It's three days post-break, and the memories or why I struggle to survive these classes are already streaking back to me.
I realized I honestly have no problem with the classes themselves. My argument lies with the naming and description of the classes.
For example:
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Arizona, Day Two: Two doors too many
The hotel is nice. Located blocks away from a shopping mall and within walking distance of several restaurants, it is something we look forward to coming back to at night.
The one thing the team hasn't been extremely fond of is the bathroom, or more specifically, the bathroom doors. Each bathroom has a pair of walk-in closet type doors, which meet at the middle, and do not lock. you don't even have to turn a handle to get into the bathroom, simply push the two doors open, and you're there. It makes taking care of bathroom-related business less-than comfortable, knowing someone could walk in on you at any moment.
As I took my first shower of the trip, I decided to fix this. I brought my swimsuit in with me, and using the drawstring, tied the handles together on the inside to create a lock, of sorts. Proud of myself, I showered without interruptions, dried off, and began to untie my self-made lock.
One little thing I forgot: when strings like that are exposed to heat and water, they tend to expand. So there I was, no longer feeling smart, but quite stupid, trying to unlock myself from the new self-made prison.
Three minutes of panicked embarrassment and the use of my keys later, I managed to wedge the knot undone, without any teammates noticing the problem. I'll probably take some heat now that I've written about it, but I figured you all deserved a story you'd enjoy.
By the way, the Auggies swept today in our first day of action. a 2-0 start to the trip, not too shabby.
The one thing the team hasn't been extremely fond of is the bathroom, or more specifically, the bathroom doors. Each bathroom has a pair of walk-in closet type doors, which meet at the middle, and do not lock. you don't even have to turn a handle to get into the bathroom, simply push the two doors open, and you're there. It makes taking care of bathroom-related business less-than comfortable, knowing someone could walk in on you at any moment.
As I took my first shower of the trip, I decided to fix this. I brought my swimsuit in with me, and using the drawstring, tied the handles together on the inside to create a lock, of sorts. Proud of myself, I showered without interruptions, dried off, and began to untie my self-made lock.
One little thing I forgot: when strings like that are exposed to heat and water, they tend to expand. So there I was, no longer feeling smart, but quite stupid, trying to unlock myself from the new self-made prison.
Three minutes of panicked embarrassment and the use of my keys later, I managed to wedge the knot undone, without any teammates noticing the problem. I'll probably take some heat now that I've written about it, but I figured you all deserved a story you'd enjoy.
By the way, the Auggies swept today in our first day of action. a 2-0 start to the trip, not too shabby.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Repeat to yourself: Three more days...
I've had my radio alarm set to Air1 since about November, when the radio dial somehow rolled down from 102.9 Christmas music to 102.5 Christian music... I have to be honest, it's been a great start to my days, putting me in a right frame of mind right off the bat, but it's also held drawbacks.
The biggest downfall to the soothingly familiar music waking me up is, I don't mind laying in bed for a longer time, listening to the music and morning show. And also drift in and out of sleep.
This was one of the problems I faced this morning, as I didn't actually get out of bed until I realized I was less than minutes away from class time, with at least five-minute drive ahead of me. The importance of the class period, since we didn't actually have a lecture, was to sign up for a good day for presentations. Jumping out of bed, I threw on the closest clothes I had to me, and raced out to my car. As always, Augsburg parking was ridiculous, with no spots available, so I nestled into a pay meter, dug into the change in my car, and threw in 30 cents. Yes, 30 cents. The first coin I put into the meter was a nickel, which I didn't realize until it was down. You don't get credit for nickels, by the way...
The biggest downfall to the soothingly familiar music waking me up is, I don't mind laying in bed for a longer time, listening to the music and morning show. And also drift in and out of sleep.
This was one of the problems I faced this morning, as I didn't actually get out of bed until I realized I was less than minutes away from class time, with at least five-minute drive ahead of me. The importance of the class period, since we didn't actually have a lecture, was to sign up for a good day for presentations. Jumping out of bed, I threw on the closest clothes I had to me, and raced out to my car. As always, Augsburg parking was ridiculous, with no spots available, so I nestled into a pay meter, dug into the change in my car, and threw in 30 cents. Yes, 30 cents. The first coin I put into the meter was a nickel, which I didn't realize until it was down. You don't get credit for nickels, by the way...
Thursday, March 4, 2010
The Short Sleeved Rule
When I was young, one of the rules I had to adhere to involved my clothing choices, specifically during the spring. I was not allowed to wear shorts and short sleeves outside until the snow had all melted away.
Being the patient child that I was, I'd often spend some of my warmest spring days with a snow shovel, digging into the larger snow hills, and either sprinkling the shovel-fulls of snow around the yard, or dumping it into the puddles that had formed on either side of our driveway. It was always a race to have short sleeve privileges again.
I'm 22 now, and have been picking out my own outfits for at least four years now, but I notice that this practice isn't completely dead in me quite yet. As I walked from my car to class this morning, I found myself kicking at larger snow banks, as if I was still 16 years old (give or take 10 years), waiting to put on short sleeves for another spring.
And although this really has nothing to do with the story, I also still can't resist trying to slide on ice patches, or stepping on what looks like thin ice, in what in reality is nothing but a stupid attempt to soak my foot with ice-cold puddle water. I guess old habits really do die hard.
*First baseball game of the season tonight, at the dome... Go Auggies!*
Being the patient child that I was, I'd often spend some of my warmest spring days with a snow shovel, digging into the larger snow hills, and either sprinkling the shovel-fulls of snow around the yard, or dumping it into the puddles that had formed on either side of our driveway. It was always a race to have short sleeve privileges again.
I'm 22 now, and have been picking out my own outfits for at least four years now, but I notice that this practice isn't completely dead in me quite yet. As I walked from my car to class this morning, I found myself kicking at larger snow banks, as if I was still 16 years old (give or take 10 years), waiting to put on short sleeves for another spring.
And although this really has nothing to do with the story, I also still can't resist trying to slide on ice patches, or stepping on what looks like thin ice, in what in reality is nothing but a stupid attempt to soak my foot with ice-cold puddle water. I guess old habits really do die hard.
*First baseball game of the season tonight, at the dome... Go Auggies!*
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Just a strange week
A lot went on this week that I've really struggled to get my head around.
Yesterday, I spoke with my parents on the phone. (Yes, I realize it's twice in one month, and yes, I know that's pushing the envelope...)
Those who know my father, age 59 and anti- technology/electricity/people, would expect him to be digging a hole in the ground to get as far away from the internet as he possibly can. Instead, he upgrades from dialup (at the end of the summer), and now announces to me, over the phone WITHOUT asking me to sit down first, that he not only bought a "Web camera," but he is also on Skype.
Yesterday, I spoke with my parents on the phone. (Yes, I realize it's twice in one month, and yes, I know that's pushing the envelope...)
Those who know my father, age 59 and anti- technology/electricity/people, would expect him to be digging a hole in the ground to get as far away from the internet as he possibly can. Instead, he upgrades from dialup (at the end of the summer), and now announces to me, over the phone WITHOUT asking me to sit down first, that he not only bought a "Web camera," but he is also on Skype.
Monday, February 15, 2010
The Minnesota Twins... Best offense in the MLB?
I've had a few requests to spend some time examining the Twins' upcoming season, with the somewhat new roster they have bundled as a "forgive me" present to all Twins fans who will freeze to death while attending rain/snowed out Twins games this April.
I've tried to hold off on it, to make sure all the signings are complete before I do this, but considering Bill Smith STILL doesn't call me directly to consult me on the team's management, there's really no telling when the last signing will come.
As is, I can say I am excited about the offensive talent the Twins hold, heading into Spring Training. (Those who just want to see potential lineups can scroll to the bottom...
I've tried to hold off on it, to make sure all the signings are complete before I do this, but considering Bill Smith STILL doesn't call me directly to consult me on the team's management, there's really no telling when the last signing will come.
As is, I can say I am excited about the offensive talent the Twins hold, heading into Spring Training. (Those who just want to see potential lineups can scroll to the bottom...
Sunday, February 14, 2010
What's my name again?
Hello all, and Happy Valentine's Day!
With baseball season eating up a fair amount of time, these posts have obviously been few and far between so far this year. But lucky for you, I've been keeping you in mind, and have jotted a few things down in my notebook to help compile only the best (worst?) stories that are qualified to go on the blog.
Before we get into today's compilation, a note regarding some requests I've received for a posting about the Twins' chances and possible lineups this year: I know you asked for it a while ago, be patient, and I'll get it written for you soon.
Today's topic will be stupid things that happen in Augsburg classrooms.
With baseball season eating up a fair amount of time, these posts have obviously been few and far between so far this year. But lucky for you, I've been keeping you in mind, and have jotted a few things down in my notebook to help compile only the best (worst?) stories that are qualified to go on the blog.
Before we get into today's compilation, a note regarding some requests I've received for a posting about the Twins' chances and possible lineups this year: I know you asked for it a while ago, be patient, and I'll get it written for you soon.
Today's topic will be stupid things that happen in Augsburg classrooms.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Surviving the battle: My latest Grocery shopping saga.
The solution was so easy. For weeks, I was struggling with content to help fill a blog worthy of writing, and it just took the most simple act to bring things back to where they should be. All I needed to do was go to the grocery store.
For those who have read before, you are probably aware that I don't trust grocery stores. They are full of creepy people, strange sights and awkward conversations just waiting to happen.
My much-needed trip was not an exception, despite the fact that I tried to avoid the "danger zones." "Danger zones," for those wondering, include
For those who have read before, you are probably aware that I don't trust grocery stores. They are full of creepy people, strange sights and awkward conversations just waiting to happen.
My much-needed trip was not an exception, despite the fact that I tried to avoid the "danger zones." "Danger zones," for those wondering, include
Monday, January 18, 2010
Things are going just too well...
It's kind of a good thing for me, when Mark My Words doesn't have an update for a while. Usually, it means life is following a pattern that I would deem as "Normal" for the average American, and due to this, have nothing to say or complain about.
But it's also a bad thing, because during these brief stretches, I also have very few stories to entertain you with... so I feel it's a little selfish of me to live a normal life.
Unfortunately, the last two or three weeks have been extremely normal, and happy times for me. I spent a lot of time with friends, completing a long list of tasks we had decided would need doing over break. This list included movies, a 2000-piece puzzle, games, meals, skating, and several other items, and we still haven't finished it, but knocked out a big chunk.
Yes, I know, what a tough life for me... Well it is. It's also made me a little lazy. Instead of going home and accomplishing simple needed tasks like grocery shopping, I spent my time after work or before baseball workouts at my friends' apartment. My fridge currently contains a bottle of juice, half a bottle of spaghetti sauce, mayonnaise, what's left of a block of cheese, and pop. No, not "Soda," POP.
The only other thing to note is the fact that my friend Jill got me a U of M snuggie for Christmas. In fact, all of her roommates received one from her, and since I spend a lot of time there, I have been blessed with the title of "Honorary Roommate," which no doubt earned me my snuggie.
In Cosmo, wearing a snuggie is the #4 thing a guy should NEVER do. Well, I'm here to say they are extremely warm and comfortable, and this guy wears a snuggie almost daily in our cold house. What do you think about that, Cosmo?
So at least now you know I didn't abandon my readers... Hopefully things start going more poorly for me, so I've got more stories for you soon.
But it's also a bad thing, because during these brief stretches, I also have very few stories to entertain you with... so I feel it's a little selfish of me to live a normal life.
Unfortunately, the last two or three weeks have been extremely normal, and happy times for me. I spent a lot of time with friends, completing a long list of tasks we had decided would need doing over break. This list included movies, a 2000-piece puzzle, games, meals, skating, and several other items, and we still haven't finished it, but knocked out a big chunk.
Yes, I know, what a tough life for me... Well it is. It's also made me a little lazy. Instead of going home and accomplishing simple needed tasks like grocery shopping, I spent my time after work or before baseball workouts at my friends' apartment. My fridge currently contains a bottle of juice, half a bottle of spaghetti sauce, mayonnaise, what's left of a block of cheese, and pop. No, not "Soda," POP.
The only other thing to note is the fact that my friend Jill got me a U of M snuggie for Christmas. In fact, all of her roommates received one from her, and since I spend a lot of time there, I have been blessed with the title of "Honorary Roommate," which no doubt earned me my snuggie.
In Cosmo, wearing a snuggie is the #4 thing a guy should NEVER do. Well, I'm here to say they are extremely warm and comfortable, and this guy wears a snuggie almost daily in our cold house. What do you think about that, Cosmo?
So at least now you know I didn't abandon my readers... Hopefully things start going more poorly for me, so I've got more stories for you soon.
Friday, January 1, 2010
My 2010 New Year's Resolutions
Ladies and gentlemen, today marks a new year, a new decade, a new era. Today is a day of firsts, a day people around the world vow to start something new, make improvements on their lives, and become better people. There's such a sense of wonderment in the high expectations placed on a new year. Unfortunately, by the time December rolls around, disappointment has settled in. Those resolutions we grasped so firmly on January 1st come flying back to us in late December, reminding us of where we ended up leaving them - January 4th.
But with a new year comes new hope, and so the cycle continues. Ladies and gentlemen, I write to you today to announce it is time to break the cycle of disappointments. It is time to stand by our resolutions, and hold them firmly as we fly through this next year, this new year of our lives.
But it is not to be done with ease. No, one can not simply choose resolutions at a whim and follow them for the new year. Great care must be taken in choosing these commitments.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is why I am here today. I am here to show you the path to a successful year of resolve, to lead by example. So with that, here I am, setting the bar with my list of 2010 Resolutions.
But with a new year comes new hope, and so the cycle continues. Ladies and gentlemen, I write to you today to announce it is time to break the cycle of disappointments. It is time to stand by our resolutions, and hold them firmly as we fly through this next year, this new year of our lives.
But it is not to be done with ease. No, one can not simply choose resolutions at a whim and follow them for the new year. Great care must be taken in choosing these commitments.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is why I am here today. I am here to show you the path to a successful year of resolve, to lead by example. So with that, here I am, setting the bar with my list of 2010 Resolutions.
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