Have you ever heard of anyone being attacked by chipmunks? You know, the cute little furry things that run around parks, dig into flowerbeds, or sometimes raid birdfeeders? They're harmless....aren't they?
I was attacked by chipmunks.
I don't know why it happened. I was just outside yesterday evening, crouched in the garden, tending to my roses, when I heard a skittering-chirping sound rushing across the street and up the driveway. I looked over my shoulder just in time to see two chipmunks rocketing toward my bare feet. I was very startled, so I screamed, and started waving my skirts around at them. They must have decided I was too much for them to handle because, after charging my feet, they circled around and headed back across the street.
Andrew thought that this was the coolest thing he had ever heard, after being assured that I hadn't caught any diseases by being in close proximity to the little darlings.
I can't decide if being attacked by chipmunks qualifies as cool, weird, or just pathetic.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Friday, June 16, 2006
Feeling USEFUL
(Be prepared- I've been shut away from all human companionship since 6:30 and as a result, I am feeling....chatty.)
I have been lamenting the paucity of tasteful sun-dresses this season. Despite the fact that they are supposed to be very "in," it is incredibly difficult to find a dress that is neither skanky nor frumpy. Anything I have found that looks cute initially tend to end up being waaaay too short/tight or just plain transparent.
In order to solve my problem I've resorted to desperate measures. I'm FINALLY teaching myself to sew. This is a skill I've been wishing for as long as I can remember, but never had the time or the patience or the plain ol' will to practice. So. On Monday I pulled the sewing machine out of the basement, dug the box of fabric out from its cob-webby dungeon, and took over the kitchen table. I started off just cutting up pieces of old fabric and sewing them back together. I probably did that for 3 hours that day, just trying to get the feel of the machine and getting closer and closer to perfectly straight seams.
My mother and I went out to the fabric store, where we picked up several patterns. One is a very simple, straight sleeveless dress. The other is slightly more complicated, and involves a full, swirly skirt. I had such a good time picking outfabrics (blue tropical print for one and brown/cream Eiffel Towers and Poodles for the other. ;o))
I've been too scared to cut into my lovely fabrics yet, so I spent most of yesterday and today making an apron which I started last November. I've been feeling a great sense of accomplishment ever since I finished it. It's a little large for anyone but Patrick (here seen modeling said apron) despite the fact that the pattern said "SMALL," but it is well-made and my seams are very neat and straight.
Sewing isn't all I did today. After getting home from my work-out with my mother, and before changing out of my grubby work-out clothes, I had a serious job to attend to.
We have 4 gorgeous rose bushes on the side of our house, one of which reverted to its pre-hybrid self and went wild this year.
It has been producing myriad brilliant pink blooms, and seems to want to climb up the side of our house. My (self-chosen) job has been taking care of the roses, pruning and dead-heading them whenever they need it. I was doing my rounds last night when I discovered that in the last week my darling roses had been taken over by a fungus, which was spreading black splotches across all the leaves, which would then fall off at the slightest touch.
Having diagnosed the problem with the help of my trusty garden manual, I turned into a rose-doctor this afternoon. I removed the diseased limbs ( I love saying that) and CLEANED the bed....literally. All the mulch, leaves, and old flowers left and the entire area, including the bushes themselves, got a soaking of anti-fungal Sol-U-Mel. My brothers were none to pleased with this process, as they were drafted into service and had to clean up after my ministrations. (This included picking little pieces of moldy, centipede-ridden mulch out of the grass. Sorry boys.)
My poor little rose bushes are considerably smaller now than they were when I set out this morning, but they should at least survive to bloom again.
I have been lamenting the paucity of tasteful sun-dresses this season. Despite the fact that they are supposed to be very "in," it is incredibly difficult to find a dress that is neither skanky nor frumpy. Anything I have found that looks cute initially tend to end up being waaaay too short/tight or just plain transparent.
In order to solve my problem I've resorted to desperate measures. I'm FINALLY teaching myself to sew. This is a skill I've been wishing for as long as I can remember, but never had the time or the patience or the plain ol' will to practice. So. On Monday I pulled the sewing machine out of the basement, dug the box of fabric out from its cob-webby dungeon, and took over the kitchen table. I started off just cutting up pieces of old fabric and sewing them back together. I probably did that for 3 hours that day, just trying to get the feel of the machine and getting closer and closer to perfectly straight seams.
My mother and I went out to the fabric store, where we picked up several patterns. One is a very simple, straight sleeveless dress. The other is slightly more complicated, and involves a full, swirly skirt. I had such a good time picking outfabrics (blue tropical print for one and brown/cream Eiffel Towers and Poodles for the other. ;o))
I've been too scared to cut into my lovely fabrics yet, so I spent most of yesterday and today making an apron which I started last November. I've been feeling a great sense of accomplishment ever since I finished it. It's a little large for anyone but Patrick (here seen modeling said apron) despite the fact that the pattern said "SMALL," but it is well-made and my seams are very neat and straight.
Sewing isn't all I did today. After getting home from my work-out with my mother, and before changing out of my grubby work-out clothes, I had a serious job to attend to.
We have 4 gorgeous rose bushes on the side of our house, one of which reverted to its pre-hybrid self and went wild this year.
It has been producing myriad brilliant pink blooms, and seems to want to climb up the side of our house. My (self-chosen) job has been taking care of the roses, pruning and dead-heading them whenever they need it. I was doing my rounds last night when I discovered that in the last week my darling roses had been taken over by a fungus, which was spreading black splotches across all the leaves, which would then fall off at the slightest touch.
Having diagnosed the problem with the help of my trusty garden manual, I turned into a rose-doctor this afternoon. I removed the diseased limbs ( I love saying that) and CLEANED the bed....literally. All the mulch, leaves, and old flowers left and the entire area, including the bushes themselves, got a soaking of anti-fungal Sol-U-Mel. My brothers were none to pleased with this process, as they were drafted into service and had to clean up after my ministrations. (This included picking little pieces of moldy, centipede-ridden mulch out of the grass. Sorry boys.)
My poor little rose bushes are considerably smaller now than they were when I set out this morning, but they should at least survive to bloom again.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
I FINALLY realized that there is an easy way to post pictures to my blog! That took long enough. Too bad I didn't discover it while I was on vacation!Anyway, in lieu of a nice, interesting post, I'm sticking these photos up. I think I got spoiled by always having something interesting to share...suddenly I can't think of anything to write about that anyone might possibly be interested in.
I took these a few days ago, in our backyard. It was one of those perfect, warm, bright days where any excuse to be outside was welcome.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
recovering
I seem to be well on my way to full recovery from my trip. I've gotten a few good nights of sleep, and have been outside enjoying the sunshine. Today we went out for lunch at Coney Island, and after that, to see a movie.
I admit...I'm not overly thrilled to be home. I'm incredibly gald to have my mother and father and brothers around, but I don't think I've ever been glad to be home after a trip. I'm sure that after a while I'll sink back into normal life here and everything will be comfortable again, but right now I'm feeling slightly disconnected.
I'm afraid I haven't stopped talking since I got home. (For all I know I've even been talking in my sleep.) Any time now my mother is going to get tired of hearing, "Oh, and Uncle Sean did..." and "Anne-Nicole said that..."
I admit...I'm not overly thrilled to be home. I'm incredibly gald to have my mother and father and brothers around, but I don't think I've ever been glad to be home after a trip. I'm sure that after a while I'll sink back into normal life here and everything will be comfortable again, but right now I'm feeling slightly disconnected.
I'm afraid I haven't stopped talking since I got home. (For all I know I've even been talking in my sleep.) Any time now my mother is going to get tired of hearing, "Oh, and Uncle Sean did..." and "Anne-Nicole said that..."
Monday, June 05, 2006
Home Again
My trip home was not nearly as pleasant as my trip over. Apart from the usual end-of-vacation let down, I had the sort of flight that makes people swear off air travel.
It started when, as I was getting situated in my seat on the plane, I saw a very hefty woman walking down the aisle. There were tons of seats left, so I figured the chances of her sitting anywhere near me were slim. Huh. Slim or not, she ended up having the seat right next to me. She also had a terrible cold and (I suspect) hadn't showered very recently.
I was ok for a while, but I realized the full extent of my problem when I tried to get to sleep. I wasn't able to get in more than an hour in the full 32 hours I was traveling.
When I FINALLY got to LAX, I wasn't able to find my tickets for my next flight. I spent 30 minutes sobbing to my mother over the phone before I discovered that the lining of my purse had split and my tickets were hiding inside. After that little mishap, the trip went very smoothly. I only sat by nice, well-groomed, relatively small people.
My whole family was waiting for me in Indianapolis when I got there, as well as my cousin Kate. My brothers charmed the other people waiting there by being exceedingly sweet and mobbing me as soon as I was through the gate. We drove all the way home, and were back in Fort Wayne by 2:15...am.
Maybe when I'm feeling slightly more capable of abstract thought I'll say something about the trip as a whole. Right now, I just need coffee.
It started when, as I was getting situated in my seat on the plane, I saw a very hefty woman walking down the aisle. There were tons of seats left, so I figured the chances of her sitting anywhere near me were slim. Huh. Slim or not, she ended up having the seat right next to me. She also had a terrible cold and (I suspect) hadn't showered very recently.
I was ok for a while, but I realized the full extent of my problem when I tried to get to sleep. I wasn't able to get in more than an hour in the full 32 hours I was traveling.
When I FINALLY got to LAX, I wasn't able to find my tickets for my next flight. I spent 30 minutes sobbing to my mother over the phone before I discovered that the lining of my purse had split and my tickets were hiding inside. After that little mishap, the trip went very smoothly. I only sat by nice, well-groomed, relatively small people.
My whole family was waiting for me in Indianapolis when I got there, as well as my cousin Kate. My brothers charmed the other people waiting there by being exceedingly sweet and mobbing me as soon as I was through the gate. We drove all the way home, and were back in Fort Wayne by 2:15...am.
Maybe when I'm feeling slightly more capable of abstract thought I'll say something about the trip as a whole. Right now, I just need coffee.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Saturday: LAST full day
We had another cold day today. This time, we took off up the coast north of Sydney. The surf was at 6 ft. (that means, in the water, you get a 12 ft. wall of water rushing at you) and we went out to the beaches to watched the idiot surfers get pounded. We sat in the car, all snug and warm and Uncle Sean gave a running commentary on the waves, and we oohed and ahhed over the size and power of them.
Eventually we had enough of the cold and wind of the coast, so we headed back down toward the city into Chatswood, the home of several malls and many many stores. We shopped for a little while and drank some coffee before heading back home. Anne-Nicole took a nap, Uncle Sean went for a swim (crazy man), and I finished packing.
Tonight, we went out for dinner with Uncle Sean and Aunt Anne's friends Graham and Janelle (sp?). First we went out for drinks at a pub, followed by dinner a Vietnamese place. Both were in Newtown, a rather coloful/seedy area of Sydney. (Colorful meaning even the old men had blue hair and nose rings.) Dinner was wonderful, and afterwards we went out for more coffee and dessert-Uncle Sean and I split a huge piece of heavenly chocolate cake.
After we got back from our night out we hada calm evening in the nice, warm family room. Uncle Sean broke down and watched P&P with us and wasn't even annoying! One thing I found very peculiar is that there is a different ending in the Australian version. It just doesn't include the last 10 minutes or so of the film. Very disturbing..... We found the REAL end eventually, in the bonus features menu.
I'm leaving tomorrow. I can't believe my 3 1/2 weeks are gone. I spent most of the day today trying not to think about it, but I couldn't help it. My brain was going about a million miles an hour, concocting all manner of dramatic scenarios and story lines about leaving, how the cats will miss me (yeah right ;o)), how empty my room here will be....just generally being quite silly. But them, that's me. Apart from the fact that I get to see my parents and brothers again-little thing that that is ;o) - the thing that is making everything much easier is that I'll get to see Uncle Sean and Aunt Anne in less than a month when they come over to Indiana. I already can't wait!
Now, I'm going to go to my room and get ready for bed, have a good cry, and get a good night's sleep so I'll be perky and cheerful tomorrow.....
Eventually we had enough of the cold and wind of the coast, so we headed back down toward the city into Chatswood, the home of several malls and many many stores. We shopped for a little while and drank some coffee before heading back home. Anne-Nicole took a nap, Uncle Sean went for a swim (crazy man), and I finished packing.
Tonight, we went out for dinner with Uncle Sean and Aunt Anne's friends Graham and Janelle (sp?). First we went out for drinks at a pub, followed by dinner a Vietnamese place. Both were in Newtown, a rather coloful/seedy area of Sydney. (Colorful meaning even the old men had blue hair and nose rings.) Dinner was wonderful, and afterwards we went out for more coffee and dessert-Uncle Sean and I split a huge piece of heavenly chocolate cake.
After we got back from our night out we hada calm evening in the nice, warm family room. Uncle Sean broke down and watched P&P with us and wasn't even annoying! One thing I found very peculiar is that there is a different ending in the Australian version. It just doesn't include the last 10 minutes or so of the film. Very disturbing..... We found the REAL end eventually, in the bonus features menu.
I'm leaving tomorrow. I can't believe my 3 1/2 weeks are gone. I spent most of the day today trying not to think about it, but I couldn't help it. My brain was going about a million miles an hour, concocting all manner of dramatic scenarios and story lines about leaving, how the cats will miss me (yeah right ;o)), how empty my room here will be....just generally being quite silly. But them, that's me. Apart from the fact that I get to see my parents and brothers again-little thing that that is ;o) - the thing that is making everything much easier is that I'll get to see Uncle Sean and Aunt Anne in less than a month when they come over to Indiana. I already can't wait!
Now, I'm going to go to my room and get ready for bed, have a good cry, and get a good night's sleep so I'll be perky and cheerful tomorrow.....
Friday: Manly when it rains
Yesterday, I made the wonderful decision that, despite the low-hanging clouds and cutting wind, I was going to the beach! Brilliant, right? I figured that since it was my next-to-last full day here, I should see Manly one more time.
I took a ferry over to Circular Quay, and then caught the 11:00 Manly Ferry with abt. 100 other crazy people. The trip over was a little choppy, even in the harbor, but I spent the entire half an hour with my nose buried in my book, so I hardly noticed.
I got to the beach absolutely famished (those ferry rides can do that to you...;oP) so I quickly found a relatively cheap Indian restaurant where I was able to get a platter of nice, warm curry and rice. I ate outside with the seagulls who, oddly enough, were not the slightest bit interested in my food. Silly birds- I guess they just don't know what they're missing.
After lunch I walked down by the water for a little while, taking pictures and people watching. The beach and the ocean looked completely different this time around. The water, instead of glowing turquoise and shimmering, was a wonderful milky-looking blue, eventually changing to iron grey. The sand looked like suede- a light tan color and very soft.
After I felt that I had more than enough sand in my shoes, I went back up to the promenade and found a bench. Before too very long I was joined by an elderly man eating a slice of pizza. Or perhaps "eating" is an exaggeration. He took about 4 bites, and proceeded to feed the rest of the pizza to the pigeons. The seagulls wanted a piece of that action, but the man was determined that the seagulls wouldn't get anything from him. Any time they got close, he would swat them away. Everytime he gave a crumb to one of the legion of pigeons gathered around him, he would break out into a lovely, beatific smile.
When the pizza was gone, the old man left. His spot on the bench was soon filled by two punks who amused themselves by kicking at all the remaining pigeons, and cursing when they missed (which was very often....I was glad for the birds sake, but my ears weren't so happy.)
Eventually I just got too cold sitting out by the water, so I moved into the Corso, an open shopping area that stretches from the wharf on one side to the beach on the other. I found a bookshop filled with good browsing material (albeit a little out of my pricerange at the time) which was, above all else, WARM. When I came out of the store it was beginning to sprinkle, so I high-tailed it over to the bus station, where I immediately caught a bus back to Cremorne.
When I got off, it was pouring. Thank goodness I had had at least a little sense when I left the house, and there was an umbrella in my backpack. I stopped in at the bakery on my way home and picked up a lamington, by way of apology to myself for getting stuck in the rain. (So it's a terrible excuse. I just wanted a lamington.)
When I got back, Anne-Nicole was waiting for me with a cup of hot tea and the heaters cranked up.
The weather continued to be nasty the rest of the day, making us decide that maybe going out for dinner wasn't the best plan in the world. We ended up running to the newly opened Woolworths (grocery) and picking up some gourmet-type snacky foods (brie and soft bleu cheeses, french bread, smoked trout, pate.) We ate a lovely, light dinner by candlelight while watching Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. (Our other option was Pride and Prejudice, but I'm not sure I could take watching it with Uncle Sean. That's one movie I take waaaaay too seriously.)
I took a ferry over to Circular Quay, and then caught the 11:00 Manly Ferry with abt. 100 other crazy people. The trip over was a little choppy, even in the harbor, but I spent the entire half an hour with my nose buried in my book, so I hardly noticed.
I got to the beach absolutely famished (those ferry rides can do that to you...;oP) so I quickly found a relatively cheap Indian restaurant where I was able to get a platter of nice, warm curry and rice. I ate outside with the seagulls who, oddly enough, were not the slightest bit interested in my food. Silly birds- I guess they just don't know what they're missing.
After lunch I walked down by the water for a little while, taking pictures and people watching. The beach and the ocean looked completely different this time around. The water, instead of glowing turquoise and shimmering, was a wonderful milky-looking blue, eventually changing to iron grey. The sand looked like suede- a light tan color and very soft.
After I felt that I had more than enough sand in my shoes, I went back up to the promenade and found a bench. Before too very long I was joined by an elderly man eating a slice of pizza. Or perhaps "eating" is an exaggeration. He took about 4 bites, and proceeded to feed the rest of the pizza to the pigeons. The seagulls wanted a piece of that action, but the man was determined that the seagulls wouldn't get anything from him. Any time they got close, he would swat them away. Everytime he gave a crumb to one of the legion of pigeons gathered around him, he would break out into a lovely, beatific smile.
When the pizza was gone, the old man left. His spot on the bench was soon filled by two punks who amused themselves by kicking at all the remaining pigeons, and cursing when they missed (which was very often....I was glad for the birds sake, but my ears weren't so happy.)
Eventually I just got too cold sitting out by the water, so I moved into the Corso, an open shopping area that stretches from the wharf on one side to the beach on the other. I found a bookshop filled with good browsing material (albeit a little out of my pricerange at the time) which was, above all else, WARM. When I came out of the store it was beginning to sprinkle, so I high-tailed it over to the bus station, where I immediately caught a bus back to Cremorne.
When I got off, it was pouring. Thank goodness I had had at least a little sense when I left the house, and there was an umbrella in my backpack. I stopped in at the bakery on my way home and picked up a lamington, by way of apology to myself for getting stuck in the rain. (So it's a terrible excuse. I just wanted a lamington.)
When I got back, Anne-Nicole was waiting for me with a cup of hot tea and the heaters cranked up.
The weather continued to be nasty the rest of the day, making us decide that maybe going out for dinner wasn't the best plan in the world. We ended up running to the newly opened Woolworths (grocery) and picking up some gourmet-type snacky foods (brie and soft bleu cheeses, french bread, smoked trout, pate.) We ate a lovely, light dinner by candlelight while watching Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. (Our other option was Pride and Prejudice, but I'm not sure I could take watching it with Uncle Sean. That's one movie I take waaaaay too seriously.)
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Wednesday and Thursday
Yesterday was my lazy day. I basically sat on my rear all day and watched movies. I was very popular with Calvin and Hobbes (the cats) who think that people are just big cat warmers, and a stationary person is their favorite sort of person.
Today I didn't feel like doing much either, but Uncle Sean made me a cappucino and after that I at least had the energy to leave the house. It's amazing what a little coffee can do for a person.
I took the ferry into town for some shopping. I started off in The Rocks, which apart from being really neat to look at, houses some great shops. Not that I bought anything at those great shops. Louis Vuitton, Coach, and Gucci are all a little out of my price-range! I did find a really great little bookshop where I purchased a book of Australian children's stories and poems. I'm not sure exactly who it's going to yet. Some lucky kid.
I made my way from The Rocks, up George St. to the Queen Victoria Building, a gorgeous old Romanesque building, complete with a Grand Staircase and lovely stained glass windows. Apart from being absolutely spectacular in itself, it also houses some really great stores. Many of them were out of my price-range as well (Dolce and Gabbana, anyone?), but I found several really wonderful stores with just what I was looking for.
By the time I got out, it was growing dark, so I speed-walked my way back down to Circular Quay to catch a ferry back to Cremorne. The sun was setting when I reached the water, and the white "sails" of the Opera House were reflecting the sunset, and glowing a brilliant rose. The water's edge was lined with people, both tourists and locals, trying to catch a photo of it. I took a picture, but it didn't come anywhere close to capturing the radiance of the light.
Uncle Sean is going to be playing badminton tonight, so Anne-Nicole and I are going to watch a movie, whether at the cinema or here, we have yet to decide.
Today I didn't feel like doing much either, but Uncle Sean made me a cappucino and after that I at least had the energy to leave the house. It's amazing what a little coffee can do for a person.
I took the ferry into town for some shopping. I started off in The Rocks, which apart from being really neat to look at, houses some great shops. Not that I bought anything at those great shops. Louis Vuitton, Coach, and Gucci are all a little out of my price-range! I did find a really great little bookshop where I purchased a book of Australian children's stories and poems. I'm not sure exactly who it's going to yet. Some lucky kid.
I made my way from The Rocks, up George St. to the Queen Victoria Building, a gorgeous old Romanesque building, complete with a Grand Staircase and lovely stained glass windows. Apart from being absolutely spectacular in itself, it also houses some really great stores. Many of them were out of my price-range as well (Dolce and Gabbana, anyone?), but I found several really wonderful stores with just what I was looking for.
By the time I got out, it was growing dark, so I speed-walked my way back down to Circular Quay to catch a ferry back to Cremorne. The sun was setting when I reached the water, and the white "sails" of the Opera House were reflecting the sunset, and glowing a brilliant rose. The water's edge was lined with people, both tourists and locals, trying to catch a photo of it. I took a picture, but it didn't come anywhere close to capturing the radiance of the light.
Uncle Sean is going to be playing badminton tonight, so Anne-Nicole and I are going to watch a movie, whether at the cinema or here, we have yet to decide.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Tuesday: Canberra
Tuesday, Anne-Nicole and I had breakfast while Uncle Sean went for a long run. It was a pretty nice spread, for a continental breakfast. I got brave and tried some Vegemite on my toast. Never. Again. It ranks right up there with sauerkraut.
Anne-Nicole and I hit another museum that morning. We went to the National Gallery at 9;00. We didn't realize that it didn't actually open until 10:00, so we ended up walking around outside for a while, waiting for the doors to open.
Eventually, we did get in. There is an exhibition of the works of John Constable going on right now, and I was thrilled to get to see that. His skies are some of my favorite bits of art- but then, I love sky-scapes anyway. Having finished looking at the Constable works, we moved on to the International gallery, featuring mostly post-impressionist through modern & post modern pieces. There was a Duchamp readymade, the Hat rack. (I wasn't quite sure I believed he actually existed until yesterday- the whole "urinal as a fountain" thing seemed too much like some artistic prank to be true.) We saw Jackson Pollack's Blue Poles, which is a million times cooler in person than on a screen or in a book. I thought I detested Pollack, but that painting was great.
After we finished up in the International gallery, we made our way to the Asian gallery, and from there to lunch. It was a very nice lunch (curried chickpea and couscous casserole-HOT) and the settingof the cafe, overlooking the gardens, was quite nice. We sat in there chatting for a while after we had finished eating, just talking about our "normal" daily lives, and what we'd be doing on an average Tuesday afternoon.
Eventually we went upstairs to check out the Australian gallery. There were lots of of really great pastoral scenes, but once it got into more modern works, the collection wasn't so great.
Uncle Sean picked us up that afternoon, and we made a quick stop at the Australian War Memorial before heading back to Sydney.
There were showers threatening as we drove back, and the sky looked like something straight out of the museum. In fact, everywhere I looked the landscape created pictures for me. Most bore a remarkable resemblence to the style and composition of Constable's works, especially after some lovely rainbows made their appearance. Some had a more native Australian look, especially where the gum trees were more prominent. This was the first time I'd experienced what I saw as paintings. Normally, I just see photographs wherever I look- this time it was full-fledged oil paintings. (And no, that isn't an indicator of any mental problem.)
I wasn't seeing paintings when we visited the Big Merino in Goulbern. I was doubled over laughing with tears streaming down my face. How can an art museum compare to that?!
Anne-Nicole and I hit another museum that morning. We went to the National Gallery at 9;00. We didn't realize that it didn't actually open until 10:00, so we ended up walking around outside for a while, waiting for the doors to open.
Eventually, we did get in. There is an exhibition of the works of John Constable going on right now, and I was thrilled to get to see that. His skies are some of my favorite bits of art- but then, I love sky-scapes anyway. Having finished looking at the Constable works, we moved on to the International gallery, featuring mostly post-impressionist through modern & post modern pieces. There was a Duchamp readymade, the Hat rack. (I wasn't quite sure I believed he actually existed until yesterday- the whole "urinal as a fountain" thing seemed too much like some artistic prank to be true.) We saw Jackson Pollack's Blue Poles, which is a million times cooler in person than on a screen or in a book. I thought I detested Pollack, but that painting was great.
After we finished up in the International gallery, we made our way to the Asian gallery, and from there to lunch. It was a very nice lunch (curried chickpea and couscous casserole-HOT) and the settingof the cafe, overlooking the gardens, was quite nice. We sat in there chatting for a while after we had finished eating, just talking about our "normal" daily lives, and what we'd be doing on an average Tuesday afternoon.
Eventually we went upstairs to check out the Australian gallery. There were lots of of really great pastoral scenes, but once it got into more modern works, the collection wasn't so great.
Uncle Sean picked us up that afternoon, and we made a quick stop at the Australian War Memorial before heading back to Sydney.
There were showers threatening as we drove back, and the sky looked like something straight out of the museum. In fact, everywhere I looked the landscape created pictures for me. Most bore a remarkable resemblence to the style and composition of Constable's works, especially after some lovely rainbows made their appearance. Some had a more native Australian look, especially where the gum trees were more prominent. This was the first time I'd experienced what I saw as paintings. Normally, I just see photographs wherever I look- this time it was full-fledged oil paintings. (And no, that isn't an indicator of any mental problem.)
I wasn't seeing paintings when we visited the Big Merino in Goulbern. I was doubled over laughing with tears streaming down my face. How can an art museum compare to that?!
Monday: Canberra
We left late Monday morning for Canberra, the capital of Australia. The drive down was pleasant and took us through the Southern Highlands, which are a lovely area of rolling hills south of Sydney. We had lunch on the way down in a little town called Bowral, at the Elephant Boy cafe. The decor was very interesting, a sort of British/Indian colonial theme, plus old Hollywood music, Charlie Chaplin movies, and shelves and shelves full of 1900-40s books. (Which I spent the entire meal drooling over.)I had a delicious beef pie, one of my new favorite things and something I'll miss when I'm back in the States.
Canberra itself wasn't overly exciting. I've never been to Washington D.C., but I expect that it is more interesting. I think Canberra is still too new to have much atmosphere. It could be also that, not being Australian, I don't feel any sort of emotion being there. I don't have a sense of their history like I would hope a citizen would. Maybe you just have to be an Aussie to appreciate Canberra.
Anne-Nicole and I spent most of the afternoon at the National Museum. It was a very interesting place. While looking at the exhibits, I got a stronger sense of something I had felt before. There seems to be a very strong collective guilt here over the treatment of the Aboriginies in the past. It is pervasive in the museums, almost to the exclusion of anything else. (Again, being an outsider, I may not be getting the full story, so to speak.) I would certainly not suggest that they not address or gloss over the issue-that would be ridiculous and unfair to everybody. We need reminders of the atrocities committed in the past or we risk forgetting them. It just seems that the fixation on the subject, to the point that other aspects of history are missed entirely, isn't healthy either.
I also noticed that there was little or no differentiation made between those Europeans who came as missionaries to the Aboriginies, meaning to share the Gospel, and those who came to get rid of them. They all seem to be painted with the same brush. While I certainly wasn't there to judge the behavior of those involved, I cannot believe that every European who came into contact with the native people here did it with the wish to wipe them out.
Now that I'm finished spewing-
We had a fantastic dinner Monday night at The Chairman & Yip, where we dined alongside at least one Australian MP (Mr Kevin Rudd, Labor's Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and International Security and apparently a very important person.) The establishment was the sort where, not only do they take you coat at the door, they also pour your wine and dish out your food for you. (The wine thing can be dangerous.... I'm too much of a lightweight to make it past one glass, but our waitress just filled it back up as soon as I had finished. Good thing I had Uncle Sean there to finish it off for me!)
The food was amazing, starting with jelly-fish/chicken salad and fishcakes for appetizers. Mains were lamb Shan-tung and seseme trout. We even got dessert.....ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. I had black seseme ice-cream and coconut sago. I could still almost taste it hours later.
Canberra itself wasn't overly exciting. I've never been to Washington D.C., but I expect that it is more interesting. I think Canberra is still too new to have much atmosphere. It could be also that, not being Australian, I don't feel any sort of emotion being there. I don't have a sense of their history like I would hope a citizen would. Maybe you just have to be an Aussie to appreciate Canberra.
Anne-Nicole and I spent most of the afternoon at the National Museum. It was a very interesting place. While looking at the exhibits, I got a stronger sense of something I had felt before. There seems to be a very strong collective guilt here over the treatment of the Aboriginies in the past. It is pervasive in the museums, almost to the exclusion of anything else. (Again, being an outsider, I may not be getting the full story, so to speak.) I would certainly not suggest that they not address or gloss over the issue-that would be ridiculous and unfair to everybody. We need reminders of the atrocities committed in the past or we risk forgetting them. It just seems that the fixation on the subject, to the point that other aspects of history are missed entirely, isn't healthy either.
I also noticed that there was little or no differentiation made between those Europeans who came as missionaries to the Aboriginies, meaning to share the Gospel, and those who came to get rid of them. They all seem to be painted with the same brush. While I certainly wasn't there to judge the behavior of those involved, I cannot believe that every European who came into contact with the native people here did it with the wish to wipe them out.
Now that I'm finished spewing-
We had a fantastic dinner Monday night at The Chairman & Yip, where we dined alongside at least one Australian MP (Mr Kevin Rudd, Labor's Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and International Security and apparently a very important person.) The establishment was the sort where, not only do they take you coat at the door, they also pour your wine and dish out your food for you. (The wine thing can be dangerous.... I'm too much of a lightweight to make it past one glass, but our waitress just filled it back up as soon as I had finished. Good thing I had Uncle Sean there to finish it off for me!)
The food was amazing, starting with jelly-fish/chicken salad and fishcakes for appetizers. Mains were lamb Shan-tung and seseme trout. We even got dessert.....ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. I had black seseme ice-cream and coconut sago. I could still almost taste it hours later.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Saturday & Sunday
Before I launch into the weekend, I think I should add something about Thursday. Somehow I forgot it when I was writing before.
Thursday night we went to the symphony at the Opera House. We heard the "Shock of the New:III" which was interesting to say the least. The Tibetian monks were pretty cool, and we had seats right up next to them, and it was fun to watch them. The best parts were the didgeridoo player and the great drums. Apart from those, it was pretty weird.
Anyway.
Saturday, we went over to the fish market for lunch, and pigged out on a huge seafood platter and chips. We ate outside and were visited by many, MANY seagulls. There were pelicans down on the water; the the brown ones I am accustomed to seeing in Florida, but magnificent white ones.
Sunday we drove out to the Blue Mountains. One the way we stopped at a park where there were wild kangaroos, and we watched them for a while, and we able to get pretty close. They were just sitting in a field, like deer but less skittish.
The Blue Mountains aren't anything size-wise, when compared to New Zealand's mountains, but they were lovely. The take their name from the blue haze that seems to cover them, and adds a bit of an unearthly air, especially when the sun is setting.
We drove to Echo Point, overlooking the Three Sisters rock formation in Katoomba, and walked partway down the Giant Staircase (980 steps down, and over 1000 ft...but we only went about 30) to get to the Three Sisters. The area is what I imagine the Grand Canyon would look like if it were covered in vegetation. Pretty spectacular.
Before heading back to Sydney, we hiked down (460 steps) to a lookout point from which we could see Bridal Veil Falls and the Hanging Gardens. They would have been much more appreciated were it not for the fact that we later had to hike back up 460 steps. When we finally got back to the car, we comforted ourselved with deep dark chocolate (gotta replenish all those lost calories...seriously.)
Thursday night we went to the symphony at the Opera House. We heard the "Shock of the New:III" which was interesting to say the least. The Tibetian monks were pretty cool, and we had seats right up next to them, and it was fun to watch them. The best parts were the didgeridoo player and the great drums. Apart from those, it was pretty weird.
Anyway.
Saturday, we went over to the fish market for lunch, and pigged out on a huge seafood platter and chips. We ate outside and were visited by many, MANY seagulls. There were pelicans down on the water; the the brown ones I am accustomed to seeing in Florida, but magnificent white ones.
Sunday we drove out to the Blue Mountains. One the way we stopped at a park where there were wild kangaroos, and we watched them for a while, and we able to get pretty close. They were just sitting in a field, like deer but less skittish.
The Blue Mountains aren't anything size-wise, when compared to New Zealand's mountains, but they were lovely. The take their name from the blue haze that seems to cover them, and adds a bit of an unearthly air, especially when the sun is setting.
We drove to Echo Point, overlooking the Three Sisters rock formation in Katoomba, and walked partway down the Giant Staircase (980 steps down, and over 1000 ft...but we only went about 30) to get to the Three Sisters. The area is what I imagine the Grand Canyon would look like if it were covered in vegetation. Pretty spectacular.
Before heading back to Sydney, we hiked down (460 steps) to a lookout point from which we could see Bridal Veil Falls and the Hanging Gardens. They would have been much more appreciated were it not for the fact that we later had to hike back up 460 steps. When we finally got back to the car, we comforted ourselved with deep dark chocolate (gotta replenish all those lost calories...seriously.)
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Thursday and Friday: Around Sydney
I hadn't planned anything for the Thursday after we got back, so when Anne-Nicole mentioned the Sydney Authors Festival, it sounded pretty good. The order of the day was speeches by Australian historians/authors.
I took the ferry downtown and walked to The Mint, where the event was being held. Getting there took longer than I anticipated, and the speakers were just getting ready when I walked in. There was standing room only, so I didn't get a seat, but my spot had an excellent view of the podium anyway. The authors speaking were Thomas Keneally, Beverly Kingston, and Henry Reynolds. Their information was interesting, even to one who knows aas little about Australian history as I do. Mr. Reynolds and Ms. Kingston came off as exceedingly intellectual (read: superior, slightly condescending), but Mr. Keneally was highly entertaining and his books looked more interesting anyway. I was planning on buying one of Keneally's books, "A Commonwealth of Thieves" to have signed, but they were $60, and I only had $40 on me at the time.
After the lectures were over I walked down the street to the State Library of New South Wales which had several exhibitions going on, including the World Press Photo Exhibition. Many of the pictures were beautiful and touching, but more were meant to be shocking. They were all great pictures, although the captions on most of them were very PC.
Friday, I spent most of the day at Taronga Zoo again, and this time I remembered my camera! I got some great shots, especially of the chimps and the giraffes (my two favorites, naturally.) The day was perfect for a zoo outing. It was almost hot in the sun, but and nice and cool in the shade. Unfortunately, the perfect conditions meant that the zoo was packed- not my favorite way to see the animals. I decided not to let it bug me, and got almost as much amusement out of watching all the children running around as I did out of the monkeys and apes. ;o)
I took the ferry downtown and walked to The Mint, where the event was being held. Getting there took longer than I anticipated, and the speakers were just getting ready when I walked in. There was standing room only, so I didn't get a seat, but my spot had an excellent view of the podium anyway. The authors speaking were Thomas Keneally, Beverly Kingston, and Henry Reynolds. Their information was interesting, even to one who knows aas little about Australian history as I do. Mr. Reynolds and Ms. Kingston came off as exceedingly intellectual (read: superior, slightly condescending), but Mr. Keneally was highly entertaining and his books looked more interesting anyway. I was planning on buying one of Keneally's books, "A Commonwealth of Thieves" to have signed, but they were $60, and I only had $40 on me at the time.
After the lectures were over I walked down the street to the State Library of New South Wales which had several exhibitions going on, including the World Press Photo Exhibition. Many of the pictures were beautiful and touching, but more were meant to be shocking. They were all great pictures, although the captions on most of them were very PC.
Friday, I spent most of the day at Taronga Zoo again, and this time I remembered my camera! I got some great shots, especially of the chimps and the giraffes (my two favorites, naturally.) The day was perfect for a zoo outing. It was almost hot in the sun, but and nice and cool in the shade. Unfortunately, the perfect conditions meant that the zoo was packed- not my favorite way to see the animals. I decided not to let it bug me, and got almost as much amusement out of watching all the children running around as I did out of the monkeys and apes. ;o)
Friday, May 26, 2006
Wednesday: Kaikoura-Christchurch-Auckland-Sydney
We woke up Wednesday morning to a lovely breakfast prepared by Mrs. Groufsky. We had fresh-from-the-hen eggs, homemade muesli, jams and jellies, and the famous Manuka honey. We had to leave around 9:00 to get over to Christchurch and the airport. As we left, I snapped a picture of the Groufsky's garden gnomes. They aren't just any garden gnomes...They're garden gnomes who appear to have been attacked by a member of the cast of "Kill Bill." Priceless.
Our flights were nice and uneventful. On the trip from Auckland to Sydney they tried to show King Kong-or rather, a much chopped and condensed version of King Kong. That meant cutting all of the good scenes in favor of the action sequences. Ugh. I found it easier to basically ignore the movie and concentrate on my books.
We got back late in the evening and waited in a very long line for a taxi to take us to Uncle Sean's car, which was parked in North Sydney. We finally got one, but we might have been better off hitch-hiking. It might have been safer, anyway. This cabbie drove at least 40km over the speed limit at all times, through heavy traffic, over bridges, through tunnels, and he did it all without a turn signal. Or a seat belt, for that matter. It was quite a harrowing trip, but we made it back to Uncle Sean's car in our respective pieces, and if the much shorter distance from N. Sydney to the house took more time than the long trip from the airport, at least it was a SAFE drive.
Our flights were nice and uneventful. On the trip from Auckland to Sydney they tried to show King Kong-or rather, a much chopped and condensed version of King Kong. That meant cutting all of the good scenes in favor of the action sequences. Ugh. I found it easier to basically ignore the movie and concentrate on my books.
We got back late in the evening and waited in a very long line for a taxi to take us to Uncle Sean's car, which was parked in North Sydney. We finally got one, but we might have been better off hitch-hiking. It might have been safer, anyway. This cabbie drove at least 40km over the speed limit at all times, through heavy traffic, over bridges, through tunnels, and he did it all without a turn signal. Or a seat belt, for that matter. It was quite a harrowing trip, but we made it back to Uncle Sean's car in our respective pieces, and if the much shorter distance from N. Sydney to the house took more time than the long trip from the airport, at least it was a SAFE drive.
Tuesday: Hanmer to Kaikoura
We had a relaxing morning and a nice breakfast in our little house in Hanmer Springs before leaving for Kaikoura. The drive over was pleasant, even though the weather continued to be rainy and the mountains were obscured by low-hanging clouds and fog.
Our original plans for Kaikoura included a dolphin encounter cruise, where the boat takes you out to visit with the lovely little dolphins for a few hours. We went to the cruise officce and signed up as soon as we got in to town. Our next stop was the travel center, which had a wall full of brochures for various hotels, B&Bs, and farm-stays. We opted to try the "A Good Life" farm stay/B&B. The travel planner at the information center made the reservations for us, and we said we'd be there at 4:00, after our cruise.
We got back to the cruise center, to discover that our trip had been cancelled. Apparently, those pesky dolphins had swum out to sea and out of the range of the cruise boats. We got over our disappointment and decided that since we couldn't see the dolphins in the water, we'd have to settle for seals on the shore. There is a seal colony just north of the town, on Ohau Point, so we set off along the coast in search of them. The results of our search were initially very disappointing. We'd been driving for a while and only seen a few seals where there were supposed to be hundreds. We had finally given up, and were turning around in a gravel lot, when we noticed a sign marking a trail leading into the forest and away from the water. The sign indicated that there was a waterfall 10 minutes up the trail, so (despite the rain) we decided to go for it and at least get a water fall out of our little adventure. We started hiking up the path through the forest, across a creek running down to the ocean, and up toward the waterfall.
The waterfall itself was beautiful, falling from about 50 feet up, into a lovely rock pool surrounded by trees and ferny plants. But even more spectacular was what was in the pool. At least 2 dozen seal pups were splashing around under the waterfall! They were doing acrobatic flips over one another, and diving around, just having a marvelous time. They didn't seem at all alarmed by our presence, and some even would flop their way up onto the rocks bordering the path. They were all incredibly adorable with huge dark brown eyes which reminded me of my little brothers (animals with brown eyes always do that...wonder why. ;o)) A sign nearby explained that the pups had come up to play in this pool where they would be safe from predators. We later learned that this was a completely new behavior for these seals. They had just started frequenting that waterfall a few weeks earlier. We spent a good half hour just watching them play before heading back up the path to the ocean. I joked about being seal-shocked afterwards, but I was partly serious. For the next couple of hours all I could think about was what we'd just had the privaledge to see and what an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience that was. Far better and more unique than any old dolphin cruise.
From there we went shopping (and I bought gifts-shh!) Around 4:00 we headed out of town towards our farm-stay at the foot of Mt. Fyffe. Our hosts, Brian and Marion Groufsky welcomed us and entertained us for the next 2 hours. Mr. Groufsky (for those of you who are acquainted with my family) is rather like what you would get if you took both my grandfather's quirks, mixed them up with some home-brewed beer, and set them to rise. He was completely mad, but very friendly and generous. (He even shared his own private jar of mussels with us!) Mrs. Groufsky is a bit of a home-maker genius. She cans all her own veggies, makes all her own jams and preserves, tends to their chickens and other livestock, and brews beer. They have 4 dogs, 3 of which are Australian Terriers, and all of which were extremely entertaining. One of them spent at least 30 minutes giving Uncle Sean's stockinged feet a good licking, and all of them would trail along whenever their people moved to a different room.
It was incredibly dark outside after the sun went down. It was overcast that night, so there were no stars. There are, of course, no street lights 12 kms. from Kaikoura, and in Kaikoura itself there aren't many, so there was nothing to relieve the total blackness of the countryside. We went to dinner at Donegal House, which was also out in the country, not far at all from the farm. Our dinner there was delicious (salmon and veges for me, mussels and Guiness for the others.)
We went back to the farm after dinner and we had the house basically to ourselves, since our hosts had retired by that time. We relaxed in front of the telly to watch last season's Apprentice, CSI: Miami, and House. We also downed some sauvignon blanc and more hokey-pokey ice-cream (which Mrs. Groufsky later gave us the recipe for-good woman.)
Around 10:30 we all headed for our nice warm beds (more electric blankets!) to get a good night's sleep in before we had to leave for Aust. in the morning.
Our original plans for Kaikoura included a dolphin encounter cruise, where the boat takes you out to visit with the lovely little dolphins for a few hours. We went to the cruise officce and signed up as soon as we got in to town. Our next stop was the travel center, which had a wall full of brochures for various hotels, B&Bs, and farm-stays. We opted to try the "A Good Life" farm stay/B&B. The travel planner at the information center made the reservations for us, and we said we'd be there at 4:00, after our cruise.
We got back to the cruise center, to discover that our trip had been cancelled. Apparently, those pesky dolphins had swum out to sea and out of the range of the cruise boats. We got over our disappointment and decided that since we couldn't see the dolphins in the water, we'd have to settle for seals on the shore. There is a seal colony just north of the town, on Ohau Point, so we set off along the coast in search of them. The results of our search were initially very disappointing. We'd been driving for a while and only seen a few seals where there were supposed to be hundreds. We had finally given up, and were turning around in a gravel lot, when we noticed a sign marking a trail leading into the forest and away from the water. The sign indicated that there was a waterfall 10 minutes up the trail, so (despite the rain) we decided to go for it and at least get a water fall out of our little adventure. We started hiking up the path through the forest, across a creek running down to the ocean, and up toward the waterfall.
The waterfall itself was beautiful, falling from about 50 feet up, into a lovely rock pool surrounded by trees and ferny plants. But even more spectacular was what was in the pool. At least 2 dozen seal pups were splashing around under the waterfall! They were doing acrobatic flips over one another, and diving around, just having a marvelous time. They didn't seem at all alarmed by our presence, and some even would flop their way up onto the rocks bordering the path. They were all incredibly adorable with huge dark brown eyes which reminded me of my little brothers (animals with brown eyes always do that...wonder why. ;o)) A sign nearby explained that the pups had come up to play in this pool where they would be safe from predators. We later learned that this was a completely new behavior for these seals. They had just started frequenting that waterfall a few weeks earlier. We spent a good half hour just watching them play before heading back up the path to the ocean. I joked about being seal-shocked afterwards, but I was partly serious. For the next couple of hours all I could think about was what we'd just had the privaledge to see and what an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience that was. Far better and more unique than any old dolphin cruise.
From there we went shopping (and I bought gifts-shh!) Around 4:00 we headed out of town towards our farm-stay at the foot of Mt. Fyffe. Our hosts, Brian and Marion Groufsky welcomed us and entertained us for the next 2 hours. Mr. Groufsky (for those of you who are acquainted with my family) is rather like what you would get if you took both my grandfather's quirks, mixed them up with some home-brewed beer, and set them to rise. He was completely mad, but very friendly and generous. (He even shared his own private jar of mussels with us!) Mrs. Groufsky is a bit of a home-maker genius. She cans all her own veggies, makes all her own jams and preserves, tends to their chickens and other livestock, and brews beer. They have 4 dogs, 3 of which are Australian Terriers, and all of which were extremely entertaining. One of them spent at least 30 minutes giving Uncle Sean's stockinged feet a good licking, and all of them would trail along whenever their people moved to a different room.
It was incredibly dark outside after the sun went down. It was overcast that night, so there were no stars. There are, of course, no street lights 12 kms. from Kaikoura, and in Kaikoura itself there aren't many, so there was nothing to relieve the total blackness of the countryside. We went to dinner at Donegal House, which was also out in the country, not far at all from the farm. Our dinner there was delicious (salmon and veges for me, mussels and Guiness for the others.)
We went back to the farm after dinner and we had the house basically to ourselves, since our hosts had retired by that time. We relaxed in front of the telly to watch last season's Apprentice, CSI: Miami, and House. We also downed some sauvignon blanc and more hokey-pokey ice-cream (which Mrs. Groufsky later gave us the recipe for-good woman.)
Around 10:30 we all headed for our nice warm beds (more electric blankets!) to get a good night's sleep in before we had to leave for Aust. in the morning.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Monday: Akaroa to Hanmer Springs
We had a leisurely breakfast in our apartment in Akaroa on Monday morning, after which we packed up and took off for Hanmer Springs. From the postcards I saw, it looked like a gorgeous location, right at the foot of the mountains. Unfortunately, it was cloudy/rainy the entire time we were there, so one couldn't actually see the mountains.
Our accomodation luck continued, and we stumbled across a cottage rental company. They would rent out an entire house to you, even for one night, for less than the price of some hotels. We got a nice little 3 bedroom house, with a log fire, electric blankets AND heated towel racks (my new best friends!)
That afternoon, after getting settled in the house, we got out swim suits on and headed for the hot springs. Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. That was incredibly relaxing. There was a light rain falling part of the time, which cooled my face, butthe rest of me was nice and warm. Moving between pools was an experience. It was NOT a warm day- something like 8 degrees Celsius (46 Fahrenheit) and wet, but the temperature made the pools feel that much nicer.
After a relaxing 2 hours, we went back to the house, got all cleaned and dressed, and went searching for dinner. Anne-Nicole had spotted something earlier that looked appetizing, so we headed for that, and on the way Uncle Sean suggested all of the places we didn't want to eat....like Burger King. We got to the restaurant, Jollie Jack's, which had a nice fire going and NZ news on a big screen TV in the bar. Our food was delicious. (Mussels to share, incredible seafood pasta, steak, and cod....and several jugs of water.) It was the sort of restaurant where the presentation of the food is beautiful, but not pretentious and over the top.
That night Uncle Sean built a fire in our fireplace and we sat down with a bar of chocolate and some local wine and vegged. Our hosts had left behind a selection of movies, and it was a matter of choosing between "Willy Wonka" and "Chicken Run." The chickens won. Easily. (Watching a movie like "Chicken Run" with your average, run of the mill person is NOTHING like watching it with Uncle Sean.)
Our accomodation luck continued, and we stumbled across a cottage rental company. They would rent out an entire house to you, even for one night, for less than the price of some hotels. We got a nice little 3 bedroom house, with a log fire, electric blankets AND heated towel racks (my new best friends!)
That afternoon, after getting settled in the house, we got out swim suits on and headed for the hot springs. Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. That was incredibly relaxing. There was a light rain falling part of the time, which cooled my face, butthe rest of me was nice and warm. Moving between pools was an experience. It was NOT a warm day- something like 8 degrees Celsius (46 Fahrenheit) and wet, but the temperature made the pools feel that much nicer.
After a relaxing 2 hours, we went back to the house, got all cleaned and dressed, and went searching for dinner. Anne-Nicole had spotted something earlier that looked appetizing, so we headed for that, and on the way Uncle Sean suggested all of the places we didn't want to eat....like Burger King. We got to the restaurant, Jollie Jack's, which had a nice fire going and NZ news on a big screen TV in the bar. Our food was delicious. (Mussels to share, incredible seafood pasta, steak, and cod....and several jugs of water.) It was the sort of restaurant where the presentation of the food is beautiful, but not pretentious and over the top.
That night Uncle Sean built a fire in our fireplace and we sat down with a bar of chocolate and some local wine and vegged. Our hosts had left behind a selection of movies, and it was a matter of choosing between "Willy Wonka" and "Chicken Run." The chickens won. Easily. (Watching a movie like "Chicken Run" with your average, run of the mill person is NOTHING like watching it with Uncle Sean.)
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Sunday: Akaroa, NZ
We left Christchurch after a large breakfast of muesli, yogurt, danishes, toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, and assorted juices and coffee/tea, all courtesy of Nita and Belina, the owners.
Our drive to Akaroa was very leisurely. We stopped several times when one or all of us saw something that looked interesting. After driving through Lyttleton toward the Banks Peninsula, we stopped off at a harbor park where we found a trail that went down along the water. It was a beautiful spot, with the hills coming right down to the water, and a view out onto the Pacific. While on the trail, we met a couple out walking their dog (the killer cocker, Scrumpy.) They were very friendly, and gave us tips on good places to stop, especially for food.
We continued on, stopping every once and a while for pictures. The terrain was hilly/mountainous, and the roads just wrapped around the edges. It being New Zealand, there were sheep EVERYWHERE, even in the most precarious spots. It was cloudy, so we couldn't see very far, but what we could see was beautiful. The hills in that area were a fall-ish golden green color, and very rocky. There weren't just large outcroppings like one would expect to find, but along the flatter parts, there were just big rocks everywhere.
A little outside of Akaroa, we came across one of the suggested stops, a cafe and art gallery. The coffee was delicious, and the art gallery was pretty interesting. (I bought something, but I'm not saying what because I know for a fact that its recipient will be reading this. ;o))
Further along, we stopped again, this time at Barry's Cheese Shop in Barry's Bay. Though I've never stopped and thought about what a cheeseman shoud look like, if I had a I imagine I would have pictured someone like the Barry's Bay cheeseman. He was tall and rosy, with a big white moustache, and he was wearing a white cap and apron. He really looked like something from a story book. We bought a few cheeses from him and continued on.
Before long at all, we were in Akaroa. It is a charming little waterfront town, with lots of neat old buildings, and cats EVERYWHERE. We started off looking for a a place to stay that night. We had seen The Giant's House B&B advertised several places, and it looked interesting, so we picked up the brochure, and started to walk the "four blocks" to the house. "Four blocks" probably equaled 8+ city blocks, went uphill, and seemed interminable. Eventually we got to the driveway, where we had to walk up another hill, followed by a set of stairs to reach the house. the house itselfwas gorgeous. It was built in the 1880s, and it has lovely bones. But an artist lives there now. A nutty artist. The sort who completely overwhelms a beautiful old house with garish colors and really weird sculpture. The owner was a little bit scary herself. I don't mind when my friends dress in mini-skirts and dye their hair blue (yes, that means you, Rachel ;o)) but there's something strange about a 50+ year old woman doing it, especially when one moment she's acting like she wants to hug you, and the next she's about to rip your head off.
We skeedaddled. Thank goodness. I might have gotten nightmares, either from the hostess, or her creepy sculpture garden.
We ended up renting a waterfront apartment, which was incredibly relaxing. We got take-out fish'n'chips for dinner, and sat around the family room watching Return of the King.
After finding a place to stay, we took off for a drive. We drove up into the mountains, starting with nice, fairly broad but curvy mountainside roads, and as we got farther in, the roads got narrower and steeper. Some gave way to gravel entirely. Boy that was fun. :o)
Uncle Sean is a good driver though, and we were in no danger of flying off the side of a mountain. The scenery was fantastic, but the most amazing thing was the silence. It was completely quiet up on the mountain. Even the sheep were silent. I don't think I ever realized before just how much background noise is always around me. There are always car sounds, people, birds, or some sort of machine making noise. Up on the top of that mountain, you could hear the footsteps of the sheep across the pasture, and every breath of wind rustling the grass.
Our drive to Akaroa was very leisurely. We stopped several times when one or all of us saw something that looked interesting. After driving through Lyttleton toward the Banks Peninsula, we stopped off at a harbor park where we found a trail that went down along the water. It was a beautiful spot, with the hills coming right down to the water, and a view out onto the Pacific. While on the trail, we met a couple out walking their dog (the killer cocker, Scrumpy.) They were very friendly, and gave us tips on good places to stop, especially for food.
We continued on, stopping every once and a while for pictures. The terrain was hilly/mountainous, and the roads just wrapped around the edges. It being New Zealand, there were sheep EVERYWHERE, even in the most precarious spots. It was cloudy, so we couldn't see very far, but what we could see was beautiful. The hills in that area were a fall-ish golden green color, and very rocky. There weren't just large outcroppings like one would expect to find, but along the flatter parts, there were just big rocks everywhere.
A little outside of Akaroa, we came across one of the suggested stops, a cafe and art gallery. The coffee was delicious, and the art gallery was pretty interesting. (I bought something, but I'm not saying what because I know for a fact that its recipient will be reading this. ;o))
Further along, we stopped again, this time at Barry's Cheese Shop in Barry's Bay. Though I've never stopped and thought about what a cheeseman shoud look like, if I had a I imagine I would have pictured someone like the Barry's Bay cheeseman. He was tall and rosy, with a big white moustache, and he was wearing a white cap and apron. He really looked like something from a story book. We bought a few cheeses from him and continued on.
Before long at all, we were in Akaroa. It is a charming little waterfront town, with lots of neat old buildings, and cats EVERYWHERE. We started off looking for a a place to stay that night. We had seen The Giant's House B&B advertised several places, and it looked interesting, so we picked up the brochure, and started to walk the "four blocks" to the house. "Four blocks" probably equaled 8+ city blocks, went uphill, and seemed interminable. Eventually we got to the driveway, where we had to walk up another hill, followed by a set of stairs to reach the house. the house itselfwas gorgeous. It was built in the 1880s, and it has lovely bones. But an artist lives there now. A nutty artist. The sort who completely overwhelms a beautiful old house with garish colors and really weird sculpture. The owner was a little bit scary herself. I don't mind when my friends dress in mini-skirts and dye their hair blue (yes, that means you, Rachel ;o)) but there's something strange about a 50+ year old woman doing it, especially when one moment she's acting like she wants to hug you, and the next she's about to rip your head off.
We skeedaddled. Thank goodness. I might have gotten nightmares, either from the hostess, or her creepy sculpture garden.
We ended up renting a waterfront apartment, which was incredibly relaxing. We got take-out fish'n'chips for dinner, and sat around the family room watching Return of the King.
After finding a place to stay, we took off for a drive. We drove up into the mountains, starting with nice, fairly broad but curvy mountainside roads, and as we got farther in, the roads got narrower and steeper. Some gave way to gravel entirely. Boy that was fun. :o)
Uncle Sean is a good driver though, and we were in no danger of flying off the side of a mountain. The scenery was fantastic, but the most amazing thing was the silence. It was completely quiet up on the mountain. Even the sheep were silent. I don't think I ever realized before just how much background noise is always around me. There are always car sounds, people, birds, or some sort of machine making noise. Up on the top of that mountain, you could hear the footsteps of the sheep across the pasture, and every breath of wind rustling the grass.
Saturday: Christchurch, NZ
Starting at the beginning...who knows how long this could end up being! I am definitely going to do more than one post.
We left the house on Saturday morning (around 7:00, I think) and hung around the Qantas member's lounge until our flight at 8:50. I'd never been in one of the airline lounges before, and it was quite an experience. There was a hot breakfast buffet, espresso, and just about any alcohol you could want, as well as high-speed internet access. I could really get into travelling that way.
We got into Christchurch, NZ around 1:00 their time, and found rooms at the Croyden House B&B. It was comfortable, clean, WARM (electric blankets on the beds, heated towel racks...my kind of place!), and the house itself was lovely.
We did some walking around, looking at various art galleries, and visiting an open market near the cathedral. We got lunch at the market; fresh cheese crepes for Anne-Nicole and me, and a big old sausage for Uncle Sean. After we had finished lunch and done some more walking we visited the cathedral. Despite the modern paraphanelia scattered throughout, it was a very reverent space. There were some beautiful carved panels throughout the church, and the stained glass was lovely.
We went back to the Croyden House for a while, and sat in the parlour, drinking their complimentary sherry. After we had rested for a while, we set out in search of dinner. We ended up at a small Thai/Laotian restaurant. We had a delicious dinner, followed by dessert- fried bananas on "hokey-pokey" ice-cream. Hokey-Pokey is a New Zealand thing. They just don't sell it anywhere else. (I'm very nearly addicted to it...but don't worry. I got the recipe!) If you think that sounds revoltingly sweet, you're almost right. But it was delicious.
The streets were almost deserted later Saturday evening, because of the big rugby match going on, involving the Christchurch Crusaders. Everyone else was somewhere with a TV (and beer.) We decided to go act like locals and catch the end of the game at one of the pubs on the main drag. It wasn't a very pubby-pub. There wasn't any smoke in the room, it was very quiet (for a room full of rugby fans), and the decor was sophisticated. But the Monteith's beer was very good. :o)
We left the house on Saturday morning (around 7:00, I think) and hung around the Qantas member's lounge until our flight at 8:50. I'd never been in one of the airline lounges before, and it was quite an experience. There was a hot breakfast buffet, espresso, and just about any alcohol you could want, as well as high-speed internet access. I could really get into travelling that way.
We got into Christchurch, NZ around 1:00 their time, and found rooms at the Croyden House B&B. It was comfortable, clean, WARM (electric blankets on the beds, heated towel racks...my kind of place!), and the house itself was lovely.
We did some walking around, looking at various art galleries, and visiting an open market near the cathedral. We got lunch at the market; fresh cheese crepes for Anne-Nicole and me, and a big old sausage for Uncle Sean. After we had finished lunch and done some more walking we visited the cathedral. Despite the modern paraphanelia scattered throughout, it was a very reverent space. There were some beautiful carved panels throughout the church, and the stained glass was lovely.
We went back to the Croyden House for a while, and sat in the parlour, drinking their complimentary sherry. After we had rested for a while, we set out in search of dinner. We ended up at a small Thai/Laotian restaurant. We had a delicious dinner, followed by dessert- fried bananas on "hokey-pokey" ice-cream. Hokey-Pokey is a New Zealand thing. They just don't sell it anywhere else. (I'm very nearly addicted to it...but don't worry. I got the recipe!) If you think that sounds revoltingly sweet, you're almost right. But it was delicious.
The streets were almost deserted later Saturday evening, because of the big rugby match going on, involving the Christchurch Crusaders. Everyone else was somewhere with a TV (and beer.) We decided to go act like locals and catch the end of the game at one of the pubs on the main drag. It wasn't a very pubby-pub. There wasn't any smoke in the room, it was very quiet (for a room full of rugby fans), and the decor was sophisticated. But the Monteith's beer was very good. :o)
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Saturday: Sydney to Christchurch
We're in Christchurch, New Zealand now. The town is adorable, and our B&B, the Croyden House, is very quaint and comfortable.
I probably won't get to post for a few more days, because I'm not sure if we'll have internet access everywhere. If not, I'll be sure to fill everyone in on our trip as soon as we get back to Sydney on Wednesday.
I probably won't get to post for a few more days, because I'm not sure if we'll have internet access everywhere. If not, I'll be sure to fill everyone in on our trip as soon as we get back to Sydney on Wednesday.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Friday: Sitting Around Reading
I woke up around 8:30 this morning, and Uncle Sean and Aunt Anne-Nicole were both gone for the day. After my hike yesterday, my feet were a little sore, and I didn't have anything planned for today, so I decided against gallivanting off. Instead, I lazed around in my pajamas for a few hours, checked email several times, and talked to my family on the phone. I finally got dressed around 10:30, after which I sat around reading and watching movies until 1:00.
After 1:00, I decided that taking it easy didn't necessarily mean staying inside. It was a lovely, sunny day, far too nice to waste with movies. I packed a bag with all the essentials: my book, camera, pen and paper, wallet, and a bag of chocolate chip cookies. Gear in hand, I set off for a nice, leisurely walk down Cremorne Point. At the very tip, just before you would walk off the edge into the harbor, there are a few benches. I planted myself on one of those.
The view from the point is wonderful. There's a white lighthouse just off the tip of the point, which is quite picturesque, and Taronga Zoo is just across the water. There were times when I could hear the animals over the sound of the water. Any number of boats were passing at any given time; motor boats, sail boats, ferries....
As the day progressed, the light over the harbor changed. It started off as a crisp, clear light, in which it seems that you can make out every leaf of every tree, and the sails of the sailboats shine almost blindingly. The water sparkled and gleamed, reflecting and magnifying the light of the sun. Gradually, the light softened, so that everything looked a little fuzzy around the edges, and the walls of the buildings across the harbor seemed to have a gentle golden halo. The water no longer shimmered, but it took on a deeper blue to contrast with the soft greens and golds of the shore.
Excuse the descriptive flight.... I sat outside for almost 4 hours, just reading and thinking, so I had plenty of time to take in my surroundings and appreciate and commit to memory every color and sound. Hopefully, when I got home I'll remember quiet moments like that as well as I remember all the adventures I've been having.
Speaking of adventures, we're leaving in the morning forNew Zealand! We'll be flying into Christchurch, and from there on, who knows. I get the feeling that whatever we do, as long as we get out of the airport, I'll be happy with it and find it interesting.
After 1:00, I decided that taking it easy didn't necessarily mean staying inside. It was a lovely, sunny day, far too nice to waste with movies. I packed a bag with all the essentials: my book, camera, pen and paper, wallet, and a bag of chocolate chip cookies. Gear in hand, I set off for a nice, leisurely walk down Cremorne Point. At the very tip, just before you would walk off the edge into the harbor, there are a few benches. I planted myself on one of those.
The view from the point is wonderful. There's a white lighthouse just off the tip of the point, which is quite picturesque, and Taronga Zoo is just across the water. There were times when I could hear the animals over the sound of the water. Any number of boats were passing at any given time; motor boats, sail boats, ferries....
As the day progressed, the light over the harbor changed. It started off as a crisp, clear light, in which it seems that you can make out every leaf of every tree, and the sails of the sailboats shine almost blindingly. The water sparkled and gleamed, reflecting and magnifying the light of the sun. Gradually, the light softened, so that everything looked a little fuzzy around the edges, and the walls of the buildings across the harbor seemed to have a gentle golden halo. The water no longer shimmered, but it took on a deeper blue to contrast with the soft greens and golds of the shore.
Excuse the descriptive flight.... I sat outside for almost 4 hours, just reading and thinking, so I had plenty of time to take in my surroundings and appreciate and commit to memory every color and sound. Hopefully, when I got home I'll remember quiet moments like that as well as I remember all the adventures I've been having.
Speaking of adventures, we're leaving in the morning forNew Zealand! We'll be flying into Christchurch, and from there on, who knows. I get the feeling that whatever we do, as long as we get out of the airport, I'll be happy with it and find it interesting.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Thursday: Manly
Uncle Sean and I headed over to Manly Beach at 10:00 yesterday morning. He hit the waves for some surfing, and I explored. I walked the length of the beach a few times before settling down with a book along one of the quieter stretches of beach.
According to the internet surf experts, it was a beautiful, "sparkling" morning on Manly. They were completely right. The water was shimmery and the waves almost seemed to be glowing. In places where the water was more still, it was incredibly clear and an amazing, un-real shade of blue.
After a little while, Uncle Sean came over to say he was heading back to work, and I put down my book for some shopping. I hit the Mambo store (again) to finish up shopping for my brothers. Lucky for me they had a sale, and I ended up with a free sweatshirt.
By the time I'd finished shopping, I'd worked up an appetite (funny how that happens.) I stopped in at an inexpensive little hole-in-the-wall health food place for some take-away tofu salad, which I took back down to the waterfront for a picnic. As I expected, the seagulls were far more interested in the fish and chips being consumed all around me than in my little tofu salad.
To make up for my super healthy lunch, I got myself a nice big cone of ice-cream for dessert. My ice-cream and I took a walk down the beach to Cabbage Tree Bay, which was oh-so lovely and peaceful. I settled back down with my book in a nice breezy spot, and stayed there for a few more hours.
At 2:00, I decided to head back in the general direction of home, via the "Manly-Spit" walk. (Ok, so it's really called the Manly Scenic Walkway, but it runs between Manly Beach and The Spit, and everyone calls it The Spit to Manly walk. I went backwards...Manly-Spit.)
Anyway. I thought to grab a bottle of water before I left, and it was a good thing I did. The walk was about 9 km. long and pretty tough in spots; the water was thoroughly appreciated. The scenery was incredible though. Some of the views were breathtaking....(at least, I'd like to think it was the views, not the very steep, uneven, 200 or so steps required to reach the views....) My camera battery had been dying slowly all day, but I managed to get some great pictures.
I finally descended from the heights, down to Clontarf Beach, where I promptly took off my walking sandals and soaked my feet in the water. It felt soooo good, and I walked the rest of the length of the beach up to my ankles in water. I found some really great starfish, but they were all still alive (drat. ;o)) By the time the trail picked back up, I was totally relaxed, cool, and comfortable, but my feet were just a little too big for my shoes. Ouch. I survived the last 1/4 mile or so, and settled in to wait for a bus to take me back home. Overall, the hike took about 2 1/2 hours, even though the posted time for it is 4+. I was pretty pleased with myself after that, despite my sore, swollen feet.
According to the internet surf experts, it was a beautiful, "sparkling" morning on Manly. They were completely right. The water was shimmery and the waves almost seemed to be glowing. In places where the water was more still, it was incredibly clear and an amazing, un-real shade of blue.
After a little while, Uncle Sean came over to say he was heading back to work, and I put down my book for some shopping. I hit the Mambo store (again) to finish up shopping for my brothers. Lucky for me they had a sale, and I ended up with a free sweatshirt.
By the time I'd finished shopping, I'd worked up an appetite (funny how that happens.) I stopped in at an inexpensive little hole-in-the-wall health food place for some take-away tofu salad, which I took back down to the waterfront for a picnic. As I expected, the seagulls were far more interested in the fish and chips being consumed all around me than in my little tofu salad.
To make up for my super healthy lunch, I got myself a nice big cone of ice-cream for dessert. My ice-cream and I took a walk down the beach to Cabbage Tree Bay, which was oh-so lovely and peaceful. I settled back down with my book in a nice breezy spot, and stayed there for a few more hours.
At 2:00, I decided to head back in the general direction of home, via the "Manly-Spit" walk. (Ok, so it's really called the Manly Scenic Walkway, but it runs between Manly Beach and The Spit, and everyone calls it The Spit to Manly walk. I went backwards...Manly-Spit.)
Anyway. I thought to grab a bottle of water before I left, and it was a good thing I did. The walk was about 9 km. long and pretty tough in spots; the water was thoroughly appreciated. The scenery was incredible though. Some of the views were breathtaking....(at least, I'd like to think it was the views, not the very steep, uneven, 200 or so steps required to reach the views....) My camera battery had been dying slowly all day, but I managed to get some great pictures.
I finally descended from the heights, down to Clontarf Beach, where I promptly took off my walking sandals and soaked my feet in the water. It felt soooo good, and I walked the rest of the length of the beach up to my ankles in water. I found some really great starfish, but they were all still alive (drat. ;o)) By the time the trail picked back up, I was totally relaxed, cool, and comfortable, but my feet were just a little too big for my shoes. Ouch. I survived the last 1/4 mile or so, and settled in to wait for a bus to take me back home. Overall, the hike took about 2 1/2 hours, even though the posted time for it is 4+. I was pretty pleased with myself after that, despite my sore, swollen feet.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Flickr show!
So, I figured out a way to get some pictures where people can actually see them now. There are SO many more, and I hope to upload some more in the near future. For now, enjoy!
Tuesday: Taronga Zoo, Wednesday: Macquarie U.
I spent most of yesterday at Taronga Zoo, here in Sydney. Anne-Nicole, who works there part of the time, had to go in early to walk the dingos (!!!) so I met up with her later on. I had to catch a bus, which was easier than I expected, apart from missing the one I needed by seconds... always frustrating.
Anne-Nicole and I met at noon for lunch. She had been observing the chimps, and she look a minute to tell me all their names and explain some of their relationships and temperments. We had lunch at the zoo cafeteria and walked around together for a little while before she had to get back to work.
I covered the entire zoo. I'm pretty sure I didn't miss a single animal. After I had seen them all, I went back and sat outside the chimp enclosure for anhour or so, just watching them. Having learned something about their individual personalities and the group dynamics from Anne-Nicole, it was even more interesting. A few of the younger ones were incredibly mischievous and reminded me very much of some boys I know. (Yes, I do mean my brothers, in case anyone was wondering.)
Unfortunately, I forgot my camera when I left the house, so I wasn't able to get any pictures. I guess that means I'll have to get go back before I leave!
Today I attended "Uni" with Anne-Nicole. She goes to Macquarie University here in Sydney, and I tagged along to a few of her lectures. The interpersonal and group psychology lectures were fascinating, but the research methods class wasn't so thrilling. :o)
Anne-Nicole and I met at noon for lunch. She had been observing the chimps, and she look a minute to tell me all their names and explain some of their relationships and temperments. We had lunch at the zoo cafeteria and walked around together for a little while before she had to get back to work.
I covered the entire zoo. I'm pretty sure I didn't miss a single animal. After I had seen them all, I went back and sat outside the chimp enclosure for anhour or so, just watching them. Having learned something about their individual personalities and the group dynamics from Anne-Nicole, it was even more interesting. A few of the younger ones were incredibly mischievous and reminded me very much of some boys I know. (Yes, I do mean my brothers, in case anyone was wondering.)
Unfortunately, I forgot my camera when I left the house, so I wasn't able to get any pictures. I guess that means I'll have to get go back before I leave!
Today I attended "Uni" with Anne-Nicole. She goes to Macquarie University here in Sydney, and I tagged along to a few of her lectures. The interpersonal and group psychology lectures were fascinating, but the research methods class wasn't so thrilling. :o)
Monday, May 15, 2006
Sunday & Monday
I'm going to have to cram a few days into one post, because otherwise I fear I'll get woefully behind, forget what day it is, and come home having only documented three days of my trip.
Sunday:
I wasn't able to find a church to attend Sunday morning, so I sang some hymns to myself, and read a few of the sermons that had come in my email.
Anne-Nicole and I took a ferry over to Cicular Quay, and walked to the Art Gallery of NSW, where we saw a self-portrait exhibition. Some of them were really wonderful or well-known works (a van Gogh, Elizabeth Vigee-LeBrun, etc.) A few were fairly hideous and disgusting, so we didn't spend too much time around those. When we had exhausted the portrait gallery, we got some lunch at the cafe in the museum. Lunch was very delicious and ended with a piece of tiramisu....ahhhhhh.
We walked through the "normal" gallery, containing art from the Renaissance- early 20th century, the aboriginal gallery, and the asian art gallery. The asian one was my favorite. They had a beautiful collection of ceramics and pocelain pieces, which I think I could have stared at all day. There was one set in particular that was especially lovely. They were two gourd-shaped jars, one in a deep rich red, the other in a glowing blue. The glazes made them look almost translucent.
Monday:
Anne-Nicole and I left around 10:00 and walked to the bus stop, where we caught a bus to downtown. From there we walked to Darling Harbor. We met her friend Susanna for lunch at a little Malaysian restaurant. Our meal was delicious, but I can't for the life of me remember what the dishes were called. Of course, it's not like I'll be able to get Malaysian food back in Fort Wayne, no matter what the dish is named. :o)
After lunch, which we stretched out over a few hours, we went over to Paddy's Market. I had to stop at the Mambo outlet. (Incidently, I take no responsibility for anything shown on that website. It can be....strange.) I found a shirt for one of my brothers -not saying which one yet ;o)- and, um, three shirts for me. They were having a sale. What can I say?
After we had finished shopping, Anne-Nicole and I went to the Chinese Garden of Friendship, which was lovely and restful, despite being passed by a monorail every few minutes.
We walked from Darling Harbor, through downtown, back to Circular Quay, where we caught a ferry back to Cremorne point. People were getting off of work as we walked through the city, so it was very busy. There were people handing out tracts and brochures everywhere. Some of them were exceedingly amusing.
Uncle Sean made dinner last night. Nothing caught on fire or exploded. But he did make some of the best frozen pizza I've ever had. ;o)
Sunday:
I wasn't able to find a church to attend Sunday morning, so I sang some hymns to myself, and read a few of the sermons that had come in my email.
Anne-Nicole and I took a ferry over to Cicular Quay, and walked to the Art Gallery of NSW, where we saw a self-portrait exhibition. Some of them were really wonderful or well-known works (a van Gogh, Elizabeth Vigee-LeBrun, etc.) A few were fairly hideous and disgusting, so we didn't spend too much time around those. When we had exhausted the portrait gallery, we got some lunch at the cafe in the museum. Lunch was very delicious and ended with a piece of tiramisu....ahhhhhh.
We walked through the "normal" gallery, containing art from the Renaissance- early 20th century, the aboriginal gallery, and the asian art gallery. The asian one was my favorite. They had a beautiful collection of ceramics and pocelain pieces, which I think I could have stared at all day. There was one set in particular that was especially lovely. They were two gourd-shaped jars, one in a deep rich red, the other in a glowing blue. The glazes made them look almost translucent.
Monday:
Anne-Nicole and I left around 10:00 and walked to the bus stop, where we caught a bus to downtown. From there we walked to Darling Harbor. We met her friend Susanna for lunch at a little Malaysian restaurant. Our meal was delicious, but I can't for the life of me remember what the dishes were called. Of course, it's not like I'll be able to get Malaysian food back in Fort Wayne, no matter what the dish is named. :o)
After lunch, which we stretched out over a few hours, we went over to Paddy's Market. I had to stop at the Mambo outlet. (Incidently, I take no responsibility for anything shown on that website. It can be....strange.) I found a shirt for one of my brothers -not saying which one yet ;o)- and, um, three shirts for me. They were having a sale. What can I say?
After we had finished shopping, Anne-Nicole and I went to the Chinese Garden of Friendship, which was lovely and restful, despite being passed by a monorail every few minutes.
We walked from Darling Harbor, through downtown, back to Circular Quay, where we caught a ferry back to Cremorne point. People were getting off of work as we walked through the city, so it was very busy. There were people handing out tracts and brochures everywhere. Some of them were exceedingly amusing.
Uncle Sean made dinner last night. Nothing caught on fire or exploded. But he did make some of the best frozen pizza I've ever had. ;o)
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Saturday
Working to catch up here after just not thinking about blogging for a day.....
Yesterday, after sleeping in til 9:30, Uncle Sean and I went out for a late breakfast on Bondi Beach. Two eggs, lots of bacon, and a few slices of toast later, we took off for a long walk. We did the Bondi to Bronte beach walk, which took a while and gave me a few blisters, but was absolutely beautiful. It was a clear day, and the ocean was a lovely, deep glowing blue. The beaches were busy, but not annoyingly so. It just made for good people watching.
Before coming home, we drove over to Watson's Bay, which is at the opening to Sydney Harbor. There are some fantastic bluffs there, which we made our way to the top of. The view was stunning, and the shoreline - mostly cliff- was very interesting. We made our way back down from the heights, and stopped at Doyles for a drink of lemon-lime and bitters and a rest. We didn't get anything to eat, but I felt like I could have filled up on the smells of everyone else's lunch!
Yesterday evening I got to meet several of Uncle Sean and Aunt Anne-Nicole's aussie friends. We all went over to the "Bowls Club" for Trivia Night.... our team didn't win anything, but we came in third- much better than any of us had expected!
It's time for dinner now, but I'll try to fill everyone in on today....tomorrow.
Yesterday, after sleeping in til 9:30, Uncle Sean and I went out for a late breakfast on Bondi Beach. Two eggs, lots of bacon, and a few slices of toast later, we took off for a long walk. We did the Bondi to Bronte beach walk, which took a while and gave me a few blisters, but was absolutely beautiful. It was a clear day, and the ocean was a lovely, deep glowing blue. The beaches were busy, but not annoyingly so. It just made for good people watching.
Before coming home, we drove over to Watson's Bay, which is at the opening to Sydney Harbor. There are some fantastic bluffs there, which we made our way to the top of. The view was stunning, and the shoreline - mostly cliff- was very interesting. We made our way back down from the heights, and stopped at Doyles for a drink of lemon-lime and bitters and a rest. We didn't get anything to eat, but I felt like I could have filled up on the smells of everyone else's lunch!
Yesterday evening I got to meet several of Uncle Sean and Aunt Anne-Nicole's aussie friends. We all went over to the "Bowls Club" for Trivia Night.... our team didn't win anything, but we came in third- much better than any of us had expected!
It's time for dinner now, but I'll try to fill everyone in on today....tomorrow.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Now I know where NOT to sightsee...
I woke up this morning to the shrieking of several (wild) cockatoos and a kookaburra. Unbelievable.
Yesterday morning/afternoon after Aunt Anne was at school and Uncle Sean was at work, I took a little time to explore the neighborhood. They live at the "top" of Cremorne Point, which juts out into Sydney Harbor. There are paths and trails everywhere, and I was able to make my way down along the shore. It's very hilly around here, and not having had much sleep, I didn't get very far before I was out of breath and tired.
Uncle Sean came home for lunch and we went over to Balmoral Beach for some fish'n'chips. We sat down on the beach with the seagulls. Unsurprisingly, gulls seem to be the same wherever you go, and it wasn't long before we had some checking us out. One gull, which was slightly larger than the rest quickly took control of the area and chased every other bird away and wouldn't let any others within 10 feet of us! I threw it a chip to repay it. After lunch he took me on an abbreviated tour of some of the other areas of Sydney, including the gay nude beach. NO, we didn't go near it, just drove past the entrance. *shudder* Now I have a better idea of where to avoid when exploring.
I took an accidental nap that evening. I had tried to take another walk, but it started raining, so I came back inside and sat down to read. 4 hours later I woke up. Even after that, I was still able to sleep for a full 9 hours last night.
Today, since Aunt Anne has school until 4:00, and Uncle Sean has work, I'm going to go do some of the more touristy things. I'm going to catch a ferry across the harbor, check out THE Opera House, and just see what else looks interesting around there.
Yesterday morning/afternoon after Aunt Anne was at school and Uncle Sean was at work, I took a little time to explore the neighborhood. They live at the "top" of Cremorne Point, which juts out into Sydney Harbor. There are paths and trails everywhere, and I was able to make my way down along the shore. It's very hilly around here, and not having had much sleep, I didn't get very far before I was out of breath and tired.
Uncle Sean came home for lunch and we went over to Balmoral Beach for some fish'n'chips. We sat down on the beach with the seagulls. Unsurprisingly, gulls seem to be the same wherever you go, and it wasn't long before we had some checking us out. One gull, which was slightly larger than the rest quickly took control of the area and chased every other bird away and wouldn't let any others within 10 feet of us! I threw it a chip to repay it. After lunch he took me on an abbreviated tour of some of the other areas of Sydney, including the gay nude beach. NO, we didn't go near it, just drove past the entrance. *shudder* Now I have a better idea of where to avoid when exploring.
I took an accidental nap that evening. I had tried to take another walk, but it started raining, so I came back inside and sat down to read. 4 hours later I woke up. Even after that, I was still able to sleep for a full 9 hours last night.
Today, since Aunt Anne has school until 4:00, and Uncle Sean has work, I'm going to go do some of the more touristy things. I'm going to catch a ferry across the harbor, check out THE Opera House, and just see what else looks interesting around there.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Live from Sydney Australia via Fort Wayne, Indiana it's Thursday on Wednesday!
I'm in Sydney. Wow. After 24+ hours traveling, I'm very glad to be firmly planted on the ground, even if it is on the other side of the world.
My flights were uneventful. Uneventful= good. I was situated next to the windows for every flight, so I got to see some astounding scenery from the air. I flew from Indianapolis to Denver, and from Denver to L.A. The view coming out of Denver was breath-taking. The mountains started off dark and prickley looking, covered with pine trees, which eventually gave way to expanses of snow and gorgeous peaks. Some of the snow must have been melting, because there were streams and lakes everywhere. When the sun peeked out from behind the scattered clouds, the water would flash blindingly for a moment, and then disappear into the shadows again.
Part way over the mountains, the clouds took over and all interesting vistas were temporarily lost. I retreated into my book, and forgot about scenery. A little while later I recalled that my mother had flown over the Grand Canyon, last time she traveled through Denver, so I decided to keep a look out for that. Sure enough, when I glanced out the window, there it was! I had never seen any part of it before, except in travel shows, and the sheer size of it took me by surprise.
Switching planes when I got to LAX was a major pain in the rear, but I survived it. I think I need a shirt. "I survived LAX." Yeah.
I had an entire row to myself for the flight to Sydney
(yessssssssss!!!!) so I was able to stretch out completely and get some sleep. It was only 6 hours of sleep, which in any other case would be nothing, but on a 13-14 hour flight, it was wonderful. I watched "Walk the Line" and started to watch "The Producers" but gave up because my concentration was shot, so I went to sleep.
We got into Sydney around 6:15 am, local time. I'm not even going to try to figure out what time that is back home. My Aunt and Uncle were waiting for me right outside of customs, and they immediatly whisked me over to the coffee shop, where I got some liquid sustenance. Now, I'm at their house, taking over my aunt's computer.
I may describe Sydney later, at least the part I've seen.
Right now, I'm going to go visit some more.
My flights were uneventful. Uneventful= good. I was situated next to the windows for every flight, so I got to see some astounding scenery from the air. I flew from Indianapolis to Denver, and from Denver to L.A. The view coming out of Denver was breath-taking. The mountains started off dark and prickley looking, covered with pine trees, which eventually gave way to expanses of snow and gorgeous peaks. Some of the snow must have been melting, because there were streams and lakes everywhere. When the sun peeked out from behind the scattered clouds, the water would flash blindingly for a moment, and then disappear into the shadows again.
Part way over the mountains, the clouds took over and all interesting vistas were temporarily lost. I retreated into my book, and forgot about scenery. A little while later I recalled that my mother had flown over the Grand Canyon, last time she traveled through Denver, so I decided to keep a look out for that. Sure enough, when I glanced out the window, there it was! I had never seen any part of it before, except in travel shows, and the sheer size of it took me by surprise.
Switching planes when I got to LAX was a major pain in the rear, but I survived it. I think I need a shirt. "I survived LAX." Yeah.
I had an entire row to myself for the flight to Sydney
(yessssssssss!!!!) so I was able to stretch out completely and get some sleep. It was only 6 hours of sleep, which in any other case would be nothing, but on a 13-14 hour flight, it was wonderful. I watched "Walk the Line" and started to watch "The Producers" but gave up because my concentration was shot, so I went to sleep.
We got into Sydney around 6:15 am, local time. I'm not even going to try to figure out what time that is back home. My Aunt and Uncle were waiting for me right outside of customs, and they immediatly whisked me over to the coffee shop, where I got some liquid sustenance. Now, I'm at their house, taking over my aunt's computer.
I may describe Sydney later, at least the part I've seen.
Right now, I'm going to go visit some more.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Countdown to Takeoff
I'm all dressed up in my travelling suit; my suitcase is packed and zipped up; and, if all goes well and my flight isn't delayed, I'll be taking off for Sydney (via Denver and LA) at 3:00 this afternoon.
I haven't been too nervous about flying halfway around the world by myself....until right now. Now that I've gotten all prepared and know where I'm going at each airport, I'm nervous. Makes a lot of sense, right?
I've been loading up on vitamins, immune boosters, and allergy meds for a few days, but they haven't quite prevented me from getting some sort of respiratory thing, which chose to manifest itself yesterday. I'm counting on it just being allergies, and that my sore throat is only a result of the ENTIRE weekend spent singing the Brahms Requiem.
I still haven't gotten to the "excited" part of the trip. I'm not sure I'll actually realize I'm going to Australia until I've been there a few days.
I'm going to try my hardest to update regularly once I'm in Australia. Seeing what a good job I do of that when I'm at home, *choke* that may or may not happen.
I haven't been too nervous about flying halfway around the world by myself....until right now. Now that I've gotten all prepared and know where I'm going at each airport, I'm nervous. Makes a lot of sense, right?
I've been loading up on vitamins, immune boosters, and allergy meds for a few days, but they haven't quite prevented me from getting some sort of respiratory thing, which chose to manifest itself yesterday. I'm counting on it just being allergies, and that my sore throat is only a result of the ENTIRE weekend spent singing the Brahms Requiem.
I still haven't gotten to the "excited" part of the trip. I'm not sure I'll actually realize I'm going to Australia until I've been there a few days.
I'm going to try my hardest to update regularly once I'm in Australia. Seeing what a good job I do of that when I'm at home, *choke* that may or may not happen.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Excuse me while I scream...
SCHOOL'S OUT!
This formerly-homeschooled girl has NEVER been so ready for summer in her life.
My three final finals were today, and I already have the grades back for two of them. I'm so happy. Unless I totally bombed my history exam (which seems pretty unlikely) I will be entering my sophomore year with my 4.0 GPA intact! Yipppppeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
This formerly-homeschooled girl has NEVER been so ready for summer in her life.
My three final finals were today, and I already have the grades back for two of them. I'm so happy. Unless I totally bombed my history exam (which seems pretty unlikely) I will be entering my sophomore year with my 4.0 GPA intact! Yipppppeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Loving my Music
Now that classes are over, piano lessons are over till next semester, and I don't have anything stressing me out, I've rediscovered my piano.
It's not that I forgot it was there, or that I didn't play it during the school year. I had to practice daily, but (especially towards the end) I hated every minute of it. I would get a head ache AND a stomache ache, just looking at the keys. I never played any of my fun, not for school music.
Just this week, though, I've been playing every chance I get. I'll sit down for 15 minutes every so often, play through a few songs, and go back to whatever I was doing previously. I can't stay away long though, and I'll be back an hour later to play some more.
I got some new music last week, which may be partially to blame. My mother bought me a "Best of the 1890s" album (yes-1890s, as in 110 years ago) which has some ridiculously fun songs in it. I just wish someone else in my family were willing to sing along with me. She also bought me a Sonata album, which has been wonderful (Clementi is now my favorite composer to play-his sonatas are sooo much fun!)
Best of all, we found a book of Pride and Prejudice sheet music. I can now play all of the lovely piano pieces from the P&P soundtrack and that makes me SO happy.....*dreamy sigh*
My problem now is that I have a piano-less month in Australia to look forward to. (I can hear the violins starting now.... c'est tragique.) I'll try my hardest to survive.
It's not that I forgot it was there, or that I didn't play it during the school year. I had to practice daily, but (especially towards the end) I hated every minute of it. I would get a head ache AND a stomache ache, just looking at the keys. I never played any of my fun, not for school music.
Just this week, though, I've been playing every chance I get. I'll sit down for 15 minutes every so often, play through a few songs, and go back to whatever I was doing previously. I can't stay away long though, and I'll be back an hour later to play some more.
I got some new music last week, which may be partially to blame. My mother bought me a "Best of the 1890s" album (yes-1890s, as in 110 years ago) which has some ridiculously fun songs in it. I just wish someone else in my family were willing to sing along with me. She also bought me a Sonata album, which has been wonderful (Clementi is now my favorite composer to play-his sonatas are sooo much fun!)
Best of all, we found a book of Pride and Prejudice sheet music. I can now play all of the lovely piano pieces from the P&P soundtrack and that makes me SO happy.....*dreamy sigh*
My problem now is that I have a piano-less month in Australia to look forward to. (I can hear the violins starting now.... c'est tragique.) I'll try my hardest to survive.
Monday, May 01, 2006
I was sitting here just now, staring idly at the computer screen when a thought came upon me. "Maybe," I thought to myself, "just maybe, rather than sitting here staring idly at the computer screen, I could write something for my poor, lonely little blog."
So here I am.
I had my first final of the week this morning. It was for art history and was actually a lot of fun (and also very easy.) I'm sorry that class was over. Even getting into postmodern art, as we did in the last week, the class was fascinating. (Although, I think the Matthew Barney video was a little much-I may be scarred for life. But then, he is married to Bjork, after all. I should have been prepared for something unspeakably bizarre.)
I will say, postmodern art is much more interesting than modern. I've never been able to make myself like much of anything painted after WWI, and I spent the last few weeks of class wishing I could strangle Marcel Duchamp. Not that I don't appreciate modern art. I understand what the artists were trying to do and, in most cases, I respect their skills, but I just can't bring myself to enjoy it. I'm the sort of shallow person who prefers the Pre-Raphaelites.
So here I am.
I had my first final of the week this morning. It was for art history and was actually a lot of fun (and also very easy.) I'm sorry that class was over. Even getting into postmodern art, as we did in the last week, the class was fascinating. (Although, I think the Matthew Barney video was a little much-I may be scarred for life. But then, he is married to Bjork, after all. I should have been prepared for something unspeakably bizarre.)
I will say, postmodern art is much more interesting than modern. I've never been able to make myself like much of anything painted after WWI, and I spent the last few weeks of class wishing I could strangle Marcel Duchamp. Not that I don't appreciate modern art. I understand what the artists were trying to do and, in most cases, I respect their skills, but I just can't bring myself to enjoy it. I'm the sort of shallow person who prefers the Pre-Raphaelites.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Calvin AND Hobbes?
(Thank you to my mother for this one.)
I think I'm ok with this. At least Susie Derkins wasn't a possible result. :oP
I think I'm ok with this. At least Susie Derkins wasn't a possible result. :oP
| A Bit Of Both You are 40% Calvin and 60% Hobbes |
| Calvin & Hobbes, like a scruffy yin and yang, are in perfect balance within you. Like Calvin, you're weird, a bit insecure, and can be a trouble-maker. But like Hobbes, you're down to earth and sensitive. It's a risk to say it here, after just a ten question test, but I'll bet you're smarter than most. Both Calvin and Hobbes are crafty, clever characters, and any one made from equal parts of each is a force to be reckoned with. |
 |
My test tracked 2 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:
|
| Link: The Calvin Or Hobbes Test written by gwendolynbooks on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the 32-Type Dating Test |
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Complainin' a Bit
Serves me right. I'm in a goofy, girly, mood for a few days and I get a nasty cold. Well, it probably wasn't the girliness that did it. I blame Daylight Savings Time, which threw off my sleeping habits and upset my delicate constitution. That and the fact that I haven't taken my vitamins regularly for a while.
Before the cold came the muddled mind, which made german class all but impossible to follow. (When I'm not feeling well speaking English is a stretch.) My piano lesson yesterday morning was a farce. I'm supposed to have 9 pieces nearly memorized, and all I could do was stare at the keyboard and try to remember where each note was. I don't even remember yesterday's history class....I believe it was something involving medieval towns, but that's about it. Good thing I have the book.
I had some good news this morning though, which was comforting after the sort of lack-witted week I've had. I got my "Art Controversies" paper back from my art history prof. after an extremely long wait. She's a pretty tough grader, but she gave my paper an A+ (yippee!)
Now I'm going to go down some vitamins, drink some MelaTea, and do my best to get over my cold before Saturday, when the Bach Collegium has an all-morning rehearsal for our Sunday performance.
Before the cold came the muddled mind, which made german class all but impossible to follow. (When I'm not feeling well speaking English is a stretch.) My piano lesson yesterday morning was a farce. I'm supposed to have 9 pieces nearly memorized, and all I could do was stare at the keyboard and try to remember where each note was. I don't even remember yesterday's history class....I believe it was something involving medieval towns, but that's about it. Good thing I have the book.
I had some good news this morning though, which was comforting after the sort of lack-witted week I've had. I got my "Art Controversies" paper back from my art history prof. after an extremely long wait. She's a pretty tough grader, but she gave my paper an A+ (yippee!)
Now I'm going to go down some vitamins, drink some MelaTea, and do my best to get over my cold before Saturday, when the Bach Collegium has an all-morning rehearsal for our Sunday performance.
Monday, April 03, 2006
Related to my last post, check out Rachael's on the same subject. It's rather more thoughtful than mine. :o)
Why I don't have a boyfriend
...I knew that would get your attention. ;o) Here's one of those substantive posts I talk about but never seem to write.
I've known it for a while. I have a problem. If there were a form of rehab for people like me, I'd be there in an instant. It's a very serious problem.
"What is this problem?" you ask. It's really very simple. I have a VERY unfortunate tendancy to fall in love with fictional characters. It happens to some extent with almost every "romantic" book I read. I have daydreams about the heros and spend weeks looking for guys who look how I think each hero should look, just so I can have a clearer mental picture of them. I mix up facial features, hair, and voices, until I have THE PERFECT picture in my head. By that time, I'm probably finished with yet another book and start the process over again. I almost always spend a day or so detesting the heroine who gets the man, and I just know I could have done things way better than she did. Naturally, if I were in her position there wouldn't have been any misunderstandings or quarrels, and the whole thing would have gone much more smoothly. (This is the part where people who know me well are supposed to roll their eyes.)
There are some books and characters that are far worse than others, though the details differ. Every time I read Pride and Prejudice I want to BE Elizabeth. I've never hated her for anything. And what girl wouldn't want to end up with *sigh* Mr. Darcy??
The first time I read Anya Seton's Katharine I spent a few months "in love" with John of Gaunt. That is highly inconvenient, seeing as he's been dead 600+ years. I didn't like him as much the last time I read that book, so I think I'm pretty well over that.
By far the worst, as I'm sure my friends can attest to, is reading the Anne books. Just reading the books over (and over) again is silly of me, because I know what will happen. Every time I read them, I turn silly, overly romantic, and more than slightly dissatisfied with life in modern Midwestern America. (And I end up writing posts like this.) The biggest problem is that I have "been in love with" the hero, Gilbert Blythe since I was 11. To this day, if you were to ask me to describe my dream man, he would match up almost exactly with Gilbert.
This is where detesting the heroine comes in. I always end up wanting to throttle Anne, not just because she's silly and messes things up, but out of jealousy. How ridiculous is that? I dislike her because if it were all real and I was part of the story, she'd STILL be silly and mess everything up and she'd STILL get her man.
All of this may explain why I'm 19 years old and have never had a boyfriend, or anyone even close to a boyfriend. I'm hopelessly romantic and I read too many silly books. At the same time, I know full well how silly and unrealistic I'm being. I laugh at and make fun of myself for it. But I can't help it.
I've known it for a while. I have a problem. If there were a form of rehab for people like me, I'd be there in an instant. It's a very serious problem.
"What is this problem?" you ask. It's really very simple. I have a VERY unfortunate tendancy to fall in love with fictional characters. It happens to some extent with almost every "romantic" book I read. I have daydreams about the heros and spend weeks looking for guys who look how I think each hero should look, just so I can have a clearer mental picture of them. I mix up facial features, hair, and voices, until I have THE PERFECT picture in my head. By that time, I'm probably finished with yet another book and start the process over again. I almost always spend a day or so detesting the heroine who gets the man, and I just know I could have done things way better than she did. Naturally, if I were in her position there wouldn't have been any misunderstandings or quarrels, and the whole thing would have gone much more smoothly. (This is the part where people who know me well are supposed to roll their eyes.)
There are some books and characters that are far worse than others, though the details differ. Every time I read Pride and Prejudice I want to BE Elizabeth. I've never hated her for anything. And what girl wouldn't want to end up with *sigh* Mr. Darcy??
The first time I read Anya Seton's Katharine I spent a few months "in love" with John of Gaunt. That is highly inconvenient, seeing as he's been dead 600+ years. I didn't like him as much the last time I read that book, so I think I'm pretty well over that.
By far the worst, as I'm sure my friends can attest to, is reading the Anne books. Just reading the books over (and over) again is silly of me, because I know what will happen. Every time I read them, I turn silly, overly romantic, and more than slightly dissatisfied with life in modern Midwestern America. (And I end up writing posts like this.) The biggest problem is that I have "been in love with" the hero, Gilbert Blythe since I was 11. To this day, if you were to ask me to describe my dream man, he would match up almost exactly with Gilbert.
This is where detesting the heroine comes in. I always end up wanting to throttle Anne, not just because she's silly and messes things up, but out of jealousy. How ridiculous is that? I dislike her because if it were all real and I was part of the story, she'd STILL be silly and mess everything up and she'd STILL get her man.
All of this may explain why I'm 19 years old and have never had a boyfriend, or anyone even close to a boyfriend. I'm hopelessly romantic and I read too many silly books. At the same time, I know full well how silly and unrealistic I'm being. I laugh at and make fun of myself for it. But I can't help it.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Tagged
For those of you who like substantive posts, I'm sorry. It's all Naomi's fault.
Profile:
1.Name- Bethany Ann Casey
2.Age- 19
3.Height- 5'5''
4.Shoe size- 7 1/2 N
5.Ring size- 6
6.Unusual habits- does walking around the house en point, pretending to be a ballarina count?
7.Eye color-very brown
8.Length of left big toe- too long
9.Length of right pinky toe- not as long as it was before I broke it
10.Number in your graduating (or present) class- no idea
11.Graduation year (high school)- 2005
12.Graduation year (college)- 2009
13.Graduation year (seminary)- haha
14.Major in college- History!
15.Address- that's just asking for stalkers.....no thanks. :o)
16.Social security number- it bugs me enough to give that at school, so again, no thanks
17.Zip code- 46814
Favorites and two Least Favorites
33.Favorite Movie- Pride and Prejudice, either version (right now it's the new one, by a hair)
19.Favorite TV show- 24
20.Favorite Cd- that is nearly impossible..... I love my Queen cds, my Master and Commander and P&P soundtracks, Kelly Clarkson, Jewel......
21.Favorite Tape- most of my tapes have bitten the dust
22.Favorite Band- Queen
23.Favorite Superhero- Batman!!!
24.Favorite Book- Pride and Prejudice
25.Favorite poster- Puss'n'Boots (awwwww....those eyes....)
26.Favorite Brady child- one of the guys, who I can never keep straight
27.Favorite American idol- Kelly Clarkson
28.Favorite x-man- I am so shallow....Wolverine, because he's Hugh Jackman
29.Favorite Member of Nsync- not that shallow
30.Favorite Sport- soccer!
31.Favorite Weapon- really lovely swords
32.Favorite Store- Ann Taylor or Banana Republic (I'm an expensive person.)
18.Favorite Clothing Brand- see above
34.Favorite Higherthings Blog- The Triplettes, for obvious reasons
35.Favorite Restaurant- Phillipi Creek, Sarasota
36.Favorite Food- my mother's chicken tetrazinni
37.Favorite Type of Restaurant- italian or really really fresh seafood
38.Favorite Type of Food- same as the restaurant
39.Favorite Color- watery blue
40.Favorite Period of History- Medieval Europe, without a doubt
41.Favorite Muppet- Kermit, naturally
42.Favorite Alcoholic Beverage- white russian
43.Favorite Musical Instrument- the violin (*sigh*)
44.Favorite Candle Scent- pound cake
45.Favorite Operating System- windows, I suppose
46.Favorite Smiley Face- ;oP
47.Least Favorite Book- The Scarlet Letter
48.Least Favorite Candle Scent- anything really heavy and flowery
Have you Ever?
49.Have you ever gone toga-ing? no, but I've made fun of the people doing it
50.Have you ever blown up, set on fire, or mutilated an action figure? not the kind you actually buy. I have wrenched the limbs off of McDonalds Happy Meal toys
51.Have you ever tried to eat a fake decorative fruit?-I plead the 5th
52.Have you ever gone trick-or-treating since your childhood? yep, 2 years ago
53.Have you ever killed a seagull? Awwwww, no
54.Have you ever eaten a dog biscuit? absolutely not
55.Have you ever fired a high powered rifle? does a .22 count?
56.Have you ever worn a dress? yes
57.Have you ever tried hitting a piece of technology to make it work? yes
58.Have you ever head banged through the entire guitar solo in Bohemian Rhapsody? a better question would be, have I ever NOT head banged through the entire guitar solo?
59.Have you ever deep-fat fried a random food item and eaten it? gross, no
60.Have you ever been in a blog war? no
Miscellaneous
61.How many HT conferences have you been to? 4
62.Do you know how to play any musical instruments? If you can, which kinds? piano (and my voice, if that counts....)
63.Did anyone notice that I switched numbers 33 and 18? yes
64.Did anyone notice the other numbering errors? no
65.Did anyone actually look for other numbering errors? no
66.If you had to dress up as one Star Trek character, which one would it be? I used to wear my headbands over my eyes, a la Jordy Laforge
67.Do you have any odd hobbies? ballroom dancing, but I don't know how weird that is...
68.What's the most random gift you've ever given or received? no idea
69.Sith or Jedi? Jedi
70.How do you like your steak cooked? Medium Rare
71.If someone paid you $5, would you drink Dr. Pepper out of the navel of a hairy Scottsman? you'd have to add on a whole lot more 0s, then maybe I'd consider it
72.Did you enjoy filling out this tag form? sure
73.Will you be prepared at The Feast to party every night with The Mop and Patty? Heck no. I'm going to be the nasty college volunteer trying to make them be quiet ;o)
74.Do you vow never to tag, as well as never respond to tags, ever again? nah
75.Which three people do you choose to tag? I'm going to end the vicious cycle and tag absolutely no one!
Profile:
1.Name- Bethany Ann Casey
2.Age- 19
3.Height- 5'5''
4.Shoe size- 7 1/2 N
5.Ring size- 6
6.Unusual habits- does walking around the house en point, pretending to be a ballarina count?
7.Eye color-very brown
8.Length of left big toe- too long
9.Length of right pinky toe- not as long as it was before I broke it
10.Number in your graduating (or present) class- no idea
11.Graduation year (high school)- 2005
12.Graduation year (college)- 2009
13.Graduation year (seminary)- haha
14.Major in college- History!
15.Address- that's just asking for stalkers.....no thanks. :o)
16.Social security number- it bugs me enough to give that at school, so again, no thanks
17.Zip code- 46814
Favorites and two Least Favorites
33.Favorite Movie- Pride and Prejudice, either version (right now it's the new one, by a hair)
19.Favorite TV show- 24
20.Favorite Cd- that is nearly impossible..... I love my Queen cds, my Master and Commander and P&P soundtracks, Kelly Clarkson, Jewel......
21.Favorite Tape- most of my tapes have bitten the dust
22.Favorite Band- Queen
23.Favorite Superhero- Batman!!!
24.Favorite Book- Pride and Prejudice
25.Favorite poster- Puss'n'Boots (awwwww....those eyes....)
26.Favorite Brady child- one of the guys, who I can never keep straight
27.Favorite American idol- Kelly Clarkson
28.Favorite x-man- I am so shallow....Wolverine, because he's Hugh Jackman
29.Favorite Member of Nsync- not that shallow
30.Favorite Sport- soccer!
31.Favorite Weapon- really lovely swords
32.Favorite Store- Ann Taylor or Banana Republic (I'm an expensive person.)
18.Favorite Clothing Brand- see above
34.Favorite Higherthings Blog- The Triplettes, for obvious reasons
35.Favorite Restaurant- Phillipi Creek, Sarasota
36.Favorite Food- my mother's chicken tetrazinni
37.Favorite Type of Restaurant- italian or really really fresh seafood
38.Favorite Type of Food- same as the restaurant
39.Favorite Color- watery blue
40.Favorite Period of History- Medieval Europe, without a doubt
41.Favorite Muppet- Kermit, naturally
42.Favorite Alcoholic Beverage- white russian
43.Favorite Musical Instrument- the violin (*sigh*)
44.Favorite Candle Scent- pound cake
45.Favorite Operating System- windows, I suppose
46.Favorite Smiley Face- ;oP
47.Least Favorite Book- The Scarlet Letter
48.Least Favorite Candle Scent- anything really heavy and flowery
Have you Ever?
49.Have you ever gone toga-ing? no, but I've made fun of the people doing it
50.Have you ever blown up, set on fire, or mutilated an action figure? not the kind you actually buy. I have wrenched the limbs off of McDonalds Happy Meal toys
51.Have you ever tried to eat a fake decorative fruit?-I plead the 5th
52.Have you ever gone trick-or-treating since your childhood? yep, 2 years ago
53.Have you ever killed a seagull? Awwwww, no
54.Have you ever eaten a dog biscuit? absolutely not
55.Have you ever fired a high powered rifle? does a .22 count?
56.Have you ever worn a dress? yes
57.Have you ever tried hitting a piece of technology to make it work? yes
58.Have you ever head banged through the entire guitar solo in Bohemian Rhapsody? a better question would be, have I ever NOT head banged through the entire guitar solo?
59.Have you ever deep-fat fried a random food item and eaten it? gross, no
60.Have you ever been in a blog war? no
Miscellaneous
61.How many HT conferences have you been to? 4
62.Do you know how to play any musical instruments? If you can, which kinds? piano (and my voice, if that counts....)
63.Did anyone notice that I switched numbers 33 and 18? yes
64.Did anyone notice the other numbering errors? no
65.Did anyone actually look for other numbering errors? no
66.If you had to dress up as one Star Trek character, which one would it be? I used to wear my headbands over my eyes, a la Jordy Laforge
67.Do you have any odd hobbies? ballroom dancing, but I don't know how weird that is...
68.What's the most random gift you've ever given or received? no idea
69.Sith or Jedi? Jedi
70.How do you like your steak cooked? Medium Rare
71.If someone paid you $5, would you drink Dr. Pepper out of the navel of a hairy Scottsman? you'd have to add on a whole lot more 0s, then maybe I'd consider it
72.Did you enjoy filling out this tag form? sure
73.Will you be prepared at The Feast to party every night with The Mop and Patty? Heck no. I'm going to be the nasty college volunteer trying to make them be quiet ;o)
74.Do you vow never to tag, as well as never respond to tags, ever again? nah
75.Which three people do you choose to tag? I'm going to end the vicious cycle and tag absolutely no one!
Thursday, March 23, 2006
My piano
My great-grandparents recently moved from their assisted-living apartment to a nursing home. This move meant that many of their belongings had to go elsewhere. My wonderful, sweet great-grandmother gave me her piano.
I recieved it last week. We had a pair of piano movers bring it over from the apartment. It was very out of tune and one of the pedals wasn't working at all, so we called our loyal piano tuner, Mr. McCormick who came out on Tuesday.
We all knew that the piano was a nice one. It's a 1949 Janssen, which are known for being great home pianos. What Mr. McCormick said though, was that my piano is the equivalent of a Stradivarius. Now, that may be an exaggeration, but the sound quality is SPLENDID for an upright. It makes my playing sound....uh, really good!
I recieved it last week. We had a pair of piano movers bring it over from the apartment. It was very out of tune and one of the pedals wasn't working at all, so we called our loyal piano tuner, Mr. McCormick who came out on Tuesday.
We all knew that the piano was a nice one. It's a 1949 Janssen, which are known for being great home pianos. What Mr. McCormick said though, was that my piano is the equivalent of a Stradivarius. Now, that may be an exaggeration, but the sound quality is SPLENDID for an upright. It makes my playing sound....uh, really good!
Friday, March 17, 2006
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
I Bind unto Myself Today
By: attr. St. Patrick
Author: Irish
Tune: St. Patrick’s Breastplate
1st Published in: 1774
By: attr. St. Patrick
I bind unto myself today
The strong name of the Trinity
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One and One in Three.
I bind this day to me forever,
By power of faith, Christ’s incarnation,
His baptism in the Jordan River,
His cross of death for my salvation,
His bursting from the spiced tomb,
His riding up the heavenly way,
His coming at the day of doom,
I bind unto myself today.
I bind unto myself today
The virtues of the starlit heaven,
The glorious sun’s life giving ray,
The whiteness of the moon at even,
The flashing of the lightning free,
The whirling wind’s tempestuous shocks,
The stable earth, the deep salt sea,
Around the old eternal rocks.
I bind unto myself today
The power of God to hold and lead,
His eye to watch, his might to stay,
His ear to hearken to my need,
The wisdom of my god to teach,
His hand to guide, his shield to ward,
The Word of God to give me speech,
His heavenly host to be my guard.
I bind unto myself the name,
The strong name of the Trinity
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One and One in Three,
Of whom all nature has creation,
Eternal Father, Spirit, Word.
Praise to the Lord of my salvation;
Salvation is of Christ the Lord!
Author: Irish
Tune: St. Patrick’s Breastplate
1st Published in: 1774
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Here is an article from the Onion that my mother and I stumbled upon tonight. It's several years old, but it's pretty hilarious.
(Warning: If you are easily offended or just really hate The Onion, please avoid clicking on that link. Nothing good can come of it.)
(Warning: If you are easily offended or just really hate The Onion, please avoid clicking on that link. Nothing good can come of it.)
Sunday, March 12, 2006
The End is drawing near....
Spring Break is officially over in just over an hour. I admit, I'm feeling a little depressed by this. I'm not quite ready to re-relinquish my time-freedom and messed up sleeping habits.
I'm trying to look at the bright side of this. I figure, if spring break keeps going and going, the semester would never end, I'd never actually finish my current classes, I wouldn't get to study in Germany my Junior year because my Junior year would never come.... All sorts of dreadful catastrophes would ensue. Yes, I fear we're all much better off coming back from spring break, getting on with life, and looking forward to summer.
This sunny outlooks is being made easier by the fact that I only have one class tomorrow and its my favorite. Ask me Tuesday morning, when I have a 6+ hour stretch of classes to look forward to, if I'm feeling as optimistic. :oP
Tomorrow I'm easing back into my scholarly life by waking up before 8:00 and belly-dancing. yes, seriously. My mother and I got some instructional videos and belly-dancing is now part of our workout routine. After that we're going to blow all the work we just did by having french toast for breakfast. After all, what is the point of exercising if you can't eat well afterwards? Endorphins are well and good, but tack a good breakfast on too and you have something.
I'm trying to look at the bright side of this. I figure, if spring break keeps going and going, the semester would never end, I'd never actually finish my current classes, I wouldn't get to study in Germany my Junior year because my Junior year would never come.... All sorts of dreadful catastrophes would ensue. Yes, I fear we're all much better off coming back from spring break, getting on with life, and looking forward to summer.
This sunny outlooks is being made easier by the fact that I only have one class tomorrow and its my favorite. Ask me Tuesday morning, when I have a 6+ hour stretch of classes to look forward to, if I'm feeling as optimistic. :oP
Tomorrow I'm easing back into my scholarly life by waking up before 8:00 and belly-dancing. yes, seriously. My mother and I got some instructional videos and belly-dancing is now part of our workout routine. After that we're going to blow all the work we just did by having french toast for breakfast. After all, what is the point of exercising if you can't eat well afterwards? Endorphins are well and good, but tack a good breakfast on too and you have something.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Roadtrip :o)
Hip-hop-hooray, Bethany has a learner's permit again. I got it yesterday while out running errands with my mother. (I hope) this means I should have my license sometime soon. Won't that be nice....
My mother and I left home at 7:00 this morning and drove to South Bend, where she spoke at a homeschool conference and I got to hang out with da Bean. We went shopping (Kohl's, Target, and DSW....what more could a girl ask for??) where we found some splendiferous bargains. After we had exhausted our shopping choices, we hung out a while at Panera where we amused some old people with our oppressive girliness by giggling and gushing over Pride and Prejudice. After my mother had finished speaking at the conference, she took us out for lunch at TGIFridays where we did NOT get chocolate martinis. Drat.
Incidently, Cinnabon cheesecake is sooo bad. Don't even get near it. It'll...I don't know...take over your brain so that you lose all powers of self-control. Now you're warned.
So, we left South Bend *sniffle* and I drove home. I did a very good job of it too, despite manifold hazards such as Amish buggys, tailgating SUVs (those SUVs...never can trust them,) and lots and lots of wind. *pats self on back.*
My mother and I left home at 7:00 this morning and drove to South Bend, where she spoke at a homeschool conference and I got to hang out with da Bean. We went shopping (Kohl's, Target, and DSW....what more could a girl ask for??) where we found some splendiferous bargains. After we had exhausted our shopping choices, we hung out a while at Panera where we amused some old people with our oppressive girliness by giggling and gushing over Pride and Prejudice. After my mother had finished speaking at the conference, she took us out for lunch at TGIFridays where we did NOT get chocolate martinis. Drat.
Incidently, Cinnabon cheesecake is sooo bad. Don't even get near it. It'll...I don't know...take over your brain so that you lose all powers of self-control. Now you're warned.
So, we left South Bend *sniffle* and I drove home. I did a very good job of it too, despite manifold hazards such as Amish buggys, tailgating SUVs (those SUVs...never can trust them,) and lots and lots of wind. *pats self on back.*
Thursday, March 09, 2006
My brothers and I took a walk this afternoon. In the rain. It wasn't a heavy rain...just a nice wet drizzle, plus it was in the high 50s. We had all been feeling a little sluggish and the rain was really refreshing.
Naturally, our neighbors thought we were weird. "Look at you!" shouts one lady, pulling up alongside us in her SUV. "You're getting wet, you know." Yeah. We know. She wanted to give us a ride home, but we assured her that we wanted to be outside and weren't finished walking. That wasn't the only peculiar look we got, although she was the only one to stop.
Perhaps what seemed strangest to our very "normal" neighbors, is that the four of us were out walking together. Our neighbors have already expressed their thoughts at how odd our family is.... Patrick and I don't let the world know when we want to lock our little brothers up, and we actually enjoy each other's company. In their eyes, we're freaks.
Not that any of us are perfect siblings....I confess, when we took Jon and Andrew for a walk it DID cross my mind more than once that what were were doing might be compared to walking dogs; they run ahead yapping and giggling and Patrick (the leash?) pulls them back and makes them quiet down. But we were enjoying ourselves, and I always find myself wishing that our neighbors and their children/siblings could find as much pleasure in each other's company.
Now, if you'll all excuse me while I go beat on the younger two for a moment....
Naturally, our neighbors thought we were weird. "Look at you!" shouts one lady, pulling up alongside us in her SUV. "You're getting wet, you know." Yeah. We know. She wanted to give us a ride home, but we assured her that we wanted to be outside and weren't finished walking. That wasn't the only peculiar look we got, although she was the only one to stop.
Perhaps what seemed strangest to our very "normal" neighbors, is that the four of us were out walking together. Our neighbors have already expressed their thoughts at how odd our family is.... Patrick and I don't let the world know when we want to lock our little brothers up, and we actually enjoy each other's company. In their eyes, we're freaks.
Not that any of us are perfect siblings....I confess, when we took Jon and Andrew for a walk it DID cross my mind more than once that what were were doing might be compared to walking dogs; they run ahead yapping and giggling and Patrick (the leash?) pulls them back and makes them quiet down. But we were enjoying ourselves, and I always find myself wishing that our neighbors and their children/siblings could find as much pleasure in each other's company.
Now, if you'll all excuse me while I go beat on the younger two for a moment....
Monday, March 06, 2006
She's got a ticket to ride...
Collective gasp, everyone. Bethany is actually posting!
I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. My plane tickets came today!!! I'm leaving Indianapolis on May 9 and will be in Australia for about 3 weeks.
I love what happens with the time differences. (Not the jet-lag part. I don't love that.) On the way over, I'm in the air about 24 hours but I'll arrive 2 days later. On the way home, I'll leave around 1:30 on June 4th, spend 25 hours in the air, and get back to Indy at 11:30 that night.
*sigh* I love traveling....
BTW: If anyone is interested, I'd be willing to auction off a spot in my suitcase. There's probably only room for one person, and there's a chance they might end up being left behind if I buy too many gifts, but hey....that's the risk you have to take. ;o)
I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. My plane tickets came today!!! I'm leaving Indianapolis on May 9 and will be in Australia for about 3 weeks.
I love what happens with the time differences. (Not the jet-lag part. I don't love that.) On the way over, I'm in the air about 24 hours but I'll arrive 2 days later. On the way home, I'll leave around 1:30 on June 4th, spend 25 hours in the air, and get back to Indy at 11:30 that night.
*sigh* I love traveling....
BTW: If anyone is interested, I'd be willing to auction off a spot in my suitcase. There's probably only room for one person, and there's a chance they might end up being left behind if I buy too many gifts, but hey....that's the risk you have to take. ;o)
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Revenge of the Killer Cacti?
For anyone who is as amused by tabloids as I am....
Thank you, Dragon Writing Prompts.
FEBRUARY 2006
There are even more at MAGBAG.
Now I want to read those stories!
Thank you, Dragon Writing Prompts.
FEBRUARY 2006
10 Man with large fuzzy slippers creates enough electricity to heat his house —Weekly World News
9 DRUNKS FALL OFF ROOF AFTER BARTENDER DECLARES DRINKS ARE ON THE HOUSE! — Weekly World News
8 FIRED ARCHITECT BURNS HIS BRIDGES — Weekly World News
7 URBAN PLANNING NIGHTMARE: Self-building strip malls invade U.S. — Weekly World News
6 Priest called in to exorcise school 'spirit' — Weekly World News
5 ZEBRA BORN WITH HORIZONTAL STRIPES — Weekly World News
4 ELVIS WAX FIGURE CRIES REAL TEARS — Weekly World
3 MUTE DRIVER HONKS OUT A ROAD RAGE IN MORSE CODE — Weekly World News
2 Germany invaded — by Nazi raccoons! — SUN
1 REVENGE OF THE KILLER CACTI — SUN
There are even more at MAGBAG.
Now I want to read those stories!
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Tagged
My mother has tagged me!
Four jobs I've had:
1.) babysitter
2.) babysitter
3.)babysitter
4.) babysitter (Ok, so I've never had a "real" job....)
Four places I've lived:
1.) New Berlin, WI
2.) Island Lake, IL
3.) Columbus, IN
4.) Fort Wayne, IN
Four of my favorite foods:
1.) chicken tetrazzini
2.) crab cakes
3.) oysters
4.) my mother's enchilada casserole
Four TV shows I like to watch:
1.) 24
2.) Alias
3.) Lost
4.) American Idol
Four movies I could watch over and over:
1.) Sweet Home Alabama
2.) The Philadelphia Story
3.) Ocean's Eleven
4.) Pride and Prejudice (if only I had TIME to watch it over and over...)
Four places I would rather be:
1.) Siesta Key, FL
2.) Sydney, Australia
3.) some Carribbean island
4.) Southern Italy
Four websites I visit:
1.) www.imdb.com
2.) www.acpl.lib.in.us
3.) www.redeemer-fortwayne.org
4.) www.ipfw.edu
Four people I want to tag:
1.) Rachael
2.) Katie
3.) Rachel
4.) Lynea
Four jobs I've had:
1.) babysitter
2.) babysitter
3.)babysitter
4.) babysitter (Ok, so I've never had a "real" job....)
Four places I've lived:
1.) New Berlin, WI
2.) Island Lake, IL
3.) Columbus, IN
4.) Fort Wayne, IN
Four of my favorite foods:
1.) chicken tetrazzini
2.) crab cakes
3.) oysters
4.) my mother's enchilada casserole
Four TV shows I like to watch:
1.) 24
2.) Alias
3.) Lost
4.) American Idol
Four movies I could watch over and over:
1.) Sweet Home Alabama
2.) The Philadelphia Story
3.) Ocean's Eleven
4.) Pride and Prejudice (if only I had TIME to watch it over and over...)
Four places I would rather be:
1.) Siesta Key, FL
2.) Sydney, Australia
3.) some Carribbean island
4.) Southern Italy
Four websites I visit:
1.) www.imdb.com
2.) www.acpl.lib.in.us
3.) www.redeemer-fortwayne.org
4.) www.ipfw.edu
Four people I want to tag:
1.) Rachael
2.) Katie
3.) Rachel
4.) Lynea
Monday, January 23, 2006
Let's all sing "Kokomo"
Ghengis Khan has nothing on my grandpa in the "cruel and unusual" department:
"Hi all you goose bump people, 14deg in Anderson, 72 deg here as we speak. Oh well, the bad news it’s only going to get to 81 deg today, the temp tied a Sarasota record of 84 deg yesterday."
That was the email he sent out yesterday. We've been getting daily updates on exactly how warm it is down in Florida and what the temperature of the pool is. (90 degrees as of yesterday....)
I'd like to think I've done fairly well this winter. I haven't gotten cranky or stir-crazy because of the weather. In fact, as far as winter weather goes it's been amazing; plenty of 40 degree days and several in the 50s. Unfortunately, NO Indiana winter weather can compete with the Gulf of Mexico and I'm starting to feel more than a little "homesick" for the beach.
ON THE BRIGHT SIDE....If I lived in Florida I probably wouldn't have been around last week and definitely would not have had friends staying at my house. I also couldn't go to church at Redeemer (kind of a long commute) and finding a church to attend down there is...uh....difficult.
But a vacation would still be nice.
"Hi all you goose bump people, 14deg in Anderson, 72 deg here as we speak. Oh well, the bad news it’s only going to get to 81 deg today, the temp tied a Sarasota record of 84 deg yesterday."
That was the email he sent out yesterday. We've been getting daily updates on exactly how warm it is down in Florida and what the temperature of the pool is. (90 degrees as of yesterday....)
I'd like to think I've done fairly well this winter. I haven't gotten cranky or stir-crazy because of the weather. In fact, as far as winter weather goes it's been amazing; plenty of 40 degree days and several in the 50s. Unfortunately, NO Indiana winter weather can compete with the Gulf of Mexico and I'm starting to feel more than a little "homesick" for the beach.
ON THE BRIGHT SIDE....If I lived in Florida I probably wouldn't have been around last week and definitely would not have had friends staying at my house. I also couldn't go to church at Redeemer (kind of a long commute) and finding a church to attend down there is...uh....difficult.
But a vacation would still be nice.
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Having everyone around this week was awesome, and now I'm trying to adjust to our very quiet, empty-seeming house. 5-12 extra people hanging around make a huge difference.
The bits of the symposium that I got to attend were good. I went with my friends to hear Dr. Rast and Dr. Scaer, got to matins every day and vespers a few times, and hung out at the HT booth with big-shot merchandise person (and Triplette) Naomi.
Unfortunatly, real life interfered with my week and I had to spend most of Tuesday and Thursday afternoon and evening at school. Any other week of the semester I would love my classes and enjoy being on campus, but this week it was just a big pain.
On Thursday evening we all went to church at Redeemer, and then Katie drove all us wild teenagers to the Sabre of Boldness ceremony. Bishop Walter Obare of Kenya won the award, and Pastor Olle Fogelqvist of the Swedish Mission Province accepted on his behalf. Lynea and I met Pr. Fogelqvist before the ceremony. He asked us if we were part of the HT group and if we would be in Colorado Springs this summer, and told us about the group he is planning on bringing. (At the risk of sounding totally frivolous, I have to say I had never heard a real Swedish accent before and his was great!)
I am very glad to say that after everyone left I did NOT crash and I did NOT spend most of the day crying into a pillow like I have every year. I went to my favorite class and talked about Bosch paintings, talked on the phone with Rachael, went out and made $15 an hour babysitting, and talked to Naomi. All in all, a much better end to the week than a sore nose and puffy eyes.
The bits of the symposium that I got to attend were good. I went with my friends to hear Dr. Rast and Dr. Scaer, got to matins every day and vespers a few times, and hung out at the HT booth with big-shot merchandise person (and Triplette) Naomi.
Unfortunatly, real life interfered with my week and I had to spend most of Tuesday and Thursday afternoon and evening at school. Any other week of the semester I would love my classes and enjoy being on campus, but this week it was just a big pain.
On Thursday evening we all went to church at Redeemer, and then Katie drove all us wild teenagers to the Sabre of Boldness ceremony. Bishop Walter Obare of Kenya won the award, and Pastor Olle Fogelqvist of the Swedish Mission Province accepted on his behalf. Lynea and I met Pr. Fogelqvist before the ceremony. He asked us if we were part of the HT group and if we would be in Colorado Springs this summer, and told us about the group he is planning on bringing. (At the risk of sounding totally frivolous, I have to say I had never heard a real Swedish accent before and his was great!)
I am very glad to say that after everyone left I did NOT crash and I did NOT spend most of the day crying into a pillow like I have every year. I went to my favorite class and talked about Bosch paintings, talked on the phone with Rachael, went out and made $15 an hour babysitting, and talked to Naomi. All in all, a much better end to the week than a sore nose and puffy eyes.
See ya, Soccer Hair!
Everyone who was at the Sabre of Boldness ceremony and thought that my younger brother Patrick's hair was too long can now breathe a big sigh of relief. He got his hair cut early this morning. A guy from church came and picked him up at 5:30 am and they went to the barber together. Five cups of coffee and a few inches later he came back.
Before: Awesome, curly, soccer-player hair
After: cute cut that allows people to see his eyes
Now his friends won't have to threaten him with drugging and shaving anymore (and I'm sure they're all disappointed.)
Before: Awesome, curly, soccer-player hair
After: cute cut that allows people to see his eyes
Now his friends won't have to threaten him with drugging and shaving anymore (and I'm sure they're all disappointed.)
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Totally Brainless
Thank you, mother.
After seeing #10 I kinda think it's on to something....
Ten Top Trivia Tips about Bethany!
- Carnivorous animals will not eat another animal that has been hit by Bethany.
- The colour of Bethany is no indication of her spiciness, but size usually is!
- Bethany is 984 feet tall.
- Influenza got its name because people believed the disease was caused by the evil "influence" of Bethany!
- Bethany is picked, sorted and packed entirely in the field!
- The military salute is a motion that evolved from medieval times, when knights in armour raised their visors to reveal Bethany.
- Bethany has little need for water and is capable of going for months without drinking at all!
- Over 46,000 pieces of Bethany float on every square mile of ocean.
- Bethany does not have toes.
- Bethany can live for up to a week without a head!
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Excuses, excuses
I have excuses for not posting in days and days. Good excuses too.
Firstly, I was in Michigan skiing and having a marvelous time (with the exception of sleeping on the very cold hotel room floor. That wasn't so marvelous.) Despite my reputation for being less than coordinated at times, I managed to not injure myself. No one else got injured either, even Patrick, who managed to run off of a slope into a tree. Or Winston, who took a jump and didn't land on his feet.
My second excuse is that classes started again yesterday. I was actually looking forward to it, although who knows how long that will last! I'm sure I'll enjoy my classes this semester. They're all things that are of particular interest to me, with the exception of my communications class, but I have friends in that class, so it's not too bad.
I had my first rehearsal as a member of the Bach Collegium tonight. I'd been wanting to join for a while now, but just finally decided to go ahead and do it. We started working on several lovely pieces, including Brahms' "German" Requiem. Patrick is dreading the concert. He is strongly prejudiced against ANYTHING Brahms, thinking it's all "nap music." Or, in the case of the Requiem, "music that puts you to sleep. Forever." (Although, he has an even bigger problem with Bach arias. He compares anything that is ridiculously long or repetetive to an aria. No one tell Kantor, but I agree with Patrick!)
Firstly, I was in Michigan skiing and having a marvelous time (with the exception of sleeping on the very cold hotel room floor. That wasn't so marvelous.) Despite my reputation for being less than coordinated at times, I managed to not injure myself. No one else got injured either, even Patrick, who managed to run off of a slope into a tree. Or Winston, who took a jump and didn't land on his feet.
My second excuse is that classes started again yesterday. I was actually looking forward to it, although who knows how long that will last! I'm sure I'll enjoy my classes this semester. They're all things that are of particular interest to me, with the exception of my communications class, but I have friends in that class, so it's not too bad.
I had my first rehearsal as a member of the Bach Collegium tonight. I'd been wanting to join for a while now, but just finally decided to go ahead and do it. We started working on several lovely pieces, including Brahms' "German" Requiem. Patrick is dreading the concert. He is strongly prejudiced against ANYTHING Brahms, thinking it's all "nap music." Or, in the case of the Requiem, "music that puts you to sleep. Forever." (Although, he has an even bigger problem with Bach arias. He compares anything that is ridiculously long or repetetive to an aria. No one tell Kantor, but I agree with Patrick!)
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Incidently....
For any girly-girls who might potentially read this (and Rachael, even though she doesn't think she's girly....):
Online "paper dolls."
Now I know I have a problem. I'm 19 and I am still in love with paper dolls. ;o)
Online "paper dolls."
Now I know I have a problem. I'm 19 and I am still in love with paper dolls. ;o)
Anniversary Bash
My great-grandparent's 70th(!!!!) anniversary was today. (My mother talks about them here.) We helped give a reception for them this afternoon. Great-Grandma Beery kept telling me she couldn't believe how many people came and that they must not have anything better to do.
She was definitely right, if not in the way she thought. I can't think of much that could have been better than being around there today. Besides getting to visit with my wonderful great-grandparents, I had the chance to meet second and third cousins (never mind how many times removed...that just got too mind-boggling after a while.) I got to watch my grandma chit-chat with an old school-friend, sharing inside jokes about old teachers that she probably hadn't thought of in years. Patrick, being the charmer that he is, went around introducing himself to EVERYONE and making EVERYONE fall in love with him. It was also really cool to see all the parts of our family together (which my mother is getting ready to blog about....here.)
Now if only I'd had the foresight not to wear high heels all day....
She was definitely right, if not in the way she thought. I can't think of much that could have been better than being around there today. Besides getting to visit with my wonderful great-grandparents, I had the chance to meet second and third cousins (never mind how many times removed...that just got too mind-boggling after a while.) I got to watch my grandma chit-chat with an old school-friend, sharing inside jokes about old teachers that she probably hadn't thought of in years. Patrick, being the charmer that he is, went around introducing himself to EVERYONE and making EVERYONE fall in love with him. It was also really cool to see all the parts of our family together (which my mother is getting ready to blog about....here.)
Now if only I'd had the foresight not to wear high heels all day....
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