I spent my Memorial Day weekend entertaining Reece and my mom. It was such fun being with the boy. We saw “Shrek the Third,” drank Yoo Hoos and ate Krispy Kream donuts. How much more fun could you possibly have, I ask you?
We were eating lunch on Saturday, and I began asking Reece about his girlfriend. (Yes, he’s only nine, but he’s had a girlfriend his entire life. He loves the ladies.) He told me that he broke up with his girlfriend because he liked someone else, but then he wouldn’t tell me anything more about it. He said he didn’t want to talk about it. I asked him why, and he said, “Well, I don’t really like to talk about my social life.” When you’re as cute as he is, it’s pretty much a given that you’ll be famous one of these days and you’ll need to be discreet.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Friday, May 18, 2007
Girl Knows How to Swing
Don't you love this photo? Dawn sent it to me a few days ago. It was taken by a photographer at one of Emily's softball tournaments this month. She's playing in another tournament next weekend, which is why Reece is coming up for a visit without her. I miss her so much, but get to watch her play ball next month when I go home for one of her tournaments. Good luck next weekend, Emily!
Pyro Nephew
The boy claims he loves to go camping. Turns out he just loves to burn stuff and camping gives him ample opportunity to do so. He's coming up with my mom next weekend for a visit. It'll be his first time here and I'm really looking forward to entertaining him. Oh, alright, and I'll have a legitimate reason to go see "Spiderman 3!"
Sunday, May 06, 2007
My Weekend Reviews
I spent most of yesterday completing my final for Cataloging class. It was take-home, so I was able to take my time and look up every answer and submit it when I was sure I had everything correct. Of course, my idea of everything correct and my instructer's always conflict and she wins, so no way will my score be 100%. Now, I have to complete my last paper for that class and turn it in tonight. WHEW. That will be a happy moment. Have I mentioned that I don't like cataloging?
My time has been limited to working full-time and two night classes per week and lots of homework, but I always manage to keep at least one novel going and thanks to Netflix I'm able to watch a movie or two every weekend. So, here's an update on what I've read and viewed lately:
I'm a new fan of David Sedaris. I don't know why I haven't read him before now, but he's a delight. Finished Dress Your Family and Me Talk Pretty, and this short one and will get to the rest of them soon.
Interesting story about the one I'm reading now. The writer is an MU graduate and we got an advanced copy of the book at work since one of our magazine staff writers interviewed her for an article. It's about abusive men and how the writer suffered and her sister was killed by an abusive man. Turns out the writer was scheduled to be on Oprah last week (she'd written for Oprah's self-indulgent rag of a magazine) but Oprah's "people" decided they wouldn't have her on the show because they couldn't verify some of the information in the book. (The writer's ex-husband, who lives here in Columbia, is suing over the book and the writer refuses to reveal his name.) James Frey pretty much killed the chance for nonfiction writers to be endorsed by Oprah. Still, I hope the writer makes a fortune in sales, although I don't think that's why she wrote it. Read it only if you think you can handle the subject.
As for movies, The Good Shepherd was boring and overrated. This very dramatic film, however, was so wonderfully acted I want to watch it again. It took a while, but I managed to watch most of the episodes of The Comeback, and it was quite funny most of the time, but I can see why HBO didn't renew it after the first season. I love Lisa Kudrow; I was a big "Friends" fan when it was running, and she is great in this series, but her character isn't very likeable and I don't know a soul who's ever watched the show.
One more thing. I've only recently discovered the world of literature on discs. I figure I'll never get to read all the books I want to read, so I got a couple of things on CD and started listening to them in my car. I love it. If you're interested, try this one for starters. It's short stories and you can easily finish listening to them in a week or less, depending on how much you drive. If you've already discovered this treasure of listening, recommend some titles to me, please. I am actually looking forward to my next six-hour drive to Arkansas, now.
I've procrastinated long enough. Have to finish my paper on Cataloging. Want me to post it when I'm finished?
Next post: what have Emily and Reece been up to lately?
My time has been limited to working full-time and two night classes per week and lots of homework, but I always manage to keep at least one novel going and thanks to Netflix I'm able to watch a movie or two every weekend. So, here's an update on what I've read and viewed lately:
I'm a new fan of David Sedaris. I don't know why I haven't read him before now, but he's a delight. Finished Dress Your Family and Me Talk Pretty, and this short one and will get to the rest of them soon.
Interesting story about the one I'm reading now. The writer is an MU graduate and we got an advanced copy of the book at work since one of our magazine staff writers interviewed her for an article. It's about abusive men and how the writer suffered and her sister was killed by an abusive man. Turns out the writer was scheduled to be on Oprah last week (she'd written for Oprah's self-indulgent rag of a magazine) but Oprah's "people" decided they wouldn't have her on the show because they couldn't verify some of the information in the book. (The writer's ex-husband, who lives here in Columbia, is suing over the book and the writer refuses to reveal his name.) James Frey pretty much killed the chance for nonfiction writers to be endorsed by Oprah. Still, I hope the writer makes a fortune in sales, although I don't think that's why she wrote it. Read it only if you think you can handle the subject.
As for movies, The Good Shepherd was boring and overrated. This very dramatic film, however, was so wonderfully acted I want to watch it again. It took a while, but I managed to watch most of the episodes of The Comeback, and it was quite funny most of the time, but I can see why HBO didn't renew it after the first season. I love Lisa Kudrow; I was a big "Friends" fan when it was running, and she is great in this series, but her character isn't very likeable and I don't know a soul who's ever watched the show.
One more thing. I've only recently discovered the world of literature on discs. I figure I'll never get to read all the books I want to read, so I got a couple of things on CD and started listening to them in my car. I love it. If you're interested, try this one for starters. It's short stories and you can easily finish listening to them in a week or less, depending on how much you drive. If you've already discovered this treasure of listening, recommend some titles to me, please. I am actually looking forward to my next six-hour drive to Arkansas, now.
I've procrastinated long enough. Have to finish my paper on Cataloging. Want me to post it when I'm finished?
Next post: what have Emily and Reece been up to lately?
Friday, April 27, 2007
Don't Mess With Librarians
Gosh, I was sick of looking at that candy. Time for a little simplicity here on "Aunt Vanessa" and better writing! I'll add links and Flickr back to the page later. One more week of school and I'll have the entire summer to write and fill this blog with all sorts of fascinating information. I just finished writing a short paper about the Information Age and that word, information, is really stuck in my head now.
I took the day off from work in order to have a three-day weekend to finish some assignments for school. (I'm taking a short break right now as you know.)
The list of Things To Do This Summer has grown and I only hope to accomplish half of what I've listed, but mainly I intend to get this apartment organized and hang some curtains in my bedroom and find a nice picture for that room and do some writing and submit something for publication and get some exercise. There. Now that it's public information I have to do all of that stuff.
Last night in class, we watched a video from YouTube. Take 4.10 minutes from your day and watch. It's really cute - and it's okay for Emily to watch, too.
Okay, back to work.
XOXO
I took the day off from work in order to have a three-day weekend to finish some assignments for school. (I'm taking a short break right now as you know.)
The list of Things To Do This Summer has grown and I only hope to accomplish half of what I've listed, but mainly I intend to get this apartment organized and hang some curtains in my bedroom and find a nice picture for that room and do some writing and submit something for publication and get some exercise. There. Now that it's public information I have to do all of that stuff.
Last night in class, we watched a video from YouTube. Take 4.10 minutes from your day and watch. It's really cute - and it's okay for Emily to watch, too.
Okay, back to work.
XOXO
Friday, April 20, 2007
What A Relief
I just finished an assignment that is due next week, one I've been working on for the past several weeks. It is 75 pages long. Did you get that? I'll repeat: it is 75 pages long. No, I didn't have to write that many pages, it's mostly book reviews, but I had to find the suckers in the first place, then contruct a legible paper, write an introduction, and a spreadsheet, and make sure the fonts were consistent, blah, blah, blah. So now I'm finished and feel like dancing a little jig, but I'm still at work. Maybe when I get home. Oh! and this weekend I get to start on another paper for my other class. (I am taking a break Sat. night and going to see "Die Fledermaus" - a girl's gotta have a little fun. And I think I'll buy myself an ice cream tonight. So much fun I can't stand it.)
I loved the David Sedaris book, Mary! I'm writing this on a MAC and can't figure out how to post links, but the book I'm talking about is "Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim." Sedaris is Southern, and knows how to tell stories and he's funny and charming and I love him. I also listened to his "Live at Carnegie Hall" CD and it's a good one, too, if you're interested. I'll write more on this subject when I'm on my laptop. Hate the MAC.
Steph, I hate to admit it, but I laughed out loud during "Borat!" Several times. It's just awful. Disgusting. Completely goes too far. Way beyond anything that resembles any taste whatsoever. GO RENT IT NOW.
There. I posted. Doubtful that I'll be back until sometime next week. I know I'm losing my readers, all three or four of you, but I still don't want to give up the blog! So, please come back and read me sometime next week.
Mwah!
I loved the David Sedaris book, Mary! I'm writing this on a MAC and can't figure out how to post links, but the book I'm talking about is "Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim." Sedaris is Southern, and knows how to tell stories and he's funny and charming and I love him. I also listened to his "Live at Carnegie Hall" CD and it's a good one, too, if you're interested. I'll write more on this subject when I'm on my laptop. Hate the MAC.
Steph, I hate to admit it, but I laughed out loud during "Borat!" Several times. It's just awful. Disgusting. Completely goes too far. Way beyond anything that resembles any taste whatsoever. GO RENT IT NOW.
There. I posted. Doubtful that I'll be back until sometime next week. I know I'm losing my readers, all three or four of you, but I still don't want to give up the blog! So, please come back and read me sometime next week.
Mwah!
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Past, Present, and Future in a Nutshell
Spring Break was the best. I got to spend some good, quality time with Emily. She spent the night with me on Wed. night and we talked a good bit and she brought me up to date on her life. I took her for breakfast the next morning and then to school and as we were approaching her junior high school, she warned me that she wasn't going to kiss me 'bye when we stopped in the parking lot. I already knew that; I was a teenager once and remember how uncool that was. She is the best kid, though.
Thursday afternoon I went to ASU to hear some presentations at the Delta Blues Symposium. I presented there twice while in grad school and it's a good symposium to hear papers on Southern lit, art, and music. My brother, Don, went with me and we were able to talk some. I also got to see my mentor and several of my English profs from undergrad and grad school. I loved it. It was really comforting to be "home" and see a roomful of people I knew. There were lots of hugs and conversations and just a good time.
Later, on Thursday night, we celebrated my mom's birthday with a huge mess of ribs and all the fat fixings that go along with them and then had cake and ice cream and we gave Mom a DVD player and some DVDs and she loved it all.
Friday, Emily and Reece were out of school so I was able to spend most of the day with them. We went to lunch and did a little shopping and then watched the 4th Harry Potter movie, all curled up on the sofa and it was wonderful. Emily and her parents left Saturday morning for a softball tournament (her team won first place!) so I didn't get to see Emily after Friday, but Reece stayed with me at Mom's for the entire weekend and we had such a good time. He cracked me up all weekend talking about cars and skateboards, but mostly cars. The boy is obsessed with them, as I've mentioned previously. He's also good at manipulating me into giving him backrubs.
It was a really nice break from school and work, and I enjoyed my mom, but didn't get to see Auntie Linda for more than an hour. I told her she would have to come up to Missouri if we wanted to get in a good visit. I did see Grandmother Bera a bit, and she's doing well. Hard to believe she's ninety-two. She looks great and is as sharp as a tack. Still reads all the time. I love her.
So. Now I'm back at work and school and have two major papers due at the end of this month, not to mention a ton of homework in my cataloging class. This morning I got up early and did laundry, then went to the library, then bought groceries and now I'm thinking about a little nap before I begin my studies.
Have to mention some reading and films before my snooze. I just finished this book and it was so hilarious I got his first book and plan to begin it tonight. Also on my nightstand is Larry Brown's posthumous book, but I'm only into the fourth chapter, I think, and I keep crying when I read it because I know it's his last work. Stupid, I know, but I am still so sad about his death. Go read about him if you don't know who he is. Then read his stuff. It's the best Southern Lit written in years. What am I saying, it's the best literature of any genre written in years. Finally, this work is in my bookbag and I plan to begin it in the next couple of days. Anyone have an opinion on it? It'll be my first reading of David Sedaris. Wish I had more time to read for fun.
Okay, I'm getting tired of posting links, so I'll stop. The last movie I watched was "Blood Diamond" and, a) I swear I'll never buy another diamond as long as I live, and, b) I love Leonardo. Before that was "Half Nelson" and Ryan Gosling is great in his role. Both movies I highly recommend. I have "Sherry Baby" up next and also the "Borat" movie. I'm not looking for Borat to be as funny as its hype, but I'm too curious not to watch it. Cousin Lisa tells me it's hilarious, and I like her sense of humor, so I'm going for it.
More on the future, much more, at a later time. Have to have some lunch, a little nap, and some studying now.
Take care and I'll be back sometime next week!
Vanessa
Thursday afternoon I went to ASU to hear some presentations at the Delta Blues Symposium. I presented there twice while in grad school and it's a good symposium to hear papers on Southern lit, art, and music. My brother, Don, went with me and we were able to talk some. I also got to see my mentor and several of my English profs from undergrad and grad school. I loved it. It was really comforting to be "home" and see a roomful of people I knew. There were lots of hugs and conversations and just a good time.
Later, on Thursday night, we celebrated my mom's birthday with a huge mess of ribs and all the fat fixings that go along with them and then had cake and ice cream and we gave Mom a DVD player and some DVDs and she loved it all.
Friday, Emily and Reece were out of school so I was able to spend most of the day with them. We went to lunch and did a little shopping and then watched the 4th Harry Potter movie, all curled up on the sofa and it was wonderful. Emily and her parents left Saturday morning for a softball tournament (her team won first place!) so I didn't get to see Emily after Friday, but Reece stayed with me at Mom's for the entire weekend and we had such a good time. He cracked me up all weekend talking about cars and skateboards, but mostly cars. The boy is obsessed with them, as I've mentioned previously. He's also good at manipulating me into giving him backrubs.
It was a really nice break from school and work, and I enjoyed my mom, but didn't get to see Auntie Linda for more than an hour. I told her she would have to come up to Missouri if we wanted to get in a good visit. I did see Grandmother Bera a bit, and she's doing well. Hard to believe she's ninety-two. She looks great and is as sharp as a tack. Still reads all the time. I love her.
So. Now I'm back at work and school and have two major papers due at the end of this month, not to mention a ton of homework in my cataloging class. This morning I got up early and did laundry, then went to the library, then bought groceries and now I'm thinking about a little nap before I begin my studies.
Have to mention some reading and films before my snooze. I just finished this book and it was so hilarious I got his first book and plan to begin it tonight. Also on my nightstand is Larry Brown's posthumous book, but I'm only into the fourth chapter, I think, and I keep crying when I read it because I know it's his last work. Stupid, I know, but I am still so sad about his death. Go read about him if you don't know who he is. Then read his stuff. It's the best Southern Lit written in years. What am I saying, it's the best literature of any genre written in years. Finally, this work is in my bookbag and I plan to begin it in the next couple of days. Anyone have an opinion on it? It'll be my first reading of David Sedaris. Wish I had more time to read for fun.
Okay, I'm getting tired of posting links, so I'll stop. The last movie I watched was "Blood Diamond" and, a) I swear I'll never buy another diamond as long as I live, and, b) I love Leonardo. Before that was "Half Nelson" and Ryan Gosling is great in his role. Both movies I highly recommend. I have "Sherry Baby" up next and also the "Borat" movie. I'm not looking for Borat to be as funny as its hype, but I'm too curious not to watch it. Cousin Lisa tells me it's hilarious, and I like her sense of humor, so I'm going for it.
More on the future, much more, at a later time. Have to have some lunch, a little nap, and some studying now.
Take care and I'll be back sometime next week!
Vanessa
Friday, April 06, 2007
Just LOOK at these cutie pies!
Hi! I'm swamped with school and work, but I promise to write something sometime this weekend. In the meantime, look at Emily and Reece. How cute are they, huh?
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Spring Break
Yes, I'm going to Arkansas to see my little darlings and get enough hugs and kisses to tide me over until the next time we are together. There will be dining, laughing, shopping, and maybe a picnic and a movie or two. Hope everyone's enjoying nice weather. See you in a couple of weeks!
Vanessa
Vanessa
Sunday, March 11, 2007
It's Difficult To Write When You Have A Dog Snoring In Your Lap
It’s time to play Catch Up with Vanessa. Working full-time, taking two night classes (graduate classes), and having a shitload of homework every week doesn’t allow me much time to blog, Ryker. I’ve been quite productive today, however; I’ve done all my laundry, grocery shopped, finished a take-home exam, and it’s only 2:15 p.m.! Oh, and I want my hour back. I always feel robbed when we have to “spring forward!” And I didn’t exactly spring. It was more like dragging one foot behind me. I’m tired and I don’t think I’ll NOT be tired until I graduate.
I had a second anniversary here on Aunt Vanessa and I didn’t even realize it until a few minutes ago when I read an e-mail from my dear friend, Irene. She’s been posting a blog for about the same amount of time as I have, and we have become friends through our blogs. She is a wonderfully insightful writer and I love her. Go look at her latest photo of her adorable boys.
Mom and Auntie Linda came up for a visit last weekend. We had tickets to see Lily Tomlin and she really put on a good show. She performed for two solid hours and I have no idea how she could possibly have so much energy and be funny at the same time.
My friend, Sandy, and I went to an Opera Gala last night. I loved it. I’m so happy to have a friend who likes live performances as much as I do. I told her I was very glad that her husband didn’t mind that we were dating. He’s always delighted that Sandy has a buddy and he doesn’t have to attend operas and such, which is great for me!
I recently finished Norman Mailer’s newest novel and found it fascinating. It received mixed reviews, but I’d give it a very positive one if that’s what I did for a living. I’m also reading a Heller novel, and it’s just crazy funny. He’s so sarcastic. I’m about to begin The Stones of Summer, simply because I HAVE to read it after seeing the documentary about it. If you have Netflix, add The Stone Reader to your queue, or go out and rent it, or do whatever it takes to find the DVD and watch it. I feel compelled to tell everyone I see about it because it is that good. It’s full of literary references and the narrator/filmmaker keeps the subject interesting and really, that’s all I’m going to say about it, but please watch it and let me know what you think.
What about the Oscars? I thought Babel should have won Best Picture, not The Departed. Helen Mirren, of course, was the correct choice. Haven’t seen Last King of Scotland, yet. Little Miss Sunshine was the perfect movie and I loved it so much, but I still think Babel was the one that should have won. It had Best Picture written all over it. I watched Marie Antoinette and agree that it was the best in costuming, but that’s all the good I can say about it. It was so boring, and I realized that the reason being Marie Antoinette led an extremely boring life, right up to the time her little airhead got chopped off, and the movie stopped before that. And I wouldn’t have wanted to see that, anyway. And talk about self-indulgent. Usually a biographical/historical fiction makes an effort to present some redeeming qualities in its characters, but this one failed entirely. (I have been agonizing over this paragraph and cannot get it to read like I want it to, but I hope you can understand it.)
Gosh, that’s the most I’ve written in a while. I think I need a nap, now.
I had a second anniversary here on Aunt Vanessa and I didn’t even realize it until a few minutes ago when I read an e-mail from my dear friend, Irene. She’s been posting a blog for about the same amount of time as I have, and we have become friends through our blogs. She is a wonderfully insightful writer and I love her. Go look at her latest photo of her adorable boys.
Mom and Auntie Linda came up for a visit last weekend. We had tickets to see Lily Tomlin and she really put on a good show. She performed for two solid hours and I have no idea how she could possibly have so much energy and be funny at the same time.
My friend, Sandy, and I went to an Opera Gala last night. I loved it. I’m so happy to have a friend who likes live performances as much as I do. I told her I was very glad that her husband didn’t mind that we were dating. He’s always delighted that Sandy has a buddy and he doesn’t have to attend operas and such, which is great for me!
I recently finished Norman Mailer’s newest novel and found it fascinating. It received mixed reviews, but I’d give it a very positive one if that’s what I did for a living. I’m also reading a Heller novel, and it’s just crazy funny. He’s so sarcastic. I’m about to begin The Stones of Summer, simply because I HAVE to read it after seeing the documentary about it. If you have Netflix, add The Stone Reader to your queue, or go out and rent it, or do whatever it takes to find the DVD and watch it. I feel compelled to tell everyone I see about it because it is that good. It’s full of literary references and the narrator/filmmaker keeps the subject interesting and really, that’s all I’m going to say about it, but please watch it and let me know what you think.
What about the Oscars? I thought Babel should have won Best Picture, not The Departed. Helen Mirren, of course, was the correct choice. Haven’t seen Last King of Scotland, yet. Little Miss Sunshine was the perfect movie and I loved it so much, but I still think Babel was the one that should have won. It had Best Picture written all over it. I watched Marie Antoinette and agree that it was the best in costuming, but that’s all the good I can say about it. It was so boring, and I realized that the reason being Marie Antoinette led an extremely boring life, right up to the time her little airhead got chopped off, and the movie stopped before that. And I wouldn’t have wanted to see that, anyway. And talk about self-indulgent. Usually a biographical/historical fiction makes an effort to present some redeeming qualities in its characters, but this one failed entirely. (I have been agonizing over this paragraph and cannot get it to read like I want it to, but I hope you can understand it.)
Gosh, that’s the most I’ve written in a while. I think I need a nap, now.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Happy Saturday!
I've never posted anything from You Tube on this blog, but this one is so wonderfully funny:
Friday, March 09, 2007
Another Birthday
Yes, when you're my brother and you don't read my blog, this is what happens. Happy Birthday to my baby brother. The professor. Who instructs college students. On philosophy. I would love it if just one of them saw this photo.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Happy Birthday, Dawn!
Happy Birthday to my sister-in-law, Dawn! Yes, Emily gets another photo, because I have five minutes to post this before I have to go to class tonight and I didn't have time to search for one of just Dawn. But anyway, hope you are having a great birthday. Dave told me you have a new laptop so now you can send me jokes all the time!
Love,
Vanessa
Love,
Vanessa
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Look Out, World - She's A Teenager!
You’re not supposed to be thirteen tomorrow, my darling niece. You’re supposed to be THREE and I’m supposed to pick you up at daycare on Friday night after work and you’re supposed to spend the night with me and help me cook dinner. You’re supposed to request that I make mashed potatoes and green peas and make them look like a bird’s nest and you’re supposed to blow out the candles after dinner because you love doing that. After dinner, you’re supposed to jump on my bed and we’re supposed to sing the
Ten Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed song, and you’re supposed to jump up and down with glee and then fall back and, of course, bump your head on the wall behind the bed and then cry (because you did that every time you jumped on my bed) and them I’m supposed to tickle you and you will laugh and get right back up and jump on the bed some more until your fact is red and sweat is running down your cheeks. You’re supposed to take a bubble bath and play with all the plastic bowls and ladles I can find in my kitchen and then when I try to comb out the tangles in your long hair, you’re supposed to cry (because you always did that, too!) and then you’re supposed to listen as I read “Bye Bye Diapers” to you (because that was your favorite book and I still have it and will keep it forever) and then you’re supposed to fall asleep in mid-sentence and I’m supposed to cover you up all snug and safe and kiss you and look at you and realize that these moments are the best life has to offer.
You are not, young lady, supposed to be a teenager who has a cell phone and can send text messages faster that the speed of sound. You are not supposed to be almost as tall as I am and prefer hanging out at the mall to watching “Barney and Friends” and you are not supposed to be having one of those boyfriends, my goodness gracious, are you really that person?
Which brings me to what kind of person you have become in your thirteen years on this earth: you have become a smart, confident, funny, athletic, beautiful goddess of a girl who loves life and is a loyal friend and just a really cool kid. You’re a pretty good niece, too.
Happy Birthday, Emily.
I love you,
Ness
Ten Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed song, and you’re supposed to jump up and down with glee and then fall back and, of course, bump your head on the wall behind the bed and then cry (because you did that every time you jumped on my bed) and them I’m supposed to tickle you and you will laugh and get right back up and jump on the bed some more until your fact is red and sweat is running down your cheeks. You’re supposed to take a bubble bath and play with all the plastic bowls and ladles I can find in my kitchen and then when I try to comb out the tangles in your long hair, you’re supposed to cry (because you always did that, too!) and then you’re supposed to listen as I read “Bye Bye Diapers” to you (because that was your favorite book and I still have it and will keep it forever) and then you’re supposed to fall asleep in mid-sentence and I’m supposed to cover you up all snug and safe and kiss you and look at you and realize that these moments are the best life has to offer.
You are not, young lady, supposed to be a teenager who has a cell phone and can send text messages faster that the speed of sound. You are not supposed to be almost as tall as I am and prefer hanging out at the mall to watching “Barney and Friends” and you are not supposed to be having one of those boyfriends, my goodness gracious, are you really that person?
Which brings me to what kind of person you have become in your thirteen years on this earth: you have become a smart, confident, funny, athletic, beautiful goddess of a girl who loves life and is a loyal friend and just a really cool kid. You’re a pretty good niece, too.
Happy Birthday, Emily.
I love you,
Ness
Sunday, February 18, 2007
I Guess I'll Do Anything To Keep From Studying
Nothing has changed since last I wrote. It's still cold and there's still a lot of snow on the ground, but it is getting a little warmer and we're supposed to experience a week of above freezing temps! Think I'll get out my tube top.
I was tagged a month ago by Nicole to do this meme and never got around to doing it until now. I actually like memes - maybe because everyone else makes fun of them. And I LOVE Nicole, so if it's just for that reason, here goes:
A- Available or married? Neither. I'm president of the NLMHA. (Nonlesbian Man-Haters Association.)
B- Best Friend? My auntie Linda. She totally, completely understands me. And loves me in spite of it.
C- Cake or Pie? Cake
D- Drink of Choice? 1-Coffee 2-Diet Coke 3-Vodka
E- Essential Item? Lipgloss
F- Favorite Color? Turquoise
G- Gummi Bears or Worms? Not a fan. Give me chocolate.
H- Hometown? J---, Arkansas
I- Indulgence? Books and iTunes
J- January or February? Love them both, because they are Reece's and Emily's birthday months!
K- Kids & names? Nope
L- Life is incomplete without? Family and Reeses Peanut Butter Cups
M- Marriage Date? I don't dwell on the past!
N- Number of Siblings? Two brothers; I'm very lucky in the sibling category.
O- Oranges or apples? Apples
P- Phobias/Fears? I have an unhealthy fear of car accidents.
Q- Favorite Quote? "This above all - to thine own self be true." - W. S. (caution: this will often get you fired.)
R- Reason to Smile? My iPod is full of great songs!
S- Season? Certainly not this damned winter
T- Tag three people: Leonardo DiCaprio, George Clooney, Colin Firth
U- Unknown fact about me: I want to be a playwright.
V- Vegetable you hate? turnips
W- Worst habit? All my habits are wonderful.
Y- Your favorite food? I don't play favorites.
Z- Zodiac? Leo
I was tagged a month ago by Nicole to do this meme and never got around to doing it until now. I actually like memes - maybe because everyone else makes fun of them. And I LOVE Nicole, so if it's just for that reason, here goes:
A- Available or married? Neither. I'm president of the NLMHA. (Nonlesbian Man-Haters Association.)
B- Best Friend? My auntie Linda. She totally, completely understands me. And loves me in spite of it.
C- Cake or Pie? Cake
D- Drink of Choice? 1-Coffee 2-Diet Coke 3-Vodka
E- Essential Item? Lipgloss
F- Favorite Color? Turquoise
G- Gummi Bears or Worms? Not a fan. Give me chocolate.
H- Hometown? J---, Arkansas
I- Indulgence? Books and iTunes
J- January or February? Love them both, because they are Reece's and Emily's birthday months!
K- Kids & names? Nope
L- Life is incomplete without? Family and Reeses Peanut Butter Cups
M- Marriage Date? I don't dwell on the past!
N- Number of Siblings? Two brothers; I'm very lucky in the sibling category.
O- Oranges or apples? Apples
P- Phobias/Fears? I have an unhealthy fear of car accidents.
Q- Favorite Quote? "This above all - to thine own self be true." - W. S. (caution: this will often get you fired.)
R- Reason to Smile? My iPod is full of great songs!
S- Season? Certainly not this damned winter
T- Tag three people: Leonardo DiCaprio, George Clooney, Colin Firth
U- Unknown fact about me: I want to be a playwright.
V- Vegetable you hate? turnips
W- Worst habit? All my habits are wonderful.
Y- Your favorite food? I don't play favorites.
Z- Zodiac? Leo
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Chicken Poop For My Soul
All familial reports are that my nephew had a splendid birthday. And, just as he was wrapping up the week-long celebration, the smallest smattering of snow descended upon Arkansas and he got two days off from school. He was quite happy.
There's still snow on the ground here in Missouri and I have come to terms with it. It will be here forever and Abby will just have to get used to it and so will I. What's all this talk about global warming, anyway? It's seven degrees. In Missouri. That's all I have on the subject.
I'm getting ready to watch Little Miss Sunshine. It's a reward to myself for completing my cataloging homework. If I hadn't instilled some sort of personal reward system, I'd never do the damned homework. It is quite excruciating. And so is attending class two nights per week. I am exhausted by Fridays and end up napping on the sofa by 9:00.
I'm not altogether unhappy, however. I'm living in a pretty cool place and I don't hate my job and my Thursday night class is interesting. I also have a good friend, Sandy, who just happens to be in said class and that's wonderful. Dawn is another good friend I've acquired. She's also a coworker, so I get to see her every day. Things could be much worse, so when I'm feeling homesick I try to remember that.
This is pathetic, I know! I have not written on a worthwhile topic (except Reece and Emily) in the longest time. I think of topics when I'm doing other things, and then when I have the chance to post, I have forgotten all of them. That, and I'm just lazy. I'd rather read everyone else's blogs than write my own. I'm even too lazy to comment on theirs most of the time.
Note to Auntie L: I miss your smart mouth.
Note to Dave: sorry I mentioned your doctor's visit on my blog. I'll never, ever, reveal anything about you again on "Aunt Vanessa."
Additional note to Dave: That was a lie.
Note to Mom: When are you going to get a puppy? You need one.
Note to Emily: You are perfect and I love you so much my heart cracks when I think about you.
So, to wrap up this fascinating entry, hey, Wake Up! - hope everyone's doing alright. Why don't you comment and tell me what's up and maybe that'll inspire me write something interesting!
xoxo,
Vanessa
There's still snow on the ground here in Missouri and I have come to terms with it. It will be here forever and Abby will just have to get used to it and so will I. What's all this talk about global warming, anyway? It's seven degrees. In Missouri. That's all I have on the subject.
I'm getting ready to watch Little Miss Sunshine. It's a reward to myself for completing my cataloging homework. If I hadn't instilled some sort of personal reward system, I'd never do the damned homework. It is quite excruciating. And so is attending class two nights per week. I am exhausted by Fridays and end up napping on the sofa by 9:00.
I'm not altogether unhappy, however. I'm living in a pretty cool place and I don't hate my job and my Thursday night class is interesting. I also have a good friend, Sandy, who just happens to be in said class and that's wonderful. Dawn is another good friend I've acquired. She's also a coworker, so I get to see her every day. Things could be much worse, so when I'm feeling homesick I try to remember that.
This is pathetic, I know! I have not written on a worthwhile topic (except Reece and Emily) in the longest time. I think of topics when I'm doing other things, and then when I have the chance to post, I have forgotten all of them. That, and I'm just lazy. I'd rather read everyone else's blogs than write my own. I'm even too lazy to comment on theirs most of the time.
Note to Auntie L: I miss your smart mouth.
Note to Dave: sorry I mentioned your doctor's visit on my blog. I'll never, ever, reveal anything about you again on "Aunt Vanessa."
Additional note to Dave: That was a lie.
Note to Mom: When are you going to get a puppy? You need one.
Note to Emily: You are perfect and I love you so much my heart cracks when I think about you.
So, to wrap up this fascinating entry, hey, Wake Up! - hope everyone's doing alright. Why don't you comment and tell me what's up and maybe that'll inspire me write something interesting!
xoxo,
Vanessa
Monday, January 29, 2007
Happy Birthday, Reece!
The Cutest Boy in the World turns NINE years old tomorrow. An aunt couldn’t ask for a better nephew. We were talking on the phone yesterday and he was telling me about his birthday party Saturday, the one where he invites his friends and they play video games and eat lots of junk and open PRESENTS, and how the family is getting together at his favorite Japanese restaurant on Tuesday night to celebrate the second installation of the birthday and he said, “I wish you could be there, Nessa.” Damn this living in Missouri thing sometimes, especially when Darling Boy is having a birthday.
Reecie Boy, as Emily calls you, I hope you are having a great birthday. You are the funniest boy. Your love for cars and video games is almost infectious. Keep making straight-As in school, Sweetheart, because you’re going to have to go to medical school and become a surgeon in order to pay for all the Ferraris you plan to own when you are finally old enough to drive!
Oh, and Reece, don’t forget that you promised you’d come and visit me when I’m really old and living in the nursing home. You said you’d bring cookies.
I love you and am so lucky that I’m your aunt. You make me so very happy. Whenever I hear your voice I feel a hundred times better than I did the minute before. You are an awesome boy and I love you.
Reecie Boy, as Emily calls you, I hope you are having a great birthday. You are the funniest boy. Your love for cars and video games is almost infectious. Keep making straight-As in school, Sweetheart, because you’re going to have to go to medical school and become a surgeon in order to pay for all the Ferraris you plan to own when you are finally old enough to drive!
Oh, and Reece, don’t forget that you promised you’d come and visit me when I’m really old and living in the nursing home. You said you’d bring cookies.
I love you and am so lucky that I’m your aunt. You make me so very happy. Whenever I hear your voice I feel a hundred times better than I did the minute before. You are an awesome boy and I love you.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
When It Rains It Pours - Except It's Snow Up Here
There's still snow and ice on the ground and we Columbians (I'm one now) are tired of it. It precipitates some sort of frozen substance on our lovely city every weekend. If we make it through this weekend without any snow or ice we will all be out on the streets tomorrow night dancing for joy.
Weekend before last I broke a tooth. When you start to get old, my young readers, beware: it's not just bone and muscle mass you lose. Your teeth start to give out on you, too. Luckily, I'd already made an appointment with a dentist for a cleaning, so when I called them about the tooth they were quick to get me in to take a look at it. The dentist was a delightful little guy who put some sort of patch on my tooth that would protect it (it killed me to open my mouth in the frigid cold wind) and I made an appointment for last Thursday to get fitted for a crown. I would have settled for a diamond tiara, but the nice dentist insisted on a crown.
Monday morning I spent a good twenty minutes getting the ice off my windshields and took off for work, only to realize that I had a flat tire. "I have a can of fix-a-flat!" I thought. Only thing is, the can had been in my car and it was now frozen solid. So, I drove two miles per hour to the nearest store where I could put air in the tire then drove to Sears to buy a new tire. I'd had the same tire repaired twice and I know when I've been beaten and must submit to the purchase of a new tire.
Yes, this has been a wonderful couple of weeks. On the bright side, however, my dear friend, Sandy, introduced me to the best antique mall and some great used book stores where I stocked up on enough paperbacks to get me through the next six months.
I watched "Thank You For Smoking" last weekend. It wasn't too bad. I'm caught up with "The Sopranos" until they release the second part of Season Six on DVD and I hope to have "Little Miss Sunshine" in my mailbox this afternoon. Netflix is one of the best ideas ever!
School's going alright. I have classes on Monday and Thursday nights so I'm pretty wiped by Friday. Weekends, from now on, will require a lot of studying time. Try reading 60 pages of articles about library cataloging and then complain to me about ANYthing being boring. I will have no sympathy for you.
A note to my brother, Dave: you are the best brother, person, man, I know and I hope you get good news at the doctor's office next week. I love you.
Check back on Monday for a birthday surprise for the Cutest Boy in the World.
Love to all,
Vanessa
Weekend before last I broke a tooth. When you start to get old, my young readers, beware: it's not just bone and muscle mass you lose. Your teeth start to give out on you, too. Luckily, I'd already made an appointment with a dentist for a cleaning, so when I called them about the tooth they were quick to get me in to take a look at it. The dentist was a delightful little guy who put some sort of patch on my tooth that would protect it (it killed me to open my mouth in the frigid cold wind) and I made an appointment for last Thursday to get fitted for a crown. I would have settled for a diamond tiara, but the nice dentist insisted on a crown.
Monday morning I spent a good twenty minutes getting the ice off my windshields and took off for work, only to realize that I had a flat tire. "I have a can of fix-a-flat!" I thought. Only thing is, the can had been in my car and it was now frozen solid. So, I drove two miles per hour to the nearest store where I could put air in the tire then drove to Sears to buy a new tire. I'd had the same tire repaired twice and I know when I've been beaten and must submit to the purchase of a new tire.
Yes, this has been a wonderful couple of weeks. On the bright side, however, my dear friend, Sandy, introduced me to the best antique mall and some great used book stores where I stocked up on enough paperbacks to get me through the next six months.
I watched "Thank You For Smoking" last weekend. It wasn't too bad. I'm caught up with "The Sopranos" until they release the second part of Season Six on DVD and I hope to have "Little Miss Sunshine" in my mailbox this afternoon. Netflix is one of the best ideas ever!
School's going alright. I have classes on Monday and Thursday nights so I'm pretty wiped by Friday. Weekends, from now on, will require a lot of studying time. Try reading 60 pages of articles about library cataloging and then complain to me about ANYthing being boring. I will have no sympathy for you.
A note to my brother, Dave: you are the best brother, person, man, I know and I hope you get good news at the doctor's office next week. I love you.
Check back on Monday for a birthday surprise for the Cutest Boy in the World.
Love to all,
Vanessa
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Ice Days
The entire city of Columbia, MO is covered in a thick sheet of ice, which means I'm stuck here for the three-day weekend. I'd planned to go to Arkansas to see the family and get some kisses from Reece and spend a couple of hours with Emily on Sunday night when she returned from her softball clinic in Louisiana, but no. I'm iced in and have no plans to venture out onto the treacherous highway until I have to go to work on Tuesday.
I was without internet connection yesterday, so I was forced to watch a lot of TV and do some reading. I'm reading this book, and just want it to be over now. I'm not in love with it like most people have been. It's received such wonderful reviews, but I'm two-thirds into it, and I'm not getting what all the fuss is about. If you want something a little different, try this writer. He's from West Plains, MO, and is considered one of the best writers in the U.S. today. Who'da thunk it? It's definitely Grit Lit and if you're from my region of the country you'll understand every phrase and idiom, but, if not, you'll probably appreciate his characters anyway. They are quite real, rough, and despicable. West Plains is my pitstop on the way to Arkansas and one of these days I'm going to see if I can find the guy. He supposedly walks around town every afternoon and acts like an ordinary fellow, so I'm going to keep a copy of one of his novels in my car and hope one day to get his autograph. Nothing like a literary stalker, huh?
For Christmas, I gave Emily the DVD Steel Magnolias. I told her that there are two chick flicks that I consider crucial to watch if you're a woman, and Steel Magnolias is one of them. I'm planning to give her the other one for her birthday next month. Can you guess what the second one is? I'm not going to say, of course, since I want to surprise her, but I'll reveal it via e-mail if you're really curious. I'd also like your opinions on the subject, of course. What are your favorite chick flicks?
The Golden Globe awards are Monday night and I've not seen but a couple of the movies nominated. Planning to watch it, however. Be sure to read "Go Fug Yourself" on Tuesday for the best in ridicule. Those girls are hilariously clever and mean and I love them.
Okay, time for a nap.
I was without internet connection yesterday, so I was forced to watch a lot of TV and do some reading. I'm reading this book, and just want it to be over now. I'm not in love with it like most people have been. It's received such wonderful reviews, but I'm two-thirds into it, and I'm not getting what all the fuss is about. If you want something a little different, try this writer. He's from West Plains, MO, and is considered one of the best writers in the U.S. today. Who'da thunk it? It's definitely Grit Lit and if you're from my region of the country you'll understand every phrase and idiom, but, if not, you'll probably appreciate his characters anyway. They are quite real, rough, and despicable. West Plains is my pitstop on the way to Arkansas and one of these days I'm going to see if I can find the guy. He supposedly walks around town every afternoon and acts like an ordinary fellow, so I'm going to keep a copy of one of his novels in my car and hope one day to get his autograph. Nothing like a literary stalker, huh?
For Christmas, I gave Emily the DVD Steel Magnolias. I told her that there are two chick flicks that I consider crucial to watch if you're a woman, and Steel Magnolias is one of them. I'm planning to give her the other one for her birthday next month. Can you guess what the second one is? I'm not going to say, of course, since I want to surprise her, but I'll reveal it via e-mail if you're really curious. I'd also like your opinions on the subject, of course. What are your favorite chick flicks?
The Golden Globe awards are Monday night and I've not seen but a couple of the movies nominated. Planning to watch it, however. Be sure to read "Go Fug Yourself" on Tuesday for the best in ridicule. Those girls are hilariously clever and mean and I love them.
Okay, time for a nap.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)