Our summer of self-improvement... and beyond

Friends, Food, Florence: My Semester of Self-Improvement

2011-02-13T08:57:00.000-08:00

I arrived in Florence in early January and since then, I have just been taking in the sights, sounds and smells. My god, the smells. Did you think I was going to say the whole city smells of delicious pasta and fresh baked bread? WRONG. It smells of feces and sulfur. The streets are as wide as my pinky and the sidewalks are as crowded as a Regal Cinemas midnight premiere of Country Strong. (What's that? there was no midnight premiere for the movie? How dare they!) Aside from all of that though, I really have really learned to love this place. Even though everyone stares at you for wearing a northface (gasp!) and I am frequently cut in front of in line, there is a certain quality the city has that already makes me feel nostalgic even though I have 2 plus months left here.
Enough about Florence, back to me. I have spewed a lot of bullshit over the years on this blog about how I am going to improve myself, and while I applaud my naive self for having the best of intentions, I have decided that is a smidge unrealistic. Instead of making sure my nails are painted and I am carrying a purse and straightening my hair, I have decided to do me. Repeat after me: "Imma do me." This is a saying I picked up on the streets. It basically means I am going to follow my heart and not care what anyone else thinks. Easier said than done of course, but let me remind everyone (all of my two readers) that those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind. I am full of sayings today. Doing me does not mean being completely selfish, it simply means that I am going to put the past in the past and move forward with clear eyes and a full heart. Life is too short to get hung up on certain things that you have no control over. I am going to do what I want when I want. Please don't think I am giving myself a free pass to be an asshole. I am not. I still have my morals and values and will treat others the way I want to be treated. BUT, from now on I am looking out for number one and if anyone stands in my way, I will leave them behind me, a bit worse for the wear. I have never lived my life with reckless abandon and I think now may be a good time to start. So I will let you all know how that goes.
School is still school. Ho hum. I have been to Rome, Austria and Switzerland so far. All really cool places. Next up I will be going to Germany, France, Poland, Finland and Sweden. Yeeeee doggy. Clare and Elaura will be visiting. Shall be a blast. Hopefully they will leave their inhibitions in the States and join me in my new lifestyle.

Selfishly yours,
Martha

2010-04-23T19:50:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I think school is the worst thing in the world. It has the ability to make me absolutely exhausted, furious, and depressed all with one homework assignment. To all the children in third world countries longing for an educations. Don't. Just don't. It is awful and will kill your spirit. I know that is an ignorant statement and I encourage you to pick on the sarcasm (kind of.) Most teachers have awful sticks up their ass and have no concern for what may be going on in a person's life OUTSIDE of school. I know it is hard for them to believe we have lives outside of their precious classes, but news flash: WE FUCKING DO. I realize this rant is reminiscent of a whiny myspace blog or whatever they were called, but I have had it with the bitchy teachers. You are not changing the world for the better-you are making your students hate you, your subject, and school in general. I feel it is necessary to state that I have had some good teachers who do care, but they seem to disappear in college. I'll name them. David and Cynth, Sarah, Joan, Ms. Gorman (the best in the west), Ms. Stadler, Dr. B., and Ms. Egland. Actually, all the teachers at SMA were good. Anyway, fuck school, fuck the shitty teachers, and FUCK their homework assignments.

ttfn

Timmy Mc G!

2010-03-28T23:34:00.000-07:00

I am listening to Tim on repeat right now. He is such a talent. My friend Meredith and I were talking about what makes us happy in life. For her, it was cleaning, the thought of raising a family, keeping a home, etc. For me, it was country music. Family and friends as well, but country makes me feel a certain way that no person can. Cheesy? Perhaps. Now, if you have been reading this blog, (which, why would you?) this love of twang is nothing new. Oh! Gotta go, Rachel Frank just told me she would do a back rub for a back rub! Seize the opportunity! Bye!

The Right Now and Beyond

2010-02-22T18:45:00.001-08:00

I am making no promises this time. In the past, I have failed to be consistent with this blog, so I am taking it day by day. (Month by month?)

Currently, I am listening to "That Ain't No Way To Go" by Brooks and Dunn. In one part, they sing about making a whisky wish on a star. THAT is why I love country. I know most of my blogs revolve around the topic of country music, so I will try to kepp this breif. More and more, I find myself really visualizing myself in Nashville. I do have a back up plan, but I think if I want it badly enough, I will make it. The funny thing is, when I tell people I want to work in Nashville, they all assume I am going to sing. LIES. I would like to sing, yes, but it is not a realistic possibility. I am not exactly sure what I am going to do there, but it will be something lucrative (if you have any suggestions, hit me up.)

So much has happened since I last blogged, it is difficult to know where to begin! The bagel shop has been lovely-the perfect escape from all the chaos going on at school. I am deep into my true crime novel "If You Really Loved Me" by Ann Rule. I'm waiting for the jury to come back with the verdict. Also, my reality tv obsession has reached new heights, though I thought that would be impossible.

As for self-improvement, it is much like this blog-very sporadic. Today I went on a run, and while I'd like to say I will go on one tomorrow, I simply can't. I have been trying to sit up straighter, changing my sheets once a week, and flossing more than normal, but I still don't carry a purse, straightened hair is a rarity, and my teeth are nowhere near as white as they should be.

School is stressing me out, but I got so sick of myself procrastinating that I have actually taken a very small step in the right direction. When it comes to attitude, that is, we'll see if I actually follow through with my plan. This week, I will try and get three papers done, and a project. While these papers are not due until next week, I feel it is important to keep next week clear as that will be the time I am studying for midterms. No one said school was fun though. As T.J., my father would say, "you just gotta put your head down and push through it." He played football in college though, and I get the feeling a lot of (what he thinks are) his inspiring sayings came from those practices.

Soon, Spring break will be upon us, and yours truly will be making the trek to Whittier, California to visit Hannah Cooley and to help celebrate her 20th birthday. After two nights there, I will be headed to Palm Springs with Meredith and Judi Hickman for a little fun in the sun. AFTER THAT, I will be back in the Promised Land (if you don't know what I am talking about, GO TO HELL) enjoying the local DQ, Safeway, City Center 12, and more importantly, the fam. I think Charsy and I will try and find the time to squeeze in a trip to Seaside, and Tom, no doubt, will take me up to the lake to show me the progress that has been made. So much to look forward to! I can hardly wait. I am already saving up my quarters for fascination. Hopefully Tesky won't be opposed to mingling with the townies for a while.

I need to clean. Hot chocolate crust is clinging to the edge of both of my mugs. Ick. Nast.

This post was all over the place, so in keeping with the slap-dashedness of this post, I will leave you with one final, random, thought. Creative writing teachers in Italy will hate me, because all I know how to use is the verb "to be" or "essere" No action verbs for this gal!

Best,
Martha

Florence For a Year!

2009-10-04T20:42:00.000-07:00

Well folks, the decision has been made. I'm studying abroad fora year in Italy! I am nervous (obvi) but also very excited!

I am currently watching The Hannah Montana Movie. It's so good. Anyone who says they don't like it, just hasn't seen it.

Today, Baby Ray and I went for a run, then did the Army Physical Fitness test. There is a timed two mile run (which I can't do. I can run one mile, maybe a bit more, but definitely not in 15 min!) and then you do push-ups for two minutes, and sit-ups for two minutes. If you can do 42 push-ups in two minutes, you get a 100%. I got 50! Sit-ups is 78. I got 50. I look at it as leaving me a lot of room for improvement. So thats about all that is new in my life. Boring I know. I am really only doing this for Megan's sake.

OH! Here is a story for ya-I was at the bagel shop and I love it because when you're at the register, you can flirt shamelessly but no one can call you out on it because you're just being a good, friendly, employee. So there I was, flirting with this boy, who ordered and et/t/pln (can you figure that out?) and that costs 3.25 including tax, and as I was running his card, I asked him how his day was going, and we laughed about how spokane had skipped fall and gone straight to winter. HAHA. Anyway, I look down at his receipt, and he left a TWO DOLLAR TIP! That is a 62% tip! All because of my good looks and charm.

Alright, I have to go because Mere is getting mad about me typing when I should be watching the movie. Ta!

2009-09-20T19:40:00.000-07:00

I cannot BELIEVE I am blogging again. It has been far too long. So much has changed since my last blog. I am in a new dorm (Couglin Hall,) and do I mean NEW! No one has lived in room 403 except for yours truly and my roomie Baby Ray. Not to mention, I am working at the bagel shop, taking 18 goddamn credits, and living the college student's dream here in Spokane, WA. Oh, I forgot to mention one other thing: I GOT MY LICENSE!!! Yahooooo! It was definitely a long time coming, and worth every penny of the $40 it cost me. So you see, Martha's summer of self-improvement, albeit late, has taken place at last. Now, don't get me wrong-there is still work to be done, but for the most part, I would say that summer 09 has been successful. Let's recap, shall we?
May 8, 2009: Martha is home again, doing nothing with her life, and accepting the fact that she is in for another jobless summer. I am switching back to first person. So what did I do to combat the boredom? I took baths. Lots of them. I averaged two each day. Relaxing? yes. Environmentally harmful? Definitely.

June 5, 2009: I decide that just because I am unemployed, it does not mean I can't make money. I briefly considered a foray into the world of suburban drug-dealing, a la Nancy Botwin, but then thought better of it.

June 15, 2009: Am hired as fill in cleaning lady for our house as well as G-ma's. G-ma pays better and has two floors compared to our three. Hmm. Resign myself to the fact that I will just have to endure this life of servitude.

June 18, 2009: Receive call from Mona telling me a license isn't necessary to work at the PUD and that I have a job if I want it. Why this exception you ask? Because I am the CEO's niece. Yes, be jealous. Tell her I'll let my thoughts marinate then call her back. After debating, I decide a summer of orange vests and hardhats is a far greater one than a life of perpetually pruny skin, and constantly smelling of lysol. I tell her yes.

June 23, 2009: First day of work. Thank God Margaret is with me. She shows me the ropes. First day includes; setting up tents, pulling weeds at Felida, and taking down tents. All in all, a pretty good day, considering we were given multiple bags of kettle corn.

June 24-August 27: A great summer. It was as though my life was in fast forward. After a lifetime of fears domintating my my every move, I was finally able to overcome many of them-getting my license, driving high side trucks on the freeway, pulling a trailer, driving a John Deere riding lawn mower, the list goes on and on. Also, I got to hang out with hot boys all summer, which was a plus. After my initial amazement at how many hot boys were living in Vancouver without me knowing it, I was able to calm down and really enjoy their company. The majority were very nice, cool, funny guys. Smart, though not in the conventional sense. They knew a lot about everyday things, handyman type stuff., but if you asked them what the capital of Vietnam was, I doubt they could answer correctly.

ANYWAY, it was a fabulous summer, I had the time of my life, and I am less than pleased to be back at school, but I'm going to try to make the most of it. I will attempt to secure an internship in Nashville in the Summer of 2011. If you have any tips, let me know! Good to be back!
-Mar

I dare you...

2009-05-23T14:15:00.000-07:00

to find a golf intructor who does not have a pot belly, wears a class ring, has some sort of facial hair, and wears cheap cologne. I DARE YOU!

How Do You Sleep?

2009-05-03T23:19:00.000-07:00

There is this song by Jesse McCartney called 'How Do You Sleep?" and it is so good! I have it on repeat. Anyway, there is not too much to report from my end-just studying for finals and preparing for the end of the school year.

Something I have been thinking about lately is the fact that I probably wont use much of the knowledge I am gaining from classes in the real world, except...JAZZ HISTORY! I know people probably think "oh, jazz history-it's just one of those easy classes people take to bring their grade up" and although this IS what I was originally hoping for, I have found that it is anything but easy, but most importantly, it teaches me things I can use in the real world. While I don't necessarily see myself talking about the use of assonance in "Waiting for Godot" to someone at a cocktail party, I can envision myself having a chuckle over Dizzy Gillespie's famous cheeks, lamenting Charlie Parker's untimely death and what could have been, or even discussing the illicit affair Stan Getz had with with Astrud Gilberto all while he was recording an album with her husband. Now THAT is scintillating conversation. I enjoy studying the material for the final, and find myself downloading Dave Brubeck and Jelly Roll (legally, of course.) Like I said though, this class is a challenge-I have to be able to identify 57 different songs. Thankfully, my boy Jamil is ace at making up tricks to help me memorize them all. Anyway, I really wish I could take the class again-the teacher is funny and enthusiastic and I have really enjoyed learning all about Jazz.

Yours,
Martha

Cliff Bars and Figgy Newtons

2009-04-30T20:38:00.000-07:00

First off: Why am I calling them figgy newtons? Someone I know calls them that, the question is, who? Anyway, the two items listed in my title are my new favorite snacks. Not all that unhealthy and totally satisfying!

Let me describe to you my surroundings. I have the hockey game on the tv in the background, simply because I couldn't bear the Blazer game. My left foot, as always, is propped up on Megan's blue stool. My arm is resting on an OK! Magazine and Chick Corea's album "Return to Forever." But most importantly, on my hand is the faint remnants of a stamp that reads "TACO BAR." It is somewhat degrading to have people know that you attended Azteca's five dollar all you can eat Taco Bar. This is MY LIFE!!! How pathetic! I am truly looking forward to going home and living in humane conditions. I will miss everyone, blah, blah. blah, but I am ready to get out of here!

Lately, I have been feeling mediocre. This, obviously, is not a feeling I am used to having, so I became inspired. I want to get really good at something-say, an instrument perhaps-and I want to master it, I want to make people jealous with my prodigious skill. Any recommendations for what it should be?

Best,
Martha

I Am Back! With a Vengeance!

2009-04-27T18:34:00.000-07:00

First off, I KNOW. Shame on me for taking such a long hiatus, but everyone needs some "me time." In case you were wondering, this personal vay-cay was just what I needed to get those creative juices flowing again. Since I've been gone, here is a quick rundown of what has happened in my life-I have swine flu.

I am half kidding, but I AM seriously sick. It is odd-every time I have claimed illness, it was only to get a day off of school. I can honestly say this is the sickest I have been in a long while. Symptoms: Fever, sore throat, chills, deep cough, and sinus pressure. Though it make look like I copied and pasted that list from the Center for Disease Control's website's page on swine flu, I did not. Now before you jump to conclusions and tell me to get my rear to a hospital, I'll tell you why I am fairly certain swine flu has not infected me. My co-writer, Elaura, knew of my fears and payed close attention to the Today Show's story on the bug. When she called me during sociology, I knew my health was dependent upon me taking the call. So I fidgeted in my seat and pretended I had to go relieve myself. I ran out the door and answered the phone. I gave her a run down of my symptoms. Things were looking pretty grim for a while, but then she asked me a question that gave me hope. "Is your fever over 102?" Well, I had never actually taken my temperature, it was simply one of those things where I knew I had fever. Now I know I have been known to be a tad dramatic at times, but even I couldn't fake a 102 temp. Yes, I am sick, but I am not that sick. So I cried out in joy (as much as my hoarse voice would allow) and returned to sociology with a new lease on life.

In other news, TWO WEEKS LEFT! Actually, less than. It is hard to believe at times, seeing as how the months went by so fast. I can't even imagine what Clare and Margaret are going through right now. The real word is upon them, and they are entering it at the worst time possible. I know that sounds bleak, and I am sorry to be such a downer, it's just that their leaving is affecting me in a negative way as well. Who will pick me up and take me to cold stone? Who will get me free tickets to Chief's games? Who will accompany me to Cheif's games? Who will walk downtown with me for a rite-aid visit? Who will drive home for the fanconi run with me? Who will drive me anywhere? In all seriousness, having them here has been a real godsend. They made my transition into a college student smooth and comforting. Both were always ready with half a bed or a lambskin rug to sleep on when I was feeling homesick or sick of the dorms. And the bagels! THE BAGELS! I guess I'll be able to make my own next year, but no one does a cinnamon toasted like Madge, and Clare knows just the amount of middle to cut out. Also, a quick thanks to my big-Barbie, we may not be Setons, but we're awesome. Damn, I should have saved this for their graduation cards.

I feel like a p.b. sandwich. It is good to be back.

Yours,
Martha

Stuchis, Stushis, or Tsuchies

2009-02-12T13:33:00.000-08:00

However they're spelled, they're GREAT! I rediscovered this lost art of stushi drawing while in my philosophy class today. My notebook is now covered. I love starting out with six boring, straight, lines, then with the swish of a few pencil strokes, then coming out with a really cool looking stushi! I credit the Shearers with teaching me how to draw them. I also credit the Shearers with teaching me to draw at all (which I really can't, but they tried their best.) That reminds me of one of my earliest memories from childhood. Spencer and I were sitting on the floor in their living room, and Jake and Conor were drawing cartoons. They wanted Spencer and me to join in, and I said something along the line of "I can't do it" (great self-esteem, right?) and Jake said, "they're just cartoons, anyone can draw cartoons." Unfortunately, I proved him wrong, but I still appreciated the vote of confidence.

Clare stopped by the old CM today to drop off a delicious piece of red velvet cake for V-day. How sweet! I had a few bites and it was delicious. I washed it down with some flat San Pellegrino.

Things I have been up to lately: Watching Gilmore Girls-SO GOOD! I always thought it was annoying, but once I started watching religiously, I find that I love the quick, witty, dialogue. Also, Meredith, Jamil and I have been in a facebook video war with Rachael Baney and Ray Ray Frank, and their friend Carissa. We are filming our comeback vid today. Wish us luck!

Ta,
Martha

Bumper Stickers

2009-02-08T22:16:00.000-08:00

My new activity? Bumper Stickers on facebook, while procrastinating homework!!! I know I am about two years behind the 8 ball, but c'est la. They are so funny-I could look at them for hours! This weekend, I drove home with Margaret ( our flawless chauffeur) and Meredith (my bomb asst.. DJ) Rachel Frank (my fellow Jonas Lover) and Rachael Baney (my country lover soul-mate) It was good company, and on a six hour car ride, good company makes all the difference. I went home for the 5th annual Fanconi anemia run and it was a smashing success! Best turn out yet! Anywho, I have decided to take up the steel guitar, or as they're called in Nashville, "Country Strings." I want to be the best. I want to be the first. I want to be made. But seriously! I am going to be GOOD! I know I have been slacking on my blog, but it can get exhausting always having to think of a new blog idea all the time. This morning, Margaret and i regressed three years, and were back to our natural roles-head cook and ass cook, respectively. It felt good to be back in the old kitch. Of course, it was not industrial sized, and we couldn't be as abrasive as we normally are due to the fact we were dealing with family, and not bone-headed EMT guys who feel the need to constantly state the obvious. WE KNOW WE ARE SCREWED ON THE PANCAKE FRONT. NOW GET THE F*** OUT OF THE KITCHEN! Regardless, we still managed to get a few jibes in. As Margaret so eloquently said this morning "please get out of the kitchen, and no we don't need any help." Music to my ears. Well, thats all for now, if I think of something that may interest any of you, I'll post. Comments are always appreciated. Later.
-Martha

Baby I'm Back

2009-01-21T17:50:00.000-08:00

Today I did Tae Kwon Do for the first time in a long time. It felt so good to be back at it-even though I was horrendously out of shape, it was just nice to get into the routine. It is actually very calming and helped me to zone out for a bit. I had a hard time at first, but once I got started, the moves began to come back to me and muscle memory took over. I want to go back in the summer and not not make a fool out of myself. I figure if I do this at least three times a week, I'll be good to go-plus, it is good exercise!

My friends have their first intramural basketball game tonight! I will be there to cheer them on. Jamil and I are the team managers-only we really have no responsibilities, which is the way I like it. Anyway, tomorrow, I need to go to the mail room and pick up the FIVE packages waiting for me. Don't worry, mostly textbooks, but perhaps some kind of surprise! I just couldn't face the line today. It was so long it was practically out the door!

Twilight for LIFE!

-Martha

NO MORE GAS IN THE RIG

2009-01-17T18:57:00.000-08:00

Can't even get it started. I have that song running through my head. I don't even like it that much even more, it's been overplayed. Anyway, I am kind of tired right now. I have just been listening to country music. I know I have said this before, but I think my future lies in country music. I just love it so much-I can't exactly pinpoint what it is exactly, but it just soothes me. Anyway, I have to go. Later!

COULD IT BE!?!?

2009-01-13T11:14:00.000-08:00

Well readers, I have some exciting news for you-Margaret and I may be working at Kalaloch lodge this summer! It's just like camp but with more pay, better hours, and less kids. Still no cell phone service or working internet, but none of that really matters to me because THE NEAREST TOWN IS FORKS WASHINGTON!!! I am pumped! That is, if I get the job. Which, hopefully I will. Margaret and I are filling out our applications tonight-I am a bit concerned about my "work experience," but I figure camp was a good precursor for this job.

On another note, I had my first class today. English. It seems like it will be an alright class. The teacher struck me as a poser. He reeked of cigarettes, had a pierced ear, wore a beret and had a little ponytail. To each his own. My room is SO hot. The heat feels like a toasty 80 degrees. It is like summer in here. Unfortunately, this causes me to never properly prepare for walking to class. I almost strolled out of my room in shorts and a tank top. The temperature messes with my head.

WHAT IF I SEE EDWARD THIS SUMMER??? I foresee myself strolling around through the dense forests of Forks, searching for the Cullen's house!

-Martha

oh dear...

2009-01-08T19:01:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I have blogged, but I have an excuse. Our comp has been on the fritz and was in the shop for a few days. I have no central topic to blog about, so I will jot down (type out?) a few things I have been thinking about. Because I have nothing better to do than hang out with my mom and grandma, I accompanied them to see Megan and Johnny's prospective house. Nolan was an unexpected guest. Megan had to pick him up because he slapped a kid in school. I do not think vioence is ok, but Nolan has the right idea-he is asserting himself as an alpha, and in these troubled times I can see nothing wrong with that. Nolan and I played ping pong in the basement while the adults looked around. Anytime the ball fell off the table, Nolan would run and pick it up, screaming, "I got the little fella!" It was a highlight.

Speaking of houses, I went to visit my friend Courtney at her new home in Corvallis. It was a real house! Brand new, and gemerously sized. It was a great time.

I have seen Twilight 7 times. Not to try and set some record, but because I really enjoy it. I was a bit burnt out after the seventh viewing, but have found that with about five days without it, I am expereincing some withdrawls.

aaaaand...FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS RETURNS JANUARY 16TH!

I am looking forward to a great new year!

Martha

SNOWED IN

2008-12-21T12:14:00.000-08:00

Last night the Wiggins came over for dinner. A delicious meal of Lasagna, crafted by Hannah and myself was served. Dinner was followed by brownies made by Alison and a rousing game of Taboo. Foleys plus Michael vs. Wiggins. We kicked their asses. The only perceptible threat from their team was Danielle, who was consistently getting sixes and sevens. Keep in mind she had never played before. Alison was good, but she would start laughing while she was trying to get others to guess, and that was her ultimate downfall. Julie kept trying to hide the card from me so I couldn't buzz her. Even then, I don't think she realized that she couldn't say certain words. Eventually, everyone got the hang of it, and the highlight came when Clare got ten in one round. What a fun night! It is a good thing we live in the same neighborhood, bc the snow was off the hizzy! I'd say 6 or 7 inches! Now it is freezing rain and sleet that is taking over. All I want to do is go see Twilight, but I don't think we could make it to the theatre. So I'll settle for a game of battleship in the den. And maybe some mexican food. Happy holidays!
-Martha

DONE kind of

2008-12-16T12:02:00.001-08:00

Well folks, I just completed my last final-history. Went pretty well, but you never know. Unfortunately, I am not all done with school-I still have a paper to write for religion. My hope is to have that done by five so I can have a relaxed evening, and watch Biggest Loser-GO MICHELLE! I really want to have some kind of BL party, but I can't seem to get over the irony of having a big bowl of ice cream while watching people work out on tv.

Later,
Martha

Penny for Your Thoughts...

2008-12-10T15:18:00.000-08:00

The title of this blog has nothing to do with the post, I have just always liked that phrase. And ellipses. I LOVE ellipses. Sue me! The dorm room is a twinge better than before, thanks only to the lights and decorations Megan's mom sent. As Margaret said to me, "Isn't it weird to think that you are LIVING in here? That you are living in a box!?!" The more I thought about it, the more I realized that it IS odd. To think that I am living in a room the size of a cell at Reikers is truly bizarre. But it also made me think how humans can adapt to pretty much anything. Who would have thought that I could survive in a dorm room? However, then I got to thinking that maybe we are too influenced by society. After all, it is society that tells us we should go to college, and with college comes dorm rooms. It is expected, which somehow makes it ok. I guess the real question is: IS IT HUMANE? My thoughts? No. It is not. But it is nice to know that if forced to live in a cubicle, I am fully capable. Thank God I have a good roommate.

PF Changs with G. Schmitt tonight! God bless those business trips! Hope you all are having a good day-mine has been mediocre so far-lots of french homework, bad hot chocolate, etc.

MARTHA

PS, I think Tori may be coming to Spokane. Wahoooo!

Here I Sit...

2008-12-07T15:22:00.000-08:00

...avoiding my homework. And so I blog! The game of Taboo got a smidge out of hand last night-tempers flared and feelings were hurt. I think next time, I'll just make sure the teams are switched up so we can avoid the disaster that was last night. On a brighter note, I haven't lost my touch-I was pulling fives, sixes, and sevens every round. Here is my dilemma: My finals end at noon on tuesday, but Clare can't leave until Thursday morning so I'll be stuck in my dorm with nothing to do! I think I may rent 30 Rock and watch that, help Megan study, and be a general annoyance to those who haven't finished their finals. Yes, I like the sound of that. Also, I am going to figure out how to upload music from my ipod onto my itunes. I really want to combine my music libraries, but it keeps telling me that in order to put the music from my mac onto my ipod, it would have to erase all the music already on my ipizzle. The gall! The nerve! Anyway, if I were able to achieve harmony between both libraries, Clare and I could listen to Tay Tay Swift's new cd on the car ride home. So if anyone knows of any way to do this, I'd love to hear about it!
Amazing Race finale tonight! It takes place in the Portland area-highly recommend it. 8pm on CBS. GOD I LOVE TAYLOR SWIFT!!! I wish so badly that I could be her personal assistant-this whole college thing isn't for me anyway.
Question: are you team Taylor or team Joe? obvi, I am on team Taylor.

Dead week is upon us and I couldn't be happier because to me, it means no homework! Happy studying!
-Martha

Elf

2008-12-06T15:33:00.000-08:00

I just watched it for the first time and it is so good! Thank you Megan for making my day! I went to Target this morning and purchased some wrapping paper and Taboo. I am looking forward to a fun evening. I also have three five page papers due in the next two weeks so I plan to get cracking on that after this post. Hope you all are in the holiday spirit!

Melatonin

2008-12-03T17:07:00.001-08:00

Did I spell that correctly? Anyway, I took it to help me fall asleep last night. It worked. Every morning though, I wake up and feel like I am on fire! I am seriously considering taking the extra blanket off my bed. Speaking of sleep, I have been going to bed by 11:30 every night-a nice change from the usual 12:30 bedtime. I am doing this in hope of improving my skin, and just feeling better over all. Also, I hear sleep makes one lose weight! Now that I am thinking about it, I am kind of back to my self improvement mode. I am taking my supplements again (fish oil is also good for clearing up the skin) I am drinking plenty of water, trying to add in more fruits and veggies to my diet, washing my face in the morning and evening, and flossing daily. I also have been refraining from chewing gum because I heard it bloats you (although, the real reason I haven't chewed is because I never have any gum!) So this is once again, the beginning of the new and improved Martha. By Christmas time, I will be free from all acne, healthy as a horse, and full of energy and vigor! Viva la Martha!

Off to read an entire book in one night and go to Barbie and Megan's basketball game.

-Martha

Reunited and it Feels So Good!

2008-12-01T17:19:00.000-08:00

reunited with my macbook that is! Aaaand also with my friends here in Spoke. I was surprised to feel that twinge of excitement in my stomach as I walked up the steps to CM. As much as I love home, I really do enjoy college. It is more than tolerable-it is fun. Insightful, no? So guess who saw twilight 4 times? MEEEE! It just kept getting better with each viewing. I am also ecstatic because I think many of my cousins who were new to Twilight have been bitten by the phenomenon. Bitten. HA. Anyhoo, I don't have too much to say, except I keep hoping a hot vampire will save ME from a crashing, blue van. Ahhh. Edward. Alright, off to the COG. Hopefully they will have fixed the toaster I lit on fire a week ago.

longingly yours,
Martha

My Shoes REEK!

2008-11-24T15:23:00.000-08:00

Hello all,
I am back and blogging! I am done with classes for the day and in a mere 35 minutes, I shall be enjoying Oprah. Can't wait. This blog must be brief because I have to pack for the trip home, but just wanted to fill you in on my life. Last night I received a very pleasant surprise from Clare Fo Fo. She knew mine and Michael K's devastation at the death of mother's cookies, so she went out and bought me the knock offs. Wester Family brand. Not quite as good, but still delicious and absolutely an acceptable substitute. So thank you Clare! Anyhoo, Megan and I REALLY decorated last night. We have tinsel, pine cones, twinkly lights, bells, window stickers, you name it! We'd love some visitors to come admire our handiwork! Well, wish me a safe flight.
peace,
Mart

So the Lion Fell In Love With the Lamb...

2008-11-21T17:59:00.000-08:00

...Or should I say "and so the martha fell in love with the Jasper?" TWILIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Soooooo damn good. And Jasper was so HOT!!! I want him. Don't worry, I am still madly in love with Edward, it's just that Jasper's beauty was unexpected and it near knocked the breath out of me. I waited in the theatre for three and a half hours and by god it was worth the wait. Without giving too much away, let me just say this movie was made for the readers. There were so many nuances that only true readers of the series would get-mostly humorous stuff. However, if you haven't read the books, don't worry- if you have a sliver of a heart, you'll enjoy it. There were times though (albeit only a few) that the acting walked a fine line between intense and laughable. The twilighters in the theater all chose to laugh. When the Cullen siblings first came on the screen the shrieks that followed were thunderous. However, they were nothing compared to the screams that were unleashed when Edward first appeared. Deafening. I partook in this overt display of teenage lust, and it felt good. Gone are my dreams of marrying Sydney Crosby, I am all about the vampires now!

YOU ARE MY LIFE NOW
-Martha

A Few Things I Wished for While in History...

2008-11-20T09:34:00.000-08:00

1. For the class to be over
2. To have an endless amount of self control and no desire to eat high caloric foods.
3. My friend Abby to feel better and be out of the hospital
4. For it to be thanksgiving
5. For it to be midnight (bc that is when I am going to see twilight!)
6. To be at the lake in the summer
7. To be at the beach in the summer
8. To have songwriting abilities like Taylor Swift
9. To own a mansion and have endless amounts of money
10. To be dating Sydney Crosby.

FEARLESS

2008-11-17T23:28:00.000-08:00

Taylor Swift has inspired me. I am trying to live a life of fearlessness. The other weekend, I ended up crying in front of seniors in college because dogs were jumping all over me. Pathetic. I realized all my fears (dogs, vomit, fire) have been preventing me from doing things I really want to do. Just this weekend, Megan was sick, throwing up and instead of staying in the room, or helping her out like any sane person would, I just shouted "sorry!" and fled the room like a bat outta hell. I can't tell you how many times my fear of fire has held me back. At camp, I refused to be on fire duty on overnights, at church I would never light the candles. I tried to conquer this fear one time by filling our sink with water. I stood there with a match and feebly tried to strike them. However, I never did it hard enough to light and eventually, I just gave up. Before listening to Taylor, I had succumbed to the idea of living my life according to these fears. I don't want to say they ruled my life, but in a way they did-I always avoid going over to friends houses with dogs, at encounter, I had others light the candles for me, and I NEVER help my friends or family when they are getting sick. It really is pathetic. But I am not beating myself up about this-instead, I am only moving forward and vowing to work on these hinderances like Taylor is telling me to. I AM NOT AFRAID TO FAIL.

Speaking of my fear of flames, let me just tell you, I STARTED A DAMN FIRE IN THE COG. Yes, it is true. I don't want any nasty rumors started about this incident (ahem, Emily, it was NOT my fault the toaster is gone,) so this is me setting the record straight. So I was at the cog, grabbing some lunch by myself and decided a bagel with pb sounded delicious. I place the bagel in the rotisserie style toaster. Unfortunately, the bagel was too fat and got stuck between the wires! I grabbed a knife and was about to pull it out (YES. I know I can be electrocuted-it must have slipped my mind at the time though. Thankfully, my guardian angel was on high alert that day and I for some reason decided not to attempt the bagel rescue) when I saw FLAMES shooting out of the toaster. I ran over to the nearest cog employee and informed her of what was going on. In turn, she alerted Steve "STEVE! STEVE! FIRE! FIRE IN THE TOASTER!" Dear God. Everyone in the cog turned their heads at all the workers that were running towards me and the toaster. One lady grabbed a spoon and knocked it out. The omelette man reached in with a pair of tongs and pulled out a lump of smoking charcoal. I was beet red, standing in the center of it all, and I could just feel all the eyes on me. However, there is somewhat of a happy ending and lesson from this story-I apologized and all the cog workers were more than understanding and made me feel much better about the incident. The lesson? make sure your bagel is skinny.

Oh the Taylor Swift cd. It is so good. Better than Leslie's new country edition of Sing Star? Maybe...it is too close to call. By the way, Sing Star is heaps of fun-you don't have to be a good singer to win at singstar. As Leslie told me, it is all about how you move your voice. Anyway, my fingers are tired from typing. OH! I can't wait to go home for thanksgiving! Can anyone give me a ride to the airport? Clare and I are not speaking.

May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, and may your bagels be skinny.

Yours,
Martha

PS EVERYONE MUST GO OUT AND BUY THE TAYLOR SWIFT CD!!!! IT IS LIFE-CHANGING
PPS TWIIIILIIIGHT!!!!! OH CATHY, ELLEN, ELAURA, BRIT, COURTNEY, AND KATE PLEASE COME TO SPOKANE!
ppps i love me some edward cullen.

This made my day

2008-11-11T17:56:00.000-08:00

thank you ho!

xoMichael

On Nov 11, 2008, at 7:59 PM, mfoley3@gonzaga.edu wrote:
http://www.clothmoth.net/products/motherscookies

Michael K. you are my hero. Thought you might enjoy this shirt.

-Martha

I actually think he wrote it! I wish I could marry him.

City Sidewalks, Busy Sidewalks...

2008-11-11T16:24:00.000-08:00

Christmas is in the air! Starbuck's holiday cups have made their debut, a faux, mini christmas tree sits on top of our tv, and the walls are adorned with strings of twinkly lights. Mmmm. Smell that pomander ball? I do, it's hanging from my window. During the summer months, I have this mindset of NEVER wanting them to end, but like all good things, they come to pass. Up until Halloween, I trudge along through life with little to no purpose. BUT THEN! The air starts to smell good (not good like summer good, but still good enough to get me excited for the holidays), Christmas decorations are up in Macy's, red and green m and m's are on sale at safeway, along with Mother's Animal Circus cookies christmas edition (RIP), and most importantly, holiday music is played nonstop on k103! Now, I know since I am in Spokane, k103 is no longer available to me, so Megan and I have supplemented that with our i-tunes. Amy Grant, James Taylor, Rescue, and Rosie's Christmas) Those are just a few of the sounds you'll hear if you drop in. Megan is the one I should be thanking. She went out and got many of the decorations, including lights, the christmas tree, and a GIANT holiday mug and filled it with m and m's. I went to the store and bought candy canes for a dollar. One thing I will miss this christmas: The brunch at the Portland Golf Club. Royal Oaks does not hold a candle to you.

Happy Holidays all,
Martha

P.s. to anyone who thinks my holiday spirit is preemptive: SCREW YOU!
p.p.s. anyone who lives in Spokane or did at one time (yes Joe, this means Rose-ask her) is there a station that plays nonstop xmas music a la K103?

for the ladies...

2008-11-07T15:39:00.000-08:00

RISE WITH US

2008-11-07T15:12:00.000-08:00

I realize this blog title may be a bit outdated, but by god, that was the only phrase running through my head last night after the blazers opened a can of whoop ass on Huston. Well, that and the phrase "WHOOOOO!" Oh B-Roy, I owe you my life! It was the perfect ending to the day. Oh! and seeing Joe and Conor standing up and cheering (Joe was in white or light blue, Cone in red) as for Abby and Ellen, I could only see their outlines.

Tonight is the Spokane/Portland hockey game and I can't wait! Hopefully Portland's luck will continue. BRING BACK SCOOTER!

-Martha

HARDCORE

2008-11-03T21:12:00.000-08:00

These videos show that hockey is not for the faint of heart. I have no qualms saying it is the toughest, grittiest, sport there is. With of course the exception of Tae Kwon Do. Tip 'o the hat to all my old hawks making it in the big time. Also, to my dad, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"

-Mar

Oh, Mexico!

2008-11-02T16:40:00.000-08:00

I have that James Taylor song stuck in my head. You know what else is stuck in my head? My teeth. Which hurt. I fear my wisdom teeth are on their way in, and the result is a horrible soreness that has taken over my mouth. I am taking advil though, so please, don't worry too much about me.

This weekend was a halloweenpalooza! Friday night, Margaret, Clare and I went dressed as Lewis and Clark and Sacagawea. It was a HIT! We were by far the best dressed. Don't worry, it wasn't just me that came to that conclusion, Margaret and Clare wholeheartedly agreed. Anyhoo, I just wanted to update you all on last weeks events. This week? Well, I am hoping to be treated to a movie-perhaps some kind of action movie...that sounds good. Also, I am hoping for very little homework and tooth pain, and a lot of mail and downtime.

Just 24 days until thanksgiving break!

-mar

My Future Career

2008-10-28T11:32:00.000-07:00

I have been really thinking about my future lately and I go back and forth between working at some kind of publishing firm, a drug and rehabilitation center, or working in the field of country music. Last night I logged into CMT.com to cast my vote for the cma's, and it hit me. This is what I am meant to do. Country music is my calling, whether it is being a publicist for a country artist, a personal assistant (Margaret said I'd be good at that) or a producer, or even a video jockey for the top twenty countdown, country music is my passion! Although I am often tempted by the thought of counseling people back to health at places with names such as "Serenity Ranch" or pouring over manuscripts, determining if a comma really belongs in that particular spot, it is country that has stolen my heart. Now that leads me to a new dilema though: HOW DO I GET THERE? WHAT STEPS MUST I TAKE IN ORDER TO HAVE THIS CAREER??? Enough with the caps, but seriously, I am at a loss. Any ideas or suggestions?

Also, on a lighter (literally!) note, I am a blond now. I welcome any dumb blond jokes or prejudices that come with the territory of having beautiful, golden hair.

Keep your eyes open for my next investigative blog piece!
-Martha

How Embarrassing

2008-10-24T16:54:00.001-07:00

LEWIS and Clark.

BOWling

2008-10-23T21:54:00.000-07:00

I am at a bowling ally right now and it is surprisingly not smokey. Must be WA state's new laws. Today, I was sitting in my dorm room and opened my window. The frigid air hit my face and for some reason, a feeling of euphoria washed over me. It must have been the combination of fresh H20 and the heat blowing from the vent on my ankles. I was hot and cold whiiiiiich TRANSITIONS ME TO MY NEXT TOPIC! Madge and I are currently in the process of choreographing a dance to newcomer Katy Perry's new hit single, "Hot and Cold." It definitely needs work, but it is coming along quite nicely. I lied earlier, i am not actually bowling, I am watching my Clare and Madge and other college seniors bowl, while I "study for my midterm" Ha.

This week in my history class we are discussing the expansion west, manifest destiny etc. I naturally became very excited-after all, I have west coast fever. I LOVE IT! However, I was royally ticked with today's lecture. Why you ask? Well let me answer your question with a question. When you think lousianna purchase, salt works, Seaside OR, explorers, ones responsible for the wonderful west coast, who do you think of? If you said Louis and Clark, then you guessed right! But wait! In my COLLEGE LEVEL HISTORY CLASS, there was nary a mention of our favorite ground-breaking, life changing, cultural landscaping, duo. I almost screamed in outrage. The nerve of that professor.

I am so mad I can't type any longer.

-Martha

2008-10-22T23:22:00.000-07:00

SO GOOD! Reliving my childhood. Ellen and Clare, this goes out to you!

GIMME PIZZA!!!

2008-10-22T18:31:00.000-07:00

Ten points to anyone who knows what movie that title is from. Ellen this means you. I had some delicious pumpkin fro yo today. With gummy bears. It was Clare's treat, of course she doesn't know this yet, seeing as how I told her I'd pay her back. Muhahahaha! My new, fabulous friend Abby treated Michelle, Amy, and myself to pizza from dominos this evening and we were enjoying it until Abby said something that will prevent me from looking at pizza the smae way from this point on. "The pepperoni tastes like iron" she said. "Ew, what do you mean?" was the collective response. "You know, like blood." DIS-gusting. Off to print some documents for history-maybe my friend Emily will summarize them for me!

This weekend is family weekend at GU. Can't wait to see the folks.

I'll have fun fun fun till my daddy takes my t-bird away!
-mar

Dear Margaret,

2008-10-20T23:16:00.000-07:00

YES. You did steal my blog. But thanks for driving me around this weekend.

Love,

Martha

Year of Self Improvement

2008-10-19T13:36:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, I get my hair cut. AIIIIIEEEEE! Nervous. I'm sure it will turn out fine, after all it is just hair and it will grow back. Also, I keep telling myself it is all part of my summer of self-improvement. With my new purse and pierced ears, new hair will just be icing on the cake. Speaking of self-improvement, I saw an advertisement for an etiquette class. It was 25 dollars though so I quickly ruled out that idea. I really want to be in Black Butte right now at the driving range. Most people get cravings for food (I do too) but I most often crave places. Ah, Black Butte. Anyone want to fly me there? Or send a car for me? Also, could you make it so that it is a balmy 75 degrees out? Thanks.

-Mar

Olive Garden-When You're Here, You're Family

2008-10-18T09:23:00.000-07:00

Last night I devoured what was perhaps the best meal I'd had in four weeks. My old friend Tara was in town with her parents for x-country and they graciously treated Nicole, Rachel and I to dinner. In case the title didn't clue you in, we ate at Olive Garden. I always thought the never ending (or is it bottomless?) breadsticks was an exaggeration. They might give you, say, three refills, then they charge you. WRONG. They just kept coming, and coming, and coming. So delicious. This morning, we are going to Tara's race-I've never been to a cross country race before. When I asked if we should stand at the finish line, (I figured that would be the most important part of the race) her parents laughed slightly and said "oh no, we run around the course with her!" For the life of me, I couldn't imagine myself running around this three mile track, trying to keep up with a certified cross country runner. I was about to cry at the thought-I could already feel the burn in my calves and lack of oxygen in my lungs- when her mom said words the most glorious words, "but I have a broken toe, so I'll just be standing at the finish line." I hopped on that bandwagon like it was my JOB. "Don't worry, I don't mind standing with you. The others can run around with Mike. You and I will just wait for them all at the end." Good God. I had no idea how strenuous these meets could be on the fans. Anyway, got to go get ready. Nice talking to you all! I am going to get some genuine cowboy boots at the general store!

-Martha

Acid Trip

2008-10-16T15:19:00.000-07:00

We are watching a movie in French class, and I swear, I feel like I am on drugs when I watch it. I can't make sense out of anything that happens. Thankfully, the teacher wasn't there today and we were able to stop the movie fifteen minutes early because we just couldn't handle it. I am sending out my request to the Cooleys for brownies. Can't WAIT! This weekend, I plan on going to an imax movie with madge. Hopefully it will live up to my expectations. I really have NOTHING to say.

Good day! I said good day!
-Mar

LADYBUG!!!

2008-10-14T13:51:00.000-07:00

Just had a near death experience with a lady bug in Cach Twins room. I hate those things. I hate the sound they make when they fly, I hate the yellow pus they exude when stepped on, I hate the way they smell, I hate the way they are round. I hate everything about them. I cowered under a blanket until they swatted the little devil out the window. My heart was pounding.

I was over at Clare's earlier and Margaret and I were watching Intervention. It is such a high-quality show. So intense and dramatic, yet uplifting all the same (well, most of the time. Only when they get help, which is 95% of the time.) I plan on going over later and watching it again. Also, in other news related to Clare's house, Cach twins and I are going to go over there and cook dinner because we are sick of the COG food and need a real meal. Plus I thought it would be nice to treat her housemates to din din, just because they have been so nice to me since I've been here. Bonus: I figure this will give me an opportunity to get to know Clare's boyfriend John better. Hope he like lasagna!

Thats all!
-Mar

Ode to Garth

2008-10-12T10:29:00.000-07:00

I KNOW I have already blogged about Garth Brooks, but I can't seem to get enough. His music just speaks to my soul. Currently, I am listening to standing outside the fire. Amy, Michelle and I think this song is all about taking chances and not letting the fear of failure stop you.

Online shopping has become my new vice. In the mail, I received some perfume and microdelivery mini peel pads. Oh! What she's doing now!!! My favorite line from that song is when he say "filling up my mind, and emptying my heart." So poetic. Anyway, the facial stuff seems to be helping...

I hope to go to a pumpkin patch soon. It just wouldn't be fall without a carved pumpkin! I am doing laundry today, and it is a chore I actually enjoy. I love the scent original tide. mmm.

I went to Gonzaga's closest thing to a school dance last night. Let me tell you, it was gross. The way the girls were dancing and dressed was reminiscent of a Nelly video, and the guys seemed to be on the PROWL! Nasty. But it was fun regardless.

I am getting my haircut this monday! Whoohoo! Homework time. Then I will have to drag amy's "sick" butt out of bed so we can go get brunch.

I'm shameless when it comes to lovin you...

Commercials Locale

2008-10-09T21:20:00.001-07:00

The other day, I was online shopping, when I suddenly began singing the jingle of a commercial in Spokane. It goes like this: "Come on in to the cathay inn, come on in to the cathay inn." It is a chinese place that, inexplicably, looks like a hotel. Literally one second after I finished singing, THE COMMERCIAL CAME ON THE TV!!! Megan and I nearly fell out of our chairs we were in such shock. I have always thought I had some psychic ability, and this incident just perpetuates the idea. Right now, people are blasting rap right next door. Truly obscene lyrics. And it is really annoying for the people who are trying to do homework (or blog.)

ttfn!

-Martha

but A pretty little girl with a bow in her hair

2008-10-08T18:13:00.000-07:00

I am sitting, listening to Babsie poo sing some Dixie Chicks. Traveling Soldier to be exact. This brings back a memory of myself arguing with Clare and Ellen. They claimed that the piccolo player and the girl with a bow in her hair were different people. My thoughts? The line "nobody really cared, but a pretty little girl with a bow in her hair." The answer lies in the article. A. Singular. These girls are one in the same. I won the argument to say the least. If you have never heard this song, this most likely means nothing to you. So I apologize. Feel free to give it a listen and tell me what you think.

Off to the mall. PEACE.

-mart

Less of a Person

2008-10-05T13:26:00.000-07:00

My lame excuse for a co-writer (does one blog post even count as a co-writer?) told me before I left for school that college makes you "less of a person." I have found this to be absolutely true. The other day, I was sitting at my desk doing some online shopping when my foot began to itch. I raised it up on the cinderblock under my bed and began to scratch. As I was doing that, I thought about how the cinderblock was actually a lot like a pumice stone and I should use it to exfoliate more often. OH MY GOD! I have become less of a person. The sad thing is, I will continue to use it and hope for smoother, brighter skin. Safeway is a huge rip-off. From here on out, it's the dollar store for me!

-Martha

I have bad breath

2008-09-30T18:08:00.000-07:00

Currently, I am sitting at my friend Meredith's computer, and LOVING IT! She has an actual keyboard, which is such a nice change of pace. Plus her room is ten degrees cooler than mine, so I tend to hole up in here often, especially because of this Indian summer we're having. More than anything in the world right now, I want a burrito. I am contemplating going to Ionic Burrito, but am afraid it just wont be up to par with TDM. Anyway, I am getting very sick of mine and Megan's dorm room. In fact, I kind of hate it. It is tiny, hot, and I just don't like the fact that I have to eat on my bed and get crumbs everywhere. Oh well. Maybe this weekend I will buy an area rug and some curtains or something. A part of me just wants to buy a house right now and live in it. I know students are supposed to live on campus their first two years, but who would even know? Or care? The only problem is how I would fund it. What are some ways I can really makeover my dormroom?

Self Improvement is going well-mostly. I have been straightening my hair a lot, but I can't seem to get rid of the t-shirts. I have cute tops, but they're all too fancy for everyday use. I guess I'll go shopping this weekend.

Another thing I have been thinking about lately: I want to get famous and make tons of money. How do I make this happen? I am at a standstill. On another note (this blog is stream of consciousness) Margaret and I are starting a genealogy project. Hopefully we'll have some interesting finds come thanksgiving.

Alright, thats it for now. Stay tuned for the next "exciting" thing to happen in my life.

bye bye

martha

Where Have I Been?

2008-09-26T21:24:00.000-07:00

It has been TOO long since I have blogged. There is so much to report. My summer of self-improvement is finally happening, thanks in part to my perseverance, and also to my impulsiveness. Last Thursday night, after a delicious dinner with Greg Schmitt and half of the LaSalle class of 08, we were walking back to the car when Clare said "Mar, do you want to get your ears pierced?" I stopped in my tracks. "Um, ok." I don't know what came over me-perhaps the sweet 'n sour chicken had some kind of strange effect on my brain, or maybe I just got sick of myself and all the empty commitments I make. Whatever the reason, I found myself sitting in the "piercing chair" at Claire's, gripping a stuffed bear, and holding Clare's hand. OUCH! First ear done. Oh god, time for the second. OUCH! Second ear done. Or so I thought. "Oh, well hm, it looks like I forgot to put the back on. We're just going to have to do that one again."I looked at the piercing lady in a whole new light. Her face was pure evil, and I wanted nothing more than to rip the stapler out of her hands and pierce her eye. Not to worry though, I made it out alive (as did she) and my new bling adds a great deal of elegance to my look. It even inspired me to straighten my hair! Who knew two diamond studs would have such an impact on my appearance?!?
The next morning, I was feeling particularly cute, so I put on a sundress, a little mascara, bronzing powder, haviana flips, my north face backpack and breezed out the door. I was feeling FLY! My hair hung slightly past my shoulders, straight, yet voluminous, and was sparkling in the sun. The entire walk to class, all I could think about was how I was going to strike up a convo with Crush. I sat in my desk, trying to plan my attack. But guess which cute, tan, freckled boy decides to skip class that fateful day? That's right-Crush! I was devastated. All that work for nothing. But as always, I got mad, I got strong, wiped my head, shook it off, then I stood. There is always the rest of the semester.

I am currently home for the long weekend and loving every minute of it. And as I blog, I have behind me the epitome of my Friday nights. Kate, Cathy, and Ellen, and HP#1 playing on the screen. Is it odd that I enjoy spending time with my sister's friends in the short time I am home? NO! And in all fairness, Kate is my cousin, and Cathy may as well be one. They both are basically permanent fixtures in my house. Ok, I am off to take a bath. And finally read the Brother's K (courtesy of Madge.)
Dumbledore is omniscient and the greatest character in American lit, with the exception of Atticus Finch.

-Martha
Ps, an open question to all of you in the blogosphere: what is the best way for a girl who has spent the last four years at an all girls school to initiate a rapport with a beautiful boy?

MATTHEW mark luke and john

2008-09-17T19:48:00.000-07:00

I certainly hope this blog never reaches more than ten people. Well, just so long as it never reaches the subject of this post. Each monday, wednesday, and friday morning, I go to my New Testament class and enjoy the view. And by view, do I mean the ancient chalk board? The raggedy, stained carpet? The crucifix hanging above the doorway? HELL NO! By view I mean the hot piece of boy that sits kitty-corner from me. He is all celery green eyes, deeply tanned skin, and brown-hair. And it makes my morning. I have been racking my brain for conversation starters that wont make me look like a fool-unfortunately, I haven't been able to get anything better than what I thought of this morning. I was staring intently at a mysterious scar on his leg (the things I would do to find out how it got there...) when I was distracted by his foot moving. He slid his foot out of his well-worn Rainbow flip flops, picked it up, and examined how the part between the toes was beginning to rip. In my mind, I desperately wanted to say "Don't worry about it! I hear those have a lifetime warranty!" Too bad for me, I didn't have the cojones. Oh well. Next time. But most likely not. For now, I'll just have to settle for the husky "thank you" he gives me when I pass him the attendance sheet. Which brings me to my next irritant. EVERY SINGLE DAY I see people trying to pass the attendance sheet forward, but the recipient never sees it. So the person sits there, hand shaking from the effort of it all, embarrassed, waiting for the person to answer their mental pleas and TURN THE HELL AROUND AND TAKE THE PAPER FROM THEM! Maybe it's because I am not a considerate person, or maybe it was even the all girls school brashness in me, but if someone is not realizing that I am trying to pass them a paper, I just take the corner of the sheet and poke them in the back. Is this bad etiquette? I never thought so until college, where people are so exceedingly polite to each other. Anyway, thats it for now.

A few side notes, some sad, some happy-congrats to Margaret for her new macbook. And as for the sad stuff, I'd just like to say RIP to Aunt Jerry and Kit-Kat.

-Martha

ps, if you'd like a hint as to what Crush's name is, take a look at the title of this post! Clever, no? I was quite pleased with my creativity.

Back To Basics

2008-09-11T15:21:00.000-07:00

College. So funny that I am in it. I remember starting this blog before college was so much as a blip on my radar. Now I am in the thick of it. Cafeteria food, open doors, easy mac, monogrammed towels, the whole nine yards. When I look back, I remember the basis of this blog. My summer of self-improvement. Between you and me, it did not happen. The most I did was use crest white strips. And that only happened twice. So I'd say it was a big fat failure. But not to worry! I am back on track. I received a purse for my birthday, I am flossing daily, I refrain from chewing gum in public, I wore a cute sweater over the weekend, etc. I still have miles to go, but I sense a revolution approaching. A marthalution. Here are my goals for each day. Straighten, or at the very least blow dry my hair (lofty goal,) put on a touch of makeup, go out of my way to do something nice for a person, make my bed as soon as I get up, work out for at least thirty minutes (this only has to take place 5 times a week) do all my homework before nine pm, try to eliminate foods without any nutritional value (warning: do NOT allow self to argue that because Butterfingers have water in the ingredients list that they are conducive to health,) moisturize daily, keep the cubical clean, try and arrange features into pleasant look in class, so as not to seem completely disinterested in what the teacher is saying, and finally, don't sweat the small stuff. OH! And keep in touch with friends.

I feel that if I follow that list, the self-improvement snowball will start rolling and soon, there'll be no stopping me!

I sometimes like to play the game "If I could be anywhere in the world right now, where would I be?" My answer? either Nashville, TN or at the lake at about 5 pm, sitting on the dock with a root beer in hand and appetizers on the table, talking to relatives and playing with Bryson and Cam.

Thats all,

Martha

Now Every Time I Pass a Wheatfield

2008-09-08T19:21:00.000-07:00

In an earlier post, I mentioned how I have been listening to a great deal of country. That is still true, however, it has been narrowed down to one artist. GARTH BROOKS! I also realize i am about ten years too late, but I don't care. In the past, when I would hear one of his songs, I always thought "oh yeah, I like this song." However, it wasn't until a few days ago that I had the chance to listen to about 20 of his songs in a row, and all I could think about was how GOOD each and every song was. Again, I know many others have had this same revelation ten years ago (hence the reason he is so famous?) but still. I can't get enough! I eat it all up! The melodies! The lyrics! The voice! He is- dare I say it? The greatest male country artist of all time. It is pretty rare that I am ever this excited about something, but i guess Garth just brings it out of me. I am already planning my trip to the downtown Barnes and Noble to buy his and Trisha's cookbook. Alright I am off to de-loft my bed with the help of Michelle (she wanted a shout out) and Megan, my roommate who doesn't yet get annoyed with me. I'd also like to thank everyone for the birthday cards, gifts, and wishes. Especially the thoughtful Borders gift cards from the twins.

-Martha

2008-09-07T18:04:00.000-07:00

I was driving to Walgreens today with the Cach twins, when Michelle piped up from the backseat, "Isn't it weird that we are not going to school tomorrow?" I was confused. Tomorrow is monday. "What do you mean?" I inquired. "We just have classes, were not going to a day of school." I have been thinking a lot about that and agree that it is odd. All I do is complain, complain, complain about how much homework I have and what not, but compared to being in high school for 7 hours straight, three hours and twenty minutes of classes looks pretty damn good.

I currently am eating ritz with pb. mmm. Megan (my roommate) and I just got the surprise of our lives. We have been without tv from the day we arrived here because our cable cord is maybe 4 inches. That does us no good. However, our friendly neighbor Shea told us we could use her cable because she does not have a tv. We dug around through the mess of cords, and realized that it was attached to the wall. I came back into my room and was going to see how long of an extension cable I would need to buy when I accidentally tugged the cord. I felt the slack of the cord in my hands and for a brief moment feared I had pulled it out of the wall. Once I realized it was fine, I kept tugging and was amazed to see almost 2 whole feet of cable slithering out of the wall. It was like one of those magic tricks (illusions Michael, tricks are what whores do for money) where the magician pulls the scarf out of his throat and it just keeps going. Unfortunately, it is still not long enough to reach our tv. But thats what the pimped out room with a tivo and flat screen, located right across the hall from us, is for. Plus they always offer me delicious snacks.

ok, I have to do homework. My birthday weekend has been time-consuming.

Procrastinatingly yours,

Martha

2008-09-06T00:17:00.001-07:00

I am nineteen.

2008-09-02T13:38:00.000-07:00

To kick things off today, I'd like to begin by welcoming two new readers! Amy and Jamil, two new comrades of mine at Gonzaga have recently been following the exciting happenings in my life by reading this blog. So welcome, we here at Martha inc. are glad to have you on board.

Speaking of exciting happenings, I was chowing down on a pb sanny at the COG (look it up) when all of the sudden, a floppy haired, green eyed god breezed by me. As I breathed in his musky, slightly sweaty, all around MANLY scent, my observant roommate leaned into me and whispered "That's Matt Bouldin" YEEEOWZA! There has been one time in my life when I have been more starstruck and that was at Conor Shearer's graduation where I purposely bulldozed right through Joey Harrington (sigh) and his girlfriend (hiss.) I still say that was one of the best moments of my short life. Anywho, aside from my glorious baller sighting, my experience at the cog was below my standards. Why? I'll tell you. It was too noisy. How in the hell is an individual expected to enjoy their food when the buzzing in their ears is too loud to even hear their friends? Not to mention all the germs that are flying out of people's yappers, landing directly on your food. Ah, college life. One additional complaint about the food services here at Gonzaga: I went to the sandwich bar for aforementioned pb on wheat. As I grabbed the loaf marked "whole wheat" I fleetingly thought about how proud Char would be of my healthy choice. But wait! I pulled out two slices, instead of seeing the expected brown, I saw only white. With closer inspection, I saw minuscule flakes of something that could barely pass for wheat. I realize they are trying to cut cost corners with every turn, but with the 30 thousand + tuition student are paying, one would think they could splurge for some Oraweat. Also, the food there has given me (and a few others according to my sources) horrible digestion.

I have had one class so far and the teacher, excuse me, PROFESSOR, seems nice enough. Full on beard, haltingly stops mid-sentence, unable to stand in one spot for more than a second, gives off a nervous energy, and horribly enough, he reminds me of this guy who played a child molester in law and order svu.

The longer I am here, the more I realize the importance of "comfort music." For me, this is purely country. Mainly Kenny, Tim, and Taylor. With a little Keith thrown in. It takes me back to my big bedroom, with it's big bed and single occupant. Not that I am complaining. Ok, I am. Gotta go, indigestion in full force.

Unsettlingly yours,

Martha

2008-08-30T11:08:00.000-07:00

This post is LONG overdue, but i figured better late than never. This is actually the first post on my new computer and I am still getting used the spacing between the keys so just bear (bare?) with the typos. First order of business- I GOT A SHIATSU MASSAGE CHAIR!!! Elaura and I have recently been going to linens and things for the soul purpose of sitting in these wonderful chairs. I told my mom of their magic and she decided to get it for me for my birthday. It currently is kneading away the knots in my back as I type this. Also something I should mention-I am in college now. It is odd to type that but there is no denying it. Especially as I look around this cubicle of a room, complete with a mini fridge and a george forman. CLICHE! But lets not talk about college-I find it tedious and boring. Instead I will regal you with tales of my dentistry troubles. About ten days before I had to leave for college, my teefs started to ache. I guess I shouldn't say ache, but rather they felt sore. So, realizing I had not been to the dentist in over a year, I made my sister (she may be my mother) clare make an appointment for me. The dentist was away on vacation so the hygienist picked and prodded away and said she would have him take a look when he got back. Floss and brush twice a day, and if you're going to have candy, eat it one sitting. I thought I was in the clear and decided to turn my focus to packing up for school. But no! Monday morning, I am stumbling out of bed, still rubbing the sleep out of my eyes when clare barges in "Martha did you hear?!? You have 3 cavities!" Three! God. I was embarrassed. However, after I arrived at the dentist to take care of my little problem, he told me there was nothing I could do because the grooves in my teeth were so damn deep. I asked for a heavy dose of Novocaine, turned on my i-pod, and settled in. So there I am, lying back with my mouth wide open and eyes squeezed shut, grooving away to the Mama Mia soundtrack, when all of the sudden I feel a sharp pain in my tooth. It felt as though a nerve ending was exposed and the dentist took a drill right to it. Oh wait, that is what happened! My first thought was "ouch! cut it out!" Then I kind of came to and for some reason remembered the book "A million little pieces" and how James Frey got a root canal with no pain meds. If he can do it so can I! But then a third thought popped into my head. "Wait a minute! That book was a farce! Fabricated! Fake!" A fake, fabricated, farce. I went right back to gripping my ipod in agony and feeling quite sorry for myself. My teeth hurt the entire way to Spokane. Then they hurt the next day. The only upside is that it made my caloric consumption very low during that time, resulting in a 1 lb loss.

Hope everyone who reads this (two people) never have to deal with teeth issues. Oh, and by the by, I ended up only having two cavities. Yay!

-martha

To My Faithful Reader...

2008-07-29T18:48:00.000-07:00

Or should I say readers? I found out today when visiting Kate Jones, business women extraordinaire, that she is an avid (exaggeration) reader of this here blog. Along with my sister Clare. So that makes two people! Success is a slow process, but I envision myself with at least a million hits a day by the time I am 20. One must work their way to the top. I take to the blogosphere today to cry out in fury/indignation at a conversation (altercation some may say) that took place at the Vancouver Barnes and Noble between my bff (and lazy co-writer of weareemar) and an anime backpack toting geek. Elaura was innocently standing at the info kiosk chatting with an employee and with one ear on her convo and the other on the exchange between said anime freak and another employee. Elaura claims she was only listening because the freak/geek mentioned the Twilight series, which happen to be some of our favorite books. Elaura was listening calmly to both parties when she heard the geek say something that made her blood boil.
"I think the Twilight series is bigger than Harry Potter"
Elaura's head snapped up and she whirled around, drawing herself up to her full height. "NO ITS NOT" she bellowed furiously at the ignorant fool.

I am very pleased with Elaura's reaction, but I must say that if I had been there, I would have bitch-slapped the girl (excuse my language Kate) HOW DARE SHE! There is NO way any book series will ever be a bigger phenomenon than HP. It is a fact. HP is and forever will be the reigning king of of my heart, and many others.
That being said, you can bet that I will be at B and N, camped out, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Breaking Dawn. I certainly do not want to make it a competition between the two series, seeing as how they are different as night and day, or some may say, vampires and wizards, but when the dumb anime nerd opened her mouth, I was left with no choice.

That's all. Actually, it's not. The Jonas Brothers just released their new single "Tonight" and it rocks!

Irately yours,
Martha

18 going on 15

2008-07-21T17:37:00.000-07:00

In the course a persons life, it is generally believed that said person grows in maturity from life experiences, people they meet, etc. Their decision making skills improve, their taste in music, tv, and books grow as the years pass, and their interests in general are supposed to reflect their age. This is not the case with me. Not only have I not progressed in maturity, I seemed to have regressed. The tween music I once despised is now racking up an impressive bill on my mom's i-tunes account she doesn't know she has. Shows like Hannah Montana, and Unfabulous that I used to watch in secrecy and shame now play proudly and loudly from my tv. However, it is my latest obsession that have people really crying out in anger. I LOVE THE JONAS BROTHERS! It feels good to own up to it. I wish I could say I was ashamed but I'm not. In fact, I question those who do not like the jo bros. Every single song has a catchy beat that can not be denied. Their songs relate to a variety of ages. Some songs for their younger set, like "Thats Just the Way We Roll" capture the feel-good, zany ways of the pre-pubescent, "When You Look Me In the Eyes," is a song that like totally describes a first love (or is it like?) and is the sweetest thing you've ever heard!!! One can hear this song blaring from girls rooms, along with the fragrant aroma of bath and body works products with names like "Fruity Tutie" and "Charmin Cherry" wafting out with the music. As girls get older, though they still enjoy aforementioned hits, they are now looking for songs that speak to the feelings of wanting someone they can't have, hormones they never knew existed raging in full force, and the pain and agony of a first break up. "Burnin' Up and Pushin Me Away" not only aptly describe these feelings, but have in fact become an anthem for 16 year olds everywhere. And I would bet my Jonas Brother's poster that each and every one of these girls were cemented in front of their television on June 20th, eager to watch the boys make their acting debut on Camp Rock, a disney channel orginal.

So you see, it's not just me, girls around the world also share my obsession. The only thing is, I don't think many are 18, soon to be 19 years of age. This brought up some concerns about college life in the fall. How do I get my roommate to leave so she wont know I am watching the newest Hannaf Montana episode? What lie do I tell her when I need to see HSM3 in theatres? "Sorry, I can't make the kegger, I have to go to the doctor to get my syphilis checked out." I don't think so.

Thankfully, I have the rest of the summer to come up with plausible excuses for my all-things-disney addiction. I am truely hoping I come up with something better than a fake STD outbreak.

Wish Me Luck,
Martha (The true "Bonus Jonas")

Well Groomed

2008-07-15T10:49:00.000-07:00

The past few days, I have been vacationing with the family in Black Butte. I have had a swell time going to the local supermarket, spying on a deer and her baby fawn right outside our window, and opening a can of whoop-ass on Wayne Nelson and Clare while playing cranium. All that aside, I have decided to focus on grooming. Personal hygiene is so important and can sometimes be easily overlooked. Not by me of course, but by others. There is nothing as rancid as the smell of stale b.o., wafting through one's nostrils. Now don't worry, I don't have a case of bad b.o. (usually) and I shower daily (except for when I am at camp.) However, although my hygiene is top notch, my personal grooming leaves something to be desired. I tend to wear sweats or athletic shorts everyday (depending on the season) and a t-shirt or sweatshirt. My hair is stuffed into a rubber band each day, causing me grief from my hairdresser because of all the broken hair and split ends this 'do leaves behind. So to fix this problem, I have added grooming to my personal list of self improvement musts. To improve my grooming, I will force myself to floss daily to keep my pearly whites in tact. I will wear shorts (of the khaki or nice jean variety.) I will limit myself to wearing two t-shirts a week-the rest will be nice tops from Nordstoms or someplace similar. I will cross my legs at the ankle and let my folded hands rest gently in my lap. I will not chew gum in public, but will always accept a mint when offered. I will wait to eat at restaurants until everyone at the table has been served. I will try to incorporate pearls into my daily wardrobe. I will not be cheap. I will blow dry and straighten my hair each day. I will keep my nails clean and trimmed. I will exfoliate. I will use proper manners at the table. I will not perform bodily functions in public. I will be kind and polite to those around me. Finally, I will take up golf. Golf is a preppy and proper sport that forces one to dress nicely and socialize. So there you have it! I will be a challenge, but I have complete faith in myself. I should have added no swearing, but realistically, that is simply not in the cards for me.

On a lighter note, The movie Penelope comes out today and in it is an exclusive, first look at a premier scene from Twilight, along with behind the scenes footage. I can't wait to feast my eyes on some delicious Robert Pattinson!

Best wishes to all who read this.

Sincerely,
Martha

also makeup! I will put that on everyday. Not a lot though. I want to look natural.

I squared my shoulders and walked forward to meet my fate, with my destiny solidly at my side.

2008-07-10T17:38:00.000-07:00

ten dollars goes out to the lucky person who can guess where the title came from. unless that person is ellen or martha, if they dont know where it came from then I have been sadly mislead to believe that they are true fans.

as my comrade Martha informed the world in her last post the world of twilight has taken over my life.

I am currently watching Kathy Griffin my life on the D-list on Bravo much to marthas chagrin. I cannot help to feel that martha and myself are stuck in the same position that our dear friend kathy is in. stuck on the D-list. Although not as annoying/obscene and/or obnoxious. more to follow.

little has been done on the self improvement front, in fact i havent worked out all week, which pretty much means that i am slipping back to the oblivion of simply reading and watching tv all day while pretending to do something productive.

ta ta bloggers!

oh and i hate margaret cho. shes awful.

Not much progress

2008-07-10T17:16:00.000-07:00

As mentioned in the title of this blog, elaura and I have done next to nothing to improve ourselves. However, I managed to drag my lazy ass out of bed long enough to put on crest whitestrips this morning. Small steps, as they say.
More important than any self improvement list though is the Twilight series. It took my world by storm two years ago and since that moment, I have always had a copy right at my fingertips. Seriously. I have the third one by my bed for some late night reading, the first one in the kitchen for breakfast entertainment, and the second in the basement to keep me company while I hit the growler. You know what I'm saying! I am constantly informing my chums about these books and trying to persuade them to read it. My greatest success though is none other than my partner in crime, Elaura "I don't want to read a book about vampires!" Rifkin. She is eating her words. Not only is she excited for the movie to come out, but she is already asking me if it would be socially acceptable to make t-shirts for the big release day! Last night, she informed me that her bf, Jeff, is also reading the books. It is the bi-gender sensation that is sweeping the nation. I am quite pleased with myself.

Goals for tomorrow: Go to 23rd and buy a dress and a purse. I am rolling in the dough after all.

I will bake a french toast cassarole (I think I spelled that wrong) tonight. Or a cake for my uncle's birthday.

Unproductively yours,
Martha Cullen

She my little hood thang

2008-07-07T12:54:00.000-07:00

Hello cyberspace!
We are EMAR the big fat foreign exchange student from Yemen! This summer, seeing as how neither of us have jobs, we decided to go to work on ourselves. This, is the summer of self improvement. To begin, we will be getting Martha's ears pierced, buying her a purse, and getting her license. In addition, we will be jointly whitening our teefs, working out (maybe), getting tan, and widening our world view. "But Martha and Elaura! How do you plan on widening your world view?" well friends, it goes a little something like this.
1. We will go to the OMSI dinosaur exhibit
2. We will learn the basics of a new language
3. We will become involved with various philanthropic activities
So there you have it! So far, we haven't done any of these things, but the way we see it, we have the entire summer, layed out before us, just waiting for the new and improved EMAR to emerge.

Signing off,
Busted Babies