1. Who makes you smile the most? The kids
2. What were you doing at 8:00 this morning? Trying to hurry and get ready for work because I woke up late, while watching the news
3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago? putting Janie to bed
4. What did you do last night? Watched Survivor (go Ozzy!), talked online to someone, watched it snow
5. What are you hearing right now? Nothing...house is really quite
6. One word to explain why you last threw up? Sick Wednesday, ate something bad the night before
7. Are you mad at anyone right now? Kinda sorta...more hurt and disappointed
8. Who gives the best advice? Amanda Kurmann
9. What are you wearing? Ralph Lauren sweater, RL jeans
10. What are you craving right now? chips and salsa
11. Reason you last cried? um....a boy did something that hurt me.....
12. Who was your last text from? Ashley Harris
13. What do you not want to happen? The inevitable future that I will die alone, only to be found 3 week later, half eaten by wild dogs. (extra friendship points if you know the reference)
14. Are you punctual? Usually try to be. I hate being late.
15. Last time you laughed at something stupid? just a bit ago...watching Dora and Doodlebops with Janie..they are so ridiculous
16. Last thing you drank? Earl Grey tea
17. Last person you talked too? adult - Jeanette & Sean....kids - Janie and Cecilia
18. Worst thing about winter? The cold. I would love the snow if it was warm.
19. What are you doing this weekend? Oscar party Sunday! Going out with someone Saturday night.
20. Current mood? depressed/melancholy
21. Do you talk a lot? sometimes, depends on who I'm with
22. How do you relax? watch TV or go to a movie. Escapism at its best.
23. Can you use chopsticks? pretty well, thanks to a summer with Eric G. while we were interning at the paper in college. After every story we covered....Chinese food.....nothing like learning how to use chopsticks from an Armenian kid.
24. Do you know anyone named Kelsey? yes
25. Do you like coffee? yes....but for some reason, the Starbucks on Monroe makes me sick. Starbucks in St. Louis is ok. Weird, huh?
26. How many times have you been pulled over by the police? a couple
27. How much cash do you have right now in your wallet? only like $5...I don't usually carry cash.
28. Number of pillows? I sleep with 3, including one that I have had since I was 8 and has fallen apart and been re-cased numerous times.
29. Worst enemy? plead the 5th...probably shouldn't list them here.
30. Are you a jealous person? Sometimes.....I can be.
31.Does anyone hate you? I'm a Baptist hussy.......;)
32. What time did you wake up this morning? 4:30...6:30...7:00....
33. Do you like a man in uniform? Only Navy guys named Joe.....;)
35. Where did you go today? Work, store, Jeanette's.
36. What would you do with $50,000? pay off bills...buy a Mini-Cooper....go to Ireland again
37. Any plans for tomorrow? cleaning house. going out with someone tom. night.
38. What do you smell like? Burberry Brit.
39. Would you kiss the last person you kissed? absolutely... I believe it was Clayton
40. Ever been to California? nope
41. Ever asked for a pony? always...and still asking for one!
42. What does your second text in your inbox say? Sweet! (from Harris)
43. Are you good at keeping secrets? usually.....
44. What does your last outgoing text say? That sucks
45. Are you a heavy sleeper? very...I have slept through fire alarms (sorry Kristin!), fires, tornado sirens, you name it. When I'm out....an atomic bomb could go off I wouldn't wake up.
46. How do you feel about Valentine's Day? see previous post on V-Day
47. Do you like Chinese food? Love the Panda Express!!!
48. Do you prefer salty, sweet, or spicy foods? Salty.....I know, you're shocked.
49. Who was the last person to call you? my sister
50. Favorite song(s) : right now....Taylor Swift's Just Another Picture to Burn, Gary Allan's Airplanes, and How Does He Know from the movie Enchanted
51. Ever done something you are not proud of? sure, who hasn't?
52. Ever stole someone else's boyfriend/girlfriend? nope....
53. Traveling anywhere soon? Hopefully to Chicago for the St. Patrick's Day Parade!!
Friday, February 22, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
return to the sj-r
The freeze at the SJR has been lifted!! I am writing again!! Check out my story in today's paper at: http://www.sj-r.com/Entertainment/stories/25605.asp
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Valentine's Day
So, last week was St. Valentine's Day. Now, I know the real reason behind Valentine's Day. It's a day to honor St. Valentine. This, I know. I'm very well aquainted with the story of St. Valentine. In fact, while in Dublin, I visited his grave/shrine at Whitefriar Church. It was all very nice.
However, I do NOT like the holiday that it has become. There is so much pressure put on V-Day that by the end of the day, there is nothing left but feeling hurt, disappointed, angry and lonely. I have never had a good V-Day experience.
This past week was no exeception. All the little happy couples everywhere, getting flowers and balloons and such. It's enough to make a single girl want to slit her own wrists.
What has happened to a day to honor a martyr of the Church? Commercialism has run rampant and taken over. Next year, why can't we honor St. Valentine, and not Hallmark, Hersheys and FTD?
There's a British website that allows you to send anti-valentines. My favorites: "Happy Thursday. I don't need a specific day to tell you how I feel", "Nothing says I love you like fat-saturated sugar blocks and slutty lingerie", and my all time fav: "I want to give you this. Please don't puke (next to a picture of the human heart, ventricles and veins and all)".
Chalk it up to a single girl who is bitter.....but I doubt this is what St. Valentine really wanted his legacy to become.
However, I do NOT like the holiday that it has become. There is so much pressure put on V-Day that by the end of the day, there is nothing left but feeling hurt, disappointed, angry and lonely. I have never had a good V-Day experience.
This past week was no exeception. All the little happy couples everywhere, getting flowers and balloons and such. It's enough to make a single girl want to slit her own wrists.
What has happened to a day to honor a martyr of the Church? Commercialism has run rampant and taken over. Next year, why can't we honor St. Valentine, and not Hallmark, Hersheys and FTD?
There's a British website that allows you to send anti-valentines. My favorites: "Happy Thursday. I don't need a specific day to tell you how I feel", "Nothing says I love you like fat-saturated sugar blocks and slutty lingerie", and my all time fav: "I want to give you this. Please don't puke (next to a picture of the human heart, ventricles and veins and all)".
Chalk it up to a single girl who is bitter.....but I doubt this is what St. Valentine really wanted his legacy to become.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
The Lenten Season
The Lenten season has begun. Well, it actually began about a week ago, but it's been so busy, I haven't have had a chance to write about it yet.
As a Baptist, I really don't celebrate Lent. However, I now work in a Lutheran church, and the Lutherans do celebrate it.
There's a lot of things about Lent that I don't get. I understand the basic concept, and the traditions and such, but it's not really a Biblical thing. The Early Church didn't celebrate it. According to Wikipedia, it is not even mentioned in Christian history until the Council of Nicea in 325 A.D.
One of the reasons Baptists don't celebrate it, I understand, was because of the idea that it was "too Catholic". I agree with that in theory. There are a lot of things that the Catholic Church, and most liturgical churches in general, do that aren't really Biblically based; they are more traditions, or dogmatic practices, than dictated by Scripture.
As a Baptist, I take part in the practices that were charged to us by Jesus: The Lord's Supper, a believer's baptism, and evangelism (outlined in the Great Commission). Did Jesus fast for 40 days? Yes. But he didn't say that I had to do that as any requirement.
The last few years, I have tried to give something during Lent, just to see if I could. They say that if you can stop doing something or start doing something for 40 days, that you will have broken/created a habit.
This year for Lent, I have given up fast foods/convienence foods. I have found myself falling into the rut of "running through a drive thru" or grabbing a premade dinner from the grocery store. So, that's my standard. Nothing premade, pre-frozen, etc. Only freshly made, or homemade items. This has already become a challenge. For example, it rules out most restaurants, but not all.....some places, like Monty's, makes their own bread and soups and such fresh everyday. The standard is whether or not it's fresh/home made quality, or basically, if I could have just as easily made this at home myself. We'll see how this goes.
As a Baptist, I really don't celebrate Lent. However, I now work in a Lutheran church, and the Lutherans do celebrate it.
There's a lot of things about Lent that I don't get. I understand the basic concept, and the traditions and such, but it's not really a Biblical thing. The Early Church didn't celebrate it. According to Wikipedia, it is not even mentioned in Christian history until the Council of Nicea in 325 A.D.
One of the reasons Baptists don't celebrate it, I understand, was because of the idea that it was "too Catholic". I agree with that in theory. There are a lot of things that the Catholic Church, and most liturgical churches in general, do that aren't really Biblically based; they are more traditions, or dogmatic practices, than dictated by Scripture.
As a Baptist, I take part in the practices that were charged to us by Jesus: The Lord's Supper, a believer's baptism, and evangelism (outlined in the Great Commission). Did Jesus fast for 40 days? Yes. But he didn't say that I had to do that as any requirement.
The last few years, I have tried to give something during Lent, just to see if I could. They say that if you can stop doing something or start doing something for 40 days, that you will have broken/created a habit.
This year for Lent, I have given up fast foods/convienence foods. I have found myself falling into the rut of "running through a drive thru" or grabbing a premade dinner from the grocery store. So, that's my standard. Nothing premade, pre-frozen, etc. Only freshly made, or homemade items. This has already become a challenge. For example, it rules out most restaurants, but not all.....some places, like Monty's, makes their own bread and soups and such fresh everyday. The standard is whether or not it's fresh/home made quality, or basically, if I could have just as easily made this at home myself. We'll see how this goes.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
crazy weather
The weather here has been really crazy the last few days. Thursday, it was supposed to begin snowing in late afternoon, around 3 p.m. It started at noon, and by 3 p.m, there were already several inches on the ground. By the time I woke up Friday morning, there were 12 inches of snow outside. After the snow removal people contracted by my landlord came and removed the snow in the parking lot at noon, I cleaned off the several inches still on top of my car. I didn’t have a shovel to dig the car out, as there was still snow around the car, but a friend of mine who came over dug it out for me (thanks Philip!).
Saturday was fine….Sunday, the temperature started rising, and the snow started melting. Huge puddles everywhere. Then, Sunday night, came the freezing rain. When it stopped, I ventured out for a few minutes, and the snow had melted to the point of causing deep puddles everywhere. Monday and Tuesday, storms. Thunder, lightening, heavy rains, the whole shebang. The extra rain then added to the water already on the ground, and flooding ensued. But, Wednesday and Thursday, the snow started again. It didn’t stick, but it equaled a couple of inches.
Now, it’s supposed to keep snowing all weekend off and on, mixed with rain. According to the news this evening, we’re already four inches ahead of where we normally are this time of year as far as precipitation. In addition to the snow/rain mix, it’s also supposed to get butt cold this weekend as well. (yes, butt cold is the proper meteorological term.) It’s cold, but it hasn’t been raining or snowing yet, so I’m hoping that that part of the forecast has been cancelled.
It very well could be the end of the world. It’s been very Day After Tomorrow out there lately.
Saturday was fine….Sunday, the temperature started rising, and the snow started melting. Huge puddles everywhere. Then, Sunday night, came the freezing rain. When it stopped, I ventured out for a few minutes, and the snow had melted to the point of causing deep puddles everywhere. Monday and Tuesday, storms. Thunder, lightening, heavy rains, the whole shebang. The extra rain then added to the water already on the ground, and flooding ensued. But, Wednesday and Thursday, the snow started again. It didn’t stick, but it equaled a couple of inches.
Now, it’s supposed to keep snowing all weekend off and on, mixed with rain. According to the news this evening, we’re already four inches ahead of where we normally are this time of year as far as precipitation. In addition to the snow/rain mix, it’s also supposed to get butt cold this weekend as well. (yes, butt cold is the proper meteorological term.) It’s cold, but it hasn’t been raining or snowing yet, so I’m hoping that that part of the forecast has been cancelled.
It very well could be the end of the world. It’s been very Day After Tomorrow out there lately.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
the local media
Ok. As a member of the media, I have to make an observation about our local media here in Springfield.
Last night, I was watching the nightly news on ABC with Charles Gibson. I like Charles Gibson. He’s a very good journalist. There were only a few stories on the half-hour news program. The first half of the news was taken up with stories about the multiple tornadoes in the South that has caused major destruction and a death toll of 57. Other stories included the fallout of the Super Tuesday results, the results of Heath Ledger’s toxicology tests, and a few others.
All of this death and destruction in the world. People have lost their homes, their friends, their lives. The future of the nation is at stake. Pretty heavy stuff for a half-hour news program.
Then came the 6:00 news from our local Newschannel 20. Their top story of the day? POTHOLES!!! That’s right. Where the potholes are in town, how they are formed, and when the city is planning on filling them. Let me tell ya, it was riveting. (Yes, that last sentence is heavy in sarcasm.) I screamed at the television things that can’t be printed here.
It’s not like there wasn’t other news going on in Springfield yesterday. The State Journal-Register had a list of breaking news that would have been better choices than potholes for a lead story. (Props to the SJR for NOT having a story on POTHOLES on the front page of the paper!!!) I felt embarrassed for Elizabeth Wooley for having to report that as the top story. And for Catie Sheehan for being outside for the live report.
What has happened to our local media?
Last night, I was watching the nightly news on ABC with Charles Gibson. I like Charles Gibson. He’s a very good journalist. There were only a few stories on the half-hour news program. The first half of the news was taken up with stories about the multiple tornadoes in the South that has caused major destruction and a death toll of 57. Other stories included the fallout of the Super Tuesday results, the results of Heath Ledger’s toxicology tests, and a few others.
All of this death and destruction in the world. People have lost their homes, their friends, their lives. The future of the nation is at stake. Pretty heavy stuff for a half-hour news program.
Then came the 6:00 news from our local Newschannel 20. Their top story of the day? POTHOLES!!! That’s right. Where the potholes are in town, how they are formed, and when the city is planning on filling them. Let me tell ya, it was riveting. (Yes, that last sentence is heavy in sarcasm.) I screamed at the television things that can’t be printed here.
It’s not like there wasn’t other news going on in Springfield yesterday. The State Journal-Register had a list of breaking news that would have been better choices than potholes for a lead story. (Props to the SJR for NOT having a story on POTHOLES on the front page of the paper!!!) I felt embarrassed for Elizabeth Wooley for having to report that as the top story. And for Catie Sheehan for being outside for the live report.
What has happened to our local media?
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Another Survey
Found this survey online….something to do while it’s a blizzard outside!!
1. What is more difficult for you, looking into someone's eyes when you are telling someone how you feel, or looking into someone's eyes when they are telling you how they feel?
Probably looking into someone eyes when I am telling them how I feel. I am always too chicken to see the reaction. Probably why I don’t tell people my feelings often.
2. Think of the last time you were REALLY angry. Why were you angry?
I don’t remember the last time I was really angry. I am usually hurt, or frustrated, or annoyed, but not truly angry often.
3. You are on a flight from Honolulu to Chicago non-stop. There is a fire in the back of the plane. You get enough time to make ONE phone call. Who would you call?
My dad. My sister and I usually call him with any news, and let him tell my mom. It’s better that way, trust me.
4. You are at the doctor's office and she has just informed you that you have approximately one month to live. (1) Who do you tell? (2) What do you do with your remaining days? (3) Would you be afraid?
1) everyone…..that’s not something you should hide.
2) spend as much time with the kids, friends and such…..I really don’t have those “I want to sky-dive or bungee jump” desires. And I’ve done pretty much everything I’ve wanted to, such as go to Ireland.
3) scared to die, but not of death…death means heaven…and why be scared of that?
5. You can have one of the following two things- trust/love. Which do you choose?
Trust. I have real problems with trusting people. I’m used to living without love.
6. You are walking down the street on your way to work. There is a dog drowning in the canal on the side of the street. Your boss has told you if you are late one more time you get fired. Do you save the dog?
Nope…not because I don’t care about the dog, but I can’t swim…..I would be of no help there.
7. You have done something impulsive that could possibly cost you the love of someone very close to you. Which is the greater loss - losing them by being honest or losing them behind a lie?
Losing them by being honest. Many people lie and get away with it. If someone is honest with you, regardless of what it is, you should at least reward them for the honesty. It’s a rare thing these days.
8. If you could go back and be with your first love, would you?
Haven’t really had that “first love” yet!
9. Think of the last person who you know that died. You have the chance to give them 1 hour of life back, but you have to give one year of your life. Do you do it?
Definitely….the last person I know that died was my friend Bob’s dad. He died suddenly. I would give a decade to let Bob have another hour with his dad.
10. Are you the kind of friend that you would want to have as a friend?
I hope so!
11. You are out on the town and see your married best friend's spouse locking lips with someone other than your best friend. Would you approach them? Would you tell your friend? What would you say to each?
I’m a reporter…there’s no way I could keep something like that to myself! I’d take a picture first though….as we say in the journalism world, if your mom says she loves you, make sure you have another source to corroborate it!
12. Your boss tells your co-worker that they have to let them go because of work shortage, and they are the newest employee. You have been there much longer. Your co-worker has a family to support and no other means of income. Do you go to your boss and offer to leave the company?
Probably not. I have been the newest employee let go because of budget reasons. I have bills to pay too.
13. When was the last time you told someone HONESTLY how you feel?
I don’t really remember. It’s hard for me to tell people how I really feel….it never turns out like I hope and I always get hurt in the end. Maybe if I had some kind of sign that I wouldn’t get hurt this time……
14. What would be harder for you, to tell someone you love them or tell them you hate them?
Telling someone that I love them. I can tell my kids I love them anytime…but for adults, it’s harder. The kids always love me back unconditionally. Not always the case with adults.
15. What do you think would be/is the hardest thing for you to give up?
The kids.
16. When was the last time you told someone you love them?
I tell the kids all the time. Adults….hmm…..friends….most of the time. “more than friends”……haven’t yet. Still trying to get the nerve to let someone know that I like them. Like..not love. Not ready to use that word yet.
17. If you had to go back in time and change one thing, what would it be?
My hair during high school. Yes, it was during the time of the big bangs and lots of curls of the early 90s.
18. Imagine, It is a dark night, you are alone, it is raining outside. What are you doing?
Writing. Read my latest poetic endeavor…that was written on a dark, rainy night. Or, watching tv or a movie. I like film.
19. Would you give a homeless person CPR if they were dying?
I’d like to think I would.
20. If you could do anything OR wish anything, what would it be?
Same thing I do every night. Try to take over the world – Pinky.
1. What is more difficult for you, looking into someone's eyes when you are telling someone how you feel, or looking into someone's eyes when they are telling you how they feel?
Probably looking into someone eyes when I am telling them how I feel. I am always too chicken to see the reaction. Probably why I don’t tell people my feelings often.
2. Think of the last time you were REALLY angry. Why were you angry?
I don’t remember the last time I was really angry. I am usually hurt, or frustrated, or annoyed, but not truly angry often.
3. You are on a flight from Honolulu to Chicago non-stop. There is a fire in the back of the plane. You get enough time to make ONE phone call. Who would you call?
My dad. My sister and I usually call him with any news, and let him tell my mom. It’s better that way, trust me.
4. You are at the doctor's office and she has just informed you that you have approximately one month to live. (1) Who do you tell? (2) What do you do with your remaining days? (3) Would you be afraid?
1) everyone…..that’s not something you should hide.
2) spend as much time with the kids, friends and such…..I really don’t have those “I want to sky-dive or bungee jump” desires. And I’ve done pretty much everything I’ve wanted to, such as go to Ireland.
3) scared to die, but not of death…death means heaven…and why be scared of that?
5. You can have one of the following two things- trust/love. Which do you choose?
Trust. I have real problems with trusting people. I’m used to living without love.
6. You are walking down the street on your way to work. There is a dog drowning in the canal on the side of the street. Your boss has told you if you are late one more time you get fired. Do you save the dog?
Nope…not because I don’t care about the dog, but I can’t swim…..I would be of no help there.
7. You have done something impulsive that could possibly cost you the love of someone very close to you. Which is the greater loss - losing them by being honest or losing them behind a lie?
Losing them by being honest. Many people lie and get away with it. If someone is honest with you, regardless of what it is, you should at least reward them for the honesty. It’s a rare thing these days.
8. If you could go back and be with your first love, would you?
Haven’t really had that “first love” yet!
9. Think of the last person who you know that died. You have the chance to give them 1 hour of life back, but you have to give one year of your life. Do you do it?
Definitely….the last person I know that died was my friend Bob’s dad. He died suddenly. I would give a decade to let Bob have another hour with his dad.
10. Are you the kind of friend that you would want to have as a friend?
I hope so!
11. You are out on the town and see your married best friend's spouse locking lips with someone other than your best friend. Would you approach them? Would you tell your friend? What would you say to each?
I’m a reporter…there’s no way I could keep something like that to myself! I’d take a picture first though….as we say in the journalism world, if your mom says she loves you, make sure you have another source to corroborate it!
12. Your boss tells your co-worker that they have to let them go because of work shortage, and they are the newest employee. You have been there much longer. Your co-worker has a family to support and no other means of income. Do you go to your boss and offer to leave the company?
Probably not. I have been the newest employee let go because of budget reasons. I have bills to pay too.
13. When was the last time you told someone HONESTLY how you feel?
I don’t really remember. It’s hard for me to tell people how I really feel….it never turns out like I hope and I always get hurt in the end. Maybe if I had some kind of sign that I wouldn’t get hurt this time……
14. What would be harder for you, to tell someone you love them or tell them you hate them?
Telling someone that I love them. I can tell my kids I love them anytime…but for adults, it’s harder. The kids always love me back unconditionally. Not always the case with adults.
15. What do you think would be/is the hardest thing for you to give up?
The kids.
16. When was the last time you told someone you love them?
I tell the kids all the time. Adults….hmm…..friends….most of the time. “more than friends”……haven’t yet. Still trying to get the nerve to let someone know that I like them. Like..not love. Not ready to use that word yet.
17. If you had to go back in time and change one thing, what would it be?
My hair during high school. Yes, it was during the time of the big bangs and lots of curls of the early 90s.
18. Imagine, It is a dark night, you are alone, it is raining outside. What are you doing?
Writing. Read my latest poetic endeavor…that was written on a dark, rainy night. Or, watching tv or a movie. I like film.
19. Would you give a homeless person CPR if they were dying?
I’d like to think I would.
20. If you could do anything OR wish anything, what would it be?
Same thing I do every night. Try to take over the world – Pinky.
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