I'm off to get myself some new glasses, hopefully really styling.
My roommate was up at like, 6am this morning and since I left my door open I heard her moving around. Not annoying, but surprising. All the times I've been up at that time since moving in and not a peep from her side of the apartment. She's an interesting person, that's for sure.
I've got another statistics test coming up, so I'll be studying to beat heck this weekend, especially so on Monday I can pretend like I know everything and help out my friend Tamara by studying with her on Monday evening.

OK, wow. Now what do I do?

Yay birthday:)!!
The plan is dinner tonight w/ my family and my friend Akiko, and tomorrow is Salsa dancing with friends. Yay fun times! I miss all you out there in Kansas today!

Currently Reading
The Encyclopedia of Ecotourism (Cabi Publishing)

Peace Corps application?
Submitted!!!!!!!!
(And I got an inverview with alt. breaks for the Panama trip!)

Currently Watching
Gilmore Girls - The Complete First Season
By Lauren Graham

Friday Afternoon Club...
I walked in the door, FAC hadn't even started yet, but people were milling around b/c a ceremony for induction of some leaders in apartment life into ILUHAC (or something) and not a minute after entering I run into James and Amy who both mention that I ought to come country dancing with them that night. Discussion ensues during which the other 2/3rds of the Trio (as James, Erik and Rob will now be called) show up and begin harrassing me to come as well. They finally get tired, I finally extract myself and Elliot shows up and convinces me to eat some of the leftover goodies. I get introduced to some more people unsuccessfully and head to my room, but not before Elliott invites me to the opera put on my CSU Music Dept. that night. To continue... FAC actually starts, I get free Subway for dinner and mill around once I've finally put my backpack in my room (maybe 45 minutes after arriving home). A little speech about Ramadan was very interesting, I tried a date and then started chatting with Onur (from Turkey). THEN! Marlies from my department shows up (she's from the Netherlands) which was great because she's so nice and actually my age. We all chat together about Turkish weddings (3 days long) and then I get invited out to some korean guy's birthday party by Marlies and Onur. I decline b/c really, all I wanted to do that night was watch 'Crash' after FAC being shown by another really nice gal, Veronica (El Salvador). The movie was great. You should see it if you have't already. Apparently McDonald's now rents movies for a buck and amazingly has movies such as Crash (where Veronica got hers). Then after the movie I was chatting with Veronica who introduced me to Nasr (Egypt) who introduced me to Tim. The night ended with Tim, Nasr, Amy and I going out for coffee at Alley Cat and playing chess till 1am when Nasr and Tim suggested going to Black Jack for an extra large pizza, which Amy and I declined and then I finally got to go to bed. All this and I've only been here 3 weeks.
So. I am completely amazed at the people who live here and associate with I-House and apartment life. I am amazed at myself handling it so well. This is probably the greatest place I have lived ever. I loved the hall, I still love the hall and really miss all my good friends and the fun atmosphere. I miss having amazing roomies (mine is somewhat reclusive), but this is better. I'm learning how to interact with a more diverse group of people (including the fact that there are now men in the picture as opposed to an all girls hall) than I have ever had to before. This, this my friends is good.

Currently Listening
Tuck Everlasting

Yeah, last night was interesting. The standing joke going around the group of people now is that I am Elliot's (my community coordinator) wife. It all came about because Elliot was introducing me to someone new who misunderstood what he said and thought he said "my wife Heather" or something. So Elliot thought that was really funny but we cleared that up. But then Rob comes in (he's this crazy 6'5" redhead) and Elliot asks him if he's met me, his wife. So Rob can't let go of this, and he is a somewhat hyperactive kind of guy with a talent for taking things farther than they should be taken. I left to go do homework when he started discussing moving our twin beds together. Sheesh. Then today at the Wholistic Health Fair Rob brought it up again when Elliot entered the room.
Is this some sort of new resident hazing initiation? Should I have anticipated that upon falling into the group of guys that I did that poor young, pretty Heather would be teased? dunno. It's funny, to a point. And when that point comes I either leave or ignore the comments or start sassing back... probably what they're looking for.
In any case, the guys are fun... not lifelong friends (though Elliot is a possibility, he's pretty laid back, not a drinker, deep...) but someone that I know goes to Sullivan's every Wednesday night so I can get some socializing and pool in.
I think I'm beginning to react better in social situations that normally I would have not enjoyed... namely being around a lot of new people, and a lot of them being male. Mainly the new aquaintances are: Elliot, James, Rob, Eric, Amy, Shu and Nina. Amy is who I may go salsa dancing with, she's one of the managers of I-House.
Also very important: I will be writing a grant proposal for EPA provided Environmental Education Grants! It's still the same idea: creating training/instructional videos for protected area managers to use in training tour guides and interpreters (of nature, not language). I'm excited because I can learn about grant writing, and also beause if it all works out well, I may be funded next Fall and then when I come back from PC for my final semester I could still be funded. My department couldn't get any better. Every professor, it seems, interacts with the other professors, comes up with crazy projects to pair together two people you wouldn't have expected, and look for ways to support and encourage their graduate students. Maybe it's just Stu. I know he's who wanted me to write the grant, and with Tamara (another student he advises who I hang out with lots since all our classes are together) he got her some funding for the rest of this semester. Stu rocks.
I'm going to bed... I might or might not finish reading up on this EPA Grant from the Federal Register.
Wish me luck!

WOO! I've been invited out by some new people here at the I-House:) It didn't take too long either, I just met them last Wednesday and now tonight at another free soup night I was invited out. I'm not staying too long b/c I have some tarea, but it's just across the street so not far to travel. Yay potential friends!

I finally went swimming yesterday morning. It felt nice but I am definetly out of shape. Panting and swimming don't go well together;)This morning I read a testimonial type statement at the Girl Scout fundrasing breakfast. Kinda scary with most of the people in the room being super important rich people from Fort Collins. Even a newscaster from channel 7 was there! He was pretty nice.
I'm tired, and off to work!

Hey! That is too bad about Naomi. I hope her job allows her to remain there if she wants to stay there...it's scary to think about moving to an area like that, but it doesn't occur often and the chances of it happening again in the next like 7 years aren't good. Anyway, I'd love to meet her sometime! Also, we visited 2 schools (UT Southwestern and Baylor College of Medicine)- crazy goof, did you read my entry? :) I miss you!!
Posted 10/18/2005 11:48 AM by steph421

Oh yeah, and sorry to say, we were eating fish :( haha It did occur to me after we ordered it was rather ironic. It wasn't those types of fish though. They were cool tropical fish.
Posted 10/18/2005 11:49 AM by steph421

Currently Reading

Earth Prayers From around the World: 365 Prayers, Poems, and Invocations for Honoring the Earth

By Elizabeth Roberts

Were I still in Kansas at KU, I'd be on Fall Break right now. It is very needed. I guess my own mini Fall Break is not having to do the Teen Advisor Training for GS on Sunday (3 hours + prep time!) because only 2 people are registered. I have a paper on the state of ecotourism in the Galapagos to write and suddently don't remember how this whole paper writing/research thing goes. Urhg.
Sam is coming home this weekend and we'll do a family movie night tomorrow and go see the new Wallace and Grommit movie (*cheese!*).
Saturday I work with Brian and Kenn at the Fort Collins Museum on some LSOP funtimes. I'm presenting on sound... how sound is a wave bouncing around in an instrument... blah blah. Anyways, I'm having kids make their own amplification cones for a record player we got to play old 78s. And Brian pulled out his antique Victrola that I can play for them as well (it is really suprisingly loud) and then I'll probably also have a guitar to play and talking strips to hand out. It should be fun!
It is amazing where you can find support from people when you are having a rough time with life. Acutally, in general it is amazing how many people are actually willing to help you when you ask them for it! For instance, the assistant director of service learning (Hannah, you will be getting a package SOON, I promise) came to talk to my research methods class a week ago and now after having met with him he is going to help me with my proposal(he's an anthropologist PhD specializing in indigenous culture empowerment in Central America!!!) and will probably help me get into an Alternative Breaks trip to Panama over Spring Break. This guy is seriously really cool.Also, my boss Brian has been so nice to me. I think I've cried in front of him at least twice. He's one of the infuriating people who can read when someone is upset and actually cares enough to ask what's up. He's also funny, saying he'd like to go beat up whomever/whatever is causing my distress because he's funny like that. It's nice to know when you work for someone who is decent.
So, I'm going to continue to work on my statistics homework. It's a never-ending process!
Please call me by my true names, so I can wake up,and so the door of my heart can be left open,the door of compassion. Thich Nhat Hanh

Ooh Panama - that would be cool ( - :Glad to hear you have some cool people over there to keep you company.Hope all is well!Terri
Posted 10/14/2005 10:30 AM by BluesOn22s

Take it easy sometimes, woman=). Sounds like you have a lot of cool things goin on- be good to yourself=).
Posted 10/16/2005 12:24 AM by Shannona

Currently Watching
Finding Neverland
By Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet, Julie Christie

I finished editing a scene for the show I'm working on! WOO! It took forever, but I now know I have the hang of it:) Fun times. I love working here, everyone gets along so well. Movie with my mom tonight!


Awww! Waders are sexy! But what do you mean about Click and Clack literally laughing at you? I'm confooosed!
Movie with my mom this afternoon!
Posted 10/8/2005 10:38 AM by uruka

Cute picture!! I'm glad things are going well.=) Methinks that someday Octarium will be travel-ready, but probably not this year unless there's a lot of money behind it for us all to take off work and whatnot. Someday though!!
Posted 10/8/2005 3:43 PM by Shannona

10 years ago:
* I was 12.
* I had finished my first year at Oakwood.
* I had been a Girl Scout for 6 years.

5 years ago:
* I started my senior year in high school and had turned in my applications to college.
* I directed my first video.

1 year ago:
* I was getting over spending my summer in Keystone and having to be back in KS.
* I was acting president of 2 organizations on campus.

Yesterday:
* I got my first grad. stat. test back with a 92%!!
* I spent my 3rd night in my new apartment.
* Campus Girl Scouts successfully elected a president and treasurer!
* I gave a presentation about ecotourism in the Galapagos Islands.

5 songs you know all the words too:
* Suerte, For a Reason, others...

If I Had A Million Dollars:
* I would pay off my parent's house
* pay for my sister's education, especially for her to transfer to Julliard
* support my church more
* travel to Latin America to learn Spanish
* Donate to Habitat, Girl Scouts, the ELC

5 snacks you love:
* chocolate teddy grahams, cheese, fresh picked rasberries, chocolate, chai tea

5 things that make you happy:
* Video production, my family and friends, Girl Scouts, little kids, rain

5 of your favorite T.V. shows
* Gilmore Girls, Lost

iQue dios!

I just spent an hour listening to a presentation in espanol which I actually understood most of. Now, however, I am finding myself thinking in spanish more than I normally do, which is somewhat annoying. But good. If it only took an hour for me to be thinking in Spanish (mainly just how would I say what I'm saying/writing in Spanish if I had to) maybe learning the language over again won't be so hard. I think I surprised some people with my 'skill' when I introduced myself. Ha!

Wicked was SOOOOO amazing!!! I saw it with Sam on Saturday and the seats were phenomenal, despite being labeled "obstructed view." We were in the 6th row in the left side orchestra seating kinda in the middle of the row. Stephanie K. Block and Emily Rozek were Elphaba and Glinda (the Ga is silent!). Ms. Rozek was an understudy but was so good! It's amazing how much you miss when you just listen to the soundtrack, and now everything on the soundtrack means so much more. OH! Also exciting, Carol Kane was Madame Morrible. Ms. Kane was the witch who lived with Billy Crystal's character in the Princess Bride. I had no idea that she did stage! She was incredible. The audience in Denver was really into the show too, they were very enthusiastic, laughed in the right parts, applauded thunderously. SO... it was very very good. You must see it if you have the opportunity to.

Now I'm working on a presentation I give on the Galapagos in my ecotourism class tonight. I have to do well because not only is my professor my advisor, but some people from the Center for Protected Area Management (one of whom just included me in a proposal for spring funding to create some training videos en espanol) will be there during the presentation to talk about the Galapagos and their personal experiences there. Huy!

adios mis amigos buenos!

Currently Listening
Our Little Corner of the World: Music From Gilmore Girls
By Various Artistssee

The move has commenced.

So, as you know, I went out with Laura and her friend Brian last Friday night. At least, I think you know.... Anyways, we had fun, and she and Brian were getting very friendly, sure whatever. Who am I to talk. So apparently he called her up and wanted to take me out on a date. Too bad he reminded me of bad Ryan and also said I wasn't a true Jayhawk (nor did I apparently graduate from KU) because I hadn't ever been to a basketball game. Funny though, very flattering.

So the new place. The carpet is slippery because it's still wet from when they cleaned it. Ick. The apartment is kinda smelly because of the previous resident's bad cooking skills aparently. And the entire building smells like food from different cultures. So that's kind of ikky, those of you who were my roommates will laugh because you know how I get about food smells and how they really do linger on clothing. But, it's a nice place and my bedroom (with it's own lock) is very large (and the closet is bigger than the one I have at home). My goal is to get everything moved in by Friday afternoon.

Saturday is Wicked with Sam and then potentially my cousin Matt's family birthday party. He'll be 23, or well, he actually is. He could use some prayers, but that's besides the point.
My friend Naomi who had to evacuate from her home in Beaumont, TX should be in town for the next few weeks. I guess she won't be able to go back to work on her oil rig for another 2 weeks so decided to just come home. Thank God that she has that option. I'm excited to be able to see her!
OH, and I love church, seriously, it's amazing how supportive the right church environment can be. I love the people who attend my church... most of them are a bunch of older extremely liberal people, very active in our community and in the church itself. The college group should be neat, we have some interesting ideas, like leading our own church service some weekend in a completely different style. Last Sunday Laura came to church too, and that was great to finally get her there. She said she'd like to come back too:):)

Next week I'm going to start going to a Spanish lunch that's run by the Center for Protected Area Management so I can work to improve my conversational skills and vocabulary. Hopefully I'll make it every week and then I'll really get picked for PC in Latin America.

I'm really beginning to learn a lot more about the expeiences of international students in the US at schools because of a friend I'm making from Japan. Her name is Akiko. Today we studied for her test on Friday (I'm just sitting in on the class for the info, but helped her study today) and also were joined by Aviram, a forester from Israel who is just here to take some classes and work on continuing and updating his learning. They were both discussing how it can be very frusterating to communicate in English when they are forced by lack of skill to use a more basic vocaubulary than they are used to using in their own native language. Inherently I knew this... I've felt the frustration when trying to communicate in Spanish. But this is (again!) another one of those things that wasn't in my realm of understanding or realization till today. It makes me glad that Aki and I are getting to know each other so that I can help her... I'm sure other people she has/might have met are not as willing to be understanding and helpful. I think we are going to go hiking this Sunday.

Currently Listening

The Lark Ascending: Violin Showpieces

The weather has taken a merciful turn towards the cooler end of the temperature spectrum, and we've been getting rain too. The downside is that the weather is quite a bit more humid than normal (though nothing like Kansas), but the fact that I'm wearing jeans to work is NOT normal given our 90+ degree weather the past few weeks, and it is so nice!

Yesterday was our first day of such weather, and I happened to also check out a CD of great classical music, one song on the CD just spoke to me. It was Ralph Vaughn Williams (sp?) A Lark Ascending. It was magical, standing there in the rain on my deck and listening to the music. It made my day, let me tell you, and very well might make today as well except for the headache I have.

Sam's wisdom teeth came out fine this morning, apparently. I'm heading straight over to my parents house after work to be with her as she recovers. I know the joy that is lying around watching movies and looking like a chipmonk, so I want to be there for her.

At church yesterday our associate minister Sharon asked if I'd consider being one of two leaders for our Senior High Youth Group. I don't really know what to do, but I know it would be good for me in so many ways. I'd be more comfortable at church (not that I am not, but I'm still shy at the fellowship hour, whatever the reason) and get to have more experience with young adults. Good all around, but it would be a big committment for the whole year and possibly beyond, and I'm starting Graduate School (which may be very hard!), and I already have quite a few committments. Like being a Girl Scout Trainer. I officially became an apprentice on Saturday evening after a day and a half of training. Tonight I attend my first Trainer's Roundtable in Greeley. I'm nervous, but this is also something that will be good for me, and conveniently look great on my resume.

Lest you think I'm someone who does things soley to put on a resume... don't think that. I've been a Girl Scout for 15+ years, this was a natural course for me to take, to become a trainer.
OK, back to work. School starts in a little over a month. YAY!!!

Currently Reading
An Introduction to Statistical Methods and Data Analysis
By R. Lyman Ott, Micheal T. Longnecker

I'm having trouble focusing on my schoolwork. And lots of good things are actually happening which could mean an increase in the amount of work I'm doing overall. So, somehow I need to get more focused.

Positivly, I did complete a monthly budget "plan" based on all the purchases I made this summer. That felt and still feels really good to have done. Especially since I'm moving on Wednesday and will be paying higher rent again.

Currently Watching
The Motorcycle Diaries (Full Screen Edition)
By Gael García Bernal, Rodrigo De la Serna

Back from a night with Amy of chatting and homeworking and movie watching. Gael Garcia Bernal is serously probably the hottest man ever! This weekend I also took part in an ecotourism experience planned by some people in my class. It was interesting, and ended with a 30 minute bike ride back to CSU in the rain. Oh what fun. Overall it was pretty good. There were some awkward moments, like when someone came back from a beer run with three cases of beer and a bottle of wine. Now, I'm ok with a few drinks here and there (which recently probably didn't seem the case with my exagerations... lol) but I was not comfortable when that happened! Luckily everyone seemed pretty responsible and anyways I'm not a night person so went to bed an hour or so after that. But still, just imagine someone coming over with all that alcohol, kinda scary not having been in such a situation before, even if I was with some really nice/neat people.

Campus Girl Scouts is really taking off. I'm so excited!

Also exciting, though strange to say, I'll be turning 23 in just a few weeks (oct 26th). Interestingly enough a week ago I looked into the mirror and suddenly realized that I do look older. It wasn't a bad thing either... maybe I saw how I've matured over the last few months, or maybe my wrinkles are starting to crease more permanently, I dont' know. But it didn't look bad at all! It looked quite nice.

Hopefully soon I'll have some pictures from Little Shop of Physics for you to look at! For whatever reason I still can't figure out how the picture feature works. Help, anyone?

My "the world is very small... or at least Colorado" for the month:

Last night I went to visit Laura at the old apartment to finally pick up my flour and sugar. When I got there, her new roommate Sarah was just getting in and so we introduced ourselves and she let me in. While there, I was chatting with Laura and happened to mention the name of one of the guys at the retreat that I swing-danced with. It turns out that he and her older brother went to high school together and were friends. So that was funny and random... I mean I've known this guy or of him since forever from church and then Laura knows him too. Then we were both chatting with Sarah, and I realized she looked familiar and it turns out I met her last February when Naomi and the CSM Society of Women Engineers came out to Lawrence for a conference... and now she is living with Laura!

So these two points really just go to show that Fort Collins, despite being over 100 thousand in size, and even Colorado are actually quite small. That, or I've stumbled into this crazy parallel universe where everyone I know knows everyone else.:)

Currently Listening
Elevation
By Yonder Mountain String Band

When did I become one of those people that goes to church retreats?

What I loved about it though was the focus on spirituality rather than relaxing and reading the bible. Really, is it relaxing to read the bible? No, it isn't, not for me. I got to do a unicursal labyrinth and last night we had some swing dancing, during which I got to dance with a number of really nice guys. It was like a weekend full of fellowship with each other and getting to know everyone there. So, it was good. As most of you know who read this, the church I attend is extremely liberal. We accept everyone. I mean everyone when I say it too. And people have recognized this and have started attending. For instance, Sam and I shared a bunk room with our Associate Minister Sharon and her wife. It's always nice to enter a space where everyone is accepted and loved, and that was this weekend. I felt like the rest of the world dropped away entirely and it was difficult to come back to the house I have to take care of till Wednesday and all the reading I have to do for class. Oh! And we had a coctail hour with wine and cheese... it was apparently something our minister really wanted to have. People got a bit more interesting after that, probably why more people ended up dancing that I had expected!
Oh, and I am sick. I have a cold which started Friday afternoon. So the weekend wasn't entirely wonderful.

Tomorrow I get to visit with my friend Drew who has spent the last year in France. I've known her since 7th grade, so she stands as my 2nd longest friend, and one of the closest. You know how some friends you have just understand who you are better than others? Well Drew is one of those friends.

Tomorrow I also get to have the doctor tell me how bad my vision has become over the last few years without changing the prescription for my glasses like I should have.

Currently Listening
Vivaldi: Eleven Concertos

I didn't mention that Sunday we also blew out one of the tires on Mom's car on the way to Greeley and had to change it, or would have if some random guy hadn't stopped and changed it for us, without even asking if he was needed. That was service, lemme tell you! We were back on the road again in 15 minutes after he came along.
I'm attempting to study.


Wow, you are really having a tough tire time!! IT's like that week where Ben blew 3 tires because of a car problem, eek!
Posted 9/13/2005 9:27 PM by steph421

You are pure, unadulterated evil.
Posted 9/14/2005 7:44 AM by blu_enigma

Currently Reading
Ecotourism and Sustainable Development: Who Owns Paradise?
By Martha Honey

An interesting weekend. It all seems to have started Wednesday afternoon, when I found my bike tire flat again. Apparently my repair skills aren't up to par, so it still leaked air. Luckily FoCo has a good bus system so I didn't have to wait long to be on my way home bike in tow (the busses can carry bikes!). Thursday night right before I left for the Girl Scout Basics session I was a trainer for I got a phone call from the Apartment Life director letting me know I did get a spot starting Sept 28th in the International House which was surprising news. So, I'll most likely be moving out around a week after my parents get back from Italy. Perfect timing actually... while I miss them to an extent, I know how hard it will be to go back to their style of living rather than continue my own.

Sam also spent the weekend at home, which was a nice break from being kinda lonely. Friday night we went to volunteer at the first meeting of the huge Studio 2B troop for Girl Scouts 11-17 that the council and other volunteers is trying to form because so many of the troops in this age-group dissolve because girls become too busy, Girl Scouts isn't meeting their needs, it has become an uncool extracurricular, or a combination of the latter. We had maybe 30-35 girls at the event and all seemed excited to be there and glad to see Sam and I as some of the only non-moms there (and decidedly well under traditional "mom age", therefore according to GS Nationals we're "teen-savvy"). I told the leader of the troop, Diane, that I'd help out when I could because I think it is a good idea and we really do need to work as hard as we can to keep more girls that age in Girl Scouts. I believe Girl Scouts has done so much for me, I want to give that to other girls. But, they have to stay in the group!

Oh, and I met two other young women who sounded interested in a Campus Girl Scouts group, if anything as a way to socialize with people our own age and perhaps volunteer for GS. Good, this is good.

Church was church. We're about to vote on a capital campaign that will require considerable support in many forms from all of the members if it passes. They want to add on to the church, replace outdated electric and water facilities... make the place something that can meet our growing needs now and in the future. Not a bad idea. I don't have money, so I guess if I vote yes, I'll have to ask Hal or Sharon what I can do to help in other ways.
You know, there are few things that I really truly believe in and know a lot about, things that I can advocate and not feel that usual feeling I have that I actually know nothing. These two are Girl Scouts and the United Church of Christ. I would have never imagined saying that 2nd one, never never. I am not a big fan of Christianity taking over everything and homogenizing the world, however something in me says that if more people came to my church, the world would start to look like a better place (to those who tend towards liberalism, anyways) faster. I feel that more than advocating any specific God, we advocate love and peace!
And that's all the religious I'll get for today. I didn't say I was comfortable discussing my convictions concerning religion, however strongly I may feel. Forgive for any uncomfortableness this post has caused while reading! Rest assured, it won't happen again anytime soon!
'night:)


The sermon today wasn't that bad. The reading was about forgiveness...you know, don't forgive 7 times, but 70 x 7...and he used that to discuss America's attitude after 9/11.
Somewhere along the way, we confused justice with revenge and totally ignored how Jesus advocated forgiveness.
Posted 9/11/2005 11:29 PM by blu_enigma

I'm glad Sam came home with you over the weekend. Congrats on getting a place to live!! I'll have to check that site out later & see where they're putting my Heather. Good for you finding things you're really passionate about, too.
Posted 9/12/2005 7:11 AM by steph421