For You, I'd Write a Symphony

“Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away.”

- George Eliot

I had an enormously tiring/frustrating day and am lacking on sleep. Therefore, I'm listening to Biebz and blogging.

Sometimes when you think you have something figured out, the best thing to do next is to ask someone their opinion. Sometimes when you think you know something, you know absolutely nothing at all.

Sometimes there are things you don't really pay attention to, when in all actuality, they are quite curious. And I can't figure this one out. I have my theories, but you guys are smart. So, I'm going to ask you.

Why are some socially awkward situations considered socially awkward?

Let me talk about this one in particular: Eating alone.

This one has always stumped me. I don't mind eating alone in a cafeteria or restaurant one bit. Frankly, it's usually the most time efficient. But forget about my opinion, it's usually odd anyways. I'm talking society. Why do we want to hide the fact that we're eating alone by doing things like texting or reading the paper? Is it just because society associates eating alone with loneliness, and we assume the person isn't choosing to me alone?


(Not that this has to do with anything at all, but I'm definitely listen to the "Bieber Fever" Glee fellas singing Somebody to Love  for the fourth time in a row right now. Did anyone else giggle excessively when Puck walk out with that hair? :] )


When I was younger, and my mom can probably remember this man, there was a man who I would see around town eating alone some evenings when my parents and I went out. He usually had a laptop or notebook with him. But... I always felt bad for him. I wanted him to save someone to eat with, and it kind of broke my heart a little. He always piqued my curiosity. Except, what if this is what he loved? What if he was writing some great novel and was doing his people watching author muse research jazz during these Friday night dinners?
I think he wanted to be alone.

Once in a while, when I tell people I'm going to the caf, they'll say, "By yourself?" I usually reply with, "I'm real hungry... so I'm going to go eat." I'm a great problem solver, see? :]

I don't know. I love eating with people, but it usually turns into a long business with laughs and all. That makes me sound like I hate laughing. This is untrue. I like saving time, so I don't mind eating alone. There, I said it!

Walking alone isn't weird. Driving alone isn't weird. Why is eating alone weird?

Just curious.

Ps: GIRLS. THIS. IS. A. DREAM. #whydon'tiliveinbrooklyn #whyamiusingtwitterhashtags

Oh, and Lex? Here's a little mention to brighten your day. I hope things start looking up, things destressify, and that life introduces you to some awesome, new uplifting people. :]

And EMILY. Letter. COMING. SOON. #iamawful #ihaventforgotten #istillwantto

Well, I'm Happy

Fact: I love Valentines Day.
Fact: I am single.


Question: Am I alone?


I like special days. I don't care if the holiday is made up, cliche, random,  or full of tacky presents or decorations. I just like holidays. They make people feel differently, at least for one day. And even the Valentine Day haters get to feel differently for one day. They have an excuse to hate such an "unnecessary" holiday our culture celebrates, and gosh darnit they love expressing that. I just like events that cause people to form opinions and make memories.


Now, last year was the first year that I really enjoyed my actual Valentines Day. I assumed this was largely in part to spending it, for the first time, with a boyfriend. This year, however, I think I enjoyed it even more.


9 Reasons I like Valentines Day:


1) I get to break the "I'm single on Valentines Day so I am going to hate this day and all couples." stereotype.
2) Strawberry Peeps/other candy.
3) I like experiencing happiness vicariously through other couples.
4) No expectations.
5) Pink.
6) Thinking about all the business flower galleries are getting.
7) It's a holiday created on the basis of love.
8) More family members send you candy/money because they feel bad you have no significant other.
9) Free cookies at work, free coffee at Caribou.


Reasons I didn't like Valentines Day in High School:
1) Unrealistic expectations.
2) You got to compare how many roses you got compared to everyone else.
3) Mid-class teddy bear/flower deliveries reminding you that your daydreams weren't going to come true.


Question: Do you hate this day?


Don't be lonely, friends.


Extra: Emma Watson confirmed her role as Sam in The Perks of Being a Wallflower. EXCITED.


Edit: TAMPONS! I went back two days later to work out and they were gone. Sad day.


(I went toooo long without blogging. I will return to a regular schedule. Also, this means I will comment more. Kay. :] )

Missing Out on Active Comfort

Disclaimer: This is, in its entirety, a blog about tampons. Don't be fooled by the photogenic bowl of cereal.

So today, I worked out. For the first time this semester. Whoops. However, we mustn't dwell on past failures, right? So today, I worked out. Also, I will work out in the near future. Hooray optimism!

 Now, for this story to make sense you need to know that upon entering our rec center, you are faced with a long desk and three workers. Tonight there was one girl scanning ID cards, one girl dealing with locker keys, and one boy further down at the desk that deals with rentals and other athletic business. I never interact with this third worker. Anyway, as I was walking past, I saw several pink boxes on the desk by the boy worker. I couldn't tell what they were, but frankly, I didn't quite care. The only free stuff I have gotten from the rec center is that gross sport energy gel, hydration gum, and energy jelly beans. When I passed it again as I was leaving, I at least wanted to find out what crazy new sport product they were trying to give away so I could bring back a great story for the roommate. Well, they were Playtex Sport Tampons. A whole box! They probably contained at least 8-12! This is free AND practical! I went to the locker, got my stuff, came to the locker key girl and eyed up the tampons on the other side of the desk. Were they free? Should I take one? Are they actually free?!

But, my friends, they were in front of the boy worker. In order to find out if they were free, I would have to march over to said boy and ask, "Are you giving away free tampons?"

Because, what if they weren't free and they were saving them for some team or something? Then this boy would have had to say, "Um, excuse me, miss, but those tampons aren't for the taking." Then I would have had to hand the box back to the boy in front of a whole bunch of people. After I left they would have all had a great chuckle over the girl who thought the tampons were free.

Well, I left the rec center tamponless. Guess future workouts won't be as comfortable as they could be. Would you have asked?! Please, I'd really like to know if this is less of a deal than I am making it.

If I post this blog right now, this will singlehandedly be the worst blog I have ever posted.

...I know, links! Links will fix this problem.

I just ordered 5 pair of glasses for home try on from Warby Parker. I'm pretty excited. If you're looking for new glasses, you should check it out.

I check this website nearly every day. It's beautiful.

This is probably one of my favorites. Ever. [Bouncing Balls]

Oh! One more thing. I finally saw the social network and absolutely loved it. I have a new fascination with Mark Zunkerberg and a new crush on Andrew Garfield (the friend who's also the new Spiderman.) Have you seen it? Did you like it?

Hope you're having a great week!

The Best Part of Wakin' Up is Kleenex in Your Cup

I MADE THIS FOR YOU! 

(Well, I made it for class actually.)

Ben Folds, albeit rough around the edges, is such a awesome guy. I was reading a recent interview he had, and in response to a question inquiring about the fact that he has expressed he is okay with people burning cd's, he had this bit:


"...but all those artists who signed those petitions to stop people from stealing their music, well, maybe they should have checked to see how much they were making from royalties first. But it doesn’t bother me, I’d rather have the hundreds of thousands of people hear my music. [Laughs.] To me, having a record company is the way you look famous and important, to let people know that you’re sanctioned by “the man,” and when you go play gigs, it’s like “as seen on TV,” that kind of thing. But I know that stealing music has been bad for people, I’m not going to say I’m happy for it, but it’s not a bad thing for music. It’s a bad thing for the music industry. And those two things are different."


Those last three sentences are golden. The whole interview is here. He's makes music for all and only the right reasons. He's not afraid to take risks, and he's so innovative. On his tour right now he's having the audience of every stop he makes sing a different line of a song he's going to have on his next cd. So. Awesome. 


My job:
Finding a job on campus here is near impossible if you don't qualify for work study. I finally captured one my forth semester of college. I guess there were 50 applications within 48 hours, and he had to cut it off early because he couldn't keep up with them. Basically, it's not exciting. I scan documents the whole time. But I love it. It's perfect. I'm in my own room, I can listen to my ipod, I can come in whenever I want, I can leave whenever I want, I can eat, drink coffee, and take a break whenever I need to. So, huzzah!


I already overheard a funny conversation between the other office ladies on the very first day. They were discussing materials they use when they run out of coffee filters. One woman said she used an old sheet once,  which is, I guess... fine in desperate measures. But then, another lady admitted she used a scented kleenex once. A SCENTED KLEENEX. How can you even THINK for a SECOND that the end result of this will taste REMOTELY good?! First of all, it's a KLEENEX. Kleenexes deteriorate within seconds under water. Second of all, SCENTED?! The woman then declared that it tasted awful. 


OH, REALLY?  


Oh my goodness. I like people.


Now, on to YouTube things.
(Sorry to everyone who doesn't pay attention to such things. I know a lot of you do, though. :] )
I recently discovered Josh Sundquist through that YouTube contest that Luke Conard and Michael Aranda were in. I now have a list.


Reasons I love Josh Sunquist:
1. He's hilarious.
2. He wrote a hilarious autobiography about being an amputee.
3. His eyes are mesmerizing.
4. He's not part of the money hungry community swarming YT.
5. He has one leg, but he's a freaking paralympic skier
6. He makes me laugh out loud.


I want to hang out with him sometime. Sigh. 
Did you guys know about Josh?


(There are so so so many funny videos, but I particularly enjoy this one.)


Secondly, Charlie's video today was absolutely hilarious. My friend posted this on my wall today, "Charlie's new video makes me remember why I simultaneously love and hate the internet. Not to mention Tumblr."


Hahaha. 


Okay, happy weekend!

Allyson and the Awesome, Wonderful, Yes Good, Very Nice Day

This is Chester. 

He's my roommate's giraffe. 

We stuffed him ourselves last year. :]

Thanks for all the comments about my last blog, I really enjoyed reading them. Blogger doesn't have a very good way to respond to comments, so I never really did, but I have started to now... so if you're interested you can check back and we can keep the discussions going on any post. :]

This semester is a stressful one. One of those semesters where you're always on your toes, and if you pause to think for a second you'll miss something and fail miserably. Well, last night it was all getting to me in bed, and I literally felt like I was having a mini panic attack. This morning when I woke up, I decided that it was going to be a GOOD day. And it was. In every way.

Things were falling into place, corespondents were finally getting back to me, assignments were finally getting organized and manageable, I was productive nearly all day, and I had fun conversations with fun people. Oh, and also... I got the job I interviewed for. Do you know what this means? This means I'll have money going into my account. What an interesting concept!

Then tonight, I had to go to an artist presentation. This was... interesting. Fascinating... but.... interesting. Her medium is hair. She makes sculptures out of hair. She screen-prints words on hair. She makes replicas of rugs out of hair clippings. HAIR. Her work was amazing, but oh my goodness. Fake hair.

I kind of felt like gagging. In a not mean way.

This is a link to her works page. It doesn't have any of her screen-printing hair works, which I found most fascinating, but it gives you a taste. And the answer is yes. That IS hair!

Oh and to top it ALL off, the whole PACKERS ARE GOING TO THE SUPERBOWL excitement definitely hasn't worn off yet. This hasn't happened since I was in like 2nd grade. I remember having a tiny "Superbowl Champions" sweater (probably size 6X) that would be totally handy right now.

So, it's all good here in the hood.

Be Yourself... Wait, Who?!

Literature makes me think. Often too much. This blog is a result. Just go with me on this one.




"Be Yourself."

For goodness sake, I'll think I'll ask the question everyone secretly asks themselves, "What does 'be yourself' even mean?"

"Dare to be different."

But, why? Why should we be different? Different how? "Different" has no context, no meaning.

What if you wear a flamingo suit and walk to class. Does this make you different enough? What if this was the norm? Should you wear jeans to class so that you could be "different" once again?

Stargirl was different. "She was elusive. She was today. She was tomorrow. ... We did not know what to make of her. In our minds we tried to pin her to a corkboard like a butterfly, but the pin merely went through and away she flew."

To be elusive means to be hard to comprehend or define; evading grasp or pursuit. I was reading this book today and texted the guy who let me borrow it (hello, friend. :] ) This was the exchange:

Me: "But is it good to be elusive?"
Him: "Yes."
Me: "Why?"
Him: "Because it makes you different and interesting, but it's ever so hard to do."
Me: "But this shouldn't be our goal, to be "different and interesting." That in and of itself a contradiction. Our goal should be to be ourselves, which for some people isn't elusive at all. So, I don't like having this "elusiveness" pinned as a worthy goal, you know?

He told me to keep reading. So I have been... and for her character, it all makes sense... but I'm speaking in general. Because advice like "be yourself" and "march to the beat of your own drum" and "dare to be different" is all too common. Almost as if we are not doing something against "the norm," we aren't trying hard enough to stand out.

I don't like the act of "following the norm" to be seen as conforming in a negative way. Let's consider the definition of that word. Conform. In the simplest definition of the word it means to "be similar, be in line with." So, conforming isn't always a bad thing. Many people these days are trying to find the most obscure objects, music, tastes or clothes just to avoid conform.  Why do we need to be different than everybody else? Being different shouldn't be our goal. Everything is normal in one context or another.

But then, how do we be ourselves? 

Thank God we are not our own. 

"Different" has no standard. 

But God has one for us.

"For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So weather we live or die, we belong to the Lord." -Romans 14:7-8

Conforming in and of itself isn't bad. Conforming to worldly ideals, thoughts, and standards is.


So really, we can stop searching. Stop playing this game of trying to keep up with a constantly changing societal norm. Why be elusive? We already have a purpose, a purpose we shouldn't be trying to keep away from the grasp of others. We already have a standard to live by - His standard. And yeah, compared to the world, that IS different.

"If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." John 15:19 

Congrats, friends. You're daring to be different. Thanks for letting me share thoughts. 


... and I'm not even half way through my book.

LOL, Moses.

(Two blogs in kind of one day. Hold the phone!)

Art History right now is like a Bible History class. It's kind of strange, because I'm used to religion classes where the teacher doesn't have to say "Christian theory states..." before every sentence, but it's actually very interesting, and I'm learning a lot. Like the fact that everyone used to think Moses had horns.

I never knew this, but I feel like it's something I should have known.

This statue on the left is Moses by Michelangelo, and the statue on the right is Moses from the Well of Moses by Claus Sluter. Both with horns.

My (totally hilarious but entirely creepy looking) professor asked if anyone knew why. It was the first Bible related question he had me stumped on. Some guy had the answer, who said he learned it in Sunday school. I went to a Lutheran school for 13 years and never knew this!

I will let the words of a wise Yahoo! Answers topic explain this odd mistranslation,


"The statue depicts Moses with horns on his head. This is believed to be because of the mistranslation of Exodus 34:29-35 by St Jerome. Moses is actually described as having "rays of the skin of his face", which Jerome in the Vulgate had translated as "horns" (See Halo). The mistake in translation is possible because the word "karan" in the Hebrew language can mean either "radiated (light)" or "grew horns"."

I don't know why this is so fascinating to me. It just took me off-guard.

Now, Obamalama.

Obama is coming to my hometown, and no one really knows why.  As in, he's flying to Wisconsin, driving to my city, and then leaving Wisconsin. It was just announced this week, and he's coming next week. My city has like 34,000 people in it. It's not exactly a city that the president spontaneously makes a trip to.

Apparently we're giving him a "special gift." What does that even mean? Do cities do that whole "Key to the City" thing for Presidents? Or are we talking like, iPad special? Maybe it'll just be some beer and cheese. Oh, look... I just ignorantly stereotyped my state. My bad. Haha.

Why I didn't just combine these two ramblings, I am not sure. But I didn't, so now here it is. Moses and Obama for your reading enjoyment.

Off to bed. Goodnight, moon. :]