Sitting here typing feeling unhappy with my hair and my body. Not a great haircut? Too long without exercising and too much good food!
Wonderful weekend with old school mates...we have forgotten the problems of youth and who was friends with whom or not. Now we are mostly all just feeling the love. Lots of hugging and talking and eating. Weekend just whizzed by without a moment to use my computer or my bathing suit or my calendar. A waste of time to lug them all over to Newtown, PA. Of course, I FORGOT something in the hotel room. Left a six pack of O'Doul's in the fridge along with a bottle of Diet Coke. Really could have used them as I was driving around later!
Moby Dick (audio book), by Herman Melville. Wow, did I enjoy this! Beautiful language and great meditations on the whale, blackness, whiteness, friendship, Nantucket, the sea, whalers, etc.
I was always a bit intimidated about taking this book on, but very glad I finally got around to it. Now I must read the book Why you should read Moby Dick.
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
It is harder to schleppe in winter
I have enough trouble getting my many bags from here to there without the addition of a COAT! I find that everything slides off of my shoulders when wearing a coat. I should just break down and clean up my clutter enough that someone can get into my house to install the wifi. I have been informed that WIFI is not the same thing as WIRELESS.
Starting a relationship with my new phone. It is probably smarter than I am, but I foresee many happy hours of getting to know it. Missing my KEYBOARD with my old LG phone. I can't deal with "pictures" of keys. My nephew and my brother-in-law tried to straighten me out on some procedures with the Samsung Galaxy S IV. There are scarily on top of technology. I am at the other end of the spectrum. What is the opposite of an "early adaptor"? I have to be dragged kicking and screaming into anything new. Not really the update kind of a girl.
It is so frigging COLD around here. I must try and plan some future vacations. A friend called and told me he got a round trip ticket for $60 on Spirit. How come I never see those kind of deals? Plus, I DETEST Spirit for their nickel and diming of customers.
Starting a relationship with my new phone. It is probably smarter than I am, but I foresee many happy hours of getting to know it. Missing my KEYBOARD with my old LG phone. I can't deal with "pictures" of keys. My nephew and my brother-in-law tried to straighten me out on some procedures with the Samsung Galaxy S IV. There are scarily on top of technology. I am at the other end of the spectrum. What is the opposite of an "early adaptor"? I have to be dragged kicking and screaming into anything new. Not really the update kind of a girl.
It is so frigging COLD around here. I must try and plan some future vacations. A friend called and told me he got a round trip ticket for $60 on Spirit. How come I never see those kind of deals? Plus, I DETEST Spirit for their nickel and diming of customers.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
My trip to North Carolina
Cedar Creek Cabins, Black Mountain, North Carolina: Discount during November, all cabins $100. All you needed was provided. Friends has a more charming cabin, called the Bear's den. Ours was bigger, the Highlander. Electric heaters in each room, nice fake fireplace. Rocking chairs and glider on the porch. We had two bedrooms and a single bed in the living room. I liked the twig furniture outside, the labyrinth, the bubbling brook. The Bear's Den had a sliding glass window/door in one bedroom overlooking the stream.
Louise's restaurant, Black Mountain, North Carolina: Restaurant in an old house, with tables on the porch outside as well. You place your order and then they deliver it to your table. Interesting, natural foods and cool looking people.
Shoney's restaurant, Hillsboro, Virginia: We enjoyed the buffet at this place. Yummy mashed potatoes, fried fish, tarter sauce, banana pudding.
Louise's restaurant, Black Mountain, North Carolina: Restaurant in an old house, with tables on the porch outside as well. You place your order and then they deliver it to your table. Interesting, natural foods and cool looking people.
Shoney's restaurant, Hillsboro, Virginia: We enjoyed the buffet at this place. Yummy mashed potatoes, fried fish, tarter sauce, banana pudding.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Is this my website?
Should I claim this blog as my "website"? Would more people read it if I mentioned it somewhere?
Sylvia Beach and the lost generation (book) : a history of literary Paris in the twenties and thirties, by Noel Riley Fitch.
Really loved this book since I love Paris and history and since Sylvia Beach lived briefly in my neighborhood in Bridgeton, New Jersey. Of course, she left and became an agnostic and a lesbian. I find most of the semi-famous people from my town are no longer here. Oh well. Sylvia ended up in Paris and had a bookstore/lending library. She concentrated on books in English, while her long-time companion, Adrienne, had a French bookstore on the same street. They fraternized with many famous writers, artists, etc. Her main claim to fame was as the first publisher of James Joyce's Ulysses, which was considered obscene in America. Joyce was, alternately, a blessing and a curse.
Going on a trip tomorrow. Can't decide whether to car-pool with a friend or drive to North Carolina by myself. By myself I can visit Hollins University (my alma mater) to see the new library or take any other side trips that occur to me and stay away an extra few days. With my friend, I will go along with what HE wants to do and have other adventures and save money. What to do, what to do?
Sylvia Beach and the lost generation (book) : a history of literary Paris in the twenties and thirties, by Noel Riley Fitch.
Really loved this book since I love Paris and history and since Sylvia Beach lived briefly in my neighborhood in Bridgeton, New Jersey. Of course, she left and became an agnostic and a lesbian. I find most of the semi-famous people from my town are no longer here. Oh well. Sylvia ended up in Paris and had a bookstore/lending library. She concentrated on books in English, while her long-time companion, Adrienne, had a French bookstore on the same street. They fraternized with many famous writers, artists, etc. Her main claim to fame was as the first publisher of James Joyce's Ulysses, which was considered obscene in America. Joyce was, alternately, a blessing and a curse.
Going on a trip tomorrow. Can't decide whether to car-pool with a friend or drive to North Carolina by myself. By myself I can visit Hollins University (my alma mater) to see the new library or take any other side trips that occur to me and stay away an extra few days. With my friend, I will go along with what HE wants to do and have other adventures and save money. What to do, what to do?
Monday, June 23, 2014
Things I noticed in Atlantic City yesterday
- quite an intercultural mix - gorgeous bikini clad white folks - ethnic families - tattooed and pregnant folk - elderly casino lovers
- Hispanic woman wearing a silver revealing bathing suit covered with chains and necklaces
- Hispanic woman wearing a skimpy t-shirt that said "I (heart) black guys"
- Indians taking pictures of themselves in front of Trump Taj Mahal
- Italian woman participating in the World series of sand sculpting
Tuscany (book), photographs by Sonja Bullaty & Angelo Lomeo, text by Marie-Ange Guillaume. Since I did not take pictures in Italy, I enjoyed reading this large nonfiction book with many photographs of Tuscany. Siena was the only city I was in and I loved it. There were a lot of photographs of other cities and beautiful countryside much like what I saw.
- "The old haystacks, true works of art, can still be found but are gradually giving way to more efficient methods of storing hay." I think I only saw the big round bales of hay and not the old haystacks.
- "There are in blocks of marble images that are sumptuous and essential, if only we have sufficient genius to extract them. - Michelangelo"
The Keillor reader (book), by Garrison Keillor: I say I don't appreciate him as much in the written form as I do in the talking form, but some of these essays make me want to own the book. I especially like the final essay on Cheerfulness.
- From the introduction: "There is nothing like good material. You only had to say NEW YORK and there was an awestruck silence. You went, you saw, and now you tell the others." and: "The living wander away, we don't hear from them for months, years - but the dead move in with us to stay"
- Hispanic woman wearing a silver revealing bathing suit covered with chains and necklaces
- Hispanic woman wearing a skimpy t-shirt that said "I (heart) black guys"
- Indians taking pictures of themselves in front of Trump Taj Mahal
- Italian woman participating in the World series of sand sculpting
Tuscany (book), photographs by Sonja Bullaty & Angelo Lomeo, text by Marie-Ange Guillaume. Since I did not take pictures in Italy, I enjoyed reading this large nonfiction book with many photographs of Tuscany. Siena was the only city I was in and I loved it. There were a lot of photographs of other cities and beautiful countryside much like what I saw.
- "The old haystacks, true works of art, can still be found but are gradually giving way to more efficient methods of storing hay." I think I only saw the big round bales of hay and not the old haystacks.
- "There are in blocks of marble images that are sumptuous and essential, if only we have sufficient genius to extract them. - Michelangelo"
The Keillor reader (book), by Garrison Keillor: I say I don't appreciate him as much in the written form as I do in the talking form, but some of these essays make me want to own the book. I especially like the final essay on Cheerfulness.
- From the introduction: "There is nothing like good material. You only had to say NEW YORK and there was an awestruck silence. You went, you saw, and now you tell the others." and: "The living wander away, we don't hear from them for months, years - but the dead move in with us to stay"
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Old travel books
Can't quite bring myself to take a 2008 Rick Steves Rome travel guide on my trip. I love old travel books but it would probably be missing a lot of important info, such as the name of the Pope! Shall I just wing it? Going to Italy with no phone, camera, computer....back to the olden days of pencil and paper. Not so bad except I might miss stuff, but that is OK. I have already DONE Italy, even if it WAS 46 years ago! Also, I don't speak Italian.
Will probably return my audio book unfinished. The Darling Dahlias and the Texas Star, by Susan Wittig Albert. I think I enjoyed one of hers before but this one just seems trivial and with too many characters. I have to keep reminding myself that it is supposed to take place in 1932. Don't like the readers so much, either.
Everybody's got something, by Robin Roberts. Trying to finish it before my trip. She had breast cancer and then another disease requiring a bone marrow transplant. What a great personality! Always smiling, she has a ton of friends. Has recently been more open about her girlfriend. They live separately and have no plans to tie the know anytime soon. Difficult days such as finding out her diagnosis on the same day that her morning show topped the ratings for the first time. And her transplant was proceeded by her mother's death by only a few weeks. Luckily she has sisters.
Will probably return my audio book unfinished. The Darling Dahlias and the Texas Star, by Susan Wittig Albert. I think I enjoyed one of hers before but this one just seems trivial and with too many characters. I have to keep reminding myself that it is supposed to take place in 1932. Don't like the readers so much, either.
Everybody's got something, by Robin Roberts. Trying to finish it before my trip. She had breast cancer and then another disease requiring a bone marrow transplant. What a great personality! Always smiling, she has a ton of friends. Has recently been more open about her girlfriend. They live separately and have no plans to tie the know anytime soon. Difficult days such as finding out her diagnosis on the same day that her morning show topped the ratings for the first time. And her transplant was proceeded by her mother's death by only a few weeks. Luckily she has sisters.
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Spring has sprung
Such a delight to walk outside and see sprouts on the trees. Even on my dogwood about that I suspected of being dead the other day. OK, I only have ONE daffodil on all of those green sprouts in the back yard, but now I know they ARE supposed to be daffodils.
Under the Tuscan sun (book), by Frances Mayes - I REread this book in anticipation of trip to Italy this May. Getting in the mood for something old and charming. About a couple who buys an old house in Tuscany (wasn't it a SINGLE woman in the movie?) They spend a fortune on renovations and are back at work in California much of the time. Goes into detail about construction gone wrong and wonderful meals and exploring trips.
Tomorrow is Easter. Playing the chimes and singing three songs with the choir. Gotta come up with something pastel-like to wear. Looking forward to the flowers and perhaps a taste of Easter candy? Not so much fun since our local candy store went out of business.
Under the Tuscan sun (book), by Frances Mayes - I REread this book in anticipation of trip to Italy this May. Getting in the mood for something old and charming. About a couple who buys an old house in Tuscany (wasn't it a SINGLE woman in the movie?) They spend a fortune on renovations and are back at work in California much of the time. Goes into detail about construction gone wrong and wonderful meals and exploring trips.
Tomorrow is Easter. Playing the chimes and singing three songs with the choir. Gotta come up with something pastel-like to wear. Looking forward to the flowers and perhaps a taste of Easter candy? Not so much fun since our local candy store went out of business.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Bacon cupcakes?
Someone offered me a bacon cupcake, but I declined. Am trying to get back to my sensible eating because.....a woman I used to work with looks and feels FANTASTIC....I am going on a trip with much walking and MOUNTAINS.
I'm not much into April fool's pranks but here is what they did at my health club to the boss...put yellow crime tape across his door. When he opens the door to his office he will find it FULL of pink balloons. They were blowing up the balloons when I was there for exercise this AM.
Book of ages : the life and opinions of Jane Franklin, by Jill Lepore: A biography of the youngest sister of Benjamin Franklin. She lived a life quite in contrast to her brother and they did not spend much time together but did correspond throughout their lives. She was not very literate. She loved to read but had limited access to books. Her spelling was a bit iffy as she was never schooled. She spent her life bearing children, many of whom died young. She kept a Book of ages, wherein she recorded the births and deaths of family members.
Get rich carefully, by James J. Cramer: I like Jim Cramer and the way he yells his advice on the TV. The book is much more serious and I just scanned it for ideas about companies. There is no way I am going to take the time and energy required to be as careful as he is figuring out where to invest. I think that I would rather just follow his advice! He recommends listening to conference calls of CEO's and doing complicated charting.
The burglary : the discovery of J. Edgar Hoover's secret FBI, by Betty Medsger: This book was recommended by a friend and it all happened 40 years ago in Media, Pa. Really near me, but I didn't know any of the people. I was involved in the peace movement and the anti-war movement and these were the groups targeted by the FBI. The burglary brought to light the actions of the FBI quite reminiscent of the NSA revelations of today. The identity of the people involved in the burglary has remained secret for many years, but is exposed in this book. I still don't know any of them. Ended up skimming a bit near the end. I think I am more of a fiction person.
I'm not much into April fool's pranks but here is what they did at my health club to the boss...put yellow crime tape across his door. When he opens the door to his office he will find it FULL of pink balloons. They were blowing up the balloons when I was there for exercise this AM.
Book of ages : the life and opinions of Jane Franklin, by Jill Lepore: A biography of the youngest sister of Benjamin Franklin. She lived a life quite in contrast to her brother and they did not spend much time together but did correspond throughout their lives. She was not very literate. She loved to read but had limited access to books. Her spelling was a bit iffy as she was never schooled. She spent her life bearing children, many of whom died young. She kept a Book of ages, wherein she recorded the births and deaths of family members.
Get rich carefully, by James J. Cramer: I like Jim Cramer and the way he yells his advice on the TV. The book is much more serious and I just scanned it for ideas about companies. There is no way I am going to take the time and energy required to be as careful as he is figuring out where to invest. I think that I would rather just follow his advice! He recommends listening to conference calls of CEO's and doing complicated charting.
The burglary : the discovery of J. Edgar Hoover's secret FBI, by Betty Medsger: This book was recommended by a friend and it all happened 40 years ago in Media, Pa. Really near me, but I didn't know any of the people. I was involved in the peace movement and the anti-war movement and these were the groups targeted by the FBI. The burglary brought to light the actions of the FBI quite reminiscent of the NSA revelations of today. The identity of the people involved in the burglary has remained secret for many years, but is exposed in this book. I still don't know any of them. Ended up skimming a bit near the end. I think I am more of a fiction person.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Heartist in resonance
No, I didn't think that up. It was on a business card of two inspiring people I met this AM in a coffee shop. Interesting take-off on Artist in residence. So, the morning was very interesting, spent with 3 friends, my sisters and various other drop-ins. Some far out and thought provoking conversation. I'm so rigid, they are so free. They are traveling around the country doing whatever comes up between visits and events, spreading their message of peace and many additional new agey kinds of ideas. They are obviously very taken with each other and their message, so I got a bit of a high off of them. But I know I need structure in my life. I can make a prison out of being retired. I liked that the man asked me what is my passion instead of what do I do. Of course, I did not have a good answer to that query, but I liked it. Possible answer thought of later...."the gathering and spreading of information".
Happy American archives month. Forwarded a page of ideas to some history people that I hang out with. Learned about this celebration through the Rock and Roll museum in Cleveland.
I must be getting USED to this weather...drizzle and rain and gloom. I thought on my way to Millville today that the dripping sky looked somewhat BRIGHTER. Upon reviewing my calendar I noticed that last weekend I was complaining that the weather was too HOT and HUMID! Never happy, that is MOI.
Sitting here with my earbuds in and I forgot to dial up Youtube. Trying to block out the sounds of other people's music dribbling out around their headphones. Also the sound of TYPING can get annoying.
Happy American archives month. Forwarded a page of ideas to some history people that I hang out with. Learned about this celebration through the Rock and Roll museum in Cleveland.
I must be getting USED to this weather...drizzle and rain and gloom. I thought on my way to Millville today that the dripping sky looked somewhat BRIGHTER. Upon reviewing my calendar I noticed that last weekend I was complaining that the weather was too HOT and HUMID! Never happy, that is MOI.
Sitting here with my earbuds in and I forgot to dial up Youtube. Trying to block out the sounds of other people's music dribbling out around their headphones. Also the sound of TYPING can get annoying.
Monday, October 7, 2013
On the turntable
In my case, it is on YouTube....Listening to the top songs on iTunes to see if any of them are worth adding to my playlist on YouTube (I am too FRUGAL for iTunes). So far have only added Royals by Lorde. Enjoying my two hour stint on the public computers at the Cumberland County Library. Had to turn on the headphones due to the incessant re-dialing of the FAX machine. They put it on automatic redial and it redials immediately after it finishes dialing.
And it is REALLY loud.
Have accomplished yoga and getting online already. Can coast for the rest of the day. Even had a sociable coffee with friends down at the Cohansey Cafe in Bridgeton before yoga. Almost hesitate to buy coffee cause then I won't have an excuse to patronize my sister's cafe every weekday.
Rain today causing me great shock. We have been waking up to sunshine every day for weeks now. I even forgot about the fact that my roof leaks. Am too frugal to get new gutters and new windows. Can I get through another winter? Dreading it. Uncomfortable at home when it is real cold. Must plan some trips?
And it is REALLY loud.
Have accomplished yoga and getting online already. Can coast for the rest of the day. Even had a sociable coffee with friends down at the Cohansey Cafe in Bridgeton before yoga. Almost hesitate to buy coffee cause then I won't have an excuse to patronize my sister's cafe every weekday.
Rain today causing me great shock. We have been waking up to sunshine every day for weeks now. I even forgot about the fact that my roof leaks. Am too frugal to get new gutters and new windows. Can I get through another winter? Dreading it. Uncomfortable at home when it is real cold. Must plan some trips?
Friday, October 4, 2013
I was on my way to Morocco once
but I got waylaid in Barcelona (LAID being the operative word). I met a man in the park and ended up living with him for sixth months. Never did get to Morocco.
Another great story about people meeting online. I am listening to it. Not sure if I want to meet someone. I have gotten so unadventurous in my old age.
Today was going to be my EXCURSION day. I even have a FOLDER called excursions. I looked at the first 10 papers but could not decide. Have run out of energy, ideas and money. So am doing the same old, same old. Breakfast date, laptop hoboing, art opening tonight. There is something comforting about my routines.
Another great story about people meeting online. I am listening to it. Not sure if I want to meet someone. I have gotten so unadventurous in my old age.
Today was going to be my EXCURSION day. I even have a FOLDER called excursions. I looked at the first 10 papers but could not decide. Have run out of energy, ideas and money. So am doing the same old, same old. Breakfast date, laptop hoboing, art opening tonight. There is something comforting about my routines.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Aged goods
Spotted this sign on an abandoned bar as I drove through Millville, New Jersey, today. It used to say PACKAGED GOODS but the "pack" got torn off.
So happy whilst walking on the Ocean City boardwalk today. The sun! The breezes! The unseasonably warm weather! The polite and quiet people! I am so hating my town (Bridgeton) these days. I think I could live at the beach or somewhere far, far away from annoying people. So many beach towns within an hour of my house. But it seems more and more people are heading to Ocean City, America's family resort. Maybe because there are so many rentals there? Or because it is a dry town? Last September I was a bit lonely while renting there, but maybe it depends on my mood? I like peace and quiet and I am surrounded by LOUD people with bad grammar and lots of cursing. Also yapping dogs. Even if the dog is houses away from me, it bugs me to no end. I have this week taken to wearing earplugs but they don't help that much. And you can only use them when you AREN'T listening to NPR. Have added earplugs to my really long shopping list.
I guess the other alternative is to be home less. Or travel more. Or sleep elsewhere. Only slept away from home ONE NIGHT the whole summer.
So happy whilst walking on the Ocean City boardwalk today. The sun! The breezes! The unseasonably warm weather! The polite and quiet people! I am so hating my town (Bridgeton) these days. I think I could live at the beach or somewhere far, far away from annoying people. So many beach towns within an hour of my house. But it seems more and more people are heading to Ocean City, America's family resort. Maybe because there are so many rentals there? Or because it is a dry town? Last September I was a bit lonely while renting there, but maybe it depends on my mood? I like peace and quiet and I am surrounded by LOUD people with bad grammar and lots of cursing. Also yapping dogs. Even if the dog is houses away from me, it bugs me to no end. I have this week taken to wearing earplugs but they don't help that much. And you can only use them when you AREN'T listening to NPR. Have added earplugs to my really long shopping list.
I guess the other alternative is to be home less. Or travel more. Or sleep elsewhere. Only slept away from home ONE NIGHT the whole summer.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
What was that thought
I had a good thought today and was going to blog it. But now I have forgotten what it was. Perhaps I SHOULD get a phone upon which I can blog. Still procrastinating about the phone upgrade. Too many decisions involved. "Need" a new phone, perhaps a new provider and am reluctant to get into any two year contract.
Summer's last gasp today and tomorrow. Supposed to be over 93 degrees today. My comfort zone is under 80 degrees.
Went to the beach yesterday. Not so pleasant due to blowing sand. No bugs at least. Almost got too much sun, not quite. Had a delicious lunch at Yanni's. This was their third location, which I have never visited. I have lunched at the other two locations, one on the boardwalk and one in the library. The new 9th Street bridge is quite something but I do not enjoy driving that way due to the Beasley Point Bridge being out. The Ocean City bridge is full of walkers and bikers.
Summer's last gasp today and tomorrow. Supposed to be over 93 degrees today. My comfort zone is under 80 degrees.
Went to the beach yesterday. Not so pleasant due to blowing sand. No bugs at least. Almost got too much sun, not quite. Had a delicious lunch at Yanni's. This was their third location, which I have never visited. I have lunched at the other two locations, one on the boardwalk and one in the library. The new 9th Street bridge is quite something but I do not enjoy driving that way due to the Beasley Point Bridge being out. The Ocean City bridge is full of walkers and bikers.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
The best things
| A picture of the Ocean City beach from Google images |
2. NPR - being retired I get to listen to a lot more of it
3. YouTube - At least it works now that Playlist.com doesn't - I just listen, don't really need to WATCH
4. A nice air conditioned public library computer lab with generous time allowances (Ocean City Public Library)
5. I put up a picture on Facebook and got messages from some friends. One phone call and two beach house invitations! I guess Facebook is good for something.
I put a picture on Blogger. I should give credit where I stole it from. It is a cropped version of "Turtle play" by Hopper Hippee-art. I found it on art.com. I identify with the turtle as an animal. I feel that I am somewhat SLOW. But I like the idea of turtles at play. I am trying to become more playful. Someone today made a sea turtle in the sand. They made a sculpture of a turtle and covered the shell with SHELLS. Then they made the words Sea turtle out of broken twigs. Should have had my camera.
Tomorrow going on an excursion. Somewhat against my better judgement as I am driving into and out of New York City on a holiday (July 4th). Trying to seize the day. I don't get invitations that often. I prefer the path of least resistance, which is to stay home.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
I'm all museumed out
Getting ready to go home. Calling the taxi, checking in for the flight. Not too enthusiastic about leaving except to get a REST. And my pocketbook needs a rest too. Blow out final dinner tonight. I might get ALL the courses. For some reason, I always like what other people order better than what I order. OK, sometimes, I just order and I don't really know WHAT I am ordering. My friend keeps telling me they have a really good whatever at le Mouton blanc, where we are going tonight.
I love it when the weather forecast is WRONG. It was supposed to be raining and cold for the rest of the week, but today there has been rather a lot of sun and NO rain as of yet. I even got my Vitamin D bath.
15 minutes a day. I sat on a bench after our big lunch and before I entered the museum.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
It is not easy to use a French keyboard
Finally got online but it is not fun due to French keyboard. Letters are in the wrong place and punctuation is tres complique.
Je me debrouille vachement bien en general. I am doing not badly at figuring things out. I know how to buy a JETON for my 5 minute shower and how to ask for la note better than laddition? And how to make a phone call from my room and how to get a wake up call. It is great being able to walk around at night and feel safe. I am in a nice neighborhood with an artsy movie theater right across the street.
I had my first CREPE au buerre et sucre on the Rue Mouffetard and it did not disappoint!
Well, time is money so I gotta go...
Je me debrouille vachement bien en general. I am doing not badly at figuring things out. I know how to buy a JETON for my 5 minute shower and how to ask for la note better than laddition? And how to make a phone call from my room and how to get a wake up call. It is great being able to walk around at night and feel safe. I am in a nice neighborhood with an artsy movie theater right across the street.
I had my first CREPE au buerre et sucre on the Rue Mouffetard and it did not disappoint!
Well, time is money so I gotta go...
Monday, May 20, 2013
No, I'm NOT packed yet!
Like Christmas, or cooking dinner....my packing expands to fill all the available time. Here I am online when I still haven't ironed out my products nor my purse. Getting ready ahead of time is just a foreign concept to me. But the lack of being ready colors all of my time with a vague feeling of unease and dread. People say, "Have a great time!" and I just feel inadequate and worried. Sigh..... Here I am spending a LOT of money to go somewhere where it is colder and wetter.
Feel like I am going back into the dark ages. Having a non-technology vacation. Just a pencil, pen, yellow marker, black marker and a notebook.
Saw a great play yesterday called Bootycandy. About growing up gay and African American. Most of it was hilarious and inventive, with of course some serious, unpleasant stuff thrown in and the required naked man. There is always something to shock you at these plays I attend at the Wilma theater in Philadelphia.
Feel like I am going back into the dark ages. Having a non-technology vacation. Just a pencil, pen, yellow marker, black marker and a notebook.
Saw a great play yesterday called Bootycandy. About growing up gay and African American. Most of it was hilarious and inventive, with of course some serious, unpleasant stuff thrown in and the required naked man. There is always something to shock you at these plays I attend at the Wilma theater in Philadelphia.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Distracted driver
Yup, that's me. Here are some of the things I do in the car...
- Rummage for hand wipes
- Apply lip gloss
- Remove and replace audio books on CD
- Answer the phone or listen to my voice mail
- Look for napkins or kleenex buried somewhere near the passenger seat
- Get out paper and pen and write a list
- Try to get poorly functioning pen to function
Had to stop for a strawberry shortcake today. Totally wicked, but by the time I get back in town, strawberries may be DONE!?
Book review: Fodor's Paris 2011. OK, I KNOW it is 2013, but this is the most up-to-date one in the local libraries. I borrowed this one from the Vineland Public Library (914.4 Fod). I DID learn quite a bit from it and took five pages of notes. I think my mother told me to never take a library book on vacation in case you should lose it. I skipped over a lot of stuff on restaurants and shopping. I can't afford to shop HERE, so why should I do it in France? And how much effort do I want to go to to get to a restaurant I can't afford? I think I am more into the if-I-happen-to-run-into-it sort of voyager. Many helpful things in this book, like the best days to do this or that and that French people are going to be giving me the once over and that they don't like LOUD Americans. Neither do I! And info on telephone and the necessity of a lot of polite banter when coming and going. Book includes a large map. I am going to miss it, but I might buy a more up-to-date book or perhaps even a DIFFERENT book.
- Rummage for hand wipes
- Apply lip gloss
- Remove and replace audio books on CD
- Answer the phone or listen to my voice mail
- Look for napkins or kleenex buried somewhere near the passenger seat
- Get out paper and pen and write a list
- Try to get poorly functioning pen to function
Had to stop for a strawberry shortcake today. Totally wicked, but by the time I get back in town, strawberries may be DONE!?
Book review: Fodor's Paris 2011. OK, I KNOW it is 2013, but this is the most up-to-date one in the local libraries. I borrowed this one from the Vineland Public Library (914.4 Fod). I DID learn quite a bit from it and took five pages of notes. I think my mother told me to never take a library book on vacation in case you should lose it. I skipped over a lot of stuff on restaurants and shopping. I can't afford to shop HERE, so why should I do it in France? And how much effort do I want to go to to get to a restaurant I can't afford? I think I am more into the if-I-happen-to-run-into-it sort of voyager. Many helpful things in this book, like the best days to do this or that and that French people are going to be giving me the once over and that they don't like LOUD Americans. Neither do I! And info on telephone and the necessity of a lot of polite banter when coming and going. Book includes a large map. I am going to miss it, but I might buy a more up-to-date book or perhaps even a DIFFERENT book.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
What the hell version is this?
I swear these songs change on Playlist.com. Now I seem to be listening to a version of Halo on which Beyonce cannot even be heard! I am deleting it right now.
Didn't really understand the name of my new nail polish for this week, My boyfriend scales walls. So I couldn't even explain it to my Vietnamese nail technician. I looked it up and it is from the Spiderman collection. This wasn't really what I had in mind for Paris. The Guidebook recommended just clear polish but that is too extremely plain for me. They said that French women don't get French manicures. Neither do I! I was really looking for a very pale barely white.
Just registered for the Cancer prevention study 3. While I was filling out all of the forms was feeling bad cause my memory is so bad and I had to confess that I actually eat very few fruits and vegetables and that I spend an inordinate amound of time SITTING...reading, at the computer and driving my car. It was all so depressing that I had to come over to use the Internet and listen to music. Was not really in the mood for exercising. Especially because it is so HOT and humid today.
Am all stressed out due to upcoming trip(s). So many undone things. I haven't finished even ONE of the four books I was supposed to read before hand. And I realize I am RUNNING OUT OF TIME, to find things, buy things, prepare things,etc.
Audiobook review: Pimsleur basic French. Finished listening to these 5 CDs in the car. It was instructional and amusing. The conversations were silly and dumb with a great emphasis on eating, drinking and shopping. I did find them helpful for getting the feel for the language, and even though I am fluent in French, I couldn't always get it right. The pronunciation is the hardest part. There was a lot of repetition (sometimes TOO much). I borrowed these from the Vineland Public Library (448.342 Bas) because it was all CDs and no books, easier for me in the car. Had a great time laughing about the conversations with a friend on a long drive.
Didn't really understand the name of my new nail polish for this week, My boyfriend scales walls. So I couldn't even explain it to my Vietnamese nail technician. I looked it up and it is from the Spiderman collection. This wasn't really what I had in mind for Paris. The Guidebook recommended just clear polish but that is too extremely plain for me. They said that French women don't get French manicures. Neither do I! I was really looking for a very pale barely white.
Just registered for the Cancer prevention study 3. While I was filling out all of the forms was feeling bad cause my memory is so bad and I had to confess that I actually eat very few fruits and vegetables and that I spend an inordinate amound of time SITTING...reading, at the computer and driving my car. It was all so depressing that I had to come over to use the Internet and listen to music. Was not really in the mood for exercising. Especially because it is so HOT and humid today.
Am all stressed out due to upcoming trip(s). So many undone things. I haven't finished even ONE of the four books I was supposed to read before hand. And I realize I am RUNNING OUT OF TIME, to find things, buy things, prepare things,etc.
Audiobook review: Pimsleur basic French. Finished listening to these 5 CDs in the car. It was instructional and amusing. The conversations were silly and dumb with a great emphasis on eating, drinking and shopping. I did find them helpful for getting the feel for the language, and even though I am fluent in French, I couldn't always get it right. The pronunciation is the hardest part. There was a lot of repetition (sometimes TOO much). I borrowed these from the Vineland Public Library (448.342 Bas) because it was all CDs and no books, easier for me in the car. Had a great time laughing about the conversations with a friend on a long drive.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Bad travel dreams have started
Last night I dreamt that I missed the plane and also that I forgot my suitcase. Just went to visit a supremely organized friend of mine. She loaned me some Euros and told me about a few things to do in Paris off the beaten path. She has many travel purses and a list of what she has done every year in Paris and an ongoing list of THINGS TO DO there. I am feeling overwhelmed.
It is National Stroke awareness month. See if the person can SMILE and raise both arms over their head.
I seem to have been catapulted into a position today. Mostly a figurehead at this point. Just by hanging around. Possibility of a part-time temporary job.
Went out for a walk down the street in Greenwich today. Appreciating the quiet and the lack of traffic. Soon, the seasons of BUGS will start and I will no longer want to stroll outside. But, today, great smells and not too hot or cold.
It is National Stroke awareness month. See if the person can SMILE and raise both arms over their head.
I seem to have been catapulted into a position today. Mostly a figurehead at this point. Just by hanging around. Possibility of a part-time temporary job.
Went out for a walk down the street in Greenwich today. Appreciating the quiet and the lack of traffic. Soon, the seasons of BUGS will start and I will no longer want to stroll outside. But, today, great smells and not too hot or cold.
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