Why had she told him her name? Nannoc didn't want to know her name. He hadn't wanted to even know that she had a name. Sure, in the back of his mind he subconsciously realized that Lily had a name, a family even, but he didn't want it brought to his attention. It almost made him feel bad. Not to mention it made him think that maybe the others had names too, and that just wasn't acceptable. He had to stop walking at that point until his stomach stopped churning.
As soon as the nausea passed, Nannoc went to the main meeting room to see if the fire was lit for the evening's meeting yet. The encounter with Li- no, with the girl, had made his blood go cold, and he was looking forward to the heat. The Elder would also announce the new catch and when the ceremony was going to take place, initiating a new member into the People's Adult Society. It was always an awesome time, involving a lot of feasting and drinking, and ending with the high point: the Cutting. The Child who was becoming an Adult would be the one who got to sacrifice one of the millah and then drink the blood to take the strength into themselves. Nannoc was the eldest of the Children this year; perhaps he would get chosen to be the Cutter. He wished he could. He wanted to be considered a worthy part of the People like his friend Eliott.
Eliott had become an Adult 4 months ago, and now he lorded it over Nannoc. He wouldn't stop bragging about all the things an Adult could do and how Nannoc couldn't do anything like that yet. Before the Cutting 4 months ago, Eliott had been Nannoc's only friend, and now he wanted to become an Adult so that they could be friends again. He hated the lack of equality between them now. When he became an Adult, Eliott would see that he was, in fact, a useful person, and then they could be friends again. For now he had to endure the endless teasing and bragging.
Arriving in the main room, the center of the caves and tunnels, Nannoc saw that the fire had indeed been lit and people had already started to find their assigned places along the edges of the room. He found his place at the very end of the Children's line, right across the room from the youngest of the Adults. He ignored the superior looks Eliott was giving him, and instead watched the fire intently, waiting for the elder to begin the announcement from the ledge above the fire. Nannoc thought that if you looked just right, the shapes in the ever-changing fire would tell you the story of what was to come. He was sure that he had seen Eliott's Choosing and the catch of a new millah in the last fire during a meeting. Now he earnestly, searching for any clues as to how his own future would play out. For the first time ever, he saw nothing.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Summer
Summer is officially here....and I'm already bored. Apparently without the structure of a school day, I get incredibly bored cuz I have nothing to do. I mean, there are technically a bajillion things I COULD do, they just all seem boring beyond belief. I really hope I don't end up spending my entire summer being bored. I really need a really fun hobby that I can get totally engrossed in. (One that doesn't involve the computer or TV) I suppose I could repeat what I did two summers ago and just ride my bike all over my neighborhood and the one across the street. But I would have to get a completely new tire before that can happen, so that's probably out of the question...for now anyway. Guess for now my little netbook will have to do for entertainment.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Awesome Old People
Yesterday I was at my local COSTCO buying a large bag of Purina dog chow for my loyal pet, Biscuit, the Wonder Dog and was in the checkout line when woman behind me asked if I had a dog. What did she think I had, an elephant?
So since I'm retired and have little to do, on impulse I told her that no, I didn't have a dog, I was starting the Purina Diet again. I added that I probably shouldn't, because I ended up in the hospital last time, but that I'd lost 50 pounds before I awakened in an intensive care ward with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms.
I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and that the way that it works is to load your pants pockets with Purina nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. The food is nutritionally complete so it works well and I was going to try it again. (I have to mention here that practically everyone in line was now enthralled with my story.)
Horrified, she asked if I ended up in intensive care because the dog food poisoned me. I told her no. I stepped off a curb to sniff an Irish Setter's ass and a car hit us both. I thought the guy behind her was going to have a heart attack, he was laughing so hard. Costco won't let me shop there anymore.
So since I'm retired and have little to do, on impulse I told her that no, I didn't have a dog, I was starting the Purina Diet again. I added that I probably shouldn't, because I ended up in the hospital last time, but that I'd lost 50 pounds before I awakened in an intensive care ward with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms.
I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and that the way that it works is to load your pants pockets with Purina nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. The food is nutritionally complete so it works well and I was going to try it again. (I have to mention here that practically everyone in line was now enthralled with my story.)
Horrified, she asked if I ended up in intensive care because the dog food poisoned me. I told her no. I stepped off a curb to sniff an Irish Setter's ass and a car hit us both. I thought the guy behind her was going to have a heart attack, he was laughing so hard. Costco won't let me shop there anymore.
Monday, May 23, 2011
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way Home...
So, I guess I knew my dog was never very smart, but this time he really surprised me. He managed to fall out of my backseat-window while I was driving 30mph down the road. Emi and I were heading back from picking him up from one daycare parent's house where he had been for the duration of my grad party. Riley really likes to stick the front section of his paws out the window, as well as his head, when he's in the car. He was doing that, like normal, out my half-open back windows. Then I see him put the rest of his legs out the window, resting on the little ledge of car door just beneath the window. I'm watching him, thinking, "Riley!!! Get back in there." I even shouted at him to get back, but he's a dog and doesn't really understand English that well. Then I see him start sliding down my door, and I'm just thinking, "CRAP!!!" I can't roll up the window or anything or he'd end up stuck half-in, half-out my window, hanging from my car. The best I could do was watch as he slowly slid and ended up falling out, then slamming on my brakes and my hazards. Emi got out quickly to round him up and put him back in the car as I rolled the windows all the way up then. A car pulled up behind us (we were in the middle of the road at this point) and they were laughing to see Emi putting Riley back in the car. Finally we got back on the way, and my dog seemed none the worse for wear, so we were relieved. Now we have a story about how stupid my dog really is.
So busy...
This weekend was the most ridiculously busy weekend of my life so far. A bajillion grad parties to go to, plus my own to host, and today is Class Day and Commencement. I don't believe I've slept in about two weeks...
So, my grad party was actually a lot of fun to host. It was nice to see all my extended family, family friends, and especially friends from school and church. I really only had one problem with it: Not as many people showed up as I thought would. Most of the people who did show were family or really close friends. From school, I had about 4 friends show and about 6 friends from church. Other people who came were either family or close friends, and about two families from church who weren't my youth pastors or the interns. To tell you the truth, I'm kinda pissed off. It's insulting that hardly any of my friends showed up. Some of them had good excuses, I know. I'm not hounding them. It's the people who said they were gonna go or the people whom I KNOW had nothing better to do or will use the excuse, "But there were so many grad parties." (<--In a whiny voice) Okay, I know there were a lot of grad parties. I went to several of them. All I was asking for was about 5 minutes of your time: time to come in, say hi, sign the book, eat something (if you wanted) and leave. I wouldn't have minded that. I DO mind being stood up. So, thanks for making me feel so incredibly disappointed, all of you who I invited and didn't show up.
On a happier note, the people who did come were awesome. I got to actually talk to my friends who showed up, and we had some very interesting conversations. One friend in particular stayed for practically the whole thing and then for some time afterwards so that we could talk about college life at UNI. (Thanks Josh. :] ) I'm glad that a couple of my friends, even though they couldn't come to the party, came to my house afterwards to say hi and congratulations and drop off their cards. Means a lot guys. (Especially Ananya, who ended up getting to my house when I was no longer there. She stayed a while anyway to talk to my family. Pretty awesome.)
Now, Class Day. The boringest event in the world, besides maybe some golf tournament, which is basically watching the grass grow. Class Day is where all the seniors file in in their pairs, which, for our class of about 400, takes almost 10 minutes in itself. Then there's the playing of the Star Spangled Banner by the senior band members, who have to make their way out of the seats they just go into and up into the pep band area. Then they file back down, and the top 3% and 15% of the senior class are announced. I had to go straight from up top to finding my place in the aplhabetically ordered line for 15%. We all file up to the podium and are given cords and plaques. Then it's scholarships. Practically every scholarship that a senior has earned is announced at this point, including Dollars for Scholars, which is practically the whole senior class. But right before Dollars for Scholars, there's the last performance of the senior choir members, then the band and cheerleaders. After that, anyone who got $500 or more from Dollars for Scholars lined up and got a certificate. All the people who got $350 were announced, but they at least didn't have to line up. Then there was the Principal's Award and the Department Awards. Then, finally, the last part: mementos. These are generally the bast part of the whole thing, not only because they turn off the lights and put spotlights on the pile. A memento is usually an inside joke between members of the club or a token of significant achievement. The best was for AcDec, which I participated in. We painted a toilet seat gold with a flaming J on the lid, then we all signed the inside. It was the awesomest thing ever. :)
Commencement is tonight. Luckily, this year I don't have to play Pomp and Circumstance 18 times in a row. However, since my last name is at the beginning of the alphabet, I have to wait for FOREVER after I have my empty sleeve (we get our diplomas when we return the gown and collar) until Joe Zahn gets up on stage. He switches the tassel, and then everybody throws their caps in the air. Except for people like me who are going to bobbypin it to their heads so that they don't have to worry about it falling off. I'll toss it later, though it's not as special. I didn't want to lose my cap amongst the rest of them anyway.
So, my grad party was actually a lot of fun to host. It was nice to see all my extended family, family friends, and especially friends from school and church. I really only had one problem with it: Not as many people showed up as I thought would. Most of the people who did show were family or really close friends. From school, I had about 4 friends show and about 6 friends from church. Other people who came were either family or close friends, and about two families from church who weren't my youth pastors or the interns. To tell you the truth, I'm kinda pissed off. It's insulting that hardly any of my friends showed up. Some of them had good excuses, I know. I'm not hounding them. It's the people who said they were gonna go or the people whom I KNOW had nothing better to do or will use the excuse, "But there were so many grad parties." (<--In a whiny voice) Okay, I know there were a lot of grad parties. I went to several of them. All I was asking for was about 5 minutes of your time: time to come in, say hi, sign the book, eat something (if you wanted) and leave. I wouldn't have minded that. I DO mind being stood up. So, thanks for making me feel so incredibly disappointed, all of you who I invited and didn't show up.
On a happier note, the people who did come were awesome. I got to actually talk to my friends who showed up, and we had some very interesting conversations. One friend in particular stayed for practically the whole thing and then for some time afterwards so that we could talk about college life at UNI. (Thanks Josh. :] ) I'm glad that a couple of my friends, even though they couldn't come to the party, came to my house afterwards to say hi and congratulations and drop off their cards. Means a lot guys. (Especially Ananya, who ended up getting to my house when I was no longer there. She stayed a while anyway to talk to my family. Pretty awesome.)
Now, Class Day. The boringest event in the world, besides maybe some golf tournament, which is basically watching the grass grow. Class Day is where all the seniors file in in their pairs, which, for our class of about 400, takes almost 10 minutes in itself. Then there's the playing of the Star Spangled Banner by the senior band members, who have to make their way out of the seats they just go into and up into the pep band area. Then they file back down, and the top 3% and 15% of the senior class are announced. I had to go straight from up top to finding my place in the aplhabetically ordered line for 15%. We all file up to the podium and are given cords and plaques. Then it's scholarships. Practically every scholarship that a senior has earned is announced at this point, including Dollars for Scholars, which is practically the whole senior class. But right before Dollars for Scholars, there's the last performance of the senior choir members, then the band and cheerleaders. After that, anyone who got $500 or more from Dollars for Scholars lined up and got a certificate. All the people who got $350 were announced, but they at least didn't have to line up. Then there was the Principal's Award and the Department Awards. Then, finally, the last part: mementos. These are generally the bast part of the whole thing, not only because they turn off the lights and put spotlights on the pile. A memento is usually an inside joke between members of the club or a token of significant achievement. The best was for AcDec, which I participated in. We painted a toilet seat gold with a flaming J on the lid, then we all signed the inside. It was the awesomest thing ever. :)
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Annoying
Soooo......annoying things. I hate writing thank you letters. I would love to write something personal and original in each letter, but I've generally got several to write at once. By the end I just want to get them done. It kinda makes me feel phony when I've written the same thing in four or five thank you notes in a row. The biggest problem is that I actually am really grateful, it just doesn't sound like that if your card/name happened to be at the bottom of the stack. I know it seems cheesy, but I would prefer just getting a card that has a pre-written message in it and then just sign it. It keeps me from having to feel like I need to write something personal in every card and then feeling bad when I don't.
But currently I have to write something personal in each card. The cards are thanking people for giving me money for a missions trip to Belize. Because of these people, I don't have to pay any more money for either Belize OR Rosebud. So I feel kinda obligated. It still takes for-freaking-ever, which is incredibly annoying. Gah...
But currently I have to write something personal in each card. The cards are thanking people for giving me money for a missions trip to Belize. Because of these people, I don't have to pay any more money for either Belize OR Rosebud. So I feel kinda obligated. It still takes for-freaking-ever, which is incredibly annoying. Gah...
Boyyyfren
So, this is a tribute to the awesomest boyfriend ever, Tom Donoho. He likes to hang out with me and give me hugs an make me feel less stressed when I'm freaking out about school.
This past weekend I had two HUGE projects to do that were due on Monday the 16th. One was a term paper that constituted half of my final. The other was a 17" x 22" horror vacuii (horrible space) drawing of architecture. On Saturday night, after a round of grad parties, my friends Emi and Ananya came over, and they were shortly joined by Thomas. We were playing Scrabble and watching Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire while I was also working on my term paper. (on the topic of color blindness) Not too long after he got there, Heather (his completely awesome sister) sent him a text from work saying that she would really like to kill a person. So, because he's an awesome brother, I let him go and visit his sis at work.
So, on Sunday, Tom-Tom asked if I would be up to going to HuHot right after school for lunch, even though it was kind of late. For those of you who have been to HuHot, you would know that this would be worth it even if I didn't wait until after school every day. For those of you who haven't, I pity you and tell you that you absolutely HAVE to go to this restaurant. They are AMAZING. Anyway, I of course said yes. On Monday we went to HuHot at 4, even after he had had some trouble with keys the night before, and it was awesome. It was precisely the stress-free relaxer that I needed after having to cite every single picture from a huge drawing (you should measure this out- it's a lot bigger than it sounds) and writing half of a term paper.
So I repeat again, I have the awesomest boyfriend ever. :) (hopefully he'll read this- Hey Tom!!!)
This past weekend I had two HUGE projects to do that were due on Monday the 16th. One was a term paper that constituted half of my final. The other was a 17" x 22" horror vacuii (horrible space) drawing of architecture. On Saturday night, after a round of grad parties, my friends Emi and Ananya came over, and they were shortly joined by Thomas. We were playing Scrabble and watching Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire while I was also working on my term paper. (on the topic of color blindness) Not too long after he got there, Heather (his completely awesome sister) sent him a text from work saying that she would really like to kill a person. So, because he's an awesome brother, I let him go and visit his sis at work.
So, on Sunday, Tom-Tom asked if I would be up to going to HuHot right after school for lunch, even though it was kind of late. For those of you who have been to HuHot, you would know that this would be worth it even if I didn't wait until after school every day. For those of you who haven't, I pity you and tell you that you absolutely HAVE to go to this restaurant. They are AMAZING. Anyway, I of course said yes. On Monday we went to HuHot at 4, even after he had had some trouble with keys the night before, and it was awesome. It was precisely the stress-free relaxer that I needed after having to cite every single picture from a huge drawing (you should measure this out- it's a lot bigger than it sounds) and writing half of a term paper.
So I repeat again, I have the awesomest boyfriend ever. :) (hopefully he'll read this- Hey Tom!!!)
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