Michael Jackson (sheesh)

OK-first, let's ignore the fact that I haven't posted in weeks. I will briefly say that I've been going through this self discovery period in my life, and it has been wonderful, and I have learned much about myself and the way I interact with the world. I will be much better for it. However, it was mostly introspective stuff, not things I care to post for the world...so, let's just be content with skipping the blog coverage in the last few weeks of my life. A lot has happened, but I want to talk about Michael Jackson.


Don't get me wrong. Thriller (album, not just song) is perfection. Really, it gives me goosebumps, every time I hear it, though out my whole life. And it came out when I was 1, so believe me when I say 'though out my whole life'. Simply put, the world was given lots of beautiful music by this man.

But...to say that Bad was his last good album would be pretty right on. And that came out in 1987. My sister, who is of legal drinking age, was born in 1987. So what has he been up to since then?

Well, In 1993, when I was 12, allegations of child molestation began to surface. Also, reports from his own camp that he bleached his skin in some silly contraption. Oh-and he married Lisa Marie Presley. That was weird, right? Then Debbie Rowe, a plain jane nurse? Just to have a couple of kids through some convoluted process that everyone was confused about, then he divorced her. And do you remember when he dangled his baby over the balcony? And kept his kids faces covered at all times? And had at least 12 surgeries so that his face looked more alien than human? And then the second round of child molestation...and the shocking verdict of "Not Guilty"? And how about his very public running out of money? Come on...the man who owns the Beatles songs, plus royalties to all of his own? Remember when he said that his only spending money came from the sale of llamas from his ranch. And geez-he spent millions on a ranch, turned it into an amusement park, and named it Neverland! And do remember on that documentary when he said that he should be able to share his bed with little boys? Jesus Juice, anyone? Did we all forget what a nut job this guy was?

In this weeks Time, there is a photo timeline, and you can actually see his face melting and warping as the years go on.

For the last 2 weeks, there has been the stupidest media storm about this man. After 2 weeks, I still can't go more than 3 channels on the TV without seeing his alien face. And even with all this going through my head...even with my dominating thoughts about him my whole life being simply that he is a nut job...I find myself stopping on those channels, and listening to "Billie Jean" one more time.

But believe me when I say I am disgusted by this. Mark Sanford is a lucky, lucky man. Perfect timing for an affair, if you know what I mean.

But, I was able to swallow it all, and accept it. I figured it wouldn't hurt anything if we are all left with a favorable impression of the man. That's so clearly what this is all about...a huge media blitz so we only remember the music, and not the crazy. And then Al Franken had to open his big, stupid mouth.

"I am here because of the disgraceful and the despicable way some elements of the media have tried to destroy the legacy and image of Michael Jackson."

"You have had other entertainers that have had issues in their life. But you [the media] did not degrade and denigrate them...Show the same respect for Michael and Michael's family that you showed Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley."

"I don't think the media understand who Michael was. I don't think they have any cultural significance."

He's upset because the media didn't kiss Michael's behind enough? Are you kidding me? Has he not been watching TV? There hasn't been this kind of media frenzy since Princess Diana died. That man is infuriating, infantile, and out of touch with reality.

Now, you're probably all "Come on, Carmen, the man made 'Thriller'." I know. I covered that early. I love that album. Now, you're all "But he had a hard life...no childhood...child abuse." I know. But happiness is an inside job. We are responsible for making our lives livable, and for grasping happiness. This man had limitless resources to help himself. And instead of seeking therapy, or finding some good way to channel his pain, he publicly went insane. Then stayed that way for years. I do not have it in myself to mourn for him. You do not take your pain, and then turn it into pain for others...for countless little boys...and assume that is alright. You do not get to do that.

And that memorial service was disgusting. Oh boy-I wish I could have won tickets! Isn't that weird, people, to "win" tickets to a funeral?

Vomit, vomit, vomit. I wish this brainwashing of the public to remember him some certain way would end. I will remember that he was a crazy, child molesting, alien faced musical genius. I hope you will join me in this memory.

On the other hand...this is probably exactly what the man would have wanted. He always wanted people to talk to him, and he didn't seem to care if it was good talk or bad talk. So, here I am, feeding right into that. I'll stop now.

On other topics...life is swell, people. I've made a conscious decision to spend at least 95% of my time being happy. It's already had a great effect on my life. At some point, I think I forgot that we could pick our thoughts, and that thoughts are what make us feel certain ways. Once I remembered, I just started picking good thoughts. I like it.

If you're not doing anything tonight...

I'm starting a new game at Beef O' Brady's tonight at 8. I hope that even with the last minute heads up from me, you'll still be able to make it.

If you can't make it, I'll share details here later.

I'm super excited, and I think this new format will be wonderful.

Beef O' Brady's, on 29th avenue, Hickory, NC. There are directions on my other website www.triviawithcarmen.com. I hope I'll see you there. :)

Complete text of the best advice I've ever read.

When I read the document I posted earlier, I am amazed to find it the best advice I've ever heard. It touched me very deeply, and I think it will help me to be a better person. I think it would help anyone be a better person, but it is exactly the kind of person I want to be. It's hard to read in the picture, so I typed it out:

Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter: for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass. Take kindly to counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

Found in Old Saint Paul's Church, Baltimore MD, 1692

Found in Old Saint Paul's Church in 1692

This was hanging on Lori's fridge. It's a reproduction of some papers found in Old Saint Paul's Church in 1692. My favorites are: "Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection" and "You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars: you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore, be at peace with God" and "With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy."

Baby Bird!

I stopped by my friend Lori's house today and she had this tiny baby bird and ready to hatch egg! I totally wish I could have stayed long enough to watch the hatching.

Proud of my Mama and other various assundries

So, I've mentioned that my mom is in college, studying to be an sign language interpreter. She's good. She's always had a big dramatic streak, which she clearly passed to me. It makes for some durn good interpreting.

Apparently, her professors all agree. She was chosen for a scholarship that they give to the rising Junior of their choosing. So, she'll get money this year and next year for school, because she's awesome and the right people noticed! Isn't that cool?

In other news. . . I've been on pain killers for days and my head is more than a little fuzzy. I'm just going to shoot out some unconnected nonsense your way, and you can just gather up whatever you want to take away from it.

I saw my friend Michael from high school. I haven't seen him in 10 years, and it was lovely to get reacquainted. It was nice to catch up, but mostly, it reaffirmed to me that I have really just always had this exact same personally. I've grown and matured, but I'm still the same old girl. I find this comforting.

Karaoke is being moved from Saturday to Thursday. Awesome. I am officially reclaiming my weekend. Sweet. Any ideas, though, for a fun pop culture game? I think I can choose between another game or karaoke...I'm thinking about it.

I'm going to see Titanic at Hickory Community Theatre tonight. They're going to sink a ship on stage. I'm excited about that. For some reason, though, that place has lost every single bit of it's magic for me. And people, I'm all about magic. So, I'm kind of sad about that.

I've hardly been working at all here lately...I used to get calls every day for schools, but for the last 3 weeks, nothing. They make teachers say a month ahead of time what school they'll miss, and there aren't any workshops, so not much need for teachers. Yesterday I actually worked. When I signed in, I noticed I was the only sub for the day. I mean, usually, there are 5 or 6, or even 10 on somedays. I wasn't in any condition to work yesterday, but with no calls for 3 weeks, I really felt the need to go in. The day went pretty well until recess. I know these kids pretty well...taught them all last year, and they're great. This one kid fell on the playground. He split his head right open, within 5 seconds of us walking in the playground gate. So I left my class with another teacher, and this kid and I start walking. He is screaming...high pitched, short little shouts...kind of like he was in labor, but much more shrill. "Heee Heee Heee Heee", and good Lord is he bleeding. As we're walking, huge drops of blood are trailing behind us...each drop is bigger than a quarter, and we're leaving these drops every 6 inches or so. So then we were back in the school, hurrying down the hall, leaving our pretty trail, when we hit a traffic jam-3 kindergarten classes. One down both sides of the hall, and one class lined up in the middle. They're all waiting for the bathroom and the water fountain, and they see the blood. And now, tears from the kinders. But, the sweet kid with the bloody head has started calming down. Now, he's sobbing, clinging to me as we speed down the hall. Finally, we make it to the nurse's office. Not there. In my years of teaching, this is what I've learned. When you need the nurse, she won't be there. It isn't ever her fault...and that kind of goes across the board, all the schools I've worked at. It's not just this one nurse...it is all of them. They spread them too thin, and they're never there. But, the school secretary always is. FYI-the school secretary is the real boss. And I'd work for this one, Faye, any day. Very lovely lady. She took over at this point. I called the mom while she calmed the kid, someone else called custodians for our blood trail. After all the hysteria calmed down, the kid and I chatted while we waited for his parents. The blood let up some. He probably has stitches by now, but we had wonderful conversation. He wanted to know all about stitches, whether or not they hurt, if I was scared when I got mine...precious kid. And tough. He kept it together well.

I got to see my dad on Sunday. That was cool. He took fly fishing lessons in Boone, and I went up to have lunch with him. My dad and I have a lot in common and it is fun to see him.

I wish that my mom and my dad both lived in my town. My in-laws live here, and that is wonderful. I think it would be swell if by the time I had babies, the babies had 3 sets of grandparents around Hickory. But. . . that's still in the future.

I think that's enough of pain pill influenced Carmen for the day.

Ouch

Monday morning I got my wisdom teeth taken out. I am a big fat baby when it comes to my teeth. Something (maybe the pain pills) has this effect on me that basically makes unstable, and I've cried approximately 2 times an hour since I got home. Not because it hurts, even. Just because I'm kind of crazy. Poor people around me.

Pictures for you!

I'm still not really feeling like writing, so I'm just going to show you pictures of what I've been up to, with the most minimal of explanations. In no particular order:


My mom is currently in school, learning American Sign Language, to be an interpreter. She is awesome at it, and it doesn't hurt that she has a pretty deep dramatic streak. At her school (UNCG) they have a competition like American Idol, but with sign language. She ended up coming in second place, which was outrageous. She and my sister were actually far a away the best, and people were surprised and even quite irritated by the result. But, she was awesome. Camera wasn't doing well from far back. She and my sister performed "I Can See It Now" from Hairspray.



My dad has puppies...I've posted a few pics before, but I visited and got more.



We went to the cabin. It was the bees knees.



We're dogsitting Nikki. Nikki is insane a little bit. She watched TV intently, and runs around in circles barking and whining every time and animal comes on. One of these pics is her watching TV with Jon.



We have a wedding this weekend at The Peacock Inn. We went to scout it out, and it is a farm too! At the wedding, we won't spend much time with the animals, so I took pictures then.

Interesting.

I haven't even opened my computer since last Wednesday. That would explain the lack of blogging. But I'm not really gonna do it now, either. I'm backed up now since I've been avoiding.

Sorry. I'll get back to you guys soon.

Last Saturday

We got to spend the day with Marjorie and Jason, who are getting married soon. The result, I think, is a whole mess of great pictures. You can see the rest here.

I'm proud.

So, lots has happened lately, and I'll blog about it soon, but today I had to wrestle with my computer for hours to get this video situated. But, it's situated now. It's a movie I made with the high school theatre group. It's to help them prepare for the EOGs, which are soon.

If you have kids gearing up to take the test, then show them this!

From EOG

A quote

I'm at my dad's, and we're looking online for quotes for his website (www.dilligad.net). My favorite so far:

"Common sense and a sense of humor are the same thing, moving at different speeds. A sense of humor is just common sense, dancing.” William James

Art on the Avenue

To answer Liz:
Art on the Avenue is most certainly kid friendly. It is also free. Come to the SALT Block (where the library, art museum and Science Center are) anytime between 10 and 3 tomorrow. It's pleasant for kids and adults, and I'll be bored, and I like you. So, come see me!

Natural Living

I've really been taking steps toward living a more natural life. I used to slather on lotion, makeup, hair gel, etc. The result wasn't spectacular. About 6 months ago, I started using a loofah every day, and then putting coconut oil on my body instead of lotion. Amazing results! My skin is soft, and the little bumps that have resided on my arms my ENTIRE life have gone away. Awesome. Last week at the farmer's market I picked up some natural oil with rose, jasmine, and sandalwood. I mixed it into my coconut oil, and now I smell like heaven. Seriously people-heaven! Next time you see me, smell me. You'll see. Also included in the natural switch are deodorant, soap and conditioner. And I've mostly been skipping makeup. Not because I don't like it, but because my skin looks better than it used to, and the less makeup I wear, the better my skin looks. Oh-and instead of moisturizer for my face, I use rose oil with water in a spray bottle.

The closer I get to the earth, the happier I am. And, I've never looked or smelled better.

Think about this-there are lots of medicines that come in patch form. That tells me that our skin is entirely capable of absorbing anything we put on our bodies. So why put all kinds of fake chemical nonsense on there?

I think the incredible surge in cancer is mostly caused by all of the unnatural things we do to our bodies daily. Our bodies want to be healthy, but we don't give them what they need. We have to start thinking of food as fuel for our bodies.

Doctors are required to take 2 nutrition classes. Then, for the rest of their lives, they are bombarded by drug companies. It's no wonder that they don't often address the fuel we give our bodies...they just want to medicate.

I hold that if we think of food as medicine, we would all be fine. That doesn't mean it has to taste bad. It just means that ho-hos and oreos and splenda and soda probably aren't the best choice.

I tend to cook meals like this: Corn on the cob and pork chops grilled outside with a salad (from the Farmer's Market). Or lightly marinated chicken breasts grilled with zucchini and asparagus with a slice of fresh bread.

This is the way I see it:
Natural veggies=good
Meat=good
Bread=tasty, but in small quantities
Dairy=awesome if it is organic
Packaged stuff=usually bad
Anything with ingredients I can't pronounce=not food.
Vitamins=unnecessary if you eat right
Soda=Delicious, but of the devil.
Sweets=good. But only if I make them from scratch. Otherwise, they fall into the category of things I can't pronounce. But I will never turn down some cake from scratch.

I didn't mean to sound so preachy...I'm totally not a preachy kind of person. You eat whatever you want. My only point here is that the more natural I go, the more incredible I feel.

My poor neglected blog

I've not been sweet to my blog lately. I've been acting like it isn't a priority. I've been doing 25 second posts and being fine with that.

One reason is because I was working on the wedding website, and I sill am. The other? Laziness.
Or busy-ness. Whatever.

Tomorrow the art museum is doing a big thing...Art on the Avenue, and I'm on the microphone all day. Then, I get a couple of hours off, then to karaoke to be on the microphone all night. Good thing a microphone is one of my favorite things.

I've been feeling a little overwhelmed. Also, I've been dealing with a little stress that I can't talk about on my blog, and that has been weighing me down. Typically, when I have something stressful I can't talk about on the blog, I blog less.

Maybe I should start a secret blog for this sort of nonsense.

Yesterday was Allison's birthday. I made her a lovely book, and made some cake. What I didn't do was go to the baseball game. I'm sorry Allison. She ran into her least favorite person there, and I'm sure that was fun times. But, it was Thirsty Thursday at the Crawdad's game, and Allison was thirsty, so the girl escaped a good punch to the face. :) Allison, I love you.

I'm teaching high school today. Rather, I'm sitting at a computer all day while my classes sit at their computers. I'm bored. And I have to pee, because I've been drinking all this water. I can't pee till 11:15, and that's gonna be a stretch, people!

Since Sunday, I have had about 2 ounces of coca cola. I've been hitting the water like a champ, and I'm feeling good. With the cigarettes, I'm still at 4. I need to step it down to 3, but I don't waaaaaaaaaant to. 3 makes it feel like I don't have enough. Boo.

2 things.

1: Happy birthday to my very best friend, Allison Suggs, who is 27 years old today. I suspect we'll be celebrating all weekend.

2: Our governer is cutting teacher pay. Because being average (25th out of 50 states for teacher pay) is just too good for us!

I present to you...

www.hickorybrides.com

What do you think? Comments?

Wow

There is a new experimental brain surgery to help you lose weight. Because apparently, it is easier to have your brain operated on than to diet. This country is freaking ridiculous!

In other news

The Farmers Market is open again! Yay!!

I stocked up today. It feels so good to buy local produce. I also got some locally made soap and goat cheese. Oh! And some lettuce growing in a pot. When I want some, I just tear it off the outside layers and make a salad!

Also, my elbow is green. It skipped the black I expected, and kind of high tailed it over to an icky green color. Still hurts when I bump it, which is more than I like to admit. I am not a careful person.

To someone who reads this blog in New Bern:

You should be ashamed of yourself. Someone we both know is completely convinced that we've been communicating through e-mail for the last 3 years. No amount of my convincing could have changed his mind. Now...hmmm...why would that someone think that? Could it be because you've been reading my blog to learn about my life, then telling him that we talk to manipulate him? Could it be that the 27 years of manipulating you've done didn't quite cover it? Please don't bring me into the crazy. I made a distinct, difficult decision to move on, and please, just don't bring me into the crazy.

Someone else we both know told me that I didn't know what it meant to be married. Well, perhaps you could give her the message that the two of you don't know what it means to be parents. Being parents DOES NOT mean that you break your children and then send them into the world to fend for themselves. Being parents, first of all, means not breaking your children. But if you do, please have the courage, the gumption to take some freaking responsibility. Don't send them out that way into the unsuspecting world. And please, don't make it worse by FORCING them out into the world to fend for themselves.

Now, those of you who aren't a person in New Bern probably think, woah Carmen, that's harsh.
But please trust me when I say that it isn't anywhere near harsh enough. I want to say much more, but decency is keeping me from it.

And also, Mr. Reader in New Bern, you are not welcome on my blog. I know that I can't stop you from reading it, but I want to make something very clear. I do not want you in my life in any way shape or form. I think you are one of the worst sorts of people. You should feel like a spy if you read this blog, because I am closing my life to you. I do not like you, and I do not like you cyberstalking me. Please just go away.

Funny things from a funny kid

There is this fabulous fellow at one of the schools I work at. I taught him last year, and this year also in 2 of the classes I regularly sub for. He's autistic, but pretty high functioning. He makes me laugh regularly, but today, he tickled me to my bone.

I say "Hey-I missed you! I haven't seen you for a while!"
He said "Well, I don't actually like you very much. But you're OK as a teacher. I guess."

I'd let this hurt my feelings, but I can't. 1: I know he likes me. 2: He said it so dead pan that I almost peed my pants. 3: He really hates loud things. I am a loud thing. Last year, every time we did something loud, I had to let him sit in my office or in the hall. So I know I'm a little much for him to handle.

Just now, as I finished typing, he came up to me and said, "I'd be willing to sign a peace treaty. Just try not to be so dang loud, and I'll be your friend."

I said I couldn't promise anything, but I'd try.

Congo Line

Gotta love a Congo Line. Also, check out HKYnights.com!

It's been awhile

Well, I could cover lots of stuff here, but I think that mostly I'll leave the details of the last week untold...

I'm keeping the cigarettes to 4 or less.

Saturday night, karaoke was slam packed, and super fun. Allison sang Day-O, which started a Congo line. Unfortunately, I fell down very hard. I hurt my elbow. Sunday I could hardly move, but it has been getting a little better every day since then. However, as time goes on, other aches and pains from the fall are becoming a little more obvious. I have never in my life hit the floor so hard. To the left is a picture of me being a champ and not crying. Allison took it. :)

I went to Asheville last Friday,which was mostly fun, but I have to say that I'm disappointed in the amount of deodorant in that town. I couldn't walk 3 feet without BO flooding my nostrils.

Saturday I also modeled at the art museum. They opened up a new exhibit, which is excellent. You should stop by since it is free. But we reenacted some of the paintings. It was fun, and if you check out the exhibit, I was the girl in "Okra Smugglers".

Let's see...what else? I'm subbing a lot still. I'm making a website for brides in Hickory. It's no where near finished, but you can see it here.

My computer is still broken. :( I want a mac laptop.

So proud of myself!

I finished our taxes yesterday. That's right, on April 14th. Which means I didn't put it off until the last minute. I think I'm growing as a person. And...don't owe anything extra, which is super good news. :)

Somethings Never Change

My current favorite Dr. Dog song starts out "Something never change, like the way I wait around, and now it's yesterday." This perfectly sums up the fact that I am starting my taxes right about now.

I've never done my taxes earlier than this in my life. Even when I new I'd get lots of money back. I'm ridiculous.

Wish me luck. It's a big fat mess, with all my jobs, Jon's business, the trivia and such. Big fat mess.

The Unfortunate Results of Wacky Tacky Day

When all of the rubberbands came out, this trainwreck existed on my head. Very classy.

Epic Win!

Last night, I reached a goal! A major, epic win. At trivia, every table was filled. EVERY TABLE! And, every seat around the bar. Only one table wasn't playing, and they ended up playing along anyway. Now, I could be pessimistic, and say it was a fluke. But, I'm simply not a pessimistic person. Plus, there wasn't anyone new. Everyone there had played before, many times. They just all came at once. To make it even better, the owner of Beefs was there last night. He isn't usually there, but he witnessed the whole thing. I got there at 7, and there were just a handful of people, but then they started rolling right in. Then, they all stayed till the game was over, then left. It could not have been more obvious that they all came to play the game. Rock steady, people.


Today, I came to school to teach a bit of 3rd grade. It is Wacky Tacky day, and I have to admit that it is my favorite of all special school days. Only I didn't know, and I didn't get to prepare. But, kids to the rescue! We took about 10 minutes to tacky me up, and I have to admit that I'm looking pretty Wacky-Tacky:

A little on the piratey side, but whatever.

In other news, you know how I'm always "I love Dr. Dog, blah blah blah"? Well, if you've listened to my links and you like, today only, you can buy the CD Fate at Amazon for $1.99. But it's only today, so hurry up. HERE.

Tonight I'm hosting a trivia night at one of the high schools I like to work with. That should be tons of fun. Maybe.

Aaarrrrg

My laptop isn't working. I can run it in safe mode, and that's all. I'm upset. Allison is letting me use hers tonight, though, so trivia won't suffer.

Only 2 and a half cigarettes yesterday. That's kind of a record. Today will be worse than that though...Wednesdays are the worst. Something about trivia and running around like crazy makes me want a smoke. Keep those fingers crossed. Trying to keep it at 4 today.

Things that annoy me from Twitter

If you don't know what twitter is, then go to www.twitter.com, or just don't read this.

!: "Please retweet".
Nough Said.

2: People who tweet from Church. First of all, pay attention. Second, everyone thinks you're just playing a game or something. People reading will fall into 2 categories. A: People who are at church, and therefore don't care what your preacher said and B: People who aren't at church, and therefore don't care what your preacher said. And you're probably offending your pastor.

3: I like @replies as much as the next girl. But if that's all you do, come on now.

4: If all you do is post links to your stupid stupid online business, get out of my feed now!

5: Please ask yourself, "Am I an interesting person?" If the answer is no, please limit yourself to 5 or 6 tweets per day.


If you notice the amount of people that follow you dropping, it is probably because you are an annoying twitterer. I don't like you. Sorry.

Cigarettes and Coffee

You guys don't need a coffee update. If you do, then know that I'm still hooked on that stuff.

But cigarettes...here's the rundown:

Monday:4
Sunday: 4
Saturday: 3
Friday: 6 (I know that one is bad. It's harder if I'm hanging out with smokers. Epic fail that day.)
Thursday: 3
Wednesday: 4

Some situations make it a lot harder for me to resist. Like, being in the car a long time. That one is really bad. Or hanging out with smoker friends who keep wanting company outside.

But, I've managed to change my attitude. Before, cigarettes were: delicious, necessary, yummy. Now, I've convinced myself that they are: disgusting, stupid, a very bad habit, and highly unhealthy. This change of attitude helps. I no longer enjoy a smoke, which means that I actually am going to be successful.

Now, when I smoke, it isn't just to relax, or because I want one, or to kill time. It is because I need some nicotene. And then I smoke just enough to not need some nicotene.

So the good news here is that I haven't even touched the first of the 3 cans I bought...still on the one I had before that. But I'm already well on my way. So, yay!

Please...offer no judgement. Only support. This blog is a place of kindness.

(In my 2 weeks in the high school, that is what I said more than anything else..."This classroom is a place of kindness", because they hated each other. They don't anymore. Yay!)

Interesting Tidbit

Did you know that reicarnation was taught in the early Christian Church? In fact, the Roman Catholic Church taught it until the 600s, when it was voted out in a close 3-2 race.

I didn't know that. I always thought that Christianity and Reincarnation were mutually exclusive, but, they didn't start out that way. In fact, there are several denominations that still teach it. They don't teach that there isn't heaven or hell, but they do teach that you may have a choice to come back to earth to see if you can improve.

Just for your own study, here is a list of Bible verses that some say point to reicarnation and karma.

I'm certainly not saying I believe this, people, so don't get mad at me. Just an interesting tidbit-it's what I learned today.

Things

1: The Hickory Metro unemployment rate is 16%, the highest in the state. Since Jon and I are marginally employed, and depend completely on other people having enough extra money to pay us for fun things, this scares the poopity poop out of me.

2: North Carolina just passed a provisional smoking ban. It says that you may not smoke in any public place, except for bars or such that do not serve the under 18 crowd. I'm so cool with that.

3: I only have 1 1/2 days left with my high school darlings.

4: I think my computer has the conficker virus. Maybe. Gotta take care of that tonight.

5: I'm going to a Pure Romance Party tomorrow. Excited to see some friends. Not excited at all about the Pure Romance part, or the drive to Morganton.

6: So there is this lady who I've recently become friends with. The subject of Chicago, that play I so desperately wanted to be in, came up. She had an Ah Ha moment and said "I remember when I saw that, I kept hearing people say 'Why isn't Carmen playing that part', but I didn't know who Carmen was. I totally get it now, and agree. You would have been perfect! Why didn't you audition?" I explained, of course, that I did, but the whole thing made me feel really nice inside.

7: I was modeling for this artist at the art museum, and she was drawing my face. She went on and on about how classic, beautiful and patrician my nose was. I looked it up and patrician means "of high social rank or noble family; aristocratic.
or befitting or characteristic of persons of very good background, education, and refinement: patrician tastes." I'm flattered. I do have a pretty good looking nose. It's my dad's, you know.

8: I think I'm done for now.

Who do I love? Dr. Dog!

This may be my favorite video of all time. Hope you enjoy.

Oh, and!

I've been on this baking kick, and yesterday I had this great plan for the perfect cookie.

It involved all the expected goodies...butter, flour, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, etc. But then oatmeal, dried cherries and pistachios. I thought about it all day at school. It was the perfect plan.

So I go to Lowes. I look in the baking goods. No pistachios. I look with the snack nuts. No pistachios. I look in the dried bulk goods. No pistachios. I go ask. The lady tells me to look in produce, where salad toppers were. No pistachios. At this point, I've been looking for them for at least 25 minutes. When I finally give up and wait in line to ask again, a different lady tells me they're recalled. Grrr.

So, I made them with cashews, and they're delicious. But they would have been better with the gosh darn pistachios.

Nana-Banana: Don't read this one

I've admitted once on this blog that I smoke cigarettes, and it had unfortunate consequences. Since I've already spilled the beans, I'll go ahead and talk about what is on my mind.

I think it is very mean of the Federal government to increase the tobacco tax as much as they are. Let me elaborate.

People who smoke cigarettes are addicted. It is a nasty, unfortunate and stupid habit. But it is severely addictive, even more so than heroin or morphine, and have you ever seen those people trying to quit?

I know it is stupid that I smoke. I know...it can cause cancer, wrinkle my face, my clothes stink and stain my teeth. It also makes my wonderful husband think I stink. But I just can't help myself. And there are millions of people like me all over the country.

Lots of those millions have lost their jobs...at least 10%, so hundreds of thousands of these smokers are now unemployed and heavily addicted. They're also probably very depressed and anxious and moody...not a good spring board for quitting the tobacco.

So our government sweeps in with an ENORMOUS tax increase to smokers. On those things that they need. Every day. Whether they cost $5 a day or not. $35 a week. $140 a month. $1820 a year. Awesome.

Now me myself...some time ago, I'd say 6 months or so, I switched to American Spirit roll-your-own tobacco. I figure I'd rather spend $11.99 a month on pure tobacco than a lot more on some tobacco with a thousand additives. This worked nicely for a long time. Well, if you think the per pack increase was bad, look at what's happening today to my roll-your-own: They are adding a $25 PER POUND tax. This is an increase of 2,000% in the previous tax. This will make my $11.99 can something like $28. For the same item, with no more money going to my manufacturers, or all of those farmers who certainly need more money. It's even worse for cheap tobacco. That was like $6, and now it will be $22...that's almost 4 times as much.

But, I heard about the increase, and I devised a plan. See, I'm not paying it. But I'm also not going to quit on their schedule, because that would stress out everyone in my life. Yesterday I went and bought the last 3 cans in town. They were still $11.99, and I put them in my freezer. That's normally 3 or 4 months worth. But it will be my last tobacco purchase.

Let me say that again, so I can't back down.

That was my last tobacco purchase.

So now I have 3 cans to wean me off. It'll be a nice, steady decrease that hopefully won't make me cry. I'm not very strong when it comes to this subject, and this way will be better. I'm going to keep you updated, Internet, about my habit.

Cigarette count for yesterday: 5. Now, let's watch together as that number decreases until we're at 0.

So government...kiss my rear. I'm assuming what you want is for everyone to quit. So you win. But you can't have anymore of my money.

And, off subject: Sheri, if you're reading this, I don't think you seem bitter or insane. I think you sound like you handle your problems pretty well, and you do an amazing job of keeping on the positive side. Who wouldn't be bitter in your position? But you're certainly on the right side of the bitter line. See, you're bitter with a laugh. And I think that's healthy.

Newspaper

Jon often takes pictures for the furniture company he works for that end up in newspapers all over the country. Here's one. :)

Cutting Costs_ How to Get the Best Deal on Furniture[1]

Publish at Scribd or explore others: How-To Guides & DIY

Hmmm...

I'm sitting down to blog with no idea what I'm going to blog about.

Things are good, overall. I've been really busy feeling, but I'm loving the classes I'm teaching this week. This is the start of my 4th week in high school theatre, total, and I still like it.

Sometimes the kids are a little too much like me, though.

I've been messing around with sidebar items. I know I have too many...they're quite the addiction. I've promised myself now, though, that every time I add one, I have to delete one too. Bother. Can I have a blog that is just 3 sidebars?

I tried to post a fantastic video yesterday, but it didn't work. It was a dog, dressed in a little suit, milking a goat. It tickled me, and I wanted to share. Oh well.

Karaoke has picked up to the point that I don't hold my breath until people show up anymore. It's so fun, and I think I've gotten pretty good at running it. Allison is so awesome. She comes every week she can, helps me set up, sings the whole time, helps me break down, and generally keeps my spirits up. I think I'll keep her.

I've been doing more things at the art museum, and that is great. And, I have a couple of new friends. I love it when I make new friends. Fun times, generally.

Since I have nothing interesting to tell you, I'll share karaoke pictures. Yay for karaoke!

A stark contrast.

I know I already posted a picture, but Jon took this one, and it is clearly superior in all ways.

A blog I LOVE

There is a blog called The Tiny Art Director. There is an artist, and he draws pictures that his 4 year old tells him to draw, then she tells him what she thinks. It is hysterical. Find it here.

OMG!

So, my very favorite book of all time is Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are. If you're unfamiliar with the story, well, here:



Now for the exciting news! They're making a MOVIE!! And the trailer looks AWESOME!!
You can see it here in HD, or below.

Look What We Did!

Last weekend we had the pleasure of photographing a most adorable one year old. I love when we get to do kid portraits, because lets face it, I love me some one year olds.

You can see the whole set here. I'm sorry to brag on my hubby, but they are excellent.

Also, once again, I'm loving the high school experience. Although someone did get expelled for bringing 2 big cut-you-in-the-face knives to school. To my class. Where me and my face could have been cut. Fortunately, my face is still in tact.

One of my Dad's new PUPPIES!

The Only Way Bertha Will Poop In The Rain

Ho hum

In list form, things that are on my mind:

1: I'm glad that they caught the murderers that bring Opium into my town.

2: I just found out I get to teach 2 more weeks of high school theatre, but at a different high school! (!!!!!!!!)

3: Looks like karaoke is a big go. I hear we'll keep it going, and that puts a smile on my face.

4: Bertha has been a bad bad girl lately. She keeps breaking the rules, and it is stressing me out.

5: I burned the tar out of my hand yesterday, and it is still very throbby.

6: I'm spending today in my house alone. This doesn't sound like a big deal, but seriously, I think it has been months since I've been able to do this. I am very very rarely ever alone. Mostly, this suits me well, as I like company. But eventually my entire being aches for some solitude. That's where I am today.

7: For the last month and a half, Jon has had a terrible sinus infection, with horrible flash headaches. We've gone to the doctor 2 times, and I think he's on the mend. Yay!

8: I've made myself a big list of things to do while I'm here today, and so far, the only one I've accomplished is blogging while watching the Daily Show.

9: I love Aldi. I cook a lot, and all of my faithful readers know that. Also, I don't like to eat fake crap. Also, if I have money, I don't think about money. So, the result was that my grocery bills each week were outlandish and unsustainable. But, Aldi makes it better. 3 weeks ago, I spent $120 at Aldi. I'm just now out of food. And we've eaten well.


I like links. :)
Also, thanks go to Allison, who helped me a lot at trivia last night.

Oh Nooooo

Corning Cable Systems is one of the biggest employers in Catawba County. They are closing their Hickory plant for good, laying off over 200 employees beginning at the end of this month.

Terrible. Because we didn't lose enough jobs with all the furniture manufacturers shutting down.

Wordle

For the life of me, I can't figure out how to make this bigger. But if you click on it, you can get a visual rep of my blog in 2 seconds flat.

Poll Results

Only 4 people voted on my what-to-be-when-I-grow-up poll. Allison says it isn't that easy, and I have to pick myself. Boo. Here are the results: I voted for karaoke/trivia host myself, so apparantly no one else likes that idea. I have to admit, though, that stay at home mom would be EXCELLENT.

Howdy Ho

So karaoke was slam packed. This is delightful news!

Yesterday, I got my teeth cleaned, and they feel all silky. This is also delightful news.

However, today is Saint Patrick's Day. I forgot, and I am now teaching elementary school with no green. NOT delightful news.

Oh-and my dad has 3 tiny little cute puppies at his house. Delightful.

Family Reunion

From left:
Cassie, Laura, Me, Dana

Cassie and Dana are my ex-step-sisters, I suppose, and Laura's half sister. Much like my entire childhood, I'm the weird one with the blond hair. When we were little, people always thought Cassie and Dana belonged to my mom and I was the step-daughter.

Hey-I'm talking over here!

Mobile post sent by Carmeneckard using Utterli.  Replies.  mp3

Unusual Week

This week has been weird. First, I'll say I really haven't worked a lick. Well, I managed to work 1/2 of a day out of all 5, plus trivia. Several things played into this. Monday was way too pretty to work. It demanded to be spent outside.

Tuesday, I had a funeral to attend. Jon's grandfather, Newell Propst, died on Sunday. He was 89, and we had expected this for a while. The family is doing a-OK, and what a beautiful day Tuesday was for a funeral.

Wednesday, no one called for me to sub, so I made trivia questions and spent the day blissfully with Jon. But, alas, Jon is sick. He has a terrible sinus infection we've been fighting for weeks. He feels OK most of the time, but then he gets slammed with completely unmanageable headaches with little to no warning. So, Thursday was spent at the doctor's office. I think what we did may fix him, but he isn't fixed yet. Last night we also went to see Frost/Nixon. I liked it, Jon didn't so much.

The rest of the week was basically spent cuddling and reconnecting with my wonderful husband.

Tomorrow, I'll be visiting Dana and Cassie. I've never really talked about them on the blog...but here's a rundown. From the time I was 5, till 11 or 12, my mom was married to a man. Now, I always hear "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all", so we're done talking about him. But, he had 2 daughters. One was my age and one was a year older. They came to our house every other weekend, and I loved them so much. I played with those 2 more than I ever played with anyone else. My favorite regular thing we did was dance for hours in the basement to the Dirty Dancing soundtrack. Fun, fun times.

But, the divorce was ugly, and I haven't seen them in yeeeears. And tomorrow, my mom, my sister and I will meet them for lunch. Totally excited.

Onto a new topic: I cook all the time. I love to cook. I'm known for my cooking. But I've never baked. It just wasn't my thing. In the last 2 weeks, I've baked a chocolate cake, 2 cheesecakes, and a pie FROM SCRATCH. A couple of weeks before that, I made a beautiful carrot cake, also from scratch. I don't know what has come over me, but everyone seems appreciative of it. So, if you live near me, you may want to stop by for some fresh baked goodies sometime.

One more new topic: Karaoke. First week, terrible. Second week, good. Third week, beautiful weather, horrible karaoke. So I really really need a big crowd this week. Please tell your friends. And please come yourself. I'd like to know at least 15 people in the crowd. Can you be one of those 15? Allison? Liz? Katie?

Bliss

I hate the winter. I hate being stuck inside. I hate the quality of light. I hate to be cold. My fingers and toes freeze and don't thaw, excepting bath time at night, until mid March. I get cranky and depressed, then I stay that way.

I don't like wearing sweaters and coats and 2 pairs of socks. I like wearing sandals and jeans and t-shirts. I like wearing little dresses.

And Spring is here! At least for a bit. But even if it gets cold again, I'll know it isn't for keeps.

The blahs have lifted. I've been outside for days. We've even eaten all of our meals outside for days. My body loves the Vitamin D as much as my ears love Dr. Dog. I've gone without socks, and only worn my favorite t-shirts and my new favorite jeans. Bliss, people, bliss.

Except for karaoke...if you're interested, you'll be sad to hear that attendance was dismal. I think this is on account of the beautiful weather...who wants to go inside?

A poll

Clearly, I don't have enough to do today.

This is my creepy creepy avatar from BeFunky. You would think by my stupid posts today that I have already written my trivia questions for tonight. You'd be wrong, buddy. I'm such a procrastinator. But seriously, isn't that thing creepy?

It'll get bigger if you click on it.

BeFunky.com

I'm currently loving this website, www.befunky.com. They have all sorts of effects for pictures. I'm easily amused.

The Whole CD

So, this is my favorite CD. Favorites of mine include 100 years, The Beach, The Ark, and From. They are all excellent, though. Enjoy

Fate - Dr. Dog

My communication style

From the same site, this was a communications test. About me, it said:

You speak from the heart. You can't separate your feelings from what you're saying, even in a professional context.You tend to speak dramatically, with lots of passion and emotion. It's easy for you to get swept up in what you're saying.You like to connect with people early on so that you can personalize what you are saying to them.When you converse, you try to find common ground and harmony. Even if you disagree with someone, you try to emphasize where you agree.


Has anyone else noticed the word "dramatic" popping up a lot in all my tests?

Ha!

I took a personality test online. It was awesome. My favorite line, describing my type, the Spontaneous Idealist: "Life for them is an exciting drama full of emotionality."

Yes, it is.

Take it here, then tell me what you are!

Karaoke

From A Hurricane Called Carmen

So, karaoke was fun.

People that live here that love me enough to come: Allison, Jon, Matt, Liz, Brandon, and Brenda. There were lots of other people there, but thanks to my friends that came, and thanks to Katie for posting my ad on the swap and shop.

This is Allison and Liz. They had fun. :)

You should Come. :)

I am begging for your help!!

OK-so this is the thing...Beef O' Brady's wants karaoke, and so we started it last week. Only NO ONE came. OK-2 tables came. But that was all. It was heartbreaking.

But, I really want this thing to be a go. I mean, I love karaoke, and I love paying bills with the money it makes. And, if no one comes, Beefs will cancel it, for sure.

I need you to come Saturday. Not only that, but I need you to come Saturday and bring some friends. I need you to tell people about it.

Last Saturday was terrible. There were 5 of us singing, and we just took turns all night. That really isn't that much fun. What's fun is when lots of people come. Even if you don't sing...no worries. Bodies are much more important than voices. I'll sing you a song. It will be a good one.

Please, please, please, come. I really truly need your help. Please. (Please.)

Best. Show. Ever.

People, I am so in love with Dr. Dog. They are the perfect blend of late era Beatles, Ween, and Flaming Lips. Which means they are AWESOME.

Horrible News

I have just learned that Hayden Griffith, who was a wonderfully talented student of mine, died in a car wreck. She was beautiful, kind, and full of talent. I'm astounded.

Please keep her family in your prayers.

A Meme from Dooce

I borrowed this Meme from Dooce.com.

What are your middle names? Mine is Nichole and Jon's is Alton.

How long have you been together? We've been together a hair over 2 years. We've been married a hair over a year and a half.

How long did you know each other before you started dating?
A couple of days, maybe.

Who asked whom out?
I don't really remember. Both of us were highly interested, and I'm not sure either of us ever actually asked the other out.

How old are each of you?
I'm 27 and Jon is 35, making me 10 when he graduated high school.

Whose siblings do you see the most?
That's a tossup. My sister lives in Greensboro, and Jon's brother lives in Asheville. I see my sister when I go home, but Thad has a tendency to show up our our door from time to time. I guess I'd say we see his more.

Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple?
Driving. Jon gets really stressed when he drives, and it makes for an unpleasant ride, where I'm irritated and scared. So I always drive. But then he always has these "tips" about how I should be driving. This does not go over well with me. Also, if we disagree in the car, we can go hours without talking, which is miserable. When we get mad, we need a couple of minutes apart before we can deal with things like actual people.

Did you go to the same school?
No. Jon went to a photography school in Asheboro and I went to Appalachian State.

Are you from the same home town?
No. Jon's from Hickory, where we live now. I'm from Sanford NC, then Concord, then Kannapolis, then China Grove, Salisbury, Boone, then Hickory.

Who is smarter?
That's hard. Jon is better at being logical and thinking things through. I'm book smarter. And because of my trivia game and years of good grades in school I know a lot of facts. He's the more adult, though.

Who is the most sensitive?
Me. A day I don't cry is to be celebrated.

Where do you eat out most as a couple?
McGuires, where we met, and Beef O'Brady's, because I run the trivia and such there. But we like to eat at Umi's the most. It is a tiny little Japanese restaurant that is impeccable.

Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?
Saba, Netherland Antilles.

Who has the craziest exes?
I'm gonna go with me.

Who has the worst temper?
Me, in that I can get really mad really quick. But when Jon gets mad, it is much more serious.

Who does the cooking?
I do almost all the cooking. I love to cook, and it makes me feel like a good wife. Jon did make roast this week though.

Who is the neat-freak?
JON! I'm so messy, and I've been trying so hard to be clean enough for him. I'm not sure I'll ever get there, but I'm improving.

Who is more stubborn?
We both are. And when we're stubborn together, we can do anything.

Who hogs the bed?
Bertha. And me a little. But mostly Bertha.

Who wakes up earlier?
Depends on the day. If I'm teaching school, me. But sometimes he gets up with me. On mornings where we can sleep in, he's always up before me.

Where was your first date?
McGuires, where we met.

Who is more jealous?
There was this one time that one of Jon's exes facebooked him, and I turned green. Stupid, because he's for sure mine. So I'll go with me.

How long did it take to get serious?
"Hi. My name is Carmen." Bam. Serious.

Who eats more?
Jon can eat 8 donuts at a go, but we both have healthy appetites.

Who does the laundry?
Jon's better at it, but sometimes I have to help.

Who's better with the computer?
Jon's great with a mac, but I have a better grasp of the internet.

Who drives when you are together?
Me. Please see above to understand why that sucks.

Why I say my old neigbors were terrible:

There was this one time that I gave the kid $2 for his birthday. His mom took it to buy cigarettes.

The 18 year old boy missed school frequently to work, while the mom and dad stayed at home.

The mom never worked a day.

The dad worked one out of 7 days.

The oldest kid worked 6 out of 7 days.

Mother repeatedly sent oldest kid to see if they could borrow money from us.

I gave the kids a peach one time, and they didn't know what it was. (!!!!!)

The night it snowed, the kids woke up the whole building running around screaming at 2 am.

They had a dog that lived on their tiny back patio, barked incessantly, and got yelled at frequently.

The boys often missed school for no reason other than their mom didn't wake them up and get them ready in time.

They never had a car.

To get groceries, they sent the oldest kid on a bike.

They had no problem with the boys spray painting the stairs on the building, and never once asked the boys where they were going or what they were doing.

Allison shared a wall, and the parents spent huge amounts of time screaming at the top of their lungs.

They smoke their cigarettes inside, and come outside to throw the butts on the ground.

There were 3 months there where the kids ate DONUTS for at least 2 meals a day. Because they were free, and the parents couldn't be bothered to actually work to be able to afford actual food.

I loved the kids, but they had no volume EXCEPT THIS ONE WHICH THEY USED ALL THE TIME!!

The kids could hang out on my back porch for hours before anyone wondered where they were.

I feel like I'm beating a dead horse, so...

Finally, let me explain their leaving procedures:

Thursday afternoon, around 3: Decide to move, 10 minutes later, tell the kids.
Thursday afternoon, around 4: Get drunk. This lasts a good long bit.
Thursday evening, around 7: Start screaming at each other. This also lasts a good long bit.
Friday morning, around 8: Decide to keep the kids home instead of letting them tell their friends goodbye.
Friday morning, around 10: Get drunk.
Friday morning, around 11: Invite friends over to drink and "move".
Friday morning, around 11:30: Cuss out wife at the top of your lungs, in the front yard, and in front of all the friends, for not bringing your socks outside.
Friday afternoon, around 1: Rush to the front yard, from inside the house, to vomit all in the yard.
Friday afternoon, around 1:30: Leave the state. Leave all furniture, toys, and electronics. Leave the vomit and the cigarettes in the yard. Take only pictures and some clothes. Be sure to not tell the landlord, as they are 3 months behind on the rent. Be sure also to forget to notify the schools or the oldest boy's workplace.

Real winners, these guys.

I'm not sure what they did with their dog.

The whole condo seems better now...less trashy, but I'm so concerned about the boys. None of that was their fault. Without any good influences, they haven't got a shot at all. I miss them.

Oh-and interesting tidbit: The dad says he is the dad of all 3 children. I did the math, and that made him 14 at the time he impregnated the 22 year old, then he married her and started their charmed life. What kind of 22 year old girl goes around getting knocked up by a 14 year old? Gross.

Random

1: I love Dr. Dog. I had never heard of the band till last week. <3

_I'm not exactly sure what happened here, but there was a screwup and 2 and 3 have disappeared, and I don't remember them. Sorry._

4: My mom had a great tragedy this weekend, and we should all keep her in our thoughts and prayers.

5: Karaoke starts Saturday.

6: High Schoolers will say just about anything and they keep me pretty entertained.

7: I actually miss my neighbors. I know they drove me nuts, but they also entertained me. Plus, I'm pretty sure I was the only positive influence in their lives, and now I'm kind of worried about them.

Good things that happened yesterday

1: I got a job hosting karaoke Saturday nights at Beef O Brady's. That ups my Beef's pay enough to cover the house payment.

2: School was oh so fun.

3: I got compliments from board members at the Art Museum.

4: Had plenty of good time with my honey.

5: Bought a pair of size 6 jeans.

6: Went to see a movie I liked.

It seems like I'm leaving one good thing out. I'll keep you posted if I remember it.

Bad thing? None. That's right. None. :)

***Allison just pointed out the thing I was forgetting. We have these neighbors, and I don't want to talk bad about people on the internet, but man oh man. Anyway, yesterday they informed me that they'd be moving back to Cincinnati TODAY. This is great news, but better for Allison than me, as they scream at each other constantly, and she shares a wall with them. Thanks for reminding me, Allison.

Loving it

I am really having a good time teaching high school. I've thought about it, and it's because these are all people. Every last one of them are people. I know that sounds weird...but I'm used to kids. And kids are very different than people. Kids will pee on your floor, or burst into tears for no reason. Kids aren't self sufficient, and they exhaust me. High schoolers are great, though.

But, please don't think this means I want to teach high school. If I were to teach high school, I'd have to stay after school frequently to have rehearsal. That, I'm not down with.

But the things I can teach...the whole theatre world is open to me. I can teach them anything I know about theatre. We can do actual projects. And the beautiful thing about the projects...I can delegate most of the responsibilities, which makes it much more of a group project than a Carmen project that features some kids.

I may miss this when I'm done. In a perfect world, I'd teach here, part time, with Molly. Molly is the theatre teacher, and she is wonderful, really wonderful. We get on very well, and we could do so much together.

So clearly, I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.

Dag blessit.

Woah, I suck at this.

So, it's been about 3 years since I've posted.

In the beginning, it was because I was depressed. In the later stages of my nonposting, the reason was a simple lack of time. I've been very busy, and very happy. Happier than I can recall being, actually. This is a welcome change from the depressed state I was in.

Things are really good in my life right now. Trivia is going well. I may start another trivia night at The Tavern, although that's in the planning stages. I signed on to work with Magical DJs, which should be great. I love hosting parties and karaoke, but I hate going out and getting those jobs. Plus, my equipment isn't really that good. Magical DJ equipment is incredible, so I think that's good all around.

I'm subbing in a high school theatre class for 2 weeks. I'm halfway into the first week now, and I love it. It is amazing how much more people-like high schoolers are as opposed to the little ones. And the ones that take theatre...they tend to be my kind of people, so this has been really fun.

Let's talk about my husband. I love that guy so much. I feel like I'm consistently falling more in love with him. He is a loving, creative, soulful man and I am so lucky to know him.

I feel very fortunate. I set out with this plan, to quit teaching, and boost up everything else, and I think people didn't think it would work. But it is working people! We still have some progress to make, but I can actually see my life unfolding the way I want it to. We are going to make all of our money doing things we actually enjoy. Brilliant.

So, I mentioned the party at HMA. It ended up being the best party of that sort that I've ever seen. I'm not big on drinking, but part of my job was to make jello shots for the party. Then, I walked around and gave them out. I had 80 year old jello shot virgins that fell in love with the suckers. It was great. Allison, Jon and Matt all were there. Allison and our friend Grant screen printed shirts the entire time, with no break at all. Jon ran an awesome photo booth. He set up all sorts of lights and backdrops, and we got some props. You can see those pictures at http://www.joneckard.com/ or http://pictures.hickorymuseumofart.com/ .

Check out the straight hair, yo.

I'm going to make a sincere attempt to post regularly again. Do I have any readers left?

Look what we did!

To see more, click here. I'm very proud of how excellent Jon is. And now there is this beautiful thing happening where I'm not the breadwinner. I've been earning my bread for a long time now, and it is only the coolest thing in the world to have someone else take the driver's seat. It is a very good feeling.

My reason for not blogging...

...is not that I just don't want to get on the computer. I just haven't had anything to say that I feel like is worth sharing with the world.


One thing that is worth sharing...you guys know that I'm on the marketing committee for the Hickory Art Museum. We're having a party on February 6th, at the Art Museum, and it should be very fun.


We're going to have a photobooth, music, free screenprinting, jello shooters and other drinks and snacks, and more. And, it's free. So, come.

Technology is the COOLEST

Hello! Hope everyone survived Christmas just fine.

Last night we took the Christmas tree down, then burned the limbs in our firepit. It was a spectacular way to end the Christmas season. Now...onward to the New Year.

I am writing this post from my couch, looking at my pretty tv, and typing on a wireless keyboard that goes with the Wii. It is fabulous! It was a gift from my mom, and I love love love it. I type, or surf the internet during commercials. It's a beautiful thing.

Sorry for the sparse posting. Someone I love read my blog was and was upset by something I'd written, and I need a little time to examine my boundaries and what not. However, if you're someone I love that would be upset to know how I think...I know I'm blunt, and I sometimes share too much...if you're one of those people that is offended by that sort of behavior...just don't read it. And don't think the whole world is reading it. I hardly think anyone does, really. But I view this blog as a space to just be myself, to anyone who chooses to take time to look at it. So, I'm just going to have to keep being myself. I think that's why the people that do read, do. But perhaps I need a bit more of a filter...it's a lot to think about.

Happy New Year.
I'm a good person, and I hope no one is too mad at me for too long.

I think I'm back

One thing I've learned...I don't do so well in extended gloomy weather. It takes every ounce of motivation right out of me.

And I've been really avoiding my computer...not just this blog...my whole computer. And I don't really know why.

Some things have happened since I last posted. The biggest...that play is over. That play wasn't all sorts of fun, really. There were some really good times, and all of those involve my cast...and then there were some truly awful times, and those were nearly completely caused by adults associated with the theatre. My attitude is a little sour right now. But, now it is over, and buddy am I glad.

Also, we got rid of a bed at my house so that we can have room for an office for Jon. We've had a weird little arrangement, really. We each have had our own bedroom the whole time we've lived together. We sleep together, but we had our own rooms. And that was nice, but I kind of like us being cozy in the same room. And I FOR SURE like having an office.

We're on the prowl for an old largish metal desk. Any leads?

My mom, dad, and Nana came to see my play. That was great. And also, Allison, Matt, Liz, Libby, and my mother-in-law. And Jon, too many times for his liking.

Ooh---I've always wanted a tree with popcorn and cranberries, and I actually did it this year. People...just so you know, it takes kind of a long time for all of those popcorn pieces to get situated on the Christmas tree.

Hibernating

I am hibernating.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Photo by Jon Eckard

Come see the play I've been directing all this time. Next Saturday, it will be at 2:30 at HCT in downtown Hickory. If you can't make it then, you could also see it the 9th, 10th, 11th, 16th 17th and 18th at 9 am, or the 17th and 18th at 11 am.

To reserve tickets, which may be a good idea for that Saturday show, just click here.

It's called The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and while it may not be the best ever, it will still be good.

Although Saturday, we did have an ambulance disrupt rehearsal. Minor emergency...everything is fine now.

Easiest Day Ever

Today I am subbing in middle school. I'm the band teacher. I taught all the kids here when they were in elementary school, and they're thrilled to see me. And? Half the kids are on a field trip, leaving me with 2, count them, 2, classes. One at 8:10, and one at 11. So, during my first break I went shopping. I have to stick around in case someone shows up for the 1:50 class, but I get to leave again at 11:50 for 2 hours, then I stick my head in, hopefully see no one, then go home.

Rock on.

Look what else I did, with help from Jon!

Look what I did!

Now, isn't that pretty? But I also made broccoli casserole, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry and pomegranate relish, bread, and amazing stuffing. It all went off without a hitch!