, and eat delicious seafood at quirky restaurants.

Moved into my first "on my own" apartment in a quiet Saint Paul neighborhood.  Quickly discovered how expensive that is. 

Celebrated Mom's first 5K finish at the Get in Gear 5K at Minnehaha Park!

Toured local brewery, Surly, and fell in love with their story (I was already in love with the beer).

Bought a kitty.  Rescued a kitty.  I already can't remember what my home was like before he walked under my feet, meowed constantly, and left little bits of shredded [fill in with: paper, cardboard, styrofoam, flowers, spider plant]. 

Celebrated the graduation of 2 lawyers, a dentist, and a physical therapist.  My friends are freakishly smart.

Traveled to Decorah, IA for good beer and a lot of potato salad, good friends, a trombone quartet in a farm garage (as deer ran across the field- no kidding!), and 5 people in a tent.  Oh, and a dog the size of a horse. 

A long and trying few weeks responding to the North Minneapolis Tornado.  Today, I am proud to have been a small piece of the puzzle that helped bring the needed resources to those affected and hopefully in the coming months we will see a stronger Northside. 

Personal best time at the Buffalo Triathlon. Thank you, less hilly bike course!

Hung my first art show at the Minneapolis Skyway Senior Center.  Apparently drew a lot of opinions from some of Minneapolis's most experienced citizens...

Went to several Twins games (finally seeing Target Field) but the highlight had to be watching one from a suite.  Nothing makes me a fan like free food and cushy seats.

Enjoyed the Ordway's production of "Guys and Dolls" with Mom and Kim for Mother's Day/Kim's birthday.

Accepted and sponsored to present my work at a national summit in Atlanta, GA.

Started selling artwork on Etsy.  Sold 2 so far, although only to people I know...

It's been a good year.  I am feeling ready to head into the next quarter century!

One (or One Hundred) Day(s) At a Time

I love the feeling I get when I am anticipating something.  At first I hated admitting that because, reading between the lines I thought it really said "I am always waiting for something better."  But I don't think that's true.  I genuinely enjoy the little shiver of excitement that runs up my spine and makes my shoulders quiver and hearing my voice get an octave higher and my speech adopt a hurried cadence when I talk about all the things I am looking forward to. 

There is no better way to build anticipation than a solid, reliable countdown.  Lately, there has been so much going on, I have had several things to be excited about at once (this is lovely).  I was struggling, however, with knowing how excited I could/should be in general and, in turn, how excited I could/should be about a single event.  So I invented the Master Countdown! It. Is. Awesome.*

2 days until I join Mom on her very first 5K run (which will go fabulous, so stop worrying, Mom)

2 days until Minneapolis Outdoor Farmers Markets open (and I think St. Paul too!) I love farmers markets.  I love the fresh produce, I can't wait to buy big beautiful boquets of flowers for 5 dollars, I long for a delicious cup of coffee and a full bag of potatoes with bits of the earth still clinging to their rounded edges. 

3 days to getting keys to independence my new apartment.

9 days until I move into my new place (and then get to go on a Surly Brewery Tour!)

15 days until the only dentist I will ever like gets her degree.  It has been fun to be a friend and roommate to her while she has worked so diligently at a dream she first had when she was no more than 8 years old.

17 days until my longest time friend finishes her law degree.  This will (hopefully) be a sweet sweet finish to a very arduous but well-fought journey for this girl.  She deserves to be so very proud of herself.

19 days until the Twin Cities American Red Cross Heroes Award.  I love almost everything about the Red Cross: blood donation, disaster relief, lifesaving skills education.  All of it.  Also, getting to work there for 6 months was incredible.  So, anytime I can support them, I will.  All the sweeter that last year my very own dad won the Community Hero award.

22 days until this guy that I am kind of dating head over heels for finishes his law degree. Thankfully this will not be the end of discussions on the CISG.**  Phew!

29 days until I make a willing trip to visit the state of Iowa?! I know...

39 days until my 3rd running of the Buffalo Triathlon.  Year 1 I was panicked/frightened.  Year 2 I was unprepared and overwhelmed in life in general.  Year 3? So ready, baby.

59 days until Mom, Kim, and I see Guys and Dolls at the Ordway for Mother's Day/Kim's birthday.  PS: I think the seats we got are awesome.  And thus the daughter/kid sister that picked them is probably also awesome... just sayin'.

88 days until I officially hit the quarter-century mark.  So far, my 25th year has been challenging/beautiful/busy/expensive.

94 days until a great college friend's wedding to a beautiful young woman.  What I can't figure out is why, if he lives in Medford, Oregon, he is getting married in Dickinson, North Dakota.  It makes no sense to me.

157 days until I die trying to run a marathon.  I am running (?) the 30th annual Twin Cities Marathon.  You should come cheer me on.  I would plan on cheering someplace between the Start and Mile 10... I don't know if I will make it any further than that.


*And of course, it is outdated by tomorrow. 
**Convention of International Sale of Goods.  Or maybe the Convention on the Contracts of International Sale of Goods? Well, no... that would be the CCISG or the hipper C2ISG (or even 2CISG).

Reverb 11: April

What's blossoming?

It's hard to think of anything blossoming in the literal sense while Minnesota impatiently awaits Spring's arrival (for example, I had to use an ice scraper this morning. In April. Unreal).

But many other things are blossoming this time of year and I have been awaiting them with as much anticipation as the warmer sun, breezy skies, and vivid landscapes of earth painted by the blooming perennials. 

Blossoming independence.  Figuring life out after grad school isn't always pleasant, and having a temporary, grant-funded position without benefits doesn't exactly help one feel any more secure in their future.  Instead, I made like a barnacle and affixed to anything and anyone I could.  Including my sister's basement, where I have been living at a reduced cost since August.  It's been good, really.  I've saved some cash, figured out my tops from bottoms, successfully navigated the student loan repayment system, and so on.  So on May 7, I am stretching my independence stride a little further and I am moving into my own apartment (you may or may not have noticed the theme of recent blog posts being somewhat entirely about said new place).  It's nothing terribly fancy, but it has that wonderful 'old, renovated building' charm.  It's small (perhaps tiny) at 500 square feet, but those will be my 500 square feet. With my stuff. And probably by May 10, my huge mess.  But! I don't have to feel guilty about my mess in my space.  Lovely. With this will come some other independences I have been meaning to do for a while, like no longer claiming my childhood home as my permanent address. 

I believe the phrase my dad used on the phone during a conversation was "putting on my big girl panties."

Blossoming opportunities.  When my current position was extended in December, I was told that the duration of the job was limited by the available funds.  This never means: "If we spend wisely we might be able to keep you for a long time."  It always means: "Every penny not spent by or on July 31 is returned to the funder and your position ceases to exist.  Forever.  Without opportunity for resurrection.  We'd love to keep you but cannot, please do not let the door hit you on the way out."  So, I was quite positive that August would find me unemployed and unable to find work and thus all of the effort I had put into my blossoming independence (see above) would fail to matter and I would once again be stalled.  But it turns out tomorrow I have a job interview with a metro county and my boss is feverishly working to see if a position can be created in our current department.  Whoa.  Now, realistically I might not be the right candidate for either position, but at least I know there is some hope. 

Blossoming creativity.  In case working, looking for new jobs, and moving weren't quite enough for me, I am also hanging my first art show in June at the UCare Minneapolis Skyway Senior Center.  So, I have been/will be working at a semi-frantic pace to complete as many paintings as possible before then which means I have had to creative with subject matter. I simply cannot hang 12 Spoonbridge and Cherry paintings in one show...

Blossoming drive and athleticism.  This is one of those tempermental blooms that are so hard to tend to.  Too much water? Unhealthy yellowing of the leaves. Not enough sun? Wilty. But while I had neglected my duties to hammer out some miles for a couple of weeks, I am back on track (I think) and the goals I have set for myself seem challenging, but potentially obtainable.  It's a tough balance to find the time to work out, and it is especially hard to tell someone that you can't make plans or have to make abbreviated plans in order to fit in a workout.  To me, it sounds like I am telling them that 45 minutes by myself on a dreadmill is more important, which isn't the case at all.  It's a means to an end, and really, that end is pretty important to me.  Whether or not it is a marathon (although I think it still is), I still have triathlons and other races to participate in and I want to do so knowing I gave the preparation everything I had.

Blossoming romance relationship whatever it is you call that feeling when someone gives you the butterflies all the time and you like to talk to them about matters of absolutely no consequence just because it's fun and you miss them when they're gone, but you're sort of over impressing them but not because you don't want to but because you're finally pretty comfortable that this is something good.  Yeah, whatever that is called, it's good.

An Interview with a Mugwump

I have this somewhat bad habit/compulsion that when I enter someone's home for the first time, I like to look at all of their stuff.  Well, not like digging through their undies or anything especially creepy, but I like to look at every travel souvenir, every family photo, each tchotchke on the shelf above the sink, every piece of art.  You can learn a lot about what people value and their tastes by looking at what they put in their home.  

Turns out, about two months ago I purchased the conversational equivalent of reading the spine of every book on someone's shelf.  A book of questions!  Which was a genius invention for people like me, who could did spend an hour 'interviewing' someone about their favorite foods and activities at the Minnesota State Fair.  We brought the book along on our trip to Florida and I learned some really neat things about people I have known for 10 years.  

So, because blogging seems more fun than packing right now and there isn't anyone here to interview, I figured you (I?) would enjoy an interview with a Mugwump.  Particularly because I know there are some new followers-- thanks!-- and I haven't done any 'About Me' list-like things in quite a while.  And because I don't want to pack.

What are things you once believed that more knowledge proved different?

I once believed my parents knew everything.  I mean, they could make a math problem out of a restaurant napkin!  They knew about all of these things that happened in the 1970s! Do you know how long ago that seemed for a Kindergartner in the early 90s?  Of course, things have changed since age 5 and  I don't believe that my parents know everything.  I know they know everything.

Are you good at answering trivia questions?

I cannot remember what I ate for breakfast, where my shoes/keys/cup of coffee went, or remember to accomplish many things without a list.  That's because my brain space is filled with trivia, particularly on current events, art, and pop culture history.  My trivia weakness is film history. I cannot identify famous people in a line up and I have seen an embarrassingly low number of films. 

Do you want an open seat next to you on an airplane? 

This question had me torn.  My first reaction was to answer as follows: An open seat?! I'd settle for more than 3 ounces of beverage and 2 peanuts, I'd be thrilled if the lady behind me would stop mining for precious gems in the seat back pocket, and I'd love if Mr. Snores-Too-Much in front of me did not lean his face back all the way into my lap.  

But that's really not a problem at all.  Would I like an open seat? Sure, it makes air travel a little more comfortable.  What I really want is for everyone on my flight to remain healthy. I want my plane to take off and land safely. In the event of an emergency, I want my chair cushion to actually float or for my oxygen mask be free of any kinks that prevent the flow of air. After that, an open seat is just a bonus.

Do you stand or walk on escalators?

Yes.  I rarely sit, squat, or dance a jig on the escalator.  I find that standing or walking, while a bit bland, is the most socially acceptable.  Also, imagine getting your bum caught between the joining stairs at the end of the ride! Ouch!

In what order do you put on your clothes? 

Undies last! (When I am feeling Superheroic)

What would you name your yacht?

This question came up in Florida, and I am still struggling.  If it were a river-traversing vessel, I would call it "Mudflat Mugwump" but this is not a very classy, elegant name.  A sea-faring vessel needs something a little more regal.  Perhaps I would name her "Lady Gray." I have no idea where that comes from, other than I am pretty sure it is a type of tea. . . Also, I would like "Yellow Submarine" but I imagine this is probably trademarked and I would prefer my hypothetical yacht not act like a submarine.  

Do you prefer summer or winter?

This question is being asked of a non-skiing Minnesotan who had their spring rudely interrupted by a rain/sleet/snow/ice-stravaganza that made traffic a nightmare and is contributing to the rampant flooding that is about to befall our beloved state.  As far as I am concerned blistering sunburns, swimsuits, fancy cocktails over ice, and rooftop or patio bars cannot happen soon enough.  Summer. 

Current Situation: Extreme Anticipation

"I've been sitting, waiting, wishing..." -- Jack Johnson

I cannot fathom why, one whole hour into the work week, I have not yet heard about the position I applied for with a metro county (which closed at 5 pm on Friday) nor have I heard about the apartment I applied for Saturday afternoon. 

I'm just kidding. Of course I understand.

But logic doesn't make me stop compulsively checking my phone in case I missed a call which is impossible because the phone is practically surgically attached to my body at all times. All times.  Logic doesn't keep me from constantly logging in to the application I submitted to see if the status has changed in the last... 5 or so minutes.  Logic isn't keeping me from excessive chair swiveling, toe tapping, pen clicking, or speaking of little except a new job, a new apartment, and a new cat (which apparently 80% of my friends will hate/be allergic to).  It doesn't keep me from replaying this worst-case scenario over and over in my mind: I do not get the apartment, my sister kicks me out, the county laughs me right out of an interview, and I end up mopping floors for $6.00/hr and returning to a windowless basement apartment in which the toilet is in the kitchen. 

My imagination gets the best of me often.  Particularly when I am stuck waiting for something.

So here I sit, trying to focus on work, and instead bouncing back and forth between worst-case scenario and daydreaming about where I will hang art in a tiny not-yet-mine apartment in St. Paul.  And pondering why no one seems to think it is appropriate to name a cat Michael...

BONUS: I was looking for a word that rhymed with 'anticipation' for the title and also came up with these other possibilities:

• Anticipation Infiltration
• Anticipation: Fire Station (only to be bested by 'Anticipation: Space Station!')
• Crustacean Anticipation
• Anticipation Mutation (this happens when you change what you are waiting for)
• Anticipation Taxation
• Anticipation Activation (you're just starting to get excited!)
• Anticipation Cancellation (I hope this does not happen to me)
• Anticipation Confirmation
• Anticipation: Population 1
• Anticipation: Taste Sensation!
• Anticipation with Speculation
• Anticipation by Experimentation
• Anticipation: Guilt by Association
• Process of Elimination Anticipation

Really, the list goes on and on... but if later you check back and find this post has been renamed Anticipation: The Space Station do not say you weren't warned.

Reverb 11: March

If March 2011 was your last month to live, how would you live it?

Honestly, if I only had 31 days to live I would not continue life as normal.  I love my job, but that's probably the first thing that would change.  And I would probably stop caring about what I ate on a daily basis.  Bring on the ice cream sundaes, the ball park hot dogs, tacos every night, and cupcakes for breakfast.  I would probably move back to my parents' house. 

But on the other hand, some things would stay the same.  In fact, many of the things I have already done in March (or am planning on doing) would fit right in line with my wishes for my last 31 days. 

I would take a vacation with my best friends and take in stories of their aspirations for their future and laugh as we compare those to the lofty dreams we had for ourselves when we first met as teenage girls. 

I would spend time laughing with my family and loving them up in any way I knew how. 

I would attend events that I enjoy and that have significance to my friends or family.  I would celebrate the accomplishments of those around me without jealousy or competition.

I would play ball with the dogs in my life. 

I would not fold my socks.

I would paint.  I would paint often.  I would paint big things and small things.  I would paint yellow things and blue things. 

I would eat Mom's classic chili.

I would love and be loved, and I can think of no better way to spend my final 31 days. 

Casualty #2 (Or #1, revisited)

An update on the toe with no toenail.

Now it's broken.  Not the toenail.  The whole toe.

And before you go judging my ability to self-diagnose, let me just give you the list of symptoms and allow you to make your own conclusion-- which I am sure will be the same as mine.

Symptom #1: While running, I heard and felt a pop in my pinky toe followed by immense pain.
Symptom #2:  Swelling of epic proportions.
Symptom #3:  Hot to the touch, indicating some pretty gnarly inflamation.
Symptom #4: Bruising.  Pick your shade, pick your intensity.  I got it. 
Symptom #5: Pain.  And a lot of it, for a while.

On the plus side, there is a nub of toenail coming back! 

Reverb 11: February

One month in to 2011, what question(s) are you living?  Are there any prompts from Reverb10 that are still resonating in you life? Are you living new questions?


I took some much needed time this morning to read my Reverb10 posts-- I needed some time to refocus and recenter myself and I think, even though I didn't recognize it at the time, I needed to read those posts too.  The Reverb prompts are so great at challenging me to look at the good and the bad in myself, my experiences, my year and put it all in words.  Own my accomplishments, and failures too.

From all 31 posts in December, I discovered the following themes are still resonating with me and inspiring some of the things I am doing in 2011:

1. Continue to GROW even when it is painful.
2. I learn more about myself and my limits (or lack of) with every mile I RUN.
3. STOP WAITING.
4. CREATE whenever possible.  Create LAUGHTER always.
5.  Be CONFIDENT in my beauty, inside and out.
6.  CELEBRATE the little things, the lucky things, and the things that happen by chance.
7. In 24 years I have cultivated some of the most amazing RELATIONSHIPS.  Hang tight to those.
8. It's not always easy, but there's NO GIVING UP.  
9. The simplest JOYS are in front of me all the time.  There is no need to search.
10. CHANGE is inevitable.  I can resist it or I can look forward to the way it refreshes my life and the way I experience it.  One of these options is far more rewarding than the other.

For me it is easy to embrace and live 2, 4, and 6.  1, 9, and 10 come fairly naturally.  The beauty of 7 is that when I slip from it a bit, the others in those relationships pick me up.  That's how those relationships became amazing.  3, 5, and 8 require a little more practice, a few more reminders, but they too can be accomplished.  Overall, a very manageable and inspiring theme list.

Life is good.

Weekend.

New coffee mug.  Sleeping in.  Sunshine pouring in the windows.  Fresh almond rhubarb coffee cake.  Home brewed beer.  A long, healthy run. Completed painting.  Raucous one-woman dance party (or two or three dance parties!).  A Sunday afternoon football game.  Fantastic company.  Games of fetch.  Delivery pizza.  Good night phone call.

Happy is so easy to find some days.

Reverb 10.18: Try.

December 18--What do you want to try next year?  Is there something you wanted to try in 2010?  What happened when you did/didn't go for it?

I am going to skip the second part of this question, except gloss it over really quickly with this statement: In 2010 I tried mostly at finishing school and finding and excelling in a fledgling career.  In all that chaos, I tried feverishly to hold tight to friendships changed by geography, new priorities, and a more 'adult' routine (oh, 9-5 life, you can make me so exhausted).  2010 was not a year of going out on a limb.  Rather it was a year of letting the tree grow just a little, but hanging pretty tightly to the roots.  

There's lots of things to try in 2011:

•  Saving money for experiences rather than things.
•  Keeping my things organized.  Keeping my time more organized.  
•  Complete triathlon #4 (maybe #5 too).
•  Run a 10K (that's 6.2 miles for you English-system lovers).  
•  Patience (but I probably give this up on January 6).
•  Eating mushrooms?  We'll see...

I bet there is a lot more to try in the 365 days that are about to come at me.  The biggest thing is to try not to say no to great opportunities.  Inhale every breath of adventure, soak up all the knowledge that is presented before me, and make the most of the good and bad in those around me.

Reverb 10.15: 5 Minutes.

December 15-- 5 Minutes.  Imagine you will completely lose your memory of 2010 in five minutes.  Set an alarm for five minutes and capture the things you most want to remember about 2010. 

This list is not entirely comprehensive, as I only had 5 minutes for a heck of a year.  The last item is sort of a catch-all.

Best New Year's kick off ever (subsequent 4 day hangover/moviefest less fabulous, but still great story).  Graduation.  Tubing down the Apple River-- getting ridiculously sunburnt the first time and battling a thunderstorm and ultra-slow river the second.  Golden birthday celebration.  Roomies' birthday celebrations.  Break up celebrations.  Celebrations.  The rush of relief upon hearing "You have finished your Masters of Public Health with no revisions to your final paper."  Selling my artwork.  Beautiful weddings.  Excited phone calls from some of my most favorite people announcing their engagements.  Recently, a Snowmaggedon/Tsnownami/Snowpacolypse. A big kid job and then a bigger kid promotion.  Excelling at that job and starting to make a teeny tiny name for myself.  Happy. 

Reverb 10.11: 11 Things.

December 11-- What are 11 things your life doesn't need in 2011?  How will you go about eliminating them?  How will getting rid of these things change your life?


There is a lot the world doesn't need in 2011 (in no particular order):

1.  Religious (or any other) intolerance
2.  Violence against girls and women
3.  Child soldiers
4.  Inadequate clean water supplies to most of the world's impoverished
5.  Corporate corruption
6.  Hate crime
7.  Hunger
8.  Fear of one's own government
9.  Preventable diseases killing hundreds because of lack of health care and lack of clean living conditions
10.  Sexual violence as a weapon of war and means of control
11.  Blame

The things I don't need?  Well, they're just things...

This Season in Obscure Holidays

It's officially the holiday season around here.  I know because I was walking through Macy's the other day on my way to lunch (thank heavens for the Skyway system in Minneapolis) and I got stabbed in the eye by a hanging snowflake and Harry Connick Jr. Christmas carols followed me through the men's department, around the shoes, and while I craftily dodged the "perfume ladies" and their spritzing and dashing and grabbing your hands and slathering them with some putrid smelling glittery lotion.

Thanksgiving and Christmas get all the attention this time of year, and perhaps for good reason.  They each come with a fabulous spread of foods.  And, to a lesser extent, some mass media/advertising attention is paid to Hanukkah (and it's 200 different spellings) and Kwanzaa in an effort to keep the holidays politically correct.  

But there are a lot of holidays going on this time of year that get easily overlooked behind the turkey and the cut-out cookies, the fabulous department store discounts, and the stuffed stockings.  Luckily, we've had ourselves a bit of an ice storm and I have nothing but time to bring those holidays to your attention!  Perhaps you can squeeze in one more party and one more turkey loaf for one of these fabulous occasions as well! 

Friday, November 26: Black Friday.  Because nothing says holiday cheer like leaving your family to line up outside of Wal-Mart at 2am only to stampede like a bunch of deal-seeking wildebeest and trample an employee.  To death.  Happy Holidays! 

Saturday, November 27: National Listening Day.  "Huh?  Did you say something?  No no no, I was listening.  I just, uh. . . need you to repeat that for me one more time."

Tuesday, November 30: Stay Home Because You're Well Day.  Unless you're an hourly worker, sans benefits, like some of us who are out there livin' the dream.  For us, this is a lesser known holiday, "Go To Work Because You Have A Job, Yay!" Day.  

December is National Tie Month.  I expect some much better dressed men in Downtown Minneapolis for this month.  Spruce yourselves up, boys! Especially if you participated in the god-awful observance of No Shave November.  Ugh. 

Wednesday, December 1: World AIDS Day.  Ahem. [steps on to soapbox]  Part of the epidemic of AIDS is biological; it is caused by a nasty virus that can be elusive to the infected individual.  Many people are infected with HIV and don't know for some time after infection, giving them the opportunity to spread it to sexual partners or between mother and newly born child.  Another part of the epidemic is social.  We're afraid to talk about HIV/AIDS because it makes us talk about issues that we're uncomfortable with.  For example, men who have sex with men but don't identify as homosexual are at a dangerously high risk of HIV infection but we don't talk about that.  Further, HIV/AIDS is running rampant through parts of the world where sex is used against women and children as a weapon of war and conflict.  But we frame HIV/AIDS infection as the responsibility of the infected person by saying things like "They shouldn't have sex with someone they don't know" or "They should have used protection."  I think we all wish it were so easy.  The last part of the epidemic is the continued need for resources.  There are retroviral treatments that can extend an individuals life with HIV and prevent the onset of AIDS.  They are having mixed, but mostly positive results.  There are drugs that prevent the spreading of HIV from mother to child during birth and these are showing extremely positive results and are greatly reducing the burden of HIV on infants.  But these are not inexpensive treatments and they need continued funding and support along with increasing support for comprehensive sex education in the US and abroad, the continued empowerment of women worldwide to have control over their own sexuality and sexual decision-making, and to further punish individuals who use sex as a tool of violence.  Learn more here.   

Saturday, December 4: National Cookie Day.  I do so love any National [insert something delicious here] Day.  

Friday, December 10: National Salesman Day.  I get it.  This is someone's job and we should celebrate them just like we celebrate teachers, bosses, secretaries and the like.  But, in all honesty, less than 5% of the teachers I have had were real jerks, but at least 80% of the salesman I have had to deal with (I am looking at you phone companies and internet and television service providers) were real ass-hats.  Maybe this year in celebration, they could try not being that way.  You know, to spice things up.  

Friday, December 10: Human Rights Day.  All humans are created equal.  Unfortunately, some are still more equal than others.  The beauty of the Human Rights Declaration is that it asks for rights to be extended and recognized in many areas of human life.  The right to adequate nutrition, the right to adequate health, the right to a safe place to live, the right to education, the right to make a livable wage doing fulfilling work.  Pick your topic and fight for it on this day and every day.  Learn more here.  

Wednesday, December 15: Cat Herders Day.  Is this for actual cat herders or for people who have professions that are akin to cat-herding?  For example, anyone working with children and their snotty noses and sticky jelly fingers.  

Thursday, December 16: National Re-Gifting Day.  Oh, do not roll your eyes like that and think 'Gosh, what a tacky holiday!'  We've all done it.  And you know it.  

Tuesday, December 21: National Crossword Day.  I, for one, am glad this day falls on a Tuesday rather than a Friday or Sunday?  The Crosswords/Sudokus/Cryptoquips are far and away easier at the beginning of the week.  

Okay, hope that's sufficient to get you through the holiday season.  I don't know what kind of baked goods you make for National Salesman Day (arsenic brownies, perhaps), but I am sure you'll figure something out!

Oh! And Happy Festivus (the holiday for the rest of us) which officially falls on December 23.  

One thing of note: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was on the list of official holidays and I could not agree more.  

The Complete Steps of Packing, Mugwump Style

1. Survey the landscape. 
2. Decide there is too much stuff that is not visible.
3. Move all the "hidden stuff" into view.  This means completely emptying all drawers, closets, cupboards, etc. 
4. Resurvey.
5. Marvel at the giant mess you have just made.  This could be your greatest accomplishment yet.
6. Decide to take a picture of the big mess.
7. Spend thirty minutes swearing about your misplaced camera.  Tear through belongings, ruining whatever system of organization once existed.
8. Find a movie you didn't even know you owned.  Put it in! 
9. Pop some popcorn (for your movie of course).
10. Try on ALL clothing to make sure it fits and you like it.  Create 6 new outfits in the process.
11. Get serious about packing.  Put on your game face, pick up you magic marker and your packing tape, and get moving!
12. Text no fewer than six friends to tell them how hard packing sucks. 
13. Spend forty-five minutes carrying on no fewer than four text conversations. 
14. Time for a break!
15. Throw away exactly one magazine and one take out menu. 
16. Start packing clothes and shoes.  Decide that in the next 4 days you will need at LEAST 12 outfits including the following items: blue cocktail dress, sweatpants, patent leather pumps, green tennis shoes, gym shorts, assorted t-shirts, two sweaters, two pairs of sandals, four skirts, and at least 5 bras.  Forget to save some undies, curse yourself in the morning. 
17. Decide that all of the things that were once prized possessions are now all piles of shit.  Have a burst of anger and get "rid" of half your belonging. 
18. While changing laundry, realize that you really do love that stuff and cry as you rescue everything you just tossed (and more!) from the Donate or Toss piles. 
19. Resurvey the landscape.  Things look about the same, save for the elimination of one magazine, one take out menu, and your underpants. 
20. Make a sandwich. 
21. Sharpen an entire box of pencils in case you lose your pencil sharpener in the move. 
22. Take a shower. 
23. Pack exactly seven books and assorted USB cables that do not appear to belong to any of your devices.
24. Look at all 472 tagged photos of yourself on Facebook.
25. Untag some of those.
26. Make your bed. 
27. Pile all the stuff from your floor onto your bed to "make some space to work" on the floor.
28. Read through ALL your saved greeting cards on the floor.
29. Draw a picture, testing all of your markers.  Throw away the bad ones.
30. Read through old class notes.  Affirm that you have not learned anything.
31. Move some piles from one side of the room to the other.  Stack some boxes for a neater, more accomplished ambiance. 
32. Resurvey the landscape.  You're too tired to get all this done.  Shove the pile on the bed onto the floor. 
33. Restart the movie. 
34. Reaffirm to yourself that you will be more motivated to pack... tomorrow. 

COMING UP: A Month of Celebrating the Little, Bizarre, and Obscure Things. Put On Your Party Pants!

Every day of the year is a holiday in the US, some are just more celebrated than others.  Christmas? 4th of July? Very popular, well-celebrated, lots of associated store closings.  Well, this morning I saw that it was National Hanging Out Day, which had me totally excited to call everyone I knew and hang out.  What a relaxed, chill holiday.  Today is the day we just hang out.

Not true.  Today is the day you are supposed to share your bloomers with the neighbors and hang your laundry out and I supposed National Bugs in Your Britches Day didn't have quite the same crowd-pleasing ring.  Go figure.  So while being epically disappointed that I was not going to have the chance to just hang out due to national holiday standards, I looked for some more holidays that I could celebrate in the next few weeks.  Here's what I came up with:

April 22, Earth Day: A lot of people celebrate this, so I am feeling sort of less special but this is also Chemists Celebrate Earth Day.  Because apparently they didn't know they were included in plain ol' Earth Day...?

April 23, Book Day: That's a good one.  Friday, we read! Even if it is a textbook.

April 24, National Bulldogs are Beautiful Day: Aren't they, though?  There is nothing more charming than a smooshed, wrinkly face, sinus problems, and drool.

April 25, Malaria Awareness Day: Like Earth Day, this one matters.  This is a good one.  It is important to remember that it was not that long ago in our history that malaria was a threat in the United States and it could come back if we don't keep acting to reduce it in the global population.  [Huh, that's where that soap box went.]

April 26, Hug an Australian Day:  Well if I'm not planning on being the most enthusiastic celebrator of this holiday, I don't know who is.

April 26, Richter Scale Day: Little known fact-- the Richter scale isn't really used by earthquake experts anymore, but it is still used because the media and the public understand it better.

April 29, The Anniversary of the Zipper: Well hallelujah for that blessed invention.

May 1, National Homebrew Day:  Now, I certainly don't know how to homebrew, but I would certainly be willing to help a talented homebrewer celebrate if they needed me.

May 2, National Truffles Day:  Another double-meaning holiday that actually means the less awesome choice.  National Truffles Day has nothing to do with gourmet chocolate poofs of goodness... it means the things pigs root up.  On May 2, be sure to wish everyone you know a Happy Edible Fungus Day!

May 3, National Day of Prayer:  I have renamed this day in the spirit of all-inclusiveness to "National Day of Prayer (Or Not, You Don't Have To)." Thanks democracy and freedom of choice.  You rock.

May 7, National Roasted Leg of Lamb Day: Oh. My. God.  Why did I NEVER KNOW ABOUT THIS BLESSED HOLIDAY OF DELICIOUS GOODNESS?!  This could only be matched with a National Taco Day (Week?).

May 8, No Socks Day: This is everyday.  Socks are gross-- your feet want to be liberated.

May 9, National Butterscotch Brownie Day: Whoever comes up with the food-related holidays should be sainted.

May 11, Eat What You Want Day: Again, this is everyday.  It's okay to eat what you want.  It'd be great if you sometimes wanted a vegetable.

May 12, Kite Day:  Get yourself a stiff breeze and a friend to run about with a fabric square looking like an idiot.  It will be an excellent afternoon-- guaranteed.

May 17, National Cherry Cobbler Day: Renamed to: Katie's Graduation Day!

May 24, National Escargot Day:  Mmm, snails.  So gooey.  And chewy.  Had them once while I was in France.  That was enough.  Will celebrate this day only in spirit, in fondness of my travels.

May 28, National Hamburger Day:  Coincidently falls on National Whale Day.  Touche, holiday-naming body of the federal government, touche.

May 31, Speak in Complete Sentences Day: I agree.

This is a Nutshell. Inside are Some Details About Winter Break.

This is a series of lists about winter break.  It is in list format for the following reasons:

• I was wide awake when I decided to blog and by the time I picked a topic I was exhausted.  It's 2 am.  Complete sentences are unlikely, and those that do slide through will undoubtedly include poor grammar, spelling, or the use of vocabulary that I don't really understand.  
• It's a nutshell, it's not supposed to be long.
• I like to list stuff.  It looks neat and orderly.  And I like that too.

Why Winter Break 2009/2010 was Unique:

• It is my very last Winter Break as a student ever.  Whoa.
• It started on December 23, which is all too close to Christmas.  This year, that meant that 80% of the gifts I purchased came from a single store, were purchased less than 2 hours from the time I turned in my last assignment, and were successful despite being poorly thought out.  Thanks for understanding, family!
• It included homework.  A lot of it. 
• As opposed to most breaks of the past, which started to feel long and drawn out, this one is almost over and I could still use one more week to recover from last semester.  
• My social calendar was the perfect balanced of booked/please don't make me put on real pants today.  Usually I feel like break is either too hectic trying to fit everyone in to your free time for lunches, brunches, and happy hours (oh my) or feels like the rest of the planet forgot you.  This year, there was a perfect ratio of social events, get-togethers and what-nots to the days in which I did not shower, get dressed, leave my home or eat a balanced meal.  

Despite being a little different than the Winter Breaks of years past, it was still pretty awesome to have 27 days of limited responsibility.  In those 27 days I did the following:

• Ate myself silly on such delicious food items as cheesy potatoes, egg nog, and frosted sugar cookies.
• Christmas Eve at my Grandma's with a large gathering of extended family.
• Relaxing, wonderful Christmas morning with Mom, Dad, Kim and Erik.  There's no group of people I would rather open 6 pairs of socks with (thanks guys!).*
• Went on a "Girl's Night" with my mom and sister to the Beauty and the Beast at the Ordway.  
• Saw my high school ladies.  It is sometimes hard to believe that we have maintained such a close friendship after being geographically separated and doing very different things with our lives.  At the same time, they challenge me and inspire me and spending even one evening with them is renewing and refreshing.  
• Played with Mom and Dad's new puppy, Sonny.  Luckily I got to spend my days with him before he got too mischievous.  Our favorite sequence of events: go outside for a little jog up and down the driveway, play with the squeaky elephant for a solid hour in the living room, and then pass out in my chair.  8 hours of this sequence on loop for two days made for one tired, worn out, slightly frazzled Mugwump.
• Phenomenal New Years.  While our New Years celebration was pretty typical for young adults (get dressed up, attend a house party) it was one of the best I have had.  I could not have imagined spending it with a better group of friends, I was thrilled that all of the roommates were home and together, and the horde of people in our living room/kitchen in the morning was a true testament to the perfection that is Shivan's Famous Hangover French Toast.  We will be telling NYE 2010 stories for years to come!
• CHE Brunch.  This is best described as a bunch of young women who get together, praise good cooking and complain.  It is here that we discovered that we have a tendency to gossip like old bitties, and we love it just the same.  
• Odds'n'ends (things worth note but maybe not deserving of their own bullet): epic movie days with Kerri, a little retail therapy, lunches, happy hours, laundry day, textbook reading, a tiny bit of painting.  

Okay, so define "nutshell."  I didn't say pistachio or peanut. . . this was like, a Brazil nut's worth of information.**  Coming soon for your reading pleasure, more entries about grad school! Yay!  I promise to try not to make them all complaining.  

* I got other stuff besides socks, but my last minute email pleading for socks was quite the Christmas story this year.

** The Brazil Nut is the world's largest of the nut family.  Word of advice, be very careful and a bit more specific when Googling "world's largest nut."  I had to clear my browser and search history as a result of this hasty mistake.  

Letters to Santa

There is nothing more magical than kids who believe.  I am winding down a fairly stressful day with children's letters to Santa.  Enjoy!

"Dear Santa,
I have been trying to be good this year, but boys will be boys. You must know that by now."
- Henry, 8

"Dear Santa,
You are very good at being quiet on Christmas Eve, but I know you are there."
- Edwina, 8

"Dear Santa,
Mom and Dad said I have to wait until I am nine before they will buy me a new bike.  But I don't want to wait so long so I am really counting on you this year."
- Charlie, 7

"Dear Santa,
I heard you in my house this morning.  Two times!  I hope that means you brought some extra stuff!"
Candice, 9

"Dear Santa,
You know how I know you love me?  You waved at me in the mall today, even though I didn't sit on your lap.  Please be safe on Christmas so we can see you again next year!"
-Meghan, 6

"Dear Santa,
Last year I asked for a puppy and toys.  I got lots of toys and turtlenecks.  My neck is warm.  Can I get that puppy this year?"
-Zachary, 9

"Dear Santa,
All I need this year is $111.  Thanks!"
- Ryan, 7

"Dear Santa,
Can you tell me if I am on the nice or notty list?  I want to know what's comen."
- Alex, 8

"Dear Santa,
If you bring a bown arrow, I promise not to use it in the house or point it at anyone."
- Mark, 9

"Dear Santa,
I moved since last Christmas.  Please don't forget to look up my new address."
- Alexis, 7

"Dear Santa,
I would like some new crayons.  Of different colors."
- Morgan, 5

"Dear Santa,
I know I haven't been good ALL year, but I was good when it counted."
- Grayson, 7

"Dear Santa,
Please bring some toys and treats for the dog.  He has been very good this year."
- Michaela, 6

"Dear Santa,
For Christmas I want an internship at the Department of Human Services, several consecutive nights of sleep uninterrupted by panicky nightmares about papers and exams, and some socks.  I will be at the same house that I have been at for Christmas for the last 12 years, so I shouldn't be hard to find.  I won't be leaving you cookies this year, as I will probably have eaten all of them and you really should be balancing your round-the-world diet anyhow.  Please consider using antibacterial hand soap/wipes on your trip this year; I can't help but think you would be an excellent vehicle for infectious agents.  Safe travels!"
- Katie, 23

100. One Hundred. Hundo.

To celebrate my hundredth post I thought I would make a list for ya. I love lists and I love this website on the power of the "List of 100." Listing 100 things on any topic definitely makes you think really hard, dig deep, and get a little creative.

Since it's the holiday season, and I am getting over my Grad School Blues a bit, I think I will grace you with:

100 Things That Make Me Happy

It may seem a little lame, cliche', or tamer than the things I have been sharing lately, but I think it is such a good evaluation of life sometimes, to remind us that there are at least 100 things to be happy about. Enjoy!

1. Woolen socks on winter days.
2. Philosophical conversations over hot coffee.
3. Working for an organization that I truly believe in, and support their mission not only through my work but through my personal actions.
4. 4-legged friends.
5. My roommates. They are some of the most vibrant, dynamic young women I have ever had the pleasure to know.
6. Fast-forwarding though commercials.
7. A big beautiful, blank canvas and an afternoon.
8. Midday naps.
9. Christmas movies (especially when enjoyed in summer).
10. Picking apples off the tree and eating them in the orchard.
11. Doing the crossword in bed on a weekend morning.
12. Singing in the car.
13. Summer evening rainbows.
14. Purring cats.
15. Wearing summer dresses to local art fairs.
16. Talking to strangers in airports/on airplanes.
17. Black and white photos.
18. Being in triathlon shape.
19. Shivan's "Hangover French Toast."
20. Freshly washed, still warm from the dryer bed sheets.
21. 2 f0r 1's @ Stella's on a Saturday night in "the" upstairs corner booth.
22. Weddings. Wedding dances. Getting dressed up for weddings. Being so honored to be asked to be in a wedding. Celebrating love. Weddings are the best!
23. Tacos.
24. Free stuff.
25. When strangers buy coffee for each other.
26. Sun porches.
27. Early morning breakfasts.
28. Wii Tennis championships in the living room.
29. Surprises.
30. Emergency preparedness/planning.
31. Nightly roommate pow-wow in which the following topics nearly always come up: school (we hate it but we love it), funny things we did as undergrads, men (the good, the bad, and the ugly), and food.
32. Fresh snow on all environmental surfaces EXCEPT the roads.
33. Getting to the on ramp right as the idiot light turns green. Wahooo!
34. Getting lost and then found again.
35. Mittens.
36. Going barefoot anywhere it is acceptable.
37. Skipping.
38. Telling "college" stories. What a unique experience to have such a padded place to test your wings.
39. Birthday Week (one day does not have the capacity to contain all the fun I prefer to have for birthdays).
40. Yellow shoe laces.
41. Making Christmas cookies with the "Muehe" ladies. I do not remember a Christmas that we have not had an afternoon of rolling, cutting, baking, frosting, sprinkling, goofing up, "breaking" the cookie to eat it, and some hysterical laughter.
42. One woman dance parties. It is absolutely imperative to one's mental health to celebrate their own accomplishments.
43. The ocean.
44. Being able to consider my immediate family my best friends. It has been wonderful to have a collective 126 years of life experience to draw from!
45. The Spoonbridge and Cherry. Easily my favorite place on the planet. This makes me think that it is funny that no matter how well traveled I am (and I would consider myself moderately to fairly well-traveled for someone my age), it's still things close to home that make me happiest. This is a true testament to the fact that amongst all the other "rights" in my life, I am in the right geographical place too. What a lovely feeling.
46. Car rides. If the walls of cars could talk, they would tell the most intimate of secrets.
47. Driving a manual transmission car. Vrrooom Vrroooom!
48. House plants.
49. Custom Nikes. Love love love love love.
50. Being able to say I am halfway done with large tasks.
51. Realizing I have less to do on a large task than I have already accomplished.
52. Flirting.
53. Giving presentations. If you can't dazzle them with science, baffle them with bullshit.
54. Being respected for being intelligent and praised for being a hard worker. These are some of my favorite qualities of myself.
55. Getting my haircut.
56. Easy to open pistachios.
57. Getting mail.
58. Making faces.
59. Being able to tell your dreams and aspirations to someone and have them love and respect you for it rather than think you are crazy.
60. Sledding.
61. Sailboats.
62. Giving to charity; whether it is time, money, donated goods, or simple well wishes and a thank you.
63. Hot tea before bed.
64. People with an inherent calmness to them. This may be jealousy, as I am not inherently calm but rather a bit of a firecracker. Nonetheless, I enjoy being in the presence of calm.
65. Watching TV shows from my childhood: Captain Planet, Saved by the Bell, Full House.
66. Grammar and spelling. Not that mine are always perfect.
67. A solid "I am here for you" hug.
68. Surprising people.
69. Installing something--anything-- by myself. Like: internet service, shelving units, etc. It reasserts my power over complicated material things.
70. Buying select groceries from the local co-op. While it makes me feel a little poor, it simultaneously makes me feel hip and good for the planet. Plus, organic cheese is the cat's meow.
71. First dates. Even when they rarely become second dates, and almost never become a third, first dates are typically so fun.
72. Butterfly gardens.
73. The sound of running water.
74. People who acknowledge the need to extend human rights even when their own cultural or religious experiences has not.
75. Traveling.
76. Listening to people speak in languages other than English.
77. People watching.
78. Catching someone "people watching" me!
79. Wonderful and supportive classmates @ The School of Public Health. There will always be a unique bond with the people I have shared this crazy experience with.
80. Finishing things significantly before the deadline.
81. Finishing things right before the deadline and having that magical "Phew!" feeling.
82. Bubble baths and a bottle of wine.
83. IKEA furniture that lasts more than 6 months.
84. Completing things you never thought possible.
85. Making a mistake and discovering it was better than what you had intended in the first place.
86. The smell of freshly cut grass in the summer.
87. Balloon hats. And newspaper hats for that matter.
88. Driving with the windows down in the summer.
89. Happy dogs.
90. The absolutely massive variety of hamburgers at King's Cafe in Miesville. I would recommend The Slider.
91. LEGOs.
92. Picking up where I left off.
93. Starting over.
94. A little lesson I learned from my childhood dog: sometimes the only movement you really need to do throughout a lazy, relaxing day is to relocate yourself to the "sunny spots" throughout the house as the sun bounces from one horizon to the other.
95. Crunchy peanut butter (now in organic! My heart be still. . . )
96. People who are thoughtful. I am trying to take notes.
97. Ladybugs on windowsills.
98. Reading the newspaper in print form, rather than online at least once every two weeks.
99. Understanding that someday big milestones will feel little, maybe even become part of the background noise and that the little things may be what ends up defining part of my character. And being okay with whichever way things go.
100. Crossing the finish line.