Fear not faithful readers, Ryan and I are leaving for a week tomorrow. I'm sure there will be PLENTY to blog about =)
The schedule is to take two days to drive to Springfield, MO where my dad and his girlfriend live. We will be staying with them from Sunday until Wednesday morning. Yes, Ryan is going under trial by fire meeting and living with King Tom! Michael is flying in to join us on Monday morning.
Then on Wednesday we will head to Springdale, Arkansas for the next couple days for the big annual Bulger family Thanksgiving. Mom, Brock, and Michael's girlfriend are flying in at various times on Wednesday.
In other news, Ryan and I have officially finished the beginning square dance lessons. We completed 12 weeks and are now eligible to go on to the next level of classes starting right after Thanksgiving.
Also, I have a job interview scheduled for the Monday after Thanksgiving at Marietta Middle School. It is part of a charter school system in Marietta, GA and I will be interviewing for a contractor position of Title I math support specialist. Today, I sent in all my official paperwork to the state of GA to get my GA teaching license.
Look who's Pregnant!!!
Showing posts with label leaving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label leaving. Show all posts
Friday, November 19, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Back to GA
Ok, the people have spoken! I'm going to make a sincere effort to write on this blog more frequently.
Kelly drove me to the airport Sunday. It was kind of strange.... I flew into O'Hare but flew out of Midway. While waiting in the security line, I found someone's boarding pass at my feet.
I have experienced getting through security, but by the time I'm at the gate, have lost the boarding pass. This happened to Jeff and I on our hellish exile from Bolivia. All we wanted to do was get home, but we seemed to run into one problem after another. We tried explaining that we couldn't have possibly gotten through security without a boarding pass, but no one would listen. The plane was boarding and Jeff is running around the airport like a crazy person trying to find our boarding passes. At the very last minute possible, Jeff went all the way back to security and someone had turned them in.
So when I saw someone's boarding pass at my feet, I knew I should pick it up and turn it in. Turns out it was a family of four. The Chicago Marathon was this weekend and I suspect both the mom and dad ran in it. I saw them looking around and asked them if they were missing a boarding pass. At the same time I asked this, a TSA agent was telling them she'd be happy to print them a duplicate copy. Apparently things have changed since 2005! Jeff and I couldn't get anyone to print us duplicate copies for anything! It was the little daughter's boarding pass in that family, and the mom had the little girl Isabelle come thank me.
At boarding time, there was still no plane at my gate. So we had a little bit late of a take off, but I slept the whole flight.
Ryan was waiting at the airport for me when I arrived. Good thing too - I needed someone to be able to lift my 49.5 pound suitcase! He also had a dozen roses waiting for me too. He's the best!!!
Kelly drove me to the airport Sunday. It was kind of strange.... I flew into O'Hare but flew out of Midway. While waiting in the security line, I found someone's boarding pass at my feet.
I have experienced getting through security, but by the time I'm at the gate, have lost the boarding pass. This happened to Jeff and I on our hellish exile from Bolivia. All we wanted to do was get home, but we seemed to run into one problem after another. We tried explaining that we couldn't have possibly gotten through security without a boarding pass, but no one would listen. The plane was boarding and Jeff is running around the airport like a crazy person trying to find our boarding passes. At the very last minute possible, Jeff went all the way back to security and someone had turned them in.
So when I saw someone's boarding pass at my feet, I knew I should pick it up and turn it in. Turns out it was a family of four. The Chicago Marathon was this weekend and I suspect both the mom and dad ran in it. I saw them looking around and asked them if they were missing a boarding pass. At the same time I asked this, a TSA agent was telling them she'd be happy to print them a duplicate copy. Apparently things have changed since 2005! Jeff and I couldn't get anyone to print us duplicate copies for anything! It was the little daughter's boarding pass in that family, and the mom had the little girl Isabelle come thank me.
At boarding time, there was still no plane at my gate. So we had a little bit late of a take off, but I slept the whole flight.
Ryan was waiting at the airport for me when I arrived. Good thing too - I needed someone to be able to lift my 49.5 pound suitcase! He also had a dozen roses waiting for me too. He's the best!!!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Trip to Indiana
One of my bff's Kelly picked me up from the O'Hare airport on Sunday afternoon. She came with another good friend of mine named Christy. Christy is my former workout buddy, and a fellow math teacher. She's also someone who I can talk to about hard issues, and we've been sounding boards and support systems for one another throughout various times in the last couple years. It was so good to see Kelly and Christy. Kelly has the scoop on all the office drama at my former school since she is the secretary, and Christy has access to more detailed drama being a front line classroom teacher. They filled me in on how things have been going at JYMS this year. I learned:
Monday I actually went to the school to visit my former co-workers. It was REALLY good to see everyone. I'm kind of a celebrity there... so everyone was really happy to see me too. Everyone kept commenting on how happy I seem now! Some fools asked if I miss it (teaching), and my response was an adamant ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! One of the best parts about being back at JYMS was getting to eat a cafeteria lunch. It was pasta bar day so I was stoked =)
I went to visit my old classroom. Room 603 - it still says Miss Bulger outside of it. But my room has been turned into a computer lab, with laptops on each desk. The door was locked but I took a picture through the window.
The very first friend I made at JYMS 7 years ago was Michelle McCoige. We were both coaching volleyball at the time before the school year even started. She had me over for dinner on Monday night with her family. Back when I first met her she was a newly wed, and now she has 2 little girls. I was grateful for the offer, and super grateful for the food and catching up.
I stayed at Kelly's house for a couple days in Mishawaka. I love love love love her kids and they seem to love me too.
I met up with an old friend from Michigan City, who now lives in South Bend, for lunch on Tuesday. Tuesday night Kelly, Haley, and I went out to eat at Bar Louie. The three of us used to get together once a week to vent, share, laugh, problem solve, and cry. It was good reminiscing... we were there for 5 hours! I know one of the guys who rents my house out works at Bar Louie so I was going to introduce my self and feel him out for how serious he is about buying my residence, but he was not working that night.
Wednesday morning my mom came to get me from Mishawaka to take me to Michigan City. I dropped her off at work and then went and visited an old friend from high school, who just had a baby about 5 months ago. I probably haven't seen her in 3 years so it was good to catch up.
Later that night my mom and I went to Jazzercise. When the class was over I told her I thought it was really hokey and a joke of a workout. My inner thighs received the karma of that comment the next day - they were burning!
Thursday my mom and I went to Jazzercise again, around noon, and again, I thought "what a joke". My obliques hurt so bad still 2 days later that I have learned my lesson about complaining about Jazzercise!!! That afternoon I FINALLY got to meet Miss Kennedy Elise Baker. She is the newest addition to my family and the only girl!
That night I went out to eat with my bff cousin Hillary. We got kicked out of the place we were there so long talking! It's nice to be able to get one on one time with her since she has a husband and 2 kids of her own. It is a rare opportunity, and one I gladly took advantage of! Same thing with my other bff cousin Leslie. She now has 3 kids and a husband but just the two of us got to go out for lunch on Friday.
I spent the rest of the day Friday night and Saturday over at Doug and Leslie's and Hillary and Troy's. Overall I got to spend a ton of time with my family... my mom, cousins, aunt and uncle, cousins' kids, and CC. Brian even made a brief appearance! It's easy to take advantage of, or not appreciate, the relationships you have when they are so close by. Being gone has made me value their importance in my life and how lucky I am to have such a great family.
In fact, there is nothing more heartwarming than my Godson Jack jumping up and down the first time he saw me, running up to me yelling, "Welcome home, Courtney! Welcome home!" And he ended my trip with "Bye Courtney. See you at Christmas. I love you!" That greeting and farewell alone made my trip!!!
- As a teacher we can no longer write students up for gum, being tardy, not having supplies, or cheating.
- Students are now allowed to bring bags into the classroom, and coincidentally there have already been 2 knives brought to school this year. Each kid only got suspended for 5 days.
- One kid said to a teacher "I'm a hit you in your fucking face if you don't back up" and only got suspended for 3 days. This same teacher filed a police report on the incident, which is supported by the union, however was discouraged by the wonderful administration.
- Since we went from 6 academic teams down to 5, class sizes are maxed out and one specific teacher has one class with more students than desks, so one child has to sit on the floor for class.
- We went from 3 secretaries down to 2, so now whenever a teacher needs to call down to the office, it is nearly impossible to get a hold of anyone.
- On a positive note, I learned the 8th grade math scores went up 14 points from last year, vs the 7th grade scores which only went up 1.
- Certain teachers are still getting away with dressing ghetto fab, coming in late daily, double dipping on getting paid, and getting paid to hardly work instead of working hard.
- Lunches got shortened from 39 minutes down to 30 minutes.
Monday I actually went to the school to visit my former co-workers. It was REALLY good to see everyone. I'm kind of a celebrity there... so everyone was really happy to see me too. Everyone kept commenting on how happy I seem now! Some fools asked if I miss it (teaching), and my response was an adamant ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! One of the best parts about being back at JYMS was getting to eat a cafeteria lunch. It was pasta bar day so I was stoked =)
I went to visit my old classroom. Room 603 - it still says Miss Bulger outside of it. But my room has been turned into a computer lab, with laptops on each desk. The door was locked but I took a picture through the window.
The very first friend I made at JYMS 7 years ago was Michelle McCoige. We were both coaching volleyball at the time before the school year even started. She had me over for dinner on Monday night with her family. Back when I first met her she was a newly wed, and now she has 2 little girls. I was grateful for the offer, and super grateful for the food and catching up.
I stayed at Kelly's house for a couple days in Mishawaka. I love love love love her kids and they seem to love me too.
I met up with an old friend from Michigan City, who now lives in South Bend, for lunch on Tuesday. Tuesday night Kelly, Haley, and I went out to eat at Bar Louie. The three of us used to get together once a week to vent, share, laugh, problem solve, and cry. It was good reminiscing... we were there for 5 hours! I know one of the guys who rents my house out works at Bar Louie so I was going to introduce my self and feel him out for how serious he is about buying my residence, but he was not working that night.
Wednesday morning my mom came to get me from Mishawaka to take me to Michigan City. I dropped her off at work and then went and visited an old friend from high school, who just had a baby about 5 months ago. I probably haven't seen her in 3 years so it was good to catch up.
Later that night my mom and I went to Jazzercise. When the class was over I told her I thought it was really hokey and a joke of a workout. My inner thighs received the karma of that comment the next day - they were burning!
Thursday my mom and I went to Jazzercise again, around noon, and again, I thought "what a joke". My obliques hurt so bad still 2 days later that I have learned my lesson about complaining about Jazzercise!!! That afternoon I FINALLY got to meet Miss Kennedy Elise Baker. She is the newest addition to my family and the only girl!
That night I went out to eat with my bff cousin Hillary. We got kicked out of the place we were there so long talking! It's nice to be able to get one on one time with her since she has a husband and 2 kids of her own. It is a rare opportunity, and one I gladly took advantage of! Same thing with my other bff cousin Leslie. She now has 3 kids and a husband but just the two of us got to go out for lunch on Friday.
I spent the rest of the day Friday night and Saturday over at Doug and Leslie's and Hillary and Troy's. Overall I got to spend a ton of time with my family... my mom, cousins, aunt and uncle, cousins' kids, and CC. Brian even made a brief appearance! It's easy to take advantage of, or not appreciate, the relationships you have when they are so close by. Being gone has made me value their importance in my life and how lucky I am to have such a great family.
In fact, there is nothing more heartwarming than my Godson Jack jumping up and down the first time he saw me, running up to me yelling, "Welcome home, Courtney! Welcome home!" And he ended my trip with "Bye Courtney. See you at Christmas. I love you!" That greeting and farewell alone made my trip!!!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Lately
Thursdays - Square Dancing and the Jersey Shore
So it's official now... Ryan and I have a Thursday night routine: Square Dancing, then Snookie. Square Dancing, then the Situation. Square Dancing, then Sammy Sweetheart. You get the idea... By the way, the motto of the square dancing club is "dance in a square, make a circle of friends!" The lesson is supposed to go from 7:30-9:30 but apparently all the old folks can't hang with that so they are starting to end it now at 9:00. It's kind of ridiculous...we dance for 15-20 minutes and then there's a 15 minute break. Repeat.
Tennis
Saturday morning tennis... we won't mention the score of this game...
Cruise to the Bahamas
I was all set to go on that cruise with all those people I don't know. We were supposed to leave at 10:00am on Sunday (yesterday). Saturday morning I got a text from Tammy, the only person I really "know" who is going, whom I don't even actually know, saying "I can't go, can't find my birth certificate. Hope you can find a ride down there. Don't forget to book a hotel room for Sunday night as I've already canceled ours!" What?! She is the only person I remotely know so I had some thinking to do. First thing I did was call the travel agent and see if someone else could go in her place. Since it was less than 3 days before departure, that was not an option. I'm pretty independent, but I did not willingly sign up to go on a cruise by myself. So I decided I wasn't going to go. Then, later in the day Tammy texts me saying "Oh I can go now! I don't need my real birth certificate, I only need a copy. I re-booked the hotel room for us!" So I called her and said I was not going. She didn't really understand why, and then gave out my phone number to some more people I don't know who all called and encouraged me to still come. No, freaks. Besides, Hurricane Igor is romping around down there and I just felt it in my gut that I shouldn't go. I am NOT happy about the decision, but I figured if this woman is that much of a flake to have me frantically freaking out all morning, then only more examples of her/this would be popping up on the trip.
As a result, I have everything canceled for this week...Papa's Pantry, tutoring, ok I guess that's all I do in a week... I knew my mom was going on vacation this same week so I called her and asked her if I could join her. "No honey, you can't". Apparently she is in the same type of situation I was in where someone couldn't go at the last minute, so someone invited my mom but my mom only really knows one person going out of the whole group. She's like. "I hope they like me!" and I tried convincing her that if two of us go, the odds increase on them liking one of us but she wasn't buying it :)
Comcast
This whole time I've been living in this basement, I have had access to about 10 channels on the big TV and no channels on the tv in my bedroom. I didn't exactly mind...it took me back to the days of growing up without cable at Carol's house. I mean if the Home Shopping Network didn't switch over to cable, we still wouldn't have cable at mom's house. Apparently the home owners called a cable man to come out and help. I was just getting out of the shower when in walks the cable man and I am wearing nothing but a towel. I'm glad I was wearing the towel! I left while he was still there and upon returning all the lights were on, both tvs were on, and my door was slightly ajar to the apartment. Today, I tried to use the tv for the first time since he had been there and it is so blurry I can't see what the guide says. So now, I really have no access to any channels. Awesome!
Cystic Fibrosis
On Saturday night Ryan and I went and volunteered our time to help the day before a big race. First we stuffed bags with coupons, fliers, and information. Then we distributed bags and t-shirts to the race participants. We each got TWO free t-shirts and free spaghetti dinners! I love anything free, but FOOD and T-SHIRTS have to top my list. It was awesome!
Tutoring
One day last week I took my phone in and snuck a picture when I was alone. Here is a portrait of Ginny Lee and her brother Trey from many years ago:
So it's official now... Ryan and I have a Thursday night routine: Square Dancing, then Snookie. Square Dancing, then the Situation. Square Dancing, then Sammy Sweetheart. You get the idea... By the way, the motto of the square dancing club is "dance in a square, make a circle of friends!" The lesson is supposed to go from 7:30-9:30 but apparently all the old folks can't hang with that so they are starting to end it now at 9:00. It's kind of ridiculous...we dance for 15-20 minutes and then there's a 15 minute break. Repeat.
Tennis
Saturday morning tennis... we won't mention the score of this game...
Cruise to the Bahamas
I was all set to go on that cruise with all those people I don't know. We were supposed to leave at 10:00am on Sunday (yesterday). Saturday morning I got a text from Tammy, the only person I really "know" who is going, whom I don't even actually know, saying "I can't go, can't find my birth certificate. Hope you can find a ride down there. Don't forget to book a hotel room for Sunday night as I've already canceled ours!" What?! She is the only person I remotely know so I had some thinking to do. First thing I did was call the travel agent and see if someone else could go in her place. Since it was less than 3 days before departure, that was not an option. I'm pretty independent, but I did not willingly sign up to go on a cruise by myself. So I decided I wasn't going to go. Then, later in the day Tammy texts me saying "Oh I can go now! I don't need my real birth certificate, I only need a copy. I re-booked the hotel room for us!" So I called her and said I was not going. She didn't really understand why, and then gave out my phone number to some more people I don't know who all called and encouraged me to still come. No, freaks. Besides, Hurricane Igor is romping around down there and I just felt it in my gut that I shouldn't go. I am NOT happy about the decision, but I figured if this woman is that much of a flake to have me frantically freaking out all morning, then only more examples of her/this would be popping up on the trip.
As a result, I have everything canceled for this week...Papa's Pantry, tutoring, ok I guess that's all I do in a week... I knew my mom was going on vacation this same week so I called her and asked her if I could join her. "No honey, you can't". Apparently she is in the same type of situation I was in where someone couldn't go at the last minute, so someone invited my mom but my mom only really knows one person going out of the whole group. She's like. "I hope they like me!" and I tried convincing her that if two of us go, the odds increase on them liking one of us but she wasn't buying it :)
Comcast
This whole time I've been living in this basement, I have had access to about 10 channels on the big TV and no channels on the tv in my bedroom. I didn't exactly mind...it took me back to the days of growing up without cable at Carol's house. I mean if the Home Shopping Network didn't switch over to cable, we still wouldn't have cable at mom's house. Apparently the home owners called a cable man to come out and help. I was just getting out of the shower when in walks the cable man and I am wearing nothing but a towel. I'm glad I was wearing the towel! I left while he was still there and upon returning all the lights were on, both tvs were on, and my door was slightly ajar to the apartment. Today, I tried to use the tv for the first time since he had been there and it is so blurry I can't see what the guide says. So now, I really have no access to any channels. Awesome!
Cystic Fibrosis
On Saturday night Ryan and I went and volunteered our time to help the day before a big race. First we stuffed bags with coupons, fliers, and information. Then we distributed bags and t-shirts to the race participants. We each got TWO free t-shirts and free spaghetti dinners! I love anything free, but FOOD and T-SHIRTS have to top my list. It was awesome!
Tutoring
One day last week I took my phone in and snuck a picture when I was alone. Here is a portrait of Ginny Lee and her brother Trey from many years ago:
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
The past couple days...
Computer
Since moving out of Stephanie and Jason's I have had severely limited access to a computer. Thus my apologies for a lack of postings. The good news is I should be getting my computer back and fixed in about a week. Yahooo! I am at their house right now doing laundry so I have time to blog!
*********************************************************************************
Square Dancing
Ryan was supposed to leave on Thursday night to spend Labor Day weekend in FL with his family. Luckily, they didn't end up leaving until Friday morning so he got the pleasure of accompanying me to a free square dancing lesson on Thursday night. When we got there, I didn't want to go in. If I had been by myself I would've turned around and gone back home. The parking lot was packed; Ryan made us go in anyway. It was actually a lot of fun! My favorite part is "Schwing your partner"... Halfway through there was a HUGE potluck buffet filled with the most goodies I've seen in a long time. And, it was free!!! There were two door prizes drawn, both for free lessons starting the following week, but neither of us won :( Everyone there kept asking us why we weren't married yet and I kept pretending like he wouldn't bite the bullet and propose already. "Do you see a ring on this hand? NO! Whatcha waiting for dear?"
*********************************************************************************
Labor Day Weekend
Kelly came and visited me this weekend. I picked her up on Friday at 9am. Ryan advised to me to get to the airport BEFORE rush hour started, so I was there 2.5 hours early. There were military men and women coming home from a deployment where everyone was waiting and it was a very emotional thing to witness. The whole crowd cheered every time someone in uniform came off the escalator, and then to see that person embrace his/her loved ones was over whelming. I almost started crying several times before I decided I needed to eat.
We came home and took naps, then showered, and went out for the night. We went to Pure in downtown Woodstock. The food was good but the live music they were playing on the rooftop deck was awesome. We sat in rocking chairs and listened to the music and chit-chatted.
On Saturday Kelly and I went to three different cities for festivals/fairs. We started in Woodstock for a farmers market and a flea market, then we went to Marietta town square where they were having Art in the Park. There were REALLY cool artists and artwork there. Check out the port-o-potties! Have you ever seen something so beautiful?
Since moving out of Stephanie and Jason's I have had severely limited access to a computer. Thus my apologies for a lack of postings. The good news is I should be getting my computer back and fixed in about a week. Yahooo! I am at their house right now doing laundry so I have time to blog!
*********************************************************************************
Square Dancing
Ryan was supposed to leave on Thursday night to spend Labor Day weekend in FL with his family. Luckily, they didn't end up leaving until Friday morning so he got the pleasure of accompanying me to a free square dancing lesson on Thursday night. When we got there, I didn't want to go in. If I had been by myself I would've turned around and gone back home. The parking lot was packed; Ryan made us go in anyway. It was actually a lot of fun! My favorite part is "Schwing your partner"... Halfway through there was a HUGE potluck buffet filled with the most goodies I've seen in a long time. And, it was free!!! There were two door prizes drawn, both for free lessons starting the following week, but neither of us won :( Everyone there kept asking us why we weren't married yet and I kept pretending like he wouldn't bite the bullet and propose already. "Do you see a ring on this hand? NO! Whatcha waiting for dear?"
*********************************************************************************
Labor Day Weekend
Kelly came and visited me this weekend. I picked her up on Friday at 9am. Ryan advised to me to get to the airport BEFORE rush hour started, so I was there 2.5 hours early. There were military men and women coming home from a deployment where everyone was waiting and it was a very emotional thing to witness. The whole crowd cheered every time someone in uniform came off the escalator, and then to see that person embrace his/her loved ones was over whelming. I almost started crying several times before I decided I needed to eat.
We came home and took naps, then showered, and went out for the night. We went to Pure in downtown Woodstock. The food was good but the live music they were playing on the rooftop deck was awesome. We sat in rocking chairs and listened to the music and chit-chatted.
Later that night we strolled through the little shops in downtown Woodstock.
Then we went to Karaoke with the 575 Singles Meet Up Group. That is where I was doing the cha cha slide (see earlier post).
On Saturday Kelly and I went to three different cities for festivals/fairs. We started in Woodstock for a farmers market and a flea market, then we went to Marietta town square where they were having Art in the Park. There were REALLY cool artists and artwork there. Check out the port-o-potties! Have you ever seen something so beautiful?
Then we ventured on to Homer GA and went to their holiday festival there. Homer happens to have a large outlet mall so we hit that up real quick too. We didn't end up getting home until 8:00pm so we just ordered a pizza and watched tv.
Sunday we got up to go out to eat and when we arrived at my car, the tire was flat AGAIN. This same tire has been flat three times now since I've been to GA. I called Jason to come put on my spare. He was not too happy, and in fact, said that this is the last time he will put on my spare.
So Kelly and I went out to eat, and then tried to hit up the pool but we only got about an hour left of sunlight before it set. That night we went to Stone Mountain GA to see a laser show and extended fireworks display. There were so many people there it was ridiculous. We finally found a good spot, we got to enjoy it for all of 10 minutes, and then a huge crowd of late arrivers stood right in front of us so we couldn't see anything. So, we left. We stayed up all night until it was 3:00am and time to take Kelly back to the airport.
*********************************************************************************
Tutoring
I started tutoring today. I drove to Sandy Springs GA and went into this crazy mansion. There was a gated entrance into their driveway. The kind in movies of celebrities houses where you have to state your name at the gate to get buzzed in. AND, there was a driver already at the house waiting to take the husband somewhere. The mom's rock on her hand was so big I don't know how she lifted it. Three dogs.
The girl was very pleasant and sociable. It's fun to work with a kid who wants to learn. I forgot how that felt. She does all her schooling online so I reviewed some language arts things she was working on prior to my arrival. Then we planned ahead for some upcoming science assignments she'll have. Then we did some math. I went over some math she had already done and most of it was correct, but not all of it. Then we did a new lesson: absolute value. I will now be tutoring there on Mon, Tues, and Thurs from 2-4pm, and Wednesday nights from 8-10pm. The program she utilizes is pretty neat. Like her science lesson had a link to a specific article on National Geographic that she had to read and then summarize. Her mom is required to go out a buy one of two movies (students choice) for history. Very interactive, up to date, and student chosen activities.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
5 weeks in GA
Wednesday
Papa's Pantry changed my shift from 1-3 to 11-1 for today. Don't they know I don't get up that early? I actually had 3 appointments today at Papa's Pantry. Everyone is very hesitant to take all the food they want. I am constantly encouraging people to take more food. The last lady I helped today had the most disgusting, dirty, stinky, filled with clothes, garbage, food, etc. car. I almost couldn't load the groceries into it because it smelled so bad :(
That night I went to a comedy club (The PunchLine) with Ryan in Roswell. There was an hour of up and coming comedians....it was open mic night. And then there were two openers and the headliner. I always feel like comedians who are struggling to get their foot in the door are way funnier than already established comics.
Thursday
I get a text from Seumus saying, "So is it uncouth to ask for some feedback? I get the sense that you aren't all that interested.... I'd rather be wrong because I enjoy your company: you are fun, witty, engaging, sexy and smart, but I'm right, well, that's ok too..."
Is it ok to say "Your car is so filthy that I would never step into it again, much less let our future babies"? And "that makes me see what you value in your life and it is not cleanliness nor making a peaceful and relaxing home environment," and "I'm allergic to cats, so they'd have to go."? Or, "it freaks me out that you told me a story about how one time you got pulled over for a DUI but refused the breath-a-lyzer and instead starting doing yoga poses to prove you were sober, even though you were self admittedly wasted"? Who does that??!?!?!
Friday
There was a dance lesson posted through the Cherokee County Social Adventures meetup group that I'm in. Keith and I went on a second date to that. We went to a Mexican place for dinner first, and then went to Canton GA for a ballroom dance lesson. The lesson was a group lesson from 7:30-8:30, and then from 8:30-10:30 there is a "dance party" in which you can practice the moves you just learned. We spent 45 minutes learning the fox trot, and then 15 minutes learning the swing. He was a good dance partner, but I will not be dating him any longer. He's just kind of too goofy and nerdy, in a nice way, but not in an "I want you to be my future husband" way. The men are dropping like flies!
Saturday
Ryan came with me to look at some apartments I want to rent in Mountain Park and Marietta. It's not really working out living with Stephanie and Jason. I'd like to SAVE the friendship, not RUIN it, so I feel it's best for me to move out. Maybe I'll explain in more detail why on some future post. Then Ryan and I went to Acworth for dinner. We went to some Cajun place named "Henry's" that he's always wanted to try. The food was AWESOME! And Henry himself walks around wearing old school hammer pants and gives all the ladies and kids mardi gras beads to wear. There were also a few little shops we walked around in and of course there was a train that we had to get our picture on. See facebook for photo. On the way home I saw this gigantic spider on a roof and had to pull over to get that photo. Again, see facebook for photos.
Sunday
Today I finalized plans to move out. I will be moving in to a basement here in Woodstock. Private entrance and exit, fully furnished with high end quality items: black leather couches, 65" TV, full bar, and designer pool table. Not that I need all that stuff, but I do need a place to myself. After living in CT and now GA with roommates, I REALLY value alone time. When I first lived in South Bend by myself, I hate hate hate hate hated it. Now I crave living by myself! So I'm moving out on September first. The people who live in the house are from Pakistan. They live in this upscale neighborhood, in this ridiculously nice house. There's a Hummer in the driveway... They will take me on a month to month basis, because if the son's girlfriend kicks him out, he will need to move back in to the basement, says his mom. HA! That's awesome for me, because I don't know how long I'll be in GA, but I do know that I'm not ready to leave yet.
Papa's Pantry changed my shift from 1-3 to 11-1 for today. Don't they know I don't get up that early? I actually had 3 appointments today at Papa's Pantry. Everyone is very hesitant to take all the food they want. I am constantly encouraging people to take more food. The last lady I helped today had the most disgusting, dirty, stinky, filled with clothes, garbage, food, etc. car. I almost couldn't load the groceries into it because it smelled so bad :(
That night I went to a comedy club (The PunchLine) with Ryan in Roswell. There was an hour of up and coming comedians....it was open mic night. And then there were two openers and the headliner. I always feel like comedians who are struggling to get their foot in the door are way funnier than already established comics.
Thursday
I get a text from Seumus saying, "So is it uncouth to ask for some feedback? I get the sense that you aren't all that interested.... I'd rather be wrong because I enjoy your company: you are fun, witty, engaging, sexy and smart, but I'm right, well, that's ok too..."
Is it ok to say "Your car is so filthy that I would never step into it again, much less let our future babies"? And "that makes me see what you value in your life and it is not cleanliness nor making a peaceful and relaxing home environment," and "I'm allergic to cats, so they'd have to go."? Or, "it freaks me out that you told me a story about how one time you got pulled over for a DUI but refused the breath-a-lyzer and instead starting doing yoga poses to prove you were sober, even though you were self admittedly wasted"? Who does that??!?!?!
Friday
There was a dance lesson posted through the Cherokee County Social Adventures meetup group that I'm in. Keith and I went on a second date to that. We went to a Mexican place for dinner first, and then went to Canton GA for a ballroom dance lesson. The lesson was a group lesson from 7:30-8:30, and then from 8:30-10:30 there is a "dance party" in which you can practice the moves you just learned. We spent 45 minutes learning the fox trot, and then 15 minutes learning the swing. He was a good dance partner, but I will not be dating him any longer. He's just kind of too goofy and nerdy, in a nice way, but not in an "I want you to be my future husband" way. The men are dropping like flies!
Saturday
Ryan came with me to look at some apartments I want to rent in Mountain Park and Marietta. It's not really working out living with Stephanie and Jason. I'd like to SAVE the friendship, not RUIN it, so I feel it's best for me to move out. Maybe I'll explain in more detail why on some future post. Then Ryan and I went to Acworth for dinner. We went to some Cajun place named "Henry's" that he's always wanted to try. The food was AWESOME! And Henry himself walks around wearing old school hammer pants and gives all the ladies and kids mardi gras beads to wear. There were also a few little shops we walked around in and of course there was a train that we had to get our picture on. See facebook for photo. On the way home I saw this gigantic spider on a roof and had to pull over to get that photo. Again, see facebook for photos.
Sunday
Today I finalized plans to move out. I will be moving in to a basement here in Woodstock. Private entrance and exit, fully furnished with high end quality items: black leather couches, 65" TV, full bar, and designer pool table. Not that I need all that stuff, but I do need a place to myself. After living in CT and now GA with roommates, I REALLY value alone time. When I first lived in South Bend by myself, I hate hate hate hate hated it. Now I crave living by myself! So I'm moving out on September first. The people who live in the house are from Pakistan. They live in this upscale neighborhood, in this ridiculously nice house. There's a Hummer in the driveway... They will take me on a month to month basis, because if the son's girlfriend kicks him out, he will need to move back in to the basement, says his mom. HA! That's awesome for me, because I don't know how long I'll be in GA, but I do know that I'm not ready to leave yet.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Trip from CT to GA
On the trip from CT to GA I made a stop in Easton, PA to go to the Crayola Crayon Factory. Easton is a super cute old fashioned yet modern city. There were a ton of tents set up on the circle of the city where vendors were selling everything from jewelry to farmers market foods.
At the Crayola Crayon Factory I learned a few things:
Crayola has come around over the years to be culturally sensitive to people of all skin colors, which I LOVE! (now only if Band-Aids would catch up... ever seen a Band-Aid that's flesh colored for a black person? Didn't think so...)
I got to see the WORLD'S LARGEST CRAYON!
And, I made a new friend!
After Easton, PA I drove to Hershey, PA to go to Chocolate World. Chocolate World is on a property which also contains an amusement park that I did not go to.
 |
| Millions of KISSES! |
After leaving Hershey I went to Shippensberg, PA to go to Tiny Town. Shippensberg is a very small, very rural farming community. Tiny Town is in some guy's back yard. You can tell that at one time it was very well cared for, but has been neglected for a while now. I almost felt invasive getting out of my car, walking on some guy's private property, and taking pictures of his "tiny town". It is just a series of miniature buildings, similar to doll houses but a little bigger, and even the insides of the building are (were) decorated with detail.
 |
| View to the right of the yard |
 |
| The School House - with Boys and Girls Outhouses |
 |
| Detail inside the school building - desks arranged in rows with names and picture on them |
 |
| Railroad Station |
 |
| View of the left hand side of the yard |
It was an odd little place with an entrance that read "Look, but don't touch. Donations". I left $2 in the little drop box and left. I drove another hour or so to Stranton (?) VA and stayed the night at a Comfort Inn. The only rooms they had left were smoking, which I wouldn't have preferred, but the continental breakfast the following morning made up for it!!!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Last words about CT
On Saturday I left CT. Reasons why I left CT:
1. Bridgeport, CT is a very poor area that includes numerous tenements, housing projects, rundown buildings and businesses, and people out on the streets at all hours of the night. I did not feel safe driving after dark, or walking during the daylight.
2. The house was sweltering hot all at times.
3. The two bathrooms are connected to Sam and John’s bedrooms, respectively, and for that reason I felt like I had no privacy. Especially when coming home after everyone else is in bed….did I want to pee 3 feet from John’s head? Or 6 feet from Sam’s? Michael says he wouldn’t be surprised if John had cameras in his. Sam’s bathroom is under construction – no ceiling, no floor, no sinks, no lights, no tub.
4. Creepo John would hover at all times. I was finding myself getting out of the house before John came home from work and coming in late enough so that he’d already be in bed.
5. I’m used to living by myself, and having to talk and be around people at various times is not ideal.
6. I broke some rules…I was supposed to lock the house doors at all times, even when I was in it! Nothing could be left on the counter tops so each day I carried my coffee maker down 3 flights of stairs and back up the three flights of stairs.
7. I got accused (by both Judy and Sam on separate occasions) of giving the dog beans that he threw up.
8. I was on a totally different schedule than everyone else living in the house. They were all in bed by 10:00pm or so and I was coming home or in and out of the house way after that. I felt like I was waking everyone up and constantly walking on eggs shells.
9. When I was home, I felt like I had to be confined to the attic and we all know the luxurious conditions of that.
10. I was constantly juggling multiple balls at once and could not do it anymore. It did not feel like home, it was uncomfortable at all times, and I was uncomfortable at all times.
1. Bridgeport, CT is a very poor area that includes numerous tenements, housing projects, rundown buildings and businesses, and people out on the streets at all hours of the night. I did not feel safe driving after dark, or walking during the daylight.
2. The house was sweltering hot all at times.
3. The two bathrooms are connected to Sam and John’s bedrooms, respectively, and for that reason I felt like I had no privacy. Especially when coming home after everyone else is in bed….did I want to pee 3 feet from John’s head? Or 6 feet from Sam’s? Michael says he wouldn’t be surprised if John had cameras in his. Sam’s bathroom is under construction – no ceiling, no floor, no sinks, no lights, no tub.
4. Creepo John would hover at all times. I was finding myself getting out of the house before John came home from work and coming in late enough so that he’d already be in bed.
5. I’m used to living by myself, and having to talk and be around people at various times is not ideal.
6. I broke some rules…I was supposed to lock the house doors at all times, even when I was in it! Nothing could be left on the counter tops so each day I carried my coffee maker down 3 flights of stairs and back up the three flights of stairs.
7. I got accused (by both Judy and Sam on separate occasions) of giving the dog beans that he threw up.
8. I was on a totally different schedule than everyone else living in the house. They were all in bed by 10:00pm or so and I was coming home or in and out of the house way after that. I felt like I was waking everyone up and constantly walking on eggs shells.
9. When I was home, I felt like I had to be confined to the attic and we all know the luxurious conditions of that.
10. I was constantly juggling multiple balls at once and could not do it anymore. It did not feel like home, it was uncomfortable at all times, and I was uncomfortable at all times.
Before I left I got a picture with Sam, Judy, and Shawny so y'all could see what they look like. They're quite eccentric!
Another fun thing I'd like to show you is the difference in stair cases between the main house and the maid/slave staircase. Can you tell which is which? The width of the maroon painted staircase is about 6 inches wider than my hips (3 inches on each side).
Michael and Me: Farewell Photo
**************************
The night before I left CT (Friday night) I had another date with a different guy from eH. This guy is "so concrete sequential" that when he makes a to-do list, the first thing he puts on it is "make list". Anyway, we went to this restaurant called V in Westport, CT and they had the cutest, fattest, shortest, bottle of ketchup I've ever seen! The pitcher of water probably distorts how small this bottle of ketchup is, but look at it compared to the crayon!
When I tell my date how fascinated I am by the bottle (and then promptly whip out my camera...) he tells me to steal it. I am appalled at this and tell him NO WAY! Then he suggests that I ask the waitress if I can have it. I tell him he is crazy if he thinks the waitress is going to give me permission to steal the bottle of ketchup. Next thing I know, the waitress sees me taking the ketchup bottle's picture, comes over and asks me what I'm doing. When I tell her they don't have ketchup bottles like that in Indiana, she asks me if I want it. WHAT?! Is this really happening? #1 I hate being wrong, and #2 I am elated at the possibility of getting this ketchup bottle. Then she says, "Better yet, I'll go get you a brand new bottle from the back". The entire time now she's joking on me and asking if I've ever seen a bottle of Grey Poupon, if I want a couple bottles to give away for souvenirs, etc. It was, by far, the highlight of my date =)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)