We have been back home for a while now, I figured it is about time do the final posting.
We weren't what you call 'fans' of Louisville. It was a really nice city but just to much like Winston for us. We were plenty bored and there for a long time. It was really nice to have the extended stay hotel. We went to some great restaurants - especially Flanagan's Ale House, which was almost awesome enough to keep Louisville on the coveted list. We did finally find a cute area with lots of shopping where I bought the CUTEST bag ever!
We left Louisville for Nashville to visit Susannah and Frank. We got in and found the apartment, very cute apartment and big! Well decorated thanks to craigslist (yay reusing!!). We hung out and talked and caught up, then Suz, Ashley and I picked up Suzie's friend Lisa and went for mexican. What else would Suz and I have as our first meal? Then we went to a coffee shop and just hung out for a few hours. Lisa was fun and Ashley and I now feel like unofficial members of Vanderbuilt's nursing/midwifery program after hearing the ins and outs and what we love and what we hate.
The next day we had a yummy breakfast made by Suz and then we headed to the cute shopping area of downtown that I always forget the name of (good description, I know). We hit the cute shops, saw 'Vandy', ate at Noshville (my FAVORITE!!!), and went to a fabulous cupcake shop. Then we went to Whole Foods and the Whole Foods store dedicated entirely to body stuff (soap, vitamin, jewelry, and clothes), then we went to Trader Joe's and it was great!!!! We headed to Suzie's and watched Clue and ate pizza. Ashley and I headed out the next morning and made the looooong trek home.
We got back and were the only ones home. We spent a really long time with the kitties, golly we missed them. We headed out the next day for the outer banks to spend Thanksgiving at Ashley aunts house and my Mom came down.
Thanksgiving was wonderful and everyone got a long well.
My Mom is inlove with her boyfriend and I will be meeting him next weekend when I go to see her to celebrate Christmas and her birthday.
I am SO pumped about this Christmas, I am finally spending it with my Girl. :-) :-) :-)
Now I am spending my days looking for work and playing on line and being a lazy bum. Ahhhh.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Trip Up-Date #3
So I left a bunch of cool things out of previous posts, it is so hard to summarize entire days of new stuff.
While in Philadelphia with N&L we walked by a church and just happened to catch eyes with the monk who lived there as he was crossing the door. He invited us in and gave us a tour of the church with lots of personal stories. He took our pictures and I got one of him. It was an amazing experience. He has had a rich life that started in Ireland and now had him in Philadelphia with a hundred points in between.
In Providence, RI Ashley and I ate a great brewery called Trinity (I think). We had their sample tray of beer and yummy food. In New Hampshire we ate at the Red Hook brewery, awesome food and a beer sampler, their beer wasn't really our style. We only spent the morning wandering around Maine, we had breakfast at a coffee roasters. The coffee was SO good.
Our reroute. As I said last time, we had to leave our liquor behind at the border crossing and come back through that one to pick it up. We decided to skip Buffalo/Niagra Falls to head back through the border and get our stuff, then go back to Philadelphia to visit with our family some more. Unfortunately, all the signs in Canada were in French and we weren't entirely sure where we were heading. We went through the wrong crossing and had to leave our liquor behind. We then proceeded to drive ALL of New York, which was pretty but L.O.N.G. on our way to Nadja and Lorien's.
We, of course, had a great time with them again and stayed a couple nights. We intended to stay one and then go of to Pittsburgh, but we just had too much fun. We got in late on Saturday and just hung out. Sunday we went to Nadja's championship kickball game (she is in the league). They were short a player at one point, so Ashley jumped in to play! It was a lot of fun, but, alas, we lost. The other team was terrible, personality wise. One guy was a real douche and there were a couple confrontations with him (go Lorien and Katie!). After the game, as is their team's tradition, we headed to Tattooed Moms (the awesome bar) and hung out. One of Nadja's team mates bought the first round and we just had a fun time hanging out with a bunch of new people. At some point during that night (whilst still sober on at least my part) we went to Infinity on South Street and I got my nose repierced!!! It looks great and the piercer was AMAZING. There was a group that went with me and we all just had a good time. Then we all headed back to Tattooed Moms where we drank the night away.
The next morning, Nadja went off to work and we spent the day hanging out with Lorien. We made a trip to Whole Foods, but other than that we hung around their apt. Two of their kitties weren't feeling well, so Lorien was keeping an eye on them. It was nice to have some down time. Ashley spent the whole day on the computer. Its how she rolls. We made dinner and ate all together then watched My Big Fat Greek Wedding. The next morning we got up in time to see Nadja off to work and then we got our stuff together and headed out.
We are at Tuesday at this point, for those of you trying to keep up. Ashley and I decided to head to Pittsburgh and stay the night in a hotel. On our way there we stopped of at Hershey!!! We went in their chocolate world and got some hot chocolate and wandered around. We got a chocolate bar that had our picture on it! FUN.
We got into Pittsburgh and we to eat at Primanti Brothers - the 'almost famous' restaurant that serves fries and coleslaw ON their sandwiches. It was delicious!!! We ate at the one in Market Square and walked around that area. We drove around the city a lot and then headed to the hotel. The next morning we decided to drive around more because we really like the city, we at Lebanese for lunch and then got back on the road. I really like Pittsburgh, so does Ashley. Our potential places to live list now has" Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and DC with the first two at a tie.
The drive to Louisville was LONG but we got to go through Ohio and see Cincinnati. We got to our hotel late and just crashed in for the night. Oh, side story. So we were supposed to be staying at a friend's uncle's unoccupied house while in Louisville. Turns out none of his utilities were turned on, so he instead 'took the liberty' of booking us 4 nights at an extended stay hotel. Yep, you read correctly. He paid and everything. Isn't that really nice? Of course it is. He has only met me once, briefly, and has never met Ashley.
Originally, Louisville was the top of my list for places to move...but it has been cut. Don't get me wrong, it is a REALLY nice place and I like it a lot, but our wants have shifted. Suzie's mom described it as a bigger Winston-Salem and it really is exactly that. At one point we were renaming the streets after their Winston version. We have decided that we want to live in a city where we can just take the metro everywhere, and Louisville only had a bus service but most people drive.
Anyways, yesterday we spent most of the day in the hotel just puttering around and unwinding (we are both glad this is the last leg of our trip). We finally left around 2:30 and went to eat at the BEST RESTAURANT EVER. It is called Lynn's Paradise Cafe. There is a gift shop full of odd items and fun stuff and the cafe itself is just a burst of color and quirk. Everything is painted or decoupaged there is a fake tree in the middle with trinkets on it, including fish. The tables have toys on them and mad gab cards. It is just super fun and the food was amazing. Love, love, love this place. We then tried to find a farmer's market, but it didn't happen because of the snow.
Oh yeah, we have had LOTS of snow the last few days. Driving through PA and in Pittsburgh there was tons of it and there have been lots of flurries here and there in Ohio and Kentucky.
Instead of the farmer's market, we went to the visitors' center where I stocked up on literature (one of my loves in life). We drove around to get the feel of the city and scope out where we might want to go - it was just too damn cold for Ashley to walk around. We decided to spend another night in, so we went to Whole Foods and got dinner then had a nice dinner in the room and talked a lot about the cities we visited and their pros and cons.
Today we are going to explore more of Louisville and maybe go back to Cincinnati as a day trip tomorrow.
Whew!
Hope you all are doing well!
While in Philadelphia with N&L we walked by a church and just happened to catch eyes with the monk who lived there as he was crossing the door. He invited us in and gave us a tour of the church with lots of personal stories. He took our pictures and I got one of him. It was an amazing experience. He has had a rich life that started in Ireland and now had him in Philadelphia with a hundred points in between.
In Providence, RI Ashley and I ate a great brewery called Trinity (I think). We had their sample tray of beer and yummy food. In New Hampshire we ate at the Red Hook brewery, awesome food and a beer sampler, their beer wasn't really our style. We only spent the morning wandering around Maine, we had breakfast at a coffee roasters. The coffee was SO good.
Our reroute. As I said last time, we had to leave our liquor behind at the border crossing and come back through that one to pick it up. We decided to skip Buffalo/Niagra Falls to head back through the border and get our stuff, then go back to Philadelphia to visit with our family some more. Unfortunately, all the signs in Canada were in French and we weren't entirely sure where we were heading. We went through the wrong crossing and had to leave our liquor behind. We then proceeded to drive ALL of New York, which was pretty but L.O.N.G. on our way to Nadja and Lorien's.
We, of course, had a great time with them again and stayed a couple nights. We intended to stay one and then go of to Pittsburgh, but we just had too much fun. We got in late on Saturday and just hung out. Sunday we went to Nadja's championship kickball game (she is in the league). They were short a player at one point, so Ashley jumped in to play! It was a lot of fun, but, alas, we lost. The other team was terrible, personality wise. One guy was a real douche and there were a couple confrontations with him (go Lorien and Katie!). After the game, as is their team's tradition, we headed to Tattooed Moms (the awesome bar) and hung out. One of Nadja's team mates bought the first round and we just had a fun time hanging out with a bunch of new people. At some point during that night (whilst still sober on at least my part) we went to Infinity on South Street and I got my nose repierced!!! It looks great and the piercer was AMAZING. There was a group that went with me and we all just had a good time. Then we all headed back to Tattooed Moms where we drank the night away.
The next morning, Nadja went off to work and we spent the day hanging out with Lorien. We made a trip to Whole Foods, but other than that we hung around their apt. Two of their kitties weren't feeling well, so Lorien was keeping an eye on them. It was nice to have some down time. Ashley spent the whole day on the computer. Its how she rolls. We made dinner and ate all together then watched My Big Fat Greek Wedding. The next morning we got up in time to see Nadja off to work and then we got our stuff together and headed out.
We are at Tuesday at this point, for those of you trying to keep up. Ashley and I decided to head to Pittsburgh and stay the night in a hotel. On our way there we stopped of at Hershey!!! We went in their chocolate world and got some hot chocolate and wandered around. We got a chocolate bar that had our picture on it! FUN.
We got into Pittsburgh and we to eat at Primanti Brothers - the 'almost famous' restaurant that serves fries and coleslaw ON their sandwiches. It was delicious!!! We ate at the one in Market Square and walked around that area. We drove around the city a lot and then headed to the hotel. The next morning we decided to drive around more because we really like the city, we at Lebanese for lunch and then got back on the road. I really like Pittsburgh, so does Ashley. Our potential places to live list now has" Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and DC with the first two at a tie.
The drive to Louisville was LONG but we got to go through Ohio and see Cincinnati. We got to our hotel late and just crashed in for the night. Oh, side story. So we were supposed to be staying at a friend's uncle's unoccupied house while in Louisville. Turns out none of his utilities were turned on, so he instead 'took the liberty' of booking us 4 nights at an extended stay hotel. Yep, you read correctly. He paid and everything. Isn't that really nice? Of course it is. He has only met me once, briefly, and has never met Ashley.
Originally, Louisville was the top of my list for places to move...but it has been cut. Don't get me wrong, it is a REALLY nice place and I like it a lot, but our wants have shifted. Suzie's mom described it as a bigger Winston-Salem and it really is exactly that. At one point we were renaming the streets after their Winston version. We have decided that we want to live in a city where we can just take the metro everywhere, and Louisville only had a bus service but most people drive.
Anyways, yesterday we spent most of the day in the hotel just puttering around and unwinding (we are both glad this is the last leg of our trip). We finally left around 2:30 and went to eat at the BEST RESTAURANT EVER. It is called Lynn's Paradise Cafe. There is a gift shop full of odd items and fun stuff and the cafe itself is just a burst of color and quirk. Everything is painted or decoupaged there is a fake tree in the middle with trinkets on it, including fish. The tables have toys on them and mad gab cards. It is just super fun and the food was amazing. Love, love, love this place. We then tried to find a farmer's market, but it didn't happen because of the snow.
Oh yeah, we have had LOTS of snow the last few days. Driving through PA and in Pittsburgh there was tons of it and there have been lots of flurries here and there in Ohio and Kentucky.
Instead of the farmer's market, we went to the visitors' center where I stocked up on literature (one of my loves in life). We drove around to get the feel of the city and scope out where we might want to go - it was just too damn cold for Ashley to walk around. We decided to spend another night in, so we went to Whole Foods and got dinner then had a nice dinner in the room and talked a lot about the cities we visited and their pros and cons.
Today we are going to explore more of Louisville and maybe go back to Cincinnati as a day trip tomorrow.
Whew!
Hope you all are doing well!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Been a Long Time, Shouldn't Have Left You
We have been traveling for quite some time now.
We spent Saturday afternoon walking ALL of Philadelphia with Nadja and Lorien as our guides. We ate at Marathon Grill for lunch, yum! Then we wandered and just took in the city. We went to Reading Station and tried great cupcakes and candies, I found my favorite bookstore in the world, and we took lots of pictures. We went to the Philadelphia Museum of Art (for free/suggested donation) and we saw beautiful art (Van Gogh, Picasso, Pollack, and so on). It was amazing. We went to Tattooed Moms for dinner and beer, we broke into Nadja's friends apartment to use the bathroom (we had permission), we ate delicious Indian buffet capped off with gelatto down the street, and we watched Baby Mama at the apt. This is Saturday and Sunday all jumbled up. Then we left out Monday morning for the northeast.
We went through all the states up north. Drove through CT, stayed the night in Providence RI which I loved but Ashley hated, explored Boston MA, ate at the Red Hook brewery in Portsmouth NH and loaded up on discounted, tax free liquor, spent the night Providence RI and explored it the next morning (loved it), went into Vermont just for the Maple Syrup but it was crappy weather so we got the syrup and peaced out to Canada. We crossed the border but got in trouble for all the liquor we had, so we had to leave some behind and thusly have to change our driving plans and head back to that border stop to collect our left behind alcohol. So now we are working out a reroute.
Montreal is nice, but not our taste. Our host is really nice (a little too exuberant for our taste), but at least our first couchsurfing experience was super duper positive. We are watching a movie now and about to eat our leftovers from the lasagna she made us last night.
More updates later.
We spent Saturday afternoon walking ALL of Philadelphia with Nadja and Lorien as our guides. We ate at Marathon Grill for lunch, yum! Then we wandered and just took in the city. We went to Reading Station and tried great cupcakes and candies, I found my favorite bookstore in the world, and we took lots of pictures. We went to the Philadelphia Museum of Art (for free/suggested donation) and we saw beautiful art (Van Gogh, Picasso, Pollack, and so on). It was amazing. We went to Tattooed Moms for dinner and beer, we broke into Nadja's friends apartment to use the bathroom (we had permission), we ate delicious Indian buffet capped off with gelatto down the street, and we watched Baby Mama at the apt. This is Saturday and Sunday all jumbled up. Then we left out Monday morning for the northeast.
We went through all the states up north. Drove through CT, stayed the night in Providence RI which I loved but Ashley hated, explored Boston MA, ate at the Red Hook brewery in Portsmouth NH and loaded up on discounted, tax free liquor, spent the night Providence RI and explored it the next morning (loved it), went into Vermont just for the Maple Syrup but it was crappy weather so we got the syrup and peaced out to Canada. We crossed the border but got in trouble for all the liquor we had, so we had to leave some behind and thusly have to change our driving plans and head back to that border stop to collect our left behind alcohol. So now we are working out a reroute.
Montreal is nice, but not our taste. Our host is really nice (a little too exuberant for our taste), but at least our first couchsurfing experience was super duper positive. We are watching a movie now and about to eat our leftovers from the lasagna she made us last night.
More updates later.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
On the Road Again - Trip Up-Date #1
Hello, hello!
We left Wednesday for our trip. We were a little late leaving and had to make a stop in Winston, so we decided to cut Richmond and see if we could hang out with Paula a bit in Greensboro. And we could! We just got some coffee with her and caught up, which was great because it had been forever.
We left G'boro for Washington DC. We got to Melissa's around 8:30pm and just hung out at her house catching up. The next day we slept in, really really in, while she went to work. We spent that day getting a Garmin lead tour of DC and saw a lot landmarks and just drove around. Ashley took a million pics and we had a great day. We stopped and bought some $5 Obama/Biden shirts from a street vendor - woohoo - as we were checking out Barack's new place. We also got CakeLove. Heaven. The BEST cake ever. Thursday night we met up with Melissa and her boyfriend Dan at Old Ebbitt Grill, a very traditional DC place. It was great! We all had cheeseburgers and laughed a lot. Then we walked over to see the other side of the White House and we saw the residence. Nice digs, Obama. And Melissa drove us out to Georgetown and walked us around there.
Friday morning we woke up (late in the morning) got all our stuff together and headed out of DC. We were going to head to Hershey, PA but decided it wasn't worth it, so instead we hit Baltimore to get some marshmallow donuts. You have no idea how good these are. I can't even describe and they are a Baltimore tradition. YUM! While in B. we went to the American Visionary Art Museum, one of our faves, and saw the new exhibit and loaded up at the gift shop. Then on to Philadelphia to see Nadja and Lorien - our family!
We hit Philly at 5:01PM on Friday. To be brief (me?!?!) - what should have taken 25 mins or so took an hour and a half because of bumper to bumper traffic. It was miserable. But then we were with our family, so it was completely worth it!!!
We saw Phillip (their kitty who we used to live with) again, met their new kitten Rory (NOT named after Gilmore Girls), and met their foster kitty William, who we want to adopt. We were also here when they adopted out their little rat, Brianna. A very touching moment.
We ordered pizza (great pizza) and just talked and laughed all night. It is really great to be around them again. The kitties don't hurt either! ;-)
Nadja and Lorien had some stuff to take care of this morning - hence my time spent posting. We will be off to see the sites of Philly this afternoon and who knows what we will do tomorrow.
Hope you all are well!
We left Wednesday for our trip. We were a little late leaving and had to make a stop in Winston, so we decided to cut Richmond and see if we could hang out with Paula a bit in Greensboro. And we could! We just got some coffee with her and caught up, which was great because it had been forever.
We left G'boro for Washington DC. We got to Melissa's around 8:30pm and just hung out at her house catching up. The next day we slept in, really really in, while she went to work. We spent that day getting a Garmin lead tour of DC and saw a lot landmarks and just drove around. Ashley took a million pics and we had a great day. We stopped and bought some $5 Obama/Biden shirts from a street vendor - woohoo - as we were checking out Barack's new place. We also got CakeLove. Heaven. The BEST cake ever. Thursday night we met up with Melissa and her boyfriend Dan at Old Ebbitt Grill, a very traditional DC place. It was great! We all had cheeseburgers and laughed a lot. Then we walked over to see the other side of the White House and we saw the residence. Nice digs, Obama. And Melissa drove us out to Georgetown and walked us around there.
Friday morning we woke up (late in the morning) got all our stuff together and headed out of DC. We were going to head to Hershey, PA but decided it wasn't worth it, so instead we hit Baltimore to get some marshmallow donuts. You have no idea how good these are. I can't even describe and they are a Baltimore tradition. YUM! While in B. we went to the American Visionary Art Museum, one of our faves, and saw the new exhibit and loaded up at the gift shop. Then on to Philadelphia to see Nadja and Lorien - our family!
We hit Philly at 5:01PM on Friday. To be brief (me?!?!) - what should have taken 25 mins or so took an hour and a half because of bumper to bumper traffic. It was miserable. But then we were with our family, so it was completely worth it!!!
We saw Phillip (their kitty who we used to live with) again, met their new kitten Rory (NOT named after Gilmore Girls), and met their foster kitty William, who we want to adopt. We were also here when they adopted out their little rat, Brianna. A very touching moment.
We ordered pizza (great pizza) and just talked and laughed all night. It is really great to be around them again. The kitties don't hurt either! ;-)
Nadja and Lorien had some stuff to take care of this morning - hence my time spent posting. We will be off to see the sites of Philly this afternoon and who knows what we will do tomorrow.
Hope you all are well!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
On the Road Again
Here is the situation with Ashley and myself - no jobs, out of work for 2 months and counting (by choice), and no plans to get a job soon. What do we do? We decide to go on a month long road trip - of course.
We are leaving tomorrow and doing what I am now considering our victory lap around the northeast.
With out going into all the details - that will hopefully come later (if the internet would ever stay consistent) - we are leaving tomorrow AM and returning on the 25th. We are heading up through DC, Philadelphia, Boston, Montreal (ah!), Niagara Falls, Louisville, and Nashville with lots of other cities in between. So. Excited. We are going to see a lot of friends and hopefully make some new ones via couch surfing.
I may post some from the road - if not, see you at the end of the month.
PS - YAY Obama. Thank God.
We are leaving tomorrow and doing what I am now considering our victory lap around the northeast.
With out going into all the details - that will hopefully come later (if the internet would ever stay consistent) - we are leaving tomorrow AM and returning on the 25th. We are heading up through DC, Philadelphia, Boston, Montreal (ah!), Niagara Falls, Louisville, and Nashville with lots of other cities in between. So. Excited. We are going to see a lot of friends and hopefully make some new ones via couch surfing.
I may post some from the road - if not, see you at the end of the month.
PS - YAY Obama. Thank God.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tryin to fit the world inside a picture frame
So my good news, happy blog....I GOT A NEW CAMERA!!!!
I have been wanting a new camera for a few years now, but I am cheap and mine was working fine until the zoom out/scroll down button stopped working and the camera wouldn't stay on even with brand new batteries. Plus Ashley had a great camera that we could and did use. So after YEARS of trying different cameras, I finally found the one I wanted and in my new favorite color (raspberry).
Then my wonderful Girlfriend got it for me as an early X-Mas present (don't worry, we are splitting the cost) for our big trip in November. (Side note: we are going on a month long road trip, more details later)
My new camera:
Sony Cyber-shot dsc-w150. Love it. It takes super clear photos with great detail and great color. The LCD screen is HUGE and there are lots of customizable options that I can actually use and understand. I love it.
And it is beautiful.
Thank you Ashley.
I have been wanting a new camera for a few years now, but I am cheap and mine was working fine until the zoom out/scroll down button stopped working and the camera wouldn't stay on even with brand new batteries. Plus Ashley had a great camera that we could and did use. So after YEARS of trying different cameras, I finally found the one I wanted and in my new favorite color (raspberry).
Then my wonderful Girlfriend got it for me as an early X-Mas present (don't worry, we are splitting the cost) for our big trip in November. (Side note: we are going on a month long road trip, more details later)
My new camera:
Sony Cyber-shot dsc-w150. Love it. It takes super clear photos with great detail and great color. The LCD screen is HUGE and there are lots of customizable options that I can actually use and understand. I love it.And it is beautiful.
Thank you Ashley.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Because you had a bad day
We had a really hard day today. We had to go to the vet and have one of the McFarland kitties put down. The sweet outdoor kitty, Friendly, had tumors and had to be put down. Ashley's Mom couldn't take it because they just had to put abother kitty down a while back so Ashley and I stayed with Friendly and pet her.
It was heartbreaking.
A happy post tomorrow.
It was heartbreaking.
A happy post tomorrow.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Thy future service sure
So, I know we all have our list of grievances against Salem, both while there and especially once graduated. First that comes to mind is, of course, 2006 yearbook. Bastards.
We all have our stories and our shit that comes up. My newest - the salem magazine and our class up-dates. The ONLY way I am listed is as living with Ashley and then it goes on to talk about her. Don't get me wrong, I am extremely proud of that and would love to have that as PART of my up-date. But that is it. That was ALL I got. What the fuck, Salem? Brandi Jones, I AM absolutely looking at you. Now, I read the bottom about how to send in your information so I know now. But I know that not everyone in our class sent anything in. I have seen Brandi Jones since graduating. I KNOW she talks to Lisa McReynolds who knows all about me. She could ask. So does she just randomly select who she is updating on and how?
Those of you who read this were listed with, you know, little things like WHAT YOU DO. How did you get in? I know Ashley said she didn't talk to Brandi nor send an update. What about the rest of you?
LoveHate for Salem College.
We all have our stories and our shit that comes up. My newest - the salem magazine and our class up-dates. The ONLY way I am listed is as living with Ashley and then it goes on to talk about her. Don't get me wrong, I am extremely proud of that and would love to have that as PART of my up-date. But that is it. That was ALL I got. What the fuck, Salem? Brandi Jones, I AM absolutely looking at you. Now, I read the bottom about how to send in your information so I know now. But I know that not everyone in our class sent anything in. I have seen Brandi Jones since graduating. I KNOW she talks to Lisa McReynolds who knows all about me. She could ask. So does she just randomly select who she is updating on and how?
Those of you who read this were listed with, you know, little things like WHAT YOU DO. How did you get in? I know Ashley said she didn't talk to Brandi nor send an update. What about the rest of you?
LoveHate for Salem College.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Over there, over there
I'm gonna wear that starry crown over there
Thursday - Sunday SHAKORI HILLS!!!!
Music, camping, food, arts, crafts, jewelry, dancing, hippies, drinking and my girlfriend.
FOR FREE
brill.
See you Sunday!
Thursday - Sunday SHAKORI HILLS!!!!
Music, camping, food, arts, crafts, jewelry, dancing, hippies, drinking and my girlfriend.
FOR FREE
brill.
See you Sunday!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Hey blackberry how you taste so sweet
In my last post I mentioned Ashley's Dad making me a drink. I detailed what a 'welcome to the family' that was. I feel approved of.
Well, I knew that Ashley's Mom liked me BUT she has been on a cobbler streak lately, making one every few days. I asked her if I bought the blackberries, would she make the cobbler; of course she would. Instead though, one day on the way to pick up the little brother she snuck to the store and bought the blackberries and then she 'changed her mind' about going to the store with us and she secretly made a blackberry cobbler for me! She even said it was just for me! AH!
(don't worry - I shared it)
(some of it)
:-)
Well, I knew that Ashley's Mom liked me BUT she has been on a cobbler streak lately, making one every few days. I asked her if I bought the blackberries, would she make the cobbler; of course she would. Instead though, one day on the way to pick up the little brother she snuck to the store and bought the blackberries and then she 'changed her mind' about going to the store with us and she secretly made a blackberry cobbler for me! She even said it was just for me! AH!
(don't worry - I shared it)
(some of it)
:-)
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
We Are Family
So - huge up-date.
First, it has been..what?...4 months?
In March we went to Cali for my b-day! Turns out I still have the summary in my saved drafts for here. In April I was the maid of honor for Suzie's wedding. In may we moved. In July we celebrated Ashley's birthday low-key. In Late July, I found out I wasn't going to grad school. Bella. Long story short. They changed the program to be only part time and student visa's are only granted for full-time study. In August we decided to leave Winston-Salem and for us BOTH to move in with Ashley's family while we regroup. August 30th we finished our jobs and moved in. On August 31 we drove to Miami, Florida. On September 1st, we left from the Port of Miami for our bangin' 4 night, 5 day cruise that w booked as a farewell/Ashley belated birthday huge blow-out, after England fell through, we decided to go to party hearty that I wasn't leaving.They cruise was brill!
The ship was HUGE and beautiful! Our cabin was on the interior so it had no natural light, which was great. There was a buffet for every meal and heavy handed drinks. We went to Nassau and I had a "Dolphin Encounter", I got to get a kiss and give one, I got to dance with him and feed him and hug him! It was AMAZING. We wandered Nassau. We were supposed to go to Coco Cay but thans to Hannah, that was off. Instead he had a day at sea and I got a massage and facial, aaaahhhhoohhh. It was really nice until she tried to push me into buying all the face stuff she used. No thanks lady. Anyway, since we missed out on Coco Cay, our Captian (who was HIlarious) got permission for us to dock in Key West a day early! We got to see the night life and it was during WomenFest - KW's lesbian festival. BAAAAAAAhahahahahaha. We went to a great drag show and then hung out at the original Sloppy Joe's, dancing the night away to a live band. We also accidentially went into a clothing optional bar that we quickly left. As you can imagine, two topless women and about 20 drunk topless guys. Um, no thanks. We spent the next day wandering KW and spending money. I finally got myself diamond stud earrings, which I have wanted for over a year. There was a great 50% off sale. Woohoo.
When we came back to port, we drove to Tampa and spent a jam packed weekend with Amber Smith!!!! We did more than I can remember. We went to a one of a kind burger joint, we drove around a lot, we went to a fancy tapas place for dinner that had a salsa bar in the basement. Amber taught us how to salsa. I wasn't feeling well and we were super sleepy, so we turned in 'early' after sharing a salem tradition - Krispy Kreme donuts (though Dunkin' is still may fave). The next day we went to the tackiest breakfast joint EVER. I LOVED it and they had great food. Ashley had waffle a la mode - it has ice cream on it. GOD I love her. Then we went to the zoo for FREE - brill. Amber has a VIP pass so we all got in on it - and got VIP (actually VIZ) stickers. The zoo was great - I love a zoo - and they had a great FL panther, Lucy. She was my favorite. Well, her and the ride we went on. We then ate the BEST, original cuban sandwich. It was worth all the hype from Amber. Then we went to explore downtown and bought movie tickets for a refurbed indi theatre that was just too beautiful. The movie was AMAZING. We walked around a historic part of downtown, that was uber gay friendly. We went to a cigar bar and I got a cigar (haven't smoked it yet) and I drank a delicious apricot beer. YUM! After the movie, we went back to the house and crashed out. Maybe that was the night we had Krispy Kreme? It is already all a blur. We got up early and drove back to Tega Cay.
So back in TC - we slept a lot and watched lots of NCIS and other cop shows. We got lots of comments on how we timmed things just between the storms. We slept lots more. We picked Ashley's brother up from school a couple times. We slept some more. We helped out around the house and watched TV and slept. Then we woke up and went back to sleep. I think you get my point.
Anywhoodles. The little brother has LICE. Eep! So we have been pitching in with that. And by pitching in, I mean Ashley has spent HOURS shampooing and combing his hair. Not to mention cutting it. I have been 'nit-picking'. I will let you google that. Poor kid.
We finally got 'our' room all cleaned out and have started arranging and setting it up. Not to mention filling up one of their attics. Whoops.
It has only been 9 days of us living here full time and I feel as thow I have been welcomed in with open arms by Ashley's Dad. I worked hard today schleping stuff and cleaning and carrying and moving and sweating and blech. He didn't say anything to me about it, he simply made me a big, cold, STIFF drink. It was a liquid pat on the back, muttering about the work done, about how it was done, what tools were used and so on, and plans for the future.
I really think I am going to like it here.
First, it has been..what?...4 months?
In March we went to Cali for my b-day! Turns out I still have the summary in my saved drafts for here. In April I was the maid of honor for Suzie's wedding. In may we moved. In July we celebrated Ashley's birthday low-key. In Late July, I found out I wasn't going to grad school. Bella. Long story short. They changed the program to be only part time and student visa's are only granted for full-time study. In August we decided to leave Winston-Salem and for us BOTH to move in with Ashley's family while we regroup. August 30th we finished our jobs and moved in. On August 31 we drove to Miami, Florida. On September 1st, we left from the Port of Miami for our bangin' 4 night, 5 day cruise that w booked as a farewell/Ashley belated birthday huge blow-out, after England fell through, we decided to go to party hearty that I wasn't leaving.They cruise was brill!
The ship was HUGE and beautiful! Our cabin was on the interior so it had no natural light, which was great. There was a buffet for every meal and heavy handed drinks. We went to Nassau and I had a "Dolphin Encounter", I got to get a kiss and give one, I got to dance with him and feed him and hug him! It was AMAZING. We wandered Nassau. We were supposed to go to Coco Cay but thans to Hannah, that was off. Instead he had a day at sea and I got a massage and facial, aaaahhhhoohhh. It was really nice until she tried to push me into buying all the face stuff she used. No thanks lady. Anyway, since we missed out on Coco Cay, our Captian (who was HIlarious) got permission for us to dock in Key West a day early! We got to see the night life and it was during WomenFest - KW's lesbian festival. BAAAAAAAhahahahahaha. We went to a great drag show and then hung out at the original Sloppy Joe's, dancing the night away to a live band. We also accidentially went into a clothing optional bar that we quickly left. As you can imagine, two topless women and about 20 drunk topless guys. Um, no thanks. We spent the next day wandering KW and spending money. I finally got myself diamond stud earrings, which I have wanted for over a year. There was a great 50% off sale. Woohoo.
When we came back to port, we drove to Tampa and spent a jam packed weekend with Amber Smith!!!! We did more than I can remember. We went to a one of a kind burger joint, we drove around a lot, we went to a fancy tapas place for dinner that had a salsa bar in the basement. Amber taught us how to salsa. I wasn't feeling well and we were super sleepy, so we turned in 'early' after sharing a salem tradition - Krispy Kreme donuts (though Dunkin' is still may fave). The next day we went to the tackiest breakfast joint EVER. I LOVED it and they had great food. Ashley had waffle a la mode - it has ice cream on it. GOD I love her. Then we went to the zoo for FREE - brill. Amber has a VIP pass so we all got in on it - and got VIP (actually VIZ) stickers. The zoo was great - I love a zoo - and they had a great FL panther, Lucy. She was my favorite. Well, her and the ride we went on. We then ate the BEST, original cuban sandwich. It was worth all the hype from Amber. Then we went to explore downtown and bought movie tickets for a refurbed indi theatre that was just too beautiful. The movie was AMAZING. We walked around a historic part of downtown, that was uber gay friendly. We went to a cigar bar and I got a cigar (haven't smoked it yet) and I drank a delicious apricot beer. YUM! After the movie, we went back to the house and crashed out. Maybe that was the night we had Krispy Kreme? It is already all a blur. We got up early and drove back to Tega Cay.
So back in TC - we slept a lot and watched lots of NCIS and other cop shows. We got lots of comments on how we timmed things just between the storms. We slept lots more. We picked Ashley's brother up from school a couple times. We slept some more. We helped out around the house and watched TV and slept. Then we woke up and went back to sleep. I think you get my point.
Anywhoodles. The little brother has LICE. Eep! So we have been pitching in with that. And by pitching in, I mean Ashley has spent HOURS shampooing and combing his hair. Not to mention cutting it. I have been 'nit-picking'. I will let you google that. Poor kid.
We finally got 'our' room all cleaned out and have started arranging and setting it up. Not to mention filling up one of their attics. Whoops.
It has only been 9 days of us living here full time and I feel as thow I have been welcomed in with open arms by Ashley's Dad. I worked hard today schleping stuff and cleaning and carrying and moving and sweating and blech. He didn't say anything to me about it, he simply made me a big, cold, STIFF drink. It was a liquid pat on the back, muttering about the work done, about how it was done, what tools were used and so on, and plans for the future.
I really think I am going to like it here.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
A Change is Gonna Come
The 25 year streak is over - well, the 7 year streak is at least. Today, I voted.
Yes, this was my first time voting but it is better late than never! I blame my girlfriend's influence on this. And a candidate I actually want to vote for.
It was fun (and I was a little nervous). Ashley and I realized over the weekend that my voter registration card was in the 'extras' wallet that got stolen, but turns out you don't really need it with you when you vote. You don't really need anything except to know your name and your address. Does anyone see flaws in this? Anway, I called the Board of Elections this morning to make sure I could still vote, I went to Miller Park Rec Center, stood in line, and was REALLY chipper with everyone. I filled in my circles carefully and completely, as if it were the SAT, I peeked over my shoulder to see what people were doing with their ballots and the big grey machine. I finially finished (after all the people in line around me were long gone), put my ballot in the thingy. I was number 207 for my precinct and I stood and wait, awkwardly, near the door waiting for the guy with the "I voted" stickers to realize I was over there (he had gone across the room to help with something) and he came over and said "Need a sticker?" and I said "Yeah! This was my first time voting, I really want one!" and he announced to everyone that I was a first time voter, they clapped, and (as I told Ashley) I was relieved that I look younger than I am so that I wasn't stoned for waiting so long to vote.
I almost skipped back to my car. I was thanked by the person outside who were 'welcoming' people to the polls while wearing their candidates shirt and I said you're welcome and then realized I didn't vote their candidate. Meh. The guy giving out information on something or another told me to have a nice day and I said you too!
I got back in the car, called Ashley and told her what I wrote in this post (and then some, of course), got back to work and told my co-workers, and wrote this blog.
I am very proud of my "I voted" sticker.
Yes, this was my first time voting but it is better late than never! I blame my girlfriend's influence on this. And a candidate I actually want to vote for.
It was fun (and I was a little nervous). Ashley and I realized over the weekend that my voter registration card was in the 'extras' wallet that got stolen, but turns out you don't really need it with you when you vote. You don't really need anything except to know your name and your address. Does anyone see flaws in this? Anway, I called the Board of Elections this morning to make sure I could still vote, I went to Miller Park Rec Center, stood in line, and was REALLY chipper with everyone. I filled in my circles carefully and completely, as if it were the SAT, I peeked over my shoulder to see what people were doing with their ballots and the big grey machine. I finially finished (after all the people in line around me were long gone), put my ballot in the thingy. I was number 207 for my precinct and I stood and wait, awkwardly, near the door waiting for the guy with the "I voted" stickers to realize I was over there (he had gone across the room to help with something) and he came over and said "Need a sticker?" and I said "Yeah! This was my first time voting, I really want one!" and he announced to everyone that I was a first time voter, they clapped, and (as I told Ashley) I was relieved that I look younger than I am so that I wasn't stoned for waiting so long to vote.
I almost skipped back to my car. I was thanked by the person outside who were 'welcoming' people to the polls while wearing their candidates shirt and I said you're welcome and then realized I didn't vote their candidate. Meh. The guy giving out information on something or another told me to have a nice day and I said you too!
I got back in the car, called Ashley and told her what I wrote in this post (and then some, of course), got back to work and told my co-workers, and wrote this blog.
I am very proud of my "I voted" sticker.
Friday, April 18, 2008
For I don't understand the delay
Hello! Alright, it's been quite a while. I have been to California, I have turned 25, had my Mom as guest in our house for a week, I have been accepted to grad school, and I have been the Maid of Honor is Suzie's wedding.
The California up-date is coming. I swear. My pictures keep getting lost and I get pissy and give up.
I turned 25! My birthday present from Ashley was a trip to California (don't go nuts, we did split a lot the cost - she didn't fall into money or win the lottery - but she DID spoil me rotten) and on my actual birthday we had a little get together at the house. Fried chicken, chips, sides, tons of desserts, beer and friends! It was a great evening!
My Mom was having the floors in her house refinished, so she (and her dog and cat) stayed with us for a week. It was an adventure with all the animals, but it was really nice to have my Mom here and see my day to day life. AND she and Ashley really bonded!
I GOT INTO GRAD SCHOOL!!! The reason I started this blog was for the future and the unknown it was sure to bring - I was hoping that it would bring me to the UK and it has!!! In September, I will be moving to the UK and starting my Masters in Mysticism and Religious Experience at the University of Kent. We have no clue how Ashley is going to get to go to the UK too, she may not be able to at all. :-( We are working on it.
On April 12, Susannah married Frank. I had the pleasure of being her Maid of Honor. It was a wonderful ceremony and Suzie looked beautiful - I will post a couple pics as soon as I get them uploaded on my computer.
Well, that's all for now!
The California up-date is coming. I swear. My pictures keep getting lost and I get pissy and give up.
I turned 25! My birthday present from Ashley was a trip to California (don't go nuts, we did split a lot the cost - she didn't fall into money or win the lottery - but she DID spoil me rotten) and on my actual birthday we had a little get together at the house. Fried chicken, chips, sides, tons of desserts, beer and friends! It was a great evening!
My Mom was having the floors in her house refinished, so she (and her dog and cat) stayed with us for a week. It was an adventure with all the animals, but it was really nice to have my Mom here and see my day to day life. AND she and Ashley really bonded!
I GOT INTO GRAD SCHOOL!!! The reason I started this blog was for the future and the unknown it was sure to bring - I was hoping that it would bring me to the UK and it has!!! In September, I will be moving to the UK and starting my Masters in Mysticism and Religious Experience at the University of Kent. We have no clue how Ashley is going to get to go to the UK too, she may not be able to at all. :-( We are working on it.
On April 12, Susannah married Frank. I had the pleasure of being her Maid of Honor. It was a wonderful ceremony and Suzie looked beautiful - I will post a couple pics as soon as I get them uploaded on my computer.
Well, that's all for now!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
But other lands have sunlight too and clover
So February and I did not get along. That's fine, we are 7 days into March and it is beating up on some February. * Side note - I realize this publishes with a March 6 date - I started it on March 6 saved it and finished on the 7th, hence the discrepancy between March 6 and 7 days - I can count. That is all.
Nadja and Lorien come visiting this weekend - in fact they will be here in about 6 hours! They are probably staying until Monday or Tuesday - FAMILY REUNION!!!
Then next week - Thursday to be exact - Ashley and I head out to CALIFORNIA! Hot. We are flying into Burbank, renting a car, driving up the coast to San Francisco. What an amazing birthday trip! I have dreamed of San Fran since I was little bitty and now we are going - my Girlfriend is the best ever. We are stopping for the night on the way up, probably in Carmel or Monterey and then we will be in San Fran. We are going to see the best stuff while there - like Buddhist Temples, a Japanese Tea Garden, Sea Lions, the Pacific Ocean, and more! Also, can we just take a minute to fantasize about Cali food. Yum, yum, yum! We are staying until Sunday evening and have a basic itinerary worked out and I.Can't.Wait.
Then we get back and Wednesday is my 25th birthday and that weekend my Mom is coming to visit. Then it is almost time for Suz' wedding and a mini Salem reunion! Ah, I am so excited!
Dearest February, you and I were not friends. You were a bully. Now you are OVER. Booyah Grandma! Love, Courtney
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Mac Attack 2008
February has not been the best month for me so far. On Feb. 1, some person tried to use my paypal account to buy something for $1065.54 on Ebay. Luckily, paypal caught it and stopped the payment - but now my money is in my paypal account and I can only take it out at $500 increments a month. I had to get all new bank accounts - including a secondary checking for online spending and travel (brilliant idea - I suggest everyone get one). Then my car was in the shop and I was getting jerked around by the insurance paid for rental car. Just a hassle. Also, I have been attempting to apply for grad school - application complete as of Friday, Feb 15. However, first my paper was lost by the professor reading over it, then there was a freak snow storm that took out our internet as I was doing the online application portion, so we go (in the snow) to a place with free wireless and I had left my charger at home an my laptop died, and then - on Valentine's Day, oh yes, I said it VALENTINE'S DAY - our house was broken into and BOTH of our macs were stolen along with the bowl of change we had been saving for two years. Someone broke in through a window and took our macs. Can you believe that?!?!? We called the cops, no good evidence or leads, we have called all the pawn shops and nothing so far. We lost all the stuff that was on those computers - Ashley lost ALL her work on a web-site project. But, at least we are safe and so are our kitties. It could have been whoa worse.
So now I am typing this on the computer of a woman I am pet sitting for and I am about to take her wonderful dog, Bailey, on a nice long walk before heading back to my house. This woman has 5 cats and one dog. The kitties are all very quirky, just the way I like them. I realy enjoy sitting for her and I WANT her house - it is adorable and in Ardmore.
Meanwhile, should anyone see two white iBooks (G3s) floating around - please let us know. I miss my Sally Mac. She was little and white and good to me. And she was a gift from my girlfriend. My poor little refurbished Sally Mac. At least I hope our computers get to stay together as a family.
Another good tip for you all - make sure you keep one (better to have two) list of all your expensive stuff with a complete description of the item and it's serial number. The cop said that without the serial number, there is no garanteed way to get your stuff back to you because it is hard to prove it is yours. Makes sense. So go and make those lists as soon as you are done reading and then keep them in separate places. Also - get renter's insurance (or homeowner's).
In conclusion, enough with February already. At least it is the shortest month of the year.
So now I am typing this on the computer of a woman I am pet sitting for and I am about to take her wonderful dog, Bailey, on a nice long walk before heading back to my house. This woman has 5 cats and one dog. The kitties are all very quirky, just the way I like them. I realy enjoy sitting for her and I WANT her house - it is adorable and in Ardmore.
Meanwhile, should anyone see two white iBooks (G3s) floating around - please let us know. I miss my Sally Mac. She was little and white and good to me. And she was a gift from my girlfriend. My poor little refurbished Sally Mac. At least I hope our computers get to stay together as a family.
Another good tip for you all - make sure you keep one (better to have two) list of all your expensive stuff with a complete description of the item and it's serial number. The cop said that without the serial number, there is no garanteed way to get your stuff back to you because it is hard to prove it is yours. Makes sense. So go and make those lists as soon as you are done reading and then keep them in separate places. Also - get renter's insurance (or homeowner's).
In conclusion, enough with February already. At least it is the shortest month of the year.
Monday, February 11, 2008
First Blog
Hello all! I'm not quite sure who will be reading this, but I thought this would a good way to keep everyone up -to-date on what I'm up to as my life starts to make some big changes (again). Now, I am by no means learned in the world of blogging, but I will hopefully post links and photos in here.
To bring you up to speed - graduated from Salem College in 2006 with a degree in Religion and a semi-degree in Women's Studies. The summer after graduation I worked in Admissions Office at Salem College for the last time, after four years of work study. My supervisors in Admissions, Jennie and Kathy (and Jean too), are still some of my closet friends. Starting in September 2006, I became an AmeriCorps member, working in community development - for which I had no background, awesome. After completing my year of service, I was hired on by the organization I served with, Goler Community Development Corporation. I am currently their Executive Project Assistant, which means I do a little of everything from grant writing and fund development to making labels and taking minutes. For the most part I like my work, it changes every 20 minutes and keeps me busy.
I currently live in Ardmore, a quaint neighborhood in Winston-Salem, with my girlfriend (of two years!), Ashley McFarland. We live with our two cats (Fatty and Tucker) and our 'family', Nadja Mummery and Lorien Gilbert (both Salem women) just moved to PA. Ashley is the Office Manager at The Little Theatre of Winston-Salem. We both spend a lot of time volunteering and doing this and that work to save money. I am -very proudly- a member of The Women's Fund of Winston-Salem as a scholarship participant and I serve on their Inclusiveness Committee.
Coming up in the near future: a trip to San Francisco for my 25th birthday in March, being the Maid of Honor for Susannah Hahn, and hopefully, hopefully, hopefully getting into grad school. That's right, grad school. I am currently working on my application to the University of Kent in Canterbury, Eng for my MA in Mysticism and Religious Experience. In short, my ideal program for a variety of reason, the main one being it is my exact field of study. Ashley has already been accepted in a MSc in Computer Science with goals of becoming the premier web-site designer in the world, or at least carving her own niche in the field.
So. This means that we will hopefully both be moving to the UK at the end of this summer and in the UK for the next year and possibly a little while after that. We shall see. If for some silly reason, I am not accepted, then this moves becomes a matter of can I get a job and a visa; if not, I still plan on moving out of Winston but I have no idea where yet. I guess you will have to stay tuned. That's right, a cliff hanger.
To bring you up to speed - graduated from Salem College in 2006 with a degree in Religion and a semi-degree in Women's Studies. The summer after graduation I worked in Admissions Office at Salem College for the last time, after four years of work study. My supervisors in Admissions, Jennie and Kathy (and Jean too), are still some of my closet friends. Starting in September 2006, I became an AmeriCorps member, working in community development - for which I had no background, awesome. After completing my year of service, I was hired on by the organization I served with, Goler Community Development Corporation. I am currently their Executive Project Assistant, which means I do a little of everything from grant writing and fund development to making labels and taking minutes. For the most part I like my work, it changes every 20 minutes and keeps me busy.
I currently live in Ardmore, a quaint neighborhood in Winston-Salem, with my girlfriend (of two years!), Ashley McFarland. We live with our two cats (Fatty and Tucker) and our 'family', Nadja Mummery and Lorien Gilbert (both Salem women) just moved to PA. Ashley is the Office Manager at The Little Theatre of Winston-Salem. We both spend a lot of time volunteering and doing this and that work to save money. I am -very proudly- a member of The Women's Fund of Winston-Salem as a scholarship participant and I serve on their Inclusiveness Committee.
Coming up in the near future: a trip to San Francisco for my 25th birthday in March, being the Maid of Honor for Susannah Hahn, and hopefully, hopefully, hopefully getting into grad school. That's right, grad school. I am currently working on my application to the University of Kent in Canterbury, Eng for my MA in Mysticism and Religious Experience. In short, my ideal program for a variety of reason, the main one being it is my exact field of study. Ashley has already been accepted in a MSc in Computer Science with goals of becoming the premier web-site designer in the world, or at least carving her own niche in the field.
So. This means that we will hopefully both be moving to the UK at the end of this summer and in the UK for the next year and possibly a little while after that. We shall see. If for some silly reason, I am not accepted, then this moves becomes a matter of can I get a job and a visa; if not, I still plan on moving out of Winston but I have no idea where yet. I guess you will have to stay tuned. That's right, a cliff hanger.
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