tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-229660572011-11-15T01:40:56.414-06:00Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.comBlogger1371100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-43539029075970429992011-03-05T03:30:00.017-06:002011-06-12T17:16:54.963-05:00

Capitalists are no more capable of self-sacrifice than a man is capable of lifting himself up by his own bootstraps. (Quote by - Vladimir Lenin)At some point here I'm going to have to admit that I don't really believe there is much value in performing something you see as sacrifice if you do it just for the sake of sacrifice. The spiritual benefits from sacrifice come from doing a selfless act

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-4570711670350726862011-03-04T23:01:00.009-06:002011-03-16T06:15:22.354-05:00

[Note: this is the first part of what I intend to be a two part post. Edits to this post may be made as the second half is finished and edited.]I've once again been trolling through some of my old blog posts (both published and unpublished) and marveling at the range of topics I've covered (is it still vanity if I can't even remember doing it?) In 2007 I wrote a blog post that dealt with a topic

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-62617065128999574622011-02-09T19:46:00.003-06:002011-02-09T19:50:20.619-06:00

I've spoken before about how the concepts of sacrifice and change towards healthier practices seem quite parallel through religion and numerous dietary protocols. I just read the following and was struck again by the similarity in how one thinks about sacrifice and change. "I think as vegans, often we think that we have already given up SO much just by going vegan. And it is true, we have given

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-18620842460000743272011-02-04T16:35:00.001-06:002011-02-04T16:37:52.171-06:00

I recall that when I was younger I thought it ridiculous that people would write letters to companies to voice their thoughts. I thought it was an antiquated notion to believe that a giant company would care about the tiny voice of the little old lady who sat down with her stationary and a shaky hand to tell them that she thought their old recipe tasted better, or that she didn't like the new

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-1145743271091128552010-10-23T13:04:00.001-05:002010-10-23T13:06:15.935-05:00

Countdown To NaNoWriMo 2010

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-68085041860151802172010-06-05T13:02:00.004-05:002010-06-05T15:08:37.978-05:00

So two years ago I got a new roommate and she and I shared a profound love of Chocolate. Yes, that sweet, mouth-coating,Aztecian delight "liked" by so many was oh so much more to us. We found ourselves making obscene "Mmmm"s and "Ohhh"s while indulging in our chocolate exploits in the kitchen and around the house. Then, one auspicious Saturday, as she arrived home in the midst of one of my

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-40307357898721273462010-03-26T12:55:00.000-05:002010-03-26T19:13:03.619-05:00

So my friend Chris recently posted a blog in which she talked about checking off to-do lists and about making lists of things already done. Kind of like a reverse bucket list, but not necessarily of "desired" items as much as major ones/unique items.I've thought about the things I've done, but would probably never sit down and tell anyone about them without feeling like I was bragging. But

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-32221136726485273962010-03-19T18:56:00.003-05:002010-03-19T19:07:01.665-05:00

I read this story today on the internet and really liked it. Somehow I related it to the fast I'm currently participating in. Sometimes you have to cut something out of your life completely to see the role it was playing. TWO WOLVESOne evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about abattle that goes on inside people. ...He said, "My son, the battle is betweentwo wolves inside us all. "One is

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-76499420559938540732010-03-03T07:11:00.003-06:002010-03-03T07:15:36.378-06:00

Please help me with a scientific experiment. My brother and I recently ran an experiment and we need a broader testing pool.Our hypothesis was that Dark Chocolate Covered Altoids would taste almost identical to York Peppermint Patties. We tried them in that order. We noticed flavors in the Patty we had never noticed before. Try it out and let me know what you discover.

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-75483117472808174292010-02-16T12:34:00.005-06:002010-02-16T12:46:05.851-06:00

I grabbed another small handful of blueberries and tossed them in my mouth, eating them while slicing up the half a banana remaining from my crepe adventures Saturday night. The sourdough came out of the toaster, got slathered with brie and went into the toaster oven. Butter sizzled in the skillet. Bananas added to the butter made a small hiss. Another mouthful of blueberries as I put the kettle

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-28103107457482174232010-02-01T16:50:00.004-06:002010-02-01T18:11:32.953-06:00

Last Tuesday. January 26th. Not a holiday, not an anniversary, not a particularly important day in any way. And yet... January 26th was a wonderful day for me. A turning point. The kind of day that inspires multiple short and incomplete sentences to flow forth from my pen (keyboard). I'm happy I had January 26th.The day was a wonderful balance of good and bad luck and a constant stream of

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-70803690071056891522010-01-22T12:12:00.000-06:002010-01-22T12:12:00.209-06:00

Magna res est vocis et silentii temperamentum --"The great thing is to know when to speak and when to keep quiet"Although it's an odd memory the "lesson" I learned from a guy named Patrick in college has remained with me. He was an interesting guy...the first person I really ever hung out with who was into recreational drugs (he often tried things that he didn't even know the name for). I learned

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-75030501969091264442010-01-21T14:29:00.003-06:002010-01-21T14:56:24.209-06:00

I'm looking to find a new job. So I looked through my wardrobe to figure out what I would wear on an interview and found it terribly lacking. Now the reason for my job search is that the past two years at my current job my pay has been woefully inadequate (as well as having expensive but useless health insurance) so I don't have a lot of money to spend for the old "you gotta spend $ to make $".

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-31985539666881318762010-01-11T16:52:00.004-06:002010-01-11T17:41:05.012-06:00

I learned the term "Paradigm Shift" when I read Steven Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" when I was around 16 years old. It has been lovely to note the times that my mind has suddenly found new perspective and, like a back-drop change in a theatrical play, I quickly adjust to a new setting. Today I had a moment while talking to a customer that did that shift for me. It is a

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-17208320080713499582009-10-26T17:03:00.000-05:002009-10-26T17:04:11.026-05:00

I had a friend over for a meeting at our apt last night and it was so funny...He looked around at all my sculpture and asked where I got it and seriously would not believe that I made it all. He just kept sputtering "but this is like...It's professional. You could...do you sell this?!"...my answer: "How much money have you got?"

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-58354578205294454632009-10-24T14:27:00.004-05:002010-01-11T17:59:44.997-06:00

Not myself: That's how I've been feeling. I occasionally hear myself say things and think that I've answered out of habit...as if I were playing the role of myself without actually being myself.Sometimes I feel I know myself pretty well, it's just I'm not always sure what to do with that info. But I've been feeling recently that "knowing" myself and "being" myself are almost contradictory--that

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-85201265374001673552009-10-23T11:41:00.006-05:002009-10-23T11:57:17.732-05:00

I was just watching Flash Forward and one of the character's AA sponsors was encouraging him to attend "a meeting". The character had his 7 year sobriety chip but was worried about a relapse. I thought about how people attending AA meetings are urged to go regularly. They have to recall and remember why it is they don't drink and what effect drinking had on their lives on a regular basis in order

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-23905340264818309002009-06-15T15:12:00.003-05:002011-03-04T22:02:35.194-06:00

Helpless should simply mean "without help" but, like most things, it's not that simple.My good friends at merriam-webster.com tell me that helpless is:1: lacking protection or support : defenseless2 a: marked by an inability to act or react b: not able to be controlled or restrainedI have been talking to a few friends lately about how out of control my life feels lately and the effect that it is

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-47202308465724277112009-05-10T13:15:00.003-05:002009-05-10T13:21:38.105-05:00

My dad was a remote control hog. Rarely could we persuade him to watch anything he wasn't interested in watching. As a consequence I grew up watching a lot of Star Trek and Doctor Who and National Geographic specials.When I got older Dad and I would sometimes go to the movies together. My last visit home with him last year it was fun to go see the new Indiana Jones Movie with him (having enjoyed

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-12079802158009450422009-05-06T18:10:00.002-05:002009-05-06T18:14:13.170-05:00

“I hate you” a love poem I hate when you don’t say “hello.”I hate when you turn from me to talk to someone else.I hate your sideways one-armed hug.I hate seeing your picture at parties I did not attend.I hate seeing you leave without a goodbye.I hate the inside jokes you have with other people.I hate that we’re only friends when we’re in the same place.I hate that you bring out a jealous side of

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-30182788182287953482009-02-10T16:52:00.001-06:002009-03-09T17:36:36.730-05:00

It's interesting to me that as humans we are often tested on certain things over and over again, and other things (often times the things we would consider the most important) are rarely tested. And the odd twist of this is that the skills needed for passing these important tests are often neglected or never learned. We neglect the bits we don't use as often. So while my abilities to demonstrate

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-84950336273709310322009-01-22T11:38:00.003-06:002009-01-22T11:42:43.266-06:00

Just a FYI in case anyone wonders why I am MIA...I have several things I'd like to write about/talk about but not much I want to blog about. It sounds odd, but I thought I would mention I've been writing blog posts and just not posting them because I don't think they are things I want public at this point. I may at some future time reveal them, but am a combination of too chicken and too

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-26466509853408823302009-01-07T16:38:00.002-06:002009-01-07T16:52:48.997-06:00

Wow, I hadn't really realized how long it had been since I had posted. I should at least add a few points to play catch-up.1st--I went home for Thanksgiving and spent a week in Westerville. Since my grandmother passed and they are planning on selling the home my mother was raised in (that my grandfather helped build) there was a large gathering for what is likely the last large gathering for

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-88628165696275950902008-11-09T10:55:00.003-06:002008-11-09T11:04:58.504-06:00

National Security (not to mention peace and prosperity) has a lot to do with the view the rest of the world has of us...and right now, I have a feeling a lot of the world is pretty proud of us. Not only for our historic participation in this election, or the newly found national enthusiasm for the political process (and our freedom and right to participate in it) that has so energized our people.

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-20729526497527722912008-11-04T14:44:00.004-06:002008-11-04T14:56:39.118-06:00

Still sad I didn't get a sticker, but then we do get a huge rally in Grant park, so I'll call it a draw.Every year when I go to vote I find issues on the ballot and positions up for grabs that I had no idea about. I always wish I could get the take home test in advance.I mean really: Water Reclamation District Commissioner? Who knew? But I DID do my research on judges again this year. If you

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-44181896103359494232008-10-27T12:05:00.004-05:002008-10-27T12:17:19.163-05:00

I thought my brother would be so proud...My Baby Yoda hat got honorable mention in a line up of the Best Star Wars inspired Knit Hats on Fandomania.com here.

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-57033036605017159872008-10-24T17:02:00.003-05:002008-10-24T17:26:35.527-05:00

So, um, I think too much. It's true, I've admitted it many a time. And yet I try to avoid it, I try to just lighten up and keep things from being bogged down from over-analysis. So I'm kind of torn on what I want to write for my novel this year. I have one idea and many different ways to see it through and, knowing I tend towards the most complicated of options I'm tempted to go the light and

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-33737363006956855932008-10-24T15:54:00.002-05:002008-10-24T17:01:09.357-05:00

I know some people believe in thoroughly planning a novel before they write it--I'm not one of them. I prefer the "Choose Your Own Adventure" where perhaps you've read a couple of the pages, know of a few events that will happen, possibly an endpoint you'd like to reach, and you might even know bits of the character or characters involved I hold that until you've actually written a character and

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-54345098418672881382008-10-20T21:10:00.002-05:002008-10-20T21:16:34.281-05:00

NaNoWriMo--National Novel Writing Month has, for the past 10 years, encouraged individuals to allow themselves to insanely undertake the furious writing of novels during the month of November. The goal is to write at least 50K words of your very own, original, never-seen-by-the-world-before novel. It's a fun, exciting, productive, and completely crazy undertaking that hundreds of thousands of

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-1975160697420170392008-10-01T19:58:00.005-05:002011-03-17T02:53:59.629-05:00

Yesterday I was supposed to have lunch with one friend visiting from Sweden and one friend visiting from LA...both were essentially canceled. So instead I stayed home and prepared for the 9 house guests I'll be hosting this weekend. I left the TV on while I did laundry, mopped the kitchen floor, swept, vacuumed, etc. This is far more television than I normally watch.Then, as it began getting late

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-191201471969401462008-09-26T18:42:00.003-05:002008-09-26T19:11:05.093-05:00

For tonight's presidential debate we'll be setting up a screen in the middle of a field.Democrats can sit on the right, Republicans on the left.Those in the Green Party can sit on the grass, while Libertarians can stand on their own two feet.Anarchists can, and will, stand in front of the screen, while Communists and Socialists try to convince Democrats and Republicans to share chairs with

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-26801782964270319452008-09-18T13:48:00.003-05:002008-09-18T13:53:32.322-05:00

I just got the following email, forwarded to me from my mother:Since coming to Maine, Allen and I have learned so much about the housing shortage here. There is a huge need for low income/affordable housing here. I calculated this morning that we have provided low income housing for at least 24 families (not including our own) and one small business, here in Maine. Allen has been researching

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-68448130316616723072008-09-08T21:20:00.000-05:002008-09-08T18:29:00.268-05:00

I've come to the realization recently that no matter what kind of promotion or additional work I'm offered at my current job I will not feel challenged. Certainly they can give me all sorts of things to do that will be stressful, and could keep me so busy I wouldn't have time to breathe, and I might think "Well finally, I'm being productive because I have a lot to do and I'm getting it done" and

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-90552691818538567982008-09-04T22:19:00.002-05:002008-09-04T22:27:30.740-05:00

How many times have I written this post?Really? I think at least once a year and often times more I just get the itch. I just feel like I want to jump ship or run away or whatever cliche expression you want to put to it. I feel lost: I don't know where I am and I don't know where I'm going--LOST. I look at jobs on job boards and can't find a single query that gives me any result I'd even vaguely

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-50393581691223789072008-09-01T11:31:00.002-05:002008-09-08T18:24:07.628-05:00

My father's birthday was/is/would be September 10th. I don't know if there is something I'm supposed to do. I kind of want to do something. I kind of wish I was in Ohio so I could bring flowers, or football scores, or something to his gravesite.Ideas anyone?Visit my other blog here

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-49984615275863744922008-08-11T17:28:00.003-05:002008-08-11T18:25:54.576-05:00

I'm really digging this online blog thing right now. First off because writing is a good way for me to organize my thoughts without being confessional. (I don't post all the things that I write and often just use this as the space for saving my thoughts). I also write far longer posts than I would if I were handwriting and I think the ease of editing on a computer together with the idea that it

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-34234779017458100182008-07-31T15:12:00.004-05:002008-07-31T16:25:45.803-05:00

I thought about posting something on a lighter note but I'm still pre-occupied with loss, so I thought I'd combine the two and document a few of the things that have made me laugh in the past month.1--Two days after my father died my mom was sitting on the couch and her phone rang with what was surely another person wanting to express their condolences. She turned off the ringer and sat and

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-11004967606407856172008-07-28T19:54:00.003-05:002008-07-28T20:34:07.125-05:00

Three years ago I had my first "real" run-in with loss--my grandfather died on July 4th. It really hit me hard and to this day I can get teary-eyed thinking about him.Three and a half weeks ago on July 1st my father unexpectantly died of a heart attack. A week ago on July 20th my grandmother passed. I won't tell you about all the feelings I've gone through. I can't. The words don't exist. As I

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-26492157248204261532008-07-21T19:59:00.003-05:002008-12-09T16:50:31.820-06:00

My brother's blog post kind of sums it up:July 100% Not FunIn a recent survey done by the Brown family of Westerville Ohio, July was overwhelmingly declared the least fun month of the year so far. (See graph below)Nate Brown was overheard saying, “I’m not really superstitious, but I’ll be happy when this month is over.”I think I freaked out the guy at the grocery store a bit today when he

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-17755231815641765472008-07-03T08:32:00.004-05:002008-07-03T10:10:04.401-05:00

So I've spent the last couple of days visiting cemetaries and funeral homes and my new 3 person family (my mom, my brother and I) are working on all the arrangements with an assorted army of people providing food and support from outside. I really disliked the lady at the cemetary who kept "selling wrong" and driving me crazy by repeatedly telling us they were the cheapest around (value FIRST

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-77892791167410358672008-07-01T23:19:00.000-05:002008-07-03T10:15:58.816-05:00

Me and my Dad Originally uploaded by iamsalad. My father passed away this morning. It was sudden and unexpected. It looks like it was a heart attack. I just flew home to Columbus and will be here for a while. I probably won't be answering my phone much for at least the next couple of days but feel free to leave a message if you like.

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-83263684626645399702008-06-30T15:09:00.004-05:002008-12-09T16:50:32.616-06:00

This man leaves me speechless. Had I been there for the actual event he wouldn't have gotten away with it and would probably have heard a bit about it from me. (Perhaps a good thing as he is a very large man and doesn't look too friendly).Now many of you know how much I HATE litterers. Drives me crazy. It is, to me, one of the most disrespectful acts I can imagine to throw your garbage on public

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-73340705264961132692008-06-30T14:58:00.001-05:002008-12-09T16:50:32.733-06:00

They must know me.

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-39163574314909801712008-06-27T18:47:00.002-05:002008-06-27T18:50:00.414-05:00

Sometimes I shudder to imagine paraphrasing or striving even to encapsulate my reaction to something.Please just go read Wendi's post. http://wendimomen.com/2008/06/27/curtains-to-curtains-the-new-path/Visit my other blog here

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-70005448475535851182008-06-23T13:20:00.002-05:002008-06-23T13:29:03.868-05:00

I've been trying to buy more environmentally conscious cleaning products over the past year, but with a huge inventory of the standard household cleaners left behind along with an incredibly gross accumulation of what I must imagine is YEARS of shower grime, I've been attacking the bathroom area and the bath/shower in my roommate's old room with gusto. And I am losing the battle. I've probably

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-50582526225890803182008-06-21T19:16:00.004-05:002008-06-21T19:22:50.341-05:00

In my transition into becoming one of those old ladies who writes letters when they're not happy about something I wrote to Panera Bread--one of my favorite restaurants for a quick soup and salad. I told them how disappointed I was that although so many of their procedures are earth-friendly (reusable dishes and flatware & paper lined trays instead of disposable items) I was a little put-off when

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-1349891198618530332008-06-21T18:27:00.002-05:002008-06-21T18:39:14.184-05:00

As close as I can figure, since my roommate moved out I(and a few others who have helped) cleared out:Over 25 bags of garbage and recycling (probably about 17:8)2 Dressers3 Side tables1 Bookcase2 Director Chair frames1 Minivan and 2 carloads of belongings to Goodwill.There is still a "small" (2'x3'x3') pile of stuff to be sorted through, a few boxes that other friends are supposed to pick-up, 1/2

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-13221323225605973602008-06-19T20:14:00.002-05:002008-06-19T20:18:21.241-05:00

In helping me clear out the junk of the last roommate I've already taken the new roommate to the recycling center, informed her of what I do and don't bluebag (Glass and paper tend to rip bags and be broken by compacting garbage trucks and are best brought to drop off sites while plastics #1&#2 and tin and aluminum should be fairly easy to sort out from single stream garbage pick-up). She's even

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-35639860557490998032008-06-19T20:06:00.002-05:002008-06-19T20:11:54.152-05:00

So....having survived the scourge of dust and junk laid upon me by my old roommate and having successfully passed up on taking various items that I "kinda, sorta, maybe might like to have" and instead sending the lot on to Goodwill, I am now in the midst of transporting my belongings from one room to another and am trying to find things to lose along the way. Along those lines I bring you a handy

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-3966934842465253952008-06-12T17:52:00.002-05:002008-06-12T18:51:43.228-05:00

Maybe it's just that you don't notice when one stress comes at a time because you can handle it and move on, but it seems sometimes that you never get one stress at a time you get a handful that all pile up at once.I consider myself pretty laid back. Most people consider me fairly laid back. Most of the time I put off making plans or promises because I like to kind of go with the flow or make

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-39926556455464963912008-04-13T17:18:00.003-05:002008-06-12T17:52:42.701-05:00

From a cool article on the renovation of an old farmhouse using as much 19th century technology and know-how as possible:Architect Marina Huissoon tells the Star that people used to only heat the rooms they were occupying rather than the modern wasteful habit of heating the whole house. "We looked at the way the original settlers lived and tried to bring those concepts forward. "Huissoon notes

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-40740323016640191662008-04-12T18:22:00.005-05:002008-06-04T01:43:31.626-05:00

So where was I? Right...I was feeling guilt over my consumerism, my consumption, my needless purchasing of things that I thought little to nothing of and of which I had never even stopped to consider all the "real" costs.In my last post I mentioned all the time I've spent NOT shopping. Although I was surprised at how much time that actually was I have since found out that I am far FAR below

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-89342795711871182302008-04-01T18:39:00.004-05:002008-04-01T20:19:50.021-05:00

So all my piracy has left me with a large gap in my life...no, it's not the lack of human contact, that was there already. The large gap was/is the time I'm spending NOT shopping.Now you are probably thinking horrid thoughts about how much I must have BEEN shopping in order to now have so much time filled with non-shopping. All perfectly deserved, but even so, I was never as high an offender as

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-12070388029348843282008-04-01T17:50:00.004-05:002008-04-01T18:39:12.348-05:00

I've had so much to say and have been thinking about blogging for several weeks about several different subjects but have seemed too busy to do so,and now (as I wait for the work day to be over so that I can begin packing for vacation) I find myself wanting to fill the time and wanting to "be busy".But as I said, it's several different subjects, so I may not write on them all, I may defer posting

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-77653449476247092462008-02-16T16:04:00.002-06:002008-02-16T16:30:32.200-06:00

Wow, where have I been? I've never even heard of the Popsicle index, but I'm totally blown away by how simple and yet profound it seems. Have you heard of it? Read up on it here:http://www.fromthewilderness.com/free/economy/popsicle_index.htmlI thought the points about the community vs. corporation equity handicap was particularly interesting, as was how everyone gains in both financial and

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-49377954234279782292008-02-02T19:02:00.001-06:002008-02-02T19:11:42.714-06:00

The other day my friend commented that I probably "don't even have any junk food in your house". It's true, I ate it all. I try to keep from buying it because I know that if I do the end result will be that I will eat it... all of it...and probably in one sitting. I try to avoid that, and not having it is a great way of avoiding it. So when I get a craving for junk what happens? I cook, prepare,

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-56956644785304251762008-01-01T12:34:00.000-06:002008-12-09T16:50:32.825-06:00

I've known Mara since we were young teens, or possibly earlier. Then, in college we were roomates for a year...well, a year cut short by her getting married. During our time together I got to know her and got to know her amazing family through her love for them. I spent some time with her and her mother through that year and saw one of the strongest similarities between mother and daughter that I

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-63698575516878509452007-12-10T21:20:00.000-06:002007-12-10T21:25:12.728-06:00

I have always believed in using proper grammar and have had the normal cringes at the wrong uses of "their/there/they're" or "it/it's" and all of the other obvious common errors, but having just worked on my fourth Nanowrimo novel I realized how much more focused and thoughtful I am of my grammar and writing these days. I think I have crossed over some line where now I feel completely uneducated

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-76927820450922579672007-12-08T11:59:00.000-06:002007-12-09T16:35:02.832-06:00

So in a couple of lovely nerdy conversations I have had recently people were recounting their favorite words. There were some interesting choices: DiscombobulationDefenestrationEsoteric Bunnyand a few others that I didn't know and apparently still don't, as I can't really remember them. But there was one that stuck in my mind as a new word with definite possibilites:ekphrasis Main Entry: ek·

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-23532602491589549622007-11-30T01:36:00.000-06:002007-11-30T01:38:28.286-06:00

THINK ABOUT IT...Visit my other blog here

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-35940344510075184662007-11-18T23:05:00.000-06:002007-11-18T23:13:11.839-06:00

Things I've researched for this novel that I'd never thought I'd research:--How Paternity is listed/changed/noted on birth certificates--Genus and Family for Pigs--German Last Names and their meanings--Common Boy's First names and their meanings for letters "A" & "B"--Origins/variations and complete backgrounds for : Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel & Gretel, and The three little pigs,

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-46328744137575666992007-11-18T21:59:00.000-06:002007-11-18T22:11:15.460-06:00

Nano Graph Originally uploaded by iamsalad. I passed the halfway point and am edging ever closer to the status quo.Visit my other blog here

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-42103623008534158902007-11-12T20:16:00.000-06:002008-12-09T16:50:33.052-06:00

Inspirational!First Women: Dorothy W. NelsonSubmitted by Judge Dorothy Nelson on 6 February 2007 - 3:13pm.It is an honor to participate in the “First Women Lawyers” series of Ms. JD. I am particularly happy to do so in the company of Professor Barbara Babcock, one of the most admired and distinguished members of our profession. She is a marvelous mentor to her female law students, many of whom I

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-76051602732679046032007-11-07T22:51:00.000-06:002007-11-07T23:02:32.867-06:00

So I got the late night munchies and came up with this recipe for a nearly guilt free snack (E2L people will note the salt and fat content may be a bit high for regular consumption, but still within guidelines if you only have it once in the day).1/2 lb frozen whole leaf spinach (I prefer this over chopped, but either should work, and fresh should work as well)1T Raw cashew butter1/2t. Braggs

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-54801065588880974822007-11-06T22:45:00.000-06:002007-11-06T22:56:12.909-06:00

Although I planned on spending the day knitting a friend of mine called me and asked if I wanted to try to win tickets to "Wicked" for the evening. (There is a drawing every night and usually around 20 people win rights to pairs of tickets for the show that they can purchase for $25each)We went and, being a Tuesday, the turnout was low. So for $25 each we sat second row center in seats that

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-30035993775230505902007-11-02T21:50:00.000-05:002007-11-02T21:54:34.171-05:00

Nanowrimo will be taking over my life for this month so it would be nice to say "you won't see me blogging much" but as with all the busy, hectic times in my life, it is quite likely you will find me procrastinating by way of my other activities and hobbies. My novel this year is a modern adaptation of the characters and plotlines set out in Little Red Riding hood and a couple of other fairy

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-18989565971123103352007-09-09T20:16:00.000-05:002007-10-22T18:06:08.556-05:00

I occassionally save a blog post either so that it cannot be linked to a particular event or person, or because I'm not sure the thought is really complete. I also occassionally review previous posts. This post is both a review and something that I've held off posting for quite a while to see if the perspective is valid. I'm not sure it is completely my thoughts for TODAY, but I'm finally putting

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-81201044084310109792007-09-09T16:45:00.000-05:002007-09-09T20:06:49.064-05:00

"In truly compatible relationships, love deepens further between partners through cycles of self-discovery and then rediscovery of each other. Over and over again, they fall in love in slightly different ways, reaffirming their shared commitment toward the relationship they share.""Your type IS someone who… * Excites you * Shares your core values, core traits and relationship skills *

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-53345230638959204502007-09-06T12:50:00.000-05:002007-09-06T12:50:16.049-05:00

I've considered myself an artist for most of my life. I started at art school when I was something like 10yrs old. I spent five years studying art at the University of Cincinnati and ended up getting a college degree in Fine Arts with an emphasis in sculpture. But while in college I got into dance as well. And when I say "got into" it wasn't some passing hobby that I participated in from time to

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-49660764747371521342007-08-22T17:07:00.000-05:002007-12-27T21:15:47.312-06:00

quiescent \kwy-ESS-unt\ adjective *1 : marked by inactivity or repose : tranquilly at rest 2 : causing no trouble or symptomsExample sentence: The storm was over, and the quiescent waters betrayed no sign of yesterday's turbulence.Visit my other blog here

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-54340330109330627622007-08-17T19:01:00.000-05:002007-08-17T19:56:02.667-05:00

It seems to me as if the idea of freeing oneself of attachment--through restraint, moderation, self-control and avoidance of temption, and, in doing so, living a life in a state of peace and meditation was really one of the central messages taught by Buddha. (although I'll be the first to admit I don't know nearly enough about Buddhism to warrent my claiming to know its teachings well.)These

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-85176309177713807102007-08-10T16:56:00.000-05:002007-08-30T18:48:48.231-05:00

Stephanie Dornbrook often includes in her posts the names or lyrics of songs that pop into her head and won't come out...I currently have some lyrics on loop that are from a song of my parents generation. It's particularly frustrating as I cannot for the life of me come up with more than the single line: "Because it's eeeea-sier, easier said than done." There is a little more tinkling of melody

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-43267493696459165252007-08-05T19:30:00.000-05:002007-08-05T19:32:52.454-05:00

Feeling lost? Don't know your place in the world?...the solar system?...the universe?...the entire history of sentient beings?Check out the blog post here and start your day anew.Visit my other blog here

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-63066998525112184612007-08-01T22:30:00.000-05:002007-08-03T11:40:00.855-05:00

So some who have been around me already know that I've been on a pretty strict diet. It is based on numerous studies showing, time and time again, evidence that a diet with little to no animal products, a high level of green vegetables and legumes, and a limited amounts of whole grains and nuts will lead to a healthier, longer life with less likelihood of cancer or heart disease. For the first

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-66501783637167226362007-07-26T16:11:00.001-05:002007-08-02T21:16:02.884-05:00

Geeky/Cool Jumpsuit Originally uploaded by iamsalad. Awww yeah! Those skydiving outfits sure are attractive! Doesn't really matter though, the fun in the air is what makes it worthwhile, whatever you're wearing. I did my second tandem jump this time, and should I choose to, I could do a solo jump for my next trip (although it requires and 8 hour class first.)

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-91779336470696275922007-07-25T18:09:00.000-05:002007-08-02T21:16:02.884-05:00

Guess what I did today? It involved a H.A.T. Check, a special outfit, and my ears are still cracking a bit hours later. Visit my other blog here

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-65296160803004824772007-07-21T17:13:00.000-05:002007-08-02T21:25:53.458-05:00

!!!SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!SPOILER ALERT!!!I got the book at 12:01 and read the first chapter in my car. I got home at about 12:30 and exchanged a couple of phone calls with Shannon and Nate, my fellow readers. I determined a little ways in that, as I

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-66028327338086330952007-07-20T19:32:00.000-05:002008-12-09T16:50:33.741-06:00

Marilyn Manson= love child of...Severus Snape and Lord Voldemort

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-68247348057869857742007-07-19T14:30:00.000-05:002007-08-02T21:25:33.585-05:00

Other things I'm wondering about that I haven't seen much talk on or don't have any real beliefs in the theories I've seen:-Colin and Dennis Creevy--outside of being adoring fans, will they play some role?-Filch & the Librarian-We found out in GOF that the Weasleys live near the Diggorys, the Lovegoods, and the Fawcetts--do wizards never visit their neighbors? Does Apparating make everyone your

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-62993253663516763212007-07-19T14:16:00.001-05:002007-08-02T21:25:33.585-05:00

mizz_moony_luver on The Leaky Cauldron has my favorite theory so far...Looking at the two book rule (As in, how something new introduced in one book shows up as something phenomenally important in next, next one. Such Animagi in book one and three, and Polyjuice Potion in books two and four and so on.) I'd like to duly note that the new "thing" introduced in book five was Metamorphmagi. Following

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-68490549875022968492007-07-19T13:56:00.000-05:002007-08-02T21:25:33.585-05:00

Jo has said that the secret dies with the secret keeper. But we also know that people who already know where a place is before the secret is made can still find a place --otherwise Sirius would not have been able to rush to the Potter's home after finding out about Pettigrew's betrayal. But if the place was indeed kept secret even after the secret keepers death how would Harry be able to return

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-67801374504342932542007-07-19T13:31:00.000-05:002007-08-02T21:25:33.585-05:00

So you remember the comment in the Quibbler about Sirius (that Luna Lovegood later referenced) about Sirius actually being Stubby Boardman, the lead singer in the popular wizarding group The Hobgoblins?After seeing Voldemort in the most recent movie dressed in lovely Armani Muggle-wear I've decided he is actually just upset that his back story is that he could not make it into the Weird Sisters

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-25958874137733751372007-07-13T20:23:00.000-05:002007-07-13T21:34:55.962-05:00

There are a number of theories floating around the Interweb about Harry Potter, and things that will be revealed in the next book. There are also a number of interesting questions JK Rowling has raised. Here are a few of my favorite theories and questions and my stand on them:Lily and Snape:The theory is that Snape loved Lily--whether she loved him back or not is also in question. Evidence

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-35984599825037579692007-07-13T20:09:00.001-05:002007-08-02T21:25:33.586-05:00

So I might as well post my theories before the book comes out so I can either gloat or laugh at them later.JK Rowling has said that the one question she has never been asked but always thought she should be asked is WHY Dumbledore had James Potter's Invisibility Cloak. She has said the answer is very important, even Crucial to the story. edited to add: JKR has also said James inherited the cloak

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-4486921777499815332007-05-16T21:43:00.000-05:002007-08-02T21:17:09.247-05:00

I was riding on a Megabus yesterday that broke down. We spent almost 4 hours at a truckstop and I learned about the lives and jobs of half a dozen people. Everyone was taking it in stride and only one person complained loudly about the situation. I'm always amazed when I find myself surrounded by small groups of seemingly random people at how well they oftentimes all get along. My knitting groups

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-52109178563495357842007-02-15T15:41:00.002-06:002011-06-12T16:19:19.567-05:00

I've been having an interesting discussion with someone in regards to spirituality, religion and religious laws. It got me really thinking about the analogies of other things that are governed by laws and rules and how those rules can be bent, broken, or used, and to what effect. Here is a bit of that conversation...p-I'm saying that religion is a tool to access spirituality...v-I have a slightly

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-1164956296838465552006-12-01T00:55:00.000-06:002007-08-02T21:26:53.902-05:00

50,000 words in about 15 wrigiting days. adn 6K today. I can't ype.My wrists hurt. i'm going ot bed now.Visit my other blog here

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-1164567476497537372006-11-26T12:51:00.001-06:002008-09-08T21:37:11.112-05:00

I read few of the stories of the 50 Women to Watch from the Wall Street Journal. Some inspiring stuff in there. I really enjoyed the article on Melinda Gates. They really give her some high praise on her ability to mix humility, grace and gravitas. I was particularly struck by the following:Nor does Ms. Gates, born a Roman Catholic, publicly discuss her faith. Her speech in Toronto, though,

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-1164430386011246432006-11-24T22:47:00.000-06:002007-08-02T21:26:53.902-05:00

If you like what Nanowrimo does, and would like to help them out, or help them help build libraries in Vietnam, please visit Nanowrimo and make a donation or a purchase. Yay!P.S. I'm way behind, but I passed 25,000 words and 53 pages today! (Times New Roman, single spaced, 12pt, normal template margins)

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-1164408657658283442006-11-24T16:49:00.000-06:002006-11-24T16:50:57.670-06:00

I hope everyone had a Happy day with Family or Friends and that you all have plenty to be thankful for this year and in the year to come!Visit my other blog here

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-1163903469127844172006-11-18T19:14:00.001-06:002008-09-08T21:35:58.700-05:00

Happy Birthday to the National Organization of Women, who turned 40 today!Also, a nice discussion on "Female Chauvinist Pigs" on SlateVisit my other blog here

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-1163870125579565952006-11-18T10:54:00.000-06:002007-08-02T21:26:53.902-05:00

On a lighter note:I passed 15,000 words on my novel yesterday!!!! Yippee!Still about 15,000 words behind, but I'm closing the gap!Want a peek into my novel?I'll give you the skinny:Right now-The narrator just made a funny remark about asymetrical boobs, and she rec'd an odd package in the mail but hasn't opened it yet-Sara's boss just died. She also recieved an odd package, but isn't going to

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-1163637566632230082006-11-15T16:07:00.003-06:002008-09-08T21:35:11.747-05:00

I'm reading "Female Chauvinist Pigs: Women and the Rise of Raunch Culture" by Ariel Levy right now, and it's really hitting on a lot of the things that have been bothering me lately. I know I posted recently about the "Identifying" t-shirts women are wearing that bother me, as girls identify themselves as sexual or as some type of gender stereotype. I've also posted about how it feels as if the

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-1162940789051148812006-11-07T16:56:00.000-06:002006-11-07T17:06:29.063-06:00

I used to get a sticker saying that I voted. It made me feel special. It was like the sticker they give you when you give blood, a little badge of courage and pride to wear for the day to show other people that you care, and encourage them to care too. I miss my sticker. Today I got a "reciept" which I thought is probably just a hall pass for those who have to get out of work to vote. Reciepts

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-1162366408527153072006-11-01T01:17:00.000-06:002007-08-03T11:32:46.493-05:00

Valerie,I feel it necessary to write this so that you can see it in print and have something to remind you should you need reminding. I'm putting it in public so that you have no chance of refuting it later. I know it is hard, but it's for your own good. I want you to remember that it is NOT okay to let your friends do things that hurt your feelings. You have fairly thick skin, and are quite

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-1160958366062724192006-10-15T19:17:00.001-05:002008-09-08T21:33:12.782-05:00

Interesting article on the T-shirts many of the young folk are wearing these days. Here are a couple excerpts:Call it rude, call it crude, call it the latest sign of civilization’s decline — there is no escaping message Ts.Some are harmless. JCPenney sells T-shirts that say “Be happy” and “Looking for my prince.” Some are ironic: “You couldn’t afford my expensive taste” is the message on a

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-1160954319716267862006-10-15T18:17:00.001-05:002008-09-08T21:30:56.460-05:00

Rich caught a photo of me dancing with Adeoye at Green Dolphin Wednesday. Sure you can't see my face, but I still think it's a great shot!Visit my other blog here

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-1160703881896852462006-10-12T20:42:00.001-05:002008-09-08T21:30:18.139-05:00

Hey look, some people agree with me:I was well-prepared for a career as a journalist, but I was sadly ill-prepared for a career as a strong, solid woman, with all the gifts and capacities that that word once implied. The character traits I should have been cultivating were neglected in favor of ever-stronger intellectual skills, and as a result I've spent the past few years playing catch-up.

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-1159838952007084722006-10-02T20:11:00.001-05:002008-09-08T21:26:40.369-05:00

My cousin Aaron died about a month ago, and my Great Uncle Stu died last night. I haven't had any other friends or family die since July 4th a year ago when my grandfather died. Having two people die in such close proximity to each other has had me saying prayers for death and healing a lot more frequently than usual, and really thinking more about the importance of friends, family, and community

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22966057.post-1159548297025882022006-09-29T11:39:00.001-05:002008-09-08T21:24:05.383-05:00

The Chastity thread got a bit sidetracked when someone came in and called everyone "sheep" without personal philosophy for both believing in God and believing that a human could bring the word of God. He then admitted to being "influenced" by people such as Nietzshce although believes his philosophy is his own. I was just skimming over the debate but cracked up when I read the following:From "Joe

Valeriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09214816063769780489noreply@blogger.com0