Lady in Red is dancing with me, cheek to cheek

~Chris De Burgh

I should be packing my apartment up, sleeping, or exercising, but instead I had to make you laugh.

What a week it has been. I started studying for my inorganic test 3 hours before it commenced, and it went fine (disaster averted there). My other finals responsibilities I treated with about the same level of procrastination, and turns out I did the exact right amount of work. There's something about that last-minute rush of adrenaline that I love. So I am officially done with classwork for my master's degree - how odd, especially when you consider I graduated less than 6 months ago!

This week has made me slightly sad to be leaving because I finally made friends! Rachael, my back-row buddy in inorganic, is awesome, and just today we went to the holiday market together with her son and got some fun presents. The best part of this week, however, was Thursday night at the Chemistry Christmas Party! Every year, the Chemistry department sees it appropriate to wine and dine the grad students with our tuition money in a beautiful holiday banquet. It was great, my friend Marie and I were 2 hours late, and there was still tons of food because 90% of the people there go straight for the free booze. Ah, what a lifestyle.

The polymer girls decided to get all gussied up, so we felt extremely overdressed, but it was fun to actually look nice once while living in Eugene since I wore my gym clothes to class everyday and completely stopped wearing makeup when I moved down here! We had fun at the party, and then most of the students from the lab I worked in last summer and many of the students in my program went to a bar to hear my friend Jen (also in the DT lab) play at an open mike night. Commence the ridiculousness.

Before the huge crowd arrived, a few people went hog-wild with my new digital camera and took some hysterical pictures (picasaweb.google.com/katiebugk). We listened to painful guitar "artists" for what seemed like hours until the rest of the group showed up. And boy, did they show up. Plastered, that is. When Jen and Garrett finally played, I got to see my first drunken dancing and was dragged into it by my good friend Justin. Their set of covers was awesome and people were having a great time. I took some video to highlight the evening. Even sober I still had a blast!



Then, the night took a turn for the interesting. All night I had noticed a little bit of attention on me by lots of older guys. I always chock it up to my height, especially since I was wearing 3" heels, but Thursday night, I think it also had something to do with the red dress I had on. Now, to preface the coming story you must understand I had never been truly asked out or "hit on" until I moved to Eugene. For the story of my first experience, read my blog from this summer (or don't). So, while Jen was getting sick in the bathroom, all the guys started to descend upon me. All of a sudden I hear: "Miss, I just wanted to tell you that you're super beautiful." It took me a second to realize he was talking to me and then, of course, I tried to dissuade him by telling him I was moving this weekend. He said he'd commute. I was stuck. So, taking the advice of magazines and much more knowledgeable friends over the years, I told him he could give me his number. Big mistake. He then proceeds to introduce me to his GRANDFATHER who came to the bar too, and then sit down with me and write his number on a powerball ticket (because, he said, "love is like the lotto") .

This piece of work is 34, lives with his grandpa, doesn't work, lives off "investments", "will be a millionaire in 3 years", and "cooks lots of organic meals." I couldn't even think of anything sarcastic to say back, I was just completely blown away. He wouldn't go away or stop telling me how pretty I was, so when he started to argue with a guy sitting next to him, I got up quickly to go talk to Justin. At the end of the night, this dude comes back to say goodnight and says (I'm not kidding you here): "I just want you to know that it's unanimous. I asked every guy in here, and they all think you're gorgeous." OH MY LORD. Luckily, my friend Jen was sitting next to me and was so drunk that she quickly chimed in and said "too bad she's with me."

The rest of the evening (which lasted until 3:30am, and also included a trip to Burrito Boy and of course, fulfillment of my Designated Driver duties) was filled with lots of attention from a certain guy that I really liked last summer and haven't talked to since. When he had had enough to drink, he got up the courage to come talk to me and then stuck around and got a little friendly. It was, again, very interesting. There really isn't another word to describe this evening.

So what have we learned here? Don’t say the guy can give you his number if you’re totally freaked out by him. Give him the simple truth: dude, I’m not interested. Also, if I'm feeling blue, all I need to do is sport that red dress, some heels and hit up a bar in Eugene. If I don't want guys rubbing my leg or trying to hold my hand, I should probably stick to my normal guy-repellent of no makeup, hairy legs and sweats. It works like a charm.

oooh, baby, baby it's a wild world

~Cat Stevens

It's funny, I look back on these last 5 months as the biggest slump of my life (yet). While that's sad, and mildly depressing, it's changed me. A lot. Coming to Eugene was going to be my first real chance to be away from home and I was going to go it alone successfully and adventurously, while taking the solo time to get to know myself outside of SPU and Seattle and, most importantly, to be more in tune with my God I want so badly to know better.

It started off okay. I really liked my first polymer class and July was full of fun (in comparison to the months to follow, at least), including an impromtu road trip to the Nickel Creek concert in Bend. This event prompted the beginning of this blog and the statement that I would never again live the same day twice. How idealistic of me. Well, that was a nice thought, but as fatigee, very weird health issues, lack of both friends and motivation all set in over the rest of the summer and fall, I have now realized that I'm not a fan of the "Katie" in Eugene, and I certainly live the same boring existence over and over. Well, if you consider the different knitting projects I work on and movies I watch each day, I guess they're technically not identical....but you get the picture *sigh*

I'm determined, however, to shake myself out of this apathy, and even though I just had to cut a painful check for $1800 to buy my freedom from my landlord, my impending move to Bend, Oregon after the Holidays has me hoping that sunshine (and apparently a lot of snow) are just around the corner. I really can't explain what's been wrong with me, but I can tell you I've learned quite a few things about myself recently, which I'm hoping will be worth it in the long run:

1. Being alone for long periods of time does crazy things to my psychological health and motivation in all areas
2. I really, really want to keep in touch with people
3. Cooking isn't as fun when you're eating alone
4. I have brought myself to a level of procrastination I never before thought possible (which is why I'm blogging now instead of studying for my final tomorrow)
5. While I like spontenaity, I'm finding I need a small amount of routine so that I actually DO things (especially when it comes to quiet time)
6. Living by myself would be okay for me if I had my friends in the same city
7. I miss very simple things: talks with Kellie in my room, playing UNO and Balderdash with the pals, Falconettes meetings, going to Quest church, having people over for dinner, and seeing my family
8. I get very weird ideas/thoughts when I'm alone with my thoughts
9. TV is a drug
10. I'm finally officially sick of school (for now)
11. I actually am capable of crying occasionally (I was beginning to wonder!)

However, there is a silver lining. I have picked up some new hobbies (other than being a total bed-potatoe) and bettered myself at others, and this has been my reason for living. I absolutely love racquetball now, I'm getting pretty good at knitting and making jewlery, and I've got surprising potential in Tai Chi, which I plan to continue with in Bend. I have found that the only time I can consistently feel great is after a Tai Chi class. I also am building my tolerance to spicy/hot foods, and have come a long way. Oh, that and The Office is the single greatest TV show ever.

In addition, as I said above, I am much easier to please now. I still love being outdoors and doing activities, but as long as there are people around, I'm officially good. That's why the last couple of weeks have been a bit of a deviation from the mean. I've made two good friends in Eugene, and we hang out, knit, watch The Office and cook fabulous meals, which has been wonderful. November is always the best because it houses my all-time favorite holiday which was great this year because it included both sides of my family, Kellie, and my cousin Megan's boyfriend who just arrived from Burkina Faso (West Africa). It was also wild because I skipped TWO classes to come home a day early (my first time skipping ever!). This year was a little more crazy because my cousin Chris finally proposed to his awesome girlfriend Jenny, and my brother made it official with his new girlfriend all in the week prior to Thanksgiving. Cap it off with some good time with friends from SPU, a freak Seattle snow storm, and two of the best desserts I've ever made, and I had the ingredients for a great week at home!

So you see, I will live. I have less than a week in this city and then I get to go home! Life isn't always perfect, but mine has been pretty amazing up until this latest experience. I really can't complain.

This where we used to live

~Barenaked Ladies (Old Apartment)

Awoken at 4:31am Sunday morning by the fire blazing inside the dumpster across from my apartment (and the firetruck about 10 yards from my window), I layed back on my pillow and thought...I can't wait to move to Bend. Waking up twice to fires, once to a bum urinating in my alley and countless times to profanity being shouted by passersby, I'm ready to not live in apartment #205.

Now, granted, I was the one who told everyone how neat Eugene is before I moved. I'm not recanting that statement, but coupled with having about 5 friends and living in the middle of downtown, I'm getting tired of being alone and I'm ready for something new (after 5 months...ha!).

That said, I've compiled a list of things to look for in your upcoming apartment hunt, should you find yourself there.

1) Look for an apartment building not manufactured in 1927. Sure, everyone thinks old is "cute"...until they live there.
2) Similarly, look for an apartment new enough that there are double-paned windows and screens so that you don't freeze to death in the winter and get all sorts of dirt on your floors from the neighboring gravel parking lot when your windows are open.
3) Find a place NOT on an alley in a semi-shady area of the downtown district (especially when bums run rampant in your city). This could lead to all sorts of bathroom, drinking, ranting and tagging sounds at all hours of the day and night.
4) When looking at neighborhoods, try NOT to choose an area directly in between the hospital and the firestation, both being 2 blocks from you.
5) Find a place with a bathtub that drains and a toilet that is far enough from the tub that you don't have to sit side-saddle to sling a deuce.
6) Non-creaking and somewhat insulated hardwood floors would be a plus.
7) Electrical outlets in the bathroom could be handy at times.
8) Being within eyeshot of the chain-smoking "hairdressers" and skater teeny-boppers in the parking lot isn't the best.
9) More than 2 square feet of counter space might be useful.
10) Don't live on "High Street". You'll hear no end of it from your family.
11) Find a landlord that doesn't strip you of everything but your milk money for rent, and then stab you repeatdely in the ribs when you break the lease early.

Not exhaustive, but a good start for you, I'd say. In a related story, I think I just found a roommate in Bend on craigslist today! She sounds great, and the place is a sweet duplex very close to my job...so far, so good. More to come...

your palms are sweaty and i'm barely listening

~The Postal Service ("The District Sleeps Alone Tonight")

There's nothing like a good ass-kicking by three tiny, perky aerobics instructors to make you re-evaluate your level of fitness. This week was fitness week at U of O, and in addition to my Friday racquetball date with my friend Bevin, she made me do the pushup challenge and the free "stretch and flex" aerobics class.

We started with pushups in the weight room, in front of many boys who are much stronger than me. The previous day's winner for modified pushups (I know, I'm lame) had done 24. Psh, I can beat that by a LONG shot, I thought. 33 pushups later my arms were shaking around like the torso of an overweight belly dancer. Bevin did 50....and she's been sick. Racquetball was fun, but the whole time, there was this dark cloud of doubt over me...am I going to eat shit at this aerobics class and look like a complete imbecile?

The first of the 2o minute segments was okay for me. Lunges, balance work (which I'm much better at now that I do Tai Chi, I must say) and some others to beef up my already disproportionate Klug thunder thighs. Ah, but the second girl must have seen me and whispered to her fellow instructors: amazon girl in the back? I'm going to break her....real good.

Most of the stuff we did I'd seen before in my exponentially increasing workout video library. Mostly pilates moves, but the pace and intensity was a bit faster. Of course, my arms are still feeling the pain from the little contest earlier in the afternoon, which didn't help. My abs were feeling it, but I was holding serve until....dun dun dun...the isometric work. I'm always amazed that holding still is so much harder than doing situps or lunges or cardio. Ever heard of the plank? You basically hold yourself still in a pushup-mode, except your elbows are on the ground. I do this from time to time, but the instructor had us do this once, let us rest, and then killed me by making us lift one leg up at a time. Ouch. Okay, too many details. But, by this time, I'm completely sweated through my shirt, dripping from the forehead, and of course slipping around on my mat like a grape evading chopsticks, which made staying still very difficult.

Thank God for the stretch lady...that I can do. Overall, a fun workout extravaganza, but sheesh! I thought I was in pretty good shape and could hold my own in pilates-type classes. Nice try. I guess almost 4 solid years of working out doesn't mean you can do every move anyone throws at you the first time. In fact, I bet there are a ton of performance athletes that would suffer at the hands of many a pilates instructor. It really reinforced to me also that exercising with others is not only more fun, but is much more motivating. It's even strangely fun to listen to all the disco/techno remixes of popular Maroon 5, Ricky Martin and 98 degrees songs pumped up and sped up to keep with the pace of the class. Classic line of the day: "it hurts so good" (my brother says that too).

I think I may start doing pushups every night so that I never embarrass myself that badly again.

I'm nerdy in the extreme, I'm whiter than sour cream

~Weird Al (White &Nerdy)

Since I seem to have a tendency at this point in my journey to be depressing, I thought it time to share some of the more simple joys in my life with you (at least those that can be linked).

1) Weird Al finally made it to the top ten. Check out the new video from whence my title came. This man is a genius.

2) Few things or people make me laugh more than Conan O'Brien. It's a shame I'm an old foage and can't stay up that late anymore. My all-time favorite Conan clip. It's worth the 7 minutes, I assure you.

3) This cute and hysterical ad never quite made it to television, but was brought to my attention by my fabulous cousin, Chris. Prepare to wet yourself laughing.

Why am I in such a good mood? I had a fabulous day yesterday. Fall still is resisting here in Eugene, and it was beautiful and 70 yesterday with the perfect chill in the air. I went to early service at church, went on a spectacular bike ride, and then had a wonderful 4 hour meal with my second parents, John and Mariley. They were coming through Eugene on their way home to Seattle, and stopped to see me. It's strange how a simple gesture like that made my week, even my month. I love these people, and we talked forever about pretty much everything under the sun. Among the topics of discussion was our decision that the Super Bowl should be a best of 3 tournament....3 days in a row. Let's see what they're REALLY made of. In addition, all the first string would be exhausted and injured, so everyone would see some PT (playing time). A spectacular start to the week, and next weekend promises to be fun as well. Enjoy the links!

He was showing his love, and that's how he hurt his hands

~Nickel Creek (The Hand Song)

Every day on my way to campus and back, I walk past a whole host of characters, some the same, some just once. The University of Oregon is quite committed to free speech and rights of all kinds, so pretty much anyone can give out flyers and talk to you about issues, which is great. Unfortunately, sometimes I just don't want to talk, so I've learned (along with the other 18,000 students) to avert eye contact, and occasionally fake a phone call. Gone are the days of SPU where I knew everyone at the booths, and walked to class with my head up, talking and smiling at everyone.

Let me introduce you to two of the regulars on the U of O campus. His name is FROG. The whole city knows him. He frequents the Saturday market, and every day I have attended the U, is waiting on 13th street by the bike shop with his shorts and waist-length white beard asking people: "have you seen the funniest joke book ever known to man?" I always say "no thanks," but according to one friend, he is homeless and is selling the books for three bucks apiece. Now, in a lot of ways, I have to give Frog props for actually being creative and trying to earn an income. But, I'm so sick of hearing his little phrase, so I usually walk down the other side of the street.

There are two older men who spend every day at the entrance to campus (not far from Frog). They, too, are well known in the city and can be seen most Saturdays at the market. These men have a different agenda, however. That is to bring the entire city of Eugene to God by holding a sign that says "JESUS LOVES YOU :)" They just sit there, and have a friend or two that comes to greet them every now and again. My favorite is an older guy who rides on campus every day with knee-length yellow socks and his whole bike outfit...today, he had his helmet covered in yellow plastic because it was raining. Every day I walk by them, and every day I wish they would realize that for 99% of these college students (or more), they aren't making a twit of difference. As a believer in Christ, I hate to be so cynical. But, the fact is that I've learned you can tell people about God and that he loves them, but until they experience something completely different, are forced to face their imperfections (dare I say sins?), or see Christians acting in a loving, merciful and contrary manner to the world in general, no one will get through. One day, these men must have been feeling a little more lucky, and were shouting a sermon-like tirade about hell and the eternal separation for God-haters. Wonderful, I thought, now whoever might have given them an audience thinks they are myopic, judgmental freaks. I have made my share of awful, judgmental and hurtful remarks throughout my growing up years, that I thought were for the good of the gospel, only to fear I might have turned people away. People need to be shown love, care and acceptance by Christians on behalf of the Christ they desire to follow...not have a sign pushed in their face and phrases about the damnation of hell rammed down their throats.

That is why today was especially interesting, and equally saddening. The men were out again with their signs, but this time, were opposed only a yard of two away by some guys holding a sign that read: "DENY JESUS: religion incites hatred and starts wars." My first reaction was to feel hurt by this comment, and also to chuckle at how this stalemate of signs began. Do the two parties talk to one another, or just stare in blind hatred?

Over the last hour or so since I returned to my apartment, I've really been mulling this all over. First, of course, the men with the DENY JESUS sign failed to realize that Jesus is not the head of every religion, and it would be ludicrous to say that Christianity is the only religion whose people make frequent mistakes and violent moves. But even so, saying that religion is what causes hatred and war in the world sets me aback. Certainly, people of so called "faith" throughout the history of the world have been at the helm of atrocious and scarring acts that do nothing but make people question what kind of god they serve. The Christian Crusades and Islamic "holy wars" still baffle me every day. Conversely, as you know, there do exist religions and Christian denominations which do little but preach pacifism and mercy. So, my main reaction to the sign is this:

We are all hopelessly fucked up. That's the simple truth. Religion or no, each person is unbelievably fallible whether they like to admit it or not. There certainly are those who use and have used their religion to justify acts of hatred, violence and intolerance. However, more often than not, I have learned that the wars, terrorist acts, violence and hatred that seems to come from people following a certain deity truly come from the inside of the flawed human being who is so overcome with their own wellbeing, opinion and oftentimes national pride that they have lost sight completely of what their "religion" professes and encourages. It is not Christians fighting with Islamic people in the middle east, it is Americans looking out for number one in a region they desire to exploit and control. If I may be so bold (and I may, it's my blog afterall), I would wager that even if every single breathing human on this earth were "Christians" as the majority of Christians live today, we'd have equal amounts of wars, violence, lies, betrayal and hatred worldwide. Why? We're all messed up and even as a "Christian" nation, there is so much to be learned about the Jesus who was killed for you and me, who hung out with the prostitutes and thieves, and who wanted his followers to show love in everyday settings to all people; being different, but never using their affiliations to put down, judge or hurt another who is loved by God.

I've been reading the Gospels lately, and just read this last night, which sums up my claim:
"[Jesus said] 'What comes out of a man is what makes him unclean. For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.'" - Mark 7:20-23

Stop putting the wars and violence we see every day on "religions." Have some balls and realize it is the fault of the people that are taking life from their fellow humans.

a little toooooo ironic...yes I really do think

~the most annoying song ever
(and, for completeness, my best friend Carrie says that nothing in that song is ironic, in the literary definition of the word)

I've been worrying lately that I have misused the word "irony" all my life. So, I looked it up tonight to set myself straight:

Irony - noun
1. the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning: the irony of her reply, “How nice!” when I said I had to work all weekend.
2. an outcome of events contrary to what was, or might have been, expected.

The latter is what I usually mean when I say it. I think I use "ironic" in the rightful place of "coincidental" oftentimes as well. So, never fear, English majors!! I am not butchering the language as badly as I could have. Although, commas always get me and always will. Nothing I can do about that.

Therefore, it is quite coincidental (and perhaps also ironic) that the two baseball teams I am a closet fan of could (hopefully) meet in the world series. I guess it's true, now that I'm away from Seattle, that I can like any team I want. But, I still have a place in my heart for Edgar and those Mariners. Hopefully they'll stop sucking really soon. But, I digress. So, these two teams, you might be wondering, are the Oakland A's and the St. Louis Cardinals. Now, I have been an A's fan for sometime, and more recently have become a Cardinals fan. There is a reason for this, and his name is Mark Mulder. I know, I know, I'm lame. But, he's a great pitcher (uh, when he's healthy) and quite handsome, I'm not going to lie.

I first eyed him back in the 2000 playoffs, and quickly backstabbed my hometown AL West team for their arch-rival. Of course, I still rooted for the Mariners in games where the two met. Actually, after the initial crush, I started to realize that the team is quite amazing. What they have done with a small payroll is nothing short of astounding. If you're interested, I suggest you read "Moneyball" (I own it, and it ROCKS). So, when Mark was dished to St. Louis, mostly because I don't have any National League allegances, I decided to follow them a bit. Low and behold (ironically) they are a darn good team (we'll let it slide that they almost blew the biggest division lead in history this year)! Too bad Mulder keeps getting injured and can't pitch in the playoffs this year.

So there we have it. Irony abounds, as I love saying. Especially because I now have a TV that gets 3 channels (hand-me-down), which is great for watching LOST and The Office, but of course, I don't get FOX, so I can't watch any of the series. Perhaps I'll need to take to bars for the sake of baseball. The A's lost their fist ALCS game tonight, and the Cardinals play tomorrow. Do it for Mulder!

**In other news, for you who don't care about baseball: the creepy old guy from Ohio that hit on me at church (see my post"Sending out an SOS") called me last Sunday. Didn't answer, and as such, have the funniest, weirdest message EVER. I was going to post the entirety of the text, but I thought that might be slightly mean. Thank God for caller ID.

This strange plan in random at best

~Built to Spill ("Strange")

What an odd year it has been. My senior year at SPU was a rollercoaster of really awesome and happy times and a couple not so happy ones. It was, however, my favorite year of college, mostly because I finally learned to strike a balance between working hard and playing hard, instead of just forgetting the latter. There was, however, this tiny little issue of what to do after college that every senior avoids like the plague. Being completely in denial that my undergraduate career was almost over, I decided not to think about it. I find that often, when I let go of my control of every little detail that things turn out well, so that was my semi-unconscious decision.

Fast-forward to late February, when the deadlines for Seattle U's MIT program was the following week and U of O's polymer program was two weeks away. On quite a whim, I went for the polymer program because I figured I'd be done in a year and I thought it would be cool to learn some new chemistry. I packed my bags two weeks after graduation, having absolutely NO clue what would transpire in the following 12 months, but confident that "everything would come out alright" as it always does. I found a place to live quickly (too quickly, in retrospect), started classes and immediately starting wondering if I'd made the right choice.

Things definitely have not gone how I thought and hoped thus far. I'm growing increasingly annoyed with where I live, I'm really lacking in motivation (although this week I've made huge steps in the right direction), I didn't get an internship in Eugene, I'm taking a Biochem class and I made a slightly silly financial "investment" (we'll call it) to get myself a job, which hasn't materialized yet, and I feel alone when I walk through crowds of students every day.
This sounds depressing, and at times, I admit, it is (although I find some of the above hysterical). As far as I can tell, I am a happy person who tries to stay positive, yet realistic. Yet, these last few months have tested me in ways I wasn't anticipating. However, I have hope that things will start to look up.

What I'm realizing is this: I need love. Not romantic love, but love from friends and family that says we'll get through this, I'm here for you and care about you. I don't just need people. There are plenty of people in Eugene, but I still feel alone because I don't have connection with most of them. I have found a really cool church, but because I'm leaving so soon I feel like it's not worth getting really involved. Why am I leaving, you ask? Well, I finally recieved an internship offer in Bend with a pharmaceutical company starting in January, which is exciting but quite scary! I definitely got shafted in the pay department, but what I'm most scared of is being by myself again. The people at the job seem great (and young!), but who knows what will happen?

So, what's the lesson from all this rambling? Maybe nothing. But, I guess I'm realizing that I don't want to spend life on the sidelines. I want to experience things with friends, learn new hobbies and enjoy life, but there is the reality that right now I'm away from the comfort zone I became all too familiar with, and that comes with a price. But, a good price. I'm learning a lot about myself, and this week began to really read the Bible and exercise daily for the first time in WAY too long. It could be the placebo effect, but I feel a lot better this week than I have in months. God has a great way of standing with me silently, waiting for me to choose to seek him, and whenever I do, he finds some way to bless me. Hopefully these new, unexpected changes that will take place in a few months will continue me on the path to self-discovery and maturity, and the realization that one bad day, week, or month shouldn't send me into a tailspin. I just have to look ahead with a excitement and a positive attitude and pray that I can makes wise choices as they arise, without regrets. I've also made a list of things I want to do, and intend to start crossing things off soon.

Because I'm into Built to Spill right now, here's another song I find fitting:
haven't had a half a hand in half of what i am
haven't heard of half the things that happened in the past
haven't givin half the time to half the people
and half the things i planned
you don't have to be so cruel, cause all i do is a little less than what i can
happiness'll only happen when it can
~Happiness

...the sun doesn't go down...it's just an illusion caused by the world spinning 'round

~The Flaming Lips (Do you realize?)

In a very fitting follow-up to my previous post about the joys and priviledges of learning, my mini-vacation with my parents this weekend produced some interesting questions. I met them at the Oregon Coast (same place we go every year, but I'm not complaining) and spent two days eating good food, hanging out and experiencing the absolute best weather I've ever seen on the coast (75 and no rain!). It was nice to see the parents, and Alan came to visit me this month, too, so that's been nice.

I've always been a big asker of questions, which my dad loves, so I guess I've been into learning since I was a little girl. However, when I was younger, it was probably more to the tune of, "why can't I go to my friend's house???" or "why can't I have a car?!?!"

This weekend produced many topics of discussion of varying importance:
1) What's the difference between sloe gin and gin?
2) What's up with body hair (specifically why do dudes bald and have facial hair, and why does gray hair change texture as well as color) and how can evolution explain it?
3) Why do we see red/orange at sunset? (I thought I knew the answer, but my dad shut me down while I was trying to explain it to mom)
4) Why do I eat about 4-times as much with my family than I do normally?

We're going to let #4 slide because I feel fat enough, and #1 is an easy answer:
1) gin: a neutral spirit from grain, flavored with juniper berries, 120 proof.
sloe gin: a wild cherry flavored neutral spirit base, 42-60 proof.

2) My research isn't through, but check out these links to learn more.
http://www.economist.com/science/displayStory.cfm?story_id=2281888
http://www.creationresearch.org/crsq/articles/40/40_4/Bergman.htm
Basically, it seems that if you believe we evolved from apes, the little hair we have in comparison is just "leftovers" and doesn't really have much of a purpose since most humans live in average to warm climates. However, most of us know that eyelashes, eyebrows, nose and ear hair are there to protect openings. I also found that some biologists believe that the shedding of hair was due to parasites. The less hair you have, the less opportunity for fleas and ticks to nest. Along with this, since men and women would then look for mates that were hairless (but men care more about looks), women have less hair because their mates were more picky. I'm not so sure I buy that, but it's an interesting thought.
As for grey hair, in the follicle, there are melanin cells, which give our hair its color. As we age, these melanin cells gradually die out, causing a transition to white, silver or grey hair. The texture I couldn't find anything specific on, however, I speculate that something in the lack of melanin might affect the texture as well.

3) The sunset. So beautiful. Ever notice that it's more pretty in polluted places like LA? This is because there is more "stuff" in the air (dirt, pollutants, etc). The reason the colors change towards nightfall is because there is more atmosphere (dirt, water, etc) between you and the sun, so the different wavelengths of light (the colors of the rainbow) are scattered, especially the blues and greens, allowing a higher relative amount of reds and oranges to reach your eye.
http://www.sciencemadesimple.com/sky_blue.html

Interesting, huh? I think this kind of post should happen more often. See why I want to be a teacher? I love practical science.

I don't know where the sunbeams end and the starlight begins - it's all a mystery

~The Flaming Lips ("fight test")

It has officially come to pass. The ninth planet of so many elementary and middle school lessons has officially been demoted to mere "rock status." It's actually called a "dwarf planet" now, along with two others, for completeness. Now, I'll admit, I've never been really attached to Pluto...my favorite has always been Saturn, which I can't really give any coherent reason for. But, it seems to me an abomination that you can just rescind planetdom!! Sure, I understand that scientists figured they needed to tighten up the criteria as more of the solar system is discovered and explored, but I mean THINK people....now the acronym MVEMJSUNP doesn't even work! What's this world coming to? It's almost like making a class harder because too many kids are getting A's!

I actually don't care as much as it sounds. Still, it is kind of weird and surreal that something I learned in school will now not be learned any longer by modern students. a) it makes me feel old, b) it makes me consider what else I have learned in the past 17 years that might be changed or omitted from curriculum in the future.

That, my friends, is the value of learning and research. This is why I'm a scientist! How exciting it is to be on the cutting edge of the ever-changing and growing body of knowledge! Sure, business classes help you deal with the economics of life, and someone's got to do your taxes, but, science is so much better. I don't think I fully realized how amazing it is to know, learn and discover how little I know until Junior year of college. I had always "liked" school, but I think that was more due to the fact that I was good at it, versus really enjoying having knowledge transferred to me.

Junior year was the age of modern physics and my enlightenment as the result of a required philosophy class. I struggled through specific relativity and the next quarter came to the harsh, challenging and exciting realization that I could indeed believe in evolution and STILL call myself a Christian. Those were some difficult months for me academically, spiritually and mentally. Kudos to school, my patient professors, and the opportunity to make one's head hurt from conflicting viewpoints and seemingly impossibly scientific theories. I have a very few friends with whom I share this love of science and learning. My friend Jason checked out several books on fractals (math stuff I don't get) last summer for, as he called it, "pleasure reading." My other friend Katie is a research psychologist, but respects, understands and is intrigued by the synergy of all science. I have had countless conversations with these two close friends about the beauty of science, the extreme privilege of all schooling, and the travesty of complaining and taking university for granted. Ever heard the following phrase? Professor, I just need to know what I need to know for the test. Pure sacrilege. What's worse is when you hear a prof tell you "you won't need to know this on a test, so you don't care." YES, I DO!

As I prepare to begin my last two graduate chemistry classes on Monday, I look back on the last four-plus years of education at SPU and can say the following: 1) I have learned a lot more than I thought I ever could, 2) I'm only at the tip of the iceberg, 3) I have broadened my horizons past chemistry and physics to psychology, biochemistry, biology, and interests in many other subjects as well, 4) I think I've had the best professors anyone could ask for, 5) I forget relativity.

I wish I didn't, especially because I was so intrigued by it. But, truth is, Schrodinger and statistical mechanics overpowered my grey matter that year, and I badly want to relearn it. I hope that, as I transition from hard-core academia to industry and someday teaching, that I will always take the time to review what I have learned and find new things to read and ask questions about in all areas. To me, that is what this life is about: learning the beauty and intricacies of this world, realizing how little we still know after hundreds of years of research, understanding explanations for everyday processes we take for granted, and most of all sharing this knowledge with others. The more I learn, the more in awe I am of God and his awesome creation. What a blessing it is to learn, know and discuss. May we never cease.

Short people got no reason to live

~Randy Newman (Although Nickel Creek did it at their show...so good)

Usually, I feel that shorter people have a one-up on me. Sure, I can reach things on the top shelf of the grocery store (and often help others out), and I can reach my top cabinets in my kitchen. But, by and large, most tall people will tell you, it's no day at the beach. Buying clothes and size 12 shoes is a pain, but gradually getting better, car choices are severely diminished because of what the person fits in (I wanted an Accord...but my knees hit the wheel!), and in general, the "amazon woman" comments and incessant stares (especially in foreign countries) get REALLY old. If I had a penny for every time I'd heard the ol' "wow...you're SO tall" phrase...well, I'd be able to help myself to an evening movie, at least. Thanks so much, I think everytime, I hadn't realized this until you so eloquently pointed it out!


Point is, being tall can be a blessing and a curse, especially when you're a female and guys seem to be a little scared of your 6' 3" stature. Whatever. What the average world doesn't get is that I'm used to it, and don't notice height differences until pointed out to me! Anyhow, when I saw this article today, I thought it fitting and largely ironic. Ironic because I was informed this morning that I in fact did NOT get the Chemsitry internship I've been planning on for 5 weeks. They liked me, but some internal changes caused them to decide not to hire me...and apparently not tell me. So, now I begin the job hunt. There isn't much in Eugene that I'm interested in or qualified for. It makes me wish I'd spent more time in food service or retail rather than babysitting in high school and college.


I've got a couple options, one of them being a restaurant bartender, which I think would be rad. That call goes out tomorrow... Anyhow, if it's true that tall people are higher paid, maybe I'll make more than $7.50 and hour. Ouch, a B.S. in Chemistry and I'm hoping for a retail job. Oh, how the tides have changed in the last week. Surprisingly, I'm less anxious and stressed than I figured I'd be after my entire 2-year plan of getting two Masters degrees has all but exploded. There are options. Life is long. I do, however, need to make some friends in Eugene.

I'm sending out an S.O.S.

~ "Message in a bottle" (Sting)

Something completely shocking, unexpected, disturbing and odd occurred today.

It was a morning like any other Sunday. Got up, went to church (late, per normal), sat by myself and enjoyed the scenery of Coburg (this church is outside...it's so me). During the meet and greet time, I introduced myself to several people and then listened to a cool sermon on 2 Samuel 19. After the sermon, however I had an interesting conversation with a dude that had been sitting behind me.

Dude: It was nice meeting you, Katie
Me: Yeah, nice meeting you, too!
D: Are you a student in the area?
M: Yeah, I'm in grad school at the U of O (here we go again...)
D: Oh, neat, what in?
M: Chemistry

...blah blah blah...(it continued for a minute like this)

M: Do you live around here?
D: I'm actually from Ohio, but I spend a lot of time on the road
M: Oh, nice (tries to gather things quickly and exit)
D: So, can I call you sometime?
M: Uh...um....well, I...um...guess so...(looking around awkwardly)...
D: (Whips out his BIBLE and a pen) What is it?
M: (what is going on?)

...more small talk ensues about school, et cetera...

M: Well, good talking to you
D: Are you going to the BBQ?
M: Um....no, I've got homework (THANK YOU PROFESSOR ATRE)
D: Oh, I bet! That's such a hard subect....I'll be praying for you
M: (awkward laugh) Thanks

....So, what the hell is up with that?
Dude had to be at least 35, lives in Ohio, hadn't spoken to me more than 6o seconds when he asks me for my number (the first guy to ever do that, by the way)!!!! Now, I had hoped the first guy to ask me for my number would be a nice looking man my age and someone I was remotely interested in. Rest assured this was not it. I see one of two scenarios being plausible.

1) He's a genuinely nice (too nice) single "church" guy who wants to check in on me and talk about faith, or whatever.
2) He wants my bod.

Either way, I'm in a bind. I've never been faced with this conundrum before. I thought guys didn't ask for a number unless there had been significant conversation and a mutual vibe!! How could I nicely have said no? "Why?" "Don't you live in Ohio?" "Uh, dude, I'm 22 and...well, you're not..." "Um, I just met you" The reason I didn't say any of these is mostly because I was trying not to assume he was interested.

So, now we reach the interactive portion of the day. What do I do now? All I can say is, thank Jesus for caller ID. I suppose I won't be answering any calls from numbers I don't recognize, and just hoping that my awkwardness and lack of excitement to give him my number will discourage him from calling. But, then again, he did write my number in his freaking BIBLE..I'm doomed. Someone help me.

I’m sending out an S.O.S. I hope that someone gets my message in a bottle.

And true love waits in haunted attics

~"True Love Waits" (Radiohead)

I have lived 22 great and full years.
22 of those I have spent single.

Most people seem extremely surprised when they find out, which I take as a compliment. Perhaps they are simply dumfounded because "everyone" dates in college. Whatever their meaning, I have to admit, I am sometimes surprised also that I've never found a guy that I like that magically likes me too. Rest assured, my good friends can tell you I've had more that fair share of interests and crushes in my lifetime, but nothing ever materializes (probably something to do with me being a total wimp).

I just graduated from a school that has a serious problem with dating. The problem is simple: no one dates. I have grouped the SPU population into general descriptors, but I'll spare you. Too many times, people come to college (especially SPU) and start "the hunt." I'll admit I did it. I thought I had paid my dues in highschool - never dating or going to a dance I was asked to. This was my chance! I wasn't looking for a husband, just someone to spend time with, know on a different level than my guy friends, and have a blast with. I had it really bad for about 3 guys throughout freshman year, which proved to cause me much unwanted stress, pain and time that I should have been spending doing more useful things. I reduced myself to harmless crushes for the next two years, and then ended college thinking a lot about a boy that was my friend and more "my type" (if that exists) than anyone I've liked before. Now, granted, I'm not sure what I'd be looking for because I have no experience, but he is a fun, adventurous, introspective, kind, active and intelligent individual...all of which I am extremely attracted to. Of course, I left Seattle without doing anything about it.

Which is a good transition into my diagnosis for the "SPU ordeal". There are several reasons for this sad lack of boldness and casual dating. 1) Girls (at SPU) think the guy needs to do all the initiating of everything (even if the guy doesn't know the girl exists!), 2) Guys think most girls want to be crazy-serious from the start and are actively persuing their "ring by spring," 3) Girls do not want to put themselves "out there" and get frustrated when guys don't ask them out, 4) Guys are more nervous/scared than girls think they are when it comes to putting themselves "out there." Thus, you have the most amazing stalemate since World War One.

It's been nice to free myself from this sickly and frustrating atmosphere, and see that, yes indeed, people in the real world DO date, and wait more than 6 months to get engaged!! Refreshing. I know I have a lot of years left to live, and I'm in no rush to "settle down" any time soon. At times throughout the past several years I have spent too much time thinking about what I could do differently to win the approval of an awesome man. This leads to much comparison to the world around me and an overkill of self-consciousness. Many people feed me the blanket phrase: "you're just so intimidating, Katie!" as if this completely explains my perpetual singlehood. Perhaps there's some truth to that. After all, I am fairly tall, like chemistry, speak my mind and enjoy a good competition.

Whatever the reasons, I have reached a point where I'm refusing to say "I give up," or "screw men," or "I'm so terrible, no one will ever love me." Rather, I realize that I am a unique, passionate person, and I want my life to be full of adventure, amazing stories, helping people, learning and laughing. I can't waste my time bemoaning my lack of significant other. Do I want to date someday, possibly even marry? Yeah. Does it have to be now? Of course not. Could I live my life and do what I feel called to do as a single woman? Absolutely.

My grandpa told me this weekend (out of the blue): "Mr. Right will come along someday, Katie." I hope someday for a man with whom I can be myself, travel, laugh constantly, philosophize and discuss books, politics, science and faith, all the while maintaining some of the independence that I love. I refuse to buy into the crap that I need to change myself in order for this to happen. What fun would love be if you couldn't be real, fart, make mistakes, stick your foot in your mouth, speak your mind or get sweaty? May we realize that running after "the elusive prize" will only lead to a less fulfilling life, wasted time, and heartache. I'll hold out for the real deal, thank you. I leave you with my favorite Radiohead song:

True Love Waits
I'll drown my beliefs
To have you be in peace
I'll dress like your niece
To wash your swollen feet

Just don't leave
Don't leave

I'm not living
I'm just killing time
Your tiny hands
Your crazy kitten smile

Just don't leave
Don't leave

And true love waits
In haunted attics
And true love lives
On lollipops and crisps

Just don't leave
Don't leave

Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell

~The Flaming Lips

The Eugene Gazette

Eugene, OR - Still severely lacking in the energy department, Katie Klug, 22 , was about to throw in the towel today after a discouraging few days in graduate school and "do something fun with her life," she said, "like waitressing, becoming a full-time traveler, or possibly just hiding at mom and dad's place for a while and starting fresh." Finding out that The Willamette Valley Company and Dynea had not offered her chemistry internships on Monday and Tuesday, respectively, when Katie thought she had done quite well in both interviews and meshed well with the former company especially, was disheartening. "I'm not too accustomed to getting turned down like this, especially when I thought I'd nailed those interviews, and my confidence has certainly seen better days," she lamented Wednesday after returning home at 6pm from her hour long commute.

Perhaps her lack of energy is not simply tiredness, but rather a vicious cocktail of lonliness, getting up at 6:30am, mild depression and laziness. "The frustration is palpable," Katie admitted, "but today almost sent me over the edge when I poured my polymer/solvent mixture into a fresh bottle of Toluene and looked like a complete douch (sic)." Katie is generally quite saavy and successful in the laboratory setting, as colleagues at Seattle Pacific University can verify, but Wednesday's events brought back frightening emotions and memories from the Great Quartz Cuvette Fiasco of Summer 2005, when she borrowed two cuvettes (between $150-200 each) from another lab at the University of Oregon, and upon returning them, set the precious package too close to the edge and watched as, to her horror, the cuvettes plummeted to the tile floor; one shattering into pieces about the size of Katie's self esteem at that moment.

Katie realizes that everyone has bad days, and is determined to get some good sleep tonight, even though this means sacrificing a bike ride. She says her plan of attack is to pray more for some serious patience, energy and job offers. She also understands and admits her need to learn how to properly use commas. Katie still has the possibility of Forrest Paint Company somewhere out there in the stratosphere, but has not yet heard back from the technical director who seemed so eager to hire her a week prior. She finds solace not only in the Lord and his everpresent nearness, but also in her favorite quote from Shakespeare in Love: "It will come out alright, it always does...It's a mystery." ~ Gu Xiao Chen

I can handle whatever I stumble upon, most of the time...

...Bob Dylan was so right.

I don't know if people have realized that all my posts are lyrics of songs yet. Maybe I should start putting the band and song at the beginning of the entry...

It's hard to put into words what has happened in the short span of 5 days. I have had some successes, many frustrations, more drama and emotion than I care for, and quite a bit of exhaustion. Though it's been hard, I can say that I am halfway finished with my summer school classes, and have more than one prospect for a great Chemistry internship.

Monday morning:
*8am. I find myself at Forrest Paint Company for my first of three job interviews this week (looking smoking hot and professional, I might add). The interview was amazingly low key, and I found out that I was the only one who was asked to interview (translation: I have the job if I want it). I have no clue WHY they singled me out, but it was flattering to say the least.
*9:15am. Just getting into the car, I feel my phone and get a call from my dad saying that my grandma slipped into a coma the night previous.
*10am. My blessed, sweet, funny Grandma Louise passes away.
*10:15am. I get to lab and am immediately overwhelmed and completely confused with our tasks.
*12:30pm. I am told about my grandma on my lunch break from lab.

...and the rest of the week stayed just about as crazy. Lab was unbelievable! We had to make 4 different polymers (2 rubbery, 2 rigid; one of each being colored) with absolutely no guidance except that we had to use at least one polyester, polystyrene, and phenol-formaldehyde resin. Basically, this sent us on a wild goose chase for 4 days armed only with plasticizers, charcoal and baking soda to try to make these things. Surprisingly, Google was not of much help. The job interviews all went well, and now I just wait to see what happens. How long, I'm not sure, but I'm not worried.

Death never comes at a convienient time, this is for sure. I am so sad that I missed out on the hugs, tears, reminiscing and laughs that come with the territory when a family member passes away. I am now grandmaless, and it's a different world for me. I have 2 wonderful grandpas whom I adore, but their wives have especially had a profound effect on my life and definitely shape much of the woman I am and am still becoming.

Grandma Irene, who died more than 5 years ago in a very strange and suprising turn of events was an absolutely amazing person. She lived a life of hardwork, selflessness, creativity and fun. Grandma beans, as my brother called her, could do anything. She kept a garden, cooked delectable dishes year-round, at every meal (oh, her rolls), knitted sweaters while watching cartoons with us, made my mom's wedding dress, and took up ceramics and oil painting later in life. She taught me the value of family, story telling (she embellished just the right amount), laughing, loving and being tough. Grandma lived through polio, cancer and was dealt more than her fair share of ailments throughout her life, but I never heard her complain. She was funny and could talk anyone's ear off (sound like me?), but also enjoyed quiet nights of bridge or allowing my grandpa to kick her butt at gin rummy. Something was always in the oven, and her family was always her first priority. Memories seem endless of my childhood with grandma beans: picking blueberries, learning to sew and knit, snapping beans and pulling carrots, listening to stories about life on the farm, helping her pin her hair in curls every night and eating endless cans of pringles.

My grandma Louise was a lady who still loved, valued and humbly served her family, but in a different manner, and thus she taught me much different things than grandma beans. She was an intellectual, an avid reader, a great cook, kept an incredibly neat house, and was passionate and headstrong. Coming from a pain and sorrow-filled childhood, there are many things about grandma I didn't know until the last few years, and I'm sure there are numerous skills and stories I never heard. She loved gardening and massacring me in Scrabble and Boggle (although I'm sure she let me win every once in a while). I learned from her that women are highly valuable, capable and intelligent - something that I am so thankful for. She never missed a chance to encourage me, and even 2 weeks ago when I saw her last, she told me how proud she was of me going to grad school and being successful. Grandma modeled strength, dignity and independence, and was intrigued by travel, natural beauty and current events. Because of her, I value and believe in myself more, know that women are of extreme worth, and realize that the world is a huge place that I can explore and discover! It was hard to see her go downhill the last 10 years while struggling with Parkinson's Disease and growing increasingly frustrated with her immobility, but we still had good family times. I am also sad that I missed our last birthday party (she was July 4th, I'm the 1st).

I figured this year while I was away would be "the year," and yes, she was definitely ready to go, as much as one can be. Thankfulness pours out of me when I realize I got to see her with my brother just 2 weeks before her passing and we had a great conversation. It's hard to be away, and I'm definitely yearning for hugs from family and friends and missing those stories and memories of grandma Louise that are said over meals. This week was a hard one, and I'm praying for rejuvination this weekend. Here's to two great grandmas - I hope I can become half the awesomeness they were and live lives of humility, fun, adventure and learning like they did!

Girls just wanna have fun

Girl #1: My dad is so conservative! He won't let us wear Birkenstocks, tyedye, OR hemp.
Girl #2: I didn't know what hemp was until, like, last week!
Worker Girl: Hemp is just the non-hallucinogenic cousin of marijuana. People are afraid of it because they're related, but it makes really great fiber.
Girl #1: Like, to eat?

...conversation overheard while I was trying on clothes at Forever 21 (irony, I just turned 22). I thought it too good to keep from others. Am I sure I want to be a high school teacher??

Oh Lord, I'm tired, so tired from walking

On the eighth day, God created energy. Apparently, I was taking a nap and missed out on the mass-distribution of it.

Certainly, this was a tiring year, what with Biochem, the mono scare of winter 2006, and hanging out with people all spring and what little summer I had. However, after I moved to Eugene, the crazy cocktail of allergies, heat, emotional weirdness from moving, and all-day classes wiped me out faster than the plaugue. I found mysef taking 4 hour naps the first week I was here, and managed to whittle them down to 2 or 3 by the end of my first class. It was actually something to celebrate if I made it through an entire day without falling asleep!

Then, the lab class started this week. It's challenging and good, but I feel SO lazy because I'm continually exhausted and hardly moved voluntarily all week. I literally fell asleep at 8pm on Thursday night and slept for 12 hours...that surprised even me. The first week of 9-5 in lab is rough on the body like you wouldn't believe. Or maybe you would. They're trying to "prepare us" for the stress of our internships by giving us more to do than is humanly possible to see how we prioritize and juggle multiple tasks: totally bogus. I think internship will be WAY more focused on a single task. Call me an optimist, I suppose.

So, now with what we've learned this week, we have to create our own set of polymers with the properties we want next week. But there's a catch (there always is): I have three job interviews next week also! Shnikes...doesn't seem possible, but it'll work out. I interview at a paint company on Monday, a plywood resins company Tuesday and for an adhesives job on Thursday. While I'm fairly confident I'll get a position, I'm walking by faith completely, and just hoping the "right" place offers me the job first. Of course, I could hopefully do something I wasn't completely stoaked about for 9 months, but let's not go there if we don't have to. Be thinking good thoughts for me next week in my interviews! Hopefully my energy level will skyrocket with no known explanation this weekend....I can hope, can't I?

we frolicked about in our summer skin

i must be getting old. the first day of full time work (or lab, as it was for me today) is always so difficult, and makes me wonder if i can handle an "adult-job" that is approaching one of these years. that is why my ploy to stay in school forever and garner at least three degrees is so danged brilliant! however, these intensive, "job-like" lab days make me rethink my enthusiasm. perhaps it had something to do with returning from my fabulously tiring trip up to seattle at 11pm last night and attempting to sleep in an apartment that was 92 degrees.

however, the trip up was so great! i got to stop in and see my cousin chris and his girlfriend jenny in portland, and we took a bike ride around the city, which was wonderful. i spent some good family time on wednesday and thursday (well, mostly good, except mom's hives and dad's bike accident that i got a front row seat for), and then tried to cram every minute of the next 3 days with as much friend-time as possible. i had a total blast dropping in randomly on people, surviving the seattle heat, and simply enjoying new memorable moments with the people i love.

i will admit, even after living in eugene less than a month, i felt like a tourist. two more sites were crossed off my "to-do" list: discovery park and the locks (i know, it's amazingly pathetic), and i found myself bemoaning the traffic in the city i have called home for the past 4 years. still, i wouldn't trade the last 6 days for anything. i continue to be struck by the importance, meaning and utter joy that friends and family bring to my life, and maybe it takes weekends such as these for me to be reminded. watching my dad crash into the side of a car was obviously not a highlight, but it certainly inspired me to be more thankful for every moment and to be a safer cyclist (and conversly, driver).

i don't really know what i'm saying (it's the methanol, styrene and toluene vapors i breathed today, i'm sure), but i just keep thinking how completely blessed i am to have so many amazing people in my life. i had several friends over to my parent's house for some swimming and waterskiing on saturday, and after they left, my mom and dad told me over and over how much they loved my friends and getting to meet and chat with them! at the beginning of my senior year, i prayed for solidified and deep friendships; something i feel i always need to work on because of my "the more, the merrier" tendencies. God granted my prayers and then some - i have awesome relationships with old and new friends, and i haven't been this close to my family since the carefree days of pacifiers and legos.

so, now that my bits and pieces of "summer breaks" have officially come to a close and lab is now my life for the forseeable future, things will be that much easier when i remember laying in sand in seattle, a fantastic culinary experience at Cutter's (and an interesting encounter with an intoxicated man who insisted he was a musician, not a bum), finally seeing my bro track race in the top category, treading water for hours, sweating profusely while playing "round-robin" ping-pong with 10 people, and one last frisbee-toss in the loop. thanks for a great visit, everyone.

I've spent a lifetime learning how to live in Rome

Concert Ticket: $25.00
Friggin' Ticketmaster Fees: $12.80
Miles Driven: 250
Gas $$: Let's not talk about it
Crusing at 90 on the way home: pretty sweet
Possums Hit: 1
Witnessing Nickel Creek play TOXIC live: priceless
Watching Chris and Mark Schatz (the bass player) Irish Dance: also priceless

...and with that, we're off and running! I never thought I'd breakdown and start a blog. Of course, I said the same thing about Facebook once, and we all know what happened there. I thought it fitting to begin my blog with memories and stories from my crazy, impulsive and exciting solo adventure yesterday traveling to Bend, OR for my first Nickel Creek concert. In case you're wondering, even with the price of gas, it was SO worth it.

This whole thing was incredibly serendipitous. On a whim, I checked Nickel Creek's website Friday night just to see if they were playing in Portland before they come to Washington in August. July 15, 2006: Bend, OR. What are the odds of that? I took it as a sign, and with a little encouragement from Soren, I bought the ticket. I find it satisfying that on the 2-year anniversary of leaving for China (to the day), I'm continuing to be more impulsive and hang-loose. That was my biggest lesson from China. I also felt it appropriate to celebrate a little after finishing my first graduate Chemistry class (which I'll talk more about on a slower day)!

I made a couple wrong turns, and of course, ended up on the "scenic byway" to Bend (thanks, Google Maps), which added about an hour to the trip and got me to the concert as the opener was starting...whoops. In retrospect, though, it was a beautiful drive! I drove along the McKenzie river for an hour and then wound around an amazingly gorgeous forest until cresting a hill and seeing the Three Sisters in all their glory - what an unexpected treat! I absolutely love nature. It all turned out well, and the concert wasn't too packed, so getting there late was just fine.

When Nickel Creek waltzed out and played the first two songs off their most recent album "why should the fire die?" pretty much cookie cutter from the CD, I was a little surprised. They hardly said anything for the first 5 or 6 songs and continued to play fairly conservative, and I'm thinking, crap, I could have just stayed home and listened to the cd for free! I was soon shut up by the most amazing version of "The Lighthouse's Tale" ever beheld by man. Sean and Sara also got to strut their stuff a little more and show that they are also great musicians, not just the mighty mandolin master, Chris Thile (which is pronounce Thee-Lee, for those who are curious). From then on, they seemed to loosen up a little, with more solos and even a few songs I'd never heard, including "Trouble," which I've got to get my mitts on somehow.

They're pretty funny, but not the best at the whole talking to the crowd thing...something they'll get better at with time, I hope. However, they made quite a rucous with Brittney Spears' "Toxic"...I almost wet myself, and it was actually quite good at the same time! I finally got the inspiration to go to the front for the encore (and subsequently wished I'd gone earlier), where they all played solo (Chris played the second movement of Bach's Sonata in A...bravo!) and then collaborated with the opener, the Foghorn String Band, for the last two songs.

As they say, the third time's the charm. I missed Nickel Creek playing at my church last year, then decided not to see them at the Paramount right before finals this year, and both times I was in mourning for weeks. I'm really glad I picked up and took this little excursion against my better judgement. I've learned a lot living by myself already in the last 3 weeks. I can tell this year will be very good for me: introspection, solitude, spiritual growth and growing up a little (without becoming a bore, naturally) are all things I'm praying for. But, yesterday also made me realize that even though my whole life and most memorable experiences hinge on being in community (be it 2 or 20 other people), I can still live, learn and have a darn good time by myself! I can't depend on others to have adventures, and I'm determined now more than ever to never live the same day twice and to make many lasting memories this year. That started yesterday when I saw my favorite group live: something I won't soon forget. Now I'm off to a baseball game! Here's to a great year in Eugene.