annie are you okay

Take your memories I don't need'em, Take your space and take your reasons, But you'll think of me

2009-07-29T11:34:00.000-07:00

I went to the beach…it wasn’t something I was planning on doing at all, but when the opportunity presented itself, I greeted it warmly and accepted. I was in the middle of doing my comprehensive exams and the week that I was going was week 3 out of 3 that I had to work on them, so I made sure that there was going to be internet access and that it wouldn’t be offensive if I stayed inside a lot of the time staring at my computer…that was going to be okay…and so I packed my bags (that would be my one bag of clothing and my 3 bags o’ books).

Saturday, go-time was 7am. Stinkin early, but not really any later than I usually wake, so no worries. I was told to be beach-ready, so, in my mind that meant bathing suit, jeans, tshirt…which may sound a little strange, but considering it would take a car ride to get down to the beach, and I do know myself a little, I thought that some sort of flimsy little cover-up or shorts would not work in my cold-natured-favor…so, jeans it was…and I was pleasant (in both temperature and spirit) on the ride down…

Basically the ride was uneventful (as it should be) but we did note a couple things. Well, maybe just one, namely the corn. It looked pretty unfortunate…I guess that didn’t so much matter to us, but it was noticed.

Then we started noticing false advertising ALL OVER THE PLACE.

First case: we were behind a truck with a sign in the back of it. It said “peaches.” We drove up next to that truck, ain’t a peach in sight. And we thought if we were selling drugs, we’d probably hide them in the back of a truck and label it “peaches.”

Second case: the traffic wasn’t horrible, but we were stopping at our fair share of red lights, and at one of those we saw this HOT chick on the back of a motorcycle…yeah, I can appreciate hotness. This chick was tan, great body, had on jeans and a little bikini top…well, when we pulled up beside that motorcycle…and we all look to our rightsies and our leftsies when we stop at stop signs, and traffic lights…and there she was…old lady, rolls of fat (I mean, if she had been standing up and 30 years younger, she would have been hot…but that was not the case)…more false advertising!

We stopped at subway, parked at the house, grabbed towels, the cooler, and chairs, and straight down to the beach…I

(1) stuck my toes in the water,

(2) ate my sandwich, (yes, i had already consumed my cookie in the car...and yes, by in the car, i mean, i started it before i even got out of the door of the subway and finished up the last crumb in the car)

(3) sunscreen suited-up,

(4) and pulled out my book on missing data,

precisely in that order. And there we sat for the next several hours…and it was nice! Turned on the radio, occasionally stood up to take a dip in the water…now after the first fish sighting, I only got up to mid-calf…I just don’t prefer the fish, unless I am eating them…and I certainly don’t want them to eat me! We were in peace, the occasional conversation, the constant radio in the background…and it lasted until the Griswold family showed up…and I mean those relatives who showed up for Christmas. They were loud…they were obnoxious…there were too many of them…and they set up camp WAY too close. The one thing that I neglected to prepare for was all the strange people we would see…I mean, my heart was mentally prepared (does that work? Brain was mentally prepared?...whatever), but I left my camera in the car. MISTAKE!

I think even if the Griswold’s were not too close, we would have found out a little about them because of the volume of their voices. They weren’t from the south. One was pretty sporty. One was not. The parents were there. The 18 kids were there. And will and cassie were there (see pictures below). It’s not that I tried to learn their names…I just did. Will was referred to as several things (by us [zeebs, brian fellow]…the family just called him will)…because of his choice in swimwear. Will had on the shorts (I never know what to call them) that boys go swimming in…the background was solid black. Then overlaying the black background was a zebra pattern. Now I know that animal print came in style several years ago (I mean, maybe it has always been in style…I just know that one year ALL the females were wearing some sort of animal print pattern in the church directory) and while we’re not really supposed to be a zebra on Monday, a tiger on Tuesday, a leopard on Wednesday, an alligator on Thursday, and a cheetah on Friday…we still can get away with some occasional classy animal print. Will’s swimmies were zebra in nature, but not a typical zebra (the black and white kind would be typical), his pattern was black with neon green and yellow…like the front of the right leg was neon green and black zebra, the front of the left leg was neon yellow and black zebra. And then switch-a-roo for the back. I know the picture I have painted is not so very clear and I was just devastated that I hadn’t brought my camera down to capture this on film.

BUT.....thankfully, dude was in his giddy-up each and every day and i had my camera on the ready to either take a picture or sprint down to the beach if i was alerted that any of the griswold family was out and about.

Saturday night we went out to eat…you know you always seem to run into someone you know at target or God-forbid at walmart….and at the beach going out to eat. And that we did. And then onto the flora-bama (where everyone does not know your name, but where the person checking ids will call you by your first name). It’s a lot to take in, I’ll say that much. We were all pretty tired and on our last legs, so we called it an early night and took it to the house.

Sunday we planned a menu for the week, went to the beach target (it always seems more fun to go to target, etc., when you’re not in your hometown) and grocery shopping, and then the days sorta start flowing together…which is exactly what is supposed to happen at the beach. I only got slightly sunburned (that 50 spf sunscreen is pretty remarkable), did get a lot of work done on my comps, watched the Original Kings of Comedy (FANTASTIC!), among other shows and specials and movies, caught up on my Oxygen and Bravo network shows that I typically only see when I’m in Birmingham…(Dance Your Ass Off, Top Chef Masters, Fashion Show, America’s Next Top Model Marathons)…watched Snapped for the first time (it comes on one of those channels) and I would like to invite all the people who ever thought I had caught the crazy to watch that show…because I’m absolutely sane…learned a great recipe for potato salad (sour cream instead of mayo, add a ranch packet, add some bacon and dill, and ding!)…and learned some great lessons and/or made some great observations.

1. Go see movies that you are unsure about in places where you probably won’t run into people you’ll see. (we went and saw Bruno…which, now I realize negates the part about people knowing you went to the movie…but at least I didn’t run into anyone I knew when I was coming out of the theater…it would have been an awkward conversation)

2. Pick your bathing suit wisely. And maybe you should have two to switch between…Will wore the same swimmie EACH and EVERY day…which was good for me because I ended up being able to snap a photo of him even though I forgot my camera the first day out there…will, come on, dude!! Especially when your choice of bathing suit is something so trendy, you might want to have one in a solid color to alternate with (between?)

3. Tattoos. I really do love ‘em…some of ‘em. And I know that many of them are very personal and have stories behind them…some are of animals, people, symbols, patterns. There are some that even when I got up to stand next to the person, I was unclear of what I was viewing. And I’m just not sure that the “sun around the belly” tat is a good look for anyone—that’s boys and girls. Moral of the story may be that people are curious!! And second moral of the story…if you’re going to go with naked people (as seen above to the left)…maybe not on a part of the body that is easily seen. Also, if you think you will forget your name…tattoos are perfect! Like this dude to the left...and right...he's got his initials AND his name on his body. Now, i didn't ask him if the name was his own...but when you look at him...surely...?

4. Birds fascinate me! Partly because I fear them. I just do not want a bird deciding to get tired right above me (bird flu!!). Their legs…well, I just don’t get ‘em. But, I do like taking pictures of them!

5. When you have…share. I mean, we certainly did share our music with those close enough around us to hear it! Example 1: Mr. Bucket Hat, Example 2: Pirates of not the Carribean
a. Okay—Mr. Bucket Hat…he had more than one hat and more than one swimmie and wore them on multiple days. He and his crew were ohio st. fans…he had a shark kite that he shared with us by putting it directly in our path and almost decapitating us (well, really just Margaret ila). He shared his chairs, tents, beers, and tailgating game with the crew “next door”…though didn’t offer us any of those amenities...Mr. Bucket hat did not "party" alone. Nor did he keep on wearing his bucket hat...thusly, i'm not for certain which is which...but these two definitely came together.

b. There was this group of folks who had a boat of some sort (I don’t even know if you call it a boat? But I think you do. It had a sail. It had a place or two to sit…is that what a boat equals?) they would take this boat out and get lost at sea…but not for too long because they’d return…but they didn’t offer us a ride…I mean, we sat next to these folks for the entire week, and we weren’t reckless folks…we just sat there nicely and we would have made great passengers…we also watched pirates of the Caribbean and thought about just commandeering the boat…but, it sat untouched by us

6. Hairstyles and outfits…I think the saying is at the beach anything goes…and then “whatever happens at that (in) ______ stays at the (in) ______”….but as long as you’re not in solitary confinement…that’s just not the case. So, pick your swimmies wisely…pick your outfits wisely….wear a bra….and pig tails are just not always a good idea…

7. And people! Ipods on the beach!?! I mean, I know I don’t own one and I can’t keep a cell phone out of a beverage…but isn’t it risky!?

8. Always realize that a camera might be snapping a picture of you...or video...and this dude...well, i just couldn't resist! Plus, with pictures, it's always strange what you will capture that you don't even realize that you have captured until later...much later. First example of that would be on my tat tour where i got the half a naked woman...didn't realize i had snapped that one until 4 days after we returned to Tuscaloosa. Also the picture to the right of the feet...don't fear, this man did come up for air...but it sure looks like perhaps he was either done for, or had been swallered and the two feet were all that was left...(and of course wanted to keep each other company)
when beach time had come to a close, we did pretty much eat everything that we had purchased to eat...which, well, may make us fat...or just snakers...but it also makes us quite economical...and we closed up shop and headed back to where we done came from. on the way back...OH! OH! one thing, i was notified on like monday that sonic pickle o's are back!!!! so, while the intention was to stop at a sonic on the way back, we failed...but, i did get some the following week, and they were deeeeeeelish! anywho, on the way back we basically came up with an alternate career (just in case)....selling.........watermelons!!! and not just the people sitting in the back of the truck stand...oh no, this one will be suped up, modern, contemporary, with a hint of victorian feel (or something like that) and it will be awesome!

my only regret was not hearing that fantastic chumbawumba song...best "on the beach" song EVER!

If you see me in the streets...

2007-10-08T11:51:00.000-07:00

The route: Tuscaloosa to Atlanta to Savannah to Jacksonville to Savannah to Tuscaloosa

It was another weekend of fun travelling to places I had never been before. And you know the punishment of being so normal is to have encounters with those who are lacking in that category.

Evening One: Tuscaloosa to Atlanta.

We begin our journey after the work day, and at about 6:00 we are on the road to Atlanta. It was a rather uneventful trip, except for the house we saw burning from the interstate. I mean, fully ablaze. The emergency folks were on scene. We also started watching Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil on the laptop. Always bring a laptop on long car rides, if one can be safe.

We arrived in Atlanta, well, Buford, at probably 11-ish. Margaret Ila and I were in Thomas’s room; Jo and Whitney were in Matthew/guest room. There’s something to be said about staying in a teenage boy’s room. I don’t do it often, and when the occasion comes, I try to take note. One of the first things I noticed were all the posters on the wall. Now, I went through that stage in my life, however, I had wall to wall posters. Thomas is much more selective with his choices. Well, he’s cooler than I was too as a youngster. I had Zoo Babies posters all over my walls, he has a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory poster on his (the new one, not the old one). The second thing I noticed, and nearly had to lie down because of, was the spider on his floor. It was a big one…and it’s the type you typically find in cupcakes. However, because it is not Halloween yet, I wasn’t mentally prepared for it. I saw it, stepped on it, and then realized it’s plastic nature. Whew.

Day 2: Atlanta to Savannah

It was about a four hour drive from Atlanta to Savannah. I am reminded of the line from Gone with the Wind. “Savannah’d be better for you. You’d just get in trouble in Atlanta.” I think there’s a hmmmph in there somewhere too, I’m just not sure of its exact location. Well, we followed Mammies advice and did not stay long in Atlanta at all. Savannah, Tally Ho.

We arrived in Savannah and immediately went to the Gray Line office to book our trolley tours for the afternoon and evening. One $10 dollar trolley tour and one evening haunted ghost trolley tour please.

Then we went to the hotel to check in. The Westin. It’s a great place and I’d recommend it to anyone travelling to the area. There was even Starbucks coffee for us in the room. Nothing I like better than some single-serving Starbucks coffee things! (I mean, I liked it so much, I took a picture of it).

Then it was time to drive back to the Gray Line office and off we go. Rachel was our host for the trip, she was from Rhode Island, and brought the fact up at every chance she got. We traveled around the seemingly millions of squares in Savannah, went by City Market, River Street, some churches, found out where the famous people lived (Flannery O'Conner). Saw the many SCAD buildings, and, of course, heard many a reference to Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. We also saw many references to the War of Northern Aggression (the headquarters of the Union Army).

At the end of our trolley tour, we decided to get off at River Street and take a look-see around. We walked up and down the street, stopping in various shops. We saw a statue, or so we thought. The best “stop and take a picture of me painted up, but also pay me a dollar” person I have ever seen lives and works in Savannah and it is worth the trip alone just to see her (I think).

We went in Paula Deen’s gift shop, where we did not see her at all, but did see a relative. We also saw the available tshirts. You may read what is on them. I’m not quite sure I agree with all of them, or think they’re cute. We stopped at City Market for supper at the Café at City Market. And then it was time to Tally Ho on to the Visitor’s Center where we would be picked up for our Haunted Trolley Tour.

Rebecca was our tour guide for the evening, and quite knowledgeable about Savannah’s apparitions. She, however, did not quite know what to do with herself when we saw a house with an Alabama flag flying proudly and of course gave it a big Roll Tide of approval.

It seems that almost all of Savannah’s buildings are haunted in some way or another (the Kehoe House, for example), and we learned all about it…from the safety of our very own trolley (there were many a'folk on haunted walking tours).

We saw the Pirate's House, also haunted with the ghosts, not only of pirates, but of the young men they intoxicated and then stole.

We might have also seen a couple of ghosts. For example, the two young (old) ladies attempting to get in the door of this house...They did not look like they belonged there.

We also drove by Club One, the home of Lady Chablis’ show. We did not go into the venue.

When we arrived back at the hotel, Margaret Ila, Whitney, and I decided to go down to the hotel’s evening eating establishment. We thought they might have dessert. We were wrong. So, we just sat there, and came up with our Ghost Remix for Halloween.

Day 3: Savannah to Jacksonville to Savannah

We got up and drove down to Jacksonville for the day. Alabama was playing Florida State, and we all had tickets…not only tickets, but tickets in the Bud Zone. We got to Jacksonville and hung out at the landing, where they had Starbucks and Nine West shoes for us. We walked along the water for a couple minutes and then headed towards the stadium, stopping by the fair grounds for a little Bama Bash prior to kickoff.

Again, I remind you. When you are normal as we are, there is bound to be some crazy folk that come into the picture.

We had the mullet. I always hesitate to take and publish pictures of mullets. Because, of course, they have friends too. I'm not making fun. I just don't have that hair style, and feel compelled to take photos when I see one. I do know that this young lady might be, or might be related to someone who will read this blog.

We had the illegal weapon and gun show duo. I also realize that it is indeed hot at football games. That prompts some people to just take off their shirts. Others, not wanting to tempt the masses, just decide to cut the sleeves out of their shirts, like this fine men.

We had the bear. This gentleman was of coach status. He told us that had it been ten years ago, different words would have been coming out of his mouth, however, the same enthusiasm was present for this game. He was hollering and I would say devoting his full attention to the game, but, as you can see, he was on his cell phone at this moment. No doubt getting some insider information.

We had preppy high school, blue jean shorts, tapered jeans, ribbon bow, and more white shorts than the law should ever allow after labor day.

We had some gangsters in training in their tank tops...these two had not quite yet made it to "illegal weapon" status, but they were indeed trying to show off.

We had two young bucks sitting on "University of Alabama, College of Nursing" seat cushions. When asked what year they were, they gave a big "huh?" accompanied by a greatly confused look. But, good try Whitney!

Story about blue jean shorts and family. So, mom is getting rowdy and is playfully (I think) arguing with lone-Bama-man in front of her. She pushes him, he knocks her hand off of him, which sends Dad into Mr. Obnoxious Pissy Pants mode. He tells Lone Bama not to ever touch his wife again. Goes and gets the cops. Kids are crying. And the troops are rallying behind Lone Bama, who has traveled all the way from Wisconsin to see some Alabama football.

Long story short, Ms. Blue Jean Shorts has to admit to the cops to pushing Lone Bama first, kids are now scared of Dad, Dad’s a jerk for the rest of the game, and Ms. Blue Jean Shorts sits down for the rest of the game, because she knows she is a trouble-starter.

We make it back to Savannah after the loss and make it inside our room just in time to see yet another Alabama defeat in the form of an Auburn victory. Booooooo.

Day 3: Savannah to Tuscaloosa

We get up and drive downtown where we meet Jo, who has made us reservations at Lady and Sons, Paula Deen’s gig. And it was good. And, it does indeed appear that she uses butter as a condiment. We waddled out of the place and walked around Savannah, stepping into the map at every other block. I didn’t major in direction and I didn’t major in maps, leave me be!

We went to several more squares, including Chippewa Square, where the bench that Forest, Forest Gump sat used to sit. It, unfortunately, has been replaced by some flowers and a sign. Ohhhh, well. We also saw the top of the steeple that is seen in the movie. We walked by and through the cemetery, and the Mercer House gift shop. One lamp later (I hope it’s not haunted) and we’re back at the car and ready to Tally to Tuscaloosa.

It was a long drive, but pretty uneventful, which is what one strives for on the way back from trips.

Savannah, check plus.
Jacksonville, check.
Alabama football, check minus.

If you're going to San Fran Cheesey

2007-10-02T07:44:00.000-07:00

That's not how the song goes...but what if it was...

Road Trip Diary: San Francisco

Now, after my counts from the D.C. Trip, one might think Margaret Ila and me to be dirty and uninterested and unfunny people. But, I remind you that we were dealing with a totally different situation here. First of all, the temperature was about 30 degrees (not an exaggeration) cooler on the West Coast, therefore, the CONSTANT need for a shower was not there. We had some issues with electronics and thus could not have taken as many pictures as we each would have wanted. And finally, umm…yeah, the jokes from May, well, my friends, they are STILL FUNNY!

Day 1…really Evening 1: BHM to SFO.

Go time was 2:30 in the afternoon and we arrived in Birmingham approximately an hour later. We checked in with no problems and had no problems getting through security, thanks to Margaret Ila’s through research on the 3-1-1 rule, that’s 3 ounce bottles in one clear and sealable bag per one person. I was not called bulky and life was good. And we took our seats at the departure gate. And we waited. And we saw our 5:00 departure time come and go while still sitting in the Birmingham airport. Rain, my friends, rain. And who wants to fly in the rain? Not me!

It was a rather pleasant flight, we carried most of our luggage on so didn’t really have Lost Luggage Fear Syndrome, although because we carried on, we had to hoist our bags into the overhead compartment. Charlie (my suitcase) nearly took out the guy we were seated with. But, the hoisting was successful in the end.

It was 45 minutes later and we were taking off for Atlanta. And we arrived approximately 28 minutes later. Next departure time was 9:40. We’ve got a while folks. Okay, so what does one want when in Atlanta? A coca-cola and a chick-fil-a ANYTHING! And what do we find? Not a nugget in the joint. But, there is a slice of pizza at the Sabarro. Not only is there a slice of pizza but there is the world’s SLOWEST individual.

Okay, so this lady—if I hadn’t have had my hands full with my one slice and my luggage, I would have taken a picture of her—she had a problem with the bottled cola that was handed to her.

Mind you, the line for the pizza (or big meatball, your choice) has tripled (a little bit of an exaggeration, but really, the line was growing). She prefers the fountain drink. Well, honey, who doesn’t? But, we’re in an airport; planes are taking off right and left, people are fainting from hunger because their Delta Snack Pack © isn’t satisfying enough, take the drink and MOVE ON!

She does no such thing. She requests the fountain drink and then all but counts the number of ice cubes that are put in her cup. After playing Goldie Locks and complaining about their being too much and then too little ice, this chick has it to her liking. Then she takes about 4 minutes to pay. Okay, folks. Airport Fast Food Etiquette says that you pay in cash and you have it ready to hand to the gentleman or lady behind the counter. It should go down in almost Soup Nazi (Seinfeld, guys) fashion.

Finally, we have paid for our slices of pizza and make our way to the $1.75 vending machines to purchase Atlanta’s finest cola. Then we make it to our gate and park it. Okay, so strange thing we start to notice is an obnoxious amount of orange. Now, most of you know that I love Kevin Bacon and I love the color orange. But, really guys, too much is definitely too much, and we were seeing too much. What is going on here? Tennessee’s opener is at Berkeley is what’s going on.

We mentally prepare ourselves that all this orange might board the plane with us at 9:40. While doing so, we notice a man sitting across from us. He’s wearing white pants and a white shirt (it wasn’t Labor Day at the time, so it was acceptable), and the man looks just like Robin Williams.

We’ve got to figure out how to take a picture of this man without really being obvious. We fail a good couple of times, but finally manage a picture of the guy. You decide. I think Robin Williams might like to travel to West Palm Beach.

We also see an Atlanta Hawks player. Margaret Ila RUNS down the hall as if she is late for a flight to get a picture of this gent. Success.

Celebrity Count: 2. Who needs LA when you’ve got the Atlanta Airport!?

Then over the intercom comes a voice. "Sorry folks, we’ve had a collision of aircraft. The gate for the West Palm Beach departure is likely to be changed. I don’t have any more information, but as soon as I do, I will let you know."

Now, when you hear "Aircraft collision," there tends to be a little bit of a panic. I mean, I know that aircraft tend to just fly through clouds, but if pilots are running into things, I don’t take it as a good sign. I don’t know quite what happened, but their plane was deplaned and then folks left the gate.

Soon we experienced some slight déjà vu when we saw our 9:40 departure time come and go while sitting on the seats in the Atlanta airport, not on the plane. And, we saw 10:40 go by.

Don’t worry. By 11:45, we were on the plane and heading towards San Francisco (with no flowers in our hair).

We sit down. Seats A, B, and C. I sit by the window. Margaret Ila gets the middle, and Brian Fellow gets the aisle. We also have Einstein’s cousin in front of us.

Celebrity Count: 4 (still haven’t made it to San Francisco).

Okay, so, Einstein. This man has long-ish white hair, looks like he could be a little smart…and crazy.

Brian Fellow. You all know the SNL skits, right? I couldn’t find a youtube link, but hopefully you are aware (it’s REALLY funny). In our case, Brian Fellow is an elderly lady with a safari jacket on. I’m talking about not only Lions, Tigers, and Bears (oh my!), but also elephants, cougars, jaguars, hippos (okay, I’m not positive about that), etc. This woman also seemed to have a bit of a staring problem. LADY, EYES FORWARD; it’s 11:45 your time, 10:45 my time, and 8:45 in Craig’s time.

We’ve got 5 hours on this plane and have no time for you! We need for the movie to come on (we think it’s gonna be Fracture, and we’ll take it) and for you to leave us be!

Flight attendant comes over the speaker, "We’ve tested the electronic equipment and it appears as though we will not be able to show the film, but please be encouraged by the fact that we are even getting this flight in the air, we almost had to cancel it."

You, Ms. Flight attendant. I don’t think you quite understand. We have been delayed twice. Einstein to the front, Brian Fellow to the right, and WAY TOO MANY VOLUNTEERS on this flight, in the paraphrased words of one of those history guys, "GIVE ME RYAN GOSLING AND ANTHONY HOPKINS or GIVE ME DEATH!" And, ma’am, what do you mean the electronic equipment isn’t quite working right? Does that mean that other plane equipment isn’t working right? Are we doomed?

The plane takes off without incident and while there is much disappointment over the lack of entertainment, we are all surviving. And then there are some screams from a baby. Can’t you drive across the country? Gah! Well, at some point during the five hour flight, Margaret Ila and I get the giggles. And someone SHHHHH’s us! Come on honey? You’re gonna let a kid scream and wake everyone up but you’re gonna SHH some slightly grown up folks for telling some GREAT jokes!?

Then Brian Fellow looks over and starts telling us that we are disturbing people. Oh, I got your disturbance, lady. Don’t test me.

We land in San Francisco at 1:45 their time, 2:45 Eastern, and 1:45 Central time and are greeted by Elvis, the luggage attendent. And we are TIRED. Our checked bags are there! Such a different story from the New York trip. Craig, where are you?

He arrives and we pile into his truck and head down the road to Mountain View. Get me on the futon, it’s time to sleep.

Day 2: Downtown San Francisco.

Wake-up time is approximately 7 or so hours after head-hitting-the-pillow time. We’ve got a plan. We are going to hop on the Cal-Train, when you say it, it sounds like Cow-Train…MOOOO, and then ride down to San Francisco, where we will hop in a cab to be dropped off at Union Square. And all that is a success.

We eat lunch around Union Square, do a little shopping, and we’re ready to hop on the Cable Car up the hill. It’s a hill and a half. And it’s an even great experience (in some capacity) when you are staring at a Volunteer’s behind (That’s what she said).

At the top of the hill we come to Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s a pleasant place. First stop, GRAYLINE office! We walk around a little bit trying to find it, but find it we do. Or so we thought. We stepped right up, ready to ask some questions, and asked the right questions to the wrong person. This lady wanted us to sign up for a time-share informational meeting. It would just cost us 90 minutes of our time, no obligation to purchase, we’d even get lunch. Ma’am, (a) we’ve already eaten, (b) we are on vacation, we do not have time for 90 minutes with your people.

She said that she would buy our tour tickets if we would go hear the talk. While that does sound like an interesting proposition, we really don’t want to waste that time. Margaret Ila and I are trying our best to come up with a way to let her down easy.

Well, she doesn’t acknowledge that we need time to think up a way to get out of this, she’s already onto the sign-up form. All we have to do to qualify is be American citizens (done), have valid driver’s licenses (done), and make 60 grand a year. At that last statement, we looked at her and started laughing. Ma’am, thank you for thinking that we look like we make that kind of money, but ma’am, I’m a student, she’s a social worker, together we don’t make 60 thousand dollars a year.

But, thank goodness, because we didn’t have to waste 90 minutes hanging out hearing about a time-share that we couldn’t afford.

We go inside and purchase our tickets for a Bay Cruise for Friday night and Tours Galore on Saturday. And we make our way to the cannery for a Hop-On, Hop-Off double decker bus tour.

Those are the best! We totally owned the one we took in DC, and we expected a similar experience on this one. We hop on, quite proudly, take our seats, and get our cameras ready to take pictures of the sights of the city.

What we got was a tour guide named Jack…or Philip, who now goes by Jack Philip Jackelynn. He introduced himself as Philip. But, him mom (yes, his MOM was on the bus) called him Jack. In true Scrubs fashion, he quickly became Jackelynn. He told us a little about a very few things.

(a) about some folks who were gunned down by some cops, maybe. Or maybe it was some cops who were gunned down by some folks?...nevertheless, while I may forget, he repeated over and over: "We will not forget"

(b) the Tenderloin district

Jackelynn...I bet you know.

We rode around the downtown loop and hopped off at Pier 39, my new favorite place. It’s touristy and clean, cute little stores, coffee, and the barking seals (or otters or sea lions or whatever they are). I mean, watch that clip too. These guys are fascinating. I really do think I could have stood there and watched them for about four hours. But, that couldn’t be the case.

Then came the Bay Cruise, not with Captain Jack Sparrow, but let me tell you, this guy to the left was a close second. He did smoke on the ship that allowed No Smoking, but whatever, he's the captain. Let me tell you, it was COLD…but other than that, it was FABULOUS! We saw some international characters. We held onto the rails. We snapped pictures. Went under the Golden Gate Bridge.

Went by Alcatraz (did you know there was an inmate there named Bird Man!?). Saw the sailboats, the skyline, the umbrella (like Rhianna)-balloon surfer people. It was COOL!

Craig came and met us down at Pier 39 and we grabbed dinner…at the Sea Otter Café, no doubt, because, of course, we hadn’t gotten enough of the cool barking animals. Well, we sat and ate it, and then back to Mountain View it was for us.

Day 3: The somewhat Greater San Francisco Area.

We had to get up at the crack of dawn because we had an hour train ride to take before hopping in a cab to be taken to the place where we would meet our tour bus which departed at 9:15. Oh golly, that meant leaving at 7:00 to catch the 7:19 Cal (not Cow) Train. We made it. Also heard about some illegal activity by a strange-looking drug-user (we know this because he was talking about how his girlfriend gave him a gram for his birthday—now, I know, this is San Francisco, home of Gheridelli, so he could have been talking about a gram of chocolate, but somehow I think not. I also wasn’t going to tell him that we should participate in hugs not drugs, because I sure wasn’t getting close enough to him to hug him).

Made it down to San Francisco okay, got in the cab okay, and then we were stopped by a parade. Folks! We are in San Francisco for a limited time, while yesterday’s tour guide was sub-par, we cannot miss the tour! We talk rather loudly about the tour that we fear we will miss and

Mr. Taxi steps on it and we are off.

Mr. Taxi, man, he’s Mr. Taxi operator of the year, because he got us to Fisherman’s Wharf with like 25 minutes to spare. We stood in line and waited our turn to hop on this enclosed double-decker bus.

Up-top we go, behind and across from some Germans. In front off three Australian’s (2 ladies and 1 man, and one of them was the third wheel) and caddy-corner from Wyoming’s Welcome Wagon.

And we saw some great things, back to the Golden Gate Bridge for more photos, the Golden Gate Bridge National Park, the Presidio, like 49 miles of Scenes. At the Golden Gate Bridge stop, we ran into Ms. San Fran Cheesey. This lady, well, she was decked out in all-things-San Fran-gear and when we took our picture with her (because, why wouldn’t you?) she said, "say SAN FRAN CHEESEY." Well, I didn’t say that, but I did note that phrase for later usage.

Ray, our tour guide of the morning, unlike Jack Philip Jackelynn told us about all the celebrities in San Fran, like Robin Williams—we drove by his high school. We drove by OJ’s high school (Juice). We drove by the House of Nanking, the Lady and Sons (Paula Deen’s) of Chinese Food. Ray was pleasant and he would tickle himself (just a phrase). He couldn’t pronounce Tuscaloosa, but he did find the name amusing. If there were an award for Gray Line Tour Guide of the year, it would go to Ray. I need to send a letter.

After our morning tour, we had an hour or so to bum around before we got on the Muir Woods, Sausalito Afternoon tour. So, we went to In and Out, of course. Where Happy Cows, who live in Happy California go to die and be eaten…but, they were good hamburgers, so good job CA.
As we stood in line for the afternoon tour, we wondered who our tour guide for the afternoon would be. And, I’ll be darned, if it wasn’t Ray again! It was going to be a good afternoon, I was positive.

Now, we went to Muir Woods, but were a little afeared that we might not make it to Sausolito because of time issues stemming from the closing of the Bay Bridge for the weekend. Don’t worry, we made it both places.

Muir Woods. We didn’t take too much time there, but it was nice. Not only do they have Happy Cows in California, they also have extremely tall and wide trees.

Back on the bus to Sausalito, America’s best city, I think. They had ice cream, sail boats, and art galleries, all for the viewing (and the ice cream for the tasting). Man, it was a pretty place. Touristy enough to be fun, but not enough to be obnoxious or dirty.

We came back from that tour and were dropped off at Pier 39 with only one goal in mind. Find somewhere to watch the Tennessee Cal-Berkeley game. Destination: Wipe-Out. So, this place was a little slow, but that was okay, we had football to watch. We sat outside in the awesome weather that got progressively a little chilly…don’t worry, they had outside heaters. And the result? Roll Tide. As Jonathan King says, "Any Tennessee loss is an Alabama victory," which means that Alabama won twice in one weekend, amen?!

Craig came and met us down there and we hopped in his truck for Mission Cream-Puffs. We failed, just to go ahead an alleviate your suspense. We could not find the Cream-Puff store (what in the world is a cream puff?) We might have found it eventually, but it was definitely closed. And Craig almost took out a innocent pedestrian in the process. CRAIG!

On the way back to Mountain View, we decided to stop in Palo Alto to see if they made Cream Puffs. They do not, just in case you were thinking about making that trip. Back to Mountain View.

Day 4: San Jose, Palo Alto, Sonoma, Berkeley, Oakland, and Santa Cruz

We stopped first at a San Jose Starbucks were I added a Starbucks City cup to my collection.

Next stop, Palo Alto by day to get a glimpse of Stanford’s campus. We stopped at an open-air mall to purchase our Stanford gear because the bookstore was not open on Sunday. I tell you what, open-air malls, fantastic! And this was an excellent one!

We traveled next, down to Sonoma Valley. Cool place. They had a lot of grapes there. It was HOT!, but a different kind of hot, as you would imagine. Tolerable. We wondered around. Saw some defeated Tennesseeians drinking off their moral and game defeat from the previous night.

Next came Berkeley by day. Well, this is what I’ll say about Berkeley, they got one great Library with some great bathroom facilities, and a statue of Einstein sitting on a bench welcoming you to the library. Good job Berkeley. We also saw a man who looked so stressed out and fatigued that he might jump off the library landing. Funny that classes weren’t in session yet, but maybe he had a stressful semester coming up? Who knows.

We drove through Oakland (not Michigan) by dusk, and it was nice. Didn’t really stop to do anything, just saw it from the car, but I can’t complain about it. It treated me just fine.

And then on to Santa Cruz. Took wayyyy too long to get there, and the Bad Ass Coffee Co. was closed by the time we got there. Shame too, because if we had known that upon our return the Bad Ass Tuscaloosa branch would have changed its name, we would have insisted they let us in to purchase Bad Ass gear. Oh well. We went to Pizza My Heart. We walked around. It was pretty cool…and way to busy. We stepped out onto the beach. Didn’t make it to the water. It was cold outside.

Done with Santa Cruz, back to Mountain View we go. We need that precious 4 hours of sleep on the futon before we have to get up and go to the airport.

Day 5: SFO to ATL to BHM

It was a 3:45 awake time and a 4:00 departure time from Mountain View. Charlie was thrown into the back of the truck and away we went. After our drop-off at the airport, we hung around our gate until take-off-time. So, you know what? No celebrity sightings in the airport (real or fake), but we did see some interesting things. I was quite worried about some glass bottles shattering due to employee handling or pressure or whatever thousands of feet in the air will do to glass. Well, don’t fret, the bottles made it. But, what I was really concerned about was the gerbil on board. Yes, this woman brought her pet gerbil on the plane with her. Now, I know that dogs and cats have been known to travel on planes, and survive. But, gerbils are little. I was worried whether it would it explode. I haven’t seen snakes on a plane. But, I just thought that Exploding Gerbil on Plane would make a horrific real-life Life Time movie. Plus, the woman carrying this gerbil, man, it appeared as if the gerbil was her life. If that gerbil had lost its life, I don’t know what we would have done, but it would be bad news.

Fortunately, there were no screams, and while I did not see a breathing gerbil exit the plane in Atlanta, I imagine that there was a happy ending. Not positive, of course. On the flight from SFO to ATL, we did have a movie and two seats on our row. No Brian Fellow and Fantastic Four. Great combination. Of course, I had Mr. Tennessee who couldn’t understand that it is impolite to use the seat-back function when NO ONE ELSE ON THE PLANE IS AT 6:00 in the morning! RUDE! Well, I made my annoyance quite apparent by talking loudly about etiquette and digging my knee as far and as hard as I could into the back of his seat. I am not 5 feet plus 2 inches, folks, these legs need room, and I needed it from Mr. Tennessee at that moment. And I was denied.

Thankfully, when we landed in Atlanta, we were done with our weekend of Tennessee orange. And I LOVE the color orange. I was just ready for it and its people to leave me be! They went in another direction. We sat down. I went and got some Ben and Jerry’s and was ready for my 26 minute flight back to Birmingham. It was unproductive, except for I swear I saw a cloud that looked like Garfield.

And when we arrived and went down to the baggage claim, there Charlie the Tuna Suitcase was just a waiting on me.

A-T-L-A-N-T-A-G-A that's where I S-T-A-Yr till my d-to the-y-i-n-g-d-a-y

2007-05-31T22:01:00.000-07:00

When i figure out this blog stuff, i'll add some more pictures and fix some formatting issues, but, i thought i'd go ahead and get this up!

As many of you know, I get completely excited about Spelling Bee week! This has been a fascination for a couple years now. It started one year when I was working out in the Rec Center and was watching one of the TVs that was available to me while I pedaled or walked or ran or ellipsed or whatever I was doing that day…that day when ESPN was broadcasting the Spelling Bee. It was intense, and that was not what I was expecting. I was hooked, and have been ever since.

Now, I know that the Spelling Craze has spread to many areas of American Society, and Roll Tide for that. I’m excited about other people getting excited about spelling, because it is brain exercise for the children (and well, us adults as well), and education is good! Learning can be made fun or savvy or whatever, as we have seen with School House Rock, for example.

My friend Kyle mentioned that today’s musicians (a loose term, perhaps, and while they may not be real musicians in the eyes of some, they are truly educators) have been integral in teaching him how to spell. I doubt there are many folks above the age of 8 who do not know how to spell “glamorous” thanks to Fergie. (p.s., thanks Fergie, for real!) That word will no longer be any sort of challenge on a 4th grade spelling test. My man Mystikal taught me how to spell “No Limit” and “Bout it Bout it” in his song “Here We Go.”

But, enough about them…onto the 80th Annual Scripps National Spelling Bee, the final rounds: 7-13. For some history of the Spelling Bee, click here.

First of all—let me say that if I had known that the spelling bee was coming to town, well, the town of Washington DC, I would have stayed there an extra couple days and chilled out before I came back to Tuscaloosa. What a cool thing it would be to not only watch the final rounds of the Scripp’s National Spelling Bee in person, but to also hang out with some cool spellers! Holy Cow Wow! Alas, I was not made aware of this information (obviously, I’m not the spellers’ biggest fan…just close), so, stupidly, I came back to Tuscaloosa, and was stuck watching the final round on ABC.

Rules for these final rounds: Spellers get 2 minutes to hear the word, ask questions (Language of Origin (LoO), use it in a sentence, say it again, other pronunciations) and by the end of that two minutes they need to have spelled the word. Sort of. If they don’t attempt to spell the word in that 2 minutes, they get 30 seconds of “finishing time.” If a speller thinks that he/she will need extra time, only ONCE during the bee can he/she ask for bonus time. BUT, bonus time must be requested right when the bell rings or it doesn’t happen. Bonus time lasts for 1 minute only and then the 30 seconds of finishing time will begin.

And let me go ahead and say that I understand these directions completely!!!! When I heard the directions for Curling (the Olympic headache they call a sport), I totally didn’t understand at all…at least I know from the Spelling Bee, that I’m not a total failure in understanding. I regress. Back to the Spelling Bee, where I will provide somewhat of a play-by-play with some commentary. What I did with every word, save the first one, was when the word was said, I would spell it for myself, then I would observe what happened with the spellers, and then I would note the correct spelling of the word. I spelled only ONE word correctly. (better than zero words, eh?)

Round 7 starts with only 15 spellers: 9 boys and 6 girls, 3 from Canada. And here we go.

1. Girolle: (I didn’t get the My attempt going until the next word, obviously) which is a mushroom of some sort. Poor Jonathan, because he couldn’t quite get the pronunciation correct and he's OUTTA HERE. This is his last Scripp's Spelling Bee, and he's out of the competition quickly, but he did receive a standing ovation as he exited. Apparently, this guy is a real legend in the Bee world, apparently. Nothing but Kudos to him. He's a champ! (not the champ, but definitely a champ).

2. Rascacio (my attempt: Rauscausio)—Evan—DING, and quickly too.

Let's learn about Tia Thomas, the next speller. This is her 4th year in the bee. She’s a piano player, racquetball player, plays the flute too, loves music and athletics, described as having a heart of gold. She knits hats for preemies, and the girl is interested in global warming. And that's Tia, in a nutshell.

3. Zacate (my attempt: Zucatti)—Tia—Tia is trying to visualize the word by writing it on her number (which she's wearing around her neck), and she looks very stumped. She asks for alternate pronunciations, and isn't satisfied with only asking that question once. She's asking the judges for more alternate pronunciatons like they lied the first time (bad move Tia). There are less than 30 seconds left and as the clock winds down, she starts spelling. And she is incorrect. And there is a face of obvious frustration…bad news, as she sits down.

4. Apozem (My attempt: Apazem)—Cody—He starts spelling almost immediately, a-p- (long pause)-i-z-e-m…..another one bites the dust. Cody is one of the Canadians, and there is one less of them now. Sit down, Cody.

Question: I wonder about all the cheering when a speller spells incorrectly. Is the audience clapping for the person who just got out? Like a nice job type of situation, good try, etc. OR, is it all the survivors’ parents and friends cheering like, “yeah, sucker, sit down, my baby’s still going on? Tough call, any ideas?

5. Partitur (My attempt: Partiteur)--Nate-LoO is from German—DING! Nate gets the job done and gets it done very quickly. We learn here that Nate plays the cello, bass guitar, and many other instruments. Good job, Nate.

Here, we also learn that there are 20 folks from Canada who made it into the Scripps National Spelling Bee; 3 of these 20 made it to the Primetime Rounds.

6. Bouleuterion (My attempt: eulutarian)—Anqi—He also finger spelling on the back of his number, and with less than 30 seconds, he starts spelling: b-u-l-u-t-e-r-i-o-n—NOPE, Anqi, you failed. Sit down.

As we return from the commercial break, we find Stuart Scott interviewing Jonathan, the first loser from Round 7. And Jonathan’s just a'crying, it's sorta sad. Not like Home Makeover sad, but nonetheless. Jonathan got a perfect score on the multiple choice part, but said he was just confused about the pronunciation. “I’m not bitter about it though,”Jonathan assures the viewers. And he was really happy about the standing ovation. “Just thinking about that is just awesome," he says, still fighting back the tears.

7. Punaise (My attempt: Peunaise)—Joseph—upon hearing the word he says, bright eyed and scared: “oh my gosh.” When he asks for a definition, the judge says that it’s a synonym for “bed bug.” Joseph says, “I liked bed bug better.” I mean, this guy is funny! He starts spelling…suspense, and YES! He got it correct and can continue to the next round!

I’m amused by the fact that the Word spell checker is labeling the majority of these words as spelled incorrectly.

8. Urgrund (My attempt: Oeurgrunt)—Claire—This is an interesting young lady. Her eyes roll back into her head as she’s thinking about the word. With under 30 seconds left, she starts spelling: u-r-g-r-u-n-d-t. Well, you’re OUT, but, you were SO CLOSE, just had to add that extra letter. She sits down with a smile on her face, the German language knocked her out.

They take a break to tell us about Kavya, the next speller. She’s a violin player and does Indian (dot not feather) dance. One of her friends says, “she’s gone to India, that’s cool.” Kavya also has a sister, Vanya (5), and they are very close and have a great relationship. Her sister, too, wants to be in the National Spelling Bee.

9. Cilice (My attempt: syles)--Kavya Shivashankar—First of all, no wonder Kavya’s a spelling bee champ, just spelling her last name is a chore. She’s from Kansas, woot woot, and she’s a hand speller, meaning that she tries to visualize the spelling by “writing” in her hand. She doesn’t start spelling until she hears the bell and her finishing time has started: c-i-l-i-s. NOPE, sorry, sit down, Kavya.

And when we come back from the commercial break, we learn that the 1970 winning word was Croissant and the 1984 winning word was Luge.

10. Pelorus (My attempt: Paloris) Nithya Vijayakumar (another obvious speller). She asks for the LoO, and the dude says it’s an unknown etymology. Tough call and Nithya rolls her eyes. “This is one of those words that if you haven’t seen it, good luck” says commentator. Nithya’s father looks to be in a trance, eyes closed, rocking back and forth, maybe praying? And Nithya starts spelling: p-a-l-o-r-i-s. Hey, well, she got it incorrect, BUT, she spelled it the same way I did, it’s too bad two wrongs don’t make a right.

11. Helzel (My attempt: Helzil) Connor Spencer—14 years old—LoO is German to Yiddish. Yiddish? I kinda thought that was made up. Connor asks, “It’s a noun…right?” Duh, Connor. But, that seemed to be the winning question, because he spelled it correctly. Good job Conner!

Break to learn about the next speller: Matt Evans. He’s the favorite in the competition, now that this other kid got out in an early round. Matt has already won the Reader’s Digest Word Power Challenge, in which he got a $25,000 scholarship. And, side note: did you know there are some words that don’t have vowels? These are words that have “W”s that act as vowels. Matt’s favorite phrase seems to be: “to b-e-e or not to b-e-e.”

12. Genizah (My attempt: Geneiza) Matt—He asks, “Is it Hebrew?” Well, as a matter of fact, it is. Matt, you’re smart! He starts spelling: G-e-n-i-z-a-h. Matt strikes again and will continue to the next round, high 5’s for everyone.

13. Rigaree (My attempt: Rigori) Patreek—Another unknown origin word, that sucks. And, as I see the correct spelling, man, I was gonna spell it with 2 “e”s and I changed my mind. Always go with your first guess! Patreek has obviously seen this word before, because he just spelled it right out, no hesitation.

14. Grognard (My attempt: Groniare) Amy—Amy’s got some steady hands. LoO: Latin to French. The sentence that the word is used in contains the phrase, “video game warriors,” at which the audience laughs. This word means “an old soldier.” And Amy is confused, so confused and stressed out by this word that she has to use Bonus Time. And by the time she’s used that up and her finishing time starts, she spells only to fail. Good try, Amy, but no.

15. Helodes (My attempt: Helodes) Isabel—Isabel is the only speller from Wisconsin (sort of how Grace was the only speller from Alabama, but Grace was out early). Isabel wears lots of bracelets, 25 of them, to be exact, and says they are good luck charms. As it turns out, both Isabel and I get this word correct!

And at the end of round 7, only 7 spellers remaining—6 boys and 1 girl. In round 7, ½ the remaining spellers were lost. But, Matt Evans, the youngest, the favorite, is still in the running.

Let’s learn about Evan. Evan has a love for notes and numbers, music and math. He’s a piano player who just wrote a piano concerto. He’s 13 years old. He says, “I really like math.” He started playing piano when he was 5, not only playing, but making up his own songs. He says, “Sometimes when I walk around, I have music in my head.” His mom says, “Sometimes he will have a far-away look in his eyes, and I’ll look at him and ask him, ‘is it notes or numbers.’” He’s pretty much a genius, but, he also says, “I don’t really like the spelling bee as compared with math or music, but I have to do it.” Easy does it there Evan. Love the one you’re with!

And, Round 8 begins.

16. Schuhplattler (My attempt: Schuplackler) Evan starts us off and gets it correct in like 30 seconds.

17. Abseil (My attempt: aupsiel) Nate—LoO is from German. Nate nails it in about 45 seconds. Nate is pretty darn impressive.
18. Triticale (my attempt: tridicale) Joseph—The definition includes something about a hybrid between wheat and rye. And Joseph responds with another “Oh my gosh,” something apparently he has done each round thus far. He starts spelling: t-r-i-t-i-c-a-l-e, and he got it correct! Wide-eyed, brace-face Joseph goes and sits back down!

19. Cachalot (My attempt: Cashalautte) Connor—He spelled very quickly, and he puts his number up to cover his face in between each syllable. The tricks these kids use, I tell you what. Although this trick didn’t work so well for Connor, because he spelled it incorrectly. See ya, Connor.

20. Fauchard (My attempt: Faucharre) Matthew—and the word he gets came from French. And it’s another one I thought I could have had correct; I did not. Matthew is struggling and keeps as asking for the LoO. And he starts spelling with 30 seconds of regulation: f-a-u-c-h-a-r. Nope, he misspelled it. And the favorite is out. And as he greets his parents, Mom gives him the longest hug ever. It’s over, Mom, let your kid sit down.

21. Randkluft (My attempt: Rhantcluft) Patreek—He spells this in no time flat. The commentator says, “could you tell that you knew it all along?” Well, I couldn’t, but that’s why I’m not the commentator.

22. Epaulment (My attempt: Epaulmant) Isabel, the Lone girl left in the round gets it correct and can continue. Looks like those 25 lucky charm bracelets are doin their work.

And Round 8 comes to a close, with only 5 spellers left.

We learn that the final spellers traveled around the Capital City, and even had a police escort to the White House, where they met with Laura Bush, who, I might add, made them sit on the floor! WHAT? And, who made them participate in a political word spelling bee. Come on, Laura, give ‘em a break…and let them sit in chairs!

Round 9, here we go!

23. Laquear (My attempt: lacquiar) Evan—Latin LoO. And he starts spelling: l-a-q-u-e-a-r. SHUT UP! How in the world! “I think a lot of people are riding the “E” train for Evan right now” says one of the commentators. Well, duh!

24. Rognon (My attempt: Breunion) Nate comes up to the plate and spells the word, correctly, in 10 seconds. Those Canadians, I tell you what. Gasps emerge from the audience. Mom and dad are waving and smiling.

25. Aniseikonia (My attempt: Anypsychonia) Joseph—“Ok” he says, not “Oh gosh.” Uh oh, he’s deviating from his norm, and that can’t be a good thing. The commentator says, “He’s got a lot more than aniseikonia going on right now, he can see about 13 different versions of this word in his head and he’s got to figure out the right one.” Oh, Joseph, you spelled the word incorrectly. Sit down, Joseph, shame cause you were pretty funny.
26. Oberek (My attempt: Auberic) Patreek—LoO: Polish—and he missed it too, another one bites the dust.

Two in a row have to sit down. Regardless of what Isabel does in this round, we will be going to the Finals Round, because there will be no more than three spellers.

27. Cyanophycean (My attempt: scienoficien) Isabelle steps up to the mic. Let’s see if those bracelets are gonna work for her this round. And with under 30 seconds or regulation time, she starts spelling: C-y-a-n-o-pause-p-h-y-t-i-o-n. Incorrect. The last girl is out and we’re down to two spellers.

“Make no doubt about it, this is a competition and these two have their game-faces on,” says the commentator. We have had 27 words thus far in the finals rounds, and I have spelled 1 correctly. But, in 6 of those 26 other words, I only got 1 letter incorrect. So, while I’m not a champion speller or anything, I consider myself not to be a total failure.

Round 10 begins.

28. Zoilus (My attempt: zoelous) Evan’s up. LoO is from a Greek name, and the definition is “one given to unjust quibbling and faultfinding.” Interesting. Evan spells it correctly.

And we learn an interesting thing about Nate here. When he gets nervous, he metaphorically picks the wings off the butterflies in his stomach.

29. Vituline (My attempt: Vitchiline) Nate’s up. He’s taking a little longer to spell this one than he did last round. Even if he misses this word, the bee is not completely over. Evan would have to spell yet another word correctly, because you can’t end the bee on a misspelled word. He starts spelling with under 10 seconds of regulation time left: V-i-t-u-l-i-n-e, and another round in the books, folks, he got it right. What do his parents have to say about this little victory? Oh, just a little kiss on the lips (SICK), Canadians, I tell you what.

Round 11 starts and ends within about 1 minute.

Pappardelle (My attempt: Papardelle) Evan---and he gets it in about 5 seconds

Videlicet (My attempt: Videllecette ) Nate—V-i-d-e-l-i-c-e-t—another under 10—Whoa!

Round 12

Yosenabe (My attempt: Yosanaubet) Evan starts spelling and gets it correct! “Menus are some of the best places to pick up spelling words,” says the commentator. Well, if you say so.

Coryza (My attempt: Karisa) Nate comes up with almost all the confidence in the world...and fails. Gasps all around from the audience.

So, now Evan needs to spell this next word correctly…yikes! Pressure’s on, Ev

Serrefine is the word. Definition: a small forceps for clamping a blood vessel, and they put the correct spelling of the word up immediately, there is no chance for my attempt. And Evan spells the word correctly.

Mom says, “I can’t believe it” Have a little faith in your son, mom!

Evan is the CHAMPION!

Stuart Scott is with the winner. Evan’s one sassy boy. He’s still talking about how he doesn’t even like spelling (this is the music and math, notes and numbers boy).

Conclusions. As Stuart Scott interviewed the winner, we found Evan to be quite the sassy boy who still did not say that he liked spelling bees. He's more passionate about notes and numbers. Therefore, perhaps it should have been Nate who won. He (Nate) seemed to want it more. On the other hand, Nate was Canadian. I don't have anything against Canadians; I tend to like them pretty well. But, here's the deal. This is the Scripps NATIONAL Spelling Bee, not the Scripps INTERNATIONAL or the Scripps NORTH AMERICAN Spelling Bee. Therefore, maybe a Canadian shouldn't have walked away with the title. Therefore, since we have rationally concluded that the title should not belong to Evan who hates Spelling or to Nate who is from Canada, the title of Spelling Champ should go to Isabel, the little Emo from Wisconsin. Yeah, yeah, she didn't spell all the words correctly, BUT, she is indeed American and had a love for spelling things correctly (she even wore good luck bracelets)! And Isabel will be my champion, no matter what the "results" say.

Let peace begin with me Let this be the moment now. With ev'ry step I take Let this be my solemn vow;To take each moment and live

2007-05-30T22:50:00.000-07:00

DC2K7

l preface by saying that this is long…how could it not be, it’s about 96 hours of information. I might also note that I included for each day, the number of states traveled to, the number of pictures and showers taken, and the Joke of the Day…the Joke of the Day is very important, because these jokes were told often throughout the trip, and just got funnier as the trip got on. You keep telling them…you’ll think so too. I have also included links to some of the places and events that we attended…please click on them in order to have a better understanding of what is available for the visitors to the Nation’s Capital. But to get you in the DC Mindset…please click here for a little educational background.

Day 1: Travel

We arrive in Chatanooga at 10-ish, Central Standard Time, we’re not in Kansas anymore folks.

After sitting around with our friends, the lovely Jessica and Matt Hauber, and their family…you know, the usual “heys” and “how are yous?” followed by a good solid hour of Family Feud re-runs on the Game Show Network…a particularly funny hour of Family Feud where we saw the Streeter family win one episode and then lose the next, we go to bed, ready and anticipating the 4:58 Eastern Standard Time alarm. The Streeter family, I must also say, was clad in bright colored-outfits, was exceedingly excited about being on the Family Feud and was just good times.

State Count, Day 1: Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee (You’re the only 10 I See)
Picture Count, Day 1: 0
Shower Count, Day 1: 1
Joke of the Day, Day 1: Two fish are in a tank. One looks at the other and says, “How do you drive this thing?”*

*You might not think this a really complex joke, but I will admit that I didn’t understand it until about the 3rd time that it was told. If you need help understanding it, just ask, I won’t judge.

Day 2: Travel and Arrival

4:58 a.m. comes way too soon, but we like a good conquerable challenge every now and again, and we are in the car, showered and clean, at 5:52, DC bound baby!

And arrival time: approximately 3:30 p.m. in Vienna, Virginia. We check into room 323 (which is good, because in the unfortunate event that there is a fire and we are unable to escape the door, the fire ladders will be able to reach the third floor—always something to keep in mind, folks).

We get ourselves collected and ready for an afternoon of fun and we are out the door by 4:30.

First stop: Front desk. Mr. Marriott, please.

I ask, “Mr. Marriott, where is the nearest Metro?”
Mr. Marriott responds, accompanied with a point, “Across the street.”

Stop right there, Mr. Marriott, there is a street, I see what you’re pointing at…BUT, Mr. Marriott, I’m gonna need you to be a little more specific. Across the street and then what?

As Mr. Marriott starts looking for something else to do, I bring his attention back to my questions. “Mr. Marriott, do you have a map?”

Mr. Marriott digs around in a desk and proudly presents me of a map of Vienna, Virginia. Are you kidding, Mr. Marriott? I did not travel 12 hours to see Vienna, Virginia (no offense, though, your city looks lovely). Mr. Marriott, I need a map of the district, but now that you have given me a map of your city, beaming with pride, I can’t ask you for the map I was really after.

“No, wait, Mr. Marriott, I have just one more question. Where do the Oriels play? And can I get there?”

Mr. Marriott tells me that it’s an hour and a half away in Baltimore.

Mr. Marriott. Come on! I know I just asked you where the Oriels played, and a true fan would know that, but I do know that it is in Baltimore. Can I get there by Metro? If I can’t get there by Metro, can you tell me which stop I would go to in order to catch a cab?

Mr. Marriott, you failed, and you will now be referred to as “Junior Marriott,” “Junior Mint,” or “Junior Asparagus”

With a general lack of information, we walk across the earlier mentioned street and find the M for Metro, and go down the escalator.

We purchase our metro passes and we are off to Arlington National Cemetery. After looking at the Metro Pocket Guide (MPG), I say, “Why not The Pentagon first?”

So, we get off at the Pentagon Metro Station, ride the escalator up to sea level (or just ground level) and are face-to-face with the Pentagon. If only you could see it from sky level, instead of just ground level, I bet it would be cooler. Alas, that was not the case. But, we did conquer seeing 2 out of the 5 sides. And we saw our share of Pentagon Police.

We also saw a couple “no photography allowed” signs, but we chose to ignore those. I don’t think they were talking about just taking pictures of the building anyways, so I think it was okay, but shouldst there have been an issue and shouldst the Pentagon Police decide to surround us, we were going to claim illiteracy and pull out the “I’m from Alabama and I can’t read” card. As luck would go…it never came to that.

After the Pentagon, we went to Arlington National Cemetery. Always a pretty emotionally (and physically—lots of men with guns) intense and interesting place. We went straight for the Changing of the Guard Ceremony, which was actually followed by a Wreath Laying Ceremony of some type…complete with a Bugle Player. All present were to conduct themselves in a Silent and Standing and Reverent manner…Well, several failed at that. The babies, of course, they were being un-silent and un-standing, which caused some of the parents to follow suit. And then we had our friends from Washington Middle School in attendance. Oh, they were everywhere, and getting on my nerves, because they were acting like middle schoolers: completely un-aware of anyone besides themselves and the girl and/or boy they were smitten with at that moment (which would change by the time they hopped on the metro and arrived at their next destination).

Conclusion of Arlington National Cemetery: Don’t bring children to Washington D.C. You must be at least 18 years old to begin to have an appreciation for and understanding of the place. You may disagree, but I will stick to my guns on that one.

One stop by Bobby’s and then the John F. Kennedy family’s plots and we were headed back to the Visitor Center and then back on the Metro. Union Station time, folks, here we come!

We walked in Union Station and looked around a tid-bit, bought some quite deceitful postcards, and then decided on Pizzeria Uno…it’s pretty darn good. We were seated in the café area overlooking the shops and the people. While we were waiting for someone to come take our drink orders—Pepsi with a lemon, please—we started writing and stamping postcards. We thought we had 80 to play with, turns out, we had only half that many. And, when our server did not come take the drink order, a manager-type man came to do so. Flora, our server, caught the ADD at some point and was struggling. We also noticed that down below, our friends from Washington Middle School decided they would join us for dinner…they were in the Food Court THREE LEVELS BELOW and I believe I picked up on some of their individual conversations. (also, want to note that we, and everyone else, were able to point out a Washington Middle Schooler by the Red or Green t-shirt he wore, and because…well, middle schoolers travel in packs!) We couldn’t get out of there fast enough. Part of a pepperoni pizza later and we were done with Union Station.

We had to pick up a friend at BWI airport (not really pick up, I suppose, but meet). We rode the Metro to the last possible stop on the green line and then had 4 minutes to make it to the BW30 bus to Baltimore. Three dollars and 45 minutes later, we were sitting in the airport, staring at a vending machine. Dr. Pepper with 23 flavors please. There was a man beside us who just wanted a bag of popcorn out of his vending machine, and the bag got stuck…what do you do when the bag gets stuck in the vending machine? You rock the dern thing until your bag (plus the other two yours got stuck on) come falling into your hands. And the man didn’t even offer us one of the bags…just put them into his backpack and kept walking.

We are walking through the airport at 10:45 in the evening and then see what we’ve been looking for: Brochures! Only one eighth of the brochures were dedicated to the District of Columbia, but we found our “Welcome to DC” brochure, complete with a pictorial map! Thank you BWI; don’t need you now Junior Mint.

So, we sit and wait for Brittley, looking through brochures and generally planning our trip. We’ve got somewhat of a list.

Since Margaret Ila and I have been up since 3:58 a.m. Central Standard Time, we decide not to go out and test the city out at the early a.m. hours and call it a night. HOTEL, MOTEL, HOLIDAY INN (really Marriott), we’re coming!

And the BW30 has already left the station, so it’s cab time for us. So, we get in the taxi line (yes, at the airport there is a line that one has to go through in order to get in the cab). And, we tell the nice gentleman that we need to go to the Greenbelt Metro Station, and we are on our way. And 45 minutes and 70 dollars later, we are on the train.

This Metro ride was quite entertaining. Once on the Orange Line, we had to ride until the second to last stop in order to get to our hotel. First, I noticed a young lady getting a book out of her bag to read on the long ride home (I’ve had some time to think about you, on the long ride home,” thanks Patty Griffin). What’s noteworthy about this? Well, the book she pulled out was the book Blink, by Malcolm Gladwell. I’m reading that book too, ma’am. And, if not for traveling light in DC, I would have had the book in my purse, I could have pulled it out, and I probably would have just made an extra friend on thefacebook.com. I’ll put in a little plug for the book right here: it’s absolutely great and a pretty fast read. I read about 75 pages last night alone.

A man (tall, nice pants, button-up shirt, glasses) came on the line and sat down. The next stop a group of four individuals got on. One of the young ladies (bleached blonde hair, white wife beater, and cut-off jean shorts) asked if she could have a seat by the gentleman. I was trying to hear their conversation (why wouldn’t you), she was asking him about what he did (he had some papers in his lap) and where he lived and could she get his number.

At this moment, one in the group of three asked us, “are you listening to this?” Well, of course, sir, but I’m not going to tell you that. So, I just smiled. The guy in the group of three starts egging Ms. Cut-offs on, and she said to Mr. Nice Pants, “they’re just making fun of me.” To which he replied, “people do that to me all the time.”

Oh dear.

So, it came time for Mr. Nice Pants to exit the train, I think with a phone number. And Ms. Cut-offs (later, found out her name was Taylor) came back to the group of three, making it a group of four. And that’s when the real awkwardness began. By this time, there is that group of four, our group of three, and probably no more than 5 other folks in our car.

The argument begins. Apparently Taylor had left the group at some point in time and the other three, Mary, Lindsay, and guy were worried about her and were forced to stick around instead of leave, because they are nice people and were worried that Taylor wouldn’t be able to make it home. Taylor and Lindsay are sisters of some type, blood, sorority, I don’t know, but Taylor made the point of saying that she was more willing to listen to Mary’s concerns than to Lindsay’s and that she was mad at Lindsay because she was never excited for her.

Example, Taylor tells Lindsay that she wants to move closer so that she can touch Damien Rice.

Timeout: I don’t know where they were, but who wouldn’t want to move closer to have the chance to touch Damien Rice?

And Lindsay said, “okay, go,” but didn’t put any enthusiasm into those two words, and that really upset Taylor.

The guy wanted Taylor to apologize to Lindsay and Mary for being the cause of concern, and Taylor wasn’t going to have any of that.

There was a lot of yelling and a lot of the F word usage, and a lot of suppressed giggles from the three of us. And Taylor admitted to being drunk, which means that in the morning, she won’t remember anything and Lindsay, Mary, and dude will be that much more frustrated with Taylor, who will inevitably just leave the group again, in order to go touch Damien Rice.

And, after we make it to the Dunn Lorring Metro Stop, we are in the midst of yet another dispute between two young ladies and a gentleman who, at first, appears to be involved...but, we later realize that he is just stumbling somewhere. He then appears to be following us, as we make our way back to the hotel, but he starts stumbling across a street instead of the slumber party with us that he was not invited to. We never saw him actually make it across the street, but he was not flattened there the next morning, so we are assuming (we all know what happens when we assume) that he made it home. So, get us safely back in the building puh-lease, we have a date with Junior Asparagus. Junior Asparagus, we need about 7 more towels, thanks.

Once in the room, get me in a shower, ASAP, it’s been a long, hot, summer day! Once all clean, we make decisions to get up way too early the next morning and that’s about all we can do, and in the words of Luda, “go to sleep, go to sleep, if you’re tired, be quiet and go to sleep, hoe to sleep.”

State Count, Day 2: Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia (I know, I know, no taxation without representation, but whatev)
Picture Count, Day 2: 141
Shower Count, Day 2: 2
Joke of the Day, Day 2: What does a purely stereotypical homosexual horse eat? “Haaaaaaaaayyyyaaaaaaaayyyyy”

Day 3: City Life

Alarms ring and there is a stirring in the room at the 7:00 hour. We start getting ready, and by 8:15 or so, we are ready to hit the streets. We are in our dresses; I am also in my tennies plus rain jacket tied around my waist (30% of a chance of isolated showers…I don’t know what that means, exactly, but I need to be prepared)!

And, Metro, here we come. We hop on and hop off at Capitol South. Walk by Cannon (woot woot!) and make our way down to the Capitol Building, hoping that we can get in line to get passes to tour the Capitol. Well, the line to get those passes stretches all the way from the Senate side to the House side, and seeing the amount of people (and the amount of school groups), we decide not to stand in that line and waste our entire day. So, we do the next best thing and take pictures of the outside of the building.

Supreme Court, here we come. We walk up the stairs take a few pictures, and we’re done with that.

Onto the Library of Congress, well, just one of the LoC buildings. We notice that the thing opens at 10, and it is about 9:40…so, we park it at one of the table and benches that is provided for our convenience, I’m sure. And, we push our way to the front of the line at about 9:55 and are ready to get in there. The LoC is absolutely AMAZING. I’d been in there before, but I don’t think I took a lot of time to look around, and I definitely did not own a digital camera, which made the experience totally different. So, I’m snapping pictures of the quotes on the ceiling like I am getting paid to.

I make it into the American Collection, and I have seen that before.

Then, we all go into Special Exhibit, I don’t remember what it was called, but there were several pieces of Japanese Art. It is set up in a U shape, with little alcoves. We have made it down one side of the U, have turned, and are walking up the other side of the U, and something tickles one of us, which causes the rest of us to do a little laughing, and we got “shhhhh’ed by a teenager. Well, I guess we were laughing above a whisper, and add it to the list of rebel activity that was engaged in during this trip (the first being that we took pictures at the Pentagon that we may or may not have been allowed to take).

The LoC also has a pretty amazing gift shop, where I purchased a coffee cup, three pairs of earrings, a ring, and some post cards. I saw no coffee cups or jewelry in the actual LoC, but they sold me that stuff anyways. Thanks, LoC!

Once out of the LoC, we decided that we would travel down towards the National Gallery, by way of checking back at the Capitol to see if the lines had gone down for tours. Well, there were no lines, not at all, but then we were informed that all the passes had been given out. Oh well. Next time, we will arrange to get to the District during Office Hours and schedule a tour with an intern working for one of our state representatives.

In order to get to the National Gallery, we must walk by the back of the Capitol, and by doing, we pass a couple groups of children getting their pictures taken, with the Capitol in the background. We encouraged one photographer who was looking student-by-student to see if every hair was in place to hurry it on up, or he would have students fainting right and left. We also checked out these students’ stuff, which was laying by the fountain, to see if there was anything worth taking. There wasn’t.

The next group we saw, well, they weren’t even in place yet. The only people on the steps were the Chaperones. We took that opportunity to lead this group of middle-agers in a round of the nationally acclaimed Hokey Pokey.

Well, I guess really we didn’t…but, the important thing is that we could have.

We walked by a big ol’ fountain, complete with a pond-like body of water, and were very concerned when we saw a floating duck. Well, all ducks float, I suppose, but this one was floating upside down. Seeing that several of his/her duck friends were fishing in the trash, we thought that this upside-down-floater was a gonner, but he/she came back for air, and we breathed a sigh of relief.

Onto the National Gallery. We went first into the East Wing. We didn’t really look at any of the art there, just got a map and then went down the stairs to the underground walkway to the West Wing (ha ha ha, the West Wing) which was a completely smooth transition because of the moving sidewalks, that no one tripped on getting on or off.

Once into the West Wing, we looked around very minimally at the art (as to say, we noticed about 3 of the paintings that were there…Margaret Ila visited the second floor to see some real art for a couple moments). But all was not lost. We spent a considerable amount of time (and I spent a considerable amount of money) in the gift shop. This gift shop, I will also mention, is where I got my Warhol shoes poster that is framed at my apartment, if any of you have been there. And, where in 2007, I got 4 more Warhol posters. Margaret Ila also stumbled upon a Warhol poster that she got for her kitchen. The picture: Cakes (see Wayne Theibaud). What better to put in your kitchen than cake? Brilliant!

After the National Gallery, we walked through the NGA Sculpture Garden, where we saw a guitar like sculpture and a sculpture of a big Spider, I will refer to her as Charlotte Junior. We also looked at the National Archives, and decided to put that on our list of things that we wanted to do if we had time.

And next, Museum of Natural History, here we come. The famous American History museum was closed for renovations, which is a shame, because one can spend at least 5 hours walking around the museum and add another hour at least in the gift shop. We had to settle for the Natural History Museum, where we decided to pay a visit to the Hope Diamond. We walk in and are greeted by a gigantic Big Al. (just an elephant). We place our hands over our hearts and give the giant creature a moment of silence and lead all the visitors in a hearty ROOOOOOLLLLLLLLLL TIDE ROLL, and then walk up the stairs towards Hope. Well, the line to see Hope is about 160 people long, and we decide to forgo that experience; we’ve all seen Titanic and we’ve all, therefore, seen a pretty big diamond. I can’t convince the other two that the Insect Zoo Exhibit is worth seeing, and so we leave the museum. We stop at a couple of souvenir booths and Brittley and Margaret Ila pick up some magnets, t-shirts, and coffee cups, and we are ready to get back on the Metro.

In order to get to the Smithsonian Metro stop, we have to first cross a big field (dusty field)—the National Mall. We see a big Stop Sign (not Government Issued) and stop to read it. It says something about not crossing the Mall. Huh? We all must have looked pretty confused, and a lady comes up to us and says that we are not smiling, and that we are not allowed to cross the Mall if we’re not having a good day. Huh?

She continues her shpeal (is that a real word?) and wants to give us some stickers that will be sure to remind us to smile in return for a donation for something or someone. We respectfully decline and decide that it is indeed not a crime to cross the Mall. (but, if it were, just add that to the growing list of rebellious DC behavior).

And onto the Metro we go. We head to Union Station for a late lunch at the Capitol City Brewery (go there, it’s fantastic!). And some burgers plus a Bananas Foster later, we are ready to not do a thing.

Around 3:30-4, we’re back on the Metro headed towards Vienna. Back in Vienna, we take showers and must take a nap for a little while. We decide to head out about 8.

At 8, it’s decision time, once again. Georgetown here we come. But first, a trip to the Whitehouse. We get off at Farragut West and walk towards the White House. We stop at the Old Executive Building, which is absolutely amazing at night, and take our pictures there. Then, onto the Whitehouse (they’re right next door to each other). We take some pictures there and then continue in the circle so we can get the back view as well. But, first, we stop at the Department of Treasury, take a picture and then take a gander to the left, to the left (like Beyonce) and there is the Capitol Building in all it’s night time glory about 2 miles away. Stop, it’s picture time. That's one of the coolest things about the DC area, that you can stand at the White House and look to the left and see the Capitol Building. Or, that you can stand at Arlington National Cemetery and look and see the Washington Monument. Fascinating, I tell you...and pretty darn cool!

We make it around to the other side of the Whitehouse, but are stopped by the Whitehouse Police, who are telling us that the sidewalk is closed and we’ll be pushed back (push ‘em back, wayyyy back) for a more distant viewing. That’s okay. We keep making the trek around the block and pass the Daughters of the American Revolution Building as well as the Red Cross building, and take necessary pictures of them.

Next, we take a nice little stroll through the GDub campus and then it’s taxi time. I tell the driver 30th and M. Well, we definitely made it to M, but apparently I failed in my annunciation and we were at 13th not 30th. I tell the man again 30th, and he says, “oh, Georgetown.” Well, yes, sir, that is correct.

We get to Georgetown and go to the CVS and purchase sodas. I bought a couple extra postcards, because I had two stamps left over, which just means that I failed to put stamps on two of the postcards I sent (or just intended to send, ooops—sorry two of y’all, I don’t know who you are…so, if you didn’t get a postcard, that’s you I’m talking to). And then we walk around Georgetown. We stop at The Old Stone House, which is one of the oldest remaining houses in the DC area. Picture opportunity? I think so. And are welcomed to Georgetown by Mr. Georgetown himself. A very nice man who told us we were in the right place for a Saturday night and told us to enjoy ourselves. Thank you, Mr. Georgetown.

We keep walking down M and then up Wisconsin and about 10:45 decide to stop to eat dinner at Martin’s Tavern. We were seated at Booth 3, the Proposal Booth, where it is said that Johhny Kennedy proposed to Jackie. I will choose to believe that I was sitting right were the future Mrs. Kennedy sat.

After a little time at Martin’s, we decided that about 12 o’clock it was time to go back to Vienna. Taxi driver, Foggy Bottom Metro Stop, please.

On the way back to the hotel from the M, we noticed a rat who thought he was playing a racing game with us. Well, we let him win, hands down.

Back in the room, it’s again shower time and then time for a little shut-eye. But, first, we noticed at a couple of the metro stations advertisements for the Bodies Exhibit. Sign me up. Pretty disgusting, I think, but probably also very educational. And, I think it would be quite a bonding time for whoever was also in the gallery with you. Lots of “oooooooh’s” and “SICK!!!’s” and such. I looked up the website and shared the ticket price of $26.50, and we decided that we would not give our money to these folks. Plus, the tickets had to be purchased in advance, and well, we were not in advance of anything.

State Count, Day 3: Virginia and Washington D.C.
Picture Count, Day 3: 157
Shower Count, Day 3: 3
Joke of the Day, Day 3: Two penguins are in a bathtub. The first penguin asks the second one, “Pass me the soap?” The second one says back, “What do I look like? A typewriter?”

Day 4: City Life and Departure

Sunday morning we arose about 9:00 and got ready to go. We stopped downstairs to get some more information about the Duck tours that occur in DC. The DC Ducks is a land-and-water tour that lasts 90 minutes and gives you some history and stops at some key sites in the city. We asked Ms. Marriott if she could tell us where the Duck Tour street was. She looked at the street name and exclaimed, “this is in DC.” Really, Ms. Marriott? Are you sure that the lovely and culturally and historically rich town of Vienna doesn’t give Duck Tours?

After she was not too helpful, Margaret Ila kicked a couple kids from a family reunion off a computer and we found the DC Duck Website. During all this, a little girl came up and asked the three of us if we were her cousins. Apparently she was there on Family Reunion Business. Missy, we are not your cousins. Maybe. At least not close cousins. Sorry to disappoint, though.

Well, we read the tour information and are pretty much all signed up to go, and then read the devastating news that the DC Ducks is closed on Memorial Day Sunday. WHAT? No DC Ducks for us.

So, hop on the Metro and ride to the China Town Station and go to the American Art Museum/Portrait Gallery, something that I didn’t do when I lived there or on any subsequent visits.

That place is just stinkin cool. We looked through the American Art exhibits, where there was a special exhibit by an Alabama man. I don’t remember his last name, but his first name was William. Good job, William. After looking through the AA exhibits, we went to the gift shop, where, again, I bought some jewelry, and some note cards (you know how I like stationary).

At that point, Brittley had to go meet her DC friend and left Margaret Ila and I to conquer the Portrait Gallery, which we did. We checked out the second floor, which contained the President portraits and the Great Britains portraits. And then, up to the third floor, where there were more portraits of various individuals. At the top of the stairs, we were greeted by a Smithsonian Police Officer, who we named Lou. Lou stopped us and told us that he was proud of us for taking the stairs. He told us that while we had legs, we should use them, and that taking stairs was going to keep us healthy…or something like that. But, it doesn’t matter, Lou said he was proud of us, and that’s really all that counts. We looked around the third floor and then noticed a sign. It read, “Champions use stairs.” You’re darn right we do! We realized later that it was talking about another exhibit called “Champions” that was located at floor 3 and a ½, but whatever, we’re going to say that the sign was in honor of all the stair-climbers of the day.

Notes from the American Art Museum and Portrait Gallery: First, there was a painting of Mrs. Kennedy that was altogether too cool (see the photo above). Then, there was a picture of some old-timey folks...I know they say that married people begin to look alike, but COME ON! And then, there was a picture of Ms. Hepburn. Someone I know, but I can't, for the life of me remember who, someone's dad or mom or grandparent or something was babysat by the woman. WHO WAS IT? And finally, my friend Nathan Lee Tucker who refuses to play his horn with his cheeks out...well, see who has his picture in the Portrait Gallery and who doesnt? Exactly!

Once we conquered all of the American Art Museum and Portrait Gallery, we had a seat and a look at our map. We decided that we would walk down F, check out Ford’s Theater and the House Where Lincoln Died (it’s name) and continue on to the Whitehouse during the day and then onto the Monuments. Well, we made it a block and had to stop at Joe’s Souvenir City, where there were all too many students picking out gifts for themselves and friends, talking way too loudly on their cellular telephones, and looking too alike in their “Oklahoma is OK” red t-shirts. It was time to go.

Across from Ford’s Theater, we noticed one of those Double Deck tour buses. Well, DC Ducks might be closed, but Hop On Hop Off (which may or may not be the name of a Dr. Seuss book) was in business and after a little questioning, we found out that tickets could be purchased right on the bus. So, Ruth (the ticket giver), here’s my money, let me be a champion once again and climb the stairs 14 feet above the ground and find a seat on top.

First stop, the National Cathedral. Well, being Sunday and all, we decided to Hop Off there and walk around the Cathedral and take a couple pictures. We Hopped On the next bus about 30 minutes later and kicked our feet up and enjoyed the ride through the greater DC area. Well, sort of enjoyed the ride. Occasionally we would have to duck to get out of the way of low-lying branches and power lines. We visited Embassy Row, Adams Morgan, Georgetown, Dupont Circle (where people were playing games of chess, which I thought was really cool!), the Woodley Park area (where the National Zoo is, and don’t you think for a minute that they don’t have Zoo police, in addition to Smithsonian Police, Capitol Police, and I’m sure, other types as well). We also rode by the Capitol and White House, the Watergate Hotel, the Mayflower Hotel (where Kenneth Star interviewed one Miss Monica Lewinsky), Ford’s Theater, the Smithsonian Museums, Rock Creek Park, and the Monuments. We rode the bus for quite a while, just drinking in the sunshine, the occasional breeze, the low-lying branches, and the history of the Nation’s Capitol.

I must also mention that this weekend was Thunder Rally (2 links) weekend, a big ol’ motorcycle rally of some sort. Motorcycles everywhere! And due to that rally, at first we were not allowed to go near the monuments. But, on the second go around of the Hop On Hop Off tour, we were able to Hop Off right next to Ol’ Honest Abe himself, and that’s what we did.

On our way up the stairs (we are Champions, after all) to see Mr. Lincoln, we noticed yet another school group, these guys had on their red shirts, but also had some sort of reflective gear (maybe tape?) on their t-shirts and looked somewhat like crossing guards. Cool.

We walked up to see our 16th (I think?) President and read some of the words he said. We were dodging all sorts of folks (one little girl in particular--see photo) trying to get a clean picture, but I think it was accomplished. We bid our farewells to Abraham and set out to continue down the Reflecting Pool towards the Washington Monument, making stops at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the World War II Memorial.

As we were descending the stairs, we noticed a storm brewing a little ways away. One of those isolated storms the Weather Channel had been warning us about. Margaret Ila spotted a café that we thought we would sit in while the storm blew over. But, on our way to the café, the wind picked up and the café basically blew to pieces, as in, the tent we were going to sit under fell down knocking down tables and chairs. The rain started coming down. I put on my jacket that I had been un-foolishly carrying around for the entire day and Margaret Ila stole (add to the rebel behavior) a trash bag right off a DC fence and got in it. We decided to be champions, not only of stairs, but of the rain, and while others hailed cabs and took cover under un-blown down tents, we kept on a’walking (not after midnight, out in the moonlight), we took a little bit of time at the ever-powerful Vietnam Memorial, I would suspect a highly visited Memorial any day, but probably more so given the Memorial Day weekend. There aren’t really words to describe the experience, but the pictures left, notes written, flowers left, people searching the names for friends and relatives...those are just some of the sites.

We walked down the reflecting pool stopping ever-so-briefly at the World War II Memorial, able to snap only about two pictures, before we continued to the Washington Monument, eyes blinking through the storm (the Monument’s, not ours). We paid a little bit of a tribute to the monument, gave it a solute and then continued to the Smithsonian Metro Station. We spotted the M in the distance and were encouraged to keep going through the rain. We went back to Union Station in search of blow dryers to dry ourselves off with (we failed) and any place to buy clothes (we failed). So, we just went back to the Capitol City Brewery where we ate dinner.

After dinner, we decided to go try our luck back on Capitol Hill for the Memorial Day Concert sponsored by PBS. We made it with only 15 minutes left in the show, but we made it. And, just in time for the Military March thing where all the branches’ songs are played and the members of each branch are asked to stand when their song is being played. Another incredible moment on the Hill, and one where words cannot begin to accurately describe the emotion felt by those veterans or those still on active duty. There were some jumping around for joy, raising their arms, surrounded by family who were also highly excited, “that’s you, Grandpa!” they said when one of the songs was played. Then there were others, who stood in solitude. A couple who stood during the Army’s recognition, arms around each others waists, eyes forward and quietly singing along with the choir. It was moving.

After those 15 minutes, we, along with thousands of others, walked away from the West Lawn of the Capitol and towards the Metro stations. Thank you D.C. for all the education and the fun times; it’s time for us to depart. Don’t worry, we will return again. Capitol South please, we’re riding this Orange Line all the way to Vienna.

This proved to be quite an interesting and entertaining train ride as well. A stop or two after we hopped on, a group of 6 came aboard, consisting of “Pull-ups,” “Harry Potter,” “BYU,” “Red Skirt,” “Polka-dots,” and “Tall Man.” They were enacting a junior-high dance when they first hopped on. Girls on one side, boys on the other. It was obvious that someone was into someone else, and that this outing had probably been arranged for the sole reason of hooking up at least two of the six. Polka-dots started out on one side of the group, but then conveniently had to tell one of the guys something and wormed her way onto their side, causing Harry Potter to have to shift to the girl’s side. Red Skirt tried to sit down, but the others did not follower her lead, saying that they were still too wet from the rain to sit down. Well, Red Skirt, we know that you just want folks to look at your red skirt. BYU was cracking jokes left and right. Pull Ups, well, she was trying to do pull ups on the train. She failed. They got off at one of the GWU stations, but our entertainment was not over. They exited the train, and a man entered. This man stood at the front of the car, where there are poles for people to hold onto, shouldst there be no seats, and where the car doors open and close. There are windows on those car doors, which basically act as mirrors. This guy was being “That guy” and was checking himself out in the doors. I mean, it’s not like the car was empty of people and he was the only one on board. This guy was listening to his iPod, hopefully to the song, “You’re Beautiful, You’re Beautiful, You’re Beautiful, indeed,” and checking his teeth, looking up his nose, the whole shebang. You know that saying that we use for backstage during theater or dance? “If you can see them (the audience), they can see you.” Sir, just because you can’t hear us…well, it doesn’t mean that we can’t see you. It was embarrassing…for him!

Once we got out of the train back onto solid ground, we walked back towards our hotel. I noticed not one rat, but about 4 of them this night. We got to the car, I got out dry clothes and dry shoes to put on, and life was a lot better.

At about 10:45, we said our goodbyes to Vienna, thank Junior Asparagus for his hospitality, and we are out.

Crank up the Paula Abdul and our voices and we’re off. The drive is somewhat of a long drive, it’s late, and we’re both tired. At one point, we see some horses on the side of the road…not like dead on the side of the road, but in a pasture, meadow, field, or something like that…and as I’m commenting about there being horses out there, I think (and say), “I feel like there was a joke I heard about horses.” That prompted lots of giggling from the driver (see Joke of the Day, Day 3)

About two and a half hours later we are approaching the town of Bridgewater, Virginia: a suburb of Harrisonburg, Virginia, and the place where dear friends Jay and Jennifer McGuirk live. They have kindly agreed to be our hosts for the evening. We get in and catch up a little with Jennifer and learn that Bridgewater is the home to a lot of Mennonites. Well, interesting. She also informs us that there are two Wal-marts nearby and one of them has hitching posts so that the folks can “park” their horses and buggies somewhere. We didn’t make it by to see those hitching posts, but that is crazy!

We take showers and wash what’s left of the city off and it’s bedtime, because 5:00 gets there early when it’s already 2 in the morning.

State Count, Day 4: District of Columbia and Virginia.
Picture Count, Day 4: 333
Shower Count, Day 4: 2
Joke of the Day, Day 4: What do you call the guy who is standing at your door with no arms and no legs? “Matt”

Day 5: Departure, again, and Arrival

We woke up at 5-ish and left the great state of Virginia. Leaving Bridgewater, we saw no horses nor buggies, and were a little disappointed by that, but soon enough, we were back on the interstate and on our way home.

Margaret Ila drove for a little ways, then stopped to let me drive and take a nap (not me drive and take a nap at the same time, just me drive and her take a nap). During that hour or so, I saw a dead chicken on the side of the road. Talk about a Bird Flu scare…right there on the side of the interstate. I’ve seen a lot of things on the side of the road (you’ve got your cats and dogs, deer, an occasional rabbit, squirrels, but never have I ever seen a chicken!)

Then she woke up and I had to take a nap. I don’t know what went on during that time.

At about 10:30, we stop to get gas, and I spot a Subway. I know that it’s only 10:30 in the morning and that’s Eastern time, so really, in Central time it’s only 9:30 in the morning, but we’ve been up since 5, and we’re kinda hungry. Subway, anyone? Ding. So, we go up to the counter and a middle-aged lady walks up to greet us, she is either suffering from allergies, or is crying about something. Mrs. Subway, it is all of 10:30 in the morning and we’ve got a lo-ong way to go, while we are nice people and probably should ask if something is wrong, we do not have time to do that today, will you just fix the sandwiches and let us have our brunch in peace?

From then on, it was a rather uneventful drive, although, we did come up with ten reasons to go back and visit the nation’s capital.

I arrived in Birmingham at about 3:45 and unloaded my stuff and DC2K7 officially came to a close. A rather successful trip, I might conclude. Educational, Exercisional, Seasonal, Fun-filled…and you name it, we saw it, or took a picture of it.

State count, Day 5: Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama
Picture count, Day 5: 2
Shower count, Day 5: 2 plus 1 bath
Joke of the day, Day 5: How do you sell a deaf person a chicken? “Wanna buy a chicken?”

And final counts:

State Count: Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia

Shower Count: 8 and a half

Picture Count: 633

Jokes of the day Count: 5

You are alone again You will believe the lie Judging from what you've taken You breathe, alive You are alone again

2007-02-12T13:07:00.000-08:00

I took a personality test today...the Myers-Briggs test, or some version of it...that one that measures whether you are an Extravert or Introvert; Sensing or Intuitive; Thinking or Feeling; and Judging or Perceiving.

According to this test I am an ESTJ.

The description of the ESTJ: "Practical, realistic, matter-of-fact. Decisive, quickly move to implement decisions. Organize projects and people to get things done, focus on getting results in the most efficient way possible. Take care of routine details. Have a clear set of logical standards, systematically follow them and want others to also. Forceful in implementing their plans."

I think they're probably wrong. Or maybe I'm wrong. Whichever the case, the above statements do not really describe me accurately. I don't know...I will say this, i don't take tests very well. I'll provide some explanation.

Some of the directions: Which word in each pair appeals to you more? Think about what the words mean, not about how they look or how they sound.

Example: reserved or talkative

Well, i am much more talkative than the law should allow, especially if i am either very uncomfortable or slightly comfortable. But, which appeals to me more. Reserved, all the way. Let's speak only when spoken to, and the world will probably be a better place. I have a hard time following that suggestion.

So, Katharine C. Briggs and Isabel Briggs Myers, which word do you suggest I pick?

The ESTJ---let's just take a look at it:

Practical, realistic, matter-of-fact---I am usually mostly practical and realistic. I am only matter-of-fact with about 5 people, and only about 2 of those am i matter-of-fact about everything. I am not one who thrives on ruffling feathers, or creating a moment in which that is even a possibility.

Decisive, quickly move to implement decisions---I am absolutely NOT decisive. Try me., or don't...whatev... And quickly move to implement decisions...well, perhaps after i stand there with my mouth wide open for five hours contemplating everything that could be done. That might not be completely accurate either. I think that if I was put in charge of doing something on a time-table, that I could make it happen. They don't call me Network for nothing. So, maybe once a decision was made, i would be good at implementing it...i'm just not very decisive. (i am good at shooting down impractical ideas, though)

Organize projects and people to get things done---i'm a much better following than leading, unless I know that i know that i have all the details. And, i'm extremely passive and easily swayed, which i'm pretty certain can be okay because it allows other people to feel comfortable, but as far as getting people to "Move (scream) get out the way"...not my forte.

focus on getting results in the most efficient way possible---I can't get to Crimson or Badass Coffee Co. in the most efficient way, you think i can get a lot of results in the most efficient way? Now, we'll get to the bottom of the issue, and eventually, you will have probably not one solution, but several to pick from...

Take care of routine details--- yeah...i don't know...if i think about them enough...but i'm no perfectionist, i'll say that much...and sometimes the routine details, if i feel they are insignificant, they may get overlooked.

Have a clear set of logical standards, systematically follow them and want others to also---i think i'm a logical person, and i make lists, but sometimes those lists are not followed systematically...and i may not be able to convince other people that my logical standards are the best logical standards to systematically follow

Forceful in implementing their plans---that's a laugh

***I realize that shouldst any future employers read this, i have not done anything for myself except for show that honesty about myself as one of my real strengths. There are some things that I do well...i think...and i've been told that i don't give myself enough credit...it could be true, maybe?

I've decided that four other types partially describe me as well. They are the ISTJ, the ESFJ, the INTP, and the ENTJ

ISTJ--Quiet, serious, earn success by thoroughness and dependability. Practical, matter-of-fact, realistic, and responisble. Decide logically what shoul be done and work toward it steadily, regardless of distractions. Take pleasure in making everything orderly and organized--their work, their home their life. Value traditions and loyalty.

ESFJ--Warmhearted, conscientious, and cooperative. Want harmony in their environment, work with determination to establish it. Like to work with others to complete tasks accurately and on time. Loyal, follow through even in small matters. Notice what others need in their day-by-day lives and try to provide it. Want to be appreciated for who they are and for what they contribute.

INTP--Seek to develop logical explantions for everything that interests them. Theoretical and abstract, interested more in ideas than in social interaction. Quiet, contained, flexible, and adaptable. Have unusual to focus in depth to solve problems in their area of interest. Skeptical, sometimes critical, always analytical.

ENTJ--Frank, decisive, assume leadership readily. Quickly see illogical and ineffcient procedures and policies, develop and implement comprehensive systems to solve organizational problems. Enjoy long-term planning and goal-setting. Usually well informed, well read, enjoy expanding their knowledge, and passing it on to others. Forceful in presenting their ideas.

*the highlighted words are the ones that i think probably describe me a bit...well, at least conditionally

And here's a thought...some of these things, like being frank, or matter-of-fact...usually not at all, unless i trust a person enough to carry myself in that manner...maybe if i care enough to risk being ill-received...am i serious? Absolutely---sometimes. Earn success through being dependable...what success? I'm still in school. Take pleasure in making everything orderly and organized,well, absolutely, but does it mean that i have to do it a lot to take pleasure in it? Notice what others need in their day-by-day lives and try to provide it. I sure will think that i notice what others need, and i sure will attempt to provide it on some level...but then that's a little presumptuous of me as well, don't you think? I think maybe it just means that sometimes i stick my nose in other people's business and try to offer encouragement, stuff, whatever, when it's not needed nor wanted...

just some side thoughts...

Then he slowly saw their nightmares were his dreams.

2007-02-02T22:59:00.000-08:00

i had an epiphany the other nght...after i had written the post before the last post...

this is not the epiphany...just an observation...one should probably not make phone calls or send emails, and i'll even add text messages into the list, when he/she is (a) tired or (b) mad or (c) frustrated...or any of those feelings...one should especially not make phone calls, send emails, or text messages when he/she is a combination of any of those feelings...

go to sleep, go to sleep, if you're tired, be quiet and go to sleep (go to sleep)

and usually, things are a whole lot better in the morning...and one is either (a) really glad that the phone call was not made, the email or text message not sent, or (b) extremely nervous that communication was attempted...

at one time, i seemed to be always in that (b) category...nervous the next day because i had spoke before i really thought...or, no longer mad at what was originally the problem, but now mad at myself because i exhibited absolutely no patience (or smartness).

the epiphany...you wanna know when i can take the picking a little and talking a little...it's when you make the choice to show up...it tends to be, i realized, that when you are not around to pick...that's when i get real irritated or frustrated....when you show up, you can say pretty much whatever you want...the picking...it's cool, cause apparently, "it's what we do"....

and no need to have any hurt feelings there...i was just "we'd" (not wed)

again, i can make all sorts of speculations of what all this means, or rationalizations that it's indeed healthy, or scenarios in which this or that will or will not happen...

no use...you showed up and that's really all i need sometimes~

The roof, the roof, the roof is on Fire...we don't need no water, let the..............

2007-01-30T10:49:00.000-08:00

This morning on my way to work, i drove down University Blvd past the Private Gallery and there he stood.

In the bigger cities, one might find him/herself face-to-face with a man in a hotdog outfit (suit?)...i am reminded of a particular Sex and the City episode. One might find him/herself face-to-face with a man/woman wearing one of those sandwich boards...

Today, i saw a man in a fireman's outfit...Why? at 10:00 a.m., he was already getting people in the mood for Firehouse Subs---topped with meat.

That's what the sign he was holding said: "Topped with Meat"...doesn't sound so appealing to me, but you never know.

In sub-zero temperatures (or 55 degree weather), this poor Fire (House Sub) Man was standing out on the corner, waving his sign...and the poor fellow was talking to himself. Now, i can't read lips, so i don't know if he was cursing the wind or what...but those lips were definitely a'moving.

Pick a little, talk a little, pick a little, talk a little, cheep cheep cheep, talk a lot, pick a little more

2007-01-29T21:58:00.000-08:00

Recently I heard a man talk about how a lot of girls “just can’t take it”—those are my words, not his—can’t handle the constant and consistent chiding that, well, the teenage boy, and in some cases, the college-aged boy (or perhaps one of the doctors on Scrubs) directs toward the ladies. I’ve got some thoughts regarding this situation

If you were flirting, and I was sure of it…the rest of this could be disregarded…but in this crazy world, where bodies are not to be treated like carnivals, mere eye contact leads to the tongue-lashing of “don’t touch,” and an accidental brush of the leg results in “get off me,” one can’t be sure…so I proceed.

Do we “ask for it”? Well, it depends. There are some girls out there who feel like they will not get any attention unless they set themselves up as a little bit more naïve than they really are. So, through the picking, they are internally rolling their eyes. Because, perhaps, gentlemen, it makes you feel like more of a man to put down a lady? And, if you need to compensate for your lack of masculinity that much…well, then, son, go right ahead. That doesn’t apply to every situation, I realize…there are some girls who really are “that naïve” and there are some boys who are quite masculine…

When can girls take it? Well, when you, boy, have somehow conveyed that you indeed like the girl okay, and that the picking is just part of the relationship, she tends to handle it better. Example, Dr. Cox on Scrubs. It seemed as though he and the ex-wifee were in a constant battle. Perry picks on Jordan, Jordan picks right back (or often initiates the picking), but you know what? There were also the extremely sweet moments, that lead the viewer to think, “awww.” While perhaps publicly the relationship looked strained, Jordan knew how Dr. Cox felt and vice-verse…and that feeling? A whole lot of love. And we, boys, are not always looking for love…just a little validation, that we’re not completely worthless.

When else can girls take it? When they simply don’t care enough about you, honey (read the sarcasm as best you can), to defend themselves or make some sort of come-back.

And when else can girls take it? I would say when they are maybe so convinced that they like you enough that it’s okay to be put down…and will take your attention any way they can get it…even when it hurts. Abusive? Absolutely. Self-destructive? Absolutely. Can we help it? Someone tell me how…

Most likely, it’s some combination of the three…or at least it is in my world. And can I “bring it” right back at you? Oh, you know I can…but are there occasions when I go home and feel bad for both what you’ve said and what I’ve said too? More than you’d probably like to know. And do I question why I want to be around a man who can’t say anything nice to me, but has a knack for manners? All the time. But, see, I enjoy you…read it….you… so much, that dealing with your trash is entirely worth it, if there is even the remotest chance that you might think I’m okay…even when that takes a lot of self-convincing. Let me know…I’ll quit wasting my time…and yours.

But, that would be too much honesty, now wouldn’t it? And, I don’t think you could handle it. So you go on picking, and I will keep picking back…and I will never know what you are really thinking, because yes, I’m scared of your truth…though I’m pretty sure that I’m an open book, in the fact that you should realize, sir, that while I have a flair for being sarcastic and picking, too, I’m also pretty darn good at encouraging, and I try to encourage you, and you know it. I just would like if you could be so vulnerable (if that's what you want to call it) to come up with one un-hateful word in return.

no one else can speak the words on your lips, drench yourself in words unspoken

2006-12-28T12:29:00.000-08:00

we often find ourselves mis-speaking, mis-writing...here is a humerous account (intentional) found in the New Yorker from 1994...Enjoy

How I Met my Wife

Anyway, I thought I'd post this pareil tale of bridled passion.

How I met my wifeby Jack WinterPublished 25 July 1994 - The New Yorker

It had been a rough day, so when I walked into the party I was very chalant, despite my efforts to appear gruntled and consolate.

I was furling my wieldy umbrella for the coat check when I saw her standing alone in a corner. She was a descript person, a woman in a state of total array. Her hair was kempt, her clothing shevelled, and she moved in a gainly way.

I wanted desperately to meet her, but I knew I'd have to make bones about it since
I was travelling cognito. Beknownst to me, the hostess, whom I could see both hide and hair of, was very proper, so it would be skin off my nose if anything bad happened. And even though I had only swerving loyalty to her, my manners couldn't be peccable. Only toward and heard-of behavior would do.

Fortunately, the embarrassment that my maculate appearance might cause was evitable. There were two ways about it, but the chances that someone as flappable as I would be ept enough to become persona grata or a sung hero were slim. I was, after all, something to sneeze at, someone you could easily hold a candle to, someone who usually aroused bridled passion.

So I decided not to risk it. But then, all at once, for some apparent reason, she looked in my direction and smiled in a way that I could make heads and tails of.

I was plussed. It was concerting to see that she was communicado, and it nerved me that she was interested in a pareil like me, sight seen. Normally, I had a domitable spirit, but, being corrigible, I felt capacitated -- as if this were something
I was great shakes at -- and forgot that I had succeeded in situations like this only a told number of times. So, after a terminable delay, I acted with mitigated gall and made my way through the ruly crowd with strong givings.

Nevertheless, since this was all new hat to me and I had no time to prepare a promptu speech, I was petuous. Wanting to make only called-for remarks, I started talking about the hors d'oeuvres, trying to abuse her of the notion that I was sipid, and perhaps even bunk a few myths about myself.

She responded well, and I was mayed that she considered me a savory character who was up to some good. She told me who she was. "What a perfect nomer," I said, advertently. The conversation become more and more choate, and we spoke at length to much avail. But I was defatigable, so I had to leave at a godly hour. I asked if she wanted to come with me. To my delight, she was committal. We left the party together and have been together ever since. I have given her my love, and she has requited it.

"leave me be," he said, "in my sick, sad, little world"

2006-11-05T18:12:00.000-08:00

there are some things in life that you like...

they are, what everyone BUT YOU, might consider "sick sick sick," but to you....you just like them...

you can't help it...oh, you try to help it, because you certainly don't want to get caught...

you don't really want to have to admit to liking these things, which you also consider "sick sick sick"

but every once in a while...someone captures these sick things on film...and then...well, calls you out on them, and through the shame, the guilt, the utter humiliation, you admit...i just kinda like it...i don't know why...it's not doing anything for me...it's embarrassing...just leave me alone or provide me a solution...i don't know what to do? is there a program?

we all have them...you know you have at least one...

example: the stadium hotdog...

You better think again Before my role defines you

2006-10-23T12:37:00.000-07:00

Don't part with your illusions. When they are gone you may still exist, but you have ceased to live. ~Mark. Twain

Your interpretations please...use any references that you would like...

i'll give you a hint:

Main Entry: il·lu·sion Pronunciation: i-'lü-zh&nFunction: nounEtymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin illusion-, illusio, from Latin, action of mocking, from illudere to mock at, from in- + ludere to play, mock -- more at LUDICROUS

1 a obsolete : the action of deceiving b (1) : the state or fact of being intellectually deceived or misled : MISAPPREHENSION (2) : an instance of such deception

2 a (1) : a misleading image presented to the vision (2) : something that deceives or misleads intellectually b (1) : perception of something objectively existing in such a way as to cause misinterpretation of its actual nature (2) : HALLUCINATION 1 (3) : a pattern capable of reversible perspective

3 : a fine plain transparent bobbinet or tulle usually made of silk and used for veils, trimmings, and dresses

Need more help?

In order to analyze and/or explain this quotation, the finalists talked about the following people/movies/situations in order to explain the quote...

1. Samuel Clements
2. an effect that says that you get excited when people talk about things you know about (starts with a "z")
3. The 6th Sense
4. Des Cartes
5. Pinnochio
6. Brazil's Economy (plus a Brazilian leader, starts with a G)
7. Harvard Law and Standardized Testing
8. Green Arrow
9. Homies
10. Captain Planet
11. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
12. Macs and the Mac Man
13. Reality Television, including the REal World
14. Houdini
15. Superman
16. Farenhight 451
17. Martin Luther King, Jr.
18. TYra Banks
19. Langston Hughes
20. Hawthorne
21. Adrift
22. the Pistons
23. V for Vendetta
24. A Clear Well Lighted Place
25. Summer's Elementary
26. Life in Me--Kelly Scroggins

a lake to ate ate ate, apples and bananas

2006-10-02T21:17:00.000-07:00

Thank you my dear Kathryn for your thoughtful and thankful spirit which challenges me to think and to thank~

A is for Azaleas

the house i grew up in had TONS of azaleas in the front yard...as i look at them now, they're really not the best of flowers, bushes, or plants in general...HOWEVER, to a child, there is something about ignorance that i find now to be precious...and i think that it was with a kind heart that i would pick those kinda ugly and little flowers and put them in vases in my house or give them to my mom...i don't think that i would ever consider picking azaleas now and giving them to anyone...but at that time, it was a quite thoughtful act...or ignorantly thoughtful act or something like that...and it was good

A is also for "A little less talk and a lot more ACTION"

i have a hard time with this one, but i believe strongly in it...and i believe in action accompanied by confirming words...i believe in words followed by action...and i believe in the little actions like sending a card (even though that also involves words/talk)...i believe in the actions of my friends and the thoughtful nature in which they act

A is for Anneliese...and i don't mean me...i mean that opera singer that i was named after--i don't know her last name...because without her, my name would have been something along the lines of grimgerta (and i'm not even kidding)... it's also for Anneliese because it gives me a subject of conversation for my parents (and for many other people..."Mona lisa? No, Anneliese") i think sometimes we place too much emphasis on where we done came from, attempting to justify reasons for why "i can't," instead of acknowledging who we are and then going from there...however, it is cool to know something even as little perhaps as where your name came from...ASK questions! (ooooh, there's another "A"--more commentary to follow)

A is for Asking...

I'm always excited to ask questions...i think i ask too many a lot of the time...but i like knowing things about people...like their middle names...can you really know a person if you don't even know his/her middle name? Probably so...but, there are other questions...questions that take effort to ask, and the answers that take effort to remember...however, that effort is worth it...and as you know a person more, you can be more thoughtful around him/her...even if it is adding a middle initial to an email, or spelling a name correctly...or knowing a sibling's name (i'm big on names), etc...

cause i'm bossy...

2006-10-02T20:46:00.000-07:00

one of the things about being in college (even your 8th year of it) is the ability to just take a weekend and go somewhere...and when i i write "go somewhere," i mean act sort of like you're retired and follow the tide...minus the millions of dollars, the dog in sweater, the satellite ready television, the big big grill (lemme see your what?), and the RV!)...

i've never been to the swam(p) before...which will now be referred to as just the swam…why? Because Whitney (DING!) wrote on her status on thefacebook.com something about going to the Swam…she left off the P, and it turned into a great thing to say…we’re all saying it now…you can too!

So…I’ve never been to the swam before, I actually think I can count the times my toes have stepped into florida on one hand…

It all started on a Friday afternoon…barely (afternoon)…there were two in the front seat and two in the back, and we started out with some lovely tunes on our way out of town…as we kinda ran out of initial conversation, we played a good round of “in my pants”

You know—where you look at billboards and finish the words on the sign with “in my pants”…oh, you should try it…it provides a lot of laughter…

Somewhere near Montgomery we got behind a vehicle with some words on the back window…those words: “Bama’s bringing sexy back”…AS IF IT EVER LEFT! Come on….but, maybe bama was brining sexy back to florida…yeah, we all did…I saw the numerous blue jean shorts that were present in florida…

Somewhere near Dothan we pulled up behind another vehicle that was adorned with all-things-bama…we pulled out some shakers, they shook back…AND, the men in that vehicle acted like Petey Pablo and took a piece of paper, raised it up, and swung it around like a helicopter…it had a number on it…Whitney called it…Bethany and I screamed, and Margaret Ila ducked…and now we all have some new friends, who we will never really meet in real life, on thefacebook.com

We got to Tallahassee…road trip—SUCCESSFUL so far…went to the Campus of Florida State…couldn’t quite break into the stadium and get on the field…why? Because Whitney has to save her “one night in jail”…she’s still got like 7 months left in school, and her dad said he’d only bail her out once…can’t waste it just yet!...although we did step our toes onto the baseball field…DING!

we ate outside in the 52 degree weather…it was niiiiiiiiiiice…we had a few drunken toasts…NO, wait…that was the table beside us…these folks were giving Tallahassee a bad name…loud, drunk, obnoxious…but, when we ran out of things to say to each other, we could just listen to them, and it was okay.

We asked our server how long she thought it would take to get from lake city to Gainesville…we had a brief conversation about the football game with her…and time zones…she was confused as to what time zone she lived in…but, that’s understandable…I caught the staph once, Margaret ila forgot her clothes one trip…server didn’t know what time zone she lived in…

We drove to the starbucks, Tallahassee…in the drive through, high on David Allan Coe , we ordered our hot beverages (remember, y’all, it’s 52 degrees outside), while singing, “I’ll hang around as long as you will let me, LET ME LET ME LET ME LET ME LET ME LET ME) to the lady with the two-toned hair cut in the window…

And we made it to Lake City, Florida…home of the….Ramada Limited (DING!)…we checked in and put the chair up to the door…I’ve had one experience with an uninvited man showing up and passing out in my hotel room…I’d prefer to not have it happen again!

Saturday—Rise and Shine, and Give God the Glory Glory—it’s always nice when you can enter a Wal Mart in another city and greet someone with a “roll tide” at 9 in the morning…we got our 35 dollars worth of turkey and were on our way to the swam

Pulled up—well, let’s be honest, rolled into the law school, Margaret Ila actually put a whole in the dirt…and got out our chairs…and we spent the next couple of hours relaxing in the cool—warm—soon-to-be-hot florida air…met some folks, opened the turkey…and it was good…

One trip to the law school bathroom later (where I saw a woman enter the men’s room…that was not empty of men?), and we were on our way to the stadium, by way of the bookstore…

Bethany and I left Margaret Ila and Whitney and climbed up to our seats…our seats that were the same seat number, two different rows…that has NEVER happened to me…

I heard stories of what happened in the other end zone with Margaret Ila and Whitney…a close encounter with “The Constant Weggie” (is that how you spell it?), and a personal encounter with “The Bear”

Bethany and me? You ask? (or, I tell)…we had “Wears White After Labor Day,” and “Swass” and “Cool as a pair of Blue Jean Shorts” and “Perv 1 and Perv 2” (much like Thing 1 and Thing 2)…Those gator fans…strange individuals, I’ll say that much…they all had synchronized gator chomp things…they put their arms around each other and swayed to the music…the band hates their parents…and in the end…Alabama won the first half! OOOOOOOOOOOOOOkkkkaaaaaaaaaayyy?

We left the stadium with heavy hearts…I cut my eyes at someone who maliciously tried to throw me down the stairs (he really just tried to step in front of me…but you know, whatever…he doesn’t know my past experience with stairs and staph)…and then made fun of me a little bit when I cut my eyes at him…we were all cussed, but Margaret Ila quickly dared the man to say that F word proudly again…he hung his head and did not open his mouth again…

We hung around our cars for a little while after the game, waited for traffic to cease a little bit and then all abandoned our post…Smell ya later, Law School, Smell ya later Swam…

I’ll say this much…if you’re gonna lose a football game…might as well act like you won, eh? BRING ‘EM Out, BRING ‘EM OUT, BRING ‘EM OUT!...And that’s exactly what our vehicle did…turn up the rap music baby, we are crusin down the streets, makin friends, snappin pictures, and dancing as best one can limited by four doors and a seatbelt…

And what town is complete without a Moes? Exactly! Tuscaloosa—GET ON IT!...DING!....we had an incredible time, WELCOME TO MOES!...eating our MOO MOO Mr. Cows and conversating with friends…well, some of us conversated more than others of us…telling our life stories---TWICE!

And then back to Lake City we went…Good night all!

Rise and Shine and Give God the Glory Glory, Part 2—Florida, you’ve been good to us…but now we’ve got to get the Smell outta there! I got Band Camp to go to (or so I thought)…

And, we’re driving…we’re stopping because Margaret Ila is WEAK! (jk, jk—she didn’t forget her clothes, she can do whatever she wants)…we were cruisin the radio stations, and we found some good ol’ Rascall….and with Rascall came the comment regarding the song about Blessing the Broken Road that led me straight to you, and waiting for the wedding where that song would be played…

It was decided then and there that at the next rehearsal dinner that any of us took part of, we would have to put the slide show, the inevitable slide show, to that song…and along that broken road, full of despair, drugs, sex, coco puffs, not a lot of hugs….there would be pictures…lots and lots of pictures of Mr. Wrongs…AND THEN….N…..DING!, “that led me straight to…YOU!” and there he appears, Mr. Right!...can’t you see it? I think it would be the slide show of all slide shows!

One Wendy’s later…complete with Margaret ila being bossy, I mean bassy….maybe just a little sassy to the cashier and Whitney’s sudden realization that even if she wouldn’t eat herself if she was an Andes Mint…she would DEFINITELY eat herself if she was an andes mint IN a Vanilla Frosty, we were back in Tuscaloosa!...and my friends…it was one successful trip!

lights, camera, action when i walk through the door

2006-09-01T21:56:00.000-07:00

you know those people, oh you know...those people...everyone stares at them, they make a scene wherever they go...you don't want to be one of those people

well, a week ago, i was with a group of people, two others, and we were those people.

i blame it on some scientists. if they had not decided that pluto was too small to be a planet, there would have not have been as many uranus jokes, made loudly at the hobby lobby and at the target...

i blame it on margaret ila...if she had not gotten a grown-up job, she would not have to go poster shopping for her office wall, and hobby lobby would have been a much quieter location for those dedicated to arts and crafts (and a whole lot more)

i blame qudoba...if there was no qudoba, there would be no qudoba tshirts, and if there were no qudoba tshirts, there wouldn't have been a gentleman in the target with his qudoba tshirt on...which, by the way, says, "get naked" ...we wouldn't have had to walk around the target in search of this man to take his picture.

and, for that weekend...i blame...a country...i'm not sure where they grow bananas....but whatever country/state that is...oh, i'll blame you too...because if there were no bananas, there would not have been a girl in line who was wearing one on her shoulder (insert joke, is that a banana on your shoulder or are you just happy to see me?)

and, okay...ultimately, i'll just blame myself...sometimes you just gotta be that girl...

i'm not finished...have you ever been somewhere and just lost it for some reason or another, and started laughing uncontrollably...again, making you that girl...

when i caught the staph back in february...i was hobbling around...couldn't walk without the limp...and there came a time in my life where i was in a parking lot and couldn't be seen...i had to almost run (i hadn't moved so fast in three months) to duck out of sight....special ops for real...

in the process, i did not grab my friend and pull her down with me...i left her out in the cold, standing in full view of everyone...i am trying to work on that...

it happened again...walking through a store this time instead of through a parking lot...and of course, it always seems that the time that you are trying to be the most discrete and the most quiet, that you run into someone that has to loudly ask, "Why are you tiptoeing? Why are you whispering?"

but, i'll tell you this much...tiptoeing around a store, through the aisles is a little exhilerating!

there's also something to be said about arguing. i recently got in an argument with one of my friends...and i rarely get in arguments. but, as we both found out all too soon...we were both incredibly incorrect, and we both paid for it.

this time, i found myself almost on the floor laughing...but trying, again, to be discrete, so doing that silent laugh, that must look humorous to the witnesses (and the store surveilance camera)...

all that to say that i'm sure it's just that i'm getting it out of my system...can't always end up being that girl....right?

What a wicked game to play, to make me feel this way. What a wicked thing to do, to let me dream of you.

2006-08-25T20:31:00.000-07:00

Tonight was game night....i am BAD at games, and i'm quite sure that most of the people at game night would give a strong and sturdy "ooooooooooooooooooookkaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayy" to that assessment.

C.S. Lewis writes in his book Surprised By Joy (not about his wifee, ps)

On every half-holiday i went dutifully to the B6 notice board to see whether my name was down to play that afternoon or not. And it never was. This was pure joy, for of course I hated games. My native clumsiness, combined with the lack of early training for which Belsen was reponsible, had ruled out all possibility of my ever playing well enough to amuse myself, let alone to satisfy other players. I accepted games (quite a number of boys do) as one of the necessary evils of life, comparable to Income Tax or the Dentist.

i am quite unable to satisfy others when i play games...though i will always make time to amuse myself during the big ordeal. i am right there with Jack, i accept games when i have to as one of the necessary evils of life.

i am not naive enough to believe that Mr. Lewis and i are talking about the same games tonight, however, but i will still claim affinity with him and his comment.

we had several choices of games tonight.

(a) bridge--don't know how to do it
(b) dominoes--it's not 2003
(c) andy griffith trivia--never have i ever watched not one episode
(d) who wants to be a millionare--i'm bad at trivia
(e) uno--i played that towards the end of the night...and lost
(f) scrabble--flashbacks (see below)
back in 2002, i lived in dc with a bunch of smarties, we all were interning somewhere around dc, some of us for congressmen, others for law firms, pr firms, money people, etc. well, one night down in the lobby there was a good game of scrabble going down. there was a big tv downstairs in the lobby too, where a permanent box of tide and rolls of toilet paper sat atop the tv as decorations...ROLL TIDE...we played scrabble one night...i played with some folks from Columbia, Yale, UPenn, and me...ALABAMA...and while they took 20 minutes per turn, i didn't hesitate and spelled "MOM" (your mom says Roll Tide)...and then got looked at funny...to which i commented, "i'm from alabama"
(g) taboo--oh, i'll play some taboo...and play it BADLY!

Here's the problem with me and games...it truly, really is just a game to me...i used to get in trouble during spades for cheating...i don't cheat in life...just in games...why? because i don't have to win...usually i am cheating not for me, even...i like to help people out...or form an alliance to use a big reality/soap opera word...

i am BAD at competition because i am not competitive...and i tend to get loud and obnoxious...the more competitive someone is, the more obnoxious i get...

if you're not paying attention, we'll start anyways....my team could have guessed 12 words correctly in 60 seconds...you don't know...it's my game night and i'll yell if i want to...when the time is up for your team, i will quite boldly and loudly scream "TIME!"...i might make the buzzer noise (and take note of it, i rarely do sound effects)...i might get up out my chair and go over to the other team who is calling and guessing words and create a diversion (ca-caw)...i might yell out words for your team to distract you...it's okay, because remember, it's taboo, just a game...not the world series, ain't no one gettin paid for this win, folks...ain't no pride being gained nor lost...let's keep it fun ladies and gentlemen....

(and pretty much a warning that you do not want me on your team, your opposition's team, or any team in general...just let me take the pictures, take notes, keep score, observe what's going on, and badly whisper about it to someone beside me, or text someone about it...that's the best way for me to participate in games....except solitaire, i'm really good at solitaire, sudoku, crossword puzzles (only on merriamwebster.com) and the merriamwebster.com word game of the day....that's all i got for ya)

He's a cold hearted snake (ooohhh) look into his e-eyes...uh oh

2006-08-03T07:45:00.000-07:00

the fanny pack...we all used to have one...i'll rephrase...i used to have one, there are pictures...mine was bright orange, i guess, why wouldn't it be?

while we all make fun of the fanny pack now days...i think simply by wearing one, your behavior is excused, in some situations of course...

why? because you are almost certainly defined as a tourist when wearing the fanny pack, and they don't belong...they just don't know the ways of your city/town/state, etc...

tourists are often laughed at, i'd imagine, but are also probably given more grace than the locals...at least sometimes...

the boa...in new orleans, it is basically the same as a fanny pack...you wear the boa in new orleans, it's the same as wearing the fanny pack in dc

and, baby, don't you know that i wear that boa...and i wear it with pride (until i take it off and my skin has turned green, and i look like either the wicked witch of the west (east?) or like i have caught the fungus....

but, simply by telling people that i didn't belong in the city, by my wearing of the boa...i was almost given permission to wait until the crosswalk said go, before i walked into the street...or given permission to look confused when someone said something i didn't understand...or given permission to take out my camera and take pictures like it was my job...or to buy touristy stuff...all that, just by spending 3.99 or 3 for 10 dollars on a boa...

Now I'm on the move they got me hoppin' these fences/Ay little homie your defence is defencless

2006-07-26T07:23:00.000-07:00

it was almost an ordinary day, just an ordinary day...that is monday...but then, all kinds of un-normal things happened...(and only slightly embellished)

well, i went to work...that's what i do...i'm 24 years old...i go to work.

i got an email from an old friend...well, he's 22, and less old than i, but nonetheless, still a little old....

work work work...and then the adventure began.

i took a walk with my friend anna g...we were walking downtown on a quest to first find a new coffee shop, and then find out the hours of the coffee shop...

being the summer of "never have i ever, but now i really have," anna decided to help me out for the day...she found a tree...i do not climb trees...bees live on trees, lizards (and snakes) climb up trees, birds live in trees...squirrels jump from tree to tree...doesn't lime disease live on trees? all sorts of things have kept me from climbing up trees...call me deprived, if you will...i just call it educated??? (or really, i'm just a sissy who doesn't like her feet off the ground)

well, we found a tree and before i knew it, anna was half way up the thing...she hopped down...and when i say hop, i mean, she basically jumped 10 feet to the ground and then said, "your turn."

i looked at her like whoa...and thought, umm, ain't going to happen...but i will fall for all sorts of peer pressure (don't get any ideas), and so i made my way up that tree...and i'm still here, hopefully lime disease free...and i climbed up that one branch, and sat/stood there for a second...i had indeed climbed a tree...my feet were a good foot off the ground (both of them, i'm a real daredevil!)

that's enough for one day, never have i ever, but now i really have...on to the coffee shop we walked...

we walked...we found...we saw...we started to walk home...

we passed by this lady's house...two ladies were outside and asked if we had seen some dogs...well, we had...we didn't lie, and told the two that we had indeed seen the dogs, Murphy and Tiny Tim...they were now lost...we had another mission...

we walked, and we walked...through the rain (really just a sprinkler), through the destruction (like some road work), up mountains (slight inclines in the sidewalks), and through the valleys (like stepping off the sidewalk into the road)...and there were no dogs...

the community came together, though, my friends...people were out looking for these pups...we heard voices for miles screaming, "tiny tim....murphy...."

anna and i were not giving up...i've never really had a pet before, but anna tells me that losing one is the worst feeling...i'll believe her...i was really just thinking, what are we going to do if we find these two animals, because i surely can't pick one of them up...(i mean, these are little dogs too, but still....what if they bite?)

well, we walked about 10 miles (or maybe 2) around various blocks, and then i spotted one of them...murphy! SUCCESS!

never have i ever, but now i really have, looked for and/or found a lost animal...

we got our hands on the dog and led him back to the house...but, at the university of alabama, 50% is failing, my friends...and we still had a job to do...tiny tim was going to be found, or we weren't going home....

or, actually, we were on our way to giving up, when the ladies drove by in the car, and low and behold...there was tiny tim, safe and sound...

smiles all around...and we were even invited to iced tea one day...however, you can't be too certain about things these days...what if it was all a ploy to send people out in search of dogs to then invite them over....like hansel and gretel...

yeah, me and anna are way too smart to be falling for that!....

so, instead, we just returned to our homes...

it was a successful monday night, full of multiple never have i ever, but now i really have...

nobody likes me, everybody hates me.......

2006-06-22T06:27:00.000-07:00

and from what i heard there is a movie coming out sometime in the future about how to eat fried worms...could be good?

and i saw on the preview channel last night that there most definitely is going to be a movie about crossword puzzles...and i will be at that one for sure!

well, back to worms:

last summer, i was so very curious about all the worms that i would see on the sidewalks...what happened to them? do they just get tired, and before they know, uh oh, i'm dead? i just didn't get it...

i asked a friend of mine who is sort of a biology-ish major...she didn't know

well, i apparently forgot about it or didn't know how to adequately ask the question on yahoo.com

but this summer, my interest was sparked (is that the correct terminology?) once again...and yesterday, i did something about it.

george was caught on a beach pretending to be a marine biologist..."is anyone here a marine biologist?"

well, yesterday, i asked in my class of 10 people....is anyone here a science teacher? (it's an education class, we got teachers in there)

and nick spoke up...he teaches 6th grade general science...and so i said, "nick, i got a question for you"

and i asked him about the worms and why there were so many of them dead on the sidewalks.

he said that worms come out because they're drowning...could be from the rain or from a sprinkler system...so they come out for some survival....then, they may find themselves on the sidewalks...see what happens is, when their skin gets dried out they can no longer move...so i guess they're inching along and getting skin-dehydrated at the same time, and then suddenly they just can't move any more...and then, when that happens they suffocate....SAD! start the day out drowning and then leave it suffocating....

so, i asked nick....if they're all on the sidewalks...wouldn't you think that they would see their buddies and think, "wow, hot day...guess i better try to stay in the grass" or something like that....and then nick told me...they can't see! so, they can't even tell that their friends have already succumb to the heat, i guess unless they ran into one, but at that point, it may be too late....

in case you were wondering...it is still possible to learn some valuable things in the classroom...i'm glad that wasn't hands-on (no boat-a-thon) education...but i have a new sympathy for the worms out there~

now i'm remembering God and readin too much it's so nice

2006-06-19T06:29:00.000-07:00

this weekend...well, it was much like any other weekend in Alabama...i guess? I mean, it was hot?

i went home this weekend and while i should have been studying for the test that i have in four hours (who am i kidding, I should be studying now for the test i have in four hours)...i decided that i would do a little reading and movie watching

the books:

(a) the devil wears prada
(b) blue like jazz
(c) dispatches from th eedge: a memoir of war, disasters, and survival
(d) gods in alabama (i'm only on chapter 2 on this one)

the movies:

(a) the chronicles of narnia: the lion, the witch, and the wardrobe
(b) old school

starting with the movies: old school...i don't really care for it that much, it was just on, and i haven't seen it, thought i might better keep up with the culture and watch it....BUT, the chronicles of narnia was absolutely wonderful. i've read the book...i've read all the books (finally finished!)...i wanted to make sure that my images of the characters weren't clouded by hollywood...i think i made the correct decision. The film's got power, i think...

the books...i gave up seeing the magical mailbox movie this weekend by being at home...but i got some good reading done, so it's okay...but i will be conquering the magical mailbox movie soon...i'm sure

the devil wears prada is coming out in movie formation in a couple weeks...i want to see it, but i'm almost a big believer in reading the book first (that is, when i know it is a book)...and it was a fast read...it was good...and i'm sure there is a lesson in there somewhere, but i'm not sure where it is exactly. Perhaps it is that we all have to pay our dues (a million girls would want that job)...but in the end, we can't be letting go of all our happiness just for our careers...nonetheless, through all of that, the girl did learn about feeding the homeless and ordering starbucks...and i beieve in both of those things.

blue like jazz--well, it's pretty good. it has some good lessons in it as well...how much are we focused on ourselves how much of the time, and how is that hindering our relationships? but then again...going back to the devil wears prada...don't we have to look out for ourselves to some extent? we might be trying to save the world, one fashion magazine at a time, but in an effort to be doing doing doing for others (one other) we might be actually rendering ourselves less effective.

dispatches from the edge: a memoir of war, disasters, and survival...let's be honest...it's by anderson cooper, and why wouldn't you want to own a book with his face on the cover? well, i intend on giving the book away...not because i didn't enjoy it...but because someone else needs to enjoy it...this man: wow...there's some lessons in this book as well...this man has been around the world (and i i i i) covering disasters and war...he's seen a bunch...and has he become immune to emotion? i'm not sure...do you have to be to cover war? One of the most eye-catching sentences to me in this book comes from a chapter where cooper is talking about children and starvation...he is in a make-shift hospital describing how the doctors take care of some of these little lives. he says about the mothers: "they don't want your sympathy. they want you to do your job." what is our job, exactly? just a question...and how does that relate to blue like jazz and the devil wears prada.

finally, gods in alabama...i heard a dramatic interpretation of part of this book done by a girl on the forensics team...and it was great (one should also read the short story "a shell game with organs"...it's very good, i also heard it done at forensics tournament)...well, i bought the book...i read the first chapter, i'm sure there will be some lessons in that one as well...

i also continue to read mere christianity...it's very good thus far...very deep and i'm reading every page about four times...

and i suggest, if anyone wants a book to read, it's also deep, but makes some good rationale sense, if that's what you're looking for: the phenomenology of the social world

I know I'll often stop and think of them. But in my life I loved you more.

2006-06-09T11:04:00.000-07:00

This summer is so far going oh so very productively! Let me tell you how.

(a) i have finished The Da Vinci code, and i finished The Silver Chair, and i am on The Last Battle...add Blue Like Jazz to the list of books that i am going to finish this summer. I have started Mere Christianity---i have not been disappointed yet with any of these books.

(b) i have watched the crow and the graduate (and the finals of the spelling bee, you know that was intense). i also have watched the omen (the original), and i'm going to watch the new one tonight. I saw x men three, and i saw the break up...and then i'm looking forward to the devil wears prada (add that to the book list as well)

(c) the summer of doing stuff that i've never done continues...i guess it's the year of doing stuff that i haven't done...cause i hadn't caught the staph until february....but, this summer, is the summer of "never have i ever, but now i really have"

(c.5) i have not learned how to use my coffee maker, but i did make tea the other day, and i made my bed (and slept in it), and painted a bulliten board....and there's other stuff, too!

(d) for example: i drove through a car wash for the first time last weekend. it was horrible! and my intention is to never do that again...those big red things come down on top of the windshield and it was frightening, all the while the yellow things that twist are twisting and whirling on the side of the car, and the one thing you absolutely cannot do, but want to the most is to just ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW!!!! but that would create problems as well, so you're just stuck....stuck inside this little space that seems to be getting smaller and smaller...clinging onto the hope that five dollars will only purchase about 2 minutes (and hopefully no more) terrifying excitement.

(e) i am going to ride a horse. or at least get in a little cart that is pulled by a horse, says my friend anna. you see, i've never ridden a horse, those mothers are HUGE! they look ferocious. i get nervous....but i feel like, just as all americans should be able to list all fifty states (i usually get about 47 on the first try, and i should be learning soon that i always forget vermont) and all the presidents (i can't do this one yet, see, i don't even know how many there are, but i got 31 on my last attempt)...i think probably all americans should have ridden a horse....my friend anna has a horse named peanut, who can shake hands and give kisses...i am going to visit him (i hope) tomorrow!

(g) i started school this week. i have taken summer school classes 6 out of the seven summers i have been in school. i am a pro at summer school...i have taken 67 credit hours during all my summers of summer school....PRO! so, this summer, like most others, i am taking a class. i waltzed into my class on Tuesday...why? because all summer school classes i have ever taken during a split term have began on Tuesday. Well, i sat down, my friends Reginald, Michael, and Daniel are in the class... i know the teacher....well, then teach started talking about the first day of class....wasn't tuesday the first day of class? well, apparently not. apparently in the college of education, summer split term classes start on mondays and are over in four weeks...i'm not complaining. test one is on monday, 61 multiple choice questions (how undergrad!--ha!) and then after monday's class, we only will have 10 more class periods...yeah, i'm down with that!

(f) now, i know that i have cool friends who are going all over the world this summer...jennifer is spending some of her summer in london and then some in colorado; graham is spending his summer in ukraine...my friend wesley is spending his summer in decatur-where-it's-greater...and ummmm, heidi's in washington, carmen's in florida...and i'm in tuscaloosa....BUT I ASK YOU ALL cool people...yeah, who has already watched those movies, read those books, and driven through the car wash this summer! i may be in tuscaloosa....BUT....

Oh why do I live this way?

2006-05-31T09:17:00.000-07:00

Compliments of Kathryn by way of an old friend...

"It is good to work and have. It is better to work and have in order to give away. God's glory shines more brightly when He satisfies us in time of loss than when He provides for us in times of plenty. The health, wealth, and prosperity "gospel" swallows up the beauty of his gifts and turns the gifts into idols. The world is not impressed when Christians get rich and say thanks to God. They are impressed when God is so satisfying that we give our riches away for Christ sake and COUNT IT GAIN." john piper

And so I wake in the morning And I step outside And I take a deep breath and I get real high And I scream at the top of my lungs What's going on?

2006-05-29T07:44:00.000-07:00

Well, of course, only parts of that are true...

I did wake up this morning and step outside...why? because the good folks who work at the University of Alabama do not get Memorial Day off.

I did not scream anything at the top of my lungs or otherwise. I did take a deep breath, but i don't remember that leading to any sort of "high"

i will tell you what's going on...only if you promise to take a moment and think of the song, perhaps sing it in true 4 Non Blondes fashion...followed by a "hey ey ey ey ey" (ahh, the good ol' days of music?)

So...the summer of reading and movies and learning how to use appliances has begun in full force!

Only, i have not yet learned how to use any appliances; however, I did go shopping with a friend for appliances for her new house...does that count?

I have read (1) the perks of being a wallflower...you can find it in your local bookstore in the teen section. I write that with much hesitation...aren't i too old to be shopping in teen section? Well, maybe too old, but definitely not too good, so i'll waltz over there and pick it up and buy it.

I am almost done with (2) the da vinci code...i saw the movie while only 1/2 way through the book, i don't regret it...both movie and book are good

I continue to read through (3) the chronicles of narnia...which i suppose could count as (3-9)...i'm on book 5, and they're good, my friends!

And then, i have (10-13) some other C.S. Lewis books to read, ready and waiting for me, which include the abolition of man, the great divorce, and mere christianity (there's another one about joy, but i don't remember it's title)

Followed by (14) running with scissors, which i just picked up!

I'm excited!

Further...i went and watched (a) XMen the other night...i'm not much for super heroes, but we did make up our own xmen names once, and it was kind of fun...i signed an email "Jean Gray" once, which now i feel a little strange about...oh well...i rented (b) the graduate yesterday, so that i could understand where Rumor Has It was coming from, and it too was pretty good...funny, and completes the Rumor Has It story for me, and (c) the crow..."it can't rain all the time"...that one, i think not typical of my favorite movies, but still, it was on the list and it has been conquered!

this week...the spelling bee! Wednesday during the day and then Thursday night, live on abc!

any other suggestions for movies and/or books would not be minded whatsoever!

Everyone around love them love them Put it in your hands Take it take it There's no time to cry Happy happy Put it in your heart Where tomorrow shines

2006-05-21T16:47:00.000-07:00

those of you who are cool will recognize the above as being off of REM's Out of Time album...those of you who aren't quite there...well, listen to that song, it's great! This topic has to do with time...specifically a few people being Out of Time...

if you have already read this in email formation, i apologize...

there is a question of the day and a statement of the day...these are actually from a few weeks ago, but whatever

QUESTION: When the moment is right, will you be ready?
STATEMENT (or response): When you gotta go, you gotta go.

Last year, i noticed that i knew the Cialis jingle...whycome? you may ask? Because the dang commercial was being played over and over again during the NCAA Basketball Tournament...

i sent an email out to some of you regarding this...while it's somewhat cool to take some things from National Advertising Campaigns and make them a part of your every day living (greeting your friends with a good and hearty "WASSSSSSSSUPPPPPP" [which, by the way, is still appropriate to do]), it's not so very cool to find your self humming the Cialis tune...

So...what is going on in my life and how it applies to the above.

A couple weeks ago, i went to the Magical city of Birmingham to hear a few people sing to me and a bunch of seafood...the event was on friday night and saturday afternoon and night. I went friday night and rocked out with some cool friends (mabes and marge in the HOUSE) and some weed...the circle of weed (not trust) was in our midst, and it was sketch!

**And let me make very clear that there was no weed being smoked in our own circle of trust...just the circle beside and behind us....

there was sister hazel and blues traveler...and they were good!then there came saturday afternoon...i got there with a few friends just as the Presidents of the United States of America were taking the stage (Oh, Graham, you should have been there, you could have met one of them, and checked that off of your top 100!)...and they were cool back then, they are cool now!

when they were done, me and my peeps shoved our way to the front-ish of the crowd...because Better than Ezra was coming up, and i will sing along and act like their biggest fan...And, did you know that BTE is SOOOOO HARDCORE that people catch their vibe in such a way they feel compelled to crowd surf...i mean, we aren't talking to the caliber of the POD people...

nonetheless, there were some intense moments with people nearly losing their shoes while elevated 6 feet in the air and such...well, here's where the Question and REsponse come in (almost)

As many of you know, i caught the staph earlier this year...staph of the left foot to be exact...i still can't wear shoes that cover the top of my foot, it's still a little sore (and a little swollen)...so flip and flop it is...well, i prefer to be surrounded by my peeps in events such as outside music events...especially because if they are around me, there is less of a chance that someone will step on or be dropped on my poor poor foot.

That did not happen in this case...there were friends to the left of me and friends to the right...but i was stuck in the middle right in front of some drunken men of some caliber...they were nice individuals, i'm sure...they didn't push me, they didn't step on me...but when the moment was right...they were ready...well sort of.

You see...sometimes when you gotta go, you gotta go...and these young men did. In a cup. i was no witness to that part of the event...only heard them talking about it...EWW! come on people...that's why the musicians have mics...so that you can go pee in an appropriate place (not right in front of me, [or behind me] for that is not how God intended it) and you can still here BTE rock your faces off!

after BTE was finished...and the gentlemen behind me were finished...i decided that i would leave the front-and-center atmosphere for the POD people, and for my boyfriends LIVE...who were ABSOLUTELY incredible!

That's what went on in my life a couple weeks ago...Here's what's coming up in my life in a couple weeks...

You guys remember last year (and if you don't remember this intense time in American history, i'm going to share it with you so perhaps you may feel the excitement yourselves)

In the 19th round, Anurag Kashyap of California became the winner of the 78th Annual National Scripps Spelling Bee. He beat 272 other contestents by correctly spelling the word: "appoggiatura," a melodic tone.

Well, the time is upon us again, friends. The 2006 Scripps National Spelling Bee is coming on May 31 and June 1, 2006. THe Preliminary Championship rounds will be broadcast live on ESPN from 12 noon to 3 p.m. eastern, then the championship rounds will be broadcast live on ABC from 8 to 10 p.m. EDT/CDT...will you be watching?

Make a business for yourself, boy, set some goals...

2006-05-14T15:26:00.000-07:00

In 2002, I went on a fall retreat with my college ministry...During one of the talks, Chip Riley (woot woot) gave us a piece of paper numbered to 100. He instructed us to fill in our top 100 goals...these could be things that we want to do, even goals that we have had that we've already accomplished. Well, it's harder than you might think.

I did it...four-ish years later i found it...and last night i looked at it...

i will share some of the items on the list...definitley not incriminating myself by sharing all of the top 100...but here's a couple.

2. have at least one job that i enjoy
4. visit all the states
5. memorize all the presidents in order
15. have a slumber party when i'm 40
16. be the co-founder of Roll Tide Runs (port-o-potties)
21. throw a dinner party with individualized salt/pepper shakers
30. learn how to speak in front of people and not get nervous
50. solve the Rubix Cube
52. memorize at least 10 hymns
53. random acts of kindness at least once a week
54. write encouraging notes at least once a week
66. go inside the White House
67. Get a photograph of Denny Chimes at night
73. read books
75. Meet Dick Vitale
80. Go to an Atlanta Braves game
88. see a real moose
90. be able to afford to give Labor Day and Veteran's Day and MLKJ Day prizes
94. learn how to quilt
95. maybe pick up trash on the highway
100. always have goals

on the other hand...the speaker...he gave us a list of his top 100...his goals are way better than mine...i'll share some of those as well.

7. Get a novel published
11. Have a verse memorized in every chapter of the Bible
15. Know 1000 whose lives have somehow been bettered by God's use of me
17. Ride an elephant in Thailand
20. Put together and send 1,000 Samaritan's Purse Shoeboxes
21. Visit all 50 states (40 of 50 so far)
32. Provide Christmas morning gifts for 1000 kids
45. Learn and practice basic techniques of oil painting
46. See 10 favorite Alfred Hitchcock movies on the big screen
54. Provide school supplies for 1000 kids
60. Make 5000 cookies for the Kairos prison ministry
68. See an opera
69. Make 1000 baby bags for use by poor moms in crisis pregnancy
71. Learn to identifiy major constellations in the night sky
99. Help 1000 other people complete an item on their list
100. Find the mystical and the magical "item 100"

So...the challenge...write down your top 100--it's a little challenging, don't waste your days thinking of your goals...go out and do them, make 'em happen...but take some time, just a little bit, and think of some...if nothing else, four years later you might have something to look at, to laugh at yourself at...

my dearest friend wrote, "I think I might write mine down. I am not sure if they would be goals in comparison to dreams. Goals I believe are more practical and obtainable. Dreams are more like the unobtainable being obtained."

either/or...do it! and let me know some of them?

"Makin a list, checkin it twice, gonna find out who's naughty and/or nice...

2006-05-12T15:30:00.000-07:00

Make a list of 20 people you know:

1. KBacon
2. D-Nasty
3. Hogan
4. Wessie
5. Dannie
6. Cracker
7. Calli
8. Hollywood
9. Junior
10. Raz-ma-Taz
11. Tejas
12. Mitch
13. Kat
14. Anna G
15. Randy (that's his name)
16. Mabes
17. Blythe
18. "i'm so Seattle"
19. RICHARD
20. Terp

Answer the following:

--How did you meet 13?

I don't remember...I met her back in '99, either in Tutwiler or at Crusade, but then we had a magical class, Classical Rhetorical Theory together in 2003...and then we taught public speaking across the hall from each other...then she shared some good poetry with me...and then she shared some conversations with me...and man, she's a fantastic and faithful crazy lady!!

--What would you do if you never met 5?

I'd be sad...i wouldn't have anyone to come see me only to take candy out of the record and then throw trash at me...and i would have one less friend on thefacebook.com and on myspace.com...and he wouldn't leave me "nice words," and that would possibly be tragic-ish

--What do you honestly think of 10?

Oh she's crazy! and she puts up with me...so...hmmm?

--Would or did 19 and 8 date?

well, he's pretty cute, and she's pretty cute...isn't that all it takes?

--Have you ever liked 3?

we go to the target a lot, and we get rowdy rowdy in the Parisians parking lot...and there's no one i'd rather have as my special ops partner...she's pretty cool!

--If 1 died tomorrow, what is one thing that you would need him/her to know?

Oh, what wouldn't i need him to know...KBacon, I LOVE YOU!

--Would 2 and 11 make a good couple?

I don't know...they met each other once, and saw each other one other time...but i don't think they're a lot alike...but you know what my girl paula said, "opposites attract"

--Describe 7 in 3 words:

Crazy, Sexy, Cool!

--Do you think 12 is hot?

There's no thinking about it...she is HOT!

--Would 1 and 17 make a lovely couple?

She wouldn't think so...but man...a hottie like him, and a hottie like her...yeah, lovely couple! But, she's married to someone way better!

--What do you think when you see 8?

She's a Hottie!

--Tell me something humiliating about 11.

I think he told me something the other day, but i totally don't remember...i could look it up, but i'm not gonna right now...he's pretty cool though, i don't think he gets humiliated often...and he reads some awesome books!

--Do you know any of 3's family members?

Of course...and her dog, Corduroy

--What's 20's favorite color?

I have no idea...Terp, you wanna help me out on that one? We're basically twins, though, sometimes, so i'm gonna guess orange...it for real is STILL the NEW PINK!

--On a scale of 1-10 how cute is 14?

She's an 11!

--What would you do if 4 just professed his undying love for you?

Umm...he does every day-ish??? sort of...i would for sure...ummm...what would i do? I would consult his brother's new favorite book "Kiss me Quick"...it's too bad-ish that he professes his undying love for every girl around...

--What language does 19 speak?

American, Spanish...Rap...Doctor (aka, i guess some Latin)...there could be some others...he's a smartie!

--Is 9 a boy or a girl?

He's not either...he's a MAN!

--Would 18 and 4 make a good couple?

Anyone would make a good couple with either of these individuals...too bad they don't live in the same neighborhood...or city...or state

--What grade is 17 in?

She's way too cool for school! Duh!

--When was the last time you talked to 12?

A little before midnight...on May 11, 2006

--What is 3's favorite band?

She likes BTE, Sister Hazel, Rascal Flatts...and my man Luda

--Does 1 have any siblings?

Yeah...Bacon BROTHERS!

--Would you ever date 6?

He's way too good for me...probably the most sincere and cool man i sort-of know...at least on paper, he rocks my world!

--Would you ever date 7?

Clearly...we got such a high percent on the lovecalculator.com...and she's the only person i know with a silent beginning letter in her name!

--Is 15 single?

I have no idea...i haven't seen him in about 4 years...maybe i should work on getting that info?

--What is 19s last name?

well that would give away some of the mystery, wouldn't it?

--What is 5's middle name?

Allan (and i even know how to spell it!)

--What is 10's fantasy?

Oh...i know wh-wh-what her fan-n-t-t-a-a-sy is...ha! but i'm not writing it here

--Would 14 and 19 make a good couple?

Everyone wants to date 19---14's got her eyes on someone else...

--What school does 16 go to?

The University of Alabama

--What school does 1 go to?

He doesn't go to school, duh! He's in a band!

--Where does 9 live?

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

--Would you make out with 6?

Heck yes, i would...but i don't know what that means

--Are 2 and 5 best friends?

Yep...but why are they? Now, that's a better question...and i know that answer too, example: going to see random softball games!

--Is 20 older than you?

of course not...but is he cooler than me? oh yeah!

And babe, don't you know it's a pity that the days, can't be like the nights, in the summmer, in the city...

2006-05-09T21:00:00.000-07:00

I declare this the summer of.....

well, after i turn in my SEM final (which requires me actually doing it) on Thursday...let the summer begin!

it's going to be the summer of reading and learning to use appliances...and seeing some "must see" movies

Books:

(a) CS Lewis--Mere Christianity
(b) TS Eliot--4 Quartets

[if anyone has any other must reads (only authors that go by initial, initial, last name), let me know!]

and i'm definitely going to learn how to use my

(a) coffee maker
(b) espresso machine

and movies that everyone should see---apparently

(a) Braveheart
(b) The Crow
(c) Scarface
(d) The Graduate
(e) Chronicles of Narnia

--again, any other suggestions, cause i'll do it!

And i miss you and the things you do...the time we had, the good and bad...the day we met that i can't forget...signed, sincerely, me

2006-05-07T23:11:00.000-07:00

break it down, break it down, break it on down...

And i miss you---thanks BTE for leaving it with just 'you' so i may think of whomever i choose...whichever "who" strikes me in that moment...

(i don't know if i used that "whom" correctly...whoever, if that's more grammatically appropriate)

...and think of someone(s)...i indeed do that...

merriamwebster.com tells me that "miss" means: "to discover or feel the absence of"---it's so true...i feel the absense of you...i feel--to have one's sensibilities markedly affected by--it...you affect me...HENCE

and the things you do--the words you write, the thoughts you think, the heart you give, the integrity you maintain, the 'conversations' we have, the conversations we have, the knocking on doors, the rides you give, the smiles you provoke...the list (much like my heart) could go on and on...

the time we had, the good and bad...that's the cool thing...we had some time, we HAVE some time...it's nice...and has there really been bad? i don't know...i don't think so...there's been growth, now that's for sure...bad, though...not for uni--you and i--not for "us" (the dreaded "we") ...it's been good! (and there are 33 enteries of "good" in the online dictionary...you may look them up if you so choose...some are applicable, others not)...it's been a journey...a short one for some of us, a longer one for others of us...no matter...it's been good...the καιρος and the χρονος...

the day we met that i can't forget--well, now this is interesting...there are absolutely few that this applies to...i think i remember about one...it could have been at band practice, the magical bond between keyboard and tamborine...it could have been that i knew you before i met you...and so the meeting was lost...(does it matter, then?)at a basketball game...at a wedding...did you know me before you met me...in a moment designed as an escape from "life" as we daily know it...which "we" am i leaving out...in a basement...on the playground, the four-square "square?"...i remember we played often...in a class, at lunch, a coffeehouse, on a couch...

Signed Sincerely, ---free of dissimulation, marked by genuineness...i don't know that the words above "say" anything or mean anything...but i do hope they do...because that is my intention...friend(s)...my Dear Friend...(s)...i miss you, genuinely, honestly, purely, truly...my sensibilities are markedly affected by the absence of you--but even in your absence--you continue to affect me...it couldn't happen any other way...

me

just for the record, the weather today is slightly sarcastic with a good chance of (a) indifference and (b) disinterest in what the critics say

2006-05-04T01:40:00.000-07:00

tonight's selection for the library includes the following CDs

1--Live--Throwing Copper (1994)
2--Panic! At the Disco--A Fever You Can't Sweat Out (2005)

3--Black Market Flowers--Bind (1993)
4--Collin Raye--Extrememes (1994)
5--The Fugees--The Score (1996)
6--Disturbed--The Sickness (2000)

oh, you call me diverse, eclectic, delerious, confused...(e) all of the above

so here's how today's library night went down...i remind you that yesterday's library night ended at -ish 3:30 am...

oh, i'm already there today, baby, and i'm not done!

I've caught "the procrastination" i believe from Graham Judson Lee Michael, who says something about the time to procrastinate is now!

I caught it and i've fallen hard...Cause, i know that in my heart, i ain't one of "those people"

So...my paper is due tomorrow...it ain't done now at 3:26 am...

By 8:00 this evening i had ingested (swallowed) 36 ounces of soda...that's way too much sugar, in the form of two coca-colas and one mountain dew.

At around 9-ish, i purchased a latte from the coffee place in the library, which has surprisingly good coffee

At around 11:30-ish, i purchased another latte from the coffe place in the library, which has surprisingly good coffee

At around 1:37-ish, i DID NOT purchase an immunity defense bottle of orange juice...or is it a bottle of immunity defense orange juice...well, both the bottle and the juice, i'm sure, had magical powers!

Why? The coffee place in the library closed early...COME ON PEOPLE! you are KEEPING US AWAKE...help me out! i've been nice to you thus far! i've spent some big bucks at the coffee place in the library! stay open for me!!!

Well...the gas station does not close...and so those sweet folks got my business instead of the University of Alabama...their loss?

at this gas station, i purchased:

1--wild cherry pepsi (add 20 more ounces to all that sugar)
2--2 starbucks double shots (one is gone already)
3--calcium + vitamidn D orange juice...no immunity defense, for me...and you better believe that if i catch the bird flu tomorrow...I mean, i already caught the procrastination, obviously the immune system is already in a bad state...if the bird flu is upon me tomorrow...oh i'm taking my castigations to the nice people at the coffee place in the library! (but not really...i'm a lot more talk and a little less action)

4--a bag of M&Ms
5--a 16 ounce Natti Light!

(JUST KIDDING...but it was very tempting...i believe i could get some good work done at the University of Alabama's library while sippin on that junk??? i think it's against university policy...and while getting kicked out of the university of alabama would be a good excuse for not turning in my paper, i don't think my parents would receive that excuse well...)

Now...for my -ish 30 page paper...i am sittin pretty at 19 pages, with a completed Title Page, Introduction, Lit Review, Methods, and Reference page....

Totally missing, however, the results and discussion...hmmm...SEM could be the cause of my downfall tonight---a-if Ah-ch-ade-- i will keep reminding myself, that though my paper SCREAMS, "And don't deny me--No baby now, don't deny me," I will respond to myself with, "And darlin' don't be afraid..."

Bad boys, bad boys whatcha gonna do, whatcha gonna do when they come for you

2006-05-01T21:12:00.000-07:00

Bad List

1. Junior--you know you'll always be first on someone's list baby!

2. Ross

3. Bad News Bobby

4. Daniel

5. Wesley

so many days i've thought of you

2006-04-26T00:35:00.000-07:00

It’s about time you knew the truth
Got to act quickly, you and I
We fall in love, so many reasons why

I dedicate the above to my pillow...on my couch: because that's where i long to be right now...there have been too many a recent night where i have not received the 8 hours that a healthy relationship with my pillow requires. it's not going to happen tonight either...

this is how it's going down at 2-ish am on this hmmm, i don't know what day it is, but it's sort of definitely tomorrow and no longer today, even though, that is sort of impossible...and with that, i am reminded of T.S. Eliot:

Time present and time past
Are both perhaps present in time future
And time future contained in time past.
If all time is eternally present
All time is unredeemable.
What might have been is an abstraction
Remaining a perpetual possibility
Only in a world of speculation.
What might have been and what has been
Point to one end, which is always present.

i have a presentation to do tomorrow...the time limit: 15 minutes...the number of powerpoint slides i have 43...i'm no math major, but...i'm not sure how that is going to all work out...but i don't think it will

i still have 2 slides to complete with words, 2 slides to scan charts into in the morn, and then 10 handouts to copy, each containing 48 slides...

and currently i am waiting on a sunkist to unfreeze a little bit...it's been in the freezer since about this time, but 24 hours prior to this time (refer to ts again)

and the thought of tonight, the blogging break (2 points, scattergories) thought of the night is that there are so many things that reference the night...perhaps it's because that is where we are to drift off to who knows where...some talking, some walking, some doing (c) all of the above...

i have still not fully decompressed last weekend, which i fully intend on doing, perhaps this weekend...i got some things to think about, to process, to question...to learn...but it will wait:

tonight, a medly (ish)
In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety... looking around wondering what this is for...sure it's fine but i don't think i need this anymore...please don't wake me up, you're such a perfect dream of all i ever...wanted at all so unreal, so sureal but, you're just a dream you're far away...Look to the past...And remember and smile...And maybe tonight...I can breathe for a while...I'm not in the scene...I think i'm fallin' asleep...But then all that it means is...I'll always be dreaming of you...Mon amour.L'aventure commence...Sweet dreams, jellybean...I'm coming out of my cage...And I've been doing just fine...Gotta gotta be down...Because I want it all...it started out with a kiss...How did it end up like this...It was only a kiss, it was only a kiss...Now I'm falling asleep...In a dream my love, you will find my heart...So goodnight, goodnight...Walk away from the door...Walk away from my life...Goodnight...Check the phone, just incase...Go to bed...Dream of you....And take a look at what we've become...A tragedy, but I can't find that love...That we started with so long ago...And I know this isn't right...It's the last time I'll be kissing you...So goodnight, goodnight...

it's been a while, since i first saw you

2006-04-23T23:34:00.000-07:00

well...or since i've written anything on the blog circuit...

i love it when my friends make me mix cds...they're incredible

i don't know, it something about hearing some Weezer, Say it Ain't So on the same CD as Big Pimpin, i mean...it's fun!

(that's a plug for any of the one of you that reads this who might want to make me a cd??)...(tricky tricky)

you taught me everything, and everything you've given me, i always keep it inside

2006-04-13T06:57:00.000-07:00

i joke on this boy, who's super nice and super cool and has a super middle name, about hating his parents...i know he doesn't...it's not possible with this man...(i hope he knows i'm just kidding with him?)

so...i think it's always fascinating when you learn something new about your parents or when you learn something new about yourself from your parents...

well...i learned the other month that my mother was once a copy editor...HOW COOL IS THAT? i so wanted to be one of those once...

AND I WAS...i lasted like 2 hours at the Crimson White, fulfilling some requirement for some journalism class...and it was over and i said, "not again"

yesterday i learned some more stuff referring to my name....i asked where "christine" came from...

and i learned...NOWHERE! well, that's okay...

my mom said that you can't put just anything with anneliese...anneliese elizabeth...now that's way too much, so she said that anneliese christine just seemed to fit okay...

and she said that if i didn't like anneliese (cause you have so many options at birth to talk about how you do or do not like your name), then there were plenty of other options, like "liese" or "christine" or "chris" or "TINA"

she also said that never in a million years did she imagine me as an "anna," it throws her off...COME ON, mom! you silly thing...anna's like the first natural instinct when shortening my name! and you're like a national merit scholar...

but i will now add "tina" the list of names...you may call me that, and i will work on training myself to respond...

signing out,

"i'm with the band...TINA!"

Everybody knows it hurts to grow up and everybody does...

2006-04-12T11:28:00.000-07:00

the day she ordered a fish....

today i am such a grown up...

I am 24 years old plus 7 months plus another 8 days...

and for the first time in my life today i did two things...add them to my "never have i ever before 2006" email...

(1) i ordered a fish--i hear it's good for you...i don't really like it, but i'll deal with it...and it wasn't too bad...kinda strange taste to it..but i think it was how it was supposed to be

(2) i paid my taxes ALL BY MYSELF...yep, that's right, i wrote that 1290-something dollar check and i wrote that 65 dollar check...and now i am poor, broke, ain't got no cash, etc, etc, etc...charity please?

or at least kind words...

Say my name, say my name...

2006-04-10T21:07:00.000-07:00

i have a hard name...it's true, it's fact, i know this!

where did it come from? well, i've actually never asked my parents where they got my middle name, it's Christine...but the first one...they got it from an opera singer

an opera singer, i'm lucky, so i've been told that it's wasn't a character out of an opera, cause you know that could be even stranger

Anyways, my name...people often comment that they have no idea how to spell it...i am 24 years old today and i often forget some letters, but as a student brought up the other year, it is actually pretty easy...

do it with me, if you like:

Anne
lies
(with an E)

Anneliese

there it is...

you might remember it because i am indeed a liar...i lie A LOT...except for that i usually correct the lie within minutes if not seconds of the initial fib, or usually exaggeration

do you need to see my name again: it's ANNELIESE

now--that's not to say that you have to call me that...it's intimidating, i know

i've had many a nick-name...and i'll be the first to say that you absolutely cannot pick your nickname, you get what you get and you're stuck with it, and you better be okay with it, because otherwise, you will still be called that nickname and a snob

some of my nicknames (and dedication portion)

Crazy: My JPayne calls me "crazy" and she sings to me, I'm CRAZY, crazy for feeling....

Liese: My parents, grandparents, relatives in general all call me Liese...they don't sing anything while calling me that

On-A-Leash: Matt Carpenter...he just didn't hear the real name correctly, and that's what i became..i'm okay with that

Anna-Wiesel: is that how you spell that? i don't even know...but again, my friend David Jones thought that my parents called me that when he heard my parents calling me in the background of a phone conversation...

Anne: I tried to give myself that nickname (with an "e" of course) during an 8th grade summer camp, but quickly realized that i forgot to answer to it...it didn't work out so well

Annabell: The congressman that i worked for called me annabell, i mentioned that earlier...you cannot correct a congressman, or so i'm told, so i just said, "yes i am"...i support E. A. Poe and Anna Bel Lee, even though it's a bit morbid, so i can come to terms with the name

Anna: i mean, it's a given

Annie: what can i say...i fear it is a little condescending, but it's okay...but, if you must call me annie, please sing smooth criminal while you're calling me!...i referred to "annie" in an earlier post

Natalie: an international student that i have had 4 classes with over 3 years continues to call me "natalie"---well, it's been way too long, i ain't correcting her now

Anna Laura: this is new...again, i can't correct the individual who calls me Anna Laura, nor can anyone else, so it seems...so, well, looks like i'm answering to Anna Laura now!

There you have it...i should respond to the names above, and you may pick which one suits you for me....that is fine...but i say it again...my name is Anneliese, just in case there was any confusion

let me enlighten you...this is the way i pray

2006-04-10T07:37:00.000-07:00

You are big. You are good. You are complete. You are joy. You are justice and You are mercy. You are grace. You are real. You change me while you are constant and consistent. You listen. You respond. You keep your promises. You are considerate. You are...

To whom much is given, much is required, and i think You for your gifts and your blessings in my life. i confess my stubbornness. i confess that i don't remember that you become greater when i become less. i confide in you that i place my trust in untrustworthy things...i confess my fear for "the new" though i know that You are in control. i confess that i look for worth and acceptance and love and like and laughter in people before you, not after you...

i thank you for countless things that i canoot even put into words. i thank You that your presence demands and commands glory, and i thank You that i am able to revere You for who You are, not only what You do...i thank You, today, specifically, for a man who came into my life in january, and who has, for the past four months, reminded me of you. i thank you that you have revealed yourself to him and i thank you that you saved him. i thank you that i can be vulnerable (or something) enough to praise you for allowing him to be a part of my life. i thank you for his honesty and his passion and his faithfulness. i thank you that he takes time out of him weeks to consider me. i thank you that out of thoughts manifested in words, i am constantly encouraged to consider You and to consider others above myself. he makes me smile and he makes me laugh out loud. i thank you that as i learn more about him, i learn more about You because he is yours. i thank you that he calls you Father and you call him child.

i pray that You keep touching his life in ways that he knows it is you. i pray that he keeps your glory in mind as he makes his hourly, his daily decisions. i pray that i may be of even the most subtle of encouragement, paling in comparison to how he has touched my life. i pray for his family, who has also touched my life, and i repeat your words back to you:

To you, O LORD, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy: "What gain is there in my destruction, in my going down into the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness? Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me; O LORD, be my help." You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.

i pray for his trust, that it remains unfailing. i pray for his drive, that he is driven to pursue You and to pursue yours. i pray you keep him and his safe, wrapped in your protection. i pray that You continue to bless him and i pray that he continues to bless people--selfishly, i pray that he continues to bless me, because when i remember him, i remember You because You are his second nature...

i pray these words for him:

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

In the Rough

2006-04-09T22:13:00.000-07:00

Put your music player on shuffle.

Press forward for each question.

Use the song title as the answer to the question.

No Cheating.

How am I feeling today?: Izzo: H.O.V.A (He who does not feel me is not real to me, therefore he doesn't exist...so POOF, Vamoose, Son of a ...)

Will I get far in life?: So Beautiful

Where will I get Married?: We're An American Band

What is the story of my life?: We Belong Together

How can I get ahead in life?: Here Without You (Oh, you know who YOU are?---definitely not part of "we" mentioned above)

What is in store for this weekend?: Talk

What song describes my parents?: Away from the Sun (sure, they don't really like the beach)

To describe my grandparents?: Goodbye My Lover (well, that's strange)

What do my friends really think of me?: Cruel

Do people secretly lust after me?: 03 Bonnie and Clyde

Will I ever have children?: Conceived

What is some good advice for me?: Nice Day

What is my signature dancing song?: Black Horse and the Cherry Tree

What type of men/women do you like?: Boston

Now next song will be the topic name you post for the bulletin

Dedication portion: This was actually really fun, even though I'm cruel....Thanks Junior!

thank you disillusionment

2006-04-09T06:59:00.000-07:00

and thank you alanis...for being so clear in moments of confusion...she writes, "thank you disillusionment, thank you nothingness, thank you clarity, thank you, thank you silence..." and i will call her genius.

and i will remember her as i am "praying for love and paying in naivety"

This one goes out to the one i love...

2006-04-06T09:38:00.000-07:00

So...i think i will attempt to start every post out with a lyric from a song...whether great, such as REM, or mediocre, such as hoobastank...it WILL be done...(at least for now)

Things that i learned yesterday

I wrote a dear friend a message on thefacebook.com...We all know that i love words, i mean, i'm addicted, and i just don't know how to quit...them....they rock my to my very core!

So, this message that i wrote...i was just writing, and typing, and then, i reached a point and i could not type any more...it wouldn't let me. Thefacebook.com CUT ME OFF....what in the world? ...and i was just then getting to the good stuff? (yeah, probably not)

I also learned from that message of yesterday, i like ellipses. I mean, i know that i like them, but i realized just how much. In approximately 1800 words (which i realize is like a 6 page paper--oh well)...well, in those 1800 words, i used ellipses about 125 times...excessive? perhaps. But i really do think they break up thoughts and sentences appropriately whenever it's necessary...and in 1800 words, i believe it's necessary...

i was given a pop quiz yesterday...and i will go ahead and assume that he will not read this so it will be okay to share the thoughts on this and then to him later...the quiz, one question, paraphrased, who would you most like to meet (no longer living)

you would think...such an easy question, oh, i could be spitting off answers like Paul or Daniel (cause really dude, faith, i wouldn't be so successful with lions), Noah (all those animals...i'm scared of snakes, buddy, and the mice, oh the mice...how did you do it?)

but i don't want to lock myself into one of those answers...i feel as if once i write it down, i'm stuck. There's all sorts of famous people choices. But, somehow, i feel that's not for me. You can read about those folks. And, i know talking to someone ain't the same as reading about them, but still, you get some sort of idea.

I think rather, i might want to meet someone, rather passive in life, but full of spirit and wisdom and passionate. I don't know who that person is, i don't have a name at this moment. But someone who may have been overlooked, but who, within lies something amazing...it just wasn't ever shared. Does that make sense, i fear it might not. I would google him/her to find a name...but he/she wasn't known...so, i am without a definitive answer today.

Finally-ish...I don't speak anything but English. I have been introduced to Dora (the explorer, duh!) so i know a couple words in Spanish...and i am now okay with carrying my backpack on both shoulders, even though high school reflections tell me that the one-shoulder look is the ONLY way to go...but Dora, you're doing the two-shoulder thing, so i will trust your judgment...

I took my four semesters of French in high school...and i can conjugate a couple verbs, i know how to say "the record player is broken" and a couple other things...i can read some of it...and just between you and me, i like to watch movies with the French subtitle option ON, because i feel like I'm learning something, even though i'm probably kidding myself...

I can read the sweet sweet notes of music, and for that i am thankful...why didn't sight reading count as a foreign language in college, cause i would have hopped on that option in a FLASH!...love/music, the universal language.

But...i'm willing to try to oblige...i love knowledge, i yearn for some of it...so i will add some good language tricks below...

which leads me to this portion of...

The dedication part of this post:

(a) Junior...we all can't be speaking cool languages like you...but we'll try. Though i initially thought she was pretty stupid and had nothing for me, Shakira taught me a lot back in the day. i'll sing along with you girlfriend. You're pretty darn good. And that was when she was talking/singing to me in English...you put her in Spanish, and she gets even better.

No pido que todos los días sean de sol. No pido que todos los viernes sean de fiesta. Tampoco te pido que vuelvas rogando perdón. Si lloras con los ojos secos. Y hablando de ella. Ay amor me duele tanto. Que te fueras sin decir a dóndeAy amor fue una tortura... Perderte

(now, i don't know exactly what she's saying here....but i'm sure it could be true? and if it is totally inappropriate, i plead ignorance and beg for mercy)

(b) Kathryn...the French language...it's beautiful, no? The Good Book, it's beautiful, no? And that's even in country talk...so, you mix it up and put it in French...good news (bears)

1 Thessaloniciens 2

13C'est pourquoi nous rendons continuellement grâces à Dieu de ce qu'en recevant la parole de Dieu, que nous vous avons fait entendre, vous l'avez reçue, non comme la parole des hommes, mais, ainsi qu'elle l'est véritablement, comme la parole de Dieu, qui agit en vous qui croyez...

20Oui, vous êtes notre gloire et notre joie.

the reason is....you?

2006-04-05T07:19:00.000-07:00

i'm not the world's greatest hoobastank fan...in fact, i barely can type the name, cause i think it's kind of strange...

The reason (part 1--the blog)

the purpose of the blog...see, i don't like blogs...i'm pretty much against them for me for this reason...i hope to write something one day, and i would much rather sell my thoughts than to just give them away for free....NOT that they are the world's best thoughts or anything, but you put a pretty cover on anything and at least a few people are bound to buy it, correct?

i am not against reading blogs though...kathryn's, junior's, eric's (you think these are real names??? hmmmm...who am i protecting, or not?) blogs daily, often three times daily

i just want to be their friend...these bloggers have links to their friends...there's a title: "FRIENDS" (in American, in French, it's all the same)---and i want to be labeled a friend! and you can't do it unless you have something to click on....

well, here i am...CLICK AWAY!

The reason (part 2--the name)
finally...a tribute:

annie are you okay:

this is for allison---she likes to dance along to the remake and original of fabulous song with these lyrics from the days of yore...

for i think margaret ila---i think she was watching the movie vertical limit with me at a random trailer in, what, 2001? 2002? and we were surrounded by all sorts of randoms, furries (but not "the furries" who like to dress up in animal costumes and do inappropriate things), etc...and the girl's name in the movie is "annie"---if smooth criminal could have been playing in the background of the ENTIRE movie, it would have been pure genius

for Mr. Cummings---my 8th grade science teacher who used to call me annie...he once threw an eraser at my face...i was once upon a time a bold student in the 8th grade and boy, i like to talk...you people know that!

for wesley-ish, who called me annie last week, and brought all the previous memories a flooding back into my life...thanks dawg

and for spencer...who, i'm sure, still thinks my name is "anna bell"