in which I watch random movies & comment on them

May the Schwartz Be With You

2011-03-24T14:14:00.000-04:00

Last night, I watched Spaceballs. I love that movie!!

early morning walk

2010-09-08T07:25:00.000-04:00

5:50 AM, alarm goes off. I hit snooze and lay there for a bit. When the snooze alarm went off, I groaned & rolled out of bed. Had to turn a light on (ugh! so bright!!) because I didn't pull out my walking stuff last night. duh! Drank a protein shake & let myself out the door. It was 6:10 AM and brighter than it had seemed from inside.

It was probably in the upper 50s. And damp, because it rained overnight. Everything smelled fresh. And a bit like Seattle in some spots. I guess damp pavement & damp trees smell the same wherever you are? Not sure about that, tho, because as I walked on, it smelled more like Vestal. I think the whole Seattle thing was just because it was early morning & damp & I was out walking. But then, as I walked on, I realized that I never would have walked to work at that time of morning and I certainly would not have been wearing Adidas capris, an In-and-Out tee & sneakers!

It was interesting to see my neighborhood waking up. One couple was out running with their dogs. The shrill yapping of those little dogs seemed loud in the still morning. At a couple of houses, a smoker was sitting out on the front step. One appeared to be checking his email. At one house, as I approached, I could see the man in the kitchen. As I walked past, I could hear him running water in the sink. The only person who spoke was a maintenance man as I passed my old elementary school. As I walked past the playground, I could smell the wet wood chips and the freshly cut grass. All new, for the first day of school.

It got me thinking about my first days of school. I know I started school - every year from kindergarten through college (all of them!). My memories are quite vague. I know that early in my kindergarten years, I walked up the street and Betty put me on the bus. She was a neighbor, my mom claims to have no recollection of this. I only rode the bus in kindergarten, so it must have been then, but the time frame is vague. In grades 1 thru 6, I walked to school. I'm sure Mom must have walked me there in the beginning, but I can't be sure. I had a baby sister at home in those early years. Once she started school, did Mom make us walk together? I really don't remember...

Middle school, I walked up the block to catch the bus. I hated the middle school bus. Come to think of it, I remember hating walking to school in 4th grade. I did NOT like my teacher. When it came time for high school, it was back to walking. In those days, you could park on the streets near the high school. When I was in Grade 9, there were all those cute seniors to see on the way to school. I'm not sure why or how, but we (as in my Freshman friends & I) were friends with those cute guys. I don't remember much about walking to school in grades 10 & 11. When I started Grade 12, my sister started Grade 9, so we walked together. Lots of friends to walk with, so that was always fun.

Now, today, the middle school kids just got picked up across the street. The kids are the reason I decided to walk early. If I had waited until now, there would be buses and middle school kids and high school kids and traffic... I'd rather walk early and have the streets to myself.

Which I did. And I enjoyed it. And I will keep walking early. I'll just try to remember to leave my clothes out the night before. :)

xo

proofreading: a dying art

2010-07-06T15:39:00.001-04:00

I just got this as a forward from my cousin Dave. I love this stuff & so decided to share with you. :)

Proofreading is a dying art

Man Kills Self Before Shooting Wife and Daughter
This one I caught in the SGV Tribune the other day and called the Editorial Room and asked who wrote this. It took two or three readings before the editor realized that what he was reading was impossible!!! They put in a correction the next day.
--------------------------------------------------------------

Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says
No crap, really? Ya think?
--------------------------------------------------------------

Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers
Now that's taking things a bit far!
--------------------------------------------------------------

Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over
What a guy!
--------------------------------------------------------------

Miners Refuse to Work after Death
No-good-for-nothing' lazy so-and-so's!
--------------------------------------------------------------

Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant
See if that works any better than a fair trial!
--------------------------------------------------------------

War Dims Hope for Peace
I can see where it might have that effect!
--------------------------------------------------------------

If Strike Isn't Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile
Ya think?!
--------------------------------------------------------------

Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures
Who would have thought!
--------------------------------------------------------------

Enfield ( London ) Couple Slain; Police Suspect Homicide
They may be on to something!
--------------------------------------------------------------

Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges
You mean there's something stronger than duct tape?
--------------------------------------------------------------

Man Struck By Lightning: Faces Battery Charge
He probably IS the battery charge!
--------------------------------------------------------------

New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group
Weren't they fat enough?!
--------------------------------------------------------------

Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft
That's what he gets for eating those beans!
--------------------------------------------------------------

Kids Make Nutritious Snacks
Do they taste like chicken?
--------------------------------------------------------------

Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half
Chainsaw Massacre all over again!
--------------------------------------------------------------

Hospitals are Sued by 7 Foot Doctors
Boy, are they tall!
--------------------------------------------------------------

And the winner is....

Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead
Did I read that right?
--------------------------------------------------------------

Now that you've smiled at least once, it's your turn to spread the stupidity and send this to someone you want to bring a smile to (maybe even a chuckle). We all need a good laugh, at least once a day!

other career paths

2010-06-28T14:11:00.000-04:00

Hung out with DJ MJ Duke Friday night. He was spinning at Antonio's in Endicott. He was discussing going on tour with a live vocalist - another girl that was there. I immediately volunteered to be the girl hanging out in the dj booth. Duke & the another dj who was there, were like, you could totally do that. (other dj was really cute, but so was his girlfriend...) So I was thinking about it, and, yeah, it would be really fun to just hang out in there. But how much cooler would it be to actually know how to spin? Like, could I be a dj? Seems like a lot of techy stuff to learn... Idk. It was just a thought.

I would also like to learn to play bass guitar.

I'll keep you posted..... But for the time being, I'll stick with being that girl in the dj booth. :)

xo

why is vacation so exhausting??? (part 4)

2010-06-11T11:59:00.000-04:00

So I slogged my way thru my post-Seattle trip - working every day, planning my next weekend's trip.

I was planning on being gone for our tea meeting. So Thursday night, I stayed up WAY too late making "Cheesecake Truffle Bombs". It was fairly simple & straight forward. I always forget, tho, and let the chocolate get too hot. And then you can't work with it. Boo. But this recipe has potenital and I'll probably try again & perhaps experiment with different flavors. Friday night was Vestal Festival Parade and Bed & Bathtub Races. It's a great place to catch up with friends & neighbors. Then I got home and had to make a casserole. It wasn't that late when I went to bed, but it should have been earlier.

I woke up somewhere between 4:30 & 5 Saturday morning. Showered & packed up my stuff. Didn't leave the house until close to 6:30. Then stopped at Starbucks and never got on the road until 7. It was a beautiful sunny morning and getting to the exit for my friend's house in Maryland was easy. It was just that my directions and what it said at the junction did not match. So I did a bit of driving around before I actually got to her house.

It was wonderful to see M again. We couldn't remember the last time we had seen each other. She drove to the Metro station & we headed into DC. We arrived above ground on The Mall. I said I needed to eat, so we headed for the Old Post Office. I had a quesadilla, she had a gyro. It was different than I remember it being, but it's been years since I've been there. After lunch, we headed for the National Museum of American History. I wanted to see Julia Childs' kitchen. I was somewhat disappointed because of the lighting and the crowd, but it was still very very neat! We looked at a couple other exhibits, but it was so crowded (Saturdays at museums generally are...) that we headed back outside.

Decided to walk up to the Washington Monument. We didn't go inside. Just sat outside in the sun & the breeze - the weather was lovely. We couldn't decide what to do, so M called her sister and we decided to meet for dinner in Fredrick. We met at an Irish pub. It was neat because it was Fredrick's 3rd Saturday (or whatever they call it) and all the shops & galleries were open late and there was lots of live music on the sidewalks. It was very neat, but we didn't have a chance to wander because we sat in the restaurant until 10. It was So good to catch up with those girls. Our moms grew up together so we've known each other for our whole lives, but have just grown apart. It was neat to reconnect!

Sunday dawned sunny, so we didn't bother taking our umbrellas when we left M's house. After morning meeting - which had about 4 times as many people as they usually have! - most of us went to Bertucci's for salad & pizza. YUM! Then, after much discussion, M lead the way to The White House. From there, we headed to the monuments: Washington, WWII & Lincoln. We just wandered & visited & took pictures. Many phone calls were made as we tried to figure out where everyone was because it was time to head back to the cars. It was very muggy and there was no breeze so no one wanted to walk any farther than was necessary.

We walked past the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on our way back to the cars. We got back to the park near the restaurant. The sun came out and a breeze came up and suddenly, it was really nice out! :) We all hung out there til everyone was back and then sat and visited some more. Finally around 6:30, everyone went their separate ways. It was such a fun day and such a great group of OYP! :)

M & I made our way back to Maryland. We stopped for "dinner" - Baja Fresh for me, Popeyes for her - and went back to her place to eat. I finally left there at 8:15. YIKES! It was good in the sense that there was very little traffic, but bad in that it was 1:10 when I got home. I stopped twice - once for gas and once for a potty break. And still made it to work at 8. The afternoon was rough. I was like totally falling asleep while I was waiting for people to answer their phones. Kinda scary, actually!

But now I'm home for a while. :)

xo

why is vacation so exhausting??? (part 3)

2010-06-11T10:16:00.001-04:00

B was organizing Monday's outing. It was predicted to be rather rainy, so many people opted to hang out in Seattle rather than go on the bike ride. BT & I decided that since I was going to have so little time in Seattle, we would go in early. Turns out that was a good decision.

We drove in & found parking on 6th, directly behind Top Pot Donuts. Didn't even go around & go in. :( We went straight to Pike Place Market. Had a nice walk thru. I got Gala Apples from Simply the Best and a ring from the same place as I had my green one made. We were walking back towards downtown when the word came thru that the kids weren't making it downtown before I left. I left BT on the corner of 4th & Pine and made my way to the Transit Tunnel. It was practically perfect - I had time to buy my ticket and get to the platform.

The Metro Transit Light Rail is very clean, very smooth & gives great views of areas I was un-accustomed to seeing while I lived out there. (Maybe I should have taken that apartment down off MLK Way? Rent probably went up since the light rail is up and running!) I need to make you aware of something about the Light Rail tho. And that is this: the Airport Station is a L..O..N..G ways from the "S" Terminal! I walked (& walked & walked), finally got to S, went to the bathroom, bought a bottle of water & they were already boarding my flight. Yikes!

I had a middle seat between 2 guys. The guy on the window was pretty laid back. The guy on the aisle, however, was a different story. I sat down & Larry (the guy on the aisle) says, "I hate to fly." He was very chatty & totally freaked out. He's a bass player in a band who's name I can't remember right now, but they are legit, I checked. He's written some stuff for Anita Baker. And he hates to fly. Hates having gigs on the other side of the country. At one point, I did put my iPod in and took a little nap. There was really bad turbulance landing in Detroit. It was scary and I felt really bad for the guy. He held onto my arm & I just let him. Seemed easier that way.

In DTW, I requested a flight change. I was scheduled to fly into ELM, which is about an hour's drive from home. I asked if there was any way I could get on the flight to BGM. They originally said "No, the flight is already overbooked." About 20 minutes later, they found me and said "A bunch of flights in were cancelled and there's space on the flight. Do you want to go?" Of course I said yes! So I was home by 11:30. Nice! :)

And it was back to work at 8 on Tuesday morning. The weekend happened so quickly that it almost feels like I wasn't there. It's a weird feeling...

Love you girls!

xo

why is vacation so exhausting??? (part 2)

2010-06-11T09:47:00.003-04:00

What with jet lag & time zones & whatever, I only slept about 4 1/2 hours. Got up, showered, and went with B to pick up J on our way to Breakfast. J's reaction was priceless. She about went into shock, as did her brother & sister-in-law. SO fun to see them! Walked into breakfast and surprised everyone there. It was fun. No one was expecting to see me. And the little kids didn't know who I was so didn't care that I was there. lol

Breakfast was yummy, then BA had an short meeting. After that, they made teams for the afternoon activities & packed up lunches and left for the park. B, BT, CJ & I did not go. Instead we went to Trader Joe's - the new one in Redmond!, a chocolatier called Brugge Chocolate - YUM!!!, grabbed lunch at Chipotle & coffee at Peets. Back to MR to eat lunch. Then B & BT got busy working on Luau supper. C, CJ & I decorated. And by decorating, I mean, using everything BT had brought & making the kitchen area as tacky as we could make it. (There's pictures on FB.)

The dinner was fantastic! Pork smoked in banana leaves - I have no idea what they did to it, but it was amazing! Served with rice and lots of salads. After main course, BA had a second short meeting. DJ administered a "long, hard" Bible quiz while we older girls got dessert ready. There was pinapple upside down cake & lots of pies. M&B decided it was too late to start the skits, so we just played games. I learned how to play Bananagrams - FUN!!! LA is such a cheater! But we laughed. A lot.

Sunday dawned brighter than Saturday did. I made myself eggs, B made smoothies for the rest of the girls staying at her place. Went to Sunday School. By the time we sat down for morning meeting, the room was packed. A lot of people came just for the day. It was awesome catching up with BG, but it was much to brief. That Nora is SUCH a cutie! :) It was potluck, so there was lots of yummy food for lunch. There was a Bible reading after, followed by a brief gospel message.

Then "what to do???" for the afternoon. There were too many to take on a ferry ride. They decided to go to downtown Kirkland for frozen yogurt & a walk on the waterfront. B, C & I went to Capitol Hill. We got coffee at 15th Avenue Coffee & Tea (yum!), cupcakes at Cupcake Royale (not impressd w/salted caramel) & had a wander at Elliott Bay Books - recently moved from Pioneer Square (i didn't buy anything!).
For some reason, my browser is not letting me link this morning, but you can visit these:
http://www.streetlevelcoffee.com/
http://www.cupcakeroyale.com/
http://elliottbaybook.com/

Then we headed back to Kirkland for a make-your-own-burrito supper. Fortunately, there was a vegetarian options, tho D&L said they hadn't planned that and to thank someone else (PJ?) for the refried beans. Got cleaned up from supper. BA had his final meeting. Then on to skits.

I wasn't sure about our team to start with cuz I didn't really know any of the boys. But we pulled together a skit of The Stoning of Stephen (Acts 7) that included using Jenga blocks as the rocks we threw at him. Later, in about 5 minutes, we pulled together a skit for Ninevah. EK was a fantastic "Lot's Wife", but Constantin's team "stole the show". It was a very fun evening. Then we went outside (in the drizzly rain) and roasted marshmallows over one of those dish fires. Btw, PF made me awesome, perfectly roasted marshmallows. I don't generally eat them, but that night I ate 3! (So need to get back on track with my eating!!!) Also fun that night? KJ, PF, me & RB giving the Rockettes a run for their money with our kickline... :)

I went to BT's that night. It was like going home - I miss living there!!!

xo

why is vacation so exhausting??? (part 1)

2010-06-09T15:40:00.000-04:00

On the morning of May 17th, I was planning on staying on the East Coast for the summer. I had every intention of going to the Mt. Tabor conference for one day. Then everything changed.

It was a typical day of telemarketing. I was poking around online. All of the sudden, I was like, "I wonder if there's anything out there that I could make work to go to Seattle for Memorial Day weekend." See, there's been lots of talk in the Kirkland area about getting me back there. I have been resisting because plane tickets cost SO much and there's the whole job issue, so I just put it out of my brain.

Well, as it turns out, a search on Orbitz.com revealed that tickets had come down. I could spend as little as $300 and not have to miss work. Hmmm, I thought. I could do that. But I was at work, and without a credit card. So I said "Lord, if I'm supposed to go to Seattle, there will be something available when I get home." and left it at that. I got home that night, checked my finances & logged on. There was a ticket! I was thrilled & promptly bought it!

But here's the thing. I wanted to surprise everyone in Kirkland - well 2 people specifically: PF because he's been all over my case about coming back, and C because I thought it would be a fun surprise for her. So I texted B & BT and said "I'm coming, but I don't want anyone to know." They promised to keep it a secret. And then I didn't tell any of the kids here because I didn't want it showing up on Facebook and spoiling the surprise.

It was a fun secret to keep, but I was so worried that someone was going to ask me a direct question. And then, a week later, I woke up with an allregy or cold or something. It totally wiped me out. I didn't miss work cuz I wasn't really sick, but I was exhausted. Finally made it to the Thursday before my trip. By the time I went to bed, I was almost completely packed. I woke up early on Friday morning. Before my alarm, apparently too excited to sleep. I made my lunch and finished packing and was early for work. What's up with that? I am never totally & completely packed so far in advance of my trip. It actually freaked me out a good deal!

Work was fairly quiet. Everyone else, i.e. the people I was calling, had already started their weekends. Finally at 3, they let us go because nothing was happening. I went home, ran some errands, checked-in online, ate dinner. I was really antsy to get to the airport because, well, because I was really excited that I was going to Seattle and I didn't want tto be late. Or something. I can't really remember what it was all about, but finally we were on our way. M&D dropped me off at SYR around 6:45 for my 8:30 flight.

An earlier flight to PHL had been delayed, but my flight was supposed to be on time. I'm not sure how it all shook down, but the announced that everyone who was in the waiting area was to board this completely different flight to PHL, which ended up leaving right around 8:30 anyway. Had 2 seats to myself. I read Vogue & chewed gum and about an hour later, we were in PHL. While there, I finished reading Vogue, had some water, and texted B.

After a gate change, we finally boarded. I was in the back row with 2 guys, but the guy across the aisle had 2 empty seats. I ended up moving over there. Hey, a cute guy should not have to sit by himself. And it was either me or the mother with a 2-year-old. All 3 guys thanked me. :) Other than the fact that we were late leaving, the flight was very uneventful. I slept off and on, as did the cute guy. He let me have the window seat for the descent into Seattle. All I saw were clouds. :(

Not sure how this happened, but we left PHL late and landed in SEA early. Early, as in 1:30 a.m. instead of 2. I also landed the phone number of the cute guy from the plane. B picked me up outside. We got back to her place and snuck in through the garage. All 3 girls in the den stayed asleep and so did C. Of course, sneaking up 3 flights of stairs in the dark does not give one the opportunity to reach a conclusion about the asthetics of the brand new house of ones best friend. :)

xo

you should be a ...

2010-05-18T14:36:00.000-04:00

nutritionist, apparently.

There was an article in the Wall Street Journal today. Fascinating. Do you think they do that often?!! ;) Anyways, its headline was something along the lines of "Food Companies Cut Calories to Fight Obesity." Of course, I took issue with this - and without actually reading the article - vented. "Hmph!" I snorted. "Cutting calories? They're just gonna load stuff up with aspartame and all that other junk that *lowers calories* (imagine my air quotes...) and makes food worse for you than it was when it just had calories. What people really need to do," I continued, "is to just eat real food and prepare it for themselves."

My co-worker looked at me and said, "I think you should be a nutritionist." and walked out of the lunch room.

But it might have triggered something... See, I was really looking forward to being a weight-loss counselor and teaching people to do what I've done. But that all fell through when the girl who was doing it went on maternity leave 1 1/2 months early. Nothing more was said. I had a job that I loved. (And we all know what happened with that!)

So here I sit. Telemarketing roofing systems to businesses. What I say does not change. So it gives me time to think. And I do think about things like what I need to do when I get home or what I can blog about. But to this point, I was not thinking about what I wanted to be when I grew up.

But that innocuous comment by my coworker has changed that. It's now sitting in my head, or, actually, it's running around in there, making it difficult to blog and telemarket. Some days I'm better at multi-tasking... So anyways, that's where I am in the whole "one of these days I AM going to go back to school" dialogue.

Just thought I'd keep you posted.

In other news, it's a rainy day here in Binghamton, NY.

xo

i'm a telemarketer

2010-05-14T12:40:00.000-04:00

Weird!

But it's really easy. I just say the same thing over and over. And over. And over. And over... (Are you getting the idea??)

I work in the marketing office of a roof sealing company. I basically call people and ask if they are having problems with their roof and if I can send them some information. I like hitting voice mail. Then I read from a script. When I actually talk to a person, I get to more or less wing it, depending on how the person reacts.

And it pays well. And it's a job. 2 things that I am very thankful for.

Well, I'm supposed to be on the phone right now, so I'll sign off.

xo

crushed

2010-04-26T15:49:00.000-04:00

Ok, so, I had a wonderful birthday. I looked fabulous at work. I got presents at work. They took me out to lunch. Mom made tiramisu for my birthday dessert. Mrs. Stewart made cupcakes for after Bible study. It was a good day!

That was Thursday. Friday saw me up early to pack to go to Lisa's after work. I can't remember all the details, but work felt weird. All day. But I left just before 4:30, got a bite to eat and got on the road. I had just gotten back on the road after a stop in Watertown, when I got a call from the temp agency I'm working through. She said, I don't know why, but your position has been terminated. But this company does this and then keeps people on, so just show up Monday and see what's going on.

I sobbed. Now, mind you, I do NOT recommend doing this, as it makes it hard to see the road! And it took me several miles to stop, but I realized that it just would not do to be crying at the border. I gave myself a good shake and started praying. (eyes open!!) I calmed down and managed to have a really great weekend with Lisa (& Bob & Chris & Jon & Jo & Meredith & everyone else that was involved) :) Mind you, I did not sleep well all weekend, but whenever anyone asked my job, I smiled brightly and said it seemed to be going well, but that they were re-organizing my department and I was hoping for the best.

Needless to say, I woke up feeling not quite confident that I still had a job. But I made my breakfast & lunch and packed up my snacks. I even stopped for a DD decaf on my way to work. Walked in. Stopped in the HR office. Started to explain what I had been told. She barely looked up from her desk and snarled (?) "you're terminated. You can get your things. then leave." Which is what I did. D, one of the CSRs I was assisting, hugged me, and I lost it. This was supposed to be a long-term, permanent thing! I loved my job! and the people I worked with! But pack up my desk and leave is what I did. I didn't even get to say bye to the people in shipping. I just left.

Sat in my car, cried my eyes out, called the temp agency. My girl wasn't there, but the guy said he would make sure she called me. I love the agency! Managed to make it home. Thought about crying my eyes out, thought about going back to bed, but instead I changed and started a bit of spring cleaning. And looked for a job. Nothing. And the owner company in Wisconsin has not yet called my temp agency back. I don't know what to do. I had just gotten to the point where I could pay some bills and put gas in my car, and now, I don't have any jobs or any prospects. It's scary.

That's all for now.

rj

o canada!

2009-12-25T14:05:00.002-05:00

Exerpted from Conde Nast Traveler Etiquette 101, November 2009

Smart Talk

First Do No Harm

"Every country has its subtle taboos and unspoken codes, but when you get down to it, it's what you say, not how you say it, that really gets you in the door (or kicked out). ... It's easy enough to follow such tips as "Use common sense" on your home turf, but it's sometimes the best-intentioned questions ("Where did you go to college?" "Isn't Toronto fabulous?") that can land you in the most trouble abroad. In all likelihood, these and other queries will not get you summarily banned from the conference table or a family's home - and in fact certain cultures encourage forthrightness - but wandering into a minefield might lead to the kind of awkwardness that festers beneath all the cross-culture politeness. Our guide to the most dangerous topics around the world rates them according to our own alert system, from highest to lowest risk, followed by a few safe subjects that might put you back on solid ground."

Degree of Risk: From absolutely verboten to ill-advised

CANADA
* Impugning Canada's national health-care system. Canadians are fiercely proud of it. In a television contest, viewers voted the founder of the system the greatest Canadian hero

* Remarking how similar Canada is to the United States can be tantamount to calling it the fifty-first state.

* Any reliance on a few stereotypes (e.g. making fun of how they say, "Eh?") may unearth the sarcasm beneath their (stereotypical) politeness.

* Be careful in discussing Toronto and how wonderful it is; many regional Canadians, especially out west, don't like it.

* Don't mistake politeness for the casual oversharing so common in the United States. Canadians, like Europeans, will bristle if you get too personal too fast.

Diversionary Topics (i.e. Talk Away!)
* Hockey - the really do love it as much as we think they do. The runner-up in the Canadian-hero contest was a hockey coach turned sportscaster.

Now I realize this is written for the business traveler. But I was so amused by it. I guess that's what I get for having spent many weekends/weeks/months there. I cling to the small percentage of my geographical makeup that is Canada. Even so much as driving through snowstorms on 81 to get there. Anyways, I just wanted to share. :)

xo

on cooking

2009-10-31T21:33:00.002-04:00

...in which no cooking is actually done...

Tomorrow is fellowship day. I am scheduled for 2 lunch desserts and a supper main dish. Mom is also on a supper main dish, so she's doing a double batch of chicken. I have to work tomorrow afternoon. She is rather good to me! :)

I like to do something seasonal for my desserts. So I picked Caramel Apple Cupcakes. They were easy enough - cake mix, butter, eggs, applesauce, cinnamon. Fill liners with batter, press an unwrapped Kraft caramel into top. Bake. It was really easy. Except... I didn't have enough liners for 24 cupcakes. Solution? Use cooking spray on the non-stick pan and hope for the best. The cupcakes themselves were no problem to come out. The caramels, on the other hand, had sunk to the bottom and stuck themselves on. Grrr... So those ones are now upside-down cupcakes. The other pan with the liners, I was afraid I hadn't used enough batter, but they overflowed and baked on a little bit. I will whip up cream cheese frosting in the morning. Also in the morning, I will pull together a tiramisu trifle. (If you read any sort of women's magazine, I'm sure you've seen this recipe? It calls for Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Jello pudding, and Nilla Wafers. It reads like it will go together quickly, which is good, because I'm always trying to do too much Sunday mornings. (As B & C can attest to!) Oh, and the coffee I was running out for? For the tiramisu. :)

Other than that, I don't do a lot of cooking these days. I make a salad every day for lunch and pull together any assortment of "snacks" for my day at work. I cook a chicken breast every other day for two days worth of protein at lunch. I do change up the flavor of my chicken regularly, but it's not really cooking. I just use some oil and whatever spices I pull out of the cupboard first and pop the dish in the oven while I'm making lunch and/or breakfast.

When B & C were here, I made "Iced Cinnamon Bun Scones." They were a bit complicated, but I thought they turned out nice. Of course, we at them warm. Mom said they weren't anything special the next day at room-temperature. Ah well...

I do make eggs every morning for breakfast: scrambled, fried, poached, omelet-ed (is that a word?!) ... is there any other ways of cooking eggs? I haven't been able to come up with much. Please comment if you know of some other way.

Well, I think that's all for now. Good night!

xo

happy halloween

2009-10-31T20:37:00.000-04:00

Instead of trick-or-treating, I updated the look of my blog. I kinda like it. Makes me wish I had something to say. lol

Actually, I am going to run out to get some coffee and then come back and write about cooking. I was realizing tonight that instead of working at my day job and at Target, I would much rather stay home and cook and blog about it. But, alas, that does not pay the bills. Well, I guess if I wrote well enough and often enough I could make some money, but that doesn't seem to be happening. So...

I'll be back.....

xo

how i like my fall

2009-10-01T19:02:00.002-04:00

but so far, it's not cooperating. Boo.

Happy Autumn!

xo

nothing to say

2009-09-16T20:35:00.002-04:00

Really. It's why I haven't been blogging. I was going to do a couple of weekly features that have since fallen by the wayside. I love my little blog. Truly, I do. It just doesn't have a permanent spot in my schedule. Now, might I add, that if I had the internet at work, this little bloggie would get a lot more attention. But, alas, I don't have the internet. Just Free Cell and I play that WAY too much!

I have been talking about re-reading the classics. Then I looked at a couple different lists of classics and realized that, well, I've never read most of them in the first place. So I'm starting. I was hoping that I could get away with re-reading The Great Gatsby and The Catcher in the Rye, but that's not good enough for some people (MD...) So I'm starting with Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest. I watched the movie with S - Hugh Grant was in it - but, honestly, I have no idea what it was about. I like to intersperse the classics with a hearty dose of P.G. Wodehouse. :)

On exercise: A nice trance-y Moby song does not good walking music make. It was all I could do to put one foot in front of the other. I walk much better to Madonna's Hung Up. The trials, I tell you what!

Spent this past weekend at Montrose Bible Conference. It was nice. The weather was almost perfect and the meetings were good. I especially enjoyed the reading on the armour in Ephesians 6, Mr. Hyland's address on the Lord's Table, the Lord's Supper, and the camp, and Mr. Coleman's gospel. It was such a weird weekend. There were no older girls there. No one I am close friends with. I missed my sister a lot on Saturday. However, I had ample opportunity to talk to other people, both older and younger, whom I might not have talked to otherwise. It was just neat all around. :)

I'll leave you with a quote for Wednesday Wisdom:

"One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating." Luciano Pavarotti

xo

my blog languisheth

2009-09-05T17:42:00.002-04:00

So, um, I've missed like a couple of weeks. Oops! I've got a *good reason* however. I've been busy sorting out a banking error, so that's how I've spent all my time online. Seriously. This whole online banking thing is a little too complicated for me, I think. But then, today, it seemed like everything was in order and I had put in the right things and everything seems to be peachy. Well, excepting that there's never enough in the old checking account...

I am home alone this weekend. I was so looking forward to getting lots of things done. But I really didn't want to get out of bed this morning. When I finally arose and started breakfast, I dropped the bottle of canola oil and it spilled all over the floor. So I had to take time out to clean up the mess. Then I read the whole paper and a couple days worth of mail. (S-that card totally made my day. :) I'll write you about it soon!) I finally made it to the Farmers' Market around 11, and, of course, there was no lettuce to be seen. Man, I just hate buying it at the grocery store! Ran through the DT at Starbucks for an iced tall no classic light ice passion tea before heading to Kohl's. I was bra shopping, but ended up buying new sneakers instead. What was I supposed to do?! They actually had my size in sneakers... Then to the grocery store, and finally home. Where I was supposed to accomplish all sorts of fun things this afternoon, but instead, I spent lots of time online checking email and facebook. Then I went for a walk and now I am going to use up a free ticket and go watch the BMets [hopefully!] win.

Perhaps this coming week I can get back on track with the blogging???

xo

wednesday wisdom 08.19.09

2009-08-19T17:49:00.000-04:00

"Never say you don't have enough time...You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein." - Author Unknown

on music

2009-08-15T15:02:00.003-04:00

(this was supposed to be yesterday's post, but that never happened so...)

um, wow, so I just totally digressed and started reading about the Smiths & Morrissey. I have discovered, probably within the last year, that I adore The Smiths. Why did I not discover them until this recently?! It makes me sad. However, it's good to know that Morrissey has sold out ALL of his 2009 shows. I like him.

Anyways!

This was going to be about The Thompson Twins. I think everyone has asked "why did they call themselves The Thompson Twins when there were 3 of them?!" I came up with a theory yesterday while listening to Lay Your Hands on Me. Here goes: All these years later, people still remember them, still listen to their music, and keep asking why they were the twins when there were 3 of them. I think they did it as a PR move. If we go for something crazy like this, people will remember us. It worked. However, I wiki-ed them and found the story behind their name. Still good, but I like my theory better. LOL

And now I want to share with you my favorite lines from songs, in no particular order and for no particular reason.

"If you're feeling low, turn up your radio"

"Will your system be alright when you dream of home tonight?"

"I'm just tired and bored with myself"

"The shutter clicked but the film did not go 'round"

"A city wall and a trampoline"

"It's alright as long as you got somebody to love"

I love music!

xo

p.s. I also love The Traveling Wilburys :)

of farmers' markets and such

2009-08-15T14:22:00.003-04:00

GourmetGirl often writes about her food findings at various markets & what amazing things she does with her produce. I attempt to follow, but she's a gourmet cook. Me? I just muddle around in the kitchen.

Today. I am finally home on a Saturday with nothing going on. I debated going to the Ithaca Farmers' Market, but didn't want the bother of finding a place to park, nor the bother of keeping my produce fresh whilst wondering around Ithaca and on the drive home. Also, I didn't want to get out of bed! :) So I opted to go to the Vestal Farmers' Market instead. (They don't have a website, but their information is here.) I wanted to get there earlier, but didn't make it 'til 9. As I sat on the Vestal Parkway waiting to turn into the Library parking lot, I realized that there was about as much traffic here as there would be in Ithaca, but the entrance way is bigger! (And I can walk if I feel so inclined!) :)

First stop, The Lettuce Lady. She's easy to find - always has the biggest crowd around her tent. I'm sure she has some name like "So-and-so's Farm", but here in Vestal, we all just know her as the Lettuce Lady. I got a small bag of mixed lettuces, a bunch of carrots, and a green pepper. I elbowed my way back out of the crowd & proceeded to peruse the rest of the market. I bought tomatoes, plums, dried apricots, sesame seeds, and dried thyme. (It's my new spice since I've been doing FLT.) All the vendors were there today. All sorts of produce, local honey, baked goods, flowers, etc. It was a gorgeous day - a few clouds floating in a clear blue sky, with temperatures pushing 80. I love the Vestal Farmers' Market. It's local & I always see someone I know. Not only that, but everyone is friendly at the Farmers' Market. I love that sense of community!

(Must resist urge to blog about sense of community.....!)

I stopped at Starbucks for a tall decaf drip, went to the post office, and went to the grocery store for non-produce items (milk, eggs, yogurt, chick peas, bread). Then I made a clothing return, and bought t.p., shampoo & hand soap at Target. I made a few other stops before returning home. Yes, everything was in a cooler, so it didn't spoil before I got it home. Once I got home, I realized I should probably use my veggies to make lunch, and blog about it. Because sometimes, that's what I do!

I looked at recipes for a bit, then decided to just wing it. Which is generally what I do all the time when I cook. (I DO follow recipes when I bake.)

I started out sauteing onion & garlic in canola oil. To that, I added chopped yellow squash (thanks, Mrs. S!), green pepper & cucumber. I let that cook for a while, then added chopped tomato. I seasoned the dish with salt & pepper, thyme, sesame seeds & soy sauce. While it was cooking, I didn't like the smell, but there was nothing I could do at that point. Well, as far as taking anything out! So I threw on some cubed mozzarella at the end & let it melt. Then I scooped everything into a bowl and ate it. It was YUMMY! And, no, I didn't take a picture because it just looked messy. All the veggies kept their texture, so that was nice. I don't like mushy vegetables!

Then I ate some dried apricots for dessert and now I am going to do something else.

xo

this, that & a few other things

2009-08-13T18:11:00.003-04:00

I washed my dishes before I started blogging. Be proud of me. Julie Powell would be. I hope.

I just finished reading Julie & Julia. I read it in 2 days at work. Hmmm... who has nothing to do at work?! Getting paid to read at work... Perhaps I should just go be an editor?! :)

Anyway...

I really like the book and am looking forward to seeing the movie. I was hoping to see it with S & B, but it doesn't seem to be working out. We are all too busy on the weekends. Or something. :) One of these days I will get there.

I enjoy cooking & spending time in the kitchen (unless it involves washing dishes...), but I have no desire to do a Julie/Julia Project. I am just not that ambitious. (And besides, I live in upstate NY & am poor. Such an undertaking does not suit my current situation!) But still. I want to get WHAT she got out of her project, and that is this:

"Julia taught me what it takes to find your way in the world. It's not what I thought it was. I thought it was all about - I don't know, confidence, or will or luck. Those are all some good things to have, no question. But there's something else, something that these things grow out of.

"It's joy.

...

"I read her instructions for making bechamel sauce, and what comes throbbing through is that here is a woman who has found her way."

I still haven't found what I'm looking for, oh wait, that's U2. I still don't have anything that I get so excited to do. I guess I need a project. In fact, there's lot of them floating around in my head, but I never start anything. And if I do start a project, it never gets finished. I have lots of started projects. I guess that's why I like school so much. There are deadlines for projects. They usually come around much to quickly. Especially in Art School. My writing also is the same way. I get through a conversation in a character sketch and then I'm stuck. Argh.

And while we're on the topic of food, I was very excited to get home from work today and find the latest copy of Everyday Food in my mailbox. I like the things I make from there. I have too many recipes!

But as far as the reading goes... Since I finished Julie & Julia in a couple of days, I should be able to whip through Special Topics in Calamity Physics in about 3. I'll try it next week. Too much work for a Friday.

I came Back East with a copy of said book. Can't remember who's outgoing book pile it came off. I miss those piles. I miss having friends whose houses I spent quality time in. I digress. I went to a book sale at The Art Mission and found this!

It was pretty and it cost me all of 50 cents. The people who were taking the money just did not understand why I was so excited about a book with a weird title. I told them they should read it because it was really good. They looked at me like I was losing it. And this was at an art gallery! Ah well...

On a completely different topic, I forgot to tell you about the exercise part of my new "lifestyle". It's simple really. I invested in a pedometer, ankle weights, and hand weights. I try to get in 10,000 steps each day (though some days I don't try very hard!) And I carry the weights with me on my 40 minute walk. Nothing strenuous. If I want to take a stroll around the block with my nieces and it takes 40 minutes, that totally counts. See, you just have to be up moving around. This is a point I keep trying to make with my Dad and I don't seem to be getting anywhere. grrr!

Food confession... I had ice cream last night. And I enjoyed it! :)

I must go for now. I'm running out of time to make it to the grocery store before Bible study. Love you!

xo

thankful thursday 08.13.09

2009-08-13T06:22:00.002-04:00

Today I am thankful for...

** home

** family

** and this verse: "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds." Psalm 147:3

xo

wednesday wisdom 08.12.09

2009-08-12T21:04:00.001-04:00

Sorry for posting so late in the day :s

"I long to accomplish a great and noble task,
but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks
as if they were great and noble."

- Helen Keller

xo

about me

2009-08-11T17:49:00.007-04:00

In this blog, I commented on the attractiveness of the men from that city that gives me panic attacks. There's more... The one with the eyelashes and the girlfriend is getting married this weekend! He's also 28. So I would assume that makes the other one somewhere between 28 & 35... And as of yesterday, I developed a HUGE crush on the guy. The likes of which I've not had since I've been back East. (If you remember my crush on P., this one is just as bad!) He was in one day last week to pick out some tile for his bathroom. Then he was in yesterday to pick up said tile and he flirted. Today, he came back to see if he could get this other size in the same color. But I couldn't find anywhere that he could. I told him he should just get purple - on-going joke - and he says, "Oh my little girl would love that." I asked how old (6), but didn't ask about her mother. I just couldn't bring myself to that... :D

But enough about the crush.

Health-wise, I'm feeling better than I've felt in a long time. I've lost 6 inches off my waist & 7 off my hips. I think that is debatable because I'm sure my original measurement was lower than my current one. If I had really lost 7 inches off the original measurement, nothing would fit at all! Seriously! I've also lost 41.4 pounds since I started this program on 1 April 2009.

Yes, I gave up coffee on April Fool's Day and everybody thought it was a big joke. In the last 18 weeks, I've probably had 10 cups of decaf. I didn't believe it was possible, but the withdrawal was SO bad, I decided I never wanted to do caffeine again. Yes, I know. I also think I'm kinda crazy. I can't remember what all the health benefits are, but I definitely don't get sluggish in the afternoons anymore. Which is very exciting. I don't even stash chocolate in my desk. I gave that up too!

I also gave up soda, fast food, and all processed food. Basically, I just started eating "like I was supposed to", but, up until now, I hadn't been able to do it on my own.

When I was in Seattle, I walked everywhere. I also ate horribly and never got enough sleep. Once I got home, I didn't walk anywhere & I didn't eat quite as horribly. Nor did I ever get enough sleep. :/ I was feeling pretty crappy, but never did anything about it. I'd been choking on things like bread & my mom's dry chicken. Finally, I went to see a friend.

I've known Todd & Jenny for quite a few years. They were regulars in the drive-thru at Starbucks. He is a compounding pharmacist. They had a pharmacy in Binghamton. Then within the last year, they opened a health food store in Vestal. I made an appointment with Todd. He ruled out gluten-intolerance quite quickly and asked a lot of questions about my health, my level of activity, etc. He said that I was on track for Type 2 diabetes. I sat up and took notice. He suggested a life-style change - called it "lifestyle therapy." I thought, well, I like physical therapy, so why not give it a try?! It's called First Line Therapy.

Those first 3 days without coffee were agony. I was PMS-ing and therefore craving chips and pop. The ACA shooting happened. I work 4 blocks from there so it was a bit stressful. I went to bed really early that night. I woke up the next morning symptom-free. I thought it was just a fluke, but on Day 6 of the program, I flew to Seattle. (I don't recommend going on vacation at the beginning of this program, but, somehow, I survived.) I was up at 4 EDT, went into work for 1.5 hours, flew out of Syracuse, landed in Seattle around 6 PDT, had dinner & went to prayer meeting. I am usually totally wiped out when I get to Seattle, but this time, I wasn't. It was weird, but good.

In the following weeks, I have gotten onto an eating & exercise program that has enabled me to lose about 2 1/2 pounds per week. My upper respiratory conditions are improved. I'm sleeping better. I'm definitely eating better. My knees are better. My back still has issues, but they say that will take more time because I've had surgery.

"First Line Therapy is a specialized therapeutic lifestyle change program unlike any other.... in that the FLT system targets the underlying causes of chronic illness by incorporating a sensible eating plan, exercise, nutritional supplementation, and stress management." (from here)

Breakfast

I consume 1600 calories/day. They say I could eat more, but I'm rarely hungry, so I'm sticking with the lower number. It's helping the pounds come off! :) I eat eggs & toast for breakfast, a big salad with about 3 ounces of protein & homemade dressing for lunch, and dinner is protein & veggies. For my morning snack, I generally drink a meal-replacement shake and eat carrots with hummus. My afternoon snack is either another shake, or 2-3 ounces of protein with either fruit or nuts. I eat from 9 categories: concentrated protein, legumes, dairy, nuts/seeds, "water" vegetables, root vegetables, fruit, grains, and oils, plus 1 or 2 shakes/day. I often feel like I am eating so much. I rarely eat out during the week, and only occasionally on the weekends. Sometimes I really miss all the "bad" stuff, so I try a bite, and then I'm like "ugh! I can't believe I used to eat this all the time." Apparently, according to a guy I know, I am the only person in the world who can eat just 2 Doritos. I shrug & laugh.

I've been in the program for 18 weeks. I went through the detox and then onto "life". Life happens. There is going to be birthday cake and Tim Horton's chocolate-glazed donuts and Doritos. I eat it all, just in very small portions, and I get back on track as soon as I can. It's been tough going, but I'm so glad I made the decision to get healthy. Now if I could just keep my clothes on... :D

xo

thankful thursday 08.06.09

2009-08-06T06:20:00.002-04:00

Today, I am thankful for my health and for poetry.

Red Geraniums

Life did not bring me silken gowns,
Nor jewels for my hair,
Nor signs of gabled foreign towns
In distant countries fair,
But I can glimpse, beyond my pane, a green and friendly hill,
And red geraniums aflame upon my window sill.

The brambled cares of every day,
The tiny humdrum things,
May bind my feet when they would stray,
But still my heart has wings
While red geraniums are bloomed against my window glass,
And low above my green-sweet hill the gypsy wind-clouds pass.

And if my dreamings ne'er come true,
The brightest and the best,
But leave me lone my journey through,
I'll set my heart at rest,
And thank God for home-sweet things, a green and friendly hill,
And red geraniums aflame upon my window sill.

Martha Haskell Clark

xo

wednesday wisdom 08.05.09

2009-08-05T06:51:00.002-04:00

"Summer bachelors, like summer breezes,
are never as cool as they pretend to be."
- Nora Ephron

i.am.a.dork

2009-07-31T20:59:00.002-04:00

I was just out for a walk. It was going on 8:30 so I decided to just walk around the neighborhood. At the side of one of the houses up the street, there was a guy out talking to his neighbor. I had been hoping he was out because I think he's the brother of a friend of mine. I also think he might be the guy who used to drive a metallic pink Mustang. We had a lemonade/friendship bracelet/tie-dye t-shirt stand on the corner. This guy would drive by a million times a day. Never stopped, never acknowledged us. He is/was apparently much older than us and therefore much too cool to pay us any attention. SO ... I was doing my 20 minute route, but was walking too fast because by the time I was a block from home, I was only at 17 minutes. So I decided to walk around the first block again - in hopes that he would still be sitting outside and that I would be able to talk to him. DORK! Of course he wasn't. But I ended up walking almost 30 minutes and got my steps up to 10614, so that part was good!

It was a busy morning at the office. When I get in, I like to put my lunch in the fridge, check the answering machine, and start reading the paper. I'm usually finishing the crossword puzzle around 9:30. Not this morning!

We have a new warehouse guy. Today, we had a different delivery driver. We normally get our trucks on Thursday afternoons. This guy called yesterday about 4 to say that he wasn't going to make it, but would be in our parking lot at 7:30 this morning. I warned him that we didn't open until 8 & he said that was fine. I pulled in the parking lot and found him sitting there. Not at the loading dock. IN THE PARKING LOT. Which is rather narrow and I tend to pull in tight and swing wide to get into my parking spot. So the warehouse guy got him directed around the building to the actual loading dock. There was another truck already there for one of the other businesses in the building. He managed to get himself maneuvered around the truck and up to the loading dock. Then I had to go get one of the guys from next door to drive the forklift because the new guy doesn't know how to drive this one. (Nor do I!) Then I stayed back there to do the paperwork because I haven't taught the new guy yet. (it was his first truck) So I'm back there helping move stuff around - in heels. And a short skirt. And a scarf. I was SO not dressed to help with truck today. But I looked "glamorous", or so said the TV guy that came in to check on our ads. (He's cute, young, and, most likely, gay. But still!)

After all that, I had a bunch of paperwork to catch up on. My printer is finally up and running again, so I can actually do work. And the phone kept ringing and people kept coming in. And I never finished the crossword puzzle until noon!

But the afternoon was quite quiet. :)

xo

thursday thankful list

2009-07-30T19:08:00.002-04:00

This is a take off on Meg Fowler's Friday Love List. If you've never read her blog, you should check it out. It is fantastic! Thanks. :)

Things I'm Thankful for on Thursday

- seasons. Yes, I know I complain about the heat & humidity here on the East Coast, but I'm glad there are 4 seasons and that each is different & special

- my job.

- being close to my family.

- having had the opportunity to live in Seattle. (You can keep your heat!)

- Demolition Derbys

- air conditioning at my parents - yay!

- Todd & Terra & Kim at Healthy U for helping me get healthy - you guys rock!

- The Lord Jesus Christ for dying on the cross to save me from my sins!

- and you!

xo

wednesday wisdom

2009-07-29T20:26:00.003-04:00

(hoping to make this a regular feature...)

"It's a lot easier to take pictures of flowers than it is to grow them." - man on tour at Grey Towers, Milford, PA

The flower in question :)

Grey Towers, Milford, PA

The Finger Bowl, aka, the dining room table - what fun! :)

For more information, click here.

xo

those of you who have known me for several years

2009-07-14T21:55:00.003-04:00

will remember that at one point in my post-high school career, I attended Cortland College. Cortland, NY, is definitely a college town. There's a bit of industry, a lot of fast food restaurants, and the college. Oh, and lots of bars. Without going into detail, it was not a good 3 semesters for Rachel. It ended with arthroscopic knee surgery. I've rarely driven through the town (or is it a city??) in the 15 years since. The times I have, I've had panic attacks. I don't even like stopping at the Tim Horton's there, and many of you know of my love affair with Tim's. :D Where was I going with this? Oh yes... So for many years, I have had a very strong dislike for the whole city.

Why is it now that the 2 most attractive men in my acquaintance are from Cortland???!!!!! One of them has the most gorgeous eyelashes. Ever! He also has a girlfriend. The other one is most attractive. All I know about him is that he works in construction of some sort and is friends with the one with the eyelashes. If this one came around more often, I'm quite sure I would develop a crush on him.

Perhaps it's for the best that he only shows up every 3 months or so?! ;)

xo

customer service

2009-07-14T21:29:00.002-04:00

"Don't know what you want, but I can't give it anymore." - Pet Shop Boys

"If she knew what she wants - he'd be giving it to her" - The Bangles

I work in Customer Service. Yes, my official title is "Office Girl" but in all reality, I am there for Customer Service.

Some days, the customers are lovely. Other days, they just aren't.

Example of a good customer: Older gentleman walks in, asks to see samples of stair treads. I pull out what we have & go for the catalog. He says, "I think this is what we are looking for, but do you know if...?" I didn't know, so I got help. (Ask for Help. This is the one useful thing from my last career that I use constantly in this job!) The owner talks to the guy and ends up by saying, "Ok. I'll work out the price and give you a call." The customer leaves happy. We are happy because we could help him. :)

On the opposite end of the spectrum... Older couple, in their 80s, turns out they are brother & sister. Brother is WAY too friendly, stands WAY too close. Sister says, "I need new rugs."
I ask where she wants to put them.
"In the hall and bedrooms."
"Do you have anything in mind as to what you want?"
"No."
"Do you have a color you would like to see in your house?"
"No."
"Um... what sort of traffic do these areas have? Are there a lot of people? Any pets?" (These are the basic questions that we ask anyone who is looking for carpet.)
Brother speaks up. "If she'd kick that no-good son of hers out she wouldn't have so many problems."
Sister "Well, there's about 6 people living in the house."
"Ok. So you want something that's going to stand up to a lot of foot traffic and doesn't show the dirt?" I show her a mini-shag.
"Ugh. I hate that shag stuff."
I show here a textured, tightly drawn-down plush.
"I don't like that!"
"Well, have you looked around? Is anything catching your eye?"
She remains standing in the middle of the showroom, not looking at anything. "I don't see anything I like."
I go to a rack and start flipping through. She comes and stands next to me. Doesn't say a word as we are flipping through. "See anything?"
"No. What do you think I should put in my house?"
"Well, the mini-shag would hide the dirt and stand up well to all the foot traffic."
"I don't like the shag!"
"Well, it's going to have to be your decision about what you put in your house because you have to live with it."
She looks at her brother. "She can't help me."
Brother: "She told you that you have to pick something you like. She can't help you if you won't pick anything."
(I'm like, THANK YOU!)
Sister: "She can't help me. Can someone come out and measure?" And she walks away.

I did manage to get her name & phone number, although she gave out the information grudgingly. Meanwhile, brother is standing thisclose and asking if I was married. Finally, they leave. She's still muttering something about my not being able to help her.

Honestly? I can only do so much! That was a very trying afternoon...

xo

dear kim

2009-07-14T21:22:00.000-04:00

I'm sorry. I never meant to impose. I can only imagine that your catchy blog stuck subconsciously in my brain. That said, this blog was, at it's start, titled "A Few Words From...", so this was just a take off on that. Yours will always be cuter. <3 U :)

welcome

2009-07-13T18:30:00.000-04:00

Hi there!

I am indeed single, social, and a sister. Not only that, but I generally have lots to say. :D My goal is to say it online instead of just in my head. I'd write more, but it's time to eat dinner.

I'm looking forward to blogging again. Can't wait to hear from you!

xo

should have posted this a couple of months ago cuz it's totally how i felt

2009-05-13T20:10:00.000-04:00

Don't wanna hear the news
What's going on
What's coming through
I don't wanna know
don't wanna know
Just wanna hide away
make my my escape
I want the world
to leave me alone
Feels like I feel too much
I've seen too much
For a little while
I want to forget

I wanna be numb
I don't wanna feel this pain no more
Wanna lose touch
I just wanna go and lock the door
I don't wanna think
I don't wanna feel nothing
I wanna be numb
I just wanna be
wanna be numb

Can't find no space to breathe
World's closing in
right on me now
Well that's how it feels
that's how it feels
Too much light
There's too much sound
Wanna turn it off
Wanna shut it out
I need some relief
Think that I think too much
I've seen too much
There is just too much
thought in my head

I wanna be numb
I don't wanna feel this pain no more
Wanna lose touch
I just wanna go and lock the door
I don't wanna think
I don't wanna feel nothing
I wanna be numb
I just wanna be
wanna be
taken away from all the madness
Need to escape
escape from the pain
I’m out on the edge
about to lose my mind
For a little while
For a little while
I wanna be numb

I don't wanna think
I don't wanna feel nothing
I wanna be numb
I don't wanna feel this pain no more
Wanna lose touch
I just wanna go and lock the door
I don't wanna think
I don't wanna feel nothing
I wanna be numb
I just wanna be
wanna be numb
I just wanna be
wanna be numb

All the madness
I wanna be numb

Numb - Pet Shop Boys

2nd day of work, it rained

2008-08-31T18:14:00.001-04:00

i especially miss
Seattle when it rains. i
miss the people too.

summer

2008-08-06T09:27:00.000-04:00

deep-cuffed jeans. ballet
flats (plaid). beach boys on CD.
could life get better?!

from "things you wish you could have said"

2007-08-14T23:47:00.000-04:00

17. The fact that no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist.

fascinating...

haiku (old)

2007-08-04T19:18:00.000-04:00

rachel and martha
and sarah wrote poems and
that was long ago.

they were funny and
i must have them somewhere. i
really miss those days.

dreamy sigh

2007-07-15T17:51:00.000-04:00

Brad Pitt hugged me on 070707!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

just found this on a flash drive...

2007-06-06T17:31:00.000-04:00

The Coffee Stain
April, May, June 2001
Vol. 29

Coffee, you said?
By M. Tye Wolfe

Coffee, you said?
Coffee is your first time down the slide at the playground.
Coffee is the A- on your history paper when you deserved a B.
Coffee is what teaches you what an “acquired taste” is. Coffee is what makes you forget that it was a taste you ever had to acquire.
Coffee is the third time you ever drive a car alone, and you’re able to shift without on of those grinding sounds that makes you think the gearbox will fall out into the highway.
Coffee is five candy bars eaten in 15 minutes when you’re too young to care about it being bad for you.
Coffee is smelling a rose after you’ve been congested for three months with a summer cold.
Coffee is a brisk two mile run down the side of the Chenango River. (A double cap is a quick, early September dive in the Chenango, on the sly, claro.)
Coffee is the purplish-red heat surrounding your heart setting fire to your blood that flows to your feet and fingertips.
Coffee is the prickly energy scurrying up millions of your dendrites and pushing your consciousness half a degree above that of hoi polloi, rendering Huxley’s doors ajar if not quite open.
Coffee is a tenth-chord whining wah-wah while a low-register bass line rumbles underneath.
Coffee is the pretty person at CVS who smiles wider at you than to any of the other customers.
Coffee is quitting your job and not worrying about your next one.
Coffee is a 35mm print of Casablanca at the downtown art theater; entry fee, $2.
Coffee, you said?
Why don’t you go buy a cup?
Coffee.

art school confidential

2007-05-22T23:20:00.000-04:00

"There are no dictionary entries for photo montage, but photo, montage are spelled correctly."

This was the result I got when I searched photo montage on dictionary.com. It made me laugh. :D

Wikipedia was much more helpful.

"Photomontage is the process (and result) of making a composite photograph by cutting and joining a number of other photographs. The composite picture was sometimes photographed so that the final image is converted back into a seamless photographic print. The same method is accomplished today using image-editing software. The technique is referred to by professionals as "compositing", and in casual usage is often called "photoshopping".[1]"

Yeah, I'm struggling with a Digitial Illustration project. It's only the final and it's only worth half the grade for the quarter....

xo

silence can say more than a thousand words

2007-04-24T11:27:00.001-04:00

sculpture park

2007-04-17T20:55:00.000-04:00

Red Ford truck you don't
belong downtown. How I wish
I could have one too.

on the bus 031407

2007-03-15T20:42:00.000-04:00

Dear Rachel,

I must congratulate you on your excellent choice of seats on the 255 this evening. The attractive male with dark hair, great sideburns, and no ring (!) is in your direct line of sight.

You never sit at the back, nor do you enter the back door. But tonight, you got in the back and sat just behind the back door. He got in the front and is sitting sideways.

He IS attractive!

You Rock!!!

xo :)

on the bus 021807

2007-02-20T17:50:00.001-05:00

I'm late, she thought
as she finished her taxes,
and closed her laptop,
and headed upstairs.

She grabbed her bag -
no time to change,
bare legs are fine,
as she raced out the door.
no thought of the cold
had crossed her mind.

I'm warm, she thought,
as she ran for the bus
cutting off corners
and heading for 8th.

He'll wait, she thought
as she crossed 6th Ave
and started running
and running and running

He'll wait, she thought
from a half block away
as he paused for a moment
longer than normal
then signaled and pulled away.

I'm mad, she thought,
as she got to the stop
and contemplated her options
as she caught her breath.

I'm mad, she thought,
as she berated herself
for doing her taxes
in shuch a short timeframe.

I shouldn't have
stopped to look at the sale
and flipped through the books
at Urban Outfitters.

I could have been
sitting in Starbucks and
doing my taxes
a half hour sooner...

But what to do
next? it had to be answered -
still catching her breath -
the next bus in in a half hour.

I'm tired, she thought,
as she headed for Pine
to go back to 4th
and wait for the bus.

There are benches
there and I can sit down
and try to call Beth
so I can get to meeting

I'm cold, she thought
as she sat on the bench
and discussed bus schedules
and snow with two ladies
in a row

The wind's picking
up and the sun's going down
but at least it's warmer
than upstate New York
and we haven't the snow

But finally
along came the 255
inside it was warm
and nearly half empty

And Beth had called
so to gospel she would make it
even though a bit late
and still with bare legs
and work to be done...

m.a.c.

2007-02-20T17:48:00.000-05:00

New makeup today
From Bradley - hooray!
I spent too much money
But he calls me honey
So I guess it's okay?!

on the bus 021707

2007-02-20T17:43:00.000-05:00

What's 2 miles
she thought
as she missed the bus
It wasn't the first time
she'd missed her bus
because Seattle's Best
was slow.
On her way she discovered
Pioneer Square
wasn't all that bad
in the daylight

english humour

2007-02-09T12:50:00.000-05:00

Apparently, there is a school girl somewhere in the UK with the same name as me and every now and then, I get forwards intended for her. I usually delete them, but this was the subject so I read it. And just had to share! Enjoy. xo

The train was quite crowded, so a U.S. Marine walked
the entire length looking for a seat, but the only
seat left was taken by a well- dressed, middle-aged,
French woman's poodle.

The war-weary Marine asked, "Ma'am, may I have that
seat?" The French woman just sniffed and said to no
one in particular, "Americans are so rude. My little
Fifi is using that seat."

The Marine walked the entire train again, but the only
seat left was under that dog. Please, ma'am. May I sit
down? I'm very tired." She snorted, "Not only are you
Americans rude; you are also arrogant!" This time the
Marine didn't say a word; he just picked up the little
dog, tossed it out the train window, and sat down. The
woman shrieked, "Someone help me put this American in
his place!"

An English gentleman sitting nearby spoke up, "Sir,
you Americans seem to have a penchant for doing the
wrong thing. You hold the fork in the wrong hand. You
drive your autos on the wrong side of the road. And
now, sir, you seem to have thrown the wrong bitch out
the window."

rain

2007-02-07T18:26:00.000-05:00

Rumour has it that it rains "all the time" in Seattle. I have heard this for years and, most recently, I heard it from everyone before I moved out here.

And it does rain.

Like this morning. It was raining when I left my apartment. But did I bring an umbrella? Of course not. I am wearing a hat, however.

And I didn't shower.

(Aren't u glad I shared?!)

But it's not raining now. At least it doesn't look like it is. But it's gray. The road is gray. The sky is gray. I'm not looking at the water, but I'm sure it's gray too. Kinda depressing. But I'm trying to stay positive.

Like being excited (?) that History got out early.

But I actually don't find that all that exciting. Sorry.

Guess I should head home. In the gray afternoon.

At least it's warm.

what are words for

2007-02-06T01:23:00.000-05:00

when no one listens...

can't remember who sang that in the 80s, but joey belleville of the echoing green did it back in the late 90s and it is a fun song. :)

this blog is going to be where i write stuff when i don't really want anyone to read what i'm feeling. however, since it's linked to my other one, i guess that's not really going to work...

i bought dj tiesto's search for sunrise over the weekend. probably because i need more cds. (???) it's more ambient than what i was looking for. shrugs.l

wait. that should go in the other blog....

maybe i could write poetry in this one? i'll have to see what happens