To Dr Davis

Congratulations to my friend Dr Carrie A Davis, DPM, upon her graduation from podiatry school!
You are AWESOME.

No comment

If you're going to read my blog, I think it's only fair that you comment. Surely I will provoke response on SOME point.

I'd hate to think nobody was reading this. Besides, I know you're out there... Hi Jill, Mike and Carrie!! I miss you guys!

On optimism

Optimism has the reputation for being naive and simple. As a born optimist, I think this is a shame. It's NOT easy to be optimistic, nor does being so make me simple. My optimism requires me to have faith in God, and having faith in God takes WORK. It requires me to have hope-hope that situations will work out for the best, hope that people will live up to their full potential. It requires me to stop looking at myself and my messes, and instead focus on God. Even when I am disappointed in other people, this gift of optimism (and yes, I DO think it's a gift) keeps me believing in them, because Christ does. (it doesn't keep me from the disappointment, but it does keep me hoping)

I have been accused of naivete in this, but I believe this is unfair. To blindly wish for things that are not, or cannot be so, IS naive. However, to hope for the best to come out of situations, regardless of circumstances, is not naive, but a display of my faith that God cares about us infinitely. He cares about what happens to us, and about the choices we make. And regardless of how ignorant or just plain assinine our choices may be, He always offers us the opportunity to redeem things. Not that we can fix it, but that He can do so IN us. Isn't God amazing? No really-not just "God is great", but think about it-God is AMAZING-to love us to the point of repetitive forgiveness, despite our failings. I love what Stormie Omartian says in Just Enough Light for the Step I'm on...

"No matter how far away from God you've gone,

when you surrender your life to the Lord,

a path is carved from where you are to

where you are supposed to be, and He puts you on it."

And later, she goes on to say,

"It doesn't matter what your situation is

at this moment. Wherever you are,

God has a path for you that is filled with good things....

He promises He won't let you fall."

So, no matter what disappointments come my way, or stupid things I do, I have to believe that God is working things for best in me and in those I love. If I don't have this to believe in, I have nothing, and life is dark, indeed. Thanks to Christ's redemption (saving me from myself, and my navel-gazing nature), I can live in a state of "optimism", and wake up daily with faith in God's purpose and love for me.

my first week of teaching

Anyone who says that teaching is easy either hasn't ever taught, or doesn't do it well.

Clueless!

So, DON'T laugh...

Ever since I was in California, I've wanted to dig out the Parent Trap movie-just for the scenery, promise! STOP LAUGHING. Well, Clueless is on the same tape, and as I was forwarding, I stopped for a lighthearted chuckle. At THE pivotal dramatic moment of the film (where Sher realizes that she is in love with umm....her ex-step-brother...), I realize that she is taking refuge and shopping in, like-omigosh!, Rodeo Drive, and in fact she was walking down the stairs that Carrie and I had our photo taken on, right in front of Tiffany's. No WAY, dude...I was all excited, anyhow-I had to rewind it.

I'm such a geeky touristy-type.

Daffodils

The daffodils are blooming-halloo, hallay! (ha-to my Cleveland friends, enshrouded in a wet, gray blanket till June. )

In honor of such a glorious miracle of spring, a poem. Never fear-I didn't make it up. I'm not that smart.

The Daffodils, by William Wordsworth

I wandered lonely, as a cloud
Which floats on high, o'er vales and hills.
When all at once, I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils.

Beside the lakes, beneath the trees...
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the Milky Way,
They stretched, in never-ending line,
Along the margin of a bay.

Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in spritely dance.
The waves beside them danced, but they
Outdid the sparkling waves in glee.
A poet could not but be gay
In such a jocund company.

I gazed and gazed, but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought.
For oft, when on my couch I lie,
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye,
Which is the bliss of solitude.

And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.


Not too bad, considering that I memorized that in eighth grade, for Mrs Shilling's infamous honors language arts class. I can still recite the prepositions, helping verbs and linking verb lists too...What a class that was! Richie Thomas, Mike Maag and Rich Gombach just about drove Mrs Shilling over the edge, I think. Poor woman. But it was a great class-we had a blast, and learned some english along the way, too.

Mourning the death of Pope John Paul II

Although I am not Roman Catholic, I do want to say a little something regarding the death today of this great man. Pope John Paul II performed a most difficult job and fulfilled a highly demanding post with the utmost dignity and grace. He stood for godliness against a sinful world which has largely lost its sense of moral values. He will be sorely missed by all who are aware of the difference this man strove to make toward the furthering of the kingdom of heaven and an awareness of human rights and suffering. My thoughts and prayers are with those of the Catholic faith who are mourning him this weekend. God's comfort be with you all.
Isaiah 61:1-2

Funny Mexico anecdote

I forgot to mention that the first thing I noticed when we crossed the bridge into Tijuana was an Hispanic guy with a chihuahua on a leash.

Random Me

It's so much fun to catch up with an old friend on the phone after months of noncommunication. I realize that some of you think I never get off the phone, but believe it or not, I actually DO have a life.

Middle school kids are my favorite group, so far; they're so uncomplicated. The girls are in the full raging angst of newly discovered hormones, and the boys are just clueless. The boys are the most fun, because they are still really big kids-but cognitively developed enough to carry on intelligent conversation. The girls are mostly giggling blathering idiots, and my heart cries out for them. I remember being 13 and crazy about Luke Lehman, who happened to be my lab partner. I was always worried about what he was thinking of me. In retrospect, it's highly likely that he was barely aware of my existence, especially considering my recent middle school observation experiences. We worked together at a greenhouse during college, incidentally. He turned out to be so dorky-it makes me shudder.

Did I mention my new acquisitions from San Diego? I got some great copper jewelry from Old Town. And, Carrie unwittingly introduced me to some music of a genre I've adamantly avoided since I knew the meaning of the word "genre". I think I might even sort of a little bit like the country music she gave me. Yikes, and yikes again.

My current bedtime reading is a fun collection of short stories called, "English Country House Murders". It's like CLUE, only literary.

I got a gorgeous ivory silk dress with a delicate pink and green flowery pattern on it last fall, after it was too cold to wear it. I wore it for Easter, and felt like a princess. I got several compliments, too. I love pretty new Easter clothes. No Easter basket this year though. I guess mom was too busy with the kiddos to send one. Ah well. Church was lovely, even without a chocolate bunny and colored eggs.

I think I want to get a bamboo plant.

I'm so proud of Shari-she's working on her book at last. It's inspiring.

I learnt to make an omelette from julia Child this week. It turned out so well-stuffed with feta and piperade...I need a special pan for it to be perfect though, I think. On to Eggs Benedict, next!

I have a secret crush on Matt Damon, and another (VERY secret) on Mark Wahlberg. Don't tell!

La Hoya

Who was the brilliant person who decided to spell La Hoya "La Jolla"? My mother (who lived in San Diego for a while) collapsed in laughter when I was trying to explain that we saw the sea lions at La Hoya before driving around La Jolla. How was I supposed to know? I took French.

I'll never laugh at my kids.

Oh, go ahead and chuckle. :P

Rules

Just supposing I were a junior high or high school science teacher, I had to come up with a hypothetical list of classroom rules for an assignment today. Here they are:


1. Respect every person who enters this classroom. Talking while others (including teacher, classmates and guests) are talking is a sign of disrespect. Disrespectful behavior is grounds for removal from class.

2. Collaboration is one of the most important principles of science. We work as a team in this classroom.

3. Questions are the basis of scientific investigation. Feel free to ask any question you have thought about-no question will be ridiculed by teacher or other students.

4. For views of flying objects, take a trip to Dulles Airport. Nothing is to be thrown in this room.

5. This room will be clean before anyone is allowed to leave after class. Encourage your classmates to clean after themselves, or you’ll be helping them do it.

6. Unless you are interested in eating bits of preserved dead worms and frogs, as well as unidentified chemicals, refrain from eating in this classroom. Chewing gum and candy go in the trash when you enter the room.

7. Though technology is an important part of science, handheld communications or music devices are not known to make valid contributions to scientific knowledge. Cell phones, ipods, or other electronic devices should be left in your locker, or they will be confiscated.

I think that about covers it. I'm supposed to get feedback about this, so feel free to leave comments.

Flashback

They say whenever you get a song stuck in your head, you ought to sing the National Anthem, and that gets rid of it.

I don't know what's worse, "Oh, say can you see...", or "I'm a little bit country, and he's a little bit rock and roll..."

Complete with visions of Donnie and Marie dolls wearing pink and purple fringy outfits. Yikes-major flashback to my childhood. Angie and I had those dolls-we'd fight over who got the Marie doll. Nobody wanted Donnie.

I think our dog finally ate him.

San Diego

Spring Break in San Diego!

This is an incredible place-the terrain is beautiful, the people are gorgeous, and the sights unlimited. Chuck and Ruth have been fabulous hosts, and it's been wonderful to spend quality time with Carrie. They've given me the full tourist treatment. What a super family-even Louis the dog welcomed me. :) Too bad...that they live so far away! Though it might not be quite as much fun to visit if they still lived in Iowa. You never know though-this fab fam consistently surprises me. We'd probably find a full week of sight-seeing in Iowa City, too.

I was reminded once again how strongly the genes run in the Davis clan when Carrie and Ruth picked me up from the airport . I don't think my family bears such strong family semblance, but the Davises-wow. Carrie looks like her dad (but blonder!) and acts like her mom, Mike looks just like Ruth, and talks like Chuck. As far as I can tell, Nate resembles his dad in word and deed, but not sure if he looks like him...I know he doesn't look like Louis, anyhow. :) Veddy interesting...

Friday night we went to the beach at Del Mar, walked the dog, watched a little terrier with homosexual tendencies go at it-or try to anyhow. Louis would have nothing to do with him. Hooray for Louis! After dinner we watched the first part of Pride and Prejudice. If I didn't like these people before, I do now-even MY parents wouldn't be interested in that. Chuck said it made him want to see Bridget Jones again. Funny.

Saturday we went on the personalized Chuck Davis Tour of Los Angeles. We stopped at the Crystal Cathedral where Robert Schuller preaches. It's ostentatious to the nth degree. Chuck pointed out that it's appropriate that the church is set only a mile from Disneyland. After lunch at a little Christian burger joint where you have to lurk around waiting to grab the next available table, we went to the Kodak Theater where the Academy Awards are held. On the way there, I got my first glimpse of the Hollywood sign on the hill, and felt like I was really in California. :) We stopped at the Chinese Theater and saw the famous footprints and handprints in the cement, before driving through West Hollywood and into Beverly Hills. Carrie took my picture next to Cary Grant's spot. :D Such a contrast between Hollywood and Beverly Hills! Carrie and I got out at Rodeo Drive, and walked through Prada, Tiffany's, Ralph Lauren, Max Mara and several other froo-froo stores. The streets were crowded, as there was construction going on for the set of a Def Leppard music video to be filmed there. When we tired of the lush life up close, we drove up into Bel Air for a view of the insanely expensive houses and the gorgeous view of LA. I'd had no idea it was going to be so pretty. The afternoon was spent at the Getty Museum viewing art, gardens and architecture, followed by dinner at the Cheesecake Factory (my first time). Yummy! I heartily recommend the Godiva chocolate cheesecake. Chuck says cheesecake is "chick food". I suppose he's right, but since I'm a verifiable "chick", I can enjoy it with a light conscience. As long as I don't think about the calories!

Sunday was a bright sunny San Diego day, and we went to church in the Audi convertible with the top down. Wa-hoo!! Carrie and I had Chipotle for lunch, then spent the afternoon lounging at home. We drove around San Deigo a bit in the evening-the view of the coastline from Mt Solidad is superlative. Ended the evening with the second installment of Pride and Prejudice, then the hot tub. Truly, vacation material.

Monday was San Diego Zoo day. The pandas were kind of a disappointment-the travelling panda exhibit I saw in Toledo about ten years ago was more impressive. The zoo is beautiful though-the flowers are gorgeous. I think the whole thing is good though slightly overrated, but my favorite exhibit was the Galapagos Tortoises. Some of them are over 100 years old! It was fun to imagine the fashions they've seen come through on the other side of their fence over the last eighty years. Davises let me cook dinner for them this evening-it was fun to be able to treat them a little, as a sort of thank you for all they're doing for me. We spent the evening watching the final third of Pride and Prejudice, followed by the hot tub for me and Carrie. Heaven won't be quite complete without a great big hot tub, I think. The last part of the movie is of course, the best part- where the boy gets the girl and everybody goes home happy. Just like Jane Austen, and not at all like reality. Overall, the movie was a hit, I think. I'm glad-I love it.

Tuesday was desert day. I'll have to say that, besides Rodeo Drive and P & P, this was the highlight of the trip. The drive to Anza-Borrego State Park was between 1-2 hours...I'm not exactly sure-there was so much to look at. The mountains there are odd; green, and covered with giant boulders that you expect to slide down and smash you at any moment. It turns to ranch country pretty quickly, with forest fire warning signs everywhere. It was beautiful, though-maybe my favorite place to live, if I were to ever be nuts enough to move there!

The ranch country turns to brown, dusty hills which quickly grow into brown, dusty mountains covered in cacti and yellow wildflowers. When you drive over the mountains and see the desert plain, the view leaves you speechless-vast, flat nothingness, with one town in the middle, and the Salton Sea visible in the far, far distance. The road winds dangerously down the mountains for years, and then you're officially in the desert. It was unlike anything I've ever experienced-I could see why Carrie likes Tucson, if that's what it looks like.

We stopped at the Park Visitor Center, shopped in the gift shop, watched a film about the wildflowers, and went for a short hike around the center, taking tons of flower photos before driving out to see more flowers, several caterpillars, and the badlands from Font's Point. So barren! It was kind of depressing, especially considering that people actually try to travel acroos that vast nothingness to get into the US from Mexico. A little scary to sit on the edge of the cliff, too. (I'm NOT an adventure traveller!)

We took a different route back from the desert, through a mountain town called Julian. The views were gorgeous, the road very wind-y, and lots of evidence of last year's forest fires, whcih was another kind of sad. Julian was a cute little town--I think it must have been a mining town back in the day. Lots of touristy arts and crafts shops. As Ruth said-once you've been to Amish/Mennonite country, arts and crafts anywhere else are pretty much all the same.

Stopped at another natural wonder on the way home-Costco! Pizza for dinner...and Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn for dessert-we watched Charade, for which no one but Carrie stayed entirely awake. Too much stimulation, I guess.

Wednesday morning, and we're headed to Tijuana-though I think Ruth was a bit uneasy about it all. Apparently when one lives so close to the border, one hears all kinds of nasty stories...Well, corrupt police and all-we had no difficulty. Carrie, Ruth and I parked the car, and walked across the border (evidently it's easier that way). The first experience is to be accosted by several Mexican preschoolers, begging for money. A vivid reminder that we are now in a third-world country, and don't you forget it, either. The streets are lined with hawkers, selling their various trinkets and beckoning us into their shops. I am fascinated by them-it takes a talent which I gladly do not possess. We avoid the pharmacias (no steroids for us!), and head for the souvenir shops. I found some great pottery, which was very reasonably priced after haggling with the shop owners. (I hate that part, too. The original prices aren't so high, and you know they're poverty-stricken. Still, it's expected, so when in Rome...or Tijuana, anyhow.)

After making it safely and very easily back across the border, we drove to Mom and Dad's old neighborhood to see if we could find their first apartment. Sadly, it's now entirely a business district, with nary a residence in sight-their house number was sandwiched between a gas company and a furniture store. I took photos anyhow, but it was too bad that everything was so changed. I know they were disappointed when I told them.

As if we hadn't enough movies, Carrie and I decided to go rent one while her parents went to Bible study. (In retrospect, we should have just had our own Bible study, but who thinks of these things at the time?) We sat in the hot tub and watched "Without a Paddle" on my laptop. I think her folks thought we were nuts, when they came home and saw us there. Live dangerously, I say! Just not TOO dangerously. Without a Paddle was distinctly a grown up Goonies, even taking place in Oregon. It was funny-a little more heartwarming than I had expected. I was kind of surprised that it was the best film we could find to agree on. Just goes to show...

Thursday, and my last full day for San Diego sight-seeing. We drove back to Mt Solidad for daytime photos of the coast, then to La Jolla (pronounced La Hoya) in the drizzle to see the sea lions and the magnificent view of the coastline and the commercial hotel/tourist district. The sea lions were funny-they really look like dogs-especially the pups, who really do look like puppies with deformed feet. We went to Old Town San Diego for more souvenir shopping in the rain for the rest of the afternoon, and met Chuck for an early dinner at Su Casa, with authentic mexican fare. We got guacamole made in front of us at the table-I was madly jotting the recipe down as the waiter whipped it together. Yummy!

The evening ended with (of course) one last movie: An Affair to Remember. I did warn Chuck that it was a chick flick, but he didn't seem to mind-just made fun of its semblance to Sleepless in Seattle-which admittedly, is hysterical. I'd hate to think of the abuse we girls would have had to endure had the rest of the Davis males been present. Well, then again maybe not-Nate and Mike probably wouldn't have even stood for it, and we'd have watched something else. Hooray for absence of brotherly intolerance! :P

Carrie and I took one last walk around the neighborhood before we drove to the airport on Friday. It was a truly perfect last day in San Diego-the skies were clear and sunny, and the world smiled through beds and beds of flowers. At the luggage kiosk, I met the very talkative lady I had sat next to on the trip out from Detroit. She and her husband just bubbled over with stories of their visit, and we shared photos of sunny southern California on the plane back to snowy Detroit. Sigh. We had about the same layover before our next flights, and they asked me to join them for dinner. We had a lovely visit-what a fun way to end the trip!

And I'll end my account of Spring Break there, because if I go on, I'll have to include the hour I had to wait for my suitcase at the airport, followed by the tire blowout on the Beltway between Baltimore and DC at 1 am, the night spent in a parking lot in the ghetto after AAA proved useless, and the $200+ I spent getting it repaired the next morning...

So, best to leave the story where it is, and forget about the reality that met me at home. :P C'est la vie! It was a wonderful trip-good friends in a lovely place. A perfect vacation!

Something else to be happy about

Since nobody who would buy it reads this post, I can legitimately post a link to the most beautiful flower arrangement:

http://products.proflowers.com/product/(buaw3w55wvhm0t45xen0fjfz)/productdetail.aspx?pID=5519&lng=&CatID=fTUL&REF=MSNFlowers7760VDay&validAcc=&selectionTypeID=FTUL

See "Timeless Tulips"



And if one MUST buy roses, see these:

http://www.redenvelope.com/re/gifts/product_display/product_information.jsp?nc=56758&BV_SessionID=@@@@0717998462.1107823057@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccceadddjfmkijmcefecefedfgfdfmf.0&refPg=%2fproduct_display%2fgift_results.jsp&bct2=occasion&bcp2=1&bcm2=1%24%24-8031&bct4=valentine%27s+day&bcp4=3&bcm4=1%24%24-9021&bct5=flowers&bcp5=4&bcm5=29$$%2Foccasion%2Fvalentine%27s+day%2Fflowers@@30$$-11724@@35$$11724&catOid=-11724&oid=2646648&nc2=1

Finally, for your cheery dose of good will AND sunshine:

http://products.proflowers.com/product/(smbxuw55gvfky355wirv0i55)/productdetail.aspx?pID=6093&lng=&CatID=fIRI&REF=MSNFlowers7760VDay&validAcc=&selectionTypeID=

I can't WAIT till spring.

:)

Things to be happy about

browsing bookstores
the calendar you wanted to buy but waited for is now on sale for 1/4 of the original price.
The Glass children
painting your bedroom
stripes
bone-warming sunshine
new file systems
sunflowers
being organized
favorite books on your palm pilot, so you can read while waiting.
Super auto maintenance guys who take good care of single girls' cars.
Going home for mom's birthday
plane reservations for spring break
Clownfish
Listening to songs you associate with an old flame
School notebooks covered by your faovrite artwork
and finally, after a year and a half, finding a GREAT CHURCH!!

Life is good.

Blue Champagne

3 am; I know, I know...

I got a flash of poetry inspiration on the way home from dinner tonight. I chanted the wisp I had over and over in my head, hoping to not lose it before it turned into something concrete. I think I succeeded about 70%. I haven't finished it, so we'll see. It's kind of a fun idea I have about Shakespeare's Sonnets.

Lest you think I am a poet, or even an aspiring one-I haven't written poetry since I was required to do so in Miss Fast's creative writing class in the eleventh grade. I write PROSE. When I get up the gumption.

I'm going to read Franny and Zooey in my spare time this weekend. I don't really have any, but I need to read it anyhow. I found a wonderful journal article about how they model the issues and ideals of gifted children so exceptionally well. I remember the first time I read it, I hated it and wondered why I was wasting my Sunday afternoon, until about the last ten pages. Then it was brilliant and I almost cried.

Remind me to talk about my exciting venture into filing systems this weekend.

*yawn*

Grad School Epiphany

I realized yesterday that I have such a hard time with grad school because they no longer test how well I test...they actually assess what I KNOW. Darn it-now I actually have to learn stuff.
:P

I'm telling you: life as a student with "an atypical form of adhd" stinks.

In other news, I'm trying to figure out what to get mom for her upcoming birthday.

In still other news, there aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done. I need to cut something out, but nothing seems to want to go. Additionally, church hasn't seemed to have been on the not-cut list, and I dislike that entirely.

I need a secretary.

Little Known Me

I thought it might be a kick to make a list of things people don't necessarily know about me.

1. I love to SCUBA dive.

2. I used to be a wedding planner. It's not nearly as glamourous as J-Lo makes it look.

3. My first love is acting on stage. I told my mom when I was about 9 years old that I wanted to be an actress, and she told me that I needed to find a "real" job that made a living. So I got a degree in biology. Where's the fun in THAT?

4. I have almost all the certification/licensure requirements met to be considered for a position as a dolphin trainer at Sea World. This is not accidental.

5. I can draw. Really, really well. Actually, when I went back to finish college, I debated between biology -> medicine, and fashion design. See how well that decision went. I also sew; not as well as I'd like, but well enough.

6. I built a closet into my bedroom when I was in high school. I also drywalled it and painted, with minimal assistance. Home Improvement, eat your heart out. Thanks dad, for believing I could do it!

7. I have two classes remaining for a degree in French. I can no longer speak it well enough to save my life, if it were ever necessary to do so. Not sure what to do with this.

8. I play the piano, the cello, and the trumpet, at least minimally. I once took a composition assignment and "composed" a hymn by taking an existing hymn and writing it backwards. Needless to say, it sounded terrible. I'm much better at singing-but I will master the piano if it's the last thing I EVER do.

9. I was the only person in the history of my high school composition and rhetoric class to score 100% on the verbals, gerunds and participial phrases exam. Today, I wouldn't know a gerund if it came up and bit me on the behind.

10. I love to jetski.

11. When I lived at home (with my parents), I grew several gardens-one of only flowers, one of herbs, and one entirely devoted to salsa. I also worked my summers through college at a greenhouse, so I know more than I care to about landscaping and water gardens.

12. I vascillate between wanting a big, floppy golden retriever, and a tiny non-yippy terrier that I can put in my purse and take to school with me. I just can't decide which one would be a better companion for a single career girl.

Know what this list says about me? I am reminded (once again) of my inability to focus.

Hi , my name is Donna, and I'm ADHD...

Just a leetle random...But I'm a lot of fun, too. :)

Reality Bites

I have discovered that I have an inexplicable inclination to avoid dating Southern Baptist guys.

Reality?

The majority of guys I meet whom I'd consider dating are, in fact, Southern Baptist.

Another reason I'm still single.

I should also add that I'm inclined as well to avoid pickup trucks with gun racks and "Got Squirrel" bumper stickers. And I have nothing against Southern Baptists...I just don't want to date them.

Illegitimate things to do while avoiding studying

1. Instant Message
2. Blog
3. Watch a movie
4. Read a magazine
5. Talk on the phone (Hi Sandi!)
6. Doodle
7. Check my email
8. Visit Balafon (Hi Gord!)
9. Play with my landlord's kids
10. Bake something
11. (Even worse) Eat something
12. Amazon or Ebay
13. Take online quizzes
14. Polish my nails (only in the most desperate circumstances)
15. Make wish lists

:P Of course, I never actually DO any of these things.

Legitimate things to do while avoiding studying

1. Laundry
2. Dishes
3. Gas up the car
4. Grocery Shop
5. Pay bills
5. Clean the bathroom
6. Vacuum/dust
7. Read my Bible
8. Organize my schoolwork (technically not studying)
9. Phone my mom
10. Phone my grandma
11. Plan my work schedule
12. Shower
13. Pack my lunch
14. Exercise
15. Practice piano, or French

Perils of the Internet

So how DO you get rid of a guy who is sweet but desperate, and keeps IMing you and can't, just CAN'T get the hint that you're not interested?

I hate to be mean. I'm such a sucker. But this guy HAS to go.

If I ever do that to any of you, just shoot me. or at least tell me to go away. Not that I'll listen.

:P

Greetings and Salutations

Since I just sent my blog address to about a million people, in the random hope that one or two might visit, I thought I'd post a "hello" they'd see before delving into that last bit of nonsense I posted.

For anybody who hasn't talked to me in a while, here's the quick update:

I'm living in Virginia, going to graduate school to get my MEd. It's interesting to be taking education classes instead of science or health-related stuff, but it is a nice change of pace. I've quit the PA thing to do this (just because I hated it), and I'm also applying to medical school-finally!

Let's see, not dating anybody, but I did try the internet thing for a while, with fascinating results. Email me, and I'll be glad to comment.

Oh, and I have four adorable kids in my life these days-not counting my landlord's kiddos. And Angie's expecting for the fifth and LAST time in June. Hooray for being a vicarious parent!

What else? I'm headed to San Diego for spring break, maybe a medical mission trip in May or maybe France later this summer, if Manu will have me to warm her apartment floor and practice my subjunctive verb forms.

Anything else, just ask. I miss you all!

Love,
Donna

Princess

So today I was awakened by Lauren, my landlady's four year old daughter. She's looking over my shoulder as I write, fascinated that I'm writing about her. When asked what I should write, she replies, "I just want you to write my name....or if you have something to draw on your computer, something like a crayon, you can draw me on it then you can put me on the computer." My princess (her nickname) is doing the butterfly walk right now, with her feet together she's flapping her knees like a butterfly. I asked her to describe herself for the blog, what she looks like, and she said to me, "Well, if you look at me then you KNOW what I look like." (moronic me)

Prologue

I had begun with the intention of publishing a fascinating prologue to introduce myself, but after analysing what I'd written so far (I do that a lot), I decided that it sounded definitively boorish. Since I dread projecting such a profoundly inaccurate image (you don't even know me, after all), I nixed the whole thing and I'm starting over.

For anyone expecting profound political or philosophical statements, you're out of luck, I'm afraid. I'm either not smart enough or too disinterested to spend much time on such bothersome trivia. On the other hand, you'll find fun random blurbs here, so if that's your bag, check in every once and a while. :) Oh, and I'm not above the occasional rant.

I'm Donna. That's pretty much all you need to know, to start.

Hi.