Gabrielle Needs to Leave!

With less than 7 days before leaving for the Outer Banks, NC, Gabrielle needs to move on out!

A Glimmer of Hope

Good, old fashioned customer service is alive and well. Most of our experiences purchasing anything nowadays may result in a thank you, if you're lucky, but then there are the times when you just stand back and say "wow!"

Because I had a dead battery but was able to get my car juiced up enough to get it back to my house, I had a small dilemma. I was working until 6, the battery store closed at 6. So, I was going to just purchase a new battery over the phone, have my friend go pick it up and I'd intall it on my own time.

In telling the battery store employee this, he asked where I lived, said it was near where he lived, he'd stop by on his way home. I said I'd meet him there. Sure enough, there he was when I got home last night. He unhooked the old battery, put in a new one and that was it! No money exchanged hands, nuthin. I said I'd be in first thing in the a.m. to pay for the new battery which he was good with.

There I was at 8:10 this morning, he tested the old battery, and sure enough, it was dead. Charged me for my new one and off I went. WOW! Now that's what I call good customer service!

A Friend Indeed

Over the last couple of days, NittanyBri has been doing some work "important to national security." (I think those are the exact words.) I knew he'd be out of town for a couple of days. I was kind of excited that I'd get the bed to myself. Well, mostly to myself with a couple of furry exceptions.

I was also waiting to see if our dog Jasmine would show any signs of his being gone because Brian seems to think he's been replaced as the most important human in Jasmine's eyes. I told him she was eating, a lot actually, and didn't seem to be phased by his absence. That is until last night. I had the doors open and she sat by the front door patiently watching and waiting. She didn't come up on the bed until after I shut the doors. Yea, she misses dear old dad. So do I for that matter. Even with the thrill of having the entire bed to myself.

Aside from that, my car battery decided to die yesterday too. And, with Brian gone, I had to call a friend to come rescue me. Thank goodness for friends nearby! That same friend will be my chauffeur today as well so that I can get to another friends birthday celebration on time this evening. Thankfully, I always seem to be taken care of and for that, I am thankful!

A Good Weekend

Hope everyone is enjoying their holiday weekend. The weather has been beautiful in this neck of the woods. I always dread the Labor Day weekend since it seems to mark the end of summer.

This holiday also brings with it, the thoughts of last year at this time. It was this weekend last year that the veteranarian had told me to put my cat Lester to sleep because of his declining kidney health. As with most things, I didn't listen. I decided to take things into my own hands and take him off all medications both for his diabetic condition as well as his thyroid issue. Instead lieu of them, I began taking him to the vet weekly to get subcutaneous fluid injections.

Thankfully, one year later, he's still with us. We have to chuckle when he goes to the vet because they seem to be on some sort of "death watch." The vet tech will come to take him and says grimly "how is he?" Um, he's fine, he beats up the dog, rips and tears after pooping and is still king of the backyard. I know he won't be here forever, but as long as his health seems good and he's eating and not in pain, I'll continue with what I have been doing.

In Memory

Raptor--Rapture

Several months ago I received a lovely graduation gift in the mail from a friend that lives in NYC. I've written about her before. She's living the most fabulous life of a poet in New York.

She had been telling me of the trials and tribulations of getting this booklet published but finally, it all came together, and there it was in my hands. Her latest compilation of work. I love the play on the words Raptor/Rapture! Certainly, this isn't her first published work. She's been published worldwide and has read her poetry in some of the most celebrated poetry houses such as St. Marks' Poetry Project and The Bowery Poetry Club to name a few.

We've all sat through endless literature classes and poetry classes where the students and instructors could only hypothesize what the author was thinking and feeling. But with Susan's work, I knew the story that developed the poem. I felt like I had discovered a secret.

With Susan's permission, I have chosen a favorite piece from the book to share with you. This poem made me laugh and demonstrates Susan's sense of humor and kind of reveals what a morning in a quiet city park may offer!

Flasher: Passer

My dreamy parkcoffee mornings

have become less pleasant since

I've been hassled by a flasher.

Caught me twice.

I've called the cops and told park authorities.

It's not that I fear death by dick sight

but it is distinctly not cool.

The third time he sat near

I just continued to feed Passer

(a little sparrow) and he turned up his

boombox to get me to look and so on.

Next time he stormed by with an angry look on his face

I suppose because I didn't look.

Passer is so cute, jumps up,

takes tiny bits of bread from my hand

and today she revealed what makes her so cheeky.

She has a baby to feed so cute; that was a better morning.

Told Eric who got quite steamy

wanted details. (The dick was huge,

limp and seemed to be coated with baby oil.)

Eric told me his flashing was not going well,

maybe he needed some baby oil,

I mailed him some baby oil and

he was quite incensed I would do

something so unmaidenly.

I haven't laughed so hard in ages.

I needed a good laugh.

Simply The Best

Around here, going to a restaurant, business or just driving around town you begin to notice these stickers or signs at businesses. As the sign indicates, Harrisburg Magazine takes a Readers' Poll to ask, based on set categories, what the Readers' think is the best.

This poll is an interesting way to find out about new restaurants and businesses in the area. But, one has to wonder exactly how accurate this readers' poll is. I mean, it's pretty easy to say what you favorite diner, Mexican restaurant and club is. But how many people can determine what is their favorite Pest Control, Paper Hanger, Architect, Funeral Director and Auctioneer? Apparently quite a few. I would have no way of determining what company would be considered my favorite for pest extermination.

Doesn't this readers' poll seem to point to simply name recognition? As if some of these categories aren't outrageous enough, they get even better. Readers were asked to name the best: Themed Fundraiser, Volunteer Organization, Accountant, Criminal Lawyer, Family Lawyer and Divorce Attorney. Do you think the people that responded actually used these services or are thinking "well I saw a commercial for these guys" or "I think I passed that listing in the phone book." You know, it's pretty much similar to the way people decide on who to vote for when election time rolls around.

Could This Be Any More Ridiculous?

"Nicole Richie was released from jail Thursday after serving 82 minutes of a four-day sentence for driving under the influence of drugs."

On a more important subject, Happy 40th Birthday to the Big Mac!!!

Being Productive

Don't you just love productive days? I was lucky enough to have one today. I took the day off so that I could be productive. Darned work always gets in the way. I guess if I'd win the Powerball drawing tonight, I wouldn't have to worry about work ever again. And neither would any of my friends!! The jackpot is $245 million!

Anyway, having a productive day is kind of like a recharge of the batteries, getting the cobwebs out or something like that. I got up fairly early since the furnace guy was coming. The furnace needed cleaning. And thankfully it was cleaned early in the day because by afternoon it was downright chilly in the house. I actually turned on the heat! This has to be the early date on record for turning on the heat!

While the furnace guy worked for three hours in my basement, I got dishes and laundry done, changed the bed linens, chatted with friends on line, even organized my wrapping paper containers and checked out the graduate degree requirements on the Penn State website. That alone made me tired. I'll need two letters of recommendation, two transcripts from each school I attended previously and a 1000-1500 word essay why I want to go to school there, plus the initial application, financial aid forms, etc. etc.

What I was looking forward to most was dinner, I was starving and thinking Mexican food was in order. The end of my most productive day was walking to dinner. Though it was kind of chilly, it was a nice walk, didn't take long at all. And when I saw the big, yellow hummer driving through the parking lot, I was glad I had walked and maybe prevented a little less CO2 from going into the atmosphere.

Sympathy Pains

I think the weather here in the northeast is feeling sympathetic for those that are experiencing hurricane Dean, but thankfully on a much less intense level. I hope that Dean doesn't cause too much destruction.

It has been raining for three days, pretty much non-stop. The highs have only gotten to about the low 70's. It makes for great sleeping weather, but they are the kind of days when you don't feel like getting out of bed. And getting from point A to point B can be somewhat of a headache particularly if you have to walk.

I think I need a fake sun lamp to simulate some sunshine. I'm feeling kind of deprived.

Sun Dance by Alfred Gockel

Takin' Some Time To Relax

Is It Full Moon or Something?

Or is it just because Merv Griffin died? Last night was a sleep over for my sister's dog Daisy. They had to return my nephew to school before he was initially scheduled so Daisy was our guest for the night. She was a little nervous and really wasn't sure what to make of things and it was a little warm for sleeping anyway.

What made it even more difficult was that around 2:45 a.m. the new neighbors behind me came home from who knows where. The music was blaring and there was loud talking. OK, I can deal. I fell back to sleep till about 3:30-4:00 a.m. when the neighbors and friends decided it would be a good idea to start setting off firecrackers in the backyard. So, not only can I see the flashing of the firecrackers in my bedroom, but can hear the noise. Daisy isn't a fan of firecrackers so she was up, then Jasmine was up, though she didn't know why since she's pretty deaf, both cats were walking around thinking is someone going to feed them, then Brian and of course, myself were up.

We put up with the fireworks for a little but then quickly became annoyed. We got the phone book out to find the non-emergency phone number for the local police department. Check - called it, the message directed us to call the number for the local dispatch. Called that....the line was busy. Sigh.

Boobapalooza

Today was the first annual Boobapalooza a.k.a. mammogram. I am officially allowed to say this is the first annual since I'll be getting one every year for the rest of my life. I really wasn't sure what to expect. I mean I heard stories about how it feels like your nipple is just going to spring off and fly across the room. I've also heard, it's uncomfortable but not bad. I'd have to agree with that one. It was uncomfortable but certainly something I can live with.


I have to admit I was pretty amazed at the extent to which my breast could be flattened, squished, lifted, and pulled into several Play Doh like shapes. I must wait a few days to get the results of the exam. I do not expect anything out of the ordinary.

Whew!

I am just now breathing a sigh of relief because I just learned the verdict on the trial that I was a juror on this week.

The case was publicized for quite some time on television and in the newspaper. I'm thankful that I missed seeing any of the media attention on this prior to going into the case. The allegations were from a then 16 year old student who accused her drivers education teacher of forcing her to perform oral sex on him while they were out on an after school driving lesson.

My first impression was that this guy must be a creep because kids don't make things like this up nor do false accusations make it as far as the D.A.'s office who represented the victim in this case. But as I heard more of the testimony without any witnesses since there were purportedly only two people involved, the final verdict became quite clear.

The victim had so many holes in her stories. She waited several months to come out with the allegations, which isn't unusal in a sex case, but her stories varied each time she told them. One thing was consistent, the attacker, who in the first version of her story was an unknown man, wore boxers. Then when she claimed it was her teacher that did this to her, he wore boxers during the attack as well. Her driving instructor doesn't have a pair of boxers to his name. Based on that and the many inconsistencies in her stories, the jury found him not guilty. Since I was an alternate, I didn't get to be part of the deliberations. It couldn't have taken them long to come to a conclusion, it was so very obvious to me that this man wasn't guilty.

I think this young girl was truly sexually victimized. I think it took place on the road she claimed it did and on the night she claimed as well. I think it was a male friend of hers that did it. Because she said she was on that road with him later that night, after the purported first attack. She may have consented with her friend and she may not have. And because she had a boyfriend at the time, I think this was a way for her to absolve her guilt for messing around willingly or protecting her so called "friend" if he did really attack her.

One of the biggest shames in this whole thing is that the man she accused of doing this to her is very well liked and respected in both the school where he works and in the community. I found out yesterday during his testimony that his wife was going through cancer treatment just before these allegations came out. That poor family, that poor man. What a senseless waste of time, energy, money and emotion for something that was obviously not true from the start. Both of these people's families friends and relatives will forever have to live with this huge scar that has been made because of this girl's false accusations.

I wish Mr. Frank and his family peace.

Stupid Talk Part II

Ahh, another tough day in court. Yea, I know I'm just a juror but I'm gonna use that line as long as I can!!!

All I can say is that I'm completely fascinated with the judicial process. I have a feeling that I look like I'm watching a tennis match while court is in session between directing my attention from the witness back to the lawyer. Again, I'm thankful to be in the jurors box and not on the witness stand.

The jurors have been spending quite a bit of time together waiting for the judge and lawyers to begin the court session. Mainly, I either try to read which is pretty difficult considering some people need to talk constantly or I just listen in amazement. I rarely say a word. Which for those of you that know me will find difficult to believe. It's true. Today while we were waiting, the conversation among the other jurors got on the subject of recycling. One of the jurors remarked "I don't believe in recycling." She claims she doesn't think it's sanitary because people put all kinds of things in cans and bottles. Oh no, please, not in a confined room, please no ridiculously ignorant people. Then another chimed in that the plastic water bottles and aluminum cans are broken down and reused, it's not the actual bottle or can that is reused. Really? Are you guys like rocket scientists???

Then another person says, "You know you aren't supposed to reuse the plastic bottles. The bacteria collects on the mouthpiece." What bacteria? Mine? The kind that's living in my mouth now? So, if I put what was in my mouth back in my mouth that's going to make me sick? Then, as I knew it would, they got on the subject that the plastic some how leeches into the water if you continue to use the same plastic bottle. I couldn't take any more. I said "That's not true." They kept going. I said "that's not true." And because they couldn't shut their mouths for more than a half second, no one heard me. Can't wait till it's deliberation time for this case. Should be interesting.

Did She Really Say That?

Friday evening we went to Columbia (PA) not South America, to do some work on Brian's place. After an evening of profuse sweating, because it was hot you naughty people, we decided to go to a local sub shop for food.

Brian assured me these were some of the best subs around and based on the smell that was coming out of the place, and the number of cars in the parking lot, it was going to be a reall good sub! We went to the take out part of the restaurant where they had coolers of beer, fourty's, Bud, Coors, the usual. It kind of reminded me of the sub shop I worked in last year.

We were several people back in line to order which gave me some time to decided what I wanted since Brian already knew he was getting a steak sandwich since they made some of the best. Finally, I had decided what I wanted and we anxiously awaited someone to take our order which went something like this:

Cute girl behind the counter (CGBC): "Can I help someone?"
Me: "A tuna sub"
CGBC: "What about it?"
Me: (with an incredibly annoyed tone to my voice) "Can I have one? No tomatoes."
CBGC: Reluctantly getting the tuna out and putting it on the sub roll, not asking what I want on the sub.
Me: "Can I have provolone cheese?"
CBGC: "Mayo?"
Me: "Yes"
CBGC: "Tomatoes?"
Me: (eye rolling) "No."

You couldn't believe the relief I felt when the sub was finally wrapped up and in the bag. That was exhausting. She looked normal enough, and she also appeared to be young enough that she probably hadn't done that much damage to her brain with drugs and alcohol. I guess she got that way naturally.

We The Jury

The last three days have been kinda hectic. I've worked a total of 34 hours in those days. I'm looking forward to a big day off tomorrow with lots of napping in the a/c! It's hot outside!

I guess my rest period will continue next week since I'm scheduled for jury duty. The last time I did it was maybe 10 years ago or so. I remember reading a lot. I have books already on standby for the weeks worth of reading I hope to do.

I am also studying to take a test so I can get my insurance license. I've worked for many years in the health insurance industry and that hasn't nearly prepared me for the kind of questions they ask on this test. I know I'll pass it when I go to take the test for real but for now, there's much studying, which I plan to do in between reading for fun while on jury duty.

Most people groan and roll their eyes when I tell them what I'll be doing next week. I've even heard people say they won't register to vote so they don't have to serve on jury duty. Isn't that a little extreme?? These are probably the same people that sit at home at night and watch re-runs of Judge Judy or have Nancy Grace on speed dial.

I find the entire process pretty interesting. The last time I served, I did make it on to a jury for a nice young man that was accused of making terroristic threats on his girlfriend. I hope to get on a jury again . I'm thankful as well that I'm on the jury side and not sitting in one of the desks in front of the judge with my lawyer by my side!!

The Road

I just finished reading a fantastic book. The Road by Cormac McCarthy. It is a postapocalypitic story of a father and son as they journey around a burned out country formally known as Ameridca.

The story paints an extremely grim story of survival with no hope of return to the world they once knew in their search for food and shelter while trying to remain safe from the "other" survivors. Though this story may sound outlandish, couldn't help but to think, it could happen. And I wonder should I find myself trying to survive with none of the modern conveniences or natural resources like fresh water, would I be able to survive?

The story definitely has a deeper meaning beyond that of survival, struggle and loss. This book is definitely worth checking out!

Why Bother?

Why is it when I think I'm just going to go out with friends and be home and in bed by a decent hour and actually utter the words "I'm not staying out late" that I always end up staying out late?

Last night was an innocent meeting friends for a beach trip/book club meeting with dinner and drinks which turned into more drinks and more drinks which turned into lets go see the Jimmy Buffett tribute band which turned into let's go to Smalls and see the punk bands. That place was loud and sweaty with lots of moshing which resulted in me losing my flip flop (not blowing it out). I know, why would I have flip flops on in a place like that?!? Well, I didn't know I was going there. Remember, I wasn't staying out late and we were just going to one place!! I think I'm still a little deaf from last night, but it was fun!!!

Earth to Reality

Does this AP news headline make sense to anyone??

"Bush warns al-Qaida in Iraq a threat"

I Live on a Chain

Another musical experience tonight. Going to see Pete Yorn at the Chameleon Club in Lancaster. He's not a mainstream artist but is usually played on my favorite radio station WXPN out of Philadelphia. You should out his music!

The Butchers

After an excellent show by The Police on Friday night (there really wasn't a song we wanted to hear that we didn't. Well, they didn't play Canary in a Coal Mine, but I'll let that slide.) The show was great!!!

Saturday was the girls of The Dutchland Rollers taking on the Coal City Rollers in Lancaster. We celebrated the victory (who by the way remain undefeated) of the Dutchland Rollers as well as Mimosa Mamma's birthday with karaoke at a local bar. Lots of fun!!

Tonight, we're going to see The Butchers at a club in Harrisburg. They have recently returned from their gigs in both Brookly and Coney Island, NY to tear up the scene in Harrisburg!! Always a good time, guaranteed there will be Pabst in a can!

The Reunion Tour

Yep, tonight...The Police!

Now that was fun!!!

Nothing

I have nothing witty or cute to say, nothing truly exciting is going

on. I'm just enjoying:

the long, hot days,

the lack of responsibility,

no homework,

no frustrating, boring 9-5 job to go to,

the endless fun times with my friends,

getting to see my nephew,

staying up late,

sleeping in late,

hanging the clothes on the line to dry,

the naked porch drinking,

live music,

blowing bubbles with the dog,

watching my flowers grow,

keeping up with my blogger buddies,

wearing a bathing suit and shorts to do yard work,

getting all sweaty and cooling off with the hose,

beer,

going for walks with the dog, or along the river,

eating dinner outside,

Brian,

and realizing how truly blessed I really am. Life is good.

Some of the Sweetest Words Ever Written

To: Carnealian
From: Assistant Registrar Lebanon Valley College

We have indeed received your transcripts and I can confirm that you are clear to graduate in August. Your degree will be conferred on August 25th, and you should receive your diploma in the mail shortly thereafter.

New Stuff

I've added a couple of new things to my sidebar. I suspect you've all noticed already and have checked them out (wink!) But, just in case you haven't:

I have linked the website for Leaping Bunny. You conscious consumers out there may recognise this logo and know that if you see it, the product hasn't been tested on animals. YAY!! Not all companies use this logo, some will make a statement about not testing, some companies like Avon, Revlon, Estee Lauder haven't tested in years but the packaging says nothing. I usually use the PETA web site to look up companies to see if they do or don't test on animals, this web site will do the same. Thankfully, this web site doesn't have all the pictures on that PETA does that make me want to put my head on my desk and cry (thankfully.)

This here nifty little web site that belongs to a cousin of NittanyBri. She lives in New Mexico and makes the most fabulous one of a kind purses. She'll sew beads or money into the bags as decorations. Sometimes the purses are made of vintage kimonos. All the purses are named after goddesses. Groovy, huh? Guys, these would make great gifts for the ladies in your life. Ladies, that's you and me Lass, won't they be great presents to get for our birthdays and Christmas and Valentines Day?!?!

I've mentioned these ladies once before. NittanyBri's sister and cousin skate for the Dutchland Rollers. They are a Lancaster County based ladies roller derby team. There are other teams sprouting up called the Distle Finks, The Barn Razors, and The Hex Offenders. There are teams actually nationwide as well as in Canada. I said that I'd like to join a local team I think it'd be a heck of a lot of fun. And, I'd get to come up with a really cool, one of a kind name like some of the other girls: Swoop Deville, Spawna Skatin, Belle Fast Bomber, Treasure "Chest", Haulin' Ash, and Skirt Chaser. I think I'd need help coming up with a name though. Guess I should first get on a team, huh? The Rollers next bout is on July 21, also a birthday of the famous (or infamous) Dutchlad Roller, Mimosa Mama!!

Historic Property for Sale

Can you just imagine, waking up in this 14th century, 50+ room castle over looking the European landscape? Well, you can, this castle is for sale! The catch is, you've got to make it through the night! Luckily, this castle also comes with secret passageways for a fast getaway!



This is Bran castle and is located in Transylvania, Romania and has ties to Vlad the Impaler (a.k.a. Dracula) who purportedly only stayed one night in the castle.

This castle was also the setting for Bram Stoker's version of Dracula the novel as well as the movie.

The Hapsburg family that owns the castle have not set a price for it, though it is speculated to cost around $135 million.

7-7-07

I'm feeling somewhat left out. With all the hub-bub about this date that is. I'm not getting married, I didn't even think about playing the lottery, I'm not having a baby today nor am I doing anything that seemingly requires "luck."

When I was a child my mother told me "you'll have to work for everything you get." Meaning forget about luck kid, nothing's going to come your way for free. So far, that's been true. Thanks for the clue early in life, mom! I don't win things because I chose the lucky number or was part of a drawing. Actually, come to think of it, I did buy raffle tickets and the drawing is today! Hey, maybe I will be lucky! The only way I win stuff is if I need to know something. Usually something trivial. I keep hoping to win the lottery but I don't usually play so that kind of narrows my chances. NittanyBri has been playing in an office pool for six years and still nothing.

If you're getting married, having a baby, playing the lottery or whatever, I hope 7-7-07 is your lucky day!

2012

I was sort of watching a show on the History Channel last night. What really got my attention during the show was the conclusive evidence pointing toward the end of the world as we know it to be in the 2012. WHAT?!?

The conclusive evidence starts with a web bot that was originally used to predict stock changes. Now their using the program to pic out repeated information on the internet to predict the future. They have purportedly predicted the events of 9/11, the tsunami in Indonesia in December 2004 as well as hurricane Katrina. This is just modern day predictions, this program went on to talk about the sixteenth century woman that predicted women dressing like men and cutting off all their hair:

Prior to the sixteenth century, evidence points to the Hopi tribe of Indians as well as the Aztec calendars both of which can predict, quite accurately, the seasons, natural catastrophes as well as lunar eclipses. Both of these calendars end in the year 2012. YIKES!!

Happy Birthday to Another Princess

This princess is going to be a very sassy 14 years old July 4.

Happy Birthday Jasmine!

Happy Birthday to a Princess

I couldn't stop watching the concert for Diana yesterday. There was one great act after another. It was so fun to watch the Princes......dancing I mean. Sorry I got distracted there!

Famous and From PA

A few weeks ago, a blogger buddy of mine sent me an email. It said, "I didn't know Bret Michaels from Poison was from Harrisburg." As if I would hold out on information like that!!! Bret technically isn't from Harrisburg, but if I said he was from Mechanicsburg, would you know where that was?!? So, I got to thinking, who else is from PA that is famous? So, a couple of friends and I got our three good brain cells together and came up with a list. So, don't say I never told you these famous folks were from PA:


Trent Reznor....Nine Inch Nails
(the band) Fuel
Pink
Christina Aguilara
Louisa May Alcott
Edgar Allen Poe
Daniel Boone
James Buchanan
Alexander Calder, modern sculptor
Rachel Carson (a person I think was way before her time regarding the environment!)
Mary Cassatt, Impressionist painter
Bill Cosby
Jimmy/Tommy Dorsey
W.C. Fields
Lee Iacocca, CEO Ford
Ed Kowalczyk (lead singer from the band Live)
Brett Michaels, Rikki Rocket (from Poison)
Dan Marino
Reggie Jackson
Jim Kelly
Margaret Mead
Arnold Palmer (who's wife taught Sunday school with my mom!)
B.F. Skinner
Gertrude Stein
Jimmy Stewart
Andrew Wyeth
Fred Rogers (as in "It's a beautful day in the neighborhood...")
Andy Warhol

Reality Check, Please!

Who freaking cares that:

there's a war in Iraq
there's genocide in Darfur
Korea's got nuclear weapons and isn't afraid to use them
there's global warming
there's a presidential election next year
yesterday was Tony Blair's last day as PM of England
there's torrential rain in Texas
Liz Claiborne died
there's no cure for cancer, AIDS, and diabetes

Why don't we care? Because Paris Hilton is out of jail. Everyone breathe a sigh of relief. It was thoroughly amusing to be out last night where every television was tuned to CNN (which I thought was a reputable news station) and see Larry King (who I thought was a reputable news person) interviewing Paris Hilton, fresh from jail, while the real headlines of the day were passing by unnoticed beneath Paris's pretty little face. Geesh.

Cities of the Underworld

Has anyone else been watching this show in the History channel? This show takes a look at what's under the streets of the biggest cities in the world like London, Paris, Budapest, New York and Philadelphia. Did you know that there are underground bunkers and hospitals under the city of London that were used by Churchill. The only thing they forgot to build within this underworld was a bathroom which meant Churchill was peeing into a bucket while he was hidden away.

There's also a secret subway stop under the Waldorf Astoria Hotel that was used by F.D.R. so that he wouldn't have to get out of his car and walk anywhere that the public would see that he was handicapped due to polio.

The Freemason Underground show was just on Monday and in watching it we discovered there is a fort in the Philadelphia area called Fort Mifflin that we never were aware of before. It's apparently near the airport and from the looks of it, it isn't open to the public. This particular show revealed the Masons that were our founding fathers designed buildings and even cities that mimicked the Masonic symbols.

It's on Monday's at 9:00 EST, and totally engrossing if you're into things that are secret, underground and off the beaten path!

The Seed Has Been Planted

Since graduation, I've been looking for a job in my field. That would be museum or archival work, historic preservation, anything along those lines. Surprisingly there is plenty of work like this in my area since I'm not willing to relocate at this point. The down side, is that the jobs require either a Bachelors Degree with tons of experience or a Masters with a little less experience.

Can you see where this is going? I'm thinking a Master's Degree is in my future. I'm not willing to settle for a job that I could do prior to getting my B.A. That would be silly. So, I've started looking around for a school with a curriculum I'd be interested in. Luckily, there are many colleges in my area, one in particular that would get me the degree I need and want. Here's where there will be an ironic twist of fate. For as many of you know, during college football season, I'm a huge Notre Dame fan. Looks like I may become alumni of Penn State should I decide to pursue my Master's Degree. No laughing!

Happy Summer!

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!