Skiing...

Urban dictionary:
"Biff it": to fall down in a spectacularly embarassing manner
i.e. whoa, you biff it like, twice a day on those stairs

or, in my case, whoa, you biffed it like, big time on that hill.

Skiing, that is. I went to Afton Alps with my friends Jenny and Amanda after work on Monday. It was a great time, and Amanda and I were ready to turn in for the night after one more time down that black diamond hill we were growing fond of.

Well, needless to say, it would definitely be the last time we went down for the evening. I just didn't think I would be taken away by a snowmobile when I got to the bottom.

As for the details...
I stayed toward the tree line, where people didn't do much skiing that day. The grooves were still pristine from the groomer and because the snow was untouched, got a little icy. In an instant my left ski took a sharp right turn underneath my right ski and my left leg twisted behind me. I'm not too sure how far I slid, but it would have been nice if the skis came off when I...uh, biffed. I have never been in so much pain. I hate pain. This is why I've never had anything like this happen to me before--I do my best to avoid it. Plus, now that I'm an adult, I have to deal with the pain that doctor's visits and MRI tests will bring to my pocketbook. Boo.

Anyway, I waited for the snowmobile to come to me, but the hill was too steep to park on. I scooted on my tush to the bottom, then they wrapped me up on the gurney/trailer behind the snowmobile and took me to the medical station. I was very aware of how ridiculous this had become, but the fact that my left knee was in such pain made me pretty apathetic about how dumb I looked.

The Thompsons lent me all of their leg injury tools: crutches, knee stablizer, ace bandage, advil... and I am so thankful for all of these things. If I had to be away from my own family in a time like this, it was nice to be around one that is well equipped for such an emergency. Plus, I'm not so sure I would actually choose my family over the Thompsons--my fam has little to no experience in dealing with bodily injury/accidents and probably wouldn't know what to do anyway. (sorry mom... but your other children were just as cautious as me growing up and didn't teach you those useful emergency procedures.)

I took the day off and saw the doctor to get my knee checked out. I got some Xrays taken and then they sent me to get an MRI scan in Mendota Heights. I don't know the results yet, but I have a follow-up appointment with the doctor tomorrow morning. I'm hoping that it's just a bad sprain, but it's possible that I tore my ACL. (please no!!)

Anyway, that is my great story... but I don't recommend "biffing it" next time you go skiing.

Crutches suck.

Per Sarah's Request

To add to the Fav's list...

...the drummer from MuteMath (Darren King), who, unfortunately for Sarah, is dating Stacey DuPree from Eisley. (according to Wiki)

I prefer the lead singer, Paul Meany, but that is just because I am a sucker for a voice. Watching him sing is really fascinating--very animated. Not only that, but he plays a keytar, which, for some reason is less odd than duct-taping headphones to your head.

The whole band is unique and intrepid in their style. Since buying Kaleidescope Superior from Meany & King's Earthsuit days, I've been a huge fan. I'd always kind of hoped they would lessen their reggae sound... lo and behold, MuteMath is born. I also really respect the way they've entered the music industry under their new name and, essentially, entirely new band. Christians almost sign their own death certificate for "making it big" if they want to enter the Gospel/Christian music scene. Not that my opinion matters, but it's nice to see the talent and the hopeful message without the strings of "Christian's expectation."

(L-R) Roy Mitchell-Cárdenas, Paul Meany, Darren King, and Greg Hill

Paul Meany (below)

There you have it. Waaay too long... it's Sarah's fault. :)

One more...

Ray LaMontagne: "You are the Best Thing" and "Winter Birds."

Cities97 is wonderful. :)

I still love Amos Lee and Damien Rice, though. Acoustic goodness. :)

Music at Work

Since getting an iPhone, I have had those little white buds in my ears nonstop while at work. Because of it, I have fallen hard for four voices:

Gavin DeGraw: holy cow, please always straighten your hair like this.

Fav songs: "More than Anyone" and "Meaning"

Unfortunately, I'm a little tired of "Chariot" and "In Love with a Girl"

Jason Mraz: Like Gavin's, I am a little tired of hearing the same songs of yours on the radio (which is a shame because they are cool. Dumb Cities97) but your vocal talent is pheNOMenal.
Fav Songs: "Absolutely Zero" and "You and I Both"

Martin Sexton: You aren't the youngest and best looking singer out there, but none of them can make their voice sound like a jazz trumpet... or an electric guitar. How the freak do you do that?
Fav Songs: " Where did I go Wrong?", "In the Journey" and "13 Step Boogie"

John Mayer: Thank you for changing your style for Continuum. Whatever you did, made me a big fan. Your live stuff is fantastic, too. I am also glad that you show off your mad skills as a guitar player. There needs to be more multi-faceted musicians like you out there! Oh, and thank you for being very nice to look at, too.
Fav Songs: "I'm Going to Find Another You", "Free Fallin' (Live)" and "Bold as Love"

*sigh* ... There you have it, my music crushes as of late.

i love iPhone.

Hannah

Letter to 2008

Goodbye, 2008.

I am not sure what I thought of you. You were a pretty good year, I guess. I had the best semester of my upperclassman college career. I had such a romantic Valentine's day, and I got a boyfriend out of it. I graduated from college, got a great job, saw my sister get married. I got to spend the summer with my sisters at home for the last time, and I got to see the Packers win at Lambeau and make history (by defeating the worst team in nfl history. ouch). I learned to appreciate more types of music, and fell in love with Sergei Rachmaninov and Martin Sexton.

In getting a job, I lost a lot of freedom, and lost the ease of seeing friends whenever I want because of graduating. I gained 1,687 miles of distance between me and my sister. I lost a boyfriend, and I found a lot of pain... but I also lost 8 pounds. Not very ambitious, but hey--I need to be reminded of a few good losses. My best friend gained a fiancee, which means I might lose a best friend in 2009; but let's not be pessimistic.

There were so many wonderful memories that happened because of you, 2008. You made me a year older and I like to think I am a little bit wiser, too. I work with several people at DCMA that have such beautiful hearts and have such contentment in their own portion. I also work with several people that have no time for anything besides themselves and their own pride. I am glad I can watch people and learn from them. I love learning.

I have so many things going for me. The fact that I have a hard time being satisfied is preposterous. I have a pair of ice skates and roller blades that get used about once per year between the two. I have a roommate that I miss when I'm away for more than 4 hours. She shares the same addiction for LOST, and lets me crawl into bed with her at 6 am when I don't want to start teleworking. My job lets me telework. I work from home once a week and earn 4 hours of paid leave every two weeks. I got paid on Christmas. What is that all about, anyway?

I take the light rail to work everyday. I get to sit next to colorful people, too. I met a man that sings in and invited me to see the GLBTA One Voice Mixed Chorus. I even figured out what that meant on my own. I rent a duplex in South Minneapolis off of Lake Street. For those of you who don't know me, that is big.

I haven't thought much about how 2009 will be different. It's going to be different even if I put lots of thought into it, anyway. I'd like to be healthier, and to show a bit more control over my own life, which takes dedication... but other than that, I know God has plans for the coming year. 2009 is the year my little sister graduates from high school. wow.

So, 2008, here's to you. Thank you for ushering me into the real world and giving me just as many blessings as frustrations.

Hello 2009.

Beware: boring, sad, and dark...

Life has been such a blur for the past month or so and I really have no good excuse for my lack of blogging. A lot has been happening in my life, but I think I am just numb and a little too selfish to appreciate all the goodness that has been given to me. Some days are better than others, but I find myself in a lonely, pathetic state right now, so prepare yourself for the debbie-downer wet blanket soliloquy ahead.

Here is has what has been going on... 

good things that I should be thankful for, as well as the drollness of life.

My dad and sister came to the cities to visit colleges in the area, and we all had a good time together. I got to watch a bunch of sappy Jane Austen-type movies with Sarah, Kate, and Betsy. My roommate spends almost all of her spare time with me, pouring her love on me and listening to me as I talk out my thoughts. Her boyfriend is so kind to me and is okay with spending time with the three of us and doesn't even complain about it. He's even watched the chick flicks with us. Thanks Josh. 

My job has been pretty boring right now, with its moments of interesting-ness. What I will be doing is all administrative, but I spend HOURS and HOURS taking online classes to learn what the crap all this administrative stuff even is. Acquisitions, Contracts, Line Items, Destination, Firm Fixed Price, thousands of acronyms.... plus, the classes are set up like Distance Ed, Government style. eew. I can't sit at my computer for 8 hours a day and learn. Not through written out lectures and powerpoint presentations, anyway.

Fortunately, in a week I'll be going to California for a week-long class. That'll be fun, and a nice change of scenery (70 degree weather!) 

I am jealous of the Germanns for their new dog! I want a dog so much, there is just no way I can get one. No pets in our duplex, plus I wouldn't have time to take care of it anyway. I just want a little personality to show affection and devotion to just me. Like a little sweet best friend. Today is a gorgeous day, and I just want to take a walk with a dog around the river or on the city streets.

I am tired of politics, but I love the Office. Work is boring but I love my coworkers. I hate how some of them are so determined to complain about EVERYTHING but I love how I can see how ridiculous they are. I hate that I've been so sad and down lately, but I love how I have people who care about me, and a God that has a plan. I hate that I don't have anyone to show me how football works, but I can't bring myself to watch any games anyway. I miss baseball, but I'll look forward to Brewers '09, and cheer for good baseball this week in the world series. Go Rays! Go Phillies! yahoo! :)

Life is good, and I am looking forward to my numbness to fade over time. I promise the next time I write won't be so emo. I just needed one post of venting, and this is it.

God is good, and I am blessed. :)

Hanface

Summer closes up...

The sun is starting to set... on the hottest day of the summer!! It's September 2, and the high was like, 85 degrees with 100% humidity all day. barf hot. Tomorrow, the high is supposed to be 20 degrees cooler and back to the unsummer-like September it ought to be. :)

I start work on Monday, Sept 15 and I still have no idea what my job will be like. It was 6 months ago that I first heard of the job, and I haven't heard much about it since. So don't ask me what exactly a contract specialist does until at least Sept 16.

I went to Duluth with my parents and little sister over the labor day weekend, and it was the gay pride festival! We didn't notice until we started seeing same sex couples holding hands and slightly feminine men talking to each other. It was funny, but for a while I had to force myself to forget that our hotel was the main hotel for the festivities. After being scorned by some friends for not being open minded and so ridiculously conservative, I decided to get used to it. It's all a part of that big world I'm trying to become acquainted with.

Today I made a slipcover for my body pillow! I had never sewn anything before this summer (except for that pencil case and pillow from Jr. High) and I am pretty happy with the results. :) Earlier this summer I made a pillow out of an old shirt and a cross-stitched Bible bag my grandmother made for me when I was little. So, in addition to the baking that I have been up to, I have some sewing to add to my homemaker portfolio. :)

The pillow I made...

The back isn't perfect, but I'd never made anything like it before. I just sewed the pieces together without a pattern...

This is the Slipcover I created. Notice the envelope I incorporated, too!! The fabric is a blue flannel with nursery rhymes on it.

The end. :)