Owner: Shouting to Quiet the Thunder URL:http://www.quietthethunder.blogspot.com Join Date: Thu, 06 Mar 2008 20:13:59 -0600 Rating:0 Site Description: Sassy and smart 20-something reveals all: her life, her loves, her failures with wit, wisdom, and no sense of personal dignity. Enjoy! Site statistics:Click here
Domestic Bliss 2008-03-16 13:51:00 Ever have trouble finding your car keys? look closely... Then head on over to ode to simple, which I would plug even if it wasn't my sister's blog.She is a genius when it comes to organizing, and has created a site dedicated to what I'd consider an art. She once feng shui'd my room in such a way as to stop me from having nightmares. My bed was in the coffin position, (bed right in front of the doorway) ack! And she encouraged me to take photos of crap I don't need but didn't want to part with so I could still "hang on" to them. I think I've talked about how she got all the normal, calm, and organized genes in the family while I'm chock full o' crazy, including my inability to find anything when I need it. They didn't nickname me the Demolition Squad for nothing when I was younger.Anyways, Read more:Domestic
, Bliss
About My Blogroll 2008-03-19 17:15:00 I'm adding a new blog to my roll. My sister it to me via Brazen Careerist, which I sent her, an awesome new blog which many people might already know about, but it's called: thrilling heroics.I've been having chest pains due to work and school stress related anxiety and I need balance. I'm certain the massive amounts of coffee, sugar, lack of sleep and exercise aren't related to this phenomenon at all. I also had a few snafus at work that made me realize that while my desk is fairly organized, my actual workflow processes need revamping.My sister coached me a bit and encouraged me to get a book called "Getting Things Done" which upon further review is apparently the bible of productivity with a huge cult following and I'm really late to that game...And about my blogroll - I'm only going to Read more:Blogroll
Kind of a Big Deal 2008-03-17 19:57:00 Michael Thomas: Photo courtesy of The New York TimesMy husband is sort of a big deal. And by big deal I mean sunday edition of the New York Times big deal. Like, he's wearing the suit we got married in how cute is he big deal in his big freakin' picture in the Times big deal surrounded by his designs and he works so hard but never gives himself enough credit big deal. That - kind of big deal.Check out the man I love. Read more:Big Deal
From Eden to Easter 2008-03-23 23:06:00 I'm caught by the paparazzi - my gucci gabana look has nothing to do with the fact that the night before easter I was hanging out at a club called eden celebrating a friend's birthday. And trust me, this was not eden in the biblical sense. Unless Eve wore fake extensions, a lacy black thong, bunny ears, and danced on a bar to JT...hippity hop indeed.Mike starts cooking his awesome Berber Lamb Shank for what I think will be an Easter
tradition - yay! I did the decorating... A omnivore's delight...included the lamb, israeli lemon couscous, my mom's famous tabouli and hommous, and scandanavian strawberry-raspberry kissel for dessert. Mmm. I think this sums it up.We had a great day and hope you did too, whether you celebrated anything or not...
Burning Down the House 2008-03-25 21:33:00 First I need to thank God for a few things:1. Mike's friend Jose, from whom we purchased our home who no doubt installed the fire extinguisher that saved my life tonight.2. Adrenaline. Seriously. Without some f-ing animal instinct to run, grab, tear, and push - my house might not be here right now.3. My husband who spent two hours cleaning every square inch of our monoammonium phosphate covered kitchen with me while I groveled for forgiveness.I was planning to make tuna marchand de vin as a surprise for Mike after his hard day's work. Unexpectedly, as a result of the evening's debacle I've decided I'm upset at the British accent. That's right. If it weren't for the British accent tinged recipe urging me quite enthusiastically to channel my inner Child (Julia, that is) - I don't think Read more:Burning
, House
I Saw My Twin Today 2008-03-25 17:28:00 I saw my twin at the grocery store today. I almost said something. I thought perhaps the salespeople might get us confused and the authorities should be alerted.This has happened before.Do you ever look across a room at a total stranger and think you are looking at yourself? Similarly to de ja vu there is a distinct reason things like this happen, mis-firings of neurons and such…I would explain it…but I don’t have time to check wikipedia.There she was. Medium brown shoulder length hair, curled today (like me you could tell it was wavy and could be worn straight), determined tromping up and down the vegetable aisle with an important if not sour look on her face. Not heavy, but bottom heavy, moved easily, maybe even gracefully in heels and a dress.Was she hunting for the herbs to make Read more:Today
Why I've Never Asked For a Raise 2008-03-24 16:33:00 I was recently given a boatload of new responsibilities at work. I won’t go into the gory details to protect the innocent, but let’s just say it was unexpected and has sent my workflow into a tailspin. I was divulging the particulars to a good friend who then asked, “I’m assuming you asked for remuneration?”And my answer was a terse and confident, “No Way.”I don’t ask for raises. I never have. I feel like a pansy for this but then I thought about it a bit more. I like my job, but I like my husband and my sanity more. While I’m committed to doing the best job I possibly can at work, I have things to do after 5pm.Asking for a raise is like agreeing to go on a fancy dinner date with a guy you don’t really like. You say yes. You go on the date. It’s not unbearable, and he
I'm Super, Thanks for Asking 2008-03-27 16:24:00 Monday: Fell down stairs due to disoriention from lack of morning caffeine infusion. Bruises and odd elbow pain.Tuesday: Kitchen fire. See post for full disclosure.Wednesday: Speeding ticket. Was not speeding that bad, just moving with traffic. Plus, what highway is 55 mph these days?Thursday: So far unscathed, but the night is young. I'm seriously considering not moving for a while. Read more:Super
, Thanks
Anatomy of a Singer: Part 3, Art and Death 2008-03-31 10:06:00 Previous: Anatomy of a Singer: Part 1, BirthAnatomy of a Singer: Part 2, Madonna and MeThe multiple directions I traveled ended up leading to great discoveries. I loved opera in small doses, and I prefer art songs, which are short pieces often grouped together presented in a recital or chamber setting. I also got extensive experience as a producer when I led a collaborative effort, The Opera Project, with classmates and faculty to produce a one-act opera for children and tour it in Ann Arbor and eventually throughout Metro Detroit. It was interesting to realize that my greatest thrill in school was not on a stage, but watching a performance come together behind the scenes, received by an enthusiastic crowd of 7-9 year olds and their parents.Fast forward to today. I still perform and teach
Anatomy of a Singer: Part 2, Madonna and Me 2008-03-30 10:05:00 Previous: Anatomy of a Singer: Part 1, BirthMy first public vocal performance was John Lennon's Imagine at my 7th grade convocation ceremony. I took the words to heart. As trite as it sounds, I felt the magic of communicating Lennon’s visionary text, thinking, I can change the world doing this. People will listen to me if I'm singing.I continued to pursue singing opportunities in high school, community theatre, local competitions and did well. Despite what I felt like was guarantee of future success, my high school voice teacher urged me to major in biology instead, since I told her I got A's in that class and always loved science. She said, "You can always sing, no matter what degree you get, but you can't always get a practical education." I think she was half right. She spoke from her Read more:Madonna
Anatomy of a Singer: Part 1, Birth 2008-03-29 10:04:00 I can’t say exactly where I began to love singing. It could have been as a rosy-cheeked child memorizing the Croatian National Anthem in my grandmother’s kitchen, or in the Catholic school basement where we rehearsed the hymns for Wednesday morning mass, or singing Bette Midler’s, The Rose ad nauseum on my bathroom floor…Just remember, in the winter!...with excessive scooping could be heard on any given Saturday morning. Later it would be Whitney Houston’s classic...And aahh-eee-ahhh-eee, will ahhlways lu-huv yooooooooo-ahh-ee…waving a scarf around, just like in the movie.I loved theatrics, even though I’m more of an introvert by nature, I feel perfectly comfortable in front of a crowd. Wearing makeup and a costume. There is the magic of the third wall. They don’t see the r
I'm Super, Thanks for Asking 2008-03-27 16:24:00 Monday: Fell down stairs due to disoriention from lack of morning caffeine infusion. Bruises and odd elbow pain.Tuesday: Kitchen fire. See post for full disclosure.Wednesday: Speeding ticket. Was not speeding that bad, just moving with traffic. Plus, what highway is 55 mph these days?Thursday: So far unscathed, but the night is young. I'm seriously considering not moving for a while. Read more:Super
, Thanks
Burning Down the House 2008-03-25 21:33:00 First I need to thank God for a few things:1. Mike's friend Jose, from whom we purchased our home who no doubt installed the fire extinguisher that saved my life tonight.2. Adrenaline. Seriously. Without some f-ing animal instinct to run, grab, tear, and push - my house might not be here right now.3. My husband who spent two hours cleaning every square inch of our monoammonium phosphate covered kitchen with me while I groveled for forgiveness.I was planning to make tuna marchand de vin as a surprise for Mike after his hard day's work. Unexpectedly, as a result of the evening's debacle I've decided I'm upset at the British accent. That's right. If it weren't for the British accent tinged recipe urging me quite enthusiastically to channel my inner Child (Julia, that is) - I don't think Read more:Burning
, House
I Saw My Twin Today 2008-03-25 17:28:00 I saw my twin at the grocery store today. I almost said something. I thought perhaps the salespeople might get us confused and the authorities should be alerted.This has happened before.Do you ever look across a room at a total stranger and think you are looking at yourself? Similarly to de ja vu there is a distinct reason things like this happen, mis-firings of neurons and such…I would explain it…but I don’t have time to check wikipedia.There she was. Medium brown shoulder length hair, curled today (like me you could tell it was wavy and could be worn straight), determined tromping up and down the vegetable aisle with an important if not sour look on her face. Not heavy, but bottom heavy, moved easily, maybe even gracefully in heels and a dress.Was she hunting for the herbs to make Read more:Today
Why I've Never Asked For a Raise 2008-03-24 16:33:00 I was recently given a boatload of new responsibilities at work. I won’t go into the gory details to protect the innocent, but let’s just say it was unexpected and has sent my workflow into a tailspin. I was divulging the particulars to a good friend who then asked, “I’m assuming you asked for remuneration?”And my answer was a terse and confident, “No Way.”I don’t ask for raises. I never have. I feel like a pansy for this but then I thought about it a bit more. I like my job, but I like my husband and my sanity more. While I’m committed to doing the best job I possibly can at work, I have things to do after 5pm.Asking for a raise is like agreeing to go on a fancy dinner date with a guy you don’t really like. You say yes. You go on the date. It’s not unbearable, and he
From Eden to Easter 2008-03-23 23:06:00 I'm caught by the paparazzi - my gucci gabana look has nothing to do with the fact that the night before easter I was hanging out at a club called eden celebrating a friend's birthday. And trust me, this was not eden in the biblical sense. Unless Eve wore fake extensions, a lacy black thong, bunny ears, and danced on a bar to JT...hippity hop indeed.Mike starts cooking his awesome Berber Lamb Shank for what I think will be an Easter
tradition - yay! I did the decorating... A omnivore's delight...included the lamb, israeli lemon couscous, my mom's famous tabouli and hommous, and scandanavian strawberry-raspberry kissel for dessert. Mmm. I think this sums it up.We had a great day and hope you did too, whether you celebrated anything or not...
About My Blogroll 2008-03-19 17:15:00 I'm adding a new blog to my roll. My sister it to me via Brazen Careerist, which I sent her, an awesome new blog which many people might already know about, but it's called: thrilling heroics.I've been having chest pains due to work and school stress related anxiety and I need balance. I'm certain the massive amounts of coffee, sugar, lack of sleep and exercise aren't related to this phenomenon at all. I also had a few snafus at work that made me realize that while my desk is fairly organized, my actual workflow processes need revamping.My sister coached me a bit and encouraged me to get a book called "Getting Things Done" which upon further review is apparently the bible of productivity with a huge cult following and I'm really late to that game...And about my blogroll - I'm only going to Read more:Blogroll
Kind of a Big Deal 2008-03-17 19:57:00 Michael Thomas: Photo courtesy of The New York TimesMy husband is sort of a big deal. And by big deal I mean sunday edition of the New York Times big deal. Like, he's wearing the suit we got married in how cute is he big deal in his big freakin' picture in the Times big deal surrounded by his designs and he works so hard but never gives himself enough credit big deal. That - kind of big deal.Check out the man I love. Read more:Big Deal
Life Support 2008-03-17 19:49:00 I’m in grad school. Does my mother really need to check my research paper for grammatical errors and awkward word pairings? I think to myself, practically stomping my feet down the hall.I’d sent my completed (on Saturday, hah!) paper to my mother, thinking she’d be proud of me and enjoy the topic.Fast forward to Monday night, I’m at work late about to send it off to my professor, but before I do I’m compelled to call her and say, “I’m turning my paper in!” Why did the child in me want to run to her mom for approbation? I’m not even going to hide it, there is no psycho-analysis that needs to be done, it’s blatant.She had offered to correct some of my grammar mistakes over the weekend, but I had to call to let her know I fine-toothed it myself, and tell her it’d be f Read more:Support
Domestic Bliss 2008-03-16 13:51:00 Ever have trouble finding your car keys? look closely... Then head on over to ode to simple, which I would plug even if it wasn't my sister's blog.She is a genius when it comes to organizing, and has created a site dedicated to what I'd consider an art. She once feng shui'd my room in such a way as to stop me from having nightmares. My bed was in the coffin position, (bed right in front of the doorway) ack! And she encouraged me to take photos of crap I don't need but didn't want to part with so I could still "hang on" to them. I think I've talked about how she got all the normal, calm, and organized genes in the family while I'm chock full o' crazy, including my inability to find anything when I need it. They didn't nickname me the Demolition Squad for nothing when I was younger.Anyways, Read more:Domestic
, Bliss
Blog Bot 2008-03-14 17:10:00 My husband informed me that the person who left a really long comment on my "Fake Writing" post was a Fake Writer him or herself! Ironic huh?Here's a snippet for those who don't care to go find it...Don’t believe one optimistic word from any public figure about the economy or humanity in general. They are all part of the problem. Its like a game of Monopoly. In America, the richest 1% now hold 1/2 OF ALL UNITED STATES WEALTH.Unlike ‘lesser’ estimates, this includes all stocks, bonds, cash, and material assets held by America’s richest 1%. Even that filthy pig Oprah acknowledged that it was at about 50% in 2006. Naturally, she put her own ‘humanitarian’ spin on it.I'm very gullible. I mean, someone wrote it, so I'm not entirely stupid. I figured it was a cut and paste deal.
Website: Son of a Citation 2008-03-14 06:38:00 Okay - for those who are in school I came across a website that has proven quite handy:Son of a Citation
MachineHallelujah. You plug in all your source info, and it cranks out the in-text and works cited formats for four different styles.My citing skills were rusty...althought I'd be interested if anyone out there could vouch for it's accuracy. I plan on checking an actual style guide to make sure, but this helps. Especially since a lot of my research was taken from web pages of foreign governments.
The Little Things 2008-03-12 18:09:00 Today was a good day because:1. As I walked in my house tonight, my husband was in a growling match with our dog. He'd ferreted out where Kiynago was protecting a stash of rotten steak he'd absconded with after ransacking our garbage. Watching Mike hover over Kiynago in a 5 minute stare-down made my heart swell with pride that I have a man who will bother while a rugrat postures against him, and I think this in some weird way proves he'll be a good dad. Or least be able to find our kid's drug stash and yell at him until he repents. It was one of the funniest things I've ever seen and for only that moment I wished I was one of those people with a cell phone video camera.2. My mother, who reads my blog and still loves me, sent me an e-card from "Tut's Adventurers Club" with a picture o
Fake Writing 2008-03-12 05:52:00 I may have to disappear for a few days as I attempt some "real" writing for my International Finance class. The most disappointing thing is that this paper is simply a composite of facts and figures from various sources with a few personal observations peppered in. I keep leaning towards political and economic policy positional arguements but have to slap my hand from typing away...this is a research report. Impartiality.The reality is though, the subject matter is near and dear to my heart and helps me deepen my understanding of the places I refer to as "the homeland," Serbia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In short, they've gone through a rough time, but with the help of the international community they are starting to come around, getting retrained and new technology in place
We Ethnic: A Play in One Act 2008-03-09 14:19:00 SettingHallway of university drama department situated in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Several classrooms line the hall. Female seated in hallway, early 20's, long dark hair in a braid, dark-rimmed glasses, wearing all black, studying a script. TimeYear 2000, mid-afternoon. Classes are in session as girl waits outside for session to begin.(Two African-American males exit a classroom, heading in girl's direction. Begin whispering to each other and stop to talk to her.)MALE #1: Hey girl, what's your name?GIRL: Me?MALE #1: Yeah, you the only one here!GIRL: Milena.MALE #1: (Whispering loudly to his friend) See, I told you... (To the girl) So, where you from?GIRL: Troy, Michigan.MALE #1: Naw, where you really from?GIRL: Uh, I was born in Royal Oak, Michgan.MALE #1: (exasperated) Naw, where's your name
No Ma’am, I’m Not Reading a Book 2008-03-06 22:02:00 Damn it. Foiled again by Reading
Deprivation. I only remember not to read blogs since I’m always in front of a computer. But I’ve been sneaking pages of “Fatherless Women” which I haven’t yet finished.I am realizing some more things as I go through this horrendous assignment. I read because I need to verify the validity of my thoughts and feelings. Reading is a treasure hunt for approval because I don’t really trust myself. I don’t think I can make a decision on my own. I sometimes want to relegate my life decisions to my husband, which is so old-school, but I can see how a woman who gets married could fall into that role easily. She's lost her parents, she doesn't trust herself, and she's got a new man in her life. But I don't feel comfortable doing that. It's not fair to my
Mixed Media 2008-03-06 21:55:00 I keep reading the first 5 sentences of blogs before I remind myself I’m not supposed to be reading them.Yes, I’m trying “Reading Deprivation” again. You ask, “But Milena, why? It’s a stupid exercise that made you horribly depressed the last time you tried it…are you a glutton for punishment?” No, I’m not a glutton for punishment, just curious about what is on the “other side” of a week of reading-lessness, and I joined this little web-group that is going through The Artist’s Way together. I figured some hand-holding would do me good.So – instead of reading I’m working on a new top secret project. Well, it’s not so top secret. I told a friend of mine and my husband, but I don’t want to make a big deal in case anyone finds out what it is and tells me it Read more:Mixed
I Met This Guy on Facebook 2008-03-06 06:09:00 I know, I know, sometimes I've got funny that just won't quit. But what would you say if I told you this guy was a fake? Not because his beard screams "wannabe" but because he is a manifestation of the hyper-realist sculptures of artist Ron Mueck? The latter would win you the daily prize! My adoration. Just for the day.So click on over to some other sites displaying his work, and prepare to be truly amazed.Entertain Your MindKavefishCubeMe Read more:Facebook
6 Things I See Rich People Do 2008-03-04 17:23:00 I know a lot of rich* people. They may not even know my name, but I work in an industry where the sole purpose is to help the rich create and manage their wealth. *For purposes of this post, I’m defining "rich people" as those who generate high levels of income on an ongoing basis. I don’t necessarily mean people who amass wealth over time by pinching pennies and living modestly, which is a great thing, but not what I’m talking about.This is what I’ve learned about what it takes to get there:1. Rich People Define Their Goals and Don’t Complain – I have not heard one rich person whine about their life or waffle about their goals. Sure, they’ll have a meeting to hash things out, but they are eager to lock in a plan of action, don’t dwell on minutiae, and don’t deviate unles
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