No nuts here

Some kids are absolutely amazing...I happened to be watching on the 2008 Scripps National Spelling Bee taking place in Washington, D.C. and I couldn't believe the words these kids were spelling! There was so much pressure on these kids, I was surprised they weren't passing out on stage. I kept thinking to myself, "I wonder how in conversation I could ever use that word?" One boy was particularly funny, but he didn't try on purpose...he was given a word "numnah" (A pad that goes under the saddle to keep the saddle clean and to cushion the horse's or pony's back). Rather surprised and skeptically with his eyebrows raised, he repeated what he thought they said to him...."Numb-nuts?" As soon as the words came out of his mouth, the whole crowd erupted with laughter and the poor boy just stood up there, just as confused as can be. Who would ever expect a boy to say on national TV "numb-nuts"?
Once the commentator repeated the pronunciation, the boy exclaims, "OH! Numnah! What a relief....!" Turns out he was the kid who ended up winning the bee.
Many of the words were from other languages as well. Many of the words were French and German which confused and ruined most of the kids. The boy that won had one French word that he completely butchered and, again, people started laughing.
Oh, today I was at Starbucks getting an iced coffee and a woman in front of me started getting snappy at the poor girl making her caffeine fix. Apparently, the girl was new to Starbucks and just learning how to make the drinks and she forgot to put whipped cream or something on the woman's drink and the customer just went berserk. The poor girl, looking so chagrined, profusely kept apologizing and you know what the woman said? "Yeah, well, just don't do it again." I swear, I almost smacked that woman..what kind of jerk says that? Sometimes, the customer is not always right....
Then, the woman looked over at me and was about ready to make another snide comment, but when she saw my stern glare and glean of disgust in my eyes, she shut her mouth, looked me up and down, and turned back to her drinks.
Yeah, that's right...just keep moving on.

Memorial Day...a time of remembrance

Monday was Memorial Day and because my family and I didn't do anything special (I would have liked going to Arlington Cemetery), I went with Jenn and her, ah, date to the parade that took place through Shippensburg. I was pleasantly surprised seeing how many people came to the parade...I knew the Halloween parade in the fall is always a hit, but despite the lack of candy being thrown to little children, a good number of people and children showed up.
When veterans would drive by in brand new SUVs (something rather funny with that) and antique Model-T Fords, they would wave to the crowd, especially the little children. What happened when Jenn, her date, and I would wave? Nothing! No smile, no wave...I felt a bit cheated.
Veterans from WWII (so few left) and I believe Vietnam War walked in the parade, as well as Ladies Auxiliary, various military groups, Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, firemen, dogs, high school and middle school marching bands, little children in daycare, motorcycle riders, and people dressed up in Civil War-era uniforms and clothes with drummer boys.
The day was lovely and perfect parade weather...a very rare event when it comes to Shippensburg events. Thank you for all the veterans and soldiers out there who have served and still serve for the life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness that the United States of America proudly stands for!

Resistance is futile

Today, I painted my new room with my future housemate...the shade I chose for the walls was called "Moon Shade", a very nice dark blue with just a light hint of grey. I love the color and it matches well with the white ceiling and trim at the bottom. It was a good bonding time...and I learned the finer points of painting. Later, we sat outside on the porch, watching her dog run around chasing tennis balls and trying to sit on us.

Yesterday when I went with Jenn and Tami shopping, I fatally walked into the Samsonite store because my luggage I took to Europe last summer broke a wheel. At first, I was only going in to look around and to get a faint idea what kind of luggage I would like in the future. Then, I turned around and saw these pieces, but in a light lavender color...and it was love at first sight. They were on sale, but I was still stuck on the fence as to whether or not to buy them. It took convincing from Jenn, Tami, the seller, my logic, and an extra 25% off....and I bought it! I got the 24 inch and the tote bag...they're so cute! It was fate....they were calling to me.

Brrrrrr...definitely did not feel like May today...more like March.
I'm thinking that within the next year, I want to try to find and join a book club somewhere in Frederick. Maybe a book club that focuses on some of the classics like Hemingway, Faulkner, Steinbeck, etc. Maybe a little bit a poetry....Oh! Maybe that should be my goal. To read more poetry and expand on my limited knowledge of poems. Honestly, sometimes I just don't get certain poems, especially the more modern ones. Like Jenn's. Or Nicole's. Jenn, I really loved your flamenco dancer one...please email it to me so I can read it again.
Sometimes when I read poems, the meaning behind them are completely lost on me and I end up saying "Huh?" at the end, which is very frustrating. What is even more frustrating is when I re-read the poems over and over again and still! No understand whatsoever.....
Emily Dickinson can really puzzle me..sometimes I understand the point, but the majority...I just shake my head. She's not my favorite poet...
Most people know I like having happy endings at the end of books I read. In fact, I make sure I am guaranteed a happy ending...before I buy a book, I skip to the end and read the ending quickly to see if if it seems happy. Who wants to read a book that has a sad conclusion? For me, reading is a way to escape reality...and reality is never fair nor happy. So....why in the world do I want to read something that is too much like reality? Hence, I read the ends of books before I read the beginnings.
All to ensure my satisfaction and happiness that everything turns out okay for the good guys in the book.
I must admit, though, there are a few books that I enjoy reading which don't end all happy and giddy and sunshiney. There are always exceptions to every rule.

Goodbye Winter!

I think it is safe to say that winter is over! The weather here has been incredibly nice and warm...I feel as though we are being spoiled. Oh, darn...I just checked the weather...I seemed to have jinxed the weather for the next few days. Rain, rain, and a little more...rain. That's okay....our garden needs rain.
The other day, I was walking around Frederick and I remember a year or so ago, I had walked into one store and bought very tasty hard peach candy that actually tasted like peaches! So I hunted down this very same store, strolled in, and lo and behold, they still had the same candy! Delicious....I swiped it off the shelf and promptly bought it.
Mmmmmmm....my sister eats cupcakes...I hunt down hard candy, gum, and dark chocolate.
I'm thinking of someone special

Music is a Passion

Music can unlock a person's soul...their inner self. I think a person's tastes in music can describe their very essence. Sometimes, I judge a person not just on how they present themselves (this method does not always hold true), but I also judge a person based on their music selection. This may actually be a better method of determining a personality because if there is one thing people are not afraid to do, it is to freely enjoy whatever music they want (unless you are in a country that bands certain categories of music...which still shreds light on a person's characteristics). Listening to music is a passion...music is a form of self-expression. We listen to music when we're sad, upset, distressed, elated, angry...and there are millions of different forms of music to fit whatever emotion we are experiencing because, chances are, someone else in the world at some moment in time felt the exact same way and decided to translate their emotions into music...perhaps as a form of catharsis.
I love playing the piano...and it is a shame I don't play more often. When I move, I can't take it with me...probably not until I have a place of my own. It will be hard not to have it. My favorite songs to play in no particular order? Christmas songs, Broadway, opera, and classical (a lot of Beethoven). Especially with Beethoven...the man was deaf! And he created the most amazing music with such raw energy and power that time will never forget. Years from now, people won't recall any horrible Britney Spears song, but once "Moonlight Sonata" is played...there is no way anyone could not recognize that.
Other beautiful songs that will not be lost in history: "Nessun Dorma" and "O Mio Babbino Caro", both by Puccini in two different operas. When you hear a recording of Pavarotti sing "Nessun Dorma", you practically melt at the sheer power behind his words.
I find that a majority of modern American songs lack a deeper meaning...most of the emotions involved are too superficial and too physical. When Jenn and I were in Rome last summer with other students, we were eating in a restaurant and there was a man and a woman singing opera pieces while we were waiting for our food and I had asked the woman to sing "O Mio Babbino Caro." And even though we weren't in the Metropolitan Opera and she wasn't Joan Sutherland or Maria Callas, the purity and innocence of the song reduced me to tears...very embarrassing, but very gratifying.
"Ed il mio bacio scioglierà il silenzio che ti fa mia!"
"And my kiss will dissolve the silence that makes you mine!"-"Nessun Dorma" from Turnadot

Free Time

You know, when you are the most busiest you wish to just do nothing...when you actually do nothing, then you end up as bored as can be.
Today, I went for a walk through Shippensburg with Jenn and my dog, Wally, after grabbing some iced tea at a local coffee shop. What an afternoon. My dog cannot understand that it is not polite for him to walk up people's porches or to urinate on church grass. I felt like one of those mother's who strap a harness on their child and attach a leash to them (which, by the way, I find so dehumanizing....yes, it made be easier than way, but come on...does it really take that much effort to hold your child's hand?)
Anyway, towards the end, Wally and I followed Jenn into this wooded area to the duck pond. It wasn't until we were well on our way that I realized to myself, "I am following someone who cannot navigate to save our lives...."
But, surprise! All three of us came out alive. All in all, it was a nice, 2-hour walk.
On Sunday, my family and I celebrated my sister's birthday and my brother-in-law and mother managed to shove 35 candles onto her birthday cake. My sister does not look her age, so no one on the street would ever be able to tell she was 35 years old. Oops...did I give that away?

Graduation

Oh my, what tulmutuous times....I graduated, Mother's Day and my sister's birthday was on Sunday, and I dearly, strongly miss someone special in my life, especially during graduation.

Saturday was the final conclusion to a rather large and important chapter in my life...I still don't believe I fully feel it's concequences. I believe that because i had finals right up to the day before graduation, it doesn't feel as emotionally over-the-top as graduating from high school. Plus, with Facebook, I don't feel I will totally be separated from my colleges friends (and some professors!)

My parents, paternal grandparents, sister, and brother-in-law came to the special event that was held inside Heiges Field House due to the earlier rain during the day. Sigh...I was so afraid it was going to be high school graduation all over again..hot, sticky, and humid. To my great surprise, the weather was actually decent, even pleasant! Good thing...got some good pictures in...we were some of the last people there, taking pictures, as recent graduates drove by, honking their horns and yelling out the windows. With my sister, being a professional photographer, it was quite the photoshoot. There was a lot of, "Aaron! Hold this camera! Aaron! Don't turn the cameras off!" hahaha...., but, they got some really good pictures taken. I wanted to get pictures with my professors who had showed up in the graduate gowns, looking all smart and sophisticated..but, alas, they either ran out the door when it was done, or sat in their robing room and talked.

The actually ceremony part even went by quickly, calling out our names and hauling us up to shake hands and to hand us our fake diplomas like cattle.

All in all, it was a very nice ceremony and event. Afterwards, my family went out to the Outback Steakhouse where it was packed full, but thank goodness my father made reservations..good job Dad...I didn't have to remind him! My grandparents had given me money and a new down comforter, my parents are going to get me a new bed, but the biggest surprise of all was the beautiful silver Tiffany's bracelet Jenny and Aaron gave me! Ahhhhhh!

Now, what to do with this piece of paper I have worked hard for for 4 years? Hmmm..build a fire? Nah...

My love,

I'm still here for you and love you...I will still wait till we are back together again. It will be hard, but so well worth it.

Don't give up,

Your love

Hey,

If you're reading this (you know who you are)...I'll still wait.

Emily

Staying fit and healthy...one carrot at a time...while preventing obesity and the onset of diabetes!

I have come to the conclusion that the best time to take outside pictures is in the late afternoon/evening. This is the best time to be outside...well, until summer comes and the mosquitoes start eating you. But even then, those pesky bugs can't ruin my evenings outside.
Knowing that I had a week of studying ahead of me, I created a plan of action. Usually as I study, I tend to find something to snack on...nothing big or fancy, just something to chew on because, as science proves, stimulating your facial muscles (especially your mouth) increases your ability to learn and retain knowledge. Mostly, I chew gum, but especially in the afternoons or late nights, I grow a bit hungry and tend to gravitate towards food. So! Due to recent admonishes from a certain someone about how Americans eat too many potato chips and junk food (which, I agree) I made sure I stocked the refrigerator with vegetables and fruits so that instead of reaching for the bags of pretzels and chips my family is fond of, I grab a bag of something healthy.
For example, I tend to eat carrots when I'm hungry so I made sure I had plenty of bags of baby carrots. They're crunchy, light, and nice to just nibble on while scanning my notes on the shamans of the Amazon and how the American government basically threw all ethics out the window during the Tuskegee Experiment when observing African-American men with syphilis. I also have a drawer in the fridge full of tangerines to keep my vitamin C levels up. Again, easy to access, easy to eat.
I realize that even though my family has pretty good metabolic genes, if I don't watch what I eat, my body will pay for it later. Which will then equal higher health care bills. And earlier death. And poor eating habits for my prosperity. However, the whole situation is so ironic: to eat healthy foods, you must pay more which is why lower-income people are at a greater risk for obesity and diabetes....cheaper, processed foods are loaded with too many carbs, calories, sugars, and god knows what kind of chemicals. Best thing to do: grow a garden. If you live in the city, check to see if there is a community-based garden area around.
I shall step off my soap box for now. I will complain about the increase of obesity and diabetes later....my expertise.

Dreams....

Today, I've had some pretty weird dreams...some of which were truly scary. As I was on the couch while my father was watching Nascar, I fell asleep this evening and had some pretty vivid dreams. I cannot remember the first one, but I remember the others that followed quite well. The first started off with my uncle and I driving home from a fair and all of a sudden, either a terrible storm or snow storm opened up right over our car, creating snow or water several feet high around the car. Then, there was a terrible loud crack through the air and when I got home, I saw that lightening hit one of the pine trees my father planted when they first built the house. As it grew (this part is true) it grew rather crooked, but my father never cut it down. So in the dream, when the lightening hit it, it pretty much burnt most of the tree off. I told my father inside the house, he came out to look at it, and he was devastated for some reason. He went back into the house while I stood outside (in the dream, the pine tree was right next to the house when in reality, it's across the driveway from the house). I reached up to the pine tree and I noticed that already new buds and needles were forming.
When I went into the house, I must have been hearing on the radio about how a woman caught a criminal on the loose because her cat was taking meat out to the criminal who was hiding in her bushes, so she told the police. I turned around and someone was coming into my house, through the basement door, so I started to kick and punch.
I cannot remember the next dream, but the dream afterwards scared me and my dog. I dreamed once again I was inside the house, next to the basement door (which is actually next to my room) and it starts off that I'm hearing the story of the woman, her cat, and the criminal outside her house, but then in the dream, I turn into the woman and I'm talking to the police on the phone, counting off on my fingers how many nights my cat has been taking food outside and as I realize it is the same number of days that the prisoner has been on the loose, I look up and he's staring...grinning horribly at me. In the dream, I screamed and ran into my room, grabbed a vase, and began to swung as hard as I could at the man. This is when I woke up, literally shrieking and almost rolled off the couch because I'm wildly waving my arms. The dog jumps up and my father asks, "What are you screaming about?".....uhhhh, a dream? Apparently, sometime during my dreaming, I also took my sweatshirt off....must have been hot.
I have concluded that I dreamed these things for a number of reasons or a combination:
1. I ate pizza that day
2. I am on cold medicine
3. I wasn't watching Nascar, but in the same room with it on TV
4. I was watching on the news about the bad weather around the nation
5. Feeling very emotional today...I missed someone...a lot

Of course, I'm feeling a bit apprehensive and nervous after my dreams. Just a few weeks ago, I dreamed Hillary would win the PA primary and this was during the period that everyone was all Obama gung-ho. A few years ago, I dreamt of horrible tornadoes and then a few days later, the Midwest was hit with tornadoes. Now, I'm not saying I'm a psychic in my dreams, but it certainly makes me nervous...
I went onto a dream interpreting website, just for kicks...and the closest thing I could find to my dreams was this:
"To see a falling tree in your dream, indicates that you are off balance and out of sync. You are off track and headed in the wrong direction."
It's kind of funny..in my medical anthropology class, we're discussing shamans and how they use dreams to "cure" physical and spiritual ailments within their tribes. Perhaps one of them can help me. Or maybe I should not eat pizza and sleep in front of Nascar.
(Just for clarification: I'm not a fan of Nascar...I was just sleeping in front of it as it was on the TV...the couch in the living room is comfy)