Freecycle is such a cool service. If you're
not familiar with it, you should look it up. Basically, it's a concept where people will give away
their old, worthless items for free to someone who really needs it. Likewise, you can ask for
things you really need and hope that people may have it and hadn't thought of giving it away. Since
I live in Wake County and work in Orange County, I'm actually on both those lists, which is beneficial.
It's a great community to be involved with, so check it out. Be warned...there is a lot of email on
these lists. It's nice to know there are still plenty of people out there willing to give things
away.
- 2/28/2005
I read a book a few months ago that described cherimoya fruit. Since that time, I've
been dying to buy some cherimoya to see if it's as good as the book describes. The big problem is
that they aren't indigenous to NC. I would have to order them from CA, and then I worry about how
good they would be when they finally got here. Plus, they are expensive. I guess I'll try some of
the hoity-toity stores around here first before I venture to CA. Since they're now in season, maybe
I will luck out.
- 2/25/2005
Remember when you criticize someone that the criticism could stay with them for the
rest of their lives. I know I can remember the criticisms that people have given me before I would
remember the praises. Be especially careful of what you say to family members. I love my family;
there is probably no one else I would rather spend time with than a member of my family. But I also
know that in moments of impatience or frustration, that someone can criticize you. The harshest, most
hurtful criticism will usually come from the one you love most. That's a pessimistic outlook on things,
but unfortunately, it seems to be true in so many ways. So, just be careful of what you say to someone.
You don't want a bad day to make a lasting impression on someone you truly care about.
- 2/24/2005
Ok, I admit it. I think I have some form of ADD. I love multi-tasking. Every time
I'm at work, I always manage to finish my professional work, as well as my personal work. For example,
I update this blog almost every day. Now, that doesn't usually take a long time, but it's still
something I like to do that gives me a break from the usual grind. I also do a lot of work on whatever
group I'm currently involved with. Right now, I do a lot of work for TAC,
but I used to do a lot of work for a ferret group, and then there was that local band who was itching
for recognition...and of course, I can't forget my book club. I guess I feel like if I keep myself busy
working on activities, then someone will notice my work and appreciate what I've done. So, I admit, I
can't concentrate on one thing for an extended amount of time, but then again, multi-tasking is a desired
trait, right?
- 2/22/2005
I really hate doing household chores. I know that's a necessity to life, but I
just hate cleaning. Yesterday, I didn't have anything going on with my social schedule, so I
spent the day doing the necessary chores. I did laundry, washed dishes, vacuumed the carpets,
thoroughly cleaned the ferret cage, cleaned the bathroom, and straightened the living room. Now,
don't get me wrong; I feel better now that it's done. But to motivate myself to actually get it
done takes lots of work. Now, if I could just motivate myself to keep it clean...
- 2/21/2005
I was a busy bee yesterday, so I didn't have the chance to rant. That's ok, I'll
just tell you about how badly I suck at pool. Last night I went to the monthly meet and greet with
the Triangle Activities Club. It was a lot of fun. Free pool and free (very spicy) wings. I met
some really interesting people, and they got to know how badly I suck at pool. I'm also very
giggly when I get around people, so I'm sure I was being a little obnoxious. Oh well...such is
life for the flirty, giggly girl. But despite my ineptness as a pool player, I did have fun, and I
look forward to next month's meet.
- 2/18/2005
Ok, maybe I'm a cheapskate, but I have a rant about restaurant servers. Don't get
me wrong, I'm totally thankful for people who decide to become a restaurant server. I, myself,
made the conscious effort not to get involved with the food industry because it is a thankless
profession (for the most part). But I still feel that you should do a good job no matter what.
Now, maybe I can't sympathize with waitstaff since I've never had to do what they do. But I feel
like if you don't do a good job, then why should I pay you extra. Normally, I will tip my server,
and I try to tip well (at least more than 20%). But if you do something grossly incompetent, you're
not going to get tipped, no matter how horrible the food service industry is. Example: I was out
the other night with a group. The waitress was new, so I'll cut her a little slack on that. But
she did ignore drink requests from some people and the need for napkins and silverware prior to
serving the food. Well, when the bills finally came, I gave her my bank card and receipt. She went
and did all the necessary work for all the people to pay. When she came back to the table, she
started dispersing the receipts, cards, and change. She looked at me blankly and asked if I needed
change. That's when the alarm bells started clanging in my head. I said pointedly, "No, I need my
card." So, she went back up to the register for a few minutes to look around. Then she came back
and accused me of not giving her my card. I was getting really mad by this point, and I stated
very irritably that I had given her my card. She went and futzed around a little more, then came
back to the table insisting I hadn't given it to her. Well, the people I was with backed me up.
Finally, we found that she had laid my card and receipt down on the table at the other end for
some reason. That was a relief, but I wasn't about to tip someone who had accused me of not doing
something I knew damn well I had. She came over to apologize later (probably wanting to salvage
her tip), but I had already signed the receipt. Besides, you don't mess with someone who holds a
grudge as I admittedly do.
- 2/16/2005
Below is the information for the March book club meeting. If you would
like to read this book and/or attend the lunch discussion, please email me at the address at the
bottom of this screen so we will know how many to expect.
Date: March 12
Time: 12pm
Place: Spring
Cafe in Raleigh
Book: DREAMING
SOUTHERN by Linda Bruckheimer
Additionally, the April book club meeting is as follows:
Date: April 9
Time: 12pm
Place: TBA
Book: SEA
SWEPT by Nora Roberts
Don't like our book/restaurant choices? Want to be involved with the planning? Anyone who wants to
be a member of this book club or even wants to just come for lunch is welcome. If you don't like the
books we have chosen and have your own ideas, please come and contribute your thoughts. We pick books
we can mutually agree upon, so your input is important.
- 2/15/2005
Oh my! The weekend was brutal. Ok, it was fun, but I'm kinda glad to be back at
work to start recovering. Here is a breakdown of all my fun. Friday I went to a Valentine's dance
at O'Malleys tavern in Raleigh. Saturday, I had my book club meeting, I learned to knit, I went to
a mixer at one of my new friend's houses, and then we all went to karaoke. I didn't get to sleep
Saturday until like 5am Sunday morning. Then Sunday I did the most unfortunate activity: I went
horseback riding. Now, when I was a kid, I remember riding on a horse and not feeling as badly as
I do today. I also remember not being petrified. While I was riding, I kept silently praying for
my feet to be settled firmly on the ground again. Well, I made it through, although I'm paying for
it today. But then after riding, I went out with someone from that group I'm involved with. We went
to see Hitch, which is really funny, and I recommend to everyone. Then dinner and home. I
tell you, this weekend life is wonderful (if not a little painful). Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day to
you all.
- 2/14/2005
Ok, I'll admit it...sometimes I like girly movies. I know that's a horrible thing
to confess, but I'm a woman. A chick flick now and again certainly isn't uncalled for. Yes, I know
they are all cheesy. Yes, I know they are all predictable. But they are cute and they make love
look so easy. The reason I'm writing about chick flicks is because I went with a small group of
people to see The Wedding Date yesterday. Really cute and predictable. I'm sure you all
would like this for a date movie, and with the dreaded V-Day coming up, you'll have your chance.
- 2/10/2005
I love publicity. I love finding ways to market events for people. Hey, maybe I'm
a promoter. It definitely isn't something I would want to do as a career, but I love doing it in
my spare time. I've been promoting some events for TAC,
and I've also been trying to help someone figure out how to promote their online discussion community.
Of course, when you're in competition with Craigslist, it's a lot harder to promote those things.
Anyway, the point is, that I love finding ways to gain people's interest. Look at my book club (shameless
plug). The involvement this month is doubling: from 4 to 8. Not bad if I do say so myself.
- 2/9/2005
Coordinating my book club is good practice for me if I ever want to teach. I swear,
sometimes I feel like I have homework. I have to figure out some titles to take to the meeting for
the next read, and then I have to figure out restaurants that people may be interested in. It's all
fun, but it definitely helps motivate me into looking more into teaching. Maybe I should teach a
literature class. I'm certainly getting a lot of practice with this book club.
- 2/8/2005
Having a weekend nightlife is going to kill me. But so far, I'm loving every minute
of it. Well, watching the Eagles lose the Super Bowl wasn't that cool, but I'm not really a football
fan anyway. I was rooting for them because the group I was with were Eagles fans. But otherwise the
Super Bowl party I went to was really fun, although the Jello shots were really strong. No, I didn't
get drunk. I just got a nice warm fuzzy feeling going. Anyway, like I was saying, the weekends out
are tortuous for getting to work early Monday morning.
- 2/7/2005
As you might already know if you know about me, I work in a library. No, I'm not
a librarian, although it is a great profession. I don't have my masters in library science, so
I can't really say that I'm a librarian. No, I don't shush people. I don't have much interaction
with the library patrons unless my expertise is needed. I think the most annoying thing about
telling people about my profession is that they think it's so funny to look at me with finger to
lips and go "SHHHHHHH!". What the heck is that? I mean, could you be any less original? Besides,
I didn't major in communications to tell people to shut up. Besides that, I don't think I've ever
seen one of those stereotypical TV librarians, which is probably a good thing.
- 2/4/2005
Where are my slippers? What happened to my stuffed animals that are on my trunk?
Why are there teeth marks in my bar of soap? Where did all this dry food come from? One simple
answer: the ferrets. I tell you, I love those critters to death, but they can be a handful.
Of course, they are especially cute when they are being troublesome. Nothing is cuter than
watching a small ferret dart across the room dragging your biggest stuffed animal (3 times the
size of the ferret) along with her. Where did it go? Under my bed which tends to be where their
stash is. It's a good thing I keep my peanut butter in the refrigerator and out of reach, or
Noodle would have already stashed it away to fulfill his PB addiction. As for the teeth marks
in soap, it's strange, but ferrets like the taste of soap. I get lots of licks on my wet feet if
they are out and about after I get out of the shower. And of course, the dry food on the floor is
because of Noodle. He will dig through the food bowl to find that most perfect morsel. Then he'll
look at me with his cute little face after I fuss at him and gesture, "Duh, Mom, the best bites are
at the bottom." Ferrets...just too cute to ever be mad at.
- 2/3/2005
As you are aware if you keep up with this blog, I'm in the process of looking for
a career change. Teaching is definitely up in the air, but I'm also interested in getting some
sort of certification in computers. Web development is my thing, as you know. Well, I went to
one of those computer colleges, and they want to charge close to $30,000 for an 18-month program.
$30,000?!? Are they insane? I could have went to UNC twice and still not spent that much money.
Well, I'll just check out some of the area community colleges and see what I can find. I certainly
don't have to go to a school that specializes in computers to learn it.
- 2/2/2005
You know what one of my pet peeves is? When people use another's mistakes as ammo
against them. I've had friendships and relationships in the past where people used things against
me. It's either things they've done nice for me that entitles them to think higher of themselves or
things I've done that have unintentionally hurt them. I'm not a hateful person by nature. I don't
go out of my way to make other people feel bad. So, why is it ok to make me feel bad by my stupid
mistakes or others' favors?
- 2/1/2005
