Though it is still pretty cold, I noticed the snow was beginning to melt off the roof. I've been wanting to take monochromes of the snow all week, but hadn't dared brave it until today.
Why I thought today would be a good day, I do not know. Maybe it was because yesterday (when I was originally going to take my monochromes) I ended up sipping a latte and eating a dried out biscotti while typing the story of how I got to the coffeehouse... in the coffeehouse. When I got home from that, it was too dark for photography.
Earlier today, I blazed a new trail, somewhat literally, getting to work. I always take this shortcut through the lumberyard parking lot to avoid making this funky sharp turn. When I turned off at the lumberyard, though, I noticed that much of it wasn't plowed--including the part I was driving through. Fortunately, I didn't get stuck.
Fast forward about three hours...
I'm finally getting around to taking these monochromes. I got out my tripod and camera and headed out into the cold. Armed with the camera case around my neck and the tripod case flung over my shoulder like a Continental soldier, I slipped around to the backyard where the packed snow path ended and abruptly turned to about ten inches of snow.
Looking down at the tracks in the snow, I wasn't paying attention to where I was going and reached my destination a little earlier than intended. I realized this when a small twig poked the side of my face. Good thing I had my glasses on...
I jerked away from the tree, somewhat overreacting, though more on instinct than anything else. Forgetting that I was on a small snow-covered slope, I quickly lost my balance and toppled into the snow. This would have been funny were it not for a few things:
1) Snow is very cold.
2) I had a new tripod with me.
3) I had a fairly new digital camera with me.
4) I didn't want to have to replace #2 or #3.
5) I couldn't seem to get up.
I flailed around for a while, making a not-so-angelic snow angel, while feeling the way I assume a fish out of water feels. Or the way I feel in water. Finally, I was able to get up, but my tripod case was dusted with snow. I looked at my camera case, which was, miraculously, still around my neck. It had a sifting of snow. Still, I didn't want it to melt, soak in, and ruin my camera, so I started brushing the snow off as quickly as I could. Eventually, I had to take my gloves off. Mistake. Instantly, all the heat in my hands and fingers evaporated into the air.
Then, I just like in the lumberyard parking lot earlier today, I realized I had made a huge mistake, but I was determined to follow through with my plan. Yes, the trees were almost snow-free by this point, and yes, I was standing in nearly a foot of snow on uneven terrain, and yes, my toes did feel like they might just fall off, but I didn't let that stop me. No sir. I took that tripod out of its case, hung the case on a tree branch (not the one that got my attention earlier), and I extended the first set of tripod legs. Couldn't seem to get the second set of extensions out, but no matter, I had enough height that I could get some cool shots.
By this time, the cold had gone to my head. I basically had no idea what I was doing, but I had to get those shots. So, I anchored the tripod in the snow, twisted my camera into it, and almost took a picture of whatever happened to be in range. Then I realized that the tripod was off-center. Oh yes. This was the hilly part of the yard. I just wanted to get it over with, so I took no time focusing or even picking a real subject. I just aimed my camera/tripod duo in the general direction of some trees and hoped for the best.
About four shots later, I was ready to go back to the house. I grabbed the tripod case off the tree branch, started to put the legs back, remembered that they were now covered with snow, opted to clean them off where it was warmer, put my now-useless gloves back on, and started running for the house.
After I wiped off my tripod and bag, I decided to let it all air dry a little more. During this time, I took a look at the monochromes. They weren't the greatest. The quality was superb because of the tripod, but the framing wasn't too hot. I think I have one shot that I actually like. I'm not even sure I'll share it--might just have to keep that one to myself.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
True Colours Thursday--Pink!
I'll admit it's not my favorite color, but I do have a few pink things...
This is a "yarn backpack" that I got for Christmas. When the weather warms up, I hope to pack a project or two and go to the park!
I love this book. It's a collection of creative nonfiction stories that one of my professors introduced me to in college. Actually, it was one of the required texts for the course. Bradway is truly an inspiration to me. I love her style, and the monochromes that provide a backdrop for each chapter are priceless. Since the book was published on a small press, I'm not sure how easy it is to obtain a copy of it, though.
True Colours Thursday is the brainchild of friend Blue
This is a "yarn backpack" that I got for Christmas. When the weather warms up, I hope to pack a project or two and go to the park!
I love this book. It's a collection of creative nonfiction stories that one of my professors introduced me to in college. Actually, it was one of the required texts for the course. Bradway is truly an inspiration to me. I love her style, and the monochromes that provide a backdrop for each chapter are priceless. Since the book was published on a small press, I'm not sure how easy it is to obtain a copy of it, though.
True Colours Thursday is the brainchild of friend Blue
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Rock On! Another Award :)
Lookie, lookie! I have a new award! And I'm going to share it with some fellow bloggers again :) Warm thanks to BJ who has so graciously passed the Lemonade Award to me. The way the “When Life Gives You Lemons, make Lemonade” Award (for short, The Lemonade Award) works is:
1) You must link back to the person you received the award from.
2) You have to nominate 10 bloggers who are deserving of this award!
Here are my 10:
Robin
AlfRocks
Rosey
Roadchick
Bobbi
Alisa and Nana
Alisa
Patois
Aurora
Lilly
I would have to say that of the bloggers I know (who have not--to my knowledge--already received this award), these people must be the best at making lemonade out of the proverbial lemons life sometimes gives us. Of course, I had to put Nana's Kitchen because, although I haven't heard anything terribly lemony out of them yet, these ladies are cooking up some awesome recipes. All these blogs are worth checking out and definitely deserve this award!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monochrome Monday--Crocheted Doily
This is the doily I crocheted for my cousin's upcoming wedding.
For more B&W/sepia shots, visit Monochrome Maniacs
Monday, January 26, 2009
Monochrome Monday is Looking Like a Monochrome Tuesday...
I was a little busy today. I spent a good part of the morning working on an online job application that I still haven't finished. Thank goodness they let you save these. It seems like applications are getting longer, and some questions are difficult to answer. Most of my information doesn't fit neatly into a form for some reason. And, being far too concerned about attention to detail, I have been known to obsess over how to answer application questions to the point that I have been warned that my connection would be cut off for security purposes if I didn't show some signs of my presence soon. Finally, I just decided to quit for the time being and pick it up tomorrow.
Then, SC called because she wanted to go out to eat with me... which led to a trip to see BW at work... and another trip to the library. All in all, our little trip to go eat took about three hours, counting all the stops. I have a Monochrome Monday subject, but I haven't taken the picture, yet. For some reason, I'm kind of tired, so I think I'll just put it up tomorrow, as well.
Then, SC called because she wanted to go out to eat with me... which led to a trip to see BW at work... and another trip to the library. All in all, our little trip to go eat took about three hours, counting all the stops. I have a Monochrome Monday subject, but I haven't taken the picture, yet. For some reason, I'm kind of tired, so I think I'll just put it up tomorrow, as well.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Sunday Scribblings #147--Phantoms and Shadows
I started my college creative writing program in the fall of 2004 with the hopes of becoming a poet. I almost fancied myself one of those artsy, beret-wearing, coffeehouse-frequenting moody types who wear black and don't talk. You know the stereotype. Anyway, when I started the program, I realized that poetry was okay, but not really my thing. I wasn't sure what I wanted to write, but I knew I wanted to write something.
The next semester, I reluctantly signed up for creative nonfiction. I thought this sounded horribly boring, as I associated nonfiction with textbooks. My advisor thought it would be a good choice, though, and as my school didn't have many creative writing courses during any one semester, I decided to give it a go.
I'll admit I thought my professor was a bit odd, and even crass at times, but I grew to like him. He was painfully honest about his students' work, and I didn't mind taking constructive criticism from him (though I was generally pretty sensitive about having my work torn to shreds). I learned a lot from him. Taking this class, I knew I wanted to be a personal essayist, rather than a poet. I ditched the bohemian ideals and focused on just being myself (though I have learned to love independent coffee houses, and I'm even making myself a beret!).
Things were going well. My professor had told me that he could hear my voice in my writing. That's a good sign. He liked my style, and he was teaching me to cut out unnecessary details, while expanding on more meaningful ones. Then, on April Fool's Day, I started to walk into class just like any other day. I was consciously remembering that it was April Fool's and that someone would try to trip me up when I least expected it. But when one of my fellow classmates told me that the professor had died, I wasn't sure how to react. That was a really cruel April Fool's joke.
We all wandered into the classroom, expecting the prof to barge in at any moment, saying something like, "Oh, I was just wondering how many of you actually cared if I lived or died," but it never happened. Instead, the department head came in and confirmed the professor's death, assuring us that this was not an April Fool's joke. I had to go home. I couldn't go to my ancient literature class--this was all too weird.
A few weeks later, the coroner's report indicated suicide. Who knows what was going on in my professor's life. I know he really impacted a lot of us, though. If I could go back, I would have had all those conversations with him, the ones I always thought I'd "talk to him about next time," not realizing that there would be no next time. Wishing I'd told him I thought his Johnny Cash poster kicked butt, thanking him for being such a great and helpful critic of my writing, telling him what an awesome professor he really was, just talking. I wondered why I never went to any of the local bars to hear him play bluegrass music with his band. Now I'd never have the chance to hear them. For weeks after his death, I'd have nightmares of me trying unsuccessfully to save him, only to wake up knowing there was nothing that could be done. Yes, if I could go back to the spring of 2005, I'd sure have a lot to talk about with my professor.
Dedicated to M.S.
For more tales of phantoms and shadows, visit Sunday Scribblings
The next semester, I reluctantly signed up for creative nonfiction. I thought this sounded horribly boring, as I associated nonfiction with textbooks. My advisor thought it would be a good choice, though, and as my school didn't have many creative writing courses during any one semester, I decided to give it a go.
I'll admit I thought my professor was a bit odd, and even crass at times, but I grew to like him. He was painfully honest about his students' work, and I didn't mind taking constructive criticism from him (though I was generally pretty sensitive about having my work torn to shreds). I learned a lot from him. Taking this class, I knew I wanted to be a personal essayist, rather than a poet. I ditched the bohemian ideals and focused on just being myself (though I have learned to love independent coffee houses, and I'm even making myself a beret!).
Things were going well. My professor had told me that he could hear my voice in my writing. That's a good sign. He liked my style, and he was teaching me to cut out unnecessary details, while expanding on more meaningful ones. Then, on April Fool's Day, I started to walk into class just like any other day. I was consciously remembering that it was April Fool's and that someone would try to trip me up when I least expected it. But when one of my fellow classmates told me that the professor had died, I wasn't sure how to react. That was a really cruel April Fool's joke.
We all wandered into the classroom, expecting the prof to barge in at any moment, saying something like, "Oh, I was just wondering how many of you actually cared if I lived or died," but it never happened. Instead, the department head came in and confirmed the professor's death, assuring us that this was not an April Fool's joke. I had to go home. I couldn't go to my ancient literature class--this was all too weird.
A few weeks later, the coroner's report indicated suicide. Who knows what was going on in my professor's life. I know he really impacted a lot of us, though. If I could go back, I would have had all those conversations with him, the ones I always thought I'd "talk to him about next time," not realizing that there would be no next time. Wishing I'd told him I thought his Johnny Cash poster kicked butt, thanking him for being such a great and helpful critic of my writing, telling him what an awesome professor he really was, just talking. I wondered why I never went to any of the local bars to hear him play bluegrass music with his band. Now I'd never have the chance to hear them. For weeks after his death, I'd have nightmares of me trying unsuccessfully to save him, only to wake up knowing there was nothing that could be done. Yes, if I could go back to the spring of 2005, I'd sure have a lot to talk about with my professor.
Dedicated to M.S.
For more tales of phantoms and shadows, visit Sunday Scribblings
Yay! An Award!
***This award is bestowed upon a fellow blogger whose blog’s content or design is, in the giver’s opinion, Brilliant.
BJ has delivered this award to me, and I am very excited about it. I'm copying the rules from her page...
The rules:
When accepting this auspicious award, you must write a post bragging about it, including the name of the misguided soul who thinks you deserve such acclaim, and link back to said person so everyone knows he or she is real.
Choose a minimum of 7 blogs that you find brilliant in content or design. Or improvise by including bloggers who have no idea who you are because you don’t have 7 friends. Show the 7 random victims’ names and links and leave a harassing comment informing them that they were prized with “Honest Weblog.” Well, there’s no prize, but they can keep the nifty icon. List at least ten honest things about yourself. Then, pass it on!
Here are mine...
1. I once made a list of random things about myself that no one knew, but then I forgot the list when I actually needed it!
2. I nearly majored in Chemistry in college. I ended up in English.
3. I far prefer independent coffee houses to coffee chains.
4. Soon, I'd like to teach myself to tat.
5. I hate "chick flicks."
6. I've been "green" since before it was the style.
7. The Persistence of Memory is one of my favorite paintings, though I can never remember the title of it. Ironic, eh?
8. I love green olives--especially on pizza.
9. I miss typewriters.
10. I love the instrumental "In the Mood" by Glenn Miller Orchestra!
11. I like habanero pepper.
12. My favorite sport is hockey.
13. I have two parakeets, Jasper and Sunshine. Both hate me.
14. I'm an only child.
I would now like to pass this award onto the lucky seven.
Alisa, my Blogger friend who faithfully plays along with my Word of the Day blog.
Alisa & Nana, who offer up yummy recipes fresh from Nana's kitchen.
Anna, who keeps me in stitches because her sense of humor tends to click with mine.
Bobbi, who is just plain cool and somehow keeps up with all the writing prompts. I don't know how she does it.
C. Beth, who comes up with cool prompts everyday. I really need to start participating in her meme.
Linnea, who is a terrific photographer.
Roadchick, who has an incredible storytelling ability and always makes me laugh. I wanna write like her when I grow up!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
True Colours Thursday--Turquoise!
I didn't have much trouble locating some turquoise for this week's True Colours Thursday. However, I don't have many turquoise things, so I thought I'd better ration it and just do the two pieces of jewelry I bought in Arizona last October.
This is a ring I bought at the Painted Desert. The photo quality isn't the greatest, as I took a macro and didn't use the tripod.
I bought this necklace at the Grand Canyon. I did use the tripod for this shot, and I think there's a noticeable difference in the picture quality.
True Colours Thursday is the brainchild of friend Blue
This is a ring I bought at the Painted Desert. The photo quality isn't the greatest, as I took a macro and didn't use the tripod.
I bought this necklace at the Grand Canyon. I did use the tripod for this shot, and I think there's a noticeable difference in the picture quality.
True Colours Thursday is the brainchild of friend Blue
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Sidebar drama...
Okay, so it's no surprise to me that most of the stuff I put in my sidebar doesn't fit. However, I'm trying to figure out how to solve this problem. I went into my layout and clicked on the Edit HTML tab. It brought back memories to the good ol' days before Blogger got so doggoned user-friendly. Anybody else remember those days? Back when you had to type miles and miles of code into the template, only to have your edits null and void because you forgot to put < or > or even /a at the end? Oh yes. I actually sort of miss those days. Not because entering code is so delightful (though secretly I do sorta enjoy it), but rather because it reminds me of my earlier college days when several of my school friends owned and updated blogs. Most of them are too busy for it now.
But I digress...
Anyway, I was fooling around in the Edit HTML area, trying to adjust my sidebar width so that everything could fit into it. Most of the time, I could get the pictures to fit, but then my followers area would be messed up: whichever bloggers were unfortunate enough to be the rightmost (probably a new word I just coined) followers would only have half their icons showing. Additionally, sidebar text often drifted off into oblivion, as well. When I finally corrected those problems (by increasing the sidebar width), my entire sidebar was pushed down several inches. I'm not usually the type of person to ask for help, but I'll humble myself on this occasion. If anyone has any suggestions, I'm all ears. I just hope that whatever I try doesn't delete my blog or something. I mean, after all, I just had my 3-year blogoversary. The blog and I celebrated quietly at home.
But I digress...
Anyway, I was fooling around in the Edit HTML area, trying to adjust my sidebar width so that everything could fit into it. Most of the time, I could get the pictures to fit, but then my followers area would be messed up: whichever bloggers were unfortunate enough to be the rightmost (probably a new word I just coined) followers would only have half their icons showing. Additionally, sidebar text often drifted off into oblivion, as well. When I finally corrected those problems (by increasing the sidebar width), my entire sidebar was pushed down several inches. I'm not usually the type of person to ask for help, but I'll humble myself on this occasion. If anyone has any suggestions, I'm all ears. I just hope that whatever I try doesn't delete my blog or something. I mean, after all, I just had my 3-year blogoversary. The blog and I celebrated quietly at home.
Givin' a Shout-Out to Daryl for Promoting This Cool Site...
I found this on Daryl's blog the other day. I dropped by to check out her monochromes (which are awesome, by the way--if you ever get a chance, check 'em out). I don't know why, but I sometimes scroll through other bloggers' sidebars to see if there are any new memes I'd like to try or something. But I was really intrigued by the Free Rice picture that I saw, so I decided to check it out. It's a great way to get educated while helping out hungry people across the world. I'm putting it in my sidebar, but just wanted to say thanks, Daryl, for putting that out there.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Happy Birthday, George!
Today's my dad's birthday. No, his name is not George. Yes, that is my nickname for him. Well, my day consisted of going to work for about an hour to do some proofreading, applying for a job online, and trying to keep my cool as the computer froze up just after I submitted my application but before I could attach additional documents (resume, cover letter, etc.). I started my crocheted beret (that I had intended to work on during the Arizona trip in October) to try to keep my blood pressure down (though I was quite angry).
My friend, AG has not updated her blog in FOREVER. It's seriously been nearly a year. I don't want to hear those whiny excuses about having a husband and a kid and being in grad school and working on a thesis. Ugh, students these days ;)
Seriously though, if AG is reading this, I'd love to see an updated kiddie photo or two if you can spare the time. I know thesis writing is tough and very time-consuming. Unless of course you do a creative writing one like I did. Then it's just fun and time-consuming.
Well, as usual, I've managed to get hungry at a bad time. I really shouldn't eat in the evenings before I go to bed, but I'm going to head into the kitchen and see what I can find... peace out.
My friend, AG has not updated her blog in FOREVER. It's seriously been nearly a year. I don't want to hear those whiny excuses about having a husband and a kid and being in grad school and working on a thesis. Ugh, students these days ;)
Seriously though, if AG is reading this, I'd love to see an updated kiddie photo or two if you can spare the time. I know thesis writing is tough and very time-consuming. Unless of course you do a creative writing one like I did. Then it's just fun and time-consuming.
Well, as usual, I've managed to get hungry at a bad time. I really shouldn't eat in the evenings before I go to bed, but I'm going to head into the kitchen and see what I can find... peace out.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Sunday Scribblings #146 -- Pilgrimage
This week’s Sunday Scribblings prompt was difficult for me, as I have many places I’d like to visit. However, regarding pilgrimages, I’ll take the beaches of Normandy. I don’t claim to be a World War II scholar by any stretch of the imagination, but I am interested in the period (movies about the war, WWII-themed video games, etc.), and additionally, I have familial reasons for needing to see Normandy. My great-uncle (BJ and Marguerite’s uncle) was killed during the D-Day invasion in World War II. My own grandfather was in the war, also, but he spent some time in North Africa, and he was fortunate enough to come home alive.
All I know about this great-uncle is that he was just a kid when he got killed. Visiting Normandy won’t give me any insight into his life, but it’s something that I still feel the need to do someday.
For more Sunday Scribblings, click here
All I know about this great-uncle is that he was just a kid when he got killed. Visiting Normandy won’t give me any insight into his life, but it’s something that I still feel the need to do someday.
For more Sunday Scribblings, click here
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Movie Review--The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
And now, for the long-awaited Movie Review!
The movie confesses that it ripped off the name Benjamin Button and the whole idea of a guy aging backward from Scott Fitzgerald, so I decided to give it a go. Not that I'm a huge Fitzgerald fan, but because I like the modernist period in American literature and thought it might be fun to watch a movie based on something from that time. I went in tabula rasa--no clue what I was getting into and nothing to compare it to. I waited to read "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" by F. Scott Fitzgerald after I went to see the movie. However, after having read it, I'll say this: the movie is nothing like the Fitzgerald story. The filmmakers took a zillion liberties, but the story is kind of fun, anyway.
Benjamin Button. Whew, what can I say. I saw a lot of movie/novel plots wrapped up in this one: Scrooge: woman dying in childbirth, Forrest Gump: unrealistic number of life-changing experiences, Frankenstein: outcast person dealing with the cruelty of judgmental people, Fried Green Tomatoes: old women remembering the past... you get my drift.
Anyway, a little background: Brad Pitt stars as the title character, and Cate Blanchett co-stars as Daisy Fuller. The setting is mostly New Orleans, though there are some brief scenes in New York City, Paris, and parts of Russia, I believe. The time frame is all over the charts. It takes place from 1918-2005, jumping back and forth. The movie is a weave of romance, history, perhaps a little sci-fi (the bit about a guy that ages backwards) and a twist of comedy. It was contrived throughout, sappy in places, and highly unlikely. Other than that, I liked it.
Okay, some things I really, really liked about this movie. I love the fact that the movie spanned several decades/periods of history. The movie opens in 2005 at the onset of Hurricane Katrina, it then backtracks to 1918, just after WWI, and chronicles the life of Benjamin Button as told through his personal diary. It was a cool concept, and as I like WWII movies, I especially enjoyed the part of Button's life that took place during that particular era. I also loved the character of Button's adopted mother, Queenie. Sunrises over Lake Pontchartrain are another motif that I especially enjoyed in this movie.
And now, for the annoyances...
The plot was pretty predictable, and the sap flowed uncontrollably in places. There were clearly marked areas where the producers expected you, the audience, to turn on the water works (I'm surprised there weren't actual instructions reading: Emotional Scene. Begin crying NOW). Additionally, sometimes the timing was a little TOO perfect. I understand that time is a crucial issue in this movie, but come on. The story is unbelievable enough as it is, we don't need any of this perfect timing crap. Plus, I wasn't crazy about all the wishy-washy love stuff that went on.
Blanchett had some difficulty trading her British accent for a "N'Orleans" one, but other than that, I thought her acting was spot-on. Pitt was quite believable too, in such an unrealistic role. Kudos to the actors.
Overall, I'd say it's a good movie to watch for pure entertainment value. Don't look to glean any "moral of the story," or really much point to it at all. I didn't pick up on any symbolism, as I think this movie was kind of just for fun. If you go into the movie with that attitude, you'll probably be satisfied; if you go in looking for more substance, you'll be sorely disappointed.
The movie confesses that it ripped off the name Benjamin Button and the whole idea of a guy aging backward from Scott Fitzgerald, so I decided to give it a go. Not that I'm a huge Fitzgerald fan, but because I like the modernist period in American literature and thought it might be fun to watch a movie based on something from that time. I went in tabula rasa--no clue what I was getting into and nothing to compare it to. I waited to read "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" by F. Scott Fitzgerald after I went to see the movie. However, after having read it, I'll say this: the movie is nothing like the Fitzgerald story. The filmmakers took a zillion liberties, but the story is kind of fun, anyway.
Benjamin Button. Whew, what can I say. I saw a lot of movie/novel plots wrapped up in this one: Scrooge: woman dying in childbirth, Forrest Gump: unrealistic number of life-changing experiences, Frankenstein: outcast person dealing with the cruelty of judgmental people, Fried Green Tomatoes: old women remembering the past... you get my drift.
Anyway, a little background: Brad Pitt stars as the title character, and Cate Blanchett co-stars as Daisy Fuller. The setting is mostly New Orleans, though there are some brief scenes in New York City, Paris, and parts of Russia, I believe. The time frame is all over the charts. It takes place from 1918-2005, jumping back and forth. The movie is a weave of romance, history, perhaps a little sci-fi (the bit about a guy that ages backwards) and a twist of comedy. It was contrived throughout, sappy in places, and highly unlikely. Other than that, I liked it.
Okay, some things I really, really liked about this movie. I love the fact that the movie spanned several decades/periods of history. The movie opens in 2005 at the onset of Hurricane Katrina, it then backtracks to 1918, just after WWI, and chronicles the life of Benjamin Button as told through his personal diary. It was a cool concept, and as I like WWII movies, I especially enjoyed the part of Button's life that took place during that particular era. I also loved the character of Button's adopted mother, Queenie. Sunrises over Lake Pontchartrain are another motif that I especially enjoyed in this movie.
And now, for the annoyances...
The plot was pretty predictable, and the sap flowed uncontrollably in places. There were clearly marked areas where the producers expected you, the audience, to turn on the water works (I'm surprised there weren't actual instructions reading: Emotional Scene. Begin crying NOW). Additionally, sometimes the timing was a little TOO perfect. I understand that time is a crucial issue in this movie, but come on. The story is unbelievable enough as it is, we don't need any of this perfect timing crap. Plus, I wasn't crazy about all the wishy-washy love stuff that went on.
Blanchett had some difficulty trading her British accent for a "N'Orleans" one, but other than that, I thought her acting was spot-on. Pitt was quite believable too, in such an unrealistic role. Kudos to the actors.
Overall, I'd say it's a good movie to watch for pure entertainment value. Don't look to glean any "moral of the story," or really much point to it at all. I didn't pick up on any symbolism, as I think this movie was kind of just for fun. If you go into the movie with that attitude, you'll probably be satisfied; if you go in looking for more substance, you'll be sorely disappointed.
Friday, January 16, 2009
A Little Slice of Sunshine's World...
What a day. I woke up at 7:00 to my cell phone alarm. Then, I promptly went back to sleep, had a weird dream that I no longer remember, and re-woke up a little after 8:00. Grabbed some breakfast, hit the shower, called into work, found out I had to go in at 1:00, posted Word of the Day, goofed off on the computer until it was time for dinner at Grandma's, and then went to work for 45 minutes. Yeah, 45 minutes.
While at Grandma's, I learned that my dad's birthday gift (that I sent to my grandma's address because she compulsively checks her mail) arrived today. As did Grandma's converter boxes. Here in the US, as of sometime next month (I forget the day), analog TV will be no more. Analog TVs will need to be connected to a digital converter box to receive television signals. This was a big deal to Grandma. She insisted that my dad hook up her converter box immediately. He fiddled around and struggled over her multiple bags of crochet supplies, searching in vain for an electrical outlet. He yelled for Grandma to come help, and she pulled out a crazy mass of those outlet adapters (that get more mileage out of your wall outlet) plugged into an extension cord, and all ports were in use. A huge debate ensued as to which necessity should be unplugged to make room for the converter box. The TV, VCR, and antenna control needed to stay in. As did the lamp(s), apparently. I left the room to go eat. Finally, Grandma got an idea. I saw her reach across my place at the table to rob another one of those adapters from an outlet in her kitchen. I never knew she was such a risk-taker.
After more struggles, Dad finally had the converter box hooked up and working. But NBC wasn't coming in. And Grandma had to watch Judge Judy. Personally, I'd rather do without Judge Judy. But then, I'm not a fan of television, except perhaps TV on DVD. And anyway, I was already late for work...
After work, I can't really account for most of the afternoon--I guess I was just lounging around a lot. I know I did crochet a lot on the doily. I have less than 20 motifs on the last round until the whole thing is done. I'll be ready to move on to another project soon, as my crafting supplies seem to have taken over my room (I take after Granny) and are becoming quite a burden on my room-cleaning prospects.
Later this evening, I started working on my Sunday Scribblings post on my laptop while Mom started on hers on the home computer, thus tying up the Internet for much of the evening. While writing my post, I did something I haven't done in a long time: I listened to music.
I forgot how much I enjoyed listening to music while doing creative writing. I also forgot how the music inspired me. It brought back memories, too. As I was telling Robin the other day, I generally associate music with events in my life. Still not sure about that Sunday Scribblings post, and I really should work on that movie review, but, perhaps tomorrow.
While at Grandma's, I learned that my dad's birthday gift (that I sent to my grandma's address because she compulsively checks her mail) arrived today. As did Grandma's converter boxes. Here in the US, as of sometime next month (I forget the day), analog TV will be no more. Analog TVs will need to be connected to a digital converter box to receive television signals. This was a big deal to Grandma. She insisted that my dad hook up her converter box immediately. He fiddled around and struggled over her multiple bags of crochet supplies, searching in vain for an electrical outlet. He yelled for Grandma to come help, and she pulled out a crazy mass of those outlet adapters (that get more mileage out of your wall outlet) plugged into an extension cord, and all ports were in use. A huge debate ensued as to which necessity should be unplugged to make room for the converter box. The TV, VCR, and antenna control needed to stay in. As did the lamp(s), apparently. I left the room to go eat. Finally, Grandma got an idea. I saw her reach across my place at the table to rob another one of those adapters from an outlet in her kitchen. I never knew she was such a risk-taker.
After more struggles, Dad finally had the converter box hooked up and working. But NBC wasn't coming in. And Grandma had to watch Judge Judy. Personally, I'd rather do without Judge Judy. But then, I'm not a fan of television, except perhaps TV on DVD. And anyway, I was already late for work...
After work, I can't really account for most of the afternoon--I guess I was just lounging around a lot. I know I did crochet a lot on the doily. I have less than 20 motifs on the last round until the whole thing is done. I'll be ready to move on to another project soon, as my crafting supplies seem to have taken over my room (I take after Granny) and are becoming quite a burden on my room-cleaning prospects.
Later this evening, I started working on my Sunday Scribblings post on my laptop while Mom started on hers on the home computer, thus tying up the Internet for much of the evening. While writing my post, I did something I haven't done in a long time: I listened to music.
I forgot how much I enjoyed listening to music while doing creative writing. I also forgot how the music inspired me. It brought back memories, too. As I was telling Robin the other day, I generally associate music with events in my life. Still not sure about that Sunday Scribblings post, and I really should work on that movie review, but, perhaps tomorrow.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
True Colours Thursday--Black!
This was another toughie for me. I have lots of black-colored things, but many of them are quite everyday objects... such as the ones I'm posting. But I have another slight theme, and never to fear, there are other photos for the next time the color black rolls around. I just might want to tweak the others first, as I have some difficulty with getting the whole subject, cropping out the background, etc.
Anyway, this week I decided to do black objects that I use each time I post a True Colours Thursday (or any other photo, for that matter).
This is where my camera lives.
This is where my laptop lives.
This is the USB cable that hooks the two together.
I save my photos here before posting them to Blogger.
True Colours Thursday is the brainchild of friend Blue
Anyway, this week I decided to do black objects that I use each time I post a True Colours Thursday (or any other photo, for that matter).
This is where my camera lives.
This is where my laptop lives.
This is the USB cable that hooks the two together.
I save my photos here before posting them to Blogger.
True Colours Thursday is the brainchild of friend Blue
Totally Un-Blogworthy Post
I feel the need to write something today because it's been a little while since I updated. I plan to have my True Colours Thursday photos up later today. Honestly, I still need to take them. I don't know why Thursday always sneaks up on me!
In other news, it's been just about too cold to go outside, though I did go to work for a couple hours yesterday. I'm grateful that I have a job, even if it is only part-time, while I'm looking for full-time work.
I had energy yesterday--somehow I dried two loads of laundry, cleaned the bathroom mirror, sorted some old school papers, and tidied up my room, (all without complaints!) after I got home from work. I'm hoping that I have that kind of ambition today, as well. Nothing particularly amusing has happened in the past few days (like I say, it's too cold to get out, and generally my amusing things happen when I get out--especially with my friends).
The movie review is still in its draft stage. I had to let it set and ferment a while. I complicated this action for myself by reading Scott Fitzgerald's short story "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." Who knows, maybe I'll even get that posted today as well?
One cool thing though, I am just under three rows from finishing the doily for my cousin's wedding!
In other news, it's been just about too cold to go outside, though I did go to work for a couple hours yesterday. I'm grateful that I have a job, even if it is only part-time, while I'm looking for full-time work.
I had energy yesterday--somehow I dried two loads of laundry, cleaned the bathroom mirror, sorted some old school papers, and tidied up my room, (all without complaints!) after I got home from work. I'm hoping that I have that kind of ambition today, as well. Nothing particularly amusing has happened in the past few days (like I say, it's too cold to get out, and generally my amusing things happen when I get out--especially with my friends).
The movie review is still in its draft stage. I had to let it set and ferment a while. I complicated this action for myself by reading Scott Fitzgerald's short story "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." Who knows, maybe I'll even get that posted today as well?
One cool thing though, I am just under three rows from finishing the doily for my cousin's wedding!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Quarter-Life Crisis
Okay, so maybe I am sort of quarter-life crisis-ing. After all, I have started a mental list of moderately unrealistic goals, and I've been poring over my atlas, dreaming of trips I'd like to take in the near future. Still, I don't think I'm taking it that bad...
* * * * * * * *
A few days ago I ordered some craft supplies from a company in Wisconsin called Herrschners. I was so excited when I received an email saying that the order had been shipped. I had it sent to my mom's work, since it would be delivered UPS, and I might or might not be home when the package would arrive. So, when my mom came home for lunch today carrying a large cardboard shipping box, I figured it was my Herrschners order. It was! I was so excited. I took the needlepoint pillow kit out of the box. Then I took out the aida cloth. I decided to put the embroidery floss into a Ziploc bag to keep it all together for when I decide to cross stitch my African elephant from my safari book. As I was digging out handfuls of the DMC floss, my hand kept getting snagged on the various ads and other crap that comes along with a shipment and its invoice. I just haphazardly threw most of these papers out, until I encountered the AARP Financial Life Insurance Program card. So Herrschners assumes that because I order cross-stitch supplies that I am retirement age?
Now I'm really alarmed.
* * * * * * * *
A few days ago I ordered some craft supplies from a company in Wisconsin called Herrschners. I was so excited when I received an email saying that the order had been shipped. I had it sent to my mom's work, since it would be delivered UPS, and I might or might not be home when the package would arrive. So, when my mom came home for lunch today carrying a large cardboard shipping box, I figured it was my Herrschners order. It was! I was so excited. I took the needlepoint pillow kit out of the box. Then I took out the aida cloth. I decided to put the embroidery floss into a Ziploc bag to keep it all together for when I decide to cross stitch my African elephant from my safari book. As I was digging out handfuls of the DMC floss, my hand kept getting snagged on the various ads and other crap that comes along with a shipment and its invoice. I just haphazardly threw most of these papers out, until I encountered the AARP Financial Life Insurance Program card. So Herrschners assumes that because I order cross-stitch supplies that I am retirement age?
Now I'm really alarmed.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
One More Saturday Night...
I spent five hours tonight sitting with my cousin who has Down's syndrome. All this while our grandmother (her guardian) and the husband went to a hootenanny. As usual, things were not going according to plan for me. I ordered some breadsticks from a local pizza joint, but I got there about 15 minutes after they were supposed to be done. So they were cold when I got them.
I didn't want to eat them in front of my cousin (she can't have food like that late at night because it upsets her stomach), so I decided to pick up the sticks and eat them in my car in the parking lot. This was at 6:00. I was supposed to be at Grandma's at 6:00.
Fortunately, that wasn't much of an issue.
I let myself into Grandma's house, and promptly sat down to look at the newspaper. My cousin came out and started playing with something that I foolishly assumed was a toy someone had given her. No such luck--it was, in fact, Grandma's GPS system. Why it was in the living room, I'll never know.
"Captain, how do you turn this on?"
The "Captain" thing deserves a brief explanation: when I was little, my cuz and I used to play Star Trek. But we were both captains. The nickname kinda stuck, though I'd been subtly hinting at her to stop calling me "Captain" for about 15 years now.
I looked at it and said, "This isn't going to work unless it's in a car. This is a GPS system to help you get where you going when you're on a trip. Plus, it wouldn't do you any good if it's not in a car. Where'd you get this from again?"
She pointed toward a shelf. "Let's just keep this here, okay?" I instructed, setting the GPS down and wondering what else was in store for the evening.
A few minutes later, she wanted me to help her with a code for her computer. Apparently, her dad gave her a computer for Christmas, but nobody seems to know this password code thing for logging on. I certainly didn't know anything about it. But that didn't stop me from trying. My cousin had, in the meantime, picked up one of those free AOL discs and was trying to insert some code from AOL. I told her that it was a different code, and that we'd better turn the computer off so nothing got torn up. I said this as I was turning the computer off, actually.
That was really the end of the sticky situations for tonight. Somehow that girl always comes up with something that I don't know how to handle. My grandma doesn't have a cell phone, either, so I can never call her for advice.
Throughout the course of the evening, I became extremely sleepy. I tried working on a crochet project. I tried reading Faulkner. I think I even started daydreaming. Each time I tried something, the result was the same: I'd find myself nodding off. I knew better than to sleep while I was supposed to be watching my cousin, because, knowing my luck, as soon as I fell asleep, she'd probaby do something she wasn't supposed to do, and of course, it would be my fault for not keeping watch.
Finally, Grandma and her husband showed up at 10:45 or so, all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, like teenagers. I, the 25-year-old, was like a zombie. They were all wound up from their dance and having a great time being chatty about it. I just wanted a drink of water and a chance to go to bed.
As I was driving home tonight, I thought, "How did I get so old?" Was it college? Grad school? Something has worn me out. When I was 16, I remember watching my cousin and thinking it was so cool to stay out until 11:00. Yeah, not now. Anyway, to stay awake on my short drive home, I sang the song that shares the title of this blog. Yes, Robin, I have been on a Grateful Dead kick again--thought you'd be proud of me ;) Anyway, I got home and had gotten my second wind. I don't think it's going to last very long though, because as I type this, I realize that I'll probably drink that glass of water with a Kit-Kat so my blood sugar doesn't plummet, and then I'm off to bed!
I didn't want to eat them in front of my cousin (she can't have food like that late at night because it upsets her stomach), so I decided to pick up the sticks and eat them in my car in the parking lot. This was at 6:00. I was supposed to be at Grandma's at 6:00.
Fortunately, that wasn't much of an issue.
I let myself into Grandma's house, and promptly sat down to look at the newspaper. My cousin came out and started playing with something that I foolishly assumed was a toy someone had given her. No such luck--it was, in fact, Grandma's GPS system. Why it was in the living room, I'll never know.
"Captain, how do you turn this on?"
The "Captain" thing deserves a brief explanation: when I was little, my cuz and I used to play Star Trek. But we were both captains. The nickname kinda stuck, though I'd been subtly hinting at her to stop calling me "Captain" for about 15 years now.
I looked at it and said, "This isn't going to work unless it's in a car. This is a GPS system to help you get where you going when you're on a trip. Plus, it wouldn't do you any good if it's not in a car. Where'd you get this from again?"
She pointed toward a shelf. "Let's just keep this here, okay?" I instructed, setting the GPS down and wondering what else was in store for the evening.
A few minutes later, she wanted me to help her with a code for her computer. Apparently, her dad gave her a computer for Christmas, but nobody seems to know this password code thing for logging on. I certainly didn't know anything about it. But that didn't stop me from trying. My cousin had, in the meantime, picked up one of those free AOL discs and was trying to insert some code from AOL. I told her that it was a different code, and that we'd better turn the computer off so nothing got torn up. I said this as I was turning the computer off, actually.
That was really the end of the sticky situations for tonight. Somehow that girl always comes up with something that I don't know how to handle. My grandma doesn't have a cell phone, either, so I can never call her for advice.
Throughout the course of the evening, I became extremely sleepy. I tried working on a crochet project. I tried reading Faulkner. I think I even started daydreaming. Each time I tried something, the result was the same: I'd find myself nodding off. I knew better than to sleep while I was supposed to be watching my cousin, because, knowing my luck, as soon as I fell asleep, she'd probaby do something she wasn't supposed to do, and of course, it would be my fault for not keeping watch.
Finally, Grandma and her husband showed up at 10:45 or so, all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, like teenagers. I, the 25-year-old, was like a zombie. They were all wound up from their dance and having a great time being chatty about it. I just wanted a drink of water and a chance to go to bed.
As I was driving home tonight, I thought, "How did I get so old?" Was it college? Grad school? Something has worn me out. When I was 16, I remember watching my cousin and thinking it was so cool to stay out until 11:00. Yeah, not now. Anyway, to stay awake on my short drive home, I sang the song that shares the title of this blog. Yes, Robin, I have been on a Grateful Dead kick again--thought you'd be proud of me ;) Anyway, I got home and had gotten my second wind. I don't think it's going to last very long though, because as I type this, I realize that I'll probably drink that glass of water with a Kit-Kat so my blood sugar doesn't plummet, and then I'm off to bed!
Thursday, January 08, 2009
True Colours Thursday--Purple!
I apologize for posting this so late, but I was out of town most of the day, and I had some difficulties finding purple things. However, I was able to dig out a couple pieces of purple footwear.
These are my favorite flip flops (actually, I think they are the only pair I still own).
These are my warm fuzzy winter socks. They're good to wear to bed or as regular socks if the temperature is below freezing.
True Colours Thursday is hosted by friend Blue
These are my favorite flip flops (actually, I think they are the only pair I still own).
These are my warm fuzzy winter socks. They're good to wear to bed or as regular socks if the temperature is below freezing.
True Colours Thursday is hosted by friend Blue
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Random Today Stuff...
I woke up at 7:00 this morning. That's pretty good, I suppose, considering that I went to bed around midnight and couldn't sleep well due to my sinus congestion. I would have gotten up to take a Benadryl or something, but I keep having these crazy flashbacks to a time when I took too much Benadryl and The Wall (the Pink Floyd album) actually started making sense to me. This time I opted to just massage my forehead and hope for the best. Apparently, I slept enough because, though I was a little groggy at 7:00, I was quite ready to actually get out of bed by 8:00 instead of falling back asleep.
Since I didn't have to go to work today, I decided to continue my movie review of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (coming soon, I hope, to a blog near you (A.K.A. this one)). Then, I decided that since I hadn't read the short story of the same name, I wasn't quite ready to review the movie. So yeah, I read the story. I also dried three loads of laundry (one of the cats, Snugs, got in the basement during the laundry-drying, and my dad had to get her out). Then, during another episode of laundry-drying, I heard a phantom door-opening and yelled for the cats to all stay upstairs. It wouldn't have been such a major catastrophy had the basement not been housing a poinsettia. Anyway, my yelling must have discouraged whatever criminal was trying to sneak into the basement. As I headed back towards the stairs, the door was wide open, and I saw a very guilty-looking Abby staring at me.
In other news, I've been crocheting a doily for my cousin for her wedding. Perhaps I'll take a photo and post on here when it's done.
Since I didn't have to go to work today, I decided to continue my movie review of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (coming soon, I hope, to a blog near you (A.K.A. this one)). Then, I decided that since I hadn't read the short story of the same name, I wasn't quite ready to review the movie. So yeah, I read the story. I also dried three loads of laundry (one of the cats, Snugs, got in the basement during the laundry-drying, and my dad had to get her out). Then, during another episode of laundry-drying, I heard a phantom door-opening and yelled for the cats to all stay upstairs. It wouldn't have been such a major catastrophy had the basement not been housing a poinsettia. Anyway, my yelling must have discouraged whatever criminal was trying to sneak into the basement. As I headed back towards the stairs, the door was wide open, and I saw a very guilty-looking Abby staring at me.
In other news, I've been crocheting a doily for my cousin for her wedding. Perhaps I'll take a photo and post on here when it's done.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Movie Review--The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The movie confesses that it ripped off the name Benjamin Button and the whole idea of a guy aging backward from Scott Fitzgerald, so I decided to give it a go. Not that I'm a huge Fitzgerald fan, but because I like the modernist period in American literature and thought it might be fun to watch a movie based on something from that time. I went in tabula rasa--no clue what I was getting into and nothing to compare it to. I waited to read "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" by F. Scott Fitzgerald after I went to see the movie. However, after having read it, I'll say this: the movie is nothing like the Fitzgerald story. The filmmakers took a zillion liberties, but the story is kind of fun, anyway.
Benjamin Button. Whew, what can I say. I saw a lot of movie/novel plots wrapped up in this one: Scrooge: woman dying in childbirth, Forrest Gump: unrealistic number of life-changing experiences, Frankenstein: outcast person dealing with the cruelty of judgmental people, Fried Green Tomatoes: old women remembering the past... you get my drift.
Anyway, a little background: Brad Pitt stars as the title character, and Cate Blanchett co-stars as Daisy Fuller. The setting is mostly New Orleans, though there are some brief scenes in New York City, Paris, and parts of Russia, I believe. The time frame is all over the charts. It takes place from 1918-2005, jumping back and forth. The movie is a weave of romance, history, perhaps a little sci-fi (the bit about a guy that ages backwards) and a twist of comedy. It was contrived throughout, sappy in places, and highly unpredictable. Other than that, I liked it.
Okay, some things I really, really liked about this movie. I love the fact that the movie spanned several decades/periods of history. The movie opens in 2005 at the onset of Hurricane Katrina, it then backtracks to 1918, just after WWI, and chronicles the life of Benjamin Button as told through his personal diary. It was a cool concept, and as I like WWII movies, I especially enjoyed the part of Button's life that took place during that particular era. I also loved the character of Button's adopted mother, Queenie. Sunrises over Lake Pontchartrain are another motif that I especially enjoyed in this movie.
And now, for the annoyances...
The plot was pretty predictable, and the sap flowed uncontrollably in places. There were clearly marked areas where the producers expected you, the audience, to turn on the water works (I'm surprised there weren't actual instructions reading: Emotional Scene. Begin crying NOW). Additionally, sometimes the timing was a little TOO perfect. I understand that time is a crucial issue in this movie, but come on. The story is unbelievable enough as it is, we don't need any of this perfect timing crap. Plus, I wasn't crazy about all the wishy-washy love stuff that went on.
Blanchett had some difficulty trading her British accent for a "N'Orleans" one, but other than that, I thought her acting was spot-on. Pitt was quite believable too, in such an unrealistic role. Kudos to the actors.
Overall, I'd say it's a good movie to watch for pure entertainment value. Don't look to glean any "moral of the story," or really much point to it at all. I didn't pick up on any symbolism, as I think this movie was kind of just for fun. If you go into the movie with that attitude, you'll probably be satisfied; if you go in looking for more substance, you'll be sorely disappointed.
Benjamin Button. Whew, what can I say. I saw a lot of movie/novel plots wrapped up in this one: Scrooge: woman dying in childbirth, Forrest Gump: unrealistic number of life-changing experiences, Frankenstein: outcast person dealing with the cruelty of judgmental people, Fried Green Tomatoes: old women remembering the past... you get my drift.
Anyway, a little background: Brad Pitt stars as the title character, and Cate Blanchett co-stars as Daisy Fuller. The setting is mostly New Orleans, though there are some brief scenes in New York City, Paris, and parts of Russia, I believe. The time frame is all over the charts. It takes place from 1918-2005, jumping back and forth. The movie is a weave of romance, history, perhaps a little sci-fi (the bit about a guy that ages backwards) and a twist of comedy. It was contrived throughout, sappy in places, and highly unpredictable. Other than that, I liked it.
Okay, some things I really, really liked about this movie. I love the fact that the movie spanned several decades/periods of history. The movie opens in 2005 at the onset of Hurricane Katrina, it then backtracks to 1918, just after WWI, and chronicles the life of Benjamin Button as told through his personal diary. It was a cool concept, and as I like WWII movies, I especially enjoyed the part of Button's life that took place during that particular era. I also loved the character of Button's adopted mother, Queenie. Sunrises over Lake Pontchartrain are another motif that I especially enjoyed in this movie.
And now, for the annoyances...
The plot was pretty predictable, and the sap flowed uncontrollably in places. There were clearly marked areas where the producers expected you, the audience, to turn on the water works (I'm surprised there weren't actual instructions reading: Emotional Scene. Begin crying NOW). Additionally, sometimes the timing was a little TOO perfect. I understand that time is a crucial issue in this movie, but come on. The story is unbelievable enough as it is, we don't need any of this perfect timing crap. Plus, I wasn't crazy about all the wishy-washy love stuff that went on.
Blanchett had some difficulty trading her British accent for a "N'Orleans" one, but other than that, I thought her acting was spot-on. Pitt was quite believable too, in such an unrealistic role. Kudos to the actors.
Overall, I'd say it's a good movie to watch for pure entertainment value. Don't look to glean any "moral of the story," or really much point to it at all. I didn't pick up on any symbolism, as I think this movie was kind of just for fun. If you go into the movie with that attitude, you'll probably be satisfied; if you go in looking for more substance, you'll be sorely disappointed.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Monochrome Monday--Knotty Wood
Aileni inspired me to take this experimental macro shot. This is a knot in the wood from the old chicken house photo I posted for a previous MM. Aileni was the first to comment on that post, and he suggested that I look closely at the wood in the building. I did, and this is what I got. Thanks for the idea, Aileni! I may try some more macro monochromes in the near future.
For more B&W/sepia shots, visit Monochrome Maniacs
For more B&W/sepia shots, visit Monochrome Maniacs
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Sunday Scribblings #144 -- For Richer or Poorer
This is the story the prompt inspired me to write.
I just graduated with a Master's degree in English in the fall of 2008. I understand that I've only been out of school for a few months now. However, I'm still in the process of finding a full-time job. Yes, I do have some income, but not much. I work part-time as a proofreader while living at home.
Being an only child, I tend to view my three first cousins on my mom's side as the closest that I'll ever come to siblings. I'm proud of all three of them--they have all received Master's degrees in their respective fields and are making great lives for themselves. However, I am not quite living up to these standards. All three of my cousins have moved out, have landed decent jobs, and have traveled extensively. I have done none of these things.
Typically, this doesn't bother me much. I'm a bit of a dreamer, but I'm more of a realist. I try to do my best to make my dreams come true while struggling to keep a good attitude. Keeping my chin up, I have filled in applications and received rejection letters in return. Still I keep hoping for a job. I received good grades in school, held a graduate assistantship, and have a little teaching experience...
Anyway, as I was saying, all this wasn't bothering me so much lately. That is, until I got that call from my grandma this afternoon. She wanted to give me a heads-up that the local "dollar store" was hiring. Now that's a blow to one's ego.
Read more rich and poor tales at Sunday Scribblings
I just graduated with a Master's degree in English in the fall of 2008. I understand that I've only been out of school for a few months now. However, I'm still in the process of finding a full-time job. Yes, I do have some income, but not much. I work part-time as a proofreader while living at home.
Being an only child, I tend to view my three first cousins on my mom's side as the closest that I'll ever come to siblings. I'm proud of all three of them--they have all received Master's degrees in their respective fields and are making great lives for themselves. However, I am not quite living up to these standards. All three of my cousins have moved out, have landed decent jobs, and have traveled extensively. I have done none of these things.
Typically, this doesn't bother me much. I'm a bit of a dreamer, but I'm more of a realist. I try to do my best to make my dreams come true while struggling to keep a good attitude. Keeping my chin up, I have filled in applications and received rejection letters in return. Still I keep hoping for a job. I received good grades in school, held a graduate assistantship, and have a little teaching experience...
Anyway, as I was saying, all this wasn't bothering me so much lately. That is, until I got that call from my grandma this afternoon. She wanted to give me a heads-up that the local "dollar store" was hiring. Now that's a blow to one's ego.
Read more rich and poor tales at Sunday Scribblings
Thursday, January 01, 2009
True Colours Thursday--Gold!
Though Christmas has already passed, my family has not yet taken down the tree (though rumors are circulating that the tree may be coming down later this afternoon). Christmas-related goodies comprise most of my gold-colored items, so without further ago, I present you: "True Colours Thursday, the Gold Edition."
Gold-colored bell Christmas ornament.
This is a gold bow from one of my packages.
My cat, Peyser, playing with the above bow. He loves Christmas bows, and his favorites are purple and gold. I don't know if Peyser is exactly gold-colored, but he's pretty close, anyway!
True Colours Thursday is the creation of friend Blue
Gold-colored bell Christmas ornament.
This is a gold bow from one of my packages.
My cat, Peyser, playing with the above bow. He loves Christmas bows, and his favorites are purple and gold. I don't know if Peyser is exactly gold-colored, but he's pretty close, anyway!
True Colours Thursday is the creation of friend Blue
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Movie Review--Valkyrie
I thought this movie was done very well. This was a tough project, I'm sure. Obviously subjects such as: Nazi Germany, Hitler's regime, concentration camps, etc. are very touchy, but I feel that Valkyrie was done tastefully. Brian Singer directed this film, so if I'm in any position to thumb rate it, I'll personally give Singer two thumbs up, and hooray to the writers for tackling such a difficult topic.
I'm glad to see that at least part of the movie was shot in Germany. Though a newbie fan of filming locations, I still believe that a certain amount of authenticity is derived from accurate locations (disclaimer: a good chunk of it was filmed it California too--surprise, surprise).
I'll admit that I haven't done any research into the subjct matter--a coup of Nazi officials and other insiders led by a Colonel von Stauffenberg (played by Tom Cruise in the movie) formed in an attempt to assassinate Hitler and overthrow Nazi Germany. I'm sure the moviemakers took some liberties with this project, as is often the case with "historical" films. Still, I don't believe that the writing was by any means over the top. I thought the acting was spot-on, and the pacing was perfect. Never before have I seen a movie that kept my attention so well as Valkyrie.
I'm big into action/thriller. Still, I can admit that many of the movies I've seen before (including a certain unnamed trilogy also starring Tom Cruise that I'm sure most of you are aware of) consist of decent acting, but HORRIBLY contrived writing. Contrary to that type of movie, Valkyrie was believable.
There was a romance aspect, but it wasn't overdone. I hate romance movies, so I'm quite sensitive to anything that even borders syrup or mush. I found neither here.
As I said earlier, the plot moved at the perfect pace. I wasn't bored at all. In fact, I found myself focusing completely on the movie--no checking the time on my glow-in-the-dark watch, no time spent worrying about things on my To Do List, just pure, unadulterated movie-watching. And that's going some for me--my mind likes to wander around and ramble.
Moving on: I wasn't confused. I appreciate that you don't have to be a scholar of WWII or German history to understand this film (unlike some other WWII movies I've seen).
Your blood will boil a little during this movie, though not as much as it will during Changeling. The focus of Valkyrie was progress, rather than sheer anger. This movie, I feel, gives a message of hope.
That being said, there wasn't a "happy" ending, I'm afraid. It was bittersweet to know that these men (because the movie was based on real people and their real actions) put together a really gutsy plan and sacrified all because their loyalties were to humanity, not to a political party.
I'm glad to see that at least part of the movie was shot in Germany. Though a newbie fan of filming locations, I still believe that a certain amount of authenticity is derived from accurate locations (disclaimer: a good chunk of it was filmed it California too--surprise, surprise).
I'll admit that I haven't done any research into the subjct matter--a coup of Nazi officials and other insiders led by a Colonel von Stauffenberg (played by Tom Cruise in the movie) formed in an attempt to assassinate Hitler and overthrow Nazi Germany. I'm sure the moviemakers took some liberties with this project, as is often the case with "historical" films. Still, I don't believe that the writing was by any means over the top. I thought the acting was spot-on, and the pacing was perfect. Never before have I seen a movie that kept my attention so well as Valkyrie.
I'm big into action/thriller. Still, I can admit that many of the movies I've seen before (including a certain unnamed trilogy also starring Tom Cruise that I'm sure most of you are aware of) consist of decent acting, but HORRIBLY contrived writing. Contrary to that type of movie, Valkyrie was believable.
There was a romance aspect, but it wasn't overdone. I hate romance movies, so I'm quite sensitive to anything that even borders syrup or mush. I found neither here.
As I said earlier, the plot moved at the perfect pace. I wasn't bored at all. In fact, I found myself focusing completely on the movie--no checking the time on my glow-in-the-dark watch, no time spent worrying about things on my To Do List, just pure, unadulterated movie-watching. And that's going some for me--my mind likes to wander around and ramble.
Moving on: I wasn't confused. I appreciate that you don't have to be a scholar of WWII or German history to understand this film (unlike some other WWII movies I've seen).
Your blood will boil a little during this movie, though not as much as it will during Changeling. The focus of Valkyrie was progress, rather than sheer anger. This movie, I feel, gives a message of hope.
That being said, there wasn't a "happy" ending, I'm afraid. It was bittersweet to know that these men (because the movie was based on real people and their real actions) put together a really gutsy plan and sacrified all because their loyalties were to humanity, not to a political party.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Christmas 2008
After spending much of Christmas day rushing around to get things ready for my grandma's party in the evening, my family and I arrived at her house a few minutes early so I could put the finishing touches on my cheesy potato soup*. It was good to see my cousin DPC, recently returning from skydiving in Atlanta (he actually showed us a video of his jump--very cool). Shortly thereafter, my cousin DRC and her husband, CRC showed up. DRC complimented me on my outfit (this was the first year I'd ever really dressed up for Christmas--guess I was feeling festive).
Later, my cousin, DAC and her fiance, JSW arrived. They came from McAllen, Texas for the holidays. This was the first time I'd met JSW. I'm sure he was in shock after meeting DAC's family on her mom's side (the family is huge--her mother has several sisters, who in turn have children and grandchildren), and then being thrust into celebrations with our side of the family. Somehow he seemed a little intimidated by meeting all the new people. I can't say that I blame him. It was very nice to meet my future cousin-in-law--I just hope the family didn't make him nervous with our little tics and eccentricities that make us all so lovable.
After supper, we did our gift exchange. Typically, the grandkids (the three DC's and I) play elves and hand out the gifts. This year, DPC held off, and CRC decided to take his place. This always makes for a confusing mess of people stumbling over each other in my grandma's cramped garage, but this year, I contributed to the madness by worrying that my precious shawl might fall off and get trampled in the process. We also had some confusion about the gifts. JSW has the same first name as my dad, so no one was ever totally sure that both men were receiving the correct gifts. On a stage, this evening would probably have been best classified as a farce. Unfortunately, this was real life, not theatre.
There were 13 in attendance at this year's Christmas party. For several years, we have prolonged the unwrapping ceremony by taking turns opening one gift at a time. To make matters worse, DPC, my dad, and I all tend to "pass" occasionally, if we see that others have more gifts than we do. This way, we won't be sitting in boredom, round after round, waiting for the thing to end. Instead, we will be sitting in boredom for one round at a time, and anticipating what our next gift will be. It's actually pretty fun.
We didn't do the all-out wrapping paper fight this year, but my uncle, LEC did make several "baskets" with his wadded up paper in the trash can. JSW apparently received the correct gifts, and everyone seemed holly-jolly. So much so that I didn't even realize that the festivities lasted an entire FOUR HOURS!
All in all, it was an enjoyable Christmas. I didn't really get the post-Christmas letdown that I've had in years gone by. Instead, I've been enjoying my gifts (and leftovers) and trying to make the best of winter.
*Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe (sorta)
I generally start boiling an unmeasured amount of water while peeling and cubing and unmeasured number of potatoes (Basically, just however many I need to make a good-looking amount). For a large batch, I add 2-3 vegetable bouillon cubes; for a small batch I just add one. Then I boil the potatoes in the broth until tender. At this point, I turn the heat down and add condensed cream of celery soup (2 cans for a large batch; 1 for the small), and Velveeta cheese (entire loaf for large batch; half loaf for small). I melt these together and voila! Soup's on!
Later, my cousin, DAC and her fiance, JSW arrived. They came from McAllen, Texas for the holidays. This was the first time I'd met JSW. I'm sure he was in shock after meeting DAC's family on her mom's side (the family is huge--her mother has several sisters, who in turn have children and grandchildren), and then being thrust into celebrations with our side of the family. Somehow he seemed a little intimidated by meeting all the new people. I can't say that I blame him. It was very nice to meet my future cousin-in-law--I just hope the family didn't make him nervous with our little tics and eccentricities that make us all so lovable.
After supper, we did our gift exchange. Typically, the grandkids (the three DC's and I) play elves and hand out the gifts. This year, DPC held off, and CRC decided to take his place. This always makes for a confusing mess of people stumbling over each other in my grandma's cramped garage, but this year, I contributed to the madness by worrying that my precious shawl might fall off and get trampled in the process. We also had some confusion about the gifts. JSW has the same first name as my dad, so no one was ever totally sure that both men were receiving the correct gifts. On a stage, this evening would probably have been best classified as a farce. Unfortunately, this was real life, not theatre.
There were 13 in attendance at this year's Christmas party. For several years, we have prolonged the unwrapping ceremony by taking turns opening one gift at a time. To make matters worse, DPC, my dad, and I all tend to "pass" occasionally, if we see that others have more gifts than we do. This way, we won't be sitting in boredom, round after round, waiting for the thing to end. Instead, we will be sitting in boredom for one round at a time, and anticipating what our next gift will be. It's actually pretty fun.
We didn't do the all-out wrapping paper fight this year, but my uncle, LEC did make several "baskets" with his wadded up paper in the trash can. JSW apparently received the correct gifts, and everyone seemed holly-jolly. So much so that I didn't even realize that the festivities lasted an entire FOUR HOURS!
All in all, it was an enjoyable Christmas. I didn't really get the post-Christmas letdown that I've had in years gone by. Instead, I've been enjoying my gifts (and leftovers) and trying to make the best of winter.
*Cheesy Potato Soup Recipe (sorta)
I generally start boiling an unmeasured amount of water while peeling and cubing and unmeasured number of potatoes (Basically, just however many I need to make a good-looking amount). For a large batch, I add 2-3 vegetable bouillon cubes; for a small batch I just add one. Then I boil the potatoes in the broth until tender. At this point, I turn the heat down and add condensed cream of celery soup (2 cans for a large batch; 1 for the small), and Velveeta cheese (entire loaf for large batch; half loaf for small). I melt these together and voila! Soup's on!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
True Colours Thursday--Green!
Here are two green photos. Sorry I couldn't post more, but this is a busy day. I experimented with my new tripod when taking these ornament shots.
This is a green bell ornament.
This is a beaded angel that my grandmother made.
Merry Christmas to all who celebrate!
This is a green bell ornament.
This is a beaded angel that my grandmother made.
Merry Christmas to all who celebrate!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
A Bookish Meme
I learned of this meme from BJ and decided to give it a go. So, without further ado, I give you, the book meme...
Name a book you have read more than once.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Has a book ever fundamentally changed the way you see life? If yes, what was it?
The Grapes of Wrath
How do you choose a book? (by cover design and summary? recommendations? reviews? etc.)
Generally, I like to try for novels that have hit the MLA's top 100 novels of the 20th century, or other books written by authors who've made the list (mainly Steinbeck and Faulkner)
Do you prefer fiction or nonfiction?
Interesting question... I write nonfiction, and I love David Sedaris' work, but I generally read those MLA top 100 novels...
What's more important in a novel, beautiful writing or a gripping plot?
Wow that's a toughie... I wouldn't say the plot of The Grapes of Wrath is exactly gripping, yet the writing isn't the most beautiful, either. I'd say I like how the book makes me feel and what types of social commentary the author is making in writing it. But I digress. I'm on The Maltese Falcon right now, so I'd go with plot, I guess.
Most loved/memorable character (character/book)?
I'd say Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye. When I was a GA I taught this book to a group of very bright freshman, and I really enjoyed it.
Which book(s) can be found on your nightstand at the moment?
Don't have a nightstand, but the books that are nearest my bed are The Maltese Falcon (Dashiell Hammett), The Unvanquished (William Faulkner), The Hamlet (William Faulkner), and The Apple Tree (BJ Roan).
What was the last book you've read, and when was it?
Sanctuary by William Faulkner. I finished it about a week ago.
Have you ever given up on a book halfway in?
Yes. I tried to read The Catcher in the Rye in high school on my own time, and I just couldn't get into it. However, in college, I loved it. A similar thing happened to me with The Sound and the Fury.
P.S. I received a comment saying that I should tag people to do this meme. I completely forgot about doing that. Since BJ left it open to anyone who would like to participate, I'll do the same. Just let me know if you do because I'd love to read everyone else's posts for this meme!
Name a book you have read more than once.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Has a book ever fundamentally changed the way you see life? If yes, what was it?
The Grapes of Wrath
How do you choose a book? (by cover design and summary? recommendations? reviews? etc.)
Generally, I like to try for novels that have hit the MLA's top 100 novels of the 20th century, or other books written by authors who've made the list (mainly Steinbeck and Faulkner)
Do you prefer fiction or nonfiction?
Interesting question... I write nonfiction, and I love David Sedaris' work, but I generally read those MLA top 100 novels...
What's more important in a novel, beautiful writing or a gripping plot?
Wow that's a toughie... I wouldn't say the plot of The Grapes of Wrath is exactly gripping, yet the writing isn't the most beautiful, either. I'd say I like how the book makes me feel and what types of social commentary the author is making in writing it. But I digress. I'm on The Maltese Falcon right now, so I'd go with plot, I guess.
Most loved/memorable character (character/book)?
I'd say Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye. When I was a GA I taught this book to a group of very bright freshman, and I really enjoyed it.
Which book(s) can be found on your nightstand at the moment?
Don't have a nightstand, but the books that are nearest my bed are The Maltese Falcon (Dashiell Hammett), The Unvanquished (William Faulkner), The Hamlet (William Faulkner), and The Apple Tree (BJ Roan).
What was the last book you've read, and when was it?
Sanctuary by William Faulkner. I finished it about a week ago.
Have you ever given up on a book halfway in?
Yes. I tried to read The Catcher in the Rye in high school on my own time, and I just couldn't get into it. However, in college, I loved it. A similar thing happened to me with The Sound and the Fury.
P.S. I received a comment saying that I should tag people to do this meme. I completely forgot about doing that. Since BJ left it open to anyone who would like to participate, I'll do the same. Just let me know if you do because I'd love to read everyone else's posts for this meme!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Sunday Scribblings, Pay It Forward and Sixth Photo Meme
I'm a little "late," as it were, returning these tags I've agreed to participate in. How appropriate that the Sunday Scribblings prompt for this week is late. I'll take it!
Part I: Pay It Forward
Below are photos of my Pay It Forward gift from BJ. I actually received it on Monday, but hadn't gotten around to taking photos of it until today. Sorry for the delay! Somehow I got wrapped up in Monochrome Monday and True Colours Thursday and didn't get this posted earlier. Plus, Mom needs me to help her with her own blog stuff. Well, enough excuses from me ;)
This is the box that my lovely gift came in.
This is the card that accompanied my gift.
This is the gift itself!
And finally, this is the gift and card together. I hope that I'm displaying it correctly. The stand was separate, and as I found no assembly directions, I just tried my best to make it look nice!
Anyway, copied from BJ's blog, these are the rules of Pay It Forward if anyone would like to participate:
"The exchange focuses on doing an act of kindness without expecting anything in return other than that the recipient will, in their turn, pass the kindness along and 'pay it forward' in their own way. This is how it works...
I am going to agree to send something fun, inspiring or uplifting to the first 3 blog owners who post a comment on this entry [please leave your email address if I don't all ready have it].
In turn you will then post about this on your blog, link to me, then send something to the first three people who sign up to play along through your blog.
There are no cost restraints, BUT don't go crazy! The little something you send can be something you made, bought, were given or found.
No biggie, just a gift that will make the person smile.
Maybe something unique from where you live?
And, remember kindness doesn't have to involve money; there are untold ways to help others every single day, everywhere you go - just look around."
Part II: Sixth Photo Meme
I am also late on the Sixth Photo Meme. I really have no excuse for this one, save that I generally categorize my photos so much that it wouldn't be fair for me to choose the 6th photo from say, my Monochrome Monday file or my True Colours Thursday file. However, the thought occurred to me last night that I could just take the 6th photo from my camera's memory stick. So once again, I'm late for this one too!
Once again, this is the sixth photo in my digital camera's memory stick. I know it's an odd picture, but then, I suppose that's the point of this meme. This picture was taken near Holbrook, AZ in October of this year. My mom and I traveled to Arizona for a writing conference, but decided to get out there early and make a miniature vacation of it. We had previously ridden the Verde Canyon Railroad; visited the Out of Africa Wildlife Park; seen the Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, and Petrified Forest; and were on our way to Scottsdale, where the conference would be held the next day. This was the gas station we stopped at before heading through a long patch with few gas stations through the Mazatzal Mountains. I was intrigued by the old-fashioned looking painted sign (this is one thing that really attracts me to the Southwest--some areas near old Route 66 don't look as modernized as other parts of the country). However, in this shot, I was actually trying to get a picture of the hills/desert stuff in the background. Unfortunately, there was some traffic on the highway, and Interstate 40 passed overhead as well (though not in focus, you can see the interchange sign showing the Albuquerque ramp to the right and the ramp for Flagstaff ahead). This made for some difficulty while I was trying to get a picture, and this is what I ended up with.
Part III: Another tale of being late...
Regarding the rest of my Sunday Scribblings post, if anyone has had the courage to actually read all of this (I apologize for the long post, but as I'm basically doing three posts in one, it's bound to be a little long), I was also late to my grandma's for lunch today. The power went out at our house last night, so the microwave clock (which I generally rely on for the time) said 0. My watch keeps itself wound a little with use, but since I hadn't worn it for a couple of days, it had lost some time. Long story short, I thought I would be getting to my grandma's house at 12:15, but it was closer to 12:30 when I arrived! Both my grandma and my mom had tried calling me just as I was pulling into Grandma's drive. Then I was humiliated seeing my cousin's car and remembering that she and her brother had also come to lunch. And, being better grandchildren than I, had arrived on time.
Are those enough tales of lateness to satisfy this week's requirement?
P.S. For more Scribblings of late, visit Sunday Scribblings
Part I: Pay It Forward
Below are photos of my Pay It Forward gift from BJ. I actually received it on Monday, but hadn't gotten around to taking photos of it until today. Sorry for the delay! Somehow I got wrapped up in Monochrome Monday and True Colours Thursday and didn't get this posted earlier. Plus, Mom needs me to help her with her own blog stuff. Well, enough excuses from me ;)
This is the box that my lovely gift came in.
This is the card that accompanied my gift.
This is the gift itself!
And finally, this is the gift and card together. I hope that I'm displaying it correctly. The stand was separate, and as I found no assembly directions, I just tried my best to make it look nice!
Anyway, copied from BJ's blog, these are the rules of Pay It Forward if anyone would like to participate:
"The exchange focuses on doing an act of kindness without expecting anything in return other than that the recipient will, in their turn, pass the kindness along and 'pay it forward' in their own way. This is how it works...
I am going to agree to send something fun, inspiring or uplifting to the first 3 blog owners who post a comment on this entry [please leave your email address if I don't all ready have it].
In turn you will then post about this on your blog, link to me, then send something to the first three people who sign up to play along through your blog.
There are no cost restraints, BUT don't go crazy! The little something you send can be something you made, bought, were given or found.
No biggie, just a gift that will make the person smile.
Maybe something unique from where you live?
And, remember kindness doesn't have to involve money; there are untold ways to help others every single day, everywhere you go - just look around."
Part II: Sixth Photo Meme
I am also late on the Sixth Photo Meme. I really have no excuse for this one, save that I generally categorize my photos so much that it wouldn't be fair for me to choose the 6th photo from say, my Monochrome Monday file or my True Colours Thursday file. However, the thought occurred to me last night that I could just take the 6th photo from my camera's memory stick. So once again, I'm late for this one too!
Once again, this is the sixth photo in my digital camera's memory stick. I know it's an odd picture, but then, I suppose that's the point of this meme. This picture was taken near Holbrook, AZ in October of this year. My mom and I traveled to Arizona for a writing conference, but decided to get out there early and make a miniature vacation of it. We had previously ridden the Verde Canyon Railroad; visited the Out of Africa Wildlife Park; seen the Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, and Petrified Forest; and were on our way to Scottsdale, where the conference would be held the next day. This was the gas station we stopped at before heading through a long patch with few gas stations through the Mazatzal Mountains. I was intrigued by the old-fashioned looking painted sign (this is one thing that really attracts me to the Southwest--some areas near old Route 66 don't look as modernized as other parts of the country). However, in this shot, I was actually trying to get a picture of the hills/desert stuff in the background. Unfortunately, there was some traffic on the highway, and Interstate 40 passed overhead as well (though not in focus, you can see the interchange sign showing the Albuquerque ramp to the right and the ramp for Flagstaff ahead). This made for some difficulty while I was trying to get a picture, and this is what I ended up with.
Part III: Another tale of being late...
Regarding the rest of my Sunday Scribblings post, if anyone has had the courage to actually read all of this (I apologize for the long post, but as I'm basically doing three posts in one, it's bound to be a little long), I was also late to my grandma's for lunch today. The power went out at our house last night, so the microwave clock (which I generally rely on for the time) said 0. My watch keeps itself wound a little with use, but since I hadn't worn it for a couple of days, it had lost some time. Long story short, I thought I would be getting to my grandma's house at 12:15, but it was closer to 12:30 when I arrived! Both my grandma and my mom had tried calling me just as I was pulling into Grandma's drive. Then I was humiliated seeing my cousin's car and remembering that she and her brother had also come to lunch. And, being better grandchildren than I, had arrived on time.
Are those enough tales of lateness to satisfy this week's requirement?
P.S. For more Scribblings of late, visit Sunday Scribblings
Iced Inn
I didn't get out much yesterday. I got up at 7:30, took my photos for True Colours Thursday, posted them, picked up some clothes from the laundromat, went to my Granny's to pick up some packages I had delivered to her house, went to the Dollar General for a box of mac and cheese (and some junk food), and was in the rest of the evening. However, I had heard that the weather was supposed to get atrocious later that evening. Didn't look so bad to me when I was out in it.
I had settled down in the recliner, somewhat ensconsced (shameless plug for Word of the Day) in our broken recliner, with a lap cat purring gently beside me, and preparing to read the next few chapters of The Maltese Falcon. The great thing about being mostly unemployed and out of school is that you can take time to do all those things you wanted to do but never had the time for, like read The Maltese Falcon.
Things were just getting interesting. I was familiarizing myself with Sam Spade's character and getting wrapped up in the mystery surrounding Miles Archer's murder when Mom started asking me about her blog. She just joined Blogger this week, and is still getting accustomed to its navigation. Since I've had Blogger for nigh on to three years now, I forget how confusing blogging is to a newbie. Trying to be patient, I explained to her the code for creating links (though I had it written on a pink sticky note in the computer desk for her). I picked up my book again. She then asked me how to upload photos. This is nice--she posted her first True Colours Thursday, herself. And I do remember how difficult it was for me to figure out posting photos back in December of 2005. I actually had to ask RC to give me a hand at the time. I re-read the same sentence I'd been on for 15 minutes. Mom interrupted my reading again to ask about spacing. And then about how to preview the post. I set my book down until she had succesfully posted her photos.
Thinking it was again safe to try to read my book, I tried once again to re-read the same stuff that I'd been reading during each of my interruptions, when my phone rang. It was RC. I decided to answer it, though I was in peak minutes, because it was about 6:30 or so, and I knew she had 30-45 minutes of driving to get back home. If the weather had gotten nasty, she might have actually needed something. When I answered, she said she was annoyed.
This brought back memories of how my grandmother called me while annoyed earlier in the day as well, but that's another story.
So I asked RC what the problem was, and her response was freezing rain. Apparently, RC has a cousin, LH, who lives a few blocks from where RC works. RC had asked LH if she could stay over in case of bad weather. The cousin had agreed. However, when RC called her, LH informed her that she was going to a party with BW. This really cramped RC's style, because she would either have to find a way to kill three hours before LH got home from the party, or else she would have to stay alone with LH's husband, DH. RC didn't want to do either of these things, so she found herself getting a room at a Day's Inn.
This is where she called me.
I commiserated with RC for a while, and then I asked her about the condition of the room. No apparent signs of blood or other human fluids were found in her room. I reminded her to be grateful of that, because I'd had my share of nasty motel rooms, and they weren't at all pleasant.
RC decided to hang up for a while so she wouldn't waste all my minutes, and then went to Steak 'n Shake for supper. I suggested this to her, as her motel was only steps away from the restaurant, and they never close. She later called me back (during my period of free minutes) to tell me about the rest of her misadventures. Apparently, she was so flustered that she sat down at the nearest table, disregarding (actually, not seeing) the sign that asked patrons to wait to be seated by a hostess. Then, after eating, she stepped onto the sidewalk to go back to her room, and slipped on the ice. Fortunately, she didn't fall, but from the sound of things, she had several close calls with the ice that night.
As she was recounting all these details to me, RC said, "I bet you're going to put this down in your Blogspot." 'Now why didn't I not think of that?' (inside joke). Suddenly, I felt like David Sedaris. In a manner of speaking, of course. Not being Sedaris, I can't honestly attest to his feelings, but I do know that his family is afraid to say or do anything for fear that he will write about it in one of his books. Thus, I took this little phrase from RC as a compliment.
So, though she was iced "inn" at a Day's Inn, RC should have had a good night's sleep. Though LH came home from her party at a decent hour, at least in the motel room, RC had her own TV, and nobody was around to tell her to change the channel.
Oh yeah, and I just decided to save Sam Spade for another day.
I had settled down in the recliner, somewhat ensconsced (shameless plug for Word of the Day) in our broken recliner, with a lap cat purring gently beside me, and preparing to read the next few chapters of The Maltese Falcon. The great thing about being mostly unemployed and out of school is that you can take time to do all those things you wanted to do but never had the time for, like read The Maltese Falcon.
Things were just getting interesting. I was familiarizing myself with Sam Spade's character and getting wrapped up in the mystery surrounding Miles Archer's murder when Mom started asking me about her blog. She just joined Blogger this week, and is still getting accustomed to its navigation. Since I've had Blogger for nigh on to three years now, I forget how confusing blogging is to a newbie. Trying to be patient, I explained to her the code for creating links (though I had it written on a pink sticky note in the computer desk for her). I picked up my book again. She then asked me how to upload photos. This is nice--she posted her first True Colours Thursday, herself. And I do remember how difficult it was for me to figure out posting photos back in December of 2005. I actually had to ask RC to give me a hand at the time. I re-read the same sentence I'd been on for 15 minutes. Mom interrupted my reading again to ask about spacing. And then about how to preview the post. I set my book down until she had succesfully posted her photos.
Thinking it was again safe to try to read my book, I tried once again to re-read the same stuff that I'd been reading during each of my interruptions, when my phone rang. It was RC. I decided to answer it, though I was in peak minutes, because it was about 6:30 or so, and I knew she had 30-45 minutes of driving to get back home. If the weather had gotten nasty, she might have actually needed something. When I answered, she said she was annoyed.
This brought back memories of how my grandmother called me while annoyed earlier in the day as well, but that's another story.
So I asked RC what the problem was, and her response was freezing rain. Apparently, RC has a cousin, LH, who lives a few blocks from where RC works. RC had asked LH if she could stay over in case of bad weather. The cousin had agreed. However, when RC called her, LH informed her that she was going to a party with BW. This really cramped RC's style, because she would either have to find a way to kill three hours before LH got home from the party, or else she would have to stay alone with LH's husband, DH. RC didn't want to do either of these things, so she found herself getting a room at a Day's Inn.
This is where she called me.
I commiserated with RC for a while, and then I asked her about the condition of the room. No apparent signs of blood or other human fluids were found in her room. I reminded her to be grateful of that, because I'd had my share of nasty motel rooms, and they weren't at all pleasant.
RC decided to hang up for a while so she wouldn't waste all my minutes, and then went to Steak 'n Shake for supper. I suggested this to her, as her motel was only steps away from the restaurant, and they never close. She later called me back (during my period of free minutes) to tell me about the rest of her misadventures. Apparently, she was so flustered that she sat down at the nearest table, disregarding (actually, not seeing) the sign that asked patrons to wait to be seated by a hostess. Then, after eating, she stepped onto the sidewalk to go back to her room, and slipped on the ice. Fortunately, she didn't fall, but from the sound of things, she had several close calls with the ice that night.
As she was recounting all these details to me, RC said, "I bet you're going to put this down in your Blogspot." 'Now why didn't I not think of that?' (inside joke). Suddenly, I felt like David Sedaris. In a manner of speaking, of course. Not being Sedaris, I can't honestly attest to his feelings, but I do know that his family is afraid to say or do anything for fear that he will write about it in one of his books. Thus, I took this little phrase from RC as a compliment.
So, though she was iced "inn" at a Day's Inn, RC should have had a good night's sleep. Though LH came home from her party at a decent hour, at least in the motel room, RC had her own TV, and nobody was around to tell her to change the channel.
Oh yeah, and I just decided to save Sam Spade for another day.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
True Colours Thursday--Red!
For this week's True Colours Thursday, I am using a Christmas celebration theme.
This amaretto was actually purchased so I could make some chocolate amaretto fudge, but it looks festive posing near the cordial glasses that came with it.
This is the gift bag that RC gave me for Christmas. I like the dog (is this a Shih-Tzu?). Anyway, I thought it was cute.
And this is my gift bag from SC. I thought it was really pretty as well. It was kind of cool to get a head-start on gifts from these girls!
I would generally direct your attention to the creator of this meme, Blue, but as she's sick this week, True Colours Thursday is temporarily being hosted by BJ. Get well soon, Blue!
This amaretto was actually purchased so I could make some chocolate amaretto fudge, but it looks festive posing near the cordial glasses that came with it.
This is the gift bag that RC gave me for Christmas. I like the dog (is this a Shih-Tzu?). Anyway, I thought it was cute.
And this is my gift bag from SC. I thought it was really pretty as well. It was kind of cool to get a head-start on gifts from these girls!
I would generally direct your attention to the creator of this meme, Blue, but as she's sick this week, True Colours Thursday is temporarily being hosted by BJ. Get well soon, Blue!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Charlie Farley
I suppose this is as good a time as any to recount this story...
I think I was probably 12. It was Christmastime, and we were going through the same routine we always did at the end of the Christmas church service--picking up our brown bag of an apple or orange, bag of popcorn, and assorted candies. I didn't like popcorn at the time, wasn't a big fan of fresh fruit, and hated hard candy. Wasn't I a stinker? Anyway, my mom and I smiled and took our bags and headed home to prepare for other Christmas celebrations. We were driving around the square (about where the gazebo is, BJ), when my mom started spoonerizing words. She had just picked up this annoying habit, and was not as adept at it as she fancied herself.
I reluctantly opened a piece of Farley brand hard candy and popped it into my mouth, when my mother exclaimed with gusto, Well, f*** Charlie!"
The way she said it, Mom appeared to have a severe case of Tourette's syndrome. But that was not the case. In actuality, she thought it would be cute to spoonerize the name "Chuck Farley," which was an inside joke of its own...
Once when I was quite small, we had gone on vacation to Rapid City, South Dakota. Along the way, we passed a camper or RV or something that had the following painted on its side:
The Farley's: Chuck and Betty
So then, my dad started acting like he really knew these people, even though they were just random strangers on the highway. Hey, it gets boring in the Dakotas if you're not careful--have to find something to do to pass the time. Then my uncle's girlfriend, who accompanied us on the trip, started playing along. It was driving my uncle crazy because he couldn't figure out how his girlfriend and his brother happened to know a couple that he didn't.
Years later, whenever somebody would say something about Farley candy, my parents would chime in with some anecdote about Chuck and Betty Farley and their adventures. Even though it was totally fictional.
Fast forward back to my mom and me in the car, going around the courthouse square. Time had stood still while all this was transpiring. My mom slowly realized what she said (and believe me, my mom is not one for profanity). I couldn't believe she'd just said that, either, and we both laughed nonstop for 10 miles. I decided to spit out my Farley candy so I wouldn't choke. Eh, I didn't really want it anyway.
I think I was probably 12. It was Christmastime, and we were going through the same routine we always did at the end of the Christmas church service--picking up our brown bag of an apple or orange, bag of popcorn, and assorted candies. I didn't like popcorn at the time, wasn't a big fan of fresh fruit, and hated hard candy. Wasn't I a stinker? Anyway, my mom and I smiled and took our bags and headed home to prepare for other Christmas celebrations. We were driving around the square (about where the gazebo is, BJ), when my mom started spoonerizing words. She had just picked up this annoying habit, and was not as adept at it as she fancied herself.
I reluctantly opened a piece of Farley brand hard candy and popped it into my mouth, when my mother exclaimed with gusto, Well, f*** Charlie!"
The way she said it, Mom appeared to have a severe case of Tourette's syndrome. But that was not the case. In actuality, she thought it would be cute to spoonerize the name "Chuck Farley," which was an inside joke of its own...
Once when I was quite small, we had gone on vacation to Rapid City, South Dakota. Along the way, we passed a camper or RV or something that had the following painted on its side:
The Farley's: Chuck and Betty
So then, my dad started acting like he really knew these people, even though they were just random strangers on the highway. Hey, it gets boring in the Dakotas if you're not careful--have to find something to do to pass the time. Then my uncle's girlfriend, who accompanied us on the trip, started playing along. It was driving my uncle crazy because he couldn't figure out how his girlfriend and his brother happened to know a couple that he didn't.
Years later, whenever somebody would say something about Farley candy, my parents would chime in with some anecdote about Chuck and Betty Farley and their adventures. Even though it was totally fictional.
Fast forward back to my mom and me in the car, going around the courthouse square. Time had stood still while all this was transpiring. My mom slowly realized what she said (and believe me, my mom is not one for profanity). I couldn't believe she'd just said that, either, and we both laughed nonstop for 10 miles. I decided to spit out my Farley candy so I wouldn't choke. Eh, I didn't really want it anyway.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Good Little Girls...
Last night was RC's work Christmas party. And yeah, it was held at a bar. So I'm surprised that CC and BC actually allowed the girls to go. I'm actually kind of surprised that RC invited me to come along, too.
I picked up SC in a discount-store parking lot and took her to the mall behind the bar. RC called to say she was on her way. That was a good sign. A few minutes later, RC pulled into the mall parking lot, and I noticed that her car was winking at me. I asked SC, "is her headlight burnt out?" Suddenly I had flashbacks of my own encounters with burned out bulbs and hoped RC didn't get stopped. I especially didn't want her to get a ticket. We all kind of figured we'd cross that bridge later, as in after the party.
Anyway, so we walked in and sat down in the regular bar part, and when some waitress came by to take our order, RC said, "Oh I'm with the nursing home Christmas party." The girl showed us to the back room.
I figured that the back room would be hopping. Instead, I found it full of middle-aged nursing home/day care employees who just looked like they were tired and really didn't want to be there. RC ran off to say hi to some of her friends, leaving SC and me behind at the entrance to the back room. I felt as though all conversations came to a screetching halt when SC and I walked into the room. I don't know if they all thought we were underage or if they viewed us as outsiders. It was as this moment that I wondered if RC had just made up the part about guests being allowed. Well, it was too late to turn back, so I tried to just follow her. The Christmas party bouncer didn't recognize us, so he called RC back to verify that I was actually allowed there (i.e. to pay for our admission, which I lovingly refer to as a cover charge). Thank you again, RC!
So, being a vegetarian, I had a plateful of chips and nacho cheese dip (rock on). However, RC and SC are carnivores, so they added taco meat to theirs. This will be important later.
We wandered around, trying to find a place to sit. It seemed as though there were always only one or two available seats together, and we really wanted to sit together. We would have gotten to the party earlier (like, perhaps when it started), except that, ironically, RC had to work until 6:00, so we got there about an hour and a half after the party had actually begun. Anyway, there was a lady (I still don't know her name) who said if we pulled up another barstool we could squeeze around the corner of the table she was sitting at. I'm sure she was trying to talk to me, but I have terrible hearing, so the best I could do was avoid eye contact and smile if I accidentally made eye contact with her or any of the other employees.
At some point, a karaoke book magically appeared at our table near me. I started looking at it while the employees were exchanging gifts. Side note: they really were exchanging too--each employee grabbed a gift and formed a large circle. A woman in the middle of the circle began reading a modified version of "The Night Before Christmas." The modifications mainly involved the insertion of the words "left" and "right," indicating the direction that the employees were to pass their gifts. RC wound up with a blanket. Not a bad gift for a chilly December, I'd say.
Finally, I got tired of waiting on karaoke. Not that I didn't enjoy the overwhelming number of AC/DC songs that the DJ was blaring, but I didn't want to be there all night. When I found out that there was going to be karaoke, I wanted to get my name in early so we could perhaps get out of there at a decent hour. I would have to take SC back to her car and then drive another 30+ minutes to get home.
RC and I found some songs we wanted to sing. I started with two, and she picked out three or four. I was kind of surprised because RC had never sung karaoke before, and I've never known sober first-time karaokers to be that enthuastic. I hopped off my barstool to take my songs up to the DJ--same old drill wherever you go, it seems. But RC was firmly planted in her barstool. She was going to chicken out. After an embarrassing amount of begging and pulling, I convinced RC to go up there with me. I thought we were just going to get a rotation started. Nope! The DJ was ready to hear some live music. So I opened up karaoke last night with...
"This thing, called love, well I just can't handle it..."
The crowd was not yet drunk, but they were still cheering me on, and I even lured a few folks onto the dance floor. This was a great start. Then RC followed with...
"Now the world don't move to the beat of just one drum..."
Yep. RC's first attempt at karaoke was the Diff'rent Strokes theme song. That girl's got guts! Then I followed up with, "Casey Jones," which somehow wasn't that much of a hit with the crowd. Darn it. I should have invited Robin who is the only other person I know who likes the Grateful Dead. Then I sat down for a while.
Somehow, I got the idea to start trying songs that I like, but have never karaoked before. I wound up singing "It Never Rains in Southern California" and botched the second verse. I did "Sunshine" by Johnathon Edwards. I am surprised that one turned out as well as it did. "Subterranean Homesick Blues" (which wasn't a new song for me) didn't score many points for me. After ripping through that insanely fast song, I had to go to the bar and down a Mountain Dew. Why don't these people like Dylan?
I took a break from karaoke after that, but RC was still going strong. She pulled out "Jackie Blue," by the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, and "Folsom Prison Blues" and "I Walk the Line" by the Man in Black. How she did it, I'll never know. You have to have a better range than a keyboard to hit the high notes in "Jackie Blue" and then turn around and try to sing like Cash. When she pulled out Three Dog Night's "Joy to the World," I was truly shocked. I thought she was going to do the Christmas one. After all, it was a Christmas party. But nope, she surprised me, and she totally rocked the house with it! She also kicked butt with Brewer and Shipley's "One Toke Over the Line," and then finished her night, appropriately, with the Cheers theme song.
My last two songs were both by The Band. I tried my hand at "The Weight" and "Up on Cripple Creek." Most of the people had gone home by that point, and the ones that still lingered (minus R & SC) were too drunk to really care, so we decided it was time to get going. Also, it was about 10:40 at the time, and I still had to drive about 15 minutes across town to leave SC at her car and then take another 30-45 to get home. And for some crazy reason this party was on a Thursday night?!
Anyway, RC called me to let me know that she made it home okay, despite the one headlight (somehow the Wallflowers song has been in my head much of the day... hmm). She got it fixed this morning. Oh yeah, I get pulled over for a burned out license plate bulb, and she drives for like 45 minutes on one headlight and gets away with it. But... she got a little sick from the taco meat. See? Being a vegetarian isn't such as bad thing after all... ;)
I picked up SC in a discount-store parking lot and took her to the mall behind the bar. RC called to say she was on her way. That was a good sign. A few minutes later, RC pulled into the mall parking lot, and I noticed that her car was winking at me. I asked SC, "is her headlight burnt out?" Suddenly I had flashbacks of my own encounters with burned out bulbs and hoped RC didn't get stopped. I especially didn't want her to get a ticket. We all kind of figured we'd cross that bridge later, as in after the party.
Anyway, so we walked in and sat down in the regular bar part, and when some waitress came by to take our order, RC said, "Oh I'm with the nursing home Christmas party." The girl showed us to the back room.
I figured that the back room would be hopping. Instead, I found it full of middle-aged nursing home/day care employees who just looked like they were tired and really didn't want to be there. RC ran off to say hi to some of her friends, leaving SC and me behind at the entrance to the back room. I felt as though all conversations came to a screetching halt when SC and I walked into the room. I don't know if they all thought we were underage or if they viewed us as outsiders. It was as this moment that I wondered if RC had just made up the part about guests being allowed. Well, it was too late to turn back, so I tried to just follow her. The Christmas party bouncer didn't recognize us, so he called RC back to verify that I was actually allowed there (i.e. to pay for our admission, which I lovingly refer to as a cover charge). Thank you again, RC!
So, being a vegetarian, I had a plateful of chips and nacho cheese dip (rock on). However, RC and SC are carnivores, so they added taco meat to theirs. This will be important later.
We wandered around, trying to find a place to sit. It seemed as though there were always only one or two available seats together, and we really wanted to sit together. We would have gotten to the party earlier (like, perhaps when it started), except that, ironically, RC had to work until 6:00, so we got there about an hour and a half after the party had actually begun. Anyway, there was a lady (I still don't know her name) who said if we pulled up another barstool we could squeeze around the corner of the table she was sitting at. I'm sure she was trying to talk to me, but I have terrible hearing, so the best I could do was avoid eye contact and smile if I accidentally made eye contact with her or any of the other employees.
At some point, a karaoke book magically appeared at our table near me. I started looking at it while the employees were exchanging gifts. Side note: they really were exchanging too--each employee grabbed a gift and formed a large circle. A woman in the middle of the circle began reading a modified version of "The Night Before Christmas." The modifications mainly involved the insertion of the words "left" and "right," indicating the direction that the employees were to pass their gifts. RC wound up with a blanket. Not a bad gift for a chilly December, I'd say.
Finally, I got tired of waiting on karaoke. Not that I didn't enjoy the overwhelming number of AC/DC songs that the DJ was blaring, but I didn't want to be there all night. When I found out that there was going to be karaoke, I wanted to get my name in early so we could perhaps get out of there at a decent hour. I would have to take SC back to her car and then drive another 30+ minutes to get home.
RC and I found some songs we wanted to sing. I started with two, and she picked out three or four. I was kind of surprised because RC had never sung karaoke before, and I've never known sober first-time karaokers to be that enthuastic. I hopped off my barstool to take my songs up to the DJ--same old drill wherever you go, it seems. But RC was firmly planted in her barstool. She was going to chicken out. After an embarrassing amount of begging and pulling, I convinced RC to go up there with me. I thought we were just going to get a rotation started. Nope! The DJ was ready to hear some live music. So I opened up karaoke last night with...
"This thing, called love, well I just can't handle it..."
The crowd was not yet drunk, but they were still cheering me on, and I even lured a few folks onto the dance floor. This was a great start. Then RC followed with...
"Now the world don't move to the beat of just one drum..."
Yep. RC's first attempt at karaoke was the Diff'rent Strokes theme song. That girl's got guts! Then I followed up with, "Casey Jones," which somehow wasn't that much of a hit with the crowd. Darn it. I should have invited Robin who is the only other person I know who likes the Grateful Dead. Then I sat down for a while.
Somehow, I got the idea to start trying songs that I like, but have never karaoked before. I wound up singing "It Never Rains in Southern California" and botched the second verse. I did "Sunshine" by Johnathon Edwards. I am surprised that one turned out as well as it did. "Subterranean Homesick Blues" (which wasn't a new song for me) didn't score many points for me. After ripping through that insanely fast song, I had to go to the bar and down a Mountain Dew. Why don't these people like Dylan?
I took a break from karaoke after that, but RC was still going strong. She pulled out "Jackie Blue," by the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, and "Folsom Prison Blues" and "I Walk the Line" by the Man in Black. How she did it, I'll never know. You have to have a better range than a keyboard to hit the high notes in "Jackie Blue" and then turn around and try to sing like Cash. When she pulled out Three Dog Night's "Joy to the World," I was truly shocked. I thought she was going to do the Christmas one. After all, it was a Christmas party. But nope, she surprised me, and she totally rocked the house with it! She also kicked butt with Brewer and Shipley's "One Toke Over the Line," and then finished her night, appropriately, with the Cheers theme song.
My last two songs were both by The Band. I tried my hand at "The Weight" and "Up on Cripple Creek." Most of the people had gone home by that point, and the ones that still lingered (minus R & SC) were too drunk to really care, so we decided it was time to get going. Also, it was about 10:40 at the time, and I still had to drive about 15 minutes across town to leave SC at her car and then take another 30-45 to get home. And for some crazy reason this party was on a Thursday night?!
Anyway, RC called me to let me know that she made it home okay, despite the one headlight (somehow the Wallflowers song has been in my head much of the day... hmm). She got it fixed this morning. Oh yeah, I get pulled over for a burned out license plate bulb, and she drives for like 45 minutes on one headlight and gets away with it. But... she got a little sick from the taco meat. See? Being a vegetarian isn't such as bad thing after all... ;)
Thursday, December 11, 2008
True Colours Thursday--White!
For this week's True Colours Thursday, I chose a Christmas theme (surprise, surprise), but I limited myself to decorations found on our Christmas tree.
It may look a little blurry, but I think that's because this is a 3-D ornament.
This is a glittery snowflake ornament.
And, last but not least, the white plastic horn.
True Colours Thursday is the creation of my friend Blue
It may look a little blurry, but I think that's because this is a 3-D ornament.
This is a glittery snowflake ornament.
And, last but not least, the white plastic horn.
True Colours Thursday is the creation of my friend Blue
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Card from Blue!
I got my Christmas card from Blue on Monday! I was in a crazy fudge-making mode on Monday and Tuesday, so I didn't get my photo uploaded then, but I have a picture of it up today. Thanks, Blue!!!
Monday, December 08, 2008
Friday, December 05, 2008
Sunday Scribblings--Tradition
I'm not a big fan of traditions. My family doesn't seem to have very many (well, we did just initiate the mandatory potluck soup supper garage party a few years ago, but that's not particularly sentimental). One Christmas tradition I actually don't mind is watching the 1951 Christmas Carol movie. Actually, I believe the movie is called Scrooge. I'm always impressed by older movies that don't lose their luster with time.
Another Christmastime favorite of mine is It's a Wonderful Life. I think lots of people probably feel as hopeless as George Bailey on Christmas Eve. Especially those who have to cook big meals (refer back to the previous paragraph about the soup potluck). Shopping and holiday "cheer" can get the better of us, and that's probably why I get such a kick out of this overly sentimentalized movie that, according to my nature, I shouldn't even like.
I guess some traditions are okay. But you won't find me fooling around with any Yule log or hanging wreaths or anything like that. Oh, and one last note: a tradition I wish my family would adopt is wrapping my gifts in old newspaper. Since I have this aversion to tearing "pretty paper," and since I'm frugal about such things, I'd prefer to reuse the newspaper and then recycle it, rather than pay money for wrapping paper that just gets tossed in a landfill. But, just as I don't have a problem with other people eating meat, I don't have a problem with others buying and using wrapping paper :)
For more traditional scribblings, click here
Another Christmastime favorite of mine is It's a Wonderful Life. I think lots of people probably feel as hopeless as George Bailey on Christmas Eve. Especially those who have to cook big meals (refer back to the previous paragraph about the soup potluck). Shopping and holiday "cheer" can get the better of us, and that's probably why I get such a kick out of this overly sentimentalized movie that, according to my nature, I shouldn't even like.
I guess some traditions are okay. But you won't find me fooling around with any Yule log or hanging wreaths or anything like that. Oh, and one last note: a tradition I wish my family would adopt is wrapping my gifts in old newspaper. Since I have this aversion to tearing "pretty paper," and since I'm frugal about such things, I'd prefer to reuse the newspaper and then recycle it, rather than pay money for wrapping paper that just gets tossed in a landfill. But, just as I don't have a problem with other people eating meat, I don't have a problem with others buying and using wrapping paper :)
For more traditional scribblings, click here
Thursday, December 04, 2008
True Colours Thursday--Yellow!
For this week's True Colours Thursday, I picked a cooking theme.
These three yellow ingredients each play an important role in my favorite cheesy potato soup. For several years, I've made this soup for my grandma's Christmas party. I also have to make several batches for myself throughout the fall and winter months.
These three yellow ingredients each play an important role in my favorite cheesy potato soup. For several years, I've made this soup for my grandma's Christmas party. I also have to make several batches for myself throughout the fall and winter months.
Mmm... love that processed cheese!
Salty and unhealthy, but it works wonders in flavoring my soup.
I don't know if this one counts as yellow, but it's a Yukon Gold potato--one of the most important ingredients in my favorite soup!
True Colours Thursday is the brain child of friend Blue
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