Unlucky Clothing Day (& Then Some), Babysitting And City Market

Thursday, May 20th - The Unlucky Clothing Day

Arrived at Starbucks in a coral undershirt, white sweater and skirt with matching colours and beige. Attempted to study for my criminology final that was that evening, but didn't get very far. Went to chat with the barista and on my way back to my seat, my skirt caught on a basket and ripped.(strike one.) So, I packed up earlier than usual and went home to change before work. After I had done so, I went to the kitchen to make a sandwich and succeeded in getting mustard on my shirt.(strike two.) Changed and made it out of the house and to work without any further mishaps.
Migraine hit me about halfway through my work hours....balanced an icepack on my head for a long time as I only had one Tylenol.

Entered my criminology exam with some trepidation. It consisted of three exams. I don't have a good or bad feeling about it which can be bad. Or good. ;) I went to the Student Center after to pick up something for Grandma. On my way out I decided to cut across (down) the hill rather than take the round about walk on the sidewalk. It was raining a bit, and so I slipped of my flip-flops and decided to skip down the hill. Took one skip and slipped landing right in the mud. (strike three.) Couldn't go home anymore so had to go to Starbucks wet and muddy.

Arriving at Stars, I found Paul, Segge, Ruth and Mark. I joined them and we talked, played games and had a smashing time in general. Sarah joined us after awhile. We were on an intense game of PIT, when Q called me in distress. She had been driving on the highway and her tire blew out. I was going to go to her aid and when the Rogers heard what had happened, they also wanted to help. So Paul, Segge, Ruth, Sarah and I piled into Paul's car and headed out to find her. After a bit of miscommunication we located her and the Highway Patrolman that had stopped to help her. Unfortunately we didn't happen to have a tire that fit her wheel so she came with us and we drove back to Stars and my car. Biding the Rogers adieu and lavishing them with thanks (which really y'all, thank you!) Q and I considered what to do. It was decided that we would go to my house first so that I could pick up overnight necessities and then to Joe's house for the night.

Friday, May 21st - Babysitting (but not really)

In the morning, Q and I took it slow, eating breakfast, playing with Pedie.
I then drove Q to here nannying job and stayed with her for a couple hours, playing/watching the babies and talking to the mom. Adorable kids. Funny mother. Left for work, which was uneventful other than it being hot outside.

After work I went to the Roger's for Bible study. I hadn't been in a while and was really missing the fellowship. Talked mainly with Mrs. Rogers and Anna as most everyone else was playing V-ball. Tried the vinegar/cayenne pepper/ water concoction that Mrs. Shiflett recommended (and so did Mrs. Rogers actually.)
Not sure it helped or not.
The question of the night was "if you had $4 million dollars to put towards a farm, what would there be?" I would carry out the plans we always wanted to do with the schoolhouse.

(completely off topic, but I randomly thought I would look to see if there was a picture of it online, and sure enough. some girl was taking a walk i guess and came across it. A bit creepy knowing anyone can take pictures of it and post them.... ;) but then who am I to complain? At least it is still boarded up really tightly. the sign on the door, is the sign my sister made after the robbery.)

Back to the Biblestudy.......

I had a migraine, and so went to lay down in one of the girl's rooms. Was sorry to miss what was said. The beginning was talking about things that I had actually been thinking a lot about lately.

Saturday, May 21st - City Market

My first Saturday where I knew that the next week I had absolutely no school! 

I met up with Paul and Segge at City Market downtown KC. I hadn't been yet and it was marvelous! It made me think of home. We feasted on a turkey leg, a half-slab of ribs and French fries, attacking the food with our fingers like savages. I bought some peanuts for Q and corn nuts for myself. Ruth, Sarah, Anna and Mary joined us later on. We stopped at a clothing store full of Indian clothing (not Native American...the other Indian) and I found a very nice summer dress.

Met up with Blair, Q and Josh for a very late dinner - 9pm to be exact. We were waiting for a visit from a friend who decided not to show. But we had fun anyways, bombarding Josh with cellphone and plan questions, trading looks when two others were absorbed in a conversation and eating very unhealthy food. 

French, Face Painting & Fabulous Photographers

Yesterday was the first of the two sole finals I have yet to go this week. I was in such a state of complexity as I wasn't sure what I knew, what I would be able to pull out at the last minute and what on earth to expect. Comprehensive exams always do that to me. Plus the fact that I am a master mind at the art of procrastinating. It must be that adrenaline rush one feels when one realizes with a shock that their most important exam of the semester is less than an hour away and they suddenly realize that they can't remember the definition of schizophrenia. (don't ask me the definition of schizophrenia.) In the end I think I pulled off French rather well......with a lot of prayer from friends. It is wonderful to know there are people you can contact in the last minute who you know will be there for you.

Work was a blither. We had an end of the semester party, catering food from the esteemed and renown Mr. Goodcents and parents who brought sides. There was a Shrek bouncer (as in inflatable jumpy contraption) in the gymnasium and Alex, Joey and I accommodated the children with face painting. I had to use my hand as a palette as the tubes were mainly occupied by the others so my hand was a myriad of colours. Painted everything from a cat, to a cardinal to a softball. The best was when you could lather the child's entire face with paint.

After work, you will never guess where I went. Then again it really isn't that hard to guess. that's right. Starbucks. I was sitting comfy in a big leather chair, computer on my lap, London Soy Fog on the table, Ella Enchanted destined to be cracked open and having a conversation with Melissa (one of the baristas) when I got a text. Paul was having a meeting for photographers in the KC area featuring Jasmine Star as the guest speaker.....via skype. Abby was asking where I was as I had said I would attend. I held an inner debate with myself and Melissa reminded me that I would probably regret not going. And as we have established I am a procrastinator, I knew if I didn't go I wouldn't be studying anyway. PLUS there were several people there I hadn't seen or been able to talk to in awhile and I really wanted to do so. Gathering my belongings I battled the rain to my car and drove out to Christina Blincoe's residence. It was a cozy gathering of 44 people. we were seated in chairs and all over the floor. I enjoyed Jasmine's talk immensely. It reminded me of many things I have wanted to do in my life, provided clear, basic ideas to brand yourself in anything you do really and who knows? Maybe it will get me on a roll. After her talk, Lacey and I made an expedition to....yes.......Starbucks, where we chatted about what we wanted to do in life and whatnot. It was so nice to talk with her. On returning to Christina's I mingled with the up and coming professional photographers. Great connections and a lovely group of people overall. Left a bit past midnight.

On returning home, I was somewhat wide awake so popped in "Lost in Austen" which I had just picked up from the library. Do yourself a favor. Never watch it. A complete waste of precious minutes.

Red Nail Polish

I was in a poetry mood. (which is a very rare thing and probably good so.)
This was written in 5 minutes or so, so when judging be gracious ;)

Red Nail Polish 

I painted them red
As they were pale.
I dipped the brush
And painted with care.
Feeling low, I was doing my best
To show the world I hadn't a woe,
Portraying this by painting my toes.

I walked that day
With a more confident air.
I held my head high,
And no one could tell
That I was hiding behind
My digits all painted red, looking fine.
Fooling myself that life was good.

I met with a friend
Who was honest with me.
She said to not worry
That Christ made me free.
And yet as I sat there, listening some,
All I could think of
Were my rouge tinted nails.

How easy I find
I like to hide
Behind diverse, little vanities of mine.
Be it red colored nails,
Shoes that give me a thrill
Or clothes that seem divine.
I am missing the point of hiding in HIM.

These things are minute
And utterly void
Without HIM by my side
And in my heart.
My life is made moot
When, not turning to HIM in my distress,
I reach for a bottle and color nails red.

Suspense Pending

Last night I returned home from my nightly rendezvous with Starbucks, to find a letter from UMKC. Heart pounding, I thought it could be the letter that my whole entire academic future is momentarily dependent on - did I make it in or not??? I didn't want to open it. But curiosity and the risk of what may be inside overcame my wanting to remain ignorant. Opening it slowly (to increase the suspense, of course), I carefully tore the flap from the envelope. Then it ripped and I thought, "who cares?" and tore it open. I pulled out the paper, saw the word "congratulations", heart jumped with elation and then  - I had won a scholarship award. Not even one I can be proud of as it was an automatic one. Granted you had to meet the requirements, but still. So I will have to go through that whole entire ordeal again when the real news comes in.

Graduations, Icing and Colouring

Friday
Last day of classes.

Dressed up for the graduation ceremony and went to work. Had very few kids and it was a rather pleasant sort of afternoon.

Abby's Graduation ceremony after work. I haven't been to one in about......fifteen years? Sat with Deana and her parents and chatted and caught up. It was fun to find out more about her.
Said my Congratulations to the three graduates I knew, saw some friends I haven't seen in awhile.

Left the church around 9:30pm and headed over to Josh's for the last part of his Biblestudy. Had pizza chatted with new acquaintances and played Apples To Apples. Lost for the first time in a long time with one card.......Goody-Goody.....of course.


Saturday


Slept in. Finally don't have to think about waking up in time for a class. especially on the weekend. Had cold pizza and honey-nut cheerios for breakfast while viewing The Andy Griffith Show, Final Season.
Practiced my whistling skills.

Drove to Grandview for Ben Nichols' graduation party. (totally forgot to ask him what he graduated with. very bad of me for not knowing.) On arriving there I sat in some icing further confirming my utter clutziness. Learned how to play Texas Hold'em.

Pouring rain there and back. Really need to buy new windshield wipers.

Drove home to change and dress fancy. Then went to pick Megan up and go for an outing to the plaza. We went to Anthropologie.I found a pencil case with my initials on it. You would think it was meant to be.....but it wasn't. Coloured in a colouring book while Megan picked out an outfit to purchase. They have the neatest colouring books. Fat, unique and fun. Must find them and add them to my bookshelf.



We then went to the Capital Grille for some fancy dining. Mozzarella wrapped in prosciutto was so delectable that I am determined to master the art of making it myself. We were still hungry and as we may dress ritzy our wallets far from hold the amount required to have a full on dinner at the Grille, so we opted for a favorite, traditional, American diner -Winsteads. Seated with our frostys, fries and burgers, listening to The Andrew Sisters, Nat King Cole and other classics, we conversed about the youth these days, the choices in formal attire prom people were wearing and our own personal lives.

Sunday


Damp day with sudden bursts of rain.
Church was small as the majority of the Roger Clan were up at Princeton. But it was cozy and we heard a insightful message on JOY, the second fruit of the spirit. How wonderful it is to know that we don't have to produce our own joy but that God gives us HIS joy.

Went to meet Blair for her graduation party over at her grandmother's house. Had a very interesting time looking at fluffy covered photo albums full of Blair from babyhood to college years. A diverse sort of people to observe and talk to and a game of Apples to Apples with Blair and Sadie, filled the afternoon. Left around five and gave into the temptation of stopping in at a local thrift store. Found two dresses and can't wait to wear them out in public, once I have worked somewhat on what I want them to go with. Met up with Blair again and Josh also for a scrumptious dinner of Indian food. (check my food blog for details on that one.)

Home with determination to go through stacks of papers, but sleep overcame me. Someday I will get organized.

Things That Left Me Laughing This Week

Sunday
I won't say who: "Long-term-gevity"

Monday
 "Is she serious? She is, isn't she?" (feeling of impending doom)

Joey:  "Why don't you ask her out?"
Jacob: "I don't know. There's something bout her"
Me: "What? Is she not in highschool?"

Tuesday
"She drives with her dog on her lap"

Queren: "Pedie has kennel cough"
Me: "Maybe that's what I have...."

Wednesday
Queren: "Can you give me a lift?"
Me: "They're called 'elevators' here"

Blair and I received surprise envelopes from Houlihan's.
Me: "Oh! This is so neat! We are going to have to come here the next time we come here."

Thursday
Me: When did we learn that?
Madame Funaro: The first week of class.
Me: Oh. Oops.

Friday
Arnold (joking): No boys over this weekend while we are away.
Me (going along with it): Man, now I have to change all my plans.
Grandma (being serious): I am surprised you don't have a boyfriend by now. I was expecting you to have all kinds of guys."
Me (hesitant): uh......thanks?


Rachel on a friend who is getting/got married: "Another one bites the dust."


Saturday
Mary and I singing "Mrs. Robinson" then to turn around and find the room full of people:
Me: Ok. That was awkward.
Mary: I thought we rocked.

Hair-Dos Confuse Me

Today was a long day. Not really busy, just full.

At the conclusion of my French exam which I failed to study for as I decided I had no more motivation and will just ace the final, I went to the computer lab to finish writing my missing persons report. For class, not because anyone is missing that I know. I sat down and started up the computer, inputted my info and was settling down to do the necessary duties of the day, i.e. check Facebook, Twitter and e-mail, before all else. Looking up I was met with something that left me in confusion. It really wasn't that horrific or startling or....anything really. Just confusing. I admit I openly stared, but all just because I couldn't understand.

Far be it from me to criticize the hair styles of others. I know I am no expert. I just.........don't understand this one. 

Work was rather slow. The weather outside kept us from going out, which actually left me rather disappointed as I relish the dampness in the air, the impending storm. I get so elated when it rains. I know I have mentioned this before, but I can't stop saying it. When something makes you genuinely happy and utterly thrilled, you want to talk about it all the time. And rain does that to me. The dreariness and wetness of it all. I enjoy walking and running and PLAYING in it. Give me puddles to jump in and my inner child awakens to new heights of gleefulness. Tornado weather is closing in on us. You can imagine my elation. 

Met with Blair for our weekly dinner that we have been accustomed to having. Josh O was there. The guy has absolutely no idea how we remember him and keep on the lookout for him whenever we are there. We aren't crazy. We just like him. And the memories we made on that night when he was our waiter.

To The Caffeine Haunt for an after dinner chat and then Blair left to be the dutiful student. I however, aspired to do my final concert report, which I should be doing right now, but will probably do first when I get home. 

Will be happy when tomorrow is over. 

Are You Sure You Passed 8th Grade?

This was sent to me by my uncle a couple years ago but I still like looking through it to see what I could answer.....really makes me feel doltish but inspires me at the same time. What happened to the "good 'ol days"?



Remember when grandparents and great-grandparents stated that they only had an 8th grade education? Well, check this out. Could any of us have passed the 8th grade in 1895?

This is the eighth-grade final exam from 1895 in Salina, Kansas, USA . It was taken from the original document on file at the Smokey Valley Genealogical Society and Library in Salina, and reprinted by the Salina Journal.

8th Grade Final Exam: Salina, KS - 1895

Grammar (Time, one hour)

1. Give nine rules for the use of capital letters.

2. Name the parts of speech and define those that have no modifications.

3. Define verse, stanza and paragraph

4. What are the principal parts of a verb? Give principal parts of "lie,""play," and "run."

5. Define case; illustrate each case.

6 What is punctuation? Give rules for principal marks of punctuation.

7 - 10. Write a composition of about 150 words and show therein that you

understand the practical use of the rules of grammar.



Arithmetic (Time,1 hour 15 minutes)

1. Name and define the Fundamental Rules of Arithmetic.

2. A wagon box is 2 ft. Deep, 10 feet long, and 3 ft. Wide. How many bushels of wheat will it hold?

3. If a load of wheat weighs 3,942 lbs., what is it worth at 50cts/bushel, deducting 1,050 lbs. For tare?

4. District No 33 has a valuation of $35,000. What is the necessary levy to carry on a school seven months at $50 per month, and have $104 for incidentals?

5. Find the cost of 6,720 lbs. Coal at $6.00 per ton.

6. Find the interest of $512.60 for 8 months and 18 days at 7 percent.

7. What is the cost of 40 boards 12 inches wide and 16 ft. Long at $20 per metre?

8. Find bank discount on $300 for 90 days (no grace) at 10 percent.

9. What is the cost of a square farm at $15 per acre, the distance of which is 640 rods?

10. Write a Bank Check, a Promissory Note, and a Receipt



U.S. History (Time, 45 minutes)

1. Give the epochs into which U.S. History is divided

2. Give an account of the discovery of America by Columbus

3. Relate the causes and results of the Revolutionary War.

4. Show the territorial growth of the United States

5. Tell what you can of the history of Kansas

6. Describe three of the most prominent battles of the Rebellion.

7. Who were the following: Morse, Whitney, Fulton , Bell , Lincoln , Penn, and Howe?

8. Name event s connected with the following dates: 1607, 1620, 1800, 1849, 1865.



Orthography (Time, one hour)

1. What is meant by the following: alphabet, phonetic, orthography, etymology, syllabication

2. What are elementary sounds? How classified?

3. What are the following, and give examples of each: trigraph, subvocals, diphthong, cognate letters, linguals

4. Give four substitutes for caret 'u.'

5. Give two rules for spelling words with final 'e.' Name two exceptions under each rule.

6. Give two uses of silent letters in spelling. Illustrate each.

7. Define the following prefixes and use in connection with a word: bi, dis-mis, pre, semi, post, non, inter, mono, sup.

8. Mark diacritically and divide into syllables the following, and name the sign that indicates the sound: card, ball, mercy, sir, odd, cell, rise, blood, fare, last.

9. Use the following correctly in sentences: cite, site, sight, fane, fain, feign, vane , vain, vein, raze, raise, rays.

10. Write 10 words frequently mispronounced and indicate pronunciation

by use of diacritical marks and by syllabication.



Geography (Time, one hour)

1 What is climate? Upon what does climate depend?

2. How do you account for the extremes of climate in Kansas ?

3. Of what use are rivers? Of what use is the ocean?

4. Describe the mountains of North America

5. Name and describe the following: Monrovia , Odessa , Denver , Manitoba , Hecla , Yukon , St. Helena, Juan Fernandez, Aspinwall and Orinoco ..

6. Name and locate the principal trade centers of the U.S.
7. name all the republics of Europe and give the capital of each.

8. Why is the Atlantic Coast colder than the Pacific in the same latitude?

9. Describe the process by which the water of the ocean returns to the sources of rivers.

10. Describe the movements of the earth. Give the incl ination of the earth.



Notice that the exam took FIVE HOURS to complete.

Gives the saying "he only had an 8th grade education" a whole new meaning, doesn't it?!

Starbucks and Travel

Starbucks:

Depending on location,

either a place for businessmen and some women to come and sit doing The New York Times (or any Times for that matter) crossword in ink while gulping coffee and indulging in work conversation.

Or a place for young people to study (so they say), play card games (smile), and discuss the dramas of their lives.

For me:

A place of aloneness, observation of people and objects, and in general a place that spikes my curiosity. I am planning on spending an entire day in one of these legal, narcotic producing establishments. Just because I have nothing better to do when school is out.I think it would be fascinating to watch people all day. Literally. And not in a creepy, stalkerish way.          


 I need to get out more.

I have a friend moving to New Zealand. Excited for him, but it is awakening in me my travelling gene. Where are the days when I would move from country to country? A month here, a month there. Hop on a train and go. I miss it. I relished those times so, but I now have an even greater appreciation for them. I want to go visit everyone I haven't seen in forever. Maryland, England, Romania, Ireland, etc. I want to go to the places I have almost gotten to go in my life. Turkey, Greece, Norway, Finland, Mongolia, Australia, and the list goes on and on. I guess I shouldn't complain what with growing up in Europe and already being able to go and experience so much in such a variety of places.I definitely still have the wanderlust to go all over though.

Bring on The Rain

Rainy days never get me down. In fact they make me incredibly happy.

Lovely morning at Starbucks, doing homework and practicing French with the manager.

Run through the rain, loving the feel of the wet.

Rather quirky mood in French class that did not go unnoticed by Madame Funaro. Did my best not too be too sarcastic. Luckily she found it humorous.......or so I think.

Lunch with Jen and Trevor.

He was so precious. Three weeks old now.

Work. The weather must have been acting on the kids as well, as they were unusually strange.

Dominoes with Ruth, Sarah and Rachel. Let my giddiness get the better of me. I fear I will never be a lady.

French and voice homework then home.

Tomorrow is going to be absolutely lovely.

Les Parapluies, L'église et Un Café

Spent the night at Q's as we were enjoying cheese, bread and wine while watching a French musical.

Well, half-watching. We both fell asleep toward the beginning of it. It is rather interesting to watch to learn French and to practice listening. Otherwise it is mainly on the corny side.

Woke up in time to run home and freshen up and throw a load of laundry in. Then off to the Richardsons. 

Lovely and encouraging sermon on the fruit of the spirits with a particular focus on love. I always enjoy Sundays. Had a friend voice some of my thoughts about influencing those around us and witnessing to them. How if we could just reach one person for the lord that is equal to reaching many. We don't need to worry about the world or how they will be saved. That is the Lord's work and we are his instruments. He will bring it about. Naturally this doesn't mean we sit casually by on our derrieres  and do nothing. But we aren't the ones bringing anything about. We aren't the ones that change people or the world. 

Starbucks after church for some peaceful aloneness. Not so alone, as almost all of Overland Park seems to have had the same idea. But sitting in the corner in a brown,leather, comfy chair, sipping on iced chai, listening to the murmur of voices, texting a friend and enjoying the internet and a PG Wodehouse book, is utter bliss compared to the hectic week I just had.

Here Comes Your Man (As Sung by Meaghan Smith)

outside there's a box car waiting

outside the family stew

out by the fire breathing

outside we wait 'til face turns blue

i know the nervous walking

i know the dirty beard hangs

out by the box car waiting

take me away to nowhere plains

there is a wait so long

here comes your man

big shake on the box car moving

big shake to the land that's falling down

is a wind makes a palm stop blowing

a big, big stone fall and break my crown

there is a wait so long

you'll never wait so long

here comes your man

there is a wait so long

you'll never wait so long

here comes your man

Choice Song, Coffee Observations & Pointless Questions

Simple little things.

All I want are simple little things.

All I need is someone beside me to have and to hold, someone to love me as we grow older.

Simple little things, Simple little dreams will do.

"Lizzie, is my blue suit pressed?

Lizzie, kinda' scratch between the shoulder blades.

Lizzie, are the children all in bed?"

That's what he'll say. I'll say, "My husband."

Simple little things.

All I want are simple little things.

All I need is someone beside me to have and to hold, someone to love me as we grow older.

Simple little things, Simple little dreams will do.

While studying French at a local coffee shop, drinking French vanilla chai, one of my favorite pastimes is that of people watching. I wish I had a spy camera to catch them in their conversations, their looks of contemplation. Where are they from? Where are they going? What are their dreams? Of course some of them don't mind chatting on their mobiles and as their vocal decibels increase, communicating with you their superficialities. Who tells their deepest thoughts, passions and priorities loud enough for the person at the table adjacent to them to hear? Unless, perhaps when you are in a spiritual or political conversation.

Why doesn't Starbucks have an almond flavor?

Is Donna Reed really the epitome of the American housewife?