Day 38: No One Told Me I Can't

I can't write much tonight which is sad because I have a lot to report about the day.  I really enjoyed going into the city today and not going to work, but I am sure glad I don't have to do that every day.  Well, I have a case study to write.  Maybe my pictures will speak for themselves tonight.

Day 37: Feel Excited More Often

I remember growing up and being so excited all of the time.  It didn't take a santa-like feat for me to feel the enthusiasm that can take over when little joys arise.  My mom wanted to play checkers; aright, I'm ready to win.  I get to sleep over at a friends house; let the festivities begin!  I get to pick out one item at the dollar store; you can bet I'll make my selection carefully.  There were so many things that made my day extraordinary.

As I was preparing my outfit for Chicago tomorrow, I remember how much I used to love planning my outfits.  In elementary school I often created combos that I was so excited to wear that I decided to sneak them on the night before and sleep in it because I couldn't wait to test out my vision (my mom discovering this habit ruined the fun).  One outfit was designed for the first 60 degree day in the spring.  60 degrees meant shorts weather.  I decided to put together a daring outfit with black nylons and jean shorts over the top.  Remember that style last year?  I was modeling that back in the 90s. 

I used to experiment and find happiness in all of these situations that many people would consider ordinary.  I've lost a little bit of that, and I want to bring it back.  So as I lay in bed writing this blog, I look forward to my little excursion into the city where I have so much to look forward to in the train ride, L ride, and free time after the conference.  There is a line from "Seven Pounds" that I just love: "Live life abundantly."  Oh yes, I think I will.

Day 36: Adventures While Walking

I love to go for walks.  When I say a walk, I probably mean more of a stroll by others' standards.  I don't walk to rush or simply for the purpose of exercise (even though it does provide some).  The best walks include a warm day, my camera, and sounds all around (whether it is nature or the city).  I think that what some people get from meditation, I get from a walk.  I can't say that my mind is cleared, but I do feel that it is focused.  There is a control that I have over my thoughts and what I choose to pay attention to.  This is a liberating activity.

Today, Kendra and I decided to enjoy the sunny skies and go for a walk down by the river.  There is this florist/greenhouse for sale, and I think the lot is full of stories.  The store is still stocked, and the outside area is still decorated with lawn ornaments.  I LOVE lawn ornaments.  I can't wait to have my own garden.

I am looking forward to many meaningful walks while I'm in Provence.  I can't wait to explore the markets, side streets, and hill towns of Southern France.  I have a feeling that I will not want to return home from this trip.  I also cannot wait to experience one night in Paris by myself.  I can make a detailed plan, or I can just go with whatever eggs me on.  I think Paris is one of the most walkable cities.  How can one not enjoy a city that has beauty everywhere?  What a way to end my trip...

I also hope that with my move (fingers crossed) that I will find myself constantly exploring the city and areas around.  There are many places to walk in Indy (Art Museum, Monan Trail, etc.).  I look forward to summer evenings and strolling the town. 

I have such a sense of excitement and hope coming over me today.  I think my mood definitely reflects the weather.  I thought for sure I would wake up with a fever and taken over by a cold, but somehow I still have not succumbed to the evil fate.  I have such a busy week with meetings, classes, my evaluation, and a conference in Chicago. I've got plans for my afternoon in Chicago after the conference, and I am hoping that illness does not hold me back.  How often do I get to go into Chicago, especially on a Tuesday?

Well, tonight is the superbowl, but I could care less about the teams.  I am watching to get a glimpse of Indy during an exciting time for the city.  I wish I could have gone down yesterday to check out Superbowl village.  But then again, I want to go down every day.

Day 35: One Eye Open

I woke up around 6 this morning to a racing heartbeat.  I went out for drinks last night, but I didn't have enough to really feel anything.  For some reason I woke to this sensation.  I haven't had that much caffeine in awhile, so maybe that was why.  This is the first time I've felt it, and I did not like it.

I've felt kind of strange the rest of the day.  I have so much work to accomplish, blah.  Worst of all, I've got the beginning signs for a cold.  I hope that I am wrong.  If only my laundry would hurry up so I could go to bed. 

Day 34: Cheers

Tonight I was able to hang out with someone I used to talk to everyday.  She was my go to person whenever something was going on at work, or any topic.  When she left I had to move on, so I hadn't really thought about what I was missing.

We were reunited tonight.  I think it is so great when you can not see a friend and pick up right where you left off.  Not that I don't want to see my friends, but I think that is special when it can happen.  It is so reassuring to know that this person is there.  Cheers to a friend that can catch up with me no matter how much time has passed!

Day 33: Pizza

I smelled pizza earlier today at school.  Once the aroma caught my nose. I knew it was going to be a pizza night.  Here is to the deliciousness that is papa johns.

Day 32: What's for Dinner

I was having a hard time determining what to write about tonight, and my roommate suggested that I discuss a disturbing conversation that took place today.  My advanced class cleaned up after their lab and had a couple minutes left to spare at the end.  Somehow, one student started talking about how he would eat his finger if it ever got cut off.


Another student chimed in that he always wanted to try human.  Not a live one of course, but a dead one.  He mentioned that a stew would probably be the preferred cooking method.  He then began to list off other foods that he has tried, and equatted trying human with trying rattlesnake.


What is wrong with my students?  I am teaching a bunch of cannibals.  I remember watching a couple movies when I was younger that showed cannibalism (Event Horizon, and I can't remember the other one) and I was FREAKED out.  I guess you have to be careful of who you might get stranded with.