a is for arbitrary

2011-12-13T22:12:00.001-07:00

Pickin' & Trimmin' from Matt Morris Films on Vimeo.

2011-12-03T12:45:00.001-07:00

13 days 'til i graduate from college
im in the library writing about a Weird Al movie, eating a cucumber, trying to stay focused.
my life is pretty good.

2011-11-14T17:51:00.002-07:00

thoughts on progression

2011-10-17T22:48:00.003-06:00

"Anything we can change we should change, and we must forgive the rest."
-Jeffrey R. Holland

from his talk Broken Things to Mend.

September most played songs

2011-09-24T22:30:00.003-06:00

next?

2011-08-10T01:17:00.005-06:00

I have no idea what I will be doing with my life once I graduate in December. I don't feel scared, or pressure to decide. I feel that everything will be ok, no matter what I do. This gives me hope. I can choose between working full-time, getting an internship, going to grad school, and even sleeping all day and watching Netflix all night (which sounds really healthy). I know that if nothing else comes through I can always live with family. I'll be fine, and life will be an adventure regardless of the outcome.

On that note, I'm finally done with classes for the Summer! Three weeks of laziness I'm very glad you are finally here.

Also, pistachio ice cream is very delicious.

And lastly, the Provo hospital cafeteria has an awesome drink machine that dispenses over 100 flavors. Last night I had raspberry and vanilla Sprite. I'm amazed at how corn can be manipulated into deceptive deliciousness.

2011-06-22T10:19:00.000-06:00

summer

2011-06-20T18:17:00.003-06:00

This is me bike jousting. It was hard. (from bikeprovo.org)

It finally feels like summer in this part of the country. My garden is growing very well. I harvested lettuce last week. My squash and tomatoes are almost flowering. I love the smell of my baby basil plants, and I am excited to reap the rewards of home grown veggies.

Saturday was my first trip to the farmer's market this season. I wish they would limit the items sold to strictly homemade or homegrown. I don't go to the market because its just like everywhere else. I go for the simple yet genuine act of buying something from the grower or maker. Like the dozen eggs I bought from a couple of farmer's from Spanish Fork. They are the best eggs I have ever eaten. I don't ever want to go back to store bought.

Summer makes me feel grateful for my bike, my love of dirt, and my ability to find joy in the simplest of things. Life seems more pleasurable when the weather is so lovely.

I've also been reading some great books. One in particular has been captivating most of my attention. Farm City by Novella Carpenter, is a real life account of a woman who grows a big garden and raises bees, chickens, ducks, turkeys and rabbits all on a vacant lot in a very urban area of Oakland California. This book makes me want some land, a few egg laying chicks, and a bunch of bees. Her account of the hard work and disappointments faced on her farm-lette is honest, yet even her biggest agricultural failures are enjoyable and inspiring to read.

my worst fear

2011-05-23T10:37:00.002-06:00

bikes, plants, moving pictures

2011-05-16T14:58:00.005-06:00

The weather in Provo has been so nice. My roommate bought a bike and we have been riding around on the weekends and after FHE. This goes without saying, but I love riding my bicycle. I feel powerful and full of joy when I ride, even when the weather sucks.
I recently listened to a neat interview with a guy who goes on a quest to build his ideal bike. He wrote a book about it and about included a history of bikes. I would really like to read this book. You can check out the interview here...

My plants are still doing great. Each plant, even the slowpoke basil, has sprouted. Keep it up dudes! Si se puede!

I really want to run away from Provo. Even if its just for a couple days.

Here is a list of things you should watch, because I have watched them, and like them:
Mormon Myth-ellanous- a neat little video that investigates the origins of popular oral folklore found in Mormon culture.
True Grit
The King's Speech
Parks and Recreation
The Tank Man

garden update!

2011-05-02T12:27:00.005-06:00

Growing, growing, growing! And I couldn't be happier!

We had a week of rain, snow, and clouds so my plants have been spending a lot of time indoors. Each time it became sunny again I would put them out and then when the clouds came I'd haul them back indoors. It was kind of obsessive. I am glad I did it because now I have cute little seedlings. This week calls for all sun so hopefully the pots can stay outside for good.

I think all my work and worry over these plants can one day be dramatized in a church talk on faith, patience, self-reliance, good works, or any basic principle.

Hurrah for plants!

spring has sprung

2011-04-24T14:49:00.002-06:00

garden update:
the lettuce and onion have sprouted!!!

also... I made an apple pie.

Happy Easter!

Done and done

2011-04-20T19:33:00.004-06:00

...with Winter semester.

I will be taking one class each term during Spring and Summer while working at my current job. I love this time of year. Having less stress in life is always a healthy thing.

Since planting my little garden the weather has been rainy and very gloomy. I worry about my little seeds, but have hope they will know what to do next. Good luck little guys!

how does your garden grow?

2011-04-16T17:01:00.003-06:00

I just finished planting my first container vegetable garden! I am quite proud of my pots and buckets. Right now they are just dirt and seeds but, one day, if all goes well there will be squash, tomatoes, cucumbers, basil, onions, and lettuce growing! Utah has very fickle weather in early spring. I am hoping with all my heart that it doesn't snow anymore this season. I plan on checking the weather every day in case I need to bring my pots inside. It felt good to work out in the beautiful weather and get dirty, even if that dirt was packaged potting soil.

madness

2011-03-18T17:52:00.003-06:00

This is the current standing of my tournament bracket amidst my coworkers. I am winning, but who knows how long. Had to share while I can still gloat.

reading

2011-03-10T23:17:00.003-07:00

I am currently reading Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey. I find it insanely compelling, reading this book is all I want to do. Abbey discusses his time spent as a park ranger in Arches National Park, a job he held in the late 1950's. I love his descriptions of the desert and its inhabitants, plant and animals alike. He seems to easily express the often inexpressible emotions felt while in nature. Here is my favorite passage so far...

A weird, lovely, fantastic object out of nature like Delicate Arch has the curious ability to remind us - like rock and sunlight and wind and wilderness - that out there is a different world, older and greater and deeper by far than ours, a world which surrounds and sustains the little world of men as sea and sky surround and sustain a ship. The shock of the real. For a little while we are again able to see, as the child sees, a world of marvels. For a few moments we discover that nothing can be taken for granted, for if this ring of stone is marvelous then all which shaped it is marvelous, and our journey here on earth, able to see and touch and hear in the midst of tangible and mysterious things-in-themselves, is the most strange and daring of all adventures. (45)

rabbit rabbit

2011-03-01T09:48:00.003-07:00

Happy March!

I am cleaning my room, listening to music I once loved, and feeling very content.

I am ready for spring.

2011-02-23T10:24:00.002-07:00

atomic!

2011-02-07T23:39:00.008-07:00

This semester I am taking a course on the atomic bomb. It's officially titled "Atomic America: The Culture of the Bomb." In this class we read and discuss various responses to the bomb from literature, science, religion, movies, etc. One of my textbooks features a copy of an ad similar to this:

here is a close up of the ring:

I love this ad and the ring. In midcentury America the concept of atomic energy was new and intriguing, and introduced in such a shocking way. Americans tried to connect themselves (and cash in) to this new source of power in many ways, including creating and buying items like this ring. This may seem kitsch to you and I, but back then it was an homage to a brand new and often mysterious scientific discovery.
Neato.

meh.

2011-01-27T17:00:00.005-07:00

I didn't receive the ORCA grant I applied for back in October. I feel disappointed about it but I can't change the results. "Just accept it and move on" has been my motto as of late. And that is just what I plan to do with this setback.

I have kept my New Year's resolution to run three times a week. On January 13 I started a program titled "Couch to 5k.' It gives you a plan of walking and running and gradually increases the times you run, until one day you'll be running for 30 minutes straight, or more. A few people have made music mixes for this program which include a chime to tell the listener when to walk and when to run. I have been using a mix that uses some interesting techno beats. They keep me pumped. And I need that extra push because I often exercise in the morning, and it is cold here in the AM. Last week I went running in the hail. It feels great to move my body and see how far and fast I can go. I feel a sense of accomplishment even after these first few weeks. I made a goal of running a 5k at BYU this March. It's a ways off but I'll need that time to prep.

saturday is a special day

2011-01-22T19:48:00.006-07:00

..it's the day I post a favorite song.

"God's Gonna Cut You Down" performed by Johnny Cash

I have been hearing this song a lot lately, featured in commercials and the trailer for True Grit. I like it, mucho, and thought you might too.

factoid friday

2011-01-21T18:40:00.006-07:00

Inventions!
(Inspired by Wikipedia and a movie I just watched about two young siblings who try to support themselves by selling their homemade inventions.)

Fairy Floss! The cotton candy machine was invented by a dentist. William Morrison from Tennessee introduced his contraption at the 1904 World's Fair.

Soap! The first evidence of soap came from Babylon, 2800 BC. Their recipe used ashes, cypress oil and sesame seed oil.

Pickles! Are so near and dear to my heart, so I'll consider the pickle an invention, a very important invention. Here is a pickle history time line!
Highlights of pickle history include Aristotle doting on the healing aspects of cured 'cukes and Thomas Jefferson expressing his love in the following way:
"On a hot day in Virginia, I know nothing more comforting than a fine spiced pickle, brought up trout-like from the sparkling depths of the aromatic jar below the stairs of Aunt Sally's cellar."
Perfect.

2010-11-06T19:13:00.000-06:00

What is the income distribution of Mormons?

2010-11-06T18:26:00.004-06:00

16%

22%

21%

26%

What is the income distribution of Mormons?

26%

Less than $30,000

21%

$30,000-$49,999

22%

$50,000-$74,999

16%

$75,000-$99,999

16%

$100,000+

source: http://religions.pewforum.org/

update

2010-10-30T00:10:00.007-06:00

Halloween, oh how I love thee!

This year my friend Camille and I threw a party. I went as Wenda, she is featured in the Where's Waldo books. Some say she is Waldo's girlfriend but since they are never seen together I tend to doubt that theory. I like to say she is Waldo's female equivalent. I love dressing up, I just wish I had more places to wear a costume...

School has finally calmed down. Midterms are over, I took my last one right before I rushed home to change for the party. This week I submitted a proposal for an ORCA grant. Which are grants given out by BYU to fund creative projects and research. I hope to study knitting and crochet traditions among Mormon women. I've been working on this proposal for a while and I turned it in one day early! A feat I am very proud of because it rarely happens. I'm feeling much better about school. I finally feel things are at a pace I can handle them.

Thursday I got to go on the roof of the tallest building on BYU's campus, accomplishing one of my goals on the "things to do before I leave BYU" list. Sweet!

2010-10-23T19:21:00.002-06:00

This is my favorite version of my favorite church hymn.
Sorry if you hate videos, that is all I've been posting lately.

2010-10-22T14:00:00.002-06:00

the Northern Lights are really cool.

2010-10-10T14:43:00.001-06:00

2010-09-06T15:59:00.003-06:00

Danny & Annie from StoryCorps on Vimeo.

stuff I do at work, besides work

2010-08-30T18:06:00.003-06:00

eat candy
go barefoot
finish homework
find pictures of really cute animals
play Scrabble on Facebook
watch You Tube videos
eat more candy
chat, gossip, shoot the breeze
help make party decorations
set the desktop images of each computer to a cute animal picture
make and fly paper airplanes
play online games as a last resort
make origami animals

I love my job. Summer is gone, and now the LRC has returned to life, Provo too. Suddenly there are people everywhere. And they are loud. I already miss the laid back feeling of Spring/Summer terms.

Also, school this semester is gonna be an equal mix of awesome and challenging. I'm ready, I think.

sign, sign, everywhere a sign

2010-08-12T12:38:00.005-06:00

Three signs found in Provo, Utah

bookmobile!

2010-08-06T21:12:00.002-06:00

I recently read this article from NPR, where a man discusses his memories of a bookmobile and it's connection to the American civil rights movement of the 1960's.
This article made me think of my own bookmobile experiences. My memories are fuzzy but I do know that the Monroe County Public Library bookmobile stopped in Smithville, which is the little neighborhood where I grew up. I remember going down to the community center, seeing the bus, and seeing and feeling books and other media. But that completes my memories. I guess I was too young for these memories to be retrieved. Too bad.
Bookmobiles may be the most democratic service libraries can offer, by taking free information to rural, or urban areas where access to books and magazines is limited. The concept is simple and really effective, so hurray for books on wheels!

I also found a neat photo history of the MCPL bookmobile here...
And, I think this might have been the bus that visited Smithville when I was young. Family, does this look familiar?

summer

2010-07-20T22:44:00.003-06:00

some ups...
bike grease on my legs
good reads and views
eating a minimum of 3 otter pops a day
orem public library
early morning work shifts
the cosby show
old jeans + scissors = shorts
the internet was made to share cute animal photos

...and some major downs.

i only want classes to start so i can finish.

leer, escuchar, disfrutar

2010-06-27T14:30:00.003-06:00

Lately, I have been reading...
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close a 9 year old boy searches NYC for ways to get closer to his father who died in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Big Fish like the movie but slightly different and shorter, great so far.
The Kindness of Strangers travel stories involving acts of kindness from strangers, obviously the title says a lot...
and I just picked up some history books about coal, World War II and folk music in leftist social movements.

Being out of school feels great. I am trying my best to soak it all up by relaxing as much as possible, reading, enjoying my days and the great weather.

At work we have very few patrons and a conveniently located television, a combination that has allowed me to watch quite a few soccer games. I have learned more about soccer then I ever wanted to know. And now I can honestly say I enjoy watching soccer, a sport that I once considered too long and boring. In reality a game is only 90 minutes and because outcomes can change in a matter of a few seconds, games can be very exciting. Thanks FIFA World Cup 2010!

I might be going to Pickathon in August. Featuring all the alt. folk music I can handle. I plan to be a volunteer so I can get a free weekend pass. All I have to do is find a way to Portland and some camping gear. Adventure awaits!

2010-06-17T17:13:00.001-06:00

Five Senses, Minus One: Living Without smell
saw this interesting book review on NPR...

balloonamentary

2010-06-11T00:33:00.000-06:00

Twisted- a balloonamentary

vida

2010-06-04T23:32:00.003-06:00

quiero mas.

fiet, bicycle, bicicleta

2010-05-31T11:24:00.005-06:00

In personal bike news...

<----I want this sticker.

I finally got around to putting baskets on my bicycle. I am riding for utility these days, not style. My bike looks like a hodgepodge of colors, accessories and styles, but oh how it rides! With my baskets I can pick up my CSA order, go shopping without my very hurried roommates and save my back from the pain of heavy loads. I found this cool Sprocket Man! comic about bicycle care and safety.

Boneshaker Almanac is a fantastic little publication. I would recommend reading it, you can borrow my copy if you'd like.

who has been your least favorite roommate in college and why? you can just describe the person

2010-05-28T00:31:00.001-06:00

this is a strange question. it seems like the inquirer is looking for a specific answer.
i had a roommate who often mixed alcohol, violence and anger which equaled a lot of drama. they were fairly hard to handle at the time. her significant other lived with us and i liked him more than my roommate. go figure.

Ask me anything

dear anna, If you had to choose just one food to eat the rest of your life what would it be?

2010-05-27T15:54:00.001-06:00

either tacos or pasta. tacos because, do i really have to explain? they are amazing. pasta because it comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and consistences with various sauces and toppings.

Ask me anything

dear old Millard

2010-05-25T13:17:00.004-06:00

Today I used a dollar coin to buy Poptarts from a vending machine in the library staffroom. On my dollar coin was the likeness of our 13th president, Millard Fillmore. As vice president to Zachary Taylor and latter as president, Fillmore did much to help America's westward expansion. Under his administration California became a state and Utah became a territory, with Brigham Young appointed as its governor. Because of this, Utah has a city named Fillmore. Have you ever wondered what other places are named after Millard Fillmore? Wonder no more my friends, here is a list of every place to bear his name:

* Fillmore Glen State Park, New York.
* Fillmore County, Minnesota.
* Millard Fillmore Elementary School, Moravia NY.
* Fillmore County, Nebraska.
* Millard County, Utah and its county seat, Fillmore, Utah.
* Fillmore Elementary School, Davenport, IA
* Millard Fillmore Gates Circle Hospital, Buffalo.
* Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Williamsville, New York.
* Millard Fillmore Academic Center at the University at Buffalo's Ellicott Complex.
* Fillmore's Tavern, a landmark restaurant in the Fresh Meadows neighborhood of New York City.
* Fillmore Street, and the surrounding neighborhood in San Francisco, California, after which, in turn, the Fillmore Auditorium was named.
* Fillmore Avenue in Buffalo, New York
* Fillmore Avenue in Las Vegas, Nevada
* Fillmore Avenue in East Aurora, New York

so what did you do today that was for you??

2010-05-24T22:53:00.001-06:00

I do a lot of things for me each day. My life is pretty boring and self centered. Recently I got a free trial of Netflix, and rented a lot of comics from the library. These things have been good for me so far.

Ask me anything

Dear anna, If you were stranded on a deserted island who would you most like for company, and what provisions would you consider to be necessary?

2010-05-20T22:12:00.001-06:00

Necessary provisions include: A bicycle, a jar of pickles, a book or two and a musical instrument to learn to play...

I would like my sister for company, I like her a lot and love her too. But if my sister can't make it maybe Henry Rollins or Huck Finn would be good companions, both for various reasons.

Ask me anything

Dear anna, If you could travel to any place in the world where would it be? And why?

2010-05-20T16:24:00.001-06:00

I would like to go do India, or Tonga, or Ireland. They seem like interesting places. India for the food and color. Tonga for the island life and Ireland to see if I could fit in with my complexion and hair.

Ask me anything

do you think yellow is nicer than gray?

2010-05-19T20:22:00.001-06:00

i think yellow goes well with many colors that gray does not. if you like to associate color with emotion, which is hard not to do, yellow is happier. gray can equal gloom. i like yellow more, but wear it a lot less often than gray.

Ask me anything

test-imonial

2010-05-19T15:37:00.003-06:00

I am not taking classes summer term. This is really exciting for me. After spring term is over in mid June I am a freer woman. Best decision I've made this month.

I have decided to only read books at work and not use the internet. It will be a miracle if it lasts longer than this week...

I have a Macbook pro. It is nice.

I cut my bangs, they are blunt and I sort of hate them.

Now you can ask me anything...anonymously because you know I am so so interesting and there are so many of you who read this.
So hey Mom and Dad, I think you should ask me some questions...

talk it up

2010-05-16T12:15:00.005-06:00

I gave a talk today in church. In my church members of the congregation are assigned to speak on a doctrinal subject. We don't rely on paid minsters or clergy to give our sermons, its us, the members who volunteer that time and effort. This means we have the opportunity and responsibility of teaching each other. It sounds cool, and it is, but giving talks is not easy for me.
Today I felt really silly, slow and tongue tied. I do not like people watching me and being the center of attention for large groups of people. I always cry when I give talks and I hate that I am crying in front of people I do not know. I think crying is a very private thing, and sharing the experience with others just makes me more nervous. I am not an great orator. I probably will never be. I am fine with this.
At this point, I am just glad it is over.

el fin de semana

2010-05-15T17:55:00.004-06:00

i am working until midnight tonight. each time i work on Saturday night i am amazed that anyone comes to the library around this time. it is spring time, we are having very beautiful weather. don't you have a computer at home? why are you here students? i really want to know your individual stories and reasons for coming. I'd like to throw a party in the back room for everyone who is still coming to the library on a weekend night. we can eat, talk and make friends so future weekends wont have to be spent in a library computer lab.

wish list

2010-05-07T23:06:00.006-06:00

I work in my university's library. During the spring and summer months it is very slow, for obvious reasons. There is middle school aged kid who frequents during these months, he is son of a faculty member. While his mom is working, he stays in the lab and watches videos, works on homework and uses the phone a lot. Tonight I found a discarded note that I am certain he wrote. I transcribed it below:

Dear Santa

What I want for Christmas is an X Box 360, all the games my and dad have

2 war games, Pirates of the Caribbean #1 and #2,outfit from my imagination for my tree house, equipment and blue prints for my tree house, fake pirate sword, fake flintlock pistol, fake knives, fake pack of grenades, chest that Davey Jones used, small diagram of a pirate ship, flag of the Jolly Roger, “Pirateology”, Egyptian mythology, Diary of a Wimpy Kid 5, and the stuff I liked at Asian Gifts.

This kid is clearly awesome. Finding this note made my slow night at work a little more enjoyable.

laborious

2010-05-05T22:09:00.004-06:00

I love learning about labor, unions, the industrial revolution, the progress of capitalism and their effects on the common American citizen. Besides understanding the history of American through its economic and industrial progress, I dig the art and songs used by organizers and the belief in people and their power to play a part in change.
I feel nerdy when I get excited about reading a chapter entitled "The Emergence of Corporate America" or "The Industrial Society." If I could I would get a degree in labor history, although I am certain this degree does not exist, anywhere. I don't know what I would do with this degree, probably still be a librarian... Oh man, I have some exciting dreams, don't I?

get low

2010-04-23T14:05:00.001-06:00

this looks good. i love bill murray.

loud

2010-04-21T00:38:00.002-06:00

Finals are over. I have let myself go. My room and my laundry too. I have a week before spring semester starts and I want to do as much as possible to enjoy this free time. I have a to do list for my little break, its a work in progress. I will be ok if only 'sleeping in' gets crossed off. I want to read some books and get on my bike. I would also like to fall asleep in sunny parks and eat more vegetables. Let's do this!

The end of the semester and warmer weather means Provo acts more like a real college town and less like a straight laced impostor. From my open window I can hear yelling, revving engines, music and laughter. There are actual people sitting outside and walking the streets. Live music echos down the street. I enjoy these sounds, they mean something more is happening in this town besides studying. Thanks noisy people! Keep on enjoying your end of the semester.

mix

2010-04-11T19:47:00.002-06:00

check out this cute video about two animal friends.

Happy National Library Workers Day on Monday.
Tuesday is the last regular day of class.
I turn 26 on Wednesday.

Final exams begin this upcoming weekend and continue onto early next week. I have one for each class but they seem doable. I need to finish a few papers tonight and then I will be set to study for finals. It feels nice to be finished with this semester, when does it not feel good to finish school? I love reading days and finals week, just because they are a change in routine. I also like when professors give the usual end of the semester speech about how much they enjoyed teaching 'this class.' I'm excited to hear them this time around...

I am grateful for the warmer weather. I am grateful for cars who see me when I'm on my bicycle and treat me like I am a moving object.
I found a quiet park where I can go and lay in the sun. This spot is my favorite thing right now.

good recipes you should try:
delicious vegan chocolate cupcakes made with ingredients you already have in your kitchen...
broccoli and tofu in spicy peanut sauce. I've been using the left over peanut sauce on rice and other things for a few days now, pretty good.

edit

2010-04-02T20:48:00.004-06:00

nobody wants to read complaints.

listen to or read this story

2010-03-11T08:58:00.005-07:00

(via npr.org)

Letters To Haiti Provide A Different Kind Of Help

by Mandalit del Barco

March 11, 2010

Listen to the Story

Enlarge Mandalit del Barco/NPR

Eight-year-old twins Serge Jr. (left) and Serghinio Dieg hold letters they either wrote to or received from a pen pal in California. "I'm living in the streets," one wrote. "You are really kind. Thank you for your support."

cosas como esto

2010-03-02T21:10:00.002-07:00

I signed up for a community supported agriculture program (CSA) for this summer. Starting in June I will be able to pick up a box of fresh picked vegetables, grown just a few miles away. I had been contemplating joining a CSA for a while but had trouble finding one that delivers to Provo. Luckily I found Zoe's Garden in Layton. It has a pick up site in Provo, is the least expensive I have found AND you can pay in monthly installments. Nice!
I am excited for summer. The weather in Provo has been sunny and warm. I didn't wear a coat today...and didn't miss it!

School is busy, I feel a little overwhelmed and frustrated but I am keeping up with studies and not giving up.

Nothing else is new or fancy in my life. Life is steady and I am grateful for this.

sammy boy

2010-02-16T19:44:00.005-07:00

I love this! Thanks Jessica!
In high school I was semi-obsessed with Sam Donaldson. I had a picture of him on my planner, i made a 'clique' for websites (remember those?? i barely do) called "sam donaldson is a dreamboat" and I went to hear him speak when he came to IU. Just look at him...awesome.

memory

2010-02-11T17:48:00.004-07:00

When I was younger I had this a strange tradition/routine: I used to fix myself fried eggs and watch Matlock and the Golden girls. They had to be together. I was in jr. high or late elementary. It happened after school, or maybe in the summer, I can't remember but I was always home alone when I did this. It made me feel independent and mature and I remember thinking that this routine would be similar to adult life.

I was right, there are plenty of television and eggs in my life.

Yesterday I made valentines while delaying other things.
I am cooking rice and hoping I can get motivated to study.

squish

2010-02-02T08:13:00.003-07:00

Feeling tough, tired, old.
I was runner up for employee of the month. I don't think that actually means anything but its sure sounds pretty cool.
I am eating too frequently out of vending machines. I think they are hurting my mood and spirit.
I think I need a chain like this for my glasses

it would solve a lot of my woes...

library work out tape

2010-01-30T13:15:00.003-07:00

i love random library themed youtube videos.

up to date

2010-01-26T18:46:00.004-07:00

I work in the Learning Resource Center in my university's library. I really like my job. I work with good people in a relaxing atmosphere. Plus, its good library experience. To give you a little info about what I do, below is the mission statement of the LRC:

The Lee Library Learning Resource Center (LRC) exists to maintain and make available to patrons non-print (multimedia) materials and equipment required to use them. Materials collected include compact discs, videos, laser discs, digital video discs (DVD's), and audio cassettes. Electronic equipment is available for patrons to use these materials for classes, scholarly work, and enjoyment. LRC personnel are trained to assist all patrons -- faculty, staff, students, and others -- to help locate materials and use the listening, viewing, and computer equipment to accomplish their educational goals. (via this site)

I love how this paragraph mentions the all important audio cassettes. Apparently we have 8,500 titles on audio cassette. 8,500 titles that no one ever checks out. Poor things. I like mission statements, this one makes my job seem very official.

My favorite aspect of my job is getting to answer cool questions like "Do you have laser discs? My brother has never seen one." The answer, "Laser discs? We have a lot of them!" However they get checked-out less often then audio cassettes. The other day a patron needed to watch Hamlet but all formats were checked out except the version on laser disc. I suggested this to her, and told her we had a player she could use. I think she got a little freaked out, like she would have to do something different or special to watch it. She decided to wait for another day when familiar technology was available. I guess laser discs can be scary. Poor laser discs, always getting over looked.

negative superman

2010-01-18T23:27:00.003-07:00

i love this movie.

i rode my bike home in the dark. it was cold.
tonight i didn't mind going to a show/movie/party alone. usually it is hard, tonight it made sense.
some guy asked me if there was specific meaning behind my single rolled up pant leg. i think he was disappointed when i told him it was because i was on a bicycle. now you know mr random guy 3000.
MLK Jr. day was: work, In-n-Out, returning craft supplies, to do lists, helping win a pop culture trivia game...

oh...

2010-01-15T18:26:00.002-07:00

Today I came home from school and took a nap. When I woke up I thought It was Saturday and that I had slept through my shift at work. I panicked for three minutes then remembered it was Friday. It was bazaar. I think this panic might have had something to do with the work themed nightmare I had during my nap.

no me cae bien...
yo quiero asistir el colegio graduarte y necesito referencias y no conozco nadie que puede me los dan...
tengo medio para compartir mis pensamientos durante clase cuando quiero
siento solo
mi madre esta enferma
no tengo interese en nada, especialmente escuela...

conan el bibliotecario

2010-01-13T18:58:00.002-07:00

you should have seen the pie chart!

2010-01-13T18:36:00.002-07:00

niños

2010-01-06T13:03:00.000-07:00

in over out under beneath behind forward upward

2010-01-03T20:51:00.003-07:00

It's back to school tomorrow and back to work! My first paying job in two years. I would say "its about time" but I say that all the time.

I packed my lunch in a cute little bag that says "lunchtime will make everyone happy." How true! The bag is from my roommates bento box. But I cant fit my pb&j, cuties, pear, pickle and ginger snaps in a bento without cutting or smashing. I'm not that into that idea...

I feel really good about this semester and new year. It is a calm and hopefulness I've been waiting a while to feel.

Here we go!

no really

2010-01-02T22:08:00.004-07:00

I feel loved when my brother-in-law punches me in the arm.

make it to break it

2010-01-01T15:17:00.002-07:00

resolutions:
stop telling lame stories or learn how to tell them better
listen to the news (NPR) every morning
volunteer once a week
knit one project a month

just a few...

and how!

2009-12-31T14:21:00.005-07:00

Today I feel like an strange mix between Peppermint Patty and Joey Ramone.
Boyish, bangs, frizzy/fluffy hair, tall and awkward. ugh.
Guess I just need to put my fist in the air, smile and get over it!

Happy New Year!

navidad dos mil nueve

2009-12-25T21:53:00.003-07:00

knitting needles
bicycle baskets
Indiana
Avatar
family
5:40 am yule log
snow flurries
ham
distance
vespa ride
Uno Spin
baking
hopes for next year

quotes of the day:
"I could see a lot of symbolism in it..." overheard while leaving Avatar.
"He's just horny, that's all there is to it" grandma on Tiger Woods claim of sex addiction.

type face wizard

2009-12-24T09:21:00.005-07:00

Last night I watched this documentary called Helvetica, which about the type face of the same name. I was surprised how interested I was in this film. I was amazed how passionate the designers were about their work. It felt both envious and inspired. It came on rather late but I couldn't stop watching it. Now I want to go explore the world and search for fonts!

Also saw the most recent Harry Potter. Man those kids have grown. I want butter-beer very badly. I found the top 10 recipes for butter-beer. I might make some this holiday...

recuerdo

2009-12-20T21:07:00.002-07:00

While packing I found the advent calender my sister made me while I was in the MTC as well as my second to last day planner on my mission. I started to cry when I saw them.

In so many ways life was a easier as a missionary. I miss that aspect and many more.
I want things to feel as stable as I did on my mission. I knew what was expected of me, I knew what I was doing every day. I knew the correct and incorrect things to say and do. Rules and restrictions were really helpful to me, which is a surprising realization. Now that I can do whatever I want I don't use my time as well, I don't live as richly as I could. I feel I haven't taken the good things from my mission and incorporated them into my daily life. I forgot what it felt like to be in the service of other people everyday, or at least how important it was. That is what I miss the most, living for someone else. This might be why I hate being lonely, because I don't like focusing on myself. It is so much better to love other people that aren't boring old me. Maybe this time of solitude is for my benefit. In the end I sure hope it will be...

Today has not been very good.
I am excited for Christmas. I hope I can improve my attitude and mood.

lament

2009-12-18T01:47:00.004-07:00

Finals are over and so is the semester. Fall 09 was the longest semester of my life.
Going home Monday. I don't have anything to do until then.
I feel empty.
I wish wishing worked.

neat books

2009-12-15T22:25:00.003-07:00

To give my mind and soul a rest from studying I usually decompress in the BYU bookstore. Today while browsing, not buying, I saw some books that looked interesting...

Pictorial Webster's... a dictionary of 19th century dictionary illustrations. Full of amazing prints!

Wicked Plants...an illustrated guide to noxious, annoying and deadly plants.

On Guerrilla Gardening... a book about planting in public spaces!

paper

2009-12-12T21:54:00.003-07:00

I am very fond these paper-cuts from Nikki McClure...
and nikkimcclure.com

biblioburro

2009-12-11T00:24:00.002-07:00

More information can be found at Ayoka Productions.

my semester in review

2009-12-10T17:11:00.005-07:00

The fall semester is ending soon. Today was the last day of classes and finals are next week. It has been a long semester for me, but exactly what I needed. The following pictures depict major themes of the semester.

I didn't have a job this semester, but not by lack of trying. I spent most of my time studying. This was my first semester back since the mission and it took a bit to get adjusted to school again. I changed my major from History Teaching to American Studies.

I wrote a paper about bicycles, women and fashion changes for my History 200 class. I worked on it all semester. I loved the topic and learned a lot from the research. I turned the paper in today and feel kind of strange that it is gone...

This semester I decided to go to graduate school for Library Science. This choice feels really good. I am excited for the future.

I was sick! The last part of September and the entire month of October were spent battling a terrible virus. I didn't think it would ever end! I had flu like symptoms with a bad cough. It left me exhausted! I am so grateful for my improved health.

This semester Dog the Bounty Hunter became my favorite show. I watched it nearly every week. Dog, Beth and the family are great characters who are not afraid to be themselves and not afraid to capture bad guys. I Love this show!

honorable mentions:
being well fed without having much money, weekly visits to the farmer's market, really great roommates, frequent rearranging of my room, first snowfall in 2 years...

hermana hi-ya!

2009-12-08T15:56:00.004-07:00

I love this picture. It was taken in the MTC, which is where I went before my mission to train, learn the basics of Spanish and prepare to teach. It was a hard time for me but I remember the good times with a lot of fondness, there were a lot of good times. I had incredible companions and an awesome group of elders to work with. I spent Thanksgiving and Christmas of 2007 in the MTC. I slept on the top bunk. I wrote a lot of letters, and got even more. I studied hard, cried hard and felt a lot of frustration. But I also grew. I learned more about my abilities and strengths in MTC then I would have through daily life.

las primeras neives

2009-12-07T17:46:00.003-07:00

Snow has come to Provo, Utah in a big way. I woke up Sunday with the feeling that something had happened overnight. I was right, it had snowed! And then today it snowed nearly all day. I borrowed my roommates boots, bundled up and trudged to class and back. I love snow. I love how calm it makes everything seem. It brings a quiet feeling and a greater alertness. Cars go slower, people watch their steps, the outline of trees and mountains are vivid. It is beautiful.
Thank you snow fall.

Mr. Krueger's Christmas + ramblings

2009-12-05T00:13:00.007-07:00

There is nothing better then this movie. It makes me cry for all the right reasons. Mr. Krueger is a great character. My favorite part is when he talks to baby Jesus and expresses every feeling I wish I could articulate. Thank you Mr. Krueger.

I am in an emotional slump. This movie helped. Making fish tacos helped. Thinking about an end to the semester helps. Being creative helps. I would like these hard days to be book-ended by really great days every once and a while.

I made a zine. It is little, 8 pages from one piece of paper. One day other people will see it, but for now it is sitting on my self.

I like recipes, baking and an orderly kitchen. Washing dishes from my own family instead of from my roommates sounds really nice...one day.

My school newspaper is holding a daily contest for prizes; gift cards and random unnecessary electronics. I plan to enter every day. It's a nice, small distraction, something to do and think about.

Tomorrow I want to bake a pie. This pie.

x.mas musak

2009-12-03T22:15:00.004-07:00

I downloaded some Christmas albums today and now I can't get enough of them!
Here is what I've got so far...

I think that is a good mix for the rest of the month...
My roommates and I found an artificial tree and tons of lights which a previous tenant left in our apartment. Last Sunday we listened to music, made popcorn chains, fixed light strands and cut snowflakes to make our apartment cozy and festive. I am in the mood for Christmas! Hooray!

book list

2009-12-01T22:35:00.003-07:00

Assuming I will have more time to read for pleasure during Christmas Break I have put off checking out a few books from the library. I don't know when I would read them now anyway with finals coming up.
Here my Christmas break book list;

1. The New York Regional Mormon Singles Halloween Dance by Elna Baker
2. Bicycle Diaries by David Byrne
3. The nuts and bolts of college writing (because I still feel like a weak writer.)
4. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (the sequel to Hunger Games, not a typical read for me)
5. The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan

It is doubtful that I will finish all of these in the two weeks home. I also want to knit and have quality family time. At least I have some goals this winter break to keep me from just lounging around...although that does sound appealing.

librarianship doc

2009-11-23T16:33:00.008-07:00

Since I've been considering an MLS, librarianship and libraries have been on my mind. The more I read and discover the more enticing this profession seems...
This documentary looks pretty good. Both the Salt Lake and Bloomington public libraries have copies. I'll have to watch it when I go home. More info here...

School is out for me until next Monday. I was considering looking at the ride board for someone going to the Midwest. Now that I am figuring out what school work I need to finish before next week that trip seems impossible. Its been years since I've been home for Thanksgiving. I haven't been back for the holiday since I left for college at 19. Its one of those holidays that has lost a lot of meaning because of the lack of family. In the past I have spent the day with other families. I like observing them. I like seeing how comfortable they are around each other and what makes them annoyed with one another. Its a neat lesson on family dynamics.

cover up

2009-11-23T11:32:00.012-07:00

Just discovered Penguin Books has a series called Great Ideas, reprinted classic books, addresses, pamphlets. The covers caught my eye. I love the use of fonts and embossing. There are four series so far, each series seems to have its own color scheme. Below are a few examples, more can be found on the Penguin Books website.

your life work: the librarian (1946)

2009-11-23T11:31:00.001-07:00

flavor of the weekend

2009-11-22T14:44:00.008-07:00

POMEGRANATE in two surprising forms...

on my Saturday trip to the grocery I found a two liter of pomegranate 7up for only $0.77! I drank this slow to savor the taste, it reminds me of expensive fancy drinks that come in glass bottles. Its a good mix of sweet, tart and bubbly.

Got one of these during church today. I didn't know they came in pomegranate. I liked it but really couldn't tell the differences between pomegranate and others flavors. It's probably because I only sucked on it for a few minutes before I gave in to the urge to chew it. I don't have control when it comes to tootsie roll pops or blow pops especially when they are my first food stuff of the day. I'm like that owl in the cartoon commercials, maybe worse. It only took him two licks and a big crunch to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop, I think I could beat that...

2009-11-19T09:55:00.004-07:00

Watched this video in my Intro to English Language class. It reminded me of the first time I understood Spanish to be another way of expression, rather then just words. I was in the MTC struggling to memorize, translate books and learn grammer, and then somehow the idea came to me that this language was much more then the bad translation I was making. It is beautiful and unique in a way I probably would never fully understand as a non-native speaker.
I want to improve my Spanish and my English.

titulo

2009-11-18T23:02:00.002-07:00

I don't mind being called Sister/Hermana Brinegar every once and a while. The title keeps memories close.

Besides the use of last names is accepted 'round these parts...

2009-11-17T14:21:00.002-07:00

eeny, meeny, miny, mo

2009-11-13T23:16:00.007-07:00

Today I changed my major from safe and sound History Teaching to the rare selection of American Studies. When I told my mom she asked "And you'll be a...?" I told her I didn't know yet. I have ideas but nothing is planned. The major is a mix of humanities, English, history, political science etc. It basically lets kids who are interested in multiple things get prepared for graduate studies. Of course there are other options after graduation but this is the most common choice. Grad school scares me to pieces. I'm not sure if I have what it takes to succeed in a masters program. It seems far beyond by abilities. Abilities I am just discovering. Maybe this doubt is unfounded, maybe I am smart. I haven't decided yet. I let doubt win a lot of arguments.
Of course changing a major is as easy as changing your clothes, clothes you have worn in, hand knitted and finally feel comfortable wearing...

As much as I want to believe the idea "nothing is set in stone" I often don't.

post graduation options brainstorm:
1. Masters of Library Science with emphasis in archive/records management
2. Teach for America
3. Masters of Education
4. unemployment

My student newspaper has a weekly section called Campus Shuffle. It spotlights a random sampling students and the songs they happen to be listening to on their mp3 players. One of my dreams is to be featured in that section. I don't care so much about the picture, but I like the idea of being picked out of thousands and thousands of students. Maybe because of this, or maybe because winter needs a good soundtrack I have been listening to music on the way to campus. I love the feeling I get experiencing BYU set to good songs. I like to pretend everyone can hear what I hear and everyone is feeling the moment I am creating in my head.

on the way to Stake Conference...

2009-11-08T22:28:00.006-07:00

You know the posters that show Obama as the Joker? Well, I never thought I would see them, especially in Provo but tonight I did. They are now on their way to be recycled...seriously, dumb.

plastic

2009-10-31T13:44:00.004-06:00

Fidel y Che

Marx and Engels

from this flickr page...

all I'm askin' is for a little respect

2009-10-27T15:37:00.004-06:00

Today's Daily Universe features an article on campus bicycle theft. The article states the majority of bicycles stolen on campus are taken because they are left unlocked or allowed to sit on campus for weeks at at time. It also mentions that many students even forget where they placed their bicycle! This seems silly coming from an intelligent student body. I feel very little sympathy for those who treat their bicycle in this manner and expect nothing to happen to them. I understand the general feeling of safety that living in Provo brings. This feeling is pleasant but often an excuse for unsafe or lazy practices. A solution can be found by respecting a bicycle as a tool, not a toy. One of the best examples of this respect is Pee Wee Herman and his bicycle. Pee Wee loved his bicycle. He loved it enough to travel across the country, deny himself the love of a girl, dance in front of a biker gang, dress like a nun and fight a boy much larger then him. All this was done just so he could ride his beautiful bike again. If the bike riding population at BYU treated their bicycles with just half the respect that Pee Wee gave his we would have less theft and a happier student body.

Now is a good excuse to watch video clips from Pee Wee's Big Adventure set to a Queen soundtrack. Enjoy!

le tigre and cat stevens

2009-10-19T18:50:00.003-06:00

opinion busted

2009-10-13T15:36:00.003-06:00

The only things worth reading in The Daily Universe, my university student newspaper, are the letters to the editor and the police beat. They can tell you the more about the student body and Provo then the real articles in the paper. And are much more entertaining then brief world news, dating tips and upcoming BYU events.

Here is one of today's letters which made me laugh and question its sincerity. It is sad he is so serious about something as fleeting as the fashion and music by which it is "inspired."

Fake Hipsters from Oct 13, 2009

It has become increasingly obvious as I walk through BYU campus that we have a rising number of people who think they’re hipsters. They wear flannel shirts, cool, awesome leggings they got at Urban Outfitters to go along with some vintage shirt they picked up at DI, and to top it off they have their iPod earphones. You can tell they’re listening to Death Cab for Cutie or The Postal Service. They’re the kind of people who think “Juno” was actually a good movie.

The fact that you guys have to try to be hipster is a clear indication that you’re anything but. Also, come on, why are you using those headphones for anything other than status and for people to think you’re cool? They’re low quality headphones, end of story.

Another major feud I have with the hipsters of BYU is how clean they are. Absurd? Yes, but to be a real hipster you have to be one of those people who doesn’t even remember the last time you showered and somebody who’s worn the same pair of jeans everyday for two weeks in a row.

Not to take away from the real scenesters at BYU, I believe there are some authentic ones (mostly people who hail from the Northwest and Midwest). With the somewhat indie-filled “New Moon” soundtrack, I fear the worst is yet to come. To all the fake hipsters though, please stop.

by Scott Nash
Madison, Wisc.

And a classic from the Police Beat:
September 6: Two male subjects were knocking doors in the female area of Wyview Park. They identified themselves as missionaries. When the police arrived the two male students said they thought it was a novel way to meet girls.

root down

2009-10-09T17:58:00.008-06:00

A talk about the moral roots of political views.

95 theses

2009-10-08T14:03:00.003-06:00

This video was shown before a lecture I attended today. I love this. Mostly because I'm not the only person who said to themselves upon hearing about Martin Luther, "95 theses, hey, that's kind of like 99 problems..."
more information about the video can be found at 95thesesrap.com.

plus or minus it's still lovely

2009-10-07T12:32:00.003-06:00

I am in the process of writing a research paper about women, bicycles and fashion changes. While searching through newspaper databases I found this neat little poem from a 1907 edition of the New York Times.

Mathematics of the Bicycle by H.H.W.
Adds to your years,
Subtracts from your cares,
Multiplies your joys,
Divides your burdens,
Compounds your interest in life,
Discounts your ailments.

peachy keen

2009-10-06T11:46:00.007-06:00

Provo's Farmers Market runs each Saturday from June to October. A couple weeks ago peaches were fairly cheap at the market so I bought a bunch from a nice lady growing in central Utah. I froze them intending to use them in a pie. Although peach pie does sound good I found another delicious peach desert recipe in Mollie Katzen's Enchanted Broccoli Forest. Peach Puddingcake! It was yummy, especially warm with homemade whipped cream. The cake is soft and moist with peachy surprises throughout. The recipe makes quite a lot, so be prepared to eat it all week or share.

Peach Puddingcake from The Enchanted Broccoli Forest

2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. allspice (didnt have allspice, used 1/4 tsp each of nutmeg and ginger)
2 eggs
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup milk (soy ok too)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. almond extract (didn't have this either, just added more vanilla)
2 Tbs. melted butter
2 1/2 cups sliced peaches (if frozen defrosted)

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2.Mix together flour, baking powder, salt and spices into medium sized bowl.
3. In a seperate bowl, beat together the eggs and brown sugar with an electric mixer at high speed for about 2 min. Stir in milk, extracts and melted butter.
4. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, and pour in the wet. Add the peaches, and stir with a wooden spoon until well combined.
5. Spread into the prepared pan and bake for about 30 min. or until a toothpick inserted in the center all the way comes out clean.

for whipped topping
1/2 pint heavy cream
2 or 3 big spoon fulls sugar
1 - 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

1. whip cream with mixer
2. fold together with sugar and vanilla
I'm not so sure about the ingredient amounts, just play with it. My roommate helped me big time on the whipped topping. 8 years of veganism makes me a novice with diary products...