2011 brought many new things into my life.
I've had a handsome boy move in with me. I'm the one bringing home the bacon, filling the food dish and cleaning the house. But I love my morning cuddles, hugs when I get home from work and snuggles at bed time. (I <3 my cat Hercules)
I also closed a chapter in my life, after six years with one job, I moved on to another. I don't know how some people can move or change jobs every year. It's stressful and familiarity makes me feel more comfortable and confident. I love my new job though and look forward to many, many years there.
I've fulfilled a couple of life goals, even though I don't have the "official" list any more. (It's on the HD of my old computer, too lazy to take it to computer people to retrieve data.) Those goals include seeing the Goo Goo Dolls live in concert (be still my heart) and making/decorating my own gingerbread house. So fun!
2011 by me:
3 words: transition, music, belly rubs
Favorites:
TV Show: Big Bang Theory
Song: Unravel, Unwind, The Spring Standards
Movie: I may have only seen one movie in the theatres ... Water for Elephants. the best pairing of the book and screen.
Book: I read it twice ... The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Football player: Aaron Rodgers ... that is ... b....who? :-p
Wine: Angelique, Sparkling Wine from Stone's Throw Winery in Door County - almond flavored!
Gift Given: Scentsy pot for Erika, I love her reaction to the gift!
Web site: Google Reader. I have 1000 + posts to read and I know I'll never get to them all, but I can never say I'm bored!
~ * ~ * ~
Overrated: Planting cacti, there's a reason they're picky, they shouldn't be touched. Ouch.
Disappointed: Missing fantasy football .... just could prepare without normal preseason coverage and job transition
I need to work on: sticking to a daily routine -- This was my goal for 2011, I failed miserably!
Overrated Part 2: NFL Lockout, nearly broke my heart
~ * ~ * ~
Grateful for: good friends and supportive coworkers
Travel: Door County, Baraboo and Madison AND Dubuque, IA to visit my friend Breanna & her hubby and going to my first Goo Goo Doll Concert!!!
I miss: not second guessing everything
Somewhat obsessed: twitter, google reader & you tube subscriptions
Here's to 2012 and all the inspiration, opportunity and possibilities it brings!
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 31, 2010
A Collection of 2010
I read somewhere that based on numerology 27 was supposed to be a fantastic year for me. And in the most part, it has been, but I think I've been getting in my own way which caused the bad things that I've experienced.
So, I'm looking forward to bringing in 2011 and enjoying the rest of 27. Only good things from here!
A collection of 2010:
3 words: unlucky, music, connections
Favorites:
TV Show: Wipeout
Song: The Rescue's cover of Katy Perry's Teenage Dream
Movie: The remake of Nightmare on Elm Street (even though I like the original Freddy better!) Opening weekend on my birthday!
Football player: The Beast ~ Clay Matthews
Wine: Angelique, Sparkling Wine from Stone's Throw Winery in Door County - almond flavored!
Gift Given: Sarah's Miche :-)
New tradition: Watching Curious George after work :-p
Web site: http://www.questcrew.com/
~ * ~ * ~
Overrated: Sarah Palin and Brett Favre --- hello! Go away~
Disappointed: So You Think You Can Dance? Season 7 -- no reason to watch after this & Alex left b/c of injury.
I need to work on: sticking to a daily routine
Overrated Part 2: the words Vacay and Staycation!~
~ * ~ * ~
Grateful for: new friends that feel like old friends
Travel: Two trips to Door County ... and full wine racks upon return! :-)
I miss: old friends who used to feel like home
Somewhat obsessed: twitter, google reader & you tube subscriptions
Here's to 2011 and all the inspiration, opportunity and possibilities it brings!
So, I'm looking forward to bringing in 2011 and enjoying the rest of 27. Only good things from here!
A collection of 2010:
3 words: unlucky, music, connections
Favorites:
TV Show: Wipeout
Song: The Rescue's cover of Katy Perry's Teenage Dream
Movie: The remake of Nightmare on Elm Street (even though I like the original Freddy better!) Opening weekend on my birthday!
Football player: The Beast ~ Clay Matthews
Wine: Angelique, Sparkling Wine from Stone's Throw Winery in Door County - almond flavored!
Gift Given: Sarah's Miche :-)
New tradition: Watching Curious George after work :-p
Web site: http://www.questcrew.com/
~ * ~ * ~
Overrated: Sarah Palin and Brett Favre --- hello! Go away~
Disappointed: So You Think You Can Dance? Season 7 -- no reason to watch after this & Alex left b/c of injury.
I need to work on: sticking to a daily routine
Overrated Part 2: the words Vacay and Staycation!~
~ * ~ * ~
Grateful for: new friends that feel like old friends
Travel: Two trips to Door County ... and full wine racks upon return! :-)
I miss: old friends who used to feel like home
Somewhat obsessed: twitter, google reader & you tube subscriptions
Here's to 2011 and all the inspiration, opportunity and possibilities it brings!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
The simple days of llamas and stroking
I was inspired by a friend to look through high school yearbooks. (Eek.) In most ways, it's a pleasant trip down memory lane.
I really hit my stride in Junior year so I bypassed the awkward years and started at that yearbook. Some of the stuff I don't remember .... but you have to hand it to my friends, they did a lot better than have a nice summer, see you next year and good luck in the future. Oh no, when my children read this in the future they'll wonder about their mom.
Let me take you through what they'll learn:
1. There was a competition of who could write the most. Kerry won. Lindsey came in second. The tandem of Jenny and Kriston came in third and Josey observed the long winded nature of all of them.
1a. Kerry also wrote in the shiny purple pen and told me that when I was bored I should erase the silver so it would be purple. I never did that ... although the word angel is erased. I think Kerry did that herself, but she's still not fooling anyone.
2. Mr. Buchanan is mentioned almost more than I am. We all obviously enjoyed, hated and obsessed about comps and physics. The crowds rejoiced when we were done.
3. A lot of people were really happy I was Editor-in-Chief next year.
4. Lindsey started a rumor about me and Amish boys. (Seriously Lindsey, wtf was up with that?)
5. Even though Jennifer and I didn't see each other much we had a lot of fun in history. She claims she won. Which I remember is not true, I won ... I'm not sure what, but I know it involves biology (from sophomore year, I believe) somehow there were legos and blue diploid freaks.
6. Jenny & Kerry value my friendship.
7. Kerry can't guarantee one of her alter egos won't murder me.
8. Jenny thinks I'm a wonderful person, even if I'm a little sarcastic.
9. Shannon confirms I have the best shoes.
10. Sarah's not so sure I won't blackmail her.
Our senior year I got a much wider scope of people as the big going away sign fest took place. A handful of people I used to hang out with pointed that out (Sorry about that, I was probably too weird for you anyways) and the core group didn't hog as much of the pages.
1. There are a lot of animals in here. Ducks, llamas, monkeys, kitties, squirrels, fleas, cats, deer, donkeys, tigers and turtles. (And I thought we didn't get into bestiality until junior year of college!)
2. There's also underwear gnomes and naked cowboys.
3. Jenny stole my picture of Johnny and hid it under my starry night picture. Not cool Jenny. Not cool.
4. Llamas are mentioned on nearly every page.
5. To read the entries, I literally have to turn the book around and around. Looks like I'm not the only one who can't write in a straight line.
6. To my surprise, the word lesbian comes up less than five times. (Glad to see I rose above that)
7. I am, however, known for stroking things and dropping Charity's agenda.
8. Jennifer still thinks she won. Though, we all know, she is wrong.
9. Eight teachers signed my yearbook.
10. Kerry and Lindsey did not. I remember Kerry and I did an exchange, but its not with my yearbook. Probably put it in my agenda. Oh the STORIES that Agenda COULD TELL!!
11. Most of people did not sign their last name. Seriously, more than half of them.
How is it that licking is not even mentioned once?!
As much as I have mixed emotions about that time (and the year to follow), it makes me nostalgic.
Ahh the simple days of llamas and stroking.
I really hit my stride in Junior year so I bypassed the awkward years and started at that yearbook. Some of the stuff I don't remember .... but you have to hand it to my friends, they did a lot better than have a nice summer, see you next year and good luck in the future. Oh no, when my children read this in the future they'll wonder about their mom.
Let me take you through what they'll learn:
1. There was a competition of who could write the most. Kerry won. Lindsey came in second. The tandem of Jenny and Kriston came in third and Josey observed the long winded nature of all of them.
1a. Kerry also wrote in the shiny purple pen and told me that when I was bored I should erase the silver so it would be purple. I never did that ... although the word angel is erased. I think Kerry did that herself, but she's still not fooling anyone.
2. Mr. Buchanan is mentioned almost more than I am. We all obviously enjoyed, hated and obsessed about comps and physics. The crowds rejoiced when we were done.
3. A lot of people were really happy I was Editor-in-Chief next year.
4. Lindsey started a rumor about me and Amish boys. (Seriously Lindsey, wtf was up with that?)
5. Even though Jennifer and I didn't see each other much we had a lot of fun in history. She claims she won. Which I remember is not true, I won ... I'm not sure what, but I know it involves biology (from sophomore year, I believe) somehow there were legos and blue diploid freaks.
6. Jenny & Kerry value my friendship.
7. Kerry can't guarantee one of her alter egos won't murder me.
8. Jenny thinks I'm a wonderful person, even if I'm a little sarcastic.
9. Shannon confirms I have the best shoes.
10. Sarah's not so sure I won't blackmail her.
Our senior year I got a much wider scope of people as the big going away sign fest took place. A handful of people I used to hang out with pointed that out (Sorry about that, I was probably too weird for you anyways) and the core group didn't hog as much of the pages.
1. There are a lot of animals in here. Ducks, llamas, monkeys, kitties, squirrels, fleas, cats, deer, donkeys, tigers and turtles. (And I thought we didn't get into bestiality until junior year of college!)
2. There's also underwear gnomes and naked cowboys.
3. Jenny stole my picture of Johnny and hid it under my starry night picture. Not cool Jenny. Not cool.
4. Llamas are mentioned on nearly every page.
5. To read the entries, I literally have to turn the book around and around. Looks like I'm not the only one who can't write in a straight line.
6. To my surprise, the word lesbian comes up less than five times. (Glad to see I rose above that)
7. I am, however, known for stroking things and dropping Charity's agenda.
8. Jennifer still thinks she won. Though, we all know, she is wrong.
9. Eight teachers signed my yearbook.
10. Kerry and Lindsey did not. I remember Kerry and I did an exchange, but its not with my yearbook. Probably put it in my agenda. Oh the STORIES that Agenda COULD TELL!!
11. Most of people did not sign their last name. Seriously, more than half of them.
How is it that licking is not even mentioned once?!
As much as I have mixed emotions about that time (and the year to follow), it makes me nostalgic.
Ahh the simple days of llamas and stroking.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
10 Movies, If I were you, I wouldn't see
March Madness means two things to me: there's nothing good on TV for a solid three weeks and I get to do a mega movie marathon. Typically I go to my DVD collection, but I wasn't in the mood for my old favorites this time around.
So off to the library to get some movies that had been on my list to watch.
In this year's Movie Madness I rediscovered the notion that with the fantastic flicks there must also come the really, really bad ones.
I'm not talking about low-budget special effects, corny 80's movies or random sci-fi musicals. The really bad movies have almost no redeeming qualities--and the ones they do have you're only telling yourself in order to justify the hours of your life you can't get back.
In the 12 or so movies I watched in these three weeks, there were a couple I watched twice, some that made me laugh, cry and scream. But one, made me fall asleep.
Ladies and Gents .... a sign it's a bad movie. The crap is emanating so thickly from the screen that your eyes cannot stand it and close.
This bad (bad, bad, bad) movie? Gerry.
Now, I must admit, the only reason I got it was because of Matt Damon. And after watching it, I feel the production company should be sued for false advertising. The paper/reporter who said it was "riveting & captivating story" and "the best film of the year" was either high or watching some other movie.
It's about two friends, Damon and Casey Affleck, out for an afternoon hike in Salt Lake Park. They wander from the trail and get lost. And here, let me spoil the ending for you so you don't have to go through the agony yourself.
Moments after Casey dies, Matt hears traffic and walks to the road. He flags down a car, hops in and leaves his friends body in the windy wasteland.
There are long periods of time where there's no talking. Most of the conversation is them telling each other stories (jokes). They call each other Gerry and frequently use it (Gerry) as a noun, verb, adverb and expletive.
Let me demonstrate: This Gerry movie was a Gerry-in' piece of Gerry. Not as funny when it isn't smurf, is it?
My first attempt, I fell asleep. I continued only to see if it got better--or if there was a big revelation that would make it make sense. Because, I was missing something, right? This Gerry movie can't be so Gerry, right?
The best part--and only mildly amusing part--was when Casey climbed a rock and couldn't get down. So Matt made a dirt mattress (i.e., a two inch pile of dirt and stones) for him to jump down into. The theory was that it would cushion Casey's fall and he wouldn't break an ankle.
It worked--but maybe if he would have busted an ankle it might have been more interesting.
At one point I started timing how long they would go without talking, but I got bored and gave up.
This disaster of a film got me thinking. What other movies made me feel like less of a person for watching them?
So, I compiled for you my Top 10 list of Horrible Movies. Special Thanks to Kriston and Jenni for their input and inspiration.
10. Sideways - Weak plot, not enough of Wine Country, even though it toted it was a movie about life in Wine Country. Vaguely amusing at times.
9. Remake of Planet of the Apes - Just not my kind of movie. Not interesting, and even though I knew the ending, I found it disappointing and dumb.
8. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End - What a way to ruin what was an awesome first film. Epic Fail Disney. Epic Fail.
7. Tie: Anchorman & Ace Ventura - Nearly anything by Will Farrell and Jim Carey's early work is crap. Both Kriston and Jenni said they felt they lost brain cells from watching these movies. I'd have to agree. Maybe I don't get the humor. But I'll pass.
6. Pearl Harbor - Boring and just taking advantage of the popularity of World War II movies. Very cliche.
5. Disney's Fantasia - Oddly frightening for a movie created for children. Boring too. My elementary school played this at a movie day. We LOVED movie days. We'd all go to the gym, watch it on the big screen have buttery popcorn and get out of class. At the break of this movie we begged not to go back.
4. Intolerable Cruelty - Another movie I watched all the way through in hopes it would get better. Kerry and I dragged the papasan chairs in our room and had drinks for a movie night. This was way better than the movie.
3. Gerry - Bad enough that it inspired me to write a post about the worst movies I've ever seen.
2. The Exorcist - I have a love-hate relationship with horror movies. I love the thrill and pure release. I hate that most of my childhood fears come from seeing the movies at too young of an age. (Let that be a lesson to you: no matter how cute it is that your little pumpkin isn't afraid of the movie, DON'T LET THEM WATCH IT. THEY WILL BE SCARRED FOR LIFE)
It's all hate for the Exorcist though. I literally had to will myself not to fall asleep during it. At the end I asked my mom what I missed because this classic supposedly set the standard for decades of horror films. I guess that's why there are so many bad horror films.
And, the worst movie I've ever seen .....
1. Monster's Ball. I wanted to see this movie for two reasons: huge buzz from the Oscars and Heath Ledger. I cannot pick out a redeeming factor from this movie. Plot holes. Poor acting in parts and disturbing story.
Now, I'm all for movies that tear down your world to expose a hard truth for a greater purpose. This was just gritty and dark to be dark and gritty.
Well there you go. 10 movies I would not recommend.
And to help you out a little more ... My tips for your viewing pleasure:
If it's bad, turn it off. It won't get better.
Watch different movies than your normal style. You'll find some gems. Plus you'll sound more intelligent when you tell your friends about the holy piece of Gerry that you wouldn't watch again if you were paid.
Finally, popcorn, papasans and/or booze can redeem the experience even if the actual movie makes you want to poke your eyes out.
So off to the library to get some movies that had been on my list to watch.
In this year's Movie Madness I rediscovered the notion that with the fantastic flicks there must also come the really, really bad ones.
I'm not talking about low-budget special effects, corny 80's movies or random sci-fi musicals. The really bad movies have almost no redeeming qualities--and the ones they do have you're only telling yourself in order to justify the hours of your life you can't get back.
In the 12 or so movies I watched in these three weeks, there were a couple I watched twice, some that made me laugh, cry and scream. But one, made me fall asleep.
Ladies and Gents .... a sign it's a bad movie. The crap is emanating so thickly from the screen that your eyes cannot stand it and close.
This bad (bad, bad, bad) movie? Gerry.
Now, I must admit, the only reason I got it was because of Matt Damon. And after watching it, I feel the production company should be sued for false advertising. The paper/reporter who said it was "riveting & captivating story" and "the best film of the year" was either high or watching some other movie.
It's about two friends, Damon and Casey Affleck, out for an afternoon hike in Salt Lake Park. They wander from the trail and get lost. And here, let me spoil the ending for you so you don't have to go through the agony yourself.
Moments after Casey dies, Matt hears traffic and walks to the road. He flags down a car, hops in and leaves his friends body in the windy wasteland.
There are long periods of time where there's no talking. Most of the conversation is them telling each other stories (jokes). They call each other Gerry and frequently use it (Gerry) as a noun, verb, adverb and expletive.
Let me demonstrate: This Gerry movie was a Gerry-in' piece of Gerry. Not as funny when it isn't smurf, is it?
My first attempt, I fell asleep. I continued only to see if it got better--or if there was a big revelation that would make it make sense. Because, I was missing something, right? This Gerry movie can't be so Gerry, right?
The best part--and only mildly amusing part--was when Casey climbed a rock and couldn't get down. So Matt made a dirt mattress (i.e., a two inch pile of dirt and stones) for him to jump down into. The theory was that it would cushion Casey's fall and he wouldn't break an ankle.
It worked--but maybe if he would have busted an ankle it might have been more interesting.
At one point I started timing how long they would go without talking, but I got bored and gave up.
This disaster of a film got me thinking. What other movies made me feel like less of a person for watching them?
So, I compiled for you my Top 10 list of Horrible Movies. Special Thanks to Kriston and Jenni for their input and inspiration.
10. Sideways - Weak plot, not enough of Wine Country, even though it toted it was a movie about life in Wine Country. Vaguely amusing at times.
9. Remake of Planet of the Apes - Just not my kind of movie. Not interesting, and even though I knew the ending, I found it disappointing and dumb.
8. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End - What a way to ruin what was an awesome first film. Epic Fail Disney. Epic Fail.
7. Tie: Anchorman & Ace Ventura - Nearly anything by Will Farrell and Jim Carey's early work is crap. Both Kriston and Jenni said they felt they lost brain cells from watching these movies. I'd have to agree. Maybe I don't get the humor. But I'll pass.
6. Pearl Harbor - Boring and just taking advantage of the popularity of World War II movies. Very cliche.
5. Disney's Fantasia - Oddly frightening for a movie created for children. Boring too. My elementary school played this at a movie day. We LOVED movie days. We'd all go to the gym, watch it on the big screen have buttery popcorn and get out of class. At the break of this movie we begged not to go back.
4. Intolerable Cruelty - Another movie I watched all the way through in hopes it would get better. Kerry and I dragged the papasan chairs in our room and had drinks for a movie night. This was way better than the movie.
3. Gerry - Bad enough that it inspired me to write a post about the worst movies I've ever seen.
2. The Exorcist - I have a love-hate relationship with horror movies. I love the thrill and pure release. I hate that most of my childhood fears come from seeing the movies at too young of an age. (Let that be a lesson to you: no matter how cute it is that your little pumpkin isn't afraid of the movie, DON'T LET THEM WATCH IT. THEY WILL BE SCARRED FOR LIFE)
It's all hate for the Exorcist though. I literally had to will myself not to fall asleep during it. At the end I asked my mom what I missed because this classic supposedly set the standard for decades of horror films. I guess that's why there are so many bad horror films.
And, the worst movie I've ever seen .....
1. Monster's Ball. I wanted to see this movie for two reasons: huge buzz from the Oscars and Heath Ledger. I cannot pick out a redeeming factor from this movie. Plot holes. Poor acting in parts and disturbing story.
Now, I'm all for movies that tear down your world to expose a hard truth for a greater purpose. This was just gritty and dark to be dark and gritty.
Well there you go. 10 movies I would not recommend.
And to help you out a little more ... My tips for your viewing pleasure:
If it's bad, turn it off. It won't get better.
Watch different movies than your normal style. You'll find some gems. Plus you'll sound more intelligent when you tell your friends about the holy piece of Gerry that you wouldn't watch again if you were paid.
Finally, popcorn, papasans and/or booze can redeem the experience even if the actual movie makes you want to poke your eyes out.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Anything but Maple Nut
It snowed again. So I must remove the snow. I'm sorry ... talking about weather again. How uninteresting. I swear I won't do it again ... at least not any more this year.
Day two of vacation ... it's 12:18 ... and I'm not dressed. Darn. I ate breakfast, had coffee, two episodes of Curious George and one of Martha Speaks in honor of Sarah and brother Ben. I have to finish wrapping presents today ... something I've been saying I'll do for at least the last week. I don't know why it's such a pain this year.
My thumbs hurt. And it has nothing to do with the fact that I cut my thumb right through the nail. That's actually not painful at all--as long as the nail doesn't separate or rip. Thank you inventors of nail glue--bet they didn't dream that I'd one day use it as a band-aid. ANYWAY my thumbs ache for no reason I can think of. They hurt so much that it's painful to pick up my water bottle, coffee cup, dish soap.
I guess this means I don't have to do dishes!
So my big ponder today was what to eat for lunch. I'm having leftover jambulya for supper and that doesn't leave much else in my fridge (beyond hunks of squash and cranberries that I have to find some way to use). I have the last bit of my Irish Beef Stew leftover ... but I'm so sick of it (be proud, I resisted the urge to use all caps).
I made it about a month ago and froze half. Even freezing that much I ate leftovers for at least a week. And when the last bit was gone ... I probably did a happy dance. It was good. Not the best, but tasty. After a week though ... it made my eyeballs nausious. And I'm a person who cannot eat the same thing two days in a row, the same cereal, flavor of coffee, soda ... etc, etc. I blame my father and his ever-loving Maple Nut Ice Cream and unwilliness to try something new (that doesn't include any of the following salts: garlic, seasoning or celery).
But over the weekend I thought I had enough time between the first week of stew and now. So I pulled it out and had it as a quick supper. The first night it was good ... by lunch the next day my eyeballs were threatening to barf all over the kitchen.
With very little options (perhaps popcorn? PB&J or maybe a pizza??) I came up with a brilliant idea. I made my nearly famous fried potatos and then heated up the stew, drained some of the excess liquid and BOOM! Irish Beef with peas and carrots over fried potatos. I think even my dad would be proud.
A KoL Note, brief because I don't want to be that person .... Crimbo is so uninteresting this year. And the lag makes it so tedious to get through the adventures ... for very little drops. Maybe Jick & Co. will whip out something fantastic (I just hope I don't miss it), but ususally ... it's something I look forward too ... and there my KoL tab is sitting, neglected.
Day two of vacation ... it's 12:18 ... and I'm not dressed. Darn. I ate breakfast, had coffee, two episodes of Curious George and one of Martha Speaks in honor of Sarah and brother Ben. I have to finish wrapping presents today ... something I've been saying I'll do for at least the last week. I don't know why it's such a pain this year.
My thumbs hurt. And it has nothing to do with the fact that I cut my thumb right through the nail. That's actually not painful at all--as long as the nail doesn't separate or rip. Thank you inventors of nail glue--bet they didn't dream that I'd one day use it as a band-aid. ANYWAY my thumbs ache for no reason I can think of. They hurt so much that it's painful to pick up my water bottle, coffee cup, dish soap.
I guess this means I don't have to do dishes!
So my big ponder today was what to eat for lunch. I'm having leftover jambulya for supper and that doesn't leave much else in my fridge (beyond hunks of squash and cranberries that I have to find some way to use). I have the last bit of my Irish Beef Stew leftover ... but I'm so sick of it (be proud, I resisted the urge to use all caps).
I made it about a month ago and froze half. Even freezing that much I ate leftovers for at least a week. And when the last bit was gone ... I probably did a happy dance. It was good. Not the best, but tasty. After a week though ... it made my eyeballs nausious. And I'm a person who cannot eat the same thing two days in a row, the same cereal, flavor of coffee, soda ... etc, etc. I blame my father and his ever-loving Maple Nut Ice Cream and unwilliness to try something new (that doesn't include any of the following salts: garlic, seasoning or celery).
But over the weekend I thought I had enough time between the first week of stew and now. So I pulled it out and had it as a quick supper. The first night it was good ... by lunch the next day my eyeballs were threatening to barf all over the kitchen.
With very little options (perhaps popcorn? PB&J or maybe a pizza??) I came up with a brilliant idea. I made my nearly famous fried potatos and then heated up the stew, drained some of the excess liquid and BOOM! Irish Beef with peas and carrots over fried potatos. I think even my dad would be proud.
A KoL Note, brief because I don't want to be that person .... Crimbo is so uninteresting this year. And the lag makes it so tedious to get through the adventures ... for very little drops. Maybe Jick & Co. will whip out something fantastic (I just hope I don't miss it), but ususally ... it's something I look forward too ... and there my KoL tab is sitting, neglected.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Relativity
Not limited to Einstein, space and time.
Because how can friends grow apart when it was foundation that brought them together in the first place?
How can you think I have money when I carefully live within my means?
You think frugal—and I think cheap.
That true maverick says change and means more profits for that upper one percent. While the candidate working for a better America says change and means a better life for people who know the meaning of working for a dime.
Because how can friends grow apart when it was foundation that brought them together in the first place?
How can you think I have money when I carefully live within my means?
You think frugal—and I think cheap.
That true maverick says change and means more profits for that upper one percent. While the candidate working for a better America says change and means a better life for people who know the meaning of working for a dime.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Don’t let the door hit you on the way out
Everyone mourns the loss of summer. But it seems as though the intensity of the loss grows greater each year. And that need to relish in the pain isn’t working for me.
I love the long days and warmth of the sun against my skin. The flowers are breath taking, rain showers are magical and clear driving conditions are fantastic. I’d love to keep all these things longer too.
But we can’t.
I guess the general longing … that evolves into clinging to a feeling or situation that never really existed … is driving me crazy.
My soul is screaming for the masses to get over it. Close your eyes and leap. Don’t search for greener grass when you could be appreciating what you have.
But stop lamenting over memories, summer days or three-time MVP’s. The times that are upon us could refresh and revitalize you, if you give it a chance.
I love the long days and warmth of the sun against my skin. The flowers are breath taking, rain showers are magical and clear driving conditions are fantastic. I’d love to keep all these things longer too.
But we can’t.
I guess the general longing … that evolves into clinging to a feeling or situation that never really existed … is driving me crazy.
My soul is screaming for the masses to get over it. Close your eyes and leap. Don’t search for greener grass when you could be appreciating what you have.
But stop lamenting over memories, summer days or three-time MVP’s. The times that are upon us could refresh and revitalize you, if you give it a chance.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Letters to Live By ~ The Inevitable
Dear Friend,
You’ll never believe the amazing advice I received today. It was around 3 p.m. and I was hitting a huge lull at work—you know, the kind brought on by lunch burning off and frustration mounting from an hour’s work disappearing.
I took a moment and a deep breath and the universe gave me a pick me up. The sage piece of wisdom was “Age is nothing but a number.” And it came from the best counsel: the wrapper of a Dove Dark Chocolate
I’ve been having issues with my quarter century. Never before has my years tallied on Earth been a focus or care. But dawning of the 25th year hit me like a bag of bricks.
Life has been psyching me out. Bills. Insurance. Retirement Plans. Home Ownership. Ack.
The problem with the real world is not the work or job. It’s all of these pressures mounting up. And the fear that one wrong move will sink the ship.
Because what Brett Favre has taught us is some decisions should be final and we don’t (normally) get the luxury of take backs.
Don’t get me wrong, my lovely Friend, the real world and all its pleasures of taxes, work pressures and unretirements aren’t fun.
It’s just like everything else though. Take one thing at a time and if you believe and are positive, the universe will provide for you (if nothing else, it gives you wisdom through chocolate to help you get through the moment).
The greatest challenge, my Friend, is to remember to have Patience!
You’ll never believe the amazing advice I received today. It was around 3 p.m. and I was hitting a huge lull at work—you know, the kind brought on by lunch burning off and frustration mounting from an hour’s work disappearing.
I took a moment and a deep breath and the universe gave me a pick me up. The sage piece of wisdom was “Age is nothing but a number.” And it came from the best counsel: the wrapper of a Dove Dark Chocolate
I’ve been having issues with my quarter century. Never before has my years tallied on Earth been a focus or care. But dawning of the 25th year hit me like a bag of bricks.
Life has been psyching me out. Bills. Insurance. Retirement Plans. Home Ownership. Ack.
The problem with the real world is not the work or job. It’s all of these pressures mounting up. And the fear that one wrong move will sink the ship.
Because what Brett Favre has taught us is some decisions should be final and we don’t (normally) get the luxury of take backs.
Don’t get me wrong, my lovely Friend, the real world and all its pleasures of taxes, work pressures and unretirements aren’t fun.
It’s just like everything else though. Take one thing at a time and if you believe and are positive, the universe will provide for you (if nothing else, it gives you wisdom through chocolate to help you get through the moment).
The greatest challenge, my Friend, is to remember to have Patience!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Letters to Live By ~ Passion
Oh dear Friend,
I miss your voice, your laugh. I remember all the good times we shared. Our silly inside jokes that mean nothing to everyone else.
I’ve felt deep passions since we last spoke—good and bad. I’ve been hurt severely, but also loved intensely. It’s funny, for me these both sides of this spectrum stir deep down in the same place—the pit of my stomach. That painful hurt makes my stomach drop or tie in knots and love makes it well up with butterflies. Oh, what an experience!
And I’m not sure if you can really recover from either—love or hurt. Because I can revisit it years later and feel fine, but something triggers it again and all those powerful feelings bubble up.
Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls says that “scars are souvenirs we’ll never lose, the past is never far.” I agree, but I’ll add wrinkles are earned, a past smile we should never forget.
See, the GGD and Johnny still hold in a place in my heart. As does Travis Jervey, purple, Van Gogh, duckies and llamas. Some things never change. And thank you my friend for accepting my obsessions (there I said it!) and not seeing them as faults. I love that twinkle in your eye when you see me embracing my “favorite things”—I know in your own way you relate to your favorite things as well.
Until next time my dear Friend ... do you remember when we went to that place, and I said this while you did that .... and then .... :-) Wasn't it great?
Sleep well, I look forward to our next chat. ~ Sdo
I miss your voice, your laugh. I remember all the good times we shared. Our silly inside jokes that mean nothing to everyone else.
I’ve felt deep passions since we last spoke—good and bad. I’ve been hurt severely, but also loved intensely. It’s funny, for me these both sides of this spectrum stir deep down in the same place—the pit of my stomach. That painful hurt makes my stomach drop or tie in knots and love makes it well up with butterflies. Oh, what an experience!
And I’m not sure if you can really recover from either—love or hurt. Because I can revisit it years later and feel fine, but something triggers it again and all those powerful feelings bubble up.
Johnny Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls says that “scars are souvenirs we’ll never lose, the past is never far.” I agree, but I’ll add wrinkles are earned, a past smile we should never forget.
See, the GGD and Johnny still hold in a place in my heart. As does Travis Jervey, purple, Van Gogh, duckies and llamas. Some things never change. And thank you my friend for accepting my obsessions (there I said it!) and not seeing them as faults. I love that twinkle in your eye when you see me embracing my “favorite things”—I know in your own way you relate to your favorite things as well.
Until next time my dear Friend ... do you remember when we went to that place, and I said this while you did that .... and then .... :-) Wasn't it great?
Sleep well, I look forward to our next chat. ~ Sdo
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Letters to Live By ~ Faith
Dear Old Friend,
It’s been quite awhile since we last spoke, and I apologize sincerely for the time and space between us. I never mean for so many days to stretch on from the last time we talked. But intentions never make these fingers dial the phone or type an email.
Lots of things have changed dear Friend, but you’d be surprised of how much has stayed the same. I’ll recap the most significant topics for you, as they come to me, and ask quickly as I can so I won’t keep you too long.
I’ll start with what I’ve learned about faith and religion. When I was in eighth grade, before my confirmation, one of the Sunday school teachers sat the girls of my class down and talked to us about faith. Well, actually it was more about religion and our devotion to God.
She looked at each of us, and asked us to promise we would continue going to church, no matter where our path would lead us. I remember in that moment, knowing I’d be making a promise I wouldn’t keep. Looking back, I see how very inappropriate that session was. God isn’t about peer pressure. And I went with the group, because I knew there would be negative consequences if I didn’t.
What she should have asked us to do was never lose faith. In the darkest moments, the loneliest times, we should look deep down inside ourselves and be comforted in that we are but a small part in this great universe. And our part, whether if it’s predestined or rewritten with every flutter of a butterfly’s wings, has a place.
If we just believe that everything happens for a reason and we are never truly alone—even (especially!) when nothing can be seen or felt—everything works its way out. Everything will be okay. The universe takes care of you as long as you believe in yourself.
And my Friend, I don’t often go to church, and probably never will. But don’t fear for my soul. I feel God all around me, and celebrate the wonders with every flower, blade of grass, rain drop and other miracles all around us. I don’t need to follow the flock, repeat words like drone or forcibly give money to an Earthly institution.
I don’t think this so much is a change—but the strength to formulate, believe and hold on to what was always in me. Talk about Joy in every day moments!
What has changed is my loss of faith. I don’t trust as easily as I used to. I’ve lost faith in people.
I find myself pulling back, showing only a small percent of what I really am. Much of the world around me only sees what I let them see—a shell of what I really am. I don’t want most people to know the real me.
The voice in the back of my head is constantly reminding me that any information I divulge can and will be used against me.
I’ve lost faith that people will mostly do the right thing, the sane thing, the fair thing.
So I’ve come to numb myself, take that shot of Novocain against life.
Because I’ve learned is life isn’t fair. Everything happens for a reason, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t royally suck sometimes.
Don't worry though Friend. It's not all a sad story. But we only appreciate blessing more after a little hardship.
Be well until we connect again. ~ Sdo
It’s been quite awhile since we last spoke, and I apologize sincerely for the time and space between us. I never mean for so many days to stretch on from the last time we talked. But intentions never make these fingers dial the phone or type an email.
Lots of things have changed dear Friend, but you’d be surprised of how much has stayed the same. I’ll recap the most significant topics for you, as they come to me, and ask quickly as I can so I won’t keep you too long.
I’ll start with what I’ve learned about faith and religion. When I was in eighth grade, before my confirmation, one of the Sunday school teachers sat the girls of my class down and talked to us about faith. Well, actually it was more about religion and our devotion to God.
She looked at each of us, and asked us to promise we would continue going to church, no matter where our path would lead us. I remember in that moment, knowing I’d be making a promise I wouldn’t keep. Looking back, I see how very inappropriate that session was. God isn’t about peer pressure. And I went with the group, because I knew there would be negative consequences if I didn’t.
What she should have asked us to do was never lose faith. In the darkest moments, the loneliest times, we should look deep down inside ourselves and be comforted in that we are but a small part in this great universe. And our part, whether if it’s predestined or rewritten with every flutter of a butterfly’s wings, has a place.
If we just believe that everything happens for a reason and we are never truly alone—even (especially!) when nothing can be seen or felt—everything works its way out. Everything will be okay. The universe takes care of you as long as you believe in yourself.
And my Friend, I don’t often go to church, and probably never will. But don’t fear for my soul. I feel God all around me, and celebrate the wonders with every flower, blade of grass, rain drop and other miracles all around us. I don’t need to follow the flock, repeat words like drone or forcibly give money to an Earthly institution.
I don’t think this so much is a change—but the strength to formulate, believe and hold on to what was always in me. Talk about Joy in every day moments!
What has changed is my loss of faith. I don’t trust as easily as I used to. I’ve lost faith in people.
I find myself pulling back, showing only a small percent of what I really am. Much of the world around me only sees what I let them see—a shell of what I really am. I don’t want most people to know the real me.
The voice in the back of my head is constantly reminding me that any information I divulge can and will be used against me.
I’ve lost faith that people will mostly do the right thing, the sane thing, the fair thing.
So I’ve come to numb myself, take that shot of Novocain against life.
Because I’ve learned is life isn’t fair. Everything happens for a reason, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t royally suck sometimes.
Don't worry though Friend. It's not all a sad story. But we only appreciate blessing more after a little hardship.
Be well until we connect again. ~ Sdo
Saturday, July 19, 2008
This is the life
This week I took vacation. It’s been my first summer vacation since 2004, longer if you don’t count the summers I worked throughout college.
It’s been such a fabulous time. My plans have been flexible and I’ve loved everything the week has brought me.
Saturday, I went to Jenny’s pond party. It was a super windy afternoon. But even though I didn’t go swimming and I got a sunburn, I had a wonderful time with Jenny and Kriston.
Sunday was such a nice day to weed and work in the garden. Plus I got to watch Robots. But I got a little too much sun and didn’t drink enough water on Saturday so I was sleeping by 9 p.m.
Monday night we had a campfire and stayed outside until midnight. It would have been longer, but I got cold even in pants and sweatshirt.
Mom was having way too much fun playing in the fire. She sent sparks flying all night—I have the burn marks and three holes in my pants to proved it. We missed a Big Bang Theory marathon (two whole hours!) but it was still worth it.
When we got in MASH was on, so we watched that. I tried to stay awake to watch South Park, but probably only got five minutes in and I fell asleep.
I was quite tired after this late night session. I didn’t perk up until around 4 p.m. Tuesday. I still enjoyed our visit with my aunts Joannie & Diane. Diane lives in North Dakota so it was especially nice to see her.
Wednesday I braved the spiders and looked at all the stuff I have in storage so I could make my shopping list.
Tim also came over Wednesday and Thursday, which was awesome. We lamented about how old we’re both getting and how much easier it was before the real world was looming so close (or smack dab in it, for me). That’s a whole other post entirely.
He and mom tag teamed me into buying a dinette set for $35—complete with ugly chairs. Oh well, he also helped us load and unload. Later in the afternoon after Timmy went back home Mom and I went shopping. Got lots of good deals—a beautiful chocolate brown living room chair for $80. I spent around $250 in total, but saved maybe more than $500.
Friday was a lovely lazy day. I sat outside reading and writing. I had a chance to watch a couple of old favorite shows—including bits and pieces of every soap I watched as a child/teen.
All in all my vacation was the best I could hope for. Great friends, family and weather. It’ll be an adjustment to go back to a normal sleeping pattern—especially going to bed before 11 and getting up before 8!!
It’s been such a fabulous time. My plans have been flexible and I’ve loved everything the week has brought me.
Saturday, I went to Jenny’s pond party. It was a super windy afternoon. But even though I didn’t go swimming and I got a sunburn, I had a wonderful time with Jenny and Kriston.
Sunday was such a nice day to weed and work in the garden. Plus I got to watch Robots. But I got a little too much sun and didn’t drink enough water on Saturday so I was sleeping by 9 p.m.
Monday night we had a campfire and stayed outside until midnight. It would have been longer, but I got cold even in pants and sweatshirt.
Mom was having way too much fun playing in the fire. She sent sparks flying all night—I have the burn marks and three holes in my pants to proved it. We missed a Big Bang Theory marathon (two whole hours!) but it was still worth it.
When we got in MASH was on, so we watched that. I tried to stay awake to watch South Park, but probably only got five minutes in and I fell asleep.
I was quite tired after this late night session. I didn’t perk up until around 4 p.m. Tuesday. I still enjoyed our visit with my aunts Joannie & Diane. Diane lives in North Dakota so it was especially nice to see her.
Wednesday I braved the spiders and looked at all the stuff I have in storage so I could make my shopping list.
Tim also came over Wednesday and Thursday, which was awesome. We lamented about how old we’re both getting and how much easier it was before the real world was looming so close (or smack dab in it, for me). That’s a whole other post entirely.
He and mom tag teamed me into buying a dinette set for $35—complete with ugly chairs. Oh well, he also helped us load and unload. Later in the afternoon after Timmy went back home Mom and I went shopping. Got lots of good deals—a beautiful chocolate brown living room chair for $80. I spent around $250 in total, but saved maybe more than $500.
Friday was a lovely lazy day. I sat outside reading and writing. I had a chance to watch a couple of old favorite shows—including bits and pieces of every soap I watched as a child/teen.
All in all my vacation was the best I could hope for. Great friends, family and weather. It’ll be an adjustment to go back to a normal sleeping pattern—especially going to bed before 11 and getting up before 8!!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
If you just realize what I just realized
Another Sunday is here, and unfortunately, almost over. It'll be nice to get some extra time with the coming holiday weekend. Can you believe it's the end of May already? It's the end of May and quite cold might I add. I wish the lovely city of San Francisco would lend us some warmth. They've got record highs and here it's a high probability of frost overnight.
I've been doing my part to help the economy this week (that's code for spending more money then I typically care to spend on a weekly basis). I got my eyes checked and ordered a year's supply of contacts and I bought six pairs of shoes. Now, before you make any judgements, with rebates and a free pair of sunglasses I saved $120 on my contacts and with coupons, sales and free shipping I saved $56 on the shoes.
It's still enough to make my heart palpatate a little .... but with deals like that ... Yeah.
So, what is there for you and I to chat about? Dexter is done, there's still no football for a couple of months, So You Think You Can Dance? doesn't start until next week.
Okay, not too much to talk about. I'm starting to plan to get my masters. I'm narrowing down the different subjects, first goal is to choose, then which school ...
Ahhh life. No manual. All heart.
Happy Sunday to all and to all a good afternoon.
I've been doing my part to help the economy this week (that's code for spending more money then I typically care to spend on a weekly basis). I got my eyes checked and ordered a year's supply of contacts and I bought six pairs of shoes. Now, before you make any judgements, with rebates and a free pair of sunglasses I saved $120 on my contacts and with coupons, sales and free shipping I saved $56 on the shoes.
It's still enough to make my heart palpatate a little .... but with deals like that ... Yeah.
So, what is there for you and I to chat about? Dexter is done, there's still no football for a couple of months, So You Think You Can Dance? doesn't start until next week.
Okay, not too much to talk about. I'm starting to plan to get my masters. I'm narrowing down the different subjects, first goal is to choose, then which school ...
Ahhh life. No manual. All heart.
Happy Sunday to all and to all a good afternoon.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Go tell your mother ...
So. Parents. They raise you, they love you, they scold you.
As everyone knows, I've always had a great relationship with my mom. She's the best. We had some rocky times in the "Stacy's Mom" era, but I'll let bygones be bygones going through midlife (and/or empty nest) crisis's.
My dad, not as good. I think it turned south when I stopped liking the visits to the hardware store. It only escalated when I started disagreeing with him and talking back. Not to mention the fact that we are very alike in personalities, especially when you're looking at our stubborn side. But somehow, someway ... he started talking to me after I moved away. Figure that. Dad still insists on talking to me in the morning before I've had my coffee and the obligatory 30 minutes "wake up time." But oh well, I suppose.
My mom has this odd way of conning me into work and getting me into trouble with her little adventures. "Let's go look at the pond," she'll say. Three hours later, I'm wet from fishing out a Frisbee. It starts with going down to the water's edge (fun). Then we move a couple rocks around (fun, but makes you start to sweat). Then Mom sees something in the pond, so I go in to pick out (fun, with wet feet). Here it comes, "Well, since your feet are already wet, why don't you go in further to get that Frisbee out." As I'm waist deep in water, looking at her dry on the shore, I realize I've been suckered again. And how the hell did this Frisbee even get in there, it's not ours...
One would think I would learn and start saying no---but it took me 21 years to realize she was doing it in the first place, so who knows how long it will take to see them coming and head them off at the pass...
And as if having one cunning and ruthless (okay, I'm taking some dramatic license here) mommy isn't enough, I've also been "blessed" with a second set of surrogate parents. And they're crazier than my first set. I try to think back now, to remember how it all happened.
Here's the cliff notes version: In college, newspaper advisor says the big man in SS was asking about you. I shrug it off. I get a call from the registrar in the SS office asking if I want to work there. Okay, cool a job. I remember the interview ... was really an interview? Asked about my hours, I said newspaper comes first. Asked how fast I could type.
I was intimidated by Tiff and Kim's relationship, and all the things I needed to learn about the office. Soon, I was spending more time there than anywhere else on campus. Then, whoohoo a summer job! Other than being locked in the dungeon it was awesome.
Somehow or another, I befriended a Viking fan *gasp* And I was told that I was the younger version of Kim. I think the parent thing started when Kim went to the business office. I think I was supposed to convince him to give her the plant...
The epic War of the Plant from the Copier Room, spawned the "Go tell her..." growls. I think this resulted in the "He's a loser come work for me." Which begot the "What can she give you that I can't?" retaliation. She countered with "He keeps you in the dungeon and I buy you pretty stuff" and the villagers cowered at "Go tell your father..."
But what probably blew the ship out of the water was, "I don't care about sparkly stuff, she left you. Who signs your checks? Who's your daddy?"
And that, ladies and gentlemen, was the shudder heard 'round the world.
Oh the stories I could tell... How about the time that she (this tale recounts the time when I was there, I hear this trick is still an active one) snuck into his office so much stealing mints that he went through a full bag in a week or so. He buys new mints, fills it up and gives me (me?!) the executive order that she is NOT allowed in the office. Especially HIS office.
I plead the fifth and will not say anything that can be held against me in the court of jeffy ... but the long and short of it is that she came in and hid the mints.
And guess who got blamed? Yepper, yours truly. However, I had the "locked in the dungeon" story as an alibi and remained in both their good graces.
And so the saga continues. They are the king and queen of bicker and banter. And for people who are supposed to be vying for my affection, I seem to be caught in the middle. I hear more of "what did you tell her, and you're ratting on me" as well as "make him think this, do this for me" then "Stacey loves me more."
And let me tell you, though both are amusing, I much prefer the competition of making Stacey happier. After all, we all know how vain I am.
So Friday, I fall into the same old pattern again. And, like true parents, I tell one something and the other one instantly knows about it. And, unlike my real parents, "my mother" scolds me for having to hear it from "my father." (And as a side note, I'll probably get yelled at for blowing that cover, because the father didn't know that I didn't tell the mother.)
Alas, at least my real mommy loves me, even though she tricks me into working.
As everyone knows, I've always had a great relationship with my mom. She's the best. We had some rocky times in the "Stacy's Mom" era, but I'll let bygones be bygones going through midlife (and/or empty nest) crisis's.
My dad, not as good. I think it turned south when I stopped liking the visits to the hardware store. It only escalated when I started disagreeing with him and talking back. Not to mention the fact that we are very alike in personalities, especially when you're looking at our stubborn side. But somehow, someway ... he started talking to me after I moved away. Figure that. Dad still insists on talking to me in the morning before I've had my coffee and the obligatory 30 minutes "wake up time." But oh well, I suppose.
My mom has this odd way of conning me into work and getting me into trouble with her little adventures. "Let's go look at the pond," she'll say. Three hours later, I'm wet from fishing out a Frisbee. It starts with going down to the water's edge (fun). Then we move a couple rocks around (fun, but makes you start to sweat). Then Mom sees something in the pond, so I go in to pick out (fun, with wet feet). Here it comes, "Well, since your feet are already wet, why don't you go in further to get that Frisbee out." As I'm waist deep in water, looking at her dry on the shore, I realize I've been suckered again. And how the hell did this Frisbee even get in there, it's not ours...
One would think I would learn and start saying no---but it took me 21 years to realize she was doing it in the first place, so who knows how long it will take to see them coming and head them off at the pass...
And as if having one cunning and ruthless (okay, I'm taking some dramatic license here) mommy isn't enough, I've also been "blessed" with a second set of surrogate parents. And they're crazier than my first set. I try to think back now, to remember how it all happened.
Here's the cliff notes version: In college, newspaper advisor says the big man in SS was asking about you. I shrug it off. I get a call from the registrar in the SS office asking if I want to work there. Okay, cool a job. I remember the interview ... was really an interview? Asked about my hours, I said newspaper comes first. Asked how fast I could type.
I was intimidated by Tiff and Kim's relationship, and all the things I needed to learn about the office. Soon, I was spending more time there than anywhere else on campus. Then, whoohoo a summer job! Other than being locked in the dungeon it was awesome.
Somehow or another, I befriended a Viking fan *gasp* And I was told that I was the younger version of Kim. I think the parent thing started when Kim went to the business office. I think I was supposed to convince him to give her the plant...
The epic War of the Plant from the Copier Room, spawned the "Go tell her..." growls. I think this resulted in the "He's a loser come work for me." Which begot the "What can she give you that I can't?" retaliation. She countered with "He keeps you in the dungeon and I buy you pretty stuff" and the villagers cowered at "Go tell your father..."
But what probably blew the ship out of the water was, "I don't care about sparkly stuff, she left you. Who signs your checks? Who's your daddy?"
And that, ladies and gentlemen, was the shudder heard 'round the world.
Oh the stories I could tell... How about the time that she (this tale recounts the time when I was there, I hear this trick is still an active one) snuck into his office so much stealing mints that he went through a full bag in a week or so. He buys new mints, fills it up and gives me (me?!) the executive order that she is NOT allowed in the office. Especially HIS office.
I plead the fifth and will not say anything that can be held against me in the court of jeffy ... but the long and short of it is that she came in and hid the mints.
And guess who got blamed? Yepper, yours truly. However, I had the "locked in the dungeon" story as an alibi and remained in both their good graces.
And so the saga continues. They are the king and queen of bicker and banter. And for people who are supposed to be vying for my affection, I seem to be caught in the middle. I hear more of "what did you tell her, and you're ratting on me" as well as "make him think this, do this for me" then "Stacey loves me more."
And let me tell you, though both are amusing, I much prefer the competition of making Stacey happier. After all, we all know how vain I am.
So Friday, I fall into the same old pattern again. And, like true parents, I tell one something and the other one instantly knows about it. And, unlike my real parents, "my mother" scolds me for having to hear it from "my father." (And as a side note, I'll probably get yelled at for blowing that cover, because the father didn't know that I didn't tell the mother.)
Alas, at least my real mommy loves me, even though she tricks me into working.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
They would not listen, they did not know how.
I was going to crack out another random blog for you, but on “Sunday Morning” they reported that today was the day Vincent Van Gogh died many years ago. So I'm going to give you the blog that I wrote a month or so ago about my favorite Van Gogh piece: Starry Night.
There's something about Starry Night that has always captivated me. The first time I remember exposure to it is art class when we had to do our own depiction--was it in paper or tempera paints? Of course then there was that "Boy Meets World" episode and Mr. Hagen's Starry Night tie. I don't think I ever studied it formally--we tended to study form and function over history. My high school art teacher wasn't smart enough to cover it. I do remember it in our World History book.
But why Starry Night? Maybe because all the art we studied in Spanish class was so rigid and overtly religious centered with very realistic styles. Even Picasso’s dramatic depictions didn't strike me the same. Maybe that's because Picasso is so much ingrained in our culture that it didn't inspire me when I was first exposed to his works.
There's a whimsical quality to Van Gogh's paintings, not just Starry Night. Van Gogh used colors very much ingrained in my internal palette: deep blues, purple, splash of bright colors like yellow and red. The painting simultaneously feels very vast and intimate. Sometimes all I can see is the looming sky, frightening with its swirls. But the glowing stars are also comforting with a village nestled under them.
And that shape in the foreground. Sometimes I wish it wasn't there obstructing my view, but without this large looming spine, the picture would lose its balance. I don't always see the object (and what exactly is it? rocks, fire?) sitting there. Somehow I look past it. I wonder if that's how Bob Ross (that guy on PBS) got his inspiration for the big dead tree or ugly bush right in the middle of his beautiful paintings. Maybe all this time he was taking his cue from Van Gogh. And here I thought Bob was a radical.
Jenny bought me Starry Night for Christmas and then two of his iris paintings. Well, that sealed the deal.
Another reason I think Starry Night draws me in is because it seems mosaic, and I've always had a fascination for mosaics.
When Trading Spaces came on, I contemplated what my fantasy room would be. After some time it became clear that it would be a Starry Night room, though in what form, I could never picture.
But then it came to me. Why try to recreate this masterpiece in a different form--emulate it. So we bought sponges and the richest, darkest blue and purple we could find and the yellow closest to starlight. Without any guide other than my love for the painting, I sponged this dark blue paint on the wall. Soon I figured out how much was the right amount of paint on the sponge and just how much pressure to apply.
It was a leap of faith, one that consumed me and soothed my soul for seven days. I'm so proud of my room the transformation it underwent.
To go to the New York Museum of Modern Art (MoMA for those familiar with the term) and stand before this painting was truly great. I've stood in front of many other paintings wondering how it would feel to see this one. When the real moment came there were no choirs of angels singing or epiphanies--but I was awestruck and captivated. I wanted to stay there longer to study it, so my only disappointment came when I knew I had to keep moving.
I floated through the rest of my day--for I had been so honored to stand before Starry Night.
There's something about Starry Night that has always captivated me. The first time I remember exposure to it is art class when we had to do our own depiction--was it in paper or tempera paints? Of course then there was that "Boy Meets World" episode and Mr. Hagen's Starry Night tie. I don't think I ever studied it formally--we tended to study form and function over history. My high school art teacher wasn't smart enough to cover it. I do remember it in our World History book.
But why Starry Night? Maybe because all the art we studied in Spanish class was so rigid and overtly religious centered with very realistic styles. Even Picasso’s dramatic depictions didn't strike me the same. Maybe that's because Picasso is so much ingrained in our culture that it didn't inspire me when I was first exposed to his works.
There's a whimsical quality to Van Gogh's paintings, not just Starry Night. Van Gogh used colors very much ingrained in my internal palette: deep blues, purple, splash of bright colors like yellow and red. The painting simultaneously feels very vast and intimate. Sometimes all I can see is the looming sky, frightening with its swirls. But the glowing stars are also comforting with a village nestled under them.And that shape in the foreground. Sometimes I wish it wasn't there obstructing my view, but without this large looming spine, the picture would lose its balance. I don't always see the object (and what exactly is it? rocks, fire?) sitting there. Somehow I look past it. I wonder if that's how Bob Ross (that guy on PBS) got his inspiration for the big dead tree or ugly bush right in the middle of his beautiful paintings. Maybe all this time he was taking his cue from Van Gogh. And here I thought Bob was a radical.
Jenny bought me Starry Night for Christmas and then two of his iris paintings. Well, that sealed the deal.
Another reason I think Starry Night draws me in is because it seems mosaic, and I've always had a fascination for mosaics.When Trading Spaces came on, I contemplated what my fantasy room would be. After some time it became clear that it would be a Starry Night room, though in what form, I could never picture.
But then it came to me. Why try to recreate this masterpiece in a different form--emulate it. So we bought sponges and the richest, darkest blue and purple we could find and the yellow closest to starlight. Without any guide other than my love for the painting, I sponged this dark blue paint on the wall. Soon I figured out how much was the right amount of paint on the sponge and just how much pressure to apply.
It was a leap of faith, one that consumed me and soothed my soul for seven days. I'm so proud of my room the transformation it underwent.
To go to the New York Museum of Modern Art (MoMA for those familiar with the term) and stand before this painting was truly great. I've stood in front of many other paintings wondering how it would feel to see this one. When the real moment came there were no choirs of angels singing or epiphanies--but I was awestruck and captivated. I wanted to stay there longer to study it, so my only disappointment came when I knew I had to keep moving.I floated through the rest of my day--for I had been so honored to stand before Starry Night.
Pictures (top to bottom): Starry Night at the NYC MoMA
Swirl on my north wall (complete with Iris
Painting, though not a van Gogh).
Close up of wall to show "brush strokes." I used a round sponge with
little circle grooves to dot on my yellow texture for stars as the first layer.
The second layer I used a flat sponge with broad groves to emulate his brush
strokes.
The last picture is a corner of my room...two walls meeting. I continued my purple swirl onto the next wall, similar to the continuing swirl in the painting.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Affirmation ...
Do you remember the song from Savage Garden? Really fast beat, probably made faster by the club-machines for people to dance. It's title was "Affirmation" and each lyric started with "I believe." I've always enjoyed it, and agreed with most of their affirmations.
So two weeks ago, in pondering what I should blog about, and listening to the cd in the car, I decide to give some of my own affirmations. Sadly, there aren't as many as I would have liked, but I suppose I could always do a Part II.
With no further ado, here are my Affirmations: (the ones with * behind them are in the Savage Garden song, as well)
I BELIEVE ...
in Karma what you give is what you get returned.*
the grass is never really greener on the other side.*
that God doesn't endorse anyone who hates in his name.
that God also doesn't care who marries whom ... gay, straight or otherwise.
GW ran for office to follow through where his father failed.
movie stars should keep their personal lives and opinions to themselves. Knowing their skeletons and opinions ruins their storytelling ability.
we each need to make special efforts to do our part so we don't destroy the Earth.
a soul mate deosn't have to be a romantic match.
tanning beds are just as dangerous as the sun.
putting someone down is not okay--neither is not sticking up for a friend when you hear others putting them down.
a true friend is always there when you need them, which is the greatest gift they can give.
we by nature judge people--it's that realizing it's only our opinion--is what truly matters.
the line between heroism and terroism is blurred and in the eye of the beholder.
no one has the right to take your happiness.
in things that go bump in the night.
So two weeks ago, in pondering what I should blog about, and listening to the cd in the car, I decide to give some of my own affirmations. Sadly, there aren't as many as I would have liked, but I suppose I could always do a Part II.
With no further ado, here are my Affirmations: (the ones with * behind them are in the Savage Garden song, as well)
I BELIEVE ...
in Karma what you give is what you get returned.*
the grass is never really greener on the other side.*
that God doesn't endorse anyone who hates in his name.
that God also doesn't care who marries whom ... gay, straight or otherwise.
GW ran for office to follow through where his father failed.
movie stars should keep their personal lives and opinions to themselves. Knowing their skeletons and opinions ruins their storytelling ability.
we each need to make special efforts to do our part so we don't destroy the Earth.
a soul mate deosn't have to be a romantic match.
tanning beds are just as dangerous as the sun.
putting someone down is not okay--neither is not sticking up for a friend when you hear others putting them down.
a true friend is always there when you need them, which is the greatest gift they can give.
we by nature judge people--it's that realizing it's only our opinion--is what truly matters.
the line between heroism and terroism is blurred and in the eye of the beholder.
no one has the right to take your happiness.
in things that go bump in the night.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
As we go along ...
Beyond being a wonderful event six years in the making, Kerry's wedding was a nice high school reunion--the high school reunion we'll never have.
And it's not because Estan is our president, but because we were able to share the evening as the SkillsUSA-VICA group once again, the factions from Colby and West De Pere reunited, save for a couple of friends. Friends we missed ... or at least, I missed.
Someone must have been smiling down on us that day at UW-Stout when these two groups intertwined. And, sure, it hasn't been happily ever after for everyone. But it says something that some of us are still internet buddies.
Because the truth of the situation is that I talk to these people more than most of the people I went to high school with.
When I was in middle school ... it was one great big game of trying to fit in. Sarah was hanging with the band buddies--I wasn't in band. Claudia was with the people who didn't care about school orcollege--and I cared. Lindsey Thell was with the theatre people, and, well, I'm an introvert. They were still all my friends. But no matter who I was with, I always felt uncomfortable. Faking a smile, waiting to be alone, so I could feel like myself.
Then I met Kerry, Jenny, Charity and Josie. (I already knew Heather, Lynn and Kriston--Kriston btw threw me under the bus by setting me up to piss off Heidi who then threatened to beat me up...thanks again for that Kriston.)
The eight of us formed a group without really trying to. Of course, we each were friends to varying degrees and some of us were part of other high school factions as well.
I finally belonged. And it was great! I didn't have to try to smile or even fake it. We had so much fun, and didn't care what others thought of us. And I really feel West De Pere is an extension of that group.
I'm not the same person I was in 2001, not by a long shot. And a couple more people who have been cut from the same cloth have made their way into my life.
But all of these people in the same room again was just great for me. I felt at home. Like myself. I wasn't transported back in the essence that I felt like that person from 2001--but I remember someone sulking in the window sill, the horrible "wrestling" in the hotel room and the origami frogs and footballs.
Pre-2001--Goo Goo Dolls, Travis Jervey ... somethings never die
2001--Licking discovered: thanks to Sarah Brehm & Kerry's Mom
2001--Llamas ... I don't know, I don't even care anymore, but they're amusing n0netheless
2005--San Francisco, Ghrirdelli Chocolate & wine ... new fascinations to add to the list!
2006--Together again
Things have come an gone, I've lost interest in some things, hobbies here there and everywhere, but for the above and some obessessions that never die --- as Laura said, Well, at least I'm consistant. :-)
And it's not because Estan is our president, but because we were able to share the evening as the SkillsUSA-VICA group once again, the factions from Colby and West De Pere reunited, save for a couple of friends. Friends we missed ... or at least, I missed.
Someone must have been smiling down on us that day at UW-Stout when these two groups intertwined. And, sure, it hasn't been happily ever after for everyone. But it says something that some of us are still internet buddies.
Because the truth of the situation is that I talk to these people more than most of the people I went to high school with.
When I was in middle school ... it was one great big game of trying to fit in. Sarah was hanging with the band buddies--I wasn't in band. Claudia was with the people who didn't care about school orcollege--and I cared. Lindsey Thell was with the theatre people, and, well, I'm an introvert. They were still all my friends. But no matter who I was with, I always felt uncomfortable. Faking a smile, waiting to be alone, so I could feel like myself.
Then I met Kerry, Jenny, Charity and Josie. (I already knew Heather, Lynn and Kriston--Kriston btw threw me under the bus by setting me up to piss off Heidi who then threatened to beat me up...thanks again for that Kriston.)
The eight of us formed a group without really trying to. Of course, we each were friends to varying degrees and some of us were part of other high school factions as well.
I finally belonged. And it was great! I didn't have to try to smile or even fake it. We had so much fun, and didn't care what others thought of us. And I really feel West De Pere is an extension of that group.
I'm not the same person I was in 2001, not by a long shot. And a couple more people who have been cut from the same cloth have made their way into my life.
But all of these people in the same room again was just great for me. I felt at home. Like myself. I wasn't transported back in the essence that I felt like that person from 2001--but I remember someone sulking in the window sill, the horrible "wrestling" in the hotel room and the origami frogs and footballs.
Pre-2001--Goo Goo Dolls, Travis Jervey ... somethings never die
2001--Licking discovered: thanks to Sarah Brehm & Kerry's Mom
2001--Llamas ... I don't know, I don't even care anymore, but they're amusing n0netheless
2005--San Francisco, Ghrirdelli Chocolate & wine ... new fascinations to add to the list!
2006--Together again
Things have come an gone, I've lost interest in some things, hobbies here there and everywhere, but for the above and some obessessions that never die --- as Laura said, Well, at least I'm consistant. :-)
Monday, March 13, 2006
Bleeding Feet, Beads, Sweet Potato fries ...
I am totally bummed out. Last year at this time, it was Spring Break. And Kerry and I were in San Francisco.
We walked up the lovely bleeding feet hill to Buena Vista Park. Then Kerry wandered further into the park while I enjoyed the view from where I was posted, enjoying my bleeding feet.
Then we wandered to Golden Gate park where we saw people playing soccer, riding bikes, buying drugs, having picnics. We checked out this Art area/studio/Japanese tea house in the middle of the park and Kerry rode the inside merry-go-round.
We killed some time by exploring Haight Street, going into stores, coughing our ways out of others. We couldn't decide on anything to buy Jenny from Postively Haight Street. (And now I wish I bought the lavendar eyemask from another one of the stores closer to the 555 Haight Guesthouse). At about noon or so was time for the St. Patrick's Day parade! We sat down on Market Street, across from the Opheum theatre. We had our snacks, water and sunblock on hand ... and watch a three or so hour parade. And ... it was awesome.
Except ... I realized the cute little kids beside us were getting all the attention, toys and candy. So then as one "hot" firefighter passed by with beads, I stuck out my hands ... and he motioned me into the street to get them. Score!
After being beaded, and the parade was over we went to the Museum of Modern Art. It was interesting and sometimes fun, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I did the Asian Art Museum. We were both had a little touch of heat exhaustion, so we didn't stay too long.
We ate at Minnie's BBQ (on the Haight) ... where I had the best Texas Ribeye sandwich and most awesome sweet potato fries.*Sighs*
1.) View from cool gallery thing in the middle of the Park.
2.) Gallery from the ground
3.) Haight-Ashbury
4.) Fire engine from Parade
5.) Clown flashing us
6.) Ghiradelli ... okay, we didn't go there this day ... but I probably gave them over $100 ... we thought a good tagline would be "Heaven on Earth"
*sighs*
Friday, March 3, 2006
What's in a name?
Okay ... I'm going to do some amending on the previous blog, in response to Kevin's comment.
I don't like it when specific people use my name. Weird No. 3 for example. Opens every conversation with "Hey Stacey" it can't be hi, yo, hola, whatcha doing? It's always "Hi Stacey" And when he spells it wrong ... its all I can do not to growl.
My friends tend not to use my name at the drop of the hat--is it that we're so comfortable with each other already? But when they do, it's very special to me. I won't name names (haha) but one friend only says "Good night Stacey" after we've talked from like 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. -- in those hours we bond, laugh and have a good time. Then he ends the convo with that. It makes the conversation and my friendship with him that much more meaningful. It always makes me smile.
Another friend will only use my name when we're arguing. Or he'll use it when I'm really down. Both of these always makes me smile.
This other friend of mine will only use my name when he thanks me ... for helping with homework, listening, etc. And everytime he does it ... it makes me smile.
And a couple of days ago, Kevin said (in away message): Dmx1C: stacey, if you read this, im me or call me immediately, it is a matter of life and death.
And that made me smile ... it was life and death matter after all :-)
Then the next day he said : Dmx1C: hey stacey, i'm gonna go to bed, so have a good day at work. thanks for being a good friend, you always seem to be there when i need you ...
And that made me smile.
But about ten minutes later I got ... "Hey Stacey." And my teeth clenched. Maybe because I don't like this person is the reason it pisses me off so much when he uses my name.
I also don't like when people are trying to get something from me ... "Hi Stacey, what's up?" five seconds later .. by the way, can I ask you a favor? Rar.
So anyway. If you're a friend. Use it. If you're not sure, use Goo ... that's cool too. If you get one word answers from me when you're talking at me ... well you're not smart enough to know I roll my eyes every time you beep at me.
And Kevin ... Change the link back to STACEYS BLOG!!!!!! :-D
I don't like it when specific people use my name. Weird No. 3 for example. Opens every conversation with "Hey Stacey" it can't be hi, yo, hola, whatcha doing? It's always "Hi Stacey" And when he spells it wrong ... its all I can do not to growl.
My friends tend not to use my name at the drop of the hat--is it that we're so comfortable with each other already? But when they do, it's very special to me. I won't name names (haha) but one friend only says "Good night Stacey" after we've talked from like 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. -- in those hours we bond, laugh and have a good time. Then he ends the convo with that. It makes the conversation and my friendship with him that much more meaningful. It always makes me smile.
Another friend will only use my name when we're arguing. Or he'll use it when I'm really down. Both of these always makes me smile.
This other friend of mine will only use my name when he thanks me ... for helping with homework, listening, etc. And everytime he does it ... it makes me smile.
And a couple of days ago, Kevin said (in away message): Dmx1C: stacey, if you read this, im me or call me immediately, it is a matter of life and death.
And that made me smile ... it was life and death matter after all :-)
Then the next day he said : Dmx1C: hey stacey, i'm gonna go to bed, so have a good day at work. thanks for being a good friend, you always seem to be there when i need you ...
And that made me smile.
But about ten minutes later I got ... "Hey Stacey." And my teeth clenched. Maybe because I don't like this person is the reason it pisses me off so much when he uses my name.
I also don't like when people are trying to get something from me ... "Hi Stacey, what's up?" five seconds later .. by the way, can I ask you a favor? Rar.
So anyway. If you're a friend. Use it. If you're not sure, use Goo ... that's cool too. If you get one word answers from me when you're talking at me ... well you're not smart enough to know I roll my eyes every time you beep at me.
And Kevin ... Change the link back to STACEYS BLOG!!!!!! :-D
Saturday, February 12, 2005
My Little Llama
My aches were annoying me tonight...and i needed to distract myself by talking to someone. So I im'ed Eric, aka: little llama. With schedules and random distractedness I haven't gotten to talk to Eric as much as I would like to...same with most other people.
I miss that. It was great freshman and sophomore year all of the time we spent talking to each other on the computer. Mom never liked it...she said I should venture out in the world and make other friends, and yes, I agree, I should...and I did. But these online friends are just as long lasting. I love them as much as I do the friends I have made in conventional ways.
I also wrote to Charity and Kevin. That's also weird, getting so close and then drifting so far away. That's life though.
My brain has always worked on a different wavelength than other people. Sarah Brehm was the first who had a similiar frequency. She dreamt up Donkleyland and loved Aladdin Fest and embraced the Ducks. But then the frequencies started to tune differently...I had quite a few years where I was on the edge, never quite feeling comfortable, made to feel bad because I didn't like the things everyone else did. Then I met Kerry, Jenny and that crew. I fit in again! Better yet, I felt normal...and that normalicy brought out the outlandishly crazy parts..as most of our high school knew.
But then it went further, I found Brian and Tim (not to mention Eric, Kim and Jeffy). I feel so comfortable, so at home...it's refreshing. Sometimes I want to be read like a book. I want to say something and have them know that there's something wrong and work it out of me because they know I need to talk. They give that to me, and it feels good.
I've also been blessed to develop the other friendships...my darling baby goat, Kerry. We shared the love of journalism, and we've grown with it, through it and so much closer beyond that.
I feel so bad for people who don't allow themselves that vunerablitly to let friends in...friends aren't just the people you get drunk with. They are the people who stick by you when you're down and hurt when you aren't happy...but they can't do that for you if you're pushing them away. Friends are still only human, with their own concerns and problems. After so much abuse, they may not return.
So I guess this is a thank you. To friends of all kinds, but especially Kerry, Tim, Kim, Jeff, Brian and Eric (and Curt too! we went through some hard times together and if nothing else, there was that)
I miss that. It was great freshman and sophomore year all of the time we spent talking to each other on the computer. Mom never liked it...she said I should venture out in the world and make other friends, and yes, I agree, I should...and I did. But these online friends are just as long lasting. I love them as much as I do the friends I have made in conventional ways.
I also wrote to Charity and Kevin. That's also weird, getting so close and then drifting so far away. That's life though.
My brain has always worked on a different wavelength than other people. Sarah Brehm was the first who had a similiar frequency. She dreamt up Donkleyland and loved Aladdin Fest and embraced the Ducks. But then the frequencies started to tune differently...I had quite a few years where I was on the edge, never quite feeling comfortable, made to feel bad because I didn't like the things everyone else did. Then I met Kerry, Jenny and that crew. I fit in again! Better yet, I felt normal...and that normalicy brought out the outlandishly crazy parts..as most of our high school knew.
But then it went further, I found Brian and Tim (not to mention Eric, Kim and Jeffy). I feel so comfortable, so at home...it's refreshing. Sometimes I want to be read like a book. I want to say something and have them know that there's something wrong and work it out of me because they know I need to talk. They give that to me, and it feels good.
I've also been blessed to develop the other friendships...my darling baby goat, Kerry. We shared the love of journalism, and we've grown with it, through it and so much closer beyond that.
I feel so bad for people who don't allow themselves that vunerablitly to let friends in...friends aren't just the people you get drunk with. They are the people who stick by you when you're down and hurt when you aren't happy...but they can't do that for you if you're pushing them away. Friends are still only human, with their own concerns and problems. After so much abuse, they may not return.
So I guess this is a thank you. To friends of all kinds, but especially Kerry, Tim, Kim, Jeff, Brian and Eric (and Curt too! we went through some hard times together and if nothing else, there was that)
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