http://vimeo.com/terjes/themountain

Our world is just so magnificent.

I've begun to think that I'm only attracted to a certain type of person that's almost unattainable, at least for me. First off, I'm almost freakishly tall for a girl and it's hard to find someone taller and muscular enough so that we look good together. I'm not into a certain type, so to speak, but I seem to like dark haired guys more often. I want someone who has a nice smile, is funny, attractive, educated, has the ability to teach me something new, has a balance of smoothness and silliness and someone I can share things with.
I don't feel attracted to really anyone anymore, and I'm starting to get scared that I'll just end up alone because my standards are too high? Below are some examples of guys I am into:

OR

OR

All of these men have strong jawlines and Tom Welling is muscular and either 6'3" or 6'4" - I forget. To me, that's swoon-worthy.
It's not just that I'm only attracted to these types of people, but I'm reduced to going on dating sites to find someone and the only people who are interested in me, look like this:

I don't know about you, but people like this make me uneasy.

It's stressful to know that I'm only attracted to people who will (most likely) never be attracted to me. The above three people are the ones I could think of off the top of my head that are attractive enough for my taste. To be quite honest, there has not been one person in a very long time that has piqued my interest. In all honesty, I wasn't attracted to my last boyfriend for the first month and a half of non-exclusive dating.

It feels horrible to not be attracted to anyone below "drop-dead gorgeous" appeal, but that's just how it is. I'm worried the guys I'm attracted to will never be attracted to me, and I'll end up having to settle for Child-Molester-Mustache-Man (as seen above) who is shorter than me (HUGE turn off, by the way - I just am not, nor have I ever been, attracted to someone who isn't at least 2 inches taller than me. I don't know how my standards got so high. I've always been broken up with, and I'm not known for having the best self-confidence so I'm at a loss for why I've stopped being attracted to anything less than a 9.5.

I know some people are going to say "You set your sights too high and you're going to end up alone" or "What a bitch" or some other condescending phrase. I already can hear it being shouted at me in my head, so don't waste your time voicing it.

I just don't know what to do....

Professor Lee Teabing/Gandalf for the win

Remember your history, kids!

Holy Crap this is accurate...

I took a personality/color test that was supposed to be really accurate. I thought, "sure, yeah, right" but as I kept reading..... 90% of this is accurate. Insane!

Your Existing Situation

"Is stubborn and strong-willed, once her mind is made up it is impossible to change it. she does not ask for much, so she feels when she does ask her needs should be met."

Your Stress Sources

"Looking to stand out in the crowd and wanting to keep her rank and status. her current situation is irritating her because she can't seem to find anybody out there who values the same high standards she does. she is feeling isolated and wants to give in to her carnal urges, but can't bring herself to appear weak in the eyes of others. Wants others to see her unique qualities and character but can't stand to come off as needy, so instead she has an ""I don't care"" attitude and pushing people away. she turns her back on those who criticizes her behavior, but beneath her indifference is a person who is in desperate need of approval."

Your Restrained Characteristics

"His desire to avoid open conflict and tension forces her to put her desires on hold, even though she is feeling restrained and uneasy."

"Self-centered, tends to take this personally and is easily offended, which leaves her feeling isolated."

Current situations have left her feeling overwhelmed and tormented. Needs to avoid further activity or demands and concentrate on relaxing and becoming emotionally sound.

Applies tough standards to her potential partner and demands an unrealistic perfection in her sex life.

"Although she feels isolated and alone, she is afraid of forming deep, meaningful relationships. Is conceited and is easily offended."

Your Desired Objective

"Feels that nothing can upset her or phase her and is constantly trying to prove that to herself and others. Believes she is better than any weakness. As a result of her beliefs, she comes across as harsh or severe to those around him, with an overbearing and arrogant attitude."

Your Actual Problem

"Has been disappointed and let down, believes it is pointless to come up with new goals as they will most likely disappoint as well. Needs to be recognized and respected, but is worried about the future. Reacts by avoiding situations where she will be criticizes or others will attempt to influence her. Tries to take charge of the situation by controlling the details and strengthen her position. "

Your Actual Problem #2

"Needs to be viewed and respected as an outstanding individual, in order to build her self-esteem and self-worth. Resists any type of weakness and sets high standards for himself."

As I approach the middle of the term, it still hasn't hit me that in a few months, I'll be halfway across the world, far from everything and everyone I've known. Still, I welcome the adventure. I'll be spending 9 months in Poitiers, France - a beautiful town situated near the Loire Valley. It has a combination of Renaissance and Gothic style, which is appealing to me. It's about 2 hours (or thereabouts) by train to Paris and around 100km (60mi) to Tours. I just made my visa appointment at the French Consulate in San Francisco the other day, and am eager to get down there and get everything situated.
At this very moment, I'm procrastinating doing a french assignment (around 300 words) on "Don Juan" for my French Theater class. It's an interesting enough class, it's just hard to be motivated when Mondays and Wednesdays are French class (very "left brain") and Tuesdays and Thursdays are Geology and Astronomy (which are more "right brain" to me). It's difficult to switch gears, but it has to be done.
I'm hoping that my friend, Victoria, will be abroad at the same time as me, so we can get together at some point. She'll be in Aarhus, Denmark during the same year I'll be in Poitiers, if everything works right.

Don Juan is calling my name, and I believe it futile to resist.

Bornholm Island

Well Bornholm, you kicked my butt last night. I reallky can't understand how the Danes do it night after night. I feel awful this morning.

I am headed on a ferry to Sweden today, so that should be interesting (read: not fun). Then when we get back to Copenhagen, all of us are going to change, and head to TIVOLI!!!!! I am really excited. I can't seem to access my online account to see how much money I have left, which is frustrating.

We went and saw the island yesterday. It is quickly becoming my favorite place in Denmark. Just cute and gorgeous.

Part of me wants to stay, and part of me is ready to return home. This morning I just feel like I want my mommy. I can't wait to experience Tivoli. The students from Rungsted are meeting us in Copenhagen, so we get to see them once more. :-)

Folketinget and Aarhus

     I am here in Aarhus at the moment with my host brother, Martin. Debating in the Folketinget (Parliament) was really educational and a wonderful experience. I was selected to be a co-president in the parliament and keep control of about 95 teenagers. I, along with Eugene, got interviewed by a paper in Denmark, and she gave me the email address so I can get a copy. My host brother is really nice and I get along with him well. He actually went shopping with me in H&M today (kudos to Martin). He has two cats, Tarzan and Laban (pronounced Lay-bon... or thereabouts. It means scoundrel). Laban especially, is HUGE. Now, I don't mean fat, I mean he is about twice the size of a normal cat, at least. I thought he was exagerrating when he said Laban was big, but my first thought when I saw with my own eyes was, " WOW". He is solid black and completely loveable. But enough about the cats...
     Martin is an expert on American football and is astounded that I went to Troy Polamalu's old high school. I find it entertaining. He is a Tennessee Titans fan. We were talking about Deacon Jones and Crazy Legs Hirsch along with current and former players. It is actually a pretty deep conversation as far as football goes. My dad would be so proud. Mom, if you're reading this... be sure to tell dad!

Tomorrow I will be headed to Bornholm. I still need to find something to get my dad and sister.

     I FINALLY got some Kinder chocolate. I am considering having Kinder chocolate sent to the States. It's absolutely, positively amazing. The surprise eggs are cute, and fun. They bring out the little kid in you. I wish the U.S. sold them. They would be incredibly popular, although that would be bad for companies such as Hershey.
     The money here is gorgeous. The food is good. AND they have Coca-Cola Light and Kinder. I love Europe.


Okay, so this keyboard is driving me a little insane. I keep hitting keys that should be where the semi colon is (Æ/æ) and next to that is Ø. The right hand of homerow keys is shifted to the left. The way of constructing the @ symbol is different as well. By the time I get used to this keyboard, it'll be time to go back home :)

okay, off to watch some movies, maybe play some Madden '11, and eat some food

Day 4?

I am here in Rungsted about to have a Danish version of pizza and it smells delicious. I think we are going to the cinema tonight and seeing Toy Story. I have started to pick up the accent and it feels a little weird lol. The parliament is tomorrow. We had our first day of debates today. Tomorrow we are debating in the pariament and have to drag our luggage halfway across Copenhagen, fun. Then after the debates, We will be heading to Arhus. I got a chance to get my mom something, but have not found anything for anyone else. We spent yesterday in Copenhagen on a scavenger hunt and we got to wander around. I had a great hot dog from a vending cart. They put the hot dog in a slot in the bread, so bread actually encases the meat. It is quite interesting, and convenient. Well, it is actually hard typing in english because some of my grammar is going away, so I am sorry if some of this sounds incorrect lol. I have to think a lot because I am picking up some words and it is getting harder to talk in proper english. I am starving so I am logging off to grab some food.


Miss you, Mom, Dad, and Jenn! Also all the animals.....

Day 2

Morning all! Or should I say, goodnight?

It's just after 8 am here and I'm getting ready to go to Rungsted to meet my first host family. My host sister's name is Thalia, and she's incredibly nice. After that, I think I'm going to have lunch with my family, then head north to visit Kronborg Castle in Elisnore (Hamlet's Castle). I'm really looking forward to this, since I was Laertes in the play. I love seeing cultural and historical sites. After that, I believe we'll be headed back to the gymnasium for a potluck and the Danish version of baseball, "rundbold".

Sunday I'll be on a scavenger hunt across Copenhagen with some American and Danish students. I get to spend the morning with my host family, so I'm also looking forward to that.

I never realized how much Coca-Cola Light reminds me of Europe when I drink it. It doesn't have quite the same taste as Diet Coke, so the taste brings me back to good times in France. Speaking of which, here when you walk down the street, it's much like in America where you make eye contact and politely smile. In France, you never did anything of the sort. Also, we are constantly on the look out for bicycles, because they're so abundant here. If you hear a dinging behind you, quickly move to the right because it means a cyclist is about to pass you on the left.


Now, to finish packing and getting ready, then off to Elsinore!

Denmark!

Hey all!!
      I got here safe and sound and it is 12:20 pm in Copenhagen. I got to sit by Quinn Rolf, from Lincoln High School on both flights and we had some good chats. I finally got to watch part of Princess Mononoke with him, as well. On the flight from Atlanta to Copenhagen, I also sat by a Danish gentleman who ordered alcohol every time he was offered a beverage. I found that amusing, in part because he might have just not wanted to sit by two students. My left eye got something in it, so I was without glasses or contacts in my eyes for the second flight. I just took a shower at the Copenhagen Towers Plaza and can now put contacts in with relatively little stinging. Thank goodness.... I was blind as a bat for a while there....
     When the shuttle came to pick us up, the driver was a younger version of Curtis Stone (Jenn, you know who I am talking about). For anyone that doesn't, he is... how shall we put this?........Hella attractive... yeah, that's it. He was flirting with all the girls in the shuttle, of course. I was the lucky person to sit in the front seat. His name is Frederick, by the way, and he isn't the only attractive one I've seen in my short time here. One other shuttle guy looked a tiny bit like Robert Pattinson, save the scruffyness, and he was more put together. Can't wait to see who else I come across ;)
      I might head to a mall across the street. The hotel is in the industrial district, and it is very modern. I absolutely love my hotel room. I will be posting photos as soon as possible. We have orientation, I believe at 3:30pm. After that, it sounds like we have some free time to hang out. It was raining earlier, but it looks from here like the sun is trying to peak out. Let's hope it's here to stay.

Well I think I am going to go get something to eat. The other 'delegates' are great and I've made some new friends. I'll be updating on here as much as I can, so stay tuned!

15 Dating Terms to Bring Back!

I completely agree with this.





Long before we were sexting and sexiling and friending and becoming Facebook official, we were "seeing someone special" and "rendezvousing." Call us old-fashioned, but once upon a time, there were some pretty sweet dating terms that, if genuinely brought back, could really change the game. Here are 15 vintage dating terms that need to make a comeback:

1. Woo, court. These are verbs. They imply effort on the man's part (You never hear about a woman courting a man). Also: wouldn't you rather be courted than chased? "Chased" sounds like we have to run for our lives or play a strategic spy game. But if a man is going to court us, it sounds like we can get comfortable.

2. Dance card. Men had to plan ahead and compete just to reserve one waltz or jitterbug with you. Take a number, boys!

3. Necking. Great word meaning "making out passionately." But also kind of weird.

4. Parking. I've always wanted to drive to Inspiration Point and park with a fella.

5. Going steady. This used to mean "dating exclusively," but it's such an accurate description of the pseudo-quasi-relationship nonsense that goes on today. Literally, you're going along, seeing each other steadily, as far as you know, until he stops texting. The term would be so useful in modern times; if someone asks, "Are you two 'boyfriend-girlfriend,'" you could answer, "Well, we had a great momentum that first week, and so far, anyway, we're going steady."

6. First base, second base. This little system is much better and far more accurate than the catch-all term "hooking up," which is too vague and general, and therefore inadequate.

7. "When can I see you?" and "Can I call you?" Remember when guys respectfully asked permission to make contact with you, and they made reference to actually picking up the receiver on the telephone and speaking into it?

8. Beau, paramour, suitor, lover. Some women still use these romantic-sounding terms. I don't use them enough, Darling.

9. Dear John letter. Back in the day, it was totally legit to break up with someone through the post. So why do we feel bad about emailing or texting someone a rejection?

10. Dalliance. A classier synonym for "fling." A fling sounds like an accident, or something hasty or messy. A dalliance sounds like something you enjoyed while summering in Capri.

11. Dreamboat. Because "hottie" just doesn't do George Clooney justice. And we're not ready to bring back "hunk."

12. Getting pinned, wearing his ring. Granted, I attended a few pinning ceremonies in my sorority in the late 1990s, but I mean, they just didn't hold the same suspense, magic, or gravity of, say, when Danny gave Sandy his ring in Grease.

13. Shotgun wedding. Don't you sometimes half wish your dad had a firearm and could just make things happen?

14. "I'll pencil you in" (woman speaking). It's so non-committal. I miss the pencil. And I miss my datebook.


15. Little black book. Because no one ever wrote, "Redhead From Club Electra – Do Not Pick Up" as the name of a contact in an address book.

New Blog

I've had a blog over at livejournal, but have been thinking about switching over to this site for a while. It's better, just all around. I'm not sure if I can transfer over all my entries, but if not, I guess it's good to start fresh. Maybe I'll transfer over some entries that I'm particularly fond of, then report back....