I'm a terrible blogger. I realized this fully when I had to reset my password to log in, and remembered that every time I have blogged I have had to do this since I can't remember the darn password.
However...
I sort of like the top 5 that Ginny did this week. So, here's mine!
Miss you, Ginny... :)
5 things I want to see
Africa
Less war in the world
Tori Amos perform live
Gorillas or primates of some sort (I am fascinated)
The deep south… just oddly interested
5 things I want to complete or accomplish
Manage a non-profit agency
Lobby for a cause I believe in
Have a baby (or a few, who knows)
More education… maybe a masters or another undergrad degree
Purchase a home 5 things I want to do
Spend a weekend with friend on the lake this summer
Find more time to spend with my mom
Read more
Find ways to have a more eco-friendly lifestyle
See live music this weekend
5 things I want to see but may be unlikely
World peace
Gay marriage legalized worldwide
Myself in a Vera Wang wedding dress
Nelson Mandela
A musical made up of all Bon Jovi music
5 things I want to complete or accomplish but may be unlikelyBe a distance runner
Perform on Broadway
Make large donations to charities I believe in
Raise and breed large dogs (sounds great but I can barely handle a cat)
Spend years working in Darfur
5 things I want to do but may be unlikely
Offer Gretchen a huge salary for all the work she does
Convince certain people to be more tolerant
Live happily ever after with that work-a-holic politics guy
Become a pilot
Give up chocolate.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Monday, March 31, 2008
When one door closes...
For Ginny- in honor of her last day- I'm BLOGGING!!!
In all seriousness, though- Ginny, it has been my great pleasure to work for you. I have learned, been supported, and had exciting and interesting experiences under your leadership. No more goodbyes- since we are keeping in touch!!!
45 ODD THINGS
45 ODD THINGS (FROM AUNT SUSIE)
1. Do you like blue cheese salad dressing? Only if it’s a buffalo chicken salad
2. Have you ever smoked heroin? Noooo way.
3. Do you own a gun? An even bigger nooooooooo way than to quesiton # 2.
4. What's your favorite drink at Starbucks or other specialty coffee shop?I love caramel hot apple cider at Starbucks
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Not really
6. What do you think of hot dogs? Oddly enough- I love them. Although now I only eat them when I’m in NYC. I love being in that city, up way too late with friends and eating hot dogs from street vendors!
7. Favorite Christmas song? Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Coffee
9. Can you do push ups? A few.
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? That’s a difficult question- currently my ‘chanel’ earrings
11. Favorite hobby? Theatre, fashion
12. Do you have A.D.D.? nope
13. What's one trait that you hate about yourself? I’m pretty bad at relationships with (straight) men.
14. Middle name? Suzanne
15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment. I wonder when Joyce is going to call to talk about flooding. Why is my coffee so cold, it’s only 10am? I might go see the new Maine Dems headquarters in downtown bangor today.
16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Coffee, water, wine. Those are pretty much the only things I drink in general.
17. Current worry right now? that I’m going to get hurt learning to rock climb. Or just be really bad at it.
18. Current hate right now? I have a cough that is driving me nuts and a dr’s appointment for it today… I’m not a huge fan of being sick, so I guess you could say I hate that.
19. Favorite place to be? On the lake with my family and or friends
20. How did you bring in the New Year? I’m a pretty average 26 year old in this respect- so by getting a dressed up, going to a party, and probably drinking too much.
21. Do you like to travel? I like to see new places, but the actual process of traveling isn’t something I like very much.
22. Name three people who will complete this? Gretchen, since Ginny already did it!
23. Do you own slippers? Nope! I do own a ridiculous amount of actual shoes though.
24. What color shirt are you wearing? pink
25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? No, I think they are slippery!
26. Can you whistle? Sure can.
27. Favorite color? Pink & yellow
28. Would you be a pirate? Sure. What the heck ;)
29. What songs do you sing in the shower? Showtunes
30. Favorite girl's names? I like Addison, Briar, and Willa
31. Favorite boy's name? I don’t really have one… maybe Elliot
32. What's in your pocket right now? nothing
33. Last thing that made you laugh? Hmm…. Nothing really funny has happened to me today. I did laugh a lot last night with a girlfriend over a glass of wine and a silly story.
34. Best bed sheets as a child? I honestly can’t remember
35. Worst injury you've ever had? I had some broken bones/minor injuries as a kid (I was pretty accident prone) but the sickest I have ever was when I had pneumonia last year.
36. Do you love where you live? I like my apartment and my neighborhood quite a bit, yes. I don't plan to live there forever though.
37. How many TVs do you have in your house? One very small tv
38. Who is your loudest friend? Dominick when he’s singing at the top of his lungs!
39. How many pets do you have? 1 cat
40. Does someone have a crush on you? I think so…
41. What is your favorite book? To Kill a Mockingbird
42. What is your favorite candy? Pink laughy taffy, raisonettes
43. Favorite Sports Team? Definitely the Red Sox!
44. What were you doing 12 AM last night? I think around that time I fell asleep on my couch. 45. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? I can’t believe I slept on the couch.
In all seriousness, though- Ginny, it has been my great pleasure to work for you. I have learned, been supported, and had exciting and interesting experiences under your leadership. No more goodbyes- since we are keeping in touch!!!
45 ODD THINGS
45 ODD THINGS (FROM AUNT SUSIE)
1. Do you like blue cheese salad dressing? Only if it’s a buffalo chicken salad
2. Have you ever smoked heroin? Noooo way.
3. Do you own a gun? An even bigger nooooooooo way than to quesiton # 2.
4. What's your favorite drink at Starbucks or other specialty coffee shop?I love caramel hot apple cider at Starbucks
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Not really
6. What do you think of hot dogs? Oddly enough- I love them. Although now I only eat them when I’m in NYC. I love being in that city, up way too late with friends and eating hot dogs from street vendors!
7. Favorite Christmas song? Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Coffee
9. Can you do push ups? A few.
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? That’s a difficult question- currently my ‘chanel’ earrings
11. Favorite hobby? Theatre, fashion
12. Do you have A.D.D.? nope
13. What's one trait that you hate about yourself? I’m pretty bad at relationships with (straight) men.
14. Middle name? Suzanne
15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment. I wonder when Joyce is going to call to talk about flooding. Why is my coffee so cold, it’s only 10am? I might go see the new Maine Dems headquarters in downtown bangor today.
16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Coffee, water, wine. Those are pretty much the only things I drink in general.
17. Current worry right now? that I’m going to get hurt learning to rock climb. Or just be really bad at it.
18. Current hate right now? I have a cough that is driving me nuts and a dr’s appointment for it today… I’m not a huge fan of being sick, so I guess you could say I hate that.
19. Favorite place to be? On the lake with my family and or friends
20. How did you bring in the New Year? I’m a pretty average 26 year old in this respect- so by getting a dressed up, going to a party, and probably drinking too much.
21. Do you like to travel? I like to see new places, but the actual process of traveling isn’t something I like very much.
22. Name three people who will complete this? Gretchen, since Ginny already did it!
23. Do you own slippers? Nope! I do own a ridiculous amount of actual shoes though.
24. What color shirt are you wearing? pink
25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? No, I think they are slippery!
26. Can you whistle? Sure can.
27. Favorite color? Pink & yellow
28. Would you be a pirate? Sure. What the heck ;)
29. What songs do you sing in the shower? Showtunes
30. Favorite girl's names? I like Addison, Briar, and Willa
31. Favorite boy's name? I don’t really have one… maybe Elliot
32. What's in your pocket right now? nothing
33. Last thing that made you laugh? Hmm…. Nothing really funny has happened to me today. I did laugh a lot last night with a girlfriend over a glass of wine and a silly story.
34. Best bed sheets as a child? I honestly can’t remember
35. Worst injury you've ever had? I had some broken bones/minor injuries as a kid (I was pretty accident prone) but the sickest I have ever was when I had pneumonia last year.
36. Do you love where you live? I like my apartment and my neighborhood quite a bit, yes. I don't plan to live there forever though.
37. How many TVs do you have in your house? One very small tv
38. Who is your loudest friend? Dominick when he’s singing at the top of his lungs!
39. How many pets do you have? 1 cat
40. Does someone have a crush on you? I think so…
41. What is your favorite book? To Kill a Mockingbird
42. What is your favorite candy? Pink laughy taffy, raisonettes
43. Favorite Sports Team? Definitely the Red Sox!
44. What were you doing 12 AM last night? I think around that time I fell asleep on my couch. 45. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? I can’t believe I slept on the couch.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
6 months later...
As a Christmas gift to Ginny, I am getting myself off the bad blogger list this week!!! I’m going to do your survey, Ginny, since my brain is a little too fried to try to catch up on anything else.
Do you usually use wrapping paper or gift bags?
I’m a professional gift wrapper, or at least I am for the month of December… so paper!
Is your tree a real tree or is it artificial?I don’t have a tree.
I do have some mistletoe and two Christmas Penguins. However, later in life when I do have a tree it will definitely be a real one! I love the way they smell.
If you do put a tree up, when do you usually do this?
My family has a long standing tradition of putting it up later than everyone else… once year we did it on December 23rd. We aren’t lazy people, just busy :P
When do you take your tree down? Any specific reason for this – tradition etc?
I think mid January?
What about eggnog? Do you like it? Any special ingredients added?
I do like it! I love warm eggnog with rum in it.
Do you have a nativity scene? A menorah?
I don’t have either of these. I’m really quite awful at this survey so far.
What was a special (or favorite) gift you received as a child?
Hmm… I remember being really little and getting a cabbage patch doll with ‘real’ hair and a birth certificate. Her name was Danielle. I loved that doll.
Who is your hardest person to buy for? Why?My grandmother. She literally has everything. This year I did a small donation in my late grandfathers name.
Who is your easiest person to buy for?My mom and my best friend. It’s a very easy clothes/perfume/jewelry/purse kind of decision.
Do you send Christmas (or holiday) cards? Email or snail mail?
I do! I love sending and receiving them.
What was the worst Christmas present you ever received?
Wow, I’m not sure. I haven’t ever gotten something so awful it stands out.
What is your favorite holiday movie?It’s a Wonderful Life!!!
When do you start your holiday shopping?
around Thanksgiving.
Have you ever recycled a present?
Sure have!
What is your favorite thing to eat during the holidays?
sugar cookies with frosting. My mom makes the best ones!
What about the lights on your tree – colored, clear, mixed?
I should have read this survey before starting it. I can’t answer any of these questions about a tree!
What is your favorite Christmas/holiday song?
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Do you travel or stay home for the holidays?
I wrap gifts until 5 on Christmas eve, then my grandparents have a very long standing tradition of having a big Christmas Eve party which I go to. It’s quite fun. Then on Christmas I usually stay at my parents house for most of the day, and in the afternoon we usually have wine and board games with family/friends.
Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer? Rudolf,Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen… Dasher, Prancer, … if there are more, than no, I can't. And meanwhile, are any of those reindeer females? If not, I'm seriously considering boycotting that. We need some feminist reindeer.
What goes on the top of your tree? Angel, star, squirrel?
squirrel??? Who has that?
Do you open presents on Christmas Eve, or Christmas morning?
both!
What’s the most annoying thing about this time of year?
Not having enough time. It’s a really busy time and I never feel like I have enough quality time with people.
Will you attend a religious service this Christmas season?
I went to Church on Sunday in honor of my grandfather, since it was one year since his death. There was a mass that my family attended in his honor, but because of the bad weather I couldn’t go to that one, so I just went to the catholic church in Bangor.
What would you really like to receive on Christmas this year?pajamas, plane tickets, and something sparkly.
25. And finally just to see if you’re paying attention, in A Charlie Brown Christmas, what does Lucy want for Christmas?
Real Estate?
Do you usually use wrapping paper or gift bags?
I’m a professional gift wrapper, or at least I am for the month of December… so paper!
Is your tree a real tree or is it artificial?I don’t have a tree.
I do have some mistletoe and two Christmas Penguins. However, later in life when I do have a tree it will definitely be a real one! I love the way they smell.
If you do put a tree up, when do you usually do this?
My family has a long standing tradition of putting it up later than everyone else… once year we did it on December 23rd. We aren’t lazy people, just busy :P
When do you take your tree down? Any specific reason for this – tradition etc?
I think mid January?
What about eggnog? Do you like it? Any special ingredients added?
I do like it! I love warm eggnog with rum in it.
Do you have a nativity scene? A menorah?
I don’t have either of these. I’m really quite awful at this survey so far.
What was a special (or favorite) gift you received as a child?
Hmm… I remember being really little and getting a cabbage patch doll with ‘real’ hair and a birth certificate. Her name was Danielle. I loved that doll.
Who is your hardest person to buy for? Why?My grandmother. She literally has everything. This year I did a small donation in my late grandfathers name.
Who is your easiest person to buy for?My mom and my best friend. It’s a very easy clothes/perfume/jewelry/purse kind of decision.
Do you send Christmas (or holiday) cards? Email or snail mail?
I do! I love sending and receiving them.
What was the worst Christmas present you ever received?
Wow, I’m not sure. I haven’t ever gotten something so awful it stands out.
What is your favorite holiday movie?It’s a Wonderful Life!!!
When do you start your holiday shopping?
around Thanksgiving.
Have you ever recycled a present?
Sure have!
What is your favorite thing to eat during the holidays?
sugar cookies with frosting. My mom makes the best ones!
What about the lights on your tree – colored, clear, mixed?
I should have read this survey before starting it. I can’t answer any of these questions about a tree!
What is your favorite Christmas/holiday song?
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Do you travel or stay home for the holidays?
I wrap gifts until 5 on Christmas eve, then my grandparents have a very long standing tradition of having a big Christmas Eve party which I go to. It’s quite fun. Then on Christmas I usually stay at my parents house for most of the day, and in the afternoon we usually have wine and board games with family/friends.
Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer? Rudolf,Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen… Dasher, Prancer, … if there are more, than no, I can't. And meanwhile, are any of those reindeer females? If not, I'm seriously considering boycotting that. We need some feminist reindeer.
What goes on the top of your tree? Angel, star, squirrel?
squirrel??? Who has that?
Do you open presents on Christmas Eve, or Christmas morning?
both!
What’s the most annoying thing about this time of year?
Not having enough time. It’s a really busy time and I never feel like I have enough quality time with people.
Will you attend a religious service this Christmas season?
I went to Church on Sunday in honor of my grandfather, since it was one year since his death. There was a mass that my family attended in his honor, but because of the bad weather I couldn’t go to that one, so I just went to the catholic church in Bangor.
What would you really like to receive on Christmas this year?pajamas, plane tickets, and something sparkly.
25. And finally just to see if you’re paying attention, in A Charlie Brown Christmas, what does Lucy want for Christmas?
Real Estate?
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
a clean ERV, some yogurt, and a desk of crazy....
My title pretty much sums it up :P I'm sorry I have been a bad blogger, faithful readers! Things personally and professionally just seem to be busy lately. Busy in good ways, mind you. I also went away to NY for the weekend, so I'm still coming off the high of being in the city, and the low of being exhausted after a crazy whirlwind weekend trip.
So things at the ARC are going well. Suzan and I spent the morning washing the ERV, laughing hysterically at climbing on a step ladder, trying to scrape bug parts off, and general chaos that is created by the two of us trying to wash that beast! In the middle of our cleaning two dogs wandered over, one black lab puppy and one older chocolate lab. So played with them for a few minutes, and then helped them to find their way home. When I was growing up, we had a black lab, and then for the second half of my childhood and now my parents have a chocolate lab. I love these dogs!!! Playing with the puppy made me want a dog so badly. I know that right now it isn't even remotely practical to consider having a dog... but, nonetheless, I sure do love them.
Backtracking... the weekend was fantastic! We drove to upstate New York first (it took about 12 hours, we left at 5am!!! had lots of stopping, jeeeez) and saw a show called 'How the Other Half Loves'. It was british comedy, which is my favorite. Then we drove into the city, enjoyed the nightlife, etc. We stayed over and got up early to have breakfast and spend a bit more time being tourists. Then, we drove to Boston and had dinner with a friend there. We got back to Bangor around 10... I was wiped out! However, it was a great weekend. I went with two girlfriends, and the car ride, though insanely long, was full of laughter. I can't remember the last time I have laughed that hard.
Things in the romance department are going just fine... as I told ARC girl, I did need things to slow down a big. Luckily, the other half of my romance agreed. But aside from my mini meltdown at the rate at which I was falling for this guy, things are great! It just takes some time with me, I'm so involved in lots of things and sometimes I freak out when I need to make a considerable amount of room in my life for someone else. Of course- ultimately I want to do this, meet someone, settle down, etc. I just need to go a little slower. Who am I kidding, I'll probably be the person who flies off to Vegas on a whim to get married. Just kidding Ginny (sort of).
Today is deployment phone call day galore! We're trying to send out volunteers to Oklahoma, Texas, and places in the midwest dealing with flooding. Don't know why I'm saying this... since my loyal readers are quite aware :P Other than that, I have finalized my t-shirts for Camp Red Cross, and am placing my order in about 20 minutes. They will be blue and red this year. Ben did the t-shirt design, I like it a lot. And of course the ERV cleaning took about 2 hours... but now Clyde and Marcia can pick it up in the morning and do two parades. Nice! I'm so excited about the exposure that vehicle is getting.
Other than that, I'm looking forward to tonight and tomorrow. On the eve of the 4th, my friends and I do a 'crawl'. Basically, this means we walk from house to house in the tree streets, where four of us live (including me) and have drinks and appetizers at each of our four houses. Then we all walk downtown as a group and go out for more drinks/snacks. It's a lot of fun. Then, in the morning, I'm decorating the democrat float and marching in the parade with the Dems. Congressmen Allen and Michaud will be there, so that is quite exciting for me. I'm a huge Allen supporter, despite not living in his district, and I'm delighted that he'll be running for senate against Susan Collins in 2008. That is one race I look forward to volunteering on. And yes, Gretchen, this guy I'm seeing is Mr. Democratic Party... so that works out quite well ;) After the parade I don't have plans until the fire works... although I'm hoping they don't get cancelled due to weather :( The fireworks in Bangor are usually pretty good, right over the river. If it's bad weather, or I get bored in the afternoon, I might make the hour drive to see my parents. They have a bbq with my moms sisters and their husbands and all their friends, it is quite a fun time. One of my earliest childhood memories is sneaking down from bed to see my parents and their friends all drinking and dancing and laughing on the back deck at the house I grew up in. I remember the song they were dancing to was 'Drift Away' by Dobie Gray... and to this day that song makes me think of my Mom and Dad! What a cheeseball I am!!! However, just a quick sidenote while we're on the subject... Mr. Democratic party isn't much of a drinker or dancer. I certainly don't need drinking and dancing in order to have fun, but I also don't want to never do those things. When I think about my parents, I can smile at how much fun they seemed to have over the years. And yeah, there were a lot of weekends with beer and wine and dancing and laughter. I kind of want that, too. Someone I can have fun with and laugh with until I'm old and gray and cannot dance or drink my wine anymore!!! :P
I hope you all have a great 4th!!!
So things at the ARC are going well. Suzan and I spent the morning washing the ERV, laughing hysterically at climbing on a step ladder, trying to scrape bug parts off, and general chaos that is created by the two of us trying to wash that beast! In the middle of our cleaning two dogs wandered over, one black lab puppy and one older chocolate lab. So played with them for a few minutes, and then helped them to find their way home. When I was growing up, we had a black lab, and then for the second half of my childhood and now my parents have a chocolate lab. I love these dogs!!! Playing with the puppy made me want a dog so badly. I know that right now it isn't even remotely practical to consider having a dog... but, nonetheless, I sure do love them.
Backtracking... the weekend was fantastic! We drove to upstate New York first (it took about 12 hours, we left at 5am!!! had lots of stopping, jeeeez) and saw a show called 'How the Other Half Loves'. It was british comedy, which is my favorite. Then we drove into the city, enjoyed the nightlife, etc. We stayed over and got up early to have breakfast and spend a bit more time being tourists. Then, we drove to Boston and had dinner with a friend there. We got back to Bangor around 10... I was wiped out! However, it was a great weekend. I went with two girlfriends, and the car ride, though insanely long, was full of laughter. I can't remember the last time I have laughed that hard.
Things in the romance department are going just fine... as I told ARC girl, I did need things to slow down a big. Luckily, the other half of my romance agreed. But aside from my mini meltdown at the rate at which I was falling for this guy, things are great! It just takes some time with me, I'm so involved in lots of things and sometimes I freak out when I need to make a considerable amount of room in my life for someone else. Of course- ultimately I want to do this, meet someone, settle down, etc. I just need to go a little slower. Who am I kidding, I'll probably be the person who flies off to Vegas on a whim to get married. Just kidding Ginny (sort of).
Today is deployment phone call day galore! We're trying to send out volunteers to Oklahoma, Texas, and places in the midwest dealing with flooding. Don't know why I'm saying this... since my loyal readers are quite aware :P Other than that, I have finalized my t-shirts for Camp Red Cross, and am placing my order in about 20 minutes. They will be blue and red this year. Ben did the t-shirt design, I like it a lot. And of course the ERV cleaning took about 2 hours... but now Clyde and Marcia can pick it up in the morning and do two parades. Nice! I'm so excited about the exposure that vehicle is getting.
Other than that, I'm looking forward to tonight and tomorrow. On the eve of the 4th, my friends and I do a 'crawl'. Basically, this means we walk from house to house in the tree streets, where four of us live (including me) and have drinks and appetizers at each of our four houses. Then we all walk downtown as a group and go out for more drinks/snacks. It's a lot of fun. Then, in the morning, I'm decorating the democrat float and marching in the parade with the Dems. Congressmen Allen and Michaud will be there, so that is quite exciting for me. I'm a huge Allen supporter, despite not living in his district, and I'm delighted that he'll be running for senate against Susan Collins in 2008. That is one race I look forward to volunteering on. And yes, Gretchen, this guy I'm seeing is Mr. Democratic Party... so that works out quite well ;) After the parade I don't have plans until the fire works... although I'm hoping they don't get cancelled due to weather :( The fireworks in Bangor are usually pretty good, right over the river. If it's bad weather, or I get bored in the afternoon, I might make the hour drive to see my parents. They have a bbq with my moms sisters and their husbands and all their friends, it is quite a fun time. One of my earliest childhood memories is sneaking down from bed to see my parents and their friends all drinking and dancing and laughing on the back deck at the house I grew up in. I remember the song they were dancing to was 'Drift Away' by Dobie Gray... and to this day that song makes me think of my Mom and Dad! What a cheeseball I am!!! However, just a quick sidenote while we're on the subject... Mr. Democratic party isn't much of a drinker or dancer. I certainly don't need drinking and dancing in order to have fun, but I also don't want to never do those things. When I think about my parents, I can smile at how much fun they seemed to have over the years. And yeah, there were a lot of weekends with beer and wine and dancing and laughter. I kind of want that, too. Someone I can have fun with and laugh with until I'm old and gray and cannot dance or drink my wine anymore!!! :P
I hope you all have a great 4th!!!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Hi, my name is Hillary, and I'm a blog-a-holic
Seriously, the title says it all. I'm addicted to reading and writing blogs! I didn't see this coming. I used to check them every couple of days to see what you lovely ladies were up to... but now I'm checking for updates at least twice a day. Oy vais. But it's fun and I appreciate being welcomed into the blogging circle:)
Last night Ben had a migraine so I was on my own in moose country (Medway) with my favorite northern Maine fella's (the Medway fire department). We altered the schedule a bit last night... skipping a Tuesday the week of the fourth of July, and perhaps adding an additional class in August. I tried to push for family services, but they really wanted to add Disaster assessment. We could really use more caseworkers up there. They're a really fun bunch of flannel clad guy guys- they keep me on my toes and we certainly have our laughs. I think they're a bit more than mildly amused that a 26 year old woman is teaching them about disasters, since they're all at least in their 40's and have been running the fire department since I was in diapers. But they are kind and care about their community, so I'm willing to overlook their slightly less then feminist perspectives.
When I got home last night, I decided to have a glass of wine (I really don't drink as much as my blog probably makes it sound like I do) and read. I got a nice copy of 'Anna Karenina' from a girlfriend on my birthday. I've set the goal to read the entire thing by the end of the summer. I'm ashamed to admit that since college, my non-red cross reading has been pretty strictly mystery novels and things from Oprah's book club. I haven't read any classic literature in years. So anyway, I snuggle into my couch with my book and my wine... and the next thing I know it, is 3am and I have fallen asleep on the couch. All the lights are on in my apartment, the glass of wine is barely touched on my coffee table, book has fallen onto the floor, and Phoebe (my cat) is sitting on the edge of the couch looking at me like I might be crazy. I chuckled and decided perhaps I need to continue reading classic literature during the day, when there is less of a chance it will put me to sleep.
The bright spot of today is wearing a new pair of linen capris pants I bought on sale this past weekend at New York & Company (my favorite store!). They are a size 8! Diet and exercise really do work! Now, I'm not going to lie, these pants quite clearly run big, because I am not a size 8, nor have I been since probably age 17. But I feel good and I'm actually feeling like I've made life changes rather than feeling like I'm constantly 'on a diet'.
Still smiling... looking forward to seeing that boy (I should probably say man, he is nearly 31) tonight. He lives about 45 minutes away, so that puts a damper on much weeknight dating. I don't want to jinx it, this is still brand new, but I'm honestly really smitten. I'm never this goo goo eyed. Ok maybe from time to time I'm goo goo eyed and girly and silly... just not recently :) I'll keep you posted on this romance... if it doesn't work out, I'm sure there will be amusing stories to come about the single life. If it does, I'll probably continue the sunshine spreading for awhile ;)
Love you both!
Last night Ben had a migraine so I was on my own in moose country (Medway) with my favorite northern Maine fella's (the Medway fire department). We altered the schedule a bit last night... skipping a Tuesday the week of the fourth of July, and perhaps adding an additional class in August. I tried to push for family services, but they really wanted to add Disaster assessment. We could really use more caseworkers up there. They're a really fun bunch of flannel clad guy guys- they keep me on my toes and we certainly have our laughs. I think they're a bit more than mildly amused that a 26 year old woman is teaching them about disasters, since they're all at least in their 40's and have been running the fire department since I was in diapers. But they are kind and care about their community, so I'm willing to overlook their slightly less then feminist perspectives.
When I got home last night, I decided to have a glass of wine (I really don't drink as much as my blog probably makes it sound like I do) and read. I got a nice copy of 'Anna Karenina' from a girlfriend on my birthday. I've set the goal to read the entire thing by the end of the summer. I'm ashamed to admit that since college, my non-red cross reading has been pretty strictly mystery novels and things from Oprah's book club. I haven't read any classic literature in years. So anyway, I snuggle into my couch with my book and my wine... and the next thing I know it, is 3am and I have fallen asleep on the couch. All the lights are on in my apartment, the glass of wine is barely touched on my coffee table, book has fallen onto the floor, and Phoebe (my cat) is sitting on the edge of the couch looking at me like I might be crazy. I chuckled and decided perhaps I need to continue reading classic literature during the day, when there is less of a chance it will put me to sleep.
The bright spot of today is wearing a new pair of linen capris pants I bought on sale this past weekend at New York & Company (my favorite store!). They are a size 8! Diet and exercise really do work! Now, I'm not going to lie, these pants quite clearly run big, because I am not a size 8, nor have I been since probably age 17. But I feel good and I'm actually feeling like I've made life changes rather than feeling like I'm constantly 'on a diet'.
Still smiling... looking forward to seeing that boy (I should probably say man, he is nearly 31) tonight. He lives about 45 minutes away, so that puts a damper on much weeknight dating. I don't want to jinx it, this is still brand new, but I'm honestly really smitten. I'm never this goo goo eyed. Ok maybe from time to time I'm goo goo eyed and girly and silly... just not recently :) I'll keep you posted on this romance... if it doesn't work out, I'm sure there will be amusing stories to come about the single life. If it does, I'll probably continue the sunshine spreading for awhile ;)
Love you both!
Monday, June 18, 2007
the glass is half full in Bangor
Maybe it's the sunshine- or maybe the euphoric feeling of a wonderful weekend- but everything seems to be going quite well today. I have a happy 'everything is going to work out' kind of feeling. I spent the day to work things that I enjoy- an AFES case, some Camp Red Cross work, organizing cases for end of fiscal year stuff, and writing two articles for a donor newsletter. Plus, during my lunch hour I ran errands all over town, and it really is a beautiful day.
My weekend was perfect. I spent time with Alyssa, a tried & true girlfriend, on Friday night. We had some wine and watched 'the Boston Strangler'. We both enjoy a scary movie from time to time, so it was fun. Saturday morning we had coffee and read the paper while laying in the sun in the park I live next too. As a sidebar--- one of the reasons I rented my apartment is because it is literally right next to a park. Ok, so I don't have a backyard or anything like that, but I open my door and see children flying kites and people walking dogs. It's pretty darn cozy. Anyway, I had a date on Saturday afternoon. I'm not going to lie... this is perhaps a heavy contributor to my bright pink positive outlook today. It was with someone who I have know for almost a year, we met volunteering and have always stayed friends. I've been sort of interested all along, but the timing hasn't seemed right and we really do have a comfortable friendship. Well, friendship no more! The date was nice, and he ended joining my girlfriends and I for the dancing adventure (it is always a good sign when boys will dance, in my experience). After that I stayed up all night long with him, talking and being completely smitten. I haven't stayed up all night in quite a long time, let me tell you. Around 9am I thought I might not make it, but I got a second wind. Anyway, I'm happy. I have no idea where it will go... I never can tell with these things. But I have had this stupid smile glued to my face for about two days. So anyway, Sunday I went home for fathers day. Also a good day, despite the complete and total lack of sleep I had. I saw my dad, who liked his gifts!!!, and had fresh vegetables from his garden for me. I also visited my grandfathers grave, who passed away last year in December. I took a card there, and was really surprised (a good surprise) to see that there were a lot of other cards from his 4 daughters and 6 grandchildren. I didn't spend much time there, because it started to rain (luckily it is the thought behind the card!). I went to see my aunts with my that afternoon, and my cousin had her 3 year old son, Grady, there. He is one of my very favorite people! Everytime I see him we are inseperable for at least the first half hour. He is so cute and so funny. I sent him some stickers today with a little card, still feeling sort of mopey (ok who am I kidding, I still have the stupid smile on my face) after leaving home knowing I wouldn't see the little peanut for another couple of weeks. Ginny and Gretchen, I will bring his most recent picture to our meeting on Friday. You won't be able to help but fall in love with him-- he is a 3 year old heartbreaker!!!
Well, that's it for me. This is nice... I never thought I would be a blogger! It's fun to share the personal stuff and read your stories, ladies. Love to you both... and Lynn if you are reading now! xoxo
My weekend was perfect. I spent time with Alyssa, a tried & true girlfriend, on Friday night. We had some wine and watched 'the Boston Strangler'. We both enjoy a scary movie from time to time, so it was fun. Saturday morning we had coffee and read the paper while laying in the sun in the park I live next too. As a sidebar--- one of the reasons I rented my apartment is because it is literally right next to a park. Ok, so I don't have a backyard or anything like that, but I open my door and see children flying kites and people walking dogs. It's pretty darn cozy. Anyway, I had a date on Saturday afternoon. I'm not going to lie... this is perhaps a heavy contributor to my bright pink positive outlook today. It was with someone who I have know for almost a year, we met volunteering and have always stayed friends. I've been sort of interested all along, but the timing hasn't seemed right and we really do have a comfortable friendship. Well, friendship no more! The date was nice, and he ended joining my girlfriends and I for the dancing adventure (it is always a good sign when boys will dance, in my experience). After that I stayed up all night long with him, talking and being completely smitten. I haven't stayed up all night in quite a long time, let me tell you. Around 9am I thought I might not make it, but I got a second wind. Anyway, I'm happy. I have no idea where it will go... I never can tell with these things. But I have had this stupid smile glued to my face for about two days. So anyway, Sunday I went home for fathers day. Also a good day, despite the complete and total lack of sleep I had. I saw my dad, who liked his gifts!!!, and had fresh vegetables from his garden for me. I also visited my grandfathers grave, who passed away last year in December. I took a card there, and was really surprised (a good surprise) to see that there were a lot of other cards from his 4 daughters and 6 grandchildren. I didn't spend much time there, because it started to rain (luckily it is the thought behind the card!). I went to see my aunts with my that afternoon, and my cousin had her 3 year old son, Grady, there. He is one of my very favorite people! Everytime I see him we are inseperable for at least the first half hour. He is so cute and so funny. I sent him some stickers today with a little card, still feeling sort of mopey (ok who am I kidding, I still have the stupid smile on my face) after leaving home knowing I wouldn't see the little peanut for another couple of weeks. Ginny and Gretchen, I will bring his most recent picture to our meeting on Friday. You won't be able to help but fall in love with him-- he is a 3 year old heartbreaker!!!
Well, that's it for me. This is nice... I never thought I would be a blogger! It's fun to share the personal stuff and read your stories, ladies. Love to you both... and Lynn if you are reading now! xoxo
Friday, June 15, 2007
sunny Friday thoughts...
Alright... for all those interested, I am now a blogger. I'm guessing that 'all those interested' is a small and select group... perhaps my loyal readers will be only the delightful (and sassy) ladies of the ARC. Luckily, I have always believed in quality over quantity.
After spending last weekend on the great disaster training adventure in northern Maine, I'm thrilled at not having any work related things to do this weekend. Of course as soon as I say that, I have probably jinxed myself. Let's stay optimistic, people ;) Tonight I'm planning to have a quiet night- Lys, my close girlfriend and I, have planned to go shopping in the late afternoon, make quesadillas in the evening, and watch 'the Godfather' with a bottle of red wine. Neither of us have ever seen this film, and are fairly excited to see what all the hype is about. Besides, what can go wrong? Good friends, good wine, a mafia flick...
Saturday the plans are much more exciting. A local club is hosting 'Coyote Ugly' night. Six or Seven of my girlfriends and I will be getting all dressed up and shaking up this little town of Bangor. The plan is to club hop before landing at the 'Coyote Ugly' destination. First, we'll see some live music, a band called 'The Whirling Dirvishes' at Carolina's. We know the guys in the band, and my friend Jen will actually be joining them for one song. After that, we go to 'Barnabys'... which we lovingly call 'the barn'. In Bangor, it's sort of known as ... how should I put this... a club where a slightly rougher and less stylish crowd goes. It's always sort of an adventure. After that, we'll go to Gemini, which is where the 'Coyote Ugly' theme night is. There are games and prizes and who knows what else. These dancing nights out with my girlfriends are like therapy for me- we are a fairly responsible group, no binge drinking or going home with strange men. But being with my ladies and laughing and dancing all night is such a comforting thing. I'm consistently reminded at how lucky I am to be surrounded by strong women- at work, in my friendships, and especially my family.
Speaking of family... Sunday I'll be heading home for fathers day. On a slightly more serious and personal note, I've been contemplating fathers day a bit lately. About two weeks ago, I went to the funeral of the father of a very close friend. My friend is 27, a year older than me, and his father died suddenly and unexpectedly. Dan, my friend, and I have been close for about 8 years. He was one of the first real friends I made in college, and our friendship is one that has been a rock for me. I went to his fathers funeral expecting to be the supportive friend for a few hours and then return to my normal life, uneffected. To the contrary... I was very moved by the entire experience. Seeing someone that I love lose a parent, someone who is my age, was very significant. I've thought about it a lot since then. So, this year, for fathers day, I'm framing some old pictures for my father. My favorite is one of him holding me when I'm a baby, probably only a few days old. I've never been a daddy's girl... from day one I have been my mother's daughter, and we're incredibly close. I don't have that same closeness with my father, but I'm hoping that he likes these photos... and that it isn't too cheesy!
Well, darling readers... that's it. Blog one. I'll try to keep it interesting. ;) Love to you both, G & G!
After spending last weekend on the great disaster training adventure in northern Maine, I'm thrilled at not having any work related things to do this weekend. Of course as soon as I say that, I have probably jinxed myself. Let's stay optimistic, people ;) Tonight I'm planning to have a quiet night- Lys, my close girlfriend and I, have planned to go shopping in the late afternoon, make quesadillas in the evening, and watch 'the Godfather' with a bottle of red wine. Neither of us have ever seen this film, and are fairly excited to see what all the hype is about. Besides, what can go wrong? Good friends, good wine, a mafia flick...
Saturday the plans are much more exciting. A local club is hosting 'Coyote Ugly' night. Six or Seven of my girlfriends and I will be getting all dressed up and shaking up this little town of Bangor. The plan is to club hop before landing at the 'Coyote Ugly' destination. First, we'll see some live music, a band called 'The Whirling Dirvishes' at Carolina's. We know the guys in the band, and my friend Jen will actually be joining them for one song. After that, we go to 'Barnabys'... which we lovingly call 'the barn'. In Bangor, it's sort of known as ... how should I put this... a club where a slightly rougher and less stylish crowd goes. It's always sort of an adventure. After that, we'll go to Gemini, which is where the 'Coyote Ugly' theme night is. There are games and prizes and who knows what else. These dancing nights out with my girlfriends are like therapy for me- we are a fairly responsible group, no binge drinking or going home with strange men. But being with my ladies and laughing and dancing all night is such a comforting thing. I'm consistently reminded at how lucky I am to be surrounded by strong women- at work, in my friendships, and especially my family.
Speaking of family... Sunday I'll be heading home for fathers day. On a slightly more serious and personal note, I've been contemplating fathers day a bit lately. About two weeks ago, I went to the funeral of the father of a very close friend. My friend is 27, a year older than me, and his father died suddenly and unexpectedly. Dan, my friend, and I have been close for about 8 years. He was one of the first real friends I made in college, and our friendship is one that has been a rock for me. I went to his fathers funeral expecting to be the supportive friend for a few hours and then return to my normal life, uneffected. To the contrary... I was very moved by the entire experience. Seeing someone that I love lose a parent, someone who is my age, was very significant. I've thought about it a lot since then. So, this year, for fathers day, I'm framing some old pictures for my father. My favorite is one of him holding me when I'm a baby, probably only a few days old. I've never been a daddy's girl... from day one I have been my mother's daughter, and we're incredibly close. I don't have that same closeness with my father, but I'm hoping that he likes these photos... and that it isn't too cheesy!
Well, darling readers... that's it. Blog one. I'll try to keep it interesting. ;) Love to you both, G & G!
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