target!

I am sooo excited because today my friend and I are going to Target! I love that store. Lately, I've had to settle for K-mart since it's in the city, and I've never really warmed up to the idea. I feel like I'm having an affair.



ps: I need some new music, and I'm hoping that you guys will give me some good recommendations (I need something I can study to, like Cat Stevens or Bread).

The Classics

You know how there are things in life that you've decided you have to do, no matter how cliche or extreme it might be? Valentine's Day in Paris? Certainly, but only if Eddie Cahill is available. Jumping off the cliffs of Dover (with a parachute, of course). Why not? Well, I've made a mini-list of the big events that I want to participate in before I'm too feeble (which gives me about a year). Usually, these classics are associated with holidays. This list is no way inclusive, but a good start. Feel free to add to it.

New Year's Eve in New York City

Boston Pops for the Fourth of July

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade sitting along Central Park West

Mardi Gras in New Orleans (before I turn 30)

Stand on the steps of Lincoln Memorial on MLK Day

Groundhog's Day in Punxsutawney, PA (whilst sporting a top hat and possibly a moustache)

Attend a presidential debate (preferably Democrat)

Be a participant in a Live 8 concert (I'm getting good at that tambourine)

Ring the bell at the NYSE (Dad, I'll catch up to you someday)


If I'm Inebriated (not happened yet, suckas!):

Run with the Bulls in Pamplona

Try out for a Musical on Broadway

Drive for NASCAR

Terror, Part I and II

Well, from the plethora of responses from my last post, I'm thinking I need to add some context.

The very first time I visited Philadelphia I stayed in a Hampton Inn on the corner of Race street and 12th street. After my interview, my dad and I decide to go out for a celebration dinner near China town (at Arch and 10th, which is a few blocks south of Race). It was a good meal, but it ran later than expected; so it was around 10pm when we started heading back. While enjoying our walk up 10th we turn on Race to find over a dozen men standing, lying, sitting, peeing, etc along 11th. It was a serious surprise to see all of these men, some with sleeping bags, others with just a pile of dirty, dilapidated clothes stuck to their obviously soiled bodies (the smell of the corner rivaled that of porta-potties). And they were a loud and aggressive bunch. Of course anyone can cat call (which they did), but when they start crossing the street to your side, red flags raise. So as quickly and confidently as I could in heels, I high tailed it to the entrance of the hotel. Father, of course, used this as a prime example of why I should never, ever be out in the city at night, and even said that four hours before dusk was warrant enough to be indoors (that would make the time four in the afternoon).

Really, four in the afternoon is a perfectly fine time to pass by this corner solo. However, a few miles north of Race when you start getting north of Temple University, four o' clock would not be the right time for a walk, a bus ride, or even, let's say, a Sunday afternoon drive in a Lincoln Town Car (as my mother and I did the following week). That corner looked like Mary Poppins compared with its northern crack baby sister who'd kill anyone as a way of passing the time. Trash was everywhere. Literally, EVERYWHERE. I have never seen a place look so filthy in the states (the smell not like that of the porta-pottie corner, but more like that of the sole toilets at an IBS symposium). Disgusting, right? Absolutely. It was like touring a third world country in a food truck that screamed take me. And it wasn't the only one screaming. As much as I love my mother, I can't stand her nerves. (She usually freaks out over small things, like "Jackie, that man looked at me funny." Well, mom, it's because he has a glass eye.) So when we realize our situation, she starts to yell in the car "My god, Jackie, we are going to die..." along with a slew of swear words. side note: she's driving. Each stop light exacerbates the situation with beyond shady people walking slowly in front of and behind the car, which causes my mother to be on the verge of tears. I finally snap. "Mother, clam down and look as confident as you can. Keep your hands on the wheel, and calm it down!"

Now I'm fairly sure that the situation felt a bit more precarious simply because of the crazy lady next to me screaming death was inevitable. Would I have felt safer without the sideline rants? That's one question I'm okay with unanswered.

places that scare me

The corner of Race and 11th (the place to go if you want to be mugged)

Anything north of Temple (the place you go if you want to be killed)

Chuck E. Cheese

USAMRIID (who knows what they've got cookin' up in there)

bathrooms

suck it up

This morning I finished my second exam (the first in anatomy) and it was a bit unnerving. Have you ever taken a test where before it started you heard multiple rumors from reliable sources that it was a killer; then, once you see it you think not bad. That means either I am right (genius) or I am an idiot completely unaware of how bad I sucked it up.

Speaking of suction, I bought a vacuum! It's a Dyson DC14 Full Kit Upright and it was the Woot item for the day (sale!). When I moved up here my parents gave me a shop vac. I had no idea what that was, but when they told me it could suck up nuts and bolts and water, I thought the vacuum people made it just for me. I tested it out a few weeks ago to find out that it had enough power to suck up pets and small cars. Literally, it was pulling the carpet up (and it almost took my rug). So I went and got one of those push ones that have no electrical power. total crap. So, kids, the moral of this story is to shell out the money for a normal one in the beginning or else you'll never see Fifi or your Mini Cooper again.

time is not on my side

How is it that every morning I am late. doesn't matter what, when, or why. late for school, late for a date. late for, oh, everything. and lately it is not that I am really late, just by a minute or so (Kristi I have improved from the days of high school), and I walk up to find everyone is sitting in class all prepared with their damn laptops out or their stupid pencils and paper. I hate those people.

four diet cokes and all the critters in the sea

I just got home from a fantastic night full of great conversation, excellent food, and much needed relaxation. A fellow from class invited me to a bar called Standard Tap, which was quite different than any bar I had ever been to (all two of them). It was louder than the pub outside West Dean and more chic than the Fox Sports Bar (you might be thinking that it doesn't take much to be more chic than a sports bar, but it did have style). So it was him and his wife and then another couple and me, which sounds like it would be awkward for me. But it wasn't at all. Both girls are originally from Eastern Europe and one is in her second year of med school and I knew that it was going to be a good night when a socialist and a capitalist sat down at the same table. I've never seen the topic of health care discussed with such zeal between friends that had the exact opposite viewpoint. Come to find out that Doug (the fellow from class) has lived outside the states for years, is fluent in Russian, and has hopes for the country to be more like Canada (at least concerning health care).

We had fried oysters (delicious), calamari, and monkfish. I'd never expect that the bar would have such good food (especially seafood), but apparently some shellfish bring out the flavors of quality beer. Who knew?

some things in life are free

My mom and I had a great time out in Dutch country. So much so that she is actually considering living on a Mennonite farm for part of the summer/fall. She said to me while driving home "I think I could be Amish" and I burst out laughing.

Next story:

I dropped her off at the airport today and caught the train back to the city center. As I was walking out of the station a tall guy from behind me said in a booming voice "Excuse me miss..." Thinking I dropped something I turn to hear him continue "I was wondering if you wanted to go with me to a free dinner this week." Looking dumbfounded I said "who, me?" to which he replied "Yeah, it's free." I politely declined but had to give him props for being so bold as to ask out a total stranger. Yet, I really wanted to help him with his tactics. So I've thought of a few pointers:

Try to avoid emphasizing that the meal during the date will be free. Unless it's from a dumpster. Then explicitly point that out, because, boy, will you be in for a surprise when she strands your butt on the street.

Don't approach people from behind and start asking out their backpack.

Strike up a conversation while on the train when you've got a captive audience. literally.

Lastly, try not to stand so close as to scare your potential date. Introducing yourself is usually not the time to make your move.

so so sorry

Dear readership (all three of you):

I beg for your forgiveness for not bloging for a month. No excuse can make up for my lack, but I now have access to the internet at home and at school so now you'll have more of me to love.

I've started my program and so far it's do-able. I want to know how everyone is doing. Annalise, how is SLC and the apartment? Kristin, how is the job and what have you been up to? Jenny, when do you move out here to the East coast? have you found a place to live? and Kristi, have you been relaxing after a exhaustive break?

Well, I'm off this weekend with mom to go to Lancaster County. I'm going to see a concert with Pickett and the Union Gap and The Association

Loves,
Jackie

life in Texas

"Mom, you ready to go out?"

"We can't go out. There's a tornado headed this way"

home sweet home

Hello all! Kristi and I made it home on Saturday from our trip the UK and the Netherlands. Needless to say, we had a memorable time going from place to place to place keeping busy. Highlights included three musicals in three nights, sitting with the choir in St. Paul's cathedral during Evensong, and wandering around acres of tulips.

The three musicals were Spamalot, the Lion King, and Wicked. Kristi surprised me with the third musical, which was the best. We had planned to go see Wicked before I arrived but once there Kristi told me it was completely sold out. Little did I know, Kristi had bought the tickets and was trying to keep it a secret. So as we were walking around London, I'd say "Ooh, let's go into this ticket shop, they might have Wicked seats," which I'm sure made her have a tiny stroke each time. On the last night there we were standing at a metro station having come from Evensong, and Kristi turns to me with this grin and says "I have a surprise... it's rrreeallly good." I knew it! That massive of smile means one thing. WICKED! And it was incredible, with Elphaba having this voice that filled the entire theater. Hands down I'm going to see it in New York. And i might even see Spamalot again.

London Calling

I'm excited for tomorrow because that's the day to get on a plane to see Kristi!! I have been waiting for this for months, and finally it is here. I actually have butterflies, like the feeling when you get when you were a kid and it was Christmas Eve and you knew you'd be getting a butt load of presents cause you had been exceptionally excellent that year. that's how excited I am.

back in the saddle again

I'm home! After three days of driving, with a hike through Arches and a walk through a petroglyph park in Albuquerque, I and my Aunt made it home to Texas. So far we have been showing her around different sites (and quite a few quilt shops), with my favorite site being the Sixth Floor Museum. The museum was of JFK's presidency, death, and legacy. I didn't know that the inspiration for the Civil Rights Act came from his administration, nor did I know that the governor was shot with him. The museum was certainly solemn and humbling. There was a section where they had the layout of the trauma unit of Parkland, and having worked in one, I could picture the chaos and desperation of the health care workers. Even with a bullet to the brain, the charge nurse readied the OR room and neurology team. Over a dozen doctors were in the room likely racking their brain with every last radical effort to save the president's life. If you haven't been I highly recommend it.

my roommate has cojones

while watching a clothing commercial my roommate Lisa asked "what would you do if I came home wearing that?"

Brandi's response was "i'd call you a whore and throw you off the balcony"

what occupies my thoughts

have you ever confused the measurements between time and money? For example today I counted out six dimes and thought that was a dollar. And this isn't the first time I've done that. I must have skipped out on the counting day(s) in first grade.

thank the heavens for hot men

I was flying home from my little visit to Philadelphia and as luck would have it I was sitting by a gorgeous man on the plane. He was tall (much taller than me), beautiful brown eyes, muscular physique, excellent jaw line (cause that's what every woman looks for in a man). an electrical engineer (and I have to admit, I find geeks attractive). the only thing a bit off was teeth (sorry Kristi), but his smile wasn't all that bad.

so for four hours we chatted on and off. and i must say it was good to get back in the game of flirting. It has been a bit of time since I put forth the effort so honestly I was a bit rusty. at times it was obvious that I was clueless to the signals that are so often used outside of Utah to communicate interest. I'd like to blame that on my religion. just think of it. my church isn't for members going to local bars or clubs to pick up on men, so for us folk we participate in inane and at times ridiculous activities to flirt with the opposite sex. examples include backwards bowling, partner scripture chases (which I miserably fail at), and something involving dog obstacle courses. I'm not completely trying to negate all of the social activities that LDS people come up with. Some days I do feel like a good board game or a three-legged race. But mostly, I just want an actual date in which the man has invested his time.

I think the best date I've ever been on was with Mark. He worked at the Museum of Art and he knew I direly wanted to see the new Egyptian exhibit, but because of my classes, it was virtually impossible to go. So one night he cooks me dinner (and having served in Italy, he was good at cooking pasta dishes) and it looks lovely and tastes delicious. He then says he has a surprise and escorts me to his car and opens the door (typical of men to do here in happy valley, but nonetheless something I notice and appreciate) and a few minutes later we pull up to the MOA. Taking me in the back way, we are paged into the security unit by a fellow apparently in on the surprise and Mark hands me a flashlight. We walk past the unit, through a set of doors and through a dark hallway. All of a sudden we step into the Egyptian exhibit. Nicely done, Mark, I think to myself. It is almost completely dark but for a few low lights. We turn on our flashlights and he proceeds to take me through the entire exhibit telling me interesting little snippets for some of the pieces. Couldn't have been more perfect.

things to do before the move

since the big day to leave is slowly approaching, I've decided to make a list of all I need to complete before heading home.

I have at least five books to finish which include:
The Girl of the Limerlost
The Fountainhead
The Kite Runner
The Great Learning
Secret Life of Bees


I've got one quilt i need to cut out, piece together, add borders, and bind (need to also find backing for said quilt)

I've got to finish crocheting my afghan

Pack

Hold a garage sale (these socks could be yours for the low, low price of 10 cents)

Fly to Philly this weekend to find apartment

Chinese New Year

Today my dojo was celebrating the new year and part of that celebration includes watching lion dancing and cleaning the dojo. The lion dancing was entertaining to see especially when the lion (or dragon?) bent down and ate a head of lettuce and then spit it back up on the crowd.

I have been debating whether it is better to live by the Gregorian calendar or the Chinese lunisolar calendar. true the whole world goes by one, but I want to try something new this week. and since I've not been the best at my New Year's resolutions, I've got a chance for a new start tomorrow.

one of the few things i despise in life

periods

poker champion of the world (of jackie)

My roommates and I tonight had a friendly game of Texas hold'em and guess who swept house. ME! i also earned the name of big bird (brought to you by my roommate Brandi; i think her exact words were "because your tall and have blonde hair"). truly unfortunate cognomen.

During the game I was trying to work on my poker face. Since i usually give my good hands away by blushing, looking down, or smiling I asked Brandi before a round to study my face and see if I could have a real poker face. She dealt them and I looked at the cards to find a queen of clubs and and eight of the same suit. I casually looked up and stared at her without change in expression.

Brandi: "You've got a queen and an eight."

shock came over my face and the first thought I had was that she had supernatural powers. i mean serious "special stuff" kind of powers. then and there I vowed never to think of my bank account numbers or my weight when in her presence.