2013 at a Glance

I wanted to make a cool infographic, but it was more frustrating than I initially thought. Prezi to the rescue! The more I use Prezi, the more I like it! Click on any pictures, boxes, or texts that interest you to get a closer look.

In many ways, this year has been a year of liberation and freedom. From unhealthy relationships, bad habits, from limitations I placed on myself. 2013 began with grief--Grandpa's death, sickness, and breaking off my first relationship; but the sun came out too bringing with it, new love, grand adventures, and fresh joy. My Mama said back in March, "It's good to hear you laughing again." A lot of joy and laughter has returned to my life after an absence I didn't realize was there. It was a rough start, but lots of good things happened in 2013 and I think I'm gonna miss this year.

Culinary Adventures: Croissants Pt. 2

The croissants turned out beautifully! Before they went in the oven, they looked like this:

They came out like this:

And we still have another half of the dough in the freezer! I couldn't have been more pleased with how they turned out! I plan to roll out the rest of the dough after Jake gets back so he can have a taste too. Dad and I want to make a lot more ham and cheese ones:

Because they are perfect for breakfast! Next time, I think I will give the dough an extra turn so it has more layers. On the whole, a smashing success!

P.S. I've been having some trouble posting with blogger lately, but I'm hoping the issue will be worked out soon! In the meantime, please don't mind any formatting discrepancies.

Culinary Adventures: Croissants Pt. 1

Today, I tried my hand at croissant dough!

Now croissants are actually made from what is called a "laminated" dough and it has many many layers of butter and dough from folding and rolling and folding and rolling it. When I first proposed the venture to my mom a few months ago, she cautioned me against the dough's difficulty, but when I actually got around to it, it wasn't terribly difficult. It just takes a lot of time and patience!

You have to refrigerate the dough a lot between turns so the butter doesn't get too melty, so it's been an all-day affair. I probably won't be able to bake them until later tonight or tomorrow. But...

So far so good!

Hour of Coding

What does Misha do with her free time?

a. she sleeps

b. she reads

c. she learns how to do computer programming

d. all of the above

Christmas Wreath

Made using: Khan Academy Computer Science.

If you chose d, you would be correct! Since vacation began, I have been taking advantage of the opportunity to sleep late, read for pleasure, and this afternoon, I learned how to code some basic shapes with JavaScript! Though I am not especially anxious to learn coding (not being a computer geek like my brother) coding is on my list of things to learn eventually so I can someday realize the chicken scratch ideas that are Bird's Eye View. I may not be that much closer to coding Bird's Eye View, but this is a fun little project and a nice intro to coding. Check it out if you're interested. I made a wreath!

P.S. No stats for today, because I have something special Stats-esque posting before the new year!

Christmas Eve on Mt. Lemmon

It is usually our custom to go up on Mt. Lemmon to play in the snow every year on Christmas Eve. This year, however, Dad had to work and he couldn't take us, so we went up by ourselves! There was not very much, but the snow was compact-ible enough for snowballs and snowmen. But mostly, we just hung out and kicked around the fluffy stuff. We also brought Dad's nice camera for higher quality pictures. Unfortunately, we are not high-quality photographers, but we manged to get a number of good photos!

Ever since I learned the rule of thirds, I've been trying to incorporate it into my pictures. So far, it's going okay. I could probably learn a lot from a basic photography class!

The three of us had fun though, and that's all that matters. This evening, we had our Christmas Eve service where my Mandolin debuted for my favorite folksy Christmas song, "Oh What a Beautiful City." Cam and I sang with the Coffin family and it all sounded so beautiful!! That family is a regular choir! We had 50 people turn out to the service, making it our most successful since we began! Numbers aside, I think the most precious part is singing carols together. What a great way to close out the night before celebrating Christ's birth tomorrow!

Photoshoot

Earlier this month, Kerri got her siblings (and the girlfriends, and a few family friends) together to take pictures, which she printed and framed for miss Jessica's Christmas gift. Now that Christmas is over, I can post them. Here are some of the best ones:

Group. Photos:

The siblings:

The boys:

The girls:

And of course, me and Jake:

Merry Christmas!!!

Behold the Christmas damage! Actually, this is only half of the damage-- after we cleaned up the paper and mom and I had already put our gifts away. 

Like most years, we completely failed to take any pictures during the ceremonial unwrapping of the gifts. Here are some of the day's highlights:

• Cameron jolting me out of deep sleep at 7:30am with "Misha it's Christmas!!!!"
• The gifts: Mom's new tablet, Cameron's pogo stick and ukulele, Dad's Bluetooth stereo, and for me, lots of lip gloss!!!
• We were totally finished unwrapping before 8:30am
• Lounging on the couch with a mug of English Breakfast tea and reading a new book Never Eat Alone (review post pending soon)
• Talking to Ishta on the phone!
• Jake's and my first Christmas "together" (in a relationship)
• In case you are wondering he got me an assortment of little stuff that's totally "me"
• I got him a nice t-shirt and a French-English dictionary for his pending trip to France
• Huge game of Munchkin with three expansion packs 
• Homemade cheesecake à la mama

Somuchlove! Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!!

Transfer Troubles: Resolved

Read my initial dilemma,
And the first Update.

This morning, I awoke to the most glorious email in my inbox:

I have reviewed the syllabi for the courses below and will grant you upper level credit equivalencies for these.  I will ask our evaluators to make the change to your academic record.

They granted my credit appeal!! In addition, my academic advisor informed me last week that the two classes  I took this semester (both upper level) will transfer accordingly. 

What this means is that I will have to take no additional classes for the Spring 2014 semester!! So how many classes am I taking? One. One class to go and I will be finished with my degree! I will be spending three months working on my Capstone project to fulfill my last degree requirements with an expected graduation date of June 2013. 

There is no combination of capital letters and exclamation points that could describe the obscene elation I feel over this latest development. Once again, I am so close and the goal is finally in sight. I just want to cry and hibernate for the rest of the year!

Why I Create

The other day, I had the opportunity to answer the question, 

"If time and money were no object, what would you rather be doing?" 

 I used to think I would hull up in my own art studio and just create art for all my days. But I'm beginning to think a little differently. I want to travel the world and have adventures, then come back to my space and use my new experiences as fodder to create new works of art. I told my mom, "I don't think I would be content to have a singular experience of the world." 

But the dream doesn't stop there. I would not be satisfied to hoard my time and art all to myself.

I want to give it away.

I realized this: I create in order to give. I write knowing that someone else will read my work. I make things for the people I love all the time: poems and notes and little doodles. I have this blog, very much in part, for your enjoyment, as much as it is mine.

And if that doesn't convince you, maybe mail art will. My mail art days are kind of hard to describe... I think back on them as a wondrous, renaissance-time of my life, in which I used an incredible amount of stamps (which I still ask for for Christmas and birthdays) to send works of art through the postal system. If you'd like to see some of my work, I blogged many pictures over at my mail blog.  

Unfortunately, the responsibilities of my education and work have hindered me from making much mail art lately, but it is something I hope to return to later. Here's how it fits into all this though: I wrote letters and created these beautiful works of art, only to send them off into the world for others to enjoy--not keep them to myself. 

Matt Appling in his book Life After Art talked about this beautiful part of being an artist. He says that children create things in order to give to other people. Children, he argues (and forgive me for not having proper page numbers here), are generous with their art; however many children lose that generosity as they "mature." I think I have always been generous with my art, especially mail art, but I want to continue being generous with my creativity and my art, even when I'm old (and have my own art studio?). 

On the way to church I heard a woman on the radio talking about "celebrating the spirit of Christmas year-round." I'll admit, I scoffed a little bit; it's such a cliche thing to say, I thought. What does that even mean? And how can you remember the "Christmas spirit" when it is not at the forefront of your mind. In the states, one cannot ignore Christmas. It surrounds you with commercialized Santas, snow, increased traffic, and carols blaring at the mall. But one phrase I hear a lot around this time of year is: "It is better to give than to receive." Today, I am applying it to a new context--art, and realizing that maybe that lady on the radio was right: the "Christmas spirit" of giving is something that can be embraced every month of the year, not just December. What does that look like? For me, it means making a whole lot more art and giving it away--to family, friends, loved ones, strangers, anyone. What does it look like for you?

Semester's End Stats

Stats:

Semester: OVER!!!

Papers: finished and submitted!!

Brain power: 65%

Days until Christmas: 5

Mood: strangely quiet

Learning: to celebrate the victories even when you don't feel like it

Christmas parties so far: 5

Christmas parties ditched: 1

Presents wrapped today: 10

Percentage bought today: 70%

Looking Forward to: Christmas!!

Well, papers are submitted, the semester is over, and strangely, I didn't feel the same sense of satisfaction that I expected to feel. Somehow I thought I would feel a little more...triumphant. In my head I imagined myself crossing the great finish line with teeth barred in exertion! raining sweat with a flick of my head, but no. It wasn't like that at all. There were no tears, no yelling, no cheerleaders to greet me at the finish line... Alas, the semester is over and I cannot let myself feel too disappointed about this.

This morning, however, the excitement for Christmas hit me full force! No school! Sleeping in! Dad has the day off work! We're watching cartoons on TV like Saturday mornings!! It felt so good! Dad took us Christmas shopping where I finished all my present buying exactly one day before the biggest shopping day of the year. Then I came home and wrapped them all while watching Planes, Trains, and Automobiles and drinking coffee and eating popcorn- which may or may not have been the only sustenance I've consumed all day. ;)

Almost Over

days until Jake arrives: 0!!!
days until semester ends: 8
days until Christmas: 12
Christmas shopping: 25%
brain damage: high
brain capacity: 45%
stress level: medium-high
state of my papers: first drafts almost done
listening to: Tonic Sol Fa
drinking: vanilla lattes from Starbucks
looking forward to: Freshmen girls' sleepover TONIGHT!
highlight: this week, the little guy I babysit was showing me a book and he said, "Look Misha! It's fancy!"

Weekly Update:

Well, another week has gone by, and I must confess that I am really not feeling the Christmas spirit this year. I can't put my finger on the exact reason why, but it may have to do with the fact that my semester doesn't officially end until three days before Christmas. It seems like all I am doing these days is working: studying, working for CP, babysitting, chores... I've been reluctant to listen to any Christmas music because I don't want to associate the stress with the music. *Sigh* Honestly, I just want the semester to be over already. One more week.

Buddy the Climbing Cat

Today, while helping Stacey decorate her Christmas tree, I turned around to find Buddy investigating the ladder (which we needed because the tree was so tall). As I watched, he slowly but surely started climbing up the ladder, all the way to the top! Meanwhile, as he was trying to get down, me and Stacey were just standing there video-taping him instead of trying to help him down! Priorities. He did make it down safely, though perhaps not as gracefully as he intended, because he lost his footing and fell off! Poor cat.

Transfer Troubles: Update

A few weeks ago, I mentioned my frustrations with credit transfer in this post. The drama unfolds in this episode, "The Most Recent Developments."

After being rescheduled twice, I finally talked to my academic advisor and the verdict is.... *drumroll*

Nothing.

Unfortunately, there's not a lot I can do about the situation. My advisor said I can try to appeal it by emailing the dean's office, but the way they evaluate credit is based on what the equivalent courses offered at their institution would be. So she is not very optimistic about them granting the appeal. However, I must try, or my spirits will not be at rest. Who knows, maybe they could grant it anyways?

The good news is that I have a little more time than I thought I did to finish any additional classes I might have to take. The official graduation date may be a little later, but I can still attend the commencement ceremony in September 2014 if I finish my coursework by July 2014. Knowing that I have 3 more months than I originally anticipated does make me feel better about the work I have ahead of me. It may take me longer, but at least I can go at a more relaxed pace.

I'm staying positive about this! Tune in next time to hear my (hopefully) happy ending!

Tell Me Your Story: Part 2

See Part 1 Here

I almost retitled this post, "That guy in New York." But I thought I'd keep this post in line with the stories theme I've seen emerging lately. Not just in Part 1, listed above, but also in some of the other things that have been on my mind lately. (Sister Africa's story for example).

A few weeks ago, not long after I posted my tidbit on asking about people's stories,  I saw an interview of a New York photographer on Yahoo. Brandon Stanton runs a photo-blog over at Humans of New York where he posts the images of the people he photographs.

I include this video in this "series" because photos tell stories. I think what Brandon is doing is really neat. After he snaps the photo, he asks them about their life. Some of the quotes he hears are so moving. Check it out if you got a minute.

"Rainy Day Woman #1" by Paulo Carillo used under Creative Commons Attribution-Share-alike-Noncommercial license.

Joyous Stats

outside temperature: 58*
cups of tea: 5
study mode: intense
feeling: energized
days until Jake comes back: 7
days until semester ends: 15
days until Christmas: 19
state of shopping list: 23% done
looking forward to: neighbor's open house tomorrow night
highlight: caught my brother listening to my Of Monsters and Men cd, Christmas shopping with Mom

Weekly Update:

The tree is now up and trimmed, as of Tuesday night!

And this week appears to be dominated by sound. Though we haven't been playing as many Christmas carols as usual (probably because Mom is not home all day) they are getting some air time. Some of our favorites besides the classics are Tonic Sol-Fa and Michael Buble. I've also been listening to a lot of music thanks to suggestions from the freshmen! (They don't know it yet, but it is going to be part of their Christmas present!)

Last night, our family sat around the living room and watched The Sound of Music Live with Carrie Underwood. I am not a fair judge of acting--I'll leave that to the pros (like Jake)--but I must say, Carrie Underwood did not make the most convincing Maria. It also took me a good twenty minutes to realize that it was the stage version, not a re-do of the original movie. Once I got over that, it was okay.  Conceptually though, I think the idea of live theatre on television is a fascinating idea that could open up new doors for theatre to reach a wider audience.

Finally, and this brings me to the title of my post, Jake is performing tonight in SDCC's Christmas Concert, "The Joyous Sounds." My parents recieved a formal invitation in the mail to attend and all the fees for dinner and the concert had been "graciously waived by friends of the college." I was planning to go in their stead, but my parents nixed it for ethical reasons. "But it's a free dinner!" I argued. "No, it is not a 'free' dinner; they are expecting you to donate money to the college. It's a fundraiser!" On second look at my schedule, I couldn't have afforded to attend anyway because I'd lose too much study time, but I was a bit disappointed my parents wouldn't let me take advantage of the opportunity to eat a free dinner and see Jake. Oh well. So instead of seeing Joyous Sounds tonight, I'm writing Joyous Stats, for despite that slight disappointment, I am feeling pretty bubbly in the excitement of the Christmas season.

Sister Africa's Story: Why I Read

Antelope Park, Zimbabwe

I love reunions. They make me cry, but man, I love reunions. There is so much joy and grief and pain all mixed up in a single embrace, as if a flood of all the past emotions away from this person are suddenly released. I've been through several reunions--reunions with family members, with returning service men and women, and of course we cannot forget Jake--more times than not, I cry.

Today, I think I stumbled across one of the most beautiful reunion scenes I have ever read. It was from Zenzele: A Letter for My Daughter by J. Nozipo Maraire, a book I'm reading for my African Literature class. The biography is a running dialogue from a mother to her daughter, consolidating all the stories, wisdom, and traditions Maraire wants her daughter to know in one place as Zenzele prepares to continue her academics in America. It is a beautiful blend of memories, anecdotes, and motherly concern and advice.

Maraire begins chapter seven telling Zenzele about the difficulties she perceived surrounding the black diaspora, until Sister Africa changed her perspective. It is Sister Africa's story that I am most interested in telling here.

Maraire met the African-American (originally named Mary William Smith) through her sister at an underground political meeting."There was something charming, fresh, and open about the girl. And so it happened that despite myself, by the time they reached my corner of the room and [my sister] stepped forth to introduce us, I was genuinely interested in meeting her" (Maraire 95). Maraire soon discovered the exceptional qualities of Sister Africa. She had traveled widely throughout Africa and endeared herself to many there, earning the name Sister Africa.

She'd come to Africa in search of her Nigerian father who left her and her white mother behind when she was young. She followed every clue she could glean of him. He'd apparently become widely known in the underground politics, but no one could divulge his whereabouts. Every time she heard where he might be, she traveled there only to learn he was gone again.

Many years later, Sister Africa had given up hope of ever finding him, but by now it held less sway over her. She had developed her identity as an African now. She didn't really need to find him, but she still admired him for being the great African thinker and revolutionary that everyone knew him to be. In South Africa, she was arrested several times, finally being sent to the Robben Island, a terrorist camp disguised as a disciplinary facility. There she met other revolutionaries and exchanged ideas with them.

One day, they brought in a high-profile revolutionary known all across Africa as Baba Africa (Father Africa). Baba Africa spoke to them on many topics, including a fruit analogy which Sister Africa took especial liking to. On her last day, he spoke to her, "Daughter, how came you to be here?" Awestruck by the fact that this great man whom she admired so much was talking to her, Sister Africa was speechless. "I have heard of your bravery," he encouraged her, "Keep up the struggle for a united, prosperous Africa; it is a dream worth fighting for. Your love of freedom makes you a true daughter of Africa."

Later, she has the following encounter with her friend Keki:
"He asked me about you and I told him you were from America originally. He was very impressed that you had given so much to the struggle."
"Really, Keki, you must have exaggerated greatly for him to take any notice of me."
"Oh, no, Sister Africa. He is fond of Americans. He is a Nigerian, you know, but he went to one of those big, rich famous American universities when he was young. Columbia, I think. Yes, he studied law there. There is a rumor that he was once married to an American woman, or was she Oriental? I cannot remember. He dropped everything for the struggle. They say he has traveled all over the continent" (Maraire 105-106).

My heart dropped like a stone when I fully realized that. Of course, I had known all along: Mariare told me that she eventually met her "old man" (101) and as soon as she mentioned the high-profile prisoner, I began to suspect. But my suspicious did not prepare me for the emotional impact of realizing it. It was so beautiful, I lost my words. All I could think was, "This is why I read literature." There are a multitude of reasons why people read literature--to relax, to be entertained, to escape. But I read literature to experience something beautiful. And when beauty is achieved through words, there is nothing comparable.

"Zimbabwe 27 01042011" by Dave Mulder  used under Creative Commons Attribution-Share-alike-Noncommercial license.Da

Inksanity Reunion

LtoR: Me, Sydney, Sabina, Kristin, and Marie

Things got pretty crazy last week at Inksanity's first reunion! Unfortunately, Nicole was unable to make it, so it was not a full reunion, but Marie was in town for Thanksgiving break! She came back just in time for the end of NaNoWriMo which, of course, meant all night writing and giggles! I could only stay until about 2am, but they were tweeting and word-warring all night long in the final push for 50,000 words.

I did not make it this year, but in light of my course-load, I significantly lowered my expectations for the global month-long write-a-thon. Total, I wrote about 8,000 words on two short stories (one of which may be featuring here this December) and probably another 12-15,000 words on school-related assignments. I have fully come to terms with my "failure," because I realize it is not so much a failure at writing, as it was a failure to recognize my schedule limitations. But it was fun and now I have two short stories that I didn't have before!

Sabina and Marie love pie

It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas!

I spent Jake's last evening in town hanging out with the family and helping them decorate their tree! It looks so beautiful!

Jake stealing a smooch!

I was definitely more than a little sad to see Jake go, but he will be back in a couple weeks, after finals. In the meantime, I have a LOT of work to do between catching up on family time, working, and studying. Thankfully, I don't have finals, but I do have to write three fat papers! Carols are blaring, our tree is up, and lights are on the house. We haven't put up the ornaments yet, but they will be making an appearance very soon!