situations.

Long time, no blog.

2010-06-30T15:26:00.007-05:00

I've decided to bring the blog back.

So, what has happened in my life in the seven months I've ceased to update Situations?

A lot, actually.

I ended a long-term relationship in January.
Started my year long externship at DesignWorks.
Turned 22 on February 23.

This is where it gets interesting.

During a birthday outing with some friends at First Avenue's Saturday dance night Too Much Love, I was approached by a boy at the end of the night. I was sitting alone waiting for my friends and he came up to me and said, "Hi, I think you're really cute. Can I give you my number?" We talked for a minute or two and he had to go help a friend bring some stuff out to his car. During our chat he told me there was a party afterwards and I should stop by. I immediately told my friends that I didn't care what they said, but we were going to this party. One of my friend's broke his eyeglasses during some crazy moves and demanded they be fixed before we went anywhere. After an hour of fiddling with tiny eyeglasses screws, I decided to just tape them up and get out of there. We stayed at the party until around 4:30 a.m. dancing and hanging out and when it came time to leave my friend decided to invite the boy I met earlier that night (Nick) back to my apartment. I obliged and we stayed up a bit longer watching videos on YouTube and talking. I set up a bunch of beds on my floor for the boys and we all headed to sleep. Unfortunately (actually, fortunately) I couldn't sleep and went into my room to read. Nick couldn't sleep either and we stayed up talking and eventually went to breakfast and continued talking and hanging out after breakfast. He eventually left at 3 p.m. after making plans to hang out the next day.

The rest is history.

Since then, we've spent majority of our time together and we have so much in common. We did break up for a brief period in May, however. This was due to some issues that are really to irrelevant to anyone other than he and I, but all I will say is things have been fixed.

We got back together and on the night of my graduation from MCAD, Nick proposed to me. I said yes that night, but all in all he ended up proposing to me three times. All of which are quite memorable and ridiculously cute. The first night he did it in the middle of Chino Latino. He didn't have a ring, but got down on one knee and did it anyways. While he did this, he set his drink on a nearby table, where a woman who was standing near us and saw him get on one knee refused to give back his drink until he told her when he'd get a ring.
The next day he did it with a ring he had purchased at a local shop. As we were driving and trying to decide what to do, he pulled over, got out, and said, "Tamara, I'm never going to find the perfect place to do this, but I want you to know this is what I want." The ring he bought was a little too small, so the next day we went to buy a ring from Shane Co. We waited the three days it took to be sized and set. He picked it up and that night in the midst of our move-in mess, he gave it to me and said, "Tamara. This place is a mess and I know I can be too sometimes, but I love you and want to marry you," as he slipped the ring on my finger.

We now live together in a great apartment on the edge of downtown Minneapolis. We have two kitties, Pepper and Mama Kitty and I'm really happy.

On Friday we are heading to San Diego for nine days to soak up the sun, hang out with some Elephants, and galavant in L.A.

Other than that?
I work full-time as the project coordinator intern in MCAD DesignWorks.
I have a beautiful bike and go on a lot of bike rides.
I went to Chicago March 4-6 to see Saves the Day and New Found Glory at the House of Blues.
I decided I'm going to apply to Harvard.
Nick and I have also considered moving to the UK within the next few years and go to school there.
I have a website of my design work up: http://tamaramccoy.com.

It's been a crazy few months, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.

And now... for some pictures:
(Blogspot won't upload my photos and I can't get them to resize properly, so you can click on the photo to see the full-size version. My apologies, I will correct this as soon as I can.)

Nick.

Nick and Mama Kitty (aka his princess).

A couple pictures of our living room.

The bike Nick built me.

The ring.

Pepper.

Mama Kitty.

The Dynamic Duo.

visit my tumblr.

2009-12-10T09:41:00.002-06:00

I think I am going to make the transition...

http://tamaramccoy.tumblr.com

Sonny.

2009-12-07T00:37:00.002-06:00

I was recently listening to New Found Glory's Sticks and Stones release when track three entitled "Sonny" came up. I have always liked this song and this release. It was a huge part of my growing up. This time the words struck me a little differently. I am currently working on a project for my Systems class about my dad and earlier this year, my grandma passed away and we lost my childhood home to foreclosure. This was the first time I have listened to this song since those events took place and it just encompassed the way I've felt this year. The song is about the death of Jordan Pundik's Grandfather. Even though I have absolutely no connection to this person, it's nice to know I'm not the only one. When you're engulfed in these emotions, it just feels like there's no one out there that understands and you're the only one -- which can be debilitating. It's nice to have affirmation that it will be better and we can move past it. It's quite inspiring to me.

SONNY - NEW FOUND GLORY
I'm sorry
I heard about the bad news today
A crowd of people around you
telling you it's ok,
and everything happens for a reason

When you lose a part of yourself to somebody you know
it takes a lot to let go
Every breath that you remember
Pictures fade away, but memory's forever

An empty chair at all the tables
And I'll be seeing you when all my days boil down,
but its better where you're going anyway

I'm sorry
I heard about the bad news today
It's really hard to get through
tough times and long days,
but it really just depends on the season

When you lose a part of yourself to somebody you know
it takes a lot to let go
Every breath that you remember
Pictures fade away, but memory's forever

An empty chair at all the tables
And I'll be seeing you when all my days boil down
For now we'll say good bye
We know it's not the last time
I've lost the best part of my day,
but its better where you're going anyway

An empty chair at all the tables
And I'll be seeing you when all my days boil down
For now we'll say good bye
We know it's not the last time
I've lost the best part of my day, yeah
This is the last thing I, I will remember
It's better where you're going anyway

workin' it.

2009-12-03T01:50:00.002-06:00

Alright. In all seriousness - I am now part of the Behance Network.
Check out my work! I documented my work again this evening, so I'm excited to share those new images with all of you.

new drawings.

2009-11-20T12:20:00.003-06:00

recent drawings.

This post contains a very important document.

2009-11-15T21:57:00.004-06:00

TM: i sent you an important document
TM: please take a look at it
TT: hmmm
TT: interesting
TM: it's confusing
TM: take a minute to let it sink in.
TT: i find it interesting that it's a direct 1 to 1 ratio of kitties to happiness
TM: i think i'm really onto something here.
TT: i have contacted all the newspapers

handcuffs and alibis.

2009-11-09T02:15:00.002-06:00

September Ladies.

2009-11-08T13:18:00.003-06:00

These covers are absolutely fantastic. Nataly Dawn's voice is mesmerizing.

you've got a lot of things to do.

2009-11-04T20:24:00.000-06:00

polaroids.

2009-11-04T19:09:00.004-06:00

My lovely and talented friend Ronald Lee Parpart II takes some cool polaroids.
You should check them out on his Flickr.

tell them that it's only water.

2009-11-03T01:40:00.000-06:00

HAVE ANOTHER!

2009-11-01T23:47:00.002-06:00

http://blip.fm/~fqsf6 / Do it Again! - You, Me, and Everyone We Know.

sentiment.

2009-10-26T00:33:00.001-05:00

home is where the heart is.

2009-09-19T21:01:00.009-05:00

My family recently found out we were going to lose our house. There was a chance we could work something out, but just this weekend my mom received an eviction notice on our door. My family and I have lived in this house for 19 years. This was the house my mom bought with my dad, this is the house my sisters and I grew up in, this is where my grandmother and father lived. And now it's gone. It hurts so much to see 19 years worth of things being packed into boxes. Cupboards and closets that are typically occupied with our belongings are now empty. It's very hard. My sisters and I all come and go and always have a place to sleep there. Our animals have their own, perfect set up. My mom feeds the deer and the birds. She even leaves a dish of cat food on our doorstep for the stray or outdoor cats that occasionally wander through our yard. These are the things she loves to do. She is the nicest, kindest person I've ever met in my life (And I don't just say that because she is my mom). My mother has loss a lot of important things in her life -- her husband, her mother.. She doesn't deserve to lose this. I can't imagine what she feels like through all of this. It's been a very hard year for us. My grandmother (who lived with us) passed away in March. There are so many memories embedded into this house. So many things that can never be replaced. I ask all of you who may read this, please keep us in your thoughts. If any of you know of anyone could help, please contact me. This isn't just a house. This is our life too.

...and i liked it.

2009-09-08T20:49:00.001-05:00

Katy Perry is so beautiful!

state fair 2009.

2009-09-04T18:36:00.007-05:00

I love the Minnesota State Fair. It's honestly my favorite part of summer (well, other than summer itself). I would probably go every day if I had the time and money. I've been there every year since I was born and wouldn't miss it. This year felt different since my Grandma wasn't there. She always loved going to the fair and couldn't wait for it. I made sure I did everything my family always does while visiting -- just like my grandma would've wanted. My mom wasn't sure if she wanted to go because of that, but I told her we had to in honor of Grandma. After all, if she was still around and we missed it -- she wouldn't have been happy! So, I'm glad we did. Here are some highlights:

I love crowds and people watching.

The family.

Can't go wrong with Sweet Martha. The cookies are good days after you leave the fair. It's wonderful.

French Fries at 10 a.m.? You know you're at the fair. I am a huge fan of French Fries. Mmm.

Gotta love the Grandstand. The huge letters on the top are beautiful and the inside is like 1,000 infomercials at once.
Not to mention you can buy a milk chocolate cow on a stick there!

You can basically get anything you want on a stick.

Ahhh, the food building. Everything from deep fried pickles to gyros.
I love the painted "FOOD" signs on the building, even if the 'F' is too small.

My sister and her giant turkey leg. (Sorry vegetarians.)

There is an endless amount of these your-face-into-the-board photo ops there. This one is my favorite.
"We're flight attendants, NOT stewardesses," said the flight attendant near by.

I am 21 years old and I've gone to fair countless times... yet I have never been on the Space Needle.
The Space Needle is a giant red, white, and blue amusement ride that goes up really high and slowly rotates, giving
the riders a bird's eye view of the fairgrounds. I am very afraid of heights and I don't like things that spin -- so you can
imagine my.... excitement to go on. I looked like this most of the way up.

No, I am not crying! Just closing my eyes. Haha.

Despite my fear of heights, I opened my eyes and enjoyed the view. It really was cool to be up that high and see all
activity below. I'm really glad I did something new. Maybe next year.. the Skyride? We'll see.

Tristan and I on the Space Needle... at the very top!

1+2=ME.

2009-08-27T23:39:00.006-05:00

1
The dimly lit walkways
and avenues.
Beneath bridges,
lead me through
dreamy days.
It's into the dark
everytime,
it's no wonder I lost my mind,
and my memory.

But I wouldn't have it any other way.
Wonder weary all along the empty streets.
And I don't mind my broken legs.

Walk myself home beneath the stars.
strolling along the ocean shore,
and I wish for tidal waves,
to carry me out to sea.
To an island that's all for me,
to fade away.

But I wouldn't have it any other way.
With no one there to tell me how to be.
I'll grow my hair down to my knees.

I'd befriend coconut trees.
the breeze,
breathe in through the sparkling seas.
Evaporating in the sun.
Is my number one,
Priority.

But I wouldn't have it any other way.
No I wouldn't have it any other way.
I wouldn't have it any other way.

////////// Coconut by Saves The Day

2
Harold walks down
Any street of this town
Both crier and witness
The sun drops
Clouds shift
His legs twitch
The clocks chime
On cafes, pharmacies, and dime stores
In bar rooms he sits all alone
Erupting

In his head it's like the weather
In his head it's like the weather
In his head it's like the weather
Oh, oh, oh
Back and forth it's like the weather
Back and forth it's like the weather
Back and forth it's like the weather
When it rains it pours down

Weatherman, do you feel?
Do you feel?
Is it stormy inside of your veins?
Weatherman, do you feel?
Is it stormy inside of your veins?

////////// Harold Weathervein by Cursive

too hot to settle down.

2009-08-25T21:52:00.001-05:00

don't know how to say this.

2009-08-23T22:34:00.002-05:00

am i who you think of in bed?

2009-08-21T23:28:00.002-05:00

hormones are rampant.

runnin' wild & looking pretty.

2009-08-17T00:38:00.003-05:00

I think I could make better use of my time on land.

2009-08-12T17:17:00.000-05:00

title track.

2009-08-10T22:34:00.002-05:00

Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io

Situations - Daybreak.

This song is so inspiring me. It's where my blog's name comes from. The lyrics and music are so uplifting and hopeful. If I'm having a bad day, I'll just listen to it on repeat. Daybreak is made up of some great friends of mine and you should all really check them out here or here.

you've got your situations
i'd say you're born into them
and you'd go to prove
it's got more to do
with bad luck than bad news
you wear it on and across your chest
you wanna break your patterns
maybe kick your habits
but you got confused
the way they broadcasted the truth to you
so what's really you, yeah what's best
for your adaptation and success
so don't you ever say that

you're traumatized by human error
or you're disquieted by your sins
cuz we do that for you now
so don't be scared
no don't be scared, no

we've made our brave conclusion
so Love, let's start our movement
prove that maybe our fate can cheat this machine
we got locked in this god-damned basement
so turn beethoven over so we don't fall on deaf ears
but we all have one story
same actors and allegory
oh! humanity! our seed still needs something to be complete
but now your decisions are spent
so what's influence, what's coincidence
so never say that

you're traumatized by human error
or you're disquieted by your sins
so don't take people so personally

but we attended the wrong film
we attended the auditorium
we missed the chorus line
the only thing that allowed us to cry
we missed the perfect life
is everyone prepared to sleep tonight
and from the telephone in my dream
a thousand voices rising up through me

which is my voice, which is my voice on the air
when extension don't throw a fit
yeah, we don't, we don't realize
what you kill it don't ever die
(we've got it figured out enough,
i swear we've got it figured out)
if we don't materialize we're gonna pull apart from the inside
if we don't see the greater life, we can't walk across dividing lines
enough! i swear we've got it figured out now
and it's all relative so i go
da da da da da da da
oh-oh oh my god, turn it off!
no, don't be frightened Love
no, don't be scared
no, don't be scared
no

it never was money.

2009-08-10T21:13:00.002-05:00

On a more serious note, this is one of my favorite music videos. It's beautiful. Parts of it remind me of the video for Star Guitar by Chemical Brothers, another favorite of mine.

2009-08-09T20:11:00.006-05:00

There is something about 90's/early '00 pop songs that inspire me and just make me excited. It's odd an odd thing to bring on creativity and productivity, I love it anyways. Soul Decision's hit, Faded, from 2000 is one of my personal favorites.

2009-07-26T10:39:00.006-05:00

Recent Work (finally).

2009-07-14T21:27:00.001-05:00

Here is work from the past year.

Go here for a better look and descriptions: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tttam/sets/72157621476036606/

Every mistake that I made, I couldn't have made without you.

2009-07-09T18:39:00.002-05:00

Oh hey there, TGUK. Can't wait to see you on October 20th. Perhaps the music I miss so dearly is making a comeback.

Now if only Saves The Day would come back here and make up for missing the show here in April.

Last Parade.

2009-07-08T14:15:00.004-05:00

Alli With an I performs "Last Parade" in Raleigh, NC on June 13, 2009.

Man, I miss this stuff. Are people still making music like this? If so, point me in that direction.

Some of the albums I listen to most are:
Saves The Day - Through Being Cool (1999)
Hot Rod Circuit - Sorry About Tomorrow (2002)
The Movielife - Forty Hour Train Back to Penn (2003)
The Get Up Kids - Something to Write Home About (1999)
Refused - The Shape of Punk to Come (1998)
Catch my drift? My musical tastes are stuck in the late 90's/early 00's. I crave it.

Happy Birthday, Dad.

2009-07-01T20:40:00.004-05:00

My father's birthday is on July 3. Odd that I happened to come across a book by Stevie Ray, who runs the Stevie Ray Comedy Troupe here in Minneapolis, at a thrift store a few days ago. The book, titled "Why We Laugh..." has a dedication that included my dad, Chris McCoy. For those of you who don't know, my dad passed away when I was very young -- about five years old. I have read that dedication countless times and I always liked it because it gave me a small insight to someone I never really got to know, but have so much in common with. After reading it, I decided I was going to contact Stevie Ray and thank him for writing that dedication I loved so much. I did and received an e-mail back this evening. It read:

------------

Hi Tamara:

Good to hear from you. I'm glad you were able to see the dedication about
your father. We actually still talk about Chris from time to time because
he was such a great guy to have around, and really the type of student we
wanted most. He came with no real background in improv, but put everything
he had into it. It was easy for people who had trained for years to
audition for the troupe and try to get on stage, but for your dad it took
determination and self-confidence.

We have a wall in our school with plaques commemorating three students who
we lost before their time, your dad is one of them. It has an engraved
picture of him standing in an improv class with his name next to it.

You might be interested to know that he donated his time to weld the metal
handrails for the theatre we built at 1819 Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis,
where he took classes. The theatre has long given way to other businesses,
but his handrails are still there.

I was honored to give the eulogy at your father's funeral. I still have the
eulogy I wrote for Chris, and have attached it if you would like to keep it.
It sums up the kind of man he was to us, and how we all remember him.

I hope your life is going well. Remember, he's watching you still (when
he's not making goofy crap out of scrap metal).

Here's the eulogy:

My name is Stephen Rentfrow. I direct Stevie Ray's, a comedy theatre and school in Minneapolis. But I think I speak today not as a director or teacher, but as someone who represents all of the people that knew and worked with Chris McCoy.

I first met Chris when he came into the theatre to interview for a class in improvisational acting and comedy. Since I started teaching over ten years ago I have dealt with hundreds of students, but Chris was definitely unique.

I was sitting at my desk one day and in walks a man wearing high top tennis shoes and a black leather jacket who said he worked as a welder. He was nervous, quiet, and obviously intimidated about the idea of trying something like this, but half-way through the interview he looked me in the eye and said, "I've never done this before, but I know I can do it." He signed up for class and left. I wasn't sure at the time if he would stay with us very long. Sadly, people have a way of creating labels for themselves and they have a hard time letting themselves be anything else. Those people quit very soon after starting anything new.

On March 16, 1991 Chris took his first class. He thought he was going to learn to be a comedian, he learned a lot more. We thought we were going to teach him improv, we learned a lot more. It is a frightening thing for a man to venture into something so new and foreign. Most of the things Chris was asked to learn were difficult for him. A man who had hardly ever spoken to a group before was now told to sing solos in front of total strangers, pretend to be a dancer in the Russian Ballet, and do the most difficult thing in the world, make others laugh.

Yet whatever Chris was told to do, he did. And no matter how frustrated he got and no matter how difficult the exercise, no matter how many times he failed, he was back the next week to learn more. I remember one scene he performed in class. He was standing with his head cocked to one side and moving with that stiff-shoulder walk of his while performing a love-scene. He got done and asked, "How was that?". I said, "Pretty good, but let's try to expand it a bit. Try moving in an entirely different way, speak with a new voice and really try to push yourself to be different." He did the scene, exactly the way he had done it the first time. When he was done he asked, "How was that?" I said, "Pretty good."

Over the next two years that he was with us we all saw a change in Chris. What started as a small spark of interest had grown into a singular devotion. And the resolve he had was incredible. I remember meeting with the students from his class one day to tell them who was advancing to the next level and who would be held back. Some students who were not advancing with the rest were angry, some were depressed, some didn't think it was fair that others were advancing and they weren't.

When I told Chris he would be held back for a while, he said he knew he wasn't ready and didn't want to be moved up with the rest until he knew he was good enough. He looked me right in the eye like he did that first day and said, "I'm not quitting. I know I can do this and someday I'm going to make it into a troupe and I'm not quitting until I do"

He worked, hard. Every week for months and years he worked for the goal of getting on stage. He wrote and rehearsed and rewrote and practiced and fought and struggled, and he loved it. One evening before class he sat in my office and said, "You know Steve, I don't even know what I did before this. Now instead of sitting around doing nothing, I have something to work for. I write everyday, I practice every chance I get." He was working for something, something that most people are never lucky enough to realize. He had a dream.

I started using Chris as an example to people I would interview for class. They would say, "I don't know if I can do this. I've never done anything like this before." I would say, "There is a man here who is a welder and had never done this before, you should see what he has accomplished. Yes you can do it." And the day he finally got a chance to perform in front of an audience as a guest of the troupe, the butterfly came out of the cocoon.

His death is a loss to many at the theatre. I mourn the loss of one who had come so far and yet had so much more he could accomplish. His fellow students have lost a source of support and energy from a man with such strength of character. All of us have lost a good friend. He never let go of his dream to someday be a member of a Stevie Ray's Improv Troupe. He worked hard for that goal and much of my sadness comes from knowing that his dream will go unattained, but I think he accomplished much more than what he set out to do.

And for every scene he performed and was told, "Not good enough", for every piece he wrote and was told,"Rewrite it", for every audition he tried and was told, "Not yet", he said, "I'll try again." And what I have learned from Chris is that you are not what people label you to be, you are your dreams. Chris, I wish I had more time with you to help you become the kind of performer you wanted to be. I hope that in another time and place we get another chance.

In the years ahead when I remember my friend I will remember his dreams. I will remember the weekend baseball player who learned to dance the ballet, the quiet husband who sang the opera, and the simple welder who made people laugh.

Goodbye Chris.

-----------------------

This could not have a better time.
I am feeling so nervous about graduating college in May. Finding an externship. Just being unsure about everything overall. I need to step up my game and put in the same effort my dad did. Miss you and love you.

this is appropriate for the time of year.

2009-05-21T22:53:00.004-05:00

"Advice, like youth, probably just wasted on the young."

Classic. If you haven't read or heard this, I suggest you do.

Ladies and gentlemen of the class of '97:

Wear sunscreen.

If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience. I will dispense this advice now.

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they've faded. But trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked. You are not as fat as you imagine.

Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4 p.m. on some idle Tuesday.

Do one thing every day that scares you.

Sing.

Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.

Floss.

Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself.

Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements.

Stretch.

Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don't.

Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees. You'll miss them when they're gone.

Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary. Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either. Your choices are half chance. So are everybody else's.

Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it or of what other people think of it. It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.

Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room.

Read the directions, even if you don't follow them.

Do not read beauty magazines. They will only make you feel ugly.

Get to know your parents. You never know when they'll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings. They're your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.

Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were young.

Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft. Travel.

Accept certain inalienable truths: Prices will rise. Politicians will philander. You, too, will get old. And when you do, you'll fantasize that when you were young, prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders.

Respect your elders.

Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund. Maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse. But you never know when either one might run out.

Don't mess too much with your hair or by the time you're 40 it will look 85.

Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia. Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.

But trust me on the sunscreen.

Copyright © 2006, Chicago Tribune

frank lloyd wright legos.

2009-05-20T23:16:00.003-05:00

Part of LEGO's architecture collection. SO AMAZING. I want a set.
(via: design milk)

delicious.

2009-05-12T12:45:00.003-05:00

Why hello, Chris Pine. You are quite stunning.
I might just have to go see Star Trek.

do you feel what i feel?

2009-05-09T21:35:00.003-05:00

This video gets more and more beautiful each time I watch it. It will always remain one of my favorites.

Even the process is beautiful -- this is definitely worth a watch. It makes the video even more satisfying, in my opinion.

i can watch the boats come in and set their anchors.

2009-05-07T22:58:00.003-05:00

snack size.

2009-05-07T10:29:00.001-05:00

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

I had to post this.
He's just so cute. Awwwww.

what i would like to accomplish over the summer:

2009-05-06T23:31:00.005-05:00

As the summer gets closer and closer, I keep thinking about what I'd like to accomplish. Here's what has made the list thus far:

+ Read at least five books.
+ Journal in some way every day -- writing/collage/etc.
+ Ride my bike more.
+ Learn how to use the pen tool in illustrator.
+ Conduct informational interviews and hopefully get close to securing an externship.
+ Learn how to screenprint.
+ Meet new people.
+ Cross state borders.
+ Make money.
+ Do some design work.
+ Learn about web development.

More to come.

If you can help me achieve any of these -- let me know.

finals.

2009-05-05T00:00:00.003-05:00

In progress: Final for Hierarchy and Expression. Process sketches.

Finished: Media Kit for Publishing a Magazine.

In progress: Final for Forms & Methods. Redesign of Giant Wash Coin Laundry.

happiness.

2009-05-03T13:30:00.004-05:00

We all have those things that give us an intense feeling of joy when we hear/see/taste/use/do it. Mine is Saves the Day. I wish I could those feelings into words, but I just don't think there are any to appropriately express them. I know you've all experienced it at some point, so maybe I don't even need to explain.

What is the one thing that always makes you happy?

make it happen.

2009-04-26T00:32:00.002-05:00

(via: i can read.)

I don't get...

2009-04-25T01:41:00.004-05:00

"fashion" these days. Well, I guess, hipster fashion to be more exact. I just came back from an event and I am just.. kind of grossed out by the way guys dress. Why do 20-somethings insist on looking like creepy 40-somethings. An ironic mustache, stupid eyeglasses, a pull over sweatshirt, and skinny light denim jeans don't make you look cool. It all looks absolutely terrible. And seriously, if it's dark and you're inside -- DO NOT WEAR SUNGLASSES.

Vomit.

Lets class it up a bit more, guys.
I'd like to see more ties in the world.

(This is my opinion and I by no means am trying to offend anyone. If I did, I apologize.)

all you do is...

2009-04-23T21:38:00.002-05:00

When can I move in?

2009-04-16T15:03:00.002-05:00

This is what my future home will look like. (credit)

You look like a girl from Abercrombie & Fitch.

2009-04-13T16:09:00.000-05:00

Voices of a generation.

i want to show you how i work, work, work.

2009-04-11T21:32:00.003-05:00

ceilings don't exist.

2009-04-06T00:20:00.002-05:00

And I will flail
under these lights
that seep down from the bitter sky tonight
and I will kick
and beat my wrists together
and feel an ocean breathing waves, feel them licking at my face.
Ceilings don't exist and there are no floors beneath me.
If I were king of this night, would you become my queen?
And I hope, Your Majesty, that you like your position.
I'll do everything I can to keep you by my side
and I'll stare off through the darkness to find us a kingdom.
Just kiss me before I go.
I'll have to walk a thousand miles just to find the ground deserving of your feet.
You could throw me down
and walk on me
and I'd just look on through my love and through the haze.
The nightingales are singing out.
They're calling out our marriage to our subjects on their knees.
Their jewelry is thrown into the air.
They sigh at the release as their shackles hit the ground.
The trumpets call out now.
We're home at last.

Anybody see any O's around here?

2009-03-29T23:26:00.005-05:00

Got this book today. I dig the illustrations.
The drawings the previous owner made in it are pretty adorable too.

April issue of Rolling Stone.

2009-03-26T16:15:00.007-05:00

This is the cover of the April issue of Rolling Stone shot by Terry Richardson. LOVE IT. There is a marvelous article written by Jason Gay Gossip Girl, for all you fans out there. In the article, Ed Westwick reveals his love for women and his desire to have sex in public. Can someone get that boy over to my apartment, please?

Seriously though. Even if you're not a Gossip Girl fan, Terry Richardson is a fabulous photographer. He also took the cover photo for Justin Timberlake's Future Sex / Love Sounds (check it). I really love his work. I recommend you check it out.
Check out his website here and more photos from the Rolling Stone shoot here.

I learned something cool today.

2009-03-18T16:28:00.002-05:00

COOKING TIPS.

+ Never put citrus fruits or tomatoes in the fridge. The low temperatures degrade the aroma and flavor of these persnickety fruits.

+ If you aren’t sure how fresh your eggs are, place them in about four inches of water. Eggs that stay on the bottom are fresh. If only one end tips up, the egg is less fresh and should be used soon. If it floats, it’s past the fresh stage.

+ Don’t store your bananas in a bunch or in a fruit bowl with other fruits. Separate your bananas and place each in a different location. Bananas release gases which cause fruits (including other bananas) to ripen quickly. Separating them will keep them fresh longer.

+ To keep cookies fresh, savvy grannies like to put some crumpled-up tissue paper in the bottom of the cookie jar.

+ Keep iceberg lettuce fresh in the fridge by wrapping it in a clean, dry paper towel and storing lettuce and paper towel in a sealed baggie in the fridge.

+ Water that has been boiled and allowed to cool will freeze faster than water from the tap. This comes in handy when you’re having a party and need ice pronto.

From here.

transitions.

2009-03-18T00:25:00.003-05:00

No makeup,

No makeup. No glasses.

It amazes me how much make up, accessories, and hair alters our appearance.
Not the most accurate representation, but you get the idea.
Next time I'll take the pictures in the exact same way.

hold.

2009-03-17T23:42:00.004-05:00

The only things we need sometimes are chilly nights and warmer thighs.

Made this a few weeks ago, just never posted it.
Lyrics from "Hold" by Saves the Day.

I apologize for the terrible Photobooth picture. I'll scan it sometime.

I really wish I could finish a Moleskin. Agh.

Esquire.

2009-03-12T16:53:00.007-05:00

Katy Perry from the most recent issue of Esquire. I like this set of photos,
I find it sexy without being disgusting and tasteful without being boring.
I dig fashion-y photography.
From Esquire.

Detriot's Beautiful, Horrible Decline.

2009-03-11T14:46:00.003-05:00

Photo essay by two French photographers. See the rest here.

that's what you get.

2009-03-09T17:25:00.002-05:00

interesting things i found today.

2009-03-08T22:28:00.004-05:00

i ffffound these.

why'd you have to be so cute?

2009-03-06T19:52:00.001-06:00

link.

AWESOME CEREAL BOXES.

2009-03-05T21:08:00.003-06:00

Some awesome cereal box designs.
Found here.

DONE MANIFESTO.

2009-03-05T11:48:00.009-06:00

1. There are three states of being. Not knowing, action and completion.
2. Accept that everything is a draft. It helps to get it done.
3. There is no editing stage.
4. Pretending you know what you’re doing is almost the same as knowing what you are doing, so just accept that you know what you’re doing even if you don’t and do it.
5. Banish procrastination. If you wait more than a week to get an idea done, abandon it.
6.The point of being done is not to finish but to get other things done.
7. Once you’re done you can throw it away.
8. Laugh at perfection. It’s boring and keeps you from being done.
9. People without dirty hands are wrong. Doing something makes you right.
10. Failure counts as done. So do mistakes.
11. Destruction is a variant of done.
12. If you have an idea and publish it on the internet, that counts as a ghost of done.
13. Done is the engine of more.

I really should put this on my wall. I think this is so true.

link.

WASTEOFSPACE.

2009-02-25T11:20:00.004-06:00

Adorable.

2009-02-23T18:31:00.000-06:00

post#2, hey!

From: http://www.swiss-miss.com/2009/02/you-should-be-here.html

Stayin' Alive

2009-02-23T17:14:00.002-06:00

So. I was watching this video last night and the person that submitted it also posted the lyrics in the description... I never realized the .... what the song was about until I read it. I guess I just took it as it was: a disco song sung by three guys with extremely high voices. I've always liked this song (It's one of the first music videos I ever remember seeing) and I like it even more now that I finally read the lyrics.

Lyrics:
Well, you can tell by the way I use my walk,
Im a womans man: no time to talk.
Music loud and women warm, Ive been kicked around
Since I was born.
And now its all right. its ok.
And you may look the other way.
We can try to understand
The new york times effect on man.

Whether youre a brother or whether youre a mother,
Youre stayin alive, stayin alive.
Feel the city breakin and everybody shakin,
And were stayin alive, stayin alive.
Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin alive, stayin alive.
Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin alive.

Well now, I get low and I get high,
And if I cant get either, I really try.
Got the wings of heaven on my shoes.
Im a dancin man and I just cant lose.
You know its all right. its ok.
Ill live to see another day.
We can try to understand
The new york times effect on man.

Whether youre a brother or whether youre a mother,
Youre stayin alive, stayin alive.
Feel the city breakin and everybody shakin,
And were stayin alive, stayin alive.
Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin alive, stayin alive.
Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin alive.

Life goin nowhere. somebody help me.
Somebody help me, yeah.
Life goin nowhere. somebody help me.
Somebody help me, yeah. stayin alive.

Well, you can tell by the way I use my walk,
Im a womans man: no time to talk.
Music loud and women warm,
Ive been kicked around since I was born.
And now its all right. its ok.
And you may look the other way.
We can try to understand
The new york times effect on man.

Whether youre a brother or whether youre a mother,
Youre stayin alive, stayin alive.
Feel the city breakin and everybody shakin,
And were stayin alive, stayin alive.
Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin alive, stayin alive.
Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin alive.

Life goin nowhere. somebody help me.
Somebody help me, yeah.
Life goin nowhere. somebody help me, yeah.
Im stayin alive.

valentine's day.

2009-02-11T12:48:00.002-06:00

My entry for the MCAD Valentine contest.
Send it as an e-card!
http://intranet.mcad.edu/modules/ecard/

In honor of Blink-182's return....

2009-02-10T20:18:00.003-06:00

Here are my a few videos of my favorite Blink-182 songs.

Man Overboard.

Carousel.

My all time favorite: Josie.

I wish good old-fashioned pop-punk would make its return...
Lets hope the Movielife is up next!

BEST SPRING BREAK TRIP EVER.

2009-02-08T15:56:00.003-06:00

The Get-Up Kids are playing with Brand New at the University of Anchorage on March 28th.

I should start saving now and make that my spring break journey.

Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theory

2009-02-07T16:10:00.002-06:00

I am currently taking a class called "Learning and Teaching." Last week, we talked about different learning styles. As an assignment, we were asked to take a test based on what we talked about in class.

This is what I got from taking the test based on Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theory:

Social (Interpersonal), 3.43: You like to develop ideas and learn from other people. You like to talk. You have good social skills. Effective techniques of enhancing your learning using your social intelligence include taking part in group discussions or discussing a topic one-to-one with another person. Find ways to build reading and writing exercises into your group activities, such as:

* Reading a dialogue or a play with other people

* Doing team learning/investigating projects

* Setting up interview questions and interviewing your family, and writing down the interview

* Writing notes to another instead of talking.

Self (Intrapersonal), 2.57: You have a very good sense of self. You like to spend time by yourself and think things over. You will often take in information from another person, mull it over by yourself, and come back to that person later to discuss it. You like working on projects on your own. You often prefer to learn by trial and error. Effective techniques to enhance your learning include keeping a journal and giving yourself time to reflect on new ideas and information. More ideas:

* Go on "guided imagery" tours.

* Set aside time to reflect on new ideas and information.

* Encourage journal writing.

* Work on the computer.

* Practice breathing for relaxation.

* Use brainstorming methods before reading.

* Listen to and read "how to" tapes and books.

* Read cookbooks.

Musical, 2.57: You like the rhythm and sound of language. You like poems, songs, and jingles. You enjoy humming or singing along with music. You probably remember things well when they are associated with music or rhythm. Try to incorporate sounds into your lessons, such as using a familiar tune, song, or rap beat to teach spelling rules, or to remember words in a series for a test. Here are some other ways to use your musical intelligence:

* Create a poem with an emphasis on certain sounds for pronunciation.

* Clap out or walk out the sounds of syllables.

* Read together (choral reading) to work on fluency and intonation.

* Read a story with great emotion — sad, then happy, then angry. Talk about what changes — is it only tone?

* Work with words that sound like what they mean (onomatopoeia). For example: sizzle, cuckoo, smash.

* Read lyrics to music.

* Use music as background while reviewing and for helping to remember new material.

* Use rhymes to remember spelling rules, i.e., "I before E except after C."

------------
Nature: 2.43
Body Movement (Kinesthetic): 2.29
Spatial: 2.29
Language (Linguistic): 2.14
Logic/Math: 1.57

I feel like the three that were my strongest, really do describe me and how I learn quite well. I had a few moments where I was reading it and realized, "Oh wow -- I really do that." Kind of funny. It also gave me some ideas about how I could potentially use these things to my advantage when learning new things.

wishlist!

2009-02-06T17:25:00.002-06:00

A kitty.

Silence & Noise Plaid Inset Tunic / Urban Outfitters / Size: xs

Over & Over by Mike Perry

Snuff by Chuck Palahniuk

Piebald - We Are Our Only Friends
Crispy M&M's

Flight of the Conchords tickets.

Britney Spears tickets

Cupcakes from Cupcake in Minneapolis.

New Found Glory Tickets.

+ To be able to listen to my ipod in my car.

----------------------

My birthday is coming up in exactly three weeks. This is what I want. ~~HOWEVER. What I want most is a birthday party. I don't know where I'd have one, but THAT'S BESIDES THE POINT! I've never really had a birthday party and 21 is a good time for one!~~

PARTY LOCATION HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED. GET A HOLD OF ME FOR DETAILS.

I went to renew my license today, so I am totally set for the 23rd. WOOPWOOP.

Well, Hey There 90's Pop Music / What's Up Pop Punk?

2009-01-16T23:17:00.003-06:00

Some forgotten 90's pop music for your viewing pleasure.
If you get through this section, there's a treat at the bottom.

I Want You by Savage Garden

Show Me Love by Robyn

Smile by Vitamin C

C'est La Vie by B*witched.

Cleopatra's Theme by Cleopatra

Get Over Yourself by Eden's Crush

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

And now for the much cooler portion of this entry:

My Mistake by MxPx

The Pharmacist by Hot Rod Circuit

Best of Me by The Starting Line

Somewhere on Fullerton by Allister

Threesome by Fenix Tx

Jamestown by The Movielife

Analog Boy by Rx Bandits

Eponine by Ozma

Just Rock and Roll by Midtown

Young Crazed Peeling by The Distillers

new glasses?

2009-01-15T12:01:00.002-06:00

My sister found these great Prada glasses and gave them to me.
I'm trying to decide if I should get my prescription put into them.
So, what do you guys think? Bueno or no bueno?

my new dream.

2009-01-11T20:50:00.005-06:00

I just found this amazing website that lets you know where television shows and movies are being filmed. I would really LOVE to go to one of the locations and watch the whole process. I think that would be so amazing.
Especially if it was Gossip Girl.............

emergency, emergency.

2009-01-07T23:06:00.002-06:00

Emergency, Emergency by The Promise Ring

American Hearts by Piebald.

Hearing these songs brings me back to 8th grade. Man, I miss this stuff. I need to get all these albums again.

Best desktop ever.

2009-01-06T20:34:00.003-06:00

I just made it today. Mmm.

ANYWAYS.
I've been listening to Sebastien Grainger's album Sebastien Grainger and the Mountains and I love it. You all should check it out.

I've been feeling pretty lost lately. Just down about things. Being sad for any reason is just a terrible feeling in itself, but when accompanied by uncertainty, self-doubt, and loneliness it's even worse. This break has given me too much time to think. I need to start writing in my actual journal more.

Boy, Do I love...

2009-01-05T21:20:00.003-06:00

a guy in shirt and tie.

two thousand MINE.

2009-01-01T18:31:00.002-06:00

From Chris Piascik's blog.

Totally how I'm going to live the next year.

Dear Ms. Britney Spears,

2008-12-28T21:54:00.004-06:00

Dear Ms. Britney Spears.
I have been a fan of yours for quite a while and I think your recent album, Circus is a good listen. However, I am extremely disappointed in your ticket prices for the Circus tour. I don't understand why I have to pay $45 dollars to sit in section 204, row V of the Target Center just to watch a television screen that will barely show me what's happening on stage. If I'd actually like to sit somewhere where I can actually SEE the stage I have to pay $125 for the ticket, plus another $19 for "convenience charges." Keep in mind, majority of your fans are between the ages of 10-22 and do not have the money -- especially now -- to spend on tickets that go for that much. Therefore, I will not be attending your Minneapolis date unless:
a) I come into a good chunk of cash that I have nothing better to do with
b) I happen to receive tickets (My birthday is February 23)
c) I decide to charge a ridiculous amount to my credit card
I don't see any of these three options happening, so good luck with the show and I hope to see you in the area again sometime when I have the cash to attend.

Sincerely,
Tamara.

pictures galore!

2008-12-10T20:56:00.006-06:00

Highlights from this semester's work!

Also: Silly pictures of me.

teeny bopper moment.

2008-12-09T16:20:00.004-06:00

I'm sorry, but seriously.
Gorgeous!

headphones.

2008-12-07T15:07:00.002-06:00

On friday, I was happily listening to MPR when all of a sudden I received a shock in my right year. I thought maybe I was just imagining things, so I began listening once again... then BAM. Another to the ear.

I have yet to listen to music with my headphones since then and it makes me sad.

I really need to buy a new pair. Most likely the same pair of sony earbuds (seafoam green!).
However, I dream of these babies... SO GORGEOUS.

For the price of the second ones, I could buy six of the Sony.

Here's to listening to music with headphones!
One of my favorite pastimes.

I don't wear watches...

2008-12-04T17:36:00.003-06:00

But I would totally wear one of these. BROWN AND GREY!? SO HOT.
Want!
http://store.too2late.com

oddsmaker.

2008-11-24T12:45:00.004-06:00

I made this and it's going to be on a t-shirt!

doodle & design.

2008-11-20T19:28:00.005-06:00

I have been obsessed with Shigeo Satoh's Flickr the past couple of days.
Go check it out. The collages are beautiful!
(http://www.doohnd-doole.com/)

Perfect if your name is Thomas, Tiffany or Trevor!

2008-11-19T10:58:00.001-06:00

...or Tamara.
't' towel!

Other cool things from The Manicule:

le chat!

2008-11-15T22:01:00.002-06:00

I love my Blink.
I miss having a kitty around all time.

Season's Greetings! CMYK Style.

2008-11-13T10:51:00.006-06:00

I'd send these out.
From: Blanka

Prized Possessions.

2008-11-11T22:32:00.004-06:00

My dad's copy of Kiss' Love Gun on vinyl.

My Dad's yearbook.

My Through Being Cool insert signed by Chris Conley.

What are yours?

Can we last through the winter?

2008-11-11T17:52:00.004-06:00

Circa Survive - Juturna

One of my favorite albums during the winter months.
I'm not quite sure why, but the songs just grab me so much more during these cold, dark months of the Minnesota winter.

Take a listen.
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Registered for classes today. Pretty excited about next semester. It's scary to thing I only have two academic semesters left, then my externship, and I am done.

My next semester consists of :
Learning and Teaching
Media Analysis
Typography: Hierarchy and Design
Publishing a Magazine
Graphic Design: Form and Methods.
Internship.

I am both excited and somewhat nervous about going into intermediate level design classes. I really love design and I find myself enjoying myself when I work on it, I'm just not sure if my skills are up to par. I suppose that's what the classes are for though...

Hooray!

cute.

2008-11-09T13:18:00.003-06:00

I love them!

http://www.thecuteproject.com/

Ed Westwick.

2008-11-07T14:52:00.002-06:00

So pretty.

home.

2008-11-06T22:34:00.002-06:00

Text in Dutch: 'een thuis -een thuis weet ik nog, dat is onder je grond en ruimte boven je en daar dan zijn en weten waarom.'
Text in English: ' a home - a home I still remember, it's ground beneath you and space above and being there and knowing why.'
by: Brigiet vd Berg

This quote really resonates with me. I am constantly struggling with this idea of home. I am in the awkward in between stage of leaving the home I've always known and establishing my own.

You have no idea how much that scares me.

election day 2008.

2008-11-04T11:19:00.002-06:00

I stood in line for two hours this morning to vote.
It was a beautiful morning and it was so exciting to see everyone coming out to vote and spend just as much time as I did in line.

I really hope you all are going to vote or already voted this morning.
I am really happy I went and I cannot wait to start watching the results this evening.
I am nervous for the outcome, but I am hoping for the best.

2008-10-31T00:03:00.001-05:00

Michael Beirut's "What is Good Design?" poster done by his (then) four year old daughter.

2008-10-22T13:39:00.002-05:00

I Want You Back - Jackson 5

So good.

WAS YOUR K-12 EDUCATION VALUABLE?

2008-10-20T16:38:00.005-05:00

I am doing a project about education for my Futures class. I would appreciate if everyone would answer this question for me in order to provide some insight. I would also LOVE if you would leave comments, but it is not absolutely necessary. THANK YOU.

Just click yes or no. That's it!

* When I say valuable, I am speaking about the experience overall. Do you feel like you were adequately prepared for the subsequent grade, college, and life in general? Look at your overall feelings rather than grade-by-grade.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.buzzdash.com/index.php?page=buzzbite&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;BB_id=124441"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Do you feel your K-12 education was valuable?&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; | &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.buzzdash.com"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;BuzzDash polls&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Barack Obama & Joe Biden's Rescue Plan for the Middle Class

2008-10-14T14:35:00.002-05:00

Read it here.

"Barack Obama: We can ’t wait to help workers and families and communities who are struggling right now – who don’t know if their job or their retirement will be there tomorrow; who don’t know if next week’s paycheck will cover this month’s bills. We need to pass an economic rescue plan for the middle-class and we need to do it now."

World War II posters.

2008-10-13T10:39:00.001-05:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/headovmetal/sets/72157602730833017/

busy week.

2008-10-12T21:53:00.004-05:00

I don't like when my iCal looks like this.

doldrums.

2008-10-07T15:34:00.005-05:00

I can definitely feel that summer is finally over and winter is upon us. I am feeling slightly melancholy and generally overwhelmed with things. It's disheartening. Every morning I have a small fit of anxiety come over me and I hate it. I really don't like feeling apathetic about the exciting things happening around me.

Blechhhhh.

i love buying records.

2008-10-06T21:18:00.004-05:00

Say Anything - ... is a Real Boy on white vinyl.
Classy.

Barack Obama, what a guy.

2008-10-06T01:38:00.000-05:00

Mary lacked money to fly home to Norway – he saved her love

ÅSGÅRDSTRAND (VG): Mary was a newlywed and ready to move to Norway, but was stopped at the airport because she didn’t have enough money for the trip. Then a stranger turned up and paid for her.

Mary Menth Andersen was 31 years old at the time and had just married Norwegian Dag Andersen. She was looking forward to starting a new life in Åsgårdstrand in Vestfold with him. But first she had to get all of her belongings across to Norway. The date was November 2nd, 1988.
At the airport in Miami things were hectic as usual, with long lines at the check-in counters. When it was finally Mary’s turn and she had placed her luggage on the baggage line, she got the message that would crush her bubbling feeling of happiness.
-You’ll have to pay a 103 dollar surcharge if you want to bring both those suitcases to Norway, the man behind the counter said.
Mary had no money. Her new husband had travelled ahead of her to Norway, and she had no one else to call.
-I was completely desperate and tried to think which of my things I could manage without. But I had already made such a careful selection of my most prized possessions, says Mary.

Although she explained the situation to the man behind the counter, he showed no signs of mercy.
-I started to cry, tears were pouring down my face and I had no idea what to do. Then I heard a gentle and friendly voice behind me saying, That’s OK, I’ll pay for her.
Mary turned around to see a tall man whom she had never seen before.
-He had a gentle and kind voice that was still firm and decisive. The first thing I thought was, Who is this man?
Although this happened 20 years ago, Mary still remembers the authority that radiated from the man.
-He was nicely dressed, fashionably dressed with brown leather shoes, a cotton shirt open at the throat and khaki pants, says Mary.
She was thrilled to be able to bring both her suitcases to Norway and assured the stranger that he would get his money back. The man wrote his name and address on a piece of paper that he gave to Mary. She thanked him repeatedly. When she finally walked off towards the security checkpoint, he waved goodbye to her.

The piece of paper said ‘Barack Obama’ and his address in Kansas, which is the state where his mother comes from. Mary carried the slip of paper around in her wallet for years, before it was thrown out.
-He was my knight in shining armor, says Mary, smiling.
She paid the 103 dollars back to Obama the day after she arrived in Norway. At that time he had just finished his job as a poorly paid community worker* in Chicago, and had started his law studies at prestigious Harvard university.
In the spring of 2006 Mary’s parents had heard that Obama was considering a run for president, but that he had still not decided. They chose to write a letter in which they told him that he would receive their votes. At the same time, they thanked Obama for helping their daughter 18 years earlier.
In a letter to Mary’s parents dated May 4th, 2006 and stamped ‘United States Senate, Washington DC’, Barack Obama writes**:
‘I want to thank you for the lovely things you wrote about me and for reminding me of what happened at Miami airport. I’m happy I could help back then, and I’m delighted to hear that your daughter is happy in Norway. Please send her my best wishes. Sincerely, Barack Obama, United States senator’.
The parents sent the letter on to Mary.

This week VG met her and her husband in the café that she runs with her friend Lisbeth Tollefsrud in Åsgårdstrand.
-It’s amazing to think that the man who helped me 20 years ago may now become the next US president, says Mary delightedly.
She has already voted for Obama. She recently donated 100 dollars to his campaign.
She often tells the story from Miami airport, both when race issues are raised and when the conversation turns to the presidential elections.
-I sincerely hope the Americans will see reason and understand that Obama means change, says Mary.

*Not at all sure about this part of the translation. The Norwegian word used is 'miljøarbeider', I don't know what the exact English word for that is or even if there is one, and I don't know enough about Obama to say what job of his they're talking about.
**This is my translation of the reporter's translation of the letter. From English to Norwegian and back to English. So obviously it is not correct word for word.

Taken from: http://leishacamden.blogspot.com/2008/10/not-that-it-matters.html

birdies.

2008-09-24T00:11:00.002-05:00

Hand drawn type stuff I did for class.

uncool.

2008-09-21T00:27:00.000-05:00