Scrabble for Cheaters!

I volunteer at 826CHI, a non-profit writing and tutoring center in Chicago, and this weekend they are having a Scrabble for Cheaters tournament to raise money for the organization.

I am on a team called the Scrabble Crabs (there are so many implications behind this team name, but I am going to keep it optimistic). So each team sets a money goal to raise and the amount they raise can be used to buy cheats like "THE ALSORANS: Add Q, Z, or X to any word" and "THE SPURN: Reject an opponent's word for no reason."

So, if there is anyone in the world (besides Jeanette) that actually reads any of this, have a heart and help us cheat. You can donate money through the website or by getting in touch with me.

Sleeping Bear Dunes

Aaron and I took a camping trip out to Sleeping Bear Dunes. It was really quiet and isolated and not overly touristy (but enough so that I could buy my sister a ridiculous souvenir). It was truly the best of both a camping and beach vacation. I didn't know Lake Michigan could be so clear!

Half-beetle, half-crab.

We found a super cheap place  to rent a kayak. It was so serene. 

I let Aaron do all the work.

Few things compare to fresh vegetable roasted over a fire. I could probably be content eating foil packs for the rest of my life.

The best part about the whole trip was earning my Junior Ranger badge at the end. It makes me kind of wish I had done it on our Badlands trip.

Finding Focus

What I will miss most about summer...

is lunching in the park.

Finding Focus

Finding Focus

Finding Focus

Here's to the last year of my first quarter-century: 6 Month Review

Today I am officially 24 years and 6 months old. I don't normally celebrate this minor milestone, but it seems wise to revisit the goals I set for my 24th year at exactly the half point mark. 

Things to accomplish before I turn 25:

1. Make a blog post at least once a week

Well, I have succeeded at this by default. My posts of late have been fairly sporadic, but I am working on finding a rhythm. In the coming weeks I hope to establish a routine in my personal life which might better enable me to keep up with this. 

2. Read a book a month

Overwhelming success. Which feels fantastic. When I have the time to read, it is completely liberating. I joined a few book clubs to try and keep me on track. Since I set this goal I have read: People of the Book, Olive Kitteridge, Gang Leader for a Day, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, Good Omens, Second Nature, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played with Fire,  and I am currently reading The Castle. 

3. Work on a project that makes me excited

I can't exactly say that I have accomplished this goal, or if I even know how to accomplish this goal. But I did start volunteering at 826CHI and it has been really enjoyable. It is nice to feel like I am helping in a meaningful way. I have also been looking into volunteering in a community garden. 

4. Find a job that I am good at/enjoy

Currently under review. 

5. Run the Chicago Marathon (technically the day after my birthday)

Gah, epic failure. I missed registration! Aaron is set on running an August marathon in Wisconsin that is considerable cheaper than the Chicago. I just need to keep telling myself that I am too busy not to run.

6. Go to California

Currently under review. I hope this happens regardless.

7. Start a separate savings account

Accomplished! Now I just have to start putting funds into this account.

8. Finish was I start (to the best of my ability)

This is kind of difficult to measure. I am trying. It is difficult to keep mental track of everything I have started to ensure I finish it. I definitely need to finish my website.

9. Show appreciation for friends and family

I would like to say I am succeeding at this but my family and friends would really have to attest to my success. As it turns out two of my uncles and my grandfather will be moving to Arizona in the fall, which makes this goal so much more important. 

10. Don't freak out

So much has happened since I set these goals. Between a car accident, job stress, and financial woes, I haven't exactly been the best about not freaking out. But I am trying to reign it in. Life will go on, regardless of my reaction to these minor set backs. Constantly a work in progress. 

When all is said and done, I would say I am on track for most of these (with the exception of the marathon). I may be setting myself up for disappointment, but I think that if I only accomplish some of these goals, my 25th year will be fantastic and 24 will have been very rewarding.

Finding Focus

Godspeed You! Black Emperor

Aaron and I went to the sold out Godspeed You! Black Emperor show at the Metro on Saturday. And it was pretty breathtaking, in more ways than one. The set had everything I wanted to hear, and frankly, I am glad we went to the Saturday show because Sunday was slightly different. 

I have often wondered how they make certain sounds so watching them perform was enlightening. We ended up fairly close to the stage; however, my short stature made it difficult to see regardless. The projections were mesmerizing  but sometimes repetitive. It is not difficult to wander through your own thoughts and projections during the songs. 

Despite how really incredible the set was, it was long. Almost too long. The Metro is not the most ideal venue, especially for sold out shows for a band that plays for over 2 hours without a break. It was hot. But my attention did not really wander. And was relieved when they did not do an encore not only because of my own opinions on the idea of an encore but also for the sake of my aching legs and back. 

I love a band that can instigate the morality and meaningfulness of music, art, and a live performance. I know the band does not regard concerts highly, but I am grateful for the opportunity to enjoy and reflect on their musicianship. 

And the post-show milkshake was delicious.