Book Update–ARG!

This morning I spent almost thirty minutes updating my “Book It” page. I’ve been reading quite a bit but haven’t written about many of the books because I’ve had other more important things going on (grad school, LYLAS holidays, sell Sell SELLING!). So I wanted to throw a bunch of images of book covers and a few sentences of each book up there in order to put that bit to rest. Unfortunately, WordPress does not want to cooperate. Apparently you can no longer put just an image of book followed by a quick blurb on the left hand side of the post (I know this doesn’t make sense and is very vague and doesn’t really do my anger justice). This drives me nuts. Is infuriate too intesnse a word? Every time I would either “Preview” or “Update” the darn thing every image and caption would shuffle around on the page like a square dance. Go look for yourself, it’s a disaster. As of now I cannot fix it, yet don’t want to delete it all because I like what I have going on there.

When I say I was getting frustrated, believe me. I don’t have much of a temper, rather when I get upset I like to store all that discontent or displeasure inside of me, stew for a bit, take big breaths, and then get very quiet. Often, when faced with a challenge like today’s problem in particular I blurt out little chunks of phrases in annoyance. Examples include, “What the?!” “Will you just!” “Okay, for real…” “Alright, that’s enough.”  So then I have to move on and pretend like little glitches in the Interweb and electronics don’t annoy me, which in fact they annoy me to no end. To be honest, here is the root of all things that frustrate me. OK, this is getting deep because I’ve only just learned this about myself: When a thing/person/technology cannot help it/his/herself then I become most annoyed. Seriously. That’s it. I get so annoyed at things/people that cannot/will not do for themselves.

Recently, I was trying to set a jacket a shelf that was a little higher than my relatively normal-length arms could reach, and it just.wouldn’t.stay. It got so close to sitting on the shelf, then would slip off and fall onto my head. I can’t even begin to describe how much this ground my gears. I know, I know, someone would say, “Whoa, Kristina, cool it. You can’t let the little things stress you out.” Well, yeah I can. Why? Because I said so.

So here I am, sitting in bed (day off from work, wahoo!) breathing in a calm, controlled manner just wanting to share with you what I have read and am currently reading. In the interest of brevity, which for the most part I have no interest in, will share what is at the present time in rotation. I am concurrently reading

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

and The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner

It is not for no reason that I picked up these books. I mean, come one, The Alchemist, following your personal mission, go after your dreams, don’t give up. Please, could you ask for a better analogy of my life right now? And The Geography of Bliss was a Christmas present that I’ve been meaning to pick up for a while. Weiner travels to ten countries to find out what makes them so happy. One country is Switzerland and Weiner decides that what makes them “conjoyed” (content+joyful) is boredom, which is hilarious. His chapter on the Swiss was spot-on and fun to read about. Another country he visits is Thailand. I also have great interest in this land because, well, I’ll just leave you there.

Most of this post layout is stolen straight from my Jill’s friend, Jack’s, blog. Although Jack and I have never met he has a solid place on my Blogroll because I love finding new tunes through his music blog. I also happen to be the lucky recipient of some of the “Ultimate Playlists” he creates for Jill. Through Jillatinous’s generosity I find my itunes full of groovy new songs that I might otherwise not have known about.

The song above comes from one of the more recent playlists I’ve gotten. It’s been shuffling through my ipod all day and this particular song stuck out. This morning I had just finished 4.5 miles on the treadmill (the longest I’ve run since the 10K at the start of the month, thankyouverymuch) and was sitting down for a little stretch. Not having heard this little ditty for a while I became carried away, not only with her voice but with the surprise addition of Justin Vernon about halfway through the track. “Daphne” is just one of those songs I don’t mind losing myself in for a little while. Even if I am red in the face and sweating like a wild animal in the process.

I say “most” of the post because the remainder is something I couldn’t help but share. There’s just something about a big vase of fresh flowers…

Rocks Abound

For all the Zürichers who wondered about those piled rocks by Zürisee…

Check it Out Here.

And for the rest of you, check it out as well. Very grool (great+cool).

Final Decision

Yaaaaaay!

p.s. I’m not sure if I ever mentioned that I’m going for the M.A. program in English…

Lately

Songs that have been on my mind lately:

Word Vomit

All of the following have come out of my mouth in the last couple weeks:

“I brought you this hot pink, faux croc skin heel because everyone should have one. You know, just to feel really fun.”

“You know what that would look so great with? A bedazzled tank. I know, they look perfect with everything.”

“No, I really don’t think the polka dot is too much with the ruffle collar and puffy sleeves. It’s just enough.”

“Let’s get you a studded tank top to amp up that sequin cardigan you have going on.”

I heart my job.

East Coast

Whenever I step away from the blog for a while (and do a bunch of really cool things, naturally) I always feel overwhelmed when I come back and try to share it all. Inevitably I forget hilarious things that happened or the witty phrases I came up with to describe them. In essence, the post I write after a hiatus is never as good as it could be. Mostly because I am too busy enjoying myself and feel no real reason to interrupt my joy just to reflect on it. So, here’s my attempt to tell you about what’s been going on:

Adam moved Stateside for approximately 2.5 weeks and then left for his Big Asia Trip, which will have him traversing the other side of the world for about 5 months. For the first couple weeks of April we bounced around different parts of Kansas and logged as much “together time” as possible before I left for Florida (more on that) and he left for Russia. It was fast and furious, but it was fantastic.

The day before I left for Florida I decided I would accept the offer from the graduate school in Virginia. Before I could get home from a day on the plaza to do that I received an eagerly anticipated acceptance from another university. Perhaps this was the universe stepping and saying, “Hey, not so fast.” I’m learning more and more how to, how do you say, roll with the punches. So, I held off on accepting the offer and decided instead to tack on a trip to South Carolina at the end of my Florida trip. I heart surprises.

Finger-toes in the sand

For the Florida portion of this post I am afraid I can share very little. Mostly because it is highly inappropriate. I don’t know what it is about the six of us girls, but it appears that we revert back to the age we were when we first started hanging out (14-15) and develop a foul sense of humor. Our LYLAS (Love You Like A Sister–yes, we actually call ourselves that. While it is a true sentiment we all share, the name is mostly for comedic effect) crew formed through the church youth group. We knew one another for years and years but it wasn’t until our first high school mission trip that our blood bond really solidified. Truly, we are inseparable. Ten years of living in Kansas City and slowing spreading across the country has not shaken the foundation of our friendships. The last time we were all together like this was well over a year ago, but somehow we can always pick up where we left off. Our relationship is unique. I am thankful for these girls and feel so lucky to have them in my life. This past weekend will go down in history. Epic.

Hayley, Moi, Laura, Claire, Courtney, Whitney

Actual biological sister sets in the group

Infiltrating the local bar scene

Wailing on the guitar

After parting ways in the Jacksonville airport I made my way to South Carolina. Charleston to be exact. Here I strolled the streets of this picture-perfect town. Have you been here? It’s unreal. The trees, the shops, the flowers, the houses, the beach, the harbor, the boats. I love everything about this place. Campus? Are you kidding me? It’s like an old southern neighborhood. I always loved Kansas State’s campus, but this is a new element. More importantly, I really liked the school. I had a good meeting with the Department Head and a great visit with a current student.

It certainly was nice to visit another school, but now I’ve really got myself in a pickle. I’ve left myself with two amazing choices (I already eliminated Creighton in Nebraska, although they had a great offer) that have many similarities, but also many differences. Both places would be great, but alas, I can only go to graduate school in one location. I’ve got a little more thinking to do, but limited time to do it. My decision must be made by Friday, so I will know soon!

Not bad, only 693 words for a post covering three weeks.

Music Fest

Who knew Kansas City would have a music festival? The festival is taking over the Westport district, featuring bands at many of the local watering holes. Last night “Middle of the Map” started its two-day music binge with a great kick-off at The Beaumont Club. Hannah and I went to check out a couple bands and our night started with Paper Route.

Beginning at about 7:30 this group took to the stage to play for a poorly-attended and scarily-underage audience. I was shocked at the amount of colored-plastic non-prescription frames and black Xes scrawled on most of members’ hands. Hannah and I lifted our refreshing PBRs to the sky in salute to the joys of being of-age. Back to the show, it took about three songs, but the band finally hit their stride. Most of the complication was with the mixing, the instruments often completely obliterating any sound leaving the singer’s mouth. Alas, they found their groove and the rest of the relatively short set was enjoyable.

Toward the end of the show, the conspicuous man in the plaid shirt busted out an oft-neglected instrument. Paper Route has a knack for things like this, similar to Joanna Newsom and her harp. Yes, that is an accordion that you see.

Is that what I think it is?!

After our first show, Hannah and I set out to find some grub at the Foundry. The World’s Best Beer Pretzels and a Mediterranean Platter provided enough sustenance for the second show, Two Door Cinema Club.

We scooted back to the Beaumont Club to catch the tail-end of Maps and Atlases. The frontman really conveys the spirit of their band.

Nothing says "sexy" like a mane and beard that obscures any sort of identity.

Next it was time for a little set change and for Two Door Cinema Club to take the stage. An older and rowdier crowd filled the venue and finally we were surrounded by some of our own kind. The audience was not without its youngsters, however. The band has been recently featured on VH1’s You Oughta Know band list and that was reflected in the crowd. But that doesn’t even matter because these dudes were face-meltingly good. I haven’t gone banana-sandwich nuts like this since Kings of Leon in Vienna. TDCC was spot-on with the set list, the grooving, the mini-breaks between songs, and even the way they managed to keep their songs sounding like the album. This last bit was not in a manufactured way, rather it was just what the audience wanted to hear, and they did it perfectly. Hannah and I were jumping around bumping into our adult and tween comrades, getting down to the sweet tunes. Just an all-around excellent show.

Myself and Hannah looking a little frightened by the flash.

A swish of the hair...

Hannah is so great. She reads this blog regularly and we often catch up about other happenings in the blogosphere. So, Hanny, this song’s for you. xoxo Teeny

So This is What Happened

I went to the university slightly scared, overwhelmed, and most of all, curious. Excitement, for the moment, sang over all other emotions and I was eager to get to campus and have a look around. Rather than bore you with the specifics of my visit, in the interest of full disclosure and transparency, I will share with you many of the thoughts that swam through my head.

While sitting with two professors listening to the details of the program my initial for the Master’s program swelled. I began to really believe this is something I can do. They were honest about the rigors and expectations, which I fully appreciated, but comforted me by assuring theirs was a supportive faculty. A small program, about 20 students, is key to providing individualized attention and mentoring to the students from the professors.

After my meeting I had about an hour break to wander around the (b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l) campus and chat a bit with Adam about first impressions. I could visualize myself shuffling between the library and English building, toting my bag around campus on my way to class, making a pit-stop at the rec center for a little unwinding. Graduate school became less of an idea and more of an actualization.

Post-break I joined about ten other students for a seminar. Sitting in on a class was key to picturing myself on campus. Soon terms and vocabulary whizzed around my head at an unfavorably fast pace (“quantum physics?!”–to be fair the seminar was Studies in Science Fiction) and apprehension flooded my system. Would I be able to keep up with academic dialogue such as this? (Oh yeah, they use words like “dialogue” as opposed to “conversation”). Would people see me as a fraud? Will anyone mock my Elementary Education degree and deem me unfit? Admittedly, these are juvenile fears, but they are not unfounded. I’ve been out of the academic community for a while and the most intellectually taxing activities include rudimentary translating between English and German. Sitting on the floor playing with kiddos for a year can make anyone feel unprepared for graduate school.

After the class I felt fearful, but not overwhelmingly so. I met with my CouchSurfer host for the evening and passed a relaxing evening as I was exhausted from travel and high emotions. I went to bed trying to imagine my life as a student at this university. In a few months could I see myself wracked with anxiety about a seminar paper? Do I want sleepless nights and headaches from the glare of a computer? Do I want to forgo reading for pleasure because I’m so burnt out from my school readings?

Waking up refreshed I made my way to campus and further into the downtown area. Sitting with my coffee in a little cafe gave me time to reflect. What I concluded was this: Yes, I can do this. I know I can. It’s a challenge, and it’s tough, but of course it is. It’s graduate school. I’m not doing this because it’s easy. The other students coming into the program will be just as nervous as I, and I will not be alone in my fears. When I think about not going to school I am met with a giant blank slate, one that looks far more frightening than a couple of intellectually difficult years of school. I can’t think of anything I would rather do than go to school. I am ready for this. I’m scared and nervous, but I think those are good things. I am ready to push myself and get out of my comfort zone. Not to say that living abroad for a year was in my comfort zone because it certainly was. But this is a totally new concept, one that I didn’t foresee. But I am excited. I am ready to take this on, commit, and excel! Whoa, just had my mental pep-talk in front of all you. Hopefully it wasn’t too much of an over-share.

During my layover in Dulles I was sipping a brew (Happy National Beer Day!) and eating a basketful of garlic fries (yes, right before I got on a crowded flight–what, have I never been in public before?!) and I allowed myself to finally believe that graduate school is happening. This is not a drill.

 

Coming Together

While pieces of my life may appear to be coming together, it is not making me feel any less stressed. In fact, these past couple days I have felt even more mentally exhausted than usual. But, it’s all for good reasons!

Yesterday I received a second graduate school acceptance letter. This one happens to contain a very appetizing financial offer. Previously believing this school was not-so-much in the running, said offer is making it much more palatable. Last night I sat down and re-examined my three options and got down to the nitty-gritty of each establishment. What classes look better? Which final comprehensive exam is more appealing? In which city can I see myself thriving? Picking apart each detail is helping me sort out my thoughts on each university in my brain-head.

At this point I’m pretty sure of my ranking of the schools. Tomorrow I head to Virginia and visit the only school I will have a chance to see before I make my final decision. I hate to put too much pressure on this visit, but this is going to determine a lot. I’m very excited to get out there and see what happens, determine what sort of vibes I get from the school, the town, the people.

To make matters more interesting I have not heard from the third school I applied to. I’ve been told from the admission council that I should know sometime by the end of the week or early next of their decision and to say I am anxious would be an understatement. I am highly anticipating this letter, either way.

In brief, by the end of next week I will know where I am going to school. Pretty crazy, right? Anyway, wish me luck!