More Halloween Fun

Rest of the Halloween Recap:
The Pumpkin Party was tons of fun. I was amazed we were able to turn the garage into crazy "spooky" venue for carving. The cider was a hit, and our pumpkins were all lovely (if not a lill burnt hehe) After carving we got pizza and watched Mr. Vampire. Mr. Vampire has now become a facebook group, the movie was so funny. You should all check it out if you haven't seen it and then ask to join the group after. ;)
Other points of Interest/discussion.
misa, Faraji, Erik and I went to a costume party on Friday night hosted by some former West High folks, and yes, I was pretty proud I didn't bring an IC townie with me. Though the banana did have to throw down for bragging rights upon our arrival. But, as any good fashion expert knows, it's all in the accessories. Because Erik had the sign and the maraccas, he can claim victory. I went as a devil, misa was a firewoman, (and I pointed out to her that really, with a viynl costume, she's probably be the first to go up in smoke) and Faraji was a vampire.
Saturday was spent doing something, but I can't remember what..(woo hoo for my memory being shot after a week, jeesh) Saturday night is the aforementioned post about Wylde Nept. And that, deer folks, was Halloween. Pictures, as promised, follow now...


and then:

Musical Moments

Guster's performance on Oct 6th was super fun for me. I'm not so sure it was as fun for the friends I dragged along...
Cassi knows some of Guster's songs because she will be cruising with them on the Ships and Dip cruise. Yup, she's a huge BNL fan and is following them south very soon. I have the option to send a video as to why I want to be Scooter for a day (if I win I would go on the same cruise). Scooter is the drum tech for Guster. I introduced Cas to Guster for this reason. She'll get me an autograph (I hope) hehe. Misa saw Guster at the 10,000 hrs show, and knows most of the songs from Goldfly and a few from Keep It Together. Viv and Beth and Huey were there because they'd been with us at the parade, though as Guster themselves wrote on their road journal "There will be 15,000 people there, probably 5% Guster fans, 15% Kansas fans, and 100% drunk people." They were somewhat correct...

Advantages: Lead singer, Brian wore a Hamburg Inn #2 shirt.
They played a rendition of "In Heaven There is No Beer" and a version of "Homecoming King" dedicated to Iowa's newly crowned King and Queen.
Astrophysics Boy was able to make an arrival and only missed a few songs.
Guster also modified "In Heaven" to explain "Guster has no gear, that's why we're singing here" because their drumset and keyboards didn't make it from their last gig. However, I think that makes the IC concert that much more unique. And they did a geat job regardless. (though Brian couldn't play with his hands on a rented drumset...can't get that set bloody or anything)
Drawbacks: Really tall guys standing pretty much right next to me on my right who were very drunk (seemingly) and kept yelling stuff like: Play Dust in the Wind.
And the girls who showed up half way through the concert, and tried to push their way to the front, complete with their tavel sized (luckily plastic) bottle of Smirinof Raspberry. Security (two guys standing on the edge of the stage) didn't seem to mind that at all, as they just looked on and laughed.
The stench/aroma? of marijuana was also an annoyance for me, as I am pretty damn allergic to it, even via contact exposure.
But, advantages outweighed.

Also, last night I had the opp. to be "hired" to videotape an opera production. This was a $65 dollar a seat affair at the hotelVetro in Iowa City. So I got to see the hotelVetro - which appears to be an attempt at a "modern" style, even though to me it came off as more of a "sterile" style. I got to try sushi from Formosa though, which wasn't too bad and give away my drink tickets to those adventurous enough to try Saketinis. I did snag a great looking bottle of VOSS water for my collection.
(I'm not sure I've mentioned my habit of collecting interesting looking bottles that are aesthetically pleasing to my senses/sentimental but I've been doing it for a few years now. There is in fact a Jazz vodka bottle that Astrophysics Boy is working his way through for me, it looks like a trumpet!)
The best part though, was everyone believed I was the sister of the director and why shouldn't they, as she's my twister. (i.e. twin sister in theory)

Not only that, but I got to be incrediably proud of her official professional opera directorial debut. The blocking was great, even though it meant I spent a bit more time panning. Cas did a great job staging Cox and Box in the lobby of the hotel. A triple challenge, because the audience was on EITHER side of the hotel's entrance, it's a public space, and she had only three days to work it all out. It was an enjoyable spectacle and her cast did a lovely job. Cedar Rapids Opera Company would do well to keep her employeed. I just hope the video turned out well, as associated people were clamouring for a copy afterwards.

Happy Birthday SASSY! :)

--to my twin. She's the best.

When in Rome...

I wasn't actually in Rome. But I did attend a toga party hosted by a good friend of Astrophysics boy. It was a pretty good time. People were friendly, pirates were present, and a golden retriever licked my hand. Sadly, the party didn't end on the best of terms, but luckily it had nothing to do with us and many of the other party goers who were all very nice and the wonderful hosts/hostesses.

Had I been in Rome, I may have missed the news that Pluto is now a "dwarf planent", cause well I don't speak Italian. Instead I got to hear a very logical explanation from a knowledgable source. So yay for science learning for the weekend.

Also went out to Bo James on Friday night for a going away party (been having many of those lately) so I wish her the best of luck (though she won't really need luck where she's going - a lot of coffee and a Boston Globe will get her through).

The other departed friend is hopefully doing well in her relocation. Hang in there girl. Mucho supporto from over here.

That is all for this update.

Rapid Eye Movement

The past few days have been a blur of activity around the household. Starting with the return from the family reunion in Okoboji, and discovering to my dismay that my mother broke her leg. Or rather, her fibula at the base of where it connects to the ankle. For those of you medics out there, that's right, the hip bone is connected to the leg bone and the leg bone is no longer connected to the ankle bone for mom (at least until November) I feel so bad for her :( For such an active person to be inactive will be tough. My first joke though was that because she's immobile, she's easy to get by mobile. She's been on the cell quite a bit. Luckily my mother is a fantastic woman, and has many many friends here in IC that have been out to visit her and bring her food, and at the same time my friend Cassi has been staying with the Winklers, and she's been great at pitching in with the family chores. I love that girl...not just for her attitude but her wonderous ability to have so much energy when it comes to household duties that aren't even hers. She's a guest for goodness sake, and yet, she's washing dishes and clearing the table just like me. She's my bestest twin sister ever. :)
In related news, I was hesitant to go due to mom's injury, but leaving her in capable hands (and feet of others) I did head up to Ames to help with the move in process for the Astrophysicist in training. It was a very smooth gig and his folks and sis were very nice, (they even got me a cake, gift and dinner for my birthday! How very very very thoughtful of them! THANK YOU!)
The rest of the birthday festivities commenced in IC this weekend, which included a wonderful birthday cake designed by Maggie for Laura, Elissa and myself. Thank you!!! Special thanks to Laura for sharing her nighttime activities with me. Such fun.
Thanks to everyone who called, emailed, facebooked (and yah, that's gonna be in Webster's in a few years) and well-wished in person. You all make my time here on Earth that much more enjoyable. (Sounds sappy I know...but it's true)
This next week will consist of working, and helping mom and then this weekend will be Madison for Beerfest. Should be an interesting time.

Mood: somber
Listening to: CNN
Classes are done for the first week. I am looking forward to the weekend and having some fun. My headache is finally gone. I've had fun catching up with the friends back home this week. Happy birthday shout out to Aaron is in order. I think it's funny that Cassi called to ask me if she could go to my parents house and borrow season four of buffy, which I forgot there, when I moved back to B-town. Call is out to the parents for a nice time that she can stop by and do that...will be interesting to hear their reactions - as Cas was like the 2nd daughter there this summer anyways. I'm somewhat apprehensive about other things related to school, but i think that stuff will all get worked out when I've got topics picked for all of these projects and start to get the time management in place. I'd like to schedule exercise time at least half an hour every day. I'll work up to that though, as I am lacking the "in shape" factor that i had last semester at IU. I like that they offer free classes in kickboxing and dance here, and will partake I hope. I am looking forward to visiting the Trojan Horse tomorrow night with Erik. Hooray for actually experiencing decent ethnic food. I have decided that I CAN actually cook some stuff successfully at my apartment, but that I am lazy about doing so. The apartment is also looking more "lived in" mostly because there are dishes in the sink, and I did actually hang the posters and a few pics are on the fridge now. I couldn't go to Sandusky with Misa and Lis this weekend (cause i work sunday night and monday morning) blah...but, on the good note Erik will visit and that'll make it okay I think.
I am feeling somber though, as I listen to and see pictures of the aftermath of katrina. I went to New Orleans the summer after my freshman year of college and really enjoyed myself down there. Even met some people at Cafe du monde that were from the Iowa Writer's Workshop. (small world iowa moments happen almost everywhere I go it seems) It is hard to think that the coast is now under water. My thoughts are with Kamber and her boyfriend (who was to start med school at Tulane now) I hope that you guys are safe and sound and doing all right. My hope is that everybody can recover quickly and the town will be able to rebuild as soon as possible, and I am sure that will be the case, as resiliance is the only real retaliation against such a disaster.
I was happy today though, because I got to speak some "art history-eze" with Aaron, who is preping to spend next summer in Spain. I have learned about so many famous paintings and monuments, and been so fortunate to see a number of them in my short 24 years of life (and have a much longer list of ones I hope to see before I die). At any rate, it was nice to show my dorky and over zealous "art history" side to another of the friends. BTW, he says he'll attempt to teach me the rules of cricket, or at least what he can understand of them at some point. And I will close this by saying, I enjoy watching the History Channel and am currently watching Modern Marvels: Paint.
So ya, summation: i can't watch more about katrina, and instead need to just be dorky for awhile.,

listening to: Goo Goo Dolls Iris
Well, on the countdown to a new semester of graduate school, I've decided to write again. Imagine that. I think this will hopefully be a good semester to follow a wonderful summer. I had such a fabulous time hanging out with the friends back home, I miss you guys! It was a jam-packed three months, full of lots of work at a bookstore and a library, some nights out drinking and socializing, a few movies, and alot of Burnout III. That will now be replaced with 4 months of work at a library, some socializing and alot of homework/reading. I am excited though, as friends from IC and elsewhere have promised to come and visit this time around. I am also enjoying the decorating process of my apartment. Hopefully people will likely come and hang out here throughout the semester as well. My trip to Ohio on Wednesday was a blast. Went to the Columbus zoo, hung out with a friend i hadn't seen in almost two years, drank a smoothie, ate chinese buffet, it was like old times ;) I am hoping to swing a trip to Sandusky to Cedar Point with Lis and Mees, though it doesn't seem like that will happen :( since i have to work on labor day, and the sunday night before, plus i can't really spend $ on more trips now that i've got the aprt to pay for, I'd like to see them again though. Hopefully misa is in the category of those coming to visit me through out the semester, as is Erik, and perhaps Cassi. :) others are always welcome too ya know :)
okay, well this is a short entry, and not too informative, but I'm gonna go and work out now instead. so happy semester's beginning and happy friday to folks!

Because Storyhill played in CR this past Spring, to my surprise and enjoyment, I was at B & N in CR to find some cd's...because the IC store doesn't, and I get my employee discount on cd's at B & N, I discovered the "regional artists" section, and peppermint records has a few artists getting some local promotion. So hooray for that, I got Dovetail for cheap :)
Saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on Sunday night with Adam and Cassi (after watching the new episode of Family Guy AND pimp my ride) - we've decided that Pimp My Ride should totally do an episode where they pimp a cambus....all of you IC ppl that read this - or U of I students should start a write in campaign for this...
To my dismay, while the movie was really great, and very much the Tim Burton style I've come to expect, and love, and a great performance by Johnny Dep, and not so frightening Umpa Lumpas, my co-worker still kept calling the movie "Willy Wonka's House of Chocolate"
I went and found the orig. book on the shelves that very evening, and produced it, for him to notice, and yet, still, I was unsuccessful in my attempt to make the point. The movie, while very different from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (ala Gene Wilder - also a great film) was still very enjoyable. ;) so it gets a thumb's up.
The Changing Book conference was this weekend, also was fun, though somewhat disorganized as far as my volunteer position was concerned. Suburban driving anyone? I can totally tell I will not fit the soccer mom role any time soon....quite scary that I can drive that big ass attempt at a school bus in training.
okay, that's the update.
peace.

Mundane Moments Matter

Listening to: Kings of Convenience, Quiet is the New Loud

It was a rough week for other reasons as well. I know that people appreciate the fact that I tend to follow a few of the LEO traits, in that I"m fun to be around most times and enjoy the simple things in life, like laughing with friends. However, there was more to worry and empathize about this week than to laugh about. I try to be there for my friends and family, the people that mean the most to me, Itry not to burden them too much with my own issues, but also to let them in, I try not to make many mistakes and I try to take a good moral road of right and wrong most times...I hope that people can see me for who I am, someone that is trying to get along in the world just like them, who does make mistakes, and isn't any better than anyone else, who doesn't always have the energy to laugh instead of cry (though her general mechanism of coping is usually to crack jokes and smiles instead of tears), but can always be there for a hug or a kind word and to let people know she's thinking about them. I often wonder if other people spend as much time thinking about their friends/family going through rough spots as much as I do..it's not that I think it's unhealthy to feel bad for other people and what they go through - but is there a point when you do too much sympathy for them and not enough concentrating on your own issues? I find it's better for me to cope with my own improvement or crappy life things, by reminding myself that at least I'm not going through such and such, or dealing with something like that. Is that wrong of me? Is that like a cop-out of some kind, where it means I spend less time on myself and more time on a fruitless endeavor, when I know I can't help them more than I already have? One of the worst feelings in the world for me is feeling like I can't help someone in need...strangers or familiar faces...I don't like feeling helpless. Helpless in the sense ofhelping others, and helpless in the sense of not letting other people help me. It's a strange dicotomy. I'll pray for you guys though, who are going through so much right now that seems so much more insurmountable than my own problems.
I sometimes wonder if little details remind people of me, the way silly or often strange things remind me of them. People from my past that I'll randomly muss "Gee, I wonder how So and So is doing now..." and "wow, that would totally be something that Blank would love" Or remembering events that might have seemed totally mundane and uninteresting to those folks which actually had a profound effect on me or stick out in my mind with this insane intense impact. I'm reminded right now, in fact, of learning what someone's first impressions of me where, that I was unaware of until MUCH MUCH later...and, with a fond sense of how interesting those impressions can be, he said he thought of me as "the girl who complained alot about another class, and liked to talk alot(to my friend in the class), but seemed smart, cause you raised your hand and had intelligent answers" Or, the other impression I often get when people meet me for the first time "sweet and likable, can't understand why she doesn't have a boyfriend..."
I realize tomorrow is a day in which everyone normally says "I Love You" and does the whole mushy romantic thing for their significant other (which I personally think you should do randomly when the mood strikes you and not because one day out of the year dictates it)- and the single people of the world usuallly grumble about how much the day is for candy companies and greeting card factories and are jealous of what the relationship folks have. I should know, I've been in the later category on most Valentine's Days before...though, a few years ago a wise and deer friend - whom I actually haven't talked to in almost 3 months now said "You may not like Valentine's Day and protest it and everything, but I enjoy any day where I have an excuse to tell people that they mean something to me, regardless of their status as a friend, family member, or significant other" (I think that was the gist of his message, though not copied here word for word) Well he's right ya know. And this journal entry has made me think of him and the many many great memories of our friendship. I wonder if he thinks of me every now and again too...
Ya know what? It's nice to know you've had a positive effect on someone else's life, in either a small way or a larger one. My eyes welled up the other night, after I'd sent an email to Christa, in which I told her that I was sorry our talk ended abruptly and I'd wanted to give her a hug and tell her she'd be in my thoughts - for what she's dealing with family-wise right now - she wrote back to say it was one of the nicest emails and she was touched I'd sent it. That was important.
So, I'd like to tell Cassi thank you for her email response recently - it was much needed and appreciated and had profound words of encouragement to inspire me to continue on my path. And to the rest of the friends, thank you for being there for me as my support system, in the good moments, bad moments, and mundane moments, because you truly do impact my life in ways I can't imagine living without. Thanks for accepting this crazy blonde with all her faults and quarky behavior in to your hearts. Now, for my two cents, I don't think a greeting card or box of candy would have said it any better - but Happy Valentine's Day to all of you!