Blogs, man. I know that I've never been super reliable when it comes to posting, but lately, I've been the worst. Not only have I not been writing, but I'm way behind on reading as well. Today, I logged into my reader and it said that I had 200-something blogs unread! Holy bejesus! I can tell- you're freaking out, too. For the most part, I've actually been staying away from the internet and have been concentrating on rereading the last two Harry Potters. Say what you will, but those books are great. I can read them over and over, yet still be surprised by something new. Sadly, revisiting Hogwarts has totally renewed my envy of those who get invited to wizarding school. Fiction-scmiction, I say. Yes, I really am 22 years-old... do you think that they have wizarding grad school? I keep pointing at things and shouting "ACCIO CEREAL!" or "REPARO!" Nope. I still have to walk over to the honey nut cheerios and my dresser is still broken. My sanity, however, is obviously still intact. Speaking of HP, have any of you seen the new movie? I actually really enjoyed it.
Back to the Muggle universe (NERD). Today, Rachel and I had ourselves a little day trip to Mazomanie, home of the Wisconsin River's nude beach. We didn't make it to the waters (nor was it our intent, though Rachel did get partially naked at one point in our trip), but we did make it to Hattie's Closet, an amazing vintage clothing store. I got lucky and found a perfectly fitted dress from the forties that makes me feel like Barbara Stanwyck and a green satin hat that has a ginormous bow attached. The hat might make Aretha proud. I'm not sure that I have the confidence to pull it off as I've never been much of a hat person, but it was too darn pretty to turn down.
On the way back, we discovered this old cemetery with at least one grave dating back to the 1700's. Wisconsin's got loads of old places like that- it's one of the reasons that I love my state. The day was overcast and chilly, making the graveyard look even more beautiful and enticing. It was here that our friend may have momentarily removed a select few pieces of clothing... out of respect.
While our day concluded back in Madison with dinner at a Japanese restaurant and watching an improv show, there's something else that I want to spend my last paragraph discussing. On the drive out, we saw a sign advertising a brat fry. Brat fry? What the heck is a brat fry? I have lived in Wisco for my entire life and I have never eaten a brat fried. Boiled in beer, absolutely. With casing. Without. Yes. Yes. Beef/Pork/Turkey/Veggie. Uh-huh, I follow, but, I'm sad to confess, I am lost at fried. I guess this means that Wisconsin is kicking me out and it really is time for New York.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Playing Catch Up
Things brewing in the PQK universe:
-After having the same cellphone since 2005, I finally traded in. Not only that, but I bought the Lexus of cellphones- the iPhone. Have you ever wanted to marry a piece of technology? Usually, I'm not the type to get all lusty over gadgets. Sure, I've maybe gotten breathy over a patterned mini-dress or Vampire Eric, but things that contain chips or motherboards or GPSs or what have you? Not usually my thing. But the iPhone? It's the coolest. It's so cool that I want to take a picture of myself holding it, only that would require a second iPhone, which really doesn't seem all that crazy right now. It'll be great for New York, where I'm likely to get lost all of the freaking time, because it contains map functions and restaurant apps and whatnot.
-Speaking of New York, my internship was momentarily jeopardized by the incompetence of an advisor. Luckily, I know people within the system, so I didn't have to lose my shit. Actually, that's a complete lie as my shit was lost multiple times. One of my biggest faults is my ability to throw myself into a complete panic, which, surprisingly, is not very solution oriented.
-Finding a place to live in the city is not very fun, especially when you have no way to check a place out in person. A little advice to people trying to rent a room on Craig's List:
1. Clean (or at least make your bed) before you take photos.
2. Spell check.
The last thing I want is a dirty roommate with bad grammar (weird, I know).
-Over the 4th of July, I went camping with a group of friends up near Crivitz, WI. While there, I ate some awesome fried walleye, drank my first old fashioned, drove around in an RTV, had a stomachache, and found two ticks on me. Since being back, I've showered, repeatedly checked my scalp for more ticks, and researched the symptoms of Lyme Disease. Fortunately, feeling perfectly healthy is not a symptom.
-Did you know that Rachel and I met Librarian Girl and Nordic Boy? Yeah, they're like the Joanne Woodward/Paul Newman of the internet (and, it turns out, of the real world), only I doubt what Paul and Joanne could contribute to conversations about sustainable living and throw-up (not discussed all at once).
-I have to go to work. Boo.
-Please watch this music video: Smell Yo Dick. Sorry, it won't let me embed.
-After having the same cellphone since 2005, I finally traded in. Not only that, but I bought the Lexus of cellphones- the iPhone. Have you ever wanted to marry a piece of technology? Usually, I'm not the type to get all lusty over gadgets. Sure, I've maybe gotten breathy over a patterned mini-dress or Vampire Eric, but things that contain chips or motherboards or GPSs or what have you? Not usually my thing. But the iPhone? It's the coolest. It's so cool that I want to take a picture of myself holding it, only that would require a second iPhone, which really doesn't seem all that crazy right now. It'll be great for New York, where I'm likely to get lost all of the freaking time, because it contains map functions and restaurant apps and whatnot.
-Speaking of New York, my internship was momentarily jeopardized by the incompetence of an advisor. Luckily, I know people within the system, so I didn't have to lose my shit. Actually, that's a complete lie as my shit was lost multiple times. One of my biggest faults is my ability to throw myself into a complete panic, which, surprisingly, is not very solution oriented.
-Finding a place to live in the city is not very fun, especially when you have no way to check a place out in person. A little advice to people trying to rent a room on Craig's List:
1. Clean (or at least make your bed) before you take photos.
2. Spell check.
The last thing I want is a dirty roommate with bad grammar (weird, I know).
-Over the 4th of July, I went camping with a group of friends up near Crivitz, WI. While there, I ate some awesome fried walleye, drank my first old fashioned, drove around in an RTV, had a stomachache, and found two ticks on me. Since being back, I've showered, repeatedly checked my scalp for more ticks, and researched the symptoms of Lyme Disease. Fortunately, feeling perfectly healthy is not a symptom.
-Did you know that Rachel and I met Librarian Girl and Nordic Boy? Yeah, they're like the Joanne Woodward/Paul Newman of the internet (and, it turns out, of the real world), only I doubt what Paul and Joanne could contribute to conversations about sustainable living and throw-up (not discussed all at once).
-I have to go to work. Boo.
-Please watch this music video: Smell Yo Dick. Sorry, it won't let me embed.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Lance who?
See this group of intense and professional looking bikers? Well, the one in the red (the one that's still on his pedals, not the one under all of the wheels) is the Pop Quiz Brother. In only a couple of years, he has gone from bike hobbyist to full-on racer. He's currently in the throes of an incredibly intense racing schedule and I couldn't be more proud.
Someone sponsor the man already!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Sweat
So, the Summer of '09 officially kicked off yesterday and I sit as living proof of that. I write, sweating my balls off, from my couch. Or I would be if I had balls... but even then, I wouldn't have balls because they would have been sweat off. Oy! This heat is making me talk crazy. Seriously, Wisconsin! Must we resort to such extremes? Cold and dry. Hot and humid. How about warm with a soft breeze? Too much to ask? Blah. I bitch, but Madison summers are known for being crazy awesome. All of the students are gone, so the townies get to reclaim their city for a few months, which means late night patio drinks, seeing free music at the Union, biking, and eating amazing local produce.
Speaking of fun summer activities, today I went with some friends to Lake Ripley in Cambridge, WI. Did you know that Madison's lakes are supposedly unswimmable? They are, which is why we have to drive a half-hour to go swimming. Not that I'm complaining. Lathering up with sunscreen, cracking a High Life, and blasting some Santogold- I don't think that I could ask for much more. It was so relaxing that I even fell asleep for a bit, face-down into my towel.
Tomorrow is going to be in the nineties and I'm searching desperately for some air-conditioned space to sit in for a few hours. I think the closest that I'll get is sitting in my mom's shadowy downstairs, drinking smoothies, and watching hours of Generation Kill (which, by the way, is turning me into an even angrier person). In the evening, I'll be celebrating my roommate's birthday with a soiree at our house that will include pizzas baked in ovens (ick) and whole bunch of white wine (yay).
This was the worst blog post ever. Sorry, but I'm feeling a complete blog-related lethargy (blogthargy?) and I fear that, if I don't push through it now, it might be September before I post again.
Better stuff to come, I swear.
Speaking of fun summer activities, today I went with some friends to Lake Ripley in Cambridge, WI. Did you know that Madison's lakes are supposedly unswimmable? They are, which is why we have to drive a half-hour to go swimming. Not that I'm complaining. Lathering up with sunscreen, cracking a High Life, and blasting some Santogold- I don't think that I could ask for much more. It was so relaxing that I even fell asleep for a bit, face-down into my towel.
Tomorrow is going to be in the nineties and I'm searching desperately for some air-conditioned space to sit in for a few hours. I think the closest that I'll get is sitting in my mom's shadowy downstairs, drinking smoothies, and watching hours of Generation Kill (which, by the way, is turning me into an even angrier person). In the evening, I'll be celebrating my roommate's birthday with a soiree at our house that will include pizzas baked in ovens (ick) and whole bunch of white wine (yay).
This was the worst blog post ever. Sorry, but I'm feeling a complete blog-related lethargy (blogthargy?) and I fear that, if I don't push through it now, it might be September before I post again.
Better stuff to come, I swear.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
The Pop Quiz Intern
Okay, fine. I'm the worst blogger ever. I admit it. But do you know what I'm not the worst at? Getting internships. Yours truly, the Pop Quiz Kid, is off to New York in the fall to intern on one of the most awesome and hilarious shows on television. After a bit of deliberation, I've decided that it's safe to divulge where I'll be working. Chances are that they couldn't care less about this site and,even if they did, I would never write anything confidential or personal about anyone there. That being said, future bosses, if you do see this and don't care for it, I'll have it down before you can say "we've changed our minds."
Anyway, here's the big reveal that some of you might have been (blandly) interested in over the past few months...
I'LL BE WORKING AT THE COLBERT REPORT! Sorry to channel Kanye, but, dammit, the occasion called for all-caps and which one of you can blame me for going for it?
Putting aside the humble pie (this has been humble pie, you ask), I've got to say that I'm so freaking proud of myself. As some long term readers may remember, I ain't exactly the most self-assured cowgirl in the west (I am, however, assured enough to use lame sayings like that). Active pursuit isn't exactly my thing. But this? I went after it like a crazy person, alternating between badgering the Colbert offices and trying to charm the pants off of them (never succeeding literally, but rather metaphorically). I even made my interviewer a card sort of reminiscent of this one, only it didn't include hearts or my mother.
I got the call as I was lounging in bed on Saturday morning and my "hello?" was likely full of husky crust that probably made the production assistant on the other end of the phone go "her?" I had initially heard that they would let me know in July, so this was either the best surprise or meanest prank I've ever experienced.
The Irish Catholic in me has been amped up to 11, thinking of everything that could possibly ruin my chances at filling the position. What if the accidentally called the wrong person? What if my university won't offer up the accreditation needed? What if a bus runs over my face? Huh?! WHAT IF? (yes, more caps). My reasonable side (the one that grew up in a non-denominational home in Madison, WI) then has to take my Irish-Catholic side by the hand and lead it into another room where it will punch in the walls, drink, hold grudges, sob, and eventually get sleepy.
So, there's my news and it's probably the best news I've ever gotten. It also means this blog could get a little bit more interesting. Rather than posting about how my feet seem weird when I look straight down at them or how I walked into a chair in one of my classes, you can read about how I was slapped by a homeless woman or jerked-off on while I was on the subway.
On that note, PQK out.
Oh, but P.S., the Pop Quiz Brother celebrated the big 3-0 recently. Cyber toast!
Anyway, here's the big reveal that some of you might have been (blandly) interested in over the past few months...
I'LL BE WORKING AT THE COLBERT REPORT! Sorry to channel Kanye, but, dammit, the occasion called for all-caps and which one of you can blame me for going for it?
Putting aside the humble pie (this has been humble pie, you ask), I've got to say that I'm so freaking proud of myself. As some long term readers may remember, I ain't exactly the most self-assured cowgirl in the west (I am, however, assured enough to use lame sayings like that). Active pursuit isn't exactly my thing. But this? I went after it like a crazy person, alternating between badgering the Colbert offices and trying to charm the pants off of them (never succeeding literally, but rather metaphorically). I even made my interviewer a card sort of reminiscent of this one, only it didn't include hearts or my mother.
I got the call as I was lounging in bed on Saturday morning and my "hello?" was likely full of husky crust that probably made the production assistant on the other end of the phone go "her?" I had initially heard that they would let me know in July, so this was either the best surprise or meanest prank I've ever experienced.
The Irish Catholic in me has been amped up to 11, thinking of everything that could possibly ruin my chances at filling the position. What if the accidentally called the wrong person? What if my university won't offer up the accreditation needed? What if a bus runs over my face? Huh?! WHAT IF? (yes, more caps). My reasonable side (the one that grew up in a non-denominational home in Madison, WI) then has to take my Irish-Catholic side by the hand and lead it into another room where it will punch in the walls, drink, hold grudges, sob, and eventually get sleepy.
So, there's my news and it's probably the best news I've ever gotten. It also means this blog could get a little bit more interesting. Rather than posting about how my feet seem weird when I look straight down at them or how I walked into a chair in one of my classes, you can read about how I was slapped by a homeless woman or jerked-off on while I was on the subway.
On that note, PQK out.
Oh, but P.S., the Pop Quiz Brother celebrated the big 3-0 recently. Cyber toast!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
My muffin top is all that
Internet, I have once again failed you. But I have excuses! Travel! Interviews! Exams! Funerals (boo)! Internet outages! House guests! Dance parties! See, I wasn't just watching Real Housewives marathons- I was actually leading a busy life. When I did have a bit of leisure time, I was sleeping. Perhaps it says something about leading a pretty privileged life, but I'm not used to actually feeling sleepy when I go to bed. Tired, sure, but it usually takes me at least an hour to actually fall asleep Lately, however, I've been out soon as my head hits the pillow.
I mean it sincerely when I tell you that I've missed blogging. So many weird things have happened that have made me think 'ah, man. I can't wait to blog about this,' but then I get home and my roommate's mom from Canada is sleeping on the couch or I realize that I've been living in squalor for the past few months and I can't put off cleaning anymore or another one of the billion things that I have to do pops up and I forget all about it. Either that or I pull a Dr. Spaceman and try to remember to blog about it later by repeating it three times out loud. Even now, I should be doing some stupid stats homework (summer classes make my heart hurt), but instead, I'm writing you. See, that is what I call loyalty.
What I'm really about to do right now is take said stats homework and go to the pool where I will proceed to blind everyone with my glorious white flab. Even worse, I couldn't find my flattering swimsuit so the other patrons will get a delicious dose of muffin top. Jealous?
I mean it sincerely when I tell you that I've missed blogging. So many weird things have happened that have made me think 'ah, man. I can't wait to blog about this,' but then I get home and my roommate's mom from Canada is sleeping on the couch or I realize that I've been living in squalor for the past few months and I can't put off cleaning anymore or another one of the billion things that I have to do pops up and I forget all about it. Either that or I pull a Dr. Spaceman and try to remember to blog about it later by repeating it three times out loud. Even now, I should be doing some stupid stats homework (summer classes make my heart hurt), but instead, I'm writing you. See, that is what I call loyalty.
What I'm really about to do right now is take said stats homework and go to the pool where I will proceed to blind everyone with my glorious white flab. Even worse, I couldn't find my flattering swimsuit so the other patrons will get a delicious dose of muffin top. Jealous?
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