Today's Silly Saturday is about two movies that for most people are movies they grew to love as kids, but for me - I have always been deathly afraid of them. Wizard of Oz and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Wizard of Oz and that Wicked Witch of the West and her flying monkeys:
Most people love this movie- including my mom. I still can't even listen to the wicked witch's music. My mom says that when I was little I would go running - practically sprinting - into my room and hide under the covers whenever they'd watch this movie. And the loving, caring sister that I have, would enjoy playing the movie just to watch me run. (I wouldn't be surprised if she just skipped right to the part with the Wicked Witch in it.) Sisterly love. But if you really think about it - there is something inherently frightening about this "person." First of all - she is green. Why, I don't know. But the fact that she was green, scared me straight off. Green people = not good. Second - she spied on you (assuming that you were worthy of being spied on) through her "magic globe". She's almost like the evil Santa Clause (always knows what you're doing, when you're doing it, and where you are). Why would I want a green person spying on me. Third - that laugh. It just screams "I am evil! Fear me!" There's always an evil laugh with bad people in movies. You are supposed to fear the laugh. The laugh is how you know that that person is really the villain in the movie, because sometimes characters can be presented as the villain but aren't really. You have to watch for the laugh! Fourth - doesn't she not only spy on Dorthy but also admits out loud that she is going to kidnap Toto - the dog, and also locks Dorthy up in a room high up and the hour glass thing! "I'll get you, my pretty. And you're little dog, too!" Fourth, and maybe most important - the flying monkeys. The flying monkeys are frightening on their own. But when you add them with the Wicked Witch. Then you have one frightening team. These monkeys are terrifying. Who ever thought of flying monkeys?! And it would be one thing if they were like cartoon flying monkeys - that look friendly and nice. But these monkeys just look evil. Wicked Witch of the West and the flying Monkeys made the Wizard of Oz - normally a beloved movie - terrifying for me.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - this one people are always astonished at. The reason being they only remember the happy singing moments - the flying car - Dick Van Dyke and all. The always seem to forget the evil Witch/Wizard/ Warlock guy. Everyone forgets about him and the Queen (I think she was a Queen - who claimed to eat kids) - how could they forget about this?! I mean not only does this guy spy on the kids through the window (again with the spying through glass). But he then lures them outside with his "ice cream truck", pretends to be the ice cream man, somehow gets them in the back of the truck, locks them in there and takes them to the Queen. How is this not frightening people?!?! Plus just looking at the guy he looks creepy. Almost like Snape with the long black greasy hair (maybe that's where J.K. Rowling got the idea from) - but Snape isn't creepy, presented as evil at times, yes, but never creepy. Whereas this guy has PURE CREEP written across his forehead, practically.
Now what is even more terrifying than these two villains - is when you combine them. Oh yeah, that's right, we're going there. One night, I had one of the most terrifying nightmares I've ever had. It still - to this day - sits on the top 10, if not top 5 scariest nightmares I've had. In the dream - no nightmare. In the nightmare. It was Christmas Eve and my sister and my brother were sleeping in my bed, (we always slept in the same bed on Christmas Eve so no one could sneak out to see Santa - usually it was in my sister's bed because it was bigger. But for some reason that "year" it was my bed.) And we were all getting "tucked in" by mom and dad when I looked out into the hallway and in the bathroom (you could see inside the bathroom from my room) was the Flying Monkeys from Wizard of Oz AND the warlock, wizard guy from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Why they were hanging out in my bathroom and how they got there - I have no idea, that's not the point. They were in the bathroom - in the house. Now we're going to jump around a little because I only remember parts of it - try to forget the whole thing, but can't shake it. So the evil ones kidnapped Me, My brother, My mom and my Dad. Somehow my sister escaped and it was up to her and her friend, Janice - don't ask how she got into this whole mess - to save us. He was taking us to the Queen, of course, so she could eat us. (Not sure what he planned on doing with my parents, since the Queen only ate kids.) But yeah, I remember my sister and Janice could fly - literally fly - like a bird. They literally flew in to save the day. They saved us and we "lived happily ever after". But still to this day - one of the scariest nightmares I have. I have goosebumps just thinking about it.
Anyways, that's all I have for Silly Saturday. That was a long post - made up for the rather short ones all this week.
Come back tomorrow for Sunday Family Funday!!! Thanks for "tuning in".
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Flashback Friday!
Hi ya'll. Another Flashback Friday - and the last weekend of March - where is this time going?!
So I'm just going to get right to it again today - maybe tomorrow will be more rambling after I finish this dang paper.
One Week Ago: I was worrying about my essay that was going to be workshopped on that coming Monday. I always get nervous when this happens, but even more so with this essay because it wasn't really a "finished" essay, it was written in the middle of my research, and it was one part of what will be a whole book, so there were A LOT of unanswered questions in the piece. And at the same time - I had just gone to see my pal Jory read from his new chapbook, so I was inspired to write poetry. So I wrote a (probably) horrible poem about Blakelock.
Two Weeks Ago: I was listening to a lot of music and frantically writing that piece for Workshop, trying to get it done by class on Monday - which I did not.
A Month Ago: We were once again getting random snow storms - normal. I was fascinated with the guys that walk around campus with their cowboy hats and boots on. and I was attempting to explain the difference between a thesis statement (for their essays) and the thesis (for my degree) - and find a weird enjoyment from the instant fear in their eyes when I said that it has to be at least 90 pages. Oh, Freshmen. I was also trying to figure out the Leap and Hump Day - both were on the same day in February first - so I posed the question, Do you Leap or Hump First?
A Year Ago: I was celebrating applying for an apartment out here in Idaho with my step dad's homemade pizza. I miss that pizza so much! You can't get good pizza at all out here. (My facebook profile picture from a year ago - Cora in her Penn State outfit! She looked like a little Linebacker then. Love it!)
5 Years Ago: Let's see... That would make it 2007. I imagine I was still getting back into "the swing of things" after returning from Spring Break. Also still making the transition between Hazleton - a small satellite campus - to University Park - a huge main campus - Penn State. I remember this being quite the transition, so I was probably still going crazy then. And this was the Spring that I didn't have Brandon with me, I think. So doing the long distance thing again.
Tune in tomorrow for Silly Saturday!
So I'm just going to get right to it again today - maybe tomorrow will be more rambling after I finish this dang paper.
One Week Ago: I was worrying about my essay that was going to be workshopped on that coming Monday. I always get nervous when this happens, but even more so with this essay because it wasn't really a "finished" essay, it was written in the middle of my research, and it was one part of what will be a whole book, so there were A LOT of unanswered questions in the piece. And at the same time - I had just gone to see my pal Jory read from his new chapbook, so I was inspired to write poetry. So I wrote a (probably) horrible poem about Blakelock.
Two Weeks Ago: I was listening to a lot of music and frantically writing that piece for Workshop, trying to get it done by class on Monday - which I did not.
A Month Ago: We were once again getting random snow storms - normal. I was fascinated with the guys that walk around campus with their cowboy hats and boots on. and I was attempting to explain the difference between a thesis statement (for their essays) and the thesis (for my degree) - and find a weird enjoyment from the instant fear in their eyes when I said that it has to be at least 90 pages. Oh, Freshmen. I was also trying to figure out the Leap and Hump Day - both were on the same day in February first - so I posed the question, Do you Leap or Hump First?
A Year Ago: I was celebrating applying for an apartment out here in Idaho with my step dad's homemade pizza. I miss that pizza so much! You can't get good pizza at all out here. (My facebook profile picture from a year ago - Cora in her Penn State outfit! She looked like a little Linebacker then. Love it!)
5 Years Ago: Let's see... That would make it 2007. I imagine I was still getting back into "the swing of things" after returning from Spring Break. Also still making the transition between Hazleton - a small satellite campus - to University Park - a huge main campus - Penn State. I remember this being quite the transition, so I was probably still going crazy then. And this was the Spring that I didn't have Brandon with me, I think. So doing the long distance thing again.
Tune in tomorrow for Silly Saturday!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Throwback Thursday
I have a huge paper due at Midnight tomorrow - well not really huge, just important - so I'm just going to get right to the Throwback Thursday (today's Thursday, right?) Today's Throwback will be to the always entertaining Tim Taylor and Tooltime - aka Home Improvement.
This show was always funny - even on the serious episodes - there was still some really really funny parts. It never failed in making me laugh. I love it - still. The cast - what a great cast, too. Tim Allen (who is a comedic genius in his own, I think) plays Tim Taylor - the "father" in the family. He is also a TV host on a Home improvement show. Which is the back-line to the show's story-line. The show is called Tool time - Ale Boreland, the Husky gentleman that always wears plaid, played by Richard Karn, is the "side-kick" and assistant to Tim Taylor. Tim is the charismatic, yet extremely clumsy host, while Ale - the assistant is the one that is always watching out for safety issues and appears to know more than Tim about home improvement, tools, and just about anything relating to the show, which sets up a very entertaining and hilarious opposition, at all times. (And they had Hidie - the "other assistant" - once played by Pamela Anderson, then the part was taken over by Debbie Dunning, a gorgeous brunette instead of blonde. And often times had Bob Villa as a special guest.)
Tim was married to the always witty and sarcastic, Jill Taylor, played by Patricia Richardson and Tim and Jill had three boys - Brad, Randy, and Mark (played by Zachary Ty Bryan, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, and Tarran Noah Smith). I had one of my first TV Star crushes on Randy. Man. I remember having the biggest crush on him. Coincidentally, it was the episode where Randy learns that he might have cancer that was one of the first TV shows that I remember crying during, and the one that Randy goes to Costa Rica for a year.
It was a great show. Always funny and always true. Instilled my love for Tim Allen (will always be a T.A. fan) and Jonathan Taylor Thomas fan - of course. Now I gotta get to work on the literature review.
Tune in tomorrow for Flashback Friday!
 |
| Home Improvement Cast |
This show was always funny - even on the serious episodes - there was still some really really funny parts. It never failed in making me laugh. I love it - still. The cast - what a great cast, too. Tim Allen (who is a comedic genius in his own, I think) plays Tim Taylor - the "father" in the family. He is also a TV host on a Home improvement show. Which is the back-line to the show's story-line. The show is called Tool time - Ale Boreland, the Husky gentleman that always wears plaid, played by Richard Karn, is the "side-kick" and assistant to Tim Taylor. Tim is the charismatic, yet extremely clumsy host, while Ale - the assistant is the one that is always watching out for safety issues and appears to know more than Tim about home improvement, tools, and just about anything relating to the show, which sets up a very entertaining and hilarious opposition, at all times. (And they had Hidie - the "other assistant" - once played by Pamela Anderson, then the part was taken over by Debbie Dunning, a gorgeous brunette instead of blonde. And often times had Bob Villa as a special guest.)
Tim was married to the always witty and sarcastic, Jill Taylor, played by Patricia Richardson and Tim and Jill had three boys - Brad, Randy, and Mark (played by Zachary Ty Bryan, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, and Tarran Noah Smith). I had one of my first TV Star crushes on Randy. Man. I remember having the biggest crush on him. Coincidentally, it was the episode where Randy learns that he might have cancer that was one of the first TV shows that I remember crying during, and the one that Randy goes to Costa Rica for a year.
(the video quality sucks, so just listen to it.)
And the neighbor - Wilson Wilson, Jr. - whose face we never see below his eyes. Usually there's a fence that covers the rest, but always something hiding it.It was a great show. Always funny and always true. Instilled my love for Tim Allen (will always be a T.A. fan) and Jonathan Taylor Thomas fan - of course. Now I gotta get to work on the literature review.
Tune in tomorrow for Flashback Friday!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Welcome to... Wednesday - No grammar before grad school
Hi everyone! Another welcome to... Wednesday. Today's post will be about my issues with Grammar.
Welcome to (Grad Writing Program with no prior Grammar Lessons) Wednesday.
So I have learned in my short time in Graduate School so far that I was not taught grammar properly at all in middle school, high school, or undergraduate. I still make the simple mistakes that undergrads do and it's really embarrassing as an English Grad Student. I should not be making these mistakes but I was never taught the correct way to do them before. What I did get (even in high school) was teachers and professors marking my incorrect grammar on my essays and papers, but never explaining to me why it was incorrect and how to do it correctly. Like commas for instance. No matter what I do -whether I use them sparingly or a lot - I always get marked wrong for incorrect comma usage. So now I'm in grad school - in the creative writing program - where my grammar is expected to be nearly perfect, as it should being a grad student in a writing program - but it's not even close to that. Which is a huge problem, obviously. And it makes me feel lesser quality than other students and inadequate as a writer - which I feel is correct in feeling. Since I was never told the "rules" to grammar, my grammar mistakes aren't even consistent. While there are grammar mistakes in just about every paper I write, there are less in some and more in others. And my problems aren't even isolated just to punctuation. They are widespread from punctuation to citations to word choice and spelling. It's quite embarrassing and frustrating because you can't begin to discuss the ideas in the papers and essays until you've gotten past the glaring, grammar issues.
Luckily, I found a professor who will actually sit down with me (like I'm an Undergrad) and go through my essay and all the grammar mistakes I've made. While it may not be ideal, it is what I need right now. So that way I can (hopefully) correct my mistakes before I go further in my degree and begin writing my thesis (or get kicked out). I am so thankful that Ron is willing to do this. I want to approach him about joining my thesis committee because I know I will need someone like him with my writing. Plus I love the guy - he's hilarious and we seem to get along so well, I've found few professors so far that I feel this comfortable with.
Anyways, That's it for Welcome to ... Wednesday. Come back tomorrow for Throwback Thursday!
Welcome to (Grad Writing Program with no prior Grammar Lessons) Wednesday.
So I have learned in my short time in Graduate School so far that I was not taught grammar properly at all in middle school, high school, or undergraduate. I still make the simple mistakes that undergrads do and it's really embarrassing as an English Grad Student. I should not be making these mistakes but I was never taught the correct way to do them before. What I did get (even in high school) was teachers and professors marking my incorrect grammar on my essays and papers, but never explaining to me why it was incorrect and how to do it correctly. Like commas for instance. No matter what I do -whether I use them sparingly or a lot - I always get marked wrong for incorrect comma usage. So now I'm in grad school - in the creative writing program - where my grammar is expected to be nearly perfect, as it should being a grad student in a writing program - but it's not even close to that. Which is a huge problem, obviously. And it makes me feel lesser quality than other students and inadequate as a writer - which I feel is correct in feeling. Since I was never told the "rules" to grammar, my grammar mistakes aren't even consistent. While there are grammar mistakes in just about every paper I write, there are less in some and more in others. And my problems aren't even isolated just to punctuation. They are widespread from punctuation to citations to word choice and spelling. It's quite embarrassing and frustrating because you can't begin to discuss the ideas in the papers and essays until you've gotten past the glaring, grammar issues.
Luckily, I found a professor who will actually sit down with me (like I'm an Undergrad) and go through my essay and all the grammar mistakes I've made. While it may not be ideal, it is what I need right now. So that way I can (hopefully) correct my mistakes before I go further in my degree and begin writing my thesis (or get kicked out). I am so thankful that Ron is willing to do this. I want to approach him about joining my thesis committee because I know I will need someone like him with my writing. Plus I love the guy - he's hilarious and we seem to get along so well, I've found few professors so far that I feel this comfortable with.
Anyways, That's it for Welcome to ... Wednesday. Come back tomorrow for Throwback Thursday!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Maddening Young Love Monday and Obsessed with Tuesday (HARRY POTTER) in 1!
Well unfortunately (or fortunately - I'll stand by the "no news is good news" theory, I guess.) I don't have much to update or write on the Maddening Young Love Monday. We are still madly in young love together, I suppose you can say. We haven't talked much lately, I've been super swamped with "stuff" and he's was in Louisiana all last week for evaluations for work. The one day that he was able to get on last week, was, of course, the day that I decided to sleep in and so I missed him. But it was still good to know that he was thinking about me. He sent me a message saying so. So that's good there. No bad news, so that's always good.
As far as Obsessed with Tuesday goes - today I will write about my obsession with Harry Potter. I know there are at least some of my friends that have been waiting for this one. As sad as this may see to some people, it is a literal, legit Obsession. I mean had I not been introduced to Harry Potter years and years ago, I could have lived without it. But now that I have had both the books and movies in my life, I don't know that I can actually live without them. I mean I probably could, if I had to. But I do go through withdraw type of problems if I go too long without reading the books and seeing the movies - and yes, it is with both. (Sometimes these types of "obsessions" are either with just the books or the movies). I love them both equally, and for the same reason - that the craft that they present is so well done.
First let's start with the books - since at least some of them came first - and J. K. Rowling. First of all - let me just get this out of the way - J. K. Rowling is a genius when it comes to ways with words and writing. She wrote these books, this series, so well, I think that not only her new fame can attest to that, but the people in the fame. There are some books that become very popular among one select group of people, one demographic - one race, one age group, one location where people reside, one gender, etc. But with Rowling's books - the Harry Potter series she has fans among all of these demographics, not just one. Which is the best thing that could happen to an author - especially on her first book - or series of books. Because Harry Potter was so popular among all the people - again, all the ages, genders, multiple countries - she is pretty much guaranteed a following and readership for all future books that she intends to write. This success is something that every author, writer, strides for, and is something that any upcoming writer - like myself - dreams of obtaining, especially on their first series or book. However, what is odd about the Harry Potter series is that if you were to ask me, what exactly is it that draws me to them, (which several people have already asked), I don't think I could give a definitive answer. I'm not exactly sure what it is exactly about these books that interests me so much. I can't really put my finger on it. I just get sucked in from the first book to the last, every single time I read them - which is at least once a year. When I read them, it's like I'm reading them for the first time, every time. Even though, obviously, it isn't.
Now let's talk about the movies - the all star cast - for one thing is just that. An all star cast. I could not think of anyone better to play any of those roles than they British actors that they found. I mean these movies are really a "who's who among British actors." And normally I would be diverted with too many "stars" in one movie, but this series is different. I feel like it's only suiting to have this all star cast in these movies, considering the story-line that it follows. By having the super, distinguished "older" actors - the "adults" in the film, professors, mothers, fathers, etc. and actresses, mixed in with the new ones - the students (Harry and Gang). The audience really gets the sense that the students are learning from their teachers. I think this is the case because the young actors are actually learning from the older ones, as if they are mentor and students. And it's perfect! Especially a relationship like Harry and Sirius. It's brilliant, really. And to talk about the movies just themselves, apart from the books - Just as movies they are great (whether they follow the books or not - which for the most part they do). They are amazing movies, entertaining, gripping, sad, happy, thrilling.. everything! I love them. And SNAPE!!!!!!! haha. sorry.
Anyways, as you can see I am very very obsessed with both. And I will leave it at that.
Come back tomorrow for Welcome to.... Wednesday!
As far as Obsessed with Tuesday goes - today I will write about my obsession with Harry Potter. I know there are at least some of my friends that have been waiting for this one. As sad as this may see to some people, it is a literal, legit Obsession. I mean had I not been introduced to Harry Potter years and years ago, I could have lived without it. But now that I have had both the books and movies in my life, I don't know that I can actually live without them. I mean I probably could, if I had to. But I do go through withdraw type of problems if I go too long without reading the books and seeing the movies - and yes, it is with both. (Sometimes these types of "obsessions" are either with just the books or the movies). I love them both equally, and for the same reason - that the craft that they present is so well done.
First let's start with the books - since at least some of them came first - and J. K. Rowling. First of all - let me just get this out of the way - J. K. Rowling is a genius when it comes to ways with words and writing. She wrote these books, this series, so well, I think that not only her new fame can attest to that, but the people in the fame. There are some books that become very popular among one select group of people, one demographic - one race, one age group, one location where people reside, one gender, etc. But with Rowling's books - the Harry Potter series she has fans among all of these demographics, not just one. Which is the best thing that could happen to an author - especially on her first book - or series of books. Because Harry Potter was so popular among all the people - again, all the ages, genders, multiple countries - she is pretty much guaranteed a following and readership for all future books that she intends to write. This success is something that every author, writer, strides for, and is something that any upcoming writer - like myself - dreams of obtaining, especially on their first series or book. However, what is odd about the Harry Potter series is that if you were to ask me, what exactly is it that draws me to them, (which several people have already asked), I don't think I could give a definitive answer. I'm not exactly sure what it is exactly about these books that interests me so much. I can't really put my finger on it. I just get sucked in from the first book to the last, every single time I read them - which is at least once a year. When I read them, it's like I'm reading them for the first time, every time. Even though, obviously, it isn't.
Now let's talk about the movies - the all star cast - for one thing is just that. An all star cast. I could not think of anyone better to play any of those roles than they British actors that they found. I mean these movies are really a "who's who among British actors." And normally I would be diverted with too many "stars" in one movie, but this series is different. I feel like it's only suiting to have this all star cast in these movies, considering the story-line that it follows. By having the super, distinguished "older" actors - the "adults" in the film, professors, mothers, fathers, etc. and actresses, mixed in with the new ones - the students (Harry and Gang). The audience really gets the sense that the students are learning from their teachers. I think this is the case because the young actors are actually learning from the older ones, as if they are mentor and students. And it's perfect! Especially a relationship like Harry and Sirius. It's brilliant, really. And to talk about the movies just themselves, apart from the books - Just as movies they are great (whether they follow the books or not - which for the most part they do). They are amazing movies, entertaining, gripping, sad, happy, thrilling.. everything! I love them. And SNAPE!!!!!!! haha. sorry.
Anyways, as you can see I am very very obsessed with both. And I will leave it at that.
Come back tomorrow for Welcome to.... Wednesday!
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Sunday Family Funday - Apple
Another Sunday - another Family Funday!
Today I had a nice long phone date with my mom. Love her to pieces! I always feel so inspired to do great things after I talk to her. A good portion of our talk today dealt with Cora - my 1 year old niece, well 1 year and 5 months. :) anyways. Cora now "blabbers on and on and we have no idea what she is saying." - According to my mom at least. She spent the day at Nonnie's yesterday. I am told that her new word to say is apple. Mom said they were on the way back to the house from the store and they mistakenly put the groceries next to Cora. She then proceeded to pull everything out of the bag, while saying "apple?" to everything - apples, potatoes, peppers, onions - everything round, pretty much. I love it. I wish I could have been there to see it. I love and miss that girl so much! I can't even imagine what she's going to be like by the time that I see her next - this summer, maybe - probably not. October - maybe, November - most likely. Any of those are way too far away. I need some Cora hugs! Love her! Missing my family tons today, this weekend, this month, this year. Every time I talk to my mom I miss my family more than normal, but it also reminds me why I'm out here, doing (or at least trying to do) what I'm doing - to make her proud. My mom does everything for us, her kids, her loves, I want to make her as proud of me as I can. I want her to be able to go around and be proud (and want) to tell everyone what HER daughter did. I want to make enough money - someday - that she can retire and not have to worry about any of us. I want to be able to take care of ALL of my family - not just myself.
Anyways, that's it for Sunday Family Funday. Lots of homework to do. Come back tomorrow for Maddening Young Love Monday :)
Today I had a nice long phone date with my mom. Love her to pieces! I always feel so inspired to do great things after I talk to her. A good portion of our talk today dealt with Cora - my 1 year old niece, well 1 year and 5 months. :) anyways. Cora now "blabbers on and on and we have no idea what she is saying." - According to my mom at least. She spent the day at Nonnie's yesterday. I am told that her new word to say is apple. Mom said they were on the way back to the house from the store and they mistakenly put the groceries next to Cora. She then proceeded to pull everything out of the bag, while saying "apple?" to everything - apples, potatoes, peppers, onions - everything round, pretty much. I love it. I wish I could have been there to see it. I love and miss that girl so much! I can't even imagine what she's going to be like by the time that I see her next - this summer, maybe - probably not. October - maybe, November - most likely. Any of those are way too far away. I need some Cora hugs! Love her! Missing my family tons today, this weekend, this month, this year. Every time I talk to my mom I miss my family more than normal, but it also reminds me why I'm out here, doing (or at least trying to do) what I'm doing - to make her proud. My mom does everything for us, her kids, her loves, I want to make her as proud of me as I can. I want her to be able to go around and be proud (and want) to tell everyone what HER daughter did. I want to make enough money - someday - that she can retire and not have to worry about any of us. I want to be able to take care of ALL of my family - not just myself.
Anyways, that's it for Sunday Family Funday. Lots of homework to do. Come back tomorrow for Maddening Young Love Monday :)
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Silly Saturday - 3 am Poetry
Heyyyyyyyy! It's Saturday - another Silly Saturday! (Like most Saturdays, my exciting plans include homework, homework, and more homework.)
So on with the Silly Saturday.
This morning (more like last night) at 3, I woke up wide awake with this poem in my head that I had to get down on paper. First of all, this has never happened to me with poetry - it's only been prose that has woken me up in the middle of a dead sleep - so that was strange to begin with. Second - it was about my great great grandfather - whom I hadn't been thinking about at all yesterday, or for a couple of days for that matter. It was very odd. I blame it on my friend, Jory - who just released his chapbook on Thursday in Moscow (which everyone NEEDS to buy - Slow Depth! Go buy it!). I went to his reading and release and afterwards felt inspired to write poetry - like I always do when I hear him read. So maybe I was subconsciousnessly thinking about it. Well actually, I guess I was if I woke up in dead sleep to write it. It was just so odd because the poem was so clear in my mind, (I never wake up with anything clear in my mind - except maybe Joel), and I haven't written poetry since like Sophomore year in College. Back in like 2005. I started out writing silly prose when I was in like 3rd grade. By the time middle school came, it wasn't silly prose anymore, just prose. Then in high school I wrote a lot of poetry (I like to think that a lot of people write poetry in high school, I don't know why. It's just one of my romantic notions about how high school should be like.) Then I reverted back to prose - mostly - except for 2 classes at Penn state that required me to write a poem or two. But I had never really written it seriously since high school. So to wake up with this one in my head, was just odd.
I would like to think that it's a great poem and everyone will love it. However, I try to be a realist about writing and know that it probably isn't a great poem at all. It would probably be called amateur poetry at best. But that's why I write Prose ... So without further ado - and before I ramble on anymore and bore you all to death - here is the 3 am Poem.
So on with the Silly Saturday.
This morning (more like last night) at 3, I woke up wide awake with this poem in my head that I had to get down on paper. First of all, this has never happened to me with poetry - it's only been prose that has woken me up in the middle of a dead sleep - so that was strange to begin with. Second - it was about my great great grandfather - whom I hadn't been thinking about at all yesterday, or for a couple of days for that matter. It was very odd. I blame it on my friend, Jory - who just released his chapbook on Thursday in Moscow (which everyone NEEDS to buy - Slow Depth! Go buy it!). I went to his reading and release and afterwards felt inspired to write poetry - like I always do when I hear him read. So maybe I was subconsciousnessly thinking about it. Well actually, I guess I was if I woke up in dead sleep to write it. It was just so odd because the poem was so clear in my mind, (I never wake up with anything clear in my mind - except maybe Joel), and I haven't written poetry since like Sophomore year in College. Back in like 2005. I started out writing silly prose when I was in like 3rd grade. By the time middle school came, it wasn't silly prose anymore, just prose. Then in high school I wrote a lot of poetry (I like to think that a lot of people write poetry in high school, I don't know why. It's just one of my romantic notions about how high school should be like.) Then I reverted back to prose - mostly - except for 2 classes at Penn state that required me to write a poem or two. But I had never really written it seriously since high school. So to wake up with this one in my head, was just odd.
I would like to think that it's a great poem and everyone will love it. However, I try to be a realist about writing and know that it probably isn't a great poem at all. It would probably be called amateur poetry at best. But that's why I write Prose ... So without further ado - and before I ramble on anymore and bore you all to death - here is the 3 am Poem.
Dedicated to Ralph Albert Blakelock – my great,
great grandfather and inspiration in many things
The Schizo Painter
He was …
a son – the oldest
a brother – grieved the death of a sister at the age of nineteen
expected – to study medicine
a husband – loving and caring
a father – did everything that he could for his kids
- grieved for his
six month old daughter.
He painted…
moonlights – Brook by Moonlight
indians out West – Indian
Encampment Along the Snake River
seascapes – Marine, Seal Rock
portraits – The Guide
shanties – Old New York, Shanties
at Fifty-Fifth Street and Seventh Street
exotic locations – Jamaican
Coastal Scene
still lifes – all untitled
romanticism
tonalist
hudson river style
draftsman-like
- with passion and imagination.
They called him then…
the immigrant’s son- poor
not in the right circles – later, not in the right state of mind
eccentric - insane – mad
young
– amateur.
He believed in…
swedenborgianism
mysticism
transcendentalism
the poetry of Ralph Waldo Emerson
the spirits of the Indians
an America gone
his paintings
- himself.
He is…
grouped with painters Inness, Ryder, Homer and the Barbizonian Dupré
the “American Van-Gogh”
compared to poets Whitman, Poe and Coleridge
an American visionary
one of the most celebrated American artists
the “mad genius”
copied the most out of any American artist
inspiring
loved, respected, and famous
my great, great grandfather
Friday, March 23, 2012
Flashback Friday!
Another Friday has come. Flashback Friday again.
So I'm going to change it up a bit from the first one. I modeling it after my friend Tara's Flashback Friday (PS - go check out here blog (http://tarababble.blogspot.com) and I'll be looking back at actual blogs and facebook posts that I have made on previous Fridays, or days. So let's just jump right in.
One week ago - Our first Flashback Friday, and I was "enjoying" spring break and remembering my Papa.
Two weeks ago - I was also remembering Papa Cobb - It was his birthday on that day.
A Month ago - I was having all kinds of positive things happen to me. A student told me I've helped them so much (already since it had only been the 2nd month of the semester.) Joel had told me "It's Fate. I'm Yours." An exciting day.
2 Months ago - I was mourning the Great Joe Paterno. "Believe deep down in your heart that you are destined to do great things." -Joe Paterno. It was at this time that the whole world was mourning for him. He had just passed away after suffering from Cancer. (Damn it took another one!) I was extremely moved and saddened by this because he was one of my heros and idols. Going to Penn state - he was the name that you had to know. Some people had said oh he's just a football coach, I don't see what the big deal is. But he was much much more than just a football coach. He was an amazing person. I got to talk to him for like 10 minutes one time while I was at PSU - 10 of the best minutes of my life! He told me everything that I'd need to hear then, and now. And I will always remember that. It's sad that some people will remember him because of the sandusky case, those will never know who the real Joe Paterno is. The world will miss him always...
A Year Ago - I was spending lots of time with my niece, Cora - we had just moved to North Carolina the month before. Also was probably anxiously awaiting to hear back from Grad School Admissions on which ones I got into and which ones I got denied from - Only 1/ 7 schools ended up accepting me - that's how I ended up in Idaho.
So I'm going to change it up a bit from the first one. I modeling it after my friend Tara's Flashback Friday (PS - go check out here blog (http://tarababble.blogspot.com) and I'll be looking back at actual blogs and facebook posts that I have made on previous Fridays, or days. So let's just jump right in.
One week ago - Our first Flashback Friday, and I was "enjoying" spring break and remembering my Papa.
Two weeks ago - I was also remembering Papa Cobb - It was his birthday on that day.
A Month ago - I was having all kinds of positive things happen to me. A student told me I've helped them so much (already since it had only been the 2nd month of the semester.) Joel had told me "It's Fate. I'm Yours." An exciting day.
2 Months ago - I was mourning the Great Joe Paterno. "Believe deep down in your heart that you are destined to do great things." -Joe Paterno. It was at this time that the whole world was mourning for him. He had just passed away after suffering from Cancer. (Damn it took another one!) I was extremely moved and saddened by this because he was one of my heros and idols. Going to Penn state - he was the name that you had to know. Some people had said oh he's just a football coach, I don't see what the big deal is. But he was much much more than just a football coach. He was an amazing person. I got to talk to him for like 10 minutes one time while I was at PSU - 10 of the best minutes of my life! He told me everything that I'd need to hear then, and now. And I will always remember that. It's sad that some people will remember him because of the sandusky case, those will never know who the real Joe Paterno is. The world will miss him always...
A Year Ago - I was spending lots of time with my niece, Cora - we had just moved to North Carolina the month before. Also was probably anxiously awaiting to hear back from Grad School Admissions on which ones I got into and which ones I got denied from - Only 1/ 7 schools ended up accepting me - that's how I ended up in Idaho.
5 Years Ago - I would be in my 2nd to last year at Penn State and anxiously awaiting for Spring Break. At this time I would have still been with Brandon, so I was probably arguing with him over what I was eating for dinner or if i went to the gym or something of that sort.
Come back tomorrow for Silly Saturday - which I promise will be much more exciting than today's blog!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Throwback Thursday - Who's Line is it Anyway?
Another Throwback Thursday. Is it really Thursday, already?! Wow! This semester is just flying by! Crazy! There's only 1 month and 19 days in the semester left - not that I'm counting or anything,but Seriously! Where do these semesters go?! I feel like I've done nothing, and yet, the semester is almost gone already. Geesh! Anyways back to Throwback Thursday.
Okay so yeah Today's blog is dedicated to the show Who's Line Is It Anyway?
So this show was an improv show - had 3 comedians that were on every episode - Wayne Brady, Ryan Stiles and Collin Mockery (the bald Canadian). And they have a "special guest" every week. A lot of times they have repeat guests, or celebrities. It started in England then came to the US and Drew Carey became the host. The best two celebrity appearances that I've seen is the one with Robin Williams and Richard Simmons. Those are definitely the funniest.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOcm8Sd_zDI&feature=related - the one with Robin.
I love Robin Williams anyways. - Who does't - he's funniest person ever, I think. Always makes me laugh. So you add Robin to these three guys, and it's an instant hit! Love it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTxkxG3DF4k- the one with Richard.
This is hilarious too. I love it.
I remember watching this every time it was on TV - ABC Family. I am literally in tears EVERY time I watch it. I love it. Just watch the clips. The show speaks for itself. I'm too busy laughing to type. haha.
BUT tune in tomorrow for Flashback Friday!
Okay so yeah Today's blog is dedicated to the show Who's Line Is It Anyway?
So this show was an improv show - had 3 comedians that were on every episode - Wayne Brady, Ryan Stiles and Collin Mockery (the bald Canadian). And they have a "special guest" every week. A lot of times they have repeat guests, or celebrities. It started in England then came to the US and Drew Carey became the host. The best two celebrity appearances that I've seen is the one with Robin Williams and Richard Simmons. Those are definitely the funniest.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOcm8Sd_zDI&feature=related - the one with Robin.
I love Robin Williams anyways. - Who does't - he's funniest person ever, I think. Always makes me laugh. So you add Robin to these three guys, and it's an instant hit! Love it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTxkxG3DF4k- the one with Richard.
This is hilarious too. I love it.
I remember watching this every time it was on TV - ABC Family. I am literally in tears EVERY time I watch it. I love it. Just watch the clips. The show speaks for itself. I'm too busy laughing to type. haha.
BUT tune in tomorrow for Flashback Friday!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Welcome to.... Wednesday
Welcome to ... Grad School... Wednesday
So last week was "Spring Break" - the only thing spring break about it was that I didn't have classes.
I did not go on any exciting vacation, road trip, no trip back home, not even a little day trip to "get away" - Welcome to Grad School #1 - No time nor energy nor money for a get away.
Because I did not go anywhere for Spring Break, I had planned on getting caught up with all my work I was unable to get done the week before that, and also get ahead in the upcoming work. - Which would have been Welcome to Grad School #2 - had I just worked all week it would have been a Welcome to Grad School #2 - doing homework during your spring break. But instead my brain decided to not really want to function so much, so I got very very little done over spring break, so instead I'm jumping to Welcome to Grad School #3 - Burnt out by Midterms...
After Spring Break - I had one paper due that Monday, right after break - my essay for Non-Fiction workshop - Welcome to Grad School #4 - No real break.
Got our papers (that were due right before break) back yesterday - what is usually a decent Undergrad paper, is a lower B Graduate paper. - Welcome to Grad School #5 - it's not just a step up or even a hop away from Undergrad, it's a huge leap!
Right now- my energy level is none existent, my emotions are haywire. The littlest things will piss me off, that usually will just annoy me. I feel like crying myself to sleep some nights. I want to go home quite a bit. Sometimes I don't feel like I belong here. Welcome to Grad School #6 - you have no control over sleep or your emotions.
In Undergrad I didn't have a problem with finding professors that wanted to help me improve at some kind of level, here in Grad School - the professors won't reach out to help you, you need to reach out to them for help. Some professors you won't get a long with at all for certain reasons, that's okay in Grad School. Just don't take their classes anymore. Welcome to Grad School #7 - Find professors that you "click" with early on in your "career" here/there, the sooner you find the "good professors" or ones that you like, the easier it will be on every level. Sometimes your professors will become friends, psychologists, a second set of parents to you, whatever ... Most of them are glad to help in anyway, even if it is just a hug or an ear to talk to. :) Don't get discouraged by the "bad ones."
Welcome to .... Grad School!
Tune in tomorrow for Throwback Thursdays!
So last week was "Spring Break" - the only thing spring break about it was that I didn't have classes.
I did not go on any exciting vacation, road trip, no trip back home, not even a little day trip to "get away" - Welcome to Grad School #1 - No time nor energy nor money for a get away.
Because I did not go anywhere for Spring Break, I had planned on getting caught up with all my work I was unable to get done the week before that, and also get ahead in the upcoming work. - Which would have been Welcome to Grad School #2 - had I just worked all week it would have been a Welcome to Grad School #2 - doing homework during your spring break. But instead my brain decided to not really want to function so much, so I got very very little done over spring break, so instead I'm jumping to Welcome to Grad School #3 - Burnt out by Midterms...
After Spring Break - I had one paper due that Monday, right after break - my essay for Non-Fiction workshop - Welcome to Grad School #4 - No real break.
Got our papers (that were due right before break) back yesterday - what is usually a decent Undergrad paper, is a lower B Graduate paper. - Welcome to Grad School #5 - it's not just a step up or even a hop away from Undergrad, it's a huge leap!
Right now- my energy level is none existent, my emotions are haywire. The littlest things will piss me off, that usually will just annoy me. I feel like crying myself to sleep some nights. I want to go home quite a bit. Sometimes I don't feel like I belong here. Welcome to Grad School #6 - you have no control over sleep or your emotions.
In Undergrad I didn't have a problem with finding professors that wanted to help me improve at some kind of level, here in Grad School - the professors won't reach out to help you, you need to reach out to them for help. Some professors you won't get a long with at all for certain reasons, that's okay in Grad School. Just don't take their classes anymore. Welcome to Grad School #7 - Find professors that you "click" with early on in your "career" here/there, the sooner you find the "good professors" or ones that you like, the easier it will be on every level. Sometimes your professors will become friends, psychologists, a second set of parents to you, whatever ... Most of them are glad to help in anyway, even if it is just a hug or an ear to talk to. :) Don't get discouraged by the "bad ones."
Welcome to .... Grad School!
Tune in tomorrow for Throwback Thursdays!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Obsessed with Tuesday
Hi all. Welcome to our second Obsessed with Tuesday. This week is a bit crazy for me so this will probably be a short one - also why it's going up so late.
Today's Obsession: Cowboys and Country boys
So I can't explain why I have this obsession, really. It's just something that is there and is not easily hidden. And I guess you can/should add "southern boys" on here too. Although, a lot of times at least one of the other two things listed above. And the southern boys thing is more just their accents then that they live or are from the South or whatever. (Wow! This is really bad rambling.) But yes. I basically drool at the sight of a cowboy or real country boy. Not a fake one -they have to be a real one! Went to my first rodeo in August in Lewiston, Idaho. And I wasn't quite sure what to do with myself because there were SO MANY cowboys around! It was great, don't get me wrong. But omg. I didn't know where to look when there wasn't anything going on in the ring. So many to look at. In fact, at one point I tried to get "back stage" (I don't know the right lingo, but you know what I mean) - sadly, they didn't let me back because I wasn't with a rider. But I tried. It was great. The hats and the belt buckles and the boots and the tight jeans and flannel shirts..... I think I'm getting hot just talking about it. I had cowboys in my dreams for weeks after that! I love the country boys because 9/10 times they always have great solid values. They were raised the same way that I was so our values just click.
Now with Joel - He grew up in Texas. So there's the "Southern boy" thing - although now he lives in New Jersey, so not sure how "Southern" he is anymore. Not sure how strong the accent is either, since we haven't talked on the phone yet. But yeah. He's got all the southern values, I think. I don't know. Now I'm just rambling on. So I just stop writing this and get to work on my homework.
Tune in tomorrow for Welcome to... Wednesday!
Today's Obsession: Cowboys and Country boys
So I can't explain why I have this obsession, really. It's just something that is there and is not easily hidden. And I guess you can/should add "southern boys" on here too. Although, a lot of times at least one of the other two things listed above. And the southern boys thing is more just their accents then that they live or are from the South or whatever. (Wow! This is really bad rambling.) But yes. I basically drool at the sight of a cowboy or real country boy. Not a fake one -they have to be a real one! Went to my first rodeo in August in Lewiston, Idaho. And I wasn't quite sure what to do with myself because there were SO MANY cowboys around! It was great, don't get me wrong. But omg. I didn't know where to look when there wasn't anything going on in the ring. So many to look at. In fact, at one point I tried to get "back stage" (I don't know the right lingo, but you know what I mean) - sadly, they didn't let me back because I wasn't with a rider. But I tried. It was great. The hats and the belt buckles and the boots and the tight jeans and flannel shirts..... I think I'm getting hot just talking about it. I had cowboys in my dreams for weeks after that! I love the country boys because 9/10 times they always have great solid values. They were raised the same way that I was so our values just click.
Now with Joel - He grew up in Texas. So there's the "Southern boy" thing - although now he lives in New Jersey, so not sure how "Southern" he is anymore. Not sure how strong the accent is either, since we haven't talked on the phone yet. But yeah. He's got all the southern values, I think. I don't know. Now I'm just rambling on. So I just stop writing this and get to work on my homework.
Tune in tomorrow for Welcome to... Wednesday!
Monday, March 19, 2012
Sunday Family Funday and Maddening Young Love Monday in One!
So I missed yesterday, I know. I was informed by a couple people - which is good, I guess, because it means that people actually look forward to reading my rambling everyday. So today I will make up for yesterday's missing post and today's post.
Sunday Family Funday:
So besides the fact that I had way to much work that needed to be done yesterday (that still didn't get done) and that I had a massive headache that wasn't allowing me to get any work done, I didn't post anything yesterday because I was waiting for something new about Ralph for me to learn. Sadly, I don't have much as far as that goes. But I was writing a piece for my non-fiction workshop on the confidence woman that took complete advantage of him and in my research for this piece, I found that there is practically nothing written on these women. Which is great, but also sad at the same time. Great for me because it'll make trying to get something like this published a lot easier if it hasn't been written about before. Sad because these women were horrible, evil women and there is no attention paid to them. I had only found the "painted women" in a couple of places, and there were much more innocent than the confidence women (and men) - which is where the term "con-man" comes from, I believe. (But don't quote me on it, because I don't know for sure.) And so that's about all that I have for Sunday Family Funday - hopefully I will have more next week.
Maddening Young Love Monday:
Well I went mad all week because I had not heard from Joel until Saturday. (Men! Don't they know us women, or at least, I do, worry when we don't hear from them.) Anyways, yeah. I heard from him on Saturday. We had a solid, great 5 minute conversation - he was at the Atlanta airport, waiting to board his next plane - going to Louisiana for work for a week. But something exciting did happen, well two things really. He said "Love you" - only the second time, first really, that he's said this to me. Granted it was over the computer, like all of our conversations, but it still happened. He also said, after we both agreed that we feel lost without each other for a week, "we'll be together soon, promise." :) Just made me giddy like a little school girl. After he had left, I was talking to my friend - Deb - hidy, Deb! - and she googled his "title" and we found out that he's a Technical Sergeant, and E -6. Deb informed me that this is really good, after saying "Wow!" (I don't know any of this stuff.) I guess I gotta learn all the ins and outs of military stuff and know all this info so I can pass it on to another new military girlfriend... I will learn it all someday, for now I have Deb to tell me what I need to know. :)
Anyways, gotta go eat a snack and get back to even more homework - it never ends!
See ya'll tomorrow for Obsessed with Tuesdays!
Sunday Family Funday:
So besides the fact that I had way to much work that needed to be done yesterday (that still didn't get done) and that I had a massive headache that wasn't allowing me to get any work done, I didn't post anything yesterday because I was waiting for something new about Ralph for me to learn. Sadly, I don't have much as far as that goes. But I was writing a piece for my non-fiction workshop on the confidence woman that took complete advantage of him and in my research for this piece, I found that there is practically nothing written on these women. Which is great, but also sad at the same time. Great for me because it'll make trying to get something like this published a lot easier if it hasn't been written about before. Sad because these women were horrible, evil women and there is no attention paid to them. I had only found the "painted women" in a couple of places, and there were much more innocent than the confidence women (and men) - which is where the term "con-man" comes from, I believe. (But don't quote me on it, because I don't know for sure.) And so that's about all that I have for Sunday Family Funday - hopefully I will have more next week.
Maddening Young Love Monday:
Well I went mad all week because I had not heard from Joel until Saturday. (Men! Don't they know us women, or at least, I do, worry when we don't hear from them.) Anyways, yeah. I heard from him on Saturday. We had a solid, great 5 minute conversation - he was at the Atlanta airport, waiting to board his next plane - going to Louisiana for work for a week. But something exciting did happen, well two things really. He said "Love you" - only the second time, first really, that he's said this to me. Granted it was over the computer, like all of our conversations, but it still happened. He also said, after we both agreed that we feel lost without each other for a week, "we'll be together soon, promise." :) Just made me giddy like a little school girl. After he had left, I was talking to my friend - Deb - hidy, Deb! - and she googled his "title" and we found out that he's a Technical Sergeant, and E -6. Deb informed me that this is really good, after saying "Wow!" (I don't know any of this stuff.) I guess I gotta learn all the ins and outs of military stuff and know all this info so I can pass it on to another new military girlfriend... I will learn it all someday, for now I have Deb to tell me what I need to know. :)
Anyways, gotta go eat a snack and get back to even more homework - it never ends!
See ya'll tomorrow for Obsessed with Tuesdays!
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Silly Saturday
Welcome to Silly Saturday! and Happy St. Patrick's day!
Silly Saturdays will be mostly just a rambling, (unless you can think of a better theme for Saturdays?). So let the rambling begin!
So Saint Patrick's Day. While I love the love for the Irish on today (as I have some Irish in me, somewhere). I've begun to get really annoyed by this day. All these people that pretend to be Irish and drink all day. I don't know, it seems like it would definitely be one of the least safest holidays all year. The Non- Irish pretend to be Irish and drink all day, the Irish - just party harder all day... Doesn't seem like a safe concept to me. Makes me glad that I usually just stay in every year. I started the drinking early last night - had a bunch of beer, but sadly not Guinness, still probably a mistake. Got no work done, and made a fool out of myself online, as usual. (Heavy sigh)
Another rambling topic - still waiting to hear from Joel this week, it's been a week now. Now I go into my crazy worrying mode. The other two times it's been a week without hearing from him - his grandpa died, then he got deployed. This worries me a great deal. But there's nothing that I can do about it, but just wait. So I wait.
The third and last rambling - because I really have to get some work done. March Madness. Well I'm not really serious about it all, I just do a bracket every year because I feel left out if I don't. Well, like usual. One game totally busted my bracket. Duke. I stuck to my sister's school and had them winning it all, and they lost in the second round to Lehigh! My oh my! Also had Michigan going pretty far (big mistake there), and they lost in round 2 as well. Never trust on a Michigan win! Anyways... Good thing I don't bet on it or have any money riding on it or anything - hell I don't have the money for that.
Anyways. That's it for today. I gotta get some serious work done - like my piece for Workshop due on monday (yikes!) Have a fabulous Silly Saturday, St. Patrick's Day and March Madness!
Come back tomorrow for our second installment of Sunday Family Funday!
Silly Saturdays will be mostly just a rambling, (unless you can think of a better theme for Saturdays?). So let the rambling begin!
So Saint Patrick's Day. While I love the love for the Irish on today (as I have some Irish in me, somewhere). I've begun to get really annoyed by this day. All these people that pretend to be Irish and drink all day. I don't know, it seems like it would definitely be one of the least safest holidays all year. The Non- Irish pretend to be Irish and drink all day, the Irish - just party harder all day... Doesn't seem like a safe concept to me. Makes me glad that I usually just stay in every year. I started the drinking early last night - had a bunch of beer, but sadly not Guinness, still probably a mistake. Got no work done, and made a fool out of myself online, as usual. (Heavy sigh)
Another rambling topic - still waiting to hear from Joel this week, it's been a week now. Now I go into my crazy worrying mode. The other two times it's been a week without hearing from him - his grandpa died, then he got deployed. This worries me a great deal. But there's nothing that I can do about it, but just wait. So I wait.
The third and last rambling - because I really have to get some work done. March Madness. Well I'm not really serious about it all, I just do a bracket every year because I feel left out if I don't. Well, like usual. One game totally busted my bracket. Duke. I stuck to my sister's school and had them winning it all, and they lost in the second round to Lehigh! My oh my! Also had Michigan going pretty far (big mistake there), and they lost in round 2 as well. Never trust on a Michigan win! Anyways... Good thing I don't bet on it or have any money riding on it or anything - hell I don't have the money for that.
Anyways. That's it for today. I gotta get some serious work done - like my piece for Workshop due on monday (yikes!) Have a fabulous Silly Saturday, St. Patrick's Day and March Madness!
Come back tomorrow for our second installment of Sunday Family Funday!
Friday, March 16, 2012
Flashback Friday
Well, it's finally Friday. This has been the longest week - ugh! Normally it's great to have what seems like an incredibly long Spring Break week, but this one was not. I think it just felt super long because 1. I haven't heard from Joel all week :-/ and 2. It's been horribly dreary weather - Rain/Snow/Wind/Gray skies... The sun is just now trying to poke through. Anyways.
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Flashback Friday! Like I said yesterday, Fridays are slightly different Thursdays because Fridays will be certain flashbacks to people/events/memories from my past. I can't think of anyway to start off the Flashback Fridays then with my Papa Cobb, and especially since it is March and his birthday was March 9. The biggest and best influence in my life ever!
I can't imagine what my life would have been like without that man. He was a grandpa, a dad, and a best friend to me. I miss him everyday, but thank God for putting him in my life. There are so many great memories that I have of him. Falling on the sidewalk while trying to learn how to ride a bike - Grandpa asks (as you walk up to him, crying, waiting for his magic touch that always makes everything feel better) "You didn't hurt the sidewalk, did you?" - Always making us laugh, no matter how bad the cut or bruise hurt. Or when he was sick with cancer and my aunt came in the house late from work, he scolded her for being past her "curfew" then told her that only the boys can drive the truck. ALWAYS blaming the farts on the day - even when the dog wasn't in the room, or the house ever. First time I was allowed to drive over 30 mph on the road - when Papa let me drive him to the B-Mets baseball game. He said he wanted to get there before Grandma and Aunt Sue, so I had to drive over 30. Sure enough we were already sitting in our seats before they got there. How he offered his car for me to use during my road test. How as a youngster he always let me sit on his lap to help drive the pick up truck down the dirt road to the cabin, or the tractor. These were all great moments. Brings a smile to my face every time I think of any of them.
But I think the most memorable and poignant memories of Papa Cobb was when he was sick and I'd go and take care of him at the house, after he was sent home from Hospice, or went to visit him at the hospital, when he was too sick to be home. Going on walks down the hospital hall, making sure he kept what little strength he had left in him - being the only two that still believed he could beat it. Sitting in the house with him, reading to him every day. Helping him whenever he needed help - including the bathroom. Making sure he ate what he needed to eat, and doing his exercises. Watching the news with him when it was announced that Sadaam Husein was captured - I remember seeing a smile and tear in his eye at this moment. The best one of these is when we celebrated his 65th Birthday. He told me that now that he's had his 65th birthday, he was ready to go whenever the Lord was ready to take him. Because now he knew that my grandma, and all of us, would be taken care of. This was the most important thing to him - that Grandma was taken care of, because of social security. Almost exactly a month later (on April 4th), he passed away. I will always love that man more than anyone and anything in the world. He is one of my inspirations in EVERYTHING that I do. Love him!
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Flashback Friday! Like I said yesterday, Fridays are slightly different Thursdays because Fridays will be certain flashbacks to people/events/memories from my past. I can't think of anyway to start off the Flashback Fridays then with my Papa Cobb, and especially since it is March and his birthday was March 9. The biggest and best influence in my life ever!I can't imagine what my life would have been like without that man. He was a grandpa, a dad, and a best friend to me. I miss him everyday, but thank God for putting him in my life. There are so many great memories that I have of him. Falling on the sidewalk while trying to learn how to ride a bike - Grandpa asks (as you walk up to him, crying, waiting for his magic touch that always makes everything feel better) "You didn't hurt the sidewalk, did you?" - Always making us laugh, no matter how bad the cut or bruise hurt. Or when he was sick with cancer and my aunt came in the house late from work, he scolded her for being past her "curfew" then told her that only the boys can drive the truck. ALWAYS blaming the farts on the day - even when the dog wasn't in the room, or the house ever. First time I was allowed to drive over 30 mph on the road - when Papa let me drive him to the B-Mets baseball game. He said he wanted to get there before Grandma and Aunt Sue, so I had to drive over 30. Sure enough we were already sitting in our seats before they got there. How he offered his car for me to use during my road test. How as a youngster he always let me sit on his lap to help drive the pick up truck down the dirt road to the cabin, or the tractor. These were all great moments. Brings a smile to my face every time I think of any of them.
But I think the most memorable and poignant memories of Papa Cobb was when he was sick and I'd go and take care of him at the house, after he was sent home from Hospice, or went to visit him at the hospital, when he was too sick to be home. Going on walks down the hospital hall, making sure he kept what little strength he had left in him - being the only two that still believed he could beat it. Sitting in the house with him, reading to him every day. Helping him whenever he needed help - including the bathroom. Making sure he ate what he needed to eat, and doing his exercises. Watching the news with him when it was announced that Sadaam Husein was captured - I remember seeing a smile and tear in his eye at this moment. The best one of these is when we celebrated his 65th Birthday. He told me that now that he's had his 65th birthday, he was ready to go whenever the Lord was ready to take him. Because now he knew that my grandma, and all of us, would be taken care of. This was the most important thing to him - that Grandma was taken care of, because of social security. Almost exactly a month later (on April 4th), he passed away. I will always love that man more than anyone and anything in the world. He is one of my inspirations in EVERYTHING that I do. Love him!
 |
| Me, in the classy bowl-cut, my sister Erin, and Papa Cobb. :) |
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Throwback Thursday
Well, we made it through the first half of the week. Way to go! Now just got to get through the rest. Most stressful Spring Break ever! UGH! I don't know why it's felt so stressful but it has. Kind of can't wait for it to be over.
Anyways. Throwback Thursday. Thursday's I'll be discussing things from the past as in TV Shows, Movies, Songs, Bands, etc. - Slightly different from Flashback Friday where I discuss memories from past.
My first Throwback will got to Fraggle Rock and ALF. I used to love these shows! My mom says that it was the only time I'd ever watch TV. My love for Fraggle Rock came from my big sister, she loved the show (even know all the words to the theme song) so in turn, I loved the show. When I think back to this show, it worries me a little why we liked it show much. These weird, brightly colored creatures that live underground - and are always singing - and steal turnips (??) from the humans that live above them. I don't know it just seems like a very strange concept for a child's show. But we loved it. We sang along to all the songs and knew all the characters names and everything. It's crazy. Oh and what we're those weird big fat things too? I have no clue. But we loved that show so much haha. Strange what kids are attracted to.
Fraggle Rock Theme Song
And ALF - who could forget ALF?! The crazy, but SUPER funny, alien who eats cats. This might love might worry me more so than Fraggle Rock does. When I ask people if they remember ALF, the usual (and probably "normal") response is "Oh my god. That show used to scare the crap out of me when I was a kid!" But for me, I loved it. And not just loved it, I was obsessed with it. I even had ALF stuffed animals and an ALF sleeping bag. It was probably one of my first obsessions. I liked Fraggle Rock, probably just because my sister did, but I LOVED ALF - all on my own too. I remember sitting in front of the TV when ALF came on and laughing at the most ridiculous things ever. Looking back on it, I always wonder how a show like that could have made it as long as it did. I suppose it was probably because of people like me. I can't explain why I liked it so much, other than I thought it was funny. I don't know. Chalk another one up to my quirky personality, I guess. I did love it though. Clearly, if I convinced my mom to get me ALF merchandise. (Or maybe she saw how much I loved it and got it for me, without me asking. Which might be even worse because she then she would be encouraging this love. But maybe she was just happy I found something to love. I don't know.)
ALF Opening Theme
Anyways, That's about it for this Throwback Thursday. Check in tomorrow for a blast from my past on Flashback Friday.
Anyways. Throwback Thursday. Thursday's I'll be discussing things from the past as in TV Shows, Movies, Songs, Bands, etc. - Slightly different from Flashback Friday where I discuss memories from past.
My first Throwback will got to Fraggle Rock and ALF. I used to love these shows! My mom says that it was the only time I'd ever watch TV. My love for Fraggle Rock came from my big sister, she loved the show (even know all the words to the theme song) so in turn, I loved the show. When I think back to this show, it worries me a little why we liked it show much. These weird, brightly colored creatures that live underground - and are always singing - and steal turnips (??) from the humans that live above them. I don't know it just seems like a very strange concept for a child's show. But we loved it. We sang along to all the songs and knew all the characters names and everything. It's crazy. Oh and what we're those weird big fat things too? I have no clue. But we loved that show so much haha. Strange what kids are attracted to.
Fraggle Rock Theme Song
And ALF - who could forget ALF?! The crazy, but SUPER funny, alien who eats cats. This might love might worry me more so than Fraggle Rock does. When I ask people if they remember ALF, the usual (and probably "normal") response is "Oh my god. That show used to scare the crap out of me when I was a kid!" But for me, I loved it. And not just loved it, I was obsessed with it. I even had ALF stuffed animals and an ALF sleeping bag. It was probably one of my first obsessions. I liked Fraggle Rock, probably just because my sister did, but I LOVED ALF - all on my own too. I remember sitting in front of the TV when ALF came on and laughing at the most ridiculous things ever. Looking back on it, I always wonder how a show like that could have made it as long as it did. I suppose it was probably because of people like me. I can't explain why I liked it so much, other than I thought it was funny. I don't know. Chalk another one up to my quirky personality, I guess. I did love it though. Clearly, if I convinced my mom to get me ALF merchandise. (Or maybe she saw how much I loved it and got it for me, without me asking. Which might be even worse because she then she would be encouraging this love. But maybe she was just happy I found something to love. I don't know.)
ALF Opening Theme
Anyways, That's about it for this Throwback Thursday. Check in tomorrow for a blast from my past on Flashback Friday.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Welcome to... Wednesday
Hump Day! One of my favorite days of the week, I don't know why it's odd because it's the middle of the week. But in any case, it's one of my favorites.
So Wednesday is Welcome to... Wednesday - I will be writing many of the "Welcome to..."'s that I've heard over the years, that I've said - and most of them I have heard and said in the past year due to changes in location and occupation and state of mind, really.
Today will be a Welcome to Idaho in the Spring/Summer.
While all my friends and family on the East Coast - I was going to list the different places here, then realized yeah, East Coast pretty much sums it up - are enjoying 70 and 80 degree weather with lots and lots of sunshine, we here out in Idaho are "enjoying" 40 degree weather with minimal sunshine and snow - yes snow - every morning this week during "Spring Break" (even though it technically isn't even spring yet.) I have been told many things about the weather - 1. We will be in June and one day it'll be 60 degrees and the next day it'll snow - people like to remind me of this, sigh. This is not cool! I miss NY with all 4 seasons - real seasons, not those seasons that people in NC claim to get. 2. That after growing up in NY I should be used to snow and cold weather - people! Get it straight. Being used to the snow and cold is totally different than actually liking it - Yes, I'm used to it. But that doesn't mean I like it. I don't! That's why I was excited to move SOUTH to North Carolina where they get excited if they get an inch of snow. Oh well... I should "get used to it" - I'm stuck here for another 2 years, 2 months and 3 days - but who's counting, right? I should clarify... I love the people here - well most of them that I've encountered - just not a big fan of the place. If I could take everyone that I love from out here and transplant them back East that would be incredible. But I can't. So I'll enjoy them while I can. :)
Anyways, cutting this one short today because I gotta get to writing my workshop piece due on Monday. Have a great Hump Day and Welcome to... Wednesday! Tune in tomorrow for Throwback Thursday :)
So Wednesday is Welcome to... Wednesday - I will be writing many of the "Welcome to..."'s that I've heard over the years, that I've said - and most of them I have heard and said in the past year due to changes in location and occupation and state of mind, really.
Today will be a Welcome to Idaho in the Spring/Summer.
While all my friends and family on the East Coast - I was going to list the different places here, then realized yeah, East Coast pretty much sums it up - are enjoying 70 and 80 degree weather with lots and lots of sunshine, we here out in Idaho are "enjoying" 40 degree weather with minimal sunshine and snow - yes snow - every morning this week during "Spring Break" (even though it technically isn't even spring yet.) I have been told many things about the weather - 1. We will be in June and one day it'll be 60 degrees and the next day it'll snow - people like to remind me of this, sigh. This is not cool! I miss NY with all 4 seasons - real seasons, not those seasons that people in NC claim to get. 2. That after growing up in NY I should be used to snow and cold weather - people! Get it straight. Being used to the snow and cold is totally different than actually liking it - Yes, I'm used to it. But that doesn't mean I like it. I don't! That's why I was excited to move SOUTH to North Carolina where they get excited if they get an inch of snow. Oh well... I should "get used to it" - I'm stuck here for another 2 years, 2 months and 3 days - but who's counting, right? I should clarify... I love the people here - well most of them that I've encountered - just not a big fan of the place. If I could take everyone that I love from out here and transplant them back East that would be incredible. But I can't. So I'll enjoy them while I can. :)
Anyways, cutting this one short today because I gotta get to writing my workshop piece due on Monday. Have a great Hump Day and Welcome to... Wednesday! Tune in tomorrow for Throwback Thursday :)
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Obsessed with Tuesday
So today is Obsessed with Tuesday, where I will be writing about one (or many) of my current "obsessions." Sometimes it'll be something that i know i'm obsessed with, other times it'll be something that I might be obsessed with and others will be things that people tell me I'm obsessed with, but that I could really live without, if I had to. My biggest challenge by far will be picking just one obsession per Tuesday and sticking to that one. I can already see my mind wandering away every week. But I'm gonna do my best to stay to one so ya'll don't get lost in my rambling.
Today's Obsession: Telling/Finding the Story
So I thought it was fitting and perfect that I started off the Obsessions with the umbrella obsession of trying to find and tell the story. There are many other obsessions and posts (on other days) that will definitely fall under this one. So yeah it's kind of perfect that the first obsession is this. I'm always trying to find a story to tell, the story to tell. Figuring out how to tell it. There have been so many stories already in my life - of heartbreak, redemption, happiness, laughter, just stories that have to be told that are all of those in one... Stories from my family, friends stories... The list goes on and on. But I am completely obsessed with them all, and making sure that each one is told in the right way. Sometime's I don't know what "the right way" is until I try telling it in 5 other ways first, sometimes I just know it when I start writing it. Sometimes it drives me nuts that I can't find a story to tell, or how to tell it right so it clicks with someone. Other times there are voices from the story that yell out to me so loud I can't ignore them. (These are usually the nights where I get no homework done, but a lot of "work" done.) I feel like this is normal for a lot of writers - that people experience this all the time. (Someone please correct me, if I'm wrong though.)
Examples - my Thesis - How the hell to write a story that's already been written, but means so much to me because of my family and everything that's happened with him. ????
How to put my own spin on a tale that's already been told - the BIG question that anyone and everyone trying to write any kind of story asks. I ask it every time I sit down to write anything. It drives me nuts. Sometimes I can ignore it, other times I can't. Usually if I can't ignore it, it means that that story was not mine to tell.
I'm also always trying to find the romance in a story - for reason - probably the hopeless romantic that I am - I always think that there's romance to be found in every story. It sounds crazy, I know. But sometimes we can't help what we think. I don't know. Anyways, maybe that should be saved for another obsession.
If you are friends with me, or even mere acquaintances - be aware. I am probably trying to find some type of a story between us, or with just you, or whatever. hahaha. Okay now I'll probably scare readers off...
I supposed that this is enough rambling on about obsessions for today.
Join us tomorrow for Welcome to .... Wednesday!
Today's Obsession: Telling/Finding the Story
So I thought it was fitting and perfect that I started off the Obsessions with the umbrella obsession of trying to find and tell the story. There are many other obsessions and posts (on other days) that will definitely fall under this one. So yeah it's kind of perfect that the first obsession is this. I'm always trying to find a story to tell, the story to tell. Figuring out how to tell it. There have been so many stories already in my life - of heartbreak, redemption, happiness, laughter, just stories that have to be told that are all of those in one... Stories from my family, friends stories... The list goes on and on. But I am completely obsessed with them all, and making sure that each one is told in the right way. Sometime's I don't know what "the right way" is until I try telling it in 5 other ways first, sometimes I just know it when I start writing it. Sometimes it drives me nuts that I can't find a story to tell, or how to tell it right so it clicks with someone. Other times there are voices from the story that yell out to me so loud I can't ignore them. (These are usually the nights where I get no homework done, but a lot of "work" done.) I feel like this is normal for a lot of writers - that people experience this all the time. (Someone please correct me, if I'm wrong though.)
Examples - my Thesis - How the hell to write a story that's already been written, but means so much to me because of my family and everything that's happened with him. ????
How to put my own spin on a tale that's already been told - the BIG question that anyone and everyone trying to write any kind of story asks. I ask it every time I sit down to write anything. It drives me nuts. Sometimes I can ignore it, other times I can't. Usually if I can't ignore it, it means that that story was not mine to tell.
I'm also always trying to find the romance in a story - for reason - probably the hopeless romantic that I am - I always think that there's romance to be found in every story. It sounds crazy, I know. But sometimes we can't help what we think. I don't know. Anyways, maybe that should be saved for another obsession.
If you are friends with me, or even mere acquaintances - be aware. I am probably trying to find some type of a story between us, or with just you, or whatever. hahaha. Okay now I'll probably scare readers off...
I supposed that this is enough rambling on about obsessions for today.
Join us tomorrow for Welcome to .... Wednesday!
Monday, March 12, 2012
Maddening Young Love Monday
Okay so Mondays - everyone hates Mondays for one reason or another. I almost feel for Mondays. Anyways...
Maddening Young Love Mondays will be me rambling on about my new "young love" - Joel. I know I'll loose some readers on Mondays because of this one, but I'm hoping to gain some new hopeless romantics in their place.
So me and Joel. We met on a dating website that I randomly joined at the beginning of the year just for the hell of it. He's in the Air Force - looks mighty good in them uniforms, too - lives in New Jersey - ALL the way across the country, yes it does suck. We're still at the new stage, where your not sure what will become normal and what will change over time. The beginning of our relationship has also been riddled with unusual events - during the first month - his grandpa died, so he had to fly down to Texas (where he grew up and his family - or at least his grandma - lives), he was there for a week, then a couple days after he got back he got deployed out. and was gone for a month. Now he's back and getting used to everything again.
We're starting to get back to "normal" - if there can be a normal in a 2 month relationship.
He makes me happier than I ever remember being. I think he might be "it." He says the same thing. We will see, I guess.
Anyways, that's all I'm going to write for this Maddening Young Love Monday. Hopefully I will have more to update on next week.
Tune in tomorrow for Obsessed with Tuesday! :)
Maddening Young Love Mondays will be me rambling on about my new "young love" - Joel. I know I'll loose some readers on Mondays because of this one, but I'm hoping to gain some new hopeless romantics in their place.
So me and Joel. We met on a dating website that I randomly joined at the beginning of the year just for the hell of it. He's in the Air Force - looks mighty good in them uniforms, too - lives in New Jersey - ALL the way across the country, yes it does suck. We're still at the new stage, where your not sure what will become normal and what will change over time. The beginning of our relationship has also been riddled with unusual events - during the first month - his grandpa died, so he had to fly down to Texas (where he grew up and his family - or at least his grandma - lives), he was there for a week, then a couple days after he got back he got deployed out. and was gone for a month. Now he's back and getting used to everything again.
We're starting to get back to "normal" - if there can be a normal in a 2 month relationship.
He makes me happier than I ever remember being. I think he might be "it." He says the same thing. We will see, I guess.
Anyways, that's all I'm going to write for this Maddening Young Love Monday. Hopefully I will have more to update on next week.
Tune in tomorrow for Obsessed with Tuesday! :)
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Day 1 of Blogging
So as ya'll know I am new here, and to blogging in general. I hope to get a warm welcome (like those they do in the South when new neighbors move in). But we'll see.
So as my "introduction" states, I am a dream, a MFA student (non-fiction creative writing) at University of Idaho, got my undergrad degree at Penn State - Go State! I am a passionate PSU fan (in all things penn state) and trying to become passionate about UI.
My thesis will be dealing with a "famous" ancestor of mine - American landscape painter and local crazy man - Ralph Albert Blakelock (my great, great, grandpa) - look him up - and attempting to find my life in his or tieing his life into mine. Or something of that sort. I'm only in my first of three years here, so it's very fuzzy as that what it will actually be.
I will be attempting to make a "theme" for each day, so that it seems regular - mom always said "you're such a planner!" Hopefully that's a good thing. SO without further pause - I present Sunday Family Funday! :) So on Sundays, as long as I remember, I will be blogging about things that I've learned about my family, family history, ancestors, etc. - Usually dealing with the painter, which is why I brought him up earlier.
SUNDAY FAMILY FUNDAY!
So Ralph ... Ralphy Boy. What I learned this week about him - other than the reaffirmation that he was in fact "a mad genius" ... According to the current book I'm "reading"/studying - RAB - which I tend to refer to him as - was the first American Artist to travel to AND paint the Grand Tetons (mountains). I love this. I think it's such a cool and random fact about him. Also helps me connect to the west a bit more other than simply just "my great great grandpa traveled out west and painted and lived with the Indians when many white men still were fighting them..." This gives it solid proof or fact or something of that sort.
I also learned that he was friends - homies - with George Inness - Um - FRICKEN COOL! Everyone knows Inness's name, well most people who know anything about American Art do. So when I say that he painted in the same studio as and socialized with Inness - it is impressive to a lot of people. I love it! Go Ralph!
At one point I thought of him as an underappreciated artist that no one knew how amazing he was. But now through further research I've come to call him - the artist that everyone loved to hate. The critics at that time hated him because he was so different from the traditional Hudson River School style. But they found that they couldn't write a review of an exhibit without mentioning his name and his paintings. They loved to hate him because I feel like a lot of them wanted to mention him in their reviews, but in doing so in a positive way, they would be diverting from the tradition and weren't ready for that yet, so they wrote about him in a "negative light." It's far better to be the one that the critics loved to hate then not noticed at all. Like they say in show bus. - Any light in the media is better than working in the dark. :)
See ya'll tomorrow for Maddening Young Love Monday :)
So as my "introduction" states, I am a dream, a MFA student (non-fiction creative writing) at University of Idaho, got my undergrad degree at Penn State - Go State! I am a passionate PSU fan (in all things penn state) and trying to become passionate about UI.
My thesis will be dealing with a "famous" ancestor of mine - American landscape painter and local crazy man - Ralph Albert Blakelock (my great, great, grandpa) - look him up - and attempting to find my life in his or tieing his life into mine. Or something of that sort. I'm only in my first of three years here, so it's very fuzzy as that what it will actually be.
I will be attempting to make a "theme" for each day, so that it seems regular - mom always said "you're such a planner!" Hopefully that's a good thing. SO without further pause - I present Sunday Family Funday! :) So on Sundays, as long as I remember, I will be blogging about things that I've learned about my family, family history, ancestors, etc. - Usually dealing with the painter, which is why I brought him up earlier.
SUNDAY FAMILY FUNDAY!
So Ralph ... Ralphy Boy. What I learned this week about him - other than the reaffirmation that he was in fact "a mad genius" ... According to the current book I'm "reading"/studying - RAB - which I tend to refer to him as - was the first American Artist to travel to AND paint the Grand Tetons (mountains). I love this. I think it's such a cool and random fact about him. Also helps me connect to the west a bit more other than simply just "my great great grandpa traveled out west and painted and lived with the Indians when many white men still were fighting them..." This gives it solid proof or fact or something of that sort.
I also learned that he was friends - homies - with George Inness - Um - FRICKEN COOL! Everyone knows Inness's name, well most people who know anything about American Art do. So when I say that he painted in the same studio as and socialized with Inness - it is impressive to a lot of people. I love it! Go Ralph!
At one point I thought of him as an underappreciated artist that no one knew how amazing he was. But now through further research I've come to call him - the artist that everyone loved to hate. The critics at that time hated him because he was so different from the traditional Hudson River School style. But they found that they couldn't write a review of an exhibit without mentioning his name and his paintings. They loved to hate him because I feel like a lot of them wanted to mention him in their reviews, but in doing so in a positive way, they would be diverting from the tradition and weren't ready for that yet, so they wrote about him in a "negative light." It's far better to be the one that the critics loved to hate then not noticed at all. Like they say in show bus. - Any light in the media is better than working in the dark. :)
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