ZOOOO

Today, we went to the Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake. It's kind of unfair for most zoos I go to across the country because I always compare them to the Columbus Zoo, which apparently is one of (if not the) best zoos in the country. The Hogle Zoo is much smaller than Columbus. We saw everything after almost an hour and a half. It is landlocked by mountains though. Again, advantage Ohio for being in the Great Plains in the middle of nowhere.

This is weird, but I think my favorite discovery was the black swan. It's so exotic and I'd never seen one before. They are swans with attitude. I like it. This zoo alo had the most random animals. There were a bunch of different kinds of wild cats that could honestly pass as house pets. Of course, they were adorable, but I don't think that I would necessarily have chosen them if I had my own zoo.



The giraffes impressed me the most. The viewing area was on a hill so that you could be at eye level with them (16 ft tall). One came so close to the edge and started licking a pole with its ginormous black tongue. Apparently, their tongues can be 18 inches long. Gross. Anyway, my mom told me that I would be a giraffe if I were an animal. I guess it's pretty accurate. I told her she would be an orangutan....ALSO accurate.



In other news, Crime and Punishment is getting really good. I am actually excited to see what happens next! I guess that's because he just murdered two people. And that's not giving anything away really because it's the basis for the entire plot.

Today I didn't leave the house

And it's not the first time that has happened. Yeah I know. I live an exciting life.

I guess there is good news however. I am getting much better at playing my ukulele. It kind of sounds like I know what I am doing, even if I don't necessarily do. I also received my new passport today, only a week after I submitted it for renewal. In case you weren't aware, a week is like superhuman fast for passports. On Tuesday, I am turning in my application for my Brazilian visa. I'll have it by the end of the month, meaning I'll be in Brazil by the end of June or the first week of July. Also, TCM is showing crazy good war movies all weekend because of Memorial Day. Score.

Bad News? U2 canceled their concert because Bono needs emergency back surgery. Get well soon Bono (even though I am still mad I can't go to the concert now). ANND also the fact that I literally did nothing today is also a little sad. I guess I did work on my paint by numbers, but really. What good does that do me? If you have any suggestions about what I should do in my spare time, let me know. I ache for ideas. Alright well...more later I suppose.

Listen to this

Postcards from Italy by Beirut

Tour of my room!

WTFSnow

IT SNOWED TODAY.
I WOKE UP, AND EVERYTHING WAS COVERED WITH WHITE.

Why must you do this to me, Salt Lake? Though I must thank you for melting all of it by noon, it was quite alarming to see snow in late May.

In other news: Good day. Yoga, bought a paint by numbers, finished Maia's shoes!!! I would post pics but I don't want to ruin the surprise!

Blerg!

Summer training for volleyball sucks for a couple reasons:

1. The altitude change has really affected my running. I know, it's a lame excuse. But it's true.

2. I have never ever seen a track to run on here. The gym I'm going to doesn't have one. AND HELLZ NAH am I running up these hills.

3. IF I do make it to Brazil, what the heck am I supposed to do then? Anyone?

Oh poo. This is lame, stinks even!

Books!

Please Please Please
Suggest some books I can read this summer
Comment with your suggestions and why I should read them!

Little Sahara

Today began early (for me at least), 8 am. We suited up in some old clothes and met my dad's coworker, Ron, downtown so that we could follow him to the Little Sahara desert just an hour and a half outside of the city. He brought three of his four wheelers for all of us to ride on.

So, after a long ride/good nap, we arrived at the Little Sahara. I don't remember exactly what I was expecting, but I am sure these dunes surpassed my expectations. They were HUGE. One giant hill stood in the forefront of what seemed like endless dunes. Think Sex and the City 2 trailer. It was kind of like that. The weather was gorgeous as well. Blue skies, 60 something - just cool enough that a sweatshirt would suffice. The wind wasn't even active enough to blow the sand everywhere.

Anyway, after a quick lesson from Ron, I was off....and was promptly stuck 2 minutes later. Thankfully, he saved me from being stranded in the sand on the top of a wimpy dune for hours. After a few more runs, I gained some confidence. My dad and I followed each other around on some of the smaller dunes on the edges, although my dad had a harder time controlling his bike (is that the right word?) so we didn't stay out long. Ron volunteered to take us around to the back of the mountain where there were even more dunes and a little scenic path. Again, dad couldn't really handle the bike so Ron took me on a tour. It was SO BEAUTIFUL!!! I really wanted to pause and do a Lawrence of Arabia reenactment...but however awesome that would have been, I probably would have been hit by some kind of vehicle. Riding around out there was pretty awesome. It's almost like being on a roller coaster, even though I think roller coasters are technically more safe (Ron said people die on the dunes because a lot of people drink beforehand and don't wear helmets...smart).

Eventually, we had to come back to our little abode. I was actually quite tired after all the riding around. Although, I don't know why. It's not like you're really doing anything. Maybe it was the sun. But I digress. It was such a fun day! Hopefully more like it to come!



I am a motocross champion. No big deal.

Top 20 Disney Characters

When randomly searching the internet the other day, I came across this guy's top 20 favorite Disney characters. Inspired, I decided to make one of my own. Obviously, it's all subjective. Here is the link for his list if you're interested: http://lordwhatsmymotivation.wordpress.com/2008/10/31/top-20-coolest-disney-characters-of-all-time/

20. Rolly - 101 Dalmatians
"I'm hungry! I'm hungry mother!"



Every time I hear Rolly say he's hungry, I laugh. It's adorable. Also, Perdita, your puppy is hungry. Get on that.

19. Wiggins - Pocahontas
"I....I....I made it myself!"



Closeted gay assistant. Win.

18. Thomas O'Malley - The Aristocats
"I'm Abraham deLacy Giuseppe Casey Thomas O'Malley"



This is one charismatic cat. You gotta respect a guy that goes for a single mom. Plus, he's jazzy and street smart...and friends with an Asian Siamese.

17. Hades - Hercules
"Memo to me: Mame you after my meeting."



First of all, I legitimately wanted fire for hair after seeing Hercules. Hades rocks it. And check out his chin! Anyway, Hades has an amazing sense of humor. Apart from the whole "I want to rule the world" thing, I think we could be friends.

16. Sebastian - The Little Mermaid
"Life under the sea is better than anything they got up there."



Sure, he can be a little preachy. But he's also capable of gathering a full fish symphony in a matter of seconds. Show me one other Jamaican crab capable of doing that.

15. Mushu - Mulan
"If I was my real size, your cow here would die of fright. DOWN BESSIE."



Disney once again utilizes the brilliant Eddie Murphy to make this character hilarious. There's no question he's witty, maybe a little obnoxious, but entertaining.

14. Ursula - The Little Mermaid
"Don't forget the importance of body language!"



Literally half of the reason I like Ursula is her voice. It's so deliciously raspy and evil. And if she accomplishes anything in this movie, it's that she exposes Eric for being shallow enough to pick women based on their voices.

13. Basil of Baker Street - The Great Mouse Detective
"It's elementary, my dear Dawson."



Basil is a mouse Sherlock Holmes. And I don't know about you, but watching a British man solve mysteries is kinda hot. Alright, so he's a mouse. I just consider him Robert Downey Jr. in mouse form

12. Squirt - Finding Nemo
"DUUUDE!"



Squirt is simply the most adorable thing I have ever seen. Period.

11. Mrs. Potts - Beauty and the Beast
"Into the cupboard with you now Chip!"



Mrs. Potts is one of those characters that you want to tuck you into bed at night. She is so heartwarming. Of course, she is voiced by the wonderful Angela Lansbury who makes the Beauty and the Beast song legendary.

10. Timon and Pumba - The Lion King
"What do you want me to do? Dress in drag and do the hula?"



Timon and Pumba provide the much needed comic relief in the Lion King. They also save Simba, so technically, without them, there would be no movie. Also - Nathan Lane. Nathan. Lane.

9. Alice - Alice in Wonderland
"I give myself good advice, but I very seldom follow it."



Alice is often overlooked because this movie isn't quite that popular these days. However, I do think there is something about Alice that deserves props. First of all, she's an adventurer. She was bored with her life and when she finally got somewhere a little more exciting, she pushed on with admirable curiosity. I think it's a good lesson - Make your own adventures!

8. Pocahontas - Duh




Pocahontas is pretty badass. Whatever - I'll date who I want! It's always nice to see strong women who have awesome hair...and can learn English in 2 seconds.

7. Dory - Finding Nemo
"I shall call him Squishy and he shall be mine and he shall be my Squishy."



Finding a quote for Dory was really difficult because there are seriously so many good ones. Ellen DeGeneres brings this amazing character to life to create, in my opinion, the funniest character of every Disney movie. The other aspect of Dory that is so amazing though is her loyalty to her cause. Even though she can't always remember it, she sticks with Marlin every step of the way.

6. Mulan - Again, Obvs



I think Mulan is the only Disney princess who kills people. Nuff said.

5. Jasmine - Aladdin



What I like about Jasmine is her need to be in the real world. She's not satisfied being kept in a castle all day long. No. She jumps over the wall to get to know about real people. AND she could be some snobby princess who needs to marry a prince. She's okay with the fact that Aladdin is a "street rat," which is pretty cool. Plus, she is gorgeous and rocks those hips.

4. Belle - Beauty and the Beast



Belle reps the brunettes! I like that Belle is smart and loves to read. Even though her town is full of idiots, and she's obviously smarter than them, she doesn't flaunt it either. She springs to her dad's rescue, battles wolves, deals with angry Beast, and creates a new, loving Beast who can be loved despite his looks. I'd say those are some pretty awesome accomplishments for one movie.

3. Mufasa - The Lion King
"I'm only brave when I have to be."



I want Mufasa to be President of the United States. It seems like nothing ever went wrong under his control. He is so valiant when he rescues his son (twice) and so precious when he shows Simba his kingdom. ANNNDD he has the best voice known to man. God bless James Earl Jones.

2. Maleficent - Sleeping Beauty
"Now you shall deal with me, oh prince. And all the powers of hell!"



Hands down: best. villain. ever. That laugh. Those angry rants. Wondrous. No villain today could get away with some of the things she said...mainly because no kids today know what the word imbecile means. She turns into a dragon and is a party crasher. Ultimate bad ass.

1. Nala - The Lion King
"Pinned you again."



Yes - Nala is number one on my list. She's not the funniest, or the most prominent Disney character, but she has several qualities that made me pick her as my number one. First of all, she sticks with her intuition. She knows that Simba should be king and she will do anything to make sure that happens. She is loyal to her people (lions?) and goes way out of her way to make sure they eat. She's better than Simba at fighting - score girl power. She is always up for an adventure too. Yeah that's right, I wanna go to the Elephant Graveyard. What's up! AND finally, as evidenced above, she has a pretty awesome attitude.

And there you have it. My top 20 list. I hope you enjoyed it and please post a comment if you think I missed anyone important or if you have any more insight into the order of this list!

2 Observations

1. No one in Salt Lake City can drive. My mom passes them b/c they are too slow. If you've ever driven with my mom, you know that these people MUST be driving really slow.

2. There are no good alternative radio stations. Only country and pop.

I begin my friendship with Sarah Palin

My friends, on June 9th, Sarah Palin and I will become biffls. And by that I mean that I will be in a herd of people watching her speak.

I convinced my mom to come to some random business seminar downtown with me. It's only $5 to basically go and listen to people speak about their success. Guest speakers: Sarah Palin, Colin Powell, Apollo Anton Ohno, and Rudy Guiliani. I am legitimately excited about Colin Powell because he has a lot of really interesting things to say and he is so incredibly smart. But Sarah - she is the entertainment factor. I cannot wait to see what she comes up with. I mean, she knows so much about business. AND success.

Anyway, you're invited to our Halloween Party. We're both being Tina Fey.

House!

Anyone who watched the last episode of House - freak out with me. SUCH good writing. Loved it.

Today I attempted to do yoga. My mom took me to an senior citizen's community center where they offer free classes. In other words, I was definitely the outlier in terms of age in the class. Anyway, even though I am not very flexible, it was really relaxing. You can feel it in your whole body. I'll probably go back.

Played some ukulele today. I'm getting better ... It's pretty easy once it's tuned.

Hopefully I can load a few photos of the house soon.

Salt Lake

I am finally in Salt Lake City. The plane ride here was fine. The woman next to me was obese and spilled into my seat. She also smelled like balloon farts. For real.

It's a strange feeling being here though. I feel like at any minute, I will be going back to Ohio and doing all the things I usually do during the summer. Right now, I am at home, but I don't know where to find the bread, or my bathroom. I can't go anywhere because I don't know where anything is OR what the roads are called. It's just strange.

However, you cannot deny that Salt Lake is a beautiful city. Our backyard is literally mountainous. I cannot wait to go exploring!

Almost the worst day ever (and longest post ever)

Today, it seemed like any good fortune I had finally wore itself out. The day went from bad to good to worse to better all in a matter of hours.

My day began at approximately 9:01 when I received a text from Maia asking me if I was still going into Boston. We had planned the day before to take the 9 am bus and to meet each other at the bus stop. When I first read her text, I was so confused. Then I saw the time and my heart sank. I frantically called her as I ripped off my pajama pants and threw on some jeans. At 9:04, I was at the bus stop, one of the last people to board. I made it, much to my relief. I had an appointment set with the Brazilian consulate and if I missed it (1) I couldn't go to Brazil and (2) I would never hear the end of it from my dad.

So I am sitting on the bus when I finally realize that I am wearing a Mickey Mouse t shirt, a ragged hoody, and no bra. At first I was just thankful to be on the bus, but the more I thought about it, I was nervous that the people at the consulate would think I was absolute trash. I had a scheduled meeting right? I assumed I should look nice. So Maia, being both a god send and my size, suggested that she switch outfits. After we got off the T, we ran into Au Bon Pain, bought some muffins, and ran into the bathroom to switch outfits. It honestly must have been hilarious for bystanders. There were only two bathrooms and neither were designated for a specific sex. So they witnessed two college age girls, going into a bathroom while talking about muffins, and coming out in each others clothes. Nice.

SO THEN we finally arrived at the consulate at 10:20 am. Turns out, having a scheduled meeting means nothing in these places. It's more like a first come, first serve deal. And it also would have been perfectly acceptable for me to not have switched outfits because it would have been nicer than half of what other people were wearing. Oops. We waited in line and when we finally reached reception, I was given a number. They told me to wait for my number to be called, then go up to the window they call it from. Only one problem: they were calling the numbers in Portuguese. I know 1-10 in Portuguese, and to be honest, I don't even think I say them right. I had no confidence whatsoever that I would hear and distinguish "G-72" out of all the numbers called. I called my dad and made him say it a few times for me so that I could recognize it.

Not much happened for the next few hours, unless you count extreme boredom, Nancy Drew Mad Libs, and harassing Emily via text message. The point is, we waited FOR HOURS. Around 1:30 I asked someone when my number would be called and or if I had just missed it by accident. She said they were about to call 70, so I didn't have to wait long. Luckily, that lady ended up with my number so she called me in English. (By the way, I have to say: being unable to speak languages is probably the most frustrating thing in my opinion. I feel so helpless when I hear everyone talking and I am sitting there with no idea about what's going on...)

This is when it gets AWFUL. Okay, I will try to simplify this. Basically, the Brazilian passport that the embassy issued me in 2004 gave the wrong birthday. It said I was born March 6, 1997 (apparently, no one ever noticed this until now). I am sorry, but I do not want to be 13 again. Anyway, no one has any idea why this happened, but since it was wrong, the consulate needed confirmation of my age with Brazilian documentation. In other words, my American passport meant nothing to them. I don't have a Brazilian birth certificate either, so there was really nothing they could do for me. They called the embassy in Washington, and because I didn't register with them after my 18th birthday I am no longer a citizen.

That's right folks. I found out that I am no longer a dual citizen. First of all, that's crushing, especially because I have recently become really invested in finding out more about Brazilian culture. It also scared the living daylights out of me because my dad basically had to tell me that I probably wouldn't be going to Brazil anymore. That depressed me LIKE WHOA. The thought of an entire summer in Salt Lake City almost made me start crying in the middle of the consulate. I had been looking forward to this trip for a really really long time, and it seemed like all my hopes and dreams about how amazing it would be were slowly evaporating.

The woman at the consulate wasn't helping either because she was basically telling me everything I would have to do to register, and it seemed harder than going to hell and back. I would have to go to DC, find two witnesses, and provide a ton of documentation, which would take much more time than this summer would allow for. After she told me there was nothing more she could do, Maia and I left. No results after almost 5 hours of waiting. I almost wish I had slept in.

Very soon after, my dad called with encouraging news. Because I am over 18, I can travel with my American passport and a Brazilian Visa. So basically, I will just be going to Brazil as a tourist instead of a citizen. Even though I do have to start the whole process over again, it's reassuring to know that I have a back up plan and that things still may work out.

Maia and I also stopped at H&M where she got some white shoes for me to decorate. It's the least I can do after she accompanied me through today. I wouldn't have been anywhere without her. I owe her big time.

Sorry this is such a long post. There was just so much to rant about. Hopefully, everything will be fine. I go home tomorrow and I plan on watching Beauty and the Beast and snuggling with my kitties. Wunderbar.

Listen to this

Hammock by Millionyoung
Sounds like MGMT and Empire of the Sun's love child.

WTFArizona

Arizona has decided to ban ethnic studies in public schools. "The bill was pushed by state school Superintendent Tom Horne, who has spent two years trying to get Tucson schools to drop a Mexican-American studies program he said teaches Latino students they are an oppressed minority."

Wow. Arizona just gets more and more tolerant (she wrote sarcastically)!!!
Here's the whole article if you're interested: http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/05/12/arizona.ethnic.studies/index.html?hpt=T2

Self Distract

I have decided that my research paper about Hitler can wait. In reality, it probably can't, but I am going to go ahead and say I need a break.

Anyway, I recently came upon a few good pieces of news that are just important enough that I can distract myself by talking about them.

1. The weather in Salt Lake City is going to be amazing this weekend when I arrive. Usually when I get somewhere it starts raining. I don't know why, but it happens so often it has become a bit of an inside joke between my mom and I. Come to think of it, that's actually a little embarrassing. It's like I am making Earth sad or something. Oops.

2. I actually bought a ukulele. It wasn't expensive at all, only $40 including shipping and handling. Although, it will be shipped to Salt Lake, where I expect I will be lectured about reckless spending. Whatever. I'm happy with my purchase. I've wanted one for a long time.

3. Packing up dorm rooms SUCKS. I really just want to whine about this one, but I'll save it for actual conversation.

4. The first line of a CNN article about obese children is "Twinkies. Fat slob. Gordita." Hahahahahaha. This article goes on to make the stunning discovery that morbidly obese children are teased at school.

More news soon. I'm sure I'll want to not do work again. Soon.

National Day of Prayer and Priceless Sarah

I just watched a clip online of Bill O'Reilly and Sarah Palin talking about the National Day of Prayer. And though it slightly pains me to say this - I agree with them! Gasp. Of course, our reasons for supporting a day of prayer are entirely different on most fronts. Palin believes that America is a Christian nation and thus we should have a day of prayer blah blah Jesus blah blah. I don't really buy into that reasoning. However, I think O'Reilly hits the nail on the head (I probably shouldn't use that phrase here haha) when he says that this day simply encourages prayer. I don't think that there is anything wrong with the government acknowledging that people in this country are religious and encouraging them to be so. It shouldn't offend you if you aren't religious because, let's face it, there are plenty of days and months that the government has endorsed that aren't for everyone but no one cares because it's a nice thing to do (ex: women's history month. Not everyone is a woman obviously). Yes, religion is taboo, but this day wouldn't force anyone to do anything. Anyway, I originally intended to post about this because Sarah and Bill had a wonderfully hilarious exchange:

Bill O'Reilly: What do you say to the people in Chinatown, San Francisco, here in New York and in other big cities...uh...the Asian Americans who come from a different religious culture. Do they not participate in the Judeo-Christian tradition? I mean, they don't believe it. They believe something else.

Palin: We get to say to them - Yay! Welcome to America, where we are tolerant.

hahaha. She goes on to say that it's great we have freedom of religion, which is true and wonderful, but can we please appreciate her phrasing for a moment? You can't write this stuff.

So what do you think? Day of Prayer, oder nein? Here's the interview in its entirety if you want to see it:

TAZO & The Economist

Tazo tea is amazing. I hesitate to think of what life during finals would be like without it. It's absolutely delicious and comes in many different, natural flavors. I'm sorry that I discovered its greatness so late.

Another thing I discovered late in the game: The Economist magazine. I know it sounds daunting, and in a way it is because I really don't know much about economics. But I love that it is focused on international politics and the state of the world's finances. I honestly used to think that it was a magazine solely about economic theory because I don't think I had ever picked up a copy (stores in Ohio really don't sell it) and because our school WOULD sell a magazine like that. Obviously, I was pleasantly surprised when I picked up a copy and found out that it is everything I am interested in compiled into one beautifully written magazine. It recognizes that everything in politics and economics is connected today, and that it is increasingly difficult to think of economies separately because each country relies so heavily on other countries. A lot of American news sources focus so much on our own economy that I think we all lose a little perspective in the end.

Added bonus: Some of the articles are super witty. You know I can't resist nerd wit.

WTFPugs

My parents decided to buy a pug without telling me. More specifically, this pug.



Her name is Kiki. KIKI. The same name as the annoying girl on The Puzzle Place (points if you remember that one). This name also ruins the tradition our family has of naming animals with only I and O names.

Let's take a look at all the other attractive, alternative breeds of dogs we could have had.





Instead we got a pug. Sigh. I am going to have an open mind when I meet her for the first time on Saturday. My parents say that she is really nice and cute, so I supposed I will have to believe them. We'll see.

WTFBows

Please. Feast your eyes upon these headbands.




WHO would wear these? Who? Who thinks to herself, yes I'd like an excessive, cancerous blob of fabric attached to my head so that I may pay homage to Minnie Mouse. I like the small bows because they're kinda cute. But really. This is getting to be a little TOO MUCH. Only one person in the world is allowed to wear these: Lady Gaga. Everyone else really should give up on trying to make it work. Please. For my sake.

Things I want to spend money on

A trip to White Sands, New Mexico
My friend, Vivian, recently went there and loved it. It seems like a beautiful place, perfect for summer relaxing and Lawrence of Arabia reenactments.



A Ukulele
Obviously, these are just awesome.



WeSC Oboe Headphones
I am sick of earbuds. They are gradually making me deaf and they fall out of my ears every two minutes. These headphones are quality, not to mention their awesome design and color choices.

Summer

In exactly a week, I will finally be on my way home from school. I wish I could leave today, but only because I don't want to finish all my papers. Ah work ethic.
Anyway, this summer will largely be an open book. I know I am going to Brazil and that I am going to have to work my butt off just to communicate at an elementary level. Other than that, I don't know what else will happen really.
Because the only thing I could even hope to read in Portuguese is the alphabet, I need to get books here before I go to Brazil. Let me know if you have any suggestions.
SO: The point of this blog is to keep everyone up to date with my life since I will basically be away from everything and everyone I know all summer. I'll keep it up. Hopefully.