Twisted all around

There's been a great deal of changes in my life over the past few weeks.  

First, I graduated.  There's no more tests, no more registering for classes, and no more artificial "academic" environment (at least not until I start grad school).  It's the end of a period in my life, and one that I expected.  I have prepared for this change, and it does not bother me.

Second, I've begun a new relationship.  Unlike graduation, this change was something that I did not anticipate.  It is, however, one that is a pleasant surprise.  This relationship is precipitating many others--I have to get used to being happy, opening my life to someone else, and work hard to place myself in someone else's life.  (Altogether, this is easier than I thought it would be.)

Finally, I've moved back home.  This is a change that has the outward appearance of pushing me backwards instead of encouraging growth.  That may or may not end up being true.  At the moment, fiscally, it's the most responsible choice.  In addition, I'm coming to realize that I need the support of my family more than I like to admit sometimes, and I'm going to enjoy having that close.  I left home for the first time when I was 16 years old and I haven't really been back since.  As much stress as this will inevitably cause on my part (and the part of my parents and sister), these next months are the last that we will ever spend under the same roof.  It will be a change for all of us, and only time will tell if Schroedinger's cat lives to see another sardine.

There are more changes in my future.  Some I have control over, and others will happen without my input.  The mark of an adult is not being in complete control of your life--it is being able to adapt to change with grace and dignity, and to find joy in all circumstances.  Change is inevitable, as is choice.  And it is my choice to make the next phase of my life a happy and productive one.

Things that I feel like telling the internet

1.  I am a marketing paper, a computer engineering project report, a letter, a research project, and two exams away from graduation.

2.  I am discovering the Beatles.  So far, I have Abbey Road.  The current verdict is good.  No wonder they were influential-they made a catchy song about an octopus.

3.  I re-dyed my hair.  It is dark red this time around.  I've decided that pretending to be blonde is just not a good idea ever again.

^Me with the red hair again.^

4.  Ironman came out, and I am going to see it tonight.

5.  Gas is too expensive.  The end!

Miscellany

• There is precious little in the world that lots and lots of hot water can't fix.
• The world is hell-bent on disproving the previous bullet.
• If you haven't heard of Hush Sound (band), you should go listen to them.
• Mike's now makes pomegranate martinis in bottled form.  They're very sweet.
• There are too many deodorant smells to choose from.  Should I smell like Eastern Lily or Vanilla Chai?  Green Apple or Sweet Pea?
• I really want a cool zip-up hoodie.  Preferably something with a good design.
• Ikea is the source of all good browsing.
• Apple stores only let you schedule tech support appointments three days in advance.  Jerks.
• Does being an adult ever become fun or is it really just endless to do lists and occasional breaks from the monotony?
• How do you tell somebody that you need space, but you don't really want it.
• I have Eddie Izzard tickets for June.  I'm really psyched.
• People who don't answer emails irritate me.

What is it about the end of the semester that turns classes into a colossal waste of time?

Yang...aka, things that I don't like

1.  Folding laundry.  It's a tedious task that reminds me of packing.  (I loathe packing.)

2.  Wet socks.  Sadly, I'm a short person, so every time that it rains, my pants get soaked.  Once that happens, my feet never stay dry.

3.  Stuffing (as in the Thanksgiving dish).  Sorry Mom...it's disgusting.

4.  Text speak.  If what you're saying isn't important enough to take the ten seconds to write out the word 'you', then it needs to not be said.

5.  Patronization.  Not only is it irritating, but it makes the offender look like an idiot.

6.  Toni Morrison.  While I'm talking about idiots, this is a natural next step.  Only a heinous idiot would write a book in which the main themes are "It's the white man's fault that my father raped me to show me that he loved me."  Racism is perpetuated by people like this.

7.  Country music.  It's twangy.

8. People who interrupt me when I'm reading.  Reading is my time to be introverted.  It is not the time that I've set aside to hear about your new haircut.

9.  Obscene gestures.  What are you accomplishing?  It's not even all that difficult to flip someone off.  When someone raises their pinky toe at me while doing a complete back bend, I will know that I've done something to deserve it.

10. Refrigerated ketchup.  The bottle does not say to refrigerate!  It's on the tables in the restaurant and that should be good enough for everyone else.

A meme

My mother has asked me to write a memoir in six words.

Here's the two finalists:

1.  I only pretended not to care.

2.  It's really for your own good.

Things that I appreciate

Taking a note from my mother (who is also not very good at updating her blog, much like the rest of my family), here is a short list of things that I appreciate.

1. Facebook poking. It's a small gesture that serves to remind me that there are people that think of me, even on such a minuscule scale.

2. Musicals. I remember seeing Evita at the Fox with my Grandmother and watching Cinderella and the King and I while she babysat (I hated South Pacific). Now my tastes run more towards Rent and Avenue Q, but there is something surreal about people randomly breaking out into song. It may be strange, but just once, I think I'd like living in the world of Mikado.

3. Tazo Wild Sweet Orange Tea. Because it is delicious.

4. Shooting. All of the rabble rousers can bugger off right now. I do own a firearm, and if you have never shot one, then you are missing out on an experience. Apart from the obvious connotations of being in control and untouchable, to shoot well requires focus, controlled breathing, and repetitious practice. It becomes almost meditative and yet doesn't put me to sleep.

5. Apple products. As an engineer, I appreciate a good design. I have a couple of iPods and a Macbook Pro, and I love them both. (I plan on purchasing an iPhone in the next few months as well.) Elegant, functional, and user friendly.

6. Dogs. Especially this one:

7. To Do lists. They create a sense of accomplishment.