Megan

Going to the chapel...

2007-09-26T15:22:52Z

I realize that livejournal is perhaps the least personal avenue through which to announce my good news, but as I don't have all of your phone numbers - and since my fingers hurt from typing e-mails - I thought it would be, at the very least, efficient :-)

Joshua and I are getting married! He asked me on a rainy evening in the rose garden of the Indianapolis Museum of Art and of course I said yes. Since I am leaving for Kenya soon (mid-November as of the latest estimate) and he will now be coming with me (KEE!), we're putting together a tiny little ceremony as quickly as possible.

I hope to see many of you before then as I will be back in PA late next week. Visits to my neck of the woods are more than welcome and I'll try to arrange some sort of weekend visit down to the old UC stomping grounds at some point as well.

Wow - can we believe it?!

The times, they are a changin'

2007-08-25T00:42:18Z

I moved out of my beloved Meadow Park last Saturday. Since my lease was up, but I still need to stay in Bloomington, I moved in with a friend who has the extra room. It was sad to leave my very first apartment and I really miss it. The school year's starting and for the first time in 20 years I'm not taking any classes. This fall I'll embark on a year of wholly independent research - essentially the task that the past, at least 7, years have been preparing me for. Once I can get my dissertation proposal defended (a task that will hopefully be accomplished in 2-4 weeks), I'll be going home to PA for a month. I hope to see many of you then. Then it's off to Kenya! During which I promise to update more regularly (things will be ever so much more interesting). Or at least I'll start up a blogspot blog. That's what's happening with me, now what's happening in your neck of the woods?

Free Money?

2007-06-04T15:30:18Z

I ran across this site today while reading an article on college scholarships (my sister's going next year) on MSN.

http://www.cenimar.com/contest/index.jsp

Has anyone heard of this before? Apparently it is a trading site that encourages new members to join by hosting a few of these stock market contests (like we did at Ursinus!). Anyway, I thought I'd throw it out there. If I get a chance to research it a bit and give it a try I'll post back up. Free money's always good!

and p.s. there's no age limit or anything...not actually a college scholarship, apparently!

Summer Readin'

2007-05-17T17:28:19Z

I'd really appreciate any suggestions my well-read friends might have for some fun, completely unchallenging, escapist summer reading.

I have just finished "The Kite Runner" (I know, you all read it 3 years ago!) and while I'm glad I read it, I'm looking for something a bit lighter (but none of that so-called "chick lit" please!).

All suggestions welcome - thanks!

Goin' to Kenya, baby!

2007-04-28T13:51:31Z

Yesterday was one of the happiest days of my life. I received notification that I am a primary recipient of the Fulbright Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad grant for the 2007-08 year!!

This is huge! I have been holding out for a much smaller grant (thinking all along that I had no chance at the Fulbright) when out of the blue I land this one! Two other students in my department received Fulbrights as well and we have another two students on the alternate list (pretty impressive considering IU only got 12 grants total).

This means I will be leaving these good United States for Kenya in the fall. It is going to be a wild summer! I have funding for 12 months so I will probably stay for the full time. I am excited and giddy, but SO scared!

Plans to return to PA include: some time surrounding June 30th (for my college roommate's wedding!) and most likely the month of August. I hope to see most of you then! Maybe a big UC reunion is called for?

Thanks especially to those of you who have listened to me whine and worry about this :-)

I'M GOING TO KENYA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

megs92 @ 2007-04-17T21:25:00

2007-04-18T01:28:19Z

A friend posted this to her blog. I must say, I am absolutely thrilled that this has been produced and is on the market. I read that some prostitutes in Vietnam used a similar "trick." I wonder if I could get any of these in Kenya? So people, what do we think? Fantastic device and let's just give a casual "oh well" to the naysayers who claim it "hurts" rapists or are we concerned about domestic usage and the further spread of the sex-pain association?

http://blog.wired.com/defense/2007/04/rapestoppers_ra.html

Amended tax return??

2007-04-16T01:21:02Z

Hi guys,
OK, so here I am again - barely 2 days before the deadline - with another tax question. In going through some of my old tax returns to help Joshua find out what forms he needs to file (he's a PA resident, but works here in IN and I was in that situation last year) I realized that I. am. a. complete. idiot.

Last year, on my 2005 tax return, I completely forget to take the lifetime learning credit. I filed a 1040EZ, apparently thinking I wasn't eligible for the credit, and failed to claim it for the $1100 in fees I paid IU.

So, I'm wondering, can I file an amended return for this? When do I have to do it by? And is it possible to "amend" with a different form than I originally filed? In other words, I'd have to file a new 1040A or something rather than the 1040EZ to be able to show that I am eligible for this credit... or rather, was. A year ago.

It's only 200 bucks, but hey, $200 is $200 and I could darn well use that money to say, fly home to PA this summer...!

Thanks a bunch!!

House warming

2007-04-16T01:12:31Z

I saw this Dear Abby and thought I'd post it considering my discussions with some of you regarding singleness and our culture's dismissal of it. So, is this kind of party selfish and petty? Or is it justified? Does everyone deserve a little bit of pampering when they move out of their parents' home?

DEAR ABBY: Is it socially correct to have a housewarming party for someone who has lived in the home for more than 10 years? The party is scheduled to be held at a restaurant.
The idea for this party was the "honoree's" mother's because her daughter has never been married or had a child, and her mother thinks that the people she has given gifts to all these years owe her something back. I have never heard of such a party, but others think it's a great idea. -- CONFUSED IN SPENCERPORT, N.Y.

DEAR CONFUSED: Although unusual, it's not unheard of. This kind of party is sometimes thrown for a "confirmed bachelorette." However, it is not referred to as a housewarming party. It's called a "happily single" shower, and the happy single registers at stores the same way a bride-to-be or expectant mother does.

Running!!

2007-04-11T14:27:20Z

Despite the fact that I've long been opposed to taking up running, I have recently begun dabbling in the world of, shall we say, "soft-core jogging" ;-)

I've started out with just 20 mins 3x/week during which I *run* for 2 minutes, then speed walk for 2 and so on. I've heard that interval training is the best for your heart (and cardiac/overall health is my main goal here), plus there's no way I could run 20 minutes straight! I'm trying to gradually work up to running at least 15 of those 20 minutes (I'm at 8 out of 20 now).

But I have a few questions:
1st, what's the difference (other than hills) between running outside or on a treadmill? I've been doing largely the latter and find it easier.
2nd, is there anything I can do to protect my joints? Avoiding knee problems was one of my main reasons for not taking this up before...
3rd, is there a "right" way to jog? Should I have a certain form? Where can I learn about this? And is the interval thing the way to go or should I shoot for longer spurts of running and less recovery?
4th, are there any great stretches that our runners can suggest for the post-run stretch?

Thanks folks!

A morbid comedy

2007-04-07T18:10:46Z

"Zimbabwe is setting up a new radio station to counter what it calls Western propaganda against President Robert Mugabe."

And guess who is partially funding this new station? Everyone's favorite anti-propaganda promoter of free speech and unbiased news outlets, the Iranian government.

How does the BBC report this stuff with a straight face??
( http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6534087.stm )

The Boyz

2007-04-03T00:42:45Z

Show of hands: how many of you were fans of Boyz II Men in, say, jr/sr high? They were hot stuff in my little group back then. So hot, in fact, that our youth pastor felt it necessary to print up the lyrics to "I'll Make Love to You" and made us discuss them in youth group. His overall message being, of course, that this was not appropriate listening material for young people, considering the activities it was suggesting. OK, granted, but he failed to mention the more subtle, but just as dangerous messages....

A few months ago, I thought I'd look the old boyz up on imeem and listen to a few classics. I was shocked when I realized that their most popular ballads glorify dysfunctional relationships and are full of implicit sexism. How did I manage to block all of this out?

"On Bended Knee," for example, tells the story of a total schmuck who begs for his girl back. The jerk doesn't detail exactly what he did wrong (though, oh yes ladies, I'm sure we can guess). Rather, he just expects that begging and giving a sappy "heartfelt" apology will bring her back to his bed. Ew. "End of the Road" is even worse, with the singer patronizingly telling his girl she just doesn't "realize [how things work]" because "it's 'only' your first time."

Thankfully, I'm now able to recognize the outrageous over-the-top-ness of these songs, but wow, how scary that I absolutely loved them at 14, huh? I hate to be such an old fogey, but I'll bet the kids are listening to far worse today...

megs92 @ 2007-03-29T21:40:00

2007-03-30T01:44:55Z

My little sister turned 23 today.

Also, I got a wedding invitation in the mail. My college roommate is getting married. It seems like such a milestone, doesn't it?

My college roommate is getting married.
My college roommate is getting married.

I might be in Kenya next year. I might be stuck here. I might be married. I might be single. Every day I relate a little more to John Mayer's "Stop this Train."

Top 5

2007-03-27T02:14:06Z

Since I'm too sleepy to write a proper update, I thought I'd put up a little top five list.

Here are 5 cities - off the top of my head - that I would like to visit:

1. Prague
2. St. Petersburg
3. Charleston
4. Cairo
5. Montreal

Feel free to post up with the top five places (cities, countries, counties) you'd like to visit this May :-)

Taxes

2007-03-27T00:18:39Z

My returns are finally signed, sealed and (nearly) delivered!

I ended up going with the 1040A form. And yes, I finally found the "take your $3,000-some exemption here" hiding in line 26.

I was excited to be able to take the Lifetime Learning credit as well as the telephone excise tax - Jeff, are people seriously not taking this? It's such a steal! It is based on your number of exemptions. So since I have one exemption I was able to take a flat $30. So yeah people, take it - free money! (well, sort of)

I'm only getting a measly sum back, but I keep reminding myself that since half of my income this year was from a grant (that hadn't been taxed), that would-have-been-refund money has been sitting in the bank earning interest all year, safe from Uncle Sam ;-)

I usually blow my refund on something (pretty much the only time I'm financially "irresponsible")...2 years ago it was Mexico City, last year it was East Africa...Any suggestions??

P.S. One last advising question: will it be a problem that my "total wages, tips, etc." line is larger than what my W2 reflects? I don't have a W2 for the grant money I received (though I'm sure the feds have record of it...) so I just added that money onto my W2 money. Thanks!

Tax Question

2007-03-25T14:20:57Z

Yes, I'm just NOW getting to them...

Was wondering if one of my brilliant advisors could give some insight on this:

I'm not sure which form to file (1040, 1040A or 1040EZ). I think the EZ is out b/c I need to claim the education tax credit and EZ doesn't allow for that.

But, I noticed that on the 1040EZ form they allow you to take $8,200 in a combined standard deduction (5,000) and exemption (3,200) and on the 1040 they only allow you to take %5,150 as a single person. There's a spot to say you will take "one exemption" (line 6), but I can't figure out where that factors in (i.e. do I get that additional $3,200 somewhere??).

Anyway, this is probably completely unclear, but if anyone can shed light on this I'd really appreciate it :)

Proper update to come soon!

Study Bengla on Uncle Sam's dime!

2007-02-20T02:50:30Z

I wanted to make sure everyone has seen this opportunity (esp. our Chinese-studying friend). The state department funds (remember, they're your tax dollars!) these critical language scholarships for current undergrads, grad students and recent graduates to study various less-commonly taught languages during the summer.

The deadline is March 15th.

I hope some of you will consider it :-) Good luck!

http://www.caorc.org/language/

Yay for satire!

2007-01-28T16:11:30Z

Friends, I post here, for your enjoyment, the "St. Albion" snippet from that fantastic magazine of British satire: The Private Eye (available online). This bit is from the view of St. Albion's Viccar (Tony Blair):

Hullo,
And a very happy 2007 to you all (or happy 1365 to our Moslem readers!).

I know that many of you will be making your new year’s resolutions.

Some may resolve to be less grumpy in this coming year, not to mention more grateful for their forthcoming promotion, when we all know that they were lucky not to lose their job after years of adding up the parish accounts wrongly!

Remember the old saying in the Good Book, “Smile and the world smiles with you, frown and you’re Gordon Brown!”

(Book of Proverbs, 12.4)

P.S. I hope the Gordon Brown fan among us appreciates this. You know who you are :)

Christian feminism

2007-01-22T21:00:46Z

I was doing some reading on Christian feminism today. I don't believe that true Christianity and pure feminism are incompatible, but so many people see conflict between these terms. Anyway, I ran across an interesting tidbit (courtesy of Wikipedia). Apparently the Hebrew word that we translate as "help" literally means "military rescue" not "servant" as seen in Genesis 2:20b "But for Adam no suitable helper was found."

Can anyone who has actually studied Hebrew comment on this?

Recipes

2006-12-05T01:00:17Z

In honor of the Christmas spirit (and further procrastination) I offer recipes for both an old and new favorite.

Sandtarts (I can't remember a Christmas without them)

1/2 cup Crisco
1/2 cup butter
2 cups white sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla
3 1/2-3 cups all purpose flour

-Cream crisco/butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, add vanill and beat until fluffy/
-Sift flour, salt and baking powder together.
-Add dry ingredients to wet and stir until a medium soft dough is formed.
-Chill several hours
-Roll thin (thinner for crispier, thicker for chewier - mine are usually 1/4 inch?)
-Cut with favorite cookie cutters
-Brush with milk and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
-Place 1-inch apart on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.
Yield: 4-5 dozen (depending on size of shapes!)

Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins

2 1/4 cup flour (I use 1 cup whole wheat and the rest all-purpose)
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 3/4 cups sugar (could probably be cut to 1 1/2 if you like)
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup cranberries, chopped (they're easiest to chop if they're frozen)

-Mix first four ingredients and set aside.
-Beat eggs and sugar. Add pumpkin and oil. Mix well.
-Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients JUST until moistened (don't overmix or they'll be tough)
-Fold in berries
-Bake at 400 degrees for 18-22 minutes until done
-Cool 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire rack
***Be sure to grease muffine tin very well before filling with batter***
Yield: 12 largish muffins

1/2 off!

2006-12-04T00:39:34Z

This Saturday Joshua and I checked out the 1/2-off everything sale at Goodwill. I left happy as a clam with 1 pair of dark blue twill pants (complete with belt), a black pair of dressy trousers a pink sweater/jumper (am wondering if I should translate for my friends across the pond? if so, knock the above "pants" reference as well), 2 packs of thank you notes and a few Christmas bits and bobs. All for under $13!! What steals! Unfortunately all that was sort of countered by the $1500 car repair bill Firestone gave Joshua on the same day. Of course I don't have to pay for it, but it did put a damper on the sale excitement. In other money news ING just upped their savings account interest rate to 4.5%. Seriously people, if you don't have an account with them let me know and I'll refer you. Best bank ever!

Alternative Profession

2006-11-30T16:50:04Z

As most of you know I am on the track to become a political science professor. As others of you know I'm not planning to teach for a long time - the real world calls (and not the Seattle kind - though my friends and I are always saying we should create a grad school reality show!).

Due to the stress of grad school, and the fact that most of my colleagues are thinking "tenure track job" already, I developed a little mind game to play on myself. Whenever things get too difficult or stressful to handle I remind myself that I already have a degree, that I was a star student in the history and politics departments at Ursinus and that I don't NEED a Ph.D. I can leave whenever I want and it won't be a failure - I'll simply have done a little "extra." This trick - and it is a trick - often launches me into fantasies about alternative professions and the jobs I'd love to try, but know I'll never have. Feel free to share your professional pipedreams...

Here's my list:
- Waitress in a medium-high-end restaurant (I want to try this again now that I'm older, wiser and hopefully more impervious to the harsh comments of mean managers)
- Artist (I'd make lovely, practical pieces which people will actually use - like tiles, tablecloths and sushi plates)
- Financial counselor (like that woman on Oprah who's always telling people not to spend money they don't have)
- Photographer (black and white, wet process. Maybe color for some portraits)
- Travel writer (I can write and I'd be able to travel in style!)
- English teacher (somewhere outside of the states)

Jeans that FIT!

2006-11-21T13:30:03Z

Hey girls - this one's for us:

The NYTimes reported on this website which identifies a number of jean brands/styles that will fit you best by only asking you some basic questions. The jeans vary in price and you can buy them through the website. I wouldn't bother doing that, but I am going to use this as a shopping guide. Apparently they have a 94% success rate!

Check it out at: www.zafu.com

(beware that they may be overloaded with traffic due to the NYT publicity)

Political Post

2006-11-08T19:48:01Z

I never made any pledges not to post political nonsense on my LJ, so here I go!

First off: I so desperately missed the Ursinus political gang last night. Mohl, Jeff, Calhoun, Ali, Cam, Geoff, CC, Dennis - everyone! We always had such a great time talking like complete geeks about the various races, debating, anticipating, eating and shouting at the TV on election night. Gosh, those were good times. So, my friends, know that you were deeply missed last night.

Some of you may have noticed that I have cultivated an increasingly apathetic view of politics these past few years. And it's only getting worse. I wonder if I can link it to studying political science in grad school? Or is it the Bush administration?

Maybe it's just that I no longer find myself surrounded by people who love politics and are willing to hotly debate and discuss them without hurting feelings or denigrating another's views. Again - I miss Ursinus! I never realized how open and diverse we were. Here at IU, everyone assumes that you automatically agree with the 12 tenets of some ridiculous left-wing agenda. There is no room to move, no room to be moderate, no room to decide between candidates. I hate that. And I get it from professors as well as students.

I voted largely third party this time around. I used to think third party voters were stupid and irresponsible, but now I am one. Truth be told I wanted to alternate votes between libertarian and communist candidates, but none of the latter ran. It is IN, after all. I was telling Joshua that I should begin a new party: the Common Sense party. A party for moderates! You will all be welcome to join :-)

Ultimately, I am okay with the outcome of the election. I prefer divided government (as I've commented to many of you) because it generally keeps both sides from doing anything too stupid. I do hope that this doesn't screw up Bush's guestworker program though - it's one of his only policies I actually support and I'd hate to see it shot down. Also, I hope we finally see some of that bi-partisanship Bush promised us in the 2000 campaign.

I guess we'll see. Let's hope the whole lot of them don't screw it up too badly...

Hood!

2006-10-31T17:23:02Z

I just spent 20 minutes on the phone with Dr. "just call me Steve - we're colleagues now" Hood. That man is so fantastic. He listened to me ramble about my research proposals and my project and he even gave me the name of an author to check out. Talking to someone who is unrelated to the project really helped clear my head. I am feeling a lot better about what I am going to be submitting to SSRC and Fulbright Hays (in fewer than 24 hours!!). Now, let's see if this feeling lasts through my meeting with my main advisor this afternoon :-P

megs92 @ 2006-10-02T18:59:00

2006-10-02T22:57:39Z

Happy Birthday to Dad, Jeff V. and Amy S.

I'm sorry it had to be on such a dark day. I just can't get over today's news. Nickel Mines is only a few miles from where both of my parents grew up and my grandparents still live. So horrible.