So, happy new year's eve everyone! I'll be at home, alone. By choice, sort of. Semi-pathetic, but choosing to be pathetic.
I already had a nice morning - had my training session. Had to apologize to my trainer for freaking out yesterday. It was the day after two migraines in a row and I wanted him to interrupt his training session to get the bad spot on my back. He didn't, and I was upset, not at him, but at life. I had a tennis ball with me and was able to get it myself later.
Actually, before that I had some nice exchanges. I had to park downtown and had almost no change. The guy hanging out by his car in front of me didn't really have any, but searched on his car floor and found some and just gave it to me. Wouldn't take a dollar for it. And then on the way to the gym I stopped and gave the homeless guy selling newspapers the Happy 2009 cookie I had in my backpack wrapped in cellophane. He wouldn't take it without giving me a paper.
Then after training, went to pick up a free Ralph Lauren full size comforter (freecycle) which I need for guests. And picked up my tile which I bought off ebay for half the price of in the store. Thing is, it's a little fishy, which I didn't really know, since I guess they have to pretend I'm a contractor. So this morning I worked for some front company I guess. Nothing I could do - I already paid for it.
I also dropped off a printer at a place that employs persons with disabilities to recycle them. And, finally, stopped at the local store that sells pork neck bones so I can make myself some tomato soup broth. If you want that recipe, I'll write it out. It's a pain to do, but the soup is delicious and really will hit the spot on this windy, cold, New Year's Eve.
Here's my song for the New Year. I actually remember when this video came out. Never knew the song would apply to me...
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Pierogi
I think I've mentioned that every Christmas Eve, we make pierogis. It's a Polish Christmas tradition. We always make potato, and cabbage filled. This year we also made prune (didn't try) and sour cherry (yummy). And after I had left, my brother made a hot dog pierogi just for the hell of it. (yucky). Thing is, because we have to do the oplatek, by the time we sit down and eat it's always pretty cold. Just the nature of the meal. But still delicious!
200+ handmade pierogis
Leftover dough cannot be re-rolled and used for pierogis, so they are made into 'straighties'.
When they float, they are done.
And right before the masses descend, it's oh so pretty.
200+ handmade pierogis
Leftover dough cannot be re-rolled and used for pierogis, so they are made into 'straighties'.
When they float, they are done.
And right before the masses descend, it's oh so pretty.
Trader Joes Moment
Yesterday, waiting in line to pay, the store manager gets on the intercom.
"Ladies, look around you. If you came in here with your husband and he is not next to you, he's at the front desk wondering where you are. Please come claim him."
It's a very small store. Not sure I would have gone to get him...
"Ladies, look around you. If you came in here with your husband and he is not next to you, he's at the front desk wondering where you are. Please come claim him."
It's a very small store. Not sure I would have gone to get him...
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Saturday Hunt - White
I just found out the word from looking at Churlita's blog, so here's what I wanted to show with Billy lovin' me, but finally got around to cropping me out. A whole lot of lovin' white as he bonks his head into my chin.
Home Again
Home again, and I had to jump right onto blogger since I was having withdrawal symptoms. At my mom's place there's no such thing as privacy, especially using the computer, and again, most of my family does not know I blog. If they saw my home page they'd immediately know it was mine though, given the lion head. Did you watch the Peanuts thing below??
It was a nice little 'vacation'. Got some nice presents. Was nice to spend time with the family. I use the quotation marks since I spent a lot of my time either cleaning my mom's place (especially dusting) or getting/assembling stuff to organize her things. My mom is almost 80 and lives on the second floor of a two story house with two apartments. The laundry and storage is in the basement, so she needs to have as much as she can on her floor. And until this weekend, there was a lot literally on the floor. We bought 2 bookshelves, an entertainment column that's open to use for storage, and a tall thin thing for the kitchen. Which, between KMart and a furniture liquidator, only cost around $250.
Whew. Perhaps it isn't a surprise then that I got a migraine last night. Yucky. Woke up at 1:30 am with it, which isn't my usual mo. It was so pathetic to watch myself search around in the hope I had brought one of the magic pills with me, which I knew wouldn't be completely effective since the migraine was well underway. I found a small case that might have one in it, and I sat at the kitchen table with my head hung low pulling items out one by one, feeling them, until I got one! A Christmas miracle!
Even so, my poor brother had to drive all the way back and I slept most of the way. I got the vomiting out of the way before we left, so that was good. And I'm back, feeling better, petting Billy Boy, and will go eat and get some easy shit done. See you soon!
It was a nice little 'vacation'. Got some nice presents. Was nice to spend time with the family. I use the quotation marks since I spent a lot of my time either cleaning my mom's place (especially dusting) or getting/assembling stuff to organize her things. My mom is almost 80 and lives on the second floor of a two story house with two apartments. The laundry and storage is in the basement, so she needs to have as much as she can on her floor. And until this weekend, there was a lot literally on the floor. We bought 2 bookshelves, an entertainment column that's open to use for storage, and a tall thin thing for the kitchen. Which, between KMart and a furniture liquidator, only cost around $250.
Whew. Perhaps it isn't a surprise then that I got a migraine last night. Yucky. Woke up at 1:30 am with it, which isn't my usual mo. It was so pathetic to watch myself search around in the hope I had brought one of the magic pills with me, which I knew wouldn't be completely effective since the migraine was well underway. I found a small case that might have one in it, and I sat at the kitchen table with my head hung low pulling items out one by one, feeling them, until I got one! A Christmas miracle!
Even so, my poor brother had to drive all the way back and I slept most of the way. I got the vomiting out of the way before we left, so that was good. And I'm back, feeling better, petting Billy Boy, and will go eat and get some easy shit done. See you soon!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas Eve!
I hope one and all are happy and healthy. I'm taking a quick break from making pierogi - we're stuffing the cabbage ones right now. We got a late start... Eating raw dough to stave off the hunger. :-) Well, that's just the excuse.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
People watching
This morning as I stood in the train car, I watched a couple sitting side by side. They both were pretty glum. The woman especially - she had that kind of mouth that kind of turns down. She looked kinda like a bitch actually.
So, the guy checks his blackberry and starts laughing. He then gives it to her to read. She takes it without a change in her facial expression - glum glum glum. She obviously is a slower reader than him. As she's reading he glances over quickly. Quickly turns away. Waiting for her reaction. But she's glum glum glum.
Then, finally, her mouth becomes a straight line, and then amazingly turns up and even breaks out a toothy smile. What a difference. Not a bitch. Just glum. But whatever was on that blackberry certainly helped their morning.
So, the guy checks his blackberry and starts laughing. He then gives it to her to read. She takes it without a change in her facial expression - glum glum glum. She obviously is a slower reader than him. As she's reading he glances over quickly. Quickly turns away. Waiting for her reaction. But she's glum glum glum.
Then, finally, her mouth becomes a straight line, and then amazingly turns up and even breaks out a toothy smile. What a difference. Not a bitch. Just glum. But whatever was on that blackberry certainly helped their morning.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Recipes
Pecan Pie
First I started with a recipe a friend sent me from a search on MyRecipes.com, that was from Cooking Light: Pecan Pie. As I was mixing it all together, I thought to myself that it was way too few pecans. So I looked at Joy of Cooking (the new one). It had 2 c. of chopped pecans and the Cooking Light one had only 1/2 c! So, I think I added a total of 1.25 c - I would next time add more. It also said vanilla OR dark rum. Since I had already added vanilla, I just added in the dark rum - 1 TB.
I did not spray the pie pan with oil before putting in the pie crust because Joy of Cooking did not say to. Mistake - really, you should do it. I made the pretty decoration on the top of the pie - I just made that up since I had perfect halves.
Russian Tea Cakes
1 cup soft butter (I used one stick salted, one unsalted)
1/2 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/4 cups sifted Gold medal flour
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
Combine all ingredients. I used a pastry cutter because I haven't unpacked my mixer, and I think it was a good thing. It's kinda like making scones - you mix it only as much as it needs it.
Chill dough. Roll into 1" balls.
Place on ungreased baking sheet.
(Cookies do not spread)*[see, mine did]
Bake until set, but not brown.
While still warm, roll in confectioners' sugar.
Cool. Roll in sugar again.
Temperature 400 degrees (moderate hot oven)
Bake 10 to 12 minutes
Makes about 4 dozen 1" cookies
I never noticed this before, but there's a quote in the new Joy of Cooking. Joy's soul lies in the doing. William Shakespeare.
First I started with a recipe a friend sent me from a search on MyRecipes.com, that was from Cooking Light: Pecan Pie. As I was mixing it all together, I thought to myself that it was way too few pecans. So I looked at Joy of Cooking (the new one). It had 2 c. of chopped pecans and the Cooking Light one had only 1/2 c! So, I think I added a total of 1.25 c - I would next time add more. It also said vanilla OR dark rum. Since I had already added vanilla, I just added in the dark rum - 1 TB.
I did not spray the pie pan with oil before putting in the pie crust because Joy of Cooking did not say to. Mistake - really, you should do it. I made the pretty decoration on the top of the pie - I just made that up since I had perfect halves.
Russian Tea Cakes
1 cup soft butter (I used one stick salted, one unsalted)
1/2 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/4 cups sifted Gold medal flour
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
Combine all ingredients. I used a pastry cutter because I haven't unpacked my mixer, and I think it was a good thing. It's kinda like making scones - you mix it only as much as it needs it.
Chill dough. Roll into 1" balls.
Place on ungreased baking sheet.
(Cookies do not spread)*[see, mine did]
Bake until set, but not brown.
While still warm, roll in confectioners' sugar.
Cool. Roll in sugar again.
Temperature 400 degrees (moderate hot oven)
Bake 10 to 12 minutes
Makes about 4 dozen 1" cookies
I never noticed this before, but there's a quote in the new Joy of Cooking. Joy's soul lies in the doing. William Shakespeare.
Why is it?
When you have half a day at work, you have a full day's work plus to do in that time? Leaving early for holiday party at boss' house. Will catch up on blogs later. And may even share the recipe for Russian Tea Cakes, which I made for the party... mmm....
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Disabilities in the US
Number of Americans With a Disability Reaches 54.4 Million
About one in five U.S. residents - 19 percent - reported some level of disability in 2005, according to a U.S. Census Bureau report released today. These 54.4 million Americans are roughly equal to the combined total populations of California and Florida.
Both the number and percentage of people with disabilities were higher than in 2002, the last time the Census Bureau collected such information. At that time, 51.2 million, or 18 percent, reported a disability.
Among those with a disability, 35 million, or 12 percent of the population, were classified as having a severe disability, according to Americans With Disabilities: 2005 [PDF].
Nearly half (46 percent) of people age 21 to 64 with a disability were employed, compared with 84 percent of people in this age group without a disability. Among those with disabilities, 31 percent with severe disabilities and 75 percent with nonsevere disabilities were employed. People with difficulty hearing were more likely to be employed than those with difficulty seeing (59 percent compared with 41 percent).
A portion of people with disabilities — 11 million age 6 and older — needed personal assistance with everyday activities. These activities include such tasks as getting around inside the home, taking a bath or shower, preparing meals and performing light housework.
Other important findings:
* Among people 15 and older, 7.8 million (3 percent) had difficulty hearing a normal conversation, including 1 million being unable to hear at all. Although not part of the definition of disability used in the report, 4.3 million people reported using a hearing aid.
* Roughly 3.3 million people, or 1 percent, age 15 and older used a wheelchair or similar device, with 10.2 million, or 4 percent, using a cane, crutches or walker.
* Nearly 7.8 million people age 15 and older had difficulty seeing words or letters in ordinary newspaper print, including 1.8 million being completely unable to see.
* More than 16 million people had difficulty with cognitive, mental or emotional functioning. This included 8.4 million with one or more problems that interfere with daily activities, such as frequently being depressed or anxious, trouble getting along with others, trouble concentrating and trouble coping with stress.
* The chances of having a disability increase with age: 18.1 million people 65 and older, or 52 percent, had a disability. Of this number, 12.9 million, or 37 percent, had a severe disability. For people 80 and older, the disability rate was 71 percent, with 56 percent having a severe disability.
* Among people 16 to 64, 13.3 million, or 7 percent, reported difficulty finding a job or remaining employed because of a health-related condition.
* Among people 25 to 64 with a severe disability, 27 percent were in poverty, compared with 12 percent for people with a nonsevere disability and 9 percent for those without a disability.
* Median monthly earnings were $1,458 for people with a severe disability, $2,250 for people with a nonsevere disability and $2,539 for those with no disability.
* Parents reported that 228,000 children under age 3, or 2 percent, had a disability. Specifically, they either had a developmental delay or difficulty moving their arms or legs. In addition, there were 475,000 children 3 to 5 years, or 4 percent, with a disability, which meant they had either a developmental delay or difficulty walking, running or playing.
* There were 4.7 million children 6 to 14, or 13 percent, with a disability. The most prevalent type was difficulty doing regular schoolwork (2.5 million, or 7 percent).
About one in five U.S. residents - 19 percent - reported some level of disability in 2005, according to a U.S. Census Bureau report released today. These 54.4 million Americans are roughly equal to the combined total populations of California and Florida.
Both the number and percentage of people with disabilities were higher than in 2002, the last time the Census Bureau collected such information. At that time, 51.2 million, or 18 percent, reported a disability.
Among those with a disability, 35 million, or 12 percent of the population, were classified as having a severe disability, according to Americans With Disabilities: 2005 [PDF].
Nearly half (46 percent) of people age 21 to 64 with a disability were employed, compared with 84 percent of people in this age group without a disability. Among those with disabilities, 31 percent with severe disabilities and 75 percent with nonsevere disabilities were employed. People with difficulty hearing were more likely to be employed than those with difficulty seeing (59 percent compared with 41 percent).
A portion of people with disabilities — 11 million age 6 and older — needed personal assistance with everyday activities. These activities include such tasks as getting around inside the home, taking a bath or shower, preparing meals and performing light housework.
Other important findings:
* Among people 15 and older, 7.8 million (3 percent) had difficulty hearing a normal conversation, including 1 million being unable to hear at all. Although not part of the definition of disability used in the report, 4.3 million people reported using a hearing aid.
* Roughly 3.3 million people, or 1 percent, age 15 and older used a wheelchair or similar device, with 10.2 million, or 4 percent, using a cane, crutches or walker.
* Nearly 7.8 million people age 15 and older had difficulty seeing words or letters in ordinary newspaper print, including 1.8 million being completely unable to see.
* More than 16 million people had difficulty with cognitive, mental or emotional functioning. This included 8.4 million with one or more problems that interfere with daily activities, such as frequently being depressed or anxious, trouble getting along with others, trouble concentrating and trouble coping with stress.
* The chances of having a disability increase with age: 18.1 million people 65 and older, or 52 percent, had a disability. Of this number, 12.9 million, or 37 percent, had a severe disability. For people 80 and older, the disability rate was 71 percent, with 56 percent having a severe disability.
* Among people 16 to 64, 13.3 million, or 7 percent, reported difficulty finding a job or remaining employed because of a health-related condition.
* Among people 25 to 64 with a severe disability, 27 percent were in poverty, compared with 12 percent for people with a nonsevere disability and 9 percent for those without a disability.
* Median monthly earnings were $1,458 for people with a severe disability, $2,250 for people with a nonsevere disability and $2,539 for those with no disability.
* Parents reported that 228,000 children under age 3, or 2 percent, had a disability. Specifically, they either had a developmental delay or difficulty moving their arms or legs. In addition, there were 475,000 children 3 to 5 years, or 4 percent, with a disability, which meant they had either a developmental delay or difficulty walking, running or playing.
* There were 4.7 million children 6 to 14, or 13 percent, with a disability. The most prevalent type was difficulty doing regular schoolwork (2.5 million, or 7 percent).
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Saturday Hunt - Love
Second one on the theme... I made this pie for the friends and neighbors that I love. It will be parceled out. I love to cook. I love when things come out well.
(OK, so I just wanted to show off my first ever pecan pie. I made a mistake and followed a Cooking Light recipe which also had oats in it, but then after checking with Joy of Cooking, realized I needed to jazz up the recipe, so doubled the nuts and added some rum too.)
(OK, so I just wanted to show off my first ever pecan pie. I made a mistake and followed a Cooking Light recipe which also had oats in it, but then after checking with Joy of Cooking, realized I needed to jazz up the recipe, so doubled the nuts and added some rum too.)
Friday, December 19, 2008
Saturday Hunt - Love
A day early. But I got some love from Billy Boy, and gave some out too. What a face.
Spreading good cheer
1) my doorman friend just showed up with a bottle of rum he had been raving about. a present to me. I just smiled and accepted it instead of berating him for buying me a present. Controlling myself to not open it immediately.
2) a homeless guy yesterday had a sign saying he would write a love poem. that made me smile. he also wished me happy holidays.
3) I'll be playing Santa's elf this weekend, delivering homemade cancer-fighting food from Pennsylvania to a friend who has brain cancer.
4) I picked up some stuff from a freecycler last night - stuff I was going to buy from Ikea anyway and there it was for free, including a never used cutting board. And then she offered me nice hanging lights, and even a medicine cabinet. She was so nice - it made me jump up and down for joy - so see I did have a good moment last night.
2) a homeless guy yesterday had a sign saying he would write a love poem. that made me smile. he also wished me happy holidays.
3) I'll be playing Santa's elf this weekend, delivering homemade cancer-fighting food from Pennsylvania to a friend who has brain cancer.
4) I picked up some stuff from a freecycler last night - stuff I was going to buy from Ikea anyway and there it was for free, including a never used cutting board. And then she offered me nice hanging lights, and even a medicine cabinet. She was so nice - it made me jump up and down for joy - so see I did have a good moment last night.
Internal/external chaos
It's clear that my medication needs to be increased. The event with my ex was just the beginning. Yesterday I should have kept my door shut all day and not spoken to anyone, but I had windows of being ok, so I thought I could pretend to be normal. Yet the stress of hearing one of my 'bosses' break down on a conference call, the stress of seeing the vultures circling in the office figuring out where to put everyone in smaller spaces, the stress of being told I'm not doing my timesheets right because I HAVE to balance 50% between two projects made me have a blowout with my boss. Drag down knock out fight - verbal that is. The things that came out of my mouth. And we were doing so well in getting along. Last night my ex was at the gym and came over to say hi/get water when I was sitting putting my shoes on, and I told him he wasn't the only one I had a blow out with. And starting crying, because you can't take what you say back. And he encouraged me to try.
So last night I sent my apologies and this morning we had a talk. She's shocked/amazed by how blunt and open I am, but I can't not explain what's going on. I have to have at least a couple people in my life understand that if I could control this I would. I'm trying the best I can. It took me years and years when I was younger to figure out what triggered migraines. I've only been dealing with this diagnosis and the reality for 6 months or so - the bipolar 2 thing. And it's real. It's not a figment of my imagination. I am not a bad person. I can't always control it. And that SUCKS. So I have to clean up my messes.
Anyway, I decided since it's raining I would not bike so I had to drive some. And I played a very appropriate song, which made me feel better. So, sharing it with you.
Embedding was disabled by request, and I want to share her video, so please click here. Alicia Keys, Superwoman.
So last night I sent my apologies and this morning we had a talk. She's shocked/amazed by how blunt and open I am, but I can't not explain what's going on. I have to have at least a couple people in my life understand that if I could control this I would. I'm trying the best I can. It took me years and years when I was younger to figure out what triggered migraines. I've only been dealing with this diagnosis and the reality for 6 months or so - the bipolar 2 thing. And it's real. It's not a figment of my imagination. I am not a bad person. I can't always control it. And that SUCKS. So I have to clean up my messes.
Anyway, I decided since it's raining I would not bike so I had to drive some. And I played a very appropriate song, which made me feel better. So, sharing it with you.
Embedding was disabled by request, and I want to share her video, so please click here. Alicia Keys, Superwoman.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Chocolate before noon
An indicator of how my grumpiness still lingers is that I've just eaten not one but two pieces of chocolate before noon. I was doing better after showering at the gym, since I'm now friendly with most of the trainers, and it's good to see them every morning. The gay guy had told me a story of this one old man who works out there and how his jock strap is yellow with no elastic and basically does nothing. Well, that guy was working some machine and his shorts had fallen down a little so you could see the band (no, not the horn and cymbals, but the elastic band). I made sure to show it to the gay guy, who found it very hot of course. And showed me his!
Anyways, yesterday seemed like all would be well. My ex had asked me to bring his change to my bank for free sorting and conversion to bills. Not a problem. I like being helpful. And it just so happened that he was out and about later in the day and was willing to stop at a HVAC store only open until 5:00 to pick up a 7" to 8" transition for me (for my vent in the kitchen to the outside). How nice of both of us.
Yet, later when I stopped by, things went sour. I will freely admit that it's my fault, mostly or all. When I'm in that house, I still get too comfortable sometimes. And it's not mine. He lives there. He owns it. It's just I put so much into it. Anyways, so I see the piles of wrapping paper behind a door that I had forgotten to take some of. "You don't want this Big Bird paper, right. I'm taking it." And he retorts that everything in the house is his and I should ask. Or something like that. It was like a slap in the face. Likely which I needed, but boy did I get pissed off. We have not had time to go through the rest of the tools, and I was there partly to get photos off the computer that I didn't have yet.
And most importantly, we haven't gone through the wedding photos. I pulled out the albums and noted that those are OURS and we have yet to split them and just because they are in HIS house does not mean that they are HIS. I made the mistake of saying that I'd make photocopies of the black and white album and give them to him, and that I'd give him the color album back and make copies for myself.
It's a huge mistake. I looked through them this morning. The black and white was made by a friend and I already said I had wanted it. But I put some much effort into that color album. It's the best photos of everyone who took photos and tells the whole story of the wedding day. Copies would not do it justice. So, now I don't know what to suggest. And I'm pissed at myself for yet again taking on the responsibility for something when it should at least be shared. Dumbass me. I feel like holding them hostage, but should not do that.
I was 36 when I married. I really looked beautiful, if I do say so myself. I look so happy, and it's weird to look at. Because even back then I knew things weren't right. I might have been happy to have such a great party, because it was. Everyone said it was the best they'd been to. Relaxed and fun. We had it on a farm and the kids could pick all the berries they wanted, we had BBQ, and we had a hay ride and got stuck, and the pig escaped, and we had a bonfire, and dancing. And more. I actually posted a photo from it way back. Here.
Anyways, while I can't say I'm regretting the chocolate I just scarfed, I certainly should have made a better choice. And I suppose I should get to work. It might be a closed door day, else I bite someone's head off. It's partly a need for adjustment of medication, I know that too, and I'm going Monday for the next phase. I wonder if the fact that I decided to stop taking my blood pressure medication has anything to do with it?? (I was pissed - the dr's office would only give me 30 days because they said I needed to come it and I'm not going to be held hostage by them...fuck 'em).
So, what do I do about the photos?
Anyways, yesterday seemed like all would be well. My ex had asked me to bring his change to my bank for free sorting and conversion to bills. Not a problem. I like being helpful. And it just so happened that he was out and about later in the day and was willing to stop at a HVAC store only open until 5:00 to pick up a 7" to 8" transition for me (for my vent in the kitchen to the outside). How nice of both of us.
Yet, later when I stopped by, things went sour. I will freely admit that it's my fault, mostly or all. When I'm in that house, I still get too comfortable sometimes. And it's not mine. He lives there. He owns it. It's just I put so much into it. Anyways, so I see the piles of wrapping paper behind a door that I had forgotten to take some of. "You don't want this Big Bird paper, right. I'm taking it." And he retorts that everything in the house is his and I should ask. Or something like that. It was like a slap in the face. Likely which I needed, but boy did I get pissed off. We have not had time to go through the rest of the tools, and I was there partly to get photos off the computer that I didn't have yet.
And most importantly, we haven't gone through the wedding photos. I pulled out the albums and noted that those are OURS and we have yet to split them and just because they are in HIS house does not mean that they are HIS. I made the mistake of saying that I'd make photocopies of the black and white album and give them to him, and that I'd give him the color album back and make copies for myself.
It's a huge mistake. I looked through them this morning. The black and white was made by a friend and I already said I had wanted it. But I put some much effort into that color album. It's the best photos of everyone who took photos and tells the whole story of the wedding day. Copies would not do it justice. So, now I don't know what to suggest. And I'm pissed at myself for yet again taking on the responsibility for something when it should at least be shared. Dumbass me. I feel like holding them hostage, but should not do that.
I was 36 when I married. I really looked beautiful, if I do say so myself. I look so happy, and it's weird to look at. Because even back then I knew things weren't right. I might have been happy to have such a great party, because it was. Everyone said it was the best they'd been to. Relaxed and fun. We had it on a farm and the kids could pick all the berries they wanted, we had BBQ, and we had a hay ride and got stuck, and the pig escaped, and we had a bonfire, and dancing. And more. I actually posted a photo from it way back. Here.
Anyways, while I can't say I'm regretting the chocolate I just scarfed, I certainly should have made a better choice. And I suppose I should get to work. It might be a closed door day, else I bite someone's head off. It's partly a need for adjustment of medication, I know that too, and I'm going Monday for the next phase. I wonder if the fact that I decided to stop taking my blood pressure medication has anything to do with it?? (I was pissed - the dr's office would only give me 30 days because they said I needed to come it and I'm not going to be held hostage by them...fuck 'em).
So, what do I do about the photos?
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
This just in - Facebook
Court approves using Facebook to pass along foreclosure document.
"You've been "superpoked" - and served. A court in Australia has approved the use of Facebook, a popular social networking site, to notify a couple that they lost their home after defaulting on a loan"
So much for not having anything serious on the site.
"You've been "superpoked" - and served. A court in Australia has approved the use of Facebook, a popular social networking site, to notify a couple that they lost their home after defaulting on a loan"
So much for not having anything serious on the site.
New Words
CUSS inspired me to write this post with her list of invented words.
I still use a word in my head that my first ever boyfriend made up. We were headed into New York City via train. We waited on the platform, and when the train arrived, the door to the train ended up right in front of us. Snidelklatch. It means the occurrence of being in the right spot - ie right where the doors are - when public transportation stops to pick people up. I use it in my head for the bus, for trains, for subways. I have never spoken the word and am really not sure how it is spelled.
I always thought another word I use was made up, but it really exists. Definitively.
So, have you any words you use that you've made up? Do tell!
PS-Bra counter is +1
I still use a word in my head that my first ever boyfriend made up. We were headed into New York City via train. We waited on the platform, and when the train arrived, the door to the train ended up right in front of us. Snidelklatch. It means the occurrence of being in the right spot - ie right where the doors are - when public transportation stops to pick people up. I use it in my head for the bus, for trains, for subways. I have never spoken the word and am really not sure how it is spelled.
I always thought another word I use was made up, but it really exists. Definitively.
So, have you any words you use that you've made up? Do tell!
PS-Bra counter is +1
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Facebook status I would never write
But would love to. [this may become a regular feature]
Pamela is wondering where on her body she should warm the cold banana she just bought.
Pamela is wondering where on her body she should warm the cold banana she just bought.
Father daughter dance
I ran across this unpacking, and thought I'd share since everyone liked my description of the father/daughter dance. I made the dress. It just so happens that recently I found the ribbon that edges the sleeve in my bag o' ribbons and thought it looked familiar, and then I saw this! This is me before I learned how to smile with my mouth open (which wasn't until late high school I believe). I look like MRT's sister with those glasses too.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Everyone's got to face down the demons
One story I did not tell about J-tree was my night of crying. I went to bed early Thanksgiving night, because I was exhausted, because I felt like I was getting sick, and because I just felt like crap emotionally. So, I laid there at the foot of M's bed and cried for about 20 minutes. I had just been hit by alone-ness. I was hit by how I couldn't keep depending on the 'husbands' in my life to help me with my house - I felt like I hit some kind of milestone where the statue of limitations on moving/getting divorced and getting extra help from people expired. And felt very alone, and scared. So I cried and cried. And when I did go to sleep it made me snore. Oops!
And driving to visit my friends Saturday who are sort of extended family at this point given how long I lived with them, I was hit again. I missed them, I missed the rest of the friends who aren't where I live, I felt very alone. I cried again. Just a little this time though, because, well, I was on my way to visit them! How sad could I feel? And didn't want to wallow.
And I thought about my blogging and about facebook, and what kind of role they play in my life. It's kind of funny, because I'm much more real on this blog than I am in facebook, even though that exposes my name and contact information. Because facebook is all about being quippy, and upbeat, and throwing random thoughts out. But blogging, at least for me, is part therapeutic. It's what I'm feeling and experiencing, which helps to validate those emotions and kind of my life. But facebook validates my existence - connects me with "real" people in my life. I've gone kinda psycho in both mediums (oops, media?) at times because I so want connections, but I need to find the happy medium (har, did that on purpose). Facebook does feel like high school Churlita - I worry about what I write, what I do. This blog, well, you have a choice to come here or not. You have a choice to comment or not. Facebook throws it out there to people who might not want that particular thing - I guess they can choose to be friends with me or not, but I wonder how many times someone un-friends someone in facebook.
I was much more eloquent thinking about this during my drive and during other times. I guess I just realized it's only been 2 months to the day that my divorce was finalized, and I still have some processing to do. And more learning on how to live a different life. And being happy in that life and not searching always to fill a void through other people. I need to fill the void with myself.
And driving to visit my friends Saturday who are sort of extended family at this point given how long I lived with them, I was hit again. I missed them, I missed the rest of the friends who aren't where I live, I felt very alone. I cried again. Just a little this time though, because, well, I was on my way to visit them! How sad could I feel? And didn't want to wallow.
And I thought about my blogging and about facebook, and what kind of role they play in my life. It's kind of funny, because I'm much more real on this blog than I am in facebook, even though that exposes my name and contact information. Because facebook is all about being quippy, and upbeat, and throwing random thoughts out. But blogging, at least for me, is part therapeutic. It's what I'm feeling and experiencing, which helps to validate those emotions and kind of my life. But facebook validates my existence - connects me with "real" people in my life. I've gone kinda psycho in both mediums (oops, media?) at times because I so want connections, but I need to find the happy medium (har, did that on purpose). Facebook does feel like high school Churlita - I worry about what I write, what I do. This blog, well, you have a choice to come here or not. You have a choice to comment or not. Facebook throws it out there to people who might not want that particular thing - I guess they can choose to be friends with me or not, but I wonder how many times someone un-friends someone in facebook.
I was much more eloquent thinking about this during my drive and during other times. I guess I just realized it's only been 2 months to the day that my divorce was finalized, and I still have some processing to do. And more learning on how to live a different life. And being happy in that life and not searching always to fill a void through other people. I need to fill the void with myself.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Saturday Hunt - Merry
How can you not be merry when you look at this face?
Good thing you can buy them at Costco.
Good thing you can buy them at Costco.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Lesson learned
Never kick your trainer in the butt before your training session, because he will kicks yours. That was Wednesday. Still sore. Last night I was laying on the couch and my cat jumped up and walked on me. Stood with one paw on my upper left chest muscle. OWWWWWW. I did not scream however, so he just got settled and all was ok.
Thing is, I like the punishment. So yesterday morning I said to my trainer - I should kick your butt more often -- I get easy work outs. He just looked at me, laughed and said, you'll pay for that one too.
Hope everyone has a happy weekend. I'm going to visit Cutiepie and her family, who moved away in August.
Thing is, I like the punishment. So yesterday morning I said to my trainer - I should kick your butt more often -- I get easy work outs. He just looked at me, laughed and said, you'll pay for that one too.
Hope everyone has a happy weekend. I'm going to visit Cutiepie and her family, who moved away in August.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
7 random things about me
Tera tagged somebody named Pamela and for some reason I am the one who has to fill the darn thing out. Anyhoos, here goes.
1. When I was young, I once got bit on the finger by a squirrel as I was feeding it a peanut. I felt the single canine. It didn't break the skin so there was no trip to the emergency room. It did not contribute to my hatred of squirrels in the current day.
2. I used to eat butter sandwiches when I was young. Just writing that makes me queasy. But then again, I eat bread with butter to this day, so what's the difference?
3. I'm double jointed in my left elbow.
4. It wasn't until my late 20's that I knew there were no such things as pink lemons for pink lemonade.
5. My family was on the local news in the 70's for making a big web of string in our backyard.
6. Huh... was having trouble thinking of something else, and just did a regular habit when thinking or anxious. I like to feel out curly/kinky hairs on my head and pull them out. I met one other person (in college - an Asian guy) who did the same thing. The one I just pulled out was gray. I have a couple hairs on my head that curl to like less than 1/4 inch round. I love to find those. I don't have whatever disorder that is where people just pull their hair out and make bald spots. I just find the curly/kinky ones. No, I do not pull out ones in my crotch.
7. My lucky number is 8, I think because I found a dollar walking home from school when I was 8 and it was on the 8th day of some month.
If you'd like to be tagged, have at it!
1. When I was young, I once got bit on the finger by a squirrel as I was feeding it a peanut. I felt the single canine. It didn't break the skin so there was no trip to the emergency room. It did not contribute to my hatred of squirrels in the current day.
2. I used to eat butter sandwiches when I was young. Just writing that makes me queasy. But then again, I eat bread with butter to this day, so what's the difference?
3. I'm double jointed in my left elbow.
4. It wasn't until my late 20's that I knew there were no such things as pink lemons for pink lemonade.
5. My family was on the local news in the 70's for making a big web of string in our backyard.
6. Huh... was having trouble thinking of something else, and just did a regular habit when thinking or anxious. I like to feel out curly/kinky hairs on my head and pull them out. I met one other person (in college - an Asian guy) who did the same thing. The one I just pulled out was gray. I have a couple hairs on my head that curl to like less than 1/4 inch round. I love to find those. I don't have whatever disorder that is where people just pull their hair out and make bald spots. I just find the curly/kinky ones. No, I do not pull out ones in my crotch.
7. My lucky number is 8, I think because I found a dollar walking home from school when I was 8 and it was on the 8th day of some month.
If you'd like to be tagged, have at it!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Lag Time
I'm so excited the lag time between what I'm feeling and letting it out is getting shorter. Yet another friend is having a baby. The most recent tally: One baby is now a couple weeks old, the twins are due Monday, and Cutiepie's mom is due in the spring. I am ok with where I am most of the time - sometimes it just creeps up on me. So, I'm going climbing tonight to clear my head - never mind the broken toe!!!
Olive the Other Reindeer
Every year my friend DBN gives me an advent calendar. It started a long time back - not even sure how long ago. This year she gave me a pop up one based on Olive the Other Reindeer, which I had never heard of. It's a really cute calendar.Last night I was working on some Christmas presents, and actually looked at the TV Guide to see what was on. And there, lo and behold, was Olive the Other Reindeer! So I watched it, and let me tell you it's really great. I can't believe I've never heard of it - it was made in 1999. It has all the makings of a classic Christmas cartoon - a cute story, a moral, songs, jokes for the adults - eg she meets Schnitzel, Blitzen's cousin (and that's just a small joke, obviously, but I loved it - and who happened to be voiced by Michael Stipe). And it even mentions Hanukkah!
Watching it is like watching a Picasso painting, or being transported to a world where all humans are like flounder - eyes on one side of their heads. It was fascinating, and yes, a little disturbing at times, but I really got caught up in the story. So, seek it out next year!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
The second big adventure
So, yes, I'm still working on stories from the climbing trip. Someday they will end...
The second big adventure actually happened before the first one. Saturday we hiked up to a relatively remote area because the park was really crowded with climbers (damn them all - how dare they use the park when WE wanted to?). We found some nice bolted climbs, and I saw a nice crack I wanted to do, which was NOT listed in the book, so even more exciting.
So, after doing the bolted climb and seeing the crack from the top, I thought I could do it. And that it was not crumbly in the crack, so the gear would hold. See, the thing was that because not many people go to this area, there's crappy rock that has not yet been knocked off.
I loaded up on gear, and started up the climb. There was a thin crack that angled up left to a small ledge with big rocks in it, and it continued angling up left with a palm in it, and then straight up. Luckily there were some big rocks with good holds that I could get up and stand on (after one foothold broke off) so I could lean over and get a piece in (specifically a green alien).
Then I had to somehow get my body over left to follow the crack. I tried down low, but couldn't do it, and then went up a little higher to where there was a low angle. I stood on the low angle, but was scared to move without holding onto something, in part because the rock was a little crumbly, and there were no good handholds. I tried various things, sometimes over and over.
Finally I decided to make a move. I leaned over and grabbed one of the rocks that was on the ledge. It moved. I screamed. I fell.
Everyone said it looked like I fell in slow motion. And I probably did. If the rock movement hadn't freaked me out, I might have kept my balance and stayed up. But, alas, that was not the case. I fell and my friend D caught me, hard, because I was so close to the ground. That was not the end. When I fell, one of my larger cams (#2 to be exact) went through the carabiner of the draw, and I was essentially trapped in that biner.
Someone started videotaping at that moment. So there is video of two people helping me to get out of the gear sling so that I could be lowered to the ground with the rope. It was very very odd. Below is a photo of what it looked like.
So, after staring at it for a moment, I got the gear down, put my shit and myself back together and got back on the climb, albeit from a different direction. I was able to pull the loose rocks off the climb, and continue. About halfway up, I realized my foot hurt. Soon I realized I had broken a toe (or at least jammed it reallly reallly well). Below is the toe.
I did finish the climb, and since it wasn't in the book, some thought I should name it. But I'm sure it's been climbed before, alas... I also climbed the next day and the next, because I found out only certain directions made me gasp in pain, and smearing/climbing wasn't one of them. So that's why my toe now has a buddy, and is taped together with it.
The second big adventure actually happened before the first one. Saturday we hiked up to a relatively remote area because the park was really crowded with climbers (damn them all - how dare they use the park when WE wanted to?). We found some nice bolted climbs, and I saw a nice crack I wanted to do, which was NOT listed in the book, so even more exciting.
So, after doing the bolted climb and seeing the crack from the top, I thought I could do it. And that it was not crumbly in the crack, so the gear would hold. See, the thing was that because not many people go to this area, there's crappy rock that has not yet been knocked off.
I loaded up on gear, and started up the climb. There was a thin crack that angled up left to a small ledge with big rocks in it, and it continued angling up left with a palm in it, and then straight up. Luckily there were some big rocks with good holds that I could get up and stand on (after one foothold broke off) so I could lean over and get a piece in (specifically a green alien).
Then I had to somehow get my body over left to follow the crack. I tried down low, but couldn't do it, and then went up a little higher to where there was a low angle. I stood on the low angle, but was scared to move without holding onto something, in part because the rock was a little crumbly, and there were no good handholds. I tried various things, sometimes over and over.
Finally I decided to make a move. I leaned over and grabbed one of the rocks that was on the ledge. It moved. I screamed. I fell.
Everyone said it looked like I fell in slow motion. And I probably did. If the rock movement hadn't freaked me out, I might have kept my balance and stayed up. But, alas, that was not the case. I fell and my friend D caught me, hard, because I was so close to the ground. That was not the end. When I fell, one of my larger cams (#2 to be exact) went through the carabiner of the draw, and I was essentially trapped in that biner.
Someone started videotaping at that moment. So there is video of two people helping me to get out of the gear sling so that I could be lowered to the ground with the rope. It was very very odd. Below is a photo of what it looked like.
So, after staring at it for a moment, I got the gear down, put my shit and myself back together and got back on the climb, albeit from a different direction. I was able to pull the loose rocks off the climb, and continue. About halfway up, I realized my foot hurt. Soon I realized I had broken a toe (or at least jammed it reallly reallly well). Below is the toe.
I did finish the climb, and since it wasn't in the book, some thought I should name it. But I'm sure it's been climbed before, alas... I also climbed the next day and the next, because I found out only certain directions made me gasp in pain, and smearing/climbing wasn't one of them. So that's why my toe now has a buddy, and is taped together with it.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Tis the Season
- For snot rockets (biking to work in high 20's temps)
- For cookies in the workroom (I guess leftover from parties)
- For holiday cards (sent a lot out yesterday, with a photo of me on my front stoop. will be a surprise for those who don't know I'm divorced!)
- For salt on the car (got a little snow Sat night)
- For holiday parties (went and helped at my brother's Sat afternoon/evening. glad I had to leave early. nothing worse than a roomful of people who don't know how to socialize)
- For trees and ornaments (was the only snafu of Friday night dinner - us splitting the ornaments. only because we came across 'our first Christmas' one. needless to say neither one of us wanted it, and it bothered him immensely. I gave it away on freecycle)
I'm working on my final post from my vacation. Will likely post tomorrow.
- For cookies in the workroom (I guess leftover from parties)
- For holiday cards (sent a lot out yesterday, with a photo of me on my front stoop. will be a surprise for those who don't know I'm divorced!)
- For salt on the car (got a little snow Sat night)
- For holiday parties (went and helped at my brother's Sat afternoon/evening. glad I had to leave early. nothing worse than a roomful of people who don't know how to socialize)
- For trees and ornaments (was the only snafu of Friday night dinner - us splitting the ornaments. only because we came across 'our first Christmas' one. needless to say neither one of us wanted it, and it bothered him immensely. I gave it away on freecycle)
I'm working on my final post from my vacation. Will likely post tomorrow.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Saturday Hunt - Window
Well, I still have not found my battery charger (if you saw my house you wouldn't be surprised). So here's a quilt I made a long time ago (2004). The pattern is something like 'window'. I made it for my ex that I lived with in Zimbabwe. Actually for his son. His wife spent time in Indonesia so I tried to combine the African and the Indonesian in the quilt.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Saturday Hunt - Window
OK, Music version today. Tomorrow photos if I can find my battery charger!
I love this song. Was just listening to it. Has the word window in it!
I love this song. Was just listening to it. Has the word window in it!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Bits and Pieces
I have yet more to write about from the trip, but it's a short one today on random stuff.
- one of the things that's great about climbing is that age doesn't matter. Just ability and responsibility and niceness. In our small group this past weekend we represented 4 decades. Kinda cool.
- Due to one of the new people I met I joined/became active on Facebook. It's an odd place, but I think I like it. It's odd to not be anonymous. It's kinda disconcerting to ask to be someone's friend and not have them respond.
- The economy is directly impacting me now. My position is foundation funded, and though I won't lose my job, I'm not sure about half my pay until the end of the year. Oops. Likely it won't be my pay that's affected, but rather we'll have no funds to do ANYthing, but we'll see.
- Making my ex dinner for his birthday tonight. We also have to split some items such as Christmas ornaments, etc. Wish we weren't combining them, but oh well.
- I realized why I don't like the black jeans I'm wearing. Finally. They fit well in the waist but a little loose in the butt, which is one of my best assets, so to speak.
- Finally, I just checked Not Fainthearted to see if she actually posted my guest post, and she did! Here it is.
- one of the things that's great about climbing is that age doesn't matter. Just ability and responsibility and niceness. In our small group this past weekend we represented 4 decades. Kinda cool.
- Due to one of the new people I met I joined/became active on Facebook. It's an odd place, but I think I like it. It's odd to not be anonymous. It's kinda disconcerting to ask to be someone's friend and not have them respond.
- The economy is directly impacting me now. My position is foundation funded, and though I won't lose my job, I'm not sure about half my pay until the end of the year. Oops. Likely it won't be my pay that's affected, but rather we'll have no funds to do ANYthing, but we'll see.
- Making my ex dinner for his birthday tonight. We also have to split some items such as Christmas ornaments, etc. Wish we weren't combining them, but oh well.
- I realized why I don't like the black jeans I'm wearing. Finally. They fit well in the waist but a little loose in the butt, which is one of my best assets, so to speak.
- Finally, I just checked Not Fainthearted to see if she actually posted my guest post, and she did! Here it is.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Rescue 911
I participated in a helicopter rescue on my last day at Joshua Tree. First one I've ever participated in.
Three of us (women) were left climbing together. We went to Real Hidden Valley, which is a great little area - with the feeling like an old circle of wagons from the olden days, but instead of wagons, piles of rocks. Since it's a circle, and even though it's fairly big, sound gets transmitted really well. At first we were the only ones there, but then we heard another party start climbing across the way.
So, on our second climb of the day, I was halfway up when I heard a huge THUMP from across the way, and then "Oh fuck, oh fuck". I looked down at my friends, D and S. And then there's a scream "HELP!". You can't imagine the chills that went through me when I heard that. She sounded frantic - and then "Call 911!" over and over.
So we yelled back that we were getting help, and we mobilized. D was the driver of the rental, so she was the one to go get help from the ranger. She was freaking out because, as we had already heard, in the summer she had seen someone fall to his death in Colorado. S and I put our boots on and I grabbed what I could (a meager first aid kit, water, helmet, cordellette) and we ran over.
I'm a former EMT (meaning, I haven't kept the certification current) and S knew nothing, so I was the first responder technically. We arrived and the guy is standing up, obviously in pain, blood all over his face and back of his head. He had fallen at least 35 feet, pulled at least 4 pieces, landed on his back on the rock, not wearing a helmet. And he was standing up, coherent, talking.
Now, given that I'm not current I don't have the checklist in my head, but I do know the basics. I checked his head wound to make sure it stopped bleeding (using gauze), and listened to his list of what he felt. He is a former wilderness first aid responder (again, not current) so he knew what to say. His friend knew NOTHING, but was trying to help as much as possible.
I knew straight off he was 1) in shock and 2) hard headed (not just because he wasn't dead or unconscious). He was talking about walking back to the car, and I stopped that idea dead in its tracks. I did however let him go over to a rock and sit down. After sitting he wanted to change his shoes and also kept moving his head around, and I just repeatedly yelled at him to stop moving and that we would do what he needed.
After checking his eyes, pulse, and allergies/medications (in case he went unconscious), he started really going into shock - getting cold. So we found him a place to lie down and I put my vest and shirt over him. S had gone over to where we were climbing because some guys had shown up - she wanted to make sure they knew we were coming back. Well, one of them was a current wilderness first aid responder so he came over.
Then it was out of my hands. You basically pass the patient over to the person with the most expertise. He had gloves and started doing a toe to head assessment. Before he was even done with that, the rangers and EMTS and rescuers arrived en masse. Woo hoo!
We left to go get our gear and returned to help. By the time we returned, he had been given an IV and put into a stokes basket for transportation. He was still conscious and seem to be fine, so I yelled down to him, Hey T! Can I take pictures? He rolled his eyes but then said yes, he could show his son (an 11 year old son and he's climbing without a helmet!). So it was a well documented rescue and really fascinating.
Here he is after being placed in a Stokes basket.
The way we moved him out (and there were 10 of us helping at least) was to pass the litter along by people holding onto the bars of the basket, and not moving physically. When you no longer touched the basket, you would yell 'off' and then move down to the bottom to be the next person in line to grab the basket. This worked well on mostly horizontal, but was a bit trickier when it was more vertical. Then a rope was attached to the head bar and the basket was belayed down for control, with people passing it along as usual.
Here's the belayed and handing down the rocks.
Once we got him to level land, they pulled out what looked like an ATV wheel with two bars on it to make a V. The bars connected to the stokes basket, and all of a sudden we had a wheel! Six people held the basket as it was moved over land. I took photos.
Here he is being carted over land.
In the end, the helicopter came and transported him out. T kept saying he'd better have something broken after all this trouble (rib, spine, wrist, something). I told him to be careful what he wished for.
The next morning I wrote to his friend and she wrote back that he walked out of the hospital Monday night with just a broken thumb. Lucky hard headed dumb ass! I asked her if he would use a helmet now, and she responded: I don't know. He is kind of thick.
All the best to him. Dumb ass.
Three of us (women) were left climbing together. We went to Real Hidden Valley, which is a great little area - with the feeling like an old circle of wagons from the olden days, but instead of wagons, piles of rocks. Since it's a circle, and even though it's fairly big, sound gets transmitted really well. At first we were the only ones there, but then we heard another party start climbing across the way.
So, on our second climb of the day, I was halfway up when I heard a huge THUMP from across the way, and then "Oh fuck, oh fuck". I looked down at my friends, D and S. And then there's a scream "HELP!". You can't imagine the chills that went through me when I heard that. She sounded frantic - and then "Call 911!" over and over.
So we yelled back that we were getting help, and we mobilized. D was the driver of the rental, so she was the one to go get help from the ranger. She was freaking out because, as we had already heard, in the summer she had seen someone fall to his death in Colorado. S and I put our boots on and I grabbed what I could (a meager first aid kit, water, helmet, cordellette) and we ran over.
I'm a former EMT (meaning, I haven't kept the certification current) and S knew nothing, so I was the first responder technically. We arrived and the guy is standing up, obviously in pain, blood all over his face and back of his head. He had fallen at least 35 feet, pulled at least 4 pieces, landed on his back on the rock, not wearing a helmet. And he was standing up, coherent, talking.
Now, given that I'm not current I don't have the checklist in my head, but I do know the basics. I checked his head wound to make sure it stopped bleeding (using gauze), and listened to his list of what he felt. He is a former wilderness first aid responder (again, not current) so he knew what to say. His friend knew NOTHING, but was trying to help as much as possible.
I knew straight off he was 1) in shock and 2) hard headed (not just because he wasn't dead or unconscious). He was talking about walking back to the car, and I stopped that idea dead in its tracks. I did however let him go over to a rock and sit down. After sitting he wanted to change his shoes and also kept moving his head around, and I just repeatedly yelled at him to stop moving and that we would do what he needed.
After checking his eyes, pulse, and allergies/medications (in case he went unconscious), he started really going into shock - getting cold. So we found him a place to lie down and I put my vest and shirt over him. S had gone over to where we were climbing because some guys had shown up - she wanted to make sure they knew we were coming back. Well, one of them was a current wilderness first aid responder so he came over.
Then it was out of my hands. You basically pass the patient over to the person with the most expertise. He had gloves and started doing a toe to head assessment. Before he was even done with that, the rangers and EMTS and rescuers arrived en masse. Woo hoo!
We left to go get our gear and returned to help. By the time we returned, he had been given an IV and put into a stokes basket for transportation. He was still conscious and seem to be fine, so I yelled down to him, Hey T! Can I take pictures? He rolled his eyes but then said yes, he could show his son (an 11 year old son and he's climbing without a helmet!). So it was a well documented rescue and really fascinating.
Here he is after being placed in a Stokes basket.
The way we moved him out (and there were 10 of us helping at least) was to pass the litter along by people holding onto the bars of the basket, and not moving physically. When you no longer touched the basket, you would yell 'off' and then move down to the bottom to be the next person in line to grab the basket. This worked well on mostly horizontal, but was a bit trickier when it was more vertical. Then a rope was attached to the head bar and the basket was belayed down for control, with people passing it along as usual.
Here's the belayed and handing down the rocks.
Once we got him to level land, they pulled out what looked like an ATV wheel with two bars on it to make a V. The bars connected to the stokes basket, and all of a sudden we had a wheel! Six people held the basket as it was moved over land. I took photos.
Here he is being carted over land.
In the end, the helicopter came and transported him out. T kept saying he'd better have something broken after all this trouble (rib, spine, wrist, something). I told him to be careful what he wished for.
The next morning I wrote to his friend and she wrote back that he walked out of the hospital Monday night with just a broken thumb. Lucky hard headed dumb ass! I asked her if he would use a helmet now, and she responded: I don't know. He is kind of thick.
All the best to him. Dumb ass.
Dammit, I hate it when I have to work for my pay
I have a nice long story to tell, with photos, and it will be coming later today. I know how you pine for my words. :-)
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
She's a Screamer
Flying out to LA Wednesday night, they played a movie. I decided I should stay awake, so watched the movie. Plus they gave free headphones, so I figured what the heck. Even though it was Journey to the Center of the Earth - the new one with Brendan Frasier - which I had heard wasn't all that great. In fact the greatness to what extent it existed was the fact that it was 3-D.
In any event, all around me was darkness and sleeping people. Then comes a huge flying fish with great big pirahna-type teeth straight at me. I screamed.
Oops! All around me, people stared with evil looks - the ones that woke up that is, of which there were quite a few. I covered my mouth and looked sheepish, and kept my mouth covered for the entire rest of the movie.
I was reminded of the time my brother brought me to Broadway to see Death Trap (with Christopher Reeve! that tells you how long ago). I was towards the front. When someone got killed and it was a huge surprise, I screamed. Noone else in the theater did, and again, everyone looked at me, though with not quite so much evil.
The entire weekend climbing, I had my screaming moments. It just is. I can't help it. People who climb with me regularly know I do it, and don't really listen until I say some key word that would mean something more serious. But I was climbing with a few people who hadn't climbed with me. I'm sure it is indeed freaky to hear a yelp when you are at the bottom, and can't see me, and you think I'm falling off the other side of the rock. One guy got so sick of it, he proposed getting a bark collar for me - jokingly, but I'm sure he would have liked to use one if he could find one quickly.
No, I don't scream during sex, sorry.
And I forgot my bra today.
Back to my nasty evil financial report.
In any event, all around me was darkness and sleeping people. Then comes a huge flying fish with great big pirahna-type teeth straight at me. I screamed.
Oops! All around me, people stared with evil looks - the ones that woke up that is, of which there were quite a few. I covered my mouth and looked sheepish, and kept my mouth covered for the entire rest of the movie.
I was reminded of the time my brother brought me to Broadway to see Death Trap (with Christopher Reeve! that tells you how long ago). I was towards the front. When someone got killed and it was a huge surprise, I screamed. Noone else in the theater did, and again, everyone looked at me, though with not quite so much evil.
The entire weekend climbing, I had my screaming moments. It just is. I can't help it. People who climb with me regularly know I do it, and don't really listen until I say some key word that would mean something more serious. But I was climbing with a few people who hadn't climbed with me. I'm sure it is indeed freaky to hear a yelp when you are at the bottom, and can't see me, and you think I'm falling off the other side of the rock. One guy got so sick of it, he proposed getting a bark collar for me - jokingly, but I'm sure he would have liked to use one if he could find one quickly.
No, I don't scream during sex, sorry.
And I forgot my bra today.
Back to my nasty evil financial report.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Saturday Hunt - Gratitude
For a chance to be in Joshua Tree.
For a lovely Thanksgiving dinner.
For friends who like to try and find tomorrow's climbs, while I sit in the sun and take photos.
For a lovely Thanksgiving dinner.
For friends who like to try and find tomorrow's climbs, while I sit in the sun and take photos.
I'm baaaack - and Quick Question for the Men
Back from Joshua tree. Have many experiences to relate, and many photos. Missed you all, but gotta go actually do some work with my limited brain function (flew in on red eye and came straight from the airport to work).
One quick thing: We went out to a honky tonk place - Pappy's and Harriet's or something like that. Our waitress with the butch haircut and likely butch herself had on the best top in order to display as much of her large breasts as possible without getting arrested. And she used every opportunity to bend over into the table. Most impressive. And another day at another restaurant several of us noticed a female climber's beehind. It was most impressive - even my female friend said that her beehind practically begged to be grabbed.
So, men, are you a tits guy or an ass guy? Choose and defend (as Laura would say)!
One quick thing: We went out to a honky tonk place - Pappy's and Harriet's or something like that. Our waitress with the butch haircut and likely butch herself had on the best top in order to display as much of her large breasts as possible without getting arrested. And she used every opportunity to bend over into the table. Most impressive. And another day at another restaurant several of us noticed a female climber's beehind. It was most impressive - even my female friend said that her beehind practically begged to be grabbed.
So, men, are you a tits guy or an ass guy? Choose and defend (as Laura would say)!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Gratitude
Not only is tomorrow Thanksgiving Day but k_sra also chose the word gratitude for the scavenger hunt. I will have to provide photos later, but I did want to express my gratitude for the following:
- my family
- my friends, both in flesh and virtual
- my boyfriends/partners/fuckbuddies
- my doctors/therapist/trainer who help keep me together
- my colleagues
- my cat (! yes, even him)
And for all the blessings I have been given in terms of luck and intelligence and capability and perseverance.
Have a wonderful holiday, and if you need assistance during these lean, hard times, do not be afraid to ask for it. You are responsible for creating your luck and your present and your future. As I told my doorman friend when he said he wasn't going anywhere for Thanksgiving, and had nothing to do for the weekend, create a life for yourself! Either that, or be happy with bending over and letting circumstances or life fuck you over. (I really told him that - how sweet am I?)
- my family
- my friends, both in flesh and virtual
- my boyfriends/partners/fuckbuddies
- my doctors/therapist/trainer who help keep me together
- my colleagues
- my cat (! yes, even him)
And for all the blessings I have been given in terms of luck and intelligence and capability and perseverance.
Have a wonderful holiday, and if you need assistance during these lean, hard times, do not be afraid to ask for it. You are responsible for creating your luck and your present and your future. As I told my doorman friend when he said he wasn't going anywhere for Thanksgiving, and had nothing to do for the weekend, create a life for yourself! Either that, or be happy with bending over and letting circumstances or life fuck you over. (I really told him that - how sweet am I?)
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Twitter Tuesday - related to climbing
1)
So, sitting in the booth at Biscuit World one morning of my climbing trip, I see a couple policemen outside their cars in the parking lot. They had the big flashlights out, and one seemed to be selling the good points of this one flashlight. I resume eating, and next time I look out the window one of the policemen is alone, and is hitting himself on the back with the flashlight. So, it's good to know that police brutality in WV means police on self violence.
2)
One weekend I climbed with a woman I hadn't met before. I'm not sure I told this story before but too lazy to look it up. She and her partner (male) of 20+ years have never lived together in the same house, but live in the same city. They each have their own space. And love each other. It was interesting that this example came to me when I was thinking about possible alternative types of relationships I could have in the future.
3)
So climbing over my bed yesterday, with my comforter on one side of the bed hanging over, I don't know where the edge is so I fall off and smack my head on the window sill. I do many dangerous things, but get hurt doing silly things. I have a nice big bump on my head - felt it when I put my helmet on this morning.
4)
I'm off to Joshua Tree for Thanksgiving weekend - staying at my friend's house with 8+ other people. We'll have a massive turkey day, and do some climbing the next couple days. I have a red eye back and will be in the office Tuesday, in body, but likely not in mind.
So, sitting in the booth at Biscuit World one morning of my climbing trip, I see a couple policemen outside their cars in the parking lot. They had the big flashlights out, and one seemed to be selling the good points of this one flashlight. I resume eating, and next time I look out the window one of the policemen is alone, and is hitting himself on the back with the flashlight. So, it's good to know that police brutality in WV means police on self violence.
2)
One weekend I climbed with a woman I hadn't met before. I'm not sure I told this story before but too lazy to look it up. She and her partner (male) of 20+ years have never lived together in the same house, but live in the same city. They each have their own space. And love each other. It was interesting that this example came to me when I was thinking about possible alternative types of relationships I could have in the future.
3)
So climbing over my bed yesterday, with my comforter on one side of the bed hanging over, I don't know where the edge is so I fall off and smack my head on the window sill. I do many dangerous things, but get hurt doing silly things. I have a nice big bump on my head - felt it when I put my helmet on this morning.
4)
I'm off to Joshua Tree for Thanksgiving weekend - staying at my friend's house with 8+ other people. We'll have a massive turkey day, and do some climbing the next couple days. I have a red eye back and will be in the office Tuesday, in body, but likely not in mind.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Saturday Hunt: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
At this conference a colleague/friend attended. For a housewarming present she made me a beautiful little rug which was really super wonderful of her. And not atrocious at all. It's hand hooked (she likes to call herself a hooker because of it) and the first one she's ever done - she's so precocious! I'm proud to have it, and it's right by my bed so I have a warm place to step on when I get out of bed.
I'm sending it back to k_sra...
I'm sending it back to k_sra...
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Anti-supercali...
Hi there - exhausted. Lying in bed, ready to sleep. Still have 1.5 more days to go. Biggest news is that some idiot stole 3 laptops from our supposedly secure business space in the hotel. I say idiot because there's security cameras and since they had a window of time to review, they have a photo. Worst part of it was one computer was my boss' personal one. She's working on her PhD and working full time, and going almost nuts, and lost much work when the computer disappeared. So she's home taking care of that business, while I cover for her with the other business.
I'll promise to do the scavenger hunt when I have a brain. Can I choose Cricket to choose the next word or is she not playing?
I'll promise to do the scavenger hunt when I have a brain. Can I choose Cricket to choose the next word or is she not playing?
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Wow, I have lips
It's really dry here. A colleague from afar just gave me her extra tube of Ginger Mentha Lip Shine bought at Bath and Body Works. It has sparkles in it! It makes my lips stand out without seeming like a hooker (ie, you can't tell there's sparkles). Damn, don't want to get addicted to it. $7.50 a tube. As you can maybe tell, I don't normally wear lipstick (or any makeup, for that matter).
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Pet peeve at conference centers
They use containers for hot water for tea that have been used billions of time for coffee, so if you drink herbal tea, or have a sensitive palate, like me for both, it tastes like coffee.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Flowers to take your mind off my question
Straw Flowers
The pick your own flower farm in Maine.So, anyone know why my car sometimes smells like cat urine inside after it rains? No, my cat never peed in my car.
Likely won't post until Sunday. Behave yourselves. Or have fun. Or both.
I have a guest post at Not Fainthearted on the 19th.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Childhood loves
I finished a quilt last Thursday for my colleague who is due to pop any moment. She's great (most importantly laughs at my jokes, and also is a very calming influence for both my boss and myself) so I was willing to spend time on making her a quilt. (plus it got me out of paying hard cash to contribute to the car seat 'everyone' bought her). It's below.
It came out really nice. There's 2 types of African fabric (she's a daughter of a Kenyan and something else). It has childish flannel fabric on the back. It's very pretty but so boring to make. I hate patterns.
BUT, that's not the point here. When I gave it to her she remarked that she just wanted to hang it on the wall. I told her in no uncertain terms that she had to USE it. I've said this before, but quilts are made to be used and loved. It's the best when a child develops an emotional connection with something you've made. So the four of us had a discussion about childhood items. My colleague said she once threw away her roommate's blanket that she had kept from childhood because it was all ratty, etc. and OF COURSE her roommate was so upset and fished it out of the garbage.
I admitted that I still have my blanket from when I was little. Please see the photo below.
I came soooo close to throwing it away when I moved out of my husband's house. But I just couldn't do it. My rationale was that I could use it for packing material. Which I did. Of course, now it sits staring at me, wondering what will happen to it next. And I don't know. I remember loving it soo much - not quite to death, but certainly one foot in the grave.
Do you still have anything you loved from childhood? That kept you warm, safe secure?
It came out really nice. There's 2 types of African fabric (she's a daughter of a Kenyan and something else). It has childish flannel fabric on the back. It's very pretty but so boring to make. I hate patterns.
BUT, that's not the point here. When I gave it to her she remarked that she just wanted to hang it on the wall. I told her in no uncertain terms that she had to USE it. I've said this before, but quilts are made to be used and loved. It's the best when a child develops an emotional connection with something you've made. So the four of us had a discussion about childhood items. My colleague said she once threw away her roommate's blanket that she had kept from childhood because it was all ratty, etc. and OF COURSE her roommate was so upset and fished it out of the garbage.
I admitted that I still have my blanket from when I was little. Please see the photo below.
I came soooo close to throwing it away when I moved out of my husband's house. But I just couldn't do it. My rationale was that I could use it for packing material. Which I did. Of course, now it sits staring at me, wondering what will happen to it next. And I don't know. I remember loving it soo much - not quite to death, but certainly one foot in the grave.
Do you still have anything you loved from childhood? That kept you warm, safe secure?
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Scavenger Hunt - next week's word
I was tagged to choose the word. As I will be at a conference, I'm not sure when I'll be able to post my entry, but I've chosen a very special word.
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious [suːpɚˌkælɪˌfrædʒəlˌɪstɪkˌɛkspiːˌælɪˈdoʊʃəs/)]
And in an anime dance mix:
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious [suːpɚˌkælɪˌfrædʒəlˌɪstɪkˌɛkspiːˌælɪˈdoʊʃəs/)]
And in an anime dance mix:
An award!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Saturday Hunt - Lacuna
When you go up in an elevator, what do you see in the gap between the doors? What is in the gap between the elevator and the walls you are whizzing past? You can't stop when you want, only when it wants you to...
Quick post - 'to shark'
I actually have to get something out the door today, so working hard... Here's something from my old blog...
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
The verb 'to shark'
OK, I was belaying someone up a climb, and the people next to me were talking. And of course, you have to listen in. This one woman was telling this other woman about this third person she knew, who liked to "shark" people. What this person does is when she's lowering someone off a climb, she makes a fin with her hand and, well, you know... stuffs it in the person's crack.
So weird, crazy, and so many possibilities for using it in other contexts!
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
The verb 'to shark'
OK, I was belaying someone up a climb, and the people next to me were talking. And of course, you have to listen in. This one woman was telling this other woman about this third person she knew, who liked to "shark" people. What this person does is when she's lowering someone off a climb, she makes a fin with her hand and, well, you know... stuffs it in the person's crack.
So weird, crazy, and so many possibilities for using it in other contexts!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
For G, wherever he may be
Bonus points to him if he knows where it came from. I just got it off the playlist for my favorite Wed AM program on WFMU.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Graffiti for Evil-E
Actually, is it graffiti or is it art? These figures appear randomly. Obviously this one's on the street. I like it a lot, and am happy to see it every time I cross that street. I once in a university level photography class took a photo of a message someone had painted on the sidewalk, and there was much discussion about why I took it. Sometimes graffiti like that (that makes you think, or at least stop for a second to think) I think is useful.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
I have noone to call
So I have to write out to you all. Weeping in my office. Will these fucking emotions never get stabilized? I'd so rather be happy high all the time. It's not happening any time soon, or even again, since that's why I'm taking the medication.
Oh, I give up
My first name is Pamela. I just started using a personal gmail account and sometimes forget that I'm signed in there when making comments on blogs. And I'm tired of being freaked about it. It's just a first name. Jeepers creepers. But I prefer NoR in blogland... thanks!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Twittering the night before
- [Adding this Tues] - Today is Veteran's Day. I helped a veteran with directions on the way to work today. Felt good. I forgot to say thank you to HIM though.
- I spent Saturday all by myself. And it was fine. I went to a store that sells German food, and bought myself some brats, beet salad, mustard and a beer. The guy at the checkout asked me if I was going to a themed party and had to bring a little bit of stuff. I said No, I'm making a nice dinner for myself. It seemed to embarrass him.
- My 91 year old neighbor, Clara, asked me if I get my exercise by walking up and down the stairs because she can hear every step. Then she said she hears it when I turn the light switch on and off at my place. Oh dear. I fear for the days either 1) when a new noisy neighbor moves in or 2) I have a boytoy/boyfriend who stays over.
- Later that day as I was taking down a cabinet it fell on my knee. I yelled 'fuck me' twice. Then really loud laughter after my friend made some kind of comment. Wonder what Clara thought of that.
- My trainer is not shy about expressing himself at the gym. Loudly. And he generally has pessimistic comments. Last week I nearly died laughing when some other trainers were kidding him, saying that he should write on book on how bad life is and how to commit suicide - and it'd be a best seller as a book on CD or as an upload to a car navigator because it would tell you when to turn right to go off a bridge. OK, I can't explain it as funny as it was, but maybe I was just in the mood for suicide jokes. Luckily he can laugh at himself, and knows it's all true.
- Secret ingredient in the apple pie I made for my friend. Shhhh... don't tell. Cardamom.
- Just read The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell. Really good. Thoughtful. Combining religion and science fiction.
- I had my friend take a picture of me sitting on my front steps. My brother had given me some Christmas cards that you insert photos into. So special people will get me for the holidays. ;-)
- How pathetic am I? I just started migrating to a personal gmail account (not my NoRegrets account) and was chatting with a friend. And got soooo excited when the faces were animated! I loved the one where the tongue sticks out. And it winks!!! Oh oh oh (excitement), I didn't try and combine the two... next time.
- Needless to say, my mood has evened out finally. Friday night the 1.5 week funk ended. Of course, we change the meds a little more on the 12th, so I may go through the whole cycle again. I sincerely hope not.
- Here's a song for you. Gotta love Mac Davis. ;-)
- I spent Saturday all by myself. And it was fine. I went to a store that sells German food, and bought myself some brats, beet salad, mustard and a beer. The guy at the checkout asked me if I was going to a themed party and had to bring a little bit of stuff. I said No, I'm making a nice dinner for myself. It seemed to embarrass him.
- My 91 year old neighbor, Clara, asked me if I get my exercise by walking up and down the stairs because she can hear every step. Then she said she hears it when I turn the light switch on and off at my place. Oh dear. I fear for the days either 1) when a new noisy neighbor moves in or 2) I have a boytoy/boyfriend who stays over.
- Later that day as I was taking down a cabinet it fell on my knee. I yelled 'fuck me' twice. Then really loud laughter after my friend made some kind of comment. Wonder what Clara thought of that.
- My trainer is not shy about expressing himself at the gym. Loudly. And he generally has pessimistic comments. Last week I nearly died laughing when some other trainers were kidding him, saying that he should write on book on how bad life is and how to commit suicide - and it'd be a best seller as a book on CD or as an upload to a car navigator because it would tell you when to turn right to go off a bridge. OK, I can't explain it as funny as it was, but maybe I was just in the mood for suicide jokes. Luckily he can laugh at himself, and knows it's all true.
- Secret ingredient in the apple pie I made for my friend. Shhhh... don't tell. Cardamom.
- Just read The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell. Really good. Thoughtful. Combining religion and science fiction.
- I had my friend take a picture of me sitting on my front steps. My brother had given me some Christmas cards that you insert photos into. So special people will get me for the holidays. ;-)
- How pathetic am I? I just started migrating to a personal gmail account (not my NoRegrets account) and was chatting with a friend. And got soooo excited when the faces were animated! I loved the one where the tongue sticks out. And it winks!!! Oh oh oh (excitement), I didn't try and combine the two... next time.
- Needless to say, my mood has evened out finally. Friday night the 1.5 week funk ended. Of course, we change the meds a little more on the 12th, so I may go through the whole cycle again. I sincerely hope not.
- Here's a song for you. Gotta love Mac Davis. ;-)
Job Market 2009
If you haven't seen this, it's a good one. Although, if that is your line of work, I'm so sorry. Yes, the economy sucks. Of course I started the kitchen before things got so bad, and gotta finish it now!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Next phase in kitchen work - cabinets
Howdy all. So, it's kinda like one step forward, two steps back when you're doing a kitchen. I was feeling kinda nice and semi normal about cooking. Even made a pie for my helper friend. And then we attack the cabinets.
So, notice something missing? Yup. We had to take down the ones that were over the stove so we could move them over so they are correctly centered over the stove. (Remember everything was moved over to accommodate the dishwasher?)
What's so exciting is what we found. Yes! Space above so I can easily put in a ducted vent system. Yes! Wood that the cabinets are screwed into, so they can be easily put back up. No! Not to code wiring for the vent - oops, that'll need to be changed.
Another very good reason we are moving these cabinets is all the nastiness that's up there from the frying that the previous owners had done without a true vented system. What you see below is the side of one cabinet after I sprayed it with commercial strength degreaser. YUCKY! (hmm... maybe I should be using gloves to do this - my fingers are going numb...)
So, now I get to spend more money sooner than I thought. I have to buy the vent! And the ducts! Oh well... I'm doing my part to boost the economy.
So, notice something missing? Yup. We had to take down the ones that were over the stove so we could move them over so they are correctly centered over the stove. (Remember everything was moved over to accommodate the dishwasher?)
What's so exciting is what we found. Yes! Space above so I can easily put in a ducted vent system. Yes! Wood that the cabinets are screwed into, so they can be easily put back up. No! Not to code wiring for the vent - oops, that'll need to be changed.
Another very good reason we are moving these cabinets is all the nastiness that's up there from the frying that the previous owners had done without a true vented system. What you see below is the side of one cabinet after I sprayed it with commercial strength degreaser. YUCKY! (hmm... maybe I should be using gloves to do this - my fingers are going numb...)
So, now I get to spend more money sooner than I thought. I have to buy the vent! And the ducts! Oh well... I'm doing my part to boost the economy.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Saturday Hunt - Water
There are so many ways to do the word water, but I just chose two:
First, there's what happens without water. A plant that is virtually indestructible will wither if it's not watered for a month or two (who knows how long).
Then there's the mystery water bowl in the basement. It's a mystery because it never goes down. It's my cat's water bowl. Yet he pees. So, he must drink. It refills itself. Anyone want to buy it for $10,000? It's a bargain!!!
First, there's what happens without water. A plant that is virtually indestructible will wither if it's not watered for a month or two (who knows how long).
Then there's the mystery water bowl in the basement. It's a mystery because it never goes down. It's my cat's water bowl. Yet he pees. So, he must drink. It refills itself. Anyone want to buy it for $10,000? It's a bargain!!!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Something Uplifting, and ripe for un-PC comments
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Students at the Ohio State School for the Blind screamed with joy when they learned their marching band will make history at the 2010 Tournament of Roses Parade.
It will be the first time a blind marching band takes part in the flower-bedecked parade in Pasadena, Calif., said the school's music director, Carol Agler.
It's the only blind marching band in the whole country, she said.
Sighted assistants help band members stay in formation.
Stacy Houser, the parade's music committee chairwoman, said Monday she hopes the selection will be an inspiration to others.
The band and the rest of the student body got the news during an assembly Monday when Agler held her cell phone up to a microphone for the announcement from Gary DiSano, president of the 2010 parade. The school's students range from kindergartners to high schoolers.
Macy McClain, the band's flute and piccolo player, compared the honor to being picked for "American Idol." "Except you don't have to stand in line," she said.
The band was formed in 2005 when the football team from the neighboring Ohio School for the Deaf was looking for a band to play at its games. Band members have played in parades before, though never in anything as long as the nearly 6-mile Rose Parade, so they'll be practicing on treadmills, Agler said.
Agler said the school will need to raise an estimated $1,500 in travel costs for each person making the trip, including the 17 band members and a number of alumni to beef up their ranks.
-------------
And here's a zen moment. Seemed like a good day for that too. Although, I just viewed it and it seems less zen than I thought - kinda seasicky.
It will be the first time a blind marching band takes part in the flower-bedecked parade in Pasadena, Calif., said the school's music director, Carol Agler.
It's the only blind marching band in the whole country, she said.
Sighted assistants help band members stay in formation.
Stacy Houser, the parade's music committee chairwoman, said Monday she hopes the selection will be an inspiration to others.
The band and the rest of the student body got the news during an assembly Monday when Agler held her cell phone up to a microphone for the announcement from Gary DiSano, president of the 2010 parade. The school's students range from kindergartners to high schoolers.
Macy McClain, the band's flute and piccolo player, compared the honor to being picked for "American Idol." "Except you don't have to stand in line," she said.
The band was formed in 2005 when the football team from the neighboring Ohio School for the Deaf was looking for a band to play at its games. Band members have played in parades before, though never in anything as long as the nearly 6-mile Rose Parade, so they'll be practicing on treadmills, Agler said.
Agler said the school will need to raise an estimated $1,500 in travel costs for each person making the trip, including the 17 band members and a number of alumni to beef up their ranks.
-------------
And here's a zen moment. Seemed like a good day for that too. Although, I just viewed it and it seems less zen than I thought - kinda seasicky.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Seeking the best emotional metaphor
Emotional Bulemia?
It seems since the divorce became final I've been binging and purging on emotion. Acknowledging and wallowing in the connections I've had (not just with my husband), and purging them.
Emotional Slalom Course?
It seems since my divorce became final I've been hurtling down a mountainside, past all these relationships that sometimes I go right by, and sometimes slap me in the side/face/whatever. The ultimate goal I'm going towards - not sure.
Sailing Alone with my Emotions?
Nah, that one doesn't work.
Emotional Funerals?
It seems that since my divorce became final I've been killing off fantasies/relationships and attending their funerals. All in the hope of moving on. To what, I don't know.
I wish I were a writer. I wish I had the poetic tools to describe what I'm going through. It's not fun. It's not easy. I guess I'm trying to look at my life head on - realistically - and not hide in whatever labels I've been putting on pieces of it. Crushes I might have had I look at and see them for what they are. Feelings I have I am acknowledging and letting flow over me, to see what comes next. I want to hide in a cave (my home) and not come out for a while. But I go to the gym to maintain a semblance of normalcy for myself, though I don't act normal. I'm trying to be like the willow tree I suppose - to be strong but bend in the wind. But it feels sometimes like there's beetles burrowing up my trunk - destroying me from the inside out. It feels sometimes like there's some yewt carving a swear word on my trunk on the outside. I have a feeling of cleansing myself, but kinda with alcohol after walking through some prickle bushes.
I'm acknowledging that I'm alone, that I don't have someone to love right now. Except myself. And dammit, that's a tough one. It's so much easier to be good to other people. Because they deserve it more than me (yes, I know that's not true). It's also really hard to hug yourself, unless you have reallllly long arms. And cats love you because you feed them or because you have a warm lap they can sit on, despite how much they might protest otherwise. So is their affection real? Whatever. It helps.
It's nice that there's tremendous external/national change to think about.
It seems since the divorce became final I've been binging and purging on emotion. Acknowledging and wallowing in the connections I've had (not just with my husband), and purging them.
Emotional Slalom Course?
It seems since my divorce became final I've been hurtling down a mountainside, past all these relationships that sometimes I go right by, and sometimes slap me in the side/face/whatever. The ultimate goal I'm going towards - not sure.
Sailing Alone with my Emotions?
Nah, that one doesn't work.
Emotional Funerals?
It seems that since my divorce became final I've been killing off fantasies/relationships and attending their funerals. All in the hope of moving on. To what, I don't know.
I wish I were a writer. I wish I had the poetic tools to describe what I'm going through. It's not fun. It's not easy. I guess I'm trying to look at my life head on - realistically - and not hide in whatever labels I've been putting on pieces of it. Crushes I might have had I look at and see them for what they are. Feelings I have I am acknowledging and letting flow over me, to see what comes next. I want to hide in a cave (my home) and not come out for a while. But I go to the gym to maintain a semblance of normalcy for myself, though I don't act normal. I'm trying to be like the willow tree I suppose - to be strong but bend in the wind. But it feels sometimes like there's beetles burrowing up my trunk - destroying me from the inside out. It feels sometimes like there's some yewt carving a swear word on my trunk on the outside. I have a feeling of cleansing myself, but kinda with alcohol after walking through some prickle bushes.
I'm acknowledging that I'm alone, that I don't have someone to love right now. Except myself. And dammit, that's a tough one. It's so much easier to be good to other people. Because they deserve it more than me (yes, I know that's not true). It's also really hard to hug yourself, unless you have reallllly long arms. And cats love you because you feed them or because you have a warm lap they can sit on, despite how much they might protest otherwise. So is their affection real? Whatever. It helps.
It's nice that there's tremendous external/national change to think about.
The Election teaches me grammar
I was going to write, "isn't it *an* historic moment?". But before doing so, I googled, and came up with:
--------
You probably know the grammar rule that says you use an before vowel sounds (e.g. an accident, an item, an hour) and a otherwise; e.g. a book, a report, a hotel.
Following this rule, we would say "a historic", not "an historic".
Words of three or more syllables that start with h are treated differently by some speakers, though. For example, which of these pairs of sentences sounds correct to you?
* It is a historic occasion.
* It is an historic occasion.
* We can't agree on a hypothesis.
* We can't agree on an hypothesis.
A quick bit of Googling reveals that — as of March 2008 — the phrase "a historic" is used on 5.1 million pages (68%), and "an historic" on 2.34 million pages (32%).
There is a clear preference here in favour of "a historic". Even so, roughly one-third of the usage is for the other form. This supports the view that which form you use is little more than a personal preference.
Both usages are sufficiently common to be considered correct in modern English.
-----
How fitting that both are acceptable.
--------
You probably know the grammar rule that says you use an before vowel sounds (e.g. an accident, an item, an hour) and a otherwise; e.g. a book, a report, a hotel.
Following this rule, we would say "a historic", not "an historic".
Words of three or more syllables that start with h are treated differently by some speakers, though. For example, which of these pairs of sentences sounds correct to you?
* It is a historic occasion.
* It is an historic occasion.
* We can't agree on a hypothesis.
* We can't agree on an hypothesis.
A quick bit of Googling reveals that — as of March 2008 — the phrase "a historic" is used on 5.1 million pages (68%), and "an historic" on 2.34 million pages (32%).
There is a clear preference here in favour of "a historic". Even so, roughly one-third of the usage is for the other form. This supports the view that which form you use is little more than a personal preference.
Both usages are sufficiently common to be considered correct in modern English.
-----
How fitting that both are acceptable.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
I Voted. Did you?
If not, go vote...
I voted with a paper ballot. Just realized the thing didn't tell me which way to put it in. CRAP. Hopefully my vote counted.
Oh, and WFMU has a special web only Electile Dysfunction stream today.
I voted with a paper ballot. Just realized the thing didn't tell me which way to put it in. CRAP. Hopefully my vote counted.
Oh, and WFMU has a special web only Electile Dysfunction stream today.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Climbing with hornets
I went climbing on Saturday with some friends locally - a place where you can climb for a half day or so and then you're done. It has some great climbs so it's definitely fun to go to. And easy easy access.Well, there were many bugs flying around the rocks. Ladybugs and what I just looked up and found out to be hornets.
Ladybugs. You may think, aw, how nice, but if so you have never climbed in the fall when they start swarming. And you've never had one bite you. It doesn't hurt ALL that much, but it's a bite nonetheless. So you swear at them and swat them away.
But hornets. Ladybugs are much less scary looking. Holy crap. Noone really knew what they were, but they didn't SEEM interested in stinging. For my third climb, I did this one route with a big big overhang - burly. The scariest part for me though was the first 3 bolts on the vertical wall, down where the hornets were. I kept having to say to myself 'it will all be ok' to convince myself that it would be so I could start the climb. And it was. And I completed the climb, with a few rests.
The next climb I top-roped. My burly-does-my-plumbing-friend had led a mixed route that was 11a (mixed=bolts and gear). I had never done it before so really really wanted to do it. Thing is, the wall was hornet land. And they would go in and out the rock - landing on what could be your next handhold. It didn't matter to me that everyone else said that they weren't interested in stinging. It didn't matter to me that one guy said he put his hand on two and they didn't sting. It didn't matter to me that it looked like they were mating and more interested in that (see below ** for verification of this). I was fucking freaked out. I swear to god it was on par with jumping out of an airplane for me.
I made it past the first roof - I was climbing really well. And then a nice ledge and you start up a wall where all the hornets were. I stood there while some flew around me. One even buzzed my ear. Each time they came close I'd either flinch or scream. Most of my friends know about my screaming when I fall or around bugs so they kinda just laughed at me. I didn't know if I could even start it, but I did, and did NOT put my hand on one. As I climbed I had to with every move overcome the fear.
Finally I fell due to a hard move. And as the hornets flew around, I looked down and said, I can't do this. Not because of the climbing, but the mental stress of overcoming my hornet fear. He just looked at me and told me to wait for the break (they'd kinda go in waves). So, since I hated the idea of giving up due to bugs and I really wanted to try the climb, I continued. Fell once or twice again, but did the climb.
And I was toast. I did another climb on another wall that didn't have that many hornets at all. But then there was another hard climb my friend and my ex had put up, and I really wanted to do it. I tied in, and went up to the first ledge. And the hornets buzzed around. And I realized mentally I was just DONE. Physically I could have done it, because I was strong that day, but mentally, kaput geworden. I untied and stepped down. And felt like shit, but also ok with not putting myself through the terror. Which it was for me, especially given my semi-fragile mental state - terrifying.
Anyway, that was my day. I did have fun, believe it or not. But I'm being nice to myself and not biking home today, because I just don't feel like it. Sometimes it's good to just say No.
***
Adult males do not participate in nest maintenance, foraging, or caretaking of the larvae. In early to mid-autumn they leave the nest and mate during "nuptial flights". Males die shortly after mating. The workers and queens survive at most until mid to late autumn; only the fertilized queens survive over winter.
Simpsons Halloween
If you didn't see the Simpsons special last night, oh my god, the transformers one was hilarious! Despite my mood I was laughing hysterically at several of the things - like the cars that transformed and Ned and Homer were sticking our their arses, and the plane that landed, transformed and started fighting with another, and then stopped to barf up the passengers. Oh boy.
Anyway, I'm so not exciting lately. Sorry!
Anyway, I'm so not exciting lately. Sorry!
Trying to be Zen
I wish I could delete the sound from it... turn off your speaker and just look at the image. This is from Maine. Oh, and BTW, do I add to the counter if I forgot my SHIRT? I'm so pissed because I wanted to look 'put together' today to improve my mood, which is generally pissy or depressed depending on the minute it seems (ah, gotta love changing meds).
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Staring at a spoon
I noticed that on the convex side, my reflection is right side up. On the concave side, it's upside down. Neat trick whoever invented that spoon.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
My name is NoRegrets, and I have a fabric problem
I can't go into a fabric store and NOT buy something. Even though I have no immediate use for it. So, if say, a store is moving and everything is 50% off, then there is going to be something I will buy.
Like this (it's sheer):
Or this (sheer also - flash is bouncing off the floor behind it):
Or this (semi outlined in gold):
And finally this (cotton):
I justify it by saying I'll use it someday. And I will...hopefully. In the meantime, I begin my search for a 12-step program for fabric-buying.
Like this (it's sheer):
Or this (sheer also - flash is bouncing off the floor behind it):
Or this (semi outlined in gold):
And finally this (cotton):
I justify it by saying I'll use it someday. And I will...hopefully. In the meantime, I begin my search for a 12-step program for fabric-buying.
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