Hibachi and Anniversary

Today is mine and the boyfriends 3rd anniversary. We are not spending it together. For my birthday/Christmas gift he bought me a round trip plane ticket to Georgia so that I could spend time with my family before leaving for the Navy. I've been here in GA since Wednesday now and am having a blast. Too much food has been consumed, for sure!

Today was the first time I experienced Hibachi. It was amazing and inexpensive!! The chef was a bit of a comedian as well and the kids (Joie, Roman, Cheyenne, Cadence) just loved it. I also loved the food! I had edemame, miso soup, white rice, fried rice, veggie entree. All delicious!

While I am missing my boyfriend terribly, I cannot be sad on this day because I am spending some quality time with my family. Besides, we'll make up for it later. It's only a date, we can celebrate any time we want.

Frühe Weinachten!!!

Happy Christmas!!

Misconceptions of a Vegetarian's Menu

There I was in my Animals and Justice class bawling my eyes out during a video we were watching in class. I had made plans on having Bim Bim Bop (or however it's spelled/called) for lunch but after watching all sorts of animals being abused and then slaughtered, I had quickly lost my appetite for meat.

After class, I was still crying as I walked to the Int'l Student Org's office. I sat down and my friends looked at me like I was some ghost. After telling them what I just saw, I announced that at that moment I was a vegetarian. Their first response: "What will you eat?"

Vegetarians, by definition, eat vegetables and animal by-products. By this I mean milk, eggs, honey, cheese, and anything that didn't require the death of an animal but came from an animal is still ok to eat. Vegans eat absolutely NO ANIMAL BY-PRODUCTS. Not even honey. I stress the honey part because many people I tell this to are shocked to hear that honey is considered an animal by-product despite the fact that honey comes from bees.

I cannot give up honey. I love it too much. I also eat the occasional egg and bake with it as well so that is very difficult for me to rid of in my diet. I did replace cow's milk with soymilk and reduced my cheese intake significantly (I will, on occasion, have cheese on my eggs or in my salads).

People tease me saying that I eat grass, or that I'm a grazer. That vegetarians only eat salads or raw veggies. This is not true. We can eat pretty much anything a typical omnivore eats just without the meat. Veggie lasagna is delicious and much better than the original if you ask me. Pizza has more pizzazz when you put all veggies of all sorts on the crust instead of all meats. Sandwiches suddenly become lively and creative when you have to fill up two slices of bread with something other than cold cuts. I have discovered so many new taste sensations that I have missed for the first 24 years of my life. I had no idea how great a cucumber, hummus, bean sprouts, lettuce sandwich was until I became a vegetarian. I eat several HOT dishes as well. Today I had a bag of frozen veggies that I steamed in the microwave. Sure I could have cooked them on the stove but I was lazy and so I went the easier route. I've had to get creative with dinner and discovered a lot of root vegetables as well. I've learned how to adapt and found that my menu is limitless. However, several restaurants and chefs are dumbfounded when it comes to feeding a vegetarian.

It seems that chefs or cooks everywhere think that veggies can't be spruced up into something decadent. Well, they can. That's what spices and herbs are for!! Every time I ask if there is a vegetarian dish on the menu the response is overwhelmingly "salad." Well, your salads are boring! Give me flavor or give me death! Come on! Get creative!

I've noticed that there are some places that are expanding their menu because of the growing population of vegetarians/vegans in our society. Panera bread offers a few items that are delish and creative for us veggies. Even McD's and Burger King have veggie patties (albeit they are disgusting b/c they cook them on the same equipment as the meat).

All I'm saying is that there is more than just salads that we veggies eat. It just requires a bit of creativity and expansion of the vegetable vocabulary. There are endless possibilities and yet people are too lazy to even try. I bet if you took your fave dish and made it vegetarian, you would soon discover how fast your cookbook has just expanded. 

As my dad always tried to get me to do: "Eat your colors. They are much healthier than the pork chop on your plate." Well, I've finally listened and I love it. 

Unconventional Christmas

To be honest, I've never had an American Christmas as described in the movies. I never woke up on Christmas morning excited to open gifts. In fact, for as long as I could remember, Christmas morning was a day to sleep in and play with the toys that I unwrapped the night before. That's right, we celebrated on Christmas eve.

It was always like this. Only candles lit (even on the tree) and music playing softly in the background. We always went to church be ause we were in the children's Christmas play. Once we got home it would be 10pm or so and dad and my brother would put on the act of pretending to see hoof prints on the ground (indicating that Santa stopped by while we were gone). The fact was that dad would be the last one out of the house and would place the gifts under the tree while my brother and I got settled in the car.

Over the years, Christmas became less celebratory. We stopped going to the children's mass and dad was always too tired to go to midnight mass. We started opening our gifts by 7pm Christmas eve, which were never that many, and then proceed to watch movies and eat a decent meal. When it's just you and your dad there really isn't a need to make a huge meal. Christmas to me isn't my family's biggest holiday. In fact we celebrate Thanksgiving more than Christmas.

This year I am celebrating it early. Today to be exact. The boyfriend opened his gift from me this morning (a samsung blu-Ray player with wifi for netflix). We are currently on the road to his parents house to celebrate there (yes I am blogging from my iPhone while in the car). Point is that we just don't follow society's version of the holiday. We don't care much for the tree or the shopping or the gifts. We would much rather spend time together than deal with all of the other nonsense. Besides, it's more fun being with family than going into debt at the store anyway. I would much rather do this instead. ^_^

Izzy and Max

I have two kitties, Izzy and Max. Izzy is 3 and Max is 6 months. Both were adopted at a rescue shelter and both really adopted me. Izzy was born with feline leukemia (very mild form) and in one year managed to build up her immune system and beat the disease. We waited a year and a half before getting Max to make sure she was 100% well. We also noticed how lonely she was whenever we left for work. While the two of them do "fight" (I put that in quotes because I've seem them be civil and playful to each other), I know that Izzy is happy to have a friend. Max is just always happy. ^_^

Izzy

Max

(c) 2009 LRG Photography. Please Do NOT Copy.

I'm Gonna Miss This

The year is coming to an end and with the New Year comes New Beginnings. For me it will be starting my life in the Navy. Nervous, excited, anxious, are only just a few words that can describe what I'm feeling right now. Resigning from TSA is the best thing I could have ever done. I cannot imagine being there forever, making it a career with no possibilities whatsoever. It was merely a stepping stone to something much greater.

TSA kept me from getting that Cum Laude I was shooting for because of the expectations required of me. Forcing me to make compromises that I didn't want to make just so that I wouldn't become homeless. Not working with me and countless of other College students and their school schedules, actually telling me to quit school for that job. It just isn't a good government job for the educated American.

These walls have kept me inside but now I'm busting out! Freedom and adventure here I come! Well, ok so the Navy will own me for a while but it'll be worth it in the end. It's going to be much better than this.

I will miss this: being able to watch my favorite shows on the days they air, seeing my friends whenever I want, spending time with my boyfriend and my cats. Blogging, singing, dancing, etc. whenever I feel like it. It's only 8 weeks without my iPhone, MacBook, Cable TV, and my Nikon D40 but 8 weeks will come and go and I'll be back on the grid again.

I will NOT miss: Drama, TSA, Newark (NJ), or insane people.

Another stepping stone to something greater. In the end the journey will be worth the struggle and the obstacles that lie in my path. In the end I will be a bigger, smarter, and more experienced person. Right now, I'm enjoying the adventure.

Next stop: Great Lakes!

Ich Liebe Pocky

I discovered this gem of a snack at the Sushi bar on campus a couple of years ago and instantly fell in love. Simple chocolate or strawberry cream covered biscuit sticks go great with coffee, tea, or by themselves. Then when the Sushi bar changed managers, the Pocky's disappeared. I was devastated! Then I found them at a Border's in the airport but couldn't get to them as often as I liked. Now they are available at the local Farmer's Market (Veggie/Fruit grocery near my apartment)!! I am so excited that I can barely contain myself! Sure, they can be fattening but it isn't like I'm eating them everyday. Anyway, if you want to try them you'll have to look hard for them sometimes. It's a Japanese treat that isn't available everywhere in the U.S.


I find it amusing that the dark chocolate ones are called "Men's Pocky." I love dark chocolate!! 

Ink Stains on my Fingers

Before we officially changed our work schedules at work, this summer I was plagued with working with the most childish of people. One of them was an elderly woman who lived off drama and nonsense and enjoyed getting on my case for the most ridiculous of reasons. Whenever she overheard me talking to my friend Tiff about my money-saving projects this woman would interject and call me cheap. Her calling me cheap was because I refuse to buy into name brands or wasteful spending. Well, if that's cheap then by all means call me cheap. But what I do is not only saving me money but saving a few trees as well.

Today I acquired the most wonderful of stains on my fingers: ink. I am wrapping all of my Xmas gifts with the Sunday Comics of a newspaper that I have delivered each week to my apartment. I only ordered the weekly delivery for the coupons but quickly realized that my boyfriend enjoys reading something first thing on a Sunday morning. Since I'm already paying for the paper I have started to find ways of reusing said paper before it goes to the trash. I use it for packing and wrapping gifts right now. So far I have wrapped 6 gifts with this stuff. Yes, a tree still died to make that paper but at least I'm not buying any specialty wrapping. Baby steps.

Being cheap really isn't much of an insult when you have money in the bank because of such frugality. 

Animals Are Smart

I really hate it when people state that animals are dumb. I hate it even more when they use this logic to defend their abuse towards animals. Animals are not dumb. They are very smart creatures. They work together as teams to survive. They have feelings of love and anger towards one another and towards other species. Granted they are not as evolved as Humans but that doesn't make them dumb. Geese fly in a V formation to maximize travel. The goose in the front does the most work and as further back the geese are in that formation the less work they have to do because they coast on the work of their family before them. When the leader tires, he moves and one that is more rested will go to the front to take his/her place. This allows them to travel great distances without having to stop. Salmon travel upstream every year to their birthplace in order to lay and fertilize more eggs. How can that be considered dumb?

However, since animals go more by instincts and are not as evolved as Humans, we cannot hold them to the same moral standards as we hold ourselves. It doesn't teach the Shark or Alligator any lesson by killing him because he killed a human. The more likely scenario is that the animal was defending himself from the human. Punishing the animal for doing what he is instinctually built to do is not justice. We must stop this practice.

There are more things we should stop but I need to go and get ready for work. I just had to get this bit off my chest.

Tips for Traveling (reposted and edited greatly due to laziness)

I advise all travelers to go to www.tsa.gov and click on travel tips if you DON'T want to be surprised at security. As a TSA employee I have come across the most insane of situations. These situations are tedius, annoying, and easily prevented. Here are some you might not see on the website:

•metal bracelets: they WILL ALARM THE METAL DETECTOR. So if you can live without then for a day then please don't wear them when going through security. They piss off the officers because it's annoying to have to pat down someone who is too lazy to take that stuff off. We don't mind the extra screenin. Of those who alarm legitimately (I.e. Those with metal implants or real threats) but those bracelets are a thorn in our sides. Plus it slows down the lane which makes the lines long and annoys other passengers.

•shoes: ok this is on the site but I have to reinterate. SHOES MUST COME OFF. All types of all sizes and all styles. Just buck up and take them off. We don't like to smell your feet either so start applyig some odor eaters or clean you feet and wear clean socks. Do somehing for your god aweful feet!

•liquid limitations: also on site. 3.4ounces or 100mL in a clear QUART (not gallon) size bag. Why? Because of the foiled plot that happened 3 years ago in the UK. It also applies to food items such as jams, peanut butter, dips, hummus, yogurt, water, etc. If it ain't solid or not within those regulations then either eat it before you come or check it in. I don't care about you favorite brand, it's going in the trash if you bring it through security.

Pack lightly if possible and don't overstuff your carry-on bag. If it's heavy and overstuffed and then we have to check it you are putting OUR SAFETY AND HEALTH at risk and we are less inclined to help you repack it. In fact, if you are a pain then expect to be treated the same. Give us a bit of respect and we will treat you with respect. If you follow the rules and are patient then I promise
you security will be a breeze. Just remember that these are federal officers and you can be arrested if you start a fight or pose a
serious threat.

Also a thank you neve hurt anyone. It oftentimes makes my day. :)


*I say reposted and edited b/c I've made previous drafts only to have deleted them later*

Strange Gift Ideas

Watching TV has presented me with some very odd gift ideas this Christmas. Ideas such as electric toothbrushes. Why on Earth would anyone want an electric toothbrush as a stocking stuffer? Ya, thanks for telling me I need to brush my teeth with technology. Give me some toothpaste to boot why don't ya.

And when I think about it, buying those gift packages you see in the stores that are full of soaps and whatnot. I'm not going to use hardly any of that. Obviously the person felt obligated to get me something but didn't put any real thought into it. I've been seeing myself do the exact same thing with a friend of mine. I am considering getting her a nice make-up kit but is that what she really wants or needs? I don't even know anymore. I say if you are gonna give a gift but don't know what to give, just give the person a universal gift card. At least this way they can get themselves something they really want. And who doesn't like free money! ;-)

Christmas sucks. I had the premise of feeling obligated to give gifts to anyone. If I want to give someone a gift it should be because I WANT to not because I NEED to.

Digital Books = Win!!

I absolutely love that I purchased digital versions of Volumes 1 and 2 of Sherlock Holmes from Barnes & Noble.com for less than $6. That's a lot of stories for such a small price!!! I also bought the complete works of Grimm's Fairy Tales for less than $4. Score!!!!

Digital Books (on the iPhone no less!) = Win!! ^_^

Snowy Day Update

Well, it's snowing outside. Has been since about noon-thirty and since my left ear is still a bit stuffy, I've not had the chance to enjoy it. Hopefully tomorrow I'll be better. I'm sick of not being able to hear things when I eat. It's so loud in my head! 

BUT! The good news is that I didn't have to rely on the Oxycodone for long. Took just one dose and the pain went away. I still take Advil when the pain starts to return (which isn't often) and I'm taking the Amox until the swelling (I'm assuming that's why my ear feels muffled or congested) goes down. Until then, I've been shopping online. 

Now I'm off to reheat some veggie lasagna! Mmmmmm....*Drools*

Sick Days

For the past two weeks I've been sick with a cold. Normally I can handle a cold but this bout was really rough. I contracted it from my boyfriend who is still coughing but his wasn't nearly as bad as mine. I blame work for my worsened conditions. The place is dusty despite the efforts of the cleaning staff. Working at the airport means I am in constant contact with other people. People who put their boarding passes and passports in their mouths, then hand them to me, and then have the audacity to complain about taking their shoes off. I say the floor is a lot cleaner than their mouths since that is what they are giving me; their nasty mouth germs. Well, I make it a point to NOT cough on others and when Thanksgiving rolled around I had to leave work early because I was too weak to continue. I took Friday and Monday (which was my birthday) off to recoup and felt well enough to go back to work on Tuesday. My coworkers thought I was faking despite my constant coughing and by Wednesday I was feeling bad again. It was Wednesday night that my left ear became congested which lead to me waking up early Thursday morning with an earache. After consulting with a doctor on Xanga, I found an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist who was willing to take me in. Turns out I have an ear infection. So now, I've called out for two more days from work, plus I will be calling out on Monday because I have a meeting with my Navy recruiter that is mandatory. Extended weekend, yes but not what I had in mind.

I was prescribed Oxycodone and Amoxicillin for the ear infection. While the Oxycodone did take away the pain, I found it didn't do any better than Advil and I so I've not taken more than the first dose of it (I have switched to Advil which is working just fine). My ear still feels congested but at least there isn't a throbbing pain anymore. I am hoping that later today I will feel well enough to go visit my friend from England, Hannah. We are to go Karaoke-ing tonight in the City but I don't want to make matters worse. Should we plan for Saturday night instead? I don't know. I am just going to play it by ear. (Hehe..)

I don't like being sick but since this doesn't happen to me often, I guess I can't complain too much. The ear infection sucks but I am glad I saw the ENT anyway. I would hate it if I had not and then had permanent damage to my ear. Plus, the pain was making me cry (ouchie!)

For the time being, I've been busy reading a book on my Barnes & Noble eReader on my iPhone. I have decided NOT to invest in the Sony eReader, Amazon Kindle, or the B&N Nook. Why when I have the app on my phone and it works just fine. Besides, I was going to be reading stuff on my phone anyway so the font size doesn't bother me. AND it makes for easy carrying! A lot easier than those bigger electronic Readers. I will say this, I think it's bonkers to HATE digital books. They are cheaper to buy, save trees, and makes it easier for the avid reader like myself to store and carry. There was an author a couple of nights ago on The Colbert Report stating that he refuses to make his books in digital form because of what has happened to music since it went digital. Meaning that since pirating music has become easier, so will pirating books. Maybe this will happen but I don't see it being as big an issue as music and movies. I'm still trying to find people my age that enjoy reading!! One should be glad that their book is popular enough to be pirated! Think about it. Only the most popular entertainment seems to be the ones targeted most by pirates because EVERYONE wants it. So if your book is that great then HOORAY! I know not making money off of pirated stuff sucks, but it is getting your name out there. I for one do not pirate music, movies, or books. I am perfectly fine purchasing them legally. I have found that I have fewer computer viruses when I do things legitimately (I learned from my friends and from past experiences). In any case: I love digital books!

I've also been thinking about my faith. I have decided that I do believe in a God. The God of Abraham perhaps? I have learned years ago that the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim faiths are stem from the same God so picking one Religion is merely based on personal preference and tradition. I guess I am still a Christian in that I follow it's teachings more than the other two but I still do not feel comfortable going back to church. I also believe in evolution. I believe that if God can do anything then he/she can use evolution to create the world and it's inhabitants. So this is where I stand now. Who is God and where does he/she reside? I have no idea. Sometimes one just has to roll with the whole faith thing and move on with their life. I don't care to argue or debate or whatever anymore. I am comfortable in what I believe and in what I do and I don't care who agrees or disagrees with me anymore. Just don't tell me I'm going to hell, cause that's just not nice.

Well, that is all for now.

It's the MOST Wonderful Day of the Year!

Twenty-six years ago at 16:31 (4:31pm), the most awesome person in the world was born: ME!


I'm still sick and it's gloomy and rainy outside. However, I did call out sick today so at least I don't have to work. I guess it all balances out. Anyway, happy birthday to me!

"Here's Lookin' At You, Kid."

While I have had many opportunities to watch Casablanca in full, tonight was the first time I came close to viewing 100%. TCM doesn't air commercials during the films they present so I did miss two bits of the movie because I had to go to the bathroom (water will do that to ya). However, the best part was knowing that my mom was watching the movie with me in Georgia. It was almost like spending time with the family.

My thoughts on the film? Well, I'm glad Rick did what he did in the end or else I would have thought of him as a douche and Elsa a flake who doesn't know what she wants. Classic movie? Ya betcha. Nonetheless, this movie ended perfectly.


I think I will be asking for a personal copy of this film for Christmas. Not too bad of a request considering it's a gift that keeps on giving, yes?


This could be the beginning of a great movie collection. 

Currently Casablanca By Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains, Conrad Veidt see related

My birthday is in 2 days! Woot!!

Almost every Thanksgiving weekend my birthday tends to be a big part of the celebration. We have dinner, play games, and then I get to open presents. Since college the presents have been removed almost completely because I no longer ask for much. The same goes for Xmas since I only like to get stuff that I need (or anything nintendo. ). This year my mom sent me a hand knitted sweater with matching scarf, mittens, and hat. All of baby pink and fluffy. I love how soft and warm it all is and can't wait to wait it soon.

As for this years t-day dinner, we had cracker barrell food to go which left us wanting leftovers that didn't yet exist. Today the boyfriends parents are hosting a t-day dinner now that our colds are subsiding and I plan on going despite my slight phlegm-y cough. (I know, disgusting right?) I just love having sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, fried rice, steamed broccoli, green beans, and whatever other veggie his mom makes. This mixture of Greek-Filipino-American food makes the past years thanksgivings so delish! It makes celebrating our bdays (his moms was on the 26th) all the more fun, and tasty.

So happy birthday to all sagittarians!! And happy thanksgiving weekend to all!

*I worked on thanksgiving morning and shared with the traveling public my wonderful cold. Mwa ha ha ha ha! That's what you get for traveling on a holiday.*
Currently
Super Paper Mario
By Nintendo
see related

Thanksgiving's cancelled

Due to everyone being sick this week, thanksgiving dinner has been cancelled.

The boyfriend's mom is terribly ill, along with the boyfriend and I, and so we will not be going to his parents house today for dinner/birthday celebrations. (it's his mom's bday today) instead we may attempt to go to a restaurant depending on how we feel. We only have a mild cold and right now I'm at work doing an early shift today so that I can enjoy the evening at home. I don't know what we will end up doing.

What am I thankful for? Not having the flu.

Netflix for iPhone

You can watch movies on your computer, tv, and have them delivered from netflix but you can't watch them on your iPhone. Sure I could rent movies through iTunes but I already have a Netflix account. How awesome would it be to stream movies and shows from Netflix straight to my iPhone! Then I could watch 30 Rock at work during my break!

Alas, Netflix has yet to accomplish this. Bummer.

"No, my first name ain't baby, it's Janet. Ms. Jackson if your nasty."

My girl Janet Jackson just released her Number Ones album and of course I had to purchase it! I went the mp3 route and downloaded it on iTunes rather than buy the physical album. I didn't want to be one of those who stopped buying CDs but the minute I got the iPhone I was hooked on the whole iPod extravaganza! Now I get all my music via the internet.

And boy she is AWESOME! There are some songs on there that I didn't have before, like Scream with Michael J., and What's It Gonna Be with Busta Rhymes. So I am ecstatic! Anyway, I'm jammin' to Janet this weekend and tomorrow she opens the AMAs! ^__^ Boo-ya!



Side Note: I worked out 5 times this week and my boyfriend said that was too much. :-P Oh well, I feel great nonetheless. ^_^

In the Navy (Update)

I was on the elliptical machine at the gym yesterday doing my thing trying not to get fat and I get a call from my recruiter.  


Recruiter: So how do you feel about leaving in January? 
Me: Sounds good.
Recruiter: How do you feel about leaving January 11? 
Me: That sounds great! 
Recruiter: Ok then, you're leaving January 11. 
Me: Woo-hoo! 


I now have a new ship date: January 11, 2010. Great Lakes, here I come!

Exercise

The boyfriend made it very clear yesterday that I need to make it a habit of running 5 days a week if I am going to be prepared for boot camp come March. Despite the pain, he says that in the Navy they won't care (which I am fully aware of this fact) and that I need to also not care and push myself more. Today I am meeting with my friend from work, Tiff, at the gym near the airport for a run on the treadmill. I would prefer to do this outdoors but this is Bayonne and well, I don't trust the drivers in NJ to not run me over. I have my Nike+ with me too so hopefully my need to record every run will continue to motivate me to run more often (it's slowly getting me to that point). Let's go running!

A Busy Sunday

Day of rest is more like a thing of the past in regards to the week I've had. I worked Monday through Friday and for the first time ever have a REAL weekend off only to do chores. :-P It wasn't so bad though. Yesterday I was busy cleaning out what I refer to the SUV as the Earth Destroyer 3000. I got to use my new Dirt Devil Kurv hand vacuum which did the trick but wasn't the best. I then cleaned the windows on the inside with every intention of going to the car wash when it started to rain. Then I vacuumed the carpet in all rooms of the apartment and scared the crap out of my cats.  


Today was no different, I took to doing the laundry and run some errands while the boyfriend fixed his car. We got that Turbo Snake (As seen on TV!) and boy did that thing do wonders on the bathroom sink! Our tub is still trouble but not as bad as before. It was so gross what came out of those drains though. The laundry was fun (sarcasm). I have successfully washed 5 loads, dried 4, and am currently drying load number 5. Thankfully the management here at the apartment complex lowered the price of the machines by 50¢ which saved us some serious change. I've been up since 0700 and am now on coffee cup number 2 (using Sugar In The Raw this time instead of Splenda and am pleased with the taste). Needless to say (but I will say it anyway) today has been quite productive.  


Currently watching the Jets play against Jax and hoping they win (the Jets of course). Glad to see that Tennessee is winning against Buffalo. Let's hope they take this one all the way. Go Titans! (And Jets!) ^_^

NCIS

I had made it a point in the beginning to not watch this show because I felt that these crime shows were becoming too common. Meaning that the stories were going to be repeated but just in different venues and nothing good would come from it. However, the boyfriend and I started to watch it anyway because we are bored of CSI and Law & Order and needed something different to entertain us. The show is alright and it does have it's moments of thrill but for the most part I'm not too keen on the cast of characters. I don't really care much for Tony or Abby but I can see why they are there in the show. One of my faves is Ducky, whose name I just figured out why he is called that. (And this is the point of this post)  


Ducky's name on the show is really Donald Mallard. Those who are aware of names of birds would know that Mallard is the proper name for Duck. And his first name is Donald. Get it? Donald Duck! Hahahaha!!! I just realized this yesterday while watching an old episode (the one in which Ducky is attacked at knifepoint by some crazy woman seeking revenge). When I told this to the boyfriend he simply rolled his eyes at me and proceeded to call me a dork. :-P I just couldn't help but laugh.  


*Just finished reading The Scarpetta Factor by Patricia Cornwell. My fave author. I met her on October 24 while she was going through security at my checkpoint (she was flying Virgin Atlantic to London). That's how awesome I am! I gave HER MY autograph! Boo-ya! (Technically I signed her boarding pass. Details details...)

Barbeque

My first week in NJ there was a "BBQ" at the apartments on campus where I was staying. As a southerner I was excited because it made me feel like I was at home. That was until I got to the "BBQ" and found it it was actually a cookout. Cookouts are when you grill hamburgers, hotdogs, and order pizza. A BBQ is when you gril a pig and slap some specially made sauce to flavor it up. Yes, it's a process of "very special meat served in a very special way depending on where you live." (Rhett & Link). All I'm saying to you Yankees out there is get it right and stop calling cookouts "BBQs." You're confusing the southerners who get excited for something that isn't gonna be there. Now I no longer eat meat (been just over a year now) but I do appreciate this song and wanted to share it all with you. These guys are hilarious and you can download many of their songs from their website for free (I know I have ;-)). Anyway, here it is the BBQ song by Rhett & Link!! Enjoy! *My fave quote: "Is Florida a southern state? No, it ain't." Too true!*

It's My REAL Friday

So for the past 3 years I've never had a weekend off from work (aside from the first 2 months of work but then after that I wasn't so lucky). So of course the common phrase one will hear from a TSO is "today is my friday" even if the day of the week doesn't correspond (i.e. a person's friday could be in actuality a Wednesday). So today is my Friday at work and it just so happens to BE Friday! Woot! I am so excited I can barely contain myself! So because it's friday, I will share with you these HIGH-lare-ious jokes told by my nephew Roman. Enjoy!

I Missed the Memo

Apparently it's ok to deny a person equal rights if you let the people vote on it. Despite the fact that the constitution says that "all men are created equal." I mean, it can't get any clearer than that. Apparently I didn't get the memo and Maine did?? Maine, you disappoint me. Please separate yourself from the States and go drift off into the Northern Atlantic and freeze your bums off...because you don't deserve equal rights either.  


Marriage is Love and is for EVERYONE

Marriage is love.

George Washington's Headquarters

During the Revolutionary War, George Washington had his headquarters in Ford's Mansion in Morristown NJ. At the moment the Mansion is under repairs and renovations until next Spring so unfortunately I was not able to go inside. However, I did get to look through the museum that lies behind it and saw a few artifacts and rare manuscripts that were made during that time period. One of which being an original copy of Common Sense by Thomas Paine. I finally have obtained my own copy. I'll get to reading it later after I finish my two novels I've started. Anyway, here is a picture of the Mansion. Enjoy!

(c) 2009 Lydia R. Gillis LRG Photography. Please do not copy.

My Family Tree

Today I found out about some very interesting information concerning my ancestors. One of them was a spy during the Revolutionary War!! Whoa! That is too cool! I also found out that the ancestors in question are proven to have served in the Revolutionary War and now all I have to do is prove that I am related to them. I don't think this will be much problem since my father had already done majority of the work for the past couple of decades.  I am just so excited that we have some new information! I forwarded the information to my father and now he's getting excited as well. To some this may sound cheesy but to us it means everything. Family history is a big part of who we are, where we came from, and more. Plus, I enjoy knowing our past. Hopefully I can pass then down to further Gillis generations. 

This has gone faster than I thought it would. I am just so excited now I can barely contain myself!! ^_^

Today I plan on going to see George Washington's Headquarters in Morristown, NJ. I don't know what to expect but I will be bringing my camera along for what I hope to be some very interesting photos. 

My Pedigree

Now that I've made it through one DAR meeting, I am faced with some serious homework. First off, the DAR meeting was wonderful. We learned more about the history of the Schuyler-Hamilton house and some artifacts of the time. Then we had tea/coffee and snacks in super fancy cups that I held with two hands so that I wouldn't drop it (I have butter fingers). I talked to some really energetic and wonderful women and even gave myself a quick tour of the Mansion. Next week I plan on going for the official tour and I will be bringing the camera as well.

Back to my lineage. Or Pedigree. Genealogy. It's a lot of work proving that you are the descendant of a Revolutionary War soldier. I need birth certificates, census records, family bibles, tombstones, etc. Anything and everything that proves that by blood I am related to the person in question and that they actually served in the War. It's a bit daunting right now but hopefully it will prove to be worth the journey. If anything, it's giving me something to do while I wait to start my career in the Navy.

So, do you know your pedigree? Your family history? Are you even interested?

Daughters of the American Revolution

For as long as I can remember my father has talked about our family history. He is very interested in general history but most especially our family's. He also has told us kids that our Gillis  history goes as far back in America as the Revolution. It wasn't until watching an episode of Gilmore Girls that I had even heard of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). After some contemplation I decided to go online and research the organization, what is required to join, and if there was a chapter nearby. I had my dad mail me whatever documents we had about our ancestry and contacted the local DAR. Today will by my first visit to one of their general meetings.

I had originally intended on going to one of their meetings on March 5. However, that was the day I found out about my stolen identity (which has been resolved). They don't meet during the summer and since I was going to leave for the Navy this Tuesday (has been moved to March 23 because I changed my job) I made the choice to check them out. I'm hoping that I do qualify to join because that would mean that all of the research my father has done on our family will be true. I'm not just doing this for myself but for him also. I think it would be a nice birthday gift for him if he knew 100% that these men in our family were true American Heros.

Egads! It's a tick!

I went on a camera laden adventure yesterday (pictures to follow later once I'm at my actual computer) and had the most wonderful time. I discovered an abandoned basketball goal in the middle of the woods next to a river and a man-made dam. Up the hill was an abandoned house/building that was surrounded my bare trees and fallen crabapples rotting on the ground. I looked in awe at this once inhabited place wondering why the people left.

Afterwards I went to an old mansion, abandoned but not forgotten since it is now the towns historical society's major restoration project. Behind the mansion is a city park full of trails and sports fields to give anyone who visits something to do. After a few shots from my camera, I packed it up and went home to take a nap.

It was about five minutes into that nap that something on my arm woke me up. A tick!!! I jumped up and ran to the kitchen to kill it (later found out I was a deer tick), threw off my clothes not caring that my shades where open, ran into the shower and washed my hair thoroughly. I then called the vet to find out what I should do about the cats.

I did the right thing by killing it, bathing myself, and washin the clothes I wore while out in the woods. I then went to the pet store to by a flea and tick spray for he cats and the car, since I did drive while the tick was on me. I'm still super paranoid, afraid that my cats or I will get Lyme disease. No bullseye marks on me that I can see somaybe I'm in the clear but just the thought of it crawling on me gives me the shivers.

I wish that ticks and fleas hybernated in the fall and winter so that I wouldn't have to worry but alas they don't.

I Need Filters!!!!

I finally figured out why my photos never turn out the way that I see them! It's because I don't have any filters to balance out the colors and light! D'oh! Why hadn't I figured this out before?! I was going through my B&H Photo magazine and came to the page that sells filters. In it they give descriptions of what EACH FILTER DOES! Yes!!! Now I know what I need to do! Monday I think I will take a trip to the Big Tall City and head on over to B&H for some camera shopping fun!! :-D  


Here are a few photos from yesterday's adventure. Keep in mind, I took these without the filters. Just imagine how much better they would be if I had the right filter on!


*Note: All photos below are (c) 2009 Lydia R. Gillis LRG Photography. Please DO NOT COPY.

I loved how big and bare this tree was in comparison to the other smaller trees surrounding it. Directly below this tree were hundreds of what I believe were crabapples rotting under my feet.

Near the tree pictured above was this abandoned basketball goal. This area was suddenly flat and even than what I was walking on previously. I wasn't looking ahead and literally stumbled upon this. It was discovering this (and a giant birdhouse that was nearby but not shown on this blog) that my curiosity peaked.

This Man-Made Dam is LITERALLY behind that basketball goal.

I stood on the wall of the dam when I took this.

Up the hill to the right of the dam (when facing the dam) was this abandoned building/house. As I climbed the hill to this spot I noticed several wooden boards that created steps. Obviously grown up for the most part by nature, it was evidence that someone put some serious effort into making this land habitable. Unfortunately, only the critters are left to enjoy its remnants.

This is the land behind the dam. But don't dare walk on it because it's really just swamp. All water and no solid ground awaits ahead.

This is the view from the abandoned foundation. Peaceful, no?

The path that I took to the damn and abandoned foundation. There are just a few trees holding onto their golden leaves.

There is a name for this old mansion but I do not know it. It is located in my town where Turkey Park lies behind it's stone face. The town's historical society is raising funds to restore this once beloved home.

Early Morning

Technically I've slept in given the fact that most mornings I am up at 1:30. However, I am still up before the sun and am now debating on whether I should attempt to capture the sunrise or not. Time is of the essence so I need to make a decision quick. - 6:52 am.

7:45 am....

I had decided to go down to the lake and enjoy the sunrise with my camera. Good Morning America!

(c) 2009 Lydia R. Gillis LRG Photography

Please do not copy.

Breaking the Rules

Our new blue uniforms are rather nice when compared to our old rent-a-cop like white uniforms. I think they make us look more professional and the badges were a real confidence booster for the employees. When we started wearing the new uniforms we were told of the new uniform policy that was only slightly different than the old policy.

The policy, in laymen terms, says that any officer who wears the short-sleeved shirts are to NOT wear the tie whatsoever. I then asked the Manager does this rule apply to those who would wear the vest or sweater over the shirt and his reply was that even with those garments covering the shirt, the tie was still NOT to be worn because it was not designed for that purpose. So I said OK and went on with my day.

Fast forward a year to where I finally receive my sweater in the mail and I wear it this entire week over my short-sleeved shirt WITHOUT the tie. No one says a thing because I am not violating the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) in regards to our uniform. Today however one of the managers had a hissy fit because I was not wearing the tie. Here is our conversation:

Him: Where is your tie?
Me: I don't need to wear a tie sir because I am wearing the short-sleeved shirt underneath this sweater.
Him: You MUST wear a tie when wearing the sweater.
Me: Um, sir? That is not what the SOP states.
Him: You MUST WEAR A TIE! (he then storms off)

I follow him to the office
Me: Sir, may I see the SOP Please?
Him: NOT RIGHT NOW LYDIA!
Me: Sir, it is my right to see the SOP.
Him: DID YOU NOT HEAR ME? NOT AT THIS TIME!!

(I am not exaggerating here, he really is yelling at me and I am speaking to him calmly)
Me: Sir, I'm not trying to argue with you but just requesting to see the SOP because I was told differently by another Manager that I was not to wear a tie with the short-sleeved shirt, regardless of the sweater.

(he storms off the the supervisor where he asks for the SOP, tells her why, and I overhear her standing up for me saying that I am right).

Two hours pass and I am called into the office. By this time I have already removed the sweater just to avoid more conflict and as a result I am literally freezing at work. See, they are doing some construction at the airport within our checkpoint that has resulted in the windows being taken out and an uninsulated plywood wall to replace them for the time being. Despite the fact that the heat is on, the cold air seeps in and makes the checkpoint the same temperature as outside. Which at 4am was 37 degree fahrenheit. Brr!!

To end this story I will simplify what happens next. I man up and apologize for appearing to be disrespectful towards the manager even though he was disrespectful towards me and never even bothered to apologize. The supervisor told me that I was indeed correct and that I was not violating the uniform policy. However, she then said that she and the manager had added a rule requiring officers to wear a tie with the sweater. If I come in tomorrow to work without the tie then I will be written up for deliberately disobeying her REQUEST.

So damned if I do and damned if I don't. By wearing this sweater I am breaking someone's rules. If I wear the tie then I am violating the SOP. If I don't wear the tie then I'm violating HER and the MANAGER'S rule. Either way, I lose and will be punished for such nonsense. So tomorrow I will be going to work in my short-sleeved shirt and without the sweater. Then if I get sick I will sue their asses.

Ok I probably won't sue. Mainly because I'm leaving in 6 months. However, how dare they threaten to punish me for NOT EVEN BREAKING GOVERNMENT POLICY!?! It's completely insane I tell ya...INSANE!

Why don't I wear the long-sleeve shirts? Because the collar rubs my neck raw to where it bleeds. I refuse to be in physical pain because of a poorly made uniform.

And if you are asking: How can they tell which shirt you are wearing under the sweater? You can tell because on the short-sleeve there is no room for the tie to fit comfortably. On the long-sleeve shirts there is an extra piece of fabric about 1/2 inch in width that is sewn on to accommodate the wearing of a tie whereas the short-sleeve shirts do not. It is so very obvious too but apparently I am the only one who noticed this difference between the shirts.

Seriously, I work with a bunch of assholes. *rolls eyes and sighs*

Unwelcomed. Uninvited.

I am at work sittng in the breakroom while my coworkers are all sittng around me eating. They decided that today they were going to have a party. I had overheard cnversations about the party but not once did anyone ask if I wanted to bring anything or have anyhing to eat. One of our coworkers not assigned to our checkpoint asked why I wasn't participating and I simply said that I wasn't told about any party. When she asked them why I wasn't asked to participate one of them said it was because I don't eat meat.

A new low for mankind, uninviting someone because they are a vegetarian. It isn't as if there aren't foods on the table that I can't eat. They have noodles, mac and cheese, cupcakes, raw veggie platter, etc. But I'm not eating any of it because I don't want to hear them talking behind my back accusing me of mooching. No problem. I'm used to not being welcomed.

At the Lake

(c) Lydia R. Gillis "LRG Photography"

Gulls skimming the water.

Yesterday I went down to the lake to enjoy some peace and quite and to also get out of the apartment. I'm always staying in these days but recently have decided to make it a point to go out whenever possible. Of course, I took my camera with me and tried to get some close ups of the gulls. The birds didn't want their photo taken and took flight the moment I got too close. At least I was able to capture this before they got too far.

Simple Pleasures

I don't go outside enough. I don't enjoy nature, the silence, the beauty that I used to enjoy as a child. When I drive I find myself mesmerized by the stars on the horizon and the brightness of the moon's glow as it lights up the roads on my way to work. During the daylight hours as I drive home I stare at the trees as their leaves change and the way each leaf flutters, twists, turns, and flips as the wind pushes it away from the branches and onto the ground below. I enjoy these simple pleasures at a fleeting glance and then my attention is diverted again to the reality of me driving and slamming on my breaks.

As a child I would go outside and climb my favorite gum tree in our front yard and watch the world go by. On days when my dad needed me to go on the roof and clean the flue (which wasn't as often as it should) I would stay and sit on the rooftop feeling I was the queen of the world. I could see the entire neighborhood and for some reason no one seemed to see me. It was nice. Peaceful. Perfect. I don't know why I stopped.

Maybe it is because I grew up? Maybe it is because other things took over my life. School, band, theatre, college, parties, boyfriends, events, etc. It was all that I knew and all that I did and before I could even say goodbye, the simple pleasure of sitting outside and enjoying the day seemed to slip away from my things-to-do list.

I'm finished with school and although I go to work, it seems like a boring extracurricular activity to me. Just something to do to past the time as I wait for my favorite T.V. shows to air or for my career in the Navy to begin. Today, however, I made it a point to go outside. I'm sitting on the front stoop of our apartment watching the suns rays kiss the golden leaves goodnight as it makes it way under the cover of the clouds. My feet are bare, the mosquitos are buzzing in my ear, really annoying country music plays on my iPhone (it's on a movie soundtrack that I'm listening to), and the air is crisp as I type this entry on my laptop. Do I care that I'm a bit cold or that I'm fresh meat for the insects? No. I'm simply relishing in the fact that I actually have time to sit around outside and do absolutely nothing while thinking about absolutely nothing and it's wonderful.

I should really go outside and enjoy what's in front of me more often. Someday soon I will again find myself too busy to even smell the roses.

I hope I never that busy.

Currently Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants 2 By Original Soundtrack Sunset Man by James Otto see related

It's a Celebration!!

Happy Birthday Taylor!!!!! ^_^

Furry Hornball

Max my kitten is five months old now and has started to express his interest in Izzy, a two and a half year old female. Well, Izzy isn't interested at all and Max hasn't gotten the point (as most guys never do) and continues to mount her, depsite the fact that he isn't big enough to really dominate her. Little hornball needs to get his berries snipped soon or else we are going to have some major feline issues in this house.

Update on the previous post: my iPhone is back to normal and now I am going to be extra careful as to which apps I download. Thankfully I didn't have to go to the Apple store afterall. Phew!

iPhone Restoration

I downloaded a new app today on my iPhone called Tap Tap Revenge 2. It's like Dance Dance Revolution but for your fingers. You can download modern pop/rock/rap/r&b songs and tap away to high score victory. However, while playing the song Gives You Hell by All American Rejects, all of my tapping caused an annoying glitch to occur.

Anyone who is familiar with the iPhone knows that when you do a fast double tap the screen automatically zooms in. Do the same thing again and it will either continue to zoom in or will zoom back out to normal view. While playing Tap Tap Revenge 2, the game had so many taps in a row that my tapping caused my screen to zoom in. Permanently. I exited the app in hopes that would fix it but to no avail. Even my home screen was zoomed in! There was nothing I could do so I turned the phone off. After restarting my phone, it was still zoomed in. I could maneuver around but it was annoying since only 6 icons at a time could be viewed on the screen (normally you can view up to 20 at a time). After many restarting attempts I finally went to my MacBook, plugged in my iPhone and started the restoration process. Which is where the phone is restored back to its factory settings.

At the moment it is restoring back to the last backup. I only hope that this back up will not include the glitch or else I'll need to go to the Apple Store. It just sucks that a simple iPhone app would do something like this. Once my phone is done restoring, I will report the bug to the creator of the app in hopes that no one else will have to go through what I just went though.

Edit: The restoration didn't work. Now my phone is still in super zoom mode plus it no longer has my songs or my downloaded apps on there anymore. Boo! I guess I'm off to the Apple Store today. -_-

Real News

I'm currently watching Face the Nation with Bob Schieffer and he is talking to the Secretary of Education Arne Duncan about Swine Flu and what schools are doing to prepare. He started off by asking about President Obama's speech to the children. Once again, Mr. Duncan stated what should be common knowledge that the speech is to encourage children to do better in school, stay in school, and strive to become successful. These are things that a Capitalist society depends on! The success of the citizens! Duh! Anyway, what makes this broadcast so refreshing is that Mr. Schieffer is a civilized and educated journalist. He asks detailed yet precise questions and his tone is calm and respectful. He allows the guest to answer the question without any interruptions. He doesn't incite an argument with the guest but allows the television viewers to make their own assumptions and opinions based on the guests answers and explanations. If there is something that needs to be further explained, then he asks him/her to explain what they mean.

This is the complete opposite of what you see on ANY other news broadcast that you will find on Fox News. Even some CNN journalists like to interrupt and don't get me started on some of the prime time news journalists who appear to be respectful but cut off the guests words just so that they can ask their next question. I've never watched Face the Nation until today (I usually turn the TV off after Sunday Morning ends) but with the topic being education and since I'm a recent graduate, this particular broadcast caught my attention.

I think it is extremely important for all Americans to watch AND read a variety of news sources and not rely on only one. I read CNN.com and NY Times on my iPhone, I watch CBS, News 12 NJ, ABC, and NBC (fox isn't a news station but rather a hateful opinion station bent on inciting riots and hate towards anyone who disagrees with them). IF you choose to watch Fox, then you MUST watch the other stations if you want to hear the REAL truth, which is hard to find these days.

Anyway, I just had to put in my two cents since everyone and their retarded uncle seems to think they know it all about everything political or otherwise and aren't shutting up anytime soon.

On a personal note: I'm going to the Scandinavian Festival next to my apartment complex today!!! I'm so excited that I will be taking and posting photos of the event soon!! ^__^

It's A Family Affair.

Last week my family (Peter, his gf Kim, Mom, and Dad) all came up to NJ to visit me. This was my dad's third visit but the other's first! It was so much fun and I had such a great time. The reason why they were here was because I was finally finishing college and we made a big celebratory week out of it. Here are only a few pictures of our time together. 

Note: I didn't take nearly as many photos as I normally do because I didn't have a lens cap at first, then once I got it I forgot to put the battery in the camera. So most of these photos are from Wednesday night at my bf's parents house and Thursday at Ellis Island. Peter took many more and once I receive those I plan on posting them. Maybe. ~_^

Future FIL with the BF

My Mom on top of the Empire State Building

Future MIL

My dad

My Brother

My Bro's GF Kim

This flag can be found at Ellis Island. Look closely and you'll see there are multi-cultural faces in the flag. A wonderful representation of what America really looks like. ^_^

And there you have it folks! A quick look at my week with the family!!

*The above photo(s) is(are) copyright of Lydia R. Gillis. Any copying or using of this photo without my permission is stealing. So please, before you use just ask. You can ask me via comments on the most recent post of this blog. Thank you.*

Get Well Soon

My boyfriend had told his coworkers that I wasn't feeling well and that he was taking care of me. They responded with a bouquet of flowers that arrived at my door yesterday.

People can be so wonderful sometimes. ^_^

*The above photo is copyright of Lydia R. Gillis. Any copying or using of this photo without my permission is stealing. So please, before you use just ask. You can ask me via comments on the most recent post of this blog. Thank you.*

Taking Care of Business

Now that I have finished my B.A. degree, it is time for me to prepare for the Navy. All this means is that I need to exercise like an insane person and obtain all promissory notes from my lenders so that the Navy can pay off my student loans. What a great perk for serving your country, eh. ^_^

I've received two out of three promissory notes and am now upset with Sallie Mae's tardiness. It's been nearly three weeks now and still I haven't received anything from them. They were the ones who refused to fax it to my recruiter and insisted that I wait for the U.S. Postal Service to take care of the delivery. Seriously, who trusts those guys with anything other than their bills nowadays, and even that has gone digital. Yet, SM claims they do this for security purposes so I have no choice but to wait. Well, I will be calling them later this week if I don't see anything in the mail. I can't afford to wait much longer.

Other than that I can do whatever I want! It feels so great to be able to do nothing and not worry about homework or class times. There are some unfinished projects that needs to be taken care of, such as Kara's Bag, Little HawkBaby's doll, and some scarves that I started on three years ago. Seriously, I am way behind on my crafts. Plus, there are some books that I have started reading that need finishing. Now I have the time to do almost all of it before I leave for the Navy! Yay!!!!!! Isn't life after college just wonderful! I think so. ^__^

September Anniversaries.

Today is my friend Taylor's 3rd wedding anniversary. Tomorrow is my 3rd NJ resident anniversary (the day I moved to NJ). September 9 is the day I officially became a vegetarian (will be 1 full year). Each of these days are important to me because they all speak of great changes in my life. I was supposed to be there for Taylor when she was married but unfortunately I had to be in NJ in time for school. I was there in spirit and now that are friendship has rekindled, I would like to wish her a very Happy Anniversary. Of course, moving to NJ was a big step in itself especially since I have no family up here and at the time I had no friends. As for becoming a vegetarian, well that is a BIG change. Giving up meat (including fish) is not and has not been easy. Yes, there have been times where I have craved or dreamed of eating meat but in the end it is my reason for giving it up that keeps me going.

Why did I give up meat?

I was taking an Animals & Justice class at the time. The class talked about factory farming, animal abuse, circuses, aquariums, the evolution of pets, etc. The first day of class the Professor showed us a film on how animals are slaughtered. I just couldn't take it. I cried the entire time we watched that video. In fact, I cried at a minimum of 5 times that semester. Then there were the cases of spousal and child abuse being linked to those who work in these factory farms (Because they beat the animals prior to slaughter and then escalate to domestic abuse). Also, the fact that the majority of our crops are grown to feed these animals that we later slaughter. Those crops, grains, soybeans, etc., are enough to feed all those who are hungry in the world for an entire year! (I used to have the information on my laptop but deleted it once I was finished with the fall semester). My point is that while I will eat meat if it is freshly killed or caught (hunting and fishing are fine with me so long as you eat it and not just kill for sport) but I will not support factory farms. I would much rather just eat vegetables for the rest of my life if that is what it takes.

It's my way of boycotting a poisoned industry. An industry that does not care about sanitary or humanitarian conditions but rather money money money. They don't care about the animals they cage up and become diseased or those who work for them. No one is really benefiting from these factory farms.

So this is why I gave up meat.

*I am also boycotting Wal-Mart and McDonald's because of their poor business practices and crappy services.

**I do support free range chickens, people who hunt their own food so long as it isn't wasted for sport, and fishing from small/local fisherman. However, the more we eat meat the more we create an imbalance in the ecosystem.

***Also, I'm not saying that omnivores are a horrible people for eating meat. I do not mind that people do eat meat and in fact my fiance eats meat. It's just that we need to be more conservative with the amount of meat we eat and also promote eating more vegetables.

Pretty in the '80s.

Although I was born in 1983, I still missed a whole host of classic 80s films due to the fact that I was just too young to even care. Films such as 16 Candles, The Breakfast Club, and Pretty in Pink. To date, I have seen all of The Breakfast Club, most of 16 Candles (I keep catching it on TV after it's already begun, thus missing the beginning as always), and now for the first time I am watching Pretty in Pink. I quickly realized that the guy whose friends with Molly Ringwald's Character plays the brother with the son on Two and a half Men. I also quickly realized that the writers of She's All That stole the plot line from Pretty in Pink. Really, has Hollywood ran out of good ideas already?

Anyway, back to the film. Here I am watching it on AMC and it's the scene where Molly's character is taking two pink dresses and creating her own. They show the drawing and I'm thinking "this can't be what she's really designing." Then she walks out and bam! it was the dress she was designing. I had to immediately remind myself that this movie was made in 1986 and is only reflecting the style of the times. Such beautiful fabric but that dress was only pretty in the 80s. There is no way I would ever wear a dress that didn't accentuate my wonderful curves (I'm not talking fat rolls either).

Anyway, the movie is cute and I wish I had seen the first half (I stumbled upon this one while channel surfing). Maybe someday I'll go crazy and buy the DVD. ~_^

---
In recent Navy news: I just did my Swim PST with my recruiter and passed. I swam 500 meters in 12'30''. It had to be done in under 14 mins. I'm stoked!!! All I need to do is work on the pull-ups and push-ups and I'll be qualified for Search and Rescue. ^__^

A New Home

I've been on here for a few months now and while I haven posted very often, I am slowly starting to make this my new blog home. For years I've been on Xanga. I even have a lifetime premium membership that I paid $100 to get. However, according to a famous blogger who calls himself thetheologianscafe, Xanga is starting to circle the drain. I can totally see it happening too and it makes me sad. All of those who I used to read have moved on to other blogging sites or quit altogether, forcing me to find new people to read. Feedback on my posts went from 20-30 a day to less than 1 a week on average! In the past I would read popular bloggers and they would read mine and comment, now when I read and comment on todays popular bloggers, I'm lucky if they even visit my site. The Xanga team has gone from 18 employees to 7 in less than a year and the content and function of the site is getting worse by the day. So now here I am on Blogger trying to make a fresh start.

Blogger is different and at the moment difficult to personalize. I'm having to learn new ticks and HTML codes and his is not fun. However, I do not forsee blogger going down the drain anytime soon so log as it's owned by google. Who knows, all that goes up must come down eventually. Until then, blogger looks to become my new home.

One thig I won't do is spend a dime on this site. I've had to learn that the hard way, unfortunately.

In the Navy

I have just recently joined the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) in the Navy. I am scheduled to "ship out" as they say on November 3. However, for the past 2 years I've been preparing and training for the military. Of course, in the beginning it was for the Coast Guard but as you can tell by the title, that has changed.

Anyway, on Tuesday (I was supposed to do this the previous Friday but it was cancelled at the last minute) I did a mock PST with my recruiter so that she could see how much I have progressed. I am hoping to change my job to Rescue Swimmer before I ship out and in order to achieve that I must past the PST for that job. My reqs are as follows:

Run 1.5 miles in under 12 mins

Push up 35 times or more in under 2 mins

Sit up 50 times or more in under 2 mins

Swim 500 meters (10 laps) in under 14 mins

Pull-Up 2 times (or more if possible)

My run time was the best in the bunch. On a flat surface (I had been training on hilly terrain) I clocked in at 10 mins!! A big shocker for me since I was expecting my time to be longer.

I was able to do 52 sit ups but as for my push-ups, I almost did 35. I was on the 35th one but couldn't lift my body the rest of the way. Also, as it turns out I do not go all the way down to where my elbows form a 90 degree angle, so I need to work on that.

I already knew I could not do the pull-ups. I have recently purchased a pull-up bar for my apartment and for the past couple of weeks, ever time I passed it I would attempt to do some pull-ups. I've improved some but not to a full one yet.

We didn't do the swim because the pool wasn't open at 0800 so on Monday at 1200 we will be doing that. I know I can swim well but I don't know how fast I am. Also, now that I am officially finished with college (as of yesterday at 1802!! Woot!) I can no longer use my University pool to practice. I just hope I do well and in under 14 mins.

So I am almost there. I just need to work on my push-ups, pull-ups, improve my sit-ups, and find a swimming pool to swim in. Maybe the local YMCA will give me a DEPper discount. ^_^

(Horray for me for finishing college!! It took me 7 years to get that B.A. but it was well worth the trip.)

It's a Small World After All...

Today I was checking my Facebook on my iPhone and noticed I had a message from TJ. He asked if I knew JF who asked about my brother Malcolm and talked about the Homestead. I was shocked to see that they knew each other. Of course I knew JF and I knew his sister KF! I haven't talked or seen them since they moved!! We were once next door neighbors back when I was in grade school.

Anyway, I looked them up on FB and friend requested them. Back when I went to Memphis, my close friends and I started to see a trend. U. Memphis's student population is about 20,000. In my mind that is enormous! I am from a town of about 2,000 so anything more than that seemed overwhelming to me and to this day I am still shocked at how many connections I had at that school. First I met Kara, who knew Tanya, who knew this person, who knew this person, and so on. Then I became friends with Jan who knew Tanya, and so-n-so, etc. Then I met another person who knew many more people including those I was already friends with. Before I knew it, I had some sort of connection with EVERYONE at Memphis! While to those who are from bigger cities and towns, this doesn't seem surprising, but for me it's still a shocker. I still get really excited when a friend of mine knows another friend of mine and it is through that connection that we are brought back together. Just like with TJ and I and our now mutual friends JF and KF.

This world seems so big until a moment like this happens. Plus, now thanks to the social networks our world is becoming even smaller. I wonder if I'll ever find my oldest friend Steph Webb? If so, I think I'll pass out. Ok, maybe not but I will be extremely excited. :-D