Knitting In Public

Origin of Halloween

2008-10-13T17:33:00.000-04:00

Hey All!

With fall fast approaching, I thought it would be appropriate to get back into the swing of things with a little talk about Halloween. I'm an Anthropology major, I can't help myself. I posted pictures to trick you into reading!

Most of us know that Halloween is originally derived from 'All Hallows Eve'. However, before this there was the Celtic 'Samhain'. It was a celebration for an agricultural society at the end of the harvest, the last hurrah before settling down for a harsh and cold winter. The ancestors of those who died during the year were given one last recognition, along with other spirits (both good and bad) were given offerings such as sweets. Bonfires and carved turnips with candles inside them guarded the outskirts of the town, keeping the more destructive spirits away.

Christianity later came into the picture (most likely in the 8th century with Pope Gregory III), and the two cultures blended together. Samhain became Eve of All Saints (or all hallows) and became a day to entertain the supernatural world in hopes that it wouldn't interfere with the next day, when Christian souls would enter into heaven.

Today children dress up as the spirits of Samhain in what Anthropologist call "rites of reversal"—ceremonial situations that allow for reversal of appropriate behaviors. Rites of reversal often take place during transition periods, where there is less activity. It's a lot harder for a villiage to support a giant festival or party when you should be out taking care of the crops or cattle.

Witches- Witches appear in almost all cultures, but the european witch is an emblem of Halloween. The witch is an agent of the devil, and therefore subversive to society and often embodies a society's taboos and fears. The witch's strange cone shaped hat came from the inquisition's use of cone hats that were worn by heretics.

The broom first appears as a witch's vehicle in the mid-15th century. It is a woman's domestic item, and the great majority of witches were women. But it has been shown that a broom handle was used as an applicator of an atropine-laced hallucinogenic ointment, the so-called "flying ointment," a popular distraction from the dismal life in late medieval European cities, and this might explain its association with European witches.

So I hope you enjoyed my little post on Halloween. I think Halloween allows us to explore and face our fears, which makes it so interesting to humans.

Until Later,

Sondra

Drinking In Public

2007-11-30T16:19:00.000-05:00

It's been a while, hasn't it? Every once and a while I've been wanting to start posting again. A milestone like your 21st birthday gives the perfect excuse to start up again.

I was lucky enough to celebrate two birthdays. One with James visiting and my friends from Rochester the day after Thanksgiving.

The second with my friends from Buffalo on my real birth date.

Both were absolutely wonderful.

Early Birthday consisted of James waking up around 10 (no early black friday shopping for us!). We ended up shopping a little, and I finished my chirstmas shopping for my family. That night we went to a Japanese place, Arigato Restaurant. It was lots of fun. They cooked on a hibachi grill in front of us, made a little 'volcano' from onion rings stacked up on each other. We were also tossed little 'rice balls' (little clumps of the rice that was being cooked) that we had to catch in our mouths. The first one tossed to me (I was so close!) bounced off my teeth. The second rice ball fell down my shirt. Eeek!

After a delicious dinner, I was given a geshia wig and a shawl made from some oriental-looking fabric and I got my picture taken with my friends. The wig was pretty itchy, but everyone seemed to get a kick out of it.

We headed back to my house and we opened presents and all the rest of the traditional birthday things. I got some really beautiful gifts, like lots of girly bath things, a beautiful hand (and blue ribbon winning) shawl, and a mix CD (mix CD doesn't have the same ring to it as mix tape does). I also got a very beautiful blue topaz necklace from James that looks like this-

Isn't it pretty? James picked it out himself too, which makes it extra special. I apologize for the lack of detail in the picture, I snapped that with my webcam. Maybe some day I'll get a digital camera to take beautiful pictures with. Anyway, I promise it's even more beautiful in person.

It was really wonderful to see my friends from Rochester again, and it really reminded me how lucky of a girl I am. Having James there was wonderful as well, and he did everything to make my birthday the best yet. He succeeded with flying colors.

My next birthday (my real birthday) was a little less eventful, but still lots of fun. After getting comment-bombed on my facebook account (thanks for all the birthday wishes, everyone!) I went out to Applebees with some friends. My first legal drink? A Perfect Margarita! A big part of the appeal was that it came with the drink mixer, so I ended up having essentially three drinks. It was delicious! Next time I'm at applebees and I have the financial funds, I'm certainly ordering it again.

About 20 minutes into my drink, my friend Keith made a joke which made me start to giggle. In turn, he yelled out- "It looks like we have a giggler!", which in turn only made me giggle more.

After dinner, we decided to stop by Wegmans (a wonderful grocery store for those who are not familiar with the new york-pennsylvania area) to pick up some more booze (specifically baileys). While driving there, I called James for the last few minutes of my 21st birthday. You can of course read all about that conversation here. Of course, keep in mind he just brought up my phone call to distract from the fact he wore out his car battery. ;)

We got to Wegmans, and wandered around the store (I was very giddy, and spent most of the time bouncing around and giggling). We got to the beer section only to realize- Wegmans doesn't have a liquor license. We decided to call it a night and save going to a liquor store for another day.

We came back to the suite, and my friend/suitemate Becky had made me a cake. It was devils food cake with strawberry frosting. She even had me pick out my own candles, I picked out some candles shaped like stars. It was wonderful, and tasted delicious! Here is a quite blurry picture of the beautiful cake.

No amount of sharpening is going to make the picture clearer, but you get the idea. While eating the cake, I broke the plastic fork I was using. That only brought on more giggles. However breaking the fork was in no way connected to my inebriated state because the very next day when helping myself to the very slice you see here, my plastic fork broke again.

I had a wonderful night, and I quickly fell asleep.

The post is not as picture heavy as I really wanted it to be, but I'm working on adding more pictures. Keep checking and there will be additional pictures of my birthday and possibly a post about me and James' trip to Niagara Falls.

Until Later,

Sondra

Ando and Hiro = Bert and Ernie?

2007-05-31T22:51:00.000-04:00

Comparing Ernie's rubber ducky to the Kensei sword might be a stretch but I think we're on to something...

Hmmm... And Bert's love of Oatmeal? Apparently shared with Ando.

James was right

2007-03-29T14:42:00.000-04:00

I am cameron.

Dr. Allison Cameron
40% Eccentricity, 35% Confidence, 75% Kindness

Congratulations, you're Dr. Allison Cameron! You're without a doubt a big sweetheart, though your caring nature can sometimes make life more difficult than it has to be for you. You aren't the most confident person, but you're growing in this regard, and will probably be very sure of yourself in time. You're the loving and beautiful person many people wish they could be, and you are very strong in your moral beliefs, so be proud.

My test tracked 3 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:

You scored higher than 99% on Eccentricity

You scored higher than 99% on Confidence

You scored higher than 99% on Kindness

Link: The House, MD Personality Test written by freedomdegrees on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test

2+2=5

2006-08-02T17:34:00.000-04:00

This question still bothers me:

Math: Invented or discovered?

Sonord Midmid

2006-07-13T11:17:00.000-04:00

YOUR MOVIE STAR NAME (grandfather/grandmother on your father's side, your favorite sweet/lolly):
Ginny Dark Chocolate

YOUR FLY GIRL/GUY NAME (first initial of first name followed by "izzle", first two or three letters of your last name followed by "dizzle"):
Sizzle Podizzle

YOUR DETECTIVE NAME (favorite color, favorite animal):
Green Dog

YOUR STAR WARS NAME (first 3 letters of your name- last 3 letters of mother's maiden name, first 3 letters of your pet's name repeated twice):
Sonord Midmid

YOUR SUPERHERO NAME ("The", your favorite color, the automobile you drive):
The Green Silhouette

Employment

2006-06-25T16:42:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow I will wake up bright and early, don khakis, a dark green lanyard along with matching polo shirt to spend 9 hours in a large building with paintball guns, inflatable innertubes and football helmets.

No, its not my version of Calvinball, I've finally been employed.

Yes, It's true, I've finally gotten a job. I start tomorrow as a cashier for Dick's Sporting Goods.

Given the many (∞) places I applied to it's so great to finally have a job this summer.

So if you're in the area and have a sudden urge to buy sporting goods, stop on by.

Until Later,

Sondra

mmm...glucose

2006-06-14T23:05:00.000-04:00

Which Biological Molecule Are You?

You are glucose. People feed off of you. You are sweet, caring, and a source of energy for everyone around you. You can inspire others with your creativity and depth, and you can keep people alive when in times of famine. People love you...or at least the way you taste.
Take this quiz!

Quizilla
Join

Make A Quiz More Quizzes Grab Code

Until Later,

Sondra

10 Things I Hate About Commandments

2006-05-21T12:44:00.000-04:00

I saw this linked on The Divine Ms. Em's blog, and thought it was hillarious. Click immediately and watch.

and in case you are interested in seeing "Must Love Jaws", here you go.

You're welcome.

Until Later,

Sondra

novocaine in the morning

2006-05-18T11:21:00.000-04:00

So I went to the dentist today for a filling. In comes the novocaine and now I can't feel half my face.

I guess I wasn't fully aware of how much the right side of my face isn't working. As I walked out and tried not to drool as I paid the receptionist, a dental hygienist walked by, smiled at me, I smiled back. She just laughed and walked by. When I got back to the car, I looked in the rear view mirror and found out that this is the smile I gave her:

Nice, Huh? Whats even creepier is that even the muscles around my right eye are hard to move because of the novocaine as well, so one eye gives this- "MUST KILL" kind of look. Really, this is as much as I can smile.

How will anyone know when I'm happy?

If this isn't a warning against botox, I don't know what is. It's not nice to not be able to move/feel your face. So don't inject toxins into it, people.

It's actually kind of reminiscent of an Elvis grin. See the freakish resemblance?

Elvis

Not Elvis

Now hopefully my face can stop feeling funky now.

Until Later,

Sondra

valley of the lillys

2006-05-17T12:06:00.000-04:00

Yes, I have survived finals and I'm back in Rochester. Actually, i've been back for almost two weeks, but I haven't gotten around to blogging at all.

It's good to be home. Looking for a job this summer sucks, but I'm hoping the whole ordeal will be done with in the next two weeks.

Right now I'm really not too motivated to be looking for a job. I'm just basking in the glow of my lovely 3.75 GPA that I came back with from my freshman year of college. I'm really pleased with myself about that. It also looks like transfering from AU next year is going to be in the cards. This will hopefully help me get into most schools and find something that offers a nice Anthropology/Sociology major.

It's been strange going back to living with parental units, but not really bad. It is dificult to remember to call them and let them know where I am however. Not used to having to report back.

I was very pleased to find out that these lovely (and my personal favorite) lillys of the valley had bloomed. So pretty! They smell so lovely too. Unfortunately e-smell has not been invented yet so you're just going to have to settle with for a picture.

Anyway, I feel like I don't have much to talk about lately. I'll post some other time when I have more to type about.

Until Later,

Sondra

I cut down trees, I wear high heels...

2006-04-29T19:09:00.000-04:00

...suspenders and a bra! I wish I'd been a girlie, just like my great papa!

Last night before going out to an Art Prom, I came across this article. Ruth and I both found it quite amusing.

Female kidney turns lumberjack on to housework

A Croatia lumberjack claims he started 'enjoying housework and knitting' after he was given a female kidney.

Stjepan Lizacic, 56, from Osijek, is suing his local health authority because he says he's become a laughing stock.

He says his life changed from enjoying heavy drinking sessions with pals to prefering housework after the operation.

He told local newspaper 24sata: "The kidney transplant saved my life, but they never warned me about the side effects.

"I have developed a strange passion for female jobs like ironing, sewing, washing dishes, sorting clothes in wardrobes and even knitting."

He pointed out that before the kidney transplant he would not have been seen dead doing the housework, and expected his wife to do it all, but now found it both relaxing and fulfilling.

He said: "My wife is the only one that is pleased. I do most of the housework now, and I blame the hospital that transplanted me the kidney of a 50-year-old woman instead of a man's kidney."

His wife Radmila added: "If the new femine side to him is confined to housework I am very happy, I only hope he doesn't start looking at other men."

(for this article and others, go to ananova)

Oh, stupid man.

I guess what I find the most amusing is that he said he now enjoys knitting. It's not too dificult to vacuum the floor or fold a sweater but kniting involves active learning. Maybe he was sitting around one evening and asked his wife- "Dear, can you teach me how to knit? It's my goddamn kidneys again... they're craving to know how to faire isle."

Until Later,

Sondra

gushing

2006-04-28T14:26:00.000-04:00

You know, I think things are pretty good.

It's pleasant outside. Right now the lawn all around campus is being cut, and giving off that delicious summer grass smell. It's one of those smells that instantly remind you of running around barefoot, playing tag or cowboys and indians.

The year is coming to an end. I can't believe it, it seems like ages ago when my parents said their final goodbyes and left me standing in front of my dorm. I remember feeling so exhilarated, so nervous, so uncertain.

I don't know how, but things just clicked.

I feel really accomplished, I feel like I've done a pretty good job with dealing with my new surroundings. I've really learned a lot about myself, and I think ultimately that's one the best thing you can do for yourself. To be perfectly honest, I'm not positive AU is right for me. I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be the best place for any major I'm considering and it wouldn't be terrible to find a place that challenges me even more with less expense. There are still things I'm not sure of or happy with but those things are relatively small problems in the whole grand scheme of things.

It's amazing how immature things were in High School. If nothing is really expected of you, then of course you're going to be a pissy teen that doesn't do anything. We dismiss the abilities of children/teens, yet wonder why they don't do anything right.

In High School they don't let you get mad. They tend to frown upon getting passionate about a subject. The general expectation is that you conform and try not to stab anyone. I love it how my professors here not only encourage free passionate discussion, they themselves get riled up right along with you. I found a great Gloria Steinem quote- "The Truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off."

I really like this feeling that I can truly do anything I put my mind to.

Soon, back to Rochester.

Until Later,

Sondra

where it's at

2006-04-24T19:55:00.000-04:00

Today was such a great day. It was a lot of work, but that meant a lot of work was turned in or presented.

I finished up my interview paper, and sent it to the interviewee. I was so pleased that she loved the paper, it’s a bit nerve racking to write about someone else’s experiences. I mean, she was there, not me.

I’ve been so impressed with what my interviewee does for a living, I’m hoping to get a summer job working for her. It may be simply be making copies or bringing coffee without pay, but I think the experience would be so phenomenal. If it turns out that this is what I’d want to do for a living, wouldn’t that be fantastic?

My two presentations seemed to go well too, and although I tripped up a bit, I think everything went fine. It’s just nice to get that out of the way.

I got a care package from my church to day as well, which was quite pleasing to my beady little PMS-y eyes. What can I say, God loves me!

I also had dinner with my future roomie, and we discovered our mutual propensity for quoting movies. “Endorphins make you happy…happy people don’t kill their husbands.”

I feel much better now all of this work is out of the way. Now I can relax, turn on the fake news and finish my psychology homework.

Until Later,

Sondra

Hot Hot Dog!

2006-04-21T20:29:00.000-04:00

Yes.

Hot Dog Day Weekend has finally come!

It's true I still have half a paper to finish, two presentations to prepare for and some homework to be done, but Hot Dog Day has a way of eliminating any sort of mental capacity to actually do any of these things.

But come on! Booze! Hot Dogs! Best Friend Visiting! Parades! Mud Games! More Booze!

Who wants to sit down and write at a time like this?! This is a happy occasion! Let's not bicker and argue about who killed who...

*sigh* I suppose that is what Sunday nights are for.

Work Work.

Until Later,

Sondra

oy vey

2006-04-13T14:45:00.000-04:00

I was sitting at my computer, working on my outline for my women's studies interview thingy and I became increasingly aware that I had a song stuck in my head.

Then I stopped.

And I realized what song it was.

"The Dreidle Song".

I'm weird.

Until Later,

Sondra

i told you so

2006-04-11T19:05:00.000-04:00

I'm telling ya, THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS when you build giant walls!

Thank you Jeff Rowland. Thank you.

*sigh*

people are retarded.

Until Later,

Sondra

shiny and new

2006-04-10T21:56:00.000-04:00

There's a new knitty!

I SO want to knit these cute guys now.

Until Later,

Sondra

DOOM!

2006-04-06T15:26:00.000-04:00

I'm stealing Meg's Survey o doom from caelynpelvis because i'm bored.

1. Filmed yourself with someone else? No?
2. Painted your room? Yes, a very pretty blue-green.
3. Made out with a member of the same sex? No
4. Driven a car? Yes
5. Danced in front of your mirror? Hehe yeah.
6. Had a crush? Yes
7. Been dumped? Yes
8. Stolen money from a friend? No
9. Gotten in a car with people you just met? Yes, first day of college- trip to wal-mart!
10. Been in a fist fight? No

11. Snuck out of your house? Kinda? I just more or less left without my parents knowing...not really sneaking out though.
12. Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back? Uh, its called High School?
13. Been arrested? No
14. Made out with a stranger? No
15. Met up with a member of the opposite sex somewhere? Yes
16. Left your house without telling your parents? Yes
17. Had a crush on your neighbor? Kinda
18. Ditched school to do something more fun? Ditched class to go frolic outside when it was pretty out.
19. Slept in a bed with a member of the same sex? Yes
20. Seen someone die? No...and I want to keep it like that.

21. Been on a plane? Uh, yeah.
22. Kissed a picture? Hehe, yes.
23. Slept in until 3PM? I've slept until 4 PM baby!
24. Love someone or miss someone right now? *sigh* yes.
25. Laid on your back and watched cloud shapes go by? Mmmhm. Yup.
26. Made a snow angel? Yeah, every winter.
27. Played dress up? Of course! And dressed up the dogs too!
28. Cheated while playing a game? Shh!
29. Been lonely? Yeah.
30. Fallen asleep at work/school? Nope.

31. Been to a club? No not really.
32. Felt an earthquake? Yes.
33. Touched a snake? Yup.
34. Ran a red light? Accidentally yes.
35. Been suspended from school? No
36. Had detention? No
37. Been in a car accident? Yes.
38. Hated the way you look? Yeah, once and a while.
39. Witnessed a crime? Just small stuff.
40. Pole danced? Hehe no.

41. Been lost? Yup.
42. Been to the opposite side of the country? Yes, tis beautiful.
43. Felt like dying? Not really. Wishing I could disapear, yes.
44. Cried yourself to sleep? Yeah, a couple times.
45. Ever had a full-blown panic attack? Yeah, I discovered I was afraid of heights at the Grand Canyon.
46. Sang karaoke? Hehe yup! It was some Matchbox 20 song.
47. Done something you told yourself you wouldn't? *sigh* Yes. Human nature, right?
48. Laughed til some kind of beverage came out of your nose? Yup, chocolate milk when I was like 9. It was terribly embarassing.
49. Caught a snowflake on your tongue? Yup.
50. Kissed in the rain? No, its one of my dreams though. It would be like being in an old black and white movie.

51. Sang in the shower? Yup "Someday you will find me carpeting the landslide in a champagne super nova in the sky..."
52. Made love in a park? Nope.
53. Had a dream that you married someone? Yes.
54. Glued your hand to something? *Giggles* yes, to my other hand.
55. Got your tongue stuck to a flag pole? No, I saw A Christmas Story. I know not to do that.
56. Ever gone to school partially naked? No
57. Been a cheerleader? Never
58. Sat on a roof top? Yeah
59. Didn't take a shower for a week? I don't think so. I don't think I've ever gone any longer than 4 days. Showers are nice, so I take lots of them.
60. Ever too scared to watch scary movies alone? Yes, all the time. I need someone to claw into if I'm gonna get scared.

61. Played chicken? With bikes, yes.
62. Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes on? No
63. Been told you're hot by a complete stranger? No
64. Broken a bone? No
65. Been easily amused? Hehe. Spatula.
66. Laugh so hard you cry? Many times.
67. Mooned/flashed someone? No
68. Cheated on a test? I've only occasionally looked over to see someone's answer before, but never on the entire test.
69. Forgotten someone's name? Yeah. I stink with names.
70. Slept naked? Yup.

71. Gone skinny dipping in a pool? No
72. Peed in a pool? No
73. Blacked out from drinking? No
74.Played a prank on someone? Not really
75. Gone to a late night movie? Yeah
76. Made love to anything not human? No. I don't find inanimate objects attractive.
77. Failed a class? Yes, in High School once. Stupid pre-diagnosed ADD years.
78. Choked on something you're not supposed to eat? No, although that would be hillarious.
79. Played an instrument for more than 10 hours? straight? No
80. Cheated on a girl/boyfriend? No.

81. Did you celebrate the 4th of July? Yes, because it's my Grandpa's brithday as well. Otherwise I am not patriotic at all.
82. Thrown strange objects? A retainer case once to get my brother to stop snoring.
83. Felt like killing someone? I like to go through the occasional violent senario in my head of people spontaneously combusting and such but I don't think ever truly could.
84. Thought about running away? Yeah, but I was little and I'd just sit outside in the woods until it got dark and I got scared.
85. Ran away? No
86. Did hard drugs? No
87. Had detention and not attend it? No
88. Listen to music to alter your mood? All the time. Music and dark chocolate is what motivates me to go to class every week. It's all about developing positive associations, baby! B.F. Skinner would be so proud.
89. Made a parent cry? I think so, if it was in a bad way they never let me see though, and I think my mom has gotten teary-eyed when I've made her proud.
90. Cried over someone? Yeah.

91. Owned more than 5 Sharpies? Yup
92. Dated someone more than once? Kinda?
93. Had a dog? Yup
94. Own an instrument? Yes, a flute and guitar and never play either anymore.
95. Been in a band? There was that brief period of that oh so indie band that we never played.
96. Drank 25 sodas in a day? No.
97. Broken a CD? Yes, i stepped on one accidentally. It made the most sickening of 'crunch' noises. It was so sad.
98. Shot a gun? Only paper cap guns when playing Cowboys and Indians with the Weinerts.
99. Did something completely selfless? You could argue that nothing is ever truly selfless. And if I told you if I did something completely selfless than that would make the selfless action null because I got recognition for it.
100. Lied about loving someone? No.

The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song

2006-03-31T17:41:00.000-05:00

There's this new flaming lips song.

And its friggen fantastic. It's been stuck in my head all day. Plus what woman could resist Wayne Coyne in that bomber hat? Mmmmm...

The Quicktime version seemed to download very slowly so I'd recomend going here on yahoo music if you have an account.

Until Later,

Sondra

not so busy any more (perhaps)

2006-03-27T20:53:00.000-05:00

whew!

Well I've finally presented my project (a timeline of women in Iran), so hopefully this should allow some more free time and maybe even a good post by this weekend.

The presentation went well, I was a little concerned all of our hard work didn't show as much as we would have liked but I think it came apparent that we had spent lots of time and effort during questions. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a great grade. I think we deserve it.

The whole project really opened my eyes to what life is like for Women in Iran. Not that I'm saying that I 'know' what its like, but it helped me to get a better idea.

The legal age of marriage is 9 (dropped from 13 in 1979 and 18 before that), Women cannot leave their homes or travel without the permission of their husband or father. Gender segregation is becoming more and more common- however it is never in the interest of females. For example, hospitals have become segregated yet there are few qualified women doctors or nurses to run the woman's hospital... And this is due to segregated schools (where the classes that do not have enough women in them are discontinued and the students are told to either drop their education or find a different major) and women not being allowed to continue their education after marriage.

Oh yeah, and then electing a supposedly moderate president in 1997 (although he never did improve life for women as promised)- with a female vice president of environmental conservation- yet she defends stoning women to death and was quoted as saying- "One should take psychological and legal affairs of the society into consideration as well. If the regular rules of family are broken, it would result in many complicated and grave consequences for all of the society."

Gah.

I know all of this information probably just seems random to you, but I've been working on it for a good week now and I guess it just kinda exploded. :)

Anyway, if your interested, I thought this was a great article (better written anyway). It's a quick read and you will become more aware of what's happening around you... And I think we can all use more of that.

Until Later,

Sondra

we're so pretttaaaay!

2006-03-23T21:25:00.000-05:00

What a great thing to have a roomie who can take your mood from "blah" to "fucking fantabulous".

I had just gotten back from 3 hours in the library, working on my timeline of "Women In Iran" when Ruth mentioned my black polka dot dress in my closet.

As it turns out, we both have black polka dot dresses, then we had a dress party. Kinda. We took a picture anyway.
Have you ever seen such a sexy pair of bitchez? I think not!

Anyway, thanks Ruth! You made my day.

Until Later,

Sondra

so...much...work!

2006-03-21T15:07:00.000-05:00

*yet another pile of work falls from the sky*

gah!

It's not even finals week yet and two presentations next week!

At least i have friday to look forward to, ralph nader is coming to speak and i already got my ticket. Hurah!

Until Later,

Sondra

busy busy

2006-03-16T10:40:00.000-05:00

As you can see, I had a great time in London and Bath. Bath especially, and being the nerd I am, would constantly recognize places filmed in the movie Persuasion. It was great. Next trip to Europe though is going to be somewhere a bit cheeper. Jeez, was it expensive. It seems like the more I travel the more I want to see. Italy, Germany and perhaps Japan are still on my lists to go see.

I really have been busy lately so it's still going to be a while before I'm able to sit down and write a quality post. I've got a paper to write by Monday, projects and other assignments to do and on top of that I'm taking a weekend trip to North Carolina with my best friend, Nicole. I'm really excited about that. We haven't been able to hang out much at all since college so it will be awesome to go on a road trip together. Plus, I get to see the town where she grew up!

It's been wonderful to get back to Alfred. The work is really starting to build and will only get more intense as finals come but I really have been glad to be here lately.

Until Later,

Sondra

p.s I'm really looking forward to seeing the movie "Thank You For Smoking". I enjoyed the book by Jeff Buckley anyway, and It should be amusing at least. It's about Nick Naylor,

Nick Naylor: Cigarettes in space?
Jeff Megall: It's the final frontier, Nick.
Nick Naylor: But wouldn't they, you know, blow up in an all oxygen environment?
Jeff Megall: Probably... but you know, it's an easy fix. One line of dialogue... "Thank god we created the, ya know, whatever device."

London Calling

2006-03-13T21:09:00.000-05:00

London Calling Part II

2006-03-13T20:46:00.000-05:00

4 more days then:

2006-02-27T21:24:00.000-05:00

No more posts until I'm back, lovelies. Mid-terms and packing to attend to. Then I'm sure I'll have lots to talk about.

Until Later,

Sondra

p.s. I'm pretty sure my mom and I won't be able to stop quoting Jane Austen and Monty Python the entire time there...

...and it will drive everyone crazy.

yesss. happy thoughts indeed.

johari window

2006-02-19T12:38:00.000-05:00

found this on ruth's blog.

try it out yourself- clicky.

Until Later,

Sondra

What Would Dada Do?

2006-02-17T20:17:00.000-05:00

In 1917, Marcel Duchamp became famous for submitting a urinal resting on it's side with "R. Mutt" scrawled on it and naming it "Fountain". It was his own way of making fun of all of those avant-garde artist peers of his. By placing a urinal in an art gallery, he challenged people's ideas of art and what actually 'is' art.

The movement is known as "Dada" and was mainly a reaction to modern society, especially WWI. He may have not been exactly understood then (or even now) but Duchamp was certainly a man ahead of his time. It was only until the 1960's when Andy Warhol became famous for the generally the same idea.

Now it seems someone else has the same idea, but it may not go over well with Paris's Pompidou Centre. Apparently, a 77 year old man named Pierre Pinoncelli 'attacked' the piece, chipping away at it with a small hammer and writing "Dada" on it.

The man was fined 214,000 euros (262,000 dollars) to pay to the Pompidou Centre.

In reaction, Pinoncelli was quoted as saying:

"I am not the cheap vandal that some would have me to be. A vandal does not sign his work. It was a wink to Dadaism. I wanted to pay homage to the spirit of Dadaism...which is disrespect"

Pinoncelli expects to appeal, arguing that he created a new original piece of art when he drew and scratched "Fountain".

I can certainly understand where Pinoncelli is coming from, however when Duchamp decided to deface the Mona Lisa, painting facial hair and re-naming it "LHQOOC"- sounding like "elle a chaud au cul" (she's hot in the ass), he at least used his own copy.

For More on Duchamp, go here.

Until Later,

Sondra

p.s. please note my formidable restraint in not using 'urine trouble' for the title of this entry.

The Vagina Monologues

2006-02-15T11:24:00.000-05:00

What better way to spend v-day with V-Day?

Last night I went to go see The Vagina Monologues. It started originally as Eve Ensler's one woman show, on campus it was performed by maybe 15 or so women.

Let me tell you, it was fantastic.

It made you laugh then cry, then cry then laugh again.

That sounds so cliche, but its true.

Unfortunately in the first 5 minutes of the play, the fire alarm went off. My friend Charity was on stage in mid-sentence when lights started to flash and the buzzer went off. Everyone was out in the cold for almost an hour. I was sure at least half the audience would leave but when we got back in I was pleasantly surprised a good majority of people stayed. It was definitely worth the wait.

So many issues were raised, spoke of things i'd never heard a conversation about, made me think in a different way. Some stories I could connect to instantly, some empowered, some I was in shock, others made me angry at injustices done.

I'm really glad I went. Not only do I insist you go if it's playing near you, I suggest you go out and find it yourself if it's not.

Until Later,

Sondra

stubborn? me?

2006-02-13T18:54:00.000-05:00

You are Mohair.You are a warm and fuzzy type who works well with
others, doing your share without being too
weighty. You can be stubborn and absolutely
refuse to change your position once it is
set, but that's okay since you are good at
covering up your mistakes.

What kind of yarn are you?
brought to you by

Until Later,

Sondra

malade

2006-02-09T21:28:00.000-05:00

bleh bleh i want to not be sick.

it is blizzarding out, only reinforcing the idea of staying home and sleep.

The weather forecast says- "snow freezing fog". I'm not sure what that is.

Until Later,

Sondra

something to think about

2006-02-06T14:26:00.000-05:00

If you could shrink the world's population to a village of 100 people, it would look like this-

There would be:

57 Asians

21 Europeans

14 North and South Americans

8 Africans

70 of the 100 would be non-white.

30 would be white.

70 of the 100 would be non-christian.

30 would be christian.

50% of the entire world's wealth would be in the hands of only 6 people- and all 6 would be residents of the United States.

70 would be unable to read.

2/3 of that 70 would be female (aprox. 47).

50 would suffer from malnutrition.

80 would live in substandard housing.

1 would have a university education.

Until Later,

Sondra

unrelated stuff

2006-01-31T15:12:00.000-05:00

I think I'm gonna go visit Rochester this weekend.

It will be nice to be home for the weekend and see a few people. Go get coffee at Joe Bean and buy myself a new pair of pants (to replace the ones that disappeared over winter break...I think they're chilling in Florida right now.)

It feels like I haven't been home in a while but I've only been away 4 weeks.

I'm still really enjoying my classes. I've learned how to (kinda) do that click thing that the !Kung (aka "The Bush People") tribe people make in Anthropology. That's awesome. Christine and I practiced saying the name "!Nai" while walking to the next class.

Learning about other distant cultures is sometimes a nice distraction from other such things that happen to be going on lately. Quel Nightmare.

Went to the study abroad fair today... looked interesting. I can't say I have much of an interest in learning another language though. At least not in a classroom anymore.

I'm not positive, but I'm pretty sure I want to do something with Sociology. That or Cultural Anthropology even. Perhaps minor in Women's Studies. If I could study abroad and somehow tie that in, that would be awesome. And again, there is always the peace corp after college...

It's a hard decision, wondering what you want to do in life. I enjoy learning and I would like to go on to graduate school, but there are lots of factors involved. Firstly, I'd have to pay for it on my own. Secondly, if I end up doing something like being a social worker, then I really won't have the income to pay off debts from school. Yet I don't want to find out I can't get a job in a field I really want to go into because I didn't get my Master's or whatever.

Bleh Bleh.

Gilmore Girls tonight which means I must get my homework done now. Hopefully they'll start showing new episodes next week. Regardless, I haven't seen many seasons at all this year so it's good to catch up. It's just more drama, but it's still addicting.

Until Later,

Sondra

music is wonderful

2006-01-24T19:53:00.000-05:00

For some reason, I just couldn't get up this morning. I pressed the snooze button on p j harvey at least 5 times.

Then I spilled hot coffee on myself well walking to Anthro, fumbled my way through the class and was glad to disappear into a seat.

I was sitting in my room, not really wanting to go to Psychology class again, when I decided to put on some happy music.

It was amazing, in 15 minutes flat I went from considering skipping and taking a nap instead to walk/dancing to the science center.

I started talking to my friend Charity (who sits behind me in psych)... I told her that I had this great song in my head, so I'd probably end up dancing in my seat to it. Don't be alarmed, I swear I don't have Tourette's, I just have a song stuck in my head. She asked what Band, I said "Of Montreal" and then we both flipped out about how awesome they are.

From now on I'm gonna make sure I listen to some good music before I go to class. It's funny how something like that can put you in such a damn good mood.

I did a bit of self-barbering today... It's so difficult to try and grow out an a-symetrical haircut. I think I did a pretty good job evening things out a bit... made me feel a bit more pretty without the longer hair in front. Should make it easier to grow my hair long-ish again too. I got a nice smile from a random cute boy when I went to get dinner...so the haircut can't be all that bad anyway.

And Gilmore Girls tonight! Aw, and It's Rory's 21st birthday... should be interesting.

Hurah!

Until Later,

Sondra

the weekend

2006-01-22T14:06:00.000-05:00

Mmm...Sundays.

Time for doing laundry, cleaning my room and finishing up homework!

Yay!

Sometimes I feel like a neat freak trapped in an ADD person's body...

...I would clean my room if I had the attention span.

At least I give it a try once a week.

I've been in such a good mood recently. Yesterday was boring, but I had a pleasant night. Went to go see a comedian (who's act improved greatly in the last 15 minutes and therefore made the stay worth it) and then watched Harold and Kumar go to White Castle. 'Twas funny.

And now for tonight there is 'Knitting and a Movie' over at the Brick.

It should give me a chance to work on my very first pair of knitted socks again. They have been put off long enough by Anthro class.

I've tried several times to knit socks, but they've never really clicked until now.

Let's hope so anyway, I still have yet to turn the heel... that might be a deal breaker.

Until Later,

Sondra

no lions and tigers or bears yet

2006-01-20T00:03:00.000-05:00

I had the strangest dream last night.

I dreamt I was in Paris again, right near the Eiffel Tower. Its that large open space where you could take pictures and venders come at you and snap open a string of post cards.

In the dream, the Eiffel Tower was much closer, and was a sort of ferris wheel instead. I was with this couple. I'm pretty sure the girl was Indian. There was some kind of thing going on where they kind of had to get away from the group to meet. They took a ride up on the ferris wheel/eiffel tower. They were thrilled with it, it was all terribly happy-go-lucky. Suddenly, water rushes through the street behind us. It's strange though, because the street doesn't actually exsist there. On the other side of the stree in fact is a suburb of my town.

I think- We must get to the shelter. The idea of 'the shelter' was very familiar to me, because I'm pretty sure I've dreamt of the whole water-rushing through the streets of Paris/Webster before. Odd.

So we walk towards the shelter and I'm no longer with the couple but Meg and Jessie instead. We get there, but 'the shelters' are basically horse stalls with people living in them. They're all crowded so we go to the main stall to ask the woman there if there is anymore room. She suggests we try the one next to her. In that shelter, there are only three other girls. They're maybe middle school or high school age, slightly obnoxious but we have no other choice but to stay there. We start talking to them, and they seem pretty cool after all.

One mentions that we don't seem like normal american tourists and so Meg says- "Yeah, we've been here before. We're done with all of the touristy type things."

We all laugh and thats the end of the dream.

Very odd indeed.

Until Later,

Sondra

winter is still here

2006-01-14T17:31:00.000-05:00

Well the weather was all lovely and spring like until last night. I woke up and there was tons of snow all over. I decided to ditch walking all the way down the the lake, and just took a few pictures around my yard.

i can't decide if i like this one or not...

red is so pretty.

lots and lots of trees.

I swear, the last two pictures were not taken in black and white. It was just that freaking gloomy today. Makes for a cool picture though.
Gotta go start packing to go back to school...

Until Later,

Sondra

a new semester soon!

2006-01-13T17:15:00.000-05:00

So I've got just a few more days before I go back to school.

It's been a really nice break. It was so good to get away from AU and visit Webster again. I got to see lots of people many times, always a good thing.

I've learned a few things since I've been on break. First, that I don't especially like being alone anymore.

Of course, that sounds worse than it actually is. It's simply that before, I'd go out of my way to spend time all by my lonesome. Sure I'd want to see friends, and I would. I would simply value my time alone more than with others.

Now I don't especially like being alone, and have simply become alot more pro-active about calling up friends and making sure I'm not alone.

This is probably just a side effect of living in a dorm. This is not to say I spend all of my time with others either though.

I just had a nice walk up to the park yesterday. I stood up by the white house and enjoyed people watching for almost an hour. The weather was beautiful. I wished I had brought my camera so I could have taken a few pictures of Lake Ontario. I think I'm gonna walk up there again tomorrow and bring my camera.

I've also realized that I miss my friends from back home ALOT. Although I would never trade AU for High School, I do really miss hanging out with friends on a daily basis.

I just need to keep on reminding myself that it's not so much that I'm losing friends from back home, simply gaining new ones from Alfred.

Anyway, this is starting to sound way too sentimental and cliche. Hopefully Webster Park pictures will be up tomorrow! I've gotta make good use of the camera before I go back to school! I'm gonna try to keep up with the regular posting, but I'm gonna be super busy with my new classes next semester. I've really been enjoying getting back to the ol' bloggin'. My goal is to update at least once a week though. We'll see how it goes.

Until Later,

Sondra

Yeeeaaaah...BABIES EVERYWHERE!

2006-01-11T17:09:00.000-05:00

It seems like lately i've been running into some pretty funny commercials. This Nutrigrain Commercial is hillarious-

click here for it.

Then there's the actor Alan Cumming's new product... perhaps you've heard of it? It's slightly more disturbing than funny, but funny just the same.

hehe.

i burst into laughter everytime he says "well hello".

Until Later,

Sondra

pictures of a florida christmas

2006-01-09T14:44:00.000-05:00

yes, i know i haven't updated in a while. i've been spending lots of time with friends and family. did take a trip to florida for christmas too. enjoy.

you know its christmas because of the red bow
happy birthday jesus/uncle ken! hurah! a cell phone! let's hope i don't lose it in a friend's driveway in three days! (note the yarn in the bottom left hand corner!) where's waldo?
the pier.palm trees are pretty. five blue shade thing-ys.
screw the sandals.coral next to the water.
pool with children and yellow tube.

view from our room.

Until Later,

Sondra

oh yeah!

2005-12-14T21:49:00.000-05:00

HOME SWEET HOME AT LAST!!!

I don't know about you, but I'm gonna be enjoying my time back with family and friends.

Oh yes, and lots of good food. Can't forget the food.

And the wonderful lack of studying my brains out.

Until Later,

Sondra

almost there!

2005-12-12T21:17:00.000-05:00

whew.

two exams down, one to go.

taking it in stride with lots of xmas music and movies.

tonight it's how the grinch stole christmas!

yay boris karloff!

can't wait to see everyone during break!

Until Later,

Sondra

egad!

2005-12-07T18:13:00.000-05:00

The Finals Are Comming! The Finals Are Comming!

School is getting a bit* crazy, won't be updating much until they're over.

Then home for family, good food and lots of luuuuve!

Until Later,

Sondra

mmm...

2005-11-30T17:36:00.000-05:00

WARNING: MP3 PLAYERS MAY RESULT IN A MILD TO SEVERE CASE OF MELODYTOSIS SYNDROME, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS CHRONIC AUDITORY BLISS. SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: JUMPING, SKIPPING, TWISTING, FROLICING, LOUD VERBALIZATION OF P J HARVEY LYRICS, EXCESSIVE SMILING, STRONG AVERSION TO CD PLAYERS AND BOPPING OF THE HEAD TO ONE HELL OF A CATCHY BEAT. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Until Later,

Sondra

feel the love

2005-11-29T16:07:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to me...

Hurah! I am 19!

*checks*

And so far no 1/4 life crisis! Woot!

I was looking through a box of momentos I have kept over the years. I found something think about how different things are for me now. Sure theres problems now, and life keeps on getting more and more complicated. But before I was miserable in school and didn't think very highly of myself. Now I'm happy at school, doing well, and have a higher self-esteem. I can deal.

Go me!

Well, this is my only time I'll ever be 19, so I'm gonna go celebrate that with delicious pizza, awesome movies and fantastic friends! You're welcome to join if your near by and if your not, well, I'll be keeping you in mind anyway. Wish I could have all my friends here!

I would also like to thank everyone who has been so lovely as to wish me a happy birthday! I feel loved!

Until Later,

Sondra

tolerable i suppose...

2005-11-25T23:28:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone had a great thanksgiving!

It's soo good to be home again. I'm enjoying my break imensely.

I just saw the new 'Pride and Prejudice' today. I have to admit, I was a bit worried. Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet? Eee...

However, I was incredibly pleased with the movie. It was fantastic. Mathew MacFayden is brilliant as Mr. Darcy...*swoon* I think I'm in love...

I can't wait to watch this movie five billions times...

The movie has already climbed its way into the ranks as my second all time favorite Jane Austen movie and I've only seen it once. Watch out Amanda Root and Ciarán Hinds had better watch out.

Until Later,

Sondra

p.s. mp3 players are fun.

the babe with the power

2005-11-21T16:47:00.000-05:00

it's final.

i'm getting my hair cut this thanksgiving break and its gonna be like this:

who needs ugly wigs when you can cut your hair a la goblin king bowie?

Until Later,

Sondra

a million times better

2005-11-18T12:10:00.000-05:00

so.

After taking a nap, I woke up in a lovely mood.

I made myself spaghetti.

Then almost as soon as I had finished the gigantic bowl of spaghetti, my roomie rushed in saying- "sondra-you-need-to-go-outside-its-snowing-and-its-so-pretty-and-we-are-going-to-go-frolic-in-it-come-along!"

How could I say no?

It was soo very pretty outside, it wasn't the first time it's snowed, but this was the first really official snow. Pretty snow.

Then we came back inside, and watched "Dead Alive", which is quite possibly one of the greatest movies ever. Zombies. Blood. Zombie babies in blenders. Who could want more?

Then we made paper snowflakes, which are hanging up over my bed right now.

Yay!

Now I'm watching the Ok Go music video, A Million Ways... its fantastic.

Things aren't really looking any better than they were before, but my mood is better anyway.

Until Later,

Sondra

grrr

2005-11-17T16:41:00.000-05:00

Ugh, I really really really don't want to be here for this weekend.

It's all getting way too predictable.

I wish I had a car so I could leave.

I wish I had a concert to go to.

One really loud, dirty, kickass concert.

I'm getting so bored and restless.

Just. A. Few. More. Days. Until. Break.

grr...

ever have a one of those days where you just can't seem to tolerate anything?

Until Later,

Sondra

nothing happening

2005-11-13T19:30:00.000-05:00

Silly me.

For the longest time I just thought that the webcomic Nothing Nice To Say wasn't updating at all.

Then I just discovered that I had linked it to a specific comic, and not the website itself.

Oops.

Ah well, I got a mini Nothing Nice-palooza.

Yes, I am a nerd.

Until Later,

Sondra

i can tell that we are gonna be nemeses...

2005-11-08T13:19:00.000-05:00

hehehe, its sad how familiar this conversation is...

Until Later,

Sondra

i don't wanna grow up!

2005-11-07T20:24:00.000-05:00

I just realized that I'm never going to ever truly feel like an adult.

I've also realized that I do need to start acting more responsible. (but mainly not)

Sometimes I wonder if I'm just being stupid of if it's other people that are.

Sometimes I wonder whether I just don't like large groups of people or if I'm just afraid of them.

meh.

Until Later,

Sondra

nu...nu...nucular

2005-11-03T13:20:00.000-05:00

what people don't realize, there is a genius behind the stupidity...

this is fucking fantastic!

Until Later,

Sondra

beware exploding snakes

2005-11-02T20:03:00.000-05:00

I've been meaning to blog this for a while.

Procrastination affords the perfect opportunity!

About a month ago, my roommate Ruth found this very amusing article online. It's been a giant inside joke since.

Heres the just of the article:

A 13-foot Burmese python exploded while trying to digest an alive 6-foot aligator. Both animals died as a result.

Ow.

this probably hurts like hell

What Ruth and I cannot figure out is how the hell the aligator got swallowed alive in the first place. I mean, I can understand the python more. It seemed big enough that it really wouldn't have much of a problem swallowing an aligator.

Regardless though, being swallowed is something that generally takes some time. Perhaps the aligator was napping? Had a long night partying and not only woke up with a nasty hangover but also inside of a giant python? I like to think the python's part was due to peer pressure. Perhaps his buddies got together and dared him. Perhaps it was something like this:

Python: Oh dude, I'm so hungry, I could eat like 10 dogs!

Python Friend: Oh dude, I'm so hungry, I could eat like 20 dogs...and a monkey!

Python: Oh yeah? I'm so hungry I could eat an entire aligator!

Python Friend: Dude, you could totally NOT an entire aligator! In fact, I DARE YOU to eat an entire aligator!

Python: Yeah?

Python Friend: Yeah! In fact, I TRIPLE DOG DARE YOU!

Python: ....uh, yeah? *toungue flickers nervously*

Python Friend: FUCK YEAH! IN FACT, THAT ONE RIGHT THERE! THE SIX FOOT ONE!

Python: Uh, I dunno dude... that looks kinda big...

Python Friend: What are you, some kinda retarded little gardner snake? DO IT! I DARE YOU!

(other pythons hiss encouragingly as python starts)

Group of Python Friends: GO! GO! GO!

*5 hours later*

Python Friend: Well THAT ended badly...

hehehehe. for more on this article, clicky here.

Although, my version was much better than whatever crap ABC News has in that article. Seriously. I dare ABC News to write something better. I dare you. I TRIPLE DOG DARE YOU! DO IT! DO IT!

*ABC News explodes*

Until Later,

Sondra

gobble?

2005-11-01T16:12:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I'm not normally one to go oohing and ahhing over pictures of animals put in silly things, but I thought this was just hillarious.

It reminds me of dressing up the Weinert's dogs as a child...

...aww

That's all for now, today was a long day. I just kinda burbled incoherently.

*burbleburble*

time for a big ass cup of coffee...

Until Later,

Sondra

p.s. As a sidenote, Questionable Content now includes scary eyelashes.

[brackets of pleasure]

2005-10-31T17:52:00.000-05:00

[A rapping witch]

[A boy named after a cheese]

[Apologies]

[Pancakes]

[Candy]

[Cute children in halloween costumes]

[Mail finally getting here]

[Packaging peanuts]

[Stealing and killing kittens in ethics]

[Indie webcomics]

[Beautiful weather]

...have made this day a very pleasant one.

good moods are wonderful.

Happy Halloween everyone!

Until Later,

Sondra

sigh

2005-10-30T21:00:00.000-05:00

"The more I see of the world, the less inclined I am to think well of it."

I know I haven't updated in a while, life has a nasty habit of keeping me too busy to update. Or if I did have time, I couldn't think of anything to write.

I'm finding myself truly frustrated with people. People who I don't think love themselves much and so decide to go drink too much.

It's not fair, and it makes me sad. Truly intelligent, loving, fun people who think their better off forgetting their nights.

It's not that I'm against drinking. I might come off that way, but I don't think I am. It's when people start to abuse it. When I expect that 3 a.m. phone call or visit. That's when I get upset.

I hate... when I can't fix things. When I know that all I can do is listen. That I can't make things better right away.

I hate it when I feel so goddamned obligated sometimes. That I have to try and help, that I can't just stand by and watch.

The worst problems are the ones you experience indirectly. You get to see exactly what is going on and you can't do one goddamned thing about it.

Right now I seriously doubt I'll ever feel as happy here as I did back home with friends. I know thats a lie, but it sure feels true.

There should be a word for the emotion that is: angry/sad/disapointed/used/frustrated/amused/irritated/resentful/hopeless/powerless.

I just realized how drastically different things were a little more than three months ago. Insanely different. I should get back to that. When the little things in life were more important.

Until Later,

Sondra

oh yes it is!

2005-10-12T16:23:00.000-04:00

My dorm room is so cleeeeeeaaaaaaaan!

I can see the floor! We have a floor!

Now to pick up a broom of sorts. My crap is picked up, but the floor is a bit discusting.

Then again, college and trash on the floor seem a bit inextricable.

It's amazing how cleaning your room and chatting on the phone a bit with an old friend can improve one's mood. I'm coming home this Friday. This is awesome. Again, I will make every attempt to see everyone, but no promises.

Ethics class keeps on getting better and better. I come back from class every day with at least three questions buzzing around in my brain, hardly being able to wait for the next discussion. There was actually a pretty funny conversation with a friend's mom about a month ago. It went something like this:

friend's mom: "So Sondra, what is your major?"

me: "Oh, well, Undecided, but I'm in the Liberal Arts school. I didn't want to declare anything because I figured I'd change my mind ten times over before junior year. I'm probably going to end up majoring in philosophy though."

friend's mom: "Oh?.... Why don't you major in something you like?"

me: "..... I do like philosophy."

*awkward silence*

friend's mom: "oh."

Oh man. Philosophy Major. Fuck. Get ready to take the LSATS dearie...

I'm thinking a small nap sounds pretty good right now.

Until Later,

Sondra

neutral anthem

2005-10-10T01:11:00.000-04:00

this song has become my anthem for the week.

The only girl I've ever loved
Was born with roses in her eyes
But then they buried her alive
One evening 1945
With just her sister at her side
And only weeks before the guns
All came and rained on everyone
Now she's a little boy in Spain
Playing pianos filled with flames
On empty rings around the sun
All sing to say my dream has come

But now we must pick up every piece
Of the life we used to love
Just to keep ourselves
At least enough to carry on

Today I layed in bed and wished it would snow. Large fluffy flakes, falling into the trees by the window. Coldness pressed tight up against the window, but the the colder it is the warmer it seems to be inside.

I wish I could hold these moments seperate, away from all of the pain and confusion. Keep them safe from being ruined or forgotten.

Until Later,

Sondra

p.s. I know what you would do and say to this. You would look me in the eyes which would scare me but it's what i secretly love. You would tell me that it's impossible. I might hate you for that, but it's the truth.

happy thoughts indeed

2005-10-05T17:09:00.000-04:00

You Belong in London

A little old fashioned, and a little modern.
A little traditional, and a little bit punk rock.
A unique woman like you needs a city that offers everything.
No wonder you and London will get along so well.
What City Do You Belong in? Take This Quiz :-)

I'm really excited, I found out that I'll be heading to England in early March. I've never been, so this should be awesome. Any places I MUST see? I was hoping to get down to Stratford and see a play, then a little bit of the English countryside. Being the nerd that I am, I'll want to go see an estate where they filmed Jane Austen films. I think I will then proceed to go insane with joy.

Sondra: Oh My God! Ohmygod! It's Pemberley, Mom! PEMBERLEY!!!

*frolics around Lyme Park*

Sondra: I FEEL LIKE ELIZA FUCKING BENNET! WOHOO!

Mom: *turns to other tourists* That's not my daughter...

Heh. I can't wait.

Until Later,

Sondra

Rogerick!

2005-10-04T19:36:00.000-04:00

Tonight I had dinner with Roger.

It was beautiful.

In a sure-you-have-a-girlfriend-dude-but-that-doesn't-stop-me-from-adoring-you-from-afar sort of way.

and I did not turn into a lobster!

(i told you i was getting better...)

He even has his own Radio Show on Sundays. Listen from 12-2 here. I haven't listened yet, but I totally will.

He was wearing an Ed Gein band t-shirt. The kid listens to angry music.

Mmmm. Ah well, his face makes up for it.

Until Later,

Sondra

for those who know:

2005-09-30T23:59:00.000-04:00

that i can get irrationally angry at stupid things...

but besides that, today was pretty damn good.

i went to walmart.

and i bought light up flip flops and pulp fiction.

for $9! boo-ya!

Until Later,

Sondra

it's not just the demon barber of fleet street

2005-09-29T17:43:00.000-04:00

oh manohmanohman.

...this is so wrong.

...all of a sudden i desperately want to go see a musical.

...perhaps worse... i want to perform in a musical.

...and one that doesn't involve psycho insane barbers who turns his customers into meat pies.

there must be something horribly wrong with me.

all those years...

hating andrew lloyd webber.

gone. just gone.

have all of these years hating cheesy songs and go-go boot dancing...

...just been a cover for my secret love of them?

the horror...

perhaps i'll just wake up and find that it's all just one big nightmare.

...yes, thats it...one big nightmare...

*shudder*

Until Later,

Sondra

p.s. anyone up for a little road trip on the 23rd of October to Buffalo? The Dresden Dolls are playing... should be lots of fun...

it's rainy

2005-09-26T22:35:00.000-04:00

today was a tiredblah day that is in desperate need for a little rufus wainwright...

cigarettes and chocolate milk these are just a couple of my cravings everything it seems i like's a little bit stronger, a little bit thicker, a little bit harmful for me...

oh dearest college, every day you lower my health standards a bit more each day...

today I drank water out of a mug. i finished half of the water before i realized the mug had white spore thing-ys growing inside of it.

ah well.

until later,

sondra

good start to a great weekend

2005-09-24T17:20:00.000-04:00

My roommate is freaking awesome.

It's amazing how much of boy related troubles can be solved with the following:

1. "electro-folk" performance at Terra Cotta coffee house by a decently talented guy who said he's going to "Get off the stage soon because he's probably boring everyone now."

2. Food/Coffee

3. Gilmore Girls

4. Discussions of Disney Movies, especially The Emperor's New Groove.

5. Seeing glass blowing in the art studio

6. One slightly awkward conversation where I say "Boys are so frustrating, it'd be so much easier if I were a lesbian."

7. One SNL "Hyper Hypo" skit with Mike Meyers and Nicole Kidman. (I think "You're the Devil!" will become a constant saying around here...)

7. Knitting

8. Moxy Fruvous

Anyway, I had a really fun time, and my roommate is fantastic. I found out she listen to The Clash like the first or second day, so I knew she had to be pretty cool. This weekend has just confirmed it indefinitely.

Hurah!

Until Later,

Sondra

blankets

2005-09-21T18:32:00.000-04:00

I just finished reading Craig Thompson's Blankets today. I got it at the library this morning, and devoured every beautiful page.

I had read Carnet de Voyage... had picked it up in a French bookstore (where they're really big on graphic novels). I loved what I could read, and later picked up a copy in English and loved it more.

I was inspired to go back to reading Thompson's works when Meg sent me this. Salamander Dream is good, and reminded me of why I love graphic novels or whatever they're called.

Blankets makes me happy to be human. Although his story is sad, especially at first, I didn't feel that way at all when I finished. It's so intensely beautiful, every page just as wonderful as the next.

Everyone should read it, and I think I'm gonna read it again tonight.

Craig Thompson has this special abillity... to draw/write things that connect with all human beings. There's something so universal. All sorts of different feelings we all know and experience. Opressive parents. Questioning thoughts. Love in all of it's many forms. Realizations. Growing up. We can relate to these all, sometimes I almost felt like he was writing more about my own life and feelings than his own.

God, it was a good book. I think I'm gonna start enjoying simple pleasures in life more. Books. Tea. Knitting. Silence.

I feel like I've been spending wayy too much time with computers lately, I need to start getting away from that. They can suck out your soooouuuuulllll!

I suppose I should eat now, all of that reading made me forget about food. However, the last thing I want right now is to wait in long lines for bad food. Hm.

Oh yes, and what is this about a paper due Friday? And French test tomorrow? Other writing paper due next wednesday? Might want to start on that as well.

Ha! That just made me think of something I heard the first day of college... "Do you guys really know what you're getting yourselves into? Four years of papers, tests, exams? "

haha....no i didn't.

Until Later,

Sondra

leave it to lloyd dobler

2005-09-20T10:25:00.000-04:00

I have to agree with Tambo on this one. *sigh* Silly people... hopefully this article will set you right before the fashion police start knocking at your door.

Growing up as I did in the Midwest, I was completely unaccustomed to coastal fashion when I arrived in South Bend. After three years, though, I'm starting to notice a few trends on campus that I just don't get to see at home. Perhaps the most interesting of these is also the most irritating - the popped collar.

I just don't get it. Why do people do this to their shirts? Maybe they're blocking their necks from the sun, wind and rain. Maybe they're cold. Maybe they're hiding hickeys. Maybe I'm the only one who is missing out.

Thinking back, I should have seen it coming. Fashion trends recycle, right? And in the 1800s, fashionable men starched their collars in order to wear the cravats that served as ties. The collar's points framed their faces.

This fad simply never faded away on the East Coast, where prep-school etiquette required that young men sport starched collars even on the weekends. It also appeared on the West Coast in the early 90s when hip-hop artists like MC Hammer told us to "pop ya collar."

The popped collar is obviously a craze of the past. Why, then, is the J. Crew U. look so prevalent here, now?

Fellow Observer staffer Kelly Meehan and I tried out the popped collar and asked our fellow students what they thought about it. While most agreed that it was fashionable, many said that the majority of collar-poppers are merely imitating those who have the right to pop. And when questioned, the general consensus was that this group consisted of upper-crust East Coasters who have been popping their whole lives.

I won't go so far as to say that the only people who should wear the popped collar are preppy or wealthy. I don't necessarily believe that. Some of the coolest people in entertainment history flipped up their collars - think John Lennon, Lloyd Dobler in "Say Anything," Elvis, the Fonz, Michael Jackson in the "Bad" era, and even Alex P. Keaton. These were men who bravely popped where no men had popped before. They were the truly cool fashion trendsetters among the masses.

But if you think about it, the stiff collar has been sported by many who should have avoided it. Dracula, for one, is a prime example. Star Trek characters, the Bride of Frankenstein, even dogs who have had surgery all get a chance to flip their collars.

My point to you is this: The more liberal American style seems to get, the more and more the trendy attempt to reach back to steal fashions from the past. You cannot reinvent something as classic as the polo shirt, nor is it always appropriate to try. How you dress should be a reflection of who you really are. Don't let a fashion trend designate how you present yourself to the world. And most importantly, pop your collar responsibly.

-writen by nicole zook of the observer-

---> Quoi? This model thinks he is hot, but he is just creepy. Awesome pants though.

Say Anything is a cinematic classic in which Lloyd Dobler can pop his collar. However, if Cusack was to pop his collar today, it would just look stupid.<---

Until Later,

Sondra

dreidles, yarn and happiness

2005-09-20T02:46:00.000-04:00

Today was a very good day. I found out what I needed to do, and I did it. It was not screaming on mountain tops, but I feel so much better now. I do not deal with uncertainty well.

Oh yes, and I'm possibly turning to Judaism? Dinner time is a good time for learning about dreidles.

I've already gotten the kosher thing down. Been kosher for 2 years!

Ooh, and I totally joined the campus Stitch n' Bitch! What now?!

I am working on gloves. They are beautiful. Unfortunately, the yarn is all tangled, and I've already spent 3 hours trying to untangle it but there's still more work to be done.

La La La, it is late.

Goodnight.

Until Later,

Sondra

like newborn shrimps

2005-09-18T19:53:00.000-04:00

confirming that i am in luuurve with (s)dp's s.m.--

Belly buttons are kissing. This is the art of dying. Four cups of coffee in the morning while she plays piano naked.

...it is not my fault that song got stuck in my head all weekend!

---

a billion things searing through my brain:

#740- should i cry?

#8945- am i over-reacting?

#23458-do i not react enough?

#9844353- what did he do?

#546- what is going through his head?

#345- am i doomed to repeat these mistakes (if i made them)?

#12- do i move on?

#892- how long will things be like this?

fuckfuckfuck. i think i might stay home tonight. school/knitting/shower sounds good now.

i was doing so well... i had forgotten until now.

Until Later,

Sondra

same imaginary place

2005-09-17T00:32:00.000-04:00

So, I'm here. Home, I guess. Doesn't feel quite like home anymore though.

I thought I'd return and things would feel normal, but I've realized how much Alfred has become home already. Woah. Garden State moment...

You'll see when you move out it just sort of happens one day one day and it's just gone. And you can never get it back. It's like you get homesick for a place that doesn't exist. I mean it's like this rite of passage, you know. You won't have this feeling again until you create a new idea of home for yourself, you know, for you kids, for the family you start, it's like a cycle or something. I miss the idea of it. Maybe that's all family really is. A group of people who miss the same imaginary place...

I haven't had a chance to see anyone yet except parental units that keep on exclaiming "My baby is back!!!". Tomorrow I go for breakfast with Nicole, then I need to call up Meg, Jessie, Margaret and Ryan and find out what the deal is. I'm afraid you won't be able to escape me visiting. Buahah! Quick Bob, get the kids in the minivan!

Goodnight.

Until Later,

Sondra

It's true!

2005-09-14T15:55:00.000-04:00

WES ANDERSON SAYS:

"I CAN KICK YOUR ASS AT WEARING CORDUROY, BiTChEz!!!"

Until Later,

Sondra

p.s. coffee + free time = good times

Happy Girl

2005-09-14T01:59:00.000-04:00

Today was a very good day. I knew I'd have one eventually.

I finally moved into my new dorm room with my new roommate (My old roommate left school because she was unhappy here). So far so good! She knits, watches Amelie and is obsessed with Gilmore Girls too! Most importantly, she doesn't bitch about how much she hates things here! YAY!

Moving was really fun. I expected it to be alot of trudging around and cleaning up my messy room. It was that, but lots of people chipped in and made things awesome. I kept my door open, even after I had finished moving. We're not technically supposed to keep our doors open for long periods of time (being a fire harzard or something), but it's amazing how many people just come by and start talking to you. One girl came in after seeing my Guster poster and she started talking about how she got to meet them once. I need to keep on reminding myself that people are fun and pleasant things to be around.

Then we watched the season premier of Gilmore Girls. What was with that sweater with excesive amounts of bows on it?! That show is so addicting. Sometimes I'll be so dissatisfied with an episode that I will vow to never watch it again... but come Tuesday at 8:00 I'm on the couch in front of the TV with everyone else.

Anyway. This roommate thing will be good for me.

Now to do some last minute 1 AM homework! However, I don't regret putting it off until later AT ALL. At the moment, enjoying new friends is much more important.

:)

Until Later,

Sondra

50th post

2005-09-13T10:39:00.000-04:00

this is my 50th post...

I guess that's special enough to say something, but not really.

I give you five random thoughts of the day...

::Random Thought One::

Our dear friend Roger/Patrick is a dirty emo kid. He got his lip pierced. This is terrible news.

It doesn't even look very nice on him. Some boys it kinda does, but not him. The lip ring is too shiny. It just looks like he was eating tin foil and there is still a little left over on his mouth.

Who gets a shiny lip ring?! Seriously!

Ah well, his face makes up for the unfortunate piercing.

And dude, he's able to wear boxers underneath girl pants! What's with that?

*Sigh*

i have been reading too many 'dinosaur comics' lately. you can tell with all of the "seriously!"'s and "what's with that?"'s.

::Random Thought Two::

Muffins™...

I do not believe muffins will ever be replaced. He simply just has it all- brains, good looks, sense of humor...

...that and he has been built up in all our minds as The Boy Deity.

Now I really actually want to get the word "Muffins" trademarked for real... except that it is impossible. Besides it just being stupid to go to all of that trouble, you can't trademark common everyday words like that. But we shall know the word is ours.

::Random Thought Three::

In other news, I believe today might be moving day! I am finally moving to a different room, a room that does not swallow people up with loneliness (I am the second person that I know of for it to do so). My future roommate seems really cool and I think we shall get along. She has the film Amelie anyway, so she can't be all bad. Plus she watches Gilmore Girls, and hopefully we will watch the season premier tonight. It is a silly show, but I am a silly girl (sometimes).

Plus, it is the TV equivelent of a crack addiction.

Anyway, it will be good to be around people again.

::Random Thought Four and a half::

I think I need to get back to reading Anna Karenina. I had stopped a few days ago, but I think it's definitely worth reading.

And I really do need to read some Sylvia Plath soon...

Oh, and has anyone ever seen the Baz Luhrman's Strictly Ballroom? I think I remember someone talking about that... probably Margaret. Margaret, (or anyone else who has seen it) did you like that movie? It is at our library and I am debating whether I should rent it or not.

The Royal Tenebaums is a GREAT movie. Go rent it. It's fantastic. I now have a girl crush on Gweneth Paltrow. I think I will watch it again today.

::Random Thought Five::

Franckhauser is a kickass last name.

::announcement::

I am coming home this weekend, so all prepare for visiting!

Until Later,

Sondra

Today

2005-09-12T19:04:00.000-04:00

...was better.

A song a friend gave me made me feel better. It was so horrible I just had to smile.

I think dinner sounds nice now. Then sleep. Then tomorrow.

Hopefully I should be getting a new roommate soon. I think that will help. I won't have a scary dorm room any more.

Until Later,

Sondra

it's been nice knowing you

2005-09-12T01:33:00.000-04:00

fuck.

i just realized that sticky chocolate ice cream cones and pirates was our last goodbye...

...i cherish that bit of irony right before in the library.

even though it hurts, i can still appreciated life's strange sense of humor.

goddamnit today sucked...

time for bed, music and heating pads but no tears.

S.

Slightly Bitter And Homesick

2005-09-10T15:34:00.000-04:00

It's a lazy saturday afternoon and there's nothing much to do.

I'm sitting in my dorm, slowly sipping an excessively large cup of coffee, trying not to burn my toungue. If I were not hopelessly addicted to coffee, I would be discusted at what American have the nerve to call a 'medium'.

Etas-Unis. Pah. D'accord, Je vais manger croissants et boire vin rouge en paix parce-que les autres sont stupide.

I'm playing "Dry The Rain" by The Beta Band. Christ, I love this song.

My lights are turned off. I've been in my room for hours, it's only just occured to me to turn on room lights.

I'm feeling a bit homesick, regreting that I decided not to come home to go to my cousin's wedding. I have a paper to write, but it will only take me a couple of hours to finish. The rest is an empty whole of boredom. I know if I decided to go to the wedding, the paper would never get done. I wouldn't even be home. I wouldn't get to see friends. I wouldn't even know anyone at the wedding except for a few family members. I'd probably kick myself for going, but fuck I'm homesick.

Things here aren't even that bad. I just miss home.

Everyone seems to be gone. There will be things to go to at night, movies, dance performances and school clubs. But the afternoon is dead.

---

If I had a super power, it wouldn't be anything of use.

It would be terribly selfish in fact.

Forget x-ray vision or flight.

I would have the power to change the weather according to my mood.

Sunny days are so shallow.

Brooding must be inflicted on it.

It doesn't realize how stupid it looks.

All sunny and bright, who the fuck does it think it is?

Deep wounds bleeding grey clouds on a blue sky.

Veins of lightning, veils of rain.

Washing away the heat of the sun.

The skys would growl doom.

People running, cowering under sheets of newspapers.

Mud sucking at shoes, leaves shivering with fear.

In my mind the image is fantastic.

Beautiful in a sort of way.

Yet reality is all annoyingly indifferent.

My moods do not control the weather.

But they should.

The blue just smiles and tells me there is no point in this.

That life goes on without me, so shut the fuck up.

My moods do not control the weather.

But they should.

Until Later,

Sondra

Here lies David St. Hubbins... and why not?

2005-09-07T23:57:00.000-04:00

Lately I've become a Christopher Guest addict.

Two days ago I saw Waiting For Guffman, today Best In Show.

I was kinda disapointed with Best in Show, I had heard it was really funny. It was, but I liked Waiting For Guffman a little bit better.

I desperately need to get Mom to send my copy of This Is Spinal Tap to me, and I'd like to watch A Mighty Wind again.

I don't know why, all of a sudden I desperately need to see all of his movies. Perhaps I just associate them with home or something.

And what's with this? Christopher Guest in The Princess Bride? Whaaah?

Until Later,

Sondra

Getting Better All The Time

2005-09-04T21:06:00.000-04:00

I apologize for not writing in so long. I wanted to get things set up at school first, and I really wanted to make a point to be social for the first week or so. No computers or TV or the like. Things are going well here, but alot has happened in the first week. My last two entires have been terrible, so I'm gonna try and generate a little intelligent conversation now.

I'm really enjoying my Ethics class now. Things are seriously looking like a philosophy major at this point. Then, because you can't do anything with a philosophy major, on the more school. Law school? Who knows...

I just finished reading a chapter on Cultural Relativism. It's really interesting. Basically, Moral Relativism says that morals change from culture to culture, that there really is no unifying 'moral code'. It's easy to blow off, but there's alot to be taken in consideration. It gave examples or different cultures, and how some will perform such things such as infantcide in ancient Eskimo culture. It's a horrifying concept to most western civilization, but there are lots of things to consider. The infantcide isn't being done by Eskimo's because they hate babies, it's done because when you yourself can barely get by, there's no way you could possibly provide for ten children. It's a matter of survival, not lack of morals. Just because the Eskimos were not able to keep their children around, does not mean that they loved them any less than any other person.

It's interesting to think of though. If a person in a diffferent culture does something that is normally accepted otherwise, but not accepted in other places, is it still wrong?

Cultural Relativism is a very complex issue, you can't really be all for it or all against it. It's hard to compare cultures. Sometimes it's difficult to know when something should be an accepted part of culture, and when things have become immoral. Perhaps there is merit in Eskimos disposing of individuals where there is no way to care for them, resulting in only a long drawn out death that damages the community as well. But one must be careful where the line is drawn. Sometimes things can be a slipery slope, that same argument can be used to promote very immoral things such as genecide.

This is not to say that there is no right or wrong, because I believe there is. There are many ideas of right and wrong that are shared by most all cultures. Most are simply just general rules that allow society to continue. If you kill everyone, you're not going to be able to continue your society.

Ethics is such a great class, it really makes you think and question yourself. There is right and wrong, but you simply can't make general statements. You cannot simply say things like "Abortion is right/wrong" There are always acceptions to the rule. The idea is to look at the individual issues, and find what best serves that individual case.

Hm, let's hope I get some interesting comments on this one!

Until Later,

Sondra

I Hate You

2005-08-30T21:02:00.000-04:00

Jesusmotherfuckingbitchingroommate.

After spending three hours trying to cheer my roommate up with movies and cookie dough ice cream, she gets on the phone and starts bitching about her life.

Fuck.

You.

So now I will try and drown her whining out with Roman Holiday.

Audrey Hepburn can outclass that girl anyday. Blindfolded...On a bed of hot coals...Surounded with man-eating sharks...And spinach in her teeth.

I do not like being evil... but I can't help but fantasizing a trotsky-esque demise.

Until Later,

Sondra

Love it!

2005-08-27T09:50:00.000-04:00

I FUCKING LOVE COLLEGE (university for canadians)!!!

Everything is amazing... except for the food. I had a strawberry that was crispy yesterday. That was not pleasant.

Everything else is going wonderfully. My room is all set up, and my roommate seems really cool. I still need to fix my schedule though... I'm only techically signed up for one class so far. Gotta fix that.

When I get more of a chance I'll blog later.

Until Later,

Sondra

I Heart Lists

2005-08-22T17:00:00.000-04:00

Okay.

Right.

Let's see if I'm finished packing for school.

Right.

Computer? Check!

Sheets and Comforter? Check!

Practically every single article of clothing I own? Check!

Posters? Check, but totally looking for more on break or ordering some online.

CD's? Check! No! Not Check! Fuck, lost my CD player... well, I guess it's as good of time as any to start saving up for an iPod.

Phone? Check!

Alarm Clock? Check!

Makeup? Check!

Knitting? Check!

Books? Check!

Movies? Check!

Mug? Check!

Mini Fridge/Microwave? Check!

Pictures? Check, but gotta get senior pics from Meg and Jessie later.

Laundry Detergent? Check!

Okay, is that all? Yeah? Oh wait! School supplies!

Silly me.

Until Later,

Sondra

Pictures From Watkins Glen

2005-08-20T00:24:00.000-04:00

Until Later,

Sondra

Campers In The Mist

2005-08-19T13:20:00.000-04:00

I am back from camping finally!

It was okay, but my Dad and I fought the whole time and my family just sat around most of the time. We did however, go up to Watkins Glen and I took some really great photographs. I think I'm gonna print them in black and white... they'll turn out awesome. Hopefully I'll be able to get a few blown up bigger so I can post them in my dorm room. I'll post them here when I finish.

I have adelightful camping story for all of you. I didn't get to hike as much as I wanted, but I found observing otheres is just as enjoyable.

I present to all: Campers in the Mist!

Boy, age aproximately 16, is camping with his family in the site next to us. Mostly Boy enjoys badgering Little Sister or honking horn of Mother's truck obnoxiously.

One day, Boy becomes particularly bored, so decides to start tossing hat up in the air. This is going well. Boy moves under a tree, and see's how far he can toss the hat up into the tree. This is going even better. After about two tosses, the invevitable happens- the hat gets stuck in the tree. Boy seems genuinely surprised that the hat would get stuck up in the tree, and declares loudly- "Aw, shit!". Boy needs his hat back.

So Boy, being as creative as he is, decides to take off a flip flop to nock the hat out of the tree. This does not last long. The flip flop gets caught right away. Boy lets out another highly original "Aw, shit!". Boy repeats this with (get this) the other flip flop! Ah HA!

Boy apparently has more tricks up his sleeve than I originally thought! But oh no! Could it get worse? The second flip flop gets stuck! Cruel, cruel world! "Aw, shit!" is his sound of dispair. Now Boy is really thinking. He disapears for a second, and then comes out with a basket ball! Boy tosses up basket ball into the tree, is momentarily stuck- I bite my lip to keep from bursting into laughter- but alas, the Camping gods smiled upon Boy and the basket ball fell out of the tree. Three more tries, and both flip flops and hat are safely out of the tree... and the basket ball falls into the ashes were from last night's camp fire. "Aw, shit!"

It's comforting to know this boy will some day be our next senator...

Other Boy, possibly brother or cousin of Boy, is also a mine field of joys. One day, Other Boy sneaks a beer. "Woah!" Other Boy exclaims, "This was made in Canada!". Other Boy tells this to Boy, both are thrilled. Canada. Woah. Other Boy starts humming national anthem of Canada. Only gets through first line. "Oh Canada, my home and native land...". Other Boy can't think of what comes next, but is delighted to start whisteling the first line over and over and over again. After about 5 minutes of this, and making good progress through beer, Other Boy turns to Boy and says "Woah. What's our song?"

Both are stumped.

Forget nature, why would you want to watch deer run through fields when you can be constantly amazed by the wonders of the human mind?

I love this country.

And it's good to be back.

Until Later,

Sondra

Camping

2005-08-13T11:23:00.000-04:00

I must leave to go camping tomorrow... won't return until Thursday. Apparently it builds character.

If thats the case, then I must have loads of it by now.

This sucks because it means now I'm not sure if I'll be able to see everyone before I leave. I'm gonna try to anyway. Don't be afraid to call me up... I'm really not trying to ignore anyone here, I've just got so much stuff to do before I leave. I don't want to forget anyone, but if I (very regrettably) do, you officially become the first person on my list of people to hang out with when I come home.

La.

I think I'm going to go pack and then try to find a good book for the road... perhaps The House Of The Spirits by Isabel Allende? It was recomended to me by Nick, and I've read good reviews so far...

Until Later,

Sondra

Hot Damn!

2005-08-12T15:44:00.000-04:00

I have writers block!

Creativity is taking a holiday. It's thinking yachting around Sweden looks quite nice. Perhaps traveling around Italy on a Vespa?

Needless to say, it shan't be looking to come back soon.

If I'm lucky, it will bring me back one of those "My creativity went yachting in Sweden, and all I got was this crappy t-shirt" t-shirts.

blah. I feel brain dead.

Until Later,

Sondra

Spoooooon!

2005-08-09T13:30:00.000-04:00

The long lost Donnas song that didn't quite make the cut while recording:

Baby, Baby get me a spoooooon,

These ovaries I’m digging out soooooon.

Every month I go insa-ane,

Don’t get too close or I’ll kick and maim.

Gone through a whole box of Midol,

And chocolate bars are my idol.

Baby, Baby get me a spoooooon,

These ovaries I’m digging out soooooon.

---

And... I guess I should get this done sometime so here I go:

Tagged by the unprecedented Meg

List five songs that you are currently digging... it doesn't matter what genre they are from, whether they have words, or even if they're no good but they must be songs you're really enjoying right now. Post these instructions, the artists, and the five songs in your blog. Then tag five other people to see what they're listening to.

1. "DJ"- (swedish) Death Polka
2. "Palin' With Al"- The Squirrel Nut Zippers
3. "Elle Aime"- Albin de la Simone and feist
4. "Coin Operated Boy"- The Dresden Dolls
5. "Ode To Divorce"- Regina Spektor

Tag: This tag stops here! Go ahead if you like, but I'm not going to bother tagging anyone else.

Ow... I am off to the store to pick up some ice cream. Ben and Jerry will keep me company as I spend the rest of the day in my ducky pajama pants and watch Lawrence of Arabia.

I have a plan to waste the entire day and it is a lovely one.

Until Later,

Sondra

15 Days

2005-08-08T14:47:00.000-04:00

until I leave for school.

creepy...

I've been e-mailing my roommate for a while now and she seems very nice. I can't wait to meet her. I'm not too worried that we won't get along, I tend to get along with most people. However, it's gonna be strange to have to share a room with someone.

It's such a strange situation, being put in the same room as someone you don't know and have to live with them. I would think you would get to know all of their quirks pretty quickly. What if she has terribly deep dark secrets? What if she finds out mine? How will I keep the fact that I turn from magical fairy princess back into simple scullery maid at midnight a secret?

'tis a conundrum, indeed.

I can't wait to finally get this part of my life started though. It's a fresh new start which means I can start trying to act even more like the person I want to be. Actually start to be motivated and care about school is at the top. Become more outgoing secondly, not be as self-conscious, and I want to make all sorts of interesting friends. Maybe I'll even make friends with a gorgeous boy. It might take some time to actually convince Meg and Jessie he exsists and that I can actually talk to him...and I didn't pay him to talk to me...but it would be totally worth it. And he would be gorgeous! Joy!

I desperately don't want to chicken out of starting a-new. I just need to realize that everyone feels the same way I do.

Public Service Annoucement:

If anyone happens to have a car that they wouldn't mind lending to Meg and Sondra (two strange yet loveable teen-aged girls) to take down to Brooklyn for a Beck and Belle and Sebastian concert, and wouldn't mind us putting a little more than 600 miles (actually 780 miles if Meg wants to meet me at school and get home anytime soon after) on it in two days, with the slight to quite likely possibility that it would be wrecked because of our lack of sleep and food on October 3rd, that would be lovely. And give us each like $200. Complimentary "Offical Belle and Sebastian Air Freshener" included as thank you gift. Smells like band after concert.

*Sigh*

Fuck. I hate it when dream concerts are impossible.

I am going to go glower at Glasgow.

How's that for fucking alliteration?

Until Later,

Sondra

Taglicious!

2005-08-05T09:17:00.000-04:00

I have been tagged by Nick.

Let the tagging begin!

Whazzah!

1. Ten years ago – Wow, that’s hardly a fair question. I was eight. I do not remember much about being eight. I was probably running around playgrounds and scaring boys. Getting vaccinated from cooties. Playing with Barbie. Barbie running off with the pool boy (aka Batman) in her pink porche and not telling Ken. Poor Ken.

2. Five years ago – Not a happy year for me. I wouldn’t trade being thirteen again for anything. I started Middle School, which I absolutely hated. I spent a week in the hospital in which I recieved unnecessary surgery, two pints of blood and two bruises the size of baseball on each hand because of all of the IVs. Not a happy time. It's making me sound like i'm an invalid or something, but really I'm actually pretty healthy. Now is good so no worries.

3. One year ago – About to enter my High School senior year, and very stressed about applying to schools.

4. Yesterday – Lolled. (I am getting quite good at lolling, perhaps I should look into it as a serious sport. I would win gold medals.)

5. Today – Woke up. Ate breakfast. Brushed teeth with joy. E-mail. Posted this.

6. Tomorrow – Spending time with family, it being my Grandparent’s 60th wedding anniversary.

7. Five snacks I enjoy – Mmm. Hummus. I am a hummus addict. I love fruit, especially bananas. Strange but true fact: I open bananas from the bottom. It actually makes sense, it’s weaker there because it’s not the end that it is held from on the tree. Hey, monkeys do it, why can’t I? It may not count as a snack, but I love spanikopita. If I could marry spanikopita, I would. Anything chocolate. Bread. I love bread.

8. Five bands (or singers??) I know the lyrics of most of their songs – The Beatles. Barenaked Ladies (yes, I know…I could even add Moxy Fruvous from years of yonder, but I won’t). Cake. Sondre Lerche. Belle and Sebastian.

9. Five things I would do with $100,000,000 – I would never need to work a day in my life. I would just retire (from my already stressful life of lolling). And If I wanted to further my education just for the heck of it, I could just buy my way into Yale…hey, Dubya did it! I would probably end up using the money to travel all over the world. That and I would have to do something totally useless with the money, like use it to make the world’s largest falafel. Perhaps become a conceptual artist. Yes, that's what I would do. After that, I would probably hate myself for being a rich fat cat/bourgeoisie square and try to do something good with the money.

10. Five locations I’d like to run away to – Paris would be lovely again, I’ve always wanted to go to Prague for some reason, London sans the terrorist attacks, The Alps, China.

11. Five Bad Habits – I am super lazy. I have even gotten to the point where I have put clothes on my bed so in the morning I don’t have to get out of bed for the longest amount of time possible. I tend to interrupt people. I tend to be a know-it-all. I hate admitting that I’m wrong and never do it as much as I should. I hate answering the phone and rarely do.

12. Five things I like doing – enjoying art in it's many forms (e.g. music, paintings, sculpture, movies, poetry, literature...do good webcomics count?), being with friends, watching cheesy sci-fi movies, blogging, knitting.

13. Five T.V. shows I like – I think that Arrested Development is one of the funniest shows on television ever. I also like The West Wing because I like living in a pretend world where our president is Jed Bartlett. Family Guy is good. Gilmore Girls is beyond addiction. I watch that show obsessively, and that's sad. I watch The OC once and a while, but it’s only because of Adam Brody.

14. Famous People I’d like to meet – Does God count as a person? God would be pretty sweet to meet. Andy Warhol. Gloria Steinem. Jane Austen. Michael Ondaatje. Wayne Coyne. Jackson Pollack. Kurt Vonnegut Jr.. Salvador Dali. Karl Marx. Pablo Picasso. Adam Brody (but for a bit more libidinous reason). Dorothy Gambrell. William F. Buckley (endearingly called fuhbuckley by myself). Leon Trotsky (sans ice pick in head). So many people, the list could go on forever...that wasn't supposed to be five, right?

15. Biggest joys at the moment – Apricot Toothpaste, Morning, Summer break, Boys, Breakfast, E-mail, Snuggling blankets, Friends, Being me.

16. Favorite toys – Heh. I love my digital camera. Sadly, I am not sure if I can bring it to school, so my blog may be picture free for a long while. I like my CD player, but I wish I had an iPod. I do not have much of toys per say, but I do love my blog, if that is a toy. Is knitting a toy?

17. Five people to tag – I don’t know how many people will actually go and do the tag, but Meg’s should be interesting. Jessie should be tagged also. James and Tambo also. I’m not sure how often she reads it, but I’d love to tag The Divine Ms. Em.

Until Later,

Sondra

Screw The Hippocratic Oath

2005-08-04T15:28:00.000-04:00

I was at my Doctor's yesterday, and she said that she liked my new haircut.

"Are all those curls natural?" She asked.

"Pretty much, I just put a little mousse in my hair and let it air-dry."

"Wow, People pay lots of money to have hair like that. I'd kill to have curls like those."

I thought that was pretty funny, coming from a doctor.

"Yes, so I'm going to change your prescription to arsenic...and change the 36mg to 90mg...*YES, THE DAY IS MINE*"

heheh.

I have no car today. I am bored out of my mind and feel slightly destructive. I am left to my own devices. This is a very dangerous thing.

Sondra: 1
v.
Responisibility: 0

Rawr!

Until Later,

Sondra

*danger lurks*

*Jaws theme plays*

I Did Nothing!

2005-08-03T22:00:00.000-04:00

Today was lovely.

Days in which there is nothing to do are splendid.

Accomplishments of the day:

Woke up.

Ate cereal.

*Brushed teeth.

Lolled on lawn, looked up at sky.

Painted my nails with 'long lasting' red nail polish.

Slurped tomato soup.

*Brushed teeth.

Talked to Tim.

Hadn't talked to Tim in year(s).

Drove.

Was told something that just re-affirmed my belief that it's not just me.

Felt good about it.

Cursed not so long lasting 'long lasting' red nail polish.

Wished I hadn't spent the extra two dollars.

Ate hummus and pita bread.

Danced because it was delicious.

*Warning: Tom's of Maine natural toothpaste in apricot is very addicting. Tastes only slightly of apricot, but no toothpaste-ish aftertaste. May result in comments such as- "Oh Boy! I get to brush my teeth now!" and "Yes! My teeth need brushing!". Excessive brushing may include side effects of happiness, healthy teeth and dazzling smile.

Until Later,

Sondra

Tin Box

2005-08-02T17:54:00.000-04:00

For the past few years, I have been keeping a tin box of things to remember.

Things from all over the world, things from all sorts of different people. Things that have no value at all to others, but hold infinite value to me.

All in this little tin box.

I need a bigger little tin box.

It holds things like this:

Wrapping paper from birthdays, postcards, practice love letters, notes, photos, dinosaurs, pins and balloons to name a few.

This note made me laugh out loud:

(outside of note) Hello! My name is: NOTE

Sondrafriendvich-
This book was at once true, hillarious and positively deck. I thank you for sharing it's wonderfulness with me, you crazy tassel. I especially love the crazy words. I can actually speak the language. It is too bad I can't except to you, 'hipspeak' buddy. Oh! And...I have no attention span. (In case you have not noticed) I also have a solution to us not having a class together: we should make our own subject, get someone cool to teach, like no one. Then invite all the deck cronkites to drop Math and join us.

(side drawing) Choosing a look: Sondravich stick figure: Is this style Deck or Fin?

(Answer: This style is deck.)

I must go because my leg has decided to take a nap; it was up all night partying.

Much Love,

Meg

I couldn't believe I had kept that for all those years. I'm glad I did.

Realization:

I love mail.

Contrivance:

I shall go buy a bunch of stamps and colorful pens and start writing and sending letters.

Until Later,

Sondra

p.s. today kate and i got lost in webster park for two hours. who knew it was so big?

My Face Hurts

2005-08-01T16:37:00.000-04:00

So then.

I am back from camping, and I have survived more or less.

A bit sunburned, which is totally ridiculous because I used SPF 60 all week. I swear, the sun is out to get me.

"What's this? An extremely pale girl who looks terrible with a tan? She thinks she can stop me with truckfulls of sunscreen?! BUAHAH! Have a taste of my UV rays!!! SKIN CANCER-ED!!!"

Despite the sunburn, I generally enjoy camping. The whole going with Parental Units was a definite drawback, but meh, what can ya do?

My favorite part of camping is hiking. I love hiking, which is strange because I hate most types of formal exercise. I love hiking up steep hills in the middle of a shady forest and getting lost in my thoughts. Sometimes I feel like it's one of the few times I can really ponder. All sorts of thoughts, lovely and horrible, beautiful and ugly, deep and shallow thoughts.

I finished "Life of Pi" while camping, so I was able to think alot about that. I loved the book. Pi Patel. Richard Parker. I loved it all.

I wondered why I keep things about myself a secret for so long. I'm not sure why I do that. Perhaps it's simply that things don't come up in conversation, but It's probably a bit more than that. A friend asked me a question about my appendix scar a little while ago. I realized that I had known her for a year, the other friend for two years, and I had never talked about it.

There are so many things that are in our past that are part of who we are. So much past that it's almost an impossible task to try and explain it all to our current friends. It's not like we walk up to people and say "Hi, my name is Sondra, let me tell you why I hate the taste of marshmallows...", but I wonder, after two years, that maybe I'm also hiding part of myself.

I could start explaining things now, but I need to leave that for an entire entry, not just part. For a good rainy day.

I thought about university, and all the lovely people I hope to meet there.

I thought about love and what it means to me.

I thought about the idea of living in the early 1900's, and how it would be funny to be considered the 'super-model' of the time, being pale, aerodynamically curvaceous, small waisted and short-ish. Then I remembered girdles and the total lack of women's rights, general ignorance of modern day medicine and decided against building a time machine.

I thought about how beautiful nature is, and wondered if aliens landed on earth today, would they think nature was beautiful too?

Anyways...

I'm so glad to be back at home.

I'm going to put something on my sunburn and take a nap.

Until Later,

Sondra

Bastard Love Child

2005-07-29T09:08:00.000-04:00

Mystic Comment: I'm glad these are the things I will remember before I leave for school. Red hats, swings, strange thumping noises in coffee shops, piers, pure boredom of this place but friends who make it fun anyways.

Realization when driving around town with Jessie and Meg last night:

My hair is the bastard love child of the two.

Shorter than Jessie's, but longer than Meg's.

Redder than Jessie's, but blonder than Meg's.

Not as curly as Jessie's, but curlier than Meg's.

Don't ask me the genetics of the whole things... or how I could be older than both and still be their love child... perhaps an incident with a condom and a time machine?

My hair is sexy and it makes me feel like Ingrid Bergman.

"Play it once, Sam. For old times' sake."

And now I leave to go camping.

Until Later,

Sondra

I Pull An Elle Woods

2005-07-28T01:12:00.000-04:00

Last night was fun. It was my Dad's 50th birthday party, and I got to have lots of interesting conversations. Some people were familiar, some not so much. People would come up to me and say "Oh my God! Is that Sondra? I remember when you were a little baby! You're so grown up now!"

I got to see John, who I hadn't seen in ages and got to hear all about Morocco. I lended him "Carnet De Voyage", and was thrilled to find that he recognized alot of the drawings in it.

I also had a really interesting conversation with Laura, my cousin Allan's fiancee. I'm not exactly sure what that would make her... cousin, right? Anyways...

She asked me about college and what I wanted to do. I really don't have much of a clue right now, so I just shrugged my shoulders and said that I was planning on taking a few liberal arts classes and see where it leads. I love humanities and philosphy, but that stuff isn't very practical or easy to find a job in. I was kinda leaning towards maybe something in Psychology, but it's just really a whim right now. I said that one time I took one of those 'career path' computer programs in high school, and was shocked to find out that my result was 'drug addictions councilor'. My friends were amused, but some also agreed that they find me easy to talk to. Regardless, I want to end up helping people.

"Have you ever thought about being a lawyer?" she asked.

"What?! Me? A lawyer? HaHA! No way! No! I mean, I could never do that, I'd go on this huge guilt trip every time I had to put someone in prison or worse, to death. No way. I don't even eat meat, how could I ever make something like that my job?!"

"Well, there are alot of other things you could do with a law degree. You could go into Family Law. You could help alot of people there. Maybe Immigration Law? Think about how much you could help people navigate the system there. And it's really not as impossible as so many people think. Sure it's hard, but so is everything else. And people will always need lawyers. I have a friend who is a lawyer, and it's certainly not hard to be able to find work."

"I don't know. I've never thought of myself as a future lawyer. I'm not competetive at all, I'm not really hard nosed or anything, or malicious, or especially driven by money."

"But think about it, you could change all of those sterotypes and help so much people. Doctors are the same way. I hated alot of the pre-med people I went to school with. They were snobby book types. So many doctors are not the type of doctors you want to be dealing with. If I spend 10 minutes with people in the E.R., trying to help them out and find their way, they're so surprised and grateful. It's the only way you can change how doctors are, to act like how a doctor should act."

---

So now I'm playing with the idea. I'm not saying I'll be enrolling in a Pre-law school now, but it's something to consider. I've always sort of felt that I could do well at alot of things, it was just a matter of finding something. Law is definitely something. It applys to most issues I'm passionate about, and I could help so many people. I'll keep in the back of my mind for a year, and see how I feel about it then. Not something to be really flakey about.

I wouldn't be too thrilled at the idea of working in a traditional office all of the time, but perhaps it would also be quite possible to work for enviromental or feminist groups which would provide a much more modern/laid back atmosphere.

Ah, the inner hippie comes out. I could write poems after my victory of saving wetlands.

Ahem. "Nobody sits like this rock sits. You rock, rock. The rock just sits and is. You show us how to just sit here and that's what we need." (if you don't know where thats from, go rent i heart huckabees NOW!)

The thing that surprised me the most was when I brought it up to my Dad later that night. He actually took it as something plausible. He almost never does that. Never. Normally he'll say something like- "Well, you'd need better grades for that" or just kind of smile in a way that I find infinitely annoying, as if to say 'how cute, you say you want to be an astronaut?'

I just thought it was that he had a bit too much wine (which is still possible), but when I brought it up to my Mom at breakfast, she seemed to agree with it too. Given, that's like the greatest thing you could tell your parents.

"Mom, Dad, I want to go pre-law." It goes over much easier than "Mom, Dad, I want to be a conceptual artist." Unless, of course, your parents are conceptual artists themselves.

Joseph Bueys probably wouldn't be thrilled by the idea of a child of his decided to go off to law school. "What do you mean, pre-law?! Why can't you just be normal and display upside down urinals at art galleries?!"

But it was nice to catch their attention. I just need to give this some time and think about it.

"Hey, you could even go into Medical Law! Help doctors out when their sewed for mal-practice? Huh? What do you think?"

Now I see where her true intentions lie. Sneaky, that Laura.

Until Later,

Sondra

New Haircut!

2005-07-27T15:06:00.000-04:00

Okay, for some time now I have been in desperate need for a new haircut. It was bad. My hair was totally insane and even started to plot to invade poland. If it were not for the ponytail, life might be very very different right now.

So yeah. I looked like this this morning:

Eeep!

Even though I may be a hippie at heart, I don't really want to look like one!

And then, you ask?

I had the most amazing hairdresser. His name was David. Totally flaming and hillarious.

As he was washing my hair he asked:

David: "So, are you working for the summer?"

Me: "Uh, well I was, but then I lost it."

David: "Did you get fired?"

Me: "No, I just got laid off."

David: "Did you show up to work drunk?"

Me: "No..."

David: "Haha! I used to get fired for that ALL the time! But I don't do that any more. Don't worry, I'm not drunk now. Ha HA! Only sometimes. I only drink when I'm thirsty."

He was hillarious, but I have to admit, I wasn't quite sure if I trusted him completely with my hair after that.

But he did an AMAZING JOB!!!

Check it Oouuuut!

Bellisimo! Muah!

Now if you excuse me, I have some serious dancing for joy to get back to.

Until Later,

Sondra

Eram, Erat, Eras

2005-07-26T09:22:00.000-04:00

stupid-alarm-clock-i-hate-you-stupid-alarm-clock-all-alarm-clocks-must-die.

Needless to say, I was not too happy about waking up this morning. I am still not in a good mood. Blah F-ing morning.

Coffee. One moment. Blah.

Okay.

Nick's post today reminded me of the Latin class I took back in high school. I don't remember much, a few declensions, nouns, a verb or two thats pretty much it. It was a great class though, and we even had a toga party in bed sheets. The thing I do remember the most though was being amused by the sentances we had to translate.

Now, French is a different world. The two languages share alot, but the things you learn in French are much more practical. French is still a language very much alive and used all the time. The thing with Latin is because it is a dead language, the vocabulary is very much dated.

Example.

In French the first sentances you start to learn are practical things. e.g. "Où est l'école?"(Where is the school) and other things. But with French you keep on learning other words, words related to the modern world. "Ordinateur"(computer)and "Voiture"(car).

But thats not the case with Latin, unless you want to take the neo-latin approach and make up words for modern day things.

In Latin class, our first sentances were "agricolae in via" (The farmers are in the road)...I think thats it, anyways.

The funny thing is, as the class progressed, the sentances from our books had a tendancy to get increasingly violent due to lack of vocabulary.

The farmer in the road turned to sentances like- "The Romans invaded Gaul", "The soldiers captured the women" and (the all time favorite violent latin phrase) "The soldiers used swords on the slaves".

I am totally not making up any of those sentances. We had to translate them all. Just don't ask me to translate them now... I'd fail miserably.

Added Later: Okay, I can do better than this. I've been Miss Bitchy Pants lately. I'm not exactly sure why I've been acting like this. I normally only pull this card when provoked, but for some reason It seems as if I've been snapping at everyone. It needs to stop.

I went for a walk and I talked to an adorable little boy named Michael who was five. It made me feel a little better, and I'll be trying harder.

My posts also haven't been up to par since the "Love Your Tree" post, and I'm sorry, so I'm going to be making extra effort in the next few. Tomorrow I FINALLY get my hair cut, so that should give me at least something to work with.

If you're sick of the 'hair posts' (I am, at least), something with lots of substance is comming soon. Hopefully.

But before any of my 'trying harder' is manifested in my blog, I need to take care of a few things on the home front.

Note: The "Beauty Truth" quote is from Alison's tattoo. Thanks Alison, It too made my day a little better.

Until Later,

Sondra

Weird Dog

2005-07-25T10:59:00.000-04:00

My dog sneezes alot.

Perhaps there is something wrong with him, but he's always done it so I think he just likes to sneeze.

Preferably on me.

When he's happy about something he'll go into this sneeze fit. It's quite amusing.

Example: "Dog, time to go for a walk" *sneeze!* (dog runs around in circle) *sneeze!* "Sit!" *sneeze!*

I have a strange dog.

That, and I just like to write the word "Sneeze" alot.

Until Later,

Sondra

It's All In The Genes, Baby!

2005-07-24T22:32:00.000-04:00

A picture of my Dad when he was my age. I saw it and started laughing so hard that I started to cry. It simply defies everything I know about him. Dad? A Hippie?

I guess it just goes to show that the crazy hair is in the genes.

Happy 50th Birthday, Dad! (even though he doesn't read my blog)

Today was lovely. I finally got to see my best friend's new appartment!!! It's very cool, and I hope things work out for her. What? Friends with their own place? Does this mean I'm growing up?

Shoot.

I got to hear all about the summer courses she's taking, and even got to help with an essay about "Lower Educational Standards in the South".

"Oh. I just figured out why there aren't any more dinosaurs. Noah couldn't fit them all on the arc."

Anyways, It was great seeing her. Sometimes I get introverted and forget that I have such awesome friends to hang out with, and end up shutting myself up in my room and listen to music/read/think.

Hey, I'm curled up inside my Fluffy Orange Comforter of Luuurve, incense going, jazzy French music in the back-ground and a great book- I tend to forget life exsists beyond my beloved hideaway.

On the plus side, I'm almost half way through "Life of Pi", and I absolutely love it so far. I can tell already this is going to be one of my all time favorite books.

India is described with such love and detail, I feel as if i've been there myself.

It reminds me of a similar author, Michael Ondaatje. He wrote The English Patient, but I'd recommend In the Skin of a Lion. Everything is described to the smallest detail in his books from a young boy studying moths, mapping lovers bodies, immigrant bakers and the Sahara.

"The grooves and the
corrugated sand resembles the hollow of the roof of a dog's mouth".

If I could only write like that. I like what this one woman says about one of Ondaatje's books.

"This is a book which should be read slowly and preferably aloud. In this highly recommended piece of literature we are taken on a sensual exploration of place and people. It is worth savoring the language which evokes the taste, touch, sight, sound and smell of the characters who are inextricably bound up with their own geographical and human journeys."

Whoever said books can't be sexy was dead wrong.

Until Later,

Sondra

The Post About Nothing

2005-07-22T00:46:00.000-04:00

I hope that last post didn't come off as sounding like I was fishing for compliments because thats not what I intended, but thanks James, your comment was sweet. The entry was more of a reaction to hearing a few women talk about tummy tucks as if it were as simple as a going to the dentist for a teeth cleaning. *Sigh*.

It's also amazing what a little good light and the right angles can do for a girl, 'cause in real life I really look like this:

"No, no. That wasn't the one I said. This one means Kill Kirk... And also, hallelujah... Depending on the context."

Or not.

I don't think the quote from "House" is exactly fair. "House" is a show that I love to hate. Everything that Hugh Laurie's character (Wooster for those who know) says pisses me off to no end. He's emotionally cripled, sexist, narcissistic and just plain mean, but I find him facinating in a horrible sort of way. Anyways, what he's saying is that because a woman is beautiful, she is automatically exempt from having to develop any other desirable qualities by society. That if she really wanted to be something other than a doctor, she could have.

That's true to some degree, but normal people don't just become doctors because they're 'ugly' and smart. People become doctors because they want to help others, and has nothing to do with being pretty or ugly.

I've met several girls who have been like super-model gorgeous, but I also consider to be the smartest and most compassionate people I've met. Their own beauty means very little to them and devote themselves to helping others.

Do you follow? I can't tell if I'm making any sense. Blah.

The West Wing is also a good show. Both my dad and myself love to live in the pretend world that Jed Bartlett is president... and the upcoming election is between Jimmy Smit and Alan Alda. Can't go wrong there.

Anyways...

This blog entry is about nothing, and I have writer's block. I'll write again when I can find something to write about.

Until Later,

Sondra

p.s. Bunnies re-inacting Rocky Horror Picture Show in 30 seconds and other films for those who care to see.

p.p.s. I'm going to finally start reading all the books I should be reading. Starting with Life of Pi, then moving on to Memoirs of a Geshia. I'd like to read something by Norman Mailer... more Vonnegut, then perhaps finish with Kerouac. I bet I won't get past Memoirs, but I like to think I will.