To Cat or Not to Cat?

It is really hard to come home to an empty house. I'd like to have a dog. I'd love to have a dog. It would be so lovely. But I don't have a yard and I can't imagine keeping a dog inside all day and never letting him or her run around all the time.  So maybe an indoor cat? One that needs to stay inside and be lazy and love on all the time.

So those of you who have cats... what cost would I be getting myself into? What is traveling with animals like? I'm going to be gone for all of the break, and can't take it with me... All of the signs are pointing to no cat. And no dog.

A fish isn't cuddy- so that suggestion is just silly.
Comments Welcome. Someone have a cat they want to loan for a few weeks?

Too Hot in the Grad Lab Tuesday

I am currently in BGSU Theatre's graduate computer lab. It is about nine thousand degrees in here. I am killing time before my Research Methods class by printing out articles, checking email, eating lunch, and of course blogging.

The semester is for sure half over, and its all starting to get a little daunting. Not wild crazy unconquerable, just daunting. It seems that one of the term papers I am writing has NEVER EVER EVER been written about by ANY scholar in ANY language except French. And then, because I don't speak/read French, that is an assumption. Even the French might not know why Infante is a nessisary character in Cornielle's Le Cid. I hope that doesn't mean that she isn't nessisary. Bcause otherwise this paper would be dumb for me to write, it would be like writing "Yes, Arthur Miller wrote plays about Americans" or "Yes, Tony Kushner doesn't like Reagan" or "Sarah Kane writes icky plays" (thank you theatre people for understanding my point). For you non theatre types it would be like writing a paper that says "Indoor plumbing is good" or "Facebook and twitter are popular with kids these days" or "Lauren's mom looks fabulous for fifty" [Which by the way, she does-- Happy Birthday Mom!] I hope by now you see my point. If not. Oh well. I tried.

I would really like to get my computer back. My harddrive crashed and it is a hassle. Luckily, my fellow MA Ashley has let me borrow her netbook, but I think I might go blind if I try to do much more research on it. But, it gets the job done and I don't have to live in the library. Which means I don't have to walk to/from the library in the cold. Yes. It is finally starting to get cold in BG. There was even a little frost on Sadie, my subaru's window. I ordered the most amazing coat, and boy, its going to be needed and loved dearly. I mean, come on, do you really think I wouldn't love a bright yellow coat with toggles? Yeah. There is no way I wouldn't.

I have started a new project, well I'm not really sure its a project, but its a thing. Its called Nobuyvember. Some people do no shave Novemeber but that just leads to Dateless December. I just want to keep better track of what I spend. I'm not a crazy spender, in fact, I always have money left over at the end of the month, but I realized: the things I spend the most money on are bad for me junk foods. Now for those of you who don't know-- I will be getting married this time next year... and frankly no one really looks good in white. Plus December is an expensive month, not just for present buying, but for traveling, and party throwing, and awesome movie seeing, and hot chocolate with peppermint drinking... you get the picture. No this is No-buy-vember. My goal is to NEVER buy food from the student union or any where that has drivethrough. I waste a lot of money on four dollar yogurt parfaits and buck fifty cookies. Neither of which I need. Also, I am going to go as long as possible with out buying "stuff." Now I must disclose, that I did buy stuff this weekend, but that was on October 30 and 31. I'm excused.

Ill keep you updated on that. See how it goes. I just want to spend less and eat healthier. Don't get me wrong, sometimes a girl needs a Milkyway Latte or the new issue of The Knot magazine. But I'll start small and see how it goes.

Is it next October 22 yet? I'd like to be married to this Chase guy. Thats all.

Oh and done with my thesis. Ahh thesis. How you haunt me. I am really hoping that the papers I do this semester will inform my work on my thesis. Who am I kidding. I am purposely writing papers [excluding the pain in the butt Cornielle one] about Mormonn Representational Practices. I love when theatre and religion intersect. Very interesting.

Literally counting down the days until I get to go to NC for Thanksgiving. Simple as that. Excited.

Any day now I should recieve my assignment for that calendar swap thing I posted about a few weeks ago. I am very excited to figure out and find the perfect calendar for my assigned fellow blogger. I hope they get me something that when I'm done with the year I can frame the pictures or artwork. Something bright and colorful and vintage and modern [wait....] and it doesn't have to be all that practical. I won't write actual appointments on it- thats what agendas are for- but I want something to write happy things like birthdays and you know... weddings that might be happening in 2011. ( really love this one below from Etsy.com)

So thats my make up "post with a cheesy title" since I was so out of it last night. I'd appreciate prayers for good sleep and productive work. Shoot, everyone in the department would probably appreciate those prayers.
And if youre not the praying type 1.) youre missing out :-) and 2.) Send happy vibes and prayers anway.

Once again. Happy Birthday to my Glorious Mom. Words can't really describe how awesome she is as a mother. I won't even try because I cannot do her justice. I wish I was there with you Mom. This whole living 20 hours apart and being super busy thing is stinky. Hope you have a great day.

By the way. I am beginning a list of the books I want to read after I finish graduate school. Feel free to suggest anything you think is interesting and fun. Except: Christian Romance novels [Redeeming Love is the ONLY good one ;) ], any other cheesy romance novels, books that include characters with furry feet and jewlery fetishes,  Harry Potter anything, Vampire anything, or ummm I think thats all for now.. I'll let you know if more horrible genres/theme/booktypes pop into my head. Oh, and no self help books. I've still not mastered the Bible, and I've been reading that for years- don't add to my load ;).

heheheh

Monday Musings During Hoarders 3.0

Hello.
Gabby, my computer, is still broken.

This weekend was fun. I went shopping and bought the wildest yellow coat. I am very excited to recieve it. I am also very excited for Taco Tuesdays. I'm very thankful for my new buddy Christina, she is really quite fabulous. She and I have fun talking about so many silly things and it is really great!

Oh and I think a found a wedding dress... yes I know I said I was going to wear my Mom's dress but she's was/is built totally differently than me. I am for sure not going to post any links... you crazy? Plus Chase told me he doesn't want to see the dress until the day of the wedding. I read about 15 blogs about weddings, and some women share everysingle detail of their wedding. Thats not for me... one because I dont know any details, and two I want my guests to be surprised!
My cousin Megan had a beautiful baby girl this week. Her name is Zoe and I think she's really precious. I cannot wait to see my family and friends over Thanksgiving.

Okay. This is a lame post, I am really tired.
Better tomorrow.

Always....

SPEND THE MONEY

BUY THE APPLE CARE PLAN

IT IS ALWAYS WORTH IT...

...thus far my Apple Care plan has saved me almost 1,400.

Oh. My computer is sick, the hard drive just decided to crash...

Gabby (my mac) should be back up and chatting by the middle of the week.

Is it Thanksgiving yet?
Why didn't you leave a comment on the last post?

Monday Musings during A&E's Hoarders 2.0

Monday is over. Whew.

It is my longest day of the week. Okay maybe not, but it is the night that I stay at BG the latest. My 19th Century America class ends at nine... never earlier. Never. Three hours in the same classroom is hard, but I enjoy the methodology of the course and the professor is pretty great.

< This post is hosted by Cats in funny Hats>

So here I am, 10:03 pm watching Hoarders. Just like last week. Which I don't mind. Can't explain it but don't mind it. Its the first time I have watched tv since Friday night. I watched a pretty interesting movie called Neverwas. Lots of famous people... kinda strange plot. Anyway.

Graduate school isn't currently kicking my butt, cause I worked ahead this weekend. I am very excited about things that are coming up and the research I am working on currently. I met today with Doc the director of the musical next semester, A Little Night Music, and I am really exciting about working as his dramaturg. I have officially decided I want to do dramaturgy as my profession... start finding me jobs theatre gods! hehe I know that the Lord will take us where we need to go, and I hope that it is to a theatre that provides benefits.

Remember when I said I was obsessed with pumpkin lattes from the gas station near I-75? Well I have transferred my addiction to coffee from home with pumpkin spice creamer. Cheaper. Not quite as much sugar. Still has sugar... but less.... thats what I tell myself.

Wedding planning is going so well. So many people are being so helpful! Mom is especially helpful. She's really doing some great planning and is not being controlling. I love it. Its very helpful to be able to have someone I trust work on things. We think we might have found invites, and are planning to do internet RSVP's. Being Green. AAANNDDD we have made arriangements for an ice cream bar.. and I am working on a KRISPY KREME station! Very exciting. We picked a photographer and frankly she's the coolest! :) I am glad that I like the photog and that she wants to get to know ME and what I am interested in rather than just what is supposed to happen in relation to wedding photography.

As you may have noticed, there are silly cats on this blog entry. I think the hardest part of graduate school is missing my family and friends. I wish I had a cat or a dog to come home to. Someone to love on at the end of the day! I understand that my parents, chaser, and my friends need to be where they are, and I am where God wants me. Just gets lonely. So yeah. Want a cat.

I have still been having the craziest dreams. Last night I dreamed that I got up and took lots of pills. It wasn't until this morning when I looked in my bathroom to realize that I hadn't. Kinda scary. Lately my dreams have just been so real! Guess I'm not getting very deep sleep. Suggestions? I already do all of the winding down, sound machine, usual stuff... I don't want to take sleep meds, but I'd like to sleep through the whole night.

Does any one actually get sick from riding on airplanes? Or is only in travel magazines?

I  Need Your Help!

Please Answer in Comments

• Any one have any suggestions for a photo printer?
• Any one know of an interesting wedding ceremony/tradition that is religous but not footwashing or  candles or sand... something unusual?
• Is it bad that Chase and I don't have a song?
• When is it going to get cold in Ohio?
• Why do I love the Real Housewives so much?
• What can I do to make my chrysthanthemum last forever. Its beautiful!
• What do you call your grandmother/father?
• Does someone in BG know where I should get my car winterized?
• Do you realize how awesome donut holes are?
• Who can get me in to Northwestern for my PhD?

So yes. Please answer in the comments section. 

Or else I might send this cat after you:

Finally, I don't know how you feel about Jesus, or church for that matter. (I really love both and need both in my life to function!) But I think everyone would love what my church here in BG did this weekend. After the service, we had a POTLUCK! Woohooo I love potlucks. This one in particular was a soup and salad themed one... I ate like a little piggy.

I decided the most perfect present for our parents this weekend. If you are like me and have parents who don't need anything... I have figured out the perfect thing! Let me know if you need suggestions... Hi Mom! I know she reads this. So obviously I cannot post it on here.

I really appreciate that you read my blog.

Here is a dog in a tutu in return for your loyalty. I've named her Grace.

Wow I seem pathetic. :)

My undergraduate advisor posted this on her Facebook... half a semester after I started my Masters...

Watch, especially if you go to/went to graduate school!

Friday Finish

I'm as happy as this perfect puppy. 

I have officially filled an entire three inch binder with articles for my thesis. It makes me feel like a real scholar! I was at the library today picking up some Inter Library Loans from BYU. And I was over over overjoyed at what I had received. The most perfect reference. I about jumped up and down! Until the lovely student library worker informed me that I couldn't take the text out of the Library. Blech. Which means I have to return to the library tomorrow bright and early and reading in the reserves room. All three hundred pages... and taking notes.  Who am I kidding? I love this kind of stuff.

A year from this very moment Chase and I will have said "I do" and will begin to dance the night away! EEEEK so stinking happy. He's the bestest. Still no new updates, I should receive a whole slew of invites from WeddingPaperDivas that I am very excited about. The ones I have received thus far have been kinda Wal-Marty as my mother put it. Now we can't have that!

I had a pretty good "graduate student" week, compared to the last few. My classes were super interesting, I got a class substituted so I can take Feminist Theory (woohoo),  got approval to dramaturg a Sondheim musical, and actually enjoyed writing a paper on theory. Let me explain that craziness: I had to write a paper on either semiotics, phenomenology, or deconstruction and some how relate it Mormon Representation. Uh yeah. I read and read and read and took notes and some more notes and then some more notes (all on graph paper with purple pin) and then decided to go to bed and write in the morning. Well that just wasn't going to happen. It took me FORVER to fall asleep and then around 4 am - yes 4am-- I was simply too stressed out and had to write the paper. So I got up, turned on Fleet Foxes and cranked out the 1,000 word paper in about... 35 minutes. I have no idea how that happened- but I was pretty proud of the result. And my teacher seemed to think I was on the right track... we'll see once I get the actual paper back from her on Tuesday.

Its finally starting to get cold, and one can actually walk to her office in a sweatshirt and not overheat. It could get about 5 degrees cooler and then just stay like that. No snow please. (yeah, like thats going to happen)

Have you ever noticed how darn expensive Starbucks is? There is a gas station near I-75 that has pumpkin spice coffee... I mix it with a little fat free french vanilla and some hot chocolate-- and its literally perfection.... for 99 cents. And every 7th one you buy is free... Too bad its not on campus... or in my kitchen.

I have gotten a little blog crazy lately. I have found a bunch of new blogs that I'm really enjoying reading in my free time. Take a Gander:

• Wedding Blogs: Kinda self explanatory 
• http://100layercake.com/ 
• http://classicbride.blogspot.com/
• http://www.eastsidebride.com/
  
• http://www.oncewed.com/
• http://www.swsmag.net/
  
• Lifestyle Blogs: women's blogs mostly- amazing women (and one man) doing amazing things and sharing it with the world via blogging!
• http://experimentinpoverty.blogspot.com/
• http://www.theveryworstmissionary.com/
• http://postcollegiate.wordpress.com/
• http://alexandrapinkusnyc.blogspot.com/
• http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/
• http://taza-and-husband.blogspot.com/
• http://thebedlamofbeefy.blogspot.com/
  
• Random Fun Stuff: crazy books, color color COLOR, some hilarious Christian stuff, Michelle O and her Fabulous Clothes, Cooking sites, fashion advice, and fun photos! 
• http://awfullibrarybooks.wordpress.com/
• http://colormekatie.blogspot.com/
• http://www.jesusneedsnewpr.net/
• http://mrs-o.org/
• http://www.onesentence.org/
• http://www.sensiblystyled.com/
• http://stuffchristianslike.net/
• http://sean-testingthewater.blogspot.com/
• http://todayspolaroid.wordpress.com/
  
• http://foodnfemininity.blogspot.com
• http://www.sevenspoons.net/
• http://simplybreakfast.blogspot.com/

Okay and your reward for making it through that loooonnng list of blogs you recieve this video present.

Yes. Chase and I want a bulldog (or a pug)... We will name him either Max or Royal...
and maybe maybe maybe Taxi... We're still discussing that one.

Oh and make sure you look at the previous post. Its pretty amazing. 

Very worth printing on your nice paper and hanging above your desk / mirror / closet door! 

 

via: the bedlam of beefy