Boston University

It seems as though in the midst of all the fun that the East Coast has to offer, I have failed to talk much about what I'm actually here for...which is school.

So, Boston University is a strange campus.  It runs along Commonwealth Avenue (aka Comm Ave) in Downtown Boston, which is a very very close neighborhood to Fenway.  The student bookstore is about a 5 minute walk from Fenway.  As for the campus itself...Comm Ave is ridiculously long, as is the campus.  I'm used to a campus that has some sort of central square or a central building to it.  This is not like that.  It is 2 miles long and about two streets deep.  Weird huh?  Thankfully there is a Starbucks on campus...so, you will hear no complaints from me.  Other interesting facts, Elie Wiesel teaches here.  Currently.  As in, I could go to his office tomorrow and duck my head inside.  Is that not the coolest thing ever?  Alexander Graham Bell taught here and invented the phone in a BU lab.  Also, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. received his doctorate here in 1955.  Pretty incredible.  Lots of very cool, very intelligent people.

As for the feel of school.  I'm VERY uncool style-wise.  Ok, I'm not going to lie.  I thought I was pretty with it when I came out here, but apparently I'm about 3 years behind.  Thankfully for me, I don't feel it necessary to make myself into a style queen, so aside from maybe making a few updates here and there, I'm going to live in the past baby!  Most people (especially in my grad program) are VERY friendly.  None of the bad East Coast attitudes I had been warned of out here.  Loving that so far.  But check out this fad...not going here EVER.  I have seen a lot of butt cheeks hanging out the bottom of shorts in the last few days...and not a single person wearing normal shorts.  So excuse me for being uncool, at least my cheeks aren't popping out to say hello.  West Coast, watch out...these high-waisted monsters are coming for you.

So, I picked Boston University because it was a Top 25 grad school and because I loved the city.  Pretty easy.  It happened to be the only grad school I applied to, which looking at the statistics, may have been a really reckless decision.  They only accepted 50% of applicants this year, so the odds of me getting a big fat denial letter in the mail were not totally on my side.  Thankfully, they thought I was fabulous or at least good enough, and here I am.

So, let me give you a little bit of information as far as school rankings go.

University of Washington is #3 but wait lists a TON of people.  And it's practically in my backyard....boring.

Boston College is #10, but is about double what I pay in tuition at Boston University.  Which I might add, is already an arm and both of my legs.

Boston University is ranked #16th along with NYU and Hunter which are arguably some of the most reknowned programs in the field of Social Work.

Eastern Washington University was ranked #104...in the country.  So, it would have been a really economical option, but it wouldn't necessarily have been a good option.  And as much as I love Cheney, this is a pretty big upgrade....

So, back to school.  I just finished orientation for both the program as a whole and for my field education (aka internship).  Class wise, I am taking the basics that every first semester MSW student takes.  That includes (don't get too excited now); Human Behavior, Welfare Policy, Intro to Clinical Practice and Intro to Macro Practice.  The first two are pretty self explanatory, but let me fill you in on the Clinical vs. Macro stuff.  Clinical is the area of social work that is more therapy based.  This includes case management, group therapy, individual and family therapy, trauma work, etc...  I am a Clinical major, so my focus is going to fall somewhere either in the very broad category of the major, or somewhere within a focus group.  I'm leaning towards the trauma certificate program.  As for Macro, that is more based around development and management.  Many of the Macro majors are involved in internships that are linked to grassroots organizations and lobby groups and people that are working to change non-profits from the inside out.

Anyways, each of my classes are about 3-4 hours each and meet once a week.  Nothing crazy.  The crazy part of classes are that by next Wednesday, after my last class of the week, I will have been expected to have read almost 300 pages of readings.  I have about 95 that are due by Monday's evening class alone.  They are not fooling when they say grad school is going to be harder.... I went to the library to print the syllabi today and it was almost 100 pages....for 4 classes.  Lord help me.  Then on top of that, I am working 16 hours a week at Greater Boston Legal Services providing wraparound services for the clients that come in to receive assistance from the lawyers.  Greater Boston Legal Services is a pro-bono law firm (which I LOVE) that is really really a massive undertaking.  They have a large number of attorneys that donate their time to help disadvantaged individuals and families in Boston, of which there are many.

I am also working 10 hours a week doing research in the Human Development and Behavior Department, and its probably not super secret research, but I don't know what it is yet...so, I couldn't tell you.

As if that weren't enough...gotta count in church and small group.  Thankfully, and much as an answer to prayers, I have found a pretty good on-campus graduate group that meets to do Bible study and fellowship once a week and through that got plugged into what is said to be a great church.  And I don't even have to sit alone on my first Sunday, pretty great...all my fears being vanquished.  So, with all this....it hardly leaves enough time to eat and sleep.

So ultimate goal in all of this...you might ask?  All I know is that I can sit for my boards and become licensed as soon as I graduate from the program.  That would be a test I'd take here in Massachusetts (which is a fairly easy state for licensing guidelines and requirements).  The licensure is transferrable, which is good too...considering that Massachusetts is great and all, but so is the Northwest.  And after that I have no idea.  I don't have a specific area that I am determined to be working in yet, because there are so many options and two years of school to explore it.  I feel like undergrad was all about knowing right away what you wanted to do after school.  I want to actually take my time this time around and roll with the punches a little bit more.  I don't want to get pigeon holed into something that I'm ultimately not happy with by trying to tighten down on one particular area too early.

So, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.  I really appreciate those of you that actually take the time to read these boring things and care about my life enough to listen to me vent.  Really I haven't hit any walls yet and I feel like somehow this is right where God wanted me.  I am typically a very anxious person (as you all know), but I feel so certain about all this....it is such a relief to not feel a full blown panic attack at the thought of being so far from home and so overwhelmed with newness.  It is literally by the grace of God that I am adjusting so well.

I miss you all.  A lot.  Sometimes more than others.  It hit me today when I was in a Walgreen's that I am really missing normal things.  P.S.  Mom, if you are reading this.  They don't sell Chocolate Malt O'Meal here and they only make Hormel (aka Horrible) Chili out here.  Send me the good stuff!  :)

First Few Days

So, obviously I made it to Boston.  I was honestly really worried about the trip, as most of you knew, because my cat is not an experienced flier and typically doesn't have a very good attitude about things he doesn't want to do.  Both of those rang true.  He looked inexperienced and he looked stressed out.  But he also made it alive and is growing accustomed to his new home!

As am I. My bedroom is not put together as of yet, so no pictures of that, but my apartment is great.  We live in a (HUGE by my standards) house.  The house is split up by floor into apartments, and I'm not sure when it was built, but it has to be the oldest house I've ever lived in.  Creaky hardwood floors, REALLY old vent grates for the air conditioning, it looks like it has been lived in for many many years before I got here. But it has modern things going on too and it's painted nice and my roommates are great, so I'm excited to live here.  I, as of yesterday, ran out of storage space for my clothes, so I have a pretty impressive pile of stuff just waiting to be given a home....and two more boxes.  Unpacking seems endless.

So, back to what might be the most important part, school.  I have orientation tomorrow which lasts all day and then an orientation for my internship on Thursday.  And other than that, I have a lot of time to explore.  Classes don't start until next Monday.  Next Monday is also my personal deadline for trying to receive my books in the mail.  I am, as a result of the move and our postal service, missing three books for school.  Two of which are VERY expensive....and I would be VERY disappointed to purchase again.  I had gotten them pretty cheap as an old edition online, but there is no more time for that.  If I have to buy them again, I'm getting the expensive ones.  So not excited about that one.
I also have a novel to read tonight...literally.  I'm not proud to say it, but I have left my summer reading to the last night of summer.  Typical.

As for Boston, it is beautiful.  But I already knew that.  That's why I came back.  I visited Boston last November and when I got to the airport to go back home, I felt myself wanting to stay.  There is an exceptionally exciting vibe here.  I can't describe it, but it's a great spot.

I rented a car for my first day so I could retrieve some boxes and make crucial trips to Target and the grocery store, and I have never been more glad to get rid of a rental car in my whole life.  Driving here is terrifying.  They don't really mark lanes, especially downtown.  So, cars just sort of make their own lanes and line up wherever they want.  It is haphazard....it makes no sense...I hated it.  By the grace of God I wasn't in a wreck, because this country girl does not drive in anything more than Seattle traffic...and this was a whole new ballgame.  My roommate said that I was going to be safe because of my NY license plate on the rental.  Everyone knows New Yorkers have terrible drivers, so they give wide berths.

As for exploring the city, I haven't done much of that....because I've been busy with moving in and going to all the stores that we have at home anyways.  Boring.  However, I did end up in Downtown Boston for a bit yesterday after dropping off the rental car and did the touristy thing and went to Quincy Market.  They have street performers that are hugely popular there.  In Spokane, we have terrible street performers and we also have totally disinterested passersby.  Here, there are GREAT street performers and a LOT of tourists that totally dig them.  So, I had some soup and watched a dance/comedy group perform.  They were totally politically incorrect and I loved it.
This was one of many...I walked past the contortionist, because I was eating and he was gross.

I also hit the very edge of campus to get a book at the bookstore.  I was greeted with a 5 story student bookstore....the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen.  I'm in trouble.

So, as you can see.  Things are big.  They will take time to explore. I'm excited to be here, and not excited to have left you all behind.  Being all the way across the country is eye opening, because things are really different and you realize just how far you willingly moved from everyone you love.  But it's also really exciting and I couldn't be happier to be in this city that I fell in love with so much.

Love you all!

Buy my stuff, and help me not be poor when I move.

As you probably all realize by now...I'm moving.

Funny thing about moving across the country.  Unless you can afford a U-Haul and a 5 day trip across the country, you pretty much end up getting rid of most everything you own.  Another funny thing about moving.  If you don't sell some of that stuff that you own...you end up without belongings and with a monetary deficit when you reach said new location.

So, here is the deal.  Keeping self preservation in mind, I have decided to not sell my belongings on Craigslist.  I live alone and don't feel like becoming the next headline because I invited strangers into my house to view my couch.  Not worth it.  However, my couch is worth it, and I'd love for you to take it off my hands!

These are the main items that I'm selling, and I must also add that I'm not at all picky about prices. I would like to not get ripped off, and I would like to end up in Boston with some pocket change to buy things that I need....but I also don't want to rip you off.  I'll be really honest about whats up with each thing...and if you are interested, PLEASE let me know!  I've included pictures...please take these things off my hands.  I'll love you forever (just kidding..I'd love you forever even if you don't buy my stuff).

First item of business....
(I apologize for the photos and all the random stuff in the photos....my apartment is in a serious state of dishevelment while I'm packing up to move...things are messy.)

The Couch.

This is a thing of beauty.  It is grey suede material and is incredibly comfy and is great for naps...or for sleeping on.  I must admit there have been nights when I've foregone the bed and stayed here, because its so comfy.  My parents bought it brand new maybe 6 years ago...and they gave it to me when they got a new couch.  I have had it for a year.  The one thing I must warn is that I own a cat and they owned cats and there are some frayed threads on each end.  I've been working with my cat on not scratching the furniture, but he was a wild child when I first got him.  It would be a great addition to a den or TV room that is comfy and casual....and allows for some frayed ends.  Great couch...this is the one piece of furniture that will break my heart to leave behind.

I'm asking $100.00 OBO.  It's a good deal, just keep in mind the scratches.

Next up....

A Hoover vacuum.

Admit it, you haven't vacuumed in a while.  Maybe you need to buy a new one.  Buy this one.  Again, this is a hand-me-down from my parents and is quite a few years old, however it works great!   I just changed the bag recently...so it should be good to go.

I'm asking $15.00 OBO for the vacuum.

How about a couple....LAMPS.

Shed some light on the situation.  I have two of these little wonders and a little bedside lamp.  I'll sell all of them together for $10.00 OBO.  I also have packs of light bulbs to grace you with when you come get the lamps....last I checked light bulbs don't travel well.

Next up....twin mattress (box and spring...full set) and twin bed frame.

Having kids?  Have family that needs a guest bed when they come to visit?  This bed is perfect.  I would call the bed frame vintage, but that's only because I've had it since I was big enough to have a big girl bed.....  Yes, this has held up for well over 20 years with multiple moves.  It is a great bed frame.  It has been repainted with a new white finish over the years, but it might need another one. I love the shabby chic look and this fits in PERFECT with that.  The mattress is approximately 10-15 years old and is in great condition.  Obviously it isn't brand new, but let's face it... mattresses are crazy expensive brand new, and buying used from a stranger is super sketchy.  So buy from me!  :)

For the mattress set...I'll go for $50 OBO.
For the bedframe...$15.00 OBO.

Now for my cute cute cute little shabby chic desk.

This desk is one of my favorite pieces too.  It has mismatched hardware (little pull knobs) but that could VERY easily be fixed.  It could probably also use another coat of pant as I painted it years ago from whatever really ugly bright color it was when I bought it.  It would be SO cute painted and sanded to make it look really vintage.  Just love this.

Desk is $35.00 OBO.

I also have a dresser....

This dresser is very basic.  It is relatively nice wood (has endured a number of moves and isn't something cheap that was built at Target).  It needs a new coat of paint and also know that it is a little chipped from years of use.  This would be so cute as an addition to a shabby chic room too.  Can you sense a theme?  Gosh, I love my bedroom furniture...what the heck am I doing leaving it behind?

Dresser is $15.00 OBO.

Now just as much as I love shabby chic bedroom furniture, I also love TV.  Guilty pleasure.  This TV is ancient and has very little value in the day and age of flatscreen's and HD.  However, I'll practically throw it at you if you take it off my hands.  It can be packaged in with the DVD player and VCR, and would be perfect for a guest room or a spot where you want a little extra entertainment at no cost.  The coffee table that it is on right now is REALLY nice wood, is really easy to carry (super light) and would be a great addition to just about any room.  I used it for an actual coffee table for a long time, and then in my new apartment it fit better as a holder for this ginormous, obnoxious TV.

Yes, that is Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants on the TV...don't judge.

The coffee table is $15.00 OBO and the TV bundle is $10.00 OBO.

Like microwave popcorn?  Like microwave burritos?  Microwave dinners?  Don't have a microwave?  You are so in luck.  (Am I a good saleswoman or what?)

This microwave has done me well.  I've only had it about a year and a half and its 700 watts and was brand new when I bought it.  I have no reason to believe that it won't last for many more years.  It is Sunbeam brand in case that matters to you!  It is black and silver.

The microwave is $25.00 OBO.

Last but not least....

This little guy is 3 years old, enjoys eating, sleeping and meowing, has a dramatically disabled paw and an auto-immune disorder, and follows you around like a dog.  He enjoys people who spend a lot of time paying attention to him and who wake up early in the morning.

$5.00 OBO.

Just kidding...he is coming with me.

Ok, so if you are interested in anything other than the cat...PLEASE contact me.  Just leave me a comment or message on Facebook or on here, and I'll get back with you.  I leave in exactly two weeks, so the sooner everything goes, the better...even if it means sleeping on the floor for the next two weeks.  If you want more pictures or more information on anything, or want to come check it out...let me know.  Also, if you know of any trustworthy people who won't kill me or steal my cat from my apartment...I'd love to share info with them too.  :)

Thanks friends!!!

Rainy Day

This week I have had a lot of time off work. It has allowed me to hang out with friends, go to a midnight showing of Dark Knight Rises and not have to worry about waking up 2 hours after getting home, and it has allowed me a lot of time to actually appreciate the things that life offers again.  And since I've had some time to enjoy the little things this week, I'd like to highlight the things that are currently ranking top on my favorite things list....

1) Ben and Jerry's Banana and Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt



Run, don't walk to your nearest store and buy yourself some of this.  Seriously.  You won't regret it.  Unless of course you aren't into either bananas or peanut butter....in that case, you may be sorely disappointed!  But seriously, I could eat one of these in a sitting, and I never ever do that.


2) Anything by Malcolm Gladwell

      

This guy is ridiculous. He is a stud.  Everything the man writes is interesting, and that isn't an over exaggeration of any kind.  His intelligence is completely obvious, and I feel smarter just reading his books.  True story.  I am almost done with Outliers (which I highly recommend) and am trying really hard not to delve too deeply into "What the Dog Saw" until I finish the Hunger Games...I'm becoming a total book whore right now.  I have also heard rave reviews for Tipping Point and Blink, but I must refrain....too big of a pile of books as it is!  Anyways, if you want to check them out, they are a good read but require some thinking.  I tend to not read them right before bed or I zone out and miss everything.  They are worthwhile to be wide awake for!


3) The Dark Knight Rises



I was among the many who attended a midnight showing for The Dark Knight Rises in Spokane.  Obviously the whole release has been greatly marred by the horrific events that took place in Colorado, which demonstrates just how senseless life can be sometimes.  An absolute tragedy.  They have started to cancel premieres out of respect for the lost or out of fear of copycats, but truly the movie was incredible and it was just an unfortunate thing that could have happened anywhere and in any situation.  So in a very big plug for the movie, it really brings everything together and couldn't have been better.  Loved it.  And how cool is the Bat Motorcycle?  I'm pretty sure its not possible to crash it (look at those fatty tires), and its also impossible to look uncool while riding it.  Oh, and side note...Joseph Gordon Levitt is the most attractive person alive.

4) Lana Del Ray



This lady is weird.  And I love her.  Check out her music!

5) Thunderstorms



We have had an unusual amount of humidity this year, and that has contributed to us having an unusual amount of thunderstorms.  And I am loving it!

Yes I'm still alive!

Has she fallen off the face of the planet?  Has she finally gotten a life?

Neither...I just have no more internet at my house so this blog has been greatly underused in the last month or two.  I figure its about time for an update....and although my life is largely uninteresting...I suppose I do have a few big updates.

1)  In case you weren't aware...I'm leaving Spokane in a little over a month.  If that doesn't really mean anything to you...then disregard further information.  If that means that you want to see me before I leave....I also want to see you.  Let's make it happen.  If you live in Boston...I'll see you soon.  If you live on the East Coast, I will finally be within your time zone and that makes me happy.  If you have never been to Boston, start planning your trips because I love visitors.

2) My job at the House of Charity has finally come to a close (with the exception of a few days here and there to make a few extra bucks before I leave).  This means that I now have an exponentially more expansive amount of time to do whatever the heck I want.  Today that includes drinking REALLY strong Chai tea at an indie coffee shop next to David Pendergraft (of Gonzaga Basketball fame)...and attempting to both look cool and not spill my drink all over myself in front of my biggest sports crush ever.

3) I need to sell all of my furniture and household goods over the next month.  If you think you need something, ask me...I might have it.  And I will sell it to you for next to nothing because I just need to get rid of everything.  Also, I have furniture (most notably a twin mattress and bed frame, a dresser, a desk, and a couch) that needs a new home.  Tell others...I'd rather my friends end up with it instead of Craigslist creepers.

4) I managed to receive a notable scholarship to Boston University this past week, which literally can only be described as a gift from God because it was somewhat accidental that I got it....ok.  Completely accidental.  Here is what happened.  I got my financial aid award (the final version) from the school and it included a letter saying I had been awarded a $10,000.00 scholarship in the name of a lady that had died and gifted a large amount of money to the school.  I was hesitant, because it didn't appear on my financial award sheet....  I sent the financial aid lady an e-mail asking about it and whether it might be an unfortunate mistake.  She responded the next week that indeed I hadn't been awarded that scholarship and that it was a mistake.  I dabbled with the idea of lodging a formal complaint...and instead responded with a very friendly e-mail saying that I'd appreciate being considered for future funds that may come available.  Took the high road on that one and it ended up working greatly in my favor.  She e-mailed me back about 2 hours later with an adjusted financial aid package that included a $10,000.00 scholarship that she had dug up somewhere.  There is next to no movement on the scholarship waitlist, and I know that I would not have received a scholarship had this mistake not taken place and had she not felt guilty for promising money that wasn't mine.  I have felt so sure that Boston is the next step for me and have prayed all along that money would not be an issue and that I would feel a certainty of some kind that I was making the right move.  Between finding an amazing living situation from all the way across the country in a very short period of time, to getting this random and undeserved scholarship, to finding the cheapest plane ticket known to man, to having zero hesitation in my mind and pretty amazing support from my family (who I might add is NOT excited for me to leave)...I feel really excited about this next step.  I feel a great sense of purpose in this all, as I have never felt something fall in line quite like this has.....I think this could be incredible.


5)  I have also been offered an internship at Greater Boston Legal Services, which is above and beyond what I could have hoped for in an internship.  I will be working alongside lawyers and law interns who are providing pro-bono services to the poor in Boston.  Specifically I will be working in the Welfare Unit.  My role will be to help provide access to resources that are outside the scope of the legal work that is being done by the rest of the team.  I also have all my classes in line and Fridays off....this is shaping up to be a good semester.

6) I got the chicken pox when I was 7. It was horrible...and ruined my summer. My parents took me to a low-income clinic that went out of business.  I have no records that I had the chicken pox.  I have to have record that I had the chicken pox to attend grad school in the State of Massachusetts.  Therefore, I have been injected with a live virus vaccine this morning and am actively crossing my fingers that I don't end up getting the chicken pox to cap off my summer experience.  As much fun as that would be....

7) My Uncle Fred passed away a few weeks ago and my mom is currently in Georgia attending his funeral and spending time with my extended family and my sister and her kids.  Please pray for my family to heal some broken hearts, especially for my mom and my Grandma and Fred's wife Jan.  She was a real trooper in the midst of his illness and has the most beautiful heart of just about anyone I know.  She is sad...rightfully so....and could certainly use prayers.

8) I spent this last weekend at Priest Lake with two of my co-workers and was reminded just how beautiful the Pacific Northwest is.  I'm not sure I'll ever find anyplace that offers as much as this area offers.  Sure the East Coast is great and all, but this is prime time.

9) I'm pretty much out of updates and I've only hit #9...told you my life was boring.

Hope you all are enjoying your summer and I apologize again for the HUGE lapse in updates.  I'll have internet again in a month...and until then, I'll support some local coffee shops and support my caffeine addiction at the same time.

God certainly works in mysterious ways.  Or not so mysterious ways.

My internet took a nose dive along with what little integrity my landlord still had this last week.  Stoked about it.

So I come to you as I stew over a melty hot fudge sundae at McDonalds using what is coined as free wi-fi, but required a manager to come help me connect.  Strange Wi-Fi connections are not a good thing for technologically challenged individuals....

I could say this is a tragic downfall in my life...as I am now completely unconnected to one of my favorite ways of staying connected.  However, perspective wins out and I needed a break and am enjoying the freedom of not having every bit of information at my fingertips at any hour of the day.  This change in focus has also allowed me time to read the books and start in on the movies that I need to read/watch a few more times and then discard before moving to Boston.

Update on Boston:

I leave in a little over 3 months.  Terror is beginning to take over...but the kind of terror you get when you ride a roller coaster.  Excitement....horror....but then a general sense of exhilaration for having forced yourself to do something terrifying for the sake of expanding your horizons.  I'm unbelievably excited about starting school again and I'm becoming more and more pumped to be living on the East Coast and being exposed to a lot of new things.  I'm not excited to leave my family or my beautiful friends, as I very much expect and believe that there are no others like them anywhere in the world.  In addition to preparing to go, I also find myself relishing the opportunity to enjoy one last full summer in the Pacific Northwest, as there really is nowhere more beautiful and special than here.  I don't care what anyone anywhere else says....we've got it right out here.

As far as the details go, I have an apartment, a plane ticket, and a general idea of how I'd like things to go (ha...yeah right), but very little else to go on.  I have yet to receive my placement for my internship, haven't registered for classes, don't know where my work study job will be, still need to put for the last of my loans, and need to learn to navigate this crazy huge city in 3 days once I get there.  I also have to drag my wonderfully cute but horribly impatient cat across the country on an airplane. Should be exciting.  Not to mention I've been told that I'm moving to Boston on the biggest moving day in the city.  75% of the city's apartment dwellers move on September 1st....including most students from Harvard, MIT, BU, BC, Tufts, etc...  I'm in for a long day.

For those that read this that are praying types (which most of you are), please pray for my continued preparations to move.  I have begun to realize that leaving the place you have grown up in is a pretty complex process and not really one that I'm ready for or able to do on my own.  Also, pray for my friends (of which you are one), because many of them have some challenging things on their plates right now that I can't wrap my head around at all.  God is full of grace and very much in control, but our 26 year old lives are being turned upside down in ways that I don't think 26 year old lives should.  Also pray that my cat doesn't die on the airplane in September....Amen.

:)

I've been told I'm pretty picky.

I suppose I am.

It takes very little for someone to make my "its not ever going to happen" list.  Not for lack of personality or lack of looks or lack of trying...but simply because of lack of common sense.

Harsh?  Maybe.  But here are 10 things that will instantly earn Prince Charming a place on the "Do Not Call" List.

1) Planning a date that is high off the ground...not romantic.
I'm not kidding when I say that if a guy asked me to marry him on a hot air balloon ride I would say no.  You drag me up that high in the air, you deserve a quiet, awkward ride back to Earth.



2) Wearing t-shirts that expose your nipples....gag.
Whoever decided this was cool was actually too high on testosterone to realize that girls think you look stupid....not cool.



3) Buying me things that are expensive and worthless....my jewelry box is already full.  Thank you.
If all you can think to buy me is a necklace or set of diamond earrings, you don't know me very well.  The only diamond I want to receive is in the form of a ring that says you want to be with me forever (and it better be conflict-free).  Otherwise....get creative.



4) Spending every spare moment pumping iron....meat head.
I'm all for fitness, but get a life.

5) Being a crappy driver....safety first.
Didn't your Dad ever teach you to respect ladies and keep them safe?  Your ridiculous road rage and disrespect for the law does not impress me.  It just reminds me of what my Dad always warned me..."Guys are idiots".



6) Not asking questions...interview me please.
As much as I love to talk and as much as I have twenty billion questions stacked up in my head to ask you, I would also like to believe that you want to know a thing or two about me too.


7) Expressing that indoor activities are inferior to outdoor activities...I like movies.
As much as I can appreciate a day at the lake, a weekend of camping, a hike up a fairly public/non-bear populated mountain....I also really like movies, game nights, and indoor things.  The moment a guy gets snooty about his activities, I back up slowly....and eventually turn and run.  If you think the outdoors beats out indoors on every occasion, go marry a hippy.



8) Singing to me...it makes me want to disappear inside myself.
Painfully unromantic....really thoughtful, but too awkward to be enjoyable.



9) Making pigheaded ultra-Conservative comments....I'm a social worker.
At least pretend that you can see my side....because it's face it...I'm usually close to right...if not dead on.



10)  Making me chicken...if you've spent 5 minutes with me you know I hate chicken.
I'm not a picky eater....I like beef, I like most ethnic foods, I like breakfast, lunch, and dinner, I'll eat vegetables, and I'll even eat things that are burnt.....but I will not eat chicken.  Get over it and quit trying to make chicken happen....it's not happening.