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."
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Monday, March 12, 2007
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!!
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!!
Saturday, March 10, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
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!
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!
Friday, March 02, 2007
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!)
“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!!
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!!
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
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!)
Thursday, February 22, 2007
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?
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?
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
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!"
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!"
Monday, February 19, 2007
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!!
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!!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
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!
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!
Sunday, February 11, 2007
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.
Friday, February 09, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
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.
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.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Sunday, February 04, 2007
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!!
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!!
Friday, February 02, 2007
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!!
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Greetings from Norwich University
The Norwich University Swimming and Diving Team
My very tired looking nephew.
My very tired looking nephew.
Monday, January 29, 2007
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...)
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...)
Saturday, January 27, 2007
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!!
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!!
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
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
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
Thursday, January 18, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
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?!?
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?!?
Monday, January 15, 2007
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!!!
P.S. Graduation is May 12. Pencil in that date for a partaaay!!!
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
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.
It is very blustery and cold out there today. Most of the snow has been blown away. Yuk, I hate winter.
Monday, January 08, 2007
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.
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.
Friday, January 05, 2007
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!!!
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!!!
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Like Wine for Chocolate
When the semester ended a few weeks before Christmas it seemed as if there was an eternity before the next semester started. Now that I've been writing in my work schedule for the next two weeks, my semester break is almost over!
I've ordered my books for my next classes. I will have kind of an odd schedule because I will have a very early morning class, then my next class doesn't start till after 3:00 p.m. I guess that time between classes will be beneficial when I have tests and papers to write. I can also go to the gym on campus during that time. Of course the lure of driving home and going back to bed is pretty strong.
Along with all the celebrating of the holidays which has made my semester break fly by, the birthday celebrations just keep on coming. Over the past weekend I had a visit from my friends from Philadelphia. You would think Phila is on the other side of the planet, but it is only 2 hours away and I never seem to get down that way. Thankfully, my friends make it up here frequently. And, since Paul had a recent trip to Geneva, I was given quite a lovely birthday gift! Paul is the one that works at CERN, the particle physics laboratory in Geneva, Switzerland which you've read about here before. In an a well executed attempt to woo his then girlfriend, he purchased a bag of champagne truffles. She of course turned me on to them, and Paul was kind enough to bring some home on his most recent trip for my birthday. He also brought a lovely red, Swiss wine. You know I've been into the chocolate, because who can resist?!? They're too stinkin good!! The wine, I will save for..something. Hopefully I'll have some chocolate left to eat with the wine, they'll probably be very yummy together.
Thanks Vera and Paul!!!
I've ordered my books for my next classes. I will have kind of an odd schedule because I will have a very early morning class, then my next class doesn't start till after 3:00 p.m. I guess that time between classes will be beneficial when I have tests and papers to write. I can also go to the gym on campus during that time. Of course the lure of driving home and going back to bed is pretty strong.
Along with all the celebrating of the holidays which has made my semester break fly by, the birthday celebrations just keep on coming. Over the past weekend I had a visit from my friends from Philadelphia. You would think Phila is on the other side of the planet, but it is only 2 hours away and I never seem to get down that way. Thankfully, my friends make it up here frequently. And, since Paul had a recent trip to Geneva, I was given quite a lovely birthday gift! Paul is the one that works at CERN, the particle physics laboratory in Geneva, Switzerland which you've read about here before. In an a well executed attempt to woo his then girlfriend, he purchased a bag of champagne truffles. She of course turned me on to them, and Paul was kind enough to bring some home on his most recent trip for my birthday. He also brought a lovely red, Swiss wine. You know I've been into the chocolate, because who can resist?!? They're too stinkin good!! The wine, I will save for..something. Hopefully I'll have some chocolate left to eat with the wine, they'll probably be very yummy together.
Thanks Vera and Paul!!!
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Famous Last Words
Because of this cold that wants to happen but I refuse to let it, I wasn't feeling much in the party mood come Sunday night. I wanted to get going to the various parties we were invited to, stay a short time and be home by 10:00. I even turned down dinner with my family because 7:00 was too late for dinner because I wanted to be home by 10:00.
However Nittanybri decided to take apart the doorknob which resulted in a trip to Home Depot. While he was working on that, my neighbor called and asked us to join her in some delicious Asti. Soon, she was at my door, and we were off an running.
Then, I got a test from Mattandriver. He and his wife were coming to town for dinner, we should meet up. They were about 5 minutes from my hous so we were happy to meet them at Cantone's. Several drinks later they were on their way back home and we were off to destination number 2.
This destination was a friends house, just a casual get together, yummy food, drinks, etc. Stayed there a couple of hours then off to destination number 3. Another friend that was nicely toasted by the time we got there.
By midnight, as she was fixing us her specialty drink of Kaluha, Baileys, Godiva and Egg Nog, we had to remind her to take the lids off the bottles before trying to pour. That seemed to work out better. We had lots of fun sending pics and messages to Mattandriver and Dorman and dancing round the kitchen to our favorite songs including lots of Jimmy Buffett which just made us all want to fly south for the winter. By the time it was time to go because she was asleep on the couch, it was 2:00 a.m. So much for getting home by 10:00.
Hope you all had a fun and safe new year celebration!
However Nittanybri decided to take apart the doorknob which resulted in a trip to Home Depot. While he was working on that, my neighbor called and asked us to join her in some delicious Asti. Soon, she was at my door, and we were off an running.
Then, I got a test from Mattandriver. He and his wife were coming to town for dinner, we should meet up. They were about 5 minutes from my hous so we were happy to meet them at Cantone's. Several drinks later they were on their way back home and we were off to destination number 2.
This destination was a friends house, just a casual get together, yummy food, drinks, etc. Stayed there a couple of hours then off to destination number 3. Another friend that was nicely toasted by the time we got there.
By midnight, as she was fixing us her specialty drink of Kaluha, Baileys, Godiva and Egg Nog, we had to remind her to take the lids off the bottles before trying to pour. That seemed to work out better. We had lots of fun sending pics and messages to Mattandriver and Dorman and dancing round the kitchen to our favorite songs including lots of Jimmy Buffett which just made us all want to fly south for the winter. By the time it was time to go because she was asleep on the couch, it was 2:00 a.m. So much for getting home by 10:00.
Hope you all had a fun and safe new year celebration!
Another Goodbye
We haven't even gotten to bury my aunt that died on Saturday and have suffered another loss. Today we lost Rusty, one of my sister's dogs. He was a good boy.
Friday, December 29, 2006
Thursday, December 28, 2006
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Tomorrow is one of my first well-deserved days off. I feel like I've been working non-stop, which isn't true, but it feels that way. I think I'm getting a cold which just compounds my desire to do nothing tomorrow but lay in bed with a good book.
I hope everyone's holiday was great and that Santa brought you everything you wanted. I got lots of great, useful gifts. Plus lots of lovely shiney things from NittanyBri. He's determined that I'm very easy to shop for since all he has to buy are shiney things. I did get one super-duper gift from NittanyBri, one of those gifts that comes in the little blue box from this place. We did lots of eating and drinking over the last couple of days. There's tons of left overs in the fridge. A full refrigerator is always a comforting feeling. At least we know we won't starve anytime soon!
The animals got something nifty too from NittanyBri. He got them their very own circulating, filtered water drinking fountain. But, they'd still much rather use the tub or the sink. Silly animals!
Sadly, one of my last remaining aunts had a stroke the day after Christmas. There's no hope of recovery. She is 87 and was not in bad health, so I can be thankful at least for that.
I hope everyone has a wonderful New Years. I'm not quite sure what we'll be doing on Sunday night. There are a couple of options. I hope this impending cold I feel coming on stays away at least until after the weekend. Have fun, stay safe and be happy for the new year!
I hope everyone's holiday was great and that Santa brought you everything you wanted. I got lots of great, useful gifts. Plus lots of lovely shiney things from NittanyBri. He's determined that I'm very easy to shop for since all he has to buy are shiney things. I did get one super-duper gift from NittanyBri, one of those gifts that comes in the little blue box from this place. We did lots of eating and drinking over the last couple of days. There's tons of left overs in the fridge. A full refrigerator is always a comforting feeling. At least we know we won't starve anytime soon!
The animals got something nifty too from NittanyBri. He got them their very own circulating, filtered water drinking fountain. But, they'd still much rather use the tub or the sink. Silly animals!
Sadly, one of my last remaining aunts had a stroke the day after Christmas. There's no hope of recovery. She is 87 and was not in bad health, so I can be thankful at least for that.
I hope everyone has a wonderful New Years. I'm not quite sure what we'll be doing on Sunday night. There are a couple of options. I hope this impending cold I feel coming on stays away at least until after the weekend. Have fun, stay safe and be happy for the new year!
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Holiday Greetings
For those of you not on my mailing list, here's the picture we used for our Christmas card. It was somewhat entertaining taking this picture. One cat was hissing at the other, Jasmine back there on the fireplace mantle was trying to act like she didn't know us. No doubt they were a little annoyed that we made them wear silly shiney bows around their necks!
We hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas!
Monday, December 18, 2006
Mmmmm Food!
It has become quite apparent over the last several days that I have no concept of what day it really is. I have no idea when Christmas is either. I mean I know it's on the 25th but is that next week?!?
Over the holidays I've been working at a store that sells books and CD's and has been completely swamped with customers. This past Saturday was the worst I had seen it. And it was on Saturday that my lack of interest as to when exactly Christmas falls this year resulted in the uptight "older" customer to shriek at me "What day do you celebrate Christmas?!?" Surprisingly, I just left her make a complete fool of herself because the customer standing next to her remarked "Old people suck." Thank you dear customer whoever you were!
I've been trying to coordinate with my sister what kind of food we will be making for the holidays. This year I decided it would be nice to have a big meal on Christmas Eve and have a brunch on Christmas Day. So, we'll have the traditional fare on Christmas Eve consisting of stuffing, sweet potatoes with mini-marshmellows, cranberry salad, and some form of roast beast. I'm hoping my sister takes on all those dishes (hint, hint) so I can make the following:
Cheesy Spinach Squares
Fiesta Rolls (tortillas with cream cheese and hot peppers)
Texas Caviar (chick peas, corn, black eyed peas marinated in vinegar and sugar...delish!! It's Nitannybri's favorite!)
Spinach Dip (you know the kind that comes in a bread bowl)
Frittata of some sort
And maybe either my sticky buns or Michael from Smoke and Mirrors famous French Toast Casserole.
We'll also need lots of champagne for Mimosa's!
And, since I have no concept of time lately, I guess I better get to the grocery store for all this stuff!
Over the holidays I've been working at a store that sells books and CD's and has been completely swamped with customers. This past Saturday was the worst I had seen it. And it was on Saturday that my lack of interest as to when exactly Christmas falls this year resulted in the uptight "older" customer to shriek at me "What day do you celebrate Christmas?!?" Surprisingly, I just left her make a complete fool of herself because the customer standing next to her remarked "Old people suck." Thank you dear customer whoever you were!
I've been trying to coordinate with my sister what kind of food we will be making for the holidays. This year I decided it would be nice to have a big meal on Christmas Eve and have a brunch on Christmas Day. So, we'll have the traditional fare on Christmas Eve consisting of stuffing, sweet potatoes with mini-marshmellows, cranberry salad, and some form of roast beast. I'm hoping my sister takes on all those dishes (hint, hint) so I can make the following:
Cheesy Spinach Squares
Fiesta Rolls (tortillas with cream cheese and hot peppers)
Texas Caviar (chick peas, corn, black eyed peas marinated in vinegar and sugar...delish!! It's Nitannybri's favorite!)
Spinach Dip (you know the kind that comes in a bread bowl)
Frittata of some sort
And maybe either my sticky buns or Michael from Smoke and Mirrors famous French Toast Casserole.
We'll also need lots of champagne for Mimosa's!
And, since I have no concept of time lately, I guess I better get to the grocery store for all this stuff!
Thursday, December 14, 2006
This Is the End
I've cleaned out my notebooks, I've taken the last of the tests, all the papers have been turned in and all the library books have been returned to the library. As of 10:30 a.m. today I officially start my semester break!! WHOO HOO!!
I am so relieved and thankful to be done and one semester closer to graduation.
I have had a fairly easy finals week. I only had two finals to start with. My other two classes only required a final paper to be completed, no tests. The first of my finals was last Friday, my other final was today.
Tomorrow I have absolutely nothing, I repeat nothing on my calendar. Nothing to study for, no papers to write, no homework, and no work, work either. I plan on sleeping in or at least taking a nap and enjoying the abundant sunshine and near 60 degree temperatures. Anyone want to do lunch?
I am so relieved and thankful to be done and one semester closer to graduation.
I have had a fairly easy finals week. I only had two finals to start with. My other two classes only required a final paper to be completed, no tests. The first of my finals was last Friday, my other final was today.
Tomorrow I have absolutely nothing, I repeat nothing on my calendar. Nothing to study for, no papers to write, no homework, and no work, work either. I plan on sleeping in or at least taking a nap and enjoying the abundant sunshine and near 60 degree temperatures. Anyone want to do lunch?
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Christmas Memories
As always the holidays get here too quickly and then in the flurry of activity they are over. Again this year, I haven't had the chance to decorate because of school and work and frankly I just don't have energy to dig all the crap out just to have to put it away again. We haven't even had the chance to do our Christmas cards yet which I hope we get to do this weekend.
I miss having a real Christmas tree in the house, but I do not miss having sappy cats walking around smelling curiously of pine with the tell-tale broken Christmas balls laying underneath the tree. I do have the holiday music in the CD player and that usually puts me into the holiday spirit.
Lass just got her tree up and it got me to thinking about all the things that are cherished Christmas memories for me. Perhaps they are memories for you as well.
When I was a kid, we always went to my Aunt Emily's house for the holiday weekend. She lived about an hour and a half away which gave my dad and I a lot of time to sing Christmas Carols in the car as much as possible. (This happened even in the middle of July.) My mom particularly loved when my dad sang, because he couldn't carry a note and she was an excellent singer. My nephew seems to have gotten my fathers inability to sing on key. Away in a Manger is a song that always reminds me of my father. Maybe we sang that one the most.
By the time we got to my aunts, she had her place decorated from top to bottom. She always had lots of colored holiday lights especially the old fashioned kind that bubbled when they got heated up. She had one of those ceramic trees painted white that had the plastic colored "balls" that would light up when you put a light bulb underneath. No one decorated like she did!
We decorated at my house too and we usually had a real tree my dad did the lights and I usually got to decorate. We had a handmade manger scene that always went under the tree. After I was done doing the decorating my dad would always say, "that's the most beautiful tree ever."
As I got older, we didn't go to my aunts as much as we had when I was kid. We would usually have Christmas dinner at my sisters with my sister's in laws. There was always tons of food, cookies and presents.
Sadly most of my family is gone so the big family gatherings don't happen anymore. But, as with any family, you make new memories as the years pass. This holiday I'll be making new memories as I join NittanyBri and his family and he joins mine. My nephew will be home from college in time for the holidays but will be leaving shortly afterwards for Fort Lauderdale which is completely not fair!
I miss having a real Christmas tree in the house, but I do not miss having sappy cats walking around smelling curiously of pine with the tell-tale broken Christmas balls laying underneath the tree. I do have the holiday music in the CD player and that usually puts me into the holiday spirit.
Lass just got her tree up and it got me to thinking about all the things that are cherished Christmas memories for me. Perhaps they are memories for you as well.
When I was a kid, we always went to my Aunt Emily's house for the holiday weekend. She lived about an hour and a half away which gave my dad and I a lot of time to sing Christmas Carols in the car as much as possible. (This happened even in the middle of July.) My mom particularly loved when my dad sang, because he couldn't carry a note and she was an excellent singer. My nephew seems to have gotten my fathers inability to sing on key. Away in a Manger is a song that always reminds me of my father. Maybe we sang that one the most.
By the time we got to my aunts, she had her place decorated from top to bottom. She always had lots of colored holiday lights especially the old fashioned kind that bubbled when they got heated up. She had one of those ceramic trees painted white that had the plastic colored "balls" that would light up when you put a light bulb underneath. No one decorated like she did!
We decorated at my house too and we usually had a real tree my dad did the lights and I usually got to decorate. We had a handmade manger scene that always went under the tree. After I was done doing the decorating my dad would always say, "that's the most beautiful tree ever."
As I got older, we didn't go to my aunts as much as we had when I was kid. We would usually have Christmas dinner at my sisters with my sister's in laws. There was always tons of food, cookies and presents.
Sadly most of my family is gone so the big family gatherings don't happen anymore. But, as with any family, you make new memories as the years pass. This holiday I'll be making new memories as I join NittanyBri and his family and he joins mine. My nephew will be home from college in time for the holidays but will be leaving shortly afterwards for Fort Lauderdale which is completely not fair!
Saturday, December 09, 2006
A Bittersweet Celebration
Today I am thrilled for a friend of mine. She's been somewhat of a "quiet" artist for a long time. She's been taking lessons for a while at various art associations and has really developed her skills. I actually had the pleasure of being a model in one of her classes from which she drew a really lovely pastel of me, had it matted and framed and gave it to me. It's huge!
Today she is celebrating the opening of a show of hers at a local library. These works are water colors, pastels, etc. There will be wine and cheese, served by some of Wanda's friends.
Today she is celebrating the opening of a show of hers at a local library. These works are water colors, pastels, etc. There will be wine and cheese, served by some of Wanda's friends.
The picture below is the invitation to the opening today and that is one of her water colors. Sadly, she had to put her own cat to sleep yesterday. Hopefully it doesn't dampen her spirits for this really exciting thing that's happening in her artistic career.
R.I.P. "Boomer"
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Under Pressure
For those that know me know I do not like this time of year for various reasons two of those reasons are that it gets dark too early, and it's cold.
However, this time of the year brings some good things too. First and foremost, it's the last week of classes, end of the semester, fini, ende, kaput! I did my presentation last night from my independent study so that is all done. Thanks Nittanybri and Dean for being there for me! The rest of my audience was made up of three Art professors...no pressure!
Tomorrow I hand in one of my last Ethics papers. Friday is my final in Sociology. That leaves next week which is finals week. I will only have one final next week in Art History and I have the final Ethics paper to turn in. Then I'm really done. This week will be the most difficult. But it's already Tuesday!!
However, this time of the year brings some good things too. First and foremost, it's the last week of classes, end of the semester, fini, ende, kaput! I did my presentation last night from my independent study so that is all done. Thanks Nittanybri and Dean for being there for me! The rest of my audience was made up of three Art professors...no pressure!
Tomorrow I hand in one of my last Ethics papers. Friday is my final in Sociology. That leaves next week which is finals week. I will only have one final next week in Art History and I have the final Ethics paper to turn in. Then I'm really done. This week will be the most difficult. But it's already Tuesday!!
Monday, December 04, 2006
My Debut
Tonight I am going to be doing a presentation at school based on my semester-long study of the concepts of the female and notions of power in African art.
I created my Power Point presentation, put flyers around at school, emails were sent out to potentially interested individuals. I wasn't nervous till now. I shouldn't be nervous. I'm used to getting up in front of people and talking. There will be professors there from the art/art history department, my advisor-the most intelligent woman I know. ACK!
I will have my cheering section with me....Nittanybri and Dean. Thanks guys!!
I created my Power Point presentation, put flyers around at school, emails were sent out to potentially interested individuals. I wasn't nervous till now. I shouldn't be nervous. I'm used to getting up in front of people and talking. There will be professors there from the art/art history department, my advisor-the most intelligent woman I know. ACK!
I will have my cheering section with me....Nittanybri and Dean. Thanks guys!!
Saturday, December 02, 2006
The Job I Should Never Have
Today I took Lester (my cat) to the vet for his weekly fluid injections. This seems to have been keeping him in relatively good shape considering his purported grave condition. You may remember that Labor Day weekend I was told that he should be put to sleep because he was in kidney failure. He's still in kidney failure, that will not get any better. But, he's still eating and "supervising" because he is the king of everything and he has been maintaining his weight over the last few weeks. Thanksgiving turkey left overs certainly didn't go to waste. I don't think any creature in my house had more turkey than Lester. He's coo-coo for turkey!
Soon after I got into the vet's office, I was waiting for the tech to come pick up Lester and take him back for his fluids when I heard it. The sobbing. From a little boy. I looked over and saw him with his head peeked back around the corner into the exam room. He turned around and rubbed his eyes, then came dad, then came mom who had also obviously been crying. It soon became apparent that these people had just put an animal to sleep, which then resulted in the tears pouring down my face. This is the second week in a row that and animal was being or had been put down when I was there. I can usually keep it somewhat together until I get out to the car and then I cry all the way home. Now we know what job I should never have!
Soon after I got into the vet's office, I was waiting for the tech to come pick up Lester and take him back for his fluids when I heard it. The sobbing. From a little boy. I looked over and saw him with his head peeked back around the corner into the exam room. He turned around and rubbed his eyes, then came dad, then came mom who had also obviously been crying. It soon became apparent that these people had just put an animal to sleep, which then resulted in the tears pouring down my face. This is the second week in a row that and animal was being or had been put down when I was there. I can usually keep it somewhat together until I get out to the car and then I cry all the way home. Now we know what job I should never have!
Friday, December 01, 2006
Hollywood Nights
Tonight is the student government winter formal for the school I go to. I got a pretty "little black" dress from Macy's a couple of weeks ago for the occasion. So, we'll get all dressed up, have dinner and drinks, dancing etc. The theme this year is A Night in Hollywood. All the tables are named for movies. The table we're sitting at? Breakfast at Tiffany's of course!!!
I'm a little apprehensive about the event since there is such a huge age gap between me and the "usual" students that will be there. I'm sure it will be fun, could even get interesting in that there will be alcohol for those over 21. Everyone might end up naked in the pool, and wouldn't that be fun?!?!
I'm a little apprehensive about the event since there is such a huge age gap between me and the "usual" students that will be there. I'm sure it will be fun, could even get interesting in that there will be alcohol for those over 21. Everyone might end up naked in the pool, and wouldn't that be fun?!?!
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Bad Boys Get Spanked
The Who/Pretenders show was fabulous! Roger and Pete still rock. And it's darned endearing to watch the 60 + year old men in the audience pretend they are Pete Townsend by playing air guitar. Silly boys, all the girls are in love with Roger Daltrey. Who, by the way, is still a hottie!!
Chrissy Hynde still rocks and she'll kick your butt if you need it. Oh yea, she tried to steal my boyfriend too. Read the story here.
Chrissy Hynde still rocks and she'll kick your butt if you need it. Oh yea, she tried to steal my boyfriend too. Read the story here.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Carnealian's Big 80's Weekend
As you all know, I celebrated a big birthday weekend, and it was celebrated in big fashion (unbeknownst to me prior to this weekend.)
Friday night started out when Dean and company came out with my friend Stacey and Nittanybri and I to see The Sharks. This band was a really big deal around here in the 80's. They played our dances, our proms and were even part of the MTV 80's video generation. I dug out my Go-Go's concert t-shirt from their 1985 Vacation tour and wore that in honor of the event. Prior to leaving for the show, I did finally open my little blue box. Yep, it was definitely Tiffany's. I got a lovely sterling "Return to Tiffany's" bracelet with my initials engraved on the back. Yea, it's never coming off my wrist!!
After only a couple of hours of sleep from the night before, I was up and at 'em again by noon on Saturday thanks to some prodding from my other friend Stacy who was coming to pick me up promptly at 1:00 to take me to book club. It was from there that we all were going out for dinner to celebrate my birthday. Or so I thought.
I had some difficulty trying to find something to wear, my hair wasn't doing what I wanted it to and I just wanted to take a nap. But, "Herr Commendant" got me dressed and into the car for book club. We met at our usual location in a neighborhood bar in Harrisburg. We had lunch and a few drinks and briefly discussed the book.
I knew everything that I thought was supposed to happen was falling apart at the seams when Stacy came up to me and said I had to go outside. Everyone got up from the table and made me cover my eyes. When I got to where they were leading me and was allowed to look, there in front of me was a white limosine. I thought we were all going to pile in and go where ever. But in the limo was Nittanybri holding up a dress I had just bought for some upcoming Christmas parties and shoes which I was instructed to go put on. So, back into the bar for a quick wardrobe change, then I was wisked away in the limo. Now, I love surprises, but I was a nervous wreck. Nittanybri was dressed in a very fashionable suit with a pretty pink t-shirt underneath, shoes and no socks. I was presented with a beautiful wrist corsage and some champagne all that was waiting for me in the limo.
We drove around Harrisburg for a bit, enjoying the sunset over the river, drove through nearby Hershey and then I was instructed that I had to put on a blindfold. Now, I'm really nervous. We get to our final destination and when the car stopped, I was told to get out. And when my blindfold was taken off there I was in front of my house with all my friends and family standing in front of me in tuxedo's and evening dresses. Saturday night was the prom I never went to in high school!! Since my prom would have been in 1984, everything that night was 80's themed including Nittanybri's outfit- it was straight out of Miami Vice!
All the time we spent at book club and driving around in the lap of luxury in the limo was giving "the staff" at home and my friends time to get into their prom outfits. The stereo played nothing but 80's music all night. We had tons of homemade food (all vegetarian I might add!) and lots of festive beverages. The food table had matching plates, table cloth and cups all of which were in my class colors, with a centerpiece of my class flowers, white roses and baby's breath. My class motto was printed out and there were even pom-poms in my school colors. There was even an attempt to get the Luv Gods to play at my party. They are a reincarnation of the band we saw Friday night. After the party started winding down, there were the few, the proud, the determined to stay up later than ever before. We plopped on the couch and what movie was just ending? The Wedding Singer! What movie was just about to come on? Fast Times at Ridgemont High! There was no way were not watching either of these!!
Apparently, this covert operation has been in the works for some time now. All of my friends and family played some part in making this a most wonderful birthday. Nittanybri really knows how to make a girl feel special. I am very loved!! And thanks to everyone who helped and was there for my special day!
The party isn't over yet. Tonight Nittanybri and I are going to see The Who and The Pretenders!
P.S. Party pictures to follow!
Friday night started out when Dean and company came out with my friend Stacey and Nittanybri and I to see The Sharks. This band was a really big deal around here in the 80's. They played our dances, our proms and were even part of the MTV 80's video generation. I dug out my Go-Go's concert t-shirt from their 1985 Vacation tour and wore that in honor of the event. Prior to leaving for the show, I did finally open my little blue box. Yep, it was definitely Tiffany's. I got a lovely sterling "Return to Tiffany's" bracelet with my initials engraved on the back. Yea, it's never coming off my wrist!!
After only a couple of hours of sleep from the night before, I was up and at 'em again by noon on Saturday thanks to some prodding from my other friend Stacy who was coming to pick me up promptly at 1:00 to take me to book club. It was from there that we all were going out for dinner to celebrate my birthday. Or so I thought.
I had some difficulty trying to find something to wear, my hair wasn't doing what I wanted it to and I just wanted to take a nap. But, "Herr Commendant" got me dressed and into the car for book club. We met at our usual location in a neighborhood bar in Harrisburg. We had lunch and a few drinks and briefly discussed the book.
I knew everything that I thought was supposed to happen was falling apart at the seams when Stacy came up to me and said I had to go outside. Everyone got up from the table and made me cover my eyes. When I got to where they were leading me and was allowed to look, there in front of me was a white limosine. I thought we were all going to pile in and go where ever. But in the limo was Nittanybri holding up a dress I had just bought for some upcoming Christmas parties and shoes which I was instructed to go put on. So, back into the bar for a quick wardrobe change, then I was wisked away in the limo. Now, I love surprises, but I was a nervous wreck. Nittanybri was dressed in a very fashionable suit with a pretty pink t-shirt underneath, shoes and no socks. I was presented with a beautiful wrist corsage and some champagne all that was waiting for me in the limo.
We drove around Harrisburg for a bit, enjoying the sunset over the river, drove through nearby Hershey and then I was instructed that I had to put on a blindfold. Now, I'm really nervous. We get to our final destination and when the car stopped, I was told to get out. And when my blindfold was taken off there I was in front of my house with all my friends and family standing in front of me in tuxedo's and evening dresses. Saturday night was the prom I never went to in high school!! Since my prom would have been in 1984, everything that night was 80's themed including Nittanybri's outfit- it was straight out of Miami Vice!
All the time we spent at book club and driving around in the lap of luxury in the limo was giving "the staff" at home and my friends time to get into their prom outfits. The stereo played nothing but 80's music all night. We had tons of homemade food (all vegetarian I might add!) and lots of festive beverages. The food table had matching plates, table cloth and cups all of which were in my class colors, with a centerpiece of my class flowers, white roses and baby's breath. My class motto was printed out and there were even pom-poms in my school colors. There was even an attempt to get the Luv Gods to play at my party. They are a reincarnation of the band we saw Friday night. After the party started winding down, there were the few, the proud, the determined to stay up later than ever before. We plopped on the couch and what movie was just ending? The Wedding Singer! What movie was just about to come on? Fast Times at Ridgemont High! There was no way were not watching either of these!!
Apparently, this covert operation has been in the works for some time now. All of my friends and family played some part in making this a most wonderful birthday. Nittanybri really knows how to make a girl feel special. I am very loved!! And thanks to everyone who helped and was there for my special day!
The party isn't over yet. Tonight Nittanybri and I are going to see The Who and The Pretenders!
P.S. Party pictures to follow!
Friday, November 24, 2006
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
I Am Truly Blessed
And for that I am thankful. May your Thanksgiving be as richly blessed.
"O God, when I have food,
help me to remember the hungry;
When I have work,
help me to remember the jobless;
When I have a home,
help me to remember those who have no home at all;
When I am without pain,
help me to remember those who suffer,
And remembering,
help me to destroy my complacency;
bestir my compassion,
and be concerned enough to help;
By word and deed,
those who cry out for what we take for granted.
Amen."
-Samuel Pugh
"O God, when I have food,
help me to remember the hungry;
When I have work,
help me to remember the jobless;
When I have a home,
help me to remember those who have no home at all;
When I am without pain,
help me to remember those who suffer,
And remembering,
help me to destroy my complacency;
bestir my compassion,
and be concerned enough to help;
By word and deed,
those who cry out for what we take for granted.
Amen."
-Samuel Pugh
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
The Wonderful World of Sagittarians
I've waited for as long as I could. I can't take it any longer. My birthday, m'birthday, m'birthday's comin up! Whoo!!
So, in order to get the party started a little early, because the big day isn't until Friday, I thought I would let you all know a little bit about Sagittarians. Here's a few things about us that make us irresistible. We are: Daring, Fun-loving, Optomistic, Funny, and Evolving.
We are easily seduced..by humor, and outdoor sexcapades. According to AOL Horoscopes, the best "Head-for-bed" line to use on a Sagittarian is "If you were a chicken, you'd be impeccable." While that is cute, it's a little too corny for this Sagittarian's taste. I much prefer the line to use on a Scorpio (probably since I'm on the cusp of being one,) ""I'm an organ donor. Need anything?"
Other fabulous Sagittarians include: Tyra Banks, Brittney Spears, Katie Holmes, Kim Basinger, Tina Turner, Interstellar Lass, Julianne Moore, Jimmy Buffett (Jimmy, call me, we'll celebrate together!)
The party starts on Friday night. Party round two starts Saturday afternoon. My friends are acting very strangly, offering to make reservations for dinner, offering to pick me up, etc. I'm getting sort of nervous. But I love surprises so I'm enjoying every minute of this!! Oh and another surprise is from this guy. It came in the mail the other day and I happened to be there when he opened the shipping box. There was a smaller box on the inside. It was wrapped in pretty blue wrapping paper. It was strangely close to the shade of blue wrapping paper used by this place. Whoo hoo!!!! The most wonderful people in the world love me!
So, in order to get the party started a little early, because the big day isn't until Friday, I thought I would let you all know a little bit about Sagittarians. Here's a few things about us that make us irresistible. We are: Daring, Fun-loving, Optomistic, Funny, and Evolving.
We are easily seduced..by humor, and outdoor sexcapades. According to AOL Horoscopes, the best "Head-for-bed" line to use on a Sagittarian is "If you were a chicken, you'd be impeccable." While that is cute, it's a little too corny for this Sagittarian's taste. I much prefer the line to use on a Scorpio (probably since I'm on the cusp of being one,) ""I'm an organ donor. Need anything?"
Other fabulous Sagittarians include: Tyra Banks, Brittney Spears, Katie Holmes, Kim Basinger, Tina Turner, Interstellar Lass, Julianne Moore, Jimmy Buffett (Jimmy, call me, we'll celebrate together!)
The party starts on Friday night. Party round two starts Saturday afternoon. My friends are acting very strangly, offering to make reservations for dinner, offering to pick me up, etc. I'm getting sort of nervous. But I love surprises so I'm enjoying every minute of this!! Oh and another surprise is from this guy. It came in the mail the other day and I happened to be there when he opened the shipping box. There was a smaller box on the inside. It was wrapped in pretty blue wrapping paper. It was strangely close to the shade of blue wrapping paper used by this place. Whoo hoo!!!! The most wonderful people in the world love me!
I'm Free!
Well, free for a little while anyway. Yesterday was my last day of classes until next Monday. I am working on summarizing the Sociology experiement you all helped me with. The basis of this experiement was based on General Social Survey's results from survey's performed in 1985 and again in 2004. Their results showed that the number of confidents a person has has decreased over the years, but that people are more willing to discuss important matter with a spouse or "kin" rather than "non-kin" such as a friend or coworker.
Each of my classmates surveyed five people just like I surveyed you. We compiled the results and found that in both my individual findings and the findings of the class that the people we surveyed had a bigger non-kin network that they confided in. So, our results do not match that of the GSS. I think this may be in part that most of these kids probably interviewed other college students who are away from home and rely on roomates or other classmates to confide in since parents aren't readily available.
I have a few other projects to work on over the semester break so I don't have to cram it all in at the end of the fast approaching semester end!
So, to start my first day off I decided to tear apart the bedroom. I wanted to take out the carpet under the bed which I did. I think carpeting is just another method of collecting dirt and dust. And holy cow was there a lot of dirt and dust under the carpet! I think I found a few old boyfriends in there! Now, I just have to put it all back together again. Then, it'll be on to homework.
I'm pretty much stuck at home all day, my car is in the shop today. Which of course will result in a really ugly repair bill. It's only money, I can make more, right???
Each of my classmates surveyed five people just like I surveyed you. We compiled the results and found that in both my individual findings and the findings of the class that the people we surveyed had a bigger non-kin network that they confided in. So, our results do not match that of the GSS. I think this may be in part that most of these kids probably interviewed other college students who are away from home and rely on roomates or other classmates to confide in since parents aren't readily available.
I have a few other projects to work on over the semester break so I don't have to cram it all in at the end of the fast approaching semester end!
So, to start my first day off I decided to tear apart the bedroom. I wanted to take out the carpet under the bed which I did. I think carpeting is just another method of collecting dirt and dust. And holy cow was there a lot of dirt and dust under the carpet! I think I found a few old boyfriends in there! Now, I just have to put it all back together again. Then, it'll be on to homework.
I'm pretty much stuck at home all day, my car is in the shop today. Which of course will result in a really ugly repair bill. It's only money, I can make more, right???
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Meet Me at the Met
Yesterday I had the pleasure of spending the day in New York City. I had to get up super early and get myself to school which is about 30 to 45 mins from my house. I was treated to a splendid sunrise. I did take a picture, but driving and snapping pictures usually results in blurry photos which it did this time.
I had a project to do for my Renaissance Art class. So, my day started at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in their Renaissance collection. We were to choose one painting or sculpture to write about. I chose The Allegory of Avarice.
After leaving the Met, the rest of the day was mine. So, I hopped aboard a downtown train to meet up with my poet-friend Susan Maurer. We were meeting at a place called The Dumpling Man which I had seen on the Food Network and just had to try. I had a couple veggie and shrimp dumplings, seared with the hot monster sauce on the side thankfully. That stuff was killer. Made me cough for a good 5 minutes. Whew!
Here is my broccoli thingy in situ with Ghandi and friend.
I had a project to do for my Renaissance Art class. So, my day started at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in their Renaissance collection. We were to choose one painting or sculpture to write about. I chose The Allegory of Avarice.
This image is about a couple who stole money and of course as we all know, paybacks are a b^*ch!
There were two other exhibits I really wanted to see before I left. There was a collection of photographs from the aftermath of Katrina in New Orleans. They were unbelievable! It's hard to imagine such devastation.
There was another called an American in Paris. This was a collection of paintings from American artists in Paris, like Mary Cassatt and John Singer Sargent. I discovered two very appropriate quotes out of this exhibit. One I have added beneath my title too my blog, because it was just too appropriate! The other was: "If I must go home soon, I hardly know what will take the place of my weekly visit to the Louvre - perhaps Patriotism." -John Twachtman 1885
After leaving the Met, the rest of the day was mine. So, I hopped aboard a downtown train to meet up with my poet-friend Susan Maurer. We were meeting at a place called The Dumpling Man which I had seen on the Food Network and just had to try. I had a couple veggie and shrimp dumplings, seared with the hot monster sauce on the side thankfully. That stuff was killer. Made me cough for a good 5 minutes. Whew!
This place is in the East Village so there's lots of fun vintage shops, art shops, etc. Here are some pics:
This is a great little punk shop called Trash and Vaudeville. This was the premier punk shop at least when I was in high school. There was even protocol for shopping in the store. I suppose it is still is pretty high on the list of punk shops still.
We found our way to Union Square park in the heart of NYU. Every Saturday there is a green market, or farmer's market type event. They had everything! In lieu of a Christmas card, Susan opted for the living gift called a broccoli something or other. Yes, that is the official name. It looks like this: 
Here is my broccoli thingy in situ with Ghandi and friend.
We came upon a couple of really good street musicians along our way.
There was this really groovy sculpture nearby with random numbers flashing beside it. Apparently, it has many people not liking it, I thought it was pretty cool, even with the numbers! 
As all good things do, my fun afternoon was drawing to a close. I had to get back up to the very overcrowded midtown. The Christmas tree is up in Rockerfeller Center and will be decorated with Swarovski Crystals this year. Saks Fifth Avenue's windows are all decorated in their usual over-the-top manner. I do love the holidays in New York! Thanks Susan for showing me unique sites as usual!!
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Power to the People
There is nothing more satisfying than a group of people coming together for a common cause, acting upon it and bringing about change.
This happened just recently at the college I attend. Our football team, the Flying Dutchmen, yea, ferocious I know, won a football game 55-33 over a neighboring college. According to tradition, the students are supposed to get day off for this. This tradition dates back to the 1940's.
The other night, a small mob of students stormed the president's house chanting rhyming couplets of a poem written by a senior requesting the extra day off due to the football victory. The day was granted so we get to begin our Thanksgiving holiday one day early this year. Go team go!!! You can see news footage of the event here.
In other sports news at Lebanon Valley College, the girls field hockey team is participating in the NCAA semifinals in New York this weekend. Go girls!!!
This happened just recently at the college I attend. Our football team, the Flying Dutchmen, yea, ferocious I know, won a football game 55-33 over a neighboring college. According to tradition, the students are supposed to get day off for this. This tradition dates back to the 1940's.
The other night, a small mob of students stormed the president's house chanting rhyming couplets of a poem written by a senior requesting the extra day off due to the football victory. The day was granted so we get to begin our Thanksgiving holiday one day early this year. Go team go!!! You can see news footage of the event here.
In other sports news at Lebanon Valley College, the girls field hockey team is participating in the NCAA semifinals in New York this weekend. Go girls!!!
Monday, November 13, 2006
¡Saludos! Recepción a Cuba!
I've seen on the news recently that the CIA believes that Fidel Castro may have cancer and may not survive much longer. I do not wish any ill-will on anyone, but just think of the possibilities when he dies!!! I am hopeful that the next person in control will not be as uncooperative and we will end our silly embargo on Cuba. Here's my top three reasons to end the embargo and open Cuba to the United States:
Number 3: Yea, I know, I wouldn't eat it, but it looks DAMN good!!!
Number 1: 
Number 2: Mmmmm Mojitos! 
Number 3: Yea, I know, I wouldn't eat it, but it looks DAMN good!!!
Friday, November 10, 2006
When Thanks Isn't Enough
I was reading a blog and it reminded me that today is Veterans Day. I usually associate this day with my Aunt Emily's birthday because until fairly recently I didn't know too many Veterans except both my uncles who fought in WWII; one in Normandy, one in the Pacific. 
As I was thinking about what to write here, I first did a search for a picture to include here and this is the one that caught my eye, and epitomizes what I believe to be a true veteran. To me, this picture says, I love my country, I'd do it all over again if I had to, and hey, I can still fit into my uniform!
Last night as I was watching the local news. They did a story about a local man that just passed away that was a seven-year POW in Vietnam. They showed an interview they did with him a few years ago, and that was the first time he had spoken about his time in Vietnam. I was amazed at the emotional control he had while telling his story and that he doesn't consider himself a hero. The question that finally broke through the emotional barrier was what was his reaction upon seeing the American Flag for the first time upon returning. That's when the emotion finally showed. That's when he said "it was all worth it."
My uncles have passed on, but now it seems I have quite a few new veterans in my life. You can find them here, here and here. Thanks guys!
As I was thinking about what to write here, I first did a search for a picture to include here and this is the one that caught my eye, and epitomizes what I believe to be a true veteran. To me, this picture says, I love my country, I'd do it all over again if I had to, and hey, I can still fit into my uniform!
Last night as I was watching the local news. They did a story about a local man that just passed away that was a seven-year POW in Vietnam. They showed an interview they did with him a few years ago, and that was the first time he had spoken about his time in Vietnam. I was amazed at the emotional control he had while telling his story and that he doesn't consider himself a hero. The question that finally broke through the emotional barrier was what was his reaction upon seeing the American Flag for the first time upon returning. That's when the emotion finally showed. That's when he said "it was all worth it."
My uncles have passed on, but now it seems I have quite a few new veterans in my life. You can find them here, here and here. Thanks guys!
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Feeding Frenzy
Over the weekend, we indulged ourselves in one of my more favorite events in the area. It was the Taste of Central Pennsylvania which benefits the Central PA Foodbank. This one day event gathers restaurants, various cooking schools, wineries and brewing companies from the area to one location where they prepare a dish and the public gets to taste it.
Needless to say we left stuffed and somewhat tipsy. My favorites were the chilled strawberry soup, brownie cheesecake, langostine bisque and Loco for coconut cake, mini crab cakes, and dish from A Passage to India. It was vegeterian, had saffron rice served with it. It was to die for!!! Another veg dish was from 2nd Street Kabob which was hummus, falafel, tabbouleh salad, and pita. This is a very new restaurant in Harrisburg and is conveniently located next door to Hookas on Second. Just in case you're in the market for one. I had so many different wines, I can't remember them all. We both had some tasty beers from Lancaster Brewing Company. We tried a Milk Stoudt, dark and creamy and a Strawberry Wheat. I love fruity beer!
Now that I'm looking over the bill of fare from this event, I see we missed a few tables with some very delicious sounding food. However, I don't think we could have fit anymore food into our bellies.
Not only did we get the general tasting, we were also entitled to a private tasting, meaning we just got first dibs on the grub. But, prior to that, we had a private wine tasting with various fruits and cheeses. They served Coppola wines including my favorite Sofia. If you've never tried this sparking wine, you absolutely MUST! They also served a Coppola red and a Fetzer Chardonnay, another favorite of mine.
There are usually news crews around during this event, but I apparently missed them this time. When I got to class on Monday morning, my professor said, "I saw you on TV this morning." (insert perplexed look here) "You were at the Taste on Sunday weren't you?" Oh geez. He assured me I didn't have any food hanging out of my mouth or anything. Next time I'll have to remember to wear a disguise!
Needless to say we left stuffed and somewhat tipsy. My favorites were the chilled strawberry soup, brownie cheesecake, langostine bisque and Loco for coconut cake, mini crab cakes, and dish from A Passage to India. It was vegeterian, had saffron rice served with it. It was to die for!!! Another veg dish was from 2nd Street Kabob which was hummus, falafel, tabbouleh salad, and pita. This is a very new restaurant in Harrisburg and is conveniently located next door to Hookas on Second. Just in case you're in the market for one. I had so many different wines, I can't remember them all. We both had some tasty beers from Lancaster Brewing Company. We tried a Milk Stoudt, dark and creamy and a Strawberry Wheat. I love fruity beer!
Now that I'm looking over the bill of fare from this event, I see we missed a few tables with some very delicious sounding food. However, I don't think we could have fit anymore food into our bellies.
Not only did we get the general tasting, we were also entitled to a private tasting, meaning we just got first dibs on the grub. But, prior to that, we had a private wine tasting with various fruits and cheeses. They served Coppola wines including my favorite Sofia. If you've never tried this sparking wine, you absolutely MUST! They also served a Coppola red and a Fetzer Chardonnay, another favorite of mine.
There are usually news crews around during this event, but I apparently missed them this time. When I got to class on Monday morning, my professor said, "I saw you on TV this morning." (insert perplexed look here) "You were at the Taste on Sunday weren't you?" Oh geez. He assured me I didn't have any food hanging out of my mouth or anything. Next time I'll have to remember to wear a disguise!
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Stuff about Me!
Usually these things come via email as this one did from my friend at Smoke and Mirrors. And, since I really, really like to talk about myself, I thought I'd give you some of these details, some of which you may already know, may have already read the last time I did something like this or simply may not even care about. But, I'm going to talk about myself anyway...read on if you dare.
WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY?
Like 5 seconds ago
DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Sometimes, I guess it's the mood and that determines the handwriting
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Ew!!!
IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Yes, most of the time.
DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL?
I attempt paper journals but they all seem to have really huge gaps in them. I guess my best journal is this here blog
DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Oui!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Something I should never eat...like Frosted Mini Wheats or Frosted Flakes or Sugar Smacks
DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Depends if they have shoelaces or not
DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
More physically than mentally, though I've persevered through a heck of a lot over the last year and guess what? I'M STILL STANDING!!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?
Duh...chocolate
SHOE SIZE?
A delicate 8 1/2
RED or PINK?
Pink, and yes, I am pretty in it, thanks!
WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
My weight which is considerably less lately
WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Blue flannel pj bottoms and big, fuzzy, black socks
LAST THING YOU ATE?
Brownies, before that, chips. Nice huh?
WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
The hum of the laptop and the click of the keys and Jasmine making smacky noises
IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Cornflower
FAVORITE SMELL?
The ocean
WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My sister
THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO?
Their face
DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
Yes, he's quite a groovy dude!
FAVORITE DRINK?
Wine, Whiskey, Soda
FAVORITE SPORT?
Tennis
EYE COLOR?
Blue
HAT SIZE?
Dunno
DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Nope
FAVORITE FOOD?
Anything that doesn't require the slaughter of animals
SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING?
Depends on my mood.
WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
White
WINTER OR SUMMER?
Summer!
HUGS OR KISSES?
Yes please!
FAVORITE DESSERT?
Creme Brulee or anything chocolate or Red Velvet Cake
BOOK YOU ARE READING?
Prodigal Summer
WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
No mouse pad...lap top
WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV?
Since the remote to the TV is missing...it's kinda difficult...but something on the Food Network
FAVORITE SOUNDS?
Ocean, purring kitties, the sound of a restaurant from the street outside as you pass by
ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Beatles
THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME
Barbados
WHAT'S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT?
I don't think I can mention that here....(kidding!)
WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Pennsylvania
WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
Michael
WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY?
Like 5 seconds ago
DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Sometimes, I guess it's the mood and that determines the handwriting
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Ew!!!
IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Yes, most of the time.
DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL?
I attempt paper journals but they all seem to have really huge gaps in them. I guess my best journal is this here blog
DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Oui!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Something I should never eat...like Frosted Mini Wheats or Frosted Flakes or Sugar Smacks
DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Depends if they have shoelaces or not
DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
More physically than mentally, though I've persevered through a heck of a lot over the last year and guess what? I'M STILL STANDING!!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?
Duh...chocolate
SHOE SIZE?
A delicate 8 1/2
RED or PINK?
Pink, and yes, I am pretty in it, thanks!
WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
My weight which is considerably less lately
WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Blue flannel pj bottoms and big, fuzzy, black socks
LAST THING YOU ATE?
Brownies, before that, chips. Nice huh?
WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
The hum of the laptop and the click of the keys and Jasmine making smacky noises
IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Cornflower
FAVORITE SMELL?
The ocean
WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My sister
THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO?
Their face
DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
Yes, he's quite a groovy dude!
FAVORITE DRINK?
Wine, Whiskey, Soda
FAVORITE SPORT?
Tennis
EYE COLOR?
Blue
HAT SIZE?
Dunno
DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Nope
FAVORITE FOOD?
Anything that doesn't require the slaughter of animals
SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING?
Depends on my mood.
WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
White
WINTER OR SUMMER?
Summer!
HUGS OR KISSES?
Yes please!
FAVORITE DESSERT?
Creme Brulee or anything chocolate or Red Velvet Cake
BOOK YOU ARE READING?
Prodigal Summer
WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
No mouse pad...lap top
WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV?
Since the remote to the TV is missing...it's kinda difficult...but something on the Food Network
FAVORITE SOUNDS?
Ocean, purring kitties, the sound of a restaurant from the street outside as you pass by
ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Beatles
THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME
Barbados
WHAT'S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT?
I don't think I can mention that here....(kidding!)
WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Pennsylvania
WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
Michael
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Don't Get Sent to Iraq!
I never really concerned myself with politics. Though, my mother was a Republican Committee person and because of that I have been registered as a Republican my entire life. Because of the recent job I have, I am heavily involved in the upcoming elections on November 7 and have become acutely aware of other people's opinions on the war in Iraq, the job W. is doing and the state of affairs here in Pennsylvania.
Last July of 2005 proved to be a huge turning point for the state legistlature of PA. In the middle of the night, they decided to give themselves a huge payraise. Some of them were going to get like a 50% increase in their pay. It seemed like a good idea in the middle of the night, but when the constituents got wind of this, no one was smiling. Many people claim they will vote out every individual that voted for the payraise last year. There were some of the state legislators that paid the money back, some refused to pay it back, some donated it to charity, which is still the same as stealing, it's just a passive-aggressive way of doing it.
In the election taking place next week, we will be voting for a governor as well. The Republican candidate is none other than Lynn Swann from the bygone days of when the Pittsburgh Steelers were really, really good. But, I don't see Ed Rendell going anywhere, because as past mayor of Philadelphia, he has much of their vote.
The race that has me concerned is that of the United States Senate. We have former governor's son Bob Casey Jr. on the Democratic side and Rick Santorum on the Republican side. Rick scares me. He's just a little too far to the right for me. And the two of them are just ridiculous with their mudslinging advertisements. Their debates however, have been extrememly entertaining. According to a poll recently taken by Susquehanna Polling and Research, Rick is on the downslide...whew!!
I have been known from time to time to really stick my foot in my mouth. Thank goodness I'm not a politician. I hope to never say anything as stupid as Mr. Kerry did on Monday. Did the Republican's pay Kerry to say such a ridiculous thing so Bush's ratings would go up?
I happen to know two soldiers that have fought in some aspect for this war in Iraq and I think they are both about the smartest people I know!
Last July of 2005 proved to be a huge turning point for the state legistlature of PA. In the middle of the night, they decided to give themselves a huge payraise. Some of them were going to get like a 50% increase in their pay. It seemed like a good idea in the middle of the night, but when the constituents got wind of this, no one was smiling. Many people claim they will vote out every individual that voted for the payraise last year. There were some of the state legislators that paid the money back, some refused to pay it back, some donated it to charity, which is still the same as stealing, it's just a passive-aggressive way of doing it.
In the election taking place next week, we will be voting for a governor as well. The Republican candidate is none other than Lynn Swann from the bygone days of when the Pittsburgh Steelers were really, really good. But, I don't see Ed Rendell going anywhere, because as past mayor of Philadelphia, he has much of their vote.
The race that has me concerned is that of the United States Senate. We have former governor's son Bob Casey Jr. on the Democratic side and Rick Santorum on the Republican side. Rick scares me. He's just a little too far to the right for me. And the two of them are just ridiculous with their mudslinging advertisements. Their debates however, have been extrememly entertaining. According to a poll recently taken by Susquehanna Polling and Research, Rick is on the downslide...whew!!
I have been known from time to time to really stick my foot in my mouth. Thank goodness I'm not a politician. I hope to never say anything as stupid as Mr. Kerry did on Monday. Did the Republican's pay Kerry to say such a ridiculous thing so Bush's ratings would go up?
I happen to know two soldiers that have fought in some aspect for this war in Iraq and I think they are both about the smartest people I know!
Sunday, October 29, 2006
The Final Countdown
Midterms came and went, the grades were posted and now we're on to picking our next classes. I was more than happy this past Friday to sit down and discuss my upcoming classes for the Spring 07 semester with my advisor.
These are my last four classes before I graduate!! I will be taking Intro to Experimental psychology, East Asian Art, Color and another independent study. I'm taking an independent study course this semester as well. I chose to study African art since I didn't know much about it. I've certainly learned a lot. My final paper will be on the notions of power and spirituality of the female as represented in African art. Next semesters study will be on either Renaissance or Baroque art.
Everyone, please pencil in the month of May. I will be having a huge party for graduation. Of course you are all invited!
These are my last four classes before I graduate!! I will be taking Intro to Experimental psychology, East Asian Art, Color and another independent study. I'm taking an independent study course this semester as well. I chose to study African art since I didn't know much about it. I've certainly learned a lot. My final paper will be on the notions of power and spirituality of the female as represented in African art. Next semesters study will be on either Renaissance or Baroque art.
Everyone, please pencil in the month of May. I will be having a huge party for graduation. Of course you are all invited!
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Shakespeare in Love
Tonight is trick or treat night in my neighborhood. I already knew I wasn't going to be giving out any candy. I actually even forgot about the fact it was trick or treat until I got home from work and the cars began to line up along my street. Like from a Cheech and Chong movie, all the kids from within the overly stuffed minivan poured out onto the street with their various store purchased Halloween costumes. Then I remembered.
It was a somewhat warmish afternoon when I got home today and since the sun was still up I thought I'd leave my front door open. That wasn't going to last very long. Because at exactly 6:00.01 p.m. someone was knocking at my door. Then, 6:00.03, the doorbell rang. I ignored it. The character from Scream shuffled off my front porch to another neighbor. As soon as he left, I shut my front door and turned up the stereo. Again, the doorbell rang a few minutes later. Um, hullo....there is no porch light on. Isn't that the first rule of trick or treating???
I really love Halloween. But, I cannot stand the fact that greedy kids and/or parents have to truck their kids into my neighborhood for candy. And, did they even bother to eat dinner since the kids are knocking precisely at 6:00???
Whatever happened to creating a costume? My dad and I looked forward to making up some weird costume for me to wear. One year, way back in the 70's during the energy crisis, I dressed as a bum. My motto that I wore on my chest? "Save energy, become a bum." Yea, it won me a prize at a Halloween party! When I was older, I won another prize as part of the three headed huntsman from Monty Python and won most recently for my portrayal of Nancy Spungeon. You know, dead girl friend of Sid Vicious from the Sex Pistols? I remember what was probably the most creative costume my dad and I ever came up with. I dressed up as a hurricane. We tiedyed a dress of my mom's all brownish. I think I wore a hat too. Probably had leaves and sticks attached to it. I don't remember that part. I don't think that won me any prizes, but it was pretty clever!
I must finish up my costume for a party I am going to this weekend. The theme of the party is Shakespeare. I have no one particular character in mind, just dressing for the time period. Invariably someone will say to me "who are you supposed to be?" I hate that question. So, I'll prey on the fact they probably have no inkling about Shakespeare characters in the first place and just say I'm Desdemona. I love that name. And Jimmy Buffett wrote a song about Desdemona. Besides, she resourceful and imaginative and got to marry Othello.
One of my current classes at school has given me quite a bit of reference material for the Shakespeare time period. Well, the Shakespeare time period but only in Italy. You know those proverbial cone hats with the sheer material that hang out the point? Yea, not authentic at all.
It was a somewhat warmish afternoon when I got home today and since the sun was still up I thought I'd leave my front door open. That wasn't going to last very long. Because at exactly 6:00.01 p.m. someone was knocking at my door. Then, 6:00.03, the doorbell rang. I ignored it. The character from Scream shuffled off my front porch to another neighbor. As soon as he left, I shut my front door and turned up the stereo. Again, the doorbell rang a few minutes later. Um, hullo....there is no porch light on. Isn't that the first rule of trick or treating???
I really love Halloween. But, I cannot stand the fact that greedy kids and/or parents have to truck their kids into my neighborhood for candy. And, did they even bother to eat dinner since the kids are knocking precisely at 6:00???
Whatever happened to creating a costume? My dad and I looked forward to making up some weird costume for me to wear. One year, way back in the 70's during the energy crisis, I dressed as a bum. My motto that I wore on my chest? "Save energy, become a bum." Yea, it won me a prize at a Halloween party! When I was older, I won another prize as part of the three headed huntsman from Monty Python and won most recently for my portrayal of Nancy Spungeon. You know, dead girl friend of Sid Vicious from the Sex Pistols? I remember what was probably the most creative costume my dad and I ever came up with. I dressed up as a hurricane. We tiedyed a dress of my mom's all brownish. I think I wore a hat too. Probably had leaves and sticks attached to it. I don't remember that part. I don't think that won me any prizes, but it was pretty clever!
I must finish up my costume for a party I am going to this weekend. The theme of the party is Shakespeare. I have no one particular character in mind, just dressing for the time period. Invariably someone will say to me "who are you supposed to be?" I hate that question. So, I'll prey on the fact they probably have no inkling about Shakespeare characters in the first place and just say I'm Desdemona. I love that name. And Jimmy Buffett wrote a song about Desdemona. Besides, she resourceful and imaginative and got to marry Othello.
One of my current classes at school has given me quite a bit of reference material for the Shakespeare time period. Well, the Shakespeare time period but only in Italy. You know those proverbial cone hats with the sheer material that hang out the point? Yea, not authentic at all.
Monday, October 23, 2006
The Corporation
As part of the colloquium series on Democracy at college, the university has been presenting movies that parallel the lectures on Democracy or the lack thereof in the United States.
I went to see the movie The Corporation this weekend. If you're in the mood for something scary for Halloween, I strongly urge you to rent the movie. This movie left me wondering now what. I'm still wondering now what.
I went to see the movie The Corporation this weekend. If you're in the mood for something scary for Halloween, I strongly urge you to rent the movie. This movie left me wondering now what. I'm still wondering now what.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Thanks ABWA
I had the pleasure of meeting some wonderful ladies tonight. I was invited to speak at an American Business Women's Association meeting. They invited me to talk about my photographs which is great fun for me. And they fed me, and made me feel very welcome. Actually, they made me feel like a celebrity. They all knew my name when I got there and even took out an ad in a local paper announcing that I would be giving a talk about "tombstones from all over the world." Really, I'm not worthy!!
One of the nice things about giving talks like this is that I get to relive the trips in which I took the pictures and tell some fun stories about investigating cemeteries on some of my vacations. The best part is that there are usually people there that know about cemeteries that I do not. So, I get the scoop on new places I can check out.
I gave my blog address out to the ladies, hopefully some will be stopping by the blog to see more of my pictures.
Hi ABWA ladies, thanks again for having me!
One of the nice things about giving talks like this is that I get to relive the trips in which I took the pictures and tell some fun stories about investigating cemeteries on some of my vacations. The best part is that there are usually people there that know about cemeteries that I do not. So, I get the scoop on new places I can check out.
I gave my blog address out to the ladies, hopefully some will be stopping by the blog to see more of my pictures.
Hi ABWA ladies, thanks again for having me!
Monday, October 16, 2006
The End of an Era
I was so sad to hear that last night was the final concert to be held at CBGB's club in NYC. You may remember I wrote about the impending closing of this place several months ago. Apparently nothing was going to preserve CBGB's in the Bowery any longer.
From what I understand there will still be a store in NYC where you can get CBGB's gear etc. But, the new club will be located in LAS VEGAS. Excuse me while I hurl.
From what I understand there will still be a store in NYC where you can get CBGB's gear etc. But, the new club will be located in LAS VEGAS. Excuse me while I hurl.
R.I.P. CBGB's
Thursday, October 12, 2006
An Experiment
I was thinking that this would be a very convenient way for me to collect some much needed data for a class project I'm doing in my Sociology class.
If you wish to participate, please put your responses in the comments section, or you may email me them if you wish.
Please answer the following questions:
1. From time to time, most people discuss important matters with other people. Looking back over the last six months, who are the people with whom you discussed matters important to you? Just tell me their first names or initials. Provide me with 5 names or initials if you can.
2. Here is a list of some of the ways in which people are connected to each other. Some of the people can be connected to you in more than one way. For example, a man could be your brother and may belong to your church and be your lawyer.
Please choose from the list below and attach a description to the name you provided me in question 1.
spouse
friend
other family
parent
coworker
sibling
member of group
child
neighbor
advisor
other
Thank you so much for your participation in my experiment! When we gather the class evidence and probably do some mathematical equation (done by someone other than me), I will publish the results, probably in late November.
If you wish to participate, please put your responses in the comments section, or you may email me them if you wish.
Please answer the following questions:
1. From time to time, most people discuss important matters with other people. Looking back over the last six months, who are the people with whom you discussed matters important to you? Just tell me their first names or initials. Provide me with 5 names or initials if you can.
2. Here is a list of some of the ways in which people are connected to each other. Some of the people can be connected to you in more than one way. For example, a man could be your brother and may belong to your church and be your lawyer.
Please choose from the list below and attach a description to the name you provided me in question 1.
spouse
friend
other family
parent
coworker
sibling
member of group
child
neighbor
advisor
other
Thank you so much for your participation in my experiment! When we gather the class evidence and probably do some mathematical equation (done by someone other than me), I will publish the results, probably in late November.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Have a Happy Day!
Simply because my brain is on overload lately, I'm giving you fluff, cheap laughs, nothingness.
I'm sure you've all seen by now the Happy Bunny stickers, t-shirts, etc. I find these particularly funny. They're sarcastic and somewhat mean. Pretty similar to me as a matter of fact. So, I thought I'd share two of my favorites with you, lucky you!
I'm sure you've all seen by now the Happy Bunny stickers, t-shirts, etc. I find these particularly funny. They're sarcastic and somewhat mean. Pretty similar to me as a matter of fact. So, I thought I'd share two of my favorites with you, lucky you!
And, my all time favorite:
Though I know that all boys don't lie, I think pretty much all of them stink...at one time or another!
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Do Not Disturb
It's already that time in the college school year for mid-terms!! I consider myself fortunate that out of my four classes, I have technically only one mid-term and that's in my Italian Renaissance class. The test is tomorrow, first thing in the a.m. Two of my classes have no tests or quizzes. And the third class has tests and quizzes just no official mid-term this week. We took our test in that class last week. Say hello to Miss 93%!!
I've taken some lessons from the other students and have learned to make up "flash cards" in order to study. That seems to work out well, but for this particular class, it's helpful to actually see the artwork aside from knowing the dates and titles of the works.
That's my agenda for the rest of the day, going through my text books and notes. The dates are gonna kill me!!
I've taken some lessons from the other students and have learned to make up "flash cards" in order to study. That seems to work out well, but for this particular class, it's helpful to actually see the artwork aside from knowing the dates and titles of the works.
That's my agenda for the rest of the day, going through my text books and notes. The dates are gonna kill me!!
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Where I Live Part Deux
I wanted to share with you another favorite of mine in the city in which I live and ironically, this week began a 5-day celebration of the 100th anniversary of the capitol building in Harrisburg complete with a parade! The streets were blocked off which made it interesting for me to get to work yesterday morning and parking was next to non-existent. My job takes me directly in front of the capitol building on a daily basis. Some days I must walk a block or so to get to the office which usually allows me a breathtaking view of the capital building. I've seen it lit up at night, I've seen it during the day with the background of a clear blue sky and it is always beautiful.
The interior of the building was designed after the Paris Opera with its marble, sweeping double
staircases. It has been undergoing some renovations lately. The dome was refurbished recently and the artwork inside the building and the sculptures outside have been cleaned and repaired over the last couple of years. 
My father used to take me here as a child. And he'd take me into the Senate and House Chambers with the large murals and giant wooden desks with microphones. It was as if we were kids sneaking around in places we shouldn't have been. I loved to sit at those desks and wonder what in the heck did they talk about there anyway?
Then, when I got to high school, our choir often sang on the steps inside the capitol building during the holiday season. The high rotunda and spiraling ceilings just lifted our voices throughout the entire building. I haven't been in the capitol building in years. I think I may need a break from all my paper writing this afternoon. A field trip may be in order!!!
The interior of the building was designed after the Paris Opera with its marble, sweeping double
staircases. It has been undergoing some renovations lately. The dome was refurbished recently and the artwork inside the building and the sculptures outside have been cleaned and repaired over the last couple of years. 
My father used to take me here as a child. And he'd take me into the Senate and House Chambers with the large murals and giant wooden desks with microphones. It was as if we were kids sneaking around in places we shouldn't have been. I loved to sit at those desks and wonder what in the heck did they talk about there anyway?
Then, when I got to high school, our choir often sang on the steps inside the capitol building during the holiday season. The high rotunda and spiraling ceilings just lifted our voices throughout the entire building. I haven't been in the capitol building in years. I think I may need a break from all my paper writing this afternoon. A field trip may be in order!!!
Monday, October 02, 2006
Interstellar Lass and her creative cast of blogger buddies have come up with a meme of sorts about where we live. Lass asked if I would post pics of the bridge I walk across to get to work which I wrote about earlier. I happen to have some pics of that very bridge from a fall walk I took last November. This particular bridge was a bridge that you could drive on until 1972 when we had a very bad flood and damaged the bridge enough that we were no longer allowed to drive on it. The span of the bridge that connects City Island (home of Senators baseball) and the West Shore no longer exists. Again, a flood in the winter of 1996 took out most of that part of the bridge.
The view of the other "camel back" bridges over the river is quite lovely as well. If you were a fan of One Life to Live back in the late 80's early 90's you may recognize these bridges from the opening scenes of that soap opera.
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