I take my chances on everyday

Raise a Glass if You're Wrong in All the Right Ways

2010-11-24T06:15:00.000-05:00

Well hello from the corners of Busy and Notimesville. It's been eons since I've posted. And, I promise, after this rant; I'll post happy-go-lucky things. But first..........

So, last night, I watched Glee. For those under a rock, it's probably the best show in the WORLD! I enjoy every minute of every episode. So often, I find myself connecting with the stories and plot of the show. The characters are so multi-faceted. They may be an exaggeration of the typical stereotypes: the jock, the cheerleader, the goth, the "handi-capable"....well, whatever, but they all have one thing in common, they are outsiders. I understand it's fiction but there is such poignancy amidst the light-hearted lines spoken (or sung) by the cast that I can't help but watch and applaud the writers. Last night's episode was no different.

For those who haven't seen it or refuse to watch ( I know there are at least two of you out there), last night's episode was pretty deep. Furt, the name of the episode, brought to a head a recurring plot. The only openly gay teen at the school, Kurt, had been bullied and threatened for weeks. The show highlighted his struggle and fear, the support of his friends and family, and the woefully pitiful inability of the public school system to protect him.

This plot is nothing new. In recent weeks we've been inundated with pictures and stories of gay youth committing suicide because of bullying. It's horrific, and it's sad, and it's a shame that this awfulness is happening Celebrities, politicians, and others have made videos reminding the youth that "IT GETS BETTER." And now, I'm going to flip it and reverse it....why aren't we talking about EVERYONE who is bullied??? "Glee" for example has made it a point that their Glee members get slushied or made fun of for being different and choosing to sing but it's played for laughs. They also make pushing Artie, who's in a wheelchair, down stairs a punch line. Why is that okay? Last I checked, it's bullying.

But enough about the fake world of Glee. This is real life. As a child I was bullied. Ask my parents, I made myself sick every Monday because I HATED going to school. A Catholic school none-the-less. Why was I bullied. I wasn't gay. But I was different. I had glasses and bucked-teeth and, for some reason, that was a reason to pick on me. And you know what, I changed schools and it did get better and I'm a better person because of it. As a teacher in a special education school, parent's refuse to send their kids for service because they'll be with "disabled" peers. Isn't that the start of bullying, segregating and not tolerating those who are different. And, I often find myself talking to parent's of 4-year-olds who are afraid because other kids of the SAME age are making fun of the way their child talks. These same parents are also concerned about "labeling" their child with a disability because they don't want them to be bullied or recognized for being different as they get older. It hurts my heart.

AND, last I checked this country was built on the foundation that bullying wouldn't be tolerated. (I know, don't preach to me the fact that we turned it around and bullied the Native Americans, I get it, but go with me here) So we came here and created a Declaration of Independence and a Constitution that specifically states...ALL men are created equal. We've fought wars because of bullying. Be it the injustice of slavery or civil rights, we fought to protect those that were different. What happened to those principles along the way? Why is intolerance and hate so prevalent now? It makes me sad and disheartened. But....

I hope, as time moves forward that ALL people have a voice who've been bullied and that ALL realize it WILL get better. Be you Queer, Four-Eyes, Beanpole, Fatty, Retarded, Stupid, Whore, Ugly, Weird, Geek, Nerd, Nappy, Ashy, or whatever you were called in grade school...let's all stand up together and remind those that are being picked on now...that it does, in fact get better.

UPRISING

2010-08-19T09:45:00.001-04:00

Song of the Day: Muse's Uprising.

So, as many of you know I've made some great big purchases in the last year. Forget the mattress, and the washer/dryer, and the computer. I also bought a condo. As I entered the world of adulthood, I took on very adult responsibilities. I have a mortgage, and bills, and I now will have to pay them all on my own with no help from a roommate. When I ventured out on this new phase of my life, I did it with the knowledge that I'd have my salary from two jobs and felt very secure in that.

Well, over the past year and as recently as yesterday, my world has been rocked and I'm worried. Now, I'm VERY fortunate that I still have a job and can go to work everyday collecting a paycheck and have health insurance. However, because our economy has taken a turn for the worse, it's affecting my paycheck. We knew at the end of last year that our county's school system would be furloughing employees for four days. What does a furlough mean you ask? Well it means that we don't come to work for four days of the year and, because we don't come to work, we don't get paid. So, throughout our paychecks, we'll be taking a loss. Overall, it's between 1600-2000 in total. And now, yesterday we find out that we may not be receiving our differential as a special educator/speech therapist. This differential accounts for another 2500-3000 a year. So, in total I may be losing close to 5000 this year.

When I signed that lease, it was one of the happiest days of my life, now I'm concerned that I'll be able to pay the mortgage. I know some people think that cutting back on eating out and going to bars seems like an easy solution, but it's not. Five thousand dollars is a lot to lose. I was wracked with worry last night and found myself tossing and turning and then staring at the ceiling into the wee hours of the night. I wanted to be able to prove that I can do this on my own. But, perhaps I'll need a roommate. Or maybe I'll need a third job. Holidays are coming up and I worry about Christmas presents and then there are incidentals. Car maintenance, home improvements, medical bills. I don't know if I'm being dramatic, but I'm not sure others understand the gravity of this situation.

I balance this knowledge, again with the fact that I have a job. Some way, I have an income that I'll scrape by with. I could be much less fortunate. I know this. A wise woman once told me "put your problems in a basket with everyone else's, you'll pull yours right back out." I hold onto that thought while I await my first paycheck and figure out how to stretch those dollars.

Dominoes

2010-08-10T11:26:00.000-04:00

I'm always amazed with the way time moves. Like dominoes falling in a row, the days fall away and it's now August. It's the eighth month of the year, leaning toward Autumn and I'm astounded with the pace at which it all happened. The year has brought so many changes and they've been fantastic. A new home and outlook on life at the forefront! That and the opportunity to connect with friends new and old.

July went by in a flash. The Gough family got to reconnect for the party of the year, as my cousin got married. It's always such a pleasure to see everyone and catch-up in such a great atmosphere. There were other parties...birthday, engagement.......all fun of course! Alyson and Megan have moved to Canton, I've purchased a new washer/dryer and mattress set. Oh, and a new computer. There's been shopping and lunches and work and relaxation. A truly wonderful month of rejuvination and gearing up for the next school year.

I'm truly blessed to have such great things help pass the time. To those who've been there along the way, thank you!

It is the company, not the cooking, that makes the meal!

2010-06-07T20:29:00.001-04:00

I had a most excellent weekend. Shannon came to visit on Saturday. We hung out in old Ellicott City, eating outside, drinking adult beverages, and shopping in the adorable antique shops. After that, Alyson, Megan, and I went to Nobles and had a few more adult beverages. Sunday though, oh Sunday....I had the pleasure of having a grown up meal in my new home. Kathy, Elvi, and the sisters all came over to have some food and drink some wine and Champagne. So, picture time! Everything starts with two sticks of butter, some donuts, and good company. Picture time!

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme

2010-05-23T15:45:00.001-04:00

It's a lovely Sunday afternoon and I'm lounging on the couch, procrastinating. It's really easy to stare at my walls and zone out. I start to open my work bag and then my mind wanders and I think "that picture would look lovely over there........." There went a half-an-hour!

It's been a great weekend though. I was fortunate enough to attend "the Foodie Experience" at the Hippodrome with Lindsey last night. There, we saw Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripert discuss food and travel. They are two very cool, very well-versed guys who made us laugh out loud with some of their more ribald tales! After, we got to actually experience food from many of the different restaurants in the area. Gotta say, there is nothing better than taste-testing some of the top food coming out of this area. Be it the Sea bass with ginger from Portalli's or the AWESOME Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding from Ale Mary's....delicious!

Today, I putted around in my garden. The seller of my condo left a lovely work space for herbs and flowers and I took advantage of the containers he left to plant a few things. Now, I cannot claim to be a gardener or have a clue to what I am doing, but, hopefully in a couple of weeks time I'll have some lovely things to cut and cook with. I planted rosemary, oregano, parsley, dill, basil, cilantro, and lavender. I hope that they all sprout up and the lovely scents will waft through my open windows! I'll keep you posted.

Oh, and I'll post pictures soon of my new home. I promise!

Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it?—every, every minute?" ~ Thornton Wilder, Our Town

2010-05-16T20:55:00.002-04:00

Ah, time and the minutes tick by. As they do, it's hard to sit and capture the moments on paper. It's been since October since I last sat and wrote down the minutiae of my life. It's as if nothing has happened. But, in reality so much has. So, I present to you a list:

1) Maggie has a lovely baby boy named Neil.
2) Shannon has a lovely baby boy named Ryan. (she's asked me to be the godmother)
3) Thanksgiving has come and gone
4) So has Christmas
5) And New Year's, and Valentine's Day, and Easter........

In that time, I've also had the immense stress and pleasure to find myself a new home. Lindsey and I, while remaining great friends, have parted ways. She to live with her lovely boyfriend Brian, and me to my own home. Yup, I've bought a house. As I sit typing, I'm looking at my lovely green walls and the furniture Megan just rearranged. It's a great feeling to call some place my own.

Lastly, I have to say goodbye to my Aunt Margaretta. She had the extreme misfortune of battling ALS for the better part of a year. While I am sad that she has passed, I hope she's in a better place. I wouldn't wish such an awful illness on anyone.

There will be more, and pictures to follow.

Taper Jean Girl

2009-10-12T23:03:00.007-04:00

More pictures to remind me of summer as I gaze out the window watching the leaves fall!

Julie and I out on her friend Pete's boat. There is something to be said for living the good life!

The drawbridge between Eastport and Annapolis...lovely.

Lindsey and I took in the Kings of Leon Concert at Merriweather.

There Ain't No Rest for the Wicked........

2009-10-11T10:25:00.009-04:00

It's October now and the season is slowly slipping into fall. The leaves are changing, the temperature is dropping, and the air has that faint scent of crispness that I love so much.

Things around these parts have been a bit hectic. Vacations, staycations, work, and summer have given way to a more steady rhythm. Now, there is work, a dog, and the lure of downtown Annapolis. Perhaps that's what's keeping me away from the computer.... a harbour town with good coffee!

So, here are some pictures from my goings on here in Annapolis!

I celebrated my 30th birthday this August. My sisters organized a surprise party for me at, what has become a tradition, Mike's. There we enjoyed some crabs and conversation and then it was off for drinks and, well, getting drenched. (no one needs to see that!) Patti and Adrienne helped me celebrate later with cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory!

So, Lindsey has gotten a dog. A Boston Terrier named Atticus. He's too cute for words (and too much to handle some days!)

I've been lucky to see a few bands this summer. When I went to NY to visit Nikkie we caught a concert with Safetysuit and 3 Doors Down. Then Sarah, Andy, and I took in Manchester Orchestra, Cage the Elephant, and Silversun Pickups at Ram's Head!

Oh yeah! Megan had a birthday too! So, of course we took some pictures!

Sarah Gue and I took in a pre-season Pittsburgh vs. Redskins game. Needless to say as fans of both teams, it was a bit rough to watch.

I'll show you my stars, if you show me your stripes!

2009-07-05T15:02:00.004-04:00

Ah, Annapolis in the summer. There has been so much to do. Stopping at the coffee shop for a bagel and iced tea, Irish Festivals, strolling through the historic district, 80's night at the Whiskey...... It really has been lovely. Add to the charm of the city the fun of hanging with family and friends-whether it's taking in a concert with my sister and grabbing a bite at Mother's or playing stylist to my best friend, this summer is turning out to be quite spectacular.

Sarah and me after Irish Fest-downtown Annapolis

Sightseeing around Church Circle

80's night at the Whiskey. You can call me Ally Sheedy and Lindsey is Molly Ringwald

First Thursdays with Aly at Mt. Vernon Square Park to see Pressing Strings and Guggenheim Grotto

Getting ready for the 4th

Princess Patriotic

Ruling the land

My most awesome shirt

Fireworks in the backyard

The temp's 88, hop in the water plug, just for old time's sake!

2009-06-29T22:37:00.003-04:00

Summertime, and the livin' is easy. Isn't that the truth? So far this summer has brought some much needed celebration! My sister, Alyson, graduated from Johns Hopkins with her nursing degree and we celebrated in style with some food and drink. Also, my lovely cousins, Molly and Kelly graduated from high school. So, off us girls drove, to Harrisburg to partake of some family mischief. I'm curious, Aly, if we've been caught yet!

Megan and me at the Lyric Opera House waiting for the Commencement to start.

That tiny speck--it's Aly.

She done did it, she gradumiated!

Nurse Betty

Which one isn't a Stolba? Hard to tell, yes?

Me, Diddy, and Erin

Meg and Me

We are Family.

If You can Rock with Me I can Roll with You

2009-05-25T22:36:00.006-04:00

April '09--

This post is long in coming, but alas, here it is! Nikkie came to visit at the end of Spring Break and we took the time to enjoy the city and let loose. When Nik comes to visit there is always some retail therapy, so we headed over the Bridge for some shopping. Once back we headed to Pusser's for some drinks and people watching.

The next day, we met up with her brother and his fiance and went to a Nationals game. Never been to their stadium but we had a great time watching the Nats cream the World Champion Phillies. Betting helped the game along!

Lastly, Nik and I spent the last day of her trip in Georgetown. Five years here and Nikkie has never been. We walked along the C&O Canal, up the Exorcist stairs, walked the university, and met Chris and Kristen at Rhino Bar for some wings and cold beer! Most excellent.

With the Wind on My Back, I Barely Bat an Eye.......

2009-04-12T22:20:00.020-04:00

Spring Break '09---

I spent the much needed, and well deserved, break with my parents in NC. Walks on the beach, through Charleston, and the Cypress Garden swamps helped me clear my head. The fresh air and beautiful sights reminded me that there are precious things all around. My parents kept me busy eating, bowling, golfing, and making jewelry. It was the perfect combination of occupation and relaxation and I'm grateful for the time. Enjoy the pictures!

Sunset Beach.

ET and Me

The trolley to downtown Charleston

Lunch at A.W. Shucks Oyster and Raw Bar

Rainbow Row along the Battery

C'est moi

Mom and me in front of Charleston Harbor

Papi and me on the Row

Whitepoint Gardens

Cypress Gardens

Alligator!

Tis Nobler in the Mind

2009-03-29T21:55:00.005-04:00

So the sisters and I went to Nobles on Saturday night. Enjoy!

Megan and me!

No paparazzi.

Popart

Charmed, I'm sure

Caroline met us out

Aly and me

I dunno

Spiralling

2009-03-26T21:23:00.002-04:00

Do you ever get to a point where you wish it could stop? Where everything around you could stand still for a minute so you can get your bearings. Where there is a calm and serenity that reminds you that you're still human.

These past weeks have been so hectic and troublesome. Work is stressful and I find myself wishing I were doing something else. Then I'm reminded that a year has gone by and I've lost Kacie and Fernando and someone else. I can't seem to wrap my head around everything and I'm sad and frustrated. I've begun to take it out on other people and it's not fair. I'm sniping at family and friends and pushing people away because I can't think straight.

I'm hoping that a week away, with my parents will help me relax and find some peace (or piece, depending on how you look at it) of mind. I need to be able to look at myself and say it's okay, you're okay, and it will only get better.

Wish me luck. Namaste!

Magnificent skyline

Out of my reach

But always

In my eyeline

Now we're tumbling down

We're spiralling

Tied up to the ground

We're spiralling

~Keane

Climbing up the topsails

2009-03-16T19:41:00.003-04:00

This weekend was fantastic. It started with a massage and dinner on Friday with Julie. I've not had a massage since my 25th birthday. I thought for sure I wouldn't be able to relax but alas, after 10 minutes I was on cloud 9. Needless to say I'll be going back.

Saturday, the girls and I celebrated St. Patrick's Day a bit early at Portside and Claddagh's in Canton. Sunday, Alyson and I went to the Wizards/Kings game at the Verizon center with my co-workers.....Enjoy the pictures.

Eire go brach
We're pretty badass aren't we.

Our "plus one," Tiffany and me!

Irish Carbombs are bad.

I love Foto Flexer. A bit of pop art for ya!

I dunno

And in color.

Gina and me in our fantastic seats at the game.

Antawn Jamison at the top of the key.

Aly and me, my most fantastic date!

Rockin' the Red

2009-03-02T10:33:00.006-05:00

My girlfriends and I had a great time the other night, participating in an event held by the Capitals, called Hockey n' Heels. Hockey n' Heels events are meant to get women more interested in the sport, not that some of us need that. The beginning part of the event involves watching a practice session with the team, locker room walk-throughs, and puck skills with members of the team. While I couldn't attend the practice sessions with the girls or knock a few pucks around, I did manage to get dolled up and hit Front Page in Ballston to enjoy happy hour.

Our heels for hockey.

We scoped out this computerized poker game and used it for our table. Damn if Backstrom didn't stand right between Sarah and me and ask to use our table to keep his water.....um, sure!

Nicholas Backstrom was "thisclose" to us.

Adorable Backstrom and me.

Me, Kim, Backstrom, Sarah, and Kelly

Jurcina and the girls.

Me and Jurcina.

For Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory....

2009-02-19T21:50:00.005-05:00

Reality check.

So, Wednesday I had an eye appointment. For those who don't know me or for those who do and are dim, I've worn glasses or contacts since I was 7. The story goes, I hit the corner of my eye on the corner of a door at St. Joseph's. I went to the eye doctor shortly after and couldn't read the charts. My mother was extremely upset that I was faking being unable to read the letters since I had been able to do so since I was 15 months old. Alas though, I really couldn't read the letters because I was near-sighted. The doctor informed my mother then that "I had my father's eyes, and no, not the color."

This appointment was for a full eye exam since I haven't had one in a while. I arrived in my glasses which they told me to do when I called that morning. However, after arriving they promptly put me in a pair of contact lenses for a lens check. The lovely technician handed me the do-hicky, I covered my left eye and began to read the letters on the chart...only to discover that I couldn't read past the second line. Not good! I didn't fare much better reading with my left eye. The doctor came next and yes, my eyes are worse, and I have astigmatism. What was to be an appointment with dilation and all the works turned into a new prescription for my contacts and a new prescription for glasses. So, for my 30th birthday I will be purchasing a new pair of glasses; talk about cliche!

Crazy Little Thing Called Love

2009-02-15T08:12:00.007-05:00

Hello my lovelies.

So, what has been happening? I wish I could say I've taken these fantastic trips and gone on great adventures, but alas, I've been home. It's been a busy couple of weeks. Work has been hectic, what with IEPs, new students, paperwork, and therapy. However I'm still kicking. I started the clinic three weeks ago and the kids started this week. Lots of new faces which I think could be fun. I've really just spent a lot of my time hanging out with friends. Sarah and her ice skating competition, Drew and Gina for some quality time......I really am lucky to be surrounded by people that I love and people that care about me.

Sarah skating to Blackbird.
Totally shoved the kids off the podium for this shot. Sarah took home silver and gold, respectively!

Yesterday was Valentine's Day, or as I'd like to refer to it--Singles Awareness Day. I was lucky though because Sarah came over for dinner and was my Valentine. Our friend Kim was supposed to join us but got stuck at a volleyball tournament, coaching. So, Sarah and I enjoyed a candlelit dinner for two! But hey, more leftovers for Lindsey and me. I made a roast, potato chips, and salad. Oh, and a pomegranate cocktail that'd knock your socks off! Then we grabbed some Ben and Jerry's (talk about cliched for the single gals on Valentine's Day) and watched WALL-E.

I'm excited for the rest of the week as well. Today, Aly and I are going to celebrate her birthday. Dinner and a movie and some girl talk. Tomorrow, I think I'm gonna get some face time with Shannon and her three and Lindsey and I have reservations to Carroll Creek. It's a restaurant here in Annapolis, we're taking advantage of restaurant week and celebrating Valentine's Day together. :) I'm also excited because Nikkie is coming into town.

So, yes. I'm staying busy and enjoying life. I hope everyone else is doing the same!

New York State of Mind

2009-01-20T19:54:00.004-05:00

I had the pleasure of driving to upstate New York during my four day weekend to visit with Nikkie. I had such a great time in Elmira-eating genuine NY pizza, playing in the snow, braving the frigid temperatures, and kicking ass at Trivia Night. Her family was so warm and welcoming and let us hang out to watch my Steelers trounce the Ravens on the big screen TV. Here are some pictures!

It snowed every day I was in New York.

What is this white stuff?

Nikkie donned her Cooley jersey while I wore my Polamalu jersey for the playoff game. I'll still be sporting my jersey on the 1st! GO STEELERS.

Nikkie and I enjoying a slice at Gino's. Gotta love NY pizza.

Bloomsburg was only twenty miles away from my route during my drives to and from. It was really tempting to go and visit my old stomping grounds. I refrained.

Two shots of the beautiful landscape of upstate New York.

Baby, it's Cold Outside

2009-01-05T22:00:00.005-05:00

Christmas was spent in an utterly chaotic whirlwind. My first day of vacation began on the 19th. Sunday was spent at the BSO's Christmas spectacular with Lindsey, her mother and her sister, Monday was dinner with Kathy McGuire, Tuesday was dessert with the DiLustro's, Wednesday was Kyrie, and Thursday was Christmas. Alyson, Megan, and I spent Christmas together in Reisterstown with Megan's cooking and some present opening and then Friday Meg and I left for North Carolina. Alyson joined us on the 30th. So, our Christmas was spent together as a family before Meg boarded a plane back home on New Year's Eve. Aly and I spent the rest of the week with my parents hanging with our family and ringing in the New Year together.

75 and Sunny

This is where I spent my Winter vacation, where did you spend yours?

Home, sweet home

Before

After, with E.T's help

Aly and I buzzed after our stop at the Winery!

I Won't Put My Hands Up and Surrender

2008-12-22T09:43:00.002-05:00

2008 is coming to a close and as I look back on those last 365 days, I noticed a distinct trend of sadness and loss. It's been a year of trials and tribulations for me, and those around me. What should not be common place in someone's life has become so. I've seen too many lives cut short this year for my taste--Kacie, Fernando, Dena Kohn, Chano, Mindy's grandfather, Parastine. It feels like pieces of you are taken away with each person's passing. And though I hate to admit it, there is still a piece missing from another loss. While I no longer wish to have that part of my life again I still feel it's loss. I have yet to wrap my head around this.
What I have come to terms with is that each of these trials has made me stronger. I've developed a new perspective about life. I see that it can be short and that it is important to make the most of it. In 2009, I hope to do so. I hope that I can see the World for what it is meant to be and I hope that the shadows that have been cast over it will clear to a new and clear sky. One that is bright with hope and good tidings, not only for me but for everyone. I need it and I know others who do too.

So, in this holiday season I bid you all good tidings, comfort, and joy. May 2009 be bold and bright for you. And, if you think about it, wish a little of it my way. I'm ready.

I've Got a Pocket Full of Wishes, A TIme Machine, A Magic Wand, A Globe Made Out of Gold

2008-12-16T16:50:00.010-05:00

Last Friday, Nikkie came down from the cold and blustery state of New York to enjoy the day here with us girls in the cold and blustery state of Maryland. Here are some pictures.

Gina and Nikkie on the Subway.Playing hookie!

Nikkie, Sarah, and Gina in front of the Washington Monument

I remember when the Star-Spangled Banner used to hang at the entrance to the old American History Museum. Now, it's encased in glass with dim lights and no photography to preserve it for as long as possible.

I don't think we're in Kansas anymore, Toto

The Berlin Wall

I "Barack"ed my vote!

Steel girders from the Twin Towers

It's not easy being green

Oh, Colbert, the King of all things Truthiness

Hey Kids, Shake it Loose Together

2008-12-09T18:54:00.003-05:00

I'm fortunate to have my friends.
Lindsey and I recently took a trip to Great Falls for some hiking and relaxation. To think we met through a mutual....well, nevermind who introduced us....Roommates now and what seems like forever friends. Spooky old house on the trail.
Great Falls, MD

Julie and I met in high school and now, 10 years later, the fun has yet to stop!

Oscar's first snow this season

Julie and me

A night out at Pussers; that is, after the Old Folks Home

I'm a Little Turkey, My Name is Ted.....

2008-12-07T13:00:00.005-05:00

Thanksgiving has come and gone and in it's place there is the anticipation of Christmas. Thanksgiving was a quiet affair with family and friends and only one mishap. Enjoy the pictures.

T'was the night before Thanksgiving and we sisters three and dear Joey enjoyed the night out.

My sisters and me.

My mother was my souz chef; that is until she burned her hand. It wouldn't be a holiday without someone in pain.

My family

Close Your Eyes and Think of Me.......

2008-11-09T13:24:00.003-05:00

I saw this postcard today on Postsecret.com. I wait patiently until Sunday morning to see new and fresh postcards. Some are sad, some funny, others are insightful and I may connect with the words written or printed on the back of the anonymous card.

Today this card spoke caught my eye. I know it's not from her. After 25 years, I'd recognize her handwriting anywhere. For an instant though, I thought it could be. As I read the message scrawled on the back of this card I realized there are so many inaccuracies written inside. If it were from her, she didn't lose me. She purposely left me sitting on a corner bench wondering what the hell happened. If I were very important to her, she'd have found the ability to talk to me before things broke. Lastly, I do know how to contact her but I no longer want to. I'm not lost anymore and I'm no longer her friend, best or otherwise.

In some ways I owe this person out there in the ethos some gratitude. I've wondered what I would do if she wrote to me or tried to contact me. I have an answer.

Don't Stop Believin'

2008-11-05T19:29:00.006-05:00

Eleven years ago I entered the Elwell Hall and was emeshed in the college freshman scene. Only a few doors down was a girl I'd only said "hi" to in the hall and by twist of fate and a late night food craving we became the best of friends. On October 25, 2008 I had the immense honor of standing beside Maggie as she wed the love of her life, Sean Greecher.

So, here are pictures of Mr. and Mrs. Greecher:
Shayne, Michaela, and me.
Maggie's niece, Michaela
The bridal suite
Had it not rained we would have been outside enjoying the view of Lake Nockamixon

Taking a sneak peek at the new ceremony space.

Mr. and Mrs. Greecher

Kate, Maggie, and me

Finally, the sacrifice of all those cake tastings comes to fruition.

Maggie's lovely centerpieces

Kate, me, Maris, and Jen V.

My favorite bridesmaid, Maris

Kate and me

Me with the bride and groom

Eleven years later

Here Comes The Sun, Little Darlin'

2008-10-22T13:26:00.004-04:00

As many of you know, I work as a speech therapist for a public special education, early childhood center in Maryland. I've been working at my job for, going on, 8 years now. At 18-years-old, I made the decision to become a speech-language pathologist, and, 11 years later I've never strayed from the thought that I would and could love my chosen profession.

In the last few months however, I've been dissatisfied. It has nothing at all to do with who I work with but who I work for. As the years have gone on, I've noticed a disturbing thing. My therapy and they way I provide it is no longer dictated by the IEP but by lawyers. I've begun to feel like a pawn in a legal game and it has stressed me out to no end. Because we live in such a litigious world with smart, savvy parents I collect data and provide paperwork to prevent the county from going to due process. Add to that, I have ungrateful parents and un-willing to learn teachers and my happiness for my job had dwindled. Dwindled to the point I was considering quitting; that is until....

I stepped into a teacher's classroom the other day and my student, Laneah, said "hi." She is a student with a severe form of Cerebral Palsy which has left her in a wheelchair and with a trache tube to breathe for her. Still, she is smart. So incredibly smart, above age level with testing. She tries her hardest to communicate with words too. So, on this day her nurse said they'd gone to Build-A-Bear for her birthday and she made a bear. Nurse Sandra asked me to guess the bear's new name. She told me then, Laneah had named her bear "Ms. Jen."

That simple story reminded me that 1) I do my job for one purpose-to better the lives of my students, and 2) that no matter what I make a difference. That all educators can make a difference.

I will hold this story close to my heart for many years and I'll pull it out on days when I am sad or discouraged and remember that a 4-year-old taught a 30-year-old a valuable lesson, that life is grand!

Canned Heat

2008-10-12T17:21:00.004-04:00

I had the pleasure of accompanying my co-worker, Kim, to the Capitals' home opener! Flippin' Sweet!

Capitals vs. Blackhawks. Verizon Center, Washington, DC.

Watching Mike Green on the glass for warm-ups.

New Goal-tender, Jose Theodore You can't spell Champs without C-A-P-S

Ovechkin on the ice for warm-ups Raising the Southeast Division Championship Banner!

Bring the Fury!
Ridiculously awesome passes!

Kim and I on the glass!

Hangin' Tough!

2008-10-05T11:08:00.010-04:00

The Weekend in Photos:
Nikkie and Gina, on the Way to NKOTB!
Gina, Nik, and me Me and my sweet NKOTB satchel
Stage!

iI heart Joey McIntire!

Colby O'donis

Hangin' Tough with NKOTB!!!!!

Queenstown Nik, Sarah, me

Sorry Fujifilm, I'm a Kodak kinda girl.

It's like "Where's Waldo?"

Behind the scenes at the National Zoo

Edward the Emu! (bonus if you know the book!)

Monkey see, monkey do

What are you looking at? VoGUE! Strike a pose!

Ferocious Kitty!

Flying Mimi (gotta go back a way in these posts!)

Home on the Green Line.

"Dancing Nancies"

2008-10-02T08:47:00.003-04:00

I really do enjoy the time when Summer slowly slips into Autumn. The way the air cools and the crisp smell of wet leaves and dew. This beginning month of Fall really is my favorite time of year. A couple of weeks ago, Julie helped me plant mums in the pots left by my landlord and the now adorn our front steps. Those lovely bursts of yellow and purple further add to the charm that Fall seems to bring. I can't wait to carve pumpkins and enjoy the smell of pumpkin and cinnamon. It gets to be a bit magical to me. But enough waxing poetic about the season....

I'd like to take the opportunity to mention that I got to celebrate my birthday for even longer with a great day had a couple of weeks ago with the ever fantastic Shannon and her beautiful baby Sara. We went to lunch and then spent the rest of the afternoon look at the sweetest little girl clothes! I can't believe that almost 30 years have gone by and we are still friends. Even though we are both in different places and following different paths, we can come together and pick up where we left off. I don't get to talk to her as often as we used to when living near each other but I know, if I pick up the phone and dial, I'll get her friendly voice and an ear listening. Truly blessed, I am....but enough about you all, what about me.....!?

I'm so excited for this weekend. Nikkie is coming into town to do a little shopping, a little sight-seeing, and we're taking in a show. Not just any show, mind you, but the concert of all concerts! We are going to see the New Kids on The Block!! I never had the opportunity as a teenager in the 90s so I jumped at the opportunity to see them now. Nikkie, Gina, Jamie, and Christie amd I will all be heading to the Verizon Center to scream like the teenager girls we once were. Christie even has her vintage (I mean original!) NKOTB pins that I will proudly display on my jacket lapel! I'm going to try and take pictures and keep you posted on my weekend excursions! But for now, I'm just "Hangin' Tough!"

The Land of the Free and The Home of the Brave....

2008-09-11T13:31:00.005-04:00

I've often heard my parents say, "I remember the day that Kennedy was shot." They remember where they were and the aftermath that followed that fateful day. There are people that remember the details the day Lennon was shot, or the Challenger shuttle exploded; I remember the day two planes flew into the World Trade Center, one into the Pentagon, and one into a field in a small town in Pennsylvania.

It's been seven years and I still recall standing in the teachers' lounge waiting to make copies and hearing someone say "A plane hit the World Trade Center." I remember going to the office and hearing it on the radio. Then I remember asking my mother where my father was. The aftermath of this tragedy lives on, seven years later, as we are still involved in a needless war and as this tragedy is being used by every political pundit trying to win an election. Seven years later, September 11th is the headline on major news venues. Yet what has this horrific thing taught us? Not much.

During those first months, this nation came together as a whole. Black, white, purple...Muslim, Jewish, Catholic....vegetarian, omnivore, carnivore. It didn't matter. We were united as a Nation. A strong nation, asking to Be strong and be One. We reached out to our brothers and sisters and grieved together. Today...we are divided...by race, culture, and political party. Tragedy should have turned us into a stronger, more cohesive United States...hell, United is in our country's name. United we stand, Divided we fall became our motto. But, no.

Perhaps one day. One day people will stop looking at the color of the skin, the clothes one wears, and the God one prays to. I work in an environment where I have the great responsibilty to shape and educate the minds of the youth. Perhap, one day, they will see the world as others wished it to be. Full of peace, love, and understanding.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent. ~ Ghandi

Interesting Read:

http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/11/spending-seven-septembers-hijacking-my-religion-back/#more-8460

"An Another Thing"

2008-09-01T19:29:00.006-04:00

I really am a lucky girl. My birthday celebrations extended well past the designated day and I celebrated in style through this holiday weekend!

Friday I had the great fortune of driving two hours in the rain to Charm City Cakes to pick up more cake tastings for Maggie's wedding. I stood in the doorway of the shop watching the goings on while Mary Alice searched high and low for the cakes; luckily finding them. It really is a fascinating thing to watch from the inside something that is so easily watched on the outside in the comfort of my own home. And there is no way to capture the smell of a bakery like the smell of Charm City Cakes-to quote Lindsey "It smells like diabetes!" That smell of sugar is so intoxicatingly sweet! So, I quickly grabbed up those samples of cake and brought them home to enjoy my "birthday" cake with Lindsey. And here is the aftermath!

Saturday, I celebrated my birthday with what may come to be tradition, crabs! My sisters and

I met at Gunnings to eat, drink, and be merry with food and fun. A dozen crabs, some cold beer, and lots of conversation is just what I was looking for. What better way to celebrate that with the company of those I hold dearest. With the three of us living far apart and being busy with work and school and the like, the times we get to spend together are precious and something I look forward to.

Then I took of Sunday for Maggie's in Wilmington. She then surprised me with the idea of a trip to Atlantic City while her fiance was in Montreal. Off we went, to the Borgata in A.C. for some awesome food and not so awesome gambling! Having been a novice at the blackjack table I quickly lost everything, as did Maggie. But the company couldn't have been better and Maggie and I took the opportunity to be in a city of sin to reminisce about college and revert to younger versions of ourselves.

Maggie has been with me through my growing-up years and without her I think I would have had a dull four years of college! We drove home today and I then helped her get decorations ready for her wedding and put together welcome boxes.

Now, I am home and ready to begin the school year, wish me luck!

"What I Need is All Around Me!"

2008-08-27T22:08:00.005-04:00

I'm lucky. Lucky in life to have friends and family that treat me so well and are there whenever I need them. Through ups and downs, thick and thin...I'm lucky to be surrounded with love.

I've been celebrating my 29th birthday with said friends and family. Yesterday, Alyson came to visit. We shopped, dined, and then went to see Brad play drums at Rockfish, here in Annapolis. We rang in my 29th, with drinks on Rockfish's lush leather couches listening to the soft acoustic stylings of Brad and Chris. It was done quietly and with sophistication, as it should for a person about to reach 30!

Today, my co-workers treated me to gifts and lunch.

Then, lovely Julie, treated me to a fantastic dinner at a grown-up restaurant. Quiet and good company are always at the top of my list and it could not have been better. Food was great and I got to enjoy the company and conversation of a friend I have had for over a decade. It is amazing to know that there can be constants in your life. That through ten years, there has been someone to watch you grow and change and still appreciate you for the person you were as much as for the person you have become. Julie and I have gone through high school and college together, and are navigating this maze through adulthood side-by-side as friends. She is the most caring and giving person in the world and I rely on her to be my confidant, my friend, and my surrogate sister! To know someone is there through it all is a blessing and I am truly grateful for her friendship.

Best of all, my roommate gave me the most beautiful bouquet of roses and orchids to commemorate this special day. The roses are yellow, to symbolize friendship. I'm truly fortunate to have hers. She has, over the years, become my one of the most important people in my life, very few others share that circle with her. She is a rock and I would be a lesser person had she not come into my life.

So, to the four of you who read this...know I count you in my deepest regard. Thank you for being there for this birthday and for being there through previous others. (ok, enough sap!)

How I Spent My Summer Vacation-Grade 5

2008-08-16T09:24:00.002-04:00

Today is Saturday August 16th and I home from my.....well, vacation really isn't the right word. Hellacious experience, neurotic adventure, ridiculously awful travellings would be better descriptions for the week I have had!

It all started about two weeks ago when my car was experiencing some technical difficulties. I took it to the local mechanic who replaced the timing belt, gave it a tune up, and an oil change. Things went swimmingly from then on and I took off for North Carolina on Monday the 11th. Oh yes, but first I got a new tire. See, the mechanic told me I may need a new front driver's side tire soon and my father freaked me out enough about getting stuck on the side of the road in the God-forsaken countryside of rural North Carolina. My parents and I were worried about a tire! Ha!

So, after a quick tire change I took off down the road in 80 degree weather and the tunes blaring from my car stereo. Then........three hours into the trip, on the 295 bypass around Richmond, my lovely and fixed car lost all acceleration and I ended up stranded on the side of the road. After a quick and tearful phone call to my parents I was dialing a tow-truck and my mother was calling Patti who has a cousin, Angela, in Richmond.

Just then a State Police Motorist Assistance vehicle pulled behind me. Mr. Henrick, an older, distinguished gentleman assisted me with a tow truck and waited with me until it arrived. Once in the tow truck though, a Gough-like, twist of fate occurred. Mr. Henrick handed me HIS cell phone and told me I had a phone call. "How in Hell do you have a phone call on a stranger's phone?" you ask. I had the same question. I answered the phone and Angela was on the other line. Turns out, Mr. Henrick is her father-in-law! Small world huh!?

I towed my car to the local Ford dealership in town and waited for a diagnosis. TIMING BELT! Seriously, the timing belt was shredded. Terry, the service manager informed me I'd have to stay over night. So, I called Angela. Thank the good Lord for the kindness of strangers. Angela and her family were so kind and I stayed overnight with her three boys and husband. I have never played so many card and board games (and lost!). I even had the best ice cream in Richmond thanks to the begging of Ryan!
The next morning while I waited for my car to be fixed, Angela took me to the pool with her and Ryan. There I got some sun and an introduction to the water slides-which have left me bruised and battered but were so much fun. And then I found out I was staying another night.

Wednesday rolled around and my car was finally fixed. I got in, turned the ignition and turned on the radio--oh, wait--the radio didn't work! Easy fix and I was on my way at 5:30pm for home. At 6:02 I was on the side of the road on 95 North having a nervous breakdown. I called my parents. Dad called Ford, and they were sending a tow truck. My parents were in their car heading up after handing their dinner guests the entire platter of food and throwing clothes in a bag!

I got to the car dealership and they immediately took my car to service. Guess what....the timing belt was broken! Huge surprise right?! So I went to a hotel, watched the Olympics, and waited for my parents to arrive.

Thursday morning they found the problem and told me how much it would cost to fix. But fixed or not, I would never feel safe in that POS (you can figure it out I am sure!). So, after much haggling I got a decent (psh!) price on a new Ford Focus and drove home on Friday morning. Funny part of the story is I bought the Escort on August 12th, 2001 and I bought this car on August 14th, 2008. Happy Birthday to me!

So, I have to give a shout out to Angela and her family for taking in a stranded motorist and I have to thank my parents for dropping everything (including a crucial hair appointment!) and rescuing their scared and extremely tired daughter from the brink of a nervous breakdown. I love my parents very much.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how I spent my summer vacation!

New York State of Mind

2008-08-05T21:15:00.003-04:00

I really do enjoy cooking. I find it to be so relaxing. Work is always so chaotic and the mood and themes of the day change by the hour. Cooking has a beginning, a middle, and an end. Sometimes there are even precise measurements which put me at ease when I come home from a harried and hectic day.

I spent much of my weekend cooking. Alyson and Megan came to the house on Sunday for some home-made broccoli-cheese soup just like my Mama makes it. Slight problem, I didn't have the recipe and my mother was en route to Missouri so after a few futile phone calls to various and sundry people I winged it. I must say, it turned out perfectly. Now I have left over soup for a week. Yum!

Monday, the girls from work came over to "celebrate" (for lack of a better word) the departing of Nikkie; who is moving home to NY. I made salad, baked ziti, hummus, and bread and we ate and drank and toasted to Nik. It was very bittersweet, but, after a Facebook tutorial and promises to Yahoo/AIM message each other during work I feel not so sad about her departure. Besides, she'll be here in October for the NKOTB concert! Bonus points if you know what NKOTB stands for!

Now, I get to look forward to my vacation, I am leaving Sunday or Monday to head to North Carolina to see my parents and spend time relaxing by the pool and enjoying the wineries!

One Step Closer

2008-08-02T13:59:00.004-04:00

I cannot believe summer is coming to an end. Only two more weeks before I enter the halls of Chapel Forge to begin my eighth year. Time flies when you are having fun?

It's been a great couple of weeks. Last week, my parents came into town. While my mother went to Vegas, my dad stuck around and we had a great dinner and bonding session. I pulled out my grandmother's recipe for pasta sauce and got to cooking. Seemed appropriate to have with family, yes?
Friday, my college roommate Maggie came for a visit. I met her in baltimore at the Papermoon Diner for dinner. I'd forgotten I'd eaten there before with Lindsey. If you review an earlier post from a year or two ago, you'll see an entry where we went to a club with her friend John. Needless to say, I didn't recall the diner as I was a bit too inebriated, but enough about that!

Maggie and I had a great dinner and then we headed over to....CHARM CITY CAKES! Whoo hoo. Talk about a surreal experience. For those who don't know, CCC, is the company owned by Duff and run by his hooligan staff, you can catch them on Ace of Cakes on the FOOD NETWORK. Maggie is having a cake made for her wedding and I got to play accomplice. Yippie! So a cake was designed with Mary Alice and we got a bunch of cake tastings. Also, I mentioned to Mary Alice that it was Megan's 25th birthday and she gave us more cake samples and an autograph.
After the cake design, Maggie and I headed over to Megan's surprise party where we presented Megan with her cakes. She went crazy. I'm good ya'll!

Maggie stayed and we had a great lunch. Then Lindsey, Jackie, and I went to Dock Street Bar for some much needed debauchery.

Sunday I awoke with a hangover but I could not let that stop me as Megan, Aly, and I headed to Nissan Pavillion for the Projekt Revolution tour. Great bands played and we got to bond as sisters which is always a plus.

P.S. (does anyone notice a distinct trend in my titles?? if you figure it out you get a cookie!)

Out Of My Hands

2008-07-21T22:10:00.004-04:00

It's been a while since I've written anything. The long absences aren't due to a lack of things in my life. I think the absences occur because so much of what I need to express is negative. I began this foray into blogging as a way to share tidbits of fun and excitement, more so lately I use it as a vehicle that allows me to vent much of what I tend to compartmentalize. I am one who withholds information and then, BOOM!, out at once! So, BOOM! ya'll......here goes!

CINDY

For many of you, Cindy is a name seen often in this blog and heard many times in countless stories from my youth to adulthood. Many of my memories contain her image. I find it hard to talk about past events without mentioning her name. I've known her for over 25 years. She inhabits much of my existance. Preschool, elementary school, birthdays, deaths, fights, graduations....right up to her wedding.

That is until her wedding. For some inexplicable reason, in May, I received an email stating I didn't seem as excited as I once was for her wedding and therefore, she would understand if I didn't want to be a part of her special day. Through emails, which I think is cowardly and a bit childish, we decided to part ways. She has made peace with the situation and isn't angry (or so she says). I am remaining ambivolent. I was seething during those few days after her email and subsequent phone call (48 hours later). But, as time goes on, I realize that I can survive without her friendship and that life does go on. In fact, life moves faster and appears brighter.

Perhaps it was for the best. I truly have found peace in the fact that we are no longer friends and have come to the realization that there will never be a reconciliation. Too much is broken and too many hurtful things were said. I do hold many of our memories dear, they do make up much of who I am today but I am not at all sad that new memories will not be made. I have more than enough friends and enough family to fill and overflow any void her absence has caused.

ANNAPOLIS
For many, you are aware that I've moved. Lindsey and I terminated our lease in the Hell hole in Ellicott City and found a lovely two bedroom townhouse in Annapolis. I am so glad we moved, it is a welcome change and has provided many new opportunites. The downtown area is lovely and the urban/city feel is ideal. Lindsey and I have explored new places and I've met new people which is lovely.

SHANNON

Shannon DeCriscio and her husband Michael just had a beautiful baby girl named Sara. I visited them recently and, while Shannon doesn't believe it, I envy her life. She has a fantastic husband who is "fond" of her, two rambucious and adorable sons, and a beautiful daughter. Sitting on her couch with the boys next to me and Sara fussing in my arms filled me with such contentment. Don't get me wrong, I like single life and the freedom it posesses, but there is envy for the joy and love seen in the eyes of all in that family. I think I will have to visit often!

FRIENDS

As I mentioned previously I have friend and family that are so bountiful in my life. Sadly, one of my friends, Nikkie, is moving home to New York in just a couple of weeks and it is bittersweet. I'm happy for her since she found a great new job and has the opportunity to move home, but sad as we just became close friends. I look forward though, to our Myspace chats and weekly calls. She will be missed. Here are some photos from our trip to Annapolis, as we cram in all we can before she leaves.

Gina and me at the harbor. Gina, Nikkie, and me Gina and Nikkie

Too High

2008-05-02T09:30:00.002-04:00

Lately, I've been feeling low. The feeling may last but a moment or it may last hours. I've dealt with a lot of death in weeks that have passed. Three deaths in six weeks weighs heavy on the heart. They say things come in threes so I hope that this is finished. Within these moments of sadness though, things happen that remind me why we've been placed on this Earth and why we experience the trials and tribulations we do as a human race.

Today I receive this:

"You don't know when something you say or something you do touches someone else's life and works a miracle"

It was from a parent of a student.

Today I don't feel so low.

American Baby

2008-04-23T09:36:00.002-04:00

I wrote recently about the loss of a student. It's not the first time I've been sidelined by the loss of innocents. It's part of the profession. The weak, the fragile...it becomes part of the expectation. Fernando left such a distinct impression on me and I still feel a hollowness walking into his classroom. Today, Fernando's teacher came to my office. She began discussing the memorial service she went to yesterday for Fernando. There, family and friends celebrated the life of an exuberant little boy with big eyes and a beautiful smile. While there his parents spoke with Stephanie, his teacher, and provided gifts for his entire school team and the luncheon they would like to set up to "break bread" with his teachers and therapists. To know that we, as a staff, had made such an impact for this family makes me humble and incredibly moved. I sometimes forget, year-after-year, and face-after-face, that we do make a difference. We see it here at school but forget that the impact we make is long-lasting and felt in the home. Fernando and his family have moved me and will leave an impression in my heart for a long time.

I hold on to you
You lift me up and always will
I see you in light
Hope I don't get left behind
I hold hold on to you
You bring me hope I'll see you soon
and if i don't see you whoa
I'm afraid we've lost the way

Stay beautiful baby
~ DMB

Right Hand On My Heart..........

2008-03-26T11:29:00.003-04:00

Devils and Gods

2008-03-26T11:27:00.000-04:00

God....I hate posting sad and morose news but, again, I find writing to be cathartic.....I need to express my thoughts on paper....work them out.....I internalize my feelings too often and they stay bottled inside, fermenting....weighing heavily. This month has sucked. Sure, I could have written a more appropriate word for my feelings but "sucked" provides me with the most feeling. Feeling it in my mouth and on my tongue and in the tone of my voice...it SUCKED.

Where to begin? March 6th. I check my phone and Lindsey has called three times. Peculiar and worrisome. I call her back and she is crying. Kacie is in the hospital. Drug overdose. ICU. Life support. I go home. I call Sarah. We go to the hospital. Kacie isn't going to make it. Friday night. Midnight food run. Go home. Sleep. Wake up. Call Lindsey, she stayed at the hospital. Saturday, bring food. Don sterile gloves, gown. Sit with Kacie. Tubes, noises. She doesn't look the same. I want to take off my gloves, touch her face. I can't. I cry. Again. Sunday, Monday. Her parents, her husband from Iraq. Tuesday. Kacie is gone. I cry. Again. Wednesday March 19th. Memorial. Sad. Pretty. Closure. Not closure.

Tuesday. March 25th. First day back. Called to cafeteria. Elyse. Not good. Student. Drowned. 4-years-old. Autistic. Mine. I cry. Again. Still crying. Sad. Devastated. No words.

Various and Sundry

2008-02-24T13:57:00.004-05:00

Here....in their jumbled, disparate, motley, and complicated forms are pictures from previous postings!

BEAVERHAUSEN FAMILY ALBUM--The Paddock!

Lindz and Me being Ashley and Amanda Beaverhausen Here is Angela Beaverhausen
Anastasia is on the far right!
So poor shmo proposed to both younger Beaverhausens

CUNNINGHAM FALLS EXCURSION-Lindz and Me

"I used to have this figured out"

2008-02-24T13:46:00.002-05:00

Totally random musing for the day.....
Last week, Cindy and I went to a new restaurant (for us) in Baltimore, Xanadu to be exact. Our reservations were for 8 o'clock and we were seated promptly. Food was great and services was impeccable since we were the only patrons in the dining area. Around 9:30pm our check arrived and Cindy was launching into a story. Just then, the entire restaurant staff-including bouncers-came into the dining area and began clearing silverware, plates, and linens. Evidently the restaurant turns into a lounge at 10 o'clock. Cindy lost her train of thought as silverware was banged together and porcelain plates were piled on top of each other. Not only that, but one waitress/dancer (don't ask) began to talk on her cell phone. We gave the waitress our credit cards and and sat a bit appalled but the noise when, oh yes there is more, they began moving the center aisle booths. One booth happened to be occupied...by us! Fortunately they didn't have time to move our booth as we just finished paying the check. I was stunned at the lack of respect for the patrons! A simple warning from the waitress would have made the situation tolerable but, alas, no. Needless to say, we won't be returning!

Let Your Troubles Roll By

2008-01-26T23:47:00.000-05:00

I sit at 12 midnight ruminating in the lives of others. I'm sad this week; and many will think it's silly to be so affected by the death of a celebrity. But, alas, I am sad. He seemed full of life, a celebrity not involved in package of fame. Perhaps he would make it in a world known for corruption and excess. The media portrayed him as decent, living life for that of his family. Now, his family is saddened and a little girl will never know her father for who he could have been. The media sends out conflicting reports....drugs, depression, suicide, accident. Why is the media so involved? The world knew of his death before even his family. Sad. Yet, here I am trolling the websites, trying to understand what everyone else strives to understand. I hope for the little girl's sake, that her father was not an abuser of drugs. She will struggle through life as a daughter of celebrity, and she will have the stigma that her father died too young. Perhaps she can be spared from the stigma of drugs. There seems to be that cyliclical process....parent to child, drugs, downward spiral. The world will be looking at her through a microscope from here on out. Perhaps it will make her stronger, willful. One can hope.

I think death allows for reflection on life. Is mine being lived to it's fullest potential? What more can I do to stay happy, healthy, loved? I hope my life is well lived to this point.

So many cities and windows and lives

And through each one there's a soul that strives to survive

So pay no mind, my sorrow's fine

The day is alive and that's why I cry ......

The last snake hissed as he was thrown in the fire

You've come far, and though you're far from the end

You don't mind where you are, cause you know where you've been

Like a culture vulture sprawled out on the floor.....

~Carbon Leaf "Let Your Troubles Roll By"

Photo Journalism

2007-11-18T18:51:00.000-05:00

Hello All! Life has been filled with good tidings. Here are some photos so you can share in my goodness!

Halloween night; I went as a doll. Lindsey went as the ever suprising Britney Spears!

Fiona's first costume was "cat." She quickly realized that many others would be cats and she was embarrased at the thought of being a copy-cat so she pondered her next costume....the result, couch!

Cindy and I spent Saturday in DC being toursists. We started at the Corcoran Art Gallery where we experienced the Annie Liebowitz/ Ansel Adams photography exhibits. We then took a stroll past the White House. It's funny what you take for granted in DC. I'd forgotten we'd walk by the White House on our excursion! Then we took a detour through the EPA/ Ronald Regan Buildings' grounds. Looks a bit 19th century to me. A bit like I would imagine London looked like long ago. Lastly, we grabbed a bite at Tonic where they served TATER TOTS!!! "Go find your own tots!"

You Gotta Be

2007-10-09T09:59:00.000-04:00

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/10/08/special.olympics/index.html

This story, makes me very happy. For so long, as a therapist of students with special needs, I have seen what so many others fail to see. I see the compassion of student with Down's Syndrome when another student is hurt, the joy on the face of a student with Cerebral Palsy when they are tickled, and the love of a student with Autism when hugged. My students, for the past seven years, have brought me joy and brought me pain. I have cried tears of happiness and tears of frustration. Mostly, though, these students have brought me insight into a different world. A world where we are not defined by what we are NOT but by what we ARE. Children, who see and do things differently and who overcome adverse conditions, to teach me about life. That it is the simple pleasures, the minute progress, the brief, shining moments. They know life in a way we forget as adults, in a way we now take for granted. So, to my students and those participating in the Special Olympics in China, thank you.

Listen as your day unfolds

Challenge what the future holds

Try and keep your head up to the sky

Lovers, they may cause you tears

Go ahead release your fears

Stand up to be counted

Don't be ashamed to cry

You gotta be...

You gotta be bad,

you gotta be bold,

you gotta be wiser

You gotta be hard, y

ou gotta be tough,

you gotta be stronger

You gotta be cool,

you gotta be calm,

you gotta stay together

All I know,

all I know

love will save the day.

Herald what your mother said

Read the books your father read

Try to solve the puzzles in your own sweet time

Some may have more cash than you

Others take a different view

My oh my, yea, eh, eh

You gotta be bad,

you gotta be bold,

you gotta be wiser

You gotta be hard,

you gotta be tough,

you gotta be stronger

You gotta be cool,

you gotta be calm,

you gotta stay together

All I know, all I know

love will save the day.

~Des'ree

It's a nice day for a white wedding......

2007-09-24T11:35:00.000-04:00

Hello all! Long time, no post! I've been delinquent far too long. It's interesting how quickly I can be caught up in the daily routines of work and life and miss out on the opportunities to share them with you.

It's been a busy couple of weeks and I am truly looking forward to enjoying this one; with nothing on my agenda! I spent this past weekend visiting Maggie in Delaware. It's always fun to be with her and celebrate life. Maggie is always so vivacious and energetic. It is hard not to follow suit and take that good karma in. I think her reasons of happiness now, though, are due to her engagement. Maggie and Sean are getting married next year and my main purpose for the trip was to see the venue and to pick a bridesmaid dress. Both are beautiful! The venue is located on a lake in Perkasie, PA and has a nice marriage (had to) and juxtaposition of rustic ruralness and ultra modern sleekness. I couldn't have picked better for my self! I'm thrilled for the wedding and it is still a year away! The rest of the weekend was spent catching up. We went to dinner (hibachi) and drank and talked. Much to Sean's chagrin, we stayed up until 1 am talking and being our old "undergrad" selves. I stayed Sunday and bonded with Sean over the Redskins and left late in the evening for home.

I'll be posting pictures soon of Lin and me, hiking...I know!!! And we didn't get shot!!

Also, here is the website for Maggie's venue. Be sure to click on the "more pictures" tab.
www.thelhi.com

I respect you, and I like yo' sweater! TANGO!

2007-08-03T20:25:00.000-04:00

So, just got back from the beach! This was our last "family" vacation in Ocean City. My parents bought our time share 18 years ago, and, since then, we've had the pleasure of enjoying some fantastic trips. It's weird to think this will be the last time we'll all be together for a vacation as our parents' children. Next, hopefully, we'll be a multi generational family enjoying a trip together. NOW, don't go reading anything into that people. No one is getting married or having kids. I just mean, that we have approached that age where it is feasible to be vacationing with other loved ones. Totally besides the point.....tangential me!

Vacation was a blast though. My sisters and Lindsey and I went to the Paddock to enjoy a night out on the town. The Paddock, needless to say, was filled with all the white trash boys and girls one could hope for. We'd begun to get bored but....we had a fortunate turn of events, beginning with the "You!!!!!!!!!!!!!" guy. Toward the end of the night we hooked ourselves a good one- poor bastard. It began innocently enough with Alyson providing the fake name Amanda to the poor guy. Well, dear Megan, jumped at the opportunity to put her favorite TV character's' pseudonym into use. Thus, Anastasia Beaverhausen was born. (For those of you who know where that is from you get a gold star...and I'm not telling). Megan, nye Anastasia, then convinced the dunce that her and Lindsey were twins and Lindsey then named herself Angela. I then became Ashley. Poor thing kept getting confused and to make matters even more ridiculous, we couldn't remember what each others names were. At the end of the night, Aly gave the kid the rejection hot line number. Cruel, yes. Funny, of course. The icing on the cake is when we were leaving and another man asked Megan for her name. When she told him it was "Anastasia" he incredulously asked "What, like the movie?" Best night ever!

867-5309

2007-07-05T22:57:00.000-04:00

I'm sorry for the delinquency in posts dear friends. It's funny how quickly time moves. I don't feel like months have passed but, alas, they have. Where do I begin and where do I end? What should be considered news worthy and what is inane ramblings?

First I should mention that I've moved. Cindy and I ended our lease on May 27th, after a year living together. I moved into a fantastic condo/apartment in Ellicott City with my dear friend Lindsey. It's been a bit of a comedic tale here at Apartment C. First, we had difficulty with the landlord, who was supposed to do some repairs and paint, but to no avail. Linsdey and I have since spent a better part of month painting and I think it looks fantastic. Now we just need a dining room table! With this place also comes the curse of the Comcast Nazis. Twice now, Lin and I have been on the phone disgruntled over mismanaged bills and erroneous charges. Today was one of those days.

COMCAST SAGA:

June 2, cable installed, June 10th a bill saying we were credited 180 dollars but still owed $59.62. Lindsey calls Comcast, they billed her twice and the other charge was to be dropped so we would have a zero balance. Today, bill arrives with an unpaid balance of $59.62 and other charges. Needless to say I called the Nazis. Uber Bitch customer representative Kelly informed me that we owed that money but were credited 44.20 and .96 so there was no balance. Last time I checked 59.63-45.16 did not equal zero. After her math she said our bill should be $136.00, however the amout due on my paper bill was $148.20. Again, math problems. She then proceeded to tell me that the representative who spoke to Lindsey was "misinformed" and shouldn't have told Lindsey that there was no balance. I informed her that "wasn't my fault but yours." She told me that it "wasn't HER fault," and that is when I told her to cancel our service and I wanted to speak to a supervisor. Lindsey got on the phone with the supervisor, called him an asshole and I threatened with an open letter to the Baltimore Sun and the Washington Post. We ended up with service for free this month and a promise our bill would be correct next month.

HAPPIER NEWS:

My cousin Pamela got married two weeks ago in Delaware. It was the first time seeing my family after my grandmother's funeral. Needless to say, happier times and fantastic memories followed.

I also spent five days in NC with my parents. Long story short but they bought a house. Yes, finally they will have a home to live in. It is gorgeous (inside and out), I am just really happy for them. It thrills me to see them happy and healthy and enjoying retirement.

PHOTO BLOG TIME!! MUCH EASIER!

Twisters!

Aly and Me!

Group shot.

Sunglasses on! Wind in the sails, sun at our backs!

CINCO DE MAYO....Jules! Amanda's house, Jack and coke, Karyoke, Twister...nuff said!

CINCO DE MAYO...Drifters, Kevin...budlight

Me and the new roomie!

To Mammam

2007-04-21T22:41:00.000-04:00

Ten Pins in the Sky

Did you ever wonder why in thunder
thunder comes in spring?
Once upon a time it seems
all the world was wrapped in dreams.
Playful little fellas, so they tell us
said Let's have our fling!
Spring is in the air, you know!
It's time to wake 'em up below!
So, when the thunder starts to thunder don't run home and cry.
They're playing ten-pins in the sky.
Little fellas way up yonder make the raindrops fly
while rollin', bowlin' ten-pins in the sky.
The world will wear a new bonnet
daffodils on it,thanks to the skies above.
Thunder and showers
wake up the flowers,where there are flowers
there must be love.
So, laugh at raindrops, laugh at thunder,clouds will soon roll by.
They're playing ten-pins in the sky!

You Never Know

2007-04-21T21:57:00.000-04:00

Much has happened since my last post so I will write about each, in no particular order:

Spring Break! How I had so looked forward to break! I had a fantastic time with my parents and family in NC. The weather was atrocious but what, really, can be done. I have to say each time I visit my folks I fall more in love with NC. The scenery is beautiful and the people are so kind. It is truly a treat to visit and be immersed in a different culture. Southern hospitality at it's finest! Reality hit though, when on my way back home I hit traffic near Quantico. Oh yes, overturned tractor trailor carrying kegs of beer (yes, kegs) overturned. This caused me to sit in traffic for an hour and a half to go 4 miles. Needless to say this backup meant no traffic in the mixing bowl!!

Friday, my cousin Erin came up from George Mason to have dinner. Her friends, Aly, Erin, and I enjoyed a great dinner at Mother's in Federal Hill!

Saturday......Shannon got married!!! Got to her house around 2pm. Janet and I helped Shannon get the house ready, decorate the cake, and get her dressed. Then, while Shannon and Michael had pictures taken, Janet and I went to the chapel to light all of the candles. The ceremony was held at a stone chapel with no electricity. The ceremony was fantastic. It was an intimate private ceremony. Shannon looked stunning. The whole ceremony was like out of the scenes of a movie. After the signal from Shan, Janet and I raced back to the house to light candles and set out food. Then the celebrating began!!

Shannon at the chapel

Monkeyin' around!

Janet, Shannon, and Me

Janet's wedding cake. Like Ace of Cakes, we did a lot of construction to keep these flowers on!

Sunday I went to Maggie's in Delaware. I haven't seen Maggie in ages and she and Sean just bought a house so what more occassion is needed. Had a great visit. Maggie was currently taking shots and a bit immobile. She was in the process of getting shots for donation of bone marrow for a young man with leukemia. Utterly astounding the selflessness one must have to give so freely of oneself. She's humble about it but she is saving someone's life. Pretty astounding to me.

Virginia Tech. It has been in the forefront of my mind since it occurred. Immediately it brought to mind a dear friend who was shot and killed while we were in middle school together. While, on the surface, they are not similar events--I believe the aftermaths of both are extremely similar. I believe every VT student will remember with absolute clarity the events of these days until they die. I remember. I remember coming home from church on Sunday and seeing The Washington Post lying on the table, title side down. There on the front page was a picture of Joseph. I didn't understand why and then my parents told me. I remember crying and being extremely angry. Here was a boy who was coming home from church with his family, to be shot and killed via gang violence. It didn't make sense then and it certainly doesn't make sense now.
That though isn't the point of this rambling. My point is the aftermath. I remember going to school and seeing friends crying in the hallways. I remember Luke punching a dent in a locker. I remember that Joseph was in my first period class and sat directly behind me and that his seat was eerily and shockingly empty. I remember the grief counselor and classes being canceled. I remember camera crews, the giant black wreath across the front doors, and the sad song of Amazing Grace while they my band played while planting a memorial tree.
I have an inkling of what these students are going through. The surreal feelings that followed. The almost out-of-body experience of death and the media's portrayals.
I feel sorry for the loss of innocence, the loss of friends and loved ones. My heart goes out to those families and students.

There’s not a moment to lose in the game

Don’t let the troubles in your head

Steal too much time you’ll soon be dead

So play
All fall down

It won’t be so long now

Out of the darkness comes light like a flash

You think you can you think you can

Sometimes that is the problem

Dream little darling dream

~DMB

2007-03-21T12:24:00.000-04:00

I took a mental health day today. Probably doesn't do much to credit my work ethic but I needed it. I've been working now for six years, and this time of year I wonder if there is something out there better suited for me.

This is the time of year for Annual reviews. Ugh. It's the time to rewrite IEPS, pick new objectives for students, decide if services are still warranted. I consider this the time of year where I have to defend my profession, my decisions, and myself--both to teachers and to parents. I've learned, quickly, that language and speech services on a child's IEP are paramount for determining "normalcy." If only the child could talk, then they would be normal. Each year, I have to POLITELY tell teachers and parents that that is not the case.

Last year I told a parent that if I could stand on my head and do jumping jacks to make their daughter talk, I would, but I can't--she has Autism. Research says that only 50% of children with Autism will establish SOME kind of language. Parents don't want to hear that.

This year I had to defend myself with a teacher of all people. I stepped into a meeting for a child I don't service and for a classroom teacher I don't service as well and the regular SLP was out. When telling a lovely (I mean that, I am not being facetious) set of parents that the child doesn't qualify for services at this time she had the nerve to say "What Jennifer failed to mention is that language is the receptive piece and that speech is the expressive..." That is where I cut her off because she was wrong. Oh so very wrong. How dare she step over her bounds and act as if I was withholding information from the parents. Oooh. I was livid. I know I am young and that may give people the impression that I am not as knowledgeable in my field but I am and I don't like being belittled for the sake of 30 minutes of language (so the teacher can get a break, mind you) on the students' IEPS.

SO THAT IS WHY I AM TAKING A MENTAL HEALTH DAY! Perhaps I'll become a barista at Starbucks.

2007-03-15T11:20:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I have put down my thoughts....

I am in the middle of the Annual Review process and writing IEPs. Next week should be the last week for meetings and the like. I don't so much mind attending the meetings but the sheer volume of meetings is getting to me. It's been almost two months since I have been able to provide a proper speech/ language lesson to my students. I'm really looking forward to getting back into to the classroom! I miss interacting with my students.

Even though I am looking forward to therapy sessions I am most looking forward to my time off in a couple of weeks. I am so looking forward to some fun in the sun and some relaxation with my family in NC. I only pray for good weather. I am not really a beach person, but some time on the beach with a book and the sun on my face could do a girl some good. I'm also looking forward to seeing my parents and the progress done on their new home, if any!

So here is to rejuvination!

Eire go brach!

Steady As We Go

2007-02-26T14:25:00.000-05:00

I saw my sisters Friday night to celebrate Aly's birthday and I shared this tid-bit with them.

Cindy and I were having dinner the other night and I had asked her how Illiah, a mutual friend, was doing. She mentioned that Illiah had actually seen me the other night with Alyson and Megan. Apparently, Illiah and her fiancee, Greg, were viewing the same movie we were. They were seated toward the back of the theater. Illiah, however, never came to say hi. Her reason: she had never seen me so happy and didn't wish to interrupt what appeared to be a great sister bonding experience.

I think this little antecdote speaks volumes on how my sisters and I were raised. We were raised with a sense of love and loyalty. Very few people understand the depth of caring and loyalty my sisters and I have for one another but many comment on it; they wish they could experience the same thing with their siblings.

So there ya go!

Trials and Tribulations

2007-02-17T11:06:00.000-05:00

It's Saturday morning and I am staring out the window surrounded by trees and ice. I'm house sitting for a friend and I'm surrounded by wilderness only a few miles from Bowie. It's quite peaceful and serene. Yet, under the calm I can slowly hear cracking of ice and see icicles fall from trees. The weather hear has been quite dreadful. Much of the mid-state had shut down schools since Tuesday evening due to the amount of ice we'd gotten. In all the years I can remember, I've never seen ice like this. I'd say there were two-three inches in College Park, more in other areas. I think the biggest hurdle for clearing all this ice is that the temperatures haven't reached above freezing yet. In fact, I was watching the news yesterday morning and it was warmer in Anchorage, Alaska then here in Maryland. I'm hoping for warmer weather today!
I've noticed a disturbing trend with me and aquiring days off. It appears that I get sick! That's right. Since Monday night I've had a terrible cold-verging on flu-like. I've had it all--chills, fever, aches, pains, sore throat. Well Friday I woke up to an unfortunate case of pink eye. Oh yes, pink eye. Who gets pink eye at 27-years-old? Oh, I do. So I called Julie who took me to the doctor's office. Yep, pink eye, some swollen glands, and one miserable me. It is the first time in three or four years I've left the house wearing my glasses and now I have to wear them for another four or five days.
I know that doesn't seem like a big imposition but for me it is. My glasses are associated with a much earlier time in my life where I was made fun of for my glasses and they had the thickness of a tree trunk! I'm going to sound completely vain and a bit hypocritical, as I am the one who ususally preaches about body image and the like, but how does one feel pretty with her glasses on and red eyes? Really now. I've always been complemented on how "pretty" my eyes are now they are covered up and goopy! EWWW! And the worst is, I had to throw make-up away.....the horrors. Anyway, I am hoping that by Monday I will be healed and on the verge of contact-wearing again!

Much love to all those enjoying the warmer weather...you know who you are!

Love, I get so lost sometimes....

2007-02-08T00:27:00.000-05:00

It's late on Wednesday; really it's creeping into Thursday morning.....I can't sleep. I know those reading this blog will have a tough time with what I write in this post but I find that writing can be cathartic.

My grandmother died this week. I wasn't prepared. No matter how often I received the calls that she was ill, that she was not getting better, I wasn't prepared. Really though, who prepares for death. We can rationalize that she is in a better place, that her suffering is over; but in reality I'm not ready to say goodbye. Perhaps it is selfish but I wanted more time. More time to send the cards I always meant to send, more time to make the calls that I always promised to make. I want more time with the woman who cared for me in college and who called me by a special nickname no one else was allowed to use. I'll never hear that again. More time with the woman who sang songs when it thundered and who would run her hand down your back in the most comforting way.
It's funny, that house felt more like a home than my own sometimes. It was filled with such love and warmth and laughter. Family filled every room and no one ever rang the doorbell. I'm afraid that this weekend was the last time I slept in "the girls' room." Will this be my last ABA parade to stand on that porch and watch the mummers go by? I'm not sure if I could stomach Ashland with someone else in that house or seeing someone on that front porch. That house holds such memories. That hiding space behind the door, the cups that every grandchild played restaurant with, the plays and padgents we all held....
My grandmother, she was so happy to have her family around her and her family included their friends and the community of Ashland. She was the glue that held us all together. I'm not ready to say goodbye but I did. It was really easy to deny that it happened all weekend while here in Maryland but it's real and I am sad. Very sad. Sad for my self and my sisters but sad for my more sad for my mother and her brothers and sisters. I'm not ready.

Sitting on top of the World

2007-01-03T20:01:00.000-05:00

So, a new year...I'm hoping for some new adventures and some new changes!
But first, a retrospective of the holiday season.

My family spent this Christmas in Williamsburg VA. Christmas for me has always been a time for great tradition. It starts with Christmas Eve day with Kathy McGuire. What started 15 years ago as a way to get us out of the house for my parents' to wrap Christmas presents has become a cherished and time-honored tradition. It started with trips to the Kennedy Center for carolling then dinner at McDonald's. As we have gotten older our trips have lead us all over Washington DC and our dinner choices have certainly improved. This Christmas, we moved Christmas Eve day to the 23rd evening; and this time we went to Baltimore's Fell's Point. We enjoyed a fantastic meal at Kali's Court then enjoyed the Miracle on 34th street off 28th street near Druid Hill Park.
Christmas Eve then led to mass and evening drinks and snackies with the DiLustros. The morning has always begun with a my father waking us up to the sound of a bell. Even at the age of 25 we'd gather on the top of the stairs and wait while my parents made sure Santa came and my mother made coffee. Then we'd open presents and do the stockings then breakfast. Traditions I came to love.
This Christmas, new traditions were created while retaining some of the old. My parents brought our stockings, the bell, and a small tree. We were also "blessed" with our family's pathetic manger. All these things though, mean the world to me, and I am sure to my sisters as well. Before this gets too long (or too sappy) lets look at some pics!
The Williamsburg Winery. We enjoyed a lovely tour and wine tasting.

Megan exclaimed when reaching the wine cellar with 600 barrels of red wines "I'm home!"
A shot of Williamsburg at dusk!
A three-hundred year old tomb with a very cool motif.
And just because!!
MORE TO FOLLOW!!!!!

A Beautiful World........

2006-11-18T23:27:00.000-05:00

After much debate this evening, Julie as I headed to Annapolis to grab a bite to eat. Our original plan had been to shop first then imbibe in some alchohol and food but alas we got started too late so plans changed and eating made its way to the top of the list. We'd decided on Red Robin and just put our name in when a woman and her two children came running into the restaurant. The woman proceeded to scream "There are two people down, call the police, call the police, call 911." After a rush for the exits from a few startled and scared families, Julie picked up her phone and began dialing 911. After an exceedingly long amount of time, Jule finally got through to hear "Due to the high volume of calls........"

Evidently, a suspect shot two people and an off-duty Federal Agent in the food court of Annapolis Mall (wjz reported). For those unfamiliar with the mall, the food court entrance is directly next to Red Robin. Needless to say there were many cops, state and local, as well as paramedics, and investigators rushing in an out of the entrance all while Jule and I are staring through from the windows of Red Robin as chaos ensued. Evidently the suspect was apprehended, according to news reports due to gun shot himself, because we were allowed to sit and eat, the mall was closed to incoming patrons but people were slowly trickling out.

Jule and I commented that its amazing how people react in such stressful situations. First, the irresponsibilty of the woman to run screaming into a restaurant. She scared many people and caused pandemonium at an entrance way. Secondly, the rush of the restaurant staff to secure the area and their customers while remaining calm and continuing to serve their establishment. Third, the incredible speed at which rumors started and people discussed the details of what happened. It's as if people need to rationalize the events and gather comfort and assurance from others around them that they are indeed safe. Fourth and last, the innate curiousity that people have when tragedy occurs. There were throngs of people milling about outside as if to get a peek. Later these people will go home and tell their friends "you'll never guess what I saw. I was right there." I have to admit Jule and I looked into the food court and Jule was tempted to talk to an officer. She refrained, they had better things to do.

It makes me sad and a bit ill to know that lives were forever changed tonight. People, getting ready for their holiday, instead, are going to hospitals to be with a family member. A man will go to jail. Parents will hug their children a little tighter and sons and daughters will call their parents and siblings to see where they are and hope they are safe. (I did) In this holiday time where we are to reflect on the goodness and joy of the world, where there is to be good tidings and peace on earth, I am disappointed.

So, to the few who read this, know that I am a bit humbled by this experience and wish you all well tonight. I'll say a prayer.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/11/18/maryland.shootings.ap/index.html If you watch the video link you can see where the Red Robin is in relation to the melee that occurred.

2006-11-16T23:19:00.000-05:00

I received this e-mail today, it made me cry.

A wise man once said, "We are what we are because we are what we are."
Sounds dumb doesn't it?? But, try to relate it your own situation.
Jenny is what she is because SHE decided long ago to do what she loves today.
Aly is what she is because SHE decided their was something more she wanted to accomplish.
Meggy is what she is because SHE decided not to let adversity stop her.
You all are what you are because you are all strong, determined individuals who decided that you will not let anything stand in your way.
And, because of that, I am extremely proud of each of you.

Love
Dad

To which I respond:
I am what I am because my parents loved me.

The Nightmare Before Christmas!

2006-10-29T23:50:00.000-05:00

Trick or treat,
Smell my feet,
Give me something good to eat.
If you don't,
I won't be mad.
I'll just make you wish you had!

Here are a few pics of Cindy, Dave, and me; getting ready for Halloween!

Dave as Nick Nolte's mug shot. Hilarious!

"Argh"

"Yo, ho, ho, and a bottle of rum" (rumored to be said by Nolte at his arrest and by the pirate!)

The Corpse Bride!

Going to Carolina in My Mind

2006-10-13T23:38:00.000-04:00

Once again, too long has passed since I last put my musings down on paper; if we can call a computer web log paper!
I'm sure the headline of this post will alert most people to the topic to be discussed. North Carolina, where my parents can now call home. A month has passed since I took the trip to the enemy place. I was so against liking NC. Not because I want my parents unhappy but for so long Maryland has been the place I call home and I have yet to disassociate home from my parents or sisters. The 8 hour trip through Hurricane "whatever it was" lent to reassuring promises that I would hate NC. However I found out that I love it. My parents are so content-being close to family, the ammenities provided to them through their community. Its all lovely.
After leaving late Thursday evening, traveling into the eye of the hurricane; we arrived at my parents Friday mid-morning. Friday was spent chatting and then we drove to Myrtle Beach to see my Aunt Barb and Uncle Jim. I was not dissappointed. Mind you that I am an Italian girl and a feast was laid before me, Megan, and Cindy of which the likes I haven't seen since my grandmother passed away. It's weird to have the flood of memories come back just by the sense of smell. There is something about the smell of homemade spaghetti sauce like my grandma used to make that conjurs up images of that house in Springfield and sitting around the table for Easter or some such holiday. Gnocchi, eggplant parmesan, fusili, pork chops, sausage, homemade meatballs....while for some is food, for me there are memories. No one makes it as good as the Stolba's!
Saturday took us back to Myrtle Beach for Broadway on the Beach. Fantastic time was had at Ripley's Aquarium. There the fish, sharks, and sea turtle swim in a huge enclosure with a tunnel built through it for patrons to go through. Its amazing to fish and sharks swimming overhead. If you time it just right and look the right way it appears if the glass is gone and you could reach out and touch the animal. I have pictures, I'll post them! After the aquarium we went to my Uncle Bruce's and Aunt Margareta's house. Again, a huge meal and much libations were had by all. Poor Cindy...at one point she said "this is like Thanksgiving." To which the reply is "just Italian cooking!"
The trip to my Uncle's was important because for the last two years it has been the focus of my parents' ideal house to build for retirement. In fact, they are using the same plans. Both my sisters had seen the house but due to the unfortunate circumstance of Graduate School I was never able to travel down to see it myself. Since this was my first experience in the house I took it all in and must say I am impressed. Megan, on the other hand, was all about the design!
Sunday sent us packing and home we were. It's funny-about a week after I got home, my co-worker asked how my trip was and I guess the expression on my face said it all. Before I could reply he asked "how long before you move there?" Let just say "I'm going to Carolina in my mind!"

Crabs and football that is what Maryland is all about!

2006-09-16T15:25:00.000-04:00

So, my mother asked me what has happened in my life since I last posted...Well, the answer is....Life! Work began and summer ended and I was tired. Therefore, no blogging occurred. However, to appease her and the other three that read this I will laboriously discuss the events that have taken place. Because my mind is failing me, these random thoughts will expel from me in no particular order.

1. Well Lucinda's cat, Nikita, has been very ill. I found him on Sunday night, where he was very lethargic and weak. Tuesday, after no inkling of getting better, I brought him to the vet. Lucinda, in NY, was talking to me at every moment. Needless to say, 'Kita was "one sick kitty," according to Dr. Bob. He had a urethreal obstruction which wouldn't allow him to urinate. In other words, his kidneys were failing and he was septic. He was rushed to the vet ER where he was anesthesized and given a catheter. We got to pick him up last night and he seems to be doing well. He still isn't eating much but he is much more responsive so keep poor 'Kita Bear in your thoughts.

2. I spent the same weekend taking care of 'Kita doing other things. Specifically, Jule and I hung out! My co-worker, Rosemary, is a retired military officer who has season tickets to the Navy football games and I bought the tickets for the Navy vs. UMass game. Her seats are indescribable. She is in row J on the 47 yard line. Needless to say we could witness everything and hear every hit and scrape that occurred. Navy games are fantastic, with a lot of pomp and circumstance. They often introduce their cadets then there is a flyover. I think they use F-14s Dad, but I could be wrong. Because the game was close to September 11th, both the Navy Band and the UMass band paid tribute to our troops. UMass played a nice rendition of "Proud to be an American." Very moving to see the cadets singing every word. After a 21-20 win by Navy, Jule and I took the opportunity to enjoy the weather and picked crabs at Mike's in Riva. We sat outside on the deck...Perfection. To quote Wedding Crashers...."Crabs and football, that's what Maryland is all about!"

More will follow...Especially about my trip to NC but my hands are tired and I have homemade soup on the stove!

2006-08-06T09:43:00.000-04:00

So....on to AC....As you know, Megan and a couple of students attended a ballet seminar and I accompanied them. Here are a few shots of Evan, Amanda, Megan, and me hanging out in the hotel, at Ripley's, and possibly at the Rainforest Cafe.

So, I told you I'd tell you about my night out for John's birthday. I need to make this brief. Umm..John works with Lindsey at Nordstrom for MAC. He alternately is known as Tova, a drag queen in Baltimore. Needless to say we went to a gay club for his birthday (the Hippo). It was so much fun, some guy stopped to tell me I had fabulous hair! Damn, the gays can make a girl feel special!! The night ended with me losing my lipstick in the cab and my dinner. Ugh. Here is a shot of my make-up that John did!

2006-07-15T10:19:00.000-04:00

I started this post in July but never finished....Though the above date says July 15th, its really August 5th. Its been really long since I last posted but I'm sure I can be forgiven as I've spent much of the last few weeks helping my parents pack up 27 years of memories and then watch them move 8 hours away..... sniffle*

First things first. Megan and I spent one LONG day decorating a house in Potomac. Megan, for those who don't know, works for an interior designer and she has some seriously wealthy clients. This client hired Kitrell Interiors to design for a company party held at their house. It was a luau with imported flowers and palm fronds (used for placemats) from Hawaii. The table scapes were done by hand with the grass skirts pinned on. Megan thinks we used 1000 pins+ to make sure they stayed on. So here is the final result. Not bad if I say so myself!!

I'm not sure if you'all knew that this summer I have (sort of ) been a nanny to two girls. Our days thus far have been spent "hanging out." We've gone to the pool, bowling, and the the Aquarium in Baltimore. This is us chillin' by the pool.

More to follow....

Picture Review

2006-07-14T23:44:00.000-04:00

Alright ya'll. It's about that time for my sporadic picture review. So many things have happened in the last few weeks much of which have been captured on film. Excited aren't you???

As I mentioned before, the sisters and close friends had a 'bon voyage' party for my parents. As many of you know they are moving to NC at the end of this month to begin their retirement. These two pictures encompass my childhood and these people made me who I am today. I grew up with these cool cats. All I have known for 20+ years.

We have, Scott Berry, Shannon Berry, Me, Aly, Megan, Stephanie Martin, and Becky Martin. These people represent my 'family' be it through blood or friendship.

Here is the picture of all those who celebrated 30 years in the Briarchip House. It will be sad knowing that no more memories will be made in this house. Scott took a trip upstairs to see where we'd spent so much time as kids. I can still see the Berry's and the Stolba's sitting in my bedroom with the contraband Ouija board and I can see Shannon and I sitting to the early hours of the morning during a sleep over. I'll miss the house but I have fond memories.

And here we are; the sisters three.

I still need to discuss AC and my night out for John's birthday. More to follow.

Kisses lovelies!

2006-07-02T22:40:00.001-04:00

So, that last week has been absolutely insane for me. I spent Saturday through Thursday in Atlantic City with Megan. She had two students who attended a ballet seminar and asked me to join her. We stayed in a fantastic hotel and while she was with her students at the seminar, I laid by the pool and read some books. We went gambling one day and I lost everything! So sad. I made up for it with a trip to Coach and to Kenneth Cole. It was fantastic.

During the trip we planned a suprise party for my parents. Sort of a Bon Voyage. A lot of people from the neighborhood came. It was so surreal to see so many people that watched us growing up. My parents were so suprised and, I hope, touched by the turn out. After the a party wrapped; Alyson, Megan, Scott, Steph and I headed to Cornerstone for some light drinking, and by light I mean a lot of drinking. We ended up back at my house around 4ish and now I am recovering. Pictures of Scott will follow as will pictures of AC.

Out

2006-06-30T09:59:00.000-04:00

As many of you know, the northeast was dealt some pretty nasty weather over the last few days. Needless to day, I wasnt here for most of them but my parents kept me informed. Here are some pictures of my hometown and a link to THE WASHINGTON POST galleries. The last picture in the gallery is of Bloomsburg, PA, my college town. It too got flooded by the Susquehana. Insane!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/gallery/2006/06/29/GA2006062900581.html?referrer=emaillink

This is a picture of Laurel and the Laurel Race Track! Maryland City got flooded which is where the dance studio is located. Eck!

Sittin' on Top a the World

2006-06-12T22:48:00.000-04:00

Well ya'll I did it. I am officially moved. I've been in my new place about two weeks now and I must say it's NICE. I miss the noise of home and of course my family but it's great to look at my surroundings and know that they are mine-all-mine. I've set up all my furniture and now I have to hang artwork. Its cozy and comfy and I get to call it home. YIPPIE!! Pictures will follow, I promise!

Hmm, the day before I moved was Charles and Karen's wedding. God, how fantastic. First off, the ceremony was beautiful, the bride gorgeous, and Charles looked damn fine! The service was interesting in that Charles' parents are Deaf so there was an interpreter. The priest commented that an interpreter on the alter was like an alterboy with lights on his shoes; everyone is looking at the alterboy instead of paying attention to the sermon. But really, it's hard to take your eyes off of an interpreter, the language is so beautiful. It was also interesting in that Karen is Filipino so the ceremony also incorporated Filipino traditions. I must say that it was beautiful.

Aly and Me and Megan and Aly cheezin for the camera!

Megan was debating wearing this to Charles' wedding. We discouraged her. I call this her Pat Benatar "Love is A Battlefield" look!

And here is the only picture of me at graduation. PS. I passed my Praxis, ya'll!!

The Road I'm On

2006-05-23T20:14:00.000-04:00

Okay ya'll so 5 days until move in. I went to do the final walk through for the apartment. Talked to Rory the maintainance guy, got everything straight, pointed out some problems. Ya know, the usual. I still can't believe I'll be out of my house on Sunday. Also stopped by the IKEA, trying to figure how to get the couch and such. Ugh, the hassle of moving....anyone wanna help???

New Fave Song

Where is the moment when we need it the most
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost
They tell me your blue sky's faded to grey
They tell me your passion's gone away
And I don't need no carrying on
You stand in the line just to hit a new low
You're faking a smile with coffee to go
You tell me your life's been way off line
You're falling to pieces every time
And I don't need no carrying on
Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
You had a bad day
Well you need a blue sky holiday
The point is they laugh at what you say
And I don't need no carrying on
You had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
You had a bad day
Sometimes the system goes on the blink and the whole thing it turns out
Wrong
You might not make it back and you know that you could be well oh that
Strong
Well I'm not wrong
So where is the passion when you need it the most
Oh you and I
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost
Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
You see what you like
And how does it feel, one more time
You had a bad day
You had a bad day
You had a bad day

2006-05-23T20:11:00.000-04:00

You Are The Hermit

You posses a great deal of wisdom and the ability to see people for who they are.You are always looking ahead at the future, developing visions.A loner, you tend to travel by yourself through life, seeking your own truth.You don't crave material things or fancy titles. You have no baggage.
Your fortune:
It's possible that there is a unknown guiding figure in your life, ready to help you.All you have to do is find this person and seek their advice.It's also possible that you need to start seeking the meaning of your own life.Either way, there's some deep thinking you need to undertake, and it needs to be done soon.

What Tarot Card Are You?

2006-05-22T17:23:00.000-04:00

So, I have decided that PEPCO is discriminatory. First, let me state that I abhor waiting on the phone for a customer service respresentative. Don't these companies realize people have more important things to do besides pressing 1, then 2, then 1, then 3, then *. Come on. So, I managed to get through the first call to the gas company then I had to call PEPCO. They have an automated representative and things went swimmingly (it's not hard to say "yes" and "no") but then we got to my name. DISCRIMINATION people!! The machine kept saying they couldn't understand my last name and kept asking me to repeat it. Ugh. Then the stupid thing said if it was hyphenated I wouldn't have to say it, then it asked for me to repeat it again. Finally it gave up and sent me to an actual human representative (for which I had to wait for). So, services are set up and now I get to do the walk-through tomorrow! MOVE IN-6 days and counting!

PS...for those who enjoy my last name, this is not the time to be laughing...DISCRIMINATION people!!!

Damn the Man, Save the Empire!

2006-05-18T17:52:00.000-04:00

Okay, I now realize why I continue to endeavor in my chosen profession and have subjected myself to 50,000+ in debt.

For the last two weeks I have been teaching a unit on the Very Hungry Caterpillar and my students seem to enjoy it even if they don't participate. I've adapted the lesson to include the caterpillar puppet, play food, and a fantastic butterfly. I've named the caterpillar puppet Mimi and ask the students to help her eat by saying "Eat up Mimi." One student in one of the Austism classes really enjoys seeing Mimi. I did the lesson today, in fact, for my last observation with the prinicipal and it went very well. Later today, in my office, the paraprofessional came to my room with said student and told me this:
She and E. were walking down the hall past a teacher's classroom mural. This mural had caterpillars so she asked E. what they were. He told her they were "caterpillers" and she then asked him what caterpillars turn into. His response....."FLYING MIMIS!!!

I ask you can life get any sweeter!!

Where Are You Going...

2006-05-13T22:09:00.000-04:00

Okay, I am going to boast....while most of you were laying in bed this morning...I was awake and donning my black dress and heels...why??? I graduated today. I got to wear my graduate gown and hood and walk across the stage at the Verizon Center and accept my diploma. I received my Master's of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology! I can now call myself an SLP! I can now sign my signature with M.S., CFY-SLP. Whoo whoo! Over the next nine months (really after my paperwork is in), I'll begin my Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY). It's similar to being an attending doctor. I'll be supervised for a year to be sure I don't screw something up and then (if I passed my Praxis) I will have my Cs (lingo for Certificate of Clinical Competence). I can't believe that all my work has come to an end. It's astounding to me that three years later I will no longer be attending a place of higher learning! Wow. I HAVE MY MASTER'S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I spent four years prostrate to the higher mind, got my paper and I was free." -- Indigo Girls

2006-05-07T23:30:00.000-04:00

Okay, so the apartment is ours if only Employee Verification could find my fax and submit my paperwork to the leasing office...but, alas, it is PG baby and they can't seem to find my fax....so Monday, I will fax it again.....damn it!

This is the courtyard of my complex!

This will be the pool where I will be tanning!

This will be the kitchen where I will be whipping up so fabulous meals...as Cindy doesn't cook. She CAN cook mind you, she just chooses not to! Our deal is, I cook, she cleans. Somehow I think I am coming up roses in this deal!

Has it really been a year since I began posting my musings, thoughts, and misadventures on this site?? Wow! Who would have thought I would have stuck to something for so long?! Astounding!

So Much To Say

2006-05-06T23:16:00.001-04:00

Okay, A LOT has happened since I last wrote....so, here goes, in no particular order!

1. Congratulations to a MISS Shannon Berry for being finally divorced and rid of douchebag Dave.

2. This past weeked my cousin Craig got married. Congrats to him. My family stayed with us for a few days in preparation and I was relegated to the basement sleeper sofa. Ugh. However it was nice to revel in my Italian heritage and enjoy some loud conversation and fantastic pasta! My cousin was married at the Ritz-Carlton in Tysons' Corner...fabulous...see pics below. Great time had by one and all!

3. Okay, so I got my letter saying I have met all requirements for graduation...so ladies and gents, I will be graduating at the Verizon Center on May 13....WHOO FREAKIN' HOOOO!!!!

4. I am moving out. Yes, I have found a place with dear Cindy. I will be moving on May 28th to Wynfield Park in good ol' College Park! It's a fantastic apartment and all are welcome!

5. So, though its not totally official, it is safe to say the parents have sold the house...I KNOW, SAD :( But they are thrilled. They cannot wait to move to the South and begin retirement....Oh, yeah, y'all know my dad retired??? Yup, he officially retired on March 31. He is no longer a government employee.

So, that is all that is going on. If i left anything out, please let me know!

Much love!

JAM session...Eat, Drink, and be Married

2006-05-06T15:57:00.000-04:00

Stand Up!

2006-04-14T13:31:00.000-04:00

I passed my comps!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Whoo freaking hoo people!

Insane Happenings and the Sky Keeps Tumbling Down

2006-04-12T10:08:00.000-04:00

Well, comprehensives are over. I should find out today if I passed them or if I need to retake any sections. A bit nervous I am.
After comps. Cindy took me to Giovanni's in Dupont to celebrate. For those of you who have been there with me, you know it's probably my favorite Italian restuarant in the city. For those of you who haven't been there; you provide me with an excuse to go again! Dinner was great and then we headed back to our hotel ( becuase I planned on being really inebriated!) and then hit Adam's Morgan for 80s night at Heaven and Hell. Great night, ended in a good night's sleep (the first for me in about a month). The weather was so nice in DC the next day that we stay downtown and acted like tourists. Our tours took us mostly to breweries and restaurants (wonder how that happened?!). We had a nice lunch/dinner at Clyde's in Chinatown with the Mayor in the next booth and then spent the evening playing pool at Buffalo Bill's. Must also make note that I got to meet Cindy's new man, Dave. The boy works for Gallup so we wandered the halls of the Gallup building where we found that in our socks we can slide across the hardwood floors. Probably not supposed to do that!
It's now spring break and I have yet to enjoy it. I have a project due tonight and am nervous that the rest of my time will be studying for sections of the comps. I did go to dinner and a concert last night though (cuz I scheduled it before this damn project). Cindy, her friend Annie, her brother Jon (from Vermont), and I had dinner at this great tapas place called Tabaq on U street. We ate on the roof which has a panoramic view of DC; it was beautiful. Then we hit the 9:30 club for Blackalicious! For those of you who don't know, I heard Blackalicious at Mystic when I was sitting for my 2 and a half hour tattoo. Good hip-hop band that totally rocks however the crowd that was there were a bunch of white-bred teeny-boppers in their Abercrombie. For Cindy, the anthropologist, it must have been a study in cultural barriers. I have to say that I felt a bit like a chaperone. After the concert we stopped at the institution of Ben's Chili Bowl for chili cheese fries and then it was time to drive home.
Now, I sit and wait for my results and go to class. Wish me luck y'all.

PS. This is going to sound really vain, but who is looking at my profile that it has been viewed 93 times? I know it ain't my friends!

Eire go brach

2006-03-19T23:12:00.000-05:00

Happy St. Patrick's day everyone! What a blast!

So, I haven't ranted about school in a while. Comprehensives are in a couple of weeks (april 3 and 6 to be exact) and I am nervous and stressed. On top of studying for comps I have three projects due in my aural rehab class. One is due this wednesday and my partner hasn't picked up her phone. Here it is sunday and we made specific plans to meet at my house and finish both projects if possible and alas she hasn't responded to any of my calls. Freakin' fantastic. I really hate when people do that. Hello, I know you have caller ID and I know that you're phone is your PDA so I know you see my calls and I know you see my e-mails. For God's sake, if you are sick (which she better be, puking over the toilet sick) then answer and say you are sick instead of just not responding. How freakin' juvenile and irresponsible. UGH! She does it all the time and I act all surprised. WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's all folks.
Ciao

Oh

2006-02-19T13:23:00.000-05:00

Here is anoher post in pictures....Enjoy!

This would be Megan's car under 10+ inches of snow. That would be Meg in the corner shovelling.
Here is the house, pretty isn't it. It may be the last time we get snowed in in this house. :( We won't talk about that here.
The backyard. Winter Wonderland, isn't it? Cindy got snowed in at the house. We decided to make a snowman....okay, attempt to make a snowman.
Pathetic isn't it? Success!

2006-02-04T00:12:00.000-05:00

It has begun. To all who know me, I am leaving you. Yes, it is time for the Comprehensives. The dreaded 7 hour test I must take to graduate. I am in hibernation mode. Do not try and contact me, do not try and look for me. I am deep, deep underground, buried beneath piles of notes, study guides, and books. (or perhaps I am at Borders in Bowie) I will re-emerge to see my shadow after March 6th. Meanwhile, try and remember me, my face, my laughter, my smile.........I will be remembering yours. Fare thee well my friends, fare thee well.

Big Eyed Fish

2006-01-20T22:02:00.000-05:00

So, Cindy and I spent Saturday in B'more! I got my hair did then we hit downtown to enjoy the new Australia exhibit at the National Aquarium. While I appreciate the multi-million dollar structure the exhibit sucked. I much preferred the sharks and the rays. After our cultural and conservationist trip to the aquarium we enjoyed the rest of the stupid Redskins' playoff game eating seafood at Legal! After our evening in B'more we saw Cassanova. Sunday was spent at the Kennedy Center. Sort of, I spent Sunday in the bathroom of the Kennedy Center since thats where I got the flu. Oh yes, the flu. I spent four days, sick, nauseous, achy (translate to whiny) in bed. I guess I should have gotten the flu shot! Tomorrow I plan to hit the gym to hopefully build up my energy!
See the shrubs behind Cindy, best part of the new exhibit!

Here would be the rays. My favorite of the exhibit. They were also rehabilitating a huge green turtle!

Here are the clownfish...."Who needs anemones?" Here is Nemo and Dory! Most popular exhibit!
It was the sharks' mating season so enclosures where set up to prevent male aggression! Some of the sharks were marred and scarred!

Ramblings.......

2006-01-08T23:14:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year everyone. So, a new beginning. Where should I begin. I finally got my computer situation straightened out. Long story, really short.....got my OLD computer in the mail with reports of nothing wrong, took it to Best Buy because there was something wrong, got a new computer. Thanks Julie :) Been hanging out with people, you know how I roll. HAHA, umm finally saw Shannon after what seems like a millenium. (Hey chica) I swear she makes me revert to a three year old every time I see her. I never laugh so hard then when I am around her! Her goal for the year is to find me a man...I wish you the best of luck in that department. Start school again on Wednesday, I have two class both related to Audiology. If anyone cares to scroll back you'll recall I am not the biggest fan of Audiology so this should be the semester from hell. Oh yeah, and Independence Air went out of business so thanks to them, now I cant redeem my free airline tickets. I was hoping for those for after my classes and comprehensives. WTF. Anyway, it's bedtime and I need to sleep. Mondays and the gym, two things I dread but force myself to do! Night all, sweet dreams.

Joy Ride

2005-12-30T09:13:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays people!

Oh goodness, the holiday is almost over. It was a good one! I hope everyone else's was as nice. To recap....
Christmas Eve is traditionally a day where Aly, Meggy, and I spend it with Kathy McGuire, however Kathy was in Oklahoma attending to her father so for the first time in 15 or more years the girls had to fly solo for Christmas Eve. While it was sad to not celebrate the day with our "Aunt" Kathy we took her advice and did something together as the girls. After lunch we came home and got ready for mass. We always go to the 7:30 mass then to Patti Dilustro and Adrienne's house for drinks and cookies and to exchange presents. Ms. D and A are part of the extended family network so we have deemed it okay to open gifts before x-mas. Then...Megan got it into her head that we girls should sleep in her room (if you've seen Megan's room it isn't really that spacious...To be nice) so we were up til 2ish. Her royal pain in the ass (Megan) couldn't sleep so she woke us at 7 am. Yes 7. Present unwrapping was great....My parents have learned to stop stressing and gave us money...I also got a digital camera which you'll read why I haven't uploaded pictures yet so hold your horses....aly and Megan got me a great robe and a gift card to Nordstrom (already spent of course). The best is we sent Aly on a scavenger hunt for her gift (twisted sick pleasure was had by Megan and I). The rest of x-mas was spent sleeping and eating! Monday we went to Ashland to see Mammam and the rest has been sleeping and shopping.

So the computer....There has been an endless saga. In April my computer's battery died and the CD rom drive would randomly stick and not read a disc.....Sent it to Best Buy where I have a warranty. It was to be taken care for for free...Get the computer back three weeks later....A note attached saying the battery didn't work...DUH. So I called and they sent a battery. Well all was good (even though the drive still wasn't 100%). Then Oct 9th (I remember the date) the computer crashed and I needed a whole new hard drive. So Best Buy fixed it and I got the computer back a couple of days before Thanksgiving...Well I sent it right back because when I tried to load my wireless internet the PC card slot wouldn't work. So on December 23 I get my computer back, I wouldn't sign the paper until the guy showed me the PC slot worked. Get home go to load my wireless, NOTHING HAPPENED. So I figured let me uninstall everything and reinstall, perhaps that would work. Oh yeah, disc drive got stuck and wouldn't read the disc. So on xmas eve I was speaking to a manager at Best Buy (8am mind you with no shower and no make up....For those who know me...I always leave the house clean and with full makeup on..This should tell you how LIVID I was). So I explained my problem to the manager (calmly according to my mother) and wouldn't ya know it he looked on his little computer deemed my computer a lemon and I am getting a new computer for free! Merry Christmas to me!

Okay, tired yet!

HAHAHA
Leave me some good comments about y'alls Christmas~

Grey Street

2005-12-21T23:29:00.000-05:00

Okay, I don't want to bring anyone down for the holiday but I have some very bad news. I am not even sure if I want to share it. It may shock and amaze people and well, frankly, it bums me out. So, okay....(deep breath).....I discovered tonight....I have a gray hair...................OH GOD....it's horrible....I am too young.....what will I do......damn Gough genes. My mother had the nerve to laugh for heaven's sake. Laugh at my plight....laugh at my discovery that I am old....OLD....26 people....thats almost 30. Oh the horrors. I need to make an emergency call to Bethany....it needs to be remedied and a good dose of hair dye with highlights is what the doctor prescribed.

Thanks for all those who listened, who let me cry on their shoulder, I didn't mean to bring anyone down....please try and enjoy your holiday....I will struggle through.

2005-12-08T18:42:00.000-05:00

Wow, so much to say...

Hmm, in no particular (chronological) order. I saw Maggie last weekend. Cindy and I drove to Delaware for her dinner birthday. We went to a Moraccan restaurant where they served seven courses. It was absolutely fantastic. Food was great and so was the company. There were around 16 people and everyone seemed to get along. I actually saw an old acquaintance from college too (Lou). I was finished with the meal by the third course but toughed it out to the end.

So, Jule's boyfriend is out of town for a couple of weeks so I was recruited to help lay tile with her. Needless to say we THOUGHT it was going well but, alas, we did it wrong. Not wrong really, more incorrectly. The floor needed to be 65 degrees...umm how do you take the floor's temperature...to see the aftermath visit jule's site at www.notwhatiordered.blogspot.com. Plus you'll see a great pic of Oscar (oh the puppy!)

Thanksgiving was great, we celebrated it on Wednesday because Aly was supposed to work. It may be our last Thanksgiving in this house so it was really special.

Been out once this past month to adam's morgan....

Now its finals week so studying I will go. Hopefully we'll get enough snow that schools will be closed and i can get more done. Whoo hoo!

It's 2am.....okay ot really but close

2005-11-16T00:49:00.000-05:00

Its 1am and I am tired but haven't been able to sleep. I need to sleep. I realize this but alas it evades me. Why does this happen? I go for days, sleep deprived and tired and the one night I can catch up on sleep I lay awake? Does this happen to anyone else? I've tried counting sheep, drinking tea, candles with "relaxing" scents.......Blech! Hmm, I gues I'll stare at the ceiling.

Typical Situation

2005-11-13T01:34:00.000-05:00

So, what news?

1-Megan's hamster Gus escaped. Yes, Gus made it out of her cage to find haven under Alyson's bed. We have no idea, really, how long she'd been there. Luckily she was alive and a bit ornery if I do say so.

2-I am getting my car fixed, FOR FREE. Why you ask? Hmm because its a piece of shit. So, it has this insanely awful "idle vibration." It's had this "idle vibration" since I bought it but Ford said it was normal and couldn't be fixed. SO for 4 years I have been putting up with this "idle vibration" and finally my dad's mechanic found the solution. Ford has a technical bulletin out regarding the ZX2 which states that the "idle vibration" is a problem and should be fixed. So, dad and I took the car to the Ford dealership, spoke to the service manager and showed him the bulletin with all the pertinent info. highlighted. Needless to say, Wednesday my car will be going into the shop, I will be receiving a loaner car, and it will all be done for FREE! Yippie!

3-Cindy and I spent the afternoon together, studying and what not. We then decided to see Pride and Predjudice but had to wait 2 hours for the next showing. Needless to say we spent a good portion of the hours at Off 5th.

An' Another Thing

2005-10-31T21:44:00.000-05:00

So, it's 10pm, I'm exhausted. Today was fall parade/Halloween at school today. The children were absolutely adorable but hyped on candy. Good lord, I couldnt get a word in edgewise with some of them. I had one little girl dressed as Rainbow Brite. She asked Gina to guess who she was. Gina appropriately guessed "Rainbow Brite" and Jocelynn had the nerve to tell Gina to guess again so she could say no. Lord, what a mess!

Then there was class. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND DIAGNOSTIC AUDIOLOGY. I DONT CARE ABOUT DIAGNOSTIC AUDIOLOGY. I DO NOT WANT TO BE AN AUDIOLOGIST. Ugh.

Crash

2005-10-28T23:34:00.000-04:00

Oh bother. It's growing nearer to the end of the semester and I feel as though I have not accomplished anything. I have a major case of Senioritis (I capitalized it cuz I believe its a real disease). I want school to be finished, I want to sleep without thinking about what is due that week, I want to experience dinner at a decent hour. I know, I keep complaining. Deal!

Thanks for listening, feel free to leave words of encouragement!
Ciao all!

What Would You Say

2005-10-17T23:42:00.000-04:00

So, home...another weekend down. Oooh bad Jenny, bad Cindy. Saturday night, Cindy and I hit up Nottingham's for some dinner and Love Seed Mama Jump. Needless to say we were two girls sitting next to a table of middle (or older) aged men. They sent over a round of shots and subsequently about five more rounds. To make matters worse, two of them left therefore leaving...thats right two. So these two gentlemen decided they should sit with us and share a table....this is now three shots into the evening (and...2 glasses of wine for Cindy, 3 beers for Jen). Yeah, the one guy totally lied and said he wasn't married but hello, saw the ring jackass. So, anyway...had a good time until Cindy didn't feel well. We waited 15-20 minutes for our waitress (at this point Cindy was ill) and we left. Yup, just left. Stupid waitress. Had a great night until my head hit the pillow and the room began spinning. Ewwww.

Sunday was left to recuperate. Enjoyed the TV and a burger at Cornerstone and Grey's Anatomy and hit the sack!

Monday left me with a flat tire on my way to class. Mad thanks and love to Dani who was on her way home from clinic to Bowie. Girl totally stopped to help me change the tire. Girl power prevailed and the donut was put on. Two hours and $300 at Walmart and I got some new tires. Chatted on the phone for a bit with Steve, then Cindy, then Julie, the Diane. (umm, hello) Now it is time for bed.

Drink a hope for happy years~DMB

Two Step

2005-10-09T19:39:00.001-04:00

So, Megan, Lindsey, and I went to Nottingham's last night for a couple of drinks. For those who dont know, Nottingham's is a bar in Columbia. Good luck finding it though, its in some random office park! Anyway, had a great time. Great band called Courdory played covers from the 80s and 90s, as well as today (sound like an add for a radio station). Then to top it off we got hit on by the skeeziest guy ever. Eww.
Today I slept, did some work, took my computer to Best Buy (finally). Cute GeekSquad guy. Mmm. Now its time for Desperate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy. God I love Sunday nights.

Celebrate we will

Because life is short but sweet for certain

We're climbing two by two

To be sure these days continue

These things we cannot change

~DMB

Out of My Hands

2005-10-01T23:45:00.000-04:00

So, my computer is yet again broken, hence the no new entries. Twice in two years. Luckily it,s under warranty so I can get it fixed. Still it,s a pain in the rear. Secondly I have the worst cold ever. I loath being sick. I turn into that obnoxious girl who complains to everyone and wants to curl into a tiny ball. Yup, thats me. I have a runny nose, chills, headache, fever, and neck and back pain. I am currently taking theraflu and asprin. I am hoping for death. Somehow that may be better than the way I am feeling righy now. Joy to me!

Dreaming Tree

2005-09-13T00:21:00.000-04:00

It's late and I can't sleep. Not really surprising to me. I haven't slept well in a couple of months really. Probably related to stress. Oh well. The other night I was having the most horrible dreams...with vampires and my sisters dying. I know, vampires....but I woke up with the most horrific feeling. Way to vivid, the emotions I was having during the dream. Right now you're saying to yourself, Jen (Jenny, Stolba, whatever name you choose to use) has lost it! At least it wasn't one of my reoccuring dreams. Those freak me out. Again, late night and haven't been sleeping. Oh well. I wish I had a friend who would be up at 12:30 to chat with...but alas why the hell would I wake anyone up to ramble to them about vampire dreams? See, rambling now and its a computer! I need a good sleep remedy. Any suggestions people? Perhaps an herbal tea or meditation. Actually do meditate but doesnt really help me sleep. So tea then? Hmmm....perhaps I'll ponder this while staring at the ceiling.

"Long before these crowded streets

Here stood my dreaming tree"

~DMB

Louisiana Bayou

2005-09-08T23:23:00.000-04:00

So much has happened since I last wrote. School has started (both at Chapel Forge and UDC). I am already inundated with things to do. I am cutting and pasting my way to happiness and I am reading all about the auditory systems. I am trying to adjust to a new schedule. I have classes on Monday and Tuesday and I now have a client at the University on Wednesdays. Aren't I so excited to be driving into the city three days a week?
So, update on Megan. Taco Bell Corporate called to let us know that they are looking into the situation. They said they would trim the bushes around the area and add lighting and start investigating safety at other Taco Bell's. We aren't holding our breath.
So, Illiah and Cindy have this idea. They want to create an art exhibit featuring strippers. Cindy is looking at this project from an anthropological perspective and plans to have people discussing the different views on adult entertainment. I have been recruited to do PR. Umm, okay, I'll try.
Just a sidebar...What the hell was Bush thinking. What gross incompetence. I am saddened and angered by what happened. Ugh. We can impeach for sexual indiscretion, can we impeach for stupidity?

More later!

So Damn Lucky

2005-08-29T20:23:00.000-04:00

Hello again.........long time, no blog. So, things have been extremely hectic. As you know I have been transferred to Chapel Forge. I've been there for two weeks now and must say I am loving the setting. Everyone has been extremely gracious and very kind. And..I HAVE MY OWN OFFICE!!!!!!!! Yup, I have an office. How fantastic for me. The carpet is bright red, the kids' table is bright blue, and my office chair is hunter green but I don't care. It's mine, all mine.

So, I turned 26. I am now closer to 30. :( But I had the best time of my life. First, Saturday morning around 12am, Caroline, DJ, John, Megan, Justin, and Erin sang to me. Drunk mind you. Then Saturday morning I woke up and renewed my license. (For those of you who have read my Blog before you know that this task was well overdue since I have been asked for other ID.) Then I drove to Cindy's where she took me to Georgetown's Tara salon for an hour massage, manicure, and pedicure. Decadence people, decadence!!!!!!!!!! We made it back to her house with enough time for a nap and then I got ready to have dinner with the gang. "Who is the gang?" you ask. I shall tell you in no particular order:
MEGAN-sister and therapist (hell she lives with me, duh)
ALYSON-sister and fashion guru (she always looks hot and tells me the same)
CINDY-best friend and over-all pick-me-up
LINDSEY-friend and my lesbian girlfriend if we were lesbians
CHARLES-friend and old roommate (he had to put up with a hell of a lot)
KAREN-Charles' fiance and new favorite person (I don't think we Stolba's have met anyone nicer)
BARLEY-friend, Megan's old roommate and overall great guy
CAROLINE-friend, Megan's other half and sweetness

So the gang treated me to Giovanni's Trattu in Dupont. Food was amazing, topped only by the company. Barley sprang for some Champagne and the staff served Tiramisu and sang Happy Birthday! Then we headed home to drink, play asshole, and shoulders. Sunday was spent with Maggie (part of the gang if she lived in the area-old college roommate and my outlet for all things). Perfect ending for a perfect weekend!

Before these Crowded Streets

2005-08-17T22:00:00.000-04:00

So, my sister was held at gunpoint last night. Yes, gun point. She was on her way home from a friend's house late last evening and stopped at the Taco Bell in Laurel. She placed her order at the speaker and a man approached her open window and held a gun to her head and asked for all her money. She is "fine." (Whatever that means). The police and a detective were here to question her ( I was asleep through all of this mind you). It is a scary world and a fucked up place to live. I don't want to dwell on what could have happened but think about what did happen (that she is okay and alive). Thanks for all of you who called me or Megan and gave her your good thoughts and prayers.

Trouble

2005-08-14T17:03:00.000-04:00

So, definitely didn't wake up to my alarm this morning. This could be a problem! I have a feeling I won't be able to sleep tonight because I've psyched myself out. Oh well, what to do, what to do?

I am planning on enjoying my last night of summer at Cornerstone. I need a couple of drinks and a couple of friends to get me through the nervousness.

More after my first day....................

Ants Marching

2005-08-14T00:37:00.000-04:00

So, summer is officially over. I start working again on Monday. For those of you who don't know, I have been trasferred to another school. I will be working at Chapel Forge in Bowie. I am sad to be leaving such a great environment but will have to make do! Actually, I dropped off some boxes there and met the secretary and Principal, both of whom seemed very nice so I don't have too many worries. I am curious if I will have a desk and am curious how the building and speech program is run. Hmm?? Now I have to figure out what to wear for the first day. Dilemma. HELP!
It's now 12:45am and I have to get some sleep and practice waking to an alarm. Can it be done folks?

see where i am working: http://www.pgcps.org/~chapel/

Gravedigger

2005-08-10T12:12:00.000-04:00

Tonight I have to go to Pennsylvania for my Aunt Julie's funeral. She was 94 years old and led a full, rich life but it is still sad to think that she won't be around. I hate funerals. I hate everything about them. I hate having to wear black, I hate praying in front of the casket, I hate the way the person looks like a wax figure from Madame Toussad's. I hate not having the right words, I hate having to say hi to people I don't know, I hate it all. I'm just really sad I guess.

"Gravedigger

When you dig my grave

Could you make it shallow

So that I can feel the rain

Gravedigger "~DM