Jocular, Pithy, and Scintillating = Words Not Used to Describe This Post

This is a photo Lisa sent from Zambia. Lisa's doing a great job of keeping everyone posted on her Peace Corps adventure.

Back to the ordinary:

I took the day off yesterday to attend a library conference in the morning and take Abby to the vet in the afternoon. I ran my legs off all day and it was so hot I was miserable. I dropped off Abby at 7:30, then went back home to get ready for the conference, which was over at noon, then ran errands, including having my car waxed, then decided to do a little shopping before I met with Abby's doctor. Turns out Abby's fine, so the frequent stress-induced indoor urination is "behavioral." Duh. I was pretty sure of that already, since she's able to hold it all day while I'm at work, but when events alter slightly from the ordinary, she pees all over the place. I prefer to call it emotional instead of behavioral, since I don't think she has a choice. There's nothing medical I can do for her, so she'll continue to wear a diaper whenever we vary her routine and hopefully I'll still be welcome in my mother's house.

I have been home all day with a migraine, but it's better now. It started at the mall yesterday. I should have known. A little more stress than usual, the heat, and the mall sent my brain over the edge. I did find a skirt, however, for $3, so it was worth it. Yes, three bucks, marked down from $55. How about that? I never have such luck. And, I haven't worn a skirt in several years. All this change!

Next week is my last week at work and then I'm going to Arkansas to visit the family and some friends. Can't wait to see the boy and girl. Reece and I already have plans to see the third Mummy movie and spend some time at Petco and definitely have ice cream at least once. He asked me if we could go to the water park while I'm home and I quickly demurred. I told him I'd like to be considered his indoor aunt.

I'll be celebrating my birthday while I'm home, which means CAKE! Emily is going to Florida for several days while I'm home, but she's coming back in time to return to Columbia with me for four or five days. And, Auntie Linda and her granddaughter, Halen, are coming up while Emily's here and we will continue the party for a few more days. I don't know when I've had so much FUN planned. Can't wait to get started.

Almost forgot - THIS BOOK is one of the best I've read all year. Highly recommend it, but know that you won't want to put it down once you start reading it.

A Visit From the Golden Girls

This is the only photo I took all weekend, but I had a great time with my mom, Auntie Linda, and Roxy. Of course, Abby was stressed having all that company and that damned dog she thought she'd gotten rid of, and of course she started peeing all over the place, so I had to put diapers on her. Never thought I'd have a baby in diapers. Geez!

What are you doing on July 4th?

Hope everyone has a good holiday! It's supposed to stop raining here today and the weekend is going to be mild and dry! That will make it perfect for going downtown and hanging out and stopping in all the great shops. My mom and Auntie Linda are coming up tonight and staying until Sunday. I worked on the apartment all week, cleaning, organizing, etc. That's one of the best aspects of having company for me - it inspires me to get the house in order!

My brother, Dave, took the family to Chicago this week for a family vacation. Emily texted me a few photos of the Chicago skyline and a view from the Sears Building. She's having a blast. They even got to go to a Cubs game and she texted me to watch the game and look for her. Of course I did it, but didn't see her. They're in Minneapolis now at the Mall of America. I told Dave he'd need to put diapers on Dawn and Emily before they got to the mall because they won't be able to contain themselves when they see all the shopping possibilities. I should have included Reece in that diaper joke, too, because he's as much a shopper as his mom and sister. I hope Dave is taking some B12 and drinking lots of coffee.

I'll be "Ca-chinging it" at the casino, I'm sure, while the fireworks are going on everywhere. Can't wait!

I Was Very Productive Saturday!

After with table runner
Originally uploaded by Aunt Vanessa

Grandmother Bera had these chairs and table in her breakfast nook and I always loved the chairs. She gave them to me when I moved and I finally got around to recovering the chairs and painting the table legs. I just love them now. Look over on my Flickr and you'll see the "before" and then you are welcome to praise me for all my hard work.

Internet Woes

Still having internet trouble, I know it's my modem box, but I haven't had a chance to take it to the cable place. The only time I can go is Saturday morning, and I wasn't here this last Sat. to take it. My buddy, Sandy, and I went to St. Louis on Saturday and had the best time. I love the St. Louis Art Museum! We spent a few hours there, and then explored some areas and ate at an Irish Pub and it was great. I'm looking for a place to live after I graduate and St. Louis is definitely on the list. More later, after I get my modem replaced.

Saturday is the Best

Busy day already. I had the oil changed in my car, bought groceries, returned some books to the library, checked out two more (more about that later) and talked to my brother, Dave, on the phone. I need to return my cable modem and get one that works from the cable company, but I forgot about it until just now and they close at noon on Saturday, so I'll continue to pirate the internet from one of my neighbors until next week. I've been aggravated with the internet for several weeks and the tech support people told me I had a bad splitter, so I bought a new one, and I'm still having trouble with my connection. So, I have decided it's either the cable cord or the modem box. I also can't remember how to connect my router, but that's another mess I'll deal with later.

I haven't told you guys about my wonderful Memorial Weekend with Reece. Oh, we had a blast. We shopped, bought lots of Mizzou gear, ate some really good food, shopped more, went to an air show, went to the movie, watched several DVDs, and played! It was fun being a ten-year-old for a weekend. Of course, it took me a week to recover, but it was absolutely worth every minute. Reece is still a sweet little boy and hasn't gotten to the age yet in which he refuses to have anything to do with his old aunt, so I'm taking advantage of every opportunity I can right now! Here are a couple of pics from the weekend:

This was at the air show. The show wasn't that great, but Reece came home with a ton of free stuff, so he loved it. And, he had two barbeque sandwiches which he said were great. He's so stinkin' cute.




We bought this outfit (he'd never call it an outfit, though) on Saturday morning and he wore it for three days straight. Not that I'm trying to recruit him for Mizzou or anything...





Back to my books. I just finished THIS ONE which is worth reading, and THIS ONE which was so bad I was angry that I wasted my time reading it. So don't bother unless you want to read about flawless characters and completely useless prose that didn't make any sense, especially about the Iraqi war. I can't say enough bad stuff about this book, but I'll never read anything else written by Gilchrist. True, I'd only read a couple of her novels, and didn't love either, but I was hoping she's redeem herself with this one, but she didn't.

I picked up THIS BOOK today. If you read the reviews you'll want to read it, too. Also, plan to start THIS after I finish the first one. Harold Bloom says McCarthy is one of the three greatest living American writers. Anyone have an opinion on that?

I have two weeks remaining in my practicum and when I walked in to Cataloging last Thursday, one of the dept. heads asked me when I was graduating. Hmm...Then, the head of cataloging told me everyone there wants me to come back. She said she's going to try to get a job opened up for me by next May. To say that that would be nice would be like saying I mildly enjoy chocolate.

I'll post new pics on Flickr sometime this weekend, so if you want to see more of the Cutest Boy in the World, be sure to take a look.

xoxo


WAIT! I forgot to mention Emily! She's as beautiful and smart as ever and we had a good talk yesterday on the phone. (I love you, Sweetie.)

Happy Birthday, Dave

I had an even MORE embarrasing pic ready to post, but then you had to go and be all sweet and call me last night and put me on speaker while you opened gifts and the whole family was there and my heart completely melted. It did, however, freeze up enough by this morning to find and post this pic. What's a birthday without a little humiliation, right? Brother, you should have learned by now not to compromise your masculinity when I'm around to record it and use it against you.

Dave, you are such a great brother. Oh, hell, you are a great person, the best person I know. I could go on and on about you at length, but then you'd be too difficult to deal with, so I'm just going to tell you that I love you and wish you many, many happy years, and that I'd do anything for you, my dear brother.

Hope you and Reece are having a great time fishing today.

xoxo,
Your Big Sister

What's a Synonym for Stress?

No, I didn't forget I have a blog, although most of you have stopped reading, and I really don't blame you. Who wants to check in to find the same post every day for weeks on end? It's just that I've been beyond exhausted. Stress wears me out, now. I used to be able to deal with it better, but now I just get all tired and cranky. I earned an "A" in both classes for the semester, so I can rejoice in that. I'm now doing my practicum in cataloging. I realized that I love cataloging and can't wait to graduate and go to work! There are jobs for catalogers everywhere in the world, including the UK, and I'm going to start exploring all the options.

Funny thing is happening with the family back home. Mom and Auntie Linda have been toying with the idea of living together. They're sisters, and great friends, and they have thought they'd be good housemates, so they decided to sell both houses, and the one who sold her house first would move in with the other one and see how it goes. So, Auntie sold her house last month and moved in with my mom. Things were going fine, and then Mom's house sold last week, and they have to be out by the end of this month! Now Auntie and Mom are about to be homeless. They are frantically searching for a suitable vacant abode as I write. Next time I go for a visit, I may be sleeping in a tent! I'll keep you updated on their drama.

Reece is coming up for a visit on Friday. I'm off Monday, so we'll have a long weekend. David is driving him halfway on Friday afternoon and I'm picking him up. David, Dawn, and Emily (she'd better, anyway) will drive halfway up to Columbia on Monday and we'll have lunch and they'll take Reece home with them. I can't wait to spend some time with the boy. He's requested some movies, and he's really excited about getting to spend the weekend in Missouri. He likes visiting here and I'm going to load him down with MU souvenirs while he's here. And kisses.

I've mentioned my favorite blog to you, I know. Well, this post defines me better than I could ever define myself.

I'll be back later this week, and will make it an interesting read, even if I have to make shit up.

A Mother of a Day

Take three minutes and watch. Happy Mother's Day, y'all.

Procrastinating, Again

That huge paper I had due Friday? The professor extended the due date to next Thursday! I am determined, however, to have it turned in by tomorrow night so that I can relax for the next couple of weeks.

My practicum in the MU Library's Cataloging Dept. begins the third week of May and goes until the end of June. I'll be working my job until 2:30 each day, then trotting over to the library to work (learn) until 5:00 each day. I will be pooped by the time it's all over, but I'll have it done! Then, I can relax and simply work full-time until July 25, when I quit, and take a couple of weeks off before coming back to Columbia to train for my assistantship, which starts when classes resume in late August. Sounds like I've got it all planned, huh? And it wasn't easy trying to get all these dates straight. I'm already looking forward to Christmas Break.

It's 8:30 on a Saturday morning and it sounds as if my upstairs neighbors are having a party. An aerobics party that involves throwing really heavy objects on the floor and then running outside. I want to go up there and tell them to shut up, but they don't speak English very well. Plus, I'd have to put on a bra and that's not going to happen today. I need the breathing room so I can write this paper. Which reminds me that I need to go make some more coffee and get to work.

I posted a few more pics on Flickr. There's one of Halen, too. Go look at how cute the babies are.

I Am Ready For This Semester To Be OVER

I have a huge paper due Friday, so naturally I decided to post a blog entry. I think I'd rather paint my apartment, wax my car, and give Abby a bath instead of work on this paper.


How cute is this boy?



You don't get any sweeter than this one, either:



Couple more things:

I am disliking Barack Obama more and more every day. And I didn't like him much to begin with.

I also dislike overly-sensitive people who act like babies.

What about that sick f*ck in Austria? And no one knew about his secret life? For twenty-four years? I can't understand this.

I am stopping all things related to school right now and going to bed so that I can pick up this book where I left off at lunchtime. It's soooo good!

Always Great To Visit Home

Emily made this for me after I shamed her into it. I really was joking when I said that since she hadn't returned any of my calls, e-mails, or texts in like, forEVER, I was expecting a cake when I got to Arkansas. It really was cute, Emily, and very tasty! You little creative turd.

I got the best pics of the niece and nephew, you know, the ones I've mentioned a time or two on this blog. I'll post more pics in a few days. After I recover from the minibreak and get my paper finished.

Whatever It Was, It Worked!

Thanks for all the praying, finger crossing, throwing salt over your left shoulder, chanting, whatever. I got the assistantship! Yay! I start in August and I'll be teaching three classes and working in the MU library at the reference desk. This is the experience I need to get a job when I graduate and that is such a huge relief. Of course, I have to quit my job and I'm going to miss most of my coworkers, but I'm definitely taking a step in the right direction as far as my future is concerned.

Tomorrow, I'm getting my hair cut, then packing my car and heading to Arkansas until Wednesday. Emily's playing in a softball tournament tomorrow and Sunday, and I'll get to spend some time with Reece, too, and Mom, and Auntie Linda, and Bera. Cousin Luann's flying in from Austin and we, along with her adorable sisters Lisa and Janet, are going to Memphis on Tuesday to see Elvis Costello. We sort of love him. I'm going to celebrate all the good stuff that is happening before I have to come back to Missouri and bust my arse to get through my final papers of the semester.

So! That's all I've got now, but be sure and look to the right at my new pics on Flickr. Dawn sent them to me earlier this week. Of course they're of Emily and Reece! Who else?

Saturday Tidbits

Busy week! Lots of school work; only a few more weeks remaining of this semester, which has flown. Still haven't heard if I've gotten the TA position I applied for. According to Sandy, our advisor said it would be a while, so I'm a little on edge about it. I want to know now so I can plan and worry about something else!

This morning I was on campus before 8:00 to take part in National History Day. The state competition was held at MU and I was a judge for the junior high division of performances. I had to watch nine group performances. Of 7th- and 8th-graders. It was great. This year's theme was "Conflict and Compromise in History," and those kids were quite creative. Eight of the performances were about women in history, and several were about how important women were to the Civil War and WWII. I wanted to jump up and down at times because I'm so proud of girls today! They realize that our sex has gotten the shaft for SO LONG and they're not going to let it happen to them. I wish Emily could have seen those kids. She would have loved it, especially since they were her age.

After all that, Dawn and her boyfriend, Tucker, picked me up and we went for a really late lunch. Before I start some kind of family scandal, let me clarify. It was my friend, Dawn, not my sis-in-law who's married to my brother. I wouldn't want to go to lunch with her if she had a boyfriend. So, family, don't get all riled up about that, okay? Anyway, we had a good time over lunch and several cups of coffee. Tucker is a high school English teacher, so naturally I love him. Even if he is a man. Get this: we were talking while looking out the window at the snow. What? Yes! It snowed today. In a way it's good, though, because that delays the fact the I am going to have to get a pedicure. See how I took a bad thing and turned it into a good one? Always upbeat, yessir.

Now, I'm going to put away the computer and read a little for one of my classes, then I'm going to watch a couple of movies. They're piling up and I'm not getting my money's worth from Netflix if I don't watch the movies and return them for more.

I'll be back before the end of next week. Promise.

I'm Too Old For This

I hardly got off the sofa yesterday until about 7 p.m. Why? I hosted a little Wine & Cheese party Friday night, and what I thought would last only a couple of hours went into the wee hours of the next morning! Yes, I forgot that twenty-year-olds can stay up all night. Everyone over thirty left by 10 o'clock, 'cause they have sense. Except me, of course. But, it does mean the little shits had a good time if they stayed that long, and I had a great time. I just love the young 'uns. I sort of think of them as my new nieces, since I don't get to see Emily that often anymore. Also, I promised them I'd have another party before the semester is over, since Lauren is graduating and won't be around next year. I'm going to have to start storing up my sleep right now! Party pics over on Flickr>>>

My mom came to visit last weekend and we had a really good visit. It was her birthday and we celebrated all weekend, including a visit to the casino, where we both won. That rarely happens. I'm going to Arkansas in a couple of weeks, too, and I get to watch Emily play in a softball tournament. And get lots of sugar from Reece. I'm just waiting, because it's going to happen soon, for Reece to want nothing to do with my smooches all over his cheeks.

Homework is calling. Gotta get it done so I can watch this movie.

Been Busy!

As if I had to actually take the quiz to learn this:

I Like To Think Of It As Tuesday Eve

Happy Easter

Can't believe it's already Easter. Didn't we just have Christmas? It's cold here, and won't be good for hunting eggs in the yard this year. I remember looking for eggs all over the house, then going outside after church on Easter Sunday and finding the beautiful eggs we'd dyed all over the place and it was a blast.

I bought a few new items last night to hang on my walls, thanks to my friend Dawn's help, she's got the artist's eye and she helped me find the perfect painting for the wall above my hot red sofa. I am the worst picture hanger there is. Everything's always off balance and I even use a leveler, but I just don't have the knack, but I'm going to try anyway. I'll post pics so you can all have a good laugh.

I've had three weeks of weekly drawing class and I love it. I've been doing a little sketching on my own, too, and it's a great way to relax and let the mind rest a little. Our instructor is great and the class is small and I'm so glad I decided to spend Thursday nights learning something completely different from anything I've ever done.

I have made a pact with myself NOT to leave the house today, however, until I've finished with a paper that's due tomorrow night. I'm about one-fourth-finished with it, so it's going to take the rest of this morning and probably most of the afternoon to complete, but then I can go shopping and decorating! Tomorrow is laundry, cleaning house, working on another paper, and watching this movie.

If you want to read a novel that will make you want to stay up all night and forget everything else you have to do until you finish it, try this one! You will lose some sleep, but it'll be worth it. Let me know if you read it, too.

Just finished the last season of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and I think it's the best season of all six, and I'm going to have to start collecting all seasons of it now. Funniest thing I've ever watched.

Can't procrastinate any longer. Must get on with the paper. Happy Easter.

xoxo
Ness

Happy St. Paddy's

Thanks, Cousin Candee!

I Met Rainman In My Laundry Room

In order to get my laundry done in one fell swoop, I always get up early on Saturday morning. If I'm in the laundry room at my apartment complex by 7 a.m., I can use all the washing machines I need and the dryers, and I never have to share any of them, nor do I have to talk to anyone living in the complex. And who wants to make chit chat at 7 a.m. on a Saturday? This morning, however, I walked into the lovely laundry room to transfer my clothes from the washers to the dryers and this old guy with huge eyes and a bright orange knit cap was standing in front of one of the dryers staring at it like it was a television. He jumped out of his skin when I entered the room, which has a combination lock, which is supposed to keep out the criminals, and I said hi to him and he said, with a booming voice, "it's going to rain all day and we're going to have a light snow, but don't worry, it'll only be a dusting on the ground and will melt by tomorrow, but get ready to swim Monday and Tuesday 'cause it's going to rain for 48 hours straight, but then it's going to warm up Wednesday." No, "Hi, how are you?" Just a weather report with absolutely no inflection in his voice and he never took his eyes off the dryer, so I'm not really sure if he was even talking to me. I put my clothes in the dryer and got out of there in record time. I hope he didn't try to smell my socks after I left.

THIS is my new favorite blog. Thanks, Cousin Luann.

I watched THIS MOVIE last night. Whew. What a movie it is. If I have time, I'm going to watch it again this weekend. Now I want to read the book, too. I also have THIS ONE and THIS ONE to watch, but I have a ton of homework to do, so I'm not sure if I'll get to them this weekend. It is, however, going to rain all weekend, according to my source, so I can stay in and work and maybe have time for some more movies.

I told Auntie Linda that I couldn't go to Ireland this year like we were planning to do. If I get the TA position this fall (I'll find out the first part of April if I do) I'll need to use that travel money to live on, so we're going to wait until next year for Ireland. She was fine with that. We're talking about taking a short holiday someplace, maybe Chicago for a few days, or Kansas City. We want to go to some art museums and see some theatre and eat some good food and not spend a fortune. Any suggestions are welcome.

Congratulations to Emily. Not only did she win her school's first place award for her science fair project, but she won the regional first place, too! Told you she was something else. She is also off to St. Louis today for a week. She's spending her spring break on a mission trip with her church. She's such a good girl. She's a rocker, too, which makes her so interesting. I sort of love her a little.

As for Reece, he's hanging in there and reading really long books and he's a pro at working me. We've had this deal going for the last several summers, in which I bribe him to read. I pay him to read, that is. Well, since he no longer has to be bribed, I suggested to him that I send him the bribe money at the beginning of summer this year so that he can buy some books. He told me that the fourth book in the series he's been reading is going on sale in a week or so, and he'd really appreciate it if I could send the money early, like NOW, so he could buy the book. I sent him the money. He's good, I tell you.

I need to call Grandmother Bera now. She had her battery replaced in her pacemaker earlier this week and I haven't talked to her since the procedure. I hear she's doing fine, and I told her to ask for a turbo-charged battery and she said she would, and she also promised she wouldn't say "shit" while she was sedated. I'm going to ask her about that one.

Birthday Times Two

Today is sis-in-law's birthday. Happy Birthday, Dawn! Sorry I wasn't there for the party. Would have loved to have some of that cake! Thanks for sending me the pics, though. You are so good to send photos of everything that's going on. Hope the snow's melted off the roads and Dave takes you out tonight to celebrate. XOXO






Tomorrow is my baby brother's birthday, so Happy Birthday to Don! I don't think he ever reads this blog, so really I should be posting a picture of him with a bow on his head, but this is such a good one that Dawn sent me from their party, I'm going to be nice.




Look at this next one. This is Arkansas! In March! Reece looks like he's frozen, and Emily just looks beautiful, as usual. So glad we missed that snow in Missouri. I've had enough to last until next winter.

Anniversary and So Much More

February 21 was my three-year blogiversary and I didn't realize that until yesterday. When I began this blog, I had no idea what I would write about, and mostly that still holds true. I knew I'd write about Emily and Reece, and thus the name of my blog. Other than that, I had very little ambition. Most of my readers are family and they practically never comment, but if I skip more than a week of posting a blog, I always hear from them, so, I know you're reading, family. I have a few fellow bloggers who read, and I love y'all dearly. Your blogs are so good and I love reading them and I feel as if we're friends. I'd love to meet all of you someday and have a cup of coffee and hear your voices! Some of my friends and coworkers read and therefore I have to watch what I write about work. So, thanks, guys, for reading me for the last three years. I'm sure you'd like to have that time back to put on your life, huh?

Nothing much going on here. It's 60 degrees and I've been inside all day working on a paper. Tomorrow we're expecting two to four inches of snow. Yes. The weather here is even more strange than that in Arkansas. Yesterday my friend, Dawn, and I spent a nice afternoon having lunch and being girls and going shopping. We looked at handbags, jewelry, stuff for our homes, and of course: shoes. Dawn, you are so much fun. We've both signed up to begin a drawing class this coming Thursday night for five weeks. Dawn's a graphic artist, and I can't even draw a crooked line, so I know who'll do all the laughing in class. I've always wanted to take drawing lessons, though, and I'm getting old, so now's the time.

I need you guys to keep your fingers crossed for me for the next month. Yes, you may uncross them to eat, but then cross them back again. I'm up for a teaching assistantship for the fall and I really, really, really want the job. My friend, Sandy, has been a TA for the last year and she loves it and has talked me into applying for a position. I'll know something by the first part of April and I'll let you know whether I get hired.

Haven't been reading as much as usual, but I'm finishing this one, and I'm also reading this one. Thought I'd read it before seeing the movie.

I started watching the series "Weeds" and I think it's very good. Those Showtime series, at least the ones I've seen, have all been great. Last night, after doing some homework, I watched "Across the Universe." If you've not seen it and you love the Beatles, you will like it, but you won't love it. I ended up fast forwarding through some of it just to get to the ending. It wasn't a total waste of time, however. I'm going to watch this movie tonight. My photographer friend, Nic, tells me I'll like it and he gave me the accompanying book, but I can't remember the title of the book and it's in my bedroom and I'm too lazy to get up and get it so I'm not posting a link to it. Wait, I think it's Speedology. Still not getting up.

Time for a late lunch and I really want a hamburger. I haven't eaten one, or any red meat, in so long I don't remember. Think I'll go to Wendy's and get a burger with cheese on it. Now my stomach is growling.

Happy Birthday, Awesome Emily!

I know I say this all the time, but, I can't believe you're fourteen, Emily! How did that happen? You're the sweetest girl and I'm so very lucky to be your aunt. You bring joy to everyone with your hilarious sense of humor and that gorgeous smile. I know your dad would love it if you were ugly and wanted to stay home and watch CNN on Friday night, but clearly that's never going to happen. You've got the most active social life I've ever imagined. And talk about smart! You succeed at everything you do academically. Hello, Ivy League. You're not so bad at the sports thing, either, you all-star softball/basketball player! You, my dear, are the total package and amaze me every time I talk to you with your intelligence. And, you love to read on top of all that! Stop all this growing up, already.

xoxo,
Aunt Vanessa

Enough, already!

2-24-08
Originally uploaded by Aunt Vanessa

Yesterday was great. It was almost 40 degrees; there was very little evidence of the ice storm we'd had earlier in the week. Well. So much for the good weather. I woke up to this.

I got my haircut yesterday. Went to a new hair stylist that my friend, Dawn, recommended and I was very pleased. She gave me a good cut and my hair looked shiny and healthy when she was finished. I bought some Aveda products, too. I'm a sucker for anything that says it'll make your hair look fuller and healthier. The best part of the haircut experience was the fact that my new hair stylist, yes I'm going to keep her, didn't talk my ear off. She chatted a little, but didn't tell me all about her cheating husband or her lazy friend or her awful mother-in-law. I loved it. Of course, I'm always going to miss Marka, my Arkansas hair stylist, but I had to find someone here to cut my hair and I think I've found the perfect person.

Reece has been sick with strep throat. Bless his heart. I talked to him Friday night and he sounded really sick, but a little better yesterday. Here's to you, Reece, you precious sweetheart. Hope you're much better today.

Go over to my Flickr pics to see my new furniture! Love the color. The ottoman is actually the same color as the sofa and chair, it just looks lighter in the photos because of the texture of the fabric. I'm so glad I "went for it" and got the red, and I have a couple of throws and throw pillow options so I can change it whenever I feel like it. I'm truly starting to feel like the diva is awakening in me! Next thing you know, I'll be wearing gold shoes in the daytime.

Iced In

I just had the best nap. The entire state is covered in ice and it's been drizzling more freezing rain, so I haven't left my apartment all day. Have a lot of assignments to work on, though, so I didn't really need to be napping, but Abby was, and she needed me to snuggle with her. So, I just did it for her, being the martyr that I am.

Congratulation to Emily for winning her science fair. Told you she was brilliant. And science isn't really her thing, but she had a great project: What genre of music makes you walk the fastest? Turns out it's Hip Hop. I hope she sends me her paper; I'd like to read it. I probably should text her and ask for it. Did you know that teenagers no longer talk? They only text. They're a very quiet generation, actually. They text and they listen to their iPods. Parents don't even know they're around. I'm sure my parents are feeling cheated out of that. I was the loudest teenager in the world, with the talking on the phone and the listening to Led Zeppelin on my eight track. (I'll explain those last terms to you, Emily, sometime!)

Auntie Linda was supposed to be coming up to visit over the weekend, but she has gallstones. Bitch. She has an appointment to see a surgeon Monday and then she's going to have surgery. Wish I could be there to take care of her. I had the same problem in my mid-twenties and it was no fun at all. Here's hoping she's up and about in record time. If she's down for too long, the casinos will close.

I still haven't taken updated pics of my living room, with the gorgeous new furniture. Maybe I'll do that later. Now, I'm going to watch a movie and then catch the Clinton/Obama debate. Guess who I'm supporting?

xoxo

Bye-bye

Lisa and Trevor
Originally uploaded by Aunt Vanessa

This is Lisa and her husband, Trevor. I met Lisa last year when she joined our office. She's an amazing writer and has the most unique outlook on life. I think she's one of the brightest people I've ever known, not to mention hilarious. Everyone loves her. She and Trevor have joined the Peace Corps and are leaving Tuesday for Zambia. They'll be there two years, and last night we said goodbye to them at a party. I'm posting a link to their blog so you can read about them. Lisa does the writing and you'll love it. More party pics over on Flickr>>>>>>

Happy...oh...whatever...just eat some chocolate and forget it...

Too Much Homework

Every night this week I've had to go home from work and do more work. That's not a complaint, really. But it's an excuse for not posting an entry on this sad little blog.

Bought new furniture and it was delivered Saturday. It's gorgeous: brick red sofa and chair, floral tapestry-looking upholstered ottoman that Abby loves to sleep on. I'm really excited about it. Once I get all the accessories in place I'll post a photo. Plus I need to buy a new lamp. One thing always calls for another.

Went to a party Saturday night. I never party. It was fun, and I met some interesting people.

Auntie's coming up later this month to go to an Irish Music concert. Want to bet we go gambling, too? I keep getting "free" money coupons from the casino and I hate to let them go to waste.

Double Digits

Where has the time gone, Reece? I was reading some of my old journals yesterday and I found an entry about you from 2004. I wrote that we were driving along, you were in your car seat in the backseat, and you said, "Nessa, when I grow up, I'm going to have a lot of money." "Oh, really?" I asked. "Yep," you said, "I've already got my own wallet."

You continue to fascinate me, Reece, with all your interests. Now, you're into guitars and music. Last year it was skateboards. It's still video games, of course. The interest that thrills me most, however, is your love of reading. I used to have to bribe you to read; now, you read on your own and you love it. And, you like to talk about books and writing, and you love going to the bookstore and actually looking at books. Makes me want to cry.

When I came home to see you two weekends ago, I walked into your room and you were sitting in your game chair playing videos (no surprise there). But I loved how you didn't even look up at me, you just tilted your head and turned up your cheek, knowing that I would want to give you a kiss. You still know how to make me melt.

Hope you had a great birthday party with all your friends, and I hope you get some really cool gifts today.

You are the perfect boy and I love you.

Happy Birthday,

Aunt Vanessa

Forgot I Had a Blog

This is one of three photos I took last weekend when I went home for a visit. I have a cute brother. I think it captures the Teenage Attitude quite well. She's actually very sweet when she's with me, but I know she exhibits this teenage behavior with her parents. I remember having identical split personalities when I was her age. The parents are the ones who get on our nerves the most and we show everyone else the respect we should show our parents, when we're teens. Doesn't mean we're bad kids, just normal!

We didn't do anything worthy of a lot of pics, and I didn't get any of Reece, although I did spend some time with him. I usually try to spend time with Emily and Reece individually when I visit, but there wasn't time, so I made them promise me they wouldn't fight while we were together, and they didn't. I was amazed. They actually seemed to enjoy being in the presence of one another.

Another Holiday

Since next Monday is a holiday, I'm taking off tomorrow afternoon and driving to Arkansas for an extended weekend. Classes begin next Tuesday and I won't have much time to make visits to Arkansas for a while. Have no specific plans except for getting together with the clan on Saturday night for dinner and probably meeting people for coffee and breakfast and movies and more eating. Geez. Sounds like all we do is eat. That's not accurate. We also drink.

Speaking of eating, I went to Weight Watchers last night and lost the extra Christmas pounds I'd put on, plus a little more. I don't intend to make weight loss claims every single time I post, but this is different. For the first time in I don't know HOW long, I weigh less in January than I did the previous December. Triumph. And that's all I'll say about weight, fat, dieting, etc. for a long while.

I think I've overdosed on the Tudor period. I watched this movie last night. Of course I loved it. Richard Burton? Of course! They don't make 'em like him anymore.

HERE's what I'm reading now. I'm only on page 50, but the history of the castle is interesting and it's written by a writer and it's smooth and well-written and full of big words. Vanessa: Lit Critic for Dummies. Truly, however, if you ever go on a castle-touring holiday, you find yourself wondering about all those past generations who actually called a castle their home. If so, then try to acquire this book. It will please thee.

Enough procrastinating. I need to go pack.

Why I Love Living in Columbia

I was so productive this past weekend, I don't know what to do with myself. Saturday I got up early and did laundry and ran errands, including getting the oil changed in my car. After the oil change, I drove across the street to the over-priced car wash. While I was in line to check in my car, I noticed a burning smell, then smoke started coming out of the hood of my car. My new car. I opened the hood and it was nothing but some spilled oil burning off, so I wasn't concerned at all. I've been through that before and it's no big deal, you just have to wait for it to burn off. After the car wash, I went to evil Wal-Mart and when I got out of my car, I heard, "Ma'am. Ma'am!" I turned around and the woman parked in front of me got out of her car and told me my car was overheating. I explained to her what was happening, and then the woman parked next to me, who had a carload of kiddos, got out of her car and told me we needed to check to make sure the oil-change guys actually put oil back in my car when they were changing it. I got a paper napkin out of my car, and we (all three of us) proceeded to examine the stick to see if there was any oil on it. There was, and I thanked the two women and they then made me call the oil change place and tell them the situation, which meant I had to take the car back in and they cleaned off all the oil, yada, yada, yada, free car wash, we're so sorry for the inconvenience, ma'am, yada, yada. The point of this story is, nowhere else in the world are people as nice as they are here. Come visit me and see for yourself. I have more examples, but I'll save them for later. You know, to build some suspense and keep all three of you coming back for more.

I just finished THIS SHOWTIME SERIES yesterday and I loved it. Of course, the writers take some creative licensing with historical facts, and it's got a bit of soap opera characteristic to it, but overall it's fairly accurate. What makes it such a good series is the fact that it examines more details than just Henry VIII's love life. It's a must-see if you love the Renaissance period. Oh, and the costumes and the jewelry are the best I've ever seen. They really didn't skimp on this show.

Did I mention Auntie Linda and I are going to Ireland in May? I'm starting to get excited about it after starting to read some of the tour guides. Last time I went to Ireland was with a tour group and I had to follow the crowd. This time, I'm planning the itinerary and it's going to be so fun!

Classes begin next Tuesday and I checked online today and I already have syllabi for my classes. I refuse to start any work until the official first day of classes, unlike some geeks who have already started some online posting with our assignments. Overachievers, give me a break. Our professors are not reading your work, you suckups.

Ah, to be normal.

I'm telling you, THIS BOOK is one of the funniest I've read. Ever. You owe it to yourself to read it. Unless you don't like to laugh.

As another favor to you, I'll tell you that you absolutely must see THIS MOVIE. Unless you are dead inside, then I suggest you watch a Jim Carey movie or something.

I just found out that I'm going to get to do my practicum over the summer this year. That means I can graduate on time and everything is perfect. I'm just waiting for the other shoe to drop. Since I've been in Columbia, everything has worked out better than I ever expected. But, I sometimes feel as if I don't deserve it. Why, I wonder? Guess I've felt like a screwup for years and now I'm on the path to a good career and I'm not sure what to do with myself. I don't know. Wish I could just enjoy my happiness. And that's the stupidist sentence.

Did I tell you that I got bangs?

Still Trying to Recover

How long is it supposed to take to recover from New Year's Eve? Geez. I'm still exhausted! Auntie Linda and Adorable Roxy came up and spent the holiday with Abby and me and we had such a good time. Auntie just barely got her bags in the house and we were off to the casino Monday afternoon! We spent ten hours at the casino. Are we partiers, or what? The place was packed and everyone was in a good mood and the machines were giving us money, so why on earth would we have left any earlier than we did? On our way home, at 4 a.m., we stopped at Walgreens because I needed some sinus medicine, and we started looking at birthday cards and laughed until we cried. I think we were giddy from lack of sleep. Plus, we had the entire store to ourselves and we like to laugh. So, we spent an hour there, then dragged ourselves home and finally went to bed at 6 a.m. Of course, we had to get up and watch the Cotton Bowl at 10:30 and eat cinnamon rolls, and didn't take a nap all day, then I had to work Wednesday, and I am pooped! I went to bed early every night, but was still dragging all week.

We never got around to taking doggie pics, so I'll take one of Abby in her New Year's dress later and post it. Maybe.

I'm going to watch movies and finish a book and maybe take out the trash, but that's about it for today. Did I mention a long nap, too?

It's All Good

Where do I begin? I spent a week in Arkansas doting on Emily and Reece and drinking coffee with my mom and had a fabulous time! I took lots of pics and have added some to Flickr, so take a look at how adorable my niece and nephew are. They were so much fun. Reece got an electric guitar from Santa and his Uncle Don gave him a couple of lessons. He's discovered Van Halen and thinks they're the best rockers ever. Emily got a digital camera and went around snapping photos of everyone. I'm looking forward to seeing those pics, Emily. She hobbled around on her broken ankle, but was allowed to remove the boot on Christmas day so she could look, like, totally cute, um totally, 'cause she's a teenager and wants to look cute at all time. (And she does, you know.)

Dave was sick through Christmas. He had a Man Cold. Need I say more? (Really, he's better and I love him. He's the best.) My brother, Don, got me this DVD for Christmas. If you haven't seen it, do!

I got lots of nice presents and I think everyone enjoyed all their gifts. We are blessed. Thanks goes to Dawn for stringing my pearls. Now I can look like a true southern lady, even if I'm not one. Southern, yes; lady, not so much.

Auntie Linda and Mom hosted the Nieces' Party and we had a blast. It was great seeing cousins Luann from Austin, and Lisa. They are hilarious and Emily was initiated into the Clan of Loudmouth Goddesses. I don't think I sat down the entire week; constantly on the go, trying to cram in a lot of visiting and shopping and dining. Oh, the food. I ate cheesecake every day and didn't care! That's what I call a holiday!

My only regret is that I didn't spend enough time with Grandmother Bera. She wasn't feeling well and didn't enjoy Christmas very much, bless her heart. We did manage to have lunch one day and a couple of short visits, but she really didn't feel up to much else. She's on the mend, however, and plans to celebrate her 100th birthday in a few years and I have no doubt she'll make it.

Roxy and Auntie Linda are coming up tomorrow to celebrate New Year's Eve with Abby and me. We're leaving the doggies at home while Auntie and I give the casino our money. I'll have a Doggie Surprise Pic for you later! (Hint: matching dresses.)

Now, I need to clean house, put up my new book shelves, and go grocery shopping. Gotta get a bottle of cheap champagne!

I'm Off!

I'm so excited! As soon as I finish this post, drink another cup of coffee, get dressed, load the car, and put Abby in the front seat, I'm off on my 5.5-hr. drive to Arkansas to see my babies! Reece is spending the night with me tonight at Mom's and my brother, Don, is coming over and we're going to have pizza and watch a movie. Tomorrow night, Auntie Linda and my mom are hosting a "Nieces Party" at Auntie L's. My wonderful girl cousins are coming, and I'm bringing Emily because she'll get a kick out of seeing all of us together. My cousins are all smartmouths, and extremely funny and we are going to have fabulous hors d'ouvres and wine and will giggle for hours.

Last night, my brother, Don, called and texted me about twenty times. He was out doing his Christmas shopping and wanted his older sister's advice, which I'm always happy to provide, even when I'm not asked. Don's one of the best gift-givers I've ever known. He just has that knack of knowing what one likes and he always delivers. Last night he was a bit confused on what to buy Emily, and he kept asking me, "What about a ___?" Or, "do you think she'd like it in _____(color)?" etc. Emily, you don't really think I'd post everything he said, do you? hee hee!

I'm also taking Abby to her former groomer while we're away. I haven't found anyone here who does as good a job on her as Debbie in Arkansas. I, too, am going to get groomed next week by my favorite hair stylist, Marka! I can't wait to see her and get a good haircut. My once-short hair is now down to my shoulders and it looks nasty, so I'm hoping Marka can make me look good.

So, Happy Holidays to you all! I'm taking lots of pics over the week and I'll try to post some next week, if I can stop hugging on Emily and Reece long enough to do so.

Love you all!

Just One More Day and I'm On Holiday!

So. I didn't go to Wal-Mart to return my iron last night. I did go to Weight Watchers and I lost another two pounds, which put me at -40lbs. (Yeah, I'd gained one last week, after bragging about the -39lbs. Serves me right for boasting.) I'm tickled to death that I'm not gaining weight during Christmas. Of course, I haven't made it to Arkansas yet, a.k.a. The Place Where They Live to Eat, Y'all. And, I plan to drink lots of wine and eat pizza and cheese dip, but I'm going to enjoy it all in moderation. I recently learned what "moderation" means, and it's not that bad a word or a concept. I just had to change. Which is so difficult, you know?

Where was I? Oh, right, back to Wal-Mart. I psyched myself up to go return that stupid iron tonight and it only took five minutes, and then I bought another one and just as I was walking to the express checkout line, you know, the one with fiftyhundredthousand people waiting in the queue, a new register opened! And I got to check out first. No one even tried to get in front of me. Came home, and I've been burning CDs all night instead of cleaning house, but I don't care. It's Christmas break.

My twin sister (I wish) posted the greatest "Thursday Thirteen" today. Go take a look and you'll probably agree with most, if not all, of her entries.

The One in Which I Get On Your Nerves

I keep hearing people say the holidays are so stressful and they wish they’d just be over so things can get back to normal. What’s so great about normal? I’m getting to take off work for a week and a half, and spend a lot of that time with my family. I’ve already warned Reece that I’m going to kiss his cheeks raw. And poor Emily will be sick of me by the time I leave Arkansas! Mom and I will drink two pots of coffee every morning and Grandmother Bera has promised to tell me more family secrets. I can’t think of a better way to spend the holiday! And then, Auntie Linda’s coming up to spend New Year’s Eve (casino) and New Year’s Day (Cotton Bowl) with me. I love the holidays! One reason people complain about this time of year is because they commit to too much: too many parties, too much baking, too much eating, and TOO MUCH SPENDING. They bring that all on themselves. I started a Cash Christmas Policy for myself several years ago and it works very well. The secret is to start putting away some cash beginning in January. By November I have enough socked away to buy all my Christmas gifts. And, if I don’t have the funds to buy everything I want for Christmas, then I don’t. I think it’s ridiculous to go into debt over gift giving and would feel absolutely terrible if someone did that to buy me a gift. I also don’t let the season’s true meaning escape my mind for too long. Yeah, I’m loud and outspoken and say a curse word now and then (okay, all the time) and rarely go to church, but I’m still a Believer and haven’t forgotten what Christmas is all about. No, it’s not the huge sale at Macy’s on December 26.

I could go on with my piousness, but I'll stop.

I've got to go to Wal-Mart tonight and return an iron I bought over the weekend. A couple of weeks ago, I dropped my old iron and the bottom fell off. I then ordered a new one on target.com and it leaked water all over my clothes. Of course, I'd thrown away the box so I couldn't return it. I bought the next one at Wal-Mart last weekend and it doesn't work. It barely warms up. I plugged it in a couple of different outlets to make sure it wasn't my electrical outlet instead of the iron and it doesn't work. It lights up like it's on, but then doesn't get hot. I hate returning things, but I do have the box and the receipt, unlike the time I had to return three cordless phones before I could get one to actually work. I'd lost the first receipt and by the time I'd returned the third one, they were taking mugshots of me and asking me for my fingerprints. I felt like a criminal and got all bitchy with them and told them that if they'd quit selling inferior products I'd quit returning them. That went over well.

THIS MOVIE is wonderful! Add it to your Must See list if you've not seen it.

Good Morning

I got up early to do my laundry this morning and more of this white powdery stuff greeted me on my nose when I walked outside with Abby. I'm starting to like it. I'd planned to meet my friend, Dawn, at our favorite tea house this afternoon, and Sandy invited me over for dinner, but she lives out in the country and I'm not going to try to drive out there today, so I'm snowed in with all my books and movies and Abby. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday.

It's Thursday

I've gotten a few e-mails and a couple of comments about those kind of people (see previous post) and I thought I'd comment further. I was stupid to even acknowledge the e-mail from my annoying acquaintance. I've tried to ignore people like this before, and usually I can manage to get rid of them, so I don't know why I replied to her e-mail. I guess she caught me in a weak moment. I'll be sure to post some of the letter or card she sends so we can all make fun of her and be bitches together!

Just one week until I get to go to Arkansas and see my precious babies. That's all I can think about right now. That and making an eggnog cheesecake. Our custodian at work told me about it and his wife sent me the recipe today. I'm salivating already.

Speaking of salivating, this is my new screen saver:



You're welcome!

Just When You Thought I Couldn't Possibly Post Another Entry So Soon...

Since I have almost six weeks off until the beginning of the spring semester, I set a few goals and I started working on one of them last night. It is my absolute resolution to get all my photos in order and placed in labeled photo boxes. I'd love to get them in scrapbooks, but that's hoping for the impossible. While I was sorting through the mountain of pictures last night, I found a few from my wedding reception, in 1990, and some from a time in the mid-80's when I was a bridesmaid in my college roommate's wedding in New Orleans. Then, I found some darling photos of Emily at age four and Reece at about five months. He was so little he couldn't sit up on his own and he was leaning on Emily. Oh! My heart just melted and I become so overcome with emotion I had to stop the sorting. Maybe tonight I can get back to the project and try to be a little objective about the whole thing. Of course, PMS is raging pretty bloody hard, so I'll probably bawl tonight, too.

I got an e-mail from someone yesterday whom I haven't seen in over three years. She wanted my address to send me another sickening Christmas update on how fabulous her life is and I was stupid enough to give her my address. She's a terribly annoying person and wrote a ten-paragraph e-mail telling me all about her wonderful pregnancy, perfect husband, blah, blah, blah. (And she truly has never cared how many people she's had to plow over to get what she wanted.) And, she never asked me one thing about my life. She didn't even comment on the fact that I was living in another state, or what I was doing or, well, you get the point. She's a tiny bit self-absorbed. I tend to get wrapped up with this type of person quite often, and I always hope that I can get away from them for good, but then they'll pop up out of nowhere and aggravate the piss out of me. So, another project: spam these people whenever they rear their ugly heads.

I need some cheese to go with my whine, now.

Monday Update

Well. I slid all over the place this morning before I got on the main highway to go to work. It's treacherous out there and we're expecting more ice tonight. This southerner is now a Yankee, according to my brother, Dave.

Speaking of Dave, I talked with him this afternoon and I asked him how Reece's basketball team has been doing, and he said, "You mean the Lovable Losers? They haven't won a game." He said it was hilarious trying to coach a bunch of ten-year-old boys who have the attention span of a dead gnat. He said they thought they were actually going to win one game, but one of Reece's teammates made a basket, except it was in the opposing team's basket. Then, Reece caught the rebound and promptly gave the other team another basket. Wish I'd been there to see that.

Emily sprained her ankle last week and it's been hurting a lot, so she went to the doctor today and she actually has a broken ankle. Yeah, bless her heart. The doctor didn't put a cast on, however; she's only wearing a boot, but it's one of those huge, plastic things that a 13-year-old diva thinks will interfere with her serious mall shopping. Plus, it's just plain ugly. Again, bless her heart.

If you want to watch a really good movie try THIS ONE. It's a bit slow-going at first, but it is a wonderful story and has a European feel to it.

Time to put a Boca Burger in the microwave. Evenin'!

ICE

Do you see the ice? We had a couple of inches of snow last week, which is still on the ground, then we had an ice storm yesterday that drizzled on us for about 12 hours, so now everything is frozen solid. So glad I can stay in today.




The walkway is solid ice! But, fortunately, I got a covered parking space last month, so my car is all snug and protected this year.

On a Cold Winter's Day

I finished all my assignments early and now I can relax and enjoy the holidays! It's such a relief. Stopped by the library on the way home last night and got THIS BOOK, and THIS ONE, and also THIS ONE. Don't they look like good, easy, fun reading that have nothing to do with Library Theory? I'm curled up with my favorite blanket and favorite dog, there's two inches of snow on the ground, and I did my grocery shopping last night. That all translates to: I'm staying in all weekend and reading. Also have a few movies to watch, too. And I need to wrap Christmas gifts. I can't think of a better way to spend a cold weekend.

We had our work holiday party yesterday and we ate good food and then played Dirty Santa. I was Santa. I sort of took over as Work Hostess last year for the holiday party and resumed the role this year. It was actually fun and work parties are usually not that fun. We had some good gifts and everyone seemed to have a good time. I have no significant complaints about work. For the first time in my life, I think. If I thought I was stuck doing my job for the rest of my life, I'd be whining, but I know it's temporary, at least until I finish school, so I can deal with anything unpleasant knowing that. And, I like all my coworkers. They're a good bunch of creative, intelligent people.

I think I mentioned, a time or two, that I have been going to Weight Watchers. I joined the week before Labor Day, in September, and have lost 39 lbs. I want to be at sans 40 lbs. by Christmas and I think I'll make it! This is the longest I've stayed with a healthy eating program in forever and I feel great. Still fat, I know, because I'd really let myself go in the last few years, but I think I actually have a handle on it now. Talking about it helps keep me honest, too. I'm not perfect, and I do slip up occasionally, but for some reason I'm able to get back on track whenever I do slip, and in the past I wasn't able to do that. I attribute it ALL to attitude; I'm staying positive and not letting depression or stress get a grip on me. Wow, sounds like I'm somewhat normal. Must be this cold weather.

Enough of the boasting. Didn't really plan to do that, but I am proud of myself for the first time in a long time, and I see nothing wrong with having a little pride in oneself. Now I need to go grease the door frame so that I can get my huge head out the door and take Abby for a walk.

Stay warm!

Very Thankful For This Crazy Bunch

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and ate lots of food and then dessert, then more dessert, and we did not quit until there was nothing left!

Emily and I got to spend some quality time together lunching and shopping and seeing a movie and taking stupid pictures which I'll never show anyone!

Reece was in rare form Thanksgiving night and let me have lots of hugs and kisses.

Grandmother Bera and I had a good visit, too. She told me lots of stories about her childhood and even told me a couple of secrets that I'll never reveal! It was great spending some time with her over biscuits and coffee.

My mom cooked some really good food and was in good form and enjoyed having all her babies around for the holiday.

Both brothers and sis-in-law enjoyed themselves too and I got lots of pics of them as well. Dawn made her sweet potato dish that we all love. Dave and Don cracked us all up, as usual.

I only saw Auntie Linda Thanksgiving night. I never get to spend any time with her when I'm home. However, that just makes her want to come and see me more where we can bond over popcorn and cigarettes and slot machines. Gosh, I'm getting all teary-eyed now.

Oh! and, I finished my Christmas shopping. All of it. Yeah!

Have a Good One

Sixty Years

Happy Anniversary
to my
favorite couple.

New Camera

One of the advantages to working in my department is access to expert help. Nic, one of our photographers, did a little research for me and came up with the Canon SD750 as the best buy for my dollars. I bought it today and just as the battery was charged, the sun came out and I went outside and took some shots.










Abby wouldn't cooperate, and I still have some practicing to do, but I'm looking forward to taking lots of photos later this week of the Cutest Boy in the World, and Gorgeous Girl.

Hope everyone has a safe holiday and forgets ALL about carbs for one day.

xoxo

My Sunday

Anything. That's what I'll do to keep from working on a paper. It's 4:12 p.m. and I've been piddling around the house, took a long, exfoliating shower, ironed clothes, cleaned the kitchen, reorganized my bedroom closet, even called my grandmother. Now I'm waiting out a bid on eBay for something I don't need. Guess I don't want to work on this paper, right? It's just that it's so boring and I've written a dozen of these papers about what direction, or "vision" you see your imaginary library going in the next five years. Bleh. If it weren't the same professor as my previous classes, I swear I'd copy and paste crap from my other papers. I won't do that, but it was nice thinking about how easy it would be.

Grandmother Bera is 92, you know, and she is so funny. While we were on the phone earlier today, she started telling a story about how she got gum on her pants, and she told me this story already, two weeks ago, but I didn't have the heart to tell her that, so she started telling me again, and then stopped and asked, "Is this call costing you?" Then, like an idiot, I said, "No, Bera, I have free weekends on my plan." So, shit, she told me the entire story again. Then, after a while we got around to talking about dieting, which we ALL are doing all the time in the family, and she said she's gone without her supper every night for the past week. (She's not overweight, either.) I didn't say it to her, but I thought, man, if I make it to 92, I'm going to have a hot fudge sundae every damned night of my life.

We have a Thanksgiving luncheon at work this week and it's a feast to be ashamed of, really. I have an appointment with my advisor a half hour before the luncheon, however, and I might miss it, and atually hope I do. Did I mention I'm on my 12th week on Weight Watchers? I'm down a size in my britches and my boobs are actually not screaming when I put on my bra! My goal is simply to get through Christmas without gaining any weight and then I think I'll have the problem under control. I'll always be a foodaholic, however, so if I slip and eat everything in sight, then I'll have to start over again. That's the best I can do and I've come to terms with it. Finally.

HERE's what I'm reading now and I hope it gets better than I think it is now. I think I'm on page 40, and I'm not in love with it, but I have a 100-page limit rule to which I adhere, so it has 60 more to redeem itself before I chunk it.

Finally watched "Sicko" and I'm seriously thinking about becoming an expatriot when I finish school. I've wanted to go live in Ireland or England for years, but now I'm seriously thinking about it. If you haven't seen the movie, go rent it. Michael Moore's moviemaking gets better with every film he makes and I can't imagine how he and his crew came up with some of the ideas in the film.

Abby and I watched a dog show last night on the Animal Planet network. She sat in my lap and watched it. She's been doing that as long as I can remember. She never watches anything on television, but sometimes her ears will perk up when she hears a dog bark on TV, but when it's a dog show, she actually watches it. When certain really large breeds come on, or when the breeds that look similar to Roxy (Auntie Linda's Maltese) come on the screen, her ears stand up and she gets completely still. It's the funniest thing to watch her do this and I would never have believed it if I hadn't seen it for myself.

Dave, stop reading now.

The antibiotics finally kicked in and my throat is better. I was tired of feeling awful and worried that I wouldn't feel well for Thanksgiving, but I'm good now. Just in time to start my period.

You were warned, Dave.

I just won something on eBay, so I need to go pay and then walk Abby and then write a paper. Did I mention that I have a paper due next week?

xoxo

Since I Have an Extra Hour...

...I have no excuse not to post something. The last couple of weeks I have been very occupied with papers and homework and working and buying a car and making a quick, 24-hour trip to Arkansas, all the while having a congested head and a sore throat that has lasted nine days so far. I'm taking all sorts of medications and throat lozenges and getting enough rest and drinking gallons of tea, so I'm at my wit's end as to what to do next. And it's making me quite cranky.

Today I spent the entire afternoon finishing THIS BOOK. I love reading rock 'n roll biographies, but I'm so glad I never got caught up in that world. When I was a teenager, way, way, WAY back in the Awesome Seventies, my friends and I used to listen to Eric Clapton, Joe Walsh, Frank Zappa, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and the Stones, usually under the influence of something or other, and fantasize about being rock stars. Now, I'm searching for the 4th CD in a particular compilation of Grieg and shaking my head when I hear the crap on the radio. I drive around listening to Diana Krall. What has happened? I are not hip no more.

I finally finished the last season of The Sopranos. I got rid of HBO when I moved to Columbia last year and missed the last season and had to wait for the DVDs. I was so sad, because I loved the show and believe there will never be anything to top it.

For the rest of this year, it's my goal to read only classics that I've either never read or haven't read for several years. Although, I opened a box of books that is in the stack of many boxes of books in my spare bedroom, and found THIS collection of short stories, of which I've only read a couple and will have to read them now, too. But, what should I read first? Crime and Punishment? Red Badge of Courage? Something by Hardy? I just can't decide, but will read some Flannery O'Connor until I decide or you influence me with your suggestion.

I am having a pretty easy semester, as far as school goes, and I'm not ready for it to be over. Usually it's, "I can't wait for this semester to be over!" For the first time in my life as a student I am saying the opposite. Next semester I have to start thinking about a practicum and round something up for that and face the fact that I'm going to graduate soon and will have to start looking for a job and moving someplace and GEEZ I need to stop writing now because I'm getting a sick feeling in my gut.

Abby is lying at my side, keeping my right thigh nice and warm and she's snoring up a storm. She's got it made, she does.

Say Hello To My Little Friend

Say Hello To My Little Friend
Originally uploaded by Aunt Vanessa

I told Reece I would put Milton's photo on my blog today. I've been wanting a fish since I left Shakespeare with Emily and Reece when I moved last year. My friend, Dawn, and I were at Hobby Lobby last Tuesday night and I told her I wanted to go look at glass containers because I was looking for a fish bowl. She said, "Hey, I've got one in my car!" How lucky was I that she had one in her car and wanted to give it to me? So, I planned to go to the pet store yesterday, Saturday, and buy a new Betta, but I found this lovely fish at Wal-Mart. I didn't even know they sold fish at Wal-Mart, but I shouldn't be surprised; they sell everything else. I brought him home, named him after my favorite 17th-Century writer, and we are very happy together.

When I told Auntie Linda that I bought him at Wal-Mart, she said, "Whatcha got there is a discount fish." Even in a post-surgical drug-induced haze, man, she's funny.

"Hamlet, he a chump!"***

This is the first chance I've had to write anything in a week! Except, of course, my midterm exam, which was full of writing. Boring writing, y'all, or you guys as they say up here. I only use the "y'all" when I go to Arkansas.

I just finished a big bowl of Weight Watchers Vegetable Soup and now I'm drinking a steaming mug of Oolong. Have I preached on the benefits of tea? Oolong is good for itchy skin and I've had two cases of hives, but now I drink 2-3 cups of Oolong everyday and no more itchy skin! White tea is known to inhibit tumor growth and I drink at least one cup of that each day, too, and I am tumor free. And a kook.

Got online today and ordered a down-filled coat. I'm as hormonal and premenopausal as the next bitch, and practically always hot, but I still nearly froze last winter, but I won't this season! It's really a pretty coat, dark brown satin, 3/4 length. Also ordered some brown boots! I guess I was always naked before internet shopping came into being.

What have I been reading? Just finished this first novel by Jeffrey Lent. American historical fiction isn't usually my thing, but this is a beautifully-written book. I'm also reading this anthology, which coincides with this movie I watched recently upon a recommendation from a friend. The anthology includes a short story by Larry Brown and an interview of him conducted on his forty-first birthday. I miss him terribly. It's so difficult to accept that he won't be writing any more, but I keep finding his short stories in anthologies and magazines. My mom just finished her first Larry Brown novel and she said she finally realizes what I've been talking about.

I'm starting this book tonight, followed by this one. Okay, that's enough books for now. Linking those are a pain and I'm l-a-z-y.

Thanks to Netflix and a really cool friend, I have a great list of movies to watch. Just finished this gorgeous one today and now I have to rent some more Brazilian movies. Also enjoyed "The Gathering Storm," "Factory Girl," and "Blood Simple." "Breach" was good, too, and Chris Cooper is an MU grad, which is interesting. I really didn't like "Zodiac," or "Children of Men." Don't waste your time on those two.

Maybe next time I'll tell you how cute Reece is and how sweet Emily is and how excited I am for them because their parents just bought them the most beautiful house and they're moving next week!


***A quote from a prison inmate interviewed on NPR this morning. They're putting on Hamlet in a maximum security prison and they interviewed some of the inmates. It just shows that Shakespeare is as relevant today as ever.

Alright, already.

Sorta makes me melt

Sorta makes me melt
Originally uploaded by Aunt Vanessa

I spoke with Auntie Linda yesterday and she said with all my studying, my blog was suffering. She said, "everytime I go to your blog, I see me!" Well, I don't call that suffering, no. But, here's a photo of Reece from last weekend when I went to Arkansas. There are more over on Flickr of more family sans Emily. Yes, I did see her, I just didn't get any pics of her. She's still beautiful as ever. Be sure and look at Reece's footbal pics. That's why I went home: to watch him play football. He did really well and it was a treat to watch the little darlin'. I promise to write more later this week, after my midterm and other delicious homework. (I have tons of book and movie suggestions, so I'll be back!)