Filed under: Things I Like | Tags: 8tracks, awesomeness, discomfort, friends, happiness, honesty, life without facebook, mix, playlist, Rachel Socolow
If you know me, you know very well that I am prone to fucking up in no small way.
This time, I forgot my best friend’s birthday.
I have no excuses. I was aware that it was near, but on April 23rd, I downright forgot.
To make matters worse, Rachel is known for having shitty birthdays. Every year, April 23rd seems to be worse than the average day. Friends and idiots forget her, gifts are no better than garbage cans, and Rachel cries “Good Ghandi!” in her own pain and frustration.
It’s not fair. Because Rachel is one of the few people in this world that I could trust with my life. She’s half my size, and if I were dying on some mountain pass in the woods, she would find me, save me and play the guitar at my bedside until I recovered. She is just that kind of girl.
I haven’t know Rachel on a personal level for very long. But my first memory of Rachel comes from Girl Scout Camp– Camp Machagamee (more like Camp Throw-Me-A-Match-And-Light-Me-On-Fire-This-Sucks). ANYWAY, at age ten, she was already sharing her wisdom with all the other girls. We called her Turtle. I thought she was strange but very, very cool. Luckily, years later, we reunited in physics class and have gone out to eat breakfast together ever since.
Rachel is thoughtful, creative, introspective and one of the most caring people I know. I’m not one to dole out compliments like Halloween candy, so I mean it when I say the girl is great. Without her, I wouldn’t know and enjoy bluegrass, Westford House of Pizza, March Haiku-a-days (a month-long holiday celebrating the art of haiku), or group drawings. Rachel has helped me through an exhausting number of problems (when I wanted to decide if I should stay in Westford for the summer or go to Falmouth, she said to me, point blank “Mac, throw out the pro/con list.”) She supports me emotionally, but she also supports me wacky interests, dreams, and other pursuits, like writing, mix cds, and pointless car rides. Yet Rachel will also be the first to put me in my place (when Rachel told me she was disappointed in my last minute bagging out on an adventure/job for the Villanovan, I had guilt seeping out of my every pore.) She is the world’s best friend. She will stop anything to help you and she always follows through.
So how could I not feel guilty-as-hell when I realized, after texting her about a hockey game, that I completely forgot about her birthday!?!? I knew she was expecting me to remember, too. Even when Rachel told me not to worry about it, I remained frustrated. I feel stupid.
But I have pledged to myself that I will make it up to her. I have a few surprises up my sleeve. This blog post doesn’t even scratch the surface (I almost feel as if this is the obligatory apology/blog post/”Oh fuck, oh fuck, OH FUCK” moment.)
Chicken, mark my words: your birthday will be celebrated. (Belatedly, but in a much better way than you could’ve anticipated.)
I make Rachel mix cds frequently, though not as often as I’d like. But every gift includes one. This is the mix I made for you, Rachel. I don’t know why I decided to title it “Understanding the difference between Want and Need,” but at the time, it made sense. I hope you, and all your friends in Beverly, love it. It took me a while to make. It is eclectic, I can promise that much.
I’ll send you a hard copy when I have a chance.
Thank you for always being a fantastic, loving, pee-your-pants-funny, one-of-a-kind, no-bullshit best friend. Life would not be the same without you. I only hope that I can make up my “I forgot” moment in a meaningful way.
With love,
Katie Mac
Understanding the Difference Between Want and Need … this stinkin’ thing won’t embed. So click on the link.
Filed under: Rally to Restore Sanity | Tags: awesomeness, college, Craig Sandler, Father Guido Sarducci, fear, Jon Stewart, Lauren Simpson, liberalism, political rally, politics, Rally to Restore Sanity, reasonableness, Stephen Colbert, traffic, Villanova, Villanovan, Washington DC
Here it is. Long awaited, much anticipated, raw and unedited: The Rally to Restore Sanity, a synopsis submitted to the Villanovan by Katie Mac.
Bus terminals, highways, and DC Metro stations were flooded with thousands of people on Saturday, who came to participate in Jon Stewart’s Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear. They hailed from Missouri, Wisconsin, Arizona, South Carolina, New Hampshire, and even Brazil.
Even the signs rally goers carried were singularly indicative of what a diverse group of people that had descended upon our nation’s capitol. Signs ranged in content, from bashing the Tea Party (“Forget tea, I’ll have a venti mocha latte”) to nonsense (“Save the Dinosaurs”) to movie commentary (“What would Jake and Elwood do?”).
Craig Sandler, 18, of Massachusetts, describes himself “as somebody who is slightly conservative-leaning,” was “surprised by how little partisanship there was in the content of the rally” and those who attended. While liberal activist groups, such as the Human Rights Campaign, did join in at the Rally, it was clear that the Rally served no purpose in promoting any party, policy, or political candidate.
“I think this rally is set up for the 85% of the country that tries to be sane and bipartisan,” says Lauren Simpson, 27, of Washington, DC. “I think the goal is to create an open dialogue (amongst people).”
But Rally host Jon Stewart was left asking, “What is this exactly?”
Stewart and co-host Stephen Colbert filled the afternoon with banter on the merits of “Reasonableness” and “Keeping the Fear Alive.” Events were increasingly random, and included appearances by Oprah, Kid Rock, Father Guido Sarducci, the Mythbusters, and even Ozzy Osborne himself.
The events invited crowd participation.
“Stewart and Colbert themselves,” says Sandler, “seem to be keeping to their stated goal of advocating moderation and focusing on what draws us together instead of what keeps us apart.”
Stewart used to the Rally as a forum for commentary on today’s media, as well as to remind Americans to work together to rethink their own social prejudices and fears that arose post September 11th, and to help others see the error of their ways.
One of the Rally’s most socially relevant examples to correcting fears was framed by a question from Colbert: “Not all the things that I or my fellow Americans are afraid of are made up. What about Muslims?”
Stewart responded deftly, “There are 1.5 billion Muslims in the world. Most of them did not (attack us).” He even brought out a Muslim he thought Colbert “might like”: Kareem Abdul Jabbar. Stewart, Colbert, and the guests, like Jabbar, created a dialogue that personified many of the conflicts Stewart would touch base on in his jarring closing remarks.
“This was not a rally to ridicule people of faith or people of activism or to look down our noses at the heartland or passionate argument or to suggest that times are not difficult and that we have nothing to fear,” says Stewart. “They are and we do. But we live now in hard times, not end times. And we can have animus and not be enemies.”
Stewart cited the media for instilling an unreasonable amount of fear within the American people. A video montage cycled through dozens of news clips warning Americans of everything from allergens to water to terror. The press is responsible for creating irrational fear and prejudice in the American people, according to Stewart.
“If we amplify everything, we hear nothing,” says Stewart. “The press is our immune system. If we over react to everything, we actually get sicker- or perhaps eczema.”
Yet, Stewart admitted to feeling fine about the distorted image of America presented by the media.
People are not always Democrats or Republicans, says Stewart, but they are people, people who are just living their lives, trying to merge with other drivers on the highway. Video screens throughout the national mall flashed to a stream from a local traffic tunnel.
Stewart commented on the diversity of the drivers. These people could be anything from a “Mormon Jay Z fan” to “a fundamentalist vacuum salesman,” but they are nonetheless united by being people. Differences are inherent and do not matter.
Stewart’s quirky example of drivers on a highway circled back to his important message of working together.
“The truth is, there will always be darkness. And sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel isn’t the promised land. Sometimes it’s just New Jersey. But we do it anyway, together.”
Filed under: Late Night, Lizstomania, Uncategorized | Tags: awesomeness, chocolate, diner, drinking, drive thru, drunkenness, eating, Falmouth, fast food, food, grilled cheese, ice cream, MadAtoms, McDonalds
Recently, Madatoms, one of my favorite blogs, featured “The Drunk Cookbook.” I couldn’t help but laugh; I definitely have had some run ins with similar “cooking” situations while ham-boned.
Here are some of my personal favorites- stories, recipes, advice- for when it comes to late night eating and drinking extravaganzas.
The McDonald’s Run
Once upon a time there were three idiots: Katie, Nick, and Shawn. Those three idiots tied one on and decided it would be a great idea to go to McDonald’s. It had been a while since they had all been to the fastfood mecca, and aside from not having much money, they wanted cheeseburgers.
This particular McDonald’s had a late night menu. 2, 3, 6, 9, 11, and 12 to be exact. No one could order a double cheeseburger, or a Happy Meal, or any kind of ice cream treat. Giddy with drunkeness, and annoyed the boys could not decide what to get, Katie shouted out “We’ll have six number 3s, two 11s, and a 12.”
$40 later, they were handed six quarter pounders, two ten piece chicken McNuggets, and a chicken sandwich of some kind. And don’t forget about the large bag, filled with French fries, and three large coca-colas.
It was disgusting.
The next day, Katie found the bag of uneaten fries, as well as disgusting, unidentifiable McDonald’s residue all over the car, and a beach of salt on the seats. It was as unappealing as the stories of digestive woe and anguish the band of idiots experienced that night. While they vowed to never go to McDonald’s again, and have not visited since, one day the story will come back to life, and the band of idiots will undoubtedly terrorize another McDonald’s drive-thru.
Challenge Meal: The McGangBang.
The Diner
“Let’s go to the diner!” It was a Thursday night, and they roomies should not have alerted Katie that they were awake.
Katie was hell bent on getting to the diner. She was loud and jumpy and rather wild. Especially for only 1:30 in the morning.
While they did not go to the diner, despite Katie’s calamity and craziness, Katie would repeat these sentiments on other nights. (This was not the first time Katie had drunkenly begged for a diner run, but it was the first time at her new home that she would shout in the night for such ridiculousness in eating.)
Ideal meal at a midnight diner run: greasy, or desserts. Or both if you can stomach it.
Challenge Meal: Whatever their most advertised monstrosity/eating challenge is on the menu.
Grilled Cheese
Grab a frying pan/skillet, a pound of butter, whatever cheese you can muster up from the depths of the fridge, some kind of bread.
Turn on stove. Throw butter in a cold pan, wait until it burns and smokes.
Place bread and butter haphazardly on pan.
Eat when ever you become sick of waiting for bread to brown, or until it’s almost on fire.
Drinker's note: Your drunk grilled cheese will NOT look this nice.
How many times have I done this? At a minimum, every Saturday night from June to August of 2010. And then some.
Challenge Meal: Eat as many grilled cheese as you can. Or accompany it with other leftovers in the fridge. Half a pizza? No problem.
The Ice Cream Man
When in doubt, if you are drunk and hungry, always get ice cream. The more, the better. This is a fact, intoxicated or otherwise.
One day Katie and Katelyn decided it would be a fantastic idea to get three pints of B&J at the White Hen Pantry (RIP) for a small get together of no more than five people. By the time they got back to the beach, it was only three. But only two wanted ice cream (duh) and they noshed at maybe half of one pint… But ice cream is great melted, sitting in the bottom of a cooler that’s been sitting out all night next to you on a beach. If you’re drunk enough, by all means, go for some ice cream soup to help that hangover.
If you are in the comfort of your home, dig in with a spoon. No other utensils necessary. No clean spoons? Go for a fork. Feel like closing the freezer? No worries- once everything defrosts you can just close the freezer door again in the morning as if nothing every happened. Family and roommates probably won’t notice for at least three weeks.
Drinker's note: This definitely seems like an ice cream treat a drunk man created. First of all, Fig Newtons are NOT the world's best cookie. In fact, they are even cookies. Second of all, when you're drunk, you will add weird things to your food, especially ice cream, which specifically invites you to add crazy things to! Drunk ice cream sundaes can be the best or worst thing that ever happens to you.
The best way to satisfy drunken ice cream cravings is to find a fast food joint that does not turn off the soft serve machine at night. While this varies from place to place, BK and McDick’s are certainly your best bet.
Challenge Meal: The whole quart of ice cream. Think I’m crazy? Drink enough whiskey, and if your into other things and have the munchies, I guarantee this is attainable. Whoever said less is more was wrong.
Up next, hangover breakfast!…..
Filed under: College, Serendipity | Tags: awesomeness, college, deadlines
All day I was freaking out. Calculus test friday, ACS essay due too, a bunch of presentations to attend on Thursday, and the stress of my parents coming to town this weekend- it was all getting to be a little bit much. I’m behind on my sleep, I have a lot of extracurricular obligations, and it’s important to fit a shower in once in a great while too.
9 pm rolls around. WXVU meeting at Bartley. I never got past the outline of my paper, and my studying for calculus, if you would call it studying, was minimal. Two hours tops.
I am screwed for the next few days, I thought.
Amidst the powerpoints, white tuxedos, and stash of freshman radio interns, I see Teddy. We chat.
And what do I know- ACS paper is due on Tuesday.
Not such a bad outcome for an entire day when I thought it was Thursday.
Cheers to figuring shit out on time.
Filed under: College, Rants & Ridiculousness, Uncategorized | Tags: awesomeness, class, Dr. Richard Jackman, future, inspirational, katieism, life, orientation, quotes, speaker, Villanova
Since arriving on Wednesday with C&K and all my shit, what I’ve learned from the Glass Onion has certainly come into play: Everyday is a new day. And not everyone can cook.
Some days I was happy, and some days I wanted to punch someone in the nose. Most days fluctuated between both extremes. Sometimes my emotions were rational, and sometimes they weren’t. I talked to random strangers, played a lot of ice breakers, and danced a little bit to songs that were very reminiscent of camp. Orientation was exhausting, yet relaxing, and oxymoronic. I spent a lot of money. A lot of money. I am probably also going to spend a lot of money this week.
Today, I peaced out of orientation after a rousing game of Mafia. I snagged a coffee at Holy Grounds and ran back to my dorm on South Campus through the pouring rain. I had had enough. I needed to vent and sit and pee. Basically, I needed to chill the fuck out, for lack of a more eloquent saying.
I took to my laptop, caffeine-filled and angry. I began shopping online. I must’ve been a pity to look at, especially after I put on sweatpants. Oh, Lord knows, no one looks good in sweatpants.
Around 6, my Orientation Counselor (OC), Mike, texted me. “Katie, we are in the pavilion for a ceremony if you want…..I also have your nova nation shirt”
I inquired a little more and found out it was the candle ceremony, the one Mrs. Lackner told me I would love… I asked if I would regret not going and Mike, very nicely and indirectly, said yes. So, despite my shitty mood, I put on new, dry jeans, sneakers, and my Villanova T, and marched my sorry ass to the pavilion.
I’m glad I am not as stubborn as I used to be. The ceremony was, by far, the best part of orientation. Better than any freebie, improv show, or trip to the bookstore.
I made it to the pavilion about halfway through mass. They finished the second reading as I arrived. Fast forward through the gospel, eucharist, singing, peace, the whole shoot and match. Fast forward to closing speakers. Bring out Dr. Richard Jackman, stage left.
The old man ambled up the stairs of the stage, and despite his feeble appearance, he spoke with a commanding presence, clarity, and as if he was a longtime friend. After introducing himself and welcoming us, he began “There are two types of people in the world. Those who go to Villanova, and those who wish they did.”
He continued with some advice.
“Be yourself. Because no one else wants the job.”
He has a valid point.
With all this opportunity for new beginnings, when meeting new people and showing myself off (I feel like that’s what you have to do when you become friends with people, just to make sure they actually want you, like making sure the car you’re going to buy has enough features, aside from the sex appeal of the sleek, new model) I am going to stress the following:
- I am nice. I am compassionate, caring, and if you’re my friend, I will pretty much drop everything to cater to you and make you happy.
- I am a little crazy, but I am also really fun. I need to constantly be doing SOMETHING. I love sporting events. I love beer. I love talking. I can be the life of the party, if I so choose.
- I love the job of being me.
- I don’t want to trade.
Dr. Jackman also brought up “Three pieces of Collegiate Advice.”
“If you want something really badly, give it away.” In other words, if you want someone to applaud you, applaud someone else. You get what you give. Give love to fall in love. Another smart idea. I never quite thought about it that way, but the man is so right.
“Never get into a fight with ugly people. They have nothing to lose.” Looking back at all the fights I’ve been in, the ugly people are a bit more ruthless. They take you down that extra notch… I am going to try my best to, instead of instigate the fights, do my best to keep peace. I know how to handle my anger, and hopefully I will be able to walk away from others who are angry, or can avoid problems when they turn.. red.
“Whatever it is that hits the fan will NOT be equally distributed.” Life isn’t fair. And, time and again, shit will hit the fan. Or mayonnaise. Or vomit. Whatever grosses you out most. Count your blessings when it misses you. Next time you won’t be so lucky. That is good advice, no matter if you are in college or not. It’s hard to accept, sometimes, but certainly worth remembering. Insert two cents about karma, etc here.
Dr. Jackman continued, with many more pieces of advice.
“It’s what you do between now and potato salad that counts.” Dr. Jackman told about funerals, how our friends say nice things, things they should’ve said when we were alive, at our funerals, and then go eat potato salad. We want to hear the best things we can about our lives, existence, whatever. In order to sound less than mediocre, it’s up to us to make something of ourselves, he said. Dr. Jackman implored that we take advantage of our time at Villanova.
“Don’t knock the rich, you’ll never be hired by anybody poor.” Especially after reading Googled , it’s clear that our way up is by networking with, and kissing the asses of, the rich. Things are a lot easier when you have friends in high places than when you have friends that visit high places. Dr. Jackman brought up how fortunate we are that Villanova is in one of the classiest, wealthiest neighborhoods in the nation: the Main Line. “The Main Line unemployment office has valet parking,” he said with a chuckle. The community can provide anyone with plenty of opportunity, regardless of Villanova. Put the two together, and big things are bound to happen. Or so he says.
“If you’re going to take up cross country skiing, start in a small country.” I’m not sure what I want to make of my time at Villanova. It’s too early to decide. I have some goals, but not necessarily a detailed game plan. Today is preseason, not March Madness. But this token of advice is a great one to keep in my palm: I have gotten in over my head before. My ambition has brought me down. I’m fragile, and I’m volatile, so maybe it would be best for me to wait out any grandiose plans. Starting small is still a start.
“Let’s not look at our limitations, but pursue our opportunities.” I think this advice is a great way to keep one’s outlook positive: don’t say, well, I can’t do this. See what is out there, and try it. Think less, do more. It’s easy for people, myself included, to dismiss something. Too expensive, I can’t, no time, blah blah blah. Dr. Jackman closed, noting that is important that we use these opportunities to further our “commitment to help others and the courage to persevere.” Don’t be afraid to say “I will try again tomorrow.”
Orientation had it’s ups and downs. Today, there was a time when I wanted to hurt something. But at least I know that I can say this: I will try again tomorrow. Hopefully the first day of classes will be better.
Wish me luck!
Filed under: Serendipity, Uncategorized | Tags: Apple, awesomeness, free, iPad, Northeastern University, random, survey, winning
This is my first blog post from my brand new iPad. Even I am thinking “what the hell?”
A few days ago after my marathon walmart run with Bridget (an entire carriage full of crap, $175 ish of merchandise just for college!) my dad handed me a fedex box.
“this is for you. Sorry we never brought it to Falmouth, we kept forgetting.”
I was puzzled as to what could be in the package. I didn’t notice a return address, but it had shipped standard overnight mail.
I was even more confused as I opened the box to find the object in a cushioned bag, … Then another bag.
As I slipped off the cover, I realized I was holding the awesome white box. Ipad.
“you’re kidding me!”
It is even cooler than I ever imagined it would be.
I danced around the kitchen like the royal idiot that I am. (Actually, I think I qualify as a lucky bastard now too.)
So why the hell did I win an iPad? Turns out it was because I filled out a survey for Northeastern regarding my college selections/application experience. Who the hell would have guessed?! I was thrilled, and thankful to have spent the time filling out those annoying surveys.
Wanna know what else is cool though? This is not the only thing I’ve won from taking one of those surveys! I also got an iTunes giftcard for $15 from another college back in May…
I dunno what the deal is, but I like being lucky, and I really like winning.
C’mon, who turns down a free iPad??
Filed under: Song of the Day | Tags: awesomeness, happiness, indie, life, music, slacking, Soft Pack, song of the day, Spain, video
This is my new favorite song/song to live by/motto in lyrical form. Absolutely watch the video, tell me what you think, tell your friends about it, and generally go nuts. This is lyrical genius right here. I’m just flabbergasted with how true and inspiring and simply awesome this song is.
You can’t depend on anyone else
You gotta know where you stand
And what’s in your hands
Yeah you gotta answer to yourself
You gotta write down what you know
You gotta make sure that it’s known
Because they’re coming along to see what you’ve done
And they’re gonna claim it for their own
You got a rabbit in your hat
You got a few tricks up your sleeve
Don’t get stuck in a rut
Or stuck in the same
You got exactly what you need
You got a talent don’t you know?
You’re more talented than you know
And you give it a shot
And give it the time
And be surprised how far it goes
But I think I’m gonna die
Before I see my time
But I think I’m gonna die
Trying anyway
You gotta answer to yourself
2 days a week outside yourself
You take an hour a day, an hour a day
And you don’t respond to anyone else
You got a few things on your shelf
You got to look through for yourself
You gotta choose what to read
Choose what to believe
And you don’t take it from anyone else
But I think I’m gonna die
Before I see my time
But I think I’m gonna die
Trying anyway
Today was my day off from work. I recovered from life by spending the entire day at the beach and driving around Falmouth. It was great. I wish I had more time to myself like that. Who the hell knows if I’ll ever have another summer to just bum around and be lazy once in a while, especially after college. I dunno if people really do this kind of shit in the real world. I mean, the video the Soft Pack put together is somewhat accurate. I have worked at a pizza place… there is a lot of time to just fuck around and act like a doofus. Maybe that’s why we have pizza places: because some people need a job where they can continue to be an idiot and be out of the way, mostly.
I think it would be great if the world was a little more like Spain. Siesta every day around 2 o’clock. Dinner doesn’t start until 8, and you eat for at least two hours. Read your newspaper. Talk with friends and family. Just chill the fuck out for a few hours. No wonder obesity and heart problems run rampant through the United States: we are all anxious and jumpy! Everyone has a problem and no one has a solution. We are so concerned with doing what other people want of us and pleasing everyone and being proper and signing checks. No. No, thank you. If everyone was a little more focused on themselves, and a little less negative, and a little less prone to bitching all their friends out, maybe we could all be a little happier.
Maybe, we wouldn’t have people claiming they are going to die trying to be happy. Maybe people wouldn’t feel so damn helpless in a world filled with resources and opportunities. Maybe the Soft Pack wouldn’t have written this song, but then again, maybe they wouldn’t have needed to.
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: accomplishment, awesomeness, lacrosse, life, senioritis
this is my blog for today
:
So today was my lax banquet. And although it doesnt seem like the end I was not about to cry or get that emotional in any real regard.
Hart called me the backbone of the team. That in the end the season was really on my shoulders.
Thats what he said when he gave me my varsity and captain pin.
As he named me team MVP He called my dedication to not only better the program, but to better the sport and to better myself second to none.
As he called me as one of the 3 first team league all stars he went on explaining how “We might not have been able to say we had the best of anything else, but I knew we had the best goalie in the league”
And its only now, that I shed a couple of tears.
—–
Congrats, girl. You earned it.
