I Heart Astronomy

Sometimes I actually enjoy doing homework. In astronomy, I have an assignment that I really like. It's an observation assignment, so I've been trying to get the observations graphed and all. Not so much a fan of the graphing part as much as I am a fan of the observing part. I like stargazing. The sky amazes me. There is just so much up there. It's frightening and calming at the same time. It's frightening because the universe is so huge and it can seem lifeless. It's calming because it just looks so calm from down here and at night the air is usually cool and still. The night sky changes steadily. I like watching it happen. The more I learn about astronomy, the more I appreciate it. Everything up there is breathtaking. I'd love to be able to fly faster than the speed of light. It'd be cool to actually see other planets, stars, etc. close up without the normal barriers. Maybe even visit the Vegans? (If you've seen or read Contact, you might know what I mean and how that is actually pronounced) Of course, there are limitations. That actually makes astronomy is all the more fascinating to me because we can learn about so many things without going to each and every studied point in the universe. Now, if only I could move all of this fascination to a couple other assignments . . .

Here's something else I like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlGABycOi-M&feature=channel_page Miiki refused to do it when I was watching, so I'm glad my cousin got it on video.

Have a great weekend!

Deceptive Tails and Hair Dye

Does Bo look like a mean, strong, camera-harming cat?

Yesterday I learned not to leave my camera next to Bo because her tail is much stronger than it looks -_-. I innocently put my camera on a stable surface about 1 1/2 feet tall in my backyard, so I could get a picture of my hair and a few things I made over spring break. I had dyed it a deep burgundy and needed a picture of it in natural light. My cat thought she'd sit where my camera was and knocked it over with her tail. The lens made a funny noise and refused to go in. I panicked. All is well now though. I'm very lucky because my cousin was able to fix it.

On the subject of dyeing my hair, I've been dyeing it for about 2 years. I'm guessing it's still an ashy caramel light brown. I started dyeing it because I wanted to try something new and probably for some other reason (I wrote a very ridiculous list for future reference that I don't wish to visit). I've done pink streaks (looked red to most people), just brown, blonde streaks (complete disaster. I had to redye my hair the next day), darkest brown, and now deep burgundy (some people call it pink or purple -_-. Can't win, can I?). I'd go a really crazy color like blue if it wouldn't fade so ungracefully. Some people think that the fact that I dye my hair at all is bad, but I don't see it that way. My hair is healthier than before, I'm happy with it, and it usually looks natural. Not now necessarily, but I'll go dark brown again in a couple months.

Can't find the picture from two years ago. This is how it is now anyway.

Hair dye and near-camera-death aside, why do movies tend to come on tv right after my family rents them? One time Shelbi, my cousin, and I watched the X-men trilogy and they all came on tv within the next week. Strange . . .

Have a great week!

I meant to say . . . nevermind

All the hope without the not-so-pretty action.

When I was little, I wanted to be a ballerina. Unfortunately, I was, and still am, a klutz. I've tried dance lessons. I really enjoyed them and would love to take more, but it's really not something I consider myself good at. I'd show the videos, but they're very embarrassing. I do a lot of flailing. :S Now, I'm older and actually at that wonderful time when I need to figure out what I want to do. I'm considering psychology. I like the medical stuff, but blood and needles terrify me. I'm only considering psychology because I have a little problem: my social and communication skills suck. I'm usually that awkward person in the circle that just stands there. It's not unusual for someone to say something like "You look so awkward just standing there. Do you talk? Wait. What was your name again? Did so-and-so even introduce you?". I try to talk. I really do. It's just that when I open my mouth, the wrong words come out. I can only imagine what would happen if I was a psychologist trying to tell someone that they have depression. I'd probably say something like "Uh. You're too sad. The medical term is depression. Now, surround yourself with happy things, find your happy place, get some drugs and I'll see you next week." I don't know how to fix it. I've tried to not be shy. For a while I thought I was improving. That is why the internet gives a false sense of social skills. Just kidding. I don't spend that much time on communicating on the internet. I am trying to improve those skills though. Even if I don't end up becoming a psychologist, those skills will come in handy if I can improve them. The Public Speaker podcast from Quick and Dirty Tips has been useful. Lisa B. Marshall talks a lot about communication which is applicable to more areas than just public speaking. (On a side note, I listen to many podcasts from the same network. Grammar Girl, the Modern Manners Guy, and the Get-It-Done Guy. Very useful and entertaining. I like to listen to podcasts.) Also, I'm becoming more aware of social manners, so I'm directing more of my attention to the other person rather than the idiotic thing I just said. It's a general good thing to be aware of other people anyway. I'm open to any suggestions.

If you need to laugh and don't mind a bit of language, I recommend communitychannel especially this video. She makes me laugh, at least. Also, my cousin has been filming the family cats because they're very unique. I am refered to as Damage Control in one. If you're into watching pets do strange or uncharacteristic things check his videos out here.

Enjoy spring break!