Aside from the education, one thing I've taken away from having a masters and a half....is that formal education, in the form of an M.A., pretty much, doesn't mean all that much in the real world. or at least in the real world I'm set to enter. Except for the fact that you need to be in school in order to be eligible for most internships, most unpaid internships at that. This conundrum.
And I don't know. I'm not sure it means all that much to me either.
But maybe I can say this because I already have it, of course.
Versus a date. Now there's an accomplishment, kidding. Well, these days, not really.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Casual sex is great, if you have the emotional capacity for it. Tragically, I do not. Therefore, I find it pretty pointless.
As much as I try to fight it, I'm an old fashioned girl at heart.
Life is one big experiment. A series of never-ending rough drafts. Until you die.
I was just wondering today, if journalists handle rejection better than the regular population because I sure as hell have gotten rejected a lot lately. Apparently most humans have an issue with being on camera and/or giving me their last name.
Maybe, one day, I'll get lucky. That's all it seems to be sometimes.
As much as I try to fight it, I'm an old fashioned girl at heart.
Life is one big experiment. A series of never-ending rough drafts. Until you die.
I was just wondering today, if journalists handle rejection better than the regular population because I sure as hell have gotten rejected a lot lately. Apparently most humans have an issue with being on camera and/or giving me their last name.
Maybe, one day, I'll get lucky. That's all it seems to be sometimes.
Labels:
self-worth,
Summer,
Sundays,
The trivial
Friday, November 27, 2009
Not much has changed in 16 years.
on making time for many men, many many many men
me: "I HAVE TO WRITE A PAPER"
ang: "oh well, gotta live life first"
August 1992. Washington, D.C. On the National Mall.
This was the same day my mom bought me a snow cone from one of those street vendors, which were my favorite, and I accidentally dropped it and started to cry. I don't even know why, somehow I thought they were irreplaceable. But she got me another one. And then it started to pour. It was one of those storms that leaves as abruptly as it arrives. By the time we got to our car we were drenched. And I remember, after we got home and changed, we all went to Chuck E Cheese.
I had a pretty good childhood.
me: "I HAVE TO WRITE A PAPER"
ang: "oh well, gotta live life first"
August 1992. Washington, D.C. On the National Mall. This was the same day my mom bought me a snow cone from one of those street vendors, which were my favorite, and I accidentally dropped it and started to cry. I don't even know why, somehow I thought they were irreplaceable. But she got me another one. And then it started to pour. It was one of those storms that leaves as abruptly as it arrives. By the time we got to our car we were drenched. And I remember, after we got home and changed, we all went to Chuck E Cheese.
I had a pretty good childhood.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Along the same lines
I know I complain a lot. About graduate school, about the decisions I've made, about this course in life that I've chosen, about never making it.
But, at the end of the day, I don't regret a single choice I've ever made. And I'm incredibly thankful to be here today, where I am. Albeit stuck with hefty student loans and still living at home with the 'rents. But it's okay.
Because I'm thankful they're healthy. This time, 3 years ago, it was a terribly different story. And those months were hard. Really hard. And these days, my poor dad and his back. But he'll be fine.
And I'm thankful for everything I've been given, for the life my parents have given me and the opportunity they've allowed me in order to pursue my dreams. No, they haven't always been entirely supportive, in my decision to pursue writing, to pursue journalism to pursue another graduate program (YOU WILL BE POOR.), but they've always been my crutch.
So I still have a 25 page paper to write for my seminar class, and I'm aware life will only continue to get harder, but it's okay. If it weren't hard (that's what she said.), nothing would ever be worthwhile.
But, at the end of the day, I don't regret a single choice I've ever made. And I'm incredibly thankful to be here today, where I am. Albeit stuck with hefty student loans and still living at home with the 'rents. But it's okay.
Because I'm thankful they're healthy. This time, 3 years ago, it was a terribly different story. And those months were hard. Really hard. And these days, my poor dad and his back. But he'll be fine.
And I'm thankful for everything I've been given, for the life my parents have given me and the opportunity they've allowed me in order to pursue my dreams. No, they haven't always been entirely supportive, in my decision to pursue writing, to pursue journalism to pursue another graduate program (YOU WILL BE POOR.), but they've always been my crutch.
So I still have a 25 page paper to write for my seminar class, and I'm aware life will only continue to get harder, but it's okay. If it weren't hard (that's what she said.), nothing would ever be worthwhile.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Strangers
Sunday mornings, sweats in bed, stories missing. Bundled dreams, these lofty ideas, kept away. Will we ever make it out of this town.
Alicia Keys, Empire State of Mind solo.
Alicia Keys, Empire State of Mind solo.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
I just can't help myself
We were at One and One in East Village after dinner at Lucien, located next door. We started a dance party in the empty lower level of the bar.

By the end of the night I pretty much wanted to marry the DJ.
I couldn't tell if he was Black or Asian, but after awhile we figured he was Asian. His girlfriend or groupie or whoever, hung by him the whole night. She looked like one of those territorial bitchy girls. Hell, I don't even know the guy. But, there's something about the ability to wistfully think, what could be, with someone you know nothing about because there's no past, no present, no future. No dice, no weight, no loss.
Side note: Black guys are just so damn cute when they dance.

By the end of the night I pretty much wanted to marry the DJ.
I couldn't tell if he was Black or Asian, but after awhile we figured he was Asian. His girlfriend or groupie or whoever, hung by him the whole night. She looked like one of those territorial bitchy girls. Hell, I don't even know the guy. But, there's something about the ability to wistfully think, what could be, with someone you know nothing about because there's no past, no present, no future. No dice, no weight, no loss.
Side note: Black guys are just so damn cute when they dance.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
I received a phone call from this news guy this evening.
And the first thought that came to mind was, why didn't he email me?
As Paul Wall's oh girl is playing in the background.
I'd also just woken up from a nap, so pressing the stop button as we spoke didn't occur to me.
And afterwards, I thought how nice it was that someone actually called me.
hahaha. I don't mean that in a pathetic way, but you know. No one uses the damn phone anymore. And I kind of miss it. A lot.
And the first thought that came to mind was, why didn't he email me?
As Paul Wall's oh girl is playing in the background.
I'd also just woken up from a nap, so pressing the stop button as we spoke didn't occur to me.
And afterwards, I thought how nice it was that someone actually called me.
hahaha. I don't mean that in a pathetic way, but you know. No one uses the damn phone anymore. And I kind of miss it. A lot.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
At twenty-five, I'm learning there's no shortage of dreamers, but those who choose to pursue those dreams are few. And those who choose to muddle on in pursuit, even after time and trials fail, are even further between.
The former years.
The former years.
Monday, November 9, 2009
the difference between right and wrong
"They have been aware
That it is necessary
His statements ascribe
To ignorance
Malicious propaganda
They have been aware
The absurdity of his restraint
They have been aware
That it is necessary
To bring to an end
The present state of things
For their aims
Are the weapon of reaction"
"I never argue with people, because it's clear that they're not susceptible to reason. They believe what they do because they have a need to believe it." - Theodor Herzi
Beliefs on World War II aside. War doesn't define winners or losers, right or wrong, war merely defines the people who are left.
i'm listening to death cab again....
our youth is fleeting, old age is just around the bend, i can't wait to go gray, i'll sit and wonder of every love that could've been, if i'd only thought of something charming to say ---- this is the sound of settling.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Tough love
8:22:20 PM Lizzybabes163: we've all bee ntrhough it
8:22:24 PM Lizzybabes163: u gonna get use to it or what?
8:22:33 PM Lizzybabes163: thats hwat happens when u step into the real world
8:22:55 PM Lizzybabes163: u dont even need to be sad about boys
8:22:58 PM Lizzybabes163: that was so 2 days ago
8:23:02 PM Kim Ha: HAHAHHA
8:23:16 PM Lizzybabes163: so pack that shit up and move on
8:23:33 PM Kim Ha: thank you for the tough love
8:23:37 PM Kim Ha: COME OVER AND STUDY WITH ME
8:23:39 PM Kim Ha: at 9
8:23:45 PM Lizzybabes163: no
8:23:47 PM Lizzybabes163: you come here
8:23:57 PM Kim Ha: ugh i can't
8:23:57 PM Kim Ha: fine
8:23:59 PM Kim Ha: we'll do it tomorw
8:24:14 PM Lizzybabes163: well i cant either
8:24:18 PM Lizzybabes163: stop being a baby
8:24:22 PM Lizzybabes163: everyone gets rejected
8:24:35 PM Kim Ha: sigh
8:24:37 PM Kim Ha: okay
8:24:38 PM Kim Ha: thank you
8:24:42 PM Kim Ha: you saved me from going out and
8:24:45 PM Kim Ha: getting a tattoo
8:24:50 PM Lizzybabes163: drama queen
8:22:24 PM Lizzybabes163: u gonna get use to it or what?
8:22:33 PM Lizzybabes163: thats hwat happens when u step into the real world
8:22:55 PM Lizzybabes163: u dont even need to be sad about boys
8:22:58 PM Lizzybabes163: that was so 2 days ago
8:23:02 PM Kim Ha: HAHAHHA
8:23:16 PM Lizzybabes163: so pack that shit up and move on
8:23:33 PM Kim Ha: thank you for the tough love
8:23:37 PM Kim Ha: COME OVER AND STUDY WITH ME
8:23:39 PM Kim Ha: at 9
8:23:45 PM Lizzybabes163: no
8:23:47 PM Lizzybabes163: you come here
8:23:57 PM Kim Ha: ugh i can't
8:23:57 PM Kim Ha: fine
8:23:59 PM Kim Ha: we'll do it tomorw
8:24:14 PM Lizzybabes163: well i cant either
8:24:18 PM Lizzybabes163: stop being a baby
8:24:22 PM Lizzybabes163: everyone gets rejected
8:24:35 PM Kim Ha: sigh
8:24:37 PM Kim Ha: okay
8:24:38 PM Kim Ha: thank you
8:24:42 PM Kim Ha: you saved me from going out and
8:24:45 PM Kim Ha: getting a tattoo
8:24:50 PM Lizzybabes163: drama queen
Grow up, grow up, grow up.
Ah, but we never really grow up do we? We do, but we still make the same mistakes, just annotated versions. Life doesn't get any easier, it doesn't get any less complicated. Sometimes, the mistakes just get bigger. Yea, you get the tools, the experience to handle them better but.
I long for days gone by.
I long for days gone by.
Ah, but we never really grow up do we? We do, but we still make the same mistakes, just annotated versions. Life doesn't get any easier, it doesn't get any less complicated. Sometimes, the mistakes just get bigger. Yea, you get the tools, the experience to handle them better but.
I long for days gone by.
I long for days gone by.
remember when we were such fools, and so convinced, and just too cool
I guess, sometimes there's nothing more to say. When things get too complicated, too convoluted, words only make things worse. Sometimes you just have to deal with it, move on. Sometimes you have to let go. Sometimes you have to. Because that small window for when they did care is gone. When he'd call you up, that's right call you up and ask what was wrong.
I start things sometimes for sport. It's all for sport, you know. Because, life gets mundane sometimes. And then, it goes too far, and then I have to back track, but by then, it's too late.
I'm still trying to get off the board, considering you got off a long time ago.
I'm tired of these games I keep getting wrapped into.
I start things sometimes for sport. It's all for sport, you know. Because, life gets mundane sometimes. And then, it goes too far, and then I have to back track, but by then, it's too late.
I'm still trying to get off the board, considering you got off a long time ago.
I'm tired of these games I keep getting wrapped into.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Propriety in the written word
Some things you never write because it's evidence of who you are. Some things, you don't want evidence of.
Upon reading up on news organizations' recent amass of rules and regulations for social media Web sites, such as Facebook, Twitter and online blogs, I'm beginning to wonder what's going to happen if I ever get a job with a major news organization or rather, any news organization. I've logged 180 posts on this blog since I started it in January. I have another 669 entries on LiveJournal dating back to 2001. Not to mention, 889 comments posted and 781 comments received on that account. And, though I don't have active links to that journal anywhere, I don't intend on deleting my account. It'd be like deleting a file of memories.
Upon reading up on news organizations' recent amass of rules and regulations for social media Web sites, such as Facebook, Twitter and online blogs, I'm beginning to wonder what's going to happen if I ever get a job with a major news organization or rather, any news organization. I've logged 180 posts on this blog since I started it in January. I have another 669 entries on LiveJournal dating back to 2001. Not to mention, 889 comments posted and 781 comments received on that account. And, though I don't have active links to that journal anywhere, I don't intend on deleting my account. It'd be like deleting a file of memories.
Friday, November 6, 2009
missed connections via Roma, we slept in the station on our bags, it smelled like feet
A slew of red-eye flights out of Heathrow that summer. The days were unseasonably hot for London. Clear skies, mild rain. Skipping the tube and making our way home from St. Peter's Cathedral via Trafalger Square, through Piccadilly Circus and down Tottenhamcourt Road in the drizzle of a July night. We picked up strongbow and digestives at Tesco. You would've loved it.
"How big was he?" Because size does matter, unfortunately.
"Where are the decent men?" Because we're seldom satisfied by the selection of men who hang around.
"What's wrong with us?" Because really, what's wrong with us?
Girls nights are about wine and candor. About all things related to the opposite sex. How else are we supposed to figure where the line between normalcy and crazy falls? Therapy through strings of related experiences. Yes, crazy bitch moments are understandable. Yes, there's no such thing as a platonic friendship, no matter what you believe. Yes, she fucked him, again. Yes, she stayed in an abusive relationship. Yes, for her, sex was just sex, but for her, it wasn't. Yes, she hooked up with a man who was taken. Yes, some guys are assholes. No, it doesn't have to be that complicated. Yes, love is blind.
"He ruined sex for me."
The thought occurred to me for the first time tonight.
I don't know what it was.
In retrospect, you mattered a hell of a lot more than I ever admitted.
"How big was he?" Because size does matter, unfortunately.
"Where are the decent men?" Because we're seldom satisfied by the selection of men who hang around.
"What's wrong with us?" Because really, what's wrong with us?
Girls nights are about wine and candor. About all things related to the opposite sex. How else are we supposed to figure where the line between normalcy and crazy falls? Therapy through strings of related experiences. Yes, crazy bitch moments are understandable. Yes, there's no such thing as a platonic friendship, no matter what you believe. Yes, she fucked him, again. Yes, she stayed in an abusive relationship. Yes, for her, sex was just sex, but for her, it wasn't. Yes, she hooked up with a man who was taken. Yes, some guys are assholes. No, it doesn't have to be that complicated. Yes, love is blind.
"He ruined sex for me."
The thought occurred to me for the first time tonight.
I don't know what it was.
In retrospect, you mattered a hell of a lot more than I ever admitted.
Labels:
candor,
Love,
self-worth,
The trivial
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Ode to Mike Ordonez
For coining "kimchiha". 3rd year, as UVAers called it, when I spent weekends running away to endless beer pong games, late night karaoke, Marco and Luca's, flip cup and lovely morning afters. Their apartment was always a disgusting mess, but in the morning, I always felt like I was waking up by the beach. Odd, I know.
And life has never been the same. I'm glad I met you.

Some people are just meant to be kept.
And life has never been the same. I'm glad I met you.

Some people are just meant to be kept.
Monday, November 2, 2009
City love
Had dinner next door at it's sister restaurant Eatonville which boasts southern comfort food, exquisite decor, murals splashed against the walls and chandeliers hang from the ceiling. Eatonville is an ode to the small Florida town in Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God, which I had to read in high school and in college. I'm still not quite sure how I feel about the novel. Hurston's quote covers the wall on the right as you enter. It's a damn good quote.
I had the cajun mushroom loaf. Though I was hesitant about the whole idea of a mushroom meatloaf minus the meat, it was delish.
Love it.
Places like these make me romanticize life in the city.
the lonely bean
British Claire, digger of baby bones and disher of marvelous wit keeps a vegan food blog. Now I usually equate 'vegan' with bland and boring, but she's real good. Half the time I think I'm eating meat and it's some kind of wonderful substitute that ain't half bad. If I had time to cook, I'd try everything here. One of these days.

[The Lonely Bean]

[The Lonely Bean]
Sunday, November 1, 2009
sweetness never suits me.
"I think i could make an exception this one time."
"How gracious of you."
"I do try sir."
"How gracious of you."
"I do try sir."
Monday, October 26, 2009
Paper planes
You'd asked me to go to the airport with you, and I'd turned you down. It was an hour away, and you were afraid you'd fall asleep. It was 2 a.m. I wasn't jumping at the chance because then, you were you, and it wasn't a big deal.
But really, with my obsession with airports. What was I thinking?
Note to self: Make the mistake first. Fix it later. Action versus inaction.
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons. "100,000 Paper Planes and Melodies Over Monroe" at the 2009 ArtPrize Paper Plane Event in Grand Rapids, MI.
More than 20,000 artists gathered in the crux of the city as Monroe Avenue was shut down on September 27th. 100,000 paper airplanes were released from the rooftops of 6 major buildings as 20,000 musicians of all walks played a single melody. I know this event happened far far away from our fair city, but it was too cool not to write about.
But really, with my obsession with airports. What was I thinking?
Note to self: Make the mistake first. Fix it later. Action versus inaction.
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons. "100,000 Paper Planes and Melodies Over Monroe" at the 2009 ArtPrize Paper Plane Event in Grand Rapids, MI.More than 20,000 artists gathered in the crux of the city as Monroe Avenue was shut down on September 27th. 100,000 paper airplanes were released from the rooftops of 6 major buildings as 20,000 musicians of all walks played a single melody. I know this event happened far far away from our fair city, but it was too cool not to write about.
rough draft: so how do you play the game?
Do you want to hang out later? She'd texted him as they were waiting in the car at the airport terminal. She didn't know where she was going with it, but she'd had a few drinks.
Sure, he'd said.
That was how the end began.
She never used to ask, she'd just come over, plop down on his futon and they'd watch movies. He could never watch them alone. She didn't like watching movies alone either. She was easily distracted. She didn't know him well then. But he had a lot of free time that summer and so did she.
Come to the airport with me, he said.
What? It's 2 a.m. Why?
I have to take my mom.
Isn't that going to be awkward?
She secretly loved the idea of meeting his mom. Even though mothers never seemed to take to her. She was better with fathers.
...
She had had a feeling he liked her, and she was hardly ever wrong. So she toyed with the idea, and then she found herself wondering what it'd be like. It was one of those things.
"----
I walked by your room earlier this evening, and I paused. I'd heard your room was still unlocked. You'd left sheets on your bed, some old clothes folded, and your keys laid on your desk. Your keys. I, I had my keys together as I was walking around the city today, and I had them in my hand, and out of nervous habit I started flipping them with my fingers, in my hands, and it was the same sound, the way we always knew who was entering the kitchen, or the stairway because you always had those keys in your hands. You had this ocd habit of locking your door every time you left the room. And now you're gone, and your room, it still smells of you, the door's not locked. You're not there anymore.
....
He was from Edmonton, a small suburb outside Oklahoma City. She found herself toying with the idea of moving to middle America. Living in a town where life was paced, where people had down time, where kids had bonfires, and everyone really knew everyone and weekends were spent boating on the lake or fishing in the middle of the night. It was a nice idea.
....
They were all perfectly wrong. Living embodiments of the idea of perfection in imperfection. They were all a part of the game. A series of overlapping realities, from careless banter to sex that meant more than nothing. Eventually, it was all fucked.
Sure, he'd said.
That was how the end began.
She never used to ask, she'd just come over, plop down on his futon and they'd watch movies. He could never watch them alone. She didn't like watching movies alone either. She was easily distracted. She didn't know him well then. But he had a lot of free time that summer and so did she.
Come to the airport with me, he said.
What? It's 2 a.m. Why?
I have to take my mom.
Isn't that going to be awkward?
She secretly loved the idea of meeting his mom. Even though mothers never seemed to take to her. She was better with fathers.
...
She had had a feeling he liked her, and she was hardly ever wrong. So she toyed with the idea, and then she found herself wondering what it'd be like. It was one of those things.
"----
I walked by your room earlier this evening, and I paused. I'd heard your room was still unlocked. You'd left sheets on your bed, some old clothes folded, and your keys laid on your desk. Your keys. I, I had my keys together as I was walking around the city today, and I had them in my hand, and out of nervous habit I started flipping them with my fingers, in my hands, and it was the same sound, the way we always knew who was entering the kitchen, or the stairway because you always had those keys in your hands. You had this ocd habit of locking your door every time you left the room. And now you're gone, and your room, it still smells of you, the door's not locked. You're not there anymore.
....
He was from Edmonton, a small suburb outside Oklahoma City. She found herself toying with the idea of moving to middle America. Living in a town where life was paced, where people had down time, where kids had bonfires, and everyone really knew everyone and weekends were spent boating on the lake or fishing in the middle of the night. It was a nice idea.
....
They were all perfectly wrong. Living embodiments of the idea of perfection in imperfection. They were all a part of the game. A series of overlapping realities, from careless banter to sex that meant more than nothing. Eventually, it was all fucked.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
So if I'm merely acquainted with someone or if I've never met them I TRY not to stalk them around the internet because then I form this opinion of them when I don't even really know them. And generally you cannot form a realistic opinion of someone based solely on their online profile. It just doesn't work.
I've signed up for Date Lab on Washington Post.com out of boredom and I've half made match.com profiles that no longer exist. And the other night I fiddled on OKCupid, but got bored real quick.
And then I thought, doesn't anyone form relationships organically anymore?
It's really sad.
Even though my opinion of online dating sites has altered over the years; they're not filled with total weirdos. I think, aside from the fact that match.com makes you pay some absurd amount. I think I will refrain, not because I don't feel that desperate. But because shit, I kind of like it the organic way. Like in real life, over a random passing or who knows. But you know.
Maybe I'm a bit old school here.
And I'm not just ragging on online dating.
As organic food is healthier for you, I think organic relationships may suit me better.
I've signed up for Date Lab on Washington Post.com out of boredom and I've half made match.com profiles that no longer exist. And the other night I fiddled on OKCupid, but got bored real quick.
And then I thought, doesn't anyone form relationships organically anymore?
It's really sad.
Even though my opinion of online dating sites has altered over the years; they're not filled with total weirdos. I think, aside from the fact that match.com makes you pay some absurd amount. I think I will refrain, not because I don't feel that desperate. But because shit, I kind of like it the organic way. Like in real life, over a random passing or who knows. But you know.
Maybe I'm a bit old school here.
And I'm not just ragging on online dating.
As organic food is healthier for you, I think organic relationships may suit me better.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
getting off the great mope train.
I went out to Josephine's last night for Ray's birthday despite having a 9 a.m. final exam this morning. I didn't drink, and I still had a damn good time. I think I may cut back on the alcohol. I hate the feeling of getting wasted for the sake of getting wasted. Then having to wake up to nurse a hangover. Nothing about it seems attractive anymore. My former self of 4 months ago would beg to differ, but I guess it's different when you're running through the streets of Florence in the pouring rain, by the most beautiful piazza in the whole damn world. Who has to worry about real life then?
We left at 2 a.m. and I passed out around 3 a.m. Woke up this morning at 8 a.m. and headed back into the city.
And you know, this morning was the first time I've thought, today is marvelous, in awhile. Lackluster has accounted for most of the past few months; men who were around, who were just around because I was that bored.
But maybe this city isn't a lost cause.
We left at 2 a.m. and I passed out around 3 a.m. Woke up this morning at 8 a.m. and headed back into the city.
And you know, this morning was the first time I've thought, today is marvelous, in awhile. Lackluster has accounted for most of the past few months; men who were around, who were just around because I was that bored.
But maybe this city isn't a lost cause.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Feinberg chronicles the grittier side of dreams
Blaze Starr at the Plaza on New York Avenue & 14th Street, N.W.: Photo by Paul Feinberg, Another WashingtonTuesday mornings are spent in production for the American Observer. In the future, my wrinkles and stress lines will be traced back to this time.
Labels:
American Observer,
Another Washington,
Paul Feinberg
Monday, October 19, 2009
One evening
It's an old song, but I heard it for the first time in Claire's UCL dorm last January. It was one of those cold London mornings, and I was getting ready for the day, and it came on shuffle. And it reminded me of one of those evenings, getting ready for a date with a new man, over dinner, or drinks in a pub, dim light, candlelight, one of those stories that just has this great potential to end terribly, but for awhile, in the beginning, it's something worthwhile.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Ode to Claire
11:11:14 PM Claire Metcalfe: i came up with the best halloween costume the other day
11:11:16 PM Claire Metcalfe: so good
11:12:17 PM Kim Ha: CLAIRE
11:12:21 PM Claire Metcalfe: what
11:12:24 PM Kim Ha: you jsut gave me a list of HEALTHY 20 CALORIE THINGS
11:12:26 PM Kim Ha: OLIVES
11:12:29 PM Kim Ha: saLAD
11:12:30 PM Kim Ha: CHESTNUTS
11:12:35 PM Claire Metcalfe: crisps.................
11:12:38 PM Claire Metcalfe: a lot of them
11:12:42 PM Kim Ha: leaves and sticksss
11:12:45 PM Kim Ha: what is the halloween costume
11:12:47 PM Claire Metcalfe: biscuit.. those buttery things
11:12:51 PM Claire Metcalfe: ice cream
11:12:54 PM Claire Metcalfe: but moving on
11:13:06 PM Claire Metcalfe: at least there was no alcohol
11:13:16 PM Claire Metcalfe: the PIED PIPER!!!
11:13:30 PM Claire Metcalfe: im going to attach rats on fishing wire to me
11:13:32 PM Claire Metcalfe: fake rats
11:13:43 PM Claire Metcalfe: so they trail behind me when i walk
11:14:45 PM Claire Metcalfe: and also i was thinking of dessing bosco up as a rat too
and have him follow me
Exactly why our friendship has lasted so long.
11:11:16 PM Claire Metcalfe: so good
11:12:17 PM Kim Ha: CLAIRE
11:12:21 PM Claire Metcalfe: what
11:12:24 PM Kim Ha: you jsut gave me a list of HEALTHY 20 CALORIE THINGS
11:12:26 PM Kim Ha: OLIVES
11:12:29 PM Kim Ha: saLAD
11:12:30 PM Kim Ha: CHESTNUTS
11:12:35 PM Claire Metcalfe: crisps.................
11:12:38 PM Claire Metcalfe: a lot of them
11:12:42 PM Kim Ha: leaves and sticksss
11:12:45 PM Kim Ha: what is the halloween costume
11:12:47 PM Claire Metcalfe: biscuit.. those buttery things
11:12:51 PM Claire Metcalfe: ice cream
11:12:54 PM Claire Metcalfe: but moving on
11:13:06 PM Claire Metcalfe: at least there was no alcohol
11:13:16 PM Claire Metcalfe: the PIED PIPER!!!
11:13:30 PM Claire Metcalfe: im going to attach rats on fishing wire to me
11:13:32 PM Claire Metcalfe: fake rats
11:13:43 PM Claire Metcalfe: so they trail behind me when i walk
11:14:45 PM Claire Metcalfe: and also i was thinking of dessing bosco up as a rat too
and have him follow me
Exactly why our friendship has lasted so long.
New York, I love you
I've tried watching Paris, Je t'aime twice and both times I got distracted. Anyway, I want to see this flick.
And I want to live in NYC or LA for a time after graduation. Though I've never had a desire for either city, in fact I've never even taken to either very much, ever since I got back from Florence, I don't know, something's changed. We'll see where I end up a year from now. I'm just restless here. I've spent my entire life here. That's probably all this city will ever be to me, home.
You know I'm just going to break your heart
I don't know what it is about these days. I'm tired of all things related to the opposite sex. I'm tired of dating, I'm tired of looking, I'm tired of trying to get over it, I'm just over it.
I don't have the energy.
And is it weird that I just want to sit at a bar, or in a cafe over a cup of coffee with an old friend and conversate? I'm not looking for an easy hook up. I'm really not looking for any hook up. I just want to go back to the days when it was simpler. When it was all talk and banter and nothing else ever went into play. Just old friends over coffee.
It seems comforting.
As much as I'm anti-institution of marriage. Weddings make me cry. I'm one of those. And last night we were at this girl's bachelorette party. I don't know her, but I'm figuring she's found someone she's excited to spend the rest of her life with.
Now that's deep. Probably the only deep thing in this world. That's a long time.
And I keep looking at your pictures on your facebook. I don't know what the hell it is. I screwed you over, and here I am wondering. I know it's just the whole idea that I'm so enthralled with. That someone could want to be with me to that degree, and I threw it away. Because I didn't want it. Well, fuck, what if no one ever comes around like that again? And my friends keep telling me my problem is this fear of commitment, running away when anyone gets too close, and though I'll admit to it. On the other end, it's not like I've ever been met on the other side of this string.
Sigh. It's one of those Sundays.
Where you wake up and wonder why you drunk texted the people that you did.
I miss talking with you. That's really it.
And maybe it's because I have no other distraction right now and I'm incredibly bored. or maybe it's because once upon a time, you mattered. And I hate losing touch.
I don't have the energy.
And is it weird that I just want to sit at a bar, or in a cafe over a cup of coffee with an old friend and conversate? I'm not looking for an easy hook up. I'm really not looking for any hook up. I just want to go back to the days when it was simpler. When it was all talk and banter and nothing else ever went into play. Just old friends over coffee.
It seems comforting.
As much as I'm anti-institution of marriage. Weddings make me cry. I'm one of those. And last night we were at this girl's bachelorette party. I don't know her, but I'm figuring she's found someone she's excited to spend the rest of her life with.
Now that's deep. Probably the only deep thing in this world. That's a long time.
And I keep looking at your pictures on your facebook. I don't know what the hell it is. I screwed you over, and here I am wondering. I know it's just the whole idea that I'm so enthralled with. That someone could want to be with me to that degree, and I threw it away. Because I didn't want it. Well, fuck, what if no one ever comes around like that again? And my friends keep telling me my problem is this fear of commitment, running away when anyone gets too close, and though I'll admit to it. On the other end, it's not like I've ever been met on the other side of this string.
Sigh. It's one of those Sundays.
Where you wake up and wonder why you drunk texted the people that you did.
I miss talking with you. That's really it.
And maybe it's because I have no other distraction right now and I'm incredibly bored. or maybe it's because once upon a time, you mattered. And I hate losing touch.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
I don't know what it is about death and accidents that make us slow down our all too busy lives to watch the events as they've unfolded. I mean, when there's a car accident, I'm one of the people along with every single other person on that road that has to slow down and look.
So when I hear about people who've died, sometimes I'll go read their journals or their Facebook pages. That's right, I stalk down complete strangers who are no longer even alive. I don't know why really. And then I read what their loved ones say about them. And then sometimes, weeks, months, even years after the fact, I'll go back and check up to see how their loved ones are faring.
I know it's weird. And of course I don't do this with every single person who's died that awakens my curiosity. But it happens.
So when I hear about people who've died, sometimes I'll go read their journals or their Facebook pages. That's right, I stalk down complete strangers who are no longer even alive. I don't know why really. And then I read what their loved ones say about them. And then sometimes, weeks, months, even years after the fact, I'll go back and check up to see how their loved ones are faring.
I know it's weird. And of course I don't do this with every single person who's died that awakens my curiosity. But it happens.
maybe we'll make something out of this life
I'm stubborn. You told me that once. I can't remember what we were talking about, but you just said it and I thought, no one's ever really said that to me in that way, except for my mother. And somehow it got you a point in my book.
I don't like being told what to do, and these days I'm cranky to a fault. In our Observer class the other day, the class where we produce our online magazine, the professor asked us if we saw ourselves in positions of leadership. I mean, we all chose to invest our time and money into this program, so it must mean we're setting ourselves up for bigger things, right? And all this time, I had thought, I was just trying to set myself up for a job. But then, I guess it makes sense. All this time I've been freaking out about ending up in a real cardboard box on the street somewhere because all of these degrees hanging in their frames on the walls don't really seem to mean anything in the real world. But then I thought about it, apparently only 26 percent of Americans actually receive a degree higher than high school diploma. Well damn, if I'm only competing against 26 percent of Americans - probably less, since I have even more than that, then why the hell does it seem so impossible?
Anyway, point being, my professor asked me directly and I responded with a hesitant answer. I mean, shit, if I ever get into some position of leadership, it would've been beyond what I ever foresaw. But afterward, I found myself thinking, it may be the only way to go, since I have this thing about control.
And I'm consistently paranoid about miss-perception. Years ago, before the age set in, I was always just this nice girl. And these days, I fear people meet me and think I'm unfriendly, stuck up or hostile. I always wanted to be one of those people that you meet and you instantly get that good feeling about. Sadly, my inward feelings of awkwardness and shyness have had this tendency of giving off a not so friendly vibe.
Sigh.
That's pretty much my one word reply to life at the moment.
Oh yea, I turned 25 last week.
I don't like being told what to do, and these days I'm cranky to a fault. In our Observer class the other day, the class where we produce our online magazine, the professor asked us if we saw ourselves in positions of leadership. I mean, we all chose to invest our time and money into this program, so it must mean we're setting ourselves up for bigger things, right? And all this time, I had thought, I was just trying to set myself up for a job. But then, I guess it makes sense. All this time I've been freaking out about ending up in a real cardboard box on the street somewhere because all of these degrees hanging in their frames on the walls don't really seem to mean anything in the real world. But then I thought about it, apparently only 26 percent of Americans actually receive a degree higher than high school diploma. Well damn, if I'm only competing against 26 percent of Americans - probably less, since I have even more than that, then why the hell does it seem so impossible?
Anyway, point being, my professor asked me directly and I responded with a hesitant answer. I mean, shit, if I ever get into some position of leadership, it would've been beyond what I ever foresaw. But afterward, I found myself thinking, it may be the only way to go, since I have this thing about control.
And I'm consistently paranoid about miss-perception. Years ago, before the age set in, I was always just this nice girl. And these days, I fear people meet me and think I'm unfriendly, stuck up or hostile. I always wanted to be one of those people that you meet and you instantly get that good feeling about. Sadly, my inward feelings of awkwardness and shyness have had this tendency of giving off a not so friendly vibe.
Sigh.
That's pretty much my one word reply to life at the moment.
Oh yea, I turned 25 last week.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
I always wanted to do something big with my life. Write a book or something. Be a part of something big. And dedicate it to my parents.
I'll probably never get there.
You think, you've experienced your highest highs and your lowest lows and then you've got the every day muddle, the way it feels, every day. And you wonder if this is what the rest of your life is just going to feel like?
Friday, September 25, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Red eye flights across Europe
Beyonce's Halo remind me of flights across eastern Europe. I developed a fear of flying last year, simply because I figured with all the flights I'd been taking, my odds of dying were higher. The only comfort I took was listening to music as the plane would take off.
I can't remember the last time I hated week days so much. And then I thought, this is what it's like. To wait for the weeks to pass so you can reach the weekends and the holidays. And then I thought, life shouldn't be like this. Because when it's good, when it's really good, you don't want any days to pass any faster than they do.
I'm not sure if it's sad or what. I used to romanticize airports. When I was younger, I used to love flying. I even liked airplane food, but then again, the food probably was better in those days. And now though I still love everything that they represent, I equate travel to my fear of losing this life.
Getting older never fared well with me.
I can't remember the last time I hated week days so much. And then I thought, this is what it's like. To wait for the weeks to pass so you can reach the weekends and the holidays. And then I thought, life shouldn't be like this. Because when it's good, when it's really good, you don't want any days to pass any faster than they do.
I'm not sure if it's sad or what. I used to romanticize airports. When I was younger, I used to love flying. I even liked airplane food, but then again, the food probably was better in those days. And now though I still love everything that they represent, I equate travel to my fear of losing this life.
Getting older never fared well with me.
Labels:
Italia,
Red Eye Flights,
the european union
Monday, September 21, 2009
Taking only what you need from it
We were sitting outside this coffee shop in Vienna yesterday. Jammin Java has the best cappuccino I've had since Italy.
But we were nonchalantly talking about death. And Angela and I wondered, what if one of us passed, how would we want our friends to mourn. What would we want out of them. And it was odd because it was just as if we were discussing any other topic because of course, we didn't really think that any one of us would pass any time in the near future. But we've also never really had this conversation before.
We're not old, but we are pretty much grown. As much as we'd hate to admit it, as much as our lives beg to differ from a real grown ups. or the usual definition anyway.
And at this time, mortality starts to get realer.
People die. And I will lose a friend or a parent or a relative one of these days, or I may go. And though we'll never be able to prepare ourselves for it, it's terrifying that this is what real life is about.
But we were nonchalantly talking about death. And Angela and I wondered, what if one of us passed, how would we want our friends to mourn. What would we want out of them. And it was odd because it was just as if we were discussing any other topic because of course, we didn't really think that any one of us would pass any time in the near future. But we've also never really had this conversation before.
We're not old, but we are pretty much grown. As much as we'd hate to admit it, as much as our lives beg to differ from a real grown ups. or the usual definition anyway.
And at this time, mortality starts to get realer.
People die. And I will lose a friend or a parent or a relative one of these days, or I may go. And though we'll never be able to prepare ourselves for it, it's terrifying that this is what real life is about.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
"What if we got everything we ever wanted," she asked.
I'm a walking archive of past conversations, e-mails, photographs, videos. Conversation in fits of anger, photographs in moments of unbearable laughter, videos bringing back heartache.
I'm getting off the board after this last round, accepting defeat.
Thanks for playing.
I'm getting off the board after this last round, accepting defeat.
Thanks for playing.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Friday, September 4, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
Static silouhettes
I returned to the states this past June 29.
My body has hated me ever since.
July saw three weeks late.
August is almost over and again I'm almost three weeks late.
I've spent the past two months trying to get off that high.
That high I had, purely on life.
How do you go back to living a life so ordinary, when it wasn't that way for so long?
And how come, I've spent most of my adolescent and young adult years yearning to be anywhere but here. I love this city, this city is my home, but I can't quite get to that point of all right here. And I still have never figured out why this is the case.
My body has hated me ever since.
July saw three weeks late.
August is almost over and again I'm almost three weeks late.
I've spent the past two months trying to get off that high.
That high I had, purely on life.
How do you go back to living a life so ordinary, when it wasn't that way for so long?
And how come, I've spent most of my adolescent and young adult years yearning to be anywhere but here. I love this city, this city is my home, but I can't quite get to that point of all right here. And I still have never figured out why this is the case.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
So another close call. And I guess we never really learn from our mistakes, do we? Or maybe it's just me. Who knows. A lot of things I'm not sure of lately.
Such as graduate school part II.
Last year, I said, all of it had to be for something, and at the end it was. It was more than something.
So I guess round two will produce something different, still of worth, just different.
Had some girl time over at Angela's tonight. We were saying goodbye, sitting around, five of us on her bed, gossiping, laughing, same shit we've been doing for a decade now. And it never gets old, and we're always saying goodbyes, and even now, we've still got things to figure out.
Tuesday marks the one year anniversary since I left this city for Florence.
I hope I don't do anything too drastic.
Such as graduate school part II.
Last year, I said, all of it had to be for something, and at the end it was. It was more than something.
So I guess round two will produce something different, still of worth, just different.
Had some girl time over at Angela's tonight. We were saying goodbye, sitting around, five of us on her bed, gossiping, laughing, same shit we've been doing for a decade now. And it never gets old, and we're always saying goodbyes, and even now, we've still got things to figure out.
Tuesday marks the one year anniversary since I left this city for Florence.
I hope I don't do anything too drastic.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
"Girls feel emotions strongly," he said.
She said, from reading my blog that my love life, or rather lack thereof, makes hers seem not so bad.
You once said, my writing read so honestly that it didn't come off as pathetic.
But really, I'm aware I do come off somewhat tragic. I like to say it's merely the diction. That we're all pretty much the same. But who knows.
So perhaps, in calling you tragically pathetic the other day, I probably subscribe to the same dosage.
And why is it that the thought of men in this moment makes me want to throw up and or cry.
And why is this happening.
And I've been doing this for so long now.
I've been playing this game for 6 years and counting and I'm so fucking sick of it.
Real life is not sex and the city.
And why is it that it took to this point for you to give me any reply at all?
And when did you lose your respect for me?
And when did it all become just such a bunch of bullshit.
That's what I'd like to know tonight.
You once said, my writing read so honestly that it didn't come off as pathetic.
But really, I'm aware I do come off somewhat tragic. I like to say it's merely the diction. That we're all pretty much the same. But who knows.
So perhaps, in calling you tragically pathetic the other day, I probably subscribe to the same dosage.
And why is it that the thought of men in this moment makes me want to throw up and or cry.
And why is this happening.
And I've been doing this for so long now.
I've been playing this game for 6 years and counting and I'm so fucking sick of it.
Real life is not sex and the city.
And why is it that it took to this point for you to give me any reply at all?
And when did you lose your respect for me?
And when did it all become just such a bunch of bullshit.
That's what I'd like to know tonight.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
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