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I've been everywhere! (almost)

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Long Day

Sorry for the lack of updates...

Today has been filled with writing a final exam that I procrastinated until this morning. And now I have to go to a different class...so no time for a real update. I'll be back after I go re-learn how to restrain myself while debating suicide and homicide of the professor for being so boring.

Guinness

Today has been a good day...and I owe it all to Guinness. (Ok, maybe not entirely to Guinness...but keep listening anyway)

I went out for lunch today with a friend. Its been several months since I've seen him and we don't really talk much. We met in an attempt to be roommates but that just didn't work out. We've tried to keep in touch but we've done a poor job. Since we sometimes don't have much to talk about, he brought one of his friends from work. But back to the story...

On an average day, I'm not much of a beer girl. Today was different. We hit the Irish pub down the street and I ordered a Guinness. Its the only place in town that serves it at the right temperature and can pour it right. In short, 3 pints later I walked out of the bar feeling less alone in this big city.

The new addition is a fellow conservative, doesn't feel like she fits in on the East Coast (she's midwestern), likes to go to the range, and didn't say a single stuck up thing the whole afternoon. She's funny and chatty. I like her. :o)

Leave it to Guinness to bring people together

I Miss My Love

And I feel guilty for it...

He and I live 4 hours apart but this weekend he is still farther - another 6 hrs down south. I will go to see him again in a few days.

Spending time with his long time good friend is something he's needed for months. I feel guilty wishing he were here.

There are people who go months and years without seeing their loved ones. I feel guilty for not appreciating my luxury.

Some people don't have anyone to love them. I feel guilty for needing more than the knowledge that I am loved.

I feel guilty - because I miss my love...

High Maintenance Women

I've always wondered...Just how are these women defined?

Have they crossed some imaginary line from normal to unreasonable?

Do they simply need too much attention?

Is it that they demand more than most?

Do they require too many gifts?

Do they desire things of expense?

Are they the women who try your patience?

Maybe they just take up a lot of time?

Perhaps they talk too much?

Or ask you to listen too often?

Are they simply more insecure than other women?

Have they become 'overly' emotional?

Tell me dear readers, how do you define a high maintenance woman?

George Canyon

A country artist from Canada (try not to hold that against him) that has finally caught a break in the US.

His latest song to gain popularity, "My Name," will wrap itself around you and gently stroke at your heart. Its emotional and real, even if you've never experienced what he sings about. Listening burned my nose as I suppressed the urge to sympathetically shed tears.

He doesn't have a gimmick like most new artists; he just sings about life in a way that makes you feel like you're sitting in the porch swing on a perfect southern afternoon.

See How Far You Get

Mostly Cajun says, I DARE YOU TO TRY THIS

Enter Mexico illegally. Never mind immigration quotas, visas, international law, or any of that nonsense.

Once there, demand that the local government provide free medical care for you and your entire family.

Demand bilingual nurses and doctors.

Demand free bilingual local government forms, bulletins, etc.

Procreate abundantly.

Deflect any criticism of this allegedly irresponsible reproductive behavior with, “It is a cultural United States thing. You would not understand, pal.”

Keep your American identity strong. Fly Old Glory from your rooftop, or proudly display it in your front window or on your car bumper.

Speak only English at home and in public and insist that your children do likewise.

Demand classes on American culture in the Mexican school system.

Demand a local Mexican driver license. This will afford other legal rights and will go far to legitimize your unauthorized, illegal, presence in Mexico.

Insist that local Mexican law enforcement teach English to all its officers.

Good luck! You’ll be demanding for the rest of time or soon dead. Because it will never happen.

It will not happen in Mexico or any other country in the world…except right here. Land of the naive.

God Bless America—She needs it.

(From another e-mail from my MUCH older sister)

http://mostlycajun.com/wordpress/index.php?p=426

Because I'm an Idea Stealing Whore

(and I'm at home with a bottle of wine, trying to write a final exam)...

Instructions:
1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next 3 sentences on your blog along with these instructions.
5. Don’t you dare dig for that “cool” or “intellectual” book in your closet! I know you were thinking about it! Just pick up whatever is closest.
http://straightwhiteguy.mu.nu/archives/070150.php

"Then she began calling her closest friends, and she stayed up late that night on the couch talking with them. She slept for a while and awoke from a turmoil of blue-suit nightmares. She was boiling hot, her throat was parched, she had a fever...Where am I? - and there was Addy, purring at her side."

The Demon in the Freezer, Richard Preston
A very favorite book of mine; a true story about smallpox.

Bloggers Walk Softly?

There is a lot of talk going on in the media about the liberal environment in academia. Being a graduate student, I see it every day. And I am frustrated by it every day. I come home after an experience on campus and more often than not, I'm just angry. Graduate school has been an extreme disappointment in terms of difficulty, learning, and usefulness. But I've put too much money into the piece of paper to walk away without it now.

I am a conservative but the fact that I am conservative is not the reason I dislike the liberal environment. I am strong willed and outgoing but I am repeatedly intimidated by situations that arise on campus.

The academic environment is rich with students that are actively liberal or those sympathetic to the liberal agenda. This is only a problem because it is a regular occurrence that a professor misuses the classroom as a political pulpit. Issues become overly politicized and debate is not encouraged. How many students do you know who are willing to risk their GPA for the sake of having the minority opinion voiced? Not many. And it is a risk that they take. There is no question that disagreeing with a political preacher is academic suicide.

This week I have learned that voicing your discontent with an academic program has become dangerous as well. On my old site I posted the following:

"Sci/Tech/NatSec...uh....this guy has no idea what he's doing....don't think he's really had much (read: ANY) teaching experience. And he's getting advice from Dr. Adams *puke* the director of my program, creator of "learn how to hate America" class, and someone I thoroughly DO NOT enjoy. Tonight will be our second class so I can't really comment on my enjoyment level just yet."

A month later, the Director e-mailed me to question if I had made the comments. I owned up to them clarifying that the comments were in reference to my academic experience alone. I have chosen my words carefully to avoid antagonizing him further. He has continued to be hostile and has bordered on harassment. My comments were made in a setting unaffiliated with the university and I believe were distributed to him by someone with malicious intent.

I have had this man as a professor and disliked the content and direction of his course. I disliked his teaching style and the type of assignments he asked of us. In meetings with him as my director (who must sign off on a multitude of things) he has behaved in an unprofessional and disrespectful manner. As a result, I am not a fan of this man.

I stand by my comments - a victim of liberal academia unwilling to be silently trounced upon

No Wonder Boys Like Me!

I'm a dude...but with all the fun parts...

Your Brain is 40.00% Female, 60.00% Male

You have a total boy brain Logical and detailed, you tend to look at the facts And while your emotions do sway you sometimes... You never like to get feelings too involved

What Gender Is Your Brain?

New Logo

This was the design I created for a tattoo but I have yet to actually get it done (for several reasons). It is meant to symbolize my ideals and inner drive. The kanji is a loose translation of what my first and middle names mean and represent my self image. It is kanji because I designed the tattoo after experiences in Japan and because as symbols they are more personal than words. The design says to me "never forget" - who you are, what you stand for, what/who has shaped you, and why giving up isn't an option.

What is a PrncessCat?

PrncessCat (def): A conservative, country-lovin, suburbanite girl trapped in a liberal, big city life on the wrong coast.

Name: Cat
Nickname: Princess Cat / Kit Kat / Miss Kitty / SharpTooth / Sharpy Girl / Splenda / Whiskey Girl
Astrological sign: Gemini
DOB: 06/06/1980
Height: 5'9"
Weight: enough
Level of Education: B.A. Political Science/International Relations; B.A. Economics; M.A. Security Policy Studies (Candidate)
Occupation: Professional Student
Birthplace: Iowa City, Iowa
Marital status: Not Married
How many children: NONE - thank GOD!
Do you drink (alcohol): Hells yeah I do!
Do you smoke: Here and there, but only if I'm under unusual stress
Favorite outdoor activities: hanging out at the beach, picnics, BBQs, reading by the pool, strolling through the rain, jumping in puddles, scenic photography
Favorite indoor activities: Chillin with Sheila (the computer), cooking/baking, chatting on the phone, napping
Favorite colors: Purples/Reds - especially lavender and blood red
Favorite type of music: Country
Favorite musical groups/performers: Brooks & Dunn, Martina McBride, Allison Krause, George Strait, Alan Jackson, Terri Clark, Toby Keith, Tracy Lawrence, Jeff Bates, Brad Paisley, Chris Cagle, Alabama, Blackhawk
Favorite song at the moment: "My Give A Damn's Busted" by JoDee Messina
What's in your home CD/cassette player right now: Julie Roberts
What's in you car CD/cassette player right now: In the CD player I listen to while taking the Metro to class is a Pop/Rock mix I burned
Do you play an instrument: Technically? Yes... But I haven't touched a violin or a piano in years
Have you ever gone skinny-dipping: I've always been too shy
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up: As a young child, I wanted to be a vet. When my cat got hurt I changed my mind. I just assumed it would be something medical after that.
What would be your dream job now: Red cell analyst with the Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection Office at the Department of Homeland Security (IAIP @ DHS)
Have you ever been convicted of a crime: The law still smiles on me
Places you'd most like to visit: Australia, Ireland
Your first car: When I get one, I'll let you know
Dream car: I used to think this was a BMW M5 but I haven't really put much thought into it for a while
Car you Drive now: None
Favorite season: Spring
Favorite holiday: Independence Day
Favorite hobbies: Fixing computers, coloring, baking, home improvement/ housewares shopping
Favorite sport to play: Hockey (as long as there is no ice involved)
Favorite sport to watch: Football
Least favorite sport to watch: Baseball
Most humiliating moment: I've had a lot of embarrassing moments, two tie for most humiliating.

1. One that was especially humiliating follows one of my winter orchestra performances. We had gone out afterward to bond. We had not been in the orchestra together long. Anyhow, I was getting dropped off with 3 friends still in the car. It was icy, I was in heels, carrying my violin. I got out, closed the door, and turned to walk up to the driveway. As they rolled down the window to say something I slipped and lost my balance. While falling forward my long black skirt flipped up and the car got a nice ass shot. It didn't just go back down either. I had to fight with it being tangled in the coat as I tried to recover my composure. They reminded me to be careful of the ice a lot after that...as we laughed.
2. One morning my dad dropped me off at school (innocent enough). I drew a lot of attention because he drove me in his boat (a 1965 green sedan deville). That wasn't the problem. The problem was me running late and not paying attention. I jumped out of the car and whipped around to run to class...only to smack my face into the pole of a no parking sign.

Do you have any siblings: Lil bro, Ian
Do you get along with your parents: Yes and no. I grew up a total daddy's girl but he and I have drifted apart after his second marriage. We don't fight but we aren't that close anymore. Sometimes I really miss him. I've never really gotten along with my mom. It's always been more of a sibling relationship than a parent-child relationship. We fight less now but I don't ever see us being close.
Favorite place to chill: The California shore of the Pacific Ocean under the moonlight
Favorite place to visit: Vail, CO
What is your bad time of day: The time when I have to wake up for no good reason
What is your good time of day: The time I get to connect/share with friends (via email, phone, chat, blog, etc)
Favorite flower/plant: Stargazer lily or white & lavender rose (think fire & ice type look)
Favorite subject in school: Advanced Anatomy (cadaver class)
Least favorite subject in school: Math
Favorite authors: Richard Preston, Patricia Cornwell, Robert Sabuda
Favorite book genre: mystery/forensic fiction
Favorite book: Dove by Robin lee Graham
Current book I'm reading: 1421, The Year China Discovered America by Gavin Menzies (in bits and pieces since I'm buried by academic reading)
Favorite magazine: Scientific American, maybe ... I don't really read mags
Favorite movie of all time: Top Gun
Other favorite movies: Real Genius, PCU, Boondock Saints, The Cutting Edge, Hackers, Grosse Pointe Blank, The Replacements (Yes, I like cheesy movies but I can watch them over and over again and they make me laugh every time)
Favorite actors/actresses: Ben Browder, Val Kilmer, Nicholas Cage, Kevin Spacey, Goran Visnjic, Tommy Lee Jones
Favorite cartoon characters: Bender (from Futurama), Dexter, Mojo Jojo, Tigger, Crush the Turtle (from Finding Nemo)
Favorite food: Anything my aunt makes *especially* her homemade mac n' cheese...Mmmmm
Chocolate or Vanilla: Vanilla - you can always add chocolate!
Favorite alcoholic Drinks: Tequila shots, Jack & coke, Jaeger & redbull
What is your bedtime: Whenever I'm so exhausted I'm about to fall down or whenever someone else makes me go to bed. Left to my own devices I tend to go to sleep sometime just before sunrise.
Worst enemies: No one I actively am enemies with...but there's a list of people that I fear or that hate me
Interesting fact about your childhood: I was ultra shy & I don't remember most of it
How many rings before you answer the phone: I only use a cell phone so there aren't rings, just different songs.
The first thing you think of in the morning: WTF time is it?
Favorite thing to do when you're home alone: Play my favorite songs extremely loud and dance around the house
Things that make you feel good: Being wrapped up in a blanket, the smell of fresh baked goods, the smell of a garlic infused meal being cooked, a nice glass of red wine, the 'click' that happens when someone finally understands something you are trying to teach them, falling asleep being held by someone I love
Things you don't like: Foods with a mushy texture, safety Nazis that try to save people from themselves, people that insist they are right but don't have facts or evidence or even logic to back up their blabbering, masses of people all trying to do the same thing without any order involved (like in malls, stores, etc)
Worst feeling in the world: The idea of never being important
Scariest feeling in the world: Feeling helpless, powerless, and/or trapped
Best feeling in the world: Love
Do you get motion sickness: Unfortunately. Sea sick most often, sometimes car sick but I never actually lose my cookies
Roller Coasters - Deadly or Exciting: Exciting, so long as they are only the kind at Disneyland. That's where I draw the line.
Thunderstorms - Cool or Scary: AWESOME
Pen or Pencil: Pen
Do you like to drive: NO
Do you sleep with stuffed animals: Just two right for the time being - a giant Easter bunny and a teddy bear. I miss my giant panda. The rest of the stuffed animals are either decorating the bedroom or stored in California.
Did you have imaginary friends or a blanket as a child: Who has an imaginary blanket? I just beat up on my little brother when I was bored instead of making things up.
What is on the walls of your room: Cowboy hat, American flag, USMC flag, Diploma & cap (with HS and college tassels), fraternity medallion, UCSD pennant, Japanese fan, Japanese print, ledges (holding stuffed animals, pics, keepsakes), wood & glass shelf with princess items on it, princess mirror, pics of roses, pics of friends, family portrait, corkboard w/keepsakes, magnetic dry erase board
What words or phrases do you overuse: Dude, awesome, nice, f*ck
Coolest things anyone ever gave you: Blue gave me a pen engraved with the initials of all our friends at the time, Ang gave me a photo album with all kinds of personalized touches as a going away present, boytoy gave me boba for our first Christmas together (its an Asian drink)
How would you characterize your political leanings: Conservative realist, libertarian idealist, independent thinker capable of evaluating issues on a case by case basis, promoter of personal responsibility and ownership in all aspects of social, economic, and political life
If you could pick one super-human power, what would you choose: Invisibility - I could go anywhere or do anything and no one would know!
Favorite Quotes/Lyrics/Poems: Most of these will be put in the blog from time to time as I remember them. I'm good at posting lyrics, a lot.

"When someone shows you who they really are, believe them the first time." -- This was said to me by Lisa Tombalakian, an instructor of international marketing. I think she read it or paraphrased it from somewhere else but it has stuck with me

"Just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean that they don't love you with all they have." -- Truman Capote

"You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him." -- James D. Miles

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind." -- Dr. Seuss

"Except for ending slavery, fascism, Nazism, and communism, war has never solved anything." -- USMC bumper sticker