tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77882907945239734052024-03-14T13:49:38.098-05:00Life in a Cracker BoxJosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01381565854162344156noreply@blogger.comBlogger200125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7788290794523973405.post-2423351063659232062011-09-20T13:57:00.003-05:002011-12-16T12:26:40.744-06:00Still alive, still writingIf you have ever followed Life in a Cracker Box, perhaps you would be interested in following me at my new blog,<br /><a style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);" href="http://simplicityinterrupted.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Simplicity, Interrupted</a>.Josiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01381565854162344156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7788290794523973405.post-31759710510089899952010-11-17T18:46:00.003-06:002010-11-17T19:10:00.068-06:00Once upon a cold, rainy day...The rain lapped against the windows yesterday. The air was chilled, almost <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">frigid</span>, and winter was knocking at the door. So far, we have enjoyed a lengthy fall and the warm temperatures have <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">spoiled</span> us rotten. It is one of the first bone aching cold days of the season.<br /><br />As I was inside rushing to accomplish two hours worth of tasks in twenty minutes, J.R. was outside working on installing new gutters - a project that has sat unfinished for longer than I care to think about. After a long while, J.R. appeared in the kitchen to relieve me from Baby detail so I could head to work.<br /><br />His fleece coat was dotted with rain drops, and a cold draft snuck into the kitchen when he opened the door. I watched as he took his shoes off and reached for the zipper of his jacket. His hand fumbled with the pull tab for a moment before he could firmly grasp and pull the zipper down. It seemed like smooth sailing until the zipper caught at the very end. Frustration. Stuck in a coat that wont come off because an injured hand is too cold, too stiff, and too riddled with nerve damage to function. He rips the jacket off and throws it to the ground. Another zipper broken.<br /><br />While four years have almost passed since J.R. was injured, we still deal with his injuries every day. To say that we (and I say WE because my life has been rocked by the events of Dec. 19<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> as well) have "recovered," is stretching it. We have both learned to cope, but occasionally the zipper breaks and anger bubbles to the surface. In an hour the anger simmers down and the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">coo's</span> of an infant remind you that there is life to smile for.Josiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01381565854162344156noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7788290794523973405.post-73118893434328704532009-10-13T17:10:00.002-05:002009-10-13T17:27:53.590-05:00Library TherapySchool has been in session for over a month now. While four weeks doesn't sound like a long time, I assure you, it feels like an eternity. The fact that snow has been blanketing the city of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Menomonie</span> for a number of days makes the semester feel as if it should already be drawing to a close. Already I am running around campus-bundled in my warmest jacket and thickest mittens-with cheetah like speed in an effort to spend as little time in the brisk weather as possible. Oh how I long for sunny summer days spent soaking up the sunshine.<br /><br />It's no secret that I have been struggling with my semester. For the past week, each day has produced new frustrations that have slowly been bubbling to the surface. I'm living in a constant state of "I'm going to burst into tears at any moment so don't say anything that might make me cry." Perhaps I need to boil over to return to my simmering state, but I'm trying to avoid that stage all together. In my attempt to feel better about life, I have returned to the one place that always makes things better: the library.<br /><br />I entered the doors at 4 pm today and was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">immediately</span> struck by that library smell. A mix of paper and hospital cleaning supplies, it has a distinct aroma that should be bottled and sold as aroma therapy for students. I made my way to the fifth floor where I was happy to see that I would not have to reclaim my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">territory</span> of my favorite <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">cubby</span>. Sitting in the hard wooden chair, I feel as though the simulation has been paused and my fingers are once again able to keep up with my mind. <br /><br />I know in an hour the simulation with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">unpause</span> and I will be sitting through a three hour night class. For now, I will enjoy my peaceful time and continue to work on the never ending piles of writing homework.Josiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01381565854162344156noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7788290794523973405.post-67952233360923619582009-10-08T22:47:00.002-05:002009-10-08T23:04:31.795-05:00NappingIt was a lovely fall day. The sun was shining, the trees were looking stunning dressed in their fall colors, and I was sleeping on my couch. What's wrong with this picture? <br /><br />I'd like to blame Brutus for my lazy day. A few days ago he managed to cover himself in burs. Frustrated, he began pulling them off himself and EATING them. While he gets an A for effort, his attempt at cleaning himself up ended with him hacking and coughing and finally throwing up the burs. His breathing has been a little odd and scratchy sounding and he's been silent. A very different dog than the one that woke the entire house up bellowing at 3:45 a few mornings ago when a large deer entered the yard. Feeling sorry for him, we doctored him up with some doggy <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tylenol</span> which has made him rather <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">drowsy</span>. How could I leave my poor dog all alone inside feeling yucky while I walk the hillside? I couldn't. So I slept on the couch with him snuggled near me on the floor. And yes, I'm blaming the dog because it sounds much better than simply saying I'm tired and got nothing done because of it.<br /><br />In reality, the last few weeks have been non stop. Weddings, school, work, school, house, school... you get the picture. Rarely do I have a full day off to do nothing, and today was a quiet day with only one 55 minute class on the schedule. While I had planned to clean the kitchen, sweep the floors, wipe down the bathroom, etc... I ultimately decided that these chores would still be here tomorrow, and so would my headache if I didn't take some me time. <br /><br />I'm pleased to say my headache is gone and my pile of homework sits, untouched and ready for tomorrow. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ahh</span>.. the life of a student.Josiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01381565854162344156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7788290794523973405.post-58387935379668834702009-10-06T08:25:00.002-05:002009-10-06T08:29:37.572-05:00CountdownsMy life has turned into countdowns. <br /><br />One month until my birthday.<br />3 days until the dreaded word "snow" enters the forecast.<br />12<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ish</span> hours until a reworked paper PLUS reading responses are due.<br />9<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ish</span> hours until a written memo (semi-done) and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">uber</span> professional e-mail (not started) are due.<br />37 minutes to my math test.<br />3 minutes until I need to leave my house.<br /><br />Thank God for coffee.Josiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01381565854162344156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7788290794523973405.post-77057334982661496912009-10-04T19:09:00.003-05:002009-10-04T19:50:32.906-05:00RoutineLife after Walter Reed was not fun or easy. Returning home to the quiet of our two bedroom apartment after living in the Fisher House was not only lonely, but stressful. There was no Sandy one door over to be a fill in Mom, no Faith across the hall to provide the daily dose of chocolate ice cream cake, and no Mary downstairs to provide a swift kick in the ass for motivation to keep breathing. There was just me, my thoughts, and J.R. <br /><br />It was easy to dive into school. The library provided me with quiet to ease my mind, and busy work in endless mounds gave me plenty of places to hide. It's no wonder I have been able to keep my grades up and pull through two years of school with a cumulative 3.9 GPA. But this semester something has changed. I no longer have the desire to hide in my school books and knock out straight A's. My heart just isn't in it. Procrastination has become my worst enemy and I'm unable to complete any project until moments before the deadline. Even today as I sat at my computer, determined to make a dent in this weeks workload, I have ended my day with nothing but a long list of things to accomplish tomorrow. <br /><br />Frustrated by my lack of enthusiasm for the semester and desperate to figure out what has changed, I have put a lot of thought into what life has been like for the past few months.<br /><br />This summer was filled with time in the garden, fun filled nights on the town with friends, and novels about Wisconsin living. I spent days bent over our tiny plants, muscles aching, while my hands pulled the menacing weeds. I watched the garden that J.R. planted and I tended grow into mature plants that produced ample amounts of delicious food. I became obsessive with storing away our home grown food and dived into the world of food preservation. To an outsider looking at my food pantry, I'm just one bomb shelter away from the crazy lady preparing for nuclear war. But as I look at my collection of goods I can't help but to feel a lasting since of accomplishment that no "A" will ever outlive.<br /><br />For the first time since J.R.'s injury there is an ease of life. A routine has fallen into place and our days are no longer filled with unexpected frustrations and problems that need <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">immediate</span> solving. We hit a few bumps now and then, but for the most part things are pretty smooth.<br /><br />The first day of class I fought back tears. I didn't want to be buried in homework spending hours at the library reading until my eyes could take no more. I was already longing for days digging in the dirt, sweating in the hot sun, and whining about sore muscles. Four weeks into classes and I'm still cringing at the thought of opening a book. While I may not have Mary downstairs to kick me in the ass, at least I have her on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">facebook</span> to provide the much needed "you can do <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">eet</span>!" that I so <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">desperately</span> need.Josiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01381565854162344156noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7788290794523973405.post-81413620889741122112009-04-27T11:27:00.002-05:002009-04-27T11:59:40.577-05:00Hunting the Elusive TurkeyWinter has faded and spring is here, but in the Salzman house there has been yet another change of seasons--the hunting season. For the last week the focus has not been fish, or deer, or pigeons in the barn, but turkeys. <br /><br />I have yet to decide what is appealing about turkey hunting. It is my understanding that in order to be a successful turkey hunter, you sit in the woods in complete camo, scrapping two pieces of wood together that produce the most obnoxious sound known to man kind. The hope is that eventually some turkey will think you're a hot piece of ass, come walking towards you, and then *BAM* lights out Mr. Gobble.<br /><br />Why anyone has the desire to do this is beyond me, but J.R. seems to be very excited about it.<br /><br />Every morning for the last few days, the alarm has gone off at 5:30. Unlike J.R., when an alarm goes off I'm awake for the day. There is no falling back asleep. Much to my annoyance this has meant waking an hour early everyday. J.R. then gets dressed in all of his camo and heads off to the woods with a big plastic turkey. After a few hours he emerges from the middle of no where and with great excitement tells me how he sat in the woods and scrapped two pieces of wood together every few minutes. He either then returns to the woods, or waits until dusk to go find where the turkeys are roosting. <br /><br />Now everyday I've heard stories about finding turkey feathers, seeing scratch marks on the ground, and hearing the tom gobble, but no turkey has been killed. My point: J.R. makes a very ugly turkey for no Tom will come near him to get his head blasted off.<br /><br />The one thing J.R. has been successful at is bringing loads of ticks home with him. We have pulled many, many ticks off his clothes, body, and boots. Last night while I was making dinner I even found one crawling on the kitchen cupboards. I screamed bloody murder and frantically threw the tick onto the hot stove where is died a horrible, painful death much to my enjoyment. <br /><br />My conclusion: Turkey hunting is the devil.<br /><br />Now for a total change in subject...<br /><br />Today was my registration date for fall classes. I once again was lucky enough to register with most of the freshman. My late date ensured that every class I needed was already full, and half the classes I wanted were missing in action. I did manage to come up with 15 credit hours, but it ain't a pretty picture. Math 121, Principles of Marketing, Discussion, Technical Writing, and Critical Writing. I have to admit, the only class I'm somewhat thrilled about taking is discussion, which counts towards my speech communications minor. I'm slowly realizing the business classes are horrible boring and technical, and lets be honest... how exciting can technical and critical writing truly be? It shall be an interesting fall semester.<br /><br />...and in other news...<br /><br />Many of you have heard about the issues concerning J.R. and his prosthetic arm. For the moment, all I will say is that J.R. will soon be receiving a brand spanking new arm and his old arm will be rejuvenated with new life as well. More to come on this story at a later date.Josiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01381565854162344156noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7788290794523973405.post-63922757086233911862009-04-22T09:39:00.003-05:002009-04-22T09:55:30.934-05:00PlansYou know it's been a while since you last blogged when it takes you SIX tries to remember the password and access your account. <br /><br />Spring has arrived and bringing with it all sorts of beautiful sunshine that is long overdue here in Wisconsin. I wish I could say I've been spending loads of time outside, soaking up the rays and getting lots of yard work done. Sadly, not the case. School has me so busy I'm barely finding time to sleep, let alone eat one meal sitting down. Finals week is fast approaching and soon I will be able to enjoy the sun, but no sooner than May 15th.<br /><br />I have been writing. Small bits here and there that I manage to cram in between annotated bibliographies and research papers on W. B. Yeats. None of it has been displayed anywhere other than my own personal computer screen, and for the time being it shall stay that way. There are so many new dramas in our life that need to be shared, but right now I must focus on finishing my brutal semester of Math and Science before I can even begin to give these dramas the passion they need to in order to be told.<br /><br />I am planning to revive the blog this summer when I have many more hours available to sit at my computer and let my fingers roam the keyboard. I'm working on a list of people from Walter Reed that deserve recognition for their actions that made our time at Reed enjoyable. Someday I'll tell their stories. Until then, put your big girl panties on and just deal with it. There will be time for drama at a later date.Josiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01381565854162344156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7788290794523973405.post-13549181968543020292009-02-24T13:52:00.002-06:002009-02-24T13:57:29.520-06:00For Turtledove:<div align="center">Dear Alanzo Elfanzo</div><div align="center"><br />There once was a man named Elfanzo,<br />Who stole north from the town of Patzcuano.<br />He couldn't pay rent,<br /> It was time to collect,<br />So you said, “Hit the road Dear Alanzo!!”<br /><br />But Alas! There’s no use, he left his abuse,<br /> In the form of a scar on your heart.<br />He left you the mark,<br /> For he hated to part,<br />And now you must find a fresh start.<br /><br />You thought he was gone, you thought he was dead,<br /> But that was just not meant to be.<br />He found a new place,<br /> Just south of your face,<br />And you screamed “you are such a nut case!”<br /><br />You said, “This won’t do, you make me so blue,<br /> I must kill you now once and for all!”<br />You took a deep breath,<br /> Scraped him off of your chest,<br />And moved on from that once fowl pest.<br /><br />It’s time to move on, and time to rebuild<br /> Now Elfanzo is swimming towards Hades.<br />The scar on your chest is no longer a mess<br /> And you now have two fabulous ladies!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="right"> -Josie Salzman</div>Josiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01381565854162344156noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7788290794523973405.post-59579655116956110512009-02-16T12:02:00.003-06:002009-02-16T12:18:56.795-06:00Busy!I'm not dead. I am just very busy trying to maintain a 4.0 gpa and all of my spare moments go to updating my status on Facebook. What can I say? I've been a member from the very beginning, so I've had 5 years to build my addiction. <br /><br />Maybe someday I'll have time to write worthwhile posts about dealing with the VA, or life post-injury, but for now I'm going to sit through Biology and try to look interested.Josiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01381565854162344156noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7788290794523973405.post-87585941516780797252008-12-19T23:26:00.002-06:002008-12-19T23:34:49.851-06:00Alive DayIt's 11:27 pm and J.R.'s second alive day is almost over. Two years ago today our lives changed drastically. In celebration of J.R. surviving the blast, we spent the day snowboarding and ended our evening with a couple of beers. I know J.R.'s phone rang continuously, and I think he was pretty thrilled that so many people-especially the guys in his unit-remembered the day.<br /><br />Eventually I'll expand on the day, but now it is time to drag my half drunk, incredibly sore (I fell a lot), extremely exhausted body to bed. <br /><br />Happy SECOND alive day my wonderful soldier.Josiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01381565854162344156noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7788290794523973405.post-32402557158760083562008-12-12T21:52:00.003-06:002008-12-12T22:21:10.272-06:00SlackingBlogging slacker, I am, but life has been crazy!<br /><br />Last night left me with little sleep and walking up the five billion flights of stairs to get to my Econ class today seemed like cruel and unusual punishment. Half way up to steps it hit me, I only have to walk up the steps in Harvey Hall ONE more time for the semester, and then it's Christmas break. It was excellent motivation.<br /><br />I'm officially done with my human resources class and my econ class. All that is left is one final band performance (that happens tomorrow morning at 8 am and sounds a lot like Pomp and Circumstance on repeat), one bassoon recital (10 minutes of me blaring away to a crowd of four), and one English final (aka hell in paper form). It's a lovely feeling to be so close to freedom.<br /><br />J.R. and I are both looking forward to Christmas break, especially our trip to Colorado the beginning of January. It recently dawned on me that this trip will be our first trip together that doesn't involve a large group of wounded soldiers, or have some other form of work attached to it-like logrolling. I'm looking forward to true quality time together. For any of you that know us... this, of course, translates into five days of nagging, bitching, fighting, and stubborn I'm-right-you're-an-idiot moments. We have such a loving relationship :)<br /><br />At least I have a real husband and I'm not a 33 year old software designer, living with my parents, unable to find a perfect real woman (can't imagine why???). He has designed a <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,465844,00.html" target="_blank">robot woman</a> and has this to say about her.<br /><br />"Aiko is what happens when science meets beauty," Le Trung tells the Sun of London. "Aiko doesn't need holidays, food or rest, and will work almost 24 hours a day. She is the perfect woman."<br /><br />Sorry J.R., just because I am a woman does not mean I will be at your beck and call 24 hours a day. This man is delusional and deserves to be shot if he feels that it is a woman's duty to be a stepford wife. Welcome to 2008 when women hold jobs, have college degrees, and have thoughts and desires of their own! Did I mention the android also has "clear skin, and a thin and shapely body." Don't get me wrong, his work is very impressive, but his motives and thinking behind this perfect woman idea are out of line. If I ever met the man, I'd kick him below the belt.Josiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01381565854162344156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7788290794523973405.post-26919190592892391392008-11-10T21:09:00.003-06:002008-11-10T21:14:07.439-06:00...Time: 9:11<br /><br />Hours left till paper due: .... stopped counting<br /><br />Pages written: 3 FULL pages (MLA style, 12 point, times new roman, double spaced, 1 inch margins, and a header.. no title page necessary)<br /><br />Pages needed: 2 more to go baby!<br /><br />Words typed: 914<br /><br />Current craving: Still on pickles. All of Grandma's pickles disappeared before the last Econ test, but I'm pretty sure there is a jar of vlassic kosher dills somewhere in the depths of the fridge. Thinking about bribing J.R. to make brownies by giving him a can of Coke.<br /><br />Current distraction: Taylor Swift and her stupid Love Story song and a puppy who thinks he needs attention (as if he doesn't get any at all).Josiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01381565854162344156noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7788290794523973405.post-46991483395096098982008-11-10T19:53:00.004-06:002008-11-10T20:32:50.287-06:00The paper continues...Time: 7:56<br /><br />Hours left till paper due: Who cares...<br /><br />Pages written: 2ish<br /><br />Pages needed: 3ish to go!<br /><br />Words typed: 503<br /><br />Current distraction: J.R. and his crabby mood. I'm curious as to what he is doing upstairs as he keeps "dropping" things on the floor, but am afraid to look. His grumpiness (brought on by me checking on him to make sure he was awake this morning and interrupting his sleep, and then by me forgetting to hang the phone up, and I'm sure I've done something else in there too like telling him I love him to many times in one day *oh the horror!*)is keeping me far, far, far away from him.<br /><br />Current craving: picklesJosiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01381565854162344156noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7788290794523973405.post-11151968611230382412008-11-10T19:19:00.002-06:002008-11-10T19:22:26.919-06:00ResearchTime: 7:21 pm<br /><br />Hours left till paper due: 19<br /><br />Pages written: 1<br /><br />Pages needed: 5<br /><br />Words typed: 235<br /><br />Currently feeling: Unmotivated, yet slightly more motivated than last night.<br /><br />Maybe a pan of brownies will make life better.Josiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01381565854162344156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7788290794523973405.post-20098473807335671362008-11-09T00:46:00.003-06:002008-11-09T01:17:01.339-06:00Unmet NeedsI was standing in line at Burger King a few days ago when I noticed a brochure for an organization I had never heard of before.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.unmetneeds.com/" target="_blank">Unmet Needs</a> is a program administered by the VFW and focuses on helping military families. The amazing thing about this program is the different ways you may donate assistance. We are all feeling the effects of the economy and the limits of a dollar bill today, but with Unmet Needs you may also donate your time and skills to help military families. Maybe you're a handyman who can help build a play set, or perform routine maintenance on a lawnmower or snow blower. Maybe you can cook a meal to help a busy "single" parent relax for a night. Please, please, please stop by their website and learn more.<br /><br />My ONLY complaint with the group is the picture on the brochure that also appears on the front of the web page. The woman appears to be an older mom with a super conservative wardrobe. Her children are straight from a 50's American Dream image and they scream perfection. If someone can find a real military family that looks like this, let me know. A more accurate photo would be of a young woman with her hair in a pony tail wearing an old shirt that has spit-up on it. A baby propped on her hip and a second child covered in dirt from playing outside.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266546215492057634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 174px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 174px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9517-kNOZ06_g5AvQDUre7e6tfNNahanKuHy5x2Z5Fn6AAOXo_6FA7RS-Syue1jDoWOq_fzB7FlpOwTVchVpWul7yGru_lFAt4JSO9Qcd9NuYiZ39-nGLdTn22KU-5GTgtNP-Z8N3RI/s400/i_home_family.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p>Maybe it is just my constant struggle with the average US citizens perceived age of our military members. It can be hard to remember that it is not a "traditional" lifestyle and the average military wife is not the average American girl getting married at 25.1 years of age. </p><p>Regardless of image, check out Unmet Needs and don't forget the military families who are also serving our great country. And if you're a military family that needs assistance, APPLY FOR HELP! </p>Josiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01381565854162344156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7788290794523973405.post-71042206611398002008-11-08T20:48:00.002-06:002008-11-08T21:24:54.221-06:00The DungeonLast night I somehow convinced J.R. to let me have my very own office. This sounded like a good idea at the time, but now I've realized I really just have a dungeon in the basement to escape to. Our house is a bijillion years old, the basement is creepy as hell, and the light switch is at the BOTTOM of the steps. One has to clutch the side of the wall and search for the next step that leads you into the pit of darkness. I usually try to get Brutus to run down first, after all, if anything scary was in the basement, I'm sure he would fight it off (haha). So far I haven't fooled him. Even throwing a ball down the steps hasn't convinced Brutus to run down first. And so I take a deep breath, run down the steps as fast as possible, and flip the switch.<br /><br />Last night I fixed up the room so that it was a bit more inhabitable. I vacuumed the spiders and gave the cement floor it's first cleaning in what I believe to be twenty years. I threw an old rug down that doesn't cover the whole floor, but enough to keep you from walking on cold concrete while you're in the room. J.R. insisted that I keep the shelving in here that has all of his junk stacked on it. I quickly disguised them by taking an old red shower curtain and hanging it from the top wire rack. Now I have one red wall in the midst of all the white painted blocks. After twenty minutes of begging, whining, and completely obnoxious behavior, I was able to convince J.R. to haul my desk down to the basement. He mumbled something under his breath as he carried it down. I'm pretty sure he said something along the lines of "My wife is the most beautiful person in the whole world, I love her more than anything." At least that's what I'm going to pretend he said. With the addition of my desk, my desk chair, and the basket chair, I've made a comfortable place to study. Sure it's freezing cold, really creepy, and there are no windows, but it's my OWN space. It provides me a place to <a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/" target="_blank">stumble</a> in peace.<br /><br />Speaking of stumble...<br /><br />With a research paper that is close to being due, I have been cramming in all sorts of reading on Hmong culture (it's much more fascinating that I make it sound). In an act of procrastination, I have been hitting the stumble button for about the last 40 minutes. I just happened to stumble upon this honest list and couldn't help but share. Thanks to whatever random site had this posted...<br /><br /><strong>How to write a paper in college/university:</strong><br /><br />1. Sit in a straight, comfortable chair in a well lit place in front of your computer.<br /><br />2. Log onto MSN and ICQ (be sure to go on away!). Check your email.<br /><br />3. Read over the assignment carefully, to make certain you understand it.<br /><br />4. Walk down to the vending machines and buy some chocolate to help you concentrate.<br /><br />5. Check your email.<br /><br />6. Call up a friend and ask if he/she wants to go to grab a coffee. Just to get settled down and ready to work.<br /><br />7. When you get back to your room, sit in a straight, comfortable chair in a clean, well lit place.<br /><br />8. Read over the assignment again to make absolutely certain you understand it.<br /><br />9. Check your email.<br /><br />10. You know, you haven't written to that kid you met at camp since fourth grade. You'd better write that letter now and get it out of the way so you can concentrate.<br /><br />11. Look at your teeth in the bathroom mirror.<br /><br />12. Grab some mp3z off of kazaa.<br /><br />13. Check your email. ANY OF THIS SOUND FAMILIAR YET?!<br /><br />14. MSN chat with one of your friends about the future. (ie summer plans).<br /><br />15. Check your email.<br /><br />16. Listen to your new mp3z and download some more.<br /><br />17. Phone your friend on the other floor and ask if she's started writing yet. Exchange derogatory emarks about your prof, thecourse, the college, the world at large.<br /><br />18. Walk to the store and buy a pack of gum. You've probably run out.<br /><br />19. While you've got the gum you may as well buy a magazine and read it.<br /><br />20. Check your email.<br /><br />21. Check the newspaper listings to make sure you aren't missing something truly worthwhile on TV.<br /><br />22. Play some solitare (or age of legends!).<br /><br />23. Check out bored.com.<br /><br />24. Wash your hands.<br /><br />25. Call up a friend to see how much they have done, probably haven't started either.<br /><br />26. Look through your housemate's book of pictures from home. Ask who everyone is.<br /><br />27. Sit down and do some serious thinking about your plans for the future.<br /><br />28. Check to see if bored.com has been updated yet.<br /><br />29. Check your email and listen to your new mp3z.<br /><br />30. You should be rebooting by now, assuming that windows is crashing on schedule.<br /><br />31. Read over the assignment one more time, just for heck of it.<br /><br />32. Scoot your chair across the room to the window and watch the sunrise.<br /><br />33. Lie face down on the floor and moan.<br /><br />34. Punch the wall and break something.<br /><br />35. Check your email.<br /><br />36. Mumble obscenities.<br /><br />37. 5am - start hacking on the paper without stopping. 6am -paper is finished.<br /><br />38. Complain to everyone that you didn't get any sleep because you had to write that stupid paper.<br /><br />39. Go to class, hand in paper, and leave right away so you can take a nap.<br /><br /><br /><br />I'm sure at some point I'll finish the paper, but it's not due till Tuesday. Until then I'll just stay in my dungeon listening to Jack Johnson and checking my facebook pages every three minutes.Josiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01381565854162344156noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7788290794523973405.post-52996557258556812942008-11-05T23:07:00.003-06:002008-11-05T23:18:48.919-06:00BirthdayFour years ago on election day, I was TWO days shy of 18. This year I was able to vote for the first time, and yes, it was everything I thought it would be. I have written about my voting experience, but it's only half way written and it was much to special of an experience to leave out any detail... so I'll get to it sometime in the near future when I'm not working on a massive research paper.<br /><br />Tonight I say goodbye to 21 and hello to 22. Now if I could just get through tomorrow without any of the freshman asking me how old I am so I can avoid the "wow you're old... will you buy me beer?" remark. <br /><br />With school being insane there isn't much planned for celebrations. Quiet dinner with JR and some time with the girls. It will be a much needed break from my week of chaos.Josiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01381565854162344156noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7788290794523973405.post-23547703135872181852008-11-03T23:35:00.002-06:002008-11-03T23:43:40.908-06:00ElectionI've made my decision in who I will vote for tomorrow, and it was not an easy choice to make. I feel as though I am being forced to choose between the lesser of two evils. <br /><br />There is no denying that our country is hurting. I don't believe that anyone can have the answers to fix our issues tomorrow. We are down to trial and error and tomorrow we decide which trial to try first. Maybe this will work, but maybe we have four more years of dreams that fail to fully repair. <br /><br />It's been a close election and whatever the outcome may be we will ride out the next four years together.Josiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01381565854162344156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7788290794523973405.post-81103964962609438622008-10-21T11:21:00.003-05:002008-10-21T13:37:54.192-05:00Christmas ShoppingI'm sitting in my living room beaming from ear to ear. Why? Because it's October 21st and I have officially purchased J.R.'s Christmas present. Every year I sit and wonder, "What do you buy for a man who has everything?" This year I've nailed it. He has a present that is not only perfect, but FUN. Now all I have to do is keep it a secret. I'm doomed.<br /><br />No in an effort to change holiday gears, I'm off to dust off some Halloween decorations so I can beat the neighbors at their game. They have huge balloon decorations in their yard. At night they light up and are the total opposite of creepy. For those who don't know, I LOVE Halloween decorations. I have more gadgets for Halloween than Christmas. All I have to do is convince J.R. to let me borrow some extension cords.Josiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01381565854162344156noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7788290794523973405.post-68718279199212717352008-10-15T23:08:00.004-05:002008-10-15T23:17:28.857-05:00Night LifeMy class schedule this semester has allowed me to take on J.R.'s sleeping patterns and stay up all hours of the night. It's not uncommon for the lights in our house to turn off around 2 or 3 am, and live bodies don't start moving around before 9 am. If you ever call my house before 10 am with anything but an extreme emergency, you can be assured that there will not be a cheerful voice on the other end of the phone.<br /><br />A close friend, and coworker of mine, has to go to the doctor tomorrow morning and was looking for someone to cover the shift. Under the emergency circumstances I gladly volunteered and reassured her that it was fine. It wasn't until about an hour ago that it hit me.... I have to be at the store, dressed, make up on, by 8 am. Just to get to the store by 8 am I have to leave my house at 7:30 am. It takes me around an hour to get ready for work. I have to wake up at 6:30 tomorrow (that's currently 7 hours from now). Is the sun even up at 6:30 am? I honestly don't know if it is or not at this time of year.<br /><br />Oh the life of a student. Late night study sessions, 2 am bar close, and the inability to function in the morning. I'm planning a nap into my day tomorrow. Don't interrupt it.Josiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01381565854162344156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7788290794523973405.post-57165098258009371382008-10-14T16:27:00.004-05:002008-10-14T16:41:04.822-05:00Cross WordsI'm sitting in the coffee shop waiting to go to work. I'm sure the new girl will LOVE that I'm downing this iced pumpkin latte right before going to work. I'm sure I will be wired, which is good for me, bad for her.<br /><br />I was trying to surf the web, but the couple sitting in front of me just has me mesmerized.<br /><br />They are an older couple. Their high-waisted blue jeans are about four inches to short when they sit down, revealing their matching new balance walking shoes, and white socks. Their wind breakers don't match, but still make me smile. They are sitting in the coffee shop completing today's cross word puzzle together. She reads off the clue, and he quietly mutters possible answers. <br /><br />I'm pretty sure if J.R. and I tried to do a cross word puzzle together, we would end up tearing the paper apart and not talk to each other for week. Besides, we all know that J.R.'s answers would be pointless because I am CLEARLY smarter than he is. This ability to work together on mental projects must come with age. Lets make that a goal for the future.Josiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01381565854162344156noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7788290794523973405.post-11891956102754458762008-10-12T11:29:00.002-05:002008-10-12T11:31:49.311-05:00WorkI am going to go to work today. I'm going to be happy at work. I'm going to smile and greet guests with enthusiasm. I'm not going to make the new girl cry. <br /><br />If I keep repeating these ideas over and over, maybe it will all come true.<br /><br />Happy Sunday world.Josiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01381565854162344156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7788290794523973405.post-46416398664677684412008-10-11T10:08:00.003-05:002008-10-11T10:47:14.563-05:00Election FeverI was waiting for class to start the other day when a younger student sitting next to me turned and enthusiastically asked, "So... who are <em>you</em> voting for this year?"<br /><br />The girl was decked out from head to toe with Obama gear. Obama shirt, Obama button, Obama bracelet, Obama stickers allllllllllllllllllllllllllllll over her computer. She should have been getting paid by the Obama campaign for being a walking billboard. I'm pretty sure I threw up a little in my mouth out of disgust for her enthusiasm. Sad, I know.<br /><br />I politely responded that I hadn't picked a candidate to support yet and continued with my class preparations.<br /><br />"Well, you should totally vote for Obama. He's going to bring great changes to this country."<br /><br />"Oh? What kind of changes??" I enquired.<br /><br />"Changes. He's got great values, you'll see. Vote Obama."<br /><br />"Oh? What are his values?"<br /><br />"Well, umm, I dunno. But it's going to be awesome."<br /><br />I'm really excited that so many students at Stout are taking the time to become involved in the election. However, a lot of them just seem to have Obama fever, and haven't even taken the time to read and understand what both candidates stand for. <br /><br />I've been finding it really difficult to choose a candidate this year. I'm not taking my right to vote lightly and I want to be an educated voter. So many students are looking at me as though I should instantly know who I'm going to vote for because my husband was injured in Iraq.<br /><br />"So, you're husband was hurt in Iraq right?"<br /><br />"Yes."<br /><br />"Does that mean you're voting for McCain?"<br /><br />Iraq has been such a huge part of my life. There isn't a day that passes that I don't think about the Middle East. I watch J.R. put on his prosthetic every morning and I remember. I remember all the goodbyes, all the hellos, the midnight phone calls, the care packages. I remember our family sacrificed for the country.<br /><br />It is so important, this election especially, for all of us to take a look at what we as individuals need, and then to step back and take a look at what our country needs. There's no hiding the fact that the economy is horrible. What do we do about the financial industry, or health care, or the war? It's time to vote for what is best for the country, not the individual person. If that means we pay some hire taxes, so be it. Suck it up citizens of the United States and remember, we did this to ourselves.Josiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01381565854162344156noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7788290794523973405.post-41832666179009253402008-10-08T18:52:00.002-05:002008-10-08T18:59:32.882-05:00Horror in the LibraryI went to move desks, turned around, and sitting there is my psych professor from last year. He's a very interesting man that feels as though no topic is off limits. All that pops into my mind when I see him is a rather uncomfortable classroom discussion about porn viewing habits (apparently nothing is off limits in a college psych class). I can stay at the desk, crabby and pissed off that my bubble has been popped, OR I can get up and move and risk facing a run in with the old Professor. Being that the professor is facing me, I'm sure he has noticed me, and thus I risk appearing rude if I do not acknowledge his presence when I turn and leave.<br /><br />Decisions, decisions. <br /><br />Why did I pick a small college?Josiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01381565854162344156noreply@blogger.com0