Don't misinterpret the following comments. Because I understand that many people have been simply unable to flee the path of an oncoming hurricane. And in NOLA during Katrina, there were clearly aspects of race, poverty, and social justice all at odds with the evacuation. And I am NOT referring to those who suffered (and are still suffering) the effects of that disaster.
I am speaking here of those who choose to stay in a mandatory evacuation zone in Ike's path; those who told reporters, "I've always wanted to sit through a hurricane!" or "Last time traffic was sooooo annoying, I would rather sit and drink a beer" or any other random reason that I saw listed by those interviewed who were capable of leaving, who knew Ike was coming and knew they should leave but didn't. And now they are waiting for rescuers, people who are busting their asses and risking their own safety to help those who could have helped themselves in the first place. It really pisses me off.
In AZ, in a posted "Flash Flood" zone, if you drive your car into a wash during heavy rain and get stuck, the fire department will still come rescue you. But you know what? They charge you for that rescue, because you risked your life and that of the officers who had to abandon the other things they could have been doing to save your dumb ass who went into a flood on purpose (and the people in the news helicopters will mock you, and me too).
So for those who wanted to party through Ike, and who didn't board up their homes and who needed to be pulled out of their own idiocy, I hope you say a big "thanks" to those working to help you. Because if it were me, I might kick you in the shins.
To everyone else, Murphy and I hope you pull through and wish you the best.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Sunday, September 7, 2008
So Much to Say . . .
Wow, being out of range of any news, music, television, and people other than the river rafters for a whole week was a rather odd experience. I am just getting back into the swing of things and have so much to talk about!
* The Trip - I will start off by saying that I absolutely recommend rafting the Colorado to any of you delightful readers. It was amazing and I will post pictures as soon as I get the film developed. 8 days of crashing water and hot sun and being covered in sand and sunscreen all while seeing some of the oldest rock formations on the planet. I got to bond with my dad, set up campsites, ride scary-as-hell rapids, and eat camp food. Oh, and poop in a box. The box called Oscar. Let me just say, I never want to poop in a box again. It was simply uncomfortable to sit next to the river in the bushes with frogs staring you down while trying to "separate the functions" because no pee can go in Oscar. Ugh. But other than that, an awesome trip. My dad and I were the only ones who planned on doing all 8 days - after the 4th day the group stopped at Phantom Ranch and all of our new friends hiked out and we got a whole new bunch of passengers. The first group was mostly comprised of families and foreigners (the Germans were my favorite, and so efficient!). The second group was a rowdy bunch of middle-aged ski club people who were not my favorite but who were sort of fun I suppose. I pretty much hung out with my dad and the boat guides (one of whom was so cute though way too old for me and married, sigh). When I post the pictures I will for sure post more stories from the wild.
* The Buffs - I missed both of our first two games due to my trip, but we are 2-0, YAY!!!
* The Book - I finished the blogger book club pick "Beach Music" and will send my review over to Daisy/post it shortly. The book sort of drowned in the river which is too ironic for me to handle.
* The Pick - On our way up to Lee's Ferry, my dad and I heard about the Palin pick on XM radio. I have so much to say about this pick, but I will keep my initial thoughts brief. First, I totally called it - I predicted McCain would select a female VP candidate to bolster his (undeserved) "maverick" reputation. Second, she completes the most anti-choice ticket in recent memory, being against abortion even in cases of rape or incest. Should make for great SCOTUS picks if they win, no? Third, to all of the commentators who think Hillary supporters will now shift to McCain because he picked a woman, you are freaking idiots. Hillary supporters will recognize Palin's anti-choice credentials, and her conservative stance on other issues and will not just blindly vote for her because she is a woman. Also, can we stop using the gendered stereotype of the "bitter, vindictive" Hillary supporters who will turn their backs on democrats simply because they didn't get their way??? Former Hillary supporters will make their choices for many reasons, not because they are bitter, angry, petulant women. K, thanks.
Phew, so I guess that's it for now. I look forward to returning to Chicago for my fabulous fall of fun. Oh, and this was my 100th post, so I am doing a little "Yay for my 100th blog post" dance out here in AZ. Glad to be back.
* The Trip - I will start off by saying that I absolutely recommend rafting the Colorado to any of you delightful readers. It was amazing and I will post pictures as soon as I get the film developed. 8 days of crashing water and hot sun and being covered in sand and sunscreen all while seeing some of the oldest rock formations on the planet. I got to bond with my dad, set up campsites, ride scary-as-hell rapids, and eat camp food. Oh, and poop in a box. The box called Oscar. Let me just say, I never want to poop in a box again. It was simply uncomfortable to sit next to the river in the bushes with frogs staring you down while trying to "separate the functions" because no pee can go in Oscar. Ugh. But other than that, an awesome trip. My dad and I were the only ones who planned on doing all 8 days - after the 4th day the group stopped at Phantom Ranch and all of our new friends hiked out and we got a whole new bunch of passengers. The first group was mostly comprised of families and foreigners (the Germans were my favorite, and so efficient!). The second group was a rowdy bunch of middle-aged ski club people who were not my favorite but who were sort of fun I suppose. I pretty much hung out with my dad and the boat guides (one of whom was so cute though way too old for me and married, sigh). When I post the pictures I will for sure post more stories from the wild.
* The Buffs - I missed both of our first two games due to my trip, but we are 2-0, YAY!!!
* The Book - I finished the blogger book club pick "Beach Music" and will send my review over to Daisy/post it shortly. The book sort of drowned in the river which is too ironic for me to handle.
* The Pick - On our way up to Lee's Ferry, my dad and I heard about the Palin pick on XM radio. I have so much to say about this pick, but I will keep my initial thoughts brief. First, I totally called it - I predicted McCain would select a female VP candidate to bolster his (undeserved) "maverick" reputation. Second, she completes the most anti-choice ticket in recent memory, being against abortion even in cases of rape or incest. Should make for great SCOTUS picks if they win, no? Third, to all of the commentators who think Hillary supporters will now shift to McCain because he picked a woman, you are freaking idiots. Hillary supporters will recognize Palin's anti-choice credentials, and her conservative stance on other issues and will not just blindly vote for her because she is a woman. Also, can we stop using the gendered stereotype of the "bitter, vindictive" Hillary supporters who will turn their backs on democrats simply because they didn't get their way??? Former Hillary supporters will make their choices for many reasons, not because they are bitter, angry, petulant women. K, thanks.
Phew, so I guess that's it for now. I look forward to returning to Chicago for my fabulous fall of fun. Oh, and this was my 100th post, so I am doing a little "Yay for my 100th blog post" dance out here in AZ. Glad to be back.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Happy Camper
Tomorrow I am off for an 8 day adventure on the mighty Colorado. My dad and I shall join a group of other intrepid rafters and sit through freezing water, blazing sun, and nights full of bugs. Sounds fun, I think. All I wanted in my post-bar trip was a total escape from my everyday routine, and I think this completely fits the bill. Murphy will join the puppies over at the Eddie/Haswoe household, and I shall sleep in a tent.
I admit, I am a tad nervous. But I completed my pre-trip awesome shopping trip and am now the proud owner of lime green hiking sandals (you know the type, with the protected toe and the mesh webbing, oh joy), a plaid button down with western-ish designs, pants that have zip-off legs, and a Jurassic Park/Indiana Jones-esque hat complete with a drawstring. Eddie almost collapsed into a heap when he saw my outfit, and my dad was definitely chuckling when I described the get-up over the phone. I also got all sorts of bio-friendly shampoo and such. So basically the trip was an opportunity for me to go shopping in a camping store rather than at a shoe boutique. Loves it. (Oh, and for those of you seeking the infamous body glide in a small travel size? REI carries it, and a formula with sunscreen, as well. Hooray!)
Anyway, have a fantastic labor day holiday, and I will be sure to bring back lots of camping stories and probably some mud from the river, apparently it is a tad dirty. Who knew?
I admit, I am a tad nervous. But I completed my pre-trip awesome shopping trip and am now the proud owner of lime green hiking sandals (you know the type, with the protected toe and the mesh webbing, oh joy), a plaid button down with western-ish designs, pants that have zip-off legs, and a Jurassic Park/Indiana Jones-esque hat complete with a drawstring. Eddie almost collapsed into a heap when he saw my outfit, and my dad was definitely chuckling when I described the get-up over the phone. I also got all sorts of bio-friendly shampoo and such. So basically the trip was an opportunity for me to go shopping in a camping store rather than at a shoe boutique. Loves it. (Oh, and for those of you seeking the infamous body glide in a small travel size? REI carries it, and a formula with sunscreen, as well. Hooray!)
Anyway, have a fantastic labor day holiday, and I will be sure to bring back lots of camping stories and probably some mud from the river, apparently it is a tad dirty. Who knew?
Friday, August 22, 2008
And a couple of extras . . .
Daisy had some great tips for all of you excited 1Ls, but I thought I would add a couple of my own, things that I wish someone had told me right about now.
* 90% of you are not going to be in the top 10%. Deal with it. Those are your odds, and no matter how great you were in undergrad, there is a really good chance you will be merely average in law school. The good news? It is entirely possible to raise your GPA by an entire point or more after first year. Trust me, I did it.
* When you get the speech about doing your bar application over your first winter break and locking in the low fee and getting it all out of the way, LISTEN. It is much better to get all of that information together over the break than it is to do it your last semester when you are working and burned out and whatever else.
* There will be one or two people who seem like they know everything and make amazing comments in class and yadda yadda. Trust me, they aren't the ones getting A's. We had "that guy" in our section and he was never on the dean's list. However, the quietest 2 kids in class got every CALI award offered. Bottom line? Don't be intimidated.
* Find the best way to take notes/outline for you. Don't worry that your friends do it a certain way or that their older brothers told them how to outline, etc. You don't have to underline in red and highlight and blah blah. Just find what makes you happy.
* That suggestion about not working first year? I would listen to it, if you can. I worked 3 nights a week and it was TOUGH, but do-able if necessary.
* Think long and hard before getting a dog. I know I did it and it worked out well, but a lot of times it realllllly sucked, and you don't want to be that asshole that takes your dog to the pound because YOU couldn't handle the responsibility.
Other than that, you will muddle through. Seriously, if I can do it, I am sure you can. My final word of advice, make time for fun. Make time for your friends who are not in law school, because they will keep you sane. If all you have is studying, you will go absolutely nuts. And that's it. Good luck!!!
* 90% of you are not going to be in the top 10%. Deal with it. Those are your odds, and no matter how great you were in undergrad, there is a really good chance you will be merely average in law school. The good news? It is entirely possible to raise your GPA by an entire point or more after first year. Trust me, I did it.
* When you get the speech about doing your bar application over your first winter break and locking in the low fee and getting it all out of the way, LISTEN. It is much better to get all of that information together over the break than it is to do it your last semester when you are working and burned out and whatever else.
* There will be one or two people who seem like they know everything and make amazing comments in class and yadda yadda. Trust me, they aren't the ones getting A's. We had "that guy" in our section and he was never on the dean's list. However, the quietest 2 kids in class got every CALI award offered. Bottom line? Don't be intimidated.
* Find the best way to take notes/outline for you. Don't worry that your friends do it a certain way or that their older brothers told them how to outline, etc. You don't have to underline in red and highlight and blah blah. Just find what makes you happy.
* That suggestion about not working first year? I would listen to it, if you can. I worked 3 nights a week and it was TOUGH, but do-able if necessary.
* Think long and hard before getting a dog. I know I did it and it worked out well, but a lot of times it realllllly sucked, and you don't want to be that asshole that takes your dog to the pound because YOU couldn't handle the responsibility.
Other than that, you will muddle through. Seriously, if I can do it, I am sure you can. My final word of advice, make time for fun. Make time for your friends who are not in law school, because they will keep you sane. If all you have is studying, you will go absolutely nuts. And that's it. Good luck!!!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
The Murbil
I pretty much think Murphy looks like just about any other animal with big brown eyes that you can imagine. He has these funny whiskers and a skinny tail, so he kind of looks like a gerbil. But then he looks up at you with the sweetest face and such huge eyes and you think, wow he really looks like a cow. And after watching way too much daytime tv today, I have decided that Murph looks like a polar bear. So can we stop having the commercials where the polar bears are stranded on ice floes and can't find seals or land and drown because that makes me think of Murphy not being fed and being lost out in the wild and then I start crying and have to give him lots of hugs and treats. Okay WWF? Can we be more inspirational please? I mean, you did good things for the pandas, they seem to be doing ok. So let's talk about the good things we are going to do for polar bears so that Murphy doesn't get fat from treats. Kthanxbye.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Update - SHGG
Now has another G to his name. Yup, SHGG is gay. But still super hot. So I suppose I can still check him out while on the treadmill, right?
Sigh.
Sigh.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Lollapaloozled
Thought it was about time to give a run-down of my incredibly fun, hot, sweaty, twinkie-filled Lollapalooza experience.
Friday:
I went to see 'Dark Knight' again, so I missed most of the first day. But I did catch some great music. I was pretty bummed to miss the Black Keys and the Raconteurs - by all accounts they put on great shows. But I definitely had fun bopping along with Bloc Party. And staying at that end of the park meant I had a primo spot for Radiohead. Their performance was ridiculous - the light show was incredible. I would have liked to hear more of their older songs, since I really wasn't familiar with the new album, but all in all it was amazing.
Saturday:
Eddie joined me for the day and after brunch we started out seeing Mason Jennings.
AH: He sounds familiar, like someone I have heard before.
Eddie: Bob Dylan? (and yes, VERY Bob Dylan-y)
AH: Well yes, but also like someone else who sounds like Dylan.
Eddie: Mmhmm *rolls eyes*
Next song starts
AH: Oh! I know! He sounds like himself! I have heard this song before!
Eddie: Sigh.
We listened to a couple of Dierks Bentley songs and discussed how much new country sucks, then heard a few songs over at Steel Train - fun and nice to sit in the shade but not particularly memorable. At this point, we had counted about 25 people wearing Rage t-shirts (yes, we were keeping track. It is incredibly lame to wear the t-shirt of the headliner, people. Seriously.) and we moseyed over to MGMT who everyone seemed to be excited for. I wasn't all that impressed, but others appeared to be having fun. Lupe Fiasco was, well, dull. The performance was high energy but I just didn't enjoy it. The Toadies were also pretty meh, but we were positioning ourselves for Rage's performance so we stayed put. And then they started. And stopped. And started, and stopped. Apparently the crowd up front was just insane - but Eddie and I decided that rather than wait for them to calm down, we would sneak over to the rest of Wilco's set. Good decision. They were super fun and much more mellow and it was a great end to the night.
Sunday:
I walked over by myself and was totally drawn to the sound of the Blakes. I wish I had heard more, but they started my day off right and were a great rock band. Wild Sweet Orange was next, and again I was pleasantly surprised and I kept texting Eddie about how great these two bands were. What Made Milwaukee Famous? Certainly not the band, and the Weakerthans canceled, so I bounced over to Tally Hall - a group from Michigan who reminded me of Weezer's Buddy Holly video - all wearing skinny ties, fun music, and I regained my cheer. Over to John Butler Trio - which was so freaking good. Think the guitar of Tim Reynolds with the pep of more upbeat G Love songs. I was hooked. The vibe at this end of Lolla was really relaxed and fun and I was having a great time. Then I started getting these odd texts from Eddie asking where I was, and he showed up to surprise me, beer in hand. Turns out someone had flat out given him a wristband, so we got to listen to Iron & Wine together - super mellow and fantastic. Blues Traveler was next, followed by Gnarls Barkley. I am not a huge fan of either group, but they both performed with lots of energy and were ultimately really great to watch. I wanted to see the National, but getting back and forth across the park was getting tough so instead we drank beer (and bottles of wine, that may have been a mistake), listened to an interesting Ryan Adams cover, and waited for Kanye. Say what you want about his attitude, but the man is a fantastic performer. It was a great way to close out the weekend - high energy, all of his hit songs, and no bullshit. Very fun.
So, all in all, I had the most fun on Sunday, and would totally do it again. The high point? Discovering deep fried twinkies. Yeah. They were freaking amazing. The low point? Port-a-potties. Enough said. Next time I think I will do a better job of hitting up more performances, and there's always Austin City Limits to look forward to!!!
Friday:
I went to see 'Dark Knight' again, so I missed most of the first day. But I did catch some great music. I was pretty bummed to miss the Black Keys and the Raconteurs - by all accounts they put on great shows. But I definitely had fun bopping along with Bloc Party. And staying at that end of the park meant I had a primo spot for Radiohead. Their performance was ridiculous - the light show was incredible. I would have liked to hear more of their older songs, since I really wasn't familiar with the new album, but all in all it was amazing.
Saturday:
Eddie joined me for the day and after brunch we started out seeing Mason Jennings.
AH: He sounds familiar, like someone I have heard before.
Eddie: Bob Dylan? (and yes, VERY Bob Dylan-y)
AH: Well yes, but also like someone else who sounds like Dylan.
Eddie: Mmhmm *rolls eyes*
Next song starts
AH: Oh! I know! He sounds like himself! I have heard this song before!
Eddie: Sigh.
We listened to a couple of Dierks Bentley songs and discussed how much new country sucks, then heard a few songs over at Steel Train - fun and nice to sit in the shade but not particularly memorable. At this point, we had counted about 25 people wearing Rage t-shirts (yes, we were keeping track. It is incredibly lame to wear the t-shirt of the headliner, people. Seriously.) and we moseyed over to MGMT who everyone seemed to be excited for. I wasn't all that impressed, but others appeared to be having fun. Lupe Fiasco was, well, dull. The performance was high energy but I just didn't enjoy it. The Toadies were also pretty meh, but we were positioning ourselves for Rage's performance so we stayed put. And then they started. And stopped. And started, and stopped. Apparently the crowd up front was just insane - but Eddie and I decided that rather than wait for them to calm down, we would sneak over to the rest of Wilco's set. Good decision. They were super fun and much more mellow and it was a great end to the night.
Sunday:
I walked over by myself and was totally drawn to the sound of the Blakes. I wish I had heard more, but they started my day off right and were a great rock band. Wild Sweet Orange was next, and again I was pleasantly surprised and I kept texting Eddie about how great these two bands were. What Made Milwaukee Famous? Certainly not the band, and the Weakerthans canceled, so I bounced over to Tally Hall - a group from Michigan who reminded me of Weezer's Buddy Holly video - all wearing skinny ties, fun music, and I regained my cheer. Over to John Butler Trio - which was so freaking good. Think the guitar of Tim Reynolds with the pep of more upbeat G Love songs. I was hooked. The vibe at this end of Lolla was really relaxed and fun and I was having a great time. Then I started getting these odd texts from Eddie asking where I was, and he showed up to surprise me, beer in hand. Turns out someone had flat out given him a wristband, so we got to listen to Iron & Wine together - super mellow and fantastic. Blues Traveler was next, followed by Gnarls Barkley. I am not a huge fan of either group, but they both performed with lots of energy and were ultimately really great to watch. I wanted to see the National, but getting back and forth across the park was getting tough so instead we drank beer (and bottles of wine, that may have been a mistake), listened to an interesting Ryan Adams cover, and waited for Kanye. Say what you want about his attitude, but the man is a fantastic performer. It was a great way to close out the weekend - high energy, all of his hit songs, and no bullshit. Very fun.
So, all in all, I had the most fun on Sunday, and would totally do it again. The high point? Discovering deep fried twinkies. Yeah. They were freaking amazing. The low point? Port-a-potties. Enough said. Next time I think I will do a better job of hitting up more performances, and there's always Austin City Limits to look forward to!!!
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