Below are the 20 most recent journal entries recorded in mouse's LiveJournal:

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Tuesday, December 15th, 2009
11:56 am	So I think I've pretty much decide that my next language will be French. I will continue to try to teach myself Latin this year, which I've been pretty terrible about doing recently. I'm a little less concerned with Latin because its not a spoken language, and thats my favorite part. However, Latin is pretty darn awesome, so I dont see any reason not to keep up with it. The contenders were: French, Latin, Japanese, Hindi, Something Scandinavian (Norwegian, Swedish or Danish, not Finnish), Dutch...and I think that was it. Oh! Spanish! How can I forget? Latin... Latin is a major contender if Im going to apply to grad school in history. HOWEVER, French is a close second in that category, because reading old french documents would help my research of center European early modern stuff. Japanese and Hindi have the disadvantage of needing to learn a new script. Im not against this completely, Im just not sure I want to do that right now. Its a lot more flashcardsandstuff than I think I want to put in right now. Something Scandinavian and Dutch have the slight problem that I dont really know too many people who speak them, so I dont have people to talk to or communicate with. (Before you all yell, Im pretty much talking face-to-face here, because speaking is the most fun part for me). That leaves Spanish and French, of which there are many people to talk to. Spanish would just be very useful for where I live now. French would be useful for traveling in Europe and other places. Spanish has the problem of learning different kinds of Spanish, which would decrease its usefulness abroad. French has the grad-school possibility. And finally, a friend of mine would be willing to learn French with me, in the same class at UW. Funnily enough I didnt meet him at UW, I met him outside of school. So! I think its settled assuming that last part pans out! (make a sound byte)
Friday, December 11th, 2009
12:41 am	Ohmygoodness I want one! http://bunnywarez.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/62/products_id/310 Someday I'll have enough money for a lot of the frivolous things that I want. I have a feeling thats not going to happen for a very long time, if ever, since I intend to have kids, buy a house, have pets and donate to/help out with charities and other programs (as soon as I start actually MAKING money instead of paying universities...) But I can still dream!!! Hee! Current Mood: amused (3 squeeks | make a sound byte)
Thursday, December 10th, 2009
11:02 pm	So, as many of you know, I dont wear make up. At all. I actually never have outside of last halloween (which was a hoot). I dont know how to do it myself, and honestly, I have little to no interest in it. Before anyone gets all up in arms, this preference has nothing what so ever to do with other people--it is a personal choice and lack of interest. Other people may do whatever it is they wish. However, it has been expressed to me on more than one occasion that... well, that this would adversely affect me in job interviews. I'm curious to hear what you think and why, because its not something that completely makes sense to me. Do you think not wearing make up at a job interview will affect my being hired or not? (or someone else, it doesnt have to be me) Thanks for your thoughts. (13 squeeks | make a sound byte)
Wednesday, December 9th, 2009
8:53 pm	I've never been able to keep good track of jewish holidays because of the funky lunar-calendar thats sortof halfway tied to the solar calendar (yknow, the leap month thing. I never remember that month's name...) So, I always have to look up dates of jewish holidays. Except, I always have to double and triple check them because there are often wrong ones out there. Like right now, for hanukah! I've looked at several websites now that tell me that Hanukah begins on Dec. 12. Which it doesnt. It begins at sundown on Dec. 11th. Sure, Dec 12 is the first day but its still wrong to say Hanukah begins then. I mean, is it too much to ask to find the right time to light my first couple candles? I know, I bet its the sundown thing, which I get. I just.. I just think its silly, thats all. ::edit:: Oh, and I forgot to say--Im glad I get to light all the candles before I leave! Im leaving on the 19th, so I was gonna be a bit bummed if I couldnt light the last one. Before all of you ask--no Im not really religious, but I really like the tradition. Its also going to make me feel much less homesick this year, since I wont be home. And I like candles. And Latkas! And....yes. Soon to be in my love's arms! (8 squeeks | make a sound byte)
Tuesday, December 8th, 2009
3:01 pm	Oh yeah, I forgot to ask you all something. This is something that I've been struggling with a bit looking for jobs. It has not kept me from applying to jobs, but it has left me pondering. How do you know what jobs you're qualified for? I ask because some of the job descriptions I've been reading have been... well... vague. What do you mean by "good with PCs" for example? I mean, Im good enough with computers, and I know how to use one. I cant build them, but I know how to trouble shoot (i.e. ask the internet! Then call friends/tech support). I know microsoft office alright, but I couldnt find ports without going through the interface... and yes, I am applying anyway. (9 squeeks | make a sound byte)
2:52 pm	Heart shirts Ok, the last bit of news Im saving for a separate post. I found a screen printing place here thats really cheap. I think it makes sooo much more economical sense for me to print things there than to try (and fail multiple times now) to set up my own time and supplies for printing my own shirts. The quality would be better too. I dont think I have an image of the shirt design on the net anywhere anymore. I can figure something else out if you all want to know. I still have to talk to them about color choices (i.e. do they all have to be one color in a run), size and type of shirt choices and all that. To be honest, I have not talked to them at all yet, this idea is still in its baby form. The thing thats making me think, though, is... how many shirts should I make? I mean, the more I make the cheaper it gets. For 50 to 100 shirts, I can probably get it down to $5 per shirt, after tax and shipping costs (not counting getting the shirts to you). Thats far better than I could do on my own. However, thats a LOT of money up front, since Im pretty sure I cant sell 50 to 100 shirts right off. 10 maybe? But 10 to 30 would run probably around $8 per shirt. Shipping it to you all would be another expense. I guess the other question is, after all my friends who wanted them bought shirts, and I bought some for me... would I even be able to sell the others? I mean, this whole thing started with me being so excited about making the shirts myself, and now handing that part over to someone else.. takes the magic out of it just a little. Its somehow less amazing, even though I still adore the design. I think I will very probably (especially if I get a job) make a small run for those of you who still really want them, and to get some more for me. But... do you think other people will want them eventually? Do you think I should invest in 50 shirts? Thoughts on the issue? (7 squeeks | make a sound byte)
2:42 pm	News! News item #1: The cat is adorable. No seriously! She's an orange tabby, hefty set (thank goodness she's gained some weight--apparently she was starving...). Her name is Captain. She's so cute! She's every attentive and loooooves to plop down on people's laps and sleep. She kneads. A lot. So you'd better be wearing a blanket and a sweatshirt! She's conked out on the couch right now, looking sweet and cute. She's shedding like all get out, but thats probably because its warmer right now than it was (wtf seatte? but thank you anyway...) and the house is lovely and heated. #2: didnt get the job. Im not surprised, but Im a bit ticked that I had to email him special to get him to tell me no. I thought that was part of being a responsible institution, that you tell the people you didnt hire that you're not going to take them. I thought that not contacting someone was just something that people did with housing in CA. Ohwell. There's a new job that just posted that Im going to apply for, so hopefully that'll work out. One way or the other I'll have a job next quarter, I hope! #3: Im supposed to be in class right now. I decided to stay home and get healthy. I think its... at least keeping me from getting worse? I certainly dont feel all that bad, but my throat still hurts and this morning I sounded like a bad drag queen who's been up for 48 hours. I now sound at least vaguely normal. I never would have thought it, but gargling salt water actually does help. Honey in my constant supply of tea isnt hurting either. I still need to decide if I want to do the dinner party with my housemate and downstairs neighbors tonight. I dont really have any problem doing it, I just dont want to get anyone else sick. We'll see, I'll ask if they mind. I also need to think about if I want to go to class tomorrow or not. I love that class, but I dont want to get sicker... hmm. #4: my mother sent me the menorah that I forgot! And candles! Yay! (3 squeeks | make a sound byte)
Monday, December 7th, 2009
7:53 pm	Good news and bad news Good news first! Because its awesome news!: My housemate is getting a CAT! YAY! Im really excited. I love cats. I miss cats. Yay cats! This one sounds super sweet.... Bad news: Im getting sick and its COLD. It was a bit below zero here (no, below zero Celsius, not Fahrenheit. It was like.. low 20s in F?). And my throat hurts like hell. And I dont WANNA be sick... I would much rather be in my Love's arms. 12 days 'till Im on the plane! My mother just mailed me my menorah, because I forgot it. That means I get to go get candles and burn them soon! Im not particularly religious, but I really like doing hanukah candles. Mmmmm and latkas. And maybe I'll make some passover food just for kicks. nom food. Anyway, back to tea and my book. And trying to get better. I hope you all are doing well. Am I missing big things? I wish I could go to Dickens... Love and hugs to all, M (2 squeeks | make a sound byte)
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009
9:34 pm	Ok, Thinks got super busy, and I didnt answer these when I got them. Sorry waltzingmatthea! Better late than Never, right? So here's the game: waltzingmatthea gave me these five questions to answer. Leave me a comment saying "I'll bite" and I'll do the same for you. Pass it on to your own jounal (post the questions and answer them). If you ask more questions in the comments, I'll answer them, too - because, uh, I wasn't busy enough already.... ( Read more... ) (4 squeeks | make a sound byte)
3:06 pm	Quick post before I go to class: I just got out of the interview. It went pretty well, all things considered. I've got one big strike against me: Im going to be gone through winter break. Im not going to be here Dec 19 through Jan 2, in which I will be in Germany seeing my love. I do not regret this, so I cannot feel bad about it. The only reason that it is an issue is because the guy who's hiring needs to train someone fast--he will be gone for two and a half weeks in January. If this is the only reason he does not hire me, I will not feel bad at all. I think I did a good job at the interview though, answering his questions and all. If naught else, it is really good practice for me. I have very little official interview practice, though I expect to get more in the future. I got all decked out and everything. If I dont end up with a job next quarter, I'll just throw myself into school, as I tend to do anyway. I'll still job hunt, and there might be some good stuff that pops up at the beginning of the quarter. We'll see. Also, I might drop the archival class and take a history class.... It sounded really interesting. Hm, we'll see. Oh! Also, I got an email from the other thing I applied to do--the welcome desk at the public library! So I will have at least one thing that looks awesome on a resume. : ) YAY! Thanks for all the luck wishes! Tea and snacks before class now. -M (2 squeeks | make a sound byte)
12:46 pm	T minus 15 minutes until I leave for my job interview... Current Mood: AAAAH -HEADSPLODE- (5 squeeks | make a sound byte)
Monday, November 23rd, 2009
10:49 am	So, I got called 4 times last night between 4am and 4:30 am. They woke me up. Repeatedly. This has happened once before. The number is not listed--it says "private number" when they're calling, and says "no number" on my calls list. The first time this happened, I was a bit rude because I was groggy and had just got woken up at 3 something in the morning for what seemed to be no reason. (I'll get to what happens on the phone in a minute). The next morning I thought about it and realized that the only person that ever calls me with a "private number" is my parents, so I called them to make sure nothing bad had happened. Nothing bad had happened. (whew!) Now, I would call them again, except Im pretty darn sure its the same person who called me before. The phone call is really weird. At first there's no response to my "hello?", but it sounds like.. I dont know, like when you've been called from someone's pocket. The mic picks up the movement of the fabric across it with weird in-and-out static and distortion, and then somewhere in the background you can maybe hear something, but cant make it out. I thought I was getting weird-dialed, but in my sleepy state I asked something like "who is this?" and I sortof got a response. I mean, it was still just sounds and super distorted, but it was responding to questions--it was pausing and then giving an answer. It sounded a bit like I should bloody well be able to understand it, but I just couldnt quite make out words in it. Its like, its like someone was speaking, but they were doing so through a crinkle-distorter, that takes those kids toys with krinkle stuff in them, and then feeds the sound through that and a balling-up-brown-paper-bags distortion system. Maybe add some wind-across-the-mic. The first time, I eventually hung up after saying I couldnt understand, and they called back. I answered, same thing but shorter. I stopped answering after that one. Anyway, this time it was basically the same thing. Now, my problem is this: What possibly could have someone calling me like that? I thought of two scenarios, one much more likely than the other. 1. prank calls, or something similar. bleh. 2. someone is stuck in an awful situation and is calling random numbers at bloody early in the morning to try to get help. This is much less likely, Im sure, but I cant really figure out why else the person keeps calling back even though its super futile and I cant understand a thing. After I hang up, they call at least a time or two more. Maybe I'm just doing the worst-case-scenario here, but I cant really think of other reasons to call in that pattern besides desperately trying to talk to someone. Anyone else got an explanation? Finally, I really want to do something about this. Im really F***ing tired of getting woken up at 3 or 4 in the morning to a phone call where I cant understand a damn thing and the person keeps calling back anyway. So, do you know if I went to the police that they might be able to trace the call? Its not regular in any way (so far), so I dont think I can just hand it to them and hope they get called or something. The number isnt listed, which sucks, and I dont know what else is up. I guess if I went to the police and they could do something maybe they could freak out the prank callers, or help the person on the other end. Or just stop the phone calls somehow. There's no number to block, which is the sucky thing. Before you ask, Im not sure I want to keep my phone off all night. There have been times when having it on has been useful for emergencies, and no I dont have a land line. On the other hand, Im bloody tired of 3 and 4 in the morning wake up calls. grr. thoughts? (10 squeeks | make a sound byte)
Friday, November 13th, 2009
2:38 pm	My sound system has a hum in it. It really bothers me, both in playing anything on it and the fact that it has a hum. Granted, its a 9 year old system and its been through SEVERAL moves back and forth, but still! Something probably just got jostled enough to cause a problem. Blargh. (2 squeeks | make a sound byte)
Monday, November 9th, 2009
11:06 pm	Got me a job interview on Wednesday! Well, more like a job chat, it doesnt seem to be at all formal. I might be working for the tea shop! Yay! Im going to try volunteering for the library soon. I have to get the app done and sent in. Im still grieving a little, but Im better. Im still torn--do I try to go home for the service or not? Money wise it seems really doable, but time wise... not so much. I didnt do homework at all today, so the next two days are going to have to be crammed full of it. I need to start buying presents for the holidays so I can bring them home at thanksgiving. I have a good idea of what to get most people... I just have to do it now. Oops, my M is calling me. hugs! ~M (2 squeeks | make a sound byte)
12:22 pm	I learned this morning from creeping_dark that a friend of mine, ours really, from high school recently passed away. This is more than a shock. Rio Wight was one of those people I'd check up on in 10 years or 20 years and he'd be out of this world with awesome stuff going on, maybe his own art studio, his own tranquil garden, something deep and meaningful. As creeping_dark said, he was going places. I really got to know him through art classes at Berkeley High. We both got to be pretty good friends in AP art and other classes. He was so talented. It was a joy to watch him. To watch him work, to watch him design, build, take away. We talked a lot in that time. We ended up in the same corner a lot. We both did big sized projects, so we camped out near the gate where our stuff was kept when we werent there. The less we had to move it every day, the better. We talked a lot, and shared stories, and sometimes just spent time near each other, each absorbed in our work. It was meaningful to have someone there like that, who got what I was doing, or at least what I was trying to do. I hope it was meaningful to him as well. He was always very philosophical, and "old soul" as the SFgate article says. I couldnt have said it better- he had that deep wisdom in him, and it was fascinating. He was so intelligent, so sharp and perceptive. He was one of those people who you'd expect to find on a mountain somewhere in 60 years, with a long white beard, just taking one look at someone and doling out everything that they needed to know in five words or less. I dont think he would actually ever have done that, but Im sure you know the type. I seriously meant it that I was going to check up on him. He was one of those people who I lost contact with due to proximity, but I never forgot, and thought from time to time "I should look him up one of these days." Just to see where he's at. If we still have all that stuff in common. And now its too late. This shouldnt be. He should still be here. He was too young, too talented, too smart, too going places. Here's a link to the article I found at SFgate: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sfgate/obituary.aspx?n=rion-wight-rio&pid=135418247 (6 squeeks | make a sound byte)
Sunday, November 8th, 2009
10:41 pm	I made cookies!!! Im going to bring them into class tomorrow. One set is a peanut butter cookie, and the other is a vegan chocolate-chip oatmeal for those who're vegan and who dont like peanut butter. No one has a crazy-sensitive peanut allergy--I checked. In fact, no one has a pea nut allergy at all. YAY! In other news, I signed up for my classes! I decided to go for all four until further notice. Im going to talk to an advisor on monday perhaps, or maybe one of my professors too and see what they think. I also applied to the tea shop. I didnt put too much effort into it, so I dont know how well it will go over. I show absolutely NO experience working in a tea shop before, so we'll see. I also have to mention to them that I will be leaving Dec 20th for Germany and the like. I dont know if it'll be a good match, but it seems like a lot of fun. I dont know if Ill drop a class if I get the job--it seemed like it would be 10 hours or so per week. A little pocket money would be really fun. I'd probably spend it all on discounted tea stuff! I made a whole bunch of earrings in the last couple days for my little sister for her birthday and then for christmas when Im not there. I'll be shopping for everyone's holiday presents so I can give them to the right people to hand out when the time comes. I've got my mom, step mom, father, little brothers, and little sister figured out. I still havent quite figured out what to get my step father (which is fairly normal), nor what to get my older brother and his Sweetie. I've got my Sweetling figured out, and his family... we'll see about everything else I guess. I need to shop for all that! (3 squeeks | make a sound byte)
Thursday, November 5th, 2009
7:44 pm	Oh also: There's this board between the University and home that you can see from the bus which always has fun stuff on it. Its the kind of board that is used on a larger scale by movie theaters and other businesses: its white, and has removable plastic letters. Anyway, there's been some good ones. The one up right now is: "Hangovers are the wrath of grapes." My other favorite is this one: "Stupidity is not a disability. Park somewhere else." Ok, now to really do homework! ~M (make a sound byte)
Friday, October 30th, 2009
11:31 pm	Oh yes, and I forgot to say that I discovered all of this because I dragged out my garb for halloween. And that made me think of pryanksters a LOT so Im playing the tunes right now and wishing I could dance. Someone come dance with me? I miss you guys a LOT... (3 squeeks | make a sound byte)
Sunday, October 25th, 2009
9:21 pm	So, in coming to University here, I've come to realize how much I love history. So much so that Im seriously thinking of applying for a concurrent masters. Actually, really, its more appropriate to say that I AM applying for a concurrent masters. I've started working on the application, and sent out emails for letters of rec. I have a few questions, but.. yeah. I did not think I would have to start doing things quite so soon, but the due date is December 1st, not February 1st like the MLIS application (oops!) There's a good chance they wont take me actually. Of 177 applicants last year, apparently they took 7 of them. Oy. That said, I think I have a really good chance of getting in in terms of what I've got to offer in comparison to other people. I have good grades, fairly good GREs (all things considered--they arent outstanding though), a second language and a third in the works (more on that later), goodish writing and I get history theory. I hope thats enough... My worries so far are that there are only two early modernists there, and neither of them focus on Germany (my interest). Im not quite sure if thats really a problem, so long as I get along with them well and can work with them. Im not sure I will do much better elsewhere, though. And, really, 2 masters in 3 years is muuuch better than 2 masters in 4! Plus I get to stay in Seattle for another year! And stay settled. Im in the middle of cutting down my 50 page senior thesis into a 15 page writing sample. Hooboy. Its going well though, I just cut out the whole second half and Im editing out the parts that refer to it in the intro and conclusion. Its going well. I hope they dont count end notes and bibliography as part of the writing (cross your fingers for my sake???) Ooh! Also: Ego Latinae disceo. I'm learning Latin! Im teaching myself Latin, more like, but I dont know how to say that yet. I probably did the sentence I did write horribly wrong (I've been learning for all of two hours now), but thats ok. Its exciting! Its a bit weird that its not really spoken, and I've noticed that I always have a German accent unless Im careful. Basically, the reason behind all of this is that Latin is useful, both in knowing the meanings of English words and other modern languages, but also for early modern research. And its just cool. : ) In other news, I found a board game group! whee! I actually found several, but I found one that meets regularly in a game shop nearbyish. They're really sweet, and Im going to bring brownies next week to further become friends with them. They're a funny lot, all ages all types. Mostly guys.... Yeah, in some ways very stereotypical, but in some ways not. They're really nice. I hope I didnt make a bad impression and that they'll like me eventually... Now I cant wait for friday evenings! Whee! Might join a poetry group soon too. Im happy about that. So far Ive missed most of the book clubs, but thats ok. I miss you guys... Love to all, M (5 squeeks | make a sound byte)
Saturday, August 22nd, 2009
1:15 am	Bay area people, or really anyone: If you're wondering why I havnt called you or initiated hang out times, its not because I dont love you or dont want to. Its because I've been very busy with family events and helping my parents paint. Except for the thing in Davis I havnt had time to do social stuff yet!! On the other hand, I've gotten rid of 12 or 13 boxes stuff (including 2 boxes of books), so its been a fruitful few days. : ) Anyway, dont worry, we'll talk soon! And hopefully hang out! Yay! (make a sound byte)