Graven Images

And We All Float On

2011-09-08T19:47:00.001-04:00

The day the "For Sale" sign went up in the front yard was like a kick in the stomach. I thought, well they say the market is slow so maybe it'll be a while till it sells. It wasn't a while. It was a few short months. Next week I will have to say goodbye to a neighbor that has been with my family through it all.

First my parents moved to the neighborhood in 1963, then I was born a few years later. Then, I moved out only to move back in a few short years later upon the death of my parents. We've shared food, picnics, and general neighborly love.

I'll never forget the day in November when Mr. Gable knocked on my door to tell me his wife had died and he broke down in tears. Next week at this time, he will have left his life long home to move cross country to live with his daughter and son-in-law.

The weirdest thing is that I probably will never see him again. It'll be like a death but he will not have died.

I had a farewell dinner for him last Sunday. My family and some other neighbors joined in. I think he was really touched. I hope he was. He is probably one of the nicest people you ever want to meet. Soft-spoken, even tempered, adored his wife.

I used to love to hear them talk about how they met here in Harrisburg back in the 40's. There were dance halls and he used the line that he was related to Clark Gable as a way to talk to her. He bought himself a bike at 70 and would ride over to the community pool for a swim in the summer. She made the best pirogi!

I can't imagine what it must be like to see your entire house full of memories emptied before your eyes in a matter of weeks, saying goodbye to your barber, neighbors, church friends. All of whom you have known for many years.

You always hear people say "it's tough getting old." The reality is we have no idea how tough it really is, until we live it. And we'll all float on, alright.

Whew!

2011-06-28T20:22:00.000-04:00

Thought I lost touch with my old buddy Graven Images for a minute. Somehow I figured it out. I guess that'll teach me to ignore my blog for three months. All this right after I give a professor my blog address to check out the very intellectual and stimulating conversations that go on out here. (nudge, nudge, wink, wink)

I guess I can say that the ball has been put into motion for this final undertaking on my Master's Degree. I have an idea (I think) but not a very concise one. I understand I may also need to learn how to create a website in the next few months. Luckily, I think there is software that will allow me to just plug in information without having to learn to write code. (yikes)

I think also, it might be nice to use this blog as documentation on the progress of my project. I don't think that would be too boring and it would give me an excuse to keep this thing updated!!

Mamma Needs A New Pair of Shoes

2011-03-07T19:23:00.000-05:00

My new dilemma along with all my old dilemmas is what do to with old shoes. I have no trouble deciding what to do with clothing that's outdated and worn out. Well, my clothes don't really get worn out. They're more out of style or "I've had that skirt for a million years it needs to go."

Shoes are a different sort of problem. They're beaten up, and worn (some severely) as I tend to be very hard on shoes but there aren't any holes in them, the soles aren't worn out either. They have just had it.

The dilemma comes in when I wonder what to do with them. I feel badly for pitching them in the trash, because really, there's not much wrong with them. I can't donate them to the Salvation Army or Goodwill because they'll probably just pitch them in the trash because they are too worn.

Then I think if a person in need or a homeless person wouldn't even wear these shoes, why on earth am I holding on to them or (God forbid) still wearing them?!?

And so it goes on....

Get Out of Jail Free Card

2011-02-08T21:53:00.000-05:00

The great debate in my mind today is how easy it is for the general public to forgive and forget the crimes people commit when they are famous, particularly sports stars.

I've recently noticed some friends jumping on the bandwagon cheering on Michael Vick because he plays for their favorite team and he was voted "Come Back Player of the Year." Um, so??

Some others argue that he's paid his debt to society by doing his time in jail. To which I say, he intentionally and his own profit, tortured, killed and maimed animals. What on earth could jail have done for him? What did he do to repay society while he was in jail? Community service? Perhaps. Donate money to some organization? Who cares? He's got banks full of money now he's out making more of it.

How despicable does a person have to be to not be tolerated in society any longer? Should Charles Manson have gone out for a sport? I mean, doesn't he deserve a break? Hasn't he repaid his debt to society too?

The Paper Delay

2011-02-05T17:23:00.001-05:00

I have to have some of the worst writing habits. There's a few of you out there that remind me often to update my blog....and I don't. I have every good intention to do it, but I don't. Now, here I sit, in the dark of my upstairs writing here, when I should be working on a paper for class.

When I do buckle down and start writing for class work, I write for a few minutes and then I stop to play a game on line or check Facebook. I tell myself it helps me think, and maybe it does, but it takes me forever to finish writing a paper!

What will I do in a couple of months when I start writing my thesis for my Master's Degree? A 30 page paper? Yikes, I'm scared to think how long that may take!

Nostalgia

2010-12-26T21:38:00.000-05:00

At this time last year, I was basking in the warm sun and sand of Grand Cayman Island. Sigh. Right now this area is expecting snow, it's freezing and I can hear the wind howling outside.

Last year at this time, my nephew hadn't graduated from college yet. Now, he's been commissioned as an officer in the Navy and is living on his own in San Diego for the last six months.

Before I go and get all weepy, the bright side is that I have off tomorrow, as I'm not ready to get back into the 9-5 grind again.

I thought too, I'd take advantage of the new layouts on here and catch up with my usual blogger buddies since I've been kind of lazy about this lately.

Bittersweet Symphony

2010-06-20T18:48:00.000-04:00

Today is bittersweet for two reasons. It's Father's Day and I'd really love to be able to spend the day with my dad. I think he'd be quite proud and interested in where I've been since he left this earth and where I am now, where I'll be in the future. Plus, I'm sure there was more he had to teach me, certainly more questions I would like to ask of him about his music, his art, his life. I'd like to watch him again in action sitting beside someone at the mall that he didn't know who was wearing a Sari or a turban or a yarmulke. He would ask questions, greet them in their native tongue and may ultimately get into a "discussion" on politics or religion. There was always a "discussion" at our house when the unknowing Jehovah's Witnesses or Mormon's would come to the door. My dad loved to debate religion, much to my mother's chagrin.

It's bittersweet secondly because today is the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. I love that it's officially summer. I love that it's the longest day of the year. But, summer seems to slip by so quickly and before I know it, all of a sudden, I'm smack dab in the middle of October staring down the face of winter. I love that the daylight will be sticking around as long as possible today before giving way to darkness. However, the days to follow the Summer Solstice mean each one is just one second less than the day before. It's almost like death, till we finally reach the true death when fall arrives and everything goes to sleep for the winter.

Every year I say I'm going to live each summer day to it's fullest. I'm going to spend every waking moment in the sunshine as a way to store it all up inside me so when the winter comes I have some left over to chase away the winter blues.

"Cause it's a bittersweet symphony, this life, Trying to make ends meet, Trying to find some money then you die, I'll take you down the only road I've ever been down
You know the one that takes you to the places, where all the veins meet yeah."

Time Travels

2010-03-31T22:17:00.001-04:00

Tonight in my class we talked about Coney Island. Not the Coney Island of today that is slowing being chipped away at by land developers, but this Coney Island:

This was the Coney Island that the working class man visited as an escape from the daily grind of his job and the city. This is the Coney Island I want to visit. I'm not exactly sure why. Maybe it's the innocence of the rides which were tame in comparison to today. Strangely, there was a "Human Zoo" where visitors would climb to the bottom of a ladder and would find themselves in a cage and were on display for other visitors who would feed them peanuts.

Certainly I would not care to put on one of the standard swimsuits for ladies which were made of wool and often weighed 15-20 lbs wet and would require ladies to use ropes to extract them from the ocean after a swim.

I remember my father talking about visiting Coney Island as a kid, but sadly I don't remember him telling me anything more about it.

Perhaps it's nostalgia or the desire to visit a simpler time. I'd love to jump into a time machine and visit Coney Island mid nineteenth century. Of course, I'm sure it would be just as great to return home.

Check out the new addition to my frequently read blogs....Ephemeral New York. Just a plethora of really cool information about a city I adore!

Dress Rehearsal

2010-03-07T14:18:00.000-05:00

I think I think alot about death and dying. Perhaps too much. It is a subject that fascinates me and perhaps it has something to do with living in the cold north and coming out of the long, cold nights that makes me think about dying more often around this time of the year. I find that a lot of people die in the winter. It's like they lose hope. I'm thankful that I do not live in even further northern countries that have ten plus hours or more of darkness a day during the winter.

My friend that I mentioned in my previous post has been away this week in Paris. A very bittersweet trip to Paris. I guess it's kind of a last hurrah and he knows that. For me, this week has been sort of a dress rehearsal for things to come. I have had no contact from him, no texting, no calls, no pictures posted on Facebook. In a few days though, I will hear from him and there will be frenzied texting, much chattering on the phone and hopefully lots of pictures. Sadly the day will come when it won't be a dress rehearsal and the phone and Facebook will remain silent. But for today, I will enjoy the sunshine and the fact that he is still with us.

This weekend has been a tease for us at least in south central PA. The sun has been out all weekend, the temps are in the upper 50's. It's a hopeful sign. I haven't looked but I'm sure some of the early spring flowers are beginning to poke through. I can tell the days are getting longer. The snow has almost completely melted. Days like these give me hope that the darkest days are behind us and good things are coming. I am hopeful.

Real Life

2010-02-10T11:17:00.000-05:00

The northeast is getting pummeled again with snow. I was at work briefly this morning but they shut down and I was able to make it home to the comfy couch. I was lucky to have missed the storm we had last weekend that dumped about a foot of snow on the ground as I was in Key West celebrating "someone's" 40th birthday. We visited the usual sights on the island and had plenty of beverages to celebrate. The weather was warm and sunny and while my friends at home got pounded with the first round of snow, I was planted firmly on the beach with Jimmy Buffett singing in my ear. It was an absolute perfect day.

Getting home and back to the reality of snow and every day life, I learned that a close friend has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. At last check in November the cancer was gone. Two months later it has progress so far that it has infiltrated the bones. I pray I can be of some comfort and support to my friend. I cannot imagine life without this person. I pray that if my friend does have to leave this earth it can be painlessly and peacefully though I'd rather just keep my friend here with me, but that seems unlikely.

Modern Day Monk

2010-01-21T17:42:00.000-05:00

One of my very creative friends just put her wares up on the Internet. Please stop by, her work is wonderful!

Yes There Are Dumb Questions

2010-01-07T22:06:00.002-05:00

I always find it amusing the kind of reaction I get from others when I tell people where I go on vacation. I don't think I've ever been anywhere truly exotic like Africa or Mumbai or Borneo. Since I've been back I've told many stories about our recent trip to the Caymans. Today was no different as I got some of the following comments:

"Are the people friendly?" Um, yes, they aren't spear-carrying tribal people that have never seen a "white man."
"Oh, the Caymans...where are they exactly?" Aren't you embarrassed to even ask that question?
"So, what are the Caymans known for?" Couldn't you quietly go off and Google that instead of asking that question?
"Do you have family there?" No, I do not go on vacation to visit family. That is not usually considered a vacation.

One question I didn't get after returning from this vacation that I have gotten on other vacations was "Why would go there?" Really? Why would you even ask that question? Isn't a better question why wouldn't you go (insert location here?)

Please take a look at the Flickr box in the upper corner of my page for some of the pics of the beautiful Caymans...and maybe you should keep your silly questions to yourself.

Grand Cayman, B.W.I.

2010-01-02T14:45:00.005-05:00

The last picture I posted was just something I grabbed off the Internet. I knew it was somewhere off the coast of Grand Cayman island but I had no idea I'd actually get to the place in the photo.

My family, Brian and I set off on this journey to Grand Cayman Island on a very cold and dark Christmas morning. In just 4 short hours we were there in the warm sunshine. I also knew I was going to meet a fellow blogger that I had been chatting with for some four years or so, MarkD60.

Mark and his lovely wife were most gracious in making sure we saw some really great things and were invited into their home and circle of friends.

It have gotten quite lazy about blogging since the discovery of Facebook but have promised that I would update this site and continue to meet some really great people around the world that I'd otherwise would have never met.

Thanks Mark for making sure we had a lovely time on the island!

This is most of our crew in the waters (from the previous post) which happens to be Sandbar near Sting Ray City. It was so much fun to swim with these creatures. Yes, it's a bit startling to have them bump into you, but they're just trying to grab some food. They are quite gentle and no, there were no Steve Irwin incidents.

C'mon Take A Guess!

2009-12-14T20:33:00.002-05:00

Very soon, I get to check another item off my list of things to do. I get to meet yet another blogger buddy. That leaves only one of my long-time blog friends that I have yet to meet....and you know who you are!

The person I am going to meet soon lives here. Any guesses?

Pop Pop Pop Muzik

2009-09-18T13:40:00.003-04:00

It's official! I'm going to Boston to talk about my paper "No Man's Land, The Question of Gender in Punk Music 1973-1977." It's going to look great on my resume, for whatever that's worth.

Check out their blog! Mid-Atlantic Pop Culture/American Culture Association

Patiently Waiting

2009-06-03T20:10:00.002-04:00

I was recently urged by my Gender Studies professor from this last semester to submit my paper for the class to the Popular/American Culture Association. So, I wrote up a short abstract to summarize my full paper and submitted it to the proper chair person at the association. So, now I must wait. June 15 is the deadline for the call for papers, so after that point I should hear one way or another if I'm supposed to attend the conference in November to present my paper. Ok, now I'm scared. What if the paper does get picked and I have to travel to Boston to present it in front of God knows how many people?? I'm not too worried about that right now. More importantly, vacation is coming up!!

In a couple of weeks I'll be leaving on my first cruise! We're sailing out of New York (which should be very cool!) to Bermuda. I've never been to Bermuda either, so this should be an all around new experience for me. I'm looking forward to it, but also concerned about possible sea sickness. Any time I mention to anyone that I'm going on a cruise they have some horrible story about how sick they got on a cruise or they know of someone that got deathly ill. I will go, armed with Dramamine.

This Weekend in NYC

2009-05-04T21:15:00.003-04:00

Just in case....

2009-04-29T20:52:00.003-04:00

Just in case you needed yet another excuse to waste some time, you must check out this website.

The Art of Michael Pittari

2009-04-01T18:04:00.003-04:00

Go ahead, give it a click. See some wonderful artwork from a former professor of mine.

Saying Goodbye

2009-02-23T20:57:00.003-05:00

Sadly, we lost our Jasmine today. She was a wonderful dog and will be greatly missed.

The Art of Jonathan Frazier

2009-01-04T10:09:00.002-05:00

I would like to introduce you to the art of friend Jonathan Frazier. As well as being a talented artist he is also a musician. Click on the image if you'd like to see more.

HNY!!

2008-12-31T17:19:00.000-05:00

Christmas City, U.S.A.

2008-12-28T19:23:00.002-05:00

We live about an hour outside what is known as Christmas City. Geographically, the city is known as Bethlehem, PA. NittanyBri and I visited there over the weekend.

Bethlehem is home to Moravian College and Central Moravian Church and the lovely Hotel Bethlehem and our new favorite Bethlehem Brew Works. The Brew Works definitely had some tasty and unusual beers. Our favorites would have to be the seasonal Rude Elf....10% alcohol, what's not to love? The Framboise (a personal favorite) and Steegarden Wit, slightly sweet and very tasty!

The Central Moravian Church puts on a tradition called a Putz, technically not a Moravian thing but more a European thing for the holidays. Families from the church go out and gather moss and put together various scenes of the beginning of the church as well as the nativity. This was something that I had heard about all my life but something I had never seen before.

Today however, was spent relaxing at The Spa at Hotel Hershey. Coffee scrubs, facials, massages. I think I might be moving in!

Graven Images

2008-12-14T14:14:00.001-05:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

A Lazy Saturday

2008-12-13T08:39:00.003-05:00

Ahhh, Saturday with basically nothing to do. The semester is over for the most part. But, I still have this nagging feeling that I should be reading something or working on a paper. Then I remember, hey you've read all 13 books for the 12 week semester, you completed your paper on New Deal Post Office Murals and the exhibit at the State Museum, turned it in AND got an A on it, you have no worries! It's true I don't have any worries. So, I'm doing some laundry and I swear, I'm going to the gym today!

Then tonight I get to hang out with the gal-pals who are part of the banned book club. Yes, I read banned books! A short book was picked for this month with all the parties, shopping and crazy work schedules so we read the classic George Orwell Animal Farm. Surprisingly I had never read it in school, as a matter of fact, I don't think I've read any of George Orwell's books.

NittanyBri has been working on the basement. I noticed the other day my feet didn't fit on the steps anymore because B had inserted wood on the front of the steps so they are no longer open. Things like socks and stuff won't fall through the steps anymore into the great abyss below. YAY! I also made up my mind I'm getting a dishwasher and a new microwave. I don't care that the kitchen isn't even close to be renovated but I don't think I can live another day without a dishwasher. And so I will have one. And I probably won't stop talking about it for the rest of my life. Just be prepared.

I have a new addiction, which is where I've been spending my time...Facebook. I used to think it was silly, now I'm on there all the time. I know some of you bloggers are out there too. If you aren't, come check it out!! It's fun!

My View of the World

2008-12-06T19:02:00.000-05:00

God I Love These Stories

2008-12-03T12:43:00.000-05:00

SEDALIA, Mo. (Dec. 2) – A hunter bagged a big buck on the second day of firearms season, but the kill caused him a lot of pain. Randy Goodman, 49, said he thought two well-placed shots with his .270-caliber rifle had killed the buck on Nov. 19. Goodman said the deer looked dead to him, but seconds later the nine-point, 240-pound animal came to life.

The buck rose up, knocked Goodman down and attacked him with his antlers in what the veteran hunter called "15 seconds of hell."

Mission Accomplished...

2008-11-23T18:40:00.002-05:00

...another trip around the sun.

Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrive!

2008-11-20T07:00:00.002-05:00

According to the earliest information about this year's wine is that it is going to be more expensive, and the crop was "dismal." On the bright side, we can all rush right out and get some as of today. The wine is also reported to have "raspberry tones." It's delish with Thanksgiving dinner in case you are looking for a special wine to have on Thursday.

It Must Be True

2008-11-15T09:51:00.001-05:00

For the Love!

2008-11-13T16:01:00.001-05:00

There are two radio stations in our area that are already playing Christmas music 24/7. Geesh.

Guess What I'm Doing This Weekend?

2008-11-06T20:45:00.004-05:00

I'm travelling to Philadelphia this weekend to meet one of our very own blogger buddies that I've never met before. Besides Bone and NittanyBri, anyone care to guess who it might be? C'mon! Here's you giant clue if you haven't figured it out by now!

Really?

2008-11-02T10:50:00.004-05:00

It seems like only yesterday that I in high school and was trying to convince my parents that the punk movement was really nothing to be concerned about. Sure, my guy friends from school wore eyeliner and leather and that a few earrings in their ears, but they were really nice guys. Matter of fact, they still are!

The real punk movement of course started in the 70's, way before I was in high school. That's when CBGB's had its heyday in NYC, The Sex Pistols were shocking the world and Madame Wongs in L.A. kept the punk scene going on the West Coast.

This past weekend I got to see a photography exhibit by Theresa K. who shared some candid moments with punk's most notorious characters; Stiv Bators, Johnny Thunders, Richard Hell, Joey Ramone, and The Cramps just to name a few. Sadly most of them are dead now, which was the theme of the exhibit I saw this weekend. This exhibit honored these musicians and celebrated the fact that punk is turning 30 years old!

Theresa K is a blogger, check her out and reminisce about the good old days. This is one of my favorite images from the show.

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-30T21:25:00.000-04:00

One Thing I Love About Fall

2008-10-24T18:02:00.002-04:00

I love to celebrate the season with the different wines that become available. Right now we're enjoying:

Me and the Galpals....

2008-10-19T14:04:00.001-04:00

We've all read the book and the cast of the movie looks incredible. I best be sure to take some tissues.

Going to see...

2008-10-15T16:51:00.001-04:00

Should be a great night in Hershey, PA!

Oh-My-God!

2008-10-11T16:57:00.001-04:00

Starbucks Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

...and so I went there this morning because I just HAD to have one. I place my order and I hear "I just have to let you know that we're out of the salt." WHAT? There is no point to this drink unless there is salt. Ugh! So, I had to go with my standby. Not that that is a problem.

So How 'Bout Those Phils???

2008-10-10T17:59:00.000-04:00

Remembering A Special Birthday

2008-10-09T08:14:00.001-04:00

I Am Sooo Happy...

2008-10-07T17:25:00.002-04:00

...that Notre Dame doesn't suck this year. Hope your team is winning too. Well, except if you like Penn State.

God Save the Queen

2008-10-01T13:32:00.002-04:00

I received this in my in box, hope you did too, so this entire election thing can be put to rest.

To the citizens of the United States of America from Her Sovereign Majesty Queen Elizabeth II:

In light of your failure in recent years to nominate competent candidates for President of the USA and thus to govern yourselves, we hereby give notice of the revocation of your independence, effective immediately. (You should look up 'revocation' in the Oxford English Dictionary.)

Her Sovereign Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will resume monarchical duties over all states, commonwealths, and territories (except Kansas, which she does not fancy).

Your new Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, will appoint a Governor for America without the need for further elections. Congress and the Senate will be disbanded. A questionnaire may be circulated next year to determine whether any of you noticed.

To aid in the transition to a British Crown dependency, the following rules are introduced with immediate effect:

1. The letter 'U' will be reinstated in words such as 'colour,'favour,' 'labour' and 'neighbour.' Likewise, you will learn to spell 'doughnut' without skipping half the letters, and the suffix '-ize' will be replaced by the suffix '-'ise.'Generally, you will be expected to raise your vocabulary to acceptable levels. (look up 'vocabulary').
2. Using the same twenty-seven words interspersed with filler noises such as ''like' and 'you know' is an unacceptable and inefficient form of communication. There is no such thing as U.S .English. We will let Microsoft know on your behalf. The Microsoft spell-checker will be adjusted to take into account the reinstated letter 'u'' and the elimination of '-ize.'
3. July 4th will no longer be celebrated as a holiday.
4.You will learn to resolve personal issues without using guns, lawyers, or therapists. The fact that you need so many lawyers and therapists shows that you're not quite ready to be independent. Guns should only be used for shooting grouse. If you can't sort things out without suing someone or speaking to a therapist, then you're not ready to shoot grouse.
5. Therefore, you will no longer be allowed to own or carry anything more dangerous than a vegetable peeler. Although a permit will be required if you wish to carry a vegetable peeler in public.
6. All intersections will be replaced with roundabouts, and you will start driving on the left side with immediate effect. At the same time, you will go metric with immediate effect and without the benefit of conversion tables. Both roundabouts and metrication will help you understand the British sense of humour.
7. The former USA will adopt UK prices on petrol (which you have been calling gasoline) of roughly $10/US gallon. Get used to it.
8. You will learn to make real chips. Those things you call French fries are not real chips, and those things you insist on calling potato chips are properly called crisps. Real chips are thick cut, fried in animal fat, and dressed not with catsup but with vinegar.
9. The cold, tasteless stuff you insist on calling beer is not actually beer at all. Henceforth, only proper British Bitter will be referred to as beer, and European brews of known and accepted provenance will be referred to as Lager. South African beer is also acceptable, as they are pound for pound the greatest sporting nation on earth and it can only be due to the beer. They are also part of the British Commonwealth - see what it did for them. American brands will be referred to as Near-Frozen Gnat's Urine, so that all can be sold without risk of further confusion.
10. Hollywood will be required occasionally to cast English actors as good guys. Hollywood will also be required to cast English actors to play English characters. Watching Andie Macdowell attempt English dialogue in Four Weddings and a Funeral was an experience akin to having one's ears removed with a cheese grater.
11. You will cease playing American football. There is only one kind of proper football; you call it soccer. Those of you brave enough will, in time, be allowed to play rugby (which has some similarities to American football, but does not involve stopping for a rest every twenty seconds or wearing full kevlar body armour like a bunch of nancies).
12. Further, you will stop playing baseball. It is not reasonable to host an event called the World Series for a game which is not played outside of America. Since only 2.1% of you are aware there is a world beyond your borders, your error is understandable. You will learn cricket, and we will let you face the South Africans first to take the sting out of their deliveries.
13. You must tell us who killed JFK. It's been driving us mad.
14. An internal revenue agent (i.e. tax collector) from Her Majesty's Government will be with you shortly to ensure the acquisition of all monies due (backdated to 1776).
15. Daily Tea Time begins promptly at 4 p.m. with proper cups, with saucers, and never mugs, with high quality biscuits (cookies) and cakes; plus strawberries (with cream) when in season.

God Save the Queen!

Picture Pages

2008-09-25T19:09:00.005-04:00

This IS the job that I want! We were walking along Beacon St. and heard a whole lot of barking. Turn around and find a short school bus full of dogs. They were being dropped off at their homes after a day at doggie day care!

Mt. Auburn cemetery. This was one of the most beautiful cemeteries I've ever seen.

This stone almost brought me to tears. I'd love to work on this image with Photoshop and see what I come up with.

I'm no math wiz, but there seems to be something amiss with this one.

Old North Church

Anyone want to venture a guess as to what this is? It was in the church.

Copp Hill Cemetery

It's True Folks....

2008-09-22T22:09:00.005-04:00

...we got to hang out with the coolest guy in Beantown! That's M (from Smoke and Mirrors), me and Nittanybri from our recent trip.

For those of you that have never been to Boston, you need to go. It is a pretty cool place. It's the big city without becoming overwhelming like NYC can be.

The "T", super simple and it takes you everywhere
Have a beer or two at Cheers, it's wicked fun! And not the one in Faneuil Hall, go to the one on Beacon St.
Definitely relax in Boston Common and enjoy all the doggies!
Have chowda at Union Oyster House, just get the bowl and be done with it.
See Mt. Auburn cemetery in Cambridge, it is just stunning. Maybe you can catch a glimpse of a coyote or two.
Challenge your brain at the MIT museum, it's not just ho-hum nerd-dorkery! Be sure to check out the exhibit from their artist in residence Arthur Ganson, absolutely fascinating. The exhibit is called Gestural Engineering. You'll find yourself mesmerized!
The Old North Church, it's a great place, everyone should see it.
And while you are in the North End for the love of God, don't forget to eat. If you did, your nose musn't be working. The odors that come out of these restaurants is sinful. On the list of things to eat is definitely cannoli's. You can grab one and run or sit and have a cappucino and take in the sites. Either way, delish!

There will be many pics to share in the near future. We had a super time!!!

Wisenheimers

2008-09-15T14:59:00.003-04:00

You have to get up pretty early in the morning to fool you guys! Yup, it's true, we're heading up to Boston this week. It will be fun-fillled for sure. This will be NittanyBri's first time in Bean Town, it has been years for me so I am looking forward to being there again. We also get to meet, live and in person, one of my long time blogger buddies Mr. Smoke & Mirrors!!! Lastly, after we spend a few days in Boston whooping it up with M, we'll be finishing up our trip in Vermont to visit with my nephew who is currently attending Norwich Univ.

Neither I nor Bri has been to Vermont before. We'll be about an hour away from Ben & Jerry's, YUM! Also, Friday is my nephew's birthday. His 21st birthday. You see where I'm going with this? I may need to pack extra Advil for the morning after.

Can You Guess?

2008-09-13T12:48:00.000-04:00

Where we're going next??

Remembering....

2008-09-11T07:15:00.000-04:00

OK, It Wasn't as Bad as I Thought

2008-09-07T21:20:00.004-04:00

We went to Ocean City, Maryland for the weekend in spite of Hanna making a big deal out of things on Saturday. It really wasn't that bad, but Saturday was a wash. Sunday was beautiful and we spent the day on Assateague Island, home to the wild horses. We took the dog with us this weekend so we had to go to a dog friendly beach. Jasmine didn't have as much fun as we hoped she would. She wasn't quite sure about those waves. We did get to see some horses and lots of dogs. Here are a few of my favorite pics from the weekend.

This Will be My Weekend....

2008-09-05T11:36:00.000-04:00

Near Fatality

2008-08-30T22:48:00.002-04:00

Friday I did something I have only heard stories about. I was at work, the day was almost over and a friend called on my cell. I went to the ladies room to rinse out the cup I was using and while I had the phone cradled in my neck, it slipped.

The bathroom is not the typical "corporate" type bathroom with endless stalls. It is in fact, a single seater. Which is what makes the event on Friday the near fatality. When the phone slipped. It went right in the toilet. UGH! Thankfully the toilet was "clean." My reflex was to get it out of the toilet as soon as possible so it was only there for a second. That one second really put a hurting on my phone. It began doing really strange things.

I was beginning to think the phone was really done for. I was thinking of all the pictures I have on my phone that I won't have any longer as well as all the phone numbers I have in my phone book. Luckily Nittanybri was smart enough to take the phone apart (a day later) and get all the water out of it and let it air out. Seems to be working fine. I did wipe it down with anti-bac sanitizer. I'll have to remember NOT to put that phone in my mouth for any reason.

Clever Chicks Rock!

2008-08-28T20:55:00.002-04:00

A big thank you, thank you, thank you to Stepher over at S2DoLife for this fabulous little cartoon that pretty much says it all. Well, except for the glasses. I don't have them yet, though I'm workin on it. Her nifty gift gave me something to blog about for once too. Don't know why, don't have much to yack about lately. Thanks Stepher!!

What A Wonderful World

2008-08-20T17:18:00.003-04:00

This has been a magical week full of pleasant surprises. Here's the list in chronological order:

1. Today I passed my CSP test. That's the American Staffing Agencies employment law test that certifies individuals as staffing professionals. It was a two hour test that consisted of laws regarding ASA, FMLA, FLSA, ADEA and much more. It's just a lot of stuff on hiring, firing and maintaining employees. Since I passed the test this morning, I am now allowed to sign my name as Carnealian, C.S.P. Whoo, mysterious letters after my name. Maybe I'll go by Carnealian, B.A., C.S.P. Double-wow them!
2. My dear friend and her husband welcomed their first child into the world today. Mr. Caleb was born this morning. Welcome to the world, Caleb!
3. Nittanybri settles on the sale of his house on Thursday. Zip-a-dee-doo-da!
4. Finally, on Friday, Dean over at Sisyphus Today is going to be tying the knot with his lovely gal. I love a wedding! Be sure to find his link on the right and wish him well.

Hope everyone is having as wonderful a week as we are here at Graven Images!!

We Grow 'Em Big

2008-08-12T19:30:00.002-04:00

This year I decided I was going to put in some new flowers. So, I planted a few Zinnias and Sunflowers. I got the "Mammoth" variety of Sunflower because I was hoping for really huge flowers. They're huge all right. The plants, not the flowers. I'm enjoying them none-the-less. I'm getting a kink in my neck from looking up though.

R.I.P Chef

2008-08-10T17:36:00.001-04:00

I was surprised to hear of Isaac Hayes passing today. What a voice!

Surprise!

2008-08-06T20:42:00.002-04:00

I swear! We're not just sitting here playing Rock Band!

(just enjoying the summer)

Fun Stuff

2008-07-30T22:17:00.002-04:00

We got a new toy. The "manual" says:

IMMEDIATELY DISCONTINUE use and consult your physician if you experience any of the following:

dizziness
altered vision
eye or muscle twitches
loss of awareness
disorientation
seizures
any involuntary movement or convulsion

Can you guess what it is?

New Project

2008-07-23T13:05:00.002-04:00

Since the Art of the State exhibit is securly installed and all the fun and festivities are over with for that exhibit for now, I've moved on to another volunteer opportunity at the museum. This time I get to work with kids and get to teach them about color.

The Idea Zone is a room that allows kids and parents to come in and learn about the science of color, how color makes you feel, why artists use color AND best of all, each person gets to participate in a community art project.

Each day the Idea Zone is open, there are supplies available for each kid to make a tile which will be placed on the wall as part of the giant rainbow. Each day is a new color that is represented in the rainbow. Each kid can make their tile however they want. After the tiles have time to dry, they are placed on the wall with others.

The tile making seems to be the most fun about the Idea Zone for the kids. The most popular thing about putting together these tiles is.....glitter glue. If you haven't had the chance to use glitter glue, run to the store right now and get yourself some in every color. It's fabulous!!

Guilt of the Dognapper

2008-07-05T08:05:00.012-04:00

For those of you that have been following along, you remember that there was a new "man" in my life named Abner. And you all remember my "secret" plot to steal him away from his owner.

Thursday night we were at home doing some cleaning anticipating guests on Friday when Brian hands me my cell and says your phone was ringing. I look at the number, don't recognize it but there is a message. It was my friend Mike (Abner's daddy). He tells me that he's at the hospital because he was out walking the little guy and stepped into a hole and twisted or possibly broke his ankle could I come pick him up.

As we're driving to get a prescription for Mike, I said "I know this sounds like a weak ploy to steal your dog, but if you'd like we'll take him till you can get around better." (Pretty crafty thinking huh?!?)

We packed Abner up and brought him to our house where he met Jasmine and Adeline for the first time. He really wanted to be their friend but they weren't having any parts of it. Abner has discovered the basket of toys and Jasmine has been sharing her toys with him.

Abner has been a lot of fun to have around. He was a big hit at Jasmine's birthday party yesterday too. Here are some pics from Abners visit and from the party yesterday. Speedy recovery to Abner's dad too!

This is the "wild man" look we'd get from time to time. This was the face that Jasmine saw most often as she usually tried to stay on the couch out of Abner's reach.

This is Adeline. She's not a small cat and somehow crammed herself into the bottom of the kitty condo to avoid the wrath of Abner. And no, I don't put my shoes away all the time!

Aunt Daisy all decked out for Jasmine's birthday.

The birthday girl had a little trouble with her hat.

So did Abner.

Happy Birthday All Around

2008-07-03T14:17:00.002-04:00

I hope everyone has a great 4th of July weekend complete with lots of picnics and good food! If you aren't busy tomorrow, stop by. We're having a birthday party for Jasmine. She'll be 15. Bring your four-legged friends. There will be party hats and I think I'm going to make some homemade dog biscuits.

A New Man in My Life

2008-06-27T17:42:00.004-04:00

Well, he's not really a "man" he's actually quite young though there's no reason to contact Chris Hansen to catch yet another child predator. We met for the first time last night. I think we're in love. His name is Abner, he's not mine, but he is a friends. I'm trying to steal him.

有一次好的旅行

2008-06-24T23:02:00.002-04:00

As I am writing this my sister and her husband are winding up their eleventh hour of flight on their way to China. Their flight left this afternoon and they should finally reach their destination of Beijing in the middle of the night (eastern standard time.)

This trip is particularly exciting. I don't ever plan to venture that far to the other side of the world. I just don't think I could sit on a plane for that many hours. I barely have enough patience to tolerate the plane ride home from Europe.

They'll be gone for about a week. My nephew is home from his month-long trip on the aircraft carrier so he'll be on his own for about a week. Well, unless he remembers to call me once and a while.

Happy Summer Y'All!

2008-06-21T12:28:00.000-04:00

Where In the World?

2008-06-11T18:07:00.004-04:00

Keel Laid: March 13, 1991
Launched: Nov. 11, 1993
Commissioned: Dec. 9, 1995
Builder: Newport News Shipbuilding Co., Newport News; Va.
Propulsion system: two nuclear reactors
Main Engines: four
Propellers: four
Blades on each Propeller: five
Aircraft elevators: four
Catapults: four
Arresting gear cables: four
Length, overall: 1,092 feet (332.85 meters)
Flight Deck Width: 257 feet (78.34 meters)
Area of flight deck: about 4.5 acres (18211.5 m2)
Beam: 134 feet (40.84 meters)
Draft: 38.4 feet (11.7 meters)
Displacement: approx. 100,000 tons full load
Speed: 30+ knots
Planes: approx. 85
Crew: Ship: approx. 3,200 , Air Wing: 2,480

Number of telephones: 2,000
Tons of structural steel: about 60,000 tons
Sheets: 28,000
Pillow Cases: 14,000

These are the general statistics of the aircraft carrier, The U.S.S. Stennis. My nephew has been living on this ship for the last several weeks while it is stationed in San Diego, CA. This is ultimately what he wants to do when he graduates from college which is just 2 short years away. Needless to say we harrass him unmercifully with "seamen" jokes which we find terribly funny. He'll be home from his brief tour on the U.S.S. Stennis in about a week or so and can finally let his summer break begin.

Art of the State

2008-06-03T18:38:00.004-04:00

This is what I've been working on lately.

This is the 41st year that the PA State Museum has conducted this juried art show of the state's established and emerging artists. This year there was a record number of entries with just over 2400. Out of those only 160 pieces were chosen to particiate in the exhibit. Once the exhibit is installed, the juding of the pieces will begin. Independent judges will review the pieces giving prizes out to the best examples in each category.

My father had a painting hung in the State Museum and I suspect it was part of this very exhibit. Over the weekend I helped with the intake of the various pieces of art. I also hope to assist the curator this weekend in hanging/arranging the pieces within the gallery space.

June 28 is the reception and opening to the public of the exhibit. Everyone is invited!!

Needless to say, I could pee my pants I'm so excited to be doing this. This is what I want to do when I grow up!

Memorial Day

2008-05-25T08:18:00.001-04:00

Idle Chatter

2008-05-19T18:04:00.002-04:00

Unlike the last post, I don't have anything that I totally need to blog. So, I'm going to fill this space with idle chatter:

I just filled my gas tank, $3.75 per gallon. I even walk to work two days a week. It's not helping.
It has been raining entirely too much here, and it's cold. It's actually warmer in the state of Alaska today.
I got some nifty new books to read since I shall have plenty of down time over the summer: No Country for Old Men-Cormack McCarthy, I figured The Road was so good, this must be too. I haven't seen the movie because that would ruin the book. Remember Me?-Sophie Kinsella, chick-lit. That's all I can say about that. And finally, for some light reading, The Judgement of Paris-the revolutionary decade that gave the world Impressionism-Ross King. It's a big book, I'm kinda scared.
I have to pick a class for the fall semester. I know I'll have to take a "theory" class and that will be such a thrill-kill compared to my Museum Studies class last semester. But, I guess it's a necessary evil. Oh, I have a 4.0 average thus far. Yea, I know I've only taken one class but it may be my last chance to say that!
Cider House Rules was on t.v. over the weekend and I got to watch it. I had forgotten what a great story that is. Go rent it! Or better yet, read the book!

An American Idol

2008-05-10T21:48:00.003-04:00

Totally by accident, I had a brush with an American Idol! We were at a local club this weekend and unbeknownst to me, Blake Lewis was performing there that night along with some other bands. You may remember him as the "beat box" or "wicky-wicky-wicky" singer from last season.

Blake technically was a loser on American Idol last year, the year of Sanjaya. I got to say hi, and pat him on the shoulder as he walked by. And afterwards, I said those infamous words, "I am so blogging about this." I know, I'm a dork.

Three Contemporary PA Artists:

2008-05-01T19:15:00.004-04:00

It's true, I've officially finished my very first master's class. Last night was the final night and pretty much all we did was turn in our class project.

You may remember that this class was Museum Studies. So, the final project was to design an exhibit, draw the floor plan to scale, write a script (that the document that identifies labels to objects within the exhibit and shows word for word what is on the label or the introduction), and finally the elevation plan (which is a scale drawing of the wall from floor to ceiling with all the artifacts flush to that surface.) Lucky for me, I have my trusty, handy-dandy partner Nittanybri and his one month trial of Auto-CAD to thank for getting my drawings done quickly and very professionally. I'm so getting an A!!

The nice thing was that there was no constraints like how much I could spend on the exhibit, the room space and the staff it would take to install such an exhibit. The exhibit could be imaginary as well. I couldn't do an exhibit about aliens that landed in my backyard, because that's never happened to my knowledge. But I could have done an exhibit on the works of famous women artists from late-Renaissance Italy.

So, I took the low road along with some shameless self promotion and did my exhibit on "Three Contemporary Pennsylvania Artists, a contrast in color and design." The artists are my father, me and my friend Renee. Here are some examples of the paintings from my exhibit:

This is a painting of my father's that actually did hang in the PA State Museum back in the 60's. His work is quite similar to that of the Impressionists; perspective, thick paint, choppy brush strokes.

This one is mine. The quality isn't that good because of the glass on the front. This is a watercolor. And it's too difficult for me to critique my own stuff so I won't.

This one is Renee's. Don't you just love the colors?? Her paintings are very abstract and full of color. I think my paintings and my fathers compliment each other and Renee's provide the contrast.

Terrific/Terrible Tuesday

2008-04-21T21:41:00.003-04:00

This Tuesday, my fellow Pennsylvanians and I will have some very important choices to make:

Never Say Goodbye

2008-04-08T08:45:00.005-04:00

It was in the spring that we met. Actually, you found me and you insisted upon never leaving my side. It's hard to believe that was sixteen years ago. You were wirey but always a source of laughter and enjoyment.

You were my friend when there was no one else around. You would cuddle with me and protect me and if I wanted to, you let me cry my eyes out until your fur was completely soaked.

You didn't want much, just to be fed and loved. And boy were you loved. You knew when warmer weather was on the way because you wanted to be left outside so you could walk around the back yard, chase butterflies and grasshoppers, nibble on grass and claw on a tree. You were always a part of whatever festivities were going on outside. You were the king of your domain.

You were such a bright spot in my life. I couldn't wait to get home to see you at the end of the day. You were also my alarm clock never letting me sleep too long or I would suffer the fate of those long, tickely whiskers or the occasional poke from your long claws letting me know it was feeding time.

It was in the spring, with flowers blooming and the morning bird songs filling the air when you went on without me. I'm so thankful I was able to be there with you and could hold you and be with those that loved you.

You will be forever missed and forever loved. Rest well my buddy.

Thanks Oprah!

2008-04-04T16:29:00.002-04:00

Today's Oprah show is an inside view of puppy mills. Living about 45 mins outside Lancaster County, a big farming community, one learns about puppy mills pretty quickly. They are quite abundant there.

Puppy mills are apparently a way to make a good, quick profit by over-breeding dogs. I'm sure most are aware of the Appalachian Mountain inbreeding jokes, well, it works the same for animals. These dogs are kept in cages, are constantly pregnant and the puppies are often deformed or have bad characteristic traits and health problems because of the over-breeding.

Needless to say, one should never purchase an animal from a puppy mill, and I believe through awareness people are becoming wise to these mills and legislation is in the works to have them abolished.

In support, I'm asking each of you to email Oprah to thank her for producing a show like this to bring further awareness on this issue. Even if you didn't watch the show (I couldn't bring myself to watch), a thank-you in support will still help.

Here's a link to the Oprah web site: http://www2cdn.oprah.com/email/email_landing.jhtml

Yet Another Installment

2008-03-28T17:57:00.010-04:00

I know all three of you have been anxiously awaiting another installment of the Spring Break (did you forget to do the Whoooo! with the rock hand?) 2008 Mexico trip. So, here 'tis....

This was on the front of the Hard Rock Acapulco. It was a waterfall. There was water trickling down over the words. How can one go wrong with a quote from The Beatles?

I love a good sick-sense of humor. Since it's impossible to see it in this picture, the license plate on the car reads "God is my co-pilot."

A stunning view of Acapulco Bay.

This is the beach we layed on/swam in every day. This is a view from the cliffs in Acapulco. The evil air-traffic controllers make sure that every plane that leaves Acapulco airport flies directly over this beach when departing the city. We watched the planes go over each day knowing full well when our day came to leave we'd get one last view of the beach.

"Every beach has its dog." Jimmy, if you like these lyrics, call us. There will be a small copyright fee. This is Aqui....(come here in Spanish, though I probably have it spelled wrong.) He was a perfect gentleman. He just wanted to be petted. I just wanted to take him home.

This is Aqui's girlfriend, Alli (a distorted "there" in Spanish.) I really don't know if she was Aqui's girlfriend, but at least that's the story I conjured up in my mind. She was adorable and chased the birds away when we asked and again, just wanted to be petted. And again, I wanted to just take her home.

All together now....Ahhhhh!

Happy Easter

2008-03-24T12:36:00.002-04:00

This pretty much sums up our Easter Sunday. Hope yours was wonderful.

Side Trips

2008-03-20T17:23:00.007-04:00

Our trip to Acapulco wasn't all about lounging around the pool and the beach. However, we did have our rear-ends parked in these chairs from about 10:00 a.m. each morning. We waited here all day for sunset. We also worked pretty hard at making our own Corona commercials. You know the one's...crystal blue water, white sand beach with a bucket of icy cold Corona's without another soul around...ah!!! We did take a couple of side trips during the week. The first one was to Taxco. That's about three hours outside Acapulco to the north. This little excursion should have only taken us 3 hours, however, we got a little lost and drove about an hour away from our destination. The scenery was gorgeous, the town we discovered was fabulous but the roads into this town were winding, and mountainous. I was pretty nauseated by the time we finally got to Taxco. The drive was like a never ending roller coaster ride. I was glad to have my feet on the ground finally.

For all you devoted QVC watchers, you are probably already familiar with the town of Taxco. That's were much of the silver is mined in Mexico. It's a great little town with a most wonderful church on the square.

Inside Santa Prisca church, Taxco. The amount of sculpture in this church was just amazing. It was as impressive as any cathedral in Europe I've ever been in. The church was built by a Frenchman in the mid 18th century. The enormous pipe organ was imported from Germany and was sent to the port in Acapulco. It was then brought piece by piece on horse and donkey up into this tiny mountain village of Taxco.

The second side trip we took was to Palma Sola Archaeological Site. That was located just outside Acapulco (so there wasn't much chance of getting lost) however, we did have to battle the horrific traffic in the city. I'm glad I wasn't driving, but watching the way these people drive was quite entertaining. This site is a natural setting for the native petroglyphs (rock carvings). The hike took us approximately 1200 feet above sea level. It was a tough climb too. But the petroglyphs were quite amazing. They have dated the carvings as far back as 600 BCE.

The view from the highest point at Palma Sola....breathtaking!

Spring Break 2008

2008-03-17T22:06:00.007-04:00

For the following post, it will be necessary for audience participation. Every time you see the words Spring Break, please insert a WHOOOO! (with the obligatory rock hand sign, devil horns, whatever they're called.)

Last week was spring break for many colleges including Penn State. And like any good college students, we decided to get away to someplace warm since we didn't have any school work to worry about so we went to Acapulco, Mexico. The sun and sand was hot, the beer was cold!

Over the next couple of days, I'll cover the good, the bad and the ugly of the trip, including some pictures.

We flew out last week from Newark airport which is just across the river from New York City. It was tough to be able to see the city and not actually go for a visit. The flights both to and from Spring Break, (did you forget what you were supposed to be doing here????) were part of the bad category. See, we weren't the only Spring Breakers going to or coming from Acapulco. The others were of the 20-something variety however, complete with their iPods, iPod players, Louis Vuitton luggage, iPhones and Blackberries. I only have two out of this list and I've been making a living for longer than these kids have been alive.

During both flights, there was lots of seat exchanging, going to the bathroom, chatting, laughing, standing in the aisles eating and of course drinking then finally some sleeping. Most of this was completely annoying to the over 20-something passengers on the flights.

A major part of the good of this Spring Break trip was where we stayed, The Mayan Palace. I swear, their motto was "how may I kiss your behind today?" This place had three restaurants, not including the outdoor restaurants where you could order drinks and food from a thatched cabana on the beach. One of the restaurants served Crepas (Crepes) both savory and sweet all the time. The other restaurants had buffets of sea food, prim rib or breakfast.

The Palace also had the world's largest pool (and I'm not kidding), it went on forever. There was also a "Lazy River" pool where you could kick back on an innertube while the water slowly moved you along the way. Until you got to the giant bucket of water that dumped about one hundred gallons of water on the people below. I think I drank most of the water on one pass by this bucket while someone who shall remain nameless watched with glee. I'm thinking paybacks....

Choices

2008-03-03T17:21:00.003-05:00

In Pennsylvania we're still waiting for our chance to cast our vote in the primary elections. Ours don't roll around till April. I watch the news to get the latest on which candidate is ahead and who is lagging behind.

It fascinates me how much the media truly does dictate where we shop, what t.v. shows we watch, what we believe about the Iraq war and how we vote. Any time the primary elections are discussed, the news mediators speak only about McCain and Huckabee, Obama and Clinton. There are other candidates that are still clinging to life in the primaries.

Ron Paul-he is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and he's a medical doctor, he has been a member of the House Banking Committee and served on Congress. He's not polished or a smooth-talker so when he participates in a debate he often sounds like a bumbling idiot. I can't say that I'm totally in favor of Ron Paul's ideas. I'm not totally in favor of any candidates ideas. It's nice to have options.

Ralph Nader-consumer advocate, but I really have no idea what his political ideas are. And, I found nothing supported by Mr. Nader on the Internet that says anything about his campaign.
Regardless, he is another option to what the media rams down our throats.

I hope everyone that votes in the primaries seriously considers all options, no just the ones the media hypes the most.

It's Coming....

2008-02-25T18:31:00.000-05:00

Answer To The Question

2008-02-18T12:18:00.003-05:00

By now, you have probably heard the latest news stories about the largest recall of beef where the slaughter house was under scrutiny because of allegations of cruelty to the animals. You may have eaten it, it may have been served to your children in school cafeterias. And people ask me why I don't eat meat? This exact situation is is just one of the the many reasons why I have chosen not to eat meat. It's not the fear of getting sick from the meat, it's how the animals are treated.

I know I'll never change the world, people will always eat meat. People will argue that God put animals on the earth for us to eat. But certainly God didn't put them on this earth to be abused before they are slaughtered. This kind of human behavior absolutely disgusts me. I know there's a surveillance video that the news has been showing in regards to this story and I cannot nor will I watch it.

I hope when people sit down to dinner tonight, they think about this ugly story before they dig into their juicy steak. Is it really worth it?

Be My Valentine

2008-02-13T17:24:00.003-05:00

For those of you that celebrate and are not traumatized by this day, I hope it is filled with love.

MCI=$&@&%!!

2008-02-08T13:11:00.000-05:00

Last night after completing my taxes, as if this wasn't enough aggravation for one evening, I decided to go through the less important mail laying on the kitchen table. Much to my dismay I found a postcard from MCI who I was using for long distance on my home phone. They had sent the post card to notify me that they would be charging me $5.99 per month for their service, which I never use. Instead, I use my cell, like most folks.

I tried to use their website to make this change but in order to log into their system I had to have a randomly generated PIN number which would be sent to me by mail in 7-10 days. That wasn't going to work because I'm not paying a service charge for a service I don't use.

So, I get on the phone and dial into their customer service line. The prompt told me that there was unusually high call volume and it would take a really long time for them to answer my call. Gee, I wonder why? Could it be that the masses got this same post card and thought "aw hell no!" So, I wait, I listen to the non-descript music playing, and I wait some more and about an hour later a human finally answered the phone ready and willing to help me.

Needless to say by this time I'm fuming. I tried not to be mean to her, she's just the messenger. (Yes, this comes from years of working in call centers where people scream and yell at you.) I told her I wished to cancel my MCI services. Sadly for her, she responded "we're very sorry to hear that will you please tell me why?" I was more than happy to tell her why. I bet she was sorry she asked.

It's a "Happy" Day!

2008-02-05T07:06:00.000-05:00

Today is Nittanybri's birthday. Stop by his not-recently updated blog and wish him a happy one!

We're going to Spamalot tonight. Not on Broadway but in Hershey, PA.

Happy Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, Fasnacht Day, Carnivale, by the way.

Puppy Bowl IV

2008-02-03T15:36:00.001-05:00

Just in case you're not a New England or NY Giants fan, there's always the Animal Planet Puppy Bowl. There will be kitties too!

U2 3D

2008-01-28T18:05:00.000-05:00

We got to see this spectacle this weekend. If you like the band, you should go see this movie if it is in your area.

It was showing at an Imax theater near us. It's not just a typical concert movie. There's other nifty stuff goin on. And I'm not going to spoil it by telling you.

This movie gave the viewer the vantage point of the concert-goers, the view the guys in the band have and some views that can only be seen by sitting in an Imax theater.

It was certainly something to see!

Night At The Museum

2008-01-23T21:30:00.000-05:00

Tonight had to be one of the best school nights ever. This is the second week of my Museum Studies class and we got the full frontal, behind the scenes, only for select audiences tour of the State Archives and some of the State Museum.

I have been going to the State Museum since my dad took me there as a kid. Surprisingly some of the exhibits haven't changed since then. I'm ashamed to say, I haven't been in the museum in quite a number of years. Though I've worked near it and really have no valid excuse for not going.

We started out in the 4th floor board room which has a spectacular view overlooking the city of Harrisburg, the Susquehanna River and parts of the west shore. After a discussion he took us down to an area where some of the archives are stored. After leaving the freight elevator, we all stood collectively near the doors marked "Archives" waiting for the professor to find the key that unlocked the door to reveal the mysteries that room held. I felt like one of the kids in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory when Mr. Wonka was about to open the door to the room where everything was edible and the chocolate river flowed.

He opened the door and switched on the lights and there were metal shelves heavy with baby cradles, dress forms with formal gowns worn by governor's wives, quilts, teddy bears, blanket trunks, household utensils, etc. I could have stayed in there all night and had a blast!

We went to an area where they date archaeological finds. This is one of the largest department in the museum. There are some 3.7 million artifacts there. There were cases upon cases of American Indian arrowheads, pottery, beads, effigies all right next door to the palaeontology department. Unfortunately, we didn't have enough time to get to see what was in there. Maybe in a couple of weeks. If you'd like to take a virtual tour, click here.

The visit tonight just sealed my fate. If I don't get to work in that museum at some point in my life, I will be a very unhappy girl!! Luckily, the professor is the head curator of the museum. I think I may have the connection I need to find myself a very fulfilling job! Now I'm thinking, I wonder what the archives are like at The Met?!?

McNuggets

2008-01-21T18:12:00.001-05:00

I absolutely love this commercial. The tune is catchy and these guys crack me up! They have names too...Fernando and Thomas. Now, I'd never actually eat a Chicken McNugget, that's just gross.

Susan Maurer in NYC New Year's Day 2008

2008-01-15T17:46:00.001-05:00

Thought I'd share a bit of poetry read by my friend and published poet Susan Maurer. She's reading at The Bowery Poetry Club in NYC.

Warning! You may need a cigarette or cold shower after you watch this!

Things I Think About

2008-01-13T12:18:00.000-05:00

I've been finding this presidential campaign pretty darned interesting. Though I've always been registered Republican, I think I'm as far from Republican as I can be. I'm not sure what I'll do when I get to vote in the primaries since most of the Republican candidates quite frankly scare me. I just took a "Straw Poll" on line and it showed the demographics of the U.S. based on who is voting for which candidate. According to this poll, Hillary is clearly the choice among Dems, but when it comes to the GOP....there is no one clear winner. That makes me feel better.

I've taken The World's Smallest Political Quiz, and according to that I'm a Liberatarian. That's how Nittanybri is registered. I don't know that I'm ready to take the step to actually register as one. Though I'm all for government change.

There's a gentleman I work with that is preaching the word of Ron Paul. I want to like Ron Paul, but every time I see him in a debate he looks like an incompetant, senile old man who makes no sense when he responds to a question. I really do not think there will ever be any change to our goverment until we finally elect someone representing another party besides Republican or Democrat. And I don't see how anyone that's not Dem or Rep will ever get elected.

On a completely different note...I begin my first masters class this coming week. The class is Museum Studies. I'm really looking forward to it. It's just one night a week. I'm also hoping there's not alot of homework. I'm getting lazier.

I've finally gotten smarter too about buying books for my classes. When I first started school, I'd buy books from the book store. Then in more recent years, I learned to buy them used on line because they were cheaper. Now, I'm not buying books at all but borrowing them from the library. Hopefully this doesn't backfire on me.

And finally, I just heard on the news where one of Hillary's political advisors (I think) got a DUI over the weekend. Recently in my neck of the woods, a former Commander of the PA State Police was arrested for DUI and you may remember the head of MADD was also arrested for DUI. A couple of weeks ago, several of us were playing a game of Trivial Pursuit and the question was "What's the most common arrest in the U.S.?" Guess what it was? DUI! So, all these arrests, jail time, fines, and supposed behavior modifying therapy are doing what???? It seems these laws have been concocted just to make the counties, cops, and counseling services richer. But it's not solving the problem, nor will it ever unless, in my opinion, prohibition is reinstated.

Attention Wordsmithers!

2008-01-03T18:56:00.001-05:00

If you like words, know the meaning of lots of words, need to learn to use more words, enjoy a challenge AND a chance to donate food, you MUST check out this website: FreeRice

This website asks you to choose an answer that best defines the selected word. Every time you get it right, this organization donates 20 grains of rice to the United Nations World Food Program. I just got 700 grains donated, now get to it!!!

Droppings

2007-12-31T17:36:00.000-05:00

I don't know what gets dropped around the country in order to countdown to the New Year, but here in central PA, there's a plethora of gatherings a person can go to with all kinds of things being dropped in celebration:

Hershey--what else but a giant Hershey's Kiss?

Lebanon--of course a 150 pound 12 foot long Lebanon Bologna, which will be donated to a local food shelter

Lancaster--no, nothing Amish will be dropped but Lancaster is the Red Rose city, a red rose will be raised, not dropped. It might be kinda fun to find out what they drop in Blue Ball, Intercourse and Paradise?!??

York--the white rose city will raise...a white rose.

Harrisburg--a strawberry. I don't know why.

Falmouth--a town between Middletown and Bainbridge has the famous goat drop. Your guess is as good as mine as to why! They are also known for the goat races that take place there. Apparently, they have a thing for goats.

Dillsburg--a pickle

Carlisle--a mini-Indy car. Carlisle is well known for its car shows.

Mechanicsburg--a wrench

According to the local news there are also towns that drop a spring, a bag of potato chips, a shoe, a lollipop, an M&M, a cow, a canal boat, a huckleberry and the list goes on.

No matter where you are, I hope you have a wonderful, safe New Year!

Ice Storm 2007

2007-12-29T14:44:00.000-05:00

Of course, this was a couple of weeks ago, and the ice has gone completely since it has been in the 50's many days.

This is the big pine tree that bit it, because of all the ice on it.

I'm Baaaack!

2007-12-27T18:05:00.000-05:00

We're now back in the 21st century with Internet capabilities. Seems our telephone line was disconnected during the clean up of all the trees from the storm. Hope everyone had a great Christmas and has a wonderful New Year!!!

There's No Place Like Home

2007-12-19T20:44:00.000-05:00

Ok, so rewind back to Sunday. A peaceful Sunday afternoon on the couch, watching movies and wondering where all the snow was that was predicted for the night before. Instead we got a nice, thick coating of ice on everything. It was actually quite beautiful, especially when the sunlight was on it. (Pictures to follow!)

Quickly this pastoral setting ended with a thud. Literally. And then all the lights and t.v. went dark. We quickly ran to the back window to see what happened. There it was, the approximately 40 year old pine tree, that has to be at least 50 feet tall was uprooted and laying on it's side with the power lines to my house underneath.

Immediately, a fire was built as it was late afternoon and it would soon be getting cold inside. And, I frantically began searching for the phone number for the Pennsylvania Power and Light (PPL) company. It was almost impossible to even get a recorded message with PPL as many residents in our area were without power due to the ice storm. I finally got to a person and was able to plead my case. She recorded my information and said, according to our information, the best estimate we can give you as to when your power will be restored is Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.

Needless to say I wasn't happy but we dug out flashlights and lit the candles and tried to make the best of it. We decided the next day to pack up the troops and move into a hotel till the power was back on. We just returned today. The hotel was full of people (and animals) just like us that had no power.

The good from all this: The outpouring of concern from friends and coworkers. Some of these people I barely know and were offering up their place for us to come stay. The hotel workers also enjoyed seeing us come through the lobby to take the dog out and were extremely accomodating. La Quinta rocks!!! The hotel bill wasn't as expensive and we even checked out really late and they didn't charge us for an additional day. The animals quickly adapted to their new surroundings without any "accidents." We also found that running up and down the hallway was a fine source of entertainment. And finally, yay for insurance!

Thanks to our friends who offered up their homes and showers and sympathized with our predicament. It's really good to be home!

A Christmas Meme

2007-12-15T15:51:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends. Anyone who wants to play along, feel free. Try not to be a SCROOGE!!!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both!
2. Real tree or Artificial? None :(
3. When do you put up the tree? Sorta answered this already
4. When do you take the tree down? Don't have to worry about that.
5. Do you like egg nog? Yeppers! YUM!!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Probably a bike or TV
7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yea, but it's in the attick and I think about digging it out and putting in on my fireplace mantle.
8. Hardest person to buy for? Brian, he usually buys what he wants and never says, "oh, that's cool, I'd like that."
9. Easiest person to buy for? Patrick, he likes food and is a college student.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail, there is no other way.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Exercise equipment/gear
12. Favorite Christmas movie? Christmas Story
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? If I see something anytime I get it and will save it, otherwise, whenever I really start thinking about what people would like.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I don't think so.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Christmas dinner and/or cookies.
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? If I put one up, colored, that wasn't a racist remark either.
17. Favorite Christmas song? In the Bleak Midwinter
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Depends
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes, and Olive is my favorite!
20. Angel on the tree top or star? I think I have a star.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Hopefully I have a ton of gifts to open, so BOTH!
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? People out on the roads going to the mall.
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I have an angel ornament that is really old. A mouse chomped the wing and it's kinda funny.
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Veggies, stuffing, mashed potatoes
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? To take a trip somewhere warm.
26. Who is most likely to respond to this? Brian and Interstellar Lass, maybe Bone, maybe Michael
27. Who is least likely to respond to this? That's hard to say.

Remembering

2007-12-08T09:25:00.000-05:00

I believe in God, but not as one thing, not as an old man in the sky. I believe that what people call God is something in all of us. I believe that what Jesus and Mohammed and Buddha and all the rest said was right. It's just that the translations have gone wrong. -John Lennon

I Am Penn State

2007-12-02T07:10:00.000-05:00

Bet you never thought you'd see these words written on this blog at least. Well, it's true. I was accepted at Penn State as part of their graduate program where I'll be majoring in American Studies.

American Studies focuses on the culture, society and folklore in America with some classes dealing with museum studies and administration. And since I want to work in a museum or some sort of historical preservation job when I'm done with all this, are two of the reasons I decided on this area of study.

I was beginning to lose hope in hearing from Penn State as it has been a couple of months since I had submitted my paperwork and had asked my professors from my undergraduate studies to send in letters of recommendation to PSU. I was just starting to get lazy again to; enjoying the couch a little too much, and not having to worry about homework. That's a good feeling!

On the other hand, I'm looking again for a challenge and have that goal of having a job that I go to every day that I really love.

Disclaimer: The aforementioned information in no way indicates that the claimant has forsaken Notre Dame as her favorite college football team. Nor does she claim allegiance to named university for anything other than academics.

You Know You're From Pennsylvania When....

2007-11-26T19:31:00.000-05:00

The first Monday after Thanksgiving is a big deal around the great state of Pennsylvania. It's the first day of Buck hunting season and is a school holiday. You know deer hunting, that all time favorite sport of getting out into the woods before the sun has had time to rise as the stealthy hunter cracks open is first beer of the day. He hunkers down as he waits for his prey to enter his domain. If the hunter is lucky he will not have fallen asleep nor will have finished his entire 6 pack before the deer makes his appearance.

I can't help making fun of the first day of Buck season. These people beg for it. It all starts with the monster trucks they drive 365 days of the year complete with a gun rack. The back of their trucks are usually covered with NRA stickers, Bush/Cheney stickers, the mandatory Nascar stickers of the Calvin and Hobbes character peeing on a particular car number and the occasional Confederate flag. They dress in camo on days when they aren't hunting, chew tobaccy, and often behave in the sterotypical "You might be a Redneck" manner. I think you can figure them out on your own.

Perhaps instead of giving kids off for the first day of deer season, they should make them go to school and learn all the state flags. Pennsylvania is considering changing their state flag to actually read "The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania" on the flag since many people aren't able to identify the flag on their own. Geesh.

Oh, happy Cyber-Monday by the way. This is also the first "official" day of on-line shopping season. And yes, that's the name I heard a news reporter call it. That makes it official.

Yea, It's The Big Day

2007-11-24T08:21:00.000-05:00

I Can't Believe I Ate the Whole Thing

2007-11-23T07:42:00.001-05:00

Turkey Day

2007-11-20T17:32:00.000-05:00

It's almost the big day! Is everybody ready to stuff their faces? Lay around and watch football? Take long naps? Give thanks?

What's everyone doing? Going? Having for dinner?

Le Beaujolais Nouveau est Arrive!!

2007-11-15T17:30:00.000-05:00

This is a long French tradition celebrating the first wines of the fall harvest. We get it in the U.S. probably tomorrow. Go out, buy, enjoy!!!