I just realized that many of you know very, very little about me and my "about" page isn't much help either. So, since writing 100 things all at once is a daunting task, I've decided to give you a list of 10 things about me once a week until I hit 100. Since this is my first post, the title is 10/100. The next one will be 20/100 (get it?). I know, I'm a genius.
Before I get into the ten things I want to quickly explain the name of this blog and my alias, Dillygirl. The name "Dilly" is not homage to the dill pickle, although I do like me a good pickle with my turkey sandwich every now and then. But seriously... Dilly is a slang or shortening of the word Delightful. I consider myself to be a mostly positive, upbeat person, so I thought it was a great fit (and to my knowledge, there are no other Dilly Diaries in the blogosphere). The true definition of Dilly is: One that is remarkable or extraordinary, as in size or quality. Which now that I read that, I'm not sure this site is 100% dilly yet, but I'm working on it.
As for going by the alias Dillygirl. Some of you might find it very silly (rhymes with dilly) of me to go by a nickname and yet post a photo of my face at the same time (seems a little counter-productive and stuff). You're right, it sorta' is. I don't have any qualms about sharing my name with people, but I LOATHE the idea that someone might google my name and find this site. I want to maintain a certain level of privacy, even though many people who visit this blog know me in person. I am an extrovert... kind of loud and outspoken at times. I've been called a ham, a drama queen, and I'm not at all camera shy. So that kind of explains the photo thing. This blog just wouldn't feel as personal for me if I couldn't post pictures of myself. BUT. My hubby refuses to allow me to post pictures of him (I'm working on it) and I'm still not comfortable with posting pictures of my family or friends yet because I want to respect their privacy until they give me their permission. So that's the scoop on that.
Ok. Onto the first ten things about me...
1. I am 25 years old. Born in June of 1980 in upstate NY. I'm a Gemini but I don't often share that with people because I don't believe in astronomy. However I have been told I am a typical Gemini. Whatever that means.
2. My favorite time of the year is fall/winter. I can safely say this because I've lived in Florida since the age of 6. Winter here is beautiful. I do enjoy visiting family in NY and rolling around in the snow a bit, but after a few weeks I'm ready to come home.
3. I have a BFA in Studio Art. My current job involves creating stage sets, large scale artwork, and murals while leading a team of visual artists and craftsmen. I have worked as a freelance artist, graphic designer, Starbucks barista, and pet store employee.
4. I was homeschooled for 3 years, 7th-9th grade, (why?) because I hated going to school and wanted to have more free time for my equestrian hobbies. After school (which took about 3 hours a day), I would go to the stables to ride and train horses with my other homeschooled friends. I loved it!
5. I'm married to an amazingly handsome man (he looks a lot like this guy) who is the love of my life. He's my best friend. We married in October of 2002. He currently works as an editor/graphics guy at one of the largest TV broadcasting companies in the United States. His dream job would be to work at Disney as a 3D animator.
6. I'm horribly and hopelessly sentimental. I get so attached to things, people and places. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a pack rat or a hoarder! A good example of my sentimentalism is when I watch the "Parent Trap" with Hayley Mills and start to cry a little because I remember how much I LOVED that movie when I was a kid.
7. I wear flip-flops almost everyday. Even if my toenails are not painted!
8. When I was 12 I peed my pants at a haunted house because I seriously thought for a minute that the characters were ACTUALLY trying to kill me with their bloody axes and such! (run-on) It was only a tiny bit, though, and none of my friends noticed, but that was the last time I went in a haunted house (at least a fake one).
9. I hate hate hate talking on the phone. Hate it.
10. I wear socks to bed every night. If I'm not wearing them I can't fall asleep no matter what. I don't remember when I started doing this because when I was a kid and a teenager my feet would always get so blazing hot at night! I would stick them out from under my blankets and turn the ceiling fan on high. Now if my feet feel the slightest draft I instantly wake up.
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Gah
Work is kicking my butt. I'm so exhausted from working extra late and extra early. Took a 3 hour nap this afternoon.
This is so boring.
Hmmm..... anything exciting in my mind to share with you?
Nope.
This is so boring.
Hmmm..... anything exciting in my mind to share with you?
Nope.
Monday, September 19, 2005
Mr. Ambition
Today was the hubby's first day of his new job. It was so cute. He got up early, full of anxious excitement about the day ahead. We even got him a bunch of new clothes over the weekend. So there he was, all clean shaven in his new duds... like the first day of school. I gave him a kiss and said bye, told him he'd be great and not to be nervous.
He practically skipped out the front door and into his car with a grin spread wide on his face.
It's so good to see him so happy and fulfilled about his dreams and aspirations. This job is such a huge climb up the ladder for him. For the longest time it seemed he'd never make it big in this town. But today? The sky opened up and the angels were singing for him. I'm so happy for my cute little hubby and I can't wait to hear how his first day went!
He practically skipped out the front door and into his car with a grin spread wide on his face.
It's so good to see him so happy and fulfilled about his dreams and aspirations. This job is such a huge climb up the ladder for him. For the longest time it seemed he'd never make it big in this town. But today? The sky opened up and the angels were singing for him. I'm so happy for my cute little hubby and I can't wait to hear how his first day went!
Sunday, September 18, 2005
TV, Comfort Food, Makin' Babies
Hi, this is me. Oh! And this is my hair (I actually kind of like it now).
Now onto other, more important, things... Things like TV!!! and MAC N CHEESE!!! and BABIES!!!
Nothing could make me happier than the return of decent, daily television options. I've already marked my calendar to remind me of several very important appointments with my couch to watch LOST, House, Survivor, Medium, and The Biggest Loser. I know I could be doing something much, much more productive with my time. I feel (slightly) guilty about how much pleasure I derive from watching the boob tube. But it's the only way I can get my overactive mind to just take a breather. Just veg out, be entertained, maybe laugh, maybe cry. It's therapy (especially if the hubby-guy decides to offer me a back or foot massage).
Speaking of therapy, a few days ago I made some good home cooked macaroni and cheese. You know, the baked kind with breadcrumbs on top? Yum. Better than Cracker Barrel! For some reason I've been really into comfort food. The good (bad) stuff. Maybe it's the way fall weather is creeping up on us here in South Florida. The way the air smells first thing in the morning... a tinge of autumn is there. I can smell it. It's still hellishly hot, though. That is, until I walk into a craft strore like the Rag Shop where the A/C is cranked up and they've got pumpkins and cinnamon pinecones everywhere. Oh! And candycorn! There's some really good comfort food. And pumpkin spice lattes at Starbucks.
Seasons change, people change. Very cliche, I know.
Really, though, I've changed a lot. Look at me! I feel like a totally different person than I've ever been. Grown up, almost. It's crazy! And sex has changed this month. It has a whole new meaning to us. So now it's just waiting until CD28 or 29 to see if Aunt Flo will visit, and if she does, try again (and again and again). Not only am I changing, but my day-to-day also. I'm growing tired of my "career" and my job. It all seems so pointless compared to being a mom. Every day at work seems like a purgatory I'm sort of hanging out in until the day comes when I can do what my heart really longs for.
Oh, and I'm cutting out caffeine! *choke-sob*
It's the pits! I'm slowly having the Starbucks girl put more and more decaf in my venti iced coffee. It's a painful process (the headaches), but a small one compared to the many life changes I'll probably have to face in the coming years, right!?
Now onto other, more important, things... Things like TV!!! and MAC N CHEESE!!! and BABIES!!!
Nothing could make me happier than the return of decent, daily television options. I've already marked my calendar to remind me of several very important appointments with my couch to watch LOST, House, Survivor, Medium, and The Biggest Loser. I know I could be doing something much, much more productive with my time. I feel (slightly) guilty about how much pleasure I derive from watching the boob tube. But it's the only way I can get my overactive mind to just take a breather. Just veg out, be entertained, maybe laugh, maybe cry. It's therapy (especially if the hubby-guy decides to offer me a back or foot massage).
Speaking of therapy, a few days ago I made some good home cooked macaroni and cheese. You know, the baked kind with breadcrumbs on top? Yum. Better than Cracker Barrel! For some reason I've been really into comfort food. The good (bad) stuff. Maybe it's the way fall weather is creeping up on us here in South Florida. The way the air smells first thing in the morning... a tinge of autumn is there. I can smell it. It's still hellishly hot, though. That is, until I walk into a craft strore like the Rag Shop where the A/C is cranked up and they've got pumpkins and cinnamon pinecones everywhere. Oh! And candycorn! There's some really good comfort food. And pumpkin spice lattes at Starbucks.
Seasons change, people change. Very cliche, I know.
Really, though, I've changed a lot. Look at me! I feel like a totally different person than I've ever been. Grown up, almost. It's crazy! And sex has changed this month. It has a whole new meaning to us. So now it's just waiting until CD28 or 29 to see if Aunt Flo will visit, and if she does, try again (and again and again). Not only am I changing, but my day-to-day also. I'm growing tired of my "career" and my job. It all seems so pointless compared to being a mom. Every day at work seems like a purgatory I'm sort of hanging out in until the day comes when I can do what my heart really longs for.
Oh, and I'm cutting out caffeine! *choke-sob*
It's the pits! I'm slowly having the Starbucks girl put more and more decaf in my venti iced coffee. It's a painful process (the headaches), but a small one compared to the many life changes I'll probably have to face in the coming years, right!?
Friday, September 16, 2005
Dear God, Make Me A Bird...
I hate stress.
The heaviness of it on my shoulders. The tightness of it in my gut. The tossing, turning sleep and scary nightmares. The immense feeling of impending failure. The oogy-ness of it that just makes me feel like everything about me is not good enough. Stress. I hate it.
The really crappy thing is when this stress is about work stuff. It's just not worth it to feel this kind of stress over a little job. In the scope of life, and who I am, work is nothing. Yet here I am, dreading to head out and go to the office.
When I feel stressed about work I know something is not right. I must be lacking in some essential ability: the ability to deal, to be tough skinned, to problem-solve, to self-relax, to move on, to get it done. I must be focusing on the wrong thing? Otherwise I wouldn't have this stress. I can only do my best! The key is when I ask myself: am I doing my best?
I don't know the answer to that question. I guess that's why I feel this way.
Thank God it's Friday.
The heaviness of it on my shoulders. The tightness of it in my gut. The tossing, turning sleep and scary nightmares. The immense feeling of impending failure. The oogy-ness of it that just makes me feel like everything about me is not good enough. Stress. I hate it.
The really crappy thing is when this stress is about work stuff. It's just not worth it to feel this kind of stress over a little job. In the scope of life, and who I am, work is nothing. Yet here I am, dreading to head out and go to the office.
When I feel stressed about work I know something is not right. I must be lacking in some essential ability: the ability to deal, to be tough skinned, to problem-solve, to self-relax, to move on, to get it done. I must be focusing on the wrong thing? Otherwise I wouldn't have this stress. I can only do my best! The key is when I ask myself: am I doing my best?
I don't know the answer to that question. I guess that's why I feel this way.
Thank God it's Friday.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
A Few Of My Favorite Things
Things I'm Really LOVING right now:
1. Maple Sugar candies from upstate New York
These little creamy candies are made from pure maple sugar. They melt in your mouth like a little taste of tree sap heaven. I got a small box of these from Sprauge's when I was in New York. I wish I had bought a BIG box. Also, their maple butter is really good spread on a slice of toast, too. Maple, maple, maple. Yum. Just YUM!
2. Brighton
I LURVE Brighton. Their jewelry and purses are so well made and girly (and I can actually afford them). I'm not really into overly flashy or gold jewelry, so this place is perfect for my style... a lot of simple silver pieces. Everytime I put on my Brighton jewelry it makes me feel special. I'm currently liking the new Bordeaux Heart collection. Maybe I should get a new purse for fall? Methinks so.
3. Downy Wrinkle Releaser
Seriously. I could not get out of my house in the morning without this stuff. I'm so surprised more people don't use it. Do you use it? It's so much easier than ironing (although it doesn't work that swell on certain fabrics). It's even easy enough for hubby to use ON HIS OWN. Amazing, aye?
4. This website rocks my world. (www.allrecipes.com)
I can't live without allrecipes.com. I have found some of the best recipes on this site. It's so great. I can search according to what I have in my pantry and it will give me recipes that use those ingredients. Also, I love to look at the recipe reviews and see what people say about it before I try it. If you're ever STUCK and don't know what to make for dinner...
duh, eat out or order in!
But if you can't do that, try this website. It's a lifesaver.
5. Burt's Bees Lip Balm
Warning: once you start wearing this pepperminty beeswax lip balm, your lips will never be the same again. They will crave the minty tingle. It's addicting in the worst way. I have to apply this lip balm a frigillion times a day. Love it. Need it. Can't live without it.
6. Target!
How much do I love thee, Target? Let me count the ways. OK. One, you make me smile as soon as I walk into your doors and smell the unadulterated odor of low cost shopping. Two, you hold my attention like nothing else can. I am satisfied within your walls for HOURS and HOURS on end. Three, red is my favorite color. Four, if I get famished while shopping I can eat a personal pan pizza from your Pizza Hut Express! I could go on forever. I love Target. The ugly stepsister Wal-Mart can't even compete (but we won't go there today).
7. Silk Soymilk
Oy! Soy! I never thought I would be a soymilk drinker. I don't mind driking cow's milk, but decided to make a partial switch to soy for my health. I still have regular milk most of the time, but I prefer soy. I'm really lovin' the Silk Chocolate Soymilk as a little treat at night and the regular un-flavored soymilk with my cereal (Kashi Heart-to-Heart or Cheerios) in the morning. You must try it!
8. Mojito's
I'm not a big drinker, but on a recent trip to St. Augustine, FL, I had a Mojito! Have you ever tried one? Oh my! They are really good. Really, really good. Better than anything I've ever tried before. I could have used one (or five) of these last week.
9. Breathing is good. (Kenmore EnviroSense™ True HEPA Air Cleaner)
I've had asthma since I was a kid, so breathing isn't always an easy thing for me. When we bought this house it was such an improvement over the crappy air quality in our apartment. But still. Florida is full of flora and fauna. Or whatever they call it. It's full of stuff that bothers my wittle lungs. So this air purifier has been great. I turn it on at night and it's 100% quiet.
And when my husband farts in bed, the odor sensor turns red.
10. I feel pretty, oh so pretty. And I smell like a Koala chewing Wrigley's Doublemint gum. (Bath & Body Works Eucalyptus Spearmint body splash)
And I'm proud of it. I spray myself with this "relaxing" body splash every morning. I'm not convinced it lasts all day, but I'm OK with that. I don't like wearing anything overpowering that'll make others choke or sneeze when I walk by. But let me tell you! There's something magical about the way this stuff smells. It's so soothing-- the smell is so fresh and earthy. Makes me feel like hugging a tree. Specifically, a eucalyptus one.
I have many more favorite things, but I'm going to save them for later. Gotta make sure I don't go and reveal ALL OF ME to you people too soon, you know?
By the way? I even took a picture of my hair for you today. It's finally grown into itself. I was dead-set on sharing this photo with you right now in this very post you are currently reading. However, I am such a dingle-berry! The USB cable thingie that connects the camera to my laptop is nowhere to be found. I think it might be somewhere at work (pray, pray, pray it is). So, stay tuned. Later.
1. Maple Sugar candies from upstate New York
These little creamy candies are made from pure maple sugar. They melt in your mouth like a little taste of tree sap heaven. I got a small box of these from Sprauge's when I was in New York. I wish I had bought a BIG box. Also, their maple butter is really good spread on a slice of toast, too. Maple, maple, maple. Yum. Just YUM!
2. Brighton
I LURVE Brighton. Their jewelry and purses are so well made and girly (and I can actually afford them). I'm not really into overly flashy or gold jewelry, so this place is perfect for my style... a lot of simple silver pieces. Everytime I put on my Brighton jewelry it makes me feel special. I'm currently liking the new Bordeaux Heart collection. Maybe I should get a new purse for fall? Methinks so.
3. Downy Wrinkle Releaser
Seriously. I could not get out of my house in the morning without this stuff. I'm so surprised more people don't use it. Do you use it? It's so much easier than ironing (although it doesn't work that swell on certain fabrics). It's even easy enough for hubby to use ON HIS OWN. Amazing, aye?
4. This website rocks my world. (www.allrecipes.com)
I can't live without allrecipes.com. I have found some of the best recipes on this site. It's so great. I can search according to what I have in my pantry and it will give me recipes that use those ingredients. Also, I love to look at the recipe reviews and see what people say about it before I try it. If you're ever STUCK and don't know what to make for dinner...
duh, eat out or order in!
But if you can't do that, try this website. It's a lifesaver.
5. Burt's Bees Lip Balm
Warning: once you start wearing this pepperminty beeswax lip balm, your lips will never be the same again. They will crave the minty tingle. It's addicting in the worst way. I have to apply this lip balm a frigillion times a day. Love it. Need it. Can't live without it.
6. Target!
How much do I love thee, Target? Let me count the ways. OK. One, you make me smile as soon as I walk into your doors and smell the unadulterated odor of low cost shopping. Two, you hold my attention like nothing else can. I am satisfied within your walls for HOURS and HOURS on end. Three, red is my favorite color. Four, if I get famished while shopping I can eat a personal pan pizza from your Pizza Hut Express! I could go on forever. I love Target. The ugly stepsister Wal-Mart can't even compete (but we won't go there today).
7. Silk Soymilk
Oy! Soy! I never thought I would be a soymilk drinker. I don't mind driking cow's milk, but decided to make a partial switch to soy for my health. I still have regular milk most of the time, but I prefer soy. I'm really lovin' the Silk Chocolate Soymilk as a little treat at night and the regular un-flavored soymilk with my cereal (Kashi Heart-to-Heart or Cheerios) in the morning. You must try it!
8. Mojito's
I'm not a big drinker, but on a recent trip to St. Augustine, FL, I had a Mojito! Have you ever tried one? Oh my! They are really good. Really, really good. Better than anything I've ever tried before. I could have used one (or five) of these last week.
9. Breathing is good. (Kenmore EnviroSense™ True HEPA Air Cleaner)
I've had asthma since I was a kid, so breathing isn't always an easy thing for me. When we bought this house it was such an improvement over the crappy air quality in our apartment. But still. Florida is full of flora and fauna. Or whatever they call it. It's full of stuff that bothers my wittle lungs. So this air purifier has been great. I turn it on at night and it's 100% quiet.
And when my husband farts in bed, the odor sensor turns red.
10. I feel pretty, oh so pretty. And I smell like a Koala chewing Wrigley's Doublemint gum. (Bath & Body Works Eucalyptus Spearmint body splash)
And I'm proud of it. I spray myself with this "relaxing" body splash every morning. I'm not convinced it lasts all day, but I'm OK with that. I don't like wearing anything overpowering that'll make others choke or sneeze when I walk by. But let me tell you! There's something magical about the way this stuff smells. It's so soothing-- the smell is so fresh and earthy. Makes me feel like hugging a tree. Specifically, a eucalyptus one.
I have many more favorite things, but I'm going to save them for later. Gotta make sure I don't go and reveal ALL OF ME to you people too soon, you know?
By the way? I even took a picture of my hair for you today. It's finally grown into itself. I was dead-set on sharing this photo with you right now in this very post you are currently reading. However, I am such a dingle-berry! The USB cable thingie that connects the camera to my laptop is nowhere to be found. I think it might be somewhere at work (pray, pray, pray it is). So, stay tuned. Later.
Thursday, September 8, 2005
What The Frack?!
Where the hay have I been? Good question. I know I haven't been around in a few weeks, but I have lots of really really good excuses.
Wanna hear them?
M'kay. First, the whole Katrina thing happened. I felt a moment of silence on the Dilly Diaries was sort of warranted. I mean, what the heck could I have written that wouldn't have sounded A. horribly shallow B. seemingly insensitive or C. just plain dumb. The only things I could think of sharing were SO little compared to what they are going through in the areas that got completely destroyed. Last week I thought of posting about an asthma attack I had. But, hello? People died. I lived! I just took my inhaler. So, that's the first excuse.
Second, my hubby was in the process of getting a new job. It was all so overwhelming because he wasn't even looking for a new job. It just sort of fell in his lap, everything came together, doors opened and shut and BA-BAM! New job! Lots of money! Really good benefits! Good location! Excellent promotion possibilities! Dancing girls!
(Just kidding about the dancing girls thing. I just felt like adding it to see if you're still awake.)
So, hubby was in agony about leaving his current job. Why? Because he's a really loyal guy and he likes his boss a lot (they're friends). Oh, and he's the only employee other than his boss. Leaving his current job was a huge, ugly thing but he just couldn't pass up this opportunity. It's just too sweet for words. I was very distracted by this change in our lives... and writing about all these good things seemed insensitive (see above).
Thirdly, we're doing it. Yes, you heard right. Doing it.
After many months of thinking and worrying and all that silly stuff we decided: there's nothing sane about having a baby! It's never going to make sense! We're never going to be rich enough, or have a big enough house, and we're never going to like losing sleep and spending all of our money and having no free time. We don't care to think about all the negatives anymore. What we want is to start a family, and there's no time like the present.
This month we started "trying" to get pregnant. We've practiced enough.
It's so hard for me to not get psycho about it. I'm the type of person who, once I decide what I want, can't wait! Like at Christmas time when I was a kid? I knew what I was getting before it was even wrapped. I would search the house and attic for the stash of presents before mom wrapped them. I was instantly gratified and yet I was STILL excited to open them on Christmas day (plus Santa always threw in a few surprises). Because I'm annoying like that, I'd really like to get pregnant this month. Like, DING! Pregnant! So I'm checking fluids and stuff, but I haven't gotten into the basal body temp stuff yet. I'll probably go there if I don't get pregnant in 3 months. Trust me, I may sound really naieve to a lot of you women who tried for YEARS to get pregnant. And, you're right. I'm stupid and clueless about the miracle of pregnancy. I'm just hoping it happens for me without too much fuss and muss. And if it doesn't, I'll deal with it accordingly.
What's going on with the Dilly right now, you ask?
Well, as of now, I'm just so stinkin' busy at work! I can't get a break. Poor me. No rest for the weary, they say. Well, boy, are they right! But here I go again with excuse #1 for not posting: the people in New Orleans, Louisiana and Mississippi would probably be thankful to trade my little tiny problems for theirs right now. On that note, please (if you haven't already) give to a charity or organization and help the victims of Hurricane Katrina get back on their feet. Hubby and I already gave to a charity through our church. They are giving people homes, food and clothing. If you gave anything to the Tsunami victims... please give to this, too. Let's take care of our fellow Americans. Even if it's just giving a few bucks, lending a hand, or saying a prayer.
Anyways. I'm back in the groove, my friends. I've broken the silence. You'll be hearing from me again very soon. I've been working on something to share with you: a long list of things I love. Until then. :)
Wanna hear them?
M'kay. First, the whole Katrina thing happened. I felt a moment of silence on the Dilly Diaries was sort of warranted. I mean, what the heck could I have written that wouldn't have sounded A. horribly shallow B. seemingly insensitive or C. just plain dumb. The only things I could think of sharing were SO little compared to what they are going through in the areas that got completely destroyed. Last week I thought of posting about an asthma attack I had. But, hello? People died. I lived! I just took my inhaler. So, that's the first excuse.
Second, my hubby was in the process of getting a new job. It was all so overwhelming because he wasn't even looking for a new job. It just sort of fell in his lap, everything came together, doors opened and shut and BA-BAM! New job! Lots of money! Really good benefits! Good location! Excellent promotion possibilities! Dancing girls!
(Just kidding about the dancing girls thing. I just felt like adding it to see if you're still awake.)
So, hubby was in agony about leaving his current job. Why? Because he's a really loyal guy and he likes his boss a lot (they're friends). Oh, and he's the only employee other than his boss. Leaving his current job was a huge, ugly thing but he just couldn't pass up this opportunity. It's just too sweet for words. I was very distracted by this change in our lives... and writing about all these good things seemed insensitive (see above).
Thirdly, we're doing it. Yes, you heard right. Doing it.
After many months of thinking and worrying and all that silly stuff we decided: there's nothing sane about having a baby! It's never going to make sense! We're never going to be rich enough, or have a big enough house, and we're never going to like losing sleep and spending all of our money and having no free time. We don't care to think about all the negatives anymore. What we want is to start a family, and there's no time like the present.
This month we started "trying" to get pregnant. We've practiced enough.
It's so hard for me to not get psycho about it. I'm the type of person who, once I decide what I want, can't wait! Like at Christmas time when I was a kid? I knew what I was getting before it was even wrapped. I would search the house and attic for the stash of presents before mom wrapped them. I was instantly gratified and yet I was STILL excited to open them on Christmas day (plus Santa always threw in a few surprises). Because I'm annoying like that, I'd really like to get pregnant this month. Like, DING! Pregnant! So I'm checking fluids and stuff, but I haven't gotten into the basal body temp stuff yet. I'll probably go there if I don't get pregnant in 3 months. Trust me, I may sound really naieve to a lot of you women who tried for YEARS to get pregnant. And, you're right. I'm stupid and clueless about the miracle of pregnancy. I'm just hoping it happens for me without too much fuss and muss. And if it doesn't, I'll deal with it accordingly.
What's going on with the Dilly right now, you ask?
Well, as of now, I'm just so stinkin' busy at work! I can't get a break. Poor me. No rest for the weary, they say. Well, boy, are they right! But here I go again with excuse #1 for not posting: the people in New Orleans, Louisiana and Mississippi would probably be thankful to trade my little tiny problems for theirs right now. On that note, please (if you haven't already) give to a charity or organization and help the victims of Hurricane Katrina get back on their feet. Hubby and I already gave to a charity through our church. They are giving people homes, food and clothing. If you gave anything to the Tsunami victims... please give to this, too. Let's take care of our fellow Americans. Even if it's just giving a few bucks, lending a hand, or saying a prayer.
Anyways. I'm back in the groove, my friends. I've broken the silence. You'll be hearing from me again very soon. I've been working on something to share with you: a long list of things I love. Until then. :)
Friday, August 26, 2005
A-OK & Hate
The hurricane decided to take a southern route and, really, we missed the worst of it. So everything is OK here in the Dilly house.
We only lost power for 6 hours... just long enough to slightly cross over into the Not Fun Anymore territory. The power came back on about 30 minutes after I fell asleep in our pitch black bedroom (hot as a pizza oven) from a sort of heat and humidity induced coma. Hubby woke up when the power surged back on. While I was sleeping beside him (mouth open, probably drooling, on top of the covers and probably having bad dreams about my hair) he turned off our battery powered fan, turned on his lamp and started setting his alarm for work the next day. His clicking the buttons on the alarm woke me up and I groggily squawked "blech! mmmmbwhy'd you turn the fan offffft? bluggg?!" Not even noticing! There was a lamp on! Mmm-duh!
This morning I woke up at 10:15 a.m. in a complete funk. It's almost like the hurricane pummeled me last night and took all of my energy. I can barely function.
Must have more rice krispy treats. Crap! There's none left.
But (there's always a but), that's the worst that happened. Bad hair, heat, humidity, boredom, moments of scary wind noises, and no electricty. Some didn't fair as well as we did. The Miami area got pummeled pretty bad! Lots of people STILL don't have electricity. Seven people lost their lives. Hurricanes are serious things. Even category one hurricanes.
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On another note... did you know that there are people out there who completely and utterly hate children? And hate people who have children? I'm astonished! I guess I'm not 100% astonished, because I've always known about the "crotchety old lady" (or man) who hates children and screams at them when they play in their lawn or draws chalk on their sidewalk. There's one in every neighborhood. Or two, if you're lucky.
But no, these aren't the typical crotchety variety. These are hateful, scary people. They call mothers who have children (or even people who want to have kids someday) "breeders" or "cows" or "Moo". I somewhat understand their personal choice to not have children and be "childfree" (not to be confused with childless... since they say this makes it seem as if they are missing something). However, I would ask them to please not be hateful and cruel to people, who, like them, have made a personal choice as well. I don't mind that they don't want kids. Great! I just don't think it's right to sit around and create communities for the sole purpose of ganging up on and scoffing at people who have children.
That's all I'm saying about that. I don't want to welcome any of their negative attention to myself. I'm just doin' the free speach thing. I don't think it's right to hate anyone of ANY religion, race, or lifestyle. Hate is never OK.
We only lost power for 6 hours... just long enough to slightly cross over into the Not Fun Anymore territory. The power came back on about 30 minutes after I fell asleep in our pitch black bedroom (hot as a pizza oven) from a sort of heat and humidity induced coma. Hubby woke up when the power surged back on. While I was sleeping beside him (mouth open, probably drooling, on top of the covers and probably having bad dreams about my hair) he turned off our battery powered fan, turned on his lamp and started setting his alarm for work the next day. His clicking the buttons on the alarm woke me up and I groggily squawked "blech! mmmmbwhy'd you turn the fan offffft? bluggg?!" Not even noticing! There was a lamp on! Mmm-duh!
This morning I woke up at 10:15 a.m. in a complete funk. It's almost like the hurricane pummeled me last night and took all of my energy. I can barely function.
Must have more rice krispy treats. Crap! There's none left.
But (there's always a but), that's the worst that happened. Bad hair, heat, humidity, boredom, moments of scary wind noises, and no electricty. Some didn't fair as well as we did. The Miami area got pummeled pretty bad! Lots of people STILL don't have electricity. Seven people lost their lives. Hurricanes are serious things. Even category one hurricanes.
===================================================
On another note... did you know that there are people out there who completely and utterly hate children? And hate people who have children? I'm astonished! I guess I'm not 100% astonished, because I've always known about the "crotchety old lady" (or man) who hates children and screams at them when they play in their lawn or draws chalk on their sidewalk. There's one in every neighborhood. Or two, if you're lucky.
But no, these aren't the typical crotchety variety. These are hateful, scary people. They call mothers who have children (or even people who want to have kids someday) "breeders" or "cows" or "Moo". I somewhat understand their personal choice to not have children and be "childfree" (not to be confused with childless... since they say this makes it seem as if they are missing something). However, I would ask them to please not be hateful and cruel to people, who, like them, have made a personal choice as well. I don't mind that they don't want kids. Great! I just don't think it's right to sit around and create communities for the sole purpose of ganging up on and scoffing at people who have children.
That's all I'm saying about that. I don't want to welcome any of their negative attention to myself. I'm just doin' the free speach thing. I don't think it's right to hate anyone of ANY religion, race, or lifestyle. Hate is never OK.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Roughing It
The office closed today at noon so that we could all come home and prepare for this (hurricane) little fun aspect of living in South Florida. Hubby is still at work, but he came home for lunch and put hurricane shutters on our bedroom windows (his way of protecting me like a manly-man). Yep. It's windy and rainy outside right now, but honestly? I'm not freaked out at all. Not even concerned. After last year's three hurricanes hitting in the same month, this little Katrina is no big deal. Sure we'll probably lose power for a bit. Sure we'll have to eat off the grill and put all of the contents of our fridge in our cooler. Sure I'll be sweating my tush off and will get really bitchy. Sure it'll suck. No big deal.
What have I been doing since I got home? You might think I should be filling the bathtub with water and a pinch of bleach. Stocking the freezer with water for ice. Replacing the batteries in all of our flashlights. Nope. I've been watching TV. Charging the battery on my laptop. Scrapbooking. Eating rice krispy treats. Watching the trees blowing. What does my husband want me to be doing? Clean up all the stinkin' dishes in the kitchen. Run some laundry while we still have power. Pick up all the scrapbooking junk I've strewn everywhere. Nope. I'll probably rush to get these things at least started by the time he gets home. Hello? It's a pending storm! I'm enjoying myself while I can! Can you blame me?
So say a little prayer for our safety here in Palm Beach County. The storm is about 30 miles off our coast and the winds caould get up to 80 mph or so. But mostly it's the rain... because the storm is moving so slowly, it'll dump a ton of rain. They think about 20 inches in our area. Also pray for my hair. It does not do well in the humidity. I hate hurricane season.
What have I been doing since I got home? You might think I should be filling the bathtub with water and a pinch of bleach. Stocking the freezer with water for ice. Replacing the batteries in all of our flashlights. Nope. I've been watching TV. Charging the battery on my laptop. Scrapbooking. Eating rice krispy treats. Watching the trees blowing. What does my husband want me to be doing? Clean up all the stinkin' dishes in the kitchen. Run some laundry while we still have power. Pick up all the scrapbooking junk I've strewn everywhere. Nope. I'll probably rush to get these things at least started by the time he gets home. Hello? It's a pending storm! I'm enjoying myself while I can! Can you blame me?
So say a little prayer for our safety here in Palm Beach County. The storm is about 30 miles off our coast and the winds caould get up to 80 mph or so. But mostly it's the rain... because the storm is moving so slowly, it'll dump a ton of rain. They think about 20 inches in our area. Also pray for my hair. It does not do well in the humidity. I hate hurricane season.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Sweet Home
Sweet summer sun gilds the soft grass in dapples. It's a beautiful day, just the right temperature. The hum of bees can be heard through the sound of leaves dancing from a gentle breeze. I sigh happily as I step onto the shaded front porch of my grandparent's house. Across the street is a giant weeping willow tree, partially blocking the facade of an old church. The church bells ring. It's ten o' clock.
In my bare feet, I step out onto the uneven cracked sidewalk and feel it's coolness. Tall maple, pine and oak trees tower above me. It's a great time for a walk on a warm summer day. In this small town where I was born it's a quick trip to the neighborhood grocery store, a produce stand, a bubbling creek with soft grey pebbles, a pizza & subs joint, maple farms, gravity-defying rock formations, a park, the local paper supply store, my grandpa's warehouse (where he keeps tons of old vending machines and games like pac-man), a country fair with hand-pulled taffy, anywhere. It's a simple town compared to the city where I currently live, but it awakens my senses like nowhere else.
Sometimes I'll catch a smell in my nose and the memories all come rushing back. The air is crisp and alive with nature's peak climax of summer. The fresh odor of weeds, flowers and grass remind me of days down at our camp where we'd eat fresh watermelon and roll down the hill in a blanket. Where the clay bottom of the pond would squish between my toes and uncle Tracey played harmonica and sang "Bullfrog sittin' on a railroad track." The old house has it's familiar scents, too. It's just the same as it's always been. The faint hint of grandma's perfume, carpet and fabric detergent mixed with eucalyptus wreaths and chicken baking in the oven. The attic is deep and dank, smelling of old wood, dust and aged paper and it makes me think fondly of the paper dolls they kept there for me when I visited. Grandpa's office (where, as a child, I was never allowed) smells like freshly sharpened pencils, wallpaper paste and the faint odor of tobacco. Freshly brewed coffee wafts from the kitchen. All of these smells take me back to something old and raw inside of me, as if they were etched into my soul the day my parents brought me home from the hospital and into that house on June, 1980.
There's something about this place. And to be honest? I'm so scared that someday, when my grandparents are no longer here, I'll start to forget it. I don't want to ever forget! I wish I could capture it in a bottle... all of it. Grandma's wonderful back rubs and soft warm hugs, singing the hymns at the baptist church with grandpa's tenor voice in my ear, the sound of laughter and familiar voices, my view of the oak tree from my bedroom window, the back steps where we shuck corn, all the smells and sounds that make this home. I choose to remember it. I won't forget.
In my bare feet, I step out onto the uneven cracked sidewalk and feel it's coolness. Tall maple, pine and oak trees tower above me. It's a great time for a walk on a warm summer day. In this small town where I was born it's a quick trip to the neighborhood grocery store, a produce stand, a bubbling creek with soft grey pebbles, a pizza & subs joint, maple farms, gravity-defying rock formations, a park, the local paper supply store, my grandpa's warehouse (where he keeps tons of old vending machines and games like pac-man), a country fair with hand-pulled taffy, anywhere. It's a simple town compared to the city where I currently live, but it awakens my senses like nowhere else.
Sometimes I'll catch a smell in my nose and the memories all come rushing back. The air is crisp and alive with nature's peak climax of summer. The fresh odor of weeds, flowers and grass remind me of days down at our camp where we'd eat fresh watermelon and roll down the hill in a blanket. Where the clay bottom of the pond would squish between my toes and uncle Tracey played harmonica and sang "Bullfrog sittin' on a railroad track." The old house has it's familiar scents, too. It's just the same as it's always been. The faint hint of grandma's perfume, carpet and fabric detergent mixed with eucalyptus wreaths and chicken baking in the oven. The attic is deep and dank, smelling of old wood, dust and aged paper and it makes me think fondly of the paper dolls they kept there for me when I visited. Grandpa's office (where, as a child, I was never allowed) smells like freshly sharpened pencils, wallpaper paste and the faint odor of tobacco. Freshly brewed coffee wafts from the kitchen. All of these smells take me back to something old and raw inside of me, as if they were etched into my soul the day my parents brought me home from the hospital and into that house on June, 1980.
There's something about this place. And to be honest? I'm so scared that someday, when my grandparents are no longer here, I'll start to forget it. I don't want to ever forget! I wish I could capture it in a bottle... all of it. Grandma's wonderful back rubs and soft warm hugs, singing the hymns at the baptist church with grandpa's tenor voice in my ear, the sound of laughter and familiar voices, my view of the oak tree from my bedroom window, the back steps where we shuck corn, all the smells and sounds that make this home. I choose to remember it. I won't forget.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
8 Reasons Why I Will Not, For The Life Of Me, Wear A Thong To Work
(or anywhere else, for that matter)
(Warning: Dad, if you're reading... please stop)
1. I have witnessed a thong sticking out the back of someone's pants while they were crouching at the filing cabinet. It was enough to make me dry heave. I've been somewhat traumatized by this.
2. I'm not a big fan of feeling my bare butt cheeks rub against my clothes. It makes me feel very exposed. I think it must be a deep-rooted survival instinct.
3. As the day progresses, thongs tend to creep wickedly up into my tender nether-regions. By 5:00 p.m., it must be surgically removed.
4. I do not enjoy the sensation of fabric in my crack. My crack does not want it.
5. No support, people. There is too much freedom of the cheeks and noticeable additional butt jiggle. And when you've got a butt like mine (think J-Lo) you don't want any extra jiggle. Nor do you want your boss noticing your jiggle.
6. No pantyline= the appearance of going commando. Noticeably going commando= the appearance that you ran out of clean underwear.
7. Chafing can occur when wearing rough fabric. Chafing is not fun!
8. Thongs are not the best choice for hot, sweaty, summertime days. 'Nuff said.
(Warning: Dad, if you're reading... please stop)
1. I have witnessed a thong sticking out the back of someone's pants while they were crouching at the filing cabinet. It was enough to make me dry heave. I've been somewhat traumatized by this.
2. I'm not a big fan of feeling my bare butt cheeks rub against my clothes. It makes me feel very exposed. I think it must be a deep-rooted survival instinct.
3. As the day progresses, thongs tend to creep wickedly up into my tender nether-regions. By 5:00 p.m., it must be surgically removed.
4. I do not enjoy the sensation of fabric in my crack. My crack does not want it.
5. No support, people. There is too much freedom of the cheeks and noticeable additional butt jiggle. And when you've got a butt like mine (think J-Lo) you don't want any extra jiggle. Nor do you want your boss noticing your jiggle.
6. No pantyline= the appearance of going commando. Noticeably going commando= the appearance that you ran out of clean underwear.
7. Chafing can occur when wearing rough fabric. Chafing is not fun!
8. Thongs are not the best choice for hot, sweaty, summertime days. 'Nuff said.
Tuesday, August 9, 2005
The Girl Next Door
This is a story I saved from my first blog (which I deleted). I thought I'd share it again since it was just too funny:
When I was 8 or 9 years old I was into playing with a dirty little girl from across the street. I'm saying she was dirty because she always smelled salty, her hair was a bunch of wild tangles and she always had food spilled on her clothes. She lived in our neighborhood with her grandmother (whom she called her mother) half the year and her mother (whom she called her sister) the other half of the year. So, when she was in town I hung with her because she was different. I even tolerated her smell. My mom absolutely disallowed me to enter their house and strongly preferred that she not come in ours, so we played outside.
One day we were playing at the playground across the street and she decided to use the bathroom right under the Merry-Go-Round. When she told me about her plans, I suggested she walk home (which was literally two minutes away). She said "no, this is fine" and even invited me to relieve my bowels, too—as if this was a usual routine for her or something. I politely said no and wandered over to the swing set, slightly disturbed and fighting the urge to look over where she was squatting.
Moments later we got back to playing and I somehow forgot the whole poop thing. As we made our rounds in that tiny playground, I got bored with the other amusements and absentmindedly began running furiously around the Merry-Go-Round to get it spinning really fast. It was right about the time I planned to leap onto the spinning disk when I realized the mulch was curiously sticking to my brand new white Keds.
Yes, you guessed it. I had stepped right into her poop.
It was squishy and had wrapped itself up around the heel of my shoe—mulch and twigs jutted from it in every direction. As soon as I came to the horrid realization I screamed at her: "Your poop!." I then proceeded to limp straight home as fast as I could, fighting back dry heave after dry heave from the smell. The dirty girl followed me, spewing off sad apologies and trying to make me feel guilty for stepping in her poop. The craziest thing was when she tried to convince me to "lose" my shoes so that my mom wouldn't think that I had pooped on them. Sha-right. I poop in toilets. Not on my new Keds, sister. You're the dirty girl, not me.
Let's just say that was the last time I played with her.
When I was 8 or 9 years old I was into playing with a dirty little girl from across the street. I'm saying she was dirty because she always smelled salty, her hair was a bunch of wild tangles and she always had food spilled on her clothes. She lived in our neighborhood with her grandmother (whom she called her mother) half the year and her mother (whom she called her sister) the other half of the year. So, when she was in town I hung with her because she was different. I even tolerated her smell. My mom absolutely disallowed me to enter their house and strongly preferred that she not come in ours, so we played outside.
One day we were playing at the playground across the street and she decided to use the bathroom right under the Merry-Go-Round. When she told me about her plans, I suggested she walk home (which was literally two minutes away). She said "no, this is fine" and even invited me to relieve my bowels, too—as if this was a usual routine for her or something. I politely said no and wandered over to the swing set, slightly disturbed and fighting the urge to look over where she was squatting.
Moments later we got back to playing and I somehow forgot the whole poop thing. As we made our rounds in that tiny playground, I got bored with the other amusements and absentmindedly began running furiously around the Merry-Go-Round to get it spinning really fast. It was right about the time I planned to leap onto the spinning disk when I realized the mulch was curiously sticking to my brand new white Keds.
Yes, you guessed it. I had stepped right into her poop.
It was squishy and had wrapped itself up around the heel of my shoe—mulch and twigs jutted from it in every direction. As soon as I came to the horrid realization I screamed at her: "Your poop!." I then proceeded to limp straight home as fast as I could, fighting back dry heave after dry heave from the smell. The dirty girl followed me, spewing off sad apologies and trying to make me feel guilty for stepping in her poop. The craziest thing was when she tried to convince me to "lose" my shoes so that my mom wouldn't think that I had pooped on them. Sha-right. I poop in toilets. Not on my new Keds, sister. You're the dirty girl, not me.
Let's just say that was the last time I played with her.
Monday, August 8, 2005
Hot or Not?
Driving to work the other day, I was stopped at a light and noticed from my peripheral vision that the guy in the car next to me was checking me out. Since I'm married and not at all interested in flirting with complete strangers, I can usually deal with this by ignoring it. However, since I had only half of my makeup on, I scooted my car up a bit to be out of his line of sight. But then he scooted forward and I glanced over quickly. He was smiling. Shyly, I scooted forward again. Then he scooted forward! Geez!Feeling awkward and not 100% comfortable with his attention, I was about to scoot forward again when I was saved by the green light.
Knowing I probably looked pretty average without most of my makeup on, I glanced in my mirror to check myself out... wondering what the stares were for. Maybe I looked exceptionally hot? Alas, I was stunned at my reflection. Not hot! Light tan dabs of glaringly un-blended cover-up were under my nose, on my forehead and under my eyes. I then knew what he was looking at and why he was smiling! I almost died of embarrassment. You see, I must have forgotten to blend it at the last stoplight. I have this really bad habit of applying half of my makeup (lotion, foundation, eyeliner) at home and then finishing the job (cover-up, powder, blush, mascara, eye-shadow, lipstick) in my car while stopped at stoplights and in the parking lot at work. My husband hates that I do this and he thinks it's dangerous (it's not like I do it WHILE I'm driving... I'm not that dumb). In my opinion, the only danger is looking like a complete idiot as I drive across town. Now, if I could just be disciplined and wake up 15 minutes earlier in the morning to finish my makeup!
Knowing I probably looked pretty average without most of my makeup on, I glanced in my mirror to check myself out... wondering what the stares were for. Maybe I looked exceptionally hot? Alas, I was stunned at my reflection. Not hot! Light tan dabs of glaringly un-blended cover-up were under my nose, on my forehead and under my eyes. I then knew what he was looking at and why he was smiling! I almost died of embarrassment. You see, I must have forgotten to blend it at the last stoplight. I have this really bad habit of applying half of my makeup (lotion, foundation, eyeliner) at home and then finishing the job (cover-up, powder, blush, mascara, eye-shadow, lipstick) in my car while stopped at stoplights and in the parking lot at work. My husband hates that I do this and he thinks it's dangerous (it's not like I do it WHILE I'm driving... I'm not that dumb). In my opinion, the only danger is looking like a complete idiot as I drive across town. Now, if I could just be disciplined and wake up 15 minutes earlier in the morning to finish my makeup!
Thursday, August 4, 2005
Cozy Movies
It's a thunderous, stormy, night with wind softly whistling and rain droplets clicking against the windows. The sound is soothing and the foggy, moonlit darkness outside is magical. You feel all safe and comfortable in your house. You dim the lights and stike a match to burn a few candles... pumpkin spice, pine, and cinnamon. The whole place feels like a peaceful sanctuary. You have a warm plate of fresh chocolate chip cookies and a glass of cool milk waiting. Shuffling in your cozy slippers on the way over to the couch, you pop a movie into the DVD player. Then you curl into a soft chenille blanket and sigh happily as you hear the movie begin.
What movie would you choose to watch?
Here is a list of my Ultimate Cozy Night Movies (in no particular order):
1. Neverending Story
2. Anne Of Green Gables
3. Labyrinth
4. The Goonies
5. Dirty Dancing
6. The Beach
7. Willow
8. Swiss Family Robinson
9. Home Alone
10. Big Fish
11. Gremlins
12. Dumbo
13. Little Women
14. The Parent Trap
15. Back To The Future
In the deep heat of summer, rainy (somewhat cooler) nights like this are nice. I can't wait for autumn weather to come. :)
What movie would you choose to watch?
Here is a list of my Ultimate Cozy Night Movies (in no particular order):
1. Neverending Story
2. Anne Of Green Gables
3. Labyrinth
4. The Goonies
5. Dirty Dancing
6. The Beach
7. Willow
8. Swiss Family Robinson
9. Home Alone
10. Big Fish
11. Gremlins
12. Dumbo
13. Little Women
14. The Parent Trap
15. Back To The Future
In the deep heat of summer, rainy (somewhat cooler) nights like this are nice. I can't wait for autumn weather to come. :)
Friday, July 22, 2005
The Road Less Traveled
"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeing new landscapes, but in having new eyes." -Marcel Proust
In 2001 I traveled to Haiti and stayed there, in a town called Cayes, for one week. It was at the same time one of the most beautiful and scary places I've visited. My husband (then boyfriend), my dad, and 12 other adults (I was one of only two women) went there to help build a pastors house and visit churches in the nearby villages. It was a very memorable and life-changing trip for me. Here are some excerpts from my journal entries during that week:
May 16, 2001: We've arrived at the pastor's parent's house in the outskirts of Port-Au-Prince. We have been through the city on an hour drive and I've already taken almost 2 rolls of film. The people here live in amazing poverty and I cannot believe the sights I have just seen. We were taken here from the airport in 2 4x4 trucks and now we have a bus that we are supposed to take the remaining 100 or so miles to Cayes. The bus is broken. The brakes don't work and we've been waiting for quite a long time for them to fix it. Oh! Now they just drove the bus around to test the brakes... they seem to work alright. We think only one brake is working (the right front). But I suppose that's sufficient enough for us to be on our way. The city was unbelievable. Kids peeing out in public. The public water system running down gutters in the unpaved street.
At this point, I was a bit tired and shell-shocked from the sights of the city. I had no idea what was ahead, but if this was any sign, it certainly wouldn't be like a trip to the Palm Beach Breakers Hotel.
May 18, 2001: I can't believe it's Friday. It doesn't feel like it! The food here is excellent (or am I just starving from all of this physical labor?) and the people are nice. Last night I slept in the mission house with the guys because the cats in the main house were bothering my allergies. It was warmer, but much quieter and comfortable. Today is hotter than yesterday. Whew! Yesterday we got really worn out. We went to a late night church service and dad gave his testimony. I wish I had brought the camera. We had to drive THROUGH a river to get there. It was in a very rural village. These people are amazing when they worship. We only had one lit bulb in the front of the church and even that flickered on and off. In the pitch blackness the full church thundered with intricate rhythms and clapping and singing. I wish I could have sung along with them in Creole. The one thing I wish the most is that Haiti were not so hot. The breeze is good, but not out in the sun. It is beautiful out here.
Let me tell you... at night in Haiti, out in the rural areas, it is such a thick and heavy darkness with the humidity and not a single sound. That is unusual for an American to experience. We're used to hearing something all the time, we don't even realize it. The distant hum of traffic, the air conditioner kicking on, the TV in the background. Not in Haiti.
May 20, 2001: On the way home from church our bus got a flat tire. It was bad--the rubber had burnt and was smoking badly. It was dark and the bugs were out. We were pretty much abandoned there with 2 flat rear tires and only one spare. Omega, the bus driver, tried to fix it but it fared badly. Time passed with no relief. The jack was too small--the bus couldn't be lifted high enough to put the new tire on. Chanin had to dig with a metal rod into the clay-rock road to allow room to slip the new tire on. That was our first "huge" disaster. Last night though... WOW! We had a great service out in the middle of nowhere in a small little church. We sang praises to God. A bat got stuck in the church and was flying, circling above our heads for a good while. He dove and spun and flapped his long wings in the dimly lit church. Chanin tried to jump and swat him as he passed by. Only us "blanc" (white) people ducked as the bat flew over us. Supposedly, the village witch doctor was not happy to have us Christians visiting his territory. Meanwhile, as we would soon discover, the bus was stuck up to the rims in stinky mega-enriched soil and mud. It was a huge ordeal after the service in the pitch black as we walked along the water's edge balancing on a cement curb (Dad slipped into the mud 2 times). The men pushed the bus as the pastor's SUV pulled it from the rear with a chain. The bus--only having one brake and 2 wheel drive--squealed in protest when it was gunned into reverse, causing it to fishtail to the left toward a ditch. The entire village and church-goers watched on with anticipation. It was exciting but scary. On the way home (when we finally got the bus un-stuck) the battery acted up and at times we had no headlights at all--driving in the darkness with no sense of direction. Today I gave my t-shirt to this kid outside of the mission house who was wearing only a blue Wal-Mart "How Can I Help You?" vest. Tomorrow we leave to travel back to the airport in Port-Au-Prince.
I hope to go back to Haiti someday. What an adventure!
In 2001 I traveled to Haiti and stayed there, in a town called Cayes, for one week. It was at the same time one of the most beautiful and scary places I've visited. My husband (then boyfriend), my dad, and 12 other adults (I was one of only two women) went there to help build a pastors house and visit churches in the nearby villages. It was a very memorable and life-changing trip for me. Here are some excerpts from my journal entries during that week:
May 16, 2001: We've arrived at the pastor's parent's house in the outskirts of Port-Au-Prince. We have been through the city on an hour drive and I've already taken almost 2 rolls of film. The people here live in amazing poverty and I cannot believe the sights I have just seen. We were taken here from the airport in 2 4x4 trucks and now we have a bus that we are supposed to take the remaining 100 or so miles to Cayes. The bus is broken. The brakes don't work and we've been waiting for quite a long time for them to fix it. Oh! Now they just drove the bus around to test the brakes... they seem to work alright. We think only one brake is working (the right front). But I suppose that's sufficient enough for us to be on our way. The city was unbelievable. Kids peeing out in public. The public water system running down gutters in the unpaved street.
At this point, I was a bit tired and shell-shocked from the sights of the city. I had no idea what was ahead, but if this was any sign, it certainly wouldn't be like a trip to the Palm Beach Breakers Hotel.
May 18, 2001: I can't believe it's Friday. It doesn't feel like it! The food here is excellent (or am I just starving from all of this physical labor?) and the people are nice. Last night I slept in the mission house with the guys because the cats in the main house were bothering my allergies. It was warmer, but much quieter and comfortable. Today is hotter than yesterday. Whew! Yesterday we got really worn out. We went to a late night church service and dad gave his testimony. I wish I had brought the camera. We had to drive THROUGH a river to get there. It was in a very rural village. These people are amazing when they worship. We only had one lit bulb in the front of the church and even that flickered on and off. In the pitch blackness the full church thundered with intricate rhythms and clapping and singing. I wish I could have sung along with them in Creole. The one thing I wish the most is that Haiti were not so hot. The breeze is good, but not out in the sun. It is beautiful out here.
Let me tell you... at night in Haiti, out in the rural areas, it is such a thick and heavy darkness with the humidity and not a single sound. That is unusual for an American to experience. We're used to hearing something all the time, we don't even realize it. The distant hum of traffic, the air conditioner kicking on, the TV in the background. Not in Haiti.
May 20, 2001: On the way home from church our bus got a flat tire. It was bad--the rubber had burnt and was smoking badly. It was dark and the bugs were out. We were pretty much abandoned there with 2 flat rear tires and only one spare. Omega, the bus driver, tried to fix it but it fared badly. Time passed with no relief. The jack was too small--the bus couldn't be lifted high enough to put the new tire on. Chanin had to dig with a metal rod into the clay-rock road to allow room to slip the new tire on. That was our first "huge" disaster. Last night though... WOW! We had a great service out in the middle of nowhere in a small little church. We sang praises to God. A bat got stuck in the church and was flying, circling above our heads for a good while. He dove and spun and flapped his long wings in the dimly lit church. Chanin tried to jump and swat him as he passed by. Only us "blanc" (white) people ducked as the bat flew over us. Supposedly, the village witch doctor was not happy to have us Christians visiting his territory. Meanwhile, as we would soon discover, the bus was stuck up to the rims in stinky mega-enriched soil and mud. It was a huge ordeal after the service in the pitch black as we walked along the water's edge balancing on a cement curb (Dad slipped into the mud 2 times). The men pushed the bus as the pastor's SUV pulled it from the rear with a chain. The bus--only having one brake and 2 wheel drive--squealed in protest when it was gunned into reverse, causing it to fishtail to the left toward a ditch. The entire village and church-goers watched on with anticipation. It was exciting but scary. On the way home (when we finally got the bus un-stuck) the battery acted up and at times we had no headlights at all--driving in the darkness with no sense of direction. Today I gave my t-shirt to this kid outside of the mission house who was wearing only a blue Wal-Mart "How Can I Help You?" vest. Tomorrow we leave to travel back to the airport in Port-Au-Prince.
I hope to go back to Haiti someday. What an adventure!
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