Hello, hello. It's that time again; that time when we haven't spoken for a while and are in due time for playing catch-up since we last spoke. So let's see, it's been... three months!! Maybe a bit longer, almost four months? In any case, there's a bit to cover.
First of all, God Jul and Happy New Year to you! I know, late, but it's better late than never, as they say. I also celebrated my birthday over the holidays. It was small compared to most others I've had, but my family and I had a great time playing a bunch of games and eating a nice dinner at home!
With the new year came new resolutions - eat better, exercise more, upgrade to a better job, find a publisher by the end of the year, more involvement with my church & faith,... - so the list continued for a little bit, and I thought, 'That's too much for resolutions.' So I decided to come up with a theme that ties them all together in one phrase: FOLLOW THROUGH.
And so far, I've checked off the better job - I'm currently working for a company called RGIS, the world's largest leading inventory & supply company. I LOVE IT!! I've been with them a month, and already I've received great comments from a variety of managers, possible pay raise coming soon if I keep up big numbers in my inventory counts, AND already been discussed (actually since my first week!) of moving up to Team Leader as well as Supervisor!! I'm so excited for it all!! I still work with Lower Colorado River Authority, or LCRA, with the stargazing, animal programs and such, and I'm also considering going back to a weekend job I once had that grants me an extra $100US per weekend... and I know as well as anybody who knows that every little bit helps.
The next step I want to accomplish is move into a new apartment, but this time I'm looking to be on my own. I've looked into other places, and so far the best, most convenient option for me is a 2-bed, 2-bath (there are no 1-bedroom apartments at this place I'm looking at) ALL BILLS PAID. The rooms are individually leased, meaning that when I sign a lease, I'm only signing for the one bedroom; another person signs a lease for the other bedroom, and we share the amenities of the apartment. This also means I'd have to tell my fiance that I want my own apartment... especially since I'm reconsidering our engagement, basically whether or not it's worth marrying him, or even being with him for that matter. Long story, I can save that for next time.
Still writing a lot; you know how I like details, and that really helps with getting my thoughts on the pages.
I've also started a new project, similar to the Eat Pray Love movie, or the Julie & Julia movie. Basically, women in search of something - meaning of life, happiness, whatever it is, they're in search, and in that journey find answers in the most unusual places from the most unlikely of sources. I'm tracing back to my roots as a student, and I've made an outline of studies, about an hour or so each (depending on how interested I am in the topic), and they're not the basic math/science/english... I picked some of my favorite hobbies and subjects and added in a couple things I want to learn. So far, my outline includes Algebra, Geometry, Music, Leisure Reading, Vocabulary, Spanish, Journal Writing, and Logic Puzzles. I am also keeping a day-to-day outline of all that I did based on the routine, and I give each day a title. So essentially, each day represents a chapter. Within each chapter there are entries of each topic in the outline, and with that what I wrote about or did. I'm sorry that's really vague, so I hope a form of visual is solidifying in your head... if not, forget everything I tried to explain about this idea and remember this: I'm keeping a binder of all the things I've learned in one day, each day, and in that learning process I am hoping to find answers to my questions, just like the woman who wrote Eat Pray Love and the woman who blogged Julie & Julia, both of which became big movies!! There are more movies and books like that, but those are the more recent ones that I relate to.
I will save my words for another day, I've already sent a lot to talk about, so it's definitely a great place to start.
That's what sucks the most about American education; there are too many standards and requirements for each grade level, most of the states have their own standards, then the federal requirements and such, it's difficult for students to enjoy themselves. Then again, it's difficult for the teachers to make it fun for them all the time. That's one reason why I'd love to be a teacher; I want to teach music and be sure it'll be fun for the kids to learn it!
Your mom's writings sound interesting. If she gets anything published, I'd like to give it a read sometime :-) How's Kallocain? Is there a Swedish interpretation of that title?
I have one tattoo right now; a golden lyre sitting in the middle of a red rose at the top of my spine between my shoulder blades. It represents my music fraternity/sorority.
Ok, I was afraid of talking "too much English" with you. You know here in America, talking so much English people tend to lose their first languages, especially the younger generations. Then again, you're in your homeland, so I'm guessing that won't be a problem.
Honestly, it's been a while, so I don't remember all the topics I had for you. The main one I had in mind were the fires going on around here last month. The worst was the Bastrop fire that threatened to burn toward my house. My house is fine, though, but hundreds of homes and tens of thousands of acres have been burned to piles of ash like snow. I drove through the area Saturday evening, and you could still smell the burned pines and leftover ash. The damage is incredible, and there's a lot to repair and rebuild. If you are curious, you can search "central texas fires 2011" or "Bastrop fires" on an internet search engine, Google is the one I use. You can also use the Images search on Google to find some of the unbelievable pictures about the Bastrop fires.
On a good note, I'm writing a song inspired by the fires and working to get it recorded so that I can start selling it and raising money for the victims of the fires. They mostly need monetary donations and such for the victims, hotel vouchers and things like that. They have tons of clothes and supplies, now they're working on how they're going to pay for expenses and other things. This is my way of using my music skills and fundraising for a good cause!! I'm super excited!!
The only other topic I think I could have had was two months ago, not last month. Sorry, don't mean to confuse you. I may have talked to you about it, I don't even know, I'd have to look up our last conversations.
Your classes picked out sound exciting; I'm jealous!! You know, it's funny how most adolescents cannot wait to be done with school, and then when they're out in the real world they wish they were back in school. I am one of those people.
My novel inspired by my father's death will be a sort of "autobiographical fiction" in which the stories will be based off of actual events and thoughts but told from a fictional point of view. Does that make any sense? I mean, it'll be easier to write from my own thoughts, feelings, and reflections, but I don't want to give it away as my own thoughts, feelings, and reflections. So it'll be Young Adult Fiction, but they will most definitely be inspired by actual events.
I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather on your mother's side; it must have been difficult for her as well. It's all a part of life, though; in the end, we can all be happy that they are in a better place.
I agree, wars suck, to keep it short. My tattoo will be a heart outlined by a yellow ribbon; green camouflage in the background inside the heart; stars arched around the heart, and each star will represent a significant person to me that is serving or has served in the military. Each star will have their initials in military block letters, and somewhere I will say something like, "You are not forgotten" or "Support [Your/Our] Troops." Very excited, cannot wait to design it and get it done! I mean, it's been four years since my last tattoo, so I'm not looking forward to needles, but like my first tattoo, it will have significant meanings.
I don't mind what you call "poorly written messages" on your part; I hardly pay attention, let alone if you even have any. You have great writing style, I like how you express yourself through our messaging. It's like getting to know the real you. Ahh, so am I throwing you off with all this English? I hope I'm not "messing anything up"? Don't know how to really say that, I'm not completely bilingual like you, I don't completely understand the possible dilemma :-{ Oh, oops, sorry about all the smileys and such, American chat & text shorts like that are quite catchy and difficult to get rid of. All the LOL's and OMG's, it's crazy.
Another funny thought; American teenagers can understand all the text lingo and slang, yet they can hardly complete a math problem. Tangible thinking, I know, it's how I am. Opinions pushing out my brain sockets screaming to be heard. Someone has to know; I guess today it's you. :-)
I'll keep in touch REALLY soon compared to the last time; I have a brand new, not-so-good topic to share. Actually, a couple new, not-so-good topics, but I wanted to be sure we were caught up on the last conversation we had.
Singing, piano, composing, writing, museums & concerts... you have your hands full! What kind of classes were you thinking of taking at Stockholm University? Have fun, and best of luck in all you do!
My apologies, here we call it "senior recital"; it was my best reference. Yeah, I would love to listen to your recordings! Music major, hello!! Music is my passion, my blood, and my life!!
Congratulations on your scholarship, that's very exciting!! And the competition sounded like fun! Wish I could have been there. Y'all won so many places, I almost got lost in your words :-) Glad to read your choirs had a great time.
Did you ride on the big truck with loudspeakers and music and stuff? Did you bathe in the fountain "not meant for bathing in"? :-P
I am currently working as a Buffet Attendant at the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort in Bastrop, Texas as well as a Park Naturalist for LCRA (Lower Colorado River Authority). As a Park Naturalist, I lead programs at the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort that include stargazing, discussing local Texas animals, GPS, and Trails (this is part-time). I would like to transfer from Buffet Attendant at the Firewheel Cafe (my full-time job) to the Recreation Department. In Recreation, I supply equipment and supplies for activities for the Resort guests; these include (but are not limited to) volleyball, football, tennis, soccer, bike riding, button decorating, necklace making, movie nights with S'mores, face painting, and "Camp Hyatt" which is almost like a daycare full of activities for the kids. With my knowledge and experience in Music Education, I believe Recreation is a promising job fit for me. Besides, I love running around and having fun just like a kid. I'm almost like a big kid at heart, so playing with kids while supervising them... works for me!
My writing ideas are all over the place! But it's fun, coming up with new ideas and scenes for all my stories! In one of my recent journals I describe how I am shifting from my Trilogy to a topic which will be a lot easier to write for me. It will be about my life over the last ten years since my father's passing. You can read this specific journal entry here.
And don't worry; I've been absent longer than you before, and I doubt you will be breaking my record anytime soon... and please don't try. That will make me very sad indeed :-(
Hey stranger, long time. It's been pretty busy on both our parts, I'm sure. I'm glad you're still actively online here; I've been slacking, I know. Forgive me.
So you're going to be an opera singer? Pretty cool! Can't wait to see you perform live on stage!! Looking forward to it!
How was graduation? My nephew graduated a couple weeks ago from a school in Florida; you two are both c/o 2011. His high school graduation class called themselves "the ones" and their theme song was "I don't wanna miss a thing" by Aerosmith. I believe their chosen motto was "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."
Your senior recital thing, with the five pieces, how did that go? I'm sure you did amazing!! I wish I could hear some of it.
What school do you plan to attend? Good luck in all your classes!!
I have to go, I'm feeling a little bummed b'c I overslept for work twice in less than a week, and I need to feel better. Perhaps a movie... and something to eat, it's breakfast time :-)
I EAR from you; and sorry I've waited so long to be active again on RvB. I'll do my best to not make it so long in the future.
I mean, wow, there were interstate highways zoned off because of the snow and ice on the roads. Most of the schools closed down, and some were delayed for two hours. I went out this afternoon, and there was still a little bit of snow here and there. It was a great snow day!
I gotta tell someone who knows what it's like... IT'S SNOWING!!!
I live in Central Texas, and it rarely snows here. Well, here it is, February 4, 2011, early morning hours before some people get up - and go to sleep, be it a college town in which students don't sleep before 5am - and the forecast has proven true that we are getting SNOW!!! It's incredible, most of us living here have never seen snow in this region, and IT'S FINALLY HERE!!!!
Granted, I've seen snow before, but this is pretty cool!! Most of our winters have been WET!! This is ICY, CHILLY, WINTER FREEZE, and I am loving it!!!! I'm taking advantage, soaking in all the snow I can handle before I tempt fate and catch a cold; I already have a sore throat from allergies or something similarly irritant.
I've taken as many pictures as I can, and now I"m waiting until sunrise so I can take some more. I'm assuming there will still be snow when sunrise creeps up in the east. Come on, light source!!
I took my indoor cat out for a couple minutes to see how he'd react to snow... nothing special. But he was definitely curious and wanted to explore through it. I said no, too cold. He's now sleeping in my lap as I'm typing this; I guess my pants have dried off and are now comforting him with warmth.
Sorry, I had to tell somebody, and being from Sweden, I'm sure you see this all the time. Not me, so I'm just super excited to see SNOW!!! We're supposed to get about an inch or two, so hopefully it'll last a bit. College classes will most likely be canceled completely; so far, it's until noon or so. But it's Friday; for all I know, classes will be kaput, and TxState will have a snow day!! I don't have classes, but that'll mean more students on the roads both in cars and barefoot... I'm not sure that's a good thing or not.
Anyways, I'm sure you're in school or something, so I'll leave you be. SNOW!!!! :-D
Hey!! It's been a bit; how have you been? How's school?
I've been looking for substituting positions in public schools in the area, and I finally snatched one!! WooHoo!! As soon as my background record is cleared, they'll start calling me in for subbing; I can't wait to get back in the classroom!!!!
Art is my weakest as well, but I'm working on it, and, it is all in the interpretation. I mean, I'm an amateur, but I think some of my material is good. Since most of my works are inspired by visuals, I think I'll call my technique "visionary imitation"... or something like that... maybe not imitate, that world is frowned upon.
Cool, your mom's a psychologist; my mom works for the city/county with records and such... marriage licenses, divorce documents, police tickets, etc. I'll have to check out "Wire in the Blood"; sounds pretty cool. We have a similar show called "Psych" about a detective who pretends to be psychic to solve cases (because nobody believes his detailed observations are valid).
Haha, it doesn't rhyme. You goof. Poetry is one of my favorite forms of expression. I love creating phrases that just sound beautiful, deeply emotional, and incredibly reflective; you can really look into peoples' hearts and souls when you read their poetry. It's a wonderful gift to express one's feelings and reflections into words, form, metaphors, etc. Oh, I could go on forever talking about it; I'll leave it at that...
Theodore? That's the best I got...
And that depends, what candy have you tried? There's tons of various candies, and we need to specify.
EAR from you soon!! Take Care, and God Bless!! @--}---
LOL, oh my, that's quite a lot to say, and yes, you are very apologetic, but hey, I'm only now getting back online after several weeks' absence. I've been locked in my little reality world of work, financial instability, and young-adult literature that I have completely missed out on Internet browsing and emails. However, it has settled down a little, and I really miss my friends on the Web!!! I'm back!!!!
I was going to be overly apologetic as well, since I've been gone so long. But, I think you did enough apologizing for both of us. Like I have said before and will say many times after I'm sure: Life is demanding, and we must accept the fact that not everything will go according to plan, but in the end everything works out just fine. We're busy people, you're still in school, and I'm on the career hunt while balancing three part-time jobs (YIKES!!)
Avatar, like any phenomenon, is going to have overly dramatic obsessed fans. It's been that way with Twilight, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Disney... the list goes on, literally. I think it's mostly because people go through phases; some people stay in that phase for a very long time, sometimes for life, and others fade out into another phase. Let me explain, look at me for example. I'm going through a "Johnny Depp" phase right now. Ever since I bought and watched "Benny and Joon" about three weeks ago, I have been obsessed with Johnny Depp. I've bought and/or watched "Chocolat," "Sweeney Todd," Sweeney Todd Soundtrack, "Pirates of the Caribbean," "Secret Window," "Cry-Baby," and "Benny and Joon" (so far, I've watched this movie eight times, twice with director's commentary). I still haven't watched "Sleepy Hollow," "Edward Scissorhands," or "From Hell" yet (I've seen them, just not during this phase), and I am searching stores for "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?" and "Finding Neverland." I have even made little paintings from a Twist-Art game thing using colors to represent my favorite Johnny Depp movies (EX: A green-silver-black one is for Edward Scissorhands, and a red-silver-black one is for Sweeney Todd). Watching "Benny and Joon" also inspired me to sketch, and I've been drawing for about three weeks as well. Nothing too great, but inspired pieces. I even did a couple self-portraits!! Can you say creepy? I don't think so; like I said, it's a phase I'm going through right now. It'll pass soon enough, and I'll be obsessed with something or someone else for a couple months.
Yeah, some of those comments seem pretty scary, but it's just a phase. Some people have nothing better to do in their free time, and some people make free time when there is none. I find the human mind one of the most complicated living forms on the planet; it's nearly impossible to know what's going on in people's minds or why people think certain things or act certain ways. The mind is quite the interesting and unbelievable piece of work. My fascination with the human mind is one reason why I got into a TV show called "Criminal Minds" - LOVE IT!!!! It's so cool how the characters make a living figuring out how other people think based on their various ways of life. Well, that's putting it nicely; the characters in the show go to crime scenes and create a profile for the "un-sub" that's on some sort of killing spree. Fascinating stuff!!
That's my idea of nationalism as well; I definitely don't take it to extremes and fight fire with fire when my country is "insulted" by someone else. I take pride in that I am an American because it's a beautiful, complicated country in which there are things here you cannot find anywhere else. Anyone can say that about their own countries, respectively. There's just something about saying, "I was born in [insert here], and I'm damn proud of it!" (Pardon my language, I used a bad word) :p
Come to think of it, I haven't seen hardly half - or perhaps a quarter or a tenth - of what my country has to offer in all its glory. Everything from national monuments to popular local restaurants, from flavors of food to historical landmarks,... you name it, I'm sure I haven't experienced it yet. Granted, I've traveled a lot around this country, but there's still a lot of ground to cover.
I cannot wait to see Sweden; it may take a few years, but I'll get there someday, and you can show me around! Sounds awesome!!
Oh, no, I couldn't abandon such a fun friend to talk to halfway across the world; I love meeting new people!!!! And, yes, I did read it all, IN ORDER!! :) And no apologies necessary; it's all good... in the hood... of my hoodie jacket... yeah, it's been a long week...
EAR from you soon enough, Take Care and God Bless @--}---
PS: I still haven't figured out how you came up with Teascent Earlypath. I took about 6 hours worth of research on the internet one week, then I stopped and lost track, so I sort of gave up... for now...
