Since my semester responsibilities have ended, and I’m still waiting on data to keep coming in on the dissertation, and because I quite frankly don’t want to write crap for a little while, I’ve taken this opportunity to try and catch up on all the little details that I let fall by the wayside (or, pile up on my desk to epic proportions).  Filing, cleaning, organizing, throwing out…all the really fun things.

My cats were about a month overdue for their shots.  Recently, in trying to clip my older one’s nails, we discovered that they got really long.  And she wanted no part in us cutting them.  I was actually afraid to do it, so I decided to let the vet handle it.  So yesterday morning, I snuck their carriers out, and surprised my younger fiesty one while she was still half asleep.  Within a couple of minutes, we were loaded up in the car and the cat chorus had begun.

Both cats are doing lovely, health-wise.  The older one is a little underweight, despite the fact that she eats like a pig.  Kitten food was suggested.  Then it was cat manicure time.  Allie, my younger one went first, because the vet “didn’t want her to feel left out”.  Seriously, he said that.  He’s so sweet.  Then it was Emma.  Her nails were long – so long, in fact, that a couple had curled under to her pads, which meant when he cut them, they cut her pads.  Let me tell you how awesome I felt when I saw the blood.  He showed me how to hold her down and keep her submissive (yeah, I’ll let you know how that works out).  As soon as he was done, he let her up.  I was standing between the table and her cat carrier, which was on the chair.  I kid you not when I say that she flew up, climbed up and over me, and jumped from my shoulder down into the carrier.  Poor thing.

So since that was awesome, I decided to do something else almost as equally as awesome – to to the social security office and finally change my name.  I got there, got my ticket, and was given an estimated wait time of 50 minutes.  Yeah, right.  Thankfully I brought a book, so I just sat and read.  When I was called up, the girl (I say girl because she was younger than me) asked what I needed, and I said a name change and new social security card.  She looked at my paperwork, and gave me a dirty look.  I was trying to figure out what I did wrong when she said “You’re only adding a name?”  I said yes, because I am.  I’m not hyphenating, I’ll just be the wierdo with 4 names legally instead of 3.

She took this opportunity to very snottily inform me that I wasn’t doing a name change then, but a name addition.  Because, you see, I wasn’t really changing my name so much as adding to it.

OH.  Thank you SO much for that clarification.  Now how about you process my f**king paperwork and save the lesson for someone who might actually care?

When I finally left, it was dark, and I was walking back to my car fairly quickly.  The social security office wasn’t in the best part of town, and I wasn’t interested in lingering.  Unfortunately, I had to walk past a body shop, and as soon as they saw me, the cat calls began.

“Hey baby, you lookin’ fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine”  “Hey baby, why don’t you come into the body shop and let me check your body”  “Oh honey, I bet I could get your engine runnin’ real good”.

Classy.

Maybe I should have stayed home and written a paper.

This just looked fun, and it’s been a while, so I lifted it from the Fish at Fishing Around. 

1. Is there anybody you just wish would fall off the planet?

Absolutely.  Lots of someones.

2. How do you flush the toilet in public?

I flush it with my foot.  I thank my years of gymnastics for the ability to still do this.

3. Do you wear your seatbelt in the car?

Always!

4. Do you have a crush on someone?

Yes.  My cute husband. 

5. Name one thing you worry about running out of.

Toilet paper.  Because that would be horrible.

6. What famous person do you (or other people) think you resemble?

I have never been compared to anyone famous.  I don’t even think I look like anyone famous.  I just look like me.

7. What is your favourite pizza topping?

Sausage.  But good Italian sausage, not some generic crap.

8. Do you crack your knuckles?

Yes

9. What song do you hate the most?

Most songs by Green Day get on my last nerve. Nickelback songs run a close second.

10. Did just mentioning that song make it get stuck in your head?

Nope.

11. What are your super powers?

I can create fire!

12. Peppermint or spearmint?

Peppermint

13. Where are your car keys?

Downstairs on the counter next to my purse.

14. Last song you listened to?

Ummm.  I can’t remember?

15. What’s your most annoying habit?

Is ‘being too hard on myself’ a habit?  Because I certainly make it one.

16. Where did you last go on vacation?

Outside of Philadelphia, in the Poconos.

17. What is your best physical feature?

Depends who you ask

18. What CD is closest to you right now?

One I just made that now holds all the materials I collected in my Ph.D. classes.

19. What 3 things can always be found in your refrigerator?

Milk, Sweet Tea, and fruit of some kind.

20. What superstition do you believe/practice?

Throwing salt over your shoulder, and not walking under ladders.

21. What colour are your bed sheets?

The ones currently on the bed are navy blue.

22. Would you rather be a fish or a bird?

Fish!

23. Last thing you broke?

A glass.  I think.

24. What are you having to eat tonight?

Food!

25. What colour shirt are you wearing?

Navy blue Auburn long sleeve t-shirt.

26. If you could be doing anything else today, what would you rather be doing?

Laying on a beach, drinking a frozen adult beverage, and reading a book.

27. Do security cameras make you nervous?

Nope.  I usually don’t notice them.  Sometimes I like to make faces at them when I do notice them.

28. If you wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?

Duh – A Yank Gone South

29. Last time you went to a cemetery?

When my grandmother died.  Almost 5 years ago?

30. Last concert you went to?

An Indigo Girls concert.  Love them!

31. Favourite musician(s)/bands you’ve seen in concert?

Indigo Girls, U2, Prince, Harry Connick Jr – can you say yum?

32. Next concert you’re planning to attend?

The next one that is free (so, in other words, none).

33. Do you talk to yourself?

Every single day.

34. Have you ever adopted or purchased a pet?

Please.  How do you think I get my animals?  I adopt!

35. Have you ever been present when an animal is being born?

Gross.  No.

Current forecast for Saturday:

Sat
Jun 20

Partly Cloudy

Saturday meme’s are so much fun.  I got this from my favorite place to look for meme’s – Tense Teacher!

1) Are your parents married or divorced?
Married – just celebrated their 37th anniversary.

2) Are you a vegetarian?
Oh dear gosh, no way.  I love steak.

3) Do you believe in Heaven?
I don’t know.

4) Have you ever come close to dying?
Nope.

5) What jewelry do you wear 24/7?
None.  My e-ring and watch I wear the most, but I take them both off to shower, and I take my e-ring off when I go to the gym.

6) Favorite time of day?
Whatever time it is when everything is done for the day and I can kick back and relax.

7) Do you eat the stems of broccoli?
Yes.  I didn’t know that you weren’t supposed to?

Do you wear makeup?
Um.  Lately the answer is no, as I’m desperately trying to clear my skin up before the wedding.  I usually only do if I’m going out though.

9) Ever have plastic surgery?
No

10) Do you color your hair?
Yes.

11) What do you wear to bed?
A big oversized t-shirt, or a cami.  I can’t wear shorts or pants of any kind – they drive me batshit crazy.

12) Have you ever done anything illegal?
I speed.  I’ve stolen.  That’s about it.

13) Can you roll your tongue?
Yes

14) Do you tweeze your eyebrows?
Yes

15) What kind of sneakers?
Saucony’s have been the best for my poor battered feet.

16) Do you believe in abortions?
Um.  They aren’t unicorns.  They happen.  If you’re really asking if I’m pro-choice, then the answer is YES.

17) What is your hair color?
Some sort of brown.  I’m not really sure.

18) Future child’s name?
I have no idea.  Right now I don’t even want to have kids.

19) Do you snore?
Yes!!!  And apparently I can snore while I’m sleeping on my stomach.  That, my friends, is talent.

20) If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be?
I’m going – Italy and Greece, next May!!!!

21) Do you sleep with stuffed animals?
Not anymore.  I did when I was a child.

22) If you won the lottery…
There would be no more debt, ever.  And I’d live off the interest.  And I’d spend a year travelling and not worrying about the cost.

24) Hamburger or hot dog?
Cheeseburger!

25) If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pasta.  Because there’s all sorts of varieties of it.  Of course, I’d weigh 300lbs, but whatever.

26) City, beach or country?
Beach

27) What was the last thing you touched?
A graham cracker

28) Where did you eat last?
Jim N Nicks for BBQ

29) When’s the last time you cried?
Yesterday.  I was frustrated and mad.

30) Do you read blogs?
I do, but I’ve gotten really bad about reading beyond the ones on my reader.  I haven’t been able to balance that, plus school, plus wedding planning, plus living my life.

31) Would you ever go out dressed like the opposite sex?
Well.  If you want to get technical, I have.  I mean, guys wear khaki shorts and polos, right?  And jeans and t-shirts?

32) Ever been involved with the police?
No

33) What’s your favorite shampoo, conditioner and soap?
Paul Mitchell for Color Treated Hair.  I love how it smells.

34) Do you talk in your sleep?
I mumble and whimper.  I don’t think I actually say words.

35) Ocean or pool?
Ocean.  With real waves, not this pansy crap that’s in the Gulf of Mexico.

36) What’s your favorite song at the moment?
“Gives you Hell” by the All American Rejects.

37) What’s your favorite color(s)?
Blue

38) Window seat or aisle?
Window

39) Ever met anyone famous?
Yes.  I worked in concert promotion for a couple of years.  U2, REM, Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Nicks, Harry Connick Jr., the Beach Boys, Ringo Starr, Sarah McLauglin, Chicago, Olivia Newton John, the Indigo Girls, Ann Wilson of Heart, June Carter Cash, Live, No Doubt…I met a lot of bands.

40) Do you feel that you’ve had a truly successful life?
So far, yes, but it’s not over yet!

41) Do you twirl your spaghetti or cut it?
Twirl

42) Ricki Lake or Oprah?
Neither.  Blech.

43) Basketball or Football?
Football.  Basketball just sucks, unless it’s March Madness.

44) How long do your showers last?
Too long.  10, 15, 20 minutes.  Until the hot water runs out.

45) Automatic or do you drive a stick?
I have an automatic right now, but I can drive a stick.

46) Cake or ice cream?
Ice cream.

47) Are you self-conscious?
Oh my gosh, YES.

48) Have you ever drunk so much you threw up?
A couple of times.

49) Have you ever given money to a tramp?
Yes.  There’s one guy in Atlanta that used to sit on the 10th street exit with a sign that said “Won’t lie, need beer”.  I gave him money a bunch.

50) Have you been in love?
Yes

51) Where do you wish you were?
In Savannah!

52) Are you wearing socks?
No

53) Have you ever ridden in an ambulance?
Yes.  Twice.

54) Can you tango?
I can do a bastardized version that I make up!

55) Last gift you received?
A wedding gift from old family friends of mine.

56) Last sport you played?
I was a springboard diver in college – that’s the last official time I competed in anything.

57) Things you spend a lot of money on?
The basic needs of life.

58) Where do you live?
Alabama

59) Where were you born?
Connecticut

60) Last wedding attended?
Sheesh.  If this meme were next week, I could say MINE!!  But I think it was my friend Stephanie’s in 2006.

61) Favorite drink(s)?
Amaretto Sours

62) What’d you do last weekend?
A lot of yardwork – raked the rest of the leaves in the backyard (so they would spread out and dry), then blew the leaves, weed wacked, and spread grass seed.  Went to the gym.  Watched The Reader. It was a low key weekend.

63) Most hated food(s)?
Most southern style vegetables.  They’re slimy.

64) What’s your least favorite chore?
Anything to do with the dishes – washing them, putting them away, loading/unloading the dishwasher.

65) Can you sing?
I think so.  I don’t think I do it well, but I can do it.

66) Last person you instant messaged?
Elizabeth.

67) Last place you went on holiday?
Savannah

69) Current Crush?
My boy.

In my professional academic life, I have earned the following title:

I am a social scientist who examines how people use the media and its influence and effect on people.

Essentially, I’m a media effects researcher.  I’m also really more touchy than I should be about actual media effects.  I’m not saying that they don’t exist, I’m saying that it seems to be too easy to slap the blame on the media.

At some point, there has to be personal accountability.

Yesterday I read a post on Occam’s RazR about a 19 year old boy who has become a life coach, and has built up a significant Twitter following in the past 50 days or so.  The point was made that there needs to be better standards for quality in a mediated world where the barrier of entry is extremely low.   There’s more to the post, and I suggest you go read it, as it is quite interesting.  It managed to get me thinking in my own prism of thinking.

And then it made me mad.

Do we really need to demand better standards of quality?  Or do we, as an active audience in our seeking out of media need to actually think for ourselves and learn to discern what is quality, and what is crap?

I’m not saying that all standards should go out the window.  Nor do I think they are.  The standards are changing.  If you want to see out advice from a life coach, are you going to do it because he has 4,000 people following him on Twitter, or because you actually sat down and looked at his biography, background, and credentials?

I hope it’s the latter.  I fear it’s the former.  If it’s the former, who do you blame?  The person that blindly followed what 4,000 other people did?  Um, if they all jumped off the Brooklyn Bridge, would they do it too?  It’s a silly question, but I think the blame has to come down on the individual.  Not because there was a standard of quality that was lacking, but because they’re the idiot that didn’t bother to do their research.

And they probably own a Snuggie too.

So I keep thinking, and I eventually come around to media effects.  It’s all the media’s fault right?  Violence in the news causes society to become more violent.  Violent video games cause increased aggression in children.  Watching porn causes men to degrade women.  In class last week, we were asked to ponder the statement “The media are making kids fat”, and design a study.

Here’s a news flash.  People can complain about violence in the news, but at the end of the day, studies show that they WANT that violence, because it makes them feel better about their own lives.  Kind of a “Well, my boss was a dick today, but hey, I didn’t get murdered”.  Studies show that it’s not the violence in the video games that causes aggression in kids – it’s the level of frustration they encounter that makes them aggressive.  Give them the most infuriating game of Wii Golf and they’ll be throwing a chair in frustration.  Porn?  Well, with the instituion of IRB, porn studies have not been able to be conducted effectively, but if you want to make the argument that porn degrades women, you’re going to have to convince me how a woman that chooses to be in a porn film under her own sound decision is being degraded.  (I know, the feminists are going to scream at me now).

The media are making kids fat?  Um, what 4 year old is hopping into the car and driving themselves to McDonald’s after they see a commercial?

It’s easy to blame the media.  I get that.  But I think that media effects are a grossly misconstrued concept.   Getting people to admit that they have to take some responsibility might be a next to impossible task.

But as media changes, it’s going to have to happen.  You can argue, as the other post does, that at one time we had journalists that were tasked with the faciliation of putting forth quality information.  And then the media effects researchers could come in and say that no, journalists never put forth quality information, because they are always doing it with an agenda and it’s POISONING YOUR MIND!

Mass comm research has proven over and over (should I go all academic now and insert the studies?) that mass media does not have as powerful of an effect on people as it once was thought to.  It’s the social and interpersonal factors that are more influential to a person, more likely to persuade them to do something or think a certain way.

So as media shifts, where does that influence now come from?  Twitter followers?   Amount of friends on Facebook?  Number of stars on a YouTube video?  The answer is all of the above.  Whether it’s quality or not, it’s going to have influence.   Because people aren’t willing to go the extra step and take accountability for flushing out what’s valid, and what’s crap.

And then they blame the media.

And the media effects researchers get to keep their jobs.

It’s an interesting circle.

Please, don’t blindly follow.  That’s all I’m asking.

I’m apparently trying to run. Idea-wise, that is. Paper ideas, project ideas, big grand theory ideas. I’ve got a car half built, but it’s missing brakes and an engine right now. It’s an interesting metaphor, but it kind of makes sense.

I spent two hours talking with one of my professors on Friday about dissertation ideas, project ideas, and what I define myself as as a scholar. My program got dogged, which was fun. The point was raised that as a scholar, I had to learn how to crawl before I could walk. I’m in the first tentative stages of crawling. I’d love to be the person that can just start running out of the gate, but alas, it’s not meant to be.

Of course, this means about 3 great paper ideas I had need to be completely re-worked. But that’s ok.

It’s hard to take a few steps back. To re-train one’s thinking. It’s interesting. My female athletes paper I’m working on has been a study of this new way of thinking – the right way. I spent a couple hours diagramming out hypotheses, independent variables, and dependent variables. In theory, it sounds easy. You write about a theory, point out what’s missing, add your hypotheses, and test. In reality? Holy crap. It’s hard. I get the ‘advanced degree’ concept finally. I like it. It’s fun. I need an intervention.

I also learned yesterday that I am one of three finalists for a young scholar award – the conference I’ll go to in April gives this specific award to the top paper submitted by a grad student. As one of three finalists, it’s nice to realize that even if I don’t know how to fully crawl yet, at least I can take a few strides…

I stole this week’s meme from Lina over at Fishing Around!

1. Is there someone you’d like to be kissing right now?

I always want to be smooching my boy.  Though if Bon Jovi showed up and puckered up for me, I wouldn’t complain.

2. When you’re being extremely quiet, what does it mean?

If I don’t know you, or I’m in a group of people I don’t know, it’s normal.  I’m actually very shy.  I tend to be a very quiet person around people I don’t know (the first few days teaching each semester are torturous for me).  If I know you, and I’m quiet,  it either means that I’m tired/not feeling good, or I’m really pissed off.

3. What are you listening to right now?

Nothing

4. Are you a big fan of thunderstorms?

I used to be.  However, there have been some huge thunderstorms I’ve seen since I’ve lived in the south that have scared the ever loving crap out of me.  As long as it’s not a huge storm, I like them.   Rolling thunder in the distance is nice.

5. Do you believe in perfect?

Of course.  I exist, don’t I?     In reality, I believe in perfect moments, but not a perfect overall life.  I think you need some of the not perfect moments to learn, grow, and appreciate what you have.

6. Are you a jealous person?

A little.  And usually over the most non-obvious things.

7. What was the first thing you thought this morning?

Crap, my throat hurts.  And I still don’t feel great.  I hope I can eat pancakes without wincing at every bite.

8. What do you think about when you are falling asleep?

I was watching Joe Versus the Volcano and wondering why I like that movie so much.

9. Are you satisfied with what you have in life?

Yes.  Although the student salary I live on kind of sucks, it’s definitely taught me to re-think my spending habits.  I would like some real health benefits though…

10. Do people ever think that you’re either older or younger than you actually are?

Younger.  Most people say that they think I’m about 27.  I love those people.  (I’m actually 31).

11. Do you think men truly understand women?

Nope.  I think some try really hard, and come close.  But hell, I’m a woman, and sometimes I don’t even understand myself, so it’s not really fair for me to expect someone else to.

12. How about women understanding men?

Nope.  Same kind of principle.  I think we might try really hard, but at the bottom, there’s probably always some mystery there. 

13. Did anybody ever call you handsome or beautiful?

Yes.  And I’m going to marry him.

14. What is one fact about the last person that called you?

I see that I have 2 missed calls from Wendy, but since she never leaves a message, she doesn’t count.    The last person I talked to?  He’s the best thing to ever happen to me in my life.

15. Other than your current one, what’s the longest relationship you have had?

Just over 3 years.

Happy weekend!

This Saturday meme of madness has been stolen, as usual, from Tense Teacher.
1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?
“Blech. Why am I up before 7am on a Saturday morning?”

2. How much cash do you have on you?
I have $6 in my wallet that I can use for anything, and an emergency $40 that is hidden in my wallet as well.

3. What’s a word that rhymes with DOOR?
Floor.

4. Favorite planet?
Saturn is pretty,with the rings…

5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone?
Jason, my friend that’s in law school at Alabama.

6. What is your favorite ring tone on your phone?
I have one, that’s really 4…I downloaded a ring tone for each of the seasons from “Vivaldi’s 4 Seasons”, and I change the tone with each season.  I like it.

7. What shirt are you wearing?
Jeans and a red long sleeved t-shirt

8. Do you label yourself?
Not consciously…I’m just Annie when I think of myself.  Or Annie, full time student.

9. Name the brand of the shoes you’re currently wearing?
Bed, Bath and Beyond fuzzy slippers

10. Bright or dark room?
I prefer dimmer most of the time.  Bright makes me nervous.

11. What do you think about the person who took this survey before you?
I think she’s pretty awesome!

12. What does your watch look like?
Silver, light blue face, with a ring of faux diamond stones around the face, and sliver numbers.  And it has the date, which is important to me.

13. What were you doing at midnight last night?
Laying in bed, watching TV, about to fall asleep.

14. What did your last text message you received on your cell say?
My boy called me a commie for wearing a red shirt yesterday.

15. Where is your nearest 7-11?
I have absolutely no idea.

16. What’s a word that you say a lot?
“Seriously”

17. Who told you he/she loved you last?
My boy

18. Last furry thing you touched?
My cat Allie is currently laying on my desk in front of me.  So her.

19. How many drugs have you done in the last three days?
Only my daily lactose intolerance pill

20. How many rolls of film do you need developed?
0.  I think the last time I used film was in college.

21. Favorite age you have been so far?
31 has been pretty sweet so far.

22. Your worst enemy?
Ice cream.

23. What is your current desktop picture?

This one:

24. What was the last thing you said to someone?
“Do you want to go to the gym?”

25. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly what would it be?
The money.  No question.

26. Do you like someone?
I like lots of someones.

27. The last song you listened to?
“Crazy Game”, by the Indigo Girls

28. What time of day were you born?
1:19 pm

29. What’s your favorite number?
19

30. Where did you live in 1987?
Fairfield County, CT

31. Are you jealous of anyone?
Not really.  People’s lives may seem better on the outside, but you never know what goes on behind closed doors.

32. Is anyone jealous of you?
Yes

33. Where were you when 9/11 happened?
Atlanta, GA.  When my alarm went off, it was right when the 2nd plane crashed.  The DJ’s on the Morning X were freaking out.

34. What do you do when vending machines steal your money?
Kick them.  Or hit them.

35. Do you consider yourself kind?
About 98% of the time, yes.

36. If you had to get a tattoo, where would it be?
I already got them – one on the hip, 2 on the low back, but if I could have a magic wand, I’d get rid of the hip and one of the low back ones.

37. If you could be fluent in any other language, what would it be?
Hmmm…Latin, because I think it would help me be a better writer.  Gosh, how lame am I?  Portugese.  Because it sounds so pretty.

38. Would you move for the person you loved?
Absolutely

39. Are you touchy feely?
Only with a couple of people.

40. What’s your life motto?
I don’t have one!  I never thought of it before.

41. Name three things that you have on you at all times.
A watch, my e-ring, and a ponytail holder/bobby pin

42. What’s your favorite town/city?
New York City.

43. What was the last thing you paid for with cash?
Ummmm…I honestly can’t remember.  Lunch the other week maybe?

44. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it?
Does a letter (handwritten and personalized) in a Christmas card count?  If yes, then Christmas.  If not, then I have no idea.

45. Can you change the oil on a car?
No, but I prefer to think that my ignorance on the subject keeps someone else employed.

46. Your first love: what is the last thing you heard about him/her?
He lives in Arizona

47. How far back do you know about your ancestry?
Not too much.  I’d like to know more.

48. The last time you dressed fancy, what did you wear and why did you dress fancy?
I dressed up for church on Christmas eve.

49. Does anything hurt on your body right now?
My low back, but it’s been hurting for a solid few weeks now.

50. Have you been burned by love?
Yes.

Happy weekend!

Yesterday I got an email titled “IRB Application for (study name here)”

*rubbing eyes*
*rubbing them again*

Do you mean to tell me that I submitted an IRB application (with partial nudity) and got a response in 10 days? That’s 10 days including weekends – so really, 7 working days??

Holy shit.

The miracle is that the changes that they wanted made didn’t even touch my survey. It was all nitpicky stuff with regards to wording in the informed consent document and outline of procedures. So tonight I made all the changes and sent it back.

I’d write more, but I’m seriously in shock.

(By the way – that proposal I submitted at the beginning of October? Still haven’t heard word. No response to multiple emails and voicemails I’ve left about it either. I’m going to ask my professor – you know, the one with full tenure – to make some noise about it now.)

Because today I received notification that 2 of my papers got accepted at the International conference for my discipline.

I am SO excited. When I got that news earlier today, it rendered me unable to do work.

That’s saying something.