Bill Nye the Science Guy

He is one of my heroes.

The good news: He'll be speaking in Tulsa!
The bad news: I'll be in Kansas City.

THE Event
Where: Tulsa Community College
When: Thursday, Feb 8
Time: 7:00 pm
The event is free and open to the public.
http://www.tulsacc.edu/page.asp?durki=120

I am so bummed out I don't get to go. Will someone book him in Kansas City? Here's the link: http://www.billnye.com/. Just go to Bill info, then to booking Bill. Do this and you could be my hero too.

Go Chicken Go

As I walked out of class, I always smell this aroma of fried chicken. There is a Go Chicken Go next to the Rockhurst parking lot. Tonight the aroma was stronger than usual. So strong it got me thinking that I should eat there, despite the questionable health codes. I figured I recently got my HepA and Typhoid shot, so what do I have to lose? Well, it was late and not safe to walk in, but wouldn't that be great if Go Chicken Go had a drive thru? It turns out that they do, but it was too late. I already drove past it.

Okay... I just did some googling, and now I feel like I really missed out. The first sites I hit were reviews of Go Chicken Go, and the ratings are very high. Then I find their website: http://www.gochickengo.com/. They have a website!!! That is fantastic. I can't wait to go.

Facebook

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facebook:

"According to Chris Hughes, spokesman for Facebook, 'People spend an average of 18 minutes a day on Facebook.' "

Wow. That is so me.

I stumbled upon this link... while I was on facebook looking at a friend's profile. I'm glad I don't have to wiki facebook to know what people are talking about. That got me thinking that one day I will lose touch on what's up and coming. Since many products and services hit college campuses first, students have the edge on technology. Everyone else reads about it or hears about it on the news. Now, I just laugh when I hear about what college students are doing on the news. I think, "That is so 2 years ago." I remember ipod advertisements hitting hard on campus during my early sophomore year. That was 4 years ago. Until then, I'll enjoy the perks of being young.

No Excuses

"The only thing holding you back is you." This is my realization after returning from Viet Nam. I'm not suggesting America is perfect, but this country offers something special and easily overlooked. It is our freedom of choice. People here can be poor and grow up to be a millionaire if they choose. America strives to help the poor. There are very few excuses of not becoming who you want to be in a country like this.

The Swing of Things

It's late, so I don't have the time or the energy to say what I want to say about my trip to Viet Nam. That will be a later entry, but today was a big day. I'm finally getting over jetlag. It's been a tough battle going straight into work, school, and socializing non-stop since I've been back into the states. I did choose to handle my 13 hr jetlag by going about my business here, and I think it finally paid off.

I started classes tonight. Although I enjoy my classes, it is a drag to come home at night to realize it's time for bed. This is when I need tv the most. Just 10 minutes of tv right now will kick my sanity back into place. God bless Conan O Brien.

Take Time to Celebrate

I used to think a lot of celebrations were over-rated. Now, I think my nonchalant attitude is over-rated. It started with weddings. My father convinced me otherwise. Then I moved to office parties, but my communications professor convinced me otherwise.

Celebrations are important. Several close friends will be graduating this upcoming weekend, and that is a big deal. Don't take it lightly. It is an accomplishment that calls for a ceremony. It is taking a moment to reflect all the hard work it took to get your diploma. It is allowing your family and friends to see that you reached one of your goals because of their support. Make them happy by letting them see you happy.

Like I said earlier, my communications professor helped me realize the importance of celebrating. It was a brief discussion. With a straight face, she said one of the class's discussion topics for the day will be office parties. I thought that was funny, but she was serious. I found it strange to talk about parties in a communications class, but it makes perfect sense to do that! Celebrations are a way of communicating your accomplishments, your joy, and your thankfulness.

With that said, I'm excited to be a part of so many celebrations this upcoming weekend.

It's Time for a Good Laugh

As my friends scramble to finish their school papers and document their completed goals at work, I realize how stressful and tiring the end of the year can be. I am right there with ya, but my time in this frenzy is almost over. I figure this is a great time for a few good jokes brought to you by Conan 'O Brien.

"Scientists have discovered a Chinese herb that cures alcoholism in hamsters. They're hoping that it will cut down on the number of accidents they have on that little wheel."

"Oprah Winfrey issued a statement saying that even though she appeared on the Ellen coming-out episode, she’s not gay. Meanwhile, Ellen DeGeneres issued a statement saying even though she appeared on Oprah, she’s not black."

"A new study on Christmas has found that children find out the truth about Santa Claus between the ages of three and six. It also found that it happens much older for some U.S. presidents."

What Makes You Strong?

What makes you strong?

Is it your thirty minute workouts?

Is it winning a game?

Is it getting a raise?

Or is it your dad who can always fix your car, your mom who cooks the best food, your sister who always listens, and your brother who treats you like royalty?

Or is it your friends that always make time for you, always returns your calls and e-mails, and always laughs and cries with you?

Or is it your good health, your ability to think freely, and your capacity to empathize for others?

Not As Planned

Some of the best weekends are the ones that don't go as planned.

Dedicated or Stupid?

That's what I kept asking myself as I drove to class in ice and snow after work this evening. After my hour and a half drive home, I've decided that it was more stupid than dedicated. It was basically my car and a bunch of Mr. Plow's out on the road tonight. I had to stop twice because my windshield wipers iced to the point where I couldn't see.

I do admit, I'm glad I got the study materials for my test next week. Also, because this was the worst weather I've driven in, the driving experience was good for me. I'm sure this is just the beginning of the cold weather.

In the spirit of my Thanksgiving leftover dinner I'm indulging in, I'd like to share what I am thankful for tonight:
1. That I don't drive a badass Nissan 350Z.
2. That I don't drive a stick shift.
3. That I have a carport.

A Drink of Heaven

"It's like drinking a dream" as my friend put it once. Yes, I'm talking about Starbucks drinks. For me, it is a white chocolate mocha for the fall and winter seasons and a caramel frap for the spring and summer seasons. Both with whipped cream, of course. How posh do I sound already? I can't help what I like.

It was an interesting evening of reading and people watching. Despite the steady rain, people flowed in and out of the coffee shop. The angry businessman at the table in front of me made interesting entertainment. With 7 Starbucks cups cluttered on his table, he sported a laptop and bluetooth earbud. Furthermore, he kept getting refills. Perhaps he started a bar tab at Starbucks? It looked like an expensive one. I wonder where he works? I gathered he dealt with real estate and is in some level of management. A twenty something guy sat behind me reading a book quietly. I wonder what he was reading?

Most others came in pairs. Pairs of friends. Pairs of boyfriends and girlfriends. Pairs of parents and children. The most interesting pair was a pair of friends studying in the back. A guy and girl reading and conversing diligently. Reminds me of well... me in my "old" college days. I wonder what they were studying, what they hope to be, and if they'll become what they hoped for? I'm rooting for them, anyway.

Then I thought, "I bet most people here are doing the same thing as I am- people watching, and that includes me!" What do they think I'm reading? How do others guess what my life is like? I know I make up life stories about strangers. My life may be full of adventures I'm unaware of. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to my next trip to Starbucks.

The Chiefs vs the Raiders

Between getting the 24-hr flu and driving home for Thanksgiving, I now have a chance to sit and write about my first NFL game experience. You probably have guessed that going to a Kansas City Chiefs game is awesome! The Chiefs fans are known for their tailgating. With their grills and impressive flag poles set-up in the parking lot, the fans know how to do it right. My group and I tailgated before AND after the game and still had leftovers. I had the best 1" pork chops ever with cheesy poofs.

The game was exciting with a Chiefs win against their rival, the Raiders, with a final score of 17-13. My favorite part, however, was the surprise fly-over of the B2 stealth bomber during the national anthem performance. That was absolutely breath-taking.

The B2 is in the upper-right corner of this picture on its way to Arrowhead Stadium. I didn't take this photo, though. I was too mesmerized and too engaged in the whole experience.

This was my view, and I had a great seat on the second level. My friend insists we'll get front row tickets next season for a game of my choice. I think that's a great idea.

This is my siblings and me enjoying the game.

Stepping Into MySpace

No I haven't, but I'm thinking about it! I've actually been meaning to join MySpace for awhile now. I have a handful of friends on MySpace, instead of facebook, that I would like to keep in touch with better. So what's been holding me back for the following months from joining MySpace?

1. When I pull up a MySpace page, I feel like I've just walked into a casino: overwhelmed. There are flashing banners, music, busy wallpapers, and moving pictures. I am still accustomed to the simple document style of facebook. I'm sure the MySpace format just requires getting used to it.

2. It's one more login. I keep asking myself do I want to have one more thing to check? I already check 3 e-mail accounts, facebook, blogger, and webct regularly. That's before I begin surfing the net. How much more should I tie myself to my pc?

3. How comfortable am I about posting more information about myself online? The more time I spend online, the more comfortable I get with revealing more information about myself without realizing it.

Perhaps one day I'll join the MySpace craze. For now, I'll spend my time going out... or uh... writing in my blog.

Warmer Days

The temperature is 37 degrees F with a windchill of 28 degrees F right now. This combined with the fact that I wake up to a sunless morning just to leave work with the sun already fallen has made me think of wamer days...

This was when I ran track for Corporate Challenge for my first time this past summer in KC. I have never eaten so healthy for 2 weeks in my life as I did while I prepared for my track events. I also learned that running relays is nerve-wracking, especially running against the Cerner team. The Cerner team should really consider quitting their day jobs and trying out for the U.S. Olympic track team. I think they have a good chance for the gold.

This is a picture of me taking a picture. I actually like this picture better than the one I took. This was my summer excursion to Stillwater. My fond memories of the Student Union mostly revolved around food: Chick-Fil-A and pancakes. In the old days, Chick-Fil-A AND Burger King served the many hungry students of OSU on campus, but I guess those are off-campus now.

Here's me picking out some peaches at downtown KC's City Market. Can you find me? It's like finding Waldo, except my shirt's not as cool. I loved going to city markets and even had a chance to check out Overland Park's city market before the summer ended.

I'm glad I got all my warm, summer memories out of my system now. I'm ready for the cold. Bring it on.

Livin' On Tulsa Time

I kicked off my weekend in Tulsa with the 5k Tulsa Run. The morning was very cold, but gradually warmed up toward the end of the race. One suggestion for improvement is the bus system that takes the runners from the parking lots to the starting line. My brother and I waited for 45 minutes without getting on a bus. We decided to run to the starting line instead, which was about a mile away. We got to the start with 3 minutes to spare, just enough to catch our breaths. The picture above is at the beginning of the run. I'm in the middle with the black outfit.

This is my brother and me right after crossing the finish line and right before we raided the tent full of candy bars, yogurt, and fruit.

On the drive back from the race, I stopped to take a picture of the fall trees.

I'll Drink to This!

Here's a recent article on the debated issue of wine and health published in the Wall Street Journal.
Substance in Red Wine Appears to Let Mice Live Longer

Hi. My name is -----, and I don't watch Grey's Anatomy.

How many characters can you name out of the picture above? I admit I can name two: Meredith Grey and Dr. McDreamy (but knowing that answer was school related). Grey's Anatomy has been a huge hit in the U.S., but it hasn't tapped into my tv schedule. I simply prefer other shows. What I find interesting is my exclusion in conversations because I don't watch the show. Here is what happens:

Friend: Hey... did you see this week's Grey's Anatomy?

Me: No.

Friend: But you watch it, right?

Me: No.

Friend: Oh. Nevermind. *Silence*

(End Conversation)

I think it's funny, but this has happened to me at least three times this past month. Crazy.

Random

This is how I spend my study breaks, taking pictures of my stuffed animals. Say hi to Pika and Euka, everyone!

Angels & Airwaves

Optimistic. Influential. Mature. Angels & Airwaves has not disappointed this Blink 182 fan. Tom DeLonge who founded Blink 182 and now Angels & Airwaves has really shown himself through his music. Most songs begin softly with just enough notes for you to anticipate the upcoming musical crescendos and the lyrics' story. As a husband and father, DeLonge's lyrics voice a tone of affection and concern with topics of relationships and war. Profanity is also reserved for his angrier songs showing how he has grown to control his music instrumentally and lyrically. This is definitely worth checking out. Here's a link to Amazon Music for song samples: http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Need-Whisper-Angels-Airwaves/dp/B000F8DTDC/sr=1-1/qid=1162139691/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-5733424-5114513?ie=UTF8&s=music

5k or (for the British fans) 3.1 miles

THE TULSA RUN. NOVEMBER 11, 2006.

http://www.tulsarun.com/

I signed up today. I better start running again.