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.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
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!
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