Friday, May 16, 2008

Books on Tape - Reading or Cheating?

Spoiler alert: This blog is really nerdy.


As you probably already know, I don't do much at work. I sit around all day and wait for someone to tell me what to do. It's pretty boring. But, when i actually have work to do, it doesn't take any brain power. So, i decided that i would start reading. I brought a book in, Pride & Prejudice, (Jessica's suggestion) and began to read. The funny thing was, is that people will always stopped me to comment on the book that I was reading! It was extremely frustrating, especially considering that I was having hard enough time just concentrating on the crazy ramblings of Elizabeth as it was.

I noticed; however, that when i listen to music that people never bother me. Which is great, because I don't really have anything to say to anyone at work anyway! So i brought a few books on tape with me, and i've been listening and enjoying them since.

Now this is when it gets sketchy. After i finished "reading" one of my books, my roommate said that i had not in fact read the book, because i didn't have the book, and didn't read it with my eyes. My opinion is, is that if you are too busy to sit down and read, but you can pay attention, than it is perfectly ok to listen to books. So far, i've "read" 5 books through my ear phones, and i can say that i probably paid more attention to them through that method than through actual reading. I would say that i probably never would have finished P&P any other way.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Portland - - The city that never stops raining!


I have been living in Portland for around 4 months now. It's a fine city, as far as cities are concerned. It's very green, and very diverse. In fact the slogan of the city is "Keep Portland Weird." which people here definitely take to heart. Walking through downtown Portland is like walking through a freak show, especially at the Saturday Market, (an outdoor flea market, where people sell there home made goods) where normalcy is frowned upon. :)

All the rumors of Portland are true. It rains alot. In fact, i would say that it's rained everyday since i've been here, minus 3 days. It doesn't bother me, everyone i talk to tells me that they would get really depressed if they lived here. But, I like the rain.

Another good thing about living in a really diverse city is the different food that i get to eat. Anyone who knows me, knows that i love to eat a different types of restaurants. True, i eat the same thing at most restaurants, (hamburger with no onion, no mayo, but add bacon) - - a phrase i can say in 3 languages, English, Czech, Slovak .... I also enjoy eating at different places. One of my new favorite places to eat at is a sushiland! it's a place where these Mexicans will make you sushi! I've eaten almost everything on the menu, but my two favorite things are: 1) California roll 2) Cucumber wrapped in seaweed. I like it, it's pretty cheap, and it's a fun atmosphere. I took a picture with my phone, so it's bad quality but it'll give you an idea of what the menu is like. That is octopus, which isn't bad, just chewy.

There is more going on in my life which i will explain on a later blog, but since i'm at work right now, i don't want to over do it!