Blogger Bah Humbug

Every night I have told myself that now would be a very good time to end my non- intentional blog fast. Alas, you will have noticed that I have ignored every such impulse and instead gone on with my strange existence. I am now in Germany once again, and as you can tell from the above picture, the weather has been foul. Raining off and on, ridiculous grey skies: it's a downright outrage. Having said that, today has been lovely, and I currently write out here in the garden, under the awning because it's so bright and sunny. Currently the parents are in New York, picking up Alastair from his now completed mission- they are thrilled, of course, and we in Germany are just itching to see him! Meanwhile I have been showing my college roommate Anna Frankfurt, Bad Homberg and Heidelberg (mainly I've been giving her tours of the shops. What more can I say?). It has been great fun having her here!

I am rather fond of the public transportation system here. What a miraculous system. Not only do I feel rather proud of myself for assisting in maintaining such a healthy and much less polluted environment, but I am constantly supplied with people watching opportunities, which of course is one of my favourite things. More about that another time. Heidelberg, while we are on the subject, provided me with an opportunity to exercise patience with the german people. One in particular. Who knew one could reserve seats on a 30 minute train ride in second class. Who knew one would be so adamant to sit in such a seat even though 90% of the carriage was completely devoid of other persons? Who might have supposed that someone else sitting in ones supposed reserved seat might be so infuriating?? You will all be happy to know that I refrained from popping such a man square in the eye. Instead I quickly removed myself and spent the 30 minutes loudly denouncing such childish and arrogant behavior.

That said, Germany is quite lovely- while the sun lasts, that is. I shall try to write a little more later!

Funny of the Day

Hannah Davis, on childbirth.

"Ew. Babies come out looking like aliens. I don't wanna see mine 'til it's clean."

Picture of the Day

Hello blog fans. There is no excuse, really, for the lack of my internet presence these past 2 or so weeks. Life has been pleasantly tranquil- if you consider 28 calls in que at work for 8 hours a day "tranquil." Finals finished and I became busy with moving out roommates, moving in another roommate (Welcome, Coleman!), organizing my house, building a garden on my porch (I am officially my mother), setting up a new team at work, actually going to work and training new employees (Welcome, Thorn, Jennifer, and Peter!), scouring used bookstores for good books (officially my new favourite thing to do) and finalizing my book. Now, all of a sudden, I have but ONE WEEK before I'll be heading back to Europe for a fabulous break that, I will admit, I am not at all prepared for. Anyway, that's it. What's new with you?

Oh No

The irritation of my day would be the above. No, this is not a picture of my exploding brain due to finals (curse you, geology). Nor is it a pitcure of my exploding brain due to panic/ cluelessness concerning my future. It is actually a picture of the volcano in Iceland. I am considering whether or not I should tell you the real reason that I am irritated... I could tell you that I am very anxious to know that the people are safe and well- I am, I really am... But mainly... alright fine, I'll admit it. Mainly I am anxious about my spring plans. Will I wever get to Europe next month?!
Now that you're all positive that I'm extremely self-obsessed and selfish, let's move on. My favorite used bookstore in Provo is MOVING to Orem and I am terribly unhappy about it. Who wants to poke into a bookstore on State St in Orem, where, let's face it, could easily be Reno for all of its aesthetic let- downs. I very much dislike State St in Orem.
I think it's a good thing that I can identify with the fact that right no I am being a Debbie Downer. Care to make my day?

You Think Your Life is Tedious?

Her Morning Elegance by Oren Lavie

Can you only begin to imagine how long it took to take this music video?!

BANE OF MY EXISTENCE

Taxes. I hate hate hate this process. I don't understand it AT ALL. I just filed my taxes online- have no idea if it's right or not- but apparently they think they need to give me $1600. Which is fine with me. I just have to wait and see if the IRS accept or reject my claim. 3 guesses how I want that one to turn out. Cross your fingers for me!

Clarification of the Day

Couldn't have put it better myself.

Today Will Be Beautiful

Hello blans (blog-fans. I like to pretend you exist.)! I got to bed late last night after spending the entire weekend, it seemed, cleaning slash organizing my teeny tiny apartment. I will not pretend that it took less than 7 hours to organize my showes and clothes. I will also refrain from lying about the fact that my desk is still a disaster, untouched. The living room, however, looks great. On saturday I found a bookcase on [serious] sale so, after ploughing my way through the most foreign looking instruction manual of my life, my roommate and I managed to set it up. It's amazing what a bookcase can do to a room. I feel ridiculously distinguished! Anyway. Other things that made my weekend a ball of sunshine:
Indian food
The hot sun (hello Utah desert)
Random blogfans adding me on facebook (yeah, you!)
Walmart
Stake Conference
Clean sheets
Chatting with silly brothers on the phone
This week, being the last week of classes, promises to be stressful and panic- filled. But... Waking up to the sunshine, a cancelled class, and She & Him really clears that right up!
PS I realize that my chirpiness is nausiating... but get over it! Today rocks!

In the Sun

Reasons why today will suck: a test; solid classes 'til 3, then solid work 'til 7pm; no hug from Mommy as she's trillions of miles away; snow on the ground; geology class (theres only so much one can care for rocks); the thought of finals

Reasons why today will rock: "geology rocks"; watch me ace my test; the promise of 50 degree weather and clear skies; my book arrived (!!!); sweatpants

And if that isn't enough to make YOU excited for today, the above is a gift to cheer you up.

Picture of the Day

I took this picture in Heidleberg, Germany last August. It makes me SO excited to go back in MAY!!

Happy Easter!

This week is conference weekend- Which is the best way I can think of spending Easter! When we were kids Mum would hide sweets and chocolate in the garden and we would go hunt for them. And of course- English tradition alert- we would get a chocolate easter egg, which would consist of a huge chocolate egg designed in accordance with our favourite candy bar. Mine was usually Rolo's. It was spectacular! What are YOUR traditions?

Enjoy this youtube video from Mormon Messages. Yes, I got all techno-savvy and posted a youtube video. Which has opened up so many doors for me that I feel like a pro. You can expect to be enjoying lots more where that came from!

I want you all to know, in this Easter season, that I know that Christ lives. He came to this earth in the most humble of circumstances, but led a perfect life, being the perfect example. He healed the sick and taught fundamental lessons and principles. He atoned for each of our sins and willingly was sacrificed. And he was resurrected! Which is what we celebrate today. I know that He lives and loves us. I can testify that he knows me personally. I hope that you watch the above, and ponder the role of Christ in your lives.

While we are on the subject of churchy things, I have to share an experience (be excited)! Last weekend I had just gotten my little paycheck and some money from my parents. It was wonderful- I thought, Hurray! Now I can pay all of the bills I have been procrastinating! I looked at my money and counted it thoroughly. I realized that I was looking a little low and considered paying my tithing next week instead. In my religion, we have made the decision to donate ten percent of our income to the church. In the scriptures we are promised that if we do this first and foremost, we will be blessed. I contemplated this decision and finally decided to have a little faith and pay my tithing. The next day I checked my bank balance and to my utter horror, I didn't have enough money to pay rent! I was so upset. I panicked and wondered what on earth I could do? I knew that I had a 20 dollar note in my purse, so I decided to deposit it at the ATM. When I got there, I considered the fact that I could have some extra funds in my British account. I checked- there was a hundred dollars there. So I withdrew that, still sad because rent is far from being $120! Regardless, I began to deposit my notes into the ATM. And they kept coming. $120: deposited. $220: deposited. $320: deposited. $420 deposited. The 20's kept rolling out of my wallet, every time I stuck my hand in there for more. I stood, astonished, as I checked my final balance. I have heard of similar stories of those faithful people who pay their tithing- but never did I think I would be blessed with such a tangible experience. I know that it was a blessing for paying my tithing!

What I'm Listening to...

... Relator by Scarlet Johansson and Pete Yorn. Actually I'll admit to being so completely surprised by it. Scarjo is the last person I thought I'd enjoy coming from out of a speaker system- but she's pretty good! This track in particular is the perfect springtime tune. I appreciate it. Listen to it at playlist.com!

Mind boggle of the day

Ridiculously simple how hard this is.

http://www.sporcle.com/games/boyochels/twoletterwords

Men Who Wear Necklaces...

... please stop.

Picture of the Day

NNNNNAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA- si-vennnn-yyyyyyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

slododovidodowwwwaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh

vennnyyyyaaaaadooowwweeennnnyaaaaaaaaa.

Don't pretend like you all don't remember the Lion King song.

[french] Onion Soup

Well, I managed to find SOMETHING that the french did right.

On Sunday I finally got around to cooking Onion soup. For my birthday, my lovely roommate Anna got me a cookbook with the most glorious picture on the front. I did what I'm not supposed to- I judged.

I know that pride is a sin, I really do. And I know it's conceited to blow one's own trumpet, but by george: I was the most proud of myself than I've ever been when I served up the above. I made the worlds best soup. Despite its french-ness!

Today I Published a Book

The following is a link to my very first book! I had to do a project for one of my usage classes, and while others decided to intern edit or write papers, I decided to write a terminology dictionary! It is available for purchase at http://www.blurb.com/my/book/detail/1257610

Pardon Me
The American's Guide to British Terminology
By L. Hollie McKee

To the Americans, the British continue to be a fascinating selection of the Earth’s population. Whether the influence is The Beatles, Harry Potter, or Mr. Darcy: Americans giggle and coo over British vocabulary and diction. Therefore, I submit a condensed translating dictionary of British terms and usage for the American convenience. May your eyes (and minds) be opened to the fruits of our intense and varying language- which was your language until you simplified the laws of spelling.

In the News...

TAPILI, Congo — Depleted by an American-backed offensive and seemingly desperate for new conscripts, the Lord’s Resistance Army, one of the most infamous armed groups in Africa, has killed hundreds of villagers in this remote corner of Congo and kidnapped hundreds more, marching them off in a vast human chain, witnesses say.

Read the rest of the story at http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/28/world/africa/28congo.html?ref=todayspaper

Doing Our Part

Dear Blog Fans,

It will no doubt make you sad to know that I am having a poo day. I sat here in bed, wallowing (because let's face it, we all wallow every now and then) over my woes, and felt a ridiculous feeling of guilt. And so, I decided to make a tiny change. I have resolved to every now and then put in a little plug designed to aid the world and make us better people (yes, I'm taking my blogging responsibilities very seriously). So now you know that whenever I post said tips, it's because I am realizing how selfish and tedious I am.

We'll begin with the Red Cross who, despite spending money on their own leaders and teams, really do a good job aiding the needy in substantial projects.

TEXT 2HELP

The national Text 2HELP Initiative is a partnership between the American Red Cross and The Wireless Foundation that allows customers of participating wireless carriers to send a text message to the Red Cross and make a donation to support the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. This Fund enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, cots, counseling and other assistance to victims of U.S. disasters.

Subscribers of participating wireless carriers can donate $5 to American Red Cross disaster relief efforts simply by text messaging the keyword "GIVE" to "2HELP" (24357). Donations will appear on customers' monthly bills or be debited from a prepaid account balance. Message and data rates may apply. To opt-out, send "STOP" to 24357.

Participating Carriers:

Alltel
AT&T
Sprint-Nextel
T-Mobile
U.S. Cellular
Verizon Wireless

Text 2HELP Frequently Asked Questions

Privacy Policy

You can help people affected by disasters, like the recent floods and tornadoes, by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to victims of all disasters. You may also call 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish) or mail your donation, to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.

In the News...

Tracing the bitter truth of chocolate and child labour

Paul Kenyon posed as a cocoa dealer to find child labourers This Easter, Britons will eat their way through 80m chocolate eggs without the slightest taste of how the essential ingredient in our favourite treat is harvested. The truth, as BBC Panorama reporter Paul Kenyon discovered when he posed as a cocoa dealer in West Africa, leaves a bitter taste. In an investigation into the supply chain that delivers much of the chocolate sold in the UK - more than half a million tonnes a year - the BBC found evidence of human trafficking and child slave labour. Panorama also found that even chocolate marketed as Fairtrade cannot rule out that that, despite having standards and auditing in place, there may still be a possibility of child labour - as defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in the supply chain. Dangerous tools By the time it hits the High Street, cocoa becomes increasingly hard to trace. As it passes from farmer to buyer to wholesalers, exporters, importers and manufacturers on the journey from cocoa pod to dried bean to chocolate bunny, it becomes more and more likely to have at some point in the chain included the labour of children who have never so much as tasted a chocolate bar. The ILO defines the worst kind of child labour as "labour likely to harm the health, safety or morals of children" and includes the use of hazardous tools - such as the machetes needed to chop the cocoa pods free from trees. Read the rest of the story at http://news.bbc.co.uk/panorama/hi/front_page/newsid_8583000/8583499.stm This is one of those things that we neglect considering. Where do our luxuries come from and how are they obtained? Are we okay with the fact that they are obtained this way? Is knowing enough to make us do something about it? WHAT can we do, as the mere consumer?