I Am Sick. I thought that you, my readers, however few you may be, deserved an explanation for my recent lack of posting. I have a cold, and just haven't felt like spending much time online lately. As a matter of fact, the only place I've been wanting to spend time is in bed. The past week in SC has been cold. The local meteorologists say it was the last of the cold weather we will see until the Fall..so of course I will get the very last Winter cold that is catching. Our preacher gave it to his granddaughter that my mom babysits. We spend alot of time together so naturally she gave it to me. At least she knows the fundamentals of sharing..haha. It's just a cold, and should be gone soon, I hope, and then I'll be back to more regular posting. Feel free to sleep easy now..I know you were worried ;-)
On the job front, the news just keeps getting more depressing. I got my first official rejection today, and it wasn't the one I was expecting. I'm not sure if that made me feel better or worse. I got a letter in the mail thanking me for applying for the job at Spartanburg Technical College, but after reviewing all applications, the position has been filled. I applied for that job a couple months ago and had almost forgotten about it. I wasn't really counting on it, so it wasn't that bad not getting it, but rejection always hurts.
I called ETT today, since they still haven't called me..a week after they said they would. I was under the impression that they were going to call to let me know of their decision, whether it was to hire me or not. The guy wasn't at his office so I had to leave a message on his voice mail. Big surprise, he didn't call me back. At this point I'm really getting used to the phone not ringing. I would still like the job, and think they are making a big mistake if they hired someone else, but I've come to accept that it's probably not going to work out. At this point I just want to know for sure so I can move on with my life.
Between the comfort that God has bestowed on me lately, and the prayers and encouragement of family and friends, and maybe some of the cold's distractions, and several days of Day-Quil, and Ny-Quil cocktails, I actually am not very depressed. Of course I am somewhat disappointed, who wouldn't be? But I'm trying to stay focused and trust that it'll all come together eventually, and then I can look back on this confusing, uncertain, scary, and troublesome time and laugh at my silly immaturity. Till then...
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Friday, March 24, 2006
Nuit
Night. I just finished reading a book. It is titled, Night and was written by Elie Wiesel, a holocaust survivor. This particular edition is translated by Elie's wife, Marion Weisel. The book has been inducted into Oprah's Book Club, if that has any weight with you. Don't let Oprah's sponsorship be a turn off though because this book can stand on its own merit. Elie Wiesel was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 1986. Besides providing an insightful and very important testimony of his experiences, and a journey through the loss of his faith, Weisel is a writing genius. He is able to say, in 115 pages, what it would take volumes for most other people to say. I was often struck by the way in which he conveyed major concepts, and emotions with only a few words. He, himself, in the introduction to this new translation, writes about the meaning of words when discussing the holocaust. He talks about the problem that is encountered when you try to write a memoir about such a devastating event, and such a personal trajedy. The words that we use to describe our everday, hum-drum events are simply not sufficient when discussing something so much bigger and darker. It was an amazing book that opened my eyes, not only to the horrors endured throughout Europe, but also taught me so much about language and writing. I think the book should be required reading, and I encourage you to read it too.
I spent most of today on the verge of tears, watching the phone, and working on an ulcer. I hate that this job possibility has done exactly what I tried so hard for it not to do...get me all stressed out. I got my hopes up and took on too much responsibility and ownership instead of turning it over to God and his will for my life. I planned to do that, and I thought I did...but it became clear today, when for a couple of hours I felt that I actually was going to be physically sick, that I had not turned a thing over to God's control. I don't know if ETT is going to call tomorrow or not. I really hope and pray that they do...but I'm going to make every effort I can to turn it over to God. If it doesn't work out, than he simply must have other plans in mind for me...better plans. As mom reminded me today...if his eye is on the sparrow, then surely his eye is on me. If he knows me well enough to have numbered every hair on my head, then he also knows what I need and want in life, and will provide for me. Now I just pray that I remember that throughout tomorrow...
We had softball practice tonight. It really helped me to get my mind off of things. I don't know if it was the cold, or the endorphins, or the laughter I shared with many team members including my friend Jamie, or if it was the ability to put all the frustration and anger into the swing of the bat, resulting in a fly-ball to the outfield, but it felt good. My head stopped hurting, and my stomach stopped flipping. I am looking forward to this softball season.
I spent most of today on the verge of tears, watching the phone, and working on an ulcer. I hate that this job possibility has done exactly what I tried so hard for it not to do...get me all stressed out. I got my hopes up and took on too much responsibility and ownership instead of turning it over to God and his will for my life. I planned to do that, and I thought I did...but it became clear today, when for a couple of hours I felt that I actually was going to be physically sick, that I had not turned a thing over to God's control. I don't know if ETT is going to call tomorrow or not. I really hope and pray that they do...but I'm going to make every effort I can to turn it over to God. If it doesn't work out, than he simply must have other plans in mind for me...better plans. As mom reminded me today...if his eye is on the sparrow, then surely his eye is on me. If he knows me well enough to have numbered every hair on my head, then he also knows what I need and want in life, and will provide for me. Now I just pray that I remember that throughout tomorrow...
We had softball practice tonight. It really helped me to get my mind off of things. I don't know if it was the cold, or the endorphins, or the laughter I shared with many team members including my friend Jamie, or if it was the ability to put all the frustration and anger into the swing of the bat, resulting in a fly-ball to the outfield, but it felt good. My head stopped hurting, and my stomach stopped flipping. I am looking forward to this softball season.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
J'attend.
I wait. Wednesday, the middle of the week, has now come and gone...and ETT didn't call. That doesn't mean they won't call tomorrow, or even if they do call, it doesn't mean I'll hear what I want to hear...but still, I wanted to hear from them today...so that I would know, one way or the other. I'll just keep waiting..tomorrow's another business day...
I did, however, get a job offer today...just not one of the ones I really wanted. Mrs. Fisher, the owner of Fisher Orchards...a local peach grower called to see if I've found employment since the growing season ended in November. I worked for her when I first moved here after graduation. I told her I was waiting to hear about the ETT job and she said that she hoped her call would bring me luck, and that if I didn't get a job by the beginning of this peach season, probably at the end of May, that she had a job for me. It actually was a good job, and while only paying $6.50 an hour, the hours were such that I'd make enough to cover my bills and then some while living at home. I hope ETT offers me the job.
The Birdcage is on TV. I think it's hillarious...I'm going to go watch it, and try to forget about ETT until I wake up tomorrow...maybe the phone will wake me up...I'll just have to clear my throat good so I won't sound like Darth Vadar...those of you that have called me early in the morning know what I'm talking about....
I did, however, get a job offer today...just not one of the ones I really wanted. Mrs. Fisher, the owner of Fisher Orchards...a local peach grower called to see if I've found employment since the growing season ended in November. I worked for her when I first moved here after graduation. I told her I was waiting to hear about the ETT job and she said that she hoped her call would bring me luck, and that if I didn't get a job by the beginning of this peach season, probably at the end of May, that she had a job for me. It actually was a good job, and while only paying $6.50 an hour, the hours were such that I'd make enough to cover my bills and then some while living at home. I hope ETT offers me the job.
The Birdcage is on TV. I think it's hillarious...I'm going to go watch it, and try to forget about ETT until I wake up tomorrow...maybe the phone will wake me up...I'll just have to clear my throat good so I won't sound like Darth Vadar...those of you that have called me early in the morning know what I'm talking about....
Monday, March 20, 2006
La Musique
The Music. Today was an interesting, and somewhat busy Sunday. This morning I had to be the Discussion Director in Sunday School...a task I find particularly daunting since I am naturally predispositioned to be happy sitting back, listening, and occationally commenting, rather than running the show. My class is currently working through John 15. It is the chapter in which Jesus tells the parable of the vine. It has been an amazing study, and has taught me so much more about my relationship with Christ, the true vine, and the Father, the gardener. We are also memorizing scripture which I plan to post sometime soon. To add to my nervousness, I am by far the youngest member of our Ladies Bible Study. The lesson, however, went very well. I couldn't have been any happier with it. We had great discussion on the questions I posed, developed a deeper understanding of the verses covered, and laughed alot over the fact that almost everyone in the class failed the "How Well Can You Follow Directions Test" I gave them. I'm sure you've taken the test before...it's one of those tests that makes you read all the test questions before writing down silly answers all over the test, since one of the questions near the end tells you to skip all questions except for one of them. The class was a success, and I give God the credit for that.
After church we had lunch at The Junction, a nearby down-home cookin' place that is one of our favorites. When we got home, we watched a movie that we'd rented...Remains of the Day. It stars Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson. Maybe you've seen it. I hadn't until today. The movie was very interesting, and is a film that has continued to run in my mind long after the last credit scrolled by. I won't go through the entire plot, since you may want to watch it, but some aspects of the film really affected me and I would like to discuss them. If you really don't want anything spoiled, I suggest you don't read this next part. Throughout the film, the idea of love hangs in the air between two characters, but is never spoken of. Different circumstances, roles, and emotional states always prevent or severely deter it. Furthermore, at the end, the missed opportunities, and present possibilities are not even discussed. The characters do not even allow themselves the luxury of expressing regret. The viewer is brought through the whole thing, and is able to see the love beginning and are just as able to see it fail before anything is done about it, being trampled under the heavy weight of repression placed on the title characters. It made me think of my own life, and failed attempts at love. It made me think about missed opportunities and things that might have happened in different circumstances. I wonder what the proper response is? In the movie, the characters simply did nothing, going their separate ways, knowing that they made choices and right or wrong they are stuck with them. As a viewer I wanted very much to fix their communication problems and make it work. I envision my own script in which the music swells, the characters run towards each other with open arms, and live almost happily ever after. But that wouldn't be very realistic would it? In life, there is no Emmy-Nominated score to guide your choices. All the problems and trials don't just disappear because love appears. In fact, it seems that they just compound along with the love. So in the face of that how should we express ourselves? Or should we at all? I suppose that if the movie went on further, the characters would go on as they did before, living perfectly decent lives, all the while repressing the regret. After all, what would have really changed if they'd expressed it? Their differences and obligations would still be there. Love can be so complicated. I wish I could fix things in my life as easily as I can fix things on screen. Thank you for bearing with my long-winded ramblings!
Just a brief note on the evening, since I went on so long about the film. Tonight at church we had a concert. Common Destiny performed at our church. They were amazing and their songs and testamonies really touched me. They reminded me of a younger, less experienced Caedmon's Call. For those of you not familiar with CC I strongly encourage you to check them out, you won't regret it. We bought one of Common Destiny's CDs. I've included them as a link, go check them out! They have a piano player in their band that reminded me very much of my best friend. It made me miss him very much. I longed to sit in his apartment in the chair next to the piano and listen to him play...
After church we had lunch at The Junction, a nearby down-home cookin' place that is one of our favorites. When we got home, we watched a movie that we'd rented...Remains of the Day. It stars Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson. Maybe you've seen it. I hadn't until today. The movie was very interesting, and is a film that has continued to run in my mind long after the last credit scrolled by. I won't go through the entire plot, since you may want to watch it, but some aspects of the film really affected me and I would like to discuss them. If you really don't want anything spoiled, I suggest you don't read this next part. Throughout the film, the idea of love hangs in the air between two characters, but is never spoken of. Different circumstances, roles, and emotional states always prevent or severely deter it. Furthermore, at the end, the missed opportunities, and present possibilities are not even discussed. The characters do not even allow themselves the luxury of expressing regret. The viewer is brought through the whole thing, and is able to see the love beginning and are just as able to see it fail before anything is done about it, being trampled under the heavy weight of repression placed on the title characters. It made me think of my own life, and failed attempts at love. It made me think about missed opportunities and things that might have happened in different circumstances. I wonder what the proper response is? In the movie, the characters simply did nothing, going their separate ways, knowing that they made choices and right or wrong they are stuck with them. As a viewer I wanted very much to fix their communication problems and make it work. I envision my own script in which the music swells, the characters run towards each other with open arms, and live almost happily ever after. But that wouldn't be very realistic would it? In life, there is no Emmy-Nominated score to guide your choices. All the problems and trials don't just disappear because love appears. In fact, it seems that they just compound along with the love. So in the face of that how should we express ourselves? Or should we at all? I suppose that if the movie went on further, the characters would go on as they did before, living perfectly decent lives, all the while repressing the regret. After all, what would have really changed if they'd expressed it? Their differences and obligations would still be there. Love can be so complicated. I wish I could fix things in my life as easily as I can fix things on screen. Thank you for bearing with my long-winded ramblings!
Just a brief note on the evening, since I went on so long about the film. Tonight at church we had a concert. Common Destiny performed at our church. They were amazing and their songs and testamonies really touched me. They reminded me of a younger, less experienced Caedmon's Call. For those of you not familiar with CC I strongly encourage you to check them out, you won't regret it. We bought one of Common Destiny's CDs. I've included them as a link, go check them out! They have a piano player in their band that reminded me very much of my best friend. It made me miss him very much. I longed to sit in his apartment in the chair next to the piano and listen to him play...
Saturday, March 18, 2006
C'est Difficile
It's Difficult. It's hard to not count on getting the ETT job. I don't know how I'm going to make it until the middle of next week. Since Monday the events, conversations, and thoughts of my days have been interrupted every couple of minutes by my anxious mind wondering whether or not I'll get the desired call come Wednesday. I think about the financial stability, about having insurance again, about having a worth-while way to fill my days. I think about the very interesting sounding job, I think about buying my own house and moving out of my parents' house. I think about all my answers to the interviewers questions and whether or not they were good enough. I think about starting off a successful career and stable future. I think about how it's important that I don't get my hopes up in case it doesn't work out. I think about the Jeep I want to buy. I think about so many things and all at the same time. I try to remind myself that no matter what, it was a new and good experience; that at least I was called back for an interview and that I gained valuble experience at performing in such a setting. I try to remind myself that if it doesn't work out, then it simply wasn't God's plan for my life right now and that he has something planned for me....but as the title states..C'est difficile!
Thursday, March 16, 2006
L'entrevue
The Interview. I had my interview at ETT Environmental, Inc. today. I think it went very well! I am not terribly experienced in being interviewed, and I don't think the interviewer was very experienced at interviewing people, so it was kinda difficult to judge where I stood. The job sounds very interesting. The company is very small, which I'm excited about after having been a tiny fish in the gigantic body of water called UF. They only employ 12-15 people at any given time. The company was founded in 1991 and is well established and doing well. I would be working in two different departments, toxicology and chemistry. I would maintain the study specimens...water fleas..and help to set up, run and change water toxicology tests and do statistical analysis. It is an entry level job and they are willing to train. I would also have opportunities to be a part of the field team that would go out and collect water samples as well as macro-invertebrate species. I think it would be great to be able to work both in the lab and in the great outdoors. They have slightly unconventional hours 8:30-until the job gets done, between 4 and 6 usually. Since the test subjects have to kept alive, weekends are also sometimes necessary. They generally have two busy weeks and then two less busy weeks, and generally employees work one busy and one light weekend a month. They generally get off that Friday though, and only have to come in for a few hours Saturday and Sunday. They have competitive benefits, and have a matching 401K plan. I really liked the people I met there and loved the job description I got. I think it would be a great way to begin my career. I was told to expect a call in about a week, and that they have a couple more people to interview. Please continue to pray that if this job is God's will for me, that I will get the job, and that if it isn't God's will, that I will just learn from this interview experience and be more confident and hopeful in finding the right job. Thanks again.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Espoir
Hope. At last, I was thrown a bone. Earlier today I was cleaning my very cluttered room, when the phone rang. I figured it was just one of the many of solicitors or wrong numbers, or even more likely, my "best friend" Martha to tell me, once again, how she desperately needs to go to Wal-Mart to get another DVD player because the one she just bought isn't working...surprisingly like the several other DVD players she's bought recently. Of course she would also fill me in on the release date of the 5th season of Dallas...a show I've never seen. Mom picked up the phone in the living room. I then here her say, "just a minute, I'll get her". That got my attention, since my sister was at school..the call was for me. I thought maybe it was my best friend in Gainesville, or another one of my friends. Then mom came in my room, covered the mouthpiece of the phone and whispered to me that it was ETT Environmental! (One of the companies I sent a resume to over the weekend) My heart leapt straight up into my throat. I did a quick, silent-sreaming fit and then got my composure and took the phone.
They want an interview with me..this week. I can't believe they aren't making me wait, oh, about six or seven months...but a mere days. The interview is set for Wednesday and 4PM. Even better news is the location of my prospective employer...when the man on the phone was giving me directions, we discovered that the company is in Greer, and virtually on the same road I live on...just at the other end of it. So...I don't know if this job will work out or not. I am confident that I'm qualified for it. They said in the job posting that they will train the person they hire, and that's good for me given my little experience. Even if it doesn't work out though, I am encouraged at the call...at this point I just need direction, and this is a step. I have hope, and that is exactly what I needed. If anyone reading this doesn't mind, I would really appreciate your prayers as I prepare for the interview and meet with ETT on Wednesday afternoon. My prayer is that I, a naturally shy person, will be able to have the peace and confidence that I need to present the best "me" that I am able. That God will place me where he wants me to be; somewhere that I can be useful and bring glory to him. Any advice you have on the art of interviewing would also be appreciated. Thanks.
They want an interview with me..this week. I can't believe they aren't making me wait, oh, about six or seven months...but a mere days. The interview is set for Wednesday and 4PM. Even better news is the location of my prospective employer...when the man on the phone was giving me directions, we discovered that the company is in Greer, and virtually on the same road I live on...just at the other end of it. So...I don't know if this job will work out or not. I am confident that I'm qualified for it. They said in the job posting that they will train the person they hire, and that's good for me given my little experience. Even if it doesn't work out though, I am encouraged at the call...at this point I just need direction, and this is a step. I have hope, and that is exactly what I needed. If anyone reading this doesn't mind, I would really appreciate your prayers as I prepare for the interview and meet with ETT on Wednesday afternoon. My prayer is that I, a naturally shy person, will be able to have the peace and confidence that I need to present the best "me" that I am able. That God will place me where he wants me to be; somewhere that I can be useful and bring glory to him. Any advice you have on the art of interviewing would also be appreciated. Thanks.
Friday, March 10, 2006
Le Meilleur Hamburger
The Best Hamburger. I heard a commercial on the radio today that brought joy to my soul! Okay, maybe it was to my stomach, but still, it was good. It was a commercial announcing the return of the one, the only, the Rodeo Burger at Burger King! I grew to love this burger on it's last release, and was saddened when it was taken off the menu. Since then I've tried numerous times, to know avail, to get the "Your Way, Right Away" fast-food place to make me one, seeing as how they have hamburgers, BBQ sauce and onion rings right there...but no, they were sorry, "the Rodeo Burger is no longer available". Well, now it's back and on the dollar value menu! I'm there...in moderation of course, I can't blow my new healthy lifestyle. I don't know if anyone else out there is so excited about the revival, but I think you should be!
Today, I saw the single ugliest person I've ever seen in my life. Now, I am not one to judge people, or to condemn anyone on their looks...the whole judging a book by the cover idea...however, someone needs to tell this particular person how truly scary they are. I was shopping at Wal-Mart with the family, Dad and I were rounding an aisle with the buggy, and were talking so I wasn't paying attention to the people now facing us. I saw this really weird look come over my dad's face, and quickly turned around to see what he was seeing. That's when I saw It. I jumped and nearly screamed. Honestly, I couldn't even make this up. I refer to it as It, because I'm not sure what gender It was. I really hope it was a man, because it would have been a really terribly ugly woman. At any rate, It was wearing a hideous neon green, weirdly almost see-through dress, with black shoes. Once again, I'm not one to judge...I don't have much of a sense of fashion, and generally opt for comfort over current style, but I've never seen such an aweful sight. The face was as big and square as Frankenstein, and caked in a Oompa-Loompa shade of make-up. It had a gut-wrenching bad expression on Its face on top of everything else. I thought at first it had to be some practical joke or something, but it wasn't. After regaining my composure, and trying very hard not to laugh or gasp or something out loud to offend the person or anyone around who might have been a friend or something, I looked around to find everyone in the vacinity staring in unbelief as the person marched off down the center aisle. Everyone else was also struggling not to offend It. We finished our shopping as usual, except that every time we turned a corner I braced myself for the worst. I imagine this entry comes across as terribly cruel and merciless, but in all honesty, I still can't believe what I saw, and I hope it was some sort of social study, or hidden camera show or something, because I just can't believe anyone could be that ugly and scary looking by choice. I really had a flashback to Nightmare on Pendleton Street!
In the newspaper today, there were two Lab Tech jobs listed. I'm not entirely sure I have enough experience for one of them, but I am definitely qualified for the other. Both deal with water testing. I am going to send resumes to both of them tomorrow.
I almost went to Moe's today...we were there..at the door, when we realized two high school sports teams were in line...we didn't feel like waiting that long, or dealing with the crowded little Moe's. Some other time...
They took off The Nanny on Lifetime at 1:00 AM and replaced it with...The Golden Girls...blech. I can think of only one person that would be happy about that, and they currently don't have cable...Mom was right...life's not fair.
Today, I saw the single ugliest person I've ever seen in my life. Now, I am not one to judge people, or to condemn anyone on their looks...the whole judging a book by the cover idea...however, someone needs to tell this particular person how truly scary they are. I was shopping at Wal-Mart with the family, Dad and I were rounding an aisle with the buggy, and were talking so I wasn't paying attention to the people now facing us. I saw this really weird look come over my dad's face, and quickly turned around to see what he was seeing. That's when I saw It. I jumped and nearly screamed. Honestly, I couldn't even make this up. I refer to it as It, because I'm not sure what gender It was. I really hope it was a man, because it would have been a really terribly ugly woman. At any rate, It was wearing a hideous neon green, weirdly almost see-through dress, with black shoes. Once again, I'm not one to judge...I don't have much of a sense of fashion, and generally opt for comfort over current style, but I've never seen such an aweful sight. The face was as big and square as Frankenstein, and caked in a Oompa-Loompa shade of make-up. It had a gut-wrenching bad expression on Its face on top of everything else. I thought at first it had to be some practical joke or something, but it wasn't. After regaining my composure, and trying very hard not to laugh or gasp or something out loud to offend the person or anyone around who might have been a friend or something, I looked around to find everyone in the vacinity staring in unbelief as the person marched off down the center aisle. Everyone else was also struggling not to offend It. We finished our shopping as usual, except that every time we turned a corner I braced myself for the worst. I imagine this entry comes across as terribly cruel and merciless, but in all honesty, I still can't believe what I saw, and I hope it was some sort of social study, or hidden camera show or something, because I just can't believe anyone could be that ugly and scary looking by choice. I really had a flashback to Nightmare on Pendleton Street!
In the newspaper today, there were two Lab Tech jobs listed. I'm not entirely sure I have enough experience for one of them, but I am definitely qualified for the other. Both deal with water testing. I am going to send resumes to both of them tomorrow.
I almost went to Moe's today...we were there..at the door, when we realized two high school sports teams were in line...we didn't feel like waiting that long, or dealing with the crowded little Moe's. Some other time...
They took off The Nanny on Lifetime at 1:00 AM and replaced it with...The Golden Girls...blech. I can think of only one person that would be happy about that, and they currently don't have cable...Mom was right...life's not fair.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Marcher
To Walk. As many of you know, my sister and I have been trying to live a healthier lifestyle. We joined The Greater Greenville Shrinkdown, we joined the local YMCA, and now we've signed up for a MS Walk. The walk benefits the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. We chose this society to walk for because it really hit close to home. While we don't suffer from MS, or have any family of friends that do, we were moved by the way it attacks people in the prime of their life..between the ages of 20 and 50! One new case of MS is diagnosed every hour. It comes and goes unpredictably, leaving those with MS to wonder if they will become paralyzed, blind, or have trouble walking. It is a devastating disease but there are promising treatments on the horizon. The contributions to this walk will give the National Multiple Sclerosis Society more money for services, programs, and research for people with MS. I present this snippet of information to you in hopes that you too will be moved to help. I have set a pretty modest fundraising goal, it being my first real attempt to participate in a walk without an entire school group involved. I hope to raise 200 dollars by the time of the walk on March 25th. If you feel moved to support MS research and programs, or to support me in this venture of fitness I would greatly appreciate any donations you're able to make to my walk. I will include a MS site link on this page that you can use to go to my MS page to make a contribution online. Even if you aren't able, or don't want to donate, there is a lot of great information on the site about Multiple Sclerosis and the work of the National MS society, I invite you to check it out. Thanks!
***The MS Walk went great!!! It was a very chilly Saturday morning, but my sister and I had a great time and really felt that we were able to help a great cause. We walked with and talked with several people that are afflicted with MS and we really learned alot about the devastating disease and recent advancements. I ended up raising $100. Thank so all of you that helped! Jenny raised $180, so together we raised $280 for MS!!! I think we are probably going to do it again next year.***
***The MS Walk went great!!! It was a very chilly Saturday morning, but my sister and I had a great time and really felt that we were able to help a great cause. We walked with and talked with several people that are afflicted with MS and we really learned alot about the devastating disease and recent advancements. I ended up raising $100. Thank so all of you that helped! Jenny raised $180, so together we raised $280 for MS!!! I think we are probably going to do it again next year.***
Monday, March 06, 2006
Vingt-Quatre
Twenty-Four. Almost twenty-five. Almost a quarter of a century! In case you can't tell, or didn't know before, I turned twenty-four on Saturday. Truthfully, I felt the same as the day before when I was still only twenty-three. I think the only thing I noticed being different this year than any other was the reaction of other people. Several times throughout our weekend trip to Asheville the fact that it was about to be, or was, or just was my birthday came up in a conversation to a waitress, or other people we chatted with in NC. Each time the person would ask me how old I was and I would reply "twenty-four". They would look surprised. I'm not sure what that means, and I didn't want to ask, but it worried me some, and that was the only difference in the way that I felt. Now, I care what people think about how old I am. Granted, twenty-four is not old, and I don't feel old most of the time (only when my contemporaries get married, have children, or buy a house do I really feel old). But still, I occupied more of my time and thoughts than I care to admit wondering what those people meant...how old they thought I was. And furthermore, I'm not sure what I wanted them to think. At twenty-four, you are still young enough to not want to be thought of as young. That is, you're still too concerned with being seen, and respected as an adult, so someone thinking I was only a teenager, or even just 21 would be somewhat insulting. I was slightly tiffed that I was carded at the Biltmore Winery. When, then, is the age that you stop worrying about that, and wish, maybe even pray, that some cashier or waitress will card you in order to make you feel younger. I suppose the turn begins in the mid-twenties, which is why it is such a confusing time. A time where you are concerned both with not being thought of as old enough, and simultaneously feeling the first effects of the pressure of time, and being worried about being too old. So, that's where I am...24, the definition of a twenty-something!
The weekend, meanwhile, was a blast. We got to Asheville in the early afternoon on Friday. It was much closer than we expected, only about an hour away from my house. We checked into our hotel and then headed out for lunch. We saw this interesting looking BBQ place, and being a family of mixed taste that can almost always agree on BBQ, we stopped debating where we should eat, made the first of our many U-turns in Asheville and went in. It was called Barbacue Inn and had a sign with a big pig on it. The restaurant was strange in that, to order, they gave each person a long sheet of paper with boxes next to menu items and everyone has a pencil on this swivel thing in the middle of the table and you check off the things you want. It was different, but efficient. The food was okay, but the service and atmosphere was great. They also make amazing hush puppies. Then we got lost for a while trying to find a mall. Then we found a different mall, The Biltmore Mall, instead of the Asheville Mall the waitress had directed us too. The Biltmore Mall ended up being really neat though because instead of the usual department stores and twenty variations on Gap, they had a bunch of crafty/homemade/Appalachian interesting places to shop. We bought some fun and unique souvenirs. After hours of shopping we were in the mood for a light supper and dessert, so we went to The Cracker Barrel, which happened to be right behind our hotel.
The next day, my birthday, we awoke bright and early, got ready, and headed over to breakfast at The Moose Cafe. We got a package deal with our hotel that included tickets to the Biltmore Estate, and breakfast each morning at The Moose. It was a very good place to eat. The kind of down-home, country, biscuits and gravy or grits and eggs kind of place we'd frequent if we lived in Asheville. After breakfast we went to the mansion. It was breath-taking. It would take too long, and be too boring for my poor readers if I went through the entire, day-long tour, so I'll just mention a few highlights and general impressions. The neatest thing I learned about the estate was that it was a working farm then in 1895 and still is today. I also liked that they treated their servants extremely well for the time period. They were ahead of the times in terms of technology too, having electric lights and indoor plumbing long before it was the norm. I had too many favorite rooms to name them. My favorite feature of the house was the basement with its indoor, heated, and lit swimming pool which reached a depth of 9 1/2 feet and that had two door-bell type things at every entrance so that guests could ring if they wanted a drink or snack or were ready to get out and needed assistance from their attendants.
After touring the house for about three hours, we headed over to the Biltmore Winery. We did a quick, self-guided tour of the production there. I want to go back sometime and take the "Behind the Scenes" tour in which you can actually walk into the different areas of fermentation, etc. I'm also inquiring about potential employment at the Winery. That would be amazing. After the tour, we went to the tasting room! We were given four featured wines to try, and then allowed to pick up to five more from the wine list. I really liked every one that I tried, but particularly liked : The American Riesling (a semi-sweet white), the Zinfandel Blanc de Noir (a Rose, that the wine server suggested for picnics and with pizza), the Pinot Grigio (a dry white that is always one of my favorites) and my favorite of all the ones I tried, the Limited Release Merlot which was barrel aged in French and American Oak (a full-bodied red, which probably isn't most people's favorite, but I like red wines, so it is mine). We didn't buy any wine there, but found out that they sell it at several retailers here, in SC, so that will be remembered in the future...
We also visited a barn and village area on the estate and saw huge horses, a lot of cute little mules, some chickens, etc. There, we also visited the Blacksmith's shop and watched him make a beautiful leaf keychain out of iron. He was very talented and entertaining as well. We bought a keychain in the Mercantile after the demonstration.
Tired and cold, we returned to our hotel to warm up and relax for a while. Later that night we went to Carrabbas for my birthday dinner. I got to pick the restaurant. It has become a tradition, the last few years, for my best friend to take me to dinner there every March. This year, we weren't able to be together then, so I hesitated about going without him. It was neat that he happened to call while I was there. I missed him being there, but it was still a very nice time with my family...except for when they made the people sing for me, but at least we got a free dessert out of it.
I was once again, overwhelmed at my amazing friends, that called me periodically throughout the day. I was touched that they thought of me and called to wish me well. I'm blessed to have such good friends. Merci.
My sister gave me her present while we were at breakfast that morning. She got me a frothing pitcher which I've really needed since getting my Espresso machine at Christmas. Now I can froth it up like a pro...or at least now I can't blame it on the equipment. She also got me two pairs of silver earrings...probably so I'll stop borrowing hers ;-) They're lovely...thank you!
We almost froze to death in Asheville...for some crazy reason we decided not to bring our jackets or long underwear even though we usually still wear our jackets here at night. It's not like we were going into the mountains or anything.
Sunday after breakfast at The Moose Cafe, we visited the near by Farmer's Market. We were surprised it was open year round. It was pretty neat and we look forward to visiting it in the busy season when the produce is local and there are more vendors. We then headed back home.
Sorry this post is so terribly long, I tried to be brief, but there was alot of stuff to cover. I am working on posting the pics from the trip if you're interested in seeing them. They'll be posted on my Bebo site, listed in the Links. They'll probably be up sometime tomorrow...Tuesday the 7th.
***All of the pictures are now posted on my Bebo site, as promised. Feel free to click on the link and take a look at them. Let me know what you think. I don't have any pictures of the inside of the mansion, since pictures were prohibited, with the exception of the one they take of you and try to sell you for about thirty bucks...but that's another story.***
The weekend, meanwhile, was a blast. We got to Asheville in the early afternoon on Friday. It was much closer than we expected, only about an hour away from my house. We checked into our hotel and then headed out for lunch. We saw this interesting looking BBQ place, and being a family of mixed taste that can almost always agree on BBQ, we stopped debating where we should eat, made the first of our many U-turns in Asheville and went in. It was called Barbacue Inn and had a sign with a big pig on it. The restaurant was strange in that, to order, they gave each person a long sheet of paper with boxes next to menu items and everyone has a pencil on this swivel thing in the middle of the table and you check off the things you want. It was different, but efficient. The food was okay, but the service and atmosphere was great. They also make amazing hush puppies. Then we got lost for a while trying to find a mall. Then we found a different mall, The Biltmore Mall, instead of the Asheville Mall the waitress had directed us too. The Biltmore Mall ended up being really neat though because instead of the usual department stores and twenty variations on Gap, they had a bunch of crafty/homemade/Appalachian interesting places to shop. We bought some fun and unique souvenirs. After hours of shopping we were in the mood for a light supper and dessert, so we went to The Cracker Barrel, which happened to be right behind our hotel.
The next day, my birthday, we awoke bright and early, got ready, and headed over to breakfast at The Moose Cafe. We got a package deal with our hotel that included tickets to the Biltmore Estate, and breakfast each morning at The Moose. It was a very good place to eat. The kind of down-home, country, biscuits and gravy or grits and eggs kind of place we'd frequent if we lived in Asheville. After breakfast we went to the mansion. It was breath-taking. It would take too long, and be too boring for my poor readers if I went through the entire, day-long tour, so I'll just mention a few highlights and general impressions. The neatest thing I learned about the estate was that it was a working farm then in 1895 and still is today. I also liked that they treated their servants extremely well for the time period. They were ahead of the times in terms of technology too, having electric lights and indoor plumbing long before it was the norm. I had too many favorite rooms to name them. My favorite feature of the house was the basement with its indoor, heated, and lit swimming pool which reached a depth of 9 1/2 feet and that had two door-bell type things at every entrance so that guests could ring if they wanted a drink or snack or were ready to get out and needed assistance from their attendants.
After touring the house for about three hours, we headed over to the Biltmore Winery. We did a quick, self-guided tour of the production there. I want to go back sometime and take the "Behind the Scenes" tour in which you can actually walk into the different areas of fermentation, etc. I'm also inquiring about potential employment at the Winery. That would be amazing. After the tour, we went to the tasting room! We were given four featured wines to try, and then allowed to pick up to five more from the wine list. I really liked every one that I tried, but particularly liked : The American Riesling (a semi-sweet white), the Zinfandel Blanc de Noir (a Rose, that the wine server suggested for picnics and with pizza), the Pinot Grigio (a dry white that is always one of my favorites) and my favorite of all the ones I tried, the Limited Release Merlot which was barrel aged in French and American Oak (a full-bodied red, which probably isn't most people's favorite, but I like red wines, so it is mine). We didn't buy any wine there, but found out that they sell it at several retailers here, in SC, so that will be remembered in the future...
We also visited a barn and village area on the estate and saw huge horses, a lot of cute little mules, some chickens, etc. There, we also visited the Blacksmith's shop and watched him make a beautiful leaf keychain out of iron. He was very talented and entertaining as well. We bought a keychain in the Mercantile after the demonstration.
Tired and cold, we returned to our hotel to warm up and relax for a while. Later that night we went to Carrabbas for my birthday dinner. I got to pick the restaurant. It has become a tradition, the last few years, for my best friend to take me to dinner there every March. This year, we weren't able to be together then, so I hesitated about going without him. It was neat that he happened to call while I was there. I missed him being there, but it was still a very nice time with my family...except for when they made the people sing for me, but at least we got a free dessert out of it.
I was once again, overwhelmed at my amazing friends, that called me periodically throughout the day. I was touched that they thought of me and called to wish me well. I'm blessed to have such good friends. Merci.
My sister gave me her present while we were at breakfast that morning. She got me a frothing pitcher which I've really needed since getting my Espresso machine at Christmas. Now I can froth it up like a pro...or at least now I can't blame it on the equipment. She also got me two pairs of silver earrings...probably so I'll stop borrowing hers ;-) They're lovely...thank you!
We almost froze to death in Asheville...for some crazy reason we decided not to bring our jackets or long underwear even though we usually still wear our jackets here at night. It's not like we were going into the mountains or anything.
Sunday after breakfast at The Moose Cafe, we visited the near by Farmer's Market. We were surprised it was open year round. It was pretty neat and we look forward to visiting it in the busy season when the produce is local and there are more vendors. We then headed back home.
Sorry this post is so terribly long, I tried to be brief, but there was alot of stuff to cover. I am working on posting the pics from the trip if you're interested in seeing them. They'll be posted on my Bebo site, listed in the Links. They'll probably be up sometime tomorrow...Tuesday the 7th.
***All of the pictures are now posted on my Bebo site, as promised. Feel free to click on the link and take a look at them. Let me know what you think. I don't have any pictures of the inside of the mansion, since pictures were prohibited, with the exception of the one they take of you and try to sell you for about thirty bucks...but that's another story.***
Friday, March 03, 2006
Un Petit Voyage
A Little Trip. Vacation. I'm not sure what right I have to go on vacation, but I'm going anyway! It's not like I just got back from a week-long visit to Florida, or maybe I did... My family is going away for the weekend. We are going to Asheville, NC..just a couple hours away. We are going to go tour The Biltmore Estate. We've never seen it before, but are really looking forward to it. It is the largest house in America with 250 rooms, 65 fireplaces, an indoor pool, bowling alley, and priceless art and antiques. It also has a winery (with samples), which I am really looking forward to visiting :-) You can find more info about the place at their website, included in my links. We are leaving Friday and plan to return sometime Sunday. We also plan to do some meandering around the city of Asheville, since none of us have ever really been there before.
I'll be sure to post pics when I get back, which will be much easier since Mom and Dad gave me my birthday present, a new digital camera, a couple days early. What a great place to try it out on! Thanks Mom and Dad, I love the present and look forward to capturing many wonderful memories with it!
On the job front...I got some encouraging news from Schwan. Or at least, didn't get discouraging news from Schwan. I talked to my inside source and they still have not hired anyone, or even interviewed anyone, or even called anyone, for the job I want. So much for "we definitely want someone hired by the end of February". I was starting to get depressed and beginning to feel rejected this past week as I thought of someone else working at the job I've been waiting on since August, while I didn't even recieve a call. It is still frustrating, however, knowing that right now, as I type this, there is somewhere at Schwan, the budgeted salary for the position I am waiting to fill. They have the money set aside, they have the office set up, now they just need me. Oh well, I guess I'll continue praying for patience, and continue applying for any other job I see.
Tonight my sister and I attended the Finale for the Greater Greenville Shrinkdown. The 8-week program resulted in both of us losing 8 pounds (each, not combined). It was actually alot of fun, and really helped to make us aware of little areas in our lives that we could change to garnish big results. It also got us alot more active, and resulted in our entire family getting a membership at the local YMCA. Greenville County had almost 5,000 participants that lost a little over 6 tons! J and I went swimming after the program concluded, then relaxed in the hot tub for a while, and then rewarded ourselves with a burger and a shake at Steak 'n Shake...okay, so we aren't completely reformed yet, but at least we exercised first, and everyday this week.
Today, instead of doing a proper 3-point turn, I happened to see a driveway that went across a corner, so I just drove through it. I'm sure the people that lived there, if they saw me, thought I was an idiot, but it was alot easier, and much funnier. J and I laughed for at least 5 minutes.
I'll be sure to post pics when I get back, which will be much easier since Mom and Dad gave me my birthday present, a new digital camera, a couple days early. What a great place to try it out on! Thanks Mom and Dad, I love the present and look forward to capturing many wonderful memories with it!
On the job front...I got some encouraging news from Schwan. Or at least, didn't get discouraging news from Schwan. I talked to my inside source and they still have not hired anyone, or even interviewed anyone, or even called anyone, for the job I want. So much for "we definitely want someone hired by the end of February". I was starting to get depressed and beginning to feel rejected this past week as I thought of someone else working at the job I've been waiting on since August, while I didn't even recieve a call. It is still frustrating, however, knowing that right now, as I type this, there is somewhere at Schwan, the budgeted salary for the position I am waiting to fill. They have the money set aside, they have the office set up, now they just need me. Oh well, I guess I'll continue praying for patience, and continue applying for any other job I see.
Tonight my sister and I attended the Finale for the Greater Greenville Shrinkdown. The 8-week program resulted in both of us losing 8 pounds (each, not combined). It was actually alot of fun, and really helped to make us aware of little areas in our lives that we could change to garnish big results. It also got us alot more active, and resulted in our entire family getting a membership at the local YMCA. Greenville County had almost 5,000 participants that lost a little over 6 tons! J and I went swimming after the program concluded, then relaxed in the hot tub for a while, and then rewarded ourselves with a burger and a shake at Steak 'n Shake...okay, so we aren't completely reformed yet, but at least we exercised first, and everyday this week.
Today, instead of doing a proper 3-point turn, I happened to see a driveway that went across a corner, so I just drove through it. I'm sure the people that lived there, if they saw me, thought I was an idiot, but it was alot easier, and much funnier. J and I laughed for at least 5 minutes.
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