Windy Spring
Started this morning with oatmeal for breakfast and a couple of second season Monkees episodes. One of the most popular episodes of the entire series - with Monkees and fans alike - is the hilarious "Fairy Tale." In this minimalist take on fantasy stories, Peter is an out-of-work peasant who adores an, ahem, lovely princess (Mike Nesmith - yes, in a dress). When she's captured by some nasty knights, Peter turns to his three friends and a special locket to help rescue her.
Mike was also at the center of "Monkees In Texas." The boys visit his Aunt Kate in the Lone Star State, and find themselves mixed up with bandits determined to run her off of her land. Micky's the one who's in trouble in "Monkees On the Wheel" when he accidentally wins a fortune on a fixed roulette wheel during a gig in Las Vegas. The guys have to prove they aren't crooks...while trying to catch the real ones!
As with yesterday, work was on-and-off busy all day. Unlike yesterday, however, we didn't have nearly enough help, leading to long lines for much of the morning and afternoon. Didn't help that my relief was late, either. A manager had to come in for me.
By the time I got home, this morning's clouds and cool air had given way to brilliant sunshine and warm skies, though the gale-force winds remained. I went for a short walk when I got in. I'd been inside all day, and I wanted to enjoy at least a little of the fresh air. The trees are getting greener every day. Most of them are just starting to pass the flowering stage now. The daffodils are pretty much gone, but the tulips have emerged, and the violets are beautiful.
When I got in, I decided it was the perfect time to pull out my spring clothes. Even if we get a few more days in the 50s and lower 60s, I probably won't need the turtlenecks or the heavy corduroy pants and skirt again this season. (I barely needed them during the winter.) I can wear sweaters and jackets over t-shirts until Mother Nature starts behaving a bit better.
Ran more Monkees as I had leftovers and a spinach "pancake" (spinach with eggs and cheese cooked pancake style - an old last-minute-meal favorite from when I lived in Wildwood) for dinner. Aliens replace Micky with a robotic lookalike in "Monkees Watch Their Feet." When Peter and Davy finally catch on, they at first turn to the government, then decide to take on the aliens themselves.
Life is a lazy river - no matter where you are. Movies, musicals, mysteries, pop culture, and lots of other great stuff.
Monday, April 02, 2012
Sunday, April 01, 2012
No April Fool's Joke
It was cloudy, cool, and still when I got up late this morning, around quarter after 10. I didn't get to breakfast until past 11! Brunch With the Beatles concentrated on the songs put out by the Beatles' own company, Apple Records, today. That meant lots of great later and solo songs - "Get Back," "Something," "Come Together," "Hey Jude," and "Let It Be," along with George's "What Is Life?" and "Give Me Love," Ringo's "No No Song," Paul's "Uncle Albert" and "Band on the Run," and John's "Whatever Gets You Through the Night" with Elton John.
I had Pear-Spice Pancakes for breakfast, then decided it was time to change the AG dolls into their spring dresses for Easter. Samantha now wears the Lace Dress and matching shoes with Springfield Collection tights. Molly wears the Polka-Dot Skirt Outfit, but kept the same socks, shoes, and ribbon. I put Felicity into her pink birthday dress with the floral pinner and Jessa into a floral shirt and long jean skirt, with Springfield Collection black vinyl flats that are actually a bit big for her without socks or tights.
I was putting the girls' clothes away and looking over old journals in the back room when I heard talking outside. It sounded like my neighbor Michael and someone else...my landlady's adult nephew Andrew? I thought at first he might have come to mow the lawn, but then I listened further...
Andrew: Yeah, she's gone. She got sick in the hospital. Picked something up there. You know how it happens. She was already sick. It's not their fault.
Michael: I'm sorry. She was a nice lady. Have you told Emma yet?
Andrew: Nahh, I haven't gotten to it.
Told me what? I had the very bad feeling I knew already. I hastily pushed the journals back into their crate, grabbed a pair of clogs and my blue raincoat, and hurried downstairs.
I immediately went to the front of the house and knocked. Andrew answered the door. Yes, it was what I thought. My landlady, Eleanor "Miss Ellie" Harris, is dead. It sounds like she died last night of some infection she picked up in the hospital when she was getting over something else. Andrew and his mother Linda, who live a few houses down on the same block as us, are in control of the house for the time being. Andrew says they won't be able to figure anything out with the house for over a year, and even after that, they'll probably just rent the bottom floor out to another quiet career professional or older person.Which means yes, I will be staying here for the foreseeable future.
I'm going to miss Miss Ellie. She was a really sweet old lady, and so nice to me. She never minded it when my rent was late, and she really enjoyed the letters I gave her with the rent. I don't think she ever even saw the one I gave her with my rent check yesterday. I'll miss raking for her. I'll miss seeing her come home from work and hearing her come through the door. I'll miss knowing that another independent woman is downstairs, living alone and doing her own thing, too.
I was in a bit of a daze when I rode to work, which wasn't a good thing. Today is the first day of the month, and the lines were backed up when I arrived, despite there being plenty of help. It did calm down a bit later, but we were on-and-off busy for most of the evening.
I bought a sympathy card for Linda and Andrew after work. Alas, when I got out, I discovered the reason for those off-and-on crowds. We were getting a rather nice shower. I just rode home and got wet. I'll deliver the card tomorrow, either right before or right after work.
I finally got a hold of Mom when I got in and had a short but pleasant chat with her. Miss Ellie's death aside, I do feel a lot better. Talking to Cassandra and Jody on Thursday was a big help. I'll be turning my efforts towards spring cleaning and getting ready for Easter and Lauren's visit next month this week.
I also talked to Dad. Sounds like I'll be joining him and Jodie for that delicious French Toast Casserole on Easter morning, then heading up to our cousins Karen and Jim's house in Washington Township for dinner. Fine by me. Mom says they're not doing anything in that neck of the woods for Easter this year, so that should be fun.
It was cloudy, cool, and still when I got up late this morning, around quarter after 10. I didn't get to breakfast until past 11! Brunch With the Beatles concentrated on the songs put out by the Beatles' own company, Apple Records, today. That meant lots of great later and solo songs - "Get Back," "Something," "Come Together," "Hey Jude," and "Let It Be," along with George's "What Is Life?" and "Give Me Love," Ringo's "No No Song," Paul's "Uncle Albert" and "Band on the Run," and John's "Whatever Gets You Through the Night" with Elton John.
I had Pear-Spice Pancakes for breakfast, then decided it was time to change the AG dolls into their spring dresses for Easter. Samantha now wears the Lace Dress and matching shoes with Springfield Collection tights. Molly wears the Polka-Dot Skirt Outfit, but kept the same socks, shoes, and ribbon. I put Felicity into her pink birthday dress with the floral pinner and Jessa into a floral shirt and long jean skirt, with Springfield Collection black vinyl flats that are actually a bit big for her without socks or tights.
I was putting the girls' clothes away and looking over old journals in the back room when I heard talking outside. It sounded like my neighbor Michael and someone else...my landlady's adult nephew Andrew? I thought at first he might have come to mow the lawn, but then I listened further...
Andrew: Yeah, she's gone. She got sick in the hospital. Picked something up there. You know how it happens. She was already sick. It's not their fault.
Michael: I'm sorry. She was a nice lady. Have you told Emma yet?
Andrew: Nahh, I haven't gotten to it.
Told me what? I had the very bad feeling I knew already. I hastily pushed the journals back into their crate, grabbed a pair of clogs and my blue raincoat, and hurried downstairs.
I immediately went to the front of the house and knocked. Andrew answered the door. Yes, it was what I thought. My landlady, Eleanor "Miss Ellie" Harris, is dead. It sounds like she died last night of some infection she picked up in the hospital when she was getting over something else. Andrew and his mother Linda, who live a few houses down on the same block as us, are in control of the house for the time being. Andrew says they won't be able to figure anything out with the house for over a year, and even after that, they'll probably just rent the bottom floor out to another quiet career professional or older person.Which means yes, I will be staying here for the foreseeable future.
I'm going to miss Miss Ellie. She was a really sweet old lady, and so nice to me. She never minded it when my rent was late, and she really enjoyed the letters I gave her with the rent. I don't think she ever even saw the one I gave her with my rent check yesterday. I'll miss raking for her. I'll miss seeing her come home from work and hearing her come through the door. I'll miss knowing that another independent woman is downstairs, living alone and doing her own thing, too.
I was in a bit of a daze when I rode to work, which wasn't a good thing. Today is the first day of the month, and the lines were backed up when I arrived, despite there being plenty of help. It did calm down a bit later, but we were on-and-off busy for most of the evening.
I bought a sympathy card for Linda and Andrew after work. Alas, when I got out, I discovered the reason for those off-and-on crowds. We were getting a rather nice shower. I just rode home and got wet. I'll deliver the card tomorrow, either right before or right after work.
I finally got a hold of Mom when I got in and had a short but pleasant chat with her. Miss Ellie's death aside, I do feel a lot better. Talking to Cassandra and Jody on Thursday was a big help. I'll be turning my efforts towards spring cleaning and getting ready for Easter and Lauren's visit next month this week.
I also talked to Dad. Sounds like I'll be joining him and Jodie for that delicious French Toast Casserole on Easter morning, then heading up to our cousins Karen and Jim's house in Washington Township for dinner. Fine by me. Mom says they're not doing anything in that neck of the woods for Easter this year, so that should be fun.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
March Goes Out Like a Lion
Brrr! The window next to my bed showed gloomy gray clouds and the tail end of last night's storm when I awoke this morning. The last half-hour of the American Top 40 warmed up things nicely. We covered the last week of March in 1981, as New Wave crested in the US. Among the most popular songs that week were Don McLean's version of "Crying," "Keep On Lovin' You" by REO Speedwagon, and that week's #1 hit, Blondie's pioneering rap/New Wave mix "Rapture."
I spent a pleasant hour or so afterwards having a spinach, mushroom, and Swiss cheese omelet for breakfast and watching the Disney movie The Aristocats. In this cross between 101 Dalmations and Lady and the Tramp with a feline bent, a pampered mother cat and her three feisty kittens live with a kindly older woman in Paris during early 20th century. Their wealthy owner wants to re-write her will to make the cats the main beneficiaries, which doesn't sit well with her loyal butler. The butler tries to get rid of the cats, but they end up lost in the French countryside instead. They're helped home by a dashing tomcat, a group of international alley cats with a penchant for that swinging new jazz sound, a mystery-loving mouse, and a trio of hilarious British geese.
One of Disney's lesser-known efforts of their "dark era" of the 70s and early 80s is also one of their cutest, not to mention of the few to be equally popular with girls and boys. The villainous butler isn't terribly frightening and the violence is mostly of the slapstick variety; other than a couple of mild drunk jokes, this is one of the best Disney movies to start off young kids with.
Made a short errand run around 10:30. Made it to the bank first to deposit my paycheck, then volunteered at the Oaklyn Library. It was mouse-quiet there; other than shelving some books, there wasn't much for me to do. Went up to WaWa after that for milk; also bought a too-sweet chai tea. It was still chilly and gloomy, and the fine, misty rain was picking up a bit.
I had planned on spending the rest of the afternoon at home. I had to curtail that a bit. There was a message on my answering machine from Angie, one of the managers at the Acme. Could I come in at 1 or 1:30? They were really busy. No, not at that point. It was 12:30 and I hadn't eaten lunch. I had leftovers while watching Here Comes Peter Cottontail instead.
I did finally get to work around 2PM. I was originally supposed to go in at 2:30; 2 makes more sense anyway, and I even got to relieve another cashier who thought she'd be shutting down with a line. It wasn't that bad when I came in, but we had on-and-off crowds for most of the afternoon as people dodged the last of the misty rain. Turns out that, for some reason, a lot of people had left work early as well; we were short-handed throughout the early part of the afternoon. Thankfully, the crowds had slowed enough by 7 that I was able to leave on my own, despite my relief being the kid who is always late coming from his second job.
Brrr! The window next to my bed showed gloomy gray clouds and the tail end of last night's storm when I awoke this morning. The last half-hour of the American Top 40 warmed up things nicely. We covered the last week of March in 1981, as New Wave crested in the US. Among the most popular songs that week were Don McLean's version of "Crying," "Keep On Lovin' You" by REO Speedwagon, and that week's #1 hit, Blondie's pioneering rap/New Wave mix "Rapture."
I spent a pleasant hour or so afterwards having a spinach, mushroom, and Swiss cheese omelet for breakfast and watching the Disney movie The Aristocats. In this cross between 101 Dalmations and Lady and the Tramp with a feline bent, a pampered mother cat and her three feisty kittens live with a kindly older woman in Paris during early 20th century. Their wealthy owner wants to re-write her will to make the cats the main beneficiaries, which doesn't sit well with her loyal butler. The butler tries to get rid of the cats, but they end up lost in the French countryside instead. They're helped home by a dashing tomcat, a group of international alley cats with a penchant for that swinging new jazz sound, a mystery-loving mouse, and a trio of hilarious British geese.
One of Disney's lesser-known efforts of their "dark era" of the 70s and early 80s is also one of their cutest, not to mention of the few to be equally popular with girls and boys. The villainous butler isn't terribly frightening and the violence is mostly of the slapstick variety; other than a couple of mild drunk jokes, this is one of the best Disney movies to start off young kids with.
Made a short errand run around 10:30. Made it to the bank first to deposit my paycheck, then volunteered at the Oaklyn Library. It was mouse-quiet there; other than shelving some books, there wasn't much for me to do. Went up to WaWa after that for milk; also bought a too-sweet chai tea. It was still chilly and gloomy, and the fine, misty rain was picking up a bit.
I had planned on spending the rest of the afternoon at home. I had to curtail that a bit. There was a message on my answering machine from Angie, one of the managers at the Acme. Could I come in at 1 or 1:30? They were really busy. No, not at that point. It was 12:30 and I hadn't eaten lunch. I had leftovers while watching Here Comes Peter Cottontail instead.
I did finally get to work around 2PM. I was originally supposed to go in at 2:30; 2 makes more sense anyway, and I even got to relieve another cashier who thought she'd be shutting down with a line. It wasn't that bad when I came in, but we had on-and-off crowds for most of the afternoon as people dodged the last of the misty rain. Turns out that, for some reason, a lot of people had left work early as well; we were short-handed throughout the early part of the afternoon. Thankfully, the crowds had slowed enough by 7 that I was able to leave on my own, despite my relief being the kid who is always late coming from his second job.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Lottery Mania
I awoke a little late today, but not too late for the gym...or so I thought. When I was locking my bike across from the gym, I realized I'd forgotten my wallet with the red membership card. Oops. I just ended up riding over to the Acme to do this week's grocery shopping and pick up my paycheck instead.
The Acme was a mess when I arrived. The checkout lines were long, and the line at the customer service desk was longer. I assumed it had to do with it being close to the beginning of the month. With the bank gone, there's no second desk to cash checks. I got my money and did my shopping. Grabbed shrimp and chicken cutlets on sale, along with one of my favorite cereals, Cinnamon Oatmeal Squares. Needed yogurt, grapefruit, and bananas. Strawberries and asparagus were $1.99 (per pound for the latter). Bought things to make a mousse pie.
When I finally got in, I put everything away, then made a Strawberry-Cream Mousse Pie. Sliced up the remaining ham from St. Patrick's Day and threw in chicken stock, whole wheat pasta, and various vegetable leftovers to make Ham and Pasta Soup. It made a nice, filling lunch while I watched Kung Fu Panda 2.
This time around, lovable Po (Jack Black) searches for "inner peace" while also seeking the truth behind his past. He has a flash of memory when he first encounters the revenge-obsessed Prince Shen (Gary Oldman) on a mission with the Furious Five. This time, he must save the kingdom from Shen's incredible machine that may just put an end to martial arts forever, while finding the key to his lost family.
I think I enjoyed this sequel even more than the first movie. For one thing, Shen is an incredible villain, far better than the original's cliched muscle warrior. He's subtle and dark and nasty (as you'd expect from a peacock voiced by one of Hollywood's foremost experts in dark characters). The character development is just as good...for everyone but the Furious Five, who have a little bit more to do but otherwise aren't much in the way of characters. The animation is great, too. The switches between "real life" (computer) and Po's fractured memories (hand-drawn animation) is very well done in both cases. And mini-Po is a real cutie either way!
Wish work was as much fun. It was busy and annoying for most of the evening. I hadn't realized what all the fuss was about earlier today until I heard someone mention that the jackpot for one of the New Jersey lotteries was 640 million dollars! No wonder everyone's going crazy! It was right on the lottery sign over the customer service desk. I never really pay attention to that. I have no interest in lotteries...or money, for that matter. I don't want a lot of money. I only need enough to live. Money just causes trouble.
I have mixed feelings on next week's schedule. On one hand, I have two days off again...but the first of those two days isn't until next Thursday! Not to mention, I work late on Tuesday again. I do work in the morning on Monday, which is an improvement, but I'd give anything for a consistent schedule.
I awoke a little late today, but not too late for the gym...or so I thought. When I was locking my bike across from the gym, I realized I'd forgotten my wallet with the red membership card. Oops. I just ended up riding over to the Acme to do this week's grocery shopping and pick up my paycheck instead.
The Acme was a mess when I arrived. The checkout lines were long, and the line at the customer service desk was longer. I assumed it had to do with it being close to the beginning of the month. With the bank gone, there's no second desk to cash checks. I got my money and did my shopping. Grabbed shrimp and chicken cutlets on sale, along with one of my favorite cereals, Cinnamon Oatmeal Squares. Needed yogurt, grapefruit, and bananas. Strawberries and asparagus were $1.99 (per pound for the latter). Bought things to make a mousse pie.
When I finally got in, I put everything away, then made a Strawberry-Cream Mousse Pie. Sliced up the remaining ham from St. Patrick's Day and threw in chicken stock, whole wheat pasta, and various vegetable leftovers to make Ham and Pasta Soup. It made a nice, filling lunch while I watched Kung Fu Panda 2.
This time around, lovable Po (Jack Black) searches for "inner peace" while also seeking the truth behind his past. He has a flash of memory when he first encounters the revenge-obsessed Prince Shen (Gary Oldman) on a mission with the Furious Five. This time, he must save the kingdom from Shen's incredible machine that may just put an end to martial arts forever, while finding the key to his lost family.
I think I enjoyed this sequel even more than the first movie. For one thing, Shen is an incredible villain, far better than the original's cliched muscle warrior. He's subtle and dark and nasty (as you'd expect from a peacock voiced by one of Hollywood's foremost experts in dark characters). The character development is just as good...for everyone but the Furious Five, who have a little bit more to do but otherwise aren't much in the way of characters. The animation is great, too. The switches between "real life" (computer) and Po's fractured memories (hand-drawn animation) is very well done in both cases. And mini-Po is a real cutie either way!
Wish work was as much fun. It was busy and annoying for most of the evening. I hadn't realized what all the fuss was about earlier today until I heard someone mention that the jackpot for one of the New Jersey lotteries was 640 million dollars! No wonder everyone's going crazy! It was right on the lottery sign over the customer service desk. I never really pay attention to that. I have no interest in lotteries...or money, for that matter. I don't want a lot of money. I only need enough to live. Money just causes trouble.
I have mixed feelings on next week's schedule. On one hand, I have two days off again...but the first of those two days isn't until next Thursday! Not to mention, I work late on Tuesday again. I do work in the morning on Monday, which is an improvement, but I'd give anything for a consistent schedule.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Balance and the Writers
Spent a rare morning at home. Usually on my days off, I head out right away, but today I wasn't doing anything until 1. I slept in a little bit, then tried the Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies recipe from the Pillsbury Cookie cookbook my sister Anny gave me at Christmas. I had some raisins leftover from the Irish Soda Bread a few weeks ago. The cookies came out beautifully, crunchy and sweet...and I had just enough time for a quick lunch of leftovers before heading out to Collingswood for my first meeting of the day.
I met Jody Staton at her home in Collingswood, a few blocks down from Vitality Fitness and the Post Office. She turned out to be a slender, sweet older woman who lived in a big, lovely brown house with white trim. I think I've passed it a couple of times on yard sale jaunts. She had whole long shelves filled with tons of books, including lots of books on writing in her small but attractive office. I borrowed three on beginnings, middles, and endings, and we had a nice chat about writing and our lives over cups of tea. I'm glad I caught her when I did. Apparently, she and some family are taking a road trip in her car to Florida and New Orleans in a few days. She's a brave lady. I had a hard time with short road trips to Upstate New York with my family when I was a kid, much less all the way down south.
After I left Jody, I rode over to the Collingswood Library for this week's volunteer session there. I thanked FA and the upstairs librarian for suggesting Jody to me. Turns out she's a longtime Friend of the library and library patron. I didn't end up doing much there. Shelved a few DVDs downstairs and some nonfiction upstairs, then read a book on Rogers and Hammerstein musicals for a half-hour.
Went for a short walk on Haddon Avenue after I'd gotten bored at the library. I ended up at the Collingswood Used Book Seller. I wish I had the time and money to go there more often. I love that place. I ended up with one of the more recent Garfield comic books (Garfield Large & In Charge), the Barbara Michaels gothic novel The Master of Blacktower, and Assignment: Ceylon, another installment in the Assignment spy series that seemed to have lasted from the 50s through the 70s. I used to see those all the time in the early 90s on various library sale tables, but for some reason, I can't even find that many of them online anymore.
I had just enough time to grab water and a snack from WaWa before heading to Yogawood for the 4PM Gentle Vinyasa class. Fond though I am of Karin, I really do prefer the late afternoon Gentle/Basics classes. They're easier to modify and go far slower. Today, Lee had us work on core and back strength, which meant a lot of twists, crunching, and twists. It's so much easier to keep up with these classes, and there's far fewer people and lots more room to work on poses, too. I just wish I could get to them more often. There aren't any Gentle classes in the morning.
Went straight home after class. I grabbed a jacket, used the bathroom, put my books away, and skipped right back out for my meeting with Cassandra at the TreeHouse Cafe in Audubon. That went extremely well, too. She was a petite, pretty, dark-skinned woman about my age with bright, happy eyes. I got to read part of her new young adult novel A Beautiful Girl and see the process of selecting the cover for her next one. We talked about my nephews and cousins and her middle-school-aged sons, her other job doing taxes, my job at the Acme (and why it drives me crazy), and starting websites to sell her novel and show off my work (and Lauren's).
I was very happy when I rode over Nicholson Road and back into Oaklyn. I don't often get to make one connection in a day, much less two. It's always been really hard for me to reach out and talk to people, even when it might help me. I'm really hoping I can finally begin to network and meet more people who can help my career...and just be friends I can talk to.
Spent a rare morning at home. Usually on my days off, I head out right away, but today I wasn't doing anything until 1. I slept in a little bit, then tried the Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies recipe from the Pillsbury Cookie cookbook my sister Anny gave me at Christmas. I had some raisins leftover from the Irish Soda Bread a few weeks ago. The cookies came out beautifully, crunchy and sweet...and I had just enough time for a quick lunch of leftovers before heading out to Collingswood for my first meeting of the day.
I met Jody Staton at her home in Collingswood, a few blocks down from Vitality Fitness and the Post Office. She turned out to be a slender, sweet older woman who lived in a big, lovely brown house with white trim. I think I've passed it a couple of times on yard sale jaunts. She had whole long shelves filled with tons of books, including lots of books on writing in her small but attractive office. I borrowed three on beginnings, middles, and endings, and we had a nice chat about writing and our lives over cups of tea. I'm glad I caught her when I did. Apparently, she and some family are taking a road trip in her car to Florida and New Orleans in a few days. She's a brave lady. I had a hard time with short road trips to Upstate New York with my family when I was a kid, much less all the way down south.
After I left Jody, I rode over to the Collingswood Library for this week's volunteer session there. I thanked FA and the upstairs librarian for suggesting Jody to me. Turns out she's a longtime Friend of the library and library patron. I didn't end up doing much there. Shelved a few DVDs downstairs and some nonfiction upstairs, then read a book on Rogers and Hammerstein musicals for a half-hour.
Went for a short walk on Haddon Avenue after I'd gotten bored at the library. I ended up at the Collingswood Used Book Seller. I wish I had the time and money to go there more often. I love that place. I ended up with one of the more recent Garfield comic books (Garfield Large & In Charge), the Barbara Michaels gothic novel The Master of Blacktower, and Assignment: Ceylon, another installment in the Assignment spy series that seemed to have lasted from the 50s through the 70s. I used to see those all the time in the early 90s on various library sale tables, but for some reason, I can't even find that many of them online anymore.
I had just enough time to grab water and a snack from WaWa before heading to Yogawood for the 4PM Gentle Vinyasa class. Fond though I am of Karin, I really do prefer the late afternoon Gentle/Basics classes. They're easier to modify and go far slower. Today, Lee had us work on core and back strength, which meant a lot of twists, crunching, and twists. It's so much easier to keep up with these classes, and there's far fewer people and lots more room to work on poses, too. I just wish I could get to them more often. There aren't any Gentle classes in the morning.
Went straight home after class. I grabbed a jacket, used the bathroom, put my books away, and skipped right back out for my meeting with Cassandra at the TreeHouse Cafe in Audubon. That went extremely well, too. She was a petite, pretty, dark-skinned woman about my age with bright, happy eyes. I got to read part of her new young adult novel A Beautiful Girl and see the process of selecting the cover for her next one. We talked about my nephews and cousins and her middle-school-aged sons, her other job doing taxes, my job at the Acme (and why it drives me crazy), and starting websites to sell her novel and show off my work (and Lauren's).
I was very happy when I rode over Nicholson Road and back into Oaklyn. I don't often get to make one connection in a day, much less two. It's always been really hard for me to reach out and talk to people, even when it might help me. I'm really hoping I can finally begin to network and meet more people who can help my career...and just be friends I can talk to.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
He's In the Navy Now
I slept in a little bit this morning, not nearly as long as yesterday. I wanted to make a gym run. It was still sunny, warm, and windy when I headed over to Lucile Roberts around quarter of 11. I finally upped the time on the bike to 25 minutes. It did me good. I was nice and sweaty when I finished; went right into my leg machine work out. There were a few people on the bikes and treadmills when I got in, but by the time I left, the place was almost empty, which was fine by me.
I went straight home afterwards and did something I've been meaning to do. I wrote a letter to my brother Keefe, who is in the Navy. He's graduated from boot camp earlier this month and is now stationed near Charleston, South Carolina. Mom sent me a photo of him in uniform, and he looks incredibly handsome. She said he's already gotten stripes for being the top sharpshooter in his unit. I'm so proud of him, and I told him so in my letter. I always knew he was a brilliant kid. He's wanted to join the Navy for a couple of years now.
After I put my letter in the mailbox downstairs, I had a spinach and mushroom omelet for lunch, then messed around on the computer a bit before work. By this point, it had clouded over a bit and started showering lightly. Very lightly - it was ending even as I rode to the Acme.
The rest of the night was pretty much a repeat of most of this month - very busy during rush hour, quiet thereafter. It was so quiet by 8PM, I was able to shut down with no relief.
I slept in a little bit this morning, not nearly as long as yesterday. I wanted to make a gym run. It was still sunny, warm, and windy when I headed over to Lucile Roberts around quarter of 11. I finally upped the time on the bike to 25 minutes. It did me good. I was nice and sweaty when I finished; went right into my leg machine work out. There were a few people on the bikes and treadmills when I got in, but by the time I left, the place was almost empty, which was fine by me.
I went straight home afterwards and did something I've been meaning to do. I wrote a letter to my brother Keefe, who is in the Navy. He's graduated from boot camp earlier this month and is now stationed near Charleston, South Carolina. Mom sent me a photo of him in uniform, and he looks incredibly handsome. She said he's already gotten stripes for being the top sharpshooter in his unit. I'm so proud of him, and I told him so in my letter. I always knew he was a brilliant kid. He's wanted to join the Navy for a couple of years now.
After I put my letter in the mailbox downstairs, I had a spinach and mushroom omelet for lunch, then messed around on the computer a bit before work. By this point, it had clouded over a bit and started showering lightly. Very lightly - it was ending even as I rode to the Acme.
The rest of the night was pretty much a repeat of most of this month - very busy during rush hour, quiet thereafter. It was so quiet by 8PM, I was able to shut down with no relief.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Long Title Lady
I was up late last night and didn't get up until past 10AM this morning! I wasn't in the laundromat until 12:30. That turned out to be a good thing, mind you. One person left shortly after I arrived; a few more came shortly before I left. Otherwise, it was just me, my load of clothes, and Family Feud on Channel 10. (No Jerry Springer this time, thank heavens.)
I brought my clothes home, put them away, and ran Sailor Moon episodes while having a very quick lunch of leftovers. I finished with just barely enough time to change, make dinner, and run off to work!
Work was pretty much the same as last week - busy during rush hour, quiet otherwise. That should change as we inch closer to both the beginning of the month and the spring holidays. A kid who had been working on organizing tags in the back came in for me; I was in and out with no trouble.
And why have I been up so late recently? I've been digging through the archives of the Monkees Long Title Fanfiction Yahoo Group. This group has pretty much been dormant in the last five years...which is a crying shame, because many of the stories they wrote between 1999 and 2003 ran the gamut from quite good to some of the best darn fiction for any fandom I've ever read. A little of it still exists online, but some of these stories, like the Davy's Secret series (Davy turns out to be a witch) and most of Freeze Frame and Star Collector (the Monkees are thrust into 21st Century LA, only to discover that Mike is now a greedy record executive who has been possessed by a devil) can only be found here.
Not to mention, the writers themselves and their "clones" (characters based after various people, from real-life, stories, or even their own lives) are witty and fun to read, even when just replying to various goings-on. It really makes me wish Lauren and I hadn't joined on the tail end of the group's peak period.
Oh, and I heard from Jody Staton and Cassandra Ulrich. I'm going to meet Jody at her home Thursday afternoon, and Cassandra for dinner at the TreeHouse Cafe Thursday evening. All right! I can't wait. A chance to talk real writers, and ladies who seem very nice besides.
I was up late last night and didn't get up until past 10AM this morning! I wasn't in the laundromat until 12:30. That turned out to be a good thing, mind you. One person left shortly after I arrived; a few more came shortly before I left. Otherwise, it was just me, my load of clothes, and Family Feud on Channel 10. (No Jerry Springer this time, thank heavens.)
I brought my clothes home, put them away, and ran Sailor Moon episodes while having a very quick lunch of leftovers. I finished with just barely enough time to change, make dinner, and run off to work!
Work was pretty much the same as last week - busy during rush hour, quiet otherwise. That should change as we inch closer to both the beginning of the month and the spring holidays. A kid who had been working on organizing tags in the back came in for me; I was in and out with no trouble.
And why have I been up so late recently? I've been digging through the archives of the Monkees Long Title Fanfiction Yahoo Group. This group has pretty much been dormant in the last five years...which is a crying shame, because many of the stories they wrote between 1999 and 2003 ran the gamut from quite good to some of the best darn fiction for any fandom I've ever read. A little of it still exists online, but some of these stories, like the Davy's Secret series (Davy turns out to be a witch) and most of Freeze Frame and Star Collector (the Monkees are thrust into 21st Century LA, only to discover that Mike is now a greedy record executive who has been possessed by a devil) can only be found here.
Not to mention, the writers themselves and their "clones" (characters based after various people, from real-life, stories, or even their own lives) are witty and fun to read, even when just replying to various goings-on. It really makes me wish Lauren and I hadn't joined on the tail end of the group's peak period.
Oh, and I heard from Jody Staton and Cassandra Ulrich. I'm going to meet Jody at her home Thursday afternoon, and Cassandra for dinner at the TreeHouse Cafe Thursday evening. All right! I can't wait. A chance to talk real writers, and ladies who seem very nice besides.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Rhythm of the Camden County Lands
It was a lovely morning in Camden County, chilly and sunny but VERY windy when I got up this morning. I finished Oklahoma! and ran some Sailor Moon as I had breakfast. In this mid-third-season episode, Serena and the girls are delighted to take Rini to the park to see the filming of a new western film. Of course, they're mostly interested in the rising young star who has the lead. So's Mimtete of the Witches Five. When his groupies spurn her, she becomes even more determined to get his love and his pure heart crystal! Meanwhile, Rini meets a strange, frail young girl and strikes up a friendship, but her new buddy isn't what she seems.
Headed for the Haddon Township Library first. The wind wasn't too bad as I made my way through the park. It was gorgeous and green, with everything in bloom. The trees were sweeping veils of white and pink; the grass was a thick green carpet dotted with soft yellow buttercups and dandelions. No wonder I dodged several dog-walkers and joggers as I rode my bike across the still slightly muddy paths.
Despite the brisk wind, the library wasn't really that busy today. There was only a small stack of DVDs to put away later and no children's books. I ended up organizing the kids' DVDs and clearing the foreign films out of the shelves with the regular adult titles. Took out a book on writing novels and getting them published and the two newest Garfield comic books. Also grabbed Time After Time (which I never did get to a few weeks ago), and two animated film sequels, The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride and Kung Fu Panda 2.
My next stops were quick ones. I bought oatmeal at Super Fresh (99 cents on sale!), then headed to Capitol Pizza on the White Horse Pike for a fast and cheap slice of vegetable pizza (picked off the olives - I'm not an olives fan) and a bottle of water. I ignored CNN droning on in the background and read Garfield comics while I waited.
Headed straight home after that. I spent a few hours online, reading Monkees fanfiction and e-mailing people. I asked Cassandra Ulrich and the woman whose number the Collingswood Library gave me the other day, Jody Staton, if we could get together to talk writing on Thursday. They both replied in the affirmative, which makes me very happy. I hope they can help. I also e-mailed my friend Pattie, whom I haven't been able to get to by phone.
Went for a short walk around quarter of 6. It was too windy and chilly to go for a longer one at that point, but it was still nice to get out and enjoy the very fresh and very fast air. The wind was whipping everything around, from pastel Easter-themed banners to ME. The wind could barely get me home fast enough; I swear it blew me right up the stairs and in the door.
Needless to say, I spent the rest of the night inside. I made Corn-Battered Baked Chicken Thighs with Avocado Sauce, steamed vegetables, and a spinach and tangelo salad and watched Simba's Pride. Simba is protective of his daughter Kiara, to the point of constantly sending Puumba and Timon to watch her. She wants to learn to do things on her own, away from her father...and on one such attempt, she almost literally runs into a tough little lion cub named Kovu. Kovu turns out to be the (possible) son of Scar, the villain from the original Lion King, and is being trained to kill Simba and his pride. As Rafiki points out, love (umendi) will have it's way, and before the stirring finale, both lions will teach their families a lesson in working together and the healing power of family.
Not bad. Not quite as good as the original, but very sweet in its own way. I especially liked the candy-colored "Umendi" number and some of the songs imported from the wonderful, long-out-of-print album Rhythm of the Pride Lands, like "He Lives In You." Necessary if you're a fan of The Lion King; enjoyable enough if you're not, but it really helps to have seen the first movie beforehand.
It was a lovely morning in Camden County, chilly and sunny but VERY windy when I got up this morning. I finished Oklahoma! and ran some Sailor Moon as I had breakfast. In this mid-third-season episode, Serena and the girls are delighted to take Rini to the park to see the filming of a new western film. Of course, they're mostly interested in the rising young star who has the lead. So's Mimtete of the Witches Five. When his groupies spurn her, she becomes even more determined to get his love and his pure heart crystal! Meanwhile, Rini meets a strange, frail young girl and strikes up a friendship, but her new buddy isn't what she seems.
Headed for the Haddon Township Library first. The wind wasn't too bad as I made my way through the park. It was gorgeous and green, with everything in bloom. The trees were sweeping veils of white and pink; the grass was a thick green carpet dotted with soft yellow buttercups and dandelions. No wonder I dodged several dog-walkers and joggers as I rode my bike across the still slightly muddy paths.
Despite the brisk wind, the library wasn't really that busy today. There was only a small stack of DVDs to put away later and no children's books. I ended up organizing the kids' DVDs and clearing the foreign films out of the shelves with the regular adult titles. Took out a book on writing novels and getting them published and the two newest Garfield comic books. Also grabbed Time After Time (which I never did get to a few weeks ago), and two animated film sequels, The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride and Kung Fu Panda 2.
My next stops were quick ones. I bought oatmeal at Super Fresh (99 cents on sale!), then headed to Capitol Pizza on the White Horse Pike for a fast and cheap slice of vegetable pizza (picked off the olives - I'm not an olives fan) and a bottle of water. I ignored CNN droning on in the background and read Garfield comics while I waited.
Headed straight home after that. I spent a few hours online, reading Monkees fanfiction and e-mailing people. I asked Cassandra Ulrich and the woman whose number the Collingswood Library gave me the other day, Jody Staton, if we could get together to talk writing on Thursday. They both replied in the affirmative, which makes me very happy. I hope they can help. I also e-mailed my friend Pattie, whom I haven't been able to get to by phone.
Went for a short walk around quarter of 6. It was too windy and chilly to go for a longer one at that point, but it was still nice to get out and enjoy the very fresh and very fast air. The wind was whipping everything around, from pastel Easter-themed banners to ME. The wind could barely get me home fast enough; I swear it blew me right up the stairs and in the door.
Needless to say, I spent the rest of the night inside. I made Corn-Battered Baked Chicken Thighs with Avocado Sauce, steamed vegetables, and a spinach and tangelo salad and watched Simba's Pride. Simba is protective of his daughter Kiara, to the point of constantly sending Puumba and Timon to watch her. She wants to learn to do things on her own, away from her father...and on one such attempt, she almost literally runs into a tough little lion cub named Kovu. Kovu turns out to be the (possible) son of Scar, the villain from the original Lion King, and is being trained to kill Simba and his pride. As Rafiki points out, love (umendi) will have it's way, and before the stirring finale, both lions will teach their families a lesson in working together and the healing power of family.
Not bad. Not quite as good as the original, but very sweet in its own way. I especially liked the candy-colored "Umendi" number and some of the songs imported from the wonderful, long-out-of-print album Rhythm of the Pride Lands, like "He Lives In You." Necessary if you're a fan of The Lion King; enjoyable enough if you're not, but it really helps to have seen the first movie beforehand.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
A Green and Private World
I slept until past 10 this morning, and I was still tired. I've been up really late recently, digging through the archives of the Monkees fanfiction group list Long Title. I traded the Beatles show for Monkees CDs as I made Pear Ginger Pancakes for breakfast.
Called Mom around 11:30. We talked for almost an hour. She basically said for me to be more positive about the Acme job and that I'm lucky I have it and can fend for myself. If I'm so lucky, why don't I FEEL lucky? Why does it drive me crazy? Why do I hate myself when I come home from it? Why do I dread going to work every day? Is it truly impossible to have a job that I enjoy doing and that pays me enough to live on? Isn't there one person who understands what it's like to be a creative person who can't create anymore and who is being encouraged to do something that she feels is demeaning? I keep doing it because it makes money, not because I want to. I just haven't been able to find something that's better, and no, I don't think it has a single thing to do with the darn economy, which is everyone's favorite scapegoat.
The trouble is, I'm not sure what it is I want to do. I know I want to write, but there's a hundred things I want to do with that. Every time I get an idea, it doesn't work out. I start things, and I never finish them. Yes, I do have friends, but I'd give anything for a close, warm circle of friends who lived right in this area and knew exactly what I was going through. None of my closest friends live in the South Jersey area. They're scattered across the country, from Wildwood to the Atlanta suburbs to Denver to San Diego. And as much as I love my family, none of them are writers, and most of them aren't even artists or craftspeople in the way Mom is. I don't want to be on a journey anymore. I want to find the place I belong.
I do like Mom's suggestion of looking up spirituality. I take yoga classes, but I have a hard time with their meaning. I've never been really good with religion. Maybe trying to change that would help.
At least work was fairly painless. It was off and on, with no really major problems. It slowed down enough that I was able to leave without having to wait for the kid who is coming from a second job and is never on time.
When I got home, I listened to one of my Lost In Boston CDs and had leftovers. The Lost In Boston series is long out of print, but it's worth looking for if you're a musical fan looking for something different. It's a series of CDs by now-defunct label Verese Sarabande that feature songs cut from Broadway musicals, from the well-known to songs dropped from flops.
I slept until past 10 this morning, and I was still tired. I've been up really late recently, digging through the archives of the Monkees fanfiction group list Long Title. I traded the Beatles show for Monkees CDs as I made Pear Ginger Pancakes for breakfast.
Called Mom around 11:30. We talked for almost an hour. She basically said for me to be more positive about the Acme job and that I'm lucky I have it and can fend for myself. If I'm so lucky, why don't I FEEL lucky? Why does it drive me crazy? Why do I hate myself when I come home from it? Why do I dread going to work every day? Is it truly impossible to have a job that I enjoy doing and that pays me enough to live on? Isn't there one person who understands what it's like to be a creative person who can't create anymore and who is being encouraged to do something that she feels is demeaning? I keep doing it because it makes money, not because I want to. I just haven't been able to find something that's better, and no, I don't think it has a single thing to do with the darn economy, which is everyone's favorite scapegoat.
The trouble is, I'm not sure what it is I want to do. I know I want to write, but there's a hundred things I want to do with that. Every time I get an idea, it doesn't work out. I start things, and I never finish them. Yes, I do have friends, but I'd give anything for a close, warm circle of friends who lived right in this area and knew exactly what I was going through. None of my closest friends live in the South Jersey area. They're scattered across the country, from Wildwood to the Atlanta suburbs to Denver to San Diego. And as much as I love my family, none of them are writers, and most of them aren't even artists or craftspeople in the way Mom is. I don't want to be on a journey anymore. I want to find the place I belong.
I do like Mom's suggestion of looking up spirituality. I take yoga classes, but I have a hard time with their meaning. I've never been really good with religion. Maybe trying to change that would help.
At least work was fairly painless. It was off and on, with no really major problems. It slowed down enough that I was able to leave without having to wait for the kid who is coming from a second job and is never on time.
When I got home, I listened to one of my Lost In Boston CDs and had leftovers. The Lost In Boston series is long out of print, but it's worth looking for if you're a musical fan looking for something different. It's a series of CDs by now-defunct label Verese Sarabande that feature songs cut from Broadway musicals, from the well-known to songs dropped from flops.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Rider In the Storm
Started off today with the second half of the American Top 40. We went back a decade to late March 1973 this morning, as hard rock, folk, and Motown ruled the airwaves. Among the hits in the early spring of that year were "Love Train" by the O Jays, "Neither One of Us," by Gladys Knight and the Pips, and "Ain't No Woman" by the Four Tops.
That week's number one hit was a classic smoky ballad by Roberta Flack, "Killing Me Softly." It had apparently been number one for several weeks, was displaced by "Love Train" for a week, then bounced right back. I'm not surprised - this is an oft-heard 70s favorite.
It was sunny out this morning, but the sun was fast disappearing behind clouds when I headed out for this week's Saturday errand run. As with last week, I started with the bank, then moved to the Oaklyn Library. There wasn't much going on at either place; the library was just me and the librarian. I was in and out of both places quickly.
It was just as well. Once again, I had more plans for the day. I wanted to continue checking out local coffee shops for information on writers and take a longer look at Barrington. The clouds had gotten heavier as I left the Oaklyn Library. They finally burst when I arrived in Haddon Heights. I briefly checked out their coffee shop, but it was so spare and Spartan, they didn't have much room for open mic anything. The rain picked up as I made my way down Atlantic Avenue, past the train tracks and under the over pass to Barrington. It never did get really heavy, just enough to make me slightly damp and smell good.
One of the reasons I hit Barrington was to take a second, longer look at the Antique Center. I love that barn. I'd be there more often if it didn't require a half-hour bike ride. As I did last month, I came up with some great things there. Found a box filled with vintage linens and doll clothes. I hardly need linens, but I did find three adorable dresses - two for spring, one for Christmas - that fit the Cabbies. I also picked up three records - a later Johnny Mathis album from the early 80s, an 80s John Entwistle solo album, and a 70s book-and-record version of Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too.
When I was prowling around upstairs, I came across a small room with a table in the center that was filled with Fisher Price toys that probably dated back to the 60s. I easily recognized the Popcorn Roller thing that Rose loved as a child, as well as two favorite Little People sets my sisters and I used until well into our early teens, the Circus Train (complete with the lion with the big brown mane and the monkey with the movable tail) and the Camping Set with the red and white van and the matching trailer. I finally chose a Roly Poly Apple for my little nephew Khai. The girls and I used to love that thing. We'd knock it over and hear the bell inside it ring again and again.
After I left there, I headed to the Barrington Coffee House for lunch and to see if they had any information on writers. Alas, they couldn't help me, other than direct me to their open mic night. They did make a mean hot Chicken Spinach Wrap and Chai Latte, though.
I made one more short stop at a more folksy antique shop across the street. There was nothing interesting there. Not to mention, the rain was starting to come down a little harder. I finally just packed up my new (old) findings and headed home.
Though the sun looked like it was trying to come out as I rode back to Oaklyn, it never did make it all the way. It's rained on and off since then. I pumped my slightly flagging right tire, then went inside for the rest of the evening.
Spent the next few hours online, doing some browsing and finishing the job ideas list. I now have twenty writing/book related jobs I'd like to take a look at or learn to do, and the questions I want to ask about them. I also added ideas to look into to make them happen, from online sites to look at to trips to local Barnes and Nobles to talk to authors.
I baked a Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake, then made a late dinner of thin Chicken Breasts and Sauteed Vegetable Mix while watching the 1955 Oklahoma! This is my favorite of Rogers and Hammerstein's stage and movie musicals. I especially love Gloria Graham as Aldo Annie - for someone whom I don't believe had done musicals before, she does a great "I Cain't Say No." Charlotte Greenwood is the perfect Aunt Eller, too.
Started off today with the second half of the American Top 40. We went back a decade to late March 1973 this morning, as hard rock, folk, and Motown ruled the airwaves. Among the hits in the early spring of that year were "Love Train" by the O Jays, "Neither One of Us," by Gladys Knight and the Pips, and "Ain't No Woman" by the Four Tops.
That week's number one hit was a classic smoky ballad by Roberta Flack, "Killing Me Softly." It had apparently been number one for several weeks, was displaced by "Love Train" for a week, then bounced right back. I'm not surprised - this is an oft-heard 70s favorite.
It was sunny out this morning, but the sun was fast disappearing behind clouds when I headed out for this week's Saturday errand run. As with last week, I started with the bank, then moved to the Oaklyn Library. There wasn't much going on at either place; the library was just me and the librarian. I was in and out of both places quickly.
It was just as well. Once again, I had more plans for the day. I wanted to continue checking out local coffee shops for information on writers and take a longer look at Barrington. The clouds had gotten heavier as I left the Oaklyn Library. They finally burst when I arrived in Haddon Heights. I briefly checked out their coffee shop, but it was so spare and Spartan, they didn't have much room for open mic anything. The rain picked up as I made my way down Atlantic Avenue, past the train tracks and under the over pass to Barrington. It never did get really heavy, just enough to make me slightly damp and smell good.
One of the reasons I hit Barrington was to take a second, longer look at the Antique Center. I love that barn. I'd be there more often if it didn't require a half-hour bike ride. As I did last month, I came up with some great things there. Found a box filled with vintage linens and doll clothes. I hardly need linens, but I did find three adorable dresses - two for spring, one for Christmas - that fit the Cabbies. I also picked up three records - a later Johnny Mathis album from the early 80s, an 80s John Entwistle solo album, and a 70s book-and-record version of Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too.
When I was prowling around upstairs, I came across a small room with a table in the center that was filled with Fisher Price toys that probably dated back to the 60s. I easily recognized the Popcorn Roller thing that Rose loved as a child, as well as two favorite Little People sets my sisters and I used until well into our early teens, the Circus Train (complete with the lion with the big brown mane and the monkey with the movable tail) and the Camping Set with the red and white van and the matching trailer. I finally chose a Roly Poly Apple for my little nephew Khai. The girls and I used to love that thing. We'd knock it over and hear the bell inside it ring again and again.
After I left there, I headed to the Barrington Coffee House for lunch and to see if they had any information on writers. Alas, they couldn't help me, other than direct me to their open mic night. They did make a mean hot Chicken Spinach Wrap and Chai Latte, though.
I made one more short stop at a more folksy antique shop across the street. There was nothing interesting there. Not to mention, the rain was starting to come down a little harder. I finally just packed up my new (old) findings and headed home.
Though the sun looked like it was trying to come out as I rode back to Oaklyn, it never did make it all the way. It's rained on and off since then. I pumped my slightly flagging right tire, then went inside for the rest of the evening.
Spent the next few hours online, doing some browsing and finishing the job ideas list. I now have twenty writing/book related jobs I'd like to take a look at or learn to do, and the questions I want to ask about them. I also added ideas to look into to make them happen, from online sites to look at to trips to local Barnes and Nobles to talk to authors.
I baked a Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Coffee Cake, then made a late dinner of thin Chicken Breasts and Sauteed Vegetable Mix while watching the 1955 Oklahoma! This is my favorite of Rogers and Hammerstein's stage and movie musicals. I especially love Gloria Graham as Aldo Annie - for someone whom I don't believe had done musicals before, she does a great "I Cain't Say No." Charlotte Greenwood is the perfect Aunt Eller, too.
Friday, March 23, 2012
I'm Just Wild About Muppets
It was once again sunny and too warm when I hit the gym for my second session there this week. Had a really nice run on the elliptical machine, then worked on my arms. Not surprisingly, given the weather, it was very quiet there this morning. There were a few people on the treadmills and stationary bikes, but I had the weight machines to myself once I got over there. When I finished, I stretched and headed out quickly.
I still had to run to the Acme for my paycheck and groceries. I had quite a bit to get today. They're having a really good sale on skinless chicken thighs and cutlets, and I grabbed another spiral ham for Easter, too. Picked up peanut butter and the new Smuckers fruit spread (the prices weren't great on either, but I'm about half out of what I have in the fridge now), butter (had a coupon for I Can't Believe It's Not Butter), eggs (didn't need-need them, but there was a $2 sale on Land-O-Lakes Brown Eggs), cooking spray (on sale), chocolate chips, and brown sugar (ran out after making the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies on Tuesday). Restocked pears, tangelos (good sales on both), grapefruit, and bananas.
When I got in, I watched a couple of third season Muppet Show episodes while unloading the groceries and eating leftover ham, collard greens, and sweet potatoes for lunch. Gilda Radner sings selections from The Pirates of Penzance with a six-foot carrot and gets really stuck on Beaker during a tap number. Pearl Bailey does a rousing version of "In the Good Old Summertime" with the Electric Mayhem, then joins the whole cast for a spoof of Camelot...using songs from just about every other 50s and 60s musical. Jean Stapleton is wild about Crazy Harry and his exploding music.
Before I started working on the career list, I saw a blinking light on my land line phone, indicating a message. One of the librarians from Collingswood had called back and said they managed to contact a woman who might be willing to help me after all! It's too late to get a hold of her tonight, but I'll e-mail her tomorrow.
I added more careers to my expanding list, then got my uniform on, threw together dinner, and headed to work. Work was a little busier than the last few days, but still not too bad. I was able to do some returns before the rush hour crowds came in.
And my schedule next week is a bit more manageable, too, Not as many hours, but only one late day and one relatively long day, Tuesday, with Monday and Thursday off.
It was once again sunny and too warm when I hit the gym for my second session there this week. Had a really nice run on the elliptical machine, then worked on my arms. Not surprisingly, given the weather, it was very quiet there this morning. There were a few people on the treadmills and stationary bikes, but I had the weight machines to myself once I got over there. When I finished, I stretched and headed out quickly.
I still had to run to the Acme for my paycheck and groceries. I had quite a bit to get today. They're having a really good sale on skinless chicken thighs and cutlets, and I grabbed another spiral ham for Easter, too. Picked up peanut butter and the new Smuckers fruit spread (the prices weren't great on either, but I'm about half out of what I have in the fridge now), butter (had a coupon for I Can't Believe It's Not Butter), eggs (didn't need-need them, but there was a $2 sale on Land-O-Lakes Brown Eggs), cooking spray (on sale), chocolate chips, and brown sugar (ran out after making the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies on Tuesday). Restocked pears, tangelos (good sales on both), grapefruit, and bananas.
When I got in, I watched a couple of third season Muppet Show episodes while unloading the groceries and eating leftover ham, collard greens, and sweet potatoes for lunch. Gilda Radner sings selections from The Pirates of Penzance with a six-foot carrot and gets really stuck on Beaker during a tap number. Pearl Bailey does a rousing version of "In the Good Old Summertime" with the Electric Mayhem, then joins the whole cast for a spoof of Camelot...using songs from just about every other 50s and 60s musical. Jean Stapleton is wild about Crazy Harry and his exploding music.
Before I started working on the career list, I saw a blinking light on my land line phone, indicating a message. One of the librarians from Collingswood had called back and said they managed to contact a woman who might be willing to help me after all! It's too late to get a hold of her tonight, but I'll e-mail her tomorrow.
I added more careers to my expanding list, then got my uniform on, threw together dinner, and headed to work. Work was a little busier than the last few days, but still not too bad. I was able to do some returns before the rush hour crowds came in.
And my schedule next week is a bit more manageable, too, Not as many hours, but only one late day and one relatively long day, Tuesday, with Monday and Thursday off.
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