Well, the last day of vacation started with a drive through Gatlinburg into the Smokey Mountains National Park and back. I wanted to take pictures of the White House-themed Clarion Inn Hotel so we did that. It was amazing - within 2 days the entire area was awash in autumn decorations! Even Dollywood had their corn stalks and squash on display already! We stopped in Knoxville for lunch. I don't remember the name of the place, but it was really good!
What should have been a 6-hour drive back to Columbus was extended a bit. While driving though Kentucky, just approaching Cincinnati, the front passanger window of the van, where I was sitting, literally exploded into me! There was a loud POP when the window shattered. The safety glass didn't cut me but the force it hit me with was incredible. We stopped at a gas station to call the insurance company, clean out the car, and let me shake myself off. I had glass in my shoes and several days later found a bunch of glass in my purse. So that really slowed us up with wrapping and taping the window and stopping to get fix-it supplies, etc. We finally got back to Columbus quite late and had dinner at Villa Nova - spaghetti - YUM!
So that was it. I was SO GLAD I took the following day off work because I was beat. I will definitely go back to Dollywood - it was great!!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Vacation - Part 2
We finally made it to Tennessee. The motel was....um....less than desirable, but that's often what you get when you use Priceline. Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the Smokey Mountain National Park, are all bascially on the same street. The street lights are numbered, so as a tourist you are told what lights things are at - turn left at light 6, on the right at light 2, etc. There are TONS of novelty-shaped buildings. A million pancake houses. And at least 2 weeks worth of themed putt-putt courses. It's AMAZING. We were tired after the drive, so took our Cracker Barrel-purchased snacks back to our rooms and went to bed.
The next day we stopped at Shoney's to get some pancakes and then to Dollywood! Yes, it was raining, and in fact, rained all day, but I love rain, so it didn't get me down. And it really kept the crowds away, which was great. I had seen on the website that they recommended renting an electric scooter if you had walking issues, which I do with my ankles, so I got one, which I was nervous and a little embarrassed about at first but it was great. It was the first time I did something like that without being in pain in forever. So once inside the park it was off to the gift shop!
There are about 100 stores at Dollywood, but the big one at the entrance/exit takes the cake. I got my postcards, a sparkly thermos, a scrapbook kit, 2 pins (Dolly Parton Pkwy street sign, and Dollywood sign), 2 pens, a Dolly Parton notebook and a Dollywood sticker book. Then we started out into the park.
It's divided up into sections. One section is 'Country Fair' and has little kids rides and fair games, 'Jukebox Junction' is all 50's themed, Timber Canyon has rollercoasters and a sort of 'haunted abandoned industrial complex' theme, 'Rivertown Junction' has a water-run mill that really mills flour, 'Craftsman's Valley' is just what it sounds like, and there's TONS more.
'Adventures in Imagination' is an area of the park which includes Dolly's tour bus and her museum, which is BEAUTIFUL. The tour begins on the 2nd floor with a welcome video and goes to different galleries based on parts of her life - church, school, music, etc. Each gallery has audio narration by her on a loop. Downstairs is filled with her clothes - lots and lots of clothes. They are in cases by event. They have all her clothes from the movie 9 to 5, different interview outfits from 60 Minutes and Larry King, tour wardrobes are in cases by tour, Grand Ole Opry outfits and even a few outfits worn by her mentor Porter Wagoner. There is a huge case of all her awards, Grammys and such, lots of video monitors, a place to look in a mirror to see what you look like with a big wig on, and on the way out a gallery devoted to her efforts to promote childhood literacy in Eastern Tennessee.
We stopped to watch people on a ride called 'Smokey Mountain River Rampage' and stopped into the 'Cider Mill' to get a snack then dad was keen on 'seeing a show.' He'd wanted to 'see some shows' since we first mentioned going to Dollywood 2 years ago, and as luck would have it, one was about to start at the outdoor theater right next to the place we were having our snack. The 'Back Porch Theatre' featured a history of Dolly Parton's career as sung by HER RELATIVES, or "Kin" as they would say 'round those parts. Her uncle Bill, who first heard her sing at a family picnic at the age of 10 and immediately drove her to Knoxville to sing for a radio station manager which got her her first commercial, was there, as were a couple of her first cousins, whose late mother sang and is featured prominently in the museum as a major influence. There were only about 10 people when they started, but by the time the recent Broadway production of 9 to 5 was mentioned, there were a good 40-50 people in the audience.
And who knew - Dollywood is home to the country's largest bald eagle sanctuary. You can get really close to them and they also have a bird show. My mom bought a sweatshirt from the eagle-themed gift shop (all the shops have themes). We rode the steam locomotive that follows a 5-mile track up through the mountains. And Dollywood IS in the mountains. Everything is on a hill. We saw the 'big show' in the big theater and throughout the walk through the park collected pressed souvenir pennies for my collection. There is an exact replica of the cabin Dolly and zillion siblings lived in stuffed with family heirlooms donated to the project by her late mother.
The only two bad things about Dollywood - it closes quite early - 6 or 7 depending on the day - and that you can't see it on one day. I didn't get to the patriotic giftshop, didn't go on any rides, only saw 2 music performances, and only ate once.
So we headed away from Dollywood swearing to go back sometime. Everyone there told us the Christmas light display is incredible. So we headed down 'the street' to Gatlinburg, and had dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe where we sat under the framed set of bells that John Lennon played on the song 'Xmas (War is Over).' Then I went back to the motel and wrote out my postcards!
The next day we stopped at Shoney's to get some pancakes and then to Dollywood! Yes, it was raining, and in fact, rained all day, but I love rain, so it didn't get me down. And it really kept the crowds away, which was great. I had seen on the website that they recommended renting an electric scooter if you had walking issues, which I do with my ankles, so I got one, which I was nervous and a little embarrassed about at first but it was great. It was the first time I did something like that without being in pain in forever. So once inside the park it was off to the gift shop!
There are about 100 stores at Dollywood, but the big one at the entrance/exit takes the cake. I got my postcards, a sparkly thermos, a scrapbook kit, 2 pins (Dolly Parton Pkwy street sign, and Dollywood sign), 2 pens, a Dolly Parton notebook and a Dollywood sticker book. Then we started out into the park.
It's divided up into sections. One section is 'Country Fair' and has little kids rides and fair games, 'Jukebox Junction' is all 50's themed, Timber Canyon has rollercoasters and a sort of 'haunted abandoned industrial complex' theme, 'Rivertown Junction' has a water-run mill that really mills flour, 'Craftsman's Valley' is just what it sounds like, and there's TONS more.
'Adventures in Imagination' is an area of the park which includes Dolly's tour bus and her museum, which is BEAUTIFUL. The tour begins on the 2nd floor with a welcome video and goes to different galleries based on parts of her life - church, school, music, etc. Each gallery has audio narration by her on a loop. Downstairs is filled with her clothes - lots and lots of clothes. They are in cases by event. They have all her clothes from the movie 9 to 5, different interview outfits from 60 Minutes and Larry King, tour wardrobes are in cases by tour, Grand Ole Opry outfits and even a few outfits worn by her mentor Porter Wagoner. There is a huge case of all her awards, Grammys and such, lots of video monitors, a place to look in a mirror to see what you look like with a big wig on, and on the way out a gallery devoted to her efforts to promote childhood literacy in Eastern Tennessee.
We stopped to watch people on a ride called 'Smokey Mountain River Rampage' and stopped into the 'Cider Mill' to get a snack then dad was keen on 'seeing a show.' He'd wanted to 'see some shows' since we first mentioned going to Dollywood 2 years ago, and as luck would have it, one was about to start at the outdoor theater right next to the place we were having our snack. The 'Back Porch Theatre' featured a history of Dolly Parton's career as sung by HER RELATIVES, or "Kin" as they would say 'round those parts. Her uncle Bill, who first heard her sing at a family picnic at the age of 10 and immediately drove her to Knoxville to sing for a radio station manager which got her her first commercial, was there, as were a couple of her first cousins, whose late mother sang and is featured prominently in the museum as a major influence. There were only about 10 people when they started, but by the time the recent Broadway production of 9 to 5 was mentioned, there were a good 40-50 people in the audience.
And who knew - Dollywood is home to the country's largest bald eagle sanctuary. You can get really close to them and they also have a bird show. My mom bought a sweatshirt from the eagle-themed gift shop (all the shops have themes). We rode the steam locomotive that follows a 5-mile track up through the mountains. And Dollywood IS in the mountains. Everything is on a hill. We saw the 'big show' in the big theater and throughout the walk through the park collected pressed souvenir pennies for my collection. There is an exact replica of the cabin Dolly and zillion siblings lived in stuffed with family heirlooms donated to the project by her late mother.
The only two bad things about Dollywood - it closes quite early - 6 or 7 depending on the day - and that you can't see it on one day. I didn't get to the patriotic giftshop, didn't go on any rides, only saw 2 music performances, and only ate once.
So we headed away from Dollywood swearing to go back sometime. Everyone there told us the Christmas light display is incredible. So we headed down 'the street' to Gatlinburg, and had dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe where we sat under the framed set of bells that John Lennon played on the song 'Xmas (War is Over).' Then I went back to the motel and wrote out my postcards!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Vacation - Part 1
I'm so tired I'm not sure I'm even mentally up to reliving my vacation but here it goes!
On Friday night mom and dad came to pick me up and we had supper at Schmidt's. Our bellies then full of German grub, we headed down to Kentucky to spend the night at a Hilton hotel just south of the Ohio River. It was a very nice hotel - tons of pillows and big flat-screen tv. 2 public computers in the lobby and tons of lounge areas. Free Crabtree and Evelyn toiletries. Classy!
Saturday morning we went back to Cincinnati to look at the river and so dad could live his dream of walking on the Purple People Bridge. We found some murals which told the history of Cincinnati and were really well done. After dad walked on the bridge we drove to Augusta, Kentucky to the Rosemary Clooney House and Museum. Augusta is a very tiny town in the middle of basically nowhere, right on the Ohio River. There were a few modest homes, trailer homes, and then on the river there are a few nicer homes and a small main street of very nice, rather trendy, restaurants and shops. Rosemary Clooney's house is right on the river, 2 stories, but not too large, and inside houses lots of exhibits including the largest collection of memorabilia in the world from her movie White Christmas. The elderly gentleman collected admission fees from his chair in the dining room and as we were the only ones there that day, it was nice to take our time and really enjoy it. There are several tvs which are playing the movies that are featured in the exhibits. In addition there is a small 'George Clooney corner' which has some memorabilia from ER and his movie Leatherheads. George's dad, Nick, still lives in town, and do several other friends and family members.
This picture is of the exhibit of costumes from the movie White Christmas in the living room, including the outfits and fan used during the song Sisters, and the military jacket worn by Bing Crosby when he sang White Christmas at the end of the film:
In need of a restroom, we popped into the town 'general store' and got a snack, then began the drive down to Tennessee. The roads from Augusta back to the expressway were treacherous!
On Friday night mom and dad came to pick me up and we had supper at Schmidt's. Our bellies then full of German grub, we headed down to Kentucky to spend the night at a Hilton hotel just south of the Ohio River. It was a very nice hotel - tons of pillows and big flat-screen tv. 2 public computers in the lobby and tons of lounge areas. Free Crabtree and Evelyn toiletries. Classy!
Saturday morning we went back to Cincinnati to look at the river and so dad could live his dream of walking on the Purple People Bridge. We found some murals which told the history of Cincinnati and were really well done. After dad walked on the bridge we drove to Augusta, Kentucky to the Rosemary Clooney House and Museum. Augusta is a very tiny town in the middle of basically nowhere, right on the Ohio River. There were a few modest homes, trailer homes, and then on the river there are a few nicer homes and a small main street of very nice, rather trendy, restaurants and shops. Rosemary Clooney's house is right on the river, 2 stories, but not too large, and inside houses lots of exhibits including the largest collection of memorabilia in the world from her movie White Christmas. The elderly gentleman collected admission fees from his chair in the dining room and as we were the only ones there that day, it was nice to take our time and really enjoy it. There are several tvs which are playing the movies that are featured in the exhibits. In addition there is a small 'George Clooney corner' which has some memorabilia from ER and his movie Leatherheads. George's dad, Nick, still lives in town, and do several other friends and family members.
This picture is of the exhibit of costumes from the movie White Christmas in the living room, including the outfits and fan used during the song Sisters, and the military jacket worn by Bing Crosby when he sang White Christmas at the end of the film:
In need of a restroom, we popped into the town 'general store' and got a snack, then began the drive down to Tennessee. The roads from Augusta back to the expressway were treacherous!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Last weekend was uneventful. I was aprehensive about this week. Work is always stressful the week before classes begin at the university. There's so much to do! It never occurs to me that some things CAN be done after classes begin. I am always so spazzy about it.
To make matters worse I'm going on vacation Friday-Monday with my parents. You would think 'oh vacation, how relaxing' - NO! I'm panicked about getting things done before I leave and my first day back at work will be the first day of classes. And now I find out that the forecast is for rain EVERY DAY I'm in Tennessee. I'm such a whiner!
To make matters worse I'm going on vacation Friday-Monday with my parents. You would think 'oh vacation, how relaxing' - NO! I'm panicked about getting things done before I leave and my first day back at work will be the first day of classes. And now I find out that the forecast is for rain EVERY DAY I'm in Tennessee. I'm such a whiner!
Friday, September 11, 2009
This week flew by because I was super-busy at work. School starts a week from Wednesday but I'll be on vacation starting next Friday, so next week will be even more hectic.
Columbus is currently a media circus due to the OSU vs. USC game taking place tomorrow night. ESPN is set up down at the stadium and the traffic coming home was terrible. Most of the official tailgate parties start between 8am and 10am tomorrow giving people 12 full hours to get drunk before the game begins at 8pm. The entire city becomes deserted during football games, so I take advantage of the opportunity to go to the grocery or see a movie. I listen to the game on the radio as I drive around so I know what's going on and squeeze my activities in before it ends.
When I had told non-football-fans that astronaut John Glenn 'dotted the I' at last week's game, some people didn't know what I meant. Here is a video of the marching band doing their famous 'script Ohio' formation, complete with 'i dotting,' traditionally done by a suzaphone player, as seen here.
Columbus is currently a media circus due to the OSU vs. USC game taking place tomorrow night. ESPN is set up down at the stadium and the traffic coming home was terrible. Most of the official tailgate parties start between 8am and 10am tomorrow giving people 12 full hours to get drunk before the game begins at 8pm. The entire city becomes deserted during football games, so I take advantage of the opportunity to go to the grocery or see a movie. I listen to the game on the radio as I drive around so I know what's going on and squeeze my activities in before it ends.
When I had told non-football-fans that astronaut John Glenn 'dotted the I' at last week's game, some people didn't know what I meant. Here is a video of the marching band doing their famous 'script Ohio' formation, complete with 'i dotting,' traditionally done by a suzaphone player, as seen here.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
This is turning out to be the most unproductive weekend ever. Well, I guess not entirely. On Friday at the last minute Mary and I decided to go to a movie and dinner after work. First we went to El Vaquero where I got my regular, Nachos Locos ("Crazy Nachos"). We were surprised to find that since we were there last, which really wasn't long ago at all, they'd built a huge back room as big as both previously existing dining rooms combined. Then off to the theater where we saw the new Sandra Bullock movie All About Steve. I had wanted to really see it because I'm always up for a movie about a crazy stalker! It was fine, but I think my expectations were just too high.
Tonight I ordered the makeup off the internet that my new internet friend told me to buy for the 'virtual makeover' she's giving me over the internet. It was definitely a splurge, but I probably need it. I hadn't bought makeup in forever.
I have tomorrow off work for Labor Day. Yay!
Tonight I ordered the makeup off the internet that my new internet friend told me to buy for the 'virtual makeover' she's giving me over the internet. It was definitely a splurge, but I probably need it. I hadn't bought makeup in forever.
I have tomorrow off work for Labor Day. Yay!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Well, I managed to twist my knee up yesterday getting out of the car. So today I stayed home and iced it. I feel so unhealthy! I wane back and forth with believing I'm too far gone to ever be in anything near good condition (I don't even remember a time when I was, for lack of a better word, "fit") and feeling super-optimistic that this is day 1 of a whole new me! *sigh*
Here's a song that always makes me feel better:
Here's a song that always makes me feel better:
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Early this afternoon I went to MJ's Candy Bar in Dublin (,Ohio). I had a gift bag with presents in it for a little girl and I know she likes candy so I bought a bunch of novelty candy to toss in there among the gifts. I had to buy a BIG HUNK bar just to be able to say I picked up a BIG HUNK while I was out and about today. I was tempted to buy a lot of things there, but resisted - after all, we all know that sugar is the gateway drug!
I went to the park downtown and sat on a bench on the riverbank and wrote for an hour. There were quite a few people there as the the new nature center had opened earlier in the week. I saw 2 egrets and quite a few seagulls. The wind was cool, but even at 66 degrees, the sun was blazing! My goal was to stay for 2 hours, but I only lasted an hour. But it was productive and cleared my head a little, and hopefully I can go out after work a few days this week since it's supposed to be in the low 70s and sunny every day.
I spent all yesterday 'cleaning' and yet it appears by looking around the room that I did nothing. *sigh*
I went to the park downtown and sat on a bench on the riverbank and wrote for an hour. There were quite a few people there as the the new nature center had opened earlier in the week. I saw 2 egrets and quite a few seagulls. The wind was cool, but even at 66 degrees, the sun was blazing! My goal was to stay for 2 hours, but I only lasted an hour. But it was productive and cleared my head a little, and hopefully I can go out after work a few days this week since it's supposed to be in the low 70s and sunny every day.
I spent all yesterday 'cleaning' and yet it appears by looking around the room that I did nothing. *sigh*
Saturday, August 29, 2009
I was glad when this work week was over. I always forget how stressful it gets a few weeks before fall quarter begins at the university. So much to do...everyone is on edge.
So I need to get organized at home. And start new projects. I find that having something big to worry about outside of work allows me to keep work-stress in perspective. I'm always worried that things won't work out so I procrastinate starting them, figuring I can predict how they will inevitably turn out. I had a horoscope this week that said that actions I take between now and September 21 will determine where I am in 5 years - for better or worse.
So the next 3 weeks is about non-procrastination and self-care. Today I'm organizing years worth of medical papers. It sounds silly, but it needs done and if I am able to accomplish this seemingly-menial task, then I should be motivated to take action on more risky ventures.
So I need to get organized at home. And start new projects. I find that having something big to worry about outside of work allows me to keep work-stress in perspective. I'm always worried that things won't work out so I procrastinate starting them, figuring I can predict how they will inevitably turn out. I had a horoscope this week that said that actions I take between now and September 21 will determine where I am in 5 years - for better or worse.
So the next 3 weeks is about non-procrastination and self-care. Today I'm organizing years worth of medical papers. It sounds silly, but it needs done and if I am able to accomplish this seemingly-menial task, then I should be motivated to take action on more risky ventures.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
So tonight after work I decided to go to a mall for the first time in ... forever! But man...when did the mall become a white-trash ghetto? Was it always like that and I've forgotten or does the economic turndown have something to do with it? Hardly anyone was there who wasn't loitering. I went into H&M to look at purses - no cute ones. So I decided to look at their jewelry - no cute jewelry either. They did have a intriguing pair of bootie shoes - black velvety fabric with gold brocade - but they were out of my size. So I grabbed some bourbon chicken from the Cajun place in the foodcourt and came home.
As I mentioned on Twitter and Facebook in June, one of my biggest heroes, Exene Cervenka, announced that she had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I had posted her mailing address in case people wanted to send her cards but I never got around to sending one myself! It will finally be mailed tomorrow. I found a cute 'thinking of you' card with white kitties on it in a cupboard back when we cleaned out my grandma's house to sell it. I think it's from the 1940's - scalloped edges - very old school! I hope she likes it. Here is video of one of my absolutely favorite X songs, which is saying a lot since I like them all, Beyond and Back.
As I mentioned on Twitter and Facebook in June, one of my biggest heroes, Exene Cervenka, announced that she had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I had posted her mailing address in case people wanted to send her cards but I never got around to sending one myself! It will finally be mailed tomorrow. I found a cute 'thinking of you' card with white kitties on it in a cupboard back when we cleaned out my grandma's house to sell it. I think it's from the 1940's - scalloped edges - very old school! I hope she likes it. Here is video of one of my absolutely favorite X songs, which is saying a lot since I like them all, Beyond and Back.
Monday, August 24, 2009
I went to see Julie and Julia yesterday. It was nice to see you can now get a fruit plate at the concession stand. The movie was fine - I think my expectations were pretty high. I really like the Julia Child part - the whole movie should have been that! Stanley Tucci was rockin' the hairy stomach! Woot! LOL
There was a gala Saturday night for the opening of the new main library, but I didn't really want to go, so I didn't. Dressing up, chit-chat, hardly any food, no chairs...and they were asking staff to park in remote garages - apparently we don't warrant close parking - just all sounded stressful. Then today I was told that my former co-worker was there, which would have been awkward, so it's just as well I stayed home.
Yesterday I IM'd with my new e-friend Julie. It was FUN! I had IM for a while at work, but when they reimaged the computer last year I said I didn't want it back. When you're working on a work project the last thing I need is being demanded to do something else. But at home it's relaxing and not stressful 'cause you can take breaks to use the bathroom and stuff. ha I thought we had been online for maybe for an hour or two - NO - It was 5 hours! So the laundry didn't get done (I forgot!) and I was a little scuzzy with my mismatched socks at work today, but it was worth it!
There was a gala Saturday night for the opening of the new main library, but I didn't really want to go, so I didn't. Dressing up, chit-chat, hardly any food, no chairs...and they were asking staff to park in remote garages - apparently we don't warrant close parking - just all sounded stressful. Then today I was told that my former co-worker was there, which would have been awkward, so it's just as well I stayed home.
Yesterday I IM'd with my new e-friend Julie. It was FUN! I had IM for a while at work, but when they reimaged the computer last year I said I didn't want it back. When you're working on a work project the last thing I need is being demanded to do something else. But at home it's relaxing and not stressful 'cause you can take breaks to use the bathroom and stuff. ha I thought we had been online for maybe for an hour or two - NO - It was 5 hours! So the laundry didn't get done (I forgot!) and I was a little scuzzy with my mismatched socks at work today, but it was worth it!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Well, I think I'm somewhat back to normal after the drama of yesterday. Going to the concert Sunday royally messed with my sleep schedule which makes me emotional and oversensitive. Late last night I went to Target and bought toiletries, a Hello Kitty pen, silver nail polish and a microwave for work. Our old one is ANCIENT and because it doesn't have a turn-table dish in it, nothing cooks evenly.
Ang Lee is on The Colbert Report right now. I knew a guy who's little nephew was in one of his movies once. I was telling a friend about how I'm less then 6-degrees away from knowing everybody. Once I told a student of mine that I knew the guy who did Eric Clapton's Christmas lights and she, very seriously, said "Wow, you know so many famous people!" LOL!
Tonight I'm listening to homeboy Kid Rock. Not my usual alternative fare, but he's very representative of the part of Michigan we're from (he's from the town next to the one I grew up in) and I can hear his influences as being all the Detroit artists we listened to as kids. I've never seen him around town, but, as always, when I'm home I keep an eye out! His drummer Stephanie Eulinberg is from Toledo, Ohio - she's awesome!
Ang Lee is on The Colbert Report right now. I knew a guy who's little nephew was in one of his movies once. I was telling a friend about how I'm less then 6-degrees away from knowing everybody. Once I told a student of mine that I knew the guy who did Eric Clapton's Christmas lights and she, very seriously, said "Wow, you know so many famous people!" LOL!
Tonight I'm listening to homeboy Kid Rock. Not my usual alternative fare, but he's very representative of the part of Michigan we're from (he's from the town next to the one I grew up in) and I can hear his influences as being all the Detroit artists we listened to as kids. I've never seen him around town, but, as always, when I'm home I keep an eye out! His drummer Stephanie Eulinberg is from Toledo, Ohio - she's awesome!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
I'm not happy tonight. I saw something offensive, cruel and stupid on the news that made me SO mad...I immediately complained to the offender online. Then I had a problem I needed to get off my chest that had been bothering me for a while and the person I turned to wasn't very supportive, basically saying 'Good luck with that' which made me just burst into tears and wonder if I can count on anyone at all. And you know what I did? Apologized to that person for bothering them.
I think because people normally count on me to be the strong one, the funny one, the independent one - when I need help - desperately need help - people freak out and don't know what to do or say to me. It's so frustrating...to have every single time I feel need to express myself honestly become an awkward situation.
All I want to do is write. I want to write letters, I want to write my movie script, I want to post in my forums, and I want to write coherent blog posts and aren't emotional rants like this!!!
I think because people normally count on me to be the strong one, the funny one, the independent one - when I need help - desperately need help - people freak out and don't know what to do or say to me. It's so frustrating...to have every single time I feel need to express myself honestly become an awkward situation.
All I want to do is write. I want to write letters, I want to write my movie script, I want to post in my forums, and I want to write coherent blog posts and aren't emotional rants like this!!!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Well, after finding out Chrissie Hynde's restaurant in Akron, VegiTerranean, wasn't open on Sundays I have to say I was feeling somewhat deflated about the 'good time' I had planned for Sunday, taking my friend Mary out to dinner and The Pretenders concert as a late-birthday gift. However, I needn't have worried.
I picked up Mary in the late afternoon and took her to Cap City Diner for her "birthday dinner." Her birthday was actually 5 weeks ago, July 7, when I was in Michigan. Afterwards we went to Lifestyles Community Pavillion (note to LCP: please change your name!), lucked out on a very close parking spot, and quickly settled in for the concert. It had been 91 degrees yesterday and was unbelievably humid. Even at 10pm Chrissie Hynde commented on how hot it was!
The first opening act was Julliette Lewis, the prolific actress who is now a rock singer. I have not been a fan - she's always seemed crass and affected - so I was pleasantly surprised when she performed a rather entertaining, Steven-Tyler-inspired set with fairly skilled vocals. Though I couldn't help wondering if Chrissie Hynde approved those shoulder-feathers she was wearing.
Next was Cat Power. Wow. She took the term low-key to a whole another level. I was vaguely familiar with her as a former co-worker's husband was obsessed with her, but I still don't get it. Several people who I spoke about her to today acted as though I'd insulted a holy diety! I agreed to listen to a few whole albums before spreading any more apparently-blasphamous Chan-Marshall hate.
The Pretenders were great! Lots of Ohio references and all the hits. They didn't do my favorite - their cover of Stop Your Sobbing, but did do Middle of the Road which is a close second for me. Chrissie Hynde is SO TINY! She wore high heeled boots and a cute jeans/t-shirt/vest/tie ensemble. And announced that with her next restaurant opening near the venue she would be around a lot over the next couple years.
The concert ended at 11:30pm, so by the time I drove Mary home and got back to my apartment it was LATE. And I was wound-up so I couldn't sleep. So I crashed when I got home from work today and so probably won't sleep well tonight. Note to self: concerts on a Sunday night require Monday off from work. Plan ahead!
I picked up Mary in the late afternoon and took her to Cap City Diner for her "birthday dinner." Her birthday was actually 5 weeks ago, July 7, when I was in Michigan. Afterwards we went to Lifestyles Community Pavillion (note to LCP: please change your name!), lucked out on a very close parking spot, and quickly settled in for the concert. It had been 91 degrees yesterday and was unbelievably humid. Even at 10pm Chrissie Hynde commented on how hot it was!
The first opening act was Julliette Lewis, the prolific actress who is now a rock singer. I have not been a fan - she's always seemed crass and affected - so I was pleasantly surprised when she performed a rather entertaining, Steven-Tyler-inspired set with fairly skilled vocals. Though I couldn't help wondering if Chrissie Hynde approved those shoulder-feathers she was wearing.
Next was Cat Power. Wow. She took the term low-key to a whole another level. I was vaguely familiar with her as a former co-worker's husband was obsessed with her, but I still don't get it. Several people who I spoke about her to today acted as though I'd insulted a holy diety! I agreed to listen to a few whole albums before spreading any more apparently-blasphamous Chan-Marshall hate.
The Pretenders were great! Lots of Ohio references and all the hits. They didn't do my favorite - their cover of Stop Your Sobbing, but did do Middle of the Road which is a close second for me. Chrissie Hynde is SO TINY! She wore high heeled boots and a cute jeans/t-shirt/vest/tie ensemble. And announced that with her next restaurant opening near the venue she would be around a lot over the next couple years.
The concert ended at 11:30pm, so by the time I drove Mary home and got back to my apartment it was LATE. And I was wound-up so I couldn't sleep. So I crashed when I got home from work today and so probably won't sleep well tonight. Note to self: concerts on a Sunday night require Monday off from work. Plan ahead!
Friday, August 14, 2009
As you can see by the picture, I splurged on a little gift for myself today because I deserved it.I told the girl who made it I'd need 2 inches added to the chain because 'some girls are bigger than others.' She thought that was funny!
I was really hoping tomorrow would be restful but it won't be. As usual, my parents called at the last minute to say they are going to come down and visit my godfather and would I join them for dinner...they actually wanted me spending the whole day, but I already have a list of errands to do as long as my arm. Sunday won't be as busy as originally planned. It turns out Chrissie Hynde's restaurant isn't open on Sundays so I won't have the drive to Akron.
Speaking of Chrissie Hynde, I saw a friend today who is friends with one of her close high school friends she keeps in touch with. If I could just become buds with Morrissey, our circle would be complete! LOL
Speaking of Chrissie Hynde, I saw a friend today who is friends with one of her close high school friends she keeps in touch with. If I could just become buds with Morrissey, our circle would be complete! LOL
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Yesterday was my co-worker's birthday. I got him The Office dvd game and a matching card. I guess I should clarify that if I cared about hierarchies I would say I supervise him and he is my subordinate, but that seems silly and petty.
Bought a new 3-hole punch at Office Max last night. As soon as I walked in I saw the practical (ugly) one that worked and then 2 aisles over I saw the impractical pretty one that probably doesn't work - guess which I picked? (No, I'm not talking about men - I'm still talking about 3-hole punches!!!) Yes, the pretty one. It's shiny, teal and I love it, so there. It's the first step in getting my medical papers organized. I realized that it's a major part of the chaos that is Gretchen's apartment.
Bought a new 3-hole punch at Office Max last night. As soon as I walked in I saw the practical (ugly) one that worked and then 2 aisles over I saw the impractical pretty one that probably doesn't work - guess which I picked? (No, I'm not talking about men - I'm still talking about 3-hole punches!!!) Yes, the pretty one. It's shiny, teal and I love it, so there. It's the first step in getting my medical papers organized. I realized that it's a major part of the chaos that is Gretchen's apartment.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Yesterday I didn't feel well at all. I was just overcome by the heat on Sunday. It's been so cool this summer, I just wasn't used to it. So I stayed home. My parents were still here for the earlier part of the day so we went to Cap City Diner for lunch and then they left and I napped. Work wasn't too bad today. I got frustrated with one guy on the phone who refused to believe he had called the wrong office. But that was it for the nasty!
Strangely, my happiest moments of the day occured with friends on the internet, many of whom I've never met. When I find myself thinking that, I think I need to meet more 'real' people, but then I think about the fact that I probably have met 30 or more people online since April and many of them will become 'real friends' eventually. I mean, a few of them live in or near Detroit - not outer-space! And I talked to several of my 'real friends' that I haven't seen in a while too. My English e-friend Garry was trying to compile a list of positive songs about being single and I enlisted the help of my former student Ted, who now works at the public library downtown, and Jason, who used to work for me and though he now lives literally 2 blocks away I haven't heard from him in forever. They came up with some great suggestions! My only suggestion was obvious, Morrissey's I'm Okay By Myself. Here's a great video of it:
Strangely, my happiest moments of the day occured with friends on the internet, many of whom I've never met. When I find myself thinking that, I think I need to meet more 'real' people, but then I think about the fact that I probably have met 30 or more people online since April and many of them will become 'real friends' eventually. I mean, a few of them live in or near Detroit - not outer-space! And I talked to several of my 'real friends' that I haven't seen in a while too. My English e-friend Garry was trying to compile a list of positive songs about being single and I enlisted the help of my former student Ted, who now works at the public library downtown, and Jason, who used to work for me and though he now lives literally 2 blocks away I haven't heard from him in forever. They came up with some great suggestions! My only suggestion was obvious, Morrissey's I'm Okay By Myself. Here's a great video of it:
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Today was the Donelson family reunion. We had an unexpectedly good turnout. It was our 80th annual reunion, held as always, at the park in the small town of Jeromesville, Ohio, where Everyone brings a dish and near the end of lunch we have everyone introduce themselves, the President (me this year) gives the financial update and makes sure the paperwork and address lists are updated. I also always have a craft table set up for the kids - this year they made foamie eyeglasses and foamie doorknob hangers.
The reunion event always begins with one of the elders saying grace, thanking God for our family and asking that we remember those no longer with us, while encouraging us to instill in our young people the importance of tradition and keeping family ties strong.
You say, "Boy, that sounds REALLY old-fashioned!" It is, but I have to say as a liberal agnostic like me - refreshingly so. The reunion day was my grandma Donelson's favorite day of the year - more than Christmas. Every year, on the first warm day in March she would say "Wow, it's getting warm! It must almost be time for the reunion!," though she knew full-well that the reunion is always the second Sunday in August, quite a ways from March. And when I was younger - a teenager through my 20's - I would BEG my parents not to make me go. I realized as I got older how much it meant to family members of her generation that the grandchildren attend and participate. After grandma died in 2004 I felt the best way I could continue to honor her was attend the family reunion, announce during the introductions that she was my grandmother and how much the reunion meant to her, and try to set an example for my cousins who are 21 and 23 years younger than me. When the reunion's over my parents and I drive down the street to the cemetery and water plants on grandma's, and other relative's, graves.
Unfortunately, it was also the hottest day of the summer so far! 91! I got a touch of heatstroke and as soon as I got home the migraine hit and I started throwing up. So, I've already called off for work tomorrow.
The reunion event always begins with one of the elders saying grace, thanking God for our family and asking that we remember those no longer with us, while encouraging us to instill in our young people the importance of tradition and keeping family ties strong.
You say, "Boy, that sounds REALLY old-fashioned!" It is, but I have to say as a liberal agnostic like me - refreshingly so. The reunion day was my grandma Donelson's favorite day of the year - more than Christmas. Every year, on the first warm day in March she would say "Wow, it's getting warm! It must almost be time for the reunion!," though she knew full-well that the reunion is always the second Sunday in August, quite a ways from March. And when I was younger - a teenager through my 20's - I would BEG my parents not to make me go. I realized as I got older how much it meant to family members of her generation that the grandchildren attend and participate. After grandma died in 2004 I felt the best way I could continue to honor her was attend the family reunion, announce during the introductions that she was my grandmother and how much the reunion meant to her, and try to set an example for my cousins who are 21 and 23 years younger than me. When the reunion's over my parents and I drive down the street to the cemetery and water plants on grandma's, and other relative's, graves.
Unfortunately, it was also the hottest day of the summer so far! 91! I got a touch of heatstroke and as soon as I got home the migraine hit and I started throwing up. So, I've already called off for work tomorrow.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Besides seeing The English Beat, Independence Day weekend was also about picnicing on my parent's back patio. They have a lovely back yard with lots of plants and flowers covered by a wysteria trellis...and it wasn't too hot, which can be an issue. My aunt, sister and sister's boyfriend came over and dad cooked burgers on the grill. My sister and her boyfriend always have veggieburgers. They look awful! I don't think I could eat one. I had made the special request that my mom make her macaroni salad, which I was so enthusiastic about by the time it arrived that I needed a seperate plate for it.
After coming back to work for 4 days in Columbus I then went back up to Michigan for the Tom Jones concert. I picked up my college-friend Cathy (she last had seen Tom Jones in concert 31 years ago - when she was 11!) and went to The Alibi for dinner - it's 'our place' we used to go all the time when I lived at home, but I don't think it's as good as it used to be. We arrived at Freedom Hill in plenty of time to shop for souvenirs. I got a 24 Hours t-shirt (the name of the new album) and a key chain I plan to make into a necklace. I was getting the t-shirt to make a pillow out of, as I haven't even come close to fitting into a tour t-shirt since I was about 12, but when I got home I dared to try it on, and it actually may be wearable. I tried to get Cathy to buy one of the tees that said SEXBOMB in big sparkly white letters across the front, but she wasn't interested.
While we were sitting outside the theater Cathy said "What are those ladies doing?" About 30 feet away were about 12-15 women in their mid-50's holding their camera phones over a high fence beyond which were 2 tour buses. Suddenly a chorus of screams erupted and seconds later all the women paired off in embraces, jumping up and down while squealing. Fandom was alive and well in Sterling Heights, Michigan!
Our seats were 1/2 way back in the center of the pavillion and we could see fine. Tom Jones had a horn section, 3 back-up singers a drummer and 2 guitarists. It was very Las Vegas! His voice was absolutely AMAZING. So strong! So clear! He's very handsome in-person which was a relief since a few minutes before I had heard a woman say "He's still so good looking - him and Billy Joel!!"
He sang 3 or 4 songs from the new album and also Delilah, Green Green Grass of Home, What's New Pussycat, It's Not Unusual...all the basics! I was disappointed he didn't sing Thunderball, since that's my favorite song of his, nor did he do Unbelievable, which I had also been not-so-secretly hoping for. He did the song where he sings repeatedly "I'm 200 pounds of heavenly joy..." complete with self-rubbing, which sent the crowd of mostly near-60-year-old-women into hysterics! I thought one woman in my row was going to either faint or have a heart attack! The encores were Venus and Prince's Kiss, which was a perfect ending to the set, sort of saying 'yeah, I do the old stuff, but I'm still hip and relevant.' It was great! I told my mom when I got home that I would definitely like to see him once more, anyway. I tried to find some video or pics from the show - every person but Cathy and I had a camera, yet apparently no one wanted to upload them for public perusal.
Next week...The Pretenders!! I'm big on concert-going this year. Did I just see Morrissey 4 months ago? It seems like 4 years ago!
After coming back to work for 4 days in Columbus I then went back up to Michigan for the Tom Jones concert. I picked up my college-friend Cathy (she last had seen Tom Jones in concert 31 years ago - when she was 11!) and went to The Alibi for dinner - it's 'our place' we used to go all the time when I lived at home, but I don't think it's as good as it used to be. We arrived at Freedom Hill in plenty of time to shop for souvenirs. I got a 24 Hours t-shirt (the name of the new album) and a key chain I plan to make into a necklace. I was getting the t-shirt to make a pillow out of, as I haven't even come close to fitting into a tour t-shirt since I was about 12, but when I got home I dared to try it on, and it actually may be wearable. I tried to get Cathy to buy one of the tees that said SEXBOMB in big sparkly white letters across the front, but she wasn't interested.
While we were sitting outside the theater Cathy said "What are those ladies doing?" About 30 feet away were about 12-15 women in their mid-50's holding their camera phones over a high fence beyond which were 2 tour buses. Suddenly a chorus of screams erupted and seconds later all the women paired off in embraces, jumping up and down while squealing. Fandom was alive and well in Sterling Heights, Michigan!
Our seats were 1/2 way back in the center of the pavillion and we could see fine. Tom Jones had a horn section, 3 back-up singers a drummer and 2 guitarists. It was very Las Vegas! His voice was absolutely AMAZING. So strong! So clear! He's very handsome in-person which was a relief since a few minutes before I had heard a woman say "He's still so good looking - him and Billy Joel!!"
He sang 3 or 4 songs from the new album and also Delilah, Green Green Grass of Home, What's New Pussycat, It's Not Unusual...all the basics! I was disappointed he didn't sing Thunderball, since that's my favorite song of his, nor did he do Unbelievable, which I had also been not-so-secretly hoping for. He did the song where he sings repeatedly "I'm 200 pounds of heavenly joy..." complete with self-rubbing, which sent the crowd of mostly near-60-year-old-women into hysterics! I thought one woman in my row was going to either faint or have a heart attack! The encores were Venus and Prince's Kiss, which was a perfect ending to the set, sort of saying 'yeah, I do the old stuff, but I'm still hip and relevant.' It was great! I told my mom when I got home that I would definitely like to see him once more, anyway. I tried to find some video or pics from the show - every person but Cathy and I had a camera, yet apparently no one wanted to upload them for public perusal.
Next week...The Pretenders!! I'm big on concert-going this year. Did I just see Morrissey 4 months ago? It seems like 4 years ago!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
August 5, 2009
An early dentist appointment was surprisingly painless this morning - 2 fillings. I came home, obsessed over the internet and took a nap. Then I had an afternoon eye appointment and when I got home decided it was too late to go to the state fair. I will go tomorrow. I can't believe I haven't been yet but it seems to take a lot of time and energy that I don't have and with the reunion this Sunday that I haven't begun to prepare for....I'm giving myself a break. Of course, giving yourself a break doesn't mean that every person you see isn't going to go "WHAT???!!! You haven't been to the fair? You didn't do any projects for the fair? What's wrong with you? You used to love the fair, now look at you!!!" Now that I think about it, it's probably MORE stressful in the long run to skip the fair because of the interrigations I undergo in delaying my attendance at it. I'll get there, though at this late date it's doubtful I'll use all the tickets I'd purchased in advance.
I bought a small rhubarb pie on the way from from the dentist. The pie shop (Just Pies - one of "Oprah's Favorites") is never open when I'm free to go, so I took advantage of having the day off by stopping in. Rhubarb is a wonderful, unappreciated food. I love it! When I ordered my samples of Morrissey's cologne last month the same perfumer makes a rhubarb scent so I had to get a sample of that too. It's amazing! Tart and sweet at the same time. Just like me. (I can hear you groaning!!! LOL)
I said I was going to continue my discussion of July's events tonight, but that will have to wait until tomorrow. I'm going to attempt the download of ...pictures! *insert dramatic music here*
I bought a small rhubarb pie on the way from from the dentist. The pie shop (Just Pies - one of "Oprah's Favorites") is never open when I'm free to go, so I took advantage of having the day off by stopping in. Rhubarb is a wonderful, unappreciated food. I love it! When I ordered my samples of Morrissey's cologne last month the same perfumer makes a rhubarb scent so I had to get a sample of that too. It's amazing! Tart and sweet at the same time. Just like me. (I can hear you groaning!!! LOL)
I said I was going to continue my discussion of July's events tonight, but that will have to wait until tomorrow. I'm going to attempt the download of ...pictures! *insert dramatic music here*
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
August 4, 2009
I will continue with my review of July's activities tomorrow. Now I need to vent a little about why I hate my apartment building.
For the umteenth night in a row I came home from work to find the crack whore - oh, I'm sorry - I mean, Internet Entrepeneur Mogul, who lives upstairs out on the stoop in her nightgown, smoking. (My co-worker said I shouldn't call people crack whores and he's right - so we've decided she probably does internet porn or something and that's why she's parked outside the door smoking 24/7.) The young woman that lives across the hall has taken to having LOUD sex with her boyfriend, not in her bedroom, which would be the furthest part of her apartment from mine, but immediately on the other side of her front door. It sounds like they are doing it in my living room right next to me! (Actually, the guy is the loud one.) Well, late tonight I had a new treat...a guy standing up against the side of the building smoking and a big guy LAYING on the steps passed out. I drove around and parked at the opposite side of the building to go in the other door and when I get to my apartment I see the 2 guys have the door at the other end propped open and the guy who was passed out is now leaning over the step railing vomiting into the parking lot. At this moment I can hear them in the hall, one yelling 'Stop! Get off me! Get off me!' while the other sounds like he's crying.
The cops just arrived! Swell. It's a great location, but obviously, there are issues. Time to buy a house!
For the umteenth night in a row I came home from work to find the crack whore - oh, I'm sorry - I mean, Internet Entrepeneur Mogul, who lives upstairs out on the stoop in her nightgown, smoking. (My co-worker said I shouldn't call people crack whores and he's right - so we've decided she probably does internet porn or something and that's why she's parked outside the door smoking 24/7.) The young woman that lives across the hall has taken to having LOUD sex with her boyfriend, not in her bedroom, which would be the furthest part of her apartment from mine, but immediately on the other side of her front door. It sounds like they are doing it in my living room right next to me! (Actually, the guy is the loud one.) Well, late tonight I had a new treat...a guy standing up against the side of the building smoking and a big guy LAYING on the steps passed out. I drove around and parked at the opposite side of the building to go in the other door and when I get to my apartment I see the 2 guys have the door at the other end propped open and the guy who was passed out is now leaning over the step railing vomiting into the parking lot. At this moment I can hear them in the hall, one yelling 'Stop! Get off me! Get off me!' while the other sounds like he's crying.
The cops just arrived! Swell. It's a great location, but obviously, there are issues. Time to buy a house!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
August 3, 2009
Hello, Blog! Well, this is something I've wanted to do for a long time, so let's see how it goes!
I can't believe it's August already! Last month was too busy. The 2 trips to Michigan within 9 days really did me in.
I went home for the July 4 holiday and for a concert. I had wanted to see The English Beat since I was in high school, and so this was my big chance to see Dave Wakeling in-the-flesh! Royal Oak Music Theatre is only 25 minutes from my parent's house so I just drove straight to the theater from Columbus. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to find the theater easily as I hadn't been there since seeing Adam Ant there in 1985. My worries were soon put to rest as I need only follow the trail of young people walking through town dressed as if they just popped out of a 1982 Madness video.
Imagine my shock to find that they would be OPENING for what only could be refered to as a novelty act, Reel Big Fish. Opening???!!! What the heck? Why is The King of Ska opening for ANYBODY? Anyhow, the show finally started and The English Beat were awesome! They didn't do any General Public stuff, but did their very awesome cover of Tears of a Clown along with hits Save It For Later and Tenderness, among others. The guy filling in for Ranking Roger was even good (RR has his own version of English Beat going in Europe) and Dave Wakeling looked and sounded exactly as he did 25 years ago. Unfortunately, the all-ages crowd were mostly there for Reel Big Fish, and weren't very enthusiastic. Though Dave had to laugh at one girl bouncing up and down in the front who was blowing bubblegum bubbles to the beat of the music.
The theater had taken out all the seats since I was there in '85, so it's 4 plateaus of standing with a bar instead of all-seated, but they had plenty of bar, handicapped, and step seating, so nobody really had to stand. But the smoke - UGH! I always forget that Michigan doesn't have the no-smoking laws that Ohio has and then I'm shocked when I suddenly can't breath in the public place.
There's a YouTube of Tenderness from the show, but it isn't very good so I'm not going to post it.
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