12/04/06 01:22 - 28ºF - ID#25283

merci

I just wanted to say thanks (e:jenks) for really helping me out with the sweet potatoe casserole last night. My kiddos LOVED it. They were really excited to have the chance to try it, since we lost the other one in the fire and all. I just wanted to give a little shout-out, I really appreciate your help! Ciao.

Permalink: merci.html
Words: 60
Location: Niagara Falls, NY

Category: music

12/02/06 07:23 - ID#25282

self

awake again, stars are bright

watch tv to see people more messed up than me

smile :)

it's gonna be alright, no matter what they say

it's gonna be alright cuz I'm alright with me.

(jewel, new sound)

Permalink: self.html
Words: 37
Location: Niagara Falls, NY

Category: music

12/01/06 02:48 - ID#25281

echelon mission: accomplished

Stormed Toronto Wednesday night to see, you guessed it, 30STM, again. I love those guys so much, it's always a rockin good time at their shows. I think this makes show 7 this year? Didn't do any stalking this round because we had to truck back home after the show. Not to mention Kool Haus is right on the harbor so the whole place smelled like bad fish. Gross. New user sound clip from a live acoustic set. Ciao.

Jared

my favorite, Tomo

Permalink: echelon_mission_accomplished.html
Words: 88
Location: Niagara Falls, NY

Category: fire

11/28/06 06:56 - ID#25280

save the pies

Sunday I had to work. We were having the annual Thanksgiving dinner for our international students. I was in charge of the pies, pumpkin and pecan, as well as the sweet potato casserole. The object was to let our students participate in the making of the dinner and then partake in the traditional meal. Sounds like fun eh?

Things were coming along nicely. I was instructing several different students on how to make the pie crusts, the fillings and constantly reassuring others that while sweet potatoes may LOOK like boiled carrots, and they are in fact not.

Apparently cleaning staff are responsible for the kitchen in Campion Hall. Clearly they haven't cleaned the ovens since WWI. Just as I put the pecan pies in the oven, flames erupted.

Grease fire. Hello. People were screaming. I was yelling, "SAVE THE PIES!" followed by "GET ME A FIRE EXTINGUISHER"! Like my priorities? Needless to say pecan pie goo was sloshed all over in an attempt to save them. Then I have to put the fire out amidst the screams and running.

Alarms went off, we had to evacuate. Firemen came, the whole nine-yards. I was a little nerved by the police officer taking my statement. They actually made it seem like I was at fault for USING the fire extinguisher. I guess they'd rather the joint burnt down?

Anyhow, that was my entertaining Thanksgiving dinner story, one all of our students will remember forever.

ciao!

Permalink: save_the_pies.html
Words: 243
Location: Niagara Falls, NY

Category: thanksgiving

11/22/06 02:57 - ID#25279

have a good one

Today's fortune cookie reads:
Your wisdom will influence others.

Today's horoscope for Virgo reads:
Ideas that come to you now show a bit of genius. Any changes you make right now are sure to be a success so go for it. You are very good right now at arguing your case or having a debate. You win hands down!

Happy tofurkey day to my fellow veggies. Happy turkey day to the carniverous folk.

Permalink: have_a_good_one.html
Words: 75
Location: Niagara Falls, NY

Category: the future

11/15/06 10:15 - 44ºF - ID#25278

i am where i should be

My bosses dig me. I work hard because I love what I do and in return they offer me their wisdom and more responsibility. Yesterday I was asked to entertain two different visiting guests. One from our London Metropolitan school and one from the Bejing center. It was so refreshing to talk to young people in the field I want to work in. I really made some connections with them, not to mention networking. My future is so bright, I gotta wear shades.

Permalink: i_am_where_i_should_be.html
Words: 83
Location: Niagara Falls, NY

Category: movies

12/10/05 02:10 - 30ºF - ID#25277

chronicles of narnia

My hypothesis was Harry Potter meets Lord of the Rings. My diagnosis is the same. It was a great movie. There were moments that really made me laugh, not that they were meant to be funny. Like perhaps they way one of the kings looks like the Burger King mascot. I half expected him to bust out a Whopper from his saddle bag. There were also moments that I questioned the interpretation of the message, but I don't want to post any spoilers so I'll keep my mouth shut.

I was thoroughly impressed with the lion. The sway of his mane in the breeze, the passion expressed in his eyes...it was simply amazing! The music was spectacular as well. I wouldn't be surprised if it makes a win at the Academy Awards. Ciao!

Permalink: chronicles_of_narnia.html
Words: 134
Location: Niagara Falls, NY

12/09/05 08:57 - 28ºF - ID#25276

mmmm...amarula

I finally bagged my plane ticket to Mississippi for Christmas. The price kept going up and I was freaking out because I didn't have enough to begin with. Today, prices suddenly dropped. I was able to get my ticket for $300. Sweet! Now I can see this little cutie pie!

my nephew max

Then I went out to pick up a few odds and ends to complete my holiday gift giving. Now I am completely broke. That's how much I love people. OK, OK...I did pick up a little something, something for myself. First, a small bottle of Amarula. I was at the liquor store to get a few gifts when I just saw it on the shelf. It has been ages since I've had it! It's delish.

Let me quote the description from the bottle:
On the wide-open plains of Africa grows the 'Elephant Tree' that bears the wild Marula fruit. From the Marula fruit, an oak aged liqueur is created which is then carefully blended to a rich smoothness with the finest natural cream. The result is captivating and exotic, with the flavors of caramel and hints of chocolate and vanilla .

i prefer it on ice...and i actually have ice that spells out I-C-E, i love it

Then, what's giving all about if you can't give a little to yourself too. After reading (e:Leetee)'s post about a pillow, I had to get it. I can't drink it but the love affair with the good doctor can continue.

Today I also finished up my annual letter. Everyone looks forward to guessing where in the world I've been and what colour my hair is. If I leave any legacy on this Earth, it will be my adventurous spirit and my ever changing hairstyle. I copied it, slapped it in my cards and got those mailed out. It was crazy. I didn't realize I even knew 100 people!

Now I'm off to see The Chronicles of Narnia with some kids from the residence hall. Ciao!

Permalink: mmmm_amarula.html
Words: 343
Location: Niagara Falls, NY
Last Modified: 05/28/13 12:33

Category: dreams

12/07/05 02:10 - 23ºF - ID#25273

final exams and forest fires

Do you ever have those dreams where you're doing exactly what you were doing all day, so when you wake up you really feel like you haven't slept at all? Yah, last night I was dreaming that I was working on my finals.....in exactly the same fashion I had spent my entire afternoon. What a boring and exhausting dream.

Then I had another, very short dream, just before waking. Apparently I was the Hall Director of a medieval village in a forest. Yes, I managed the 'residence woods' of Nottingham or something. So, we have a fire drill. I'm running through the woods with my big honky key chain tapping on huts and yelling at people to get out of the forest. Get this, the trees actually had those little fire alarm strobe light contraptions fixed to them! It was like a rave in the forest. As I'm herding people out I come upon (e:Jason) standing by a huge caldron. I'm like, 'dude, get out of here, the forest is on fire' and he's like, 'no way, I'm serving deer chili'. Then I woke up. Ciao.

Permalink: final_exams_and_forest_fires.html
Words: 188
Location: Niagara Falls, NY

Category: potpourri

12/04/05 10:30 - 27ºF - ID#25270

they are lovely all the same

I did the Reindeer Run yesterday morning. Man was it cold! The wind was brutal, but things were pleasant once we were in the protective sanctuary of the hills and tombstones of Forrest Lawn.

Then I headed over to the 750. Went for lunch at Falafel Bar and had a tasty white bean and vegetable soup. I think they make really great soups there. I also had the nutty hummus, always delish. We were supposed to go visit my little Bambi but plans changed when the car got broken into. We spent the afternoon cleaning up the glass from the smashed window and taping up a plastic replacement. Then (e:Jason) helped refresh my memory on how to play guitar and strummed a lovely tune. Thanks for that. Some days aren't what you plan them to be, but they are lovely all the same.