So now my blog is pretty. Or prettier. Ahh, white space, how I love thee. I could write sonnets to my devotion to white space and untrapped copy and images that face the proper way. Yes, there is a proper way for images to face. Thank you, yearbook! Thanks go out to my eight (EIGHT! I feel so popular!) faithful readers for your input. It was five to three, and you all voted for my two favorites, so I'm proud of each and every one of you. *Sniffs* Brings a tear to my eye.
A big thanks also to Chris The Carpool Buddy for providing the inspiration for the new tag line. It's supposed to be contradictory, you know, because I fancy proper grammar. Did I need to explain that? Oh, well, I just did. I had to use proper apostrophes, though, sorry. I can only go so far.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
I wasn't sure that we would make it...
...but we finally did. November 4 is here. It's today! Get out there and vote! It's a small, precious act, but it's all we've got.
Husband and I are planning to leave work a bit early today to hit up the polls. This will be the second presidential election that I have the opportunity to vote in, and I am surprised by how interested I am this time around. This will be a history-making election, either way the vote swings, and it is an honor to be apart of it. Everyone has a right to keep their vote to themselves, but I will gladly announce that today I will be voting for Barack Obama for President. Not because I think he is the best person in the country for the job, not because I think he is America's political messiah who will right every wrong that we face today, but, for me, he is the lesser of two evils (a sentiment I felt echoed in the last presidential election). As a woman, I am embarassed for Sarah Palin. As an American, I am embarased for John McCain choosing her as a running mate. I am embarassed for his intolerance of issues I believe in, based upon religious convictions rather than civil liberties. To be sure, there are plenty of issues heralded by the Democratic party that embarass me, and I do not claim either side, but I will buy right in to Obama's oft-repeated catch phrases; this country needs change. If McCain wins, nothing will change, for better or for worse. I'm taking a chance on change for the better. At least it will be different.
If nothing else, I hope Obama wins, just so I can see the looks on my staunchly Republican grandparents' faces. That will be the real treat.
Husband and I are planning to leave work a bit early today to hit up the polls. This will be the second presidential election that I have the opportunity to vote in, and I am surprised by how interested I am this time around. This will be a history-making election, either way the vote swings, and it is an honor to be apart of it. Everyone has a right to keep their vote to themselves, but I will gladly announce that today I will be voting for Barack Obama for President. Not because I think he is the best person in the country for the job, not because I think he is America's political messiah who will right every wrong that we face today, but, for me, he is the lesser of two evils (a sentiment I felt echoed in the last presidential election). As a woman, I am embarassed for Sarah Palin. As an American, I am embarased for John McCain choosing her as a running mate. I am embarassed for his intolerance of issues I believe in, based upon religious convictions rather than civil liberties. To be sure, there are plenty of issues heralded by the Democratic party that embarass me, and I do not claim either side, but I will buy right in to Obama's oft-repeated catch phrases; this country needs change. If McCain wins, nothing will change, for better or for worse. I'm taking a chance on change for the better. At least it will be different.
If nothing else, I hope Obama wins, just so I can see the looks on my staunchly Republican grandparents' faces. That will be the real treat.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Boo: A Halloween surprise (hint: it wasn't candy)
Husband and I left work midday and both went to see an allergist Friday (Halloween). This was something we'd been thinking about doing for quite some time but kept putting off, and we finally made appointments and drug ourselves there. We are both plagued with sniffly noses and watery eyes due to a variety of perceived allergens, and we went to identify exactly what those allergens were and to arm ourselves with some kind of medication.
The nurses performed our scratch tests at the same time. Husband and I had both had scratch tests around similar ages when we were younger (I had mine in the sixth grade). On children, the test is performed on their forearms, but on adults, there are a larger number of scratches made on their backs (55, to be exact). Once scratched with various allergens, an excruciatingly itchy fifteen minutes must pass before the doctor can return to evaluate the results.
When I was tested eleven years ago, being the weak, wheezing child that I was, in addition to my asthma, I was found to be allergic to cats, ragweed, and unbaked flour. Husband wasn't allergic to anything when he was originally tested (lucky fellow). The results Friday, however, were quite different. Husband showed allergies to quite a few naturally occurring triggers (like grass and some kind of mold that grows in corn...he should probably think about moving from Indiana to a desert...). I added a few new similar allergens, but the biggest disappointment, in addition to my already well known allergy to cats, was a new allergy to dogs.
DOGS! *weeps with anguish*
I had always resigned myself to the fact that I would never be able to have an indoor cat as a pet. The saving grace to this sad, sad reality was that I would be able to have a dog! An adorable, cuddly, purse-sized dog! BUT NO MORE. Thank you very much, Dr. Clayton, for stomping on my pet owning dreams. And then stomping some more. And then pissing a little.
At least he gave us prescriptions for Flonase.
Of course, I am currently living at my in-laws' home with their miniature poodle, Kasey. He's very lovable and is always in the mood for some attention, but I try not to touch him too much, and he gets a firm talking to if he jumps on our bed. Silver lining: at least poodles don't shed?
So now I need to console myself by beginning to repair my dream and think up a new plan to welcome some cuddly bit of fur into my future home...
...do bunnies have dander?
The nurses performed our scratch tests at the same time. Husband and I had both had scratch tests around similar ages when we were younger (I had mine in the sixth grade). On children, the test is performed on their forearms, but on adults, there are a larger number of scratches made on their backs (55, to be exact). Once scratched with various allergens, an excruciatingly itchy fifteen minutes must pass before the doctor can return to evaluate the results.
When I was tested eleven years ago, being the weak, wheezing child that I was, in addition to my asthma, I was found to be allergic to cats, ragweed, and unbaked flour. Husband wasn't allergic to anything when he was originally tested (lucky fellow). The results Friday, however, were quite different. Husband showed allergies to quite a few naturally occurring triggers (like grass and some kind of mold that grows in corn...he should probably think about moving from Indiana to a desert...). I added a few new similar allergens, but the biggest disappointment, in addition to my already well known allergy to cats, was a new allergy to dogs.
DOGS! *weeps with anguish*
I had always resigned myself to the fact that I would never be able to have an indoor cat as a pet. The saving grace to this sad, sad reality was that I would be able to have a dog! An adorable, cuddly, purse-sized dog! BUT NO MORE. Thank you very much, Dr. Clayton, for stomping on my pet owning dreams. And then stomping some more. And then pissing a little.
At least he gave us prescriptions for Flonase.
Of course, I am currently living at my in-laws' home with their miniature poodle, Kasey. He's very lovable and is always in the mood for some attention, but I try not to touch him too much, and he gets a firm talking to if he jumps on our bed. Silver lining: at least poodles don't shed?
So now I need to console myself by beginning to repair my dream and think up a new plan to welcome some cuddly bit of fur into my future home...
...do bunnies have dander?
Friday, October 31, 2008
Countering the counter
We put in a response to the bank's counteroffer today. In looking through my old posts, I realized that we put in our original offer on September 5. That was eight weeks ago. Let me repeat that again. EIGHT WEEKS. There are now exactly eight weeks until Christmas. Think we have any reason to be hopeful?
That question was kind of rhetorical.
That question was kind of rhetorical.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Shame...
When I was a new sixteen-year-old driver, both my parents loved to remind me that neither of them had ever had a ticket in their whole entire lives. My dad is 70 years old. That's a lot to live up to. I never asked if either of them had ever just been pulled over though...
Friday I was pulled over by a policeman for the first time in my driving history. To make matters worse, my mother was sitting in the passenger's seat. Oh, the shame. Here's how things went down:
Husband and I had just finished a lovely Friday night dining experience with my parents at a local restaurant (note: with an attached bar). We had picked up my car from the auto body shop right after work before meeting for dinner (finally having fixed the hood and grill damage caused by She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named). Therefore, Husband was driving separately, as were my parents. Mom and Dad were planning to follow us back to the in-laws' house for some post-dinner Husband shaving (his head...you dirty, dirty people). My mom decided to accompany me in my car.
I pulled away from the restaurant and was approaching the stoplight when a police car driving in the opposite direction did a U-turn in the middle of the street and began tailing me. I was a little nervous, but made my legal right turn on a green light. Then, the policeman turned on his flashing lights. I thought he might drive around me, racing off to capture some dastardly figure that was raping kittens or something. To my surprise, when I pulled into an empty parking lot, he pulled right behind me.
He asked for my license and where I was coming from and heading to. Then he asked if I knew why he had pulled me over. I was quite confused, figuring I had a taillight out or something. Instead, he pointed out that my headlights weren't on.
*Facepalm*
Although it was fully dark outside, the streets had been so well lit that I hadn't noticed my lack of headlights. There are two spots on the car's knob for headlights, one for small day lights and the other for actual headlights. I'd only made it to the first spot. The policeman was pretty nice about the situation, saying he didn't smell alcohol on my breath, but no headlights were an indicator of a drunk driver. I assured him with, "No, I'm not drunk. Just stupid."
Yes, I actually said this to him.
No, I don't know why.
Then he asked if my car was new. "No," I said. "But I just got it back from the body shop today." Realizing what this statement implied, I quickly followed with, "But it wasn't my fault!"
Smooth.
I was proud at least that I didn't cry, probably due to my extreme confusion. We were allowed to go on our merry little way, ticket free, and my mother thought the situation was hilarious, but I'm sure she won't let me forget anytime soon.
Friday I was pulled over by a policeman for the first time in my driving history. To make matters worse, my mother was sitting in the passenger's seat. Oh, the shame. Here's how things went down:
Husband and I had just finished a lovely Friday night dining experience with my parents at a local restaurant (note: with an attached bar). We had picked up my car from the auto body shop right after work before meeting for dinner (finally having fixed the hood and grill damage caused by She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named). Therefore, Husband was driving separately, as were my parents. Mom and Dad were planning to follow us back to the in-laws' house for some post-dinner Husband shaving (his head...you dirty, dirty people). My mom decided to accompany me in my car.
I pulled away from the restaurant and was approaching the stoplight when a police car driving in the opposite direction did a U-turn in the middle of the street and began tailing me. I was a little nervous, but made my legal right turn on a green light. Then, the policeman turned on his flashing lights. I thought he might drive around me, racing off to capture some dastardly figure that was raping kittens or something. To my surprise, when I pulled into an empty parking lot, he pulled right behind me.
He asked for my license and where I was coming from and heading to. Then he asked if I knew why he had pulled me over. I was quite confused, figuring I had a taillight out or something. Instead, he pointed out that my headlights weren't on.
*Facepalm*
Although it was fully dark outside, the streets had been so well lit that I hadn't noticed my lack of headlights. There are two spots on the car's knob for headlights, one for small day lights and the other for actual headlights. I'd only made it to the first spot. The policeman was pretty nice about the situation, saying he didn't smell alcohol on my breath, but no headlights were an indicator of a drunk driver. I assured him with, "No, I'm not drunk. Just stupid."
Yes, I actually said this to him.
No, I don't know why.
Then he asked if my car was new. "No," I said. "But I just got it back from the body shop today." Realizing what this statement implied, I quickly followed with, "But it wasn't my fault!"
Smooth.
I was proud at least that I didn't cry, probably due to my extreme confusion. We were allowed to go on our merry little way, ticket free, and my mother thought the situation was hilarious, but I'm sure she won't let me forget anytime soon.
A new camera!
Husband and I recently purchased a new digital camera. My first digital camera was bought several years ago as a Christmas present in preparation for a photojournalism class I was taking in college. It was a Kodak and came with a small printer dock for easy, at home printing. The camera served me quite well throughout my remaining college years and post-graduation. It is still a good camera, especially for shooting events (I used it often for my college newspaper and internship in the Office of Publications and Media Relations), but it can be a bit bulky for everyday use. So, I got a hankering for something I could slip into my purse for unexpected photo opportunities. Husband, being the loving spouse that he is, as well as a man who loves his toys, did a bit of research and suggested purchasing a Nikon Coolpix S550, which seemed to meet our needs and price range. So we did, when the camera suddenly came on sale on Best Buy's Web site. I got the blue one, because, hello, cute!This past weekend was the centennial anniversary of our county seat's courthouse. The historical society sponsored a contest for photographs, paintings, etc., celebrating the courthouse. My mother encouraged me to enter, which I did, because I like to
support community events and was also afraid there wouldn't be many entries (there ended up being...three). One lovely, clear fall afternoon I grabbed my new little camera and walked up to the courthouse to snap a few pictures. I decided to enter a more representative shot of the courthouse dome rather than the building in its entirety. The contest was judged by a local photographer, and I won! (However, one of my friends also entered a photograph which I thought was much more neat than mine, and I promise I am not just saying that to be nice! It was a similar shot to mine, but she went the extra mile and grayscaled the courthouse leaving only the American and Indiana flags in color, which was such a cool idea! Kudos to her!) As an aside, my very observant husband noticed from her photograph that the Indiana flag is hung upside down, for some reason. Ah, Indiana pride...
Friday, October 24, 2008
Choose or Die (or whatever...)
I would like to change up my blog and make it more visually appealing, so I need your help, dear readers! Below are four quick and dirty blog headers that I created. Yes, I totally stole the images from iStock, but don't worry, when I have a final selection, I promise I will buy the actual image! For now, just ignore iStock's moniker!
In the comments section, write in your choice or tell me that everything I created is just ugly and I should just abstain from Internet blogging until the end of time. I'll leave the polls open for a good while until everyone stops caring (oh, too late you say?) or a clear winner is decided.
Number One: Cutesy!
Number Two
: Mysterious!
Number Three: Tall Tales!
Number Four: A Cartoon Kitten!
In the comments section, write in your choice or tell me that everything I created is just ugly and I should just abstain from Internet blogging until the end of time. I'll leave the polls open for a good while until everyone stops caring (oh, too late you say?) or a clear winner is decided.
Number One: Cutesy!
Number Two
: Mysterious!Number Three: Tall Tales!
Number Four: A Cartoon Kitten!
TGIF, YALLS!
This has been a long, full week, probably compounded by the fact that we are looking forward to a jam-packed weekend, but it is finally Friday.
*Sighs with relief*
In addition to my regular weekday work at Big, Fancy University, I have also taken on three freelance graphic design projects. I am by no means a professional graphic designer, but I think my appeal lies more in my price tag (read: I'm cheap!). I have taken a total of one class related to graphic design in college, but wish I could have taken more. I don't mind copy editing or writing for profit, but my real passion lies in design. I would love the opportunity to take additional classes specifically geared to graphic design. In toying with the idea of graduate school over the past year, I contemplated master's degrees in writing which would include an element of design. I don't have any immediate plans to pursue graduate school, but perhaps I can think more seriously about it once Husband and I are settled.
Anyway, I am currently working on a new blog header. Perhaps I can come up with several designs and my beloved readers (all three of you!) can help me choose. Food for thought. Enjoy the weekend, everyone!
*Sighs with relief*
In addition to my regular weekday work at Big, Fancy University, I have also taken on three freelance graphic design projects. I am by no means a professional graphic designer, but I think my appeal lies more in my price tag (read: I'm cheap!). I have taken a total of one class related to graphic design in college, but wish I could have taken more. I don't mind copy editing or writing for profit, but my real passion lies in design. I would love the opportunity to take additional classes specifically geared to graphic design. In toying with the idea of graduate school over the past year, I contemplated master's degrees in writing which would include an element of design. I don't have any immediate plans to pursue graduate school, but perhaps I can think more seriously about it once Husband and I are settled.
Anyway, I am currently working on a new blog header. Perhaps I can come up with several designs and my beloved readers (all three of you!) can help me choose. Food for thought. Enjoy the weekend, everyone!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Opposites Attract
I know this may come as a shock, but I am a very shy person.
I maintain that I really can't help my introversion; I was just born that way. My mother often recalls instances during my early childhood when, upon being confronted with someone I was not closely familiar, I would squeeze my eyes shut tight until the stranger went away (or tricked me by not speaking until I peeked out from under my lids and realized the menace was still at arm's length).
It's funny how people rarely evolve past the personalities they exhibited while still in diapers. I no longer shut my eyes when forced to speak with someone that makes me uncomfortable, but my discomfort is probably still quite evident to the person I'm required to communicate with.
It's something I continue to work on; engaging another human being in conversation can be a great pleasure, but I don't know if I will ever enjoy the endless cocktail hours or receptions when a social butterfly mentality is demanded. Often, in social situations, I play 'possum, standing quietly (and usually awkwardly) while another member of the group drives the conversation. For me, it takes an incredible amount of energy to force conversation with someone whom I am not well acquainted, and I am often left drained.
Lately, I've been noticing and hearing about friends and acquaintances' relationship dynamics. In many of the couplings I've witnessed, there seems to be a definite dominant personality (applying, of course, strictly to the public sector). That certainly applies to the relationship of Husband and me, as well as numerous sets of couples we see often. My own parents are also a model of this dynamic. My mother is overjoyed to talk to anyone, anywhere, while my father would much prefer to be left alone altogether. Like my father, I would much rather sit in some shadowy corner and observe instead of engaging in conversation (for him, this attitude even applies to extended family functions, where he sits for the entire time on the dimly lit couch furthest away from the boisterous horde of relatives).
I'm sure my quietness often comes off as snobbish or disinterested, which is extremely unfortunate. Once I get to know someone well and become quite comfortable in their presence (which can take a terribly long time), I like to think another side of my personality emerges: someone who looks forward to the interaction, speaks with ease, and enjoys the time spent together. It's just the "getting to know you" stage that I dread.
As I said, Husband is my complete opposite. As much of an introvert as I am, he can be equally extroverted. I envy the ease with which he enamors to new acquaintances, makes friends, and causes complete strangers to laugh. He disagrees with my rather idyllic view, but I firmly believe that it is impossible not to like him, at least while he's charming you (and he is rarely not "on"). Of course, I'm a little biased. He is all of the good things I am not, and I am so glad our opposite personalities attracted in this instance. It has really worked out for the best. People can shine the spotlight on him all they want. I'm happy watching from the shadows.
I maintain that I really can't help my introversion; I was just born that way. My mother often recalls instances during my early childhood when, upon being confronted with someone I was not closely familiar, I would squeeze my eyes shut tight until the stranger went away (or tricked me by not speaking until I peeked out from under my lids and realized the menace was still at arm's length).
It's funny how people rarely evolve past the personalities they exhibited while still in diapers. I no longer shut my eyes when forced to speak with someone that makes me uncomfortable, but my discomfort is probably still quite evident to the person I'm required to communicate with.
It's something I continue to work on; engaging another human being in conversation can be a great pleasure, but I don't know if I will ever enjoy the endless cocktail hours or receptions when a social butterfly mentality is demanded. Often, in social situations, I play 'possum, standing quietly (and usually awkwardly) while another member of the group drives the conversation. For me, it takes an incredible amount of energy to force conversation with someone whom I am not well acquainted, and I am often left drained.
Lately, I've been noticing and hearing about friends and acquaintances' relationship dynamics. In many of the couplings I've witnessed, there seems to be a definite dominant personality (applying, of course, strictly to the public sector). That certainly applies to the relationship of Husband and me, as well as numerous sets of couples we see often. My own parents are also a model of this dynamic. My mother is overjoyed to talk to anyone, anywhere, while my father would much prefer to be left alone altogether. Like my father, I would much rather sit in some shadowy corner and observe instead of engaging in conversation (for him, this attitude even applies to extended family functions, where he sits for the entire time on the dimly lit couch furthest away from the boisterous horde of relatives).
I'm sure my quietness often comes off as snobbish or disinterested, which is extremely unfortunate. Once I get to know someone well and become quite comfortable in their presence (which can take a terribly long time), I like to think another side of my personality emerges: someone who looks forward to the interaction, speaks with ease, and enjoys the time spent together. It's just the "getting to know you" stage that I dread.
As I said, Husband is my complete opposite. As much of an introvert as I am, he can be equally extroverted. I envy the ease with which he enamors to new acquaintances, makes friends, and causes complete strangers to laugh. He disagrees with my rather idyllic view, but I firmly believe that it is impossible not to like him, at least while he's charming you (and he is rarely not "on"). Of course, I'm a little biased. He is all of the good things I am not, and I am so glad our opposite personalities attracted in this instance. It has really worked out for the best. People can shine the spotlight on him all they want. I'm happy watching from the shadows.
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