tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29764788355782519212024-03-13T11:31:42.485-07:00Ruthie in the City of Subdued ExcitementRuthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542766844303258013noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2976478835578251921.post-2780943453809849552009-01-24T19:38:00.000-08:002009-01-24T19:45:45.564-08:00Oh my.I can't believe how much we young people pack our lives.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542766844303258013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2976478835578251921.post-23132548418819916082009-01-09T12:42:00.000-08:002009-01-09T12:44:56.458-08:00Communication Breakdown.Life would just move so much more smoothly if everyone was better at communication. Lately I've been running out like a madwoman, frustratedly trying to figure out scheduling, study plans; trying to figure out what all these people want from me...<br /><br />whew.<br /><br />My life's really not that bad, but complaining is an art.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542766844303258013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2976478835578251921.post-49442280890642408432008-12-28T17:19:00.000-08:002008-12-28T17:28:45.651-08:00Cozy.The carnage of last night's supper lies splayed on our countertop, a minimalist Christmas tree like a sentinel in the corner. We are young, and manifestations of our brilliant ideas and obsessions litter this space, awaiting completion.<br /><br />Ah, three whole days of sleeping in, drinking coffee by the fire and watching the first season of Six Feet Under. I'm so very thankful for this break, even though I'm going broke and I'll soon have to face another whirlwind of a quarter. At this point I'm trying not to think about it.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542766844303258013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2976478835578251921.post-17036094560691590422008-12-24T23:05:00.000-08:002008-12-28T17:19:18.952-08:00Fait Accompli!!!Wooo! I made it through Christmas at work! Now I get to enjoy ten lazy days off being cozy in my awesome new bomber hat that Jordan got me... <br /><br />http://madbomber.com/madbomber/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=81<br /><br />The picture doesn't do it justice, but this hat is amazing. The rabbit fur feels so nice on my face, and it muffles out noise (as in, on the bus when I'm trying to read). <br /><br />Tonight was the big extended family Christmas celebration, which is always just a bundle of hugs, compliments, cookies, meat, meat, meat, and Bob and Augie's guitar playing. My dad and I accompanied them on some carols around the tree (oh so picturesque, I know).Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542766844303258013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2976478835578251921.post-60178096629840238462008-12-23T20:37:00.000-08:002008-12-23T20:43:10.522-08:00half the fun of itChristmas is a holiday of secrets. Everyone is talking behind each others' backs and sneaking bags into the house.... It's been so hard for me to keep gifts secret from people:<br /><br />somebody: "I think I'll buy myself a _______."<br />me: "No! You shouldn't..."<br />somebody: "Why?"<br />me: "Well...because.........[insert sly response to distract victim]."Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542766844303258013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2976478835578251921.post-1491019114168363812008-12-19T22:02:00.000-08:002008-12-19T22:11:18.882-08:00Tired.First of all, why you people gotta be so mean? -in reference to someone you probably don't know.<br /><br />I'm really having fun with the whole Christmas thing, as I've said before. I'm getting Corban figure skates. He's going to start lessons in January. Jordan's getting everyone bomber hats from www.madbomber.com, which is going to be amazing. I'm also going to baking lots of Pulla, which is a butter and egg-packed Finnish cardamom bread.<br /><br />We're pulling through at work, but the snow slowed us down a bit this week and probably will again after Sunday. I'm praying with all my might to Quetzalcoatl for help. A blood sacrifice will be needed soon.<br /><br />Christmas madness is almost over though, and then it's on to Valentine's Day!!Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542766844303258013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2976478835578251921.post-42282664583481595092008-12-18T22:07:00.000-08:002008-12-19T22:02:41.561-08:00Snow day.Today I attempted to actually brush my teeth for the recommended two minutes--it's absolutely impossible. No human being is capable of completing said deed. <br /><br />I also got to watch my neighbor's adorable kids for a couple of hours. They are 11, 7, 5 and 18 months old, and we had an awesome time making snowflakes and playing blocks and helicopter. The 18-month-old had lots to say, his favorite being (in reference to an animal of some sort) "He nose!", "He tail!", "He eye!", etc. He also told me his hair was real and pink. hm.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542766844303258013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2976478835578251921.post-5069696299394943092008-12-16T21:53:00.000-08:002008-12-16T22:03:18.938-08:00Strange ConditionsWithin the past few months, I've been told by more than one doctor or healthcare figure that "I've never seen a case like this before..." Instantly, of course, I begin to run through all the ramifications of that phrase in mind. That could either be very bad or very good.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542766844303258013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2976478835578251921.post-85422050088568048372008-12-13T21:36:00.000-08:002008-12-13T21:37:32.553-08:00Finally...it's snowing!!! We're going to get our tree tomorrow out past Glacier. Now we just have to make the ornaments. I'm stoked for Christmas this year--I'm really getting into it.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542766844303258013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2976478835578251921.post-66237300815737321782008-12-11T22:46:00.000-08:002008-12-11T22:51:53.921-08:00Lost a thought and gained another.My Anthropology class has corrupted me. I dream about ancient hominids, and have words like Zinjanthropus boisei and Homo floresiensis running through my head all day. This last quarter has definitely been the most interesting for me to date, I'm definitely grateful for my awesome professors.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542766844303258013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2976478835578251921.post-83117432844735472522008-12-10T12:02:00.000-08:002008-12-10T12:03:24.416-08:00BahhhhBlogspot deleted my post yesterday. I will smite the internet.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542766844303258013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2976478835578251921.post-37790006919572665782008-12-08T15:31:00.000-08:002008-12-08T15:36:46.855-08:00Mbleggghhhh D:I dislike being sick >__<<br /><br />...and working too much. It's okay. The only reason I don't like working a lot is getting up in the morning. It's laaame.<br /><br />On a lighter note, school ends this week, and I'm definitely ready to get more sleep.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542766844303258013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2976478835578251921.post-84256913668171960872008-12-06T16:11:00.000-08:002008-12-06T16:21:43.043-08:00Talking to Myself...I feel a little lost and alone in my tiny cyberbubble here. Also, I'm sick, and I found out that I'm not very good at gargling. I swallowed a lot of salt water just now. sigh. I'm lucky, though. This is only my second bout of sickness this season. I guess maybe I am taking better care of myself. Kudos to me! Speaking of which, I just dropped a class from Winter quarter, and it's going to be a huge relief. For my independent studies, I need 30 hours of work study/research per credit. That won't be hard for the independent study in chocolatiering, but I'm also setting up a co-op Early Childhood Education study. I already tutor Spanish, but this will mean I actually have to structure it and present my work. I also want to do some site visits and maybe start volunteering at A Step Ahead Bilingual Learning Center. That would be pretty rad.<br /><br />I watched Happiness the other day. Great movie, and very well done, but so messed up. Or at least it presents you with the kind of subjects no one really wants to think about. Bart's quitting at Blockbuster, so we'll probably lose some momentum on our movie watching, but that just means more reading!Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542766844303258013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2976478835578251921.post-53371499469438544932008-12-03T11:42:00.000-08:002008-12-03T11:53:44.266-08:00Happy Wednesday!"I will fall upon her suddenly and destroy her virginity."<br />-Yigenek, Kitabi Dada Gorgud<br /><br />Somehow, at least three times in my life, I've unintentionally wandered into cat shows. I think maybe the cat is my spirit animal....<br /><br />I have many good things to read. For my humanities class, I'll be reading Bobo and the Catfish, an epic word sequence poem by Frank Stanford; part of the Silmarillion, The Battle of Kosovo, parts of the Secret History of the Mongols, Woman of Steel, Another Account of the Queen of Sheba (from the Ethiopian epic The Glory of the Kings), part of Dante's Inferno, part of El Cid, the Nibeleunga-somethin or other, part of Gilgamesh, and some other stuff. I know what I'm doing this weekend.<br /><br />I'm also performing this weekend! For Friday's Art Walk downtown, the Mahala dancers are doing three shows at 7:00, 7:30 and 8:00 in the Crown Plaza building between the Sandalwood Salon and the Lucky Monkey (across from Taco Lobo). It should be pretty fun, as should the rest of the Art Walk, which features performance art and other local arts. <br /><br />And...I get to go to Mt. Baker this Sunday! I'm going with my family to get a Christmas tree for the apartment...though I have no idea how to decorate it yet since neither Bart, Jordan or I have any decorations. We'll figure something out I'm sure. Hurray for Christmas! ahhh! I love it.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542766844303258013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2976478835578251921.post-47446347360360889652008-11-28T13:34:00.000-08:002008-11-28T13:36:15.692-08:00Friday.I took the day off of work today, and I'm sitting an my pajamas eating crepes with herbed brie. I'm a happy Aries right now.<br /><br />Tomorrow is Gretchen's annual Lord of the Rings marathon! I can't wait!Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542766844303258013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2976478835578251921.post-39527803143679063422008-11-23T11:04:00.000-08:002008-11-23T11:16:30.552-08:00Almost there.Last night the bus smelled like pumpkin pie. I had been at work earlier, trying to persevere but having a hard time. I'm counting the hours until school is over and I can live at the chocolate shop and go home to nothing but food and books.<br /><br />The Of Montreal show on Wednesday was nothing short of amazing:<br />Enter four golden Buddhas carrying the Ark of the Covenant, followed by five androgynous, heavily costumed men. Buddhas start to dance around and music begins...<br /><br />That was just the beginning. They had tons of props, mostly homemade, backup dancers, a rotating stage, and a screen in the background showing psychedelic subliminal images. At one point they hung the lead singer and later brought him back out in a coffin, covered him in red paint and whipped cream, and proceeded to spray him and the entire audience with feathers from a leaf blower. Needless to say, much fun was had.<br /><br /><br />Their shows are always different, always ridiculous. <br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VRuthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542766844303258013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2976478835578251921.post-88021976335786148262008-11-21T23:04:00.001-08:002008-11-21T23:04:33.773-08:00I'mtired.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542766844303258013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2976478835578251921.post-49030019854414314572008-11-18T12:18:00.000-08:002008-11-23T10:56:00.789-08:00Microcosms of an Undercurrent.His heart thuds a dhol beat when they exchange looks,<br />eyes sweeping in demure parallel; they both lower glances.<br /><br />In a small place like this, terrible instances occur.<br />Introverts subtly assert themselves,<br />explosive phrases whisper.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542766844303258013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2976478835578251921.post-66357666014517042082008-11-16T12:16:00.000-08:002008-11-16T12:35:02.185-08:00Heroes Now and Then.I'm sitting in my apartment, writing this and listening to Akron instead of doing my homework. Once I finish these last few assignments the rest of the quarter will be easy...I just have to actually finish them....<br /><br />The apartment is cold, all clothes and winter sunshine littering the floor. The light always seems to shine brighter in the winter, such a simple pleasure. I had my 10 ounces of coffee this morning (I'm monitoring it, I'm pretty sensitive to coffee. Once I drank too much and worked 25 hours at the chocolate shop---I never told my boss.)<br /><br />I'm reading The Book of Dede Korkut (Dada Gorgud) for my Humanities class, and some of their cultural expressions just tickle me pink. The Dede Korkut is the epic of the Oghuz Turks (supposedly the original Turks). The Inner Oghuz live in a tribal Western Mongolian society under various Khanates, and their lives are centered around horses and subsistence farming. Just a few interesting expressions in the book:<br /><ul><li>When mourning, the Oghuz tore their cheeks and "wept bloody tears"</li><li>The Oghuz society is quite egalitarian. In the story of Bamsi Beyrek, Beyrek must first beat his betrothed in a horserace, an archery competition and a wrestling match before she will consent to marry him. I thought this part was pretty funny:</li><li>(During Beyrek's wrestling match with his betrothed) "'If I am beaten by this girl, they will talk my head off and say awful things to my face in the land of the Inner Oghuz.' He gathered his strenth and finally threw the girl. He took off her shirt and caught her by the breast while she struggled to free herself. Then Beyrek took the girl by her narrow waist and threw her down again, making her fall flat on her back. The girl said, 'Young man, I am Banu Chickek, the daughter of Bay Bichen.' Beyrek kissed the girl three time and bit her once. Then, putting the golden ring from his own finger on the girl's finger, he said: 'May your wedding be a happy one, oh, daughter of a khan. Let this be a sign of our engagement.'" Wow.<br /></li></ul>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542766844303258013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2976478835578251921.post-38493381888094724082008-11-13T19:07:00.000-08:002008-11-13T19:09:50.551-08:00C'est la vie.I feel alone but not lonely.<br />I feel cynical.<br />I'm not sure why, but this attitude has been persisting for the whole week. It confounds me to no end. I think my stress is trying to make me believe things that aren't true.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542766844303258013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2976478835578251921.post-44024129109206066032008-11-12T14:48:00.000-08:002008-11-12T15:05:05.956-08:00Pressure, pressure, pressure.So, I'm excited and stressed out about several things lately. It's getting down to the wire on my anthropology project, which I've sort of been putting off for the whole quarter. I still have to completely develop my hypothesis and do some fieldwork within the next couple of weeks. My loose hypothesis (I've already found a great deal of supporting information on this) is that as hominids became less physically active and more dependent on technology, our bodies became less suitable for childbirth. It's been a pretty interesting subject to investigate, and Alyson Rollins, my Anth. professor, has been incredibly helpful.<br /><br />Luckily, I had the opportunity to see the Lucy's Legacy exhibit at the Pacific Science Center. That was absolutely amazing, especially since I've been learning about all these famous hominid specimens and hominid evolution in my Physical Anthropology class.<br /><br />I'm also stressed out about Christmas. Mainly because we are just starting to get our yearly corporate orders, which are almost impossible to keep up with given the amount of help we have. Originally I was planning on working 40-50 hours a week this Fall, but I think if I'm going to do that I will have to take less than five credits at school or work independently.<br /><br />Next quarter looks like it's going to be a tough one. Word has it that Richardson likes to pile on the work--and I have three classes with him. I'm also still putting off my math classes. gahhh. Looks like I'll probably be doing Summer quarter again.<br /><br /><em>Awhile ago I dreamt that time didn't exist. We floated in space; in the amniotic fluid of our uncertainty.</em>Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542766844303258013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2976478835578251921.post-29319652187759233072008-11-09T00:01:00.000-08:002008-11-09T00:12:11.360-08:00"Where do you find these mushroom people?"---"In the faery ring, Jordan."Earlier today I went on my first mushroom foray with the Northwest Mushroom Association at Bowman Bay State Park. Needless to say, it was tons of fun. What a curious gathering, too, where most of the time everyone is looking at the ground and not at each other, yet we feel such a kinship in our love of the fungi. Vince Biciunias, NMA president, and I went out mushrooming with a couple of reporters from WWU. In about two hours I had collected around twenty different types of mushrooms, and later at the identification table I found out that about five different kinds of those were edible (parasols, chanterelles, honey, boletus, etc.) The whole day was very enlightening, and I was very happy with my harvest. At the end of the day we had a full-course meal and cooked up some of the mushrooms we had found. I am so saturated in fungi I just don't know what to do with myself!!<br /><br />(I made soup)Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542766844303258013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2976478835578251921.post-11123066778113566062008-11-08T23:57:00.000-08:002008-11-09T00:01:11.972-08:00My cup runneth over......with poison...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Tonight the snails were at it again. They crunched under my feet like tiny moving landmines. I felt bad, a little, but it was wet and dark and I was in a hurry.<br /><br />I'msotired...tiiiiiredddd.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542766844303258013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2976478835578251921.post-64140487287983772062008-11-06T20:24:00.000-08:002008-11-06T20:32:13.067-08:00...I feel like complaining, but I don't have anything to complain about. That's all.Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542766844303258013noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2976478835578251921.post-87142867632402095912008-11-05T23:08:00.000-08:002008-11-07T10:25:04.990-08:00Cinders and SmokeThe tail end of autumn's leaves lie in drifts on sidewalks and gutters, a carpet of humus bent on reclaiming the earth--but all in vain. November gusts will soon litter those final fragments of summer over the streets; cars will grind them into the asphalt and their colors will fade as bare deciduous claws reach into the chilly air.<br /><br />My nap in the reading lounge was quite lovely. No one really knows it exists, so it's usually empty. There's a fireplace, comfy couches and soft lighting, and it's nice and quiet.<br /><br />The Junkyard Ghosts Revival was fantastic. You'd have had to be there.<br /><br />Ahhh, Iron and Wine...Ruthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11542766844303258013noreply@blogger.com0