Life is good, mates.

 I've been having so much fun this semester that I could almost forget that I'm in graduate school.  Lazy Monday mornings.  Long runs on Tuesday afternoons.  Three dollar burgers on Wednesday nights.  Thursday nights at Atlas with the History Department crew.  That's where I discovered my new calling -- shuffle board.  I make up one half of Team Jope and Change.  We like to channel the 2008 presidential candidate Barack Obama and are currently undefeated.  Yep, I'm 80 years old.  And then my weekends have been pretty great too.  Trips to Indianapolis to eat the most delicious soul food of my life.  I literally died and went to sweet tea heaven.  Corn bread, fried green tomatoes, barbeque -- I think I need to make another trip.  WNBA basketball games.  IU Opera performances.  A weekend in Illinois here and there -- and visitors from Illinois too.  Hikes.  And church on Sunday mornings.  Oh, and somewhere in there I suppose I go to class and work and read a lot.  But I couldn't really tell you when.

Okay, brace yourselves.  It's about to get real for a paragraph or so.  I honestly don't know if I've ever been this happy, or content, or whatever word you want to use.  Despite not really liking where I'm living or my classes, I'm loving everything else.  And that's a big departure for me.  My senior year of undergrad was rough.  I like to call it disillusionment or ennui -- it was probably just senioritis.  My first year of grad school (at least the first semester) gave me fits.  But in that time, I grew up.  A lot.  And I learned to be more laid back.  Don't get me wrong, I'm still a neat freak with borderline OCD who is constantly looking at her watch...but I've watched my perfectionism fade.  I still strive for success -- I've just given success a new definition.  My own definition.  Mine.  That's the biggest lesson I've learned at graduate school -- to live my life for myself.  To do what I want to do.  It's an uphill battle.  It's a struggle I deal with everyday.  I'm a people pleaser.  I'm hyper-aware of others.  None of that has really changed...I've just learned how to factor in myself a little more.  And maybe it took falling flat on my face to realize it, but I'm sure glad that it did.

Phew, well I'm glad I got that off my chest.  Now, in completely unrelated news...can I just say that the number one reason I love fall is because I can eat pumpkin everything?? The leaves start changing and it's all I can think about. I picked up the first box of Pumpkin Delights of the season today.  They will probably last me all of 3 days...if I'm lucky.  I had my first pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks last week.  I cannot wait for pumpkin pie.  Pumpkin bread.  Muffins.  Ice cream.  You name it. 

And lastly, if you see me on campus this week...please ignore my left eye and what will certainly look like a nasty rug burn by tomorrow.  Or pretend that I got in a wicked/awesome fight.  You know, the whole "You should see the other guy" thing.  What really happened, you ask (or maybe you're not... I have no way of knowing)?  Let's just say I'm really talented with a hair straightener.  And if you've seen me in the past two days I appreciate that you didn't say anything about it -- because I look ridiculous. 

Happy Autumn!

Much love,
H.

Tuesday Tune-Day: In a New York Minute

Today is September 11.  A morning when we all realized that everything can change in a New York minute.  At least I know that I did.  I was 12 years old.  Sitting in my 7th grade science class.  And then we were going home.  Classes were cancelled so we could be with our families. Even though we were thousands of miles away. What was happening?  I remember being afraid to go to sleep that night.  The feeling of safety and innocence of our youth was gone.  It was almost as if we lived in a different America.  Even at 12 years old, I knew that something had changed.  And I wanted to remember it.  I collected newspaper and magazine articles.  Read everything I could.  Kept my eyes glued to the television.  Maybe it was nothing more than morbid curiosity.  But I think that in a time of great tragedy and horror, I found my love for history.  By experiencing history...as removed as I was...I gained a sense of how important it was to remember.  To never forget.

And so today, I remember.  We remember.  We remember the men and women in the World Trade Center, in the Pentagon, on that plane in Pennsylvania.  The police departments, fire departments, EMTs, and our military.  We will never forget.

{Better Than a} Movie Monday

Wow, it's been a long time.  When I blog on Mondays, it's usually about a movie that I've seen recently.  Welp, I haven't seen any movies lately -- but I've spent the last two weeks watching something even better.  It's Convention Season!  And I couldn't have been more excited!

I love it!  You tell him, Mr. President!

My boss recently introduced me to someone as a "political junkie."  I laughed at the time, but it's true in every sense of the word.  It truly is an addiction.  The first thing I do when I get up in the morning is scan the headlines on The Hill.  I have a campaign button collection.  I've had a penchant for power suits since I was about 19.  Like I seriously envy Hillary's closet.  I read histories of the Senate and biographies/autobiographies of politicians for fun.  My computer's search history is full of Congressional bill numbers.  H.R. this.  Or S. J. Res. that.  I want to walk down the aisle to the opening titles from the TV show, The West Wing.  You think I'm kidding.  Click on that brilliant piece of music composed by W.G. "Snuffy" Walden and get a taste of what my future wedding will be like.  And lastly, I considered skipping class on Thursday night so I could watch the DNC in its entirety.  I've got it bad.  And lately I've been wondering how I got hooked.  What was my gateway drug?  Part of it is history.  You really can't study it without being somewhat interested in politics and government.  Another larger part of it was living in D.C.  It's almost like it just seeps into your pores or something.  It gets in your blood stream.  Okay, I'm making it sound like horrible disease and it isn't.  But it really is in the air.  It's a city that is charged with something -- power, ambition, intelligence (most of the time), history, legacy, a sense of purpose and importance.  Just being in that environment leaves you wanting more.  And then the last part is working with Congressional papers.  I have had to learn a lot by necessity.  The Congressional Record really is my best friend...and I'm okay with that.  So maybe I'm in need of an intervention, but the conventions definitely fed my addiction over the past couple of weeks.

So what did this junkie think?

Michelle Obama is the epitome style and grace.  Her speech brought me to tears.  And it was just apolitical enough to be politically brilliant.  She stole the show.  And her dresses!  And shoes!  But in all seriousness, I know that we're better off because she has the President's ear.  Clint Eastwood.  I still have no clue what was going on.  That was THE most bizarre political moment I have ever witnessed.  And hopefully ever will.  I love you, Bill Clinton.  You used more math in your speech than I have heard since high school, but I appreciated it.  Your speech went on and on forever -- but it was good.  Imagine what it would have been like if he and Obama actually got along.  I don't know what it is about him -- maybe I associate him with the feeling of safety of my childhood -- but I will continue to defend him as a president. Heck, I even liked Joe Biden.  I won't lie, every time the guy opens his mouth I get nervous.  But if the good Dr. Jill Biden sees something in him, I guess I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.  Gabby Giffords showed so much courage and perseverance as she walked across the stage to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.  It was wonderful to see her -- and I just know she'll make it back to the House some day soon!  Mitt Romney does not know how to relate to ordinary people.  Even when he tries to be spontaneous it seems scripted.  And Paul Ryan, I have no words.  Other than that I hope the only thing we have in common is completing the Washington Semester at American University. President Obama's speech reminded me more of a State of the Union address, but it was effective.  He reminded me why I voted for him four years ago and renewed my faith in him as a man and a leader. 

Wow, that's a lot of blogging for me.  Brace yourself, I'm sure there will be plenty more where that came from before Election Day!

Happy Monday, y'all!

A Weekend Checklist

 Little known fact...I start out every morning with coffee in bed.  It's my favorite time of day.

And the weekends are my favorite time of the week (but who doesn't think that?).  Here's my weekend checklist:  

 1.  Run 5 miles.  Check.  I'm not sure what's gotten into me.  Even when I was in high school I couldn't run that far.  Even when I was playing college basketball I feel like I could barely run over a mile.  I'm chalking it up to cutting back on my dairy consumption.  It's probably a completely bogus reason, but I feel like I'm in the best shape of my life.

2.  Read a book for fun.  Check.  WHAT?  I'm still surprised at this one.  Especially since the first week of classes usually leaves me overwhelmed.  I seriously haven't read a book for fun since last Christmas.  I was starting to get concerned that graduate school had robbed me of one of my favorite things.  And I'm in LIBRARY SCHOOL for crying out loud.  I think I'm supposed to love reading, right?  Or at the very least be capable of reading.  But I bought Hope Solo's autobiography on a whim, hoping that I would get around to it eventually (probably over Christmas).  I'm only a couple chapters away from finishing it!  I'll be sure to blog about it and her incredible story!

3.  Enjoy some friend time.  Check.  Lots of laughter.  Lots of catching up.  Deep conversations.  And history nerd conversations.  Quotes that should be written down.  Sitting in a restaurant until it closes.  Pints of ice cream. I am so thankful for the wonderful group of women that I just happened to talk to on that first day of orientation last year because our mentors weren't at the meeting.  And we've never looked back...

4.  Get my hike on.  Check.  It's probably one of the best parts about living in this part of Indiana.  There's always a new trail to try.  And yesterday we drove out to Brown County to hike in the Yellowwood State Forest.  It was pretty buggy, but there were some beautiful views.  And it made me want to go camping something fierce!  Although those of you who know me well know that camping and I don't tend to get along.  One word for you:  chiggers. 

5.  Go back to High Rock Church.  Check.  I started out going to Sunday services there last fall and quickly fell away as my schedule got too hectic.  But today I made a point to get up and go worship my Lord and Savior on a beautiful August morning.  And I was reminded that no matter how far I wander, God's love is deeper.  So often I get caught up in what I want to do with my life -- what I want to accomplish.  So often I get caught up in wanting to be the best, in wanting to be perfect.  But this morning, I remembered that everything I do, I do for His glory.  And so today I decided that these words will be the theme of my final school year:

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection *

 Have a great week, y'all!

* These words are a verse of the song "How Deep the Father's Love for Us."  We sang it at church this morning -- it's one of my favorites.

"I'd Rather Be in the Hunger Games Than Play Kickball": End of Summer/Beginning of School Thoughts

Okay, so I'll explain that quote in a minute.  But first, summer is coming to an end.  My first (and most likely last) summer in Bloomington is over.  My first summer school experience is finished!  Can I get an Amen?  And by the way -- I totally rocked it -- straight A+s.  Like kindergarten, but way more stressful.  I got the best tan of my life without really trying.  I grew my hair out and my mom called me a hippie...my life is now complete.

I got to spend two glorious weeks at home with my family in Illinois.  I was completely swept up by Olympic fever.  And I formally apologize to all my Facebook friends for my seemingly hourly updates on the U.S. Women's Soccer Team.  Okay, I'm not that sorry.  I spent a weekend back in my old Monmouth stomping grounds with old friends while making some new ones too.  Another weekend was spent in Chicago -- taking in the city that I am growing to love and enjoying the history and atmosphere of the Friendly Confines.  The Cubs lost (of course), but I absolutely love spending an afternoon at Wrigley. 

I don't think our seats could get any higher, but at least we were in the shade and had a nice breeze!

 Then, last weekend we were off to Cincinnati for the Western and Southern Open.  I won't lie to you, I'm not a huge tennis fan.  I watch Wimbledon (mainly as an excuse to eat strawberries and cream), I'll go out to the courts to play a few sets if I can find someone to go with me, and I am a pro at Wii tennis, but that's about it.  I was a little nervous to spend an entire day watching the semi-finals.  I mean matches can go for hours!  But it was awesome!  We got to see some of the players at the practice courts that morning.  Novak Djokovic was literally less than 10 feet away from me...and Roger Federer too!  And then we got to see two great semi-final matches.  Not to mention I had my first Skyline Chili experience.

Center Court baby!

Now it's back to work in the Archives and I've been in class for a week.  It's my last fall semester ever! It's been great to meet up with my friends again and catch up after our summer "breaks."  And that means going back to our crazy conversations about how our professor was 30 minutes late to our first class and arrived wearing swim trunks.  Or where I end up saying things like "I would rather be in the Hunger Games than play kickball."  I think I'll stand by that quote. 

It looks like it's going to be a great semester!

Confessions of an Olympics Addict Pt. II: Seven Years Old Again

As the the 2012 Olympics draw to a close in London, I'm still held captive by the spectacular display of athleticism, talent, and sportsmanship.  Yesterday, as the U.S. Women's National Team won gold in soccer, I was reminded that this truly is the Year of the Woman at the Olympics.  More than anything, I hope that this display of greatness sparks more interest in women's sports.  I hope it inspires a new generation of female athletes. 

I know that the Olympics sure inspired me.  Every four years, for two weeks at the end of the summer, I feel seven years old again.  I'm transported back to the days when I would play Olympics out on our driveway.  Playing tennis against the basketball backboard.  Dribbling the soccer ball down through the gravel and back.  Pitching the baseball to myself.  Breaking out the goggles in the pool.  Gymnastics on the trampoline.  Creating my own sports -- like rollerblade basketball.  Keeping score in chalk on the sidewalk and getting so mad if it rained and washed the scores away.  For two weeks and probably months afterwards, I was Mia Hamm or Lisa Leslie or Dominque Dawes.  I remember getting my first soccer ball during the Atlanta games.  It had the mascot from the games on it...man, I wish I still had that.  And going to soccer camp for the first time. 

If you want to make me seriously happy, find me something with this little guy on it.  His name was Izzy, I think. 

 The Olympics remind me of those great times...when I dreamed so big.  And they kind of make me a little sad too -- knowing that those days have passed.

But more than anything, they give me hope.  Today, I know that there are little girls all across the country who are out on their driveways pretending to be Abby Wambach or Diana Taurasi.  They're doing flips in the basement pretending to be Gabby Douglas.  They're in the pool pretending to be Missy Franklin.  And that's a beautiful thing.   

Confessions of an Olympics Addict: Soccer and Kirani James

Since the Opening Ceremony over a week ago, watching the Olympics is literally all I do.  It's been that way since Atlanta in '96.  I don't know what it is, but it consumes me like nothing else can.  And sure, I'm always a fan of watching swimming and gymnastics, but this year it's women's soccer and track and field that have me talking. 

The USWNT's semi-final match against Canada yesterday was just sick.  Sick. 4-3 in extra time with a last second header from Alex Morgan!  Incredible!  And Megan Rapinoe plays the beautiful game beautifully -- she had 2 incredible goals.  I mean it's not every day that you see the person taking the corner score a goal!  I'll admit, I got way too into the game.  And I'm pretty sure at one point I fell off the couch in mid-celebration.  I cannot wait for the championship game with Japan on Thursday afternoon.  It's rematch time!

And then there's Kirani James.  The first medalist the tiny island nation of Grenada has ever had.  And it was GOLD!  I visited Grenada in high school and fell in love.  So I always keep an eye on them in the Olympics.  Last night, tears came to my eyes as the nineteen year old won their first medal and they showed footage of the Spice Island and James's hometown of Gouyave.  Here's some photos of my visit there -- almost 10 years ago now.  

 That's us.  Walking the streets of the tiny fishing village nestled in the hills.

 Who knows...maybe I met Kirani as I visited with children that morning.

It was at this elementary school where I fell head over heels in love with the people of Grenada.  Look at those beautiful smiling faces!

And there's Kirani after his win.  Waving that beautiful flag.  I still have a patch of the Grenadian flag on my book bag...and probably always will.  And just so you know, it's a nutmeg on their flag...not cacao like the commentators last night said.  They grow more nutmeg than any other country in the world.  And I can smell it now just thinking about it!  Congratulations to Kirani James!  He is a great ambassador -- everyone could see how much he truly loves his country!  And I love it too!