tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-196999362024-03-14T02:51:38.533-07:00Emily Is VioletConcepts create idols; only wonder comprehends anything. --Gregory of NyssaVioletEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859207447594667766noreply@blogger.comBlogger398125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19699936.post-2498767062516369692009-05-02T16:24:00.000-07:002009-05-02T16:26:33.728-07:00PoemAnticipated Stranger,<br />by John Ashbery<br />as read in The New Yorker<br /><br />the bruise will stop by later.<br />For now, pain pauses in its round,<br />notes the time of day, the patient's temperature,<br />leaves a memo for the surrogate: what the hell<br />did you think you were doing? I mean...<br />Oh well, less said the better, they all say.<br />I'll post this at the desk.<br /><br />God will find the pattern and break<br />it.VioletEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859207447594667766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19699936.post-61062603457351714152009-02-03T22:21:00.000-08:002009-02-03T22:32:20.836-08:00Another SurveyWhy don't you date your ex?<br />I don't want to. She's an ex for a reason.<br /><br />Have you been kissed by someone who's name starts with a T?<br />yes<br /><br />Does anyone call you babe or baby?<br />yes<br /><br />Have you ever liked someone older than you?<br />yes<br /><br />Who was the last person you had a deep conversation with?<br />Zoe<br /><br />Have you ever regretted letting someone go?<br />no<br /><br />Have you heard a song that reminds you of anyone today?<br />no, not really<br /><br />Is there a person of the opposite sex who means a lot to you?<br />my dad and Josh<br /><br />Do you regret going out with any of your exs?<br />not really. I learned from it.<br /><br />Are your parents religious?<br />yes<br /><br />Are you wearing any patterns right now?<br />no, just polar bear pajamas<br /><br />If you were to get up from your computer, and turn to the right and take four steps...?<br />I would still be in the living room<br /><br />How many pictures are currently stored in your digital camera?<br />30-some?<br /><br />Did anything surprising happen today?<br />I went to a movie.<br /><br />Did anyone see you kiss the last person you kissed?<br />no, I don't think so. No one said anything at least.<br /><br />What exactly are you wearing right now?<br />pajamas<br /><br />Did you dance today?<br />no<br /><br />What does your hair look like right now?<br />brown<br /><br />What all happened today?<br />teaching, grading, office hours, chatting with Zoe, nap, chatting with Zoe, movie, chatting with Zoe, Golden Girls<br /><br />Who was the last person that called you?<br />Zoe<br /><br />Are you male or female?<br />female<br /><br />How often do you listen to music?<br />usually every day<br /><br />Did you cry today?<br />no<br /><br />Where is your cell phone?<br />plugged in in the kitchen<br /><br />Name a friend who has the same cell phone provider that you do:<br />nearly everyone does. Judith, Zoe, my family<br /><br />Did you run anywhere today?<br />no<br /><br />Have you ever kissed anyone 30 or older?<br />yes<br /><br />Have you held hands with somebody in the past week?<br />yes<br /><br />Do you think you're approachable?<br />yes, I try to be<br /><br />Has someone of the opposite sex ever told you they loved you and meant it?<br />just my dad<br /><br />How did you get your scars?<br />tape dispenser, scissors, stupid accidents<br /><br />Have you ever had pink eye?<br />nope<br /><br />Did the last person you made out with have piercings or tattoos?<br />one tattoo and pierced ears although no earrings<br /><br />How many different Bands/Artists have you seen live?<br />i don't know<br /><br />When you last got dressed, did you put on your bottoms or your top first?<br />bottoms<br /><br />Do you ever wish you could go back and change the friends you picked?<br />no, never<br /><br />Name one person you don't see as much as you wish:<br />Zoe<br /><br />Ready for kids?<br />not yet, but in a couple of years<br /><br />If you had to choose to be an animal, which one would you be?<br />a cat<br /><br />Last myspace message was from?<br />my cousin Mike<br /><br />Is anyone over protective over you?<br />Zoe, my parents<br /><br />Ever kissed someone you regretted after?<br />yes<br /><br />Have you kissed anyone when their name started with J?<br />yes<br /><br />Will you be in a relationship next month?<br />I sure hope so. I'm planning on it.<br /><br />What were you doing at 10pm Saturday night?<br />spending time with Zoe<br /><br />Does anyone love you?<br />yes<br /><br />Have you done anything sneaky lately?<br />no<br /><br />What time did you go to bed last night?<br />11VioletEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859207447594667766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19699936.post-39499199078859951932009-02-03T22:05:00.000-08:002009-02-03T22:21:00.690-08:00Another SurveyWhat were you doing at midnight last night?<br />sleeping<br /><br />Have you ever gotten a speeding ticket?<br />no<br /><br />Is there one person in your life that can always make you smile?<br />yes, Zoe and my sister<br /><br />What are you listening to right now?<br />Golden Girls<br /><br />Have you kissed anybody in the last 5 days?<br />yes :)<br /><br />How's your heart lately?<br />wonderful :)<br /><br />Have you ever sent a text to the wrong person?<br />i don't text<br /><br />Would you rather sleep with someone else or alone?<br />with Zoe<br /><br />Will next friday be a good one?<br />it will be okay. I'll probably go to a reading.<br /><br />When was the last time something bothered you?<br />Friday, at the creative writing meeting<br /><br />Are you a jealous person?<br />sometimes<br /><br />Done anything illegal lately?<br />no<br /><br />Describe your life in one word?<br />happy :)<br /><br />Do you think age matters in relationships?<br />yes, actually. I didn't use to think so, but I do now. I like dating someone who is so close to my age. We're only three months apart.<br /><br />If you could make your lips bigger, would you?<br />no<br /><br />Have you ever lived with a girlfriend/boyfriend?<br />yes<br /><br />Who did you last eat Chinese food with?<br />I don't remember.<br /><br />Where did you get the shirt you are wearing?<br />for Christmas two years ago<br /><br />Are you wearing a necklace; who got it for you?<br />yes and Zoe<br /><br />In the past week have you felt sad?<br />only when I left Zoe's yesterday<br /><br />What were you doing at 9:00 am?<br />standing in line at Starbucks<br /><br />When was the last time you cried?<br />I'm not sure<br /><br />Do you have any obsessions right now?<br />netflix, cats<br /><br />Would you like to put any night on repeat, and live it forever?<br />perhaps last Saturday<br /><br />What’s the greatest thing that happened to you today?<br />I got to chat with Zoe :)<br /><br />What do you wear to bed?<br />pajamas unless I'm sleeping in good company...<br /><br />Is anything alive in your room?<br />Mr. Willie<br /><br />Would you ever live with someone who didn't accept your pets?<br />no, my cats are part of the bargain if someone wants to live with me. luckily I'm with another cat lover<br /><br />What is one thing you would love to happen tomorrow?<br />Zoe to show up on my doorstep :)<br /><br />Where will you be 2 hours from now?<br />in bed<br /><br />What are you doing tomorrow?<br />playing handbells, maybe watching Frost/Nixon, and of course chatting with the fabulous Zoe<br /><br />What about the following day?<br />teaching, grading papers, chatting with Zoe<br /><br />Do you have anything in your pockets right now?<br />I'm in pocketless jammies<br /><br />What were you doing at 1 this afternoon?<br />teaching<br /><br />Would you immediately look for someone right after you and your bf/gf broke up?<br />no, not usually, but if someone comes along I don't object.<br /><br />Do you always have to have something to drink when you eat?<br />yes<br /><br />What color is your digital camera?<br />silver<br /><br />Where was your default picture taken?<br />in Venice or in my kitchen, depending on which you're looking at<br /><br />Something you do a lot?<br />chat with Zoe and grade papers<br /><br />Do you want to see somebody right now?<br />yes, Zoe<br /><br />How many piercings do you have?<br />just my ears<br /><br />How do you pronounce your name?<br />just like it's spelled?<br /><br />Do you know anyone with the same middle name as you?<br />yes, but most people spell it differently<br /><br />Do you like to take naps?<br />yes, but I don't take nearly as many as I used to<br /><br />Do you get annoyed when you see someone you don't like?<br />not usually, but sometimes<br /><br />How many pillows do you sleep with?<br />2VioletEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859207447594667766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19699936.post-19578411526467158372009-01-07T13:59:00.000-08:002009-01-07T14:19:21.192-08:00Because I'm Not Going Anywhere Anytime SoonThe Year in Review<br />by Willie, the big and fuzzy black cat<br /><br />1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?<br />adopted a Mommy and sister<br /><br />2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more<br />for next year?<br />I adopted a Mommy, so yes. This year, I've resolved to get a taller cat tree.<br /><br />3. Did anyone close to you give birth?<br />no. but I saw a lot of little kittens. I'm not sure where they came from.<br /><br />4. Did anyone close to you die?<br />Sometimes that happens in cat shelters, but none of my good friends did.<br /><br />5. What countries did you visit?<br />I visited the V.E.T., which is certainly on another planet. I have a major cross-state trip planned for tomorrow. I'm going to meet my two new big sisters and play with my second mother.<br /><br />6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?<br />a very tall cat tree, one that goes clear to the ceiling<br /><br />7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?<br />Feb. 22 because that was when I adopted my Mommy.<br />May 13 because I had my first birthday party<br /><br />8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?<br /> definitely adopting my family<br /><br />9. What was your biggest failure?<br />I kept getting my nails trimmed. This boy does not like mani-pedi's, even if Mommy says they are manly.<br /><br />10. Did you suffer illness or injury?<br />No, but I did get an icky shot that made me fevered and sluggish.<br /><br />11. What was the best thing you bought?<br />definitely my Christmas mice, although Mommy says I didn't really buy those.<br /><br />12. Whose behavior merited celebration?<br />my Mommy's clearly, because she saw right away what a handsome and loving boy I am<br /><br />13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?<br />my sister's. She isn't sure if she likes me still :( I'm trying to charm her still. I even share my toys with her by putting them in her water dish!<br /><br />14. Where did most of your money go?<br />was I supposed to have money?<br /><br />15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?<br />getting a new Mommy!<br /><br />16. What song will always remind you of 2008?<br />"Ireland, I'm Coming Home" by Garth Brooks<br /><br />17. Compared to this time last year, are you:<br />a) happier or sadder? much happier<br />b) thinner or fatter? fatter<br />c) richer or poorer? much richer<br /><br />18. What do you wish you'd done more of?<br />riding on Mommy's shoulders and telling her I love her<br /><br />19. What do you wish you'd done less of?<br />getting my nails trimmed<br /><br />20. How will you be spending Christmas?<br />I spent it home alone :( Mommy says next year, we'll all be together as a big furry family.<br /><br />21. Did you fall in love in 2008?<br />Yes!<br /><br />22. How many one-night stands?<br />say what? I often stood on the back of the couch by myself at night. Does that count?<br /><br />23. What was your favorite TV program?<br />anything on Court TV<br /><br />24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?<br />No.<br /><br />25. What was the best book you read?<br />The Christmas Cat<br /><br />26. What was your greatest musical discovery?<br />Jingle Cats<br /><br />27. What did you want and get?<br />and new Mommy :)<br /><br />28. What did you want and not get?<br />a very tall cat tree<br /><br />29. What was your favorite film of this year?<br />Mamma Mia!<br /><br />30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?<br />I got two new mice, ate Fancy Feast with my sister, and turned one!<br /><br />31.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?<br />a very tall cat tree and perhaps a long hallway to run up and down<br /><br />32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?<br />black and chic<br /><br />33. What kept you sane?<br />snuggle time with Mommy, numerous naps<br /><br />34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?<br />Barack Obama<br /><br />35. What political issue stirred you the most?<br />Prop. 8. I want my mommies to be able to get legally married.<br /><br />36. Who did you miss?<br />my Mommy over Christmas break :( She's back now!<br /><br />37. Who was the best new person you met?<br />My Mommy and then my second Mommy<br /><br />38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.<br />When you find someone you can't live without, wrap yourself around her neck like a feather boa and purr your head off. It's irresistible.VioletEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859207447594667766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19699936.post-8990296487227939882009-01-05T18:29:00.000-08:002009-01-05T18:42:33.481-08:00Year in Reviewvia frog<br /><br />1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?<br />tried chemistry.com<br /><br />2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more<br />for next year?<br />I didn't make any last year, and I'm still deciding whether to make any for this year. I kind of have an ongoing list of goals anyway.<br /><br />3. Did anyone close to you give birth?<br />a couple of college friends. three, actually.<br /><br />4. Did anyone close to you die?<br />I don't think so. Not in 2008.<br /><br />5. What countries did you visit?<br />none<br /><br />6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?<br />I am planning on living with Zoe starting this summer.<br /><br />7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?<br />August 6, the day I starting corresponding with Zoe<br />November 8, the day I met Zoe in person<br /><br />8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?<br />I found the love of my life.<br /><br />9. What was your biggest failure?<br />letting a previous relationship drag on for far, far too long. It's one I should never have been in anyway.<br /><br />10. Did you suffer illness or injury?<br />yes. I was sick most of the spring with the flu/strep throat/bronchitis/some viral shit.<br /><br />11. What was the best thing you bought?<br />my new computer<br /><br />12. Whose behavior merited celebration?<br />Zoe's :)<br /><br />13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?<br />my aunts'<br /><br />14. Where did most of your money go?<br />food<br /><br />15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?<br />meeting Zoe<br /><br />16. What song will always remind you of 2008?<br />Shady Grove by Crooked Still<br /><br />17. Compared to this time last year, are you:<br />a) happier or sadder? much happier<br />b) thinner or fatter? about the same, I think, maybe a tad pudgier<br />c) richer or poorer? poorer<br /><br />18. What do you wish you'd done more of?<br />swimming, hiking. I'd have loved to have spent more time with Zoe, as well, but I think we squeezed every ounce of joy out of 2008 that we could, honestly.<br /><br />19. What do you wish you'd done less of?<br />the horrifically bad relationship<br /><br />20. How will you be spending Christmas?<br />I spent Christmas with my family.<br /><br />21. Did you fall in love in 2008?<br />Yes!<br /><br />22. How many one-night stands?<br />zero<br /><br />23. What was your favorite TV program?<br />Law and Order: SVU<br /><br />24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?<br />No.<br /><br />25. What was the best book you read?<br />I read a lot of odd stuff this year. <br /><br />26. What was your greatest musical discovery?<br />Ingrid Michaelson, Crooked Still, and Girlyman<br /><br />27. What did you want and get?<br />a relationship with Zoe :)<br /><br />28. What did you want and not get?<br />more time with Zoe, but see #18.<br /><br />29. What was your favorite film of this year?<br />Juno<br /><br />30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?<br />ate a big cookie and 29<br /><br />31.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?<br />more time with Zoe<br /><br />32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?<br />more cleavage. I didn't know I had a chest until 2008. Sad, perhaps?<br /><br />33. What kept you sane?<br />chatting with Zoe at the end, before that, biking and swimming.<br /><br />34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?<br />Ellen Degeneres?<br /><br />35. What political issue stirred you the most?<br />the election and Prop. 8<br /><br />36. Who did you miss?<br />Zoe<br /><br />37. Who was the best new person you met?<br />Zoe<br /><br />38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.<br />Love comes when you very least expect it, from very unusual places.VioletEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859207447594667766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19699936.post-12988908698929891262008-12-10T13:54:00.000-08:002008-12-10T14:20:10.145-08:0025 Random Things1. I am a cat snuggler at the local cat shelter. My favorite little cat is now on hold for adoption.<br /><br />2. I marched with the lesbians from my church at Pride. We carried our church's banner, and it was fantastic.<br /><br />3. I am dating the most beautiful, amazing woman I have ever met. I am going to marry her.<br /><br />4. I am a crafting fool. I made a lot of my Christmas gifts this year.<br /><br />5. My girl and I read books together aloud on the phone. We're reading The Secret Life of Bees right now.<br /><br />6. I hate snow. A lot. It wrecks my travel plans.<br /><br />7. I have been on my church's pastoral search committee for about a year and a half. We have found a pastor and will be voting on her as a congregation on Sunday.<br /><br />8. I believe I have not yet found a full-time teaching job with benefits because I needed to see the pastoral search committee through and because I needed to meet the woman of my dreams first. I believe I will find something now.<br /><br />9. I am a bicycle commuter.<br /><br />10. My cats had catnip for the first time ever today.<br /><br />11. I am only now reading Dykes to Watch Out For. Somehow I missed this lesbian phenomenon.<br /><br />12. When my girl and I move in together next June or July, we will have four cats.<br /><br />13. I have been lighting candles every night because they make my house smell good.<br /><br />14. I have crossed the line from slob to neat in the last month. I'm hoping it stays that way.<br /><br />15. The Christmas gift I am most excited about giving a member of my family was free.<br /><br />16. I loathe one of my students this semester. I have never loathed any of them before, but this guy takes the cake.<br /><br />17. I hired a cleaning service to clean my house once a month. It's one of the best decisions I have ever made.<br /><br />18. I have two nieces that technically are not my nieces except that I call them that. They are cute as can be.<br /><br />19. I have a refrigerator full of grapefruit.<br /><br />20. I really miss two friends that I saw quite a lot of around here for a while. Neither lives here anymore.<br /><br />21. I have an impressive tea shelf. I am betting I have more than 20 different kinds of tea currently in this apartment. Would you like a cup?<br /><br />22. I cut the hell out of my hand this morning accidentally, when I was wrapping presents. I am now wearing six band-aids, and it hurts.<br /><br />23. I have discovered that I really enjoy the new tread mills at the gym because they have tvs attached to them. I have also found that I walk for an hour instead of a half-hour because I want to watch all of SVU while I walk.<br /><br />24. The first gift my girlfriend gave me was a pair of socks that she had knitted for me. This was before we were even dating, but I think I loved her from at least then. I may have loved her even earlier than that.<br /><br />25. The Virgin of Guadalupe fascinates me. I'd really like to wear her picture as a necklace someday.VioletEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859207447594667766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19699936.post-5429983004751211282008-11-21T22:56:00.001-08:002008-11-21T23:20:51.525-08:00Hard ThingsAs I mention sometimes on here, I volunteer regularly at the interfaith homeless shelter in town. It has been a hard fall there. Since the end of September, we have lost five of our guests. One, in particular, I knew quite well. His name was Terrance, although I always addressed him as Mr. His Last Name. It just seemed right to do that. Mr. F had been at the shelter for as long as I can remember. He spent many a night in what we call the "drunk tank," or "inner sanctum" in more polite terms, not because he was drunk but because he was occasionally drunk and could not cope with changing the location of his sleeping place on the nights when he did need to be in the drunk tank. It was just easier on him to sleep there all the time. Mr. F would also get very upset if, in their drunken unawareness, one of the other men in the room would inadvertently roll into his traditional spot. He could not cope with sleeping in a place other than the one he always slept in. For those familiar with Aspberger's, this should be a familiar symptom. I always had a fondness for Mr. F because he reminded me a little bit of my cousin, who has Aspberger's, as well. I never knew Mr. F's story. I never asked. I find people will tell me if they want me to know. Many do. I received an email earlier this week from the director of the shelter. In it, she talked about the five men who have died, and I was startled and saddened to see Mr. F's name on the list. I have since found out that he died a very tragic and unnecessary death, the kind that keeps me coming back to the shelter because it is the only thing I can do to keep it from happening again. Tomorrow, I will be attending Mr. F's funeral as conducted by the non-homeless community, which will be very different from the one next week conducted by those who knew and appreciated Mr. F. Since I will not be in town for the second funeral, I am going to the first. I wonder if I will see his family there. I wonder if he had any family. I wonder what we could have done differently to keep him off of the street in the first place. Most of all, I wonder what we will do now. There is often much talk of change within the community after a tragedy like this. It never lasts long. My prayer is that this time, the conversation will not end.<br /><br /><br />Here & Now <br />by Mark Erelli<br /><br />Cobblestone pillow<br />Newspaper sheets<br />Ten below zero<br />Sleeping on the street<br /><br />Someday we all will have a home<br />A place to come in from the cold<br />Somewhere so high above the clouds<br />Why not here<br />Why not now<br /><br />Pastures of plenty<br />For the tired and poor<br />Still too many hands empty<br />Behind the golden door<br /><br />Someday we all will live the dream<br />There'll be no cracks to fall between<br />Somewhere where everyone will have enough<br />But here and now<br />It's up to us<br /><br />Someday we all will be at peace<br />And all of our suffering will cease<br />There's more than enough to go around<br />Why not here<br />Why not now<br /><br /><br />Rest in peace, Mr. F. May you be the last to die on the street.VioletEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859207447594667766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19699936.post-48249245007739322412008-11-17T22:43:00.000-08:002008-11-17T22:54:57.767-08:00How many texts are in your inbox?<br />none<br /><br />Who was the first person you talked to today?<br />Zoe (this is what I'm going to call my girl)<br /><br />Have you ever dated a soccer player?<br />nope<br /><br />Do you tell your mom everything?<br />no<br /><br />Have you ever done something outrageously dumb?<br />probably<br /><br />Do you hate the last girl you had a conversation with?<br />No! I'm in love with her.<br /><br />Do you delete people off your MySpace?<br />no<br /><br />What are your initials?<br />VE<br /><br />When was your last encounter with the police?<br />um, I saw a police car on the way home?<br /><br />Do you like your name?<br />yes<br /><br />Do you care if your socks are dirty?<br />um, yes<br /><br />How many windows are open on your computer?<br />nine<br /><br />How tall are you?<br />5'3"<br /><br />Which one of your cousins is closest to you in age?<br />Susan<br /><br />Will you be in a relationship next month?<br />I sure hope so :) I'm planning on it. I love her an awful lot :)<br /><br />Love really is a beautiful thing, huh?<br />yes<br /><br />How are you feeling at this exact moment?<br />a bit worried about Zoe. She is feeling sick this evening. And tired. We're both tired, I think.<br /><br />What's the connection between you and the last person you text?<br />I don't text.<br /><br />What does your hair look like today?<br />clean? I didn't do much else with it.<br /><br />Is there anyone who doesn't like you?<br />probably<br /><br />How long does it take you to shower?<br />15 minutes or so<br /><br />If you could have one thing right now what would it be?<br />I would go visit Zoe and make sure she is okay.<br /><br />Have you ever fallen asleep in someones arms?<br />yes, just recently<br /><br />Who is the last person that called you?<br />Zoe<br /><br />What if you had a baby with the last person of the opposite sex you hugged?<br />that would be weird. he's 70, and we're both gay.<br /><br />Do you still talk to the person you fell hardest for?<br />yes. I'm in a relationship with her right now.<br /><br />Do you prefer to take showers at night or in the morning?<br />either way<br /><br />Do you hate the last person you kissed?<br />no!<br /><br />Have you ever been depressed?<br />yes<br /><br />Are you any good at math?<br />yes<br /><br />When was the last time you had starbucks?<br />Saturday<br /><br />Anything you want to ask someone?<br />probably<br /><br />Where were you last night at midnight?<br />sleeping<br /><br />Have you lost friends in the past year?<br />I hope not.<br /><br />Who do you tell everything to?<br />Zoe and my sister<br /><br />What are you feeling right now?<br />tired <br /><br />Are you missing someone?<br />Zoe<br /><br />Do you wear your feelings all over your face?<br />probably<br /><br />Is there a guy that knows everything about you?<br />no. Josh knows me best, though.<br /><br />Do you like surprises?<br />yes!<br /><br />Do people underestimate you?<br />sometimes. they assume that quiet equals slow.<br /><br />Do you hate being alone?<br />sometimes<br /><br />In the past week have you felt sad?<br />I've been incredibly happy the last week or so.<br /><br />Last person you texted?<br />don't text<br /><br />What are you listening to?<br />Golden Girls<br /><br />Name something that made you frown today:<br />Zoe being sick. I hope she feels better soon.<br /><br />Did you give anyone a dirty look today?<br />once<br /><br />Do/did you do good in school?<br />yes<br /><br />If you could pack up and move, would you?<br />in with Zoe? yes.<br /><br />When's the last time you said you were fine, but really weren't?<br />a few weeks ago. <br /><br />What person annoys you most?<br />not really any one person that comes to mind.VioletEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859207447594667766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19699936.post-30691694976870589642008-11-12T15:41:00.000-08:002009-01-12T07:52:49.546-08:00HappinessI have met the girl of my dreams. I have been chatting with her online and on the phone for about three months. I met her in person last weekend. She's amazing, and she's beautiful. She is smart and kind and compassionate. She wants the same things in life that I do. I think she's the one. We have quirky things in common, like the fact that we both like to take walks in cemeteries. And she makes up ridiculous far-fetched stories about her cats, just like I do. And she has for years, not just since she met me. She laughs a lot, too, which is so nice. I haven't ever dated anyone who is so passionate and hilarious. We are officially in a relationship. I don't think I have ever been so happy. She even sent me flowers yesterday. Those who I know in real life are welcome to request pictures and/or details.VioletEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859207447594667766noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19699936.post-25457740818831843182008-09-22T17:03:00.000-07:002008-09-22T17:09:42.844-07:00I love these, and I now have iTunes.My life, according to iTunes shuffle:<br /><br />Opening Credits: Drag King Bar, Bitch and Animal<br />Waking Up: No Estaba Acostumbrado, Don Tetto<br />First Day at School: Fidelity, Regina Spektor<br />Falling in Love: Oye Como Va, Santana<br />Losing Virginity: American Pie, Don McLean<br />Breaking Up: Preacher's Daughter, Michelle Malone<br />Life: Hold It All at Bay, Girlyman<br />Mental Breakdown: It's the End of the World as We Know It, R.E.M.<br />Flashback: All for You, Sister Hazel<br />Getting Back Together: Maybe, Janis Joplin<br />Wedding: A Horse with No Name, America<br />Final Battle: I Will Follow You into the Dark, Deathcab for Cutie<br />Death Scene: Money Made You Mean, Indigo Girls<br />Funeral Song: One Week, Barenaked Ladies<br />End Credits: I'm Sticking with You, Velvet UndergroundVioletEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859207447594667766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19699936.post-84416739931981530582008-08-15T07:43:00.001-07:002008-08-15T07:43:34.783-07:00"Herein lies the tragedy of the age: not that people are poor--all know something of poverty; not that people are wicked--who is good?; not that people are ignorant--what is truth? . . . but that we know so little of each other." --W.E.B. DeboisVioletEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859207447594667766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19699936.post-27931493758425104532008-06-16T20:58:00.000-07:002008-06-16T20:59:13.098-07:00In Serious Need of FundsFor those of you who don't know, I volunteer weekly at a local homeless shelter. As of tonight, that shelter is seriously hurting, due to lack of funds. Until this year, the shelter has been only a winter shelter, but we opened our doors in November with the intent never to close them. Unfortunately, we have seriously had to limit our hours beginning at the end of the month, as well as cut back staffing, because there is simply no money to keep the doors open as long as we would like.<br /><br />If you have been watching the news, you will have heard about the foreclosure rate in the United States. With the economy being as bad as it is, people are losing jobs and they are losing their homes. These are many of the people we are serving at this shelter. Many of them are homeless for the first time. Many of them have small children. Many of them are still working full-time. Right now, we house 115-140 people each night. That is astronomical.<br /><br />Because I know those of you who read my blog are generous people, many in prayer as well as finances, I am asking that you consider helping the people who stay at this shelter. I am providing a link. Your donations are tax deductible. We also appreciate any prayers and/or good wishes you can spare.<br /><br />http://interfaithsanctuary.wordpress.com/VioletEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859207447594667766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19699936.post-58655382103774055512008-05-07T21:01:00.000-07:002008-05-07T21:12:03.942-07:00Fun :)Put your iTunes on shuffle or whatever and record the results.<br /><br /><br />Don't cheat!<br /><br /><br />What do people assume when they first look at me?<br />Song: Girl<br />Artist: Rose Polenzani<br /><br />What will be a big challenge in life for me?<br />Song: More Love<br />Artist: Dixie Chicks<br /><br />Am I a good boyfriend/girlfriend?<br />Song: Let Your Troubles Roll By<br />Artist: Carbon Leaf<br /><br />How will I die?<br />Song: All the Way<br />Artist: Indigo Girls<br /><br />Is someone trying to kill me?<br />Song: Will the Circle Be Unbroken<br />Artist: Joan Baez<br /><br />What should I do instead of this quiz?<br />Song: A Home<br />Artist: Dixie Chicks<br /><br />What is a bad habit that I should try to stop?<br />Song: Preacher's Daughter<br />Artist: Michelle Malone<br /><br />What's for dinner tonight?<br />Song: Lil Jack Slade<br />Artist: Dixie Chicks<br /><br />How does the world see me?<br />Song: One Voice<br />Artist: Wailin' Jennys<br /><br />Will I have a happy life?<br />Song: Living Room<br />Artist: Tegan and Sara<br /><br />What do my friends really think of me?<br />Song: Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee <br />Artist: Indigo Girls<br /><br />Do people secretly lust after me?<br />Song: Broken<br />Artist: Seether and Amy Lee<br /><br />How can I make myself happy?<br />Song: When I'm with a Girl<br /><br />What should I do with my life?<br />Song: Kryptonite<br />Artist: Three Doors Down<br /><br />Why is life full of so much pain?<br />Song: All that I Want<br />Artist: The Weepies<br /><br />How can I get richer?<br />Song: Drops of Jupiter<br />Artist: Train<br /><br />Will I ever have children?<br />Song: Heart-Shaped Box<br />Artist: Nirvana<br /><br />Will I die happy?<br />Song: I'm Gonna Be<br />Artist: The Proclaimers<br /><br />What is some good advice for me?<br />Song: Jonas and Ezekial<br />Artist: Indigo Girls<br /><br />What is happiness?<br />Song: Underdog<br />Artist: Lisa Loeb<br /><br />What is my favourite fish?<br />Song: Second Hand News<br />Artist: The Greencards<br /><br />How will I be remembered?<br />Song: Wild Night<br />Artist: Van MorrisonVioletEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859207447594667766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19699936.post-50174494751164005012008-04-20T10:46:00.000-07:002008-04-20T19:26:38.864-07:00Happy Earth Day!A hymn from the UCC hymnal:<br /><br />We cannot own the sunlit sky, the moon, the wild-flowers growing, <br />For we are part of all that is within life’s river flowing. <br />With open hands receive and share the gifts of God’s creation, <br />That all may have abundant life in every earthly nation.<br /><br />When bodies shiver in the night and weary wait for morning, <br />When children have no bread but tears, and war horns sound their warning. <br />God calls humanity to awake, to join in common labor, <br />That all may have abundant life, oneness with their neighbor.<br /><br />God calls humanity to join as partners in creating<br />a future free from want or fear. Life’s goodness celebrating,<br />that new world beckons from afar, Invites our shared endeavor <br />that all might have abundant life and peace endure forever.VioletEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859207447594667766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19699936.post-25008183035374421222008-04-15T09:33:00.001-07:002008-04-15T09:34:13.790-07:00Movies that Made the Listand I'm open to more ideas since I'll be using this project again.<br /><br />Movie List<br /><br />Hotel Rwanda<br />Schindler’s List<br />Super Size Me<br />The Mission<br />The Eleventh Hour<br />An Inconvenient Truth<br />Real Women Have Curves<br />Philadelphia<br />The Constant Gardener<br />V for Vendetta<br />Control Room<br />X Men 2<br />Bonhoeffer: Agent of Grace<br />Fog of War<br />Bobby<br />The Killing Fields<br />Children of Men<br />Ghandi<br />Good Night and Good Luck<br />Pay It Forward<br />Motorcycle Diaries<br />Hearts and Minds<br />Dead Man Walking<br />Crash<br />Brokeback Mountain<br />Flags of Our Fathers<br />Letters from Iwo Jima<br />Blood Diamond<br />City of God<br />Babel<br />As the Band Played On<br />Stories from the Quilt<br />Follow My Voice<br />The Devil Came on Horseback<br />North Country<br />Last King of Scotland<br />Trade<br />Kids<br />Joy Luck Club<br />Gangs of New York<br />The Pianist<br />American History X<br />King Arthur (recent movie)<br />American Gangster<br />The Godfather<br />The Kite Runner<br />Jesus Camp<br />Requiem for a Dream<br />Equilibrium<br />Sarafina<br />Pursuit of Happyness<br />Paper Clips<br />Rent<br />Juno<br />Into the WildVioletEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859207447594667766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19699936.post-89381270001588107272008-04-14T13:08:00.000-07:002008-04-14T13:13:50.595-07:00Movies!Last week, I asked my English 102 movie to watch a movie that would make them think. I gave them a list that they helped make and had them pick one that they hadn't seen. They then had to respond to it on Blackboard and pose a question for the class to discuss. Then they had to answer at least two other peoples' questions. The conversations have been amazing! I have really enjoyed the maturity of thought they have put into their responses. They have discussed everything from war to conspiracy theory to discrimination to teen pregnancy. It's fabulous.<br /><br />In my 102 class, I have developed a citizenship and volunteerism theme. As part of that, they have to volunteer with a nonprofit agency for at least 15 hours over the semester. Part of their writing for the class is tied in with that experience. It was rough last semester because I was still ironing out what I wanted them to be doing, what was realistic, etc. It's going quite well this semester, though. I think they are enjoying it, too. They're always skeptical at first, of course, but I think it's overall been a great experience.<br /><br />My English 102 class is my favorite this semester, even better than my upper-level classes. I've really enjoyed their insights into the world.VioletEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859207447594667766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19699936.post-33584708119686490912008-03-06T15:45:00.000-08:002008-03-06T15:55:54.168-08:00Some RecommendationsFor the Bible Tells Me So<br /><br />It's a documentary about being gay and Christian. Absolutely beautiful. I cried through most of it. It simply tells people's stories and the stories of their families. As someone who has sat through many church services where I was condemned as a human being simply because of who I love, it was touching to hear from those outside my own congregation who have struggled with their faith and sexuality and come to terms with both. It was also touching to hear that their families also came to terms with both (well, except for one family). I highly, highly recommend this documentary to anyone who has ever struggled or who has known anyone who has ever struggled with being both gay and Christian. I'm sending a copy to my family.<br /><br /><br />The God Box<br />by Alex Sanchez<br /><br />I actually haven't finished this one yet, but it is a fictionalized account of a teenage boy coming to terms with being both gay and a strong Christian. It's lovely, and it's about time something like this was written.VioletEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859207447594667766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19699936.post-51802932581330531732008-03-06T15:44:00.000-08:002008-03-06T15:45:37.202-08:00I Love Anne LamottI think joy and sweetness and affection are a spiritual path. We're here to know God, to love and serve God, and to be blown away by the beauty and miracle of nature. You just have to get rid of so much baggage to be light enough to dance, to sing, to play. You don't have time to carry grudges; you don't have time to cling to the need to be right.<br /><br />--Anne LamottVioletEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859207447594667766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19699936.post-21303953835814563982008-02-20T11:42:00.000-08:002008-02-20T11:49:40.282-08:00More UpdatesToday is my birthday. I'm 28 :)<br /><br />I have decided to adopt Mr. Cat, who is featured below. I'm trying to decide on a name and am grateful for any and all input. Some possible names: Willoughby, Sirius Black, Gatsby, Clyde, Kipling, and Mr. Darcy. I am praying that he and Ms. Emily get along well.<br /><br />I have a REALLY BIG interview next week at the school I had a phone interview at a couple posts ago. This is a really good job, tenure-track and the whole nine yards. They're flying me in and putting me up because I'm a finalist. Woohoo to that. I'm hoping for the best and accepting all prayers and good wishes.<br /><br />I bought a new computer. Mine was ten years old. I'm loving it and am currently sitting in a coffee shop with it. Way way way too exciting. I've never had a laptop.VioletEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859207447594667766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19699936.post-59750707332074185962008-02-16T10:21:00.000-08:002008-02-16T10:24:00.553-08:00What Would You Name Him?<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q5aXqqThnF0/R7cp9gK8CfI/AAAAAAAAAAM/6bM_T0hyiUA/s1600-h/Cutie.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Q5aXqqThnF0/R7cp9gK8CfI/AAAAAAAAAAM/6bM_T0hyiUA/s320/Cutie.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167645234015504882" /></a><br /><br />Isn't he adorable? I met him yesterday. I think I'm going to bring him home with me. I am still of course consulting Ms. Emily (my other fuzzy) in this new development.VioletEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859207447594667766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19699936.post-59682257268680644462008-02-05T11:32:00.001-08:002008-02-05T11:36:19.547-08:00A Smattering of UpdatesI'm getting a chapbook published online! More details to follow!<br /><br />I have an interview this week for a job that would be really great. It's closer to home.<br /><br />I have jury duty this week (gag).<br /><br />Lent starts tomorrow. My thing this year is to do one thing every day that is good for me physically, from eating right to exercising.<br /><br />Tonight I'm gorging on pancakes.VioletEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859207447594667766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19699936.post-46152725484853975212008-01-28T20:44:00.000-08:002008-01-28T20:45:26.870-08:00Oddly Accurateyour Enneagram type is NINE (aka "The Mediator") <br /><br /><br />"I am at peace"<br /><br />Peacemakers are receptive, good-natured, and supportive. They seek union with others and the world around them. <br /><br />How to Get Along with Me <br /><br />If you want me to do something, how you ask is important. I especially don't like expectations or pressure. <br />I like to listen and to be of service, but don't take advantage of this. <br />Listen until I finish speaking, even though I meander a bit. <br />Give me time to finish things and make decisions. It's OK to nudge me gently and nonjudgmentally. <br />Ask me questions to help me get clear. <br />Tell me when you like how I look. I'm not averse to flattery. <br />Hug me, show physical affection. It opens me up to my feelings. <br />I like a good discussion but not a confrontation. <br />Let me know you like what I've done or said. <br />Laugh with me and share in my enjoyment of life. <br /><br />What I Like About Being a NINE <br /><br />being nonjudgmental and accepting <br />caring for and being concerned about others <br />being able to relax and have a good time <br />knowing that most people enjoy my company; I'm easy to be around <br />my ability to see many different sides of an issue and to be a good mediator and facilitator <br />my heightened awareness of sensations, aesthetics, and the here and now <br />being able to go with the flow and feel one with the universe <br /><br />What's Hard About Being a NINE <br /><br />being judged and misunderstood for being placid and/or indecisive <br />being critical of myself for lacking initiative and discipline <br />being too sensitive to criticism; taking every raised eyebrow and twitch of the mouth personally <br />being confused about what I really want <br />caring too much about what others will think of me <br />not being listened to or taken seriously<br /><br />NINEs as Children Often <br /><br />feel ignored and that their wants, opinions, and feelings are unimportant <br />tune out a lot, especially when others argue <br />are "good" children: deny anger or keep it to themselves <br /><br />NINEs as Parents <br /><br />are supportive, kind, and warm <br />are sometimes overly permissive or nondirectiveVioletEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859207447594667766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19699936.post-19172642129456494722007-10-22T21:15:00.000-07:002007-10-22T21:21:08.405-07:00Coming to a City Near You?I am restless. I have been restless, but the restlessness really hit hard about a month ago. I'm ready for something new. I am in the process of sending out applications all over the United States in hopes that something will come of it. I'm largely feeling my way in the dark, though. They really should teach you how to do this application jazz in grad school, especially since many in my field end up applying in academia. <br /><br />I have picked out a cat that I very much want. I've even named him. He's solid black like Ms. Emily. If I get him, I'll call him Mr. Rochester (staying with the Bronte theme). He's very sweet. The first time I held him, he reached his little neck up and bit the brim of my cap. Then he licked my nose. I love this little guy.VioletEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859207447594667766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19699936.post-58667938645962861982007-09-10T10:50:00.000-07:002007-09-10T10:58:35.016-07:00I'm tagging myself, darn it.Total number of books owned: Couldn't tell you. I read a lot.<br /><br />Last book bought: I just bought two books published by Fence Press and one by Verse Press. I honestly can't tell you the titles. I just saw them on the used bookshelf at Hastings and thought, huh, I've been wanting to read more new poetry.<br /><br />Last book read: I'm re-reading the latest Harry Potter. I just re-read Coal by Audre Lorde so that I could talk about it intelligently with my students.<br /><br />Five Books that Mean a Lot to You: <br />New and Selected Poems: Volume One by Mary Oliver<br />This Bridge Called My Back edited by Gloria Anzaldua and Cherrie Moraga<br />In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez<br />Woman Hollering Creek by Sandra Cisneros<br />The Best Christmas Pagent Ever by Barbara Robinson<br /><br />I tag Bella and Erin.VioletEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859207447594667766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19699936.post-76425351363152505732007-08-28T21:41:00.000-07:002007-08-28T21:51:31.339-07:00New SemesterI'm just starting classes for this semester, and I have to say, I'm loving it. I have to poetry classes, one intro and one intermediate. In intermediate class, I have students knocking down the door to get in there. I think I've given out four permission numbers, today alone. I've had ten of them before in class, and I loved them, so I am really excited about the semester. I actually picked books based on what I thought this particular group would like, once I saw the number of students I knew in there. I had another student from last semester email me this evening and request a permission number. She was one of my favorites from last year, and I was thrilled to hear from her. It just put a button on my day.<br /><br />In my English 102 classes, I'm trying something new. I'm doing a theme class on volunteerism and citizenship. I'm making them read everything from essays on Cesar Chavez and Martin Luther King to media analysis to gay rights to Soul of a Citizen by Loeb. I'm also making them volunteer 15 hours at one of a list of nine agencies over the semester. I was worried that that particular assignment would send them running for the door, but it hasn't. I haven't had one student drop yet. Woohoo! I think it's going to be a really fantastic semester.<br /><br />On a somewhat related note, I am setting up a blog for my English 102 class where I will have links to all of their blogs about their volunteer experiences. I will also be writing about my volunteer experiences. If you are interested in reading about them, leave me a comment or send me an email and I will forward you the blog site. I am not going to post the link here because these blogs will reveal location and I rather like my anonymity here.<br /><br />So it has been a really fantastic day, although I am completely exhausted. I am very excited about the possibilities this semester holds.VioletEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01859207447594667766noreply@blogger.com0