New England

I finally have internet access. This has been a big thing for every one with tons of problems along the way. But thankfully some fortunate soul was able to figure it out and passed the word along to everyone else. Four days without getting to email and news has been killer.

Worst yet is that I have absolutely no idea what is going on in the World Cup. Last game I saw was Ukraine vs. Switzerland, and even then it was in a New York pub with crazed fans surrounding me and pulling their hair out. But what a great game that was. Wow.

Anyway, New Englandis absolutely fantastic. I'm day three into orientation and it feels like I've been here for weeks. I have no complaints about any of the other staff (100+ in all)--- every one is new and different and exciting and just happy to be here. The energy and level of intellect I've encountered in the past four days is really a sight to behold. I can't wait for the students to get here because I feel everything really is coming together and we're really starting to get on top of things.

Honestly, the resources and support staff the camp is giving all of us (instructors, RAs, etc) is above and beyond the call of duty. Safety is the number one issue for students and we've been going over anything and everything that could possibly cover that. I can't even begin to talk about what we've gone over since Tuesday because it's just too much. Saftey training, Diversity training, RA training, more Safety, more issues, Law procedures, so many scenarios that have actually (and can and most likely will) happen....

The list goes on and on and on and on. I love it. I can see how it could get tedious for returning RAs and such, but even they like going through everything again. Some procedures have changed and so many of us are bouncing ideas and thoughts off one another that have 100 other perspectives on an issue can give that one person so much insight it's crazy. Like I said, the level of intellect and understanding...

I love the people here (an understatement).
I love the campus (it's beautiful).
I love what I'm going to be doing (a dream come true).
I'm worried about some things and I'm trying to deal with them (with the help of my Curriculum Advisor and my friends),
but I know I'm ready (I know I was meant to do this).

This summer will be amazing.

Another Adventure, Another Life

I've had different lifes that have accumulated into one big one-- the Karen that writes before you is the product of each life merging together and creating a unique person that has her own thoughts, experiences, hopes, and fears.

In high school I led a life that is completely foreign to me. I don't know who that person was, but I do know what she became and how she got there.

Every year of college I feel like I've led a different life, where most of the characters stayed the same, though they might have changed in importance to me. Friendships altered and boys came and went.

When I was in Italy I led a whole new life that was both exciting and wonderful. I can't possibly begin to describe how I've changed because of that experience or the life I followed in those 5 weeks, but it changed me for good and it changed me for the better.

When I'm at home I'm much different than I am with my friends at school. I'm more open with my family, in every sense of the world. I get mad here, I can cry here, I watch old classic movies here that no one else but my parents would watch with me. I'm also more humourous here, because I know that's a trait my parents love about me. So I guess you could say I up the funny while I'm home more than I would at school.

At school I'm different also. I can be really quite at times and then extremely goofy. I can make jokes and sexual innuendos until the company can't stand it. I love how I am at school the most, because it's safe and I know my limits and I know I can always break them down (though I prefer not to).

I don't know what kind of life I'll lead in New England. Will I be the same as I am at school, or will it be like home? Not likely. Will it be Italy all over again and I'm constantly wide-eyed at marveling at the world? I doubt it.

I want New England to be a fresh and new start. Connecticut Camp will really help me decide on whether teaching is something I want to be doing in my life, though I know in my heart no matter how trying the experience may be I'll still want to do it again.

So here's to hoping that this next part of my life merges nicely with the rest. That I grow to become a better person and that this whole teaching bit won't kill me. But more importantly here's hoping that I'll make new friends and have more adventures than I know what to do with.

Solo Journey, Goodbye Jerry

After some consideration I've decided that Jerry will not be joining me on the trip to New England. I've been trying too hard with him, packing too much and still leaving stuff behind, etc. There's a lot of reasons why I should take him and want to take him, but in reality it's not pragmatic in the sense that it's seven weeks, not a month in Europe.

The pros outweigh the cons and I'm disappointed in myself for getting my hopes up about traveling with my pack for the first time. I'm not giving up on him though and I'm definitely taking him to Europe. Divide what I'm taking to New England by eighteen and that's what I'll be taking with me next summer. And no laptop, no numerous books, or other nicknack stuff I need for the class will be with me this time next year.

I'm annoyed that, once again, my Mom was right. I thought I could do it but I'm taking to much and the sad part is I'm not even taking that much. Probably about 2.5 weeks worth of clothes (for seven weeks), plus two pairs of shoes, some books, my laptop, camera, video camera, music players...haha.

Yeah, Jerry isn't right for this trip, as much as I want him to be. Damn.

Current Likes/Dislikes

Likes:
thunderstorms
lightening
rain
power outages (if flashlight nearby)
Indiana sleeping on my lap
packing
watching my dad read with his old-man glasses on

Dislikes:
watching War of the Worlds in the middle of a thunderstorm
log trucks
loud abrasive noises (exception: thunder)
people who snore like they're trying to suck up all the air in the room in one breath
tom cruise's singing voice
my glasses

Choo Choo and Mom Fighting for the Prinicple of It

Athens Trip:
Fought with the Health Center and fought with Mom (which Amy was witness too, my apologies again). Finally did what she told me to and of course it worked. Oh, the guilt. I hate it when she's right. I can't wait until I'm a Mom and I'm right all the time.

Also went to Choo Choo for the first time. For one, I had never heard of the place before but my comrade swore it was great, so in the car we go at midnight and feast on some pretty damn good Chinese food. Regardless of how sketch the name sounds, the establishment is the completely opposite of whatever image you have in mind. Chinese food available until 4am? I'm in heaven. I love you Amy!

Today Mom verbally raped the manager at the Verizon store. We had gone in on Monday for our lovely New-For-Two phone upgrade and picked out the perfect phones (after about an hour of waiting for a sales rep and finding out Mom couldn't get the phone she wanted in the first placem, the Razr of all things). The converastion went as follows, and no names have been changed to protect the innocent because I don't give a shit about them:

Krista: "We're out of stock on those phones. Come back on Friday and we'll have them in."
Mom: "Why can't we pay for them now and then get them?"
Krista: "We can't do that because when you pay for the phones we need to have them to activate/put info in computer/something"
Mom: "And they'll be the same price on Friday?"
Kirsta: "Yes"

"She was wrong" the guy says today. "Prices have changed, you can't get those anymore."

Mom proceeds to flip her shit and accuse (rightfully, in her mind) that Verizon is just trying to rip its customers off and this is just another example of why she should switch her service, etc etc. Mom has always been completely distrustful of any phone company and always walks in the door prepared for a fight, which is why one always happens. If you go into a place expecting a fight all the time you yourself are most likely the cause of one. She's not preparing for a fight, she's looking for a fight.

Either way, she's extremely mad and of course I didn't side with her, which just made things worse. Shit happens, get over it, find a new phone and save your fight for another day. The stress isn't worth it. Honestly, it takes a lot to get me mad which is why I'm only slightly annoyed at the situation instead of "ready to spit nails." If I'm going to make a scene and rip the manager a new one the reason better be damn good.

But tomorrow the fight starts again. We're going in to talk to the Store Manager and Mom's going to ask (and not calmly) for the phones we first picked out.

Here's a Little Ditty For You

So I keep coming up with all these great ideas about my future and I basically run into walls.

Head first. At 40 miles per hour.

The inside of my head feels like Rachael Ray took a wisk to it.

All I've been doing since I got home is watch the World Cup, read, and look online for grad schools. Maybe not always in that order, but those three are a guarantee during my day. I'm also debating on whether to repack Jerry or not.

Macon is a bore, but my parents want to spend time with me so I don't really go anywhere (not like there's anything to do here). I hardly come home and when I do it's usually three months at a time and only for a day. I get along with my parents great, it's just that I can't stand the house or Macon anymore. My room is not my room and I can't even remember what it used to look like.

In other news:
-Dad tried on Jerry and nearly fell over. My mother and I nearly died we were laughing so hard, but that's what he gets putting on a pack that's not the right size. I wish I had taped it.
-The love/hate relationship between Indiana and I is still in full force. She won't let me hold her and likes my parents much more than I now. Yet everytime I leave the room she'll follow me and meow until I pay attention to her, only to turn away when I approach. I think she's taunting me.
-Going to Athens tomorrow to pick up/drop off some stuff at the house before I leave on Monday.

Oh look, more World Cup is about to come on. I think I'll either read or look at grad schools until then.

Countdown to Connecticut Camp: 5

Home is Where the Heart is (and the Way to a Girl's Heart is Through Her Stomach)

I'm in a land surrounded by white bread and 2% milk.

Sigh.

Family and Money

Mom and Dad are on a conference call with my Aunt and Uncle right now talking about Grandma and what to do with her and The Situation. Things are basically where I last left them, but a lot of research has been done. Mom's got information on at least twenty retirement living communities!

So yeah, I'm basically eavesdropping on the conversation but it's not working out as best as I'd hope. I'm hoping they'll tell me about it later, mainly because Steve's actions have caused a ripple in everyone's lives (no matter how indirect).

Grandma has seven kids and they are all going to have to help out now (minus Steve, I'm assuming, so that leaves six). Dad guesses it's going to cost around $10,000 a year collectively to keep Grandma at independant living level she has now (after looking at past accounts/money/etc). Dad's also thinking that some of the short-term cost could be saved if one of the Siblings (as he's calling them) structurally alter their house to accomodate Grandma.

How to alter our house (?):
1. Turn one (of our two) stairways into an escalator of sorts. Or something that will help Grandma get up and down the stairs.
2. Turn the garage into a bedroom, complete with shower, etc. Then build a new garage.

Other places would be up to other Siblings. And this is all based on the assumption is that Grandma will say okay. And how long she lives.

I hate saying that last bit, but I keep hearing it come out of Dad's mouth and it sounds so...nonchalant. Like he's talking about a dog instead of a real person. And I know he doesn't think like that. I know he doesn't. My father has always been a very pragmatic person, so he's just saying it like he sees it. And he's right, in some regard. It's awful to think about, but it's necessary if everyone is going to figure out what to do.

Other assisted living communities Mom and Dad have been researching are anywhere from $9000-$15000 a month (and I think that's on the low end and not counting the entrance fee). BUT these places have all meals provided, activities... Hell, Mom keeps saying how she wants to move into one she's found it's so nice. But nice comes with a price-- something everyone is trying to cut back on.

What a mess this has turned into. I want to help Mom and Dad out, but I honestly don't know how.

Sigh. Yes I do, but I'm not ready to think about that right now.

A lot can happen in a year.

Birthdays and Anniversaries

So today is my Mother's birthday (never disclose the age of your mother. They will find out and come to kill you) and my parent's 32st anniversary. Huzzah for life and sticking with it! I seriously don't know how my parnets did it-- thirty two years. Wow.

A quick story about too many celebrations falling within the same weekend:

I was probably around 12 or 13 and I came up with the fantastic idea of baking a cake to celebrate 1) Mom's birthday, 2) their anniversary, and 3) father's day. All of these happened to fall within a weekend and I thought "Heck! Who doesn't love cake! I can handle this, no sweat."

Cheryl was...well, somewhere (she's couldn't boil water so I wasn't about to ask for her help) and I got to work fast because Mom and Dad were going to be home in about an hour. Everything was going according to plan and I was in the process of taking the cake out of the pan when Dad busts through the door and scares the shit out of me. So of course everything goes crashing down to the floor and the cake is ruined--along with my right arm--for I did manage to catch something: the baking dish. For the rest of the weekend I spent my time nursing a first degree burn on the underside of my forearm, much to my chagrin and my parent's amusement (after the inital parental concern wore off).

But Mom and Dad are eating out with Cheryl and Eric at the moment at Disney. I'm heading back to Macon on Sunday to celebrate Father's day with the family and staying there the rest of the week until I leave for Connecticut Camp.

God, I don't even want to think about everything I need to do before I leave Athens.

Laugh It Up

www.overheardinathens.com

I haven't been to this site in a while and I forgot how absolutely hilarious it is. I'm honestly trying not to bust out laughing.

Though silent laughing is one of my favorite types of laugh, so I don't mind too much.

Life

Seriously, it's not fair. If it were any different things would be going great, but it isn't so their aren't.

Then again this is only pertaining to one aspect of my life, so I should be thankful that everything else is going pretty damn well. But I'm not.


Anyway, got my hair cut and it looks like a rockstar's. If I can't control all things at least I can control my hair. Sometimes.

Thunderstorms

First thunderstorm of the summer. You could actually feel it coming in-- the pressure on your body, the heat and humidity mixing together.

Currently doing absolutely nothing but watching football games and reading. I could do this forever.

Fun Filled Weekend

If you want a cultural experience in Athens I'd strongly suggest J&J's Flea Market off 441. There Erin, Lauren, and I were witness to a wide variety of people of all backgrounds. Words can not express how interesting and educational that 30 minute trip was. We left after such a short time because 1. it was so bloody hot, 2. we were extremely out of our element and 3. we had already found Stephanie's birthday present-- a knife disguised as a mummy tomb. It was awesome.

After that we took the longest detour to the outlet mall to get stuff for L's field school, where she will be sleeping in a tent for 2 months, digging away at the dirt and doing other archeologist-like things. I am extremely jealous of her.

Last night was cookout night and it actually felt like summer to me, mainly because of the watermelon. L put a whole in the bottom and poured in some vodka to make Watermelon-infused-vodka. Absolutely amazing. That along with the smoker-turned-grill we were up until 1am eating grilled corn, grilled portebellos, and lots of hamburgers.

I'd also like this time to point out how addicted I am to the World Cup. Between all of these weekend events I've had my ass glued to the couch to watch all the matches (the only one I've missed so far was Argentina vs. Ivory Coast). I still don't know who I'm rooting for, but it's almost always the underdog. England is high on the list, but Germany is close behind. USA is ranked 5th in the world and they play tomorrow morning against Czech Republic and I'm a bit torn between the two.

I could go on about the World Cup. The more I watch it the more upset I get at the fact that "soccer" is not a highly viewed or appreciated sport in the U.S. The entire world is addicted with this sport and we have a pretty kick-ass team, but no one takes notice! I mean, come on! The players alone should be keeping ratings and demand pretty high. I'd like to know of one baseball or football player that can match up to good looks or chisled body like that of a soccer player. None, I tell you. None. Because of this I am a firm believer that matches should be played shirts vs. skins.


Looked up pictures of Connecticut Camp today and I'm started to get really excited. Tomorrow is more library/copying time and getting all the stuff I need together. I keep having dreams about it (both good and bad).

7 weeks. A lot can happen in 7 weeks.

Health Center Can Kiss My Infected Ass

I can't go to the Health Center because I'm not a summer student. If I decided I really need to get seen/treated then I'm required to pay $107 to cover the health fee (as if I really were taking summer classes with everyone else).

Maymester ended two days ago. This eye infection started yesterday.

I want to hurt someone. Badly.

A Day at the Lake

Words can not express how much fun yesterday was, and how much I needed it. You never realize how much you needed something until you're actually doing it. Suddenly you feel lighter, happier, and can breathe deeply and sigh at the wonderful splendor that is the lake.

Yes, the day at the lake was absolutely perfect. Lauren's parents (whom I adore) taught me how to ski, which was awesome. It took me a good while to get up, but when I did it was a breeze. And this is coming from the girl that has a terrible sense of balance. The bruises and cuts were totally worth it. My determination knows no bounds.

I can't wait to go back. Huzzah for the lake!

In other news:
Mom and Dad asked me if Granma can move into the house with me. Jokingly, of course, but the very thought of such a thing leaves me aghast. Mom's "incentive" is that 1) Granma will get me to church every Sunday ("and Monday, and Tuesday, and Wednesday...", I counter) and 2) we'll eat some of the best food around ("You mean lots of quiche and cinnamon bread?"). I love my parents, but they need to stop scaring me like that. I could hear my Father laughing maniacally in the background the entire time.

Maymester is over, which means I really need to get my ass moving when it comes to Connecticut Camp. I'm doing some heavy duty reading today and the rest of the week, including many trips to the copy machine. I'm also trying to figure out what I'll be taking to New England and what I need to leave here. 7 weeks isn't that long...hmm, indeed.

Interesting Facts

Currently studying for my Race final and thought I'd share these nuggets of knowledge:

The majority of Arab-Americans are Christians (i.e., Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox).

The majority of Muslims in this country are African-Americans.


Definitely puts things into perspective, doesn't it?

I'm Boycotting China

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/5045496.stm

Bullshit. Complete and utter bullshit. China's a lying whore and needs to be sent back whore island.

Jerry, the New Man in My Life

So I bought a backpack for the trip to New England and my (hopefully) subsequent trip to Europe next summer with Anja. That trip will include visiting Tarik and enjoying the great countries of England, Germany, and (cross my fingers and hope to die of happiness) Italy. If i can get to Italy again I think I could die happy, and this pack will make the trip that much easier.

It's a REI Venus, 4500 cubic inches, blue, and named Jerry. I'm going to pack him up tonight and see how it (and I) fair with some real weight instead of the pillows they have at the store. Anja ordered the same one yesterday and should be arriving for her within the week. I am so proud of us, mainly because these had a huge discount on them (about $80) and one of the best. Discounted because it's an older model, but still amazing and just as good as the newer one (which apparently has a bladder pack, but I rather carry around my Nalgene than having to take off my pack to refill.

So yes, I'm going to take Jerry with me to New England. It'll be a lot easier traveling with him than a rolling suitcase, especially since I'm going from plane to car to train to car. I think I'm also going to borrow Mom's old Army duffle and travel with that too. Depends on how the test run goes tonight.

Mom and Dad decided not to travel with me to New England, which I totally understand. Had to reassure Mom that I really am okay going by myself. I'm viewing it as a test of character. I can do this and when it comes down to it I rather do it alone. Lord am I excited. So excited that I need to keep reminding myself of all the stuff I need to get done before I leave.

My class is done for Maymester-- all I've got now is the final on Wednesday. Off to Junkman's, Goodwill, and TJMaxx with Lauren.

I love being a girl.

New Blog and Story Time

I've started a blog specifically for Connecticut Camp, though I will continue to write on this one the most. The other blog is mainly for my family which I (for obvious reasons) do not want reading this one. It's exactly the same structure and look, so try not to get too confused.



I think it's about time I cleaned my room. That sounds very...twelve year old to say, but I really need to. Every time I get swamped with school I pay no attention to my room and throw anything everywhere.

To give you an idea: I've made paths in my room that lead from my door to my desk, my door to my bed, and my desk to my bed. Everything else at the moment in covered in books, paper, discarded clothes, bowls, and mugs (the latter two being my eating dishes of choice).

It's not as bad as this one time though. My room (I was about 10? Maybe older?) was a disaster and my parents were constantly harping on me about it. My mom was one of those people that refused to clean her kid's rooms, and rightfully so. Said I'd learn sooner or later to clean it (which I did). I was walking/stepping gracefully over the layer of shit that took place of the carpet and found myself with half of a broken pencil jutting out of my heel. The offending object was lodged into the carpet at an angel and I just stepped on it (it was probably an inch or so in). My Dad happened to be walking by at that exact moment and saw me looking at my foot with shock, blood dripping out of it onto whatever was beneathe me (I think it was a book. The carpet was saved).

Of course he freaked-- thought I had lead poisoning. Mom (who was practically born a nurse, uniform and all) just glanced at it and said "She's fine," and went back to her work.

Suffice to say that was the start of the path building scheme.

But I think it's about time to properly clean this up. Lord knows I'm the only person awake in the house right now, so I've got plenty of time before Anja and I head out and have a very exciting and productive day (we're going to Charbon's to look at backpacks. Oooh).

Travel and Death

So my parents have been traveling like crazy these past few weeks. First Cincinnati and dealing with family problems, then back home for a week, then Toronto for my Mom's nursing conference, and then as soon as they get back home for the weekend my Mom finds out that her college roommate of four years died.

Ginny. Dead. Just like that.

I started crying when Mom told me, mainly because I can't even begin to imagine how bad this must be for her. Ginny and Mom were extremely close (living with someone voluntarily for four years will do that to you) and kept contact relatively well. Exchanged holiday cards, called on birthdays, talked every couple of months. Throughout college they constantly went bowling, so much so they had their own shoes and initial-engraved 10lb bowling balls.

I could tell Mom was pretty shaken up about it, though she didn't cry to me or anything. She just quietly said, "it was a real shock, that's all."

To add on to the list of things Mom needs to do is figure out if they are going to travel with me to New England (I still need to sort out tickets and such). Dad said no to flying/renting a car deal, so I did my research on finding a cheap way up. According to a girl that's done Connecticut Camp before: fly into LaGuardia, then go to Grand Central Station and hop on the Metro North Railroad to New Haven. That'll take you to the station that's about a 5 minute drive to campus.

Very straightforward, and the cheapest way I could find to get there after too much research. I would love for Mom and Dad to come, but I completely understand that all this travel is getting to them. From June 10-17 they'll be going to Orlando, so coming home and going straight to New England is a little much. Lord, that's a lot of moving about. No wonder Dad is getting sick of it. In addition to this I don't feel comfortable with Mom traveling back by herself. Going back on the railroad to Grand Central and then taking a cab to the airport. I wouldn't want her to go through all that alone.

If you can't tell I worry about my parents far too much.

God, I feel so bad for Mom. Losing such a good friend so suddenly. I have so many people I'm close to right now I don't know what I would do if I lost someone.


Sigh. Anyway, still slaving away over Connecticut Camp stuff. Lots to do tomorrow, most of which will be done in the library (my home away from home).