Do a lot in the area of fungus prevention.
Don't do a lot in the area of protection from giant shower floods caused by clogged drains.
My feet-ankles are soaked.
My curse reverberated off the bathroom walls.
But overall it was a funny moment.
Feel free to laugh.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Annie Waits Part 2
Not a lot to say this Sunday evening, except that it's been a slow weekend. Good slow, though. For some reason I haven't felt like doing much except sitting inside, reading, and watching movies. It might have been the rain, but I was definitely in slug mode.
I did go see UMM's production of As You Like It, and that was absolutely stunning. The acting, the costumes, the music (which was unexpected), just everything was great. I wasn't familiar with the play, and now I want to rush out and read it. In fact, I'm thinking that I'll delve into Shakespeare a bit this summer. I know I want to read Hamlet again (it's my favorite), and I think I'll do As You Like It, King Lear, and The Merchant of Venice as well. Just so you know.
Okay now I'm going to do something completely out there. I'm going to post a video. I've never done that before on this blog, and frankly I'm kind of against it because usually when I see videos on blogs, I just go right past them without watching. If you want to do that with this video, feel free. I'm just posting it because I've been obsessed with it since about 3 p.m. today, and I want an excuse to watch it again. Enjoy (if you want).
By the way, the video is actually on a separate post, because I'm not technologically advanced enough to put it on this one.
I did go see UMM's production of As You Like It, and that was absolutely stunning. The acting, the costumes, the music (which was unexpected), just everything was great. I wasn't familiar with the play, and now I want to rush out and read it. In fact, I'm thinking that I'll delve into Shakespeare a bit this summer. I know I want to read Hamlet again (it's my favorite), and I think I'll do As You Like It, King Lear, and The Merchant of Venice as well. Just so you know.
Okay now I'm going to do something completely out there. I'm going to post a video. I've never done that before on this blog, and frankly I'm kind of against it because usually when I see videos on blogs, I just go right past them without watching. If you want to do that with this video, feel free. I'm just posting it because I've been obsessed with it since about 3 p.m. today, and I want an excuse to watch it again. Enjoy (if you want).
By the way, the video is actually on a separate post, because I'm not technologically advanced enough to put it on this one.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Day 2, 7:04 p.m.
I got zombified last night around 8:00 p.m.
Went into Maddie's room (we were going to walk to badminton together), and King got me from behind the door. An unfortunate hit, but a fair one.
So far I haven't eaten any humans. Just not inclined, I guess. Also, their numbers are dwindling, and the few humans left are especially wily and quick. Ben did make a kill this afternoon and shared with me, so I've been sated for another 48 hours or so.
Raids still continue.
Life still continues.
Purple bandana on my head now.
Totals:
103 Humans
215 Zombies
Went into Maddie's room (we were going to walk to badminton together), and King got me from behind the door. An unfortunate hit, but a fair one.
So far I haven't eaten any humans. Just not inclined, I guess. Also, their numbers are dwindling, and the few humans left are especially wily and quick. Ben did make a kill this afternoon and shared with me, so I've been sated for another 48 hours or so.
Raids still continue.
Life still continues.
Purple bandana on my head now.
Totals:
103 Humans
215 Zombies
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Day 1, 6:02 p.m.
Signing on again to report an event of immense human heroism. Actually, a few different events.
Shortly after my last entry, I had to go over to Camden to talk to a professor. 3 fellow humans escorted me; Ben, Kelsie, and Chris. While we were waiting for the professor to finish with another student, we watched through the glass doors of the building as 2 zombies terrorized humans on the mall. One poor human was chased all around the perimeter. As soon as we saw him, we flung open the doors of Camden and held them, yelling for him to get inside quickly. As soon as he was in we closed the doors, watching the zombies slink away. He was really grateful, and I have to say it felt good to help another human. It's sort of every man for himself in this game, but there is also a sense of camaraderie among humans (and I suppose among zombies as well).
The second big event occurred en route to Food Service at around 5:00 p.m. We set out with a group of 5 humans. By this time King and Maddie had been turned into zombies, and they had already each made a kill in Pine. We didn't tell them we were going, simply because we didn't want them to go for us next.
No sooner had we gone past the HFA when a huge horde of about 15 zombies came running at us full speed. They surrounded us, but we managed to hold them off with sockballs.
Jennifer, Ally and I were backed into a corner, but somehow we got away and ran all the way around the back of campus and into Food Service.
Getting out of Food Service was tricky as well; though it is neutral ground, it was simply crawling with zombies scoping out the remaining humans. They guarded the main entrance well, but we managed to slip out the back and take the long way to Pine.
Despite all the blood, gore, and ambushes, however, perhaps the biggest casualty of all is the friendships of those involved. This 'game' has the potential to hurt feelings, and I think in a lot of cases it already has. A lot is at stake on both sides, and it doesn't all have to do with where you're wearing your bandana.
Count:
195 Humans
124 Zombies
Shortly after my last entry, I had to go over to Camden to talk to a professor. 3 fellow humans escorted me; Ben, Kelsie, and Chris. While we were waiting for the professor to finish with another student, we watched through the glass doors of the building as 2 zombies terrorized humans on the mall. One poor human was chased all around the perimeter. As soon as we saw him, we flung open the doors of Camden and held them, yelling for him to get inside quickly. As soon as he was in we closed the doors, watching the zombies slink away. He was really grateful, and I have to say it felt good to help another human. It's sort of every man for himself in this game, but there is also a sense of camaraderie among humans (and I suppose among zombies as well).
The second big event occurred en route to Food Service at around 5:00 p.m. We set out with a group of 5 humans. By this time King and Maddie had been turned into zombies, and they had already each made a kill in Pine. We didn't tell them we were going, simply because we didn't want them to go for us next.
No sooner had we gone past the HFA when a huge horde of about 15 zombies came running at us full speed. They surrounded us, but we managed to hold them off with sockballs.
Jennifer, Ally and I were backed into a corner, but somehow we got away and ran all the way around the back of campus and into Food Service.
Getting out of Food Service was tricky as well; though it is neutral ground, it was simply crawling with zombies scoping out the remaining humans. They guarded the main entrance well, but we managed to slip out the back and take the long way to Pine.
Despite all the blood, gore, and ambushes, however, perhaps the biggest casualty of all is the friendships of those involved. This 'game' has the potential to hurt feelings, and I think in a lot of cases it already has. A lot is at stake on both sides, and it doesn't all have to do with where you're wearing your bandana.
Count:
195 Humans
124 Zombies
Zombieland
The Zombie apocalypse has come to Morris. Laugh if you will, but remember that it's only funny until you're being chased around campus by a horde of undead.
Henceforth, this blog will be officially tracking said zombie infestation (with comments from yours truly), until the last of the undead are, well, dead, or until I myself become one of them.
Here are the Human v. Zombie overview/rules (as posted on the website):
Humans vs. Zombies is essentially a game of tag...except on crack. Everyone who signs up begins as a human, everyone, that is, except for one randomly chosen player who becomes the first zombie. This zombie's job is to tag (infect) as many human players as possible in order to build up an unstoppable zombie plague. Humans, it is your job to evade these zombies and stay alive (not undead) for the entirety of the game. Human players will be able to use balled up socks as weapons in this battle. To designate teams, the Plague (zombies) will wear bandanas or strips of cloth around their heads or necks, while the Resistance (humans) will wear bandanas or strips of cloth around their arms. We have incredibly excellent missions planned for this game.
Humans: Run from Zombies.
Zombies: Eat some brains.
Rules:
Don't be a jerk.
SOCK BALLS ONLY!
No cars (segways allowed)
Required Equipment:
Bandana or some cloth to indicate you're playing. (We recommend cutting up an old/Salvo tshirt if you have no bandana)
Sock Ball
One ID index card to be kept on you at all times!
Safe Zones:
Residence Hall rooms/apartment/house bedroom (your own only, the house/apartment/public spaces are free game, HD apartments are safe in total), Bathrooms, Practice rooms in HFA, Tabling in the Student Center, Classrooms, Library, RFC, Health Center, Campus Events (Blood Drive, Play Practice, Dance Practice, Campus Tours, Meetings with Professors),Food Service,TMC is safe during breakfast, until 10 am (TMC is NOT safe after 10 am!), Stores and Restaurants off campus, CAs on rounds are safe, Working at your job ANYWHERE on campus (Zombies are not to attack anyone who is working at their area of employment, this does not count for schoolwork :) Please take off your bandana when you're at work to avoid issues). FLOGGING MOLLY CONCERT IS A SAFE ZONE, DO NOT PLAY WHILE AT THE CONCERT
Everywhere else is Free Game. NOTE: Please use your discretion when to make an area safe. Be respectful to the events going on around you. Our goal is not to interrupt and be a burden to campus and campus events. If you are tagged at a location you believe is safe, please email the moderator for a formal decision.
*A zombie must have both feet outside of a safe zone to tag a human.
Non-participants
People who are not registered participants may not directly interact with the game.
Human Rules
Conditions for Winning:
Humans win when the last zombie starves to death.
Bandana:
Humans must wear their bandanas around their arm at all times.
ID number:
Every Human player must keep one index card with their unique identification number on them at all times.
Stunning a Zombie:
Humans may stun a Zombie for 15 minutes by shooting them by throwing a sock at them. Sockballs are to be thrown-They are not to be used as melee weapons or be attached to your body in any way for easy retrieval. You may carry as many sockballs as you want.
When tagged by a Zombie:
When tagged by a Zombie, a Human is required to distribute their ID card. One hour from being tagged a Human becomes a member of the Zombie team.
*One hour from being tagged you must begin wearing your bandana around your head - you are then allowed to tag other Humans.
Zombie Rules
Conditions for Winning:
The Zombies win when the Human team has no remaining members.
Wearing your Headband:
The Zombie team must wear a bandana around their head or neck at all times.
THE ORIGINAL ZOMBIE:
An original zombie will be chosen at random (and notified by email of their status). For 24 hours (Noon Monday - Noon Tuesday) they DO NOT have to wear their bandana indicating zombiness. During that time they must try to tag AS MANY HUMANS AS POSSIBLE to begin the plague (simulating infection). Those tagged by the original zombie will hand over their ID card to be registered as killed, but will not become zombies until Tuesday at Noon-after the 24 hour incubation period. After that point, all people tagged by the OZ will become zombies and normal play begins with humans turning to zombies 1 hour after being tagged. After the 24 hour incubation period, the original zombie must begin wearing their bandana.
Tagging:
A tag is a firm touch to any part of a Human. After tagging a Human the Zombie must collect their ID card. Kills must be reported within three hours.
Feeding:
Zombie must feed every 48 hours. A zombie feeds by reporting their kill on the website. A zombie may choose two other zombies to join in the feed.
Getting shot:
When hit with a sock a Zombie is stunned for 15 minutes. A stunned zombie may not interact with the game in any way.
*This includes shielding other zombies from bullets or continuing to run toward a human.
*If hit while stunned, their stun time resets to 15 minutes.
-Here ends the copy/pasted website rules-
Okay, do you get it now? Good. Now I can get back into character, as explained in my own rules (as follows):
Holly's Rules for Surviving a Zombie Infestation:
1. Be Alert. Look over your shoulder constantly, peer around corners, leave safe areas cautiously. The minute you let your guard down, you WILL be attacked. This is war, folks, and if you want to survive, you need to treat it like a war.
2. Travel in Packs. There is indeed safety in numbers, and traveling with numbers makes it much easier to follow rule number 1. Assign each person in the pack a certain direction to scout out as you walk (Example: one person looks ahead, one looks behind, right, left, etc.).
3. Do Not Underestimate the Sockballl. While running away is always an option, it is not a very realistic one. For starters, you don't know how fast the attacking zombie is, and it is unwise to risk fleeing from someone who may be an Olympic sprinter. Secondly, running often separates you from the group, compromising the safety of all members. It is best, therefore, to form ranks with your human pack and fire sock missiles at all approaching zombies in order to immobilize them. Running away may work short term, but it does not give you the 15 minutes of safety guaranteed by sockballs.
4. Believe in the Zombie Apocalypse. As touched upon in my first rule, it is vital to treat this 'game' like it is ACTUALLY HAPPENING. Like it is not a game, but real life. Not only does staying in character (whether you're a human or a zombie) help you to stay alert and attentive, but it also makes the whole experience more enjoyable.
End rules.
Now I'll switch gears and give you an update. The OZ (original zombie), Mitch, got about 40 people yesterday. He's turned almost all of Gay Hall into zombies, and has infiltrated much of Spooner and the apartments as well.
As of this morning, one of our own Pine Hall residents has betrayed us all by going to Mitch and asking to be made into a zombie. Needless to say, his request was granted.
Current Totals:
261 Humans
58 Zombies (and increasing every minute)
How am I doing so far? Conditions are stable. Recieved a 5-man escort from my Crusades Class, and have since cautiously proceeded around the dorm. Laundry will wait until further notice. No sign of Aaron. Just in: Katie and Taylor (Pine) also infected. Grave news, as both are on my floor. Will carry a minimum of three sockballs at all times. Will sign off now in order to study for an exam. Stay safe, stay human, my friends. Over and out.
Henceforth, this blog will be officially tracking said zombie infestation (with comments from yours truly), until the last of the undead are, well, dead, or until I myself become one of them.
Here are the Human v. Zombie overview/rules (as posted on the website):
Humans vs. Zombies is essentially a game of tag...except on crack. Everyone who signs up begins as a human, everyone, that is, except for one randomly chosen player who becomes the first zombie. This zombie's job is to tag (infect) as many human players as possible in order to build up an unstoppable zombie plague. Humans, it is your job to evade these zombies and stay alive (not undead) for the entirety of the game. Human players will be able to use balled up socks as weapons in this battle. To designate teams, the Plague (zombies) will wear bandanas or strips of cloth around their heads or necks, while the Resistance (humans) will wear bandanas or strips of cloth around their arms. We have incredibly excellent missions planned for this game.
Humans: Run from Zombies.
Zombies: Eat some brains.
Rules:
Don't be a jerk.
SOCK BALLS ONLY!
No cars (segways allowed)
Required Equipment:
Bandana or some cloth to indicate you're playing. (We recommend cutting up an old/Salvo tshirt if you have no bandana)
Sock Ball
One ID index card to be kept on you at all times!
Safe Zones:
Residence Hall rooms/apartment/house bedroom (your own only, the house/apartment/public spaces are free game, HD apartments are safe in total), Bathrooms, Practice rooms in HFA, Tabling in the Student Center, Classrooms, Library, RFC, Health Center, Campus Events (Blood Drive, Play Practice, Dance Practice, Campus Tours, Meetings with Professors),Food Service,TMC is safe during breakfast, until 10 am (TMC is NOT safe after 10 am!), Stores and Restaurants off campus, CAs on rounds are safe, Working at your job ANYWHERE on campus (Zombies are not to attack anyone who is working at their area of employment, this does not count for schoolwork :) Please take off your bandana when you're at work to avoid issues). FLOGGING MOLLY CONCERT IS A SAFE ZONE, DO NOT PLAY WHILE AT THE CONCERT
Everywhere else is Free Game. NOTE: Please use your discretion when to make an area safe. Be respectful to the events going on around you. Our goal is not to interrupt and be a burden to campus and campus events. If you are tagged at a location you believe is safe, please email the moderator for a formal decision.
*A zombie must have both feet outside of a safe zone to tag a human.
Non-participants
People who are not registered participants may not directly interact with the game.
Human Rules
Conditions for Winning:
Humans win when the last zombie starves to death.
Bandana:
Humans must wear their bandanas around their arm at all times.
ID number:
Every Human player must keep one index card with their unique identification number on them at all times.
Stunning a Zombie:
Humans may stun a Zombie for 15 minutes by shooting them by throwing a sock at them. Sockballs are to be thrown-They are not to be used as melee weapons or be attached to your body in any way for easy retrieval. You may carry as many sockballs as you want.
When tagged by a Zombie:
When tagged by a Zombie, a Human is required to distribute their ID card. One hour from being tagged a Human becomes a member of the Zombie team.
*One hour from being tagged you must begin wearing your bandana around your head - you are then allowed to tag other Humans.
Zombie Rules
Conditions for Winning:
The Zombies win when the Human team has no remaining members.
Wearing your Headband:
The Zombie team must wear a bandana around their head or neck at all times.
THE ORIGINAL ZOMBIE:
An original zombie will be chosen at random (and notified by email of their status). For 24 hours (Noon Monday - Noon Tuesday) they DO NOT have to wear their bandana indicating zombiness. During that time they must try to tag AS MANY HUMANS AS POSSIBLE to begin the plague (simulating infection). Those tagged by the original zombie will hand over their ID card to be registered as killed, but will not become zombies until Tuesday at Noon-after the 24 hour incubation period. After that point, all people tagged by the OZ will become zombies and normal play begins with humans turning to zombies 1 hour after being tagged. After the 24 hour incubation period, the original zombie must begin wearing their bandana.
Tagging:
A tag is a firm touch to any part of a Human. After tagging a Human the Zombie must collect their ID card. Kills must be reported within three hours.
Feeding:
Zombie must feed every 48 hours. A zombie feeds by reporting their kill on the website. A zombie may choose two other zombies to join in the feed.
Getting shot:
When hit with a sock a Zombie is stunned for 15 minutes. A stunned zombie may not interact with the game in any way.
*This includes shielding other zombies from bullets or continuing to run toward a human.
*If hit while stunned, their stun time resets to 15 minutes.
-Here ends the copy/pasted website rules-
Okay, do you get it now? Good. Now I can get back into character, as explained in my own rules (as follows):
Holly's Rules for Surviving a Zombie Infestation:
1. Be Alert. Look over your shoulder constantly, peer around corners, leave safe areas cautiously. The minute you let your guard down, you WILL be attacked. This is war, folks, and if you want to survive, you need to treat it like a war.
2. Travel in Packs. There is indeed safety in numbers, and traveling with numbers makes it much easier to follow rule number 1. Assign each person in the pack a certain direction to scout out as you walk (Example: one person looks ahead, one looks behind, right, left, etc.).
3. Do Not Underestimate the Sockballl. While running away is always an option, it is not a very realistic one. For starters, you don't know how fast the attacking zombie is, and it is unwise to risk fleeing from someone who may be an Olympic sprinter. Secondly, running often separates you from the group, compromising the safety of all members. It is best, therefore, to form ranks with your human pack and fire sock missiles at all approaching zombies in order to immobilize them. Running away may work short term, but it does not give you the 15 minutes of safety guaranteed by sockballs.
4. Believe in the Zombie Apocalypse. As touched upon in my first rule, it is vital to treat this 'game' like it is ACTUALLY HAPPENING. Like it is not a game, but real life. Not only does staying in character (whether you're a human or a zombie) help you to stay alert and attentive, but it also makes the whole experience more enjoyable.
End rules.
Now I'll switch gears and give you an update. The OZ (original zombie), Mitch, got about 40 people yesterday. He's turned almost all of Gay Hall into zombies, and has infiltrated much of Spooner and the apartments as well.
As of this morning, one of our own Pine Hall residents has betrayed us all by going to Mitch and asking to be made into a zombie. Needless to say, his request was granted.
Current Totals:
261 Humans
58 Zombies (and increasing every minute)
How am I doing so far? Conditions are stable. Recieved a 5-man escort from my Crusades Class, and have since cautiously proceeded around the dorm. Laundry will wait until further notice. No sign of Aaron. Just in: Katie and Taylor (Pine) also infected. Grave news, as both are on my floor. Will carry a minimum of three sockballs at all times. Will sign off now in order to study for an exam. Stay safe, stay human, my friends. Over and out.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
I Want to Tell You
I want to tell you
My head is filled with things to say
Sometimes I wish I knew you well,
Then I could speak my mind and tell you
Maybe you'd understand
is the song I'm currently listening to.
What I'm thinking about, however, is how wonderful this weekend has been, and how my 19 year old self has temporarily disappeared. I've played on the playgrounds of Morris this weekend. I've walked the streets, laughing. I've played kick the can and freeze tag. I've fallen, getting grass stains all over the legs of my jeans. I've seen UFO's shoot across the sky, lit up like stars. I've gotten sweaty and dirty, and my hair has come loose from its ponytail. I've run, I've jumped, I've climbed, I've been outside morning to night. I've gone to bed exhausted. I've had the time of my life, in a few words.
Now I suppose I have to go back to the semi-seriousness of studying, and of being a mature college student.
Can't wait for next weekend, though.
My head is filled with things to say
Sometimes I wish I knew you well,
Then I could speak my mind and tell you
Maybe you'd understand
is the song I'm currently listening to.
What I'm thinking about, however, is how wonderful this weekend has been, and how my 19 year old self has temporarily disappeared. I've played on the playgrounds of Morris this weekend. I've walked the streets, laughing. I've played kick the can and freeze tag. I've fallen, getting grass stains all over the legs of my jeans. I've seen UFO's shoot across the sky, lit up like stars. I've gotten sweaty and dirty, and my hair has come loose from its ponytail. I've run, I've jumped, I've climbed, I've been outside morning to night. I've gone to bed exhausted. I've had the time of my life, in a few words.
Now I suppose I have to go back to the semi-seriousness of studying, and of being a mature college student.
Can't wait for next weekend, though.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Meanwhile, Back At The Ranch
Our sleepy heroine is up studying for a Crusades test.
Saladin? Baldwin IV ("The Leper King")? I know 'em.
Had an argument about true love with Tim earlier. I argued for. I wish I could say I won, but he's being awfully stubborn.
Was in the library for 2 hours tonight. What a lovely place, there against the window. It was dark enough so I couldn't be distracted by passing students or waving grass.
I'm also back on Facebook (gave it up for Lent, as I might not have mentioned).
Someone chatted me at about 1 a.m. and said some really nice, unexpected things.
It's always horrible when you only really get to know someone right before they leave.
I know this post is random, but it's almost 4 a.m. There's no way I'm taking the time to properly organize my thoughts and ideas at 4 a.m. 3:30, maybe. 4:00, definitely not.
In other Facebook news, I made a rash friend request today, and now I wish I hadn't made it. He's just someone that I seem to see in Food Service everyday. I don't know that I've ever talked to him, but tonight I decided to look him up (i.e. slightly stalk him), and his photos are really cool! He's been mountain climbing all over, and on all sorts of outdoor, campy adventures. So, I thought I'd just friend request. I like being friends with interesting people. I hope he says yes. Most of all, I hope he doesn't come up to me in Food Service and say, "Who the heck are you?!"
I suppose I should give you a poem.
To heck with what I said before; I love poetry, and if I want to post it on my blog, I certainly should!
This won't be original, though, just to warn you.
God's Grandeur (by Gerard Manley Hopkins)
THE WORLD is charged with the grandeur of God.
It will flame out, like shining from shook foil;
It gathers to a greatness, like the ooze of oil
Crushed. Why do men then now not reck his rod?
Generations have trod, have trod, have trod;
And all is seared with trade; bleared, smeared with toil;
And wears man’s smudge and shares man’s smell: the soil
Is bare now, nor can foot feel, being shod.
And for all this, nature is never spent;
There lives the dearest freshness deep down things;
And though the last lights off the black West went
Oh, morning, at the brown brink eastward, springs—
Because the Holy Ghost over the bent
World broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings.
Read this poem out loud. Seriously, just do it. I love the way words like "bleared," "smeared," "smudge," and "ooze" feel on the tongue.
Hope you enjoyed it.
Saladin? Baldwin IV ("The Leper King")? I know 'em.
Had an argument about true love with Tim earlier. I argued for. I wish I could say I won, but he's being awfully stubborn.
Was in the library for 2 hours tonight. What a lovely place, there against the window. It was dark enough so I couldn't be distracted by passing students or waving grass.
I'm also back on Facebook (gave it up for Lent, as I might not have mentioned).
Someone chatted me at about 1 a.m. and said some really nice, unexpected things.
It's always horrible when you only really get to know someone right before they leave.
I know this post is random, but it's almost 4 a.m. There's no way I'm taking the time to properly organize my thoughts and ideas at 4 a.m. 3:30, maybe. 4:00, definitely not.
In other Facebook news, I made a rash friend request today, and now I wish I hadn't made it. He's just someone that I seem to see in Food Service everyday. I don't know that I've ever talked to him, but tonight I decided to look him up (i.e. slightly stalk him), and his photos are really cool! He's been mountain climbing all over, and on all sorts of outdoor, campy adventures. So, I thought I'd just friend request. I like being friends with interesting people. I hope he says yes. Most of all, I hope he doesn't come up to me in Food Service and say, "Who the heck are you?!"
I suppose I should give you a poem.
To heck with what I said before; I love poetry, and if I want to post it on my blog, I certainly should!
This won't be original, though, just to warn you.
God's Grandeur (by Gerard Manley Hopkins)
THE WORLD is charged with the grandeur of God.
It will flame out, like shining from shook foil;
It gathers to a greatness, like the ooze of oil
Crushed. Why do men then now not reck his rod?
Generations have trod, have trod, have trod;
And all is seared with trade; bleared, smeared with toil;
And wears man’s smudge and shares man’s smell: the soil
Is bare now, nor can foot feel, being shod.
And for all this, nature is never spent;
There lives the dearest freshness deep down things;
And though the last lights off the black West went
Oh, morning, at the brown brink eastward, springs—
Because the Holy Ghost over the bent
World broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings.
Read this poem out loud. Seriously, just do it. I love the way words like "bleared," "smeared," "smudge," and "ooze" feel on the tongue.
Hope you enjoyed it.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Ruby
I came home for Easter today. Rode on a bus for 3 and 1/2 hours, then drove in a car with Mom for another 45 minutes. I read, I listened to my ipod, I talked.
Then I walked into the kitchen of my own home to find my dad sitting on the tile floor, holding a puppy in his lap. A new, nameless, adorable German Shephard puppy.
I was so surprised I didn't know what to say. I petted Annie (our 8 year old dog) first, so she wouldn't be too jealous when I moved on to the puppy.
I think you forget how very precious baby animals (and humans) are until you hold one again.
After the introductions, we all sat down at the kitchen table and tried to think of names. We suggested name after name, and then rejected all of them. Finally I mentioned the name Ruby. Everyone kind of liked it, but we weren't completely sure, so we kept thinking of other ideas.
It wasn't until my sister accidently called the puppy Ruby that we decided to keep the name.
The girl of the hour is asleep right now, with Annie warily watching from her own bed. I have a feeling, despite Ruby's current docility, that it will be a long, puppy-whine filled night.
I think I can handle it.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Read-A-Thon Results
Well, the read-a-thon I began with a friend of mine on April 1st, 2009 is officially over. Want to know the results?
In a year, I read 81 books, or 22,584 pages.
My friend won by 5 books, but frankly I'm not especially upset about losing. This has been an action-packed year for me, and I'm happy that I managed to squeeze in a substantial amount of reading.
I do wish, however, that I had started keeping track of the books I read years ago; I wonder what the numbers would have been when I was 15 or so? I would guess in the 100's somewhere.
I used to just be able to swallow books whole; usually one a day. Now I nibble at them page by page, often having to flip back and reread sections I've forgotten.
Here's a bit of wisdom I'll drop at your feet before I leave:
"The world is a vacuum to those who don't know their own minds."
In a year, I read 81 books, or 22,584 pages.
My friend won by 5 books, but frankly I'm not especially upset about losing. This has been an action-packed year for me, and I'm happy that I managed to squeeze in a substantial amount of reading.
I do wish, however, that I had started keeping track of the books I read years ago; I wonder what the numbers would have been when I was 15 or so? I would guess in the 100's somewhere.
I used to just be able to swallow books whole; usually one a day. Now I nibble at them page by page, often having to flip back and reread sections I've forgotten.
Here's a bit of wisdom I'll drop at your feet before I leave:
"The world is a vacuum to those who don't know their own minds."
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