Last Friday, my husband and I drove to Monroe, MI to do a little shopping. We stopped at this outlet mall that was terrible. It looked like a ghost town. I asked him why we were here and he said that their website said it had many stores. Apparently the mall needs to update their site. We only went into two stores - Gap and one that sold a variety of junk. (Junk being the key word.) If Gap wasn't a store at the outlet mall, I don't think there would be any shoppers there.
After leaving the outlet mall, we drove to Monroe's other mall. It was so different from the first place we were at, people were actually shopping! While in Target, my husband pointed out a woman for me to look at. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. A woman was shopping while wearing curlers in her hair. Hello, take them out before leaving the house.
When we finished with the second mall, we hopped on I-75 and drove south to Toledo, Ohio. We stopped at Best Buy, Franklin Park Mall, Bed Bath & Beyond and Olive Garden. I bought a couple of books at the mall and we also bought wedding gifts for some friends at BB&B.
Saturday night, my husband and I stayed home and had a nice dinner. During dinner we watched Hollywoodland. I liked how the movie presented a couple different scenarios for George's Reeves death/suicide. I don't think Reeves committed suicide, but the police did and quickly closed the case.
After my 5 mile run on Sunday, I did something that needed to be done for a while. My husband and I cleaned our backyard. We raked up three months of doggy poo and filled three giant bags, gross. I can't image how much more we would have raked up if we had more dogs.
Finally, it was nice to see Dale Earnhardt, Jr. have a good run at Bristol Motor Speedway. Junior finished seventh and moved up nine spots and is currently 17th in the Nextel Cup standings.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Sidewalk reading
My husband and I were walking out of a jewelry store in Tecumseh, when I saw something on the sidewalk. I stopped and picked up a folded piece of paper. It was a love note to Kyia from Kamden. Kamden was blowing Kyia a kiss and hoped she would send one back in return.
Apparently she isn't interested if she dropped your note on the sidewalk downtown. Sorry Kamden.
Apparently she isn't interested if she dropped your note on the sidewalk downtown. Sorry Kamden.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Miles run in 2007
This past Sunday, I ran 5 miles. Usually it is not a big deal, but with those 5 miles I have ran over 100 miles this year. I finished the day at 104 miles.
I'm still hoping to run today. But my run will depend on if my softball game that I'm supposed to photograph this afternoon is still on.
Miles run through March 21:
2004: 67.2
2005: 93.1
2006: 112
2007: 107
I'm still hoping to run today. But my run will depend on if my softball game that I'm supposed to photograph this afternoon is still on.
Miles run through March 21:
2004: 67.2
2005: 93.1
2006: 112
2007: 107
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Why ask that?
While getting ketchup for my fries at lunch a lady stood next to me. She grabbed a couple of napkins to wipe her hands with. She saw me squirting ketchup into paper cups and then said to me, "Getting ketchup for your fries?"
Of course the answer is yes. Why do people ask the obvious?
Of course the answer is yes. Why do people ask the obvious?
Monday, March 19, 2007
Books read in 2007
A Man of Faith, David Aikman
Hannibal Rising, Thomas Harris
All of the President's Men, Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward
House of Sand and Fog, Andre Dubus III
Jack: A Life Like No Other, Geoffrey Perret
Shadow: Five Presidents and the Legacy of Watergate, Bob Woodward
Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer, James L. Swanson
The Manchurian Candidate, Richard Condon
Leni Riefenstahl, Rainer Rother
From Here to Eternity, James Jones
Currently Reading: Cultural Warrior, Bill O'Reilly
Up Next:
Hannibal Rising, Thomas Harris
All of the President's Men, Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward
House of Sand and Fog, Andre Dubus III
Jack: A Life Like No Other, Geoffrey Perret
Shadow: Five Presidents and the Legacy of Watergate, Bob Woodward
Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer, James L. Swanson
The Manchurian Candidate, Richard Condon
Leni Riefenstahl, Rainer Rother
From Here to Eternity, James Jones
Currently Reading: Cultural Warrior, Bill O'Reilly
Up Next:
Thursday, March 15, 2007
GRRRR!!
Before leaving for my basketball game yesterday, I set the DVR to record a program at 8 pm. After driving back from the game, I stayed at the office until 8:30 pm catching up on work. When I got home I looked at the DVR and the red recording light wasn't on. I turned on the cable box to find the recording information for the show was no where to be found. I was mad. After I entered the recording start and stop times, I checked the recording history and that show was on the list. But it didn't record. Thank you for lying to me DVR. Now I hate you.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Random things.....
My husband and I took the dogs for a walk yesterday. It has been a while since their last walk. On the first half of the walk, Blitz and Kelly were all over the place. Sniffing trees, sidewalks, bushes and grass. All the while, dragging my husband and me with them. After running back and forth, they finally settled down (got tired) and walked the rest of the way.
Thursday a friend from out of town is visiting. We were good friends back in college. She got married, moved to New Mexico and we still keep in touch. We are meeting at our former university's art gallery to listen to an oral defense and have lunch. The Bachelor of Fine Arts student who's work in hanging in the gallery reads a prepared artist's statement and answers questions from the art faculty and anyone else in the gallery. As an art major, I didn't have the guts to publicly defend my work. Instead of having the entire gallery to display my photographs, I had to share the gallery with 3 other people. Ah... the difference between a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Arts.
I hope to finish From Here to Eternity this weekend. That is my goal. I really want to go to the library and pick out some new books.
Thursday a friend from out of town is visiting. We were good friends back in college. She got married, moved to New Mexico and we still keep in touch. We are meeting at our former university's art gallery to listen to an oral defense and have lunch. The Bachelor of Fine Arts student who's work in hanging in the gallery reads a prepared artist's statement and answers questions from the art faculty and anyone else in the gallery. As an art major, I didn't have the guts to publicly defend my work. Instead of having the entire gallery to display my photographs, I had to share the gallery with 3 other people. Ah... the difference between a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Arts.
I hope to finish From Here to Eternity this weekend. That is my goal. I really want to go to the library and pick out some new books.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Fashion
While photographing a game over the weekend, I noticed people in the stands with funky clothing. I thought to myself, "Why are you wearing that?" Who wears plaid cargo pants? Or orange shoes?
Friday, March 09, 2007
Random things.....
I'm currently reading the book From Here to Eternity by James Jones. I have been reading this book since February 21 and it is good. The book has 850 pages and I'm on 479. Usually it doesn't take me up to three weeks to read a single book. But I have never read a book that was longer then 400 pages. I guess I know why.
Mascot Wars: At a boys basketball game I was photographing last night, both schools had mascots in costume. One team had a bulldog, the other had a Trojan. During a time out in the first half, the bulldog ran to center court to get his team excited and started rolling all over the floor. While the bulldog was doing that, the Trojan came out to center court to meet him. The Trojan took off his sandal and threaten to hit the bulldog with it, I'm sure words were said between the two. Two school staff members walked onto the court to break it up. Before the staff members got there, the bulldog ran off the court. After the timeout, the bulldog was talked to by its school principal. Whatever was said between the two didn't make the bulldog happy. He took off the head of the bulldog and left the gym slamming doors. The bulldog came back after he took off his costume and pouted in the stands. AHHH... high school drama.
My friendly neighbors put their house up for sale yesterday. My husband and I were saddened. We have lived next to them for 6 years and have exchanged Christmas cards, cookies and hellos. When it snowed, the husband would always use his snow blower to clear our sidewalk and entryway to our driveway. I hope whoever buys their house will be as friendly as them.. and have a snowblower.
Mascot Wars: At a boys basketball game I was photographing last night, both schools had mascots in costume. One team had a bulldog, the other had a Trojan. During a time out in the first half, the bulldog ran to center court to get his team excited and started rolling all over the floor. While the bulldog was doing that, the Trojan came out to center court to meet him. The Trojan took off his sandal and threaten to hit the bulldog with it, I'm sure words were said between the two. Two school staff members walked onto the court to break it up. Before the staff members got there, the bulldog ran off the court. After the timeout, the bulldog was talked to by its school principal. Whatever was said between the two didn't make the bulldog happy. He took off the head of the bulldog and left the gym slamming doors. The bulldog came back after he took off his costume and pouted in the stands. AHHH... high school drama.
My friendly neighbors put their house up for sale yesterday. My husband and I were saddened. We have lived next to them for 6 years and have exchanged Christmas cards, cookies and hellos. When it snowed, the husband would always use his snow blower to clear our sidewalk and entryway to our driveway. I hope whoever buys their house will be as friendly as them.. and have a snowblower.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Found in a strange location
When I left work this morning around 10:30 am, the snow had stopped at the sun was shining. I drove across town to my favorite place to take pictures: the cemetery.After taking pictures for a half hour, I drove towards the front of the cemetery. I turned on a path that I have been on plenty of times. I noticed a new headstone. It had two figures on the sides of the headstone holding hands in the middle. I thought it was cute, so I stopped my car. I grabbed my camera and looked back over at the headstone. Sitting in the snow next to the headstone was a 24 oz glass bottle of beer. Odd. That is something that is not usual not taken to the cemetery.
I don't know if the beer was left on the headstone for a reason or someone set it down and forgot about it. All I know is when someone gets thirsty for some alcohol at the cemetery, at least it will be cold when they drink it.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Miles run in 2007
Besides running 3 or 4 times a week, I recently added more exercises to keep in shape. To go along with benching and crunches, I have added push ups and lunges. I did lunges Sunday night and I could feel it today during my run. I made it through my 4 mile run, but my legs really went away during mile 3.
Total miles through March 6:
2004: 52.5
2005: 77
2006: 86
2007: 87
Total miles through March 6:
2004: 52.5
2005: 77
2006: 86
2007: 87
Monday, March 05, 2007
Spelling contest
After pumping gas into my car this morning, I was walking to the store to pay when I noticed a large sign posted on one of the glass doors.
It read: "Pleese use other door."
Inside the store another sign posted on the same glass door, but Please was spelled correctly on that one.
I wonder how long it will hang on the door before someone notices the misspelled word.
It read: "Pleese use other door."
Inside the store another sign posted on the same glass door, but Please was spelled correctly on that one.
I wonder how long it will hang on the door before someone notices the misspelled word.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
The longest two days ever
For the past two days, I drove back and forth to Battle Creek to cover state wrestling team finals for two local teams. One team lost in the Division 2 Quarterfinals Friday night. The second team won the Division 4 State Team Championship Saturday. After these two long and exhausting days, I never been so happy to be home.
Stats from Friday and Saturday:
Hours worked: 25
Miles traveled: 350
Hours spent driving: 6
Gas used: an entire tank
Parking: $3
Heard the National Anthem and We Will Rock You by Queen: 7 times
Number of photos taken: 400
Bottles of water finished: 7
Cookies eaten: 4
Pages read from From Here to Eternity: 150
Matches I photographed: 4
Total amount of matches: 28
Stats from Friday and Saturday:
Hours worked: 25
Miles traveled: 350
Hours spent driving: 6
Gas used: an entire tank
Parking: $3
Heard the National Anthem and We Will Rock You by Queen: 7 times
Number of photos taken: 400
Bottles of water finished: 7
Cookies eaten: 4
Pages read from From Here to Eternity: 150
Matches I photographed: 4
Total amount of matches: 28
Friday, March 02, 2007
Friday, Friday
In a few hours, I will be getting in my car and driving about an hour and a half away. Most of my day will be spent in Battle Creek to cover state quarterfinal team wrestling.
There are two local teams that I will be photographing. The first team wrestles at 1 pm and the second team wrestles at 7:45 pm. Between the two teams, there is a huge gap. I have already packed a couple of snacks. I know the arena will provide food to media, but will there be a choice of foods? Today is the second Friday of Lent and I can't eat meat today. I'm hoping who ever picks out the food remembers those who can't eat meat today. If not, I will be relying on my snacks to last me all day.
There are two local teams that I will be photographing. The first team wrestles at 1 pm and the second team wrestles at 7:45 pm. Between the two teams, there is a huge gap. I have already packed a couple of snacks. I know the arena will provide food to media, but will there be a choice of foods? Today is the second Friday of Lent and I can't eat meat today. I'm hoping who ever picks out the food remembers those who can't eat meat today. If not, I will be relying on my snacks to last me all day.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
The smell
"There should be a B.O. squad that patrols the city like a "Smell Gestapo". To sniff 'em out, strip 'em down, and wash them with a big, soapy brush."
-Jerry Seinfeld in the episode "The Smelly Car"
At a recent basketball game, all I could think of was a Seinfeld episode "The Smelly Car." In that episode, a valet leaves a strong body odor in Jerry's car.
What made me think of that episode was when someone involved with the basketball game ran by me with horrible B.O. The first time by, I thought it was one of the players. Then I realized it wasn't one of the players, it was a ref.
I didn't understand how he could smell that bad. The game just started. Maybe he worked up a sweat before the game or maybe he just smells? Who knows? Every time I saw him running to the baseline (where I was standing to photograph the game), I held my breath until he ran away. Sometimes that worked, sometimes it didn't. I just kept hoping the half would end soon because I couldn't stand his smell for too much longer.
At halftime, I was so excited to exit the gym and leave Mr. Smelly.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Fallen Hero
On local Toledo, Ohio television today was the funeral for Toledo Police Detective Keith Dressel. Dressel was shot and killed in the line of duty Wednesday, Febrauary 21. The funeral coverage started at 10 a.m. and it ended with his grave side services around 3:15 p.m.
During the five hour funeral service, television announcers said there were approximately 3000 mourners at the church. Thousands of police officers were in attendance from 37 states and Canada to honor Detective Dressel for his service to the Toledo Police Department.
I watched most of the funeral coverage. Besides the bagpipers playing "Amazing Grace", helicopter flyovers, a riderless police horse, playing of taps, 21-gun salute and folding of the flag, I think that the saddest moment came at the end of the church service. It is a tradition that when an officer dies in the line of duty that they have a "last call". "A radio dispatcher called out Keith Dressel's unit number and name repeatedly. Getting no answer, the dispatcher gave a short message remembering Dressel, saying he had answered his final call."
Detective Keith Dressel
1971-2007
During the five hour funeral service, television announcers said there were approximately 3000 mourners at the church. Thousands of police officers were in attendance from 37 states and Canada to honor Detective Dressel for his service to the Toledo Police Department.
I watched most of the funeral coverage. Besides the bagpipers playing "Amazing Grace", helicopter flyovers, a riderless police horse, playing of taps, 21-gun salute and folding of the flag, I think that the saddest moment came at the end of the church service. It is a tradition that when an officer dies in the line of duty that they have a "last call". "A radio dispatcher called out Keith Dressel's unit number and name repeatedly. Getting no answer, the dispatcher gave a short message remembering Dressel, saying he had answered his final call."
Detective Keith Dressel
1971-2007
Friday, February 23, 2007
So tired
My goal was to run a couple of miles today. I didn't meet that goal.
After returning home from work this morning, I took a two-hour nap on the couch. I woke up at 12:30 pm and then woke my husband up. We went to get lunch. He had a meat lovers personal pizza and I had an meatless onion and mushroom personal pan. We finished lunch and went home. My husband layed down on the couch, put his feet up and went to sleep. I grabbed my book and read 30 pages. At the time I thought I would change my clothes after reading to get ready for a run. What I did instead was grab a blanket, layed down and took an hour nap.
I'm beginning to think naps are more fun then running.
After returning home from work this morning, I took a two-hour nap on the couch. I woke up at 12:30 pm and then woke my husband up. We went to get lunch. He had a meat lovers personal pizza and I had an meatless onion and mushroom personal pan. We finished lunch and went home. My husband layed down on the couch, put his feet up and went to sleep. I grabbed my book and read 30 pages. At the time I thought I would change my clothes after reading to get ready for a run. What I did instead was grab a blanket, layed down and took an hour nap.
I'm beginning to think naps are more fun then running.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Miles run in 2007
To catch up on mileage, I ran an extra day last week. With that extra day of running, I finished the week with 13 miles. Usually I only run around 10 miles on any given week. So I was really happy finishing my week with more mileage. I would like to continue running four days a week. If I can keep that up, I can accomplish my goal of running 500 miles this year.
This afternoon after waking up from a nap, I forced myself to run 3 miles. That was the longest 3 miles I have run in a while. Running while your still tired isn't a good idea.
Total miles run through February 22:
2004: 43.4
2005: 62
2006: 69
2007: 71
This afternoon after waking up from a nap, I forced myself to run 3 miles. That was the longest 3 miles I have run in a while. Running while your still tired isn't a good idea.
Total miles run through February 22:
2004: 43.4
2005: 62
2006: 69
2007: 71
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Ash Wednesday
Soon I will be eating my one and only meatless meal of the day. I am fasting today in observance of Ash Wednesday.
One of my co-workers was eating carrots this morning. She offered some of her carrots to another co-worker who was standing beside me, he accepted and took a few from the bag. Then she said, "I would offer some to you, but you can't eat today."
One of my co-workers was eating carrots this morning. She offered some of her carrots to another co-worker who was standing beside me, he accepted and took a few from the bag. Then she said, "I would offer some to you, but you can't eat today."
Books read in 2007
A Man of Faith, David Aikman
Hannibal Rising, Thomas Harris
All of the President's Men, Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward
House of Sand and Fog, Andre Dubus III
Jack: A Life Like No Other, Geoffrey Perret
Shadow: Five Presidents and the Legacy of Watergate, Bob Woodward
Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer, James L. Swanson
The Manchurian Candidate, Richard Condon
Leni Riefenstahl, Rainer Rother
Currently Reading: From Here to Eternity, James Jones
Up Next:
Hannibal Rising, Thomas Harris
All of the President's Men, Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward
House of Sand and Fog, Andre Dubus III
Jack: A Life Like No Other, Geoffrey Perret
Shadow: Five Presidents and the Legacy of Watergate, Bob Woodward
Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer, James L. Swanson
The Manchurian Candidate, Richard Condon
Leni Riefenstahl, Rainer Rother
Currently Reading: From Here to Eternity, James Jones
Up Next:
Monday, February 19, 2007
Random things.....
I was disappointed in the Daytona 500 yesterday. With 5 laps to go, my favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt, Jr was caught up in a crash. Earlier in the race his car was very loose. At one point he said this over the radio to his crew chief Tony Eury Jr., "I hate to be Captain Obvious here, but we're not very good." With 30 or 40 laps to go he managed to get near the front of the pack, only get involved in a multi-car crash. After Junior crashed out of the race, it was nice to see Kevin Harvick win. Junior finished in 32nd place. Oh well, on to California Speedway.
My husband and I went to Lowe's today to pick out new cabinet handles. Our old handles were in need of replacing and they were just ugly. After picking out the handles, we looked at some paint swatches. We hope to repaint our kitchen soon in nice Merlot color, with green and white accents.
I'm never ready for this time of the year, but it has arrived. Wednesday is the start of Lent. Fasting doesn't bother me, the thing that bothers me is no meat on Fridays. Usually after work on Friday nights, my husband and I go out for dinner and I always order something with meat, i.e. steak, beef nachos, etc. So until Easter, it will only be tuna or pasta for me. BOO! I haven't decided what I'm going to give up for Lent this year. I will probably give up the vending machine at work. Every year I give that up and do a good job of avoiding it.
My husband and I went to Lowe's today to pick out new cabinet handles. Our old handles were in need of replacing and they were just ugly. After picking out the handles, we looked at some paint swatches. We hope to repaint our kitchen soon in nice Merlot color, with green and white accents.
I'm never ready for this time of the year, but it has arrived. Wednesday is the start of Lent. Fasting doesn't bother me, the thing that bothers me is no meat on Fridays. Usually after work on Friday nights, my husband and I go out for dinner and I always order something with meat, i.e. steak, beef nachos, etc. So until Easter, it will only be tuna or pasta for me. BOO! I haven't decided what I'm going to give up for Lent this year. I will probably give up the vending machine at work. Every year I give that up and do a good job of avoiding it.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Things that make me happy
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. will be starting fifth Sunday in the Daytona 500. I'm glad Junior was able to continue and finish second in the race after Michael Waltrip crashed into him on lap 13.
Some of my favorite TV shows are returning from break and I can't wait to watch them. America's Next Top Model Cycle 8 will have a two hour premiere on CW February 28. The Sopranos should return to HBO for its final episodes in March, "should" being the key word. The Shield will return with its sixth season on FX April 3. And this is a ways off, HBO's Big Love is scheduled to return on June 3. I miss you TV friends!
This cute picture of my dogs, Kelly and Blitzkrieg running to me after I called their names. They were having a good time playing in the snow.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Random things
I ran 4 miles on my treadmill yesterday while watching The Food Network. Usually I watch Food Network when I run on the treadmill, but yesterday was bad. Two shows that I watched back-to-back were making desserts with chocolate. The first show I made it through alright without really craving chocolate. The second show featured chocolate chip cookies and brownies, this is where things went bad. The last mile was tough and I swore it would never end. I kept thinking about a cookie covered ice cream bar that is in my freezer that I wanted to eat. Upon finishing my 4 mile run, I ate the ice cream bar and it was very delicious.Overnight, we received a lot of snow. I was hoping I would be able to back my car out of the driveway without any problems. I was outside at 4:30 a.m., brushing the snow off of my car. While brushing, the snow in my driveway was deep it came up to my mid-calf . Once I got in my car, I didn't buckle my seat belt because I knew there was going to be problems. I start backing out and my car gets stuck. I got out of my car and moved the snow away from my tires, while wearing my dress pants. After 15-20 times doing that, I had my car backed up to turn out of the driveway. I was backing out and my car got stuck again. I cleared the snow away from all of the tires and still had no luck. I put the car into drive, reverse and repeated often. There was one point in time that 3/4 of my car was out into the street and the front was stuck in the huge snow drift at the end of the driveway. While my car was sticking out into the street a person driving a Jeep Wrangler was coming into my direction. I was hoping they would stop and help me get my car out. No, they didn't stop. They just sped on by. Finally after many attempts, I was out into the street. Twenty minutes later, I was on my way to work with dirty, wet pants and wet shoes and socks.
I was so grateful when I came home from work and my neighbor said he would use his snow blower to clear the entry to my driveway. If he didn't, I would still probably be outside doing that. While he cleared my entryway, I grabbed my shovel and cleared the back patio, driveway and the front porch.
And last, for Valentine's Day my husband bought me two bouquets of flowers, mixed and roses. It was a very lovely surprise.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Books read in 2007
A Man of Faith, David Aikman
Hannibal Rising, Thomas Harris
All of the President's Men, Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward
House of Sand and Fog, Andre Dubus III
Jack: A Life Like No Other, Geoffrey Perret
Shadow: Five Presidents and the Legacy of Watergate, Bob Woodward
Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer, James L. Swanson
The Manchurian Candidate, Richard Condon
Currently Reading: Leni Riefenstahl, Rainer Rother
Up Next: From Here to Eternity, James Jones
Hannibal Rising, Thomas Harris
All of the President's Men, Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward
House of Sand and Fog, Andre Dubus III
Jack: A Life Like No Other, Geoffrey Perret
Shadow: Five Presidents and the Legacy of Watergate, Bob Woodward
Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer, James L. Swanson
The Manchurian Candidate, Richard Condon
Currently Reading: Leni Riefenstahl, Rainer Rother
Up Next: From Here to Eternity, James Jones
Monday, February 12, 2007
Miles run in 2007
I need to run more then 3 days this week. I have to make up mileage that I missed the past two weeks due to my treadmill not working and the bitterly cold days. I'm not as behind as I thought I was, but I'm still behind. Tuesday, I will be back on the treadmill.
Total miles run through February 12:
2004: 41.4
2005: 56
2006: 55
2007: 50
Total miles run through February 12:
2004: 41.4
2005: 56
2006: 55
2007: 50
Friday, February 09, 2007
What I have been waiting almost two weeks for
My treadmill is fixed!
After the repair man left around 2:30 pm, I took my daily nap on the couch. I didn't think I would sleep for too long. I was wrong. My nap lasted for 2 hours. When I woke up, that didn't leave me with enough time to stretch, run, lift weights, shower, dry my hair, get dressed and drive to my game.
Saturday morning, I don't have to get up early for anything. I have no games to photograph. No work to get ready for. Instead about a half hour after I wake up tomorrow morning, I will be getting reacquainted with treadmill. We have missed each other.
If my legs are up to it, a 4 mile run might be in my future.
After the repair man left around 2:30 pm, I took my daily nap on the couch. I didn't think I would sleep for too long. I was wrong. My nap lasted for 2 hours. When I woke up, that didn't leave me with enough time to stretch, run, lift weights, shower, dry my hair, get dressed and drive to my game.
Saturday morning, I don't have to get up early for anything. I have no games to photograph. No work to get ready for. Instead about a half hour after I wake up tomorrow morning, I will be getting reacquainted with treadmill. We have missed each other.
If my legs are up to it, a 4 mile run might be in my future.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Books read in 2007
A Man of Faith, David Aikman
Hannibal Rising, Thomas Harris
All of the President's Men, Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward
House of Sand and Fog, Andre Dubus III
Jack: A Life Like No Other, Geoffrey Perret
Shadow: Five Presidents and the Legacy of Watergate, Bob Woodward
Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer, James L. Swanson
Currently Reading: The Manchurian Candidate, Richard Condon
Up Next: Leni Riefenstahl, Rainer Rother
Hannibal Rising, Thomas Harris
All of the President's Men, Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward
House of Sand and Fog, Andre Dubus III
Jack: A Life Like No Other, Geoffrey Perret
Shadow: Five Presidents and the Legacy of Watergate, Bob Woodward
Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer, James L. Swanson
Currently Reading: The Manchurian Candidate, Richard Condon
Up Next: Leni Riefenstahl, Rainer Rother
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Treadmill Update II
My husband had to cancel the treadmill appointment for today. All of the parts haven't arrived yet. They told my husband to call back when all of the parts have arrived. In yesterday's mail, we received the belt. Today the UPS man delivered a huge box. I assume that is the deck. That means we are still waiting on the roller.
The repair company called me and asked if I had received all of the necessary parts to for the treadmill. I told the operator that we haven't. The operator checked the computer and said that all of the parts were shipped out Monday. They were considered that all of them haven't shown up yet. The operator told me to call and schedule an appointment when everything had arrived. You think? I have been waiting for a week and half to get my treadmill fixed. How long does it take to ship three parts across the state?
Since the treadmill still isn't fixed, I went outside to run. It wasn't as cold as yesterday, but still cold, 14 degrees. The run was nice. The sun was shining and the roads were clear of snow. On the way back is when the cold wind hit me. That made the last half of my run chilly. Tomorrow I probably will return outside for a run. I need to make up the mileage I missed last week/this week due to the broken treadmill and the very cold temperatures.
The repair company called me and asked if I had received all of the necessary parts to for the treadmill. I told the operator that we haven't. The operator checked the computer and said that all of the parts were shipped out Monday. They were considered that all of them haven't shown up yet. The operator told me to call and schedule an appointment when everything had arrived. You think? I have been waiting for a week and half to get my treadmill fixed. How long does it take to ship three parts across the state?
Since the treadmill still isn't fixed, I went outside to run. It wasn't as cold as yesterday, but still cold, 14 degrees. The run was nice. The sun was shining and the roads were clear of snow. On the way back is when the cold wind hit me. That made the last half of my run chilly. Tomorrow I probably will return outside for a run. I need to make up the mileage I missed last week/this week due to the broken treadmill and the very cold temperatures.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Treadmill update
While washing dishes last night, I received a call on my cell phone. It was an 800 number, so I didn't answer it. I was surprised when that the caller left a voice mail. I checked my message and it was an automated message from the treadmill repair people saying that I needed to make an appointment.
I called the number back. After going through the whole automated system, I finally talked to a human. I told him that I received a message saying that I had to make an appointment. The operator took my information and then asked if I have received the parts to my treadmill. I haven't received them yet. The operator said that the parts have shipped and should arrive Tuesday. If they don't get delivered today, I have to call back and reschedule the appointment for Friday. But for now, an appointment has been made for Wednesday afternoon.
I feel so lazy. I haven't ran since last Tuesday. I wanted to run outside this past weekend. Those plans were foiled since it was so cold. Tomorrow, I hope to be running in my warm basement on the treadmill belt watching TV.
I called the number back. After going through the whole automated system, I finally talked to a human. I told him that I received a message saying that I had to make an appointment. The operator took my information and then asked if I have received the parts to my treadmill. I haven't received them yet. The operator said that the parts have shipped and should arrive Tuesday. If they don't get delivered today, I have to call back and reschedule the appointment for Friday. But for now, an appointment has been made for Wednesday afternoon.
I feel so lazy. I haven't ran since last Tuesday. I wanted to run outside this past weekend. Those plans were foiled since it was so cold. Tomorrow, I hope to be running in my warm basement on the treadmill belt watching TV.
What really happened
This is yesterday's post:
All of the county schools closed today due to the very cold weather. I was assigned to photograph a volleyball game tonight between two county schools. I called the hosting school to find out if the game was still going to be played. The school official told me that the game had just been canceled.
I'm very excited! I get to spend time with my husband who has the day off.
What really happened:
My husband went to a city commission meeting around 5 pm and didn't return until late. I went to the office and worked for 1.5 hours. Not exactly what I would call a night off or spending time with my husband.
All of the county schools closed today due to the very cold weather. I was assigned to photograph a volleyball game tonight between two county schools. I called the hosting school to find out if the game was still going to be played. The school official told me that the game had just been canceled.
I'm very excited! I get to spend time with my husband who has the day off.
What really happened:
My husband went to a city commission meeting around 5 pm and didn't return until late. I went to the office and worked for 1.5 hours. Not exactly what I would call a night off or spending time with my husband.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Sweet!
All of the county schools closed today due to the very cold weather. I was assigned to photograph a volleyball game tonight between two county schools. I called the hosting school to find out if the game was still going to be played. The school official told me that the game had just been canceled.
I'm very excited! I get to spend time with my husband who has the day off.
I'm very excited! I get to spend time with my husband who has the day off.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
On second thought......
I was thinking I would get dressed this morning in all of my warm running clothes and go outside for a run. That thought lasted until I checked The Weather Channel's website.
The forecast for Adrian right now at 8 am is: 0 degrees and with the wind chill it feels like -13 outside. And a later today there is a 60% chance of snow, with 1 to 3 inches accumulation. Sunday is worse. Very cold with snow showers, accumulating 1 to 2 inches . Wind chills MAY approach -20. With winds at 20 to 30 mph. High of 6 degrees.
I think I might wait on running until my treadmill gets repaired. I don't feel like running in frigid weather.
The forecast for Adrian right now at 8 am is: 0 degrees and with the wind chill it feels like -13 outside. And a later today there is a 60% chance of snow, with 1 to 3 inches accumulation. Sunday is worse. Very cold with snow showers, accumulating 1 to 2 inches . Wind chills MAY approach -20. With winds at 20 to 30 mph. High of 6 degrees.
I think I might wait on running until my treadmill gets repaired. I don't feel like running in frigid weather.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Books read in 2007
A Man of Faith, David Aikman
Hannibal Rising, Thomas Harris
All of the President's Men, Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward
House of Sand and Fog, Andre Dubus III
Jack: A Life Like No Other, Geoffrey Perret
Shadow: Five Presidents and the Legacy of Watergate, Bob Woodward
Currently Reading: Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer, James L. Swanson
Up Next: The Manchurian Candidate, Richard Condon
Hannibal Rising, Thomas Harris
All of the President's Men, Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward
House of Sand and Fog, Andre Dubus III
Jack: A Life Like No Other, Geoffrey Perret
Shadow: Five Presidents and the Legacy of Watergate, Bob Woodward
Currently Reading: Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer, James L. Swanson
Up Next: The Manchurian Candidate, Richard Condon
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Running......outside
The treadmill repair guy came yesterday. He told my husband, Prognosis: Negative. The treadmill is need of major repair. The belt, roller or rollers and deck need to be replaced. The repair man told my husband if we had to pay for the repair, the parts would cost us around $700. Good thing we added two more years to the warranty.
Usually when the treadmill is waiting for repair, the belt will move and slip of course. I decided I would just walk on the treadmill and hold on to the hand rails so I wouldn't fall off. I started the treadmill and as soon as I stepped on the belt it would stop and not move. That is when I knew the treadmill wouldn't be an option. I did something that I haven't done since early November: got ready to run outside.
I ended up wearing a pair of tights, shorts, windpants, t-shirt, sweatshirt, long sleeve running shirt and a hat. I strapped my GPS to my left wrist and went for my run. The first three minutes I thought I made the biggest mistake. I didn't put any gloves on. I can't run with gloves on, no matter how cold it is. And let me tell you, it was cold. Tempertures were in the 20s, who knows what it was with the windchill. My hands and fingers were cold and starting to tingle. I pulled my sweatshirt and long sleeve running shirt over my hands for protection from the cold. After a half mile or so, my hands started to warm and finally I pulled them out of my sleeves.
The run wasn't too bad. It actually felt good to be outside running on the streets instead of running on a belt to nowhere watching TV. I ran in the street for 95% of the time. Some city residents didn't sholve their sidewalks and I didn't want to take the chance running on snow covered ice. Other then people not taking care of their sidewalk, my only other complant was the batteries in my GPS died around 1.5 miles. When I got home I had to look in my past running logs to find out how long the route was that I took.
Since the treadmill is awaiting its new parts, I will be forced to run outside again probably Friday or Saturday. Its not that bad, but I can't wait until my treadmill is running again.
Usually when the treadmill is waiting for repair, the belt will move and slip of course. I decided I would just walk on the treadmill and hold on to the hand rails so I wouldn't fall off. I started the treadmill and as soon as I stepped on the belt it would stop and not move. That is when I knew the treadmill wouldn't be an option. I did something that I haven't done since early November: got ready to run outside.
I ended up wearing a pair of tights, shorts, windpants, t-shirt, sweatshirt, long sleeve running shirt and a hat. I strapped my GPS to my left wrist and went for my run. The first three minutes I thought I made the biggest mistake. I didn't put any gloves on. I can't run with gloves on, no matter how cold it is. And let me tell you, it was cold. Tempertures were in the 20s, who knows what it was with the windchill. My hands and fingers were cold and starting to tingle. I pulled my sweatshirt and long sleeve running shirt over my hands for protection from the cold. After a half mile or so, my hands started to warm and finally I pulled them out of my sleeves.
The run wasn't too bad. It actually felt good to be outside running on the streets instead of running on a belt to nowhere watching TV. I ran in the street for 95% of the time. Some city residents didn't sholve their sidewalks and I didn't want to take the chance running on snow covered ice. Other then people not taking care of their sidewalk, my only other complant was the batteries in my GPS died around 1.5 miles. When I got home I had to look in my past running logs to find out how long the route was that I took.
Since the treadmill is awaiting its new parts, I will be forced to run outside again probably Friday or Saturday. Its not that bad, but I can't wait until my treadmill is running again.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
This is not good
When I read the story about a herpes outbreak among Minnesota wrestlers, it made me gag.
"Minnesota State High School League banned competitions and direct contact between wrestlers in practice until Feb. 6 after 24 cases of herpes gladiatorum were reported by 10 teams. The virus is spread by skin-to-skin contact, and symptoms include lesions on the face, head and neck."
Read the entire MSNBC story.
"Minnesota State High School League banned competitions and direct contact between wrestlers in practice until Feb. 6 after 24 cases of herpes gladiatorum were reported by 10 teams. The virus is spread by skin-to-skin contact, and symptoms include lesions on the face, head and neck."
Read the entire MSNBC story.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Snow
Since Saturday, Michigan, at least where I live, has received an accumlation of snow. This is the first real snow that we have seen in a while and I think people forgot how to drive.
I have seen while driving:
-Cars that were stopped at a red light proceeding into the intersection to run the light because no oncoming cars were in sight.
-People driving too fast and very, very, very slow for conditions. Sunday afternoon I was behind a lady driving 30 mph in flurries on roads that were just wet.
-Cars cutting off semi trucks on slick roads to merge in their lane.
-People only pulling their vehicle halfway in the turn lane. Today I saw two people pull half of their truck into the turn lane and leaving the ass of their truck in traffic. Motorists behind them had to weave around or stop and wait for the idiots to turn.
I have seen while driving:
-Cars that were stopped at a red light proceeding into the intersection to run the light because no oncoming cars were in sight.
-People driving too fast and very, very, very slow for conditions. Sunday afternoon I was behind a lady driving 30 mph in flurries on roads that were just wet.
-Cars cutting off semi trucks on slick roads to merge in their lane.
-People only pulling their vehicle halfway in the turn lane. Today I saw two people pull half of their truck into the turn lane and leaving the ass of their truck in traffic. Motorists behind them had to weave around or stop and wait for the idiots to turn.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Weekend Update
This past Friday I was getting ready to run on my treadmill. While stretching my legs, I heard a popping sound coming from the area around my right knee. I thought didn't think the sound was good. I stood up and everything seemed to be alright.
I ran 2 miles because I had to get ready for work soon after. During the run, my right leg/knee felt fine. After my run, I felt some discomfort in my right knee, but nothing too bad.
For work I had to photograph a boys varsity basketball game. Standing my leg was fine. As soon as I bent my knee, it was painful. I continued working and made a mental note to myself, not to bend my right knee as much. I thought if the pain didn't go away by Sunday night I would make a doctor's appointment.
I didn't run Saturday to give my leg a day off. On Sunday I needed to exercise. I thought that I could walk, but decided against it. If I walked I would be on the treadmill longer then I wanted to so I decided to run. I originally thought I would only go 2 miles, depending on my knee. But my knee felt fine during the run so I ran 3 miles. On the last lap with less then a .10 of a mile to go, my treadmill belt starts to slip. I grabbed onto the handrails to keep myself from being jerked off. I finished my run, but I was mad. It was only a couple months ago that the front rollers were replaced on the treadmill. Now it felt like the same problem as before. Which set of rollers needs to be replaced this time? I asked my husband to call the company to set up an appointment to have it looked at. I hope that the appointment is soon so I can avoid running outside in the snow.
I ran 2 miles because I had to get ready for work soon after. During the run, my right leg/knee felt fine. After my run, I felt some discomfort in my right knee, but nothing too bad.
For work I had to photograph a boys varsity basketball game. Standing my leg was fine. As soon as I bent my knee, it was painful. I continued working and made a mental note to myself, not to bend my right knee as much. I thought if the pain didn't go away by Sunday night I would make a doctor's appointment.
I didn't run Saturday to give my leg a day off. On Sunday I needed to exercise. I thought that I could walk, but decided against it. If I walked I would be on the treadmill longer then I wanted to so I decided to run. I originally thought I would only go 2 miles, depending on my knee. But my knee felt fine during the run so I ran 3 miles. On the last lap with less then a .10 of a mile to go, my treadmill belt starts to slip. I grabbed onto the handrails to keep myself from being jerked off. I finished my run, but I was mad. It was only a couple months ago that the front rollers were replaced on the treadmill. Now it felt like the same problem as before. Which set of rollers needs to be replaced this time? I asked my husband to call the company to set up an appointment to have it looked at. I hope that the appointment is soon so I can avoid running outside in the snow.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Books read in 2007
A Man of Faith, David Aikman
Hannibal Rising, Thomas Harris
All of the President's Men, Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward
House of Sand and Fog, Andre Dubus III
Jack: A Life Like No Other, Geoffrey Perret
Currently Reading: Shadow: Five Presidents and the Legacy of Watergate, Bob Woodward
Up Next: Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer, James L. Swanson
Hannibal Rising, Thomas Harris
All of the President's Men, Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward
House of Sand and Fog, Andre Dubus III
Jack: A Life Like No Other, Geoffrey Perret
Currently Reading: Shadow: Five Presidents and the Legacy of Watergate, Bob Woodward
Up Next: Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer, James L. Swanson
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Scenes from a basketball game
While covering a boys varsity basketball game last night, I saw the following:
- A male cheerleader. Which is rare in high school's around this area. When I was back in junior high, my high school had a male cheerleader. He helped the competitive cheer team win a state championship his senior year. The downside of this story, he got made fun of at every game.
- The same male cheerleader as above, working on his dance moves in between the JV and Varsity game. It looked like he was getting ready to be a backup dancer in a music video.
- A male student from the home school dressed as the mascot, did a cartwheel and went straight down into the splits.
- Not to be outdone, the same male cheerleader noted above from the visiting school, did back flips on the court during the next timeout.
- To end it all, right after the male cheerleader did his back flips, a former female gymnist from the home school came down from the bleachers and did back flips down the entire baseline of the basketball court.
Who knows if Battle Back flip continued in the second half. I left the game at halftime.
- A male cheerleader. Which is rare in high school's around this area. When I was back in junior high, my high school had a male cheerleader. He helped the competitive cheer team win a state championship his senior year. The downside of this story, he got made fun of at every game.
- The same male cheerleader as above, working on his dance moves in between the JV and Varsity game. It looked like he was getting ready to be a backup dancer in a music video.
- A male student from the home school dressed as the mascot, did a cartwheel and went straight down into the splits.
- Not to be outdone, the same male cheerleader noted above from the visiting school, did back flips on the court during the next timeout.
- To end it all, right after the male cheerleader did his back flips, a former female gymnist from the home school came down from the bleachers and did back flips down the entire baseline of the basketball court.
Who knows if Battle Back flip continued in the second half. I left the game at halftime.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Weekend Update
Over the weekend, my husband went with me to a wedding expo. Granted that we have been married for almost 6 years, I wanted to go for different reasons: SCOUTING.
My husband wanted me to have a display at the expo, but I actually wanted to wait until I had more weddings photographed. With more weddings photographed, that means I will be able to provide more sample albums, AsukaBooks, picture frames and brochure information. So far I'm shooting five weddings this year, I know I will be ready for the expo next year.
While walking into the country club, I saw the first photographer's display. They had beautiful 20x24 prints hanging up in frames and sample albums. The thing I was really looking for was their price list. They didn't have a price list, only business cards.
The second photography display did have price lists and framed photos. I didn't take a brochure because during the county fair last summer, I already picked one up. As my husband and I were walking by the display to another room, we heard the photographer tell a potential client that the huge 20x24 print cost nine dollars to make. I don't know if I would be saying prices to anyone. But he can run his business the way he sees fit.
The third and final photography display was well thought out and put together. The photographer's work was great. They had sample storyboards, albums and a price list. My husband grabbed a price list. I was disappointed that they had little to offer couples. The photographers website was listed, when we got home I went online to look at the site. The site was under construction. If it was my site, I know I would have wanted it finished before the expo. Hopefully the site will be up and running soon.
Walking around at the expo, I kept my left hand in my coat pocket. I was wearing my wedding band and really didn't want people to see it. My husband and I bumped into someone he knew and he said, "Aren't you two already married?" My husband and I really didn't respond. Going by different booths, vendors were asking us what our wedding date was. That is a sign to keep walking.
After seeing what I wanted to see, we left. As my husband and I were walking out, we had our arms wrapped around each other. A man directing traffic said to us, "It looks like you two just got married." We smiled and I turned around and said, "Yeah. About six years ago."
I was disappointed in the lack of photography displays. I wanted to see how other photographers set up their booth. But seeing what they had gives me ideas of what to have on hand next year when I will be at the wedding expo.
My husband wanted me to have a display at the expo, but I actually wanted to wait until I had more weddings photographed. With more weddings photographed, that means I will be able to provide more sample albums, AsukaBooks, picture frames and brochure information. So far I'm shooting five weddings this year, I know I will be ready for the expo next year.
While walking into the country club, I saw the first photographer's display. They had beautiful 20x24 prints hanging up in frames and sample albums. The thing I was really looking for was their price list. They didn't have a price list, only business cards.
The second photography display did have price lists and framed photos. I didn't take a brochure because during the county fair last summer, I already picked one up. As my husband and I were walking by the display to another room, we heard the photographer tell a potential client that the huge 20x24 print cost nine dollars to make. I don't know if I would be saying prices to anyone. But he can run his business the way he sees fit.
The third and final photography display was well thought out and put together. The photographer's work was great. They had sample storyboards, albums and a price list. My husband grabbed a price list. I was disappointed that they had little to offer couples. The photographers website was listed, when we got home I went online to look at the site. The site was under construction. If it was my site, I know I would have wanted it finished before the expo. Hopefully the site will be up and running soon.
Walking around at the expo, I kept my left hand in my coat pocket. I was wearing my wedding band and really didn't want people to see it. My husband and I bumped into someone he knew and he said, "Aren't you two already married?" My husband and I really didn't respond. Going by different booths, vendors were asking us what our wedding date was. That is a sign to keep walking.
After seeing what I wanted to see, we left. As my husband and I were walking out, we had our arms wrapped around each other. A man directing traffic said to us, "It looks like you two just got married." We smiled and I turned around and said, "Yeah. About six years ago."
I was disappointed in the lack of photography displays. I wanted to see how other photographers set up their booth. But seeing what they had gives me ideas of what to have on hand next year when I will be at the wedding expo.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Order up
Before heading home from work this evening, I made a call to a restaurant for a to-go order. I ordered nachos WITHOUT black beans and jalapenos The lady who took my order said it would be done in about 10 minutes.
I drove slowly to the restaurant and parked in the spots marked for take-out orders. I went to the bar and told the bartender that I had a pick-up order. About five minutes later, she said my order was almost done. In this span of time, a man to my right was trying to pick up a woman two seats away from him at the bar. She invited him to sit with her. Is this the beginning of a relationship or a one-night stand? Over to my left was two couples, both married. Wife number 1 introduces herself to Husband number 2 and asks what Wife number 2's name is. Husband number 2 is obvious drunk, he says Beyonce. OK. Wife number 2 says to Wife number 1, Rhonda. At this point the bartender brings my nachos. Before leaving the restaurent I saw the order ticket and it clearly stated that I didn't want black beans and jalapenos.
I got home and opened my to-go container, there were black beans and jalapenos all over my nachos. My order ticket clearly stated that I didn't want them. Can't people read? Oh well. Instead of wasting the black beans, they were picked off and saved for the dogs. The jalapenos went straight into the trash. Blitzkreig and Kelly enjoyed their black bean bedtime snack. It was gone within seconds of putting it into their bowls.
I drove slowly to the restaurant and parked in the spots marked for take-out orders. I went to the bar and told the bartender that I had a pick-up order. About five minutes later, she said my order was almost done. In this span of time, a man to my right was trying to pick up a woman two seats away from him at the bar. She invited him to sit with her. Is this the beginning of a relationship or a one-night stand? Over to my left was two couples, both married. Wife number 1 introduces herself to Husband number 2 and asks what Wife number 2's name is. Husband number 2 is obvious drunk, he says Beyonce. OK. Wife number 2 says to Wife number 1, Rhonda. At this point the bartender brings my nachos. Before leaving the restaurent I saw the order ticket and it clearly stated that I didn't want black beans and jalapenos.
I got home and opened my to-go container, there were black beans and jalapenos all over my nachos. My order ticket clearly stated that I didn't want them. Can't people read? Oh well. Instead of wasting the black beans, they were picked off and saved for the dogs. The jalapenos went straight into the trash. Blitzkreig and Kelly enjoyed their black bean bedtime snack. It was gone within seconds of putting it into their bowls.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Too close
While walking into the bank to cash my check, I followed in two guys. The first guy in line was helped immediately, the second guy stood in line for the next available teller. The guy and me were the only ones in line. I stayed behind him a good two or three feet. I hate standing on top of people when there is plenty of room to spread out.
To speed up the process when I actually got to a teller window, I took my check out of the envelope to detach it from the check stub. When I finished, I put my envelope in my back pocket and that is when a line of people were approaching me. To get away from these people I stepped forward. When I did that, the woman who was behind me did as well. The woman behind me was now standing about two inches away from me. The guy who was ahead of me was called down to the next teller, I moved forward toward the end of the velvet rope and awaited the next teller. When moved up so did the woman behind me. I looked out of the corner of my eye and the woman was about two inches away from me.
I wanted to ask her, "Do you need to be standing so close to me?" But I didn't. I have noticed especially at church, I observe people because I arrive early, there will be plenty of open pews and people always sit in the same pew or right behind them. Why do they have to sit so close when there are plenty of seats? Are people that afraid to be by themselves?
To speed up the process when I actually got to a teller window, I took my check out of the envelope to detach it from the check stub. When I finished, I put my envelope in my back pocket and that is when a line of people were approaching me. To get away from these people I stepped forward. When I did that, the woman who was behind me did as well. The woman behind me was now standing about two inches away from me. The guy who was ahead of me was called down to the next teller, I moved forward toward the end of the velvet rope and awaited the next teller. When moved up so did the woman behind me. I looked out of the corner of my eye and the woman was about two inches away from me.
I wanted to ask her, "Do you need to be standing so close to me?" But I didn't. I have noticed especially at church, I observe people because I arrive early, there will be plenty of open pews and people always sit in the same pew or right behind them. Why do they have to sit so close when there are plenty of seats? Are people that afraid to be by themselves?
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Scenes from a basketball game
Last night, my assignment was to photograph a high school basketball game. After parking my car along side of the road, something caught my eye over by the gym. On the side of the gym, I saw two male students. It looked like they were talking, so I gathered up my equipment in my car. I looked back over to the students, one was gone and one was still at the side of the gym. The way he was standing, I knew exactly what he was doing. The student turned around and zipped up his pants. He was urinating on the side of the gym. If he really had to go that much he should have walked about 100 feet to his left. That would have led him to the outer door of the boy's locker room where there are toilets inside. Peeing on the side of a building is very classy.
During the JV game, a player from the visiting team grabbed a defensive rebound. All of his teammates and the opponents turned and ran down towards the other basket. Instead of following them, he shot the ball. This boy made a basket for the home team. The players from the home team sitting on the bench started laughing and thanking him for the basket. Shortly after a timeout was called. Anyone could see how embarrassed this kid was. He was standing on the court with his jersey over his head. I guess it is good that the visiting team was beat by 20 points. If they lost by 2 points, that probably would have made him feel worse.
During the JV game, a player from the visiting team grabbed a defensive rebound. All of his teammates and the opponents turned and ran down towards the other basket. Instead of following them, he shot the ball. This boy made a basket for the home team. The players from the home team sitting on the bench started laughing and thanking him for the basket. Shortly after a timeout was called. Anyone could see how embarrassed this kid was. He was standing on the court with his jersey over his head. I guess it is good that the visiting team was beat by 20 points. If they lost by 2 points, that probably would have made him feel worse.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Weekend Update
Over the weekend, my husband and I went to the movies to see The Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd is about the start of the CIA. Matt Damon played the character Edward Wilson and his wife, Clover, is played by Angelina Jolie.
I thought the movie was OK. It started out as with Damon at Yale, then working for the Office of Strategic Services during World War II, marrying Clover, having a son, then back to the present time of the 1960s. Throughout the movie, Damon doesn't age. He glasses switch to different frames a couple of times. But he had no graying hair or wrinkles. During the movie, at one point his son is young at a Christmas party. Next time you see the son, he looks about as old as Damon. I'm glad they addressed each other as father and son, because they could have been brothers.
While Damon is married to Jolie, Damon had an affair with a woman he dated in college. Jolie was sent an envelope of photos of Damon and this woman kissing in a cab and her apartment. Jolie gets mad, yells and throws the photos at Damon. I thought it was funny that she of all people got mad about the affair. I know she was playing a character in a movie, but didn't she break up a marriage?
Some people didn't enjoy the movie. Halfway through the movie, a couple sitting in the row ahead of us got up and walked out of the movie. About ten minutes later, a couple in the row behind us did the same. If they would have waited, they would have found out what the photos, video and recording that Damon's character was trying to figure out throughout the whole movie were. I guess some people aren't that patient.
I thought the movie was OK. It started out as with Damon at Yale, then working for the Office of Strategic Services during World War II, marrying Clover, having a son, then back to the present time of the 1960s. Throughout the movie, Damon doesn't age. He glasses switch to different frames a couple of times. But he had no graying hair or wrinkles. During the movie, at one point his son is young at a Christmas party. Next time you see the son, he looks about as old as Damon. I'm glad they addressed each other as father and son, because they could have been brothers.
While Damon is married to Jolie, Damon had an affair with a woman he dated in college. Jolie was sent an envelope of photos of Damon and this woman kissing in a cab and her apartment. Jolie gets mad, yells and throws the photos at Damon. I thought it was funny that she of all people got mad about the affair. I know she was playing a character in a movie, but didn't she break up a marriage?
Some people didn't enjoy the movie. Halfway through the movie, a couple sitting in the row ahead of us got up and walked out of the movie. About ten minutes later, a couple in the row behind us did the same. If they would have waited, they would have found out what the photos, video and recording that Damon's character was trying to figure out throughout the whole movie were. I guess some people aren't that patient.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Books read in 2007
A Man of Faith, David Aikman
Hannibal Rising, Thomas Harris
All of the President's Men, Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward
House of Sand and Fog, Andre Dubus III
Currently Reading: Jack: A Life Like No Other, Geoffrey Perret
Up Next: Shadow: Five Presidents and the Legacy of Watergate, Bob Woodward
Hannibal Rising, Thomas Harris
All of the President's Men, Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward
House of Sand and Fog, Andre Dubus III
Currently Reading: Jack: A Life Like No Other, Geoffrey Perret
Up Next: Shadow: Five Presidents and the Legacy of Watergate, Bob Woodward
Friday, January 12, 2007
Car wash
I filled up my car with gas after leaving work this morning. I was happy to see that gas was $1.95 a gallon. While inside the gas station, the attendant asked if I wanted to get my car washed today. I said no thank you and walked back out to my car. The skies were very dark and cloudy and there is a chance for more rain during the day. I wonder if she wouldn't have asked me if her boss wasn't standing near her? But I wouldn't have gotten a car wash anyway, tonight the forecast is calling for rain showers then it is turning into a nice snow and rain mixture.
Leaving the gas station it made me remember a time last fall I had my oil changed at a car dealership. When you get an oil change at this dealership, you have the choice of getting a free car wash. I pulled into the garage and gave the guy my keys. He asked if I wanted a free car wash. I said yes. He chuckled at me and told me my car would be done in a half hour. The reason he chuckled at me is because it was raining. Not just sprinkles. It was an all day downpour. He probably thought that was stupid. Who gets their car washed when it is raining out? My reason to get the car wash was because it was free.
Leaving the gas station it made me remember a time last fall I had my oil changed at a car dealership. When you get an oil change at this dealership, you have the choice of getting a free car wash. I pulled into the garage and gave the guy my keys. He asked if I wanted a free car wash. I said yes. He chuckled at me and told me my car would be done in a half hour. The reason he chuckled at me is because it was raining. Not just sprinkles. It was an all day downpour. He probably thought that was stupid. Who gets their car washed when it is raining out? My reason to get the car wash was because it was free.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Random things
While running three miles this afternoon, I developed a sharp stabbing pain in my lower back. If I was actually running outside and not on my treadmill, I know I would have stopped and walked home. That shows how big of a wimp I am. On another note, I'm doing well with my mileage already. Last week I ran 9 miles. Each week I want to try to run 10 miles. To make up for the fact that I ran only 9 miles, I'll run 11 miles this week to put myself at an even 20 miles run for the year on Sunday.
After my run and shower, I went to Maple City Gymnastics in Adrian for the third time in a week and a half to take more photos. I found out that at least the girls, there are three boys who attend the gym, work out three days a week for four hours. Then two days a week for two hours and that is volunteered time. These girls and boys are really dedicated at such a young age (ages 8-13). I have been posting photos over on my photo blog, DCO's Photo Gallery, if you would like to view them.
Lastly, I might be going to Japan this summer for two weeks. It is not set in stone yet. Once I know more, I'll let you know.
After my run and shower, I went to Maple City Gymnastics in Adrian for the third time in a week and a half to take more photos. I found out that at least the girls, there are three boys who attend the gym, work out three days a week for four hours. Then two days a week for two hours and that is volunteered time. These girls and boys are really dedicated at such a young age (ages 8-13). I have been posting photos over on my photo blog, DCO's Photo Gallery, if you would like to view them.
Lastly, I might be going to Japan this summer for two weeks. It is not set in stone yet. Once I know more, I'll let you know.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Books read in 2007
A Man of Faith, David Aikman
Hannibal Rising, Thomas Harris
All of the President's Men, Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward
Currently Reading: House of Sand and Fog, Andre Dubus III
Up Next: Jack: A Life Like No Other, Geoffrey Perret
Hannibal Rising, Thomas Harris
All of the President's Men, Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward
Currently Reading: House of Sand and Fog, Andre Dubus III
Up Next: Jack: A Life Like No Other, Geoffrey Perret
Monday, January 08, 2007
Weekend Update
My husband Mike and I had a wonderful time Friday evening.
- Before dinner, Mike bought himself a new gray suit at the Men's Warehouse with help from a coupon and a gift certificate. The pants that came with the suit needed to be altered. Usually the pants are left with the tailor to alter at another time, but it was a simple cuff, so the tailor sewed them that evening. While the tailor was altering the cuffs of my husbands pants, we were running late for our dinner reservation. The cuffs took about 10 minutes to sew and we left the store around 6:10 pm.
- Our reservation at Carson's Steakhouse in Sylvania, Ohio was made for 6 pm. We were 15 minutes late. Mike and I shared buttermilk spiced onion rings as an appetizer. It was YUM-O! We both ordered garden salads with our meal. Mike had a Delmonico steak and I had a New York Strip Steak. For dessert we shared a made to order Chocolate souffle. The meal and service was very good. I recommend this restaurant to everyone who loves great food.
- The Phantom of the Opera was great. It was our third time to see the show. About 98% of the people who attended Friday night's show dressed up. A guy a couple of rows ahead of us was wearing his best Budweiser hat. Classy. During Act II when the Phantom and Christine are underground in his layer, the sandman was starting to hit me. At this point I have been awake for 18 hours, that is a long day for me, and it was dark. My eyelids were growing heavy and I could feel my head bobbing. To keep myself awake, I was biting the inside of my mouth. I managed to stay awake for the rest of the show.
The evening was perfect, except for me almost falling asleep. Its nice every once and while to get dressed up, eat a fancy dinner and see a show with your husband on date night.
- Before dinner, Mike bought himself a new gray suit at the Men's Warehouse with help from a coupon and a gift certificate. The pants that came with the suit needed to be altered. Usually the pants are left with the tailor to alter at another time, but it was a simple cuff, so the tailor sewed them that evening. While the tailor was altering the cuffs of my husbands pants, we were running late for our dinner reservation. The cuffs took about 10 minutes to sew and we left the store around 6:10 pm.
- Our reservation at Carson's Steakhouse in Sylvania, Ohio was made for 6 pm. We were 15 minutes late. Mike and I shared buttermilk spiced onion rings as an appetizer. It was YUM-O! We both ordered garden salads with our meal. Mike had a Delmonico steak and I had a New York Strip Steak. For dessert we shared a made to order Chocolate souffle. The meal and service was very good. I recommend this restaurant to everyone who loves great food.
- The Phantom of the Opera was great. It was our third time to see the show. About 98% of the people who attended Friday night's show dressed up. A guy a couple of rows ahead of us was wearing his best Budweiser hat. Classy. During Act II when the Phantom and Christine are underground in his layer, the sandman was starting to hit me. At this point I have been awake for 18 hours, that is a long day for me, and it was dark. My eyelids were growing heavy and I could feel my head bobbing. To keep myself awake, I was biting the inside of my mouth. I managed to stay awake for the rest of the show.
The evening was perfect, except for me almost falling asleep. Its nice every once and while to get dressed up, eat a fancy dinner and see a show with your husband on date night.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Books read in 2007
A Man of Faith, David Aikman
Hannibal Rising, Thomas Harris
Currently Reading: All of the President's Men, Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward
Up Next: House of Sand and Fog, Andre Dubus III
Hannibal Rising, Thomas Harris
Currently Reading: All of the President's Men, Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward
Up Next: House of Sand and Fog, Andre Dubus III
The Music of the Night
One of my Christmas presents from my husband Mike was a pair of tickets. The pair of tickets will be used tonight to see The Phantom of the Opera at The Stranahan Theater in Toledo, Ohio.
Mike and I saw The Phantom of the Opera for the first time about three to four years ago at The Stranahan Theater. We both enjoyed the show and wanted to see it again. Last year on Valentine's Day, Mike surprised me with tickets to Phantom at the Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit. We stayed overnight at a hotel and had a fabulous dinner at The Rattlesnake.
Before tonight's show, we are going to Carson's Steakhouse in Sylvania, OH. We have gone by this restaurant so many times while down in the Toledo area. I'm excited that we are finally going to eat there. To make sure we are not late for the theater, the reservations were made Thursday evening. The website has the menu online and I already looked at it. I think I will be getting the New York Strip Steak.
Besides, when I don't I get steak at a restaurant?
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Make it stop
While at the New Year's Eve party, the TV was on. Some of the guys at the party asked who the person singing on the TV was. It was Fergie. She was on Dick Clark's Rocking Eve or something like that and singing "Fergalicious". I can't get that song out of my head. It has been three days! Please make it stop.
Is adding -licious to the end of words/names a new fad? If that is the case, can I be Delolicious?
Is adding -licious to the end of words/names a new fad? If that is the case, can I be Delolicious?
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
I'm a winner
Usually on New Year's Eve, I stay home. Either my husband and I have no where to go or my husband has to work. New Year's Eve 2005, my husband and I stayed home and watched movies. Well, he did. I fell asleep.
New Years Eve 2006, my husband Mike and I attended a party at one of his co-workers house. After eating and a lot of drinking, not by me, I only had three Wild Grape Smirnoff's, a group of us sat down to play Texas Hold 'Em. A few of us sitting at the table didn't know how to play, myself included. We played a practice round, then it was time for the real game.
Sitting at a table of seven, I beat them all. I actually won. The game, which was running long, after an hour and a half was down to two other players and myself. It was about five minutes away from midnight and I said we needed to get this game over with because other people wanted to play. We agreed to go all in and whoever had the best hand won. I don't remember exactly what I had, but I was the winner.
After the ball in Times Square dropped, everyone kissed their spouse, got more food and alcohol and then the second game started. The second game had 10 players, I finished fourth. It was fun because my husband knows how to play and I outlasted him in both games.
So much for the girl who really doesn't know how to play Texas Hold 'Em.
New Years Eve 2006, my husband Mike and I attended a party at one of his co-workers house. After eating and a lot of drinking, not by me, I only had three Wild Grape Smirnoff's, a group of us sat down to play Texas Hold 'Em. A few of us sitting at the table didn't know how to play, myself included. We played a practice round, then it was time for the real game.
Sitting at a table of seven, I beat them all. I actually won. The game, which was running long, after an hour and a half was down to two other players and myself. It was about five minutes away from midnight and I said we needed to get this game over with because other people wanted to play. We agreed to go all in and whoever had the best hand won. I don't remember exactly what I had, but I was the winner.
After the ball in Times Square dropped, everyone kissed their spouse, got more food and alcohol and then the second game started. The second game had 10 players, I finished fourth. It was fun because my husband knows how to play and I outlasted him in both games.
So much for the girl who really doesn't know how to play Texas Hold 'Em.
Monday, January 01, 2007
Books read in 2007
A Man of Faith, David Aikman
Currently Reading: Hannibal Rising, Thomas Harris
Up Next: All of the President's Men, Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward
Currently Reading: Hannibal Rising, Thomas Harris
Up Next: All of the President's Men, Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward
Books read in 2006
The Constant Gardener, John Le Carre
The American Way of Death Revisited, Jessica Mitford
Shopgirl, Steve Martin
The City of Falling Angels, John Berendt
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, John Berendt
Portrait of Myself, Margaret Bourke-White
The Last Days of Marilyn Monroe, Donald H. Wolfe
Marilyn: The Last Take, Peter Harry Brown and Patte B. Barham
The Many Lives of Marilyn Monroe, Sarah Churchwell
Cary Grant: The Lonely Heart, Charles Higham and Roy Moseley
Shutterbabe, Deborah Copaken Kogan
The Hidden Hitler, Lothar Machtan
Auschwitz: A New History, Laurence Rees
Jack The Ripper: The Complete Casebook, Donald Rumbelow
In Cold Blood, Truman Capote
Turning the Tables: Restaurants from the Inside Out, Steven A. Shaw
Lincoln's Melancholy, Joshua Wolf Shenk
The Dark Side of Camelot, Seymour M. Hersh
Sinatra: The Life, Anthony Summers and Robbyn Swan
The Third Reich in Power, Richard J. Evans
Once Upon a Time: Behind the Fairy Tale of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier, J. Randy Taraborrelli
Bowerman and the Men of Oregon, Kenny Moore
Bridesmaids: Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco and Six Intimate Friends, Judy Balaban Quine
Grace and Power, Sally Bedell Smith
Grace, Robert Lacey
There She is, Miss America, edited by Elwood Watson and Darcy Martin
Sex Wars, Marge Piercy
My Dark Places, James Ellroy
Hitler: Memoirs of a Confidant, edited by Henry Ashby Turner, Jr.
L.A. Confidential, James Ellroy
Straight Up and Dirty, Stephanie Klein
Miss America, 1945: Bess Myerson and the Year that Changed Our Lives, Susan Dworkin
The Day Diana Died, Christopher Andersen
The Perfect Wife, Ann Gerhardt
No Lifeguard on Duty, Janice Dickinson
First Son, Bill Minutaglio
The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini
Because He Could, Dick Morris
Diana in Search of Herself, Sally Bedell Smith
Final count of books read in 2006: 39
Miles Run in 2006
I ran on the treadmill yesterday for my final run of 2006. I blogged last week about being sick. When I posted, I said I didn't have a cough. Now I do. So during my run, my throat and nose were burning. That makes a run so much more fun! Three miles was all I could handle.
Total miles run for the year:
2004: 318.6
2005: 350.8
2006: 470
Total miles run for the year:
2004: 318.6
2005: 350.8
2006: 470
Friday, December 29, 2006
Cold season
I love this time of the year. Most people are getting sick and spreading germs. The squeezing, nose blowing, coughing, and stuffed nose. I have these symptoms, except for coughing.
At work, I refuse to use tissues at my desk. I don't want to be responsible for getting co-workers sick. When the time comes to blow my nose, it is right into the restroom or my darkroom. Basically anywhere with a sink to wash my hands afterwords. At the end of my shift, I pull a huge can of germ killing spray out of my desk and hose down the keyboard and mouse.
During the day, I'm taking medicine like candy. Please, help me breathe through my nose! After taking the medicine, I find myself with my mouth open. Who doesn't like chapped lips? At bedtime, I take my cold medicine that is supposed to help me sleep through the entire night. It works but it takes a while. In the meantime, I prop my pillows and sleep with my head up. That's comfortable.
Well I have to go. I have to take some candy before getting on my treadmill.
At work, I refuse to use tissues at my desk. I don't want to be responsible for getting co-workers sick. When the time comes to blow my nose, it is right into the restroom or my darkroom. Basically anywhere with a sink to wash my hands afterwords. At the end of my shift, I pull a huge can of germ killing spray out of my desk and hose down the keyboard and mouse.
During the day, I'm taking medicine like candy. Please, help me breathe through my nose! After taking the medicine, I find myself with my mouth open. Who doesn't like chapped lips? At bedtime, I take my cold medicine that is supposed to help me sleep through the entire night. It works but it takes a while. In the meantime, I prop my pillows and sleep with my head up. That's comfortable.
Well I have to go. I have to take some candy before getting on my treadmill.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
So its come to this.... New Year's Resolutions 2007
My New Year's resolutions for 2007 are:
1. Run over 500 miles - This year I will have run around 470 miles (I'll have the final count on New Year's Eve). It would be nice to run 4-5 times a week, instead of the 3 times a week that I'm doing now.
2. Cook - Santa put two Rachael Ray cookbooks in my stocking for Christmas, 365: No Repeats and 2, 4, 6, 8 - Great Meals for Couples or Crowds. I plan on using these books to cook and eat more at home. Rachael's recipes are so easy and most of them can be made in 30-minutes.
3. Shoot photos more - Most of the time I use my camera everyday for work. In the new year I would like to make it a habit to go out once a week and shoot for myself. I photograph plenty of sports, but I would like to add to my own personal series that I have started: cemetery statues, ballet and decaying structures.
1. Run over 500 miles - This year I will have run around 470 miles (I'll have the final count on New Year's Eve). It would be nice to run 4-5 times a week, instead of the 3 times a week that I'm doing now.
2. Cook - Santa put two Rachael Ray cookbooks in my stocking for Christmas, 365: No Repeats and 2, 4, 6, 8 - Great Meals for Couples or Crowds. I plan on using these books to cook and eat more at home. Rachael's recipes are so easy and most of them can be made in 30-minutes.
3. Shoot photos more - Most of the time I use my camera everyday for work. In the new year I would like to make it a habit to go out once a week and shoot for myself. I photograph plenty of sports, but I would like to add to my own personal series that I have started: cemetery statues, ballet and decaying structures.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
This is not the way to start the day
While getting dressed this morning for work at 4:28 am, I was already planning and looking forward to my afternoon nap.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Christmas day
This was the last family photo of the day, Mom, her seven children, their spouses and children. Even though some of us have our eyes closed or looking in another direction, this picture is special because all of the siblings are in the photo. Christmas 2005 is the last time we were all together under the same roof.
Back row (left to right): Diane, Mike (my husband), Deloris, Daniel, Dan's son Carter, David and Mom.
Front Row (left to right): Deanna, Denise, Dennis (Debbie's husband), Debbie and their son Jack.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Books read in 2006
The Constant Gardener, John Le Carre
The American Way of Death Revisited, Jessica Mitford
Shopgirl, Steve Martin
The City of Falling Angels, John Berendt
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, John Berendt
Portrait of Myself, Margaret Bourke-White
The Last Days of Marilyn Monroe, Donald H. Wolfe
Marilyn: The Last Take, Peter Harry Brown and Patte B. Barham
The Many Lives of Marilyn Monroe, Sarah Churchwell
Cary Grant: The Lonely Heart, Charles Higham and Roy Moseley
Shutterbabe, Deborah Copaken Kogan
The Hidden Hitler, Lothar Machtan
Auschwitz: A New History, Laurence Rees
Jack The Ripper: The Complete Casebook, Donald Rumbelow
In Cold Blood, Truman Capote
Turning the Tables: Restaurants from the Inside Out, Steven A. Shaw
Lincoln's Melancholy, Joshua Wolf Shenk
The Dark Side of Camelot, Seymour M. Hersh
Sinatra: The Life, Anthony Summers and Robbyn Swan
The Third Reich in Power, Richard J. Evans
Once Upon a Time: Behind the Fairy Tale of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier, J. Randy Taraborrelli
Bowerman and the Men of Oregon, Kenny Moore
Bridesmaids: Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco and Six Intimate Friends, Judy Balaban Quine
Grace and Power, Sally Bedell Smith
Grace, Robert Lacey
There She is, Miss America, edited by Elwood Watson and Darcy Martin
Sex Wars, Marge Piercy
My Dark Places, James Ellroy
Hitler: Memoirs of a Confidant, edited by Henry Ashby Turner, Jr.
L.A. Confidential, James Ellroy
Straight Up and Dirty, Stephanie Klein
Miss America, 1945: Bess Myerson and the Year that Changed Our Lives, Susan Dworkin
The Day Diana Died, Christopher Andersen
The Perfect Wife, Ann Gerhardt
No Lifeguard on Duty, Janice Dickinson
First Son, Bill Minutaglio
The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini
Because He Could, Dick Morris
Diana in Search of Herself, Sally Bedell Smith
Currently Reading: A Man of Faith, David Aikman
Up Next:
Friday, December 22, 2006
Creepy
While walking to my car this morning, two guys on the sidewalk passed me. I opened my car door, set my camera and backpack on the front seat and shut the door. I look over and the two guys I passed are now standing in front of my car.
Man #1: "Excuse me ma'am. I know this will sound a little weird, but I just got a DUI and I was wondering if you would drive us to my car at Hotel X. I will pay you ten dollars to drive us there."
Me: "No thank you."
Man #1: "Thank you for your time."
I was taught not to let strangers in my car and these two men were that: strangers.
Man #1: "Excuse me ma'am. I know this will sound a little weird, but I just got a DUI and I was wondering if you would drive us to my car at Hotel X. I will pay you ten dollars to drive us there."
Me: "No thank you."
Man #1: "Thank you for your time."
I was taught not to let strangers in my car and these two men were that: strangers.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Getting ready
Thursday my husband and I are hosting a Christmas dinner at our house. That will be Christmas dinner 1, Christmas dinner 2 and 3 will take place on Christmas.
After returning from the grocery store with the supplies that we needed, I started to get to work. First I made a dessert for everyone to have, marble brownies. I got everything mixed, placed in the 8x8 glass dish and put it in the oven for 35 minutes. While that was baking, I mixed up an cheese spread for an appetizer. I got the ingredients from a co-worker this morning. It was really easy to make and it tasted really good. If you make it, Ritz crackers taste great with it.
What we have left to do tomorrow before the family comes over is mix the salad, stick the ham in the oven, make the mashed potatoes, green beans with portobello mushroom saute and fried ravioli before everyone arrives. It won't be hard to do, just still alot to do.
Cheese Spread
(adjust portions if needed)
5 cream cheese blocks
1 package of beef chips (chopped fine)
1 green onion (chopped fine)
3 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
Mix together and place in the refrigerator to chill
After returning from the grocery store with the supplies that we needed, I started to get to work. First I made a dessert for everyone to have, marble brownies. I got everything mixed, placed in the 8x8 glass dish and put it in the oven for 35 minutes. While that was baking, I mixed up an cheese spread for an appetizer. I got the ingredients from a co-worker this morning. It was really easy to make and it tasted really good. If you make it, Ritz crackers taste great with it.
What we have left to do tomorrow before the family comes over is mix the salad, stick the ham in the oven, make the mashed potatoes, green beans with portobello mushroom saute and fried ravioli before everyone arrives. It won't be hard to do, just still alot to do.
Cheese Spread
(adjust portions if needed)
5 cream cheese blocks
1 package of beef chips (chopped fine)
1 green onion (chopped fine)
3 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
Mix together and place in the refrigerator to chill
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Freedom!
There is nothing like going to a basketball game and seeing a bunch of Braveheart lookalikes. These guys had the face paint, the kilts and the little sashes. Near the end of the first half one of the guys yelled "FREEDOM!" when it was quiet in the gym. That made me laugh.
They get an A for effort. Nice outfits guys.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Its the most wonderful time of the year
Christmas is almost here.
Last night I put all away of my Christmas card crafts. I don't need my rubber stamps, card stock, ink, rulers, paper and utility knife out on my office desk anymore. I'm done making all of my cards for the year 2006. My husband Mike and I have five, let me say that again, five Christmas cards yet to mail. I'm sorry if you haven't received your card yet. We probably lost your address when our hard drive crashed earlier this year. We didn't recover any addresses from the address book.
While I was trying to sleep, or tossing and turning was more like it, Mike was buying wrapping presents. At this point in time there are five presents wrapped under the tree. What is with five in this post? I think I might gather the presents for my mom, sisters, nephews, in-laws and wrap them before my photo assignment tonight.
The Christmas dinner that my husband and I are hosting is a couple of days away. My sister who lives in Toledo told me she won't be able to make it now. Her boss changed her schedule and now she has to work until close. My brother who lives in Kentucky will be missing as well. But missing two out of six siblings isn't bad. I hope we can all see each other on Christmas day. Besides a couple of missing siblings, my husband and I are slowly getting the supplies we need for the dinner. Mike bought the ham and plenty of green beans last night. The day before the dinner I plan on making brownies for dessert and the day of I will be making a big supply of Fried Ravioli for an appetizer.
Besides worrying about dinner, I have yet to finish my Christmas shopping. I get paid this week, but I have to save money for bills, i.e. car payment, student loan, second of third oral surgery bill, mortgage payment and car insurance. I'm thankful that Mike said I didn't have to get him too much this year. I still feel bad but he will still get three nice gifts, that I will buy probably Saturday morning.
It sucks that life (bills) gets in the way of my Christmas plans.
Last night I put all away of my Christmas card crafts. I don't need my rubber stamps, card stock, ink, rulers, paper and utility knife out on my office desk anymore. I'm done making all of my cards for the year 2006. My husband Mike and I have five, let me say that again, five Christmas cards yet to mail. I'm sorry if you haven't received your card yet. We probably lost your address when our hard drive crashed earlier this year. We didn't recover any addresses from the address book.
While I was trying to sleep, or tossing and turning was more like it, Mike was buying wrapping presents. At this point in time there are five presents wrapped under the tree. What is with five in this post? I think I might gather the presents for my mom, sisters, nephews, in-laws and wrap them before my photo assignment tonight.
The Christmas dinner that my husband and I are hosting is a couple of days away. My sister who lives in Toledo told me she won't be able to make it now. Her boss changed her schedule and now she has to work until close. My brother who lives in Kentucky will be missing as well. But missing two out of six siblings isn't bad. I hope we can all see each other on Christmas day. Besides a couple of missing siblings, my husband and I are slowly getting the supplies we need for the dinner. Mike bought the ham and plenty of green beans last night. The day before the dinner I plan on making brownies for dessert and the day of I will be making a big supply of Fried Ravioli for an appetizer.
Besides worrying about dinner, I have yet to finish my Christmas shopping. I get paid this week, but I have to save money for bills, i.e. car payment, student loan, second of third oral surgery bill, mortgage payment and car insurance. I'm thankful that Mike said I didn't have to get him too much this year. I still feel bad but he will still get three nice gifts, that I will buy probably Saturday morning.
It sucks that life (bills) gets in the way of my Christmas plans.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Winter?
It is December 16 and officially winter hasn't began yet. But right now in Adrian, MI it is sunny and 42 degrees. The high for later today should reach 49 degrees.
Sunday the forecast says it should be 55 degrees. Weather like this makes me like winter even more.
Sunday the forecast says it should be 55 degrees. Weather like this makes me like winter even more.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Finally a topic
At the newspaper I work at the last week of February, we print five special sections called FOCUS. We focus on different county topics like Citizen of the year, arts and education, business, medical, technology and the special photographers section.
The photographers section started two years ago. We were asked by our former editor to divide the county between the four photographers. Each photographer received a couple of cities, villages, and townships and it was our job to focus on them. We each went to our cities and took photos of we thought was for lack of a better terms, neat or cool. After we finished taking all of the pictures, they were edited and laid out in the section. Along with our photos, important people from each of these cities, villages and townships wrote about why they like their city and so on. The section was a success, according to our old editor. People really liked the photos of their towns.
Last year, we, the photographers were asked to do the photo section again but it had to be a different topic then the year before. One photographer choose music, another photographed children and my topic was decaying structures and objects around the Adrian area. I photographed cars a junk yard, abandoned apartments, old office buildings, factories, an old hotel, a school not in use and a train engine waiting to be scrapped. I loved every minute of this assignment. I would actually look forward to going out to shoot with my camera. It took me over a month to get everything that I needed, but it was worth it. When the section was published, I personally thought it was better then our first year. The subject matter was of our own choosing and that made it special to each of us.
This year has been a bit different. We were told that we are putting together another photographers section. The details were the same as last year, shoot whatever you want, but the subject matter had to be different. That was difficult, because everything that I love (i.e. cemetery statues, ballet, decaying), I have already shot for the paper. That frustrated me. I was thinking about what to shoot for two weeks. After talking with my husband, I thought I decided on buildings. While downloading photos after a game last week, I was telling my photographer co-worker my idea. When I told him, he started bringing up better topics then mine. When I left work that evening, my original idea was gone and I had a new one: a day in the life of whatever job I want to photograph. Later that evening I received an email from my co-worker, he suggested a new topic: the church I attend.
The next day at work, I was reading stories by the sports department on my computer. I ended up reading a brief about a local gymnastics club in town that competed in an invitational recently. While reading the brief I knew that this gymnastics club was my new topic. I was so excited. I was excited because I knew that most of my worries were over. I could stop thinking about it and finally start shooting. When I was leaving work later that morning I received a cell phone call from my co-worker. I asked him what he thought of my new topic: gymnastics. He liked it. He said that the owners of the gymnastics club would be willing to let me follow them around and photograph practice.
Before driving to a volleyball game yesterday, I stopped at the gym to talk to the owners. I walked in, introduced myself and told him what I wanted to do. He was very nice and said I could come back in January when the winter schedule starts and take photos. Also, he already gave me directions to one of their invitationals just over the border in Ohio for the last weekend of January.
I can't wait to get working on this assignment.
The photographers section started two years ago. We were asked by our former editor to divide the county between the four photographers. Each photographer received a couple of cities, villages, and townships and it was our job to focus on them. We each went to our cities and took photos of we thought was for lack of a better terms, neat or cool. After we finished taking all of the pictures, they were edited and laid out in the section. Along with our photos, important people from each of these cities, villages and townships wrote about why they like their city and so on. The section was a success, according to our old editor. People really liked the photos of their towns.
Last year, we, the photographers were asked to do the photo section again but it had to be a different topic then the year before. One photographer choose music, another photographed children and my topic was decaying structures and objects around the Adrian area. I photographed cars a junk yard, abandoned apartments, old office buildings, factories, an old hotel, a school not in use and a train engine waiting to be scrapped. I loved every minute of this assignment. I would actually look forward to going out to shoot with my camera. It took me over a month to get everything that I needed, but it was worth it. When the section was published, I personally thought it was better then our first year. The subject matter was of our own choosing and that made it special to each of us.
This year has been a bit different. We were told that we are putting together another photographers section. The details were the same as last year, shoot whatever you want, but the subject matter had to be different. That was difficult, because everything that I love (i.e. cemetery statues, ballet, decaying), I have already shot for the paper. That frustrated me. I was thinking about what to shoot for two weeks. After talking with my husband, I thought I decided on buildings. While downloading photos after a game last week, I was telling my photographer co-worker my idea. When I told him, he started bringing up better topics then mine. When I left work that evening, my original idea was gone and I had a new one: a day in the life of whatever job I want to photograph. Later that evening I received an email from my co-worker, he suggested a new topic: the church I attend.
The next day at work, I was reading stories by the sports department on my computer. I ended up reading a brief about a local gymnastics club in town that competed in an invitational recently. While reading the brief I knew that this gymnastics club was my new topic. I was so excited. I was excited because I knew that most of my worries were over. I could stop thinking about it and finally start shooting. When I was leaving work later that morning I received a cell phone call from my co-worker. I asked him what he thought of my new topic: gymnastics. He liked it. He said that the owners of the gymnastics club would be willing to let me follow them around and photograph practice.
Before driving to a volleyball game yesterday, I stopped at the gym to talk to the owners. I walked in, introduced myself and told him what I wanted to do. He was very nice and said I could come back in January when the winter schedule starts and take photos. Also, he already gave me directions to one of their invitationals just over the border in Ohio for the last weekend of January.
I can't wait to get working on this assignment.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Green bean choices
My husband and I are hosting Christmas with my family December 21. We are going to have ham for the main course. As for a side dish we both agreed, to skip the green bean casserole. We both love green bean casserole, but are kind of sick of it right now after eating it three days in a row due to Thanksgiving. We wanted to try something else instead.
I found a bunch of recipes on Food Network. My husband and I have narrowed the field down to two: Green Beans and Portobello Mushroom Saute and French Cut Green Beans with Almonds and Fried Onions. Both recipes come from the awesome Rachael Ray and her show 30 Minute Meals.
Green Beans and Portobello Mushroom Saute
Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray
1 1/4 pounds green beans, trimmed and cut in half
Coarse salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan
1 tablespoon butter
1 onion, chopped
2 portobello mushroom caps, halved and thinly sliced
1/2 cup dry sherry
Simmer green beans in salted boiling water 5 minutes. Drain green beans and return skillet to moderate heat. Add oil and butter to the pan. Add onions and saute 2 to 3 minutes. Add mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Saute mushrooms 3 to 5 minutes with onions, add green beans back to the pan. Heat green beans through and add sherry. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer green beans and mushrooms to a serving plate.
French Cut Green Beans with Almonds and Fried Onions
Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray
1 pound fresh green beans or frozen French-cut green beans
Salt 1 to 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup slivered almonds (2-ounce package)
1/2 lemon, juiced
Ground black pepper
1 can fried onions
Bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a high-sided saute pan. If using fresh beans, cut them lengthwise while you wait for the water to boil.
Add salt and green beans to boiling water and cook until just tender. Drain beans and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Return the skillet to medium heat and add the butter. When butter is melted, add the almonds and cook until golden brown.
Return the green beans to the pan, along with the juice of 1/2 a lemon, add salt and pepper, to taste. When warmed through, top with fried onions.
I found a bunch of recipes on Food Network. My husband and I have narrowed the field down to two: Green Beans and Portobello Mushroom Saute and French Cut Green Beans with Almonds and Fried Onions. Both recipes come from the awesome Rachael Ray and her show 30 Minute Meals.
Green Beans and Portobello Mushroom Saute
Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray
1 1/4 pounds green beans, trimmed and cut in half
Coarse salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan
1 tablespoon butter
1 onion, chopped
2 portobello mushroom caps, halved and thinly sliced
1/2 cup dry sherry
Simmer green beans in salted boiling water 5 minutes. Drain green beans and return skillet to moderate heat. Add oil and butter to the pan. Add onions and saute 2 to 3 minutes. Add mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Saute mushrooms 3 to 5 minutes with onions, add green beans back to the pan. Heat green beans through and add sherry. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer green beans and mushrooms to a serving plate.
French Cut Green Beans with Almonds and Fried Onions
Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray
1 pound fresh green beans or frozen French-cut green beans
Salt 1 to 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup slivered almonds (2-ounce package)
1/2 lemon, juiced
Ground black pepper
1 can fried onions
Bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a high-sided saute pan. If using fresh beans, cut them lengthwise while you wait for the water to boil.
Add salt and green beans to boiling water and cook until just tender. Drain beans and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Return the skillet to medium heat and add the butter. When butter is melted, add the almonds and cook until golden brown.
Return the green beans to the pan, along with the juice of 1/2 a lemon, add salt and pepper, to taste. When warmed through, top with fried onions.
Before the big dinner, we'll make samples of both to see which one we like better. Right now, they both sound good enough to eat.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Why?
While getting ready for work Monday morning, I was in the bathroom listening to the radio. A song that was playing made me think, "Why?"
The song that was featured in the 1987 film Dirty Dancing, "She's Like the Wind" by Patrick Swayze has been covered by Lumidee.
The song that was featured in the 1987 film Dirty Dancing, "She's Like the Wind" by Patrick Swayze has been covered by Lumidee.
Miles run in 2006
With the 2 miles that I ran yesterday, that brings my 2006 total to 450 miles. I was going to run 5 miles on Sunday, but it just didn't work out. I knew that I could and should run Monday before going to a Christmas party with my husband and eating a lot fatty foods*.
Total miles run up to December 12:
2004: 294.6
2005: 330.8
2006: 450
*At the party, I ate a couple of finger sandwiches, plenty of nacho dip, assorted nuts and cookies. I really need to run again, soon.
Total miles run up to December 12:
2004: 294.6
2005: 330.8
2006: 450
*At the party, I ate a couple of finger sandwiches, plenty of nacho dip, assorted nuts and cookies. I really need to run again, soon.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Books read in 2006
The Constant Gardener, John Le Carre
The American Way of Death Revisited, Jessica Mitford
Shopgirl, Steve Martin
The City of Falling Angels, John Berendt
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, John Berendt
Portrait of Myself, Margaret Bourke-White
The Last Days of Marilyn Monroe, Donald H. Wolfe
Marilyn: The Last Take, Peter Harry Brown and Patte B. Barham
The Many Lives of Marilyn Monroe, Sarah Churchwell
Cary Grant: The Lonely Heart, Charles Higham and Roy Moseley
Shutterbabe, Deborah Copaken Kogan
The Hidden Hitler, Lothar Machtan
Auschwitz: A New History, Laurence Rees
Jack The Ripper: The Complete Casebook, Donald Rumbelow
In Cold Blood, Truman Capote
Turning the Tables: Restaurants from the Inside Out, Steven A. Shaw
Lincoln's Melancholy, Joshua Wolf Shenk
The Dark Side of Camelot, Seymour M. Hersh
Sinatra: The Life, Anthony Summers and Robbyn Swan
The Third Reich in Power, Richard J. Evans
Once Upon a Time: Behind the Fairy Tale of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier, J. Randy Taraborrelli
Bowerman and the Men of Oregon, Kenny Moore
Bridesmaids: Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco and Six Intimate Friends, Judy Balaban Quine
Grace and Power, Sally Bedell Smith
Grace, Robert Lacey
There She is, Miss America, edited by Elwood Watson and Darcy Martin
Sex Wars, Marge Piercy
My Dark Places, James Ellroy
Hitler: Memoirs of a Confidant, edited by Henry Ashby Turner, Jr.
L.A. Confidential, James Ellroy
Straight Up and Dirty, Stephanie Klein
Miss America, 1945: Bess Myerson and the Year that Changed Our Lives, Susan Dworkin
The Day Diana Died, Christopher Andersen
The Perfect Wife, Ann Gerhardt
No Lifeguard on Duty, Janice Dickinson
First Son, Bill Minutaglio
The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini
Because He Could, Dick Morris
Up Next: A Man of Faith, David Aikman
Sunday, December 10, 2006
The hair scrunchy
"No woman who works at W Magazine and lives on Perry Street would be caught dead at a hip downtown restaurant wearing a scrunchy!"
-Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City
While sitting in a high school gym Friday night waiting for the varsity boys basketball game to start, a large family sat in the bleachers next to me. They sat down and looked across the gym and saw people that they knew, got up and walked over to the other bleachers. As they were walking away from me, I noticed that the mom was wearing a scrunchy. When I saw that scrunchy all I could think about was the Sex and the City episode where Carrie criticizes Berger for having his leading lady in his book "Hurricane Pandora," running around New York wearing a hair scrunchy.
Sure the lady was far from New York, W Magazine, Perry Street and a hip downtown restaurant, but it was funny to see someone wearing a scrunchy out in public. I didn't think they were made anymore.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Books read in 2006
The Constant Gardener, John Le Carre
The American Way of Death Revisited, Jessica Mitford
Shopgirl, Steve Martin
The City of Falling Angels, John Berendt
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, John Berendt
Portrait of Myself, Margaret Bourke-White
The Last Days of Marilyn Monroe, Donald H. Wolfe
Marilyn: The Last Take, Peter Harry Brown and Patte B. Barham
The Many Lives of Marilyn Monroe, Sarah Churchwell
Cary Grant: The Lonely Heart, Charles Higham and Roy Moseley
Shutterbabe, Deborah Copaken Kogan
The Hidden Hitler, Lothar Machtan
Auschwitz: A New History, Laurence Rees
Jack The Ripper: The Complete Casebook, Donald Rumbelow
In Cold Blood, Truman Capote
Turning the Tables: Restaurants from the Inside Out, Steven A. Shaw
Lincoln's Melancholy, Joshua Wolf Shenk
The Dark Side of Camelot, Seymour M. Hersh
Sinatra: The Life, Anthony Summers and Robbyn Swan
The Third Reich in Power, Richard J. Evans
Once Upon a Time: Behind the Fairy Tale of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier, J. Randy Taraborrelli
Bowerman and the Men of Oregon, Kenny Moore
Bridesmaids: Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco and Six Intimate Friends, Judy Balaban Quine
Grace and Power, Sally Bedell Smith
Grace, Robert Lacey
There She is, Miss America, edited by Elwood Watson and Darcy Martin
Sex Wars, Marge Piercy
My Dark Places, James Ellroy
Hitler: Memoirs of a Confidant, edited by Henry Ashby Turner, Jr.
L.A. Confidential, James Ellroy
Straight Up and Dirty, Stephanie Klein
Miss America, 1945: Bess Myerson and the Year that Changed Our Lives, Susan Dworkin
The Day Diana Died, Christopher Andersen
The Perfect Wife, Ann Gerhardt
No Lifeguard on Duty, Janice Dickinson
First Son, Bill Minutaglio
The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini
Up Next: Diana in Search of Herself, Sally Bedell Smith
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Christmas Cards
This afternoon I started making my own Christmas cards. I know I could spend about $10 and buy a box of pre-made cards that are fabulous. But I don't want to. About 5 years ago, I had an assignment for the newspaper to photograph a class of "Learn to make your own Christmas cards." I photographed the entire how to class and saw how easy it was to make them. I was so excited! I went to the store and looked at stamps. I didn't realize how expense the stamps were. The cheapest ones were around $10. That meant I could only buy so many. If you buy stamps, then you need ink. I bought seven different colors of ink. Now I needed cardstock, then envelopes and you get the idea. All I have to say of those first year cards: Terrible. I only gave them to my family. They thought they were cute.
After 5 years of stamping my own Christmas cards, I think I have gotten better. I'm sure I pale in comparison with other people who stamp their own cards and who can actually spend more time on them. It usually takes me about a week or so to make all of them and mail. I hope to mail mine out next week. Or when I actually go buy more stamps at the post office.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Overheard at a game
Last night I covered a season opening boys basketball game. The varsity game was running behind schedule due to the fact that the freshman and the JV games ran long. I dislike triple headers!
When I walked into the gym, I was standing behind a teenage girl who looked about 15 years old holding a baby talking on her cell phone. I passed her and found a seat by the reporter who was there to cover the varsity game. During the rest of the JV game and warm ups for varsity, she was passing around her baby to friends and kept walking back in and out of the gym showing off her kid.
She was walking in front of my seat in the bleachers with a friend when she said this, "I'll tell you what, this Fucker is heavy."
That is a nice thing to say about your baby.
When I walked into the gym, I was standing behind a teenage girl who looked about 15 years old holding a baby talking on her cell phone. I passed her and found a seat by the reporter who was there to cover the varsity game. During the rest of the JV game and warm ups for varsity, she was passing around her baby to friends and kept walking back in and out of the gym showing off her kid.
She was walking in front of my seat in the bleachers with a friend when she said this, "I'll tell you what, this Fucker is heavy."
That is a nice thing to say about your baby.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Overnight calls
My dog Blitzkrieg has been on medication for his ear problems for 5 days now. Since he has been on the medication he has been drinking more water. More water = more potty breaks.When I get ready for bed in the evening, the dogs are let outside to do their business. After 5 or 10 minutes I let them back in the house. I have been doing that same routine every night for 3 years.
This week and the past week has been different. Blitzkrieg has been barking at various times during the night; midnight, 2 am and 3 am. Sometime last week, he barked at midnight and 3 am. Last night, actually this morning, he was barking at 2 am. I got up to let Kelly and him out. They went outside and did what they needed to do and played in the fresh snow in the backyard, we got about an inch of snow. They were chasing each other around the yard, but I needed them back in the house so I could go back to bed. Once I was back in bed, I couldn't get to sleep. I kept tossing and turning and checking the clock. I couldn't sleep and I didn't want to lay in bed anymore, I decided to get up just before 4 am and get ready for work.
Hopefully with Blitzkrieg's medication cut in half, I hope his overnight barking will stop. I don't know how many more nights I can go with only 4 or 5 hours of sleep.
*To make up for the fact that I got 5 hours of sleep last night, I took a wonderful two hour nap this afternoon.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Weekend Update
This past weekend was filled with activity:Friday night my husband and I stayed at home and put up and decorated our Christmas tree. Actually he did most of the work. I was too busy taking pictures then helping. I put some ornaments on the tree.
Saturday morning I traveled to Ann Arbor to meet my photo friend Stacy. We decided to photograph at cemetery. While there, we photographed a mausoleum, Christmas ornaments in a tree, statues, headstones and a burial plot. I was all about the burial plot then Stacy suddenly says that she is done and sits back in her Jeep. I finish taking photos and then she said a guy was in the sitting in the truck that dug the burial plot. I looked over at him and he was looking at us. We left the scene in a hurry. After the cemetery we went to a park and shot photos of a wood fence and cabin-like building. After that we ended our day with some good photos and agreed to try to meet again before she moves.
Saturday night after church, my husband and I went to the Toledo Zoo to see the Lights before Christmas. It was 10 years ago that my husband took me to the zoo on our second date to see the lights. We try to go see the lights every year. Besides seeing the beautiful lights, it was very cold. I'm glad I took my scarf with me. I used it to cover my face from the brisk wind. After seeing the lights we had dinner at Olive Garden. YUM-O!
Sunday morning I got up early to start the housework. I cleaned the kitchen, the bathrooms, swept the carpet and started the laundry. I wanted to get most of that done before heading up to DeWitt to photograph a friend's son 1st birthday party. The party was fun. Andrew received a ton of gifts and I took a bunch of very cute photos. I know my friend Kathy will love them when she sees them. The day ended with the birthday boy getting birthday cake and frosting all over his face, hands and high chair.It was a busy weekend. Now I'm in the middle of processing my photos from my Ann Arbor trip with Stacy and Andrew's birthday party. All I need now is to find time to finish making my Christmas cards.
Friday, December 01, 2006
Silly girls
My photo assignment for today was to take head shots of a local school's winter varsity sports teams. The portrait photographer that was shooting the individual and team shots set his backdrop and lighting equipment up in the school's auditorium. When he photographed the team photo, he took the players down to the gym. My job started when the players finished their individual photo with the portrait photographer, the next stop is over to me. I have them write their names on a piece of paper, two players stand side-by-side and I take the head shot for the newspaper. Exciting huh?
While the portrait photographer took the cheer team down to the gym to take their team photo, I stayed behind in the auditorium to read a book. I was sitting in the front row of the auditorium reading my book when I thought I was all alone. Out of nowhere I hear a teenage girl say, "I'm watching you, " and make some oohing sounds at me. After she did that her and her little friend thought it was so funny and started laughing. She continued to say that she was watching me and made some noises. Finally I said, "You're hilarious," and kept on reading my book. I never turned around to see if the girls were still standing there or not. I just figured ignore them and they will go away.
While the portrait photographer took the cheer team down to the gym to take their team photo, I stayed behind in the auditorium to read a book. I was sitting in the front row of the auditorium reading my book when I thought I was all alone. Out of nowhere I hear a teenage girl say, "I'm watching you, " and make some oohing sounds at me. After she did that her and her little friend thought it was so funny and started laughing. She continued to say that she was watching me and made some noises. Finally I said, "You're hilarious," and kept on reading my book. I never turned around to see if the girls were still standing there or not. I just figured ignore them and they will go away.
Books read in 2006
The Constant Gardener, John Le Carre
The American Way of Death Revisited, Jessica Mitford
Shopgirl, Steve Martin
The City of Falling Angels, John Berendt
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, John Berendt
Portrait of Myself, Margaret Bourke-White
The Last Days of Marilyn Monroe, Donald H. Wolfe
Marilyn: The Last Take, Peter Harry Brown and Patte B. Barham
The Many Lives of Marilyn Monroe, Sarah Churchwell
Cary Grant: The Lonely Heart, Charles Higham and Roy Moseley
Shutterbabe, Deborah Copaken Kogan
The Hidden Hitler, Lothar Machtan
Auschwitz: A New History, Laurence Rees
Jack The Ripper: The Complete Casebook, Donald Rumbelow
In Cold Blood, Truman Capote
Turning the Tables: Restaurants from the Inside Out, Steven A. Shaw
Lincoln's Melancholy, Joshua Wolf Shenk
The Dark Side of Camelot, Seymour M. Hersh
Sinatra: The Life, Anthony Summers and Robbyn Swan
The Third Reich in Power, Richard J. Evans
Once Upon a Time: Behind the Fairy Tale of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier, J. Randy Taraborrelli
Bowerman and the Men of Oregon, Kenny Moore
Bridesmaids: Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco and Six Intimate Friends, Judy Balaban Quine
Grace and Power, Sally Bedell Smith
Grace, Robert Lacey
There She is, Miss America, edited by Elwood Watson and Darcy Martin
Sex Wars, Marge Piercy
My Dark Places, James Ellroy
Hitler: Memoirs of a Confidant, edited by Henry Ashby Turner, Jr.
L.A. Confidential, James Ellroy
Straight Up and Dirty, Stephanie Klein
Miss America, 1945: Bess Myerson and the Year that Changed Our Lives, Susan Dworkin
The Day Diana Died, Christopher Andersen
The Perfect Wife, Ann Gerhardt
No Lifeguard on Duty, Janice Dickinson
First Son, Bill Minutaglio
Currently Reading: The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini
Up Next: Because He Could, Dick Morris
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