A Place We've Never Lived

Admin Note

2009-10-28T15:06:00.001-04:00

I've moved! Follow me at A Fresh Start.

DM #7

2009-10-15T12:51:00.002-04:00

Originally posted by drp on Flickr.

DM #6

2009-10-14T11:08:00.002-04:00

There's a light that never goes out
Originally uploaded by Toni Blay

DM #5

2009-10-12T13:38:00.002-04:00

Originally uploaded by *Autorun*

DM #4

2009-10-10T15:27:00.003-04:00

Bedroom
Originally uploaded by Katey Nicosia

DM #3

2009-10-09T12:15:00.005-04:00

From gaspi *your guide over on Flickr.

Ask the Reader: New Music Recs

2009-10-08T13:42:00.004-04:00

So, I am in a slight music rut. I love music, but being busier than I used to be has eliminated a lot of my music discovery time. So I turn to the very few of you who read this to ask what I should check out. In order to help you with my musical tastes, I'll provide lists of my most recent favs as well as my all time favorites. I'm limiting this to secular songs, as my husband has no problem helping me find new Christian artists/songs. Don't be afraid to suggest older songs/artists either!

New (to me) Picks
"Sea Green See Blue" by Jaymay
"Sleep" by Azure Ray
"You and I" by Ingrid Michaelson
"I Love the Rain the Most" by Joe Purdy
Shotgun (album) by Tony Lucca

Favorites
"Nightswimming" by R.E.M.
"Your Song" by Elton John
"American Music" by The Violent Femmes
"Ticket to Ride" & "In My Life" by The Beatles
"Wild Horses" by The Rolling Stones
"Reptila" by The Strokes
"Don't Think Twice" by Bob Dylan
"Fix You" & "Don't Panic" by Coldplay
"Honey & the Moon" by Joseph Arthur

DM #2

2009-10-08T08:00:00.001-04:00

Menu Plan Oct. 5-11

2009-10-07T11:49:00.004-04:00

Hey, I'm starting a (hopefully) weekly feature. Mostly, it's to give myself some accountability with menu planning, as that seriously saves money with the grocery shopping. I'm not deluded enough to believe that most of you reading this will actually want to know what we're eating for dinner! Also, you may note that it is Wednesday, not Monday. What can I say? I just decided to do this. We eat pretty simply around here, for the most part.

Monday: spaghetti with meat sauce (ground turkey instead of beef)
Tuesday: chocolate chip pancakes with eggs and sausage (boys had a salad as well)
Wednesday: boiled shrimp, french fries, carrot sticks
Thursday: hot dogs, mac n cheese, broccoli
Friday: BBQ chicken legs, rice, green peas
Saturday: chili with cornbread, salad
Sunday: grilled cheese with chicken noodle soup, pineapple

Daily Mood

2009-10-07T11:46:00.002-04:00

Orange mood
Originally uploaded by Pensiero

The Boy

2009-07-14T11:54:00.005-04:00

Last Thursday was my husband's birthday. I told him that I was going to blog about him, and then I promptly did not follow through. Well, after the events of this weekend, I decided that he really did deserve his very own blog.

This weekend, Kenn did a family reunion gig at the G-Ville Hilton. On Friday night, he did some strolling magic, meaning that he walked around from table to table doing some magic meant for close up. However, on Saturday night, which I was able to attend, he was booked to perform his full evening show. I had not seen the full show yet, so I was very excited to see his performance.

It is an emotional experience to see the person you love best on the earth do what he loves best. I was so proud of him I teared up a couple of times. He was so happy on stage, so confident and assured. I love him a little bit more after Saturday night, and, in honor of his birthday and fantastic show, I am going to present a top ten list of my favorite things about Kenn Ball.

10. His hip hop dancing

9. The way he laughs when he is laughing really hard

8. His willingness to talk in our special dialect

7. The fact that he was my first Lost friend

6. The way he wants to make sure the boys have tons of fun memories from their childhood

5. His singing to me -- whether it's full versions of country songs that I didn't ask for or songs that he makes up when I go to sleep, he will pretty much always sing to me

4. The way he plays Bible, Disney, and magic trivia with Josh & Caleb

3. That he is WAY better at decluttering and picking up the house than I am. I'm the better cleaner, but he makes sure the house isn't messy.

2. That he has the same spiritual AND political views as I do. That's not all that easy to find around here.

1. That we are each other's best friend. I can always talk to him, about anything.

Happy belated birthday blog post, babe. Love you!

More Things I Want

2009-06-17T13:50:00.009-04:00

I don't know what my problem is, you guys. I cannot get it together to post regularly. Sorry. Whatever's going on that keeps me from posting regularly has not kept me from browser window shopping. Here is a list of the current faves in the "I want that" category.

1. Charley Harper: An Illustrated Life- This book is so pretty. I love his illustrations, particularly his birds. And this coffee table book comes with tons of full page size prints, so whenever we have a baby (NOT pregnant, NOT trying), I'm stealing Dooce's idea and using them to decorate the nursery.

2.These earrings - So cute and silver.

3. This wall organizer - No, it doesn't organize your actual wall. It hangs on your wall, and I can organize so many odds and ends with it. Like my passport. And spare keys.

4. This umbrella - Now, I never actually carry an umbrella, so why I feel as though I need one that is $65 is beyond me. But it is adorable. Perhaps more so than the Old Navy one that sat on the top of my blog forever. Speaking of Old Navy...

5. This scarf - I'm not even sure about how I feel about summer scarves, but I feel as though this would add pizzazz to my rather lackluster wardrobe. Also, pretty.

6. This bedding set - So we've only been married a little over a year, and I'm already kind of bored with our bedding. Kenn probably does not enjoy this. Of course, I'm not planning on actually replacing it, but I would love this set if we suddenly came into a windfall of cash.

Threes

2009-05-19T16:43:00.002-04:00

Three Books I've Read Recently

Columbine by Dave Cullen
Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane
The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets by Eva Rice

Three Movies I've Seen Recently

Star Trek (yes, the new one)
What Happens in Vegas (I didn't say they were good movies!)
RENT (Filmed Live on Broadway) (not technically a movie, but I saw it on a DVD)

Three Things I've Gotten for Free

20 bottles of 10 calorie Vitamin Water
a set of 4 photo coasters for my grandmother's Mother's Day present
1 Schick Intuition razor

Three Words To Describe Me

awesome
legendary
humble

More Vacation Photos

2009-04-21T21:06:00.014-04:00

First Family Vacation

2009-04-21T19:33:00.017-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, we went on our first vacation as a family. Though I'm pretty late with the write up, I figure late is better than never. Besides, my friend recently lovingly told me that she was tired of looking at the umbrella.

For a couple of reasons, we ended up only taking a two day trip (well, we drove home the third day). We went to Pigeon Forge, TN, because the boys had never been to Dollywood, and they love amusement parks. So we set out the Wednesday of their spring break probably after 10:30. We stopped at a neat little restaurant in Hendersonville, NC called Harry & Piggy's. It's one of those mom and pop restaurants that has memorabilia literally everywhere. Nothing is better to kids.

As you can see, they even had memorabilia outside the restaurant. And rides inside (well, one ride).

We got to Dollywood a little after 3 p.m. Just a little tip, if you buy a day's ticket to Dollywood and don't enter the park until 3 p.m., you get to come back the entire next day. So, ultimately, you get a day and a half. Kenn and Josh took off ahead of Caleb and me because the first two rides we would hit, Caleb couldn't ride. So we caught up with each other after Josh & Kenn had riden the Thunderhead and Timber Tower. Caleb got to play on a little playground while we waited for the big boys to get off the Mystery Mine roller coaster.

After the boys pulled their body weight up a big pole (Lumberjack Lifts), we all finally rode something together. River Battle is a water attraction where you ride on a boat. Each passenger has a water gun of sorts to shoot at bystanders. Catch is, they also have water guns, and theirs reach farther. Also, it is a law of human nature that attacking perfect strangers with copious amounts of water is delightful and irresistible. We came off the ride soaked. Luckily, Dollywood had a family sized dryer closet that you could use for $3. It was like being surrounded with hair dryers, and it was a cool day, so the heat was quite welcome.

Kenn took the boys on the roller coaster that Caleb could actually ride (well, that wasn't a kiddie coaster). It was 6 or a little after at this point, so we headed to exit the park because we had something other plans for the evening. On the way, we stopped to watch an employee make some pottery. She was really sweet to the boys, and they walked away with a lump of clay each other. Josh made a candle holder out of his.

We grabbed a quick dinner and headed down the main strip to see Terry Evanswood, a magician, perform. He has his own theater, and for my magician husband, it was like paradise to see posters of Houdini, Blackstone, Thurston, & Kellar. The show was wonderful, and there wasn't anything I felt was inappropriate for the boys. You could take pictures during the show, and later Evanswood sat down front for everyone to go take a picture with him.

After the great show (seriously, I recommend it), we finally checked into the hotel. It was after 11 by this point, and I knew there was a Krispy Kreme right down the road. I thought the boys would be delighted with doughnuts after 11. Alas, they were closed, so we just got some snacks at a gas station, which actually had doughnuts. Even then, Josh was really excited. He said, "We went to Dollywood, saw a magic show, and now we're eating doughnuts at 11 at night!" Later, he said it was one of the best days of his life.

We went back to the hotel and slept on the HARDEST beds ever. Sincerely, I have never felt a harder mattress. Kenn and I woke up to this sweet sight though.

Even though Dollywood didn't open until 10, we ate breakfast and were in the park by 9:45. We went to see Imagine, a special show running during their Festival of Nations, which was like Cirque du Soleil. After that, we basically rode everything in the park that we wanted to ride. We even saw another little show, and both Josh & Caleb were in it!

We stayed until closing, eating lunch in the park. We rested for a bit at the hotel then ate dinner at Wendy's. Everyone was tired, so we didn't have a really late night. Next morning, we packed up, ate our free continental breakfast, checked out, and headed home.

Of course, this was the weather on the way home. The entire way home.

Product Crush #2

2009-01-13T16:15:00.002-05:00

I so want this umbrella from Old Navy. I wouldn't even lose it like I've lost every other umbrella I've ever owned.

Swagbucks

2008-11-20T10:04:00.002-05:00

Swagbucks is a search engine site that lets you create an account with them. Every so often, as you search, they will give you Swagbucks, worth $1-5. Very rarely, you could win Mega Bucks, which could be up to $100. They have a bunch of gift cards and prizes that you can spend Swagbucks on. (Amazon, Target, BN, etc.) You don't have to input any credit card info, so don't worry that it's some sort of scam. You don't even have to put up your address, until you "buy" something with your swagbucks.

Sure, it's not going to get you a whole bunch of free stuff instantly. In fact, they've built in something that makes it so you don't get swagbucks just for sitting at your computer and searching for anything that comes to mind. But, if you're like me, you are already using Google all the time. (By the way, Swagbuck's search results are powered by Google and Ask.com.)

You get 3 free swagbucks for signing up, and you can get a $5 Starbucks card at 50 swagbucks. ($5 Amazon gift card at 45.) Get your family and friends to sign up, and you earn what they earn. (Full disclosure.) Obviously, you know a bunch of people who search online, so sign up, send them your referral link, and get started. It's not some sort of get rich quick scheme, but you could earn enough virtual money to get some gift cards now and then to just spend on fun things.

Stepmother Thoughts

2008-10-24T11:43:00.003-04:00

I've been a stepmother now for a little over 2 months. Certainly it has been an adjustment. I was fortunate enough to have spent a lot of time with Josh & Caleb on our own before my marriage. I'd taken care of them for whole weekends because of Kenn's work schedule. We had a pretty solid foundation, and I was perhaps a bit too confident about the ease of the adjustment.

It was an adjustment becoming a full time stepmom. Of course it was an adjustment. Writing it out seems so silly, like duh, everyone knows this. And I did know it on one level. Experiencing the change from you are responsible to and for yourself to you are responsible for 2 children and to them is rather daunting however. The weight of knowing that I help shape who my boys will grow up to be is not as heavy as I imagined. Make no mistakes, it is heavy; it is not crushing, though, as I've often heard.

Instead, it is pervasive, always there.

When I mess up, and I feel as though I mess up all the time, the voice in my head telling me I just screwed up? It is not yelling. It speaks quietly, firmly. It is worse that way. I am not proud of some of the ways I've handled disagreements, negotiations, and discipline. I have said no too many times. Honestly, last week I felt as though I'd made a huge mistake, interferring in these boys' lives, as though they'd be better without me.

And then this week happened, and I came through the major adjustment period, finally cutting through the fog. This is natural for me. I have a cycle that I go through with any major life change. The first couple of weeks I am happy, I am dealing. Then slowly, the hard things seem more like hard things, and I struggle. It is worst right before it lifts. I don't know why I have this cycle; honestly, I'm not looking to know right now. I have been through it going to Budapest, coming home from Budapest, moving to the apartment with friends, moving back home. To a lesser extent, getting married was that way, which is another post.

But back to the point. This week happened. And I feel more natural. These children are mine, though they are not mine, and I am not surprised by that anymore. I am not surprised by how little privacy I have anymore. And I can say yes more. I want to say yes to lots of little, unimportant things so the no's I will have to say carry some importance.

I have to be now who I want them to be later. I have to be thankful. I have to be considerate of others. I have to be selfless. I have to be devoted to God. I have to be generous. I have to be a hundred other things, and it is not only for me that I have to be those things. It is for them.

It is for Josh and Caleb, who cleaned up the living room for me before I got home yesterday. Where did they learn that sort of kindness? I want them to keep it. I don't know where they learned it, but I can return it. I can return it by doing their laundry and cooking their meals with a happy heart. They are chores, yes, but they are chores that can be used as gifts.

It is time to wrap up these ramblings. Most people have nine months to prepare for being a parent. I had time as well, but no one really tells you how to prepare for suddenly being a parent of an 8 year old and a 6 year old. When babies are born, they begin inside the mother, and a piece of them always remains. Josh and Caleb, you were never inside of me, and you are not biologically mine. I am not your mother; you have one whom you love. But you are in me now, and I will never lose that. I am your stepmother, and we love each other, but I don't know how a stepmother loves differently than a mother. Because, to me, you are mine. You two, your dad, and me? Not a mistake.

Ask The Reader #3: Songs Everyone Loves

2008-10-23T13:25:00.003-04:00

On my way to work this morning, I was listening to my regular a.m. radio show, Ace & TJ, and one of their call in bits was "Songs Everyone Loves." While no song is going to be loved by literally everyone, it's undeniable that there are songs that transcend musical styles, gender gaps, age, race, etc. I have now made it my mission to make a wicked awesome playlist of nothing but such songs. This is, of course, where I ask for your help, gentle readers. I will throw out a couple of songs that I believe "everyone" loves.

"Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey
"Baby Got Back" by Sir Mix-A-Lot

What have you got for me?

Sweet Words

2008-10-08T16:15:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, I was doing some cleaning after the boys had finished their homework. I asked Caleb to bring me a trash bag. When he came back with the trash bag, he had this to say.

C: Wanna know why this trash bag is for you?

Me: Why?

C: 'Cause it is for the beautifulest girl in the whole world.

Weekend

2008-09-22T10:56:00.006-04:00

So, over the weekend, my husband and I discover that the bottom part of our refrigerator is no longer cooling. Our freezer is still freezing perfectly, but the bottom part is not cooling at all. So, since repairing it would likely be as much as a used appliance anyway, we have opted to replace it. This sounds all fine and good until I say what comes next: this will be the 2nd replacement refrigerator we've had to get since JUNE. That's right. We come home from our honeymoon, and Kenn's fridge had gone completely out. Luckily, my parents had 2, so they let us take one. Now, we have to actually buy one. Yay?

Kenn and I watched Superbad this weekend (no, the boys didn't watch it with us!). Without getting into whether we should/shouldn't watch those movies, it was quite funny in spots. Kenn seemed to appreciate it on a different level than I was able to, having never been a teenage boy myself. I thought it was funny, but I far prefer Forgetting Sarah Marshall, which I need to come out on DVD.

The Emmys were last night. For those who don't know, I am slightly addicted to major awards shows. So, I watched it last night, but I was mostly disappointed. I'm glad 30 Rock won so much, but I feel that Michael Emerson and particularly Neil Patrick Harris were robbed of Emmys. And the opening was painful, not funny. Most of the jokes fell flat, and it just all seemed anti-climatic. I like a feel of gravitas to my awards show, which you can feel free to make fun of me for as long as you wish.

Now, I haven't researched the medical ramifications of what I'm about to request, so if I'm off base or insensitive, that's why. But people, please get your huge huge goiters removed. I know that sounds so callous, but, particularly if your job involves communication, if your goiter is visible enough that you need to cover it with bandages, maybe you should think about removing it (if it's medically possible). Kenn and I visited a church where the pastor had a HUGE goiter on his neck. That he covered with flesh-colored bandages (which I appreciated). I cannot remember what the sermon was about.

Saturday morning, I have the TV tuned to the Kidz Only music channel. My sons are dancing around, my husband is getting to sleep in, and I am cleaning BECAUSE I WANT TO. I don't know how it happened, but I was not going to be happy if that floor didn't get mopped. It was blissful.

Also, my friend Heather took that photo. Check out her photo blog, An Even Ten. The link's on the sidebar.

Books I've Read/ Movies I've Watched

2008-09-13T15:19:00.005-04:00

This is mostly just a housekeeping post. I'm currently reading and watching movies quite regularly, and I like to remember what I've read/watched. This is the easiest place for me to keep it, so sorry for the boring stuff.

Since mid-August, I've read/watched:

Books
The Ugly Duckling by Iris Johanssen
I Am Charlotte Simmons by Tom Wolfe
The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren W.
Stacey vs. The BSC
Stacey's Broken Heart
Weep No More, My Lady by Mary Higgins Clark

Movies
Capote
Deep Impact
National Treasure
Interview With the Vampire
Black Snake Moan
High School High
Superbad
Four Weddings and a Funeral
Gone Baby Gone
Far From Heaven
American Beauty
Across The Universe
Derailed
Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Product Crush

2008-09-12T13:29:00.003-04:00

These shoes from Target. Cute and comfy.

Rejoining The Blog World

2008-09-11T10:44:00.006-04:00

So, I've been gone since March. Sorry about that. Been a little busy with the getting married and being married part. Also, being a stepmom takes up a lot of time. I know, news flash.

Let's see, how can I condense the last six months? Wedding prep, wedding, honeymoon, home, new cat, 2 months as newlyweds by ourselves, boys come home, Kenn works from home, school, PTA.

I am enjoying doing the household shopping-groceries and the like- and today I finally used my slow cooker. I am making some sort of stew beef concoction. If it's good, I'll share the EASY recipe with you, but it's not for food snobs, I don't suppose. I have never really had to COOK for myself or anyone, so I'm learning first to be consistent. I rarely am excited about cooking dinner, and far too often I REALLY don't want to. It must be done, so I'm trying to amass a bunch of slow cooker recipes so dinner and the clean up will be less time intensive. If you know of any good, easy ones, hit up the comment box. You know you want to.

So far, my family likes it best when I cook teriyaki chicken, with chicken and dumplings coming in a close second. I'm not a huge beef eater, so I'm never sure what to do with it. I'm working on it, though.

Also, over on the right, there's a linked banner to Paper Back Swap. You should hit that up if you love reading but don't necessarily need to keep every book you've ever read or might read. I've recently converted to the keeping only the FEW books I really love and read over and over again. As a former English major, I feel some shame in admitting that. But, honestly, most of the books sat on my shelf after I read them, and some had been on my bookcase for YEARS without my having read them. This way I can read what I want for free (well, save the cost of shipping) and send it on to someone else. Check it out, or don't. (And yes, if you use those links, and sign up, I'll get a credit. Full disclosure here. Sorry if I've sold out.) I've gotten a couple of books already, so it is legit.

And now, I leave you with a funny story. My husband took our sons (I'm not going to be using stepsons--too difficult) to the Upper SC State Fair. They all rode one of those boats that holds a lot of people and goes up and around in a circle (descriptive skills--not so good). During the middle of the ride, Kenn asks Caleb, the youngest, how he liked the ride. His answer? "IT TICKLES MY PENIS!" Said so loudly that everyone on the ride and standing down below could hear. And laugh hysterically.

A Peek at My Stuff #2 (Not Dirty!)

2008-03-20T10:48:00.002-04:00

So, these are the invitations to my wedding. I love them -- not completely untraditional, but with enough variance to make them feel like something I would choose. I love the lettering; I've always been a fan of the all lowercase. What do you think?

A Peek at My Stuff

2008-02-28T09:29:00.003-05:00

Inspired by Dooce's Daily Style photos and Mindy Kaling's blog (Things I've Bought That I Love), I have decided to start posting pictures of things I've bought that I love. Hopefully, this is will help me get out of the blogging valley. And for those of you going, "Who's Mindy Kaling?" she is Kelly from The Office.

Here is my first offering.

I found this silver bird salt/pepper shaker at a Goodwill in town. Originally, I purchased it for my mom's guest bathroom, but then she didn't want it anymore, so I snatched it back. I think it's charming, and I love that I got it for less than a dollar. Right now, it sits on a tray on my nightstand with a photo and some lotion. What do you think? What's one of your best Goodwill purchases?

Budapest (Why I Want to Go Back)

2008-01-24T13:33:00.000-05:00

Been A Long Time Gone

2008-01-24T12:36:00.001-05:00

So, I've been gone for awhile, and it is certainly time for an update, as my friend Leo helpfully reminded me. I've thought about posting several times but haven't because of one thing. I'm getting married May 31st. And planning the ceremony and reception, while not quite the HUGE ORDEAL it's stereotyped to be, does occupy a large portion of what's going on with me right now. So, I've refrained from posting because I can just picture all four or five you reading and saying, "I don't care about your hunt for a red guestbook! What is with THE FOOD?" Answer: shrimp and grits, candy buffet, appetizers, etc. Guestbook still not acquired.

In other news, I have decided to become that crazy lady who never pays full price for anything. You know, the lady who shows up to some social function or such carrying a really cute bag, and you compliment her on it, to which her response is some frenzied version of "ON SALE! A BILLION PERCENT OFF! FREE SHIPPING!" I would like to be like her, only less shouty. So, warning, I may occassionally do the blog drive-by like "khaki cloth napkins, seventy cents apiece at Kohl's." (True story.) Any other bargain hunters should check out Want Not, a blog that is all about what is on sale where. I thought that this new....all right, obsession would make me all spendy, but I've actually been resisting more impulses to buy things. I actually needed a new blanket-- I got one for $5, free shipping (GLOATING). I have a pair of black shoes, a pair of brown, and a pair of tennis shoes. I honestly don't need anything else. I have two great bags, so no spending unnecessarily because it's so pretty, and also on sale! (Though I am tempted, believe you me, at times.)

And now it's time for the random list segment of the blog!

Movies seen in 2008 (at the theater): Juno, The Bucket List, The Legend of the Water Horse
Days till Season 4 of Lost starts: 7!
Kenn and I have to decided to host our own awards show, The Kacis. More details will be forthcoming.
I procured a phone from Ebay that had not previously been dropped into a cup of Coke. My brother, in related news, inherited a cell phone that had previously been dropped into a cup of Coke. I went all fancy (five years ago) and won an old Blackberry. I bought it a new battery just in case. I love it. It is blue, so technically it is a Blueberry.
Sherry has left NGU. I am quite sad

Movies I Want To See, In List Format

2007-11-12T13:01:00.000-05:00

Inspired by Heather, here's a list of movies that I want to see before 2007 be done. And read on for there is a surprise after the list... (Sherry).

1. Lars & the Real Girl
2. Across The Universe
3. Martian Child
4. Fred Claus
5. Enchanted
6. Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
7. Love In the Time of Cholera
8. Bella
9. Gone Baby Gone
10. Atonement
11. Alvin & The Chipmunks (I know. I don't care.)

Let me know if you've see any of these and whether you liked them (please don't spoil the ending). And now for the surprise...the long awaited Ask The Readers #2! Beowulf. Do I see it or not? Why?

Ask The Readers #1

2007-10-16T09:27:00.000-04:00

I've decided to start a couple of new regular segments, if you will, on my blog. This is the first of one of those segments. Ask the readers. I think its name is rather self-explanatory, don't you?

Anyway, I am trying to make the best Christmas mix CD ever. I can tell that I am going to be crazy invested in Christmas this year-- not the gifts, mind you. So I would like for you, the various readers, to tell me what your favorite Christmas songs are. Please tell me the title and who performs the version you love most. I also am looking for a version of "O Holy Night" that both includes the second verse and isn't too showy vocally. Hopefully, you guys can help me with that too!

Now comment away!

ETA: I should have done this first, but I've added the list of songs I currently have. I haven't had a chance to listen to some of the specific ones, but I'm looking forward to it. Haley and Sherry, it's neither Bing Crosby nor Emery for "White Christmas." It's Otis Redding. Oh, and if there's no artist, I'm still looking for the perfect version.

1. God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings by Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan

2. White Christmas by Otis Redding

3. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

4. All I Want for Christmas by Mariah Carey

5. Christmas Is All Around by Bill Nighy (yes, from Love Actually)

6. O Holy Night

7. Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee (thanks, Sherry)

8. Do You Hear What I Hear

9. Happy Christmas (War is Over) by John Lennon

10. Silent Night

11. That Christmas song by The Chipmunks

12. My Grown Up Christmas List by Kelly Clarkson

13. O Holy Night by Eric Cartman

So...

2007-09-27T13:05:00.001-04:00

I am having a bad day.

Number Ones

2007-09-12T11:32:00.000-04:00

Go here to find out what the number one song was on major milestones in your life.

When I was born -- Eye of the Tiger by Survivor (yes, I'm aware of the awesomeness.)
When I graduated from high school -- Maria, Maria by Santana
When I turned 18 -- Doesn't Really Matter by Janet Jackson (she can shut it)
When I turned 21 -- Crazy In Love by Beyonce (I can't tell you how awesome I think this is)
When I graduated from college -- Yeah by Usher (ft. Lil Jon & Ludacris)

Books For Sale

2007-08-21T10:14:00.000-04:00

To make room for new books and things on my one allotted bookshelf, I am selling a few books. The way it will work is like this. I am going to post a list of books for sale below. Please comment to this post the ones you would like to purchase (first come, first served). If we need to work out shipping, email me AFTER you comment with your list. Unless otherwise noted, all books are $1. N stands for new, HB for hardback. If there is a *, that means I have previously used the book in classes, and it may have markings and highlighting. Any other questions, just ask! Happy browsing!

A Room with a View by E.M. Forster (N) $2
The Stranger by Albert Camus
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller
The Selected Writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson
My Antonia by Willa Cather*
Don Quixote by Cervantes
Isben: Four Major Plays
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
This Present Darkness by Frank E. Peretti
Piercing The Darkness by Frank E. Peretti
Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
Dubliners by James Joyce*
A Passage to India by E.M. Forster
East Of Eden by John Steinback
History Of the World in 10 1/2 Chapters by Julian Barnes* $3
Murder In the Cathedral by T.S. Eliot
Best American Short Stories of the Century (Anthology)* $5
White Oleander by Janet Fitch (HB) $3
Basic Theology by Charles Ryrie (HB, N) $5
Jesus & the Gospels by Craig Blomberg (HB)* $3 (no dust jacket)
Shadow Of the Almighty by Elisabeth Elliot

Brief Book Review: The Talented Mr. Ripley

2007-08-20T15:29:00.000-04:00

Normally, I would make a picture like this smaller, but I needed the blurb of text at the bottom to be readable, as I am using it as a starting point for my (quasi) review. I'm refraining from a brief plot overview because it's now also a movie, and anyone can easily find out the plot. Suffice it to say that Tom Ripley is a murderous sociopath. What is most interesting about this novel for me is the character of Ripley, who The Daily Telegraph describes as amoral, hedonistic, and charming. As the narration (3rd limited) follows him, the reader receives everything he or she needs to know without being told explicitly. Show rather than tell, you see.

What is more, the reveal of the true nature of Tom, mentally disturbed, unfeeling, completely self-centered, is rather subtle in places. For instance, Highsmith (the author) establishes in various places the depth of hatred Tom has for others around him (and perhaps more importantly, the lack of love for any person). And certainly, his admiration of, love for, and obsession with material possessions is evident on each page. Indeed, at one point Tom even explicitly considers his love for possessions. What is refreshing is the author's restraint in connecting the dots; rather, she trusts the reader to put 2 and 2 together.

All in all, The Talented Mr. Ripley is a fascinating, albeit imperfect, account of the depravity of a disturbed yet talented individual. He is charming but cannot abide the company of others for long for fear of being found out. He fantasizes about murder. He may very well be a clinically determined "serial killer," though I'm inclined to doubt that characterization (he usually gains from the murders, so there is always a direct motive for the killings beyond simply the urge to kill). Though it's obviously not for everyone, if this review has interested you, I would recommend giving it a whirl. I found it to be a quick, easy read, and I enjoyed the novel.

*As this stands to become a recurring format on my blog, I would like to state for the record that none of these reviews will be professional. I will not discuss ad nauseum the strengths and weaknesses of each book I read. In fact, I will only promise 3 things: I will not reveal the ending unless the novel in question is over 100 years old; I will discuss whatever interested me about the book, even if that means that I discuss how uninteresting it was; I will say whether I liked it or not.

Book Sale!

2007-08-19T18:02:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I woke up at 6 a.m. On a Saturday. Why? Because the Greenville Literacy Association was having their annual Really Good, Really Big, Really Cheap Book Sale. And it is all of those things, unless you want new hardbacks. Those will run you from $5 to $10 a pop. I took $20 to the sale with me. I knew that the vast majority of that budget would go to trade paperbacks. I spent $1 at the classics table for 2 books, and $1 at the used hardbacks section for 1 books. I got 9 books from the trade paperbacks section for $18. (I actually have no idea why I'm giving such a rundown. Oh well. It's already typed.) Want to know what I got? Sure you do!

The Talented Mr. Ripley, Patricia Highsmith
Life of Pi, Yann Martel
The Good Husband, Gail Godwin
Atonement, Ian McEwan
Notes On a Scandal: What Was She Thinking?, Zoe Heller
The Hours, Michael Cunningham
The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, Patrick Suskind
The Namesake, Jhumpa Lahiri
The Shipping News, E. Annie Proulx (this was the used hardback)
Frankenstein, Mary Shelley
Tess of the D'Urbervilles, Thomas Hardy

So, if you've read and enjoyed any of these, let me know what you think. I'm currently about halfway through The Talented Mr. Ripley. I'll most likely post a quasi-review of each after I finish them, mostly to make myself read in a timely manner.

Mix CDs I Once Made

2007-08-17T14:50:00.000-04:00

Keep It Tight
Bohemian Like You – The Dandy Warhols
Lollipop – Mika
Best Days – Matt White
She Is Beautiful – Andrew W.K.
12:51 – The Strokes
Everybody Got Their Something – Nikka Costa
Don’t Let’s Start – Common Rotation
Fat-Bottomed Girls – Queen
I Like It – Sammy
Together Forever In Love – Go Sailor
American Music – The Violent Femmes
To Be Young (Is To Be Sad, Is To Be High) – Ryan Adams
Can’t Get Next to You – The Temptations
Ready To Go – Republica
What I Got – Sublime
Take Me Anywhere – Tegan and Sara
Canned Heat – Jamiroquai
Bohemian Rhapsody -- Queen

Keep It Loose
Paint the Silence – South
I Found a Reason – Cat Power
A Love That Will Never Grow Old – Emmylou Harris
One Headlight – The Wallflowers
Not Ready To Make Nice – The Dixie Chicks
I Know, I Know, I Know – Tegan and Sara
Shelter – Ray LaMontagne
I Can’t Take My Eyes off You – Melanie Doane
In My Life – The Beatles
In The Sun – Joseph Arthur
Nobody Loved You – Manic Street Preachers
Fade Into You – Mazzy Star
Float On – Ben Lee
Glass Vase Cello Case – Tattle Tale
Love Song for a Vampire – Annie Lennox
Honey and the Moon – Joseph Arthur
I Will Follow You into the Dark – Death Cab for Cutie
Nightswimming – R.E.M.

Last Call

2007-08-13T13:41:00.000-04:00

Last call for Mix CD Swap participants! You have until midnight tomorrow night (EST) to sign up. See this post for that process. As promised, here is a more comprehensive explanation of the rules and process.

What happens after the matches are posted?
You have 4 weeks to make a mix; the deadline for having your CDs in the mail (or your playlists uploaded) is Sept. 12. Your partner will appreciate you emailing when your mix is in the mail. If you can, give him or her an estimate of how long it will take to arrive.

How much does it cost?
You will most likely need blank CDs and postage, but there are alternatives to those costs. Regarding postage, there is no suggested method. You can spring for delivery confirmation, but in general the cheapest option will do.

Do I need to put my mix in a padded envelope?
Yes. The CD will also need to be in a case.

Postage is a problem this round/I'm running out of time/I'm interested in alternatives to burning and mailing a CD:
You are welcome to upload music to a private website or a place like YouSendIt, either .zip-ped or individually linked, or in a folder – doesn't matter, but please do the following: type up a playlist for your partner's reference, and please post the link in a private email to your partner, not on this blog.

Are a playlist, liner notes, and cover art required?
Only a playlist is required. Liner notes are optional, but fantastic – this is your chance to tell your partner why you love the music you are sharing. But if you are short on time, liner notes and cover art are definitely optional. Additional details in the playlist beyond artist and song title are excellent, particularly if you are promoting lesser known artists. You might consider including the album title and release year, but of course that is optional as well.

What kind of music should I put on my mix?
Whatever you like! There are no rules for the actual mixes. Just put in whatever you're feeling at the moment and what you think people should know about. You are welcome to browse your partner's website (if applicable) for ideas. You can also do a themed mix at any time (more on this later). But the primary purpose of the mix trade is to share your tastes and your creativity. As such, everybody might not like each song on his/her mix, but everyone will have been exposed to new music. Hopefully, each person will discover someone new they enjoy, too!

Can I specify the type of music I'd like to receive? As a general rule, no. See above. If you are genuinely worried that you might receive something offensive, however, email me and we'll discuss your concern, involving your partner if necessary.

How long should the mix be?
You should aim to fill up as much of your chosen media as possible. If you're sending a 74 minute CD-R, for example, you should try to fill up as much of that 74 minutes as possible.

Yay! My mix has arrived! Should I thank my partner? Yes, that would be nice. And your mother would encourage you to do so as well, and you know it. Emails are fine for this.

What if I don't receive my mix by the deadline? It could just be that the mail is slow. If you have not heard from your partner that your mix was sent, try contacting him/her again, and let me know. If you still do not hear back, I will try to get an answer for you. Hopefully it was either the mail's fault or Real Life intervened, and you can still get your mix from your original partner. But...

What if my partner flakes?
If it's three or four days past the deadline and no one's heard hide nor hair of your partner, either I or a volunteer from the group will send you a mix for this round. Don't let it sour you on the process. It happens to the best of us.

Hey, themed mixes sound legendary. What kind of themes are we talking about?
Creativity knows no limits here. One mix CD that a friend of mine made for someone was songs about the sun-moon cycle of a day. As in, the songs started with sunrise and went to moonlight. It was awesome music too. If you want some suggestions, though, here you go:

Songs To RAGE To
Songs You Love That Make Your Friends Roll Your Eyes
Songs For Driving
Songs For Rainy Sundays In Bed
Songs That Make You Swoon
Songs That Remind You of High School/College
Love Songs
Breakup Songs
Songs that have a name in them (e.g., "Levon," "Mandy," etc.)

Well, that should clear up any confusion and let everyone know what is expected. Any further questions should definitely be emailed to me, or you could post them in a comment. Please don't hesitate.

Matches will be announced August 15!

Good Things That August Brings

2007-08-08T15:43:00.001-04:00

Legs crossing the street
Originally uploaded by manganite

1. The Age of Staci. Yes, for you neophytes, I was indeed born in August, a month without holidays. Indeed, only a month without holidays was suitable for my birth, as I would grow up and demand that everyone close to me celebrate my birthday all month. There is no August, you see. Only The Age of Staci, which will be brought to it astonishingly brilliant climax on the 27th (translation: that's my birthday).

2. The Mix CD Swap. It will be loads of fun. Hurry-- you only have till the 14th to sign up.

3. This movie. I loved the book.

4. The Really Good, Really Big, Really Cheap Annual Book Sale. Mmm. Books.

5. The probable beginning of Tiny Pumpkin Season.

6. Back to school shopping-- I miss buying school supplies, y'all!

7. My learning that my favorite perfume ever has NOT been discontinued. There is so much joy there. Oh, Hugo for Women. Just you wait.

Mix CD Swap

2007-07-31T13:40:00.001-04:00

mix cd covers
Originally uploaded by thisisloveforever

Who's up for some new music? I'm hosting a mix CD swap, and you might ask, if you were prone to asking questions, how does such a thing work? It's fairly simple. First, email me and let me know you want to do it. I'll need your name, address, email, website/blog (if you have one), and whether you're willing to ship internationally (just in case!). After the sign-up round ends, I'll email each one of you with your partner's info. I'm thinking that it might be best to give everybody a month to get their CDs out. After you make the CD, just mail it out (please use some padding!) and wait for your own CD to come to you. In a couple of days, I'll post another entry with some more fleshed out rules and guidelines, but I think that covers the gist. Sign up, get your partner, make a CD, mail it.

Oh, and if you join the swap, please link back to this entry from your own blog/website. The more, the merrier, yes?

I'm giving the sign up round two weeks. So, hurry...you only have until August 14th to sign up.

Recent Purchases

2007-07-12T09:57:00.000-04:00

Up first are these lovely earrings on sale at Amazon. They are just long enough for me, and they are really, really lightweight. I have this weird fear that, as I get older and skin starts to sag, my holes will sag too, and I'll get those scary earring holes where it looks like the earring might fall through the bottom of the ear any moment. But these are lighter than some studs I've had, so I feel confident wearing them all the time.

I wish more and more people loved Joseph Arthur. Probably lots of you know one or two of his songs, like "Honey and the Moon" or "In The Sun." But, let me just tell you-- he is really good. Sometimes, guys with guitars who do a lot of mid to slow tempo music bore me, unless I'm resting in my room or something. Not Joseph Arthur. Heather, I feel confident in telling you that you're going to like him. I'll be sending you some stuff in the mail soon to soonish. Anyway, this album is called Come To Where I'm From, and I highly recommend it. Also, check out Arthur's website over there on the sidebar.

As you may or may not have seen on TV or in the mail that they send you, like LOOK AT US PLEASE, Pier 1 is having a large summer sale. A lot of the stuff I went for was gone when I got to the store near Haywood Mall, but I'm sure that there will be more items for sale when I go back. I picked up 3 of these votive holders, which were not on sale. That is okay, however, since their everyday price is $1. ONE dollar. You probably have a hundred and six or seven (what is the sales tax now?) pennies in your house somewhere. These are good quality candle holders too. Thick enough glass, and the votives I purchased from Pier 1 didn't stick to the sides after they were all used up. I let the wax harden back up, and it just kind of popped up from the holder. That probably has more to do with the actual candles, though.

So, that's what I'm loving. You? What products do we all need to know about?

Top 5 At the Moment

2007-06-14T09:32:00.001-04:00

I has a flavor
Originally uploaded by the boy on the bike

1. Lolcats (cat macros) are hysterical. The photo to your right is an example of a lolcat. You see, one takes pictures of his/her cat and makes up very funny captions, using a distinct dialect native to cats. These are all over the place, and I have looked at pages of them and cried from laughing so hard. Facebook introduced an application to have random lolcats pics inserted into your profile; LJ has several communities. I wholeheartedly endorse this phenomenon.

2. This article from McSweeney's. Very funny.

3. Dresses. I have suddenly become this girl who loves to wear dresses or at least skirts. Don't ask-- I have no idea how it happened either.

4. West Elm. Pretty, pretty.

5. Overheard In The Office & Overheard At The Beach. The original link in this chain was Overheard In New York, which is still funny and updated quite frequently. They have also added Celebrity Wit and Overheard Everywhere. Recently, though, my favorites are the office and the beach. So, if you eavesdrop, submit some particularly funny/ridiculous conversations. I need more reading material!

Vacation

2007-06-07T11:08:00.001-04:00

Iberostar Paraiso Lindo lazy river 1
Originally uploaded by Harrogate

So, I've just decided to take a much-needed vacation at the end of the month. Since hotels and such are expensive, I've decided to stay in G-Vegas, though I am hoping that my friend Angela will let me stay in the green guest room in her much-nicer-than-a-hotel house. Seriously, it would be so posh. My vacation would start at 12:01 pm Friday the 22nd and continue until Sunday the 30th. I plan on mostly sticking around here, though I do want to drive up to some spots in the mountains, perhaps to Table Rock.

I also want to go here. I love water parks so so much. I've never been to this one, but I know that I shall spend lots of time in the lazy river. Sure, it's not going to be a huge water park, but it will do, especially for the price. Long and short of it, I'm tremendously excited about the vacay at home (sorta). Lots of lounging in store, let me tell you. Has anyone else ever done the vacation at home? How'd it work out for you?

Check It Out

2007-06-05T14:24:00.001-04:00

Go here to read some funny passive-aggressive notes. Seriously, I laughed a lot.

make more coffee
Originally uploaded by williac

Linkage

2007-05-02T15:24:00.000-04:00

Go here. It's my wedding webpage from The Knot. It's not completed yet, but it has a good bit of information up-- how we met, most of the wedding party, date, time, place, registries. Drop by and sign the guestbook if you want!

Doing it like Heather

2007-05-01T15:00:00.000-04:00

Here are the top 10 songs I'm currently digging (in no particular order).

1. "Make Your Own Kind of Music," Mama Cass

2. "New Shoes," Paolo Nutini

3. "Rollerskate Skinny," Old 97s

4. "Girlfriend," Avril Lavigne

5. "Fidelity," Regina Spektor

6. "In The Sun," Joseph Arthur

7. "Goodnight and Go," Imogen Heap

8. "Float On," Ben Lee (a cover of the Modest Mouse song)

9. "Every Little Thing (He Does Is Magic)," MYMP (yep, a cover of The Police song)

10. "To Be Young (Is To Be Sad, Is To Be High)." Ryan Adams

Off The Beaten Path

2007-04-09T11:43:00.000-04:00

Kenn and I wanted to rent a movie yesterday, but, for some unknown reason, we bypassed the Blockbusters. We instead went to the nation's 3rd largest rental chain Family Video. They are the largest privately owned chain, and they are located in 14 states so far. So why the shameless plug? Well, I didn't get a job with them, but I am switching from Blockbuster forever. The location I went to had a better selection of titles. Kenn and I rented Jesus Camp, and Josh and Caleb both got to choose a DVD to rent for five days for FREE. Our total cost? $1.37.

Of course, for the first month, everything is 50% off. So, it would have been $2.74. For a new release and two kids' movies (five day rental for the kids and a two day rental for the new release). Older releases? Rent for five days for either $1 or 50 cents. They are open from 10 a.m. to midnight 365 days a year, like Blockbuster. Yeah, like Blockbuster, except better.

To a girl who looks so good...

2007-04-07T21:46:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Heather!

Link and Catch Up

2007-03-27T11:24:00.000-04:00

This made me laugh harder than anything I can remember in a long time. I had tears in my eyes, folks.

Also, we did go to the circus. We did get a dog. He's a red heeler, a type of Australian cattle dog, and we named him Ringo Starr. He tries to herd us. We went on a weekend trip to Gatlinburg. I also got engaged and bought a wedding dress. I am planning a motherload of picture posts soon.

How are you doing?

Tomorrow...

2007-02-02T11:13:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is a big day for my boys and me. First, we're going to the Greenville Humane Society to get a dog! The two little boys don't know yet, so they aren't bouncing off the wall-- that would be me. I'm so excited. The dog will live with Kenn, but I'll be over there so often it won't really matter. At least, this is what I tell myself.

After the puppy picking (heh), the four of us are going to see the circus! Again, Kenn and the boys have all been before. I have not. I'm probably the most excited. We have 9th row seats, which aren't too shabby. The seats are mid-price range, but we had a coupon and everything. An hour before the show starts, any ticketholder can come into the arena and meet the elephants, clowns, and other circus folk, as well try on oversized circus costumes. I'll try to post pictures afterwards.

I feel very soccer mom-ish...Weird.

I enjoyed my snow day break. Now that I'm back at work, though, I keep thinking of things I'd wish I'd done. Not things like play in the snow, have a snowball fight, etc. I did those things. What I really mean is that I keep thinking of movies I own and can watch over and over (Love Actually, Mean Girls, Wedding Crashers). I'm all like, "I should have watched that!" Eh, I'll watch 'em soon. This section has no point.

Rambling. I'll end it here (mercifully).

My Boys

2007-01-12T11:39:00.000-05:00

Josh.

Caleb.

Kenn.

Love.

Reasons Why I Love That Guy

2006-10-31T10:32:00.000-05:00

Staci: Hey.

Kenn: Hey. I just found out a great way to relieve stress.

Staci: What?

Kenn: I raise my hands up over my head, and then I wave them about as though I simply do not concern myself with such matters.

Love.

You're On Notice

2006-08-25T09:43:00.000-04:00

I have something new!

2006-07-19T14:46:00.000-04:00

It's best to tell this in a short series of photos (ok, 2 photos).

First,

Forgive the crazy look in my eyes. Fake smile hazard.

Later...

Pretty!

So...

2006-06-06T15:30:00.000-04:00

I have a job interview tomorrow at a university library. I'm totally qualified, and I REALLY need it. So, thoughts and prayers tomorrow. 3:30.

Dear Katie,

2006-05-19T10:33:00.000-04:00

sufjan 04
Originally uploaded by awaki.

You were so right about Sufjan Stevens. Man. I'm currently wearing out Casimir Pulaski Day, which means that I'm tearing up everytime he sings "Oh the morning when you finally go" and then DEAD by the time the last part comes around.

Oh the glory that the Lord has made
And the complications when I see His face
In the morning in the window

Oh the glory when He took our place
But He took my shoulders and He shook my face
And He takes and He takes and He takes

So yes, Sufjan Stevens. Highly recommended. Not all of his songs make you want to cry.

Meet Harvey...

2006-05-17T13:19:00.000-04:00

Guitar
Originally uploaded by mrwalker.

So I assume that most of you don't know that I have acquired a guitar. Yes, the day we all have looked forward to or possibly feared is here. I shall learn to play and accompany myself whilst singing. Note that this is not actually MY guitar, though mine is black and tough. This is why I named him Harvey Wallbanger (the author wishes to thank Heather for the suggestion of Harvey).

However, as of now, I have no idea how to play or what strings are what. So, if anyone I know lives near me and wishes to help me learn, I will be most appreciative. Not appreciative in the sense of I can pay you (YET), but appreciative nonetheless. Seriously, I would really love it if someone could teach me how to play.

So Cool

2006-04-20T16:02:00.000-04:00

I want one of these...

So friggin' cool. Go here to browse.

The Egg Hunt Slideshow

2006-04-19T11:19:00.000-04:00

Ok, my readers, I found a slideshow that would work on Blogger (crosses fingers). Here we go.

I'll probably only leave this up for a few days, a week at the most, since it makes the loading time more significant. So enjoy while you can!

And I'm Back in the Game...

2006-04-19T10:48:00.000-04:00

Here are a couple of pictures from Easter Sunday morning, where Heather, Angela, and I are looking [cue Teen Girl Squad Voice] so good!

I have a bunch of pictures from the Easter Egg Hunt from Saturday, but...well it's a lot of pictures. I'm going to try to get a slide show up on Myspace. We'll see how that goes.

Things I Want To Say To The People Sitting Two Tables Down

2006-04-18T16:42:00.000-04:00

To Go Cup
Originally uploaded by SpooSpa.

* You're too loud. I don't need to know about your frat parties, how drunk you're going to get, your friend's golf tournament, your roommate Honor, or your friend on scholarship and how he's going through some trouble with inconsiderate roommates. It's college drama. Deal. And learn to deal QUIETLY. I don't need to hear everything you say.

*Also, I don't need to hear everything you eat. If I can hear you chew from 2 or 3 tables down, perhaps you should take a table etiquette and manners class. You know, just perhaps. In general, one closes the mouth whilst masticating, and one does not talk with his or her mouth full. I'm just saying.

Two in as many days?

2006-04-18T13:51:00.000-04:00

Yes, it's true. It's another blog from me. This one is also mostly pictures, but take what you can get, you know? These are from Laura Beth and Joe's wedding on April 9th. Before you see the photos, though, do know that they got engaged, planned and pulled off a wedding in 3 weeks. Three. And no, it wasn't a shotgun wedding. His father is in the armed forces and is being sent overseas for a good while, so they went ahead and got married so his father could be there. So yes, this is the absolutely gorgeous three week wedding, in pictorial form.

I also got to see some old college friends, most importantly my senior year girls. It was really good to see everybody, even though we didn't really get to chat and catch up a lot.

And there's one of me and the bride for good measure. I think we look cute. Anyway, the Burfitt is no longer the Burfitt. She is now the Cuyar. Yay!

At least it hasn't been a month...

2006-04-17T11:27:00.000-04:00

Again, sorry about that lack of updating. But! I have recently have some event filled weekends, and, as such, some pictures and blogs for you to enjoy! First up is my trip to Charleston for Heather's birthday. I went down with her from Thursday to Saturday, which wasn't long enough, but you make do with what you have. Friday was Ms. Hizzle's birthday, so we got up and ready and, after a quick stop at the Target, we were off to the beach.

I cannot begin to describe how good it felt to be on the beach. I hadn't been in a long time, and though the water was a little cold for swimming, we got to stand in it, jumping waves and kicking up water and generally having WAY too much fun (if there is such a thing). Perfect weather too, with a lovely little breeze. We almost fell asleep there, but there was more fun to be had (shopping, Jack's Cosmic Dogs, Ms. Pac-Man, and cute Citadel boys doing their parade for Heather's birthday). Sadly, I do not have pictures of those, but I will leave you with this really cute picture of the birthday girl.

Actually, I won't because Blogger won't upload it for me. Anyway, it was lovely and fun, and we basically looked so good, and you're totally jealous you weren't there. Or something.

Music Meme

2006-03-22T15:10:00.000-05:00

I haven't updated in awhile. I need to start updating more. I'm hoping that this music survey thing will motivate me.

I borrowed this from Newspaper Hack. Thanks and such. I also added a couple questions because I wanted it to come out to 25 questions.

1. A favorite political track “My Enemies are Men Like Me” – Derek Webb

2. One of those tracks that will make you dance on the dancefloor no matter what “Canned Heat” by Jamiroquai, OR “Crazy in Love” – Beyonce. Yeah, I stole the 2nd half of my answer from Newspaper Hack. Seriously, I probably could be at a funeral, and if those intro horns started, I’d shimmy in my seat. I can’t control it. I HAVE to dance.

3. The song you’d use to tell someone you love them “In My Life” – The Beatles

4. A song you know would sell lots of VWs (or iPods) if they paid for it (one that hasn’t already been used) “12:51” – The Strokes Actually I have no idea. But I do know that if they used that song, I probably would buy it so.

5. A song that forced you to sit down and analyze its lyrics “Nightswimming” - REM

6. A song you like that a 2 year old would like too “Can’t Get Next to You” – The Temptations

7. A song that makes you drive too fast “Pain” – Four Star Mary

8. A song that makes you feel like kicking someone’s butt “Fighter” – Christina Aguilera Maybe not so much beating someone up, but this song does get me through the worst part of my workout every time, so.

9. A song that both you and your grandparents like “Beyond the Sea” – Bobby Darin

10. The song you’d send to someone you hated “Nothin’ On Me” – Shawn Colvin

11. A sad instrumental song that would be in the soundtrack to a movie about your life “Close Your Eyes” – Christophe Beck (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

12. The peppy song that would start the opening credits in the soundtrack to a movie about your life “Bohemian Like You” – The Dandy Warhols

13. An acapella song “That Lonesome Road” – James Taylor

14. A good song from a genre of music that no one could guess that you liked “Early One Morning” – Nana Mouskouri Yeah, English folk music from 1700s

15. A song you think should have been playing when you were born “Hard to Handle” – Black Crowes OR “Trouble” by Pink

16. A favorite artist duo collaboration “Portland, Oregon” – Loretta Lynn and Jack White

17. A favorite song you completely disagree with (politically, morally, commonsensically, religiously, etc) “Regulate” – Warren G and Nate Dogg

18. The song that you love despite the fact that your IQ level drops several points every time you listen to it “Toxic” – Britney Spears

19. Your smooth song, for relaxing “Paint the Silence” – South

20. A song that you like but would play loud to annoy the neighbors “Transylvanian Concubine” – Rasputina

21. A favorite song that’s about a sport or sports N/A

22. A favorite track from an outfit considered a “super-group” “Take It Easy” – The Eagles; “I Saw Her Standing There” – The Beatles I wasn’t exactly sure what was meant by “super group” as that can generally have two meanings. I just went with “really, really famous and influential.”

23. the song that makes you want to drink more beer “Honey Don’t” – Steve Earle and other guy, OR “To Be Young” – Ryan Adams

24. one of the songs you want played at your funeral “In Christ Alone"

25. favorite Dylan track “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright”

So what do you think? Like some of these songs? Hate some of these songs? Both? Hit me up with the comments.

OK, OK

2006-02-17T16:24:00.000-05:00

IMG_8095e
Originally uploaded by mollymolly.

So for those of you who took bets, I should officially announce it. I gave notice at the airport restaurant Wednesday. Yeah, that's a week. Yeah, I'm awesome. There were a bunch of reasons why I didn't stay, but the most important is that I HATE IT. With the fire of 1000 suns even. So I'm still looking for a part time job, but I managed to earn March's car payment while I was at the place not to be named from here on.

Oh, and those of you who lost? Pay up. Be cool.

Just. Shut. Up

2006-02-08T14:23:00.000-05:00

For the love of all that is good and pure, will someone just WAKE HIM UP? September is over, has been over for months. He missed Thanksgiving, Christmas, Boxing Day, New Years, MLK Day, and is about to miss Valentines. But most of all, wake him up so I can STOP hearing his voice on my stupid radio.

Shut up, Green Day.

*In other news, I'm taking 3 classes and just got a job as a waitress at the airport restaurant. Yeah. I'm that rad.

Amusing Essay

2006-01-18T13:41:00.000-05:00

Man, I love McSweeney's.

Lobster Boy's 5th Grade Report Card

Wow, it's been three weeks, huh?

2005-12-28T23:17:00.000-05:00

So even though it's been the better part of a month, I'm not going to post a long, in-depth entry completely updating you on my doings and such. What I will say is this: quit my job, had another car accident (this one, technically my fault), finished my first semester of grad school (4.0, if you want to know), Christmas, 3 movies in one week (Narnia, y'all), and plenty watching of this:

Book Me!

2005-12-07T15:43:00.000-05:00

Dear readers, who may number at least 10, I request that you help me in something. Please rec me some books. I have been leaning towards the slack side on reading since college, and, while some of that was due to the amount I read and how I had to read it, it is no longer acceptable. For a general idea of what I like, I will list both (some of) my favorite books and a list of stuff already in my reading queue.

Some Favorites
The Great Gatsby
Pride and Prejudice
The Sound and the Fury
The Sun Also Rises
Bridget Jones Diary
(yeah, I like modern American lit. What?)

Reading Queue
The Year of Magical Thinking
Tom Jones
Love in the Time of Cholera
In Cold Blood (okay, so it's a re-read)
The Republic (I so should have read this already)

Now, grant me the gift of literature, fine readers.

After Watching the Movie

2005-12-01T13:24:00.000-05:00

After Watching the Movie
Originally uploaded by Blinvisible27.

"...My conscience is captive to the word of God. To go against conscience is neither right nor safe. I cannot and I will not recant. Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me."

-Martin Luther

Random Quickie

2005-11-30T14:14:00.000-05:00

It was my intention to write a nice long entry about my nice long Thanksgiving break (during which I saw this guy and his wife), but then I realized that I had a mound of work to do, so I'm going to have to disappoint.

But, this morning whilst i was driving to work, I smelled that particular smell that hotel pools have (esp. indoor ones). You know, with all the chlorine? It was odd because I was nowhere near a hotel nor a pool, but it made me think of that one Spring Break that I spent with Cecil and Erynn at the beach. It was fun, and I think it was the last time that I was at a hotel where I went swimming. Anyway, I just love that fact that senses, including smell, are so closely knit to memory.

Hymn

2005-11-22T10:14:00.000-05:00

Come Thy Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace.
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount; I'm fixed upon it,
Mount of Thy redeeming love.

Here I raise mine Ebenezer-
Hither by Thy help I've come.
And I hope by Thy good pleasure
Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger
Wandering from the fold of God.
He to rescue me from danger
Interposed His precious blood.

Oh to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be.
Let Thy grace, Lord, like a fetter
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love.
Here's my heart, Lord, take and seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above.

ATTENTION

2005-11-22T09:34:00.000-05:00

ATTENTION
Originally uploaded by 353.

I love the name Stella.

That is all.

ETA: And the word "bejiggity."

My First Wreck

2005-11-21T11:34:00.000-05:00

DSC04152
Originally uploaded by sigue:).

So I was in an accident Saturday evening-- but I'm fine. Here's the story:

My brother and I are driving along to Zaxby's in Simpsonville, so as to avoid the traffic on Woodruff Rd, though usually we frequent that one. Anyway, Fairview Rd. or St (can't remember)is a four lane road, fairly active with the cars and whatnot. Anyway, we switch to the right hand lane to go around a 96 Ford that is creeping along. We stop at a red light, and I'm looking across the street at a gas station, jamming a little to the music, when I hear a crash type noise behind me. I check my rearview mirror and find that the 96 Ford has hit a car in the left lane and is swerving into my lane. It is inevitable that she will hit me at speeds of about 15-20 mph. That doesn't sound like a lot, and it isn't, really, but I'm completely stopped, so it's jarring, a bit. Anyway, I look away from my rearview mirror because I don't want to watch my car get hit.

We get out, and I'm already aware that my car probably has little damage and is certainly drivable. My brother is already on his cell talking to my parents; the other lady who's been hit is already on her cell to the police. I am...doing nothing because that's all I know to do in this situation. I look in at the driver and passengers in the car that was at fault, and the driver looks...a bit off. She's not well; something happened in that car. I should've asked if everyone in there was okay, but I didn't. I didn't even think to until the other lady who'd been hit did. The police were on their way.

They come, two cars of them. The driver of the at fault car had a seizure while driving, so we call for medical assistance. Well, the police do. A fire truck shows up, then an ambulance or two. It's a bit of a blur because I've never been in this situation before. I'm just praying that the seizure lady is alright. And, if I'm honest, thinking about all the insurance stuff to deal with.

We sit in my car because it's gotten dark and it's cold and the police told us to do so. The ambulance takes away the lady who'd had seizures (I know names; I just don't think it's appropriate to share them on my blog). I sign a green form with everyone's information on it, am informed to send that to my insurance company and have them send it in within 15 days, and leave. I have moved, acted, and reacted on autopilot.

I'm so grateful that it wasn't a bad wreck because it wasn't. It's just my back bumper that's messed up and maybe my rear wheel alignment. My brother and I were both fine physically; no scratches. I just had a headache for awhile, as I'd hit my head on the car ceiling(?) while wearing a baseball hat. It was one step up from a fender bender. God was gracious, and I'm completely thankful.

Clemson wins again

2005-11-21T11:06:00.000-05:00

Clemson wins again
Originally uploaded by orangejack.

Not the best game, but Tigers pull it off (with a called back touchdown, I might add). Whitehurst goes 4-0 against Carolina. Smile.

C-L-E-M-S-O-N T-I-G-E-R-S! Fight, Tigers! Fight, Tigers! Fight, fight, fight!

Oh, and Adam? My dad pronounces it Clem-son, and I've picked it up.

People Please!

2005-11-16T17:36:00.000-05:00

I was just reading over at the Starbucks Gossip blog, and they had a discussion about celebrity sightings at Starbucks. Apparently, someone wanted to see if he or she could bump into a certain celebrity-- Tom Cavanaugh?-- and asked which Starbucks he'd gone to. And someone replied, in all sincerity, "I heard he goes to the one in New York City."

What? Come on. Use your head!

Quirks

2005-11-16T10:04:00.000-05:00

homestarrunner
Originally uploaded by jeffisageek.

1. I have an irrational disgust for Michael McDonald. Luckily, he has a new TV commercial, which prompts me, of course, to command him to shut up. Loudly. Every time.

2. I'm Team Aniston.

3. Penguins have replaced ducks on the top spot of my scale of animals I think are cute.

4. I'm recently obsessed with earrings, particularly long, dangly ones. I'm wearing turquoise chandelier ones today.

5. I buy my Clinique lipstick new from Ebay because it's crazy cheaper.

6. In closing, I look good in red. See, check it out--- butt dance, butt dance!

Huh.

2005-11-11T08:28:00.000-05:00

I just got an email from Jonathan Edwards. Now obviously, there have been people born with with that name besides, you know, THE Jonathan Edwards; I just don't know any. And it was about how the idea of a pretrib rapture is wrong, which, hello! I'm good with. And apparently, according to this email, which also offered me $1000 if I got his book (ah!) and proved that he'd dealt badly/wrongly with the PreTrib stuff, Tim LaHaye has a gay son. I don't know what that has to do with anything regarding PreTrib, but he said so twice. I don't even know that it's true. The whole situation was just odd. And funny.

Come on! Jonathan Edwards emailed me from beyond!

I Wear Too Many Masks

2005-11-08T10:40:00.000-05:00

And I'm taking a couple off right now.

1. I call myself a political Independent, but I'm probably more Democrat than Republican. I'm more liberal than conservative. Sorry folks.

2. I'm not in a Southern Baptist church because my beliefs and theirs coincide the most. I'm in that church because I like that church and believe that God has something for me to do there right now (the college ministry). I might be a Presbyterian. I might be non-denominational. I'm probably emergent. I'm at least evangelical, not fundamentalist.

So, there you go. It is what it is. I was talking to Heather B. last night about this stuff and a bunch of other stuff as well, and I told her that 16, even 18 year old me would be AGHAST at what I just said. It's kinda funny to imagine a conversation between 18 year old me and 23 year old me.

18- Wait! I'm, like, a Democrat? But, but I'm a Christian!
23- Yeah. AND more Democrat than Republican. Look, you don't believe that abortion is a-ok suddenly. It's more about social justice and fiscal stuff.
18- But...
23- *suddenly starts screwing with 18* You don't believe in a pretribulation rapture anymore either. AND you're not dispensationalist, not that you know what that means yet.
18- What? People don't believe in a pretribulation rapture?
23- Yep. 'Specially YOU!
18- I don't...But that's wrong!
23- Oh yeah? Why?
18- Because it is!
23- *Laughs mischievously* You drink socially!
18- SHUT UP! I DO NOT!
23- You're going to see RENT the movie! It has gay people in it!
18- No!
23- Yep. And you have several gay and lesbian friends.
18- But. I mean, that's wrong.
23- Let me help you. You're about to say they're sinners.
18- Well. They are!
23- Yeah, they are. So're you. And your friends? Not saved yet. They're doing what they're supposed to be doing--sinning! And you, as a Christian? You sin a bunch still.
18- This is a lot to process.
23- Yeah. I know. Man, five years changes a lot. But, you'll be happy to know that you're still wicked awesome.
18- Well that's good. Hey, am I married?
23- No.
18- Oh, come on!
28- Well, you won't believe what happens after you're 23....

So that's what I envision a conversation with my 18 year old self to be like. It's pretty funny to me because man! I was an arrogant little something. And self-righteous. I was totally missing some of the stuff I was being taught (because this wasn't an indictment of how I grew up and the theology and doctrine I was taught). Think about, though. I mean, if we could meet ourselves at 18 or at 15 or whenever, what would we tell ourselves? Would we like ourselves? It's interesting.

Yeah, It's Different Again

2005-11-04T14:39:00.000-05:00

I know, I know. It's already my 3rd look, but I really like this one, so I think it'll stay around for awhile. Also, I added my ghetto, add it in by keyboard, not imported playlist over on the sidebar.

Things/People That/Who Own Me

2005-11-03T11:23:00.000-05:00

Starbucks
Mozilla FoxFire
Blogs
School/Office Supplies
Penguins
Jon Stewart
Seth Green
Stewie
Fruit
Cheerwine
Ebay
My planner
Facebook
Katie King's Halloween pumpkins
Board Games
Buffy
Shoes
Stephen Colbert

If I Closed the Library at Night

2005-11-03T09:34:00.000-05:00

I would announce the closing over our intercom using song parodies. I made one up on the way to work this morning to Semisonic's "Closing Time," which honestly took...not a lot of effort. Closing time is closing time, you know? You can find the real lyrics here. And I'll leave you with my song.

Closing Time (Library Remix)

Closing time-Open all the doors and let you out onto campus
Closing time-Turn all of the lights off over every boy and every girl
Closing time-One last call for checkouts so finish your papers and homework
Closing time-You don't have to go home but you can't stay here
I know who I want to check me out
I know who I want to check me out
I know who I want to check me out
Check me out
Closing time-Time for you to go out to the dorm rooms you will be from
Closing time-This room won't be open till your classes begin again
So gather up your jackets, move it to the exits
I hope you have found your sources
Closing time-Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end
I know who I want to check me out
I know who I want to check me out
I know who I want to check me out
Check me out
Closing time- Time for you to go out to the dorm rooms you will be from
I know who I want to check me out
I know who I want to check me out
I know who I want to check me out
Check me out
I know who I want to check me out
I know who I want to check me out
I know who I want to check me out
Check me out
Closing time-Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end

November 23

2005-11-02T10:24:00.000-05:00

This movie comes out on Nov. 23. Originally a Broadway play, the main original cast members (with one notable exception) came back to film this. I am really excited about it. I love the soundtrack, and these people are wailing for most of the show. Most people are probably familiar with at least one song from this show-- "Seasons of Love."

I can't wait to see it; I have plans with Heather to go.

...How do you measure, measure a year? In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee? In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife? In 525,600 minutes--how do you measure a year in the life? How about love? Measure in love. Measure your life in love.

Holiday Coffees at Starbucks

2005-11-02T10:09:00.000-05:00

It's official. I' m becoming a coffee girl. Not that I always haven't been, but I mean the kind who prefers coffee black. My mixed drinks are becoming too sweet for me. Yep. I'm going to have to add another modifier to my drink orders because I'm lowering the number of pumps of mocha and peppermint.

Also, I had a Gingerbread Latte today because, even if they're not telling you, Starbucks will already fix you their holiday drinks (GL and Peppermint Mocha). It was also good but too sweet.

And I'm brand loyal. I love Starbucks. A lot.

Happy Ween of Hallow!

2005-10-31T11:54:00.000-05:00

tongue pumpkin
Originally uploaded by Blinvisible27.

Or Harvest Day, if you're so inclined. I plan on celebrating by leaving work at 4:30 and thoroughly NOT going to class because my Human Growth and Development class is the most boring class I've ever had. I'm actually not exaggerating here.

But anyway, I'm picking up a pizza for my mom and me as my dad and brother are out of town. Then, for the first time in my life, I shall answer the door for trick-or-treaters and give them candy! I'm excited.

You know, I've done about 85% of my Christmas shopping. 85%! This is grand. On the Day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday), I will still go shopping, though. I love it--the energy of the morning, the people who take it too far, the fact that when we leave at 1 or so, we've been going at it for at least 7 hours. That's a work day, people.

Yesterday was Homecoming at my church. I had a lot of fun. Heather and I double plated it (so what?) and everyone ate outside of the lawn (in chairs and at tables). It was such a gorgeous day. We talked for awhile to Tricia McWilliams and her dad, Jim, the fruit of which was the saying "Too many compliments! You're old!" (A long story involving a conversation between Tricia and Heather. Basically, you say it after you've complimented someone alot. Trust me, that's all you need.)

Jim, to us three girls all around 23 years old: You're in the prime of your lives! You're young. You're catches! You're delights, all of you."
(A silence...becoming awkward...)
Staci: Too many compliments! You're old!

You see how it works. Spread it around! It's obviously already part of my repertoire.

Saturday, Heather and I cleaned out my books because I was running out of room. It was...hard but not as hard as I'd originally thought. Probably because I could talk it out with Heather. Maybe tomorrow I'll post a list of ones I'm planning to give away to see if anyone wants them. I also cleaned out my movies, but mainly I just got rid of VHS and made a list of ones I wanted to replace. Also, I will once again receive The Princess Bride for free! People just keep ending up with 2 copies, and I swoop right in there with my no copies and even up the score. So yay Princess Bride DVD!

I think that's it. I'm even having trouble following my thoughts today. So, congrats if you made it through this rambling, not what you might call coherent entry.

A Stupendous Entry of Amazing Wit (Or Not)

2005-10-28T09:09:00.000-04:00

Alright, kiddies, I'm in the Writing Center for 5 hours this morning, and exactly 2 people have signed up for appointments. You know what that means right? Oh yeah. Mega-Long Entry!

1. I think this is funny, and it's all over the place. I've heard about it 3 times in the last day. Funny Ebay ad. Be sure to read the questions.

2. I was listening to the radio this morning, and they played Charlie Daniels' "Devil Went Down to Georgia," which I love unequivocally. But, this morning it reminded me of a humor piece I read this week. I missed the Devil's solo this morning, but that article made me wonder who I would think was better if the song, you know, didn't go ahead and tell me. Anyway, it's a pretty funny little piece, I thought.

3. On one of the radio shows I listen to in the mornings, they were doing lists of things they'd never do. You know, we all have to do stuff we don't want to do, but it's kind of nice, I guess, to know that there are some things you don't want to do AND you don't have to. SO, here is a short list of usually normal things I will never do.
a. Wear a seasonal sweater. I might wear ONE of the colors of said season, but only one, and there will be no tiny reindeer or such on any of my clothing.
b. Watch Star Trek. No, I'm sure that some of them are good. I just don't want to watch them.
c. Own a poodle or yappy lap dog. Yappy lap dogs do not include pugs.
d. Wear Wranglers.
e. Play on a softball/baseball team. Play softball/baseball. I hate them with the fire of a 1000 suns. Yeah. That much.
f. Drink tea. Stop asking me!
Also, it was a lot harder than I thought to come up with things I would never do. Apparently, I'm willing to try a lot of things.

4. I know the coffee orders of those close to me. By heart. I seriously associate you with your coffee order. It's almost as if I think that this is a signature drink, so much so that I call it the Angela or the Heather or what have you. Does anyone else do this?
--Heather: a decaf grande one pump mocha, non fat, no whip, no foam mocha valencia (which has an extra shot in it)
--Angela: a decaf grande non fat, no whip iced mocha
--Mom: a grande white chocolate mocha with caramel
--Dad/Drew: a grande white chocolate mocha with raspberry
--Charity/LB: carmel machiatto
-- Erynn: not a fan of the coffee; prefers chai
--Ryan Smith, who I'm not particularly close to but apparently have had coffee with a bunch of times in groups: vanilla latte

I don't know; it just seems a little weird to me, you know? But hey, at least if those people ask for me to bring them some coffee, I have their order down. And in case you were wondering what my order is, it's a grande (decaf if it's at night) non fat, no whip peppermint mocha. But I'm thinking about cutting down the number of peppermint and mocha pumps. Just so you know.

So yes. This is my long and probably pretty pointless entry. I hope you were able to follow my widely divergent brain from place to place.

Him's A Big Boy! Yes, Him Is!

2005-10-27T21:39:00.000-04:00

My dog likes to be carried like a baby. A 45 lb. baby. Who licks your face. Sometimes that's cute and endearing.

Sometimes it's really not.

But look at his face!

I Love Brett Bretterson!

2005-10-27T21:32:00.000-04:00

I just took an online quiz entitled "Which Obscure HomestarRunner Character Are You?". I ended up being Teen Girl Squad, which not exactly what I would call obscure, but whatever. I just know that I look so good. And that Brett Bretterson is my boyfriend. And that I need a juice box. Or a lunchable. Maybe a single Frito? A Rib-a-que? No?

Corn is no place for a mighty warrior.

I Eat Pithy Saying Cookies

2005-10-26T12:21:00.000-04:00

I used to eat fortune cookies.

Apparently, the people who I'm sure are being payed to write the fortunes have slipped. Or just don't know the difference between a pithy saying, or a proverb if you will, and a fortune. Is anyone else a little frustrated by this? I mean, I know I can be indignant about the stupidest things, and I'm sure this is one of them. But. Don't call it a fortune cookie unless it's ACTUALLY a fortune! My family and I went out for Chinese last night. Out of 4 cookies, ONE was an actual fortune. The other 3?

1. The view only changes for the leading dog. (I think we're supposed to feel inspired, maybe? To do better?)

2.Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it. (Thanks virtue police!)

3. Price is what you pay. Value is what you get. (Seriously, these last two? DEFINITIONS.)

Speaking of definitions, if you're not sure what a fortune is, people who write these things, look it up! (Def. 4b).

Truth in advertising people. Either ship up, or change the name to "Pithy Saying Cookies." I'll feel a lot better. Either way, we're still going to play the "in bed" game. I'm just saying.

Music Recs/ CDs I Wouldn't Want to Live Without

2005-10-25T11:05:00.000-04:00

So, I commute 2 hours a day, sometimes 3 if I have school that night. That's a lot of driving, which leads to time to listen to a lot of music, which luckily I have. However, even with a nice collection, I get bored. So I'm looking for some music recs, things you love and think I would too; I'm open at this point. I don't really like rap, but I like some R&B. Do not rec me either of the Simpson sisters. I love rock--indie, new, classic. I can listen to, like, 2 bluegrass songs at a time, but I do like it when it's well done. I enjoy approximately one new country song a year. This year, I've doubled that number with "Bless the Broken Road" and that one song by Keith Urban that was forced on me by ALL stations. I like old country-- Patsy, Hank Sr, etc. Also, Loretta Lynn, which...enough said. She is wicked awesome. To further illustrate my musical inclinations, I have compiled a list of CDs I wouldn't want to live without. I tried to keep it to one per artist, but I didn't with all so...get over it.

Alanis Morrisette, Jagged Little Pill
Alanis Morrisette, Unplugged
Fiona Apple, Tidal
Fiona Apple, Extraordinary Machine
The Strokes, Room on Fire
The White Stripes, Elephant
Jem, Finally Woken
Rilo Kiley, More Adventurous
All Coldplay
The Killers, Hot Fuss
Madonna, The Immaculate Collection Vol. 1
Lauryn Hill, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
*Nsync, Celebrity
Britney Spears, Greatest Hits
Tegan and Sara, So Jealous
Four Star Mary, Thrown to the Wolves
Common Rotation, The Big Fear
Jars of Clay, Jars of Clay
The Decemberists, Her Majesty
Ray LaMontagne, Trouble
Zero 7, When It Falls
Spoon, Kill the Moonlight
Jewel, Pieces of You
Indigo Girls, Retrospective
Sarah McLachlan, Mirrorball
Flaming Lips, Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots
Eagles, Greatest Hits
Beach Boys, Greatest Hits
Temptations, Greatest Hits
Remy Zero, The Golden Hum
Jeff Buckley, Grace
Ryan Adams, Heartbreaker
OK Go, OK Go
Passion: Hymns Ancient and Modern
Waterdeep: Enter the Worship Circle
Hungry Collection (Vineyard)
Elton John, Greatest Hits
Essential Billy Joel
Kelly Clarkson, Breakaway
R.E.M., Automatic For the People

And for soundtracks:

Garden State
Clueless
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (BtVS)
BtVS: Radio Sunnydale
BtVS: Once More With Feeling
RENT: Original Broadway Cast
O.C. Mix 1
O.C. Mix 4

So there you go. Yeah, *Nsync's on there. Yeah, so is Britney. Deal with it.

Let's Hear It for the Boy!

2005-10-21T14:20:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to the coolest brother I have, Drew. He is 17 today, folks. 17.

That's him with my dad last Christmas. He's grown a bit since then even.

Hey

2005-10-20T09:27:00.000-04:00

I am recently hooked on Lost, and I want to be able to discuss it with people after it airs because it's smart and well-done. But any message board that has people writing in complete sentences without all the "OMG!!!1!1 u know dat Sawyer is SO hawt!!!111!!" crap is inevitably full of people who find it fashionable to hate any show that's popular (though some just legitimately don't like it). I don't want talk to them because they want the show to fail, etc. So, other than Erynn, is anyone watching this show? What are you thinking? Anybody want to speculate?*

*Post kept purposely vague for those overseas who have not seen the Season 2 episodes.

Rant-ish

2005-10-18T12:55:00.000-04:00

An online quiz just told me that I have a beautiful soul. So, shut up Jesse "Is that Aaron Carter?" McCartney with your unwelcome influence over my beloved online quiz time wasters. And shut up for making me automatically think of your song when I read that. And shut up Aaron Carter, just for good measure.

This is in no way intended to offend fans of Jesse McCartney, Aaron Carter, or that song. I just...CAN'T.

Google Fun

2005-10-17T11:45:00.000-04:00

So, this is really a pointless and ridiculous excuse of a post, but I found it funny. It's the results of a Google search of "Staci needs." A few that particularly made me laugh:

1. Staci needs to go up and stop hiding behind the whole 'I'm black and I'ma girl so poop soup.' I can't tell you how true that is.

2. Staci needs to get warm and snuggly for those cold winter days and nights.

3. I think Staci needs to shave by the looks of her avitar!

4. Staci needs bigger fields to run. and fish to fry

5. Staci needs to quit stealing my pick up lines!!

6. Staci needs to get a meddle for being such an awesome friend. I wonder what the difference between a meddle and a medal is...

What else do you think Staci needs?

Burninating the peasants!

2005-10-13T14:10:00.000-04:00

Not long ago, I posted about a trip to Clemson I took with the always rocking Heather Bedsizzle. After spending WAY too much time exclaiming over various 97 cent CDs, we went to a pub/bar and had some lemonade. We sat at a booth, which had writing all over it from previous occupants. Thus, this picture, from someone who is indeed wicked awesome:

Look at him in all his majesty.

Trogdor was a man...wait, he was a dragon-man....or maybe he was just a dragon, but he was still TROGDOR!!! (/inexact quoting of Strong Bad Emails)

My Happy List

2005-10-07T12:04:00.000-04:00

1. Getting off 2 hours early from work today and not having to go back until Wednesday.

2. the rain and slight, cool, crisp air

3. tiny pumpkins....in really small amounts.

4. new shoes

5. Fiona's new cd

6. Ebay (yeah, I'm a little addicted)

7. Sweaters.

8. Going to Salsarita's with LB tonight. Yay!

ETA: Who wants/needs a Gmail invite? Let me know; I got bunches. Email me your address if you wants.

We Have a Winner!

2005-10-07T10:26:00.000-04:00

Alright, let's hear it for Miranda! The two songs I was thinking of were indeed "Better than Ice Cream" by Sarah McLachlan and "Your Love is Like Bad Medicine" by Bon Jovi. Let's hear it for the girl!

Heh.

2005-10-06T15:35:00.000-04:00

Last night, we discovered that Tater does not like for anything to be sprayed at others, in the air, or especially at him. For reals, he barked like crazy at my dad after he'd sprayed Lysol at my brother. He was really upset about it. So, being the compassionate people we are, continued to spray the Lysol. He was crazed about it. So, note to self, Tater does not enjoy Lysol.

Songs I Live In

2005-10-06T12:54:00.000-04:00

We're, the vast vast majority of us, musical beings. We may not play instruments or sing or even have a basic understanding of what is good and bad music, which is highly subjective. But we know what we love, know what moves us. I've never met anyone who doesn't love some sort of music, though I'm told such people exist. I can't imagine living like that, but I'm always, at some level, involved in music. I listen to it all the time in my car, singing along 97% of the time. Random words like "ice cream" or "medicine" make me spontaneously burst into song. I live my life as though I were in a musical (also, points if you know what 2 songs those words will make me sing. Happy guessing!). If I'm not singing, ask me what song's running through my head. I'll have an answer, I promise.

Like everyone, I have songs I like, songs I detest, guilty pleasures, etc., etc. But I'm talking about a different kind of song, one that's, yes, different for everyone. I call them songs I live in. By that I mean, the song sweeps me out of time, in a sense; it appeals to me on a deeper, soulful level. It's highly evocative-- I feel desperately these songs. It's as if I've left and sat down in the midst of the song, cuddled there in the melody, assured by the meter, living the dissonance and harmony. I hold my breath at that dissonance; it's relief to have resolution. It's a deeper level of involvement; obviously, we interact with music all the time--kind of how we know whether we like it or not. But this type of song? It's captured in music some feeling you've endured, are enduring, maybe just will endure. It's a part of your life that someone else composed. And it's the music and the lyrics together that evokes your response.

For me, there are songs that I will always have that interaction with. Here, in list form (with some explanation), are some of mine.

1. Nightswimming, R.E.M.-- I'm betting those of you who actually know me are shocked by this. You know, or not. For me, this is the quintessential growing up and away nostalgia song. When I was in the midst of that whole time after high school when the people who used to know you don't anymore, I found it hard. Hard to let go. Hard to know that this was okay and that I was okay. I was, and this song helped me breathe more easily. I put in on, heard those opening notes by the piano, strong and beautifully though slightly melancholy, and was fine. Better than fine.

2. Don't Panic, Coldplay. Shut up. I loved it before Garden State. It's not exactly a happy song, but it's not depressing. It still manages to have hope. The guitars are, for lack of a better word, transcendent (to me at least). "Homes, places we've grown; all of us are done for" juxtaposed right beside "We live in a beautiful world?" Just, yes. I think a lot of why I identify myself in this song is because of my Christianity. Look around--things aren't so great. But there is still beauty. There is still truth--there is still God, and He is evident in this world. (Note: I'm aware that my feelings on this song are more informed by, well, my feelings than lyrics. I know. I just don't really care.)

3. Honey and the Moon, Joesph Arthur. This is one of those songs that I haven't exactly experienced, but I don't have to. The music, the tone, the lyrics, the atmosphere are all perfectly working together. "But right now, everything you want is wrong. Right now, all your dreams are waking up. Right now, I wish I could follow you to the shores of freedom, where no one lives." I've been the one who's wanting everything wrong before, I think. But this is my favorite: "We're made out of blood and rust, looking for someone to trust without a fight." That's not all I'm looking for, but I've been burned enough to know that finding someone to trust implicitly and naturally isn't as easy as I thought it was and wanted it to be.

4. Hallelujah. Originally by Leonard Cohen. Because of Shrek, a lot of people only know the Rufus Wainwright version. The Jeff Buckley version is my favorite, and pretty well known on its own, because he is literally singing that song out of experience, heart, pathos, what have you. He knows that song or is really good at pretending. "It goes like this-- the fourth, the fifth, the minor fall, the major lift." Music as metaphor? Goes along quite nicely with what I'm trying to say.

5. Walk On, U2. The only baggage that you can bring is all that you can't leave behind. All that you fashion, all that you make, all that you build, all that you break, all that you measure, all that you feel-- all this you can leave behind. Walk on. Also, I love U2.

So, there you go. Anybody got one he or she wants to share?

Seriously, Who Came Up With That?

2005-10-05T15:37:00.000-04:00

This is my friend Heather. We're going to Clemson to spend the day with our friend Tray. But that's not what I'm posting about. No. It's this.

That's right. A CABOOSE garden. Never mind that there is indeed a train caboose in said garden. Caboose garden! This is priceless. Heather illustrates.

You've met Smelly Cat...

2005-10-05T09:07:00.000-04:00

Now meet Itchy Butt. Dear readers, I present to you a video made by my good friend Liu Mai.

The Itchy Butt.