Name:Carla Country:United States State:Iowa Metro:Quad Cities Birthday:2/6/1988 Gender:Female
Interests:Books, singing, Harry Potter, dogs, schemes of world domination. Expertise:Spreading chaos, confusion, and general befuddlement throughout the land. Occupation:writer? Industry:books ...
I’ve decided that a certain person whom I work with (we’ll call him “Bob”) is an alien.In a bio-suit.Which leads me to think a lot less of these aliens whom we’ve all come to believe must be pretty darn smart to be infiltrating our society and whatnot.If I am correct, then these aliens are clearly not the pick of the litter.Firstly, they seem to have only a vague notion of what a human being ought to look like.This leads to the not blending in of said Bob.In this case, either basic principles of symmetry elude them, or they’ve pasted parts in backwards, upside-down, and obviously insecurely.
The second reason I believe Bob is bio-suited alien is his walk.It’s off kilter; I have no other description for it.He really looks like the little green men inside haven’t quite figured out what all the levers do, kind of like a 14 year old who just got their learner’s permit and is none to skilled with hand-eye coordination.This would also explain the constant dropping of objects during simple tasks.
Then we have the social skills, which can really only be classified as a lack thereof.Clearly these aliens running this particular bio-suit spark-noted the reading material for the acting human classes, because no human being truly thinks everyone will believe that they know everything about everything.Unless they are Robert Langdon a la Tom Hanks.Then anything goes.But I digress.As a latch-on to the [lack of] social skills, his voice is what might be termed “throaty.” In other words, it sounds like he’s doing a constant Kermit impression but is none too skilled with voices.I guess they picked that up off television and assumed it was the standard.He also talks to himself, which indicates to me that the aliens are having an argument but forgot to turn the microphone off first, like an airline pilot asking the stewardess for sexual favors over the P.A.This is a great deal less humorous than that.
Bob also has a pretty piss poor work ethic, which makes sense considering the aliens running the bio-suit have clearly skipped several lessons in successful infiltration of human society.It only makes sense the human they create will also lack a working knowledge of the human money economy system (you work, and I pay you for working, not for standing around mumbling, or dropping things, or going about half the speed of smell.)
So what I’m saying here is, Bob, unless you want to be jettisoned back to your home planet, start proving to me either that you are actually a human being, or else that you are the decent, hardworking type of alien who actually deserves to live peacefully among us.
Alright, so I spent two weeks in Ireland.I haven’t decided if it was life-changing yet.Ok that’s a lie; I’m changed.#1 suddenly I’m thinking of all the things I didn’t see but want to (such as Newgrange/Bru na Boinne and Knockbridge), so I’ve decided I have to go back with Joe some day.#2 the time away from Joe was, in a word, enlightening.I missed him like crazy, but I didn’t die (obviously) and I seriously feel more independent.I suddenly really want to get my license and maybe get a car (not that I can afford one).I also have a new appreciation of walking, and new confidence in my ability to use public transportation effectively.And by effectively I mean, you know, not dying or finding myself in the wrong country.
As far as religion – wow.I really did have this idealized vision of our universal church, that the Catholic church is the Catholic church is the Catholic church.I got over there, and the difference in spirituality just smacked me upside the face like you wouldn’t believe.They blast through the responses like there’s no tomorrow, and some of those prayers do not have the same wording as in the states (“according to the scriptures” instead of “in fulfillment of the scriptures” in the creed).Not only that, but I didn’t know any of the songs, which, for me, was incredibly frustrating.Until then I hadn’t realized how much my faith actually depended on my love of the music, my love of singing.Still, the devotion to “events” in the liturgical year, was startling.The number of people who showed up to the Corpus Christi procession, including people of all ages, was startling.All those little first communion kids dressed up in their suits and dresses processing with flags, scouts and a band, old women praying the rosary and the divine mercy chaplet, it was an experience I won’t forget.
Nano Nagle – amazing woman.I just read her bio by Sister Mary Raphael of the Victorian Congregation of the PBVM Sisters.I also bought the book that’s basically an easier to read version of the cause of the canonization – which was compiled by Sister Mary Pius, whom I met and am in awe of, btw.I must go back to Cork, and especially Ballygriffin!
I called Mom pretty frequently while I was gone, and I hope to call her more often now that I’m back.I liked talking to her that much.
So, all in all, the trip was life changing.So it was worth it.Now for the work – the presentation next October.Though I’m terrified, I usually am before any project, big or small, for a grade.I picked the subject that I know I can handle and am the most interested in anyway, so I think I’ll pull it off pretty well.
Ok, this year has been pretty hectic. Joe and I have changed the date of our wedding (I believe) twice - it's June 5, 2010 now, after we both graduate college. (whew) It's going to be a private ceremony and dinner in Preston, and we'll probably run off to have fun at the carnival later on.
I thoroughly enjoyed my Christ and Culture class, hated Does the Land Belong to Israel?, Irish Gothic gave me nightmares, Medieval/Renaissance Brit Lit was a blast, and statistics ... didn't kill me. I know, I was shocked too.
This semester's almost over, but all I can say is I'm glad I'm done with my American Lit requirements. I am LOVING both my 18th century Brit Lit class and Medieval Christianity. Issues in Christian Ethics was enlightening, and mythology is just plain fun. as always, I love choir.
I am completely torn up that Christina and Brita are BOTH leaving me, but I think I will survive. Well, Joe says I will, so I guess that'll have to do. I've never lived without my big sister, except for one year while she was at college and I hadn't graduated yet, but I still knew that the next year we'd be together again. I don't know how I'll handle this. Seriously, it's like my last vestiges of my childhood are slipping away, and I can't do anything to stop it. Well, I really am happy for Christina in all she's accomplished - seriously, awards out the ying-yang and two internships. whew!
As always, my faith has sort of gone up and down in the last year, but weekly adoration has really been my rock. An hour with Our Lord a week can change you. I'm really trying to live a sanctified life, devoted to the Lord. wish me luck. I have a new devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, as well as the image of the Lord on the cross. lately when I was in church, all I wanted to do is to sit in front of the tabernacle and never leave. I've given away rosaries, gained new ones ... idk if you'll understand what that means to me, but I felt it was important. I started wearing my brown scapular again. It really is a comfort.
I started reading a lot more of C.S. Lewis, and he's really given me a new perspective on my faith. Also, Evelyn Waugh pretty much rocks. I don't quite get her, but I still love her stories. I started reading the Book of Mormon ... gar? I read the entire Twilight series in about a week ... I fully admit that they are a guilty pleasure with no substance whatsoever, but they're still fun. kind of like a mindless video game ... for chicks.
I learned that living with other people in your apartment is WAY different form living with another person in your dorm room – I LOVE my roommates!
I found out that I get to complete my Irish Studies minor with only 17 out of the required 18 credits, and that I will be the only person to get the minor without actually studying abroad for a whole semester.I am really excited to go to Ireland this summer for the research project (which is only giving me 2 credits).
I can’t wait for Meghan and Christine to get back from their study abroad foreign places – I missed them so much it’s hard to believe I’m still sane.Can you say party?
I kind of had a falling out with APO and Lit Society.I don’t really know what happened, I just stopped participating in activities and going to meetings.I don’t even know if I really want to start it back up again.
Well, as it’s about 2 am and I usually start thinking seriously about going to sleep about this time of night, so I think I’ll finish up for now.I can’t believe all that’s happened in the last year and a half.I’m practically a different person.meh.
Well it’s actually been 4 months since I’ve updated this
thing and I guess it’s time to get y’all up to date on what’s happening in my
life and maybe some thoughts.This is
gonna be a long one.
Engagement
On August 11th
Joe proposed and now I’m wearing a 1/3 karat, marquee cut, princess setting
diamond ring with a gold band.I am
extremely happy.I hope we can get
everything ready for next Christmas (2008), but it may be we’ll have to wait
until we’re both graduated from college.That will make me sad but not horribly sad – I do get to go to school
only 20 minutes away from him AND see him pretty often.The funny thing is I haven’t even met his dad
yet … but that’ll be fixed soon enough.
Classes
This semester I’m taking a great set of classes … well almost.
Short Fiction
Short Fiction is taught by my absolute favorite teacher here at
Loras, Ms. (soon to be Dr.) Jean Merrill.She’s hilarious.And I get to
take it with some of my favorite people – Meghan Hartsell, Christine Duff, Eben
Krapfl, and Allison Aerts.There are
also some people who are just hilarious but I don’t know their names
exactly.We have such a great time in
that class because we can say basically anything we want about the stories
because all literature is just opinion and emotion really.That’s why English kicks ass.
“I think you’re confusing the protagonist with the narrator.”
“I think we can all agree that abortion is not pleasant, right?”
“He just … turns into a bug!?”
“Why can’t we just read something happy??”
Epic Heroes and The Celts
I’m taking what’s called a cluster – that’s two classes taught at
the same time that relate to each other.One is Epic Heroes and in it we talk about ancient Greek/Roman hero
stories: The Iliad, The Odyssey, etc.I don’t
like that class much because the stories aren’t that amusing to me and the prof
isn’t my cup of tea.However, the course
it’s clustered with is The Celts.Seriously, the Celts had some serious BAMF’s.Cu Chulainn just kicks ass.The stories are so fantastic, and the culture
is so bizarre it’s fun.Right now we’re
talking about Irish Christianity, and seriously, Patrick is about as badass as
Cu Chulainn.Check out Muirchu’s Life of
Patrick for full details on Patrick’s badassness.Both these classes are Honors – I have to
take 3 honors advanced gen. ed.’s out of a total of 5 advanced gen. ed.’s.They’re actually not that bad.
“Beware the evil vagina!”
“Medb’s friendly thighs … heh”
We had to do a project that covered some theme in both the cultures,
and we did a video of Cu Chulainn and Achilles fighting on Jerry Springer about
who is the better hero, seriously!It
was amazing.
Intro to Theology and Religious
Studies
This class is a joke, the prof treats us and the class as if we’re
all in high school.The assignments are
just a pain in the ass because they’re not challenging.It’s a matter of turning his ‘directions’
into something that can actually be called a paper and not a book report.Shoot me now.AND I have to take another class with this guy next semester – it’s
required for my rel. studies minor!ARGH!
Catholic Identity: Galadriel,
Odin, and Christ
This is another required course – though it’s not an advanced gen.
ed.; it’s a core class, IOW everybody takes it no matter what.The topics vary though, and ours is Catholic
Imagination.So we read Catholic authors
and talk about sacramentality, mediation, and communion in the stories.So far we’ve covered Flannery O’Connor
(seriously messed up stuff, but also seriously challenging and GREAT), the
Prose Edda by Snorri Sturleson, and now we’re reading Beowulf.In the words of Eben Krapfl, Beowulf is all
man.Beowulf kicks freaking ass.So our first paper in the class was supposed
to be a research paper and he decided it would be ‘really neat’ to do creative
writing in the style of Flannery O’Connor.Kick ass.Now we’re doing an 8-10
page research paper … and mine’s pretty cool I think.I’m arguing that apocryphal gospels have
value for Catholics and for students of literature in general.It’s kicking ass pretty well now. w00t!
“Heretic!”
“We’re talking about the grotesque, do you think this is a good time
to mention his shirt?”
Choir
I didn’t get to do Bella Voce cuz of class schedules but I’m still
in concert choir.I don’t get to go to
China this summer, but I do get to be a bridesmaid in my friend Amie’s
wedding.BUT I WILL go to Rome next
year, no matter what.Bitches.
Still a freshman …
Um so don’t mess up and only finish 8 credits your first
semester of freshman year, cuz then you get way behind.I am technically still a freshman and it
kinda sucks.But I will hopefully catch
up soon.Hopefully…
Silent Day
Abortion is bad.For one day I was silent in solidarity with
the 1.3 million voices silenced every year by abortion.In preparation for this day of silence I
sought information about abortion, both spiritual and physical.Abortion is bad for your body, no if’s, and’s,
or but’s.Abortion causes psychological
damage, especially when there is physical damage to your body.Abortion causes emotional damage.Abortion is wrong in every way, and does much
more harm than good.The negative
effects are glossed over by most people because most people either argue that
it’s morally wrong or that it’s your choice.Nobody even pays attention to the amoral facts of abortion – it’s a
dangerous procedure!I also found some
pretty good evidence in the bible for the soul being present in the body at the
moment of conception.Isaiah talks about
having sin from the moment of conception – sing doesn’t stain a cluster of
cells, it stains your soul, so for sin to be there at the moment of conception
there has to be a soul.Also, John as a
6 month old fetus recognized the personhood of Jesus, the even younger
fetus.“The child in my womb leapt for
joy.”Cognitive thought and emotion –
two things one attributes to a person, not a cluster of cells.Face the facts – abortion is WRONG.
Halloween!!!!
I
rocked the costume contest by dressing as Queen Persephone, Goddess of the
Underworld with Joe dressing as Hades, God of the Underworld … and scaring the
children.Voting starts tomorrow I
believe, I can’t wait!
Harry Potter 7
Wow
I didn’t even say anything about book 7 when it came out.I just wanna say it was a great way to end
the series.Every day I realize something
more about the books.I was sad to not
see the veil or the DoM again but then I realized that JKR was really trying to
emphasize that death is a mystery and we’re just too used to total explication
at the end of every book to realize that it was a conscious move to leave us
with a sense of mystery. I still say the
American cover is misleading … but I’m over it.Despite the fact that I know Ron and Hermione ended up together I’m
still a rabid HGSS shipper and will never repent!Hehehe.The Dumbledore being gay thing … well whatever.It’s not that I’m against it, but like most
Americans who have ever seen The Bird Cage or an episode of Queer Eye,
I have this image of the stereotype that doesn’t fit DD at all and it bothers
me to no end!
Harry
Potter is a Christian allegory, end of story.I think it’s a classic piece of literature that has AMAZINGLY
well-written casual dialogue and folklore.w00t forever!
Have you ever seen a cornfield sparkle? Go for a walk out to Preston's cemetary at sunset in the summer, exactly at sunset, not before, nor after. The little cemetery sits at the top of a hill a little ways outside the town. As you walk down the hill, back towards town, you look left and right, and you see a thousand lightening bugs, a million lightening bugs glittering like so many stars over the corn and soy plants. You could sit forever watching these ugly, beautiful little bugs swarm, hovering over the deep green leaves of the corn stalks. The fog is coming up off the creek nearby, and it gives the field an eerie look. It contrasts with the view of the sunset past Geno's hill. The mess of clouds is painted blood-red by the setting sun, and at the peak of the hill is the black silhouette of a smattering of trees and brush. The combination alone is breathtaking. But if you look behind you, the moon, full and bright, is sitting exactly in the sky opposite to that stunning sunset. Nearly blocked by a thin cloud-cover, the effect is a bluish haze that overlooks the quiet cemetery, as well as another cornfield swarming with countless lightening bugs. All this is complemented by the cool summer's night air, thick with the smells of rural Iowa at night.
All this I took in last night. I went out to the cemetery to visit Grandma's grave. I watched the sun begin to set from beneath a great tree, leaning against the cool trunk. As I sat out there I thought of Grandma. I wondered what she would think of me and my life now. I thought of how I had wanted her to see my graduation, my confirmation, my wedding, my children. I know I am lucky to have been able to spend so much time with her, but I of course selfishly wish for more. I hope she is proud of me though; I think of her in my highest and lowest moments. In the last five years she has become a combination of Patron Saint and Guardian Angel for me. I ask for her prayers, and her wisdom. She was a great lady, she overcame many trials and much strife, and through all of it she raised her daughter Mary to be nothing more or less than the most wonderful mother I could have asked for. I thank her for that. I hope and pray that someday in the distant future, my grandchildren, and perhaps great-grandchildren, think of me with the same respect and love that all my family had, and still has, for that amazing woman.
She was strong, I hope to be that too someday. She survived a husband and four full-grown sons. She lived to see two daughters fall into troublesome relationships, a son fall out with his family, and one daughter - not really any better than the others - marry a good man and raise ten good men and women in her life. She was kind. She gave more than she needed to anyone that asked - or didn't ask - for it. She was pious. She prayed the rosary daily, and watched the daily mass on television. She took communion as often as someone would bring it to her. She died shortly after praying for the feast of All Souls Day. She was my Grandma, Dula Marie Zeimet Budde, she was my role model, and I will NEVER forget her.
