Courage

"Courage is not always a loud bravado. Sometimes it's a quiet voice at the end of the day saying 'I'll try again tomorrow'." - Eleanor Roosevelt

Okay, so it's been a while since I updated. There's a reason for that.

Previously, my laptop has been running on Windows Vista. And by that I mean it was slow, full of viruses and bugs, and barely loping along at times. My dad and I decided that it was time to move to Windows 7, if only to get rid of some of the virus problems. Personally, I wasn't thrilled about it. I thought 7 would be just a pain to work with. But I'm all switched over and I have never been happier to be wrong. My computer is fast again, there aren't viruses on it, the internet actually loads...

So happy to be proven wrong.

But that was the main reason for me not updating. We had to completely transfer and back up all my files (There are MANY files on this computer, trust me), then move them over after installing the new OS. That took the better part of two days, then we had to get Firefox installed again and just recently we were able to install Microsoft Office again. So my computer is pretty much back to speed, but that's why you guys didn't get an update. Sorry!

A lot's been going on...where to start? Let's begin with running.

It's HOT AS HELL. I do not run well in the heat and humidity. Which means I have to run either early in the morning or late at night. Late at night I'm usually at karate or closing for work and mornings are just hard all around. This has forced me to do my runs inside for the most part. But tonight I'm planning a five mile run at seven, then tomorrow morning I'm doing a 12 mile sunrise run. I really do mean sunrise though, since I'm leaving the house at 5AM.

I really hate myself, don't I? But that's the only time it's cool enough to run without dying of heat stroke.

But it's nice to run. I get to see lots of parts of town that I don't usually see...my favorite runs are near the lake. All the houses down there are so cute.

Often times I end up running past my karate dojo, which makes me smile. It's like I just never leave there! Karate has been going well...we only had karate one day last week since there was the annual lakeside festival which totally locked us out. Yesterday was my first day back since then, and I have to admit that I was frustrated to no end. I really seemed to hit a wall. Usually I'm able to push past it, but I don't know. I just couldn't.

I get frustrated when I can't get a move or kata just perfect and I feel I should be able to. I know I'm only a yellow belt, and I'm not expected to be perfect, but I feel like if I can get things perfect now, there will be less to correct in the future. The main problem is that I'm holding myself to standards that are too high for my rank. Sensei McKeon said he'll need to teach me Mizu No Kokuro, which translates to Mind like Water.

From what I've been able to find (thanks Google!) Mind like Water is being able to remove all other thoughts from your head and making your mind calm, smooth like an untouched body of water. Such a state will allow you to take anything that comes your way with an open mind. It's hard to anticipate an attack or make changes when you're focused on a thousand other things. Remove those distractions, and you will be able to clearly see what needs to be done. At least, that's how I'm reading it.

I'll be trying to work on that as I prepare for the seminar in a week. Just letting go of all distractions, of everything and focusing on what needs to be done.

Knitting is going well, but slowly. I'm still working on my sister's graduation present, which isn't too difficult but I just need to work on it. I've started my first project on circular needles, which is a hat for my friend Bobert. For all Firefly fans out there, the hat that Jayne wears? You know...



That hat. It's awesome. After that I'll be working on a hat for myself, and then I think I'll take the ultimate challenge of making THE SCARF.

For those unfamiliar, in the early seasons of Dr. Who, the Doctor regenerated into his fourth form, played by Tom Baker. This man then proceeded to play the Doctor for the longest stretch to date, seven years. That's unimportant. http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifWhat is important was the costume. Someone on the costume team wanted him to wear a scarf, but didn't know how to knit. So they handed a bunch of yarn scraps to a woman who did know and told her to make a scarf. They never specified what it would look like though, so the woman just went to town.



That is Tom Baker, some Daleks, and the original scarf. Seriously, that thing is a beast. There are seriously whole websites dedicated to the thing and how to make your own. So that will be my project when I'm done with all my others.

I've been writing a lot more, but not as often as I usually do. I think it's something I do more during the school year. Oh well. Still getting some work done.

Lately I've been absolutely HOOKED on the game Borderlands. It won game of the year a while back, and it's not hard to see why. It's addictive and well done!

Oh yeah, and they advertised it by saying you could (and I quote) "punch a midget's leg off." No, you did not read that wrong. The game is full of crude humor, foul language, and people turning into blood fountains left and right.

I think it's AWESOME.

My fourth of July was all right. I was working from 10 to 4, which was kinda meh, but afterwards I was able to stop by my uncle's party before going to another party with Jim. Saw the fireworks at the lake on Sunday evening, and they were INCREDIBLE! I love fireworks. They're just so cool. I didn't like that we were downwind from two groups of smokers and a guy who was smoking the biggest cigar I've ever seen in my life, but there was nothing to be done about it.

On Sunday my dad, sister, and I are headed up to Summerfest to see Sara Bareilles preform with Sugarland. I've never been to a concert before, and I'm super excited. Sara is one of my favorites of all time, so this'll be AWESOME!

I'm sitting outside writing this on the screened in porch. There are birdies splashing in the bird bath. Yaaaay summer!

Raceday Countdown: 17 Days

Boston Countdown: 8 DAYS

Song of the Day: Other Side of the World by KT Tunstall

<3 Erin

"Interesting"

Wash: This landing is going to be interesting.
Mal: Define "Interesting".
Wash: Oh God, oh God, we're all going to die?"
- Serenity

Started watching Firefly. WHY WAS THIS CANCELLED?! DAMN YOU FOX! There is a special level of hell reserved for them! The level for child molesters and people who talk at the theatre! This stuff is soooooo good, but they cancelled it only after one season. DAMNATION.

This week has been kinda busy, but nothing super interesting.

Running a lot, lots of karate. I'm actually officially registered to go to Boston for the karate seminar now! I'm excited, but really nervous. I'm still frustrated by some of the things I can't quite do just yet in karate, but I'm practicing and getting better. At least, I'm trying very hard to get better.

Also, I know how to do a roundhouse kick now!

My birthday was on Sunday! Holy cow I'm old now! Or at least, no longer a teenager. Close enough, right?

Song of the Day: He Lives in You (reprise) by The Lion King Broadway Cast

<3 Erin

Dancing

"So what do you recommend to encourage affection?"
"Dancing. Even if one's partner is barely tolerable." - Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet, Pride and Prejudice

Just watched this movie with my girl Ashlyn. Total chick flick. I promise I will never make any of my guyfriends sit through this. Ever.

But I adore this movie. It's my guilty little pleasure.

Went for a five mile run today. SORE as heck. But totally worth it. Going for three tomorrow.

Again, so sorry this is late...I've been exhausted lately trying to keep up with work and all sorts of shenanigans. ...Also just discovered that spell check knows the word "shenanigans". Which is totally awesome.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Fun encounter on the way in to work the other day! I ran into my ex-boyfriend's mother, which was nice. Although he and I haven't spoken in a long time, I still enjoy seeing her around. And I totally found out that she reads this blog! Hello Mrs. Sener!

While I'm thinking about spell check, why doesn't it recognize last names? Spell check, you so silly.

Also it has come to my attention that the video I tried to link from last week's post failed miserably. So here it is.

EPIC AWESOME BE LINKED HERE.

Otherwise not much going on. Kicking ass at work, kicking ass at running, kicking ass at karate (literally!)...overall doing really well.

Song of the Day: If It's Love by Train

Days till Birthday: FOUR

<3 Erin

Promises

"You found me. ...But so much of me is wrong, out of place. You might be too late..."
"Hey. You know me. When I make a promise..."
"...You...keep it. I do know how to pick 'em."
"Lucky me."
- Master Chief and Cortana, Halo 3

This week a quote from a video game series that will always have a special place in my heart! This is because E3 has announced that there is a new Halo game coming out! I'm super excited. Bungie, don't let me down. Don't make your fanbase a promise if you know you can't keep it.

But I've always adored the bond between the main character, Chief, and his AI partner Cortana. They're like a couple, but it's so much more since there's no actual physical element to the relationship. Well, I suppose there is. Cortana resides in a layer in the Chief's armor and can from there interact with the suit and the Chief's biological systems. If he dies, she dies. They're tied together in that way. She supports him with data and directions and witty banter, and he's the muscle, the strength that pulls them through and saves her.

But this quote is so fantastic to me. It draws on their whole relationship...to explain, Cortana is separated from the Chief at the end of the second game. He promises that he will come back for her, to which she replies "Don't make a girl a promise...if you know you can't keep it."

Men, take note of that phrase.

At the beginning of the third game, Cortana's voice tells the gamer that she had her pick of any SPARTAN soldier she wanted, but she chose Chief. He wasn't the fastest, strongest, or smartest, but he had luck, which was something the others didn't. The idea of luck and keeping the Chief's promise to Cortana comes up again and again in Halo 3, where the Chief is fighting against the Covenant (bad guys), the Flood (REALLY BAD GUYS), and to retrieve Cortana, who is currently in a Covenant ship that's been taken over by the Flood (at this point, there is really no way it could get worse).

So when he brings her back from the brink by fulfilling his promise and coming for her, their trust in each other is completely vindicated.

Here is the actual video of the scene from the game.


Seriously, WATCH THAT. I don't care if you don't understand everything that's going on, but pay attention to the way they interact. Oh, and the music is amazing too.

But yeah, Bungie announced the return of Chief and Cortana, which makes me a VERY happy camper.

But enough of that. I finally, FINALLY finished my project titled "Burnt Magnolias", which was a pair of fingerless gloves for my friend Ashlyn. I'm working on a hat/headband for my sister, then a hat for myself. After that, I think I'll take orders. If anyone is interested in me making something for them, please contact me and we can talk about payment and projects.

Still stuck with writer's block. Trying to force my way past it, but it's hard.

Newest episode of Dr. Who was INSANE!!! My brain blew out my ears. Not putting any more details up than that though. As River Song would say, "Spoilers."

Karate is going well and I really feel like I can actually get my orange belt this summer. I'm improving all the time, but I really need to work on my turns. If anyone is a practitioner of Sei Ren Kai and has ANY tips for how to turn in stance without destroying one's knees and ankles, I would LOVE to hear it. Specifically turning in kokutsu. Seriously, that stance is the devil.

Thinking about going to the beach tomorrow. We'll see. The water would be nice since it's like, a bajillion degrees. I might attempt to fry an egg on the sidewalk.

OH! There's a nest of baby robins outside my window. They're the cutest freaking things EVER. Except the momma. She doesn't like me. But the babies are cute. I've seen one, maybe two. Any ideas on what to call them?

Lately, I've been having a lot of really good talks with Jim. Not necessarily about anything bad or intense, but just...really good. I feel like I'm learning a lot about him as a person and we're growing closer. Which, considering how close we were before this whole dating thing is really awesome. But it's nice to sit down with friends and talk about just...anything. There aren't really boundaries, and the ones that are there are respected. More and more I'm realizing that I have a lot of friends I can do this with, but it's nice to be able to do it with a significant other. It makes me...happy. He's the Chief to my Cortana, as sappy as that is.

Song of the Day: When Will My Life Begin from the movie Tangled (which is an excellent movie and I highly recommend it to anyone)

Days till Birthday: 12

<3 Erin

Infinity

"Because nothing in this universe happens just once, Angela. Nothing. Infinity goes in both directions. There's no unique event, no singular moment." - Bones

And once again, I'm late. I think this is becoming a horrible trend. I really really need to get better about this...but the past couple days I've been laid up sick with a nasty cold.

This quote comes from one of my favorite TV shows, Bones, but it's true. The character speaking is comforting a friend who's afraid she's lost her only chance at love, and she says that line. It's brilliant because it's true. Nothing happens just once, no matter how incredible and fantastic it may seem. Slightly pessimistic, yes, but I like the idea that no matter what, we're always getting a second chance at everything we want. Be it love or a job or whatever.

My sister is out of high school! HOLY COW! Way to go Jess!

We ran the ten mile race on Monday. I was really proud because I was sick and it was hot as hell, but we finished! My time was one hour, forty two minutes and twenty seconds. That's a ten minute mile pace on average. Oh, and I totally beat my dad and my sister! If only by a few seconds, but that felt so good. Thanks so much to Ashlyn, Jim, and Bobert for coming and meeting me at the finish, despite the fact that I was sweaty and soaked from the fire hose.

Whoever had the idea to put a hose at the end of the race was a flipping genius.

My next big run will be the half marathon in July! I'm putting off training runs until I'm recovered from this cold, but then it's back to business. July is going to be JAM-PACKED. Hopefully going to the karate seminar in Boston, which will be so cool. Plus training to get my orange belt. Jim seems confident I can get it by the time summer is out, but now I'm not so sure. I feel like there's so much I need to know that I don't.

But summer is infinite right now! There's so much to do and it's all out there for me to do! Writing, knitting, working, playing on the beach...I'm so excited.

Lately I've hit writer's block. I know where my story is supposed to go, but getting there is being a pain. If anyone has an idea for killing writer's block, I'd love to hear it.

Also, special happy birthday shoutout to my roommate Amanda! Happy birthday lovely!

Song of the Day: Feel My Love by ADELE

Days till Birthday: 17

<3 Erin

Comprehensive

"First, I must tell you I've been the most unmitigated and comprehensive ass." - Mr. Bingley

Oh Pride and Prejudice. How I love this movie.

And once again, I'm late. I think I'll just move updates to Wednesdays since karate on Tuesdays and Thursdays completely throws me off.

OH, and speaking of karate, I've got a great story to tell. One of the students in class is a guy probably in his forties and a father of two. Nice guy, his heart is in the right place, but he can be kind of a chauvinist. Google that if you don't know what it means. At any rate, he can be kind of awkward when it comes to making comments about Jim and I, since we're in the same class and dating. So last night we were practicing self defense and I was having trouble putting on the arm bar (basically the position where it hurts your attacker and you can break the arm if need be) so Sensei was giving me some tips that I promptly practiced on Jim. Twas good times, we were all laughing and enjoying ourselves when this other student remarked something to the tune of "I'm afraid of what you two are going to do on your wedding night."

Cue jaws hitting floor, me turning bright red and wanting to sink into the floor, and Jim wanting to murder this other student.

Again, his heart is in the right place...but DUDE! Not okay. Jim spoke to him about it and hopefully that'll be the end of it. But it was...interesting to say the least.

On a happier note, there's a nest of robins outside my window! No babies that I can see, but I'm hopeful.

And on the good news track, I finally quit Steak 'n' Shake! After two years of hating it, I'm free! No more coming home smelling of shame and french fry oil, wanting to murder everyone there. This summer I'm working at Famous Footwear and I'm really enjoying myself so far. It's odd....am I supposed to enjoy my work? This is so new to me.

My sister is graduating on Saturday. It's wild...The last member of my family is graduating high school. She's headed off to Colorado for school in the fall, I'm headed back to U of I, and my brother is off to NIU. My parents are empty nesters! Holy cow! But it's weird. Only a few more years and I'll be graduating from college, making me (hopefully) the first one out of school.

Saw Clive yesterday. He almost flew into my face. Clive, way to be a total ass.

Oh, and my birthday is almost a month away! I'll no longer be a teenager! so many crazy changes...I've been on this planet almost two decades now! Wow!

Later today my friend Ashlyn is coming over. We're going to paint our nails and watch movies and draw probably. Grand times.

Song of the Day: King of Pride Rock by the Lion King Broadway cast

Days till Race: FIVE!

<3 Erin

A Little Further

"Go until it hurts. Then go a little further." - Master Stephen Dunne

My old karate master was particularly fond of this saying, especially when it came to stretching. Right now I totally know how he feels. Back to running since being sick and first time back at karate and WOW am I sore.

And tired. Which is why I've failed and made this a day late again.

But I'm home again! Busy still, but home again. I'm working at Famous Footwear and going in tomorrow to officially quit Steak 'n' Shake.

Honestly, I'm so tired and frusterated. Messed up my knitting, hit writers block....

I'm going to hope that I'll have more to talk about next Tuesday.

Song of the Day: Endless Night by The Lion King Broadway Cast

<3 Erin