I actually took this photo MYSELF while riding around in Montana! Too funny not to share!
There's no "Might be" about this one...
Starting Over
So I decided it was about darn time I started writing in this blog again. Some of you may notice that it looks a bit different than it used to. I like the beach theme. It symbolizes a sense of peace and serenity. I plan to keep blogging about the things going on in my life, and whenever I have pictures or something, I'll pass 'em on to you through here. Hope you enjoy!
Lovin' Life
I LOVE my job!
Here are some pictures of my very first bulletin board- (It was still a work in progress when I took these) As teachers, it's the little things that amuse us!
Sorry
December has been a thin month for blogs here. It's also been an extremely busy month for me. But 2008 is looking like it's shaping up to be an interesting year. I'm sure not to have as interesting a New Year's Eve as last year. (I blogged about it, go look) But I'm still looking forward to it.
So... 2007 (In Review)
I got back up to my average three homes in the year.
-"The Attic"
-D&M's Place
-Montana
I kept the yearly goal of having a car that goes bust on me. (Though I'm hoping to break that trend in 2008)
I got promoted to a job where it's safe to say I made more than I'll be sure to make in a year again for a very long time... then I quit and moved. (funny how that worked)
I traveled 3/4 of the way South to North and then 3/4 East to West in this great country by car.
I spent one of my most happy summers reconnecting with "long lost" friends and connecting further with long cherished ones.
Along the way West, I met to newborn first son of a "sister", and I learned a new board game from an old neighbor.
I made new friends and kept some of the old.
I finished a song I'd been working on since I was in High School.
I got my brother addicted to Firefly. (tee hee)
I got back into teaching again.
I became best friends with a 7 year old.
Christmas Stroll
Tonight I was introduce to another annual event of this small Montana town- The Christmas Stroll.
A large length of Main St. is completely cut off to cars from about 6:ooPM until around 9:00PM. People come from all over town (and several neighboring towns) to join in the festivities. Being that it was mighty cold out, my uncle let me borrow his warm parka. And though I felt slightly like Ralphy's kid brother from "A Christmas Story"- You know- "I can't put my arms down!" I did indeed stay toasty. (For the most part)
There are even rides. We saw beautiful horses traveling back and forth...
And of course there were also tractor pulled rides...
All the stores are open for the Christmas Stroll (Note: Stores around here are never usually open after 6:00PM) and they all had great sales! And while all my little group purchased between us were some cookies and a hat, we saw many things of interest...
Including, of all things, two little girls walking around trying to sell puppies! (They were cute puppies though!)
I guess I'm still getting used to the customs and traditions of this Western town. But that process is proving to be both more interesting and more fun, day by day!
THE LIST
At long last... here it is... the 1st Annual List of:
Dawn's 100 Favorite Films to Watch
Notes:
*These are NOT my list of what I feel are the 100 greatest films ever made… they are just the ones which I like to watch the most.
*Only films released as feature films were considered, no television shows or mini-series events.
1 Meet Me in
2 It’s a Wonderful Life -1946
3 Forrest Gump -1994
4 The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh -1977
5 The Neverending Story -1984
6 Star Wars: Episode Four -1977
7 The Apartment -1960
8 Avalon -1990
9 While You Were Sleeping -1995
10 Diary of a Mad Black Woman -2005
11 Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of The Black
12 Anastasia -1997
13 Crash -2004
14 You've Got Mail -1998
15 Fried Green Tomatoes -1991
16
17 The Godfather -1972
18 The Princess Bride -1987
19 The Sound of Music -1965
20 The Wizard of Oz -1939
21 Awakenings -1990
22 La Vita e bella -1997
23 Titanic -1997
24 Cast Away -2000
25 Edward Scissorhands -1990
26 Beaches -1988
27 E.T. - The Extra-Terrestrial -1982
28 Finding Nemo -2003
29 Jumanji -1995
30 Rent -2005
31 Friends with Money -2006
32 Terms of Endearment -1983
33 The Breakfast Club -1985
34 The Sixth Sense -1999
35 Ever After -1998
36 Ferris Bueller's Day Off -1986
37 Mary Poppins -1964
38 Pride and Prejudice -2005
39 Steel Magnolias -1989
40 A Christmas Story -1983
41 The Dead Poet Society -1989
42 Donnie Darko -2001
43 How Green Was My Valley -1941
44 Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Rings -2001
45 Prince of
46 The Shawshank Redemption -1994
47 The Village -2004
48 A Time to Kill -1996
49 Beauty and the Beast -1991
50 Citizen Kane -1941
51 My Big Fat Greek Wedding -2002
52 The Lion King 1 ½ -2004
53 A Tree Grows in
54 Schindler's List -1993
55 The Usual Suspects -1995
56 To Sir with Love -1967
57 A League of Their Own -1992
58 Clueless -1995
59 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban -2004
60
61 The Family Stone -2005
62 The Truman Show -1998
63 10 Things I Hate About You -1999
64 A Few Good Men -1992
65 Cinderella -1997
66 Halloween -1978
67 Out of
68 Mona Lisa Smile -2003
69 The Green Mile -1999
70
71 A Star is Born -1954
72 A Walk to Remember -2002
73 Finding Neverland -2004
74 Mask -1985
75 Shrek -2001
76 When Harry Met Sally -1989
77 28 Days -2000
78 Il Postino -1994
79 The Elephant Mn -1980
80 The Birds -1963
81 The Little Mermaid -1989
82 Blade -1998
83 Mr. Smith Goes to
84 Now & Then -1995
85 Oliver and Company -1988
86 Phantom of the Opera -2004
87 Scream -1996
88 Spirited Away -2001
89 The Brave Little Toaster -1987
90 The Great Escape -1963
91 The Man in the Moon -1991
92 13 Going On 30 -2004
93 Howl's Moving Castle -2004
94 Moulin Rouge -2001
95 Prancer -1989
96 What's Eating Gilbert Grape? -1993
97 White Christmas -1954
98 Pretty Woman -1990
99 The
100 Newsies -1992
List “Superlatives”:
Most Popular: (The actors who appear in the most films on the list)
Male: Johnny Depp
Female: Julia Roberts
Most Talkative: (My favorite film to quote)
You’ve Got Mail
Oldest Soul: (The film that has been on my favorites list the longest)
Prancer
Best Looking: (The film with the best overall cinematography)
Phantom of the Opera
Best Voice: (The film with the best overall score)
Pride and Predjudice
Class Clown: (Funniest film)
Diary of a Mad Black Woman
Best Couple: (Best onscreen chemistry between two actors)
Rupert Grint and Emma Watson as Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger in
Harry Potter and the Prizoner of Azkaban
Most Likely to Succeed: (The film I feel I will most likely love even in old age)
Meet Me in
High Fashion
Buying an outfit to keep up with the fashion on the runways in New York?
.... $2,000.00
Buying an outfit to keep up with the fashion on the runways in Milan?
.... $10,000.00
Buy a movie ticket and getting amusement from the fashion faux pas of a 7 year old?
(Hint: Check the direction of the jacket!)
PRICELESS!
Let's Become Little Old Ladies Together...
Let's become little old ladies together - we'll stay up late looking at old pictures,
telling "remember when" stories, and laughing till our sides ache.
Let's become eccentric together - the kind of old ladies who take long walks,
wear silly hats, and get away with acting outrageous in public places.
And if anybody should ask how long we've been friends,
we'll say, "Oh, forever - since before you were even born!"
Let's become little old ladies together - because a friendship that's as special as ours
can only grow better through the years.
This is a poem that I saw on a Hallmark once and it has stuck with me for years. I’ve long hoped that someday I could look back and have friends that I have become “little old ladies” with . I love the line that reads – “if anyone should ask how long we’ve been friends, we’ll say, ‘oh forever – since before you were even born!’” I long to find a truth in that statement during my lifetime. However, until recently I only had one example of such a friendship and it was one I did not get to witness first-hand often.
But just a few weeks ago, my Aunt had several of her friends come to visit for the night on their way through the state. Seeing these women, who ranged in age from mid fifties to mid seventies, interact- listening to their laughter, late into the night – and sitting with them as they spoke of family and friends, good times, and great memories – I felt the words of that poem come alive.
Those kindred spirits gave me a glimpse into what my future could possibly hold- and it was wonderful. As they spoke- “Remember so-and-so? She was in my wedding party” and “Dana used to do that too when he was younger.” they became young women before my eyes. I had a hard time envisioning these things they were speaking of occurring 30, 40, and 50 years prior. I imagined them as the women they were in those days. What did they look like? Not very different from now, I suspect. Perhaps a few less white hairs.
Then it became a truly enchanting thing to witness. As I sat there, mesmerized by their stories, I saw myself. I saw dear friends of my own. I imagined Brie, Rae, Wendy, Kate, and others as we reached our senior years. I thought of the stories we would tell. Some of them have occurred already- but how many more must there be to be written in years to come! How fun it is to be in this moment and be aware of those moments to come- to cherish them before their existence.
So here’s to those lovely ladies – and here’s to “friendship… better through the years”!
A Letter to the Masses
I'll be snail-mailing this and e-mailing it to many friends and family soon. Thought I'd share it (minus a few names and details) on here too.
~~~~ October 24, 2007
Dearest Loved Ones, (Family and friends alike)
I hope some of you will forgive how long it has been since I last wrote. This has been a whirlwind month, fall, and even year… (Okay- I’m starting to hum the “Friends” theme song, so I’ll move on.)
I believe the news has reached the masses by now. I am in
In early September I left the home of my dear friends, Deidre and Melissa, with whom I’d spent a fun-filled summer living, and started my cross-country trek. I stopped along the way to visit with my good friends- Kate and Justin and see their brand new beautiful baby boy. (Say that 5 time fast!) I stayed for two days, got a tour of their city and some fun girl time with Kate.
My next stop was to see my old college neighbor, Rachel. Rache and I lived in adjacent dorm rooms during our freshman year at Gordon and have managed to stay in touch throughout the years. Being a world traveler, I knew Rachel would be excited about my first “big” move, out of
Then I made a long last day of it and drove across the entire length of
In additions, Monty has two children, Teresa and Nick, who are both a few years old than I am. Theresa has two children also. L is nine and A is seven. A spends a lot of nights here with (as he calls them) Gramma Gail and Beepa, so we’ve become fast friends. Each Sunday we have family night. Theresa, Nick, L, A, Uncle Monty, Auntie Gail, and I all gather and share a meal. Each week a different person chooses the meal. My very first Sunday, it was A’s turn. We had pancakes. I’ve been informed we will be having pancakes EVERY time it is A’s turn. It is fun to have family around like that.
I’ve got a part-time job as a grocery cashier and have made a few friends in my co-workers. Some of us are going to be hanging out this Friday night. Bowling is about the only option for fun besides the casinos (Which are on every other corner) so we decided that- bowling it is. I’m in the process of applying to schools and hope to be able to send more information regarding educational direction on my part soon.
I do hope you are all in good health and good spirits. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers! I miss you all!
A Year of Change
It seems that this could be the theme of any of my past 4 or 5 years, but in looking past at my past entries this one stuck out in particular to me. A year ago I had just spent Halloween with family from my paternal grandmother's side of the family. (A bit of a tradition). I had dressed up myself and remember getting ready at work and showing Miss D my costume. (The entry is still there if you'd like to look)
This year I'm in Montana and the evening was very different... although no less enjoyable. As evening approached, my cousin Teresa brought over her kids, L & A. They were dressed as a Vampire family with L a cheerleader and A a football player at "Vamp U"
And their beloved "Beepa", my Uncle Monty, was a swashbuckling pirate for his day at the office.
Though I battled with a migraine earlier that day, I was feeling better by evening and after the trick-or-treating festivities were finished, I donned a face mask and black attire to join Teresa and the kids at their house for "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" on the big screen projector on the porch.
Speaking of "Great Pumpkin", I also craved a pumpkin (actually a week early and it didn't quite make it to that night, but...) ...anyway- you can see it below.
Yes. That IS Harry Potter. Lightening Scar and all. And YES... I know I'm a dork! LOL.
In a Small Town
Country singer Miranda Lambert has a song called "Famous in a Small Town". In it, she states,
Every last one, route one, rural heart's got a story to tell
Every grandma, in law, ex girlfriend
Maybe knows you just a little too well
Whether you're late for church or you're stuck in jail
Hey words gonna get around
Everybody dies famous in a small town
I am learning in Montana that this is very true. I'm also learning that there are some things that only happen in a small town. Yesterday while working, a gentleman came through my lane to purchase some soda. We have a sale currently for a free pizza with the purchase of so many Coca-Cola twelve packs. When I asked if he wanted it, he mentioned that he owned a pizza place.
I told him I was new to town and asked him where the place was. When he told me the name I wasn't familiar with it. I told him I'd have to check it out soon. He then said, "Well, let me help you with that." He asked me for some scrap paper. I scrolled out some receipt paper and gave it to him. As he wrote he said aloud, "Free pizza for..." He looked at my name tag, "Dawn. And I'll write the address." Then he handed it back to me.
I thanked him and thought to myself... only in a small town!
To make it even better- tonight we got our free pizza to eat while watching the Sox play Game 2 of the World Series. When we went to the Pizzeria, they had a sign outside. From far away I only saw the last two words (which were larger and in a bolder font) and thought it was interesting... when I was close enough to read the entire slogan, I laughed out loud. It read:
To make it even better- tonight we got our free pizza to eat while watching the Sox play Game 2 of the World Series. When we went to the Pizzeria, they had a sign outside. From far away I only saw the last two words (which were larger and in a bolder font) and thought it was interesting... when I was close enough to read the entire slogan, I laughed out loud. It read:
"You've gotta eat something... EAT THIS!"
So we did... and it was pretty good.
Tips for shoppers...
Based on my new job experience...
*Resiting your Savings Card Number is not the proper response to "Hello. How are you this evening?"
*When the sign says 15 items or less, don't ask stupid questions like, "Is it okay for me to come through with a full cart?" (Especially when other lanes are open)
*Tell the bagger you want the frozen food double wrapped BEFORE it's already bagged and in your cart.
*When you're done emptying your cart, give it to the bagger. You're just making the process slower for you.
*When paying in cash, HAND the money TO THE CASHIER. Don't leave it on the conveyor belt or slide it push it towards them from the bagging area.
*Don't take it out on the cashier when they have to call a manager. It's most likely not their fault, the computers don't always work right. Take that up with our IT guy!
*Get the BEEP off your freakin' cell phone!
*If you choose a lane that is designed so the cashier can empty the cart for you- LET THEM! There are sometimes reasons they pull particular items before others. They're most likely keeping your ice cream from melting or your bread from squishing. Get out' the way!
*If asked for your ID for purchasing restricted items, take it as a complement! You don't look 35.
*If you can't tell the difference between RED and GREEN peppers... you shouldn't have been DRIVING to the store anyway.
*If you're pushing 50, don't ask a 20-something cashier out on a date. (Especially while she's working and you're in her line with people behind you.
* AN AMMENDMENT TO THE PREVIOUS: Don't ask a cashier out on a date while she's working PERIOD!
And finally.....
*Have a nice day! Come again! :-D
Another "Ad"...
Packing material... $50.00
Gas for road trip... $450.00
Leaving practically everything to start over in Montana... A yet undetermined cost
Still getting to feel like part of the Red Sox Nation (even from across the nation)... PRICELESS!
GO SOX! WORLD SERIES HERE WE COME!
Like Mastercard...
Sheet... About $10.00
DVD... About $25.00
Projector... A ridiculously high, don't even wanna know about it, dollar amount.
Getting to watch Transformers projected on the side on my cousin's house as Teresa, L, A, and I bundled together for warmth on an October night... PRICELESS!
Like the Pirate? You can thank me anytime.
My brother has decided to be Captain Jack Sparrow for Halloween. This will be perfect since he's already got the voice down! Now, mind you, this picture is just that hat and not the rest of the costume, but it's pretty good, I think...
Now apparently the girls go 'ga ga' over the Jack Sparrow Impression, and his friends think he is one cool dude. (Which he is.) But you might ask what it takes to raise a boy into a man with enough confidence to choose a somewhat effeminate, eyeliner donning pirate as his Halloween git up.... well I think I might have had a little something do with that. (You can thank me anytime, Ted.)
You see, this is not the only costume my brother has in the works. Below is his (again, incomplete) outfit for the next "Anime Boston" Con. ...
He's being one of his beloved characters from a show he watches called "Naruto". Again- this is still a work in progress... but who has he asked to help him with some of the yet unfinished elements? (Such as a wig) Me, that who. And why did he ask his big sis? Because like any girl who doesn't have an equally dramatic sister to conspire with while growing up, I used my brother as a guinea pig of sorts in many of my "Artistic Endeavors"
This next picture displays Ted in a simple costume- fake moose antlers with Christmas stockings attached. This was for a comedic telling of "The Night Before Christmas" which we performed for our family on that day... many moons ago. And yet it was not his first, nor most "in character"/embarrassing costume....
What follows is a picture of my brother as Peter Pan. (tights and all) Behind him is part of the "elaborate" set design which involved tying old blankets and pillow sheets up to our bunk bed. (Which served as stage for many of our productions)
So to my brother I say- Aren't you glad I made you do all that crap now? And to the girls going weak in the knees... Stay away from my baby brother!! ;-)
Call Me Christy
So I did it... I made what is quite possible the biggest decision of my life thus far and moved to Montana. The trip took about a week (with stops to see friends along the way) and I've been here a week now too.
I'm not sure the reality of the whole thing has fully sunk in yet. I expect sometimes when I fall asleep to wake up back in Saugus to the sound of the dogs barking and hear D knocking on my door to see if I want coffee from Dunks.
But alas, there is no Dunks here. There is no mall. There isn't even a Blockbuster. The closest "convenience" to home is Walmart. (The high point around here) ;-) However I'm starting to realize that things like Nail Salons, Multi-plex theaters, and even seafood sections in the grocery store are just that- conveniences- Things I don't necessarily need.
I'm not saying I feel called to mission work someday- but perhaps this is God's way of slowly getting me away from "comforts" for something like that. Or perhaps it's much simpler. (Much around here is) Perhaps God has provided this time for me to concentrate on the comforts that do matter- family, health, and time with the Lord.
I've had the opportunity, in between times of painting and soliciting resumes, to watch some episodes of a series that was one TV in the 90s- "Christy". It's about a girl who leaves her city home to be a school teacher at mission school in the Tennessee wilderness. And while my situation is slightly different, I found some of her concerns and prayers were eerily similar.
So, call me "Christy". As she says in narration at the beginning of every episode (I'm paraphrasing slightly)
When I left my home in the city, I dreamed of adventure... I'm seeing every day that I am here to learn.
The State of the Union
Okay- In my mind there are a few things that need to be addressed, but (fortunately/ I hope I’m right) you won’t hear any Capitol Hill politician mentioning these things in one of their speeches. I was “inspired” to write this after my answer to an online “questionnaire” startled me.
The questionnaire was pointless, just one of those “let’s pass the time at the boring job” things. Question after question I answered without so much as a thought. Then, one caused me to think, but instead of pausing, I wrote what I was thinking. The question was:
“Do you care about
My answer was:
“Hilton, or France? … I can’t believe I just put them in that order!”
But I can believe it… I can believe it because I let it happen. I let myself get so caught up in the drama of today’s society where the meek are victimized and scorn, the proud and boastful are praised, and the corrupt is exalted. And I am the only one to blame for my own involvement. Everyone can say the same for themselves. Like rain on a fountain, sand on a mountain, a breeze in a tornado… it all adds up.
It’s times like this when I sit back and try to evaluate my life. I don’t always like what I see. I often think of one of my favorite movies to quote- You’ve Got Mail (the Meg Ryan, Tom Hanks version) It’s from an email from her to him.
Sometimes I wonder about my life. I lead a small life. Well, not small, but circumscribed. And sometimes I wonder, do I do it because I like it, or because I haven't been brave? So much of what I see reminds me of something I read in a book, when shouldn't it be the other way around?
The character, Kathleen, ends her email with the following sentiment… which I will now leave you with also:
I don't really want an answer. I just want to send this cosmic question out into the void. So goodnight, dear void.
Sense of "Normal"
Getting back to a sense of "normal"....
Went to movie night with the Wood, Parisi, Weaver, and Trudgeon families on Friday night. Was like old times.
Saturday went to the driving range with Jen. We're gearing up for the golf outing on June 9th with work.
Starting unpacking more this weekend.
Love the feeling that I can be alone, but I don't have to be... living with people is definitely a great thing!
Who and What I miss...
In NO particular order:
- “My” Young Life “kids”. They have challenged, encouraged, and changed me in ways I can’t begin to express… Rae. Sarah. Dani. Britt. Jackie. Alex. Liz. Lauren. Emily. Brooke.
- Being actively involved in ministry.
- Childhood (age 6-10)
- My Family all together at Holidays (and other times)
- Papa’s Tuna Noodle Casserole (More Him making it than the food itself)
- Riding my bike in NH
- “Half Days” in High School
- Retreats at Paul and Joan’s cabin
- Sledding “suicide hill” with Russell and Gary
- Chorus class
- The “Fab Four”
- New episodes of
- Having friends who were single too… (There are only a few of us left, it seems)
- My fellow Tarheelz fans being in MA
- Monopoly games that last for three days
- Working in a pre-school
- Making films- just for fun
- Being in school
- Dorms- sharing a room with “schitz”, the Jamaican sensation.
- Visiting Grammy and Arthur in Allenstown
- Violin lessons with ZB
- Ferrin One -circa fall 2002
- Apple Picking at Russell’s Orchard
- The Topsfield Fair, pumpkin decorating, movie nights, and Survivor with the Wood family
- Living with Gro, Londie, and Baby Joe
- When my brother was shorter than me
- My parents kissing in the kitchen as they cook supper together.
- Watching The Waltons as a family
- Playing catch with my Dad
- Swimming with Grammy
- Freshmen basketball season (98-99)
- When sleeping in bunk beds was cool.
- Friends from my past whom I’ve lost touch with… Sara. Nikki. Kim. Heather. Monica. Amy. Jackie.
This list could go on forever.
One of THOSE Days
Did you ever hear of “Alexander and the Horrible, Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day”?
In my days as a pre-school teacher I became intimately familiar with Alexander and the story of his, shall we say, ‘less than stellar’ day. It is a children’s book. A children’s book that I’m finding is even more enjoyable as an adult. Basically, Alexander has a bad day, thinks about moving to Australia to avoid such a bad day occurring again, and (in the end) realizes that some days are just “Like that… even in Australia.”
Well, I’ve been having days like that recently… several lyrical euphemisms come to mind…
“Momma said there’d be days like this… There’d be days like this, Momma
said.”
“You had a bad day… you had a bad day.”
“Slammed the door and said, ‘I’m sorry I…I had a bad day again.’”
Or the ever popular “Friends” theme…
“It’s like you’re always stuck in second gear… When it hasn’t been your day,
your week, your month, or even your year…”
However, no amount of sad-song-lyric quoting will help… despite what some might say. And I do need to quantify- Prior life experiences and recent events in the lives of others have made me realize what a TRULY bad day is. However, that does not mean that, like Alexander, I can not relish in what I must (Possibly for the lack of a better term) call a “horrible, terrible, no good, very bad day”.
You Want Title? No car for you!
So today was supposed to be the day that I paid for my new car and got the title. One problem. There was no title…. Here’s the scoop-
But there is some good news to look forward to. Looks like the “no-longer-lost Bostonian” will finally be heading back into the office this week. Thank goodness! I need her wit to keep going during those long days. I’m glad she’s feeling better and I’m uber excited she’s coming back.
Well, nothing to be done about the car right now and I won’t see “N-L-L B” until at least mid-day tomorrow… So for now I’m off to enjoy some Stop & Shop sushi and the rest of the Law & Order: SVU marathon.
There's this club....
“There’s this club… And you can’t be in it until you’re in it.” Those were the lines spoken by a character in one of my favorite T.V. shows last night. The dialogue tugged at my heart. It continued…Christina: “It’s the Dead Dad Club. My Dad died when I was
nine. … I’m sorry you had to join the club, George.”
George: “I don’t know how to exist in a world where my Dad doesn’t.”
Christina: “Yeah. That pretty much never changes.”
There is a club. But the DDC is actually just one branch of the larger group. The Dead Parent Society. (Not to be confused with The DPS from the 1989 Robin Williams film.) And as Christina says, “You can’t be in it until you’re in it.” And you can’t know what it’s like to be in it. You can’t even attempt to understand.
Within the society there are unwritten rules. We’re there for each other. We understand when randomly, twenty years later, a fellow member bursts into tears while talking about their Mom’s best recipe or their Dad’s favorite necktie. We don’t make stupid comments like, “Aren’t you over that yet?” – Even after years have gone by.
Those who ask questions like that after becoming a member are part of a rebel group we call “The Deniers”. We don’t condemn them, or ask them to hand in their I.D. card, we pity them. They take the necessary cloak of strength we all sometimes hide behind and try to use it as a flogger when they’ve lost their sword of courage. It’s sad to see it unfold.
Unfortunately, like the Sopranos say, “Once you enter this family, there’s no getting’ out.”
So I’d like to take a moment and recognize some of those parents who are no longer with us. Because they helped to raise, encourage, challenge, inspire, and mold into what they are today- some of the most excellent people I know… Fellow members of the DPS.
Paul Y. -Father of J.P.
Unk* G. -Mother of M.G.
Unk T. -Father of K.T.
Maryowen D. -Mother of D.J.
Unk D. -Father of D.J.
Unk G. -Father of C.G.
Unk H. -Mother of B.H.
Unk H. -Mother of L.H.
* = Unknown first name
And to Joan P. - My loving mother- Mi mancherai, Mama!
Unk H. -Mother of L.H.
* = Unknown first name
And to Joan P. - My loving mother- Mi mancherai, Mama!
Warning: Dry sense of humor used to tell this story....
Everyone, I have come to realize, has that one friend… If- as you read on- you say “Not I! I have no such friend.” Than you will one day. Or you did once. Think back. Maybe Waaaay back. Everyone has that one friend.
This friend has the uncanny ability to get you to do, experience, and say things or go places that you never thought you would. Sometimes these experiences are good, sometimes you learn from them. More often than not (in my case especially) they’re just hilarious!
My “One Friend” has certainly provided endless hours of entertainment and “old lady” stories. These are the stories that you retell when you’re eighty and retired as you sit around the table at Dunks with eight or so of your closest friends (who are also retirees). They’re the moments that you relive over and over in your head like some sort of movie montage while a one-hit-wonder band sings a no-name song in the background.
Our friendship started in college. Such friendships are often formed in a place like college. Other likely places of this friendship formation include summer camp, study hall, girl scouts, and your first after school job. We’ve enjoyed some crazy times, we have more quotes than the Star Wars movies, and we have our own “inside jokes” which come and go in phases, but never die!
Our most recent venture (and the reason for my post) occurred on New Year’s Eve. I was persuaded (though admittedly it took very little arm twisting) to abandon my idea of a date with Dick (Clark) to spend the night on the North Shore. Being that I don’t have a car, the whole thing started with a two hour train ride into Boston and then up to Beverly. I love riding the train actually, but it was just my luck that I got stuck sitting next to the only “talker” in the car for most of the trip. I heard three times over about his job at The Garden and about how much he hates celebrities.
The second phase of our night had us drive up to Rockport (think Mayberry meets Capeside). One of the guys we know from the church in Gloucester was playing in a band at one of the Rockport First Night events. We got buttons from “Headquarters” and headed off to the concert. They played a mix of old soul and classic Indies rock. It was a great set. After we assisted (AKA watched awkwardly trying to look helpful) in backing up their amps and stands, we decided we should stay at that hall to see the next performer. A couple of the people in my group knew him from somewhere. His band included a guitar, mandolin, and upright bass. They sing/played bluegrass. Following “The Jug hand Band” we were persuaded to go see the friend of another girl in my party across the square. His quartet sang/played tradition Celtic music. I actually got really into this. I was stomping out the beat and singing along in the chorus of “Arrest these merry gentlemen” and “Go a-watchin’ for the whale” they also sang a few more serious beautifully done hymns and whatnot.
Then two of our company got a feverish gleam in their eyes. They asked if we could go to the Reggae concert. So we all went down to the Art Society Building. Out back was a barn like room transferred into a concert space. Up front was a man who looked like Bob Marley himself, two other “tall dark and Jamaican”s and two guys who looked like Keith Richards and Lindsay Buckingham. They started playing “Let’s get together and feel alright…” and EVERYONE from the two year olds there with their parents, to the baby boomer couples, to the pink hairs grandmas, was dancing. It was the sort of thing that becomes YouTube legend! (If only one of us had video on our cell phones)
After two songs, we decided it was getting a bit too rowdy in the hall and decided to walk down to the square by the big Christmas tree. We stood around talking and then someone asked, “Say, what time is it anyway?” The answer surprised us all. It was only 10:30! So then someone said, “Let’s go sit and have a beer somewhere.” But- oh wait- Rockport is a dry town. No bars. So after a bit more discussion it was decided that we would all separate off into smaller groups and go our separate ways. Meg and I went back to Beverly.
And- since we were in Beverly, we stopped at Acapulco’s. We figured we’d have a Margarita and see what Ryan Seacrest, or whoever was covering the NYC New Year’s was up to. Well, we didn’t see Ryan. It was Telemundo! (Spanish television) But we stayed for our Margaritas. (Which took 40 minutes because there was only one guy working at the bar and although it wasn’t packed, it wasn’t dead either) Then we head over to her apartment.
Her roommate had five friends over and we joined them for cake and conversation. After a little while one guy in the group heard fireworks. He said, “Well, guess it’s 2007” Another girl quickly glanced at her watch and said, “Yeah. Happy New Year everyone.” After a few of us hummed a few bars of Auld Lang Sine, we figured que ser a, ser a, and decided to play a game of 20 questions. (Actually, we took the playing cards from the board games “Imag N’iff” and “Loaded Questions” and went around in a circle, taking turns with the embarrassments.
By 2 a.m. we’d decided we knew enough about each other and we decided to quit. I was lucky enough to get a ride home from a new friend who happens to also live in my town. I was home around 3:00 a.m. and finally went to sleep around 4:30.
My point in telling this long and sorted tale? Firstly, to help me remember it better and longer by putting it in writing. Secondly, it was yet another example of a crazy cool time I had with Meg. And it got me thinkin’- I guess everyone has that one friend. And I’m glad she’s mine!
I'm going to be an Auntie- Merry Christmas!
Yes, it's true.
For those of you who actually pay attention to my Facebook profile and IM away messages- it is true. I am going to be an Auntie. I found out on Christmas day that my sister (step sister/ really she's one of the daughters of my Dad's ex-fiance, but she calls me her sister so...) is having a baby. We don't know what "flavor" (as Deidre would say) yet. We'll find out if it's a boy or a girl on January 7th, I believe. Meanwhile, she and her fiance, Ryan will be getting married sometime in January or February.
Her older sister (BTW her name is Brit- she's 19), Krystal turns 21 this February. I think she's going to come to Boston and let me show her the "hot spots" that weekend. After that point, we'll start planning the baby/wedding shower. I told Ryan his duty is to make sure they get registered before the end of February. He looked happier than a kid in a candy store- which is good. Hopefully, everything will work out for them. After all, my parents (although not quite as young) were not married when I was conceived... nor when I was born... nor when my younger (by almost 3 years) brother was concieved... and they were happily married "until death" as it were.
And heck, I'll admit that I am very excited about the prospect of being an Aunt. It one of the few things in life I have no doubts I'll be good at. I've had very good teachers. :-)
This is interesting...
| Your Birthdate: June 18 |
 You are a cohesive force - able to bring many people together for a common cause. You tend to excel in work situations, but you also facilitate a lot of social gatherings too. Beyond being a good leader, you are good at inspiring others. You also keep your powerful emotions in check - you know when to emote and when to repress. Your strength: Emotional maturity beyond your years Your weakness: Wearing yourself down with too many responsibilities Your power color: Crimson red Your power symbol: Snowflake Your power month: September |
An Update...
My power was on by the time I got home. :-) And my new boss keeps earning "Brownie points". He seems to be jsut what the Dr. ordered around here. I continue to stay optimistic that this company is headed for greatness. (And I guess I'll stick around for the ride) ;-) And to those who mentioned it- I KNOW the post about getting e-mails was vague. That was kinda the point. ;-) Maybe I'll write more about it later. For now, it is what it is.
Anyway, speaking of me being optimistic, a friend found the following quote for me resently:
"I'm an idealist. I don't know where I'm going but I'm on my way." -Carl
Sandburg
I love it!
Maybe I should become Amish....
Or Quaker or something like that. That would solve my problem. What IS my problem, you may ask... Well, though it's arguable I have many, today I feel as if I only have one.
I was awoken today by my cell phone alarm, which usually goes of to tell me to finish up my workout and get in the shower. However, today it went off to inform me that my power was off. Apparently a power line went down in the storm last night. Great! So I learned something.. I rely WAY too much on electricity! I couldn't take a shower- no hot water. So I did the "sponge bath" thing. Gross. But then again, even if I had taken a shower, I'd have no electricity to dry my hair with. (Not good to go outside with soaking wet hair on a day like this.) I couldn't iron my clothing... a wonderful thing when trying to make a good impression for my new boss. I realized when I went to get some OJ for breakfast, that my food in the fridge would end up going bad soon, so I packed it up and brought it to my office for the day. (Two bags of it anyway) the milk, OJ, deli meat, cheese... things that would go bad.
I called my landlord and left a VM. Then, with the help of a co-worker, I called the power company to figure out what the heck happened. Apparently, my landlord had reported the issue earlier in the morning. About and hour later the landlord called me back and told me about the downed line and that NStar should have the power back by the time I got home. Here's hoping, because I don't want to bring my groceries back only to find that my fridge is still off. Grrrr.
So far so good
So today is day one of the new boss man here in the office. We had a meeting of introduction this morning with our whole department (all 4 of us) with Scott (the new guy) and the VP of Information Technology. Then, this afternoon he set up individualized meetings with each of us to do some further "getting to know you" type talking. So, it's so far so good. He seems like a nice enough guy and seems to be good at what he does without being full of himself. But I agree the my good bud D, I reserve judgement. We'll see. :-) I'm optimistic. (What else is new?)
Fun with Family (A birthday bash!)
I decided to post some pictures Halloween.
Here's some background info... My grandmother's brother was born on Halloween. He married and has (I think) eight children. Those kids have kids, some of the kids' kids have kids, you get the picture. And each year on Halloween we get together, get all costume'd up, and celebrate Uncle Dick's birthday. Usually my grandparents go too, but seeing as how they're in NC now, I went and made an appearance for my side of the family. It was really great to see everyone again! Here are some picture highlights I took with my camera phone....
Cousin Mark's House (where the festivities take place) even though it's a beautiful house, with the lighting like that you can definately see why it's a great house for a Halloween party.
And these three lovely cousins of mine are there to greet you before you enter. (What a scary lookin' bunch, eh?)
This is Olivia. You can't exactly tell in this photo, but Oliva has carrot-red hair. And every year (just about) she's a red devil for halloween. And every year when they come back from trick-or-treating, her face is red from the cold. So by the time she's back inside the house, she's red all over. :-)
Here's Eddie. He was a pirate. There was more than one pirate at the party, there was also more than one Ed. (We like to share names in this family) ;-)
This picture is kinda fuzzy, but on the right is Aunt Marie (Uncle Dick's wife) and on the left is the eldest female cousin, Linda. Linda was supposed to be a pirate too, but by the end of the night, her daughter Linda (remember what I said about sharing) and I made the observation that she looked more like a gypsy-psychic of some sort. :-)
And here he is, big man on campus. This is the birthday boy himself, my Uncle Dick.
Here's to many more birthday party-Halloweens!
Love is...
Many people know 1Corinthians 13:4-8a (whether they know that is where it’s from or not)
It reads:
Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is
not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices
with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always
perseveres.
Love never fails.
Some cynics might say that love DOES fail, that people grow apart, people get divorced, people betray their families, etc. I say to those cynics that the common thread there is not the failure of love. The common thread in those things is the failure of people.
Further, I think people have a hard time wrapping their heads around these definitions of love that in our day and age have become distilled and muted by society. So- to assist us in finding definitions that we can understand, I’ve composed the following list….
- Love is sending a short e-mail to say that you’re not feeling well, but you’ll send a longer e-mail when you are.
- Love is calling work on your way in to see if anyone else wants coffee from Dunks.
- Love is eating at your least favorite restaurant with a friend because you know it’s their favorite. (Even if you can’t figure out why)
- Love brings Kleenex, a chick flick, and soup to the home of a friend who is sick.
- Love brings Kleenex, a chick flick, and chocolate to the home of a friend who just got dumped.
- Love does not take the last piece of cheesecake. (It cuts it in half and shares it with a roommate.)
- Love drives an hour to spend an hour with a friend who is having a bad day.
- Love is able to tell you when you’re wrong without making you feel bad about yourself.
- Love forgives you for the sarcastic comment you made when you got caught up in the moment and doesn’t feel the need to retaliate with a comment of their own. (Though you sorta wish they would)
- Love is the person that has known you since your school days, and has seen most all of your faults up close and personal… and is still your friend- regardless.
Of course, these are merely the human expression of love. They are not a perfect example. The perfect example is God. The Bible also says, “God is love.” (1 John 4:16)
Therefore (Get ready for some quick high school math… If A=B and B=C…)
We can replace the word “Love” with “God”
God is patient, God is kind.
He does not envy, He does not boast, He is not proud.
He is not rude, He is not self-seeking, He is not easily angered, He keeps no record of wrongs.
God does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
He always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
God never fails.
NOW- We have a perfect example.
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