Category Archives: Personal Blog

Entries from my personal journal

2015 Review

“2015…I have no idea what’s going to go down, but it’s going to be an adventure, I’m sure of it!”

That’s what I wrote at the end of last year’s review, and oh was it ever true. This year has been a non-stop whirlwind. I remember back at the ETC in our first semester we had “Adventure Modules” that we had to partake in and write about. One of the lessons picked up was that adventures aren’t always fun – an adventure implies some level of danger, and the risk of getting hurt is just part of the package.

I did SO much in 2015. Quite probably too much, and I’m not even sure how to approach dividing this up. I’ll just dump memories as they come to me, I guess, because I’m having trouble with more thoughtful writing.

Continue reading 2015 Review

My Train Jam

“How was Train Jam?”

People have been asking me this all weekend, of course, and it’s been a little bit difficult to answer. I usually opt for “it was an adventure,” which seems to perplex people, especially after the stall. I answer that way thinking about my ETC fundamentals “adventure module” from back in grad school, and the perspective that an adventure doesn’t necessarily mean an entirely positive experience, and that there can be some danger involved in addition to fun and insight.

Well, I could try to answer briefly: It was wonderful and terrible.

When I told Adriel I wanted to write about my experience, she said “Yes. The good and the bad.” So, I suppose, let me explain from the beginning.

Continue reading My Train Jam

2014 Review

“I have a sensation that 2014 is going to be full of creative energy and positive relationships, and I am excited and curious and wiggling with anticipation for whatever surprises it may have in store for me.”

That’s how I ended my 2013 review, and I could not have been more spot-on. This year has been an incredible time of growth for me, and so many things have occurred!

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An insight

I’ve been in the Netherlands for the past week, seeing friends and experiencing beautiful things under no obligation or responsibility to do anything. These conditions are ripe for the growth of insights. I’ve had a fair number, but let’s just pick the most recent one, which is a two-parter so it’s like a bonus for you.

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Tall Tales

During E3, there was a brunch. During said brunch, there was a discussion of Tall Tales (Paul Bunyan, Pecos Bill, etc), in nostalgic amusement for the Americans of the group and a bewildered, slightly horrified reaction from the Dutch member. We learned that Dutch Tall Tales are a little lacking in the Tall department. Then there were a few other adventures.

I normally don’t like to be all public with inside jokes, as there’s nothing worse than an inside joke you’re not in on, but other people seemed to enjoy these for their own sake so I guess it’s not too bad. So, just for you, a new set of Tall Tales!

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On Fibromyalgia

I haven’t had a flare-up this bad in a long time.

I don’t really talk much about the fibromyalgia, I’m shy about it and always worry that talking about it will come across the wrong way, like I’m farming sympathy or something. But Adriel thought maybe I should, on the off chance that someone might stumble along who has it and doesn’t know it and might read about it and think “holy crap that sounds like me, maybe I’m not crazy afterall!” So…here goes!

Continue reading On Fibromyalgia