I made it to Barnes and Noble last night. The store (and parking lot) was packed. I waded through people to get to the book section I was looking for. After pulling a few selections off the shelf, I made my way over to an empty aisle, where I sat on the floor to read.

Purchase made, I then headed out to Elmwood Spot. I worked on my school project for a couple of hours over a caramel macchiato and a raspberry Italian soda. When I went to start my car, it refused to turn over. All of the dash lights glared angrily at me. I kept at it until the car reluctantly turned on. I drove to a well lit parking lot, so I could take a look under the hood. I checked fluids, sniffed around the major parts, and noticed a faint gasoline odor. It was hard to tell if it was coming from my car, with so many other cars and smells permeating the air. My car hesitates to start again..

Forward to: pulling into my driveway. What was once a very full gas gauge was now displaying less than half a tank of gas. I only drove 60 miles, which would be two and a half gallons, tops.

And the gasoline smell was strong.

Obvious deduction? Hole in the gas line. That would explain the tough start, the sputtering drive and the quickly depleting gas tank. Air in gas line will cause the sputtering and tough start.. gas can't get to where it needs to go. Maybe I am wrong..So tomorrow, I will call my mechanic and AAA to tow my car out there. I also need an oil change and perhaps they can look at my doors, as two of the four do not open. I would be satisfied with the front passenger door being able to open again. Not sure how to handle the "no car" situation.. I am sure my car will be tied up for a few days. Yuck, I hate being without transportation!!

The strangest part, it that I dreamt about it. Maybe there were prior signs of the car having issues before the obvious one last night.. and I just hadn't consciously attended to it yet. Whatever, just odd..

Weekend was otherwise good. Friday evening was very pleasant. A nice retreat from the crazy ass week I had. I love chaos, but sometimes I need to decompress, which is exactly what occurred. Brought back some balance. Saturday was busy with school work and self reflection and sniffing my car. Today, more school work and I attended an art show. Good times.

Now I am taking a break to write this post, before I get back to my project. I am sure that I am complicating it more than I need to and that I could scale down the intensity to a more sane level.. yet I choose not to. I enjoy putting effort into something I enjoy. I have my own standards that I reach for. This is particularly true if my interest is high, which in this case, it is. I love a challenge. I thrive off of learning and applying. There is something invigorating about it. I guess, I am a self proclaimed nerd. I need to figure out how I will target my cerebral energy once I have earned my masters. More school? Will I find a challenging job? Should I start my own business? That would be a great challenge.. I am creative, energetic, positive, willing, tenacious and have an entrepreneurial spirit.. so why not?Hmm.. but what?

I am not a complainer. I am a doer. If I sense that something needs to change, I begin a course of action to initiate the change process. Part of that is being aware for the need for change, and another is to devise an action plan. That is what I will do in the near future. I have some things to figure out, and I will. I intend to take a devoted amount of time and hash it out. Maybe I will go somewhere---camp or rent a room and just hide for a day or two and figure out a few things. No distractions. No e-strip :) Just my brain, a notebook and... *fill in blank*

On that note, it is time to get back to my project. I have a feeling that the effort that I am putting into it is going to pay off in some way.. just a feeling..

I thought I would share this with all of you:

"The most unfair thing about life is the way it ends. I mean, life is tough. It takes up a lot of your time. What do you get at the end of it? A death. What's that a bonus?!? I think the life cycle is all backwards. You should die first, get it out of the way. Then you go live in an old age home. You get kicked out for being too healthy, go collect your pension, then, when you start to work you get a gold watch on the first day. You work for forty years until you're young enough to enjoy your retirement. You drink alcohol, you party, and you get ready for High School. You go to primary school, you become a kid, you play, you have no responsibilities, you become a little baby, you go back, you spend your last 9 months floating with luxuries like central heating, spa, room service on tap, then you finish off as an orgasm!! Amen" ~George Constanza

Sounds good..

Take care,
Carey

I may need coffee today. I think Spot or Orange Cat may be on my itinerary. *yawn*

Along with Barnes and Noble, Lexington co-op, Dicks and some discount store. That is far too many stores for me to handle, yet they all tie in, so I am not sure if I can omit any one of them.

I am on (e:strip), but I should be researching a portion of my school project, but I needed a short break. Maybe I will bring my laptop with me when I go to one of the above mentioned caffeine lairs.

My new neighbor is definitely here. I hear him moving around a lot. Well, I wasn't entirely aware of this until yesterday evening. After work, I cranked some music (new Madonna cd is hot), the walls were vibrating, floors thumping and I am dancing around and cleaning and singing loudly. The other apartment has been empty since November, which I have been taking full advantage of this arrangement.

The walls are not paper thin, but I do try to keep the music volume within reason if I know my neighbors are home. Until the other apartment is full of furnishings, I am sure everything seems louder right now. The only thing our apartments share is a staircase to our basements. Our kitchen doors that lead to the stairwell face each other. I whipped open my door (half dressed- after getting out of the shower- clean clothes in basement) and flew down the staircase . Just as I reached the bottom, I hear movement, maybe the other apartment door opening. I quickly pushed through the door to my basement and closed it. I did not want my first encounter w/ my neighbor to be where I am in just a bra and draw string pants. I busted up laughing from the near miss. It would have topped off my loud music, singing and dancing.

I knew that someone would be moving in and I heard some movement last week.. but it will take time to get used to someone being right next door to me again. Yesterdays "almost encounter" helped speed that up.

Maybe next weekend after he has had a chance to settle a little, I will go over and introduce myself, if in the meantime I donâ??t run into him or do something really dumb, like belching the alphabet in between cooking dinner and talking to my cat, Joe. haha.

So, how should I introduce myself? Do I knock on his kitchen door and request, "I need some shugah, baby...I mean, a cup of sugar." If he is fun, he will find humor in a non traditional "welcome".. if he isn't, I suspect he will shut the door, close the blinds and move out. Ok, I am not really going to ask him for some sugar.

Oy, it is already five-ish. Not enough time during the weekend at all. My niece is in some pageant- Niagara County? Western New York? Not sure.. but I am not going tonight. School work and a conference will interfere. Had I known it was tonight (ok, I think it was mentioned in passing a couple of weeks ago), I would have arranged for an earlier conference meeting. Instead, I will go to her art show. She was entered into a regional (er was it state?) competition and she placed. She doesn't know it yet. My mom (who has custody of her) was contacted about it. I want to be there for that.

Ok, my little break is over, time to get back to the school work, then head out to get books and coffee. That's about all I am up for today, shopping wise. Then back to school work. Yay.

Keep your chin up!

~C

• I was only joking in the chat earlier- ya know, when "ya'll" were disturbed that the snow was falling heavily everywhere.. and I said that Youngstown-Lewiston is probably green and sunny.

I shouldn't be surprised, but I was right.

and I WANT SNOW. I am about to grab a trash can, head to south Buffalo and fill it to the rim with the white stuff. Then I'll go home and dump it in my yard. hehe. I would do that.. I haven't used the shovel since early December..


So if you don't love it and can't afford to leave the area, come live in my neck of the woods.

• There was a perfectly clear sky this evening with bright stars. For those who dig the cosmos, you should be standing in my yard, gazing up into the vast wonderment and mystery. (Yet not in that "I am standing in the bushes looking in your windows" kind of way..)

I was all over the place today with work, classes and errands. The snow was everywhere. It was energizing and made me excited to play in it. When was the last time you let a snowflake land on your tongue?

I even saw the tail end of a late winter sunset. Just a sliver of pink, orange and purple peeking through before darkness settled in. Anyone catch this? Anyone looking? Little things..moments in your day..to breathe, laugh, smile, reflect..

Speaking of laughing..

• Today is Dr. Seuss's Birthday. I have green hands. I even made green eggs and ham.

http://www.seussville.com/
I work in a school- we celebrated Dr. Seuss's birthday all week by making reading books, engaging in related activities, art projects and foods (hmm, I am not *totally* nutty. Green eggs and ham were made in the classroom, not my kitchen!)
Ok, so why are my hands green? While I was on my lunch, the kiddos made "Ooblik", some funky slop made of cornstarch, green food coloring and a few other ingredients. I wasn't there for this. However, upon my return from lunch, I walked into the classroom and saw a giant bowl of green sludge sitting on a nearby table. I instantly pushed up my sleeves and submerged my hands into this unknown concoction. This stuff is so strange! I think someone posted on here not that long ago about a science experiment where the mixture is solid yet liquefies when you touch it. I must make a batch for my own amusement. As other "adults" managed to put on a pair of latex gloves to keep from staining their hands, the thought never crossed my mind. I just dove in and rand my hands through the mixture. I would grab a solid handful, then watch it turn to liquid in my hands. I had to force myself to stop playing. I was able to wash off the gook but not the intense green color.

Shortly thereafter I was set to make a presentation in my class. My classmates were curious, disturbed and amused. Nothing really surprises them.. I had fun creating all sorts of "explanations" mostly dirty, some clean and eventually the truth (to some). They joined in as well. From Leprechauns to smurfs..

The guy at the drive up Starbucks was amused. I explained that I work in a school with autistic children.. "Likely story.."

• I love Tommy Boy, Black Sheep.. anything with Chris Farley. I miss him! I was chatting with (e:decoyisryan) and he said that he was watching Tommy Boy. I was happy to find out that it is on tv. I feel a movie rental marathon coming on. I might have some of the movies already. I also need to see Office Space, Zoolander and Super Troops (all of which I have but haven't watched in awhile- rent a comedy and allow yourself a good laugh.)

• I just found out that my niece received her acceptance letter into the Cleveland Institute of Art. That is such an amazing place.. I love the atmosphere. You would be sure to find your muse in there. We made college rounds this past summer. My very first post on (e:strip) was about this little trip (complete with haiku). I fondly remember the hotel pools "chlorinated cocktail "[inlink]theecarey,1[/inlink]. She applied to a few places around the country. Her first choice is CIA. I am so happy for her. I see myself taking numerous road trips to bring her some college goodies and other much needed fare. YAY!

• Time for bed. I am so tired. I would like to stay up for (e:kwoissuper) Spin Spin Super (do you do that every Thursday?), but I can barely keep my eyes open. If I do tune in, I know my body will start grooving.. not conducive to sleep at all :) Hurray for Friday! What is the plan?? I must hammer out some of the deliverables in a class paper I have been working on. That is first. Going out is second. The paper is due very soon. I intend to do a thorough kick ass job on it!!

Later peeps

Carey

My posts, like my thoughts, have been emerging as snips of brain poo. I engage most of my neuronal matter on an in-depth and time consuming class project. The deadline is quickly approaching and while I have been diligently working on it, I am awaiting the moment of intense creative intelligent fervor.

I love that.

Returning home after a dental appointment, I decided to watch a few minutes of tv before tackling a class assignment. ESPN showed coverage from the Worlds Strongest Man competition. In the Hercules Hold, the competitors held 353 lb pillars with each hand. The pillars were tall and heavy. The men wrapped their hands around a handle attached to a chain that led to the pillars. They competed in how long they could keep the pillars from falling away from them. Over 700 hundred pounds in their hands. OY. Commentary on their height and hand size were noted. Smaller hands were not advantageous. This prompted me to look down at my hands. My mutant baby pinky can't wrap itself around a #2 pencil.. A ten year old boy has a longer pinky finger than me. I checked. (The kiddo I work with is fascinated with my anomaly.)

My dental appointment was quick. It was a routine cleaning and since I have a mild OCD with keeping my teeth clean and flossed, there was minimal scraping. My cutie oral surgeon poked his head in to say hello. Dr. Cutie makes me smile.. Then Dr. Wife checked the hygienist's work. After, I was sent home with another toothbrush and tooth floss. What, no stickers?? :)

One word:
Lentils. Ok, two more.. Curry Ginger Lentils.

I made another wonderful potion, I mean, dish using (red) lentils, fresh ginger, curry, red pepper and olive oil. I added asparagus and naked shrimp to the side. YUM! ;) (where is that "spell" check?.. )

I am looking for a gym or facility that offers swimming. Preferably a structured swim, perhaps to include strength/resistance exercises. I do not want free swim, as I will just play.. Any suggestions?

My dreams are weird. They are usually full of adventure and craziness; fun stuff for the most part. I do not recall the details of my dreams from last night, but what I do remember is that I thought the content was odd, for me. I dreamt about potato chips. More specifically, Lays Classic. Mounds of them. Also some pastries and candybars. How freakin' odd. Although I havent chomped on anything like that lately, I am not omitting any particular food. However, maybe my brain does not know that and is in some sort of "food mourning"? No idea.. but I never dream of food.

hehe.. McDonalds Shamrock shakes are out. I am all over that.. I plan to have one on the weekend. They don't really taste like anything, but I get one every year. Its green.. its fun.. gotta have one (maybe two..)

On other fronts..

• Golf course may go up in (North) Lewiston. 250 acres bought by the Seneca's as a strategic business plan... Hopefully it will be open to the public :) In the meantime, I'll go to the driving range. Or join the Niagara County Country Club *swings hair back* j/k

• Harry Potter, Goblet of Fire is due to come out on DVD soon.. Next Tuesday (unless they meant yesterday..) OOoOOoooOh I can't wait! I *still* need to read the book that came out over summer. Not that I have had much opportunity to read fun stuff..

• Snow in the forecast.. maybe, just maybe.. there will be XC skiing in my future?? And snowmen! And snowball wars! If so.. come join me! (Throwing snowballs at myself isn't as amusing..)

Time for bed..

Be good..Play nice

~Carey

Dana and I ventured out to the art installation at the Hotel Lennox, or more commonly referred to as, "The Peep Show", Saturday night.

Walking around the hotel, making our way through the crowds, we observed people of all ages and mental states. Whether at the hotel to party or to contemplate art (or both), people were evidently enjoying themselves. I partially stripped, threw on some pajamas and hopped in bed with (e:robin). Nice to met you :)

Pleasantly, I saw a handful of people I know. However, my hellos were short as I was drawn to the unknown. Strangers were the most intriguing, to look at and to talk to. We found ourselves engaging in many interesting conversations. I enjoy talking to people, transcending boundaries and personal space :)

I did not have anything to drink before or during this viewing. I enjoyed my calm, clear, peaceful affect while mingling with the others.

I have put my camera away for now. It will be available for certain moments.. but I am cutting back on snapping a picture for the sake of "preserving a memory". Especially when it ends up being the same picture over and over! Funny, that I realized that some of my memories of late are actually strengthened by not having the camera attached to me; I was in the moment and not in the camera lens.

The camera will be ready and willing for original-interesting moments and my nature-life journeys. Atleast that is the plan, haha.

Reflecting back on the weekend, I think my fondest memory was looking out the window of hotel room 845. The view of Buffalo from the eighth floor of the hotel was amazing.The snow was falling, covering the street, building, cars and people.. the image was ageless and enchanting. Thanks for sharing the moment, (e:matthew)..

Two vodka-sodas w/ lime at Pink and 1/2 turkey on wheat w/ french fries (Vehichles for Ketchup) at Jims, rounded out the night.

Onto other news..

• Back to work after a few days off. I enjoyed the time to myself but it is always good to get back.. even if I am already looking forward to the weekend. I stayed up super late most days of this past week. Having to get to sleep at a reasonable hour and waking up about the time I went to bed at least a few days this week, was a challenge. I set my alarm extra early to get up and exercise-stretch. It worked out to my advantage and I will continue to do this. Usually I roll out of bed and into my car (well, pit stop at the bathroom for toothbrushing!).

• I hear movement in the apartment next to me. I think my neighbor is beginning to move in. Maybe I will see more of him this weekend. Apparently he is 25-26 years old.. I will post more on that development later.

• Mardi Gras festivities tomorrow.. Who is doing what? Not sure what my plans are. Most likely a quiet night in front of the lap top and school books. I am up for something.. but not drinking (much or any). I go to work early in the morning.. Good conversation maybe? Good food? Glass of wine? ..

• I made an amazing grilled portebello mushroom for dinner tonight-- it was topped w/ a spinkling of sharp cheddar, balsamic vinegar and garlic. My creations are endless and amazingly satisfying. I am on a roll..

• Online D&D just rolled out.. I must refrain from looking into it!!

Alright everyone, be good, be healthy, stay warm!

Carey