Sorry for my absence. I know I'm probably the Ginch-iest Christian there is so I avoided blogging over Christmas. I know I'd go off on some rant about commercializing a sacred day and how I don't see any significance in Christmas trees or ornaments and that would just have ruined everyone's Christmas.
The UPS man came to visit yesterday and I was stupid enough to answer the door looking like a mess and a half! SO EMBARRASSING! I thought I could hide behind the door and just take the package, but nope...I had to sign for it! UGH...I won't even describe how awful I looked. You'd be scarred.
Tomorrow is NYE. Last NYE I was standing directly under Big Ben with my buddies Hannah and Andrew...in the cold...for 3 hours. Then we floated (yes....floated because our feet never touched the ground) in a crowd in the snow 1.25 miles to Victoria Station. That was a year to remember. 2010 was a year to remember in genearl. Graduation...sister getting married...moving to a new city, starting a new job, living by myself for the first time. Big changes. Can't wait to see what 2011 brings! (I'll try not to let the fact that I hate odd numbers get to me this year!)
Thursday, December 30
Sunday, December 12
Best tip I learned this week...
My dad told me about this MSN article: 8 Surprising Habits Ruining Your Health. #1 is pretty disgusting...dust mites and nast inside your pillows! GROSS! I threw my pillows in the dryer this week and now they're all fluffy and dust mite free! I can sleep in peace!
Sunday, December 5
Memoirs of a Knee
I'm writing a book. Not necessarily now. It might happen when I'm 80. Actually, it'll probably be funniest when I'm 80....maybe when I'm recovering from a knee replacement. The book will be a memoir of my knee's life experiences told from my right knee's point of view. I can already see it on the bestseller list.
The said knee has been through some traumatic experiences in it's short life so far. I can't remember what it went through as a child, I'm sure it had rough days when I fell off my bike or fell rollerblading or when it had it's first encounter with hydrogen peroxide.
College was probably even rougher on my knee. One fine day my Freshmen year on the quad, I borrowed a friend's shoes to go inside the student center to use the loo, but these shoes were too small, so when I was returning to my circle of friends, I tripped on some gravel and my knee took a hit for the rest of me. I tried to play it cool like any Freshmen would, but the blood oozing down my shin blew the cover of all my lies "I'm okay, really, I'm fine." (hint....when I say that I never mean it).
I'm honestly getting tired of people asking, "What's wrong with your leg (or knee)?"! Okay, I get it! I have an ugly knee! This traumatic experience my Freshmen year has scarred me. The wound didn't heal (I probably needed stitches in the first place). A few weeks later, I was home chasing my little brother around the dining room table, dove for him, and the wound reopened with carpet burn (leaving a little blood on my mom's white carpet...no worries, rubbing alcohol does miracles!). I can't remember every time I've fallen since then, but let's just say I'm a pretty regular klutz. My knee wound has had rough days. Sometimes it would swell up really big, then other days it would be "fine".
Junior year was a rough year for it. I went skiing over Jan term (let's just say skiing won't be my key to getting to the Olympics). I got back to the cabin after a long day of skiing (and falling) and found my long johns all bloody from my poor knee! Weeks later Step Sing practice began. The crazy dances of step sing require you to kneel or fall suddenly to your knees...not okay. I also took Karate that semester (again...another activity I'm not skilled in). In Karate we had to sit on our knees and bow before and after every class and do some stretches on our knees. All this made me develop fluid in my knee (aka, it swelled up so big I had kiwi stuck in my knee!). I went to "MedHelp" because I hate making appointments and waiting in waiting rooms (yeah, I know, I'm a spoiled doctor's kid). I'm not so sure if the doctor there made a good call in draining my knee and stuffing it. He essentially opened a wound that will never heal.
It's been ugly and purple every since, and my leg modeling career has gone down the drain. Senior year I got bad tendonitis in this knee and could've sworn it was connected to the ugly scar. X-rays and MRIs thought otherwise...actually, they couldn't see anything! I went to plastic surgeon (something I never thought I'd do). He said if I had surgery I'd have to keep my right leg straight (PERFECTLY straight) for 6 weeks. That means no driving, no climbing stairs, no jumping, swimming, running, no fun or independence for 6 weeks. Nah, I'm good.
Friday night I was walking down the street with my friends, stepped off the curb the wrong way, and I knew it was coming...the slow-mo fall. There was nothing to grab on to except the ground beneath my feet, so I did. In perfect slow-mo fashion, I dropped to my knees as if to say a prayer to Mary in the middle of the Dallas streets, then caught myself with my hands. "I'm okay, I'm okay," I laughed as I popped back up! "Whew, I knew that was coming. It's been a few months since I've fallen so I should've seen it coming." "MONTHS?" The girls I was with said?! "More like years since I've fallen down!" What can I say? I'm clumsy. I need to go to finishing school...I'm not finished yet. My main concern was that my jeans had ripped...nope! Great! Next, was I bleeding? The left knee was great....but surprise surprise, the right knee was gushing! Some strangers walking by (who luckily hadn't seen me fall) offered a pack of Kleenex. We didn't have any band-aid so the Kleenex worked until we got home. This fall was exactly like the fall at Cinque Terra (minus the gorgeous scenery). I have a nice pic of me and my friends with the cute little village of Vernazza in the background and blood running down my leg. That's one for the scrapbook.
So, to answer the question of what's wrong with my knee....read the book when it comes out in 60 years, written by a poor old battered replaced knee. (It'll be a tear jerker).
The said knee has been through some traumatic experiences in it's short life so far. I can't remember what it went through as a child, I'm sure it had rough days when I fell off my bike or fell rollerblading or when it had it's first encounter with hydrogen peroxide.
College was probably even rougher on my knee. One fine day my Freshmen year on the quad, I borrowed a friend's shoes to go inside the student center to use the loo, but these shoes were too small, so when I was returning to my circle of friends, I tripped on some gravel and my knee took a hit for the rest of me. I tried to play it cool like any Freshmen would, but the blood oozing down my shin blew the cover of all my lies "I'm okay, really, I'm fine." (hint....when I say that I never mean it).
I'm honestly getting tired of people asking, "What's wrong with your leg (or knee)?"! Okay, I get it! I have an ugly knee! This traumatic experience my Freshmen year has scarred me. The wound didn't heal (I probably needed stitches in the first place). A few weeks later, I was home chasing my little brother around the dining room table, dove for him, and the wound reopened with carpet burn (leaving a little blood on my mom's white carpet...no worries, rubbing alcohol does miracles!). I can't remember every time I've fallen since then, but let's just say I'm a pretty regular klutz. My knee wound has had rough days. Sometimes it would swell up really big, then other days it would be "fine".
Junior year was a rough year for it. I went skiing over Jan term (let's just say skiing won't be my key to getting to the Olympics). I got back to the cabin after a long day of skiing (and falling) and found my long johns all bloody from my poor knee! Weeks later Step Sing practice began. The crazy dances of step sing require you to kneel or fall suddenly to your knees...not okay. I also took Karate that semester (again...another activity I'm not skilled in). In Karate we had to sit on our knees and bow before and after every class and do some stretches on our knees. All this made me develop fluid in my knee (aka, it swelled up so big I had kiwi stuck in my knee!). I went to "MedHelp" because I hate making appointments and waiting in waiting rooms (yeah, I know, I'm a spoiled doctor's kid). I'm not so sure if the doctor there made a good call in draining my knee and stuffing it. He essentially opened a wound that will never heal.
It's been ugly and purple every since, and my leg modeling career has gone down the drain. Senior year I got bad tendonitis in this knee and could've sworn it was connected to the ugly scar. X-rays and MRIs thought otherwise...actually, they couldn't see anything! I went to plastic surgeon (something I never thought I'd do). He said if I had surgery I'd have to keep my right leg straight (PERFECTLY straight) for 6 weeks. That means no driving, no climbing stairs, no jumping, swimming, running, no fun or independence for 6 weeks. Nah, I'm good.
Friday night I was walking down the street with my friends, stepped off the curb the wrong way, and I knew it was coming...the slow-mo fall. There was nothing to grab on to except the ground beneath my feet, so I did. In perfect slow-mo fashion, I dropped to my knees as if to say a prayer to Mary in the middle of the Dallas streets, then caught myself with my hands. "I'm okay, I'm okay," I laughed as I popped back up! "Whew, I knew that was coming. It's been a few months since I've fallen so I should've seen it coming." "MONTHS?" The girls I was with said?! "More like years since I've fallen down!" What can I say? I'm clumsy. I need to go to finishing school...I'm not finished yet. My main concern was that my jeans had ripped...nope! Great! Next, was I bleeding? The left knee was great....but surprise surprise, the right knee was gushing! Some strangers walking by (who luckily hadn't seen me fall) offered a pack of Kleenex. We didn't have any band-aid so the Kleenex worked until we got home. This fall was exactly like the fall at Cinque Terra (minus the gorgeous scenery). I have a nice pic of me and my friends with the cute little village of Vernazza in the background and blood running down my leg. That's one for the scrapbook.
So, to answer the question of what's wrong with my knee....read the book when it comes out in 60 years, written by a poor old battered replaced knee. (It'll be a tear jerker).
Sunday, November 21
The Wonderful Weepies
I know it shouldn't be too much to ask, but these days I think its rare to find a band or singer that sounds as good (or better) live than on a recording. The Weepies sound even better live! I couldn't believe I was finally seeing the faces that the amazing voices belonged to!The Weepies singers are a married couple (Steve and Deb) and they're so in love! They have 2 sons, ages 3 and 7 months (and they're touring as a little family!) I think the picture on the left is when they first met 10 years ago.
I love it when artists tell stories about how and why they wrote their songs! Every time Deb would tell a story, Steve would look at her and smile, and she would do the same thing when he talked...and sometimes they would just tell a story together. She'd start, and he'd say, "Can I set the background?" and she'd say, "of course!" so he' tell half the story and she'd jump back in. Too cute! I'm a huge fan!
Sunday, November 14
The Grandest Surprise
Remember a few weeks ago when I made a list of things I was looking forward to? In that list I said the week after Birmingham but before the Weepies there was a surprise that I couldn't tell you about.
It happened.
Four of my high school friends and I piled in the car and hit the road at 7:30 AM on Saturday morning to drive to Lubbock where we surprised our dear friend Audrey for her birthday!!! The 5 hour car ride to west Texas (I thought) wasn't that bad. The girls I rode with went to college 1.5-3 hours from home- so a 5 hour ride through the flat cotton fields of west Texas was a little much, but I reminded them that our trip to Lubbock was only half the distance to Samford! Granted, you hit more big cities going to Birmingham...we only got Abilene, Tye, and Post (none of which are considered 'cities' to me).
We surprised Audrey at lunch- she had no idea, which is always my favorite part. I'm a surprise ruiner for myself. I somehow always get suspicious and figure out when I'm going to be surprised, and if I don't figure it out ahead of time I get really upset that everyone knew something I didn't. I'm such a party pooper!
I'm glad we could rescue Audrey from her law school studies for at least a day! It was good to be back with old friends. I had never been to Lubbock or seen Tech, so it was good to see where she has spent the last 4.5 years of her life!
My throat is a little sore from belting out 90's and Disney music on the long ride back to Ft. Worth. I'm glad I have some friends I can completely embarrass myself in front of and they don't even care because they're just as embarrassing!!
Happy Birthday weekend Audrey!!!
It happened.
Four of my high school friends and I piled in the car and hit the road at 7:30 AM on Saturday morning to drive to Lubbock where we surprised our dear friend Audrey for her birthday!!! The 5 hour car ride to west Texas (I thought) wasn't that bad. The girls I rode with went to college 1.5-3 hours from home- so a 5 hour ride through the flat cotton fields of west Texas was a little much, but I reminded them that our trip to Lubbock was only half the distance to Samford! Granted, you hit more big cities going to Birmingham...we only got Abilene, Tye, and Post (none of which are considered 'cities' to me).
We surprised Audrey at lunch- she had no idea, which is always my favorite part. I'm a surprise ruiner for myself. I somehow always get suspicious and figure out when I'm going to be surprised, and if I don't figure it out ahead of time I get really upset that everyone knew something I didn't. I'm such a party pooper!
I'm glad we could rescue Audrey from her law school studies for at least a day! It was good to be back with old friends. I had never been to Lubbock or seen Tech, so it was good to see where she has spent the last 4.5 years of her life!
My throat is a little sore from belting out 90's and Disney music on the long ride back to Ft. Worth. I'm glad I have some friends I can completely embarrass myself in front of and they don't even care because they're just as embarrassing!!
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| This is our "frat pose" |
Tuesday, November 9
'Tis the Season
I love Fall...I do, but there are 2 things I HATE about it getting cold.
1. Getting a cold. I woke up at 6:30 this morning feeling great. I bounced out of bed, was going to get to work early....things were going great. By 9 I just couldn't think straight and I was so tired. Throughout the day my head started hurting more, my throat got dry, and somehow a billion cotton balls found their way inside my head! I left work a couple hours early to "work from home"...does it count if I dreamt about work??
2. Dry Skin. I only noticed this problem after London but my skin cracks really bad in the winter. Thank goodness for the amazing goodness of Bath & Body Works Shea Cashmere Hand Lotion!!
I actually went to the grocery store to load up on Zicam, Advil, and Mucinex to try to kick this nasty cold, BUT Bath & Body Works is right next to Tom Thumb! So I got to solve both of my cold weather worries in one trip (well...the cold isn't exactly SOLVED but I should be on the road to recovery).
I have a lot of trouble going into a store and walking out only with what I went in for. For instance: Sunday night I went to Tom Thumb for cheese and milk- that's it. What did I walk out with? Cheese, Milk, Tilapia fillets, yogurt, jello mix and bananas. Today I went in for Zicam and Advil and I got some Reeses too (I'm sick, I deserve them, right?). I went into Bath and Body Works for this Shea Cashmere goodness and I walked out with that AND 3 amazing Holiday scented candles (that I can't actually smell right now because I can't smell anything). I got Homemade Cookies (that I hope doesn't make me crave the actual thing!), Autumn, and Twisted Peppermint.
Love the holiday scents...hate the cold and dry skin!
1. Getting a cold. I woke up at 6:30 this morning feeling great. I bounced out of bed, was going to get to work early....things were going great. By 9 I just couldn't think straight and I was so tired. Throughout the day my head started hurting more, my throat got dry, and somehow a billion cotton balls found their way inside my head! I left work a couple hours early to "work from home"...does it count if I dreamt about work??
I actually went to the grocery store to load up on Zicam, Advil, and Mucinex to try to kick this nasty cold, BUT Bath & Body Works is right next to Tom Thumb! So I got to solve both of my cold weather worries in one trip (well...the cold isn't exactly SOLVED but I should be on the road to recovery).
Love the holiday scents...hate the cold and dry skin!
Sunday, November 7
New Friends
Just when I thought I was turning into an introvert and it was impossible for me to make new friends, I sit down by Michael on the plane to Birmingham. I'm not really one to strike up a conversation with a stranger on a plane. I always thought that was weird, but I know now that I just hadn't met the right stranger yet.
Michael is in the Army, married, and has a baby on the way (due in April-ish). Our conversation started when I asked, "Are you coming or going [from war]?" And therein launched our 2+ hour conversation. He actually wasn't coming or going, he was going to training for the weekend. He had been to Iraq and by summer he'll be in Afganistan.
I (probably like most Americans) avoid thinking about the fact that America is at war. Or maybe it's just that we've been at one war or another for my entire life, and we've been at war in the Middle East for the majority of my formative years, and just I've become numb to it. Honestly, I think the media does a poor job of telling American citizens just exactly what's going on. I'd wager that the average American couldn't tell you the difference in the Iraq and Afghan wars- why each started, and what our mission is in each. Actually, I couldn't honestly tell you before I sat down by Michael.
I learned a lot in those 2 hours. I learned about why the wars started, what we're trying to do, why that probably isn't working, what we probably should do differently, what it's really like in infantry, what our soldiers are going through physically and especially mentally, and then we ended with a great talk about women in infantry. When we landed, the lady sitting in front of us said, "I was trying to sleep but you two were yacking away the whole flight!" We both felt bad for a mili-second, but then he said, "Sorry- it's a public flight!" Haha
He was on my return flight, but got bumped up to first class so we didn't get to talk any more except at baggage claim. A friend said I should get his address and have a soldier pen-pal. I'd feel weird about that. I also feel weird about saying cliche things to strangers. I should have said something along the lines of "Congratulations on becoming a daddy come spring" and "Thank you for serving our country," but I don't say things like that (at least not without feeling fake). I think he can tell just in my showing interest that I was more than just interested in his service- I genuinely appreciated it. I hope he knows that. If not, then this will be more formal "thank you": I truly thank all the men and women of this country who fight for us each and every day while I go and sit behind a desk and live my life in a comfortable denial that we're even at war.
At baggage claim, Michael said he'd be making that same flight back to Birmingham a lot and asked if I flew it every month. I told him I probably wouldn't go back until May. He said, "Well I hope I'll get to see you again in May." I made a new friend! Meeting him reminded me that our soldiers need our support whether or not we support the politics behind the wars. These men suffer physically and mentally for us. I can't really express my gratitude.
Old Friends
So that whole deal about me posting a different Weepies song every day didn't quite work out because I slacked off on my trip to Birmingham, but the break from the Internet was refreshing.
The whole weekend was just really refreshing in general. I've only taken 2 days off since I started my job on June 1, and I really needed Friday off. It was great. I got some good sister time, I got to visit with my favorite professors (yes, I'm a nerd), and I got to see my wonderful friends!
Going back to see my professors made me realize what made Samford so special. I'm always hearing my coworkers talk about their state school experiences, and yeah, its sad that I missed out on the Big 12 football rivalries and Samford football isn't much to write home about, but I walked away from college with more than just school spirit. Samford isn't the kind of place you can show up on the first day of class and for every test and still make it out of the class okay. You can't just "borrow" an old test from your sorority sisters and expect an 'A'. Samford professors know you. I went to a number of Samford prof's homes- including the President of the university! I babysat for my professors, I ate around their tables. I can tell you the names of my favorite professors children. I had several professors multiple times...a couple I had back to back classes with, which wasn't always as fun as it may sound. At Samford, my professors were my teachers, my mentors, my advisors, my guides, and now they're my friends. It was good to visit with them. They played a big part in getting me to where I am today, and I'm thankful for them.
I had some good conversations with my ol' girlfriends. These girls are the friends that I may or may not have the time to see or talk to much when we're grown and have our own families, but I know that no matter how much time goes by between our visits, we can sit down and pick up where we left off- talking 100mph until....well...we may just never stop. I'm so glad to have those close friendships, and I was truly blessed by our conversations this weekend and just the time I got to spend with them (over some great food!)
The whole weekend was just really refreshing in general. I've only taken 2 days off since I started my job on June 1, and I really needed Friday off. It was great. I got some good sister time, I got to visit with my favorite professors (yes, I'm a nerd), and I got to see my wonderful friends!
Going back to see my professors made me realize what made Samford so special. I'm always hearing my coworkers talk about their state school experiences, and yeah, its sad that I missed out on the Big 12 football rivalries and Samford football isn't much to write home about, but I walked away from college with more than just school spirit. Samford isn't the kind of place you can show up on the first day of class and for every test and still make it out of the class okay. You can't just "borrow" an old test from your sorority sisters and expect an 'A'. Samford professors know you. I went to a number of Samford prof's homes- including the President of the university! I babysat for my professors, I ate around their tables. I can tell you the names of my favorite professors children. I had several professors multiple times...a couple I had back to back classes with, which wasn't always as fun as it may sound. At Samford, my professors were my teachers, my mentors, my advisors, my guides, and now they're my friends. It was good to visit with them. They played a big part in getting me to where I am today, and I'm thankful for them.
I had some good conversations with my ol' girlfriends. These girls are the friends that I may or may not have the time to see or talk to much when we're grown and have our own families, but I know that no matter how much time goes by between our visits, we can sit down and pick up where we left off- talking 100mph until....well...we may just never stop. I'm so glad to have those close friendships, and I was truly blessed by our conversations this weekend and just the time I got to spend with them (over some great food!)
Thursday, November 4
Airports
This is my first ever blogpost from my phone! I can't say it's easy. It's like I'm writing the worlds longest text message and the screen looks just like a typewriter except it catches typos and let's you backspace!
I'm writing from my phone because I'm at dfw airport waiting for my flight to Birmingham that won't even start boarding for another hour!!! I wasn't sure how bad traffic would be during rush hour or how many idiots....oh, I mean "inexperienced travelers" there would be in front of me in the security line.
I'll be the first to admit I have a bit of a complex when it comes to traveling. I was blessed to grow up in a family of travelers and grew up going places. In 2008 I got to see the world (well just highlights of the northern hemisphere really). In January 2008 I took 11 flights and slept in at least 8 different hotels and I LOVED it! I absolutely love airports, I love flying, and I love passport stamps. I even enjoy the stress that comes along with language barriers. Maybe it's just the sense of accomplishment I feel after getting myself out of a pickle like getting lost in Italy and then locked out of our hotel, or missing trains, or dealing with cab drivers who don't speak English. I just love it all. What I DON'T love is people asking stupid questions in security lines like "do I have to take my socks off too?" NO. Gross. Please don't.
I don't know if you saw "up in the air" with George Clooney but he was a master at getting through security. He had it DOWN. That is the kind of traveler I aspire to be. Get in and get out without making the buzzer go off or getting patted down! Some people travel with too much STUFF it just doesn't make sense!
Anyway, that's my rant for the day. I could start a whole new blog on people watching in airports and posts pics of all these interesting folks. My weepies song of the day is "the world spins madly on". Quite appropriate for the airport scene. Sorry I can't embed. I'm running low tech today but here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdoI_ZHdRPA&feature=youtube_gdata_player
I'm writing from my phone because I'm at dfw airport waiting for my flight to Birmingham that won't even start boarding for another hour!!! I wasn't sure how bad traffic would be during rush hour or how many idiots....oh, I mean "inexperienced travelers" there would be in front of me in the security line.
I'll be the first to admit I have a bit of a complex when it comes to traveling. I was blessed to grow up in a family of travelers and grew up going places. In 2008 I got to see the world (well just highlights of the northern hemisphere really). In January 2008 I took 11 flights and slept in at least 8 different hotels and I LOVED it! I absolutely love airports, I love flying, and I love passport stamps. I even enjoy the stress that comes along with language barriers. Maybe it's just the sense of accomplishment I feel after getting myself out of a pickle like getting lost in Italy and then locked out of our hotel, or missing trains, or dealing with cab drivers who don't speak English. I just love it all. What I DON'T love is people asking stupid questions in security lines like "do I have to take my socks off too?" NO. Gross. Please don't.
I don't know if you saw "up in the air" with George Clooney but he was a master at getting through security. He had it DOWN. That is the kind of traveler I aspire to be. Get in and get out without making the buzzer go off or getting patted down! Some people travel with too much STUFF it just doesn't make sense!
Anyway, that's my rant for the day. I could start a whole new blog on people watching in airports and posts pics of all these interesting folks. My weepies song of the day is "the world spins madly on". Quite appropriate for the airport scene. Sorry I can't embed. I'm running low tech today but here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdoI_ZHdRPA&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Wednesday, November 3
All Good Things...
Exciting times are ahead! Now doesn't that sound like an awful fortune cookie? It's true.
Exciting times are now actually because I have a coupon to DSW and I'm craving some boots. I'm so bad! Didn't I mention I have a coupon!?
MY TWO CENTS:
Dear Democrats,
Quit gettin' yo feathers all ruffled because the Republicans have a House majority. You still have the Senate and the President so you're going to be okay.
Dear Republicans,
Don't rub it in the Dem's faces too much. They're sensitive.
I know mid-terms are a big deal, but don't you think we'd realize by now that politics follow a cycle? That's why we call it a "balance of powers." The balance doesn't sit still- it shifts. The Democrats got their turn in '06 which paved the road for Obama to get elected. Now Republicans are taking their turn, and while I can't guarantee anything, don't be too shocked when a Republican gets elected in 2012...just sayin' (but at the gym tonight I saw something on the news about Trump 2012...NO...Donald Trump is not allowed to be my President. That is where I draw the line.)
Everyone take a deep breath. Elections are over, power is changing, but welcome to this horrifically beautiful thing we call a Democracy.
Tuesday, November 2
Gotta Have You
Your daily dose of The Weepies: Gotta Have You
Today's gray skies and rain didn't help my homesickness for London. It was the first cold day and I pride myself on bearing the cold because I loved walking the streets of London in the freezing cold.
Then, to make it worse, I had a call with a lady in London. She happened to mention that there are only 4 people on her team and they have lots of work to do. LET ME GO HELP! Then my coworkers and I launched into London stories. Maybe its just the fact that I get to see my London Ladies (the girls I spent my semester abroad with) on FRIDAY! I cannot wait!
I never thought the day would come that I would read an old textbook for fun. Let me first say that I have started reading the news more (I read guardian.co.uk and thetimes.co.uk because I don't trust the American media haha. I like to see what other countries think about America, and I think the UK does a better job of reporting on the rest of the world).
ANYWAY, reading the news has really sparked my interest in history, because, as we all know, they're interrelated. One of my favorite classes in college (and probably my favorite Political Science class) was International Relations. In this class we had some insanely short amount of time to read The World Since 1945: A History of International Relations. That's a LOT of history to cram into 600 pages of text.
It has always amazed me how much history can actually be squeezed into a single sentence. Take this sentence for example (from the chapter on the Decolonization of Africa), "Three years later the colony, now renamed Ghana, was made self-governing under Nkrumah's leadership, and in March 1957, Nkrumah, now prime minister, was able to announce that Ghana had won its full independence." There is a lot going on there, and a lot had to happen for everything in that sentence to come about. Maybe that's just one of those weird things I think about that leaves everyone thinking, "....O-kay Hayley...that's just great."
I never really finished reading this book. I was drowning in other homework and usually skimmed through the reading (about 100 pages per class if I recall correctly). I remember I completely skipped half the history of Latin America and a good bit of China/Taiwan. This time I'm determined to go through the ENTIRE book no matter how boring it may seem to get because it is ALL relevant today and I think it is important to know!
Here's something to think about:
The book opens with the end of WWII and it raises the question of whether or not the US dropping the atom bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki was necessary, justifiable, or even ethical.
"OF COURSE NOT," would be my initial reaction. All those innocent lives...and Japan was struggling to stay afloat in the war despite their stubborn refusal to surrender. I read John Hershey's Hiroshima in high school and it is so sad. In all honesty, atomic weapons (or WMDs in general) are way too over the top and that was an unfair situation Truman walked into and was ill-advised on- but alas, history is history.
The World Since 1945 suggests that if the US hadn't dropped the atomic bomb, the war would've carried on much longer and many lives on both sides would've been lost. That made me think: my grandfather, a medic in the Navy, was stationed in the Pacific from 1943-1946. He hardly ever talks about the war, but he did tell me one time that there were Japanese subs and all around his ship and the crew never knew it. I wonder, if the US didn't drop the atom bomb, would fighting have continued? Would more soldiers really have died? Would my grandfather have survived WWII? Would I be here?
Is it okay to support the US dropping the atom bomb for selfish reasons? At the same time, there is a Japanese 22-year old girl who isn't writing this blog because her grandfather did die in WWII.
Today's gray skies and rain didn't help my homesickness for London. It was the first cold day and I pride myself on bearing the cold because I loved walking the streets of London in the freezing cold.
Then, to make it worse, I had a call with a lady in London. She happened to mention that there are only 4 people on her team and they have lots of work to do. LET ME GO HELP! Then my coworkers and I launched into London stories. Maybe its just the fact that I get to see my London Ladies (the girls I spent my semester abroad with) on FRIDAY! I cannot wait!
I never thought the day would come that I would read an old textbook for fun. Let me first say that I have started reading the news more (I read guardian.co.uk and thetimes.co.uk because I don't trust the American media haha. I like to see what other countries think about America, and I think the UK does a better job of reporting on the rest of the world).
ANYWAY, reading the news has really sparked my interest in history, because, as we all know, they're interrelated. One of my favorite classes in college (and probably my favorite Political Science class) was International Relations. In this class we had some insanely short amount of time to read The World Since 1945: A History of International Relations. That's a LOT of history to cram into 600 pages of text.
It has always amazed me how much history can actually be squeezed into a single sentence. Take this sentence for example (from the chapter on the Decolonization of Africa), "Three years later the colony, now renamed Ghana, was made self-governing under Nkrumah's leadership, and in March 1957, Nkrumah, now prime minister, was able to announce that Ghana had won its full independence." There is a lot going on there, and a lot had to happen for everything in that sentence to come about. Maybe that's just one of those weird things I think about that leaves everyone thinking, "....O-kay Hayley...that's just great."I never really finished reading this book. I was drowning in other homework and usually skimmed through the reading (about 100 pages per class if I recall correctly). I remember I completely skipped half the history of Latin America and a good bit of China/Taiwan. This time I'm determined to go through the ENTIRE book no matter how boring it may seem to get because it is ALL relevant today and I think it is important to know!
Here's something to think about:
The book opens with the end of WWII and it raises the question of whether or not the US dropping the atom bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki was necessary, justifiable, or even ethical.
"OF COURSE NOT," would be my initial reaction. All those innocent lives...and Japan was struggling to stay afloat in the war despite their stubborn refusal to surrender. I read John Hershey's Hiroshima in high school and it is so sad. In all honesty, atomic weapons (or WMDs in general) are way too over the top and that was an unfair situation Truman walked into and was ill-advised on- but alas, history is history.
The World Since 1945 suggests that if the US hadn't dropped the atomic bomb, the war would've carried on much longer and many lives on both sides would've been lost. That made me think: my grandfather, a medic in the Navy, was stationed in the Pacific from 1943-1946. He hardly ever talks about the war, but he did tell me one time that there were Japanese subs and all around his ship and the crew never knew it. I wonder, if the US didn't drop the atom bomb, would fighting have continued? Would more soldiers really have died? Would my grandfather have survived WWII? Would I be here?
Is it okay to support the US dropping the atom bomb for selfish reasons? At the same time, there is a Japanese 22-year old girl who isn't writing this blog because her grandfather did die in WWII.
Monday, November 1
19 Days of the Weepies + other things I love
First and foremost: WELCOME TO NOVEMBER! November is fabulous- It was always a sign that the end of the semester was coming (so to those of you in school...it is coming!) I guess in the business world we've entered Q4...(well I think that began in October and it means absolutely nothing at all to me, BUT one day when I become an important executive, I'm sure it will mean something).
In attempt to gear up for the Nov. 19th WEEPIES concert I will share a piece of Weepies-wonderfulness with you! This song "I Was Made for Sunny Days" hooked me on the Weepies. I first heard it on July 6th (because I was introduced to KXT on July 5th). It's such a happy song.
I wonder how Thomas Eddison feels about Anthro selling his invention for $98. I mean...really? Is it the actual lightbulb or just the wiring that costs $98? Oh, but wait, for only $40 more (or 2 monthly payments of $19.99), you can add a variation of wire framing around this lightbulb.
In attempt to gear up for the Nov. 19th WEEPIES concert I will share a piece of Weepies-wonderfulness with you! This song "I Was Made for Sunny Days" hooked me on the Weepies. I first heard it on July 6th (because I was introduced to KXT on July 5th). It's such a happy song.
All happy songs take me back to London- my happy place. One day I'll go back and walk through Regents Park and stop by to see John at La Liason just around the corner from the Gloucester flower shop. Maybe when I retire I'll go buy that flower shop next to the Gloucester tube stop :)
I wonder how Thomas Eddison feels about Anthro selling his invention for $98. I mean...really? Is it the actual lightbulb or just the wiring that costs $98? Oh, but wait, for only $40 more (or 2 monthly payments of $19.99), you can add a variation of wire framing around this lightbulb.
I am very fascinated by light fixtures and lamps (not so much these) but I DO like the Tea Time chandelier and the Eat, Drink, and Be Merry chandelier.
Thursday, October 21
Oh the things I'm looking forward to....
Let's start small:
1. Talking to Hannah on Skype any minute now.
2. Friday (tomorrow). Let me clarify- whatever time it will be when I leave work. I've worked 11.5 hour days the past 2 days.
3. Hanging out with my 11-year old cousin this weekend.
4. Seeing the Rangers win tomorrow's game and go on to the WORLD SERIES!!!! WHOOP WHOOP!
5. ...this event I'm working on to be OVER (next Thursday).
6. ...going to BIRMINGHAM 2 weeks from today and getting to see my London Ladies and celebrate Cait's engagement and see my sister and any other old friends I can possibly squeeze into a weekend.
7. ...there's something the next week but it's a surprise, so I'll let the suspense kill you and maybe I'll blog about it.
8. NOVEMBER 19TH- I have tickets to go see the WEEPIES!!!! *sigh*...can't WAIT
9. December 18th I'm going to Nashville for Caitlin & Preston's wedding and all the London girls will be together for the first time since....well...maybe since we were in London together, but for sure not since Spring 2009.
10. The next big Anthropologie sale :)
1. Talking to Hannah on Skype any minute now.
2. Friday (tomorrow). Let me clarify- whatever time it will be when I leave work. I've worked 11.5 hour days the past 2 days.
3. Hanging out with my 11-year old cousin this weekend.
4. Seeing the Rangers win tomorrow's game and go on to the WORLD SERIES!!!! WHOOP WHOOP!
5. ...this event I'm working on to be OVER (next Thursday).
6. ...going to BIRMINGHAM 2 weeks from today and getting to see my London Ladies and celebrate Cait's engagement and see my sister and any other old friends I can possibly squeeze into a weekend.
7. ...there's something the next week but it's a surprise, so I'll let the suspense kill you and maybe I'll blog about it.
8. NOVEMBER 19TH- I have tickets to go see the WEEPIES!!!! *sigh*...can't WAIT
9. December 18th I'm going to Nashville for Caitlin & Preston's wedding and all the London girls will be together for the first time since....well...maybe since we were in London together, but for sure not since Spring 2009.
10. The next big Anthropologie sale :)
Friday, October 15
I HATE smoke detectors!
I honestly hate them! I understand their life-saving purpose, but they haven't done anything for me except scare me and cause me to lose sleep!
I was probably an overly-fearful child. I was scared of a lot of things- elevators, lightning, fire, death, spontaneous combustion....I couldn't even watch ER because, even as a young child, watching an actor fake a heart attack gave me chest pains. I was such a hypochondriac.
I distinctly remember one of my first encounters with smoke detectors. It was back when my family lived in the house we moved out of when I was 4- so I'm guessing I was 3, which proves just how traumatic this was, because not many people have memories of when they were 3.
It was the time of year for my dad to change the smoke detector batteries. I couldn't BEAR the sound it made when he pushed the little green button to see if it worked. Mom collected us girls like little chicklings on the couch, but I just couldn't handle it- I went outside and stood on the sidewalk so I couldn't hear him test the smoke detector!
Luckily, I have grown up. I can handle elevators, lightning, (some) fire...so far I haven't encountered spontaneous combustion or death- I'm just hoping they won't come at the same time!
Yesterday my smoke alarm starting beeping- it woke me up at 6:30, which is a great thing because I actually forgot to set my (sleeping) alarm! I took out the battery so it would stop annoying me.
The beeping stopped until I got home from work and heard it again, but I didn't hear it the rest of the night. THEN at 3:40 it started again! The beeps were closer together! I got out of bed and stood by the darn thing....no beeps- went back to bed. It not only detects smoke...it also detects REM cycles. Every time I'd drift off it would beep- and this isn't the kind of beep you can just ignore. It sounds like my little dog yelping; it's SO high! OH MISERY!
I thought about going to walmart and buying a battery (I actually went to the grocery store last night JUST to buy this stupid battery, but of course, I forgot and just bought food instead!) Option 2 would have been to call my apartment courtesy officer and see if he had a battery, but i think he might be for emergencies only (even though he's called the 'courtesy officer' and it would've been courteous of him to bring me a battery at 4 am!)
My 3rd option was pulling it off the wall completely. I think these things have minds of their own and I think it would freak out and scream for it's life if I tampered too badly with it- waking the entire neighborhood.
I ended up squeezing in 1 more REM cycle (I had a crazy dream). I CANNOT forget to buy that battery today! Hopefully I won't fall asleep at my desk today!
I was probably an overly-fearful child. I was scared of a lot of things- elevators, lightning, fire, death, spontaneous combustion....I couldn't even watch ER because, even as a young child, watching an actor fake a heart attack gave me chest pains. I was such a hypochondriac.
I distinctly remember one of my first encounters with smoke detectors. It was back when my family lived in the house we moved out of when I was 4- so I'm guessing I was 3, which proves just how traumatic this was, because not many people have memories of when they were 3.
It was the time of year for my dad to change the smoke detector batteries. I couldn't BEAR the sound it made when he pushed the little green button to see if it worked. Mom collected us girls like little chicklings on the couch, but I just couldn't handle it- I went outside and stood on the sidewalk so I couldn't hear him test the smoke detector!
Luckily, I have grown up. I can handle elevators, lightning, (some) fire...so far I haven't encountered spontaneous combustion or death- I'm just hoping they won't come at the same time!
Yesterday my smoke alarm starting beeping- it woke me up at 6:30, which is a great thing because I actually forgot to set my (sleeping) alarm! I took out the battery so it would stop annoying me.
The beeping stopped until I got home from work and heard it again, but I didn't hear it the rest of the night. THEN at 3:40 it started again! The beeps were closer together! I got out of bed and stood by the darn thing....no beeps- went back to bed. It not only detects smoke...it also detects REM cycles. Every time I'd drift off it would beep- and this isn't the kind of beep you can just ignore. It sounds like my little dog yelping; it's SO high! OH MISERY!
I thought about going to walmart and buying a battery (I actually went to the grocery store last night JUST to buy this stupid battery, but of course, I forgot and just bought food instead!) Option 2 would have been to call my apartment courtesy officer and see if he had a battery, but i think he might be for emergencies only (even though he's called the 'courtesy officer' and it would've been courteous of him to bring me a battery at 4 am!)
My 3rd option was pulling it off the wall completely. I think these things have minds of their own and I think it would freak out and scream for it's life if I tampered too badly with it- waking the entire neighborhood.
I ended up squeezing in 1 more REM cycle (I had a crazy dream). I CANNOT forget to buy that battery today! Hopefully I won't fall asleep at my desk today!
Monday, October 11
Retail Therapy
Man did I need it! HA!
Monday morning: I had 35 unread emails sitting on my phone and 13 calendar notifications. Yeah, I look at emails over the weekend as they come to my phone, but there isn't a lot I can do about them. They can wait until Monday morning.
That is...if your computer works. I got in today and tried logging onto my computer but I got an error that said something like "The security database does not recognize your workstation and can't support the security relationship." What in the world does that even mean!?
I called the help desk- in India. I got someone I could actually understand and they submitted a ticket for me. They said they could call the person on call if it was urget. As politely as I possibly could, I replied, "Well, I'm trying to start my workday and my computer won't turn on. Yes, it would be great if you would page someone for me."
I don't really know what came of that call because I just found our executive IT support guy and had him help me. Two hours after I got to work I was online and ready to go...great start to a Monday.
After work I gave in and took that nap I've been trying to break myself of! At 5 pm, when I left work, I had read all my emails. At 7 pm when I woke up, I had 13 emails. I don't even have a family but I enjoy having my evenings to myself where I don't think about work! I like having an off switch. Maybe that makes me weird or lazy, I don't know.
This is where the retail therapy comes in. My mom texted me this afternoon and told me everything at Gap was 40% off. Eh...ok. I had checked out their stock online and I wasn't ultra-impressed with their line this season, but hey, 40% off...I might find something.
I walked in the store and was completely appalled! I didn't think humans could be ravenous animals, but apparently shopping brings out people's primal instincts. The store was a wreck! I have seen Gaps during the holiday season, but I had never seen one this bad! I didn't see a single employee anywhere either! I guess they had been trampled or were buried under a pile of jeggings (yes...jean-leggings=jeggings, and NO...they don't work for me).
I don't feel bad about shopping since my mother was the one who told me about the sale. And since my Gap card was "suspended" because I never use it, I reactivated it and ended up saving 55%! WOO HOO! I am thoroughly proud of myself. I was surprised that the store wasn't completely picked-over. They still had a great selection and I found everything I wanted in the size I wanted it in! I'm pretty sure the majority of their inventory was in the dressing rooms instead of on the store floor. I felt so bad for the handful of employees left....they were severely understaffed and I felt like volunteering my evening to help them clean up! They really needed the Red Cross or some kind of disaster relief team to come in! Maybe Gap wouldn't have to have these "surprise" 40% off days if they would just not overprice their clothes in the first place. But that's just a thought....
Monday morning: I had 35 unread emails sitting on my phone and 13 calendar notifications. Yeah, I look at emails over the weekend as they come to my phone, but there isn't a lot I can do about them. They can wait until Monday morning.
That is...if your computer works. I got in today and tried logging onto my computer but I got an error that said something like "The security database does not recognize your workstation and can't support the security relationship." What in the world does that even mean!?
I called the help desk- in India. I got someone I could actually understand and they submitted a ticket for me. They said they could call the person on call if it was urget. As politely as I possibly could, I replied, "Well, I'm trying to start my workday and my computer won't turn on. Yes, it would be great if you would page someone for me."
I don't really know what came of that call because I just found our executive IT support guy and had him help me. Two hours after I got to work I was online and ready to go...great start to a Monday.
After work I gave in and took that nap I've been trying to break myself of! At 5 pm, when I left work, I had read all my emails. At 7 pm when I woke up, I had 13 emails. I don't even have a family but I enjoy having my evenings to myself where I don't think about work! I like having an off switch. Maybe that makes me weird or lazy, I don't know.
This is where the retail therapy comes in. My mom texted me this afternoon and told me everything at Gap was 40% off. Eh...ok. I had checked out their stock online and I wasn't ultra-impressed with their line this season, but hey, 40% off...I might find something.
I walked in the store and was completely appalled! I didn't think humans could be ravenous animals, but apparently shopping brings out people's primal instincts. The store was a wreck! I have seen Gaps during the holiday season, but I had never seen one this bad! I didn't see a single employee anywhere either! I guess they had been trampled or were buried under a pile of jeggings (yes...jean-leggings=jeggings, and NO...they don't work for me).
I don't feel bad about shopping since my mother was the one who told me about the sale. And since my Gap card was "suspended" because I never use it, I reactivated it and ended up saving 55%! WOO HOO! I am thoroughly proud of myself. I was surprised that the store wasn't completely picked-over. They still had a great selection and I found everything I wanted in the size I wanted it in! I'm pretty sure the majority of their inventory was in the dressing rooms instead of on the store floor. I felt so bad for the handful of employees left....they were severely understaffed and I felt like volunteering my evening to help them clean up! They really needed the Red Cross or some kind of disaster relief team to come in! Maybe Gap wouldn't have to have these "surprise" 40% off days if they would just not overprice their clothes in the first place. But that's just a thought....
Tuesday, October 5
My Kickball Skills are Subpar
Surprised? You shouldn't be.
I'm in the league more for the friends than the game. My teammates are cool, but every now and then they make me go up to bat. They told me to go to Center-Left (Isn't that an oxymoron...center but left?) Dad, I wish you would've helped bring out my inner athlete a little earlier in my life, because I'm having trouble finding her now.
I found Center Left, which was luckily in between 2 boys who did all the real work for me. I caught the ball once, unfortunately it wasn't an out, but I quickly got it out of my hands!
My team (Team Nameless) lost. 2-8 I think. We have room for improvement...for sure. It should be fun. I need to perfect my bunt (or just my kick in general. I got out both times I was up to bat).
I'm exhausted...we had a 9:00 game so now it's way past my bedtime!
(Kickball lessons welcomed!)
I'm in the league more for the friends than the game. My teammates are cool, but every now and then they make me go up to bat. They told me to go to Center-Left (Isn't that an oxymoron...center but left?) Dad, I wish you would've helped bring out my inner athlete a little earlier in my life, because I'm having trouble finding her now.
I found Center Left, which was luckily in between 2 boys who did all the real work for me. I caught the ball once, unfortunately it wasn't an out, but I quickly got it out of my hands!
My team (Team Nameless) lost. 2-8 I think. We have room for improvement...for sure. It should be fun. I need to perfect my bunt (or just my kick in general. I got out both times I was up to bat).
I'm exhausted...we had a 9:00 game so now it's way past my bedtime!
(Kickball lessons welcomed!)
Wednesday, September 29
13 hours and 130 miles later....I'm home
No...I don't drive that slow.
After a fun-filled day at work where I don't feel like I finished a single task, but just did little pieces of several things (which doesn't leave me feeling very accomplished), I had to run an errand.
I started (and ended) at point D (top middle). I wrote last week about how my French Horn had a crack in it. Over the weekend, I called my ol' private lesson teacher in Crowley (that's the bottom left corner of the map) and he told me to take it to a guy in Keller (Point B). This guy said it would be ready on Sunday (let's remember, this is Wednesday). He called last night and said I could come pick it up at nine. I didn't feel like driving an hour last night at nine so I said I'd come pick it up after work today (and before orchestra practice...which is at Point C).
So...to put it all into perspective- I started at D. That squiggly road that goes west to Point B is so awful I hate it! Whoever planned that highway fails. Every car wants to switch over 3 lanes to get on some other highway, so everyone just SITS. So frustrating! (Especially at 5 or 6pm!) After I went all the way out to Keller (and I'll explain that situation in a moment)...I rushed to Rockwall (Point C) for my 8:10 orchestra rehearsal- and made it just in time! Then back home. 130 miles. What a night.
I called the horn guy in Keller when I was leaving work to let him know I was coming/ give him a chance to tell me not to come if it wasn't ready. He didn't answer...but he did call me when I got to Southlake (the town just east of Keller). He said it wasn't ready, but he'd try to have it done by 7:30...what? 7:30? I have a rehearsal across town at 8:10! Now, I realize taking I-30 was not the most logical road to take from Keller to Rockwall, but it's what my iPhone spit out at me, and I feel like it tends to have less traffic than 183 or 635. (And taking I-30 gave me a gorgeous view of downtown Dallas as the setting sun reflected off all the glass buildings! Pretty!)
Anyway, this horn thing (consult the pic below and this will make a lot more sense)... When I got to the guy's house (which is also his workshop) he said 10 minutes before I drove up he had patched the crack, which was right at, or below, the #2 on the picture. Then he was trying to straighten the pipe that #s 1,2,5 & 3 line up against. While he was doing this, that little "L" shaped piece of metal between #s 2&11 came loose and the metal between #s2&5 crinkled.....fabulous. I completely understand that this kind of thing only happens like once in 10 years to this guy, and he's lucky that I'm as chill as I am...I think any diva musician would've blown their top! (Not to sound like a snob or anything, but I have a really nice horn. We found it in the classifieds when I was in middle school for a steal...and I mean a serious steal! It's an Alexander 103 if You care at all to Google it. Mine is maybe 40 years old...we bought it from a widow who's deceased husband was a professional horn player, and he bought it from the German factory 20-30 years before it was passed on to me). So all that to say, the horn is a little old and pretty valuable.
The guy said he needed to keep my horn until Sunday when he could spend some serious time on it, which is fine with me because I only play on Wednesdays. He mentioned possibly replacing that entire pipe (that starts @ #1, goes all the way down to #4 and scoops back up and ends under #10)...for no charge. I'm wondering what other kinds of discounts he's gonna give me....He told me not to pay him yet, but I'm interested to see how this all turns out. He said the last girl's horn he messed up this bad (10 years ago, of course) he didn't charge her and gave her free repairs for the next 3 years. By all means...screw up a little more...as long as you can fix it!
He gave me a loaner horn...I think it's a Conn 8D, not that I expect you to know what that is, but it seems like it's what all the horn players play these days (and I like being different with my Alexander). It played really well in orchestra. I guess it's always fun to try out different horns every now and then, but I want my Alex back in one piece please!
After a fun-filled day at work where I don't feel like I finished a single task, but just did little pieces of several things (which doesn't leave me feeling very accomplished), I had to run an errand.
So...to put it all into perspective- I started at D. That squiggly road that goes west to Point B is so awful I hate it! Whoever planned that highway fails. Every car wants to switch over 3 lanes to get on some other highway, so everyone just SITS. So frustrating! (Especially at 5 or 6pm!) After I went all the way out to Keller (and I'll explain that situation in a moment)...I rushed to Rockwall (Point C) for my 8:10 orchestra rehearsal- and made it just in time! Then back home. 130 miles. What a night.
I called the horn guy in Keller when I was leaving work to let him know I was coming/ give him a chance to tell me not to come if it wasn't ready. He didn't answer...but he did call me when I got to Southlake (the town just east of Keller). He said it wasn't ready, but he'd try to have it done by 7:30...what? 7:30? I have a rehearsal across town at 8:10! Now, I realize taking I-30 was not the most logical road to take from Keller to Rockwall, but it's what my iPhone spit out at me, and I feel like it tends to have less traffic than 183 or 635. (And taking I-30 gave me a gorgeous view of downtown Dallas as the setting sun reflected off all the glass buildings! Pretty!)
Anyway, this horn thing (consult the pic below and this will make a lot more sense)... When I got to the guy's house (which is also his workshop) he said 10 minutes before I drove up he had patched the crack, which was right at, or below, the #2 on the picture. Then he was trying to straighten the pipe that #s 1,2,5 & 3 line up against. While he was doing this, that little "L" shaped piece of metal between #s 2&11 came loose and the metal between #s2&5 crinkled.....fabulous. I completely understand that this kind of thing only happens like once in 10 years to this guy, and he's lucky that I'm as chill as I am...I think any diva musician would've blown their top! (Not to sound like a snob or anything, but I have a really nice horn. We found it in the classifieds when I was in middle school for a steal...and I mean a serious steal! It's an Alexander 103 if You care at all to Google it. Mine is maybe 40 years old...we bought it from a widow who's deceased husband was a professional horn player, and he bought it from the German factory 20-30 years before it was passed on to me). So all that to say, the horn is a little old and pretty valuable.
The guy said he needed to keep my horn until Sunday when he could spend some serious time on it, which is fine with me because I only play on Wednesdays. He mentioned possibly replacing that entire pipe (that starts @ #1, goes all the way down to #4 and scoops back up and ends under #10)...for no charge. I'm wondering what other kinds of discounts he's gonna give me....He told me not to pay him yet, but I'm interested to see how this all turns out. He said the last girl's horn he messed up this bad (10 years ago, of course) he didn't charge her and gave her free repairs for the next 3 years. By all means...screw up a little more...as long as you can fix it!
He gave me a loaner horn...I think it's a Conn 8D, not that I expect you to know what that is, but it seems like it's what all the horn players play these days (and I like being different with my Alexander). It played really well in orchestra. I guess it's always fun to try out different horns every now and then, but I want my Alex back in one piece please!
Thursday, September 23
The dreaded newsletter
Sure, this might be an attempt to appease my readers since I've gotten 2 complaints about my blogging-slackage.
I came home from work today to a lovely bright green newsletter on my door...the first line (in bold) reads, "It has come to our attention that there have been several burglaries in the area. If you notice any suspicious activity in your community please contact police immediately."
Well...that's just peachy, isn't it? It goes on to basically say, "be smart." On the back, they provided security guidelines. Since I have a fair amount of common sense, I already follow most of the guidelines...but there are a few I don't (simply because I think they're a bit too much to ask).
For instance, "If you have occasion to walk outside your apartment at night, walk with at least one other person." Right...and who might that person be? If I'm walking with another person outside at night, it means I'm being abducted and I need help.
Oh...I really like this one: "Know at least two exit routes from your home, if possible." Well, I guess they gave themselves a way out with the "if possible" because my options are limited to the front door, the (2nd floor) balcony, the 2nd floor window, or the chimney.
I like this one too: "When you leave home, make sure someone knows where you're going and when you plan to be back"....."Hey mom...yeah, it's me again. Yes, I know you live an hour away and I'm a big girl, but I'm going to Target again. I'll be back in 20 minutes." Isn't this rule why I live alone in the first place?
I'm really not too worried about it- I try to use common sense in general and lay low- it's best to go unnoticed. But maybe if I don't blog for...eh...a couple weeks, you should send a missing persons report to the police! (But hopefully my dear mother would've gone looking for me by then!)
I came home from work today to a lovely bright green newsletter on my door...the first line (in bold) reads, "It has come to our attention that there have been several burglaries in the area. If you notice any suspicious activity in your community please contact police immediately."
Well...that's just peachy, isn't it? It goes on to basically say, "be smart." On the back, they provided security guidelines. Since I have a fair amount of common sense, I already follow most of the guidelines...but there are a few I don't (simply because I think they're a bit too much to ask).
For instance, "If you have occasion to walk outside your apartment at night, walk with at least one other person." Right...and who might that person be? If I'm walking with another person outside at night, it means I'm being abducted and I need help.
Oh...I really like this one: "Know at least two exit routes from your home, if possible." Well, I guess they gave themselves a way out with the "if possible" because my options are limited to the front door, the (2nd floor) balcony, the 2nd floor window, or the chimney.
I like this one too: "When you leave home, make sure someone knows where you're going and when you plan to be back"....."Hey mom...yeah, it's me again. Yes, I know you live an hour away and I'm a big girl, but I'm going to Target again. I'll be back in 20 minutes." Isn't this rule why I live alone in the first place?
I'm really not too worried about it- I try to use common sense in general and lay low- it's best to go unnoticed. But maybe if I don't blog for...eh...a couple weeks, you should send a missing persons report to the police! (But hopefully my dear mother would've gone looking for me by then!)
Thursday, September 16
Great evening!
I had my last rowing class tonight! It was awesome! I didn't get tangled up in weeds or rubbish, didn't run into anybody or anything, and I didn't fall in!
The teacher gave me a great tip: Push with the legs instead of pull with the arms. It made me go so much faster and it made the boat a lot more stable. I actually made it around the entire lake twice in an hour and 15 minutes. The past 2 rowing sessions I didn't even make it around the lake once!
My rowing days are not over (I hope!) I'm going to join the Dallas Rowing Club! And the group sends out emails to let everyone know when they plan to go row so we can row together (you can't row alone!)
I did get really bad blisters on the second knuckle of all my fingers though (they won't show up in a picture or I'd show you how much pain I'm in). It hurt to open my car door and grip the steering-wheel, so I drove with my palms!
Once I got the hang of it and started rowing really fast it was a LOT of fun! I highly recommend rowing to everyone! You can row until you're old and wrinkly! :)
The teacher gave me a great tip: Push with the legs instead of pull with the arms. It made me go so much faster and it made the boat a lot more stable. I actually made it around the entire lake twice in an hour and 15 minutes. The past 2 rowing sessions I didn't even make it around the lake once!
My rowing days are not over (I hope!) I'm going to join the Dallas Rowing Club! And the group sends out emails to let everyone know when they plan to go row so we can row together (you can't row alone!)
I did get really bad blisters on the second knuckle of all my fingers though (they won't show up in a picture or I'd show you how much pain I'm in). It hurt to open my car door and grip the steering-wheel, so I drove with my palms!
Once I got the hang of it and started rowing really fast it was a LOT of fun! I highly recommend rowing to everyone! You can row until you're old and wrinkly! :)
Tuesday, September 14
When Lighting Strikes
Good News: I can row really really really fast across a lake without falling in!!!!
Today's rowing session went really well. I started out slow, but ended up in the middle of the lake (which pros hate because they end up hitting you!) Once I got back by the shore, I was behind the others, so I was rowing solo, but I did pretty well out on my own. I was enjoying releasing all my stress from a long work day. The sun was gorgeous on the water!
I made it up one side of the lake, crossed, and ended up staying too close to the shore. I found myself stuck with a underwater cardboard box on one side of my boat and a tree truck on the other, with my left oar stuck in the weeds. Don't even ask me how I got myself out of that one. Before I figured it out, I looked at the walkers on the shore looking for a sympathetic passerby, but all I got were friendly smiles and I'm sure they were thinking, "Well...let's how she gets herself out of that one!"
The Southwest airplanes were low on the water (there is just a dirt road separating the lake and the airport runway). I saw a flash of light....it was just the airplane "tail lights," right? The sky might have started to look a little darker, but the sun was setting, and the instructor had a lightning detector. She said we'd never go on the water if there was even a hint of lightning.
I kept wondering where our teacher was. I guess she was keeping up with the other 2 students and just trusted me? I heard her boat come up behind me. "PUSH HARDER! COME ON! PUSH WITH YOUR LEGS! I'VE GOT LIGHTNING ON THE WATER! YOU'RE A HUGE LIGHTNING ROD OUT HERE!!!!" (I don't think she meant that as a fat joke).
She said to forget all lake rules- I was to cut across the lake and row as fast as possible to the dock (which was still so far out I couldn't even see it!)
ROW ROW ROW.
The sky was getting darker! PUSH! I was sweating. PUSH HARDER! I caught a couple clams, but I fixed my oars before they could suck me into the water. It was bad enough I was out on the water in a boat- I couldn't afford to be in the water without a boat!
I made it to the dock. I'm still not good at backing into the dock, so as soon as I was close enough, the teacher pulled me in. I docked and Mark and I took his boat to the boathouse. As soon as I turned around a huge gust of wind blew my hat off and sand/gravel into my eyes and the temperature dropped 20 degrees! Lynne and Lisa grabbed my boat and Mark and I ran back to the dock to grab the oars and our shoes. The sky was dark and the waves were rough.
We had docked just in time. There was no way I could've survived against those waves (ducks were being washed onto the dock!)
I couldn't see the road or hear my radio the entire way home, but I'm home safe nonetheless.
Nothin' like a little fear of being electrocuted to make you put your back into it (literally!)
Today's rowing session went really well. I started out slow, but ended up in the middle of the lake (which pros hate because they end up hitting you!) Once I got back by the shore, I was behind the others, so I was rowing solo, but I did pretty well out on my own. I was enjoying releasing all my stress from a long work day. The sun was gorgeous on the water!
I made it up one side of the lake, crossed, and ended up staying too close to the shore. I found myself stuck with a underwater cardboard box on one side of my boat and a tree truck on the other, with my left oar stuck in the weeds. Don't even ask me how I got myself out of that one. Before I figured it out, I looked at the walkers on the shore looking for a sympathetic passerby, but all I got were friendly smiles and I'm sure they were thinking, "Well...let's how she gets herself out of that one!"
The Southwest airplanes were low on the water (there is just a dirt road separating the lake and the airport runway). I saw a flash of light....it was just the airplane "tail lights," right? The sky might have started to look a little darker, but the sun was setting, and the instructor had a lightning detector. She said we'd never go on the water if there was even a hint of lightning.
I kept wondering where our teacher was. I guess she was keeping up with the other 2 students and just trusted me? I heard her boat come up behind me. "PUSH HARDER! COME ON! PUSH WITH YOUR LEGS! I'VE GOT LIGHTNING ON THE WATER! YOU'RE A HUGE LIGHTNING ROD OUT HERE!!!!" (I don't think she meant that as a fat joke).
She said to forget all lake rules- I was to cut across the lake and row as fast as possible to the dock (which was still so far out I couldn't even see it!)
ROW ROW ROW.
The sky was getting darker! PUSH! I was sweating. PUSH HARDER! I caught a couple clams, but I fixed my oars before they could suck me into the water. It was bad enough I was out on the water in a boat- I couldn't afford to be in the water without a boat!
I made it to the dock. I'm still not good at backing into the dock, so as soon as I was close enough, the teacher pulled me in. I docked and Mark and I took his boat to the boathouse. As soon as I turned around a huge gust of wind blew my hat off and sand/gravel into my eyes and the temperature dropped 20 degrees! Lynne and Lisa grabbed my boat and Mark and I ran back to the dock to grab the oars and our shoes. The sky was dark and the waves were rough.
We had docked just in time. There was no way I could've survived against those waves (ducks were being washed onto the dock!)
I couldn't see the road or hear my radio the entire way home, but I'm home safe nonetheless.
Nothin' like a little fear of being electrocuted to make you put your back into it (literally!)
Thursday, September 9
I caught a couple clams today.
That's not exactly a good thing.
I had my second rowing class today, and the teacher sent us out on the water. She said not to go past this set of trees about 100 yards out, and we'd stay in close to the dock. She would come out in a bigger boat with a motor and help us out. (We did not stay by the dock! We were all over the place! That poor lady was probably going crazy chasing down 4 new rowers all across the lake!)
I got in my shell and completely forgot the stroke! She reminded me, and I was off. Something felt off. Then something really felt off, and before I knew it I was in the water. It happened in such slow motion, now I almost feel like I jumped in on purpose. When the water catches the oar blade the wrong way it sucks in the oar- and the rower! While still in the water, I looked around to see if anyone had noticed me.
No one seemed to have noticed. The instructor was still on the dock getting her boat together. I considered holding onto the boat and letting her come rescue me, but instead I decided to impress her, so I lifted myself so I was laying perpendicular to the shell on top of it, and swung myself over. Situation under control. She came zipping up in her boat to make sure I was okay- I was...just had to get back into the hang of it.
It wasn't 10 minutes later before I was back in the water. It was just such a pretty day for a swim I couldn't help myself! haha Actually the water did feel really good, but I popped back in the boat and gave it another go. (That's how olympic athletes get where they are, right? They get back in the boat!)
Apparently there is a "correct" way to get back in the boat- my main priority was getting back in not necessarily doing it correctly! I'm learning that the most important rule of rowing is never never ever let go of your oars, especially when you're docking or flipped (well..any other time you HAVE to hold them because you're rowing). The oars sit in "oar locks" so they're not going anywhere too fast, but you still have to hold onto them. I couldn't reach the oar on the opposite side of the boat while I was in the water, so I just left it. You're supposed to hold both oars in your left hand, flat on the water (to increase your surface area on the water....skinny boat+oars spread out= wide surface area= greater stability). And somehow you're supposed to push yourself up in the boat while holding the oars flag on the water. My skills aren't quite there yet, but I got back in the boat!
I got all my flips out of my system before the high schoolers hit the water in singles and 4s (that's 4 rowers to a shell). Our instructor was yelling, "I HAVE 4 NEWBIES ON THE WATER! FIRST TIMERS! STAY CLEAR!" (Thanks....)
I made my way up one side of the lake (nearly missing a log that was sticking out of the water with a turtle perched on top), crossed, and started back down the other side. The high schoolers passed me, and their coach (in a motor boat) was yelling instructions at me. He said, "Find your rhythm- that's it! In 10 minutes you'll be a rower!"
Actually 10 minutes later I was stuck in the weeds with no witnesses around (only about 10 feet away from a cross sticking out of the water that had a name and date in memory of a drowner....great). It was really windy, so I was blown against the shore. I had one oar on the shore to hold myself steady and I had to use the other oar to turn myself around and finally, somehow, I slowly rowed off from shore.
Ten minutes after that I was trying not to run into my fellow beginner, Lynn, and just as she passed a 4 boat of high school girls was coming at me. Rowers row backwards, and you're supposed to look over your shoulder regularly. I called out, "BEHIND YOU! BEHIND YOU!" They slowed their boat JUST in time to keep from slamming into me! I said, "I'm so sorry, It's my first day, I don't know what to do!" They slowed and made their way around me.
Every now and then I'd find a good rhythm and I felt like a real rower watching the sun set over the lake and I started daydreaming about buying my own shell for my summer house in Minnesota (that I'll be buying in 20 years).
I didn't have to do the flip test at the end of the class because I had already proven that I could successfully get back into the boat- TWICE. When I was carrying my boat back to the house (which is where the real workout is) one of the high school girls asked me, "Did you flip?" I said, "Yeah...a couple times." She said, "I saw you." "Oh...thanks....?" What do you say to that? Lynne said I should've said, "Oh, well I'm a teacher, and I was just showing the students how to do it." hahaha
One of these days I'll start lookin' like a pro! (maybe?)
I had my second rowing class today, and the teacher sent us out on the water. She said not to go past this set of trees about 100 yards out, and we'd stay in close to the dock. She would come out in a bigger boat with a motor and help us out. (We did not stay by the dock! We were all over the place! That poor lady was probably going crazy chasing down 4 new rowers all across the lake!)
I got in my shell and completely forgot the stroke! She reminded me, and I was off. Something felt off. Then something really felt off, and before I knew it I was in the water. It happened in such slow motion, now I almost feel like I jumped in on purpose. When the water catches the oar blade the wrong way it sucks in the oar- and the rower! While still in the water, I looked around to see if anyone had noticed me.
No one seemed to have noticed. The instructor was still on the dock getting her boat together. I considered holding onto the boat and letting her come rescue me, but instead I decided to impress her, so I lifted myself so I was laying perpendicular to the shell on top of it, and swung myself over. Situation under control. She came zipping up in her boat to make sure I was okay- I was...just had to get back into the hang of it.
It wasn't 10 minutes later before I was back in the water. It was just such a pretty day for a swim I couldn't help myself! haha Actually the water did feel really good, but I popped back in the boat and gave it another go. (That's how olympic athletes get where they are, right? They get back in the boat!)
Apparently there is a "correct" way to get back in the boat- my main priority was getting back in not necessarily doing it correctly! I'm learning that the most important rule of rowing is never never ever let go of your oars, especially when you're docking or flipped (well..any other time you HAVE to hold them because you're rowing). The oars sit in "oar locks" so they're not going anywhere too fast, but you still have to hold onto them. I couldn't reach the oar on the opposite side of the boat while I was in the water, so I just left it. You're supposed to hold both oars in your left hand, flat on the water (to increase your surface area on the water....skinny boat+oars spread out= wide surface area= greater stability). And somehow you're supposed to push yourself up in the boat while holding the oars flag on the water. My skills aren't quite there yet, but I got back in the boat!
I got all my flips out of my system before the high schoolers hit the water in singles and 4s (that's 4 rowers to a shell). Our instructor was yelling, "I HAVE 4 NEWBIES ON THE WATER! FIRST TIMERS! STAY CLEAR!" (Thanks....)
I made my way up one side of the lake (nearly missing a log that was sticking out of the water with a turtle perched on top), crossed, and started back down the other side. The high schoolers passed me, and their coach (in a motor boat) was yelling instructions at me. He said, "Find your rhythm- that's it! In 10 minutes you'll be a rower!"
Actually 10 minutes later I was stuck in the weeds with no witnesses around (only about 10 feet away from a cross sticking out of the water that had a name and date in memory of a drowner....great). It was really windy, so I was blown against the shore. I had one oar on the shore to hold myself steady and I had to use the other oar to turn myself around and finally, somehow, I slowly rowed off from shore.
Ten minutes after that I was trying not to run into my fellow beginner, Lynn, and just as she passed a 4 boat of high school girls was coming at me. Rowers row backwards, and you're supposed to look over your shoulder regularly. I called out, "BEHIND YOU! BEHIND YOU!" They slowed their boat JUST in time to keep from slamming into me! I said, "I'm so sorry, It's my first day, I don't know what to do!" They slowed and made their way around me.
Every now and then I'd find a good rhythm and I felt like a real rower watching the sun set over the lake and I started daydreaming about buying my own shell for my summer house in Minnesota (that I'll be buying in 20 years).
I didn't have to do the flip test at the end of the class because I had already proven that I could successfully get back into the boat- TWICE. When I was carrying my boat back to the house (which is where the real workout is) one of the high school girls asked me, "Did you flip?" I said, "Yeah...a couple times." She said, "I saw you." "Oh...thanks....?" What do you say to that? Lynne said I should've said, "Oh, well I'm a teacher, and I was just showing the students how to do it." hahaha
One of these days I'll start lookin' like a pro! (maybe?)
Wednesday, September 8
A Blog-worthy Day
I had no idea what a frustrating day it would turn out to be when my hairdryer sputtered out this morning before my hair was even dry. Well, it didn't exactly sputter- it whined- and I turned it off before it had a chance to combust and catch my hair on fire. I was NOT ready to start my day with a head full of fire.
I made it out the door without my hair singed, but realized I wasted time even bothering drying my hair because I was soaked by the time I reached my car. Yes, Dallas is still underwater. You'd think we're far enough inland these hurricanes would leave us alone.
I got a new computer at work yesterday, so today I spent a good deal of my time realizing I was on the wrong wireless network and struggling to access this one portal I needed (funky network security stuff I don't understand!) I ended up calling the "help" desk. Yes, I say "help" because I spent 30 minutes on the phone with a kind fellow in India just for him to tell me 1. This page I was trying to load never loads (which is not true because it always loaded on my old computer and it loads on my coworkers' computers) 2. That I was on the right wireless network (I wasn't) and 3. Oh....well then you must have a problem.
Yes, thank you. I just spent 30 minutes on the phone with you for you to tell me I had the problem I called you about.
Anyway, I got our IT support guy to get me on the right network- it took him 5 seconds. I think he finished it before I finished asking him to do it. Then my problem with loading the page was solved! Still...a very frustrating process!
I suppose the rest of the work day was smooth sailing.
I've been having trouble with my iPhone recently. The home button doesn't respond a lot, so I have to hit it a billion times for my phone to respond....quite frustrating! I decided to be productive after work and take it in to get checked on. I wasn't sure if I should take it to AT&T or Apple, so I started with AT&T. They couldn't fix it, but they could tell me it was still under warranty and I bought some more screen covers- just to make the trip worth while.
I called Apple on my way to the Apple store @ Willow Bend to see if they were slam busy or if they had an open appointment. No one answered....the entire way to the store! You'd think Apple made enough of a profit they could hire someone to answer their phones.
When I got to the mall I heard them announce on the radio there was a tornado in southeast Dallas county. I was a whole county North- no problem. (I think living in Alabama 4 years jaded me. Tornadoes rarely touchdown in the hills of AL, and when they do, they don't stay down long, so they're not much to worry about).
I headed to Apple without giving the weather a second thought- the skys were blue. I noticed every store I passed was closing. It was 5:55- I couldn't believe the mall could close at 6pm on a Wednesday and all these lazy workers were closing up 5 minutes early! I picked up the pace- maybe I'd make it to Apple before they shut their doors.
There was a small group outside Apple. They were closing because there was a tornado warning. Everyone had to go to the back corridors. I tried to get back to my car and escape the mall before they trapped me in for who knows how long!
They caught me, and guided me to the back hallways that only shoplifters and moms who've lost their babies get to see on their way to the security office. I followed the other shoppers into the hall and found a nice corner to mind my own business in while we all updated our Facebook status' and Tweeted about the exciting experience.
This pic is of the mirror up on the wall (so the security guards won't run over each other on their cool mall-segways). This is where my personal weather reporter entered the picture.
Elizabeth texted: "I just saw your status and I watched the tornado on the news! Lucky that you're trapped in a mall..."
Me: "How bad is it? When I got out of my car the radio was saying it was in southeast Dallas. Some people are saying it passed thirty minutes ago....It's starting to smell like dirty diapers in here!"
Liz: "We are watching it!!! It's been on the ground for 5 minutes in downtown dallas! Crossing over Trinity River and going toward Harry Hines! It's destroying buildings! Where are you?!"
Me: "Willow Bend. We have been released."
I decided to give up on going to Apple because after this fiasco, I just knew they'd be swamped and backed up on appointments. There was no way they'd get to me. So much for trying to be productive. People in Toni & Guy were in the middle of haircuts and clearly did not comply with Security's demands to take cover in the musty corridors.
I walked out to my car and heard tornado sirens. I called my weather reporter (Liz) just to be sure. She said, "No! Go back inside! It is coming up the Dallas North Tollway right towards you." I could see the tollway from where I was. "But the sky is blue," I protested! "The sky is always blue in a tornado! Except for the one black cloud! It's coming your way," She said. I heard her wise father in the background advising me to stay at the mall. I couldn't think of any good ditches I would be able to dive into in case I encountered the tornado on my short drive home. The tornado was probably still 10 miles south of me, but moving about 25 mph- Liz would let me know when it was safe to leave the mall.
More weather updates from Liz: "Tornado funnel at the galleria! Stay put...The storm is going to come up on both sides of you. I wish I could be stranded with an anthro and jcrew!"
I headed back in and gave Apple a second chance. Good thing because the fine young chap who got in line behind me made all this madness worth it! He was dressed like a charming European- pin striped suit, European shoes (When are American guys going to realize how much more attractive they'd be if they dressed like European guys? I love a sharp dressed man...<3 Men in peacoats). He might as well have been Leonardo DiCaprio's hotter brother. I heard him speaking in an unidentifiable language on his phone (another attractive quality). I know it wasn't French, and I know it wasn't Spanish- maybe Portugese? Or it could've been an Eastern European language, but definitely not Russian. He was dreamy.
The kind Apple folks updated my phone software and replaced the entire cover (screen, speaker, and button) for FREE! Reason #203 I love Apple (I can overlook the fact that they can't answer a dang phone).
I suppose the day turned out successfully. I survived a tornado, solved my computer problems (without help from the "help desk"), and I bought a new hair dryer at Target (where I saw Michael Vartan in the parking lot- Ya know...the hot teacher in "Never Been Kissed"...Jennifer Gardner's partner in "Alias"... thank you God for creating that man!)
I made it out the door without my hair singed, but realized I wasted time even bothering drying my hair because I was soaked by the time I reached my car. Yes, Dallas is still underwater. You'd think we're far enough inland these hurricanes would leave us alone.
I got a new computer at work yesterday, so today I spent a good deal of my time realizing I was on the wrong wireless network and struggling to access this one portal I needed (funky network security stuff I don't understand!) I ended up calling the "help" desk. Yes, I say "help" because I spent 30 minutes on the phone with a kind fellow in India just for him to tell me 1. This page I was trying to load never loads (which is not true because it always loaded on my old computer and it loads on my coworkers' computers) 2. That I was on the right wireless network (I wasn't) and 3. Oh....well then you must have a problem.
Yes, thank you. I just spent 30 minutes on the phone with you for you to tell me I had the problem I called you about.
Anyway, I got our IT support guy to get me on the right network- it took him 5 seconds. I think he finished it before I finished asking him to do it. Then my problem with loading the page was solved! Still...a very frustrating process!
I suppose the rest of the work day was smooth sailing.
I've been having trouble with my iPhone recently. The home button doesn't respond a lot, so I have to hit it a billion times for my phone to respond....quite frustrating! I decided to be productive after work and take it in to get checked on. I wasn't sure if I should take it to AT&T or Apple, so I started with AT&T. They couldn't fix it, but they could tell me it was still under warranty and I bought some more screen covers- just to make the trip worth while.
I called Apple on my way to the Apple store @ Willow Bend to see if they were slam busy or if they had an open appointment. No one answered....the entire way to the store! You'd think Apple made enough of a profit they could hire someone to answer their phones.
When I got to the mall I heard them announce on the radio there was a tornado in southeast Dallas county. I was a whole county North- no problem. (I think living in Alabama 4 years jaded me. Tornadoes rarely touchdown in the hills of AL, and when they do, they don't stay down long, so they're not much to worry about).
I headed to Apple without giving the weather a second thought- the skys were blue. I noticed every store I passed was closing. It was 5:55- I couldn't believe the mall could close at 6pm on a Wednesday and all these lazy workers were closing up 5 minutes early! I picked up the pace- maybe I'd make it to Apple before they shut their doors.
There was a small group outside Apple. They were closing because there was a tornado warning. Everyone had to go to the back corridors. I tried to get back to my car and escape the mall before they trapped me in for who knows how long!
This pic is of the mirror up on the wall (so the security guards won't run over each other on their cool mall-segways). This is where my personal weather reporter entered the picture.
Elizabeth texted: "I just saw your status and I watched the tornado on the news! Lucky that you're trapped in a mall..." Me: "How bad is it? When I got out of my car the radio was saying it was in southeast Dallas. Some people are saying it passed thirty minutes ago....It's starting to smell like dirty diapers in here!"
Liz: "We are watching it!!! It's been on the ground for 5 minutes in downtown dallas! Crossing over Trinity River and going toward Harry Hines! It's destroying buildings! Where are you?!"
Me: "Willow Bend. We have been released."
I decided to give up on going to Apple because after this fiasco, I just knew they'd be swamped and backed up on appointments. There was no way they'd get to me. So much for trying to be productive. People in Toni & Guy were in the middle of haircuts and clearly did not comply with Security's demands to take cover in the musty corridors.
I walked out to my car and heard tornado sirens. I called my weather reporter (Liz) just to be sure. She said, "No! Go back inside! It is coming up the Dallas North Tollway right towards you." I could see the tollway from where I was. "But the sky is blue," I protested! "The sky is always blue in a tornado! Except for the one black cloud! It's coming your way," She said. I heard her wise father in the background advising me to stay at the mall. I couldn't think of any good ditches I would be able to dive into in case I encountered the tornado on my short drive home. The tornado was probably still 10 miles south of me, but moving about 25 mph- Liz would let me know when it was safe to leave the mall.
More weather updates from Liz: "Tornado funnel at the galleria! Stay put...The storm is going to come up on both sides of you. I wish I could be stranded with an anthro and jcrew!"
I headed back in and gave Apple a second chance. Good thing because the fine young chap who got in line behind me made all this madness worth it! He was dressed like a charming European- pin striped suit, European shoes (When are American guys going to realize how much more attractive they'd be if they dressed like European guys? I love a sharp dressed man...<3 Men in peacoats). He might as well have been Leonardo DiCaprio's hotter brother. I heard him speaking in an unidentifiable language on his phone (another attractive quality). I know it wasn't French, and I know it wasn't Spanish- maybe Portugese? Or it could've been an Eastern European language, but definitely not Russian. He was dreamy.
The kind Apple folks updated my phone software and replaced the entire cover (screen, speaker, and button) for FREE! Reason #203 I love Apple (I can overlook the fact that they can't answer a dang phone).
Tuesday, September 7
My First Rowing Experience
I'm so excited about writing this post, I hardly know where to start!
You might recall I announced back in July that I had signed up for rowing lessons (well...it's really sculling because you row with two oars). I thought September would be perfect rowing weather. That was before the tornado warnings today!
The rowing class went on as scheduled despite the hurricane coming inland and drowning Dallas. I raced to the lake that no one knows is right behind Dallas Lovefield airport (engaging in my horrid habit of changing clothes while driving...don't worry, I'm quite a pro!)
I was one of 4 in the class- and the youngest. One other guy was in his 20s but the other 2 were closer to my parents age. We watched a safety video, and I learned how scarily dangerous rowing can be! People can actually get stabbed by the bow if you don't have a bow ball on the tip of the shell! It is also really easy for the water to catch the oars (creating what they call a "clam" and it can pull you into the water under the boat, which isn't a big deal, you just have to know how to swim and get back in the boat before hypothermia kicks in).
We practiced our stroke on the ergometers (rowing machines) and got a tour of the boathouse. These private schools in Dallas have really nice boats and really cool-looking oars! I'm jealous that my ghetto public school did not have a rowing crew.
We took a single shell out on the dock and took turns rowing out from the dock. We were tethered, thankfully, so there was no way we'd row off into oblivion. Rowing is SO FUN. It might be my new love. It takes time to get used to, but I'm convinced it will be learning to drive a car, you just have to learn how to feel it, get comfortable with it, and eventually, it will become second nature.
Thursday, all four of us are going to go out in single shells (with Southwest Airplanes roaring over our heads) and just row around to get the hang of it.
Everyone I told I was learning to row told me I would end up with man arms. My instructor, Lisa, said rowing is a leg sport, but even more than using your legs, you use your core- you really don't pull much weight with your arms. My core is sore after just one rowing session, especially my obliques! Love it!
In 2008, during the Beijing olympics my sisters and I decided we were going to the 2012 London Olympics....as athletes! I quickly decided my fastest track to the olympics would be either as a swimmer or the 3rd Williams sister. Now I'm bound and determined to become an Olympian rower overnight because it would be a dream come true to row down the Thames in the 2012 olympics right past my beloved Big Ben!
I learned so much tonight! I can't wait to go row again Thursday! I think they're going to make us flip the boat and get back in- kinda nervous about that but if I want out of the water bad enough, I can do it! haha
Oh, and I joined the Dallas Kickball League- strictly social and non-competitive! It starts on the 28th and I'm stoked. I haven't played Kickball since 5th grade- well, I think my Freshmen year we played kickball with a JUMBO ball, or the silly kind of kickball where you have to hold several people's hands and all run together.
Why such random sports? Well....if you pick the sports nobody plays, you have a better chance of being one of the best ones at it! (which is great when you're as un-athletic as I am!) It's all about strategy!
Random: But I'm sitting here watching America's Got Talent and I promise you- Enrique Iglesias has not aged a day since I was in 6th grade! (My 6th grade science teacher was obsessed!) You would've thought he'd look 11 years older like the rest of us do.
He must be a vampire.
You might recall I announced back in July that I had signed up for rowing lessons (well...it's really sculling because you row with two oars). I thought September would be perfect rowing weather. That was before the tornado warnings today!
The rowing class went on as scheduled despite the hurricane coming inland and drowning Dallas. I raced to the lake that no one knows is right behind Dallas Lovefield airport (engaging in my horrid habit of changing clothes while driving...don't worry, I'm quite a pro!)
We practiced our stroke on the ergometers (rowing machines) and got a tour of the boathouse. These private schools in Dallas have really nice boats and really cool-looking oars! I'm jealous that my ghetto public school did not have a rowing crew.
We took a single shell out on the dock and took turns rowing out from the dock. We were tethered, thankfully, so there was no way we'd row off into oblivion. Rowing is SO FUN. It might be my new love. It takes time to get used to, but I'm convinced it will be learning to drive a car, you just have to learn how to feel it, get comfortable with it, and eventually, it will become second nature.
Thursday, all four of us are going to go out in single shells (with Southwest Airplanes roaring over our heads) and just row around to get the hang of it.
Everyone I told I was learning to row told me I would end up with man arms. My instructor, Lisa, said rowing is a leg sport, but even more than using your legs, you use your core- you really don't pull much weight with your arms. My core is sore after just one rowing session, especially my obliques! Love it!
In 2008, during the Beijing olympics my sisters and I decided we were going to the 2012 London Olympics....as athletes! I quickly decided my fastest track to the olympics would be either as a swimmer or the 3rd Williams sister. Now I'm bound and determined to become an Olympian rower overnight because it would be a dream come true to row down the Thames in the 2012 olympics right past my beloved Big Ben!
I learned so much tonight! I can't wait to go row again Thursday! I think they're going to make us flip the boat and get back in- kinda nervous about that but if I want out of the water bad enough, I can do it! haha
Oh, and I joined the Dallas Kickball League- strictly social and non-competitive! It starts on the 28th and I'm stoked. I haven't played Kickball since 5th grade- well, I think my Freshmen year we played kickball with a JUMBO ball, or the silly kind of kickball where you have to hold several people's hands and all run together.
Why such random sports? Well....if you pick the sports nobody plays, you have a better chance of being one of the best ones at it! (which is great when you're as un-athletic as I am!) It's all about strategy!
Random: But I'm sitting here watching America's Got Talent and I promise you- Enrique Iglesias has not aged a day since I was in 6th grade! (My 6th grade science teacher was obsessed!) You would've thought he'd look 11 years older like the rest of us do.
He must be a vampire.
Monday, September 6
My Roots are Showing
My friend Liz and I decided to go see Eat Pray Love at the new FW Movie Tavern. Neither of us knew what it was really about but I had picked up was that depressed Julia Roberts took a year of her life to go to Italy (Eat), go to India (Pray), and go to Bali (Love). Okay, so I guess we did know what it was about. We were running a little late (as usual) but it was okay, we had previews to miss! I thought the girl who took our tickets said something about "the last door on your right" but I followed Liz into the first door on our right. (It is all her fault).
The movie had already started, so we found seats towards the front and sat down. The waiter came and asked us if we wanted to order anything- we did. He asked if it was okay if he brought us our bills because he was starting to give everyone's out. Weird, but okay- yeah. I guess those other fatties just ate really fast through the previews.
We weren't in the theatre 10 minutes before I leaned over and said, "Do you have any idea what's going on?" Liz said, "No!" I figured Roberts' character was in India and on her way to Bali...pretty soon she was falling in love and I asked Liz, "Do you think they're telling the story out of order? We're already on the 'love' part!" We were both sufficiently confused at this point.
Liz pulled out her phone and checked the time- It was 10:50 we had only been there for an hour. She pulled up Safari on her phone and checked the movie time- Yep, it started at 9:50. As the music climaxed for the final "OMG I really do love him" moment (sorry...don't even complain that I "ruined" a chick-flick), Liz said, "HAYLEY! The movie we're in started at 8:25! This is the end of it!"
We started laughing so hard we were both crying. We jumped out of the theatre before the credits even started rolling. The entire Movie Tavern staff was standing at the door waiting to clean it up (and I bet they thought I was crying from the 'not-so-sappy' chick-flick). We ran down the hall the the 9:50 show and made our way to the back row laughing the entire way.
This time we made it while Roberts was still in Italy, so we got to see the end of the 'Eat' part. Not even an hour later, when the movie caught up to where we had started in the wrong theatre I said, "okay, let's go. We've seen this." So we left. We decided we'll see the entire movie all the way through when it comes out on DVD.
I bet the entire Movie Tavern staff was laughing at us (or they thought we were loonies who hopped from screen to screen.) I half expected the security guard to come find us, but we had our tickets to the 9:50!
Let's be honest- this black hair isn't fooling anyone.
Saturday, September 4
My New Favorite Blog
I came across this blog in a random Google search. This woman (Virginia) is a former elementary school teacher- now photographer/blogger. She takes a picture of somewhere in Birmingham everyday in blogs about it. Check it out: Birmingham, Alabama Daily Photo
Something about this cooler weather is making me miss Birmingham. It would so great to sit outside Chez Lulu in the English Village and have lunch with my girls, then maybe at night hang out on the patio of Rojo in the Highlands and enjoy some shrimp quesadillas! But maybe another bike ride, picnic, and rock climbing evening would be fun with Hannah and April at Boulder Fields, then we could go hear a friend at open mic night at Urban Standard. Only 61 days until I go back for a visit...but who's counting?
I'm pretty sure the nostalgia-triggered weather is simply because I'm only in Texas when it's burning up or freezing cold. I've missed the changing seasons here for the past 4 years- and I'd rather have memories of Birmingham than early morning marching band practices.
Virginia's Birmingham blog makes me want to "permanently borrow" my dad's old black and white film camera he used back in the 70s. I took a photography class last Fall and learned how to use it (...in my opinion, film is a LOT harder than digital- and it is harder to get a good shot). I really liked developing my own pictures though, and now I don't have a place to do that. I guess I could just get the film shots on a cd and share them with you that way....Could be fun.
Something about this cooler weather is making me miss Birmingham. It would so great to sit outside Chez Lulu in the English Village and have lunch with my girls, then maybe at night hang out on the patio of Rojo in the Highlands and enjoy some shrimp quesadillas! But maybe another bike ride, picnic, and rock climbing evening would be fun with Hannah and April at Boulder Fields, then we could go hear a friend at open mic night at Urban Standard. Only 61 days until I go back for a visit...but who's counting?
I'm pretty sure the nostalgia-triggered weather is simply because I'm only in Texas when it's burning up or freezing cold. I've missed the changing seasons here for the past 4 years- and I'd rather have memories of Birmingham than early morning marching band practices.
Virginia's Birmingham blog makes me want to "permanently borrow" my dad's old black and white film camera he used back in the 70s. I took a photography class last Fall and learned how to use it (...in my opinion, film is a LOT harder than digital- and it is harder to get a good shot). I really liked developing my own pictures though, and now I don't have a place to do that. I guess I could just get the film shots on a cd and share them with you that way....Could be fun.
Wednesday, September 1
Crayola Doesn't Make a Color for Your Eyes
Two posts in one day...I know I know, I'm going CRAZY!
I was in a meeting today with 4 people. I looked around and realized, probably for the first time in my life, I was in a room with only green-eyed people (it doesn't count with just 2 or 3 people in the room...4 out of 4 is pretty rare). I hope us green-eyeds aren't a dying breed. I like us.
Love this song by Kristin Andreassen: Crayola Doesn't Make a Color for Your Eyes
I went to see the doctor. I'd come down with the blues.
She said "No, I can't cure you, but I know something you can do.
Take out a piece of paper, and sit down for a while,
And draw a pretty picture of something that makes you smile."
Well, I know what makes me happy. Didn't have to think for long.
But when I tried to draw it, it always came out wrong.
I had a box of 12, 48 and 64,
But nowhere could I find that one shade I was looking for.
I guess I realized shoulda come as no surprise
Crayola doesn't make a color for your eyes.
There is no way that I could possibly describe you.
Crayola doesn't make a color to draw my love.
At first I thought of Green Blue, but then I saw Blue Green.
And then sometimes in bright light, they look Aquamarine.
I think at night they're darker. I looked again for you.
Saw Grey and Black and went out walkin' after Midnight Blue
But the hues of the deepest skies would be a compromise
Crayola doesn't make a color for your eyes.
There is no way that I could possibly describe you.
Crayola doesn't make a color to draw my love.
Spring Green is much too yellow, Sea Green is far too pale.
Cornflower's way too mellow, so I'll try again and fail.
There's no way I can capture the way you make me feel.
One look from you is rapture, whether Blue or Green or Teal.
No color qualifies. That crayon's telling lies
Crayola doesn't make a color for your eyes
Hey look, it's Periwinkle. So sure I got it now.
But you wink and there's a twinkle in your eye and still, somehow,
I just can't get that sparkle. Those glitter crayons won't.
Maybe Glow-In-The-Dark'll get it right. Aw, no they don't.
Mr. Crayola tries, but I'm left to fantasize
Crayola doesn't make a color
For your eyes, something darker let's see what I can find.
Melted mahogany and got the depth not the shine.
Just about gave up and then I peeled the paper off a little end of...
Really thought it coulda been... ahh, not even Burnt Sienna!
Your passport says they're brown, but I'm gonna keep lookin' round...
Crayola doesn't make a color for your eyes
There is no way that I could possibly describe you
Crayola doesn't make a color to draw my love
Crayola doesn't make a color for your eyes
There is no way that I could possibly describe you
Crayola doesn't make a color to draw my love
I was in a meeting today with 4 people. I looked around and realized, probably for the first time in my life, I was in a room with only green-eyed people (it doesn't count with just 2 or 3 people in the room...4 out of 4 is pretty rare). I hope us green-eyeds aren't a dying breed. I like us.
Love this song by Kristin Andreassen: Crayola Doesn't Make a Color for Your Eyes
I went to see the doctor. I'd come down with the blues.
She said "No, I can't cure you, but I know something you can do.
Take out a piece of paper, and sit down for a while,
And draw a pretty picture of something that makes you smile."
Well, I know what makes me happy. Didn't have to think for long.
But when I tried to draw it, it always came out wrong.
I had a box of 12, 48 and 64,
But nowhere could I find that one shade I was looking for.
I guess I realized shoulda come as no surprise
Crayola doesn't make a color for your eyes.
There is no way that I could possibly describe you.
Crayola doesn't make a color to draw my love.
At first I thought of Green Blue, but then I saw Blue Green.
And then sometimes in bright light, they look Aquamarine.
I think at night they're darker. I looked again for you.
Saw Grey and Black and went out walkin' after Midnight Blue
But the hues of the deepest skies would be a compromise
Crayola doesn't make a color for your eyes.
There is no way that I could possibly describe you.
Crayola doesn't make a color to draw my love.
Spring Green is much too yellow, Sea Green is far too pale.
Cornflower's way too mellow, so I'll try again and fail.
There's no way I can capture the way you make me feel.
One look from you is rapture, whether Blue or Green or Teal.
No color qualifies. That crayon's telling lies
Crayola doesn't make a color for your eyes
Hey look, it's Periwinkle. So sure I got it now.
But you wink and there's a twinkle in your eye and still, somehow,
I just can't get that sparkle. Those glitter crayons won't.
Maybe Glow-In-The-Dark'll get it right. Aw, no they don't.
Mr. Crayola tries, but I'm left to fantasize
Crayola doesn't make a color
For your eyes, something darker let's see what I can find.
Melted mahogany and got the depth not the shine.
Just about gave up and then I peeled the paper off a little end of...
Really thought it coulda been... ahh, not even Burnt Sienna!
Your passport says they're brown, but I'm gonna keep lookin' round...
Crayola doesn't make a color for your eyes
There is no way that I could possibly describe you
Crayola doesn't make a color to draw my love
Crayola doesn't make a color for your eyes
There is no way that I could possibly describe you
Crayola doesn't make a color to draw my love
Monday, August 30
Fashion assistance needed
I'm a becoming increasingly intrigued by the "bootie." (NOT the "booty"). I was never a fan of these "wannabe boots" that people wore under their pants (still NOT a fan of them with pants) and I only thought old ladies wore them with skirts/dresses because they didn't know any better.
Now, all of a sudden, trendy models are wearing them and they're lining the front rows at DSW. The big questions now...can I pull it off without looking like A. a dork or B. an old lady.
)
I get the concept of the miniature cowboy boots...those are kind of cute, and I could pull that off (except I'm a Texan and don't even own REAL cowboy boots, so I shouldn't be going straight for the minis). I really like this bootie--
WHAT in the world do you wear this with? I need help! I think wearing it with pants would defeat the purpose of it being such a great shoe, but would it look stupid with a skirt? How do those J. Crew models do it? If I dressed like a J. Crew model, I would get starred at and laughed at all day. Where do these girls live that they can dress like that?! Have you seen the silver sequence pants?! HAHA, who wears that? Come on! (Sorry...love J. Crew...they just put the most RANDOM stuff on their models...)
Back to the bootie. I tried on this one...So comfy and pretty cute. But I'm serious about needing help! Can any REAL person really wear these in a REAL work setting where people wear normal clothes? Just wondering if this is a bandwagon worth jumping on this season.
Now, all of a sudden, trendy models are wearing them and they're lining the front rows at DSW. The big questions now...can I pull it off without looking like A. a dork or B. an old lady.
I get the concept of the miniature cowboy boots...those are kind of cute, and I could pull that off (except I'm a Texan and don't even own REAL cowboy boots, so I shouldn't be going straight for the minis). I really like this bootie--WHAT in the world do you wear this with? I need help! I think wearing it with pants would defeat the purpose of it being such a great shoe, but would it look stupid with a skirt? How do those J. Crew models do it? If I dressed like a J. Crew model, I would get starred at and laughed at all day. Where do these girls live that they can dress like that?! Have you seen the silver sequence pants?! HAHA, who wears that? Come on! (Sorry...love J. Crew...they just put the most RANDOM stuff on their models...)
Wednesday, August 25
The Weepies have a new challenger
I have a new favorite song. When I make it big and can afford A Bryan Photo to make a super cute video of my wedding...this will be the soundtrack. Can you believe this line: "I swear when I grow up, I won't just buy you a rose, I will by the flower shop, and you will never be lonely." That makes me want to smile and cry at the same time! (I'm SUCH a girl!) That's a song worth putting on repeat...and leaving it there for an hour. This is the best quality version I found on YouTube.
The Gambler by Fun
Slow down,
we've got time left to be lazy
All the kids have bloomed from babies into flowers in our eyes.
We've got 50 good years left to spend out in the garden
I don't care to beg your pardon,
We should live until we die.
We were barely 18 when we'd crossed collective hearts.
It was cold, but it got warm when you'd barely crossed my eye.
and then you turned, put out your hand,
and you asked me to dance.
I knew nothing of romance, but it was love at second sight.
I swear when I grow up, I won't just buy you a rose.
I will buy the flower shop, and you will never be lonely.
Even if the sun stops waking up over the fields
I will not leave, I will not leave 'till it's our time.
So just take my hand, you know that I will never leave your side.
It was the winter of '86, and all the fields had frozen over.
So we moved to Arizona to save our only son
and now he's turning to a man, although he thinks just like his mother,
he believes we're all just lovers he sees hope in everyone.
And even though she moved away,
we always get calls from our daughter.
She has eyes just like her father's
they are blue when skies are grey
And just like him, she never stops,
Never takes the day for granted,
works for everything that's handed to her,
Never once complains.
You think that I nearly lost you
When the doctors tried to take you away.
But like the night you took my hand beside the fire
30 years ago to this day
You swore you'd be here 'til we decide that it's our time
Well it's not time, you've never quit in all your life.
So just take my hand, you know that I'll never leave your side.
You're the love of my life, you know that I'll never leave your side.
You come home from work and you kiss me on the eye
You curse the dogs and say that I should never feed them what is ours
and the kids are coming home
I'll set the table
You can make the fire.
LOVE! One of my favorite parts is the French Horns at the end!! :)
The Gambler by Fun
Slow down,
we've got time left to be lazy
All the kids have bloomed from babies into flowers in our eyes.
We've got 50 good years left to spend out in the garden
I don't care to beg your pardon,
We should live until we die.
We were barely 18 when we'd crossed collective hearts.
It was cold, but it got warm when you'd barely crossed my eye.
and then you turned, put out your hand,
and you asked me to dance.
I knew nothing of romance, but it was love at second sight.
I swear when I grow up, I won't just buy you a rose.
I will buy the flower shop, and you will never be lonely.
Even if the sun stops waking up over the fields
I will not leave, I will not leave 'till it's our time.
So just take my hand, you know that I will never leave your side.
It was the winter of '86, and all the fields had frozen over.
So we moved to Arizona to save our only son
and now he's turning to a man, although he thinks just like his mother,
he believes we're all just lovers he sees hope in everyone.
And even though she moved away,
we always get calls from our daughter.
She has eyes just like her father's
they are blue when skies are grey
And just like him, she never stops,
Never takes the day for granted,
works for everything that's handed to her,
Never once complains.
You think that I nearly lost you
When the doctors tried to take you away.
But like the night you took my hand beside the fire
30 years ago to this day
You swore you'd be here 'til we decide that it's our time
Well it's not time, you've never quit in all your life.
So just take my hand, you know that I'll never leave your side.
You're the love of my life, you know that I'll never leave your side.
You come home from work and you kiss me on the eye
You curse the dogs and say that I should never feed them what is ours
and the kids are coming home
I'll set the table
You can make the fire.
LOVE! One of my favorite parts is the French Horns at the end!! :)
Hints of Fall
I have the urge to cook. No....bake. I bought my sister a cookbook for her birthday last year...forgot what it was called, but its like down-home-Southern-baking. There is this blueberry pie in there called "Make You Wanna Slap Yo' Mama Blueberry Pie." It's a mouthful, but boy, would I enjoy a mouthful of that right now!I've only made this pie myself once, and it was SO good! I want to make it, but I don't want to eat it (at least not all by myself, because I'm sure I would!) Maybe I could pick my favorite co-worker of the week and bake them whatever I'm craving to bake!
I'm also dying to make guacamole! Never done it. And baked brie would be fun!
My Aunt from Rockwall plays the French Horn (like me!) :) So tonight I'm going to go to my first orchestra rehearsal at First Baptist Rockwall! SO EXCIED to play again...but I feel bad for whoever will hear me! It'll be okay though...I think my Aunt went like 20 years without playing...its just been since April for me!
I'll take orders for Blueberry pies and ship them anywhere nationwide. No- better idea...come visit me and you'll get a FREE blueberry pie! And guacamole (but I won't make you eat them together).
Sunday, August 22
I would not suggest you read/watch/listen to anything unless I thought it was well worth your time and had the potential to encourage you, challenge you, impact you....whatever. And I would have to say this sermon is well worth your time. Listen to it one day while you're getting ready or download it to your iPod and listen to it in the car. If I could summarize it for you, I would but I can't.
I'm currently listening to it again (the 2nd time today) because there's good stuff in it.
Message 1 of 16
Psalm 127 likens children to arrows in a warrior's quiver. Handled correctly, they can be a source of life and joy and bring glory to God. How are we doing as parents - and more importantly as God's kingdom of priests - at investing in this resource? Are we shepherding our children, both those in our homes and those in our community, in a way that will be a blessing to this generation and those to come?
One of my favorite quotes from this sermon: "Abraham Lincoln said, 'The philosophy of school children in one generation will be the philosophy of your government in the next generation.'"
One of my favorite quotes from this sermon: "Abraham Lincoln said, 'The philosophy of school children in one generation will be the philosophy of your government in the next generation.'"
I like this article Dr. Wagner refers to:
The following article was in the editorial section of the Dallas Morning
News on Sunday, May 2, 1999.
Generation NEXT has some Questions
I am a member of the upcoming generation--the one after Generation X that has yet to be given a name. So far, it appears that most people are
rallying behind the idea of calling us Generation Next. I believe I know
why.
The older generations are hoping we will mindlessly assume our place as the
"next" in line. That way, they won't have to explain why my generation has
had to experience so much pain and heartache. "What heartache?" you say.
"Don't you know you have grown up in a time of great prosperity?" Yeah, we
know that. Believe me, it has been drilled into our heads since birth.
Unfortunately, the pain and hurt I speak of can't be reconciled with money.
You have tried for years to buy us happiness, but it is only temporary.
Money isn't the answer, and it is time for people to begin admitting their
guilt for failing my generation.
"next" in line. That way, they won't have to explain why my generation has
had to experience so much pain and heartache. "What heartache?" you say.
"Don't you know you have grown up in a time of great prosperity?" Yeah, we
know that. Believe me, it has been drilled into our heads since birth.
Unfortunately, the pain and hurt I speak of can't be reconciled with money.
You have tried for years to buy us happiness, but it is only temporary.
Money isn't the answer, and it is time for people to begin admitting their
guilt for failing my generation.
I will admit that I wasn't planning to write this. I was going to tuck it
away in some corner of my mind and fall victim to your whole "next"
mentality. But after the Massacre in Littleton, CO, I realize that as a
member of this generation that kills without remorse, I had a duty to
challenge all of my elders to explain why they have allowed things to become
so bad.
away in some corner of my mind and fall victim to your whole "next"
mentality. But after the Massacre in Littleton, CO, I realize that as a
member of this generation that kills without remorse, I had a duty to
challenge all of my elders to explain why they have allowed things to become
so bad.
Let me tell you this: These questions don't represent only me but a Whole
generation that is struggling to grow up and make sense of this world. We
all have questions; we all want explanations. People may label us
Generation Next, but we are more appropriately Generation "Why?"
generation that is struggling to grow up and make sense of this world. We
all have questions; we all want explanations. People may label us
Generation Next, but we are more appropriately Generation "Why?"
* "Why did most of you lie when you made the vow of 'til death do us part'?"
* "Why do you fool yourselves into believing that divorce really is better
for the kids in the long run?"
for the kids in the long run?"
* "Why do so many of you divorced parents spend more time with your new
boyfriend or girlfriend than with your own children?"
boyfriend or girlfriend than with your own children?"
* "Why did you ever fall victim to the notion that kids are just as well off
being raised by a complete stranger at a day care center than by their own
mother or father?"
being raised by a complete stranger at a day care center than by their own
mother or father?"
* "Why do you look down on parents who decide to quit work and stay home to
raise their children?"
raise their children?"
* "Why does the television do the most talking at family meals?"
* "Why is work more important than your own family?"
* "Why is money regarded as more important than relationships?"
* "Why is 'quality time' generally no longer than a five-to-10-minute
conversation each day?"
conversation each day?"
* "Why do you try to make up for the lack of time you spend with us by
giving us more and more material objects that we really don't need?"
giving us more and more material objects that we really don't need?"
* "Why does your work (in the form of a cell Phone, laptop computer, etc.),
always come with us on vacations?"
always come with us on vacations?"
* "Why have you neglected to teach us values and morals?"
* "Why haven't you lived moral lives that we could model our own after?"
* "Why isn't religion one of the most important words in our household?"
* "Why do you play God when it comes to abortion?"
* "Why don't you have enough faith in us to teach us abstinence rather than
safe sex?"
safe sex?"
* "Why do you allow us to watch violent movies but expect us to maintain
some type of childlike innocence?"
some type of childlike innocence?"
* "Why do you allow us to spend unlimited amounts of time on the Internet,
but still are shocked about our knowledge of how to build bombs?"
but still are shocked about our knowledge of how to build bombs?"
* "Why are you so afraid to tell us 'no' sometimes?"
* "Why is it so hard for you to realize that school shootings, and other
violent juvenile behavior, result from a lack of your attention more than
anything else?"
violent juvenile behavior, result from a lack of your attention more than
anything else?"
Call us Generation Next if you want to, but I think you will be surprised at
how we will fail to fit into your neat little category. These questions
should, and will, be asked of the generations that have failed us.
how we will fail to fit into your neat little category. These questions
should, and will, be asked of the generations that have failed us.
Written by Marcy Musgrave, a junior at Texas A&M University.
Take my word for it!!! The title makes it sound like it's for parents/families. There is definitely a message here for everyone- yes, even singles! I still see us recent grads as the "arrows" or the children who are now flying off on our own (see below article...it seems to be the theme of the day)
***Disclaimer**** This blog entry is not meant to say anything negative about my parents or those who had a hand in raising me. I love my parents, and I am grateful for the Godly example they have set for me. However, the rest of my generation was not as fortunate as I was. Also, the thought of having my own children scare the bee-geezees out of me, and this message is a good reminder of the great responsibility parents and elders in the community have to bringing up the next generations.
***Disclaimer**** This blog entry is not meant to say anything negative about my parents or those who had a hand in raising me. I love my parents, and I am grateful for the Godly example they have set for me. However, the rest of my generation was not as fortunate as I was. Also, the thought of having my own children scare the bee-geezees out of me, and this message is a good reminder of the great responsibility parents and elders in the community have to bringing up the next generations.
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