I love Halloween!
I've been getting smiles all morning as I have worn my witch costume to work--the same one I wore to the Harry Potter Book 7 release party. It is so fun. I even brought my belt pouch and have been handing out candy.
Last Saturday night was my ward's Trunk or Treat, to which I invited my friend Dina. She was in Renaissance Garb, I was in my Lady Sith outfit (complete with long black hair). We wandered around, looking at the games and costumes. I tried to entice the children to come with me to a far away galaxy to destroy the Jedi. Most of them turned me down, but I did get a few takers. I think they were a little disappointed that I didn't have anything really planned, I was just asking them. Oh well. I'll have something more planned next time.
Tonight I'm looking forward to handing out candy while reading my book. I'm only half-way through the book club's choice this month "Fire of the Covenant" (very good, btw), and the discussion is tomorrow. Oops!! I'll have to start next month's book a little sooner... Last year I had just moved into my house three days before Halloween, so this is really my second year doing the candy thing from my own home. It was so fun, and this year will be too, I predict. It's nice enough I will probably sit outside so the kids don't get thwacked by my storm door. Plus Daylight Savings doesn't kick in until this coming Sunday, so it will be lighter as the kids start going door to door.
So again, Happy Halloween! Be safe out there!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
A week later...
For those who don't know (probably just my brother who reads my blog from time to time--the rest can skip this paragraph), an Evil Person entered our church building last Wednesday night during our activities, and tried to entice young girls to leave with him. He was successful with the fourth, who was found a couple miles away wandering around. Even the police were shocked that he would enter a church and do this. It has shocked and scared everyone in my ward, and in the way of such things brought us a little closer together as we increase our vigilance for all the children.
Nearly everyone has mentioned this to some degree on their blogs, so I thought maybe I should throw this out there to the great beyond. Or maybe I'm just being a troll?? I've been feeling a little disassociated from the matter (calling it an 'incident' seems to belittle it somehow, and I certainly don't mean to do that). I don't know who was involved, and I'm deliberately stopping myself from trying to figure it out, against my more 'natural' instincts. I don't have any children of my own, so I guess it's not as personal for me, although I am certainly in 'over-protective Aunt' mode.
I watch a lot of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and it has long bothered me how the kids would run around like crazy people at church with their parents barely knowing where they were or what they were doing. A few years ago one small child wandered outside the building and couldn't get back in. It bothered everyone in the Ward Council, of which I'm a part, but we couldn't seem to get the parents to understand that just because we're at church doesn't mean we're safe. Just because there are other adults around, doesn't mean they're looking out for your children. Whenever I see small children running around outside I tell them to go find their parents, but as soon as I was out of sight I'm almost certain they would turn around and start playing again. How do you encourage childhood and yet still keep them safe?
Well, my ward is taking measures to increase the safety of all who are at the building. From now on when someone unfamiliar enters the building they will be greeted by one of the bretheren who will--in a nice way--find out who they are and why they're there. This may have been enough to deter the Evil Person last week, but we'll never know for sure. He probably would have just gone somewhere else and tried to vicitmize someone else's child. Here's hoping and praying that the police catch him quickly.
Nearly everyone has mentioned this to some degree on their blogs, so I thought maybe I should throw this out there to the great beyond. Or maybe I'm just being a troll?? I've been feeling a little disassociated from the matter (calling it an 'incident' seems to belittle it somehow, and I certainly don't mean to do that). I don't know who was involved, and I'm deliberately stopping myself from trying to figure it out, against my more 'natural' instincts. I don't have any children of my own, so I guess it's not as personal for me, although I am certainly in 'over-protective Aunt' mode.
I watch a lot of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and it has long bothered me how the kids would run around like crazy people at church with their parents barely knowing where they were or what they were doing. A few years ago one small child wandered outside the building and couldn't get back in. It bothered everyone in the Ward Council, of which I'm a part, but we couldn't seem to get the parents to understand that just because we're at church doesn't mean we're safe. Just because there are other adults around, doesn't mean they're looking out for your children. Whenever I see small children running around outside I tell them to go find their parents, but as soon as I was out of sight I'm almost certain they would turn around and start playing again. How do you encourage childhood and yet still keep them safe?
Well, my ward is taking measures to increase the safety of all who are at the building. From now on when someone unfamiliar enters the building they will be greeted by one of the bretheren who will--in a nice way--find out who they are and why they're there. This may have been enough to deter the Evil Person last week, but we'll never know for sure. He probably would have just gone somewhere else and tried to vicitmize someone else's child. Here's hoping and praying that the police catch him quickly.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Is it time to go home yet?
This is the perfect day for staying home. It's rainy and cool. Days like this a fireplace, cup of hot cocoa, and a good book are definitely in order. Comfy clothes, comfy chair, and a nice blanket too.
Add to that the fact that I have been completely unproductive at work this whole week, and you have one sick puppy whining to go outside.
I'm going to go back to pretending to work now. I already bugged the guys over at TIMED, although I need to go back in about 45 minutes to help take the pass (not that they need me to, but my mental state will be completly vegged if I don't). Maybe this document that I'm working on can be rewritten in Spanish. That should take some time...
Add to that the fact that I have been completely unproductive at work this whole week, and you have one sick puppy whining to go outside.
I'm going to go back to pretending to work now. I already bugged the guys over at TIMED, although I need to go back in about 45 minutes to help take the pass (not that they need me to, but my mental state will be completly vegged if I don't). Maybe this document that I'm working on can be rewritten in Spanish. That should take some time...
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Winter Solstice Concert
(I know, I'm just the blogging queen today)
I went to this concert three years in a row, but last year had to miss it. Anyone interested in going with me? If we can get a large number to go, the tickets are cheaper :)
From Ken Kolodner's website:
When:
Two shows on Decemter 15, 2007 3:30 PM and 8:00 PM
Where:
Kraushaar Auditorium, Goucher College, Towson, MD
Ticket Prices (based on quantity purchased):
1-14 $23.00
15 - 19 $21.00
30+ $19.00
It doesn't matter if we don't all go to the same show, but it would be more fun to go together. Children are welcome, although you may not want to pay so much for a child. The concert is mostly music, played on hammer dulcimer, fiddle, acoustic guitar, piano, flute and small pipes. Just three very talented musicians for a very worthwhile concert. For more information go to Ken's site
Let me know if you're interested!
I went to this concert three years in a row, but last year had to miss it. Anyone interested in going with me? If we can get a large number to go, the tickets are cheaper :)
From Ken Kolodner's website:
When:
Two shows on Decemter 15, 2007 3:30 PM and 8:00 PM
Where:
Kraushaar Auditorium, Goucher College, Towson, MD
Ticket Prices (based on quantity purchased):
1-14 $23.00
15 - 19 $21.00
30+ $19.00
It doesn't matter if we don't all go to the same show, but it would be more fun to go together. Children are welcome, although you may not want to pay so much for a child. The concert is mostly music, played on hammer dulcimer, fiddle, acoustic guitar, piano, flute and small pipes. Just three very talented musicians for a very worthwhile concert. For more information go to Ken's site
Let me know if you're interested!
Wildfires
Just read through some of the online reports about the wildfires in SoCal. I didn't realize there was one in Lake Arrowhead area. My nephew and his family moved out of that area just a few months ago, and I am so glad that they did. Why do some people think it's funny to start a fire just as the Santa Ana's begin to blow? DON'T THEY KNOW ANY BETTER!!??? It happens every 3-4 years, some idiot lights a fire just as the Santa Ana's begin to blow. I'm not saying all these fires are arson, some are caused by a cigarette butt someone didn't put out, or a campfire that wasn't extinguished properly, or that gets away from the camper before they can put it out.
And yes, the winds do get up to 100 mph. I used to have to walk to school in them. Funny, it was always on the days with 80 mph winds that the trees would fall down...
Still waiting to hear if my sister who lives closer in to LA was affected. My dad and brother David should be ok, they're in the alluvial plain with two washes between them and the fires (wash: where the water goes when there is water). My brother Blaine may have to evacuate, but I don't think so. They've had to in the past, since they're closer to the mountains.
Reading the stories of those that have had to evacuate makes me grateful for my 72-hour kit. I should go update it. But at least I have it. Two, in fact. One for my home, and one for my car.
And yes, the winds do get up to 100 mph. I used to have to walk to school in them. Funny, it was always on the days with 80 mph winds that the trees would fall down...
Still waiting to hear if my sister who lives closer in to LA was affected. My dad and brother David should be ok, they're in the alluvial plain with two washes between them and the fires (wash: where the water goes when there is water). My brother Blaine may have to evacuate, but I don't think so. They've had to in the past, since they're closer to the mountains.
Reading the stories of those that have had to evacuate makes me grateful for my 72-hour kit. I should go update it. But at least I have it. Two, in fact. One for my home, and one for my car.
Alas, poor FUSE
Yesterday was the party for the end of FUSE. I've blogged about this before--the satellite mission I was on for almost 10 years, that we suffered and worked and spent sleepless nights for. FUSE lost it's fourth wheel in July, not to be revived. It stopped so hard and so fast there was just no hope. So last Thursday they turned everything off, drained the batteries, and then turned off the reciever. It will be up there, in it's 500-mile orbit, for the next 30 or so years before it burns up in the Atmosphere.
So I went up to JHU, Homewood campus, to the Bloomberg building where I had spent nearly 10 years of my life working, and saw so many friends and colleagues. Bryce even came! He left after the third wheel died, accepting a position at UC Berkley in California, on the THEMIS mission. Bryce is one of the people who kept FUSE afloat after the loss of the first to wheels, redoing all the science planning software, and making upgrades to it until we go the satellite working almost as good as before it lost those two wheels. It was really great to see everyone. Many of the original Mission Operations Team were there, Tom, Chris, Steve, Ted, Tim--and me, of course. I hope to get the chance to work with all these guys in the future. The satellite industry is a small world, so it probably will happen. In the meantime, they're all at GSFC, and I'm here, and we can always do lunch! :D
Bill Blair, the Chief Project Scientist Manager person, loves to come up with lyrics appropriate to every occaision. On Launch Day, he wrote words to the tune of "I did it my way", by Frank Sinatra, something like "Thank G it's Launch Day". There was one at our five-year anniversary, which I don't remember, and of course there was one yesterday. FUSE's Lament, to the tune of "Memory" from the musical Cats:
Midinight, not a sound from controllers,
Have they lost my transmissions?
I am flying alone...
In the darkness, I slowly spin, reflecting the moon,
Let my batteries... charge again!
Memories, all alone in my orbit...
I remember my launch day,
I was beautiful then.
With four wheels I could point where'er they wanted me to,
Now my four wheels will not spin.
First my gyro-scopes stopped working,
Then my wheels started swerving.
But torquer bars helped me to point at starts,
And soon I was observing!
Now, though, my observing is finished,
I am nothing but space junk,
I am cold and alone.
But my data are safely archived down on the earth.
Let my spectra... live again!
If it weren't for the reaction wheels, FUSE would still be observing. There's no reason why it couldn't have continuted for another 2, 5, or even 10 years. But still, 8 years for an original 3 year mission, with 50% efficiency in science gathering data (the goal was 25%), literally hundreds of research papers, a book, and three Astrophysical Journals dedicated to FUSE data, FUSE did good. The team did very good. I'm proud to have been a part of it.
I got Ghosted!!!
Monday night I came home after work plus a shopping trip and found that I had been visited by the Savage Mill Ghost!!! I was so happy to see this! I haven't been 'ghosted' for years. Last year I found out that the ward has been doing this since it's beginning, and I was actually a bit put out that no one had thought of me. Ok, so last year I moved right at halloween time, so that was probably it, but before then?? I really hate sounding pathetic, but I really do want to be included in things. So I'm happily making treats and will be figuring out who I should 'ghost'. I typically go for people that I don't think would get it otherwise. This late in the month all the 'popular' people have probably been hit already :)
The Weekend
Saturday
Went to Revel Grove again, this time to meet up with Shannon and Clare. I decided I didn't have to be there at gate opening, and that I could go incognito--I wore jeans and my Fight School T-shirt :) So I got there in time for the Stupina show, which I hadn't had a chance to see yet. Shannon and Clare showed up at the beginning but decided they were too hungry to stay so they left me there and went to find food. I joined up with them after my show. One of the events this weekend was that the Medieval Times guys were there, doing a sword fighting demonstration. We wanted to see that (of course), but as we had some time we signed up to get massages at the massage booth for after the demonstration. Went back, saw the guys fight--their swords made SPARKS!! I love Sparks! And the band isn't half-bad either (though if you're not from California in the 80's you may not get that).
We wandered until time for our massages--Clare had been moving furniture, so she got a back massage. Shannon went for the shiatsu, and I went for basic head, neck, and shoulders. We were floating for the rest of the day...
We went and saw Albannach, which I guess is a reinvention of Clanna Drumma. They were good, lots of drums and pipes (they're a Scottish group). Found out later that they'd started drinking too early in the day so they won't be back next year. Shannon's response to that was, "They're Scottish, what do you expect?" We did some shopping, trying to make our way through the crowds--it was PACKED. But then, at least it wasn't HOT. 10 degrees cooler than the previous week really made a difference. And that week was 10 degrees cooler than the last time I went. No rain days this year...
About 4:00 we ran into the Ravenwolves Clan (the family I hung out with on Opening Day). They were all in purple and black, per Midnight's request (she had her birthday that week). They all looked fabulous, but of course I forgot to get a picture (and even if I had, it would still be in my camera). The mom is in the Navy, and will be shipping out on an aircraft carrier in November, not to return until next May, so they're trying to fit in all the quality time they can before she goes (Shannon and Clare had actually met Ray, the dad, and the kids at my housewarming party). They're a really good family. It was great to run into them. I'll have to try to keep more in touch while Steph is gone--I'm sure they could use an 'aunt' on occaision.
Shannon and Clare then decided they were done so I walked them towards the gate. Then I went back to the Market Stage (you didn't really expect me to leave without seeing Fight School for the last time this year, did you??). I caught the last part of Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy--also very good. I can recommend his show to my friends with children. After Hilby, but before Fight School, there was a challenge to Dash from another actor (I know him as Mike, but I don't think that's his name this year, that was his name when he was with Teatro a couple years ago, I think). They both came out in straight-jackets, and then proceeded to wriggle out of them. Nymblewick tried to give us the history of the straight-jacket, but the crowd was too silly to listen. It was fun. Dash won, but Mike got the t-shirt??? Again, the pictures are in the camera. I really need to get them out of there...
Fight School was fun, as always. I try to remember significant moments, but I just can't. I do know that they were having so much fun they had to cut the gun duel for time. A mark of good, professional performers is that they keep to the time line. They start on time, and they finish on time. I, as an audience member, really appreciate that. Course, it could just be that because of the straight-jacket challenge, they had to cut something else. But that's ok. It was way fun!
Sunday
I totally crashed when I went to bed at 10:00pm on Saturday night. Actually, I did that Friday night as well, and even Thursday night I was so tired I just lay on my bed, thinking I'd get up in a few minutes and get ready for bed. Next thing I knew it was morning. Not sure what I've been doing to be so tired, maybe I should go to bed earlier? Anyway, Sunday morning I crawled out of bed around 11:30 am. So much for choir practice. I really meant to go, they really need people. So many have just stopped coming since Amy left, it's kind of sad. Liz can't get a good Christmas program together because no one comes. So I missed it too, this week. I did make it to Sacrament Meeting, but knowing that the lesson in RS was on Marriage, I skipped out and went home after SM. I have a really difficult time with the current Sunday School teacher. Not sure what my problem is, but I really don't enjoy his lessons. So I went home and--yup, you probably guessed it--took a nap. The neighborhood cat came in and took one too. After about two weeks of denying her entrance, she finally convinced me to let her in. I really shouldn't, I know, but I just have too soft of a heart. It gets me into trouble.
Then it was time to go to the SA potluck dinner. We had about 10-12 people there, which was really good. Next month is our annual Thanksgiving Dinner (more organized than a potluck dinner, but still food brought in by everyone). That should be fun, and bring in more people.
Went to Revel Grove again, this time to meet up with Shannon and Clare. I decided I didn't have to be there at gate opening, and that I could go incognito--I wore jeans and my Fight School T-shirt :) So I got there in time for the Stupina show, which I hadn't had a chance to see yet. Shannon and Clare showed up at the beginning but decided they were too hungry to stay so they left me there and went to find food. I joined up with them after my show. One of the events this weekend was that the Medieval Times guys were there, doing a sword fighting demonstration. We wanted to see that (of course), but as we had some time we signed up to get massages at the massage booth for after the demonstration. Went back, saw the guys fight--their swords made SPARKS!! I love Sparks! And the band isn't half-bad either (though if you're not from California in the 80's you may not get that).
We wandered until time for our massages--Clare had been moving furniture, so she got a back massage. Shannon went for the shiatsu, and I went for basic head, neck, and shoulders. We were floating for the rest of the day...
We went and saw Albannach, which I guess is a reinvention of Clanna Drumma. They were good, lots of drums and pipes (they're a Scottish group). Found out later that they'd started drinking too early in the day so they won't be back next year. Shannon's response to that was, "They're Scottish, what do you expect?" We did some shopping, trying to make our way through the crowds--it was PACKED. But then, at least it wasn't HOT. 10 degrees cooler than the previous week really made a difference. And that week was 10 degrees cooler than the last time I went. No rain days this year...
About 4:00 we ran into the Ravenwolves Clan (the family I hung out with on Opening Day). They were all in purple and black, per Midnight's request (she had her birthday that week). They all looked fabulous, but of course I forgot to get a picture (and even if I had, it would still be in my camera). The mom is in the Navy, and will be shipping out on an aircraft carrier in November, not to return until next May, so they're trying to fit in all the quality time they can before she goes (Shannon and Clare had actually met Ray, the dad, and the kids at my housewarming party). They're a really good family. It was great to run into them. I'll have to try to keep more in touch while Steph is gone--I'm sure they could use an 'aunt' on occaision.
Shannon and Clare then decided they were done so I walked them towards the gate. Then I went back to the Market Stage (you didn't really expect me to leave without seeing Fight School for the last time this year, did you??). I caught the last part of Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy--also very good. I can recommend his show to my friends with children. After Hilby, but before Fight School, there was a challenge to Dash from another actor (I know him as Mike, but I don't think that's his name this year, that was his name when he was with Teatro a couple years ago, I think). They both came out in straight-jackets, and then proceeded to wriggle out of them. Nymblewick tried to give us the history of the straight-jacket, but the crowd was too silly to listen. It was fun. Dash won, but Mike got the t-shirt??? Again, the pictures are in the camera. I really need to get them out of there...
Fight School was fun, as always. I try to remember significant moments, but I just can't. I do know that they were having so much fun they had to cut the gun duel for time. A mark of good, professional performers is that they keep to the time line. They start on time, and they finish on time. I, as an audience member, really appreciate that. Course, it could just be that because of the straight-jacket challenge, they had to cut something else. But that's ok. It was way fun!
Sunday
I totally crashed when I went to bed at 10:00pm on Saturday night. Actually, I did that Friday night as well, and even Thursday night I was so tired I just lay on my bed, thinking I'd get up in a few minutes and get ready for bed. Next thing I knew it was morning. Not sure what I've been doing to be so tired, maybe I should go to bed earlier? Anyway, Sunday morning I crawled out of bed around 11:30 am. So much for choir practice. I really meant to go, they really need people. So many have just stopped coming since Amy left, it's kind of sad. Liz can't get a good Christmas program together because no one comes. So I missed it too, this week. I did make it to Sacrament Meeting, but knowing that the lesson in RS was on Marriage, I skipped out and went home after SM. I have a really difficult time with the current Sunday School teacher. Not sure what my problem is, but I really don't enjoy his lessons. So I went home and--yup, you probably guessed it--took a nap. The neighborhood cat came in and took one too. After about two weeks of denying her entrance, she finally convinced me to let her in. I really shouldn't, I know, but I just have too soft of a heart. It gets me into trouble.
Then it was time to go to the SA potluck dinner. We had about 10-12 people there, which was really good. Next month is our annual Thanksgiving Dinner (more organized than a potluck dinner, but still food brought in by everyone). That should be fun, and bring in more people.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
A Faire Day
Saturday I went to Revel Grove (also known as the Maryland Renaissance Festival). My purpose in going was to attend all of the Royal shows and do some serious shopping. It was accomplished.
I was late that morning, so I missed the Opening Ceremonies. I had seen it before, with the Edwards Family, so I wasn't too concerned. After I left my house I realized that I had left my ticket at home. I could have just bought a full-price ticket at the gate, but decided to return for the cheaper one I had already purchased (I hadn't gotten too far, only to Rte 1, so it wasn't a big deal to turn back). Since I was already running late, I accepted that I would miss Opening Cannon and moved on. Then I found the traffic as I left Rte 32 and joined I-97. It was then that I became concerned that I would miss Fight School as well. However, that did not happen. I managed to get in, parked, and through the gate by about 10:30 am. I bought my very first Scottish Egg--very yummy, btw, and made my way to the Market Stage.
I did meet Captain Romero and Hamish on the way there, but they were getting ready for the show so I didn't distract them. Fight School was brilliant, as ever. The funniest thing was during the first fight. Now, understand, this was the first cool day in about a month. Swords can be brittle when cold. During the opening fight between Captain Romero and Nymblewick, Captain Romero broke Nyblewick's sword. From then on, he was The Swordbreaker. It was so funny! When Nyblewick's line came up "why are you smiling?", instead of the normal "I know something you don't", it was "Because I broke your sword!" Too fun!
So after a very entertaining Fight School, I made my way to the Globe Theater, picking up some soup in a bread bowl on the way. Yum! I saw this year's production of "As You Like It", which was really well done. They manage to do the play in 1 1/2 hours, and I always wonder if they cut things out, but when I go to other productions I don't notice anything different... They are really, really good. Watch out for the sheep, though! They are hilarious!
After that there was about an hour of wandering and purchasing (and getting a pickle) I returned to the Globe Theater where the King was getting ready to meet Anna of Cleves for the very first time. It wasn't pretty. I believe the King's exact words were, "I like her NOT!" There was the typical courtier intrigues as Cromwell's adversaries circled like buzzards, and poor Anna was distraught by the big rude man that came into her room and kissed her on the mouth! (it was the King in disguise). The whole affair was mis-managed (which means that the performances were excellent).
I made my way then to the Lyric Stage where the comedic opera "Makin' ze meat-a balls" was being orchestrated by Leo DaVinci's brother Bob. Always a fun time, with participation (and participants) from the audience. And of course, there's always music, and everybody dies (it's opera!)
After the opera came the Chess Game between King Henry and Princess Anna. There were fighters (Fight School boys plus some others), fighting for each place on the board. Anna won, but sometimes to win is to lose. The King forced Cromwell into a fight, as the King decided to fight for Anna's side and made Cromwell defend the King's position. Not a happy place for Cromwell.
Once the chess game was over (with Cromwell having been made an Earl, don't ask me about the King's mind), I again went shopping, this time to Greentree Weaving, where I picked up the lovely outfit I wore to church on Sunday. I think I need to adjust the skirt a bit, but I absolutely adore the jacket. The pattern is called "berries", and is very purple-y with red, black, and blue intermixed. So comfortable.
I went to the Gatehouse stage where I caught the last part of the singing group performing there (Seraphim), and then listened to Sir Gregory of Carrolton play his guitar in a classical fasion in an attempt to bring some culture to Revel Grove. It was very peaceful there, under the trees, away from the dust of the mobs infesting the village (did I mention it was PACKED?? At least it was cooler, but the dust was still high).
I remained there for "Cromwell's Disgrace", wherein Thomas Cromwell has a vision of the future in which the marriage he orchestrated is annulled, Anne of Cleves is designated King Henry's "sister", and Cromwell is taken to the Tower and beheaded. It was amazing, truly. My heart was touched by Cromwell's predicament. No where to turn, in a trap of his own making, trying only to serve his King. Truly a wonderful performance.
And then it was back to the Market stage for Fight School: RELOADED!! Captain "The Swordbreaker" Romero was there, along with "Batista". It was so much fun. I again must state that once you know the lines, the best part of Fight School is when they ad lib. It gets rediculously funny.
Now, I didn't really run into any of my faire friends this day, for which I hope they will forgive me (then again, they didn't come up to me either). I saw a few in the distance as I was passing along the paths, but I'm afriad I was focused on my pursuits. My purpose was fulfilled--I saw the Royals Progress, I have a new drum, a new outfit, and a pillow with dolls embroidered on it. I ate my favorite yummy things, needing only two more to finish out my year (cheescake on a stick and some mac & cheese on a stick), along with my goal to try new things. So, with one more weekend left, I await with anticipation the closure next weekend will bring. Here's hoping it rains (to keep the dust down, keeping the crowds down is a side-benefit)
Oh, and I have a new personal record for getting out of the parking lot: 2 hours. I had a spot fairly close to the gate, in the outer section, but didn't realize that when you try to leave from there, you basically can't. I think I moved 4 car lengths in about 1 3/4 hours (I listend to an entire CD of E Muzeki and part of Hairspray while sitting there). I finally left that line, drove to the fence and joined the other line, and was out to the road in about 20 minutes. From there it was another 10 to Dairy Queen and a 20 minute wait for dinner and my blizzard (they only had two people working--on a Saturday Night?? I ask you!). So it was around 9:00pm before I got home. man was I tired!!
I was late that morning, so I missed the Opening Ceremonies. I had seen it before, with the Edwards Family, so I wasn't too concerned. After I left my house I realized that I had left my ticket at home. I could have just bought a full-price ticket at the gate, but decided to return for the cheaper one I had already purchased (I hadn't gotten too far, only to Rte 1, so it wasn't a big deal to turn back). Since I was already running late, I accepted that I would miss Opening Cannon and moved on. Then I found the traffic as I left Rte 32 and joined I-97. It was then that I became concerned that I would miss Fight School as well. However, that did not happen. I managed to get in, parked, and through the gate by about 10:30 am. I bought my very first Scottish Egg--very yummy, btw, and made my way to the Market Stage.
I did meet Captain Romero and Hamish on the way there, but they were getting ready for the show so I didn't distract them. Fight School was brilliant, as ever. The funniest thing was during the first fight. Now, understand, this was the first cool day in about a month. Swords can be brittle when cold. During the opening fight between Captain Romero and Nymblewick, Captain Romero broke Nyblewick's sword. From then on, he was The Swordbreaker. It was so funny! When Nyblewick's line came up "why are you smiling?", instead of the normal "I know something you don't", it was "Because I broke your sword!" Too fun!
So after a very entertaining Fight School, I made my way to the Globe Theater, picking up some soup in a bread bowl on the way. Yum! I saw this year's production of "As You Like It", which was really well done. They manage to do the play in 1 1/2 hours, and I always wonder if they cut things out, but when I go to other productions I don't notice anything different... They are really, really good. Watch out for the sheep, though! They are hilarious!
After that there was about an hour of wandering and purchasing (and getting a pickle) I returned to the Globe Theater where the King was getting ready to meet Anna of Cleves for the very first time. It wasn't pretty. I believe the King's exact words were, "I like her NOT!" There was the typical courtier intrigues as Cromwell's adversaries circled like buzzards, and poor Anna was distraught by the big rude man that came into her room and kissed her on the mouth! (it was the King in disguise). The whole affair was mis-managed (which means that the performances were excellent).
I made my way then to the Lyric Stage where the comedic opera "Makin' ze meat-a balls" was being orchestrated by Leo DaVinci's brother Bob. Always a fun time, with participation (and participants) from the audience. And of course, there's always music, and everybody dies (it's opera!)
After the opera came the Chess Game between King Henry and Princess Anna. There were fighters (Fight School boys plus some others), fighting for each place on the board. Anna won, but sometimes to win is to lose. The King forced Cromwell into a fight, as the King decided to fight for Anna's side and made Cromwell defend the King's position. Not a happy place for Cromwell.
Once the chess game was over (with Cromwell having been made an Earl, don't ask me about the King's mind), I again went shopping, this time to Greentree Weaving, where I picked up the lovely outfit I wore to church on Sunday. I think I need to adjust the skirt a bit, but I absolutely adore the jacket. The pattern is called "berries", and is very purple-y with red, black, and blue intermixed. So comfortable.
I went to the Gatehouse stage where I caught the last part of the singing group performing there (Seraphim), and then listened to Sir Gregory of Carrolton play his guitar in a classical fasion in an attempt to bring some culture to Revel Grove. It was very peaceful there, under the trees, away from the dust of the mobs infesting the village (did I mention it was PACKED?? At least it was cooler, but the dust was still high).
I remained there for "Cromwell's Disgrace", wherein Thomas Cromwell has a vision of the future in which the marriage he orchestrated is annulled, Anne of Cleves is designated King Henry's "sister", and Cromwell is taken to the Tower and beheaded. It was amazing, truly. My heart was touched by Cromwell's predicament. No where to turn, in a trap of his own making, trying only to serve his King. Truly a wonderful performance.
And then it was back to the Market stage for Fight School: RELOADED!! Captain "The Swordbreaker" Romero was there, along with "Batista". It was so much fun. I again must state that once you know the lines, the best part of Fight School is when they ad lib. It gets rediculously funny.
Now, I didn't really run into any of my faire friends this day, for which I hope they will forgive me (then again, they didn't come up to me either). I saw a few in the distance as I was passing along the paths, but I'm afriad I was focused on my pursuits. My purpose was fulfilled--I saw the Royals Progress, I have a new drum, a new outfit, and a pillow with dolls embroidered on it. I ate my favorite yummy things, needing only two more to finish out my year (cheescake on a stick and some mac & cheese on a stick), along with my goal to try new things. So, with one more weekend left, I await with anticipation the closure next weekend will bring. Here's hoping it rains (to keep the dust down, keeping the crowds down is a side-benefit)
Oh, and I have a new personal record for getting out of the parking lot: 2 hours. I had a spot fairly close to the gate, in the outer section, but didn't realize that when you try to leave from there, you basically can't. I think I moved 4 car lengths in about 1 3/4 hours (I listend to an entire CD of E Muzeki and part of Hairspray while sitting there). I finally left that line, drove to the fence and joined the other line, and was out to the road in about 20 minutes. From there it was another 10 to Dairy Queen and a 20 minute wait for dinner and my blizzard (they only had two people working--on a Saturday Night?? I ask you!). So it was around 9:00pm before I got home. man was I tired!!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Ancient History meme...
This seems like a good year for me to do this (thanks to my friend on LJ for this!)
40 years ago (1967): I was born!!!
35 years ago (1972): My sister Beckie was born! I finally forgave her for usurping my position as the baby in the family a few years ago (JK!)
30 years ago (1977): Star Wars came out! My dad worked as the projectionist at a drive-in theater, so if we went in with him we got in free. We were also allowed free popcorn and free drinks (in very small cups). My brother saw it 20 times!
25 years ago (1982): Jr High school over, High school begun. From the top of the heap to the bottom in 3 easy months. 'nuff said.
20 years ago (1987): Just graduated from Ricks College, was on my way to Utah State University. I wanted to be an astronaut. I got to be an astronomer. Safer, some would say...
15 years ago (1992): I was at the University of Iowa, going to smokey bars to hear great alternative bands (Trip Shakespeare, anyone?). Really liked the long-haired fellow astronomy grad student, but he had a girlfriend. Got into watching Dr Who at midnight with other fellow astronomy and physics students. Oh, and I was in the Physics Band. I do a mean cover of the B-52's 'Roam'.
10 years ago (1997): Was firmly installed in Maryland, considering a job change from the X-Ray Timing Explorer satellite to the Far Ultraviolet Explorer.
5 years ago (2002): Still working at FUSE, spent most of my time hanging out with my friend Becky, having fun with my on-line fellow Star Wars friends, went to Star Wars Celebration II in Indianapolis and got to see Carrie Fisher.
2 years ago (2005): Still working at FUSE, went to Star Wars Celebration III, still in Indianapolis, and got run off the road by a truck on the way home. Have I mentioned that I hate trucks? The big, rude, 18-wheelers that think running over small cars is fun.
1 year ago (2006): Start work at APL as a contractor, for the Radiation Belt Storm Probes mission. Joined a book club with church women that have since become some of my favorite people to hang around with. Bought my first house.
Now (2007): Finally made APL staff, keep busy hanging out with friends from many different walks of life (renaissance festivals, church groups, work groups--you have no idea how diverse these people are, and I love them all!)
40 years ago (1967): I was born!!!
35 years ago (1972): My sister Beckie was born! I finally forgave her for usurping my position as the baby in the family a few years ago (JK!)
30 years ago (1977): Star Wars came out! My dad worked as the projectionist at a drive-in theater, so if we went in with him we got in free. We were also allowed free popcorn and free drinks (in very small cups). My brother saw it 20 times!
25 years ago (1982): Jr High school over, High school begun. From the top of the heap to the bottom in 3 easy months. 'nuff said.
20 years ago (1987): Just graduated from Ricks College, was on my way to Utah State University. I wanted to be an astronaut. I got to be an astronomer. Safer, some would say...
15 years ago (1992): I was at the University of Iowa, going to smokey bars to hear great alternative bands (Trip Shakespeare, anyone?). Really liked the long-haired fellow astronomy grad student, but he had a girlfriend. Got into watching Dr Who at midnight with other fellow astronomy and physics students. Oh, and I was in the Physics Band. I do a mean cover of the B-52's 'Roam'.
10 years ago (1997): Was firmly installed in Maryland, considering a job change from the X-Ray Timing Explorer satellite to the Far Ultraviolet Explorer.
5 years ago (2002): Still working at FUSE, spent most of my time hanging out with my friend Becky, having fun with my on-line fellow Star Wars friends, went to Star Wars Celebration II in Indianapolis and got to see Carrie Fisher.
2 years ago (2005): Still working at FUSE, went to Star Wars Celebration III, still in Indianapolis, and got run off the road by a truck on the way home. Have I mentioned that I hate trucks? The big, rude, 18-wheelers that think running over small cars is fun.
1 year ago (2006): Start work at APL as a contractor, for the Radiation Belt Storm Probes mission. Joined a book club with church women that have since become some of my favorite people to hang around with. Bought my first house.
Now (2007): Finally made APL staff, keep busy hanging out with friends from many different walks of life (renaissance festivals, church groups, work groups--you have no idea how diverse these people are, and I love them all!)
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Savings and splurgings
I've seen this on several friends' blogs, and thought I would give it a shot. I don't think I can come up with 10, but let's see...
Ways I save:
1) I have an amount from my paycheck go directly to my savings account (do not pass Go, do collect 200 dollars). I would never do it on my own, and this way I don't have to think about it
2) I have three grocery store cards, and use them religiously
3) I try to shop sales (not very successful with this one, see number 3 on splurges list)
4) I only allow myself to eat out once a month or when under undue stress (unfortunately the stress thing has been happening a lot lately, time to recommit!)
5) participating in the Meal Swap group (if the meals are already made, I'm more likely to go home and have a decent dinner)
6) Use my AAA credit card for gas (5% back on every purchase at the pump!) I also have to pay this card off every month or I'm not allowed to keep it.
7) Buy in bulk. I love my BJ's membership, even if I only really shop there about once every 3 months. I also buy birthday cards in bulk, so I don't go broke trying to send a (typically late) birthday card to everyone in my family.
8) Make my own clothes. Haven't done this a whole lot lately, but whenever I want something unique, like a vest, I make it myself.
9) Taking care of my house and yard myself (I may be splurging on Merry Maids soon, though)
10) blockbuster online membership. I love to watch movies, and this way is so much cheaper than actually going to the movies. I get to watch lots of movies that are cute but not really worth the nearly $20 experience at the movie theater.
Ways I splurge:
1) Take the sister missionaries out to dinner once a month (sometimes twice if they're good *g*). I love to go out to eat, and I love their company.
2) I collect things. Dolls, Star Wars toys, other themes, movies (I must have a thousand dollars in DVD's alone!). Most of the time I look for sales and such, but if I really want it, I get it.
3) Impulse buys. I love to buy stuff, and don't really care that I don't need it until I go through my finances and realize that I couldn't afford it.
4) Renaissance Festival. I love to go, I love to buy stuff, but most of all, I love Fight School!
5) I go to the movies. I spend about $20 for admission and treats. Sometimes I have dinner beforehand too. It's a whole experience that I have always loved. And yes, most of the time I go by myself, but going with friends is also way fun.
6) Hair cuts. I get my hair professionally cut (and sometimes permed) every 6 weeks or so. I get the way expensive shampoo that makes my hair thicker and keeps it from falling out. So I'm vain, sue me ;)
7) Travel. I love to take trips. Used to go on long road trips to see historical sites, have a trip to Europe planned for next year. I love to go places and see things.
8) Science Fiction conventions. I love to go see in person the actors and authors of my favorite Sci-Fi and Fantasy shows or books. The artists too. This is a real splurge because there's always a dealers room where I can find things that aren't to be found anywhere else.
9) Costuming. I love to make costumes, and sometimes the materials get rather expensive. Most of these costumes are for the Renaissance Festival, but Halloween also figures prominently in my costuming plans.
10) Pets. I splurged on my dogs, and now I'm thinking about getting a cat...
Ways I save:
1) I have an amount from my paycheck go directly to my savings account (do not pass Go, do collect 200 dollars). I would never do it on my own, and this way I don't have to think about it
2) I have three grocery store cards, and use them religiously
3) I try to shop sales (not very successful with this one, see number 3 on splurges list)
4) I only allow myself to eat out once a month or when under undue stress (unfortunately the stress thing has been happening a lot lately, time to recommit!)
5) participating in the Meal Swap group (if the meals are already made, I'm more likely to go home and have a decent dinner)
6) Use my AAA credit card for gas (5% back on every purchase at the pump!) I also have to pay this card off every month or I'm not allowed to keep it.
7) Buy in bulk. I love my BJ's membership, even if I only really shop there about once every 3 months. I also buy birthday cards in bulk, so I don't go broke trying to send a (typically late) birthday card to everyone in my family.
8) Make my own clothes. Haven't done this a whole lot lately, but whenever I want something unique, like a vest, I make it myself.
9) Taking care of my house and yard myself (I may be splurging on Merry Maids soon, though)
10) blockbuster online membership. I love to watch movies, and this way is so much cheaper than actually going to the movies. I get to watch lots of movies that are cute but not really worth the nearly $20 experience at the movie theater.
Ways I splurge:
1) Take the sister missionaries out to dinner once a month (sometimes twice if they're good *g*). I love to go out to eat, and I love their company.
2) I collect things. Dolls, Star Wars toys, other themes, movies (I must have a thousand dollars in DVD's alone!). Most of the time I look for sales and such, but if I really want it, I get it.
3) Impulse buys. I love to buy stuff, and don't really care that I don't need it until I go through my finances and realize that I couldn't afford it.
4) Renaissance Festival. I love to go, I love to buy stuff, but most of all, I love Fight School!
5) I go to the movies. I spend about $20 for admission and treats. Sometimes I have dinner beforehand too. It's a whole experience that I have always loved. And yes, most of the time I go by myself, but going with friends is also way fun.
6) Hair cuts. I get my hair professionally cut (and sometimes permed) every 6 weeks or so. I get the way expensive shampoo that makes my hair thicker and keeps it from falling out. So I'm vain, sue me ;)
7) Travel. I love to take trips. Used to go on long road trips to see historical sites, have a trip to Europe planned for next year. I love to go places and see things.
8) Science Fiction conventions. I love to go see in person the actors and authors of my favorite Sci-Fi and Fantasy shows or books. The artists too. This is a real splurge because there's always a dealers room where I can find things that aren't to be found anywhere else.
9) Costuming. I love to make costumes, and sometimes the materials get rather expensive. Most of these costumes are for the Renaissance Festival, but Halloween also figures prominently in my costuming plans.
10) Pets. I splurged on my dogs, and now I'm thinking about getting a cat...
Monday, October 8, 2007
I'm back!!
Did you miss me?? Did you know I was gone???
I wasn't gone most of the time, last week was crazy, and I crashed every night I got home and didn't have to go somewhere. Then I did go to PA to see my sister and her family--and help with the sorting/packing/cleaning that must go on when one decides to move. I only caught one session of Conference, the Sunday Mornin session, so this means I have to read or watch all of the other sessions in order to catch up. Which is fine. I used to read through the entire Ensign the month after Conference, and then I moved to reading the talks during lunchtime at work, so that I would read through everything at least once during the 6 months between conference. I've been slacking on that, so it's time to recommit. Although lunchtime is also my 'blog' time, so I may have to do something about that.
Last Monday I finally transitioned from Leased Worker (read: contractor) to APL staff. I was oriented all day long, and only had about an hour of time at my desk that evening. Which was ok, it allowed me to get ready for the next two days. The System Requirements and Mission Definition Review. Remember that presentation that I've been giving for the last month? That was for this. The first day went from 8:00am to about 6:00pm. I sat through it all, eating the cookies and muffins they supplied as brain food, and having lunch in the cafeteria (because we only had half an hour for lunch). The next day we thought we were going to be an hour behind as well, but managed to catch up. It started at 8:00am again, and went to 5:00pm. Again, bagels, cookies and cafeteria. So much for my diet. I gave my presentation at 4:15, and there were three more people after me. Mine was the one we were worried about, and I was so prepared. I think the dry-runs were actually worse than the actual review. The Review board was really good, asking questions that pointed out the flaws that we had wanted them to notice. I did get asked to stay after class--uh, I mean, after the day was finished, to clarify some points, which I did. My supervisor was right there too, supporting me. I got the sense that he was looking out for me the whole time, which was nice. Afterwards he kept telling me that I had been 'awesome'. I actually got quite a few compliments, although one was directed at the 'planet' vest that I had worn :) Astronomers always like that one *g*
So that's mostly why I wasn't heard from last week. Thursday was spent doing catch up, after the last bit of the review (8:00 am - 12:00, with a debrief at 3:30pm, I had a donut but brought my own lunch this time). Friday I helped over at TIMED again and then went to my meeting and then left for PA. I left at 3:00pm. I got to Beckie's at 9:00pm. A typically 3 1/2 to 4 hour trip took 6 hours. Construction plus traffic accident. I called Beckie and she helped me bypass the worst of it, but even on the bypass route there was a backup. sigh.
Saturday we sorted and packed and cleaned, and a Real Estate agent came over (I would have totally recommended Chris, but I think this was a little out of his area) to look at the property. The kids were crazy. All three of them bounced off the walls all weekend. Daddy and Mommy were a little crazy too. Normally Beckie's the one that holds them together, but she's 7 months pregnant with company coming over(not me, the RE agent).
Favorite moments:
Collin, just turned 3, is a kissing freak--loves to give hugs and kisses, and apparently freaks out all the little girls in nursery with this tendency.
Malena (5) asked me to come outside to play with her. I told her that I had come to help her mom clean up the house. She responded, "I want to help clean the house too!"
Bonnie, 7, made paper hearts for me. She laid them all out on the floor to show me, and gave some to me. I was able to convince her to pick them up, that her mom would only see a mess, even though we knew it wasn't a mess.
Doug, my bro-in-law, watching conference with me, moving the computer monitor so I could see better. He often does little thoughtful things like that.
Beckie, my sister, planting bright yellow mums in her front yard.
I wasn't gone most of the time, last week was crazy, and I crashed every night I got home and didn't have to go somewhere. Then I did go to PA to see my sister and her family--and help with the sorting/packing/cleaning that must go on when one decides to move. I only caught one session of Conference, the Sunday Mornin session, so this means I have to read or watch all of the other sessions in order to catch up. Which is fine. I used to read through the entire Ensign the month after Conference, and then I moved to reading the talks during lunchtime at work, so that I would read through everything at least once during the 6 months between conference. I've been slacking on that, so it's time to recommit. Although lunchtime is also my 'blog' time, so I may have to do something about that.
Last Monday I finally transitioned from Leased Worker (read: contractor) to APL staff. I was oriented all day long, and only had about an hour of time at my desk that evening. Which was ok, it allowed me to get ready for the next two days. The System Requirements and Mission Definition Review. Remember that presentation that I've been giving for the last month? That was for this. The first day went from 8:00am to about 6:00pm. I sat through it all, eating the cookies and muffins they supplied as brain food, and having lunch in the cafeteria (because we only had half an hour for lunch). The next day we thought we were going to be an hour behind as well, but managed to catch up. It started at 8:00am again, and went to 5:00pm. Again, bagels, cookies and cafeteria. So much for my diet. I gave my presentation at 4:15, and there were three more people after me. Mine was the one we were worried about, and I was so prepared. I think the dry-runs were actually worse than the actual review. The Review board was really good, asking questions that pointed out the flaws that we had wanted them to notice. I did get asked to stay after class--uh, I mean, after the day was finished, to clarify some points, which I did. My supervisor was right there too, supporting me. I got the sense that he was looking out for me the whole time, which was nice. Afterwards he kept telling me that I had been 'awesome'. I actually got quite a few compliments, although one was directed at the 'planet' vest that I had worn :) Astronomers always like that one *g*
So that's mostly why I wasn't heard from last week. Thursday was spent doing catch up, after the last bit of the review (8:00 am - 12:00, with a debrief at 3:30pm, I had a donut but brought my own lunch this time). Friday I helped over at TIMED again and then went to my meeting and then left for PA. I left at 3:00pm. I got to Beckie's at 9:00pm. A typically 3 1/2 to 4 hour trip took 6 hours. Construction plus traffic accident. I called Beckie and she helped me bypass the worst of it, but even on the bypass route there was a backup. sigh.
Saturday we sorted and packed and cleaned, and a Real Estate agent came over (I would have totally recommended Chris, but I think this was a little out of his area) to look at the property. The kids were crazy. All three of them bounced off the walls all weekend. Daddy and Mommy were a little crazy too. Normally Beckie's the one that holds them together, but she's 7 months pregnant with company coming over(not me, the RE agent).
Favorite moments:
Collin, just turned 3, is a kissing freak--loves to give hugs and kisses, and apparently freaks out all the little girls in nursery with this tendency.
Malena (5) asked me to come outside to play with her. I told her that I had come to help her mom clean up the house. She responded, "I want to help clean the house too!"
Bonnie, 7, made paper hearts for me. She laid them all out on the floor to show me, and gave some to me. I was able to convince her to pick them up, that her mom would only see a mess, even though we knew it wasn't a mess.
Doug, my bro-in-law, watching conference with me, moving the computer monitor so I could see better. He often does little thoughtful things like that.
Beckie, my sister, planting bright yellow mums in her front yard.
Friday, September 28, 2007
South Carolina!!
My brother-in-law has been very unhappy with his job. He has to make 2-3 international trips each month, and it has been very hard on him and his family. So he decided to find a new job. And he found one in South Carolina!
This means that my sister and her family will be moving. This is the family that lives in Pennsylvania, that I go to visit fairly frequently. So it's kind of happy/sad for me. I'm happy that they have a new opportunity, and that they'll probably be able to buy a bigger house, and that they're staying on the East Coast. However, it does mean about a 7-8 hour drive for me when I go to visit them (notice I did not say 'if'). This also puts them about 7-8 hours from where my brother just moved to Alabama. So I'm definitely sensing a road trip in my future, when my vacation time catches up to me.
This also means that I can try to get my sis and her family to come visit me on the way south. I mean, really. How many ways are there from PA to SC? And how many of them use I-95? And just where is my house? Less than a mile from I-95??? Maybe?? Mapquest had them driving out to Frederick and avoiding the Baltimore Beltway--I can see some logic in that, but since it's only 6 minutes longer to come through Baltimore (depending on time of day, I'll grant you that), I think I got her to consider it. I also know that if they don't stop on the way here on their move south, they never will come. Too far, too many kids (did I mention she's pregnant? Due at Thanksgiving time--this makes 4), she'll never come to see me if she doesn't do it now. I don't think I'll be able to take her kids for a weekend anymore either, it's just too far. Knowing that they wouldn't be staying here forever has pushed me into going to visit them as frequently as I could. When they were in NJ, I went once a month. In CT, I went once every other month, since Southwest flew from Baltimore to Hartford very cheaply. I'm kinda hoping I can find something similar from BWI to someplace in SC. Hmmm, I have a friend who's a pilot, maybe he can help?? Offer advice, at the least! Anyway, when they first moved to PA I went fairly frequently, but it's been tapering off for the last year or so. I'm so grateful I've had this chance to get to know my sister, my brother-in-law, and their kids. I have them for Christmas this year, so I'll be going down there for that. Unless the airline thing comes through, I probably won't be going there as much as I have to PA. I just don't drive long distance like I used to (I've started falling asleep at the wheel, not good). But maybe for the occaisional long weekend. And holidays :)
This means that my sister and her family will be moving. This is the family that lives in Pennsylvania, that I go to visit fairly frequently. So it's kind of happy/sad for me. I'm happy that they have a new opportunity, and that they'll probably be able to buy a bigger house, and that they're staying on the East Coast. However, it does mean about a 7-8 hour drive for me when I go to visit them (notice I did not say 'if'). This also puts them about 7-8 hours from where my brother just moved to Alabama. So I'm definitely sensing a road trip in my future, when my vacation time catches up to me.
This also means that I can try to get my sis and her family to come visit me on the way south. I mean, really. How many ways are there from PA to SC? And how many of them use I-95? And just where is my house? Less than a mile from I-95??? Maybe?? Mapquest had them driving out to Frederick and avoiding the Baltimore Beltway--I can see some logic in that, but since it's only 6 minutes longer to come through Baltimore (depending on time of day, I'll grant you that), I think I got her to consider it. I also know that if they don't stop on the way here on their move south, they never will come. Too far, too many kids (did I mention she's pregnant? Due at Thanksgiving time--this makes 4), she'll never come to see me if she doesn't do it now. I don't think I'll be able to take her kids for a weekend anymore either, it's just too far. Knowing that they wouldn't be staying here forever has pushed me into going to visit them as frequently as I could. When they were in NJ, I went once a month. In CT, I went once every other month, since Southwest flew from Baltimore to Hartford very cheaply. I'm kinda hoping I can find something similar from BWI to someplace in SC. Hmmm, I have a friend who's a pilot, maybe he can help?? Offer advice, at the least! Anyway, when they first moved to PA I went fairly frequently, but it's been tapering off for the last year or so. I'm so grateful I've had this chance to get to know my sister, my brother-in-law, and their kids. I have them for Christmas this year, so I'll be going down there for that. Unless the airline thing comes through, I probably won't be going there as much as I have to PA. I just don't drive long distance like I used to (I've started falling asleep at the wheel, not good). But maybe for the occaisional long weekend. And holidays :)
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Thank you!
I did have a really nice birthday; thank you for all the well wishes :)
It was a very nice day. At work the last meeting of the day (a 2-hour mind-numbing afair) was cancelled, so I did take off a little early. Checking my email frequently I got to see all the birthday wishes everyone sent (probably a little shameless of me to advertise, but I really did enjoy all the happy thoughts sent my way). I went to a friend's for dinner and then got to play with her girls for a few minutes. Then home to find some treats had been left for me and another friend dropped by to leave some more. So lots of yummy treats for me! I got to talk to a brother (the nice, very forgiving one), and my dad (who promised me that my present was in the mail).
Thank you again, so much. Without my friends, it would once again have been just another day. Hugs to everyone!
It was a very nice day. At work the last meeting of the day (a 2-hour mind-numbing afair) was cancelled, so I did take off a little early. Checking my email frequently I got to see all the birthday wishes everyone sent (probably a little shameless of me to advertise, but I really did enjoy all the happy thoughts sent my way). I went to a friend's for dinner and then got to play with her girls for a few minutes. Then home to find some treats had been left for me and another friend dropped by to leave some more. So lots of yummy treats for me! I got to talk to a brother (the nice, very forgiving one), and my dad (who promised me that my present was in the mail).
Thank you again, so much. Without my friends, it would once again have been just another day. Hugs to everyone!
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
happy birthday to me!
I have a little song running around in my head:
Happy Birthday to me
Happy Birthday to me
Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday,
Happy Birthday to me!
I bought some cake last night at the store, and I'm going to make dinner for me tonight and eat cake and ice cream (Ben and Jerry's Creme Brulee--oh, so yummy!)tempting to cut out of work early and go out to eat but I think I really should go to an HOA meeting this evening so might as well stay here).
I had a party of sorts, my friends had me over for games cookies and ice cream last Friday night (so fun!) and I got to go to the Ren Fest on Saturday with one of the same friends and her family. The 5-year old REALLY loved Fight School (I knew he would *g*) and I got to keep the 7-year-old for a while just me and her. That was very fun. We went to see Robin Hood, the Joust, and E Muzeki before wandering back towards the gate and looking through all the shops. I even bought two shirts from a Master Weaver. I'm going to have to get some more next time I go, I love them!
Sunday was normal--got up early enought, but then took a nap (I ask you, a NAP??? I AM getting old!) so I still was late to choir practice. Was starving by the end of church, but was fortunately assisting in Sunbeams and they had snacks so I didn't die. Got home (still starving) and had leftover pizza (from the night before--yum!) which is really good warmed up in the toaster oven, I must say.
Monday I had a raging headache by the time I got home so I didn't do a whole lot. I did manage to watch the three tv show premiers on NBC last night, though, and I liked them. Chuck was funny if a little predictable--loved seeing Jayne from Firelfy again (I know he has a real name but I forget it--oh yeah, he's a Baldwin). Heroes is going to be good this season, I can just tell. I love Hiro! I think he's my favorite! Journeyman was really good too--I wasn't sure if I would like this one or not, but I do. So my Monday night viewing schedule is now 'set' :)
Tonight after the meeting I'm going to come home and maybe watch Lincoln Heights. I mostly liked it last year, but I don't know about this year. It's basically a show about a family but gets a little scarey since it deals with them trying to make their neighborhood better (it's a really bad neighborhood--the dad is a cop and got a deal from the city to be able to afford a nice house there). Then I'm going to tape Eureka (sci-fi channel) and watch House. I never really know what to expect from House, but this year one of the (probably temporary) characters is supposed to be LDS, and I just want to make sure they do it right. Interesting that Mormons have been showing up on TV lately. Very. Even Gilmore Girls had a couple LDS references.
So nothing crazy, but I am in a much better mood than I expected. The Prozac musb be working *g*. I may go to dinner and a movie on Friday night, and go someplace where they sing to you for your birthday. I think that would be fun. Anyone want to come?
Happy Birthday to me
Happy Birthday to me
Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday,
Happy Birthday to me!
I bought some cake last night at the store, and I'm going to make dinner for me tonight and eat cake and ice cream (Ben and Jerry's Creme Brulee--oh, so yummy!)tempting to cut out of work early and go out to eat but I think I really should go to an HOA meeting this evening so might as well stay here).
I had a party of sorts, my friends had me over for games cookies and ice cream last Friday night (so fun!) and I got to go to the Ren Fest on Saturday with one of the same friends and her family. The 5-year old REALLY loved Fight School (I knew he would *g*) and I got to keep the 7-year-old for a while just me and her. That was very fun. We went to see Robin Hood, the Joust, and E Muzeki before wandering back towards the gate and looking through all the shops. I even bought two shirts from a Master Weaver. I'm going to have to get some more next time I go, I love them!
Sunday was normal--got up early enought, but then took a nap (I ask you, a NAP??? I AM getting old!) so I still was late to choir practice. Was starving by the end of church, but was fortunately assisting in Sunbeams and they had snacks so I didn't die. Got home (still starving) and had leftover pizza (from the night before--yum!) which is really good warmed up in the toaster oven, I must say.
Monday I had a raging headache by the time I got home so I didn't do a whole lot. I did manage to watch the three tv show premiers on NBC last night, though, and I liked them. Chuck was funny if a little predictable--loved seeing Jayne from Firelfy again (I know he has a real name but I forget it--oh yeah, he's a Baldwin). Heroes is going to be good this season, I can just tell. I love Hiro! I think he's my favorite! Journeyman was really good too--I wasn't sure if I would like this one or not, but I do. So my Monday night viewing schedule is now 'set' :)
Tonight after the meeting I'm going to come home and maybe watch Lincoln Heights. I mostly liked it last year, but I don't know about this year. It's basically a show about a family but gets a little scarey since it deals with them trying to make their neighborhood better (it's a really bad neighborhood--the dad is a cop and got a deal from the city to be able to afford a nice house there). Then I'm going to tape Eureka (sci-fi channel) and watch House. I never really know what to expect from House, but this year one of the (probably temporary) characters is supposed to be LDS, and I just want to make sure they do it right. Interesting that Mormons have been showing up on TV lately. Very. Even Gilmore Girls had a couple LDS references.
So nothing crazy, but I am in a much better mood than I expected. The Prozac musb be working *g*. I may go to dinner and a movie on Friday night, and go someplace where they sing to you for your birthday. I think that would be fun. Anyone want to come?
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Something to get your mind going
a friend emailed this to me, and I though it was good enough to share... and I hereby tag everyone who reads this! :D
SCATTERGORIES...it's harder than it looks! Copy and paste into a new email.
When you are done, send it on, including to the person who sent it to you.
*Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following... *they
have to be real places, names, things...nothing made up!
Try to use different answers if the person in front of you had the same 1st
initial. You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question.
What is your name? Julia
4 letter word: Just
Vehicle: Jaguar
TV Show: Just shoot me
City: Jacksonville
Boy Name: Jude
Girl Name: Jamilla
Alcoholic drink: Jallepeno Schnops (I have a friend who drinks it--ugh!)
Occupation: Jet fighter pilot
Something you wear: jacket
Celebrity: Julia Roberts (that was too easy!)
Food: jicama
Something found in a bathroom: jackets on the floor
Reason for Being Late: just took one little shortcut...
Cartoon Character: Jane Jetson
Something You Shout: Just you wait!!
SCATTERGORIES...it's harder than it looks! Copy and paste into a new email.
When you are done, send it on, including to the person who sent it to you.
*Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following... *they
have to be real places, names, things...nothing made up!
Try to use different answers if the person in front of you had the same 1st
initial. You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question.
What is your name? Julia
4 letter word: Just
Vehicle: Jaguar
TV Show: Just shoot me
City: Jacksonville
Boy Name: Jude
Girl Name: Jamilla
Alcoholic drink: Jallepeno Schnops (I have a friend who drinks it--ugh!)
Occupation: Jet fighter pilot
Something you wear: jacket
Celebrity: Julia Roberts (that was too easy!)
Food: jicama
Something found in a bathroom: jackets on the floor
Reason for Being Late: just took one little shortcut...
Cartoon Character: Jane Jetson
Something You Shout: Just you wait!!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
my Dream house!!!
How did they know???
Unfortunately I can't get blogger to display it, so you'll have to go here: http://julia0925.livejournal.com/63921.html#cutid1
Unfortunately I can't get blogger to display it, so you'll have to go here: http://julia0925.livejournal.com/63921.html#cutid1
I wish the dots were pink...
got bored of my old template, tried to find something new, was thinking I wanted something pink or purple-ish, but there's not a lot of selection in that color. Someday I'll have to sit down and make my own template, but until then, there are dots. I just wish that they were pink.
Been busy at work lately. Lots to do to get ready for the Big Review coming up the first week of October. We have a final flip-thru this Thurs and Fri, which shouldn't take too long since we don't have to present our slides, just flip through them and mention the things that are new. Since I have a Red Risk to present, I got to present that part at yesterday's team meeting. Silly me, I included in that presentation information that I had recieved from the instrument teams. I wanted to make sure I had understood what they had told me. Some of the teams were very instructive and helpful. One of the instrumenters--and of course he had teleconned in so I wasn't even sure who he was--started nit-picking about the slides themselves. I finally told him that I wasn't going to update those slides because they were never going to be seen again. Sigh. We were finally able to move on, and I didn't get a lot of grief when I finally threw up the graphic of the timeline. I hope I handled that appropriately. It's hard to know since my boss wasn't there (he's at a conference in California this week), and I don't think anyone else would give me input on how I did. Although, I imagine that if I really screwed up, I would be taken aside and Talked To.
In the meantime, a Yearly Event is approaching that tends to make me more crazy than usual. This year is worse because it's a Milestone Event, and I always promised myself I'd stop being smart-alec-y about my age on this particular milestone. Yes, it's my birthday. Always dificult because my family is usually far away. I have three sisters that remember me on my birthday (and I remember theirs), and if I'm lucky my Dad will send something before the end of the year, although since I did see him in July we can just count that. My brother already wished me a Happy Birthday, and I've even recieved a couple of cards (more if you count the stores that are giving me discounts if I spend my birthday money in them). It's also a reminder that it's one more year closer to the time when I will never be able to have children. In a way it's like a little death every year.
This year seems a little worse, because this year I leave the 30's behind forever. I feel like I should have a party, but I don't know when I could have it, and it's weird throwing a birthday party for oneself. I suppose it would be ok if I told everyone not to bring presents, otherwise it just seems lame. But if I did have a party, I would have two cakes. The first would be a tombstone with something like "RIP 30's" on it, and the second would be a celebration cake with lots of sprinkles and curlicues, "Forty and Fabulous". And I would invite Everyone. My poor house would be too small to hold everyone, but I'm sure only about 10 people would show up anyway. Well, maybe more. I did have quite a few people come to my open house last January.
So if I seem mopey over the next week or so, now you know why. Once I get out of my poorme stage, I'll be more cheerful again I promise. In the meantime, I'll just try to distract myself. Shouldn't be too hard this weekend, since My Friend and her three kids are braving the Renaissance Festival with me! It is Adventure Weekend, so that should be very diverting :D
And in the meantime, there are dots. Even if they're not pink.
Been busy at work lately. Lots to do to get ready for the Big Review coming up the first week of October. We have a final flip-thru this Thurs and Fri, which shouldn't take too long since we don't have to present our slides, just flip through them and mention the things that are new. Since I have a Red Risk to present, I got to present that part at yesterday's team meeting. Silly me, I included in that presentation information that I had recieved from the instrument teams. I wanted to make sure I had understood what they had told me. Some of the teams were very instructive and helpful. One of the instrumenters--and of course he had teleconned in so I wasn't even sure who he was--started nit-picking about the slides themselves. I finally told him that I wasn't going to update those slides because they were never going to be seen again. Sigh. We were finally able to move on, and I didn't get a lot of grief when I finally threw up the graphic of the timeline. I hope I handled that appropriately. It's hard to know since my boss wasn't there (he's at a conference in California this week), and I don't think anyone else would give me input on how I did. Although, I imagine that if I really screwed up, I would be taken aside and Talked To.
In the meantime, a Yearly Event is approaching that tends to make me more crazy than usual. This year is worse because it's a Milestone Event, and I always promised myself I'd stop being smart-alec-y about my age on this particular milestone. Yes, it's my birthday. Always dificult because my family is usually far away. I have three sisters that remember me on my birthday (and I remember theirs), and if I'm lucky my Dad will send something before the end of the year, although since I did see him in July we can just count that. My brother already wished me a Happy Birthday, and I've even recieved a couple of cards (more if you count the stores that are giving me discounts if I spend my birthday money in them). It's also a reminder that it's one more year closer to the time when I will never be able to have children. In a way it's like a little death every year.
This year seems a little worse, because this year I leave the 30's behind forever. I feel like I should have a party, but I don't know when I could have it, and it's weird throwing a birthday party for oneself. I suppose it would be ok if I told everyone not to bring presents, otherwise it just seems lame. But if I did have a party, I would have two cakes. The first would be a tombstone with something like "RIP 30's" on it, and the second would be a celebration cake with lots of sprinkles and curlicues, "Forty and Fabulous". And I would invite Everyone. My poor house would be too small to hold everyone, but I'm sure only about 10 people would show up anyway. Well, maybe more. I did have quite a few people come to my open house last January.
So if I seem mopey over the next week or so, now you know why. Once I get out of my poorme stage, I'll be more cheerful again I promise. In the meantime, I'll just try to distract myself. Shouldn't be too hard this weekend, since My Friend and her three kids are braving the Renaissance Festival with me! It is Adventure Weekend, so that should be very diverting :D
And in the meantime, there are dots. Even if they're not pink.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
More on Meyer
So last week book club was all about Eclipse. I mentioned this article: http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20049578,00.html
(Sorry, Cami, she states that she really is writing for 12-year-old girls)
I've been passing along to my sisters and to my star wars email group that they should try reading this series (always passing along that mothers should read before daughters do).
I still feel that Eclipse wasn't as good as Twilight. Bella annoyed me, the triangle annoyed me, and I really hated that I found the pattern of the books:
1) Bella moping around feeling miserable and hating herself for 3/4 of the book
2) Mad excitement running around the country or to another country or even out in the country trying to save Bella from being eaten. (oddly enough this part always brings me back into the book--I really do like my excitement)
Twilight kept my interest, New Moon did a pretty good job, but Eclipse? Well, it was ok. I'm kinda thinking both Jacob and Edward can do better...
My sister Beckie has now read the entire set three times. I think she likes it almost as much as Harry Potter (she read OotP so many times she had to buy a new book because the old one fell apart--literally and without help from her children).
(Sorry, Cami, she states that she really is writing for 12-year-old girls)
I've been passing along to my sisters and to my star wars email group that they should try reading this series (always passing along that mothers should read before daughters do).
I still feel that Eclipse wasn't as good as Twilight. Bella annoyed me, the triangle annoyed me, and I really hated that I found the pattern of the books:
1) Bella moping around feeling miserable and hating herself for 3/4 of the book
2) Mad excitement running around the country or to another country or even out in the country trying to save Bella from being eaten. (oddly enough this part always brings me back into the book--I really do like my excitement)
Twilight kept my interest, New Moon did a pretty good job, but Eclipse? Well, it was ok. I'm kinda thinking both Jacob and Edward can do better...
My sister Beckie has now read the entire set three times. I think she likes it almost as much as Harry Potter (she read OotP so many times she had to buy a new book because the old one fell apart--literally and without help from her children).
Monday, September 10, 2007
a little bit of this and that
thanks, everyone, for the support on Friday. Considering what Kellie was going through, I really have no right to complain, as Joni says. And yes, of my four sisters, the one mentioned knows who she is. My brother (who reads my blog but rarely comments) knew exactly who she was. A much kinder person than I am, I'm afraid, as he always says that she means well. Yeah, right, tell that to my ex-sis-in-law that my lovely sister tried taking her kids away from. Like I said, Mike is a much better person than I am.
My presentation went... well, at least it's over now. Sort of. It was the 'dry-run' for the 'flip-thru' that happens just before the real thing, so I only have to do it two more times. Lucky me, I get to cover one of the very few hot topics, and the only real 'red' risk that we're carrying right now. Sigh. So my presentation went longer than it should have, but mostly because we had to go over the entire commissioning timeline and make sure we really did not fit into the 45 days we've been allotted. So I get to work on the presentation some more this week and try to fix the flaws in it.
Saturday I overslept again--I'm sensing a theme here. I did make it to my RPG group before they killed all the undead that we were fighting, so that was something. We managed to destroy the Heart of Darkness that we were after, although it was so hot in my freind's sunroom my friend started being concerned I might get heat stroke or something. I used to refer to myself as a Child of the Desert, but I may have been in Maryland too long. Or maybe I just really needed to eat some salt since all I was drinking was water and I may have flushed out my system. Probably a good thing I did not go to the RenFest then. Went home and mowed my lawn--after sunset. Watched Capricorn One, which I hadn't seen before. It wasn't what I was expecting, but it was really good. Far more suspenseful than I was expecting.
Sunday I did NOT oversleep--I made it to ward council, to church, to my meeting in Germantown, and then home again where I worked over my finances and realized that I simply must not spend any money this week (I get paid on Friday). I still blame the dogs--not without good reason. The Good Dog Rescue person I was working with told me they had torn up my check. Well, they hadn't. They cashed it. I didn't have enough surplus to cover it, so my overdraft protection kicked in (there's a reason I have it set up that way). So now I have to figure that out.
So not a terribly crazy weekend, but after stepping on the scale Sunday morning and realizing I gained 10 lbs in the last 3 weeks, I have three new goals. 1) add exercise back into my life. 2) Portion control! 3) go to bed earlier! Wish me luck!
My presentation went... well, at least it's over now. Sort of. It was the 'dry-run' for the 'flip-thru' that happens just before the real thing, so I only have to do it two more times. Lucky me, I get to cover one of the very few hot topics, and the only real 'red' risk that we're carrying right now. Sigh. So my presentation went longer than it should have, but mostly because we had to go over the entire commissioning timeline and make sure we really did not fit into the 45 days we've been allotted. So I get to work on the presentation some more this week and try to fix the flaws in it.
Saturday I overslept again--I'm sensing a theme here. I did make it to my RPG group before they killed all the undead that we were fighting, so that was something. We managed to destroy the Heart of Darkness that we were after, although it was so hot in my freind's sunroom my friend started being concerned I might get heat stroke or something. I used to refer to myself as a Child of the Desert, but I may have been in Maryland too long. Or maybe I just really needed to eat some salt since all I was drinking was water and I may have flushed out my system. Probably a good thing I did not go to the RenFest then. Went home and mowed my lawn--after sunset. Watched Capricorn One, which I hadn't seen before. It wasn't what I was expecting, but it was really good. Far more suspenseful than I was expecting.
Sunday I did NOT oversleep--I made it to ward council, to church, to my meeting in Germantown, and then home again where I worked over my finances and realized that I simply must not spend any money this week (I get paid on Friday). I still blame the dogs--not without good reason. The Good Dog Rescue person I was working with told me they had torn up my check. Well, they hadn't. They cashed it. I didn't have enough surplus to cover it, so my overdraft protection kicked in (there's a reason I have it set up that way). So now I have to figure that out.
So not a terribly crazy weekend, but after stepping on the scale Sunday morning and realizing I gained 10 lbs in the last 3 weeks, I have three new goals. 1) add exercise back into my life. 2) Portion control! 3) go to bed earlier! Wish me luck!
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