Ode to White Ninja

I have never been one who loves reading comics. On occasion, I'll pick up the Sunday paper and read them, but am often disappointed because they tend to be dumb and not funny, something I don't really get and not funny or mediocre-ly funny, but not really.

I've always felt this way, even as a child. I never got into the far side, or garfield or whatever other comics were popular in my lifetime until I was introduced to white ninja.

When Nathan was still working in an office, he used to send a daily dose of White Ninja to my inbox in which I could take a quick break from whatever project I was working on and have a chuckle. I wasn't really sure about it at first, b/c it falls into every category I listed above, but I eventually fell in love with white ninja and actually quite looked forward to my daily read.

Because Nate no longer works in an office, I don't get my daily fix. I actually kind of forgot about my dear friend until today. I'm not sure what prompted me to check up on him, but I did, and have chosen to show you two that I found utterly hilarious.

Friendspot

Aging

Hilarious, no?

a pile to sift through...

Since my last post, a lot has happened both in my personal life and that of a nation I am proud to be a citizen of.

To start with, I went to San Francisco for a week in October. A dear friend of mine from high school flew out from Georgia and met me there. We both have friends/family who live out there, which allowed us a fairly inexpensive vacation. I've never been to California before and this trip was a treat. We exhausted ourselves by walking for what seemed like endless miles, figuring out public transportation, wine tasting, shopping, museuming, hiking and eating delicious food. It was an awesome trip, take a look:

I stood in the clouds (above) and I stood on Andy Goldsworthy (below)

We were mega tourists (above: on a cable car, below: Golden Gate Bridge)

I went to the vineyard (above) and sipped wine in a castle (below)

and finally, I got to spend great quality time with one of my bestest gals...

I was due for a vacation and it could not have come at a better time. Work was stressing me out and I needed a break. I returned refreshed and with a much better attitude.

Besides a wonderful vacation, other things have been changing too, or rather, are about to change. Since I met Nate, he has been planning on moving to London, England to gain some international work experience in the field of social work. It's something we've talked about quite a bit and is a reality now. He flies out on December 1st and returns June 1st. It's a 6 month visa with the possibility to renew for a longer visa (up to 3 years) upon completion - this is dependent on a number of factors, so we are just focusing on the 6 month period for now. Anyway, it will definitely be a change to not have him around and also for me to be the one staying home. In the past, it has been me who ventures off to new and exciting places, meeting people from all over the world and experiencing other cultures first hand. This time, I will stay put. Rather than gallivanting the globe, I will hear about him doing so. I know this is going to make me want to travel. Pending on finances, I hope to visit next spring.

Today marks the year anniversary of my employment here at the Grand Rapids Art Museum. It has gone very quickly. Having most of my post-college jobs as one-year contracts, it is strange to think that this one will last longer. Longevity! That is what I strive for on my resume, or at least something more than a year. Do I foresee it lasting 2 years? Doubtful, but who knows.

Finally, everyone knows the outcome of Tuesday's election and I don't want to use this webspace to push my agenda or opinions (although I might anyway), but I must say that I have never seen or felt so much positive emotion and energy for this country. This energy is evident in our communities, in our nation and internationally as well. I've received encouraging input and opinions from my friends abroad and for once, it is great to hear something other than negative feedback about America. There is no doubt in my mind that both candidates care for this country, but I honestly and truly do believe that the better candidate was chosen. It is amazing to see a man of color as the head our state, a country that was once racially divided (I know I know, we have a long way to go - bear with me here), where the division between blacks and whites was evident in every aspect of life, where our parents were born in the midst of the civil rights movement. THIS IS HISTORY IN THE MAKING PEOPLE!! As I watched both the concession and acceptance speeches I cried, and I was filled with excitment and anticipation for these next four years.

At any rate, it's November and the weather has been amazing, unfortunately it is supposed to get cold tomorrow (it's time to get new slippers). Radio stations are already blaring Christmas music and our staff kitchen has been staffed with sweet treats, which only means the holidays are around the corner. I love this time of year though...

how a 2-year old made me want one, and then remembered that I don't...not yet anyway

Last night I babysit for a family I used to care for in college. They happen to be babysitting a 2 year old who had not taken a nap during the day. It was finally bedtime (7:30!) and as I was putting him down he cried and sobbed while I made attempts to calm him down with stories & songs (yes, poor child was probably crying because his ears were bleeding at the sound of my voice). Anyway, I said to him, "Jake, Lisa said that you would go to bed really good for me tonight". And no lie, between tears and gasps of breath, this tiny little creature responded, "No, I go to bed really difficult tonight". At that moment, my maternal clock started ticking on overload as I thought to myself, "I WANT ONE" as if he was something I could pick up at Meijer the next time I go grocery shopping. Of course, I don't really want one - at least not now...which is why babysitting can be so fun, because at the end of the night I can go home and do whatever I want to.

nothing ends the day...

...like a glass of red wine.

It's been a long day and only now do I feel as though I have a few moments to myself. Some of my girlfriends and I have resorted to having breakfast once a week. Mind you, today was our 2nd week, we shall see how long it lasts. Regardless, it is nice to start the day off earlier than usual with a tasty coffee and conversation I'm fond of. We've tried the whole 'getting together once a week night' thing but because of busy schedules, gym classes, family obligations, significant other obligations and just being worn out it faded. I can't imagine how much more busy life will be once my world of one (well, kind of 2) becomes more.

After work, I "whipped" together a veggie lasagna from a recipe I received from my one-a-day recipes from allrecipes.com. (side note: I honestly could spend days reading recipes, score how difficult they might be based on ingredients and direction, and still do nothing but read them in hopes that one day I might actually make it). Today, I tried. Unfortunately, it did not turn out as well as expected, but it can be remedied next time. Suffice to say, Nate ate 1.75 LENGTHS of the pan, while Sara and I ate 1 piece each. At least it won't go bad in the fridge since the only 3 left over pieces will be devoured for his and my lunches tomorrow.

The rest of the evening was spent helping some friends move. Having lived here for a little less than a year, I am dissuaded from moving just b/c of the simple fact that moving SUCKS. Whether it's my own stuff or someone else's, it always makes me want say to hell with consumerism, throw all my uneccesaries at Goodwill (yes, at, not to) and live the life of a nomad off of whatever I can carry on my back. Who needs possessions right? I say that until I realize I "need" new work clothes b/c of the few I have, I either hate them, they are worn and tattered or they don't fit. Such is life.

So now I'm home. Winding down. Enjoying the new Kings of Leon album. Almost ready to go to bed only to tackle yet another day. As the title states...there is nothing better that ends the day, than a good glass of red. Cheers.

1 year

I have officially been back in America for 1 year (as of yesterday).
weird.

America's Next Top Model

No no, I'm not auditioning for something so ridiculous. And if I ever were to do such a thing, it would have to be America's Next Top Petite Model who can't fit into any pants because they are always much too long.

Anyway,
Look who's coming to GRAM (click those words, I don't know why it's not coming up a different color). Although many know him from his stints next to Tyra & Ms. Jay, he is actually a renowned fashion photographer whose celebrity status will hopefully generate enough buzz to get more people to visit the Art Museum. Oh yes, I should probably mention - it coincides with the Richard Avedon (photography) exhibition. Very excited about that.

It's Monday - no work for me today! Yaya

the summer in seven shots

Celebrating America...in America
Last year, Aaron and I celebrated Canada Day (July 1) in Korea. For some reason, we felt it required a picture.

My little cousin got married, which blew in my older cousin who I haven't seen in quite some time. A good excuse to hang out with the relatives

Kayleena came home for a week! Hanging out with my best gals

Hanging out with Jillybug in the Distillery district of Toronto

Met up with other former ESL teachers who I was friends with in Korea.

A high school reunion of sorts - haven't seen some of these people in years!

Stacey married one of our dearest friends from high school. She look absolutely stunning!

tis been awhile, ja?

Yeah, I don't know where I've been. I keep up on other's blogs and have kept busy as this summer blows by, but I don't have much to write.

Work: Summer camps came and went. They were busy and I got tired of being there. Summer camps ended and now we gear up for fall programming. Fun? Sure. Soon tons of kids will be coming for tours and workshops and I will want to pull my hair out because of the noise.

Roommates: They are fine and dandy. Living in a house with people is still a transition. It's always a transition. I still miss the days of living solo, but alas, I. can. not. do. that. now.

Friends: It seems as though I haven't gotten to see people as often as usual, but on the flip side, it seems like all I've been doing is seeing people.

Boyfriend: Doing well. Approaching 6 mos. Is that long? I don't know. For me it is I suppose. I am happy and he is wonderful.

Goals: Not sure what the future holds, I think I've well-established that over the past few posts. Hoping to continue to take one day at a time and figure things out as time goes by. I'm happy with work, friends, family, and life in general, but then again you've caught me on a good day.

Well, I've surpassed my early 20's. I suppose I can still claim to be in my mid-20's, but that too is close to passing. I'm glad to be out of my early 20's. Is that silly? Although they were fun, I felt like I was never taken seriously, by others and by myself. I finally feel "old enough" to be an adult. I feel like I can be respected more and taken more seriously now that I've passed that quarter century mark...despite the fact that I still look 19 and probably act it as well. Such is life. It was a great birthday though, filled with friends from my past and present, a wonderful boyfriend and delicious food/cake.

I was reflecting on this past year and I must say I've been quite lucky. I traveled to Hong Kong. I safely returned home from Korea. I started a job that for the most part I enjoy. I've made a new wonderful friend. I've landed myself an unbelievable fella. I feel quite blessed in the sense that things are going pretty well for me. I still have a lack of direction as far as what the next steps of my life are, but that's par for the course.

My intern was accepted to the School of Visual Arts in NYC today. She was stoked, as was our department for her. She is extremely passionate about art, art criticism and writing, and her excitement of her acceptance made me think about what it is that I'm passionate about. I draw blanks. Regardless of this unknown in my life, there are things that I feel very strongly about, things that I want to do and accomplish, however there is nothing that I can honestly say I'm completely and totally passionate about. Ha. How depressing! This probably sounds more sappy than intended, but sometimes I feel like I need to figure this stuff out: what I want to do with my life, where I want to go next, if it's okay to not want to "settle" anywhere. I have trouble figuring out when and where to take a vacation! My indecision can be a wet blanket sometimes. Ahh hell, the map of life is so confusing...maybe it's more like a maze in the sense that it's like a process of eliminations. One day when I'm old, gray and shriveled up, I'll be at the end of my rope and will be able to reflect on how I did it. I do things I enjoy, intimately enjoy, and I learn from them, but I realize when it's time to move on...I just wonder what is next.

Wow, this got a little contemplative. Haha, maybe my 26th year will be just that. Does anyone else feel like this ever? Cynnnnn? Kiiiiiiimmmmm?

things i did not know.

I want to share with you my intelligence. Below, you will find two examples of words I thought to be spelled one way but that are in fact, spelled COMPLETELY different.

For years, I actually thought the word 'tenure' was 'ten year'. This one happened awhile ago, but I still think it's funny.

Today, I read, 'prima donna' and had to read it twice. I alway thought it was pre-Madonna. Why? I'm not sure. It made me chuckle though.

As per Jana's resquest

I attended a wedding shower for my dear cousin last weekend and another dear cousin of mine asked me why I hadn't updated my blog lately. To be honest, few things seem worth sharing these days. I don't feel bored in any capacity, nor do I feel particularly uncontent, unbusy or unproductive. I'm not sure if those first two words are actually in the English dictionary - nor do I care.

I went to a wedding this past weekend. The ceremony was at the Amway Grand and the Reception was at the J.W. Marriot, it was quite fancy. We moved to The Bob after the reception and onward to my place for some wine, pretzels, mustard and water spillage. Ha! It was a good night. Over the past few years, it seems as though my summers have been filled with a bagizillion weddings. Not this year! This year, I only have 3. Either this means I'm getting "old" and most of my friends/relatives have been married off OR those of us who have chosen to not marry in our early 20's (whether that's a conscious decision or not) are slowly being weened from those who have...As I reread that past sentence, I suppose those are basically the same idea worded differently.

I've been out of school too long.

Work is work. Busy, more stressful lately than before, but challenging. I hate working on Saturdays but I enjoy having my Monday's off.

My cousin and his wife (who was one of my dearest High School friends - I actually set them up!) had the most beautiful and precious baby girl...2 MONTHS EARLY! She's so tiny (born at 3 pounds 12 oz) but healthy for how early she was born and a true fighter. She's feeding well, sleeping well, breathing well etc. etc. A true Gemini!

I started slacking in my workout routine post-10K, but I'm back in the mode (or at least trying to be) of working out. I'm looking into a 10-mile race this fall but we'll see. The thought of training again can be daunting. I just need to buck up.

The sun is starting to set and I'm still in my gym clothes. If anyone (besides Jana) reads this, and I assume it's mostly those from my memorable days in Korea, I MISS YOU HORRIBLY. Skype should be in order. Perhaps soon. To anyone else (yes, this being Jana), it was great to see you last week and catch up! Hope you are enjoying your summer and see you in August! (if not before!)

Running into Spring

The riverbank run came and went. I've been "training" for quite some time now and just before the race, I tried to make up mental excuses as to why I shouldn't run. I did though and I exceeded my time goal, which made me happy. The energy of the race itself must have given me more stamina to keep my pace up. In total, there were 2276 runners in the 10K and I finished 106th. There were about 280 in my age group (25 - 29) and I finished 23rd! I was pretty excited about that. It was my first race ever and hopefully not my last.

The race was followed by a fun weekend in Chicago. Since I've started working, I haven't taken a single vacation or sick day so it was a welcome trip - I took Saturday off for the race, and although I could have gone in afterwards, I decided not to. Nathan's friend graduated from grad-school so we went to celebrate with him and I also met up with some of my college friends too. Sunday was filled with crappy weather, but it did not sway my desire to shop...and shop I did, kind of. It was quite a different experience with two guys rather than girlfriends/female family members. H&M benefited from my business none the less.

Back to work again. I don't feel particularly re-energized from the weekend, in fact I feel quite the opposite...but it was still good to get out of GR for a few days.

coffee. cinco de mayo.

I love coffee. I toyed with the idea of giving it up as a New Years Resolution, however this did not happen. I've scaled back on my black liquid intake, but I don't think I could ever give it up completely.

It's my day off and it's Cinco de Mayo. I love having Monday's off. While everyone else gets up, annoyed with yet another work week, I get to sleep in without any meetings, phone calls, deadlines, workshops, or tours. I was looking forward to nothing more than sleeping in today. Unfortunately, I woke up at 8. Yes, to some that may be sleeping in, but to me, it is not:(. After many failed attempts at falling back asleep, I finished my book and resorted to a cup of joe, some internet and I cleaned the kitchen.

A side note: I really like where I live and for the most part, I get along with my roommates really well, but lately I have reallllly missed the days of living solo. Really(!)

On the agenda today: Going to Kalamazoo with Nathan, grocery shopping, Cinco de Mayo-ing. A Corona or Margarita might be in order, along with some salsa, guac, tacos, chips and festivities.

The 10K is on Saturday...!

Springy timeness and a bottle of juice

Nothing beats the first fresh breaths of spring with a bottle of wine or a nice cold brew. As I walk around the neighborhoods of this area, a few in which I've lived in, I'm reminded of the many hours of porching that make up so many fond memories of the past few years. Besides Korea and since the dorms, this is the first place I've lived without a front porch. I do however, have a nice backyard and patio that suffices. There is something nostologic though about sitting on the porch, whether it's reading, sipping, bbqing, chatting...good times.

The weather has become a mega topic of conversation. With such bursts of warmth, my office has quickly transformed into a refrigerator and I long to be outside not only for the sun, but also because I find myself covered in goosebumps. Offices don't really need to be that chilly do they? I think not.

My life has been rather uneventful lately, but busy none the less. Work consumes most of my day time, and in the evenings I've been trying to stay active and motivated for this 10K that is coming. I've been slacking some, but am trying to get back on the bandwagon of working out. It's so true that getting to the gym, or even outside running, is half the battle. How true this sentiment is. Once I'm exercising, it's rare that I hate it and it's even more rare that I regret it when I'm finished. Today I had (and still have) full intentions to go for a jog, but I got home, was hot from the walk and annoyed with the brown banana's on my counter...so I decided to make banana bread, which ended up being a much longer process b/c we didn't have flour and I had already began to mix other ingredients and mash naners. Needless to say, I've been home for 2 hours and am still in my work clothes. As soon as that bread is finished, I'm outa here.

this and that.

It's been a long week, a long week indeed. More than a week actually. I finished up 10 days of babysitting for a family and was exhausted. Tues-Sat was part time and only required early morning and evening care, but Sat-Sat was full on: tennis lessons, swimming, dinner, minivan, living there etc. I am pretty sure I will never commit to something like that again. Anyway, the kids were awesome and here are a few pictures of them...

McKenna and I

Donnie & McKenna Cakes

Anyway, back to reality. I celebrated with some champagne that my roommate so kindly surprised me with. We went out with a bunch of friends and had a sufficiently wonderful time. Today, we went to the lunch buffet at Bombay and it was delish. My tummy is stuffed and continues to talk to me through various tones of gurgles and squeals. Ha.

Not much else to report. I'm looking forward to getting back into the swing of my life again - gym, my own food, my own bed etc. I really did enjoy the week of "being a mom", and I'm sure it would be completely different if they were my own children, but I think I'll wait awhile for that.

Back to normalville now and just relaxing...

"Crush In the Ghetto"

I'm making a CD for somebody and I think the first song will be Ms. Holland's aforementioned . Compiling a list of tunes is always a daunting and challenging task for me, which either results in multiple adding and deleting of songs or a final product I'm not entirely satisfied with.

Anyway, things have been hoppin' in the G-RAP. I spend most of my time at work - I'm lucky I enjoy my job. We're gearing up for our summer programs with the hope of culturally intensifying the minds of little buddies through collaborations with other institutions in the area. It should be pretty fun but busy. The Warhol show opened with a bang. I was asked to do a radio interview and a co-interview on one of the local news station's "happenings" show. I'm pretty famous in the area now. Hahaha, only joking. It was nerve racking.

In addition to work, I've been babysitting since last Tuesday. The mom left for Hawaii early Wednesday morning and I helped get the kids to school, pick them up and stay with them until dinner. The dad would be back from work by 6:30 and I'd be free to go. It was exhausting. And. it only gets worse. The dad left this morning to meet up with his wife and they return on Saturday afternoon. Just me & the kids for 7 days, spending every moment I'm not in work together. I'm even driving a minivan!

It seems as though not much else has been happening. Soccer is fun, our record isn't outstanding, but that's not what matters now is it. Ha. I'm still training for the 10K although I'm taking a break while babysitting.

That's what is going on. Now that I sit down and try to pump something out here, I realize that maybe life isn't too hoppin'. I'm just not as cool as I want others to perceive me as. :)

things things things

I constantly feel as though I'm just barely hanging on...not in that 'desperate depressing' kind of way, but in that 'there's so much going on, although I can't articulate what it is' kind of way...

I can't believe it's almost March. It still seems like January. Spring is coming and winter will break soon - at least that's what I tell myself.

Last weekend, I treated myself to a little weekend away. I left for Hamilton, Ontario after a rather crazy night out (where I may or may not have given Christian Frank - a local newscaster something or other - a big dish full of sarcasm). Anyway, Jilly and I had a delicious meal and relaxed with a bottle of Bulls Blood (Hungarian Wine) and some online scrabble. Sunday afternoon I took the train into Toronto and met up with some fellow foreign teachers from Gimhae. 3 of my most favorite people, who impacted my year abroad in so many ways, reunited in Union Station and fell right back into the old scene. Hellos and hugs were followed by underground walking (terribly wet weather) and some grub. Because the weather wasn't very cooperative, we ended up wining and dining all night until we ended up at this wonderful bar with karaoke in the front and a big pool room in the back. Abbey and I were able to sing our traditional Heart of Glass and memories were reminisced.

I left my friends on Tuesday and after a rather grueling incident with US Customs, a small fine and being treated like a mangled mut, I was lost in Detroit and pissed off. With the help of my father, I was back on track and got home 2.5 hours later than anticipated.

Having a weekend vacation was rejuvenating in so many ways. It's refreshing to temporarily switch one's social backdrop, but it doesn't necessarily recharge one's energy. Luckily, this weekend I was able to relax a bit and catch up (laundry, unpacking, etc) and I'm ready for another week of work.

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In other news, I'm attempting to put a soccer team together and I think it's forming nicely - actually, it feels like I'm skating on thin ice and it's either going to work out and be awesome, or it's going to break and fall apart. Let's hope for the former.

sad for Seoul

If you've taught in Korea and haven't heard already,

This is pretty sad


(Taken from kimberbop)

twenty-twenty-twenty four hours to go I wanna be sedated...

sooo, I don't want to be sedated (maybe a little bit) but I do wanna be a singer...

I'm watching the grammys right now and I wanna be a singer - probably not a big time pop star or a country starlet, or a hip hop heroine, but you know - maybe someone like Ms. Feist. She's there and she rocks...I feel that if I were Feist, I would love myself - haha, not that I hate myself or anything, but if I were a famous...

Actually, my roommate and I were talking about what we would "be" if there were no rules to life. She said an actress, I said a singer. In another life I think I was (or will be) a singer.

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In other new. HOW ABOUT THIS WEATHER? You know it's cold when the snow is squeaking underneath your steps. I'm not sure what the exact temps were today, but this morning it was 3F with a -25F wind chill. I received an email from a woman who is still teaching in Korea and she said winter was soooooooooo cold (she also mentioned that it was 40F. I wish it were 40 here.

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OOoohhh, Feist is singing now. Goodbye.

(Awe, she's so great!!)

Hello.

It's late, and I am tired. But, I cannot force myself to close my little laptop. That's all really. Nothing new to report. Throughout the day, I often think of things I want to say, yet when I'm sitting here, my thoughts retreat to who knows where and I dunno what to write.

As of late, I've been making attempts to refocus my energies to working out and eating healthier. It's working I think. My roommate and I joined an indoor soccer league. We also signed up for a Tuesday training club, which we are severely under qualified for. Everyone in it has run more than a 1/2 marathon, most have are marathon runners and 25K repeaters. We're training for the 10K and even though we aren't nearly as acclimated (and thus far, after every training I'm ready to keel over dead), I think it will be very beneficial for us in the end. The YMCA has become part of the routine again and I thank my lovely girlfriends for holding me accountable to going. After about 5-6 months of inactivity, it feels good to get out here again: to build muscle, lung capacity, stamina and what not. It makes me want to eat better and not want to go out as much - although that does not stop me from buying da vino:)

So yes, things really aren't as boring as I sometimes think. The weather has intrigued me. I find that rather than cursing the high heavens for such wretched weather, I should embrace it and make snowballs. Although, as I head to work tomorrow I'm sure I will change my mind and just hate it.

I'm heading to Hamilton & Toronto in less than 2 weeks to meet up with my dearest friends who I met in Korea. A reunion of greatness will occur and I'm sure pictures will be added then.

That's all for now,
Goodnight.