Chris is a Stud

So, big news (for those of you who don't already know)!! Chris got into Med School at the University of Arizona on Monday. Needless to say, we are extremely excited. I'm just glad that the U of A isn't as retarded as I supposed them. :)

In other news, I was accepted to the Public History Program at Arizona State University. The program includes a Scholarly Publishing focus, which would be great for a career as an editor or in the publishing field. I feel like I finally have a direction and can make plans for the future.

Chris is so deserving of this...I'm extremely proud and happy for him. He will be moving back to Arizona in the next few weeks and getting out of frigid Chicago. WHOO HOO!! Same state!

I hope this is just the beginning of our wishes coming true.

Rock n Roll of New Technology

Chris sent me this link today (so he deserves the credit)...I was simply blown away. If you don't think this concept is cool, there is something intrinsically wrong with you. The future of technology is looking bright.

http://www.siftables.com/

PBS Wisdom

I was watching the news last night, and PBS presented a story about 112-year-old Walter Breuning, the oldest man living in the United States. The man was sharp as a tack. Born in 1896, the first president Walter voted for was Woodrow Wilson. He has seen the changes wrought by the automobile, the telegraph, the telephone, the radio, the Great Depression, war, the atom bomb, television, the computer, Internet, and a Black President. He eloquently answered questions about and our current economic times and his secret to living so long. When asked why he was still living, Walter explained that no one knows when they're going to go. It could be today. You live your life to help other people and don't worry about when you're going to die.

I don't know if I'd want to live to be that old...your friends, family, loved ones--all dead before your time. The only saving grace of living over a century would be an undiminished intellectual curiosity and the ability to share your experience with others. Let's face it though, most people are vegetables by the time they're 90.

Even so, watching Walter last night, I realized he was completely right. The only thing that matters in this life is helping others. That is one of the few things that makes a life worthwhile.

I Don't Care if You Hate Me. You Don't Appreciate True Art

For all those who know me, you'll understand why I posted this.

Rank of Austen Awesomeness:

1. Pride and Prejudice

2. Persuasion

3. Sense and Sensibility

4. Mansfield Park

5. Emma

6. Northanger Abbey

I just thought you should be aware.

I alternatively curse and thank my mother for making me love all things Austen and PBS. Hey, if I didn't have this extremely nerdy background, how could I get my Masters in early 19th century British history?

Lox, Grandparents, & Bunny Time

Florida was amazing. I am so glad we could all get together to celebrate my Grandpa's 80th birthday! Shimmy is as hale as a mountain goat and does tell a great story. I am so glad I've listened to the family tales he has related over the years. As Sherman J. was a former History teacher, I apparently come by my interest in history honestly.

Chris held up against the family screaming, eating, drinking, and picture-taking admirably. Our hotel room across from the Boca beach was wonderful and quirky and I got to spend 3 days with my H.B. The only other thing I could ask for would be more time. Hopefully, that's coming up soon.

We chased birds, ate way too much, and enjoyed our time together. The beach was beautiful. I can't wait until we can go back to visit.

In other Emily-esc news, ASU has instituted HUGE cuts to their academic programs. Although, at this point, I don't think History is among those on the chopping block, this is not a good time to be going to school in Arizona. I think I may have to end up in Chicago anyway. If they cut my program, I definitely will. This may seem like an ignorant question, but why don't they cut some of the unnecessary scholarships on the football team while they're at it? It's not like the revenue is equal to the expense of the team. From my experience tutoring college football players (I am about to make a sweeping generalization that does not include ALL...only MOST), they are not really there to do well academically. Isn't college about an education? Not just a degree in Physical Education. I know I worked my ass off. Maybe I'm just an idealist.

Going off the topic again...Does anyone else see how narcissistic Twitter is? I mean, Facebook is as well, but at least it's tempered with other ways of expressing yourself--not a constant barage of "Emily is doing so and so" every 4 minutes. I don't know if anyone else really cares what I'm doing on a bi-minute basis. I think this blog is probably already a stretch.

Making an Upbeat Newspaper Subtly More Cynical

Although lamenting my lack of writing freedom lately, I recently realized something...A very important something...I'm still an asshole, just in more subtle ways. As "Little Women" and a 19th century proverb says, "necessity is the mother of invention." I am inventing new and interesting ways of being pessimistic and making it sound upbeat. Fan-freakin'-tastic. For instance, here is the opening paragraph of an article I recently wrote about an 8th grade math competition:

Math Does, Indeed, Count
I have always been unreasonably biased against math. Some would say my sub par ability to complete basic mathematical problems was to blame for my illogical dislike—I like to argue that my parents are responsible for my self-proclaimed and seemingly genetic ineptitude. It has taken many years, but I now believe that my love and talent for the liberal arts was based on simple encouragement. Had I possessed instructors such as Marilyn Rutter and Joanna Wilson of Aprende Middle School, as math teachers and coaches, my stubborn hatred of all things math related might have been dispatched early in life.

Ok, this entry might not seem very cynical...However, you can't know what was actually going through my head. Best not to write it down. Moreover, my editor loved the piece. What??! I can talk about myself for half the article and it actually gets published. In addition, I get money for it. Are these people crazy? Can't they see that I'm bringing their publication down as slowly and surely as a celebrity will surely name their yet unborn children insane names (Apple and Moses, I mean you).

Moving slightly off topic, I wish it was more possible to do more work (we're not talking free lancing, we're talking the full-time job). I spend roughly half my time wishing I was more challenged and listening to Pandora. Well, not in that order. I spend half my time completing chores, checking email, eating, talking, texting, listening to pandora, and wishing I was more challenged.

I CANNOT WAIT to be back in school or doing something I actually like.

The First, and Most Likely Last, Post

Hello, Everyone,


I've decided that I could probably get into blogging. Although I'm sure no one else (besides maybe Chris) is interested, I will most likely WOW you with my awesomeness :)

A quick update...

I am working at a law firm writing demands and editing outgoing office paperwork. I know, sounds fascinating. The middle school-like drama and cattiness is truly inspiring. Although it usually leaves me incredulous and thankful that I have so little drama in my own life, it's entertaining in its way. I could definitely write a sitcom pilot using this material. Did I mention that I work for a Personal Injury Attorney? If I were ever to become a lawyer (as someone who hates confrontation, this is extremely unlikely), I don't think I would choose P.I. You might have to shoot me first.

I have also been writing free lance articles for a local newspaper. The newspaper publishes mostly upbeat and "inspirational" stories...This conflicts with my cynical style, but it's pretty good experience. I don't want to be a reporter. It seems this year is all about figuring out what I DON'T want to do. It's a start.

Graduate School Acceptances/Rejections are coming up. I should know whether or not I got in to History Programs in Arizona or Chicago by mid-March. The economic crisis has reached such an alarming state that even I am worried by it. School is probably the best place I could be right now. Let's hope that I can get my ass in.

Still waiting for Chris to find out about schools as well. AS SOON AS HE FINDS OUT...we'll be moving in with each other (Chicago or Tempe). I am SO VERY ready to end the long-distance. I should be allowed to see my best friend every day, right?

In completely unrelated news, I love Austen audio books. I look forward to coming to work (a feat) just so that I can listen to Persuasion in my car. Ah, technology. Everything I need and want.

It's strange being in the "real world", but knowing almost definitely that (by choice) you will be back in school soon and eating rice and craving Anthropologie clothes. Making money has, of course, been interesting. I still find myself amazed that I have money to spend on clothes I don't need. I've discovered that the more one makes money though, the more one realizes that MORE is needed. I can easily understand the power of money over a career you love, though I hope I wouldn't make that choice. This year has been eye-opening. Money sometimes IS happiness. It would certainly make my life with Chris more comfortable for the first few years.