"random cambodia shots" written by Ladycroft on estrip.org

Category: photos

01/30/09 06:33 - 26ºF - ID#47568

random cambodia shots

I attempted to put my Cambodia photos on my site but am having issues with internet today. I'm still working on the Vietnam photos, but they shouldn't be far behind. Here are just a very few.

looking dorkish with traditional dancers

rory in the back of our little motorcycle taxi called a romauks

we took a boat ride through a floating village

and got stuck in some heavy plant life

we learned how they harvest and process silk (pretty amazing really)

and visited an art training center which teaches painting, sculpting and carving to deaf kids

then of course we sweated our way through the massive angkor wat temple complex

and i got to stand where 'lara croft' stood....omg yay!

amazing stuff!

rory peaking into the tippy top of one

so beautiful i can't wait to go back for more!

Permalink: random_cambodia_shots.html
Words: 163
Location: Niagara Falls, NY

Category: dreams

01/28/09 03:22 - 26ºF - ID#47547

weird dream

I popped into the grocery store tonight and saw these cookies. They made me laugh. I find humor in the most simple things I guess.

On to my dream....

I was on a business trip of some kind with (e:imk2) and some other girl I don't know. We were in Italy. When we arrived at our 'hotel' we realized our rooms were actually tents pitched on the beach. I thought it was cool, the other two didn't agree.

We dropped off our things, freshened up, and decided to head out for dinner. On the way we stopped into the hotel gift shop; a large hut on the beach. However instead of the usual, the place was full of college graduation gear. Gowns, hats, medallions, diplomas, cords, you name it. (e:imk2) bought the type of gown traditionally worn when you earn a doctorate. I jokingly asked her if she was going back to school and preparing early. She said she was.

We climbed a fire escape ladder to the roof top of a nearby building. The roofing looked like traditional red tiles used in Italy, only they were actually made of dark chocolate. Maybe Willi Wonka owned that house?

Anyway, (e:imk2) asked me to guess what she was going to study. I had no idea really, so I said Anthropology. She jumped up in excitement and said, "No! Paranormal Science!". Then my darn alarm went off. Seriously weird dream.

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

Category: potpourri

01/25/09 06:52 - 12ºF - ID#47515

i'm not such an ogre

I'm passionate about my work. I give it my all and I really think about situations before I act on them. I do my very best to keep my team motivated but also challenge them to grow. Many, many times over the last year and a half I have felt like a mean ogre.

While other people seemed more intent on having people 'like' them, I believed I would earn their trust and respect through leading by example. I cried so many times wondering if the tides would ever turn, or my kids just wanted me to be lax like everyone else.

Since the start of this semester I think the tide has finally turned! 'Problem children' have suddenly been responsive to my requests for conduct hearings, some residents are stopping by to tell me good things, not just list their problems, and today TWO people stopped by my office to give me something.

From one I got a hand carved wooden crocodile from Botswana, while she told me how much she appreciated that I stayed in contact with her while she was having a hard time and how much I helped her get back into school. The other got me this amazing painting from Tanzania, done on piece of burlap by a 10 year old! Just to say thanks for being her supervisor.

I am blown away. It seems in these moments when I really doubt myself I am given not just a ray of sunshine, but a blazing sun to blot out all the gray. It is the greatest motivator to continue doing what I'm doing and push through all these obstacles, because I can finally see I AM making a difference in these kids' lives. I love it!

On another note, thank you so much peeps for your very kind words on the previous post - I'm all smiles :)

Permalink: i_m_not_such_an_ogre.html
Words: 311
Location: Niagara Falls, NY

Category: potpourri

01/22/09 07:15 - 26ºF - ID#47484

i am happy

I was thinking about it last night. My happiness. The fact that I am truly happy for the first time in a very loooooong time. I can only describe it as a constant giddy sensation as if I've just started dropping down the big hill on a roller coaster. Butterflies in my stomach, anticipation of the thrill ahead.....this is contentment.

Sometimes it makes me cry I'm so happy. I love when this happens because I feel so alive. SO ALIVE! Now I have to learn a new vocabulary just so I can adequately describe my feelings!

On a side note. If you have any special talents that you would like to contribute to a festivity (meaning our US reception) we'll be looking for volunteers in the near future :) (e:Lilho), you are hereby appointed "Official hair and make-up artist"!

Permalink: i_am_happy.html
Words: 140
Location: Niagara Falls, NY

Category: food

01/20/09 07:41 - 17ºF - ID#47454

popcorn

It's all I can think about. All night, all day...I have an unstoppable hunger for popcorn! I think I need to duck out of work early to go buy some. I need it!

Permalink: popcorn.html
Words: 36
Location: Niagara Falls, NY

Category: work

01/15/09 05:00 - 6ºF - ID#47413

frustrating

These are some of my regular frustrations with work.

Working very hard to plan something in advance, getting it all down the the tiniest detail, then someone walking in and saying, "Oh yah, we're scrapping that".

Working very hard to plan an event which you know you cannot attend, but everyone insisted it happens on that day. So you do it, and you do it very well. Every detail is taken care of, all they have to do on the day is have fun. But then without your presence apparently everyone forgets their very simple job and it becomes a huge mess. They do not take responsibility for it, they blame it all on you by saying, "Not my problem, I didn't plan it". Sigh.

Having endless meetings about something, getting everyone in agreement about the actions your going to take in a large scale event. 2 months later someone walks in and says you did it all wrong and all the work you've already done has to be taken back, making you look like a complete tool.

Being told something is a crisis, emergency, world is going to end situation - busting your ass to deal with it, only to find out it didn't really matter at all.

Being on duty every time there is a holiday or birthday celebration resulting in me missing all the fun.

Being told you're allowed to do things your way, then when you do them your way, being told you should do it their way, making you do double the work.

People being incredibly ambiguous with information you really need in order to move forward on a project.

Being told you can't get any programs or products to make your life SO much easier because you'll be moving into a new building in 2 years - 3 years ago - of which the building hasn't even broken ground yet - of which we'll not move into for at least 2 more years.

Sigh. Off to get passport pages added. I filled mine up in 5 years!

metalpeter writes at 04:18:18 01/17/09 - Comment #44566: I don't even have a passport so I can't imagine having one filled and going, How do I get more Pages?

In terms of the work thing, with out knowing how everything is set up it sounds like what you need is a good, ok a very good like minded a-sis-tent (can't remember how to spell it) who then can fill in for you when you can't be some place and give directions so things don't blow up on you. The other stuff sounds like you work for some US government agency of some kind.

lilho writes at 12:34:53 01/15/09 - Comment #44516: i can't believe you filled up your passport! that makes you one of the coolest people i know!

leetee writes at 08:57:37 01/15/09 - Comment #44509: Do you work for the state of new york?

We plan an outing based on the repeated, request of an individual. It takes months of planning and arranging of finances, because we are in a budget crisis. Often begging, because this would be so good for this individual, boss! The individual brags about it for weeks and weeks. Safety plans are drawn up, meetings with mental health professionals are arranged to make sure the outting will be safe. Plans are in order. Day of, individual changes mind saying that the outing sounds boring.

Sorry to hear about your frustrations. I can't give a back rub or a hug, but i can sympathize.

janelle writes at 08:05:13 01/15/09 - Comment #44508: Ha! If I didn't know better, I would think your job was as a minister of a small church! Drew has some of the same issues. You should commiserate with him.

ladycroft writes at 07:22:56 01/15/09 - Comment #44505: yes please. thank you :)

rory writes at 06:18:49 01/15/09 - Comment #44504

hug*

I'm sorry you're having a shitty time at work at the mo. Hugs and back rubs tomorrow?

Permalink: frustrating.html
Words: 338
Location: Niagara Falls, NY

Category: potpourri

01/14/09 08:24 - 3ºF - ID#47403

insomnia

My oh my I haven't been able to sleep much since I've been back. I'm having some kind of combined jet lag / Rory withdrawal syndrome. I am having real issues sleeping alone! Darn you conservative society.

Meep.

I did manage to fall asleep long enough last night (actually 4:30 this morning) to have a dream before the workers woke me up with their banging.

In my dream Rory proposed to me, but I was really confused because the ring was this huge pale purple amethyst surrounded by at least 3 dozen tiny diamonds. I mean it was HUGE. He did it at some kind of family function. It was noisy, and the floor was sticky, and there were so many people. I remember thinking, "OMG this ring is way too big and this is so not how I wanted it to happen". (Although I was entirely happy about him asking). Then I woke up feeling really guilty for having thought that in my dream, because honestly I'd be happy with anything.

I think I had the dream because he's been teasing me about how I don't know when, where or how it will happen. My requests were: not in front of family, not on a major holiday or event (ie birthdays etc), and that I would love a dark blue sapphire on a silver ring.

I can't wait until I get to share the real story of how it goes down!

Permalink: insomnia.html
Words: 239
Location: Niagara Falls, NY

Category: potpourri

01/11/09 08:35 - 19ºF - ID#47363

we're back in do-hell

Back in Do-hell. This trip was hard to come back from. I think it was the freedom to hold Rory's hand in public, share a kiss if we felt like it, have a beer with dinner if we wanted to, and the blissful driving. I know some of you complain about it, but living here would drastically change your view. Also, finding shoes in MY size was nice.

I have a new nephew, Fox. My brother has already begun telling him that he must learn quickly if he's going to best his Auntie Mika in video games. Cute.

I got to meet some of Rory's closest friends and of course his family, except his dad. No one could say my name right twice :) It was a real whirlwind but we'll be back in February for much longer. Then I'll have a go at driving on the other side of the road. Once I do that I think I will have conquered global driving.

Rory asked my dad for his blessing/permission to marry me, while not necessary, was very sweet. Of course he said yes, although he seemed to be shocked and said something about how he never thought I'd get married because of all my traveling and that I'd never 'settle down'. Thanks dad ;)

I have to get back to work, loads to catch up on. Stay safe peeps, miss you already!

museumchick writes at 12:30:49 01/22/09 - Comment #44737: Congratulations on your plans with Rory! I hope you will have a wonderful wedding and life together.

jenks writes at 09:25:04 01/11/09 - Comment #44343: yeah I agree, asking dad is adorable (and a must if you ask me...)
He passes!!
Way to go. :)

hope we can catch up better next time you're here; sorry I pretty much missed you guys this time.

leetee writes at 01:52:59 01/11/09 - Comment #44323: Was great to see you again... and meet Rory.

Glad you have fun in Blighty and made it "home" safe.

Tell Rory he needs to join up... before or after the wedding will be fine. But after, he has to, since he will be an (e:peep) by marriage.

Very old school cool Rory asked your dad for your hand in marrige. He's a keeper all right!

mike writes at 01:28:12 01/11/09 - Comment #44322: congratulations on planning on getting married. that he asked your dad is so cute!

metalpeter writes at 11:46:46 01/11/09 - Comment #44320: What your dad said sounds funny (to me), and I can understand why someone might think that. It sounds like he and your parents get along so that is good, I wish you luck with the Marriage thing. So you two will be back in Feb. I assume in mean in a month and not a year and a month, in any case I look forward to seeing you two again. On a side note I really don't like Feb. for my own reasons but I hope it is a great month for you two. On another side note I like the name Fox but I myself knowing that there is a company (fox racing they make gloves and bike stuff and alt sports stuff) with that name not to mention the Media company I don't think I would have the guts to name by kid that, but I still like the name it is a pretty cool name.

hodown writes at 11:18:58 01/11/09 - Comment #44317: Aw, you guys are an amazing couple. You two really give me hope for love (and I'm normally pretty skeptical about love)..

tinypliny writes at 09:47:41 01/11/09 - Comment #44302: Congratulations! Not many old school blokes out there so Rory is special. :)

libertad writes at 09:37:49 01/11/09 - Comment #44301: So I am not sure where I missed it that you were getting married but I wanted to say how happy I am for both of you. I saw it in that journal about 2009 that it was your goal to marry the man of your life but I wasn't sure if it was a mutually agreed upon thing yet.

lilho writes at 09:34:08 01/11/09 - Comment #44300: awww! so glad to hear you had a great time! i was great to see you and meet rory, he seems like a great guy! you guys are pretty much the cutest, and you deserve every bit of happiness in life.

mrmike writes at 08:42:01 01/11/09 - Comment #44293: Congrats on well, lesse, the nephew, the blessing, the safe travel back, the brief moment of natural driving. I'm sure there is more. February, huh? Coming Stateside for my birthday? pretty big gesture :)

Permalink: we_re_back_in_do_hell.html
Words: 235
Location: Niagara Falls, NY

Category: potpourri

12/31/08 08:20 - 20ºF - ID#47224

NYE

We're heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeee!

See you tonight peeps!

Permalink: NYE.html
Words: 6
Location: Niagara Falls, NY

Category: new year

12/28/08 02:56 - 63ºF - ID#47204

as 2009 rings in

On the eve of each New Year we often reflect on our lives. As I do this dear e-strippers, I wish you joy that never ends and happiness with all your family and friends.

Where were you when 2008 began?
At PMT's

Who were you with?
everyone

Where will you be when 2008 ends?
At PMT's

Whom will you be with when 2008 ends?
everyone!

Was 2008 a good year for you?
Really, very good! I met the love of my life.

What was your favorite moment of the year?
Exploring one of the Tomb Raider temples in Cambodia!

What was your least favorite moment of the year?
The night before I met Rory, I was really down on myself.

Did you reach your New Year 2008 goals?

Visit family and friends around Europe - did it
Paint my apartment - did it
Get much better at guitar - oops
Go camping in the desert - did it
Go duning - did it
Get SCUBA open water certified - did it
Travel to Singapore, Cambodia, and China - one out of the three ain't bad

Did you fall in love in 2008?
Absolutely! Madly and deeply.

Did you breakup with anyone in 2008?
No.

Did you make any new friends in 2008?
Yes.

What was your favorite month of 2008?
April, Rory :)

Did you travel outside of the US in 2008?
Qatar, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, France, Vietnam, Cambodia, Seychelles, Ireland, and Northern Ireland.

How many different states did you travel to in 2008?
D.C., Florida

Did you lose anybody close to you in 2008?
No.

What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2008?
Dark Knight

What was your favorite song in 2008?
Inni mer syngur vitleysingur by Sigur Ros

What was your favorite album in 2008?
Made of Bricks by Kate Nash

What was your proudest moment of 2008?
The day one of my staffers made the connection between her work and the real world. I felt very fulfilled in my work knowing at last my teaching is helping others blossom.

What was your most embarrassing moment of 2008?
Breakfast the next morning with the roommates.

If you could go back in time to any moment of 2008 and change something, what would it be?
I would have cleaned up better.

What are your goals for 2009?