Tip Tuesday: Decorate with Swords

The sword is a classic piece of decoration for any manor, castle, or even the common apartment.

 

In addition to being visually attractive and serving as a conversation piece, the sword has a practical use in home defense as well.

 

While the sword over the mantle piece is never out of place, consider placing one suspended by a thread over your guest's chairs for that little bit of extra excitement, or by the bed so as to always be close at hand for... other activities.

 

A matched set, such as this sword and dagger, adds that certain something for the canny decorator.

 

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6BS0aMmAbDVc2zHm7GTTi4G60Qo00z83RYZzTTcZg5s5bUiUTNplun9CVKjD3jkh87slub95Ms0SZOGyVZ8h7BIlx1GlcWOBzpIz48ebvYxYYmMH_WFDW6uJpEDrXF7XFtzTu_wlO3B7/s1600-h/SwordSet.JPG

--
And a time for every purpose under Heaven
Gridley, signing off

Weekend Report - I Am the Corporate Drone!

Good day, my lords and ladies, knights and squires, horses and... never mind.

 

For those of you who know me not, I am known in this electronic world as Gridley, famed for my masterful stating of the obvious, my broadsword-like wit and my rapier-like strength.

 

I'm filling in this week for randomgirl because I have an impressive resume - after all, I have my own blog at: http://gridleythoughts.blogspot.com/ . (End shameless plug.)

 

Actually, it was probably because when you need three weeks of guest bloggers in a hurry you can't be too picky.

 

But, on to the weekend report.

 

Like all good Boeing 787 engineers I spent Saturday morning in the office taking advantage of the relatively faster databases and network. Well, normally they are faster. I did spend a little time on the shop floor looking at the overhead crew rest modules that were recently built - did you know that 777 aircraft (and 787's, once we get them built) can have bunks in the overhead (the "crown" for those in the airplane business) above the seats?

 

Saturday afternoon and evening I did some reading, and, well, that was about it.

 

Sunday I worked on my fanfic a bit, read some more of Chamber of Secrets for reference material, and got a sudden and irresistible desire to watch Stalag 17 (black and white war/drama movie). This was a little awkward because I didn't own it, blockbuster claimed they had it but didn't, and Best Buy didn't carry it. So I drove about 10 miles to another mall to get a copy. Obsessive? Me? Nah.

 

Fear not, randomgirl will return with interesting weekend reports soon enough.

--
And a time for every purpose under Heaven
Gridley, signing off

Just a note to say I'm safe and Thank you!

Thanks to my guest writers...apparently I should have David post all the time (84 Visitors).

I'm in Tel Aviv right now, happy healthy and hot. I'm having a wonderful time, and will try to post more when it's not so prohibitive.

Let me just say that I feel more, now than ever, that being the "jew" in America is not all the Judaism is or can be!

Business Opportunity

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/Boevers/Whatever/photo#5091890998201214162"><img src="http://lh3.google.com/Boevers/RqoH4obK5NI/AAAAAAAAAok/KI1iyrZcna4/lampshade.jpg?imgmax=640" /></a>

 

Here’s an idea for someone that wants to start a business.

 

We’re all trying to save energy and we’ve all been told to use the compact fluorescent lamps.  Great.  Count me in.  Unfortunately, it appears nobody told the lampshade people – or at least, nobody told them 10 years ago so that lamp shades made then would work for lamps (bulbs) manufactured now.

 

The result is like wedging a very small crowbar into a slot on a very thin piece (and comparably expensive) of glass.  Said crowbar is a tool now fairly oten used by the feline population of our particular household.

 

Lights out.

 

So, if you are one of these people trying to find a product we need, how about an adaptor for using standard style lamp shades with the new compact fluorescent lamps.  Just a thought.

 

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|   \ __ ___ _(_)__| | | _ ) ___  _____ _____ _ _ ___

| |) / _` \ V / / _` | | _ \/ _ \/ -_) V / -_) '_(_-<

|___/\__,_|\_/|_\__,_| |___/\___/\___|\_/\___|_| /__/

http://cmuptm.blogspot.com/

http://mydaddidntliketheurl.blogspot.com

 

David Writes RandomGirl's Blog

I am not even close to properly fitting under the name “RandomGirl” but here goes.

 

I went to look at the blog post about what a Thursday entry is supposed to be, but I was disappointed: “Random Post.”

 

Fine.

 

I am really very disappointed in the Tour de France this year.  Things over there seem to really be out of control.  One wonders what the US press would be like if there was a popular US rider near the top of the standings this year.  I think this year’s race was doomed in the US before it started.  The ambiguity and discontent over last years finish and all the controversy surrounding it were bound to deal the tour a blow right off the top.

 

But I don’t think anyone was expecting anything like this.

 

Keep in mind that I am not following the race this year, so anything I relate here has just been picked up second or third hand.  Apparently there was a day of the race where the start time was pushed back due to the number of riders who didn’t show up for the stage.  A large group of competitors had arranged a sort of “late out” to protest all the doping allegations.  So far, two entire teams have quit the tour after their marquee riders were stung by drug tests.  One rider, for yet another team, rode his bike across the finish line of a stage only to be met and escorted away by police.  And then, as sort of a cherry on top – if we’re at the top, but I suspect we aren’t – just recently a team fired their star rider while he was in the lead, wearing the yellow jersey because he didn’t keep up his training paperwork; which opens him and his team to doping allegations.

 

Not all the excitement is in the race.  German television dropped their coverage right in the middle of a stage when they found out that one of their national riders was under suspicion of doping.  It was largely symbolic though as another network picked up the feed fairly seamlessly.

 

What does this say about the tour?

What does this say about professional cycling?

What does this say about Lance Armstrong, Andy Hampsten, and Greg LeMond?

 

Hopefully nothing, but I doubt it.  Last year, when Floyd Landis had that MONSTER stage; the one just after the one where he ate it and fell off the lead, and then he comes back the next day and wins, alone, by like seven minutes I was really truly amazed at the capability of the human athlete.  After the fact, when allegedly he tested positive it made more sense, and I remembered how much that stage reminded me of Ben Johnson running the 100 meters in the Olympics and just crushing everyone.  It’s too bad when really stellar moments like that are snatched away after the fact by drug testing.  I am sure it makes us all that much more cynical as observers.

 

So is the tour this year rotten?  Yes.  It is because it is rotten that I’m not watching?  No, that’s because I don’t feel a connection to any of the riders.  Will it keep me from ever watching again?  No.  If it’s still around and another American prospect distinguishes himself I’ll probably be right there again.  But aside from all of that, I mean geez, guys, clean it up already.

 

 

I wonder what my .sig will look like…

 ___           _    _   ___                         

|   \ __ ___ _(_)__| | | _ ) ___  _____ _____ _ _ ___

| |) / _` \ V / / _` | | _ \/ _ \/ -_) V / -_) '_(_-<

|___/\__,_|\_/|_\__,_| |___/\___/\___|\_/\___|_| /__/

http://cmuptm.blogspot.com/

http://mydaddidntliketheurl.blogspot.com

 

It's here

Tomorrow I leave for Israel. And, assuming that I do get on the plane...I'm excited. Let me tell you, it has been one heck of a rocky road.

Tonight my parents requested that I call them every single day. I thought this was a sort of RIDICULOUS request. Not only ridiculous, but highly stupid. I told them I wouldn't promise to call everyday. This started a huge argument.

My dad yelled at me. He told me I was mean, and that I didn't care about them. They don't see how calling them every day puts a strain on me. How discussing things with them takes me out of the moment.

I have to admit- I'm a bit nervous. I have NO PLANS for 13 days. That's a long time to have no idea what you're doing... I can see how that worries them...but what can I do about it tonight...less than 10 hours until I have to be at the airport. Perhaps, it's a little to late...

I'm excited- at least I'm trying to be....

Do I really have anything worthwhile to say...perhaps I just think I'm a Martha Stewart

I'm going to make a REAL ATTEMPT at Tip Tuesday. All of my previous tuesday posts have really just been a continuation of my own dripple.

Here goes:

Work Tips:

1. Use the fact that you are about to go on vacation to your advantage. It gives you the ability to be unreliable, unavailable, and at the same time, a little bitchy. And, no one will remember by the time you return!

2. Take home the pens, the pencils, some of the coffee if you're really running low. They steal enough of your soul to owe you a stinking blue pen...

3. However, this isn't Office Space, so leave the copier, the fax machine, and, probably, the stapler...

4. Take every opportunity to convince the people you work for that they need to throw a celebration. Someone's leaving....they've only worked there for a week..WHO CARES! They deserve a party too!

5. ProCards are such a gift. As much as I WANT to tell you to use them for evil... don't. That's your name on that card...

6. LinkedIn. I don't know how many of you have heard of this place, but it's a good way to strike up conversations. Like the one I've started with the HOTT Morrocan Jew working in the law school....

7. Don't forget how to look busy. There are lots of ways to keep the fingers typing. Even a few ways to keep the fingers typing while making extra cash. My favorites are Ebay, and writing commissioned romance stories. I want to use the P-word, but I don't want my blog coming up in realtion to a search like that...

8. Well- don't quit. Whenever you see people in the movies who are about to get fired...they all seem to quit. If you quit you probably won't be able to get unemployment. If you are able to, you will have to make a case for yourself. Which means long lines and lots of conversations...


Okay- what do you think about my Tip Tuesday...they're real tips.... Of course they have NOTHING to do with what I thought I would write about. Maybe Mike or James will do a better job.

Almost there...so close I can taste it

This weekend was a little brutal. I keep trying to arrange to meet with all of my friends before I leave the country. Needless to say, this just meant that I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off.

I spent Friday night partying with the kickballers...I gashed my leg causing a wonderfully terrible bruise... Then I abandoned all hope of party and left to read Harry Potter. At 6am I finally finished and went to sleep.

Soccer on Saturday was a good game- 0-0 score, but a really good game. It was quite contentious, but no nastiness. Then back home, and to a pool party. The pool party was lots of fun, a good group of people. I keep getting myself into situations where I become friends with people through someone I'm interested in. Hmmm.... I had a good time, but I did leave my sunglasses there. grrr....

Then I did laundry...yeah! Slept finally by midnight.

Then it was off to my parents house. Boy do I love them. I really, really do. It's occasionally frustrating, but Daddy did buy me a wonderful dress at Ann Taylor. And I did get some sandles finally...woot!

Then it was a long drive home, cleaning of the room, and sleep. ...wonderful sleep.

I GO TO ISRAEL IN LESS THAN 3 DAYS!

This is a TEST POST

I'm trying out what David told me about... let's hope that it works!

Funks, skunks, hunks and junk

Don't you hate it when all of a sudden life sucks. It's like the world stops turning around you..

I swear my computer clock is broken. It's been 5:48 for 15 minutes now. I'm trying to be good, not leave work early... it's so HARD.

I wish I was able to go play kickball tonight. I'm not sure why loosing this season is making me so angry, but never-the-less, I'm PISSED

I hope that Life the bar on Wilshire is good. The Yelp reviews are pretty crappy.

Sex is nice. I have to admit that even when I'm not totally enjoying it, I do feel better the next day.

Why am I afraid to put my name out there on this blog? People who read it know who I am. Who cares if I'm saying not so great things about work, or life. Do I have to pretend like the people I talk about who read it don't know who I am?

I wish this guy who had Rustin's old phone number lived in LA and was older than 21. I don't date down. Though his cute little text message telling me I'm HOTT was nice!

Is it okay for me to be a little terrified of the fact that I have NO idea where I'm going when I get done with my tour in Israel. I looked into Tel Aviv Hostels...looks like I should be okay. Eilat is a little more of a problem. Here's hoping for the best!

Is keeping your passport in the hotel really the best option? How many copies of my driver's license do I need?

I want to smile more- and be able to write funny. I just can't do it. Yes, stupid things happen to me, but somehow telling them in typing makes them sound drab...

I'm so bored... I'm not supposed to be at the bar until 7pm... any suggestions...?

Other funny women make me laugh... A LOT

It seems that I've been doing fairly well with my blogging everyday (every WEEK day) ambition. I have been posting more on other's blogs, getting my name (and my terrible pictures of Ratatouille) out there. Now that I've done all this work... I'm about to abandon my blog for almost a WHOLE MONTH.

So... I want some guest Bloggers. I haven't quite figured out how to work this out. I thought about making posts, with day titles and the guest bloggers name, and they would come and write a LONG comment.... but that seems a little strange.

I guess there is a way to give people writing privileges. I have to admit that scares me a little. Who knows what could happen. That's a lot of trust. I could come back to find my blog blue, and covered with chickens. Anything is possible.

So- anyone out there in blogger land willing to be a guest blogger. All I ask is that you commit to writing at least one day... if you want more, maybe we can work it out. I just REALLY want there to be SOMETHING for the weekdays when I'm gone.

So...caitlin, alison, james, david, hallie, scribbit, mike... anyone willing to write here???

Susie Homemaker

Last night I spent a blissful night in my apartment. I cooked some dinner, cleaned up my house, decorated more, and really had an awesome chill evening.

While attempting to cook dinner, Ratatouille from this recipie: http://almostturkish.blogspot.com/2007/07/baked-ratatouille-frnda-ratatouille.html

It started out when I found this recipie on 52 cupcakes, another blog I read. I thought it looked so good, and was such a great idea, I couldn't help myself. I went to the Grocery store during my lunch break. Unfortunatley I didn't quite realize that "Italian Sqaush" and zuchinni were the same thing, so I left.

When I got home I went to the Pavillions and found NO Yellow Squash. Then I had to run across the street to the Wild Oats and was finally able to buy the last 2 squashs they had left! YEAH! So I rushed home after I read the recipie- realizing that the whole thing took almost 1 hour to bake. WOW!

So I ran home and started cutting. I have to admit that at this moment the only thing I really wanted was my mothers quick veggie cutter. All of my pieces were of different sizes. As they would say on "Top Chef" my knife skills could use A LOT of work! I also really wished, once I started cutting, that I had decided to use Roma Tomatoes. The "small" tomatoes that I used were not quite the right size. But, never-the-less I pressed on.

I was supposed to make my own sauce, but without a food processor and no desire to cut so many vegetables, I bought jarred sauce. So, I arranged them all pretty in a bowl and shuffed them in the oven. I have to admit that at this moment in time I really wished that I had more time. I was starving, and it started to smell really good.

I think it turned out rather nicely. Not nearly as "nice" as I wanted it to look...as Top Chef says, it's a lot about style...but it sure tasted good. None of the distinct WOW flavors I was looking for...but that's what happens when you don't want to buy spices.

Needless to say, a good experience. I am planning on taking a few cooking classes, YEAH KNIFE SKILLS! So, when I invite you to a dinner at my house- think positive!

Harry Potter!

This is less of a Tip, and more of a commentary:

Harry Potter:

1. I think that Snape is good. Contrary to the popular opinion... I think he did what he did because Dumbledore wouldn't have wanted Draco to kill him.

2. I really do think that Dumbledore will come back. There was something about a Phoenix flying out of the ashes during Dumbledore's funeral.

3. I want Harry and Ginny to get married. I think they are cute together, and totally going to workout for the better.

4. I want Harry to go back to Hogwarts. I think he needs to finish school, I think there are people around him at Hogwarts who can help him with the Horcruxes.

5. I'm not sure whether it's Sirius's brother who got the Horcrux. Perhaps there is some other person that we've forgotten about, or that we didn't pay attention to.

Here's the question that I want to know: Do you think that the locket Horcrux is actually destroyed? Put in your responses!

Sorry!

So, no post on Monday. I was so busy and distracted. Here's a rundown of the weekend, or at least what I remember of it:

Friday. I don't know...I don't really remember. I think that was Paris JeTeAime (which is a FABULOUS movie)

Saturday. Pasadena to Burbank for a kickball party. Burbank to Santa Monica for a soccer party. A brief stop at Rustins. Home to my parents house.

Sunday. Breakfast with mom and dad. Home to Santa Monica for volleyball. Santa Monica to Burbank for dinner with Shelly. See a pattern here! :-)

Over 200 miles of driving this weekend. Lots of fun, however. It was good, if a little over busy weekend. I rather enjoyed all the parties, and the fact that I convinced my parents not to argue with me about my trip.

Taking the leap

The "Write-Away" contest for July is about Adventure. So....here goes...

My sophomore year of High School I was preparing to take my first trip abroad without my parents. By this point in time I had been to several different countries, and had a fair amount of experience in traveling. None-the-less I was not only excited, but nervous about this trip. It took place over Easter weekend, and by some fluke of the lunar calendar I was going to miss my favorite holiday at my parents house: Passover.

I was going on this trip to see Theatre in London. All the girls with me were Christians, and, though there had been some discussion, no one had been planning on attending any type of religious services. So, before I went, I told myself that it would be okay to miss services, to miss the holiday and that I would be fine. Oh how wrong I was...

For those of you unfamiliar with Passover, the holiday is one based around a large festive meal at home, surrounded by loved ones and friends. The basis of the holiday is the exodus from Egypt and the story of Moses. Each Jew is supposed to 're-tell' the story every year, to adhere to the concept that each of us was set free from Egypt. It happens to be my favorite holiday- mostly because asking questions, staying up late and discussing things are what this holiday is all about. It takes place on two nights, only one in Israel, but two everywhere else.

The first night of Passover, as I sat in the audience for Blood Brothers, I couldn't help but be distracted. I'm not even sure that I knew it was passover, but somehow I just knew. I couldn't concentrate on the show and when it ended was unable to participate in any of the discussion. I thought I was getting sick. As I start walking back with the group we pass through this residential community. We're walking along, and all of a sudden the front door right in front of me opens. There's laughter and I stand, waiting, watching for someone to leave. I hear the distant sounds of a prayer...they are inviting Elijah into their home. I stand there for so long, just listening, tears forming in my eyes. The group has passed me, and for a brief moment I am standing alone on the street.

A little girl, no older than 7 comes to the front door, looking, waiting, and lays her eyes on me. She smiles at me; I at her. Her father comes to the door to call her back in and follows her eyes to where they have landed on me. He sees me, and we have a brief moment together. My group comes back around the corner to find me. As I hurry to join them, I stop at the door, meet his eyes and wish him a happy Pesach. He smiles, comes down the stairs and greets me with a hug.

Needless to say my friends start running, afraid that this man is going to abduct me or something. They get to us, and me and this man, Joe, start to laugh. I try to explain the situation, what has happened and why it has made me feel so connected to the world, but nothing works. He invites me into his home for the rest of the meal, and encourages me to come back tomorrow night. Though I am tempted, the chaperone's on my trip decide that it isn't such a good idea.

Though I only had a brief moment and a hug- I will never forget the feelings in my heart. The gratitude I felt at his generosity, and the way that G-d works throughout the world. I only hope that next year in Jerusalem I find him and his family.

http://scribbit.blogspot.com/2007/07/julys-write-away-contest.html

Excitement- Excitement....I'm going to dangerous countries!

I cannot begin to contain my excitement about my trip. I've definitely started counting down the days- tempted to start on the hours or minutes... maybe I'll do what Boevers does, and put a timer on my blog.

We had the first formal introduction to the people going on our trips. This made me SO MUCH more excited about the whole event. I've started buying things (yup, spending money makes me excited) and things are really starting to come together.

LOTS more to do... purchases to make, journals to buy, I'm SO EXCITED!

and- though I'm still nervous- I'm getting even more excited about the second half of the trip- where I'm alone/exploring the world. still not sure what's going to happen, but WOW! YEAH!

A list of things that shouldn't ever happen in an office: (if they happen in yours, the tip for today is to quit!)

-Electorcution while plugging in a lamp....poor Amy.

-Water flooding causing the cockroaches to scurry up the stairs on your heels. Now that's just plain gross.

-Having the gay professor decide that because he's gay he can come up and grab your breasts...please tell me that dosen't happen elsewhere.

-Taking tylenol daily to try to drown out the headache caused by the incessant crickets that escaped from the biology lab.

-Being attacked by a garage gate- yes, trying to close on your hand, your legs, your body parts. Oh what fun...

Yup- I love my office!

Friday: Shabbat dinner and Shul with my cousin Joseph and his family. The dinner was wonderful, some of the best chicken I've ever eaten. Then home to intercept my couches. YEAH FURNITURE! It was Rachel's brithday, so we were celebrating with drinks and some of her friends.

Saturday: Shopping for my trip, the Norton Simon museum, Transformers the movie, and then dinner at Il Fornaio. I think it was a fun day, and I got a 'lot' accomplished. I'm pretty psyched about my boots, even though they were $100.

On Saturday night my roommate needed to move my car out of the way. Unfortunately I was in a movie, therefore I didn't hear her call. At 10:00 when I am listening to my messages I get the first one from her: "I need to go to work, and your car is in the way. Please give me a call." I continued listening to my messages and recieve another from her: "So, I tried to use my car to push your car out of the way. I ended up damaging my car, but your car is fine. So, i'm not going to work tonight, but don't worry, your car is fine."

ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME!!! She tried to USE HER CAR to PUSH MINE out of the way. It's in first gear, parking break up... WOW!

She tried to 'polish' it out. I know I should take to a repair shop and have her pay to fix it, but I feel really bad.....thoughts???

Sunday: Breakfast at Roscoe's with my roommate and Matt. I love their food. if you don't know about it, it's fried chicken and waffles. Don't knock it tell you've tried it. Then laundry and finally a movie with Mike on my new couches. YEAH!

Weekend

This weekend is VERY exciting.

Tonight I'm going to services with my cousin. Shabbat dinner at his house following services. WOOT! Then I dash home to help get my couches that are being delivered tonight by Matt. YEAH!

Tomorrow should be a good day. Soccer at 12 noon, and before that probably shopping/returning things. I love shopping. I'll hit up the Vicky's sale, then do some more trip planning shopping. Probably (hopefully) some laundry. Then maybe a movie night on my NEW COUCHES!

Sunday is Wine tasting in temecula. I'm so pysched about this! It should be a GREAT day!

Things I want to change

I've been thinking a lot about my personality, my position and my life. Not to much, but certainly enough to make me realize that if there ever was a time to start myself creating and keeping good habits, now is the time.

I'm settled down- at least fairly reasonably so for someone 22 years old. Yesterday was my one year mark at USC, and I don't plan on leaving anytime soon. I got over that 6 month hump, and things are going good. I've lived at the same apartment for a year, and am eagerly going on two. I own plants, furniture and have decorated extensively. I think it's time for me to focus a little inwardly...

Here are some things I want to do: (remember, these are pretty broad goals).

1. Modesty. I'm not sure this is quite the right word for it. I am a person who has always been very easy to meet and get along with. while I'm not trying to change this concept; I would like to learn to keep my mouth shut a little longer, and my personal life a little more personal. Even more so I would like to keep my friendly touches a little less friendly. I'm so quick to let people get close- hugging, touching, etc. It's not a bad thing- I just think I could stand to keep a little more distance. The more I think about it, the more I realize modesty is an integral part of feminity. You don't need modesty to be feminine, but it certainly dosen't hurt.

2. Current Events. I hesitate to call this politics, for fear of the backlash. But the honesty is (and all of my friends know it) I'm not a very aware adult. I don't know about political parties- I can't tell you the major players, or what the parties think on the 'hard-line' issues. In general I think that I have opinions about the things that matter, but for some reason I have decided that things don't affect me. I'm not saying I want to be totally immersed or care about every politician. Far from it. I just want to be more knowledgeable about the parties, the people, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, the relevant news of the day. I don't think it's fair that I should rely on David Boevers to provide this information for me. I know how to click to CNN.com. I just need to start doing it.

3. Friendship. I have a lot of friends. There are a lot of people in my life I value and care for. At this point in my life I just need to cement those friendships that I want to have for the rest of my life. I want to have people in my life whom I can invite over for Sunday brunch or a fun dinner. And by friends, I really mean females. I need girlfriends in my life- I have to stop relying on my boyfriends to provide that outlet for me. So, I either need to find it, or give up on trying to find it. I am willing to admit that there might come a time when I just need to accept that I am not destined to be one of those girls who has a best friend. If that's the case, I need to learn to adjust my life to it.

4. Blogging community. I realize I'm not the most interesting person in the world, but I would like to have more people reading my blog. It's so funny to me, since I was anti-blog for a very long time. I realize, however, that i like the outlet. Now I just need to start reading some blogs by some diligent posters (sorry friends, most of you just don't make the bill) who are more in my age range. Most of the blogs I read "daily" are about mothers. Now mind you, there is NOTHING wrong with being a mother...I just want to read about other 20 somethings...their issues, their jobs...to not be alone in the blogging world.

So- these are some of my broad goals. Not really sure how to go about fixing them, but I think I have to try- at least something.

Kickball Frenzy

I really like to play kickball. I'm mostly writing this post because of the 'grunge' match going on tonight. I can be a very competitive person, and this game is something I am TOTALLY not excited about. The team we are playing is mostly made up of friends of mine....you'd think I'd be psyched. Unfortunately their team vibe (and by vibe I mean good sportsmanship) is somewhat lacking.

On 4th of July I played kickball- in general it is a fun and entertaining sport. I don't think it really matters if you win or lose...but I think I'm better on a team where winning isn't so much of an option.

I'm tired- to much cleaning at work today...grrr...

Happy 4th of July!

I am SO PROUD to be living in this country. Thank you to those who have made it possible, through all the wars, all the trials, and all the tribulations.

THANKS!

Happy 4th of July!

So this is supposed to be my first Tip Tuesday! And, while I am really excited, I also am a little nervous. So, since it's 4th of July, I'll give some ideas about how to make 4th of July go well.

1. Do whatever feels good to you. Your 4th of July dosen't have to include fireworks or a BBQ. It could be a movie with someone special, a hike in the afternoon, anything to celebrate Independance.
2. Remember that the day is about being free in America. There is nothing I hate more than people who look at 4th of July as just another day off from work. Celebrate the fact that you can celebrate freely.
3. Red, White and Blue. I am a HUGE fan of really wearing those colors. I say there is no overboard!
4. Avoid political conversations. they seem to be realy rampant around this holiday. Don't get sucked in...acknowledge that today you can be patriotic and no one will be angry with you (or think you're Pro-Bush!)
5. Experiment with food. There's more to a grill than hot dogs and hamburgers. Yes, there is more than even the occasional steak. Try shrimp, veggies (zuchinni, peppers, onions) or tofu. Yes Tofu on the grill...not so bad if you've tried it.

Well- I'm not sure that any of this post is really what I was going for when I thought about Tip Tuesday. To be honest, I was allowed to leave the office 17 minutes ago, and am quite desperate to GET THE HECK out of dodge.

So, I guess I'll leave it like it is. Check back next week for something a little better...and hopefully more pictures as time goes on!

PS- no post tomorrow- I'll be enjoying 4th of July KICKBALL STYLE!

What a nice weekend

It all started out with Friday night. I went home, sat down and actually watched some TV. That hadn't happened all week! I lite Shabbos candles, and just took in the light. The travelor staying at our house (Susie) left a book called Three Cups of Tea which was a fantastic read. I stayed up until well after midnight finishing it.

I gave Matthew a call- and to be honest the fact that it was his birthday weekend was probably the only downdraw to the weekend. It's only a downdraw because I was annoyed that I didn't get to celebrate with him at all...however I was the first one to say Happy B-day on his actual birthday.

Saturday started early with soccer. My team has a new player- she's okay. I mean, she's a great player, but she's not so social... we tied 0-0. Really disappointing, since we should have been better than them...no goals.

From there I went home and CHANGED MY OWN BRAKES! Yes, my daddy did help me, but damn...how cool am I!

Went home and out on a very nice Saturday night date. One of those dates were everything is just nice and perfect- even ending in a first kiss. We caught part of a free concert in the park, the Italian dinner was awesome, then billiards. I even WON two games! Then dessert at my favorite crepe restaurant and back home to say goodnight. It lasted from around 7pm-1am...and fun the whole time through!

Sunday was also great! I woke up sort of early, and my roommate had invited people over to have brunch. A random group, mostly people she knew from Pomona and our guest Susie. Nothing hot except coffee and tea- and it was GREAT! A continental breakfast, a little more Eurpoean than USA hotelish. I was there until 2pm! Then off to the family reunion.

The more time I spend with Thomas the more I like him. I still don't think he's right for becca, but he's a decent guy. Perhaps a little to jokey for me, but their engagement annoucement went well. I hung out there for a few hours- and gave dating suggestions to my 29 year old cousin (who took them and had A GREAT DATE!). Apparently I'm not so bad at this dating thing...

Then back home, straightening up, sanding my chair, and working in my bedroom. Another boy came over for a couple of hours and we hung out.

Oh- I almost forgot- I did get yelled at by my downstairs neighbor for sweeping the porch and watering my plants! Very funny story!