I am disHeartened by My Jetta

A video made from 4500 photos

2009-04-06T19:14:00.001-05:00

Now this is pretty cool.

Notte Sento (English subtitles) from napdan on Vimeo.

Have you seen this?

2009-03-28T21:32:00.005-05:00

In short, AshleyMadison.com assists married people in finding others to have affairs with. So, it's like Match.com for cheating...

While 90 percent of me is totally disgusted at the thought, the other 10 percent is intrigued at not only the business model but also with the ethics behind it.

In your opinion, should these sites be allowed to exist? I don't think it's anyone right to govern or decide what my morals should be...but I also don't like the thought of websites tailoring to such a lack of moral judgment (of course, in my opinion) - making it easy for people to cheat on their spouses.

The site's been getting quite a lot of media attention. Check some of it out here. Noticeable appearance on Ellen, the Tyra Banks Show and Good Morning America.

What are your thoughts?

Take notes! Lessons on how to be the perfect girlfriend.

2009-03-27T15:59:00.007-05:00

How to be the perfect girlfriend... This brings the laughs and is, per my understanding, quite true... :-)

Guys, what do you think?

What makes the "perfect" girlfriend?

Oh, this is too good...

2009-03-27T15:30:00.001-05:00

Considering my present circumstances...I totally should have hidden. :-)

Considering myself an avid reader...

2009-03-20T14:39:00.002-05:00

...when I ran across this list I found it interesting. Take a look at the list if you wish and let me know what you've read, what you liked and what you think should have been included.

1 Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen – Yes (um, my cat's name is Mr. Darcy)
2 The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien – No
3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte - Yes
4 Harry Potter series - JK Rowling - Yes
5 To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee – Yes
6 The Bible – All of it? No.
7 Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte – No
8 1984 - George Orwell - Yes
9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman - No (I've never heard of this book...)
10 Great Expectations - Charles Dickens – No
11 Little Women - Louisa M Alcott - Yes
12 Tess of the D'Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy - No
13 Catch 22 - Joseph Heller –– Yes
14 Complete Works of Shakespeare - No
15 Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier - Yes (this book began my love of reading)
16 The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien – No
17 Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks – No
18 Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger - Yes

19 The Time Traveller's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger – No (but I have it in queue)
20 Middlemarch - George Eliot- No
21 Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell – Yes
22 The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald – Yes
23 Bleak House - Charles Dickens - No
24 War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy – No
25 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams - No
26 Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh – No
27 Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky - No
28 Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck - Yes
29 Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll - Yes
30 The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame - Yes
31 Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy - No
32 David Copperfield - Charles Dickens - No
33 The Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis - No
34 Emma - Jane Austen - Yes
35 Persuasion - Jane Austen - Yes
36 Atlas Shrugged - Ayn Rand – No (where are her other books?!? The Fountainhead? Anthem?)
37 The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini - No (but also in queue)
38 Captain Corelli's Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres- No
39 Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden – Yes
40 Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne - No
41 Animal Farm - George Orwell – Yes
42 The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown – Yes
43 One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez – No
44 A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving - YES
45 The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins - No
46 Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery – Yes
47 Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy - No
48 The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood – No (but I'm reading The Blind Assassin right now and I have to say, I'm not in love with it...)
49 Lord of the Flies - William Golding - No
50 Atonement - Ian McEwan - No (but the movie was ah-mazing)
51 Life of Pi - Yann Martel - No
52 Dune - Frank Herbert- No
53 Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons – No
54 Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen – Yes
55 A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth – No
56 The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon – No
57 A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens – No
58 Brave New World - Aldous Huxley – No
59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon – YES
60 Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez - No
61 Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck – Yes
62 Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov – No
63 The Secret History - Donna Tartt – No
64 The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold - Yes
65 Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas – No
66 On The Road - Jack Kerouac - No
67 Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy – No
68 Bridget Jones's Diary - Helen Fielding – Yes... (is this an accomplishment?)
69 Midnight's Children - Salman Rushdie – No
70 Moby Dick - Herman Melville – Yes (uh...)
71 Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens – No
72 Dracula - Bram Stoker - No
73 The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett – Yes
74 Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson – No
75 Ulysses - James Joyce – No
76 The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath - No
77 Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome – No
78 Germinal - Emile Zola – No
79 Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray – No
80 Possession - AS Byatt- No
81 A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens - No
82 Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell – No
83 The Color Purple - Alice Walker – Yes
84 The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro – No
85 Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert – Yes
86 A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry – No
87 Charlotte's Web - EB White - Yes
88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom - No
89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – No
90 The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton – No
91 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad – No
92 The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupe – No
93 The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks – No
94 Watership Down - Richard Adams - No
95 A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole – No
96 A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute – No
97 The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas – No
98 Hamlet – Shakespeare – Yes
99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl – Yes
100 Les Miserables - Victor Hugo – No

Today's the day...

2009-03-19T08:28:00.004-05:00

Today is the day that could really make a difference. It's on to Round 2 with the unnamed company! I really feel that we mesh well - I think I have things and experiences to bring to the table. As well, I believe there is so much to be learned from them.

My awesome former boss wrote me an amazing letter of recommendation yesterday. Which...of course...really makes me wish I still worked with her. Oh well... :-) Such is the situation with layoffs.

I always think a difficult part of interviewing is this:

"So, Sarah, do you have any questions for me?"

I always plan these in advance... :-)

Today, I think I have come up with some real stellar questions. Give 'em a read and let me know what you think:

Team 1 Questions:
1 - What would you say are the best and worst aspects of your jobs?
2 - What do you see as keys to being successful at your positions?

Person 1 Questions:
1 - What do you see as an area of opportunity or growth for unnamed company?
2 - How do you think the economy will effect participation in unnamed company?

Well, I'm going to get back to it! Wish me luck!

Google search yields interesting results

2009-03-16T19:46:00.002-05:00

What the heck?! While searching for how to get my puppy to stop licking I see that "how to get" yields some very interesting results. I really like the entry "how to get on myspace at school".

Sudekum Planetarium

2009-03-16T18:14:00.005-05:00

Don't know if any of you out there have visited the Sudekum Planetarium yet but you really should! The BF and I went on Valentine's Day and again this past Saturday (for Second Saturdays). We've seen Skies Over Nashville, Stars of the Pharaohs and Stars.

The lady who led our show talked about Earth Hour which is coming up on March 28. Basically, schools, governments, businesses and citizens all across the world are going dark...shutting of their lights and saving energy. Very cool. Very, very cool. Let's all do it!

So, what's going on for St. Patty's day? What are your plans?

Resume introduction

2009-03-12T14:07:00.001-05:00

Sarah Reeves

View more presentations from Sarah Reeves.

Getting back into this thing...

2009-03-12T13:42:00.003-05:00

Hello there! It's been a while, yes. However, it seems that I have an inordinate amount of time on my hands these days! So, if anyone out there is still following my blog, how are you all doing?

I know I'm late on the Twitter bandwagon, but I just got a Twitter account today. I've been of the thought that "Who really wants to read my updates in minute increments?" But, it seems that there is so much to be had and learned from this site.

You can follow me here: twitter.com/SashInNash

If you're on there, too - well, let me know.

Also, it seems that I am looking for work. Therefore, I have uploaded my resume here if you are (1) interested or (2) in a position to hire me.

Holy crap.

2008-03-21T08:50:00.004-05:00

Seriously.

Did you watch the Belmont/Duke game?

If you didn't because you thought it would be a shutout - you would be highly disappointed.

This was the best game of my life.

The BEST.

Go here and watch Belmont's coach, Rick Byrd and Duke's coach, Mike Kssdkfdkghskfgsky (ha) talk about their respective win and loss.

The BEST.

And though Belmont "lost" - their loss couldn't have been better. What I mean is, if you're going to lose, there just isn't a better way. They played their hearts out - they were a head many times - and they kept a basketball powerhouse at bay.

In my book, that is no loss. It's a huge win - and I hope all of my wonderful Bruins feel the same way. :)

As cool as it would be....

2008-03-20T12:58:00.003-05:00

For Georgia to win....

I have Xavier beating Purdue next round.

The Xavier boys need to get their acts together!

NOW!

:)

Grammar Guide

2008-03-20T09:57:00.004-05:00

You know those certain things that keep you up at night? You swear you're going to remember to look them up in the morning...and then you don't.

This time, I remembered to look them up - putting to bed two of my sleep stealers.

Pled vs. Pleaded

Internet consensus? Either is correct. It's simply a matter of preference. "Pled" seems to be more old-fashioned, however. The AP Stylebook, on the other hand, condemns "pled" saying that it is colloquial.

Which one do I prefer? I've always preferred "pled" - but, then again, I've always been an old-fashioned kinda girl, I guess.

Hung vs. Hanged

Hung apparently refers to something you would hang on a wall. People dangling from ropes, however, are always hanged.

Interesting, huh?

Oh, and did you hear about this? Literally, stuck on the toilet. Gross.

Happy St. Patty's!

2008-03-17T13:05:00.003-05:00

From an Irish girl to you -

Here's to helping you celebrate in style with some Irish drinking toasts and a little history (after the jump):

May God bring good health to your enemies enemies

May you live to be a hundred years, with one extra year to repent.

May you be in heaven one half hour before the devil knows you're dead.

As you slide down the banisters of life may the splinters never point the wrong way.

May the best day of your past be the worst day of your future.

May you get all your wishes but one,
So you always have something to strive for.

Here's to your coffin...
May it be built of 100 year old oaks which I will plant tomorrow.

Here's to you as good as you are,
Here's to me as bad as I am,
As good as you are,
And as bad as I am,
I'm as good as you are,
As bad as I am.

May the sons of your daughters smile up in your face.

Health, and long life to you
Land without rent to you
The partner of your heart to you
and when you die, may your bones rest in Ireland!

May your blessings outnumber
The shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you
Wherever you go.

May your neighbors respect you,
Troubles neglect you,
The angels protect you,
And Heaven accept you.

An old Irish recipe for longevity:
Leave the table hungry.
Leave the bed sleepy.
Leave the bar thirsty.

I've drunk to your health in the pubs ,
I've drunk to your health in my home ,
I've drunk to your health so many times ,
That I've almost ruined my own.

May you have the hindsight to know where you've been,
The insight to know where you are,
and the foresight to know when you've gone too far.

May you have warm words on a cold evening,
A full moon on a dark night,
And the road downhill all the way to your door.

Jellys!

2008-03-15T14:34:00.004-05:00

If you're like me, you think that jelly fish are pretty freakin' cool. In fact, they are extremely gorgeous. If you don't believe me, do a Google image search - you'll be delightfully amazed. Anyway, I stumbled across these pictures of this lady swimming in the Black Sea surrounded by hundreds of jellys and I thought I'd share. Apparently, they aren't the "stinging kind" - but I still don't know that I would jump in for a brisk swim. It just seems like it might be like swimming with a bunch of living boogers. There are more pictures after the jump - you should check 'em out!

PS - You should also check out this really amazing artist, Satava. He has some beautiful glass art of jellyfish that (when you see them in person) may make your eyes a little moist.

New $5 Spot Issued

2008-03-13T14:02:00.002-05:00

It's pretty cool looking, I must say. Apparently, they hit today. You can find our some/all of the features of the new bill here. Let me know if you get one!

Apoligies and the Like

2008-03-12T11:58:00.004-05:00

But I have come out of hiding.

I have done so because of recent news regarding Governor Spitzer's announcement that he, shall I say this lightly, had an affinity for ladies of the night.

You know what? That's fine and well. Same ol' sob story...same ol' tune. Whatever.

What is biting my ass right now....what is really twisting my panties in a knot is the media's reactions to his wife.

Seriously?

We're going to start judging people's reactions to terrible news moments after they hear it? So she stood by him? So, what?! Does that make her less "feminist" to you? Not as "strong"?

Well, it shouldn't.

While I cannot stand up for what this jerk off did, I can also not stand by the media persecuting women for "choosing" (and I say "choosing" very lightly) to stand beside her husband of God knows how many years and the father of her two (edit: three) children - at least for their sakes.

She doesn't have to do it forever....and judging by what I've seen, she obviously didn't like it. Put yourself in her shoes just for a moment.

Imagine your spouse, who you were (maybe) happily married to that morning, decided to break this terrible news to you. Would you love him/her any less than you did that morning? You may hate him/her - you may find that person and their actions absolutely despicable, but do you really love that person any less than you did 4 or even 8 hours ago. I hope that you say "no". And I hope that you maybe can understand her "willingness" to stand up with (not for) her husband.

If you're going to nail anyone to the cross - let it be MR. Spitzer.

Did y'all hear about this??

2007-11-09T10:25:00.000-06:00

New York Girl of My Dreams

He's all over the internet and TV. Just Google him, you'll see... :)

Also, as an aside - he's from Nashville and went to Hume Fogg....

How is it still Tuesday?

2007-10-16T08:49:00.000-05:00

The Onion explores.

Cop sues family of drowning victim

2007-10-10T15:23:00.000-05:00

Ridiculous.

Cop Who Fell on the Job Sues Family of Baby Who Almost Drowned

There are some bizarre people in this world...

2007-09-26T15:51:00.000-05:00

MAIDEN, North Carolina — A man who bought a smoker at an auction of abandoned items might have thought twice had he looked inside first.

Maiden police said Tuesday the man opened up the smoker and saw what he thought was a piece of driftwood wrapped in paper. When he unwrapped it, he found a human leg, cut off 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 centimeters) above the knee.

The smoker had been sold at an auction of items left behind at a storage facility, so investigators contacted the mother and son who had rented the space where the smoker was found.

The mother, Peg (wow....her name is Peg - hilarious) Steele, explained her son had his leg amputated after a plane crash and kept the leg following the surgery "for religious reasons" she doesn't know much about.

"The rest of the family was very much against it," Steele said.

Steele said her son, John Wood, plans to drive to Maiden, about 35 miles (55 kilometers) northwest of Charlotte, to reclaim his amputated leg, police said.

Laughing baby

2007-09-24T12:40:00.000-05:00

Maybe the cutest baby ever. Who knew door stoppers were so funny?

Bring It On Home

2007-09-13T13:08:00.000-05:00

I love this song...just wanted to share.

I'm back! Well, sorta...

2007-09-13T09:10:00.000-05:00

I'm coming out of my blogger silence and hiatus with this story to share:

Minnesota Toe Licker Napped

Please (I beg you), please read this. The picture for the article is worth one million (that's right, million) words...and uproars in laughter.

Travels with Family!

2007-08-20T10:47:00.000-05:00

I'm traveling to San Francisco August 31 - September 5 with the family! I'm super excited - I've always wanted to go there. So I'm soliciting you, dear readers, for fun things to do! Give me the inside scoop! Who's been there? Who's lived there?

Touristy, I know...but I want to ride a trolley. When I was little, my dad would take me to work with him on occasion and we'd ride the trolley from the parking lot to his office. It will bring back fun memories for me.

Chinatown looks like fun.

I don't think the trip would be complete without a tour (the Night Tour - take a gander - Mom just bought the tickets!) of Alcatraz.

I foresee a trip to the wine country...either Sonoma or Napa Valley...

Obviously, the Golden Gate Bridge is a must.

I don't know much about this area...but maybe North Beach?? Thoughts?

Pacific Coast Highway would be beautiful!!

Anyway, give me your advice! I gotta know! :)

Why some guys suck...

2007-08-20T10:40:00.000-05:00

I might never feel the same about Maroon 5's catchy lyrics and beats after reading this quote from lead singer Adam Levine:

“She wouldn’t make any noise during sex. I can’t tell you how disappointed I was. I really thought, like a lot of guys, that she’d be the loud screaming type. But instead, she just lay there like a dead frog. She even got angry if I started to moan, said it ‘ruined her concentration.’ It was so disillusioning that I went on Paxil for a month afterwards. Really, it was much more of a shock than when I found out there’s no such thing as the Easter Bunny.”

Who was he talking about? Well, I've never been one to spread gossip...

You'll have to click the link to find out. Assuming this is true...what a jerk!

They all look alike, right?

2007-08-16T10:30:00.000-05:00

Most likely you've been embarrassed about it before...but you don't necessarily have to be anymore.

New research shows that it is difficult for people to distinguish faces of different races (he. he....faces...races...that rhymed). Anyway, the research indicates that it's not because we are racists, it's the in-out syndrome.

In a series of experiments, Miami University undergraduates were led to believe that they would view the faces of fellow Miami students (the in-group) and students from Marshall University (a perennial football rival, making them the ultimate out-group) on a computer screen.
In reality, none of the faces, all of whom were white, were students at either university. By merely labeling them, however, the participants better recognized faces that they believed were fellow Miami students.

It is believed that the findings suggest "recognition deficits" can occur "without the need for race or different physical characteristics, arguing instead that there is more than just unfamiliarity with other races at play in the cross-race effect."

According to the researchers, "people frequently split the world up into us and them, in other words into social groups, be they racial, national, occupational, or even along the lines of university affiliation. Our work suggests that the cross-race effect is due, at least in part, to this ubiquitous tendency to see the world in terms of these in-groups and out-groups."

Tagged, I'm it!

2007-08-15T13:07:00.000-05:00

Michael just tagged me in the Face Behind the Blog meme.

While I am into my anonymity (though I have been known to post some pictures of myself), I can be persuaded to post more than the one blurry picture of myself in the top right corner.

Here are the rules.

1. Post a short blog article that includes a photograph (or a series of photos) showing the face behind your blog. If you already show a photo somewhere on your site, then make your post more interesting by choosing a photo that’s not currently online.

2. Include links to other people who have displayed a photo.

3. Link back to the original post.

4. Tag as many others as you like.

So, here they are...and here I am.

Tagging: Patrick, Kerpupples, and Soledad.

Thanks, Perez...

2007-08-15T11:37:00.001-05:00

For this truly ~~bizarre~~ great video. Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce you to Bearforce 1.

China Bridge Collapses

2007-08-14T10:57:00.000-05:00

Kills 29. Injures at least 22.

With America's recent obsession with all things structural, the question is, will we care about China's recent tragedy?

And in other news:
9th body found at MN bridge collapse
South Asia's flood death toll has reached 2,000
Cracking down on crack...
1,340 (367 whom were handicapped) rescued from slave labor in China
Cho may have made a practice run at Norris Hall (Virginia Tech)

And after that, I'm starting a new thing right now. Only good news from now on. I have to start slow....it's a different way of thinking. Here's my first. Yea!
Amazon deforestation reduced dramatically over the last three years

Time - Photo Essays

2007-08-07T11:35:00.001-05:00

Tying into my post about perspectives, these photo essays put images to two tragedies - the Minnesota bridge collapse and the monsoons in India.

The first, entitled the Worst Bridge Collapses in the Past 100 Years, is a photographic journey through the heartbreak that surrounds senseless tragedies.

Photo 3, The Skywalk collapse in Kansas City
Photo 6, Rainbow Bridge collapse in Qijiang county, China - A government official who ignored signs of decay was sentenced to death.
Photo 10, Bridge in Bihar, India

The second, entitled Asia's Monsoon, takes you through the affected region. "Though the monsoon is an annual event, this is the heaviest season Bihar has seen in 30 years. The Indian government reports this year's rains have killed over 1,200 since June and displaced some 14 million people."

Photo 4, Heartbreaking
Photo 7, Waiting for the flood waters to recede, India has yet to see the worst.
Photo 9, Sad subject - beautiful composition.
Photo 10 and 12, Nothing but water as far as the eye can see.
Photo 11, Nowhere else to go.

Oh my!

2007-08-03T11:40:00.000-05:00

Pregnant 10.5 years of her life? Jim Bob Duggar's wife has been.

Read about her and her 17 children here.

Gaining Perspecitve

2007-08-03T08:54:00.000-05:00

Ever noticed how something horrible can happen a world away...and "it sucks", "gosh that's terrible".

But if this event were to happen, say in your own country, it would occupy the minds and hearts of all citizens...thousands of newscasts...countless of hours of television...and journalist efforts devoted solely to what happened...

Big or Small.

Let's take, for example, the floods that are currently happening in India. Gosh, that sucks, doesn't it? Millions are marooned and the current death toll is over 1,000.

1,000!

But in Minneapolis, 4 people are dead and 20 are missing. Let's just assume for a moment that all of those 20 missing will turn up dead (that sounds callous, I'm sorry). Even still, that makes the death toll from a bridge collapse possibly 24 people.

24!

Can we gain a little perspective here?!

Technoriti is telling me that 170,529 people linked to this one article about the MN bridge collapse. That's just one article of the thousands that have been published, printed and reported.

One person, one, linked to the article from ABC World News about the floods that are currently killing thousands in India.

Me.

The bridge collapse is also mentioned three times in Technoriti's top searches.

But there's not one mention of the devastation in India, Bangladesh and Nepal.

Now, don't get me wrong. I feel for the families that have lost loved ones in the bridge collapse and I know the reason we obsess over needless tragedies such as this is for the simple fact that they are close to home.

And maybe those countries, so far away, don't seem real to some. But they are very real. Those 1,000+ people included in that death toll were mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and children...just like the ones in Minnesota.

Sometimes, I just feel that we, as Americans and as inhabitants to the world, need to gain a little perspective.

This enrages me...

2007-08-02T09:25:00.000-05:00

May I have an abortion, sir?

To think that some people think this is a viable means to control women getting abortions...a signed consent from the fetus' father.

Awesome.

Awesomely ridiculous.

Loveable Links

2007-07-31T14:15:00.000-05:00

Peruse some of these links. Pretty interesting stuff. Occupied me for a good long while.

Enjoy.

Carnivore Sex Off the Menu
Sexual Atrocities in the Congo
Police in Ocean City Search for More Tiny Corpses
And covered again here.
Girl Living in Animal Filth Shoots Dad in the Face
A Snapshot of a Would-Be President

Internet Stalking

2007-07-30T09:13:00.000-05:00

No work required.

PC World Magazine has compiled some of the best sites/sights on Google Earth. Peruse, enjoy, stalk in complete anonymity.

In Pictures: The Strangest Sites on Google Earth

Personality Test

2007-07-27T10:19:00.001-05:00

It's been awhile since I took the Myer's Briggs personality test and low and behold, I'm still the same.

Your Type is
ENFJ

Extraverted	Intuitive	Feeling	Judging
Strength of the preferences %
22	12	38	44

If you want, take your test here. Comment back what you are. I'd love to know.

Here's a little about my type, you know...just in case you're interested!

ENFJs are energetic, enthusiastic, and very aware of others. Their genuine interest can usually draw out and involve even the most reserved person. They listen to and support others, but also have a very definite values and opinions of their own, which they will express clearly. ENFJs are energized by people and are socially adept; however, they also have a strong need for authentic, intimate relationships.
Abstract in their thought and speech, cooperative in their style of achieving goals, and directive and expressive in their interpersonal relations.
Especially capable of educing or calling forth those inner potentials each learner possesses. Even as children this type may attract a gathering of other children ready to follow their lead in play or work. And they lead without seeming to do so.
Expect the very best of those around them, and this expectation, usually expressed as enthusiastic encouragement, motivates action in others and the desire to live up to their expectations. This type has the charming characteristic of taking for granted that their expectations will be met, their implicit commands obeyed, never doubting that people will want to do what they suggest. And, more often than not, people do, because this type has extraordinary charisma.
Found in no more than 2 or 3 percent of the population. They like to have things settled and arranged. They prefer to plan both work and social engagements ahead of time and tend to be absolutely reliable in honoring these commitments.
Values harmonious human relations above all else, can handle people with charm and concern, and are usually popular wherever they are. But Teachers are not so much social as educational leaders, interested primarily in the personal growth and development of others, and less in attending to their social needs.
And here's a really good site describing ENFJs that I won't burden you with here.

So, take the test. Tell me what you are!

Meme time!

2007-07-26T15:26:00.001-05:00

Lane tagged me in the 7 Random Things meme and I just found out. Lucky me, I am bored at work today. I'll get right on this! Yea!

The Rules:

Players start with 7 random facts/habits about themselves.
People who are tagged need to write their own blog posts with their 7 things as well as these rules.
You need to tag 7 others and list their names on your blog.
Remember to leave a comment for them letting them know they have been tagged and to read your blog.

Here are my seven randoms:

I play volleyball at Hooters. I don't wear the uniform. Don't ask me about it. It's pretty awesome... :)
I sleep with the blanket that I have had since I was three. He's called Pink Baby. That's right, he.
When I'm nervous or embarrassed my face blushes to a bright crimson shade. No hiding those feelings!
I try to have breakfast with my dad once a week. I look forward to it a lot, even though I have to get up way too early.
I would love to live overseas...just for a few years. In the end, I don't think I will feel complete if I haven't done this.
I graduate college on Friday, August 13, 2004. So far, so good. No bad luck yet!
When I'm nervous (along with blushing) I get very talkative. I don't shut up and I try to make people laugh...usually by being sarcastic. If I don't feel comfortable...and there is a difference between that and nervous, I just don't talk.

Okay - I can't think of seven people that will do this, so I'll just tag the people I think that might... :)

Tagged: Kerpupples, Salmon Pants, Patrick

Best. Line. Ever.

2007-07-26T10:01:00.000-05:00

"Frank Garcia, 72, happily pocketed his supply of official New York City condoms, which are packaged with a subway logo."

Oscar's Awesome

2007-07-26T08:46:00.000-05:00

"Oscar has a habit of curling up next to patients at the home in Providence, Rhode Island, in their final hours.

According to the author of a study in the New England Journal of Medicine, the two-year-old cat has been observed to be correct in 25 cases so far.

Staff now alert the families of residents when he sits down next to their ailing loved one.

Oscar was adopted as a kitten at Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Centre.

The cat is said to do his own rounds, just like the doctors and nurses at the home, but is not generally friendly to patients.

Although most families are grateful for the warning Oscar seems to provide, some relatives ask that the pet be taken away while they say their last goodbyes to their loved ones.

When put outside the room, Oscar is said to pace up and down meowing in protest.

Thomas Graves, a feline expert from the University of Illinois, told the BBC: "Cats often can sense when their owners are sick or when another animal is sick.

"They can sense when the weather will change, they're famous for being sensitive to premonitions of earthquakes."

A doctor who treats patients at the home said she believed there was probably a biochemical explanation, rather than the cat being psychic. "

I wonder if Mr. Darcy can do this? Oscar kinda looks like Darcy...but Darcy curls up next to me pretty much every night. His death'dar cannot be trusted.

Bikini-Clad Mowers in Memphis

2007-07-23T10:40:00.000-05:00

They'll mow your lawn almost naked! So far, there have been no requests for the male version. Probably because men mow the lawn sans shirt anyway. Why pay more?

Prison's going to be awesome!

2007-07-23T10:13:00.000-05:00

And, you know, should I ever have to go to prison...I hope it's something like this...

Sex Ed to Kindergarteners?

2007-07-20T14:04:00.000-05:00

I don't think so.

It's just not appropriate.

"But it’s the right thing to do, to provide age-appropriate sex education, science-based sex education in schools." -Barack Obama

When Obama was put on the spot as to what exactly the sex education to 4 to 6 year olds would consist of, he really couldn't answer except to say this...

He "moved to clarify" that he "does not support teaching explicit sex education to children in kindergarten. . . 'Nobody's suggesting that kindergartners are going to be getting information about sex in the way that we think about it,' Obama said. 'If they ask a teacher 'where do babies come from,' then providing information that the fact is that it's not a stork is probably not an unhealthy thing. Although again, that's going to be determined on a case by case basis by local communities and local school boards.'"

I honestly believe that children that young should be taught that boys and girls have different "parts" and that's it. There's really no reason to burden them with more information than that.

Let them play with their dolls, play Indians and Chiefs or whatever else kids play these days. If they ask questions, answer them openly and honestly. Don't hide anything or make sexual things sound dirty.

But for God's sake, don't sit them down in a classroom and teach them more than they need to know about sex a good 6-9 years before puberty even hits.

Look at the kids to the right. Can you honestly tell me that these children need to know the intricacies of sex? Let them learn the ABCs and ask questions like "Why is the grass green", "Why is the sky blue", before we start in with sex. They'll have the rest of their lives to worry about sex.

Let them be innocent...even if it's just for a little while.

Another reason to get/stay off the meat...

2007-07-20T13:41:00.000-05:00

Japan has come out with a new study claiming that producing 2.2 lbs of beef generates as much as driving a car non-stop for three hours.

"That means that 2.2lb of beef is responsible for greenhouse gas emissions which have the same effect as the carbon dioxide released by an ordinary car travelling at 50 miles per hour for 155 miles, a journey lasting three hours. The amount of energy consumed would light a 100-watt bulb for 20 days.

Su Taylor, the press officer for the Vegetarian Society, told New Scientist: 'Everybody is trying to come up with different ways to reduce carbon footprints, but one of the easiest things you can do is to stop eating meat.'"

Remember, I just went vegetarian in May. So far, so good. I've had recent cravings for meat...but nothing too bad or uncontrollable. There are definitely some good alternatives out there if you choose to go meatless.

-Boca Burgers (I tired the Flame Grilled one) are delicious, absolutely delicious.
-Cedarlane is tasty with a plethora of product offerings.
-Morningstar Farms is ah-mazing. Simply delicious. I have had a ton of their products and have not been disappointed with one of them so far.

And then, of course I am not full on vegetarian since I still eat fish, milk and eggs. But you know, I do what I can and every little bit helps and makes me feel better about what I eat.

U.K. Schoolgirl Looses "Virginity Ring" Battle

2007-07-18T15:43:00.000-05:00

So, so sad.

LONDON - A teenager whose teachers had stopped her wearing a “purity ring” at school to symbolize her commitment to virginity has lost a High Court fight against the ban.

Lydia Playfoot, 16, says her silver ring is an expression of her faith and had argued in court that it should be exempt from school regulations banning the wearing of jewelry.

“I am very disappointed by the decision this morning by the High Court not to allow me to wear my purity ring to school as an expression of my Christian faith not to have sex outside marriage,” Playfoot said in a statement Monday.

Playfoot’s legal challenge was the latest in a series of disputes in British schools in recent years over the right of pupils to wear religious symbols or clothing, such as crucifixes and veils.

Playfoot’s parents are key members of the British arm of the American chastity campaign group the Silver Ring Thing, a religious group which urges abstinence among young people.

Those who sign up wear a ring on the third finger of the left hand. It is inscribed with “Thess. 4:3-4,” a reference to a Biblical passage from Thessalonians which reads: “God wants you to be holy, so you should keep clear of all sexual sin.”

Lawyers for the school denied discrimination and said the purity ring breached its rules on wearing jewelry.

They said allowances were made for Muslim and Sikh pupils only for items integral to their religious beliefs and that, for the same reason, crucifixes were also allowed. But it argued that the purity ring was not an integral part of the Christian faith.

Owner of a Lonely Heart...

2007-07-18T13:59:00.000-05:00

Yes...
(hahaha)

Japanese men are finding it increasingly difficult to partner with a women that will please them. So...as any natural person would do, they turn not to dating sites or prostitutes...but to plastic.

Plastic sex dolls.

These dolls are life like and are anatomically correct and range in price from $800-$5,500 a piece. The more expensive models are made of silicone (more life-like and have, get this, 35 movable joints).

Please read the attached article...it makes me really sad for this one guy who goes by "Ta - Bo".

"Each has a name. Ta-Bo often watches television with his toys before bathing them, powdering them so that their skin feels more human, dressing them in lingerie and then taking them to bed.

'A human girl can cheat on you or betray you sometimes, but these dolls never do those thing. They belong to me 100 percent,' says the engineer who has spent more than 2 million yen ($16,000) over the past decade on the dolls."

Poor Ta - Bo! He has three of them lined up on his couch when he returns home...then he bathes them and powders them.

He has obviously been cheated on in the past.

Ta - Bo, not everyone cheats! I promise. You have to pick up the pieces, man. Date women. Real ones that don't come from a factory or a company. And don't advertise the number of movable parts they have.

There's a girl out there for you. Don't give up hope. Seriously, these were originally meant for handicapped men....but whatever floats your boat.

Obviously Ta - Bo wanted some girl to "belong" to him and do whatever he wanted her to. He likes the silent, submissive type. Those kinda girls might be difficult to find.

Well, I guess he found one. Scratch that...he found three of them. Until his next paycheck and he can buy more. Whoo Hoo!

What a "Bass"inine Thing to Do!

2007-07-18T08:36:00.000-05:00

Ha. Ha. Ha. "Bass"inine! Ha. Ha. Ha. Get it?! Like asinine?! Only with a bass?! Oh, keep reading, you'll get the correlation in a minute.

Oh, it's early...and sometimes...when I'm tired...I crack myself up.

Anywho.

Well, I read an article this morning, while sipping some java and perusing my Google Reader, about Albert Gore.

Good ole Al.

His efforts at environmental conservation and reducing carbon footprints - when his is incredibly large - are well intended. And his Live Earth celebration stirred up much criticism regarding all the air travel and waste that was produced because of the concerts.

It's just, well...you've got to walk your talk...or well, you'll reap what you sew.

Anyway, he's in a new hot-bed of environmental hypocrisy.

Apparently, at his daughter's wedding over the weekend he served Chilean Sea Bass. What's the big deal, you ask? Well, it's only one of the most endangered fish in the world. (Although, you can read this article for a dissenter's opine).

Why do I care? Well, my dad's a fisheries biologist/conservationist...and I, well...dislike hypocrites very much.

Oh well. I just want Gore to be a real conservationist. A real giant for the green. A green giant...if you will.

Happy Wednesday. That's what I've got for this morning. Will be in touch and hopefully not bitter later. :)

Final Period

2007-07-17T16:48:00.000-05:00

With the development of a birth control that allows women to never have their periods, Karen Houppert, a NY Times columnist, has some things to say.

It's really good. Read it. I dare you. Period.

Ugh - Just a horrible fashion trend...

2007-07-17T10:53:00.000-05:00

You know, if you ask me...

Apology for all the sex/preggers articles...

2007-07-16T15:51:00.000-05:00

But here's one more. I need to get my mind on other things today!

NY Times - Positive Trends for Today's Teens

Take Aways:
*The teenage birthrate hit a record low. The teenage birth rate in 2005 was 21 per 1,000 young women ages 15 to 17 — an all-time low. Comparatively, the rate in 1991 was 39 births per 1,000 teenagers.

*In 2005, 47 percent of high school students — 6.7 million — reported having had sexual intercourse, down from 54 percent during the 12 years between 1991-2003

*Of those who reported having had sex during a three-month period in 2005, 63 percent — about 9 million — said they used condoms. That is an increase from the 46 percent reported in 1991.

“I think the H.I.V./AIDS epidemic and the efforts in the ’80s and ’90s had a lot to do with that,” Mr. Wagoner said of the improved numbers on teenage sexual activity, condom use and births. “We need to encourage young teens to delay sexual initiation, and we need to make sure they get all the information they need about condoms and birth control”.

Honestly, I just can't imagine 54 percent having sex in high school. I mean, I know they did...and I know that I was sheltered...but come on! None of my girlfriends had sex back then and not many of my guy friends did as far as I know...and I am pretty sure they would have talked/bragged about it...because I got to hear everything else. Whatever, though. Perhaps I was just friends with the other 46 percent.

Also, this brings up the condom issue. Thank God the number of teenagers using condoms is going up.

I understand that it might be embarrassing to look for and perhaps even, buy condoms. But don't be stupid.

If it's the cost, suck it up. Your $5 dollars (or whatever condoms cost) is a lot cheaper than caring for a child. And after all, you think you are old enough to have sex, therefore you are old enough to have a job and pay for your condoms.

If it is the embarrassment, you should only be embarrassed if you look like a baby about to engage in a sexual act...which you probably do because you're in high school. Even still, you need protection. I would imagine that going to the doctor to find out that you had herpes and/or gonorrhea would be pretty embarrassing too...only it lasts a lot longer than your check-out with the other pimple-faced teenager at Target.

And that concludes my rant...sorry if it offends... :)

Why do you do it?

2007-07-16T10:23:00.000-05:00

A recent research study found 235 reasons why people get it on between the sheets.

Sushi during pregnancy?

2007-07-16T08:31:00.000-05:00

Sure!

The US Food and Drug Administration would have you believe that eating raw fish during pregnancy is as bad as ingesting Pine Sol. And it's not limited at fish, women that are preggers are also supposed to avoid like the plague, unpasteurized cheeses and alcohol.

Well, the French and the Japanese eat all of these things...and we all know how smart Japanese babies are.

Apparently, according to this NY Times article, the US is missing the boat.

The risk of falling ill from eating seafood (not including shellfish) is 1 in 2 million servings while the risk from eating chicken is 1 in 25,000.

Raw fish is generally safe, baring any cross contamination and assuming that the restaurant follows good safety practices, it is the shellfish that you have to watch out for.

"Most species used for sushi don’t have parasites anyway. Fish like tuna are not particularly susceptible to parasites because they dwell in very deep, very cold water, and sushi restaurants typically use farmed salmon to avoid the parasite problems wild salmon have. Most of the fish likely to have parasites, like cod and whitefish, aren’t generally used for sushi. Nor does pregnancy increase susceptibility to parasites. Healthy women who’ve been eating sushi are not at increased risk when they become pregnant. The same resistance and immunities function before, during and after pregnancy."

In other words, eat up ladies!

Time to revoke your old notions of librarians...

2007-07-12T09:46:00.000-05:00

A Hipper Crowd of Shushers is emerging. ;)

Reading, a Harry situation...

2007-07-12T09:14:00.001-05:00

Does the Harry Potter series deserve as much credit for motivating young readers as has been given?

According to this NYT article, no.

Studies have shown that interest in reading peaks with every new installment of HP and then reverses back to the previous interest level. Meaning that children don't pick up other books while waiting for the next HP. Is reading one book every two or so years enough?

One researcher at Stamford said that we put too much interest on reading for pleasure. He says children should read for information in preparation for what they will need to survive the real world. He poses the question, when will reading literature be a necessary skill/pass time?

What do you think?

Should children be encouraged to read for pleasure? Is reading a fundamental skill that should be developed? Or, as the one researcher suggests, should reading for information be the skill that is developed in school?

The Virgin Suicides

2007-07-11T16:02:00.000-05:00

I just finished reading The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides and it will be far too hard for me to convey to you how much I loved this book.

Loved, loved, loved.

Eugenides' combines the common elements of humor and grief into something beautiful and rare.

I definitely recommend this book.

Here are some quotes that I found particularly captivating:

"All wisdom ends in a paradox." (p. 246)

"They had killed themselves over the dying forests; over the manatees maimed by propellers as they surfaced to drink from garden hoses; they killed themselves at the sight of used tires stacked higher than the pyramids; they had killed themselves over the failure to find a love none of us could ever be. In the end, the tortures tearing the Lisbon girls pointed to a simple reasoned refusal to accept the world as it was handed down to them, so full of flaws." (p. 245)

"The essence of the suicides consisted not of sadness or mystery but simple selfishness. The girls took into their own hands decisions better left to God. They became too powerful to live among us, too self-concerned, too visionary, too blind." (p. 248)

"What my yia yia could never understand about America was why everyone pretended to be happy all the time." (p. 175)

Writing about prostate self exams: "And so we lie on our backs, probing, recoiling, probing again, and the seeds of death get lost in the mess God made us." (p. 170)

"We felt the imprisonment of being a girl, the way it made your mind active and dreamy, and how you ended up knowing which colors went together. We knew that the girls were our twins, that we all existed in space like animals with identical skins, and that they knew everything about us though we couldn't fathom them at all. We knew, finally, that the girls were really women in disguise, that they understood love and even death, and that our job was merely to create the noise that seemed to fascinate them." (p. 44)

Sarah Ashlee's Word of the Day

2007-07-10T15:35:00.000-05:00

Just because it's a newly discovered, fantastic word...one worth knowing.

Portentous (por-TEN-tus)
adjective

1. Foreboding; foreshadowing, especially foreshadowing ill; ominous.
2. Marvelous; prodigious; wonderful; as, a beast of portentous size.
3. Pompous.

Gracious!

2007-07-06T16:26:00.000-05:00

11 Year Old Charged With DUI

She was arrested right by my parents beach house...

On Family

2007-07-06T11:09:00.000-05:00

Family is a weird thing.

From birth, you’re placed into this unit of people and told to love them because they are your blood – and because family is all you really have in this world. These people, to whom you are inexplicably tied, come to your major life events, share your holidays, and perhaps, know your deepest family skeletons. They are people who you might not get along with, might not like and might not want to love. But for some reason, you do.

That being said, my mom’s mom and I were never close. She was always cold, brusque, and more than often, curt. She never read to me, never let me curl up on the couch with her and never cooked the dinners she knew I would like. She was vain, opinionated and always stubborn. I begged my parents to not leave me alone with her. It was always awkward and boring.

Though it may seem this way, my grandma has not passed away, at least not physically. She has Alzheimer’s and has slowly been slipping from my family’s grip for a little over two years.

The degenerative process didn’t start the way they say. Loosing keys, forgetting names, and places. She forgot weird things, like how to use the phone, the microwave and the oven. We would call her on the phone, talk for a bit and at some point, she would set the phone down, and walk off calling your name…trying to find you.

One hot, Alabama summer day, she trapped rambunctious children in her storage room. She said they were running through her yard, trampling her flowers and needed to be taught a lesson. At least that’s what she thought. My aunt rushed over to her house, ran from her car, swung open the storage room door and found not one child.

She would talk to you normally, then look to your side, and ask Fred what he thought, or ask you to take a look at Fred, look at him napping. Fred was my grandpa who died when I was in fourth grade. Being alone with her at this point was far from boring as it had been in my younger years, now it was just far too creepy.

The mind is a scary and wonderful thing.

Recently, she slipped into what can be likened to a coma-like state. She’s alive and doing all of the needed bodily functions on her own. But she rarely opens her eyes, she never sits up, and when she speaks, it is barely audible or understandable.

On the way to the beach last week, the Genius wanted to know the reasons behind my desire to see my grandma. What I came up with made me feel confused. I wanted to go and see her, but why?

Was it for me? Yeah. I’m not sure that I would be okay with myself having passed through the very town she was in, and not stopped. And honestly, there was a little part of me that was curious. Was she really as bad as my mom had said?

Was it for her? Sure. If there was any glimmer of hope that she was in there, somewhere in the depths of her mind, I wanted her to know that her family was there. Loving her, supporting her, and praying for her.

Because that’s what family does, that’s what we’re here for.

We may not get along and we may not have chosen the individuals that make up our unit, but this is who we have. The members of our families represent our pasts and our futures.

We are tied to these people as we are tied to no one else in this world. Sure, you can leave them…but they will always be there in your history and I can pretty much guarantee that you will always think of them, be it fondly or not.

Picture of the Week

2007-07-05T13:30:00.001-05:00

The other competitor's face is priceless...simply priceless.

Really big time capsule found...

2007-07-05T12:52:00.000-05:00

ABC news reports,

"...Among other things, the capsule contained membership lists for the 1937 school board, an American Legion post, the Masonic Lodge, the Methodist Church and a band that played at that year's Kansas State Fair. It also held copies of the Kiowa County Progressive Signal and the Greensburg News."

Really? The time capsule contained the Masonic lodge, the Methodist church and an entire band?? That surely is amazing!

Update: I just reread the above article that I was making fun of...and, well - I am reading it correctly now. They found membership lists from those places! GOT it. I don't see how that's something so great that it should be included in a time capsule, though. Oh well. Call me crazy.

Bizarre Quote...

2007-07-05T11:17:00.000-05:00

"They went to sleep in a manure pit but woke up in Heaven."

Manure deaths called baffling...

Don't Lie...

2007-07-02T09:35:00.000-05:00

You know this is the coolest thing you've ever seen. Yeah, the coolest...

Two words...

Google Pedometer

On the left column, click "Usage Instructions". I needed the help; you might not.

Women in Art

2007-06-21T17:01:00.001-05:00

Okay, maybe it's because I'm in love with art history - but this video is absolutely the coolest...

Flugtag - Don't Miss It!

2007-06-21T14:01:00.000-05:00

Flugtag's free...fun...and well, free. What else do you want from me??

Gates open at 11:00.
First flight is at 1:00.

See you there!

Britain's Got Talent...

2007-06-21T13:44:00.000-05:00

Seriously, if you can watch this without getting misty eyed...well, that's just sad...

Good night, sleep tight...

2007-06-20T16:59:00.000-05:00

I was tagged by LeBlanc in a meme to create a list of six things I do before heading off to sleep. While this changes drastically depending on my sleeping location/situation at the time…this is my "alone" routine.

First I feed the beast….Mr. Darcy. God forbid, that little devil run low on food or water during the night because I will be woken up…bitten…and aggravated until I go into the kitchen to feed him.

Second I decide if I want to sleep sans apparel…or sleep in my pjs. If I decide to sleep sans apparel, I skip to the third step. If I decide to sleep in my pjs, I pick out what I want to wear…shorts, t-shirt, tank top, negligee…cough…just kidding.

Third I’ve got all the bathroom duties to do. Brush my teeth, floss, gargle and rinse. I wash my face, put on some moisturizers so that I don’t look too old, too fast and then I go to the bathroom in hopes of heading off a trip to the loo in the middle of the night.

Forth I get a glass of water to take with me to bed and take my vitamins. By the way, the GNC Hair, Skin and Nails formula…oh, it pretty much rocks my world. That’s right. My entire world. I believe I have told everyone I know this, but I used to have these ridges on my fingernails and I knew, from diligent research, it was from some vitamin deficiency. Though, I couldn’t figure out which one! Even the Centrum Performance wasn’t enough to get rid of them. Oh…those dang ridges were no match for the GNC Hair, Skin and Nails formula! Freakin’ miracle drug, that’s what it is.

Fifth I settle in for a good read. I like to read a fiction and a non-fiction at the same time. Right now, I am reading The Memory of Running and Reefer Madness. They are both good…and recommended.

Sixth …I turn on the fan that sits on my nightstand, put some chapstick on, and well...turn out the light...

My mom read my blog...

2007-06-20T16:18:00.000-05:00

...you know, the one about decisions. Well, she had a few things to say, tried to post them but couldn't quite get the knack of posting a comment down...

Well, ladies and gentlemen, here is my mom's response to "Decisions". I have the best mom...ever (Hi, mom!).

"First and foremost, in this life, the only life we will have, I want you to be incredibly happy, self fulfilled, motivated, assured of your decisions, creative, and, believe that no matter which route you chose, as long as you are happy, that I will be completely happy. And, that will be because you have found yourself and are satisfied within yourself. After all, that is what happiness is. It's not how much money you make, but, if you are happy in doing what you do in life and with the money you make can you do the things that bring you happiness. It's a blend.

And, as to having children...that is absolutely personal. Not everyone can be a mother, or do a good job at it, or even want to be. I don't believe when I was in my teens Iwas ever even asked that question or even considered whether or not I did or did not want to be a mother...I just was. It was just there, maybe, even expected. I don't know, I just never really thought about it. However, later, I did. I wanted to be a mother...it was a choice, a decision. I know I made the right choice...because you are here. And, oh, how I love you. But, I will assuredly not be disappointed if you choose not to have children in any fashion..that is your choice. I love you just the way you are. With or without grandchildren. That is truly how I feel.

And, if you were a barrista... were happy, taught yoga , lived your dream, were safe, and I could be a part of your life that would make me complete. That is truly how I feel. I want you to feel free to be you. That is why I value education so much. It helps you to see "outside the box"; to find out what is in this huge wonderful world that I have no clue of; to teach me new and wonderful things....we are never too old to learn, to create, to change...never.

I am happy that you found role models that establish interesting concepts to be included in the person you are...just me would have never been enough. I knew from an early age that you were going to be and are gifted and that I could only go so far with what I knew. You know so much and are growing smarter every day...and, I hope to learn as much as I can from you. I do believe we will always learn from one another. Maybe in different ways. I have been many places in my lifetime...and learned a lot from just living...that you can't get from a book. And, you have been places I have not been....so, we both learn. Everyday."

The Luckiest

2007-06-20T16:03:00.000-05:00

Have you ever had that one song, poem, quote…that one thing that was able to put into words…that was able to capture the essence of what you’ve felt, what you’ve bumbled though…what you want?

That’s the way the song “The Luckiest” by Ben Folds is to me. I’ve always loved it, but rediscovered it when I found my CD stashed away in a box from when I moved.

Anyway, my favorite parts of the lyrics follow. Enjoy!

I don't get many things right the first time
In fact, I am told that a lot
Now I know all the wrong turns, the stumbles and falls
Brought me here
And where was I before the day
That I first saw your lovely face?
Now I see it everyday
And I know
That I am
The luckiest

And in a wide sea of eyes
I see one pair that I recognize
And I know
That I am
The luckiest

I love you more than I have ever found a way to say to you
Next door there's an old man who lived to his nineties
And one day passed away in his sleep
And his wife; she stayed for a couple of days
And passed away
I'm sorry, I know that's a strange way to tell you that I know we belong
That I know
That I am
The luckiest

Never wonder about a song's meaning again...

2007-06-18T11:07:00.001-05:00

Browse by song title and artist...it's pretty much awesome and it's made my day.

Ruth Graham passes away

2007-06-15T09:20:00.000-05:00

Now, I haven't followed her life and I don't know much about her; however, watching her story this morning and listening to who she was and how she will be remembered touched my heart.

Watch the story here and here.

Billy Graham - "I am so grateful to the Lord that He gave me Ruth, and especially for these last few years we’ve had in the mountains together. We’ve rekindled the romance of our youth, and my love for her continued to grow deeper every day. I will miss her terribly and look forward even more to the day I can join her in Heaven.”

Ruth was asked in an interview with Diane Sawyer back in the 90's about the secret to her marital success. She responded that a Chinese writer once wrote that "In the West (America), marriage starts at a boil and gradually cools. In the East, marriage starts cool and gradually reaches a boil."

Perhaps that was their secret.

Browsing around Border's

2007-06-14T22:17:00.000-05:00

And I saw some interesting books I thought I would share.

Three Cups of Tea (Greg Mortenson)

Some failures lead to phenomenal successes, and this American nurse's unsuccessful attempt to climb K2, the world's second tallest mountain, is one of them. Dangerously ill when he finished his climb in 1993, Mortenson was sheltered for seven weeks by the small Pakistani village of Korphe; in return, he promised to build the impoverished town's first school, a project that grew into the Central Asia Institute, which has since constructed more than 50 schools across rural Pakistan and Afghanistan. Coauthor Relin recounts Mortenson's efforts in fascinating detail, presenting compelling portraits of the village elders, con artists, philanthropists, mujahideen, Taliban officials, ambitious school girls and upright Muslims Mortenson met along the way. As the book moves into the post-9/11 world, Mortenson and Relin argue that the United States must fight Islamic extremism in the region through collaborative efforts to alleviate poverty and improve access to education, especially for girls. Captivating and suspenseful, with engrossing accounts of both hostilities and unlikely friendships, this book will win many readers' hearts. Publisher's Weekly

Rebecca's Tale (Sally Beauman)

April 1951. It has been twenty years since the death of Rebecca, the hauntingly beautiful first wife of Maxim de Winter, and twenty years since Manderley, the de Winter family's estate, was destroyed by fire. But Rebecca's tale is just beginning.

Colonel Julyan, an old family friend, receives an anonymous package concerning Rebecca. An inquisitive young scholar named Terence Gray appears and stirs up the quiet seaside hamlet with questions about the past and the close ties he soon forges with the Colonel and his eligible daughter, Ellie. Amid bitter gossip and murky intrigue, the trio begins a search for the real Rebecca and the truth behind her mysterious death. Book Description.

For those of us who have read and loved Rebecca, this looks like the book for us!

Decisions

2007-06-14T22:02:00.000-05:00

I caught up with my friend Tiffany last night and we talked about many of the issues that concern (see also - bother) us on a regular basis.

As women, we are stuck in very difficult situations. We are forced, rather encouraged, to consider so many different and conflicting influences before making decisions that concern our lives. The key word there is our lives. The decisions that I choose are mine and mine only. At least at this juncture…

Whatever we, as women, choose to do is met by scrutiny, admonishment and scorn by one side or another. If I choose to get married, I am subscribing to archaic rules and values. Wasn’t I aware that women could make it solo? Perhaps I was, but didn’t want to go it alone…perhaps I wanted someone to share it with a long the way. And if I don’t want to get married, well, then naturally I am a career-ambitious bitch who doesn’t value family or family values.

Then there is the issue of children. Do I want them? Does he? If I decide I don’t want them and he does, is that a deal breaker? I tested the waters the other night while having dinner with my mom and dad.

“I don’t think I want to have kids,” I said to my mom.

“Sure you do, sweetheart! You’ve always wanted kids!”

“Yeah, I did. But I was younger then. Maybe I’m just not cut out for them. What if I’m a bad mom? And isn’t the world already populated enough?”

“Sarah, you’ll want kids when the time comes. You’re just in a phase right now.”

Yeah…that’s it, I’m in a phase. I think what she meant was, “Sarah, you’ll want to have kids…because I want you to have kids…and I’m your mother and mother knows best…”

Perhaps.

I don’t know. It sometimes just seems that no matter what side I choose, someone winds up disappointed. And I wonder, why can’t people just back out or pitch in and just make the decisions for me.

It would be a lot easier.

Sometimes I long for a simpler time. When there was only one car, a Ford, and it only came in one color, black. A time when women got married and had children early and they were “happy”…at least on the surface.

But I think they were happy. I think, maybe they didn’t know any different…maybe they didn’t know they were unhappy. Being married and having kids was what they were supposed to do and that was supposed to make them happy. They didn’t have a choice. The grass can’t be greener on the other side if another side doesn’t exist, right?

These days women actually have to figure out what makes them happy amid swirls of dissension. Thanks, women’s lib! Thanks a lot.

And this makes me think about my job and what I do, toiling day in and day out over what really are absolute frivolities.

I work to have money because I am scared to be poor. I work five days a week so that I have money to do something on the two days that I have off. I am working to contribute to the “system” because that is what I am supposed to do…this is what is supposedly good and respectful.

So then I think, what I really want to do is finish my degree, move to Seattle, work in a coffee shop and be a yoga instructor.

But I’m told I am too educated for that now. Silly me, here I was thinking that getting a Master’s degree would open up more doors.

I don’t want to be “wealthy”, I just want to have enough money to do the things that I want to do…to afford the things I want to afford. That’s it. I want to be comfortable and happy. I don’t think that’s too much to ask for, really.

I look up to my philosophy professor from Belmont. She never told us much about her personal life, so what I know about her, I have pieced together to make my ideal Dr. O.

She is in her 40’s or 50’s, never married but had, in her life, encountered and possessed many loves. She has no children and this sometimes creates a void, but she knows that if she truly wanted a child, she could have one.

She has a fantastic body, one that has not by spoiled by age and unhappiness. Life hasn’t gotten the best of her, her spirit or her body.

Which is more than I can say for people half her age.

She has fabulous salt and pepper hair and doesn’t attempt to hide it with colorings and dyes. She expects people to understand and accept her for who she is…not for the person she used to be or wish she would become.

Dr. O taught me that the important questions in life, the questions worth asking, are the ones you can’t answer. The questions that dig deep into your soul and, upon investigating, allow you to discover who you truly are.

For some reason, to me, she embodied both the conservative and the modern view of women. Somehow she was able to reconcile them both…in theory and in practice.

I think what made that possible is that she had found who she was, who she wasn’t and, in turn, was infinitely happy.

It might be the best day of my life...

2007-06-08T15:22:00.000-05:00

A screaming Paris was sent back to prison today to serve her original 45-day (minus the "five" days she has already served) sentence.

Praise be to the LA court system; my faith has been restored!

Here's a round up for your reading pleasure -
The Superficial
I Don't Like You in That Way
TMZ
MSN
Yahoo
CNN

Spelling Bee Champion

2007-06-07T10:21:00.000-05:00

Om. My. Gosh. That poor anchor woman! Seriously, I feel so bad for laughing because I have the distinct feeling that this kid might be mentally handicapped. But then again, he's a good speller. Is there a disability that makes one a phenom speller...but by all other accounts...act like an idiot? Or is he just socially awkward because he's home schooled?

Awesome Nationwide Ad

2007-06-07T08:54:00.001-05:00

Location: Downtown Columbus, OH

I'm assuming those cars below the giant ad are part of the whole thing, but like the site the photo links to, I kinda want them to be innocent bystanders' cars.

From my visit to Columbus last year, I believe this is the building that had a giant poster of a young Fabio pictured in a romance novel sort of way. On the other tower was the old Fabio. Here's the video.

The Nationwide "Life Comes at You Fast" campaign is pretty awesomely clever.

What you reading this summer?

2007-06-04T08:55:00.000-05:00

Having trouble deciding? Let your favorite authors give you a hand...

See what books they're reading, have read, and loved in this NY Times article.

Border's Coupon - 20% off!

2007-06-01T09:24:00.000-05:00

Did you know?

2007-05-31T10:19:00.000-05:00

"Bonobos share 98 percent of their DNA with humans -- they also apparently share a love of decaf caramel machiatos."

Oh yeah, and they can also communicate clearly...

There's a video after the jump from the interview with John Berman (ABC reporter) and Kanzi.

Awesome.

Scary!

2007-05-31T10:14:00.001-05:00

Google can see you and so can everyone on the internet...

Are you kidding me?

2007-05-31T10:02:00.000-05:00

Two stories that infuriate me:

First - A lawsuit brought on by a woman that slipped in a puddle of vomit at Wal-Mart. She's suing the company because she allegedly "suffered serious neck and upper back injuries in the fall and has undergone several surgeries and is unable to work."

Puh -Leeze! She slipped in vomit. I'm not doubting that Medema wasn't injured...and I'm not doubting that the fall didn't hurt her ego. But come on...surgery! To repair what exactly?! And unable to work? Come on...

Two - Some people just don't learn. A New Mexico man is charged with his 28th DWI offense. 28th!! He had 27 DWI offenses with 14 convictions before this current arrest. Someone please tell me why this man is still on the road and not behind bars? Ha - well, I guess he is behind bars...but I mean the bars of the steel/prison variety.

He parked his car, fell out of his truck, failed to complete the field sobriety tests and, consequently, refused to take the breathalyzer.

I think the criminal court system has failed the citizens of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Political Ideologies

2007-05-29T12:04:00.000-05:00

Libertarian, Centrist, Conservative, Liberal, or Big Government?

Where do you stand?

Dining Diva

2007-05-25T16:22:00.000-05:00

So, I was tagged in this dining meme by LeBlanc (and also promised the Exception), and I'm with him...I don't really know what a meme is, but I'm willing to give it a shot...Here we go!

The rules are as follows:

1. Add a direct link to your post below the name of the person who tagged you. Include the city/state and country that you are in.

Nicole (Sydney, Australia)
velverse (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
LB (San Giovanni in Marignano, Italy)
Selba (Jakarta, Indonesia)
Olivia (London, England)
ML (Utah, USA)
Lotus (Toronto, Canada)
tanabata (Saitama, Japan)
Andi (Dallas [ish], Texas, USA)
Todd (Lousiville, Kentucky, USA)
miss kendra (Los Angeles, California, USA)
Jiggs Casey (Berkeley, California, USA)
Tits McGee (New England, USA)
Joe (NE Tennessee, USA)
10K Monkeys (Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA)
Big Stupid Tommy (Athens, Tennessee, USA)
Newscoma (Weakley County, Tennessee, USA)
Finnspace (Springfield, Tennessee, USA)
LeBlanc (Lewisburg, Tennessee, USA)
I Am DisHeartened by My Jetta (Nashville, TN, USA)

2. List out your top five favorite places to eat at your location.

Phew - Top five?! There are a lot of really good restaurants here in Nashville (I think). The ones that I frequent most aren't necessarily the ones that I like the most. So, humm....

In no particular order my list is as follows:

1. Virago - Such good sushi! Good martinis, too! Monday's are half-priced sushi and martinis. Go then...but tip to the unaware, make reservations ahead of time...you'll need them on Monday's. Oh...and I'm not sure but there is some dress code. Guys can't wear hats or something like that. Don't quote me here...but I think that's right.

2. J. Alexander's - If you can't find something on their menu that suits your fancy...then you're too hard to please. They have a fantastic veggie/black bean burger that even non-vegetarians will like and their spaghetti squash is killer too. For dessert, they have a Snicker's pie thing that will make you wanna smack your mama.

3. Jasmine - One of my mom's favorite restaurants and recently one of mine, Jasmine serves fantastic and creative French-Thai cuisine. The standard Wonton Soup and Pad Thai are phenomenal! Beginner's Tip - Go at lunch when the meals are considerably cheaper and you get soup and an egg roll to boot.

4. Rosepepper Cantina - Located in East Nashville, this trendy "Mexican" restaurant has loads of character. And they have the best fish tacos and margaritas in town. Seriously, don't argue with me on this...it's true. They are the best.

5. Christopher Pizza Co. - Have to include fellow a Belmont grad in here! Christopher's has crazy pizzas if you like to try something a little different and it's located in a prime spot...right on Demonbruen. Awesomeness. Grab a beer, order a dish, sit back and people watch on their porch while live music plays most nights.

3. Tag up to 5 other people, preferably in other states or countries.

Kerpupples - I'm going to Denver in June/July and I need the dish (if you will ) on some good places to go!
BB - Sure, she's in NashVegas...but whatever.
Michael - Sure, he's in Nashville too...
Salmon Pants - Okay I really need to get around more...another Nashville blogger.
The Biscuits - I hear you are the person to go to for restaurant info and I need somewhere new to crave!

Three Thanks

2007-05-23T10:04:00.000-05:00

1. TCBY - Man that place is delish. I love their soft serve, White Chocolate with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Sure, it makes the 96% fat free not so...ah hem, 96% fat free...but you know, I have to live a little. And let's be honest, they never go too crazy on loading me up with toppings anyway.

The hand scooped, Cookies and Cream is pretty freakin' good too. Just so you know...for future trips. I actually had a dream that a TCBY was being built next to where I work. Oh, that be dangerous. Dangerous, delicious and fantabulous.

2. Gmail Chat - Possibly the best invention ever for the 8-5 desk slave. Not the computer, not the fax machine, no...Gmail Chat. It's like AIM only they (read, Big Brother) can't really know that I'm chatting away. At least...I don't think they know...

Oh dear God...perhaps I have made a careless error in judgement...perhaps Big Brother can read all of my chats...

Nah. I'm pretty sure I'm safe...Plus, if not...I'll go drown my sorrows in TCBY. All will be well with the world.

3. Books - I think I have posted before about my sometimes bizarre, almost fetish, with books. There is just something about the way they smell...the pages' texture between my fingers...that just keeps me coming back for more.

Sure, I love reading the books. Sure, I love the development of plot, story lines, underlying meanings, and the association and familiarity I feel with the characters at the end of a satisfying novel.

But I love the physical aspects of the novel just as much. The cover design. The look, the feel, the smell. And the way that certain books are bound. You know, when you open it and it makes that lovely crinkle sound? Ahhh, I love that.

I just finished a book and have started The Memory of Running by Ron McLarty. Has anyone read this? Have any book suggestions? I have the summer off from school and a lot of books to be readin'! Hook me up with your favorites!

What are your morals?

2007-05-21T13:07:00.000-05:00

And what do those morals say about you?

Find out what your core moral values are and how those relate to your political ideology, whether you are a socially dominate individual, and what you find disgusting and how that relates to your morals at YourMorals.org.

Pretty interesting if I do say so myself!

The Sanctity of Death

2007-05-21T09:10:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure I understand some people's obsession with ensuring the respectful treatment of bodies post death. While I agree that bodies should not be treated willy-nilly, dumped and degraded, I also believe that people should be able to do with their bodies what they see fit. I don't see how individuals' views that this form of...well...body disposal...is "trivial, disrespectful and voyeuristic" should be of concern when I make my arrangements.

Honestly, I don't see how this is any more disrespectful than draining all the blood out of someone, pumping them with toxins, locking them into a little box, and then digging a hole six feet in the ground and throwing them in it to be slowly eaten and dissolved.

Is that really better? I'm just saying...

As for "trivial, disrespectful and voyeuristic", my thoughts are these:

If it is so trivial, why care?

I've already addressed the disrespectful aspect.

And voyeuristic? Heck yes it's voyeuristic! But I think more than anything it's curiosity. Death is a natural human fear and it's only natural to be curious about it. Some people choose to confront their fears by facing them (literally, in this case), to learn about them; and some people (like my mom) choose to turn a blind eye to them...hoping that, you know, death won't really happen to them.

From the USA Today article I linked to above, a lady is quoted saying that her "major objection stems from the belief that there's an innate dignity to humans that extends to our bodies. Anything that denigrates our bodies by commercializing them I'm opposed to."

An "innate dignity to humans that extends to our bodies"? I hate to think that this is true, but I feel that a lot of times, people are treated better and are more highly revered in death than they are in life. Before we can say that there is an "innate dignity to humans that extends to our bodies" why don't we try treating people with dignity and respect while they are actually living?

To end my argument, another lady is quoted stating why she has chosen to donate her body to plastination:

"The body is just a vessel. This is just what I have in this life."

Sums it up pretty good, I think.

What are your thoughts?

Degradation, disrespect?

Also, as an aside, if you are interested in this or have morbid curiosity, you should read the book Stiff by Mary Roach. It's an awesome and hilarious read.

Eating Those With Faces....

2007-05-18T15:55:00.000-05:00

I'm thinking about going vegetarian (with the exception of fish).

What are your thoughts?

Is anyone out there a vegetarian? Does anyone have any helpful advice?

Robbed, I tell you...Robbed!

2007-05-18T10:26:00.000-05:00

Belmont was robbed. Robbed of claiming the vocal development of the next American Idol. Fortunately, pretty much everyone agrees with me.

Melinda, What happened??

And, here's a Nashville round-up from NIT.

Oh, well. I guess we'll have to stick to touting the Belmont alumnus and current Miss America, Rachel Smith. Unfortunately, we can't claim that BU helped develop her beauty...

Vocally and developmentally, I guess we'll have to stick to the following (shameless plug follows):

Minnie Pearl (Sarah Cannon)
Brad Paisley
Trisha Yearwood
Josh Turner
JoDee Messina
Kimberly Locke
Julie Roberts
Lee Ann Womack
DJ Qualls (from Hustle and Flow and Road Trip)
Brooke LaBarbera (From The Real World: Denver)

Oh, right...And me. I'm famous.

Three Thanks

2007-05-16T16:26:00.000-05:00

Here we go! Due to an overwhelming number of requests (including begging and pleading), I am posting my Three Thanks. Okay there was only one request (thanks!) and there was neither begging nor pleading associated with it....

I'm sure everyone else was too sad to make it over to their computers to email me...

Yeah, that's it.

So, wipe your tears away, I will delay no longer.

1. EpiPen - Last night was a long one. I was out with a friend when I got a call from my mom saying that she and my dad were in the emergency room. He'd had an allergic reaction to something he had eaten and they had rushed over to the ER, EpiPen in hand. On the way, his face started to swell and it became harder for him to breathe and he was forced to jab the EpiPen into the muscle tissue in his leg (instructions, in case you are curious, are to the right).

My parents arrived at the ER where he quickly collapsed into a wheelchair and was taken back to Exam Room 7. This is when I was called.

My mom told me he would be fine once the doctors gave him steroids and Benadryl, that I shouldn't worry. He's done this a lot and every time is scary but he pulls through like a champ every time. This time his reaction got a second wind and he started to swell again. My mom called back and I left for the ER. When I got there, he was snoring away in Exam Room 7, swollen and red like a cherry.

They decided to keep him overnight and I stayed there with him until he got comfy in his cool and dark hospital room. They released him this morning and he's doing fine but I am definitely thankful for that EpiPen.

2. Work - Sometimes I complain. Sometimes I hate it. Sometimes I cry and scream. But all in all, my work's not so bad. In fact, it's pretty good.

I have people that are easy to work with and we get along great. I have accrued an inordinate amount of vacation days (28.2 to be exact) and I am given 30, count that, 30 sick days a year. I have been promoted, praised and paid to do what I love doing. And they are paying for a good portion of my graduate school.

When I decided to take this job two or so years ago over another opportunity, some of my friends scoffed. "Won't it be boring?" "Aren't you better than that entry-level position?" "Yes and yes", I responded. And many days, I was bored and I was overqualified. And many days I still am. But I like my company and I like my new position. I like my co-workers and I "like" my pay (is anyone really satisfied with what they are paid...I submit that they are not).

3. Summer Time (!) - I'm out of school for the summer and that's freakin' amazing! I can read for pleasure and not worry about the other things that I should be reading/studying/writing. It's fantastic...'Nuff said!!!

A sheep in skeleton's clothing

2007-05-16T13:59:00.000-05:00

The funniest video I have seen since the Rat Monster video.

Death Penalty

2007-05-11T15:52:00.000-05:00

Philip Workman's recent execution here in Tennessee made me wonder about the equability of his punishment. Should killing a cop automatically equal a harsher punishment than killing a civilian? What are your thoughts? From the limited knowledge I have read about the case, Workman was strung out on crack, frantically searching out money for his next high. Thus, he attempted a robbery of a fast-food store and in the process, killed a Memphis police officer.

What I don't understand, or maybe what I am trying to work through, is the equability of crimes and their punishment. This blog entry is by no means meant to be a debate on the ethics for or against the death penalty.

There are hundreds of murders that get lighter punishments. Murders that happen completely sober (not that being high is an excuse) and planned out. Perhaps the assailant will get released on good behavior, you know...because he's been "rehabilitated" or whatever. And there are hundreds of crimes that are far more torturous and heinous that get lesser penalties. Domestic abusers who beat their wives and/or girlfriends to within an inch of their lives are up for parole constantly, forcing those abused to relive the assault over and over again in hearing after hearing. And there are the child molesters who, time after time, have proven that they are not rehabilitated but are released onto the streets to do it again and again.

So did Workman's penalty fit his crime? Should killing a cop equal a harsher punishment?

I just...well, there are no words...

2007-05-11T08:57:00.000-05:00

A Wichita Falls woman sold her 15 year old daughter for a meager $3,000.

$3,000.

That's all this little girl's life was worth to her own mother.

Apparently, the 35 year old man (who was already in trouble for possession of child pornography and indecency with a child) took the girl to Mexico. The mother told police that her daughter had run away to look for her father...and even forged a note saying as such.

The poor little girl is back in TX and will be placed in foster care.

I just...well, what are people thinking?! Am I the only sane one left here?

Life-size Paris Hilton autopsy sculpture

2007-05-10T11:28:00.000-05:00

You read that right.

The same artist that sculpted the much discussed Britney Spears giving birth on a bear-skin rug has sculpted Paris Hilton. He wanted to show the dangers of drinking and driving, which if you follow celebrity news, you would know that Paris will be serving time for her multitude of vehicular crimes. These range from driving under the influence to driving with a suspended license.

Anyway, Paris is featured on her back with her legs spread (common enough)...

cough...cough...Inappropriate, Sarah...sick.

Paris has her ribs splayed open with her intestines bulging out. Gross.

Tinkerbell, her mini Chihuahua, is at her side and her ever-present cell phone is in hand. Paris also comes with another accessory, a tiara placed high on her head.

More pictures after the jump.

Three Thanks

2007-05-09T11:28:00.000-05:00

I just realized that I never posted my Three Thanks on Monday. My bad. I'm getting really forgetful about this and I apologize.

1. Playing in the Rain - Okay, so it was soaking...and cold...and I was in a tank top - but I got stuck outside at a soccer game and was hurricaned on. But when is the last time that you can remember that you got rained on...and it was okay...you enjoyed it? Grade school? I think that might have been mine. I remember being little and loving rainy days because my mom would let me go run around outside - as long as it wasn't lightning and thundering. In a very cliche way, it was almost like a cleansing or a release. I'm going to make it a point to enjoy the rain a little more...and not just from the safety of my sheets on rainy mornings...

2. Exercise that doesn't feel like exercise because it's fun - Enough said.

3. Songs that just make you feel good - One of my feel good songs is by the country band, Bomshel. While they aren't my favorite group...the song, "Ain't My Day to Care", is awesome. I seriously suggest you listen to it if you can stomach country music even a little. Maybe you should just read the lyrics or something...it's pretty twangy.

Driver License

2007-05-09T11:26:00.000-05:00

I just renewed my DL and it was the most enjoyable experience of my life. Well, the most enjoyable...mandatory...automobile experience of my life. I was in, out and back to work, including drive time, in 30 minutes.

Ridiculously seamless and amazing.

Okay - that was just a little update from me.

Mr. Darcy is a beauty king!

2007-05-07T13:41:00.000-05:00

He won second place in a pet photo contest at my organization. What a looker he is! It got me...er....him...a Target gift card!

This is just crazy!

2007-05-07T08:33:00.000-05:00

The Next Five

2007-05-03T23:50:00.000-05:00

I’m 25 now. 25. I just have to keep saying it so that it will sink in. And while it’s sinking in, I’m left here wondering, is this – all that is around me – what I’d dreamed? Is this what I’d wanted? When I pictured my life, when I pictured who I’d be…was it me? Would my five-year old self recognize me? Would she think I was “cool”? Would she want me to be the babysitter? Or would she be disappointed at what her life had mapped out for her in her future? Have I said the right things, made the right decisions? Been nice enough, been sincere enough, loved enough, laughed enough, cried enough?

The past five years have gone by fast…faster than I thought they would…but not faster than every older and wiser woman warned. “You’ve got to enjoy every minute because, one day, you’re going to look back on these times and wish you could have them back.” “Ha” – I scoffed. “You obviously don’t know what I am going through. These times are tough.” And they were.

Five years ago, I was in love. In love, but broken hearted. And I was in the process of transferring colleges to escape. I found solace in the small, religious university that was close to my parents and that only one year prior had caused me so much strife in my efforts to grow up. It wasn’t an easy decision to leave my “real college.”

While I was there, I blossomed into a confident and outgoing woman. I tested my wings and flew a little. I made friends with girls, something I’ve never really been great at doing, and joined a sorority. I asked boys to date parties and formals. I got alcohol poisoning, fell down a flight of stairs and skipped classes (in that order). I went to Victoria’s Secret with my roommate so she could buy scanty lingerie and I graciously slept in a stranger’s room when her boyfriend came into town. My girlfriends and I had midnight walks around campus, sharing stories about boys, classes, parents and the future. We challenged each other to be more, do more and want more. We laughed together and we cried together. We met after classes to sit on the greens outside McClung and people watch. I spent way too much money at Starbucks. And, 9/11 happened and the nation mourned. Frequently, my roommate would wake me up screaming from nightmares after the attacks. I’d go over, wake her up and assure her that she was, in fact, just dreaming. This time.

When I transferred back to Belmont I simply wanted to graduate. Graduate and move on. I worked three jobs to pay for my new private school tuition and took summer classes. Once at Belmont it was obvious that there were other plans in store for me. I got involved in their Greek life, became on orientation leader, got inducted into honor societies and got honored at leadership banquets. I dated a boss’s son and was “let go” when it didn’t work out. I kissed a high-school crush on New Year’s Eve. I started working retail in a place that I would stay with for three more years. But most importantly, I met more girls that I came to love and with whom today, I would be lost without. Girls like Tiffany and Brittany and Abi – who are all so very, very different but who all have one thing in common…they get me. The know me. And they love me no matter what.

And these limited experiences were all in one year. My twentieth year.

All this leads me to wonder, how fast will the next five years go? Does time ever slow down?

Can’t the world just stop.

Stop.

Just for a moment. Let me catch my breath.

Sometimes I feel that if life were an amusement park ride, mine would be operated by the crazy, toothless, liquored-up carnie. He would laugh maniacally as he turned the ride’s gears to go faster and faster, forcing my head back so hard that I couldn’t lift it anymore. The lights of the park would become one long blur, spinning round and round

I’d beg him to stop. Slow down.

Just for a moment. Let me just catch my breath.

But he’d just laugh harder…and perhaps a little spittle would drip down the side of his mouth.

Maybe in the next five I’ll graduate grad school (phew, I better!). Maybe in the next five I’ll fall in love. Maybe I’ll fall out of love. Maybe I’ll give up on love. Maybe I’ll live in Seattle. Maybe I’ll have a dog. Maybe blogging will become passé. Maybe I’ll be back in school getting another degree. Maybe I’ll work in a coffee shop and be the most educated barista there. Maybe in the next five I’ll get married. Maybe we’ll have kids. And maybe we won’t. Maybe he’ll be sterile or I’ll be barren. Maybe I’ll get cancer. Maybe one or both of my parents will die – my dad will be pushing 70 by the end. Maybe I’ll read a novel that speaks to my heart the way none other has. Maybe I’ll write one. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll be the happiest I’ve ever been.

Kentucky "Fatty" Chicken

2007-05-03T14:47:00.000-05:00

A smack-down on frivolous lawsuits...it's about time.

Moms should earn $138,095

2007-05-03T14:01:00.000-05:00

This article takes me back to my high-school years.

I don't know how many times I got in trouble for snapping at my mom that she didn't work. A highly educated woman, my mom took serious offense to my implication that she didn't contribute to the household.

I truly appreciate that she quit work when I was younger, allowing me the luxery of not attending daycare or after-school programs. When I got into high school and later, college (and still to this day), was when I wondered what exactly it was that she did around the house all day long...when there was no one to look after (I'm an only child). There certainly can't be that much cleaning to do day in and day out.

To this day, her feathers would ruffle if she read this post. Though she had me come over last night because she was "bored".

Well, getting to my point, Salary.com conducted a survey which 40,000 mothers responded to. They detailed their jobs and how many hours they worked per week. The calculations were tabulated...and the salary for moms was decided.

$138,095

The average mom apprently works 10 jobs totaling 92 hours per week.

Among the jobs detailed in the survey, these were the most common:
-Housekeeper
-Day-care center teacher
-Cook
-Computer operator
-Laundry machine operator
-Janitor
-Facilities manager
-Van driver
-Chief executive officer
-Psychologist

Okay - seriously, I understand if you are running a household of multiple children. Multiple. But I do a lot of the jobs on this list...and no one is trying to figure out what the things I do are worth.

I keep my house...I wash my clothes (and I have a ton)...and for God's sake, I operate a computer (who doesn't?). I fight traffic two times a day to work and four more times a week when I have class. I counsel my friends/co-workers/parents...all the time. I cook for myself and others. I manage my facilities...pay the morgtage...pay the bills. And I am a janitor...I kill the bugs...unclog the drains. I'm not exactly sure what this "CEO" thing is...I mean...I'm the CEO of "Me Inc"...is that what this is saying?

So, the only thing I don't do is child-care center teacher. But I do work full time and go to grad school. I wonder what that's worth? Probably nothing.

This is not to demean what mother's are worth and the services they provide...I know that mothers who have multiple children are stretched to the limits and have plates more full than you can get at the $5.99 buffet at the Golden Corral.

But come on...$138,095?

Founded Fears

2007-05-03T13:29:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I think my fears of deep and dark water are a little...well, unfounded. But then I see videos like this and I think...seriously, I must be the smartest most rational person in the entire world. The entire world.

Oh. My. God. This thing is disgusting.