So, I just had a very nice and satisfying evening. We rented "The Big Lebowski" and the entire family (me, dad, grandma) all watched in the basement on the new setup. Dad's prettymuch finished redoing the rec room down there and it's quite inviting. I was afraid grandma would not want to watch the film, with all the cursing of course, but apparently marmots and ruined corvettes are fun no matter how old you are. Just more evidence that my grandmother is badass.
Her hyper-active social life even intruded about 1/3 of the way into the film, when she got a call from one of her old friends who apparently was lonely and wanted to talk. But that was OK by me since I used the time to make a pot of delicious decaf coffee, which we consumed for the remainder of the film.
It was a nice substitute for an "old" college favorite, staying up and watching movies/working with coffee. MMMM night coffee, you are often so much better than morning coffee. I bet LE is drinking a lot of you these days with all her early writing mornings and such.
...I wonder if they drink coffee in Mauritania... which i apparently constantly misspell. Ah, there. it is on the spellcheck function. Anyway, I know they drink tea, which Claire prefers anyway. man I could go for some tea bazaar deliciousness right now. sigh.
Well if I get work at one of the institutions I'll only be half an hour away, so outings would be possible. We'll see.
Hope all is going well.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Friday, June 29, 2007
happyfunrobot
I don't even understand it, but this is my new favorite thing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_D5bJSMXVs&NR=1
go go gadget soda!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_D5bJSMXVs&NR=1
go go gadget soda!
Possibilities
So I did some more searching and found that state institutions seem to hire 'direct care' people, kind of like behavioral nurses, who don't have experience etc. It sounded enticing, excellent experience and you'd get to work directly with the consumers and staff of all kinds-- see how everything works. The office I got ahold of is up where you all live, actually. I wonder how that would work out though, low pay and high rent that is.
PS there is a new bar in town, an Irish Pub, that apparently has half-price happy hour for redheads one day a week. ::insert evil laughter here::
lick it, blondes.
no, seriously.
PS there is a new bar in town, an Irish Pub, that apparently has half-price happy hour for redheads one day a week. ::insert evil laughter here::
lick it, blondes.
no, seriously.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Can i get ur #?
So in the last 15 hours i've gotten two unidentified calls and no messages. one number is apparently from a NY, NY-- manhattan's 212 area code. Another from last night was from Indianapolis, Indiana. I'm now so fascinated by researching that I want to call back!
Flowers
Now for the dream flowergarden/landscaping.
This is of course meant to be for a mid-atlantic/Appalachian environ.
It would be a relatively naturalized area for birds, butterflies, and native plants.
Native:
purple coneflower/echinacia
beebalm, mostly red, some white
native butterfly bush, orange
sunflower
poplar
wild cherry
wild persimmon
wild mulberry
native azaleas
queen Anne's lace
sweetpea vines
morning glories
turk's cap lilies or other native species
bergamot
phlox
milkweed
goldenrod?
wild rose, trained.
maples
oaks
sassafras
red bud
dogwood
ferns
lamb's ear
Non Native:
autumn seedum
coral bells
marigolds, zinnias, and lavender for cutting
old-variety iris (for smell)
old-variety lilac, pref. white (for smell)
hydrangea
various daylillies
gladiolas
lawn-naturalized crocuses
peonies
hostas
verigated loriapy
boxwood
lantana
This is of course meant to be for a mid-atlantic/Appalachian environ.
It would be a relatively naturalized area for birds, butterflies, and native plants.
Native:
purple coneflower/echinacia
beebalm, mostly red, some white
native butterfly bush, orange
sunflower
poplar
wild cherry
wild persimmon
wild mulberry
native azaleas
queen Anne's lace
sweetpea vines
morning glories
turk's cap lilies or other native species
bergamot
phlox
milkweed
goldenrod?
wild rose, trained.
maples
oaks
sassafras
red bud
dogwood
ferns
lamb's ear
Non Native:
autumn seedum
coral bells
marigolds, zinnias, and lavender for cutting
old-variety iris (for smell)
old-variety lilac, pref. white (for smell)
hydrangea
various daylillies
gladiolas
lawn-naturalized crocuses
peonies
hostas
verigated loriapy
boxwood
lantana
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Found:
perfect job at state hospital, direct patient behavioral therapy application, working with senior staff to create treatment plans etc.
Closing date: today, 5pm. FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK.
Closing date: today, 5pm. FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK.
Dream 5
first part: I was getting to know someone. There was a natural setting, I remember hayfield, steps, small old wooden building. We walked down the stairs into the second half of the dream, where he 'turned into' my ex, who was a relatively well known artist. He was hanging out with a couple other local young artists and I in his home, when he said they needed some nude models "to paint on". They had been all ready to do this project. He asked everyone in the room but me, and I felt surprised and annoyed that he didn't ask me. To add to the injury, outside there appeared all manner of washed up/aspiring theater folks, all the men dressed in canvas pants and with a little neck scarf, all the women similarly as well. They were flocking to audition to be nude models. I asked "why the hell are they all dressed the same?" Apparently there was a Grease audition earlier that day, and everyone had just come over from that. I rolled my eyes and said that *I* could do it, and my ex kind of looked at me uncomfortably and was like "uh, ok." I knew he hadn't asked because he thought it would be weird, I just had felt even more conspicuous b/c he hadn't.
He was writing up instructions/assignments for the artists. On the side of the book, on the pages (un-spine part) was a picture of my mother looking 'angry' and some text related to this (he didn't care for my mother, haha), I remembered right when I woke up but I've forgotten. In the book was text he'd sticky-noted on about the artists''assignment' something about earthiness, which i first took to mean mother earth but then realized he was saying 'it should be earthy' (since I am often described as being and liking earthy things).
Everyone was going to get undressed. As I walked back, I wondered if I was doing it to prove something to him or to myself about still being able to attract him, but then I realized I was just doing it to have an excuse to be naked in front of everyone.
I began to take off my clothes, and the thought that I was mother earth's personification in our little charade was quite pleasing to me. The last image in my dream is of me in front of the mirror, looking at my skin. On it were veins and arteries, visible from underneath my skin. They were radiating out from my chest, blue and red, out from my heart-area. It was incredibly striking. I believe my thought was something like, 'well this is what mother earth looks like.'
Now, a good bit of this probably has to do with me coming back from college and seeing my ex (from a good while back) a couple of times, and wondering what all is going on with that awkwardness (him saying we're different people, me wondering if that's true, beginning to think so [getting to know part]). Also wanting to hang out with him a little/be friends, wondering if he's going to interpret that or if he wants it, wondering if I have ulterior motives but not coming up with any (I think the dream answers that, phew)
As for the 'bare exposure', I would kindof automatically interpret that as a desire for intimacy. Key absolving point here being that I wanted to be close not just to him but to everyone there, ie "an excuse to be naked in front of everyone" bit. And painting the body, I would automatically interpret via "skin" and it being the boundary between inner & outer worlds, painting it could be a mask, but could also be said to reveal what is inside (! this makes the veins seem more interesting... instead of someone else painting on like what was going to happen, what was inside was actually revealed). Now, I have pale skin and visible veins around my eyes and on my forearms, so this would be a natural fit.
I get lost as to the significance of all this ending though-- so I don't need help being transparent? It seemed like a more spiritual experience.
Any ideas?
He was writing up instructions/assignments for the artists. On the side of the book, on the pages (un-spine part) was a picture of my mother looking 'angry' and some text related to this (he didn't care for my mother, haha), I remembered right when I woke up but I've forgotten. In the book was text he'd sticky-noted on about the artists''assignment' something about earthiness, which i first took to mean mother earth but then realized he was saying 'it should be earthy' (since I am often described as being and liking earthy things).
Everyone was going to get undressed. As I walked back, I wondered if I was doing it to prove something to him or to myself about still being able to attract him, but then I realized I was just doing it to have an excuse to be naked in front of everyone.
I began to take off my clothes, and the thought that I was mother earth's personification in our little charade was quite pleasing to me. The last image in my dream is of me in front of the mirror, looking at my skin. On it were veins and arteries, visible from underneath my skin. They were radiating out from my chest, blue and red, out from my heart-area. It was incredibly striking. I believe my thought was something like, 'well this is what mother earth looks like.'
Now, a good bit of this probably has to do with me coming back from college and seeing my ex (from a good while back) a couple of times, and wondering what all is going on with that awkwardness (him saying we're different people, me wondering if that's true, beginning to think so [getting to know part]). Also wanting to hang out with him a little/be friends, wondering if he's going to interpret that or if he wants it, wondering if I have ulterior motives but not coming up with any (I think the dream answers that, phew)
As for the 'bare exposure', I would kindof automatically interpret that as a desire for intimacy. Key absolving point here being that I wanted to be close not just to him but to everyone there, ie "an excuse to be naked in front of everyone" bit. And painting the body, I would automatically interpret via "skin" and it being the boundary between inner & outer worlds, painting it could be a mask, but could also be said to reveal what is inside (! this makes the veins seem more interesting... instead of someone else painting on like what was going to happen, what was inside was actually revealed). Now, I have pale skin and visible veins around my eyes and on my forearms, so this would be a natural fit.
I get lost as to the significance of all this ending though-- so I don't need help being transparent? It seemed like a more spiritual experience.
Any ideas?
Monday, June 25, 2007
Dream 4
Ok, ok... just one more!
So I had a dream last night where I was in Civil War time, and it was a repeat of a dream i think I have had twice before at least. I am one of many people getting ready to fight in a large, open building, like a warehouse in it's large emptiness but like a church in it's up high/filled with people and no stuff-ness. I do not know what the outside looked like. We were all getting weapons. I was against the back wall on a high ledge with my mother (I was a boy at this point) and we were preparing to fight. I didn't want to but they were coming so we would have to. I got really scared. I recalled that in the first permutation we won the fight, so I assumed I would win again. It turned out that everyone below was getting cleared out, and while before I think I may have seen little fighting, this time I was using my bayonet to keep from getting sword-hacked. They made it all the way back to where my mother and I were, and I gave up so we would not be killed like everyone else had. We were taken prisoner and I was then a girl for the remainder of the dream. I have memories of the walk back-- we were not in shackles, at least not most of the women, and I lagged behind a couple times and caught up, but all in all it wasn't bad. We were not wearing shoes, but I had figured out how to let the mud cake up on my feet for protection. Then we arrived at our (camp?) an old hotel and we each got rooms.
The last bit is vague, I was visiting the other girls. I wasn't really that upset.
An interesting one.
So I had a dream last night where I was in Civil War time, and it was a repeat of a dream i think I have had twice before at least. I am one of many people getting ready to fight in a large, open building, like a warehouse in it's large emptiness but like a church in it's up high/filled with people and no stuff-ness. I do not know what the outside looked like. We were all getting weapons. I was against the back wall on a high ledge with my mother (I was a boy at this point) and we were preparing to fight. I didn't want to but they were coming so we would have to. I got really scared. I recalled that in the first permutation we won the fight, so I assumed I would win again. It turned out that everyone below was getting cleared out, and while before I think I may have seen little fighting, this time I was using my bayonet to keep from getting sword-hacked. They made it all the way back to where my mother and I were, and I gave up so we would not be killed like everyone else had. We were taken prisoner and I was then a girl for the remainder of the dream. I have memories of the walk back-- we were not in shackles, at least not most of the women, and I lagged behind a couple times and caught up, but all in all it wasn't bad. We were not wearing shoes, but I had figured out how to let the mud cake up on my feet for protection. Then we arrived at our (camp?) an old hotel and we each got rooms.
The last bit is vague, I was visiting the other girls. I wasn't really that upset.
An interesting one.
Dream Garden
So, with only 6 tomato plants remaining (out of like, 24) I am beginning to fantasize about what my ideal garden would consist of.
Herbs:
2 20' hedges basil (think pesto for a year.)
1 5' hedge italian parsley
1 4' hedge dill
1 4' hedge cilantro
Squashes:
4-5 Staggered timing zucchini
"" "" yellow crookneck squash
"" "" burpless or other small-seed cucumber
5 vines sugarbaby or other pie pumpkin variety for canning
2-3 assorted carving pumpkins/decorative squashes ie turban, white, jumbo.
1 hubbard
3 delicata heirloom vines <3
1 butternut
1 spaghetti
Chilies:
6 rows of 12 anaheim, new mexican, or california chiles (for mass roasting & freezing)
1 row of 12 assorted color bell peppers
3 rows of 12 poblano (salsa fresca & roast/freeze)
2 rows traditional thin red for ristras/decoration.
Other:
1 row 12 corn, any kind.
5 eggplants (if viable)
3 'beanpole tent's of okra
5 beds mixed greens/lettuce
2 beds swiss chard 'lites' variety
leeks
bush-style greenbeans
Indian veggies (like the cucumber okras.)
Tomatoes:
4 assorted heirloom varieties for eating fresh, ie Cherokee Purple
1 pear tomato
1 cherry tomato
1 row roma tomatoes for canning (pasta sauce)
4 rows earlygirl/beefsteak/other hybrid high acid for canning (whole)
Root:
1 row parsnips
1 row carrots
1 row mixed turnip/beet
1 row yukon gold potatoes
1 row NE red (or 'new') potatoes
garlic
onions (yellow/white)
Fruits:
4 watermelon vines "moon and stars" variety, or other early harvest
2 cantaloupe/muskmelon vines
1 Brown Turkey fig tree
1 apple (any hardy variety, golden delicious or heirloom)
3 sour cherry trees
cultivated wineberries and black raspberries
5 blueberry bushes, landscaped.
In pots or flower plantings:
rosemary
thyme
lavender
oregano
lemon balm
flower garden tomorrow. it's way past my bedtime.
Herbs:
2 20' hedges basil (think pesto for a year.)
1 5' hedge italian parsley
1 4' hedge dill
1 4' hedge cilantro
Squashes:
4-5 Staggered timing zucchini
"" "" yellow crookneck squash
"" "" burpless or other small-seed cucumber
5 vines sugarbaby or other pie pumpkin variety for canning
2-3 assorted carving pumpkins/decorative squashes ie turban, white, jumbo.
1 hubbard
3 delicata heirloom vines <3
1 butternut
1 spaghetti
Chilies:
6 rows of 12 anaheim, new mexican, or california chiles (for mass roasting & freezing)
1 row of 12 assorted color bell peppers
3 rows of 12 poblano (salsa fresca & roast/freeze)
2 rows traditional thin red for ristras/decoration.
Other:
1 row 12 corn, any kind.
5 eggplants (if viable)
3 'beanpole tent's of okra
5 beds mixed greens/lettuce
2 beds swiss chard 'lites' variety
leeks
bush-style greenbeans
Indian veggies (like the cucumber okras.)
Tomatoes:
4 assorted heirloom varieties for eating fresh, ie Cherokee Purple
1 pear tomato
1 cherry tomato
1 row roma tomatoes for canning (pasta sauce)
4 rows earlygirl/beefsteak/other hybrid high acid for canning (whole)
Root:
1 row parsnips
1 row carrots
1 row mixed turnip/beet
1 row yukon gold potatoes
1 row NE red (or 'new') potatoes
garlic
onions (yellow/white)
Fruits:
4 watermelon vines "moon and stars" variety, or other early harvest
2 cantaloupe/muskmelon vines
1 Brown Turkey fig tree
1 apple (any hardy variety, golden delicious or heirloom)
3 sour cherry trees
cultivated wineberries and black raspberries
5 blueberry bushes, landscaped.
In pots or flower plantings:
rosemary
thyme
lavender
oregano
lemon balm
flower garden tomorrow. it's way past my bedtime.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Weather
Well there is a very nice thunderstorm going on outside. I just finished watching a segment of "Dirty Jobs" where they built a home out of ... what did they call them? basically it was clay & sand & straw clumps, all worked together. A good way to build a cheap home, I'd like it very much. You could also build curving walls & all sorts of good stuff like that. Plumbing etc all ok. And well insulated! Although windows maybe not so much. Later you plaster over it all and voila! A ready to paint, comfy dwelling. Toad'lly sweet. Cobs! that was it.
OK so I just did a bunch of research and it looks really viable; the drawbacks mainly being 1) getting a building permit 2) massive amounts of physical labor & time.
Really the first would be the most difficult, the second would depend on the size. I also realized a tin roof would be excellent, as opposed to thatched. or you could thatch for insulation with tin on top. Poured concrete base would probably be the best. I wouldn't be shooting for an obsessively green building, just one I could make myself, on the cheap, relatively ecologically friendly. I do have questions about flooring though-- I don't know how that would work. Anyway. 1.5 hours wasted researching that. If you're interested you can go to:
http://www.alternatives.com/cob-building/what.html
or
http://www.greenhomebuilding.com/cob.htm
both good sites. The second has some excellent looking books listed.
OK so I just did a bunch of research and it looks really viable; the drawbacks mainly being 1) getting a building permit 2) massive amounts of physical labor & time.
Really the first would be the most difficult, the second would depend on the size. I also realized a tin roof would be excellent, as opposed to thatched. or you could thatch for insulation with tin on top. Poured concrete base would probably be the best. I wouldn't be shooting for an obsessively green building, just one I could make myself, on the cheap, relatively ecologically friendly. I do have questions about flooring though-- I don't know how that would work. Anyway. 1.5 hours wasted researching that. If you're interested you can go to:
http://www.alternatives.com/cob-building/what.html
or
http://www.greenhomebuilding.com/cob.htm
both good sites. The second has some excellent looking books listed.
Success & Affirmation!
OK, so I will probably be posting a lot today. I was 'gone' last week and then we finally just got the internet working again, so phew!
Lots of things have happened. Claire began the 'shipping out' process to Moritania. I just got two more responses about being a reference (yay!) so I can start applying!!! (yay?) so this means I am *NOT* repeat *not* a complete loser/failure, and can also start getting all this grad school stuff in order. Ran into an old friend, AND what else....
I can't remember! I know there was a lot.
anyway, laterz!!!1111oneone!!!
Lots of things have happened. Claire began the 'shipping out' process to Moritania. I just got two more responses about being a reference (yay!) so I can start applying!!! (yay?) so this means I am *NOT* repeat *not* a complete loser/failure, and can also start getting all this grad school stuff in order. Ran into an old friend, AND what else....
I can't remember! I know there was a lot.
anyway, laterz!!!1111oneone!!!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Dream #3
So tonight I dreamed that I lived on the fifth story of a big, tall, apartment-like building. It was either the top story or next to the top. I was having to move out, and others were moving in, just like in a dorm. They were younger than me and all excited. There was a party going on a floor or two down on the observation deck. I didn't want to pay cover but I decided on my second time by as i was moving out (and pretty much done) I would like to go look down (something that always scared me). The bouncer said 'sure, it doesn't start til tonight anyway'. So I went out and saw a couple people I knew. Once I got to the edge, the floor started bouncing as other people jumped up and down excitedly. I hung on tight. I asked them to stop and they did so I walked to the middle of the deck where it was less apt to bounce. Looking over it was incredibly green, but not terribly beautiful. More like "abandoned lot" kind of scrubby post-urban green. So I decided to leave. ::cut:: Then I was with someone I knew, a girl, and I was looking at her moving into an apartment, one with only two rooms. I asked her how much it was and she didn't want to answer. So I kindof out loud guesstimated to myself. It's more expensive to live alone than with others, I was saying. Some other stuff happened and I woke up.
I thought about it for a bit and decided the obvious was basically right about moving "down" and "out" etc post college.
Then I went back to sleep for a bit and dreamed that K.na and I were moving the last things out, and as we left I saw that this clothing store I'd always loved (at the base of the building) was just about to close and I said 'let's go in' and she was like 'sure' but I could tell she was antsy to leave so I decided to make it short but I kept finding all these things I wanted to buy, esp. since I knew I would be leaving and maybe not have a chance to get them again-- or maybe not even want this kind of thing again, and I was taking longer than I had wanted because I went to try on a dress and felt bad.
With further thinking, I remembered the similar symbolism in a bunch of sleep-disturbingly anxious dreams I had the second night gone from the Unit-house, where I was perpetually trying to climb different ladders, staircases, scaffolds, etc. They all deteriorated or changed or I could not find my floor, and then I would wake up in a sweat, go back to sleep, and do it again. I must have woken at least five or six times. This reminded me of 'not knowing my place' anymore or being 'at the bottom of the ladder' again. The main thing I still do not get about the first dream was the number five itself... I would understand four (I was formerly a fourth year) but five doesn't immediately jump out at me as being significant. It may also be important that it was 5/5 or 5/6 floors. Eh, I'll come back to it.
I thought about it for a bit and decided the obvious was basically right about moving "down" and "out" etc post college.
Then I went back to sleep for a bit and dreamed that K.na and I were moving the last things out, and as we left I saw that this clothing store I'd always loved (at the base of the building) was just about to close and I said 'let's go in' and she was like 'sure' but I could tell she was antsy to leave so I decided to make it short but I kept finding all these things I wanted to buy, esp. since I knew I would be leaving and maybe not have a chance to get them again-- or maybe not even want this kind of thing again, and I was taking longer than I had wanted because I went to try on a dress and felt bad.
With further thinking, I remembered the similar symbolism in a bunch of sleep-disturbingly anxious dreams I had the second night gone from the Unit-house, where I was perpetually trying to climb different ladders, staircases, scaffolds, etc. They all deteriorated or changed or I could not find my floor, and then I would wake up in a sweat, go back to sleep, and do it again. I must have woken at least five or six times. This reminded me of 'not knowing my place' anymore or being 'at the bottom of the ladder' again. The main thing I still do not get about the first dream was the number five itself... I would understand four (I was formerly a fourth year) but five doesn't immediately jump out at me as being significant. It may also be important that it was 5/5 or 5/6 floors. Eh, I'll come back to it.
Home again
Back home to stay with Mom for a bit. The house is so CLEAN now!!! I can hardly believe it. I think my absence has allowed mom to be as neat as she always wanted.
Lots of hot weather lately and a couple hard rainstorms this evening. Went out to dinner with Dad at a new Indian place, had Dosas for the first time. I don't think i've ever had South Indian food. N. would be proud.
Also, we located the new Indian food store. They have HUGE things of incense for 6 or 7 dollars. I'm thinking of getting some... but what if I don't like it???
I have now sent out six requests for references, some of them also asking for college reccomendations. I have heard back from only *two* people. If the record holds that means I can't put down a measley three references for even a stupid Dairy Queen application. Hence soy una pandadora. (I Have no idea if that is correct, it has been so long since I took spanish.)
Well, at least the cats love me, and I have friends. However I hope I am able to get references... I would at least like to go to grad school, and I am pretty sure I need at least ONE prof to write me a reccomendation, as opposed to grad student.
I have started posting on dream forums as a way to squander my precious, precious, highly-payable post-collegiate hours. It is interesting to see everyone's experiences.
In that vein, I've been wondering what all my compadres are up to. It's been too long since I've talked to most. Drop me a line if you're reading this, even if you don't think you have anything to report.
Also, it's looking less & less viable to go back to Cville (at least before grad school). Life is expensive. If I want to go to grad school, I should be saving money. If I want to go to India (before or after grad school) I should also be saving money. The parents have layed on the guilt-trip thick about staying with them, although it hasn't seemed to bother me as much as make me pity them. Dad had therapy today before he stopped by and at dinner we discussed it. I said that he seemed more upbeat since I've been back. He mentioned his medication but said that he was really glad to have me around, in that sort of weird voice that men sometimes get when they are sharing something feeling-ey that makes them uncomfortable. Which was sweet, but also made me feel sad and, well, a little guilt-tripped. So I decided to take all that into account. But also I need to stay with mom... I say need but I want to. It was so nice to sleep in my bed last night (and tonight, yay!). And I know she feels slighted by my staying at dad's so much. Really, I just like being in the country. Love it. I decided yesterday it was because it reminded me of my first home, in Staunton. I don't know if I've told you all about it but it really did affect me a lot.
Anyway, this is getting schmultzy. Hope to get in touch with you allz soon.
PS, my cell is being all stupid. Going to try to get it fixed tomorrow, but if you can't get me, you'll know why.
Lots of hot weather lately and a couple hard rainstorms this evening. Went out to dinner with Dad at a new Indian place, had Dosas for the first time. I don't think i've ever had South Indian food. N. would be proud.
Also, we located the new Indian food store. They have HUGE things of incense for 6 or 7 dollars. I'm thinking of getting some... but what if I don't like it???
I have now sent out six requests for references, some of them also asking for college reccomendations. I have heard back from only *two* people. If the record holds that means I can't put down a measley three references for even a stupid Dairy Queen application. Hence soy una pandadora. (I Have no idea if that is correct, it has been so long since I took spanish.)
Well, at least the cats love me, and I have friends. However I hope I am able to get references... I would at least like to go to grad school, and I am pretty sure I need at least ONE prof to write me a reccomendation, as opposed to grad student.
I have started posting on dream forums as a way to squander my precious, precious, highly-payable post-collegiate hours. It is interesting to see everyone's experiences.
In that vein, I've been wondering what all my compadres are up to. It's been too long since I've talked to most. Drop me a line if you're reading this, even if you don't think you have anything to report.
Also, it's looking less & less viable to go back to Cville (at least before grad school). Life is expensive. If I want to go to grad school, I should be saving money. If I want to go to India (before or after grad school) I should also be saving money. The parents have layed on the guilt-trip thick about staying with them, although it hasn't seemed to bother me as much as make me pity them. Dad had therapy today before he stopped by and at dinner we discussed it. I said that he seemed more upbeat since I've been back. He mentioned his medication but said that he was really glad to have me around, in that sort of weird voice that men sometimes get when they are sharing something feeling-ey that makes them uncomfortable. Which was sweet, but also made me feel sad and, well, a little guilt-tripped. So I decided to take all that into account. But also I need to stay with mom... I say need but I want to. It was so nice to sleep in my bed last night (and tonight, yay!). And I know she feels slighted by my staying at dad's so much. Really, I just like being in the country. Love it. I decided yesterday it was because it reminded me of my first home, in Staunton. I don't know if I've told you all about it but it really did affect me a lot.
Anyway, this is getting schmultzy. Hope to get in touch with you allz soon.
PS, my cell is being all stupid. Going to try to get it fixed tomorrow, but if you can't get me, you'll know why.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Father's Day
Well, it was a good one. Lots of nice relaxing on the porch, threw some clay downstairs, picked some raspberries (tiny amount,) made taco pizza mostly from scratch for dinner; country ham, eggs, and grits for breakfast. Spoke to mom briefly. She is doing well it seems, leaving for Phillidelphia (sp?) with her boy for about five days and I'm watching the kitties :D She said I could stay at the house while she's gone and I most certainly will. I miss those fluffy buggers.
She's feeding them before she leaves tomorrow AM though, so I won't need to go in (to town) til tomorrow night. That leaves Monday for working! Which I need to do. I've set up a card table in the spare upstairs bedroom & rigged my charger so it works again, so I should be good to go. Now all I need is a set of big, hairy, job-searching balls. Drop baby, Drop!
She's feeding them before she leaves tomorrow AM though, so I won't need to go in (to town) til tomorrow night. That leaves Monday for working! Which I need to do. I've set up a card table in the spare upstairs bedroom & rigged my charger so it works again, so I should be good to go. Now all I need is a set of big, hairy, job-searching balls. Drop baby, Drop!
Sharing
So... I've been writing relatively compulsively in this blog. I'm talking a lot with my family. What's up with this human "need to share"??
On the one hand, I see that it's a facilitator for social bonds and community, which probably leads to higher survival rates. So we've got the Darwin bit going on. Second, it seems to be a cultural thing. Some peoples are 'all up in the bizness' of their family and friends, some aren't. And finally some of us individuals keep to ourselves, while others definitely share everything... (you know them: "random medical info on the bus" person, "tells life history when confined in small spaces with others" guy [often found on long flights and train rides, or in broken elevators], and my perennial favorite "running commentary on everything around them" folks)
Now, I'm not quite to the point where I'm reading roadsigns aloud, but I AM to the point where that behavior seems more understandable than it ever has before. There's something about sharing an experience that makes everything about it more vivid, rich, and exciting. Why is it that dining alone is so much less satisfying... do we need other people to validate not just our opinions, but the experience itself?
On the one hand, I see that it's a facilitator for social bonds and community, which probably leads to higher survival rates. So we've got the Darwin bit going on. Second, it seems to be a cultural thing. Some peoples are 'all up in the bizness' of their family and friends, some aren't. And finally some of us individuals keep to ourselves, while others definitely share everything... (you know them: "random medical info on the bus" person, "tells life history when confined in small spaces with others" guy [often found on long flights and train rides, or in broken elevators], and my perennial favorite "running commentary on everything around them" folks)
Now, I'm not quite to the point where I'm reading roadsigns aloud, but I AM to the point where that behavior seems more understandable than it ever has before. There's something about sharing an experience that makes everything about it more vivid, rich, and exciting. Why is it that dining alone is so much less satisfying... do we need other people to validate not just our opinions, but the experience itself?
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Friends/Dream2
First of all, tonight I am missing my friends in NOVA. I hope they were able to meet up and hang out this evening. I know we will all miss those of us leaving for Peace Corps and I wish I were up there with all of them tonight.
Second, Something is EATING THE BERRIES!!! AAAAAAUGH!!!! I don't know what it is, but it doesn't leave much of a trail. It appears only the perfectly ripe ones have been gently plucked off, which is why it has seemed like they are 'just about ready' for four days or so now. Grandma suspects birds, Dad suspects (read: really, really thinks it'd be cool if it was) the yet-to-be-named species "Botetourt Berry Bats" that live in our Barn. He was sad when I attempted to pop his alliterative illusion bubble, but it proved to be stubborn and he says he still suspects bats, "they're the only creatures agile enough to swoop in, hover, and snatch those berries... can't you just see them swooping in??? ::enthusiastic hand-diving gestures, combined with pinching motion:: I bet they ripen overnight, and the bats use their sonar to find the ripe ones before morning. That's why we never see them!"
Speaking of dads, I had a scary dream where Dad found out about this blog. Not only did he read everything I'd written, but he somehow had access to all my outgoing email for the past year. Terrifying to say the least. When I freaked out, he tried to comfort me saying that now he "knew me better, all the little details and things that are important," but I still felt understandably exposed. Not sure what to make of that one, other than my ACTUAL fear that dad/parents will find the things I have on the internet (this blog, facebook, now defunct LJ, etc.) Maybe there is some other information or expression I'm keeping from them I haven't been paying attention to.
And anyway, father's day is tomorrow. I'm going to make him dinner, and I need to send my Grandfather an e-card ::note to self.:: Tonight I used a large wooden fabric stamp to create custom wrapping paper for the pitiful gift I got/have had for him; some old pink panther cartoons on DVD and a Virginia Wines picture book of sorts. A grand total of eleven or twelve dollars. Anyway, I am going to spend the day with him, and make breakfast. Hambiscuits and eggs, anyone?
Second, Something is EATING THE BERRIES!!! AAAAAAUGH!!!! I don't know what it is, but it doesn't leave much of a trail. It appears only the perfectly ripe ones have been gently plucked off, which is why it has seemed like they are 'just about ready' for four days or so now. Grandma suspects birds, Dad suspects (read: really, really thinks it'd be cool if it was) the yet-to-be-named species "Botetourt Berry Bats" that live in our Barn. He was sad when I attempted to pop his alliterative illusion bubble, but it proved to be stubborn and he says he still suspects bats, "they're the only creatures agile enough to swoop in, hover, and snatch those berries... can't you just see them swooping in??? ::enthusiastic hand-diving gestures, combined with pinching motion:: I bet they ripen overnight, and the bats use their sonar to find the ripe ones before morning. That's why we never see them!"
Speaking of dads, I had a scary dream where Dad found out about this blog. Not only did he read everything I'd written, but he somehow had access to all my outgoing email for the past year. Terrifying to say the least. When I freaked out, he tried to comfort me saying that now he "knew me better, all the little details and things that are important," but I still felt understandably exposed. Not sure what to make of that one, other than my ACTUAL fear that dad/parents will find the things I have on the internet (this blog, facebook, now defunct LJ, etc.) Maybe there is some other information or expression I'm keeping from them I haven't been paying attention to.
And anyway, father's day is tomorrow. I'm going to make him dinner, and I need to send my Grandfather an e-card ::note to self.:: Tonight I used a large wooden fabric stamp to create custom wrapping paper for the pitiful gift I got/have had for him; some old pink panther cartoons on DVD and a Virginia Wines picture book of sorts. A grand total of eleven or twelve dollars. Anyway, I am going to spend the day with him, and make breakfast. Hambiscuits and eggs, anyone?
Friday, June 15, 2007
Dream 1
Not much to report today. much vegging out, some light garden work. I did have a dream though.
I was touring a town that was very nice, but don't remember much about it. I got to know a chicken. She was half 'dwarf' chicken and half that fluffy kind. I knew she was the nicest chicken evvver. She was pregnant, and I was worried about her. I don't know if I had a reason. Anyway, it was like we talked and stuff, and I had gotten to know her, and we were close. It came time for her to have her babies, and it was a really difficult labor. She had six eggs.
She was very tired. I turned away from her box to line up the eggs, which would hatch soon. I looked back in the box, and my fears had been realized- she had died and 'vaporized', kindof like the Jedi do in star wars. I was upset- then I then saw one of the eggs start hatching. It was a fluffy, iconic yellow baby chick with blue doe eyes. Then I woke up and almost started crying, I was so upset about the loss of the mother. I just can't express how wonderful she was.
Anyway, now thinking of it, it was interesting that the mom died before the babies were born. I think it has something to do with college. My friend the chicken was so warm and comforting and mom-friend like. And fluffy and fuzzy and cuddly, but I don't think I'd hugged her. Chicken as college? Chicken as bunny?
I see the death of one thing as neccesary for the new life of possibility as a theme-- and through that a suggestion for letting go, or perhaps appropriate mourning for something already lost. Anyway, it's way past my bedtime (I still haven't fixed the timestamp on this thing.)
Hopefully more enlightening dreams.
I was touring a town that was very nice, but don't remember much about it. I got to know a chicken. She was half 'dwarf' chicken and half that fluffy kind. I knew she was the nicest chicken evvver. She was pregnant, and I was worried about her. I don't know if I had a reason. Anyway, it was like we talked and stuff, and I had gotten to know her, and we were close. It came time for her to have her babies, and it was a really difficult labor. She had six eggs.
She was very tired. I turned away from her box to line up the eggs, which would hatch soon. I looked back in the box, and my fears had been realized- she had died and 'vaporized', kindof like the Jedi do in star wars. I was upset- then I then saw one of the eggs start hatching. It was a fluffy, iconic yellow baby chick with blue doe eyes. Then I woke up and almost started crying, I was so upset about the loss of the mother. I just can't express how wonderful she was.
Anyway, now thinking of it, it was interesting that the mom died before the babies were born. I think it has something to do with college. My friend the chicken was so warm and comforting and mom-friend like. And fluffy and fuzzy and cuddly, but I don't think I'd hugged her. Chicken as college? Chicken as bunny?
I see the death of one thing as neccesary for the new life of possibility as a theme-- and through that a suggestion for letting go, or perhaps appropriate mourning for something already lost. Anyway, it's way past my bedtime (I still haven't fixed the timestamp on this thing.)
Hopefully more enlightening dreams.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
pavlova season/bunny
Well, some news to report. I was very excited when I stopped by the earliest-to-ripen black raspberry vine on my way to the garden today for a few nibbles. It seems the first ones are beginning to ripen on the neighboring vines, which can only signal one thing: the beginning of Pavlova Season. First is the black raspberries, then the wineberries, then blackberries and fresh peaches from the orchaird stand. Mmmmm, I am excited. And with the wonderful slow rain we've had the last couple days and the nitrogen-producing night thunderstorms (and the sunny warm period coming up,) conditions are perfect for plumping and ripening the perfect berries, maybe even in time for Father's Day!
When I got to the garden I took my time planting and discovered a lot of volunteer dill plants starting, and piled rocks around them so we wouldn't step on them. Then I planted some green beans and started digging the row for the 'bush' watermelon seeds when the kitty came to see me. She was all excited to get scratched, and I did a little but my hands were all muddy so I went back to work. She got bored, apparently, and I saw her start towards the tree. A bunny ran away, the same one I'd seen when I first got into the garden, and she abandoned chase. She turned though, and started hopping high over the grass. It was really funny & cute. All until I heard the horrid squeal. I screamed "Cammie! No!" but I couldn't see her. Then she came out of the grass, tail high, holding a still very alive and squirming animal. She was bringing it towards me and I thought it might have been a rat; a very large & upset rat. But as I lunged at her with a stick, I saw that it was a baby bunny, a pretty big one. I was flustered and yelling more than acting as she alternately/confusedly came towards me (offering me the bunny) and backed away as I waved the stick. Anyway I got my wits about me shortly and chased her more effectively. I don't remember if I whacked her or not but she let go-- not before she paused and I am pretty sure snapped it's neck. It got away and kicked helplessly for a bit while I wondered what to do with this poor animal. I thought it might likely die before I got it to a shelter, but I didn't have to wait long because it stopped kicking after just a few seconds. Cammie seemed pleased with herself, and I went to finish planting the melons, and when I went back it was definitely dead. Now, I wasn't sure if I should eat it or leave it alone, and I opted for leaving it alone. Anyway I'm not sure how I feel about it. Not exactly the capoff for a relaxing hour of gardening & walking around I had expected.
When I got to the garden I took my time planting and discovered a lot of volunteer dill plants starting, and piled rocks around them so we wouldn't step on them. Then I planted some green beans and started digging the row for the 'bush' watermelon seeds when the kitty came to see me. She was all excited to get scratched, and I did a little but my hands were all muddy so I went back to work. She got bored, apparently, and I saw her start towards the tree. A bunny ran away, the same one I'd seen when I first got into the garden, and she abandoned chase. She turned though, and started hopping high over the grass. It was really funny & cute. All until I heard the horrid squeal. I screamed "Cammie! No!" but I couldn't see her. Then she came out of the grass, tail high, holding a still very alive and squirming animal. She was bringing it towards me and I thought it might have been a rat; a very large & upset rat. But as I lunged at her with a stick, I saw that it was a baby bunny, a pretty big one. I was flustered and yelling more than acting as she alternately/confusedly came towards me (offering me the bunny) and backed away as I waved the stick. Anyway I got my wits about me shortly and chased her more effectively. I don't remember if I whacked her or not but she let go-- not before she paused and I am pretty sure snapped it's neck. It got away and kicked helplessly for a bit while I wondered what to do with this poor animal. I thought it might likely die before I got it to a shelter, but I didn't have to wait long because it stopped kicking after just a few seconds. Cammie seemed pleased with herself, and I went to finish planting the melons, and when I went back it was definitely dead. Now, I wasn't sure if I should eat it or leave it alone, and I opted for leaving it alone. Anyway I'm not sure how I feel about it. Not exactly the capoff for a relaxing hour of gardening & walking around I had expected.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Stuffed
...full of delicious, tasty, scrumptious down-home cooking. (I have not been this full since I was a kid. I seriously felt ill at one point. it was awesome.) After a day of hard work and some frazzle (Grandma's 'cleaning helper' didn't show up til an hour before people started arriving,) I reaped the benefits. A list is in order.
There was:
-Three kinds of fried chicken; including home-made, tenders of unrecognisable origin, and KFC bucket.
-A chicken casserole
-A creamy, cheesy hash brown casserole
-Scalloped potatoes
-New potatoes and green beans (the old-fashioned flat kind, likely home canned)
-Baked Beans
-Deviled eggs; two kinds (with and without relish)
-Potato Salad
-Steamed buttered Asparagus
-Pasta salad; three kinds ('regular' with mayo and pepper, one with meat and cheese and veggies, and the best one with bowtie pasta and fresh basil and tomatoes and asparagus.)
-"Asian" cooked veggie salad
-Fresh pineapple and papaya
-Black Cherry Jell-o salad, really good with real black cherries and fresh mandarin orange slices.
-Waldorf Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing instead of mayo
And we bought:
-Cole Slaw & rolls
And we made:
-Pulled pork BBQ
Dessert:
-Chocolate Eclaire "Casserole?", mint flavor. Sorta like a non-fruit trifle, but in a baking dish.
-Raspberry Pie, storebought but delicious
-Fresh Fruit with dip (beautiful fruit, one of the ladies owns a local orchiard of good repute & often brings this kind of thing, says Grandma)
-'Fancy' Diet Puddings that I made, more on that later.
-Apple Pie, HOMEMADE CRUST, CINNAMON & BROWN SUGAR CRUMB TOPPING omg. so good.
Drinks:
-Iced tea
-Five kinds of wine (and apparently just one kind is a tad too much for a stomach that's been empty since 10 AM in preparation for ritual engorgement...)
-Coffee with dessert
Everything was homemade unless I indicated otherwise. I think you can see why I was excited.
Oh, so the diet puddings. I made them the night before in these nice little clear cups Grandma uses, and put a vanilla wafer in the bottom of each one, followed by a chocolate layer, a vanilla layer, and a dusting of cocoa. They did look pretty. Anyway, apparently word got around, and everyone was congratulating me on the delicious puddings. Everyone meaning about four times? Anyway, it was funny. That and the meat. Everyone liked the barbeque; the ladies were sated. So we did well, and Grandma looked much less tired than she sometimes does, which was good, since that was the goal of helping her out in the first place. All in all, a successful day, and a successful party, and I even saved over 100 dollars by switching my car insurance to Progressive. Really, I did. *(but only for six months, apparently the 'quote' they gave me included a 'one time only' discount of fifty bucks.)
Anyway, a successful day. And now for a successful night, if I can just figure out where I put those Mylanta tablets...
There was:
-Three kinds of fried chicken; including home-made, tenders of unrecognisable origin, and KFC bucket.
-A chicken casserole
-A creamy, cheesy hash brown casserole
-Scalloped potatoes
-New potatoes and green beans (the old-fashioned flat kind, likely home canned)
-Baked Beans
-Deviled eggs; two kinds (with and without relish)
-Potato Salad
-Steamed buttered Asparagus
-Pasta salad; three kinds ('regular' with mayo and pepper, one with meat and cheese and veggies, and the best one with bowtie pasta and fresh basil and tomatoes and asparagus.)
-"Asian" cooked veggie salad
-Fresh pineapple and papaya
-Black Cherry Jell-o salad, really good with real black cherries and fresh mandarin orange slices.
-Waldorf Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing instead of mayo
And we bought:
-Cole Slaw & rolls
And we made:
-Pulled pork BBQ
Dessert:
-Chocolate Eclaire "Casserole?", mint flavor. Sorta like a non-fruit trifle, but in a baking dish.
-Raspberry Pie, storebought but delicious
-Fresh Fruit with dip (beautiful fruit, one of the ladies owns a local orchiard of good repute & often brings this kind of thing, says Grandma)
-'Fancy' Diet Puddings that I made, more on that later.
-Apple Pie, HOMEMADE CRUST, CINNAMON & BROWN SUGAR CRUMB TOPPING omg. so good.
Drinks:
-Iced tea
-Five kinds of wine (and apparently just one kind is a tad too much for a stomach that's been empty since 10 AM in preparation for ritual engorgement...)
-Coffee with dessert
Everything was homemade unless I indicated otherwise. I think you can see why I was excited.
Oh, so the diet puddings. I made them the night before in these nice little clear cups Grandma uses, and put a vanilla wafer in the bottom of each one, followed by a chocolate layer, a vanilla layer, and a dusting of cocoa. They did look pretty. Anyway, apparently word got around, and everyone was congratulating me on the delicious puddings. Everyone meaning about four times? Anyway, it was funny. That and the meat. Everyone liked the barbeque; the ladies were sated. So we did well, and Grandma looked much less tired than she sometimes does, which was good, since that was the goal of helping her out in the first place. All in all, a successful day, and a successful party, and I even saved over 100 dollars by switching my car insurance to Progressive. Really, I did. *(but only for six months, apparently the 'quote' they gave me included a 'one time only' discount of fifty bucks.)
Anyway, a successful day. And now for a successful night, if I can just figure out where I put those Mylanta tablets...
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
"You're Blasé"...
Some Wynton Marsalis to set the mood.
No job searching of any real importance to report. Heard back from a couple preliminary people. Need to send more emails and get more grad school stuff in order for when I apply later. It's raining hard out, and just started, thought it's been threatening all day. Feels good to have a summer rain.
Spent today helping Grandma get ready for the big bi-annual "Sexy Sassy Singles" party (formerly called the "Wednesday Night Widows Group," no joke.) They're a growing group (sadly, I suppose) of about thirty ladies over sixty-- most over seventy. These women are the core group of Fincastle, virtually the entire "old(er) lady network" that all of us in the know have come to view as the brains and tactfully used brawn that operates the county, or rather the men who THINK they run things. Need your car fixed? Somebody's grandson is a mechanic. Need high power electrical run to your basement for a pottery kiln? Grandma knows a relatively distant-but-longtime neighbor and sweet talks him into coming to look at the situation... for free... on a Saturday morning. (Heaven forbid) Have a death in the family? Twenty some grey-haired ladies will be at your door in less than 24 hours, each with a delicious "covered dish." I think you get the picture. These chicks run things, pull strings, and all-in-all p0wn Fincastle.
Anyway, every other year (or thereabouts) Grandma has all the girls over for a potluck. This has become a more difficult production, not just because of more people, but because she can't get around as well anymore. "doesn't have as much 'oomph' as she used to" she would say. So I've been running around, making diet puddings, moving card tables up from the basement, helping pick out flowers, that kind of thing. It's been a relatively enjoyable respite from sitting at the computer.
The big day is tomorrow, so I'd better get some rest. Going to have to watch my cousin as well, school let out Monday and I'll have to keep him out of trouble while we clean and get things ready. there should be an AWESOME tasty home cooking reward though, they really bring out the rich stuff for potlucks. I am planning to forgo lunch tomorrow. I think it will be a wise move.
Until tomorrow, rest easy folks.
No job searching of any real importance to report. Heard back from a couple preliminary people. Need to send more emails and get more grad school stuff in order for when I apply later. It's raining hard out, and just started, thought it's been threatening all day. Feels good to have a summer rain.
Spent today helping Grandma get ready for the big bi-annual "Sexy Sassy Singles" party (formerly called the "Wednesday Night Widows Group," no joke.) They're a growing group (sadly, I suppose) of about thirty ladies over sixty-- most over seventy. These women are the core group of Fincastle, virtually the entire "old(er) lady network" that all of us in the know have come to view as the brains and tactfully used brawn that operates the county, or rather the men who THINK they run things. Need your car fixed? Somebody's grandson is a mechanic. Need high power electrical run to your basement for a pottery kiln? Grandma knows a relatively distant-but-longtime neighbor and sweet talks him into coming to look at the situation... for free... on a Saturday morning. (Heaven forbid) Have a death in the family? Twenty some grey-haired ladies will be at your door in less than 24 hours, each with a delicious "covered dish." I think you get the picture. These chicks run things, pull strings, and all-in-all p0wn Fincastle.
Anyway, every other year (or thereabouts) Grandma has all the girls over for a potluck. This has become a more difficult production, not just because of more people, but because she can't get around as well anymore. "doesn't have as much 'oomph' as she used to" she would say. So I've been running around, making diet puddings, moving card tables up from the basement, helping pick out flowers, that kind of thing. It's been a relatively enjoyable respite from sitting at the computer.
The big day is tomorrow, so I'd better get some rest. Going to have to watch my cousin as well, school let out Monday and I'll have to keep him out of trouble while we clean and get things ready. there should be an AWESOME tasty home cooking reward though, they really bring out the rich stuff for potlucks. I am planning to forgo lunch tomorrow. I think it will be a wise move.
Until tomorrow, rest easy folks.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Stale Week Ahead.
So it seems my week is screwed. Found out last minute Grandma had made an appointment thinking I was going to be around all day tomorrow to watch this cooking, so I'll have to move my lunch. I had also forgotten I'm on babysitting duty until her party, since school lets out early Mon. and the cousin isn't in camps or anything yet. I have had trouble today with both online insurance quotes and online banking (as a result almost missing a payment). Hopefully I will be able to resolve these issues tomorrow morning while I'm 'babysitting' the meat... stupid meat. I would totally bail on these 'party duties' if Grandma hadn't replied "well, thank you but no... although you can help me with my party next week" when I asked "Can I pay you rent while I'm here?" Makes me particularly bitter towards having ties to people. Intimacy, shmintamcacy. Bring on the hermit hut.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Post-Penland
Back from Penland area 'Toe river' pottery tour... some great stuff and dad bought quite a bit. Consequently, lots of liberal (& mid-upperclass, via dad) guilt to spread around. However, all the potters were really nice, so I was glad to support them if nothing else. Some wonderful work overall.. Nick Joerling's work (click here http://www1.akardesign.com/art/ceramics/joerling/joerling.htm for some older stuff) was by far the best, although we did skip one or two we knew were wonderful just due to time constraints. Penland School potters again came through with some amazing, new stuff (the two kids on the far right of this pic http://www.penland.org/resident/resprog.html). And the drive was absolutely beautiful, with all kinds of greens and mountain laurel blooming. Made me want to go camping bigtime!
Job search progressing (albeit slowly) as well.
Going to lunch with an old friend Monday-- should be fun to catch up :)
Job search progressing (albeit slowly) as well.
Going to lunch with an old friend Monday-- should be fun to catch up :)
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Penland
A relatively productive day, at least within recent context. Finished planting the garden, about sixty plants in all? We only have 24 tomato plants but lots of poblano and anaheim peppers for rellenos and green sauce... mmm. Let's just hope the deer don't eat them all. I saw a few young deer heading towards the garden this afternoon, but we scared them off temporarily.
My psychology-geared resume is now complete-- and it may or may not appear that I am qualified to do work which I may or may not actually be qualified to do. Confusion is perhaps better than clarity on that point.
Leaving tomorow evening for the general Ashboro NC area, staying in a hotel & getting up reaaaaaal early so dad can get a jump on the 'good stuff' on the Penland Pottery Tour. (I think he said Penland... Pendleton NC is further east and I don't think that's it... anyway.)
For those of you who don't know, Penland School of Crafts is one of the premier 'arts and crafts' trade schools in the country. It's got a more than idyllic setting and a killer ceramics department, along with basketweaving and all kinds of good stuff. The school gallery/store/giftshop and scenery are worth the drive on their own, not to mention the metal and glassworking studios you can walk through.
In other news, I really hope I don't have lead poisoning. When everyone moved out of the international dorm, I took some Chinese green gunpowder tea and have been drinking it for days, letting it sit in the pot and just adding more water. It was delicious. And all I drank for like, three days. So yesterday I'm pouring and I notice a glint at the bottom of the pot. Turns out it's little itty bitty pieces of metal-- metal that leaves a mark on my thumbnail when I scratch it across. Either it's mica, part of a greenish iridecent bug casing (the MOST appealing, I think... bugs vs dirt here, people) OR actual metal bits from processing machinery/pipes... and the only metal I know could possibly be soft like that is lead.
Looked on a government website that said since I'm not a kid, it would be stored in my bones... to be released during A) Pregnancy or B) menopause.
... like I NEEDED another reason not to have children of my own.
Regardless, it seems my friends are all doing pretty well, and I myself seem to have started to settle into post-collegiate life. Apparently, to incorrectly quote an old friend: "It all kinda stops being surreal when you get off the plane in China or pay your first months rent."
We'll see.
My psychology-geared resume is now complete-- and it may or may not appear that I am qualified to do work which I may or may not actually be qualified to do. Confusion is perhaps better than clarity on that point.
Leaving tomorow evening for the general Ashboro NC area, staying in a hotel & getting up reaaaaaal early so dad can get a jump on the 'good stuff' on the Penland Pottery Tour. (I think he said Penland... Pendleton NC is further east and I don't think that's it... anyway.)
For those of you who don't know, Penland School of Crafts is one of the premier 'arts and crafts' trade schools in the country. It's got a more than idyllic setting and a killer ceramics department, along with basketweaving and all kinds of good stuff. The school gallery/store/giftshop and scenery are worth the drive on their own, not to mention the metal and glassworking studios you can walk through.
In other news, I really hope I don't have lead poisoning. When everyone moved out of the international dorm, I took some Chinese green gunpowder tea and have been drinking it for days, letting it sit in the pot and just adding more water. It was delicious. And all I drank for like, three days. So yesterday I'm pouring and I notice a glint at the bottom of the pot. Turns out it's little itty bitty pieces of metal-- metal that leaves a mark on my thumbnail when I scratch it across. Either it's mica, part of a greenish iridecent bug casing (the MOST appealing, I think... bugs vs dirt here, people) OR actual metal bits from processing machinery/pipes... and the only metal I know could possibly be soft like that is lead.
Looked on a government website that said since I'm not a kid, it would be stored in my bones... to be released during A) Pregnancy or B) menopause.
... like I NEEDED another reason not to have children of my own.
Regardless, it seems my friends are all doing pretty well, and I myself seem to have started to settle into post-collegiate life. Apparently, to incorrectly quote an old friend: "It all kinda stops being surreal when you get off the plane in China or pay your first months rent."
We'll see.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Relationships
Times change, people change... but having to bite your tongue apparently never does. I've aquired a taste for sarcasm (and wonton cursing) in the past few years that will be difficult to pull away from.
It was sad not to be able to spontaneously tell my grandmother (as she recounted a joke about 'bad women drivers' pulling up to ATMs) "well, that's because we're all just clueless, overemotional freaks with poor spacial ability."
Ah well. I'll work them in when I can.
It was sad not to be able to spontaneously tell my grandmother (as she recounted a joke about 'bad women drivers' pulling up to ATMs) "well, that's because we're all just clueless, overemotional freaks with poor spacial ability."
Ah well. I'll work them in when I can.
Numero Uno
Falling into the 'b-logging' trap like a 'b-lumberjill' in a 'b-log rolling' competition after a 'b-...flashflood'.
.....
Hopefully the sexy, minimalist template I've chosen will lessen the dorkiness of that statement.
Anyway, I'm supposed to say what this is all about. But I don't know yet. Maybe a place to gain ad revinue (I just learned about AdSense... man Google is good for everything!) maybe a place to showcase all my soon to be wild & amazing travels, maybe just a WAY BETTER version of my livejournal with ACTUAL CONTENT instead of quizzes.
Anyway, things away from college have started feeling lonely. And no joke, I just got done having a conversation with my grandmother that went something like this.
G: Oh, things move so fast. I just hope the internet doesn't hurt people's social skills.
M: Well, there's no substitute for face to face communication, but actually the internet often works to bring people together.
M: blah blah ... "social networking sites" and [insert classic example "awkward rural teen finds community of accepting peers" here]
So in sum, whether it keeps me in touch with my old classmates or finds me making new friends, sharing is important. And this is just one new way to do it.
.....
Hopefully the sexy, minimalist template I've chosen will lessen the dorkiness of that statement.
Anyway, I'm supposed to say what this is all about. But I don't know yet. Maybe a place to gain ad revinue (I just learned about AdSense... man Google is good for everything!) maybe a place to showcase all my soon to be wild & amazing travels, maybe just a WAY BETTER version of my livejournal with ACTUAL CONTENT instead of quizzes.
Anyway, things away from college have started feeling lonely. And no joke, I just got done having a conversation with my grandmother that went something like this.
G: Oh, things move so fast. I just hope the internet doesn't hurt people's social skills.
M: Well, there's no substitute for face to face communication, but actually the internet often works to bring people together.
M: blah blah ... "social networking sites" and [insert classic example "awkward rural teen finds community of accepting peers" here]
So in sum, whether it keeps me in touch with my old classmates or finds me making new friends, sharing is important. And this is just one new way to do it.
Don't steal my idea.
After baking up two delicious southwestern cookie varieties last night, I started thinking. "These are delicious, I bet we could sell them," when I remembered something I'd contemplated a couple years back. New Mexican foodstall. Genius. (perhaps, but only if it turned a profit.) You could use an old hot dog vending cart, with the meat & tortillas inside, and the warmed spots (normally chili&cheese) for red and green sauce. then the rest would be chilled of course, with pico de gallo, lettuce, sc, & monterey jack to go with. cookies rest on the edge of the cart, and a cooler filled with drinks would accompany it all. Tortillas could be purchased from the panderia on williamson, and the food itself would be easy to make ahead of time. Just a matter of warming things up!
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