1. I have no idea what to say first so I'll say this.
2. Does it make me a conformist because I'm doing this?
3. Conformist is one word I don't think anyone has ever used to describe me. Other words never used to describe me: quiet, shy, reserved, shallow, stingy
4. I have never been married
5. I have never been engaged
6. I do not have any children
7. I have one sister who is 17 years older than me
8. No, SHE was the mistake
9. My parents were married 50 years, my sister and brother-in-law are going to be married 33 years in May
10.They have one son-Patrick
11. My sister and I are vegetarians
12. I have visited Canada, Barbados, Jamaica, Ireland, Belgium, France, and England but have also been in Italy and Puerto Rico, but only the airport
13.I have visited New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Maryland, Delaware, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Texas and California
14. I would like to live in Key West some day and be a bartender
15. I think it would be fun to be a Go-Go dancer and dance in a cage in a club
16. I have ridden but never driven a motorcycle
17. I've never flown in a helicopter
18. I don't own any jewelry from Tiffany's, but fully intend on changing that very soon!
19. I have never been in a really bad car accident
20. Have had fender benders and several speeding tickets
21. I actually had to go to driving school because of the amount of speeding tickets
22. I hope to never hit an animal on the road
23. ...or a person for that matter
24. My first car was a Honda Prelude-thus the speeding tickets
25. We used to pierce our Barbies ears with our earrings and make her and Ken "do it"
26. I wasn't allowed to get my ears pierced before I was 18
27. Guess what I did on my 18th birthday?
28. I used to try to get away with wearing make up when I was little
29. I used to wear this pair of really ugly, kelly green platform shoes-I thought I was da bomb!
30. I had my first kiss at a highschool football game-I was in 8th grade
31. The computer I have now is the first one I ever owned
32. I have never had a dog
33. I used to have fish when I was a kid
34. As a kid I remember going through the real Hershey's plant, now you can only go through Chocolate World
35. My first concert was The Osmonds
36. God, did I love Donnie!
37. I also used to love Andy Gibb, Shaun Cassidy and Richard Thomas (John-Boy Walton)...geez, that's embarrassing
38. I used to fake playing my instrument in marching band because I was too lazy to memorize the music
39. And one time at band camp...
40. I'm just kidding!
41. I didn't get drunk or do drugs until after highschool
42. I took my first trip to NYC when I was in highschool
43. I got to see Cats and A Chorus Line
44. I never cheated on a boyfriend
45. I have blue eyes
46. I take after my mom's mom
47. I was mischievous as a child, mainly out of boredom
48. I am a multi-tasker
49. I think I'm pretty organized
50. When I was a kid, I used to make prank phone calls to one of my neighbors, I didn't like her
51. My friend and I used to make lots of prank phone calls
52. I used to have a paper route
53. I have lived in Pennsylvania all my life
54. Sad, but true
55. I have only been to one class reunion...because there has only BEEN one!
56. This blog is my first experience with html
57. I love walking through cemeteries
58. I've often thought about being an undertaker because forensic pathology is just way too mathy I'm sure
59. People that don't know me often think I'm a snob
60. My eyes are what I get the most compliments on
61. My hair is the second thing I get the most compliments on
62. I have two cats
63. I had three until I had to put Abbie to sleep a few years ago
64. At one time my mom and dad had 11 cats
65. My favorite beach is still Ocean City, Maryland
66. I used to go fishing with my dad
67. Everything was o.k. until I would see a snake
68. I go to church almost every Sunday
69. I used to find Box Turtles in the woods and bring them home for a couple of days
70. And see, I didn't die of salmonella
71. I used to be a switchboard operator for a department store
72. I would have to make those announcements "Come to the Estee Lauder counter today for your complimentary trial size make up, yours with a purchase of $39.95"
73. Most of the time I would crack up laughing in the middle of the announcement and have to cut myself off
74. I love to listen to terribly sad music, read sad books and watch sad movies, you know, the one's that make you sob by the end
75. I do not plan on decorating for Christmas nor do I intend on sending Christmas cards (this is not normal for me) this year
76. I can play handbells
77. I can play the piano (a little)
78. I was never on an organized sports team
79. In highschool I discovered I could serve overhand when playing volleyball
80. I have no desire to travel to Japan or China
81. I would like to live on a farm
82. I get bored easily
83. I do not like to listen to myself talk
84. I have a secret crush on someone
85. I can be very critical of others
86. I'm very critical of myself
87. I swear too much
88. When I was a kid I really wanted to be a teacher
89. I would like to go to Wimbledon and the French Open
90. I saw Vitas Gerulaitis and John McEnroe play tennis
91. I saw Brooke Shields and Bernadette Peters on the street in New York
92. I saw Peter Horton on a film set in Santa Monica
93. I believe in ghosts, spirits, hauntings
94. I do not believe in UFO's
95. I have been bitten by a dog and a camel
96. I have had stitches 5 times
97. I have only had one broken bone
98. I have never stayed over night in a hospital
99. I like to learn new things
100. As long as no homework is involved
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Monday, November 28, 2005
Inhumane Society
Just when the Harrisburg area Humane Society was getting a better reputation in my opinion by claiming (in a newsletter) that they will keep animals in their facility until they find homes. The Humane Society also claims on their web site that they "accept and care for all types of animals, contacting third party agencies for assistance when necessary." The following story proves otherwise.
You may have noticed several links on my blog that refer to animal welfare organizations. I have an extreme love affair with animals of all kinds. I think the cruel things that humans do to animals is despicable. Over the last decade or so, many no-kill animal shelters have sprouted up in my area. One of them being the Helen Krause Animal Shelter (link on the right.) My sister has volunteered there for many years. Through this relationship she has gotten to know other people that have no-kill shelters or run foster care facilities on their own property. One such facility is the Dog's Den which I used in the past to rescue a dog that lived behind me when the owners just didn't want him anymore.
It was the owner of the Dog's Den that recently told my sister the story of a woman that had contacted the Humane Society in the Harrisburg area because she could no longer care for a dog that she had gotten from another animal shelter-not the Humane Society. The H.S. took the dog from her. She later contacted the H.S. to say that she wanted to check some other shelters to see if they would take him instead of H.S. Now according to the information on H.S. website, they should have done this. But the previous owner did it and later contacted H.S. to get her dog back. The dog had already been put down.
First, this animal came from another shelter. Often when adoptions are done from other shelters, the new owner signs a waiver stating they will return the animal to that shelter if they can no longer care for it. In my opinion, the H.S. should not have even accepted this animal or should have promptly contacted the shelter it originally came from since they claim "to work with shelters in the area."
Secondly and most importantly, what justification could the H.S. have had to put this animal to sleep? I'm sure the answer to this question will remain a mystery.
Bottom line, the Humane Society of the Harrisburg area are a bunch of liars. I wish the person this happened to would have gone to the media about this as she was encouraged to do. Also, I'm very glad that I haven't yet made my Christmas contribution to the liars at the Humane Society in Harrisburg and now that I know this, they are crossed off my Christmas list for years to come.
And yet another lesson learned. Please, if you decide to take on the responsibility of having a pet, make it a life long commitment. And if you haven't learned by now, don't always believe what you read.
You may have noticed several links on my blog that refer to animal welfare organizations. I have an extreme love affair with animals of all kinds. I think the cruel things that humans do to animals is despicable. Over the last decade or so, many no-kill animal shelters have sprouted up in my area. One of them being the Helen Krause Animal Shelter (link on the right.) My sister has volunteered there for many years. Through this relationship she has gotten to know other people that have no-kill shelters or run foster care facilities on their own property. One such facility is the Dog's Den which I used in the past to rescue a dog that lived behind me when the owners just didn't want him anymore.
It was the owner of the Dog's Den that recently told my sister the story of a woman that had contacted the Humane Society in the Harrisburg area because she could no longer care for a dog that she had gotten from another animal shelter-not the Humane Society. The H.S. took the dog from her. She later contacted the H.S. to say that she wanted to check some other shelters to see if they would take him instead of H.S. Now according to the information on H.S. website, they should have done this. But the previous owner did it and later contacted H.S. to get her dog back. The dog had already been put down.
First, this animal came from another shelter. Often when adoptions are done from other shelters, the new owner signs a waiver stating they will return the animal to that shelter if they can no longer care for it. In my opinion, the H.S. should not have even accepted this animal or should have promptly contacted the shelter it originally came from since they claim "to work with shelters in the area."
Secondly and most importantly, what justification could the H.S. have had to put this animal to sleep? I'm sure the answer to this question will remain a mystery.
Bottom line, the Humane Society of the Harrisburg area are a bunch of liars. I wish the person this happened to would have gone to the media about this as she was encouraged to do. Also, I'm very glad that I haven't yet made my Christmas contribution to the liars at the Humane Society in Harrisburg and now that I know this, they are crossed off my Christmas list for years to come.
And yet another lesson learned. Please, if you decide to take on the responsibility of having a pet, make it a life long commitment. And if you haven't learned by now, don't always believe what you read.
Saturday, November 26, 2005
ND Wins!
It was a nail biter...OMG! What a great game between Notre Dame and Stanford. I didn't think they were gonna do it, but they did it! My throat hurts. I thought my Penn State fan friend Donnie ruined it when Notre Dame missed the field goal in the last few minutes (he jinxed the kicker). Damn those Penn State fans!
OK besides the game, I had a wonderful birthday outing with my friends. Awesome food, lots of drinks and I got the most wonderful gifts. Can I have a birthday every day??
OK besides the game, I had a wonderful birthday outing with my friends. Awesome food, lots of drinks and I got the most wonderful gifts. Can I have a birthday every day??
Friday, November 25, 2005
It's a Family Affair
Today my family and I drove to the Allentown area to see some family. My sister and husband went just a bit further to pick our our Great Aunt. She's 101 years old. Just last year we had a party for her 100th birthday. She still cooks and goes to church every Sunday. She just had her first cataract surgery and was just at the dentist...no cavities...still her teeth! I can see a big difference in her mentally since last year. She asked several times what our names were, but it could have just been a bad day. She's the dearest woman, but has shown me that living to a ripe old age ain't what it's cracked up to be. She's lost her husband, her two daughters, and her nieces and nephews. I don't like her living arrangements nor how she's treated by family that lives with her. But, it's the only home she has known, there's no going anywhere else. But at least for today, she got out of the house and was able to visit with us and my other aunt. She lives in Bethlehem, PA, home of Moravian College, Bethlehem Musikfest, Bethlehem Steel and is the place to visit during the holidays!
My aunt lives with my cousin in Bethlehem. She recently broke her hip from falling off a ladder that no 86 year old should be on.
Anyway, it was a good day, always good to see family.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Thanksgiving Thursday Thirteen
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1. I'm thankful that my parents loved each other enough to bring me into this world just a short 29 years ago! 13. I'm thankful for the the sad times for they make me appreciate all the good ones. Have a blessed Thanksgiving all of you!
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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
The Spaaaahhhh
Today was my afternoon at The Spa at Hotel Hershey. 
I have decided that this is my favorite place on the planet. It's just beautiful there. When you first arrive, they hook you up with a comfy robe and flip flops, provide you with a locker and there are several places you can sit and relax before your treatments begin. There is the quiet room, which always makes me think of a mental hospital, the aromatherapy room and now I see there is a silence room. In the quiet room, there is coffee, tea, hot chocolate, muffins, fruit and lots of water. There are dishes of Hershey Kisses everywhere in this place. I know some of the guests left with their pockets full of Kisses. There's a fireplace, big comfy chairs and a beautiful view of some of the gardens behind the hotel. 
The sky today was heavy laden with thick dark clouds. As I looked out from the quiet room over the formal gardens, I could see the surrounding hills and saw spotted sunshine on the hills.
Another favorite part of this hotel to me is The Circular Dining room which I didn't get to visit today, but they have the most fabulous Sunday brunch on the planet.
After a brief wait, I was called in for my Cocoa Sugar Scrub. All the rooms for the services are dimly lit, with soft new age music playing. This scrub was wonderful, my skin was soft and smooooth!
I waited again for a bit and was then called in for my Hot Stone Massage. This was the first time I had one of these types of massages. The stones are very hot, but the heat permeates way down to the muscles. It was nice and toasty!
Once you are a guest at the Spa, you are permitted to use the gym, and the indoor pool. I decided to go to the gym for a bit and then returned to the steam room for a bit, had a shower and was on my way home.
So, here I am again a slave to my computer as I attempt my research paper again. I spoke to my Prof yesterday and decide to pursue a different avenue on the paper than I originally intended. I don't think I'll need a new supply of books...I hope!
The wind is howling outside, and it's threatening SNOW!! The entire northeast is due for some ugly weather over the holiday. From the weather reports we may wake up on Thanksgiving morning with a dusting of snow on the ground.
I have decided that this is my favorite place on the planet. It's just beautiful there. When you first arrive, they hook you up with a comfy robe and flip flops, provide you with a locker and there are several places you can sit and relax before your treatments begin. There is the quiet room, which always makes me think of a mental hospital, the aromatherapy room and now I see there is a silence room. In the quiet room, there is coffee, tea, hot chocolate, muffins, fruit and lots of water. There are dishes of Hershey Kisses everywhere in this place. I know some of the guests left with their pockets full of Kisses. There's a fireplace, big comfy chairs and a beautiful view of some of the gardens behind the hotel. The sky today was heavy laden with thick dark clouds. As I looked out from the quiet room over the formal gardens, I could see the surrounding hills and saw spotted sunshine on the hills.Another favorite part of this hotel to me is The Circular Dining room which I didn't get to visit today, but they have the most fabulous Sunday brunch on the planet.
After a brief wait, I was called in for my Cocoa Sugar Scrub. All the rooms for the services are dimly lit, with soft new age music playing. This scrub was wonderful, my skin was soft and smooooth!
I waited again for a bit and was then called in for my Hot Stone Massage. This was the first time I had one of these types of massages. The stones are very hot, but the heat permeates way down to the muscles. It was nice and toasty!
Once you are a guest at the Spa, you are permitted to use the gym, and the indoor pool. I decided to go to the gym for a bit and then returned to the steam room for a bit, had a shower and was on my way home.
So, here I am again a slave to my computer as I attempt my research paper again. I spoke to my Prof yesterday and decide to pursue a different avenue on the paper than I originally intended. I don't think I'll need a new supply of books...I hope!
The wind is howling outside, and it's threatening SNOW!! The entire northeast is due for some ugly weather over the holiday. From the weather reports we may wake up on Thanksgiving morning with a dusting of snow on the ground.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
'Tis the Season to be Hateful
Already with the Christmas shopping. No, not me, everyone else. This afternoon I went to the mall with the intent to purchase specific things. That's the only reason I ever go to the mall. I hate the mall. I hate crowds of people that are delirious with the thought of buying things for themselves or for others that no one ever needs to buy.
While on my way to get where I was going I walked through one of the department stores that are the "anchor" stores in the mall. I haven't been in this store for years. Upon opening the door, I was greeted with Christmas carols blaring on the PA system. I walked down the steps to go through the store and had a birds eye view of the over flowing merchandise neatly folded in piles and hanging on hangers. Then I noticed they have these obnoxious buggy things that look like baby carriages but they aren't for children. They are for the obscene amount of merchandise the store anticipates you will find and fill this ridiculous buggy thing with.
I ran through the store as quickly as possible to my destination and was again greeted with the shoppers that are like deer in headlights...any thing shiny, sparkly, smelly all must be investigated without regard that there may actually be someone behind them that has something better to do than spend a perfectly lovely day inside a shopping mall.
To everyone that is on my shopping list...expect cash!
While on my way to get where I was going I walked through one of the department stores that are the "anchor" stores in the mall. I haven't been in this store for years. Upon opening the door, I was greeted with Christmas carols blaring on the PA system. I walked down the steps to go through the store and had a birds eye view of the over flowing merchandise neatly folded in piles and hanging on hangers. Then I noticed they have these obnoxious buggy things that look like baby carriages but they aren't for children. They are for the obscene amount of merchandise the store anticipates you will find and fill this ridiculous buggy thing with.
I ran through the store as quickly as possible to my destination and was again greeted with the shoppers that are like deer in headlights...any thing shiny, sparkly, smelly all must be investigated without regard that there may actually be someone behind them that has something better to do than spend a perfectly lovely day inside a shopping mall.
To everyone that is on my shopping list...expect cash!
Saturday, November 19, 2005
The Morning After the Night Before
Oy vey...my ears are still ringing and my head hurts. I had a bunch of audio blogs out here from last night and thankfully/hopefully Coyote Mike was the only one subjected to them. They were out of control. And each one of them began with Whooo! I mean how many times can you use that?
LeeAnn was up an at 'em at 8:00 a.m. fresh as a daisy. Not fair!
Now that I'm thinking a little straighter, I remember that LeeAnn got socked in the mouth by some guy in the pit last night. There was no blood though. Some guy cow kicked me in the pit and being the girl I am, I kicked him back. Oh, and I got smacked on the ass too by someone...hope it was a guy! Whoo hoo! Oh, there I go again.
I need to go lay down.
LeeAnn was up an at 'em at 8:00 a.m. fresh as a daisy. Not fair!
Now that I'm thinking a little straighter, I remember that LeeAnn got socked in the mouth by some guy in the pit last night. There was no blood though. Some guy cow kicked me in the pit and being the girl I am, I kicked him back. Oh, and I got smacked on the ass too by someone...hope it was a guy! Whoo hoo! Oh, there I go again.
I need to go lay down.
Psycho, Groupie, Cocaine, Crazy
OMG! I have never, ever in my life been to a show like the Misfits. I am going to be sooo sore tomorrow.
After three opening bands, the Misfits finally came on somewhere round about midnight. It was 1, 2, 3 , 4 song, after song after song. LeeAnn and I were in the pit before the first chord. After too many Jager Bombs, too many beers, dear God, I was pushing people into the pit. It was crazy.
The smell of clove cigarettes, dry ice, cigarettes and sweat. Song after song was just belted out. Did I say how sore I was going to be tomorrow or when ever I wake up?!?
Got the lead singer's sweaty wrist band, gave it to LeeAnn after I wiped it all over myself. I've had an easier time at a wedding reception getting the brides bouquet. Then we got the lead singer to sign our tickets. Felt up his leg and anything else that may have gotten in the way.
It was ghouls, jack o'lanterns, coffins, skulls and eerie makeup. What a great show! I'm going to be sore tomorrow. Am I getting too old for the pit??!?!?
After three opening bands, the Misfits finally came on somewhere round about midnight. It was 1, 2, 3 , 4 song, after song after song. LeeAnn and I were in the pit before the first chord. After too many Jager Bombs, too many beers, dear God, I was pushing people into the pit. It was crazy.
The smell of clove cigarettes, dry ice, cigarettes and sweat. Song after song was just belted out. Did I say how sore I was going to be tomorrow or when ever I wake up?!?
Got the lead singer's sweaty wrist band, gave it to LeeAnn after I wiped it all over myself. I've had an easier time at a wedding reception getting the brides bouquet. Then we got the lead singer to sign our tickets. Felt up his leg and anything else that may have gotten in the way.
It was ghouls, jack o'lanterns, coffins, skulls and eerie makeup. What a great show! I'm going to be sore tomorrow. Am I getting too old for the pit??!?!?
Friday, November 18, 2005
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Misc.
First, I must make a correction on something I said yesterday. The Beaujolais Nouveau was in stores in the States as of today. See, it was a little too mathy for me to figure out that the planes left France as of minuit their time which would get them here first thing in the a.m. here. So, needless to say I've had my first taste of this years grapes. It's manifique!
Second, I wanted to update you on the murders from Lititz...not Li Titz, Lititz, PA that I blogged about the other day. Seems boyfriend wasn't so sweet and innocent as we may have originally thought.
Third, I just noticed that there are plenty of Xmas decorations up around Harrisburg as well as surrounding cities. Additionally, there is a station locally that has recently decided it was time to start playing Christmas songs 24/7...that's just wrong on November 18!!!
I've also been reading lately about all the bodies that have recently been found in New Orleans since people are returning to their homes. I read this absolutely gut-wrenching story about a man that had to leave his dead mothers body to board a bus to get out of the city. We know the stories about people leaving their animals which again, I don't think I could do even if I had to look death in the face. But, I saw this picture recently and it gave me a good feeling and made me think...now that's my kind of flight!
Second, I wanted to update you on the murders from Lititz...not Li Titz, Lititz, PA that I blogged about the other day. Seems boyfriend wasn't so sweet and innocent as we may have originally thought.
Third, I just noticed that there are plenty of Xmas decorations up around Harrisburg as well as surrounding cities. Additionally, there is a station locally that has recently decided it was time to start playing Christmas songs 24/7...that's just wrong on November 18!!!
I've also been reading lately about all the bodies that have recently been found in New Orleans since people are returning to their homes. I read this absolutely gut-wrenching story about a man that had to leave his dead mothers body to board a bus to get out of the city. We know the stories about people leaving their animals which again, I don't think I could do even if I had to look death in the face. But, I saw this picture recently and it gave me a good feeling and made me think...now that's my kind of flight!
These were animals left behind when people fled New Orleans. They flew them to different animal shelters in the U.S. I would love to have a house full of the cats and dogs from NO. It just breaks my heart.
Thursday Thirteen
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1. I added at Stat counter on my blog so I could see who was visiting and from where. I'm sure you all remember how much I love statistics!! I had some visitors yesterday from Canada, Denmark, Finland, San Francisco, North Hollywood, and as well as my wonderful regular blog visitors! 2. 4 more weeks till the end of this semester! Very excited about that! 3. Today is my last day of work until November 28. This is a standard with me, I take of the week of Thanksgiving, because it's my birthday and we get two days off for Thanksgiving anyway. So, by taking three vacation days, I get an entire week off of work! 4. I added an additional day to my vacation so I can take off work tomorrow. LeeAnn and I are going to see the Misfits at the Dragonfly nightclub in Harrisburg. And hey, I see Bret Michaels from Poison is going to be there. Check out the pic on on the Dragonfly link...hello Betty! 5. Tomorrow is a big day for fans of Beaujolais Nouveau wine. It is against the law, at least in France to sell this wine prior to the third Thursday in November. So, if we were all there right now, we'd be sipping some in a small cafe with our fabulous scarves, smoking cigarettes and discussing Baudelaire..no doubt. It's a huge deal in France and you can buy bottles of this wine in the grocery store for like 3 Euro. Here it's a bit more expensive, especially if you get the first round that leaves France at midnight...small sacrifice. It's a dry, red wine, not as dry as Merlot, but on that side certainly. 6. I got my first birthday card today...thanks LeeAnn! 7. You're probably wondering what is she going to do with all that time off work? Well, I will get my nails done and I think I'm due for a pedicure. I have a hot stone massage and cocoa bean scrub scheduled on Tuesday at The Spa at Hotel Hershey. I may trek to Philadelphia to visit my friend who I never go see. And between all the fun stuff I'll be working on my research paper for my Paris class. 8. The Paris class will be leaving for Paris on 11/22. I'm glad I'm not going. I would be freaking out about this research paper while I was there. And, if I went, certainly she would have us write yet another paper about something we saw/learned there. 9. My family and I are going out to dinner for Thanksgiving. We just don't care anymore, don't want the hassle of cooking, cleaning, etc. Is that wrong? 10. OMG! I was driving home from school last night yacking away on the phone to my friend Stacy when a deer ran across the road in front of me. Scared the crap out of me! 11. I will be having a birthday bash next Saturday...everyone's invited! 12. Getting a hair cut tonight, nothing different than before...exciting aren't I? 13. Everyone have a super day! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!) |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Has Blog Become a Bad Word?
Recently in a nearby town an 18 year old boy shot to death the parents of his alleged girlfriend who was 14. You may have heard about this incident on the news. They were found in Indiana and have been returned to PA to figure out their fate. Officials suspect the murder took place due to an argument the girl had with her parents over a curfew.
What has been discovered is that the teenagers kept in contact via their blogs.
In another situation you may remember is when Joseph Edward Duncan, a 30 year pedophile abducted two young children Shasta and Dylan Groene after killing their parents. Again, how did the police find further information on this guy? Through his blog.
This is only two instances when bloggers became criminals or vice versa. But somehow when hearing the news of a crime and the word "blog" comes up, I feel like those that know I have a blog kind of look at me funny. Like they're saying "oh, you must be one of them."
What has been discovered is that the teenagers kept in contact via their blogs.
In another situation you may remember is when Joseph Edward Duncan, a 30 year pedophile abducted two young children Shasta and Dylan Groene after killing their parents. Again, how did the police find further information on this guy? Through his blog.
This is only two instances when bloggers became criminals or vice versa. But somehow when hearing the news of a crime and the word "blog" comes up, I feel like those that know I have a blog kind of look at me funny. Like they're saying "oh, you must be one of them."
Princess Marries a Commoner
I know, you're all wondering, why didn't she say she was getting married? I would have bought the happy couple something. (hee, hee, couldn't resist that opportunity!)
When I read this article, my gut response was, boy she's giving up a lot for a marriage that will probably end in divorce. Then she's gonna be kicking herself. Unless of course, the Japanese take lessons from British royalty and pretend like none of these rules ever existed in the first place.
In any relationship or marriage I suspect someone gives up something to make the relationship work. And what if that relationship ends in divorce or you're just no longer together, do you kick yourself for the rest of your life about it? How much is enough to give up for a relationship? When is it not enough? Is it possible to keep your life just as it is and still have a happy relationship? Is it wrong to decide that you want to be selfish and do what you want, when you want and not be fulfilled by another person...is that even possible?
When I read this article, my gut response was, boy she's giving up a lot for a marriage that will probably end in divorce. Then she's gonna be kicking herself. Unless of course, the Japanese take lessons from British royalty and pretend like none of these rules ever existed in the first place.
In any relationship or marriage I suspect someone gives up something to make the relationship work. And what if that relationship ends in divorce or you're just no longer together, do you kick yourself for the rest of your life about it? How much is enough to give up for a relationship? When is it not enough? Is it possible to keep your life just as it is and still have a happy relationship? Is it wrong to decide that you want to be selfish and do what you want, when you want and not be fulfilled by another person...is that even possible?
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Feelin' Groovy
I couldn't have asked for a better day in NYC yesterday! The weather was perfect. I barely needed a coat.
I started my day off at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. One of the current exhibits is the Vincent Van Gogh drawings. It was interesting to see his drawing style progress up to the style most of us are used to seeing in the Starry Night painting.
I also got to see this interesting exhibit on Photography and the Occult. Today these images seem silly, contrived. But when this pictures were taken, they seemed quite believable. It's funny some of the images referenced "ectoplasm" and here I thought that was a word the Ghostbusters made up!
I did get to see some of the permenant collection including the Egyptian exhibits:
I'll give .25 for the first person to tell me what 80's movie was filmed in this room.
More from the permenent collection, I just love this Dali painting.
After my visit at the museum, I took a trip downtown to visit my friend Susan that you all know from the previous blog. I met her at her place in The Village and we headed off for lunch. As always I learned much about some of the buildings in the area particularly Susan's favorite, The Friends Seminary which used to be a Quaker church. There is a small park just across the street where Susan showed me the small tree she had planted in honor of her recent birthday. There were also these funky little sculptures in the park made of credit cards. And, there were plenty of "takers" willing to teach you how to play chess or match wits with you in a chess match...one thing I never learned to play.
As we got closer to where we were going to have lunch Susan showed me a church I've seen many times, St. Marks on the Bowery.
I had never been inside the building or within the gates. Little did I know there was a cemetery there that I had never noticed before. All the stones are lying down. And, Peter Stuyvesant is buried there. 
We made our way towards 2nd Ave. since our main agenda was to get some food. We were both starvin! We were going to my favorite place, The Telephone. I had the best fish and chips, Susan had a yummy looking plate of shephard's pie. They have a really nice selection of food, the food is good, moderately priced and they have a great beer selection. It was such a nice day, some people were sitting outside. Oh! And I got another Homie! This is a grim reaper Homie, quite appropriate. Thanks Susan!
We then went down by NYU thinking there was some kind of student art show going on but didn't find one. There is a little mews in the area that is just so beautiful. It's where the Institute of French Studies is located. You would never imagine you were in the middle of a huge city.
We also walked in Washington Square park which is always an adventure. And, I think one of the prettiest parks. This is the park that has the giant arch similar to the Arc d'Triomphe in Paris. This is a look underneath the arch.
And some of the sculptures on the arch:
Susan and I ended the day in NYC at the Back Fence with Brigid (see previous blog entry) at the bar. After I left there and was making my way up 6th Ave. I saw a guy wipe out on his bike in the middle of the street. He was a hurtin pup but fortunately, he didn't get hit by a car. People waiting to cross the street ran out to help him.
There seems to be one of two things going on here. One is that New Yorkers get a bad rap. People say they're unfriendly and cold. The second thing is that maybe New Yorkers are changing. Saturday my Metro pass wasn't working. The girl in front of me turned around to see if I needed help and she directed me back to the ticket agents at the window. There was the bike incident and since my new found friendship with Susan and Brigid, I've been introduced to some really nice people...all New Yorkers!
P.S. This day was my big adventure out on my own in the big city. You know, it wasn't any different than being there with a friend.
I started my day off at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. One of the current exhibits is the Vincent Van Gogh drawings. It was interesting to see his drawing style progress up to the style most of us are used to seeing in the Starry Night painting.
I also got to see this interesting exhibit on Photography and the Occult. Today these images seem silly, contrived. But when this pictures were taken, they seemed quite believable. It's funny some of the images referenced "ectoplasm" and here I thought that was a word the Ghostbusters made up!
I did get to see some of the permenant collection including the Egyptian exhibits:
I'll give .25 for the first person to tell me what 80's movie was filmed in this room.
More from the permenent collection, I just love this Dali painting.
After my visit at the museum, I took a trip downtown to visit my friend Susan that you all know from the previous blog. I met her at her place in The Village and we headed off for lunch. As always I learned much about some of the buildings in the area particularly Susan's favorite, The Friends Seminary which used to be a Quaker church. There is a small park just across the street where Susan showed me the small tree she had planted in honor of her recent birthday. There were also these funky little sculptures in the park made of credit cards. And, there were plenty of "takers" willing to teach you how to play chess or match wits with you in a chess match...one thing I never learned to play.
As we got closer to where we were going to have lunch Susan showed me a church I've seen many times, St. Marks on the Bowery.
I had never been inside the building or within the gates. Little did I know there was a cemetery there that I had never noticed before. All the stones are lying down. And, Peter Stuyvesant is buried there. 
We made our way towards 2nd Ave. since our main agenda was to get some food. We were both starvin! We were going to my favorite place, The Telephone. I had the best fish and chips, Susan had a yummy looking plate of shephard's pie. They have a really nice selection of food, the food is good, moderately priced and they have a great beer selection. It was such a nice day, some people were sitting outside. Oh! And I got another Homie! This is a grim reaper Homie, quite appropriate. Thanks Susan!
We then went down by NYU thinking there was some kind of student art show going on but didn't find one. There is a little mews in the area that is just so beautiful. It's where the Institute of French Studies is located. You would never imagine you were in the middle of a huge city.
We also walked in Washington Square park which is always an adventure. And, I think one of the prettiest parks. This is the park that has the giant arch similar to the Arc d'Triomphe in Paris. This is a look underneath the arch.
And some of the sculptures on the arch:
Susan and I ended the day in NYC at the Back Fence with Brigid (see previous blog entry) at the bar. After I left there and was making my way up 6th Ave. I saw a guy wipe out on his bike in the middle of the street. He was a hurtin pup but fortunately, he didn't get hit by a car. People waiting to cross the street ran out to help him.
There seems to be one of two things going on here. One is that New Yorkers get a bad rap. People say they're unfriendly and cold. The second thing is that maybe New Yorkers are changing. Saturday my Metro pass wasn't working. The girl in front of me turned around to see if I needed help and she directed me back to the ticket agents at the window. There was the bike incident and since my new found friendship with Susan and Brigid, I've been introduced to some really nice people...all New Yorkers!
P.S. This day was my big adventure out on my own in the big city. You know, it wasn't any different than being there with a friend.
Friday, November 11, 2005
Serendipity
This is a word I rarely use, but it was used yesterday and it made a connection. It happened in the cemetery, driving over thousands of brightly fallen leaves, surrounded by hundreds of the tombstones I find so fascinating. She said, "That is what this is! Serendipity! That should be what we worship. Do you want to be a high-priestess or an acolyte?"
"I've been an acoloyte before." And, I think that's what I want to be again in this worship of serendipity. Or as Jack from Will & Grace calls it, serendipitydoo.
This was just one of the many conversations I had with my friend Susan Maurer,
one of the poets that came to Harrisburg from New York to read at the Uptown Poetry Cartel poetry reading at the Susquehanna Art Museum. As she tells everyone, "Google me." So, I will leave that up to you to find out more information on her.
When I arrived at the hotel to pick her up, she was waiting in the lobby...with gifts no less! She has given me my first Homie, which she collects. And, she gave me one of her "chat books," a small booklet containing some of her works, which I fully intend on sharing with you at some point.
I took Susan on a driving tour of Harrisburg complete with all the scenic vistas I could muster up. As if that wasn't enough, we stopped for a bite to eat at one of my favorite, borderline dive restaurants;The Paxtang Grill. It's a typical blue collar barroom that's been around forever with the best darned, inexpensive food!
By 7ish we made our way to the musum for the readings. Susan was already there and raring to go. We were soon joined by Brigid Murnaghan, Susan's friend who would also be reading that night. I will also let you "Google her" for more info. They were introduced as "The Beatific Babes from Greenwich Village" quite appropriately, except he kept saying Green Wich which got on my nerves almost at once.
These ladies soon made a strong indication of what the night would bring. I think the others at the reading knew there were poets coming in from New York to read that night. Perhaps they suspected they'd come complete with beret's and bongo's which these ladies did not. But Susan and Brigid soon left everyone know who they were and why they were there.
Susan has gifted the museum with a document of her work with hand set lettering. I can't wait to go back to the museum and see it hanging on the wall! Brigid kept everyone entertained with her sour gummy worms she was eating and her occasional interjection of the word "fuck" or reference to the "cock sucker" that stole one of her lines. By the end of the night, everyone expected the unexpected and kind of lightened up a bit-thankfully.
The beginning of the program was open mic for anyone that wanted to read. Most were very good, some hit quite close to home for me. Susan then began to read her selections; Ocularis, 9-1-04, 10-10-04, Noise at 210 E. 15th St.: Critical Mass: Clash 8-28-04 complete with stories of how these poems were written. She's got quite a group of friends that occasionally serve as inspiration for her poems. You can well imagine having lived in the city for many years, being a published poet with a history of Social Work and living for a period of time in France.
Brigid took the floor and began to read her selections; To Be A Poet, Anna Murnaghan, and Eve. Brigid also told us how these poems were developed which I find truely fascinating.
After the reading, we made our way to a local bar, not your typical poets bar and Susan rightly pointed out. On the way, I got to talk to Brigid a little more. I asked her opinion of the local poets writings, she said they were good. I almost expected her to belt out "they were SHIT!" She and I spoke about romantic poetry which she said she has written but it's most often humerous, not sad. She told me to never shed a tear over a man...a broken plate, yes, never a man. Words to live by!
I was seated between the two ladies and the lively conversation began. Brigid told me about her friendship with Alan Ginsberg and that she's not such a fan of his writing. She's more of a Jack Kerouac fan. Keep in mind, Brigid was writing poetry during this era, living in The Village and travelling with this circle of poets. Brigid also told me about this man she has met, a man that has always caused her to have questions. She's spent time with this man and says he's the dearest person-Bob Dylan. I said I had recently seen him in concert and said he must be a man of few words since he didn't speak a lick during the show. "Actually", she said, "he is not."
She told me about Graham Greene who she said she always had the biggest crush on simply based on his pictures. She was almost apologetic about this crush she has simply because he's deceased. I let her in on my obsession with Jim Morrison. She said, "he was beautiful when he was young wasn't he?" Oh God yes! A woman after my own heart!
Meanwhile to the right of me Susan was developing her musical talents on the trumpet. Well, it was a plastic trumpet, that played music but she did a fair trade with another at the table and the trumpet is now hers.
I really hated to end the evening while everyone was still out having fun. I really hate to miss any kind of fun. The ladies and I fully intend on meeting up in The Village tomorrow for lunch or whatever we can get into.
Susan, I know you are out there reading this. Thank you and Brigid so much for making the treck to Harrisburg. I enjoyed our time together. And, it truly was serendipity, yesterday and our original meeting at The Fence, (which has been voted, by the way, as one of the top dive bars in the city!), you be the high-priestess.
Have a great weekend all! Me and my camera are off for a day in the Big Apple. Report at 11:00.
"I've been an acoloyte before." And, I think that's what I want to be again in this worship of serendipity. Or as Jack from Will & Grace calls it, serendipitydoo.
This was just one of the many conversations I had with my friend Susan Maurer,
one of the poets that came to Harrisburg from New York to read at the Uptown Poetry Cartel poetry reading at the Susquehanna Art Museum. As she tells everyone, "Google me." So, I will leave that up to you to find out more information on her.When I arrived at the hotel to pick her up, she was waiting in the lobby...with gifts no less! She has given me my first Homie, which she collects. And, she gave me one of her "chat books," a small booklet containing some of her works, which I fully intend on sharing with you at some point.
I took Susan on a driving tour of Harrisburg complete with all the scenic vistas I could muster up. As if that wasn't enough, we stopped for a bite to eat at one of my favorite, borderline dive restaurants;The Paxtang Grill. It's a typical blue collar barroom that's been around forever with the best darned, inexpensive food!
By 7ish we made our way to the musum for the readings. Susan was already there and raring to go. We were soon joined by Brigid Murnaghan, Susan's friend who would also be reading that night. I will also let you "Google her" for more info. They were introduced as "The Beatific Babes from Greenwich Village" quite appropriately, except he kept saying Green Wich which got on my nerves almost at once.
These ladies soon made a strong indication of what the night would bring. I think the others at the reading knew there were poets coming in from New York to read that night. Perhaps they suspected they'd come complete with beret's and bongo's which these ladies did not. But Susan and Brigid soon left everyone know who they were and why they were there.
Susan has gifted the museum with a document of her work with hand set lettering. I can't wait to go back to the museum and see it hanging on the wall! Brigid kept everyone entertained with her sour gummy worms she was eating and her occasional interjection of the word "fuck" or reference to the "cock sucker" that stole one of her lines. By the end of the night, everyone expected the unexpected and kind of lightened up a bit-thankfully.
The beginning of the program was open mic for anyone that wanted to read. Most were very good, some hit quite close to home for me. Susan then began to read her selections; Ocularis, 9-1-04, 10-10-04, Noise at 210 E. 15th St.: Critical Mass: Clash 8-28-04 complete with stories of how these poems were written. She's got quite a group of friends that occasionally serve as inspiration for her poems. You can well imagine having lived in the city for many years, being a published poet with a history of Social Work and living for a period of time in France.
Brigid took the floor and began to read her selections; To Be A Poet, Anna Murnaghan, and Eve. Brigid also told us how these poems were developed which I find truely fascinating.
After the reading, we made our way to a local bar, not your typical poets bar and Susan rightly pointed out. On the way, I got to talk to Brigid a little more. I asked her opinion of the local poets writings, she said they were good. I almost expected her to belt out "they were SHIT!" She and I spoke about romantic poetry which she said she has written but it's most often humerous, not sad. She told me to never shed a tear over a man...a broken plate, yes, never a man. Words to live by!
I was seated between the two ladies and the lively conversation began. Brigid told me about her friendship with Alan Ginsberg and that she's not such a fan of his writing. She's more of a Jack Kerouac fan. Keep in mind, Brigid was writing poetry during this era, living in The Village and travelling with this circle of poets. Brigid also told me about this man she has met, a man that has always caused her to have questions. She's spent time with this man and says he's the dearest person-Bob Dylan. I said I had recently seen him in concert and said he must be a man of few words since he didn't speak a lick during the show. "Actually", she said, "he is not."
She told me about Graham Greene who she said she always had the biggest crush on simply based on his pictures. She was almost apologetic about this crush she has simply because he's deceased. I let her in on my obsession with Jim Morrison. She said, "he was beautiful when he was young wasn't he?" Oh God yes! A woman after my own heart!
Meanwhile to the right of me Susan was developing her musical talents on the trumpet. Well, it was a plastic trumpet, that played music but she did a fair trade with another at the table and the trumpet is now hers.
I really hated to end the evening while everyone was still out having fun. I really hate to miss any kind of fun. The ladies and I fully intend on meeting up in The Village tomorrow for lunch or whatever we can get into.
Susan, I know you are out there reading this. Thank you and Brigid so much for making the treck to Harrisburg. I enjoyed our time together. And, it truly was serendipity, yesterday and our original meeting at The Fence, (which has been voted, by the way, as one of the top dive bars in the city!), you be the high-priestess.
Have a great weekend all! Me and my camera are off for a day in the Big Apple. Report at 11:00.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Thursday Thirteen
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2. Tonight I'm going to a poetry reading at the Susquehanna Art Museum 3. My trip to NYC in July has forged a friendship with two of New York's poets. They will be making their way to Harrisburg today and will be the main poets reading this evening. I'm thankful they were willing to come here for this! 4. I will be taking my first trip to NYC on Saturday...solo! I'm nervous and excited. 5. Since this week of classes is over, I took a look at the remainder of the class schedule. There are only 4, FOUR, FORE weeks of classes that remain to this semester. I cannot wait till it's over, I need a break. 6. I feel a long beach weekend may be in order. Mark, can you make room for me? A hammock will do. 7. It's gray, chilly and windy out today. I need some sun! 8. 14 days till my birthday. Ew, the closer it gets the less I want it to be here. 9. The bright side to that is that my friends and I usually go out for a nice dinner and some form of debauchery...nothing wrong with that! 10. I had been planning to go to Paris with my Wednesday night class. However, in light of all that's been happening there, I'm glad I'm not going. 11. Even more reason to go to the beach and vegitate. 12. Did everyone vote on Tuesday? 13. Everyone have a great day! Links to other Thursday Thirteens!1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!) |
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Tuesday, November 08, 2005
American Graffiti
I thought of writing this entry a couple of months ago when I saw this really awesome piece of graffiti artwork on the back of the local Kmart. It amazes me what can be conveyed through a simple collection of lines and colors. I would see this work every day upon leaving the gym. I thought, I better remember to bring my camera tomorrow because certainly someone will have to get rid of that. And, of course they did before I was able to get a picture.However, when on my walk down by the river this weekend, I did come across some other graffiti work. Some of you will find it quite humorous I'm sure.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Take Me to the River
This morning I got up early and decided I just couldn't bear the gym so instead I went for a long walk down by the river. Today was a gorgeous warm day. I took my camera along so I could share the scenery with you.
This is our Champs Elysees. Really it's the State Street Bridge, and the capital building in the center. This is going into the city of Harrisburg.
One of the many bridges across the Susquehanna.
The Walnut St. bridge. It's now just a walking bridge. Very pretty at night.
Detail of the bridge above.
The road that lies before me.
This end of the river walk has lots of sculpture and gardens.
WWII Memorial...I really like the way this one turned out.
Holocaust Memorial
Piet Mondrian was here. I think people live in this place, but I really have no idea what it is.
The residence of Edward G. Rendell, the governor of PA. Or as our Lieutenant Governor called him at a public event Edward G. Robinson.
It was a luvly day!
This is our Champs Elysees. Really it's the State Street Bridge, and the capital building in the center. This is going into the city of Harrisburg.
One of the many bridges across the Susquehanna.
The Walnut St. bridge. It's now just a walking bridge. Very pretty at night.
Detail of the bridge above.
The road that lies before me.
This end of the river walk has lots of sculpture and gardens.
WWII Memorial...I really like the way this one turned out.
Holocaust Memorial
Piet Mondrian was here. I think people live in this place, but I really have no idea what it is.
The residence of Edward G. Rendell, the governor of PA. Or as our Lieutenant Governor called him at a public event Edward G. Robinson.
It was a luvly day!
Friday, November 04, 2005
Rolling Back the Years
Stole this one from Bone. His was hilarious, can't guarantee mine will be. This is a fairly simple meme, for those of us who proudly display our high school diplomas, or GED certificates. List something you remember from each grade of school:
Kindergarten: I remember that when she used to read to us, she would put the book up on a stand of some sort and clip the pages back with clothes pins. I loved that for some reason.
1st Grade/2nd Grade: I have to put these two together because the teacher I had in first grade I also had in second grade. And for all you weisenheimers out there...NO, I didn't flunk. She changed grades with us. I remember the teacher was a "Miss." She had perfect hair, clothes, makeup and nails. Her nails were almost always silver with an occasional change to pink. She would spray perfume on herself after lunch.
3rd Grade: I just loved my teacher. Keep in mind the year was 1974. She was older then and had served in WWII. She could put her lipstick on without a mirror which she claimed was due to her years in the service. She was friends with Laura Ingalls Wilder of Little House on the Prairie fame. She would give us prizes for winning a spelling bee or some other exercise we did in class. They were coins from all over the world (from her travels.) I remember she gave away the gold fingertip things that the dancers in Thailand wear. God, I wanted them. Never got 'em.
4th Grade: Mr. Paul attempted to make me memorize my times tables. I still don't know them. He also dissected a cow's eyeball.
5th Grade: I remember having to stand in the hall. I was bad, no doubt about it. I also remember my teacher being pregnant and all the kids saying she "did it" in a corn field, thus resulting in her inevitable pregnancy.
6th Grade: My teacher, Mrs. Rados. A former neighbor of my family. She was evil, and of course had no tolerance for my crap. We also drafted a petition to send one of my classmates to the zoo. He was kinda fat. And, of course, this is where we learned all about how girls and boys are different, in the physical state anyway. I think it was in this year too that my band director thought it would be a good idea for me to go play my flute in the cafeteria at lunch. Since I was the only flute player in the school at the time I guess he was trying to drum up interest. Well, I never showed. And for all of you that are thinking of making up some joke about "One time at band camp"...save it.
7th Grade: I can remember being petrified in homeroom on the first day of school. I wore a white dress with the stitching reversed and in all kinds of funky colors. The girl behind me pulled a big chunk of hair out of my head. I see her on local TV now preaching God's word and how you should adopt children blah, blah, blah.
8th Grade: Probably my most problematic year. The year of my first boyfriend. I think it lasted a week. He made his bestfriend break up with me. I got into a fight after school. Man, my cheek hurt for a while. Finally, I got suspended from school for smoking in the bathroom. Only got a one day suspension (versus the usual 3 day suspension) because my parents were sufficiently pissed at me that the principal knew I would have a rough enough time at home.
9th Grade: I can't even think of one thing.
10th Grade: The first time I attended band camp. Yes, I still played the flute. I seriously fell in love for the first time. God, I hope no one from high school reads this. They are going to think I've seriously lost my mind if I'm STILL talking about this guy; Alex Ressetar. He was just the coolest. He was a punk rocker which made him even more cool. He had a Ramones bumpersticker on his car. I raided his locker after he graduated. I still have the stuff. I never dated him, met him or even talked to him. His dad is still the father of the Russian Orthodox parish down the street from me. They have festivals every summer. I've been tempted to go...but never have. I found out recently he's living in New York City and is a studio musician. Um, could you turn the knife a little deeper please?
11th Grade: I taught my friend Dianne that it wasn't that difficult to say the word "penis." We were totally into U2, the Violent Femmes and The Who for some reason. Our favorite high school band was The Tactics. My friend Ray was in the band. He still plays acoustically around my home and in Ohio where he lives.
12th Grade: What can I say, I finally graduated and stopped torturing my teachers.
Kindergarten: I remember that when she used to read to us, she would put the book up on a stand of some sort and clip the pages back with clothes pins. I loved that for some reason.
1st Grade/2nd Grade: I have to put these two together because the teacher I had in first grade I also had in second grade. And for all you weisenheimers out there...NO, I didn't flunk. She changed grades with us. I remember the teacher was a "Miss." She had perfect hair, clothes, makeup and nails. Her nails were almost always silver with an occasional change to pink. She would spray perfume on herself after lunch.
3rd Grade: I just loved my teacher. Keep in mind the year was 1974. She was older then and had served in WWII. She could put her lipstick on without a mirror which she claimed was due to her years in the service. She was friends with Laura Ingalls Wilder of Little House on the Prairie fame. She would give us prizes for winning a spelling bee or some other exercise we did in class. They were coins from all over the world (from her travels.) I remember she gave away the gold fingertip things that the dancers in Thailand wear. God, I wanted them. Never got 'em.
4th Grade: Mr. Paul attempted to make me memorize my times tables. I still don't know them. He also dissected a cow's eyeball.
5th Grade: I remember having to stand in the hall. I was bad, no doubt about it. I also remember my teacher being pregnant and all the kids saying she "did it" in a corn field, thus resulting in her inevitable pregnancy.
6th Grade: My teacher, Mrs. Rados. A former neighbor of my family. She was evil, and of course had no tolerance for my crap. We also drafted a petition to send one of my classmates to the zoo. He was kinda fat. And, of course, this is where we learned all about how girls and boys are different, in the physical state anyway. I think it was in this year too that my band director thought it would be a good idea for me to go play my flute in the cafeteria at lunch. Since I was the only flute player in the school at the time I guess he was trying to drum up interest. Well, I never showed. And for all of you that are thinking of making up some joke about "One time at band camp"...save it.
7th Grade: I can remember being petrified in homeroom on the first day of school. I wore a white dress with the stitching reversed and in all kinds of funky colors. The girl behind me pulled a big chunk of hair out of my head. I see her on local TV now preaching God's word and how you should adopt children blah, blah, blah.
8th Grade: Probably my most problematic year. The year of my first boyfriend. I think it lasted a week. He made his bestfriend break up with me. I got into a fight after school. Man, my cheek hurt for a while. Finally, I got suspended from school for smoking in the bathroom. Only got a one day suspension (versus the usual 3 day suspension) because my parents were sufficiently pissed at me that the principal knew I would have a rough enough time at home.
9th Grade: I can't even think of one thing.
10th Grade: The first time I attended band camp. Yes, I still played the flute. I seriously fell in love for the first time. God, I hope no one from high school reads this. They are going to think I've seriously lost my mind if I'm STILL talking about this guy; Alex Ressetar. He was just the coolest. He was a punk rocker which made him even more cool. He had a Ramones bumpersticker on his car. I raided his locker after he graduated. I still have the stuff. I never dated him, met him or even talked to him. His dad is still the father of the Russian Orthodox parish down the street from me. They have festivals every summer. I've been tempted to go...but never have. I found out recently he's living in New York City and is a studio musician. Um, could you turn the knife a little deeper please?
11th Grade: I taught my friend Dianne that it wasn't that difficult to say the word "penis." We were totally into U2, the Violent Femmes and The Who for some reason. Our favorite high school band was The Tactics. My friend Ray was in the band. He still plays acoustically around my home and in Ohio where he lives.
12th Grade: What can I say, I finally graduated and stopped torturing my teachers.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Not to Be Outdone
I've always been inspired by the pics Ashman takes. Now he does have the benefit of living in a beautiful location. Same for First Time, the nature around them just begs to be photographed.
Thursday evening I had just gotten home from the gym and had gotten out of the shower, and happened to glance out the window and saw the most breathtaking sunset.
I quickly ran upstairs to grab my camera. I didn't want to lose any more of the colors, so I quickly snapped this picture. Sorry for the quality.
Thursday evening I had just gotten home from the gym and had gotten out of the shower, and happened to glance out the window and saw the most breathtaking sunset.
I quickly ran upstairs to grab my camera. I didn't want to lose any more of the colors, so I quickly snapped this picture. Sorry for the quality.
Thursday Thirteen
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2. I was rated a "7" on a scale of 1-10...by a 17 year old! I'm blushing! 3. It's Thursday, I don't have school for the rest of the week and usually give myself the night off from school work 4. Had to do a "skit" in my Paris class last night. Did I ever mention I hate doing skits? 5. I hate doing skits! 6. I miss the gym. 7. I don't get to go to the gym on Monday's and Thursday's 8. I don't like the gym, but it seems I miss it when I don't go 9. I have no (exciting) plans for the weekend 10. Wait! I'm going to Stacy's house on Saturday. Eat, drink and be merry is our motto! 11. 21 more days till my birthday 12. That's just not as much fun to say anymore 13. Not much longer till Dean returns from Iraq...and there will be a party at my house! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!) |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Two Things
After months and months of listening to me whine and moan about autumn, I have discovered two things I really love about it. OK, three.
First, chestnuts. Looking on line, it seems these are much cheaper than what I paid in the local grocery for them. I think they were $4.99/lb.
Tonight I grabbed the entire bag and cut the appropriate X in the shell and took them outside to cook them on the grill. They're darned good. It's the closest thing to those you get from the street vendors in New York City. You can get them in Paris fresh roasted on the street too. C'est si bon!
Second, pomegranate. You may have seen the juice in the grocery store, which is kind of cheating. These fruits are a little difficult to eat but similar to that of a crawdad...suck off the meat and spit the seed. (yes, I know crawdad's don't have seeds, it was an analogy.)
As I see from this web site, it is national pomegranate month. If you've never had one, they are deelish. Just don't wear anything white when you eat them. Just for the record, these fruits dry nicely as well. Just keep them out on the counter. They get dry, but they keep their color. That's the end of my Martha Stewart moment.
Lastly, I love the surprisingly warm days. For the last couple of days, especially last weekend, I keep thinking, "this is the last good day of the year." And, a couple of days go by and the sun is still shining, the sky is clear and the temps are around 70. I'm sure of it. Today WAS the last good day of the year.
First, chestnuts. Looking on line, it seems these are much cheaper than what I paid in the local grocery for them. I think they were $4.99/lb.
Tonight I grabbed the entire bag and cut the appropriate X in the shell and took them outside to cook them on the grill. They're darned good. It's the closest thing to those you get from the street vendors in New York City. You can get them in Paris fresh roasted on the street too. C'est si bon!
Second, pomegranate. You may have seen the juice in the grocery store, which is kind of cheating. These fruits are a little difficult to eat but similar to that of a crawdad...suck off the meat and spit the seed. (yes, I know crawdad's don't have seeds, it was an analogy.)
As I see from this web site, it is national pomegranate month. If you've never had one, they are deelish. Just don't wear anything white when you eat them. Just for the record, these fruits dry nicely as well. Just keep them out on the counter. They get dry, but they keep their color. That's the end of my Martha Stewart moment.
Lastly, I love the surprisingly warm days. For the last couple of days, especially last weekend, I keep thinking, "this is the last good day of the year." And, a couple of days go by and the sun is still shining, the sky is clear and the temps are around 70. I'm sure of it. Today WAS the last good day of the year.
Day of the Dead
Today is Dia de los Muertos, that is per my handy-dandy calendar here at work. Since I don't know much about it, thought I'd find out some stuff and tell you all about it too.
Specifically, today is Dia de los Angelitos--the day to remember children that have died. Tomorrow is Dia de los Muertos.
Typically, this is a Mexican (Aztec) celebration of the dead and much of the day is spent at cemeteries (my favorite thing to do!) The belief is that this life is a dream and when you die, you awaken to your real life. I guess that means there's still hope!
Here is a Dia de los Muertos piece of artwork. I
think it would make a great tattoo!
Also being celebrated, today is the first day of Diwali. An Indian festival similarly celebrated as we do Christmas. The nights are lit with candles, to symbolize the illuminated mind. Homes are decorated and sweets are made and shared with family and friends. People buy new clothes and jewellry. Hey! I think I celebrate Diwali a lot more often then I thought!
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