"that's AFRICA!" written by Ladycroft on estrip.org

Category: dreams

01/19/10 06:15 - 28ºF - ID#50855

that's AFRICA!

I had the most amazing dream last night, I wish I could have it again and again!

In my dream we had already mastered trips to space for common folk. Naturally, (e:theecarey) and myself were on board one of these flights. We were taking a 'cruise ship' to the 'Asteroid Islands'. Yeah, clever.

The ship looked just like a space shuttle, except is was about 20 times bigger, maybe more. It launched vertically with some type of blue flame that burned entirely clean. Humankind had created a way to eliminate g-force on the internal compartments of the ship, so passengers felt nothing at all. In fact, Carey and I were involved in a game of Wizard Chess before we realized we had taken off.

There were only a few observation decks but they were closed for the journey to the first island. A creepy robotic voice announced our arrival; the sweet British accent makes me nervous. I momentarily wonder if she'll try to kill us all in some act of AI rebellion. Then the observation deck windows opened. Slowly, very slowly, the dark gray walls lowered and I caught my first glimpse of bright blue as Earth came into view. Then, browns and greens....and I screamed with excitement, "Carey come look, that's AAAFFFRIICAAA"! The massive continent came into full view as the grinding metal came to a halt. It was so real. So real. I was standing on board a ship looking at Africa from 20,000 miles away. A shroud of tranquility fell over everyone in that room. I could hear my own heart beating.

We were interrupted by the voice announcing not our doom, but our freedom to access the first island - which looked remarkably like one out of Mario Galaxy. Imagine a jagged lump of gray rock floating in space with a perfect layer of bright fluffy green grass on the top side. This island of course doesn't rotate, it remains idle save for it's orbit around Earth.

We descended to the surface via ladder. Humankind had also figured out a way to create force fields allowing for prime environmental conditions. It was perfect. No air tanks, no eye wear, just a sexy white jumpsuit was all that separated my skin from the vast universe.

Permalink: that_s_AFRICA_.html
Words: 378
Location: Niagara Falls, NY

Category: potpourri

01/18/10 07:04 - 32ºF - ID#50842

my new motto for 2010

I'm stealing this line from "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs".....

Carpe the Diem!

Permalink: my_new_motto_for_2010.html
Words: 17
Location: Niagara Falls, NY

Category: potpourri

01/13/10 05:42 - 25ºF - ID#50809

accepted!

I just got notification that I've been accepted to NAFSA Academy! I really wanted to do this so I am STOKED. It's a 9 month training program for young professionals in the field of international education. Since I'll only be in Qatar one more academic year, I wanted to find ways to broaden my international experience and boost my resume. This is my golden ticket! So, so, so happy I got accepted! Woohoo!

Which means, brief visit to B-lo in March! The spring training session is in Atlanta, but I need to get to B-lo to do some important name change stuff that I must do in person. Hopefully I can see a few peeps while I'm whirl winding my way through!

Permalink: accepted_.html
Words: 121
Location: Niagara Falls, NY

Category: cooking

01/08/10 01:25 - 26ºF - ID#50769

spatchcocked turkey

For Christmas this year I tried a new way of cooking the turkey. I enlisted Rory's help because it was grossing me out, but hey, got a 13 pound turkey cooked in an hour and ten minutes! Got the idea from our favorite cooking criminal, Martha Stewart.

They made it look so easy in the magazine I thought it would take about 15 minutes to mutilate, but ended up taking an hour! Maybe the turkey wasn't 1oo% thawed, maybe my kitchen sheers need sharpening, or maybe it's just plain harder than it looks in a picture.

STEP 1- remove all the innards, rinse, and pat the bird dry with paper towel. This is important because the bird WILL slide all over the place if it's damp. Our poor Blinky got her head covered in pink turkey juice as it spilled over the counter. I scrubbed her fur and got the pink out but she smelled like turkey all day.

STEP 2 - Flip the bird over on it's belly and stick your sheers up it's butt hole. Cut the spine out by cutting along both sides. I think our bird had scoliosis....

STEP 3 - Flip the bird over so it's breast side up, and break the breast bones. Essentially, set yourself up like you're going to give CPR, except you WANT to hear the bones break.

STEP 4 - Pin the wings under, baste with a mixture of olive oil and pepper, and roast for approximately 70 minutes, basting in between.

STEP 5 - Carve and enjoy.

Permalink: spatchcocked_turkey.html
Words: 267
Location: Niagara Falls, NY

Category: health

01/06/10 03:50 - 20ºF - ID#50754

neti pot?

Doha has wreaked havoc on my sinuses since I got here. Between the constant sandy air, air conditioners and mold I don't stand a chance. I've already had two URTI's as a result. I've been looking at the neti pot as a form of preventative medicine to see if it helps. I think I remember reading something on here at some point in the last 3 years about people using them?

Does anyone have any input on using one?

dimartiste writes at 09:37:45 02/24/10 - Comment #55031: I am wondering how the neti pot went?

My uncle swears by it. I have a hard time with feeling like I am drownding, since I tried that once when I was a kid. I did not care for that too much. SO I keep waiting to hear someone tell me what it feels like.

I usually add water to the air by boiling on the stove. I have even added eucalyptus oil to cleanse my palete and help me breath better. Lately I have added taking an extra dose of sudafed. I am finding I am getting dehydrate though.

ladycroft writes at 01:28:29 01/08/10 - Comment #54294: Thanks for the input, I think I'll def give it a try. Thanks libertad for suggesting ceramic. I've been reading lots of reviews and they were all mixed regarding differences between plastic and ceramic pots.

libertad writes at 09:18:23 01/06/10 - Comment #54263: I highly recommend the neti. I should be using it right now but it is one of those things you do put off. If you do get one make sure it is ceramic and not plastic. I tried both and the ceramic makes all the difference in the world.

theecarey writes at 01:05:37 01/06/10 - Comment #54252: My story has nothing to do with me, but with a family member. My my niece and her husband were up for a visit this summer; my nephew-in-law was experiencing terrible allergies that were not eased with any sort of medication. He was so out of sorts that it was hard for him to function. He ended up buying a neti pot as a last resort (in that my mom highly recommended it). Much to his surprise, it made such a positive difference in the way he felt and functioned that everyone could see it in his demeanor. Poor thing could finally visit with everyone without looking like he was dying.

Anyone else I know usually uses it when they feel their sinuses beginning to get bad, but they don't do it everyday.

tinypliny writes at 08:41:46 01/06/10 - Comment #54239: Have you tried steam inhalers such as this one: :::link:::

They work very well in keeping your upper airway healthy with regular use.

zobar writes at 08:41:36 01/06/10 - Comment #54238: I occasionally use aerosol saline ... it's not going to stop you from getting sick, but it does work well for minor sinus congestion and sore throat due to dry air.

- Z

janelle writes at 07:00:01 01/06/10 - Comment #54236: I use something similar to a neti pot. I find it really helpful. When I get the first hint of congestion problems, I start using it every day in the shower and it clears up the congestion faster than just using medications to treat the symptoms. I would probably be best off if I did it EVERY DAY, but I find it too time consuming for that.

If you get post nasal drip, I also highly recommend just plain hold salt water gargling. I also use a home made remedy of a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in honey. It dries it all up.

Permalink: neti_pot_.html
Words: 78
Location: Niagara Falls, NY

Category: new year

12/31/09 09:58 - 33ºF - ID#50699

happy new year!

If my cat was a boy I'd have to name it Hammy after that crazy squirrel on Over the Hedge. Seriously. For a cat with no eyes she's pretty spastic.

I just opened a bag of Cheetos and I swear it was just like this clip from the Over the Hedge trailer. 35 seconds in, watch Hammy's reaction to a bag of cheese chips being opened.

Now replace the squirrel with a frantic no eyed kitten. MeOW!

Happy New Year 2010! We'll be ringing it in 8 hours ahead of you, so at 4pm give a shout out to Doha! I'm afraid I'll not be awake at 8am to return the favor, so Happy New Year B-lo!

OH - and happy blue moon! Though you won't get to witness it in North America, there will be a partial eclipse tonight to make it all the more special (viewable from Europe, Africa and Asia only I'm afraid).

Photos to share of my new do, feeling like my old crofty self again....ahhhh purple ;)

Permalink: happy_new_year_.html
Words: 177
Location: Niagara Falls, NY

Category: new year

12/29/09 03:44 - 14ºF - ID#50680

As 2010 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 2009 began?
At PMT's

Who were you with?
everyone

Where will you be when 2009 ends?
At a house party here in Doha

Whom will you be with when 2009 ends?
My husband, a work colleague, and lots of new people

Was 2009 a good year for you?
Amazing! Married the love of my life and am eternally happy for it!

What was your favorite moment of the year?
Tie: when (e:Rory) proposed to me and when (e:Drew) announced we were official

What was your least favorite moment of the year?
Maybe 3 days before the wedding. My family were at each others' throats and stressing me out.

Did you reach your New Year 2009 goals?

Meet Rory's family and friends - did it
Finish my sailing course with minimal bruising - sort of did it
Travel to Jordan, Singapore, Antarctica - wedding superseded these plans
Present at the NASPA conference - attended NASPA, worked on presentation, but had to leave early for Rory's grandfather's funeral
Increase my fitness level considerably - negative ghost rider
Be the best supervisor I can be - I think so!
Marry the love of my life - did it!

Did you fall in love in 2009?
Absolutely! Madly and deeply.

What was your favorite month of 2009?
October - I GOT MARRIED!

Did you travel outside of the US in 2009?
Qatar, England, Italy, Maldives - skim on the travel but for good reason.

How many different states did you travel to in 2009?
D.C., Massachusetts, New York

Did you lose anybody close to you in 2009?
Rory's grandfather Trevor

What was your favorite movie that you saw in 2009?
Coraline!

What was your favorite song in 2009?
Tonight's Gonna Be a Good Night by Black Eyed Peas

What was your favorite album in 2009?
This is War by 30 Seconds to Mars

What was your most exciting moment of 2009?
Convincing Rory to try SCUBA diving with me and him doing really well and enjoying it!

What was your proudest moment of 2009?
Marrying Rory. We did it as a team, together all the way.

What was your most embarrassing moment of 2009?
Having a very temporary haircut after donating my hair and a woman run up to me and say "Oh my God did you just get your haircut, you have a piece hanging in the back!"

If you could go back in time to any moment of 2009 and change something, what would it be?
I would have started the turkey with Rory much earlier in the day - it took us way longer to dismember it than I thought it would.

What are your goals for 2010?

Master the art of packing light
Travel to New Zealand, Oman, Abu Dabi, India, Egypt, Jordan, Australia, and Antarctica
Lose 40 pounds by our 1 year anniversary
Pay off my car in November
Pay off 1/3 of one of my student loans
Knit tons of goodies to donate to charity
Participate in more community service opportunities
Be the best teammate (wifey) I can be
Drop the dead weight in my life and look for more positive forces to surround myself with
Create a solid sustainability campaign in our residence halls

Permalink: As_2010_rings_in.html
Words: 555
Location: Niagara Falls, NY
Last Modified: 05/31/13 07:33

Category: birthday

12/23/09 03:34 - 18ºF - ID#50640

happy birthday Metalpeter!

Hope your Birthday Rocks!

Permalink: happy_birthday_Metalpeter_.html
Words: 4
Location: Niagara Falls, NY
Last Modified: 05/31/13 07:33

Category: pets

12/21/09 02:31 - 29ºF - ID#50617

meet blinky

Originally we got adopted two kitties from the local shelter but it turned out to be a bit of a nightmare with two. Always fighting, body parts getting caught in the middle of those fights = many ouchies.

Luckily my colleague loved Inky so she adopted him from us. At least we still get to visit and play with him :)

Blinky is a special needs cat in that she has no eyeballs. We can't sew up her eye sockets until she's old enough to handle anesthesia so we just have to try to keep them clean. In her first solo picture she still has a bit of an infection. Second one, taken just moments ago, she's doing much better.

Special needs is a bit of a lie too, because this kitty is balls out the most adventurous little bugger I've ever known! She often overshoots her target by leaping an extra foot into the air, has an adorable weasel like side pounce attack, and runs through the house with ease. On occasion she bonks her head into a wall but it hardly phases her. Ironically, she has great skill in poking us in the eye while we're in bed.....

We're so happy to finally have the "Christmas Kitty" we've been wanting for several months now!