After 3 years of writing in the Big Yellow House, I'm really venturing into fiction...and the unknown. I've written 2 parts of a story and I'm not sure where it's going. It's exciting, and intimidating...but I'm safe in that room and so, I write. This is FUN!
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PART 1
She glanced one last time in the rearview mirror, taking a mental photograph of the white lighthouse as it disappeared from view. She heard a whine from the backseat.
"It's OK, Sadie. It's OK."
She turned up the radio and Bruce Springsteen's voice mingled with the sea air. "It's going to be OK," she repeated.
She drove down the main street of town, not daring to look out the window for fear she'd catch someone's eye, and slid into the left lane to turn for the highway, but changed her mind and jerked the car to the right, toward the water.
Hopping out of the car, she grabbed her camera bag from the backseat. She wanted to take Sadie with her, but she know that her canine companion would want to play in the surf. That was not an option. Pulling her Yankee cap down further over her eyes, she jogged to the boardwalk and snapped a few photos of the rickety, weathered wood, the boardwalk ice cream shop, the turned down lifeguard chairs lying in the sand, and the waves. Her legs ached to dip into the water, but she knew she couldn't. After turning for a last long shot of the lighthouse, blurry through her tears, she ran back to the car, wiping her eyes, and pulled out onto the street. She pointing her jeep towards the highway, closed the windows and flipped on the AC--she didn't want to smell the salt and sand anymore.
* * * * * * * *
PART 2 (You should know that our prompt/challenge was to use these 5 objects in our story: stringless guitar, pizza cutter, duffel bag, Bible, bonzai tree.)
By the time she hit the Jersey Turnpike, the Bruce Springsteen CD had played through. She reached into the pile of CDs next to her and grabbed one, trading it for Bruce without even looking. The unmistakable low strings of Crooked Still filled the car--this would work. Her phone buzzed in the cupholder beside her. She ignored it and kept driving. Ten minutes later, it rang again. She ignored it and turned up the music.
As she approached the Delaware Memorial Bridge, she realized she hadn't eaten since lunchtime yesterday. She pulled off the highway into the Clara Barton Rest Stop. Opening the trunk, she pushed aside her sad, stringless guitar. A year and a half ago, just a few weeks after bringing Sadie home, she'd been upstairs when she hear the horrible crash of her guitar hitting the floor, strings vibrating painfully. The sound itself scared Sadie away before she could do any permanent damage. She'd found the puppy backed int a corner, growling at the fallen guitar with 4 snapped strings. Though she'd never gotten around to restringing it, she'd tossed it in the car at the last minute--maybe she'd string it on this trip. She pulled Sadie's red leash out of one of the duffel bags jammed in the trunk.
"C'mon, girl," she said. She let Sadie stretch her legs for a few minuts before leading her back to the car. "I'll be right back, " she said, rubbing the dog behind her golden ears and checking the travel bowl to make sure there was still water inside before shutting the door and jogging inside.
About half an hour into the drive, she'd realized she was squinting--and that her sunglasses were back on the kitchen table. Just inside the doors, under a sign that read "Clara Barton Rest Stop. Welcome to the Garden State," was a cart covered in sunglasses. She plucked a pair of plastic $18 shades and set them down next to the register, in front of a tiny bonzai tree, handing the man a $20.
She turned and looked around the entryway at her options and settled on pizza. There was a bit of a line and she found herself staring blankly at the teenaged boy rolling the pizza cutter methodically over one pizza, then another and another.
"Ex-cuse me, ma'am." She looked up at the teenage girl rolling her eyes, "Can I help you?"
"Two cheese slices to go, a water and an iced tea, please"
She opened her wallet to hand the cashier money and realizing she only had 2 singles, pulled out her ATM card instead. The cashier smiled at her from behind big, round glasses and looked quickly at her card. "Thank you, C-Carries?"
She smiled. "It's Karis. Thanks," and took back her card.
"Karis? What is that?"
"It's Greek. Have a good one."
She walked back to the car shaking her head. Her father had wanted to name her Grace, but that was too plain and ordinary for her mother. They had settled on Karis, which meant grace in Greek, thereby honoring her father's idea and her mother's heritage. They thought it was perfect, but they didn't have to go through life spelling and pronouncing it for everyone.
When she got back to the car, she set her pizza on the passenger seat and stuck the drinks in the cupholders. She moved the cellphone, noting that she now had 4 missed calls, all from the same number. She tore off a piece of pizza crust and gave it to Sadie. It was the least she could do--the poor dog hated car rides.
An hour later, as she approached Baltimore, the phone rang again. Looking at the number, she flipped it open, taking a deep breath.
"Hi."
"Hi? Karis, I've been calling for hours. What the f - "
"I can't. Annie, I'm sorry, but I can't right now."
"Are you OK?"
"Please, An, I'll call you when I get there. Maybe I'll be able to explain. Please?"
"Alright. Be careful. Keep your phone charged. Lock your doors. Pull off if you get tired. ... I love you."
"Promise. I love you too."
She closed the phone and threw it on the floor of the backseat. It was time to switch CDs again.
She drove all night, with Billy Joel, Simon and Garfunkel, the Beatles and Carole King as her soundtrack. She stopped every few hours to let Sadie out and grab a drink or a snack. In Tennessee, she'd been accosted by a Bible salesman, reminding her that she was a sinner.
"Jesus saves!" he cried.
Sadie growled. The man followed Karis to her car, quoting from Scripture. Finally, she turned to face him.
"I'm Catholic," she said.
He stopped in his tracks. "Oh."
Monday, May 19, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
T13
1) I think I have an allergy issue. I was dizzy earlier this week. About this time last year, I had dizzy spells and it turned out to be fluid in my ears. I've been taking allergy meds and the heavy head is better.
2) I started triathlon training yesterday. 9 weeks from Sunday, I'll compete in the Falmouth Tri.
3) N and I went to see Tracy Grammer and Jim Henry at the Iron Horse last weekend. I always forget how much I love TG--her songs, her stories, her humor. It made me very excited for FRFF.
4) I booked my flight to L.A. this week. 9 days in June--I'm excited.
5) Even with missing 7 work days for L.A., I have 3 days to take before June 30!
6) I made an appointment with a podiatrist today. They want to x-ray my feet and were surprised to hear me say I've had many an x-ray of my foot. I don't think they are expecting a web-footed girl with scars from toe amputation, do you?
7) My cell phone is no longer holding a charge. It makes me very sad. I really don't want to spend money on a stinking new battery.
8) On a lunch errand today, I ran into one of my ball players and her mom. The mom needed a full 30 seconds to recognize me since I wasn't in shorts and a t-shirt.
9) I'm going home in a few weeks to be my parents' daughter's Confirmation sponsor. Katie and I have the same birthday--she was my 14th birthday present! I can't quite believe that the tiny infant I used to babysit is 15 years old!!
10) In the last few weeks, my email box has brought me many an email from my dearest darling Big Yellow friends--on an almost daily basis. This makes me exceedingly happy. And grateful.
11) This is a very busy time at work...someone joked recently that there isn't any truly "quiet" time. I tried to contradict her, but...well, she's right. Thankfully, I really do enjoy my job and I find the new responsibilities challenging. Even if I do daydream about 7 year olds.
12) I got a new print that I need to have framed. It has a watercolor of a bicycle and reads, "It has something to do with giving back while moving forward."
13) I am the 4th of 24 in my generation of cousins. Our parents' efforts to get us all together as children has paid off. We're friends. We enjoy one another's company. We get together just because, with our parents and without our parents. It's such a gift that our parents gave us.
2) I started triathlon training yesterday. 9 weeks from Sunday, I'll compete in the Falmouth Tri.
3) N and I went to see Tracy Grammer and Jim Henry at the Iron Horse last weekend. I always forget how much I love TG--her songs, her stories, her humor. It made me very excited for FRFF.
4) I booked my flight to L.A. this week. 9 days in June--I'm excited.
5) Even with missing 7 work days for L.A., I have 3 days to take before June 30!
6) I made an appointment with a podiatrist today. They want to x-ray my feet and were surprised to hear me say I've had many an x-ray of my foot. I don't think they are expecting a web-footed girl with scars from toe amputation, do you?
7) My cell phone is no longer holding a charge. It makes me very sad. I really don't want to spend money on a stinking new battery.
8) On a lunch errand today, I ran into one of my ball players and her mom. The mom needed a full 30 seconds to recognize me since I wasn't in shorts and a t-shirt.
9) I'm going home in a few weeks to be my parents' daughter's Confirmation sponsor. Katie and I have the same birthday--she was my 14th birthday present! I can't quite believe that the tiny infant I used to babysit is 15 years old!!
10) In the last few weeks, my email box has brought me many an email from my dearest darling Big Yellow friends--on an almost daily basis. This makes me exceedingly happy. And grateful.
11) This is a very busy time at work...someone joked recently that there isn't any truly "quiet" time. I tried to contradict her, but...well, she's right. Thankfully, I really do enjoy my job and I find the new responsibilities challenging. Even if I do daydream about 7 year olds.
12) I got a new print that I need to have framed. It has a watercolor of a bicycle and reads, "It has something to do with giving back while moving forward."
13) I am the 4th of 24 in my generation of cousins. Our parents' efforts to get us all together as children has paid off. We're friends. We enjoy one another's company. We get together just because, with our parents and without our parents. It's such a gift that our parents gave us.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Friends
Last weekend, I spent yet another fantastic 3 days with some of my most favorite people in all the world. We sang, ate, drank, danced, laughed and listened. On Friday night, we found our seats in a familiar dark corner room at our bar of choice, quizzing each other about state birds and celebrating TWO babies to arrive in November. On Saturday night, we all sat around in a cozy yellow living room and sang great songs and silly songs late into the night. Sunday afternoon, we didn't want it to end and ate slowly at Tokyo and Taipei, sharing pictures and quiet stories. We hugged and waved as we walked out of sight, promising we'd be in touch. That night, a flurry of emails flooded our inboxes as we relived the weekend and started our countdown til January.
For most of us, our reunion happened much sooner than we anticipated...and much sooner than we would have liked. Our friend, the always witty, perfectly sarcastic and compassionate Andrea Coller, died last Wednesday night after a long battle with cancer. I couldn't quite wrap my mind around it when I heard the news--I closed my eyes and heard her voice in my ear, reading her story...and I heard our laughter in gales in response to her straight-forward storytelling. I didn't know Andrea well--but we've been on several writing retreats together now and in that familiar living room in a big yellow house, strong bonds formed even if we didn't talk for 6 months at a time. I consider myself lucky to count Andrea among my friends...but I was also a fan--of her writing, her music, her fashion and her one-of-a-kind personality.
About a year ago, Andrea began an essay on our retreat. I remember laughing so hard my face hurt while falling deeply in love with her writing. She submitted that piece to a contest for Glamour magazine...and out of thousands of entries, hers won. She was surprised. We, her writing companions, were not. The piece embodied brilliance. Last weekend, Andrea talked about how excited she was to see the article in print--and to get the feedback from the judges. Even though the magazine hit the newsstands over a week early, Andrea missed it. So we're celebrating it for (and with) her. Go buy the lovely Glamour with a botoxed Jessica Simpson on the cover. Open it to page 150. Or simply go here:
"I Want My Life Back"
Interview with Andrea
(And for that feedback Andrea wanted to read, you can go here and scroll about 2/3 of the way down to read judge Jennifer Weiner's thoughts on Andrea and the piece. Thanks, Matt.)
Andrea's funeral was on Monday. A group of us from retreat gathered in Northampton on Sunday to be together, remember Andrea and celebrate our friendships. I can't help but think Andrea was smiling down on us as we sang music she loved and splashed around in the hot tub. At the service, I looked to my left and my right and saw people for whom I am especially grateful. They make me laugh, they let me cry, they listen and they accept with open arms and hearts. We're lucky to have each other--and we were lucky to have Andrea. When January finally comes, we'll be popping TicTacs and drinking 007s...and we'll try to be as funny and as honest as she always was.
Enough said, sha la la la la la la la la la...
For most of us, our reunion happened much sooner than we anticipated...and much sooner than we would have liked. Our friend, the always witty, perfectly sarcastic and compassionate Andrea Coller, died last Wednesday night after a long battle with cancer. I couldn't quite wrap my mind around it when I heard the news--I closed my eyes and heard her voice in my ear, reading her story...and I heard our laughter in gales in response to her straight-forward storytelling. I didn't know Andrea well--but we've been on several writing retreats together now and in that familiar living room in a big yellow house, strong bonds formed even if we didn't talk for 6 months at a time. I consider myself lucky to count Andrea among my friends...but I was also a fan--of her writing, her music, her fashion and her one-of-a-kind personality.
About a year ago, Andrea began an essay on our retreat. I remember laughing so hard my face hurt while falling deeply in love with her writing. She submitted that piece to a contest for Glamour magazine...and out of thousands of entries, hers won. She was surprised. We, her writing companions, were not. The piece embodied brilliance. Last weekend, Andrea talked about how excited she was to see the article in print--and to get the feedback from the judges. Even though the magazine hit the newsstands over a week early, Andrea missed it. So we're celebrating it for (and with) her. Go buy the lovely Glamour with a botoxed Jessica Simpson on the cover. Open it to page 150. Or simply go here:
"I Want My Life Back"
Interview with Andrea
(And for that feedback Andrea wanted to read, you can go here and scroll about 2/3 of the way down to read judge Jennifer Weiner's thoughts on Andrea and the piece. Thanks, Matt.)
Andrea's funeral was on Monday. A group of us from retreat gathered in Northampton on Sunday to be together, remember Andrea and celebrate our friendships. I can't help but think Andrea was smiling down on us as we sang music she loved and splashed around in the hot tub. At the service, I looked to my left and my right and saw people for whom I am especially grateful. They make me laugh, they let me cry, they listen and they accept with open arms and hearts. We're lucky to have each other--and we were lucky to have Andrea. When January finally comes, we'll be popping TicTacs and drinking 007s...and we'll try to be as funny and as honest as she always was.
Enough said, sha la la la la la la la la la...
Sunday, April 06, 2008
One word
1. Where is your cell phone? table
2. Your significant other? ha
3. Your hair? annoying
4. Your mother? brilliant
5. Your father? determined
6. Your favorite thing? kids
7. Your dream last night? blank
8. Your favorite drink? coke
9. Your dream/goal? children
10. The room you're in? disaster
11. Your ex? crazy
12. Your fear? alone
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? home
14. Where were you last night? Lost
15. What you're not? patient
16. Muffins? nah
17. One of your wish list items? Africa
18. Where you grew up? Jersey
19. The last thing you did? drink
20. What are you wearing? pjs
21. Your TV? basketball
22. Your pets? none
23. Your computer? shiny
24. Your life? content
25. Your mood? cozy
26. Missing someone? yes
27 Your car? reliable
28. Something you're not wearing? bra
29 Favorite Store? lovely
30. Your summer? fun!
31. Like someone? indeed
32. Your favorite color? blue
33. When is the last time you laughed? play
34. Last time you cried? sweet
2. Your significant other? ha
3. Your hair? annoying
4. Your mother? brilliant
5. Your father? determined
6. Your favorite thing? kids
7. Your dream last night? blank
8. Your favorite drink? coke
9. Your dream/goal? children
10. The room you're in? disaster
11. Your ex? crazy
12. Your fear? alone
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? home
14. Where were you last night? Lost
15. What you're not? patient
16. Muffins? nah
17. One of your wish list items? Africa
18. Where you grew up? Jersey
19. The last thing you did? drink
20. What are you wearing? pjs
21. Your TV? basketball
22. Your pets? none
23. Your computer? shiny
24. Your life? content
25. Your mood? cozy
26. Missing someone? yes
27 Your car? reliable
28. Something you're not wearing? bra
29 Favorite Store? lovely
30. Your summer? fun!
31. Like someone? indeed
32. Your favorite color? blue
33. When is the last time you laughed? play
34. Last time you cried? sweet
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Schuyler's Monster
Last week, I read every night before bed, then forced myself to put the book down and go to sleep. I could have read it all in one sitting, but I wanted to enjoy it...I didn't want the story to end.The book is Schuyler's Monster by Robert Rummel-Hudson. I've been reading Rob's blog for about three years now, and while I enjoy his writing a great deal, it will surprise none of you that it was his daughter, Schuyler, who captured my interest and a piece of my heart. Rob manages to write about Schuyler in a way that doesn't shine a spotlight on her, but instead reflects the light that eminates from inside her--through a crooked, broad smile and huge, sparkling eyes.
I was excited to finally have my hands on this book, but I knew I was in trouble when I started crying while reading the acknowledgments. Rob's writing has the ability to make me laugh out loud, but many times I have read his words with tears sliding down my cheeks. Life has not been gentle with Schuyler, but she has a rough and tumble spirit that will not be contained.
The book chronicles Rob's journey as a father...from the first days of diapers and jaundice, through the questions around why Schuyler wouldn't, or couldn't, speak, and all the way to Plano, TX, and a group of people who embrace, celebrate and revel in his daughter's unique being. As Schuyler grows and learns to look her monster in the eye, Rob is there, sword in hand, to fight right along with her.
I planned to be more articulate about this book, but I'm having trouble putting it all into words. Go buy the book...then go read the blog--and even more importantly, go look at the pictures on flickr. I dare you to resist Schuyler.
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In other news...look what arrived last week!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
4 things...(a different kind of T13)
A friend sent me this one...feel free to take it to your own blog and fill in the blanks!
Four jobs I have had in my life...
1. bus girl/hostess/foodrunner at a local pub
2. nanny
3. teacher
4. writer
Four movies I would watch over and over (no matter if they are on crappy TV and cut up): (Not in any order)
1. A League of Their Own
2. When Harry Met Sally
3. Juno
4. Silence of the Lambs
Four places I have lived:
1. New York
2. New Jersey
3. Massachusetts
4. California
Four TV Shows that I watch (right now):
1. Lost
2. Survivor
3. American Idol (I know, I know, but my friends at work watch it and if I don't, I'm left out of the lunch conversation!)
4. Grey's Anatomy
Four places I have been (that i love):
1. Cape Cod
2. Outer Banks of NC
3. Ireland
4. Eastern Shore of MD
Four People who e-mail me (regularly):
1. Melissa :)
2. Anne
3. Whitney
4. Dennise (she does our "death notices" at work!!)
Four favorite things to eat:
1. Crab
2. Lasagna
3. Ice Cream (let's face it, this is #1)
4. clam chowder
Four places I would rather be right now:
1. beach
2. Ireland
3. South Africa
4. ski slopes
Four things I am looking forward to this year:
1. BY retreat in April
2. Trip to CA in June
3. The possibility of my cousins moving to NY from London
4. Central Park Triathlon
Four jobs I have had in my life...
1. bus girl/hostess/foodrunner at a local pub
2. nanny
3. teacher
4. writer
Four movies I would watch over and over (no matter if they are on crappy TV and cut up): (Not in any order)
1. A League of Their Own
2. When Harry Met Sally
3. Juno
4. Silence of the Lambs
Four places I have lived:
1. New York
2. New Jersey
3. Massachusetts
4. California
Four TV Shows that I watch (right now):
1. Lost
2. Survivor
3. American Idol (I know, I know, but my friends at work watch it and if I don't, I'm left out of the lunch conversation!)
4. Grey's Anatomy
Four places I have been (that i love):
1. Cape Cod
2. Outer Banks of NC
3. Ireland
4. Eastern Shore of MD
Four People who e-mail me (regularly):
1. Melissa :)
2. Anne
3. Whitney
4. Dennise (she does our "death notices" at work!!)
Four favorite things to eat:
1. Crab
2. Lasagna
3. Ice Cream (let's face it, this is #1)
4. clam chowder
Four places I would rather be right now:
1. beach
2. Ireland
3. South Africa
4. ski slopes
Four things I am looking forward to this year:
1. BY retreat in April
2. Trip to CA in June
3. The possibility of my cousins moving to NY from London
4. Central Park Triathlon
Monday, December 31, 2007
Happy 2008!
It's the New Year. I am back cozy in my apartment to see the NYC ball drop with N. We were out in Northampton for First Night festivities and lunch with our beloved kj. We caught half a set of the girls' kids' show, then headed to BY for a couple of hours with my favorite toddler on the planet. It had been six weeks (or more?) since I'd gotten my grins and squeals. It ended 2007 on a good note. We caught the girls' "grown up" sets, grabbed dinner, then realized we had over 2 hours til the Noho ball drop. And if we left, we could avoid the crazy after-midnight drivers. So, we waved to the ball as we sloshed through the street and climbed in the car to drive home.
2008 will be a great year, my friends. 2007 has sucked for so many people I love dearly...I am convinced that '08 will right the ship and we'll float in the right directions.
I'm ripping off our dear M.
1 -- My favorite movie of the year...I just love Harry Potter, even if the movies serve as wonderkillers. The kids are brilliant, and I focus on the positive. N tells me that Juno would top the list if I'd managed to make it to the theater last week.
2 -- Favorite books of the year: variation on a theme: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
3 -- Surprise of the year -- I have a new job! Didn't see the change coming, but I think it's going to be wonderful. I also went on 2 non-BY retreats--one with college students and one with high-schoolers and am contemplating a new career path!
4 -- Best vacation -- we have a tie. Miami for my cousin's graduation was wonderful--5 days filled with family, including my cousins from London (who are 4 and 2). Running between the pool and the beach and just being able to relax with them for a few days was just joyful. Lake Winnipesaukee must top the list as well, though! I didn't realize I could like a lake that much!! I look forward to our next trip and already know what board game I'll be bringing to entertain us.
5 -- Struggle of the year ... IdiotBoy at work...it was a short, but mighty struggle. I also struggled with how to stand up for myself in that situation--I'm not very good at it!
6 -- Sorrow of the year -- I've watched some friends go through hard times and stood beside them as they faced the sadness.
7 -- Joy of the year ... spending good, quality time with the people I love most in this world: my family, my good friends, colleagues I've grown to adore. I think I treasure those moments and hours more than I ever have.
8 -- Moment I wish I could do over ... I don't really let myself have those!
9 -- Best musical moment -- There have been many...I can't go without mentioning the hours under the FRFF sun and stars, but I agree with M as well--those BY hootenannies are just magical and so very special.
10 -- Best writing moment -- I don't know if I have one. I do know that after some sessions at BY I think to myself "That's EXACTLY how I wanted it to sound."
11 -- Favorite CD of the year -- Sister Holler, hands down. I think the album is especially special because I heard so many of them as "newborn" songs.
12 -- Big Grateful Warmth award goes to ... BY buddies! Seriously, what I love is that my time with you is not restricted to 48 hours in Northampton. I rang in 2007 in Philly with A, G, N and GJ and I ended 2007 with kj, the BY residents and N. We've gone to concerts , out to dinner, swam in the lake, camped together at FR, attended Yart parties, seen thousands of Santas on the steet, and enjoyed endless emails, phone calls and hours in each other's company. What an amazing gift we've been given!! I can't wait to see you all again soon.
13-- Friends ... I am a very very very lucky girl. My friends are some of the most amazing human beings that walk this wonderful planet and not a day goes by when I am not reminded of this. Most days, though, I feel particularly lucky to have wonderful friends at work who fill the mundane-ness with smiles.
Peace, joy, love and laughter to you all.
2008 will be a great year, my friends. 2007 has sucked for so many people I love dearly...I am convinced that '08 will right the ship and we'll float in the right directions.
I'm ripping off our dear M.
1 -- My favorite movie of the year...I just love Harry Potter, even if the movies serve as wonderkillers. The kids are brilliant, and I focus on the positive. N tells me that Juno would top the list if I'd managed to make it to the theater last week.
2 -- Favorite books of the year: variation on a theme: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
3 -- Surprise of the year -- I have a new job! Didn't see the change coming, but I think it's going to be wonderful. I also went on 2 non-BY retreats--one with college students and one with high-schoolers and am contemplating a new career path!
4 -- Best vacation -- we have a tie. Miami for my cousin's graduation was wonderful--5 days filled with family, including my cousins from London (who are 4 and 2). Running between the pool and the beach and just being able to relax with them for a few days was just joyful. Lake Winnipesaukee must top the list as well, though! I didn't realize I could like a lake that much!! I look forward to our next trip and already know what board game I'll be bringing to entertain us.
5 -- Struggle of the year ... IdiotBoy at work...it was a short, but mighty struggle. I also struggled with how to stand up for myself in that situation--I'm not very good at it!
6 -- Sorrow of the year -- I've watched some friends go through hard times and stood beside them as they faced the sadness.
7 -- Joy of the year ... spending good, quality time with the people I love most in this world: my family, my good friends, colleagues I've grown to adore. I think I treasure those moments and hours more than I ever have.
8 -- Moment I wish I could do over ... I don't really let myself have those!
9 -- Best musical moment -- There have been many...I can't go without mentioning the hours under the FRFF sun and stars, but I agree with M as well--those BY hootenannies are just magical and so very special.
10 -- Best writing moment -- I don't know if I have one. I do know that after some sessions at BY I think to myself "That's EXACTLY how I wanted it to sound."
11 -- Favorite CD of the year -- Sister Holler, hands down. I think the album is especially special because I heard so many of them as "newborn" songs.
12 -- Big Grateful Warmth award goes to ... BY buddies! Seriously, what I love is that my time with you is not restricted to 48 hours in Northampton. I rang in 2007 in Philly with A, G, N and GJ and I ended 2007 with kj, the BY residents and N. We've gone to concerts , out to dinner, swam in the lake, camped together at FR, attended Yart parties, seen thousands of Santas on the steet, and enjoyed endless emails, phone calls and hours in each other's company. What an amazing gift we've been given!! I can't wait to see you all again soon.
13-- Friends ... I am a very very very lucky girl. My friends are some of the most amazing human beings that walk this wonderful planet and not a day goes by when I am not reminded of this. Most days, though, I feel particularly lucky to have wonderful friends at work who fill the mundane-ness with smiles.
Peace, joy, love and laughter to you all.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Thursday 13
1. I go home tomorrow! For 5 days. Then I return to MA for 6 days (and hit up First Night Northampton with fumblerette). Then I drive to NJ (I think) to fly to Iowa with my mom, meet up with our cousins and volunteer at the Iowa Caucus.
2. I believed in Santa for a long time. Wait, I still believe in Santa. But I believed Santa was a real live person living on the North Pole until I was about 10...which is relatively late, I think. This is because every year on Christmas Eve, my mother's uncle would call all of the cousins in my generation--but we didn't know it was Uncle Ed. It was Santa--complete with Mrs. Claus and jingling bells in the background (thanks, Aunt Nancy!). Uncle Ed called our parents in the days before Christmas Eve--he knew what we wanted, what we were getting, etc. It was the best and I'm hoping one of my uncles eventually picks up the tradition.
3. T was visiting NYC and asked if I'd consider meeting up with her to attend the Nields show a few weekends ago. I gladly agreed. T took the train to my hometown where I picked her up and she stayed with my family for the weekend. We had an awesome time in NYC--great show. But something stole N&K's thunder. Santacon: HUNDREDS of people dressed as Santa!! Even at the pizza joint we picked for dinner:
2. I believed in Santa for a long time. Wait, I still believe in Santa. But I believed Santa was a real live person living on the North Pole until I was about 10...which is relatively late, I think. This is because every year on Christmas Eve, my mother's uncle would call all of the cousins in my generation--but we didn't know it was Uncle Ed. It was Santa--complete with Mrs. Claus and jingling bells in the background (thanks, Aunt Nancy!). Uncle Ed called our parents in the days before Christmas Eve--he knew what we wanted, what we were getting, etc. It was the best and I'm hoping one of my uncles eventually picks up the tradition.
3. T was visiting NYC and asked if I'd consider meeting up with her to attend the Nields show a few weekends ago. I gladly agreed. T took the train to my hometown where I picked her up and she stayed with my family for the weekend. We had an awesome time in NYC--great show. But something stole N&K's thunder. Santacon: HUNDREDS of people dressed as Santa!! Even at the pizza joint we picked for dinner:
4. T also made me hand warmers!! That I *l0ve* because you can write and type with them on:
5. I have been home SO little in the last 7 weeks that I didn't get a tree :( T saw my tree at home in NJ--and had a few laughs at my father's resistance to a tree entering the house at ALL. I did however get a real wreath and every once in a while, I get a waft of pine. I also put up lights.
6. Basketball has started again. We won our first game by 4 points. I yelled myself hoarse. Our 2nd game was cancelled--we don't play again until 2008. I loved our girls last year. I still love our 8th graders. But a few of these 7th graders are so adorable, I want to take them home!
7. I've had 2 baby showers in the last month or so. I give books. Though I could walk into Carters and buy everything in the place. That's why I stick to bookstores. I know what my favorites are and I get those.
8. On my most recent trip to the children's section, I found this book. And bought it for myself as it was about $3. It was a favorite of mine and I hadn't seen it in years. I do plan to need it eventually.
9. We have a stinkin' department luncheon for work tomorrow. Almost 40 minutes from work! The really crappy part is that our VP will expect us to return to our desks after lunch. To be honest, I'd rather spend the Friday before Christmas with the 2 or 3 people in my department I really enjoy, instead of all of us pretending to be one happy family!
10. I'm loving the new job. The writing is a challenge all day every day, but I think I'll settle in. I adore Father (pres. of college), and I am loving getting to spend some time with him and learning more about him.
11. I miss BY. I took the winter session off, which was a wise decision given the amount of snow we've been buried under for a week! But I miss my spot on the rug and I miss my writing buddies. My Monday group isn't as awesome as our retreat group, but I still love them and I feel like I'm missing out on huge chunks of their lives and stories!
12. You would think making mix cds would be easy and fun, right? For me, it's just stressful. Which songs do I pick? Will the person love them as much as I do? What is a good balance? What is a good ratio of Guster to Nields, Joel and Springsteen to Crooked Still and Tracy Grammer? How should I order the songs? These decisions truly cause me agida.
13. I am not packed for tomorrow. This is not good as I need to be packed before I leave my house at 8:30. That proably means I should stop blogging, right?
Friday, November 30, 2007
Check-in
I'm sorry. It's been a while...all 5 of you who read this blog!
Life has been crazy--the weekend before Thanksgiving, I helped out on a retreat for the College--50 18-22 year olds. I had a blast, though I'd lost my voice COMPLETELY 2 days before I was supposed to go, so that made things interesting. The weekend was wonderful...then it was back for 2 days at the office before Thanksgiving break. I had a wonderful time in NJ!
Today, I'm off to help out on a retreat for 60 (SIXTY!!!) high school students. What was I thinking?! Before I go, I need to get some work done and run a few errands on the way to the retreat. It's going to be FREEZING in New Hampshire this weekend.
I hope you all are well! I miss you and I'll share more musings and nuttiness next week.
Life has been crazy--the weekend before Thanksgiving, I helped out on a retreat for the College--50 18-22 year olds. I had a blast, though I'd lost my voice COMPLETELY 2 days before I was supposed to go, so that made things interesting. The weekend was wonderful...then it was back for 2 days at the office before Thanksgiving break. I had a wonderful time in NJ!
Today, I'm off to help out on a retreat for 60 (SIXTY!!!) high school students. What was I thinking?! Before I go, I need to get some work done and run a few errands on the way to the retreat. It's going to be FREEZING in New Hampshire this weekend.
I hope you all are well! I miss you and I'll share more musings and nuttiness next week.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Thursday 13 (a day early...)
Inspired by M...here is my Thursday 13---odds and ends of the apartment.
Just FYI, I am currently voice-less. I've had a cold and last night at about 7 o'clock, I said something outloud to myself (a frequent happening) and my voice was GONE. I haven't said much of anything today and still, it's pretty dead.
OK, on to the 13...
Just FYI, I am currently voice-less. I've had a cold and last night at about 7 o'clock, I said something outloud to myself (a frequent happening) and my voice was GONE. I haven't said much of anything today and still, it's pretty dead.
OK, on to the 13...
1. My fridge...adorned with a) the "welcome" message board that the apartment complex gifts to us upon arrival; b) 2 magnets purchased at kj and jb's yart party; c) a card from my friend Joyce being held by a "road not taken" magnet; d) the "thank you and congrats" card from HC for reaching 53.2% participation; e) a card with one of my favorite lines from Desiderata; f) my friend Mere's address held on by yet another good-quote-on-a-magnet; g) notepad.
2. When it's on sale at CVS, I take advantage. Yes, I know Coca-Cola company is evil, but...well, I don't drink coffee and I need caffeine.
3. My bike. Triathlon # still attached under the seat. It's pretty and blue...though I haven't spoken to it in months.
4. Fancy bag...I bought it on Saturday morning for my work dinner on Saturday night. 2 black ties a year and I usually just bring my normal, huge, un-fancy bag and shove it under the table!
5. My living room window...about 6 feet tall. The pictures on the windowsill are a) my siblings and I at my First Communion; b) my CA "siblings" and I on their front lawn; c) my sister, my parents' goddaughter and I at my bro's high school graduation party; d) my mom, her sisters and my grandparents in the late '60s.
6. A poster that needs to be framed and hung. My beloved Manhattan...subway routes.
7. Tokens from college retreats--the retreat I am helping to lead this weekend. I have to give a talk (please let me get my voice back) and choose 2 songs to go with that talk. The retreats were on the Cape--can't wait to get back there.
8. My anthem...lyrics and illustrations by Nerissa and Katryna Nields. I love this.
9. Candles, candlesticks and snuff from Colonial Williamsburg. They're a housewarming gift from my mother's cousin--the one I lived with in DC. I love them...now I need to have some people over for dinner to burn the candles!
10. Notecards. I love to send and receive cards. I was REALLY good about it in college and always have a big supply of cards--I just send them less frequently now. Darn age of the internet!
11. My washer/dryer and ironing board. The iron and ironing board are rarely put away since I iron EVERYTHING everyday. I love to iron. I also love having a w/d in my apartment. Hard to beat.
12. A Hundred Thousand Welcomes to you. This hangs just inside my front door, over the entry to the kitchen. I bought it at a fair in Los Angeles and it's been with me ever since.
13. My West Wing dvd collection. Awesome show and I've gotten fumblerette hooked on it. I know GJ is hooked as well. I miss not having new episodes, but I'm also grateful for tv on dvd!Sunday, October 28, 2007
Another weekend at the BY
I've sat in that living room more times than I can count, on the same piece of carpet...I swear the door jamb has molded to my back a little. There, I am surrounded by people and things that have become familiar and safe. The clicking of keys, the tapping of feet, the call of the loon clock, the sipping of tea, the strumming of strings and the squealing of a happy girl provide the soundtrack of the house.
I had another weekend in Northampton--a weekend spent with some of my very favorite people in the world. I have the privilege of gathering with them and listening to their brilliant writing, their songs that make me close my eyes and disappear into the chords, and their humor during late night "board meetings" at Packard's.
As M said, long live the Merchants of Death!
I had another weekend in Northampton--a weekend spent with some of my very favorite people in the world. I have the privilege of gathering with them and listening to their brilliant writing, their songs that make me close my eyes and disappear into the chords, and their humor during late night "board meetings" at Packard's.
As M said, long live the Merchants of Death!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Warm and Fuzzy...
As he was falling asleep last night, my friend and colleague's 6 year old son said,
"I love Kris McLastName. Maybe she can come and babysit for us again soon."
What's better than that?!
"I love Kris McLastName. Maybe she can come and babysit for us again soon."
What's better than that?!
Friday, October 19, 2007
Friday Fourteen
It's Saturday now, but the principle holds.
1. I plan to make apple crisp and crab cakes this weekend. So much yum.
2. My favorite children's book in the world is Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox. It sometimes makes me cry, but it is just so good.
3. Last weekend, I was reminded of just how much I love the American Girl books...my favorite was always Kirsten. There were only 3 options when I was a kid...and Kirsten was from the era of my hero, Laura Ingalls Wilder, so she won. Molly was cool too, but Samantha was far too much of a girly girl.
4. To this day, if I catch a repeat of Little House on the Prairie on television, I can pretty much identify the plot within 5 minutes. It was possibly my very favorite show as a kid.
5. I will be coaching my 7th and 8th grade basketball team again this year. I'm really excited to get back to it, even though I think we'll *really* stink up the joint this year.
6. I am proud of Joe Torre. He's a classy guy.
7. On my next trip home, I may not recognize my own home. After 20 years in the house, my parents are done paying tuition--so they have refinished the hardwood floors, torn up the tile in the foyer/kitchen/downstairs bathroom and laid hardwoods, taken the wallpaper down in the kitchen and renovated the kitchen. I'm looking forward to seeing it, especially since I haven't had to deal with not having a kitchen.
8. My mom is a chapter or 2 away from completing her dissertation and Ed.D. program! She's wildly smart.
9. Growing up, my grandmother (dad's mom) and my uncle (dad's oldest brother) came on just about every vacation with us. They'd meet us in Westchester County, NY or at our house and my sister and I would climb into their car to avoid spending a car trip with our younger brother. We'd spend two weeks at the beach, with early mornings and evenings spent snuggled in Grandma's bed watching old episodes of Matlock or Murder, She Wrote. I'm so grateful to have so many memories of those vacations now.
10. My parents' families get along really well. This might explain why my dad's youngest brother and my mom's younger sister are engaged. Growing up, we hosted almost every holiday with both sides of the family--and even when someone else hosted, everyone from both sides was invited. We never had to split holidays. I didn't realize how unusual this was until high school.
11. When I started college, getting dressed in the morning was a challenge. I'd spent the last 12 years in uniforms--and when I wasn't in my uniform plaid, I was in soccer/basketball/softball/swimming clothes. The idea that I had to put outfits together every day was irritating. I still wish I had a uniform even today!
12. After an insane week at work (just google my college and click the "news" filter at the top), I hit the on campus pub with some colleagues for a couple of hours after work. We all shared our "best" phone calls/letters from the week.
13. Over the weekend or next week, I'll post something I wrote about dreams--I had a dream last week that the lights in my apartment weren't working. A friend who is into dream symbolism said it might mean that I feel like I'm "in the dark." Someone hit the nail on the head!
14. I have 3 retreats in the next 7 weekends. The first is our BY retreat...some of my favorite people in the world gathered in a cozy Victorian for almost 48 hours--plus, fall in the Pioneer Valley. The second is a retreat with the College--I'm going as a leader and apparently need to give a talk--topic to be determined. This retreat was one of my favorites as a student and I'm looking forward to getting to know some kids, since I don't get to interact much in my job. The third is a high school retreat. 65 teenagers in cabins in NH for the weekend--nothing can POSSIBLY go wrong, right??
1. I plan to make apple crisp and crab cakes this weekend. So much yum.
2. My favorite children's book in the world is Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox. It sometimes makes me cry, but it is just so good.
3. Last weekend, I was reminded of just how much I love the American Girl books...my favorite was always Kirsten. There were only 3 options when I was a kid...and Kirsten was from the era of my hero, Laura Ingalls Wilder, so she won. Molly was cool too, but Samantha was far too much of a girly girl.
4. To this day, if I catch a repeat of Little House on the Prairie on television, I can pretty much identify the plot within 5 minutes. It was possibly my very favorite show as a kid.
5. I will be coaching my 7th and 8th grade basketball team again this year. I'm really excited to get back to it, even though I think we'll *really* stink up the joint this year.
6. I am proud of Joe Torre. He's a classy guy.
7. On my next trip home, I may not recognize my own home. After 20 years in the house, my parents are done paying tuition--so they have refinished the hardwood floors, torn up the tile in the foyer/kitchen/downstairs bathroom and laid hardwoods, taken the wallpaper down in the kitchen and renovated the kitchen. I'm looking forward to seeing it, especially since I haven't had to deal with not having a kitchen.
8. My mom is a chapter or 2 away from completing her dissertation and Ed.D. program! She's wildly smart.
9. Growing up, my grandmother (dad's mom) and my uncle (dad's oldest brother) came on just about every vacation with us. They'd meet us in Westchester County, NY or at our house and my sister and I would climb into their car to avoid spending a car trip with our younger brother. We'd spend two weeks at the beach, with early mornings and evenings spent snuggled in Grandma's bed watching old episodes of Matlock or Murder, She Wrote. I'm so grateful to have so many memories of those vacations now.
10. My parents' families get along really well. This might explain why my dad's youngest brother and my mom's younger sister are engaged. Growing up, we hosted almost every holiday with both sides of the family--and even when someone else hosted, everyone from both sides was invited. We never had to split holidays. I didn't realize how unusual this was until high school.
11. When I started college, getting dressed in the morning was a challenge. I'd spent the last 12 years in uniforms--and when I wasn't in my uniform plaid, I was in soccer/basketball/softball/swimming clothes. The idea that I had to put outfits together every day was irritating. I still wish I had a uniform even today!
12. After an insane week at work (just google my college and click the "news" filter at the top), I hit the on campus pub with some colleagues for a couple of hours after work. We all shared our "best" phone calls/letters from the week.
13. Over the weekend or next week, I'll post something I wrote about dreams--I had a dream last week that the lights in my apartment weren't working. A friend who is into dream symbolism said it might mean that I feel like I'm "in the dark." Someone hit the nail on the head!
14. I have 3 retreats in the next 7 weekends. The first is our BY retreat...some of my favorite people in the world gathered in a cozy Victorian for almost 48 hours--plus, fall in the Pioneer Valley. The second is a retreat with the College--I'm going as a leader and apparently need to give a talk--topic to be determined. This retreat was one of my favorites as a student and I'm looking forward to getting to know some kids, since I don't get to interact much in my job. The third is a high school retreat. 65 teenagers in cabins in NH for the weekend--nothing can POSSIBLY go wrong, right??
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
This day...
I'm apologizing in advance for the scatteredness of this post.
I'm not sure why this year kicked me in the gut, but it did. I woke up this morning unaware, not remembering what this day means. The sky was grey and rain poured down from the heavens--so different from that crystal clear day 6 years ago. I still remember hearing Katie Couric's voice coming from the living room of my apartment in L.A. I remember coming out and seeing the images of the buildings on fire--and trying to figure out why they were showing footage from 1993. Then, I realized the smoke was coming from much higher up. My mind started racing.
The first building fell on my drive to work. I was on the phone with my aunt, trying to figure out what the hell was going on...but there were no answers. I walked into the teacher's room just before the north tower fell--the 3rd grade teacher saw my face and reached out to turn off the television. I stopped him. I had to watch. I had to see it happen--because it didn't seem real. Seconds later, it was all gone.
I've never been to the Statue of Liberty; I've never been to the top of the Empire State Building; I've spent limited time in Central Park. When you grow up going in and out of Manhattan on a weekly or monthly basis, you take all of it for granted. But I'd been to the top of the World Trade Center. I'm not sure why we decided to go up that day...my father took the train into the WTC every day, and when we would spend a day at his office, we took the train in there too. I can still remember the feeling of looking up and having those towers block out the sun.
The highest point in Bergen County is less than a mile from my house in NJ. From there, you can see the entire New York skyline. It's how my sister realized that something was terribly wrong that day--she saw smoke billowing from the silhouettes. Every time I go home, I can only see the hole in that skyline. Today, my father and my little brother take the train into the pit where the World Trade Center once stood. A daily reminder...
Today, though, I found myself thinking about the people. I thought about Mr. Gregory and his booming voice...I went to school with his kids and even babysat for them a few times. Mrs. Gregory was teaching with my mother that morning.
The first building fell on my drive to work. I was on the phone with my aunt, trying to figure out what the hell was going on...but there were no answers. I walked into the teacher's room just before the north tower fell--the 3rd grade teacher saw my face and reached out to turn off the television. I stopped him. I had to watch. I had to see it happen--because it didn't seem real. Seconds later, it was all gone.
I've never been to the Statue of Liberty; I've never been to the top of the Empire State Building; I've spent limited time in Central Park. When you grow up going in and out of Manhattan on a weekly or monthly basis, you take all of it for granted. But I'd been to the top of the World Trade Center. I'm not sure why we decided to go up that day...my father took the train into the WTC every day, and when we would spend a day at his office, we took the train in there too. I can still remember the feeling of looking up and having those towers block out the sun.
The highest point in Bergen County is less than a mile from my house in NJ. From there, you can see the entire New York skyline. It's how my sister realized that something was terribly wrong that day--she saw smoke billowing from the silhouettes. Every time I go home, I can only see the hole in that skyline. Today, my father and my little brother take the train into the pit where the World Trade Center once stood. A daily reminder...
Today, though, I found myself thinking about the people. I thought about Mr. Gregory and his booming voice...I went to school with his kids and even babysat for them a few times. Mrs. Gregory was teaching with my mother that morning.
I thought about Pat Hoey. I never met him, but his sister is one of my mother's best friends. I grew up with his nieces. I think of him every time I drive over the George Washington Bridge, his bridge, his pride and joy (well, after his wife and kids!). Pat Hoey was responsible for lighting the bridge from the inside...and for the HUGE flag that flies on holidays.
That's this day.
Saturday, September 01, 2007
reflection
I wrote this on my last summer Monday in BY.
*************************************************************************************
I'd met him only once, briefly, in church. His face was serene, kind and warmly familiar. I didn't see him again until today, as he lay quietly, finally at peace. It seems strange that I didn't know him--but then, as I looked up and saw his face reflected in his children, in his spectacular daughter whom I am lucky enough to call a friend, I realized that I had come to know the very best of him.
This sweet, compassionate, fierce and wildly intelligent man is not a stranger. I know about the tennis tournament he hosted in his backyard every summer. I know that 60 years ago, he went to class in the building where I work every day. I know that each Sunday for 40 some years, you could find him in the 4th pew of the small Catholic church in the center of town. I know that even as his memory faded and cruelly slipped away, he continued to exude the same gentleness, love and humor that had defined him for almost 80 years. I know that six weeks ago, his youngest son brought a new baby--the 30th grandchild--to meet his grandfather. He lay the baby gently in his father's arms, preparing to help him as you would help a toddler. But those arms, arms that didn't remember how to work or write or eat, eased into the cradled position that had held his own 10 children and 29 grandchildren before this.
There aer some things that simply cannot be stripped away.
*************************************************************************************
I'd met him only once, briefly, in church. His face was serene, kind and warmly familiar. I didn't see him again until today, as he lay quietly, finally at peace. It seems strange that I didn't know him--but then, as I looked up and saw his face reflected in his children, in his spectacular daughter whom I am lucky enough to call a friend, I realized that I had come to know the very best of him.
This sweet, compassionate, fierce and wildly intelligent man is not a stranger. I know about the tennis tournament he hosted in his backyard every summer. I know that 60 years ago, he went to class in the building where I work every day. I know that each Sunday for 40 some years, you could find him in the 4th pew of the small Catholic church in the center of town. I know that even as his memory faded and cruelly slipped away, he continued to exude the same gentleness, love and humor that had defined him for almost 80 years. I know that six weeks ago, his youngest son brought a new baby--the 30th grandchild--to meet his grandfather. He lay the baby gently in his father's arms, preparing to help him as you would help a toddler. But those arms, arms that didn't remember how to work or write or eat, eased into the cradled position that had held his own 10 children and 29 grandchildren before this.
There aer some things that simply cannot be stripped away.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Ahem...
Your attention please...
Mariano Rivera is the man.
Now back to your regularly scheduled programming.
Mariano Rivera is the man.
Now back to your regularly scheduled programming.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Friday's Feast
2 posts in 2 days. Be impressed.
Appetizer
Say there’s a book written about your life. Who would you want to narrate the audio version?
**Allison Janney, please
Soup
Take the letters from your favorite kind of nut and write a sentence. (Example: Perhaps every avenue needs understanding today.)
**People each admire nothing under turtles.
Salad
If you could go back in time and spend one week in another decade, which decade would you choose?
**The 1870s...with Laura Ingalls!
Main Course
Name a song that brings back memories for you.
**The Sweetness
Dessert
Do you prefer to wash your hands in cold water or warm water?
**Warm
Friday's Feast
Appetizer
Say there’s a book written about your life. Who would you want to narrate the audio version?
**Allison Janney, please
Soup
Take the letters from your favorite kind of nut and write a sentence. (Example: Perhaps every avenue needs understanding today.)
**People each admire nothing under turtles.
Salad
If you could go back in time and spend one week in another decade, which decade would you choose?
**The 1870s...with Laura Ingalls!
Main Course
Name a song that brings back memories for you.
**The Sweetness
Dessert
Do you prefer to wash your hands in cold water or warm water?
**Warm
Friday's Feast
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Thursday 13
1. 10 years ago, I was preparing to go off to college. I'll stand on the big field at the top of the hill on Saturday welcome the Class of 2011, watching them say goodbye to their parents and hello to their new family. Never thought I'd be here 10 years later.
2. There's a new job thing that is interesting (and stressful to contemplate), but it may be a non-decision by tomorrow.
3. I am going down to the Jersey Shore next weekend because I am dying to get knocked around by some big waves.
4. My triathlon (well, now it's 2 of 3 events...) training has slowed down a bit, but now I have 16 days and I need to pick it up a bit again. The whole open water swimming thing is much more daunting than I anticipated.
5. I bought 2 magnets and jb and kj's Yart party. I just put them on the refrigerator tonight and they make me quite happy. They were made by little girls named Lindsay and Taylor.
6. In the last 3.5 weeks, I have listened to Sister Holler almost exclusively--at work, at home, in the car. It makes me quite happy.
7. When I was a kid, we'd go to my dad's office a couple times a year. We'd get on the train, transfer to the PATH in Hoboken and get out in the belly of the World Trade Center. When I go home, I can see the NYC skyline from the highway. It still kicks me in the gut every time.
8. I have 3 free weekends between now and December 1. It's going to be a hell of a fall. Work will be insane too, which will make for a chaotic, dizzy girl.
9. I prefer to drive at night. Leaving somewhere at 10 PM and driving til 12:30 or 1 AM doesn't bother me at all. I switch on some music or the Yankee game and I'm all set.
10. I *hate* feeling helpless. I can't stand watching my friends hurt and knowing there's nothing I can do about it--except offer an ear and a shoulder. For the last year and a bit, a good friend of mine has struggled and I held her through many tears. But when the phone rang, and there was actually something concrete I could do, well, it didn't just help her, it helped me. To feel useful and helpful and valuable is just one of those things I need.
11. My middle name is Ferris. I hated it as a kid (getting called Bueller and Ferris Wheel wasn't really fun), but I love it now. It's my Nana's maiden name (mom's mom). I share the middle name with half a dozen cousins at least--my great-grandparents had 4 daughters, so this is the only way to keep that name alive. And the family is big and extraordinarily close--I'm so proud to carry the name. My poor first child will have to bear the burden as well, but hopefully he or she will come to appreciate it as much as I do.
12. My apartment could use a good once over. Maybe Saturday before I go to work.
13. I am so overwhelmed lately, by work and life and the sheer amount of stuff in front of me, that I have a hard time putting my head down and being productive. I really need to change that! Which means, I should post this, turn off the computer and go to bed!
2. There's a new job thing that is interesting (and stressful to contemplate), but it may be a non-decision by tomorrow.
3. I am going down to the Jersey Shore next weekend because I am dying to get knocked around by some big waves.
4. My triathlon (well, now it's 2 of 3 events...) training has slowed down a bit, but now I have 16 days and I need to pick it up a bit again. The whole open water swimming thing is much more daunting than I anticipated.
5. I bought 2 magnets and jb and kj's Yart party. I just put them on the refrigerator tonight and they make me quite happy. They were made by little girls named Lindsay and Taylor.
6. In the last 3.5 weeks, I have listened to Sister Holler almost exclusively--at work, at home, in the car. It makes me quite happy.
7. When I was a kid, we'd go to my dad's office a couple times a year. We'd get on the train, transfer to the PATH in Hoboken and get out in the belly of the World Trade Center. When I go home, I can see the NYC skyline from the highway. It still kicks me in the gut every time.
8. I have 3 free weekends between now and December 1. It's going to be a hell of a fall. Work will be insane too, which will make for a chaotic, dizzy girl.
9. I prefer to drive at night. Leaving somewhere at 10 PM and driving til 12:30 or 1 AM doesn't bother me at all. I switch on some music or the Yankee game and I'm all set.
10. I *hate* feeling helpless. I can't stand watching my friends hurt and knowing there's nothing I can do about it--except offer an ear and a shoulder. For the last year and a bit, a good friend of mine has struggled and I held her through many tears. But when the phone rang, and there was actually something concrete I could do, well, it didn't just help her, it helped me. To feel useful and helpful and valuable is just one of those things I need.
11. My middle name is Ferris. I hated it as a kid (getting called Bueller and Ferris Wheel wasn't really fun), but I love it now. It's my Nana's maiden name (mom's mom). I share the middle name with half a dozen cousins at least--my great-grandparents had 4 daughters, so this is the only way to keep that name alive. And the family is big and extraordinarily close--I'm so proud to carry the name. My poor first child will have to bear the burden as well, but hopefully he or she will come to appreciate it as much as I do.
12. My apartment could use a good once over. Maybe Saturday before I go to work.
13. I am so overwhelmed lately, by work and life and the sheer amount of stuff in front of me, that I have a hard time putting my head down and being productive. I really need to change that! Which means, I should post this, turn off the computer and go to bed!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Between vacations
Lost to Winnipesaukee:
One pair of sunglasses
One pair of goggles (so so sad)
Skin off my feet, knees and fingers
Gained from Winnipesaukee:
Some new freckles
A new flotation device for Matt and Rachel
Many a full stomach
What a weekend. First, there was the wonderful Yart party at kj's...then a delightfully enjoyable evening at Club Passim. But the 3 days at Winnipesaukee were the icing, cherries and a la mode of it all.
I've always been an ocean girl. Pools are fine, and necessary. Lakes are gross and slimy. Oceans are fabulous--rough, salty, spectacular and wonderful. But Lake Winni and the view from the cabin have converted me--I like lakes now. They're no ocean, but wow. I had a great few days and I've returned to MA bruised, scraped and scratched, but blissfully happy. The traffic on the drive home wasn't even that bad.
2 days of work and I'm off to the Cape! I love summer.
One pair of sunglasses
One pair of goggles (so so sad)
Skin off my feet, knees and fingers
Gained from Winnipesaukee:
Some new freckles
A new flotation device for Matt and Rachel
Many a full stomach
What a weekend. First, there was the wonderful Yart party at kj's...then a delightfully enjoyable evening at Club Passim. But the 3 days at Winnipesaukee were the icing, cherries and a la mode of it all.
I've always been an ocean girl. Pools are fine, and necessary. Lakes are gross and slimy. Oceans are fabulous--rough, salty, spectacular and wonderful. But Lake Winni and the view from the cabin have converted me--I like lakes now. They're no ocean, but wow. I had a great few days and I've returned to MA bruised, scraped and scratched, but blissfully happy. The traffic on the drive home wasn't even that bad.
2 days of work and I'm off to the Cape! I love summer.
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