Mini apples

I haven't blogged in a while. At first I attributed this just to old habit. I have about six beautiful journals with the first five pages filled out, one of which says something like "The Private Property Of Rachel Zack--Do Not Read, Penalty of Death," in all caps like that, because this sentence I would equate to the title. But this blog is clearly public (thank you mother) drawing a distinct line between my approach to it and the journals that supersede it. Back to my point, I have come up with an explanation for why I haven't been blogging that has nothing to do with disinterest. Whether or not I am just rationalizing my behavior I will leave up to you. I think that my lack of blogging can be attributed to my past week of computer related obligations that made spending extra time at the computer seem unappealing as well as the plain fact that these activities are just not worthy of public attention.

I am going to contradict my last statement right now and take a second to warn everyone never to take a class with Michelle Thompson of Cornell University. As far as I am concerned she is a thief. She wouldn't talk to us all week and if we had any questions she would write back and tell you to reread the directions...as though her job stopped after the syllabus and assignments, and if it wasn't clear then you have poor comprehension, it certainly could not be unclear. During our work sessions she would say things like, "Don't worry, we are in this together. I am here for you," and then make phone conferences with us that she would blow off. On top of her poor communication and response during the week, she would try and use reverse psychology on us during our once a week two hour class time by saying, "I'm going to let you go early so you can work on your assignments..." ...Thanks? How about you put together a lesson plan? As far as I'm concerned she owes me half of my money back for teaching myself.

I blew off my GIS project to go to the Matisyahu show at Summerfest. We went with Ben Ingle and two of his friends who turned out to be really fun. Gretchen and I snaked our way to the front of the crowd but at about 20 feet from the stage we couldn't go farther and we couldn't see anything. We decided that we weren't going to settle for a view of some high school hippie's heads so we overturned a huge barrel trash can and climbed up to dance. On top of the trashcan we had a clear view of the stage and of the crowd who now had their cell phones (now more common than lighters) up swaying for Jerusalem. It was nuts. Eventually security came over to tell us to get down but that was after an hour of unobstructed views of Matisyahu so we were very apologetic and willing.

After I got all my materials in for GIS it was vacation time! For Carl! So that was crazy because it was his first time leaving the organization in anyone elses hands. After one day of taking the reins, I was ready for my own vacation...Minneapolis! I booked my ticket on the Megabus and went to visit Siri and Jen.

Minneapolis is beautiful. The city of lakes. We walked around, saw the sights, made food, reminisced, drank a lot, and saw fireworks. It was really nice. Here are some pictures:

Our dinner which prompted comments such as, "I didn't realize vegan can be so easy!" Word up girl.


We watched fireworks at some bridge by Nye's Polka Bar. Oh, that river is the Mississippi.


I saw a lot of parrells to Copenhagen...the lakes, the summer happiness, the dread of winter...


This was my sweet ride for the weekend.


Minneapolis has these well maintained Greenways that should really be a goal in most cities.


All in all a great trip. I already miss them. Next weekend I'm off to Chicago!