It seems it's time to put away the cute shoes of summer and get out the winter boots and shoes. I suppose I'll have to do the same with my clothing. This is always a good time to get rid of the stuff I didn't wear over the summer or have decided a absolutely hate.
As I was getting my winter shoes out, aside from noticing that there are only 14 pair of winter shoes in my closet; that it is indeed time to go shoe shopping. Good Lord, how am I supposed to get dressed in the morning with only 14 pair of shoes to choose from??!
I also got to thinking about where my life was the last time I had these winter shoes on. Where did I think I would be the next time I put them on? My life has changed quite a bit since I last wore these shoes. And, thus far it doesn't seem as though that's a bad thing-thankfully!
And as I put away the summer shoes I wonder how my life will have changed when I go to put them on again next year? I think in the last three months I have discovered more about myself than I have in the last three years. I have surrounded myself with the most wonderful friends anyone could ask for. These are the people that encouraged me to get on with school, get on with my photography and now ultimately, get on with my life. These same people have been of great comfort and support to me through these endeavours. Thank you, all of you!
Now, I must go and finish putting the past behind me and get myself ready for what's ahead. It seems as though the shoes remain the same but the path they will walk on will certainly be different.
Friday, September 30, 2005
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Can You Smell That Smell?
I swear, every time I go to the gym, I have to deal with one or all of the following:
a. The staff is cleaning. Not just running the vacuum but cleaning the glass or mirrors. That requires them to fill the air with some noxious cleaning liquid. Hello, I'm trying to breathe over here...me, the one that's sweating?!?
b. Someone had beans for lunch. It never fails, the person that is somewhere in close proximity to me has some sort of gas issue. Again, I'm trying to breathe, do I have to smell what you had for lunch?
c. And finally, no matter where I am in the gym, I end up being next to the person that decided against using any kind of deodorant that morning. People, if you're going to work out, please, please, don't make the rest of us feel like we're working out in a sub shop.
OK, I'm not perfect. I often get cranked up on whatever music I'm listening to and occasionally sing outloud. I don't see the problem: "I'm not the one who's so far away when I feel the snake bite into my veins. Never did I wanna be here again, and I don’t remember why I came."
a. The staff is cleaning. Not just running the vacuum but cleaning the glass or mirrors. That requires them to fill the air with some noxious cleaning liquid. Hello, I'm trying to breathe over here...me, the one that's sweating?!?
b. Someone had beans for lunch. It never fails, the person that is somewhere in close proximity to me has some sort of gas issue. Again, I'm trying to breathe, do I have to smell what you had for lunch?
c. And finally, no matter where I am in the gym, I end up being next to the person that decided against using any kind of deodorant that morning. People, if you're going to work out, please, please, don't make the rest of us feel like we're working out in a sub shop.
OK, I'm not perfect. I often get cranked up on whatever music I'm listening to and occasionally sing outloud. I don't see the problem: "I'm not the one who's so far away when I feel the snake bite into my veins. Never did I wanna be here again, and I don’t remember why I came."
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Can You Relate?
No, I did not write this, but if you have ever tried this, you will identify...guys included!
All hair removal methods have tricked women with their promises of easy, painless removal - The epilady, scissors, razors, Nair and now...the wax. My night began as any other normal weeknight. Come home, fix dinner, play with the kids. I then had the thought that would ring painfully in my mind for the next few hours: "Maybe I should pull the waxing kit out of the medicine cabinet." So I headed to the site of my demise: the bathroom. It was one of those "cold wax" kits. No melting a clump of hot wax, you just rub the strips together in your hand, they get warm and you peel them apart and press them to your leg (or wherever else) and you pull the hair right off. No muss, no fuss. How hard can it be? I mean, I'm not a genius, but I am mechanically inclined enough to figure this out. (YA THINK!?!)
So I pull one of the thin strips out. It's two strips facing each other stuck together. Instead of rubbing them together, my genius kicks in so I get out the hair dryer and heat it to 1000 degrees. ("Cold wax,"yeah...right!) I lay the strip across my thigh. Hold the skin around it tight and pull. It works! OK, so it wasn't the best feeling, but it wasn't too bad. I can do this! Hair removal no longer eludes me! I am She-rah, fighter of all wayward body hair and maker of smooth skin extraordinaire. With my next wax strip I move north. After checking on the kids, I sneak back into the bathroom, for the ultimate hair fighting championship.
I drop my panties and place one foot on the toilet. Using the same procedure, I apply the wax strip across the right side of my bikini line, covering the right half of my vagina and stretching down to the inside of my butt cheek (yes, it was a long strip!) I inhale deeply and brace myself....RRRRIIIPPP!!!! I'm blind!!! Blinded from pain!!!!....OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!! Vision returning, I notice that I've only managed to pull off half the strip. CRAP!!! Another deep breath and RRIIPP!! Everything is swirly and spotted. I think I may pass out...must stay conscious...Do I hear crashing drums??? Breathe, breathe...OK, back to normal.I want to see my trophy - a wax covered strip, the one that has caused me so much pain, with my hairy pelt sticking to it. I want to revel in the glory that is my triumph over body hair. I hold up the strip! There's no hair on it. Where is the hair??? WHERE IS THE WAX??? Slowly I ease my head down, foot still perched on the toilet. I see the hair. The hair that should be on the strip. I touch. I am touching wax. CRAP! I run my fingers over the most sensitive part of my body,which is now covered in cold wax and matted hair. Then I make the next BIG mistake...remember my foot is still propped up on the toilet? I know I need to do something. So I put my foot down. DAMN!!!!!!!! I hear the slamming of a cell door. Vagina? Sealed shut! Butt?? Sealed shut!
I penguin walk around the bathroom trying to figure out what to do and think to myself "Please don't let me get the urge to poop. My head may pop off!" What can I do to melt the wax? Hot water!! Hot water melts wax!! I'll run the hottest water I can stand into the bathtub, get in, immerse the wax-covered bits and the wax should melt and I can gently wipe it off, right??? *WRONG!!!!!!!* I get in the tub - the water is slightly hotter than that used to torture prisoners of war or sterilize surgical equipment - I sit. Now, the only thing worse than having your nether regions glued together, is having them glued together and then glued to the bottom of the tub...in scalding hot water. Which, by the way, doesn't melt cold wax. So, now I'm stuck to the bottom of the tub as though I had cement-epoxied myself to the porcelain!! God bless the man who had convinced me a few months ago to have a phone put in the bathroom!!!!
I call my friend, thinking surely she has waxed before and has some secret of how to get me undone. It's a very good conversation starter -"So, my butt and who-ha are glued together to the bottom of the tub!" There is a slight pause. She doesn't know any secret tricks for removal but she does try to hide her laughter from me. She wants to know exactly where the wax is located, "Are we talking cheeks or hole or who-ha?" She's laughing out loud by now...I can hear her. I give her the rundown and she suggests I call the number on the side of the box. YEAH!!!!Right!! I should be the joke of someone else's night. While we go through various solutions. I resort to scraping the wax off with a razor. Nothing feels better then to have your girlie goodies covered in hot wax, glued shut, stuck to the tub in super hot water and then dry-shaving the sticky wax off!! By now the brain is not working, dignity has taken a major hike and I'm pretty sure I'm going to need Post-Traumatic Stress counseling for this event. My friend is still talking with me when I finally see my saving grace....the lotion they give you to remove the excess wax. What do I really have to lose at this point?
I rub some on and OH MY GOD!!!!!!! The scream probably woke the kids and scared the dickens out of my friend. It's sooo painful, but I really don't care. "IT WORKS!! It works!!" I get a hearty congratulation from my friend and she hangs up. I successfully remove the remainder of the wax and then notice to my grief and despair....THE HAIR IS STILL THERE.......ALL OF IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. So I recklessly shave it off. Heck, I'm numb by now. Nothing hurts. I could have amputated my own leg at this point.
Next week I'm going to try hair color
All hair removal methods have tricked women with their promises of easy, painless removal - The epilady, scissors, razors, Nair and now...the wax. My night began as any other normal weeknight. Come home, fix dinner, play with the kids. I then had the thought that would ring painfully in my mind for the next few hours: "Maybe I should pull the waxing kit out of the medicine cabinet." So I headed to the site of my demise: the bathroom. It was one of those "cold wax" kits. No melting a clump of hot wax, you just rub the strips together in your hand, they get warm and you peel them apart and press them to your leg (or wherever else) and you pull the hair right off. No muss, no fuss. How hard can it be? I mean, I'm not a genius, but I am mechanically inclined enough to figure this out. (YA THINK!?!)
So I pull one of the thin strips out. It's two strips facing each other stuck together. Instead of rubbing them together, my genius kicks in so I get out the hair dryer and heat it to 1000 degrees. ("Cold wax,"yeah...right!) I lay the strip across my thigh. Hold the skin around it tight and pull. It works! OK, so it wasn't the best feeling, but it wasn't too bad. I can do this! Hair removal no longer eludes me! I am She-rah, fighter of all wayward body hair and maker of smooth skin extraordinaire. With my next wax strip I move north. After checking on the kids, I sneak back into the bathroom, for the ultimate hair fighting championship.
I drop my panties and place one foot on the toilet. Using the same procedure, I apply the wax strip across the right side of my bikini line, covering the right half of my vagina and stretching down to the inside of my butt cheek (yes, it was a long strip!) I inhale deeply and brace myself....RRRRIIIPPP!!!! I'm blind!!! Blinded from pain!!!!....OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!! Vision returning, I notice that I've only managed to pull off half the strip. CRAP!!! Another deep breath and RRIIPP!! Everything is swirly and spotted. I think I may pass out...must stay conscious...Do I hear crashing drums??? Breathe, breathe...OK, back to normal.I want to see my trophy - a wax covered strip, the one that has caused me so much pain, with my hairy pelt sticking to it. I want to revel in the glory that is my triumph over body hair. I hold up the strip! There's no hair on it. Where is the hair??? WHERE IS THE WAX??? Slowly I ease my head down, foot still perched on the toilet. I see the hair. The hair that should be on the strip. I touch. I am touching wax. CRAP! I run my fingers over the most sensitive part of my body,which is now covered in cold wax and matted hair. Then I make the next BIG mistake...remember my foot is still propped up on the toilet? I know I need to do something. So I put my foot down. DAMN!!!!!!!! I hear the slamming of a cell door. Vagina? Sealed shut! Butt?? Sealed shut!
I penguin walk around the bathroom trying to figure out what to do and think to myself "Please don't let me get the urge to poop. My head may pop off!" What can I do to melt the wax? Hot water!! Hot water melts wax!! I'll run the hottest water I can stand into the bathtub, get in, immerse the wax-covered bits and the wax should melt and I can gently wipe it off, right??? *WRONG!!!!!!!* I get in the tub - the water is slightly hotter than that used to torture prisoners of war or sterilize surgical equipment - I sit. Now, the only thing worse than having your nether regions glued together, is having them glued together and then glued to the bottom of the tub...in scalding hot water. Which, by the way, doesn't melt cold wax. So, now I'm stuck to the bottom of the tub as though I had cement-epoxied myself to the porcelain!! God bless the man who had convinced me a few months ago to have a phone put in the bathroom!!!!
I call my friend, thinking surely she has waxed before and has some secret of how to get me undone. It's a very good conversation starter -"So, my butt and who-ha are glued together to the bottom of the tub!" There is a slight pause. She doesn't know any secret tricks for removal but she does try to hide her laughter from me. She wants to know exactly where the wax is located, "Are we talking cheeks or hole or who-ha?" She's laughing out loud by now...I can hear her. I give her the rundown and she suggests I call the number on the side of the box. YEAH!!!!Right!! I should be the joke of someone else's night. While we go through various solutions. I resort to scraping the wax off with a razor. Nothing feels better then to have your girlie goodies covered in hot wax, glued shut, stuck to the tub in super hot water and then dry-shaving the sticky wax off!! By now the brain is not working, dignity has taken a major hike and I'm pretty sure I'm going to need Post-Traumatic Stress counseling for this event. My friend is still talking with me when I finally see my saving grace....the lotion they give you to remove the excess wax. What do I really have to lose at this point?
I rub some on and OH MY GOD!!!!!!! The scream probably woke the kids and scared the dickens out of my friend. It's sooo painful, but I really don't care. "IT WORKS!! It works!!" I get a hearty congratulation from my friend and she hangs up. I successfully remove the remainder of the wax and then notice to my grief and despair....THE HAIR IS STILL THERE.......ALL OF IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. So I recklessly shave it off. Heck, I'm numb by now. Nothing hurts. I could have amputated my own leg at this point.
Next week I'm going to try hair color
Sunday, September 25, 2005
A Word from our Sponsors
Yo! This is 'Nilla Bling T and Dopetastic D. Dogg in da hizouse talkin to all you playazzz out there. Get on over to Love For Sale to get all the answers to your questions about the fine merchandise we got to move!
Word.
Word.
Friday, September 23, 2005
Tag You're It!
I've been tagged by Interstellar Lass to tell you even more things about myself! Whoohoo!
7 things I plan to do before I die:
Surf
Get my Bachelors degree
Fall in love
Learn to sew
Travel more
Be peaceful
7 things I can do:
Play the piano (a little), the guitar (even less), and the flute (but it has been years)
Draw, paint, pottery, photography
Speak some French
Be a good friend
Twirl a baton
Sing
Speak in front of people
7 things I cannot do:
Speak Swahili
Eat meat
Surf
Sew
Build stuff
Lie, cheat or steal
Do a back bend
7 things that attract me to another person:
Honesty
Intelligence
Talent
Humor
Looks
Height
Eyes
7 celebrity crushes:
Jim Morrison
Michael Hutchence
Joaquin Phoenix
Alec Baldwin
Criss Angel
Julian McMahon
Jose Canseco (did he play baseball or something?)
7 Things I say the most:
F*#k
Whatever!
Hi
What's goin on?
Oh God
Knock it off!
I hate everyone and everything
7 bloggers I am tagging:
First Time
Smoke & Mirrors
Love For Sale
Walking, Talking Poison
Mysrey
Ashman
It's Jim (just so you won't give Scott a hard time!)
7 things I plan to do before I die:
Surf
Get my Bachelors degree
Fall in love
Learn to sew
Travel more
Be peaceful
7 things I can do:
Play the piano (a little), the guitar (even less), and the flute (but it has been years)
Draw, paint, pottery, photography
Speak some French
Be a good friend
Twirl a baton
Sing
Speak in front of people
7 things I cannot do:
Speak Swahili
Eat meat
Surf
Sew
Build stuff
Lie, cheat or steal
Do a back bend
7 things that attract me to another person:
Honesty
Intelligence
Talent
Humor
Looks
Height
Eyes
7 celebrity crushes:
Jim Morrison
Michael Hutchence
Joaquin Phoenix
Alec Baldwin
Criss Angel
Julian McMahon
Jose Canseco (did he play baseball or something?)
7 Things I say the most:
F*#k
Whatever!
Hi
What's goin on?
Oh God
Knock it off!
I hate everyone and everything
7 bloggers I am tagging:
First Time
Smoke & Mirrors
Love For Sale
Walking, Talking Poison
Mysrey
Ashman
It's Jim (just so you won't give Scott a hard time!)
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Did Anyone Notice?
There's a man for sale out here?? Seems like a perfectly good white boy!
http://buymywares.blogspot.com/
http://buymywares.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Been Caught Stealing
I stole this from Interstellar Lass's blog so I can take this time to talk about me. Just in case you didn't know, it's all about me.
((CURRENT. ..))
Current Clothes: gray skirt, striped blouse
Current Mood: sleepy
Current Music: Jimmy Buffet's Radio Margaritaville
Current Hair: this week it's medium brown
Current Smell: L'Occitane Green Tea and Mint
Current Desktop Picture: One of First Time's beach pics
Current Favorite Artist: I'm an art history major, I can't just pick one!
Current Favorite Group: System of a Down
Current Book: Housekeeping (for fun), Seven Ages of Paris (because I hafta)
Current CD in CD Player: at home there's 25 in the player, in the car, I think it's the Femmes
Current DVD in DVD Player: none
Current Color Of Toenails: chocolate
Current Refreshment: plain ole tap water
Current Worry: Worry isn't really the word I would use...
((FAVORITES. ..))
Color: Black
Foods: Mexican, Pizza
Drink: whiskey
Album: depends on my mood
Shoes: certainly not the one's I have on right now...they're killing me!
Candy: anything chocolate
Animal: cats, dog, horses
TV Show: Nip/Tuck, Will & Grace, anything on the Food Network
Song: There's too many!
Vegetable: all of them
Fruit: i had some really good cantaloupe this morning!
Cartoon: South Park
((ARE YOU. ..))
Understanding: way too much sometimes
Open-minded: yes!
Arrogant: I don't think so
Insecure: sometimes
Interesting: hell yea!
Easily Amused: terribly!
Random: I don't understand this one
Hungry: nope, just ate lunch
Friendly: Most of the time
Smart: when I'm not acting stupid I am
Moody: uh, yea!
Childish: moi????
A good kisser: I'd like to think so
Independent: occasionally
Healthy: try to be
Emotionally Stable: I'd like to plead the fifth on this!
Shy: Quite...NOT!
Difficult: frequently
Easily: Don't get this one either
Messy: sometimes
Thirsty: why is it 5:00?
Responsible: yes, annoyingly so
Obsessed: sometimes
Angry: often, when I have to deal with other humans is usually when it starts
Sad: sometimes
Happy: often
Hyper: occasionally
Trusting: not at first
Talkative: Yes
((WHO DO YOU WANT TO. ..))
Kill: let me get the list
Slap: same list as above
Tickle: Mr. Kitzer and Addie
Like: I don't think I've met him yet
Kiss: him either
Hug: or him
((HAVE YOU EVER. ..))
Been kissed? yes
Been kissed in the rain? hmmm?
Eaten an entire package of Oreos? not that I'm willing to admit
Been on stage? yes
Dumped Someone? yes
Gotten in a car accident? yes
Been in love? I need help with this one
((FAVORITE. ..))
Shampoo? The stuff for brown hair
Toothpaste? Crest?
Soap? The Body Shop
Room in your house? Bedroom
Instrument? piano
Flower? Gerbera Daisy
Piece of jewelry? The 5 carat diamond Mr. Right is going to buy me when we register at Tiffany's
Piece of clothes? PJ bottems
((EITHER/OR. ..))
Coffee or hot chocolate? hot choc I guess since I have to pick
Big or little?: What are we talking about here?
New or old? Again, what's my reference point?
Sweater or sweatshirt? sweatshirt
Wool or cotton? cotton
Oldies or pop? neither Rock-n-roll
Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend? Not that I'm aware of
Do you want a boyfriend/girlfriend? Hmmmm
Do you have a best friend? I am soo lucky, I have several
Are they the same person? no
((IN THE LAST 24 HOURS HAVE YOU. ..))
Cried?: yes
Bought something? yes, food
Gotten sick? no
Kissed someone/been kissed: no
Gone to the movies? no
Gone out for dinner? no
Said "I love you"? no....well maybe I said that to my cats
Written a real letter? no
Moved on? I think I can say yes to this!
Talked to an ex? no
Missed an ex? yes
Talked to someone you have a crush on? maybe
Had a serious talk? yes
Missed someone? yes
Hugged someone? no
Fought with your parents? no
Fought with a friend? no
Helped someone? yes
((DO YOU. ..))
Eat with your mouth open? no
If you got a tattoo, where would you get it? on the inside of my left ankle
What color is your floor/carpet in your room? wood colored
What was the last CD you bought? Big Audio Dynamite's Greatest Hits, Violent Femmes
Are you lonely? No
Are you happy? comme ci comme ca
Are you wearing pajamas? No, geez I wish they'd incorporate them into the dress code at work
Are you talking to someone online? No
What is your astrological sign? Sagittarius
((CURRENT. ..))
Current Clothes: gray skirt, striped blouse
Current Mood: sleepy
Current Music: Jimmy Buffet's Radio Margaritaville
Current Hair: this week it's medium brown
Current Smell: L'Occitane Green Tea and Mint
Current Desktop Picture: One of First Time's beach pics
Current Favorite Artist: I'm an art history major, I can't just pick one!
Current Favorite Group: System of a Down
Current Book: Housekeeping (for fun), Seven Ages of Paris (because I hafta)
Current CD in CD Player: at home there's 25 in the player, in the car, I think it's the Femmes
Current DVD in DVD Player: none
Current Color Of Toenails: chocolate
Current Refreshment: plain ole tap water
Current Worry: Worry isn't really the word I would use...
((FAVORITES. ..))
Color: Black
Foods: Mexican, Pizza
Drink: whiskey
Album: depends on my mood
Shoes: certainly not the one's I have on right now...they're killing me!
Candy: anything chocolate
Animal: cats, dog, horses
TV Show: Nip/Tuck, Will & Grace, anything on the Food Network
Song: There's too many!
Vegetable: all of them
Fruit: i had some really good cantaloupe this morning!
Cartoon: South Park
((ARE YOU. ..))
Understanding: way too much sometimes
Open-minded: yes!
Arrogant: I don't think so
Insecure: sometimes
Interesting: hell yea!
Easily Amused: terribly!
Random: I don't understand this one
Hungry: nope, just ate lunch
Friendly: Most of the time
Smart: when I'm not acting stupid I am
Moody: uh, yea!
Childish: moi????
A good kisser: I'd like to think so
Independent: occasionally
Healthy: try to be
Emotionally Stable: I'd like to plead the fifth on this!
Shy: Quite...NOT!
Difficult: frequently
Easily: Don't get this one either
Messy: sometimes
Thirsty: why is it 5:00?
Responsible: yes, annoyingly so
Obsessed: sometimes
Angry: often, when I have to deal with other humans is usually when it starts
Sad: sometimes
Happy: often
Hyper: occasionally
Trusting: not at first
Talkative: Yes
((WHO DO YOU WANT TO. ..))
Kill: let me get the list
Slap: same list as above
Tickle: Mr. Kitzer and Addie
Like: I don't think I've met him yet
Kiss: him either
Hug: or him
((HAVE YOU EVER. ..))
Been kissed? yes
Been kissed in the rain? hmmm?
Eaten an entire package of Oreos? not that I'm willing to admit
Been on stage? yes
Dumped Someone? yes
Gotten in a car accident? yes
Been in love? I need help with this one
((FAVORITE. ..))
Shampoo? The stuff for brown hair
Toothpaste? Crest?
Soap? The Body Shop
Room in your house? Bedroom
Instrument? piano
Flower? Gerbera Daisy
Piece of jewelry? The 5 carat diamond Mr. Right is going to buy me when we register at Tiffany's
Piece of clothes? PJ bottems
((EITHER/OR. ..))
Coffee or hot chocolate? hot choc I guess since I have to pick
Big or little?: What are we talking about here?
New or old? Again, what's my reference point?
Sweater or sweatshirt? sweatshirt
Wool or cotton? cotton
Oldies or pop? neither Rock-n-roll
Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend? Not that I'm aware of
Do you want a boyfriend/girlfriend? Hmmmm
Do you have a best friend? I am soo lucky, I have several
Are they the same person? no
((IN THE LAST 24 HOURS HAVE YOU. ..))
Cried?: yes
Bought something? yes, food
Gotten sick? no
Kissed someone/been kissed: no
Gone to the movies? no
Gone out for dinner? no
Said "I love you"? no....well maybe I said that to my cats
Written a real letter? no
Moved on? I think I can say yes to this!
Talked to an ex? no
Missed an ex? yes
Talked to someone you have a crush on? maybe
Had a serious talk? yes
Missed someone? yes
Hugged someone? no
Fought with your parents? no
Fought with a friend? no
Helped someone? yes
((DO YOU. ..))
Eat with your mouth open? no
If you got a tattoo, where would you get it? on the inside of my left ankle
What color is your floor/carpet in your room? wood colored
What was the last CD you bought? Big Audio Dynamite's Greatest Hits, Violent Femmes
Are you lonely? No
Are you happy? comme ci comme ca
Are you wearing pajamas? No, geez I wish they'd incorporate them into the dress code at work
Are you talking to someone online? No
What is your astrological sign? Sagittarius
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Only in Key West
So, I'm at the gym this afternoon and MSNBC is on the tube with the closed captioning running across the bottom. And I see that the reporter is in Key West and the rain is on the camera lens, the wind's blowing, some hurricane force. Then as I continue to read, I see that she says, "and there's a party like atmosphere here." And I'm thinking, I wonder where she's going with this? Well, she wasn't using an analogy, she was serious! They showed people sitting along the sea walls with their feet dangling over land waiting for these huge waves to knock them off. People were walking around the street with drinks (thank God the bars are still open!) She continued that those on the street ranged from your local homeless person (now that's a smart homeless person, warm winters!), to college students to those on vacation.
It seems that this hurricane isn't as ominous as those in the recent past, but all I can say is that only in Key West could a reporter actually say "there's a party-like atmosphere here."
Here's some pics from my first trip to Key West (don't ask me what year this was!):
Yep, that's a pig all right. Do you see the sign on the box he's standing on? It says "I BITE!" Yea, he bites!
Ernest Hemingway's house. Home to all the descendants of his polydactyl kitties!
And finally, Sloppy Joe's. Purportedly Hemingway's favorite hang out in Key West. It's one of mine too.
If you get there, also check out The Hog's Breath. They have some kick-ass conch fritters there! Actually, any time, any day of the week it's possible to walk into a honky tonk or "conchy tonk" as Jimmy Buffet calls them and find live bands playing. Ya gotta love this town!
Monday, September 19, 2005
You Are 60% Weird
Just in case you were wondering:
You're so weird, you think you're *totally* normal. Right? But you wig out even the biggest of circus freaks!
....I took the test courtesy of First Time's blog. How weird are you?
You're so weird, you think you're *totally* normal. Right? But you wig out even the biggest of circus freaks!
....I took the test courtesy of First Time's blog. How weird are you?
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Damn! Those Fighting Irish
I know I'm going against the grain, because here in PA, if you are not a Penn State fan, it's a sacralidge. But, I'm a Notre Dame fan, you know, France, it's the only thing I talk about. They were 2-0. Beat Michigan, beat Pitt (which is not a huge deal.) Today, they lost to Michigan State in overtime. What a loss. And of course, I have to hear about Penn State, as usual running up the score. Was it 8,000 to 3??? Sorry PSU fans, I can't help it.
We'll get 'em next time! Play like a champion!!
We'll get 'em next time! Play like a champion!!
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Pass the Lifesavers
Did anyone see the moon tonight? There was a face in it! We're coming up on a full moon and the Autumnal Equinox is just around the corner. Hang on kiddies were in for a bumpy ride!
Cathy and Stacy have a fantabulous time at the beach. Give Ophelia the finger for me!
Cathy and Stacy have a fantabulous time at the beach. Give Ophelia the finger for me!
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
They Shoot Horses Don't They?
Several years ago I took a speech class as I'm sure most of you have that have gone on to college. In this class I had to do several kinds of speeches: informative, argumentative and demonstrative. I love a good debate as long as it's something I'm passionate about and know something about. So, for my argumentative speech I chose to talk about animal testing in the cosmetic and household products industry. I was amazed by the number of people in the class that were completely unaware that this type of thing even goes on. My captive audience was shocked when I gave them the names of companies that do continue to do animal testing eventhough groups such as PETA have urged them to stop. I will not go into the gory details about what these companies do to animals let alone the type of people these companies employ that are paid to do these disgusting things to these creatures. It makes me crazy. You can look at the PETA website for yourself to find out that information. There's a link above and a link on the right of my blog.
My purpose here is to inform you of those companies that continue to test products on animals so you can be a better consumer. Do you really need to buy products from these companies or is it just laziness on the consumers part because "that's what I always buy"? The list of companies that do test is much shorter than the one's that don't. Cosmetics and household items are not required by law to be tested on animals, pharmaceuticals are. Which makes no sense to me and frankly, I say there's prisons all over this country chock full of subjects to do pharmaceutical, cosmetic and chemical testing on. That statement ought to get things rolling!
Companies such as Philosophy and Bath & Body Works have statements on the back of their products: "This finished product not tested on animals." That means in the past some ingredient in their product was tested on animals. However, if you purchase something from The Body Shop (see the link on my blog), their products state "Against Animal Testing." None of their products have any ingredients that have been tested on animals.
If you care to join me on this, I'm not asking you to be a fanatic and throw red paint on fur bearing humans, just be an educated shopper. Here's and abbreviated list of companies that continue to test on animals, for the complete list, check the PETA site:
My purpose here is to inform you of those companies that continue to test products on animals so you can be a better consumer. Do you really need to buy products from these companies or is it just laziness on the consumers part because "that's what I always buy"? The list of companies that do test is much shorter than the one's that don't. Cosmetics and household items are not required by law to be tested on animals, pharmaceuticals are. Which makes no sense to me and frankly, I say there's prisons all over this country chock full of subjects to do pharmaceutical, cosmetic and chemical testing on. That statement ought to get things rolling!
Companies such as Philosophy and Bath & Body Works have statements on the back of their products: "This finished product not tested on animals." That means in the past some ingredient in their product was tested on animals. However, if you purchase something from The Body Shop (see the link on my blog), their products state "Against Animal Testing." None of their products have any ingredients that have been tested on animals.
If you care to join me on this, I'm not asking you to be a fanatic and throw red paint on fur bearing humans, just be an educated shopper. Here's and abbreviated list of companies that continue to test on animals, for the complete list, check the PETA site:
- Bic
- Cheesebrough-Ponds (Faberge, Ponds, Vaseline)
- Church & Dwight (Aim, Arm & Hammer, Arrid, Brillo, Close-up, Lady's Choice, Nair)
- Clairol (Aussie, Daily Defense, Herbal Essences)
- Clorox
- Soft Scrub
- Colgate-Palmolive (Ajax, Fab, Hills Pet Nutrition, Mennen, Speed Stick)
- Coty (Glow, The Healing Garden, JOOP!, Kenneth Cole)
- Cover Girl
- Dial
- Helene Curtis (Finesse, Salon Selectives, Thermasilk)
- Johnson & Johnson (Aveeno9, Clean & Clear, Neutrogena)
- Kimberly-Clark (Cottonelle, Huggies, Kleenex, Kotex, Pull-Ups)
- L'Oreal (Cacharel, Garnier, Giorgio Armani, Lancome, Maybelline, Ralph Lauren Fragrances, Redken)
- Noxell
- Olay Co.
- Playtex (Baby Magic, Banana Boat)
- Reckitt Benckiser (Easy Off, Lysol, Mop & Glo, Resolve, Spray 'n Wash)
- S.C. Johnson (Drano, Edge, Fantastick, Glade, OFF!, Shout, Windex, Ziploc)
- Suave
- 3M (Post-it, Scotch)
P.S. PETA has information on the site as well if you wish to help out with the recovery of animals lost or abandoned in the Gulf Coast.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Art is Freedom!
This Sunday I'm doing my first "official" photo sale/show. The show is part of the Gallery Walk in Harrisburg. The galleries will open their doors for the day and I will participate in the artists bazaar. I think I'm ready, have all the pics matted and cellophaned. Have my plan for display, have extra hands to help...thanks Findley! Now, I need the masses! Wish me luck!
P.S. Heard a flock of geese this morning...that's the first I've heard them migrating. Fall's coming! Kill me now.
P.S. Heard a flock of geese this morning...that's the first I've heard them migrating. Fall's coming! Kill me now.
Lots of people talk to animals.... Not very many listen, though.... That's the problem. ~Benjamin Hoff, The Tao of Pooh
If you are an animal lover like I am, you may be interested in reading this information about the rescue operations of the animals in the states hit by the hurricane. Makes me feel a little better about things.
http://www.petfinder.com/disaster/
"Animals are reliable, many full of love, true in their affections, predictable in their actions, grateful and loyal. Difficult standards for people to live up to." - Alfred A. Montapert
http://www.petfinder.com/disaster/
"Animals are reliable, many full of love, true in their affections, predictable in their actions, grateful and loyal. Difficult standards for people to live up to." - Alfred A. Montapert
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Joyeux Anniversaire Neal!
Oui, this is me practicing ma francais. And, that is Neal in Paris. Aujourd 'hui est son anniversaire et il a quatre-six ans. Mon dieu!! You know, France is the only thing I ever talk about (8/4), and the only place I ever go! It's more true than ever now. I started the new semester at LVC. On Monday's I have French class. Wednesdays is Paris: Art, Culture and Urban Development. So, I'm inundated with it this semester. Mais, ce n'est pas mal!
Friday, September 02, 2005
No Words
From the FEMA website:
Donate Cash
American Red Cross1-800-HELP NOW (435-7669) English, 1-800-257-7575 Spanish;
America’s Second Harvest1-800-344-8070
Operation Blessing1-800-436-6348
Humane Society of the United States 1-888-259-5431
UJA Federation of New York212 836-1880
United Jewish Communities1-877-277-2477
Donate Cash and/or Volunteer
Adventist Community Services1-800-381-7171
B'nai B'rith International1-888-388-4224
Catholic Charities, USA1-800-919-9338
Christian Disaster Response 941-956-5183 or 941-551-9554
Christian Reformed World Relief Committee1-800-848-5818
Church World Service1-800-297-1516
Convoy of Hope417-823-8998
Corporation for National and Community Service Disaster Relief Fund(202) 606-6718
Disaster Psychiatry Outreach1-212-598-9995
Feed the Children1-800-525-7575
Lutheran Disaster Response800-638-3522
Mennonite Disaster Service717-859-2210
Nazarene Disaster Response888-256-5886
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance800-872-3283
Salvation Army 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769)
Southern Baptist Convention -- Disaster Relief1-800-462-8657, ext. 6440
Union for Reform Judaism
United Methodist Committee on Relief1-800-554-8583
Donate Cash
American Red Cross1-800-HELP NOW (435-7669) English, 1-800-257-7575 Spanish;
America’s Second Harvest1-800-344-8070
Operation Blessing1-800-436-6348
Humane Society of the United States 1-888-259-5431
UJA Federation of New York212 836-1880
United Jewish Communities1-877-277-2477
Donate Cash and/or Volunteer
Adventist Community Services1-800-381-7171
B'nai B'rith International1-888-388-4224
Catholic Charities, USA1-800-919-9338
Christian Disaster Response 941-956-5183 or 941-551-9554
Christian Reformed World Relief Committee1-800-848-5818
Church World Service1-800-297-1516
Convoy of Hope417-823-8998
Corporation for National and Community Service Disaster Relief Fund(202) 606-6718
Disaster Psychiatry Outreach1-212-598-9995
Feed the Children1-800-525-7575
Lutheran Disaster Response800-638-3522
Mennonite Disaster Service717-859-2210
Nazarene Disaster Response888-256-5886
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance800-872-3283
Salvation Army 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769)
Southern Baptist Convention -- Disaster Relief1-800-462-8657, ext. 6440
Union for Reform Judaism
United Methodist Committee on Relief1-800-554-8583
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Update
Yesterday afternoon I received a call from the director of the daycare center that's across the street from my house. If you don't remember the original story click here.
She wanted to get some first hand information about the incident I reported. She had already spoken to her staff about it, and had questioned the janitor who also was an eyewitness to the event. After I finished with my version of the story, she told me that her entire staff had lied to her about this. I know, it's hard to believe, people lying to cover their butts. But, it's true and she even seemed a little dismayed by it.
She also told me that this child hasn't been going to that daycare for very long, only about 2 weeks. He doesn't like to leave the play area once he's out there so he hides out in the play houses. Smart kid! I guess they now count the children when they leave to ensure everyone's accounted for.
She wanted to get some first hand information about the incident I reported. She had already spoken to her staff about it, and had questioned the janitor who also was an eyewitness to the event. After I finished with my version of the story, she told me that her entire staff had lied to her about this. I know, it's hard to believe, people lying to cover their butts. But, it's true and she even seemed a little dismayed by it.
She also told me that this child hasn't been going to that daycare for very long, only about 2 weeks. He doesn't like to leave the play area once he's out there so he hides out in the play houses. Smart kid! I guess they now count the children when they leave to ensure everyone's accounted for.
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