I know why Captain Ahab had it out for that whale now... Allow me to tell entertain.
Cassie, a fellow MFA lovely, had to be escorted back home last night from class because, poor thing, she was on some pain meds. Her wisdom teeth were pushing on the nerves in her mouth causing her to be in excruciating pain and therefore have to have an emergency extraction this morning on an Ice Day, of all things (Sending you hugs and happy, Cas!). What a trooper!
Anyway, security carried my poor friend back to the homestead leaving Leigh Anne and I the job of getting Cassie's car back to her house. A little background on Cassie's living situation (I know, tons of side stories here, but the good stuff is coming!), she lives in this beautiful historic home with two other girls, one of whom has a dog, Moby.
Moby has no sense of bladder control, as I have been told. He pees on Cassies bed, he pees on the roommates bed, apparently tossed his cookies on his owner's, peed on the floor, basically anywhere he wishes and does so quite freely. I even found out that this dog will sometimes roll over onto his back only to jet out a stream onto any unsuspecting passerby. My question to this: Why hasn't the owner done anything to correct this?!
Leigh Anne and I trot up to Cassie's door, happy to see our medicated friend, puffy cheeked and all. As she opens the door, this white, matted, rat looking thing starts bounding all around our feet. I can only assume it's the Prince Peer himself, Moby. Bladder Boy is super excited to see new people and just a wigglin' all over the place like I don't know what. Clawing at my leg, I jokingly say, "Moby, you better not pee on me!" Never in a million years thinking that could ever happen. HA! Fate has a funny way of getting her kicks, let me tell you.
There, next to his bouncing body is a growing puddle of liquid. My eyes about pop out of my head when he darts away from me because there, THERE ON MY SHOE is a trail of pee. The dog had peed on me. And all over the floor! Needless to say I pulled the dramatic card, unable to contain myself any longer. The voice shot up about five octaves to screech, "MY SHOE! HE PEED ON MY SHOE" a few hundred times because once is never satisfying enough. Needless to say, I was slightly pissed off--pun intended (Cheap shot, I know, but you'd take it, too!). Moby just stands there, tail wagging, pleased with his marking on my foot--great, now my foot is his personal fire hydrant. Fan-freaking-tastic.
Meanwhile, Leigh Anne is holding onto Cassie for support because clearly this is a funny situation (truly it was) and their hearty laughs have glued their feet to floor, incapable of coming to my rescue. I love to see my friends. Seeing them doubled over, red faced and crying in silent laughter, well I had to bust a gut myself at this predicament I was in.
Wiping the tears away and finally catching our breath, the mess was cleaned up, the moment never to be forgotten. What gets me most is that on our way out, I patted Moby's head thinking, "You know, dogs do that and then they forget. It's not his fault his dingbat of an owner didn't train him properly." At that precise moment, Moby pees on the couch. (Gives a whole new meaning to the term, "Little Pisser.) Could it have been he was so scared of this crazy woman who had been making a ruckus minutes earlier over or did he do it just because he wanted one more dig at me before I left? Who knows. I can only say that I will be wearing rain boots to Cassie's from now on.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Spring Fever
It's January 21st and I'm already experiencing the pangs of Spring Fever creeping into my every thought. My goodness, when will it get warm so I can wear skirts, pick up a good read and sit by the lake enjoying the sunshine of the day? I crave the outdoor spring air where you can feel the warmth on your skin and the crisp air whip around you hinting that summer months won't be far behind.
Know what else spring means? Fresh fruit salads and big glasses of ice tea. Beautiful flowers in bloom and the anxious anticipation of change coming. Perhaps that's why I love Fall and Spring so much, they signify the winds of change, the prospect of something new. Nothing gets me more excited than waiting for what's to come. Think about what usually happens around those times of change. For me, Spring usually means end of school, spring recitals, auditions, summer vacation to dream about, my birthday, summer school (for the last four summers of my life...ah to be a nerd.)and summer performance jobs.
Simply put, I cannot wait and therefore am as antsy as a child.
Speaking of children, I got to attend a very interesting and wonderful workshop this weekend through my department. We hosted the ladies of Leap 'N Learn. Holy Hannah, these women are brilliant, I tell you! Brilliant! Their curriculum is built around teaching ages 3-7, but all of their instruction and lessons are applicable to your home life if you have little ones and even can be adjusted to older children as well.
It's a mother/daughter team who created this wonderful program and it is thriving. For anyone who, like myself, is a tad bit nervous when it comes to teaching little bits, then this is something you should look into. I wish so much I could attend their summer workshop in July just to learn a more on how to properly conduct a class, educate, stimulate their young minds while being creative. They even discuss great ways of discipline and business management because running a studio is a business. If you have a chance, check them out here. Well worth your time.
Now off to go day dream of "running through fields of daises," as my best bud Esther would put it. Hope Spring Fever isn't too contagious...
Know what else spring means? Fresh fruit salads and big glasses of ice tea. Beautiful flowers in bloom and the anxious anticipation of change coming. Perhaps that's why I love Fall and Spring so much, they signify the winds of change, the prospect of something new. Nothing gets me more excited than waiting for what's to come. Think about what usually happens around those times of change. For me, Spring usually means end of school, spring recitals, auditions, summer vacation to dream about, my birthday, summer school (for the last four summers of my life...ah to be a nerd.)and summer performance jobs.
Simply put, I cannot wait and therefore am as antsy as a child.
Speaking of children, I got to attend a very interesting and wonderful workshop this weekend through my department. We hosted the ladies of Leap 'N Learn. Holy Hannah, these women are brilliant, I tell you! Brilliant! Their curriculum is built around teaching ages 3-7, but all of their instruction and lessons are applicable to your home life if you have little ones and even can be adjusted to older children as well.
It's a mother/daughter team who created this wonderful program and it is thriving. For anyone who, like myself, is a tad bit nervous when it comes to teaching little bits, then this is something you should look into. I wish so much I could attend their summer workshop in July just to learn a more on how to properly conduct a class, educate, stimulate their young minds while being creative. They even discuss great ways of discipline and business management because running a studio is a business. If you have a chance, check them out here. Well worth your time.
Now off to go day dream of "running through fields of daises," as my best bud Esther would put it. Hope Spring Fever isn't too contagious...
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Easy Target
I'm that girl that's an easy target to pick on. It's true. Ruffling my feathers is a past time favorite for many of my friends and it never takes much to get me riled up. Have no fear for I know all this to be true and carry a good attitude about it all. I even enjoy joining in the fun because, well, sometimes you just have to laugh at yourself.
Today, I had a professor pull one on me and I have to say, props to my professor!
Yesterday my MFA ladies and I had to email our professor with a research topic for approval in our 8:00 am American Dance History. In my busy rush of the first day of school I didn't get to email my choice until about 10:30 am to which I then learned my top choice had been taken. Staring at my computer in utter and complete shock, I about had a heart attack--OK, maybe not a heart attack, mild panic attack perhaps (There are a ton of things due and I was going for one I enjoyed and knew enough about.)
The prize topic, the one I felt my little heart go pitty-pat over was gone. Fortunately, my next choice on the list was a go. To simplify the topic, I must compare and contrast several infamous dancing couples including my favorite duo. Forever and ever my heart will be true to my favorite partners, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
I later recounted the story to my fellow MFA ladies, joked and laughed about my threats for them to sleep with one eye open--no worries, I would never harm a hair on their head over anything, especially a research topic. I just enjoy the facial expression and giggles that follow after such comments. We all do it out of love.
Anyway, I do believe my professor got a kick out our retelling of the story this afternoon in my Research and Writing for Dance class because, what do you know it?! We have another research paper to write and this time we get to pick whatever musical or dance concert we want. If you think I was going to let my perfect, fabulous, deeply desired proposal be taken, you are seriously mistaken, my friend. I must have scared the three new MFA's--"Newbies" as I will hence forth refer to them as--that started today. I whipped out my laptop as soon as class ended to email him my proposal as quickly as possible. Yes, I'm a nerd to the core. I had to get this topic. Last time I lost out, but by golly there was no way I'd lose again.
As I'm walking out the door, on to my next class, my professor pops their head out of the classroom and says "Julie! Check your email." HOT DOG! I think I've got it. Downstairs I rush with my two partners in crime behind me. Fast as I can, I run my fingers over my keyboard, anxiously trying to access the account that will hold the precious email I am waiting to open. I click open the note to find the response:
"No. It's already been taken."
"WHAT?!" (I tend to use the flair of dramatics occasionally. Makes life more interesting.) I tear up the staircase leaving my friends in disbelief. Pushing through the staircase entrance, I break through the door leading to a hallway of offices, slowing myself to a "quick" pace before popping into his door frame. "Please, please, please tell me you're kidding." (Is that a smile? I can't tell but good grief I hope you're kidding, Professor!) "Of course I'm kidding." Turning to their computer, they make the note and I detect a hint of a smile. Sweet goodness, I hope they enjoyed that. Now I'm sweating worse than a polar bear in the summertime. Winded even from my nice little sprint upstairs.
WHEW! And as I trudged back down to the bottom level of the dance building, clutching my heart to my chest, I had to laugh. How could I possibly not see that my professor wouldn't try something like a little joke? It was too easy. It must be hilarious to watch dance department students sweat and fret over all sorts of assignments and how tempting it must be for people to try and trick us now and again. Wish I could say that I haven't ever been tempted, but oh boy, I sure have done it a time or two to fellow students. So kudos to you, Professor. You got me good today. I hope you got to see me flail up the stairs like a blue-ribbon idiot today. If not, I'm sure Cassie and Leigh Anne will gladly reenact it for you.
Today, I had a professor pull one on me and I have to say, props to my professor!
Yesterday my MFA ladies and I had to email our professor with a research topic for approval in our 8:00 am American Dance History. In my busy rush of the first day of school I didn't get to email my choice until about 10:30 am to which I then learned my top choice had been taken. Staring at my computer in utter and complete shock, I about had a heart attack--OK, maybe not a heart attack, mild panic attack perhaps (There are a ton of things due and I was going for one I enjoyed and knew enough about.)
The prize topic, the one I felt my little heart go pitty-pat over was gone. Fortunately, my next choice on the list was a go. To simplify the topic, I must compare and contrast several infamous dancing couples including my favorite duo. Forever and ever my heart will be true to my favorite partners, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
I later recounted the story to my fellow MFA ladies, joked and laughed about my threats for them to sleep with one eye open--no worries, I would never harm a hair on their head over anything, especially a research topic. I just enjoy the facial expression and giggles that follow after such comments. We all do it out of love.
Anyway, I do believe my professor got a kick out our retelling of the story this afternoon in my Research and Writing for Dance class because, what do you know it?! We have another research paper to write and this time we get to pick whatever musical or dance concert we want. If you think I was going to let my perfect, fabulous, deeply desired proposal be taken, you are seriously mistaken, my friend. I must have scared the three new MFA's--"Newbies" as I will hence forth refer to them as--that started today. I whipped out my laptop as soon as class ended to email him my proposal as quickly as possible. Yes, I'm a nerd to the core. I had to get this topic. Last time I lost out, but by golly there was no way I'd lose again.
As I'm walking out the door, on to my next class, my professor pops their head out of the classroom and says "Julie! Check your email." HOT DOG! I think I've got it. Downstairs I rush with my two partners in crime behind me. Fast as I can, I run my fingers over my keyboard, anxiously trying to access the account that will hold the precious email I am waiting to open. I click open the note to find the response:
"No. It's already been taken."
"WHAT?!" (I tend to use the flair of dramatics occasionally. Makes life more interesting.) I tear up the staircase leaving my friends in disbelief. Pushing through the staircase entrance, I break through the door leading to a hallway of offices, slowing myself to a "quick" pace before popping into his door frame. "Please, please, please tell me you're kidding." (Is that a smile? I can't tell but good grief I hope you're kidding, Professor!) "Of course I'm kidding." Turning to their computer, they make the note and I detect a hint of a smile. Sweet goodness, I hope they enjoyed that. Now I'm sweating worse than a polar bear in the summertime. Winded even from my nice little sprint upstairs.
WHEW! And as I trudged back down to the bottom level of the dance building, clutching my heart to my chest, I had to laugh. How could I possibly not see that my professor wouldn't try something like a little joke? It was too easy. It must be hilarious to watch dance department students sweat and fret over all sorts of assignments and how tempting it must be for people to try and trick us now and again. Wish I could say that I haven't ever been tempted, but oh boy, I sure have done it a time or two to fellow students. So kudos to you, Professor. You got me good today. I hope you got to see me flail up the stairs like a blue-ribbon idiot today. If not, I'm sure Cassie and Leigh Anne will gladly reenact it for you.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Hi-ho, hi-ho! It's Off to School I Go!
That's right folks, spring semester has officially started and at 8:00 am this morning, I hit the ground running. I'm ready though. I think...at least that's what I will convince myself before too long. Coming back to school was quite a bit harder this time which is odd because most of the time I've come back to something exciting waiting for me. Those excitements have varied from year to year and take on different forms, but not since leaving for college at the tender age of 18 have I been so unwilling to make the three hour drive back.
Fortunately for me, I have a support system like no other backing me in this last year I'm attempting to tackle. I tend to think of this next year as being the half-way point of a marathon. Working and pacing yourself the first half, the end seems to loom up ahead and everything feels tired--your head, your body, your heart and determination. The only problem with this is that you're already half-way done, there's no turning back and the only decision you can make is to suck it up and continue running. Now, how you handle that last leg is up to you. Are you going to just through it or are you going to make it count?
I'm going to make it count.
How exactly? Well, it starts with the packaging. I've got all my the notebooks, pads of purple legal paper, pens, folders, dividers, sticky notes and what-have-you to properly organize this next year. *SIGH* I feel better already (Thanks, Mom!). Cleaning seems to help, too. Well, I say cleaning when really I just enjoy chucking old junk I never use anymore. Something about throwing crud away cleanses my own life. Go figure.
Side note: I went hunting for the first time over new year's. Quite an experience and although I was clad from head to toe in camo (Never in all my days have I thought I'd ever see the day...), I enjoyed the experience very much. Looking forward to doing it again. Check one adventure off for the month!
Happy Back to School to anyone who's starting again! Me, I'm going to go twist my body into a pretzel at the barre and pray I can actually move tom morrow morning (Why? Why did I take three weeks off?!). Good grief.
Fortunately for me, I have a support system like no other backing me in this last year I'm attempting to tackle. I tend to think of this next year as being the half-way point of a marathon. Working and pacing yourself the first half, the end seems to loom up ahead and everything feels tired--your head, your body, your heart and determination. The only problem with this is that you're already half-way done, there's no turning back and the only decision you can make is to suck it up and continue running. Now, how you handle that last leg is up to you. Are you going to just through it or are you going to make it count?
I'm going to make it count.
How exactly? Well, it starts with the packaging. I've got all my the notebooks, pads of purple legal paper, pens, folders, dividers, sticky notes and what-have-you to properly organize this next year. *SIGH* I feel better already (Thanks, Mom!). Cleaning seems to help, too. Well, I say cleaning when really I just enjoy chucking old junk I never use anymore. Something about throwing crud away cleanses my own life. Go figure.
Side note: I went hunting for the first time over new year's. Quite an experience and although I was clad from head to toe in camo (Never in all my days have I thought I'd ever see the day...), I enjoyed the experience very much. Looking forward to doing it again. Check one adventure off for the month!
Happy Back to School to anyone who's starting again! Me, I'm going to go twist my body into a pretzel at the barre and pray I can actually move tom morrow morning (Why? Why did I take three weeks off?!). Good grief.
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