Showing posts with label in my life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label in my life. Show all posts
April 07, 2011
April 02, 2009
Stepping Through the Wardrobe
The room didn't look like much. Just a bare floor, bare walls, rain on the window outside--the only furniture in it was a giant wardrobe with the most curious carvings of trees and animals, the like of which I've never seen in this world. And then, like magic, the wardrobe doors opened. And when we stepped inside, it was like another world. The fur coats hanging in rows on either side gave way to pine boughs, and snow was falling gently in the forest. A lamp-post burned brightly nearby, though there were no houses or electric wires that I could see. But we were eager to explore, so we continued on our way.
It looked like winter, at first-- there was a frozen waterfall that we'd thought to climb, but it made our hands too cold. And we passed by a faun's house, a witch's icy throne, and other such things. But winter quickly gave way to warmer seasons, and the land changed. Instead of ice and snow, there were ruins and castles and odd talking creatures living in hiding among the trees. We saw arches being built, catapults being launched, the crowns of kings and queens, and the promise of a fantastic upcoming voyage to sea. But then we passed an arch where a lion spoke to us and said it was time to go back to our own world. So we stepped through the doorway...and ended up back in Philadelphia.
Drat.
(Description courtesy of a much better writer than I. But it still applies.)
It looked like winter, at first-- there was a frozen waterfall that we'd thought to climb, but it made our hands too cold. And we passed by a faun's house, a witch's icy throne, and other such things. But winter quickly gave way to warmer seasons, and the land changed. Instead of ice and snow, there were ruins and castles and odd talking creatures living in hiding among the trees. We saw arches being built, catapults being launched, the crowns of kings and queens, and the promise of a fantastic upcoming voyage to sea. But then we passed an arch where a lion spoke to us and said it was time to go back to our own world. So we stepped through the doorway...and ended up back in Philadelphia.
Drat.
(Description courtesy of a much better writer than I. But it still applies.)
December 10, 2008
December 04, 2008
National Cookie Day
In case you didn't know it, today is National Cookie Day. Here are some of my favorite cookies to make during the holiday season!
Holly Cookies
1 (10 oz.) package marshmallows
1/2 c. butter
4 1/2 c. corn flakes
1 tbsp. green food coloring
cinnamon candies, or red-colored sugar
1. In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the marshmallows, and melt. Add food coloring. Mix in the cornflakes cereal.
2. Drop either by spoonful or by clumps (depending on how big you like them) onto wax paper. Add cinnamon candies or sugar.
Kris Krinkles (or Snow-Topped Chocolate Mint Cookies)
2 cups mint semisweet chocolate chips, divided
6 tablespoons butter (no substitutes), softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
confectioners' sugar
1. In a microwave, melt 1 cup chocolate chips; set aside to cool. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the melted chocolate chips and vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Stir in the remaining chocolate chips. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until easy to handle.
2. Roll into 1-in. balls, then roll in confectioners' sugar. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set and centers are almost set. Cool for 10 minutes before removing to wire racks.
Note: When I made these last week, I didn't have mint chocolate chips, but instead used half semisweet chocolate chips and half white chocolate chips and 1/2 tsp. of mint extract. The semisweet chips I melted, not in the microwave, but in a pan over hot water because the microwave I was using has a tendency to burn melting chocolate. The white chips I stirred into the dough.
Butter Cookies
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla; mix well. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture and mix well.
2. Place the dough in a cookie press; form cookies on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375 degrees F for 6-8 minutes or until set but not brown. Cool on wire racks.
Note: When I made these last week, what I did was cut out two different sets of cookies, one round-shaped for the bottom cookie, and then a thin circle with a hole in the middle for the top cookie. After they were finished baking, we spread strawberry jam on the bottom cookies and placed the thin circle on top. So it was twice the amount of work for one cookie, but it was well worth it in the end. And it wasn't exactly this recipe, but it was close enough.
Enjoy!
Holly Cookies
1 (10 oz.) package marshmallows
1/2 c. butter
4 1/2 c. corn flakes
1 tbsp. green food coloring
cinnamon candies, or red-colored sugar
1. In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the marshmallows, and melt. Add food coloring. Mix in the cornflakes cereal.
2. Drop either by spoonful or by clumps (depending on how big you like them) onto wax paper. Add cinnamon candies or sugar.
Kris Krinkles (or Snow-Topped Chocolate Mint Cookies)
2 cups mint semisweet chocolate chips, divided
6 tablespoons butter (no substitutes), softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
confectioners' sugar
1. In a microwave, melt 1 cup chocolate chips; set aside to cool. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the melted chocolate chips and vanilla. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Stir in the remaining chocolate chips. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until easy to handle.
2. Roll into 1-in. balls, then roll in confectioners' sugar. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set and centers are almost set. Cool for 10 minutes before removing to wire racks.
Note: When I made these last week, I didn't have mint chocolate chips, but instead used half semisweet chocolate chips and half white chocolate chips and 1/2 tsp. of mint extract. The semisweet chips I melted, not in the microwave, but in a pan over hot water because the microwave I was using has a tendency to burn melting chocolate. The white chips I stirred into the dough.
Butter Cookies
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla; mix well. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture and mix well.
2. Place the dough in a cookie press; form cookies on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375 degrees F for 6-8 minutes or until set but not brown. Cool on wire racks.
Note: When I made these last week, what I did was cut out two different sets of cookies, one round-shaped for the bottom cookie, and then a thin circle with a hole in the middle for the top cookie. After they were finished baking, we spread strawberry jam on the bottom cookies and placed the thin circle on top. So it was twice the amount of work for one cookie, but it was well worth it in the end. And it wasn't exactly this recipe, but it was close enough.
Enjoy!
November 17, 2008
To Do When I Get to Heaven #2
Sit down with my great-grandmother, have a good long talk and enjoy a good cup of tea.
We'll miss you, but we know where you are. You are at peace, you are finally in your right mind and no longer sick, and you are much happier than we are. Pop and Poppa were probably wondering what took you so long to get there.
Love you, Rammy.
Esther Louise Dempsey
February 14, 1916 - November 15, 2008
February 14, 1916 - November 15, 2008
We'll miss you, but we know where you are. You are at peace, you are finally in your right mind and no longer sick, and you are much happier than we are. Pop and Poppa were probably wondering what took you so long to get there.
Love you, Rammy.
September 29, 2008
Choose or Lose
A video that MTV.com
came into Delaware take that features my very good friend Steve. About Senator Biden's bid in the upcoming election.
Steve and I went to Morocco this past summer.
And go Steve for not being afraid to voice your own opinion!
came into Delaware take that features my very good friend Steve. About Senator Biden's bid in the upcoming election.Steve and I went to Morocco this past summer.
And go Steve for not being afraid to voice your own opinion!
September 19, 2008
Vacation!
I took a vacation to Virginia Beach September 10-13. Here are pictures!
Spent all day Thursday at the beach. It was windy and warm, once the sun finally decided to show itself!
The statue of Neptune at the beach.
Becky and I at the Naval Base in Norfolk.
Me and my awesome cousins, Danny and Karissa, who let us stay at their house for the weekend!
The nuclear submarine U.S.S. North Carolina. Danny used to be in the Navy (is now in the Reserves) and we were allowed in and on board and given a tour. Now I can say I've been on a nuclear sub. Danny's current job? Building these things (and also the carriers too).
Bet you didn't know that swearing is illegal in Virginia Beach!
Becky and I at the Music Builds Concert.
Jars of Clay.
Switchfoot. I think this is when they were playing "This is Home." Which was one of my favorite performances of theirs. Especially because of the Narnia (and Heaven) references.
Third Day.
And the encore had to be the best ever. All three of the groups came up on stage together (along with a guy from the fourth group who had been playing) and they all did a cover of U2's "When Love Comes to Town." Absolutely amazing.
Without a doubt, it goes down as one of the best vacations I've ever had. (The concert goes down for best ever. Hands down.)
Spent all day Thursday at the beach. It was windy and warm, once the sun finally decided to show itself!
The statue of Neptune at the beach.
Becky and I at the Naval Base in Norfolk.
Me and my awesome cousins, Danny and Karissa, who let us stay at their house for the weekend!
The nuclear submarine U.S.S. North Carolina. Danny used to be in the Navy (is now in the Reserves) and we were allowed in and on board and given a tour. Now I can say I've been on a nuclear sub. Danny's current job? Building these things (and also the carriers too).
Bet you didn't know that swearing is illegal in Virginia Beach!
Becky and I at the Music Builds Concert.
Jars of Clay.
Switchfoot. I think this is when they were playing "This is Home." Which was one of my favorite performances of theirs. Especially because of the Narnia (and Heaven) references.
Third Day.
And the encore had to be the best ever. All three of the groups came up on stage together (along with a guy from the fourth group who had been playing) and they all did a cover of U2's "When Love Comes to Town." Absolutely amazing.Without a doubt, it goes down as one of the best vacations I've ever had. (The concert goes down for best ever. Hands down.)
August 14, 2008
Accomplishment
I stepped on the scale this morning, and weighed 20 pounds less than I did a year ago at this time!
June 16, 2008
Wedding Highlights!
Julie and Tim are officially married now! Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Singer!
Highlights:
-Being a part of the bridal party.
-Ball and chain.
-Getting myself a manicure and pedicure (never had a pedicure before).
-Brunch with the bridesmaids and bride at Bob Evans.
-The groomsmen. They were hysterical!
-Talking with Bethany and getting to know Susannah and Lydia better (three of the other bridesmaids)
-Seeing Keith in action (the photographer, who was a good friend of mine and Julie's from marching band in college).
-Climbing a rockwall in my bridesmaid's dress! (No lie - Keith made Julie get up on it in her wedding gown!)
-Having Chad for a groomsman. He was a good friend in my college days; we both went to IV together. Lucky me, I was only one of the bridesmaids who actually knew her groomsman.
-Watching Tim & Julie say their vows.
-Mama Z's wedding cake! It's the best ever!
-Talking with Papa Z about some things that had happened in the past and clearing the air.
-Fondue!
-Dancing.
-All of the compliments, both in regards to the wedding program and our dresses, hair, etc.
And way too many others.
Pictures will be forthcoming, when I can find time to get mine off my camera. And when others begin to post them.
In the meantime, here is a sincere apology at the lack of posts of late. Between helping to plan a wedding, the church's building project swinging into action and getting things ready for Morocco, I have found it really hard getting half-decent posts up. I still can't promise much before Morocco, but hopefully after, things will settle down somewhat.
Highlights:
-Being a part of the bridal party.
-Ball and chain.
-Getting myself a manicure and pedicure (never had a pedicure before).
-Brunch with the bridesmaids and bride at Bob Evans.
-The groomsmen. They were hysterical!
-Talking with Bethany and getting to know Susannah and Lydia better (three of the other bridesmaids)
-Seeing Keith in action (the photographer, who was a good friend of mine and Julie's from marching band in college).
-Climbing a rockwall in my bridesmaid's dress! (No lie - Keith made Julie get up on it in her wedding gown!)
-Having Chad for a groomsman. He was a good friend in my college days; we both went to IV together. Lucky me, I was only one of the bridesmaids who actually knew her groomsman.
-Watching Tim & Julie say their vows.
-Mama Z's wedding cake! It's the best ever!
-Talking with Papa Z about some things that had happened in the past and clearing the air.
-Fondue!
-Dancing.
-All of the compliments, both in regards to the wedding program and our dresses, hair, etc.
And way too many others.
Pictures will be forthcoming, when I can find time to get mine off my camera. And when others begin to post them.
In the meantime, here is a sincere apology at the lack of posts of late. Between helping to plan a wedding, the church's building project swinging into action and getting things ready for Morocco, I have found it really hard getting half-decent posts up. I still can't promise much before Morocco, but hopefully after, things will settle down somewhat.
April 24, 2008
Concealing any bodies?
Yesterday morning, I turned out of my development to head to work, and was greeted with traffic on my road. There's usually not much traffic on my road - only the occasional back-up when there are lots of cars coming out of the Catholic church. This time, there was dead-stopped traffic. And a cop car in the entrance way to the church, with a cop in the middle of the road. He had stopped traffic from completely getting down our road and into the two developments off of the road, and was intermittantly letting traffic out, after first stopping each one, speaking with the driver for a few brief moments, and then checking their license plate/tag.
I automatically assumed that it was one of those 'license/seat belt/registration' stops that I've seen every now and then around the state. So I grabbed my license/registration/insurance cards and waited paitently for my turn in line.
When it came my turn, I was greeted, not with a request for identification, but with an apology.
Police Officer: Good morning, ma'am. Sorry to inconvience you this morning, but we're investigating an incident that happened early this morning in Scottfield [i.e., the development directly across from mine]. We just want to make sure you're not concealing any stowaways in the backseat or trunk of your car.
Me: *shock* Oh. Um. Okay.
PO: I can see by looking in the window to your backseat that there's no body in the back seat. Would you mind popping your trunk so I can make sure there are no bodies in the trunk?
Me: *quirks eyebrow* *briefly nods* *pushes button to pop trunk*
PO: *quickly glances in* Okay, ma'am, I can see you're not hiding someone in your trunk. *closes trunk* Is this your car?
Me: *nods*
PO: Alright then, I'll just get your license/tag numbers and you have a good day, okay?
Me: *nods* *drives off*
I was so surprised by the conversation that I didn't think to ask what sort of incident they were investigating, but had made up my mind to ask my News Journal friend if she knew of anything going on.
She didn't, but said that she would do a little digging, and got back to me with the news around three o'clock yesterday afternoon. Apparently, there had been a break-in, followed by a rape, in Scottfield yesterday morning around 7:30. He had been seen fleeing the scene on foot, but hadn't been apprehended. And so consequently, the police had stopped all traffic flow going into and out of (pending checking) the developments, in the off-chance he might have snuck in a car, or someone was trying to sneak him out.
Yes, I was quite shocked, especially because of the close proximity to my house. But I'm not scared or worried or anything (I do hope they catch whoever did that awful crime). I am just planning on staying safe and using extra procaution until further notice.
Late yesterday afternoon, my News Journal friend called me to ask me if I'd give an interview to another one of her reporter friends who was doing an article for it, and then she ended up calling me later yesterday evening. She told me that she'd been able to speak to several people living the neighborhood directly near where it happened, but hadn't been able to locate anyone in a car that had gotten stopped. So I got to be the lucky one.
I just told her everything that happened, and you can it in today's edition of The News Journal (section B, page 2, if you've actually got a hard copy of it).
I automatically assumed that it was one of those 'license/seat belt/registration' stops that I've seen every now and then around the state. So I grabbed my license/registration/insurance cards and waited paitently for my turn in line.
When it came my turn, I was greeted, not with a request for identification, but with an apology.
Police Officer: Good morning, ma'am. Sorry to inconvience you this morning, but we're investigating an incident that happened early this morning in Scottfield [i.e., the development directly across from mine]. We just want to make sure you're not concealing any stowaways in the backseat or trunk of your car.
Me: *shock* Oh. Um. Okay.
PO: I can see by looking in the window to your backseat that there's no body in the back seat. Would you mind popping your trunk so I can make sure there are no bodies in the trunk?
Me: *quirks eyebrow* *briefly nods* *pushes button to pop trunk*
PO: *quickly glances in* Okay, ma'am, I can see you're not hiding someone in your trunk. *closes trunk* Is this your car?
Me: *nods*
PO: Alright then, I'll just get your license/tag numbers and you have a good day, okay?
Me: *nods* *drives off*
I was so surprised by the conversation that I didn't think to ask what sort of incident they were investigating, but had made up my mind to ask my News Journal friend if she knew of anything going on.
She didn't, but said that she would do a little digging, and got back to me with the news around three o'clock yesterday afternoon. Apparently, there had been a break-in, followed by a rape, in Scottfield yesterday morning around 7:30. He had been seen fleeing the scene on foot, but hadn't been apprehended. And so consequently, the police had stopped all traffic flow going into and out of (pending checking) the developments, in the off-chance he might have snuck in a car, or someone was trying to sneak him out.
Yes, I was quite shocked, especially because of the close proximity to my house. But I'm not scared or worried or anything (I do hope they catch whoever did that awful crime). I am just planning on staying safe and using extra procaution until further notice.
Late yesterday afternoon, my News Journal friend called me to ask me if I'd give an interview to another one of her reporter friends who was doing an article for it, and then she ended up calling me later yesterday evening. She told me that she'd been able to speak to several people living the neighborhood directly near where it happened, but hadn't been able to locate anyone in a car that had gotten stopped. So I got to be the lucky one.
I just told her everything that happened, and you can it in today's edition of The News Journal (section B, page 2, if you've actually got a hard copy of it).
April 21, 2008
Flying Squirrel
One of the highlights from my Sunday:
Getting to hold and pet a flying squirrel.
Doesn't matter that he's part of the squirrel mafia. He was still the cutest (and softest) thing ever.
Getting to hold and pet a flying squirrel.
Doesn't matter that he's part of the squirrel mafia. He was still the cutest (and softest) thing ever.
April 17, 2008
What Can $1 Really Do?
Here's your chance to do something that may seem to be insignificant, but has a huge impact! Terry has the opportunity to do a creative little experiment to help a local Wilmington homeless man named Herman.
He's attempting to raise some funds for Herman (for which he has a matching donor), but there's a catch: anyone who wants to give can only give $1. Yup - only $1. You might think it's a silly idea, but if Terry can get 500 other people to give just $1, then his donor will match it dollar for dollar for a total of $1000.
He isn't going to be giving Herman the cash. He has been taking time over the past year to develop a relationship with him, and knows what sort of needs he has, and so he plans on using the monies collected to help Herman in a much more significant way. You can read about it in his post for more details, but the gist of it is this:
1. Comment here on his blog.
2. Leave your first name and your city/state and tell him, "I'm in."
3. Follow through by sending $1 to:
Herman's Bridge
PO Box 363
Montchanin, DE 19710-0363
I'm in! Spread the word to your friends and help share the love of Christ in this way!
"He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor." 1 Samuel 2:8
He's attempting to raise some funds for Herman (for which he has a matching donor), but there's a catch: anyone who wants to give can only give $1. Yup - only $1. You might think it's a silly idea, but if Terry can get 500 other people to give just $1, then his donor will match it dollar for dollar for a total of $1000.
He isn't going to be giving Herman the cash. He has been taking time over the past year to develop a relationship with him, and knows what sort of needs he has, and so he plans on using the monies collected to help Herman in a much more significant way. You can read about it in his post for more details, but the gist of it is this:
1. Comment here on his blog.
2. Leave your first name and your city/state and tell him, "I'm in."
3. Follow through by sending $1 to:
Herman's Bridge
PO Box 363
Montchanin, DE 19710-0363
I'm in! Spread the word to your friends and help share the love of Christ in this way!
"He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor." 1 Samuel 2:8
April 01, 2008
Loser's Music
I'm sure that this store didn't intentionally mean to bring the word 'loser' to mind whenever someone thinks of their store, but with a name like that, you just can't help it. Looking at their logo, you can clearly see they mean for you to say 'loser' with a long 'O', but that's just not really possible.
So I'm sorry. No winning music allowed. The only music allowed is for losers. XD
So I'm sorry. No winning music allowed. The only music allowed is for losers. XD
March 17, 2008
May the road rise to meet you
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
March 14, 2008
Have a Cow
I walked over to Karen's office as I was posting next week's schedule, and one of the regular stops on that trek is through her office. I took my animal crackers with me, for I was hungry and needed that last minute sugar rush to get me through the last hour of the day.
I knew immediately upon entrance to her office that she was frustrated about something. Offered to help if she needed it, though there really wasn't much she said I could do. She did start to vent because of her frustrations and in an effort to cheer her up, I set my crackers down, pulled the first one out to hand to her, and immediately put it right back because I'd noticed it's head had been broken off. So I grabbed the next one, which I only recognized because of the udders.
"Here, have a cow."
It was only then did I realize what I had said.
We then spent about 5 minutes going back and forth, amidst bouts of hysterical laughter --
"You planned that, didn't you? You really do want me to have a cow over this!"
"No, honestly, I swear, that didn't even cross my mind."
Maybe you had to be there. It was really funny none-the-less.
I knew immediately upon entrance to her office that she was frustrated about something. Offered to help if she needed it, though there really wasn't much she said I could do. She did start to vent because of her frustrations and in an effort to cheer her up, I set my crackers down, pulled the first one out to hand to her, and immediately put it right back because I'd noticed it's head had been broken off. So I grabbed the next one, which I only recognized because of the udders.
"Here, have a cow."
It was only then did I realize what I had said.
We then spent about 5 minutes going back and forth, amidst bouts of hysterical laughter --
"You planned that, didn't you? You really do want me to have a cow over this!"
"No, honestly, I swear, that didn't even cross my mind."
Maybe you had to be there. It was really funny none-the-less.
February 26, 2008
Take Your Squirrel Into Work Day
I arrived home late last night to see that my father'd left his truck at work. Which automatically clued me in to the fact that he'd need a ride into work the next day. No problem.
I walked in to the house, after scaring away (not intentionally) the two cats that were outside our front door howling like the world was about to end. Commence general discussion of the day, which included guesses as to what in the world could the cats be doing.
My mom casually adds, "Oh, by the way, you're going to have two passengers to work tomorrow."
I raise my eyebrow, or at least attempt to, since I can't do that very well, and manage to look sufficiently confused. I ask, "Well, Daddy, I figured, but...?"
She smiled as she said, "And the Eastern Grey Squirrel we trapped that's outside on the back porch. Didn't you know tomorrow is Annual Take Your Squirrel to Work Day?"
Um, no, I failed to get that memo.
Apparently we've had a squirrel in our attic who has been trying to make his home up there amongst all our boxes and possessions, and my father would have none of it.
At this point, many thoughts of the network of Newark squirrels attempting to take over the world one house at a time came rushing through my head, but to try and explain NUSA would just take too long, and you'd probably all look at me like I was weird or something anyway if I told you, so I'm not even going to try. Or at least, not at this point. That might be some other day's post.
So instead, I laughed hysterically at the prospect of celebrating such a day, then proceeded to visit the back porch in an attempt to try and see him (which proved unsuccessful as he was being quite uncooperative), and then took him for a ride this morning in the trunk of my car.
After we got to work, I tried again to look at him, and was rewarded with a great hiss of fury from the little furball who was running about like mad underneath the sheet that was covering the trap.
So get on out there, find a squirrel and take it with you to work today!
(As an aside, he was captured humanely and as this is typed up is being let go in the wilds that is Brandywine Creek State Park. Meaning, we're trying to make sure he stays as far away as possible from our house.)
I walked in to the house, after scaring away (not intentionally) the two cats that were outside our front door howling like the world was about to end. Commence general discussion of the day, which included guesses as to what in the world could the cats be doing.
My mom casually adds, "Oh, by the way, you're going to have two passengers to work tomorrow."
I raise my eyebrow, or at least attempt to, since I can't do that very well, and manage to look sufficiently confused. I ask, "Well, Daddy, I figured, but...?"
She smiled as she said, "And the Eastern Grey Squirrel we trapped that's outside on the back porch. Didn't you know tomorrow is Annual Take Your Squirrel to Work Day?"
Um, no, I failed to get that memo.
Apparently we've had a squirrel in our attic who has been trying to make his home up there amongst all our boxes and possessions, and my father would have none of it.
At this point, many thoughts of the network of Newark squirrels attempting to take over the world one house at a time came rushing through my head, but to try and explain NUSA would just take too long, and you'd probably all look at me like I was weird or something anyway if I told you, so I'm not even going to try. Or at least, not at this point. That might be some other day's post.
So instead, I laughed hysterically at the prospect of celebrating such a day, then proceeded to visit the back porch in an attempt to try and see him (which proved unsuccessful as he was being quite uncooperative), and then took him for a ride this morning in the trunk of my car.
After we got to work, I tried again to look at him, and was rewarded with a great hiss of fury from the little furball who was running about like mad underneath the sheet that was covering the trap.
So get on out there, find a squirrel and take it with you to work today!
(As an aside, he was captured humanely and as this is typed up is being let go in the wilds that is Brandywine Creek State Park. Meaning, we're trying to make sure he stays as far away as possible from our house.)
February 21, 2008
The Dark Tower Dream
It was cold. Bone-chillingly cold. Absolutely freezing cold. It was night. We had to survive the night.
I was in some sort of circular room. There was no way out of this room that I could see. From what I could tell, there were tapestries on the walls, and a dais at the front end of the room.
There was another man there with me who was alive. I don't remember his face. There were also other people in the room with us. They looked like they could have been automated, if they weren't practically frozen already because of how very cold it was in that room. Their faces had a bloated sort of look, and they were turning slightly blue. All of these other bodies were strewn all around the room on the floor, some of the bodies on top of one another.
The man I was with I understood to be someone I cared for. I believe he was a 'significant other', though if it was a fiancé, or a husband, or just someone I had strong feelings for and who in turn had strong feelings for me, I do not know.
The only way we knew how to survive was to huddle close together under the thinnest of thin blankets. Somehow, our body heat would be enough to sustain us, despite the shabby blanket.
****
I woke up at approximately 1 a.m after having dreamt that, frozen solid, despite sleeping under 9 blankets on my bed. After I went back to sleep, I dreamed the same thing again. I woke up one other time during the night, and when I finally fell back asleep after that, I dreamt it a third time. I was still in the process of dreaming it when my alarm went off this morning.
When I woke up this morning, I was frozen solid. It's now bed time, and I'm still chilled to the bone.
Now, if I buy into the theory of The Dark Tower, then what I dreamt was either a past event or a future event, or else something that belongs to a parallel universe of sorts, a universe in which I have a double, since dreams allow us to look into parallel universes (or at least, this is my understanding of what I read).
I've also had the theory as I contemplated over this dream that it could possibly be another 'unknown' scene from the book, a scene in which a horn-less Scudamour (he having somehow managed to get of the filthy thing) and I (as Camilla) had been found out as we were trying to escape back to Normal Time and were thrown into a room in the Dark Tower to await a fate worse than death, if we could survive.
Obviously, I much prefer this second idea to my dream, instead of one in which I'm forced to sleep in and around frozen dead bodies and freeze to death myself. That, and not to have nightmares over any more C. S. Lewis fiction.
And to somehow manage to warm up.
I was in some sort of circular room. There was no way out of this room that I could see. From what I could tell, there were tapestries on the walls, and a dais at the front end of the room.
There was another man there with me who was alive. I don't remember his face. There were also other people in the room with us. They looked like they could have been automated, if they weren't practically frozen already because of how very cold it was in that room. Their faces had a bloated sort of look, and they were turning slightly blue. All of these other bodies were strewn all around the room on the floor, some of the bodies on top of one another.
The man I was with I understood to be someone I cared for. I believe he was a 'significant other', though if it was a fiancé, or a husband, or just someone I had strong feelings for and who in turn had strong feelings for me, I do not know.
The only way we knew how to survive was to huddle close together under the thinnest of thin blankets. Somehow, our body heat would be enough to sustain us, despite the shabby blanket.
****
I woke up at approximately 1 a.m after having dreamt that, frozen solid, despite sleeping under 9 blankets on my bed. After I went back to sleep, I dreamed the same thing again. I woke up one other time during the night, and when I finally fell back asleep after that, I dreamt it a third time. I was still in the process of dreaming it when my alarm went off this morning.
When I woke up this morning, I was frozen solid. It's now bed time, and I'm still chilled to the bone.
Now, if I buy into the theory of The Dark Tower, then what I dreamt was either a past event or a future event, or else something that belongs to a parallel universe of sorts, a universe in which I have a double, since dreams allow us to look into parallel universes (or at least, this is my understanding of what I read).
I've also had the theory as I contemplated over this dream that it could possibly be another 'unknown' scene from the book, a scene in which a horn-less Scudamour (he having somehow managed to get of the filthy thing) and I (as Camilla) had been found out as we were trying to escape back to Normal Time and were thrown into a room in the Dark Tower to await a fate worse than death, if we could survive.
Obviously, I much prefer this second idea to my dream, instead of one in which I'm forced to sleep in and around frozen dead bodies and freeze to death myself. That, and not to have nightmares over any more C. S. Lewis fiction.
And to somehow manage to warm up.
February 15, 2008
Extreme Makeover Home Edition
Extreme Makeover Home Edition came to Wilmington, Delaware this past week! This show is definitely one of my all-time favorites! My brother's place of business helped sponsor the project! For information on the family they helped, check out Anderson Extreme.
February 14, 2008
Highlights from Florida
Highlights from my trip to Florida:- Spending a majority of my time with all those people in that picture. I love them all very much. - Dinner at Stacey's Buffet with 70+ people (all of the above and then some)
- Meeting and getting to know Janet (who is now like another Aunt)
- Spending time with my grandmother
- Meeting my great-great-great grandparents for the first time via pictures
- Beach volleyball with almost all of those people in that picture
- Teasing Rochelle
- Reading
- Relaxing
- 80 degree weather with little humidity
- Remembering my great-grandfather
- Picnic at Uncle Bill's, with all 50+ of us crowded in there
- Playing several rousing rounds of Catch Phrase with 30 people
- Sunday dinner at Uncle Bill's
- A possessed toilet
- Walks with Abigail (my absolutely adorable second cousin, who is sitting on the lap of my Uncle Bill, who is the second from the right in the row of people sitting in the picture)
- No problems with any flights both ways, with either the flights or acquiring luggage
- Finding a good bunch of them on Facebook in the last week so I can continue to stay in touch with them
- Stephen's crazy dancing on the beach
Walks with Abigail were definitely a highlight. She's 2, and latched on to me almost immediately. She would pull me outside and wanted to walk with me up and down the street where we would sit and watch the cars and count them as they drove by.
I had so much fun with all of those beautiful people, most of whom are either, aunts, uncles, first-cousins-once-removed or second cousins. It was so cool to be a part of something that felt so much larger than myself, and it's all thanks to my great-grandmother and great-grandfather. I love you both and will miss you here on earth, but I know I'll see you later!
February 12, 2008
If I ever take another day for granted, someone please slap me.
There was quite the ice storm around here late this afternoon, of course in time for the 5 o'clock rush hour traffic (why does it always happen at that exact moment?) that reminded me of last year's storm at about this time.
I told my dad that I didn't need to ride home from work with him, that I would be fine and would take it slow and be safe and careful driving.
I didn't know that even that doesn't stop potential accidents from happening.
It happened when I was at the corner of 4 and Gender Road, which just happens to be the last turn before I get to my development. Up ahead of me, I noticed that the light was turning red and I needed to slow down because of it; the cars at the intersection were getting a little too near, and I was going a little faster than I probably should have been, considering the conditions.
I put my brakes on, and on any given day, things would have been fine. With a coating of ice on the road, however, that all changed.
As soon as I put the brakes on, my wheels started to spin out and I was starting to slide out to the right.
My gut reaction was to compensate by turning my wheel to the left, but then years of drivers ed./defensive driving/common sense kicked in, and I realized I needed to do exactly the opposite of what my gut told me to do, which was to let go, and let my car turn to the right while slowly applying my brake. It was also in that second when I realized that this could be the end to a lot of things, for my car was spinning out on Route 4 and could have ended up like one of any number of the cars I passed on my way home, which had either their front end smashed into the midian, or their back end smashed into the curb facing the opposite way in traffic. I had never experienced that sort of thing before, and while I won't say my life flashed before my eyes, I will say that I was very scared, both for myself and for anyone else who might have been in the way.
Thankfully, there was no one in the right hand land.
Thankfully, I was far enough behind the cars at the light that I hit no one in front of me.
Thankfully, the cars behind me were far enough behind that no one hit me.
Thankfully, my car stopped with my front end in basically the direction I needed to go. The cars that were stopped let me go in front of them and make my way slowly into my turn lane.
I was home within five minutes (having gone even slower than previously, for by that time, the built-up tension was at the point of releasing itself, and I wanted to make sure it didn't get in the way of my driving abilities).
I can't tell you how thankful I am that there is nothing worse than some high-strung nerves to deal with at the moment. I learned the value of leaving an inordinate amount of space between vehicles the last time I was in an accident, and I am so very thankful for that now. I am also thankful that my life and the lives of those driving around me were spared from something awful.
We all must have something bigger planned for us that we still need to do in this world, and I for one am grateful.
And so, if any of you should ever catch me whining or complaining about how supposedly unfair life ever is, or if you catch me taking life and/or other people for granted, you have my permission to slap me. Or at least, remind me very strongly in the way of your own choosing that there are just some things shouldn't ever be taken for granted. M'kay?
I told my dad that I didn't need to ride home from work with him, that I would be fine and would take it slow and be safe and careful driving.
I didn't know that even that doesn't stop potential accidents from happening.
It happened when I was at the corner of 4 and Gender Road, which just happens to be the last turn before I get to my development. Up ahead of me, I noticed that the light was turning red and I needed to slow down because of it; the cars at the intersection were getting a little too near, and I was going a little faster than I probably should have been, considering the conditions.
I put my brakes on, and on any given day, things would have been fine. With a coating of ice on the road, however, that all changed.
As soon as I put the brakes on, my wheels started to spin out and I was starting to slide out to the right.
My gut reaction was to compensate by turning my wheel to the left, but then years of drivers ed./defensive driving/common sense kicked in, and I realized I needed to do exactly the opposite of what my gut told me to do, which was to let go, and let my car turn to the right while slowly applying my brake. It was also in that second when I realized that this could be the end to a lot of things, for my car was spinning out on Route 4 and could have ended up like one of any number of the cars I passed on my way home, which had either their front end smashed into the midian, or their back end smashed into the curb facing the opposite way in traffic. I had never experienced that sort of thing before, and while I won't say my life flashed before my eyes, I will say that I was very scared, both for myself and for anyone else who might have been in the way.
Thankfully, there was no one in the right hand land.
Thankfully, I was far enough behind the cars at the light that I hit no one in front of me.
Thankfully, the cars behind me were far enough behind that no one hit me.
Thankfully, my car stopped with my front end in basically the direction I needed to go. The cars that were stopped let me go in front of them and make my way slowly into my turn lane.
I was home within five minutes (having gone even slower than previously, for by that time, the built-up tension was at the point of releasing itself, and I wanted to make sure it didn't get in the way of my driving abilities).
I can't tell you how thankful I am that there is nothing worse than some high-strung nerves to deal with at the moment. I learned the value of leaving an inordinate amount of space between vehicles the last time I was in an accident, and I am so very thankful for that now. I am also thankful that my life and the lives of those driving around me were spared from something awful.
We all must have something bigger planned for us that we still need to do in this world, and I for one am grateful.
And so, if any of you should ever catch me whining or complaining about how supposedly unfair life ever is, or if you catch me taking life and/or other people for granted, you have my permission to slap me. Or at least, remind me very strongly in the way of your own choosing that there are just some things shouldn't ever be taken for granted. M'kay?
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