You do not mess with my children. I will end you faster than you can turn on a light. This will be a name-free post as I believe it's already been bad enough. I'm also probably way too angry to write effectively. I simply can't believe that people are so fucking stupid that they need to prove their masculinity in a way that is so passive aggressive and just plain mean.
I also vehemently disagree with the institutional response that has been taken. If the main concern is PR, we are doing a poor job of serving our students. I see how what's best for the institution is good for the students, but I do not see immediate needs being met. Steven = pissed off.
More updates about life will come, but this is all I can muster right now.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Real Person
So, a full year has passed since I became a "real person" in the eyes of many. What's happened since then? Well, this blog for one. I must say, that I kind of impressed myself with how I've handled this year. It was full of a lot of challenges and a lot of learning how I respond to situations. I think most importantly, I learned that I am able to respond to situations well. The first few weeks of the job, I could definitely feel why experience as a Resident Assistant is desired. It wasn't long before I became very accustomed to what I was doing and had a beat on situations if I needed to go. The ring tone made, and still makes, me tweak out a little bit, but whatever. I also made some great connections this year. Coworkers being the highlight of these. They were always available if I needed help, a question answered, a good laugh, a youtube video, etc. It's strange to think that I'll be thrust into that role next year with only a year of professional experience under my belt.
Honest and true, I think I've found at least an area of the country that I could settle down in. If the culture of Moscow is any indication of the NW, I think I'll be quite content here. Again strange, anyone who knows me from outside this year would never have pegged me to end up in Idaho. Mostly because it's a red state. Rest assured, my end game does not lie in Idaho. However, I don't think I can fully express what a good start it's given me.
The year brought no romance and I'm still 100% OK with that. Like I've said for a while now, if I stumble upon it or it finds me, I'm not going to turn it down. I just am not concerned with finding any of it. I'm only 23 years old and still very much finding my lot and place in this world (now there was a blue comment for you). Erstwhile, many of my friends have found it and are taking large steps in their lives. I don't think I was previously mature enough to understand those friends as couples, but I do now. And very truly, all my love and support goes to them.
To that end, two of my friends were married last November. Another two are now engaged as of this spring. I'll make mention of two more getting married this coming October, although neither the marriage or engagement happened in my post graduation year.
I don't know whether to be proud or weirded out, but the BLC has found it's impact in this year with their mission and motto. I've actually used my zoology background in my work at UI. One was to defend the existence of homosexuality as evolutionarily advantageous. The other in a conduct meeting. It really is true: learning is everywhere.
Sadly, I'm running out of reasons to get back to Madison. There are still a few great reasons to go, but it's become harder and harder to justify popping for a plane ticket or even the tank of gas to go from MSP to Madtown.
I also ended up getting myself inked. You can see it in previous posts. I was very glad to have gotten it. It's already faded just a tad, but that was somewhat expected just due to placement and how often I go pantless. I wouldn't not get another one, I would just need a very concrete idea in mind.
This summer, I look forward to getting to Seattle for Father's Day. It should be a good time. I also look forward to getting home for a spell if I'm able to. If anything, the cats should provide decent entertainment. The high school reunion is coming up, but I don't think timing or desire will line up for me to go.
All in all, a good year and looking forward to more.
Honest and true, I think I've found at least an area of the country that I could settle down in. If the culture of Moscow is any indication of the NW, I think I'll be quite content here. Again strange, anyone who knows me from outside this year would never have pegged me to end up in Idaho. Mostly because it's a red state. Rest assured, my end game does not lie in Idaho. However, I don't think I can fully express what a good start it's given me.
The year brought no romance and I'm still 100% OK with that. Like I've said for a while now, if I stumble upon it or it finds me, I'm not going to turn it down. I just am not concerned with finding any of it. I'm only 23 years old and still very much finding my lot and place in this world (now there was a blue comment for you). Erstwhile, many of my friends have found it and are taking large steps in their lives. I don't think I was previously mature enough to understand those friends as couples, but I do now. And very truly, all my love and support goes to them.
To that end, two of my friends were married last November. Another two are now engaged as of this spring. I'll make mention of two more getting married this coming October, although neither the marriage or engagement happened in my post graduation year.
I don't know whether to be proud or weirded out, but the BLC has found it's impact in this year with their mission and motto. I've actually used my zoology background in my work at UI. One was to defend the existence of homosexuality as evolutionarily advantageous. The other in a conduct meeting. It really is true: learning is everywhere.
Sadly, I'm running out of reasons to get back to Madison. There are still a few great reasons to go, but it's become harder and harder to justify popping for a plane ticket or even the tank of gas to go from MSP to Madtown.
I also ended up getting myself inked. You can see it in previous posts. I was very glad to have gotten it. It's already faded just a tad, but that was somewhat expected just due to placement and how often I go pantless. I wouldn't not get another one, I would just need a very concrete idea in mind.
This summer, I look forward to getting to Seattle for Father's Day. It should be a good time. I also look forward to getting home for a spell if I'm able to. If anything, the cats should provide decent entertainment. The high school reunion is coming up, but I don't think timing or desire will line up for me to go.
All in all, a good year and looking forward to more.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
3 Weekends, 2 of them fun
Oh yes, it's true. There are 3 weeks to go to wrap up my first academic year at UI. Suffice it to say, it's been a learning year. Lots of ups and downs. So, this weekend, I'll be taking my opportunity to hang out with Lindsey as those chances will soon run out. I'll just kind of chill with her at the Apartment and Family Housing yard sale. I don't think I actually have anything to sell, but that's not the reason I'm going. I've been so thankful for the collegial relationship as well as friendship we formed over the last year. After that, I'm going to a concert with Sam and his older brother. It should be a very good time. Then on Sunday, we have the Res Life dessert banquet. I've still got to write my speech. I've got to keep it light hearted enough that I don't get teary. Yes, I've known these people for less than 9 months. I get attached to people very quickly and this year has been no different.
The weekend after this coming one, my brother comes to visit! He'll be here Thursday through Sunday and I can't wait to see him. It's been almost half a year since I saw him (Thanksgiving). I'm hoping to get some good things planned for when he's out here. Farmer's market starts that weekend, Ren Fair is that weekend, he wants to go to the winery, I hope to show him the grizzly bears. The point is, I get to reconnect in person with someone who I've fairly recently grown into an adult sibling relationship. Two words: can't wait.
The last weekend is closing weekend. I'm excited because it's closing and it means the year is done. I'm less excited because it's closing and that means lots of busy work. I'm also less than excited because it means that I don't really know when I'll see Kami and Mikey again.
I've recently come to feel a little bit devalued by the department I work for. To make a long story short and so as not to divulge a lot of detail, without the intention being so, I got a major slap in the face combined with a low blow. I'm getting over it slowly, but it still didn't feel great in the moment.
In other news, my staff for next year met. Without actually intending it to be so, most of them stuck around just to chat for over an hour. I like where that is going. I will need a period of adjustment to figure out where the boundaries are. It will automatically be harder because there are more of them. Still, I think with more people, it gives them that much more potential to be great. They can't take the place of Westers...I'm going to try my damnedest to make sure East for next year has a separate place in my head and heart. All in all, next year has the potential to be a great year.
That's pretty much it for now. I could probably say more, but I don't think it's really necessary nor would it really have validity for a lot of people. Ta ta for now!
Less than three!
The weekend after this coming one, my brother comes to visit! He'll be here Thursday through Sunday and I can't wait to see him. It's been almost half a year since I saw him (Thanksgiving). I'm hoping to get some good things planned for when he's out here. Farmer's market starts that weekend, Ren Fair is that weekend, he wants to go to the winery, I hope to show him the grizzly bears. The point is, I get to reconnect in person with someone who I've fairly recently grown into an adult sibling relationship. Two words: can't wait.
The last weekend is closing weekend. I'm excited because it's closing and it means the year is done. I'm less excited because it's closing and that means lots of busy work. I'm also less than excited because it means that I don't really know when I'll see Kami and Mikey again.
I've recently come to feel a little bit devalued by the department I work for. To make a long story short and so as not to divulge a lot of detail, without the intention being so, I got a major slap in the face combined with a low blow. I'm getting over it slowly, but it still didn't feel great in the moment.
In other news, my staff for next year met. Without actually intending it to be so, most of them stuck around just to chat for over an hour. I like where that is going. I will need a period of adjustment to figure out where the boundaries are. It will automatically be harder because there are more of them. Still, I think with more people, it gives them that much more potential to be great. They can't take the place of Westers...I'm going to try my damnedest to make sure East for next year has a separate place in my head and heart. All in all, next year has the potential to be a great year.
That's pretty much it for now. I could probably say more, but I don't think it's really necessary nor would it really have validity for a lot of people. Ta ta for now!
Less than three!
Sunday, April 6, 2008
One month to go...what?
Yep, there really isn't much more than one month left to go. That said, it's going to be a whirlwind few weeks. Candidates are going to be pouring into town. At the very least, it means that I've got to keep my apartment clean so it can be shown. Other than that, in fun news, it sounds like my brother is going to be visiting in the first weekend of May. It'll be a busy time, but probably better for him to see campus while people are here as opposed to when it's empty.
My heart goes out to people in Madison who are being affected by the recent homicide. It's an unfortunate turn of events. Souring that mood, I discovered that Westboro Baptist Church is hoping to picket the memorial service of that student. First Amendment rights aside, that groups seems to be composed mostly of wackos all within one family. If you want my full opinion of them, I'm willing to make it known for free.
I have some decently large decisions to be making in the near future. One of which is definitely going to be how long I'm going to be here. At this point, it's unlikely that I'll be here beyond another year. Some pretty major changes would have to occur to justify me staying for another 2. I strongly doubt I'll be leaving the area, but I'll cross that bridge when I get there. The GREs would be important for me to do sometime. I'd like to not have to and there are some programs around that don't make me, but I have to keep my possibilities broader than that.
Not much else going on. Just gonna try to plow through the rest of this year and come out on the other side smelling decent. I'll be posting again soonish.
My heart goes out to people in Madison who are being affected by the recent homicide. It's an unfortunate turn of events. Souring that mood, I discovered that Westboro Baptist Church is hoping to picket the memorial service of that student. First Amendment rights aside, that groups seems to be composed mostly of wackos all within one family. If you want my full opinion of them, I'm willing to make it known for free.
I have some decently large decisions to be making in the near future. One of which is definitely going to be how long I'm going to be here. At this point, it's unlikely that I'll be here beyond another year. Some pretty major changes would have to occur to justify me staying for another 2. I strongly doubt I'll be leaving the area, but I'll cross that bridge when I get there. The GREs would be important for me to do sometime. I'd like to not have to and there are some programs around that don't make me, but I have to keep my possibilities broader than that.
Not much else going on. Just gonna try to plow through the rest of this year and come out on the other side smelling decent. I'll be posting again soonish.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
Did I Shave My Legs for This?
So the title of the post is probably a little bit off, but let me explain. I did what I said I was going to do and got my tattoo today! It turned out better than I thought it would and now that I have it on, I'm really glad that I got it. I was nervous on my way to Saint Sabrina's (great place) thinking: what the heck am I doing? Once I got it though, I was really happy with the way it turned out. I have a picture of it, but I can't post it because i don't have my camera cord. I will post pictures eventually, but yeah.
Aside from that it's been really nice to be home. I went to Sexworld tonight with two of my prudish friends (their words, not mine). It's just been really nice. I wish it could last a little bit longer, but whatever. Other than that, my high school is having it's five year reunion and I'm a little bit disgusted with the amount of venom that is on the facebook page. It helps no one if people aren't over high school. If you were an ass, you were an ass. If you were a victim, you were a victim. The point is to make that past tense. Don't be an ass anymore. Don't be a victim anymore. OMGWTFBBQ! Let go of high school.
I also met the new family cat. His name is Kamper. He's a very nice cat, just a little dumb. He also woke me up the first night home. Around 9:00am, this squeaky cat is waking me up. I open my eyes to see these huge green eyes stuffed into a tiny head and sandpaper on my face. Nice cat, just a little dumb...yeah. Not much else is going on. I fly out again on Sunday. I hope that things have been pleasant in Moscow. I can't wait to go back, but i don't necessarily want to go back. Either way, I'm excited for the new staff to find out where they are going to be next year. I'm really quite happy with the way that it turned out. Anyways, that's it for now. My pictures will get posted soon. Much love to my people!
Aside from that it's been really nice to be home. I went to Sexworld tonight with two of my prudish friends (their words, not mine). It's just been really nice. I wish it could last a little bit longer, but whatever. Other than that, my high school is having it's five year reunion and I'm a little bit disgusted with the amount of venom that is on the facebook page. It helps no one if people aren't over high school. If you were an ass, you were an ass. If you were a victim, you were a victim. The point is to make that past tense. Don't be an ass anymore. Don't be a victim anymore. OMGWTFBBQ! Let go of high school.
I also met the new family cat. His name is Kamper. He's a very nice cat, just a little dumb. He also woke me up the first night home. Around 9:00am, this squeaky cat is waking me up. I open my eyes to see these huge green eyes stuffed into a tiny head and sandpaper on my face. Nice cat, just a little dumb...yeah. Not much else is going on. I fly out again on Sunday. I hope that things have been pleasant in Moscow. I can't wait to go back, but i don't necessarily want to go back. Either way, I'm excited for the new staff to find out where they are going to be next year. I'm really quite happy with the way that it turned out. Anyways, that's it for now. My pictures will get posted soon. Much love to my people!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Goodnight and Good Luck
Small bomb dropped on us today. Grant will be leaving UI before the end of the year. Surprised? A little bit. Expected? Not really. It's all just kind of reinforcing that next year is going to look very different than this year. There is some good with that and of course there is some negative with that. I'm very understanding of his need to move on and especially out. It just kind of sucks that I'm losing a friend from my immediate surroundings before I'd like to. Considering I was arguably most nervous about working with him because he has just a different outlook on things because he has a family to think about. Just a little sad. It's been a fantastic year and I will miss him. Nothing but love to his family and I hope that they find good things wherever they go. Short post, but that's really all I had to get out.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Uh...
So I guess this is where I start typing things. I suppose just some things that you should be aware of. Random rants will happen here. This will not be a "everything about me and everything I'm thinking" blog. Seeing as how people I have a professional relationship with will have access to this, it would be wiser for me to censor myself to a degree. If you can't figure out what the title of this blog actually means, you have very limited knowledge of my residence history. Regardless of where I go from here, the name is not likely to change...I could say that the name would just get so long, but it's really more because I'm lazy. The purpose of this blog is simply to give my friends and family an easier way to access what I'm doing or what I've been up to. Time differences and inability to speak on the phone to everyone at length is the major reason for the creation of this blog.
I suppose I can get into some content. As of Monday, I will have been in Moscow for 8 months. Oh what an 8 months they have been. In my very first year of a real person's job, I think I avoided taking a real person's job. It's still a daily struggle balancing being at college as opposed to being in college. If that makes any sense. For the daily frustrations and challenges that my job gives me, I can still say that I thoroughly enjoy what I do. Most, if not all, of the credit for that goes to the people I work with, under, and over. That said, most of those people are leaving me to go on to bigger and better things. I'm allowed to hate on them a little for that. The year itself has been an amazing experience. Growth, learning, and connections would be the major descriptors for it.
All those things combined to cause me to sign up for another year. It was a much harder decision to come back than I probably ever let on. First, there is no way for me to have the same paraprofessional staff next year, thus it is impossible for me to recreate that part of this year in 08-09. Then, many of my professional colleagues are zooming away. So it wasn't really that this year was so difficult that I wouldn't want to come back. It's more so that this year was so incredibly awesome and it will be difficult for me to have a much better one.
That said, I think a lot would have to happen in 08-09 for me to stick around for 09-10. Vertical movement within the department is essentially becoming impossible, so for the sake of having a career, I would need to be moving on. What this will look like, I have no idea. Where? Some idea. What will I do? Good question. Ah, another purpose of this blog will keep you updated on that.
What's coming up? I am headed home in less than 3 weeks! The ticket has been purchased, the cats haven't taken over that room so I have the means to get there and a place to stay while there. I can't wait to get my ass home. Not that I don't enjoy it here in Moscow, it's just that home is where family is. Well, there and San Francisco apparently. By the time I fly in, it will have been 3 months and 10 days since I have seen my parents. For those unfamiliar, that would be the longest I've ever gone without seeing them. When I'm there, I'll also be meeting the newest family member in the cat my parents adopted without telling anyone.
If all goes to plan, I will also be getting myself a tattoo while I'm home. No, the parents are not fans of the idea. Still, they've very much come to terms that it's fully my decision. In the end, that's all that matters. My hope is that they will not like the idea before I get it, but will really end up liking the design that I get.
Well, that's really all that's been happening and all that's going to be happening in the near future. This semester is flying and I can't wait for spring break. I don't know etiquette in closing these things...bye bye.
I suppose I can get into some content. As of Monday, I will have been in Moscow for 8 months. Oh what an 8 months they have been. In my very first year of a real person's job, I think I avoided taking a real person's job. It's still a daily struggle balancing being at college as opposed to being in college. If that makes any sense. For the daily frustrations and challenges that my job gives me, I can still say that I thoroughly enjoy what I do. Most, if not all, of the credit for that goes to the people I work with, under, and over. That said, most of those people are leaving me to go on to bigger and better things. I'm allowed to hate on them a little for that. The year itself has been an amazing experience. Growth, learning, and connections would be the major descriptors for it.
All those things combined to cause me to sign up for another year. It was a much harder decision to come back than I probably ever let on. First, there is no way for me to have the same paraprofessional staff next year, thus it is impossible for me to recreate that part of this year in 08-09. Then, many of my professional colleagues are zooming away. So it wasn't really that this year was so difficult that I wouldn't want to come back. It's more so that this year was so incredibly awesome and it will be difficult for me to have a much better one.
That said, I think a lot would have to happen in 08-09 for me to stick around for 09-10. Vertical movement within the department is essentially becoming impossible, so for the sake of having a career, I would need to be moving on. What this will look like, I have no idea. Where? Some idea. What will I do? Good question. Ah, another purpose of this blog will keep you updated on that.
What's coming up? I am headed home in less than 3 weeks! The ticket has been purchased, the cats haven't taken over that room so I have the means to get there and a place to stay while there. I can't wait to get my ass home. Not that I don't enjoy it here in Moscow, it's just that home is where family is. Well, there and San Francisco apparently. By the time I fly in, it will have been 3 months and 10 days since I have seen my parents. For those unfamiliar, that would be the longest I've ever gone without seeing them. When I'm there, I'll also be meeting the newest family member in the cat my parents adopted without telling anyone.
If all goes to plan, I will also be getting myself a tattoo while I'm home. No, the parents are not fans of the idea. Still, they've very much come to terms that it's fully my decision. In the end, that's all that matters. My hope is that they will not like the idea before I get it, but will really end up liking the design that I get.
Well, that's really all that's been happening and all that's going to be happening in the near future. This semester is flying and I can't wait for spring break. I don't know etiquette in closing these things...bye bye.
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