A note on returning the favor

Dear Spanish Professor,

I know it's only been two days since we started this new class, but I wanted to share a little something with you. Now, keep in mind this may not be true for all of your students, however it is very true for me. I really just have one question for you...so here goes.

Why do you think it's acceptable to ask me to fill out a ridiculous form at the beginning of the semester telling you random tidbits about myself (i.e. my job, how many years I've taken Spanish, what I plan to do with my life, etc) and then not do the same in return???

I find you very interesting. You ran for U.S. Senate and have already talked in depth about your world travels (including Africa, Europe, and Latin America), yet when I asked you what you do you simply replied "soy un professor" (I am a professor).

I find it a little ridiculous that you get to know about me, but I don't get to know about you. Yea, yea...I know what you're thinking "I'm the professor and can do what I want." I don't disagree with that. I just think it's only fair to return the favor to your students and let them know a little bit about yourself.

Keep in mind that if you didn't require me to fill out your questionnaire, you certainly would not be reading this right now.

Whatever, I'll just google you, Mr. I-Ran-For-US-Senate-Man.


Signed,

Su estudiante

Spring 2011

Today is the last day of winter break. It's bittersweet, as it usually tends to be. This has been a great break. I've been surrounded by both my and Lindsay's families. We've had a lot of good times, eaten way too much food, and relaxed way too much. Now, back to reality.

I'm happy to start the semester. My brain feels like it turns to a big bowl of oatmeal when it isn't being engaged and when my ideals and thoughts aren't being challenged one a daily basis. As always, the beginning of the semester always makes me feel inspired, excited to learn, and proud to be a college student who can bring a new twist to pretty much any topic.

Here's the lineup for this semester and a few thoughts about them individually:

• Introduction to Women's Studies-This is a no brainer. I love women, especially one's that stand up for themselves. As an added bonus, Mercy (one of the docs I work for) will be presenting to my class. I know celebrities. Duh.
  

• Introduction to Religious Studies-I don't know jack shit about religion, so I figured this would be a good way to dabble in the many different world religions.
  

• Intensive Spanish 2-I love learning Spanish. Spanish kicks ass. The first semester of this class was pretty easy, and I'm told the second half is more difficult. I say bring it.

In my blood

Music just seems to be one thing I am always current with. I'm not a movie person (at all) and until recently (a year-ish) I didn't read much either. However, music is something I am always exploring. It inspires, motivates, and moves me.

There really isn't any genre I despise, but I'm not big on country, head-banging metal/screamer rock, or anything that is completely foul-mouthed (some cursing is fine, but every other word is ridiculous).

My favorite genres: pretty much anything that was not mentioned above. No, really. Gimme a good beat I'm ready to rock/sway/dance/hold up my lighter and sing. ;)


I wanted to share a few of my favorite artist/groups and a few new discoveries I have made. First and foremost, my favorites, ones I consider classic to me:

1. Girlyman: best music discovery of the 21st century. These guys opened for The Indigo Girls at a show I went to in Bloomington in 2003. I immediately fell in love with them and have introduced many other fortunate souls since. #Alltimefavorite#
   
2. Ray Lamontagne: give him to me solo or with The Pariah Dogs, IDC. #smoothsound#
   
3. Tori Amos: my friend Joanie introduced me to Tori when I was 12. Her lyrics are sometimes dangerous, her piano skills amazing, and her voice is chilling. Love her. Big thanks to Joanie for that. #realbigtalent#
   
4. Indigo Girls: another introduction complimentary of Joanie. Seriously some kick ass tunes. #feelgoodmusic#
   
5. Scissor Sisters: raunchy, dancey, and electronic. #YUM#
6. Led Zeppelin: I don't even have to say anything else. #Classicrock#
   
7. Train: some of the best beats and lyrics I've ever heard. #favoritemalegroup#
8. Janet Jackson: a great artist with so much diversity in her music. Hello, Velvet Rope?!?! #rocksmyfaceoff#
9. Coldplay: captured me with "Yellow" in 2000. Loved them since. #foralloccassions#
10. Madonna: the queen. Edgy. Daring. Hot. #shesthebeesknees#

Artists that I have recently discovered that I adore:

1. Awolnation: a weird mix of electronics and rock. Sounds great to me.
2. Elisa: thanks to SYTYCD I found her a couple years ago.
   
3. Muse: always a good beat. Easy to listen to.
   
4. Eric Hutchinson: reminds me of Train and Coldplay, except solo.
   
5. Imogen Heap: a crazy mix of vocals and electronics to keep me interested.
6. The Avett Brothers: mellow sounds.
7. Tiesto: electronic inspiration.
8. Matt Natanson: unmistakable voice that I love.
9. Kings of Leon: who doesn't like these guys? Srsly.
10. Florence+The Machine: this lady can sing like whoa!

Last, but certainly not least, I feel that pop, R&B, and rap deserve their own category. I do love a lot of this music, but ultimately as you can see my favorites are the mellow, folky, and electronic types. However, I didn't want to contaminate my other favs with this nonsense, so they get their own little piece of my bloggy-blog-blog:

1. Lady GaGa
2. T.I.
   
3. Drake
4. Akon
5. Nicki Minaj
6. Sean Kingston
7. Eminem
8. Ludacris
9. Jamie Foxx
10. Katy Perry
11. Waka Flocka Fame
12. Iyaz
13. Taio Cruz
14. Rihanna
15. Beyonce
16. Trey Songz
17. P!nk
18. Nelly
19. Septemeber
20. Cascada

Alright, so basically if you ever ride in my truck with me, expect to hear a wide variety of music!!