Istanbuldayim!

I arrived in Istanbul, safe and sound, despite what I imagined and even after I made out a mental will. I'm sorry Iberia Airlines, but I will never fly with you again. It was like the third world of airplanes. 

We didn't have our own tv. We had to pay for booze. Pay. Money. And we didn't have our own tv! Come on. I must say, however, that it was mildly flattering the way you all assumed I was Spanish, but the eyerolls after I couldn't understand you were unexpected. Who are you? French? 

I arrived in Istanbul, rushed to the visa line (make me a Turkish citizen already!!) and when I looked over at the passport control line, my heart sank. It was SO long. Then I spotted my father. "Go all the way over to the right," he said. I'm thinking I was going to go through the Turkish passport line, which I sometimes do, but ohh no. I went through the line designated for soldiers and the handicapped. I shouldn't even call it a line because there wasn't one. Amazing. I guess my dad has a certain charm that I was unaware of. 

Overall, so far the trip has been great. As usual. I guess that is in large part to starting the vacation like this:

The French Lose Again.

I was doing my morning news reading rounds when I fell upon this article.  It talks about a study that Expedia did, interviewing hotels from all over to see who were the best/worst tourists. 

It's no surprise the French came out in last place. They are "rude" even in their own country. But there were a few things that I thought were interesting/funny:

1) The Japanese. Of course they were number one on the list because they have taken over the world! They are everywhere, and we all know it. If they didn't get number one they would probably have some explaining to do to someone back home.

2) Second are the British. Really? Why?

3) Canadians came in third. I hope they are not talking about the ones from Quebec because they are worse than the French.

4) USA. Really? We came after Sweden? Do the "Swedenese" really even go anywhere? Bull. We (Americans) got voted worst dressed. What is this? A high school mock election? Not only did we get worst dressed (eye roll), we got loudest, least tidy and the worst complainers (no argument there.) 

Oh. At least we got "top marks for generosity, as the biggest spenders and tippers." No shocker there. That's probably where all the complaining comes from. No one else in the world is selfish enough to expect a 20% tip as the waiters/waitresses/helpers/etc. are here.

Ah, but American tourists got most likely to try a new language! That's cool...except they would never try to actually say it properly making them look even more ridiculous. No offense. 

The last sentence was really the best part of the article. "France's rivals (rivals! ha!) for the world's 'worst tourist' tag, Spaniards and Greeks, came near the bottom of the pack in almost every category." They mentioned nothing about Turkish tourists. That's probably because Turkey is so beautiful no one ever travels outside the country. Go Turks!!

Airbus? More like Ocean Floor Bus.

I'll just take a moment to say hello again! It's been a long time, I know. I have been extremely busy this summer laying out, playing Wii, seeing friends...I apologize for the agony I have caused you as you wait for my next blog. I thought about writing something funny, but no. There is something I must share with you (and it's serious.) 

What's up with Airbus? Huh? I'm supposed to fly in two weeks. Chicago->Madrid via Iberia Airlines (proud owner of Airbus planes). To be honest, I am a bit frightened. Sure sure, I have been flying Turkish Airlines for God knows how long, and yes they use Airbus...but Turkish pilots are brilliant, flawless....and probably good looking. It is true that my soon-to-be Spanish pilots are probably gorgeous as well, but are they capable of flying an Airbus for 8 hours? Most of which will be over an ocean? 

American Airlines Airbus A300. November 12, 2001. 265 people died.

Air France Airbus A330. May 31, 2009. 228 people died. 

JUST TODAY!! Yemenia Airlines Airbus 310. 153 people on board. One survivor (so far). Apparently, you have to be five years old to survive an Airbus crash. FIVE! I'm almost 25! I should just go ahead and start living life as if I were told I had two weeks left to live. Super Smash Brothers here I come...

Taco Puffs!

I recently bought my first cookbook. Not really thinking I would ever open it's pages, I am surprised that it has become something that Kyle and I like doing together (cooking, I mean, not just opening it's pages.) So, last night we made Taco Puffs, and a salad that I didn't like, but Kyle loved. I'll share the Taco Puffs recipe because it's fun and fattening and, well, salads are boring.

So, all you need is this:

1 pound of ground beef (I used Turkey...just as good.) 

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 packet of taco seasoning (I used the mild seasoning. Kyle wasn't to happy about that)

8 cheddar cheese slices (It called for two slices per puff, but I put one, and that was plenty)

2 things of refrigerated large flaky biscuits (meaning you need 16 biscuits) 

That's all you need! I actually LOVED it because it doesn't need salt or pepper, which is nice because I forget to add those ingredients when I cook. Oops. 

--Cook the beef, aka turkey, with the chopped onion until there is no more pinkage. Pink meat is bad meat. Drain. Add the packet of seasoning, and follow the directions on the back of the packet. 

--Take half the biscuits and flatten them out to about 4 in circles. Equally spread the meat across the 8 biscuits. Put a slice of cheddar cheese on top of the meat. (Kyle tore of the cheese a little so that it wasn't going over the edge of the biscuit. But you could also you shredded cheddar.) Now, flatten out the other 8 biscuits and place them on top of the ones with the meat. Pinch the edges together to make sure there are no openings. 

--Put the biscuits in a greased 1in deep pan, and bake for NO LONGER than 15 minutes at 400 degrees. (I put "NO LONGER" in all caps for a reason.)

Now you have a delicious dinner that is sure to take care of lunch tomorrow, and maybe even dinner the next night. I ate about half of one, and I was full. You can see in the picture how big they get...and that's about 3/4s of it. Kyle and I had them with the bean salad, chips and salsa and margaritas! Mmm! 

 

The Invisible Wall

I love memoirs. I love them so much, I usually don't care what they are about. I'll read them anyway. I have recently finished The Invisible Wall by Harry Bernstein. Harry, or 'arry, writes about his childhood in Lancashire, England before and shortly after WWI. There is an "invisible wall" that exists on his street, separating him and the other Jewish families from the Christians. It's a bit of a slow read at first, but as his character grows and his relationship to his surroundings grow, it quickly becomes one of the most interesting memoirs I have read in a long time. (We all know how much I LOVED Petal Pusher though. Read it!) 

Some fun facts that make this book even more interesting:

1) Bernstein wrote this novel when he was about 93 years old to help him get over the death of his wife. 

2) Even at his ripe old age, he published a sequel to this book (The Dream) and even published a third book! Man, he's old! 

3) He is one of the few people to live through two world wars, other smaller wars and a great depression and not focus his books around these events. For that, I respect you 'arry. 

USA Today said it "invites comparison to Angela's Ashes." This is not true. NOTHING is comparable to Angela's Ashes. But it is a great story about the bond of a poverty stricken family, and I recommend it to you all. 

On that note, I am looking to read a memoir even better than this. (Actually, preferably five memoirs) Any suggestions are welcome! 

I Graduated College, Now What?

Let me start off by saying that I haven't blogged in a while because, well, I was busy graduating from college. I also had to deal with some slight depression-like feelings of being old. What am I supposed to do with my life now? Why can't I come up with an answer to the common interview question, "where do you see yourself in five years?" Will I be married? Will I be living in D.C.? Will I be living in this country? Will I even have a job? I now have the ability to delay answering these questions for another year, because I was accepted into the CICS program at Ball State University. I was also offered a graduate assistantship at the Art Museum, where I will be putting my journalism degree to good use. Having a master's degree, though, is something that has never entered my mind before, and now it's happening. I guess Forrest Gump was wise when he said, "Life is like a bunch of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." 

 

- This is a picture of my mother and me at my college ceremony, taken right after I got my "degree". It was an awesome ceremony, really. Dean Lavery was great as always, as was Professor Bremen. And the slideshow they played, along with the Redemption Song by Bob Marley, was fun to watch. I loved it! It was a perfect day! I will never forget any of the experiences I had with my graduating class, and I hope none of you do either! 

XoXo

Coupon Queen

I like to save money. I enjoy getting the Sunday paper and sifting through coupons. But that is about the extent of my search for ways to spend less at the grocery store. This lady, however, is a coupon master. She should be. It took her 37 years to become a pro, according to this CNN video report. 

Grocery shopping with her would be like a love/hate relationship. Actually, grocery shopping with her might actually take as long as the average relationship lasts. But, for under $10 per cart load of groceries, she could sweep me off my feet any day. 

Could you imagine being the next person in line? Think about it.

Who Would've Thought?

I have recently discovered something. I am graduating in two weeks, and I don't have a job. 

Don't judge me, Mr. I-Have-A-Law-Degree-And-Am-Now-Working-At-Trusty-Bill's-Used-Car-Lot. 

I have spent countless hours sifting through jobs that I am either overqualified for (smile for the camera little baby! No photography experience required!) or waayy underqualified for (Senior Executive Director for External Communications. click here to apply: click.) 

So, because I have no interest in waiting tables or having my resume laughed at by senior executives, I have made the decision think more seriously about getting a master's degree. I know what you're thinking, but Irem, you hate school and you really aren't a good student. This is where you are wrong, people. (Actually, you are right. But the times, they are achangin', and achangin' I am too.) 

State of Play

I have to admit that I was slightly upset that State of Play didn't get better reviews. Now, I wasn't expecting it to hit number one in the box office. I was even surprised it got to number two (actually, there was nothing else good that came out). But to see that it fell to 17 Again?! Come on. I know this country is in need of some laughs (assuming the audience was laughing AT the movie, and not with it) but when print journalism is going the way it's going...Ok, maybe I am biased. Where was I? Right, State of Play. Russell Crowe plays the stereotypical know-it-all investigative journalist that everyone hates to love. Ben Affleck plays the stereotypical good-looking-liar Congressman (also stereotypically sleeping with a member of his staff) that everyone assumes is just looking out for his fellow American. Oh, and we mustn't forget the adorable blogger, Rachel McAdams. And, didn't Ben Affleck's movie wife, Robin Wright Penn, once say she wanted to fly like a bird, far far away? That's neither here nor there. 

I feel if I explain what the movie is about, I will give away the ending. So, I'll say this. I got slightly lost in all the twists that were created out of thin air. The actual story gets lost by the end, and turns into a movie about the characters. Kevin Macdonald, the director, seemed to just let it all slip through his fingers, or maybe he just got lazy and said to the writers, "Let's just end this thing already!"  (And he was so brilliant with The Last King of Scotland!) Speaking of brilliant...whoever cast Jason Bateman as the stereotypical "I-don't-care-about-anyone-but-myself" unethical PR guy was genius. If this movie was any worse than it was (which, really, it wasn't bad) then Jason Bateman would have saved it (even though he was only in the movie for > 10 minutes). 

So, in conclusion, it's a great movie, and you should all see it, but it is one of those movies where you think "Umm, I'll wait until it comes out on DVD." or "Umm, I'll wait until I can watch it online for free." 

2014 Anyone?

I have a top five list of countries that I want to go to (in no specific order). Don't we all? If you don't, I can share my list with you. (I'm feeling very generous today.)

1) Czech Republic - More specifically, Prague. 

2) Spain - More specifically, Spain. 

3) Switzerland - Who doesn't want to go to to Switzerland? 

4) Holland - No, I'm not one of those OMG-I-Have-To-Go-To-Amsterdam-To-Get-Super-Stoned kinda girls. 

5) South Africa* - More specifically, the 2010 World Cup games. 

=   

En Buyuk, Turkiye!

As you might have realized, this blog is mostly about the World Cup games. I have, unfortunately, come to terms with the fact that I might not be able to make it to South Africa next year. (I haven't given up entirely.) It has recently came to my attention, however, that Brazil was named host (or hostess, if Brazil is a feminine word) for the 2014 World Cup games. Now, I'm no geographer, but I think it's safe to say Brazil is much closer! And therefore, much easier to get to. So...2014, anyone?

*Side Note: I would say this was my list of European countries that I want to see. Don't feel bad, China, Japan, Australia, Egypt and most of South America...I want to see you too. 

Any Suggestions?

Today is a very rainy Monday, and I decided that I would dub today a productive one. But it's not going so well. I can't concentrate on writing my 15 page essay about my life in Istanbul compared to my life in Muncie because I'm not feeling very creative. I can't work on my 15 page paper about diversity on campus because my interest on the topic has dwindled to nothing. I can't read essays from a book called "The Best Creative Non-Fiction" because I get jealous. If I don't get jealous, I find myself wondering why the crappy essay was picked to go in this collection. 

I have been 23 for exactly one month now, and for 23 years and one month I have been the worst procrastinator I know. Yes, since the moment I was born, I put off doing anything that needed to be done. I have tried everything I could to get myself to do something ahead of time, or sometimes even on time, and it doesn't work. To be honest, probably the only thing I have tried is telling myself I will do it. I don't know...I guess I just work a lot better under pressure. 

Are there any little goody two-shoes out there who do their work on time, and can fill me in on how they are able to do that? If you prefer, I am open to the idea of you doing my work for me. Just kidding, just kidding (but seriously).

The Best Part Is...

There were a number of topics I wanted to write about today, but there was one story I read that caught my attention the most. Sure, a Turkish anchorman painted his face black while reporting on Obama. Of course, the pirates of Somalia are at it again. Naturally, Iran is accusing a journalist of spying. But Hugh Jackman's heartbreak* over the leak of his new movie, X-Men Origins?! What is the world coming to? {Insert sarcasm here} "Who cares?" That's what I always say. No need for tears, Hughey. "Your" movie will still be a big hit, and all those illegal-unfinished-version watchers will still pay the outrageous movie ticket price to see the real thing on the big screen. Me? I'll probably wait until I can illegally watch the finished version on one of those awesome Asian sites. But seriously...

The best part is at the end of the article. "A journalist for Fox News was dismissed earlier this week for posting a review of X-Men Origins based on a viewing of the illegal download," the BBC reports. Ha! I imagine this "established" journalist sitting at his computer, watching this video and thinking that he hit the jackpot. "Oh boy! I am going to post a review before anyone else," perhaps he said out loud to himself. "My boss is going to praise me for this! Fox News rocks!" Nice try, buddy. Good luck with the job hunt. 

* You will find that I most often will send you off to the BBC, as I prefer it over CNN. If this offends you in any way, you can read a similar story on CNN here.

I See You, May 9th!

At this moment, in exactly five weeks, I will have taken my last final. Literally. Last. Final. EVER. I took a look at my calender widget today (F12 for you Mac users, you) and I saw it! May 8th! And I could even see the next day, which is even better, May 9th! The big day where I will have officially grown out of classrooms and textbooks. I will wrap my gown around me, place my cap securely on my head, walk across the stage, shake my dean's hand and never look back. Not even a glance over my shoulder. Not even a wave goodbye. Not even a pause for remembrance. Not even a...well, you get the idea. 

After this long dramatic ceremony will be a party where my mother's entire backyard will be surrounded by me. You're all invited!! (If you get an invitation) May 9th, here I come and no Fs can stop me! (Ok, actually an F could stop me...crap. I probably just jinxed myself. Stupid blog post.)

Science advisor says Earth is overpopulated

I wanted to talk about April Fool's Day, but I chose this instead:

The BBC had an interview with Nina Fedoroff, science advisor to Hilary Clinton. In the article Fedoroff explains that Earth's population, which is at about 6.5 billion, is increasing too rapidly for the planet to handle. The BBC reported that China's population sits at 1.33 billion, while the USA is at about 306 million!! (But it's all in the article)

What I am hearing is this: When Fedoroff said "the planet can't support many more people," and stressed the importance of watching over our water supplies, I thought of my WWIII theory. With tension growing around the world, and scientists like Fedoroff saying we need to start paying attention to our water, a war is inevitable.** If there is a war, I think we all know what countries won't be siding with America (Let's see. There's Venezuela, they're dangerously close, Cuba, they're dangerously closer, North Korea, China, etc. Never England, but I must say, when I was studying abroad in London, my friends and I asked a man sitting on the bus what he thought of America. His response: "The world's greatest enemy." aand that was the end of that.)

I am reluctant to touch on the Middle Eastern countries. That part of the world is so messed up right now, and Obama thinks the best thing to do is leave Iraq and start in Afghanistan. He probably only thinks this is a good idea because Americans were asking Bush why we weren't in Afghanistan to begin with, but now...it's not such a good idea. Come on, Obama. Seriously. But Israel, the Palestinians, Iran: not gonna go there. I will say, though, that I don't see Turkey picking sides with America on this one. Sure, they want to be a part of the EU. Sure, they want to see themselves as "held together" as America and Europe. But they're not. And the idea of a Kurdistan being created, and the Kurds will want the more profitable piece of Turkey, is enough for the Turkish government to say "Nope. See you on the battle ground, America."

So, there you have it. My WWIII theory. Not entirely the most intelligent thing you have read, I am sure, but nevertheless, with tension growing and water diminishing, countries will soon run out of options and Clinton will run out of "peace talk" ideas.

** Everything I say in this blog is completely and 100% my own thoughts. I hope things don't turn out this way, and I hope Turkey and the United States will be best friends forever without US walking all over Turkey, which Turkey tends to let them do from time to time. But what are best friends for, right? 

That Time of the Month

As you may very well know, today is March 31st. The last day of the month. The last day of the month means, for us renters, that we owe money (a lot of money) to a certain landlord. But why? That is the question I want to ask all landlords across the nation. Why should we pay rent? The entire cast of "Rent", with the exception of Taye Diggs, spent an entire 135 minutes singing about how they refuse to pay _ _ _ _. Ok, they also sing a lot about disease, but HIV is not the title of the play/movie.

I am sick of it. I'm not going to pay rent this month. But I will, when my landlord comes searching for me, climb out onto my balcony, light my eviction notice on fire and throw it down upon them. I will also sing at the top of my lungs in an angry manner. "I'M NOT GONNA PAAAYY RRRREEEEENNNNNTTTT!"

Side note: None of this will happen and I will most likely send over a check tomorrow. Woe is me.

Slap That On Your Fridge

This passed semester has not been a productive one. I believe the word I am looking for here is "senioritis". Man, do I have it big time. I am aware that should I fail even one class, there will be no graduation for me, but it doesn't seem to provoke me to do anything about it. My poor political science class got the boot from my attention a while ago. The last time our entire class met, we were asked to pick a book/group to join. As you now know, I wasn't paying attention and I didn't even know what the options were. A girl across the room announced that she wanted to read Conservative Reformers, and then my name was called. "Um. Conservative Reformers?" I didn't know what else to say. To this day I don't know the name of our other choice. So, we Conservative Reformers reader were attending class, while the other half had a few weeks off. I didn't even know what the book was about until a week before the exam. I can be honest, right? Having done not so well on the previous test, I spent a lot of time just trying to get myself to read it. I decided to wait until my professor gave the list of terms to know, and then I would study. Well, he gave them out on Thursday, which meant I had until class Tuesday to learn them all. Friday: I did not study. Saturday and Sunday: Who studies? Monday: I studied for 10 minutes. Tuesday: I skipped my class right before to study. In total, I spent about an hour and 20 minutes. I went to class feeling overwhelmingly confident. I was asking my classmates questions about all the terms, just to make sure I was right, and began to feel worried when they all started giving me answers I had not come up with. Too late. The test was being handed out. Oh God Oh God Oh God was all I was thinking the entire time. 

I received my grade about 10 minutes ago, and I must confess that I feel sorry for everyone else in my class because...I got an A! BOOM goes the dynamite! I feel like being extra productive tonight! Unfortunately, Gossip Girl is all new tonight and I can't sacrifice that. Maybe someday I'll change.

Oh, hey there!

Where have I been? I don't know. I know you have been agonizing over what my next blog will be, and waiting impatiently for it to arrive. Well, I have nothing really. Now, if you are thinking "Ok, Irem. I know you spend hours and hours and hours sitting in front of your computer," well then, you would be correct. However, it seems as though my professors had a secret meeting to see how hard they can make it for me to get my homework done by making aaa llottt due at once. I forgive you, professors. 

I do have a lot I would like to talk about, but an overwhelming need for a nap just hit and I should obey myself. I will say this. I have spent most of the day thinking about how much I miss Istanbul, and how worried I am that I will not be able to make the trip this summer. I mean, with all the job offers I have been getting...surely I will be too busy. (Enter eye roll here) 

So, here is a picture (Unedited. I don't know where the edited one is exactly, and, as you know, I need a nap) I took from a boat in Istanbul. Now you can all understand why I miss it. 

Road Rage

I have it. You have it. We all have it. Road rage. The funny thing about road rage is that the things that piss us off the most tend to be things we do ourselves. Ohhh, I know. It's OK when you are doing it, right? Wrong. Let me explain. As I was cruising at a consistent speed of 82mph (Sorry, Mom. I know it's too fast. I was driving safely, I promise) today down I-65, I saw a sign that said "Right Lane Ends Ahead". I checked my phone to see how bad the traffic was. Naturally, it was red. Why don't people get over when they need to get over? Then no one would have to be at a complete stop. One minute after looking down at my phone, I was at a complete stop. For at least 7 minutes. To the right of me, people were zooming by. "Ooohh good for you!" I say. Now, if you know me at all, you are very aware of my road rage. I calmed myself today because of this: (which is actually what I have been trying to get at) I stare into the car in front of me, and see a man. Only, he might have been an octopus/alien because his arms were all over the place. This guy is mmaaddd. It's clear he's shouting, even though I can't hear him. I bet he was saying things like, "Oh you think you're SO smart, don't you? Cutting everyone." "I hope you die of guilt for all the time you are making me waste, waiting for you to get over!" These are things I might have said. I'm sure his sentences were shorter. A very intense two words, perhaps? Or just one finger that says it all. So, ok. This guy is going nutso. Next minute, he turns around and glances past my car. What's he gonna do? Yep, he did it. He gets over into the right lane and zooms past everyone on the left. What A Jerk! "Zoom" might not be the best word to use because he pulled to the right just before the cones appeared. No one was letting the poor man in. He was stuck. I was the nice one. But really, I was saying out loud, "I know you're embarrassed about what you've just done, sir. Go ahead. Go on. It's our little secret." I didn't even get a "thank you" hand wave. I hope he dies of embarrassment. 

Fear

I gave up an opportunity to introduce Laurie Lindeen (see two blogs below) because of my glossophobia, or fear of speaking in public. I started to think of other fears that have ruined my life. Achluophobia, fear of darkness. Whenever I am in the dark, alone, I suddenly don't feel alone anymore. There have been numerous occasions where I would run from my car to my mother's house at night because it was dark out. Actually, running just makes the whole situation scarier than necessary. Astrophobia, fear of thunder and lightning. This might not be SO intense that I could call myself astrophobic. However, I have never been able to gave out the window, and enjoy a storm like the rest of normal society. Philophobia, fear of falling in love. Love is a scary thing. No offense, Kyle. Atychiphobia, fear of failure. Oh, come on. Don't we ALL have this? Ergophobia, fear of work. Why don't I have this?!? I wonder if I could draw unemployment if I complained of my intense ergophobia. Someone try that out and get back to me. Polyphobia, fear of many things. There you go. That pretty much sums it all up.  

All of these phobias were pulled, by me, from phobialist.com. If you have better names for any of them, let me know. My advice to you: Don't make up phobia names. It will make you look stupid. 

Ex: Me "Fear of Halloween? Who has that?"

My co-worker/boss/editor/??  "Is that called Booophobia?"

The Botanical Garden of Washington D.C.

I woke up this morning, and thought "I don't have to work. I don't have class. What should I do?"Don't give me that look. I don't do my homework until right before bed. I began to contemplate what I should write about today. My WWIII theory? (Oh yes, she's comin') How badly I want to write a memoir? (That would just be procrastinating actually writing the memoir) So, I'll just put up a few pictures that brightened up my day a bit. I hope they do the same for you!

Writing Provocation/Book Review-ish

Lately I get these weird feelings inside me whenever I read, whether it's The Black Book by Orhan Pamuk (which I'm reading now) or Conservative Reformers: The Republican Freshman and the Lessons of the 104th Congress (which I'm reading now...as well.) The feeling I get, is that I suddenly feel prompted to put down the book, and write, which is basically what I'm doing now after reading a bit of Conservative Reformers.

I felt compelled to write "My Nation's Capital" (scroll down for more detail) while I was reading Petal Pusher: A Rock and Roll Cinderella Story by Laurie Lindeen. I was just discussing this book in my Advanced Creative Nonfiction Writing class (yes, I'm a badass) and I want people, outside of my class, to know how I felt about this book. I am also hoping that, while writing this, I will get discussion ideas for next Thursday, when I will actually have the opportunity to meet Lindeen. (Who is married to Paul Westerberg!!!) 

Petal Pusher is the perfect combination of wittiness, sarcasm and harsh honesty that I aspire to have in anything I write. She is not only trying to find herself and a place to call home, but she is also in charge of a rock band. Even though I have no desire to be in a rock band, everything about her life is relatable. Her ability to deglamorize and de-dramatize everything is genius. She takes you on multiple journeys throughout the book that, against all odds, have something to do with each other. Her terrific timing of when to be funny and when to be serious gave me the ability to know her more than I've known any other memoirist. Her very wise decision to leave the band and begin writing is something you will agree with me on if you Youtube Zuzu's Petals, and then read this. In conclusion, if you have time to spare, read this book. It will provoke you to write in ways you never thought possible. 

Birthdays

So, I'm 23 now. Have been since Friday. On a scale of one to 23 (because all my birthdays have to go somewhere), I would rate this birthday as number 23. To be fair, it'd be safe to say I don't remember about half my birthdays. Not because I was too drunk, but because I was too young. Ok, so I don't remember much of my 21st, but who does? Maybe I just think birthdays are a bigger deal than they actually are. Don't worry, I'm not going to start ranting about how becoming a Jehovah's Witness sounds like a good idea. No offense, to all the Jehovah's Witnesses that follow my blog. Maybe it wasn't a totally awesome birthday because it was on the 13th! Friday the 13th. What a day to celebrate the birth of yourself. Maybe it wasn't totally awesome because I spent five hours on a bus leaving DC (and you all know how much I love DC) and going to New York (which is a cool place). I made my final decision while I was there, that I could never live in NYC and really be happy. Maybe it wasn't totally awesome because Kyle was more interested in meeting up with his friends, than enjoying things like Times Square and Fifth Ave with me, which made me feel very alone and lonely in a city of about 8 million people. But, wah wah boo hoo.

It was a totally awesome birthday because I got to spend the previous night (Thursday) out in DC with a very good friend, and Kyle. (Even though I lost my cell phone...briefly.) It was totally awesome because I got a lot of facebook messages, text messages and phone calls. (Thanks!) It was totally awesome because I found out that my uncle and his wife, aka my aunt, are coming to visit in May. It was also totally awesome because I was out in NYC with a lot of fun people. (I know, I'm a hypocrite) The next day (Saturday) was totally awesome because we went to the Met and there was an amazing photography exhibit. (Even though I lost my chain from Tiffany's...THE Tiffany's somewhere around there.) I also went to an art gallery opening! I recommend not going to New York unless you have one of those lined up. Saturday night was totally awesome because I went to a bar that had a foosball table, and beat everyone with a really nice guy named Will. Actually, I met a lot of pretty cool people. After shopping in Soho, I met Kyle and his peeps at a coffee shop. I felt like I was walking in on a Brooklyn version of "Friends". Kyle, a cute girl named Emily, Adam (Kyle's friend), Will (my foosball buddy) and his super skinny, frighteningly adorable girlfriend, Rachel and me. Three girls, three boys. Emily would be the Monica in that situation because she mentioned more than necessary how much she liked cleaning. Rachel would be Rachel because, well, her name is Rachel. So, I guess that means I'm the Phoebe. Damnit. Ohhh, but Kyle would definitely be the Ross. Such is life. Sometimes birthdays suck, and sometimes they don't suck. Here's to hoping 24 will be completely totally awesome.

My Nation's Capital

After being in Washington D.C. for an entire weekend, and one whole week day, I have came to two conclusions. 1) It's officially my second favorite city in America (The first being San Francisco, and the old second being New York City). 2) I would be willing to do the necessary work to move here, live here and survive here. It's a city where Congressmen meet dancing transvestites. Where a hot dog place allows only President Obama and Bill Cosby to eat for free. Where people make me feel so at home by asking me for directions, and I sadly tell them I have no clue, "but I want to learn!". 

Today was a very typical touristy day for me (and for my week-long roommates cousin, Michael). We exit the metro at Union Station, (the very organized, easy and clean metro might I add), and start at the Capitol Building. After spending a total of five seconds ooh-ing and aah-ing, we move on. "There's the Lincoln Memorial!" Michael disagrees with me. "Look, Michael. I've been here, and you haven't." "No, Irem. It's on the other side of the Monument. There isn't even the reflecting pool." I feel I'm right; it's a curse of mine, really. We head towards the "Lincoln Memorial" look-a-like. It's the Supreme Court. He asks for an apology. I ask for more respect for showing him the building where people make decisions for him. 

Next: Library of Congress. He wants to steal the Constitution, as if he was Nicolas Cage. Instead, he settles on coffee stained paper with a copy of the Constitution written on it. 

Next: Break. (There were lots of these)

Next: Botanical Gardens. Perfect timing; there was an Orchid exhibit. The old man at the entry was the nicest greeter I've ever met. Ok ok, I'm comparing him to Walmart workers. Poor old man was probably volunteering. "I see you have a camera! I'm sure you will enjoy our Orchid exhibit because, well, they are Orchids." 

Next: Michael and I headed towards the Monument, taking a lunch break halfway through. (It is an entire mile from the Capitol to the Monument, mind you. He entertained himself by criticizing my decision to not waste time reading Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings books. I smoked cigarettes.

There is just so much to tell. To make a long story short, after finally finding the Lincoln Memorial, asking a guy where the White House is (doh!), having to go out of our way as not to disrupt the filming of Salt (starring Angelina Jolie!!! OMG OMG), and finally ending our day at Dupont Circle, I have fallen in love. A whole new kind of love that has nothing to do with my previous love blog. But I must admit, for the world to hear (and by hear, I mean read) D.C. made love to me today, and I am hooked. 

Network: It's worth the work.

I met a very interesting man on Monday morning (at 7a.m.) He goes by the name, Tom Britt, and he publishes AtGeist (atgeist.com if you are interested). He plans on launching an AtNoblesville publication, and an AtFishers publication. The more I talked to this guy, the more I decided that I wanted to start a publication of my own. He informed me that while I know about the editorial side of a publication, I haven't a clue about how important it is to sell ads. Ok, ok. I know how important it is, but I don't know how to be successful at it. Guess what? He's going to teach me how! I mean, if I can sell portraits that are overpriced (no offense Prestige, but yeah...you can get a 16x20 on mpix.com for about $15) then surely I can sell ads! 

This all came about because of this business class that I reluctantly signed up for. A Ball State alum came to talk to us about how he got where he is today (selling loans to businesses). So, when he found out that I was in the journalism department, he said, "I know a guy you might be interested in talking to." After class, I waited in the long line to talk to him. We exchanged business cards, and I called Tom the next day. It's amazing...the unexpected yet delightful things that happen.

Twitterverse

I don't know why, but I can't stop thinking about this...

When I was in Rome, I went on this amazing tour of the colosseum and the ruins of the Roman Empire. The tour guide was easily the most entertaining...but then he stopped us to share some bad news. He explained that the colosseum was deteriorating (duh) and that the solution that was thought to be saving this magnificent piece of history, was only making the inevitable happen quicker. Researchers are frantically trying to find a new way to preserve it, but alas they don't have enough funding (this was a few years ago, imagine how much money they don't have now). Anyway, he continued to inform us that Coca-Cola company offered to fund the entire research project, under one condition and one condition only. They must rename the colosseum Coca-Colasseum. HA! And put up a huge banner that says "Coca-Colasseum". HA! over and over again. That was exactly the response these researchers gave to Coke. "No, grazie" maybe they said that, as they trotted off to buy the latest pair of Gucci shoes. 

I imagine a time when the entire universe starts to fall apart. Will Twitter offer to provide funding to researchers to save the other under one condition? I think you know what their one condition might be...

An Example?

After 150 years of serving their community, The Rocky Mountain News has ran it's last issue. Is this something other newspapers have to look forward to? Are forced to look forward to?

My heart goes out to the entire staff of this reliable, commendable publication. I hope they all look at this as an opportunity to do something new, instead of being the pessimists that seem to have taken over this country.  

http://vimeo.com/3390739

Attached is a link to a memorable multimedia piece put together in honor of the RMN. I hope, instead of scaring or saddening you, it gives you a sense of appreciation for local news and those still providing it around the country.

One Whole Year

Monday, February 23, 2008 was day one of my relationship with Kyle. To be honest, we started "dating" on January 5. However, on February 23 as we sat having some conversation that probably helped us get to know each other, he asked the question that I had been pushing him to ask. "Irem, I already consider you my girlfriend." Kyle felt very disinclined to ask the question because apparently this tradition has passed. I wish I lived in the time when being asked to "go steady" was the thing to do. Maybe, when I have kids, it will be something like, "will you join me in my quest to find love?" 

So, very unexpectedly (but hopingly) Kyle asked it. Ohhhh, it was sooo cute! I wonder if his hands were sweating because he seemed nervous, or maybe just embarrassed. I told him I would have to think about it. Well, he didn't think that was funny.

I fell in love with him a lot faster than I had expected. Once you have been in love before, like I have, you would think the second time around would be a little more cautiously approached. I told him one night at a bar, three months after our official relationship began. I was trying to set up my best friend with his best friend. It wasn't going so smoothly. Maybe I felt like I had to spice things up. Oh, and if you are confused, yes, I told him first. I wouldn't have said it if I knew he didn't feel the same way. Even still, in the smoky bar, shortly after spilling my friend's beer all over Kyle and myself (to this day, I don't know how it happened), it was a very invigorating moment. As if this huge weight had been lifted off of me, and after he kissed me, I was able to let out the most relieving sigh I have ever let out. Or maybe I burped. Who knows.

All I know is that we have been together one year now. Dating, now, for 13 and a half months. We spent last night eating a meal that he made for us, (who knew he could cook?!) and happily joking about how many more years we will spend together. 1/2? 3? 50?

Mobile Ya'll

I am being punished by the Goddess of A Good Night's Sleep. All because I didn't think it would be hard to drive back from New Orleans in a day...leaving New Orleans at 3p.m. That's 4p.m. for you Eastern Standard Timezone people; like me. In exactly 13-ish hours, I went from 70 degree weather and the Gulf of Mexico to 10 degree weather and potholes. Such is life, I suppose. So, now I'm unable to sleep. (That's what I was working my way towards. I had to add in my degree change complaint for venting purposes. That's what blogs essentially are, or can be, right? Online personal diaries for the world to see?) 

Mobile, Ala. is a (insert adjective) kinda town. (I apologize, my mom and I played Mad Libs this evening and my mind is fresh out of adjectives) The people, however, are refreshingly kind. Upon arrival; after checking in, napping, freshening up; we went to a bar. In hopes to find dinner. That didn't happen, but the waiter insistently offered me the food he brought to work with him. I turned him down, of course, but only because he had an apple. If it was a very large, very greasy, very fattening cheeseburger, however, it would have been mine. I'm kidding...I probably would have suggested sharing it. BUT, we found food. It's ok. 

I'm not going to even discuss the whole reason for going to Mobile. I'll give it a three word summation. Really. Bad. Football. It's ok. I forgive Stan Parrish and Nate Davis for messing up. I'm still, and always will be a Cardinal.