It occurs to me that I haven't really posted in over a week and it was not the most positive message, so I wanted to let everyone know that I am doing fine. Things are smoothing out. Work is still stressful, but that isn't going to change. The things with the boy are confusing, but I don't really care anymore so it doesn't matter. I'm sure I will post something interesting soon.
Out of site out of mind. I have removed several posts because I don't want to look at them anymore.
That when a child of approximately four years old hops up and down around her mom saying "I gotta pee," "I gotta pee," "I gotta pee" that it is probably a smart idea to listen to the child and rush them to the bathroom. Or, if you want to you can ignore the child and go on doing something else and then you can turn around to see that child peeing on the floor. Have no worries, though. You're friendly children's librarian will clean up the mess while you take care of your child that is now repeating over and over "I'm just so sorry."
It took all I had in me not to tell that mom just what I thought about her. I felt so bad for the little girl. She tried to tell her, but her mom was just so involved in something else she ignored her. How embarrassing for the little girl.
I am shocked and amazed everyday by the lack of consideration by some parents out there. It makes liking my job very difficult at times.
I ran around all day today and was quite busy at work. All this running around made me a bit sweaty and I was looking forward to coming home and enjoying some quality couch time in my comfortable apartment.
Cruel, cruel fate.
I walk in the apartment and it is hot. I get that sinking feeling you get when it dawns on you that your day just got more complicated. The air is out. It is hot. So, so hot. Poor Teddy is wondering around the apartment panting and looking miserable. Basically, he is a dog version of me. Hopefully this will be fixed tomorrow. If not, I will not be spending another night at the un-air conditioned G-Unit Mansion.
My new goal for the next few months is to see as many summer blockbusters as possible (at least the ones that interest me). So I've decided to share my opinions, but no spoilers, with you.
In order of viewing:
Iron Man - *****
I really liked this movie. It had a perfect mix of humor, action, and awesome special effects. Robert Downey, Jr. was really good and kinda hot. I think this is the type of movie that appeals to all people. Very recommended.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull - **3/4
Hmmm. Well, this one was a bit of a disappointment. I think the storyline was good to a point and then they lost me. I'm sure most of you have heard what the movie is about, but out of respect for those who aren't in the know, I will just say that I thought they could have done something better. Plus, there was a fight scene in the jungle that was a tad bit ridiculous. I think most people will see it to appease their curiosity and if you've already seen the first three you might as well see the last one.
Sex and the City - ****1/2
Yes!! I loved it! I've heard mixed reviews, but I thought it was well done. It was a lot like the t.v. show and I thought that was a positive thing. The story was good and it was great to see the girls again. It made me a little nostalgic for some girl time...and some man time. I recommend to all the ladies out there.
I know that I post stuff from YouTube periodically, but I actually saw this orginally on Larry King and was quite happy to see that someone else must have found it as funny as I did. To catch you up, this is video taken from Larry King Live last night about aliens. I have watched it several times (I tivo'd it) and I laugh and laugh. The roommie is also a fan. The good stuff starts around the 53rd second. I hope you think it is as hilarious as I did...
I decided that since I got tagged twice - once Lydia and once by Angela, I would go ahead and list 12 sorta short quirks/little know facts. I hope they're not too boring...
1. To make a sandwich the bread must match up. I want all sides to match and the mayo needs to be spread evenly all over the bread. Think of it like wall-to-wall carpeting, it must go up to all edges.
2. I'm scared of pool drains. I don't even like to swim over them. They literally give me the willies.
3. Although most people who know me casually would not believe it, I can cry all the time. I think the ASPCA commercials for homeless dogs is just about the most heart wrenching out there.
4. I can tell you how old most celebrities are. I'm not sure why, but is just an odd talent.
5. I can wiggle my ears
6. I read an average of 4 books a week. I would say I easily read 200 books a year.
7. I love true crime shows. I am fascinated, yet repelled by evil in the world.
8. If you have spent the night at my house, I have probably checked to see if you are breathing.
9. I get my feelings hurt a lot. I rarely say anything and just try to get over it.
10. I am more nostalgic, hopeful, loving, and traditional than even my closest friends probably realize - I just don't show it because I am afraid of being rejected or laughed at.
11. I was very unpopular until the age of 13. Up to that point I only had two friends. To this day I am grateful for all of the friendships I have.
12. I love biographies. I love reading about people's lives and the times they lived in. (I am currently watching a PBS bio on Harry and Bess Truman)
I tag...
Peyton (you should post a blog, it's been a while)
Susie
Roach (I guess you could list them in the comments...)
List 6 quirks about yourself
Tag some people to do it too
There are some other rules, but I forgot what they were...
I got tagged by Lydia to list quirks about myself, but I'm going to wait until after Memorial Day to do it. Try to hold out until then...harhar.
Although the people who read this blog (all three of you) most likely don't do this, I feel it is my duty to society to advise against this...
When one is thinking one should keep one's mouth shut. When it is hanging wide open it just doesn't make one look that smart. It makes ya look like a dumbass.
I hope someone has stumbled upon this blog today and will keep their mouth shut in the future.
Several friends and I headed down to Gulf Shores this weekend. We left around midnight Friday night and got back Monday night. It was a quick trip, but a little something to calm me before the craziness of Summer Reading. I called work today to check in and see how things were going and I just shouldn't have done it. Seriously, why did I call in? It's not going to make me feel any better. I'm not going to be able to fix anything and all it does is make me feel guilty about not being at work. Literally, I took 2 vacation days and I feel guilty. It's ridiculous. I hate the summer. That is one thing about being a children's librarian in a public library - you lose your summer. You learn to dread it and I all think about is summers of days gone by. Why didn't I appreciate summers off? I'm going to have to wait until I'm 65 to have another summer off.
If you can't tell, I seem to be suffering from vacation blues.
I was asked to make out a list of the 10 books that I would want to have with me if I was stranded on a desert island. I decided to share them with you. You're welcome...haha
A little note about my picks: if you are looking for a list of books that expand the mind and make you think, then this isn’t the list for you. If I’m stuck on a desert island, then I want to have some great books to take my mind off of my plight.
Sarah’s Child by Linda Howard (she is from Gadsden, AL)
Not exactly upping the ante intellectually, but it is a great story packed with a little bit of tragedy, alpha masculinity and just a great romantic story. I have probably re-read this book at least 100 times.
Beach Music by Pat Conroy
Pat Conroy is a great southern author who is capable of highlighting the beauty and flaws of the region.
Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward
The love story is hot and the plot is quick - great book to read when whiling away your time on an island.
Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris
His brother, Rooster, is an outrageous riot and whose outlook on life is nothing if not unique. Don’t miss “Rooster at the Hitchin’ Post.”
Dairy Queen by Catherine Murdock
This is a Young Adult novel, but it is one of the most heartwarming books you will read.
Shades of Twilight by Linda Howard
I read this book about 12 years ago and it was my first Howard novel and I continue to re-read it periodically.
Harry Potter and the…(fill in the blank here); books 1-7
Considering you must read all the books to find out what happens, I have decided to only count it as one.
Corbin’s Fancy by Linda Lael Miller
This is a light-hearted book that features the classic clash of a hard-headed woman and hard-headed man.
Life as We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer
This Young Adult apocalyptic thriller will surely take your mind off of your desolate desert island.
Once in Paris by Diana Palmer
I own all of her books (well over 100 and counting) and this is probably favorite. It’s on my re-reading shelf.
The roommie won another prize!! This time it is something way cooler than a gift card. She won an Amp/Mountain Dew mini-fridge! That's not all...Amp is a primary sponsor of Dale Jr's car and the fridge is decorated with all Dale Jr. and #88 stuff (that's his number). We are going to put it in the living room. No need to get up for a beer anymore. Tears are literally in my eyes as I type this. I love sweepstakes!!
watch The Soup on E!? Joel McHale is hilarious and his observations of the stupidity of celebrities is awesome. If you don't watch it, give it a try.
I would say the first, but let's face it when you reach this level, it's clearly the bottom of the barrel.
It's Friday night/Saturday morning and I am enjoying a Tivo marathon. That's not bad enough, people...do you wonder what has brought on this tivo watching? Well, I've upgraded from the old tivo and I need to clear it out before I hook up the new one.
I'm going from a regular tivo that records only one program at once to a dual tuner. I can now record two programs at once! I am amazed by technology. I have no idea how it works, but I love it! This really fits into my First Waver Theory. No Cable, No air conditioning, no beer = Katie a shell of her former self.
I just watched the Oprah show with Tina Turner and Cher. Whether or not you are a fan of either of these ladies, they sure have turned the notion of getting older on its head. Tina Turner is 68 years old and still has a killer pair of legs. I swear that woman has sold her soul to the devil and it was worth it. Cher ain't half bad herself and she looked quite good in her red mini-dress (although the red boots she was weraring weren't my favorites...) So, as I was saying they are a testament to how good women can look as they age. It is so unfair how men seem to get better looking and women start looking like dried up prunes. I've decided to include a YouTube video of a classic Tina performance...
The draught is over!! The roommie won something! Her boyfriend called while she was at work today and said that several people he knows (his mom for one) had gotten gift cards in the mail from a phone in contest and he wanted me to check the mailbox. I checked and there was an envelope and I could feel a gift card inside (I didn't open it). Yay! This is just the beginning. Trips, cash, cars!!
So, there's been a bit of a trend happening at the G-Unit Mansion. The roommie has become a "sweeper." Do you know what this is? It is someone that enters sweepstakes and other contests for fabulous trips and other prizes. Part of this was inspired by her bf's mom. So, I guess you want to know what she's won, right?
nuthin'.
When this first started she was entering some big ticket contests, but after the draught I believe she is down to t-shirts, cups, and butter. Seriously, it was just a mail in rebate for Land O' Lakes finest, but I think she'll take anything at this point. I am quite supportive of the new hobby 'cause I hope that if she wins some awesome trip for a group of her friends I will be included. How messed up would that be if she won an awesome trip (not for two - obviously, she would take the bf...) and then had me stay behind to take care of Bad Kitty? So wrong.
Fingers crossed, people. There are some sweet NASCAR prize packages...
sometimes...
I just connected with an old friend from childhood/high school. This probably would not have been possible but for Facebook. Peyton and Ashley, it's someone you know, too :)
There seems to be some sort of Oprah backlash these days. I guess it is just one more thing for conservatives (sorry to generalize) to pick on and use as an example of how the evil liberals are taking over the world. What.Ever. I really don't have too much beef with someone who donates millions to charity every year, gets people to read books, and general attempts to put a positive message out there. I guess some people think she has too much influence. Well, I consider myself a person that thinks for myself and I am not going to do something just because Oprah told me to. Anyhoo, this post has diverted from my original intent...
I was watching the show today and she followed up about a show she did about puppy mills. I swear nothing is more sad than poor little dogs who have been mistreated. It makes me so mad when people abuse animals. They are so trusting and have no idea what is going on and I can only imagine the confusion and betrayal (even if people don't think they can feel betrayal). I guess the point of this post is just that half the time I watch the show I end up crying. I'm such a sap.
Ah, Talladega weekend in Alabama. Love it, love it, love it. For all you skeptics out there...you just don't get it and, perhaps, never will. That's okay because it is something that provides me with true pleasure. I love sitting on my couch being able to watch the race, read the Sunday paper, clip coupons, talk on the phone, and blog. That's how I watch a race. It's a long haul to the end so you gotta be prepared with food and alternative entertainment (i.e. beer and a nap) for the inevitable caution flags.
P.S. I know it's sad, but if you remember this post then you can appreciate how this made me feel. I got hit on last night. Twice. It was just a nice affirmation that I am not the lease appealing person in the world, there might actually be two or three less appealing people...I kid, I kid. No really, it was just nice.
As I am a superstitious person (when it comes to acknowledging good things) I am a bit hesitant to admit that I had a great week. As you know, I had my "snow day" on Monday, went to work on Tuesday, went to a conference on Wednesday and Thursday and then went to work Friday. All in all, it was an easy week and I know that next week will be harder, but it was nice to just a have a week to coast.
Currently, I am reading The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs for my book club. I'm a little over halfway through the book and I think it's my favorite so far. I would recommend it to the ladies out there.
I've been giving more thought to the writing idea and I think I might pursue the idea of writing about working in a library. I think I will use some of my own experiences and expand on it from there. No worries, I don't plan on "dooce-ing" myself.
So that's it in a nutshell.
I have been feeling the urge to write. I haven't really said anything about it on here because I'm not sure what I want to write. Perhaps short stories, ala David Sedaris? Something scholarly to get published in a journal (in this case it would be something I wrote when I was finishing up my Masters in History and get it polished for formal pub)? I don't even know where to start. I write periodically on here, but nothing very disciplined. I've thought about setting up a work area in my apartment, but I'm not sure I would want to stay secluded somewhere away from a t.v., which is what I would have to do. I went to an author's luncheon for work today and was really inspired by a couple of the speakers. I feel like I am being sent a message from my environment. I know that sounds a little "Oprah-y" but it's really how it seems.
Not really, but there was a water main break so my boss closed the library. Yay!!
It was shaping up to be quite the productive day as I went to the gym this morning and did a good 45 min on the arc trainer and precor and then I took a shower and had a salad. Now with the work news I am thinking about seeing a movie. Hmmm what to see? I just saw Forgetting Sarah Marshall last night (run don't walk, btw) so I'm not sure what I would go see. I'm kind of feeling the idea of a nap though. Hmmmm, must think, think, think.
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist...
Here's a link to the www.amazon.com page.
Next up on my teen reading extravaganza...Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan
P.S. Nick and Norah is being released as a movie on Oct. 3rd (my bday - a coincidence? I think not)
Today's question is once again inspired by my boring endless workday...
"When I am bored at work and want to goof off, I..."
It pretty much starts when I get to work and I check www.cnn.com before I check my email. I review the stories that seem interesting. I return to good ole' CNN at least 3 or 4 times a day and work my way through the stories that go from very interesting to just something to read. I am also constantly on www.amazon.com - my favorite thing to do is read the reviews that people have written about books I have already read. I like to see what other people think, particularly the 5 star and 1 star reviews. I'm weird, so what?
Thanks for participating in theme week. I believe I'll try it again in the somewhat near future.
"The last book (or magazine in certain people's cases) I read was___________ by _____________. I thought the book was __________. It was about _____________"
So, the last book I read was one that I finished last night. It was Now You See Her by Jacquelyn Mitchard. It was annoying, but okay. It was about a teenage girl who fakes her own disappearance. The book seems to try and explain why she would do something so extreme and then you find out that things are not what they seem. Ooooh, a twist!
Enjoy
This is something I thought about today as I gazed longingly out the window of a back office at work. Not that college was great all the time, but there were definitely some awesome perks...
"what is something that you took for granted while you were in college?"
I took for granted the ability to have maybe two classes a day and spending the rest of my time doing what I wanted. Being able to hang out on the quad during the middle of the day and enjoying a beautiful day outside. Oh the life!
P.S. if you didn't go to college then you could just answer it from the point of view of something you took for granted when you were younger.
If you've read ye ole' blog since or around its inception, I used to be much more interprising and creative. I used to have theme weeks. So I've decided for sh*ts and giggles to try it out again. Usually, I give a little notice, but oh well here goes...if you have anything to contribute feel free...
"Today at work I did something you didn't do"
I cleaned out a hamster cage while listening to my ipod which is loaded with 80s, hardcore rap, and electronica.
what about you...?
I am currently watching Georgia Rule (starring Lindsay Lohan, Felicity Huffman, and Jane Fonda). Although Lindsay's career has been in the crapper for quite some time, this movie is not exactly what I was expecting. There's quite a bit more of sex and innuendo than I expected. So my basic assessment is that it might just be worth watching...
Why are they always on the radio? Why are their songs always someone's ringtone? WHY?? Why, sweet Jesus, Why?
Okay, for those of you who don't already know...they suck hardcore. Seriously, almost all of their songs sound the same and it just drives me crazy. I want you to let them go. If you are an "out and proud" or "closeted" Nickelback fan - relinquish them. Find a real band. Please.
And for all that is holy, make it stop playing on the radio all the f*cking time.
Tonight I watched August Rush and Waitress. Both of these movies star Keri Russell. Both of these movies involve Keri Russell's character getting pregnant unexpectedly. In terms of movie reviews, I would give August Rush 3.5 stars. Waitress gets 4 stars. There are several caveats:
August Rush is a strange movie. There's a lot of "feeling the music" and "hoping they will come." In the Field of Dreams kind of way. The ending alone bumps the movie up at least a star.
Waitress should not be judged by the terrible Southern accents. If you try to ignore them then you will be able to enjoy the story.
I haven't sung the praises of my current favorite programs...here's a rundown of what we be watchin' at the G-Unit Mansion:
Sundays:
Rock of Love II
Mondays:
Big Bang Theory
How I Met Your Mother
The Hills
Tuesdays:
Life of Ryan
Rob & Big
The Real Housewives of New York City
Wednesdays:
Various Mtv Programming
Top Chef Chicago
Thursdays:
I watch Eli Stone
and that new Vh1 show with Danny Bonaduce with potential child stars
Friday:
I love me some 20/20
Saturdays:
48 Hours Mystery
Usually, I just refer back to this post on this date.
http://youarehere1.blogspot.com/2006/04/2-years.html
for some reason it won't link)
peace
A little something to brighten your weekend. I was just watching the tail end of Just Friends. If you haven't seen this movie then you should. It is one of those movies that was probably in the theaters for five minutes, but it's really funny. It stars Ryan Reynolds (part of the reason for the picture above - right), Amy Smart, and Chris Klein. I would give it a 4 out of 5 stars.
Although I am not a parent, I am able to spot the behavior that parents display that will get their children's asses kicked at school. (I truly saw this earlier this week - the child was 7)
-cutting up said child's chicken NUGGETS into the tiniest pieces possible and unpacking his lunch for him and placing everything just so and explaining what everything is even though it is only chicken and doritos.
-holding a cup to the child's mouth so that he can drink despite the fact that there were no discernible reasons why the child's own arms would not support the slight weight of a paper cup. You might as well regress back to a sippy cup and a bib.
-cutting HIS hair in a pageboy style home haircut (like the picture above, but with shorter bangs - I sh*t you not)
This child is in for a lifetime of wedgies and swirlies and any other torture that kids can come up with these days. It won't be pretty.
Why should I delete it? Partly because some of what I am going to allude to involves people who read this blog periodically. Oh well. I have felt this one brewing for a while, but I didn't really know how to express it or even if I wanted to.
I'm lonely. I am lacking in human contact. I have friends and I see them pretty frequently, but I don't have a person to share things with. This has come more to a head because it seems like Noah's Ark around here (two by two if you get the analogy) and I'm left out. Sometimes I withdraw myself from these friends because I don't want to be the third wheel. I don't want them to think that I am so sad and pathetic that I will have nothing else to do. I think I might be overly sensitive and they probably don't feel that way, but I would hate for them to ever feel this way. It was just be unbearable humiliating. I guess it just makes me sad that I am missing out on an important part of life. Unfortunately, I really don't know how to remedy this. There is a part of me (a pretty big part) that figures that there is just something inherently wrong with me and that is the reason I am destined to be alone. I know this sounds melodramatic, but it really is how I feel.
Sad, but true: someone told me I was gorgeous this weekend and I had to ask who he was talking to even though the only other person around was Roach. Boy, if that doesn't put my state of mind in perspective nothing will.
Everyday is the same. I go to work, figure up what I will do, finish my project and wait for an acceptable time to go home. Blah, Blah, Blah.
As I type this, there is a contact lens commercial on. Let me set the scene: Guys playing football. Guy with glasses fumbles. Hot guy friend asks him to ditch the contact lenses. Next scene...former guy with glasses sitting quite cozily on couch with his glasses hating friend. All is right with the world. No more glasses. Awesome football player.
What if life was like that commercial? There I am having a bad day and one of my friends comes up and tells me that I need to wear different sunglasses and life will be alright. Pan to me looking gloriously happy with new shades.
I guess I want to live in a commercial.
Mine was spent alternating between my bedroom and bathroom. Starting at 9 am Saturday morning, I had a ferocious stomach bug and felt AWFUL. I'm feeling better now, just sore and tired. So, this weekend was a bust. I didn't do anything fun. I'm really hungry right now and I can't decide what to eat. I'm past the nausea and I want meat. Weird, huh? I guess my body is demanding protein.
Although I am a librarian...I don't read for a living. I actually don't read at work. At All. For anyone that knows me, you would realize that if there was a way for me to read at work it would happen.
With gas being so expensive and under the theory that extra money is always good, I have started hostessing at the restaraunt that the roommie works at. Now don't worry, we really won't work together once - maybe once a week. Basically, it will fill my tank and I get a discount on food. Not bad, eh?
So after my post yesterday, I had a little drama. Apparently, I left my lights on when I parked my car at work. We all know what that means...dead battery. A car was parked next to me and I had to ask everyone at the library if they were driving a certain car so that I could either have them move it or get them to give me a jump. The very person that owned the car initially shook his head "no" when I came around to him. Some people drive me insane. Anyway, he did come out to his car (once I made a terse announcement over the P.A. system) and jumped the car. Why did he deny he was the owner in the first place? I have no idea. Oh well, another mystery of life.
...produces a lack of blogs. I'm not complaining. I haven't had much to say. I've got my nose to the grindstone and I am working on Summer Reading.
I'm so boring. I promise to put something interesting up. soon. Usually after I post something like this then something crazy happens.
I just thought of something to add...I have a confession: I like Miley Cyrus. I like her song "See You Again." You know what's even more bizarre? Several of my friends like the song, too. I'm not ashamed. I like Miley/Hannah and I'm proud.
I had a first today...
I was shelving books and I was about to put away a book about Michelangelo for children. I noticed the book didn't seem to be lying flat, which sometimes indicates water damage, so I opened it up and noticed that there were numerous paper clips all over the book. Ugh. I hate when I find paper clips in books because they rip the pages and if left in long enough can discolor or eat through the pages (so...note to readers - don't put them in any books you have!). I digress. The paper clips were at the top, side and bottom of groups of pages and then there were a couple of sheets of copy paper paper clipped inside the book. Well, after removing the paper clips and paper I realized that the person who had had the book was trying to cover up the nudity in the paintings and sculptures. Of Michelangelo. The Sistine Chapel Michelangelo, people, not Hustler. I rolled my eyes and just couldn't help but laugh. If that is what you are going to do to a book about art, then don't check it out. Their kid will probably end up being a porn star.
Let me begin by saying that last month's book club pick, the very trendy Atonement, was not to my taste. I need to say just one thing: there is no atonement in Atonement. Blah. I donated my book immediately after the book club meeting because I knew I would never crack that book open again.
This month we read The Tenth Circle (as mentioned below) and it was pretty good. It was sad and there were no easy answers, but all in all it was a good read. It was also a fast read and that's nice because I like to read a lot of books and I like to move through them pretty quickly. I would say out of 5 stars it would be a 3.5.
On another related note, I have to say that I am really enjoying the club. It's nice to meet with a group of women and just have a good time and discuss books. If you have a chance to join or form such a group then do so :)
Not much to really update, but I felt like writing. I took my car to get the emissions checked (required in the great state of Tennessee) and while waiting in the long line - it was two days before the end of the month so I should have expected it - I cleaned my sh*t hole of a vehicle. I haven't cleaned it in months...perhaps a year and it needed it. Dropped the car off at the Honda place and got a tune up and had them fix a few things on it. It rained all day today so I didn't do much, although dad and I went to this diner located inside of a Harley-Davidson store and it was awesome. Strange, but awesome. We had shrimp etoufee tonight and it was also delicious. My brother, sister-in-law, and I played Life (I guess it's a new trend?) and I lost. Coni won, but I have my suspicions that she was cheating. I have no proof, but I lost so it seems probable in my mind. Tomorrow I plan on hanging out with an old friend and her kids - my godchildren :)
BTW, The Tenth Circle was great. I started it late Wednesday night/Thursday morning and finished the last of it today. I would recommend it. Now, I have to find something else to read because I didn't bring anything else so that I would be forced to read my book. Hmmmm. I'll probably just read something I have stashed away in the house.
I'm leaving tomorrow to chill at home for a few days. I am trying to use up my vacation time that I have accrued. I plan on laying in bed and reading Jodi Pioult's The Tenth Circle - the next book club pick. I hear it's a hard book to read (emotionally), but worth it. I'll let you know.
Fabbi is fascinated with Teddy's food, which is not a very popular development with The Prince. She doesn't want to eat it, just lick it and bat it around a little. I tried to get them closer, but this might give you a better perspective of Fabbi's size.
Presenting Fabbi (sounds like shabby) Louise G. (roommies kitten). I have decided to call her Bad Kitty or BK for short. She is a handful to say the least. I included the picture of Teddy because he's cute and I don't want him to feel left out. I would say he is tolerating her presence for the most part. Sometimes he even plays with her, but when she tries to eat his food he becomes a little less congenial. We have had her for about a week and a half and she has just settled right in. The roommie and I both have scratches from her very sharp nails and we have to close our doors at night so that the "cat that never sleeps" can roam and leave us in peace. Oh, and in case you are wondering, we have cleaned most of the house of Christmas stuff, aside from a few trees :). Fabbi will fit right in because she loves the holiday season like we do. Right now she is batting around several of the ornaments. Well, enjoy the pics, I am going to go apply some neosporin to my wounds.
As with most people, I am a study in contradictions. Although it is an unattractive quality, I rarely like someone on the first meeting. I guess first impressions are important for most people, but I tend to need a couple of meetings to figure out if I like someone or not. I have recently come across someone that I am going to be spending a fair amount of time with and I don't like them. I just don't. I really wish I did, but I just don't. This is really hard for me because I wanted us to be friends. It is disappointing and irritating. This person and I just don't "gel." We think differently about most everything, I guess. I say this because trying to find out any personal information or anything below the surface has been more than difficult. Maybe I feel a little rejected, but I also feel a little superior (that is not a very nice thing to say, but I'm trying be real here). I guess I think they're boring and I'm not...so there!
As you might have picked up, I am being vague on purpose. Several of you know who this is referring to.
I started getting sick on Monday, very sore throat on Tuesday, doctor and shots on Wednesday, laying around the house on Thursday, back to work on Friday. You know what? I felt worse today than I did any of the other days. I'm stopped up, my chest is congested, my throat still hurts (and I've got a great porn star voice to go with it), I've got a headache. Can I complain more? sorry.
I am going to be well by Sunday. I need to be in peak physical condition for the running of the 50th Daytona 500. I have bar food and beer to eat and drink.
No bitter post here, folks. Just a note that that single people (myself included) must feel like a Jewish person at Christmas. The holiday just doesn't apply to everyone. Trust me, it doesn't count when your dad wishes you a "happy" Valentine's day. eh.
I'm thinking of converting for next year. I've decided that I am just going to have to buckle down in the relationship department. Maybe I should treat it like an assignment for school. I was always good at finishing things on time. So I guess that's it. I will check this post next year and update. Hmmm? Maybe there should be bets :)
It started with a tickle in my throat on Monday. Yesterday my voice was really hoarse and I thought I might end up taking a sick day today. I didn't really feel that bad, but I knew no one wanted to work around a Typhoid Mary. I decided to go to the doctor today because my throat really hurt and I figured I had a bad cold. It turns out that the little rug monkeys from work gave me Strep. What? I don't get illnesses like this. I get colds. I am known for them. It's kind of my thing. Oh well, I am going to stay home tomorrow so that the anti-biotics can kick in. I don't really feel that bad, so it's kind of like a day off. I am a little troubled by the large itchy patch of skin I have from where they gave me a couple of shots in the backside. I told her that I was allergic to penicillin and she said that most people think they are, but really aren't. I'm hoping she didn't try to experiment on me...
So...I try not to talk about NASCAR too often on the blog because I know most of you aren't fans...but I can't let last night's events go without recognition...
It was the Budweiser Shoot Out (a precursor race to Daytona next Sunday) and Dale Jr. won the race!! This bodes very well for the 500. So excited!
My future hubby's makin' us some money :)
P.S. the image above is Dale's new look. I'll admit having a win makes Hendrick Motorsports easier to accept
That's what I have identified as a problem in my life. As a dear (and smart-ass) friend of mine told me today: "You're a 45 year old woman stuck in a 37 year old's body." Nice.
I'm not sure how to remedy this problem. I like being lazy so I don't want to over schedule myself and never get couch time. I joined a book club...isn't that enough? Although on the excitement factor it's close to a negative 8. I usually go out once during the weekend. Several of my friends meet a local bar on Wednesdays (we call it church) and that's fun...but what else am I searching for. I have an idea, but I'm not going to express it. I've talked about it before and I don't feel like rehashing anything.
what to do?
I'm thinking something like this:
Wake up late
Read in bed. I have two new books I've been wanting to start
Maybe see an afternoon movie?
I'm a wild and crazy gal
For Lent, that is. I have decided on two things this year. Two, I tell you!!
First, I am going to cease adding salt to my food. For those of you that know me (even in passing) must realize that this is a big deal! I love salt. To me, it is a a food group. It makes good better and okay food passable. So, the basic guidelines are that I can add salt when cooking (or it will be completely bland), but nothing afterwards. And no adding salt to any food that I get at a restaurant. I guess I am going to have to become friends with that b*tch Mrs. Dash.
Second, I am giving up carbonated beverages - basically, sodas. Since giving up caffeine, I have been drinking a lot of Fanta (and it has been orangy-delicious!). Unfortunately, that has probably equaled close to - or more - 300 calories everyday. Empty calories everyday. I figure both of these things won't be easy, but they will be good for me.
So, what are you giving up?
I've heard reviews from both sides of the aisle (so to speak), but this movie really didn't do much for me. Jenny and her BF fell asleep (I did wake her when she began to snore) and I was just mildy entertained. I realized about half way through that I don't really like romantic comedies. The endings just aren't that compelling and the premises are mostly ridiculous. I should have seen The Bucket List. I guess that's more my speed.
I like fondue, do you? Jenny, the bf, and I are (three cheers for the third wheel!) going to the Melting Pot for dinner and I'm a bit excited. I like cheese. I like meat. I like chocolate. I like cooking. It's all that I love in one place. Are you a fan?
There's not much I have in mind tonight, but I thought I should post a little something. I can't believe I didn't mention that it snowed down here a few weeks ago. That is only the SECOND time that it has snowed since I have lived in Birmingham - in ten years! It was pretty exciting. Yes, it melted really quickly, but we just don't get any sort of wintery precipitation. I know you Wisconsinites are rolling your eyes, but you know how it is. Someone new is starting at work tomorrow so it should keep the day pretty busy. I have a new neighbor upstairs and he seems fine. We'll see. The jury remains out until he lives here a little longer. I have a notoriously bad time with loud neighbors ~ apartment living is truly for the birds. Boring, boring, boring. That's all, folks.
Tonight, I had the privilege of meeting a childhood friend of my mom. She called about a week and a half ago and mentioned that she and a couple of friends were going to be in town and she would like to meet me (surprisingly, we had never met before tonight). It was SO much fun to be able to listen to her stories about my mom. I think it is rare to hear about your parents as "real" people. Do you know what I mean? She knew my mom as a friend and someone that she got into some mild to moderate (I hope not crazy) shenanigans with. It may sound corny, but it really warmed my heart because this is someone who really knew her. She was really funny and even had stories about my grandfather, grandmother, and aunt. How neat is that? Plus, she knew how to knock back a scotch on the rocks. I want to be her when I'm 65!
I've been watching the news about his death and it's really just so sad. I keep thinking about his daughter and family and think how sad it is for them. It just seems so sad that he was alive at least an hour and a half before he was found dead. I know I always wonder about my mom and when it happened and if there was anything I could have done...(for those of you not in the know...I was the one that found her and it was probably the most terrifying experiences of my life). I do have to admit I am surprised by how much press this has generated. I guess it is a combination of his age, how it happened, and the fact that he is going to be in one of the biggest movies of the year. Oh well, it's just sad.
As I sit here, the roommie and her bf are playing Guitar Hero. I played earlier and at first I did not like the game much at all. It has since grown on me. I believe I am going to have Guitar Hero arm tomorrow because I am already a little sore. The roommie is currently alternating between "oooh Lord," "F*ckers," and "oh my hands." Too funny. I have to admit it probably isn't a good sign that I broke a sweat sitting down playing a video game.
My father and some family friends (Lee's parents) came down to visit me this weekend and they brought me a new mattress for my bed. Dear Lord. My previous mattress was terrible. I have told people it was like sleeping on a bed of sticks and crickets...because it sounded like crickets and felt like sticks. Very uncomfortable and terribly loud. I tried out the new bed for a nap today and I think it is going to be AWESOME. As you know, I have trouble sleeping and this is sure to help. It really brings home how bad the last mattress was.
On a side note, the roommie's bf came to visit and he is a chef and he made the most delicious brunch this morning...vegetable frittata; grits made with chicken stock, milk and cheese; homemade biscuits and sausage gravy. mmmm-mmmmm. He is also about to make an apple pie. He should just move here. He doesn't even have to pay rent. Thanks, Matt!
Someone told me that I'm not even trying. To date, that is. It's true. I'm not. It's much easier to pretend that guys don't exist than to be rejected. I don't write this post to elicit sympathy or online denials...because the plain truth is that I am not fit to date. Seriously, I am just too...I'm going to say it...right now...okay, in a minute...fat. Why would anyone want to date me? You know what happens when you're overweight (but not grossly so)? You become invisible. People just don't see you. Of course my friends see me, but other people don't. It's amazing to be so easily dismissed. I'm pretty used to it. If you haven't ever experienced this, then it is hard to explain. It's like people look right through you because they are trying to find something else to see. Wow. No more of this kind of posting. I want to delete this, but I am just going to stick with being honest.
Okay, so I mentioned that I went roller skating over the weekend. Let me be very clear. I'm not good at roller skating. We paid $8 to get in and doing the math, I skated a dollar a lap. I remember skating as a child and either my memory is faulty or I'm old. I have a feeling it's because I'm old. Really old. There was this one guy (perhaps mid-40s?)gliding around the rink...backwards. Show-off. I really didn't want to suffer a traumatic injury or pull a muscle, so I sat on the sidelines and stayed safe. I do have a few observations from this experience though:
It is amazing what people will let their children do...or what they will do themselves. Over the course of two hours I saw...
- people whipping around the rink pushing strollers. Strollers - with actual babies in them. Does this seem safe to you?
- little children (2+) wandering onto the rink being narrowly avoided by unsteady older children wobbling on four little wheels.
- a basic failure in listening by parents and children. Example? They conducted the ever so charming skate and foot races and the children couldn't seem to follow any directions and it took forever to complete these competitions...although I must point out that a competition seems to imply that a person may be recognized as a winner and receive a prize. Nothing like this happened. As far as I am concerned if there is no prize then there is no contest.
All in all, I had a good time and encourage you to visit your local roller skating establishment and witness the demise of America and generally embarrass yourself.
So, from my last post you may have put your thinking caps on and realized that I was slightly down. I didn't have the best week. Things at work are kind of in flux and I am dealing with a lot of extra responsibility. I was in such a bad mood that this bled into my personal life and I was feeling quite cranky and I let everyone know it. Ha. Lucky them. So, I had a bit of a breakdown on Friday and Jenny listened to me boo-hoo and crying made me feel better, but I was still down. I had said I was going to go out dancing that night, but I bailed and proceeded to spend my evening on my couch wallowing. Roach showed up and he wallowed with me. Then it happened. 20/20 came on and the topic of the show was...wait for it...Happiness. No sh*t. I watched about half of it and I started to feel a little perkier. And then I was off. I got off the couch, took a shower, put on some clothes and makeup, prodded Roach into going out and we ended up at a local club dancing until 3am. Surprisingly, I felt pretty good yesterday and several of my friends ended up roller skating (I know!). Had dinner last night with some people that I haven't formally met, but I knew of them. On our way home, got a call from Jenny and ended up playing pool with her and her new BF and Roach. Today we went to the Birmingham Museum of Art and had lunch and saw the Pompeii exhibit. Wow! Big weekend, but I feel good! I guess I just needed to get out and stop thinking about work. I going to try and keep this feeling going into next weekend.
I have been blessed (or cursed depending on how you look at it) with scanning technology at the last two jobs I have had spanning 2000-present. You know, a laser scanner that you might see someone using in the grocery store or Wal-mart. Why is it that people of all walks of life just can't master this apparently baffling piece of technology? I have spent the past seven years observing people not using the common sense that I hope God gave them. Both jobs allowed members/patrons to scan their own card (you know - the old key chain cards) and either check-in (at the gym) or check out books. Here are the ways people fail to use this easy device:
1. the laser line is horizontal and they hold their card vertically - imagine a + sign. It's just not going to work, people.
2. in their panic to get the scanner to beep they furiously wave the card back in forth at warp speed and usually throw their card down and proclaim the "damn thing" "broken"
3. a surprising number of people fail to even attempt to match the laser line to the barcode at all. It takes all the restraint I have in me not to wack them up side the head and say "seriously? You have NEVER seen how this works? On which planet do you reside?"
4. Or my personal favorite: the person who looks at the self check or the scanner and they throw their hands up and proclaim that it looks too hard and couldn't you just do it for them? That I believe is more telling of the state of our country than anything else.
I joined a book club! I'm such a nerd! I work in a library, yet I can't get enough of books. Most of the people in the group are fellow librarians ~ does that make this a professional book club? Anyhoo, our first selection is Atonement by Ian McEwan (you know the movie just came out...and it was 40% off at Barnes & Noble). After that we will be reading The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult and Capote in Kansas by Kim Powers. They all sound like good choices so you should read along if you get a chance.
So I have seen several people recap 2007, so I have decided to do this...except when I tried to do this, there really wasn't that much to recap. I spent a large portion of early 2007 (January-May) freaking out about Summer Reading and whether or not I would have a job after it was all over. I spent June and July working Summer Reading and praying for it to end and for it to be successful. August was a recharging month and the beginning of some very stressful events. September continued the trend and what could go wrong with my friends' lives did. October and November were more of the same, but I went to the doctor and laid off the caffeine (almost 3 months and counting without the stuff) and things started looking up. Unfortunately, several people passed away towards the end of the year and that was, and continues, to be hard to understand and to get through. December was good as it is my favorite time of the year. And that's it. Kind of sad when you look at it. Maybe 2008 will be more eventful and in the good way.
I saw William Sledd profiled on 20/20 and decided to share a clip from YouTube. I know most of the people who read this so I'm not worried about y'all, but for those of you that might have questions...take heed.
Now I don't want to go home. I have put off leaving twice, but I absolutely have to return on Saturday. I guess I am just not interested in getting back to real life. Good things are not waiting for me, so why would I want to going back? I like have no responsibilities here. Although it is annoying having to deal with my dad's nagging, I can put up with it. Oh well. I suppose I will post once I am back in Bham. Whenever that may be. :(
Ahhh. Every year I look forward to coming home and celebrating my favorite holiday of the year. Typically by the end of the first day I am home (I might note that it is not a full day) I am ready to get back to Bham. My father and I clash repeatedly. Tonight I received the most troubling news...that my father and I are very much alike. What?!! My Republican, right wing conservative papa and I are alike? Wow. The reason I find it so disturbing? Because I know it's true. Sadly, we are alike we just have very different beliefs and we feel very strongly about them. He hates Colorado. I hate West Virginia. He hates Nancy Pelosi. I hate any number of Republican dumbf*cks. He hates Christmas. I love Christmas (as much as he hates it). My father. Myself.
A change is a comin.'
Monday was one of those days where all things that could go wrong did go wrong. Am I going to rehash it for you folks? Nope. I'm moving past that.
Christmas is a week from today. I am promising myself not to get caught up in the same ol' b.s. at home. I am going to do what I want when I want and ignore the bah-humbug mumblings of Kenny G. He will not steal the Christmas spirit. Even if I have to lock him in a closet and throw away the key.
Happy Holidays!
Sorry some of these pictures are turned to the side, I couldn't get them to rotate. I would like to note that the first tree is the teeny tiny one that the roommie had in her bathroom and adorned with 180 lights - that could be controlled by a remote. I. Sh*t. You. Not.
Notice the fireplace? No, our apartment doesn't have one with a little collaboration from me, the roommie created it!! I say it is made of love since the three boxes we used to put it together are weighted with close to 100 romance novels.
Christmas Party was a success! We ate delicious food, played charades again and generally had a fabulous time. The trees (six in all) looked fabulous and we just enjoyed hanging out with everyone that came. That's the beauty of good friends, right? I am going to post pictures of the decorations in the next couple of days. I am pretty sure they will inspire you to do great things this holiday season. Oh, and best charades clue this time around? That would have to be KY Jelly. Our team cheated and used it as a clue (you're really supposed to confine it to Movie, Book, Song, or TV titles) and it was totally worth it.
As for the Teddy complaint...I spoke with the leasing agent and she said that the person was not really implying that I mistreat him (which I think is B.S. b/c saying that I don't walk my dog would be saying I don't take care of him properly). I still think it's creepy that someone has been watching me, but the truth is - I couldn't give a flying f*ck what this person thinks of me. I know the truth and so does anyone who's opinion I value.
It has been a stressful few weeks...and if you are keeping track I would say it has been a stressful few MONTHS. I just got a letter from the apartment complex citing complaints about how I treat my dog. Yes, Teddy. The prince of apartment 8. I will readily admit that I stand in the doorway and let him pee in the mornings and at night. That is addressed in the letter. Fine. I won't do that anymore. Not a big deal. The big deal is that the letter goes on to say that I don't walk my dog. As in ever. WTF? I am so angry right now that I could tell pretty much anyone who gets in my way to just fuck off. I dare anyone to come to my house and see how my dog lives. He is a happy dog that has plenty of attention and that I actually walk him. It is impossible to have a dog and not walk them unless you have a doggy door and a fenced in back yard. I hope that whoever this (or these as the case may be) person is continues to enjoy such a blessed life. I feel it must be blessed that they don't have any real problems and have enough time to watch me and study how I treat my dog. I could go on and on, but it would be redundant. I am going to talk to the leasing agent tomorrow and straighten this out. I should bring Teddy by so they can see how abused he is.
Isn't that what they say about death? Peyton's dad passed away the Saturday after Thanksgiving. My cousin Julie passed away Saturday. And my best friend from home lost her grandmother this morning. No more. Not one more person. Does everyone hear me? Be careful out there.
Sorry I've been out of touch as of late. I was out of town for the funeral and pulling some important friend time. You know who you are and you know I love you and will answer my phone at anytime...even 6 am.
On another more cheery note, next Saturday the roommie and I will be throwing a kick-ass Christmas party. If you read this and live in the vicinity then you are invited. We are definitely thinking the more the merrier. Lots of decorations, great food and perhaps a rousing game of charades? We played charades on Thanksgiving night and I don't think I have laughed that hard in years. It took a pretty naughty turn with very descriptive hand gesturing to "Slob on my knob" - the classic tune by Three 6 Mafia. Well, I didn't say it was a classy game of charades.
I just wanted to remind everyone to call your loved ones and let them know how much they mean to you. I received news that a very close friend lost their dad last night and it just puts everything in perspective.
The spirit is back...and it looks like I won't be spending Christmas with just my dad. Things are looking up.
(to preface - this post is not meant to offend anyone or make them feel bad, it's just me venting)
Truly. I just talked to my brother on the phone to find out what he and his wife are doing for the holidays and it looks like they will be out of town to visit her family. This is disasterous! Here's my deep, dark secret about Christmas: Christmas Eve and Day are usually days that I cry and I am miserable. Weird, huh? It's because my father is scrooge - which I am sure I have mentioned before - and we bicker incessantly on the day before and the day of the major holiday (not to mention all the days I am home in general). I love Christmas in theory. I love it all the way until we get to the finish line and then...and then...and then I hate it. So here's the problem: without my brother or anyone else at the house it will just be my dad and I. My brother and his wife are the buffers. It used to be my mom, but she's gone now and dad is so negative about the holidays it is hard work trying to stay in the mood. Now I won't have my buffer and it will truly be a depressing time. It's not like I resent my sister-in-law for wanting to go home. She has had to travel on Christmas for the past several years and this would mean she could already be there to celebrate with her family like everyone else. It's also not like Chris hasn't been lashed to the house for the past ten years (and as she pointed out over the phone that they don't see my dad at least EVERY OTHER DAY). I get it. I would want to go home too. It just sucks for me. I feel so selfish. Although if they can go to visit her family I would encourage it. Someone should have a nice Christmas. People - it's just a hop skip and a jump to Christmas by myself.
I've seen the future and it doesn't look pretty.
The Lego house (as requested) and our fabulous alternative Christmas tree...
Be sure to click on the tree. Yes, folks. That is a pink feather tree. With pink lights. And silver glitter balls. Siegfried and Roy would be proud (and jealous)
I am that person you hate. The one that loves to celebrate Christmas incredibly early. I am the person that retailers cater to the week before Halloween when they have pulled out their Christmas wares. Oh yes.
I am going to try and stretch out the decorating this year. We have a lovely (albeit small) Christmas tree up and I also strategically placed a tiny arrangement of lights on a Lego house I built over the summer (there is no reason plastic people cannot enjoy the yuletide festivities). I'll have you know I am downright chipper right now. Oh the joy!
Off to North Carolina to see Lee. We have a full weekend planned, including tailgating! Of course, there will be no sports watching just drinking and eating I hope. No need to ruin it by watching men run around grabbing ass and throwing a ball. Blah, blah. I will fill you in once I get back and let you know about all the fun things we get up to.
Eloquent letter to the editor from author Pat Conroy. It's a little long, but worth the read. This was originally published in the Charleston Gazette (You have to realize it is really well written as I have generally taken a public stance against promoting anything from within the state border of West Virginia) :)
Pat Conroy’s letter about Nitro High's book suspensions
Author scolds censors, praises teachers and students
A Letter to the Editor of the Charleston Gazette:
I received an urgent e-mail from a high school student named Makenzie Hatfield of Charleston, West Virginia. She informed me of a group of parents who were attempting to suppress the teaching of two of my novels, “The Prince of Tides” and “Beach Music.” I heard rumors of this controversy as I was completing my latest filthy, vomit-inducing work. These controversies are so commonplace in my life that I no longer get involved. But my knowledge of mountain lore is strong enough to know the dangers of refusing to help a Hatfield of West Virginia. I also do not mess with McCoys.
I’ve enjoyed a lifetime love affair with English teachers, just like the ones who are being abused in Charleston, West Virginia, today. My English teachers pushed me to be smart and inquisitive, and they taught me the great books of the world with passion and cunning and love. Like your English teachers, they didn’t have any money, either, but they lived in the bright fires of their imaginations, and they taught because they were born to teach the prettiest language in the world. I have yet to meet an English teacher who assigned a book to damage a kid. They take an unutterable joy in opening up the known world to their students, but they are dishonored and unpraised because of the scandalous paychecks they receive. In my travels around this country, I have discovered that America hates its teachers, and I could not tell you why. Charleston, West Virginia, is showing clear signs of really hurting theirs, and I would be cautious about the word getting out.
In 1961, I entered the classroom of the great Eugene Norris, who set about in a thousand ways to change my life. It was the year I read “Catcher in the Rye,” under Gene’s careful tutelage, and I adore that book to this very day. Later, a parent complained to the school board, and Gene Norris was called before the board to defend his teaching of this book. He asked me to write an essay describing the book’s galvanic effect on me, which I did. But Gene’s defense of “Catcher in the Rye” was so brilliant and convincing in its sheer power that it carried the day. I stayed close to Gene Norris till the day he died. I delivered a eulogy at his memorial service and was one of the executors of his will. Few in the world have ever loved English teachers as I have, and I loathe it when they are bullied by know-nothing parents or cowardly school boards.
About the novels your county just censored: “The Prince of Tides” and “Beach Music” are two of my darlings, which I would place before the altar of God and say, “Lord, this is how I found the world you made.” They contain scenes of violence, but I was the son of a Marine Corps fighter pilot who killed hundreds of men in Korea, beat my mother and his seven kids whenever he felt like it, and fought in three wars. My youngest brother, Tom, committed suicide by jumping off a fourteen-story building; my French teacher ended her life with a pistol; my aunt was brutally raped in Atlanta; eight of my classmates at The Citadel were killed in Vietnam; and my best friend was killed in a car wreck in Mississippi last summer. Violence has always been a part of my world. I write about it in my books and make no apology to anyone. In “Beach Music,” I wrote about the Holocaust and lack the literary powers to make that historical event anything other than grotesque.
People cuss in my books. People cuss in my real life. I cuss, especially at Citadel basketball games. I’m perfectly sure that Steve Shamblin and other teachers prepared their students well for any encounters with violence or profanity in my books just as Gene Norris prepared me for the profane language in “Catcher in the Rye” forty-eight years ago.
The world of literature has everything in it, and it refuses to leave anything out. I have read like a man on fire my whole life because the genius of English teachers touched me with the dazzling beauty of language. Because of them I rode with Don Quixote and danced with Anna Karenina at a ball in St. Petersburg and lassoed a steer in “Lonesome Dove” and had nightmares about slavery in “Beloved” and walked the streets of Dublin in “Ulysses” and made up a hundred stories in the Arabian nights and saw my mother killed by a baseball in “A Prayer for Owen Meany.” I’ve been in ten thousand cities and have introduced myself to a hundred thousand strangers in my exuberant reading career, all because I listened to my fabulous English teachers and soaked up every single thing those magnificent men and women had to give. I cherish and praise them and thank them for finding me when I was a boy and presenting me with the precious gift of the English language.
The school board of Charleston, West Virginia, has sullied that gift and shamed themselves and their community. You’ve now entered the ranks of censors, book-banners, and teacher-haters, and the word will spread. Good teachers will avoid you as though you had cholera. But here is my favorite thing: Because you banned my books, every kid in that county will read them, every single one of them. Because book banners are invariably idiots, they don’t know how the world works — but writers and English teachers do.
I salute the English teachers of Charleston, West Virginia, and send my affection to their students. West Virginians, you’ve just done what history warned you against — you’ve riled a Hatfield.
Sincerely,
Pat Conroy
It was one of those days. You know the kind - it just starts a little off and keeps going in that direction. I messed up a couple of things and felt like an idiot. A little boy peed in one of our chairs...and I got to disinfect the site. I am off for the next few days and I am hoping to regroup and enjoy my time away.
Oh!
I forgot. I'm going to the Christmas Village that is at the convention center. That will surely cheer me up!! Yay!
P.S. - checkout my new Christmas Countdown ticker at the bottom of the page. Now you will know exactly how much time you have to shop.
If you insist on riding the back end of my car then I will insist on driving slower than Morgan Freeman escorting Miss Daisy around town. I am not intimidated by your big bad lights in my rear view mirror and no matter how many times you throw your hands in the air I will continue to drive slower than CHRISTMAS ITSELF.
On another note, I feel it is important for me clear up a few misconceptions about my profession.
I am a librarian...this doesn't mean...
...that I read all day. I wish.
...that I am barely able to string two sentences together and anyone can do what I do. I dare you to find a book when someone tells you they don't know the author, title and they "think maybe it had a blue cover, but it could have been green and it had a dog in it."
...that when we don't have a book you want it means that the library is "pathetic." I am sorry that we don't have every tome known to man. Move on to another library.
...that I look like your maid. That it is okay to come to my place of work and wreck the place and expect that I will gladly hop to it and clean up after your lazy ass.
...that your ill behaved children are nearly as charming as everyone else has assured you they are. They are living embodiments that Beelzebub is roaming the earth and wreaking havoc through tiny hands.
Just a few thoughts for your day.
Some of you have met my friend Roach. Here he is in all his dancing glory. Enjoy
Am I discussing Disney World? Nah. I am discussing the fact that my roommie made homemade Ranch Dressing from a recipe that her chef boyfriend gave her. Dear Jesus, it is good. I got home and found it waiting in the fridge. I had not a cracker or chip in site, but I scrounged up some pretzels that were in the bottom of my Cheez-it Party Mix (which, btw, had been left over after a certain someone came to dogsit for Teddy and ate all the good stuff out of the box...) and tasted some of the most delicious dip ever. As soon as she gets home I am going to implore her to marry this man. Clearly anyone who can conjure up this deliciousness must have more up his sleeve. This man will not remain unhitched long...especially in the South. You know what they say about a southern girl and BJ's?
I'm leaving Friday for a quick jaunt to the Magical Kingdom. I would have posted a picture, but knowing Disney they would probably sue me for copyright infringement and send me to the pokey. As jail would hinder the fun I have decided to include a picture I drew myself on Microsoft Paint. I consider it a loose interpretation of Sleeping Beauty's Castle. My talent just shines through, doesn't it?
p.s. - I promise to say "hey" to Mickey, Minnie, and all the gang.
The insomnia, people. The Insomnia. I would love to lay down and get some rest, but the moment my head hits the pillow or I even think about going to bed I get nervous. Why? Who knows? I find that my anxiety is fine during the day, but the moment things quiet down and I let my mind wander, bad things happen. I start thinking about all the things that can or could go wrong and just worry myself to the point of stomach cramps, rapid heartbeat and an overall feeling of dread. I am just tired. I need some restful sleep.
I witnessed a woman clambering down from her bohemoth of an SUV and grab a woven basket and take it into the grocery store (I assume to save plastic bags?) I happened to leave the store at the same time and noticed that she had her oh-so-politically-correct-basket in her cart perched atop...a flat of 30 water bottles. Ah. The irony.
P.S. would you believe that I drove to the store in my fuel efficient Honda Civic, gladly received my groceries in plastic bags and will add them to the collection of bags here at the apartment that will make their way to be recycled?
It's 'Dega weekend here in 'Bama and I am quite excited. I am going out for a belated celebration for my birthday with friends ~ that's what happens when your birthday falls on a Wednesday. I believe it will be a good weekend. I watched Blades of Glory tonight for the second time with Jenny and her dad. Tomorrow night is dinner and birthday debauchery with friends and the race on Sunday.
Yes.
Ma'am.
I hope everyone has a great weekend and for those of you that can't make this year's birthday festivities - I am about to give you plenty of notice for next year...
Next year is a leap year which means my 30th (yes, I just typed that) falls on a Friday. Perfect. I am planning a trip to Vegas. I don't want presents. I want all of my friends who can attend to come out and party with me in Sin City. I will expect you there. Start saving your money because I'm not going for an economy trip. See you in 363 days.
I am always curious about the type of folks that whip into a handicap place without a sign of guilt...or the person that throws trash out of their car window...or the kind of person that wears a shirt that is too tight and their belly is hanging well below the equator...or the person that just ignores those "normal" behavioral limits that most humans follow. I just wonder about it on a daily basis because I would never do any of those things. How about you?
I got dressed up this past Friday. You know - make-up, heels, low cut shirt, sexily tousled hair (if I do say so myself). I was almost overcome with the need to drive through the ice cream place and tell Mr. Inappropriate Comment Ice Cream Vendor (as I like to call him...or Senor Jacka** for short) that I do actually leave my home on occasion. Ha! I decided that this action could potentially be seen as even more pathetic so I refrained. Barely. I just thought I should blog about it as SOMEONE out there called me borderline agoraphobic. I don't need to name names...ahem Mr. AJR.
Hair extensions. Britney Spears goes through a new set of crappy-a** hair every week. It looks like she lets her children do her weave and there are plenty of people out there that need hair for good reasons. I say she should be banned from getting any more hair. I say this because I am growing my hair out for Locks of Love and it is taking forever. I have not had my hair significantly cut since March of 2006 and I will probably need another year before I have enough hair to donate. By the way, this is probably the longest I have ever had my hair which is good and bad. I am tired of it, but I don't think it looks too bad. You should check out their website if you are considering donating your hair.
I have been pretty even these days. I mean that I haven't been too down and things seem good in my life. This is not true for some of my friends and I am trying to be supportive and helpful. I want my friends to feel comfortable coming to me with their problems, but it is also important for me to keep my happiness in focus as well. Sometimes this is hard and I almost feel bad that I feel okay and they don't (ummm, yesterday's post...?). I guess I just want to put this in print. There it is.
I have blogged about this before (I don't feel like linking, so you can search for the post if you really care). I feel guilt all the time and it is about stuff I shouldn't feel guilty about. I worry that I hurt people's feelings by saying the littlest things. I really don't think this happens with most people. I am going to conduct a very unscientific experiment and keep track of how often I feel guilty tomorrow. I will get back to you...
