I am Big Bird

Given that I've been MIA in blog-land for the last few months, it may seem entirely random for this posting to be about Big Bird. But it is...and I am Big Bird...so deal!

Your Score: Big Bird

You scored 81% Organization, 66% abstract, and 76% extroverted!

This test measured 3 variables.

First, this test measured how organized you are. Some muppets like Cookie Monster make big messes, while others like Bert are quite anal about things being clean.

Second, this test measured if you prefer a concrete or an abstract viewpoint. For the purposes of this test, concrete people are considered to gravitate more to mathematical and logical approaches, whereas abstract people are more the dreamers and artistic type.

Third, this test measured if you are more of an introvert or an extrovert. By definition, an introvert concentrates more on herself and an extrovert focuses more on others. In this test an introvert was somebody that either tends to spend more time alone or thinks more about herself.

You are very organized, more abstract, and more extroverted.

Here is why are you Big Bird.

You are both very organized. You almost always know where your belongings are and you prefer things neat. You may even enjoy cleaning and find it therapeutic. Big Bird is never sloppy and always under control... pretty good for a 6 year old bird living without a family.

You both are abstract thinkers. Big Bird is a dreamer who always wonders what the world is like. You definitely are not afraid to take chances in life. You only live once. You may notice others around you playing it safe, but you are more concerned with not compromising your desires, and getting everything you can out of life. This is a very romantic approach to life, but hopefully you are also grounded enough to get by.

You are both extroverts. Big Bird gets along with everyone. He makes friends easily and always has a positive attitude. You definitely enjoy the company of others, and you don't have problems meeting new people... in fact you probably look forward to it. You are willing to take charge when necessary or work as part of a team.

Link: The Your SESAME STREET Persona Test written by greencowsgomoo on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test

Stress Ball

It's down to the wire. So much to do, so little time.

In exactly 10 days I fly back to the states.
In 9 days, I pack and store all my belongings.
In 8 days, I turn in my dissertation and finish my last day of work (and then party...wooo!)
In 7 days, I pre-pack and give things away and pray I get a job offer.
In 6 days, I print my dissertation and get it bound.
In 5 days, I make the last minute adjustments and corrections to my dissertation.
In 4 days, I take the day off to recover.
In 3 days, I have a job interview and celebrate my 27th birthday with plenty of drinks and lots of friends.
In 2 days, I finish the major bits of my dissertation
In 1 day, I write like a fiend and try not to become a huge stress ball.

Right now...I obviously procrastinate because I'm too freaked out and utterly excited about the next 10 insane days of my life and all the fun I'm set to have after them. (The stress will return in October with the whole finding a job and a place to live task...minor details)

Totally Awesome

Evidently...the fact that I say 'Totally' and 'Awesome' makes me sound uber American to all these brits. Every time I say it, someone giggles or tries to repeat it in their American accent. But...they are two words not likely to leave my vocabularly any time soon so I'll just have to be okay with being very American and say...here are some things I think are "Totally Awesome!"

Go Green...err...Black!
If you want to be environmentally friendly but are internet addicted like me, you'll be happy to learn about Blackle.com. Blackle.com is a new search engine powered by Google that has a completely black screen to save energy. The theory is that "a monitor requires more power to display a white (or light) screen than a black (or dark) screen" (Roberson et al, 2002). Though its not yet proven...I tend to agree with Heap Media, the creators of Blackle.com: "We believe that there is value in the concept because even if the energy savings are small, they all add up. Secondly we feel that seeing Blackle every time we load our web browser reminds us that we need to keep taking small steps to save energy." So...join me and Go Blackle!


Not Exactly Awesome...More a "Who Knew We Needed It" item
Man Kleenex! I discovered recently that the counselor at the centre I work at keeps a huge box of Man Kleenex on hand. Doing an oh so energy savvy Blackle search, I learned that KLEENEX® For Men tissues are big, strong & reliable enough for all your needs. I guess big, strong & reliable men need big, strong & reliable tissues. What makes me sad though is that you can't see how truly BIG these things are. The box is probably 12" long by 8" wide and 2" deep. And every chemist (that's drugstore/pharmacy to you Americans) carries these honkin' tissue boxes. The best part...you can't get 'em in the states! Does that mean men in the states are more okay with their masculinity? Or that us feminists have fought for the right to have equality in tissues! Whatever the reason...freakin' funny!

Awesome is Totally Awesome
My oh so clever, organized and hilarious friend Lynn introduced me to a blog that has become a weekly must read for me. It's called Awesome (appropriately enough). Sarah and Wendy from Chicago crack me up regularly with their commentary on all things they've found to be awesome. And the best part is..they have links to where you can purchase the awesome stuff! All in one place! I just love it. Check them out...I guarantee you'll giggle so much you may need a man kleenex for the laugh-tears!

Elaborate Procrastination

Not having Internet in the evenings has changed me. Well…not really. It just means I spend more time on creative pursuits I’d normally not get to because I’d be lost in the black hole abyss of the world wide web. For instance, last night in betweens the laundry swaps (I hadn’t done laundry in a loooooong time so I had plenty of time to kill) I decided it would be fun to do some bedroom karaoke. And then I thought it would be fun to put it to a slideshow of sorts with these fun Pictures of Walls I found online. Really…I should have been studying. But I’d been in the library earlier and frankly…it just wasn’t happening. So instead my bedroom karaoke turned photo montage became my elaborate procrastination for the evening. I figured since I went through all the effort…I’d share it with you. At least I was productive in one way or another. All in all…yesterday was a day of accomplishment despite the fact that my dissertation is not yet finished. No worries though…It’s well on it’s way and in 4 weeks I’ll be done and back in the states relaxing and visiting. Yay!

Without further ado…the results of Heather’s elaborate procrastination…



Hmm…I really should learn to play an instrument. It’d make much more interesting audio. Oi...jeez Heather...that’s a project for AFTER the dissertation! Sheesh!

Heaven Bless the Podcast

You'd all be proud...I'm in the library! Though...this morning not getting too much work done as I've been checking emails and being incredibly ingenious about this no internet thing - I'm downloading Podcasts!

So...maybe I'm just weak and not doing this withdrawal thing all that well. But frankly, after the sun goes down sometimes you just want to sit back, chill out and watch something! And then...I discovered the video podcast! So while I'm in the library studying, my little iTunes is working away downloading free funnies from HBO or interestings from the Discovery Channel so when I'm in my room later, I can play them and giggle to myself.

My favorite so far (Thanks to Miss Lynn!) is the NPR radio podcast of their game show "Wait, Wait...don't tell me". It's a CRACK-UP! And is sadly the way I've been keeping up to date on the US of A. But I can sit down and be typing away, or organizing notes, or cleaning my room, or staring off into space and listen to them yapping away. If you podcast...DEFINITELY check that one out! I guarantee you will laugh out loud and not regret it.

Podcast - you are the sensory addict saving grace!

(I'll wean myself off podcasts post dissertation stress! I only have so much willpower people)

Message Received Loud and Clear

I believe in signs. Years ago I figured out that the first time something happens, it’s meaningful, the second time, it’s a coincidence and the third time, it’s a sign. These are the signs that creep up on you, that sneak into your world at their own pace to give you a message. And then there are signs that come at you lights flashing and sirens blaring. These are the signs that stop you dead in your tracks and make you pay attention. Often these come as a result of an inability to pick up on the little signs, leaving the powers that be with no other option than to write in neon, yell through a megaphone and do everything short of tattoo a message on your forehead.

Today that sign arrived as the oh so devastating realization (and later confirmation) that our Internet had been cancelled as of August 1 instead of August 31. That’s right people, just days after admitting my sensory addiction, I’ve been cut off cold turkey! In order for us to get reconnected, we’d have to go through the whole set up process again (money we don’t have and all) and so instead, we will face the next 37 days with no wi-fi at home.

What’s incredible to me is that there are moments I think, “Hey…no biggie, a lot of people don’t have Internet and the Library is a three minute walk away.” Then there are the moments I’m in my room absolutely unable to focus or study, with no TV and now, no Internet, where I become truly aware of the severity of my sense addiction. I don’t know what to do with myself! Which is evidently the point of the universe saying, “Enough already, if you aren’t going to wean yourself off of it, we’re going to do it for you!”

The funniest part of the whole situation is that despite the fact that I feel like the Internet is what keeps me connected with email and all…it is in fact the absence of the Internet that makes me feel the most connected. At 10:40pm I am aware that I don’t have anything to distract myself. I can’t lose myself in a TV show or randomly surf the web and fill my brain with random bits of information. Instead, I am here, with myself and my fears and my insecurities and thankfully, with Microsoft Word. I’m connected in a more active and focused way. And I am incredibly grateful. I have learned so much about myself this year, having truly become aware of what I need, what I can live without and what makes me happy. Turns out, I don’t need the Internet in my room to be happy [This is going to be my mantra for the next 37 days. Maybe I should go surfing on the library Internet to see if they make a patch for Web Withdrawals. Hmm…]

Since I’m now aware that what I have written is less happy-go-lucky-blog and more soap-opera-journal-entry, I’ll start winding this down. The point of all this writing is first to empty my head (not easy…there’s lots going on up there) and second to share with the world what signs like this mean to me. Weird things happen. Sometimes they aren’t easy to deal with. Sometimes they aren’t so convenient. But most of the time, they’re exactly what we need.

No Internet means I have to get better at time management and leave early instead of checking train times and running out of the building the very last minute to catch my tube. No Internet means I have no excuse to not sit down and work my butt off on this dissertation. No Internet means I have to actually plan my time to I can be sure to email, blog and talk to my friends and family, making the important things a priority during the time I have Internet access instead of an “I’ll get to it later” item. No Internet means I have to take those quiet moments for myself, to meditate, to write and to just be, something that’s harder than you might think. Most importantly, No Internet means that as I try to navigate my life and my responsibilities right now, I know I’m not alone. Some spirit somewhere loves me enough to answer my prayers for focus, simplicity and peace by taking away my crutch, my escape – my Internet. There are people and there are angels looking out for me, helping me to travel my path, the one that will allow me to live the best possible life I can.

Rest assured that this does not mean I will stop blogging. If anything, to entertain myself in the wee hours of the evening, or day or whatever time I used to spend web surfing, I may instead be writing witty repartee for your reading pleasure. Be not afraid...I will write about what I’m doing and what I’m thinking whether you like it or not :)

Diagnosis: Sensory Addiction

My whole life I've had those moments where I realize that things I'm studying and things I'm interested in bring about realizations of an entirely unexpected nature. I chose to do my research on ADHD because of my want to learn more about ways to better the lives of young children who are mistakenly diagnosed and put on drugs at a young age. This week...one of the texts I've been reading brought about great information for my dissertation...and an unexpected realization about myself. What is it you ask?

"Hi...my name is Heather...and I have a sensory addiction."

It's not as severe as it may sound. Frankly...everyone has a sensory addiction as a result of the speeding up of our culture. On a daily basis I use my computer...am bombarded by ads and billboards around town....I listen to my ipod. There are very few moments in my life where absolutely nothing is going on. We are used to immediate gratification...where we are used to being passively stimulated rather than actively engaged. I am one of the millions guilty of using the "I don't have time" as an excuse despite the fact that new technology is meant to help us save time. Instead...we don't know what to do with extra time...and so we fill it with TV, movies, music, food...the list goes on. With regard to ADHD...this is one of the explanations for explaining a child's behavior in the classroom. They're used to being constantly stimulated so in a classroom where things move slower...they have to get up and act out to keep the stimulation level high. Makes sense. Turns out...I have the same problem. Today...there I was sitting in a beautiful serene park...attempting to read..and realizing that every couple of minutes I had to move my legs...look up at passers by...check the time on my cell phone...re-read a paragraph because I'd been daydreaming or thinking about the rest of my evening. All in all...really stupid things. But I've apparently gotten so used to constantly doing something...that when it comes to sitting down to focus...I find it to be one of the most difficult things to do. The most devastating part is the recognition that by constantly seeking stimulation...we have a tendency to overlook and be insensitive to the richness of the simple, mundane life around us.

They say the first step is admitting addiction. Step 2...an attempt at deliberate living and a slowing down of my life. I don't ever want to over-do, over-think, over-thing my life to the point at which I can't enjoy a silent moment to myself. Just goes to show that even the things you do deliberately will never turn out as you expect. I didn't know when I began my research that I'd be learning as much to help young children as to help myself. It's a late realization about why I feel I've been guided to do this research and also to be in London...a place full of stimulation, but where, amazingly I've been able to simplify my life and come into greater connection with myself. It's why I can't leave yet...there's still too much to do :)

[Side note...10 minutes later...I realize that I'm so into needing to find things to do that I've spent the last 10 minutes searching for a picture to go with this blog cause...well...who doesn't love a blog AND a picture?!? That is until I realized I was trying to overstimulate the readers of my blog! Ooops! Realized...and therefore...no picture]

Jumping Back to June

I know June is LONG gone...but I forgot to blog one of the funnest days I had with my American Girls. It was just days before Lynn left to head home to the states and was our outing to relax and just spend time together. It was soooo much fun! We went to the Thermae Bath Spa and swam in a heated rooftop pool in the rain, got all sauna'd aroma steam rooms and acted like 5 year olds (I may have started that) in the Minerva hot bath which had a fun current meant to, I assume, circulate the water, but when floating on noodles, it made a super rad lazy river ride! Had us giggling for long time!! After that we had a wonderful meal at a pub with a not so appetizing name (The Slug and Lettuce) - but name aside...fantastic food. All in all...it was a much needed respite with 3 of my favorite girlfriends. Lucky for me Molly and Rebecca are staying in London too (Yay!) and Lynn is with us in spirit and via Skype. Here are some of the pics from our day out.


Lynn and Rebecca on the Train


Me and Molly being hammy on the train


Bath's a little place full of character


Pretty pretty


Bridge look familiar? It was modeled after the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy


The girls peeking over at the bridge


The river Avon


Bath Cathedral


Old pump room for the old Roman baths


Creepy guy sitting on top of a trashcan. By far one of the best human statues (and heart attack inducers) I've seen in the UK.


Jacob's Ladder on the outside of the cathedral


Cathedral from afar


From the train platform

Park Wanderings

Here are some more of my totally random pictures from afternoons spent wandering through Hyde Park and Kensington park.

I must note for all you people out there that think London is gray and dreary, we get some of the most beautiful blue skies with huge white puffy clouds. Sometimes it looks like a painting in the sky. Just a little known fact about London.


Baby geese...sooo cute!


Aww...feathered family


Wonder if the owner knows its gone


Sitting next to the water


Pretty little flowers


This view took my breath away...the picture doesn't do the sky justice. In the background...Kensington palace.


Statue is called Power and Courage


A section of the Serpentine I'd been by before but never truly noticed.

London Unplugged

Yesterday I went out to dinner with my friend Alison on the SouthBank near Tower Bridge. As we were leaving the restaurant we saw a couple of big guitars sitting out. Turns out...it was a huge art installation of 7 ft tall Gibson guitars that had all been painted by artists and signed by different musicians. I got camera happy so here they all are!!

Actually...before we get to the guitars...on our walk which is also part of my regular run, there is this rad looking head sculpture thing I'd always wanted to get a picture of, but...well..I don't run with my camera. So here that is first...


Here's the head...


The quote on the bottom of the head reads: "Though human genius in its various inventions with various instruments may answer the same end, it will never find an invention more beautiful or more simple or direct than nature, because in her inventions, nothing is lacking and nothing superfluous." - Leonardo Da Vinci


Picture of a building I run by that's right on the water and where my imaginary flat is.


Not the fanciest of the guitars...but you can see Tower Bridge so it's the most photogenic.


See...all lined up and they're HUGE!


Pretty abstract one


And the Crowd Goes Wild! (Aptly named)


He he...butt.


Pretty


Creepy


Beware the Fire Monkey


See...Gibsons!


This one plays itself


They call him the Guitar Man


Can you feel the love?


The Golden Oldie


Animal print is in


This one is signed by Ozzy Osborne...looks like him peeking over the skull.


Evidently the girl wears it well. I don't get it...but it's signed by Rod Stewart.

Grounded

One of my favorite things to do at Greenwich is lay on the grass and watch the clouds. After the hustle and bustle of the Tour de France, that's exactly what I did. Here was my view.


Uh..not actually in the clouds. These were funny giraffe things at the park...I must have missed a parade or something.

Faster than the speed of my camera...

This morning I woke up and wandered to Greenwich to watch the Tour de France! I was so excited to finally see something the whole world knows about and watches on TV...only...I had the opportunity to see it in person. When you see it on TV it seems like there's a never ending line of cyclists and you could spend all afternoon sitting there and watching. Really...those cyclists are stinkin' fast and they're there and gone in a flash. Literally! Below are some of the pictures I was able to get. Short or not...it was still really cool to say I saw the Tour de France on its way out of Central London and back to France. Rad!

Sidenote...I guess it's a good thing they block off all the roads used for the tour de france, because the french cars kept driving on the wrong...(that's the right) side of the street here. Made me giggle.


Someone on the sidelines with British Pride.


There's the mob on approach...can you see em?


I nearly got run over...whoops!


That guy looks too relaxed considering he's doing the Tour de France


Frankly...there are more cars in the Tour de France than cycles. These ones carry all the extra cycles.