Haulin' Assets

FYI

2010-11-21T20:17:00.001-05:00

If there is anyone out there who happens to keep up with me through this blog, I thought I would let you know that I'm probably not going to post much on here anymore. I will do most of my posting here:

Great Hands Designs

And I have two new posts as of today, Sunday, November 21, 2010, if you are interested. Thanks.

I'm on ETSY!

2010-10-14T19:44:00.003-04:00

Well, I've got my ETSY shop up and running. Not much in there now but I'm working on it. Check it out:

GreatHandsDesigns

Halloween card

2010-09-23T23:25:00.007-04:00

Was playing around on the computer over the last few days and I made this little guy:

I also made him into a printable card if you are so inclined (it's a .pdf file):

Have a good one,

Jana

Don't forget to head over to Lettering Delights for the last few days of their dollar sale. Oh, how I wish I had "extra" money....

A Semi-Real Post!

2010-09-19T16:38:00.017-04:00

Hmmm, what's really been going on in life? Well, still emotionally a basket case most days but thankfully I have wonderful friends here that help me through. And because I've pretty much not done anything fun and outdoorsy in a while, Kevin and I took a trip to Falls Lake last week which is pretty much just out our front door. It was a cloudy, rainy and cool day but it was beautiful to me. I set up my lawn chair in the lake, took off my shoes, grabbed my book then sat on my chair in the lake soaking my feet and reading my book in the rain. It was wonderful. I couldn't believe how refreshed I was feeling just moments after getting there. It certainly made me miss my family and the opportunity to go to the lake with them this past June. Hopefully our situation will be better next year and I can go. As the weather cools off I am making it a point to get outside for at least 30 minutes a day. I had forgotten how much sunshine really helps the soul. I'm also hoping to try my hand at kayaking in the next couple weeks. I convinced one of my girlfriends to go with me so now our only obstacle is coordinating our schedules - not an easy feat. I'm so stoked!

Also had a few birthdays pop up within the last month or so and thought I'd share my cards with you all. I don't know how interested anyone is in them but I have fun. And speaking of cards and interest in them... I have been thinking about selling some of my handmade greeting cards. How interested are people in buying them? Would people buy them? I need to get a little more practice under my belt - I feel a little rusty - but assuming I turn out a good product surely there would be someone out there who'd be interested. Right? What are your thoughts on the matter? Are any of these cards even up to what people are looking for? Please be honest in your feedback. It's what will help lead me in the right direction (or what I believe to be the right direction anyway). And is anyone else feeling déjà vu? I feel like I've asked you all this question before. I still value your feedback/ideas/comments/etc.

I had another stamping date with my girlfriend Grace. She had a sample card that looked similar to this but in pink and purple which was cute but I was inspired to go grey and yellow. I like this color combo.

Again my friend Grace comes through with her Stampin' Up supplies. She showed me how to use embossing powder and a heat gun which, in this instance, gives dimension and texture to the green parts of the tree.

This was made for my sugar junkie friend Jo Ann. If you are ever in need of a little something sweet to eat, just look her up.

I actually made a birthday card last month using this chandelier and decided I liked it so much I'd use it again. Here's the card I made for my dear, sweet and terribly funny friend Jean. Of course a girl's gotta have glitter!

Then last but certainly not least I was missing my girl (my niece Alexis) pretty badly so I thought I'd send her a card letting her know. She is the sunshine of my life - my sweet, sweet, funny girl.

Hope all is well in your neck of the woods. And thanks in advance for any feedback you can give. Love to all!

Shameless Plug - Don't forget about the fab sale at Lettering Delights still going on this month. They have super fun stuff there and tons of inspiration. Have a look-see.
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What Luck

2010-09-05T15:15:00.005-04:00

So I was going through my Google Reader today and was reading posts from Amy Sumrall - you know, the digital scrapping designer about whom I've blogged before - when I came across a post about a blog called The Vintage Sheet Blog . Well, Miss Amy happened to mention that the Vintage Sheet blog is having a fab giveaway so you know I had to check it out. Turns out they *are* having a fab giveaway. Three lucky people can win some awesome Moda fabric. Check it out for a chance to win (although I can't say I'll be heart broken if you don't - less competition for me *wink*):

http://vintagesheets.blogspot.com/

Dollar Days

2010-08-29T13:01:00.001-04:00

Hey everybody. It's one of my favorite times of the year - Dollar Days at Lettering Delights. They always have such cute stuff. Check it out!

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Cards

2010-08-05T15:38:00.014-04:00

So, as you may have noticed, I don't really keep up very well with this blog anymore. I just didn't have much to say. I still don't so I'm just going to share some cards I've made over the last year. I haven't felt very inspired or motivated so there's not much to see but here they are:

Father's Day 2009 - These cards were made for my Grandpa, Pap, Dad and Father-in-law. I apparently only took one pic of the card for the dads but if I remember correctly, they were basically identical.

Someone's birthday 2009. How sad is it that I can't remember who this card was for? I guess it's not too bad. I really don't like this card at all. I apologize if you are the one to whom I sent it.

Father's Day 2011 - Shhh! Don't the the dads! I made these cards this year but didn't finish them in time to send them out. Hopefully I'll remember where I put them so I can send them out next year.

One day one of my friends and I were talking about the 1950s and '60s which inspired me to make this card for him:

I still have to finish the interior of this card but I plan on giving it to my good buddy Jill from work. She's really awesome. And my awesome friend Grace gave me the supplies to make it. My NC friends *totally* rock!

Hope all is well in your world!

Ciao,

Eliminate the R-Word

2010-02-10T19:16:00.001-05:00

New Year's Day 2010

2010-01-01T12:24:00.010-05:00

Just wanting to take a moment to wish everyone a

May 2010 hold many wonderful things for each and every one of you.

Dollhouse

2009-10-11T14:03:00.005-04:00

Just a quick post today. I know I haven't written anything lately but life has sucked so no need to share the badness that has been my life. On better news, the hubby wrote an article about the television show Dollhouse which airs Fridays on Fox at 9pm/8pm central. The star of the show, Eliza Dushku (from tv show Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the movie True Lies which stars Arnold Shwarzenneger and Jamie Lee Curtis) has read it and called it the "best geek defense essay ever." I thought it would be fun to share with you so here's the link:

http://geekbuffet.wordpress.com/2009/10/10/dollhouse/

Happy Reading,

That's-a Nice-a Pizza!

2009-06-12T19:52:00.004-04:00

So, we have discovered Randy's pizza here in town and we LOVE it. It's NY style pizza and so de-lish. So good, in fact, we ate it two days in a row. Here's day two - ham & pineapple. Look at the size of that thing! It's almost the same size as my stove top. Awesome.

Awesome

2009-05-28T08:43:00.002-04:00

So, over the past week Kevin has been to the doctor twice and even has another appointment tomorrow. We have discovered he has severe allergies, migraine headaches and possibly the lethal Rocky Mountain spotted fever. How awesome is that? I almost feel like the poor guy can't possibly have anything else wrong with him because he's suffering through it all along with even more stress and tension from this last semester. I don't understand how he doesn't break. The good news is that even though he has the fever, headache, exhaustion, etc. associated with the RMSF, he does not have a rash so we doubt he'll be dying from that any time soon. I hope especially for his sake that he can keep himself together long enough to make it through the next few years so we can move to a better environment for him. Keep sending positive vibes his way.

On another note, going house hunting today and hope something turns up.

Here's the Buzz

2009-05-03T23:42:00.003-04:00

So, I found a website somewhere on the world wide internets that lets me test products for free as long as I give my honest feedback about the product and if I tell others about said product. Well, here's my telling you. For the last month I have been evaluating the Glade Sense & Spray - it's an air freshener device with a motion sensor on it. While I found that the scent was too strong and the thing went off periodically for no reason, it pretty much did what was claimed it would. I had mine in the bathroom and I found the scent to be too over powering for such a small room - we used the clean linen scent. It went off every time Kevin went into the room but I can't say the same was true for me. I did have it on a shelf that was a little higher up than I am so that could be the issue but it also went off when no one was in the room so I don't get it. Anyway, if you'd like to try the product, the first five people who respond can have a coupon (expires August 31, 2009) for $4.00 off any Glade Sense & Spray holder. Just post a comment here with your e-mail address or a way to contact you and I'll get that to you ASAP.

That's my spiel for today. I'll be back eventually with a 'real' post about what's been going on in Durham.

Oh! Also THANK YOU for all of those of you who went to Subway recently in support of Chuck. There's a rumor that it will be renewed for another season (YAY YAY YAY!!!!) but who knows beyond that. So guess what people?! You are all getting Chuck DVDs for Christmas but Christmas is coming early this year so you all can get hooked and watch next season so that Chuck's ratings keep going up. I have to say I don't know that I've ever liked a show as much as I like Chuck. I hope you all fall for him too.

Okay. Enough. Have a great week. See you on the flip side!

new buzz agent - find out more here: bzzagent.com

Stay in the car, Chuck!

2009-04-27T01:08:00.007-04:00

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE help us save the NBC show Chuck. All you have to do is visit a Subway restaurant on Monday 4/27/2009. If you haven't seen an episode yet, you are really missing out - it is funny, witty, and action packed. Now, I do have a major crush on Chuck so that makes it even easier to watch but you can check out Hulu and watch any of several episodes from the current (second) season if you'd like to see what all the hype is about. And please spread the word. Thank you all in advance for your support.

L.A. Times article

Pictures of Zachary Levi aka Chuck Bartowski (isn't he the cutest?):

Vive Chuck!

Crafting Again

2009-04-23T00:39:00.006-04:00

Yay! I got to make something again today! Ü That makes me happy. And on top of it all, I had a borderline migraine so if I can be creative with a bad headache, then all is right in the world. Anyhoo, just thought I'd share. I can't take all the credit as I was inspired by this design that I came across on the Oh So Beautiful Paper blog (and that author apparently got the info from here: source author/creator)

and here's what I came up with:

designer credits

Can you tell what it is? I asked someone else what it looked like and they couldn't tell me right away and only knew what it was after I told them what it was supposed to be. Frustrating but good to know I should work on it more until I get it "right."

I'm heading to the beach tomorrow for my birthday. Yay! I couldn't ask for a better day - the sun, the beach, and warm weather. Perfect.

Have a good week all!

Been Creatin'

2009-04-15T23:41:00.000-04:00

So, today is Kevin's birthday and I always make him a card for every occasion (with the exception of this past Valentine's Day) so here's the card I made for him this year:

What I used and where to find it if you are interested:

The card was made using the striped paper from Lettering Delight's Gone Fishin' paper pack, I got the branch from a dingbat in their Woodsy collection, and the font is DB Kerri which can be found at Scrap N' Fonts until May 5th when it's gone for good. Oh, and of course the owl is from GreatHands Designs which is me! Ü I don't know if you can tell by the picture but the owl is adhered using pop dots (small circular adhesive 'pads' that help your item stick to your creation while lifting it up off the page slightly) to give it some dimension. The leaves are only adhered at the tips with glue and have been bent up and slightly folded in the middle also to give it some dimension. I also sponged the sides of all the leaves, tree branch, owl and sentiment banner.

It felt really good to finally make a paper card. It had been too long but I'm pretty happy with it even if the picture doesn't do it justice. And if you read the previous paragraph you would have seen that I made the owl myself (yes, I'm a bit proud). I've been working on him for a while (creating him in Photoshop) and making a kit around him (kit meaning coordinating papers and other elements that one could use for card making or scrapbooking or whatever you can think of). I think he's ultra cute and that's why I want to share him with you all. I'm still working on the other papers and things for his kit so I guess we'll just call him a tease. And who knows. Maybe I'll update him a little but here he is for now:

You can right click on the image and save it to your computer (it's a .png image)
or here's the 4shared link for you, too.

Another Random Post

2009-04-09T10:23:00.000-04:00

Hey, gang. I've been doing a lot more creating than writing lately (as you may have noticed) which leads me to the cause of this post. If you love fonts as much as I do (quite impossible, I'm sure), I found a couple new places on the web I want to share with you:

Kevin & Amanda's Fonts for Peas
Kevin & Amanda.com

There are TONS of other free sites out there, too:
1001fonts.com
1001freefonts.com
acidfonts.com
dafont.com
dingbatdepot.com
fontfreak.com
simplythebest.net/fonts
urbanfonts.co m

And then there are my two favorite pay sites:

Lettering Delights - They have TONS of cute stuff that can be used for all sorts of projects - I often wait until they have a dollar sale then stock up on their LD alphabets and journaling products. I used to print them and make greeting cards with their products but I find I'm using them more with digital scrapbooking now that I am learning how to do that. Your imagination is your only limitation!

**and if you sign up for their newsletter, you'll get some free stuff and I get a coupon so please tell them I sent you! (my e-mail address you'll need for the form: jana_burke@yahoo.com)

Scrap N Fonts - Again, they have TONS of fonts and doodlebats ("pictures"). I also wait until they have a sale to purchase and they *just* had one (ended Monday 4/6/09) but they will again in a few months - at least that's the way it has been the last few years I've been doing business with them. Right now, they have a special offer on some really cute CK fonts (Creating Keepsakes - very popular in the scrapping world). Scrap N' Fonts is apparently discontinuing their business with CK after May 5, 2009, so you'd better hurry if you don't want to miss out on their super cute stuff! Ü

Here are a few items I just purchased this week from Scrap N Fonts:

Happy Creating everybody!

BTW

2009-03-28T15:53:00.001-04:00

If you haven't seen it, check out ABC's show Castle. It's not as bad as the commercials made it out to seem - we really thought it was gonna be lame but we rather enjoy it. Now, we do have a thing for Nathan Fillion - we enjoy him very much on (the now cancelled Fox show) Firefly. Check them both out! Ü

Have a happy day!

Week Twelve

2009-03-28T11:37:00.000-04:00

February 15-21, 2009

So, let's just cut to the chase since it's been so long, shall we? I made a new recipe this week. With our large book purchase several weeks ago, I bought a cookbook by Bob Green (Oprah's foodie guy) and so I decided I would try a recipe. I picked his turkey chili recipe which actually wasn't too bad. It was a little more watery than I anticipated and a little bland but on the whole not bad. Even Kevin ate it. Oh, and it was supposed to make 4 servings and it made more like 10. I was eating that stuff for a week! But I was proud of myself for trying something new.

I was a winner again this week! I *love* Amy Sumrall and her generosity. She had another drawing for her This Little Piggy kit and she drew my name. I *love* it! And this kit is the one I used for the weather report this week. Isn't it so cute?

I had several migraines again this week but that's nothing new.

Went to a workshop on Saturday about being familiar with black culture, black sayings and how to be a better [caucasion] interpreter when interpreting for our customers. The workshop was okay. It didn't really teach me anything I hadn't already learned by growing up in St. Louis and working in a high school for 10 years. There was a funny story that the presenter shared with us but I don't know how much you all will appreciate it but I'll share anyway:

The presenter said he had been working with another [caucasion] intepreter who was captioning a video that was being signed by a black signer. After she was done captioning the video, she asked him to look over her work. He recalled one particular part of the video in which she captioned part of a conversation between a little girl and her mother.

White interpretation (paraphrased):

"My mother told me to go outside and get a branch off the tree so she could beat me with it."

Holy cow, woman! Really? This mother threatened to BEAT her kid with a TREE BRANCH??? This is why we need to integrate ourselves more with other cultures. Anyone who has had any experience with black culture (or really even southern culture in this instance) knows the translation should have sounded more like this:

"My mama hollered at me to go on outside and get myself a switch 'cause she was gonna whup me."

I was rather shocked once I heard the white woman's interpretation of the story. I just couldn't believe no one ever heard of a switch and the fact that someone was gonna get whupped with it.

After the workshop I was supposed to go to dinner and a show with some of the girls from work but none of them were at the workshop and I didn't have any contact information for any of them so I just went home. Had a bit of a migraine so that was okay, I guess.

Also, I finished reading The Kite Runner this week. I don't know how much any of you know about this book but I had a really hard time reading it due to its content. The book itself was excellent, very well written which made it very easy to read and hard to put down. I just had issues with some of the events that took place in the book mostly because it reminded me of some bad things that happened in my life. Again, I recommend reading this book but not if you are depressed or recently experienced a death of a family member or friend. The story will stay with you and if you are already sensitive, it will haunt you even longer.

Until next time...

Hello!

2009-03-19T10:40:00.000-04:00

Hello fellow readers! I just wanted you to know I haven't forgotten about you! I have been busy then I went on vacation and now my internet is acting up again so I don't know when I'll be able to post from my computer again. Anyway, Kevin came across this blog a while back and it makes me laugh and so I'm sharing some of the pictures from this blog. I hope they make you laugh as much as they made me laugh. I should warn you, though, if you do check out the blog, some of you may find some of the pictures there offensive and that's why I've brought you some of the more tame ones. And if you can't see a picture clearly, try clicking on it. That should help. :)

Happy viewing!

Mommy! Mommy! Can I have it?

I was wondering what I could do with all those extra body parts just lying around!

I love people who can't do math...(that's regular price if you didn't get that)

Is that really necessary?

How did they even DO that?!

Oh, well, I certainly would be impressed. Who wouldn't? ...?

I want to know how he got it over his shoulders.

Yes, killers, Nazis and psychopaths just scream "Happy Holidays" to me!

I didn't know Girl Scouts were for sale. Perhaps I could use one.

Seriously? Who thought this was a good idea? Gross.

Are people REALLY this stupid?

Again, really?

Oh! How very convenient!

Ugh. I guess I don't hold much hope for Kevin's education while in North Carolina...

They must have one of those backward dictionaries.

25 Random Things

2009-03-05T11:49:00.000-05:00

So, most of us know about this 25 random things list going around on Facebook. Well, I have been trying for at least a month to figure out what most of you do not know about me. It was difficult to think of 25 unknown things about me or my life but I have compiled a list for you. And because it was not done in a day, it will probably seem very random as there wasn't really a thought process behind each entry. I should warn you that some of the items are not pleasant memories at all. Please proceed with caution.

25 Random Things About My Life

1. While attempting to make a cardboard doll house, I sliced my left hand open with a utility knife deep enough I could see bone but I forced my sister not to tell my mom. I don't know how I hid it from her but I knew I didn't want to get into trouble for playing around on my dad's workbench. Oh, and I was like eight. Eh, maybe ten.

2. The older I get, the more scared of things I become.

3. While in the Bahamas snorkeling in the ocean, I was floating and backed up into something. I don't know what that something was - whether it was coral or an animal (of course I'm thinking shark!) - but since that day I'm terrified of swimming in the ocean.

4. I wish I had musical talent; I especially want to know how to play the piano and I also have a desire to play the violin and guitar.

5. I am a true believer that "Silence is Golden." I don't really talk much, I rarely have music or other noise on at home and rarely travel anywhere with the radio on. I once drove to Tennessee from Missouri and back (a 10 hour trip one way) with no extra audio stimulation--just the hum of the engine, the wind, and other noises that go along with driving. Oh, but don't SHHHsh people. That's just about as annoying as them talking!

6. I enjoy interpreting theatrical performances and other dramatic

presentations. If I can't be on Broadway, I'll be in front.

7. I think I liked to read until I *had* to read for school (other than Dick & Jane) but I am starting to get into books again.

8. I *hate* wimpy handshakes.

9. I love a good hug.

10. Ever since I was a young girl (possibly pre-teen), I've had a vivid dream about dying in a car accident.

11. Water and dental floss--never leave home without them. (unless it's Thanksgiving; for some reason that's the day I never have enough of either)

12. In public restrooms I always tear off the first few sheets of toilet paper and dispose of them before pulling off what I'm going to use. (One never knows if they've touched the floor and what the person before you was doing and how much of the roll they touched. ew.)

13. It still bothers me that one of my high school science teachers accused me of sleeping in class. I have *never* slept in class!

14. A few years ago I took a Tai Chi class and was doing quite well in it and the teacher really liked me (even asked me to lead the class once) but when it was time to take the final, my plantar fasciitis was so inflamed that I couldn't walk to the class and I ended up with a failing grade. I'm disappointed and frustrated with myself for not being able to get that "A" that I deserve and that the teacher wanted to give to me.

15. I was a candy tester when I was about 12 years old. My girlfriend who lived across the street asked me one day if I wanted to make some money. She took me to a house down the street and the lady said she wanted me to eat some candy and tell her how I liked it. I did that a few times but for some reason Katie and I stopped going to her house. Yes, I was taught "don't take candy from strangers" but I did it anyway. And she gave me money! Wow, mom, the more I remember and talk about my childhood the more I'm sorry I gave you so many reasons to worry. I obviously was not thinking!

16. About 12 years ago I was at my boyfriend's apartment putting away laundry when I heard a weakened cry. "Please don't kill me," she said. A few hours later the police department was calling my house asking to speak with me. Could I have saved her life? Was that what I was supposed to do? Why didn't I call the police? Was I sure that's what I heard? A haunting memory that is very difficult to live with.

17. There is nothing better than getting into a bed that has just been made with freshly laundered sheets. It might just be my very favorite thing!

18. I can still remember going to Schnucks grocery store off Lewis & Clark Blvd near my grandmother's house. My favorite memory of that Schnucks was the fluffy cheesecake they made that mom and I would share after a shopping trip. My least favorite memory is from the time I was sitting under the cart (they had the tall carts with the shallow but high baskets back then) and I guess I wasn't paying attention but I had my middle finger on my right hand near the wheel of the cart. We were stopped for a moment but once the cart was in motion, my finger managed to wedge itself between the metal of the cart and the wheel. I remember it hurting and my fingernail turning all shades of purple.

19. When I was in the 8th grade, I was in show choir (sing and dance simultaneously). The young man who was my dance partner decided, a few years later, to burn down the school.

20. In the 10th grade I was taking Geometry for my math class. I sat on the far side of the room, second seat. A very cute boy who was always nice to me sat in the first seat. His name was Robbie Angelbeck. At some point during the year, my friend took a gun, put it in his mouth and pulled the trigger.

21. Mostly I'm friendly on the outside but I find it very hard to make friends.

22. One of my favorite treats in life is Cadbury Mini Eggs. I'm disappointed that they are only available at Easter time but I guess that's why they are a treat. :)

23. I absolutely LOVE to laugh.

24. I hate sitting next to someone who sniffs all the time instead of blowing their nose. And don't get me started on the people who talk with their mouth full or smack their gum. Annoying!

25. I hate the idea of smoking and everything that comes with it--the smell, the pollution, the ashes, the way it permeates clothing (and furniture, etc). But one of the things that drives me most crazy is the cigarette butt especially when it is thrown out of a car window. I wish I was gutsy enough to get out of the car, pick it up and hand it back to the person that dropped it.

I hope that provides some insight to who I am. Have a nice weekend all.

Week 11

2009-03-02T22:17:00.000-05:00

February 8-14, 2009

This week I venutured out to get an oil change at Jiffy Lube which caused a myriad of emotion. The people there were SO friendly and SO very helpful. The manager noticed I was from out of state and was asking me questions about where I came from and why I was in Durham. She also said if I ever needed anything, anything at all, I could call on her or any of her staff at any time. I thought that was a really nice gesture. After that, I was sent into the waiting room only to be called back onto the floor moments later. Earl, th guy who was changing my oil, noticed that the spout into which the new oil would go was broken and had apparently been broken for some time (my guess is the punk from Firestone who did my MO inspection did it and didn't say anything). He and Mr. Roberts, another worker at JL, discussed with me what I should do. Earl actually cleaned off the broken piece and superglued it back on for me. Mr. Roberts said that I should be fine to drive it for a while but Earl suggested I get it fixed as soon as I can. Well, I have to wait until Kevin's car is NC legal so it'll still be a few weeks. So, yea for nice people and boo for dishonest ones.

I had another migraine this week which is never any fun but hanging out with friends is. We went to Mark & Dana's for dinner one evening and just talked. Mark can entertain anyone for hours with his stories.

I also think I got free shoes from DSW this week. A few weeks ago I ordered some shoes online because I had gift certificates that were going to expire. Well, I couldn't have that happen so I ordered several pair of shoes none of which ended up working for me. Kevin and I ventured to DSW one evening in order to return all of the shoes and hopefully find some kind of walking shoes that aren't going to kill my feet or my back. I don't even think it was a full minute before I found some Keds that I tried on. They had helped me before and I'm hoping they do again. We already had the shoes to return at the register so I walked up with three pairs of other shoes I was hoping worked. After about 35 minutes of working through the computer process for returning the shoes, the manager said my total was something like $15.00 for the three new shoes. Now, I don't have a master's degree in math but I'm pretty sure that's wrong. Kevin said, "I didn't know you had to be an accountant [to process returns here]." The manager gave me the receipt to look over and I can't really decipher what it says. I'll assume she knew what she was doing but I'm pretty sure I didn't pay for shoes that I came home with. Perhaps it was worked out with all the discounts and things. I'm really not sure.

So, Saturday was Valentine's Day and I worked from 3-9PM. I already discussed working that day with Kevin when I was picking out my schedule. We knew especially because it was a weekend we wouldn't be going anywhere special so he gave me the OK to work. Well, while I was out he did laundry, washed dishes and made tacos for dinner. He even made brownies for dessert. I wish every day was Valentine's Day! Thank you for doing that, Kevin. I really love it when you help out around the house especially since I haven't really had the desire to do much since I moved here.

On a side note, anyone out there watching the TV show Lie To Me? We rather enjoy it except now we are both analyzing ourselves and others in conversation. It's quite interesting.

Have a great week all!

At It Again

2009-02-27T18:46:00.001-05:00

I came across this picture yesterday when I was going through some old e-mail. This is my girlfriend's husband holding their new baby girl, Skye, just after they arrived in China to pick her up. Isn't she beautiful?

Have a great weekend, all!

(Again, this layout was made with the digital scrapbooking kit from Songbird Avenue, de-lovely, February 2009. It's too cute!)

Week Ten

2009-02-19T22:20:00.000-05:00

February 1st-7th

Ugh. I really need to be better about keeping up with this more regularly. I write notes to myself but that doesn't help someone with little to no memory recall events of things that happened two weeks ago. Almost three now. When will I learn?

So...Sunday was basically getting hyped up for the Superbowl. We went to our friend Allie's for a little party. We were excited because we were going to be watching the game on a larger television with an actual clear picture! She has cable, not rabbit ears like us! :) And we were really excited that the Cardinals were in the Superbowl. I don't care what anybody says, I like
Kurt Warner and I'm very happy that he had another opportunity to experience such an awesome event again. Now, I think the officiating stunk and I think he was robbed of some excellent opportunities. I don't know if the Cardinals would have won if the officiating had been more fair but I certainly wish they had the chance to try. It was a good game but frustrating for Cardinal fans. There were a few people at the party who were rooting for "the other team" and it made me upset. At one point our friend Dani ended up sitting next to me and she kept cheering and making comments about how well the Steelers were playing. I told Kevin that he'd better keep an eye on me because I just may get into my very first fight! Nah, not really, but I was annoyed that not everyone was rooting for the underdog. Pittsburg always wins everything. Them and New England. Stupid Patriots. Anyhoo, disappointed in the game but had a good time nonetheless.

For whatever reason I woke up cranky on Monday morning and that carried on throughout the day. I took Kevin to school that morning, went to work that afternoon and when I arrived home I found Kevin already at home and he had done laundry, washed dishes and made the bed. That made me very happy! We also got to watch House and 24 that evening which is always good. One thing that was NOT good was that I did not receive any new mail from the state of North Carolina. In this state, an interpreter can only work 20 days without a NC interpreting license. Well, apparently processing my papers was taking longer than expected or something because I was not licensed yet. A small part of me was happy about that (I had a legitimate reason to not be at work) but mostly I was frustrated because I sent in my paperwork in PLENTY of time for them to process everything.

Tuesday was "fashion model" day - I had order some clothes because somehow I was down to two pair of pants and two shirts that are suitable for work. It was really exciting when most of the clothes fit but what's more exciting is that most of them were on clearance! That's always a plus! Very exciting. Oh, and I didn't have to go to work today. Hoorah! This was shaping up to be an excellent day! Kevin doesn't have class on Tuesdays so he was home, too. He worked a little, I watched some episodes of Frasier and during dinner we watched Battlestar. A rather excellent day if I do say so myself. I did manage to hurt my knee at some point during the day but other than that, not a bad day at all. Oh, except I had to wash dishes. Pooey.

By Wednesday I managed to get myself a headache, achy body and sore throat. Kevin had class so I didn't have him to wait on me but that's okay. I mostly didn't do much but lie around in hopes of feeling better but I was not succeeding. I did manage to watch James and the Giant Peach and Chocolat (Juliet Binoche, Johnny Depp, 2000). To quote Kevin, "Thank goodness for iconoclasts!" It really was an excellent movie.

Monday evening I left a message for the gal at the NC interpreting office asking what the holdup was. I didn't get a reply so I sent an e-mail and called again asking what the problem was. Wednesday she sent me a reply stating they were still waiting for my transcripts. Wha??? I ordered them rush delivery WEEKS ago! So I called the school to figure out what the problem was and the gal there said they were delivered and signed for. As I was on the phone with school, the NC gal sent me an e-mail stating that she received the transcripts. Not knowing this, I immediately called NC explaining what was told to me. She mentioned the e-mail she just sent. Oh. Damn. I'm going to have to go to work tomorrow. And just as I was starting to feel poorly...

Speaking of that, Thursday I managed to make it to work but had to come home early. I had been interpreting a call but I was really not feeling well which was evident in my interpreting. Not only was I not on my game but I was only confusing the callers, not helping. That's when I knew it was time to go home. If you've made the situation worse, call it quits. I have to say that's the first time that's ever happened to me. Hopefully that's the last. Now, I'm not saying I had been a perfect interpreter up to that point. By far! But I can catch my mistakes and make the situation clear again and have the situation end successfully. Today was not one of those days. I managed to end the call and I think the callers were okay with what happened but I wasn't. I was going home. And I did. And I slept.

And that's about what I did on Friday, too. Slept and read. I finished Twilight.

I was still sick on Saturday but I like being sick on Saturdays because Saturdays always feel like old movie days to me. Mom, did we do that often when we were growing up? I'm not sure exactly why Saturdays feel that way to me. Either way I watched three movies today. In the Good Ol' Summertime (Judy Garland, 1949) was a fun little movie. I rather got a kick out of one of the lines: "I was making a good salary. Fifteen dollars a week." My, how things have changed. I also watched Bye, Bye Birdie (Janet Leigh, Dick Van Dyke, Ann-Margaret, 1963) which I mostly liked but the "Bye, Bye Birdie" song is really annoying. Of course, some of the songs are rather catchy which annoys Kevin which is fun. Here it is, just for you, honey:

We love you Conrad
Oh yes we do!
We love you Conrad
And we'll be true
When you're not near us
We're blue
Oh, Conrad, we love you!

And there are other songs that most of you are probably more familiar with like "Put on a Happy Face":

Grey skies are gonna clear up
Put on a happy face
Brush off the clouds and cheer up
Put on a happy face...

And let's not forget "Kids!" which I LOVE just because the lyrics are so true. I'm actually going to include quite a few lyrics so you can get where I'm coming from:

Kids!
I don't know what's wrong with these kids today!
Kids!
Who can understand anything they say?
Kids!
They a disobedient, disrespectful oafs!
Noisy, crazy, dirty, lazy, loafers!
While we're on the subject:
Kids!
You can talk and talk till your face is blue!
Kids!
But they still just do what they want to do!
Why can't they be like we were?
Perfect in every way?
What's the matter with kids today?
Kids!
I've tried to raise him the best I could
Kids!
Kids!
Laughing, singing, dancing, grinning, morons!
And while we're on the subject!
Kids!
They are just impossible to control!
Kids!
With their awful clothes and their rock an' roll!
Why can't they dance like we did?
What's wrong with Sammy Kaye?
What's the matter with kids today!

Too true....too true...

I also got to watch Shall We Dance (Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, 1937). I always love to watch them dance but this movie takes the cake. They danced in roller-skates! Amazing. Roller skating was big in my day - everyone was doing it - and doing amazing moves. I was always afraid to lift my foot just to go around the bend in the rink. Oh, and forget stopping. That's what walls were for! I was just amazed at their grace and skill AND they were wearing skates. Impressive.

Hope you all had a fabulous first week of February. One month down already. Can't believe it. Well, have a great week. Until next time!

Spinning Card

2009-02-19T12:28:00.000-05:00

Just came across this video in a blog. All of you card makers out there may want to try this. I know I do. I *really* need to get my house suitable for card making!

Enjoy the video: http://monicas-passions.blogspot.com/2008/04/are-you-spinning.html

My Nephew

2009-02-10T22:39:00.000-05:00

I'm still not feeling the greatest so I played on the computer a little bit today. I made a scrapbook layout with a picture of my nephew. I used this month's kit, De-love-ly, from Songbird Avenue. They have an amazing new kit every month and all of the profits go to whichever charity they pick for the month. It's pretty neat. And don't forget, these files can also be printed to use as paper projects as well. I love the digital world! :)

Without further ado, I give you my nephew:

Have a great rest of the week, everyone! :)

Please Vote

2009-02-06T11:12:00.001-05:00

I have two polls over on the right side of this blog. Please vote. It's anonymous so I won't know who votes what. I really do want to know your opinions. Thank you!

Week Nine

2009-02-05T20:24:00.000-05:00

Let me just apologize in advance for any non-coherence of the following post. I am ill right now and not making much sense.

January 25-31, 2009

Well, for the most part this is just another week where we watched tv and movies and that's about all we did for excitement; we're rather pathetic.

I had a migraine on Sunday so I didn't do much at all. Kevin didn't sleep well on Monday so he missed his AM class which cut in to my "me" time (which means "cleaning" time) but since I was still recovering from my migraine that was fine. I watched Charade (Cary Grant & Audry Hepburn) and Dance With Me Henry (Abbott & Costello) and then did some housework once Kevin was finally at school. And because Kevin missed some prime working time on Monday, I dropped him off at school on Tuesday before I went to work which actually rendered a little excitement. I took a new route to work. I actually like it better because I don't have to worry so much about stoplights but unless I'm taking him to class, it's out of my way. I am thankful, though, I have options. At work my brain was in a fog which made my shift difficult and my migraine was returning. During one of my breaks, one of my co-workers engaged in conversation with me. She asked me, "What do you like to do for fun?" And do you know I had a very hard time coming up with something to say? I told her in theory I like to scrapbook but I haven't been able to in a while. She asked what else I like to do and, honestly, I couldn't think of anything. I was going to blame it on my brain fog/migraine but I don't think that I can. What *DO* I like to do for fun? Am I really that boring? How sad.

Wednesday I still had a doozie of a headache but that didn't prevent me from reading my cousin Kellie's "25 Random Things" post on Facebook. One of her posts said she loves Little House on the Prairie. I absolutely cannot stand that show and I really think it links back to having to watch it growing up because my little sister, Karen, wanted to watch it. And at the moment I analyzed my feelings about the show, I realized that's probably why I love television so much now - because I am in control of what I watch. Well, if nothing else, Durham has been a place and time for reflectivity and self realization.

Thursday and Friday happened and then along came Saturday. Saturday was a very special day this week because I got to spend the day with one of my dear friends from St. Louis. My friend, Robin, and her husband came to North Carolina to visit their daughter who was performing in an opera this weekend in Winston-Salem. I was able to travel to Winston-Salem because it was only a little over an hour from Durham. Oh, how good it was to see a familiar face. We didn't do anything terribly exciting but it was the best day because I was with her and her family. We all met at the hotel then we ran errands the rest of the day. Robin and Jim were very gracious to me as they treated me to my first meal at an Indian restaurant called Nawab. It was good but just being with them was better. After lunch was more errands one of which meant seeing the apartment in which her daughter, Allison, would soon be moving. It was very nice. A little too nice. For the price we are paying for our one bedroom broken down house she is getting a nice three bedroom townhome. She has a nice sized kitchen and dining room. I don't even have a table at which to eat unless you count my desk as a table. And in her kitchen, she isn't going to have to use her washer and dryer as places to prepare food like I do. I'm so jealous. But I'm not moving to W-S as it would take me 2 hours to travel to work. It doesn't make my desire to move any less. Hopefully in the spring. After running several errands, Jim, Robin and I headed back to the hotel so they could change clothes because we were all going out to dinner with Allison's voice teacher and her husband and Allison's boyfriend and his parents. We went to a place called Noma which is in downtown Winston-Salem. It was good and the company was good. I really did enjoy myself. Everyone was having such a good time that most of them went to a local bar afterward but as it was getting late, I decided to head home. And may I say not a moment too soon. Once I sat down and let my brain relax, I realized just how tired I was. That hour drive home was rough but I made it. I got in the door at like 11:02PM, changed clothes and was in bed asleep by 11:05PM. Kevin tried to talk to me but I wasn't making any sense so I told him I'd tell him about my day another time. I think I was asleep before he left the room (which for him is about three steps). It was a very good time and I wished it could have gone on longer. I know that Allison is going to be in another opera in April so I'm looking forward to seeing the Chickering family again. :) Now, what's wrong with the rest of you? I'd love to see you all, too, ya know! Hopefully I'll be seeing my St. Louis peeps in May when I come to town for a wedding. It's going to be on Mother's Day. Not sure why they picked that day but they did so plan accordingly! Rachel, I'll be expecting cookies! *wink*

Love to you all!

Movies of the Week:

Books of the Week:
KEVIN

Week Eight

2009-02-04T22:54:00.000-05:00

January 18-24, 2009

So, we all know that our economy is in the tanker and I am really sorry that so many companies are going out of business but it does benefit me some. Kevin and I went to Walden Books which is another store going out of business in our mall. Kevin and I bought 42 new books at 4o-75% off cover price. Kevin got one hard cover book for 74 cents! I have to admit that I bought most of the books that day but you'd never know it looking at our living room. I'm going to have to buy another bookcase just to house the books we bought today. While at Walden Books, I came across some maps of North Carolina and the Durham area. Since I didn't get any for Christmas like I asked, I went ahead and picked them up.

Aside from shopping, Kevin and I watched some football today. We watched the Arizona Cardinals beat the Philadelphia Eagles. (Pittsburg also beat the Ravens today but I didn't watch that game.) I'm so excited for Kurt Warner! He's going to the Superbowl again! He seems like such a nice man and I like when good things happen to nice people. You can bet I'll be wearing my red on Superbowl Sunday to support the Cardinals. I was actually fortunate enough to see the team play when they were still in St. Louis playing at Busch Stadium. Good times.

Even though Monday was a holiday to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Kevin still had a class so I got up and took him to school. While he was gone I cleaned and while I was putting the slip cover on my couch (btw I *hate* slip covers!), I hurt my right knee. This is what I've gathered from my experience here in Durham: cleaning = bad! It seems every time I try to make my house more livable, I injure myself. Maybe I should stop trying. But cleaning the house is always a good opportunity to listen to the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack. Have you had the pleasure? I *love* it. I never tire of it. You should give it a try sometime. Along with Pirates, I listened to my newly acquired Bread CD and that was good. At least I got some things accomplished.

One thing I do want to mention about today happened after Kevin arrived home and after we watched House and 24. I left the television on after 24 and the news reporter said something about possible snow coming. I tuned in to see what else the weather reporter had to say: there was a chance of snow in the Triangle area. Not even five minutes later we saw what had to be the name of every last school in the area showing that they were closed or going to open at a later time. All for a chance of snow! I thought it was funny and it brought back memories of how just a year ago I drove 23 miles to school in an ice storm. I wonder if the state of NC would even know what to do with a situation like that.

Tuesday I awoke to a nice blanket of snow on the ground. That chance of snow actually produced six inches (and up to 8+ in other areas) of the fluffy stuff. I had the television on that morning and the news report said that the state had declared a state of emergency. All for six inches of snow! A state of emergency??? Maybe I'm crazy but I think that's hilarious! It's snow for cryin' out loud! Oy. And even though it was "dangerous" out, I managed to get to work just fine that afternoon. I noticed not very many people managed to make it in to work for their shifts. It appeared to be only non-Carolinians who ventured out which I found interesting. That afternoon I was working with people who really know snow--one from Ohio and the other from Maryland. We all found it ridiculous that people were all out of sorts today. Although, one of my sources told me that the roads in Wake County especially are iffy and that was the reason for all the cancellations. Still funny nonetheless.

And as you all know, today was inauguration day. And may I say, politics aside, congratulations to the people who have managed to overcome racial prejudice and vote for a black American to be the next leader of our country. I know we still have a LONG way to go but I'm proud of all who can see past the color of skin and instead see an eloquent, passionate man who has dreams and desires to change the country for the better.

As an aside, as I was searching for pictures of President Obama, one of the first three pictures that popped up was this picture of David Hasselhoff:

Ummm...what? What does that have to do with Presidnet Obama? I thought it was funny so I thought I'd share.

Wedneday was the day I amended the bookcase shortage in our home. We now have eight (8) bookcases in our living room and only 1 1/2 are housing any of my books. Now, that eight does not include the two free standing cabinets I have in my kitchen which are currently housing my obscene amount of cookbooks. We have issues and I'm not just talkin' periodicals.

Not much else to report today. As I was assembling the bookcase, I watched Alfred Hitchcock's Strangers on a Train which was good. (I'd never make it as a movie critic, would I?) Wednesday is Kevin's long day at school so while I was eating dinner alone, I watched Surf's Up.

Thursday and Friday didn't yeild much more than work. Kevin and I watched a little more Wonder Falls but that was about it.

Saturday felt like a curl-up-on-the-couch-and-watch-old-movies kind of day so that's what I did. The day was dreary and cold (that morning, anyway) so I went to my handy dandy Netflix and found An American in Paris which I absolutely adored. I guess anything with Gene Kelly in it is good in my book. If you've never seen it, after a short narration and various sites in Paris, the movie opens with Gene Kelly in a very tiny apartment getting ready to start his day. This is how it goes:

Jerry Mulligan (Gene Kelly) is lying in bed when he hears a knock on the door. From his bed he reaches up to open the door which only opens enough for the delivery person to shove in a bag with Jerry's breakfast inside. Jerry takes the bag, rolls over and stand up out of bed. He turns to his left where he grabs a rope and hoists the bed up toward the ceiling via a pulley system. He ties the rope, turns 180 degrees and walks under the bed as pushes one set of bed legs closed. From the bar of the second set of bed legs, he grabs a hand towel and flings it over his shoulder. He takes one step to his right and kicks open a collapsable table which is attached to the wall (it's more like half a table) and sets down his breakfast which is really the only thing that will fit on this table. He then turns to his left and with his left foot scoots a chair out of the way of a closet door. He opens the door and removes a small collapsable table which has a chair stacked on top of it, takes down the chair, puts it on the floor and opens the table. He turns back to his right and grabs a metal coffee pot and bowl from the top of a small dresser which is attached to the closet door. He places the coffee pot and bowl on the table, goes back to the closet and with his left hand opens the top dresser drawer and pulls out a brush at the same time with his right hand he grabs his shirt from inside the closet. He turns around and puts the brush on the table, shirt on the chair at the same time he closes the closet door with his foot.

There's a little more after that but my point is, his apartment is tiny. As I was watching this choreographed scene, I was thinking how much it reminded me of the dance Kevin and I have to do in our apartment. Granted, we have more room than he did but we still have to be cautious of our movements. I'm sure that scene helped make that movie more endearing to me.

After the movie, I went to the kitchen and fought with some spray foam. I bought it to spray into the kitchen cabinets where I think the mouse was getting in. Whoever designed the can must have been high on the fumes from the foam because all I did was struggle with it. I ended up with more on my hands than in the cracks, I think. I did what I could then took a break from the frustration. I went into the living room and watched Stir Crazy--a movie with Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor--while the foam on my hands dried. A few hours later Kevin and I ate dinner and finished the final episode of Wonder Falls.

I can't wait until the weather warms up and we can start doing fun things outdoors. I'm sure you are all sick of reading our movie and tv reports. Hopefully we'll soon get to see some things specific to Durham. Until then, have a great week!

(I have to give a shout out to Summer Driggs of Summertime Designs for making the cute (and free!) kit entitled Freedom with which I made this weeks weather reports. Thanks, Summer!)

Movies of the week:

Books of the week:
KEVIN

And for your viewing pleasure, you may watch Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech here via AmericanRhetoric.com. I have also included the speech below:

I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languished in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. And so we've come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.

In a sense we've come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the "unalienable Rights" of "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note, insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked "insufficient funds."

But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. And so, we've come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice.

We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of Now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.

It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. And those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. And there will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.

But there is something that I must say to my people, who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice: In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again, we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force.

The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. And they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom.

We cannot walk alone.

And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead.

We cannot turn back.

There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?" We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their self-hood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating: "For Whites Only." We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until "justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream."

I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. And some of you have come from areas where your quest -- quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive. Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed.

Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends.

And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of "interposition" and "nullification" -- one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today!

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; "and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together."

This is our hope, and this is the faith that I go back to the South with.

With this faith, we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

And this will be the day -- this will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning:

My country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.

Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim's pride,

From every mountainside, let freedom ring!

And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true.

And so let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire.

Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York.

Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania.

Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado.

Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California.

But not only that:

Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia.

Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee.

Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi.

From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual:

Free at last! Free at last!

Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!

Week Seven

2009-01-26T01:40:00.000-05:00

January 11-17, 2009

Sunday the 11th: Not much to report today I guess. Kevin and I made a run to the storage shed to bring back some more items to put in the apartment so now there are boxes everywhere again for us to trip over. We had to make sure, however, that the boxes did not block the view of the television because the new season of 24 started again. Two hours of Bauer. Jack Bauer, that is. If you haven't been watching 24, you are really missing out on a very intense, stressful show that you look forward to every single week. It's the fastest hour of television you'll ever watch. "If you're not watching 24, you don't know Jack!" And it was very good, as always. That show hooks you from the start. I love it. We love it. If I had nothing better to do and could control my not dreaming about it for days afterward, I would sit and watch all six seasons again. I have to say that season 4 is my favorite by far. During the whole season we kept referring to the bad guy as "the best bad guy ever." It was awesome. I watch too much tv...

Monday the 12th: I finally got to the court house today to get my fingerprinting done for my NC interpreting license. I also got my photo taken and all of my paperwork notarized. (Did you know that to have a paper notarized in NC you do not have to sign the banker's book? The gal looked at me like I was crazy when I asked if I needed to sign her book. Whatever.) I was however, quite cranky after spending four hours trying to arrange all of my paperwork and making sure I checked off all of the things on the list. I was actually in a decent mood before I had to interact with other cranky humans. Stupid humans. But I wasn't cranky for too long as there was another two-hour block of 24 that came on so that was good. After 24, Kevin and I played on our computers for a while and long about midnight we had a knock on the door. Kevin answered it and said, "hey, man!" so I thought something was up with our (duplex) neighbor, Ben. Alas, it was not Ben at this hour but another person who claimed to be our neighbor a few doors down. Apparently he locked his keys in his car. He came over to see if he could borrow money to pay the locksmith once he arrived and said he would pay us back later. He only needed $30 but I was uncomfortable with the whole situation and I think Kevin was, too, but he is a lot more trusting than I. And I had never seen this man before but it's not like I'm a very nosy neighbor (or even very observant) so I don't really know who my neighbors are. Long story short, we loaned this guy the money hoping that he was really telling the truth as well as hoping this would prevent a non-serious situation from becoming something more violent. In retrospect, Kevin thinks perhaps this guy was scoping out our stuff for future robbery. Never fear, we are protected by "alarm man"--the alarm system that's installed in our house. I'm just thankful that no one was hurt.

Tuesday the 13th: Today wasn't much, I had to work and I had what I'll call a mini-migraine--not quite as debilitating as a 'real' migraine but a lot worse than a regular ol' headache. Kevin ran errands while I was at work. Yes, we're terribly exciting people.

Wednesday the 14th: My mini-migraine decided to stick around another day which is always a good time. Thankfully I didn't have to work so I just took it easy during the morning. I was still disturbed by our encounter with the stranger--it really is not sitting well with me. I tried to take my mind off of it by getting on the computer. Somehow I managed to look at some family member blogs and became very sad and started to miss everyone. I then tried to take my mind
off of being sad by cleaning but it was just a feeling that was lingering today. I also received my heating and electric bills which were very similar in amount and almost as much as I used to pay to heat and electrify my house back in Missouri. My house! We live in a one bedroom duplex and it is costing me as much as my three bedroom house with basement. Ridiculous! That didn't improve my mood at all. Later that evening I decided I would watch a movie through Netflix. I decided on Bridge to Terabithia because it was going to be expiring from my queue soon. Bad idea. If you've never seen it and believe that you might and you do not want me to spoil any part of the movie for you, please stop reading now and move on to Thursday's post. Please forgive me for the crude synopsis I'm going to be giving.

**SPOILER ALERT** So, basically this movie is about a little boy who can't seem to do anything right by his family and is a loner at school. One day this new girl moves to town and she's friendly, creative and "weird." The boy and the girl soon befriend one another. Before long they are having daily magical adventures in the forest near their homes and it is through these times together that they become best of friends. One morning the boy's teacher calls his house and asks him to join her on a trip to a local museum. The kid is thrilled she has called (mostly because he has a crush on her) and after getting his mother's (half asleep) permission to go, he heads out with the teacher. They drive by the little girl's house and for a moment he looks at it. The teacher asks if anything's wrong, he says there is not and they ride to the museum. The two spend quite a long time at the museum and the boy is soaking up every moment there. Upon returning home, his parents are quite upset with him for not telling them where he was but thankful he has arrived home safely. Apparently there had been an accident while he was away. The little girl was swinging on a rope to cross over a large creek to get to the forest but the rope broke and the girl drowned. The boy does not believe the claim so he runs out to the creek and sees the broken rope. Still not wanting to accept what has happened, he runs into the forest crying out for her. Eventually his dad finds him and the boy breaks down crying in his father's arms.

So, basically, this was a cute movie until the little girl dies then it just felt like my heart was ripped from my chest. I guess I was especially vulnerable today but this movie really hurt. Most of you probably do not know but I lost a friend of mine to cystic fibrosis when I was younger; I believe I was in the third grade. My girlfriend's name was Cathy Wagner and we had some good times together. We played together at school and she lived on my street so I was even able to go to her house on occasion. And it was on a day that I was at her house that I realized she was really sick. I knew she always coughed a lot and she couldn't do a lot of things but that didn't stand in the way of our friendship. But at her house that day I walked into her bedroom and saw medical equipment. I wasn't sure what it was for but since it was in her room, I thought it had to be serious. Her mom happened to walk down the hall and saw me in her room. I remember her saying something to me but what it was, I wish I knew. I don't know how long it was after that day that I lost her but I still to this very day think of her. It still hurts me even after all this time. It was just a very bad day to watch this otherwise touching movie.**SPOILER ALERT END**

Thursday the 15th: Happy Birthday, Justin! Thought I'd get that shout out to the bro-in-law before I forget. So, let's see. Ah, yes. I got an e-mail from my mom today asking questions about 24 and naturally I started to write a book. I wanted to get my facts straight so I watched a couple episodes to help with my synopsis for mom. I also had my handy dandy husband to aid in my writing as well. I don't know how he keeps everything straight. Was that really the extent of the day? Sad.

Friday the 16th: Worked the closing shift at work today and it was good. I worked with a fun co-worker and had a good time. Yay for fun people!

Saturday the 17th: I decided I was still grossed out from our critter problem so I rewashed the dishes again then I made some gooey butter cookies that I was going to take to dinner at my cousin's house. Plans fell through and we didn't make it to his house but we still had cookies. That was bad because they were good. Later that afternoon I went into the pantry to see if there were any "presents" for me and I didn't see any right away. I moved an item on the bottom shelf and behind it was 'the mother load'--"presents" as far as the eye could see. It was disgusting. I had a bag of coconut sitting on this shelf along side some baking chocolate. I picked up the bag and noticed a decent sized hole in the bag. I decided it was a mouse that was visiting us so frequently. It still gives me the heeby geebies. Ick. I'd like to know how it got into my house so I can prevent that from happening again. Ewie ewie ew. But at least it has good taste.

I forgot to mention that we received a package from Kohl's the other day; I ordered some clothes for Kevin because some how he was down to only two pairs of pants. I was, too, so I added a few pairs of pants for me to try on as well. All in all for Kevin our fashion show was a success; he now has five more pairs of pants (I think) and two new shirts. The great thing about the shirts is that they were only $9.20 each! For a big and tall size, that's practically unheard of so we're really excited. And one of the pants was only a dollar. It was an excellent purchase for Kevin. As for me, I was not so lucky. I am going to have to take them all back to the store. Oh well. I guess we can't have it all.

I did, however, have some success at Circuit City. Kevin read a report that Circuit City was going out of business and they were discounting all of their merchandise. We have one not too far from here so we headed out to see what they had left if anything. I ended up purchasing four seasons of Frasier for all less than $50 (they are normally between $20-$30 a piece) and Bread's CD: Anthology for like six bucks. After our outing, we came home and tried to catch up on our TV shows. We watched Battlestar Galactica, 30 Rock, Big Bang Theory and How I Met Your Mother. To top it all off we watched an episode of Wonderfalls in bed then it was off to dreamland.

And on a more somber note, my great Aunt Ginna past away today. I hope she finds peace in her new home.

Books of the week:

KEVIN

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K Dick

JANA

Tales of Beedle the Bard by JK Rowling
Eldest by Christopher Paolini

Week Six

2009-01-18T19:03:00.000-05:00

January 4-10, 2009

Hello my fellow . My phone and internet service has been spotty this past week so I'm going to try to post everything today while it's cooperating.

It's been another rather ho-hum week in Durham but that was mostly due to limited mobility - I am still having problems with my back. On Monday Kevin and I watched N ational Trea sure 2 via Netflix but that was really about it. It was mostly just a day of more heating pad and hobbling. I did, however, find more droppings in my pantry so I cleaned them out and checked around the kitchen. There were also more droppings in the cabinet. I pulled out all the dishes and set them out to be rewashed. Again. Ew. Mind you, this is after we established an arsenal of bait and traps. Let's hope this is the last of it.

Tuesday wasn't really any more exciting. I went to work and upon returning home, Kevin had set up for me to watch. He's so cute. Wall-E, I mean. Well, I guess Kevin is, too, but don't tell him I said so! Eh, he'd never believe you anyway. I did think it was a sweet gesture, though.

On Wednesday as I was heading to work, I spotted another yellow Ranger. The first one I've seen anywhere since I've been here. In St. Louis on my way to work, I would see one every single morning going the opposite direction on the highway. Then, once they opened a Little Caesar's in Arnold, I found out that one of the workers there owned one. He was happy he could put a face with the truck but frustrated because he wanted his to be the only one in Arnold. He added some detailing on his and said he had more in store for his truck. I tried to put his mind at ease by telling him that I was moving out of the state but he said it didn't matter because he still knew of one other person with the same truck. Boys.

Thursday Kevin and I ventured out to the local DMV to get our state driver's license. I hated knowing that I had to take the written part of the exam and quite possibly the driving exam as well. It turns out, the people at the DMV were quite efficient and nice so the whole experience played out much more nicely than what I had envisioned. I passed the written test with flying colors and thankfully did not have to have my driving skills evaluated. I'm also thankful that the process wasn't as painful as anticipated. I do, however, think the license itself is cursed. Ever since I have received it, I have been driving like a mad woman. I do sincerely believe that what was left of my brain was attached to my MO license. It seems that my driving skills are worse than that of a new driver. I have been thinking of revoking my own license! I scare myself.

Friday I went to work and not much else, really.

Saturday my back felt well enough for me to try to clean again and I was successful except for having to break periodically. It was also the day I found out I was a winner! I love digital scrapbooking and making digital greetings (which can also be printed and made into a million other things!) and I'm always scouring the internet for downloads. I prefer that they are free but I have been known to buy a kit or two (or twelve...). There are so many amazingly talented people out there and many of them are so generous by offering free items periodically so I don't mind purchasing some of their products. Anyway, I have grown to love certain designers and Amy S umrall is one of them--she made the Russian Collection kit that I used to decorate this blog. I was reading Amy's blog one day and read her post stating she was going to hold a drawing to give away one of her older kits. I liked the color combinations and the retro feel of it so I left her a comment on her blog as per the rules of the drawing. Next thing you know I get a congratulatory e-mail from her and the files to download. Awesome! I don't normally win things but I was (am still!) thankful that I was the winner of her kit. It's so cute. I even used it for the weather report this week so I could show you some of the items in the kit and show you how cute it is. I'm still excited about it!

As for Kevin, besides starting back to school this week he's been a reading machine--he finished:

Eldest by Christopher Paolini (for the second time)

V for Vendetta by Alan Moore and David Llyod

I'm still working on Eldest and hope to have it read soon.

Oh! And please vote in my little poll I have at the top right of this page. I just want to know if you are all interested in my weather reports at all or if I'm just doing it for the fun of it. And do you like my latest posts with pictures or would you rather just read what I have to say? Trying to cater to my readers! Thanks.

Have a fabulous week everyone! I love you all!

Random Rant

2009-01-16T11:21:00.000-05:00

So, as you all have noticed, I have a small addiction--I like to change my blog. There's so much cute stuff out there and it's fun making things so that's how I spend my time - wasting it on frivolous things like changing my blog. As you also may have noticed, I'm having trouble uploading some of my pictures appropriately. For some reason Blogger doesn't like my .png images (the images that currently have white background should have a "see through" background). So forgive me for a while if this doesn't work properly or it goes all wonky. I'm just trying to figure out how to get my images on here appropriately. Grr.

Week Five

2009-01-15T13:11:00.000-05:00

December 28, 2008 to January 3, 2009

Hello again wonderful family and friends. I hope you made it through that last post all right. I apologize for the long-windedness of it; for some reason I just couldn't stop writing. Hopefully I'll be able to spare your eyeballs and brains this week.

28th--Sunday didn't really result in much which seems to be the standard on the days I have to go to work. I worked 4PM-10PM that evening and it was rather uneventful as usual. And that's just fine by me; I don't want to have stressful calls!

29th--Monday was somewhat more eventful but that does not necessarily mean it was good. I didn't have to work so I spent some of the day doing laundry and unpacking even more boxes and that was fine. I decided while I was folding clothes I would watch Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Have you seen that movie? It's a classic and with good reason. I really rather enjoyed it. It was a little awkward for me to watch Burl Ives portray a mean, commanding father since I have always seen him in Walt Disney-type movies singing songs more geared for children ("Little white duck sitting in the water, little white duck doing what he otter...) (and let's not forget "Have a holly, jolly Christmas...") but he was still good all the same. So I was watching the movie and folding clothes when all of the sudden I see some movement out of the corner of my eye. And what to my wandering eyes should appear but a gigantic cockroach which did cause me great fear. I immediately scanned the area for other insect relatives but did not notice any so I grabbed my shoe and, well, you can gather what happened next. It still sends shivers up my spine. You just don't know how large this creature was! Ick. After cleaning up the mess, I went back to folding clothes but with my senses heightened. I periodically (let's be honest, frequently) would glance around the room for other critters and about 10 minutes after the first incident I spotted another one. This time, however, it was crawling on the wall next to me. I cautiously stood up and caused this second bug to suffer the same fate as the first. At that point I designated myself night watchman and my shift started immediately. After the movie, I hesitantly decided to make my way into the kitchen for something to eat. I went to the pantry and when I opened it up, I was greeted with several mysterious black pellets just under a millimeter in length. It was at this point that I decided there was either a really large roach or very small mammal living nearby who liked to visit. I cleaned out the pantry (and cabinets) and hoped that was the last time. I was officially creeped out. So creeped out, in fact, that I didn't sleep well that night. I just knew something was crawling around in the bedroom with me. Ew. Monday also happened to be my baby sister's birthday so I called and talked to her for a while but I never stopped scoping the joint for invaders.

30th--Tuesday I was still feeling poorly so Kevin went to Boston Market and got some chicken noodle soup for me. It was decent. The warmth felt good and I love flat dumpling type noodles so that was tasty. I ate my soup and he took off to pick up one of our friends from the airport. After dropping off Dominique at home, Kevin headed over to our landlord's building to pick up some "mystery money." The mystery is that we aren't sure why they gave us money but we've never been the kind to turn down free money! After Kevin came home, he sat in the chair and played Star Wars: The Force Unleashed--a video game he got for Christmas. I sat on the couch and watched him play for a while. I did some more stuff around the house until it was time for dinner. We sat down and ate while watching Lethal Weapon. And I have to say, I must have seen the edited version the first time around because I certainly would have remembered seeing Mel Gibson's rear end. I'm not necessarily complaining I was just shocked when I saw it. Anyway, shortly thereafter we headed to bed.

31st--Wednesday was New Year's Eve but again not much excitement for the Burkes. Kevin played his game and actually finished it. I watched him some at the same time I was cleaning the apartment. I was in the bedroom rearranging our closets and I went to reach for something then felt a twinge in my back which caused me to recoil.
I managed to pinch a nerve in my lower back which restricted my movements and ability to stand upright. I managed to find my way to the couch where I tried to sit for a while with a heating pad. I couldn't really find a comfortable position but managed to sit still for about half an hour. I then made my way to my desk chair where I was able to sit somewhat more comfortably. I played on the computer some while Kevin watched The Shining. That movie is still creepy butKevin seemed to enjoy it. Maybe I should be concerned because Kevin did in fact enjoy it? Hmm... Well, that's how we rang in the new year--by watching The Shining. There weren't very many fireworks outside and I don't know if that had anything to do with the landscape--so many tall trees--or if it's a city ordinance or if people here just aren't that into fireworks. I remember in Arnold people would start the fireworks a week early. And the fireworks here didn't go on for hours, either. I'd say half hour to forty-five mintues. Either way we hope you had a fun, safe, happy evening!

1st--Thursday was New Years Day but also a work day which means again I didn't do much but hurt. I used the heating pad off and on before I had to leave. Working was no picnic. It was all I could do to sit in the chair and I was never comfortable. I still couldn't stand upright either which made life extra fun. I made it through the entire shift but was happy once I was heading home.

2nd--Friday I was still in quite a bit of pain--enough so that I missed my shift at work. I spent the day with the heating pad and ibuprofen. But on the up side, I got to work on my sister's blog. I tried to make it fun looking. I really like how it turned out. I gave her several choices from which to pick and I have to say I'm a little bummed that she chose the purple only because I liked the colors so much that I wanted to use it on my blog. :) [shout out: Karen's blog made using an overlay by Stacy Carlson]

3rd--Saturday was more of the same from Friday. Kevin left the house for about four hours on errands. While he was gone I tried to fold some laundry and I watched the movie Desk Set. I rather liked it. And if you'll humor me, I'm going on a tangent... I think I may have to recommend the Netflix service. We do not have cable or satellite and our regular TV stations don't come in so clearly so we decided to spring for Netflix (and it has the added benefit of being WAY cheaper than our other two options). We love it and use it all the time (sadly). That's how we've been able to watch so many movies and TV shows. Kevin has it set up so we can watch it through the video game console on the television. All we have to do is figure out what we want to watch and push play. It's great. If the movie you want cannot be played instantly, you can still request to have the disks sent to your home and you will get it in a matter of days. And you have the added benefit of no commercials! While we do love hulu, we don't like waiting through the commercials. How sad is that? It's only 30 seconds! We understand that the advertisers are how we are even able to have the hulu service but we are an impatient couple. Wow. Tangent within a tangent. My point of this ramble besides we think Netflix is "bonus!" is that on hulu Kevin found the show 30 Rock and started watching it. He liked the few episodes he saw so he ordered the first season through the Netflix instant queue. He had me watch some episodes and now we're hooked. (Tina Fey is really funny and cute. I think Kevin has a crush.) The "must watch" list is ever growing. I can't imagine having cable. I'd never leave the house!

Don't feed the addiction! Don't feed the addiction!
.....

Week Four--FINALLY!

2009-01-09T11:56:00.000-05:00

Sorry about the long delay with the post. I've been ill and injured and apparently long winded which makes for a bad combination for punctuality. Hope you have all been well!

Well, not much to report from Durham this week as we really only spent Monday in town and most of that day was spent cleaning and packing but we were also able to meet with our friends Mark & Dana for a Mexican dinner. It was yummy and being with friends is always good. The temperature on Monday reminded me more of winter and felt more like Christmas to me than any other day I’ve been here. The only thing missing was snow and Mark agreed – he’s from Michigan and is frustrated that there’s no snow here and cannot understand how his wife is always cold when it’s never less than 50 degrees here. And even though Kevin is from the mountains of Northeast Tennessee, he concurs with Dana that it’s just entirely too cold here and wishes it was warmer. Now, I’ve never been one to really care for the cold but I think psychologically I like the change in temperature; that’s how you know the seasons have really changed. Plus, in winter there’s nothing like snuggling up on the couch in a warm blanket with a cup of hot chocolate and watching a movie like Elf, or The Muppet Christmas Carol or even some old black & white movie. It just feels like winter when you can do that. Maybe that’s just me. Or maybe I’m just crazy. Well, I am the latter but I know there are people out there who agree with me.

Tuesday was putting the finishing touches on the packing and loading of the truck so that we could start heading for Tennessee. We got a later start than we wanted (as usual) but that is much less of a concern now that the trip to the in-law’s only takes four hours instead of ten. Let me tell you, that is a much easier trip to tolerate but it didn’t come without incident. Upon leaving Durham, it was decided that I would drive the length of the trip so that I could get accustomed to the roads and the route as Kevin has already made the journey several times and was quite familiar with the course. As the evening drew near, I began to have issues with street lights and car lights. As with a migraine, I had become hyper-sensitive to light but fortunately this time without the pain of the headache. I tried to continue to drive but the lights were everywhere and the pain continued. I managed to drive a little more than an hour before I was forced to stop. We pulled into a gas station, filled up and Kevin took the wheel. Just a few short moments later I was asleep. I don’t know what it is about me but even when I’m asleep, I can sense a disturbance in the force. I slept about an hour before waking to the sound of rain while driving in the mountains in Virginia. Moments later cars began to slow to a stop on the interstate all the while our concern growing about the situation as we were having flashbacks to the winter of ’04 when our ten hour trip took 24 hours due to a heavy snow storm and ice. We weren’t sure of the current situation as it appeared only to be raining and we could not see the flash of lights of any emergency vehicles. For the next 45 minutes, we inched along the interstate discovering that the reason people were stopped was because of ice on the road and a multi-car accident most likely due to the ice. The bad road conditions only stretched about 2 to 3 miles and then the roads became clear. We were cautious for a while after the ice just to be safe but we made it through Virginia unscathed. The rest of the trip was uneventful even though it rained on us all the way to Tennessee. We arrived at mom and dad’s around ten o’clock, chatted for a while then went to bed.

Wednesday was Christmas Eve which was the day I finished wrapping the gifts for the following day. The family left the house around five o’clock and headed out to Pap’s for Christmas Eve dinner with him and the aunts, uncles, and cousins. I felt like the evening was much more subdued than years previous but maybe that was just me. After dinner I was designated Santa because apparently I was good at passing out the gifts to all the kids last year. I don’t even remember doing that before and tried to argue that but I was out numbered and overruled. I clambered through gifts onto the floor and began to pass out the gifts to all the kids and Pap. It actually worked out to where we had a train of people; I would announce the name on the tag and the kids who were in line passed along the packages to the correct person. It worked out perfectly. The gift opening this year went rather quickly because there were so few packages which I’m gathering is related to everyone having financial difficulties this past year. All in all, though, I think the kids were happy with their gifts even though I don’t know who got what except for my two nephews. For the past few years the adults have done a “Chinese gift exchange” – that’s what it’s referred to down there. All the adults who want to participate buy a gift usually totaling less than $20.00. The gifts are wrapped anonymously and labeled to designate whether the gift is appropriate for a male, female or either. We then put numbers in a hat equal to the number of participants then each person draws a number out of the hat. We then take turns either choosing a gift from under the tree or taking it out of the hands of another person. This year the hot ticket items were an air hockey set you place on a table, glass bakeware set and a pocket knife. Fortunately I had one of the last numbers so that I could pick the gift I wanted which was the cookbook that I brought for the exchange. No one else picked it up from under the tree so I grabbed it, opened it and showed it to everyone then got a disappointing look from Stacey (Kevin’s aunt) who said she wished she would have known that was under the tree because she would have taken it. Luckily for me I was able to go home with it.

Not only was I able to leave with my cookbook, I actually left with several other gifts as well. Kevin’s Aunt Paula came over to look at my book and asked me if I like cookbooks and naturally I replied in the affirmative. She mentioned to me that she had several of Granny’s cookbooks that she would be happy to give to me. Paula mentioned this to Pap who then came up to me and asked me if I liked to cook. I said that I did and asked him how he thought I kept my figure. He laughed his little grunt of a laugh and then decided he was going to see what he had upstairs for me. I followed him up the stairs into a room that looked like it had become Granny’s craft room. Pap walked into a closet and starting pulling out all sorts of different crafting items. He wound up giving me a box of miscellaneous things—fabric, craft magazines and a few unfinished projects among other things. He was perplexed that he did not come across any cookbooks but decided we’d check in the room across the hall to see what else we might find. And there it was. A glorious pile of books in every color of the rainbow, many were faded due to their age and many years of use, and some looked newer but still showed signs of love. Pap walked over to the pile and picked up several cookbooks and handed them to me. Then he reached down and handed me several more books. Pap asked me if they looked like good books and I said that they did but I had some reservations about taking all of the books that were just given to me as I did not want to upset anyone. He said, “The only one you’re going to upset is me and that’s if you don’t take them. Don’t worry about anybody else.” Well, I don’t want to upset Pap that’s for sure so I gratefully took them and headed back downstairs where I met Kevin and showed him my new treasure. I looked through some of the books for a while but then people started packing up to leave so I had Kevin and Sam (Kevin’s brother) help me take my books and craft items to the car. We came back inside and I worked my way toward the kitchen where I met Paula again. I told her that Pap had given me some of Granny’s cookbooks but I told her that I was concerned about it; that I didn’t want to make anyone upset because I was taking their mom’s/grandmother’s precious things. She told me not to worry about anyone else – that it was fine that I was taking the cookbooks. She also said that she was glad that I got some of them because of Kevin. (Granny of course loved all of her grandchildren but we have a hunch that Granny had an extra special place in her heart for Kevin.) Feeling somewhat at ease about the self-imposed stress, we made our rounds to give hugs and wish everyone a merry Christmas. I also made my yearly plans with Pap to come back and visit when the weather is more cooperative so he can take me for a ride in his golf cart where he will whisk me away from Kevin and we will have a night on the town and maybe not even come back. My agreement to the plan had once again satisfied Pap so we were allowed to head back to the in-law’s. As Kevin, Sam and I headed out the door, we noticed how much it was raining (pouring) and it was at this point that Sam and I became anxious—Sam because he doesn’t feel comfortable driving long distances in the rain and me because I’ve become especially paranoid about driving in the rain since I was in a car accident as a teenager (as a passenger, not a driver). [In this particular accident, the car slid off the road and tumbled down a hill almost landing in a pond. And I *just* had a self-realization—there is a good chance this incident was the catalyst for my need to have control especially while driving.] And knowing Sam wasn’t comfortable didn’t help the situation any either. I was sitting in the front seat during the trip back home all the while holding tightly onto four Little Golden Books that Sara (Xander’s mom/Kevin’s sister) left behind. I am not sure how by the end of the 45 minute drive that I was still holding four books instead of one as I was sure I had fused them together by the sheer strength with which I was holding them. We arrived safely back at the house where we all tried to de-stress from the ride. I eventually went back downstairs to finish up the few gifts I had left to wrap. I took the finished packages upstairs and placed them under the tree then took Kevin’s computer and played on it for a few hours until I was tired enough to go to bed.

Christmas morning we were awakened at 9:00AM to start opening gifts. We all gathered in the living room where Sara passed out presents to everyone and we opened them. We all got some nice things—movies, clothes, scrapbooking stuff, and a cold from my nephew—but there was one gift however, was especially chosen for all the girls by my father-in-law. He gave us all a Christmas album by Faith Hill. This album was apparently very popular in Tennessee as he claims to have had to go to five different stores to find one for each of the three girls. I opened mine right away and we played it in the radio while we finished opening gifts. After the gift opening, my mother-in-law went into the kitchen and began cooking a large breakfast—bacon, eggs, biscuits and gravy—and it was as delicious as ever. After breakfast, though, we all headed back to our respective rooms for a nap. The napping was good but not long enough for me; Kevin slept something like four hours and got up just shortly before his mom started to get dinner ready. We all ate dinner together and almost everyone cleared their plates from the table then Sam and I started on the dishes. I have to say I’m thankful for the dishwasher they have because I certainly didn’t want to wash all of those dishes by hand. Shortly after the dishes were started and the table cleared, we set up the game Apples to Apples—a fun game where there is a judge who pulls a card from the deck with an adjective on it and each player has to find a card in their hand that has a noun on it that most closely matches the adjective *and* the personality of the judge. That’s a poor explanation for a very fun game. So, we’re several rounds into the game when all of the sudden there is a very loud sound of a gong. We all look at each other in confusion then moments later hear the sound of the gong again. We looked over into the living room to find Xander (who is 1 ½) standing at the entertainment center holding the door open all the while having the worried ”am I in trouble?” look on his face. Somehow he managed to open the entertainment center door and push a button to play AC/DC’s Hells Bells which was in the CD player. Once we realized what happened and the song started playing we all started to laugh but Xander still wasn’t sure about the situation. He eventually realized he wasn’t going to get into trouble so he started to dance. He’s too cute. We all laughed about the situation some more then went back to playing several more rounds of the game until we decided we wanted to do something else. Dad was getting tired but mom wanted to stay up for a while and I wanted to stay up because we hadn’t had dessert yet and it was cheesecake and I wasn’t about to pass it up. And let me tell you, if you ever visit the Burkes and you want some food, you’d better get it while there is some because if you snooze, you lose. I was fortunate to get some of the yummy cheesecake with mixed berry topping which made me happy. Kevin then decided that his parents needed to see The Dark Knight (which I also recommend if you haven’t seen it; it’s very good even if you don’t like superhero movies). Kevin’s dad was too tired to stay up for the movie so he was going to head to bed. Kevin asked his mom if she was going to stay and actually sit for the whole movie—she tends to multi-task during movies which drives everyone nuts. Her reply was priceless. She says she likes to do things while a movie is on because she has so much to do. “It’s a motion picture and I’m in motion.” This might be one of those ‘you had to be there’ moments but I can’t remember the last time I laughed so hard. I never in a million years would have thought to say that. After a good laugh and a discussion about her comment, dad went to bed while Kevin, mom and I began watching the movie. It wasn’t too far into it that mom got up and did whatever it is that she does but Kevin had the remote handy and paused the movie every time she left. After the third or so trip, she came back and got a little snippy with Kevin for stopping the movie on her account. “It’s never going to be over if you keep pausing it.” He got snippy right back and commented on how she was leaving at very important times during the movie. He promised not to stop the movie again if she got up (and she did) but she was there for the ending and she got the gist of the movie which I think is her objective when watching movies anyway. After a long evening, we all went to bed in hopes of being rested for the next day.

I’ll try to be brief about Friday as it didn’t yield too much of anything and I appear to be rambling.

Around 11:00AM James, Kevin’s best friend from middle school, called. He was in the neighborhood and wanted to stop by for a while to see everyone. I told him that was fine but I had to wake up Kevin from his deep slumber. Kevin and James were able to catch up a little bit while I was baby sitting Xander. It was really a self appointed job as Sara and mom had to make a run to the store and Matt (Xander’s dad) was simply too tired to stay awake—the baby was crying all through the night and Matt took care of him. I enjoyed playing with him while the boys talked. They decided that we needed to get out of the house for a while so we were going to go to lunch and just hang out. We went to Cheddars to eat where I ordered the Monte Cristo sandwich which was basically a raspberry jelly doughnut lightly dusted with powdered sugar and on the inside was filled with ham, turkey and cheese; it may sound gross but unfortunately it was really good. Not what I expected from the description but very good nonetheless. After lunch, Kevin, James and I went to Circuit City and looked around. For what? I don’t know but we did. And then we went to Target which was surprisingly not a mad house for the after Christmas returns and discounted shopping. Our shopping trip was rather uneventful but it got us out of the house for a few hours anyway. James needed to get back to his pregnant wife (due in March) and help care for her which was fine. We were sorry we missed seeing Katie but she had to work that morning which was understandable.

We went back to the house and really didn’t do too incredibly much the rest of the day. Mom fixed dinner and we all ate it then everyone decided they wanted to watch I Am Legend which was one of Kevin’s Christmas gifts but I went outside onto the deck and called my parents and my niece. I was on the phone with everyone for most of the movie which was fine with me. I miss my family but the pain didn’t tear at my heart too terribly only because for the last six years, Kevin and I have spent Christmas with his family so it was ‘just like every other year’ in that respect. So, the family finished the movie, mom and I sat and watched some TV—they spoil me by letting me watch whichever cable shows I want since we don’t have cable—and we commented on the shows and the designs, you know, girl stuff. That’s always fun to do but the night was drawing to a close so it wasn’t long before Kevin and I headed to bed.

After a restless sleep, I got out of bed Saturday morning with a headache and sore throat (thank you, Aden). I proceeded to go upstairs to find some medication that might help my symptoms. I wasn’t sure if it really was from being sick or if it was allergies due to being cooped up in the house for several days with cigarette smoke. Kevin’s mom came into the kitchen and saw me hunting for drugs, pointed me in the right direction then offered to make a cup of hot chocolate for me. I thought the warmth of the drink sounded good and it certainly felt good going down once I got past the pain of the sore throat. After drinking my hot chocolate, I decided I’d take a shower since Kevin was still asleep. After my shower I went into the living room and sat in the chair all the while fighting to stay awake. After about an hour I decided I’d go back downstairs to lie down until Kevin was ready to leave for home. Kevin got up just as I was going downstairs to rest. I got into the bed and almost instantly I feel asleep and that’s where I stayed for the next five hours. We were hoping to leave by around noon but we didn’t make it out until around five o’clock. Again, not such a big deal since we live SO much closer but we really didn’t want to drive in the mountains in the dark again. The weather was warm enough, though, that ice wasn’t an issue this time. It did start to rain once we got into North Carolina but it was really more of a light shower. And other than the rain, the trip home was uneventful. We got home, unloaded our things from the car, unpacked some clothes which I threw in the washer straightaway, relaxed for a little while then it was off to bed.

And that was Christmas with the Burkes for 2008. We hope your holidays were safe, happy and full of lots and lots of cookies! Uh, we mean love! :)

Week Four Pending

2008-12-31T19:43:00.000-05:00

Hi everybody. I'm still working on the journal entry for the week of Christmas. My nephew gave me a cold for Christmas so I've not felt very well but I am journaling on the rare occasion when I do sit down at the computer. I didn't want to miss my opportunity to wish everyone a safe, wonderful and exceedingly happy new year. I hope that 2009 brings you all new adventures and unexpected blessings. My love to you all!

Week Three

2008-12-21T13:42:00.000-05:00

Weather Report:

This week in Durham has been by far my worst week yet. Granted, I only have two other weeks to which I can compare but it has still been the worst by far. Without further adieu, I give you (big WWE announcer-type voice): Frustration Week.

In order to work in the state of North Carolina as a sign language interpreter, one must first fill out a multi-page application and satisfy all requirements listed therein. One of the said requirements is to be fingerprinted which can be done in “a local law enforcement office.” On Tuesday, Kevin and I went to said law enforcement office only to be told I have to be arrested in order for them to take my fingerprints. I kindly declined the offer and was then referred to another building. We drove over to the second building only to be denied for the office was closed. Kevin and I then returned home, Kevin thinking the whole way home, suspecting we were directed to the wrong building. Upon arriving home, Kevin headed straight for his computer to do some research from which we gleaned some pertinent information. We needed to go to the courthouse downtown instead of the building to which we were previously directed. If we had only but known! The buildings were almost directly across from one another. At least from that experience we gained further knowledge of the streets in downtown Durham and we had an idea of where we would be heading the following day. On Wednesday afternoon, Kevin and I once again headed to downtown Durham but this time to the courthouse. Like with any city, parking downtown is at a premium so we were forced to park in a fee-charging parking lot which was to one side of the building. Begrudgingly, I pulled into the poorly laid-out parking lot dodging cars and pedestrians but successfully found a spot in which I was able to park. With documents in hand, Kevin and I trekked across the street and up the stairs into the Durham courthouse. We were greeted at the door by police officers and metal detectors. I informed one of the officers of my intentions and he commented that in order to be fingerprinted, he would have to arrest me. Again, I declined the offer so he directed me to an office downstairs. I successfully made it through the metal detector but Kevin, however, was not so fortunate—he had to be wanded. After determining that Kevin was harmless despite his gigantic size (he’s 6’7” for those who may not know), we headed downstairs to the office to pay for the fingerprinting process. It was here that I was asked for my North Carolina driver’s license and $10. I informed the clerk that I just moved to town and did not have my license yet but carried documentation stating I have a residence in Durham. I was informed that I cannot be fingerprinted without a state of NC driver’s license and that I should come back after receiving said license. That meant it was back up the stairs for us and out the building to the car where frustration ensued due to the aforementioned idiotic parking lot. Before I could leave the parking lot, I was asked to pay the one dollar fee even though we were not even in the building five minutes. Yes, it’s only a dollar but I was nicht froh at this point. I gave the attendant a dollar but I did not interact with her as I normally would. I then proceeded to drive us home by way of the pothole filled streets of Durham. After arriving home, Kevin was once again on the computer this time finding a local DMV for me so that I could get a local driver’s license. The requirements for the state of North Carolina state as such:

You must complete and pass the written, sign, and vision tests. If you surrender a valid license from another state, the road test requirement is at the discretion of the Examiner.

Are you kidding me? I have to take the test again? And I might have to have someone sitting in my car evaluate my driving skills again? That was the icing on the cake that day! I have been driving for almost 20 years which should suffice. Granted, I don’t remember the exact numbers for things like, “how many feet…?” I just know what feels right when I’m driving. It was at this point I decided I was going to move back to Missouri where things were much simpler. In retrospect, getting a new license is not really a big deal; it just felt like an ordeal because of the preceding issues of the day and day prior. I now have to find the DMV to get a book to review the rules of the road. How embarrassing would it be to fail the test after driving for as long as I have?

Thursday was somewhat better. Kevin and I received a check for an over payment from selling our house in St. Louis so we decided we would take some of that money and buy the niece and nephews some Christmas gifts. We were feeling badly about not being able to afford anything for anyone this year despite the commonality among family members but we felt some reprieve upon receiving the check and decided we’d spoil the kids a little. Despite it being a week before Christmas, I consented to go to Target with Kevin and do some shopping. I was pleasantly surprised to find the store was not overrun by angry mobs of people; it actually didn’t seem that busy at all except for the photo lab but I discovered that was due to incompetent workers. All in all it was a successful journey to Target and we survived the toy department which amazingly still had toys and not many people looking at them. I was thankful that the store was not crowded and that I wasn’t having to fight anyone in the store just to look at the remaining merchandise.

Friday had me back at work again but it felt like any other day I go to work except I was really missing my friends from St. Louis. I miss sharing common interests, stories, experiences with other human beings. The people in the office here have that with each other but the only thing I have in common with anyone yet is migraines. Oh, yay. And doing the job that I do doesn’t lend for much time to get to know anyone else on an intimate level for an extended period of time. It was a difficult day for me emotionally.

Saturday was December 20th which is important to me because that is my niece’s birthday. Alexis turned seven this year and it was the first birthday I have had to miss. I called my sister’s cell phone in the afternoon in hopes of being able to express my birthday greetings to my niece. My sister was unable to answer the phone so I left a message stating I had to leave for work around 4PM eastern time and that I hoped she could call before my departure. Four o’clock had come and gone and there was still no call from Alexis or Diane. And during the time between my message and my departure time, I increasingly grew more depressed. There are days when I’d rather not go to work but I do it and it’s fine. This day, however, I had a very strong desire to not go into work and the feelings I was experiencing grew more intense the closer it go to the time I needed to leave. Then without warning I burst into tears. I had a myriad of emotions flooding my body most of them related to frustration but the one that hurt me the most was the realization that I could not be in St. Louis for my little girl’s 7th birthday celebration. Sobbing, I called my sister again telling her I wasn’t going in to work and I wanted her to have Alexis call me after the party so that I could talk to her about her birthday. I was hoping that with several hours ahead of me I could regroup myself and have a nice conversation with my girl and I was hoping simultaneously to not cause her to be upset, too. I was practically inconsolable for about an hour and even after I could actually talk again, for the duration of the evening I felt on the verge of tears. I tried to distract myself by helping Kevin assemble our bed and I did some laundry but I still hurt inside. Kevin then invited me to do some shopping at the mall with him. Despite my strong aversion to the mall, I did accompany him and we had success in finding a few books for the kids. As it was an ice cream kind of day, we took a small detour in the mall to visit Dairy Queen where I purchased myself a small strawberry cheesequake blizzard. And it was good. Later that evening Alexis did return my call and I was able to have a non-teary conversation with her but after hanging up with her, the tears started again and my heart hurt. Even now I am having trouble recounting the events of yesterday. I have to say I am thankful I have such a wonderful family and wonderful friends that I miss them so much that it hurts. I am so blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life. I am thankful for each and every one of you and I love you more than I can express in words.

The silver lining in my week:

Week Two

2008-12-16T13:07:00.000-05:00

Here’s what happened this week:

Weather report:

Monday Kevin had a final exam which took most of the morning then stayed on campus all day to study for his other exam on Wednesday. That was good for me because I was able to stay home and do nothing, uh, I mean clean and put away more things. I’m still tripping over boxes but I’m getting there. During our move, three of the four legs on my armoire broke and I was just able to repair them yesterday (Monday 12/15) so now I am able to unpack things to put in and on it and just get more done in general. I hate living out of boxes and not knowing where things are but I haven’t felt motivated to change that fact. That’s not entirely true. I usually want to start doing things about ten o’clock at night which wouldn’t be a bad thing except I don’t live in my own house anymore. We live in a duplex and I am just short of being able to hear my neighbor breathe. I try to do things that won’t make a lot of noise and he hasn’t complained yet so I guess I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing until I know otherwise.

Tuesday I ventured out on my own—no plan, no map—just drove around so I could get a feel for the town and to make my own mental map. I was actually gone for two hours and besides the street grid I was mentally building, the only new things I found were Walmart and Lowes. Oh, and I now know where a 5th McDonald’s restaurant is. Isn’t there more to life than McDonald’s? I actually ventured into Walmart because we were in need of some toiletries but that is the first and hopefully the last time I go there. That must be the only store within a 100 mile radius because *that* many people were there and all with a disregard for drivers. Scary. Plus it’s the holiday season which made it worse. I know back in St. Louis I wouldn’t go into a store after Thanksgiving Day until after the first of the year unless it was dire. I just happened to run out of toilet paper at a bad time. ;)

Wednesday was another exam for Kevin and more time on campus which meant another day of playing Tetris for me.

I don’t think Thursday yielded much of anything except an inch and a quarter of rain. It was cloudy all week and just felt like staying home on the couch curled up in a blanket watching an old movie kind of weather except that it was 70 degrees. I’m still having difficulty with it being mid-December and warm. I just think if I’m hearing Christmas music, I should be wearing a hat, scarf, gloves and a big, thick coat. It was at this time last year when I was sitting in my own house bundled up with all of that garb and layers of clothes. It’s just not right!

Friday was my first day back interpreting after nearly three weeks without seeing a single sign and I’m happy to report that it went very well. The office was very easy to find and it’s in a nice, safe neighborhood so I don’t feel concerned about working my late night shifts. It feels “Chesterfieldy” for those who would like a comparison. After entering the building, I was walking toward the office at which point I met another interpreter who took me inside the office and introduced me to my new manager. I went to shake her hand but she waved me off and gave me a big hug instead. Well! I guess people in the south really are nice! So that intro went well and then she took me around the entire facility to show me their recent expansion and she introduced me to EVERYone. I am sorry to say I can only remember a few of their names but I guess that’s to be expected although I would have liked to have remembered more of their names. I also met several other interpreters with “the gift.” To which gift am I referring? The blessed migraine. Most of these poor girls, however, suffer longer than I. My manager informed me that there is an interpreter currently going on her eighth week out due to a migraine. EIGHT WEEKS! I’m thankful mine only last a few days at most. I can’t imagine trying to suffer that long with that intense pain! These poor, poor girls. But on the other hand, I am thankful that I have something in common with someone already. I’m just sorry that migraines are the common factor. So, my shift went well and I was apparently the talk of the town. One gal even told me I was popular to which I responded, “Awesome! I’ve never been popular before:” that was a new experience for me. :) But everything really went well and everyone was very nice to me and helpful which has also assisted in the smoothness of this transition. I think it’s safe to say I even have new friends at work already. Yay!

That was the daytime portion; I still have to talk about the evening.

Friday evening Kevin and I went to the Carolina Ale House for dinner with 12 other people most of whom were his classmates. I actually met most of them before and was very proud of myself when I discovered I remembered many of their names especially since the last time I saw most of them was in March. Now, for those who really know me, you’ll appreciate how impressive that is! Dinner was good, conversation was good and having new friends was good. By the end of the night we were all hugging each other goodbye and talking about when we could all meet again. However, there is still a tale to be told. During dinner, one of the conversations led to skydiving (don’t ask because I’m not really sure how). One of the guys, Thomas, was trying to convince his fiancée to skydive with him. Several people around the table had already experienced it or wanted to which helped Thomas make a strong case. I wonder why anyone wants to jump out of a perfectly good plane myself; it just doesn’t seem right. As Thomas and Dani were asking opinions around the table, they got to Kevin and his response was, “eh.” But the more he thought about it, the more he was convinced he should try it. He’s even thinking of having one of their next get-togethers be a skydiving event. WHAT!? My husband wants to plummet to his death at a heart-stopping rate? And this is by choice? I told him I wanted to make sure we had a life insurance policy for him before he goes. Ha! Yeah, I don’t know about that… But I did learn more about him but I’m not sure it’s something that I really wanted to know. Then I wonder, what else is he not sharing with me? Yikes.

And can anyone explain this to me? In high school (1989-1992), I was taking Spanish as my foreign language and I quite enjoyed it. Did you do the math? That was some time ago, okay? Keep that in mind. Now, after high school I went to college (where I did NOT take any Spanish but learned sign language instead) and graduated then got a job working in a local high school for Special School District. In 1998, I had a student who wanted to take German as her foreign language and it was at this point that I started to learn to speak German. I was with this student for three years in German class before she transferred schools. I wanted to continue my learning and with the graciousness of the teacher, I was allowed to do that for another 3-4 months before having to remove myself from class due to other responsibilities. Even though I was not able to continue my education in the classrooom that year, I still studied my notes and reviewed my worksheets in order to keep my knowledge fresh. I believe it was in 2001 that we had a second student taking German and I think that’s partly because my first student and I had such a fabulous time in class (and in Germany!) that we talked about it all the time. I did not interpret for this other student but I would try to help her if she had a question she didn’t understand or go with her to the teacher for questions if her regular interpreter wasn’t available. At this same time I was also working with the interpreter helping her with pronunciation, grammar, etc. In the years to come, I believe we had at least one student taking some form of German during every year except one. What that means is basically since 1998 I have in some way been exposed to and practiced the German language. Even today I walk around the house saying things to my husband (who is now translating written German texts). Okay, so with the past ten years of exposure to the German language, why is it that every time I meet David or Alexandra (both from Germany) I want to speak Spanish? Just Friday evening we went to pick up David for dinner and he got in the car and said, “good evening.” Why are the first words that immediately pop into my head, “buenos noches?” And even that’s not right but it’s still the wrong language which is my point. That doesn’t make any sense to me. I was just interpreting German six months ago. Shouldn’t that be more fresh in my mind? It took a long time until I could think to say, “guten abend.” It was so long in fact that I didn’t say it because it would have seemed out of place. We had moved on to a third conversation by that point. Crazy. Your thoughts?

Okay, moving on. Saturday was just another day at the office except I met a couple new people. I went in and picked out my station not realizing I was sitting next to a Spanish speaking interpreter. It rather threw me for a loop. It was awesome. But that really doesn’t help me with my German predicament! Either way, everyone at work has been nice and two of the girls I met on Friday sat in stations that were near mine. It’s nice to have friends already. They can never, ever replace my St. Louis peeps—you will always have a special place in my heart and my life. It’s just nice to know I’m not going to be lonely here.

Love, hugs and kisses until next week!

Week One

2008-12-04T17:46:00.000-05:00

It's not even been a full week since I arrived in Durham and I already can make a list of 20 things I like about the place. Here they are in no particular order:

1. Kroger—I haven’t been in a Kroger grocery store since I was a little girl. Brings back memories.

2. 24—All hour access to fried chicken.

3. Weather—While the weather coming in wasn't welcoming (rainy and windy), the average 60 degree temperature is hard to dismiss. However, I may be sad if I don’t have the opportunity to break out my cute striped hat & scarf.

4. Gargantuanness—Cactus leaves the size of your head!

5. Ninth Street—I just like to make fun of the spelling (pronounced by me as "nihnth").

6. Biscuits Galore—Move over IHOP, we have Biscuitville!

7. Real Life Tetris—Moving from a three bedroom house with a basement into a poorly laid out one bedroom shotgun apartment is challenging my creative organizational skills.

8. TV—Lots of television channels that can be accessed just by rabbit ears.

9. One Street Access—If I drive down my street long enough, I can eventually get access to anything I want. Peace of mind for someone who easily gets turned around.

10. ¿Que?—The Hispanic influence on the area will test my palate as well as my memory.

11. Vaseline Intensified—My hands are not chapped and dry like they were when I left St. Louis. I'm sure that has something to do with the climate.

12. Bosom Buddies—The other morning I was eating breakfast in a restaurant and was sitting near a group of 8-10 older men of African decent. These gentlemen were sitting around just talking and laughing and that made me feel good. I enjoyed the fact that they were enjoying each other. Not something I really saw in St. Louis. Then again, I rarely ate breakfast in a restaurant.

13. H2O—I’m thankful that the water here doesn't taste funny.

14. Genuineness—Most of the people we have encountered have been very helpful, friendly and nice. People around here wave at you whether they know you or not which reminds me of going to the country and that makes me happy.

15. Nice Doggie—My neighbor has a dog that doesn't bark! (The neighbors that I just moved away from had a dog that barked CONSTANTLY.)

16. Proximity—I’m only about two hours from the beach and about four from D.C. which is important since a large number of my “kids” are attending school there. I can’t wait to see them. And I guess the beach is nice, too.

17. Diversity—I love that there are so many ethnicities and cultures represented all over the city. And I love how a great deal of the people here are transplants just like me.

18. Gettin’ Chummy Wid It—I already have friends here! Let’s sing: “Friendship, friendship, just the perfect blendship…” You thought I was going to sing Will Smith's "Gettin' Jiggy With It." If you don’t know the friendship song, you need to watch I Love Lucy Episode #69, which was during their 3rd season, Lucy and Ethel Buy the Same Dress.
If you are interested, you can
watch the clip of their rehearsal of the song
or watch the clip of the actual performance of the song (skip to about 2:46)

19. MVP—I am an MVP at the Food Lion and I’ve got the card to prove it.

20. Oh, and I'm with my husband again. I guess I should include that. ;)

I’d say that’s pretty good for being here only four full days. :)