Work It

So I've recently switched up my work-out routine. Instead of running several miles, I've dropped running and taken up Jillian Micheal's 30 Day Shred workout. So far, I believe it's working.

Or at least it was working when I did it. I've taken the past couple of days off. I know it's only a 20 minute workout but sometimes I just can't find the motivation. But I could tell this morning when I woke up and looked into the mirror. There was less definition and more rounded-ness which can be okay when it's not bikini season. Granted it probably didn't help that I pigged out at a late dinner for reasons that I'm still not sure of.

I have a hard time pushing myself without a goal. For example, I'm not planning on running any races anytime soon so I've pretty much stopped running-the heat doesn't help either.

Anyways, I'm hoping with the holiday off and not having to go to work will give me the extra time to workout and to do some things that I've been talking about for weeks and have yet to touch-ie cleaning my car.

He's Just Not that Into YOU

I recently watched He's Just Not That Into You for the first time. Now, I knew what I was getting into but I did not expect that particular ending. While not every storyline had a happy ending, it still gave into that ridiculous Hollywood type ending. The story line that I'm referring to is the Gigi and Alex one where she pursues every guy who is indifferent to her. Yet in the end, she dates Alex, the guy who gives her advice on how to act with the indifferent men who finally has a light bulb go off in his head so they end up happily dating despite the fact that she's a whack job. Even the story line with Janine and Ben - the married couple that doesn't end well - he is type-casted as a cheater and she as an uptight, Type A perfectionist. Is there no such thing as normal?

I feel that they took very specific types of people and tried to show how ridiculous relationships have become. While technology can be partly blamed for this, relationships have always had an awkwardness to them.

While I believe that there is a lot of truth to the statement, "he's just not that into you," I believe that the movie does not justify that statement. Not necessarily because there were some happy endings, but rather because it does not look at the big picture fully enough. Every woman featured, if she wasn't in some type of a relationship, was pining to be in one. Why is it not okay for women to be single? Or is it just once a woman reaches a certain age, she becomes relationship-hungry?

While, I could be digging too deeply into this, the movie was not as strong as I thought it could have been. However, there is nothing wrong with the statement, "he's just not that into you", because seriously, would you want every guy all about you? I sure as hell wouldn't- probably because that's too much work for me. And I'm not into every guy I meet.

Out of Office

Wow, definitely just realized that it's been over a month since I've written anything.

In that time, I got drenched at Shamrock fest in DC with some awesome people, been onstage with the Dropkick Murphys (twice), ran my first marathon, saw the glory of Tennessee, and got accepted into graduate school.

I'm still having a quarter-life crisis going on, a bit early, but I blame my dad for that. He has a habit it saying all of the horrible things I think. For example, I applied to graduate school for something that I'm passionate about and am super excited about the fact that one of the schools wants me. However, I know that it is going to cost a lot of money to accomplish but to me it is worth it. My dad never went to graduate school so he doesn't understand the whole situation. Part of this issue is that I've been so used to having running goals for the past couple of years but now I don't have any because I have no idea where I'm gonna be in the next 6 or so months. I did sign up for the Army 10 miler but that's partly because it sells out within 2 days and that you are able to transfer that race registration. I think that it is the uncertainty that bothers me. I plan on going to an open house for grad school in a few weeks and hopefully that will help cement my decision. It probably doesn't help that I'm horribly indecisive, especially when it comes to something that will change my life.

I'm still immensely proud of myself for sticking with my decision to apply to grad school. To those that care, here is my essay:

I know the exact moment that I realized I wanted to be a librarian. I walked up the stairs at the Andy Warhol Museum to the famous stuffed Great Dane, Cecil, guarding the library with its hundreds of boxes. I had always been a great lover of books but I had never put the two together until then. That museum visit crystallized my next goal: attending graduate school for a degree in library science, with a focus on archives that will help me share the experiences of the past with the minds of the future. Just as those dedicated researchers at the Warhol Museum created an intensely personal learning experience for me, I too, would like to make an impact on the learning experience of others. Having the opportunity to change the way the past is presented to society and to help shape the way history is viewed is why I want to pursue this degree at Drexel University. Moreover, its close proximity to a plethora of museums such as the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts, American Philosophical Society Museum, and Independence Hall, to name a few, is what makes Drexel University particularly attractive to me.

Growing up I had a severe speech impediment that led to a love of reading because of my inability to communicate with others. I spent so much time at the local library that I volunteered during middle school summers even as my speech impediment became less noticeable. The library was the one place that I always felt accepted, and it nurtured my love of reading. This love of reading spilled into my classes, as my teachers encouraged me with book recommendations. Because of this, I was often the only student who had read the majority of books a professor would mention throughout a class, regardless of the subject matter.

I carried this same dedication to the playing field. During the fall semester of my sophomore year in college, I broke my collarbone playing rugby. Unable to play that semester, I rehabbed so that I could play the following semester. Despite my coach’s wariness about letting me play, I persisted, and by the following fall semester, I was playing full games in a completely different position on the team. Likewise, when I did not receive the grade I thought my class work deserved, I would discuss it with the professor to better understand his or her expectations of me. Being armed with this knowledge- made me better prepared in my studies and fostered closer relationships with my professors, with whom I developed strong bonds that transcended the classroom.

I feel that my experiences with rugby and school, combined with my eureka moment at the Andy Warhol Museum, would make me a valuable member of the diverse community at the College of Information Science and Technology in Drexel University. Specifically, I see the Library Science and Information program at Drexel University as the bridge from my past to my future of helping others experience history in a manner relevant to today.

Just some poems I found

So for my high school graduation, my parents bought me a Mac Book as my gift. I had several ups and downs with this computer throughout college but essentially it got me through the four years. Barely. As soon as graduation hit and everything had been turned in, it died. I had a flash drive that I used but rarely did it contain the finished versions of papers, poems, and essays, and narratives-essentially everything that I had every written for the past four years.

Needless to say, I was devastated when it crashed. Especially now, since I tend to look at my former writings for inspiration. Here are some of my favorite poems written senior year that I found the other day rummaging for a paper:

White Lady

Small silver blade
Powder of white
On a square mirror
Blade
Divide the White
Lady
Into equal lines.

Roll a twenty-dollar bill
Tightly.
Breathe in deep
Pinch nostrils together.

Snot runs down your throat
Green as the money spent.


He Asks Me

Please he asks me
It’ll feel so good.

You know exactly what to do.

I shift my body down the bed
Wiggle my goodies
Bobbling backwards
I position myself
Between his legs
Take him into my mouth
Try not to gag.

I prove my love.


Be a Lady

Don’t pick your nails, girl
She told me.
But I did
Down to the quick redness between my fingers
Stain.

Don’t sit with you legs spread, girl
She told me.
But I did
Wide as they would go
Stretch.

Don’t wear to much makeup, girl
She told me.
But I did
Black circles around my eyes
Slut.



These were part of a poetry project that I had done. Sadly, I'm having issues with getting the spacing exactly how I want it on here so if anyone has any ideas on how to do that, it would be greatly appreciated!

Scars

When I was five, I got the chicken pox. I got it from a boy down the street that I was best friends with. Our moms had gone to high school together. The first pox I got was on my face, I didn't think much of it; just that I had another bug bite/pimple that itched. As they started to accumlate throughout my body, my mom took notice. Out of school for a week, I itched and tried not to scratch. After a week, the doctor and my mom deemed me ready to go back to school. But neither could have prepared me for the onslaught of questions I would have to deal with regarding that one pox on my face. Right below my eye, no one could miss it. It was like a pit mark, leaving a deep scar that has slowly gotten bettter with age. Now people claim not to see it unless I point it out to them. Probably because I have so many other scars.

A few summers back when I was lifeguarding, I was sitting on a table in the office and this guy saw my knees and was amazed because scars overlapped each other. There are scars from childhood mixed in with falls I've taken during cross country meets (it is a brutal sport), from rugby, from shaving, etc. You name it, I've probably gotten a scar from it.

Put simply, I scar easily. I'm not exactly sure why but that's just how it is. I have a scar on my thigh from my aunt accidentally scratching me with her fingernail from over ten years ago.

It leads me to wonder if I'm the same on the inside as the outside or if I compensate. Something to ponder . . . .

Lady GaGa

I have to admit that I'm a huge fan of Lady Gaga. Say what you want about her-the girl's got style. Regardless of her sexuality you have to give her props for being different. She's no cookie-cutter blond. She's definitely an original and good enough to stick around. I want to compare her to Joan Jett but the only similarity is that they they're not afraid to go against the grain.

Gaga's lyrics are original and catchy and the beats are always good. Sometimes I'll catch myself singing the lyrics and actually listen to what I'm saying. Its not always appropriate. But that's the fun of it.

On my running ipod (yes, I have a different ipod for running), her music blends nicely with my punk rock. Both are great inspiration and motivation to keep it going. Granted, it doesn't mean I'll run in a straight line but it keeps me going.

My current favorite song on her album is 'Telephone' and yes I loved it before it was a single. To me, every song on that album is single-ready. But it is the lyrics that drive the point home for me in that particular song. For example:

You shoulda made some plans with me
You knew that I was free
And now you won't stop calling me;
I'm kinda busy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHZ6Uvib478&feature=related

Kinda sums up my relationships with guys in a lighthearted but serious manner.


That is all, I wanted to publicly declare my admiration for Lady GaGa and that I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.

Punk Rock Love

So I was going to give a list of some awesome punk rock songs, just in time for Valentine's Day (or Vagina Day) but I found this list instead:

Top 10 Punk Love Songs for Valentine’s Day

Posted by on February 14th 2008 to Songs Tagged Anti-Valentine's Day, Punk Love Songs, Top 10 Punk Love Songs for Valentine's Day, Top 10 Punk Songs, Valentine's Day

Yes, believe it or not there IS such a thing as a punk love song.

While it might deviate from the traditional, romantic, sappy Lionel Richie-esque music you’re used to hearing on V-day, I’m a fan of the non-traditional.

For some of my recommendations for the best punk love songs for Valentine’s Day, click “Read More.”

Feel free to add your own suggestions in the comments!

1. The Casualties – Punk Rock Love

Seriously, this has to be number one on the list. Why? Because it’s the freaking punk love anthem, that’s why! (Or just because I said so!)

2. The Ramones – I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend

Yep, it’s the quintessential punk rock love song for Valentine’s Day if you’re trying to win over that special girl.

3. MxPx – Everything Sucks When You’re Gone

So, it’s a little depressing. And kind of sad. But if you care about that special someone in your life, the message rings true.

4. Unwritten Law – My Angel Without Wings

Just read the lyrics, and you’ll totally understand why this song has to be on your uber-cool V-day song mix.

5. Social Distortion – Angel Wings

The title might be similar to Unwritten Law’s song above, but trust me – it’s totally different. It really doesn’t start getting Valentine’s Day-ish until closer to the end, but still awesome.

6. Descendents – Nothing With You

I almost forgot about this song, but it will totally work for Valentine’s Day. Especially if you’re into doing nothing with your sweetie. Yeppers.

7. Buzzcocks- Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t?)

Yeah, I cheated with this one. This song is truly more of an anti-valentine’s day song, but hey – you have to have at least ONE!

8. Bouncing Souls – Hopeless Romantic

With lyrics like “I gave you my love and if you turned away, I guess I’d be screwed…” how can you NOT consider this a totally awesome punk love song? Yep, I thought so.

9. Mae – Ready and Waiting to Fall

In my humble opinion, possibly one of the better punk rock love songs around.

10. Cheap Suits- Punk Rock Love Song

“I wanna thank you for being the love of my life.” ‘Nuff said about this track.

Compliments of News in Punk (http://www.newsinpunk.com/2008/02/top-10-punk-love-songs-for-valentines-day/)

Definitely a good beginning list but I can think of several more such as Saw Red by Sublime with Gwen Stefani, Bastard in Love by Black Flag, Like an Angel by Rise Against, and When Our Love Passed Out on the Couch by X (local band btw) all come to mind.

I will definitely have addition to make later on as I dwell on this more.

Suggestions are welcome of course.