"oh, so random..." written by Museumchick on estrip.org

Category: life

04/28/07 07:47 - 42ºF - ID#39070

oh, so random...

I have this wierd feeling that either Estrip or Paul's blog is going to win the artvoice award. Somehow, I just know one of them will win. So don't worry, (e:Paul).

Oh, and I went to Grandma Mora's on Hertel yesterday with my best friend Kristi. The food was decent and the margarita was inexpensive and tasty. I think I liked Cozumel a little better, though. The atmosphere at Cozumel is pretty fun.

I'm trying to finish up my thesis like a mad fiend... that's the rest of my life.

I would have written this in haikus, but I think (e:carolinian) is the master:).

Permalink: oh_so_random_.html
Words: 106
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: thoughts

04/22/07 06:40 - 69ºF - ID#39003

earth day

Happy Earth Day!

It's a really beautiful day. The sky is so clear and sunny. I woke up feeling sick from the lupus this morning, but as soon as I went out for a walk- I felt so much better. It was great to sit outside in the breeze.

In recent years, the current presidential administration hasn't seemed to put the environment as much of a public policy priority as they really should have (I don't mean to single out the most recent one entirely- many leaders didn't care that much). Hopefully, that trend will reverse. There are so many interesting ideas out there to use new technologies that would combat polution, sustain our fossil fuels, and improve the quality of resources around the world. I hope greed and shortsightedness won't thwart this.

There is a lot that can't be undone, but there is still the possibility that we can turn things around for the better (if only we make it a priority).

Permalink: earth_day.html
Words: 163
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: life

04/19/07 07:43 - 58ºF - ID#38963

the chef

Don't believe me when I say that I cook dishes like "Palak Paneer" and "navratan kurma" and "couscous". I can't cook worth anything. I honestly would like to, but I tend to make things implode (or is it explode?). I really just get those already prepared meals in a box at Wegmans, and I microwave them. It's cool to be able to tell people I make meals like that, though:).

I was able to register for classes for the fall. I wasn't able to get into one of the classes I was required to take, but I think I can get that worked out. I found out with the TA stuff that I don't have to teach any classes next year. I just grade papers and help students in large classes. I'm so glad that I don't actually have to teach my first year.

I'm taking:
American Cultural History of the 1950's
American Environmental History
The Politics of Memory (studying communist and fascist regimes)

I'm glad to be back in Buffalo. It's so warm out! Well, I probably better get back to work. I hope all of you will have a wonderful weekend.

Permalink: the_chef.html
Words: 193
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: albany

04/18/07 05:09 - 44ºF - ID#38943

so far

I'm in Albany right now. i went up there to put a few things in place with school. I really like it there, so far. The campus is very modern, but appealing looking. I went to Disability Services, and they were a huge help and were very nice. They have power scooters that people can use for the day anytime they need one. That would be a huge help, with the arthritis. Plus, they have adaptive technology so that I don't have to write by hand anymore. They gave me the lowdown on a lot of the university information I needed.

The one problem I've been having is finding housing. The entire campus housing is booked up already. I'm trying to find an apartment on the busline. I think I will find one okay, but it's kind of difficult being in Buffalo. Residence Life was disheartening to deal with, and the person we spoke with was pretty rude. Maybe she was having a tough day, though. I know it's not an easy job. Tommorow, I meet with my advisor to hopefully register for classes and find out more about the teaching job.

It was good to get away from everything. My Aunt and Uncle lives in Albany, and I went out to lunch with them and my parents. We went to this fancy chain restaurant called the Cheesecake Factory. I had never been there before. It was kind of pricy, but the food was good. Especially their key lime cheesecake:).

Permalink: so_far.html
Words: 250
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: news

04/16/07 02:10 - 37ºF - ID#38918

virgina shootings

You wonder what could lead someone to go on a shooting rampage that would kill dozens of innocent people. What inside their brain snaps? What leads them on a path like that? Are people who do something like that always mentally ill, or are some of them just evil?

vycious writes at 06:32:39 04/17/07 - Comment #17592: its obviously Take-Two and Rockstars fault for releasing Grand Theft Auto 4 this upcoming October.

metalpeter writes at 05:22:40 04/17/07 - Comment #17586: I just read an article on Yahoo's news page that says the Kid like never talked to anyone. When he signed a sign in sheet he put in a question mark. I guess he stalked a couple girls. In a writing class he wrote stuff that was very violant. Because of that he was sent into couciling. They found a note that said something out down with Riches and women. Assuming all of this is true. It sounds like he came from a working class enviroment and had a few serious issues. Then being in a place where there where people he didn't like and where he didn't feel he fit in maybe he just snaped. I'm not sure for how long this will lead to that article but for now it should. :::link:::

ladycroft writes at 03:57:33 04/17/07 - Comment #17585: let's start with: regardless if this girl cheated on him, it is not THE cause of this. there would be no reason for the deliberate selection of further victims. of course many crimes have no 'reason'. maybe he had an undiagnosed mental illness, maybe he was full of hate, it's only speculation because he's dead too.

human history has shown we are capable of incredible acts of horror, as well as incredible acts of selflessness. we witnessed both in this case.

it is saddening to have to use this as a prime source of learning concerning my degree, but it's the type of reality i know i'm going to face in the future. i have to do my best to learn from it.

jason writes at 08:51:11 04/17/07 - Comment #17568: Addendum - not that I 100% feel bad for the guy, but I've been in the place where a girl has gone behind my back, and I lost my mind too, the difference was I didn't get 2 9 mils and a vest full of ammo to go killing people.

jason writes at 08:50:23 04/17/07 - Comment #17567: A girl went behind his back, started seeing another guy, and the gunman SNAPPED LIKE A TWIG. Poor bastard, his guardian angel was asleep at the wheel!

brit writes at 06:05:27 04/16/07 - Comment #17557: I don't know what I would do if that was UB, one minute you're teaching then that happens and you feel so protective of your students, it's horrible beyond words

chico writes at 06:01:49 04/16/07 - Comment #17555: I have no idea what drives people to such depths, all I know is that I was practically physically sick reading a NYT article about it.
:::link:::

metalpeter writes at 05:35:13 04/16/07 - Comment #17554: On MSNBC's web page there was a claim that one of the women was his Ex. What the guys life was like at sometime may give us a clue. I'm kinda hoping that he left something like a video telling what caused this. Sometimes people all ready have violent thoughts or actions and then something pushes them over the Edge. Sometimes someone is mocked or bullied and teased so they strike back. My guess is that the only people who may know why where all killed. Reason I say that is the one thing a read said he wasn't shooting randomly he was aiming so it could be that he had a hit list, but who knows.

Permalink: virgina_shootings.html
Words: 49
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: dating

04/15/07 08:55 - 33ºF - ID#38896

i wish...

I talked to the boy for a few minutes last night. He called me during a break on the Sabres game. That meant a lot to me. Usually, the hockey game is always a sacred time for him, not to be interrupted by anything. He sounded happy for me when I told him Albany- he was supportive about it.

I wish i could have been able to really talk to him about it as far as us goes. I probably won't have a chance for awhile, because he's so busy with everything. He has to write forty pages worth of papers for college, he has paperwork from his business, all kinds of crazy stuff. Which I understand, and feel bad for him about.

What's hard is that I know there is no possibility for a long distance thing. I didn't have the chance to talk to him about it. One of the first times I ever hungout with him, he had told me that he would never do a long-distance relationship with someone again. He's told me that numerous times since. He had a really bad experience in the past with someone he loved in which he was in a long-distance relationship with. I may want it, but it would be unrealistic of me to think it would even work if he actually wanted it.

I am really happy for all these good things coming up in my life, but the thought of not having him with me hurts so much.

Permalink: i_wish_.html
Words: 251
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: books and writing

04/13/07 10:39 - 33ºF - ID#38877

Vonnegut

All time is all time. It does not change. It does not lend itself to warnings or explanations. It simply is. Take it moment by moment, and you will find that we are all, as I've said before, bugs in amber.
Kurt Vonnegut, Slaughterhouse V

My friend sent this to me:

(Thank you guys for all the encouraging comments on the last entry! I really appreciate it).

Permalink: Vonnegut.html
Words: 69
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: albany

04/12/07 02:46 - 47ºF - ID#38860

Albany

I just got an email today from SUNY Albany. They just offered me a teaching assistantship that opened up. Three years of financial support from the department, plus my tuition is paid for. I also get health insurance. I teach a class or two a semester.

I can't believe it... I'm just shocked. I'm so excited to have the chance to get the doctorate, and to teach. I can't wait.

The hard part is going to be leaving Buffalo. I'm going to miss the city a lot, and especially miss all my friends here. That's the part that makes my heart ache. I'm 24, but I've only ever lived in Jamestown and Buffalo. I'm not leaving Buffalo till the end of the summer, though. I'm going to finish up my thesis, and work at central library for awhile.

Wow, I feel so wierd... but so happy at the same time.

james writes at 02:51:16 04/13/07 - Comment #17485: From a former Albanian:

They have an amazing food coop. Not like our fake one. You will love it.

Diners: so many diners! near washington and Lark. These are the kind of places that inspired Hopper.

Lark st: A new bar opens every month. A bar closes every month. There is a constant rotation of neat little dives. There is a wine bar in a cellar store front. It will look like a hole in the wall but their wine list is top notch, the music is great, and did I mention the wine list?

NYC and Montreal are not that far away. Stalk Leonard Cohen, I know you want to.

The museum in North Adams, MA is about 40 minutes away and is the best little MOMA you never heard of.

To get the feel for Albany, rent to movie Ironweed. Jack Nicolson, Glen Close, and Tom Waits play drunk, homeless people in Albany during the great depression. It is based off a novel of the same name by Albany's own William Kenedy. The movie is a little somber, but it is a great cultural relic in understanding Albany.

Say hello to my old home for me.

ladycroft writes at 02:35:16 04/13/07 - Comment #17478: yay- hurray for you! what i like to say to most people on an upcoming move, don't view it as leaving anything or anyone behind; view it as finding something and someone new! life is an adventure, have fun with it!

leetee writes at 01:25:29 04/13/07 - Comment #17470: Coolness. And congrats. I hope it is everything you want it to be and more! I am sure you will do well!! Don't forget to keep in touch with us here! :O)

chico writes at 10:21:01 04/12/07 - Comment #17450: Congratulations! And good luck.

I have a friend who teaches in the Political Science department at SUNY Albany -- if you like I can reach out to him for advice to someone who is moving to Albany for grad school. :)

mike writes at 07:22:49 04/12/07 - Comment #17444: Congratulations!

anne writes at 06:48:16 04/12/07 - Comment #17440: Congratulations! Albany has some nice things to offer. Try to get to the Adirondacks sometime, they are simply amazing. Not THAT close...maybe an hour and a half, two hours...but worth the trip, if you like that stuff, and even if you don't.

matthew writes at 03:58:40 04/12/07 - Comment #17426: Congrats!

carolinian writes at 03:41:46 04/12/07 - Comment #17425: Knock'em dead.

theecarey writes at 03:01:55 04/12/07 - Comment #17421: Thats seems to be an awesome deal! congrats!

and Albany is still close enough for your friends to come see you or you can venture out to B-lo whenever you have free time ;)

jason writes at 02:50:29 04/12/07 - Comment #17419: Well done, (e:Museumchick). It sounds like too good of a deal to pass up. Sounds like it leaves you pretty much able to focus on your work and your teaching.

Permalink: Albany.html
Words: 149
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: buffalo

04/10/07 06:58 - 41ºF - ID#38841

Rust Belt

Oh, I forgot to mention that I stopped into Rust Belt Books today. I had never been there before. It's really awesome! A lot of great used books at good prices. It seems to have some unique kinds of books that you wouldn't normally find elsewhere.

Permalink: Rust_Belt.html
Words: 46
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: life, work

04/10/07 06:50 - 41ºF - ID#38840

working

I went on two job interviews today, and they both went well. I was hired at the first job I went to, which was a telemarketing job. It pays decent, but not something I really want to do all that much. Still, it's good to have it as an option.

The second job interview was at central library, for a part-time assistant position. That's the job I am still waiting to hear about, and the one I hope I can get (I'm not really sure if I will be hired, though). It pays a little less than the telemarketing job, but it has more opportunities for advancement and promotion. I might be able to get promoted to work as an assistant with local history/archives. Plus, I just think it would be fun to work in the library.

Both positions would start at the beginning of May, so I am going to use the next couple of weeks to crunch down on finishing up my thesis as much as possible.

I was rejected at the doctoral program at UB. I think what I am going to do is defer admission to the SUNY Albany program for a semester or maybe a year, save up some money to live on and reapply for an assistantship, and then possibly go. Or maybe apply to UB law for next year. I'm interested a lot in different facets of activist law, as well as cultural and intellectual property law.

So that's my version of a boring update:).

Permalink: working.html
Words: 253
Location: Buffalo, NY

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