tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43269858497913819452024-02-18T23:13:49.538-08:00Everything's coming up roses and daffodils!Jenaneterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02786073833148662097noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4326985849791381945.post-56798932980980280132013-07-30T15:24:00.001-07:002013-07-30T15:24:16.009-07:0010 Self Defense TipsTomorrow morning I will be heading off to Sacramento for the Homeschool Association of California annual Adventures in Homeschooling conference. I've been attending this conference for almost two decades -- since I was a little, little kid. I've never missed a conference since we started going. <div><br></div><div>Most years I put on some kind of workshop -- either martial arts, or sign language, usually. This year I'm only doing one workshop, but it's something a little new for me. I'll be doing a self defense workshop for teen girls</div><div><br></div><div>I've been thinking about and planning this workshop for a while. We'll be doing a combination of physical self defense, practical tips, and how to keep yourself out of danger. Plus some discussion of mental defense and rape culture.</div><div><br></div><div>I'm not completely done planning, but I thought I would share a few of the tips I was planning on talking about. </div><div><br></div><div>1. <b>Trust your instincts.</b></div><div>Cliché yes, but for good reason. All too often, after a woman has been attacked, she will say that she felt like something wasn't right, but she thought she was being paranoid. While you don't want to live our life in fear, another cliché applies here: better safe than sorry. If something feels wrong, chances are it is. </div><div><br></div><div>2. <b>Don't look like a victim.</b></div><div>Stand up straight, walk quickly but not at a run, and keep your gaze level. Stick your chest out and look confident, even if you really feel terrified -- people are much less likely to attack or harass you if you look strong and sure of yourself.</div><div><br></div><div>3. <b>Keep your keys in your hand. </b></div><div>If you're walking in an area that makes you a little uneasy, especially alone or at night, keep a hold of your keys. This makes it easier to get into your car quickly without having to dig around in you bag. Plus, if you make a fist with your key sticking through your fingers, you have a good weapon to use against someone's eyes or throat. </div><div><br></div><div>4. <b>Yell.</b></div><div>If someone does attack you, fight back as loudly as you can. Not only does yelling give you more power, but it scares your attacker and alerts other people to the situation, who will hopefully come to your aid.</div><div><br></div><div>5. <b>Hit vulnerable targets. </b></div><div>If you have to defend yourself, use simple techniques such as knees and palms, and hit vulnerable targets, like the eyes, throat, and groin. </div><div><br></div><div>6. <b>Use your surroundings. </b></div><div>Throw sand in your attacker's face. Hit them with your backpack. Brace yourself against your car while you kick them. Anything to give yourself an advantage. There is no such thing as fighting dirty when it comes to defending yourself. </div><div><br></div><div>7. <b>If you get pinned, keep moving. </b></div><div>The worst thing you can do in the event that you get pinned down is stop fighting. Whatever you do, just keep moving, especially your hips. If you can, use our knees and feet to spread open their legs while you worm your way out. Get on your feet ASAP. </div><div><br></div><div>8. <b>Never get into a car under duress. </b></div><div>If someone asks for your wallet, give it them. They want your necklace? Hand it over. Those aren't worth getting hurt. But if someone tries to get you into their car, or trunk, fight back hard. Your chances of remaining alive and well if you get into a car plummet significantly, so use surprise to your advantage, hit them hard, and run. </div><div><br></div><div>9. <b>If someone harasses you, tell someone.</b></div><div>Tell everyone. And don't stop telling people until something has been done. This applies for everyone, no matter what age you are. Tell your parents, tell HR, tell the police. Remember that nothing you did cause this behavior -- you didn't "ask for it" via your clothing, or behavior. If you do nothing, even if the harassment on you stops, there is nothing to say that another person might suffer at the hands of the same aggressor. Make sure that people know what that person is capable of. </div><div><br></div><div>10. <b>Other people cannot earn sex/love by being nice to you/doing you favors.</b></div><div>It doesn't matter if they walked your dog. It doesn't matter if they helped you through a bad breakup. It doesn't matter if they bought you dinner. You do not owe them sex, or love, or a relationship. You still retain the right to say no. Anyone who tries to demand anything from you and uses the argument that you owe them because of x, y, and z is being emotionally abusive -- and that's not the kind of person you want in your life. </div><div><br></div><div><i>This is just a small sampling of tips for staying safe. What other tips do you try to follow? Share in the comments!</i></div>Jenaneterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02786073833148662097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4326985849791381945.post-10467577307125845212013-07-30T00:40:00.002-07:002013-07-30T00:40:35.717-07:00The Game of Game of ThronesLast night I played board games until three in the morning. Today I spent seven hours playing one board game.<br />
<br />
It was the Game of Thrones board game -- not the two player card game, but the massive six player strategy game. Roxana and I went to John and Garrett's house (John being the friend who recently got married) and played with the two of them, one of John's groomsmen, Josh AKA Draper, and John's new wife Cayla.<br />
<br />
It was absolutely wonderful. The game was interesting and engaging, keeping all of our attention for seven straight hours (well, we did have one ten minute cake break). It really came down to the wire -- on the last turn, four of the six of us could easily have won it all. In the end, House Lannister, who I was playing, managed to seize control of Westeros, though House Baratheon controlled the Iron Throne, thereby setting us up pretty much how the series itself actually begins.<br />
<br />
It is rare to find a game with no random elements. This one technically had one (three cards get flipped at the beginning of each round that have a somewhat significant effect on the rest of the turn), but it was minor compared to the overall game. In spite of this game being essentially a new kind of Risk or Axis and Allies, it had absolutely no die rolling of any kind. Plus, no card drawing -- all of your cards are in your hand at all times, unless you've chosen to play them. In addition to all that, everyone can see your cards and your influence tokens (basically money, although used for other things as well) at all times.<br />
<br />
It really is a strategy game in the truest sense of the word. You have essentially all the information at all times -- all you have to do is plan your tactics and try to figure out what the other houses are going to do. It's a game I walked away from mentally exhausted -- always a good sign in my book.<br />
<br />
The six houses you can play as are Lannister, Baratheon, Stark, Greyjoy, Tyrell, and Martell. The game worked thematically very well. It really felt like you were in the Song of Ice and Fire universe. All of the elements of the game added up to a very Westeros feeling match.<br />
<br />
Seven hours for one game is a long time. However, it moves quickly and since everyone is taking turns almost simultaneously, there are never long periods of sitting around doing nothing. It is also a good game for non-readers -- though there is some text, all of it can be read for you by other players.<br />
<br />
Overall, I loved it. So much that as soon as this blog post is up, I will be googling it to see how much it costs to buy. Thank you to John, Cayla, and Garrett for inviting us over to play. I can't wait to play again, so I can try out one of the other houses. If you are a fan of Game of Thrones (either the books, the TV show, or
both) and love strategy game, then hurry up and learn how to play (which
you can do by watching the twenty two minute instructional video
provided by the game makers -- it seems excessive, but it's extremely
helpful).<br />
<br />
Plus, it's a great excuse to sit around all day trash talking each other with Game of Thrones quotes -- what's better than that? Jenaneterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02786073833148662097noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4326985849791381945.post-86968850066367873982013-07-28T03:24:00.001-07:002013-07-28T03:24:54.239-07:00The Wedding of Cayla and John<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKNGmKGrZXI_GKd53ASvkgQJQ3iPCPBOLR_57W0jAJ5kUDeQYRdtUDqlBcdQEn4CjNO4-VCx0YJ1FaBuCapoWJMHWLJ8ch3fb2tUQLxKki7vaH2Dom07ivpSPmBx17UmtSmrSoF6zPBw/s640/blogger-image-363640595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKNGmKGrZXI_GKd53ASvkgQJQ3iPCPBOLR_57W0jAJ5kUDeQYRdtUDqlBcdQEn4CjNO4-VCx0YJ1FaBuCapoWJMHWLJ8ch3fb2tUQLxKki7vaH2Dom07ivpSPmBx17UmtSmrSoF6zPBw/s640/blogger-image-363640595.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Today I attended the wedding of an old friend, John. Him and his now wife are moving to the easy coast (where she is from originally, and where they met), so this was their west coast wedding. In a few years, after she graduates, they'll be having their full blown, legit wedding on the east coast, with all of her friends and family included. <div><br></div><div>This felt like a pretty legit wedding though, I must say. There was a lovely white dress, vows, dancing. It was at a gorgeous mansion I wish I had taken a few pictures of, in Yorba Linda.</div><div><br></div><div>Roxana and I went together, thankfully, since we didn't know another person there, aside from the groom and his best man (and the bride, barely).</div><div><br></div><div>There ceremony was interestingly military, complete with dress uniforms and sabers. But it was also very casual and brief and sweet.</div><div><br></div><div>I was honored to have been invited, as it was a rather intimate gathering, and so glad we were both able to go, since we both are moving soon (me back to the valley on the 16th, while Roxana will be going straight from the Sacramento conference to San Fran).</div><div><br></div><div>The best part of the wedding? The look of complete adoration that crossed over the faces of both bride and groom every time they looked at each other. In the words of the best man, "When you know, you know. And I'm glad they knew."<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggc1IqPN5VGK81u5iJHf7ARC97uQi_hTCH-0rZv7Zb1pJ7ypTuq3BJ9sx3E9emRP940krbdoVgnZvDLOZkZtExNNHfEltL3dtEZtEd6ijXiPQseWM6dAWA0pyqzWjd0BMqI_t5102BpfI/s640/blogger-image-1809858767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggc1IqPN5VGK81u5iJHf7ARC97uQi_hTCH-0rZv7Zb1pJ7ypTuq3BJ9sx3E9emRP940krbdoVgnZvDLOZkZtExNNHfEltL3dtEZtEd6ijXiPQseWM6dAWA0pyqzWjd0BMqI_t5102BpfI/s640/blogger-image-1809858767.jpg"></a></div></div>Jenaneterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02786073833148662097noreply@blogger.com0Los Alamitos Los Alamitos33.803875 -118.047306tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4326985849791381945.post-4939641486662615372013-07-26T09:55:00.004-07:002013-07-26T09:55:43.565-07:00Happy Birthday KrisToday is the birthday of this guy I used to know. We went to Cypress College together -- his whole family was involved in theater there. Roxana did a lot of shows with his mom and sister, with him working on the technical side of things.<br />
<br />
He lost the battle to cancer back in January. He had been sick for a while, but the last time I had seen him in person was at Barnes and Noble, before he got sick. He was looking for a book on guns -- I think I was looking for anything on feminism. We ran into each other and kept the store from closing while we (and my mom and Roxana) caught up on each others lives.<br />
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He was engaged, and Facebook still lists that as his relationship status, which never fails to break my heart. Kris was a geek in the true sense of the word -- passionate about everything he was interested in. He was full of life, and joy, and energy.<br />
<br />
Every time I run, and CharityMiles asks me what cause I want to run for, there is no question in my mind. I always think of Kris while I run my few miles to help cure cancer.<br />
<br />
The Facebook page of someone who has died is an odd thing. It's wonderful, because it fills up with wonderful words about the person, not just in the days following their death, but continuously, and on days like today, Kris's birthday. Plus, if you go back far enough, you can see posts from the person who passed away, and you get to pretend for a moment that they're still around.<br />
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But it's hard too. Like when I'm throwing an event, and Facebook suggests that I invite Kris. It's always a shocking moment of reality.<br />
<br />
Missing you today Kris. I wish I had hung out with you more, gotten to know you better. I'll regret that forever. But I'm glad I knew you at all -- you have made the world a better place to live in.<br />
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Hope you're having a rocking birthday.Jenaneterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02786073833148662097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4326985849791381945.post-68113306207396245622013-07-25T15:43:00.002-07:002013-07-25T15:43:37.602-07:00Love and MoviesAfter seeing one to many movies that had their few female characters almost exclusively focused on romance (and only heterosexual romance), I posed a question to my Facebook friends this morning:<br />
<br />
<b><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">All I
want out of life right now is a movie that includes female characters
that has nothing to do with romance or love. So lay it on me Facebook
people -- I need some suggestions.</span></b><br />
<br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">So far there are 96 comments, and the conversation has continued for over three hours solid.</span><b><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"></span></b><br />
<b><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><br /></span></b>
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Not many of the suggestions follow my guidelines (which were amended, a few comments in: </span><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][1]"></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><b>Well, I guess I should be more specific: I want the female characters to matter/be primary</b>.)</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">Here's the list that seem to apply, based on my criteria, so far:</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">Alien</span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">Haywire*</span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (I can't remember the newer one, but I think it works)</span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">Wizard of Oz</span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">Terminator 2*</span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">Phantom Menace (although it's awkward, since you know two of the characters will end up together in the future...)</span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">Whale Rider* (child, not adult, female character)</span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">Little Miss Sunshine (main female character is a child, but there is the adult mother as well)</span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?*</span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">Winter's Bone*</span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">True Grit* </span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><br /></span></span></span><b><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"></span></b>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">We also had Coraline and Spirited Away, but I think animated films might need a separate list.</span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><br /></span></span></span><b><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"></span></b>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">(Any movie marked with a * means I haven't seen it myself, but am relying on other peoples' suggestions and my Wikipedia search skills).</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">Pan's Labyrinth may apply, but I feel like I want to watch it myself before making the distinction.</span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><br /></span></span></span>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]">So now I'm asking you -- what movies can you think of that have important/main/primary female characters that do not include romance or love? For that matter, what movies can you think of with no romance or love period (even those that don't include women)? Share in the comments!</span></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><br /></span></span></span><b><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"></span></b>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5qmg2].[1][4][1]{comment10151553834712636_26904222}.[0].[right].[0].[left].[0].[0].[0][2].[0].[0]"><br /></span></span></span><b><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"></span></b>Jenaneterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02786073833148662097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4326985849791381945.post-67202680936439155462013-07-24T11:59:00.002-07:002013-07-24T11:59:54.241-07:00More Exciting Life<i>This post was written longhand -- I was not at camp, but my computer hadn't been turned on since camp, so I'm typing it up now. It's from July 22nd.</i><br />
<br />
Some days are calm and quiet and nice, and nothing of much consequence happens.<br />
<i> </i><br />
Today was not such a day. Today I signed a lease and picked up the keys to my new apartment.<br />
<br />
Big. Exciting. Scary. Awesome. Jenaneterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02786073833148662097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4326985849791381945.post-22143960883974041262013-07-24T11:55:00.002-07:002013-07-24T11:55:48.117-07:00Stars, Smoke, and Signing<i>This post was written while at camp, on July 16th.</i><br />
<br />
It doesn't matter if you're hearing or Deaf -- if you have jokes and stars, a night of camping never ends.<br />
<i> </i><br />
This blog post is brought to you by a hot fire and ASL.<br />
<br />
(Addition, now that I'm home, with internet, and not writing this by the light of the campfire: the night this was written I was sleeping outside, with a sleeping bag and the stars. I had been put in change of the campfire and the camp out for all the kids ages 10-14. It was stressful, like everything that happened at camp, but sleeping outside was absolutely wonderful.<br />
<br />
The staff members that were there stayed up half the night (three of the counselors actually stayed up all night) chatting and laughing, telling jokes and teasing each other. It was a lot of fun. It was also cool to be able to make as much as noise as we wanted without worrying about keeping anyone up -- all of our charges were Deaf and sound asleep. Overall, probably the best night of camp).<br />
<br />
<i>When was the last time you slept outside? Did you love it or hate it? Share in the comments!</i>Jenaneterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02786073833148662097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4326985849791381945.post-1208541384584671402013-07-24T11:50:00.003-07:002013-07-28T09:27:49.643-07:00What Do Kids Really Need to Learn?<i>This post was written while at camp, on July 15th.</i><br />
<br />
I've been thinking today about what kids really "need" to learn. Some people say algebra. Some say reading. John Holt has a great quote (that I can't find, because I have no internet) about how the only two things you need to learn is how to say I'm sorry and I love you. [EDIT: I finally managed to locate the quote, thanks to my mom randomly stumbling upon a note card that had it written on it. "Once when John Holy was speaking to a school audience, describing his views on their structured curriculum, a student asked him, 'But surely there must be something important enough that everyone should learn it?' He thought for a moment and replied, 'To learn to say I'm sorry, I don't know, and I was wrong.'" --Jan Hunt (Natural Child Project)]<br />
<i> </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
I think that's a pretty good rule of thumb. But I do have a couple other things I will try to help my one day children learn:<br />
<br />
1. To ask for help.<br />
2. To admit to not knowing something. [EDIT: Apparently John's already got that one covered.]<br />
3. To smile in the face of stress and anger.<br />
4. To be able to look around and assess what needs doing -- and then do it.<br />
5. To count to ten and breathe when stressed instead of blowing up.<br />
<br />
Now, I am by no means an expert at any of these. I have bad moments, bad days -- bad weeks. But I try and do all of those things as much as possible, and it certainly has helped me through some stressful situations (such as the one I'm in right now).<br />
<br />
Which reminds me:<br />
6. To realize that all things, good and bad, will pass.<br />
<br />
<i>What do you think all kids should know? Comment below!</i>Jenaneterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02786073833148662097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4326985849791381945.post-58080727076174764652013-07-24T11:41:00.002-07:002013-07-24T11:41:29.581-07:00New Scary Experiences<i>This post was written while at camp, on July 14th.</i><br />
<br />
Today I did something new and scary. As I stated in my last post, I'm working at the sports and rec director at a camp for Deaf children this week. I was hired last minute (I had planned on volunteering). Today I had to get up in front of 112 Deaf kids (and two hearing ones) plus all their counselors, <i> </i>most of whom are Deaf, and give the instructions to our game for the evening (that I had to pick out and plan myself).<br />
<br />
I think it went well, overall. Unfortunately, my watch is broken, so I had to bug everyone else for timing. But the kids were laughing and smiling, which is a good sign (no pun intended).<br />
<br />
My signing skills, both expressive and receptive, are already improving. My self confidence is going up too -- a lot of people asking me if I'm Deaf or being surprised I've only been signing for four years has helped lessen the nerves (though not completely).<br />
<br />
Tomorrow I'm helping with swim tests, which ALSO makes me nervous. Here's to hoping all the kids pass.<br />
<br />
Now if I could just get used to the loudness of the lower bunk, I would be all set.<br />
<br />
<i>Have you done anything scary in the last few weeks? Share in the comments!</i>Jenaneterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02786073833148662097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4326985849791381945.post-8045616820924841852013-07-24T11:34:00.006-07:002013-07-24T11:34:57.602-07:00Lions Wilderness Camp for Deaf Children<i>This post was written while at camp, on July 13th.</i><br />
<br />
I'm writing this post long hand. I'm currently in a (stifling hot) cabin with five or six other staff members at a camp for Dead kids. I applied to be a volunteer here a few months ago, but last week I got hired as the sports director.<br />
<i> </i><br />
I will admit, I was nervous. I'm still nervous. I didn't even want to come the last few days, due to my nervousness. But overall, I'm sure I'll be happy I came. I'm sure it will end up being a good experience.<br />
<i></i><br />
And if not, at least I'll learn something. And isn't that really the point of life?<br />
<br />
<i>Have any great camp experiences? Got any awful ones? Share them in the comments!</i>Jenaneterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02786073833148662097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4326985849791381945.post-16803853600638584372013-07-12T01:08:00.000-07:002013-07-12T01:08:03.734-07:00CampTomorrow (well, in about five hours, actually) I head off to a week long camp. It's a camp for Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing kids, and CODAs, and I've been hired as the sports director. I'm anxious (I didn't apply for the job and got it thrown on me at the last minute) but excited too. It should be a great experience, and the benefit of all the extra stress and responsibility of the job I got is that instead of just volunteering, I now get paid as well.<br />
<br />
I'll be missing out on some stuff here -- a few demo performances, including one at the fair which is always fun. I'm a little bummed to be missing out on the fun. Plus, this is the last week before three of the students at my studio test for their black belts, which means I won't get to help out in the last few days before they test.<br />
<br />
This is a month full of trade offs. I didn't bother to get Comic-Con, and as it turns out that's a very good thing, because I'll be at this camp. I have to skip a DZ thing while I'm gone this weekend as well, and on the 27th I'm missing both a DZ workshop and the studio beach party -- I had to give those up in order to run a 5k in the morning (the second in a series that I'm doing) and attend a friend's wedding in the afternoon. Good trade offs, and I'm happy with my choices, but it's frustrating to think that the next day I'll have literally nothing at all to do.<br />
<br />
Should be heading off to bed, but I'm watching Doctor Who and eating chips instead. But hey, I can sleep in the car, right?<br />
<br />Jenaneterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02786073833148662097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4326985849791381945.post-83911194063826920422013-07-05T11:12:00.002-07:002013-07-05T11:12:46.874-07:00All the Items in My PurseMy goal for this month is to write every day, either a blog post or fifteen minutes of fiction. I opened up my blog today and didn't have any bright ideas, so I did what I always do when I'm stuck and googled the answer to my problem.<br />
<br />
I found lots of blog post ideas, and I'm going with this one for today: a list of all the items in my purse.<br />
<br />
At the moment, I'm carrying around a large zippered Delta Zeta tote bag. It's rather large, for a purse, so a lot of stuff fits inside of it. Bear with me.<br />
<br />
1. Two Burt's Bees chapsticks (both almost gone, need to get a new one). The pomegranate kind.<br />
2. One of my sets of CSUN Be Greek red and black plastic sunglasses.<br />
3. My planner, which has a pencil attached, plus a piece of paper tucked into it on which I am keeping track of my knitting. Speaking of knitting...<br />
4. My neverending Tom Baker Doctor Who scarf (which is attached to a green ball of yarn).<br />
5. Three mores balls of yarn (purple, yellow, and blue).<br />
6. My wallet (which itself is stuffed to the brim with various items).<br />
7. Two packages of tissues.<br />
8. A small plastic hairbrush.<br />
9. A ten dollar bill, which is now getting put into my wallet.<br />
10. Earbuds.<br />
11. My iPod touch.<br />
12. Feminine hygiene products.<br />
13. My house and studio keys.<br />
14. My Delta Zeta badge.<br />
15. Another pencil.<br />
16. A schedule of classes/list of prices from my martial arts studio.<br />
17. A CHN Expo schedule.<br />
<br />
Plus, the items that have been in my purse within the last 12 hours, but got taken out for bed last night:<br />
1. My glasses and case.<br />
2. My phone.<br />
3. One of the books I'm rereading at the moment (Cold Fire, by Tamora Pierce).<br />
<br />
So there you have it. Possibly the most boring blog post of all time. I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into my life -- and I also hope you aren't judging me too hard for the amount of stuff I keep shoved into my purse.Jenaneterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02786073833148662097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4326985849791381945.post-25219693502135593762011-06-13T19:03:00.000-07:002011-06-13T19:03:28.237-07:00Online History ClassJust started my online history class for the summer. Realized that I needed a new planner. It became a lot of effort to get one, because as it turns out, they don't sell regular yearly planners midway through the year, and the academic calenders all start in July and end in June, which doesn't work for me, cause my class goes from June to July. But I found one. On sale, which was nice.<br />
<br />
Filling it out right now. This class is going to be a lot more work than I want it to be, BUT having it done will feel really good, and I should learn some good stuff, and filling out my new planner has been really fun.<br />
<br />
House sitting for a few weeks starting Thursday. I don't like the idea of sleeping in a house alone...maybe I'll drag Roxana down there with me. But the dog (who I'll be sitting for as well as the house) is cute, so taking care of her is fun.Jenaneterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02786073833148662097noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4326985849791381945.post-53646839742872310132010-03-24T19:30:00.001-07:002010-03-24T19:30:35.174-07:001. What curse word do you use the most?<br />
I don't know, probably damn or shit.<br />
<br />
2. Do you own an iPod?<br />
Yep. Classic 60 gig and an old school shuffle.<br />
<br />
3. What person on your flist do you talk to the most?<br />
Roxana.<br />
<br />
5. Do you still remember the first person you kissed?<br />
Yep.<br />
<br />
6. Do you remember where you were on 9/11/01?<br />
At home, having a sleepover with Tessa.<br />
<br />
7. Would you rather take the picture or be in the picture?<br />
Be in it -- I loooove having pictures taken of me.<br />
<br />
8. What was the last movie you watched?<br />
Gorsh, no idea. I haven't watched a movie in ages. Maybe Up.<br />
<br />
11. Do you ever take medication to help you fall asleep?<br />
Only when I'm sick -- then I take it to clear me up and it makes me drowsy as a bonus.<br />
<br />
14. Has anyone told you a secret this week?<br />
Nope.<br />
<br />
15. When was the last time you had Starbucks?<br />
Er...last weekend?<br />
<br />
16. Can you whistle?<br />
Yep.<br />
<br />
17. What is the first thing you notice about the opposite sex?<br />
Height, hair.<br />
<br />
18. What are you looking forward to?<br />
Spring effing break.<br />
<br />
19. Did you watch cartoons as a child?<br />
Yeah.<br />
<br />
20. Do you own any band t-shirts?<br />
Several Beatles shirts, one Pink Floyd sweatshirt.<br />
<br />
22. Is anyone in love with you?<br />
Yes.<br />
<br />
24. When was the last time you cried?<br />
Dunno.<br />
<br />
25. Are you on a desktop computer or a laptop?<br />
Laptop. My desktop is turned off at the moment.<br />
<br />
26. Are you currently wanting any piercings or tattoos?<br />
Nope.<br />
<br />
28. Would you ever date a girl/guy covered in tattoos?<br />
Probably not.<br />
<br />
30. When is the last time you slept on the floor?<br />
Uuh, my birthday? Probably since then, I crash a lot.<br />
<br />
31. How many hours of sleep do you need to function?<br />
I can go on none. Though I'm less than awesome.<br />
<br />
34. What did you do last night?<br />
Kung-fu.<br />
<br />
35. Do you use sarcasm?<br />
Never.<br />
<br />
37. Are you picky about spelling and grammar?<br />
Ehh, sort of when I feel like it.<br />
<br />
38. Have you ever been to six flags?<br />
Couple of times.<br />
<br />
39. Do you get along better with the same sex or the opposite sex?<br />
Opposite.<br />
<br />
40. Do you like mustard?<br />
Only yellow, and yes, more than almost anything.<br />
<br />
41. Do you sleep on your side?<br />
Sometimes. Mostly it's on my stomach with my torso twisted to the side. And I end up on my back.<br />
<br />
42. Do you watch the news?<br />
Only the Daily Show and the Colbert Report.<br />
<br />
43. How did you get one of your scars?<br />
I have some little ones on my fingers from slicing avocados...<br />
I don't have real scars.<br />
<br />
44. Who was the last person to make you mad?<br />
Hmm, I'm not sure. I think Roxana.<br />
<br />
45. Do you like anybody?<br />
I like tons of people, and I love a few of them too.<br />
<br />
46. What is the last thing you purchased?<br />
Tank tops.<br />
<br />
47. What side of the heart do you draw first?<br />
Right.<br />
<br />
49. What colour is your razor?<br />
Pink.<br />
<br />
50. What is your blood-type?<br />
No idea.<br />
<br />
51. Who would you want to be tied to for 24 hours?<br />
Roxana or Daniel.<br />
<br />
52. What is a rumour someone has spread about you?<br />
None that I know of.........<br />
<br />
53. How do you feel about carrots?<br />
Good? Hungry? In love? I don't know.<br />
<br />
58. What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator?<br />
Want to die.<br />
<br />
59. What’s your favourite kind of gum?<br />
Trident, the orange one.<br />
<br />
64. Do you know which US states don’t use Daylight Savings Time?<br />
Arizona and Hawaii. Live next to AZ, so it makes it easier for me to remember.<br />
<br />
66. Do you want a bright yellow ‘06 mustang?<br />
Uh, sure? You offering?<br />
<br />
67. What’s something you’ve always wanted?<br />
To go to England to watch/meet Arsenal.<br />
<br />
68. Do you have hairy LEGS?<br />
Not right now.<br />
<br />
69. Would you rather swim in the ocean or a lake?<br />
Ocean.<br />
<br />
70. Do you wear a lot of black?<br />
Nope.<br />
<br />
71. Describe your hair:<br />
Brown, super straight and so long that everyone feels the need to comment, including the waitress this morning.<br />
<br />
72. Do you have Entomophobia?<br />
No, but I'm not a huge fan.<br />
<br />
73. Are you an adult?<br />
Uh, young adult.<br />
<br />
74. Where is/are your best friend(s)?<br />
Within CA. Except, maybe not, because one of them is on his way to WA, and I don't know where exactly, cause I can't remember when he left. <br />
<br />
75. Do you have a tan?<br />
I have a soccer tan.<br />
<br />
76. Are you a television addict?<br />
Yes. =)<br />
<br />
77. Do you enjoy spending time with your mother?<br />
Yeah.<br />
<br />
79. Do you like orange juice?<br />
Yes.<br />
<br />
80. What sign are you?<br />
Aquarius.Jenaneterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02786073833148662097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4326985849791381945.post-23350805853718205762009-09-16T21:35:00.000-07:002013-07-04T00:10:35.640-07:00BoredomWhen I say "I'm Bored" it can mean any number of different things. Sometimes it means whatever I was doing previously is not longer managing to hold my interest and I really do just want some suggestions of things to do now. Or maybe I finished a project and I'm looking for a new one to start. Sometimes it means I've been sitting too long and I need to move around - or it means I'm physically tired and looking for something calm and still to do.<br />
<br />
For me it is very often one of these two things: either I'm lonely or I need to get out of the house. My loneliness can be for different people. Maybe I'm missing my mom and need her attention for a while. Maybe I'm missing my friends and need to make some plans to see them. Or I could need to get up, get dressed and get out of the house, even for just a trip to the store. Sometime even the simple act of getting out of my PJs and brushing my teeth will be enough for me, and then I can happily go back to whatever I was doing before.<br />
<br />
Your job is to find out what "I'm bored" means to you, your children, and your family.Jenaneterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02786073833148662097noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4326985849791381945.post-34245931389927656432009-03-01T13:22:00.000-08:002009-03-01T13:24:04.358-08:00A blog of things to blog aboutThe Story of My Most Serious Injury<br />The Person I Admire Most<br />This Will Be My Epitaph<br />Why I Love My Hometown<br />Why I Hate My Hometown<br />Why I Was a Childhood Bully<br />How I Shop<br />How I Choose to Spend My Money<br />I Wish I Spent Less Money on This<br />Why I’m in My Current Job<br />My Ideal Job<br />My High School Clique<br />My Worst Subject in School<br />If I Had a Super Power<br />Here’s Where My Opinion Differs From the Majority<br />Why I Voted the Way I Did in the Last Election<br />Why I Don’t Vote<br />The Cause I Really Believe In<br />Why I Came To Religion<br />Why I Don’t Believe Anymore<br />Where I Find Spirituality<br />My First Kiss<br />My Worst Kiss<br />The First Time I Had My Heart Broken<br />Why I Travel<br />Why I Don’t Travel<br />My Philosophy on Raising Children<br />Why I Chose My University Degree<br />My Favourite Place on the Planet<br />My Greatest Sin Against the Environment<br />Why I Married My Spouse<br />My Most Hated Movie<br />The Book That Changed My Life<br />My Unexpected Mentor<br />I Couldn’t Live Without This Song<br />If I Hear This Song Again, Radio Personalities Will Suffer<br />I Have the Craziest Uncle Ever<br />Why I Believe in Luck<br />Why I Don’t Believe in Luck<br />How I Earned My Worst Karma<br />Where I Volunteer<br />Why I Don’t Volunteer<br />My Favourite Item of Clothing Growing Up<br />If This Celebrity Knocked On My Door, I’d Run Away With Them<br />Why I Care About Celebrities<br />Why I Love This Sport<br />Why I Hate Sports<br />When I’m at My Most Self-Indulgent<br />How To Be Selfless<br />My Childhood Dreams, and How I’ve Fulfilled Them<br />How I Learned Patience<br />How My Hard Work Paid Off<br />I’ve Never Been More Surprised in My Life<br />What Scares the Shit Out of Me<br />The Only Thing I Can Teach YouJenaneterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02786073833148662097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4326985849791381945.post-47707360376572777072009-01-14T12:34:00.000-08:002013-07-04T00:10:43.103-07:00A quote that I especially likedMay your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art — write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself. -- Neil GaimanJenaneterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02786073833148662097noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4326985849791381945.post-39285158247792802602009-01-14T12:31:00.000-08:002013-07-04T00:11:03.716-07:00My notes about a stupid parenting bookWell, right off the bat this book makes a terrible impression. The title is <span style="font-weight: bold;">"Get out of my life but first could you take me and Cheryl to the mall?"</span> And of course, the proper grammar would be, <span style="font-weight: bold;">"Get out of my life but first could you take Cheryl and me to the mall?"</span> Now, I'm not saying I always use perfect grammar, but I'm not writing a real, published book, a book people are going to pick up off the shelves in a real bookstore. Doesn't this author have an editor?<br />
<br />
It only gets worse from there. One of their examples of a teenager talking back:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">"Cynthia, would you please take out the litter box?"</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">"Why are you always picking on me?"</span><br />
<br />
The author translates the imaginary Cynthia's words into, <span style="font-style: italic;">"No, I'd raher not take out the litter box. I would rather get in a fight with you."</span><br />
<br />
I don't believe, as a teenager, that that's really what Cynthia is saying. I think she's just saying that she's busy, and doesn't feel like dropping it to take out the litter box.<br />
<br />
Another quote: <span style="font-weight: bold;">"The first step is to accept a child's right to say what he or she has to say, no matter how stupid or unreasonable. You don't have to listen to all of it, you can leave whenever you want, but you respect their right to say it."</span><br />
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My first problem with this is the assumption that whatever the teenager has to say is going to be stupid or unreasonable, when I know for a fact that teenagers can have intelligent, reasonable things to say and usually do. Sometimes they can be unreasonable - just like adults.<br />
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My second problem is that thought that the parent can just walk away in the middle of their child speaking. While of course, this is true, it's certainly not going to endear yourself to your child and make your relationship any better. It's saying that you don't care about them enough, or value their thoughts and opinions enough to even bother listening to them. Also, if you walk away, it gives them the right to walk away when they feel like it. Why should they have to listen to you when you're being stupid and unreasonable?<br />
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Just for the record, I'm about four pages in and I could have complained about WAAAAAY way more than just these couple of things. But I'm choosing to leave it at that for the moment, so I can get back to reading it.Jenaneterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02786073833148662097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4326985849791381945.post-15756129545287017792008-07-22T10:41:00.000-07:002013-07-04T00:11:48.012-07:00I think you have a problem with your brain being missingWell, actually, the fair went really really poorly. But I don't really want to talk about that right now. I would rather talk about the fact that I cleaned my room yesterday. Top to bottom (well, mostly). All the clutter got taken care of, I moved the big orange chair into the backyard, moved my TV so I don't have to kill myself to watch it, washed my window sills, changed my sheets, made my bed, moved a couple of my chests around, put away all my shoes and bags and hung up all my clean clothing. And vacuumed. The plans looks beautiful. I still haven't put the doors on my closet, but soon, soon I will. And once I do that the room will look even better.<br />
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Plus I've been watching Firefly. Good times are had.Jenaneterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02786073833148662097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4326985849791381945.post-53910205827450675602008-07-12T10:06:00.000-07:002013-07-04T00:11:25.447-07:00The Two Ends of the SpectrumDavin's been bugging me for a while about watching Dexter - the serial killer who works for the cops show. I haven't bothered, mostly because I'm lazy, partly because it sounds kind of gross. Finally though, just a few days ago, I caved in and watched the first episode.<br />
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Within two nights I'd watched four. It's so good. Yes, a little gross, but it's stylized enough that I can watch it without making me feel too squeamish. And I love Micheal C. Hall. A lot. He plays the gay brother in Six Feet Under (bizarrely the two shows he's famous for are both about dead people. Type cast?)<br />
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Now I haven't watched it for a few days and I'm itching to start watching it again.<br />
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And Roxana has been harassing me to watch Arrested Development ever since she was in Paris and watched all of season three. Matthew and Jocelyn have told me several times that I would really like it and I should watch it, but I haven't because the little bits and pieces I've watched I haven't really liked that much. They were amusing but made me uncomfortable in a bad way.<br />
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But finally I started watching it, a couple of nights ago. And yes indeed, it is really amusing. Jason Bateman has the best expressions and Michael Cera is so adorably awkward and sort of sad. I'm enjoying it, I must admit.<br />
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My dad is finally, finally, FINALLY reading the 7th Harry Potter book. Our TV has been broken for a while so instead of watching soccer at night (thankfully the TV held out until after the European Championship and English Premier League finished) my father has been reading the Harry Potter books. So he's finally caught up and managed to make it to the seventh book. He's just got past the wedding I think.<br />
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I'm off to the Orange County Fair. Hope it goes well!<br />
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RosieJenaneterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02786073833148662097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4326985849791381945.post-38908159428181600822008-04-27T11:16:00.000-07:002008-04-27T11:26:54.873-07:00Baby BirdYesterday my dad called me out to the back yard because there was an adorable baby bird hopping around in the back yard. We sat there for AGES looking at it, talking about it, wondering where it's parents were, thinking about giving it some seeds and water. Then it hopped under our fire pit and started talking to two big birds of the same kind, one of which had food in it's beak. And suddenly the dog gets up and trots over and I'm on my feet running after her, yelling at her, and then she's got the bird in her mouth and I couldn't do anything about it, I just burst into tears and my dog got the bird out of her mouth and was holding it and I was crying and crying. And my dad's all like, "No, the bird is alive, it's okay, it's alive," but it looked just completely dead in his hands. And finally his shoulders sagged and he set the bird down in the planter. And I could not stop crying. And there was another baby bird, so my dad put it on the other side of the fence so the damn dog wouldn't get it.<br /><br />I coudn't stop thinking about it all night. It was horrific. It would have been depressing enough to see my dog kill this tiny baby bird, but after we had sat there for such a long time looking at it and talking about it...it was too much.<br /><br />This morning apparently my dad went out to where he had left it in the planter...and the bird was gone. And he said yesterday it's heart was still beating. And the parents were around this morning. So now I have hope that the poor little thing survived - a little beat up, a little scared maybe, but alive and well fed and near it's parents.<br /><br />Please, don't burst my bubble and say something about a cat getting it (though I don't think that probably happened, because the only cat we have is 50/50 and he never comes that far onto our lawn and also my dad said there were no feathers sitting around or anything).<br /><br />This cheered me up considerably.<br /><br />And I think I'm going to be a cocker spaniel for our project. But I think I'll go try it out before I do my sketch.<br /><br />Cross posting this to my LJ, because for some reason I'm using both. I'm just seeing if I like blogger or not. So far it has no benefits over Live Journal...<br /><br />RoseJenaneterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02786073833148662097noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4326985849791381945.post-24675023421960611852008-04-23T22:37:00.000-07:002008-04-23T22:38:57.672-07:00First BlogI'm not sure why I got a new blog. I already have a livejournal, which should be just the same as this. But I've been looking at Hazel's for the last couple of days and felt the urge to get one all for myself. Goodness knows if I'll ever update it.<br /><br />Well, let's post it up and see how it looks shall we?Jenaneterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02786073833148662097noreply@blogger.com0