Ta DAH! I have a website!

Alright ladies and gentlemen, big news. As you may have guessed from the title, I have a website! I started it up for the purpose of having a photography "business" of sorts. If you want to have a look see, here it is, and let me know what you think.

ecobbphotography.com

By any other name...

Shakespeare said in Romeo and Juliet that "a rose by any other name would still smell as sweet", but if you think about it, is it really true? Would Halle Berry still be attractive if her name was Butch? Or maybe a guy you think is cute, if you found out his name was Elizabeth, would that ruin the whole effect? Or maybe an adorable baby would be repulsive if you named it something like Bladder. No, I think Shakespeare is wrong. Names are important to the overall attraction. Absolutely.

Creative Black Hole

I am in desperate need for creative inspiration. On the one hand, I've been doing well in that my mood has been pretty positive. On the other hand, I feel like I'm losing everything that makes me an artist. I had some opportunities pop up and I was so encouraged. I went to take full advantage of each one and I get no responses, no encouragement. It's frustrating to think you've been given a talent, that you're meant to do something specific, and you try and try but there's never a result. So everything is going well, but it's just not... right. There's something a little bit crooked, like a puzzle piece that doesn't fit. The hopes and dreams and things you keep wishing for never come. You're completely lost in the dark, bumping into coffee tables and walls and you're feeling along the walls but there's no light switch. 

And it's freaking cold outside. I'm getting caught in this crap hole and can't dig my way out. Blah.

Cuuuuute

Today, I thought it might be a good day to get a coat, do a little shopping and get a haircut. So I went for the haircut first. I went to Watertower Place and up to Vidal Sassoon and discovered that they have STUDENTS or stylists, and that the students are only $20 but it takes a little over two hours to do the cut... well I went ahead and did it anyways, because it's not like I don't HAVE a coat, I just need a warmer and longer one. Anyways, I waited and sat and the student cut and cut and the trainer checked and trimmed and... behold! The best freaking haircut I've ever had in my life. They want me to come back for other stuff, so we shall see about that. They always need models to practice on, but the training is so precise that it doesn't end up looking like a student cut your hair! How wonderful!

 

Sweetness

I now have Verizon and a new phone with a new number. If you want it, let me know, cause I'm not posting it in a blog. How dumb do you think I am!?

In case you missed it...

We got kittens. They're super cute. They chase each other at full speed back and forth through the apartment, occasionally running into things. They also make a rather amusing chirping sound. If you care to visit them, let me know, I'm sure something can be arranged.

Yes We Can

The 2008 election has been a long one with plenty of drama. But regardless of who you voted for, or whether you agree, it's a wonderful, beautiful thing to watch history made and to have participated in it. 

The 44th President of the United States of America and the first African American President of the US, President Elect Barack Obama.

Dreadmullet

I am restless, generally speaking. Much of the time I get to a place and find myself wishing I was somewhere else. When I was home I wished I was back at school. When I was at school I wished I was in a city. When I was in some city, I wished I was in Europe. When I was at the Canyon, I wished I was HOME because of my allergies. Now, I'm in Chicago. And I like it. A lot. And I really don't want to leave. Granted I've only been here two months, and I always have this slight craving for England, but I'm good here.

In other news, there was a guy that got on the bus and he looked very attractive and clean cut with nice short hair.... until he turned his head and behold, finger-like dreadlocks of hair growing out of the back of his head!!!!!!!! I'm not kidding you, the man had a DREADMULLET! It looked like a spider cracking it's way out through the back of his skull. I tell you folks, it's not the way to go, avoid it.

The Rebirth of Rock n Roll

I like many bands which come in many forms and many genres. But when it comes to basic rock, it's been a long time since anyone blew me away with their wit and talent and overall aura. Now don't get me wrong, I have many favourites when it comes to music. There is Travis, wonderful and Scottish and just cute, but way too mellow when it comes to this category. The Hives are crazy and awesome to watch, but I wouldn't call them rock either, more pop/grunge/punk or something... and Conor Oberst and his little project called Bright Eyes, well, doesn't get more honest than that. But rock he is not. More of a "the way emo should have turned out but no one was as good as him" kind of situation. Coldplay, again too mellow. Fantastic, but on the good side of pop, not really rock. Death Cab... well they aren't really rock either, they're kinda in with Coldplay. Radiohead is trippy and experimental, but not just simple rock 'n roll. 

Enter The Strokes. True rock sound. Simple sounding melodies that have extremely complicated guitar parts (Reptilia anyone?!). Intriguing lyrics that are not necessarily clear, but not entirely uninterpretable. And an "I don't care what you think" fashion sense. Plus, they have good sense when it comes to finding people to deal with their music videos. Just take a gander at Heart in a Cage or You Only Live Once, or again, Reptilia. Or hey, The End Has No End for that matter. And who could deny the 80s neon beauty of 12:51. Ok I could go on and on. 

Then you have to consider the personalities. The drummer, Fabrizio Moretti (the name is enough) who dated Drew Barrymore or the singer, Julian Casablancas, former wacked out pothead who married a girl named Juliet and quit weed for good. Seriously. And what could be less intriguing than their affinity for white shoes? All of them! And the fact that they all grew up as spoiled rich kids in New York City. So they decided to become musicians and bless us with this beautiful... well, rock! Yes, they bring much needed hope to a genre I thought was lost forever. 

Inspiration

Where does it say you gotta live and die here

Where does it say a guy can't catch a break

Why should you only take what you're given

Why should you spend your whole life livin'

Trapped where there ain't no future

Even at 17 (or 22)

Breaking your back for someone else's sake

If the life don't seem to suit 'ya

How 'bout a change of scene

Far from the lousy headlines and the deadlines in between...

Macy's Rewards

I don't know what to write at the moment. I'm a little all over the place. I don't much enjoy my job. It's retail on speed. And yet boring at the very same time. I don't know many people. I don't really have much money just yet. Or a life, really. And I'm convinced my boss is bent on making me a workaholic, so no life in the future I guess. Really I'm just complaining, but at this moment of this day, I'm not feeling positive. I might as well get to bed. I have 7 hours of work again tomorrow. 

Here come the brides

A week from today I will be driving to South Carolina to watch one of my best friends get married. Three weeks from tomorrow I will be driving to Indiana for the same reason. Different friend, naturally. Because of the impending involvement in weddings that will result in a slight loss of best friendedness, I have been thinking. Thinking about how almost everyone I know is in a somewhat serious relationship, how they're all going to go off and get married and things will be lost in the process. Inside jokes will be forgotten, keeping in contact will lose importance and slowly but surely they'll all drift away. I won't always have roommates, I won't always live here in this apartment, someday I'll be by myself in some studio apartment trying to pay the bills and juggle 2 or 3 jobs or something ridiculous like that, while still maintaining hopes and dreams and college loans. This is the very beginning of the biggest and hardest transition. To be honest, leaving home was never super hard, going to college was nothing to me, no big change. Graduating was just a day, it made no great impact on me. Working at the Grand Canyon was a challenge, but only temporary, and moving to Chicago felt perfectly natural. Even the first few weddings didn't change much for me (although I'm sure it's very different for them). But when October rolls around.....

And thank you for riding the CTA!

Alright people, in case you don't already know, I got a job! I'll be working at Macy's in the women's accessories department. Our dress code is all black, and since I didn't have any black clothes, I had to pick some up. But that is not the best part of the story. The best part is how it all happened. I had an interview, but I had to go in early to fill out the second portion to the application, so Schmikes and I took an early trip into town to do just that. After that was done (it only took 15 minutes of the hour they said it would take) we had some extra time and we had noticed there was a piano gallery in the lower level so we went to check it out. After a 10-15 minute conversation with the man working there, Schmikes had connections to teach piano lessons with them! We went back up and I went into the LONGEST and LARGEST group interview I've ever had to sit through. There were probably about 50 people there, and we all had to stand, introduce ourselves and talk for a minute or two about our experience and availability for the job openings. After all that was done (took two hours) we had a short break and then came back in to the same room. The lady in charge came to the front of the room and started calling out names to move to another room. Roughly 15 of us got called over, and the rest were dismissed. Us lucky 15 had more individual interviews and got jobs right there on the spot! Unfortunately we had two weeks until training, so I have still been bored and broke. Later though, Schmikes did some emailing with the guy from the piano gallery and now she has a job too!!!! Just in time, I'll say, cause the rent is due soon! Hopefully I can get promoted and eventually get away from retail and into starting a gallery of my own. That would be the ideal, but for now, hey! We have jobs!

Job searching

Well I've managed to get all my crap into our apartment, and the unpacking process will take a while but hey, I don't even have a bed yet, so you can't blame me for that. I also need a job so I can get put on the lease (yeah technically I DON'T live here yet) and pay for everything else in my life, plus food if I can manage that. I have been job searching all week. It's making me crazy. Luckily I have an interview at Macy's on Monday... wish me luck.

Crazy Stuff

It has all been very busy. I came home on a Wednesday, got my sister Friday, went to a bridal shower Saturday and a wedding Monday, came back home Tuesday, and now it is Friday and I'm leaving tomorrow morning to move to CHICAGO. Good grief. 

Grand Canyon Hiking Marathon

The adventure really starts Monday after I got done with work. Jen met me at El Tovar and we booked it over to the Backcountry Permit Office to get our permit to stay overnight at Indian Gardens. We then rushed over to the General Store and bought food and socks and I got some hiking shoes. That night, I went to bed early and Jen woke me up for the meteor shower. We went outside to watch it in a little dirt patch near my room. Back to bed, and then I got up at a nice and early 5:30 for work. Naturally I brought all the gear I would require with me, since we were leaving immediately after I was finished with work. After working a nice full 8 hour day, Jen met me at work and we changed, got some more water and a hiking stick, and set off down the trail!

   

As you might imagine, going down was fairly easy. Nice views and spots to rest all over the Bright Angel Trail!

        

And it didn't take long at all to get to Indian Gardens. Really it was only about 3 to 3 and 1/2 hours of hiking to get down that 5 miles.

 

Once we found an empty campground, we set it all up as the sun set. Unfortunately, since we were trying to avoid heavy packs, we only brought a sheet and some extra shirts. Not comfortable. In addition to that, we spent the night surrounded by all sorts of critters, including a few deer that decided to chow down on a bush right by our heads.  After a total of about 4 hours of sleep (give or take), we were back up at 4 am and ready to go. Hiking in the dark, that's interesting. You can hear things moving around you but can't see what they are... at the same time though, it's nice and cool, and of course the sunrise over the canyon was great. But you can't have it all, right? Immediately following the sunrise, it got intensely hot. The views were still great because it is so different once you're actually DOWN there. It's a lot greener than it looks, and there are little creeks and waterfalls along and across the trail. The trail itself is rocky, and tricky at parts, with very little shade to offer during the day. We came across a lot of lizards and squirrels. Then, as we were getting close to a spot between Indian Gardens and the river called Devil's Corkscrew, one particularly cute lizard scurried across the trail. I being in the lead felt obligated to acknowledge it, and just as I did and stepped around it, I heard the most ungodly rattling sound. Immediately to the right of my foot lay a nice sized Grand Canyon Rattler. According to Jen, it actually lunged at me before I saw it recoiling just inches away and turned to sprint about 5 feet ahead. She thought it was cool, but she didn't almost die via rattle snake.

 

Heading down Devil's Corkscrew and along the bottom of the canyon, we finally made it to the Colorado River! 

Now I know they always talk about how hot it is down there, but by the river there's a breeze and the water is so nice and cold. We didn't swim in it, don't worry, just dipped our feet in the water lapping up on Pipe Creek beach and climbed the rocks next to Pipe Creek Rapid.

  

As we rested there, the sun rose higher through the two rims of the canyon and it was just perfect.

    

We then headed back up a bit to a little pool and soaked our legs in the water there to get somewhat refreshed before the very long ascent back to the top of Bright Angel Trail 5,000 feet above us and an 8-9 mile hike away. This is when we stopped taking pictures and started truly believing we were in hell. The hike up is long, hard, steep and completely exhausting. After backtracking those first 3 miles of Tuesday morning back up to Indian Gardens (Devil's Corkscrew is named for the Devil for a reason), we slept at picnic tables for an hour and a half. To follow our schedule, we had to get up and start hiking again at 1 pm, which by the way, I would not recommend. They say not to hike between 10 am and 4 pm and they are absolutely right. It is hot. There was very little talking on our two and a half mile trek back to the three mile rest house, and very little shade. During a short rest under one lucky tree we found, Jen actually asked me if we were going to die. Of course I said no, but in my head I thought back to the horror stories I had heard about people losing hope in the canyon and slowly dying of dehydration. I was at least determined to make it to the next water stop. After a very long hike up to the three mile rest house, we practically bathed under the water spout, soaking all of our clothes and nursing sore legs and feet. Back on the trail, it took us two hour and ten minutes to get up the next mile and a half. Let me explain for a moment, what it feels like to hike a constant downhill slope for 3 miles and then constant uphill for 7 miles immediately after. At first you feel a slow burn in your calves and thighs, as if you ran on a treadmill for 20 minutes. Not long after though, there is an added ache. Then the burning intensifies to the point where it's going even after you sit down to rest, and spreads up your body through your legs and into your abs and back. By the time you get to the mile and a half house, you feel like your body is on fire and your head is going to explode because it's pounding so hard. You've had so much beef jerky that you feel ill but you still have to eat it because you need the salt and protein. You keep going up the steep inclines and stair step rocks and eventually you can hardly move your feet. You forget how to walk and find yourself shuffling and stumbling and in your head all you can think is, I feel worse than death itself, this torture never ends. That's about how I was at that last rest house, and still with a mile and half to go up to the rim, through countless switchbacks along those giant cliffs that never seemed to get any closer. But finally, after hiking from 4 am almost continuously until 7:30 pm, we made it to the top. It's hard to describe the feeling, because you hate the trail and the hike and you hate yourself for doing it voluntarily, but there is something that you're just so proud of too. Not that you're awesome, but just that you're alive, that you survived such brutal conditions and saw such amazing things and experienced what few people do, even if it wasn't all fun. If someday, you decide to hike the Grand Canyon, I have some advice for you. Bring lots of water, lots of food (with lots of variety! a mistake we made), something comfortable to sleep on, pain killers, and be sure to give yourself enough time to rest as much as you would need to in the absolute worst situation. Odds are, it will be harder than you thought. 

Poop

Actual update. Everyone is leaving, but my sister is still here for a few days and we've been having quite a lot of fun, let me tell ya. Tomorrow, when I am finished with work, we will be hiking down into the Grand Canyon. We shall be staying overnight at Indian Gardens and on Wednesday we'll head to the river and then back up to the top. Total, it will be about 16 miles of hiking, 11 of those on Wednesday. Jen leaves on Thursday morning. I still have a few weeks to go here at the Canyon, and then I will be heading out, back to Ohio. Then Erin's shower, Katie-Lee's wedding, Dr. appointment, move to Chicago, get an apartment and a job, get settled, and then two weddings in October! Sigh, what a busy fall.

Hey, get get get get get over it

Today we take Flagstaff. Tomorrow the WORLD. More later with pictures.

Isn't much left anyway that hasn't been said

Doesn't make any more sense than it did before, but I've moved on to hopefully better parts of life. I can't wait till Chicago.

The falling star, the way we are

I've got to be honest, I've had a few bad days recently. Today I was thinking back over a lot of things that happened during college... and before and after college I guess. Perhaps just my life as a whole. I don't really know what I think about it all, but I guess I'm trying to work it all out in my head, get it to makes sense. Hopefully tomorrow goes well. Then I'll have the weekend to just... process I guess. 

World's Fastest Update

My eyes are 99% better, I went to Flag and saw The Dark Knight and Get Smart, both wonderful, Monopoly and Phase 10 are fun, and I can't seem to escape all those major frustrations. More later.

Flipping Awesome

This morning I had the great privilege of going to the doctor AGAIN! He said he's never seen anyone so resistant to treatment as me. He put me on an ointment rather than the drops. It should help since it has steroids in it. In the meantime, my eyelids are swollen so I can't really keep my eyes open for long. Everything is blurry because they keep watering. I look like I got punched in the face. I wasn't allowed to work today and I have to go back to the clinic tomorrow morning before work so he can tell me if I'm allowed to work tomorrow at all. To make it even better, I had a dream that I woke up and my eyes were back to normal. Unfortunately when I woke up they were pretty much the same. 

In other news, a 42 year old germaphobic divorcee creeper that I work with got me roses and a get well card. This is one reason I'm glad I'm not working today, the other being that face looks slightly frightening. 

Conjunctivitis

Today I went to the clinic for the second time concerning this whole eye thing. Apparently I have viral pink eye instead of bacterial so medicine doesn't help, it just comes and goes on its own. So now I am washing everything I've touched in the past few days and trying to rest so it doesn't get any worse. And I had to leave work early, which was incredibly embarrassing, and I hate this and I just want it to go away. This is the dumbest illness ever. To top it all off, a couple of blood vessels in my right eye burst, so I have a giant red sploch right under my eye lid. Stupid!!!!!!! This sucks!!!!! AGGGGGHHHH!

New Things

I have pink eye. My hair was making it even more bothersome cause it kept blowing in my face. So I cut it all off.

Career

v. to go at top speed especially in a headlong manner

This is going to be my new outlook on getting jobs in Chicago. Also, I have an appointment in the morning with the doctor to look at my eyes and fix them ASAP. More on that later.

Much Needed Rest

Lots of updates I guess. First, the rainy season is here! I have been delivered from the pit of hell, so to speak. Also I'm getting better at giving sermons. The singing is good too, except the guy I sing with in the worship band on Sunday mornings is full of himself and I don't really enjoy that. Also, my allergies are really getting bad all of the sudden. My eyes seem to have gone crazy, because they are very red and bloodshot, so today I got special eye drops and some benadryl. Hopefully that helps. I also apparently needed sleep big time today because I slept for about 4 hours. I meant to take a short nap, but I slept through my alarm. I guess I needed it though. 

The roommate situation is getting... well, bothersome. She works nights almost every night, and then stays up on her computer, which is fine, except that it keeps me awake and that's bad for the night before services when I have to get up at 5 am. Also, every time she takes a shower she leaves her loose hair all over the shower floor. Also, I'm pretty sure that instead of flushing her toilet paper, she throws it in the garbage can, which is normal in some countries where they may not have indoor plumbing, but not here. It disturbs me a little bit.

I didn't get my hair cut yet, but my friend Jenn may be able to do it sometime this week, we shall have to see. As for right now, my eyes are tired and itchy and I'm pretty much exhausted so I'm going to bed. 

You can't roller skate in a buffalo herd... but you can be happy if you've a mind to

Things are going well. My roommate is very nice, my job is alright (except for the complete lack of air conditioning on 90 degree days), the weather is getting stormier and I'm slowly but surely getting closer to moving to Chicago. It's nice to have cloudier days actually, because it makes for some very interesting light in the canyon. A girl I work with is trying to talk me into going on a mule ride, but I'm not so sure about it. I originally thought we got a discount on those but I guess we don't after all. I don't know if I want to spend $150 to ride some crazy mule down the edges of Bright Angel trail. I think anytime I go down there, it will be on my own two feet. It's more of a victory that way anyways.

A few days ago two medical helicopters crashed into each other in Flagstaff, one coming from the Grand Canyon. 6 people died, so our flags have been at half mast here at the canyon. One nurse survived and the last I heard, she was in critical condition. They are now trying to find out what exactly happened so they can prevent these things better in the future.

Speaking of Flagstaff, I'm hopefully heading down that way this weekend. I need to get away from here for a bit. Also, I have a friend here who has agreed to give me a haircut. Should be interesting. ;)

Perfectly Logical Day

I came to the conclusion today that if you get in trouble at work, not generic "we haven't been greeting people enough", but the specific "you, Emily, didn't greet the director of the company in the entire southwest AND screwed up his discount", you tend to become a better employee yes, but also incredibly paranoid. Today was a good day, partially because I greeted every single person that came in with a big cheeeeesy smile. I didn't get in trouble at all. And I was spot on when I counted out today. Cheers to that. 

In other news, I got a roommate today, her name is Mavis, she is currently sleeping above me, and I think she is either Chinese or Japanese, from the looks of the writing on her shampoo and such. I have not actually met her in person. I was working when she got here, but I did have a bit of a warning, so I cleaned up and left her a note telling her where she should put her things and all that and telling her I would get home late but I'd try to be quiet. When I got back, she was already asleep but she did leave me a very nice little note about how she was tired and would go to bed early but she was looking forward to meeting me tomorrow and I can have some of her snacks if I get hungry. Sounds nice I think. 

Finally, a bit of less significant but also exciting information. All the brand new pants that fit me perfectly when I got them or when they were sent... well, they all seem to be just a little too big. ;)

Trouble and Tornados

First off, I've given up on drawing myself everyday, I've run out of time to do anything but eat, sleep and work my butt off. I will still do fun little drawings, don't worry. And I'll still put them up on facebook. But at the moment I am too tired, too hot and there isn't enough light. 

The other day a coworker of mine, and fellow ACMNPer, and I got into some trouble because a customer came in and we didn't see him and didn't greet him or offer to help him and then I screwed up his discount because I didn't know he was a head honcho, which he in fact turned out to be. Guess he was the director of the company for the entire southwest region. Anyways, now we have to go to a cash handling class. But we get paid for it. Explain that to me! Oh well, I'm not complaining, he was rude, I don't mind some extra cash for that.

Today, while I was watching The Magnificent Seven on iTunes (good old western) I kinda fell asleep. For a few hours. Had a dream that I had the entire team over to my house in Ohio and there was a tornado while it was snowing... I am assuming that was be cause I miss the weather there, although not necessarily THAT weather. 

After I woke up, I did some laundry, talked to some pretty awesome people (couldn't believe they were awake either) and then I had some fun on this nerdy little website where I invented a superhero. She's pretty awesome, I have to say. 

How to Predict your Future

It's tricky when you have weird dreams... you don't quite know what to make of them. Last week I had a dream I had adopted a little girl, with no money or paperwork, and it makes me wonder if I'm destined to be a child snatcher.  Then just last night, I had a dream I ate beef jerky and also I had about 10 cats. I self-fulfilled the beef jerky thing today, since the dream made me crave it like nothing else, but the cats... perhaps I will end up a crazy cat lady? Dear LORD I hope not. Really, honestly I'm just hoping it all boils down to having weird dreams. 

In other news, it is apparently impossible to put pictures on this blog, so I'm going to stop trying. If you want to see my pictures, they're on facebook. Look there.

Girl we're gettin' so warm

Talk about warm... it is HOT here. Not all the time, just during the day, but that is enough! I got sunburnt at 8 am yesterday morning! How does that happen? I also gave my message, sermon, whatever you want to call it, yesterday morning and it actually went pretty well. It was all about being complacent and how to get out of that rut. If you're curious as to how, well, 2 Peter 1:3-11 should help you out. 

In other news, I have to do laundry way too often. That's what I'm doing now! I'm also listening to the song Shake It! by Metro Station over and over, because it is obsessively catchy. It's like.... the world's most amazing electro-pop-rock combination ever to exist in a song. Listen to it. You'll know what I'm talking about. 

On Saturday, my wonderful day off, I went up to a point I hadn't been to yet, Yavapi Point, and checked out the observation station there. From there you can see part of the Colorado River and the famous Phantom Ranch, which is apparently the place to go if you head down to the river on the Bright Angel Trail. You can also see Plateau Point, which is a neat little spot on the trail right on the edge of... well, on the edge of a plateau (go figure!) right before the trail heads down to the river. At the moment I am really hoping I'll be able to get my laundry done before I have to go to work... I'm pushing it. 

Worms and Weird Fishes

So I've been working... a whole lot. That's really the only update. Oh, our last person got here for ACMNP, so that's good. Getting ready to go to that now. Here's more pictures I drew.

Tourism and Wacky Pictures

Just yesterday I made my way out to Hopi Point, which at the moment is as far as you can get on the west rim (hooray road construction). The view from there is really something. You can see both directions down the canyon, and part of the Colorado River as well, which you can't see from any spot in the village. I can see why people go out there for the sunset, the view can't be beat really. 

I also got another call from the creeper, turns out he's 33 so I very kindly told him he was out of the picture... not that he hadn't already been out of it to begin with...

Today was the first Sunday I worked with the services, and that was interesting since I got recruited for singing a whole lot. My voice is very tired now. Good thing I work nights this week, it will give my poor throat, which is also suffering from some sort of cold type thing, a chance to rest. I made the mistake of not bringing extra shoes with me this morning and I missed the shuttle so I now have a few fair sized blisters on the bottom of my right foot. Fun. 

Finally, I also decided yesterday that it might be fun to draw wacky portraits of myself every day until I get to move to Chicago. I did the first one today. It's quite amusing I think.

Tonight You're Falling in Love

It rained!!!!! It looked so cool this morning with the sun peeking out through the cloud cover, and then it rained/sleeted in the evening while I was on my way to dinner. We had no rim service because of the lightning and rain, since the service is outside and on the rim with no shelter. We'd be crispy little lightning rods if we had done it. In other news, I'm officially the only person here that sings. Some people play instruments, but I am the lone singer. Sweet. 

Tomorrow I get to sleep in! That's why it's 11 and I'm still awake. I also did laundry tonight, in my tub with woolite. My clothing is now dripping on the towels in the bathroom floor. I'll dry it all tomorrow before work, don't worry. Work is going really well, and aside from the uniform, I love it. The people I work with are so great too. The best part is the jewelry. I looooove showing the jewelry! I'm thinking about applying to jewelers for Chicago actually... if any are hiring. I just love it so much. Maybe part time... we'll see I guess. Anyways, here's a pretty picture for the road.

Hey! It's Happy!

OK! Big time update. I am no longer alone and depressed. I still don't have a roommate, but that's ok with me, but now I'm working and doing ACMNP and just generally hanging out with people, whatever. They're all really nice and slightly sarcastic and just generally fun people. And all incredibly nice. Woohoo! In other news, the job is not too shabby, but the outfit is. Also, the Grand Canyon is still beautiful. And I saw elk this morning. Ok that's all!

All blurring into one

I finally met some people from my group, and they're nice. Still, I dunno about this... it kinda sucks to sit in an apartment all day by yourself and not have anyone to hang out with. I wish I could go home, but I need to work here and make money. It's only 3 months, it's not that long. And I'm sure I'll get to know people after a while. I feel so much older than the rest of them, and very different. I don't even know if I would get along with any of them if I didn't have to... the worst part is that there's no way to get out and see a movie because the nearest theatre is 90 miles away. It would have been so much better if I had one other person here. Just one person to talk to and hang out with and go to dinner or keep me from saying and doing stupid things or go on walks with or take turns taking pictures of each other or help with luggage or pick out outfits or sit around and not talk. Just another familiar face. I hope school people come visit tomorrow or something.

Orientations and Fantastic Views

This morning I got up for my first full day at the Grand Canyon. I was tired. And a bit sore. And cold, believe it or not. No one ever came in after I went to bed, so I guess I have no roommate for now. Which is weird, since there's trash all over the place and none of it is mine. And a coffee maker. Anyways... I got up, got on the bus and on the way, we stopped at the visitor center. There were some deer there, and the driver let me get out and take a picture of them! Then, orientation. We started with a short tour out to Yaki Point, which is a bit west of the village. Then we spent about a million hours listening to people talk about very important safety and work related type things, during which I learned all about forest fires and evacuation and environmental consciousness and lightning in the canyon (which is dangerous!) and squirrels (which are also apparently dangerous) and all that good stuff. Upon leaving, we got water bottles (pink?! ugh...) and were sent off to eat and hang out or have more orientations depending on our job. I opted to walk the rim trail and I've got to say, this place is crazy beautiful. I do think I need better shoes though... these flip flops just aren't going to cut it for walking the trails.

First Impressions and such

Well, I am here. I am at the Grand Canyon. I did see the Canyon finally, though sadly I didn't have my camera with me when I saw it. Soon enough.... anyways, the trip up went fine, kinda quiet but when we were checking in we all got to know each other a little. I'm living in this dinky little place they claim is an apartment but it's nice enough and it's right by the general store. Started out my stay here with a drug test, which I passed, big surprise there, and loads of paperwork. After that they took me out to my little tiny place and I got settled in and then went to the general store, since I was stupid/exhausted enough to pack all my toiletries in my carry on. Let me tell you, that place is a total rip off. I've never paid so much for such basic stuff! I miss walmart... after picking up all my essentials, I went to check out the camping gear to see if I could find some sandals. Naturally, the guy working there asked me for my number after 5 minutes of conversation. I hope he's not a huge creeper... I think I'll make sure he knows that we're just gonna be friends. Anyways, I'm all settled in and I have to say, there are things I didn't expect. Like the fact that shrubs in a desert are labeled "national forest" or that it's not just hard to adjust to the 8000 feet altitude, it's ridiculous! You walk 5 feet and you're exhausted, asthmatic and dehydrated all at the same time! But regardless of all that, the view is still pretty amazing. :)

Daylight Savings

So I forgot that Arizona doesn't do Daylight Savings Time. That means, even though they are on Mountain Time, during the spring and summer they are on Pacific time. Which means that since I forgot this, I woke up, checked out, and waited around an hour early. I am an idiot. 

Flying (blah)

I don't care how much you like flying, 3 flights in a day with only an hour between, that's very tiring. I'm in Flagstaff for the night and I head up to the canyon tomorrow. On the bright side, the views from the plane were very nice. The strangest parts of this whole experience were #1, traveling alone and #2, riding in a cab and seeing signs for places like the Grand Canyon and Los Angeles. It's very different to be alone here, traveling and not knowing anyone or talking to anyone and having to carry around 3 bags by myself has been tricky. Either way, I've managed. I don't know when the next time will be that I will have internet, so the next post could be a while, but here are some pictures from the flight! :)

Graduations and that sort of thing

I am graduated. On Tuesday I am flying into Flagstaff and on Wednesday I will be up at the Grand Canyon for the summer. I will be keeping this updated so people know what is going on. I will also be sure to post pictures every time. Pay attention.

The beauty in Ross Bleckner paintings (and other things)

If you have never seen a Ross Bleckner painting, you have been deprived. The softness and repetitive themes practically scream at you, if that is possible. He uses soft colors and soft forms with an emphasis on light. His lines have a dreamlike quality. True, some of his have a bit of a sci-fi feel, but even then you find yourself swimming in just... quietness. It's difficult for me to describe these paintings in words, but if they had a sound it would be high and soft and smooth. Just look at George Baselitz paintings first and you'll understand what I mean.

If you want a more upbeat sound ringing in your ears, take a look at some of Robert Longo's lithographs. The movement in these black and white figures is enough to start the Clash playing in your head (or someone equally loud and amazing).

Screaming and Thumping: the unexpected power of The Hives

The Hives are quite the most unexpectedly successful band I think I've ever heard. The first time you encounter their music, your reaction will probably be "I suppose that's catchy, but the vocals are awful and the music sounds a bit messy". Upon hearing them next, you might think to yourself "Alright, I can see how this might be popular, but I still can't get past the off key screaming". The next occurrence might get you tapping your toes and even get the song stuck in your head and you might even think "well, this is at least bearable, if not enjoyable!" and the fourth time you are sure to find yourself singing along and appreciating every bit, from the sloppy guitar to the perfect tempo kept by the drums, and yes, even the slightly pitchy yelps from the singer. Then you start learning their names and buying all their records, and by the time you purchase a ticket to a show, you're madly in love with their brand of pop/punk/rock (it's just that hard to define!). Once you've seen the show, your love goes from infatuation to pure appreciative friendship, as if you knew them and owe them your allegiance because they did something like save you from drowning in an abyss of mellow tunes. Ridiculous as it may sound, it is nothing but the truth. If you haven't found yourself addicted yet, have a listen, see what happens.

Essays and the like

Well, I finished my first essay, after starting it and then... starting over. After that, I made some serious changes in font because it seems that Didot is not readable on my tutor's computer. I did some traveling through London, which of course was absolutely amazing. We saw the houses of parliament (and all the political demonstrations in front of them) and we went to Evensong at Westminster Abbey (which is gorgeous inside, by the way, although we weren't allowed to take pictures) and then went to a few museums as well, which of course I enjoyed since one was the National Gallery and another was the Tate Modern. I have also read a few books since being here, and by a few I mean 3. That's right, in about a week I have read 3 books. Good sized ones, I might add. I just feel so pressed to be academic here, not that it's a bad thing, but I realized since coming how little I have read for myself recently, and so I went about buying books here and there so that I have something to read. I especially bought Sense and Sensibility because it's been on television here and the last installment is tonight, so I finished the book just today. I have to say, after a week of getting acquainted, I really do love it here, and could probably stay here for a long time if I ever thought it possible. 

Pretty Little Place

Well, hello friends, I figured since every other person in the world has a blog for when they go away (or move away, which I'm sure I'll end up doing within the next 6 months), I would make one too. So this is me, talking about Oxford so far. Upon entering the UK, we nearly got kicked out because we had no "letters of invitation". Then, after being sufficiently exhausted with flying and driving and meeting new people, we all went to our respective homes and went to bed. Sunday was church, which was very nice, I went to St. Andrews, which is a beautiful place (but what place around here isn't) and then did some shopping and had a nice little walking tour and then... went to bed. Oh, and on the way back home, me and another girl got kicked off the bus because no one bothered to let us know that there are two main bus companies and we got passes for the one that comes around less often, especially up to our road. Anyways, yesterday (Monday) was our first official group meeting and devotional, which was very nice, and we did more shopping and then went over to Magdalen (MAUD-lin) College and climbed their very tall tower and got very very sore and tired and a bit terrified, and then climbed back down and went over to get our library cards. That part was fantastic, because we had to take an "oath" which isn't exactly an oath anymore, but you have to read it out loud and then sign it, so it is I guess. In the library is the building they used for the Harry Potter infirmary in the movies, so we saw that too, did more shopping, came back and went to bed. This time, we did catch the right bus and didn't have to walk 3 miles. Then, today, we had our meeting, we had a great lunch, we had a little talk from an Oxford Scholar about what tutorials were like, and then were free to be on our way, either to tutorials or shopping or whatever. I personally went to the library and read up on my tutorial material for a few hours, then shopped around a little, bought a book and some scarves (oh the scarves they have here!) and then just as I was going to head out for my tutorial, my tutor called and asked to move it to tomorrow (Wednesday) because she wasn't back to Oxford yet. So I took the bus back BY MYSELF! and now here I am, writing blogs and uploading photos to Facebook. That's all for now. 

Frieden.

Cobbenhagan