There are many people in professional sports that wore the #3, but in my world, there was only one. And in my world, there will never be another.
I have always been a sports fan, and there are many teams in each sport that I will follow this year, but not next, and vice versa. But in the MLB, I was, and always have been, a Braves fan. Some of my earliest memories are of driving from my home in Lawrenceville, GA, to Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta, and sitting in the outfield, eyes glued to the jersey that read: Murphy 3. I really knew nothing about the sport, but I knew who I liked. I liked Dale Murphy. It didn't matter how many of the games I went to that resulted in losses by the Braves, as long as I got to see Dale Murphy. I remember him hitting, running, making amazing catches. Funny enough, one of my strongest memories is the game in which he went to the wall to catch a fly ball, put his hand out to brace himself....and came out of the game b/c he had to have his palm stitched up. I'm pretty sure I cried. That man, he was my hero.
And then came the day when he really DID become my hero.
For Mr. Murphy, this was probably one of many, many things he did that day. I was one of many faceless fans. But that day, someone in the Braves organization gave him a message about a little girl, a mere 8 years old, who was having major surgery soon. She was having a kidney removed, and while things were expected to go well, and her life was not in imminent danger, her father wanted something to put a smile on her face. And Mr. Murphy signed a photo. He wrote, "Laura, Good luck on your surgery. Dale Murphy." That photo came to me, in a box with several other Braves momentos. It had a padded Braves headband. A Braves pencill with a baseball eraser. A 1987 team photo. I'm sure there were a few more things, but they are all currently stored away as I prepare to move, and that is all I can remember right now.
Truthfully, it wouldn't have mattered if a solid gold bar had been included. That wouldn't have made a difference in my mind. In my mind, the world would be ok, because MR. MURPHY CARED THAT I WAS GOING TO BE OK!!!
From the viewpoint of an adult in my 30s, I realize that Mr. Murphy didn't know me then, doesn't know me now. Someone asked him to sign a photo for me, and he did that. But from the viewpoint of that 8-year-old girl, he was a hero. I knew everything would be ok, because Mr. Murphy cared.
Later that summer, the medical staff removed my infected kidney, and after a week in the hospital, I went home to heal. And heal I did. And before the end of the baseball season, I got one more baseball game in.
I don't know who the Braves played. I don't know who won. Because the first thing that happened wiped the rest of the night out of my mind. When we arrived at the stadium, my father led our family to an office, and then we were taken down to the bowels of the stadium. Truthfully, this meant nothing to me. My father was a batboy when he lived in Jacksonville, FL, and I have an uncle who was a scout for the Yankees. My father and uncle also lived in Indianapolis, near the minor stadium where the Cleveland Indians club played, and would hang out and harrass the players. I've grown up meeting players from a time that I don't remember. Claude Raymond, longtime announcer for the now defunct Montreal Expos, used to leave us tickets each time they came to Atlanta. We were constantly meeting these people I cared little about (at the time - I have a lot more respect for them now that I'm aware of who they are). And sure enough, a few minutes later, my dad was in deep conversation with Russ Nixon, someone he'd known from the Indians organization. I stood against the wall, biding my time until I could go out and watch Mr. Murphy.
And then this man came out in the hall. He was a giant. Eight feet tall. Broad as an ox. I'm fairly certain he had a halo, and maybe some wings. At least, that's how he looked to me.
Obviously, he was not 8 feet tall, though to me, he WAS a giant. And he wasn't an angel.
But he WAS Dale Murphy. And he was in uniform. His jersey said Murphy 3 on the back!!! And for about 5 minutes, he talked to my dad, my mom, my younger brother and me. And then he signed autographs for each of us, and told us to enjoy the game.
And from that day forward, there has never been an athlete that I respected more than I do Mr. Dale Murphy. I became Phillies fan when he was traded to Philly, and then a Rockies fan went he went to Colorado. And when he retired, I wondered how the MLB could survive.
But survive, the League has, and I've found other players to root for. Chipper Jones, Josh Hamilton, Brian McCann, Matt Wieters. Not all Braves, but most. I'm still a die-hard Braves fan, and I don't see anything ever changing that. And I will always consider Dale Murphy my favorite player, and the best man I ever saw on a baseball field.
To Mr. Murphy - you did something, one day, in one quick span of time, that people do each and every day. You probably never had another thought about it. But you brought a thousand rays of light into the life of a little girl who was going through one of the toughest, scariest things of her life. Your act of kindness, that tiny bit of time that you gave to me, has stuck with me for 25 years. If there was one thing I've always wanted to do, it was to look you in the eye and say, "Thank you." That will probably never happen, but with the connections this world makes through social media these days, I hope that one day, you read this. I hope one day, you will know how you touched my life.
Thank you, Mr. Murphy
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
Day 1 - When were you born?
The short answer is March 4, 1978. Most awesome day on the planet, ever!
I feel the "where" in this story is much more interesting than the "when." So, where was I born? Wauchula, FL. Phonetically, that's What-CHU-La. Don't know where it is? It's located right next to Zolfo Springs and Bowling Green, and just north of Arcadia. Yep, right there, in that sprawling metropolitan of citrus groves.
The last census estimates have Wauchula housing just under 4,500 residents, in an area of just over 2.5 square miles. The entire county (Hardee) has some 28,000 residents in 238 square miles. Wauchula is a part of the Florida Everglades, and is located an easy drive from both Orlando and the Tampa Bay area, two of my favorite places in Florida.
Wauchula is home of the famous "Baby Swap" case of 1978 (thank God I wasn't born in the hospital!). However, in my family, it is more famous for the direct hit from Hurricane Charley on August 13, 2004. The city was declared a federal disaster area, and several of the houses destroyed belonged to either friends or family of mine. When I went down to salvage what I could from my grandmother's house two weeks after the storm, there was still no power anywhere outside of the city square.
On September 5, 2004, the city took another direct hit from Hurricane Frances, followed in quick succession by Hurricane Jeanne on September 24, 2004. It was the most devastating thing I've ever seen with my own eyes.
I have not lived in Wauchula since the 70's, but I still visit often, and will always consider it my home.
I feel the "where" in this story is much more interesting than the "when." So, where was I born? Wauchula, FL. Phonetically, that's What-CHU-La. Don't know where it is? It's located right next to Zolfo Springs and Bowling Green, and just north of Arcadia. Yep, right there, in that sprawling metropolitan of citrus groves.
The last census estimates have Wauchula housing just under 4,500 residents, in an area of just over 2.5 square miles. The entire county (Hardee) has some 28,000 residents in 238 square miles. Wauchula is a part of the Florida Everglades, and is located an easy drive from both Orlando and the Tampa Bay area, two of my favorite places in Florida.
Wauchula is home of the famous "Baby Swap" case of 1978 (thank God I wasn't born in the hospital!). However, in my family, it is more famous for the direct hit from Hurricane Charley on August 13, 2004. The city was declared a federal disaster area, and several of the houses destroyed belonged to either friends or family of mine. When I went down to salvage what I could from my grandmother's house two weeks after the storm, there was still no power anywhere outside of the city square.
On September 5, 2004, the city took another direct hit from Hurricane Frances, followed in quick succession by Hurricane Jeanne on September 24, 2004. It was the most devastating thing I've ever seen with my own eyes.
I have not lived in Wauchula since the 70's, but I still visit often, and will always consider it my home.
20-day Childhood Blog Challenge
I haven't been a very good blogger recently, so to get me back in the mood, I've found another blog challenge. So, here we go.
Day 1 – When were you born?
Day 2 – Did you have a happy childhood?
Day 3 – Post a picture of yourself from your childhood.
Day 4 – How old were you when you learned to ride a bicycle?
Day 5 – Who was your favorite teacher?
Day 6 – What was your favorite subject?
Day 7 – What was your favorite game?
Day 8 – Do you remember anything about your personality when you were a child?
Day 9 – Were you good at making friends?
Day 10 – Were you a good student?
Day 11 – Who was your childhood best friend?
Day 12 – Did you play outside? What did you like to play? How long did you play outside per day? Could you play outside all year long?
Day 13 – Did you play on the streets? Was it dangerous to play in the streets? What kind of things did you do in the streets?
Day 14 – When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Day 15 – Can you remember specific things from your childhood clearly?
Day 16 – What was your favorite toy when you were a child?
Day 17 – What was your worst punishment as a child?
Day 18 – Where did you grow up? Did you move frequently? If so, why?
Day 19 – How are you similar to your parents? How are you different?
Day 20 – Did you have any nicknames? Tell us about them.
Day 2 – Did you have a happy childhood?
Day 3 – Post a picture of yourself from your childhood.
Day 4 – How old were you when you learned to ride a bicycle?
Day 5 – Who was your favorite teacher?
Day 6 – What was your favorite subject?
Day 7 – What was your favorite game?
Day 8 – Do you remember anything about your personality when you were a child?
Day 9 – Were you good at making friends?
Day 10 – Were you a good student?
Day 11 – Who was your childhood best friend?
Day 12 – Did you play outside? What did you like to play? How long did you play outside per day? Could you play outside all year long?
Day 13 – Did you play on the streets? Was it dangerous to play in the streets? What kind of things did you do in the streets?
Day 14 – When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Day 15 – Can you remember specific things from your childhood clearly?
Day 16 – What was your favorite toy when you were a child?
Day 17 – What was your worst punishment as a child?
Day 18 – Where did you grow up? Did you move frequently? If so, why?
Day 19 – How are you similar to your parents? How are you different?
Day 20 – Did you have any nicknames? Tell us about them.
Friday, May 11, 2012
What Gets Me Through The Day
Some people have to use all their energy to get through the day. I don't envy them. Even in my darkest days, I always knew that something better was just over the horizon. Now, those dark days are few and far between.
But when they hit (and even then they don't), I've learned that there are things I can think about that make my entire outlook on life brighter. Two things in particular. Two things that, as I go through each day, I am one day closer to seeing again.
I love these boys. So very, very much. I really didn't know it was possible to love someone as much as I love each of them.
But when they hit (and even then they don't), I've learned that there are things I can think about that make my entire outlook on life brighter. Two things in particular. Two things that, as I go through each day, I am one day closer to seeing again.
 |
| My Bug |
 |
| Peanut |
Follow Friday - The Hob
I find it very interesting that I started this post several weeks ago, and am only just now finalizing and posting it. (It's been a VERY busy few weeks!)
This is where you ask, "Why is it interesting?" You'll have to read to find out.
Over the years, there have been a handful of movies, television programs, musicians or athletes/sports teams that I have just LOVED. LOVED enough to become enthralled (read: obsessed) with them. Those that know me well are, at this moment, saying quietly to themselves, "Dawson's Creek." Yes, I was one of those. I was a Creeker.
Part of being a Creeker was being active on fansites, which were still a fairly new phenomena in the late 1990s. Fansites are exactly what they sounds like: a site for fans to come andstalk keep tabs on their favorites actors. A fansite can be about a person, a character, a book, a movie, a television show, a musician, basically anything someone is a fan of. Depending on the site, you can find out just about anything about that subject, from new projects to personal relationships to off-screen hijinks to arrest records. Some are very well-done, mature sites. Others are....not. I admit, as a young fan of Dawson's Creek, I looked for any and all information that I could find.
As I've grown older (and hopefully, more mature), I've found that I have little patience for sites that stray too far into the personal lives of my favorite actors. That has led me to be quite a bit more picky when searching for fansites to help me keep track of projects/actors I'm interested in.
Now those that know me well are, at this moment, saying quietly to themselves, "She's about to start talking about The Hunger Games, isn't she?"
Unlike Dawson's Creek, it took me awhile to start trolling fansites for The Hunger Games. I read the books long before ever hearing about a movie, and I've never been one to follow fansites for books (however, I must say: Divergent, by Veronica Roth. Yeah, they got me, hook, line and sinker). So it wasn't until filming began that I really started searching to see what I could find out about the cast, crew, production schedule, etc. Once I started, however, there was no going back.
There are numerous fansites out there for The Hunger Games, as well as for the people involved in the film. After several days of reading and searching, I quickly realized that there were only a small handful that were a) up-to-date, b) run by responsible journalists, c) well-organized, and d) for true fans (by which, I mean, fans of the story, fans who can break down a movie sequence, fans who can analyze a book passage for the unspoken message).
Of those small few that made my cut, there was one, in particular, that continued to draw me in. The news is current and applicable, but stayed away from the "who's-dating-whom, who-impregnated-whom, who-got-arrested-last-night" tabloid journalism. The writing is great, they have fun contests, they run a great forum, and they found a way to use the fandom to do something more than just promote a book/movie. They partnered with WhyHunger to help raise money in support of hunger and poverty awareness. But I think the part I like the best is that these women who run the site are adults. They have lives and families and responsibilities, and yet, they still find time to have fun and be fans! And that is not meant to insult the younger fans who run sites. Remember, I was a teenager and twenty-something who worked on a fansite once. It takes people of all kinds to fill out a fandom! But as an adult, I appreciate the adult voice brought forth on this site.
For awhile now, I've considered dropping them an email to say "Thanks!" Just a note to let them know that I have an idea of the time and work they put in, all because they truly love The Hunger Games. And maybe while I'm at it, slip in a little plug on my background, you know, just in case they ever need any help.... But I haven't, and I probably won't. I'll simply continue to check for news and updates as we get closer and closer to the casting and filming (and release) of Catching Fire.
If you are a fan of The Hunger Games franchise, or even if you are just a fan of any of the people involved in the movie, visit The Hob. Say hello in the forum, enter a contest, take some time to look into the charity they support, and have fun!
Roughly two weeks ago, The Hob posted an announcement that they were on the lookout for a new blogger to join their staff. Despite being in a daylong conference with several coworkers, I managed to find time that very day to pull out my laptop and type out my application. Following that, with my usual pessimism, I waited. And waited. And checked my email. Until, only a matter of days later, I gave up. Which was stupid, because there was no deadline for applications, I had (and still have) no idea how many people applied, and anyway, why do I always assume that I suck at everything I do? Welcome to my life....
But then, one day, I logged into my email, and saw this message: "We...want to invite you to join our team." Wait. What? I had to read it three or four times, because I was SURE I'd read it wrong, that it really said, "Thanks, but we've decided to invite someone else." Sorry, I just have absolutely no self-confidence, unless we're talking about me with my trumpet. And we aren't. So.
So.
So, I emailed back, and they replied, and I replied, and...well, you get the idea. And I'm now one of their bloggers - that is, I WILL be, if any news ever happens again. It has been a S..L..O..W.. news week.
This is where you ask, "Why is it interesting?" You'll have to read to find out.
Over the years, there have been a handful of movies, television programs, musicians or athletes/sports teams that I have just LOVED. LOVED enough to become enthralled (read: obsessed) with them. Those that know me well are, at this moment, saying quietly to themselves, "Dawson's Creek." Yes, I was one of those. I was a Creeker.
Part of being a Creeker was being active on fansites, which were still a fairly new phenomena in the late 1990s. Fansites are exactly what they sounds like: a site for fans to come and
As I've grown older (and hopefully, more mature), I've found that I have little patience for sites that stray too far into the personal lives of my favorite actors. That has led me to be quite a bit more picky when searching for fansites to help me keep track of projects/actors I'm interested in.
Now those that know me well are, at this moment, saying quietly to themselves, "She's about to start talking about The Hunger Games, isn't she?"
Unlike Dawson's Creek, it took me awhile to start trolling fansites for The Hunger Games. I read the books long before ever hearing about a movie, and I've never been one to follow fansites for books (however, I must say: Divergent, by Veronica Roth. Yeah, they got me, hook, line and sinker). So it wasn't until filming began that I really started searching to see what I could find out about the cast, crew, production schedule, etc. Once I started, however, there was no going back.
There are numerous fansites out there for The Hunger Games, as well as for the people involved in the film. After several days of reading and searching, I quickly realized that there were only a small handful that were a) up-to-date, b) run by responsible journalists, c) well-organized, and d) for true fans (by which, I mean, fans of the story, fans who can break down a movie sequence, fans who can analyze a book passage for the unspoken message).
Of those small few that made my cut, there was one, in particular, that continued to draw me in. The news is current and applicable, but stayed away from the "who's-dating-whom, who-impregnated-whom, who-got-arrested-last-night" tabloid journalism. The writing is great, they have fun contests, they run a great forum, and they found a way to use the fandom to do something more than just promote a book/movie. They partnered with WhyHunger to help raise money in support of hunger and poverty awareness. But I think the part I like the best is that these women who run the site are adults. They have lives and families and responsibilities, and yet, they still find time to have fun and be fans! And that is not meant to insult the younger fans who run sites. Remember, I was a teenager and twenty-something who worked on a fansite once. It takes people of all kinds to fill out a fandom! But as an adult, I appreciate the adult voice brought forth on this site.
For awhile now, I've considered dropping them an email to say "Thanks!" Just a note to let them know that I have an idea of the time and work they put in, all because they truly love The Hunger Games. And maybe while I'm at it, slip in a little plug on my background, you know, just in case they ever need any help.... But I haven't, and I probably won't. I'll simply continue to check for news and updates as we get closer and closer to the casting and filming (and release) of Catching Fire.
If you are a fan of The Hunger Games franchise, or even if you are just a fan of any of the people involved in the movie, visit The Hob. Say hello in the forum, enter a contest, take some time to look into the charity they support, and have fun!
Roughly two weeks ago, The Hob posted an announcement that they were on the lookout for a new blogger to join their staff. Despite being in a daylong conference with several coworkers, I managed to find time that very day to pull out my laptop and type out my application. Following that, with my usual pessimism, I waited. And waited. And checked my email. Until, only a matter of days later, I gave up. Which was stupid, because there was no deadline for applications, I had (and still have) no idea how many people applied, and anyway, why do I always assume that I suck at everything I do? Welcome to my life....
But then, one day, I logged into my email, and saw this message: "We...want to invite you to join our team." Wait. What? I had to read it three or four times, because I was SURE I'd read it wrong, that it really said, "Thanks, but we've decided to invite someone else." Sorry, I just have absolutely no self-confidence, unless we're talking about me with my trumpet. And we aren't. So.
So.
So, I emailed back, and they replied, and I replied, and...well, you get the idea. And I'm now one of their bloggers - that is, I WILL be, if any news ever happens again. It has been a S..L..O..W.. news week.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Follow Friday - Disney Tourist Blog
For those of you that so faithfully follow my blogs (come on, you know you do), you may have discovered a few things about me:
1. I love my Bug.
2. I love all things Disney.
3. I love photography.
For my first Follow Friday, I reference my Bug while introducing you to his mama. For my second, we're going to look at the next two items on the above list: Disney and photography.
I made my first trip to Walt Disney World in 1979. I don't remember the trip (I was a year old), but my family says I've been obsessed and in love ever since. Even after moving away from Florida, my family continued to make yearly visits to WDW until 1999-2000. There was a small gap between trips, as I fully entered adulthood, and was responsible for paying for my own trips, but by the mid-2000s, my yearly trips were back on (or, as in the case of 2011, thrice-yearly visits).
I've been taking photos since I was a child, as well. I remember, at an early age, getting ahold of my dad's old 110 camera to take pictures while on vacation. By the time I was a teenager, I had a fancy 35mm. It was just a point-and-shoot, but at $235, it was fancy for me. Packed away in boxes, I have 1000s of images from various trips and events in my life.
In March of 2003, I was out of work, and stumbled into a job working in a private photo lab. That temporary position filling photo orders turned into an extended job printing orders, which turned into photography lessons, which turned into time behind the camera at real photo shoots, which turned into several shoots of my own, which turned into money to start buying my own professional photography equipment. I now do freelance work for a local newspaper, I still shoot for the company that taught me all I know, and I've started my own photography business.
One thing I've always wanted to do more of is take pictures at amusement parks, specifically Disney parks. I'm usually so enthralled in the aspect of just BEING there that I forget about the large, overly-packed camera bag on my back (I tend to bring everything. Including the kitchen sink. Actually, two of them). Then I get back to the house, and realize that I've got 30 photos to cover 10-12 hours spent at the park. A few months ago, I tried spending a day at the Magic Kingdom with nothing but my point-and-shoot. I definitely had more photos at the end of the day, but none of them were what I really wanted.
What to do.....?
Then, it happened.
In the course of browsing some of the many (and I do mean MANY) Disney websites, podcasts and blogs that I frequent, I stumbled across one I'd never seen before. A blog on Disney....and photography!
Tom Bricker is an amazing photographer who puts his talent strictly into the art of capturing moments at Disney theme parks (and all that go with them). He's also very good at explaining why he took that shot, how he took it, and whether it turned out the way he wanted. He gives tips, hints, advice and warnings with both knowledge and humor. He has, in the short space of about 2 weeks, become my photography hero.
Please check Tom out at Disney Tourist Blog. If all you do is look at the photos, you will have given yourself a gift.
1. I love my Bug.
2. I love all things Disney.
3. I love photography.
For my first Follow Friday, I reference my Bug while introducing you to his mama. For my second, we're going to look at the next two items on the above list: Disney and photography.
I made my first trip to Walt Disney World in 1979. I don't remember the trip (I was a year old), but my family says I've been obsessed and in love ever since. Even after moving away from Florida, my family continued to make yearly visits to WDW until 1999-2000. There was a small gap between trips, as I fully entered adulthood, and was responsible for paying for my own trips, but by the mid-2000s, my yearly trips were back on (or, as in the case of 2011, thrice-yearly visits).
I've been taking photos since I was a child, as well. I remember, at an early age, getting ahold of my dad's old 110 camera to take pictures while on vacation. By the time I was a teenager, I had a fancy 35mm. It was just a point-and-shoot, but at $235, it was fancy for me. Packed away in boxes, I have 1000s of images from various trips and events in my life.
In March of 2003, I was out of work, and stumbled into a job working in a private photo lab. That temporary position filling photo orders turned into an extended job printing orders, which turned into photography lessons, which turned into time behind the camera at real photo shoots, which turned into several shoots of my own, which turned into money to start buying my own professional photography equipment. I now do freelance work for a local newspaper, I still shoot for the company that taught me all I know, and I've started my own photography business.
One thing I've always wanted to do more of is take pictures at amusement parks, specifically Disney parks. I'm usually so enthralled in the aspect of just BEING there that I forget about the large, overly-packed camera bag on my back (I tend to bring everything. Including the kitchen sink. Actually, two of them). Then I get back to the house, and realize that I've got 30 photos to cover 10-12 hours spent at the park. A few months ago, I tried spending a day at the Magic Kingdom with nothing but my point-and-shoot. I definitely had more photos at the end of the day, but none of them were what I really wanted.
What to do.....?
Then, it happened.
In the course of browsing some of the many (and I do mean MANY) Disney websites, podcasts and blogs that I frequent, I stumbled across one I'd never seen before. A blog on Disney....and photography!
Tom Bricker is an amazing photographer who puts his talent strictly into the art of capturing moments at Disney theme parks (and all that go with them). He's also very good at explaining why he took that shot, how he took it, and whether it turned out the way he wanted. He gives tips, hints, advice and warnings with both knowledge and humor. He has, in the short space of about 2 weeks, become my photography hero.
Please check Tom out at Disney Tourist Blog. If all you do is look at the photos, you will have given yourself a gift.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Follow Friday - Thriftstorehoppin
A popular occurrence on Twitter is what we call Follow Friday. Or #follow #friday. Or #ff. It's a specific day when Tweeters suggest to the Twitter world some profiles they believe we should follow. It really is neat, especially when you're new to Twitter, and several people give you a #ff shout out. It can get you followers. It can give you people to follow.
I want to start doing my own version of the #ff right here on this blog.
If you follow any of my blogs, you've probably discovered that I am completely in love with a little boy named Bug. Well, Bug actually has a family, even though they don't get talked about as much - a little brother named Peanut, a mom (Bug's mama), a dad (Bug's daddy), and a dog named Tessa (or, in early Bug-speak, "good girl"). I truly love the entire family. Bug's daddy is my cousin. We've known each of each other since he was a small child, but have only really known each other since early 2003. We quickly became very close friends, and for several years, I spent as much time with him and his family as I did with my own (we only live an hour or so apart). In 2005, he rocked my world by expressing interest in - gasp! - a girl.
I know. Rude.
I tried really hard not to like her (ok, I really didn't try that hard). But I could see that she was around for the duration, so I slowly...slowly......slowly.....got to know her. They got married the next year. For the first year(ish), I visited other cousins in the area, but never specifically visit the newly married couple. In fact, I never saw their first apartment. I admit, I was having trouble adjusting to the new dynamic in my relationship with them. And then, one day, a Bug was born. And my cousins became Bug's mama and Bug's daddy.
I met Bug when he was just 9 days old, and knew my life would never be the same. I visited again several months later, and again a few months after that. And then, suddenly, I was seeing them every month or so. As I fell more in love with my boy, I discovered that I'd never really gotten to know Bug's mama. What a waste of the past 2+ years!!
As the next 2 years went by, I began spending as much (or more) time with Bug and Bug's mama than I did with Bug's daddy (not intentionally, but we no longer based my visits strictly on his work schedule). And Bug's mama became one of my best friends, and probably the one person that I am the closest to in this world (outside of my own mama).
The relationship was cemented that winter day when Peanut came into the world.
In the 14 months that Peanut has been on this earth, I have visited them 13 times. Bug now knows (and calls me by) my name. On my last visit, just two short weeks ago, Peanut was trying to say my name. When I visit, the boys know that we WILL watch Disney movies. We WILL wrestle and tickle. We WILL go out to eat somewhere. Cameras WILL come out, and pictures of anything and everything will be taken. And maybe the best part of all (well, maybe not better than the Disney movies, but close enough), thrift stores WILL be visited.
I come from a thrifty family. The women in my family LOVE shopping at thrift stores. I have never liked them. I don't know why, b/c someone one else can shop at a thrift store for me, and I'm fine with it. But I just can't shop there myself. However, in friendship, I tag along when visitiing Bug and his family. And over the weeks and months, I've discovered that I really like thrift stores.
In the past few visits, I've gotten several books (for pennies), unopened wallpaper border (enough rolls to decorate a bathroom, once I get my new house - for a few quarters), an argyle sweater vest ($3 - AND it's argyle!), and along with my own finds, I've helped in finding toys and argyle sweater vests for Bug and Peanut.
FYI, I love argyle sweater vests almost as much as I love Bug and Peanut.
And now, I'm sure you're asking, "She started out talking about Follow Friday, and went off on a tangent about the kid - he's cute, and all, but what does he have to do with Follow Friday?" Well, you see, as I've just explained, Bug's mama is the one that introduced me - REALLY introduced me - to thrift stores. She finds all kinds of treasures when she shops, and she comes up with all these great ideas just by looking at something on one of the store shelves.
And best of all, she has now started blogging about her thrift store adventures.
So, do yourself a favor. Check out Thrift Store Hoppin', and tell her I said, "Hi, Bug!" She'll laugh, and know exactly who sent you.
I want to start doing my own version of the #ff right here on this blog.
If you follow any of my blogs, you've probably discovered that I am completely in love with a little boy named Bug. Well, Bug actually has a family, even though they don't get talked about as much - a little brother named Peanut, a mom (Bug's mama), a dad (Bug's daddy), and a dog named Tessa (or, in early Bug-speak, "good girl"). I truly love the entire family. Bug's daddy is my cousin. We've known each of each other since he was a small child, but have only really known each other since early 2003. We quickly became very close friends, and for several years, I spent as much time with him and his family as I did with my own (we only live an hour or so apart). In 2005, he rocked my world by expressing interest in - gasp! - a girl.
I know. Rude.
I tried really hard not to like her (ok, I really didn't try that hard). But I could see that she was around for the duration, so I slowly...slowly......slowly.....got to know her. They got married the next year. For the first year(ish), I visited other cousins in the area, but never specifically visit the newly married couple. In fact, I never saw their first apartment. I admit, I was having trouble adjusting to the new dynamic in my relationship with them. And then, one day, a Bug was born. And my cousins became Bug's mama and Bug's daddy.
I met Bug when he was just 9 days old, and knew my life would never be the same. I visited again several months later, and again a few months after that. And then, suddenly, I was seeing them every month or so. As I fell more in love with my boy, I discovered that I'd never really gotten to know Bug's mama. What a waste of the past 2+ years!!
As the next 2 years went by, I began spending as much (or more) time with Bug and Bug's mama than I did with Bug's daddy (not intentionally, but we no longer based my visits strictly on his work schedule). And Bug's mama became one of my best friends, and probably the one person that I am the closest to in this world (outside of my own mama).
The relationship was cemented that winter day when Peanut came into the world.
In the 14 months that Peanut has been on this earth, I have visited them 13 times. Bug now knows (and calls me by) my name. On my last visit, just two short weeks ago, Peanut was trying to say my name. When I visit, the boys know that we WILL watch Disney movies. We WILL wrestle and tickle. We WILL go out to eat somewhere. Cameras WILL come out, and pictures of anything and everything will be taken. And maybe the best part of all (well, maybe not better than the Disney movies, but close enough), thrift stores WILL be visited.
I come from a thrifty family. The women in my family LOVE shopping at thrift stores. I have never liked them. I don't know why, b/c someone one else can shop at a thrift store for me, and I'm fine with it. But I just can't shop there myself. However, in friendship, I tag along when visitiing Bug and his family. And over the weeks and months, I've discovered that I really like thrift stores.
In the past few visits, I've gotten several books (for pennies), unopened wallpaper border (enough rolls to decorate a bathroom, once I get my new house - for a few quarters), an argyle sweater vest ($3 - AND it's argyle!), and along with my own finds, I've helped in finding toys and argyle sweater vests for Bug and Peanut.
FYI, I love argyle sweater vests almost as much as I love Bug and Peanut.
And now, I'm sure you're asking, "She started out talking about Follow Friday, and went off on a tangent about the kid - he's cute, and all, but what does he have to do with Follow Friday?" Well, you see, as I've just explained, Bug's mama is the one that introduced me - REALLY introduced me - to thrift stores. She finds all kinds of treasures when she shops, and she comes up with all these great ideas just by looking at something on one of the store shelves.
And best of all, she has now started blogging about her thrift store adventures.
So, do yourself a favor. Check out Thrift Store Hoppin', and tell her I said, "Hi, Bug!" She'll laugh, and know exactly who sent you.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Two Weeks in Hell
The Discovery Channel calls the US Army's Green Beret selection process "Two Weeks in Hell." Well, let me just tell you, the Green Berets ain't got nuthin' on me!
Two weeks ago, I posted my latest blog challenge entry. I finished the end of my work day. I sat around for an hour after work, watching Netflix on my office computer, while waiting for my younger brother to get out of his staff meeting (he's a staffer for the local University radio station - and since I work at said University, where he is also a student, we carpool. Thursday's are late nights). I was at the beginning of the final 24-hour countdown to Friday evening, and leaving for a long weekend in South Carolina, visiting my Bug.
I am so in love with that boy!
Anywho.
Friday afternoon, the clock reads 4:30pm. And the phone call comes. "Mark's been in an accident. They're taking him to the hospital by ambulance. We have no other details."
Mark is my brother-in-law. He drives a motorcycle.
I ran from my office to my car, which is farther than I've run in a LONG time.
The drive to the hospital, which is only a few miles from where I work, seemed to take an hour. As I pulled into the parking lot, I passed my sister-in-law just getting out of her truck; she informed me that she dropped my sister off at the emergency room entrance on her way in (sigh of relief; my sister did not drive herself into town). I find a place to park, and head in. My nephew and his wife meet me at the entrance.
Known injuries at the time: broken arm, broken collarbone, possibly broken nose.
No report on what happened, who was involved, or where it happened.
The emergency room vigil begins. The minutes pass in a blur of phone calls, people arriving, others leaving, updates and speculations. After about an hour, a hospital staffer comes and takes us all back to a private waiting room in the back of the ER, just around the corner from the bay they have Mark in. More people arrive, more phone calls are made. My nephew is doing an wonderful job of handling the swarm of people, and running interference on everyone who wants to go see Mark. After awhile, I ask him if I can step back for just a minute, to let Mark and my sister know that I'm there.
Mark is lying flat on a bed, with my sister holding an ice pack on his nose. He is alert and talking, albeit it softly and with much effort. My sister is much calmer than she was when she was on the phone. She wants to know what time I'm leaving for South Carolina.
Really? I'm at the hospital right now. For your husband. Who was just in a motorcycle accident. I may not even be going to South Carolina!
Back in the waiting room, friends bring us some supper. I'm surprised by how good the grilled chicken wraps from McDonald's are! But maybe it's simply that they were paired with McDonald's southern sweet tea, which I've not had in a month. Or maybe it's that I'm starving!
An hour or so later, Mark is finally moved to a room. At approximately 8:45pm, I make my way to his room. My family proceeds to kick me out, telling me to go to South Carolina as I'd been planning for so long. Part of me feels guilty for leaving, but part of me (the part that has already spent too much time in hospitals, the part of me that is thinking of my last emergency room visit when Daddy died, even the part of me that just simply craves a hug from a Bug) really wants to get the wheels on the road. With promises to check in frequently, and to return immediately if needed, I get in my car and head out of town.
While all of the hospital drama has been going on, another kind of drama has been making it's way East through the US. A massive stormfront has been moving through, leaving death and destruction in its wake. This is not an exageration.
As I hit I-85N, I turn my XM radio to CNN and listen to the weather reports. The system has entered GA, and Rome has reports of tornados. One of my best friends lives, with his wife, in Rome. I pray.
Now Dallas has reports of tornados. My friend's parents live in the area. I pray.
I'm approaching the South Carolina state line, and my weather radio goes off. I have codes for GA and SC programmed into it, and live smack dab in between several NWS branches. This is probably not a good alert.
Johns Creek and Cumming are under a tornado warning. My nephew just moved from Johns Creek; we all still have friends and family in the area. I pray.
At this point, I'm on SC 11, with only 10-12 miles left on my journey. All I want to do is reach the house before the storms hit, and without hitting any deer (SC 11 is a long, dark road through the mountains).
Five miles to go. My weather radio sounds again. I grab my phone and call my mom. "Are you home or still at the hospital?" She's home. " Did you know you're under a tornado warning?" Yes, her weather radio went off, as well. They're in the hallway. "I'm staying on the phone with you until I get to the house." But, of course, what do you say to someone who may be seconds away from taking a trip to Oz?
I reached Bug's house, talk to my mom a few more minutes, tell her to keep me informed, take a few seconds to just. stop. and. breathe. And I go inside to love on my Bug. Who is, of course, up way past his bedtime. But what can you do when you're under a tornado watch, and you have company coming in, and family keeps calling or stopping by (because, hey, there's a tornado watch, don't you want to come over to the house with a basement???)? You let the kid stay up until the ruckus dies down.
At one point, I worry that I've left my sunroof open (I worry about this a lot, even though I'm a bit OCD, and close/turn off everything in my car in the exact same order every time). Bug's dad goes out to check on it for me, in the pouring rain. He comes back in a few minutes later. He has closed my sunroof, and cleaned the water out of my front seats. This has not been my night.
For the next couple of hours, I snuggle (read: wrestle and tickle) my Bug, visit with my cousins, listen to the raging storm outside, get updates on Mark, and finally, around 2am, we all drift off to our various rooms and beds, and we sleep the remainder of the night. We have no tornados.
The rest of the trip was BUSY, but relaxing in its own weekend-in-South-Carolina way. The one dark cloud was the true telling of Mark's injuries: broken left collarbone, broken left shoulder blade, broken right arm, all of left ribs broken, some of right ribs broken, broken nose, partially collapsed lung, fractured vertebra, compressed vertebra. No sign of spinal or brain damage. It's going to be a long road to recovery.
By the time I return home, my neck and shoulder have tightened up, and I've got inflammation in my arm, shooting pains down into my elbow. I've got another week before I can get to the chiropractor. That week of days is spent working, going to the hospital, getting food for those staying at the hospital, updating friends and families, getting updates from friends and family, preparing for an upcoming Bible assembly, classes and workouts. Finally, Saturday arrives, and I head off to the first day of a 2-day Bible assembly. I'm ready for two days of spiritual refreshment, spiritual refinement, and spiritual butt-kicking.
I promptly walking into the assembly hall, turn, and tear cartilage in my hip. Again. Second time in a month. Third time in a year. I spend the next two days sitting in (formerly comfortable) auditorium seats, trying not to breathe anymore than I have to. The in my arm is now connected to the pain in my hip.
The stress of the past 10 days, the pain from my arm and my hip, and the act of being in a crowd of 1200 people (which, normally, I can handle at this facility, but with all the things talked about above....) all combine in one crashing wave, and I find myself, on several occasions, breaking down into tears.
Three days later (which adds up to: yesterday), I finally go to the chiropractor. A 45-minute massage is followed by some rehab, and then a wonderful adjustment which puts my hip back where it is supposed to be, evens out my leg length, corrects some facet placement in my neck, and realigns my ribcage. I bite the bullet and buy a new pillow while I'm there, something I've been thinking of doing, but really, who wants to spend $45 on a tiny pillow?
This morning, I woke up. Relaxed, refreshed, with no low back pain, no headache, and a much less-noticable throbbing in my arm.
I think my two weeks in hell are over.
I deserve a medal.
Two weeks ago, I posted my latest blog challenge entry. I finished the end of my work day. I sat around for an hour after work, watching Netflix on my office computer, while waiting for my younger brother to get out of his staff meeting (he's a staffer for the local University radio station - and since I work at said University, where he is also a student, we carpool. Thursday's are late nights). I was at the beginning of the final 24-hour countdown to Friday evening, and leaving for a long weekend in South Carolina, visiting my Bug.
I am so in love with that boy!
Anywho.
Friday afternoon, the clock reads 4:30pm. And the phone call comes. "Mark's been in an accident. They're taking him to the hospital by ambulance. We have no other details."
Mark is my brother-in-law. He drives a motorcycle.
I ran from my office to my car, which is farther than I've run in a LONG time.
The drive to the hospital, which is only a few miles from where I work, seemed to take an hour. As I pulled into the parking lot, I passed my sister-in-law just getting out of her truck; she informed me that she dropped my sister off at the emergency room entrance on her way in (sigh of relief; my sister did not drive herself into town). I find a place to park, and head in. My nephew and his wife meet me at the entrance.
Known injuries at the time: broken arm, broken collarbone, possibly broken nose.
No report on what happened, who was involved, or where it happened.
The emergency room vigil begins. The minutes pass in a blur of phone calls, people arriving, others leaving, updates and speculations. After about an hour, a hospital staffer comes and takes us all back to a private waiting room in the back of the ER, just around the corner from the bay they have Mark in. More people arrive, more phone calls are made. My nephew is doing an wonderful job of handling the swarm of people, and running interference on everyone who wants to go see Mark. After awhile, I ask him if I can step back for just a minute, to let Mark and my sister know that I'm there.
Mark is lying flat on a bed, with my sister holding an ice pack on his nose. He is alert and talking, albeit it softly and with much effort. My sister is much calmer than she was when she was on the phone. She wants to know what time I'm leaving for South Carolina.
Really? I'm at the hospital right now. For your husband. Who was just in a motorcycle accident. I may not even be going to South Carolina!
Back in the waiting room, friends bring us some supper. I'm surprised by how good the grilled chicken wraps from McDonald's are! But maybe it's simply that they were paired with McDonald's southern sweet tea, which I've not had in a month. Or maybe it's that I'm starving!
An hour or so later, Mark is finally moved to a room. At approximately 8:45pm, I make my way to his room. My family proceeds to kick me out, telling me to go to South Carolina as I'd been planning for so long. Part of me feels guilty for leaving, but part of me (the part that has already spent too much time in hospitals, the part of me that is thinking of my last emergency room visit when Daddy died, even the part of me that just simply craves a hug from a Bug) really wants to get the wheels on the road. With promises to check in frequently, and to return immediately if needed, I get in my car and head out of town.
While all of the hospital drama has been going on, another kind of drama has been making it's way East through the US. A massive stormfront has been moving through, leaving death and destruction in its wake. This is not an exageration.
As I hit I-85N, I turn my XM radio to CNN and listen to the weather reports. The system has entered GA, and Rome has reports of tornados. One of my best friends lives, with his wife, in Rome. I pray.
Now Dallas has reports of tornados. My friend's parents live in the area. I pray.
I'm approaching the South Carolina state line, and my weather radio goes off. I have codes for GA and SC programmed into it, and live smack dab in between several NWS branches. This is probably not a good alert.
Johns Creek and Cumming are under a tornado warning. My nephew just moved from Johns Creek; we all still have friends and family in the area. I pray.
At this point, I'm on SC 11, with only 10-12 miles left on my journey. All I want to do is reach the house before the storms hit, and without hitting any deer (SC 11 is a long, dark road through the mountains).
Five miles to go. My weather radio sounds again. I grab my phone and call my mom. "Are you home or still at the hospital?" She's home. " Did you know you're under a tornado warning?" Yes, her weather radio went off, as well. They're in the hallway. "I'm staying on the phone with you until I get to the house." But, of course, what do you say to someone who may be seconds away from taking a trip to Oz?
I reached Bug's house, talk to my mom a few more minutes, tell her to keep me informed, take a few seconds to just. stop. and. breathe. And I go inside to love on my Bug. Who is, of course, up way past his bedtime. But what can you do when you're under a tornado watch, and you have company coming in, and family keeps calling or stopping by (because, hey, there's a tornado watch, don't you want to come over to the house with a basement???)? You let the kid stay up until the ruckus dies down.
At one point, I worry that I've left my sunroof open (I worry about this a lot, even though I'm a bit OCD, and close/turn off everything in my car in the exact same order every time). Bug's dad goes out to check on it for me, in the pouring rain. He comes back in a few minutes later. He has closed my sunroof, and cleaned the water out of my front seats. This has not been my night.
For the next couple of hours, I snuggle (read: wrestle and tickle) my Bug, visit with my cousins, listen to the raging storm outside, get updates on Mark, and finally, around 2am, we all drift off to our various rooms and beds, and we sleep the remainder of the night. We have no tornados.
The rest of the trip was BUSY, but relaxing in its own weekend-in-South-Carolina way. The one dark cloud was the true telling of Mark's injuries: broken left collarbone, broken left shoulder blade, broken right arm, all of left ribs broken, some of right ribs broken, broken nose, partially collapsed lung, fractured vertebra, compressed vertebra. No sign of spinal or brain damage. It's going to be a long road to recovery.
By the time I return home, my neck and shoulder have tightened up, and I've got inflammation in my arm, shooting pains down into my elbow. I've got another week before I can get to the chiropractor. That week of days is spent working, going to the hospital, getting food for those staying at the hospital, updating friends and families, getting updates from friends and family, preparing for an upcoming Bible assembly, classes and workouts. Finally, Saturday arrives, and I head off to the first day of a 2-day Bible assembly. I'm ready for two days of spiritual refreshment, spiritual refinement, and spiritual butt-kicking.
I promptly walking into the assembly hall, turn, and tear cartilage in my hip. Again. Second time in a month. Third time in a year. I spend the next two days sitting in (formerly comfortable) auditorium seats, trying not to breathe anymore than I have to. The in my arm is now connected to the pain in my hip.
The stress of the past 10 days, the pain from my arm and my hip, and the act of being in a crowd of 1200 people (which, normally, I can handle at this facility, but with all the things talked about above....) all combine in one crashing wave, and I find myself, on several occasions, breaking down into tears.
Three days later (which adds up to: yesterday), I finally go to the chiropractor. A 45-minute massage is followed by some rehab, and then a wonderful adjustment which puts my hip back where it is supposed to be, evens out my leg length, corrects some facet placement in my neck, and realigns my ribcage. I bite the bullet and buy a new pillow while I'm there, something I've been thinking of doing, but really, who wants to spend $45 on a tiny pillow?
This morning, I woke up. Relaxed, refreshed, with no low back pain, no headache, and a much less-noticable throbbing in my arm.
I think my two weeks in hell are over.
I deserve a medal.
Thursday, March 01, 2012
Day 15 – What are five things people don’t know about you?
1. I only have one kidney
2. I am an ordained minister
3. I want to compete in triathlons
4. I have 4 siblings (3 older, 1 younger)
5. This is the place where I used to put: I have never broken a bone. But I can't do that anymore. So, I guess it's "I've only broken one bone, ever. My big toe."
Yeah, yeah, I know. Boring! But I can't help it. If you know me, you know me. I don't hide who I am.
2. I am an ordained minister
3. I want to compete in triathlons
4. I have 4 siblings (3 older, 1 younger)
5. This is the place where I used to put: I have never broken a bone. But I can't do that anymore. So, I guess it's "I've only broken one bone, ever. My big toe."
Yeah, yeah, I know. Boring! But I can't help it. If you know me, you know me. I don't hide who I am.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Day 14 – Would you want to be famous? Why or why not?
Once again, I have to ask: What, exactly, constitutes famous?
I have never wanted to be an actress, someone known worldwide for my looks or for the people I've dated (or even for the movie/television roles I've played, since that is what some actresses are known for). I've never dreamed of being a professional athlete, not because I wouldn't enjoy it, but simply because there was never a doubt in my mind that I didn't have what it takes to be a professional basketball player. I have absolutely NO interest in politics. I love to write, but I don't ever remember entertaining the thought that I might one day write novels known around the world.
But once upon a time, I harbored the dream of being a professional musician. Not Bono or Springsteen, not Carrie Underwood or Miranda Lambert, not Rob Thomas or Santana. No, I dreamed of being the next Wynton Marsalis. The next Chris Botti.
I never wanted to be someone that was immediately recognized by face or name, anywhere in the world. But to be recognized by the masters of the brass instruments, in the small world of brass virtuosos??
That, my friends, would have been the perfect completion to my musical experience. I still dream when I play my horn.....
I have never wanted to be an actress, someone known worldwide for my looks or for the people I've dated (or even for the movie/television roles I've played, since that is what some actresses are known for). I've never dreamed of being a professional athlete, not because I wouldn't enjoy it, but simply because there was never a doubt in my mind that I didn't have what it takes to be a professional basketball player. I have absolutely NO interest in politics. I love to write, but I don't ever remember entertaining the thought that I might one day write novels known around the world.
But once upon a time, I harbored the dream of being a professional musician. Not Bono or Springsteen, not Carrie Underwood or Miranda Lambert, not Rob Thomas or Santana. No, I dreamed of being the next Wynton Marsalis. The next Chris Botti.
I never wanted to be someone that was immediately recognized by face or name, anywhere in the world. But to be recognized by the masters of the brass instruments, in the small world of brass virtuosos??
That, my friends, would have been the perfect completion to my musical experience. I still dream when I play my horn.....
Friday, February 24, 2012
Day 13 – Are you a morning or night person?
One of the hardest things I have to do each day is get up to go to work. I am NOT a morning person! I sleep best between the hours of 6am-12noon. I am the most awake, aware, observant and active between the hours of 4pm-12midnight. Nothing I've done has managed to change that. I've always been that way.
This has its distince advantages and disadvantages.
At work, my boss is in the office from 6am-3pm. She gets more accomplished before noon. I work 8am-5pm, and get more accomplished after I get back from lunch. Between the two of us, we have a nice little system going.
When I'm traveling, I LOVE to drive at night. I'm awake, there's no sun trying to blind me, and there is little-to-no traffic on the roads. Plus, once I've been up all day, followed by all night, I'm running on adrenaline, and can usually stay up another 12 hours, completing the "day" cycle. That means that I don't lose any precious vacation time.
On the flip side, I often feel like a louse when I sleep until noon on my non-work days, b/c everyone else I know gets up at a more reasonable time. Plus, that schedule makes it hard to get errands completed, due to normal business hours.
There are definitely times I miss working nights!!! It really fit my schedule!
This has its distince advantages and disadvantages.
At work, my boss is in the office from 6am-3pm. She gets more accomplished before noon. I work 8am-5pm, and get more accomplished after I get back from lunch. Between the two of us, we have a nice little system going.
When I'm traveling, I LOVE to drive at night. I'm awake, there's no sun trying to blind me, and there is little-to-no traffic on the roads. Plus, once I've been up all day, followed by all night, I'm running on adrenaline, and can usually stay up another 12 hours, completing the "day" cycle. That means that I don't lose any precious vacation time.
On the flip side, I often feel like a louse when I sleep until noon on my non-work days, b/c everyone else I know gets up at a more reasonable time. Plus, that schedule makes it hard to get errands completed, due to normal business hours.
There are definitely times I miss working nights!!! It really fit my schedule!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Day 12 – Who do you live with?
I live with my mommy.
No, seriously. I do. I live in a 4-bedroom/2 bath house, with a kitchen, dining room, den, living room, front porch, back deck, and pool, all on 1.5 acres of land (mostly woods). I originally moved into the house with both my parents and my younger brother, some 11 years ago. Things went fairly smoothly. I was supposed to move to South Carolina in October 2005, but sadly, my father passed away in June. I decided to stick around a little longer. As the years have passed, I've continued to stay in order to help my mom. My younger brother has stayed, as well. He will be moving out this summer, in order to be closer to campus and his classes at UGA.
The situation is finally working out to where I believe I'm going to be able to move. I've got a house in mind. I've got a roommate for my mom in mind. Now, I just have to wait for everything to fall into place.
Until then, I'll enjoy being able to step off my porch and into a pool. I do love my pool.
No, seriously. I do. I live in a 4-bedroom/2 bath house, with a kitchen, dining room, den, living room, front porch, back deck, and pool, all on 1.5 acres of land (mostly woods). I originally moved into the house with both my parents and my younger brother, some 11 years ago. Things went fairly smoothly. I was supposed to move to South Carolina in October 2005, but sadly, my father passed away in June. I decided to stick around a little longer. As the years have passed, I've continued to stay in order to help my mom. My younger brother has stayed, as well. He will be moving out this summer, in order to be closer to campus and his classes at UGA.
The situation is finally working out to where I believe I'm going to be able to move. I've got a house in mind. I've got a roommate for my mom in mind. Now, I just have to wait for everything to fall into place.
Until then, I'll enjoy being able to step off my porch and into a pool. I do love my pool.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Day 11 – How many languages do you speak? What are they?
I speak Southern. It's supposedly a recognized form of English. I'm a big fan of the word "ya'll." Also, I've never met a word that ends in "g." I go huntin' and fishin' and muddin' and divin'. You may catch fish, but I ketch 'em. It's breakfast, dinner and supper. We don't have soda or pop, we have Coke (though I have enough Yankee in me to prefer Pepsi, most of the time).
I am as fluent in Pig-Latin as I am in English/Southern (sometimes more so), and I enjoy using it to confuse those few who don't know it (Op is another fun gibberish language I'm fairly good at).
I've studied Spanish, Latin, American Sign Language, and some French and German, but I cannot hold a conversation in any of them.
I can read music fluently (treble and bass clefs), which is as much a way of communicating as any spoken language is.
I am as fluent in Pig-Latin as I am in English/Southern (sometimes more so), and I enjoy using it to confuse those few who don't know it (Op is another fun gibberish language I'm fairly good at).
I've studied Spanish, Latin, American Sign Language, and some French and German, but I cannot hold a conversation in any of them.
I can read music fluently (treble and bass clefs), which is as much a way of communicating as any spoken language is.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Day 10 – Do you have a religion? What is it?
I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses. It is a recognized religion, but most importantly, it is a way of life. I believe that it is only through his sacrifice that Jehovah God will include me in his future blessings. But it is more than accepting that Jesus died for my sins. It is living my life in recognition of that sacrifice. I don't always do a good job of it, but I try to live my life in imitation of Jesus Christ.
I was raised in a family of Witnesses, but I really didn't take religion (any religion) seriously until I was in my 20s. There were always the rules and morals and principles that I largely ignored (I dated a Marine - I can swear with the best of them), but there were also those that I was loath to break (drugs and sex). I really pushed the envelope sometimes, and yet I never truly crossed lines.
I continue, everyday, to struggle with honesty, respect, anger and self-control. I wish I was more loving, more generous, peacable, instead of being selfish and angry and picky. I suffer from depression and anxiety, and often find myself doubting God's ability to help me - or more, my ability to trust that God knows best, and to rely wholly on Him.
But on the good days, I know that I couldn't ask for anything more than what I have. I have the chance to continue to grow in love and knowledge for my heavenly Father, with the constant reminder that if He hadn't called me to Him, I wouldn't be where I am spiritually.
And if Jehovah God see something good in me, maybe I should try to see it myself.
I was raised in a family of Witnesses, but I really didn't take religion (any religion) seriously until I was in my 20s. There were always the rules and morals and principles that I largely ignored (I dated a Marine - I can swear with the best of them), but there were also those that I was loath to break (drugs and sex). I really pushed the envelope sometimes, and yet I never truly crossed lines.
I continue, everyday, to struggle with honesty, respect, anger and self-control. I wish I was more loving, more generous, peacable, instead of being selfish and angry and picky. I suffer from depression and anxiety, and often find myself doubting God's ability to help me - or more, my ability to trust that God knows best, and to rely wholly on Him.
But on the good days, I know that I couldn't ask for anything more than what I have. I have the chance to continue to grow in love and knowledge for my heavenly Father, with the constant reminder that if He hadn't called me to Him, I wouldn't be where I am spiritually.
And if Jehovah God see something good in me, maybe I should try to see it myself.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Day 9 – What are your hobbies?
I can see Alicia reading this, and just shaking her head, saying, "That girl has more hobbies....."
I blog, obviously. I've been writing - songs, poems, short stories, books - since I was about 12. It took me awhile to finally break into blogging, but now that I've done it, I'm hooked.
I am a certified scuba diver. I hike, run, bike, swim. I collect Monopoly games. I sing. I play trumpet, French horn, and guitar (a little piano, as well). Photography is both a hobby and a vocation. I travel every chance I get. I read, voraciously. I analyze movies and television shows the way English teachers analyze books (and then I blog about them). I go to sporting events - LOTS of sporting events. I'm active on numerous social networks.
OK, Ali, what have I forgotten????
I blog, obviously. I've been writing - songs, poems, short stories, books - since I was about 12. It took me awhile to finally break into blogging, but now that I've done it, I'm hooked.
I am a certified scuba diver. I hike, run, bike, swim. I collect Monopoly games. I sing. I play trumpet, French horn, and guitar (a little piano, as well). Photography is both a hobby and a vocation. I travel every chance I get. I read, voraciously. I analyze movies and television shows the way English teachers analyze books (and then I blog about them). I go to sporting events - LOTS of sporting events. I'm active on numerous social networks.
OK, Ali, what have I forgotten????
Thursday, February 09, 2012
Day 8 - How old are you? Do you like being the age you are?
I am 33. Honest-to-God truth. I'm not one of those people that is frightened by my age. Getting older doesn't bother me, so I see no point in hiding or lying about my age.
I've truly enjoyed being in my 30s. Hitting 30 gains you a modicum of respect from society. You can be just as dumb and immature as you were at 29, but turn that magic age of 30, and people actually tend to assume you've suddenly become almost respectable. I firmly believe in letting society continue to believe that, while I go on acting like a kid.
In truth, I don't feel like 33. Mentally and emotionally, I vacillate between feeling like I'm 18 and feeling like I'm about 21. That may not seem like a big difference, but it has to do with who I was at that time. At 18, I was a recent high school graduate, had a sort-of boyfriend, a limited part-time job and no car, and had absolutely no clue what I wanted to do with my life. At 21, I had a good job at Barnes & Noble, had recently kicked the so-called boyfriend to the curb for mutilating my heart and my self-confidence, had a good car, and had absolutely no clue what I wanted to do with my life. At 33, I have a great job at the University of Georgia, have mostly avoided members of the opposite sex (atleast in terms of romantic relationships), have my dream car, and have absolutely no clue what I want to do with my life - so you see, it's not much different from being 18 and 21. I may have more toys, but I still haven't figured out what my role in life is. I have ideas, but so far, they're not panning out.
If anything, I'd say the best part about being 33 is realizing that getting older doesn't mean finally reaching a point where you know what life is about. Life changes around every corner, and if you get up in the morning expecting those changes, it can be excited. Often frustrating, but always exciting.
In conclusion, I'd describe my age as this:
I'm still young enough to have fun and goof off and toss back a beer (or three) and get up and sing karaoke. But I'm mature enough to realize I don't know everything, and I allow myself to learn from my mistakes.
I've truly enjoyed being in my 30s. Hitting 30 gains you a modicum of respect from society. You can be just as dumb and immature as you were at 29, but turn that magic age of 30, and people actually tend to assume you've suddenly become almost respectable. I firmly believe in letting society continue to believe that, while I go on acting like a kid.
In truth, I don't feel like 33. Mentally and emotionally, I vacillate between feeling like I'm 18 and feeling like I'm about 21. That may not seem like a big difference, but it has to do with who I was at that time. At 18, I was a recent high school graduate, had a sort-of boyfriend, a limited part-time job and no car, and had absolutely no clue what I wanted to do with my life. At 21, I had a good job at Barnes & Noble, had recently kicked the so-called boyfriend to the curb for mutilating my heart and my self-confidence, had a good car, and had absolutely no clue what I wanted to do with my life. At 33, I have a great job at the University of Georgia, have mostly avoided members of the opposite sex (atleast in terms of romantic relationships), have my dream car, and have absolutely no clue what I want to do with my life - so you see, it's not much different from being 18 and 21. I may have more toys, but I still haven't figured out what my role in life is. I have ideas, but so far, they're not panning out.
If anything, I'd say the best part about being 33 is realizing that getting older doesn't mean finally reaching a point where you know what life is about. Life changes around every corner, and if you get up in the morning expecting those changes, it can be excited. Often frustrating, but always exciting.
In conclusion, I'd describe my age as this:
I'm still young enough to have fun and goof off and toss back a beer (or three) and get up and sing karaoke. But I'm mature enough to realize I don't know everything, and I allow myself to learn from my mistakes.
Saturday, February 04, 2012
Day 7 – Do you like sports? What are your favorite sport?
Everyone who knows me well is laughing at the questions. Do I like sports? Ha!
Over Thanksgiving 2011, I spent 4 days in Orlando at a college basketball tournament. I'll be going back again over Thanksgiving 2012.
In June 2012, I'll be attending major league baseball games at Nationals stadium in Washington, DC, and at Orioles Park at Camden Yard in Baltimore, MD.
I've been to major league baseball games in Atlanta (GO BRAVES!), Seattle, and Kansas City, and spring training games in Orlando (GO BRAVES!), and Sarasota. I travelled to North Port, FL, to watch my cousin pitch in high school, and will continue to travel to Orlando, FL, to watch him pitch in college.
I've gone to Greenville, SC, to watch teams from the NBA's Development League.
I spend my childhood going to Indiana State High School Basketball Sectionals each winter.
I've been to so many college football games that I have lost count of the number.
I went to USA v Norway baseball in the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games.
I've seen minor league baseball games in Little Rock, AR, Indianapolis, IN, and Chattanooga, TN.
As a staff member at the University of Georgia, I've been to basketball and baseball games, tennis matches, and I work the PGA Nationwide tour golf tournament every May (First Aid tent just off the 2nd tee). I'll be hitting softball, soccer, swimming and football this year.
In 14 days, I'll be attending my first ever PBR event, the Atlanta Invitational.
In September, I hope to run my first 5K, at Disney.
I am a certified scuba diver.
My all-time, absolutely no-questions-asked, over-everything-else favorite sport, in the entire world, is basketball. I. Love. Basketball. Watching it, listening to it, analyzing it, playing it, coaching it, everything about it!! I simply love it.
So, what do you think? Do I like sports?
Over Thanksgiving 2011, I spent 4 days in Orlando at a college basketball tournament. I'll be going back again over Thanksgiving 2012.
In June 2012, I'll be attending major league baseball games at Nationals stadium in Washington, DC, and at Orioles Park at Camden Yard in Baltimore, MD.
I've been to major league baseball games in Atlanta (GO BRAVES!), Seattle, and Kansas City, and spring training games in Orlando (GO BRAVES!), and Sarasota. I travelled to North Port, FL, to watch my cousin pitch in high school, and will continue to travel to Orlando, FL, to watch him pitch in college.
I've gone to Greenville, SC, to watch teams from the NBA's Development League.
I spend my childhood going to Indiana State High School Basketball Sectionals each winter.
I've been to so many college football games that I have lost count of the number.
I went to USA v Norway baseball in the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games.
I've seen minor league baseball games in Little Rock, AR, Indianapolis, IN, and Chattanooga, TN.
As a staff member at the University of Georgia, I've been to basketball and baseball games, tennis matches, and I work the PGA Nationwide tour golf tournament every May (First Aid tent just off the 2nd tee). I'll be hitting softball, soccer, swimming and football this year.
In 14 days, I'll be attending my first ever PBR event, the Atlanta Invitational.
In September, I hope to run my first 5K, at Disney.
I am a certified scuba diver.
My all-time, absolutely no-questions-asked, over-everything-else favorite sport, in the entire world, is basketball. I. Love. Basketball. Watching it, listening to it, analyzing it, playing it, coaching it, everything about it!! I simply love it.
So, what do you think? Do I like sports?
Friday, February 03, 2012
Day 6 – What do you do in your free time?
With this question, there is an implication that I have free time. I find that amusing.
My schedule:
Monday
work - 8am-5pm (home around 6pm)
supper and relax - 6-7pm
personal Bible study - 7-8pm
shower, get ready for bed - 8-9pm
in bed - somewhere between 9-10pm
Tuesday
work - 8am-5pm (home around 6pm)
supper and relax - 6-7pm
personal Bible study - 7-8pm
shower, get ready for bed - 8-9pm
in bed - somewhere between 9-10pm
Wednesday
work - 8am-5pm (home around 6pm)
supper and shower - 6-7pm
Bible meeting - 7-10pm
in bed - ASAP
Thursday
work - 8am-5pm (home around 6pm)
hike at campus lake - 5:30-6:30pm (home around 7pm)
supper and personal Bible study - 7-8pm
shower, get ready for bed - 8-9pm
in bed - somewhere between 9-10pm
Friday
work - 8am-5pm
gym workout - 5:30-6:30pm (home around 7pm)
suuper - 7pm
personal Bible study - 7:30-8:30pm
shower, get ready for bed - by 10pm
Saturday
public ministry/field service - 9am-12noon
Sunday
Bible meeting - 9:30am-12noon
For the next two months, I also have either an extra gym workout, or a fitness class, one other evening a week. After that program ends, photography school starts up again, and I'll be in class every Tuesday evening from 6-8pm, probably until August, when I graduate.
In March and August, I spend most weekend at photo shoots. There are other occasional and random shoots thrown in throughout the year, as well.
Now for the fun stuff:
Atleast once a month, I spend a weekend in South Carolina with my Bug and his family. I occasionally visit separately to do some hiking or scuba diving at one of the lakes/state parks in SC.
I make approximately 3 trips to Florida each year to visit family (and Walt Disney World). I try to attend several college and/or professional sporting events each year. This year, I'll be spending a weekend in Birmingham, AL, at an Indy car race. I love to hike and swim, and do both whenever I can find the time (swimming happens rather frequently in the warmer weather, when it's not dark when I get home from work). I enjoy reading, blogging, playing my trumpet, and do them as often as possible. I play a lot of Words With Friends.
In all honestly, I'm pretty boring.
My schedule:
Monday
work - 8am-5pm (home around 6pm)
supper and relax - 6-7pm
personal Bible study - 7-8pm
shower, get ready for bed - 8-9pm
in bed - somewhere between 9-10pm
Tuesday
work - 8am-5pm (home around 6pm)
supper and relax - 6-7pm
personal Bible study - 7-8pm
shower, get ready for bed - 8-9pm
in bed - somewhere between 9-10pm
Wednesday
work - 8am-5pm (home around 6pm)
supper and shower - 6-7pm
Bible meeting - 7-10pm
in bed - ASAP
Thursday
work - 8am-5pm (home around 6pm)
hike at campus lake - 5:30-6:30pm (home around 7pm)
supper and personal Bible study - 7-8pm
shower, get ready for bed - 8-9pm
in bed - somewhere between 9-10pm
Friday
work - 8am-5pm
gym workout - 5:30-6:30pm (home around 7pm)
suuper - 7pm
personal Bible study - 7:30-8:30pm
shower, get ready for bed - by 10pm
Saturday
public ministry/field service - 9am-12noon
Sunday
Bible meeting - 9:30am-12noon
For the next two months, I also have either an extra gym workout, or a fitness class, one other evening a week. After that program ends, photography school starts up again, and I'll be in class every Tuesday evening from 6-8pm, probably until August, when I graduate.
In March and August, I spend most weekend at photo shoots. There are other occasional and random shoots thrown in throughout the year, as well.
Now for the fun stuff:
Atleast once a month, I spend a weekend in South Carolina with my Bug and his family. I occasionally visit separately to do some hiking or scuba diving at one of the lakes/state parks in SC.
I make approximately 3 trips to Florida each year to visit family (and Walt Disney World). I try to attend several college and/or professional sporting events each year. This year, I'll be spending a weekend in Birmingham, AL, at an Indy car race. I love to hike and swim, and do both whenever I can find the time (swimming happens rather frequently in the warmer weather, when it's not dark when I get home from work). I enjoy reading, blogging, playing my trumpet, and do them as often as possible. I play a lot of Words With Friends.
In all honestly, I'm pretty boring.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Day 5 – Have you ever met a famous person? Who was it?
I always struggle with this question. What, exactly, constitutes famous? Famous, as in, President Barack Obama, someone that 99.9% of America and a large percentage of the rest of the known world, is familiar with? Famous, as in, Matthew Stafford, former UGA quarterback and current NFL quarterback? Famous, as in, Warren Buffet?
There are so many factors that decide fame.
That said, here is a list of people I've met that I consider, atleast in my little world, famous:
Dale Murphy
Russ Nixon
Claude Raymond
Herb Score
Phil Niekro
Luke Recker
Dean Oliver
Vince Dooley
Mark Fox
Mark Richt (OK, I haven't met him yet, but I will, on April 19!)
Jair Jurrjens
Boss Bailey
the Wilkinsons
Wynton Marsalis (twice!!! He even gave me a trumpet lesson!!!)
For those of you who haven't figured it out yet, virtually every single person in the list above is in the sports world. The MLB, NFL, NBA, NCAA football, NCAA basketball - they all played, managed, and/or coached. The others listed are musicians, in the country genre and jazz genre.
I'm sure there are others I've met, whether they'd already reached a modicum of fame, or they were on their way up the ladder rungs. But when I think of famous, it's the list above that I think of. These are the people that were important in my world.
There are so many factors that decide fame.
That said, here is a list of people I've met that I consider, atleast in my little world, famous:
Dale Murphy
Russ Nixon
Claude Raymond
Herb Score
Phil Niekro
Luke Recker
Dean Oliver
Vince Dooley
Mark Fox
Mark Richt (OK, I haven't met him yet, but I will, on April 19!)
Jair Jurrjens
Boss Bailey
the Wilkinsons
Wynton Marsalis (twice!!! He even gave me a trumpet lesson!!!)
For those of you who haven't figured it out yet, virtually every single person in the list above is in the sports world. The MLB, NFL, NBA, NCAA football, NCAA basketball - they all played, managed, and/or coached. The others listed are musicians, in the country genre and jazz genre.
I'm sure there are others I've met, whether they'd already reached a modicum of fame, or they were on their way up the ladder rungs. But when I think of famous, it's the list above that I think of. These are the people that were important in my world.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Day 4 – Where do you live? Have you ever lived in another country from where you do currently?
I live in NE Georgia. I won't give specifics, but I do work at the University of Georgia, so you now have the general area of my existence. I'm close enough to Atlanta to drive down for something special (like, the PBR's Atlanta Invitational, to which I now officially have tickets!!!), and close enough to Greenville to drive up for the same things. Situated between those two major cities, I have various family members that I can easily visit at most any given time.
I've lived in Georgia for most of my life. I was born in Florida, and lived there for almost 2 years, before moving to Atlanta. I lived in the suburbs of Atlanta for 22 years before moving up near Athens. A year later, I moved briefly to Phoenix, Arizona, and then returned to the Athens, GA, area. Since then, I've been close to moving on several occassions, always with the intention of making my way permanently back to Florida. I now know that I will never return to live in Florida, unless major changes happen. I am in love with a little boy in South Carolina, and don't know how I could live without being able to visit him atleast once a month. He's my <3. South Carolina is where I will be.....soon, very soon, I hope.
I have never lived in another country. I've visited several, but never for more than a day or two at a time. I once considered the idea of doing some missionary work in Mexico, and I won't rule that idea out, but at this time, that plan has been tabled.
I've lived in Georgia for most of my life. I was born in Florida, and lived there for almost 2 years, before moving to Atlanta. I lived in the suburbs of Atlanta for 22 years before moving up near Athens. A year later, I moved briefly to Phoenix, Arizona, and then returned to the Athens, GA, area. Since then, I've been close to moving on several occassions, always with the intention of making my way permanently back to Florida. I now know that I will never return to live in Florida, unless major changes happen. I am in love with a little boy in South Carolina, and don't know how I could live without being able to visit him atleast once a month. He's my <3. South Carolina is where I will be.....soon, very soon, I hope.
I have never lived in another country. I've visited several, but never for more than a day or two at a time. I once considered the idea of doing some missionary work in Mexico, and I won't rule that idea out, but at this time, that plan has been tabled.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Day 3 – Do you like to cook? What’s your favorite food? Are you good at cooking?
I like to bake and I like to grill. Otherwise, I cook because I have to.
My favorite thing to fix is Vernon's Special Chicken. It's a secret recipe (unless you know who to bribe), and takes a while to fix, but MAN, it's worth it!! Best served with the chicken is mashed potatoes or potato salad, green beans (another secret, special recipe), and good, Southern sweet tea.
I can grill just about anything that'll fit on my grill, but I rule at chicken, burgers and dogs. I've done fish and other seafood, and I've done kabobs, but I'm better at the heartier, more durable meats. I have yet to try ribs.
I also rule at chili. I made my own recipe for chili, and over the years, have tweaked and perfected said recipe. It's amazing chili!
I'm not a bad cook, but I burn water. I tend to get sidetracked with other things while cooking, so it's best not to have me do something that can't be set to a timer. And aside from my chili, I have to have a recipe, and I have to follow the recipe TO. THE. LETTER. I cannot deviate, or I get panicky. And if the recipe says to eyeball something, or add until a certain texture is reached, forget it! I need precise measurements, even if it's something I've made many times before (even my chili is based on can sizes - no preopened-and-saved-in-the-refrigerator items allowed).
My favorite thing to fix is Vernon's Special Chicken. It's a secret recipe (unless you know who to bribe), and takes a while to fix, but MAN, it's worth it!! Best served with the chicken is mashed potatoes or potato salad, green beans (another secret, special recipe), and good, Southern sweet tea.
I can grill just about anything that'll fit on my grill, but I rule at chicken, burgers and dogs. I've done fish and other seafood, and I've done kabobs, but I'm better at the heartier, more durable meats. I have yet to try ribs.
I also rule at chili. I made my own recipe for chili, and over the years, have tweaked and perfected said recipe. It's amazing chili!
I'm not a bad cook, but I burn water. I tend to get sidetracked with other things while cooking, so it's best not to have me do something that can't be set to a timer. And aside from my chili, I have to have a recipe, and I have to follow the recipe TO. THE. LETTER. I cannot deviate, or I get panicky. And if the recipe says to eyeball something, or add until a certain texture is reached, forget it! I need precise measurements, even if it's something I've made many times before (even my chili is based on can sizes - no preopened-and-saved-in-the-refrigerator items allowed).
Friday, January 20, 2012
Day 2 – Do you have any pets? If yes, what kinds, and what are their names? If not, why don’t you have any pets?
In my mind, I have a dog. A lab/German shepherd mix. He looks like a shepherd, with the temperment of the lab. His name is Gus Gus. I love dogs. One day, I will have a Gus Gus.
I don't like cats.
I have 4 cats.
Gracie is my old girl. She will be 16 in April, and I've had her since the day she was born. She is a sweet-natured calico who loves attention, and loves to cuddle at night. Because of my crazy schedule (and her advancing age), she lives next door with my brother's family, where there is someone home virtually 24/7/365.
At 5, Tiger Lily is the indoor baby. She showed up on my back deck in November 2006, a tiny, silky, solid white ball of fur, staring up out of crystal blue eyes. It took me about 2 weeks to get her to let me touch her, but once she figured out that all I wanted to do was pet her, she warmed right up. I brought her into house one night when the temps dropped into the teens, and blocked her up in my bathroom. The little brat figured out how to move all the towels and blankets shoved under the doors, and I woke in the middle of the night to the kitten meowing at me from the floor beside my bed. Thinking someone had accidentally let her out, I put her back in the bathroom. She was back in my room 5 minutes later. She has been inside ever since, and though she is now full-grown and weighing in at 11lbs, she still believes she is a kitten. Her entire life revolves around playtime and attention. She still sleeps on the floor beside my bed.
The outdoor baby is Fluffies. He's a gray tabby stray kitten that lives in my backyard. I didn't have any intention on keeping him, but he really is a sweetie. All the outdoor strays are called "Fluffies" by me, so I guess he needs a name, since he's about to get neutered and made a permanent member of the family. He shall, from here on forward, by known as Flynn (as in, Rider).
The love of my life, despite the fact that she is a cat, is Mocha. Mocha was born in May 2005. I met her the day I brought her home from the vet's office. Carol and Kyle adopted a little brown kitten from the vet in July 2005, and I just thought that little kitten was the cutest thing! All tiny and fuzzy and the color of a Hershey bar. While at the office, the vet tech informed us that she was fostering the rest of the litter, and that there was one other kitten with the same coloring, a little girl. Sight unseen, I adopted her. Almost 2 weeks later, we picked up our new kittens. I held the carrier all the way home, but it wasn't until we got inside the house that I was able to coax my little girl out and get a look at her. I usually only tolerate cats, but from day one, I was totally in love with my Mocha. She is my Baby Girl, and she knows it. Mocha is independent, easily disturbed, ornery, and firmly believes that every other cat needs to be on another planet. She is often anti-social, which makes the times that she wants to cuddle even more special. For all her quirks, though, Mocha is one of the sweetest cats I've ever met.
I don't like cats.
I have 4 cats.
Gracie is my old girl. She will be 16 in April, and I've had her since the day she was born. She is a sweet-natured calico who loves attention, and loves to cuddle at night. Because of my crazy schedule (and her advancing age), she lives next door with my brother's family, where there is someone home virtually 24/7/365.
At 5, Tiger Lily is the indoor baby. She showed up on my back deck in November 2006, a tiny, silky, solid white ball of fur, staring up out of crystal blue eyes. It took me about 2 weeks to get her to let me touch her, but once she figured out that all I wanted to do was pet her, she warmed right up. I brought her into house one night when the temps dropped into the teens, and blocked her up in my bathroom. The little brat figured out how to move all the towels and blankets shoved under the doors, and I woke in the middle of the night to the kitten meowing at me from the floor beside my bed. Thinking someone had accidentally let her out, I put her back in the bathroom. She was back in my room 5 minutes later. She has been inside ever since, and though she is now full-grown and weighing in at 11lbs, she still believes she is a kitten. Her entire life revolves around playtime and attention. She still sleeps on the floor beside my bed.
The outdoor baby is Fluffies. He's a gray tabby stray kitten that lives in my backyard. I didn't have any intention on keeping him, but he really is a sweetie. All the outdoor strays are called "Fluffies" by me, so I guess he needs a name, since he's about to get neutered and made a permanent member of the family. He shall, from here on forward, by known as Flynn (as in, Rider).
The love of my life, despite the fact that she is a cat, is Mocha. Mocha was born in May 2005. I met her the day I brought her home from the vet's office. Carol and Kyle adopted a little brown kitten from the vet in July 2005, and I just thought that little kitten was the cutest thing! All tiny and fuzzy and the color of a Hershey bar. While at the office, the vet tech informed us that she was fostering the rest of the litter, and that there was one other kitten with the same coloring, a little girl. Sight unseen, I adopted her. Almost 2 weeks later, we picked up our new kittens. I held the carrier all the way home, but it wasn't until we got inside the house that I was able to coax my little girl out and get a look at her. I usually only tolerate cats, but from day one, I was totally in love with my Mocha. She is my Baby Girl, and she knows it. Mocha is independent, easily disturbed, ornery, and firmly believes that every other cat needs to be on another planet. She is often anti-social, which makes the times that she wants to cuddle even more special. For all her quirks, though, Mocha is one of the sweetest cats I've ever met.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Day 1 – What is your name? Were you named after someone else? Do you like your name?
Laura Diane Burris. Socially, it's Laura Burris. Professionally and legally, I always use Laura D Burris (or, in the case of my photography business, ldburris).
My first name is a family name. Going back several generations on my mother's side, you can usually find atleast one Laura in each generation. Specifically, my name came from my maternal aunt, Laura Ann Davis. She was the only sibling that my mother never met, as she died at the age of 5-days, in 1941, three years before my mother's birth. I like to say that my middle name is a variation of Aunt Laura's middle name, but enough different to separate me from my maternal cousin, Lara Ann. In truth, my parents had three possible names in mind for me: Laura Nicole, Laura Charlotte, and Laura Diane.
Growing up, I always wished that my parents had chosen Laura Charlotte. Charlotte was my grandmother's name, and a name that I love. I also wanted a nickname, and you just can't create a nickname from Laura Diane. With Laura Charlotte, I could have been Charlie. I was a tomboy. I wanted a boy's name. I was always glad I wasn't Laura Nicole, as that name combination is all too common. As I got older, I grew to appreciate my chosen middle name. I have yet to meet another Laura Diane. It's different, and it suits me.
My first name is a family name. Going back several generations on my mother's side, you can usually find atleast one Laura in each generation. Specifically, my name came from my maternal aunt, Laura Ann Davis. She was the only sibling that my mother never met, as she died at the age of 5-days, in 1941, three years before my mother's birth. I like to say that my middle name is a variation of Aunt Laura's middle name, but enough different to separate me from my maternal cousin, Lara Ann. In truth, my parents had three possible names in mind for me: Laura Nicole, Laura Charlotte, and Laura Diane.
Growing up, I always wished that my parents had chosen Laura Charlotte. Charlotte was my grandmother's name, and a name that I love. I also wanted a nickname, and you just can't create a nickname from Laura Diane. With Laura Charlotte, I could have been Charlie. I was a tomboy. I wanted a boy's name. I was always glad I wasn't Laura Nicole, as that name combination is all too common. As I got older, I grew to appreciate my chosen middle name. I have yet to meet another Laura Diane. It's different, and it suits me.
15-day Introductions Blog Challenge
Day 1 – What is your name? Were you named after someone else? Do you like your name?
Day 2 – Do you have any pets? If yes, what kinds, and what are their names? If not, why don’t you have any pets?
Day 3 – Do you like to cook? What’s your favorite food? Are you good at cooking?
Day 4 – Where do you live? Have you ever lived in another country from where you do currently?
Day 5 – Have you ever met a famous person? Who was it?
Day 6 – What do you do in your free time?
Day 7 – Do you like sports? What are your favorite sport?
Day 8 – How old are you? Do you like being the age you are?
Day 9 – What are your hobbies?
Day 10 – Do you have a religion? What is it?
Day 11 – How many languages do you speak? What are they?
Day 12 – Who do you live with?
Day 13 – Are you a morning or night person?
Day 14 – Would you want to be famous? Why or why not?
Day 15 – What are five things people don’t know about you?
Day 3 – Do you like to cook? What’s your favorite food? Are you good at cooking?
Day 4 – Where do you live? Have you ever lived in another country from where you do currently?
Day 5 – Have you ever met a famous person? Who was it?
Day 6 – What do you do in your free time?
Day 7 – Do you like sports? What are your favorite sport?
Day 8 – How old are you? Do you like being the age you are?
Day 9 – What are your hobbies?
Day 10 – Do you have a religion? What is it?
Day 11 – How many languages do you speak? What are they?
Day 12 – Who do you live with?
Day 13 – Are you a morning or night person?
Day 14 – Would you want to be famous? Why or why not?
Day 15 – What are five things people don’t know about you?
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Day 10 - Anything you want about 90s Nickelodeon or the Disney Channel.
BRING BACK MICKEY MOUSE!
Really, that sums it all up.
Disney has always been a company of greatness, even when the world didn't recognize it yet. Technologically and creatively advanced, the Disney company has wowed children and adults alike for almost 100 years. Walt Disney once famously said, "I only hope that we don't lose sight of one thing - that it was all started by a mouse." Mickey Mouse was not the first of Walt's beloved characters (see Alice, Oswald and Mortimer), but he will always be the iconic one. Mickey Mouse is Disney, and Disney is Mickey Mouse.
As my previous posts have shown, I have been a fan of a wide variety of Disney projects over the years. From Welcome to Pooh Corner and Dumbo's Circus to Mousterpiece Theatre and Flash Forward to Kim Possible and TaleSpin, I have enjoyed things all along the spectrum of works known collectively as Disney. From the day the Disney Channel first aired, there was hardly a day that went by where I didn't watch something, even if it was only a few shorts minutes of DTV. But then the new millenium hit.
Over the pasts ten years, it has seemed to me (and not only me) that the Disney company has done just what Walt warned against. They have forgotten the Mouse that started it all. Gone are the classic cartoons of Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Donald and Daisy. Gone are the modern cartoons of more recent characters, like DuckTales, The Little Mermaid, The Emperor's New School, and TaleSpin. In their place are Phineas and Ferb, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, and Hannah Montana.
Each of those shows, in and of itself, does not flow against the current. Again, there were many original series that I truly enjoyed. But those earlier shows were intermixed with a good selection of programming related to Disney origins.
I believe the Disney company would do well to bring back some of the classics. Not all day, everyday, but something as simple as a block of time one of two nights a week. Bring back Vault Disney, bring back midnight showings of Zorro and The Ballad of Davy Crockett, bring back replays of the Walt Disney anthology series.
Bug, my 3-year-old cousin, is only just now learning who Mickey Mouse is. THIS IS A PROBLEM! I knew who Mickey Mouse was shortly after leaving the womb. By 3, I was obsessed. Now, not every child will become a Disneyphile. But all, atleast is the US, should know who/what Disney is.
I want the Disney company to continue to flourish and grow, but they can't truly move forward without continuing to acknowledge their heritage.
Really, that sums it all up.
Disney has always been a company of greatness, even when the world didn't recognize it yet. Technologically and creatively advanced, the Disney company has wowed children and adults alike for almost 100 years. Walt Disney once famously said, "I only hope that we don't lose sight of one thing - that it was all started by a mouse." Mickey Mouse was not the first of Walt's beloved characters (see Alice, Oswald and Mortimer), but he will always be the iconic one. Mickey Mouse is Disney, and Disney is Mickey Mouse.
As my previous posts have shown, I have been a fan of a wide variety of Disney projects over the years. From Welcome to Pooh Corner and Dumbo's Circus to Mousterpiece Theatre and Flash Forward to Kim Possible and TaleSpin, I have enjoyed things all along the spectrum of works known collectively as Disney. From the day the Disney Channel first aired, there was hardly a day that went by where I didn't watch something, even if it was only a few shorts minutes of DTV. But then the new millenium hit.
Over the pasts ten years, it has seemed to me (and not only me) that the Disney company has done just what Walt warned against. They have forgotten the Mouse that started it all. Gone are the classic cartoons of Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Donald and Daisy. Gone are the modern cartoons of more recent characters, like DuckTales, The Little Mermaid, The Emperor's New School, and TaleSpin. In their place are Phineas and Ferb, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, and Hannah Montana.
Each of those shows, in and of itself, does not flow against the current. Again, there were many original series that I truly enjoyed. But those earlier shows were intermixed with a good selection of programming related to Disney origins.
I believe the Disney company would do well to bring back some of the classics. Not all day, everyday, but something as simple as a block of time one of two nights a week. Bring back Vault Disney, bring back midnight showings of Zorro and The Ballad of Davy Crockett, bring back replays of the Walt Disney anthology series.
Bug, my 3-year-old cousin, is only just now learning who Mickey Mouse is. THIS IS A PROBLEM! I knew who Mickey Mouse was shortly after leaving the womb. By 3, I was obsessed. Now, not every child will become a Disneyphile. But all, atleast is the US, should know who/what Disney is.
I want the Disney company to continue to flourish and grow, but they can't truly move forward without continuing to acknowledge their heritage.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Day 9 - Should they bring back shows from the 90s on Disney Channel like they have for Nickelodeon?
OMG, YES! ABSOLUTELY YES!
Flash ForwardThe Famous Jett Jackson
The Jersey
So Weird
*Spellbinder
Ocean Girl
*DuckTales
*Good Morning, Mickey!
*The Ink and Paint Club
*Gummi Bears
The Adventure of Rin Tin Tin
*Aladdin
*Chip 'n' Dale Rescue Rangers
*Darkwing Duck
*Donald's Quack Attack
*Mickey's Mouse Tracks
*The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
*TaleSpin
*The Magical World of Disney/Walt Disney Presents
*Mousterpiece Theater
*Avonlea
Starred (*) shows should be the first to come back. These shows (except for Spellbinder) get closer to what I firmly believe the Disney Channel should stand for.
Flash ForwardThe Famous Jett Jackson
The Jersey
So Weird
*Spellbinder
Ocean Girl
*DuckTales
*Good Morning, Mickey!
*The Ink and Paint Club
*Gummi Bears
The Adventure of Rin Tin Tin
*Aladdin
*Chip 'n' Dale Rescue Rangers
*Darkwing Duck
*Donald's Quack Attack
*Mickey's Mouse Tracks
*The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
*TaleSpin
*The Magical World of Disney/Walt Disney Presents
*Mousterpiece Theater
*Avonlea
Starred (*) shows should be the first to come back. These shows (except for Spellbinder) get closer to what I firmly believe the Disney Channel should stand for.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Day 8 - Who was your least favorite 90s Disney Channel actor/actress?
As much as I've tried to like Erik von Detten throughout the years, the boy just annoys me. Don't get me wrong, he did a fantastic job as the voice of Sid Phillips in Toy Story, and I loved his characters in The Princess Diaries and Dinotopia. But his pretty much ends right there. Every other character I've ever seen him play is exactly the same. There is no depth to his acting, and his characters (however lovable) come across as idiotic losers. He needs to stick to voice acting, where he shines.
There weren't any actresses that I especially disliked.
There weren't any actresses that I especially disliked.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Day 7 - Who was your favorite 90s Disney Channel actor/actress?
Actor:Honorable mentions: Zachary Ansley (The Journey of Natty Gann, Cowboys Don't Cry, Miracle on Interstate 880, Road to Avonlea), Zbych Trofimiuk (Spellbinder), Jeffrey Walker (Sky Trackers, Ocean Girl, Snowy River: The McGregor Saga, The Wayne Manifesto, Thunderstone), David Hoflin (Ocean Girl, The Lost World, Swimming Upstream), Zachary Bennett (All I Wanna Do, Road to Avonlea, By Way of the Stars, Shattered City: The Halifax Explosion), Eric Lively (Armed and Innocent, So Weird, A Mother's Fight for Justice, The Pact, Deep Winter, 24: The Redemption).
The actor from the Disney Channel that I would consider my favorite is one that continues to be my favorite, and with every role, continues to amaze me with his ability to portray a character. Ben Foster (Flash Forward, The Laramie Project, Bang Bang, You're Dead, 3:10 to Yuma, The Messenger, Pandorum, The Mechanic) is one of the most prolific actors I've ever seen. While he has done roles I didn't like, the were roles I would not have liked, no matter who was portraying them. If those characters had any redeeming quality, it would be that they were portrayed by Ben Foster.
Actress:
Honorable mentions: Christy Carlson Romano (Kim Possible, Even Stevens, Looking for an Echo), Lindy Booth (The Famous Jett Jackson, October Road, The Philanthropist), Courtnee Draper (The Jersey, The Thirteenth Year, Veronica Mars), Hilary Duff (Lizzie McGuire, Raise Your Voice, Beauty & the Briefcase, American Dreams, Gossip Girl), Gema Zamprogna (Road to Avonlea, By Way of the Stars, The Challengers), Sarah Polley (Road to Avonlea, White Lies, Ramona), Marzena Godecki (Ocean Girl), Gosia Piotrowska (Spellbinder), Jewel Staite (Flash Forward, Da Vinci's Inquest, Higher Ground, Firefly, Serenity, Stargate: Atlantis, Cheats).
Of all the actresses that I can think of that graced the screen during the Disney Channel's 1990s run, my absolute favorite has to be Emmy Rossum (Genius, Mystic River, The Day After Tomorrow, Poseidon, The Phantom of the Opera). For the sake of my sanity, we will forget that the movie Dare was ever even filmed.
The actor from the Disney Channel that I would consider my favorite is one that continues to be my favorite, and with every role, continues to amaze me with his ability to portray a character. Ben Foster (Flash Forward, The Laramie Project, Bang Bang, You're Dead, 3:10 to Yuma, The Messenger, Pandorum, The Mechanic) is one of the most prolific actors I've ever seen. While he has done roles I didn't like, the were roles I would not have liked, no matter who was portraying them. If those characters had any redeeming quality, it would be that they were portrayed by Ben Foster.
Actress:
Honorable mentions: Christy Carlson Romano (Kim Possible, Even Stevens, Looking for an Echo), Lindy Booth (The Famous Jett Jackson, October Road, The Philanthropist), Courtnee Draper (The Jersey, The Thirteenth Year, Veronica Mars), Hilary Duff (Lizzie McGuire, Raise Your Voice, Beauty & the Briefcase, American Dreams, Gossip Girl), Gema Zamprogna (Road to Avonlea, By Way of the Stars, The Challengers), Sarah Polley (Road to Avonlea, White Lies, Ramona), Marzena Godecki (Ocean Girl), Gosia Piotrowska (Spellbinder), Jewel Staite (Flash Forward, Da Vinci's Inquest, Higher Ground, Firefly, Serenity, Stargate: Atlantis, Cheats).
Of all the actresses that I can think of that graced the screen during the Disney Channel's 1990s run, my absolute favorite has to be Emmy Rossum (Genius, Mystic River, The Day After Tomorrow, Poseidon, The Phantom of the Opera). For the sake of my sanity, we will forget that the movie Dare was ever even filmed.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Day 6 - What was your least favorite show on the 90s Disney Channel?
I wasn't a big fan of the gameshows that were broadcast, though you could periodically find me watching Teen Win, Lose or Draw. Disney also acquired some programming in the 90s that I didn't really care for, such as Brotherly Love and Growing Pains. Again, I wasn't a big fan, but I didn't abjectly dislike them. However, New Kids on the Block, the animated series, is a completely different horse. Don't get me wrong. I was, and still am, a HUGE fan of NKOTB. I still have all my old cassette tapes, plus digital copies downloaded to my computer, phone and mp3 player. But the animated series was absolutely ridiculous! The voices were provided by outside voice actors, very little music was used in the show. The plots were slapstick and stupid. Ultimately, the show did nothing but hinder the group's already waning popularity.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Day 5 - What was your favorite show from the 90s Disney Channel?
Now we're getting into the fun part!!!
Movies:
Chips, The War Dog
Back to Hannibal: The Return of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn
Airborne (I hate to admit it, but I'll still watch this if I catch it on TV. I had a thing for Shane McDermott)
The Whipping Boy (based on one of my all-time favorite books, The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman)
Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century
The Thirteenth Year
Smart House
Johnny Tsunami
Genius
Series:
I watched all of the following:
Flash Forward
Bug Juice
The Famous Jett Jackson
The Jersey
So Weird
The Mickey Mouse Club
Jeff Corwin show
Spellbinder
Ocean Girl
Ready or Not
The Torkelsons
DuckTales
Good Morning, Mickey!
The Ink and Paint Club
Gummi Bears
The Adventure of Rin Tin Tin
Aladdin
Chip 'n' Dale Rescue Rangers
Darkwing Duck
Donald's Quack Attack
Mickey's Mouse Tracks
The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
TaleSpin
The Magical World of Disney/Walt Disney Presents
Eerie, Indiana
Danger Bay
But my two absolute favorites during the 1990s were Mousterpiece Theater and Avonlea.
Mousterpiece Theater was a parody of the PBS show Masterpiece Theatre. Hosted by George Plimpton, who background information on each part, the show featured classic Disney cartoons. The show ran in the evenings, as it was geared toward older cartoon enthusiasts, as opposed to children. I still have strong memories of sitting in my livingroon after the sun had gone down, and settling in for an evening with George and Mickey.
Avonlea (or Road to Avonlea) was a Canadian series produced in association with the Disney Channel, based on a series of books by L.M. Montgomery. Set in the fictional town of Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, the show focused on the King family and those they interacted with. The show had several characters from the original Anne of Green Gables movies (and was produced by the same company, Sullivan Entertainment), and took place after the character of Anne Shirley left PEI. Like the Anne series, Avonlea was filmed in soft-focus, taught lessons without over-emphasizing them, and highlighted the innocence of life in the early 20th century, while still allowing the characters to discover their own independence and to be affected by the changing times.
As you can see, I was a Disney Channel girl!
Movies:
Chips, The War Dog
Back to Hannibal: The Return of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn
Airborne (I hate to admit it, but I'll still watch this if I catch it on TV. I had a thing for Shane McDermott)
The Whipping Boy (based on one of my all-time favorite books, The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman)
Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century
The Thirteenth Year
Smart House
Johnny Tsunami
Genius
Series:
I watched all of the following:
Flash Forward
Bug Juice
The Famous Jett Jackson
The Jersey
So Weird
The Mickey Mouse Club
Jeff Corwin show
Spellbinder
Ocean Girl
Ready or Not
The Torkelsons
DuckTales
Good Morning, Mickey!
The Ink and Paint Club
Gummi Bears
The Adventure of Rin Tin Tin
Aladdin
Chip 'n' Dale Rescue Rangers
Darkwing Duck
Donald's Quack Attack
Mickey's Mouse Tracks
The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
TaleSpin
The Magical World of Disney/Walt Disney Presents
Eerie, Indiana
Danger Bay
But my two absolute favorites during the 1990s were Mousterpiece Theater and Avonlea.
Mousterpiece Theater was a parody of the PBS show Masterpiece Theatre. Hosted by George Plimpton, who background information on each part, the show featured classic Disney cartoons. The show ran in the evenings, as it was geared toward older cartoon enthusiasts, as opposed to children. I still have strong memories of sitting in my livingroon after the sun had gone down, and settling in for an evening with George and Mickey.
Avonlea (or Road to Avonlea) was a Canadian series produced in association with the Disney Channel, based on a series of books by L.M. Montgomery. Set in the fictional town of Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, the show focused on the King family and those they interacted with. The show had several characters from the original Anne of Green Gables movies (and was produced by the same company, Sullivan Entertainment), and took place after the character of Anne Shirley left PEI. Like the Anne series, Avonlea was filmed in soft-focus, taught lessons without over-emphasizing them, and highlighted the innocence of life in the early 20th century, while still allowing the characters to discover their own independence and to be affected by the changing times.
As you can see, I was a Disney Channel girl!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
A Bug Goes to the Zoo
(simultaneously posted on A Mousecacher in Disney's World)
Just three weeks after FINALLY having custom orthotics made, I decided to give them a true road test. On October 15, Bug and Peanut brought their parents down for a trip to Zoo Atlanta and the Georgia Aquarium. They picked me up early in the morning, and we made the trek to Grant Park, home of the zoo. It was their first visit. It was my first visit since 1991. I don't know who was more excited. They were all excited about seeing the animals, I was excited to watch Bug as he saw the animals.
As we're walking through the entrance, the conversation went something like this:
Me: "Bug, what animal do you want to see today?"
Bug: "Giraffelephant." Yes, that is one word.
Me, laughing: "The giraffelephant, huh? Well, what about brother? What animal does he want to see?"
You must remember that Peanut, at this point, is only 9 months old, and doesn't really grasp what animals are.
Bug: "He wants to see the pig." Matter-of-fact. Peanut wants to see the pig. I love this kid!
One of the first exhibits had just what Bug wanted. A giraffelephant. Or, maybe it was an area that had BOTH a giraffe AND and an elephant together. Either way, he was happy! I think he would have stayed there all day long, if only we'd let him.
Along the way, there were gorillas, lions, tigers, pandas, snakes (Bug wasn't impressed with those), a naked mole rat (I don't know if he liked Rufus, but he sure liked the tunnel going in and out of the exhibit), birds, flamingos, gators, and a petting zoo.
There was also Dippin' Dots.
Peanut wanted ice cream, too, but we made him stick to banana puffs.
Later on, Bug convinved me to pose for a picture.
We ended the visit with a ride on the train and the carousel (Bug wanted nothing to do with them until we were on them, then did not want to get off. Peanut liked them from far away, but was not so keen on the actual experience. What can you do?), and then headed back to the parking lot for a well-deserved picnic. After filling our bellies and resting our feet, we drove about 3 miles to another parking lot, and prepared to enter the Georgia Aquarium.
This was, as with the zoo, their first visit. I, however, am an annual passholder. Having experienced the aquarium before, I was able to concentrate what they wanted to see. It is so much fun to see something through the eyes of a two-year-old! Much like at the zoo (look, Bug, it's Timon and Pumba! Look, Bug, it's Simba!), several animals were identified by their proper Disney name.
Much like at the zoo, Bug did not want to pet the animals.
Much like at the zoo, Bug somehow convinced me to pose for a picture.
Bug surprised us all by his reaction to the shark tunnel. Being scared of everything else, we fully expected him to be terrified of a tunnel surrounded by sharks and other somewhat frightening marine life. Not the case, at all. I do believe that his favorite part of the aquarium was the tunnel. We had to end the visit by going through the tunnel one last time. All the way home, Bug kept pointing out tunnels (underpasses, parking garages, anything that resembled a tunnel).
It was days later that I realized: There are almost no pictures of Bug and Peanut with their parents! There really were two other adults on this trip! I promise, there were!!! I guess I monopolized the kids. Oh well, consider it preparation for a trip to Disney. Bug's first trip to Disney World is in the planning stages!
And just in case it's slipped your notice, I am so completely in love with this kid!
Just three weeks after FINALLY having custom orthotics made, I decided to give them a true road test. On October 15, Bug and Peanut brought their parents down for a trip to Zoo Atlanta and the Georgia Aquarium. They picked me up early in the morning, and we made the trek to Grant Park, home of the zoo. It was their first visit. It was my first visit since 1991. I don't know who was more excited. They were all excited about seeing the animals, I was excited to watch Bug as he saw the animals.
As we're walking through the entrance, the conversation went something like this:
Me: "Bug, what animal do you want to see today?"
Bug: "Giraffelephant." Yes, that is one word.
Me, laughing: "The giraffelephant, huh? Well, what about brother? What animal does he want to see?"
You must remember that Peanut, at this point, is only 9 months old, and doesn't really grasp what animals are.
Bug: "He wants to see the pig." Matter-of-fact. Peanut wants to see the pig. I love this kid!
One of the first exhibits had just what Bug wanted. A giraffelephant. Or, maybe it was an area that had BOTH a giraffe AND and an elephant together. Either way, he was happy! I think he would have stayed there all day long, if only we'd let him.
Along the way, there were gorillas, lions, tigers, pandas, snakes (Bug wasn't impressed with those), a naked mole rat (I don't know if he liked Rufus, but he sure liked the tunnel going in and out of the exhibit), birds, flamingos, gators, and a petting zoo.
There was also Dippin' Dots.
Peanut wanted ice cream, too, but we made him stick to banana puffs.
Later on, Bug convinved me to pose for a picture.
We ended the visit with a ride on the train and the carousel (Bug wanted nothing to do with them until we were on them, then did not want to get off. Peanut liked them from far away, but was not so keen on the actual experience. What can you do?), and then headed back to the parking lot for a well-deserved picnic. After filling our bellies and resting our feet, we drove about 3 miles to another parking lot, and prepared to enter the Georgia Aquarium.
This was, as with the zoo, their first visit. I, however, am an annual passholder. Having experienced the aquarium before, I was able to concentrate what they wanted to see. It is so much fun to see something through the eyes of a two-year-old! Much like at the zoo (look, Bug, it's Timon and Pumba! Look, Bug, it's Simba!), several animals were identified by their proper Disney name.
 |
| Dory! |
Much like at the zoo, Bug did not want to pet the animals.
Much like at the zoo, Bug somehow convinced me to pose for a picture.
Bug surprised us all by his reaction to the shark tunnel. Being scared of everything else, we fully expected him to be terrified of a tunnel surrounded by sharks and other somewhat frightening marine life. Not the case, at all. I do believe that his favorite part of the aquarium was the tunnel. We had to end the visit by going through the tunnel one last time. All the way home, Bug kept pointing out tunnels (underpasses, parking garages, anything that resembled a tunnel).
It was days later that I realized: There are almost no pictures of Bug and Peanut with their parents! There really were two other adults on this trip! I promise, there were!!! I guess I monopolized the kids. Oh well, consider it preparation for a trip to Disney. Bug's first trip to Disney World is in the planning stages!
And just in case it's slipped your notice, I am so completely in love with this kid!
Day 4 - Who was your least favorite 90s Nickelodeon actor?
Actor:
No thought required. The red-headed kid from The Adventures of Pete & Pete. I loved him as Jackie Rodowsky on The Babysitter's Club, but he annoyed me on Nickelodeon.
I also never like the guys from Kenan & Kel, although Kenan Thompson was hilarious in the Mighty Ducks trilogy.
Actress:
Truthfully? I can't come up with an actress that I absolutely didn't like. Boring answer, I know, but even after doing some research, I just don't have any that I disliked. Sure, I liked some better than others, but I never really disliked any of them.
No thought required. The red-headed kid from The Adventures of Pete & Pete. I loved him as Jackie Rodowsky on The Babysitter's Club, but he annoyed me on Nickelodeon.
I also never like the guys from Kenan & Kel, although Kenan Thompson was hilarious in the Mighty Ducks trilogy.
Actress:
Truthfully? I can't come up with an actress that I absolutely didn't like. Boring answer, I know, but even after doing some research, I just don't have any that I disliked. Sure, I liked some better than others, but I never really disliked any of them.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Day 3 - Who was your favorite 90s Nickelodeon actor/actress?
Actor:
Of the shows I watched, David Lascher was my favorite actor. Even better than his TV show appearances was his portrayal of Robert March in White Squall. GREAT MOVIE!
There were three other actors on Nickelodeon that I liked even more, and still follow to this day. Christopher Ralph (In A Heartbeat, Skulls II, Our Hero, Instant Star), Shawn Ashmore (In A Heartbeat, Any Mother's Son, Legends of Earthsea, Terry, X-Men, X2, X-Men: The Last Stand), and Paulo Costanzo (Josie & The Pussycats, Royal Pains) were regulars or recurring guest on the popular children's show Animorphs. I never really watched the show (though I often bought the books for Kyle), but every once in awhile, I would turn it on just to see what was happening with these three actors. They've all gone on to have pretty lucrative careers, especially Shawn Ashmore (as well as his twin brother, Aaron).
Actress:
Of the shows I watched, Christine Taylor would have to be my favorite. And even better than his performance on Hey, Dude, would be her movie career. She played a great Marcia Brady in The Brady Bunch Movie!
But once again, there were two other actresses that I liked much, much more, even though I either rarely or never watched their Nickelodeon show. Melissa Joan Hart (Family Reunion: A Relative Nightmare, Two Came Back with the late Jonathan Brandis, Drive Me Crazy), Larisa Oleynik (The Baby-Sitter's Club, 10 Things I Hate About You, A Time for Danicing, Hawaii 5-0) and Amanda Bynes (What a Girl Wants, She's the Man, Hairspray, Sydney White, Easy A) have been two of the funniest actresses I've ever watched. They have an understanding of comedy that makes their roles enjoyable, unlike so many other "comedic" actors and actresses today, who simply look stupid.
Of the shows I watched, David Lascher was my favorite actor. Even better than his TV show appearances was his portrayal of Robert March in White Squall. GREAT MOVIE!
There were three other actors on Nickelodeon that I liked even more, and still follow to this day. Christopher Ralph (In A Heartbeat, Skulls II, Our Hero, Instant Star), Shawn Ashmore (In A Heartbeat, Any Mother's Son, Legends of Earthsea, Terry, X-Men, X2, X-Men: The Last Stand), and Paulo Costanzo (Josie & The Pussycats, Royal Pains) were regulars or recurring guest on the popular children's show Animorphs. I never really watched the show (though I often bought the books for Kyle), but every once in awhile, I would turn it on just to see what was happening with these three actors. They've all gone on to have pretty lucrative careers, especially Shawn Ashmore (as well as his twin brother, Aaron).
Actress:
Of the shows I watched, Christine Taylor would have to be my favorite. And even better than his performance on Hey, Dude, would be her movie career. She played a great Marcia Brady in The Brady Bunch Movie!
But once again, there were two other actresses that I liked much, much more, even though I either rarely or never watched their Nickelodeon show. Melissa Joan Hart (Family Reunion: A Relative Nightmare, Two Came Back with the late Jonathan Brandis, Drive Me Crazy), Larisa Oleynik (The Baby-Sitter's Club, 10 Things I Hate About You, A Time for Danicing, Hawaii 5-0) and Amanda Bynes (What a Girl Wants, She's the Man, Hairspray, Sydney White, Easy A) have been two of the funniest actresses I've ever watched. They have an understanding of comedy that makes their roles enjoyable, unlike so many other "comedic" actors and actresses today, who simply look stupid.
Monday, January 09, 2012
Day 2 - What was your least favorite show from the 90s Nickelodeon?
I had to do some research for this one. Simply put, if I didn't like the show, I didn't watch it, and therefore, I don't remember it.
I did NOT like:
CatDog
Kenan & Kel
Salute Your Shorts
The Adventures of Pete & Pete
Hey Arnold!
But the worst show of them all was most definitely Ren & Stimpy. That show was so bad, I actually can't believe that I didn't immediately think of it. I actively despised that show!
I did NOT like:
CatDog
Kenan & Kel
Salute Your Shorts
The Adventures of Pete & Pete
Hey Arnold!
But the worst show of them all was most definitely Ren & Stimpy. That show was so bad, I actually can't believe that I didn't immediately think of it. I actively despised that show!
Thursday, January 05, 2012
Day 1 - What was your favorite show from the 90s Nickelodeon?
And so, let's begin.
My favorite show on Nickelodeon during the 1990s.
As a kid, I loved Pinwheel. Little known fact: the original name for the channel was Pinwheel. Pinwheel was a great combination of animation, live-action, and puppets. I just loved the show! My favorite parts were Plus and Minus (and their endless game of "Gotcha Last."), Ebeneezer T. Squint, Picture Pages with Bill Cosby, Curious George, and Paddington Bear. Pinwheel last aired in 1990.
At times, I enjoyed The Secret World of Alex Mack and Clarissa Explains It All, as well as Hey Dude!. I tried watching a Hey Dude! rerun a few weeks ago, and I have no idea how I ever liked that show. I think it had something to do with David Lascher.
But my favorite show had to have been The Rugrats. I was doing childcare during the last half of the 1990s, and not only was The Rugrats popular with my charges, I just adored it. That show really gave insite into the workings of the infant and toddler minds. And it made sense. I think anyone with children should watch this show!
A special shout out to some of the other decades of Nickelodeon (to include Nick Junior and TheN/TeenNick):
80s - Adventures of the Little Koala, Inspector Gadget, Danger Mouse, Mr. Wizard's World, The Littles, The Care Bears
00s - Spongebob Squarepants, Beyond the Break, Instant Star, Radio Free Roscoe, Whistler, Degrassi
My favorite show on Nickelodeon during the 1990s.
As a kid, I loved Pinwheel. Little known fact: the original name for the channel was Pinwheel. Pinwheel was a great combination of animation, live-action, and puppets. I just loved the show! My favorite parts were Plus and Minus (and their endless game of "Gotcha Last."), Ebeneezer T. Squint, Picture Pages with Bill Cosby, Curious George, and Paddington Bear. Pinwheel last aired in 1990.
At times, I enjoyed The Secret World of Alex Mack and Clarissa Explains It All, as well as Hey Dude!. I tried watching a Hey Dude! rerun a few weeks ago, and I have no idea how I ever liked that show. I think it had something to do with David Lascher.
But my favorite show had to have been The Rugrats. I was doing childcare during the last half of the 1990s, and not only was The Rugrats popular with my charges, I just adored it. That show really gave insite into the workings of the infant and toddler minds. And it made sense. I think anyone with children should watch this show!
A special shout out to some of the other decades of Nickelodeon (to include Nick Junior and TheN/TeenNick):
80s - Adventures of the Little Koala, Inspector Gadget, Danger Mouse, Mr. Wizard's World, The Littles, The Care Bears
00s - Spongebob Squarepants, Beyond the Break, Instant Star, Radio Free Roscoe, Whistler, Degrassi
10-day 90s Disney/Nickelodeon Blog Challenge
Now, here we have a blog challenge that is right up my alley.
The 10-day 90s Disney/Nickelodeon Blog Challenge
Day 1 - What was your favorite show from the 90s Nickelodeon?
Day 2 - What was your least favorite show from the 90s Nickelodeon?
Day 3 - Who was your favorite 90s Nickelodeon actor/actress?
Day 4 - Who was your least favorite 90s Nickelodeon actor/actress?
Day 5 - What was your favorite 90s Disney Channel show?
Day 6 - Who was your least favorite 90s Disney Channel show?
Day 7 - Who was your favorite 90s Disney Channel actor/actress?
Day 8 - Who was your least favorite 90s Disney Channel actor/actress?
Day 9 - Should they bring back shows from the 90s on Disney Channel like they have for Nickelodeon?
Day 10 - Anything you want about 90s Nickelodeon or the Disney Channel.
The 10-day 90s Disney/Nickelodeon Blog Challenge
Day 1 - What was your favorite show from the 90s Nickelodeon?
Day 2 - What was your least favorite show from the 90s Nickelodeon?
Day 3 - Who was your favorite 90s Nickelodeon actor/actress?
Day 4 - Who was your least favorite 90s Nickelodeon actor/actress?
Day 5 - What was your favorite 90s Disney Channel show?
Day 6 - Who was your least favorite 90s Disney Channel show?
Day 7 - Who was your favorite 90s Disney Channel actor/actress?
Day 8 - Who was your least favorite 90s Disney Channel actor/actress?
Day 9 - Should they bring back shows from the 90s on Disney Channel like they have for Nickelodeon?
Day 10 - Anything you want about 90s Nickelodeon or the Disney Channel.
Wednesday, January 04, 2012
7-paragraph Twitter challenge
I'm not good at coming up with blog topics. I try. I frequently don't succeed. That is why I love blog challenges. They provide me with subjects to talk about, which I really enjoy. I recently searched for some challenges, and found a bevy of topics to talk about. Some are short (less than a week) and some are long (a month or more). I think they will provide me with a nice selection of things to talk about in 2012.
And so begins the first blog challenge of 2012:
The 7-day Twitter challenge
Let me start by saying this:
This will not last 7 days. This one will probably be the shortest, at 7 paragraphs. I like the questions, but I just can't make them each last one full blog post. Sooo.....
What is your Twitter username?
@eldabee
How many people follow your blog?
62 - I'm not very active on Twitter, so I'm not a known entity. However, some of my coolest followers are:
@MagicalTrash - all about the trash cans at the Disney parks. Trust me, Steve is great!
@leavenotrace - conservation education nonprofit
@AnthemLights_ST - official Street Team of Anthem Lights, Christian praise band (I love you, Chad!!!)
@JMCousteau - Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of Jacques
How many people do you follow?
321 - I could follow even more, but I try to be selective. I follow these people for a reason. I want to be able to read their tweets, and still have time to get things done. Some of the people I follow are:
@ChadMGraham - singer, member of Anthem Lights, and from Ft Myers, FL (I love you, Chad!!!)
@harwichmariners - Cape Cod Baseball League team
@EricSkoglund25 - my cousin, pitcher for the UCF Knights baseball team, drafted to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2011 draft, and pitcher on the 2012 Harwich Mariners summer team
@WylandORG - the Wyland Foundation
@FCousteau - Fabian Cousteau, grandson of Jacques
@starbucks - no explanation needed (says the person with the venti toffee nut latte sitting on her desk)
@aaronspod - Aaron Wallace, host of the Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Pod Unofficial Disney Podcast (including the best Top 100 Disney Songs broadcast ever!)
Who is your favorite person to follow?
@loumongello - Lou Mongello, host of the WDW Radio Show, Disney tour guide, Disney trivia master, member of the WDW Radio running team (me, too!). Check him out at http://www.loumongello.com/ or http://www.wdwradio.com/, or listen to the WDW Radio Show on iTunes. Specifically, listen to the 12/25/2011 podcast, where Lou reads an email from.....ME!!!!!
Who has the funniest tweets?
@tattoed_dad - fellow Disney lover, UGA employee and musician Christopher Taylor. He interviewed me for his Disney blog in 2010, and his tweets can be priceless (especially when I know he's talking about UGA).
What kinds of people do you follow?
LOTS of official and unofficial Disney people, various ocean and wildlife conservation organizations, pro and NCAA sports teams, CNN, NASA, and other equally geeky people. I don't follow very many actors/actresses, singers or professional athletes. There are a few, but I have my limits.
Anything you want about Twitter:
I've gotten logs of laughs over my public bio:
"Disney freak, geocacher, aspiring photographer, scuba diver, trumpet player, basketball lover, minister's daughter, with some OCD thrown in for good measure."
I think it's pretty accurate. :-P
And so begins the first blog challenge of 2012:
The 7-day Twitter challenge
Let me start by saying this:
This will not last 7 days. This one will probably be the shortest, at 7 paragraphs. I like the questions, but I just can't make them each last one full blog post. Sooo.....
What is your Twitter username?
@eldabee
How many people follow your blog?
62 - I'm not very active on Twitter, so I'm not a known entity. However, some of my coolest followers are:
@MagicalTrash - all about the trash cans at the Disney parks. Trust me, Steve is great!
@leavenotrace - conservation education nonprofit
@AnthemLights_ST - official Street Team of Anthem Lights, Christian praise band (I love you, Chad!!!)
@JMCousteau - Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of Jacques
How many people do you follow?
321 - I could follow even more, but I try to be selective. I follow these people for a reason. I want to be able to read their tweets, and still have time to get things done. Some of the people I follow are:
@ChadMGraham - singer, member of Anthem Lights, and from Ft Myers, FL (I love you, Chad!!!)
@harwichmariners - Cape Cod Baseball League team
@EricSkoglund25 - my cousin, pitcher for the UCF Knights baseball team, drafted to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2011 draft, and pitcher on the 2012 Harwich Mariners summer team
@WylandORG - the Wyland Foundation
@FCousteau - Fabian Cousteau, grandson of Jacques
@starbucks - no explanation needed (says the person with the venti toffee nut latte sitting on her desk)
@aaronspod - Aaron Wallace, host of the Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Pod Unofficial Disney Podcast (including the best Top 100 Disney Songs broadcast ever!)
Who is your favorite person to follow?
@loumongello - Lou Mongello, host of the WDW Radio Show, Disney tour guide, Disney trivia master, member of the WDW Radio running team (me, too!). Check him out at http://www.loumongello.com/ or http://www.wdwradio.com/, or listen to the WDW Radio Show on iTunes. Specifically, listen to the 12/25/2011 podcast, where Lou reads an email from.....ME!!!!!
Who has the funniest tweets?
@tattoed_dad - fellow Disney lover, UGA employee and musician Christopher Taylor. He interviewed me for his Disney blog in 2010, and his tweets can be priceless (especially when I know he's talking about UGA).
What kinds of people do you follow?
LOTS of official and unofficial Disney people, various ocean and wildlife conservation organizations, pro and NCAA sports teams, CNN, NASA, and other equally geeky people. I don't follow very many actors/actresses, singers or professional athletes. There are a few, but I have my limits.
Anything you want about Twitter:
I've gotten logs of laughs over my public bio:
"Disney freak, geocacher, aspiring photographer, scuba diver, trumpet player, basketball lover, minister's daughter, with some OCD thrown in for good measure."
I think it's pretty accurate. :-P
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