the blogyblogblog

10 Questions

2012-02-12T16:54:00.003-06:00

1. Believe. It has a light sound that bounces off your tongue, plus (for me, at least) has connotations of hope and Christmas and maybe something magical. 2. Cheat. Even the sound of it is ugly before you even get to the connotations. "Cheat" would be a good name for one of those bugs that crunches if you get the guts to step on it. 3. Sleeping. In a non-weird way. Everything is better if I

not an act but a habit

2012-02-10T16:13:00.003-06:00

Obsessing over: Summer trip timing and funding. Working on: Wrapping boy's valentine's present in newspaper and the spare tissue paper from Ashley's shopping bag. Klassy. Thinking about: Said summer trip and my two formal administrative observations at work next week. Anticipating: Boy arriving in the next 20 minutes after a snow-y traffic delay, dinner tonight. Listening to: National news

Viral Map of College Allegiances

2012-02-08T19:14:00.000-06:00

You will notice that Notre Dame country extends into Chicago, while Northwestern ("Chicago's Big Ten Team!") is not only minuscule, but also kind of just floating in Lake Michigan. NIU, which honestly produces a much more quality football team than most on the map while being stuck in a crappy division, is so small that you wouldn't even see it without a natural eye for spotting tiny dogs.

Opinions/Suggestions Needed

2012-02-06T20:37:00.000-06:00

If you happen to cross my path/converse with me/comment in the near future, and happen to have insight into either of the following, please let me know: 1. Wedding Readings Do you have a favorite poem or piece of a novel or something that speaks about love/marriage/togetherness? I have to choose a reading for a friend's wedding and unlike 100% of my other friends/weddings, this one is not

Little bird have you got a key? Unlock the lock inside of me.

2012-01-30T20:41:00.001-06:00

The underside of my right foot beneath my ankle started super hurting during my workout today. I think I probably strained a muscle or something (since one of my legs is shorter than the other, I know I put my feet in weird positions on the elliptical- I'm shocked my feet don't hurt constantly)... my main medical resource (1st year med student Ashley) suggested it was a long word I won't spell

you can't ascribe great cosmic significance to a simple earthly event

2012-01-29T15:45:00.001-06:00

Obsessing over: Having a nice apartment. In 6 months. Hey, planning/dreaming early never killed anyone. Working on: Moderating my panic levels about the future. I feel like if boy does quit grad school and move here this summer (which seems increasingly likely), I'm under enormous (unspoken) pressure to be... permanent. Thinking about: The discussion/perception of me at school tomorrow

following the train of her own thoughts rather than the trend of the conversation

2012-01-25T17:20:00.003-06:00

Obsessing over: Feeling less than perfect. I'm so tired and I hurt in several places. Shit is about to get real dramatic if I actually get a mild illness. Working on: Finding hidden reserves of energy before babysitting tonight. Thinking about: How nice summer break will be. Warmness and no school and skirts and flip flops and a trip to NY/NJ and sleeping. Win. Anticipating: JudeAnne

2012-01-22T14:13:00.000-06:00

After drinking to the point that the alcohol was not going to stay in my stomach for many consecutive years (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, & 2010), I actually made it all the way through 2011 without a single regretful episode. I was so proud of myself, having turned that corner of logic and responsibility. This was the beginning of the healthy adult world. Of course, I only made it 3 weeks

Daily Check-In

2012-01-19T18:48:00.002-06:00

Obsessing over: The turn of fortune on chaperoning duties. I was greatly conflicted about chaperoning the trip- the details daunted me, though I wanted the students to get a chance to go. Then yesterday evening, I learned that part of the trip completely went against one of my deep social justice beliefs- a strong enough conviction to compel me to talk to the principal and remove myself from

Today in 'I create my own problems'...

2012-01-17T20:46:00.000-06:00

Sometimes, in my semi-unconscious quest to APPEAR (“appear” being the watchword) to be the perfect teacher, the perfect role model, the perfect Catholic, the perfect scholar, the perfect babysitter, and the perfect friend, I might overcommit myself. When I felt so boring in the fall, I decided I should say ‘yes’ to more things. My revised decision is to not say yes to ALL the things. Also, if

A very Blogy birthday

2012-01-16T14:28:00.001-06:00

Happy 8th birthday, Blogy! You officially make me feel old now.

not by the lights of every passing ship

2012-01-11T15:33:00.000-06:00

Right now, amidst the killer cramps of death and finals grading that I am seemingly incapable of doing (just 20 papers and 160 question responses left… and yet I can’t) and lesson planning that just isn’t happening (Merchant of Venice and Wuthering Heights, you can respectively go fuck yourselves), I’m looking towards anticipation dates: Three-day weekend with boy in town: 3 days. JudeAnne

It took me years to understand that this, too, was a gift

2012-01-10T22:25:00.003-06:00

Boy is having a quarter life crisis, of sorts, in which he is considering dropping out of his PhD program to pursue a career in finance in Chicago. Now obviously this outcome would benefit me in pretty much all ways (note the words “career”, “finance” and “Chicago”), but the downsides are existent. First, boy is extremely talented in academics and has wanted to be a professor forever, so it is

2012-01-08T21:28:00.001-06:00

-Thinking about shopping helps my mood. -The iPad helps my life. -Anxiety. -I kind of want one of those omnipresent Longchamp nylon/leather Le Pilage totes, but why the fuck do they cost $145? Not happening. -I can’t wait until I have a nice clean kitchen of my own in which to cook real food. -There is not a single Republican candidate I would vote for in the 2012 election. And I’m not

On My Mind

2012-01-03T20:59:00.002-06:00

-I potentially have five weddings to attend this year (those of Mary, Sara, Erin, Elizabeth, & Lauren, respectively), with two already set for June and August. Of these five, only one of them is in-state and both booked ones are a plane ride away. This means many things: 1) I'm so, so psyched for my friends; 2) I'm so, so psyched for the inherent reunions that come with these weddings; 3) I'm

30. Free Choice - After 30 days, show us anything you want to!

2012-01-02T23:37:00.002-06:00

I took this picture in October 2006 when Diana, Manny and I went to Paris for the weekend. Of the bajillion photos I have taken, this one won for Free Choice because I'm dying to go to France next summer. I probably won't. But a girl can dream.

29. Accidental Letters – Pushing you a little harder – find a letter made of something in nature or man-made

2012-01-01T16:40:00.001-06:00

Chris in the white sand desert of New Mexico, bringing you the letter Y (or X?) in July 2009. Happy 2012!

28. Furry Friends – Can be your pet(s) or any kind of furry creature if you don’t have a pet

2011-12-29T17:09:00.004-06:00

Yes, this happened. Go Irish, beat Noles! In the extremely fake and non-important bowl game! Buddy in his new ND jersey with a football. And Jenna's ND sparkle hat. I'm obsessed. Christmas 2011.

27. Abandoned – Something that’s been abandoned

2011-12-28T12:17:00.003-06:00

The high-heeled shoes are always first to be abandoned at a party that starts at 3am. At the Royal Wedding Bash, April 2011. Almost Done 28. Furry Friends – Can be your pet(s) or any kind of furry creature if you don’t have a pet 29. Accidental Letters – Pushing you a little harder – find a letter made of something in nature or man-made 30. Free Choice - After 30 days, show us anything you

26. Looking Up – Do what it says – take a picture looking up.

2011-12-27T17:03:00.002-06:00

October 2010 at Notre Dame. I think the underlying theme of my photo challenge was 'fall at ND'.

25. Rocks, Stones, Pebbles – Self Explanatory

2011-12-26T14:08:00.002-06:00

Painted rocks on the shore of Lake Michigan at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL. June 2011. Excellent Tolstoy quote FTW.

24. Easter – What says Easter to you?

2011-12-23T16:51:00.005-06:00

Well. this photo post says Easter to me, but the most important part of any religious holiday at my household is the gathering of family, as in this photo from Easter 2010. On crazed gatherings, tonight is the annual epic Jody Christmas party. Surely many more photos will ensue.

23. Color – Something that shows vibrant color

2011-12-22T15:44:00.002-06:00

The vibrant green of the field and the student section, topped by the Golden Dome and the Basilica. Fall at its best. Only 5 days until the bowl game, 8.5 months until the trauma starts all over again. Home opener, September 2010.

22. Fashion – Anything that has to do with fashion

2011-12-21T09:44:00.000-06:00

Photograph of my cousin Jennifer going to her September 2011 wedding, wearing a custom made Vera Wang gown. So fabulous. Love the delicate little buttons stitched over the elegant lace on top.

21. Church – A photograph of any church

2011-12-20T15:42:00.001-06:00

Perhaps one of the most famous churches in the world, the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence with its beloved Duomo is stunning.You cannot take a bad picture of it. Italy, October 2006. What's left: 22. Fashion – Anything that has to do with fashion 23. Color – Something that shows vibrant color 24. Easter – What says Easter to you? 25. Rocks, Stones, Pebbles – Self Explanatory

20. Books – Get creative with a stack of books

2011-12-19T20:35:00.001-06:00

It's not a "stack" of books... but it is a book... and Ashley is so pretty. In Long Beach, July 2011.

19. Insects – Love ‘em or hate ‘em, let’s shoot ‘em!

2011-12-18T20:51:00.005-06:00

Shockingly, I have almost zero photos of insects. It is almost as if I avoid them. But dragonflies are less yucky then other bugs, so if you look closely, you can see one sitting atop the center flower bud. Lily pad garden at Epcot's China, June 2011.

Daily Life Reminders from Facebook Ads

2011-12-17T16:38:00.000-06:00

1) Get engaged, 2) hook your obviously impending babies on Notre Dame at a really young age, 3) buy ALL the dresses, 4) ARE YOU ENGAGED YET?, and 5) never forget you live on the north side of Chi, no batter how much baseball bores you.

18. Reflections – Anything that casts a reflection/shows a reflection

2011-12-17T15:57:00.002-06:00

Lizzy reflecting on herself during wedding prep. May 2010. My reflective list for the day- things I'm thankful for since I've woken up: ~Unexpected (and thus eighteen times as exciting), thoughtful first gifts of Christmas from the fabulous JudeAnne and Mrs. Ceniceros. ~The fact that because New Year's Resolutions don't kick in for a few weeks for lazy people, the gym still isn't crowded. ~

17. Emotions – Something showing emotion

2011-12-16T16:27:00.003-06:00

I'm not sure what emotion this is... but it is definitely emotion. Tricia at Nail Bar, April 2010.

2011-12-15T20:16:00.001-06:00

<--- 2010 <-- 2011 -->

It is in vain to say human beings ought to be satisfied with tranquility: they must have action; and they will make it if they cannot find it.

2011-11-09T21:22:00.000-06:00

I’m looking forward to... The University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation benefit at the Four Season’s on Saturday. I love an excuse to wear a formal gown and Chris looks great in a tux. And also, free champagne FTW. Seeing Eli next week for the ND/BC game, the last home game of my baby sister’s undergraduate career. We’ve had constant sisters on campus since my arrival at Notre Dame

2011-11-08T19:03:00.000-06:00

Today, during my observation by a school administrator, one of my male students entered the room, stood on a desk, and stuck the above magazine cover next to the crucifix (already awesome considering the conservative religious nature of the observer). And then announced that he'd found my twin, Emma Stone, which fascinated the class with much fanfare. You can imagine how ready everyone was to

2011-11-03T22:49:00.001-05:00

I have been hesitant to speak of the Kelli O’Laughlin murder on Blogy for several reasons. First, it seems inappropriate, given that most my posts lately are the tone of ‘omg, photos shopping puppies football Paris football cookies’. But second and more significantly, I hate when people act over-dramatically affected by tragedies just because they happen near them. Kelli, a 14-year-old

Il n’y a que deux endroits au monde où l’on puisse vivre heureux: chez soi et à Paris.

2011-11-01T22:24:00.000-05:00

Is wanting an endless variety of macaroons a good enough reason to go to France this summer? I think so. Plus Paris is kind of/sort of/almost/not really quite the halfway point between Chicago and Hong Kong (technically I figured Greece is the approximate halfway destination, but seeing as the country could be in ruins by morning, I'm not going to hold my breath for summer), so for any of my

invariably the beneficiaries of hidden advantages and extraordinary opportunities and cultural legacies

2011-10-30T20:12:00.000-05:00

Second Sunday in a row that I feel like death. It might have something to do with the fact that I haven't had a decent night sleep in at least 11 days, but that's beyond the point. Also, I have a formal principal observation tomorrow and I emailed my lesson plan to myself from my office computer to prep tonight. Logically, I can't sign in to my email today as "my password is wrong". Awesome.

True Stories.

2011-10-26T18:10:00.001-05:00

X - 50 hours until the Halloween party. And after yesterday's 15 hour work day, all I have between me and this holiday is 2 full days of school, one assembly, two principal observations, the end of King Lear, four meetings, and 5 hours of babysitting. That's... almost nothing. “In Girl World, Halloween is the one night a year when a girl can dress up like a total slut and no other girls can

2011-10-23T14:02:00.000-05:00

Fucking Notre Dame fucking football. Ugh. I don’t even want to talk about it. 7 hours of tailgating was pretty sweet though. I kind of feel like death today. But I’m going to pretend it is just from general dehydration/total lack of sleep all week and not the fact that I can’t day-drink anymore. "What I've learned from the game: 1) the first few notes to Crazy Train; and 2) Notre

2011-10-19T23:13:00.000-05:00

2.5 days until the epic USC night game slash the insane mass migration to ND on Saturday. I have a lot of friends coming in for it... and the game should (hopefully) be good, albeit tough for the Irish. Also tough for fans, who will probably start tailgating at the normal time (11am), except the game will start four hours later, so the extra hours of drinking will inevitably be messy/disastrous

2011-10-18T18:36:00.001-05:00

Most of the ads on the side of my Facebook profile are for engagement rings or online pregnancy chat boards (HAVE AN AGENDA MUCH, FACEBOOK ADVERTISING?!? I kid. Sort of.), but every once in a while I get a gem like the one above. I CAN be a teacher! And hold creepy naked infants in snow hats IN THE PALM OF MY HAND. This is clearly what I do every day as a teacher anyway, so I feel validated.

2011-10-17T17:44:00.000-05:00

Today, my baby sister got a $180,000.00 merit scholarship to University of Chicago Medical School. $180k. Merit. U of C. Holy fuck. Today, I incorrectly cited a speech from Shakespeare's King Lear to Act II: Scene 1, when really it was in Act II: Scene 4. At a Catholic school that probably works out to earning about $1/hour (ok, that's mildly hyperbolic. Mildly.). Just for comparison.

How happy is the blameless vestal's lot! The world forgetting, by the world forgot.

2011-10-15T12:14:00.000-05:00

Sitting in a Madison coffee shop on this fine bye-week Saturday, I couldn’t figure out why October 15 was a date that stuck out to me. I checked Facebook- no important birthdays, no notable invites or parties. I thought about family things; no birthdays or anniversaries or deaths came to mind. So I Googled ‘historical events on October 15’ and found the following information: 1520 - King Henry

materialism and the success of brand labeling

2011-10-13T23:02:00.002-05:00

I pass an iPad 2 billboard similar to this one every single day on my way home. I'm pretty sure it is a sign I should buy one. Also because on my second 14hr workday this week, one of my students threw up 10min into the PSAT I was administering in class... and because the meds I took after that for my killer cramps must have had caffeine in them, so I couldn't fall asleep until 4am this

love and marriage and coincidental anniversaries

2011-10-11T22:23:00.000-05:00

Today is the anniversary of both of my maternal and paternal grandparents (in 1941 and 1947 respectively). Random and auspicious happenstance. And while I'm still not ready to be married any time too soon, I do find this day of great appeal. October 11, 2014 does fall on a Saturday... but as you all know, October Saturdays are devoted to a higher call (read: ND football), so I'm not sure

you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future

2011-10-09T11:17:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, the Notre Dame-Air Force game had a victory that looked like this, 80 degree + sunny weather in October, a tailgate that included margarita flip cup, and the company of my hometown bestie and many other friends. Can this be all football games for always? Because it pretty much makes me love life excessively. kthanx You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect

Day 30 — A picture of someone you miss.

2011-10-07T19:29:00.001-05:00

For reals, I seriously don't miss 5th grade (side note: generally ugliest grade ever?)... or most my grade school classmates. At ALL. Ugh, college and high school ftw. But the point is that I do miss the person I was at various points in the past. The person who wasn't remotely cynical or skeptical, who had never experienced real loss or pain. Who was optimistic and had far flung plans for

Day 29 — A picture that can always make you smile.

2011-10-06T19:14:00.000-05:00

The most stereotypical girl thing I do is completely flip a shit every time I see a small animal, especially puppies. Seriously. And when I'm having a rough day (slash don't want to grade any more ridic student essays), I watch videos of small animals on YouTube and it brightens my life every single time. NO SHAME.

Day 28 — A picture of something you're afraid of.

2011-10-05T22:44:00.001-05:00

It is absurd how much I fear people realizing that I am not nearly as smart (or thin or put together or confident or authentic) as I pretend to be.

Day 27 — A picture of yourself and a family member.

2011-10-04T20:53:00.001-05:00

Just realized I look kind of naked in this photo, but I promise I had on a formal dress. And it was like 2am at my cousin's wedding (PS: my cousin just announced she's having a BABY, omg, so excited!), so you'll have to let the red cheeks go. We're Irish- it's kind of beyond control. Also, sometimes I can see where/why people get the three of us confused. Also also, I know Diana makes

Day 26 — A picture of something that means a lot to you.

2011-10-03T19:06:00.000-05:00

Notre Dame means a lot to me in ways that go far beyond just academic or football (though those are unquestionably powerful). I met some of my closest friends there. I had some of my most significant life experiences there. And it was there that I realized many of the blessings and sacrifices and compromises I had to make in becoming a grownup. There have been times (both as a student and

Day 25 — A picture of your day.

2011-10-02T15:30:00.000-05:00

Monday through Friday, 6:40 A.M. to 4 P.M., this is what my day looks like. Just add in lots of teenagers screaming about homecoming and a good dose of plaid and knee highs... and you understand. It's wonderful.

Day 24 — A picture of something you wish you could change.

2011-10-01T12:20:00.002-05:00

Chicago- my beautiful, dynamic, comforting, and completely corrupt hometown. I love so much about Chi city, but there is SO much I wish I could change. The insane level of systemic political corruption that feels too old and too constant and too entrenched to fix. The highest-in-the-country sales tax that puts non chain stores out of business. The excessive domination of labor unions that

Day 23 — A picture of your favorite book.

2011-09-30T15:28:00.005-05:00

I've read The Great Gatsby cover to cover at least six full times and each time I do, I get something new out of it. Truly stunning writing, phenomenal story, memorable characters. If I develop half the craft of F. Scott Fitzgerald in my lifetime, I will consider myself blessed (and a kick-ass writer at that).

Day 22 — A picture of something you wish you were better at.

2011-09-28T17:17:00.000-05:00

There are lots of things I wish I could do better (run, cook, do yoga, properly and clearly analyze poetry), but I know if I work at them, I will improve. I could be a good runner or cooker or yogi or AP English poetry if I put forth some earnest effort. But I do not think I am capable of being good in a foreign language. I've tried... and I can learn to read and understand a foreign language

Day 21 — A picture of something you wish you could forget.

2011-09-27T17:28:00.001-05:00

Halloween 2007, about 11 drinks in to the night Just to be clear, I truly don't want to forget any person I've met or any experience I've had. Even situations and relationships that turned out to be dramatic/problematic/overwhelming are still very important to me, as they forced me to grow up and learn a lot about myself. That said, I wouldn't mind forgetting a few gaps in judgment. I would

Day 20- A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel

2011-09-26T17:35:00.001-05:00

This list could get lengthy. But first and foremost, I'd love to visit my overseas-and-longest-distance-love, 1) DA in Hong Kong. I've never been to Asia, so may as well start out with one of its more crowded and expensive venues. At least I know from our extensive travels in 2006 that Manny and Diana have a high tolerance for my awkwardness and penchant for western food/intolerance for

Day 19- A Picture of You When You Were Little

2011-09-25T01:54:00.001-05:00

Photos like this (from a dance recital in 1993) remind me that my real calling in life might be to design children's dance costumes. I love the pink gingham ruffles that dangle over the butt on my costume that so perfectly match the oversized head bow. It makes a lot of sense for tap dance routine, really, and is so universally flattering. Though to be fair, Princess Beatrice would probably

Day 18 — A picture of your biggest insecurity.

2011-09-23T16:19:00.001-05:00

My oversized nose and my uneven body. With a slightly more delicate face and more balanced frame, I'd feel 150% better about my appearance. But these issues have bothered me since age 14... and they bother me much less than they used to. So maybe by the time I'm 34 it'll be almost nothing. (Though by then, I'll probs be too busy being insecure about aging anyway)

Day 17 — A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.

2011-09-22T16:06:00.000-05:00

Tea makes a huge impact on my life every day. No seriously. Without my two mega doses of black tea each work morning, I'm not sure I'd have a personality... and I'm sure I couldn't work with 110 teenagers each day.

Day 16 — A picture of someone who inspires you.

2011-09-21T17:29:00.000-05:00

Child survivors of a Nazi concentration campI am inspired by people who have experienced true loss, horror, or pain (cancer patients, those who have lost spouses or children, survivors of violence at any level, etc.), yet remain upbeat. Those who do not just keep existing and continuing each day, but find joy in life and do not let suffering hold them back. That drive and energy and hope reminds

Day 15 — A picture of something you want to do before you die.

2011-09-19T17:39:00.000-05:00

It's a strange thing to think about at age 25... and at a point where I can barely afford my life, much less dependent lives... but I do want to have kids/a family before I die slash within the next decade. They don't have to be as shiny and multiethnic as above, but obviously they have to wear ND gear from birth.

Day 14 — A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.

2011-09-18T14:30:00.000-05:00

The extended Krug family at Jenny's wedding, 9-10-11 I literally cannot imagine my life without my sisters and parents, but really, my extended family has had such an influence on me that I don't know where I'd be without them. My concepts of holidays and families and well-being and religion are entirely based on our large family gatherings. I didn't even realize that the extraordinary closeness

Day 13 — A picture of your favorite band or artist.

2011-09-17T22:31:00.001-05:00

Beyond a range of musical genius and reinvention that rivals few in music history (the Beatles and Radiohead come to mind), the Pumpkins are also responsible for my now 3+ year old relationship with boy. There isn't a single mood that SP doesn't match... as much as a white band from Chicago can match the moods of a white girl from Chicago, but still. Oh, also NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL, WHAT UP?! A 2-1

Day 12 — A picture of something you love.

2011-09-16T17:05:00.001-05:00

At Jen and Billy's wedding Diego, Me, Eli, and Diana, Spring Break Cruise- March 2008Chambana, March 2009 I love the randomness/absurdity/ridiculousness/connectedness of of my close friends. You know that anything that looks this dumb from the outside must be truly awesome on the inside. Well, you should know that, at least. I swear all my friends aren't creepy.

Day 11 — A picture of something you hate.

2011-09-15T16:16:00.000-05:00

There isn't very much I hate in the world, but I absolutely despise when people use religion to propagate their hateful, cruel, completely illogical agendas. You say you have an all-loving, all-merciful God... but he condemns basically everyone who isn't you? It is this willful ignorance that I cannot stand. If people took five minutes to think through their beliefs, or if they were so

Day 10 — A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with.

2011-09-14T17:14:00.002-05:00

The above photo is from my ex's Beerlympics party in February 2008. Annie, Eli and I all switched shirts, for some unclear reason. Annie and I did a shot of straight Everclear, for literally no reason. A few rounds of Everclear-lemondade-pong later, I got legit sick, at which point ex decided it was the right time to be in my space. Valentine's Day was five days later and after a romantic date,

Day 09 — A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.

2011-09-13T16:05:00.000-05:00

Fenwick girls, Halloween 2010Notre Dame girls + 2, September 2007 after UCLA win Well the obvious answer for this is "my friends", both from FHS and ND. I had some major, life-changing experiences as a teenager and beyond and without these girls, I wouldn't have gotten through them in one piece. Also, I just had a war flashback to how messy the family rooms at Bulla house were. Yikes.

Day 08 — A picture that makes you laugh.

2011-09-12T15:55:00.000-05:00

At Jen's Wedding 09-10-11This picture makes me laugh for several reasons: 1) Happy memory- the girls look gorgeous (love ALL the dresses) and it is obvious that everyone is having a fun time at Jenny's wedding. 2) Jenna's face. 3) That Jenna was the one who insisted on taking this picture. And dancing. And then wasn't ready for the picture or the dancing.

Day 07 — A picture of your most treasured item.

2011-09-11T19:02:00.000-05:00

Buddy isn't really an "item", as he is a glorious living creature, but technically he is owned, so that is item enough. And also, he is a great treasure. I ADORE this dog- he is so sweet and empathetic and charming that I smile just thinking about him. Sometimes he can be a jerk (like when he literally chews on the walls or refuses to stop eating a cicada no matter how much a shriek at him), but

Day 06 — A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day.

2011-09-10T12:11:00.000-05:00

Kate, The Duchess of Cambridge I mean... no explanation needed.

Day 05 — A picture of your favorite memory.

2011-09-08T21:30:00.000-05:00

DisneyWorld with Diana, 09/2010 Kind of like 'favorite nights', I have lots of favorite memories too, but memories with great friends and/or Disney memories always are a win, and this photo has both. I would live at Disney World if I could. And also, I would see all my friends (high school + college + beyond) daily if I could too. OH ALSO I HAVE WAY TOO MUCH TO DO RIGHT NOW. Enough so that I had

Day 04 — A picture of your favorite night.

2011-09-07T18:44:00.001-05:00

with Annie at a bar in Chicago, Aug '07 I have a lot of favorite nights... and a lot of them are from the summer of 2007, when we could legally drink, but senior year (and its encompassing drama/bad decisions/anxiety and concurrent birth of the great recession) hadn't yet started. No one had stressful jobs, no one was married or even engaged yet, all were free of major responsibilities... we just

Day 03 — A picture of the cast from your favorite show.

2011-09-06T19:09:00.000-05:00

Well, "Gossip Girl" was kind of a given, despite how truly trashy/terrible it has been in recent seasons. Honorable lifetime mentions go to: "Alias" and "Buffy", of course. In more exciting and vaguely traumatic news, DA moves across the world tomorrow. Amazing adventure, though terribly far away. WHO WILL TALK TO ME ABOUT "GOSSIP GIRL" NOW? AND ALSO OPENLY JUDGE STRANGERS? Sigh. The Hong Kong

Day 02: A picture of you and the person you have been close with the longest.

2011-09-05T09:08:00.001-05:00

with the fam at the ND game last weekendI guess it is sort of a cop out to put a picture of my whole family as the "person" I've been close with the longest... but it is literally true, so I'm calling it fair game.

Thirty Day Photo Challenge: Day 1

2011-09-04T13:23:00.001-05:00

Ganked off a Facebook friend. Because I really don’t want to lesson plan. Or talk about Notre Dame football. Day 01 — A picture of yourself with fifteen facts.Day 02 — A picture of you and the person you have been close with for the longest.Day 03 — A picture of the cast from your favorite show.Day 04 — A picture of your favorite night.Day 05 — A picture of your favorite memory.Day 06 — A

2011-09-02T20:46:00.000-05:00

My mom always complained that mini class night at my high school was the hottest night of the year. I told her that was hyperbolic and it was just a brief introduction to what daily life was like for us. As a teacher, I can confirm now she was correct then (see: photo from my Honda yesterday where I went to make a phone call at 6pm). In fairness, my car was going a little crazy... I think it

sleep is for weak people.

2011-08-29T19:28:00.000-05:00

This is me. All day long. Seriously. The only slight change is that instead of cute LoLCatSpeak, it's more like "mer ramble mer mer OSCAR WILDE mer mer SWIFT! DICKENS words mer mer".

they somehow already know what you truly want to become

2011-08-27T13:59:00.000-05:00

The first week of school actually went quite well… almost as good as possible, save my one gaffe of messing up the bell schedule and letting my seniors out early the first day. Eeee yes. But it’s been good and I really like all my coworkers and (most) my students. The only downside is that I’ve slept no more than 5ish hours a night for two weeks now, so my brain is slowing