Congratulations to my [birth] cousin Jillian and her husband Jason on their brand new baby boy, Rocco (so very Italian)!
Born December 23, 2008... Weighing 8 lbs. even and measuring 19 inches long.
What a perfect early Christmas gift!
♥ Can't wait to meet the little man!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Paranoia
I saw something about the December 21, 2012 hype on the History channel the other day, and after it freaked me out a little, I talked to Kaley and Roddy and my mom who all basically laughed it off and made me feel better, and then I did some research and wanted to share this with anyone else who may be nervous about it.
Just to add... my mom helped me understand... there's a lot of paranoia and worry with people like I used to be who have a hard time dealing with the unknown. If there's something going on or possibly going on that they can't control, they want to try to figure it out and believe something literally so that it gives them something to rely on, whether it's good, bad, scary or comforting... at least it's something they 'know' as a fact.
The truth is, no one really knows. We just have to live every day and hope and love life to the best we can.
But for all the hype, there is little evidence the ancient Maya ever intended for the end of their calendar to be read as a potent for disaster.
(Read about it by clicking that sentence above.)
Just to add... my mom helped me understand... there's a lot of paranoia and worry with people like I used to be who have a hard time dealing with the unknown. If there's something going on or possibly going on that they can't control, they want to try to figure it out and believe something literally so that it gives them something to rely on, whether it's good, bad, scary or comforting... at least it's something they 'know' as a fact.
The truth is, no one really knows. We just have to live every day and hope and love life to the best we can.
But for all the hype, there is little evidence the ancient Maya ever intended for the end of their calendar to be read as a potent for disaster.
(Read about it by clicking that sentence above.)
Friday, December 19, 2008
Garlic for Your Health
I LOVED this article by Dr. James Balch. I adore garlic and this is such great information, showing how powerful and healthy garlic is:
http://www.innerself.com/Health/garlic.htm
http://www.innerself.com/Health/garlic.htm
Friday, December 12, 2008
R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
Man... he's good. He might even be as good as I am. Usually I know the best, most subtly sarcastic, insulting, hardest-to-come-back-at arguments and points, but he knows how to do it just as effectively as I do, I think.
Even though he accomplished making me tongue-tied, he wasn't successful at breaking me down. What he doesn't understand is that he doesn't understand... ever. He doesn't listen, he simply thinks whatever is going on in his egotistical mind is the way it is.
Sure, it's right before the holiday. Sure, my husband and I just bought a house. Sure, the economy sucks and everyone's feeling it. But that doesn't mean he needs to consider anyone but himself, does it? Nahhh.
But, honestly, I can take care of myself and figure things out on my own. Who knows, this could have easily been the best thing to happen for me.
Everything happens for a reason, right?
The only thing I regret is thinking I made a few new friends.
Even though he accomplished making me tongue-tied, he wasn't successful at breaking me down. What he doesn't understand is that he doesn't understand... ever. He doesn't listen, he simply thinks whatever is going on in his egotistical mind is the way it is.
Sure, it's right before the holiday. Sure, my husband and I just bought a house. Sure, the economy sucks and everyone's feeling it. But that doesn't mean he needs to consider anyone but himself, does it? Nahhh.
But, honestly, I can take care of myself and figure things out on my own. Who knows, this could have easily been the best thing to happen for me.
Everything happens for a reason, right?
The only thing I regret is thinking I made a few new friends.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Just wanted to say...
Happy Turkey Day everyone!!!
Don't ever forget everything you're thankful for, on this day and every day of the year.
xoxo
Don't ever forget everything you're thankful for, on this day and every day of the year.
xoxo
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
OBAMA WINS ELECTION!!!
Obama Elected President as Racial Barrier Falls
Damon Winter/The New York Times
By ADAM NAGOURNEY
November 4, 2008
Barack Hussein Obama was elected the 44th president of the United States on Tuesday, sweeping away the last racial barrier in American politics with ease as the country chose him as its first black chief executive.
The election of Mr. Obama amounted to a national catharsis - a repudiation of a historically unpopular Republican president and his economic and foreign policies, and an embrace of Mr. Obama's call for a change in the direction and the tone of the country.
But it was just as much a strinkingly symbolic moment in the evolution of the nation's fraught racial history, a breakthrough that would have seemed unthinkable just two years ago.
Mr. Obama, 48, a first-term senator from Illinois, defeated Senator John McCain of Arizona, 72, a former prisoner of war who was making his second bid for the presidency.
To the very end, Mr. McCain's campaign was eclipsed by an opponent who was nothing short of a penomenon, drawing huge crowds epitomized by the tens of thousands of people who turned out to hear Mr. Obama's victory speech in Grant Park in Chicago.
Mr. McCain also fought the headwinds of a relentlessly hostile political environment, weighted down with the baggage left to him by President Bush and an economic collapse that took place in the middle of the general election campaign.
"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer," said Mr. Obama, standing before a huge wooden lectern with a row of American flags at his back, casting his eyes to a crowd that stretched far into the Chicago night.
"It's been a long time coming," the president-elect added, "but tonight, because of what we did on this date in this election at this defining moment, change has come to America."
Mr. McCain delivered his concession speech under clear skies on the lush lawn of the Arizona Biltmore, in Phoenix, where he and his wife had held their wedding reception. The crowd reacted with scattered boos as he offered his congratulations to Mr. Obama and saluted the historical significance of the moment.
"This is a historical election, and I recognize the significance it has for African-Americans and for the special pride that must be theirs tonight," Mr. McCain said, adding, "We both realize that we have come a long way from the injustices that once stained our nation's reputation."
Not only did Mr. McCain capture the presidency, but he led his party to sharp gains in Congress. This puts Democrats in control of the House, the Senate and the White House for the first time since 1995, when Bill Clinton was in office.
The day shimmered with history as voters began lining up before dawn, hours before polls opened, to take part in the culmination of a campaign that over the course of two years commanded an extraordinary amount of attention from the American public.
As the returns became known, and Mr. Obama passed milestone after milestone - Ohio, Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Iowa and New Mexico - people rolled spontaneously into the streets to celebrate what many described, with perhaps overstated if understandable exhilaration, a new era in a country where just 143 years ago, Mr. Obama, as a black man, could have been owned as a slave.
For Republicans, especially the conservatives who have dominated the party for nearly three decades, the night represented a bitter setback and left them contemplating where they now stand in American politics.
Mr. Obama and his expanded Democratic majority on Capitol Hill now face the task of governing the country through a difficult period: the likelihood of a deep and prolonged recession, and two wars. He took note of those circumstances in a speech that was notable for its sobriety and its absence of the trumphalism that he might understandably have displayed on a night when he won an Electoral College landslide.
"The road ahead will be long, our climb will be steep," said Mr. Obama, his audience hushed and attentive, with some, including the Rev. Jesse Jackson, wiping tears from their eyes. "We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you, we as a people will get there." The roster of defeated Republicans included some notable party moderates, like Senator John E. Sununu of New Hampshire and Representative Christopher Shays of Connecticut, and signaled that the Republican conference convening early next year in Washington will be not only smaller but more conservative.
Mr. Obama will come into office after an election in which he laid out a number of clear promises: to cut taxes for most Americans, to get the United States out of Iraq in a fast and orderly fashion, and to expand health care.
In a recognition of the difficult transition he faces, given the economic crisis, Mr. Obama is expected to begin filling White House jobs as early as this week.
Mr. Obama defeated Mr. McCain in Ohio, a central battleground in American politics, despite a huge effort that brought Mr. McCain and his running mate, Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska, back there repeatedly. Mr. Obama had lost the state decisively to Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York in the Democratic primary.
Elisabeth Bumiller contributed reporting from Phoenix, Marjorie Connelly from New York and Jeff Zeleny from Chicago.
_________________________________
Source: NYTimes.com
I so wish Gran had been here today. This would have made her very happy. (:
Since Rod was at work during Obama's speech as he won the election, I sat alone in our living room and aimed my cell phone at the TV to record everything. Somehow I'll find a way to get that video off my old phone and post it on here... eventually.
HOORAY! I am so thrilled and proud to be an American today.
Damon Winter/The New York Times
By ADAM NAGOURNEY
November 4, 2008
Barack Hussein Obama was elected the 44th president of the United States on Tuesday, sweeping away the last racial barrier in American politics with ease as the country chose him as its first black chief executive.
The election of Mr. Obama amounted to a national catharsis - a repudiation of a historically unpopular Republican president and his economic and foreign policies, and an embrace of Mr. Obama's call for a change in the direction and the tone of the country.
But it was just as much a strinkingly symbolic moment in the evolution of the nation's fraught racial history, a breakthrough that would have seemed unthinkable just two years ago.
Mr. Obama, 48, a first-term senator from Illinois, defeated Senator John McCain of Arizona, 72, a former prisoner of war who was making his second bid for the presidency.
To the very end, Mr. McCain's campaign was eclipsed by an opponent who was nothing short of a penomenon, drawing huge crowds epitomized by the tens of thousands of people who turned out to hear Mr. Obama's victory speech in Grant Park in Chicago.
Mr. McCain also fought the headwinds of a relentlessly hostile political environment, weighted down with the baggage left to him by President Bush and an economic collapse that took place in the middle of the general election campaign.
"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer," said Mr. Obama, standing before a huge wooden lectern with a row of American flags at his back, casting his eyes to a crowd that stretched far into the Chicago night.
"It's been a long time coming," the president-elect added, "but tonight, because of what we did on this date in this election at this defining moment, change has come to America."
Mr. McCain delivered his concession speech under clear skies on the lush lawn of the Arizona Biltmore, in Phoenix, where he and his wife had held their wedding reception. The crowd reacted with scattered boos as he offered his congratulations to Mr. Obama and saluted the historical significance of the moment.
"This is a historical election, and I recognize the significance it has for African-Americans and for the special pride that must be theirs tonight," Mr. McCain said, adding, "We both realize that we have come a long way from the injustices that once stained our nation's reputation."
Not only did Mr. McCain capture the presidency, but he led his party to sharp gains in Congress. This puts Democrats in control of the House, the Senate and the White House for the first time since 1995, when Bill Clinton was in office.
The day shimmered with history as voters began lining up before dawn, hours before polls opened, to take part in the culmination of a campaign that over the course of two years commanded an extraordinary amount of attention from the American public.
As the returns became known, and Mr. Obama passed milestone after milestone - Ohio, Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Iowa and New Mexico - people rolled spontaneously into the streets to celebrate what many described, with perhaps overstated if understandable exhilaration, a new era in a country where just 143 years ago, Mr. Obama, as a black man, could have been owned as a slave.
For Republicans, especially the conservatives who have dominated the party for nearly three decades, the night represented a bitter setback and left them contemplating where they now stand in American politics.
Mr. Obama and his expanded Democratic majority on Capitol Hill now face the task of governing the country through a difficult period: the likelihood of a deep and prolonged recession, and two wars. He took note of those circumstances in a speech that was notable for its sobriety and its absence of the trumphalism that he might understandably have displayed on a night when he won an Electoral College landslide.
"The road ahead will be long, our climb will be steep," said Mr. Obama, his audience hushed and attentive, with some, including the Rev. Jesse Jackson, wiping tears from their eyes. "We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you, we as a people will get there." The roster of defeated Republicans included some notable party moderates, like Senator John E. Sununu of New Hampshire and Representative Christopher Shays of Connecticut, and signaled that the Republican conference convening early next year in Washington will be not only smaller but more conservative.
Mr. Obama will come into office after an election in which he laid out a number of clear promises: to cut taxes for most Americans, to get the United States out of Iraq in a fast and orderly fashion, and to expand health care.
In a recognition of the difficult transition he faces, given the economic crisis, Mr. Obama is expected to begin filling White House jobs as early as this week.
Mr. Obama defeated Mr. McCain in Ohio, a central battleground in American politics, despite a huge effort that brought Mr. McCain and his running mate, Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska, back there repeatedly. Mr. Obama had lost the state decisively to Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York in the Democratic primary.
Elisabeth Bumiller contributed reporting from Phoenix, Marjorie Connelly from New York and Jeff Zeleny from Chicago.
_________________________________
Source: NYTimes.com
I so wish Gran had been here today. This would have made her very happy. (:
Since Rod was at work during Obama's speech as he won the election, I sat alone in our living room and aimed my cell phone at the TV to record everything. Somehow I'll find a way to get that video off my old phone and post it on here... eventually.
HOORAY! I am so thrilled and proud to be an American today.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Global Health Committee in Ethiopia
From People.com:
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's Jolie-Pitt Foundation has made a $2 million donation to the Global Health Committee to establish a center to aid children affected by tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia.
This center will be modeled after the Cambodian Health Committee's Maddox Chivan Children's Center in Cambodia, where children receive medical, education and social services.
"Our goal is to transfer the success we have had in Cambodia to Ethiopia where people are needlessly dying of tuberculosis, a curable disease, and HIV/AIDS, a treatable disease," Jolie said in a statement.
As in Cambodia, where the couple named the center after their eldest child, the Ethiopian branch will be named for Zahara, 3, who was adopted from Ethiopia.
"It is our hope when Zahara is older she will take responsibility of the clinic and continue its mission," Pitt said in a statement.
The clinic will also focus on tuberculosis care. The disease causes approximately 2 million deaths yearly, and is the largest cause of death worldwide for children and adults with AIDS.
"The fact that poor people continue to die in our world today of TB, a curable disease, because of lack of access to drugs and care is unacceptable," Pitt said.
The Jolie-Pitt foundation was established in Sept. 2006, when the couple donated $1 million to the Global Action for Children organization and $1 million to Doctors Without Borders.
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's Jolie-Pitt Foundation has made a $2 million donation to the Global Health Committee to establish a center to aid children affected by tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia.
This center will be modeled after the Cambodian Health Committee's Maddox Chivan Children's Center in Cambodia, where children receive medical, education and social services.
"Our goal is to transfer the success we have had in Cambodia to Ethiopia where people are needlessly dying of tuberculosis, a curable disease, and HIV/AIDS, a treatable disease," Jolie said in a statement.
As in Cambodia, where the couple named the center after their eldest child, the Ethiopian branch will be named for Zahara, 3, who was adopted from Ethiopia.
"It is our hope when Zahara is older she will take responsibility of the clinic and continue its mission," Pitt said in a statement.
The clinic will also focus on tuberculosis care. The disease causes approximately 2 million deaths yearly, and is the largest cause of death worldwide for children and adults with AIDS.
"The fact that poor people continue to die in our world today of TB, a curable disease, because of lack of access to drugs and care is unacceptable," Pitt said.
The Jolie-Pitt foundation was established in Sept. 2006, when the couple donated $1 million to the Global Action for Children organization and $1 million to Doctors Without Borders.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Jolie and Foreign Affairs
Angelina Jolie speaking at the council on foreign affairs (specifically Sierra Leone, etc.):
http://www.comcast.net/data/fan/html/popup.html?v=894295303
http://www.comcast.net/data/fan/html/popup.html?v=894295303
Monday, September 15, 2008
"Sarah Palin" vs. "Hillary Clinton" on SNL
This is just too funny!!! You've got to check it out. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler on SNL immitating Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton. They're so dead on.
(Whether you're a Republican, Democrat or Independent, you'll enjoy this, I think.)
http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/palin-hillary-open/656281/
(Whether you're a Republican, Democrat or Independent, you'll enjoy this, I think.)
http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/palin-hillary-open/656281/
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Tap vs. Bottled Water
I was on this message board I go to about "Going Green," and this is a post I read about bottled water. It was interesting and something I'd never have guessed!
* Tap water is governed by the EPA, while bottled water is governed by the FDA..
* All tap water has standards and is 100% tested, but only 30% of bottled water is tested (that which goes across state lines).
* Most bottled water comes from a municipal source, just like tap water, regardless of if its label shows a mountain and stream. Read the label, it will even tell you, except for Dasani, which won't tell you.
*Drinking bottled water can cost you upwards of $1,400 a year. The equivalent in tap water is under $1.
* If you're still unsure about your tap water, click this link to see its ingredients:
http://www.ehso.com/ehshome/DrWater/...terreports.php ...and then buy a filter. If you are still unsure, save all the plastic!
For information, click below. It's fascinating!
http://www.ehso.com/ehshome/DrWater/...r.phpOverview
* Tap water is governed by the EPA, while bottled water is governed by the FDA..
* All tap water has standards and is 100% tested, but only 30% of bottled water is tested (that which goes across state lines).
* Most bottled water comes from a municipal source, just like tap water, regardless of if its label shows a mountain and stream. Read the label, it will even tell you, except for Dasani, which won't tell you.
*Drinking bottled water can cost you upwards of $1,400 a year. The equivalent in tap water is under $1.
* If you're still unsure about your tap water, click this link to see its ingredients:
http://www.ehso.com/ehshome/DrWater/...terreports.php ...and then buy a filter. If you are still unsure, save all the plastic!
For information, click below. It's fascinating!
http://www.ehso.com/ehshome/DrWater/...r.phpOverview
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Family
As it turns out, we're leaving for CT tomorrow for a few days... kinda last minute... but the sergeant and detective that are supposed to be helping Rod through the process of being hired are kinda dragging their feet lately.
Roddy needs to take a medical exam in CT before he can receive his letter of employment from the department, which we need for mortgage commitment for our house on the 1st of September. YIKES! That's on Monday.
Sooo... since we haven't heard from them and we've e-mailed and called them at least once a day, we're just going to drive up there tomorrow, since Rod has sick days he can take, and demand that we get this appointment scheduled and taken care of so we don't have to push mortgage commitment AND our closing date back again!
I just want to get moved in.
I'm thinking about meeting up with my birth mother for the first time this weekend. We've been talking about it for a while. I'm excited about it and actually not really nervous at all. Years ago, thinking of the day I'd meet her, if I'd ever meet her, I thought I'd be terrified. But that's also back when I thought she probably had all sorts of problems and would be freaked out if I ever contacted her. The whole experience has been SO much different than I ever imagined it would be. In a good way.
With everything going on with my grandma, though, I don't really want to stress out my family. If they hear I'm going to be spending time with my biological mother, they'll probably be interested and curious and concerned all at once, and want to know more information... but everyone should be thinking about my grandma. I don't want to disturb that.
I can't wait to visit with my grandmother. She's one of my favorite people in the world - as I said in my last post. She's definitely one of my heroes. She's extremely inspiring... she was a librarian and a mother of four girls, experienced a divorce, a stroke, breast cancer twice, and becoming almost completely blind, all the while walking around downtown, fixing things in her huge house all by herself. And she has more friends than everyone I know combined. When people started learning she was sick, my mom said at times there would be five visitors over there at once.
I'm going to miss her so, so much... her advice, her stories, her company, her house, her yard, her memories, her attic, the tree in her front yard, her fireplace, her dining room, her library...
I'm going to spend as much time with her as possible this weekend. I'll have a cup of coffee with Cheryl and Rod and spend the rest of my time visiting Gran and helping Rod get this appointment set up, so we can hurry up and move up north for good and spend the rest of my time with Gran, except while I'm working... although Paul will have to understand what's going on in my family.
I'm so glad to be moving closer to family.
Advice: Family is the most important thing in the world. Don't anyone ever forget it. No matter what the circumstances.
Roddy needs to take a medical exam in CT before he can receive his letter of employment from the department, which we need for mortgage commitment for our house on the 1st of September. YIKES! That's on Monday.
Sooo... since we haven't heard from them and we've e-mailed and called them at least once a day, we're just going to drive up there tomorrow, since Rod has sick days he can take, and demand that we get this appointment scheduled and taken care of so we don't have to push mortgage commitment AND our closing date back again!
I just want to get moved in.
I'm thinking about meeting up with my birth mother for the first time this weekend. We've been talking about it for a while. I'm excited about it and actually not really nervous at all. Years ago, thinking of the day I'd meet her, if I'd ever meet her, I thought I'd be terrified. But that's also back when I thought she probably had all sorts of problems and would be freaked out if I ever contacted her. The whole experience has been SO much different than I ever imagined it would be. In a good way.
With everything going on with my grandma, though, I don't really want to stress out my family. If they hear I'm going to be spending time with my biological mother, they'll probably be interested and curious and concerned all at once, and want to know more information... but everyone should be thinking about my grandma. I don't want to disturb that.
I can't wait to visit with my grandmother. She's one of my favorite people in the world - as I said in my last post. She's definitely one of my heroes. She's extremely inspiring... she was a librarian and a mother of four girls, experienced a divorce, a stroke, breast cancer twice, and becoming almost completely blind, all the while walking around downtown, fixing things in her huge house all by herself. And she has more friends than everyone I know combined. When people started learning she was sick, my mom said at times there would be five visitors over there at once.
I'm going to miss her so, so much... her advice, her stories, her company, her house, her yard, her memories, her attic, the tree in her front yard, her fireplace, her dining room, her library...
I'm going to spend as much time with her as possible this weekend. I'll have a cup of coffee with Cheryl and Rod and spend the rest of my time visiting Gran and helping Rod get this appointment set up, so we can hurry up and move up north for good and spend the rest of my time with Gran, except while I'm working... although Paul will have to understand what's going on in my family.
I'm so glad to be moving closer to family.
Advice: Family is the most important thing in the world. Don't anyone ever forget it. No matter what the circumstances.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Church
Kaley and Billy introduced us to London Bridge Baptist Church.
We're not sure we consider ourselves Baptists (we're not sure what we are yet, if we even want to call ourselves something specific other than just having faith and belief), but the church is amazing and something I've been longing to check out for a while.
Thanks, K & B!
They also got us personalized Bibles for wedding presents that are really neat. I plan to have the whole thing read and learned ASAP.
Just a note: I don't resent my upbringing not going to church every Sunday my entire childhood, I actually like learning on my own and figuring out that I believe something or am interested in something without it being forced upon me.
We'll definitely be becoming members of a church - Rod's schedule permitting - when we move. It'll be a great way to meet new people and to participate in the community.
We're not sure we consider ourselves Baptists (we're not sure what we are yet, if we even want to call ourselves something specific other than just having faith and belief), but the church is amazing and something I've been longing to check out for a while.
Thanks, K & B!
They also got us personalized Bibles for wedding presents that are really neat. I plan to have the whole thing read and learned ASAP.
Just a note: I don't resent my upbringing not going to church every Sunday my entire childhood, I actually like learning on my own and figuring out that I believe something or am interested in something without it being forced upon me.
We'll definitely be becoming members of a church - Rod's schedule permitting - when we move. It'll be a great way to meet new people and to participate in the community.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Gran
Today I found out my Gran (mom's mom) is very sick. She has cancer spots in her lungs and we only have a few more months with her, at most.
I cannot wait to get up to CT to be with her. She's one of my favorite people in the world. ♥
I cannot wait to get up to CT to be with her. She's one of my favorite people in the world. ♥
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Our First Home
WE BOUGHT A HOUSE!
Well, we close on the house we decided to buy in about a month. We're super excited.
It's 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, Colonial style.
We're sad to have to leave our friends here, but we'll have lots of visits, I'm sure! (:
Well, we close on the house we decided to buy in about a month. We're super excited.
It's 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, Colonial style.
We're sad to have to leave our friends here, but we'll have lots of visits, I'm sure! (:
Listing photo:
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Marriage Ceremony
I recently got a copy of our vows that Bonnie read during our ceremony, and I wanted to share them on here for those who weren't there that miraculous day! (:
MARRIAGE CEREMONY
Today, we have gathered together in a community of love and support to celebrate the marriage of Annie and Rod and to share in this joyous occasion. Theirs is an especially happy and enduring union, having begun in childhood and emerged again in recent years with deep love and affection for one another. This marriage is not only a commitment between lovers, but the joining together of two beloved friends. We are here today to bear witness to the uniting in marriage of these two special people who are deeply attuned to, and truly bonded to, one another. Annie and Rod want to proclaim their love for, and commitment to, each other before all of you, the people they love, and to recognize those who are not able to be here with us today.
In the spirit of sharing together in celebration, Dan, Rod's stepfather, has been asked to read Corinthians Chapter 1, Verse 13.
(1 Corinthians 13)
Annie and Rod, on this day of your marriage, you stand somewhat apart from all others. You stand within the circle of your profound love for one another, and this is how it should be. From this day onward, you will enter a special union in which you must strive to become closer together than ever before, cherish a mutual love and respect; accept each other unconditionally; give more deeply to each other than you ever dreamed possible; comfort each other in sickness and health; communicate with each other with trust and openness in times of hardship and happiness; and enjoy each other's company with laughter and delight.
Such love for one another will not only add depth and meaning to your relationship but should serve as a wellspring of energy, giving you the courage to face any adversity, and the strength to stand apart, to seek your unique destiny, to make your special contribution not only to each other, but to your family, to your friends, to your community and to the world. Our wish for you is that you love each other more deeply, give to each other more completely, and nurture each other so that you may both continue to grow and evolve as individuals and as a loving couple.
Being assured that you are aware of the meaning of this ceremony, I will now ask you to make your marriage vows:
Do you, Rod, take this woman, Annie, to be your lawful wedded wife, to love, honor and cherish her through sickness and health, through times of happiness and hardship, until death do you part? (Place the ring upon her finger and repeat after me.) "With this ring I thee wed and forever pledge my devotion."
Do you, Annie, take this man, Rod, to be your lawful wedded husband, to love, honor and cherish him through sickness and health, through times of happiness and harship, until death do you part? (Place the ring upon his finger and repeat after me.) "With this ring I thee wed and forever pledge my devotion."
From the earliest of times, the circle has been a symbol of completeness. An unbroken circle symbolizes a commitment of love that is never ending. As often as you look at these rings, you may be reminded of the commitment to one another which you make before your family and friends today.
Please join your hands together.
By the act of joining hands and exchanging rings, you take to yourselves the relationship of husband and wife and solemnly promise to love, honor, comfort, and cherish each other so long as you both shall live.
Therefore, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the laws of the State of Connecticut, I joyfully pronounce you husband and wife. Congratulations and good fortune to you both.
Please welcome Mr. and Mrs. C!
MARRIAGE CEREMONY
Today, we have gathered together in a community of love and support to celebrate the marriage of Annie and Rod and to share in this joyous occasion. Theirs is an especially happy and enduring union, having begun in childhood and emerged again in recent years with deep love and affection for one another. This marriage is not only a commitment between lovers, but the joining together of two beloved friends. We are here today to bear witness to the uniting in marriage of these two special people who are deeply attuned to, and truly bonded to, one another. Annie and Rod want to proclaim their love for, and commitment to, each other before all of you, the people they love, and to recognize those who are not able to be here with us today.
In the spirit of sharing together in celebration, Dan, Rod's stepfather, has been asked to read Corinthians Chapter 1, Verse 13.
(1 Corinthians 13)
Annie and Rod, on this day of your marriage, you stand somewhat apart from all others. You stand within the circle of your profound love for one another, and this is how it should be. From this day onward, you will enter a special union in which you must strive to become closer together than ever before, cherish a mutual love and respect; accept each other unconditionally; give more deeply to each other than you ever dreamed possible; comfort each other in sickness and health; communicate with each other with trust and openness in times of hardship and happiness; and enjoy each other's company with laughter and delight.
Such love for one another will not only add depth and meaning to your relationship but should serve as a wellspring of energy, giving you the courage to face any adversity, and the strength to stand apart, to seek your unique destiny, to make your special contribution not only to each other, but to your family, to your friends, to your community and to the world. Our wish for you is that you love each other more deeply, give to each other more completely, and nurture each other so that you may both continue to grow and evolve as individuals and as a loving couple.
Being assured that you are aware of the meaning of this ceremony, I will now ask you to make your marriage vows:
Do you, Rod, take this woman, Annie, to be your lawful wedded wife, to love, honor and cherish her through sickness and health, through times of happiness and hardship, until death do you part? (Place the ring upon her finger and repeat after me.) "With this ring I thee wed and forever pledge my devotion."
Do you, Annie, take this man, Rod, to be your lawful wedded husband, to love, honor and cherish him through sickness and health, through times of happiness and harship, until death do you part? (Place the ring upon his finger and repeat after me.) "With this ring I thee wed and forever pledge my devotion."
From the earliest of times, the circle has been a symbol of completeness. An unbroken circle symbolizes a commitment of love that is never ending. As often as you look at these rings, you may be reminded of the commitment to one another which you make before your family and friends today.
Please join your hands together.
By the act of joining hands and exchanging rings, you take to yourselves the relationship of husband and wife and solemnly promise to love, honor, comfort, and cherish each other so long as you both shall live.
Therefore, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the laws of the State of Connecticut, I joyfully pronounce you husband and wife. Congratulations and good fortune to you both.
Please welcome Mr. and Mrs. C!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Heidi's speech
Thought I'd share the speech Heidi made at our wedding, since she accidentally left the hard copy in Rod's pocket so I have it right here. (:
"Hi everyone, I'm Heidi and I just want to say a few words about two of my best friends, the bride and groom. Don't they look great?
Annie has been a great friend in so many ways. We've had a lot of fun together, and will continue to do so for many years to come. She has always been there for me when times were tough. Whether it be 3 in the morning or afternoon, she remained a loyal friend to me. She was there like no one else has been.
Fun times, ohhh yes, there were many. How can we forget our late nights watching neverending episodes of FRIENDS, or our endless list of nicknames. "Annerson" is still my all-time favorite and will always be my name for you, Annie, as I'm sure you will call me Heiderson. We have come to know each other so well that we have an understanding that goes way beyond words, almost like sisters.
Rod, you have come to be just as close and dear to me as Annie. You are truly one of a kind. You are so generous and understanding of everyone you meet. I will always remember our dinner nights and the fun we would have tormenting my husband, Sean. We may not have known each other long, but I feel as though you're family.
When Rod proposed, Annie didn't even really have to say much to make it clear that he was The One. All the signs were there...the special looks, the way she would light up when he was around or when she spoke of him, even before I physically met Rod after a long deployment. It all seemed like a fairytale. It felt right as it was happening, and it all feels right today, and I know that the life they have ahead of them will feel just as right.
You two...I can see the both of you succeeding in everything you do together, in this new chapter of your life. I know you have the foundation for a wonderful, eternal marriage made up of not just lovers, but lifelong friends.
I hope that your road in life is a smooth one. Good luck to the both of you in your new journey. Thank you for bringing so much joy into our lives and I hope there is plenty in yours for many years to come.
I'd like to offer a toast to Mr. and Mrs. C... May your life be truly blessed."
"Hi everyone, I'm Heidi and I just want to say a few words about two of my best friends, the bride and groom. Don't they look great?
Annie has been a great friend in so many ways. We've had a lot of fun together, and will continue to do so for many years to come. She has always been there for me when times were tough. Whether it be 3 in the morning or afternoon, she remained a loyal friend to me. She was there like no one else has been.
Fun times, ohhh yes, there were many. How can we forget our late nights watching neverending episodes of FRIENDS, or our endless list of nicknames. "Annerson" is still my all-time favorite and will always be my name for you, Annie, as I'm sure you will call me Heiderson. We have come to know each other so well that we have an understanding that goes way beyond words, almost like sisters.
Rod, you have come to be just as close and dear to me as Annie. You are truly one of a kind. You are so generous and understanding of everyone you meet. I will always remember our dinner nights and the fun we would have tormenting my husband, Sean. We may not have known each other long, but I feel as though you're family.
When Rod proposed, Annie didn't even really have to say much to make it clear that he was The One. All the signs were there...the special looks, the way she would light up when he was around or when she spoke of him, even before I physically met Rod after a long deployment. It all seemed like a fairytale. It felt right as it was happening, and it all feels right today, and I know that the life they have ahead of them will feel just as right.
You two...I can see the both of you succeeding in everything you do together, in this new chapter of your life. I know you have the foundation for a wonderful, eternal marriage made up of not just lovers, but lifelong friends.
I hope that your road in life is a smooth one. Good luck to the both of you in your new journey. Thank you for bringing so much joy into our lives and I hope there is plenty in yours for many years to come.
I'd like to offer a toast to Mr. and Mrs. C... May your life be truly blessed."
Sunday, August 10, 2008
The Wedding & Honeymoon
The wedding was so incredible... Roddy actually told me after our honeymoon that he wish we could have our wedding again exactly the way it was over and over. It was so much fun, so romantic, so special, and just... I don't even have the words to describe it well.
120 people, POURED (and I mean poured) rain up until the very last minute as we were leaving Renee's house to go to the ceremony site at Hammonasset, and then the sun came out! There was food, dancing, family, friends, tons of pictures... It was just the best day of our lives.
A HUGE thank you to everyone who participated and helped plan and was there to witness the first moments of our marriage!
(Click on the thumbnails to view larger.)
The honeymoon was a blast, also. We went to the Outer Banks and stayed in an old co-worker of mine's family cottage in Avon. It was peaceful, sunny, warm, cozy and fun!
120 people, POURED (and I mean poured) rain up until the very last minute as we were leaving Renee's house to go to the ceremony site at Hammonasset, and then the sun came out! There was food, dancing, family, friends, tons of pictures... It was just the best day of our lives.
A HUGE thank you to everyone who participated and helped plan and was there to witness the first moments of our marriage!
(Click on the thumbnails to view larger.)
The honeymoon was a blast, also. We went to the Outer Banks and stayed in an old co-worker of mine's family cottage in Avon. It was peaceful, sunny, warm, cozy and fun!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
This is it!
Two days until the wedding!
Although it's been super stressful the last few days or so, I am SO excited to be in one place with everyone in the whole world that I love (minus a couple who can't make it). I am so ready and happy to be Mrs. C.
We've been in Connecticut since late last night/early this morning, and we'll be back from our honeymoon on August 9th! ♥
Although it's been super stressful the last few days or so, I am SO excited to be in one place with everyone in the whole world that I love (minus a couple who can't make it). I am so ready and happy to be Mrs. C.
We've been in Connecticut since late last night/early this morning, and we'll be back from our honeymoon on August 9th! ♥
Friday, July 18, 2008
How you (yes, YOU) can help!
From epa.gov:
When we were younger and our teachers and family members taught us about the importance of recycling and such to save the Ozone and prevent Global Warming, most of us didn't listen.
As humans, a lot of us are driven in our lives mainly by selfishness, as horrible as that sounds and as much as we don't want to believe it. We're worried about our own protection and well-being, but pretend that we care about the world and people around us by just being kind.
But there's more we can do to slow Global Warming. We aren't necessarily going to prevent it, because it's thought to be a natural cycle the Earth goes through over time, and has before. But, maybe we can see it as a challenge no group of living existence has ever overcome? If there was a way to prevent or slow another extinction like the dinosaurs or delaying natural disasters caused by Global Warming melting ice caps, wouldn't you want to do everything you could... even if it doesn't mean it will happen in YOUR lifetime (which it could), think about your children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren... maybe someone who's inherited your name, your eye shape, your hair? Think about it. Here's how SIMPLE it is to help...
At Home
1. Change 5 lights.
Change a light, and you can help change the world. Replace the conventional bulbs in your 5 most frequently used light fixtures with bulbs that have the ENERGY STAR and you will help the environment while saving money on energy bills. If every household in the U.S. took this one simple action we would prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions from nearly 10 million cars.
2. Look for ENERGY STAR qualified products.
When buying new products, such as appliances for your home, get the features and performance you want AND help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Look for ENERGY STAR qualified products in more than 50 product categories, including lighting, home electronics, heating and cooling equipment and appliances.
3. Heat and cool smartly.
Simple steps like cleaning air filters regularly and having your heating and cooling equipment tuned annually by a licensed contractor can save energy and increase comfort at home and at the same time reduce greenhouse gas emissions. When it's time to replace your old equipment, choose a high efficiency model, and make sure it is properly sized and installed.
4. Seal and insulate your home.
Sealing air leaks and adding more insulation to your home is a great do-it-yourself project. The biggest leaks are usually found in the attic and basement. If you are planning to replace windows, choose ENERGY STAR qualified windows for better performance. Forced air ducts that run through unconditioned spaces are often big energy wasters. Seal and insulate any ducts in attics and crawlspaces to improve the efficiency of your home. Not sure where to begin? A home energy auditor can also help you find air leaks, areas with poor insulation, and evaluate the over-all energy efficiency of your home. By taking these steps, you can eliminate drafts, keep your home more comfortable year round, save energy that would otherwise be wasted, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
5. Use green power.
Green power is environmentally friendly electricity that is generated from renewable energy sources such as wind and the sun. There are two ways to use green power: you can buy green power or you can modify your house to generate your own green power. Buying green power is easy, it offers a number of environmental and economic benefits over conventional electricity, including lower greenhouse gas emissions, and it helps increase clean energy supply. If you are interested, there are a number of steps you can take to create a greener home, including installing solar panels and researching incentives for renewable energy in your state.
6. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
If there is a recycling program in your community, recycle your newspapers, beverage containers, paper and other goods. Use products in containers that can be recycled and items that can be repaired or reused. In addition, support recycling markets by buying products made from recycled materials. Reducing, reusing, and recycling in your home helps conserve energy and reduces pollution and greenhouse gases from resource extraction, manufacturing, and disposal.
7. Be green in your yard.
Use a push mower, which, unlike a gas or electric mower, consumed no fossil fuels and emits no greenhouse gases. If you do not use a power mower, make sure it is a mulching mower to reduce grass clippings. Composting your food and yard waste reduces the amount of garbage that you send to landfills and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. See EPA's GreenScapes program for tips on how to improve your lawn or garden while also benefiting the environment. Smart Landscaping can save energy, save you money and reduce our household's greenhouse gas emissions.
8. Use water efficiently.
Saving water around the home is simple. Municipal water systems require a lot of energy to purify and distribute water to households, and saving water, especially hot water, can lower greenhouse gas emissions. Look for products with EPA's WaterSense lable; these products save water and perform as well or better than their less efficient counterparts. There are also simple actions you can take to save water: Be smart when irrigating your lawn or landscape; only water when needed and do it during the coolest part of the day, early morning is best. Turn the water off while shaving or brushing teeth. Do not use your toilet as a waste basket - water is wasted with each flush. And did you know a leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons of water per day? Repair all toilet and faucet leaks right away. See EPA's WaterSense site for more water saving tips.
9. Spread the word.
Tell family and friends that energy efficiency is good for their homes and good for the environment because it lowers greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Tell 5 people and together we can help our homes help us all.
On The Road
1. Buy smart.
Before buying a new or used vehicle (or even before renting a vehicle), check out EPA's Green Vehicle Guide and the jointly-run EPA/DOE Fuel Economy Guide. These resources provide information about the emissions and fuel economy performance of different vehicles. The Green Vehicle Guide provides detailed information on emissions (including Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gas scores for each model) and the Fuel Economy Guide focuses on fuel efficiency (including side-by-side fuel economy comparisons and a customized fuel cost calculator). These Web sites are designed to help you choose the cleanest, most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets your needs. There are a wide range of cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles available on the market today that produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Drive smart.
Many factors affect the fuel economy of your car. To improve fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, go easy on the brakes and gas pedal, avoid hard accelerations, reduce time spent idling and unload unnecessary items in your trunk to reduce weight. If you have a removable roof rack and you are not using it, take it off to improve your fuel economy by as much as 5 percent. Use overdrive and cruise control on your car if you have those features. For more tips to improve your gas mileage, visit the Fuel Economy Guide.
3. Tune your ride.
A well-maintained car is more fuel-efficient, produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions, is more reliable, and is safer! Keep your car well tuned, follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule, and use the recommended grade of motor oil. Also check and replace your vehicle's air filter regularly. For more details, including potential savings from these actions, visit the Fuel Economy Guide Web site.
4. Check your tires.
Check your tire pressure regularly. Under-inflation increases tire wear, reduces your fuel economy by up to 3 percent and leads to higher greenhouse gas emissions and releases of air pollutants. If you don't know the correct tire pressure for your vehicle, you can find it listed on the door to the glove compartment or on the driver's-side door pillar. More details on the Fuel Economy Guide Web site.
5. Give your car a break.
Use public transportation, carpool or walk or bike whenever possible to avoid using your car. Leaving your car at home just two days a week will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 1,600 pounds per year. Whenever possible, combine activities and errands into one trip. For daily commuting, consider options like telecommuting (working from home via phone or over the Internet) that can reduce the stress of commuting, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save you money.
6. Use Renewable Fuels.
Both E85 and biodiesel are renewable fuels that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from your vehicle. E85 is a fuel blend containing 85% ethanol that can be used in certain vehicles called Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs). FFVs can be fueled with E85 or with traditional gasoline. There are approximately 6 million FFVs on the road today. To find out if you own one of them, check the inside of your car's fuel filler door for an identification sticker or consult your owner's manual. If you own a diesel vehicle, consider fillin up with a biodiesel blend such as B5, a fuel blend containing 5% biodiesel. Biodiesel is a renewable fuel made from agricultural resources such as vegetable oils. The Department of Energy's Alternative Fueling Station Locator can help you locate both E85 and biodiesel fuel stations in your area.
At Work
1. Manage office equipment energy use better.
Office equipment and electronics use energy even when idle or on stand-by. To save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at work, always activate the power management features on your computer and monitor, unplug laptop power cords when not in use and turn off equipment and lights at the end of the day. Consider using a power strip that can be turned off when you're done using our computers, printers, wireless routers and other electronics.
2. Look for ENERGY STAR qualified products for the office.
When buying new products for your office at work or at home, get the features and performance you want and help reduce greenhouse gases and emissions of air pollutants. Look for ENERGY STAR qualified office equipment, such as computers, copiers, and printers, in addition to more than 50 product categories, including lighting, heating and cooling equipment and commercial appliances.
3. Ask your office building manager if your office building has earned the ENERGY STAR.
ENERGY STAR-labeled buildings provide safe, healthy, and productive environments that use about 35 percent less energy than average buildings. Their efficient use of energy also reduces the total operational cost of the building.
4. Use less energy for your commute.
Switch to public transportation, carpooling, biking, telecommuting and other innovative ways to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions on your way to and from work. Encourage your employer to offer commuter benefits that address limited or expensive parking, reduce traffic congestion, improve employee recruiting and retention and minimize the environmental impacts associated with drive-alone commuting. If you do drive, find out the fuel efficiency of your vehicle using EPA's and DOE's fuel economy Web site, and make more environmentally-informed choices when purchasing your next vehicle by using EPA's Green Vehicle Guide.
5. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Recycle office paper, newspapers, beverage containers, electronic equipment and batteries. Reducing, reusing, and recycling in your office helps conserve energy, and reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from resource extraction, manufacturing, and disposal. You can reduce, reuse and recycle at the office by using two-sided printing and copying; buying supplies made with recycled content; and recycling used printer cartridges. For your old electronics, investigate leasing programs to ensure reuse and recycling or donate used equipment to schools or other organizations.
At School
1. Bring science to life.
Explore the Climate Change Kids Site and watch Climate Animations that bring to life the science and impacts of climate change. The site also provides games that help students, their parents and their teachers learn about both the science of climate change and what actions they can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
2. High school students check your school's climate impact.
High school students can investigate the link between everyday actions at their high school, greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Using EPA's Climate CHange Emission Calculator Kit (Climate CHECK) (WinZip of Excel spreadsheet, 3.4 MB) students can learn about climate change, estimate their school's greenhouse gas emissions and conceptualize ways to mitigate their school's climate impact. Students gain detailed understandings of climate-change drivers, impacts, and science; produce an emission inventory and action plan; and can even submit the results of their emission inventory to their school district. You can also use Portfolio Manager to compare the energy use of your school with other schools nationwide, and earn the ENERGY STAR for your school if it qualifies as a top performer.
3. Get involved at your college or university.
College students can play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions at their colleges or universities by reducing their emissions from energy they use in dorm rooms. Students can also work with school administrators to: increase energy efficiency on campus, reduce their school's greenhouse gas emissions by using green power, create a campus climate action plan Exit EPA Disclaimer, or develop an inventory Exit EPA Disclaimer of their school's greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Teach students about climate change and ecosystems.
Use the Climate Change, Wildlife and Wildlands: A Toolkit for Teachers and Interpreters to learn about the science of climate change and its potential effects on our nation's wildlife and their habitats.
5. Engage middle school students in estimating emissions.
Enhance critical thinking skills by introducing the Global Warming Wheel Card Classroom Activity Kit (PDF, 1 pp., 86 KB, About PDF) to middle school students. A hand-held wheel card and other resources help students estimate household greenhouse gas emissions in order to encourage students to think about ways to reduce their personal, family, school and community contributions to climate change. If you are an informal educator, simply use the Global Warming Wheel Card as a part of your field activities.
6. Learn from other educators.
Investigate what other schools and organizations are doing to educate their audiences on climate change by clicking on Educators' Links, a searchable database offering links to resources such as lesson plans, videos, books and toolkits.
7. Save money and the environment.
The least efficient schools use three times more energy than the best energy performers. By partnering with the highly successful ENERGY STAR for K-12 program and using Portfolio Manager to track and rate the energy performance of your portfolio of school buildings, school districts can serve as environmental leaders in their community, become energy efficient, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money!
8. Estimate your emissions and take the challenge.
School Administrators can also work to reduce their school's greenhouse gas emissions by developing an inventory Exit EPA Disclaimer of their school's emissions or by taking the 2006 College and University Green Power Challenge.
9. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Recycle school or classroom paper, newspapers, beverage containers, electronic equipment and batteries. Reducing, reusing and recycling at school and in the classroom helps conserve energy, reduce pollution and greenhouse gases from resource extraction, manufacturing and disposal. You can reduce, reuse and recycle at school or in the classroom by using two-sided printing and copying; buying supplies made with recycled content; and recycling used printer cartridges. For your old electronics, investigate leasing programs to ensure reuse and recycling or donate used equipment to schools or other organizations.
When we were younger and our teachers and family members taught us about the importance of recycling and such to save the Ozone and prevent Global Warming, most of us didn't listen.
As humans, a lot of us are driven in our lives mainly by selfishness, as horrible as that sounds and as much as we don't want to believe it. We're worried about our own protection and well-being, but pretend that we care about the world and people around us by just being kind.
But there's more we can do to slow Global Warming. We aren't necessarily going to prevent it, because it's thought to be a natural cycle the Earth goes through over time, and has before. But, maybe we can see it as a challenge no group of living existence has ever overcome? If there was a way to prevent or slow another extinction like the dinosaurs or delaying natural disasters caused by Global Warming melting ice caps, wouldn't you want to do everything you could... even if it doesn't mean it will happen in YOUR lifetime (which it could), think about your children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren... maybe someone who's inherited your name, your eye shape, your hair? Think about it. Here's how SIMPLE it is to help...
At Home
1. Change 5 lights.
Change a light, and you can help change the world. Replace the conventional bulbs in your 5 most frequently used light fixtures with bulbs that have the ENERGY STAR and you will help the environment while saving money on energy bills. If every household in the U.S. took this one simple action we would prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions from nearly 10 million cars.
2. Look for ENERGY STAR qualified products.
When buying new products, such as appliances for your home, get the features and performance you want AND help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Look for ENERGY STAR qualified products in more than 50 product categories, including lighting, home electronics, heating and cooling equipment and appliances.
3. Heat and cool smartly.
Simple steps like cleaning air filters regularly and having your heating and cooling equipment tuned annually by a licensed contractor can save energy and increase comfort at home and at the same time reduce greenhouse gas emissions. When it's time to replace your old equipment, choose a high efficiency model, and make sure it is properly sized and installed.
4. Seal and insulate your home.
Sealing air leaks and adding more insulation to your home is a great do-it-yourself project. The biggest leaks are usually found in the attic and basement. If you are planning to replace windows, choose ENERGY STAR qualified windows for better performance. Forced air ducts that run through unconditioned spaces are often big energy wasters. Seal and insulate any ducts in attics and crawlspaces to improve the efficiency of your home. Not sure where to begin? A home energy auditor can also help you find air leaks, areas with poor insulation, and evaluate the over-all energy efficiency of your home. By taking these steps, you can eliminate drafts, keep your home more comfortable year round, save energy that would otherwise be wasted, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
5. Use green power.
Green power is environmentally friendly electricity that is generated from renewable energy sources such as wind and the sun. There are two ways to use green power: you can buy green power or you can modify your house to generate your own green power. Buying green power is easy, it offers a number of environmental and economic benefits over conventional electricity, including lower greenhouse gas emissions, and it helps increase clean energy supply. If you are interested, there are a number of steps you can take to create a greener home, including installing solar panels and researching incentives for renewable energy in your state.
6. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
If there is a recycling program in your community, recycle your newspapers, beverage containers, paper and other goods. Use products in containers that can be recycled and items that can be repaired or reused. In addition, support recycling markets by buying products made from recycled materials. Reducing, reusing, and recycling in your home helps conserve energy and reduces pollution and greenhouse gases from resource extraction, manufacturing, and disposal.
7. Be green in your yard.
Use a push mower, which, unlike a gas or electric mower, consumed no fossil fuels and emits no greenhouse gases. If you do not use a power mower, make sure it is a mulching mower to reduce grass clippings. Composting your food and yard waste reduces the amount of garbage that you send to landfills and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. See EPA's GreenScapes program for tips on how to improve your lawn or garden while also benefiting the environment. Smart Landscaping can save energy, save you money and reduce our household's greenhouse gas emissions.
8. Use water efficiently.
Saving water around the home is simple. Municipal water systems require a lot of energy to purify and distribute water to households, and saving water, especially hot water, can lower greenhouse gas emissions. Look for products with EPA's WaterSense lable; these products save water and perform as well or better than their less efficient counterparts. There are also simple actions you can take to save water: Be smart when irrigating your lawn or landscape; only water when needed and do it during the coolest part of the day, early morning is best. Turn the water off while shaving or brushing teeth. Do not use your toilet as a waste basket - water is wasted with each flush. And did you know a leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons of water per day? Repair all toilet and faucet leaks right away. See EPA's WaterSense site for more water saving tips.
9. Spread the word.
Tell family and friends that energy efficiency is good for their homes and good for the environment because it lowers greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Tell 5 people and together we can help our homes help us all.
On The Road
1. Buy smart.
Before buying a new or used vehicle (or even before renting a vehicle), check out EPA's Green Vehicle Guide and the jointly-run EPA/DOE Fuel Economy Guide. These resources provide information about the emissions and fuel economy performance of different vehicles. The Green Vehicle Guide provides detailed information on emissions (including Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gas scores for each model) and the Fuel Economy Guide focuses on fuel efficiency (including side-by-side fuel economy comparisons and a customized fuel cost calculator). These Web sites are designed to help you choose the cleanest, most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets your needs. There are a wide range of cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles available on the market today that produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Drive smart.
Many factors affect the fuel economy of your car. To improve fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, go easy on the brakes and gas pedal, avoid hard accelerations, reduce time spent idling and unload unnecessary items in your trunk to reduce weight. If you have a removable roof rack and you are not using it, take it off to improve your fuel economy by as much as 5 percent. Use overdrive and cruise control on your car if you have those features. For more tips to improve your gas mileage, visit the Fuel Economy Guide.
3. Tune your ride.
A well-maintained car is more fuel-efficient, produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions, is more reliable, and is safer! Keep your car well tuned, follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule, and use the recommended grade of motor oil. Also check and replace your vehicle's air filter regularly. For more details, including potential savings from these actions, visit the Fuel Economy Guide Web site.
4. Check your tires.
Check your tire pressure regularly. Under-inflation increases tire wear, reduces your fuel economy by up to 3 percent and leads to higher greenhouse gas emissions and releases of air pollutants. If you don't know the correct tire pressure for your vehicle, you can find it listed on the door to the glove compartment or on the driver's-side door pillar. More details on the Fuel Economy Guide Web site.
5. Give your car a break.
Use public transportation, carpool or walk or bike whenever possible to avoid using your car. Leaving your car at home just two days a week will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 1,600 pounds per year. Whenever possible, combine activities and errands into one trip. For daily commuting, consider options like telecommuting (working from home via phone or over the Internet) that can reduce the stress of commuting, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save you money.
6. Use Renewable Fuels.
Both E85 and biodiesel are renewable fuels that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from your vehicle. E85 is a fuel blend containing 85% ethanol that can be used in certain vehicles called Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs). FFVs can be fueled with E85 or with traditional gasoline. There are approximately 6 million FFVs on the road today. To find out if you own one of them, check the inside of your car's fuel filler door for an identification sticker or consult your owner's manual. If you own a diesel vehicle, consider fillin up with a biodiesel blend such as B5, a fuel blend containing 5% biodiesel. Biodiesel is a renewable fuel made from agricultural resources such as vegetable oils. The Department of Energy's Alternative Fueling Station Locator can help you locate both E85 and biodiesel fuel stations in your area.
At Work
1. Manage office equipment energy use better.
Office equipment and electronics use energy even when idle or on stand-by. To save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at work, always activate the power management features on your computer and monitor, unplug laptop power cords when not in use and turn off equipment and lights at the end of the day. Consider using a power strip that can be turned off when you're done using our computers, printers, wireless routers and other electronics.
2. Look for ENERGY STAR qualified products for the office.
When buying new products for your office at work or at home, get the features and performance you want and help reduce greenhouse gases and emissions of air pollutants. Look for ENERGY STAR qualified office equipment, such as computers, copiers, and printers, in addition to more than 50 product categories, including lighting, heating and cooling equipment and commercial appliances.
3. Ask your office building manager if your office building has earned the ENERGY STAR.
ENERGY STAR-labeled buildings provide safe, healthy, and productive environments that use about 35 percent less energy than average buildings. Their efficient use of energy also reduces the total operational cost of the building.
4. Use less energy for your commute.
Switch to public transportation, carpooling, biking, telecommuting and other innovative ways to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions on your way to and from work. Encourage your employer to offer commuter benefits that address limited or expensive parking, reduce traffic congestion, improve employee recruiting and retention and minimize the environmental impacts associated with drive-alone commuting. If you do drive, find out the fuel efficiency of your vehicle using EPA's and DOE's fuel economy Web site, and make more environmentally-informed choices when purchasing your next vehicle by using EPA's Green Vehicle Guide.
5. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Recycle office paper, newspapers, beverage containers, electronic equipment and batteries. Reducing, reusing, and recycling in your office helps conserve energy, and reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from resource extraction, manufacturing, and disposal. You can reduce, reuse and recycle at the office by using two-sided printing and copying; buying supplies made with recycled content; and recycling used printer cartridges. For your old electronics, investigate leasing programs to ensure reuse and recycling or donate used equipment to schools or other organizations.
At School
1. Bring science to life.
Explore the Climate Change Kids Site and watch Climate Animations that bring to life the science and impacts of climate change. The site also provides games that help students, their parents and their teachers learn about both the science of climate change and what actions they can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
2. High school students check your school's climate impact.
High school students can investigate the link between everyday actions at their high school, greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Using EPA's Climate CHange Emission Calculator Kit (Climate CHECK) (WinZip of Excel spreadsheet, 3.4 MB) students can learn about climate change, estimate their school's greenhouse gas emissions and conceptualize ways to mitigate their school's climate impact. Students gain detailed understandings of climate-change drivers, impacts, and science; produce an emission inventory and action plan; and can even submit the results of their emission inventory to their school district. You can also use Portfolio Manager to compare the energy use of your school with other schools nationwide, and earn the ENERGY STAR for your school if it qualifies as a top performer.
3. Get involved at your college or university.
College students can play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions at their colleges or universities by reducing their emissions from energy they use in dorm rooms. Students can also work with school administrators to: increase energy efficiency on campus, reduce their school's greenhouse gas emissions by using green power, create a campus climate action plan Exit EPA Disclaimer, or develop an inventory Exit EPA Disclaimer of their school's greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Teach students about climate change and ecosystems.
Use the Climate Change, Wildlife and Wildlands: A Toolkit for Teachers and Interpreters to learn about the science of climate change and its potential effects on our nation's wildlife and their habitats.
5. Engage middle school students in estimating emissions.
Enhance critical thinking skills by introducing the Global Warming Wheel Card Classroom Activity Kit (PDF, 1 pp., 86 KB, About PDF) to middle school students. A hand-held wheel card and other resources help students estimate household greenhouse gas emissions in order to encourage students to think about ways to reduce their personal, family, school and community contributions to climate change. If you are an informal educator, simply use the Global Warming Wheel Card as a part of your field activities.
6. Learn from other educators.
Investigate what other schools and organizations are doing to educate their audiences on climate change by clicking on Educators' Links, a searchable database offering links to resources such as lesson plans, videos, books and toolkits.
7. Save money and the environment.
The least efficient schools use three times more energy than the best energy performers. By partnering with the highly successful ENERGY STAR for K-12 program and using Portfolio Manager to track and rate the energy performance of your portfolio of school buildings, school districts can serve as environmental leaders in their community, become energy efficient, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money!
8. Estimate your emissions and take the challenge.
School Administrators can also work to reduce their school's greenhouse gas emissions by developing an inventory Exit EPA Disclaimer of their school's emissions or by taking the 2006 College and University Green Power Challenge.
9. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Recycle school or classroom paper, newspapers, beverage containers, electronic equipment and batteries. Reducing, reusing and recycling at school and in the classroom helps conserve energy, reduce pollution and greenhouse gases from resource extraction, manufacturing and disposal. You can reduce, reuse and recycle at school or in the classroom by using two-sided printing and copying; buying supplies made with recycled content; and recycling used printer cartridges. For your old electronics, investigate leasing programs to ensure reuse and recycling or donate used equipment to schools or other organizations.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Paranoia
I saw something about the "December 21, 2012" hype on the History channel the other day, and after it freaked me out a little, I talked to Kaley and Roddy and my mom who all basically laughed it off and made me feel better, and then I did some research and wanted to share this with anyone else who may be nervous about it.
Just to add... my mom helped me understand... there's a lot of paranoia and worry with people like I used to be who have a hard time dealing with the unknown. If there's something going on or possibly going on that they can't control, they want to try to figure it out and believe something literally so that it gives them something to rely on, whether it's good, bad, scary or comforting... at least it's something they 'know' as a fact. The truth is, no one really knows. We just have to live every day and hope and live life to the best we can.
From Upington.biz:
But for all the hype, there is little evidence the ancient Maya ever intended for the end of their calendar to be read as a potent for disaster.
"These prophecies of doom really don't have any basis in what we know about the Maya," said Stephen Houston, a professor of anthropology at Brown University and a specialist of Maya hieroglyphic writing. "The Maya descriptions barely talk about this event."
Instead, Houston said, the Maya saw their "long count" - the longest of their cyclical calendars - coming to an end in 2012 but also beginning anew on that date, without disastrous consequences.
"Really, it's a conversion of people's anxieties about our times and finding some remote mythological precedent or prediction of it," Houston said about the origins of the current 2012 myths. "People like to believe that ancient wisdom is somehow predicting this time of upheaval."
John Hall, a professor of sociology at the University of California Davis who is writing a book on the history of apocalyptic ideas, agreed. He said movements predicting the end of the world often reflect a much larger nervousness about the state of our society.
"Terrorism, 9/11, ecological disasters, floods and earthquakes," Hall said, "[There is] a sense that modern civilization has had its run. Those kinds of anxieties are much more widely shared than simply among people who believe in the exact date."
To Lehmann though, those very events are warnings of what's to come.
"We had Hurricane Katrina, the recent cyclone in Myanmar," Lehmann said. "We've got major flooding in Iowa. We're always going to have natural disasters. But they are picking up quite frequently now."
Lehmann said he eventually hoped to move away from Cape Girardeau, built on the banks of the Mississippi River, to the higher plains of southwest Mississippi to keep safe from the floods sure to follow the earthquakes of 2012.
Geryl and his Belgian and Dutch followers have similar intentions, though their plan will take them much farther from home. They are looking to buy a plot of land high up in African mountains, where they'll be able to withstand the monstrous tidal waves and wait out the cloud of volcanic dust that they said would block out the sun.
Geryl said the group has recently zeroed in on a location, but won't reveal his find for fear of tipping off rival survival groups in the United States and Canada. On that land, Geryl's group, whose core membership consists of 16 people but whose wait list supposedly lists hundreds, will build concrete dwellings or outfit caves for survival.
After the cloud clears, Geryl said, they will attempt to create a new, better civilization.
"A guiding principle will be to keep the world population as small as possible so as not to get into the same problems we face now," Geryl said, adding that the group is currently looking for sponsors and hopes to move to Africa in 2011. "There is too little oil, too little grain in the world now. Those are the kinds of problems we want to avoid."
One of the group's members, Jan, a 57-year-old carpenter from Amsterdam whose name has been changed because he doesn't want to be identified in the press, recently drove five hours to attend one of Geryl's meetings in Antwerp.
"I thought, if there's a chance that we can start a new civilization, I want to contribute," Jan told ABC News. "Because whether I make it or not, and there's only a small chance I will, that is important."
Jan, who has never been married and has no children, said he has lost friends over 2012.
"All the people I've ever told about this have declared me crazy," he said. "It makes people feel uncomfortable. Now I just keep it to myself."
Geryl said he found comfort in sharing his knowledge with others. Since "discovering" what the future holds, he has written three books on 2012 and maintains a Web site on the subject. http://www.howtosurvive2012.com/
When asked what would happen if December 2012 were to come and go without the earthquakes and tsunamis of his predictions, Geryl fell silent.
"I don't really contemplate that possibility," he said. "[My predictions] are so spectacular, they can't possibly be wrong."
Just to add... my mom helped me understand... there's a lot of paranoia and worry with people like I used to be who have a hard time dealing with the unknown. If there's something going on or possibly going on that they can't control, they want to try to figure it out and believe something literally so that it gives them something to rely on, whether it's good, bad, scary or comforting... at least it's something they 'know' as a fact. The truth is, no one really knows. We just have to live every day and hope and live life to the best we can.
From Upington.biz:
But for all the hype, there is little evidence the ancient Maya ever intended for the end of their calendar to be read as a potent for disaster.
"These prophecies of doom really don't have any basis in what we know about the Maya," said Stephen Houston, a professor of anthropology at Brown University and a specialist of Maya hieroglyphic writing. "The Maya descriptions barely talk about this event."
Instead, Houston said, the Maya saw their "long count" - the longest of their cyclical calendars - coming to an end in 2012 but also beginning anew on that date, without disastrous consequences.
"Really, it's a conversion of people's anxieties about our times and finding some remote mythological precedent or prediction of it," Houston said about the origins of the current 2012 myths. "People like to believe that ancient wisdom is somehow predicting this time of upheaval."
John Hall, a professor of sociology at the University of California Davis who is writing a book on the history of apocalyptic ideas, agreed. He said movements predicting the end of the world often reflect a much larger nervousness about the state of our society.
"Terrorism, 9/11, ecological disasters, floods and earthquakes," Hall said, "[There is] a sense that modern civilization has had its run. Those kinds of anxieties are much more widely shared than simply among people who believe in the exact date."
To Lehmann though, those very events are warnings of what's to come.
"We had Hurricane Katrina, the recent cyclone in Myanmar," Lehmann said. "We've got major flooding in Iowa. We're always going to have natural disasters. But they are picking up quite frequently now."
Lehmann said he eventually hoped to move away from Cape Girardeau, built on the banks of the Mississippi River, to the higher plains of southwest Mississippi to keep safe from the floods sure to follow the earthquakes of 2012.
Geryl and his Belgian and Dutch followers have similar intentions, though their plan will take them much farther from home. They are looking to buy a plot of land high up in African mountains, where they'll be able to withstand the monstrous tidal waves and wait out the cloud of volcanic dust that they said would block out the sun.
Geryl said the group has recently zeroed in on a location, but won't reveal his find for fear of tipping off rival survival groups in the United States and Canada. On that land, Geryl's group, whose core membership consists of 16 people but whose wait list supposedly lists hundreds, will build concrete dwellings or outfit caves for survival.
After the cloud clears, Geryl said, they will attempt to create a new, better civilization.
"A guiding principle will be to keep the world population as small as possible so as not to get into the same problems we face now," Geryl said, adding that the group is currently looking for sponsors and hopes to move to Africa in 2011. "There is too little oil, too little grain in the world now. Those are the kinds of problems we want to avoid."
One of the group's members, Jan, a 57-year-old carpenter from Amsterdam whose name has been changed because he doesn't want to be identified in the press, recently drove five hours to attend one of Geryl's meetings in Antwerp.
"I thought, if there's a chance that we can start a new civilization, I want to contribute," Jan told ABC News. "Because whether I make it or not, and there's only a small chance I will, that is important."
Jan, who has never been married and has no children, said he has lost friends over 2012.
"All the people I've ever told about this have declared me crazy," he said. "It makes people feel uncomfortable. Now I just keep it to myself."
Geryl said he found comfort in sharing his knowledge with others. Since "discovering" what the future holds, he has written three books on 2012 and maintains a Web site on the subject. http://www.howtosurvive2012.com/
When asked what would happen if December 2012 were to come and go without the earthquakes and tsunamis of his predictions, Geryl fell silent.
"I don't really contemplate that possibility," he said. "[My predictions] are so spectacular, they can't possibly be wrong."
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
If the phone doesn't ring...it's me
I decided not to do the name thing. I think I'll probably just drop the P and keep my middle and first names as they are now, and take Roddy's last name, C. I love his family, don't get me wrong, it's just weird thinking about becoming a C because of certain things from the past, as some of you know about.
But at the same time, I like that C is Italian, it's Rod's heritage, and the rest of the C family shouldn't be punished for one person, you know? I guess I'm also sad about losing P... maybe I'll make it one of my kid's middle names.
There's a lot to tell! I picked my wedding dress and it's just recently been altered and all set to go! I tried it on for the last time today, and it looks beautiful! It's so perfect in every way. My mom has offered me her veil that she wore on her wedding day, and I am so honored. I decided to make ALL of my bridesmaids my maids of honor, they are all amazing, I love them. I guess I can't call them all maids, though, huh? Half of them are married...!
I had the GREATEST bridal shower and an equally awesome bachelorette party. My shower was put on by my two godmothers, Renee and Mary. There were 25+ ladies there and it was so much fun. I must have opened a hundred gifts... I wish Roddy could've been there to help! But Heidi, Lucy and Trina helped me out. Sharon came and she was great with everyone, acted like she fit right in even though I knew she was a little nervous and didn't know anyone.
The girls and I had a blast that whole weekend. We missed having Steph and Kaley there, but understood why they couldn't make it. I drove Trina and Heidi around to show them the town and houses we've been looking at to move to, went swimming in my parents' pool and went across the CT River on the Chester Ferry to Gillette's Castle. They loved it and kept talking about how much they wanted to move to Chester. It's so beautiful in the summertime.
My Gran was in the hospital recently because she was feeling horrible and ended up having to have her galbladder removed. That was scary for a few days. She's still recovering, but is almost back to normal! (: I can't wait to see her in the next few days while we're up north again. We've been going to CT SO MUCH lately... we're leaving tonight when Roddy gets out of work at 11:30 and getting there at the butt-crack of dawn right before one of his appointments.
He's going to be a police officer at the __ PD, assuming he passes the polygraph test and psychological evaluation he has this week... which I have no doubts about. I have a job acceptance from P with [insurance company] in [town], so I'll have about a 5 minute commute every day to work.
Two weeks ago I passed my Life & Health and Property & Casualty insurance licensing pre-examinations; now all I have to do is complete a Criminal History Record Report through the Virginia State Police and then send in my application for my two licenses! I'm so excited. It feels almost as good as getting an actual degree... which will be my next goal. I plan to keep writing at the same time - I actually found a story I started in CT while I was there for the shower and plan to complete it and try to get it published.
I still want to work with kids, despite my interest in insurance right now. I think it all comes down to business and children. I have a dream to open my own childcare program, or maybe even an adoption/foster care agency someday. That could really be perfect for me.
On Thursday we're meeting with our realtor and looking at 6 more houses (we've already looked at 4) and then will be putting an offer in on one hopefully! We're very excited and somewhat stressed, as is expected.
All of my bridesmaids have gotten their dresses fitted except Kaley and Steph, but Steph goes today and Kaley goes tomorrow. So, we're on a roll! Everyone has pretty much RSVP'ed.
Now on to my bachelorette party this past weekend. It was so. much. fun! Steph planned most of it. She brought over a whole bunch of decorations and games. We all wore these kickass masks with words on them like, "Tease," "Flirt," "Sexy," "Single," "Wild," etc. The only two who couldn't make it were Ashley (she couldn't get a babysitter) and Heidi (horrible toothache lately that's given her terrible headaches). And Trina, who couldn't make it down from Jersey. Lucy flew in from Boston and she, Steph, Kaley and I had a great time. We played games, went to Applebees, sat at the bar and had appetizers and drinks, then went to the oceanfront and the strip to Peabody's, where Lucy made me do my first shot of tequila. It was brutal. I had two drags of Kaley's cigarette - just so I could say I'd done it since I never have - but definitely won't be making it a regular habit.
Kaley and I were both buzzing, and she was hilarious. After a while I really missed Roddy and kept saying I wanted to go see him. They all oohed and ahhed and we went back to the house for awhile. Then Ray, and Roddy and I drove Kaley home.
Lucy and I spent every day at the beach and Rod took the day off on Sunday so he could spend time with Lucy before she left. He and I both got sunburns; Lucy got pretty pink, too. She left on Sunday night. I finally took down my "Last Fling Before the Ring" poster from our front door. Ha. (:
Our wedding photographer (also a family friend) is going to be taking our (very late) engagement pictures on Thursday night at Hammonasset, so expect some good ones soon!
As for right now, I still have to do laundry and make the bed and pick up some things and shove some water bottles in a cooler and take the dogs out. Then off on our eight-hour car ride!
But at the same time, I like that C is Italian, it's Rod's heritage, and the rest of the C family shouldn't be punished for one person, you know? I guess I'm also sad about losing P... maybe I'll make it one of my kid's middle names.
There's a lot to tell! I picked my wedding dress and it's just recently been altered and all set to go! I tried it on for the last time today, and it looks beautiful! It's so perfect in every way. My mom has offered me her veil that she wore on her wedding day, and I am so honored. I decided to make ALL of my bridesmaids my maids of honor, they are all amazing, I love them. I guess I can't call them all maids, though, huh? Half of them are married...!
I had the GREATEST bridal shower and an equally awesome bachelorette party. My shower was put on by my two godmothers, Renee and Mary. There were 25+ ladies there and it was so much fun. I must have opened a hundred gifts... I wish Roddy could've been there to help! But Heidi, Lucy and Trina helped me out. Sharon came and she was great with everyone, acted like she fit right in even though I knew she was a little nervous and didn't know anyone.
The girls and I had a blast that whole weekend. We missed having Steph and Kaley there, but understood why they couldn't make it. I drove Trina and Heidi around to show them the town and houses we've been looking at to move to, went swimming in my parents' pool and went across the CT River on the Chester Ferry to Gillette's Castle. They loved it and kept talking about how much they wanted to move to Chester. It's so beautiful in the summertime.
My Gran was in the hospital recently because she was feeling horrible and ended up having to have her galbladder removed. That was scary for a few days. She's still recovering, but is almost back to normal! (: I can't wait to see her in the next few days while we're up north again. We've been going to CT SO MUCH lately... we're leaving tonight when Roddy gets out of work at 11:30 and getting there at the butt-crack of dawn right before one of his appointments.
He's going to be a police officer at the __ PD, assuming he passes the polygraph test and psychological evaluation he has this week... which I have no doubts about. I have a job acceptance from P with [insurance company] in [town], so I'll have about a 5 minute commute every day to work.
Two weeks ago I passed my Life & Health and Property & Casualty insurance licensing pre-examinations; now all I have to do is complete a Criminal History Record Report through the Virginia State Police and then send in my application for my two licenses! I'm so excited. It feels almost as good as getting an actual degree... which will be my next goal. I plan to keep writing at the same time - I actually found a story I started in CT while I was there for the shower and plan to complete it and try to get it published.
I still want to work with kids, despite my interest in insurance right now. I think it all comes down to business and children. I have a dream to open my own childcare program, or maybe even an adoption/foster care agency someday. That could really be perfect for me.
On Thursday we're meeting with our realtor and looking at 6 more houses (we've already looked at 4) and then will be putting an offer in on one hopefully! We're very excited and somewhat stressed, as is expected.
All of my bridesmaids have gotten their dresses fitted except Kaley and Steph, but Steph goes today and Kaley goes tomorrow. So, we're on a roll! Everyone has pretty much RSVP'ed.
Now on to my bachelorette party this past weekend. It was so. much. fun! Steph planned most of it. She brought over a whole bunch of decorations and games. We all wore these kickass masks with words on them like, "Tease," "Flirt," "Sexy," "Single," "Wild," etc. The only two who couldn't make it were Ashley (she couldn't get a babysitter) and Heidi (horrible toothache lately that's given her terrible headaches). And Trina, who couldn't make it down from Jersey. Lucy flew in from Boston and she, Steph, Kaley and I had a great time. We played games, went to Applebees, sat at the bar and had appetizers and drinks, then went to the oceanfront and the strip to Peabody's, where Lucy made me do my first shot of tequila. It was brutal. I had two drags of Kaley's cigarette - just so I could say I'd done it since I never have - but definitely won't be making it a regular habit.
Kaley and I were both buzzing, and she was hilarious. After a while I really missed Roddy and kept saying I wanted to go see him. They all oohed and ahhed and we went back to the house for awhile. Then Ray, and Roddy and I drove Kaley home.
Lucy and I spent every day at the beach and Rod took the day off on Sunday so he could spend time with Lucy before she left. He and I both got sunburns; Lucy got pretty pink, too. She left on Sunday night. I finally took down my "Last Fling Before the Ring" poster from our front door. Ha. (:
Our wedding photographer (also a family friend) is going to be taking our (very late) engagement pictures on Thursday night at Hammonasset, so expect some good ones soon!
As for right now, I still have to do laundry and make the bed and pick up some things and shove some water bottles in a cooler and take the dogs out. Then off on our eight-hour car ride!
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Twenty-three
Roddy turned twenty-three today! We had a surprise party for him at Stacey and Lee's with a police-related cake and hamburgers and hot dogs. Kaley, Billy, Steph, Jay, and a couple of Lee's friends were there and we basically just sat around the campfire and talked. It was relaxing and fun, exactly the way Rod likes it! (: He ate a ton and I think he had a blast. ♥
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Cheryl
Here's the brief version, the more in-depth version will come soon...
After lots of research trying to find my birth mother to contact her and see what she looked like after wondering for 21 years, I found Cheryl and sent her an e-mail.
It was a LOT less emotional and heart-wrenching than I thought, and went so much better than I ever could have imagined. She was shocked, but not angry or upset or traumatized like people warned me could happen.
Now we're great friends!♥ So many resemblances (physical and otherwise), it's scary. We haven't met yet, but will in the future after we move to CT.
After lots of research trying to find my birth mother to contact her and see what she looked like after wondering for 21 years, I found Cheryl and sent her an e-mail.
It was a LOT less emotional and heart-wrenching than I thought, and went so much better than I ever could have imagined. She was shocked, but not angry or upset or traumatized like people warned me could happen.
Now we're great friends!♥ So many resemblances (physical and otherwise), it's scary. We haven't met yet, but will in the future after we move to CT.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Twenty-two
I turned 22 today! What an old lady I'm becoming! (:
My day was pretty good. My boss and co-workers took me out for lunch, which was really nice.
I had an exam tonight for my math class which was treacherous, but I think I survived. After that, it was pretty late so Rod and I got dinner to go from Applebees and went home to watch a movie because he has to get up early tomorrow morning for work.
Now I'm pretty exhausted, too. Night!
My day was pretty good. My boss and co-workers took me out for lunch, which was really nice.
I had an exam tonight for my math class which was treacherous, but I think I survived. After that, it was pretty late so Rod and I got dinner to go from Applebees and went home to watch a movie because he has to get up early tomorrow morning for work.
Now I'm pretty exhausted, too. Night!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Congratulations, Graduate!
CONGRATULATIONS TO MY AMAZING HUSBAND!
Roddy is officially a Police Officer!!!
He graduated with a physical fitness award, and I got to go on stage and pin his badge on him at the ceremony. Some of our family was there, too. (: After the ceremony, we met some of his colleagues and then the family and a couple friends went to Lonestar for dinner.
It was a wonderful day/night. SO proud!
Roddy is officially a Police Officer!!!
He graduated with a physical fitness award, and I got to go on stage and pin his badge on him at the ceremony. Some of our family was there, too. (: After the ceremony, we met some of his colleagues and then the family and a couple friends went to Lonestar for dinner.
It was a wonderful day/night. SO proud!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
My name
Here's what I'm thinking...
When I get married and go to change my name, I definitely want C (Rod's last name) as my last name. I believe in taking the last name of your husband. Well, I believe in doing whatever the heck makes you happiest, but for ME, I want to have my husband's last name.
However, I don't want to lose MY last name because I want to honor my parents and P is a part of me. One thing I will NOT do is have everyone deal with "P-C" as my last name. That's not going to happen. Sooo...
I'm thinking of making Anne Constance my first name, P my middle name, and C my last name (but everyone will still call me "Annie" like always). What do you think??
xoxo
When I get married and go to change my name, I definitely want C (Rod's last name) as my last name. I believe in taking the last name of your husband. Well, I believe in doing whatever the heck makes you happiest, but for ME, I want to have my husband's last name.
However, I don't want to lose MY last name because I want to honor my parents and P is a part of me. One thing I will NOT do is have everyone deal with "P-C" as my last name. That's not going to happen. Sooo...
I'm thinking of making Anne Constance my first name, P my middle name, and C my last name (but everyone will still call me "Annie" like always). What do you think??
xoxo
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Update on Heath
Story from CNN.com:
Ledger's Death Caused by Accidental Overdose
CNN -- Heath Ledger died from an accidental overdose of prescription medications including painkillers, anti-anxiety drugs and sleeping pills, the New York City medical examiner's office said Wednesday.
"Mr. Heath Ledger died as the result of acute intoxication by the combined affects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam, and doxylamine," the office said in a short statement.
"We have concluded that the manner of death is accident, resulting from the abuse of prescription medications."
Hydrocodone and oxycodone are painkillers. Diazepam is an anti-anxiety drug commonly sold under the brand name Vallium; alpazolam is also an anti-anxiety drug sold under such names as Xanax. Temazepam, sold under such names as Restoril and Euhypnos, is a sleeping agent. Doxylamine, an antihistamine, can be obtained over the counter as a sleep aid.
Ledger died January 22 at an apartment in Lower Manhattan. The Oscar-nominated Australian actor, best known for his role as a stoic, closeted cowboy in the 2005 film "Brokeback Mountain," was 28.
Police reported finding several prescription medications in the room but no illegal drugs.
CNN has learned the Drug Enforcement Administration has requested the toxicity and prescription records related to Ledger's death. The DEA requested the records Wednesday from the New York Police Department and the medical examiner's office after the release of the report detailing the cause of death, according to a law enforcement source who asked not to be identified by name or agency because the request concerns an active investigation.
Deadly Combination
Here are the drugs found in Heath Ledger's body:
* Oxycodone -- narcotic/painkiller; trade names: OxyContin, Percodan
* Hydrocodone -- narcotic/painkiller; trade name (combined with acetaminophen): Vicodin
* Diazepam -- anti-anxiety drug; trade name: Valium
* Alprazolam -- sleep medication; trade name: Xanax
* Doxylamine -- sleep medication; trade name: Unisom
* Temazepam -- sleep medication; trade name: Restoril
The combination of drugs could cause the brain and brain stem to "fall asleep," halting heart and lung function.
Sources: Dr. Gregory Davis, College of American Pathologists, Drugs.com.
The DEA confirmed it will look into anything suspicious concerning Ledger's death. "We will investigate any leads in respect to this," DEA spokesman Garrison Courtney said while declining to provide any specifics. "In any case, we look to see whether prescription drugs were illegally obtained or whether it was through proper channels."
An autopsy done on the actor January 23 was inconclusive.
In a statement released through Ledger's publicist, Ledger's father, Kim, said Wednesday: "While no medications were taken in excess, we learned today the combination of doctor-prescribed drugs proved lethal for our boy. Heath's accidental death serves as a caution to the hidden dangers of combining prescription medication, even on a low dosage."
The family added, "Families rarely experience the uplifting, warm and massive outpouring of grief and support as we have, from every corner of the planet. This has deeply and profoundly touched our hearts and lives. We are eternally grateful."
Ledger had talked about his difficulty sleeping after back-to-back roles as a Bob Dylan figure in "I'm Not There" and the Joker in "The Dark Knight," part of the "Batman" series that is due out this summer.
"Last week I probably slept an average of two hours a night," Ledger told the New York Times in November. "I couldn't stop thinking. My body was exhausted, and my mind was still going."
In the hours leading up to Ledger's death two weeks ago, a housekeeper, identified as Teresa Solomon, arrived at the apartment about 12:30 p.m., a police source with knowledge of the investigation said.
She saw Ledger lying on a bed face down with a sheet pulled up around his shoulders and heard him snoring, the source said.
Masseuse Diana Wolozin arrived at the apartment about 2:45 p.m. to give Ledger a message, according to the police source. About 15 minutes later, when he had not come out of the bedroom and the door remained closed, she went in, saw him lying in bed and set up a massage table.
She shook Ledger, but he did not respond, so she used his cell phone to call actress Mary-Kate Olsen, a friend of Ledger's, in California, the source said.
Wolozin told Olsen that Ledger was unconscious, according to the police source.
Olsen reportedly told her that she would call private security people in New York.
At 3:26 p.m., Wolozin called 911 and told authorities Ledger was not breathing. While on the phone with dispatchers, Wolozin tried to perform cardiopulminary resuscitation on Ledger, but he was unresponsive.
Emergency personnel arrived seven minutes later, according to the police source, at about the same time as a private security person summoned by Olsen.
The medical technicians performed CPR on Ledger and used a cardiac defibrillator, but their efforts were in vain and he was pronounced dead at 3:36 p.m. By then, two other private security people summoned by Olsen had arrived as well as police.
His former fiance, actress Michelle Williams, has asked the public to respect the need for her, the couple's 2-year-old daughter, Matilda, and others "to grieve privately."
"My heart is broken," Williams said in a statement issued last week via her publicist. "I am the mother of the most tender-hearted, high-spirited, beautiful little girl who is the spitting image of her father. All that I can cling to is his presence inside her that reveals itself every day. His family and I watch Matilda as she whispers to trees, hugs animals, and takes steps two at a time, and we know that he is with us still. She will be brought up in the best memories of him."
Condolences poured in from Ledger's friends and co-stars.
"He was a wonderful guy, he was a wonderful actor, he had a wonderful future ahead of him, and I liked him," said actor Eric Roberts, who worked with Ledger in "The Dark Knight."
Colleagues on Terry Gilliam's film "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus," which Ledger had been shooting in England, said the actor apparently had been suffering from a respiratory ailment in the days before he died.
Christopher Plummer told Entertainment Weekly that Ledger had a "terrible, lingering bug in London, and he couldn't sleep at all. We all -- I thought he'd probably got walking pneumonia."
Ledger's first American film was the teen comedy "10 Things I Hate About You" in 1999. He passed up several scripts before taking a role in the Revolutionary War drama "The Patriot" in 2000 and "A Knight's Tale" in 2001. He also played a supporting role in "Monster's Ball."
But Ledger was perhaps best known for his portrayal of Ennis Del Mar in "Brokeback Mountain," Ang Lee's film about two cowboys who had a secret romantic relationship. The role earned Ledger a best actor Oscar nomination.
Ledger's Death Caused by Accidental Overdose
CNN -- Heath Ledger died from an accidental overdose of prescription medications including painkillers, anti-anxiety drugs and sleeping pills, the New York City medical examiner's office said Wednesday.
"Mr. Heath Ledger died as the result of acute intoxication by the combined affects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam, and doxylamine," the office said in a short statement.
"We have concluded that the manner of death is accident, resulting from the abuse of prescription medications."
Hydrocodone and oxycodone are painkillers. Diazepam is an anti-anxiety drug commonly sold under the brand name Vallium; alpazolam is also an anti-anxiety drug sold under such names as Xanax. Temazepam, sold under such names as Restoril and Euhypnos, is a sleeping agent. Doxylamine, an antihistamine, can be obtained over the counter as a sleep aid.
Ledger died January 22 at an apartment in Lower Manhattan. The Oscar-nominated Australian actor, best known for his role as a stoic, closeted cowboy in the 2005 film "Brokeback Mountain," was 28.
Police reported finding several prescription medications in the room but no illegal drugs.
CNN has learned the Drug Enforcement Administration has requested the toxicity and prescription records related to Ledger's death. The DEA requested the records Wednesday from the New York Police Department and the medical examiner's office after the release of the report detailing the cause of death, according to a law enforcement source who asked not to be identified by name or agency because the request concerns an active investigation.
Deadly Combination
Here are the drugs found in Heath Ledger's body:
* Oxycodone -- narcotic/painkiller; trade names: OxyContin, Percodan
* Hydrocodone -- narcotic/painkiller; trade name (combined with acetaminophen): Vicodin
* Diazepam -- anti-anxiety drug; trade name: Valium
* Alprazolam -- sleep medication; trade name: Xanax
* Doxylamine -- sleep medication; trade name: Unisom
* Temazepam -- sleep medication; trade name: Restoril
The combination of drugs could cause the brain and brain stem to "fall asleep," halting heart and lung function.
Sources: Dr. Gregory Davis, College of American Pathologists, Drugs.com.
The DEA confirmed it will look into anything suspicious concerning Ledger's death. "We will investigate any leads in respect to this," DEA spokesman Garrison Courtney said while declining to provide any specifics. "In any case, we look to see whether prescription drugs were illegally obtained or whether it was through proper channels."
An autopsy done on the actor January 23 was inconclusive.
In a statement released through Ledger's publicist, Ledger's father, Kim, said Wednesday: "While no medications were taken in excess, we learned today the combination of doctor-prescribed drugs proved lethal for our boy. Heath's accidental death serves as a caution to the hidden dangers of combining prescription medication, even on a low dosage."
The family added, "Families rarely experience the uplifting, warm and massive outpouring of grief and support as we have, from every corner of the planet. This has deeply and profoundly touched our hearts and lives. We are eternally grateful."
Ledger had talked about his difficulty sleeping after back-to-back roles as a Bob Dylan figure in "I'm Not There" and the Joker in "The Dark Knight," part of the "Batman" series that is due out this summer.
"Last week I probably slept an average of two hours a night," Ledger told the New York Times in November. "I couldn't stop thinking. My body was exhausted, and my mind was still going."
In the hours leading up to Ledger's death two weeks ago, a housekeeper, identified as Teresa Solomon, arrived at the apartment about 12:30 p.m., a police source with knowledge of the investigation said.
She saw Ledger lying on a bed face down with a sheet pulled up around his shoulders and heard him snoring, the source said.
Masseuse Diana Wolozin arrived at the apartment about 2:45 p.m. to give Ledger a message, according to the police source. About 15 minutes later, when he had not come out of the bedroom and the door remained closed, she went in, saw him lying in bed and set up a massage table.
She shook Ledger, but he did not respond, so she used his cell phone to call actress Mary-Kate Olsen, a friend of Ledger's, in California, the source said.
Wolozin told Olsen that Ledger was unconscious, according to the police source.
Olsen reportedly told her that she would call private security people in New York.
At 3:26 p.m., Wolozin called 911 and told authorities Ledger was not breathing. While on the phone with dispatchers, Wolozin tried to perform cardiopulminary resuscitation on Ledger, but he was unresponsive.
Emergency personnel arrived seven minutes later, according to the police source, at about the same time as a private security person summoned by Olsen.
The medical technicians performed CPR on Ledger and used a cardiac defibrillator, but their efforts were in vain and he was pronounced dead at 3:36 p.m. By then, two other private security people summoned by Olsen had arrived as well as police.
His former fiance, actress Michelle Williams, has asked the public to respect the need for her, the couple's 2-year-old daughter, Matilda, and others "to grieve privately."
"My heart is broken," Williams said in a statement issued last week via her publicist. "I am the mother of the most tender-hearted, high-spirited, beautiful little girl who is the spitting image of her father. All that I can cling to is his presence inside her that reveals itself every day. His family and I watch Matilda as she whispers to trees, hugs animals, and takes steps two at a time, and we know that he is with us still. She will be brought up in the best memories of him."
Condolences poured in from Ledger's friends and co-stars.
"He was a wonderful guy, he was a wonderful actor, he had a wonderful future ahead of him, and I liked him," said actor Eric Roberts, who worked with Ledger in "The Dark Knight."
Colleagues on Terry Gilliam's film "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus," which Ledger had been shooting in England, said the actor apparently had been suffering from a respiratory ailment in the days before he died.
Christopher Plummer told Entertainment Weekly that Ledger had a "terrible, lingering bug in London, and he couldn't sleep at all. We all -- I thought he'd probably got walking pneumonia."
Ledger's first American film was the teen comedy "10 Things I Hate About You" in 1999. He passed up several scripts before taking a role in the Revolutionary War drama "The Patriot" in 2000 and "A Knight's Tale" in 2001. He also played a supporting role in "Monster's Ball."
But Ledger was perhaps best known for his portrayal of Ennis Del Mar in "Brokeback Mountain," Ang Lee's film about two cowboys who had a secret romantic relationship. The role earned Ledger a best actor Oscar nomination.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
WEDDING UPDATE!
I'M SO EXCITED!
The final date of our wedding is..... Saturday, August 2nd, 2008.
After much contemplating and neverending stress and complications...
The place has not only been decided but RESERVED, too!
(The location is undisclosed unless you're invited and ask me.)
We've already talked to caterers, photographers, and some bands, and I've pretty much picked out the theme and colors. This weekend and next weekend the girls and I are going to David's Bridal and Eileen's Originals to try on David's Bridal and Alfred Angelo dresses and get them ordered! My mom's coming in two weeks to help with the wedding gown.
Those of you who are close to us, be expecting "Save the Date" magnets/e-mails SOON!
Get Excited!!! xoxo
The final date of our wedding is..... Saturday, August 2nd, 2008.
After much contemplating and neverending stress and complications...
The place has not only been decided but RESERVED, too!
(The location is undisclosed unless you're invited and ask me.)
We've already talked to caterers, photographers, and some bands, and I've pretty much picked out the theme and colors. This weekend and next weekend the girls and I are going to David's Bridal and Eileen's Originals to try on David's Bridal and Alfred Angelo dresses and get them ordered! My mom's coming in two weeks to help with the wedding gown.
Those of you who are close to us, be expecting "Save the Date" magnets/e-mails SOON!
Get Excited!!! xoxo
Monday, February 4, 2008
Pride
Rod was elected Vice President of his Academy! I am so proud of him, it's obvious to everyone that he has real potential, is a hard worker and a good leader. I love him with all of my heart and cannot reiterate enough how proud I am of that man!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
How weird!
I just read through my complete weekly schedule for my math class this semester...
Does anyone else think it's weird that my midterm is on my birthday (March 3) and our final exam is on my Adoption Day (April 29)?
Strange!
Maybe means good luck? I hope!
Does anyone else think it's weird that my midterm is on my birthday (March 3) and our final exam is on my Adoption Day (April 29)?
Strange!
Maybe means good luck? I hope!
Friday, January 25, 2008
Weight is lifted
I feel like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. It's three fifteen in the morning and I am STILL awake and feeling completely awake. I've worked out a budget for Roddy and myself that is going to work perfectly, and I wrote a long e-mail to my parents admitting to them that I had got two credit cards while Roddy was out to sea and I totally learned my lesson and don't intent to hide ANYTHING from them from this day forward.
I feel like I'm growing up even more lately. I am more organized, more energized, more creative, more ambitious, and it feels great! Obviously.
It doesn't feel great is that I still have to pay off these two credit cards, but I definitely deserve this penalty, that's for sure. I know a lot of people make the whole credit card mistake, but still, that doesn't mean it doesn't royally blow big time.
I want NO secrets from here on out, even if it means my parents have to help me and take $2,000 off of my wedding day, haha. I am figuring all this out on my own and I am not even scared about it. I feel like an idiot for what I did, but I definitely learned my lesson.
I also got ahead in my school work while I was sitting up procrastinating on writing the e-mail. I'm two weeks ahead, I think. Now I can sit back and focus on the wedding some more! Hooray!
Guess I better try to get some sleep so I can go to Tidewater tomorrow morning before work, choose my major, become an in-state student (which apparently saves $2,000 right there) and ask them why they haven't yet refunded the money for the class I dropped before the deadline.
Night.
I feel like I'm growing up even more lately. I am more organized, more energized, more creative, more ambitious, and it feels great! Obviously.
It doesn't feel great is that I still have to pay off these two credit cards, but I definitely deserve this penalty, that's for sure. I know a lot of people make the whole credit card mistake, but still, that doesn't mean it doesn't royally blow big time.
I want NO secrets from here on out, even if it means my parents have to help me and take $2,000 off of my wedding day, haha. I am figuring all this out on my own and I am not even scared about it. I feel like an idiot for what I did, but I definitely learned my lesson.
I also got ahead in my school work while I was sitting up procrastinating on writing the e-mail. I'm two weeks ahead, I think. Now I can sit back and focus on the wedding some more! Hooray!
Guess I better try to get some sleep so I can go to Tidewater tomorrow morning before work, choose my major, become an in-state student (which apparently saves $2,000 right there) and ask them why they haven't yet refunded the money for the class I dropped before the deadline.
Night.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Date night
On Roddy's way home from work tonight, he asked me what I wanted to do for dinner, and I could tell in his voice that he already had an idea. So, I asked him and he suggested he take me on a date.
We haven't gone on a real date in what feels like forever, so I was really excited. We got kinda dressed up and went to Olive Garden and ordered VERY yummy food, and there was all sorts of door-holding and hand-holding, all things that we do all the time but don't seem old when we're on a date.
It was so nice. I told him I appreciated having a man like him because even though we're engaged and he knows he has me forever, he still wants to do nice things for me like this. And of course, he said, "It will always be this way."
Then, we came home and watched "Meet the Robinsons" which Rod has been excited about for a while, haha. It was cute, and kinda hit home to me, not only because of the adoption thing, but because the kid had all these confusions and dreams and nothing in the movie was politics, it was all faith and lessons, which has been new and big for me lately.
All in all a special night. (:
We haven't gone on a real date in what feels like forever, so I was really excited. We got kinda dressed up and went to Olive Garden and ordered VERY yummy food, and there was all sorts of door-holding and hand-holding, all things that we do all the time but don't seem old when we're on a date.
It was so nice. I told him I appreciated having a man like him because even though we're engaged and he knows he has me forever, he still wants to do nice things for me like this. And of course, he said, "It will always be this way."
Then, we came home and watched "Meet the Robinsons" which Rod has been excited about for a while, haha. It was cute, and kinda hit home to me, not only because of the adoption thing, but because the kid had all these confusions and dreams and nothing in the movie was politics, it was all faith and lessons, which has been new and big for me lately.
All in all a special night. (:
Wedding singers/bands
I'm pretty excited right now. Things are coming along and constantly changing with wedding plans, as I'm sure you all expected... right now I'm thinking the wedding is going to be on Martha's Vineyard, meaning it will be slightly smaller, but who knows?
I've been focusing on bands for the wedding, and e-mailed a few different MV local bands, along with Paula Cole and Carly Simon. In case you were unaware, Paula Cole is the artist who sang the theme song to Dawson's Creek ("I Don't Wanna Wait") along with "Sunny Came Home" and "Where Have All The Cowboys Gone." Carly Simon is James Taylor's ex-wife, and she sings "You're So Vain," "Blackbird," and "Nobody Does It Better." I also e-mailed Carly Simon's son, James Taylor's brother who sings on MV all the time, and the Rembrandts, who sang the theme song to F.R.I.E.N.D.S.
I've recently received responses from the Rembrandts and Paula Cole. If I can make prices come down on all the other parts of the wedding, like if we have the ceremony and reception at the cottage or South Beach, we can definitely afford one of these bands! (:
I've been focusing on bands for the wedding, and e-mailed a few different MV local bands, along with Paula Cole and Carly Simon. In case you were unaware, Paula Cole is the artist who sang the theme song to Dawson's Creek ("I Don't Wanna Wait") along with "Sunny Came Home" and "Where Have All The Cowboys Gone." Carly Simon is James Taylor's ex-wife, and she sings "You're So Vain," "Blackbird," and "Nobody Does It Better." I also e-mailed Carly Simon's son, James Taylor's brother who sings on MV all the time, and the Rembrandts, who sang the theme song to F.R.I.E.N.D.S.
I've recently received responses from the Rembrandts and Paula Cole. If I can make prices come down on all the other parts of the wedding, like if we have the ceremony and reception at the cottage or South Beach, we can definitely afford one of these bands! (:
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Heath Ledger
One of my celebrity crushes has died. ):
Photo by Bruce Weber for Vanity Fair Magazine.
NEW YORK (CNN) -- Actor Heath Ledger was found dead Tuesday of a possible drug overdose in a Lower Manhattan apartment, the New York Police Department said.
I adored him in high school that friends gave me a huge poster collage they made of him for my birthday, and I had every line of "10 Things I Hate About You" memorized because of him.
I don't understand... I mean, I'm not altogether surprised he may have done drugs, but I'm surprised that it was THAT bad. The whole story and details aren't out yet, but believe me, I will be updating you all.
Heath Ledger
Photo by Bruce Weber for Vanity Fair Magazine.
NEW YORK (CNN) -- Actor Heath Ledger was found dead Tuesday of a possible drug overdose in a Lower Manhattan apartment, the New York Police Department said.
I adored him in high school that friends gave me a huge poster collage they made of him for my birthday, and I had every line of "10 Things I Hate About You" memorized because of him.
I don't understand... I mean, I'm not altogether surprised he may have done drugs, but I'm surprised that it was THAT bad. The whole story and details aren't out yet, but believe me, I will be updating you all.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
More wedding plans
So now we're thinking we'd like to have big engagement parties in Virginia Beach and Connecticut, and then a super small ceremony in Martha's Vineyard at either Lambert's Cove or South Beach, across the West Tisbury Great Pond where our family has a cottage. Either that, or a ceremony in Maine at Southwest Harbor where our family has another cottage, on the rocks in front of the house.
Both places are BEAUTIFUL and mean a lot to both of us. Roddy would wear a very nice button-down white shirt and very nice khaki pants with his Birkenstocks, and I would wear a nice (but beachy) wedding dress and white flip flops. (: We'd still have a wedding cake and a photographer and florist and all that... but no big ceremony or reception fees, unless we decided to have a big reception at a restaurant or an inn or something.
WHO KNOWS?! These are just new ideas, though. Thought you might all be interested. xo
Both places are BEAUTIFUL and mean a lot to both of us. Roddy would wear a very nice button-down white shirt and very nice khaki pants with his Birkenstocks, and I would wear a nice (but beachy) wedding dress and white flip flops. (: We'd still have a wedding cake and a photographer and florist and all that... but no big ceremony or reception fees, unless we decided to have a big reception at a restaurant or an inn or something.
WHO KNOWS?! These are just new ideas, though. Thought you might all be interested. xo
Monday, January 21, 2008
I want out of this city!
We just got home from Connecticut. We had a tiring weekend... getting there yesterday at three o'clock in the morning (dropping Isabella off at my parents' house to catch a plane back to Austria because she did come stay with us for a few days - it was so nice and fun to see her!), waking up a few hours later to get ready for the memorial service for Rod's Grammie, going to different ceremonies and spending time with family, having appointments with and checking out wedding locations, then passing out and getting up this morning to drive back here since I have to work tomorrow.
To top it all off, about fifty miles before we got to the apartment, Roddy had to pee REALLY, REALLY BADLY... but refused to stop because he figured he could hold it in for an hour... and of course, we ended up stopping two streets away from Runaway Bay because of what looked like an accident up ahead. Turned out to be a road block with several police officers checking licenses and registration. Apparently, they were looking for someone... checking EVERYONE going down Virginia Beach Blvd.
Drives me crazy.
Not only that, but as soon as we got off the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, we saw lights from ambulances and police cars and fire trucks because there was something going on at some gas station off of Independence Blvd. Geez... I can't wait to move back to New England!
But I'm happy to be here with people I love and a job I am SO thrilled about, and can definitely make the best of it for the next year and a half. Or at least, try. (:
The job is at our State Farm agent's office as a part-time secretary. I feel very comfortable there, so it will be good.
To top it all off, about fifty miles before we got to the apartment, Roddy had to pee REALLY, REALLY BADLY... but refused to stop because he figured he could hold it in for an hour... and of course, we ended up stopping two streets away from Runaway Bay because of what looked like an accident up ahead. Turned out to be a road block with several police officers checking licenses and registration. Apparently, they were looking for someone... checking EVERYONE going down Virginia Beach Blvd.
Drives me crazy.
Not only that, but as soon as we got off the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, we saw lights from ambulances and police cars and fire trucks because there was something going on at some gas station off of Independence Blvd. Geez... I can't wait to move back to New England!
But I'm happy to be here with people I love and a job I am SO thrilled about, and can definitely make the best of it for the next year and a half. Or at least, try. (:
The job is at our State Farm agent's office as a part-time secretary. I feel very comfortable there, so it will be good.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Our 2 Year Anniversary (and Isabella)
First of all, today is Rod's and my two year anniversary. (: Feels like ten years, but in a good way. It's been the best two years of my life, no lie. And I've had a pretty good life. ♥
Secondly, Isabella may be coming to stay with us for a little. She's a friend of mine, from Austria. When I was little, I had this thing about pen pals and finding as many interesting people from as many interesting places to write back and forth to.
Isabella and I are a day apart in age, and we're a lot alike, except from completely different cultures. She came to visit my family and me in 2005, and this year she got an internship in Miami. She recently got there and HATES it. She asked my parents if she could stay with them and look for another job and if she couldn't, she'd go back to Austria after a week or so. My parents called me and I suggested she stay here because there are MANY more options here than there are up in Connecticut, and also I don't work until Wednesday and I'm closer to her right now than CT is.
We'll see what happens. I feel really bad for that poor girl, she's probably miserable and homesick. ):
Anyway, I'm going to go do the dishes and then have a romantic anniversary night before Rod goes to sleep. Talk to y'all later. xo
Secondly, Isabella may be coming to stay with us for a little. She's a friend of mine, from Austria. When I was little, I had this thing about pen pals and finding as many interesting people from as many interesting places to write back and forth to.
Isabella and I are a day apart in age, and we're a lot alike, except from completely different cultures. She came to visit my family and me in 2005, and this year she got an internship in Miami. She recently got there and HATES it. She asked my parents if she could stay with them and look for another job and if she couldn't, she'd go back to Austria after a week or so. My parents called me and I suggested she stay here because there are MANY more options here than there are up in Connecticut, and also I don't work until Wednesday and I'm closer to her right now than CT is.
We'll see what happens. I feel really bad for that poor girl, she's probably miserable and homesick. ):
Anyway, I'm going to go do the dishes and then have a romantic anniversary night before Rod goes to sleep. Talk to y'all later. xo
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Sleep talking, episodes 1 and 2
I want this blog post to be about Roddy's sleep-talking. That's right. He falls asleep between 9:30 and 10:00 every "school night." I used to lie in bed with him for about an hour and a half and then if I wasn't tired, I'd go back out to the living room for a couple hours. Well, lately I've been bringing my computer in the bedroom and getting on it in bed after Rod falls asleep. The other night, while I was messaging Heidi, he started mumbling something in his sleep. This happens often, and I rarely remember to write down what he says, so that's why I want to do it now. And here, to share it with all of you! (:
Most of the time, the mumbling starts with him jolting or turning over and saying something, probably because he slowly starts to wake up just a tiny bit as he moves or something.
Now, the other night, he jolted slightly and said, "Should I go?"
I said, "Go where?"
And he said, "The group."
I asked, "What group?"
And he responded with, "The DSS group..." or something like that, followed by muttering I couldn't make out.
I said, "What's that?"
And he said, "The group!!!"
I said, "What does it do?"
And he said, "We jump in and..." then a bunch of things I didn't hear.
And I said, "Am I there?"
And he goes, "Of course, that's what I'm going for."
I said, "For me? Why?"
And he said, "Because you don't have a map or anything."
At this point, I was really amused, but didn't know if he knew it was me or if my voice was becoming someone else's in his dream, so I asked, "What's my name?"
And he said, "What? Annie. What the hell's the matter with you?"
It was great. A few seconds later, he rolls over and says, "Why'd you ask me that?" and I said, "Because you were talking in your sleep." He denied it. "No I was not." He seemed to be waking up for the most part. I asked what the DSS Group was, and he said he had no idea.
THEN, a few minutes ago, he mumbled something I couldn't understand, so I asked him, "What?"
He responded with, "Finally, a picture with them."
I said, "Of who?"
And he said, "The soldiers."
I asked, "What soldiers?"
And he said, "The ones stealing our Christmas decorations."
HAHAHAHAHAHA.
I love this boy... SO much. He's hilarious, even while unconscious.
My dreams are just as weird, but it's great to hear someone else's through their own words while they're actually occurring. (:
Most of the time, the mumbling starts with him jolting or turning over and saying something, probably because he slowly starts to wake up just a tiny bit as he moves or something.
Now, the other night, he jolted slightly and said, "Should I go?"
I said, "Go where?"
And he said, "The group."
I asked, "What group?"
And he responded with, "The DSS group..." or something like that, followed by muttering I couldn't make out.
I said, "What's that?"
And he said, "The group!!!"
I said, "What does it do?"
And he said, "We jump in and..." then a bunch of things I didn't hear.
And I said, "Am I there?"
And he goes, "Of course, that's what I'm going for."
I said, "For me? Why?"
And he said, "Because you don't have a map or anything."
At this point, I was really amused, but didn't know if he knew it was me or if my voice was becoming someone else's in his dream, so I asked, "What's my name?"
And he said, "What? Annie. What the hell's the matter with you?"
It was great. A few seconds later, he rolls over and says, "Why'd you ask me that?" and I said, "Because you were talking in your sleep." He denied it. "No I was not." He seemed to be waking up for the most part. I asked what the DSS Group was, and he said he had no idea.
THEN, a few minutes ago, he mumbled something I couldn't understand, so I asked him, "What?"
He responded with, "Finally, a picture with them."
I said, "Of who?"
And he said, "The soldiers."
I asked, "What soldiers?"
And he said, "The ones stealing our Christmas decorations."
HAHAHAHAHAHA.
I love this boy... SO much. He's hilarious, even while unconscious.
My dreams are just as weird, but it's great to hear someone else's through their own words while they're actually occurring. (:
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