In my Mind, I'm goin' to Carolina:

can't you just see the sunshine/can't you just feel the moonshine

(insert more James Taylor here, if you'd like)

Since I was a child (circa 1982) I have been a Tar Heel fan.

If you're NOT from the great state of North Carolina (my father is) then you don't understand exactly.

You're born a Carolina or Duke or Wolfpack Fan. No questions asked. You are one or the other (Tim Duncan would remind us to throw in Wake Forest into the equation too).

Back to 1982. Michael Jordan (have you heard of him?) & Georgetown. NCAA Championship and little Janet drawing pictures of little "feet". Yes. I couldn't get enough of "the feet" and I would do anything for an original artwork from then!

To make a long story short(er) fast forward to 1993. I did all the "smack" talking a freshman in HS could do before Final Four weekend. Guess who came out the victor? ME (and UNC)!

I'm pretty sure I can find some of the games I recorded on VHS. Yes. I'm like an old man talking about "glory days" when it comes to this stuff. I wrote a term paper about Dean Smith and his legendary coaching career. Plant a big "L" on my forehead! HA HA!

I visited the campus a few summers ago & because there was a basketball camp in progress, I actually got to step onto the court & see all the jerseys in the rafters! BLUE HEAVEN, indeed! We strolled around Franklin Street as well, but being ON COURT was priceless!

Where am I going with all of this? You've probably figured it out. Sorry, Memphis. Don't hate me for being a True Blue Carolina fan. It's been a part of my life for a serious amount of time. I even had Carolina Blue painted walls for a long time, friends.

I've even did my share of "trash" talking with none other than Shane Battier (he forgave me. LOVE HIM!).

So what does a girl do with her favorite team is Number ONE in the country and sitting right there at Number TWO is MEMPHIS? The school in which I will be graduating from (eventually)....

It's enough to make my little Basketball Heart beat right out of my chest.

~~J

Year of the Pig, Dog, Horse, Monkey, Etc.

No, I'm not a Water Horse (which I've heard is a pretty awesome flick) but I'm an EARTH Horse instead!

(you are as well, if you were born in 1918 or 1978--and no, I was NOT born in 1918....that is NOT even funny)

I decided to look all of this information up after having a conversation about a certain little J-Mo who was born this past August. His mother and I were wondering WHAT "Year" he was because he is often called Monkey.

We knew it wasn't Year of the Monkey--but discovered it was Year of the (Fire) Pig instead. So now I have to call him PIGLET! Fabulous.

So back to me (or you). I mean, the Horse:

Above all, the Horse is cut out to be in politics, a career which could bring great personal satisfaction with the opportunity to grind his own axe. He could be a winner here, for he has the facility to sway the crowd.

That's amusing. I mean--I am very political (too much so), but I don't see myself as a Politician.

Positive Qualities: Vivacious, Energetic, Adventurous, Independent and Non-conformist, Engaging and Charming, Honest and Straightforward, Hard-working, Considerate and Kind-hearted

Negative Qualities: Fiery Temper, Proud, Impulsive, Stubborn, Self-Centered, Blunt

Interesting.


~~J

P.S. Calling all Dogs (1958, 70, 82) & Tigers (1962, 74, 86) ! We're supposed to be BFF and Soulmates! And then my Goats (1955, 67, 79) & Roosters (1957, 69, 81) we're close as well!

Filled with Spirit:

It started with a combo green holiday sweatshirt & santa purse. Oh! And a cell phone camera. It became an obsession!

I'm talking about candid Spirit photos from work.

Of course we've been so busy it's been difficult to get ready for all the Spirit wandering about. I didn't run and chase people down to catch their Fabulousness, except maybe once (with Frosty there).

Next season I shall be better prepared. (and who knows what I will see in the upcoming days).

ENJOY!

~~J

Your Mission, if you Choose to Accept It:

So here I am, class-free and NOT posting in my blog. Although technically I am NOW posting in my blog, but lately I have found myself without “words.”

('without words' almost like the episode of Golden Girls I watched last night in which Blanche decides she is going to be the next great Southern writer...with her bodice-ripping romance novels...I could've died laughing!)

Since classes ended last week, I have found Time (I didn’t know Time was lost) to catch up on Holiday cards & giftage. It is rather easy to shop for someone when they are with you and tell you EXACTLY what they want.

I made treats for my co-workers (or “associates” as they are officially known). How does this sound: Chocolate & Sprinkled Covered Pretzel Rods!!! My partner-in-crime is probably rolling her eyes right now. After we found a Method to Our Madness, it was grand fun!

I received word from a classmate yesterday, she is also frantically checking for our Grades. Nope. I had to admit to her (and you) I have been doing the same, several times a day. I "think" the deadline is the 20th...

Quick story: So Buttercup loves to "chase" squirrels. She whines & runs & jumps & absolutely loses her MIND when she sees one. So I thought it would be fun to get her a "Squirrel" toy.

(like she doesn't have about 3.2 million toys already)

JUST NOW, before I could even wrap it up, she jumped up and stole it off the table. I am hoping to steal it back and hide it from her. BUT now she won't let it out of her sight...

Covert Operation S.S.B. is on! (Steal Squirrel Back)

~~J

p.s. And for your reading pleasure--an article about her NGPS by author Laura Zigman!

Let them eat French Toast:

*All apologies to Ms. Antoinette, it will follow you forever*

So I am completely done. Well, as far as this semester is concerned. I took my final Final this morning.

Yes, there was celebration, in the form of dancing in the street. No. I was just checking to see if you were still with me. Two classmates and myself decided to party on over to IHOP for some fabulous breakfast food.

We were all READY for grub after rushing to campus for our 7:30am Final. On the menu? Not Pancakes BUT Stuffed French Toast…strawberries…whipped cream! It’s was sinfully delicious and completely worthy of our excellence as "students who SURVIVED the craziness" which was our Bio II class.

(I had Gingerbread Pancakes the other night while "group studying" for Film)

I have so many things I’d like to do:

Holiday cards are in desperate need of finishing.
I think there’s a load of laundry somewhere.
Sound my barbaric YAWP over the roofs of Memphis*
& I am scheduled to be at work in a few hours.

I think a NAP will do for now.


~~J

*Thanks Walt Whitman via Robin Williams for that sudden burst of modified Poetic Beauty!

2 Scheduled Study Sessions and...

a partridge in a pear tree!

So I have finished one class (Art) and now I can really focus on the remaining two. Really? I keep telling myself "What does not destroy me, makes me stronger" (Nietzsche, not Kanye West) but sometimes I have to wonder.

Last night I took a "soul break" and attended the 85th Performance of Handel's Messiah at Calvary Episcopal Church downtown. This was my 3rd or 4th time attending and it was just as beautiful and spectacular as ever!

Afterward I got to drive "up" Poplar Ave and see my old "stomping ground"...I definitely miss Midtown. It just feels right! I wanted to eat at Fino's (closed, of course) and then go to Bookstar (almost closed) for coffee..who could forget grocery shopping at Schnucks on Union?

If I talk about Studio on the Square, I might cry *sniff*...BUT I did have to stop at Poplar & Highland for gas (or I wouldn't have made it back home)...

& the point of all of this is? I don't know.

Tomorrow I have a study session for Film (again) BEFORE work and then I have a study session Wednesday night for Bio II AFTER work (and my Film final)...WOO!

I am gonna miss my Bio Girls...and my Film Crew!

Lord, help me!

~~J

A Tangled Web*

One of the challenges of being a college student is the ability to balance everything accordingly. It's something I had difficulty with the first time around and thus I am trying to keep it all together now.

This weekend has been spent immersed in Art. Two chapters of Art (one chapter is "make-up") and one major paper about a work of art. See that lovely piece? It's La Mariée by Marc Chagall.

I love, love, love, love, LOVE it!

I thought about doing a different piece and artist, but when I found myself drawn to holiday cards last week featuring work by Chagall, I knew it was a sign to go a different way. This different way includes more research. But that's how I roll.

Due Date? MONDAY MONDAY MONDAY. Yes, Tomorrow.

I went back to Barnes & Noble last night to meet with my Film study group. Our final is Wednesday night. I will miss my fellow "old" students very much! We bonded immediately and apparently make a fabulous team.

Next to us in the cafe, was a professor at the University of Memphis. I know this, because she inquired about our discussion and said we worked so well together. We were "the perfect example of a study group."

insert AWWWWWWWWs here

The model study group shall meet again--tonight. If I ever finish my paper (half way through!) and last Art chapter. THEN I can start worrying about my Bio II final (Thursday). I still have to meet with a classmate and get some information.

*Oh I weave it well.

~~J

Biological Species Concept:

Why are you reading this? I know it wasn't the title that made you click on through--or maybe it was & you felt sorry for me. Moths to a flame, I'll never really know.

So I am thinking about 35312532 things I could be doing instead of doing what I need to do.

(That's a LOT of do do doing--can anyone else hear The Police right now?)

Perhaps I should be studying for my Last Bio II Exam (not including the final), which is scheduled to begin about 10 hours from now...tickticktick

HEY! My Biology Clock is literally ticking (not to be confused with my Biological Clock)

Tonight we watched THE PLAYER (1992) in Film class and I really liked it. I would say RENT IT asap! Besides, who knew Tim Robbins not only starred in the film, but he also makes a cameo! (Ladies, Susan Sarandon knows how to pick 'em!) I digress...

I also got my paper back (the one I stressed about for a couple weeks and changed films 1-week before the due date)...Good Times! Watch me tap dance around NOT studying for aforementioned Biology Exam.

Species are groups of actually or potentially interbreeding organisms that are reproductively isolated from such groups.

Before you know it, I'll be promising to wake up early and study BEFORE class...Oy!

~~J

like Kim Zmeskal on floor:

WaaaaaHooooooo!!!

*insert a couple whip backs here*


(be prepared for the 2nd tumbling pass!)


I just got home from my Bio II Lab Practical which means NO MORE LAB! The "my college career" portion of any type of Biological Laboratory is over! AND as if that wasn't enough...how can it get better??...

Something happened to our dissected specimens...maybe they weren't sealed or frozen properly, but the smell got worse. If our professor can't handle it (Super Dr. o' Mammalian Biology and such) ya know it had to be BAD.

Praise all that is Holy, no Felix or Smiley to look at...all of that anatomy was NOT ON THE EXAM! (I could've done it--but still, ROCK ON!) So I guess I won't share the link I found to the Virtual Cat Dissection. Aren't YOU lucky?

THREE exams down and....FOUR left to go!

~~J

Dear Santa:

just in case he is reading, ya never know

A letter to our festive friend--and it's not even from me, but my BFF instead. I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone that WOMEN are sports fans too. I don't think she'll mind me sharing.

~~J

p.s. don't worry Santa, if you can get in touch with me--I can get in touch with her.

dear santa,

all i want for christmas is 2 tickets to the bcs national championship game.

i've been a very good girl this year.

thanks,

jana

Day One:

(or day three on the Advent Calendar--yummo!)

So aside from "not working" yesterday and spending quality family time (putting out the appropriate seasonal decorations) I did a little bit of studying for one of my two exams tonight.

7 Little PHOTOG snippets to memorize:
(or facts to impress your friends with)

1) Photography literally means "Light Writing"
2) Edwin Land developed the first Polaroid instant camera
3) forerunner of the modern camera? the camera obscura
4) Alfred Stieglitz is the Father of Modern Photography (he was also married to artist Georgia O'Keeffe and took hundreds of portraits of her)
5) Margaret Bourke-White created the "Photo Essay"
6) Sociologist Lewis Hine photographed children working in coal mines in the early 1900s. His pictures helped to bring about Child Labor Laws.
7) In 1932, the Eastman Kodak Company started making color film

So the next chapter is calling my name (of course). Now I will also spend time looking over material for my Bio Lab Practical tomorrow morning (especially tonight after Art).

I've already made plans to spend a couple hours "group" studying for my last Bio II Exam (on Thursday, this is before our Final next week) after we take the Practical tomorrow.

Is it all making sense to you? Remember, I had to make a chart and or write everything down so I wouldn't forget something. But I still have that feeling of forgetting something.

~~J

p.s. I almost forgot to say: LSU LSU LSU!!!!

it's the final Countdown...

(I bet you're already rocking out with your imaginary blond mane a la Joey Tempest)

or maybe that's just me!

So last night while at work I made out a little "list" of what I have to do to finish out the semester (I was on break). My list consists of 7 exams and one "big" paper. Get out a brown paper bag, because I could start hyperventilating at any moment.

SEVEN? Have I even taken SEVEN total exams over the entire semester? SEVEN? I can come up with maybe NINE exams (plus 6 quizzes), 2 "big" papers & 2 "mini" papers and now I have SEVEN to worry about over the course of SEVEN more class periods?

GET ME THE BROWN PAPER BAG!

I tried to make out a "plan of attack" and or study schedule as well (because the madness needs to be under control) & we also did a little group chanting of "one day at a time, one day at a time" (thanks for indulging me, co-workers).

Tonight (after work): Chapter 9: Camera Arts and Digital Imaging
Tomorrow (during & after work): see above moving into Chapter 19: Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

(these two exams are Monday night)

That's as far as I am planning before my brain explodes. ONE DAY AT A TIME....wasn't that a soap opera at some point?

*insert synthesizer solo here*

~~J

The Convergence:

If in the World of Janet Art=Love & Music=Love & Film=Love,
then you can say that Art + Music + Film= Love (to the third power)

(I just turned myself into a simple algebraic expression, give me a moment of realization because I don't like math...okay, I do. WHAT?)

So last night in Film we watched Un Chien Andalou. It's a 16-minute experimental (surrealism) short film made in France in 1928. If you've ever taken a Film Class, you've probably seen it. If you are a Film buff, you've probably seen it. It's one of the most famous short films EVER made.

Cue the cuckoo bird calls or whatever else you like to use when referring to something as "nuts" or "crazy"...this film is OUT THERE and I really liked it.

Salvador Dali (yes, the artist) was part of the writing team & he is in the film. So in this case Art + Film = (?) Genius? Brilliance? The most horrible thing ever made? I'll let fill in the equation for yourself.

We also watched the opening of 8 1/2 by Fellini. LOVED IT! I have to Netflix the film when I get a chance. And the music is just fantastic (help me out here--is it the Flight of the Valkyries by Wagner)...Film + Music = (?) I'll let you fill in the equation again.

I'll have to get back to this beginning theory or what have you about myself.

Work calls.

Job + School + Finals Week = TIRED!

~~J

For Your Viewing Pleasure:

In celebration of finally finishing my "big" paper for Film class, here is some FINNISH Disco Dancing from YouTube (clever, right?)!




I guess we'll see how I REALLY feel about the paper in the morning, right?

~~J

p.s. I was NOT talented enough to find this on my own, thanks Kristen!

The Beat Goes On...

*insert a super cheesy duet by Sonny & Cher here*

So it's Tuesday and I already feel as if I've run out of time...on Tuesday.

Art last night was pretty interesting and eye-opening. We added another chapter under our belt (Africa, Oceania, and the Americas). I didn't realize the Pyramid of the Sun built in Teotihuacan (South America) is actually wider than anything in Egypt. It blows my mind when seeing the expert but functional art which is soooooooooo old.

In Bio II this morning we actually looked at specimens of Cartilaginous and Bony Fishes along with many members of the Rodentia family. It was a far cry from our last Lab (don't get me started)!

Fun Facts from Lab:
*If a shark swims up on you...hold absolutely still!
*if you must, and only if you must KNOCK it in the nose as hard as possible

*Rodents encompass the largest single group of mammals and their teeth NEVER stop growing!
*members of Rodentia include: Rats, Mice, Squirrels, Beavers
*Rabbits are NOT Rodents, they have extra pair of incisors

Don't ask me about that paper due tomorrow, that's what the hours from 9pm to midnight are for tonight...FINISHING IT!

~~J

“We are mysterious creatures, aren't we?"

Danes, Collette, Redgrave, Richardson, Streep, Close--OH MY!

The list of actresses who grace the screen during EVENING is both stunning and scary all at the same time.

Stunning? You saw the list of names, right?

Scary? Can one movie handle all the collective power and beauty--yes! I say YES! Many critics have gone the opposite direction however; and consider the movie SLOW and too emotional. Pshaw!

I loved The Hours & The Notebook and this one conjures visions of both. Therefore, if you liked either of them, you will be able to handle this one nicely. (Oddly enough--all three films are adapted from novels)

So why am I talking about EVENING all of a sudden? I bravely decided to switch films for my analytical film paper one week before the due date. Sorry, Pan's Labyrinth--but you left me uninspired. I couldn't write a thing about you and to keep from stressing over the situation any longer I had to CHANGE!

Am I done with my paper yet? As if! However, I'm securely on my way.

Bio II: only 1 Lab & 1 Lecture left (this week) then 1 lab exam, 1 lecture exam (next week)

Papers remaining: 1 substantial, (after my Film paper) I have to write about one specific piece of Art--I'm leaning toward a Waterhouse.

In other news, I've registered for the Spring Semester. Only two classes this time around because one I need is not available. But we'll discuss that in depth at a later date.

~~J

p.s. this is my 100th Student: Revisited blog post!

Not the Same Street:

For all of those who grew up completely surrounded by friends from Sesame Street (myself in the 80s, not the 60s when it originally premiered)--read this article from The New York Times published Sunday and tell me what YOU think:

Here's a little outtake: Man, was that scene rough. The masonry on the dingy brownstone at 123 Sesame Street, where the closeted Ernie and Bert shared a dismal basement apartment, was deteriorating. Cookie Monster was on a fast track to diabetes. Oscar's depression was untreated. Prozacky Elmo didn't exist.

I was highly amused and then upon realizing the truth of it all, highly saddened (high and sad? is that even possible). It made me think of a recent conversation with a friend (a new mother) and the differences between our collective childhood and what we hope for her son.

Not that our childhood was bad, we even prefer some of that over today's stimulation overload and the whole obsession with taking away the power of imagination.

Again. Something for you to think about (and discuss?)

~~J

Many Blessings to Felix, Smiley, & Wally:

I went into my Bio II Lab today, not exactly sure what to expect. About 2 minutes into class, Dr. Jennings had on gloves and was pulling out a cat for dissection. Fabulous. It’s the smell more than anything that really bothers me about this part of Biology. At least they don’t use formaldehyde for preservation anymore.

Cats & Rats, oh my!

Call me a hippie, but I found time to thank the animal(s) for allowing me to view their body for the purpose of science. (I secretly named our class cat Felix and our group rat Smiley) I can understand the purpose for animal research, but I still don't understand the whole "dissection" in basic biology classes.

I’d prefer an alternative to dissection, but it wasn’t an option today. And we won’t have to do this again…only take a practical lab exam in which identifying and labeling parts is required.

Vegetarian? Yeah, I'm thinking more and more about it.

Bless you Marlon W. Morgan, but the headline to your article today about the Grizzlies winning (way to go!!!!) conjures up imagines...I can't discuss here.

Griz jump on weary Sonics early

Ladies (in case all the NBA trading leaves your collective heads spinning--it does mine), Wally Szczerbiak plays for the Sonics now. You understand, right? I'm sure his wife does!

No more class until after Thanksgiving. No more class until after Thanksgiving! This means I have to continue on with the dreadful Film analytical review paper.

As if I have a problem stating my opinion?


~~J

Cross Dressing for Art's Sake:

The Picture Book by Renoir (circa 1895), has captured my undivided attention today. I did some un-required research trying to find out WHO exactly this little girl is...guess what?

It very well might not be a little "girl" at all!

I discovered that Renoir was famous for using his sons as models and feminizing them in his work (he never had any daughters).

This particular piece was painted one year after his second son was born. There are several known paintings in which Jean was the model and he is in a similar pose. I wonder if this little “girl” could actually be Renoir’s son, Jean.

I made sure to include my hunch in the single page paper for Art. I am always doing extra research for papers (and usually get caught up in something completely unrelated to the original idea).

I still like the painting for it's use of fast, deliberate brush strokes and the blurring edges. Any depiction of reading is always near and dear to my heart.

This extra "thirst" for knowledge and the constant "Who? What? When? Where? Why?" questions I always seem to form shall come in handy one day.

~~J

You may say I'm a Dreamer...

But I'm not the only one...

With 8 seconds left, exactly 8 seconds in the game tonight my little heart was ready to burst. Could it be a win? A win in Dallas? Pass auf, Dirk! Almost. It was almost a win. But it's early in the season and these are not the Grizzlies of yester-season (the one we'd like to erase from the books, please).

I've finally come around and can watch my team again. Not to bring up a sore subject, but the Trade that Broke my Heart did some serious damage. I even had a dream a couple weeks ago in which Shane Battier was back.

I never said I wasn't a dreamer (remember)...

I even blogged about my Play-Off Dreams a few years ago (officially for The Commercial Appeal aka The Edge)...and I'm anxious to see where we will be at the end of this season. BUT I won't get ahead of myself. It's a long, long road and if we continue to improve as we have each and every single game...

I won't go there

YET.


~~J

"Things are gonna change so fast..."

or

the day I walked into my Bio II lecture classroom only to find a brand new PERMANENT professor.

For those paying attention at home, we only have FIVE more classes (3 lab, 2 lecture) before Finals. And Yesterday I walked in to discover a new professor to "take us home," so to speak.

Our original professor had to have surgery and now we are in semi-flux. I have complete confidence in the department, everything will be okay.

So we've jumped over invertebrates and find ourselves completely immersed in phylum Chordata (aka the vertebrates aka more familiar territory).

Our new professor is also a Ph.D and apparently was a zookeeper at one point, so this should be fun. Honestly! I even learned a couple new and exciting animal facts!

My brain is a sponge--mostly filled with names and dates and faces along with the ability to recall scenes from various films and obscure 70s song lyrics.

Now I have to clear a section for "animal trivia."

Watch out potential Trivial Pursuit opponents!

~~J

(stating the obvious)

It's difficult to catch up when you've gotten behind.

So I've returned from the Island of Misfit Sick (or toys, right? name THAT seasonal flick!). I feel very close to "normal" and it seems as if it's been ages since I last updated my blog.

Let me catch you up:

Saturday: I worked
Sunday: I worked on school work (I even decided upon and watched a film for my final paper for film class: Pan's Labyrinth)
Monday: went to Nashville, saw a show
Tuesday: came back home, went to work

Tonight in Film we watched Wild Strawberries (Ingmar Bergman) and discussed "classic Hollywood cinema" and various film theories. Thank goodness for the Film Theory discuss because now I'll be able to think about Pan's Labyrinth more effectively.

I disagree with about 97% of the population who has actually seen the movie. Yeah, I'm odd.

Biology Update: Placoza =Trichoplax, Porifera = Sponges, Ctenophora = comb jellies (invertebrates, baby!)

Art Update: I am writing about Renoir's The Picture Book for my second Gallery visit paper. It's available for viewing locally at The Dixon (as I've mentioned a million times in this blog).

Finals are in less than a month!

~~J

p.s. Did I mention the dream in which Oprah was my boss? Yeah. I'll save it for a rainy day.

Part Deux:

So what does one do after leaving work 8 hours early?

Sleep.

Liquids are my life. There has been plenty of soup, Campbell’s® soup, to be more precise in my sickness experience. Then there is the Ocean Spray. Alongside plenty of hot peppermint tea and you have my Happy Diet of Sickness:

Healthy Request® Mexican Style Chicken Tortilla Soup
Soup At Hand Chicken with Mini Noodles (25% less sodium)
Ocean Spray Diet Cranberry Juice
Ocean Spray Light Cran-apple Juice

Notice the word HAPPY. I am far from HAPPY, but all of these aforementioned products have helped to make my world as happy as possible.

Yeah. Fun Times.

And the perfect television to sleep to? Food Network. They are currently full force into the Thanksgiving season and that's always fun to wake-up/sleep/wake-up/sleep cycle to.

Rachael Ray is making a 60-minute Thanksgiving dinner and I need to go back to bed. Someone is scheduled to work tomorrow. Guess who that is?


~~J

The Perfect Storm:

actually, it's more like "The Perfect Sick"

(this post is unofficially brought to you by my new best friend, Kleenex)

This is Day 3 of full-blown nasty sickness, and it's the worse by far. Head Congestion + Chest Congestion = Sore Throat. I am around just this sort of thing nearly every single day because of where I work. And the first few years I worked in a pharmacy, I caught everything. Over the last few years though, it seemed as if I was immune to it all.

Not so fast! I forgot to factor in the immune system run ragged since May (when I started back to school) and the crazy schedule I have undertaken.

Maybe that's why Mr. "Congestion" was able to crawl into my head and attack before I knew what hit me?!?!?

I attended class last night—we screened CRASH (which I had seen before, such a good film), but today—sorry. No Bio II lecture for me.

Speaking of CRASH, I think it's time to nap! I've been drinking hot tea (peppermint) ever since finally deciding to get out of bed. It's time to go back.

~~J

"Mona Lisa of the North"

aka

The Girl with the Pearl Earring (as pictured here in its most current restorative state) is one of Jan Vermeer's masterworks. So little is actually known about this painting and the artist, the mystery has inspired both a novel and a movie (based on the novel).

It's one of the pieces and artists I am going to discuss tonight while "teaching" the Baroque Art period.

Also up for discussion is Caravaggio, Rubens, and two sculptures by Bernini (David and The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa). But after some research, my favorite artist of the period has got to be Vermeer.

I didn't know I would be so interested in this particular period when it was first assigned to me. All I thought was the paintings were very dark with rich, jewel toned colors.

Now I can see the light and shadow techniques and both understand & appreciate the movement.

Wow! What a perfectly wonderful GEEK OUT!


~~J

It keeps you running...

I feel completely lazy this morning for two good reasons:

1) "Falling back" via the big, happy clock that seems to run our lives...

&

2) I'm not one of the thousands upon thousands of people running in the ING New York City Marathon

BUT...and get this:

I have a friend (check her training blog) who is participating in the Marathon today! She is so inspirational on so many levels, so I will be thinking of her until she reaches the FINISH line.

Update: Maureen has pasted the 15K (9.321 mile) mark! You can track individual athlete's progress on the site, because they wear electronic chips in their shoes. Go Maureen, GO!

I have to study the Baroque Art period today and hopefully write my second "Gallery" paper (based on one of the permanent works in the Dixon Gallery). Fun Times!

I finished the second season of The Office last night and I love Jim even more! WOW! (It's so much fun to be caught up in a television show again)


~~J

Friends in high places:

What a lovely, lovely day!

Until the college basketball season gets underway, all of my "sports energy" is currently spent watching & cheering for the LSU TIGERS!

I have been a fan by default since meeting one of my best friends several years ago. She made sure to keep me up-to-date on the score of the game via text messaging until I made it home from work.

What a thrilling 4th Quarter! Two touchdowns in the final 3 minutes? WOW! It was complete edge-of-your-seat football. 41-34, eat it Bama!

Speaking of FABULOUS, my friend/author Laura Zigman is now writing weekly blogs for a site dealing with breast cancer. You can read her story weekly, starting H E R E. She is a wonderful writer and I think it takes GUTS to be so open about such a personal issue.

(Search her site, look for ME, I'm mentioned--and completely flattered to be)

Now that my "work week" is over, I have the next two days to get my act together concerning school work. I have to keep reminding myself--->I'm just a few weeks away from completely 20 credit hours since deciding to return to college. Not too shabby.


~~J

p.s. I also got the Fall edition of The Pinch (U of M's Literary Magazine) in the mail today. We'll see what I come up with in January to submit.

The Door on the Left or on the Right?

November? Is it really November? Wow! So time flies when you spend all of your waking in hours in two places—school & work or work & school.

*throws confetti*

But seriously, I’ve been a bit of a procrastinator lately. Instead of watching the film I am going to be doing my “very big” Film paper (Il Postino) on, I’ve been watching a couple episodes of The Office EVERY single night this week.

Now I will tell you this: I never, ever “got” the absolute hysteria surrounding this show…until now. Thank you Netflix and the “watch now” feature. I can stream episodes instead of having to wait for them to ship to my house.

I finished Season 1 and now find myself halfway through Season 2. (and I totally have a crush on Jim--okay!)

Lets see--study for Bio II Lab exam? Watch film for Film? Get ready to teach Baroque Art period to class? Chose work of art to write about? OR...WATCH THE OFFICE? Feel my pain? Very, very tough choices...

And I might want to work out the details for my upcoming overnight trip to Nashville (where not only do I get to see one of my favorite singer-songwriters but I get to see one of my favorite buildings too!)


~~J

Such Great Heights...

everything looks perfect from far away...

(Earth from Apollo 17, 1972)

Yes. I'm about to go "Hippie" on you and I've decided it's okay because it is MY blog afterall. This is related to school because last night in Film we watched An Inconvenient Truth. I was listening and watching my classmates throughout to see if their reactions were similar to mine.

And? Yes, yes they were.

No matter what you actually think about Al Gore politically, he wasn't just part of the team that won the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for nothing.

in other words: if you haven't seen this documentary yet--please do so soon. Then start unplugging your chargers, recycling, and visiting sites like: http://www.savetheplanetearth.com/

~~J
p.s. Yes, The Postal Service (and Iron & Wine) song totally inspired this as well. GREAT SONG! Check it out as well.

Tricks or....

TREATS?

(this is your Halloween editon of Choose your own Adventure)

If you picked the former, I would say to be very wary because someone is going to jump out at you from a random location today and say, "BOO!"

But if you went with the TREATS, then you'll have to fight my unsuspecting co-workers because I made milk chocolate cupcakes (and then I smashed up a bunch of Butterfingers and threw them in the batter) and while the frosting (vanilla) looks a little pale--I did "color" it myself and it pretty much matches the "flavor".

I would make a good "classroom mom" or I'm really proud of my first attempt at cupcakes.

YOU DECIDE!

~~J

Legend has it...

So there is one Monday night I will not be able to attend Art class. Guess what? That's the night I am scheduled to give a presentation on part of a chapter! Ack! I'll be in Nashville attending a concert (Tori Amos) I bought tickets for...MONTHS ago!

This is the part where I get to try out my mad "oral communication" skills! The professor is cool and so I'll be presenting the Baroque Art section NEXT Monday (1 week before it's due)...so even if it is Baroque, I can fix it! *insert laughter*

Ladies and Gentlemen, I'll be here all week...

Another Reason I love October:

28/29) Legends. Spooky legends, actually. In 1820, Washington Irving published a collection of short stories entitled The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon. That title might mean nothing now, but you don't have to look very far to find one of our most chilling stories lurking inside: "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow."

I was first introduced to Ichabod Crane and "Brom Bones" as a child, through a Disney short narrated by Bing Crosby. I can't tell you how many years I watched it at various Halloween parties. The sound of the Headless Horseman's hooves clapping across the covered bridge still makes me shiver.

Most people are familiar with Sleepy Hollow (1999) directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci. I saw it in the theater and rented it from Netflix last Halloween. If you get a chance to watch "The Making Of..." included on the DVD, I highly recommend it. I was completely blown away!

I did some research and yes, there is a Sleepy Hollow in New York--it officially changed it's name from Tarrytown not too long ago. There are several famous people buried in the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, including the author, Mr. Washington Irving.

Locally, the Bell Witch has always interested me. I even went on a little trip to Adams, Tennessee, not too long after moving to the state. I was a freshmen in high school and now after everything I have read--I don't plan on making a return visit!

Spooooooooooky!

~~J

religion, politics, and the Great Pumpkin:

Did anyone see the big orange moon tonight? It was orange for a little while at least (& thank you for pointing this out to me, my dear friend who is currently without an Internet connection).

Now, not that this is news to anyone who knows me, but I LOVE PUMPKINS! They are big, beautiful, round and orange (or yellowish or white). I imagine them to be happy and always smiling (even when decorated otherwise).

This all leads to three things Linus has told me never to discuss with people...but I am about to discuss one...you have been forewarned!

Another Reason I love October:

27) It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! Classic. In my humble opinion, there is no other Halloween Special quite as fabulous. This coming Thursday evening you can find it on ABC (where it's been since 2001). I am lucky enough to have my own copy on DVD--otherwise I'd miss it again!

Now I have several favorite moments: "I got a rock!" and Lucy is as horrible as ever--and her mask for "tricks or treats" is perfection. I adore Snoopy's adventure and his sudden appearance on the other end of Lucy's apple!

And could Sally be any cuter sitting with Linus in the pumpkin patch? I adore the little hearts around her head and the crush she has...thank goodness WE don't have little hearts around our heads or we'd be in big trouble!

Try the TRIVIA from the official site!

Honorable Mention: Jack Pumpkinhead. He made Return to Oz more bearable for me when I first saw it--scary stuff for a girl under the age of ten.

~~J

You had me at, Hello:

It was a surprisingly busy day at work today. At least I didn't have any classes to run to...

More Reasons Why I love October:

25) Jeans warm from the dryer. Anything warm from the dryer, actually. This week has not only been rainy, but it's been a bit on the "cold" side. So for consecutive days before getting completely ready, I've thrown my clothes in for a spin. A spin in the dryer. Hotness. Or really it's more of a subtle warmth that's needed to meet the morning chill.

26) Surprises. They are the best! Be they in the form of a friend you haven't seen in a while visiting at work or the "favor" you take on, which turns into a 3-day weekend...(I'll work the next two Saturdays in a row, but I'm happy for the next three days nevertheless)...October seems to smile on me in many ways.

Did I even mention the annual Halloween package from a faraway friend, filled with chocolate...

OH!

Dear Umbrella: I really didn't meant to leave you in my Bio II classroom yesterday afternoon. I was so happy to be "out" for the weekend and since it wasn't raining, I didn't even remember you until after I had left campus. I will miss you very much. I hope the person who is using you now respects all the comfort and protection from the elements you provide.

So long old friend.

~~J

p.s. they played some "halloween-y" music over the PA system/radio system at work today...including the theme from Halloween, kinda spooky and cool all at the same time!

Gray is my favorite color, I felt so symbolic:

*insert the Counting Crows here*

It's been a rather gray day. I can safely say my mood has matched our lovely Memphis weather!

Tonight in Film I made it through my first Western (as an adult). I'd have to say, The Magnificent Seven (1960) was quite good. And it's not just because all the stars (cowboys) wear extremely tight pants (as discussed with another female classmate afterward) either.

It was interesting to watch this film after watching the "original" last week. Seven Samurai (1954) actually inspired The Magnificent Seven. It keeps the basic idea of the original and then makes it a bit more American with it's setting and ending. I would recommend watching both.

Another Reason I love October:

24) Scream! It's the perfect time of year to watch "scary" movies! I am not talking about the uber-graphic flicks which seem to be all the rage. A dark room, a blanket, and a bowlful of popcorn can be perfection with the right movie.

Some of my personal favorites include:
Halloween (1978)
Psycho (1960)
Scream trilogy (1996-2000)
The Grudge (2004)
Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Se7en (1995)
Carrie (1976)

and yours?

~~J

It's close to midnight and...

Today: The Bio II exam was taken...Finally!

The plants are done...but honestly, I love our little green friends (who doesn't like oxygen). It's just time to move on to something else now....invertebrates, anyone?

Last night in Art we went over 3 chapters...I have a new respect for anything "etched" because that's a hardcore process. Also, who knew that Tempera paint was (originally) made from egg yolks? I didn't. Oil, Acrylic...Gesso. Wow. Not only are artists talented, they are even more creative for finding ways to get there "idea" onto paper (wood, plaster, etc.)!

Another Reason I love October:

22/23) Spooky music! We all love Music...a lot of people even use it to express and define themselves. Yesterday at work, THRILLER (by Michael Jackson) came on the radio and we were all singing along and doing pseudo-moves from the video.

No matter what you think of MJ the person, MJ the singer and dancer cira 1983 was really onto something with this video (directed by John Landis). I don't know anyone who hasn't seen it. Of course, it is perfectly appropriate this time of year! I know it scared the bejeezus out of me when I was 5!

I'm trying to come up with a list of songs that are very "October-centric":

01) Thriller by Michael Jackson
02) Witchy Woman by the Eagles
03) The Monster Mash by Bobby Pickett
04) Somebody's Watching Me by Rockwell
05) Nightmare on My Street by DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince
06) Ghostbusters by Ray Parker Jr.
07) Don't Fear the Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult
08) Werewolves of London by Warren Zevon
09) I Put a Spell On You by CCR (there are a lot of versions)
10) Halloween Theme by John Carpenter (I know, no words--it's from the movie)

Be sure to tell me what I've missed!

~~J

Feeding Hungry Tigers:

So a weekend (not) filled with school work will probably come to haunt me in the end, but I celebrated the union of a co-worker and his lovely bride instead!

Super Short College Football Wrap-up aka 2 Teams I am Happy for:
LSU & Memphis! roar! roar! roar!

Another Reason I love October:

20/21) Autumnal Trinity. Pumpkin, Squash & Sweet Potatoes. And I am only talking Food! Glorious Food! here...'tis the season for some fabulous flavors. Oddly enough, all three automatically make me think of cinnamon, nutmeg & ginger. So this is really the celebration of a Double Trinity!

Facts:
1) Pumpkin is the "state fruit" of New Hampshire
2) Squash was planted alongside Corn and Beans by Native Americans
3) 40% of our Sweet Potatoes comes from North Carolina

Tonight for dessert I actually made Pumpkin Pie Shakes from Cooking Light! It seemed to be a "big" hit and will probably become a "new" holiday favorite. There are a lot of recipes I am excited to try...I've always been fearful of both peeling and roasting any seasonal fruit (pumpkins and squash, while the potato is actually a root).

Do tigers like pumpkins? Anybody?

~~J

Nevermore, Dr. John Carter:

Another Friday, so ends another week.

Guess what happened on the Bio II exam? NOTHING! It's been postponed until Tuesday. More time to study the Desperate Lives of Plants. I can NOT wait to move away from this subject. Animals, please.

We are halfway through the semester. I can hardly believe it. I was looking through the Schedule of Classes for Spring and it looks like one I need is not available then. What is a girl to do? Another short Summer class before officially starting at the University of Memphis?

And I am officially jealous (again) of all the real journalists working at the Commercial Appeal. They are in the midst of Hollywood and Noah Wyle (aka Dr. Carter from ER).

Let it be known to the world: I stopped watching ER when Dr. Carter left the show. So goes Noah Wyle, so goes Janet!

Another Reason I love October:

19) Nevermore. Edgar Allan Poe & October have always gone together in my mind. His Gothic imagery and general ability to cause one's pulse to quicken--simply by reading any of his work--is perfection.

We actually studied him in Southern Literature at UT-Knoxville, even though he is not traditionally thought to be a "Southern" writer. He was born in Boston, but due to tragic circumstance (death of his parents) was brought to live in Virginia. He is both the "father" of modern detective and crime fiction (my HS English teacher would be proud of me for pulling that one out).

My favorite tales:
The Tell-Tale Heart, The Cask of Amontillado,
The Masque of the Red Death, The Pit and the Pendulum

My favorite poems:
The Bells, The Raven and Annabel Lee

~~J

Mother Nature says, "Hello"

Questions that will probably NOT be on our Bio II Exam today (simply because I know the answer):

Which of the following is NOT an advantage to plants living on land?
A. There is greater availability of light for photosynthesis.
B. Carbon dioxide can diffuse more readily in air.
C. Oxygen can diffuse more readily in air.
-----> D. The plant is more likely to become desiccated.

Which of these may occur in both angiosperms and gymnosperms?
A. Seeds develop within a cone.
B. Seeds develop within a flower.
C. Seeds are surrounded by a fruit at maturity.
-----> D. Pollen is carried by the wind for pollination.
E. Pollen is carried by animal pollinators.

So goes life. But if I have another Bio-Exam-Meltdown© I could permanently lose my mind!

In other news, guess which film we screened in Film class last night? The one I didn't want to watch, but ended up appreciating anyway: Seven Samurai (1954). It was 3.28 hours (we even ran 15+ minutes late) of a black & white, subtitled Japanese film that I will probably never watch again. But, at least I can say that I have seen it.

More Reasons Why I love October:

17 + 18) Dark & Stormy Nights/Blustery Days. Last night was a grand example of the perfect dark & stormy night. I half expected Janet Weiss and Brad Majors to knock on the door while we were watching our movie! When we got out of class (after 10pm) lightning flashes were cutting up the sky and making everything very spooky.

Now reverse to our Blustery Day. When working in a Pharmacy with a Drive-Thru the Wind can make for a spectacular challenge. If you ever visit one under these circumstances, remember to use the little metal bar provided when slipping in prescriptions, cash, or checks.

We can NOT be responsible for Mother Nature stealing aforementioned items!

I watched leaves swirl and dance along most of the day (no money or prescriptions!)--and I'm pretty sure Piglet even went sailing by.

~~J

An Apple a Day...

so it's Back to Classes tomorrow evening...I really enjoyed my *counting* 5-day hiatus from all the madness. There will not be another long break until the week of Thanksgiving. Then after that, we have just a couple weeks until Finals!

I am a bit curious as to what movie the class will chose to watch tomorrow night. One of our choices (the one I do NOT want to see) is over 3-hours long! *screams*

Another Reason I love October:

16) Apples. Yes, yes I know they are available all year round--but this time of year there are festivals where apples are picked and CIDER is made! I clearly remember going to Indiana as a Girl Scout in October to pick out a pumpkin, enjoy a hayride, and drink apple cider, made right there on the farm. It was a heavenly experience!

Interesting Apple Facts:
*Apples are actually members of the Rose family
*Apples are cultivated for either Eating, Cooking, or for Ciders
*more than half of the Apples sold in the U.S. are grown in Washington State

Lest we not forget one of the greatest Apple goodies....APPLE BUTTER! What? You haven't tried Apple Butter? I can't believe it! Get thee to your closest grocery store and look among the "jams & jellies"...it's so DELICIOUS!

Three more words: Caramel Apple Cider (Starbucks)....all of your allotted daily sugar never tasted SO GOOD!

Yum!

~~J

I'll have my corn, candied!

In keeping with tradition, I did nothing school-related today!

*insert much cheer here*

Although, I don't know when the tradition of "Fall" or "Autumn" break began, it was a welcomed change today. I didn't have to rush directly from work to class--especially since it started raining (yay!) during my "rush" hour.

Now tomorrow I shall get a couple more hours of study time in before going to work in the afternoon, BUT I will sleep in a little as well!

Another Reason I love October:

15) Candy Corn. I read some history on our little white, orange and yellow friends today and found out this lovely stuff has been around for over 100 years! I also found out it's fat-free and the typical serving size (30 pieces) contains 140 calories. I'm pretty sure I've seen an Unwrapped episode including Candy Corn before, but if I'm wrong--maybe there will be one this upcoming week as Food Network does HALLOWEEN! I mean, what's better than regular Food Network?? THEMED Food Network!!

Sunday is for Books & Movies:

How can I be in the middle of watching two movies?

I don't know either, but technically I'm not anymore because I finished them both tonight. The first one I started one night this past week (Veronica Guerin, 2003) and then other I began last night (Evening, 2007).

Now the first is a story based on facts--specifically the death of a journalist in 1996, murdered by the Irish drug dealers she was investigating. A clever "line" from the film: I never thought they would shoot the messenger.

The second was originally a book--both the book and screenplay were written by author, Susan Minot. It's an emotional journey from the deathbed of a woman remembering a weekend which changed her life more than 50 years earlier. It got horrible reviews, but I liked it! We are mysterious creatures, aren't we?

I can consider either one for my next (and final) paper in Film.

Another Reason I love October:

14) The Bookstore. Okay, I know you can visit the bookstore anytime--this isn't a seasonal phenomenon. But, this girl can stay in a bookstore for HOURS...seriously, HOURS! So far this month alone I have racked up plenty of time amongst the books--specifically drinking coffee and STUDYING (today it was Bio II--Plants). It just feels right, to be surrounded by so many pages and topics while putting more knowledge into your brain. Besides, you never know what lovely book you'll pick up in the discounted section!

I've finished all the extra credit for this section, now I have 3 more nights to study for the exam (Thursday).

The fun never stops.

~~J

College Football Saturday:

Another Reason I love October:

13) College Football. I know, I know, I could've mentioned this topic DAYS ago, but I didn't actually get a chance to immerse myself is the madness until today.

Now I spent almost FIVE hours watching the LSU/UK battle with one of the greatest friends of ALL time. She has been an LSU fan basically since birth and so this was a tough loss. I included the logo for her, she'll read this and appreciate it.

(Also, I have to tell you--watching the game with the cutest little LSU fan you've EVER seen was a great plus)

But I have to admit I'm always a little soft-hearted for the underdog! (And another friend, who probably won't read this, is pretty much on top of the world with his team defeating the Tigers).

You win some, you lose some--HA!

Just kidding, I know better! I still remember watching the Tigers beat the Vols for the SEC Championship in 2001 then driving around afterward with my friend honking at anybody unfortunate enough to have ORANGE on their vehicle. She has proudly displayed Purple & Gold for as long as I've known her!

And since I do know better, I'll try not to mention the words 'Notre' and 'Dame' in the same sentence. But to you, my friend (if you happen to read this) remember the phrase "Rebuilding Season" I've used it before!

Just ask my '01-'02 Tarheels...and then they went on to win the NCAA Championship just 3 seasons later. Whoops! College Basketball gets it's own "reason" a little later in the month.


~~J

Eat Your Fruits & Vegetables:

So guess what's happening in less than a week?

My NEXT Bio II exam! Plants! The desperate life of Plants! Thursday, Thursday, Thursday! (lest I not mention the fact we still haven't gotten our first exam back--and we took it 16 days ago)

I learned some more "new" plant-y type things to share:

1) There is boy corn and there is girl corn (the corn plant has either male parts or female parts, NOT both so it is considered "imperfect")

&

2) When you are eating broccoli, the floret is biologically considered a fruit and the stalk is biologically considered a vegetable--so you are eating both your fruit & vegetable for the day at the SAME time!

Another Reason I love October:

12) New Television. I know I'm cheating a bit because most Fall shows premiered LAST month. But since I am either AT work or IN class until 9-10pm throughout the week there are a limited amount of shows I can actually follow (without TiVo).

One such show is BLOOD TIES on Lifetime and Season 2 starts TONIGHT! I simply adore it and I've decided NOT to be ashamed to admit it! (behold the beauty of Henry and Vicki)

~~J

Know thyself, Know thy Pharmacist:

At least 10 years ago I saw the film Reservoir Dogs (1992), it didn't make a huge impression on me back then--I barely remember it. Then I watched it again tonight (IN FILM CLASS) and I am absolutely horrified.

First and foremost I have to tell you--I did NOT vote to watch the film. We get to vote on movies and this is NOT the one I wanted to see. I am also very upset to point out--the group of people who VOTED to see the movie LEFT before it was even over!

And now I have to write about the movie. I am getting old or I'm too sensitive or BOTH!

Another Reason Why I love October:

Two years ago there was a Gallup poll conducted Pharmacists ranked 2nd (behind Nurses, I love y'all too!) in honesty and ethical standards receiving “high ethical “ rating.

Pharmacists are the nation’s medication experts, and if they don't know the answer, they can (and will) find it for you!

Maybe you didn't know, but I have worked in a pharmacy for all of my adult life...and part of my "teenage" years as well. I am pretty confident to say, I have yet to work with a Pharmacist or Pharmacy Student that I did NOT TRUST. They are very spectacular people and some of my best friends. <3 <3 <3

And now for some Biology...weeeeeeee!

~~J

Bring on the Hefeweizen!

Bio Lab, how I love thee! let me count the ways:

Heartwood & Sapwood
Monocots & Dicots
Chlorophyll & Stroma

Yes, Yes, Yes! On the places I'll go with all this intense knowledge of plants!

Although it's all somewhat, kinda, sorta interesting--if you think about it. I guess. At least it has to be until the next exam, then I will become the super student of something else. Right?

And for one of the most obvious (cultural)

Reasons Why I love October:

09) Oktoberfest! Technically it ended this past weekend, but since it's still October I felt the need to talk about it (thanks for reminding me, friend). I haven't actually been to Munich at the right age to participate in the festivities, but I can tell you a lot about the German art of Beer.

Or really, I don't have the time to tell you about it--but you can find out basically everything you need to know by following my links!

My personal favorite? Hefeweizen (Wheat beer that is brewed with a higher proportion of wheat so it has a lighter color and flavor...it's actually sweet!)

Boscos on the Square (Overton Square) has Boscos Oktoberfest beer currently on tap, CHECK IT OUT!


~~J

The Principles of Design:

Tonight we focused on 2 chapters (chiefly one) in Art Appreciation. The Principles of Design.

The Holy Family on Steps by Poussin (oil on canvas, 1648) is a great example of asymmetrical and symmetrical elements. It's a classic example of balance in Western art. Do you see the triangle form by the bodies?

Now look at the light hitting Joseph's foot (on the right) and draw a light to the top of Mary's head and you might see it better. I can't imagine the time and planning that goes into some pieces. Artist might be perceived as being "less" compared to lawyers or doctors (for example) but they are pretty "genius" in my book.

There are actually seven principles of design and I hope to have them down before our next chapter(s) test.

Another Reason I love October:

08) The Boys of Summer become the Men of October aka the World Series. Now don't hate me, but baseball is probably one my least favorite sports. Although I can become a rather appreciative fan in October. It really won't get super interesting for me until the end of the month, but just the idea of Andy Pettitte pitching Wednesday night has me rather excited (if the Yankees can pull it out tonight)!

Now, back to my Film paper. (I know, I need to get it done!)

~~J

Beauty in the Breakdown:

I am firmly in the writing process of my scene analysis paper for Film.

Did you know there are at least 35 cuts in the final 4 minutes of Garden State? Yes, I watched & counted & wrote & then counted some more. There was another scene ("good luck exploring the infinite abyss") I thought about doing and it only had 17 cuts--but I couldn't get away from the last scene.

Let Go by Frou Frou is just too powerful, especially since it made me run out and by the soundtrack the minute after the movie ended the first time I saw it!

The Art Student in me was sadden to hear about the Monet painting damaged by drunken intruders in Paris last night. According to reports they left a 4-inch gash in Le Pont d'Argenteuil. It can be repaired, but it's sad nevertheless.

It all happened during my
*New* Reason why I love October:

07) Nuit Blanche. It's an annual cultural festival that takes places during the first weekend in October, originally beginning in Paris--but has caught on in other cities across the world (Berlin, Chicago, and Toronto just to name a few). It literally means "White Night" or "All-Nighter" in French and the cities have their public and private art galleries, museums open to the public for free. HOW COOL IS THAT? I have got to attend one in the years to come.

Back to the Garden State paper.

~~J

Knit 1, Purl 2, Zach Braff: I love you!

I am making myself a promise RIGHT NOW:

after writing this blog I am NOT getting online anymore (unless it has something do with the first paper due this Wednesday evening for Film).

Speaking of Film, I am (will be) writing a 'scene analysis' paper discussing the last 3 minutes of Garden State (2004). Or at least I believe it will be over the last three minutes--I might chose a different part--like the "original moment" it really all depends on which has the most for me to write about.

If you haven't seen GARDEN STATE (written by, directed by, and starring Zach Braff) you need to make a note and plan on watching it as soon as possible. It's a fabulous film--with a wonderful Oscar Award-winning soundtrack. If you have seen it, isn't it AWESOME?

Another Reason Why I love October:

06) Knitting. I was first introduced to this hobby by a former roommate (I miss her!) It's like Yoga, because you get to settle your mind BUT you create something unique and special in the process. As you can imagine, it is quite difficult to be motivated about KNITTING (secret link to my favorite knit-related blog) in our long, hot summer--but come Fall I am ready for my knitting needles.

I've knitted baby booties and blankets, several purses (!!) along with enough scarves to keep a lot of necks warm. In fact, I just finished a scarf for a friend (first project of Autumn 2007), and I hope to start a cardigan for a certain little boy soon. (I wish I was better at following patterns--but I'm not)

Hooray for Knitting!

~~J

p.s. BEST local yarn store in Memphis? STASH (formerly The Yarn Studio) located in the Cooper-Young District of Midtown. You'll be hard pressed to find a nicer group of knitters in the city!

We All Look Good in Pink:

Breaking with one tradition (not gonna talk about classes today--it's actually my non-school "only" go-to-work day) I am going to give full notice to another tradition instead.


Another Reason Why I love October:

05) Awareness. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Most people have caught onto this fact, especially with events like Lee National Denim Day (which is today) and the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer (which takes place in New York City this weekend).

If you've missed out on Denim Day (which we are not allowed to participate in at work--don't even get me started!) or would like to do something locally, there is always the Race for the Cure to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The Race will be held closer to the end of the month, on the 27th this year.

Now I have participated in Race for the Cure for YEARS! My first "race" (brisk walk) was in 1999 while I was a student at UT-Knoxville. It was an unforgettable experience (especially since we went through downtown) and I got to walk with girls who lived in the same dorm.

I've walked in Little Rock with my best friend from high school & of course, I've walked in Memphis (lotsa times) as well. Not only is it a good cause, but it will do your body AND your heart some good!

I'm not going to post statistics or anything like that but instead here are a couple links so you can research just about anything having to do with the topic: Susan G. Komen for the Cure or United for Pink (super blog with a lot of information)!

~~J

Southern Girls Know Their Weather:

Question: What does a "good" Bio II student do after waiting more than 30 minutes for her professor to arrive?

a) Leave with the rest of the class (after signing roll) and go home to sleep because she is tired

OR

b) Leave with the rest of the class (after signing roll) continue on to Barnes & Noble to study the aforementioned subject for nearly 2 hours?

Believe it or not, I chose B! I ordered my signature October coffee drink and rewrote notes/studied the first two classes of plants. I had a great time--flipping through my textbook, lab manual, notecards & original chapter notes! They were even playing fabulous "old school" 50s-70s era music. I had to whisper along to Elvis (Suspicious Minds) as well as the Beatles (I Saw Her Standing There). I almost felt like a girl of 19 again!

After my impromptu study session, I even drove to a grocery store and took full advantage of their lovely salad bar. Both my mind and my belly are full of good stuffs. Fantastic!

Another Reason Why I love October:

04) The Weather. Our average high for the month is 74 and our average low is 49. We haven't quite gotten down to either one of those yet (respectively) it's nice to know it is ON THE WAY! Instead of sweating like a glass of ice tea on a hot day, I've found this whole afternoon more or less manageable.

~~J

p.s. I hope everybody in the city is VOTING today! (or early voted)

Midterms & Soup:

My Film midterm has come and gone (all within the last 3 hours) and I am very happy with my "known" results. 70% of the grade comes from the first portion, which was graded while we were working on the essay question(s). I only missed TWO! Now I have to wait and see if my essay answers were detailed enough for the professor's liking.

I talked to my study buddy afterward and he did really well on the first portion as well (only missed three). Fantastic!

Now I can spend the rest of the night focusing on my Bio II quiz tomorrow. I feel pretty confident about it, thankfully!

Another Reason I love October:

03) Soup. Soup is Super! When I lived in Midtown there was nothing like making a big, huge pot of soup on the weekend and then eating it for dinner for the rest of the week. It's relatively "cheap" and very easy to simmer just about anything long enough to make it delicious. I made a great Sausage and Spinach Soup from Cooking Light this year and it's to DIE FOR...I recommend it!


~~J