Another year has passed. Tomorrow it will be 2010 (I keep saying oh-ten). This year has been full of changes for me.
Last year at this time, I had just graduated from college and I was living in New Jersey. I had just started my job as a nanny to three wonderful children. In the next couple of months I grew to love the family and learned a lot about caring for small children (specifically two year olds ;)) On the weekends I ventured into the Big Apple for a taste of city life. This small town girl would sit in wonder and just watch the hustle and bustle go by. My favorite sandwich shop, which had a place in Penn Station, sold these fabulous pesto, mozzerella, and tomato wraps. Paired with a bag of Sun Chips, this was the picnic lunch that I would bring with me to Central Park.
Although I was still really missing my friends from college, there was a certain amount of freedom I found in spending my free time alone- with a book, or taking walks. Little did I know that at the beginning of March, somebody new would enter my life. His name is Matt, and he was my friend while I was in college. (He doesn't believe me, but I had a crush on him. Using woman's intuition, I always thought he would make the perfect husband to me...) I made a trip back to school for a small reunion and saw him again. Things were different this time around though. I noticed that I had more fun with him then I had ever realized before. On my flight back, he called me. The rest, they say, is history.
By the time summer rolled around, I was pumped to spend a couple weeks on the Jersey shore. I had already realized that I needed to move back home in order to pay for my student loans, so it was bittersweet as well.
I attended one of my best friend's wedding in Kentucky, which was such an incredible time. It was surreal to be back with my girls from college, but at the same time, as natural as riding a bike.
Another notable event took place near the end of summer. There was a moment that I looked at Matt and realized that absolutely, without a doubt, he was The One for me. And with that realization, I smoked my last cigarette because it suddenly became more important to be alive and healthy for Matt and our future children than anything else.
After a very sad goodbye to my New Jersey family, I came back home and started searching for a new job. After graduation I had dreams of writing for a living, but had changed my main interest to child care. Now I work at a day care. I love the job and I love living at home with my family. But most of all, I love being THE FUTURE MRS. SMEBY!!
What a year! What a great life :)
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Sometimes I make up quotes and here is one of them...
"Love is when two people are absolutely obsessed with each other, but neither of them are freaked out by it."
*Put that in Reader's Digest if I am ever famous!
*Put that in Reader's Digest if I am ever famous!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Train of Thought
Last night, on a long late night train ride (hence this post's title...get it?) I had a thought. It was one of those times where I was so tired, my buzz of drinks and city had worn off, and my thoughts swirled around anything and everything. My friend had just made a comment about a girl sitting a few rows in front of us. This petite Asian young woman was sporting trendy designer jeans, a empire waisted tank, and a cute crop jacket. My friend accessed her, then remarked, "You know you could pull off that look." After a quick glance at my own outfit, entirely made up of items from the Old Navy clearance rack, I had to agree that it wouldn't kill me to put forth a bit more effort. My friend and I chatted for awhile about What Not To Wear. We joked how if I was on that show, Stacy London would say, "Do you even PLAY soccer?" in reference to my habit of wearing soccer shorts and t-shirts to work everyday (...and sometimes other places...) I concluded that I would love to be on that show for the mere fact that they give you a new wardrobe! And I would definitely just hide the clothes I really liked to keep them from being thrown out. That's when I was suddenly struck with this question: When does one change from the high school/college/young person clothes to work/adult clothes? If the answer is after college, then I'm in that place right now. Other than the possiblity that one of my readers really does nominate me for that TLC show, how do I go about doing this?
That was last night. Tonight, I am laying on my bed, trying not to touch my knee to my white sheets. The reason is two-fold. One, I don't want to get in trouble because I stained them! And two, my knee really hurts. You see, yesterday, I slid across the carpet in a pair of jeans with a hole in the knee. The brush burn is really bad and bloody. When was the last time you saw someone with scrapped knees who wasn't ten years old and clumsy on a bike? Do adults usually worry about getting in trouble by other adults? Other than celebrities who buy jeans with holes in them, who really keeps jeans after they rip? On the same topic, is it normal that I spent the day watching a Hannah Montana marathon, then the new Icarly movie? (Which I was really excited about!) Or the fact that I have a tummy ache right now from too many Starbursts. Can I hold my own in seven year old banter because I'm good with kids, or because I am a kid?!
This is the thought of the day. I don't have the answer. I just wonder if I have a child-like personality, and this will be, like, forever. Or maybe I'll wake up one day and be the adult that gets really mad at someone with a bloody knee who got underneath the white sheets anyway.
That was last night. Tonight, I am laying on my bed, trying not to touch my knee to my white sheets. The reason is two-fold. One, I don't want to get in trouble because I stained them! And two, my knee really hurts. You see, yesterday, I slid across the carpet in a pair of jeans with a hole in the knee. The brush burn is really bad and bloody. When was the last time you saw someone with scrapped knees who wasn't ten years old and clumsy on a bike? Do adults usually worry about getting in trouble by other adults? Other than celebrities who buy jeans with holes in them, who really keeps jeans after they rip? On the same topic, is it normal that I spent the day watching a Hannah Montana marathon, then the new Icarly movie? (Which I was really excited about!) Or the fact that I have a tummy ache right now from too many Starbursts. Can I hold my own in seven year old banter because I'm good with kids, or because I am a kid?!
This is the thought of the day. I don't have the answer. I just wonder if I have a child-like personality, and this will be, like, forever. Or maybe I'll wake up one day and be the adult that gets really mad at someone with a bloody knee who got underneath the white sheets anyway.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Here is a post so Erica does not delete this as a bookmark!
I PROMISE to post something within the next week.
Cross my heart. x.
Cross my heart. x.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
The Big Comeback
This is my first post in a long time. Case in point, I had my fingers posed over the keyboard for a good four and a half minutes before I remembered the password to log into my blogger account. Sorry this is not going to be anything profound, just a few musings from my day...
1) I noticed a tree, an actual tree, in the front yard today that I have never seen before. This might cause concern to some people but I took it as proof that everyday in the life of me is surprising!
2) One of the greatest joys is sitting on my porch watching people walk by, sweating to the oldies on their ipods, while I lick the remainder of my peanut butter cup ice cream off my lips. Some people need to get their priorities straight!
3) I put into practice today my theory that two year olds do not respond to logic, just choices. Example: "Do you want a juice box while we take a walk, or do you want to sit in your crib?" BA-BOOM, and suddenly we are strolling peacefully down the street.
4) Because of the event of number 3, and the fact that I signed and mailed three loan checks today, I feel very accomplished! And grown up!
5) I realized since now I am out of college and don't have to pay Karen at the laudromat the "low" price of $40 to have my laundry done in three hours, I actually wash clothes a lot more often. This, I would consider, is a good thing seeing as almost everyday when I undress I find remnants of food, baby boogers, dirt, and sometimes playdoh smushed into my clothing.
6) It is a very sad and tragic thing that Billy Mays died. However, his big chance is here, selling the sham-wow to God. Red wine stains? GONE.
(this is not a joke...I love infomercials...ask anybody. my favorite is the power juicer- "somebody told me I was glowing and asked if I was pregnant. I said, no! I've just been juicing!")
7) Today I watched Psych, which originally I thought was about Psychos. Anybody else on that page with me? But, nope, we were wrong. It is about a Psychic working as a detective. What will they think of next??
8) I had a dream today during my 2 hour nap (don't you wish you had my job?...) that I was still caring for the twins when they were teenagers. One of them demanded that I make sauteed mushrooms in a lettuce wrap, but after I was half way into the cooking, they decided not to eat it. Anxiety about meeting the demands of the babies much?
9) Probably the reason I had that dream was because yesterday the seven year old sauntered down to breakfast and quipped, "Hey Granny, whip me up some pancakes!" Hahahaha... I really can't get enough of that kid!
10) Just be glad I made it to ten ;)
So there you have it, my blogging begins again...Get excited!
1) I noticed a tree, an actual tree, in the front yard today that I have never seen before. This might cause concern to some people but I took it as proof that everyday in the life of me is surprising!
2) One of the greatest joys is sitting on my porch watching people walk by, sweating to the oldies on their ipods, while I lick the remainder of my peanut butter cup ice cream off my lips. Some people need to get their priorities straight!
3) I put into practice today my theory that two year olds do not respond to logic, just choices. Example: "Do you want a juice box while we take a walk, or do you want to sit in your crib?" BA-BOOM, and suddenly we are strolling peacefully down the street.
4) Because of the event of number 3, and the fact that I signed and mailed three loan checks today, I feel very accomplished! And grown up!
5) I realized since now I am out of college and don't have to pay Karen at the laudromat the "low" price of $40 to have my laundry done in three hours, I actually wash clothes a lot more often. This, I would consider, is a good thing seeing as almost everyday when I undress I find remnants of food, baby boogers, dirt, and sometimes playdoh smushed into my clothing.
6) It is a very sad and tragic thing that Billy Mays died. However, his big chance is here, selling the sham-wow to God. Red wine stains? GONE.
(this is not a joke...I love infomercials...ask anybody. my favorite is the power juicer- "somebody told me I was glowing and asked if I was pregnant. I said, no! I've just been juicing!")
7) Today I watched Psych, which originally I thought was about Psychos. Anybody else on that page with me? But, nope, we were wrong. It is about a Psychic working as a detective. What will they think of next??
8) I had a dream today during my 2 hour nap (don't you wish you had my job?...) that I was still caring for the twins when they were teenagers. One of them demanded that I make sauteed mushrooms in a lettuce wrap, but after I was half way into the cooking, they decided not to eat it. Anxiety about meeting the demands of the babies much?
9) Probably the reason I had that dream was because yesterday the seven year old sauntered down to breakfast and quipped, "Hey Granny, whip me up some pancakes!" Hahahaha... I really can't get enough of that kid!
10) Just be glad I made it to ten ;)
So there you have it, my blogging begins again...Get excited!
Friday, May 29, 2009
G Free
Not too long ago, one of my family members was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. Following the doctors orders, he sent the word out to everybody in the family to be checked. I haven't had any tests yet, but I've been watching the amount of gluten I take in to see how it affects my body.
I was sharing this with my sister who said, "Yeah, I might have Celiac too...I've been feeling very nostalgic."
There was a pause on my end for a second.
Then it dawned on me, "Do you mean you've been feeling lethargic?"
That is what she meant. I guess I'll check webmd.com later for "word mixing up", and ask her to see a doctor about that one.
I was sharing this with my sister who said, "Yeah, I might have Celiac too...I've been feeling very nostalgic."
There was a pause on my end for a second.
Then it dawned on me, "Do you mean you've been feeling lethargic?"
That is what she meant. I guess I'll check webmd.com later for "word mixing up", and ask her to see a doctor about that one.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Like A Child
In my life as a nanny, I have many moments where the student becomes the teacher, so to speak. The twins just celebrated their second birthday, therefore entering that time of life known to parents everywhere as "the terrible two's." So far, they have been more like terrific two's but once in a while I see a precursor of what is to come. Like once in a while, they will be pointing at something, like a cookie for instance, and trying to communicate to me that they want the cookie. I will not give them the cookie, because come on, they hadn't even eaten one carrot yet. So, the pleading will escalate. Their voices get louder and more shrill. Before you know it, they have that look on their face. It's what I call the calm before the storm. Their faces get really red and with mouth open wide they take a long breath. Then, comes the screaming. The throw-yourself-on-the-ground, pound-your-fists, wake-up-the-whole-neighborhood-screaming. The easy way out would be to throw a cookie at them, which they would probably catch in their mouth like a seal. That, or invent a time machine and go back to the very beginning of time when they were first deciding what would be healthy food and what would be junk. If I could somehow convince the cavemen to label fruits and vegetables as treats, my problems would be over. However, usually by the time the tantrum is in full swing, there is nothing you can do anyways, but wait it out. This is extremely tough to do. I recommend talking in a normal tone to anybody in the room who is sane or pretend to be engrossed in washing dishes.
As I'm hoping these moments can become fewer and further between, I turned to the internet for some advice. I found an article about tantrums. First of all, I learned that they are a biological fact of life. You cannot feel like a bad caregiver because the babies are just doing what babies do. Secondly, I learned an interesting tactic for how to deal. The author suggested to get down to the child's level, forget using logical explanations ("Cookies are not good for you. You have to eat healthy foods to grow up strong..."), identify with their feelings ("I know you are upset."), and comfort them the minute they start slowing down.
HOLY MOLY. What a great philosophy for life! It totally works. But I'm not sure if it only applies to two year olds. There are times when I can't exactly express how I feel with words. I feel as though my communication skills are no match for the problem in front of me. How great would it be if somebody would look me in the eye, hold my shoulders, and say "Laura, I understand how you feel." Then they would pull me in for a hugsie.
John Mayer had it right- Say What You Need To Say. But when you can't, find comfort in others. And when you see somebody who is in need, it'll be your turn to curb the tantrum before a time-out is warrented.
As I'm hoping these moments can become fewer and further between, I turned to the internet for some advice. I found an article about tantrums. First of all, I learned that they are a biological fact of life. You cannot feel like a bad caregiver because the babies are just doing what babies do. Secondly, I learned an interesting tactic for how to deal. The author suggested to get down to the child's level, forget using logical explanations ("Cookies are not good for you. You have to eat healthy foods to grow up strong..."), identify with their feelings ("I know you are upset."), and comfort them the minute they start slowing down.
HOLY MOLY. What a great philosophy for life! It totally works. But I'm not sure if it only applies to two year olds. There are times when I can't exactly express how I feel with words. I feel as though my communication skills are no match for the problem in front of me. How great would it be if somebody would look me in the eye, hold my shoulders, and say "Laura, I understand how you feel." Then they would pull me in for a hugsie.
John Mayer had it right- Say What You Need To Say. But when you can't, find comfort in others. And when you see somebody who is in need, it'll be your turn to curb the tantrum before a time-out is warrented.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Back Again
I went back to school again...
Here is the brief summary of my weekend..
Coming down the escalator, "Welcome to Pitt" the sign read
I am too hungry to wait for food, happy meals instead?
A trip to the library, to see some who were there
So many people to say hi to, so many people who care!
Driving down the country roads, with John Denver on full blast
Remembering making this trip so many times in the past
Hanging out with my best friends at a bar
Knowing we will always stay close, no matter how far
Waking up to familiar pleas
Can we have pizza hut buffet...extra cheese?
A trip to Mass, setting my priorties straight
Then it was time for something new- a surprise date!
All afternoon spent at a pottery shop painting
By the time we left Pittsburgh, we were dating ;)
The next step was getting ready for formal
I spent the whole time chatting with people, like seeing them everyday was normal
My boyfriend and I went to a Robin that was Red
I wouldn't have gone anywhere else instead
After the dance was over and my feet needed a rub
Off we went to speedway- it was time for the slurpie club!
Talking all night, the morning came fast
I ran errands and ate, got to the party last
Hung out in the sunshine with a lot of cool peeps
But left to go to Mass because I am a lost sheep!
After that it was time for some nice porch time
Ate Chinese food, talked, and drank some wine
Then it was off through the streets of ghetto town
To see a stud playing rugby and turn his frown upside down
The sun set that day on our crowd being together
we drank and were merry, like birds of a feather
The last day of my trip, I went to the zoo
saw elephants, tigers, and giraffes- whoop di doo!
I might have left out some details but it was a lot of fun
Can't wait to visit again soon and see those sons of a gun!
Thank you to everybody who made my trip fantastic! ;)
Here is the brief summary of my weekend..
Coming down the escalator, "Welcome to Pitt" the sign read
I am too hungry to wait for food, happy meals instead?
A trip to the library, to see some who were there
So many people to say hi to, so many people who care!
Driving down the country roads, with John Denver on full blast
Remembering making this trip so many times in the past
Hanging out with my best friends at a bar
Knowing we will always stay close, no matter how far
Waking up to familiar pleas
Can we have pizza hut buffet...extra cheese?
A trip to Mass, setting my priorties straight
Then it was time for something new- a surprise date!
All afternoon spent at a pottery shop painting
By the time we left Pittsburgh, we were dating ;)
The next step was getting ready for formal
I spent the whole time chatting with people, like seeing them everyday was normal
My boyfriend and I went to a Robin that was Red
I wouldn't have gone anywhere else instead
After the dance was over and my feet needed a rub
Off we went to speedway- it was time for the slurpie club!
Talking all night, the morning came fast
I ran errands and ate, got to the party last
Hung out in the sunshine with a lot of cool peeps
But left to go to Mass because I am a lost sheep!
After that it was time for some nice porch time
Ate Chinese food, talked, and drank some wine
Then it was off through the streets of ghetto town
To see a stud playing rugby and turn his frown upside down
The sun set that day on our crowd being together
we drank and were merry, like birds of a feather
The last day of my trip, I went to the zoo
saw elephants, tigers, and giraffes- whoop di doo!
I might have left out some details but it was a lot of fun
Can't wait to visit again soon and see those sons of a gun!
Thank you to everybody who made my trip fantastic! ;)
Identical Cousins
I want to share further proof of the power of nature over nurture. On my Mom's side of the family I have an uncle and an aunt (both married) and two cousins. My aunt still lives in town, so we grew up seeing her all the time, but my uncle moved away after college. As kids, we always enjoyed visits from my cousins, but they were few and far between. I would say, to put it into perspective, that I knew some of my friends' cousins better than I knew my own.
Due to my recent move to the Garden State, a few towns away from my extended family, I was able to get back in touch with them. They were gracious enough to invite me for Easter weekend.
My uncle and aunt came to pick me up and the whole ride, my aunt was turned around in her seat watching me as I talked and talked about my life. Later that night, we had some martinis (them) and daquaris (me) and had a very pleasant conversation. It's always different talking to people who knew me as a child now that I'm an adult. It was like I was meeting them for the first time. As I was getting ready to head up to bed, my aunt declared that I would be very surprised the next day when my cousin arrived. When I asked her why she explained that we obviously had the same genes, we were so much alike. She said that we both nodded our heads in an affirming way after making a statement, made the similar facial expressions, and used the same word choices. She had noticed since the very moment she saw me, and said all she could think about all day was how identical we had ended up.
She was exactly right. As soon as my cousin showed up, I started realizing our similarities. Our looks were the first thing. She has naturally wavy brown hair, olive skin, and the "Carson" smile, just like me. Then, little things started happening. We noticed that we take our coffee the same way, like the same foods, dislike the same foods, indulge in the same hobbies, shy away from the same insecurites...just EVERYTHING. She mentioned that she didn't like that her wedding shower was on the 13th of the month. I asked her, on a whim, if she would ever leave the radio volume on an odd number, to which she was horrified- Never! She looked as horrified as I feel about odd numbers. It finally became the joke. If my aunt wanted to ask us both a question, she would just ask one and assume that the other agreed!
It was an absolutely lovely weekend. There were a lot of laughs and good times, delicious food and perfect hospitality. I was so pleased with how alike my cousin and I had turned out. I was even happier that we had gotten back in touch and can remain friends forever. It's nice to have somebody I can call up to talk about how much I hate the color orange. And I know she'll completely understand.
Due to my recent move to the Garden State, a few towns away from my extended family, I was able to get back in touch with them. They were gracious enough to invite me for Easter weekend.
My uncle and aunt came to pick me up and the whole ride, my aunt was turned around in her seat watching me as I talked and talked about my life. Later that night, we had some martinis (them) and daquaris (me) and had a very pleasant conversation. It's always different talking to people who knew me as a child now that I'm an adult. It was like I was meeting them for the first time. As I was getting ready to head up to bed, my aunt declared that I would be very surprised the next day when my cousin arrived. When I asked her why she explained that we obviously had the same genes, we were so much alike. She said that we both nodded our heads in an affirming way after making a statement, made the similar facial expressions, and used the same word choices. She had noticed since the very moment she saw me, and said all she could think about all day was how identical we had ended up.
She was exactly right. As soon as my cousin showed up, I started realizing our similarities. Our looks were the first thing. She has naturally wavy brown hair, olive skin, and the "Carson" smile, just like me. Then, little things started happening. We noticed that we take our coffee the same way, like the same foods, dislike the same foods, indulge in the same hobbies, shy away from the same insecurites...just EVERYTHING. She mentioned that she didn't like that her wedding shower was on the 13th of the month. I asked her, on a whim, if she would ever leave the radio volume on an odd number, to which she was horrified- Never! She looked as horrified as I feel about odd numbers. It finally became the joke. If my aunt wanted to ask us both a question, she would just ask one and assume that the other agreed!
It was an absolutely lovely weekend. There were a lot of laughs and good times, delicious food and perfect hospitality. I was so pleased with how alike my cousin and I had turned out. I was even happier that we had gotten back in touch and can remain friends forever. It's nice to have somebody I can call up to talk about how much I hate the color orange. And I know she'll completely understand.
The Truth Comes Out
You may have noticed that it's been awhile since I've written. You did notice? I bet you didn't know that in addition to not blogging, I haven't written a letter, journal entry, or even a newsy email in a while either. Why?- you may ask.
Here's the thing. I'm in that place. That place in my life where it's almost six months after college graduation, I'm about to face student loan payments, and I still don't know what I want to do with my life. As frustrating as this sounds, I'm really not that anxious. I think a lot of people are a bit concerned, but I know everything will turn out great. It's just that I figured I'd probably go into the writing field, since that's what I studied in college. I overlooked the fact that I chose that major, not because I was good at it or even especially liked it, but because it was something that incorporated two hobbies of mine- reading and writing. It just finally hit me that those are only hobbies! It is what I want to spend the rest of my life doing. For me, a job will never define my life, and so it doesn't really matter what I do to pay the bills. I just know though that I can't ruin my love and passion for the written word by making it work.
That is why I have not been writing lately. As soon as I started job searching, my brain associated writing with work and went into shut down mode. I'm not sure what job I will have in the future, but I know that I will never make the mistake of trying to define myself with the job title I hold. "Writer" sounded good to me, because by definition, that's what I am. However, I'd rather leave it as a hobby, so I can continue to enjoy it forever.
Here's the thing. I'm in that place. That place in my life where it's almost six months after college graduation, I'm about to face student loan payments, and I still don't know what I want to do with my life. As frustrating as this sounds, I'm really not that anxious. I think a lot of people are a bit concerned, but I know everything will turn out great. It's just that I figured I'd probably go into the writing field, since that's what I studied in college. I overlooked the fact that I chose that major, not because I was good at it or even especially liked it, but because it was something that incorporated two hobbies of mine- reading and writing. It just finally hit me that those are only hobbies! It is what I want to spend the rest of my life doing. For me, a job will never define my life, and so it doesn't really matter what I do to pay the bills. I just know though that I can't ruin my love and passion for the written word by making it work.
That is why I have not been writing lately. As soon as I started job searching, my brain associated writing with work and went into shut down mode. I'm not sure what job I will have in the future, but I know that I will never make the mistake of trying to define myself with the job title I hold. "Writer" sounded good to me, because by definition, that's what I am. However, I'd rather leave it as a hobby, so I can continue to enjoy it forever.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
More to come
Last night I was in the city and I bumped into an old classmate of mine. We spent a few minutes catching up, and then came the 50 million dollar question...
Are you still writing?
I couldn't lie. I've been slacking. Allow this post to symbolize my pledge to blog more consistently. I'll catch up this week...I promise!
Are you still writing?
I couldn't lie. I've been slacking. Allow this post to symbolize my pledge to blog more consistently. I'll catch up this week...I promise!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Sisterly Love
I recently visited the City of Brotherly Love- Philadelpha, PA. Now coming from NYC, where it is quite common to be pushed out of the way, yelled at, or even spit on by a complete stranger, Philadelphia was quite a treat.
My first night in Philly had the potential to be disasterous. As I was walking to a bar, my big toe swung straight into a railway track in the middle of the street. I screamed some "big people" words (eliciting stares from passerbyers; they've obviously never been to New York) and hobbled over to the other side of the street. About fifteen people asked me if I was okay. I wasn't okay, there was blood gushing down the side of my foot and filling up my flip flop. There was a ghastly chunk of skin hanging on for dear life. I wasn't sure if I was going to live.
My friend helped me walk the rest of the way and down to the bathroom in the pub. We grabbed some paper towels and started blotting but the blood wouldn't stop. A lady came out of a stall, took one look at me, and said, "There are two doctors upstairs, I'll go get them!". Meanwhile, there was a girl washing her hands, who kept making sure I was okay. She would look at me every once in while and say, "Just calm down! It'll be all right!" (This made me laugh a lot because I'm not sure I could've been any calmer. I wasn't even crying or anything.)
The woman came back with her daughter, who is a student in Physician Assistance. Like efficient EMT's, they directed me to sit on the sink, and helped me lift my leg so my toe was under the spicket. This, I might add, was no easy task. The bathroom was extremely skinny, with about 3 feet between the stalls and the sink. With my back leaning against the wall and my body stretched across the counter, I literally took up the whole bathroom.
She asked me if I had HIV, to which my friend quickly responded, "NO mam, you will not find cleaner blood than hers." (Thanks, girl). Then she got to work. She cleaned it out and stopped the bleeding. After determining that stitches weren't necessary, she started poking the bottom of my foot to make sure I wasn't losing feeling; I wasn't. The "Calm Down" girl came back with a first aid kit. Her boyfriend owned the bar and when he discovered that there was an injured person in the bathroom, he sent her upstairs to his apartment for peroxide and gauze. She bandaged my poor little tootsie up and with the call of duty overwith, returned upstairs.
My friend and I just sat for a minute, not even believing that all of that had just happened. One minute I was in a desperate situation and not fifteen minutes later, thanks to the help of three strangers, I was able to go enjoy the rest of the night.
I am just so grateful for those angel ladies, and the call of duty they responded to for somebody they didn't even know.
(PS/ We ended up having a great time and finished the night with two steaming hot cheesesteaks. Yummm)
My first night in Philly had the potential to be disasterous. As I was walking to a bar, my big toe swung straight into a railway track in the middle of the street. I screamed some "big people" words (eliciting stares from passerbyers; they've obviously never been to New York) and hobbled over to the other side of the street. About fifteen people asked me if I was okay. I wasn't okay, there was blood gushing down the side of my foot and filling up my flip flop. There was a ghastly chunk of skin hanging on for dear life. I wasn't sure if I was going to live.
My friend helped me walk the rest of the way and down to the bathroom in the pub. We grabbed some paper towels and started blotting but the blood wouldn't stop. A lady came out of a stall, took one look at me, and said, "There are two doctors upstairs, I'll go get them!". Meanwhile, there was a girl washing her hands, who kept making sure I was okay. She would look at me every once in while and say, "Just calm down! It'll be all right!" (This made me laugh a lot because I'm not sure I could've been any calmer. I wasn't even crying or anything.)
The woman came back with her daughter, who is a student in Physician Assistance. Like efficient EMT's, they directed me to sit on the sink, and helped me lift my leg so my toe was under the spicket. This, I might add, was no easy task. The bathroom was extremely skinny, with about 3 feet between the stalls and the sink. With my back leaning against the wall and my body stretched across the counter, I literally took up the whole bathroom.
She asked me if I had HIV, to which my friend quickly responded, "NO mam, you will not find cleaner blood than hers." (Thanks, girl). Then she got to work. She cleaned it out and stopped the bleeding. After determining that stitches weren't necessary, she started poking the bottom of my foot to make sure I wasn't losing feeling; I wasn't. The "Calm Down" girl came back with a first aid kit. Her boyfriend owned the bar and when he discovered that there was an injured person in the bathroom, he sent her upstairs to his apartment for peroxide and gauze. She bandaged my poor little tootsie up and with the call of duty overwith, returned upstairs.
My friend and I just sat for a minute, not even believing that all of that had just happened. One minute I was in a desperate situation and not fifteen minutes later, thanks to the help of three strangers, I was able to go enjoy the rest of the night.
I am just so grateful for those angel ladies, and the call of duty they responded to for somebody they didn't even know.
(PS/ We ended up having a great time and finished the night with two steaming hot cheesesteaks. Yummm)
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
THIS april fool's day
I am away from home so I didn't expect to have too much to worry about on April Fool's Day. However, some time in the late evening I called my dad, the mastermind of all the pranking, and this is how the conversation went...
Me: So, did I get any mail today?
Dad: Hmm, let's see. There's something here from college. It's addressed to you. I'll open it up here. Oh, it's a bill!
Me: Whatt?
Dad: Yeah, it says that they reviewed your account and you still owe $400 on your tuition!
Me: NO WAY! That is impossible! (I continue on this rant for awhile before...) Wait, this is an April Fool's joke, isn't it?
Dad: (pauses for a second) Today's April Fool's Day?
(We go back and forth for a while and he convinces me that he has been working all day and totally forgot about the date)
Me: I cannot believe that you of all people forgot April Fool's Day! (I go off on a tangent about how deprived my youngest sister is because she doesn't have the same childhood memories like the rest of us)
Dad: Well, she's right here, let me ask her about her day. Hmm, she says that her shoes were filled with newspaper. Oh, and her backpack was taped shut. I think there was something strange about the posters on her wall.
Me: Okay, so you did remember?
Dad: I didn't say that.
Me: If you remembered what today is, then you are joking about the tuition bill.
Dad: Why would I lie about that? I will send it to you in the mail.
(We end the conversation and about two seconds later I receive a text)
Dad (texting): No bill. April Fool's!
Me: So, did I get any mail today?
Dad: Hmm, let's see. There's something here from college. It's addressed to you. I'll open it up here. Oh, it's a bill!
Me: Whatt?
Dad: Yeah, it says that they reviewed your account and you still owe $400 on your tuition!
Me: NO WAY! That is impossible! (I continue on this rant for awhile before...) Wait, this is an April Fool's joke, isn't it?
Dad: (pauses for a second) Today's April Fool's Day?
(We go back and forth for a while and he convinces me that he has been working all day and totally forgot about the date)
Me: I cannot believe that you of all people forgot April Fool's Day! (I go off on a tangent about how deprived my youngest sister is because she doesn't have the same childhood memories like the rest of us)
Dad: Well, she's right here, let me ask her about her day. Hmm, she says that her shoes were filled with newspaper. Oh, and her backpack was taped shut. I think there was something strange about the posters on her wall.
Me: Okay, so you did remember?
Dad: I didn't say that.
Me: If you remembered what today is, then you are joking about the tuition bill.
Dad: Why would I lie about that? I will send it to you in the mail.
(We end the conversation and about two seconds later I receive a text)
Dad (texting): No bill. April Fool's!
April Fool's Day
I remembered that it was April Fool's Day the minute I woke up in the morning. Years of enduring tricks had put me on guard. Growing up, this is what one might expect (or not expect...) on April Fool's Day: Morning, be careful when you pull a towel down from the bathroom shelf because it surely has a rubber spider or snake on top. Find that your dresser drawers have been tied together, so one can't open without the other. Look for the scissors. They are hidden. Open backpack, throw out all the crumbled up newspapers, to find scissors. Take scissors with you downstairs. Don't turn the water on too fast because the sprayer has a rubber band around it and it is pointed right at you. Snip the rubber band off. Don't grab a cup too quickly because they are all filled to the top with water ready to spill on you. Cut the duct tape off your coat sleeves and try to make it out the door. On your way out, notice that the family portraits have been replaced with hand drawn caricatures. After school, throw open the door to discover that a box full of packing peanuts was sitting on top, making an avalanche down to the floor on all the unsuspecting. Get ready to hear news of "I was fired from work today" or "We decided to finally take that family vacation to Disney." Don't believe anything you hear. Eat dinner without worrying about the secret ingredient the cook claims has been added to the food. You'll survive. If you make it to bedtime, make sure to look around and make sure that none of the tricks will get you tomorrow.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Rainy Day
A Storm...Thunder booming my whole body...Lightening flashing through the sky...Rain pouring down fast and steady...Steam rising...the smell of wet grass and worms....a rocking chair on the porch...Country Roads, Take me Home on repeat.
That is the best part of today ;)
That is the best part of today ;)
Qwerty
Remember back in the 90's sometime, out came a Jim Carrey movie- The Truman Show? It was like this- a man's whole life was being taped and shown in the real world. He lived on a set and never knew anything different.
Sometimes I seriously think I am on a show like that.
Yesterday I was staring at the keyboard on my phone and noticed that the word "qwerty" was spelled out on the top left hand corner. I thought about this for awhile, just because it was so interesting to me. I envisioned myself in an intellectual discussion where I could bring up this little known fact that only I, clever one, had discovered. The very next day the MSN news had a huge spread about keyboards. The first topic? Qwerty keyboards. It is apparently what this style is actually named. That very night I was talking to my friend and he casually mentioned (or did the producer TELL him to...) something about the qwerty.
Now I just like saying it.
Qwerty, qwerty, qwerty.
I'm catching on to these "coincedences". I bet tomorrow I will just happen to find an autobiography of Mr. Qwerty, the inventor of the keyboard.
Sometimes I seriously think I am on a show like that.
Yesterday I was staring at the keyboard on my phone and noticed that the word "qwerty" was spelled out on the top left hand corner. I thought about this for awhile, just because it was so interesting to me. I envisioned myself in an intellectual discussion where I could bring up this little known fact that only I, clever one, had discovered. The very next day the MSN news had a huge spread about keyboards. The first topic? Qwerty keyboards. It is apparently what this style is actually named. That very night I was talking to my friend and he casually mentioned (or did the producer TELL him to...) something about the qwerty.
Now I just like saying it.
Qwerty, qwerty, qwerty.
I'm catching on to these "coincedences". I bet tomorrow I will just happen to find an autobiography of Mr. Qwerty, the inventor of the keyboard.
I hope they're joking....
My interest was piqued by a headline I saw in the news- "Child in ad shed real tears, producer admits". Turns out, in an attempt to make the 4 year old child cry for a commercial, they let his mother leave his sight. Everybody is bent out of shape about this. A quote from one concerned interviewer, “Is it ever OK to traumatize a little boy, even if it’s to make an important point?” The important point they are talking about is anti-smoking, the ad depicted a child crying over the loss of his mother.
What I have to say about this is GET OVER IT, PEOPLE! First of all, who is the genius that thinks this child actor would be traumatized from this event?! I'm pretty sure it can't be more traumatic then the self tanner his stage mom probably makes him lather on. These so called experts obviously have never had kids. Children cry sometimes. It does not change their life for the worse. I promise, they will still turn out normal, even if they have an occasional separation anxiety melt down. Secondly, it's not like they told the kid that his mom died. They just let her get lost in the crowd of extras for a brief second. After they got their shot, he was immediately in her arms again.
Mind your own business, mainstream America. Let people raise their kids as they please, even if that means letting them cry on TV.
What I have to say about this is GET OVER IT, PEOPLE! First of all, who is the genius that thinks this child actor would be traumatized from this event?! I'm pretty sure it can't be more traumatic then the self tanner his stage mom probably makes him lather on. These so called experts obviously have never had kids. Children cry sometimes. It does not change their life for the worse. I promise, they will still turn out normal, even if they have an occasional separation anxiety melt down. Secondly, it's not like they told the kid that his mom died. They just let her get lost in the crowd of extras for a brief second. After they got their shot, he was immediately in her arms again.
Mind your own business, mainstream America. Let people raise their kids as they please, even if that means letting them cry on TV.
Friday, March 27, 2009
An Ordinary Extraordinary Man
I just finished a book entitled "An Ordinary Extraordinary Man", a biography about my papa (my dad's father). It was written by my dad who is also an OEM.
Even though I was exhausted last night and was facing a full day of work ahead of me, I just could not put the book down. The writing was phenomenal, my dad is a mastermind with the pen, but also it was truly inspirational.
Aside from pasting the entire book into this blog, I could not even begin to explain how amazing my papa was. In short, he started life in a somewhat broken home with family fueds and hurt feelings all around him. He went on to marry my baba, who he fell in love with in elementary school, and had ten children. The house was run with one simple rule- you can't do wrong doing right and you can't go right doing wrong. Over the course of his years on earth, he managed to mend the problems in his immediate family, raise all of his kids to be faithful and honest, and open his heart to love everybody that he ever encountered. He worked late and long hours every day to make sure that his kids always had bread on the table and shoes on their feet, always remaining a quiet strength.
What kept running through my mind as I was reading is that even though Papa died when I was six years old, how lucky I am that my own father turned out exactly like him.
Even though I was exhausted last night and was facing a full day of work ahead of me, I just could not put the book down. The writing was phenomenal, my dad is a mastermind with the pen, but also it was truly inspirational.
Aside from pasting the entire book into this blog, I could not even begin to explain how amazing my papa was. In short, he started life in a somewhat broken home with family fueds and hurt feelings all around him. He went on to marry my baba, who he fell in love with in elementary school, and had ten children. The house was run with one simple rule- you can't do wrong doing right and you can't go right doing wrong. Over the course of his years on earth, he managed to mend the problems in his immediate family, raise all of his kids to be faithful and honest, and open his heart to love everybody that he ever encountered. He worked late and long hours every day to make sure that his kids always had bread on the table and shoes on their feet, always remaining a quiet strength.
What kept running through my mind as I was reading is that even though Papa died when I was six years old, how lucky I am that my own father turned out exactly like him.
Lauranda
Did I ever tell you about my friend, Lauranda? Well, actually, I am Lauranda, or more specifically, I make up the first half of Lauranda. The second half is Amanda. However, whatever Lauranda does, Lauranda does, so it just makes sense to combine our lives.
When Lauranda goes out in public, it is so embarrassing when somebody calls her Lauranda and me Lauranda. I'm Lauranda and she's LAURANDA! People really need to get us straight.
Lauranda lives in the Lauranda bed in Lauranda world. Lauranda loves eating Maria's best pizza and Aubrey's cookies. When Lauranda goes to PC Express to get her computer fixed, Lauranda comes along and brings her broken laptop as well. Sometimes Lauranda starts laughing too hard at strangers or salesman, so Lauranda has to pick up the slack and say, "You'll have to excuse Lauranda...but hi, I'm Lauranda and I can tell you what you need to know." Lauranda spent a glorious semester as best friends and soul mates, but then Lauranda had to graduate. Now Lauranda just goes shopping at Gabes (to buy discount clothes...Lauranda is classy) and misses the good old days.
FACT:
Lauranda likes Fiber One, but Lauranda does not.
One time Lauranda wore matching onesies all weekend long because Lauranda loves being comfortable! Also, Lauranda has been seen dressed as an indian, snow storm, plaid wearer, mermaid (just Lauranda), poodle skirt girl (just Lauranda), mustached gentleman, and more.
The moral of the story is...
When you mess with Lauranda, you mess with Lauranda.
When Lauranda goes out in public, it is so embarrassing when somebody calls her Lauranda and me Lauranda. I'm Lauranda and she's LAURANDA! People really need to get us straight.
Lauranda lives in the Lauranda bed in Lauranda world. Lauranda loves eating Maria's best pizza and Aubrey's cookies. When Lauranda goes to PC Express to get her computer fixed, Lauranda comes along and brings her broken laptop as well. Sometimes Lauranda starts laughing too hard at strangers or salesman, so Lauranda has to pick up the slack and say, "You'll have to excuse Lauranda...but hi, I'm Lauranda and I can tell you what you need to know." Lauranda spent a glorious semester as best friends and soul mates, but then Lauranda had to graduate. Now Lauranda just goes shopping at Gabes (to buy discount clothes...Lauranda is classy) and misses the good old days.
FACT:
Lauranda likes Fiber One, but Lauranda does not.
One time Lauranda wore matching onesies all weekend long because Lauranda loves being comfortable! Also, Lauranda has been seen dressed as an indian, snow storm, plaid wearer, mermaid (just Lauranda), poodle skirt girl (just Lauranda), mustached gentleman, and more.
The moral of the story is...
When you mess with Lauranda, you mess with Lauranda.
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