Savannah Pictures
Click Here for a slide show.
5.31.2007
5.29.2007
you park like an asshole
One of my favorite things to do, when I remember, is put little notices on cars from YouParkLikeAnAsshole.com. They host the files to download and print so you can let assholes know that their shitty parking job was noticed and greatly unappreciated. Sure, I realize that it probably will never change anything, but at least it gives people a clue and me a chuckle. Anyway, this picture is from one of my victims from mid-last week. This jackass took up 2 parking spots in Chik-fil-A during lunch rush - when the drive through line was wrapped around the building.... 1 1/2 times. 5.28.2007
did i have fun?
I'd say, "Fuck Yeah!"
this was our waitress at Malone's.
More to come later about "Mexi-Mullet", drinking with bartenders and shots from my 35mm Nikkormat.
It's 1030 pm Monday night, I just got home and I'm wiped.
5.24.2007
memorial memories
This weekend I'm taking a much deserved break. I'm heading up to Savannah, GA with a few girlfriends of mine. Sure, I just came back from Vermont last week, but that really wasn't a break. There's always some family tension, it's a small town and I never really got to relax.You see, my family, specifically my grandmother and my uncle's family, don't really know me. They only see one side of who I am. My grandmother is extremely religious and can be crotchety at times. When I told her about when I was raped her first words were, "Were you on drugs? Were you somewhere you shouldn't have been? Were you wearing something slutty?" After that attempt at sharing more about my life, I closed up and let her control the topics of conversation anymore. I love her dearly, but I can't risk really being myself around her. Now, my uncle's family is Mormon. No caffeine, no liquor and no spending money on Sundays. Where my older cousin and I get along well, we don't have much in common. at all. She's a great mother of 3 and I have no desire to have kids. So, the entire time I was gone, as much fun I had and as good as it was to see everyone, I never really cut loose. I never got to be the goofy, sarcastic, silly person that I am, making bad jokes and giggling at stupid shit.
I get to do that this weekend and I'm very excited.
I'm going with people I have known for, at the very least, 9 years. One of the girls I've known since I was 16-17 and we've never taken a road trip together.
Also, I went to college in Savannah, at SCAD. I have so many memories of that town. So many hours were spent painting, drinking and wandering around the waterfront. It was some of the best times of my life and it's always nice to go back there for weekend trips. Plus, now that I have the Nikon, it will be fun to take pictures. I have 8 rolls of film. Hopefully some shots will come out.It's going to be a blast and I can't wait!!
5.23.2007
the more you know
• The opening song for Star Trek: Enterprise is homosexual.
Now, I only know this because my room mate records Star Trek when he's out of town. When he's out of town, I watch tv in the living room. Well this last week he was out of town and I was camped out in the living room. All of a sudden, the DVR alerted me that 2 channels were about to be recorded and the channel was about to be changed. Ok, fine. That's usually not a problem. This time, however, it was because on one channel Star Trek was being recorded and on another, the finale of CSI. I love CSI, but I have 3 episodes to catch up on sitting in my DVR. I can't skip to the end.
To avoid watching any of the CSI, I switched to Star Trek while I searched his DVR for something to watch. Since we have different tastes, it happened to take just long enough to get through the homosexual intro scene to the homosexual opening song. It was a train wreck. I kept thinking, "It can't be this gay. It just can't." But sadly it was Just That Gay.
I mean, I'll admit watching some of DS9 with him and not being totally bored . Except for Bashir heavy episodes. Those were horrible. Anyway, I haven't heard such a crappy song for an opening in my life.. outside of some WE channel sob-fest.
Now, I only know this because my room mate records Star Trek when he's out of town. When he's out of town, I watch tv in the living room. Well this last week he was out of town and I was camped out in the living room. All of a sudden, the DVR alerted me that 2 channels were about to be recorded and the channel was about to be changed. Ok, fine. That's usually not a problem. This time, however, it was because on one channel Star Trek was being recorded and on another, the finale of CSI. I love CSI, but I have 3 episodes to catch up on sitting in my DVR. I can't skip to the end.To avoid watching any of the CSI, I switched to Star Trek while I searched his DVR for something to watch. Since we have different tastes, it happened to take just long enough to get through the homosexual intro scene to the homosexual opening song. It was a train wreck. I kept thinking, "It can't be this gay. It just can't." But sadly it was Just That Gay.
I mean, I'll admit watching some of DS9 with him and not being totally bored . Except for Bashir heavy episodes. Those were horrible. Anyway, I haven't heard such a crappy song for an opening in my life.. outside of some WE channel sob-fest.
5.22.2007
khamsa
When I was in Bristol, VT, the last day I was there I went to this little local artist's store. When I was there last time, I bought a necklace made of hand-blown glass and I wanted to see what they had this time. I ended up buying a pendant by this woman named Bella Nadworny. A few days ago, I decided to shop rather than go out drinking so I checked out her website. Not finding anything on there, I emailed her. I told her about being in Bristol, buying one pendant and wanting another. I also explained the pieces I has seen that had struck me.
The next day she emailed me back with pictures and prices galore, but nothing really "stood out". Everything is beautiful and I love her style, but for me to buy jewelry it has to really embed itself in my mind. So in response I asked her a few questions about the images she'd sent. The next time she responded, she included pictures of the one I wanted in Bristol but didn't have the cash on hand:
The Eye/Hand of Fatima.
Where I'm not spiritual, I am sort of superstitious. [Some could say it's OCD, but I choose to look at it differently.] Where explaining it would take forever, I'll just say that I'm of the "it can't hurt" mind set. Growing up with my hippie mom, I've had everything from dream catchers to elephant and grasshopper figurines, hematite rings to amber pendants. I've always had a plethora of "amulets", lucky charms and numbers. I have the Eye of Horus tattooed above my heart and have blue glass bottles with cork stoppers to catch evil spirits. [Don't ask.]
To give you an even further peek into the insanity, I'm extremely particular with it comes to the shape and form of jewelry and symbols as well. I'm not exactly sure how to explain it, but everything I own has a sort of "soft" feeling to it. Even my more sensual pieces of jewelry still have a "softness" to them. So in her version, and one reason it stood out to me, the hand is sort of cupping the eye - holding it gently. It comes across with more of a maternal, more obviously protective feel than most of the Khamsas I've seen before. It's that gentleness that made me want to buy it - over the hundreds I've looked at over the years.
So anyway, when I got the last email, I knew what I was going to buy and I rejoiced.
Happy, Happy, Happy. Joy, Joy, Joy.
With all of enemies I've made lately by being completely honest, every little bit helps.
The next day she emailed me back with pictures and prices galore, but nothing really "stood out". Everything is beautiful and I love her style, but for me to buy jewelry it has to really embed itself in my mind. So in response I asked her a few questions about the images she'd sent. The next time she responded, she included pictures of the one I wanted in Bristol but didn't have the cash on hand:
The Eye/Hand of Fatima.Where I'm not spiritual, I am sort of superstitious. [Some could say it's OCD, but I choose to look at it differently.] Where explaining it would take forever, I'll just say that I'm of the "it can't hurt" mind set. Growing up with my hippie mom, I've had everything from dream catchers to elephant and grasshopper figurines, hematite rings to amber pendants. I've always had a plethora of "amulets", lucky charms and numbers. I have the Eye of Horus tattooed above my heart and have blue glass bottles with cork stoppers to catch evil spirits. [Don't ask.]
To give you an even further peek into the insanity, I'm extremely particular with it comes to the shape and form of jewelry and symbols as well. I'm not exactly sure how to explain it, but everything I own has a sort of "soft" feeling to it. Even my more sensual pieces of jewelry still have a "softness" to them. So in her version, and one reason it stood out to me, the hand is sort of cupping the eye - holding it gently. It comes across with more of a maternal, more obviously protective feel than most of the Khamsas I've seen before. It's that gentleness that made me want to buy it - over the hundreds I've looked at over the years.
So anyway, when I got the last email, I knew what I was going to buy and I rejoiced.
Happy, Happy, Happy. Joy, Joy, Joy.
With all of enemies I've made lately by being completely honest, every little bit helps.
5.21.2007
35mm bristol pictures
Here are a few of the pictures I took with the Nikkormat while I was up in Vermont.
Be nice. I only had the camera for about 6 hours before I started snapping. I know they aren't "that good" yet.
As Always.. Click image to see larger view.
My cousin and her youngest.
He just woke up.
My uncle with grandma in the background.
New Haven River
The water was so cold that my feet were numb for 15 minutes after being in the water for 5 minutes.
New Haven River
New Haven River
New Haven River
Carly, my cousin's middle child.
Grandma
Fountain detail
Bristol Community Center
None of the images have been edited for color, levels or et cetera via Photoshop, other editing software or during scan.
Be nice. I only had the camera for about 6 hours before I started snapping. I know they aren't "that good" yet.
As Always.. Click image to see larger view.
My cousin and her youngest.
He just woke up.
My uncle with grandma in the background.
New Haven River
The water was so cold that my feet were numb for 15 minutes after being in the water for 5 minutes.
New Haven River
New Haven River
New Haven River
Carly, my cousin's middle child.
Grandma
Fountain detail
Bristol Community Center
None of the images have been edited for color, levels or et cetera via Photoshop, other editing software or during scan.
asshole by the bell
What the hell has happened to Screech?
I mean.. I had no idea he was such an asshole. I flipped over to VH1 a few minutes earlier than normal and there he was, talking like every pseudo-intellectual I have ever met. You know the type I'm talking about: the people who think they know enough to know it all, but only know enough to look like total douche-bags.
But back to Screech, and people like him.
About 5 years ago, I used to hold regular, weekly game nights. We would play Monopoly, Cranium, Dirty Charades and Pictionary and much more. It was fun with a fun group. Then a friend of mine invited some guy over that she knew from work.
"He's smart. You'll like him," she said.
"Awesome," I said. "Our Trivial Pursuit games last way too long."
I should mention here that I revise all rules for most games. Especially when I'm playing with people who aren't really good at the game we're playing. I want it to be fun, not cut-throat competitive.
So, everyone shows up, including Random Guy, and right from the beginning I knew he's going to be a problem. He was one of those people who is very smart and likes to tell you how very smart they are all of the time. Not only that, he had zero social skills. I'm not talking about being shy. I can work with shy. I can work with people that aren't comfortable in social situations. This guy couldn't have cared about the people around him. He simply wanted to tell everyone exactly how special he was.
Specially annoying, that is.
Anyway, after a few drinks and after getting through Scattegories with only minor frustration, we started to play Cranium. As soon as I began to walk through the relaxed rules, the guy began to bitch.
"They make Those Rules for a reason."
I tried to explain that while competition is fun, I want the game to be fun for everyone and not just the people good at humming or drawing or trivia. He tried to keep bitching, but I gave him my "special brush off" that always succeeds at putting an end to a miniature power struggle.
Then I explained the the consequences to the hint: if Team A got a hint but still didn't get the answer right, Team B could try to "steal" the points if they got the answer right.
He didn't seem to have a problem with those rules.. until near the end of the game. That's when I, specifically me, stole a question from their team that king almighty didn't know the answer to and my team went on to win. Then the fucker through a hissy fit. He ranted, again, about rules being rules and the only reason he agreed to my relaxed rules was because he was a guest. Oh, and how He "doesn't need to have the rules dumbed down" for him and "board games are already made for people of a certain intelligence".
Right about that point I went off.
"Who the fuck do you think you are?" I asked.
"I invite and welcome you into my home, a complete stranger. I feed you and provide you with liquor and you throw a god-damned tantrum because you Lost To A Bunch Of Girls?" [we played boys against girls]
I've forgotten mostly everything else, but I remember how it ended:
With me asking him to leave and never return.
I can't stand arrogance in any form. And yes, people have called me arrogant. Usually when I'm telling them that I don't want them in my life anymore because of their coke habits, addictions to drama and constant back-stabbing. In all reality, though, I'm not arrogant. Where I can understand someone being egotistical about some major achievement, putting yourself on a pedestal because your mind happens to work faster than some people doesn't sit well with me.
For god's sake, the guy wasn't Beethoven or Hawking. He was someone who read a bunch of French philosophy.
.. And then there's Screech with that same "I'm smarter than you" look on his face that he knows will piss you off and make you fly off the handle. What he, and every other pseudo-intellectual I've every run into, aren't smart enough to realize is that there's a really fine line between subversively getting someone to flip out and looking like a complete shit head.
He looked like a complete shit head.
I mean.. I had no idea he was such an asshole. I flipped over to VH1 a few minutes earlier than normal and there he was, talking like every pseudo-intellectual I have ever met. You know the type I'm talking about: the people who think they know enough to know it all, but only know enough to look like total douche-bags.
This was the last few minutes of Celebrity Fit Club I caught while waiting for Charm School."But, Unmuse," you might say, "you're watching the Flavor of Love girls in a stupid ass reality show that fight and bicker all of the time," and you'd be right. The difference is that those girls are fighting to win a charm school. Doesn't anyone get the hilarity of that little oxymoron?
There's more, but I couldn't find the whole incident on youtube.
But back to Screech, and people like him.
About 5 years ago, I used to hold regular, weekly game nights. We would play Monopoly, Cranium, Dirty Charades and Pictionary and much more. It was fun with a fun group. Then a friend of mine invited some guy over that she knew from work.
"He's smart. You'll like him," she said.
"Awesome," I said. "Our Trivial Pursuit games last way too long."
I should mention here that I revise all rules for most games. Especially when I'm playing with people who aren't really good at the game we're playing. I want it to be fun, not cut-throat competitive.
So, everyone shows up, including Random Guy, and right from the beginning I knew he's going to be a problem. He was one of those people who is very smart and likes to tell you how very smart they are all of the time. Not only that, he had zero social skills. I'm not talking about being shy. I can work with shy. I can work with people that aren't comfortable in social situations. This guy couldn't have cared about the people around him. He simply wanted to tell everyone exactly how special he was.
Specially annoying, that is.
Anyway, after a few drinks and after getting through Scattegories with only minor frustration, we started to play Cranium. As soon as I began to walk through the relaxed rules, the guy began to bitch.
"They make Those Rules for a reason."
I tried to explain that while competition is fun, I want the game to be fun for everyone and not just the people good at humming or drawing or trivia. He tried to keep bitching, but I gave him my "special brush off" that always succeeds at putting an end to a miniature power struggle.
Then I explained the the consequences to the hint: if Team A got a hint but still didn't get the answer right, Team B could try to "steal" the points if they got the answer right.
He didn't seem to have a problem with those rules.. until near the end of the game. That's when I, specifically me, stole a question from their team that king almighty didn't know the answer to and my team went on to win. Then the fucker through a hissy fit. He ranted, again, about rules being rules and the only reason he agreed to my relaxed rules was because he was a guest. Oh, and how He "doesn't need to have the rules dumbed down" for him and "board games are already made for people of a certain intelligence".
Right about that point I went off.
"Who the fuck do you think you are?" I asked.
"I invite and welcome you into my home, a complete stranger. I feed you and provide you with liquor and you throw a god-damned tantrum because you Lost To A Bunch Of Girls?" [we played boys against girls]
I've forgotten mostly everything else, but I remember how it ended:
With me asking him to leave and never return.
I can't stand arrogance in any form. And yes, people have called me arrogant. Usually when I'm telling them that I don't want them in my life anymore because of their coke habits, addictions to drama and constant back-stabbing. In all reality, though, I'm not arrogant. Where I can understand someone being egotistical about some major achievement, putting yourself on a pedestal because your mind happens to work faster than some people doesn't sit well with me.
For god's sake, the guy wasn't Beethoven or Hawking. He was someone who read a bunch of French philosophy.
.. And then there's Screech with that same "I'm smarter than you" look on his face that he knows will piss you off and make you fly off the handle. What he, and every other pseudo-intellectual I've every run into, aren't smart enough to realize is that there's a really fine line between subversively getting someone to flip out and looking like a complete shit head.
He looked like a complete shit head.
5.19.2007
lost in translation
I'm not sure if you know about the show on G4 called "Ninja Warrior", but I watch it, a lot. It's a test of endurance and strength game that's dominated by Asian men, with a smattering of American Olympians, including the Hamm twins, for good measure. It is the toughest obstacle course I've ever seen, with 4 stages, each more intense and excruciating than the previous. If you happen to finish the 4th, you're a Ninja Warrior and you've earned that title with every part of who you are - physically and mentally. I've only seen 2 men make it all the way to the end and finish. That's out of at least 500 people.
Anyway, most of the time it's in the background while I'm staring at my laptop for hours on end. Since the show is subtitled, not dubbed, the audio is all Japanese and every once in awhile I hear some of the most obscene things. I've had to look up once or twice in every show to reassure myself that they didn't just call someone an "ass master". Logically, I know they didn't because, well, they are speaking Japanese, but every time I giggle to myself.
Also, I think the translation is a little off. In one of the shows, the translated text had phrases such as:
"Wet, gleaming body",
"Tight rippling muscles" and
"A glorious vision"
for one competitor. Apparently the announcer was quite impressed because everything he said was poetry. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure that the announcers are complimenting the Hell out of the guys. I just don't think the intention was to sound like they wanted to play "hide the sashimi".
Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto.
Anyway, most of the time it's in the background while I'm staring at my laptop for hours on end. Since the show is subtitled, not dubbed, the audio is all Japanese and every once in awhile I hear some of the most obscene things. I've had to look up once or twice in every show to reassure myself that they didn't just call someone an "ass master". Logically, I know they didn't because, well, they are speaking Japanese, but every time I giggle to myself.
Also, I think the translation is a little off. In one of the shows, the translated text had phrases such as:
"Wet, gleaming body",
"Tight rippling muscles" and
"A glorious vision"
for one competitor. Apparently the announcer was quite impressed because everything he said was poetry. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure that the announcers are complimenting the Hell out of the guys. I just don't think the intention was to sound like they wanted to play "hide the sashimi".
Video of Stages 1-4.Look for the "all chick" version: "Women of Ninja Warrior". The women and the men don't compete in the same courses, but the end is the same. What's important is that there are a couple episodes that are just a slew of scantily clad, hot, athletic, sweaty Asian women, plus the obligatory butchy lesbian Asian, panting and straining... that get wet and dirty.
This guy won. He's one of 2.
If you can find a video that shows all of the people in Stage 1, it's hilarious.
Podcaster? Ninja Warrior has a cast.
safe for work, doesn't need sound.
Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto.
5.18.2007
eat 'n runs
Ever since I've started going to the gym and watching what I eat, I can honestly say I haven't really gotten any bad cravings for fast food. Sure, there'll be times that an Arby's Jamoca Shake, McDonald's fries, Hardee's Sourdough burger and Sonic's Cherry Vanilla soda sounds like heaven. Then I remember this:
No food, no matter how horribly divine, is worth nausea, heartburn, abdominal cramps, diarrhea and constipation, sometimes at the same time in some cases. Long ago I decided that if I'm going to "cheat", I'm going to eat creamy, rich Lobster Bisque or make a roast, mac n' cheese and mashed potatoes from scratch. Why would I put myself through the after-torture? I'd rather enjoy the whole process of eating over dealing with a 5 minute high followed by a 12-hour crash..
..Which is why I'm not a fan of cocaine.
No food, no matter how horribly divine, is worth nausea, heartburn, abdominal cramps, diarrhea and constipation, sometimes at the same time in some cases. Long ago I decided that if I'm going to "cheat", I'm going to eat creamy, rich Lobster Bisque or make a roast, mac n' cheese and mashed potatoes from scratch. Why would I put myself through the after-torture? I'd rather enjoy the whole process of eating over dealing with a 5 minute high followed by a 12-hour crash..
..Which is why I'm not a fan of cocaine.
100 movies, quotes and numbers
See how many of the movies and quotes you can recognize.
Thanks to HRTOTM for pointing this out.
a scanner darkly
So, the latest companion to my new-to-me Nikkormat FT2 is the scanner I ordered from Epson. The Perfection 4490. It should be here Monday sometime and I can't wait. It scans negatives, slides, pictures and documents and, according to my photography tutor, is superb. I'm lucky enough to have a professional, artistic photographer take me under his wing. Going backwards, from a digital to manual film camera, is going to take some adjustment. Especially since I want to take pictures without doing any Photoshop editing to the final result.So, look out Monday or Tuesday for the first shots on this road to becoming a "real" photographer.
5.17.2007
noteworthy additions
Every so often when I'm browsing, I'll stumble upon some random time wasters. Some are great and some are just plain horrible. The horrible ones I force myself to forget, but the good ones I transfer to my little "Time Wasters" list on the right hand side of the page. Since most people don't realize that the list is constantly growing, I figured I'd highlight a few of my recent favorites.
• The Google Image Labeler
http://images.google.com/imagelabeler/
• Flickrvision
http://flickrvision.com/
Flickr has this page with a world map and it runs a slide show of pictures getting posted, real time, to flicker. Every once in awhile, you'll get a jewel of either a great picture or something horribly embarrassing to the subject.
• Apartment
http://www.turbulence.org/Works/apartment/#
Apartment has been around for a long time now, but I still enjoy it.
There aren't any instructions, really, so here's what you do: Click on a link to a "city", make sure you install the 3D plug-in, and type away. It makes an "apartment" from your sentences.
• Tabuto
http://www.ninjakiwi.com/tabuto.html
I call this game 'Carpal Tunnel Nightmare". Simple you click on the falling tabs. You are allowed to miss 20 tabs before the game is over and your score is calculated.
• The Google Image Labeler
http://images.google.com/imagelabeler/
From the site:It's actually pretty entertaining, especially since on some of the pictures there are "off limits" words and you never know what the other, random person is thinking. When you happen to find a good partner, and not just someone typing is "ass" over and over again, it can be engrossing.
"You'll be randomly paired with a partner who's online and using the feature. Over a two-minute period, you and your partner will be shown the same set of images and asked to provide as many labels as possible to describe each image you see. When your label matches your partner's label, you'll earn points depending on how specific your label is. You'll be shown more images until time runs out. After time expires, you can explore the images you've seen and the websites where those images were found. And we'll show you the points you've earned throughout the session."
• Flickrvision
http://flickrvision.com/
Flickr has this page with a world map and it runs a slide show of pictures getting posted, real time, to flicker. Every once in awhile, you'll get a jewel of either a great picture or something horribly embarrassing to the subject.
• Apartment
http://www.turbulence.org/Works/apartment/#
Apartment has been around for a long time now, but I still enjoy it.
There aren't any instructions, really, so here's what you do: Click on a link to a "city", make sure you install the 3D plug-in, and type away. It makes an "apartment" from your sentences.
• Tabuto
http://www.ninjakiwi.com/tabuto.html
I call this game 'Carpal Tunnel Nightmare". Simple you click on the falling tabs. You are allowed to miss 20 tabs before the game is over and your score is calculated.
5.16.2007
more pictures
as always, click on the image to see a larger view.
The US-Canadian border.
You know, the only rain I encountered my entire 9 hours of driving and walking was crossing into Canada from New York on I-87, which turns into I-15 in Canada. It only lasted for about a mile before and after the actual line and was a light sprinkle. On the way back.. no rain.
Downtown Montreal off in the distance.
I don't think I've mentioned that I got lost trying to get into and leave Montreal. I couldn't read the French and I didn't look at my map well enough to figure out which Pont-something was the downtown part or what road with the word Saint in it was the right one. So I ended up 15 miles or so, I'm assuming, north of Montreal past the Aéroport. I stopped, studied my atlas and then made it in - somehow. Then trying to leave, all I could do was look for numbers and the words Sud or Est, south or east, next to them. Somehow I made it out and back on the same interstate I came in on - instead of the 6 or 7 others.
My uncle and aunt's house.
The house has been in my aunt's family for around 130 years that I'm positive of. I think it may be closer to 150-200 years. My aunt and uncle live in the "main part" and there's small attached living quarters where my aunt's mother lives. The part pictured is the "main part".
My Uncle's Barn, circa 1870 - with a new roof.
My aunt's family owned the property for years and years before my aunt and uncle moved to Vermont. In the late 1800s it was a working farm with cows, pigs, horses and chickens.
Who doesn't like kids in slides?
My cousin's kids, 3 in total, and all the neighborhood children hang out in my aunt and uncle's huge backyard, complete with a sandbox and an awesome swing set-jungle gym-slide thingy. The neighbor has an above-ground pool and the kids play "go-between" with at least 1 adult from each family of kids. The place is very "it takes a village", but in a way that's really great and probably does a lot of good for kids. I don't really talk to anyone that I went to high school with, let alone elementary school. The girl that owns the bead store, and is married to the son of the Archway cookie people, grew up with my cousins. I remember her from summer trips up there.
I happened to be there the very first day that my little cousin had her first real trek on a 2-wheel bicycle without biting the dust AND using the brakes. It was a precious moment.
Me and my little 2nd cousin.
I have some adorable shots of her on my 35mm camera that I can't wait to scan in.
**All of the pictures I've posted have been taken with a $50 digital piece of crap.
The US-Canadian border.
You know, the only rain I encountered my entire 9 hours of driving and walking was crossing into Canada from New York on I-87, which turns into I-15 in Canada. It only lasted for about a mile before and after the actual line and was a light sprinkle. On the way back.. no rain.
Downtown Montreal off in the distance.
I don't think I've mentioned that I got lost trying to get into and leave Montreal. I couldn't read the French and I didn't look at my map well enough to figure out which Pont-something was the downtown part or what road with the word Saint in it was the right one. So I ended up 15 miles or so, I'm assuming, north of Montreal past the Aéroport. I stopped, studied my atlas and then made it in - somehow. Then trying to leave, all I could do was look for numbers and the words Sud or Est, south or east, next to them. Somehow I made it out and back on the same interstate I came in on - instead of the 6 or 7 others.
My uncle and aunt's house.
The house has been in my aunt's family for around 130 years that I'm positive of. I think it may be closer to 150-200 years. My aunt and uncle live in the "main part" and there's small attached living quarters where my aunt's mother lives. The part pictured is the "main part".
My Uncle's Barn, circa 1870 - with a new roof.
My aunt's family owned the property for years and years before my aunt and uncle moved to Vermont. In the late 1800s it was a working farm with cows, pigs, horses and chickens.
Who doesn't like kids in slides?
My cousin's kids, 3 in total, and all the neighborhood children hang out in my aunt and uncle's huge backyard, complete with a sandbox and an awesome swing set-jungle gym-slide thingy. The neighbor has an above-ground pool and the kids play "go-between" with at least 1 adult from each family of kids. The place is very "it takes a village", but in a way that's really great and probably does a lot of good for kids. I don't really talk to anyone that I went to high school with, let alone elementary school. The girl that owns the bead store, and is married to the son of the Archway cookie people, grew up with my cousins. I remember her from summer trips up there.
I happened to be there the very first day that my little cousin had her first real trek on a 2-wheel bicycle without biting the dust AND using the brakes. It was a precious moment.
Me and my little 2nd cousin.
I have some adorable shots of her on my 35mm camera that I can't wait to scan in.
**All of the pictures I've posted have been taken with a $50 digital piece of crap.
5.15.2007
downtown bristol pictures
I want to apologize for how long this post is. I know it's kind of out of hand, but I'm sort of like that when it comes to babbling about my trips.
Grandma's house.
Connected on the left is another apartment-thing. It's the New England version of a duplex. What's annoying is that it wasn't planned to be a duplex when it was built and the shower in my grandmother's half is 3 ft by 3 ft with a slanted ceiling that, at its highest, is about 6 ft. There's no way for a normal sized human person so shower in there and not get water all over the floor. My grandmother is not normal sized, though.
Looking towards town
from my Grandmother's yard. The Creemee Stand in on the right and the gas station is directly across the street on the left. Downtown is 5 blocks away. During the winter, I wouldn't be able to take that picture because the snow from the plows would be too tall.
The gas station.
Gas was only $2.99 a gallon for 87 octane - 10 cents more than here in Jacksonville. Cigarettes, however, were $5.50 a pack compared to 3-something. This place was always busy. The 2 times I went to get gas I had to wait in line. The lack of cars there in the picture is an anomaly.
Creemee Stand
My aunt's* brother owns it and both of my cousins worked there when they were growing up.
*[My dad's brother's wife, no blood relation]
Behind the Creemee Stand
The buildings there are the remnants of a coffin factory that burned down.
Coach House and Community Center sign.
Community Center
Coach House
Catholic Church
The bell is pulled every day on the hour from like 6 or 7 in the morning until 9pm. Maybe 10pm. Every day of the year.
Catholic Church
Downtown
This road, 116, was a logging road before the turn of the century. It runs all the way up to Burlington, the closest "bigger" city and where I flew in and out of.
Downtown, south side of the street.
There's a Chinese restaurant on this side that I've never seen open.
Downtown, north side of the street.
Downtown, north side of the street.
The Bobcat
The "nice" restaurant.
Snap's, where everyone goes for breakfast.
Cubbers, the best pizza Ever.
Also, the local hang out. When I was really young, during a summer trip up here we had pickle and pineapple pizza from there and it was awesome. I'm telling you.. I know it sounds gross. My family had to pester the shit out of me to get me to try it but when I did, it was good.
Mural downtown
Gazebo in "the" central park.
During the months that it isn't freezing, there's always something going on here on the weekends and throngs of families are playing with their children in one large mass of screaming, crying and sugar. It's a great place to raise kids, though. There's always someone watching out for someone else. If you don't want to birth a ton of babies, you better have a hobby that will take up months and months of time when you're snowed in. And don't ever get drunk and make a fool out of yourself. Before your head hits the pillow, your boss's mother will be talking about you.
Old High School
Baptist Church
The Baptist and Catholic Churches face each other from opposite sides of the park, but are on opposite "sides of the square". No matter which way you go, one of 'em will getcha!
Baptist Church
best birthday present ever
For my birthday, my step-mom gave me her old camera. But, it's not just any old camera. It's a Nikkormat [Nikon] FT2 from the mid-70s, the baby brother of the Nikon F, with optics that surpass even the new Canon lenses. It's a beauty and as soon as the flatbed scanner I ordered to scan in negatives arrives, I will be posting pictures that I took with it on my vacation. I'm dropping it off to get thouroughly cleaned today and will be apart from it for a week, but when I get it back it will be smooth and fuzz free. Plus the light meter will work again!5.14.2007
mr. elbow
I am not a "good flyer". I am always nervous when I fly and that whole "hurry the fuck up to wait" scenario stresses me out and fries my nerves. What I do appreciate about people that fly is that they give you your personal space, for the most part. They may chat with you, but only if you want to chat. Also, most people give you physical personal space as well, as much as possible while being squished in like sardines. You know the rules, the center arm rest on the plane is the divider and in the terminal, every other seat fills before you see people sitting next to each other. If the terminal isn't "too full" often there will be people standing around instead of sitting. There are just unspoken guidelines of making an uncomfortable experience the easiest possible.
I'm thinking those guidelines need to be part of the "safety speech" at the beginning of every flight after my experience with Mr. Elbow.
My first flight today was Burlington, VT to Philly. I arrived to the terminal about an hour early after dropping the rental car off, having my last cigarette for 7 hours and going through security. The terminal was about 1/3 full with plenty of empty groups of seats. I chose the closest to the terminal doors, turned on my ipod and used the internet for the first time, for any real length of time, in over a week. I placed my laptop and camera bag to the seat on the right of me, leaving 3 empty seats between me and the guy down the row. There weren't any seats to the left of me.
About halfway into my wait an older business-type guy sat down next to my laptop bag, even though there were several empty seats all over the terminal area. Not only that, he placed his hand on the seat with my laptop bag on it and leaned close-ish to me. I was so bothered by it I had a lengthy conversation about it with a friend on IM.
Lo and behold, I get on the plane, get settled and guess who fucking sits next to me?
Mr. Elbow.
Whom didn't get his official name until after the flight.
So, I knew I was fucked from the beginning. Still, I didn't think it was going to be as bad as it was.
He decided he was going to use the arm rest in between us. No big deal, I thought. I figured I'd cuddle up next to the window and I'd be fine.
I wasn't.
He kept rubbing his elbow against my side so I shoved my book between me and the arm rest. Then he just leaned into the fucking book. So, I moved the book, cursed, muttered and glared at him. I would shift around and then put the book back, hoping he'd get the message but it ended the same - with him leaning into the book, or me. At one point I was so pissed off I shoved his elbow off of the book by way of my elbow from the other side of the book.
And the fucker still didn't get the hint.
By the end of the flight I was so pissed.
As soon as the plane stopped moving I asked him to "let me out, please". He made a comment about the fact we were in the back of the plane and and it was crowded. I told him I had a connection to make in 15 minutes. Still, I waited quietly to get off the fucking plane and out of this man's general vicinity. Even when it was our turn to leave, he waited and let people off behind us. Finally, when the fucker got up, he grabbed his stuff and motioned for me to go in front of him. I said, probably pretty loudly since I had my earphones in, "Just go." When he didn't move right away I said, "Just go. I spent the whole flight with you touching me. Just go." Everyone turned around and "go" he went. Head tucked and all.
Who does that, though? Who spends and entire flight touching someone that makes it clear that it's annoying and bothersome - and doesn't quit?
I almost lost it. Well, I kind of did lose it at the end, but halfway through I wanted to lose it even more than I did. I mean..
Who the fuck does that?
I'm thinking those guidelines need to be part of the "safety speech" at the beginning of every flight after my experience with Mr. Elbow.
My first flight today was Burlington, VT to Philly. I arrived to the terminal about an hour early after dropping the rental car off, having my last cigarette for 7 hours and going through security. The terminal was about 1/3 full with plenty of empty groups of seats. I chose the closest to the terminal doors, turned on my ipod and used the internet for the first time, for any real length of time, in over a week. I placed my laptop and camera bag to the seat on the right of me, leaving 3 empty seats between me and the guy down the row. There weren't any seats to the left of me.
About halfway into my wait an older business-type guy sat down next to my laptop bag, even though there were several empty seats all over the terminal area. Not only that, he placed his hand on the seat with my laptop bag on it and leaned close-ish to me. I was so bothered by it I had a lengthy conversation about it with a friend on IM.
unMuse (5/14/2007 2:39:16 PM): some jackass came sat right next to me in an empty fuckiing terminalOk, sure I did most of the talking and I wasn't going to move, but I was annoyed. I put up with it, though. It's not like he would be sitting next to me on the plane.. Or so I thought.
my friend (5/14/2007 2:39:33 PM): you should fart on him
unMuse (5/14/2007 2:39:43 PM): i would if i had gas
unMuse (5/14/2007 2:39:50 PM): i glared at him
unMuse (5/14/2007 2:39:53 PM): point blank
my friend (5/14/2007 2:39:58 PM): lol.
unMuse (5/14/2007 2:40:10 PM): and moved my stuff to the other side of me, on the floor
unMuse (5/14/2007 2:40:32 PM): i'm really protective of my camera
my friend (5/14/2007 2:40:34 PM): does he look like the type to try hitting on you, or just a like a jackass
my friend (5/14/2007 2:40:45 PM): as you should be
unMuse (5/14/2007 2:40:50 PM): no just a jackass that has no concept of personal space
unMuse (5/14/2007 2:41:10 PM): i should turn on itunes on the laptop and play something really offensive
unMuse (5/14/2007 2:41:17 PM): like.. Get Off by prince
unMuse (5/14/2007 2:41:22 PM): or ICP
unMuse (5/14/2007 2:41:28 PM): maybe some tool
my friend (5/14/2007 2:41:49 PM): or you could get up and move
unMuse (5/14/2007 2:41:54 PM): i'm fucking comfy
unMuse (5/14/2007 2:42:05 PM): i was here first, too
unMuse (5/14/2007 2:42:07 PM): batard
unMuse (5/14/2007 2:42:09 PM): bastard
my friend (5/14/2007 2:42:10 PM): wow.. that's really comfy
unMuse (5/14/2007 2:42:18 PM): yeah. i'm all tucked in. the chairs here rock
Lo and behold, I get on the plane, get settled and guess who fucking sits next to me?
Mr. Elbow.
Whom didn't get his official name until after the flight.
So, I knew I was fucked from the beginning. Still, I didn't think it was going to be as bad as it was.
He decided he was going to use the arm rest in between us. No big deal, I thought. I figured I'd cuddle up next to the window and I'd be fine.
I wasn't.
He kept rubbing his elbow against my side so I shoved my book between me and the arm rest. Then he just leaned into the fucking book. So, I moved the book, cursed, muttered and glared at him. I would shift around and then put the book back, hoping he'd get the message but it ended the same - with him leaning into the book, or me. At one point I was so pissed off I shoved his elbow off of the book by way of my elbow from the other side of the book.
And the fucker still didn't get the hint.
By the end of the flight I was so pissed.
As soon as the plane stopped moving I asked him to "let me out, please". He made a comment about the fact we were in the back of the plane and and it was crowded. I told him I had a connection to make in 15 minutes. Still, I waited quietly to get off the fucking plane and out of this man's general vicinity. Even when it was our turn to leave, he waited and let people off behind us. Finally, when the fucker got up, he grabbed his stuff and motioned for me to go in front of him. I said, probably pretty loudly since I had my earphones in, "Just go." When he didn't move right away I said, "Just go. I spent the whole flight with you touching me. Just go." Everyone turned around and "go" he went. Head tucked and all.
Who does that, though? Who spends and entire flight touching someone that makes it clear that it's annoying and bothersome - and doesn't quit?
I almost lost it. Well, I kind of did lose it at the end, but halfway through I wanted to lose it even more than I did. I mean..
Who the fuck does that?
5.12.2007
some pictures
-- quick break --
I'm at my cousin's place, who has wireless internet. [thank the gods] So, I'm going to post a few pictures from my trip to Montreal, Quebec, Canada that I took by myself since the family was at work and my grandmother had no interest in going. All of the pictures posted were taken from the car when I was driving. Sue me. I got an awesome 30 year old Nikkormat camera for my birthday and will be taking pictures tomorrow of my family with that at a mother's day cookout Sunday.
VT
crossing into Canada
[which was easy]
Quebec, where everything is in French.
Montreal
Montreal
Crossing back into the US
[not so easy]
The ferry from NY to VT.. well one of them.
VT
VT
5.09.2007
301 mostly misconceptions
The title of this post is what this website should be called.
I LOVE how people just say random things and call them "facts" without research or verification. Want to know why as a population we're kinda dumb?
Because we are listening to and encouraging dumbasses. End of story.
I LOVE how people just say random things and call them "facts" without research or verification. Want to know why as a population we're kinda dumb?
Because we are listening to and encouraging dumbasses. End of story.
5.08.2007
leavin, on a jet plane
Tomorrow morning, bright and early, I am leaving to go on vacation to see my family up in very rural and mountainous Vermont - where I won't have any consistent internet access. Don't believe me? The population is less than 4,000 and the city is less than 42 square miles large.
They don't even have a Starbucks. [wooo hooo!]
Anyhow, I won't be in contact nor will I be publishing blogs until I get back, but I will be taking plenty of pictures, if my camera doesn't crap out, so that is something to look forward to.
I'm very excited to be able to spend the next week with my grandmother, who is my most favorite person in the world. I think she's just excited to have someone to talk to about politics that doesn't want a socialistic country. Those Vermont people are scary liberals.
I hope everyone's week goes Fan-Freakin-Tastic, because I know mine will be the vacation and escape from this damn city that I need. When you lose a friend that you've had for 15 years, staring at the same buildings is a bit sad.
Wish me luck and on time flights without incident! I hate to fly...
Love,
~the unMuse.
They don't even have a Starbucks. [wooo hooo!]
Anyhow, I won't be in contact nor will I be publishing blogs until I get back, but I will be taking plenty of pictures, if my camera doesn't crap out, so that is something to look forward to.
I'm very excited to be able to spend the next week with my grandmother, who is my most favorite person in the world. I think she's just excited to have someone to talk to about politics that doesn't want a socialistic country. Those Vermont people are scary liberals.
I hope everyone's week goes Fan-Freakin-Tastic, because I know mine will be the vacation and escape from this damn city that I need. When you lose a friend that you've had for 15 years, staring at the same buildings is a bit sad.
Wish me luck and on time flights without incident! I hate to fly...
Love,
~the unMuse.
The local and only grocery store.
The "downtown" area. To the left is a large, central park that
hosts events on the weekends, including a farmer's market
.
Annual 4th of July outhouse races.
5.07.2007
5.04.2007
yahoo, dumbed down on a grand scale
Is that REALLY necessary? The other bits of information are generally useful such as telling you the various genres the song is listed in, but do we REALLY need to be told why something is being played? The station is clearly marked and unless you're a complete tool, if some crazy-hyper Madonna techno mix comes on I'm pretty sure you'll figure out you're in the "Gay Dance" station if you R-E-A-D.
state of emergency
Remember how I was annoyed with 24 hour news stations because the Georgia and Florida fires weren't even mentioned during the 4 day non-stop assault surrounding the Virginia Tech tragedy?
Well, a state of emergency has been declared in Florida.
"Governor Charlie Crist declared a state of emergency today as more wildfires -- blazing across parched Florida -- ignited overnight.
Crist's order said 15 wildfires covering 1,400 acres ignited overnight and over 90 percent of the state was experiencing drought.
Officials says no injuries have been reported in any of the fires.
As of this evening, 95 wildfires were active in Florida and they have consumed 11,131 acres so far.
From January 1 to May 2, a total of 1,892 blazes have consumed 161,801 acres in Florida."
If I did the math right, that's only about 0.4% of the state "consumed by blazes". The reason for the state of emergency is because of the smoke and our dry dry dry conditions.
But not only does that mean that 2 states are in a state of emergency, but now our firefighters that went to Georgia to help out have to come back. Even with help from the National Guard won't cover the fact that we are spread too thin - even with inmates fighting the fires.
It has been highly recommended that all pets stay indoors as much as possible because of smoke concentration in the air. My allergies are so bad right now that my normal daily Zyrtec isn't working and I'm having to add Aleve Sinus on top of it - and have my name put in a database because it contains pseudo ephedrine.
But what I don't get is people that have lived here for 5 years or more don't seem to remember that we have mega-fire issues about every 3-4 years and constant little ones during this time of year. We've basically been in a drought for the last 15 years. Fires are pretty much a constant, but I run into people everywhere, that are "true Floridians" who don't remember the infamous I-4 closing in 2001, the dozens of smaller fires every year and the "waiting with baited breath" to see if fireworks will be banned or not.
Well, I'm pretty sure that we won't be having any fireworks this year.
It just sucks, man. I can barely breathe and well, Shit's On Fire. As soon as the firefighters get one step ahead, a dozen fires ignite overnight.
Well, a state of emergency has been declared in Florida.
"Governor Charlie Crist declared a state of emergency today as more wildfires -- blazing across parched Florida -- ignited overnight.Crist's order said 15 wildfires covering 1,400 acres ignited overnight and over 90 percent of the state was experiencing drought.
Officials says no injuries have been reported in any of the fires.
As of this evening, 95 wildfires were active in Florida and they have consumed 11,131 acres so far.
From January 1 to May 2, a total of 1,892 blazes have consumed 161,801 acres in Florida."
If I did the math right, that's only about 0.4% of the state "consumed by blazes". The reason for the state of emergency is because of the smoke and our dry dry dry conditions.
But not only does that mean that 2 states are in a state of emergency, but now our firefighters that went to Georgia to help out have to come back. Even with help from the National Guard won't cover the fact that we are spread too thin - even with inmates fighting the fires.
It has been highly recommended that all pets stay indoors as much as possible because of smoke concentration in the air. My allergies are so bad right now that my normal daily Zyrtec isn't working and I'm having to add Aleve Sinus on top of it - and have my name put in a database because it contains pseudo ephedrine.
But what I don't get is people that have lived here for 5 years or more don't seem to remember that we have mega-fire issues about every 3-4 years and constant little ones during this time of year. We've basically been in a drought for the last 15 years. Fires are pretty much a constant, but I run into people everywhere, that are "true Floridians" who don't remember the infamous I-4 closing in 2001, the dozens of smaller fires every year and the "waiting with baited breath" to see if fireworks will be banned or not.Well, I'm pretty sure that we won't be having any fireworks this year.
It just sucks, man. I can barely breathe and well, Shit's On Fire. As soon as the firefighters get one step ahead, a dozen fires ignite overnight.
5.03.2007
antici....
[say it! say it! oh just fucking say it, Frank!]
..pation.
Am I gold shit on a stick, or what? [Answer: "Or what."]
I haven't been this excited for a birthday party in years. It's probably been since my birthday party when the sky fell.. I mean ceiling caved in.
I was living in this awesome apartment that had a built in, 12 foot long bar and a really shitty landlord-repairman. There was a leak from the upstairs neighbor's bathroom that suddenly, and quite ironically, exploded the ONE time I didn't want any sort of "authority figure" in my house. I can't even describe how painful the conversation was at 1am - with me trashed out of my ever-lovin' mind. I kept asking him if I could just poke a hole in the ceiling to drain the water out of it before it exploded, as it was sagging heavier than a pregnant cow full of milk, but for some reason, he figured saying "no" was the right answer.
Yeah.. It wasn't. Since then I haven't had any "spectacular" birthdays and being this is my big three-zero, come hell or lots of liquor, it's going to be spec-fucking-tacular.
If you notice where the hole is, it's right over top the most accessible part of the bar. When it exploded, a few people got pounded.
All of my favorite people, that are free Friday night, are going to be there. My closest friends and the people I most enjoy spending drunken nights with are going to be with me, celebrating... and if I were more emotional, the thought of that would bring tears to my eyes. One guy I've known for 15 years, another was my very first and most favorite bartender whom I've known for 10 years. I was there when he married his wife, a girl I've known since I was 16, haunting the goth nights at a few clubs. Another girl I've known for 9 years. Another married couple I've known for 6 years.. and the list goes on.
Plus, it's a fucking VIP party at one of the more up-scale clubs here in town - and I even have a guest list. How much more special can I feel? I'm getting a damn tiara and everything.
I just can't wait.. At all. I want to go to sleep right now and wake up tomorrow at 6pm, when it's time for me to start getting ready for dinner.
Also, I'm coming off an awesome ego boost last night. I've never been told I was "so pretty" and/or "so beautiful" by so many people in one night. Sure it was only 4, but it wasn't the "hitting on me" type of compliments because those never count. People I know, and have known, were telling me this, and were genuinely like "wow". I guess maybe the exercising and eating bland healthy food is paying off. I hadn't been able to get out to my Wednesday "thing" in about 3 weeks since it's generally difficult for me to go out in the middle of the week, but I'm glad I did last night. The house band, Aerial Tribe, was flowing, and I got to talk to the singer for awhile, whom I have a repoire with. The bartender was serving me quadruple g&t's and charging me for singles. And, the best part is there wasn't one moment that wasn't filled with laughter.
It's been a good start to my "30 Days of turning 30" celebration. Even with my little hurdle this morning, the sky is bright and shiny again and I have new shoes!
..pation.
Tomorrow is my birthday party,So I feel like I'm 5 again. Maybe 18 or 21 is more accurate, but I'm acting like I'm 5. About once an hour my room mate gets a good laugh as I dance through the house singing some sort of song I made up about my birthday party tomorrow.. let me rephrase that.. my VIP birthday party.
birthday party,
birthday party!
Tomorrow is my birthday party
and it is going to rock!
Am I gold shit on a stick, or what? [Answer: "Or what."]
I haven't been this excited for a birthday party in years. It's probably been since my birthday party when the sky fell.. I mean ceiling caved in.
I was living in this awesome apartment that had a built in, 12 foot long bar and a really shitty landlord-repairman. There was a leak from the upstairs neighbor's bathroom that suddenly, and quite ironically, exploded the ONE time I didn't want any sort of "authority figure" in my house. I can't even describe how painful the conversation was at 1am - with me trashed out of my ever-lovin' mind. I kept asking him if I could just poke a hole in the ceiling to drain the water out of it before it exploded, as it was sagging heavier than a pregnant cow full of milk, but for some reason, he figured saying "no" was the right answer. Yeah.. It wasn't. Since then I haven't had any "spectacular" birthdays and being this is my big three-zero, come hell or lots of liquor, it's going to be spec-fucking-tacular.
If you notice where the hole is, it's right over top the most accessible part of the bar. When it exploded, a few people got pounded.
All of my favorite people, that are free Friday night, are going to be there. My closest friends and the people I most enjoy spending drunken nights with are going to be with me, celebrating... and if I were more emotional, the thought of that would bring tears to my eyes. One guy I've known for 15 years, another was my very first and most favorite bartender whom I've known for 10 years. I was there when he married his wife, a girl I've known since I was 16, haunting the goth nights at a few clubs. Another girl I've known for 9 years. Another married couple I've known for 6 years.. and the list goes on.
Plus, it's a fucking VIP party at one of the more up-scale clubs here in town - and I even have a guest list. How much more special can I feel? I'm getting a damn tiara and everything.
I just can't wait.. At all. I want to go to sleep right now and wake up tomorrow at 6pm, when it's time for me to start getting ready for dinner.
Also, I'm coming off an awesome ego boost last night. I've never been told I was "so pretty" and/or "so beautiful" by so many people in one night. Sure it was only 4, but it wasn't the "hitting on me" type of compliments because those never count. People I know, and have known, were telling me this, and were genuinely like "wow". I guess maybe the exercising and eating bland healthy food is paying off. I hadn't been able to get out to my Wednesday "thing" in about 3 weeks since it's generally difficult for me to go out in the middle of the week, but I'm glad I did last night. The house band, Aerial Tribe, was flowing, and I got to talk to the singer for awhile, whom I have a repoire with. The bartender was serving me quadruple g&t's and charging me for singles. And, the best part is there wasn't one moment that wasn't filled with laughter.
It's been a good start to my "30 Days of turning 30" celebration. Even with my little hurdle this morning, the sky is bright and shiny again and I have new shoes!
therapy
After a pretty rough morning, what's a girl to do?Go fucking shoe shopping.
Shoes are the cure-all for ANY female emotional breakdown. They always fit, they always look cute and it doesn't matter if you're 100 pounds or 300 pounds, you and your friends can shop at the same store.
DSW is a god-send to the shoe whore. How else would I be able to get 2 pairs of quality shoes for $125 when retail would have been over $250?
5.02.2007
the landlord
Ever thought your landlord had the intelligence, and demeanor, of a child?
Well, Will Ferrell and Funny or Die have addressed your issues.
[click the image to watch the movie. It's not particularly safe for work, especially if your work doesn't like children demanding money, beer and calling adults "bitch"]
Overheard in Jax
"I like my coffee like I like my women - full bodied and wet."
- guy on the phone outside of Starbucks
".. Man, I had my finger in her asshole and everything."
- dude walking with his buddies, downtown.
uncooperative sinus
So, here it is, the start of my "30 days of turning 30" extravaganza and I wake up with a cold. "Fucking hell," I mutter. Then, as I'm thinking about it, for some reason the fact that I'm bitching and complaining about being sick right before a birthday sounds crappily familiar. So I looked through the archives of my old blogs and guess what? For the last 3 years, I've gotten a cold right before my birthday.
Huzzah and Happy Birthday to me!
Still, it's only a cold and the last 2 nights in a row I've passed out well before midnight. I think once I get my Aleve Cold and Sinus in me, I'll be just fine. Well, that and the large amounts of Vitamin C and other vitamins I'm ingesting as I type.
Hell, even if I'm not "just fine", celebrations will go on - just with me already out of it before I start drinking.
Huzzah and Happy Birthday to me!
Still, it's only a cold and the last 2 nights in a row I've passed out well before midnight. I think once I get my Aleve Cold and Sinus in me, I'll be just fine. Well, that and the large amounts of Vitamin C and other vitamins I'm ingesting as I type.
Hell, even if I'm not "just fine", celebrations will go on - just with me already out of it before I start drinking.
5.01.2007
what does this say about me?
I know where to buy crack.
No, I have never bought crack, from there or anywhere else, but I know of a corners and/or street to do some sort of deal if you wanted, and I think it's kind of funny. I mean, I don't know where to get meth or ecstasy from, but I could tell someone where to go to get crack. Go figure. Although, I'm pretty sure they'd sell meth as well as crack at those corners. It is the west side of Jax, after all.
Anyway, I know this because a friend of mine lives right on the edge of a crack coalition's "area". To get there and leave, I drive through a litter of street dealers. How do I know they are street dealer? Oh honey, I know.
But yeah. Me.. an almost 30 year old, raised at the beach, white chick [I guess I'm a lady now?] knows where to buy crack.
No, I have never bought crack, from there or anywhere else, but I know of a corners and/or street to do some sort of deal if you wanted, and I think it's kind of funny. I mean, I don't know where to get meth or ecstasy from, but I could tell someone where to go to get crack. Go figure. Although, I'm pretty sure they'd sell meth as well as crack at those corners. It is the west side of Jax, after all.
Anyway, I know this because a friend of mine lives right on the edge of a crack coalition's "area". To get there and leave, I drive through a litter of street dealers. How do I know they are street dealer? Oh honey, I know.
But yeah. Me.. an almost 30 year old, raised at the beach, white chick [I guess I'm a lady now?] knows where to buy crack.
the problem with juggling, a lesson for men
For all of those guys out there who think they can juggle women and have it last, I'm here to tell you you are dead to rights wrong. Oh I know you try, I know it may have worked "for this long", but that doesn't take into the account that there are probably several women are on the verge of getting very pissed off at the guy who thinks he's won his Gold Mackin' Card. Why?
Because women consider it a lie when you spend 15 minutes telling them how important they are and then leave them sitting in a bar, restaurant or just leave them hanging by themselves for 30 minutes [to talk to another woman] with no introduction or thought.
And because women will Always find someone who actually values them like the one juggling says they do.
Men, you can get as pissed off or as aggravated as you want, exclaiming, "But I'm here with you," but women don't hear that. Not really. Women hear "I'm here with you now, because you are available, but as soon as someone I like better, or miss more, distracts my attention you're thrown to the side, forgotten and a nuisance until I'm ready again". Pure and simple. Of course no woman wants to admit it, but discarding them fucking hurts, no matter what the pretense is. Men can't compartmentalize like women are naturally able to do. Also, women juggling men works out better because a woman doesn't have men calling them all hours, every day to talk them through some made-up and horribly terrific problem because they KNOW you are out having fun with someone else - friend or not.
I've been through it. I've been juggled and I've been the juggle-ee. I'm at the point in my life where I want neither. I don't want to be one of many, I want to be the one. I don't want to have many, I want to focus my attentions and energies on one. I'm not going to play the different area code game and I'm not going to participate in secrets. It would be disrespectful to treat someone that I'm intimate with as most men treat the women they are intimate with. It would be even worse to play the martyr.
I've learned by making my own mistakes. Perhaps it's time for most men to listen to reason.
Because women consider it a lie when you spend 15 minutes telling them how important they are and then leave them sitting in a bar, restaurant or just leave them hanging by themselves for 30 minutes [to talk to another woman] with no introduction or thought.
And because women will Always find someone who actually values them like the one juggling says they do.
Men, you can get as pissed off or as aggravated as you want, exclaiming, "But I'm here with you," but women don't hear that. Not really. Women hear "I'm here with you now, because you are available, but as soon as someone I like better, or miss more, distracts my attention you're thrown to the side, forgotten and a nuisance until I'm ready again". Pure and simple. Of course no woman wants to admit it, but discarding them fucking hurts, no matter what the pretense is. Men can't compartmentalize like women are naturally able to do. Also, women juggling men works out better because a woman doesn't have men calling them all hours, every day to talk them through some made-up and horribly terrific problem because they KNOW you are out having fun with someone else - friend or not.
I've been through it. I've been juggled and I've been the juggle-ee. I'm at the point in my life where I want neither. I don't want to be one of many, I want to be the one. I don't want to have many, I want to focus my attentions and energies on one. I'm not going to play the different area code game and I'm not going to participate in secrets. It would be disrespectful to treat someone that I'm intimate with as most men treat the women they are intimate with. It would be even worse to play the martyr.
I've learned by making my own mistakes. Perhaps it's time for most men to listen to reason.
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