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!)

Happy Birthday, Auntie Linda!

I hope you're having a wonderful birthday, my dearest Auntie and BFF! The world is definitely brighter with you in it. Wish I could be there to pump those slot machines with you, but I will see you this weekend and I can't wait!

Love you,
Ness

Too Much Studying

I've been coming home every night from work and reading and studying, so I haven't had time to blog, but I have provided this witty "Maxine" for your reading pleasure because I love you all so very much. Now, talk amongst yourselves - I'll even give you a topic: What's your favorite oxymoron? Mine's "marital bliss."

XOXO,
Ness

Time On My Hands

I heard from some family members that Bera's 92nd birthday party was nice. A lot quieter than the bash we threw for her 90th. Wish I could have been there but I'm up in stupid Missouri suffering daily from the very air itself. Yes, back to ME. I'm home today with the worst case of the hives I've ever had. They started Sunday, and were bad yesterday, but this morning when I stepped out of the shower, my skin was inflamed like a sunburn and I'm itching everywhere on my torso and neck and head. Even my eyes are swollen. And the back of my ears! Have you ever heard of anything so awful? I'm going to call the doctor as soon as their office is open and say, "HELP!" I've been taking Benadryl, but it doesn't seem to be helping much.

I stopped by the library yesterday on my way home from work to pick up a book I had on hold and also got this one. It's the writer's first novel and I have recommendations for his latest one, but the library didn't have it yet. I started the former last night and look forward to reading more of it.

Our public library is the best. On a whim, I decided to glance through the CDs yesterday and I found this one that I've always wanted to buy but never have, and this one that I love and I brought them home and put them on my iPod and listened to them while I finished a paper. I can't write without classical music of some sort. It seems to stimulate my brain or something.

I talked to Reece last night. He told me all about the events at his new school and how he takes Spanish now, which I think is wonderful for a fourth-grader to begin. He also told me all about the school kids in Armenia and how rough they have it and how his class is raising funds to send to them so they can have proper school supplies. He seemed to be really bothered by it and I applaud his school for bringing the outside world to the attention of this little guy and his classmates. He also told me about football and I'm going to try to make it home to see one of his football games. I missed all of them last year.

I just put in a call to the doctor's office and the nurse is supposed to call me back this morning. In the meantime, I guess I can do some schoolwork. I might actually get ahead a little if I stay awake today! I had a class last Saturday and will have Saturday classes occasionally throughout the semester. This one was only from 1 to 4 and it flew by. My other class holds two Sat. classes which are from 9 to 4. What a long day those will be. Fortunately, my dear friend Sandy is in both my classes and so I get to catch up with her. She's even busier than I am right now.

Let's see, what else? (I have all day.) I joined a journal discussion group which is going to start meeting on Thursday nights. We're going to talk about articles pertaining to libraries. How about I report on that every week? Kidding.

Don't think I'm going to have time for the creative writing workshop this semester. As much as I want to attend and participate, I'm stretching it thin enough with a full-time job and two grad classes and now the journal discussion group. Hopefully, the organizers will take my suggestion and hold another one next summer. So, it's going to be the same old boring style of writing I exhibit here from now on. Which brings me to my thoughts on blogging. I only read about four blogs with any regularity. I have tired of all the others. I've considered quitting this blog, since I only post once a week if I'm lucky, but I'm still not ready to give it up. So, I'll post when I have time or something to say and the rest of the time I'm not going to worry about it. Of course, I'll always have gorgeous photos of Emily and darling Reece to show!

Oh, and I joined Weight Watchers again three weeks ago. Lost 7lbs in the first two weeks. Same ol' thing. Maybe it'll stick this time. I'm trying to be positive about it and just get through the ten weeks I paid for and then see how I feel about the whole thing.

I need to go get some work done now. And wait for a call from the nurse. Wish me luck. I'll keep you posted on the scratching.

Happy Birthday, Grandmother Bera!

Bera celebrated her 92nd birthday yesterday. This is such a good photo of her with my mom.

Here she is with Auntie Linda, her baby:



I spoke with her last night before her party and she sounded wonderful. She'd been to the doctor for a checkup yesterday, and the doctor told her that there was "nothing wrong with her mind!" We all knew that already. She's as sharp as a tack and still cracks me up every time I talk to her.

And how about her Razorback gear? Isn't she cute?

You rock, Granny!

Emily's Visit

Emily & Abby
Originally uploaded by Aunt Vanessa

Precious Girl came up to visit for the Labor Day weekend. Dave brought her half the way and I met them Friday afternoon. Monday, Dave, Dawn, and Reece met us halfway again and we had lunch and I got lots of hugs and kisses from Reece. Emily is the coolest kid. Ever. I could never in a million words describe how wonderful she is nor how much I enjoyed getting to spend the long weekend with her. My only complaint is that is went too quickly.