Vamos a Nuevo York

If you haven't figured out by now, I'm taking a Spanish class this semester, so I'm trying to practice as much as possible. Anyway, took a trip to NYC yesterday. It was a gorgeous sunny day, not too hot (at first) and not as wet as it would be later in the afternoon.


We stopped by to see the progress at Ground Zero which looks quite similar to what it looked like when I was there in December 2001. A nearby very old church served as a place where the rescue workers could sleep and get fed after 9/11. It has now become a museum. It also has a really cool cemetery.


















The extensive damage done to things other than buildings on 9/11 can be seen on the sculpture that stood outside the World Trade Center buildings for years. They have moved this sculpture to Battery Park where you catch the ferry to Ellis and Liberty Islands. There is an eternal flame burning there as well.



We also went to Ellis Island for the first time which includes a trip to Liberty Island. I've been to the Statue of Liberty before but that was pre 9/11. Post 9/11 trips to Liberty Island and Ellis Island are somewhat similar to boarding a jet. Metal detectors, take off your shoes, etc. as well as an hour wait just to get on the boat.


Ellis Island is very interesting and to have been part of the restoration of the building and its contents must have been a fantastic experience for those involved. You certainly can get a feel for the suffering this immigrants went through to get to America, the tight cramped quarters on the ships, waiting in line for hours or days and losing their belongings, their names and family members must have been quite a comprimise for freedom. There are passports, photographs, luggage, clothing musical instruments and other personal belongings to look at as you walk around the building. You can even trace your own family roots if they came through Ellis Island.














Graffiti was a way for the immigrants to pass the time and leave messages maybe for other family members. There are a couple of columns in the building that have been preserved with the original graffiti on them.



The views from the boat to and from the islands are beyond compare.

Oy! Yo! Hoy!

Estes deberes españoles me dan un dolor de cabeza!!

I Gotta Cut Loose, Footloose!

I saw this on Smoke and Mirrors and just couldn't resist since it's music related, and for me 80's music related. Here's how it goes:

These are the rules:1. Go to this website (scroll down and you’ll seen them separated by decades on the left in the sidebar)

2. Pick a year you were in high school

3. Get yourself nostalgic over the songs of that year

4. Pick 5 songs and write something about how these songs affected you

5. Pass it on to 5 more people

Cyndi Lauper-Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Aside from thinking Ms. Lauper was the coolest thing because of her partially shaved head and flaming red hair and thrift shop clothes, this was one of my favorites back in the day. I remember asking one of my friends to buy this for me for either my birthday or Christmas, which she did. After I opened it, she told me how embarassed she was to have to actually walk into a record store and purchase this kind of music from a person that looks like she does. Mmmk...get over yourself!! The album is called "She's So Unusual" shouldn't that be your first clue??

My parents were sort of taken aback from the looks of Cyndi Lauper too. But when they saw her on an interview and found out she has like a 3 octave range voice, and was classically trained, they were o.k. with things.

U2-Pride in the Name of Love

U2 was pretty new on the scene in 1984, still playing small clubs, etc. When the album Under a Blood Red Sky came out (yea, I know, this song is not even on UBRS, just hear me out) we played the heck out of that vinyl. These guys were gods to us. Our friends that were in bands all played their music and we sang our hearts out with them.

I remember buying The Unforgettable Fire on cassette (which does contain Pride) on my trip to Ireland back in 1990.

Prince-Purple Rain

Speaking of gods..my friends and I went to see this movie like a million times. Each of us was totally ga-ga over Prince. I remember one of my "guy" friends asking me what was so cute about him. I still can't put my finger on it, he just is. The down side is his waist is probably as big as my arm.

Every song on this album is a classic. We 'specially loved "Darling Nicky" because it was dirty.

Billy Idol-Rebel Yell

Billy was/is an enigma. I had demo albums and mainstream albums of his. One album cover in particular was a huge picture of his head complete with spiky hair. I loved to freak out my elders with is. They thought for sure I was a satan worshipper.

I had a friend who was in a band that was nuts about Billy Idol. He was the first person I knew to go see him in a club in NYC. Billy actually sweated on him!!! Because of my friend he introduced me to the band Billy was in previous to his solo career, that was Generation X. They're on my iPod right this minute.

Stray Cats-Look At That Cadillac

Love, love, loved this band! I was a member in the fan club and actually got to see the band back in the 80's (not on a recent reunion tour.) I got to touch both Brian Setzer and Slim Jim Phantom too. I have washed my hand since then, just in case you're wondering. This was another band I had U.S. and import albums of. I remember the imports being such a big deal. Guess there is no such thing anymore since and mp3 is an mp3?!?!

Ah, that was fun! I miss the 80's. I'm gonna go put on my wayfarers, make my hair real big and listen to some music!

A Few of My Favorite Things

One sure way to get me out of a funk is to have me talk about food! Thanks to M over at Smoke and Mirrors who tagged me for this meme about food. And after reading his blog about all the fantastic places he lives close to including those places in Hyannis on the Cape....I'm so totally jealous!!! His daughter an I apparently have the same taste in food. She's a Moe's kinda girl and so am I! I love that place, but it's not on my list!

Here’s how it goes; I list 5 of my favorite area restaurants and I'll be nice and won't tag anyone, but if you want to, have at it!! This is one serious meme. The best local places to eat recommended by the local people that have actually eaten the food there. It just doesn’t get any better than that, does it?



El Rodeo This place has the best darned food in town. They're all over the central PA area, though I'm not a huge fan of chain restaurants, but this one certainly gets my vote. The food is inexpensive, and they have a huge selection including many vegetarian choices. The margarita's are pretty good, the wait staff are true blue Mexicano's and just about every month there is a mariachi band on site. When you first arrive, you get a big basket of homemade corn chips and a bowl of homemade salsa. I know it's homemade because it tastes different every time you eat there. Sometimes it'll set your mouth on fire! The guacamole is also homemade and there's nothing like the real thing. That grocery store variety is for the birds!


Paxtang Grill This place has been in business for over 40 years. It is small, unassuming with great crab cakes and drink specials every night. You can get a prime rib dinner for $12.99 or a NY Strip for next to nothing. They have a full "tini" menu for those martini snobs in the crowd. There's not a lot of atmosphere but the food is great. Nick is in the kitchen, girls, he's tall and lanky and kinda looks like a Greek God. It's all worth it!!

Sandwich Man This is the place I worked at over the summer last year and claimed it to having the best Reuben this side of NYC!!! You cannot beat the sandwiches here. Take for instance their "Visions of Utopia"...it's rye bread, lettuce, turkey, bacon, another layer of rye bread, tomato, roast beef, american cheese, onion, another layer of rye bread, corned beef, swiss cheese, and another layer of rye bread. Or, you could try the "Salad Split Sub" which is lettuce, chicken salad, american cheese, tomato, egg salad, provolone, tuna salad, onion, potato salad, and pickle wedges. DEAR GAWD!!!

The Warwick Hotel It is truly a hotel nestled between Harrisburg and Hershey in a little town called Hummelstown. The thing I like best, is that every salad you can get with eitherportobello mushrooms, steak, chicken or shrimp. There is their cajun salad, or the salad with apples or pears with glazed walnuts. YUM!!! You can get a dinner or sandwich whatever you want in a great homey atmosphere.

Ceoltas This is not your run of the mill Irish pub. Located in downtown Harrisburg, you can find fresh salads or fish and chips. There is often live Irish music on any day of the week, sometimes with local firefighters behind the bar serving drinks in KILTS! Hello LADIES!!!!! They have the best "black velvets" in town which for this place is a Guiness and cider layered in a pint glass. You meet the most interesting people here with authentic Irish bartenders serving you a pint! "'Bhí an-chraic againn."

And even though I'm not 'supposed to, I'm including a sixth....Neato Burrito. This place serves mission style burritos that could bust the gut on the most hearty of appetites. They have vegetarian and meat-aterian delights. Three different kinds of rice and salsas, if you cannot find somthing you like here, there's something wrong.

And o.k. just one more, because I cannot resist....Isaac's. Their broccoli and tortolini salads are to die for and they have a sandwich called the Tufted Tit Mouse...any questions???

This Pretty Much Sums It Up

Reading, Reading and more Reading

I have come to realize that I have no reading comprehension. I read, I think I understand but apparently I do not. I seriously think I have some form of ADD. But aside from that, I've been doing quite a bit of reading lately. One of the classes I'm taking is an American Literature class. In this class we are reading often short stories from the late 19th to 20th centuries. Through this I've discovered an author whose writing I love! Kate Chopin. You may know her work called The Awakening. This story set in Victorian times in the southern U.S. is about a woman and her self discoveries of independence from her husband and children, her discovery of unrequited love and her love of art. She has one final "awakening" which I will not disclose because it will ruin the ending. One of her other stories, called The Storm revolves around emotion and love with some illicit love affairs thrown in for good measure which is why many of her stories are "chick" stories but as with most artists and writers, her work was considered inappropriate for the time. She died soon after writing her last piece. Her descriptions and word choices were amazing, some almost brought tears to my eyes!

Currently, the class is reading The Adventures of Huck Finn. I've read parts of it before, but never got through the entire story and here I am again struggling to finish the book. I don't know what it is about that story that I cannot get through. Perhaps it's the dialect it is written in that is distracting to me. I know there's going to be a quiz on Tuesday so I better get to reading!

Finally, today is also my book club meeting. This month's book was one that I chose. I didn't even finish it because of all the other reading I've been doing. After the semester is over, I will pick it up again! The book is Suite Francaise. It is a story about several families who leave Paris during the German invasion in WWII. The author's personal story is almost as tragic as the book itself. Irene Nemirovsky left Russia for France during the war to escape the Nazi's. She was eventually captured in Europe and sent to a concentration camp where she died. Her writings were not discovered by her family until after her death. I love her style of writing, her story is a beautiful testament to a tragic time in the world. It is a fine piece of modern day literature.

Big Mac Attack

I'm willing to bet that the majority of you remember the song, go ahead, sing it with me....

"Two all beef patties,

special sauce,

lettuce, cheese,

pickles, onions,

on a sesame seed bun."

Ah, the Big Mac. I remember them well, I miss them. I haven't eaten meat in years...like 20 or so, so it has been quite some time since I have had a Big Mac. It is one of the three meat items that I miss. I sometimes get a hankerin' for bacon cooked extra dark, pepperoni, and a McDonald's hamburger. The kind with mustard, ketchup, pickles and the little onions. Mmmm, do I miss them!!

We've been watching a lot of the Food Network and they've been doing lots of shows on grilling and of course what are they grilling? Hamburgers. So NittanyBri and I get to talking about the Big Mac. And, since he has experience in the fast food arts, specifically from McDonald's we get it in our head we need to make some Big Mac's. Tonight that's just what we did. Oh-my-gawd! Yum! I know, you're all thinking, she broke down, she gone to the dark side, but I have not. I made mine with a veggie burger and I didn't make it double sized (like I should have.) We even had the fries to go with it. Mmmmm!!!!!

Memorial Day

Memorial Day

by Michelle R. Christman
As we stand here lookingAt the flags upon these graves

Know these flags represent
A few of the true American braveT
hey fought for their Country
As man has through all of time
Except that these soldiers lying here
Fought for your country and mine
As we all are gathered here
To pay them our respect
Let's pass this word to others
It's what they would expect
I'm sure that they would do it
If it were me or you
To show we did not die in vein
But for the red, white and blue.
Let's pass on to our children
And to those who never knew
What these soldiers died for
It's the least we can do
Let's not forget their families
Great pain they had to bear
Losing a son, father or husband
They need to know we still care
No matter which war was fought
On the day that they died
I stand here looking at these flags
Filled with American pride.
So as the bugler plays out Taps
With its sweet and eerie sound
Pray for these soldiers lying here
In this sacred, hallowed ground.
Take home with you a sense of pride
You were here Memorial Day.
Celebrating the way Americans should
On this solemnest of days.
Poetry by Michelle R. ChristmanUSMC from 87 - 91, Desert Storm Veteran.
I am also the Commander of Royersford VFW, PA

Weekend Update

OK, I'm back...I've been back just didn't really have much to blog about. Well, the beach trip was nice, the weather was a little chilly which didn't stop us from sitting out on the beach goosebumps and all. Sunday was particularly nice and we got a little more toasty than we probably should have. The water, well that was downright freezing but I stuck my feet in, I can't resist. Because of the colder water temps we did get to see a lot of dolphins passing by. That's always a treat for me!

The primary reason for going to the beach this weekend was that there was many of our friends that were making the journey to the Outer Banks. The first night stop over was in Ocean City, Maryland for a birthday party, party party gathering. The folks travelling on to OBX had to turn in early but the rest of us stayed out till closing time, then had the nerve to go to breakfast! That meant we didn't have to get out of bed early the next morning to go to breakfast!

I started my new classes this week. I know, you thought I graduated. I have 7 more credits to go. I am taking two classes at a local community college so the 7 credits will be earned by the end of June. Official graduation is August. I guess that means I will have to have another party!

Be Back Soon!

The Graduate

What a great day Saturday was!! The weather was beautiful, but got a little hot just in time for the graduates to sit in the sun for hours. This graduating class was the biggest in the schools history with over 400 graduating on Saturday.

The morning started with the Baccalaureate service in the chapel with lots of music and worship with a former LVC grad that has now become the leader of the first Hispanic diocese in Lancaster, PA. After a bit of breakfast, it was time for the graduates to make our way to the gym so we could line up for the next round of ceremony.

The graduates led the procession to the field where the ceremony was held. We were lead along the pathway by two bagpipers. We stopped part of the way there and split into two lines to allow the faculty to process between us so we could show our appreciation to them by applause.

There were several awards given away to exceptional students and faculty, there was the standard commencement address by a faculty member who was a math professor. One that I never had, though he was very funny and I was wishing I had had him for a class. But when I asked the classmate closest to me if he was that funny in class he said "NO!"

Once everyone had received their diplomas we made our way back off the field this time the professors parted into two lines and allowed us to make our way between them while they applauded for us.

The ceremony lasted a couple of hours and I had guests coming over by 3:00 so we needed to get home and get the festivities going. By 4:00 there was a packed house with friends and family coming from near and far to celebrate with me.

The sensible folks left as they probably saw things spiraling downward as the night drew on. All I will admit to is what I found the next morning when I went outside to clean up. There was an array of shoes and clothing, sunglasses, including just the lenses to my sunglasses, the frames are no where to be found, various items of food, and cigarette butts strewn about. Luckily, there were no bodies still in the backyard the next morning. Thank you to everyone that made Saturday a wonderful celebration!!!

The Final Countdown

Ladies and Gentlemen...The Video You've Been Waiting For!

Don't Dream Its Over

For those that do not live in the central PA area, you may not be aware of the man behind the candy bar, the Hershey candy bar.

He was born and raised in the Hershey area, which wasn't yet called Hershey since it was named after him. When he was young, he learned to make candy from a local man and then went abroad to learn more from the European masters. He then built the factory that stands in Hershey, PA today with the vision of having the ideal community surrounding the plant. This town would have comfortable homes and public transportation for the employees of the plant, a public school system as well as recreational and cultural activities for the community. It was that vision that created Hersheypark that is still in operation today as well as the Hershey Theater which is one of the most stunning theaters I've ever been in. The picture below with the clouds, that's inside the theater, the clouds move over the ceiling in the dark and in the light!

He also created a home for orphaned boys since he and his wife were unable to have children. This school as well is still in existance today. Though (I don't believe) it's only for boys anymore. Along with all these philanthropic endeavors, he built the Hotel Hershey (my favorite place to get dipped in chocolate), the rose gardens and the Hershey Museum. Hey, maybe I can work there!!

One thing I love about driving through Hershey, besides her Hershey Kiss street lights, is the smell that comes out of the factory when chocolate is being made. I remember my father taking me to the factory for a tour, but like Willie Wonka, they closed the factory to the outside many years ago. You can get pseudo tour by going to Hershey Chocolate World nearby, but it's just not the same.

It seems thought that the desire for profit and cheap labor far outweigh the desire to see Mr. Hershey's dream through. The Hershey Company has decided to close several of its plants; one in California, one in Reading, PA and one in Connecticut so that our neighbors to the south (Mexico) may have jobs and make the candy many of us love to eat. So much for having a dream.

Big Day

Today is important for a couple of reasons. First, it's the last day of classes. Second, I have two presentations to do today. One is in my Color: Culture and Context class. I will be discussing the paper I did on the color orange and its usage mainly throughout art history. My thoughts and words were artfully put into video format for me by Mr. Dorman. The video rocks!!! I cannot wait for the class to see it.

My second presentation is based on the semester-long research I did on female patrons of architecture in late-Renaissance Italy. This presentation is open to anyone who wants to come including all the art and art history department professors. I hope they go easy on me!

Honey, have a drink ready for me when I get home, I think I'm going to need one!

I often don't think about age, other peoples or my own. I don't really think I look or act like a 40 year old, though sometimes in my classes my age becomes apparent, at least to me. Most of my days are spent in class rooms with twenty-somethings whose favorite word is "like." I find myself counting the number of times people say the word "like" in their presentations. Yesterday's count was only 12 in 5 minutes. I think that may be the smallest amount ever recorded. It may be true that I could be the oldest person in my graduating class, but I'm not sure about that. I don't really want to know. Just in case you thought I've forgotten, I have exactly 15 days till graduation. I'm finishing up all my writing projects today. I have one final test tomorrow, two presentations on Tuesday and a final the following week. After next Tuesday I'm home free!!!

I bet the lady I read about today feels the same way. I read today about Nola Ochs who lives in Hays, Kansas and will be 95 years old when she receives her college diploma on May 12 from Fort Hays State University. This lady actually moved from her farm to an apartment on campus to finish her final 30 hours of classes. I bet she was a hit at the frat parties too!!!

Class of 2007 ROCKS!!

One Cranky Samurai

In my East Asian art class, groups of us are doing presentations on specific aspects of the Asian culture. Today we saw presentations on Sushi, chopsticks and theater masks. My group is going to present on Thursday and our subject is Origami. A few days ago, we sat down to review the slides and each of us made a small samurai hat. I couldn't resist putting it on all the animals heads (including NittanyBri.) Surprisingly, the one that I thought would immediately shake off the hat is the one that left it on long enough for me to take a picture. I hope we can include it in our presentation on Thursday. Her face says it all!

Raising the Bar

As you may have read, Dean had his first art show this past weekend. His pics looked great with fabulous frames that he and his prettier half painstakingly selected. And with that, he has raised the bar. I felt compelled to go out and buy frames for my pics as well since we'll be in a show together in a couple of weeks. That is what is great about being around creative people. They give you ideas, sometimes one's you never thought of before and they challenge you to be better at your craft.

Thanks Deano!

I can think back at a time when I was drawing just for the fun of it, as opposed to doing it for a class project, and writing poetry. The people I kept company with certainly helped to perpetuate the creativity. Then, there were times when just the opposite happened. No creative juices were flowing. Ugh, hate that!

Family functions with NittanyBri's family really get the creative juices going. It seems everyone in his family his very talented in one thing or another. There is a costume designer for the theater, someone who makes furniture, another that makes fabulous purses, an interior designer, a graphic artist, massage therapist, and an art historian. I'm sure I'm forgetting someone.

I feel I have to make something now.

Love Your Mother

One Smart Cookie

I had commented recently on Bone's blog that NittanyBri had made his own TiVo or DVR type thingy. Bone had asked for the details which I am not qualified to give. It consists of a black box with lights and buttons and an antenna. There's a keyboard and mouse involved, and is why I think it may be nuclear weaponry but I'm not completely sure. To record a program, a Windows screen comes up on the t.v. From that point, I have no clue.

The homemade TiVo came in handy recently as I had a little bit of a scare when I went to turn on the laptop and nothing happened. No biggie at first till I began to think of all the papers I had saved on that hard drive that were going to be due in the next couple of weeks. My half hour drive to school in the morning consisted of me coming up with the worst case scenarios of rewritting from scratch the papers I could no longer access on the laptop.

I contacted my own personal help desk who was able to calm my fears. Later that night, out came the screwdrivers and gadetry and the laptop was disassembled, removed the hard drive and hooked it up to the "nuclear weaponry" which copied my papers from the laptop hard drive to my iPod. Whew!! I'm relieved! NittanyBri saved the day!

Non-Weekend Update

It's hard to imagine when my professors say things like our final projects are due "next week." The end of the semester is approaching so quickly. I actually think I may need my head examined. I was on line yesterday looking at grad schools and I don't think I ever want to have a serious, full time job ever again. I'm having too much fun!

This weekend is Dean's first art show. I can't wait to see what he's done with his photographs. If you've never seen them for your self check out his blog. He and I will be in an art show together at the beginning of May in New Cumberland, PA.

Can't wait to see tonights American Idol, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Sanjaya gets the boot finally. The jokes over, no more voting for him to keep him on the show. I think Simon may hurt him if he stays on much longer.

Beach trip numero uno is being planned. It's an early one this year for a friends 50th birthday. I wouldn't want to miss a party of that magnitude!! It will be celebrated in several states and cities and locations. One celebration location will be here. This place is so much fun, everyone should go at least once!

I seriously need to get working on my flower beds and yard. It's looking kinda crappy. I wish the weather would give me a break and get sunny and warm...for many reasons. My neighbors have mowed their lawn for the first time already. That just makes my lawn look even worse. Thanks neighbors!

"You've already won me over in spite of me

And don't be alarmed if I fall head over feet

Don't be surprised if I love you for all that you are

I couldn't help it

It's all your fault."

Happy Anniversary, Baby!

I love you!

Happy Friday the 13th

Hopefully none of you have the dreaded triskaideckaphobia, but if you do, I'll will bring some sunshine to you otherwise creeped out day.

(Say this next sentance in your best German accent) Now is the time on Graven Images when we act jealous....today is the last day of work for both my sister and her husband! Retiring early, what more can one ask for? My sister's a regular reader though she never leaves any comments. I'm not making her up, I swear! So, happy retirement to you guys!

Today is also a birthday of a friend of mine..it's the big Four-Oh for him today. Happy Birthday Brian (not to be confused with NittanyBri, he's got a few more years before the big Four-Oh.)

How Much Stress Is Too Much Stress?

I'm feeling a little....stressed. There are exactly 32 days until graduation. I can't wait! That is not to say that I'm not having fun with projects due, homework, papers, working (rarely), pets fighting, pets peeing, friends needing help, family members retiring and boyfriends getting sick. I am having fun and realize this fun will abruptly stop in exactly 32 days as well. So, for now, I'm going to go take a deep breath before I look like this....

Happy Easter!

Dutchland Rollers

When I was a kid I remember watching roller derby on t.v. There was tripping, pushing, shoving, falling, elbowing and hair pulling during a bout. I don't quite remember what I thought about it then, but it sure sounds like fun now!!

NittanyBri's sister and cousin skate for the Dutchland Rollers which is a ladies (and I use that term loosely) roller derby which has had a resurgence around here. I will be going to my first bout, just as a spectator, on April 21. I've seen the bumps and bruises, I think it's going to be fun! I love the artwork on this poster, don't you?

For those of you not familiar with Rumspringa, it is part of the Amish culture which allows the teens to be free from the rules of the church. This allows them to become informed adults about the good, bad and the ugly outside the Amish way of life. They are permitted to drink, smoke, dance, stay out all night and yes, have sex. At the end of Rumspringa, they decide whether they want to return to the Amish way of life or be shunned by their family and be part of the "English" (that's you and me.) You may be thinking who would want to return to a life of buggy's and no electricity? Surprisingly, the drop out rate from the Amish way of life is very low.

Gonna Fly Now

Sunday NittanyBri and I took a trip to the City of Brotherly Love. Which is such a joke since most of the people in Philadelphia (Phila) would rather not look at you let alone love you. Sorry to our friends the Keeners, they live near Phila and are not like that!

Anyway, I had a project to do for my Asian Art class so, we went to the Phila Art Museum in hopes of finding something to write a paper about. I had something specific in mind, but I didn't find it at the Phila Museum. But, I shall write about the Japanese Tea House that was set up in full there. You can see a full shot of it on the museum web site. Here are a couple of my pics.













For our trip, which my class made on Saturday to The Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC, we wore our specially made t-shirts which had a boar on the front, because it is the year of the boar and Chinese script on the back. The saying on the front of the shirt was developed by doing a "Chinese whisper." You've probably done it at one time or another; one person says a phrase and whispers it to the person next to them and so on till it gets to the end of the group. This is also a good exercise in why you shouldn't gossip because the end phrase is nothing like the phrase when it started. Our phrase that what was written on the front of the shirt and said, "Your friends are only in your imagination."

I did mention to a couple of you that I would be on the "Rocky" steps because it is in the first Rocky movie that Sly Stallone runs up the steps of the Phila Art Museum as part of his workout. Well, I didn't exactly run the steps. I walked down the steps but did get a picture of me and Rocky.

Birthday Party Revisited

You may remember back in November a certain special person threw a particularly fantastic birthday party for me in honor of my 29th birthday. You all remember that, RIGHT???

I just got some pictures from a friend. We all had a good laugh again over these. There were quite a few other people at the party, but they must have been inside acting like normal people. So, these are the few, the proud, the abnormal.

This was the pre-party "book club" guise used to get me out of the house for the day. These are my wonderful friends a.k.a. "the usual suspects." Arriving in style... This was a little scary....had no idea where I was, or who was there. It could have been a firing squad!

My friend Stacy's little girl Sophia. The first and very best hug of the night!
Yes, that is a tiara, don't act shocked!

Dancing Queens....

Stacey, Vicki and Renee in their "prom gowns."

Nanook of the north....geesh.You can tell I saved the best for last. It's easy to tell this was late in the evening. Yes, those are my two favorite soldiers, one looking mysteriously like Don Johnson and the other with red, painted toenails.

Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?

Has anyone been watching this show? It's hosted by Jeff Foxworthy and has made me really wonder how I'm about to get a college degree and don't know any of this stuff. Did I really learn all this stuff by fifth grade? Here are some of the questions:

1. How many months out of the year have 31 days?

2. If the diameter of a circle is 4 then the radius is what?

3. What is the only continent that is also a country?

4. Is the United States in the eastern hemisphere?

5. If y=3x and 3x=12, what does y equal?



Answers:
1. 7
2. 2
3. Australia
4. No!
5. y=12

So, how'd ya do???

On the First Day of Spring

I've just decided that if I'm ever in a band, I'm going to name the band The Shams. So people can say "boy, do those Shams rock?!?" You didn't see that one coming did you?

Happily today was the first day of spring but there is still snow on the ground from last Friday when we got socked with a pretty decent snow storm which ultimately cancled my Saturday class which was fine with me. I had a home full of guests so we got to start our St. Patrick's Day fun a little early. And, Briguy made it home to party with the girls as well.

I was hoping today would be a little warmer than it was but the dog and I went out for a long walk after lunch. The snow was melting so there were lots of puddles and mud. Jasmine tried to walk over a puddle that had a thin layer of ice on the top which she fell through. The sun was warm but the wind was cold. I hate wind, unless it's a breeze off the ocean and it's 80 degrees outside.

Happy Spring!

Play Dead

OK, I'm on to them, now I know what I need to do to get an upgrade on British Airways.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

When I was in Ireland many years ago, I remember getting a beer and the bartender told me he put a shamrock on the top for me. I thought he was kidding. He wasn't! Kinda looked like this pint here. Have a great weekend everyone!

I Gotta Wear Shades

The past year has been quite a voyage.
I have discovered I am determined, strong, and will meet my goals no matter what hurdles lie before me.
I have discovered who my friends are and to what extent they will go for me.
I'm am so thankful for the lessons I've learned and for the friends and family I have that have supported me every step of the way on this voyage over the last year.
I have learned to never compromise my happiness for a false sense of security ever again.
I'm glad to finally see the person that other people see me as.
I'm glad I don't have anything to angry about anymore.

"Well I'm heavenly blessed and worldly wise I'm a peeping-tom techie with x-ray eyes. Things are going great, and they're only getting better I'm doing all right, getting good grades. The future's so bright, I gotta wear shades."

Sunshine Came Softly

Over this past weekend, we began daylight savings time. As the little ditty goes "spring ahead, fall back" referring to what we do with the clocks when someone decides it's time to change the clocks. There was a lot of discussion over the preceeding weeks that this years daylight savings was beginning early and would our computers, cell phones, etc. know that it was time to change the clocks? It was similar to what we all experienced prior to Y2K. Sunday morning came and my phone time had changed, and my computers all changed with no problem. Again, similar to Y2K. Some people are opposed to the time changes because it just means it will be dark in the morning and stay lighter in the evening. I'm all for it. I usually don't have to be anywhere too early so I'll be sleeping through the dark hours anyway.

It seems to daylight change has brought with it some spring like weather too. Today's high must have been in the 60's. Tomorrow is supposed to be even warmer! I'll take it!! There's only one more week of winter left anyway. Bring it on!!

Practice Makes Perfect

As a runner prepares for a long race, we, the few and the proud have been practicing for our big day which happens to be fast approaching. Next Saturday as you all probably know is St. Patrick's Day. It's a big deal around here anyway. I've had my shamrock flag hanging outside for a couple of weeks and we've been practicing our consumption of alcohol in preparation of next week. There are several Irish bars that have sprung up around town over the last couple of years. I think our most favorite is Ceoltas. The food is great, lots of good beer on tap and they actually play Irish music! I know, unheard of! Last night when we were there practicing, there was a group of Irish dancers performing. The girls and boys that danced last night ranged from about 5 years old to about 12. They were a lot of fun to watch. The Harrisburg SPD parade is being held today and these kids will be dancing again in the parade.

Now, it seems that this SPD is going to be bittersweet for, well at least one person in our group of friends. It seems duty calls and NittanyBri will be working for the U.S. Army that weekend. Aw...I promise we'll send pictures!

So, the gang is going to a local place to celebrate SPD where our favorite band The Luv Gods will be performing. I think the bar opens at 7:00 a.m. (yikes, that could get ugly.) There will be food and of course lots to drink. Today we will be making our SPD t-shirts. Maybe we'll make it a yearly thing with new logos every year. I'm sure pictures will follow.

When I Was A Kid

Thanks to Coyote Mike for giving me something to write about. Play along if you'd like.

When I was a kid, I wanted a pony or a horse. I wanted one BAD. I swore I would take care of it, and that it could live in my suburban backyard. I still think it wouldn't be a bad idea. The consolation prize was that my dad mostly would take me to see horses, you know the kind that are just out standing around. He'd usually remember to pack carrots and apples so they'd at least come to the fence.

When I was a kid, I wanted my ears pierced. I wanted it BAD! All my friends had their ears pierced but not me. I had to wait till I was 18. Guess what I did on my 18th birthday? Now I have a total of 4 holes in my ears. I think I'm done.

When I was a kid, my best friend and I had the same first name and same date of birth. She was one year older than me. I even remember that we had the same winter coat. It was an ugly red, yellow, orange plaid with a really ugly yellowish woolly collar. It was the 70's what do you expect?

When I was a kid, I went to a babysitter because both my parents worked. My mom told me not to take my bike to the babysitters (which was just down the street.) But, the kids wanted to go bike riding. So, I ran down to my house, got my bike and we went riding. We were careening down a hill and around the curve and I slid in a pile of stones. 10 stitches in my knee kind of explains why I shouldn't have taken my bike to the babysitter.

When I was a kid, I wanted to be a school teacher. I had my own black board and would have class all the time. I would sometimes get extra papers from my teachers so I could use them in my class. My favorite part of being a teacher was sending kids out to the hall and reprimanding them for their behavior. Hmm, wonder where I would have ever gotten that idea?

When I was a kid, I also wanted to be a Go-Go dancer. You know, dancing in a cage, knee high, white patent leather boots, funky dress. Still sounds like a cool idea!

When I was a kid, I was in love with Donny Osmond and Richard Thomas (John Boy Walton). Go ahead, laugh.

When I was a kid, I wanted a pet. Not just the horse or pony but a dog or cat. I used to bring home all kinds of animals but wasn't allowed to keep them. I did have fish every once and a while. I had a salamander once too, but he got out of the container I had him in and dried up near the furnace in the basement.

When I was kid, I made prank phone calls with my friend. You know, "Is your refrigerator running?" "Do you have Prince Albert in a can?" Or we'd call and hang up on the one neighbor we didn't like. I ratted us out thinking I was being really slick about it but she was on to me. Thank goodness she didn't tell my parents.

When I was a kid, my family always thought I was doing bad things. Smoking, drinking, messing around with guys, when I really wasn't. Instead, it was all my supposedly innocent friends that were doing all these things. And yes, now I'm making up for lost time!

Hey This is Fun!

I stole this from Michael over at Smoke and Mirrors. Play along if you'd like!

“If your life were a film, what would your soundtrack be?”

So, here’s how it works: 1. Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc) 2. Put it on shuffle 3. Press play 4. For every question, type the song that’s playing 5. When you go to a new question, press the next button.

Here's mine:

Opening Credits: Amerika--Rammstein
Waking Up: Shut It--The Damned (well if that ain't the truth!)
Life: Drank My Wife Away--David Allan Coe (hilarious!)
Falling in Love: Private Idaho--B52's
Make-out Scene: Head Over Feet--Alanis Morissette (wow! )
Breaking Up: Talk Talk--Talk Talk
Mental Breakdown: Jane Says--Jane's Addiction
Driving: Blues From a Gun--The Jesus and Mary Chain
Getting Back Together: It's Five O'Clock Somewhere--Alan Jackson (can't make up with out a couple of drinks now can you?)
Wedding: Breaking the Law--Judas Priest (am I marrying my cousin?)
Birth of Child: Personality Crisis--New York Dolls
Final Battle: Out All Night--The Pietasters
Death Scene: Genius of Love--Tom Tom Club
Funeral: Only Want to be With You--Hootie and the Blowfish (aw!!)
End Credits:Ferry Cross the Mersey--Pat Metheny (now that's a fine ending!)

A Lovely Day

I couldn't ask for a better day than today to have virtually nothing to do. No school for another week, no work, at least for today and the sun is shining and the temps have got to be close to 50 if not over. I have the heat off, the windows open and the snow and ice we had over Valentines day is quickly melting. This is a good thing since I never got around to completely shoveling my sidewalks. That is like a cardinal sin for homeowners, at least around these parts.

Spring seems to be imminent. The breeze outside is a soft one, like in the spring. You can smell the earth and you can see the water running down the sides of the streets from the melting snow. Even the spring flowers are poking their heads up. That Punxsutawney Phil was right!!

Mid Terms

It's mid-term week already. My one and only mid-term test is on Thursday in my East Asian class. So, I will be studying hard because you know what comes after mid-terms?!? Spring Break! Whoo hoo! Cancun here I come! (not really!)

Illegal Aliens

Lately I've not heard too much about the illeagal immigrant issues in the United States, but with Anna Nicole dying and the new season of American Idol, I can see how there's no room on the front page to talk about this issue.

I was recently reminded that this is a huge issue for some politicians at least here in PA. Mayor Lou Barletta of the city of Hazleton, which is north of Harrisburg, is one person that isn't tolerating illegal's in his city. I think most people would agree, that if you are from another country and your here illegally, you should be sent home, punished. Then there is the issue of employers employing illegal immigrants and landlords who house illegal immigrants perhaps unknowingly. So, what do we do? The mayor of Hazleton has pioneered the way of resolving this issue and has gotten city council backing with what is called Illegal Immigration Relief Act. He has enacted a plan that would revoke the licenses of business owners that hire illegal aliens and fine landlords that house illegals. He and city council also voted that English would be the official language of Hazleton meaning all city documents would be in English. (This part gripes me a little. What language should it be in?)

While I hear most people say that illegals shouldn't be in this country and should be sent back to where they came from, what I don't hear is what the naysayers think should be done about it. The mayor of Hazleton has taken some abuse about these new rules and has even been called a Nazi. It's always amusing to me to hear people backing a guy like Mayor Barletta but when asked if they would uphold new policies like this, they become shrinking violets and claim these new rules are too harsh.

What do you think? Has he gone too far? Would you like to see policies like these enacted in your city?

Being Green Part 2

You can stop getting junk mail! How sweet are those words? We don't like junk mail in our in boxes, I'm sure no one likes getting a mailbox full of junk mail either. My new friends over at Terrapass have partnered up with GreenDimes. This organization will put you on a list which will stop junk mail from coming to your mailbox AND, they'll plant a tree for you on a monthly basis.

GreenDimes has provided some interesting statistics on junk mail. About 100,000,000 trees are chopped down and 28 billion gallons of water are wasted EVERY YEAR producing junk mail. You know, the stuff that usually ends up right in the trash or recycle bin.

According to these guys junk mail is a major source of identity theft as well. Yet another good reason to get rid of the stuff. The basic service only costs $4 a month! Or you can give them a one time amount of $360 and they'll plant 240 trees for you right now and clean out your mailbox. Where do I sign up?? Click here!


P.S. It's Engineer Appreciation Week! Stop by and say "thanks...for all the widgets 'n stuff!"

It's Easy Being Green

The Environmental Science class I'm taking has brought us to the discussion of fossil fuels and how their usage is what is creating somewhat of a blanket around the earth's atmosphere which is going to make us uncomfortably warm in the upcoming years.

We then got to watch the Al Gore movie An Inconvenient Truth. Now whether or not you are Republican or Democrat or something else, that all needs to be put aside. Global warming is not a political issue, it's should be everyone's issue. Everyone needs to watch this movie. What Al's got to say makes sense. What would be the point of him yanking our chain about the dissolution of the arctic ice caps, or the fact that malaria has moved to higher elevations in Columbia, or that many animals could be extinct by the year 2050? You know, I just don't want to wait around and not do anything and see if all this really happens. Let's just pretend this is a hoax. Is there really anything to lose by discovering alternative fuel sources?? I actually saw a sign on the PA Turnpike this weekend for a bio-diesel product. Is there anything wrong with planting more trees?

Michael over at Smoke and Mirrors has a friend that runs his VW Bug on veggie oil. Watch this video to learn more about it.

I learned about this groovy website where you can basically buy redemption for your CO2 sins. The folks at Terrapass will help you evaluate your CO2 emissions for your car, for your airline travel and how much you emit while at home. I have found that my home emissions of CO2 are average for the state of PA. Fortunately, I'm obsessive about turning off lights when I'm not in the room, though I do need to buy some compact flourescent bulbs instead of the incandecent ones I currently use. Terrapass will tell you how many terrapasses you should buy to offset the estimated usage and will provide you with tips on how to cut down on energy usage. TerraPass funds clean energy from sources like wind farms, methane capture facilities (poop collection), and you get a groovy decal and bumper sticker to show how green you can be.

There's a link on the site that tells you all about Terrapasses business partners. For all you eBay folks out there, check out the green shipping alternative called UShip.

I hate to contradict Kermit the Frog, but it's pretty easy to be green!!

Click Here!

There's Booze in the Blender

So, what do people do in Pennsylvania when they are stuck inside on Valentine's Day due to a raging on-going snow storm?

They make margarita's and invite the neighbors!

Hearts and Snow

What a day so far! It started snowing here yesterday morning and hasn't stop precipitating in some fashion since then. There's a couple inches of snow on the ground crusted on top by a layer of sleet/ice and about a gallon of water with each shovel full. I only did the driveway, my arms are screaming for mercy! I think I'll leave the rest for my Valentine! I know, I'm too generous!!

My favorite radio station WXPN from the University of Pennsylvania is counting down the top 88 and 1/2 love songs today. You can see the complete list here. You have to love a station that plays The Doors, White Stripes, Neil Young, The Beatles, Joy Division, LL Cool J, Ike and Tina, Barry White and The Clash as part of a Valentine's Day countdown. You can listen to this station live from the link on my sidebar!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Bei Kunrong

In my East Asian class we had to find out our Chinese names inspired by our English names. You can get your Chinese name here if you want to.

The first character or surname was chosen according to the spelling of my English name. The middle character of my name-Kun means earth, feminine, female. This name would traditionally be chosen by the grandparents. The last character of my name rong means appearance, tolerant.

I was born in the year of the horse.

In our last class we had to use traditional Chinese paint brushes made from animal hair and bamboo to paint our names.

Boycot Exxon

I've been taking an Environmental Science class this semester which often leaves me angry and fearful for the future of the planet.

This past week we were discussing the recent news release that scientists have determined that global warming is due to human activity. Duh! I think we all knew that. The plus side is we can certainly slow the process down, the down side is that it can never be reversed, that is unless someone knows how to make ozone. That's way out of my league.

The other disturbing thing we talked about is that it was reported recently that a thinktank funded by Exxon tried to pay off scientists so they would say global warming was a farce. Ironically, this little tidbit of information was released the same day Exxon reported its 5 billion dollar profit for 2006-a good reason to never buy their products. As if we needed yet one more reason.

Arctic Freeze

It is downright freezing here. I don't remember the weather being this cold in quite a long time. With the wind chill, the temp is down into the single digits if not lower.

Yesterday when I was walking to class, the wind was in my face (not at my back like the Irish Blessing hopes for) and made my sinuses ache like when you get a brain freeze from eating or drinking something too quickly. It was horrible. I'm sure my sinuses are dried up little raisins and a sinus infection is imminent. And there just isn't enough lotion in the world to moisturize my skin. I think a week in the Caymans with my skin slathered in oil should do the trick. The air is so dry that the hair on Jasmine's ears stands out straight. Well, that is if they aren't full of water or cat litter (ew!)

Yesterday we started week four of school, the semester is moving along very quickly. A sure sign of that was that I got to buy my cap and gown yesterday. Complete with the colorful "hood". I've always wanted to wear one of those.

Happy Birthday NittanyBri!!

Super Sunday

Is anyone excited about the Super Bowl this year? Me neither. But, I'll never pass up the opportunity to have a nosh with friends and family. That's just what we're doing. I made some yummy vegeterian chili and veggie pizza (you know the stuff with the cresent rolls for a crust?), my sister's bringing some veggies (seeing a theme here?) and a cheese ball. NittanyBri is out there sweating over the stove as I write this making some Swedish Meatballs...the real deal, no fake meat!

There will also be somewhat of a birthday party since it is someone's birthday tomorrow!

My sister is bringing her dog Daisy today too. I've been telling Jasmine all week that she's going to have a play buddy. We'll see. Daisy is a "soul sister" too just like Adeline and Jasmine. Maybe, if all the planets are aligned, we can get a picture.

Norwich Univ. hockey game is going to be televised today on ESPN. My nephew doesn't play hockey, but it'll be fun to watch!!

Did you see where Chewbacca got arrested??

Snuggle up on the couch with some of you favorite munchies and remain there for as long as you like! Go ahead, you're allowed!!

This Just in from Gobbler's Knob

Today it is official according to the most reliable weather man we have in the state of Pennsylvania, Punxsutawney Phil. Apparently he did not see his shadow this morning which means we're due for an early spring! He's got to be more reliable than the clowns that are supposed to be "educated" in the weather. They predicted 1-2 inches of snow overnight. I don't think a flake even fell. I hope they know they've let down every child in the central Pennsylvania area who thought they were gonna be off school or at least get to go into school later than usual. I'll be there were even some adults hoping they wouldn't have to go work this morning either.

Happy Groundhog Day!!

Greetings from Norwich University

The Norwich University Swimming and Diving Team
My very tired looking nephew.

Rest in Peace Barbaro

Breakin' the Law

This weekend offered up a brush with the law for me and The Bri Guy. Things started off innocently enough on Saturday with the usual trip to the vet with my Lester for his fluids, then to the dog groomer to get Jasmine all spiffed up and then to the Broad Street Market in Harrisburg for a look around. This urban farmers market brings with it an unusal contrast. There you will see the "urban" dwellers on one side of the counter being served often times by either Amish or Mennonite farmers. There are a few stands that serve Greek, German or Indian food. I had a vegetable dish from Curry in a Hurry. Brian had a Gyro (pronounced Yee-ro, just in case you were unaware.) I also couldn't resist a slice of peanut butter pie that had about an inch of whipped cream on the top. I shared some of the whipped cream with the kitties. They love that stuff!

On the way home from the market, I asked if Bri had ever been to the State Library since we were going past it. No, he hadn't so, we made a quick detour. Upon entering the library you can either make a left or a right. So, we went left first into the room that holds legal documents and books. We were immediately asked if we needed help. Geesh, no just looking!

Because the library, which is a really great old building, is attached to The Forum, an equally impressive art deco styled building, I thought I could show Brian the inside of that. So, we passed through the double doors to the stair well that took us over to the auditorium. Unfortunately, the doors to the auditorium were locked so we couldn't take a look inside. Back we went to the library where we crossed by the doors to the outside and passed a couple of people, namely a security guard on the way to the other side of the library. We get into the giant reading room when from behind us we hear (Cue the 007 music) "Excuse me!" We turn around and there is the rental cop, or library security or whatever he was with his rental uniform on WITH I might add a bullet proof vest underneath. You never know when one of those quiet, studious nerd types that spend the day at the library might freak out and start shooting everyone. He asked if we had been through the "double doors." And we're thinking well, we went through many double doors, which are you referring to, but kept our thoughts to ourselves and just said "yes."

Rental: "Why would you do that?"
Us: "Because I wanted to show him The Forum. And there were no signs indicating we couldn't go over there, nor were the doors locked."
Rental: "Who do you work for?"
Us: ( I can't even remember what we responded here because it was yet another ambiguous, unrelated question.)

So, after he sufficiently reprimanded us for our obvious illegal behavior, he let us off easy and went on his way to ensure library-goers could read in safety. This guy needs to change his name to Johnny on the Spot too. Not only had about 5 minutes lapsed since we walked through the dreaded double doors, but on our way to the other reading room, we walked right by him!!

Our drive home consisted of us coming up with the most obnoxious answers we could have...or should have given him. And we laughed our butts off!!

So, in a mere 24 hour time period, we could have very well ended up on America's Most Wanted without ever even committing a single crime. (Cue Judas Priest...)

Almost Famous

Upon some urging from Mr. Dorman who sent me a link to Beyond Second, a community photographic web site located in Harrisburg, I submitted some of my photographs. They're some of the same photos from the Flickr box here on my sidebar.

The criteria for this web site is that all the photographs have to have been taken within the city limits or if outside the city limits, must have at least a view of the city.

There are some very interesting views from the city of Harrisburg, some very talented eyes here in the city. My favorite image is Interim by Frank Borges. This was taken along the river where alot of dogs are walked. Not sure if he set up this image or just happened to be there at the "decisive moment."

Hope you enjoy taking a look at these pics. Thanks Dean for tell me about this site!!

I Can See Clearly

With the beginning of the semester and that feeling of the unknown that comes along with new professors and new classes with new expectations, I often feel overwhelmed and nervous and sometimes wonder why on earth have I done this to myself?

Then something happens, I get into the groove, the expectations are clear, the clouds begin to part and I feel better. Occasionally, there are things that make things perfectly clear. Today I got something in the mail that has done just that.

Dear Carnealian:

I write to congratulate you on your academic performance during the 2006 fall semester. As a result of your performance, I am pleased to inform you that I have placed your name on the Dean's List, a distinction conferred on students who achieve an average of 3.4 or higher for the semester.

Your work last semester is a clear indication of commendable effort and superlative achievement. You should be proud of this significant accomplishment. I hope that you will take time to reflect upon the efforts that lead to your success as a means of continuing in the same strong manner into the future.

Again, I congratulate you and wish you continued success.

Sincerely,

Vice President for Academic Affairs/Dean of the Faculty

Unlucky Number 7

Today I found out that I still have 7 more credits to complete for graduation. I'm very unhappy with this revelation needless to say. However, I can still "walk" at graduation in May and the party in May is still on, so no need to change your travel plans. The up side to all of this is that the classes I must take are only electives, so I can take pretty much whatever and I can also take them at the local community college which is much closer to my house and significantly cheaper than what my usual college charges. And, I can take them over the summer which means I can probably get them done in about 6 weeks. What I'm really hoping for is that the college is offering glass blowing over the summer. Something I've always wanted to take.

I have a project to do for my Color class. I can either do a plain and simple research paper (NOT!) or I can do a smallish research paper with an art project attached, something like a video maybe. So, I've called in the support troops for help with this. I'm still not sure what I'm going to do but I'd really like to do some kind of video since I've never done that before. I just want this project to be so cool when it's done.

The Man from Down Under

My first day of classes went well. My 8:00 a.m. class is Asian art and the professor is from Australia. I've never had him for classes before so I had no idea what I was in store for. He attended my African Art presentation from last semester but apparently he was holding back that night. He's completely insane. In a good way that is. He went home for the holidays so we got to take a look at his "Happy Snaps" from his trip home. Nothing like seeing a bunch of Aussies in the pool, cocktails in hand in 90 degree weather on Christmas Day. He had pics of himself sharing a beer with a lizard. He says the lizards like cheese and they feed them that to go with the beer apparently.

He has also informed us that from the first day on we are to refer to him as "Tripitaka." Which is a character from one of his childhood television programs from Japan. According to the syllabus we will be having a Chinese tea ceremony, seeing Japanese as well as Korean films and with the upcoming trip to New York City in the Spring, we will be going to Chinatown and eating till we puke. At least that's what he said. Last semester when the class went to New York, they made t-shirts. The t-shirt logo was developed by the class and the back read "Your shoes are ugly and prenatal." I'm not sure what that means, but it's hilarious!

Anyway, it sounds like it is going to be a very entertaining class. And who doesn't want to sit for hours and listen to an Aussie speak?!?

New Beginnings

Tomorrow I will begin the first day of the last semester before I graduate. I have an 8:00 a.m. class which I am not looking forward to. But, it's only 15 weeks! I also figured out that the huge chunk of time I have between classes will allow me to get all my homework done so I should not have any homework to do at home. YAY!!

P.S. Graduation is May 12. Pencil in that date for a partaaay!!!

Curses!

That dreaded Farm Show curse worked! We got a dusting of snow over night. Enough snow so that some schools had delayed openings this morning.

It is very blustery and cold out there today. Most of the snow has been blown away. Yuk, I hate winter.

No Jacket Required

This past weekend was just so out of the ordinary for January in the northeast. I happened to see the weather report from New York City this past weekend. It was 72 degrees in Central Park on Saturday?!?! It was sunny and beautiful this weekend. The other thing that made this extremely odd was that Saturday was the first day of the Pennsylvania State Farm Show. What makes the weather that more bizarre is that anyone from the state of Pennsylvania knows that during Farm Show week, we are almost 100% guaranteed to have bad weather. It has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that it's January, it has everything to do with the Farm Show. It's true! They teach you that in meteorology school.

This state wide agricultural expo event that happens every year at this time. I've gone to the Farm Show almost every year since I've been a little kid. My father would take me and I'd pet every single animal in the place. My hands would be black and I didn't care. Then, we'd go off and eat some of the fabulous food they have there. Now, when you leave the area where the animals are there are hand sanitizers containers to use before you leave the area. For the love?!?

The food is the best part for me as an adult. Because now I think too much about why the animals are there. Mainly as food. And, even though I don't eat them, the million other people that are there do. And I feel bad petting the cute little lambs and pigs thinking they'll be on someone's dinner plate. So, I'm going to focus on the giant baked potatoes (nope, they don't just come from Idaho!) that are smothered in butter, the fried mushrooms and yummy milk shakes. Mmmm!!!

According to an inside source, there's lots of wine tasting this year. We are so there!!

Sticking on the food theme...one of my favorites besides what I usually talk about...Paris. I was just taste testing a gift a cousin gave to NittanyBri for Xmas. They were a selection of chocolate bites. They are savory chocolate pieces. There are some that are Lavender, Rosemary, Cinnamon Espresso beans, and Cayenne Chocolate. When you eat these it's mmm, chocolatey, then BAM! HOT! Certainly this isn't the kind of chocolate you can "power eat," but it's fun to taste the different flavors. I'm not too fond of the Lavender. I have a Lavender plant just outside my back door and I love the smell, but I don't really want to eat it. There is one remaining chocolate bar we haven't tasted yet from Bri's Xmas gift. And that's the Venezuelan dark chocolate flavored with plums and Indian coriander. I'm kind of scared of it.

Stilton, Edam, and Blue Oh My!

Today my family and I traveled to the Lehigh Valley area for my aunt's funeral. It was good to see my cousin that I never see. We talked about our memories of my aunt and found out she got toasted, or looped as she called it (on red wine) at Thanksgiving dinner! We got out old photographs and reminiced about good times with our family.

On our way back home, we decided to stop at Wegman's. This isn't your ordinary grocery store. This is the kind of store you go to when you don't want the ordinary. We don't have a Wegman's in our neighborhood yet. We due to get one in the spring.

The shopping frenzy started at the not-your-ordinary-cheese department. I picked up a Merlot cheese, similar to Port Wine cheese but this one is purple and white, made with Merlot (duh), a Beemster classic cheese from Holland, a Blue Cheese from St Agur, France (where else?), and a white Stilton cheese with apricot from England. Now I will have the perfect accompianment for the Swiss wine my friend Paul brought me.

The bakery department or Patisserie (for those of you that only talk about France) was To. Die. For. I got a vanilla creme brulee for NittanyBri and a chocolate, creamy, cake thingy for myself. And if Bri is reading this now, I guess I just ruined the big surprise huh?!?

Besides the smell of cheese (which can be good or bad depending if you like the smell of feet or not) the other aroma that filled the car was the smell of coffee. I purchased Seville Orange flavored Espresso bean and ground them there. There was also a Vermont Maple and the double your caffiene variety my sister chose.

We'll be eating and drinking tonight, it's grey and rainy outside anyway. Hope you all have a great weekend. Send Nittanybri get well wishes. He's got a yucky cold!



There is so much in this store that is new and unusual. I cannot wait till we get one. Grocery shopping will be a joy!!!