Target Adventure

I know it might not be a big deal for everyone, but going to Target yesterday was huge. It was so familiar and so known. I have not been to my favorite discount store in over four weeks. These big kind of stores just don't exist in my neighborhood and up until this point in my life, I have always been just minutes away from every kind of product a girl could want to buy at a Target.

So, with this trip to Target, I also went on the interstate by myself for the first time since living here. I know that sounds strange since I have driven many, many interstates, but I haven't needed to go on the interstate until yesterday. People have told us horror stories about the interstates and how backed up they get around our area so I was a little nervous, but hey, I didn't have anywhere to go except Target. They were fine. They were completely normal. I am sure like any area, they have their moments. But yesterday was not one of them.

After Awhile

After a while you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and chaining a soul,

And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning
And company doesn't mean security,

And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts
And presents aren't promises

And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes open,

With the grace of a woman,
Not the grief of a child

And you learn to build all your roads on today,
Because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans
and futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.

After awhile you learn that even sunshine
Burns if you get too much

So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul,
In stead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers

And you learn that you really can endure...
That you really are strong
And you really do have worth,
and you learn and learn...
With every good bye you learn.

-Veronica Shoffstall

**I used to really like this poem in college. I sometimes wonder how these types of things change their meaning after a few years and a few experiences under our belts.

Music Love

I am in a downloading frenzy!! I am downloading music like crazy! Every type of music that I have ever LOVED...Ever.

1984-"Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor-My brother Sean owned this 45 and we listened to it all of the time when we were hanging out in our basement. We'd alternate this record with "Its Only Rock and Roll To Me" by Billy Joel and "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler and then play some floor hockey!

1986-"Sugar, Sugar" by the Archies-My childhood friend had an outstanding oldies collection and this was our favorite. We'd get down in the basement as we played school or Barbies.

1989-"Look Away" by Chicago-I am sure I danced in my junior high lunchroom with some boy. Nothing says teenage puppy love like slow songs and the fry line. It is such a pop-dramatic song. It is a terrifically guilty pleasure.

1990-"Goodnight, My Someone" sung by Shirley Jones. I saw The Music Man on television for the first time. I fell in love with Shirley Jones and the music! I never got tired of watching it. I think I was the only person who ever rented it at our local video store.

1992-"The River" by Garth Brooks-I know I have stated my disdain for country music, but Garth holds a special place for me. I really liked him back then. I had, like, three tapes! (Still do). I downloaded several other Garth songs, but this one is funny because my high school health teacher used to play it for us about once a week. I think we were supposed to feel inspired to exercise and abstain.

1994-"Star Wars Disco"-My friend Janelle and I tapped danced a routine at a recital to this underloved disco classic. Nostalgia at its best. Now that I am taking a tap class again, maybe I will break this routine out for guests. KIDDING!

1995-"I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by Gladys Knight and the Pips-This was the year that I began my love affair with Motown women and their songs. Now, that I think about it, I believe that this song should be added to my karaoke set. Awesome. I don't want to say it is better than Marvin Gaye's but it is my favorite version.

1997-"Bittersweet" by Big Head Todd and the Monsters-If I heard it once in the halls of my sorority house, I heard it 1,000 times. I didn't need to own the CD because it was always being played somewhere in the house.

2003-"Bridge Over Troubled Water" sung by Clay Aiken-I had a bit of an unhealthy obsession with Mr. Aiken that spring. I was mildly addicted to American Idol and took great offense and questioned people's character if they liked Ruben more then Clay.

2004-"You Can't Stop the Beat" Hairspray, the Musical-This is my first and only musical that I saw in New York when I went to visit. It was hard to stay in my chair during the musical numbers. This one is especially is a tune where I want to get up and shake it and shimmy!

2005-"Heat of the Moment" by Asia-After seeing "40 Year-Old Virgin", I had to rush home and get this sweet one. It is so pop-terrific in the car. It is one that needs to be played loud, often, and sung to in your best 80's pop star voice...don't be afraid to pump your fist...but only at red lights to get the proper effect from you audience (the car to your right).

The list could go on and on.

Movie Trailers...A Small Pleasure of Life

Just when you think the Internet has nothing else to offer you, it offers you one more great way to waste your time...or one more great way to enjoy this life!!!

So, if you go to Apple.com (Go Apple!), you can watch movie trailers. Sometimes movie trailers are just as great as a bad movie because you get to see something new, but you are left wanting more. So, I have compiled the movie trailers that have left me wanting more for you...to want more too. Check 'em out.

Elizabethtown

-I have a girl crush on Kirsten Dunst and a bit of a boy crush on Orlando Bloom...AND! AND! Paula from Paula's Home Cooking from the Food Network is in it. I love her accent. It is so very southern.

Jarhead

-I can tell already that this one looks difficult to watch but something that I should watch.

Shopgirl

-I read this book about two years ago and I think I will have to reread it before I see this. I love Steve Martin when he is funny and I love him serious. I have no idea what this is supposed to be. I want to say romantic comedy, but I never see romantic comedies, but this is the second on the list...what is happening to me?!

That is it for now, but I will let you know if I see more...

A Slight Rant

I know I have ranted in the past about how I despise "people" that post stupid advertisements/spams on my comments, but BLOGGER is trying to stay on top of it. Now, in order to post a comment on this blog, you'll have to type in some letters...this doesn't do anything except verify that you are an actual person and not just some computer that is programmed that goes from blog to blog and post spam advertisements. So, post away!

Spidey

Today, I my task was simple...cook a delicious meal for my dinner guests, Alli and Paul. Paul is my cousin who lives only 45 minutes away from me. My second task, clean my apartment from top to bottom. I keep a pretty tidy apartment as it is, but I wanted to do some heavy-duty cleaning. Little did I know that my heavy-duty cleaning would disrupt the living quarters of the largest, biggest, most ferocious spider I had ever seen in any of my actual homes.

Being from North Dakota, we don't grow our arachnids large. We think if they are about the size of a dime, that is big...but this spider was a little bigger than a quarter. Its legs were thick too, no visible hair, which is good. When I stumbled upon this spider, I was by myself and I yelled, "Oh My God!", froze, abandoned my first instinct to grab my digital camera because I feared my new eight-legged friend would disappear only to reappear crawling across my body as I sleep, and grabbed Tim's big brown shoe and smashed it. Its guts went everywhere...it was a juicy one.

I did not clean it up until Tim arrived five minutes later because I was like a dog...I wanted some praise for my kill. I am disturbed by the fact that such a large spider was living among us, but like GWB says, I will stay the course. I will keep up on my cleaning in order to head off any spider dwellings.

Pretzel Nirvana

I cannot believe how cheap it is to eat out here. I am not talking about the type of restrauant that you have a waiter/waitress, but the quick pizza and cafes in our neighborhood. In my neighboorhood alone, there are at least four cheap pizza places where you can go and get a slice for under two bucks. Today, I picked Tim up from work and we went to the Main Line Pretzel Factory. I thought it would be like one of those places like in the mall, but there wasn't a table in the joint. Just a counter, some pretzels, and a lady who sells them. We bought three awesome pretzels for $1.50! They were the perfect pretzel with soft insides and slightly tough outside. We bought the pretzels, two cups of cheese, and one pop and our total was $3.75!

I have also come to know that the money we save on cheap places to eat we spend on other things on the east coast. groceries themselves are a lot more expensive. For example, I used to get all of our sandwich meat from the deli for about $5-6 a pound in Iowa. Now, it is about $8-10 a pound.

The pretzel really made my day.

Mr. President, Tell it like it is, Please.

I don't understand why President Bush talks down to America?

When he is asked a direct question, he vague and dumbs down the answer. He thinks we will be fine with a cliche line like "Help is on the way" when asked a direct question about why it is taking so long? That is not what Diane Sawyer asked, President!!!

You have to watch this interview. Maybe my tendency to be disgruntled with the man is clouding my objectivity in this interview, but for Pete's sake, President...quit smiling and laughing...your people are dying and sick and you need to be honest with them.

GWB Good Morning America Interview

Sawa

Tomorrow, I will start my career as a pre-school teacher. I have had plenty of personal experience with four and five year olds, yet no professional experience. I am trying to remember what four and five year olds are like. I am trying to remember what I was like at that age.

At my high school reunion, a classmate pointed out that several of us were in the same pre-school class! That is quite a memory. So, of course, we took a picture.

I don't remember much from that time, but I do remember a healthy obsession with fairy tales, specifically, princesses...Cinderella being my favorite. I had several different versions of the book. I remember liking to play dress-up. I remember I really liked to sing. I remember that I would get in trouble at pre-school and church school for talking a lot. I have been told that I didn't like people with loud voices. I also could not say my Rs. My name was "Sawa". For example, I would pronounce REFRIGERATOR like "Wefwidgawata"...it was like that for a good four years into elementary school.

I am a little nervous that I will not be a natural with this age group. I think the children make it easy to interact with them. Children at this age like it when adults listen, play, sing, and enjoy them. This is my plan.

Educating Myself

I picked up the Main Line School Night adult education directory for the fall. I love adult education. The last adult education class that I took was a summer potter class. It was fantastic and I couldn't get enough of it. I now have new experiences at my fingertips, but I have to choose which class I want to take!

TAP DANCING-From age five to age fifteen, I would strap on the tap shoes once a week for my weekly dance lesson. I could shuffle and ball-change with the best of them. At my high school, they had these recitals where most people chose to sing, but my friend and I chose to tap dance. They were always the most ridiculous routines...actually, they were always the same routine just set to different music...the theme from Star Wars...the disco version, The Carpenters...whatever song we could find that just didn't seem right with tap dancing. So, I could be a tap dancer.

WATER AEROBICS-When I was a freshman in college, I took water aerobics as a class. And strangely enough, I got a B in the course. One would think that I could have at least pulled an A from that class. The appealling thing about this class is that it is close to my house, I get to be in the water, and it seems entertaining to me. I like to splash around in the water.

SELF-DEFENSE-My self-defense tactics are slim. I know where to kick if someone needs to be kicked. I could poke their eyes with my fingers...but that is about it for kung-fu skills. A woman has to have some skills!

BEGINNERS SPANISH-I know I would enjoy this, but I know that I would have to take the next level of Spanish to retain anything learned. So, this would be more of committment than, let's say, tap-dancing where I could just break it down in my living room if I wanted to.

LET'S MAKE CANDY-If you know me, my secret dream is to own a candy store. So, this would be a start.

I am not considering the following, but they are offered...
- Tarot Card Reading
- Write a Romance Novel
- Ghost Tour of Philadelphia
- Coffee 101
- Swedish Massage
- How to Prune Almost Anything....my favorite

My Favorite Mistake

A great break up song. Now, true, I haven’t been broken up with in over 14 years, but I still get it. I get that people call some of their life’s choices mistakes, but that is one thing that George W. Bush and I have in common, I rarely acknowledge mistakes made.

I am not a stubborn person…no, I am, but I just try to think of them in a more positive perspective than mistakes. I just see them as choices. I always thought a mistake was an unfortunate act or decision caused by bad judgment or lack of information. I would say that most of my mistakes have been caused by lack of information…like, I had no idea that drinking that much tequila would make me that sick.

BUT! I am willing to admit mistakes because we all make them. Now, where do I start…first, my very first mistake that I can recall happened when I was a kindergartener. It is not my favorite mistake, but I think it is the first mistake...caused by sheer panic in the mind of a semi-innocent six year old. I rode the bus and as a kindergartener, there is nothing more frightening than believing that you missed the bus. Well, my teacher, Mrs. Tannahill called the class over to the carpet and told the class that “someone did not put away the felt board pieces and no one was going home until whoever played with the felt board cleans up.”

“AHHHHHHHHHHHH! I have to get on the bus!!! She is going to make me miss the bus!!!,” a six-year-old Sara thought to herself.

So, I raised my hand and said that I had left the felt board pieces out even though I had not. I lied. I knew it was wrong to lie, but I had to catch the damn bus! So, I was advised to clean up the mess. Then, some do-gooder kindergarten classmate...I have a feeling it was my do-gooder neighbor Jason who told Mrs. Tannahill that I did not leave the pieces out. So, I not only got in the initial trouble for leaving out the felt board, I got in trouble for lying. It didn’t matter to Mrs. Tannahill the innocent motive for my falsehood.

So, it may not be my favorite mistake, but one of my first mistakes.

A Philly Weekend

I have just completed week two of living and breathing in the greater Phildadelphia area. It just keeps getting better and better. I think my friend Amy had something to do with that. She took the Chinatown bus from NYC. I took my first train ride from the Main Line (that is where I live) to the center of Philadelphia to pick her up! I was proud of myself because this was a brand new thing for me and something very foreign to me as a midwesterner. We don't use public transportation very willingly.

We came back to my apartment and went out to eat with Tim at a local pub in our neighborhood, The Grog. It was fantastic. We had an appetizer of Hot Crab, Artichoke, and Spinach served with cut warmed pitas.

Saturday, I gave Amy a tour of my area...as much as I could...you know, where I buy groceries, my library, my Starbucks...Then, we hopped on the train again to go to the city where we walked through Antiques Row, the historical district with Independence Hall, but we did not get to tour it since they were all sold out of tickets. We took shelter from a down pour in a touristy building where people were dressed in period costumes.

The true treasure of our adventure was the Reading Terminal Market. Like most markets, they offer deli meats, cheeses, produce, and more, yet the food vendors impressed me. Pakistani, Sushi, Cheesesteaks, and so much more could be eaten to your heart's delight. We were taken with the fresh Crepe counter. We agreed on and shared a sweet crepe with delicious Nutella, strawberries, and bananas sprinkled with powder sugar. This is my new favorite thing in Philadelphia. I adore the market and plan to make many trips there.

Building a Mystery

Have you ever met someone and placed them in that mental category MYSTERY?

You could know someone for years and years or for just a day, but you know that no matter how well you get to know them, that no matter how many years you know them, they will always be a mystery to you. Some people find this intriguing and they live their whole life trying to figure a person out. To solve the mystery.

Sometimes, these people remain a mystery by their own choice. They keep people out of their lives. They reveal very little to the ones wanting to take them into their lives. Sometimes I think this mysterious person only wants to be around people who understand them or someone else who remains closed off. Sometimes I think these types might be mysteries, but more than mysteries they are full of fear.

Sometimes, a person remains a mystery because there are so many parts that make up the whole of this person, it would be impossible to know all these parts…to understand all of these parts. These are the types that I find the most fascinating. These are the types that I am attracted to. I am just one of those people that like to understand all parts of a person. If you are my friend, I think about you in that way...I am very busy trying to figure you out.

Sometimes, people try to be a mystery. I think this is transparent.

Building a mystery can be a good thing, but it can also be a bad thing. When people do not connect with other people in their lives, they limit their capacity for emotion and relationships. I have met some people like this, but it is inevitable that they open themselves up to me. Sometimes it is because I force my friendship upon them without them even realizing it is happening. The best part of my sleuth abilities in my relationships, it takes a lifetime to figure people out…

Me on the other hand, I am an open book. I am not a mystery. I post my life, thoughts, feelings, fears, and ideas on the internet for all to read.

Musical Inspiration

I was listening to my deliciously green ipod today while I cleaned the house. I found myself dancing to The Jackson 5 while I washed the dishes. I have to keep in mind that I have windows now in my kitchen where people can see me doing my best electric boog-a-loo. Anyway...

I have been sharing quite a bit about my life here in Philadelphia, but I have been sharing very little of my other thoughts. This blog has always been a mix of my life's events, my thoughts, my ideas, and my interactions with people. I have really gotten away from the thoughts and ideas piece of this project. So, in order to help me with this blocked area of thought for me, I will use music to inspire me. It always does.

I will use song titles to give me a topic for writing when I need some thing to write about. What do you think?

Girl Crushes

I watched The Today Show this morning, which is a rare thing for me. However, I was lucky enough only to watch the last quarter of the show when they are discussing very froo-froo topics. Today, the hot topic was GIRL CRUSHES. This is something that I know something about. I usually share my celebrity girl crush with people in discussions about movies or television shows. At this moment, my celebrity girl crush is Scarlett Johannson.

On The Today Show, they were referencing an article in The New York Times where they discussed how most women develop girl crushes. This has nothing sexual about it. It is the idea that women meet someone, feel a kindred spirit type personality, want to see them again, think they are fantastic, and think about them. There is nothing sexual, but I won't say nothing romantic...because I use the term romantic for more than just roses and candy. It is romantic to find someone who is like you and you find facinating and exceptional and want to be friends.

The article shares that for generations, women have denied these girl crushes where just generations before shared them and wrote about them. Recently, while cleaning out my grandfather's garage, I came across a notebook that was owned by my great-grandmother Annie. There were notes written to her that were so kind and loving and written by other women. I made an immediate connection to what the author was sharing in the New York Times article.

Not only the notes from the past that I discovered, but that this system of girl crush is exactly how all of my friendships in adulthood have transpired. I meet someone, think they are fantastic, want to hang out with them, want to sit around and learn more about them, and eventually, become lifelong friends. Read the article. If you are a girl/woman, you'll make a few connections.

I Got a Job

I got myself a job today! This job has been building in interest for me for sometime now. I discovered the job announcement way back in June and applied. They told me to wait until I was in PA to apply again.

I will be working at a pre-school for a private college in the area. It is a lab school where the student to teacher ratio is outstanding...3 to 1! It is part-time, but this is actually a good thing. It gives me sometime to cool my moving jets and enjoy the area. It also allows for travel and guests to visit me. I am also looking for another part time job, but at a store or something like that.

I am going to celebrate this weekend. It will be the first official weekend of exploration of Philadelphia away from the Main Line...that is what they call the are that I live. I have tentative plans for a friend to visit and she will help my explore the city. Then, when other friends and family come to visit, I'll have lots to show them. So, who is coming to visit me?

The Men of the PA Libraries...A Rare Breed

Even though I have been thankful for the library's email availability, it definately comes at a price. It never fails. No matter which library I go to, I end up sitting by someone who creeps me out or simply amuses me.

I am not sexist, but so far, they have all been men.

• The Talker-he visits with the screen. He reads outloud what he is reading on the screen. He might even do a little yell, 'YES!' when he discovers something or needs to affirm his internet searching skills. Maybe he just received great news like his new Dungeon and Dragons action figures that he bid on on Ebay will arrive tomorrow.
• The Noise Maker-he makes noises. No particular words come out of him, just sounds. A hum here or there. Maybe a moan. Sometimes a hiss. I don't even want to imagine what he could be looking at.
• The Frantic One-he is the man that runs into the computer lab and walks frantically around the computers to find an open one. He very vocally breathes a sigh of relief when he finds one. He plops down and assures the person next to him that, "It'll all be okay. I found one." I am not kidding with that quote. I actually saw this go down.
• The Stinky One-he doesn't smell good. He smells very bad. Maybe he forgot to brush his teeth and he has a cold so he is breathing with his mouth open. But just as you can't get over the stink, another man sits to your left and he smells even worse. A stink sandwich if you will...this is the worst.
• The E-vesdropper-he likes to read my emails. He is waiting for something to load and he is moving ever so slowly to his right in order to read the facinating email from my friends. He even takes a second to look me right in the eye and smile when he gets to a funny part. I like to give him my, 'You've got to be kidding' face. That usually does the trick.
• The Grossest-he digs in his ear and then types. He rubs his nose and then types. He picks his teeth and THEN TYPES! Disgusting. This more than any other behavior affirms my need for internet at home!

McDonald's and Movies

I like to watch movies but I have this rule. I don't watch movies where I know what happens. However, this rule applies to real life events only, not books or musicals that have been turned into movies. It may shock some of you, but I have never seen, nor want to see The Titanic. This has been a cinematic tragedy for my friend Steve who reminds me a couple times a year that I should see the movie. I refuse. I know what happens. The boat sinks.

When I use this arguement, people usually try to convince me with "Well, there is a romance." These people must not know me very well because romance isn't going to sell it with me.

Pearl Harbor. Miracle. The Passion. I know what happens. We all have movie pathologies and I have written about them before today, but I just can't watch these types of movies. Two hours is a lot of time, people...and for most of these movies, they stretch into the three hour zones.

To be a Freshman Again...

Tim and I went to Villanova's campus today to check our email since we do not have internet at home now...not until August 30. Ouch.

Anyway, we saw all of the new students in little groups gathered for orientation. As we walked across campus and saw the leaders all in matching shirts, we both remembered how much we didn't enjoy the orientation process. Maybe things are different now, but all I remember is the pressure to meet new friends and meet the opposite sex. That is just not how I work when it comes to making friends. Thank goodness we didn't see the students doing the human knot...you know the one where they make you grab hands with strangers that you would never normally hold hands with and get yourself untangled. There was usually a bossy person that would direct the human knot and you'd just be left feeling dirty, not more trusted by these strangers.

I understand the importance of orientation activities. Most of these students are away from home for the first time and maybe feeling vulnerable. This morning, we just watched and felt relieved that we were not part of the trust/team building that was going on. These leaders were also singing songs and doing cheers. As an 18 year-old, I am not sure how cool I would think that was, but maybe times have changed. It has been a good ten years since I was in their shoes. The funny part about the cheers and songs was that the freshman girls were singing and dancing and the dudes, well, they were dudes. They just stood there and watched the girls jump up and down and sing the songs.

Haircut Misadventure

I went for a haircut yesterday. Maybe I am way off base here, but...I like it when it takes a long time to get my hair cut. More importantly, I like it when they take their time with me. I realize that I do not have a lot of hair and it is a difficult thing to make a hair cut last with such short hair, but give me a break. My hair cut lasted all of 14 minutes yesterday. In and out. With a shorty do like mine, it is very important to trim the back with a razor/buzzer...she forgot to do this and I didn't notice until I was home. I thought about going back and having her do it, but I couldn't be bothered. So, Tim trimmed my neck. Weird, huh. I thought so too. I was very, very uncomfortable with Tim fixing my hair. I think I may have even threatened him in my delusional hair cut state I was in.

I think the threat went something like this...
"Seriously, Tim. Don't go to high or I will die."

I can be quite dramatic.

He did a fine job. Tim really missed his calling. Instead of a college professor, he should have been a stylist. He has a knack for it. I will not call on his services again because I have learned a very important lesson today. Make the stylist give you a mirror to look at the back of your head.

As for my Philly adventures, I went for a long walk yesterday and thought about a lot of things. It was nice. Today, I venture to the second biggest mall in America. I have this amazingly large map of the suburban area in which we live and I broke it out last night. I sprawled it on the floor of my living room and found a route that allowed me to avoid the interstate...they are scary to me at this point. I will overcome that fear another day. Wish me luck.

Slack Given and Don't Mess with Me!

So much to say! So much to say!

First, who is the jerk that thinks it is okay to hi-jack my blog and advertise his crap! Unacceptable. This world of commericial, buy, buy, sell makes me frustrated when it creeps into my little corner of the internet! Who does he think he/she is? Only I can be a sell out here at Midwestern Position! Only I can make recommendations on how to waste our hard earned cashola! If you have no idea what I am talking about, check out yesterday's comments...with the exception of JA...his comment was totally acceptable and needed. It is nice to be missed. And Dree...I dig your comments too.

After speaking with my friend Steve last night, I have come to the conclusion that I am being too hard on myself in terms of knowing all there is to know about this place. He gave me some perspective and that is always needed. I have been here less than one week and I expected myself to know it all. Philadelphia is the fifth largest city in the US and and it is unreasonable to have a clue on day five.

It is a rare thing when I give myself a break. Cut myself some slack. I am terribly hard on myself.

I realize that my readers might be getting bored with all the move talk...I know I am. So, starting today, maybe tomorrow, I will try to limit the moving stuff.

Quest for the Day...A Haircut

Last night, I was trying to mentally go back to summer 2002 when I first moved to Iowa from North Dakota. I wanted to remember the feeling I had...the feeling of not knowing anything about my current environment.

You know, the things you take for granted once you have lived somewhere for a good six months, like, where to get a hair cut, where to find a Target/Kmart type store, which grocery store is the best fit, where to buy a quick outfit when you don't want to go to a mall...that sort of thing.

Today's quest...I need a hair cut. I should have gotten a hair cut in North Dakota but I just didn't want to...I should have since I had tons of time on my hands, but now I am left in Pennsylvania with a shaggy do and no idea where to get a trim. Wish me luck.

As for the putting away task, I am doing well. I have the living room, kitchen, and bedroom in order. The second bedroom and bathroom are a bit of a shamble. Storage is the issue. My linen closet has one shelf designated for actual linens and the rest has pots, pans, and appliances that I rarely use...like a waffle iron. But do I get rid of the waffle iron? We sometimes like to have waffles! Ugh, the dilemma!

I will be taking a daily trip to the library until I get the internet or a job...which ever comes first...to check my email, do my searching for answers like the haircut, and writing this blog.

Ah...I am on a timer!

I will make this a quick one since I am using the library's computer and they are a bit stingy on the time given. I can't wait to have my sweet, sweet internet up and running at my place.

We arrived Saturday and we exhausted. It is funny how sitting in the car for two days straight can make a girl tired. Our apartment was unbearably HOT. So, we switched on the AC and took a drive to the grocery store. Blah...Blah...Boring moving stuff.

Highlights from our trip...

1. While packing our car in Minnesota, Tim heard a goose honk above his head and looked up. While looking up, he heard a splatter down below, so he looked down. Low and behold, the goose mistook Tim's bag for a toilet.
2. Taco Bell, Wendy's, Steak and Shake, and Arby's. In that order.
3. A shady, shady motel we discovered on the side of the road late on Friday evening...we couldn't drive a minute more and this shady dream of a motel was just what our tired souls needed.

I am busy unpacking, but I have my priorities, people! I stalked the local public library and found this computer and now you are up-to-date. I hope you will be patient with my here and there posting since I am, sadly, without internet access.

The Big Move

I am on my way to my new and very fabulous life in Philadelphia. I drove from Grand Forks to Sara's hiz-ouse. It was great for a number of reasons. First, I listened to my new televangelist boyfriend, Joel Osteen. He was trying to help me live my best life now. Then, I also listened to some possiblities for future karaoke crooning. I was able to stay at Sara's hiz-ouse in SPECTACULAR Avon, Minnesota. It was great. She served some chicken and corn.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE NIGHT: Root Beer Floats for Dessert!

I will spend a day in Minneapolis tomorrow. Then, we are off. Please. Do not be disappointed if I am not blogging for the next few days. I am driving cross country for Pete's sake.

My Oil Change

I was all business yesteday. I returned somethings to the mall. I got a new shower curtain. I got my oil changed.

During all my task-driven behavior, I do tend to lose my mind a little.

At the Honda Center, I waited patiently for my oil change. They were so quick about it. The man handed me my keys and said, "It's out front." I paid my bill and walked out front and got into my car. I looked around in my car. It was a lot cleaner than I had left it. Also, the vents were all closed which was strange to me. Hey! The keys are already in it!

This is not my car!

So, I hopped out and took a good look at the mystery car to affirm that it did look exactly like my car as to not appear crazy. I walked briskly to my car and drove away. I was mildly embaressed. That kind of stuff always happens to me.

Old Treasures

My grandmother walked me to her garage this weekend where I found it filled with antiques, vintage sports equipment, and tools for living a life from years ago. She is having an auction in a few months and will be getting rid of these treasures. She lives in a very small town where the obvious treasures will be sold without problem. Creamery crocks, washtubs, and tools will be the first to go, yet there are some things that may not find a buyer because they will not be seen as something special or unique.

A chest that looked about 100 years old was found. I am sure it came over with my grandfather's family from Sweden, an old fashioned phonograph that requires a turn crank for it to play, and an old fashioned washer which also required a crank will be sold at the auction.

I loved walking around in the garage and thinking about these items and their uses. I like to imagine my grandfather using the beat up old football cleets or cross country skis. We found old Valentine cards and tons of old photos.

My responsibility will be to sell the old books. Grandpa had so many old books that were first edition or just old. Novels, textbooks, and political literature were piled in box after box. I am not sure how I will sell these books. Maybe I will sell them on Ebay or take them out east and sell them to a used book store. I know people collect books for reading and some collect for decorating. I did find an old Webster's Dictionary with my grandfather's name written in it by his hand. I plan on keeping that one for myself.

A Very Teenager Sara

I am going on day 14 in Grand Forks. I have found myself regressing into my teenage behaviors as I have this extended stay in North Dakota.

• Backed into the garbage can twice.
• Staying up very, very, very late because there is no reason to go to bed.
• Eating Little Debbie Snack Cakes...Swiss Cake Rolls to be precise. I never even consider buying these in my own home. Oh, and I eat them for breakfast.
• Going into my bedroom, closing the door, and talking on the phone for hours.
• Watching two hours of Dawson's Creek a day!! That is an embaressing one.
• I started reading a book called The Rim of the Prairie that I accidently stole from my sophomore English class. I didn't mean to steal it, but I just never returned it. I remember thinking this was one of the few books that were ever assigned that I liked.
• My gas light has been on for two days and I haven't filled it. It can be only a matter of time. I used to run out of gas all of the time in high school. I must get gas tomorrow.
• Listening to Alanis Morissette's "You Oughta Know". This time, I am not stewing over an old boyfriend, but instead thinking, "Man, I really like that CD."

Paperback Writer

I guess I have impulses too. I couldn't help myself. I have been thinking about this $30 purchase for a couple of weeks. I bought The Beatles' White Album tonight.

Actually, ever since Tim and I were driving home from St. Louis over July 4th weekend when we stumbled upon KUNI public radio station's Night Music. Every Sunday night they have an hour dedicated to strictly Beatles tunes. That night was great. Every song they play follows a theme and that night's theme was celebration and freedom.

I think every Beatles album is great, but this one has some of my favorites that I do not own yet.

• While My Guitar Gently Weeps
• Blackbird-I love this song in a big, deep, absolute way...Take these broken wings and learn to fly...
• I Will
• Birthday
• Revolution

My recent impulsive, yet a month in the making purchase begs the question...What is your favorite Beatles song? Everyone has one. Thankfully, some of us have many.

I love...

• Here, There and Everywhere
• Get Back
• Blackbird
• Here Comes the Sun
• Daytripper

Are We Lost?

I was never a Girl Scout, but I believe their words to live by are...

Make new friends, keep the old. One is like silver and one is like gold.

Something like that. Well, I was glad to receive an evite from Amanda at LaLaLaLola. She is a friend of a friend, but she is friend of a friend that lives in Philadelphia. So, hopefully, we'll be all moved in and ready for a party when the date arrives.

We'll probably get lost. That is usually okay though. It is a little game that Tim and I like to play called, "Let's See If We Can Find Our Way Home". We take obscure paths and roads and then, we get lost. Usually, not on purpose, but sometimes on purpose. I think we'll have to be more careful in Philadelphia because their roads do not just go north and south in a square. But, I have a map. We'll be fine.

I hope we don't get lost driving to Philadelphia. I am sure we won't because Interstates kind of keep you in line. Thankfully, Tim and I like to drive. In order to have a successful road trip, some of the following things...
- Some thoughtfully planned mixed CDs
- Candy-I like Bit-O-Honey and Licorice, but if we stop, I always get M & Ms-plain
- Diet Coke
- Good Conversation
- Comfortable Silences
- Maps

Boy, do we have maps. Tim likes to buy a map from every state that we have visited in our car. Not just any map, but it has to be a Rand McNally laminated and folded state map. We have about 13 maps. So, I like to break them out and just look at them. This can keep me entertained for hours. I am a nerd.

Self Imposed Anger

I am so mad at myself. I can't stand surprises. That mixed with my addiction to Six Feet Under allows myself to read the episode guides on hbo.com when I cannot watch it. As you know, season four is coming out August 23 and they are in the middle of season five.

I was reading msn.com yesterday and there was a headline with something like, "Six Feet Under Kills One of their Own"...I couldn't resist. I HAD to read it. I am so mad that I did. I am just mad at myself. I have no self-control when it comes to Six Feet Under and ice cream. I won' t ruin it for you, but again...so mad at myself. I had forgotten that I was mad at myself until this morning when I was thinking about the date and how many days until season four comes out and UGH!

I am Mixing my Metaphors

Okay, I have been thinking about luck lately. I am not even sure if this is the word I want to use, but for reasons that have to do with my limited vocabulary, we'll use it.

Things happen every day and we don't stop to think about the reasons for these events. We never even consider that there has to be a reason for events. That is life...it just keeps happening. So, recently, I have had a couple people say things to me that make me think about events in my life and their purpose...is it fate, luck, or just the path that we choose to take risks upon?

As I was leaving my school, a friend said to me, "See, Sara, it is times like these that show you how people feel about you. People tell you that you were important to them and cared for." Why do people have to leave in order for people to say, "Hey, I like you and you are special." Why don't we say it everyday? I try to do this with more than just words...oh, you know me...I'll mix you a CD with some tunes. I'll bring a candy bar. I shoot you an email. I call you. So, am I lucky for leaving because I received some affirmations?

This kismet I question can lead people to start friendships, relationships where there was nothing before. I am not sure I believe in luck because I have always been so deliberate when choosing my relationships. Let's take my friend, Amy. I knew she was a smart cookie with clever comments, jokes, and questions. I know I literally said in my inner dialogue, "Hey, I like Amy. I am going to befriend her." And guess what, we're friends. Take Tim, I said, "Hey, he is funny and quirky. I am going to call him and ask him out." And guess what, I married him. So, when something happens that I had no deliberate part in choosing the path, I cannot catagorize it properly...my mind just wants to catagorize and luck just as never been a catagory.

Why does every event need to fit into a mental compartment to understand it? Maybe I am not to understand each event in my life, just live it. Everything does not need to be neat and tidy. Sometimes there are frayed edges and doors left open.

Whoa...I am full of metaphor tonight.

Guilt Ridden

Thanks for all the ideas for blogging. I am not quite sure why this happens to me. I do think it has something to do with being in Grand Forks. Now, I love Grand Forks and I have nothing but fond memories of Grand Forks, but it doesn't get my creative juices flowing like other places.

I am afraid that if I don't write something clever or creative soon, I will lose all of my dedicated readers. Not only I am suffering from blogger's block, but some added blogger's anxiety! Now, I am just being dramatic.

So, here is today's attempt to get unblocked...first...a confession of some type.

Yesterday, I went to Target to buy a backpack/bag for my ibook. I decided to buy this bag that had a special spot for my beloved mini ipod. The best part about this bad beside the fact that it was exactly the right size for what I needed, it came with a free $15 prepaid itunes card. There was some confusion at the counter about the itunes card. But I was satisfied that I had received the correct card and left the store. It was only at about ten o'clock that evening when I realized that Target had accidently given me an extra $15 itunes card. Dilemma.

The greedy, music lover in me wants to keep this card because I want to own all of the music. The honest person wants to return the extra card. Hmmm...I feel guilty even writing about it.

HELP! Blog Blocked

I am blog blocked. I am opening up comments for requests for information from me.

Tell me what you want me to write about and I will do my best. It can anything. I need inspiration. I'll share advice, insight, and opinions. I have shared myself with you for over a year, throw me a bone here.

Grand Forks Driving Rules

I tend forget the driving rules of Grand Forks, North Dakota. Sure, they might have the same written rules as the rest of the country, but they have enough of the unwritten rules for driving that it can even make a native of Grand Forks crazy.

GRAND FORKS RULE #1: That stop sign is merely a suggestion. It doesn't really mean stop. It really means, just slow down and no one else goes, then it must be your turn.

GRAND FORKS RULE #2: Sure, it might be my turn to turn because I do not have a stop sign and you do, but I am going to wave you on because it looks like you might need to go first. Now, if you can't read my mind that I want you to go even though I do not have a stop sign, then, I might give you a little of the North Dakota nice with a wave of the hand. Don't feel frustrated because I make up my own rules of driving...I am just being nice.

GRAND FORKS RULE #3: Even though many other people need to go to Target to do their shopping, you do not need to help them get there any faster by walking on the side of the parking lot aisle. Go ahead, walk right down the middle of the aisle. You are having a important conversation about the towels you just bought.

GRAND FORKS RULE #4: It is perfectly normal to drive at the same speed as the person next to you if you are driving in the fast/left lane. No one is in a hurry here.

GRAND FORKS RULE #5: Even though mall parking lots have these orange lines that suggest where we should drive, go ahead and drive straight across the parking lot over these lines. Those lines are for parking, not driving. Plus, I really need to get to Pier One and the quickest way is to drive over these lines.

Just Say No to Television?

I never watch television in the summer. I am just not one for gameshows, soap operas, or talk shows. Even though I didn't watch television, I can't really account for what I DID do with my time living in Iowa.

Now that I am in Grand Forks, I find myself watching television every morning. I am regressing back into a lot of my Grand Forks behaviors. First, American Movie Classics show some pretty good movies in the morning. Yesterday, AMC showed Lost in Yonkers and today they are showing Peyton Place. Peyton Place is a movie that I have seen several times before and it cracks me up. First, it so dramatic with its tawdry affairs and scandals. What was considered social suicide during Peyton Place's time is on every other television show now.

Cable television is something I could do without, yet Tim disagrees. I am trying to convince Tim that once we get to Philadelphia, we should not have cable television or at least, limit the channels. It seems to me that when I do watch television, I watch the same four channels. Tim watches FX, ESPN, and the four networks.

Maybe I'll change my tune when I get all hopped up on cable television living with my parents for a few weeks. I will try to get my fix of music videos, cooking shows, and old movies while I am hanging out in Grand Forks.

Lost in GF

So, I have three weeks in Grand Forks. I have no idea what I am going to do with myself.

This morning, I have watched "Lost in Yonkers" and drank a Diet Coke. I need to do more. I think today, I will go to the bookstore and buy a book. I will also scrapbook my going away party. I am beside myself with boredom this morning.

Hang on...It's a Deep One Tonight!

"I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship."

-Louisa May Alcott

I am not sure how many of my readers pay attention to my QUOTE OF THE WEEK, but it is something that I try to relate to my life. I know that it is one of the cheesiest things about me, but I find comfort and empathy in these words from the past. The comfort comes from the idea that I am not the first, nor will I be the last to experience and feel certain emotions and fears.

It could be that I am searching for my own words on a daily basis to express my journey right here on this blog, yet I find myself drawn to the words of others tonight.

Tonight, Louisa is telling me a few things...

• Those around me, teach me. I think it is for this reason that I am so saddened to be leaving my friends from Iowa. They've taught and enriched me. Iowa came at a time in my life when I needed to learn. I needed to be asked to reach beyond what I had known to be true.
• As I was taught, I hope I taught. Did I ask those around me to reach beyond themselves? Did I ask them to see beyond their front door?
• I am a believer that most things happen to us because our life choices have led us to these events. Along with that, I believe that I have lived a charmed life where I have had no physical or family struggles to overcome, so I have not encountered any 'storms'. Whenever I start to feel fearful or nervous about my next big step, I think of those who have struggled and shown such honor and grace. So, even without the storms, I would like to think that I am still learning.

Thanks for letting me indulge my deep thoughts for the moment. Go ahead. Comment.

Reunion Round-Up

Well, the reunion weekend is over and what happens at the reunion, stays at the reunion...unless you have a blog and want to share all the dirty details with complete strangers, former classmates, or friends and family.

Rhiannon and I felt very pleased with how the weekend came together after a year of planning. I think if you asked anyone who attended the weekend's festivities, they'd tell you that it was great fun. Surreal, but fun.

Like most things in my life, there were the few cliche moments. A reunion would not be a reunion without some disclosure from classmates about traumas of the past, confessions of secret crushes, and at least one classmate dancing on a table lifting her skirt for the class of '95 to see, but it wasn't me...sorry.

Because I was the reunion master and planned such a kick-ass reunion, I was granted the honor of using the RRHS Roughrider mug. All night long, my classmates would fill my mug up with any beverage of my choice. They showed a little appreciation in the liquid form.

Even though I did my very best to compete for the DANCING MACHINE award, I was beat out by my friend Wes. I just couldn't match up to his memorized routine to Britney Spears's "Oops! I Did It Again!". Very impressive. Robert, the DJ and our classmate, did an outstanding job because everytime I asked for a ridiculous request like "PYT" by Michael Jackson, his response was "Whatever you want, Sara."

I am not sure why this happens, but I never seem to get to the food at the parties that I organize. Friday night, we had all my favorites at The Blue Moose Bar and Grill, yet I was too busy yacking for me to dip into a little spinach con queso.

Early in the weekend, we stopped by the school to visit our former choir teacher. He shared that at our ten year reunion, we'd love the people that we loved in high school and hate the people we hated in high school. That was depressing because it went against everything that I wanted the reunion to be about. It also made me feel like, "Shoot, people will still hate me." AH! Where are these crazy, teenage insecurities coming from! I haven't seen them in ten years! Thankfully, I regained my optimistic self and refused to let that prophecy come true. If I didn't want anyone judging me by an old, misunderstood standard, then I would not judge anyone by those stale standards.

My plan worked out perfectly. The one thing that I enjoyed more than anything else was talking with people that I did not socialize with in high school and chatting with people that I have not seen for years. A ten year class reunion would not be complete without an ex-boyfriend. Thankfully, I chose so wisely in high school, my ex-boyfriends are still the coolest ex-boyfriends around.

My flashback of the night came many times when at least four men in my class decided to share their secret crushes from high school with me. Unlike high school, they did not request that I go see if these girls "like them more than a friend". AND! I was aloud to laugh outloud at their secret passions, where as, in high school, I would just have to go along with it. I am not sure what it is about me that makes men/boys do this through the years, but I am glad to see that somethings never change.

Unfortunately, I did not discover the identity of my secret blog reader, even though I discussed this blog with several people. I thought for sure it had to be one of these two girls. I approached each of them and they had no idea what I was talking about. So, the mystery remains. I might have to wait another ten years to discover this class of 1995 reader!

That is SOOOO 1995!

I suppose people have a variety of reasons they attend their 10-year high school reunion. Some want to "wow" 'em, some want to be fabulous, some want to show how HOT/RICH they became. My motivation is much simpler than these...

I have made some sweet CDs to entertain me on my 8 hour drive to my reunion. Luckily, I am picking up my pal, Amy, in Minneapolis who I also met during that seemingly important senior year. It seems right to drive into town together for our 10-year reunion (see photo of a ten year younger Sara and Amy).

A good question is not only why am I going to my 10-year reunion, but why did I take it upon myself to be deeply entrenched in the planning process?

A reunion is like a wedding, but without the clinking of the glasses and kissing. A little slideshow, a little buffet, a lot of dancing and a lot of friends. Basically, I enjoy a good party.

I was looking at photos from high school as I put the slideshow together. I look different. I no longer depend upon the boring bob haircut that got me through my three years of high school. Sure, a little more of me exists ten years later, but I don't care about that. I no longer have every color of turtleneck, but instead every color of summer t-shirt. I wear glasses and my hair has turned brown. No one told me that would happen!

Now that is the looks stuff, let's talk about behavior. I was wound tight! Things were very black and white for me. Either you were good or you were bad. Either you were smart or stupid. Ridiculous. I lacked all sense of empathy for others. To be honest, I probably wasn't the nicest person in high school. I had lots of friends, but I was highly judgemental. I would judge someone based on something as benign as their love of hockey. I find myself in such a different place ten years later when I am searching out people who are dramatically different than myself only to learn from them. I know I am a nicer person now.

I think I helped plan this party because like anything else, I want it to be great, whatever that means. My Iowa friends have come to know me as the social chair and I guess I wear that hat in this social circle too.

So, you may not hear from me for a couple of days, but I will return with stories from the reunion.

Impulse Should Not Always Be Controlled

I have a friend that tells the funniest stories from his childhood/adolescence. Let’s call him Charlie. From looking at him now as a HIGHLY responsible adult, I would never imagine him being the impulsive, awkward youth that he describes with his tales of clumsy adventure in middle and high school. Of course, we all have tales where we did the ridiculous, the seemingly pointless, but his stories always have one underlying drive…a total lack of impulse control. It usually leaves me shaking my head in amazement or laughing to the point of tears.

Charlie wanted very badly to be a member of his high school choir. In order achieve this goal; he would have to sing a duet with a girl in front of the choir director. In this situation, most would feel their nerves building and they might blow their cool. But not Charlie.

While the choir director played the stand up piano in the practice room, Charlie and his female partner crooned The Battle Hymn of the Republic…

“Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord…”

Then, suddenly, Charlie could not resist himself. He saw the pegs on the back of the stand up piano. The pegs were directly across from each other and in Charlie’s young mind; these pegs were placed in front of him for one purpose.

Even though his desire to be part of the choir was intense, his impulsive need to grab a hold of these pegs and take a semi-squatting position was the powerful drive. He took a hold of each peg and began revving like he was driving the baddest, meanest motorcycle in that choir practice room. Actually, Charlie was the only one pretending to drive an imaginary HOG in the room. His partner continued on without missing a beat. She was always the professional.

“His truth is marching on..," sang the very focused young girl.
"Revvvvv.....Revvvv..," Charlie sang.

The visual of this occurring is hilarious, yet when I questioned Charlie about his reasoning for making such a bizarre choice, he assured me that he was never considered the class clown or made the choice to be funny. He truly wanted to be in the choir. He still has no idea where it all came from.

Unfortunately, the older we get, the less we give into our whims and desires, which gives us less to laugh at about ourselves. Do we need to control all of our impulses or can we give into them and truly enjoy them like they are meant to be enjoyed? As a full-fledged adult, I try to control most of my impulses. I have learned something from Charlie’s quirky stories…I am going to allow myself one impulsive gesture in a day.

Well, as you may have guessed, Charlie did not make the choir. But Charlie does own a real, bona fide motorcycle and no longer has to give into his urges of being a bad-ass HOG rider.

Top Seven Things I Learned While Living in Iowa

1. Iowans love BREADED PORK TENDERLOINS! Maybe I am wrong, but I don't remember ever having this Iowa delicacy as a choice at almost every restrauant in North Dakota or Minnesota. The meat is half a size larger than the actual bun that it is served upon. Iowans discuss in length where to get the best, biggest, juiciest tenderloin. Big ups to the Pork T!
2. College Football is King! I came from a place where only professional sports were considered important with the slight exception of UND hockey. Here, you are categorized into two distinct and equally loved/hated higher ed mascots. You are either a Cyclone or a Hawkeye. Choose wisely.
3. Sweet Corn can be a meal all by itself! On every corner during this special time of summer, vendors are happy to provide you with the best tasting corn you'll ever eat. This corn is so much better than anything you would buy in a grocery store. Mmmm...peaches and cream corn. Delicious.
4. Convenience Stores sell the BEST fountain pop! Did you know that you can get 44 ounces of sparkling, bubbly Diet Coke from the fountain machine for a mere 69 cents! What a deal! Iowa's convenience stores are so nice. They are clean, kept, and have everything. They are huge too. They are everywhere, on every other street corner you might find a Kum and Go or QT. I love them and will miss them.
5. You can buy anything at a HYVEE Grocery Store! Anything. IF you need a porch swing, HYVEE. If you need a dress tie on your way to church, stop off at the HYVEE! Once cannot move to Iowa and not fall madly, deeply in love with the local HYVEE.
6. Iowans NOW Love Karaoke TOO! In the course of my tenure in Iowa, three more karaoke joints have popped up in or around Ankeny. True, I have not converted everyone, but one by one, they are drawn to the microphone. I know when I return, there will be a KARAOKE REVOLUTION happening in Iowa!
7. Humidity vs. Iowans...I place my coin down on the side of Iowans. The deep, sticky, and somewhat evil humidity that plagues this state does not keep Iowans inside. Iowans have their famous Iowa State Fair in the middle of hot August...and they like it.

Food is Love

I tend to be one of those people that shower food upon people. For example, if someone is sick or has had a surgery, I'll bring them some food. If someone is in the middle of some stressful time in their life, I bring them some cake. When my friend was on bedrest, I'd bring her Dairy Queen and slurpies. I would show love through food. Food is love, right? Well, that is what I was taught.

I was loved last night because my friend Kecia brought me a four course meal because she knew that I was knee deep in boxes and tape. It was so kind. A delicious ravioli lasagna, salad, bread, and homemade chocolate chip cookies. It was perfect. The best part of this meal is that we will eat this for days.

I never thought I would say this, but I am so sick of eating out. All of our kitchen things are packed and I cannot cook, therefore, restaurants have become our kitchens. So, Kecia gets the 'shout out' of the day!

Toast

I thought there were some laws against CHILD LABOR?

But I was wrong. What I believe to be a 12 year old tried to help me at Best Buy today. He was a member of the Geek Squad at Best Buy.

The Geek Squad are supposed to be the superheroes of technology, right? They are supposed to download with a single click! Problem solve your flashdisk with the flick of their finger! From hardware to software, they are supposed to trip into action.

Not so this morning. I wanted to take that young geek and shake him. He tried to pawn me off as what I believe he saw in front of him as some lady who knows nothing about technology, but has a digital camera because it is the hip thing! I was steamed and if you know me, it takes a lot to get me steamed. Now, I tried to remain respectful. But I did lose my cool once...this is how it all went down...

I walk up to the counter to discuss my problem. I explained that I usually upload my photos on the PC, but I wanted to do it on my ibook instead. I was explaining how this has never been a problem when he interrupted me (mistake #1) to tell me in the most condescending way, "Well, ma'am, you reformatted the disk. Those pictures are toast (mistake #2)."

Toast?

I disagreed with him that this had not occurred in the past. He then got into what I like to call Battle of the Know-It-Alls with me. He said, "Well, ma'am. It even happens when you use a flashdisk." I again disagreed with him because I transfer files using a flashdisk from PC to ibook all of the time.

He was not going to let, what he believed to be technologically inferior to him, tell him he was wrong so he tried one more time, "Well, ma'am...It happens with ipods too."

That was it...I am not sure that I can portray the rude attitude this 12 year old was shooting my way, but I was not going to take it. Sure, I was there to get help, but from the very beginning of our conversation, I knew he was not going to help me.

I said, "Are we having a contest?"

He said, "No, ma'am, we are not."

I said, "Good, because my ipod goes back and forth to the PC and the ibook all of the time. Can you help me with my problem or should I go somewhere else?"

He concluded, "Like I said, toast (mistake #3)."

How am I supposed to recover from that kind of inept help?! All I am going to do is wait until I am in Grand Forks where I know the people at the camera store in the mall are the smartest camera people I know. They will help me and they will at least be old enough to drive a car.

Party Time, Excellent!

When I came to Iowa, I never imagined that I would make such good friends. I thought I was just passing through to somewhere not yet known. However, Iowans got the best of me. My Iowa friends helped us celebrate our move to the East and to have one last party together. There were s'mores, drinks, snacks, and tents for shade. (I wish that I could photos to share, but I am having memory card issues. I'll post them as I get them resolved.)

• A special guest star attended the party, my friend Sara. She traveled all the way from Minnesota to meet my Iowa friends and make almost everyone at the party laugh at her sometimes inappropriate humor.
• The s'more making prongs were so long that when the marshmallows would catch on fire, I could not blow them out without grabbing the hot prong...I only made that mistake once. From then on, I had a s'more apprentice for the blowing. By the way, isn't it kind of gross to have others make your s'mores because someone might have to blow on your marshmallow and usually where their is blow, there is spittle! I know at least one person who might never eat a s'more again...you know who you are.
• The snack table was something midwesternly special. It had party smokies, meatballs, queso, relish tray, and of course, bars. Strangely, I did not eat a single snack. It was kind of like our wedding...I did not eat or drink because I was too busy talking and chatting with all the favorites.
• Now, a party is not a party, until the cops show up. So, it was around 1 AM when the fuzz shined their car lights through the fence. We immediately turned down the music and behaved ourselves. It was the first time all evening.

I am changed for the better by living, working, and playing in Iowa. Thanks, NW!

Camera Woes

I am beside myself. One of my memory cards from my party is giving me a mean message that says "CARD ERROR". When I get all of my photos, I will post a detailed story of the party. For starters, all my favorites were there.

Our Anniversary

It is our fifth wedding anniversary today. On these kind of occasions, I like to reflect about the years that have passed. I like to think of the events that have occured that have led us to this day. Surprisingly, not much has changed. I am not sure if this is a good thing or not...it is probably a good thing for us.

Tim always says, "Sara, we are so lucky." I always correct him with, "No, Tim not lucky. We make our choices in our life. We live the life we've chosen."

This applies to jobs, friends, travels, apartments...everything. We are so happy together. I don't think if I searched all over this world would I find such a complimentary spirit to my soul as Tim. I am thankful.

Missing: Our Remote

MISSING: Our Remote Control
LAST SEEN: Wrapped up in the blue and green blanket on the couch!
SUSPECTED LOCATION: Still wrapped up in the green and blue blanket, but packed away in one of over 20 boxes by Sara because she was in the middle of one of her packing frenzies that she did not notice the victim remote.
RAMIFICATIONS OF PACKING FRENZIE: Tim wandering around the apartment searching for the remote. Tim refusing to watch television because there is no remote. Tim insisting on watching television in the non-air conditioned room because that television has a remote. Time travel back to the days when people watched commercials and did not explore other cable channels for all the programs that we might be missing out on.

The First Goodbye

Congratulations, Steve! You are the first of many friends that I have to say...

See ya. So long. Call me. Come visit me.

What it really comes down to is all people WANT to believe that they are IRREPLACEABLE. We meet new friends, build a relationship, enjoy each other, and they move on to different pastures. So, what kind of investment do you need to make to insure friendships endure miles, age, and everyday lives?

I am not too concerned actually. I think people get me. I think people understand that I love to send emails to friends just to say hello. I will call out of the blue. It is pretty difficult not to stay in touch with cell phones, instant messaging, email, and blogs.

I am a Sell Out

I think I just sold out.

I don't feel guilty for it either.

If you notice a new link on my sidebar, I have made a recommendation to my readers. If you link to it directly from my blog and decide to purchase it, I get an Amazon.com gift certificate. Now, I think this is good for Amazon. Good for me.

I heard about this arrangement on Rosie O'Donnell's blog. All of her profits go to charity. My profits will feed my music/movie/book habit. It is a pretty simple process for those in the blog business. All you do is go to the Amazon site, sign up, and they make the links for you. All you have to do is post them in your blog's template. Email me if you have any questions. I am going to change my recommendation once or twice a week. I might even have two, but we'll start with one.

Tales From the Pedicurist's Chair

Big-Ups to my friend Jodi for convincing me to have a pedicure! For most people, the foot is an unpleasant part of the human body. Mine is no exception. Without going into disgusting detail, I was in desparate need of this pedicure.

Over some fast-food Chinese food, including Crab Rangoon, Jodi gave me the run-down of a pedicure. I hate surprises and like to know what to expect. When we arrived at the salon, I felt the need to apologize to the pedicurist.

"I am sorry. I have bad feet."

She just smiled and lied, "That is okay, I have seen worse." If she had seen worse, she would be the first to claim that after seeing my battered and somewhat dry feet. Yes, I know it is gross to mention such unmentionable things like dry feet, but I am just saying it like it is.

Bright Red! I chose bright red for my first pedicure because everything else seemed too muted for this triumphant occasion. This will not be my last pedicure. Wouldn't it be lovely if salons could file insurance because, medically speaking, I could really use a pedicure...both for pain relief from my dry feet and for mental relaxation. If you are a man reading this blog, you need to take your girlfriend/wife/squeeze to a salon and surprise her with a pedicure. She will kiss on you for awhile.

Dancin' Machines

I was going to keep this little tidbit of internet joy to myself, but I thought that was selfish.

You MUST check out The Daily Dancer! So, this guy videos himself dancing to a variety of songs. He posts a get down session everyday for our viewing enjoyment.

First, he is an exhibitionist like none I have seen in awhile. I like to pride myself on the guts it takes to sing in front of complete strangers when I obviously have no solo singing talent, but this guy prides himself on his less-than-able dancing talent. I love it! He always resorts to his standard back and forth with the feet. He is usually half dressed and has no shame about him.

He takes requests. I requested Billy Idols "Dancing With Myself". He sometimes will dance on location. Usually, though, I imagine The Daily Dancer throwing on his CD at about 1 AM before he hits the sack and breaks it down, boy-eee!

If only all of us could be as open and free to dance when the mood strikes us. I was once 'accused' of taking my disco dancing too seriously. Heck, yeah! Dancing is awesome and I have to say that I, too, like The Daily Dancer, dance at least once a day. Sure, it might be a little bouncing as I unload the dishwasher. It could be a little car dance when I hear a favorite tune on the radio. Most of my dancing occurs when I am cleaning the house with my CDs blaring. I am not ashamed...proud is more like it.

By the way, I was inspired at the karaoke bar last night to download P.Y.T by Michael Jackson's Thriller album. I dig Thriller!

Random Thoughts for a Friday...

• I don't remember a time in my life where I have felt so scattered. My brain is moving a hundred miles a minute, yet I don't seem to string any thoughts together in an organized fashion.
• I feel very satisfied when I have packed a box.
• How can a person go to such extremes in their emotions...one minute I am thrilled to be starting our new adventure in a new city and then, the next minute, I am regretful of all the relationships that I have to say good-bye to...more clearly, the relationships that are so underdeveloped. The idea of "just passing through" is too difficult for me. I need to stay in one place for awhile...awhile being more than three years.
• I don't like surface conversations. I want some meaty talks with people.
• When I am packing, I love...love...love to come across something that I feel can be thrown away or given to Goodwill.
• Everything was fantastic last night at the karaoke bar. The only thing that would have made it better would have been if our booth was not right next to the enormous speaker, if I would have been able to talk to more people, and if we would have seen more 'characters' at the bar.

That is all I have today...I can offer no more. I am spent.

Ugh, Packing

All at once it has hit me...I have a week and a half to pack my apartment. I thought I had all the time in the world.

From tomorrow on, my life will be little more than boxes, paper, and unfriendly tape. Thankfully, I have sandwiched packing between other fun events to keep me motivated. For example, tonight I will go out with my ultra-fun former co-workers and sing some karaoke.

Then, next weekend, there is a going away party planned for us. That will be the same crowd which makes it very fun. Then, finally, I have the long planned 10-year reunion. The reunion does not make me nervous. I am just glad that it all worked out...I hope. By then, I will no longer reside in Iowa. I will be spending some quality time in North Dakota before I take off to the east.

I will not pack today, only start thinking about packing. I will buy my packing supplies today so I can get a good start on things Friday.

Sara's Delusions of Pet Ownership

I have been having severe pet-envy lately. It always happens after I return from visiting Tim's relatives because they have plenty of cute pets. For example, his Aunt Suzy has three sweet Shitzu dogs. His grandma Jane has a wild Bishon.

With all this pet-lust, I need to accept that I am no dog person. They are a big responsibility. I like to visit dogs and pet them, but I don't think I am meant to own them.

However, I would like to adopt some dogs...hypothetically speaking...Here are a few puppies that I have adopted if only in my bizarro mind.

Meet Buster. Don't rush Buster. He is in charge. I think Buster would have a stubborn streak. He would also hate exercise and that gives him a special place in my heart.

Meet Honey! She has the amber color and even though she might be thinking nothing more than, "Hey, I like cheese too! Can I have some," she looks like she is so sad. So, I would give her a name that no one but bees could be sad about.

Meet Harley! I like this one because aren't Harley Davidsons supposed to look tough. Harley wants to look tough, but it is hard when you are a little pug. He'd growl a lot though...and then, he'd be tough.

Meet Scout! Doesn't he look like a dog that would want to do anything for you. He'd fetch and run and be a very helpful, dutiful dog.

Meet Root Beer! Doesn't he have the color, and I believe, the spirit of a bubbly soda pop.

School Supply Blues

I felt the pang of sadness today, folks.

I was walking through the store and came upon what has been a joyous moment for the last 23 years of my life...the school supply aisle.

I realized that I will not be investing, enjoying, and savoring the newness of a new school year and all the notebooks and crayons that come with it.

This was compounded by a phone conversation that I had with a former colleague who was busy working in her classroom to prepare for the new school year.

Let's take a moment and be dramatic about the whole thing...I am like a boat without a dock. I am a hamburger without a bun. I am a cell phone in roaming.

Really, I am fine. It is just a strange place to be when so much of my identity has been wrapped up in the role of "teacher". I know I am so much more than a teacher and have the capabilities to do more. I just really like being a teacher.

So, with the redundant realization that I really like being a teacher, I registered for two more of the tests that I need to take to receive my teaching license in Pennsylvania. This will show perspective employers that I am well on my way to becoming licensed. In unusual Sara fashion, I am taking the advice given to me. I am going to get ready to teach in Pennsylvania. It may not be for this school year, but I am not going to drop this teaching ball.

Next week, I will be plucking away at computerized and standardized tests that will measure if I have a clue. It ranks right up there with dentist visits and airport travel.

I Made Science Today

What makes a person blog about their life for complete friends, aquaintances, and strangers? MIT is trying to figure the answer to this question and part of their research is the surveying of bloggers. I am one such blogger.

Blogging is just another creative (and sometimes not-so-creative) outlet for me. Along with my creative endevours at home (cooking, scrapbooking, card making), blogging lets me do something others take some enjoyment from. Mostly, my blogging provides a space where my friends and family can find out what is new and old in my life.

Amazingly, the blog world does not creep me out. I am not weirded out by complete strangers knowing about my life. On the contrary, strangers have taken a genuine interest in my life and stop by everyday to check it out. I just hope that I am smart enough to read and understand the MIT research once it comes out.

Self-Absorbed Tuesday Post

When I suffer from Bloggers Block, a fellow blogger usually will offer some inspiration for a self-absorbed assessment of myself...here you go.

Three nicknames that you have had:

1. Bun-given to me by my brother and his Eddie Haskell-like best friend and I have no idea why.
2. Sunny-A name given to me only because we had to have a nickname on our senior jerseys in high school and I had never accepted a nickname of any sort by choice.
3. Baby Sara-given to me by our neighbor, Don, only because I was the youngest Sara on the block...this name stuck long into high school.

Three things you don't like about yourself:

1. My fears-too many to mention
2. My laziness with diet and exercise
3. My inability to understand things like insurance and other mumbo-jumbo.

Three things that scare you:

1. Tornadoes and any other weather related phenomena that could lead to my demise.
2. Bats-they could get stuck in my hair...now that is unreasonable fear.
3. Carnies-Smell like cabbage, you know.

Three of your everyday essentials:

1. Tim
2. Diet Coke
3. The Internet

Three things you are wearing right now:

1. Jean Capris
2. Rainbow Belt
3. Glasses

Three of your favorite bands/musicians growing up:

1. The Monkees
2. The Beach Boys
3. Cat Stevens

Two truths and a lie:

1. I have three dollars and some change in my pocket.
2. I love Pop-Tarts but only with frosting.
3. My Care Bear's name was Funshine--the yellow one.

Three things you can't do without:

1. Family
2. Friends
3. My toothbrush

Three things you most certainly can do without:

1. Beets
2. Rude people
3. War

Three places you want to go on vacation:

1. Scandinavian Countries
2. Australia/New Zealand
3. Some tropical wonderland where you drink brightly colored beverages and the only thing I am concerned with is what sarong I will wear to dinner and what song will be playing in my head as I walk down the beach as the sun sets on the ocean.

Three things you want to do before you die:

1. Show them what I am made of.
2. Open a can of worms.
3. Turn things upside down.

Three people you want to know these things about:

1. Actually, I would love to know these things about anyone. These are the types of things people talk about as they sit around a campfire or when they stay up too late.

Six Feet Under, Again

My friend Jodi deserves a big SHOUT OUT for including me in her big scoop! Six Feet Under, Season Four will be out August 2005! Fantasitc! Honestly, if you are not watching this show yet, go to your local video store and watch season one and you will be hooked. Six Feet Under is better than 90% of the movies at the video store.

Happy 4th of July Weekend

Today, I am leaving for St. Louis. We will be taking in a St. Louis Cardinals game on Saturday and spending time with family. Have a great July 4th!

Music and Scrabble...It Doesn't Get Better Than That

Absolutely, most certainly FANTASTIC!

I love it when something so entirely makes my day. Tonight while playing some Literati with my cute friend, Sara, I was searching for a public radio station that was playing one of my favorite programs World Cafe. I stumbled upon a great website. It lists all the programs that are being played on various public radio stations. This is great because my local station does not offer World Cafe, but it was a favorite when I lived in North Dakota. It is called publicradiofan.com. So, I was able to listen to some quality music as I laid down some serious Scrabble tile!

I am encouraging others to get on the Scrabble bandwagon. I have Mathman to thank for introducing me to Bugcafe.net where you can have on-going Scrabble games through email. Currently, I have two games going. First, it is neck and neck with Amy, yet Mathman is ahead by many, many points. Bugcafe.net is not time consuming and very simple. If you are interested in getting a game going with me, send me an email and I will set it up.

Mini Movie Review: Closer

I watched the movie Closer last night. This might be a small and limited review of the movie, but I thought I would put it out there…

Before I go on, let me say, I liked this movie. It may not seem to be the case after you read on, but I did like the movie. If you have not seen the movie, without giving the plot away, it is about adultery and the enormity of commitment.

The title is deceiving because there wasn't a single relationship in the story that was close. In my opinion, the relationships and choices made by these characters were isolated and detached. With the exception of Natalie Portman’s character, Alice, the characters fell as a casualty to temptation with total disregard for the people in their lives.

It is rare that I watch a movie and I dislike most of the main characters in the film. I couldn’t find sympathy and consideration for people/characters that lack all self-control in their lives. Maybe there was a deeper love between these characters, but I was left wondering since the movie jumped ahead months at a time. I guess as a viewer, I have to either assume that their relationships reached beyond sex and lust and entered that set apart place of reverence and love or believe that these characters were as shallow and naïve as their actions illustrated.

The word love was used so often in the movie, yet the actions shown by the narcissistic characters illustrated nothing but indifference for the ones they claimed to love. The actors must have done a good job for me to dislike them this much. This is not a ‘feel good movie’, but one that will lead to great discussion.

Five Things...Maybe Four

Five things society at large enjoys, but that I, for the most part, just don't get...or enjoy...


MELONS-I think they smell like garbage. No matter if they are fresh or not, they remind me of rotting garbage. Watermelon, cantelope, honeydew...I can't stand a one. The most appalling of all is artificially flavored watermelon candy, gums, or sorbets. I used to have to fill the sorbet machine at the frozen yogurt shop that I worked at in high school and college with watermelon sorbet. I would gag. The worst is when the melon is mixed with the other fruit. I am that awful person that picks for the strawberries and grapes in a fruit salad. When restraurants offer a side of fruit, it is usually all melon. Jerks.

CILANTRO-I believe that cilantro is such a strong herb that it ruins everything it comes in contact with. There is nothing worse than a delicious salsa that has been contaminated with this aggressive and somewhat rude seasoning. Along with spinach, it does tend to get stuck between your teeth. Beware.

WATER SKIING-Really, this applies to all lake, river, and ocean type water activities. I am fearful of the huge boats. Even though the boats have just as much power as cars, there are no traffic lights, police, or driving lanes in a lake. For all I know, a boat might not see me and run me over. I know, this all stems from fear, but sometimes fear is a good thing. I will watch from the shore or in the boat with a well-suited life jacket around my tense body.