I think after you graduate if you don't do anything after school it's called unemployment, not summer. So, this is it - technically. And while this blog is supposed to be focused entirely on my time in D.C. I think it's somewhat fitting and allowable to write a review of summer...just as a lead in to where I'm heading this fall.
In case you had not gathered, I'm a very big fan of sectioning off whatever I write to allow for readability. In the journalism world, we call these sub-heads - and, yes, I'll be throwing in journalistic facts whenever I can. There' s no point in reading a blog about journalism and not learning a little bit about AP style. For example, AP says that when you're talking about this blog, you call it a Web site, not a website or a web site. Capital W, space site. Strange - yes, but correct nonetheless.
So...in typical Courtney fashion, I present the sub-heads of my summer.
The Good
Losing what I gained: Last summer...I dropped about 30 pounds. I gained about 7 of them back during the school year, and now I'm down fifteen...sooo I've lost 37 in the last year. More importantly, though, I'm back on a routine - and I am aware of the challenges of keeping it off. We'll see out D.C. treats me... :-\
In case you had not gathered, I'm a very big fan of sectioning off whatever I write to allow for readability. In the journalism world, we call these sub-heads - and, yes, I'll be throwing in journalistic facts whenever I can. There' s no point in reading a blog about journalism and not learning a little bit about AP style. For example, AP says that when you're talking about this blog, you call it a Web site, not a website or a web site. Capital W, space site. Strange - yes, but correct nonetheless.
So...in typical Courtney fashion, I present the sub-heads of my summer.
The Good
Losing what I gained: Last summer...I dropped about 30 pounds. I gained about 7 of them back during the school year, and now I'm down fifteen...sooo I've lost 37 in the last year. More importantly, though, I'm back on a routine - and I am aware of the challenges of keeping it off. We'll see out D.C. treats me... :-\
My old friends: Summer always reminds me just how great my friends are - both those nearby who I do not get the pleasure of seeing during the school year, and those who are torn from me because of the summer. It's also amazing when those you pushed away allow you to pull them back.
The new: Some people come into your life and change it. This is nothing short of a gift, one for which I am extremely grateful.
The break-up: I've written a blog about this already, but essentially...I'm thankful for the way it ended and that it ended at all. It was a gift that it went smoothly and that I bounced back so well.
Lack of stress: Don't get me wrong - this summer has had it's share of turmoils, but in general, summer reminds me to be the more relaxed version of myself. I've never been one to go with the flow, but I can adapt much more easily during the summer months. I generally like myself during the summer more than I like the mess of stress I can become during the school year. The three month break is much appreciated.
The Bad
06/07/08 Flood: I will remember this summer as being water logged. Despite the tremendous stress this flood placed on my family, I will remember this date as being a turning point for everyone in the surrounding areas of Central Indiana. Some of the things I saw during and after this weekend were just...mind-blowing. I am thankful for the lack of damage our basement incurred during this devastating weekend. Cut to....
07/22/08 Flood: I can't fully describe the emotional toll this took on myself, or my family.We had been in our basement for a grand total of 17 days. We were on vacation for five of those. To wake up at 3 a.m. to an inch and a half of water beneath your feet is not pleasant, nor is the thought of summoning up the courage and energy to deal with being displaced. I think the worst part - aside from the financial burden that's plaguing our seemingly cursed family - is the fear of rain it's given to our family. I feel my stomach churn when I hear anything heavier than a drizzle. It happens though...
Favre Saga: Talk about an emotional roller coaster. Favre cam anyone? I honestly don't think this deserved as much media coverage as it received...I wish it hadn't at least. I have made my peace with it and, fittingly, he's no longer the media magnet that he was. It's still hard...especially on my father.
Learning the truth behind the facade: Friendships are not always meant to last forever. And if you learn that the basis of a friendship is strikingly different than what you had imagined...well then it's okay to shake up the foundation.
The Upcoming
August 8 - 11: The reunion1 I've been looking forward this weekend for quite a while. The Sikes/Pappas wedding is providing an excellent occaision for getting together with some of my all-time favorite Tigers. Most importantly - the Trio. I can't wait to see Emily and Megan. Emily and I have a hotel room in Plainfield for Friday, a shopping trip with Tumbas scheduled for Saturday, and then some HSM on Sunday before she heads to Chicago...and then to Africa. The only downer to this weekend is the reminder that I'm going to be away from all of these amazing people for a semester.
August 8 - 11: The reunion1 I've been looking forward this weekend for quite a while. The Sikes/Pappas wedding is providing an excellent occaision for getting together with some of my all-time favorite Tigers. Most importantly - the Trio. I can't wait to see Emily and Megan. Emily and I have a hotel room in Plainfield for Friday, a shopping trip with Tumbas scheduled for Saturday, and then some HSM on Sunday before she heads to Chicago...and then to Africa. The only downer to this weekend is the reminder that I'm going to be away from all of these amazing people for a semester.
August 13: The DePauw's Back to School issue...I can't fully be a part of this week, but I at least wanted to swing by and say hey to my favorite budding journalists. I can't imagine not being with them every day (except Saturdays) for a whole semester...plus BTS week is notoriously fun.
August 14-17: Robin, Jon and Sean are coming up from VA for the weekend. I have no words to explain how excited I am about this.
August 30-31: Last visit to DePauw before I head out.
September 4: The DeParture (hehe...capital P...get it....no?)
And now for something fun. I'm a list maker. I make lists mentally, in my sleep, when I wake up and even when I write...well...especially when I write. As music, movies and TV dominate a sadly large part of my life, I'm sharing - as a change of pace - these pieces of pop culture that have or will make an impact.
The Music that I Learned to Love
I own very few CDs anymore. I collect my music song-by-song, sporatically. But...this summer four bands/singers really took over my iPod. I love them, and they are all on iTunes, so please check them out!
Charlotte Sometimes
Katy Perry
Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers
Thriving Ivory
The Movies I Must See
I didn't see nearly as many movies as I would haved liked this summer, so hopefuly I can make up for that when I'm on the East Coast. Here is a running list of the movies I want to see through the end of 2008. (Source: imdb.com)American Teen
Bottle Shock
Burn After Reading
Eagle Eye
Hamlet 2
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Henry Poole is Here
How to Lose Friends and Alienate People
In Search of a Midnight Kiss
Miracle at St. Anna
Mirrors
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist
Nights in Rodanthe
Pineapple Express
The Brothers Bloom
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The House Bunny
The Rocker
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2
The Spirit
The Women
Yes Man
Zak and Miri Make a Porno
The Shows I am Craving
24
Dexter
The Office
Pushing Daisies
Scrubs
Smallville
Ugly Betty
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