Saturday, December 27, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas Eve Campaign
Every year I've celebrated a tradition of opening one present on Christmas Eve. However, part of the tradition was the fact that the opening of a present wasn't a given - it had to be earned through steady manipulation of my father.
On Christmas Eve morning, my brothers and I would begin our campaign on our father, beginning with big hugs and shouts of "It's Christmas Eve! We get to open a present!" Pat would then respond gruffly "Of course you can't open a present!" We would then give him sad eyes and plead. "No," he'd say, "You're not opening a present today, and that's final!"
And thus it continued for the whole day. We'd snuggle into his lap and say "please Papa, just one little present?" He'd always respond no, until right before bed, when he'd finally give in and, with shouts of glee, Jordan, Logan and I would each tear into one present. Afterward, we'd give Pat more hugs and tell him what a wonderful, generous father he is. He totally ate it up.
Now that I've left the home and am married to Taylor, my Christmas Eve campaign continues. Taylor's a harder nut to crack, however, because he can't play the Bountiful Father like Pat, so I have to try a different angle.
Taylor's really big on traditions, so I stress for a week before Christmas how my favorite family memory was the opening of one present. Taylor then says that it's important that we start our own family traditions. I then respond by saying my family has hardly any traditions and he can't take away the one that we consistently celebrated. Taylor then ignores me.
But, so far in three Christmases together, I've won. I'm going four for four this year!
On Christmas Eve morning, my brothers and I would begin our campaign on our father, beginning with big hugs and shouts of "It's Christmas Eve! We get to open a present!" Pat would then respond gruffly "Of course you can't open a present!" We would then give him sad eyes and plead. "No," he'd say, "You're not opening a present today, and that's final!"
And thus it continued for the whole day. We'd snuggle into his lap and say "please Papa, just one little present?" He'd always respond no, until right before bed, when he'd finally give in and, with shouts of glee, Jordan, Logan and I would each tear into one present. Afterward, we'd give Pat more hugs and tell him what a wonderful, generous father he is. He totally ate it up.
Now that I've left the home and am married to Taylor, my Christmas Eve campaign continues. Taylor's a harder nut to crack, however, because he can't play the Bountiful Father like Pat, so I have to try a different angle.
Taylor's really big on traditions, so I stress for a week before Christmas how my favorite family memory was the opening of one present. Taylor then says that it's important that we start our own family traditions. I then respond by saying my family has hardly any traditions and he can't take away the one that we consistently celebrated. Taylor then ignores me.
But, so far in three Christmases together, I've won. I'm going four for four this year!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Snow Storm 2008 Update
This snow is still going strong! I shoveled our sidewalks, but they're filled with snow again. :(
I've really glad I bought that extra pound of coffee.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Snow Storm Update
I'm guesstimating that about 10 inches of snow has fallen, but it's hard to tell, since the wind has created drifts. Some parts of our yard are up to 14 inches deep and other parts have barely a dusting of snow.
Below is a captioned picture of my pets' reaction to the snow.
This is a slide show of all the snow so far. It's still going strong, and notice how the snow is darting horizontally in the pictures! Wild!
Snow Storm!
A big storm is on it's way into Boston - the weather reports say that we can expect up to 12 inches of snow tonight and more over the weekend.
Naturally, in the calm before the storm everyone is freaking out and stocking up on bread, milk, and battery chargers for their cell phones. I shouldn't judge too harshly, since I think this is a reaction to the snow disaster we had last year, when everyone ignored the weather reports and all tried to leave work at the same time when the storm struck.
Taylor and I took stock of our winter survival gear, and realized that we have no shovels, rock salt, ice scrapers or windshield wiper fluid. While Taylor went to work, I traveled around Quincy picking up we needed. Unlike apartments, houses don't come with people who shovel the snow for you.
I also picked up an extra pound of coffee, and am waiting in my warm and cozy house for the first flakes to start falling.
The best weather quote I heard today: "The clouds don't look like they're doing much, but they're working themselves up to it."
Naturally, in the calm before the storm everyone is freaking out and stocking up on bread, milk, and battery chargers for their cell phones. I shouldn't judge too harshly, since I think this is a reaction to the snow disaster we had last year, when everyone ignored the weather reports and all tried to leave work at the same time when the storm struck.
Taylor and I took stock of our winter survival gear, and realized that we have no shovels, rock salt, ice scrapers or windshield wiper fluid. While Taylor went to work, I traveled around Quincy picking up we needed. Unlike apartments, houses don't come with people who shovel the snow for you.
I also picked up an extra pound of coffee, and am waiting in my warm and cozy house for the first flakes to start falling.
The best weather quote I heard today: "The clouds don't look like they're doing much, but they're working themselves up to it."
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Malls at Christmas
I thought I'd take advantage of my unemployed state to head to the mall today to do an exchange of a present I bought for Taylor. Earlier that morning he and I used a gift card given to me by my parents to order some movies, and he happened to pick a movie I already bought. I tried to dissuade him to no avail. After all, I couldn't go right out and say "Don't order that movie, you dummy, because I already bought it and it's hiding in my pantie drawer!" Like I need to give him anymore reasons to go into my drawers.
I thought that, since most people are working, I would have a pretty easy time navigating the mall. What a fool I was. I should have known that there is a population of people just like me: unemployed but still like to spend money.
All rules that normally apply to social interactions fly out the window when you're searching for mall parking spot. People cut in front of each other. Eye contact is made and maintained as drivers mentally contend for the same spot. Hitting pedestrians is not only acceptable but encouraged. Stalking someone is no longer creepy, it's a smart move to ensure you get their spot. I sometimes wonder if some people, knowing that another is waiting for them to vacate, don't purposely take longer than usual to leave. They kick their tires, open their hoods and check their oil levels. Uh-oh, too low. Gotta get the oil bottle out of the trunk and top it off. Re-check the oil level. That's better. Get inside the car. Take care in buckling the seatbelt, now have to adjust the mirrors, first the left side, then the right side, now the rear view mirror - can't be too careful!
By this time, the other driver has given up and the mall has closed anyway.
All the same, I managed to find a parking spot in a neighboring zip code, battle the lines, be sent to three difference customer service managers, and exchange the movie for another of equal or lessor value. Flushed with victory, I am now ready to face the ultimate holiday nightmare: Wal-Mart.
But I'll do it tomorrow.
I thought that, since most people are working, I would have a pretty easy time navigating the mall. What a fool I was. I should have known that there is a population of people just like me: unemployed but still like to spend money.
All rules that normally apply to social interactions fly out the window when you're searching for mall parking spot. People cut in front of each other. Eye contact is made and maintained as drivers mentally contend for the same spot. Hitting pedestrians is not only acceptable but encouraged. Stalking someone is no longer creepy, it's a smart move to ensure you get their spot. I sometimes wonder if some people, knowing that another is waiting for them to vacate, don't purposely take longer than usual to leave. They kick their tires, open their hoods and check their oil levels. Uh-oh, too low. Gotta get the oil bottle out of the trunk and top it off. Re-check the oil level. That's better. Get inside the car. Take care in buckling the seatbelt, now have to adjust the mirrors, first the left side, then the right side, now the rear view mirror - can't be too careful!
By this time, the other driver has given up and the mall has closed anyway.
All the same, I managed to find a parking spot in a neighboring zip code, battle the lines, be sent to three difference customer service managers, and exchange the movie for another of equal or lessor value. Flushed with victory, I am now ready to face the ultimate holiday nightmare: Wal-Mart.
But I'll do it tomorrow.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
First Snow of 2008
A little late in being posted, but this was our first snow! It's gone now, but being New England I'm pretty confident that it will be back again soon.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Speaking of interviews ...
I got called in to do a second interview with the architectural firm! Yay and praise God!
The Interview Process
One of the most difficult parts about going to interviews is the feeling that I'm not being entirely honest. They say that the job of the interviewee is to sell herself (figuratively speaking of course. The literal selling of oneself is illegal in most states except Nevada). That's well and good, but I don't want to be accused of false advertising.
For example, I say that I am hard-working, diligent, dependable etc., but the reality is I like to believe I am these things; I often fall short. That honesty, however, doesn't work so well during the interview process.
"Meghan, would you say you are detail-oriented?"
"Well, I would say that I can pay attention to details, like when I re-read Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and compared its to The Half Blood Prince and I really picked up on some nuances that I missed before - oh, you mean like, accounting and math and stuff. No, that's boring. "
One of the things I learned in my last job is the importance of managing customers' expectations, such as quickly squashing the notion that they can hire a contractor to remodel their entire home for only thirty-five grand. I feel I should somehow incorporate this principle into my interviews so I can make sure I'm as good a fit as possible for a new company.
"To be frank, I'm really not interested in putting in an ounce of overtime, thank you."
"No, I wouldn't describe myself as a 'team player.'"
"Sure I'm friendly, but only after I've had my 3rd shot of espresso, ya know what I mean?"
On the other hand, I do want to be able to pay my mortgage, so perhaps the real expectations I should be setting are the ones for myself. I can be hard-working! I can be diligent! I can be dependable! Just not for less than $35,000 a year, okay?
For example, I say that I am hard-working, diligent, dependable etc., but the reality is I like to believe I am these things; I often fall short. That honesty, however, doesn't work so well during the interview process.
"Meghan, would you say you are detail-oriented?"
"Well, I would say that I can pay attention to details, like when I re-read Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and compared its to The Half Blood Prince and I really picked up on some nuances that I missed before - oh, you mean like, accounting and math and stuff. No, that's boring. "
One of the things I learned in my last job is the importance of managing customers' expectations, such as quickly squashing the notion that they can hire a contractor to remodel their entire home for only thirty-five grand. I feel I should somehow incorporate this principle into my interviews so I can make sure I'm as good a fit as possible for a new company.
"To be frank, I'm really not interested in putting in an ounce of overtime, thank you."
"No, I wouldn't describe myself as a 'team player.'"
"Sure I'm friendly, but only after I've had my 3rd shot of espresso, ya know what I mean?"
On the other hand, I do want to be able to pay my mortgage, so perhaps the real expectations I should be setting are the ones for myself. I can be hard-working! I can be diligent! I can be dependable! Just not for less than $35,000 a year, okay?
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Not to complain...
But what is with the weather? On Sunday it snowed, Monday it had a high of 15 degrees, and right now it's 63 degrees outside.
My friend Nikky from Florida was giddy with excitement over the snow, and now it's all gone. My heart grows heavy as I picture the look of disappointment on her face when she saw that, with the exception of the colonial houses and the Italian deli across the street, she may as well be back in the Sunshine State.
Well, almost. I checked and it's actually 72 degrees there right now.
My friend Nikky from Florida was giddy with excitement over the snow, and now it's all gone. My heart grows heavy as I picture the look of disappointment on her face when she saw that, with the exception of the colonial houses and the Italian deli across the street, she may as well be back in the Sunshine State.
Well, almost. I checked and it's actually 72 degrees there right now.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Interview
I had my first real job interview today with an architectural firm in Cambridge. I thought it went really well! The woman I'd be working under was very nice and pretty straight-forward about her expectations for an admin, which I appreciated. My recruiter said she gave me a positive review when he spoke with her, so hopefully I'll hear some official tomorrow.
In the meantime, I'll celebrate by posting a sketch I made on the train:
This was probably inspired by the Mythical Creatures exhibit at the Museum of Science, which I went to on Sunday. It was cool, but not nearly as magical as I hoped. I suppose I won't find a real concentration of magic until I visit Disney World.
In the meantime, I'll celebrate by posting a sketch I made on the train:
This was probably inspired by the Mythical Creatures exhibit at the Museum of Science, which I went to on Sunday. It was cool, but not nearly as magical as I hoped. I suppose I won't find a real concentration of magic until I visit Disney World.
Friday, December 05, 2008
Irony Alert
It would appear that the unemployment office in Quincy is understaffed, since they only have one person who is available to process unemployment claims.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
No Job
So, I've been jobless for over a week now, and I have to say it's not so much fun. I've been applying at every administrative assistant job I can find on Craig's List and I've met with a staffing firm (and was told that "it's slow out there"). I honestly thought I'd kind of bounce into a new job without any problems, but now I'm starting to get a little worried.
Granted, it's only been about a week, but I've never been that patient.
This situation has been forcing me to reevaluate all my assumptions. Back when I had a job and was easily capable of making my mortgage payments, it was easy to say that I trust that God will provide and I will never be in want and if I have to lose the blessings he has given, then it's all right. Now faced with the reality of these things occurring, it's a lot harder to close my eyes, take a breath and say "It's in your hands, Lord."
Honestly, Taylor and I aren't in bad shape, and I can be out of work for a couple months without really being affected more than having to give up some luxuries like name brand toothpaste. The hardest part so far is getting used to the idea that I need a job and I don't have one.
The good news is now I have a LOT of free time on my hands, so I might do a better job keeping this updated. Of course, I said that when my hours got cut, and it took me losing my job entirely before I got around to writing another post. I'll probably have lost my house in a fire before I think, "You know, I don't have any house cleaning to do, I should update the old blog."
Granted, it's only been about a week, but I've never been that patient.
This situation has been forcing me to reevaluate all my assumptions. Back when I had a job and was easily capable of making my mortgage payments, it was easy to say that I trust that God will provide and I will never be in want and if I have to lose the blessings he has given, then it's all right. Now faced with the reality of these things occurring, it's a lot harder to close my eyes, take a breath and say "It's in your hands, Lord."
Honestly, Taylor and I aren't in bad shape, and I can be out of work for a couple months without really being affected more than having to give up some luxuries like name brand toothpaste. The hardest part so far is getting used to the idea that I need a job and I don't have one.
The good news is now I have a LOT of free time on my hands, so I might do a better job keeping this updated. Of course, I said that when my hours got cut, and it took me losing my job entirely before I got around to writing another post. I'll probably have lost my house in a fire before I think, "You know, I don't have any house cleaning to do, I should update the old blog."
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Life Update
I haven't been posting much lately because my job keeps me pretty busy, and then there's all the other times that kill my time, like house chores, hanging out with friends and family, playing video games, so you can see that my life is pretty full.
That's probably about to change, since I've just had my hours cut to part-time at work. For some reason, people just don't seem inclined to spend $100,000+ on remodeling their homes right now, and their tight-fistedness is causing difficulties to my status as a homeowner.
This is where so called "trickle-down" economics comes into play. When rich people have money, they spend it on putting radiant-heat flooring in their new "zen" bathroom, purchased at a percentage above cost from my company, part of which is then broken down into my weekly paycheck.
When rich people don't have money, they tighten their belts, forgo the luxuries, and I have no money. If that pattern continues, I will soon have no house.
In all seriousness, my situation isn't that dire. Taylor and I have tried to be good stewards of our money, and I have complete faith that no matter what may come, God will fully provide for my needs. And I don't really "need" a house - it's a blessing that I have been given, and the time may come when I have to give it up. I am confident that I will always have employment, even if it's at Wal-Mart for minimum wage.
Things could have been much worse. I was told by my boss that they seriously considered letting me go entirely, but they didn't know how they would get anything accomplished like filing parking permits and taking the company vehicles to get their oil changed (that wasn't their exact words).
Knowing that I was on the brink of having no job come Monday makes only having half of a job come Monday go down a lot smoother, plus there's the added ego boost of knowing that, for now, they can't function without me.
In the meantime, I have some decisions to make. I can work part-time indefinitely and see how that goes, or I can work part-time and find supplemental income, or I can leave the company and try to find full-time work somewhere else.
My plan for now is to work part-time and see if four days of loafin' are worth earning half my income. But I can't help but be curious to see what my other options are, so here's preview of job listings on Craig's List:
See? I'll be fine! :)
That's probably about to change, since I've just had my hours cut to part-time at work. For some reason, people just don't seem inclined to spend $100,000+ on remodeling their homes right now, and their tight-fistedness is causing difficulties to my status as a homeowner.
This is where so called "trickle-down" economics comes into play. When rich people have money, they spend it on putting radiant-heat flooring in their new "zen" bathroom, purchased at a percentage above cost from my company, part of which is then broken down into my weekly paycheck.
When rich people don't have money, they tighten their belts, forgo the luxuries, and I have no money. If that pattern continues, I will soon have no house.
In all seriousness, my situation isn't that dire. Taylor and I have tried to be good stewards of our money, and I have complete faith that no matter what may come, God will fully provide for my needs. And I don't really "need" a house - it's a blessing that I have been given, and the time may come when I have to give it up. I am confident that I will always have employment, even if it's at Wal-Mart for minimum wage.
Things could have been much worse. I was told by my boss that they seriously considered letting me go entirely, but they didn't know how they would get anything accomplished like filing parking permits and taking the company vehicles to get their oil changed (that wasn't their exact words).
Knowing that I was on the brink of having no job come Monday makes only having half of a job come Monday go down a lot smoother, plus there's the added ego boost of knowing that, for now, they can't function without me.
In the meantime, I have some decisions to make. I can work part-time indefinitely and see how that goes, or I can work part-time and find supplemental income, or I can leave the company and try to find full-time work somewhere else.
My plan for now is to work part-time and see if four days of loafin' are worth earning half my income. But I can't help but be curious to see what my other options are, so here's preview of job listings on Craig's List:
Experienced asphalt shingle roofers and laborers
Doggie daycare assistant needed for small breed dogs!Boston Women - Earn $7000 through Egg Donation
See? I'll be fine! :)
Friday, September 19, 2008
Sunday, August 03, 2008
'Stache
As I was primping in the mirror the other morning, I discovered that I reached my first milestone on the path to "middle aging."
I had the beginnings of a mustache.
In fairness to myself, all women have a little bit of facial hair. I'm at a disadvantage because I have very fair skin, dark hair, and Norwegian ancestry, so I'm genetically screwed as far as visually appealing hair goes.
Still, literally coming face to face with signs of aging wasn't a pleasant experience. I've become a little paranoid that I'm going to wake up one day and have a mustache that rivals that of a 70's anchorman, or perhaps the Pringle's Chip Man.
I had the beginnings of a mustache.
In fairness to myself, all women have a little bit of facial hair. I'm at a disadvantage because I have very fair skin, dark hair, and Norwegian ancestry, so I'm genetically screwed as far as visually appealing hair goes.
Still, literally coming face to face with signs of aging wasn't a pleasant experience. I've become a little paranoid that I'm going to wake up one day and have a mustache that rivals that of a 70's anchorman, or perhaps the Pringle's Chip Man.
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Gate
Taylor's dad, Larry, was in town for business. He had Friday off however, and he asked what he could do to help us around the house.
"Build us a gate," I said.
"Well," Taylor mused, "We could use some help with the car -"
"Build us a gate," I said.
"But the hot water heater is also having problems -"
"Build us a gate!"
In the end, Larry and Taylor decided to build a gate. Initially, they were going to use pre-built fencing material, but after seeing how low-grade it was, they decided to build the whole thing from scratch.
This is what I got to come home from work to. Needless to say, I was very pleased!
They bought pressure-treated planks, cut them in half, and dog-eared the top edges.
There were a lot of intricacies to the building of the fence, but you'd enjoy it so much more hearing it from Taylor, so I'll let you ask him about it.
It's a real improvement over the redneck chicken-wire setup we had, but the downside is that it emphasizes how bad our current landscaping is! But we'll get to that as time and funding permits.
"Build us a gate," I said.
"Well," Taylor mused, "We could use some help with the car -"
"Build us a gate," I said.
"But the hot water heater is also having problems -"
"Build us a gate!"
In the end, Larry and Taylor decided to build a gate. Initially, they were going to use pre-built fencing material, but after seeing how low-grade it was, they decided to build the whole thing from scratch.
This is what I got to come home from work to. Needless to say, I was very pleased!
They bought pressure-treated planks, cut them in half, and dog-eared the top edges.
There were a lot of intricacies to the building of the fence, but you'd enjoy it so much more hearing it from Taylor, so I'll let you ask him about it.
It's a real improvement over the redneck chicken-wire setup we had, but the downside is that it emphasizes how bad our current landscaping is! But we'll get to that as time and funding permits.
Friday, August 01, 2008
It is finished!
Taylor's dad came to town on Wednesday, and that provided the push we need to finally get our last bedroom painted, as well as do some touch up in the upstairs bath.
If you remember, the upstairs tub was a pink nightmare. Taylor spent four hours last week sanding, priming, and painting with a special tub paint. It's now a brilliant and clean looking white, a vast improvement.
If you remember, the upstairs tub was a pink nightmare. Taylor spent four hours last week sanding, priming, and painting with a special tub paint. It's now a brilliant and clean looking white, a vast improvement.
For my part, I painted the wood trim, the vanity, and the medicine cabinet. While I like the beige paint we chose, it blended too closely with the wood trim. Now it feels stylish but casual, and I'm really pleased with how it came out.
Finally, the guest bedroom has been painted a sunny yellow. The trim we used isn't really doing it for me - it's far too creamy and doesn't jump out enough, but frankly, I don't really care right now.
I'll repaint the trim eventually, probably in ten years when we plan to sell. In the meantime it's such a relief to be done with the inside. Now we just have to finish unpacking!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Geek Bookstore
So, it's finally happened, I've surrendered and given in to my inner geek. To those who may protest that my inner geek wasn't that deeply immerged, I protest! For the most part, I've been a mere dabbler in geekdom - watched some Star Trek, played Zelda for eight hours straight, read Harry Potter fan fiction to feed my addiction until the next book came out, but I've never made the jump to hardcore stuff.
Until I discovered the gateway drug know as Pandemonium Books, where I met this guy
:
It started innocuously enough. I was reading David Eddings on the train, when I struck up a conversation with a nice man who told me I could find the book I was missing from the series by visiting this bookstore in Central Square.
I walked through the door, and a little threw shot through my spine - here was a whole bookstore dedicated to what is usually regulated to a tiny corner in the back of Barnes and Noble.
It shames me to say that the only genre I like to read is SciFi/Fantasy, and I could really skip the whole SciFi part. I feel like I'm not a truly literate person, because I ought to be curling up to War and Peace or something else written by a foreigner.
In any case, I pick out my selections, and as I'm checking out, I get asked by the man pictured above if I'd like become a member.
"It's free," he said in that monotonous yet expressive tone that only hardcore nerds are able to affect.
"Free!" I squealed. I'm still working on my tone.
Membership meant that after I spent a $250, I'd get a free $25 coupon for the store. Considering that the books I was purchasing cost less than $4 each, I know it it would take awhile to reach my goal, but what was the harm?
Then I was offered the newsletter.
The newsletter contained all the hip happenings taking place in the store, like gaming, parties, author book signings, gaming, forums, gaming, singles parties, gaming and gaming.
I know I should say no, but I couldn't. Something in my soul cried out to be unleashed!
"Sure, send me the newsletter," I said.
I walked out the door with my books in hand, but I knew that I lost more than $8.95. I surrendered to the dark side, baby, and I could never go back.
Until I discovered the gateway drug know as Pandemonium Books, where I met this guy
:
It started innocuously enough. I was reading David Eddings on the train, when I struck up a conversation with a nice man who told me I could find the book I was missing from the series by visiting this bookstore in Central Square.
I walked through the door, and a little threw shot through my spine - here was a whole bookstore dedicated to what is usually regulated to a tiny corner in the back of Barnes and Noble.
It shames me to say that the only genre I like to read is SciFi/Fantasy, and I could really skip the whole SciFi part. I feel like I'm not a truly literate person, because I ought to be curling up to War and Peace or something else written by a foreigner.
In any case, I pick out my selections, and as I'm checking out, I get asked by the man pictured above if I'd like become a member.
"It's free," he said in that monotonous yet expressive tone that only hardcore nerds are able to affect.
"Free!" I squealed. I'm still working on my tone.
Membership meant that after I spent a $250, I'd get a free $25 coupon for the store. Considering that the books I was purchasing cost less than $4 each, I know it it would take awhile to reach my goal, but what was the harm?
Then I was offered the newsletter.
The newsletter contained all the hip happenings taking place in the store, like gaming, parties, author book signings, gaming, forums, gaming, singles parties, gaming and gaming.
I know I should say no, but I couldn't. Something in my soul cried out to be unleashed!
"Sure, send me the newsletter," I said.
I walked out the door with my books in hand, but I knew that I lost more than $8.95. I surrendered to the dark side, baby, and I could never go back.
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Writing
I just finished reading my lastet issue of World Magazine. This was their "2008 Books" issue, which, after their "Year in Review," is my favorite.
I like seeing all the new books coming out. It always boggles my mind how many people are writing down stories and actually getting them published! This has been a semi-secret dream of my for years.
It's also a dream that I secretly think will never be actualized, because I'm incapable of finishing any story that I start. I think the problem is 1. I have a short attention span, and 2. I'm overly critical of my first drafts, mainly because they're pretty terrible.
And yet, pretty terrible books are published all the time. My personal theory is people with personalities that enable them to complete projects aren't always the most creative storytellers. I see the opposite in the webcomic world. I'll find a really great story that has drawn me in completely, only to despair as it slowly disappears from lack of updates.
But when you can combine the driven with the creative, something really great can emerge. A story that wraps itself around you and make you a little different for having had read it.
So how do you do it?
I like seeing all the new books coming out. It always boggles my mind how many people are writing down stories and actually getting them published! This has been a semi-secret dream of my for years.
It's also a dream that I secretly think will never be actualized, because I'm incapable of finishing any story that I start. I think the problem is 1. I have a short attention span, and 2. I'm overly critical of my first drafts, mainly because they're pretty terrible.
And yet, pretty terrible books are published all the time. My personal theory is people with personalities that enable them to complete projects aren't always the most creative storytellers. I see the opposite in the webcomic world. I'll find a really great story that has drawn me in completely, only to despair as it slowly disappears from lack of updates.
But when you can combine the driven with the creative, something really great can emerge. A story that wraps itself around you and make you a little different for having had read it.
So how do you do it?
Sunday, June 22, 2008
House Update
I haven't posted in a while, because I've felt like I've been eaten alive by the house. All that effort was put to good use, as you soon shall see!
All but one room (the guest room needs painting) is complete! Future projects include landscaping the yard, moving the fence, and putting tile (!)over the kitchen floor.
This week, though, Taylor and I are off to North Carolina to see his family, and enjoy some authentic barbeque! Yee-haw!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Bathroom Update
This is our completed downstairs/guest bathroom.
I've had people ask, so let me assure you that the walls are a faux finish, not just badly painted. In reality it's probably a combination of both, although I've learned from Home and Garden Television that imperfections in a paint job are "organic."
Our color schemes are brown, white, and blue, the brown being provided by our shower curtain, towels, and bronze accessories.
Since it's our one truly completed room, I like to hide in here when I start becoming overwhelmed by the chaos of the rest of my house. It's funny, because growing up in a family of six in a two-bedroom single-wide trailer, the bathroom was the only place I could get any privacy, and so became a avenue of escape for young Meghan. Now that I'm grown and have my own house, I'm still using a bathroom for a sanctuary. It somehow doesn't seem inappropriate.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Adam and Meghan's Boston Adventure
My Tuesday ended like any other day. I waved goodnight to my boss and walked down to Central Square where I'd take the 5:08 redline train to Quincy.
About half way to my destination, the train pulled to a stop at Park Street, and then just sat there. This wasn't too much out of the ordinary, as I've experienced plenty of train delays before. This time however, I noticed that there was an acrid smell filling the car, and through the buzz of passenger conversation I began to glean that there was a fire at the stop down. 
We were instructed to get off the train. I went into the station to get my bearings when I ran into my friend Adam. Before we had time to formulate our next move, the station begin to fill up with a chalky-white smoke.
Passengers poured out of the station, each one on a cellphone trying to figure out where to go from here. Adam and I looked at each other in dismay.
"Do you know how to walk to the next station?"
"No."
About half way to my destination, the train pulled to a stop at Park Street, and then just sat there. This wasn't too much out of the ordinary, as I've experienced plenty of train delays before. This time however, I noticed that there was an acrid smell filling the car, and through the buzz of passenger conversation I began to glean that there was a fire at the stop down. 
We were instructed to get off the train. I went into the station to get my bearings when I ran into my friend Adam. Before we had time to formulate our next move, the station begin to fill up with a chalky-white smoke.
The fire department arrived by then, and told us to evacuate the station. I then whipped out my camera phone, deciding that if I was going to be severely inconvenienced, I might as well get a good blog post out of it.
Passengers poured out of the station, each one on a cellphone trying to figure out where to go from here. Adam and I looked at each other in dismay."The redline is shut down. How are we going to get home?" I asked.
"Do you know how to walk to the next station?"
"No."
"Me neither."
Unfortunately, neither Adam nor I spent a lot of time around Boston Common, so we weren't sure where to go. Chris called me to say he heard that the MBTA
was shuttling passenger from Davis to South Station, where we could take the train home. We called his wife, who gave us directions we only half understood, and then we took off for South Station.
We went the wrong way down Boylston Street, and on our way back to the other way it started to rain.
We finally made it to the end of Boylston to Essex Street, where South Station was supposed to be. We didn’t see any signs, so logically we went down South Street thinking we’d run into it. Well,
logic is a silly thing to use in downtown Boston, because South Station isn’t actually on South Street, it’s further down Essex Street. Several calls to my husband the navigator soon set us straight and we enter the wonderland known as South Station. 
I’d never been to South Station, and I was unprepared for the delights contained within. It was like Faniuel Hall combined with the Logan Airport terminal, with kiosks selling overpriced books and coffee, little boutiques, and terminal signs that didn’t actually tell you what tracks the commuter trains were arriving on.
Adam and I made our way through labyrinth of corridors until we got to the Redline platform. We sat on a bench, foot-sore but triumphant, knowing that any minute a train would come to take us home.
“Please exit the platform and wait outside the station. A shuttle bus will be by to take you to Broadway Station.”
Adam and I groaned. They just closed down South Station? What was once a wonderland became a living hell as Adam and I waited for a bus that wasn’t already full to take us to the next station.
Finally, inspiration struck.
“Meghan,” Adam said, “why don’t we take the commuter train to Quincy Center?”
“Brilliant!”
We stood in line at the commuter tickets counter, where, in light of the current crisis, they had two of four windows open.
Nevertheless, Adam and I bought our tickets for the 7:29 to Kingston, and we just a chance to see how the other side rides.
The commuter train is amazing! A quiet, smooth ride on comfy leather bench seats, making the regular trains seem like a roller coaster with smaller seats.
We pulled up to Quincy Center at last, where Adam and I said our goodbyes.
Naturally, my bus ran late, but I finally arrived at my house at 9:00 pm, four hours after I left work.
It was good to be home.
was shuttling passenger from Davis to South Station, where we could take the train home. We called his wife, who gave us directions we only half understood, and then we took off for South Station.We went the wrong way down Boylston Street, and on our way back to the other way it started to rain.
We finally made it to the end of Boylston to Essex Street, where South Station was supposed to be. We didn’t see any signs, so logically we went down South Street thinking we’d run into it. Well,
logic is a silly thing to use in downtown Boston, because South Station isn’t actually on South Street, it’s further down Essex Street. Several calls to my husband the navigator soon set us straight and we enter the wonderland known as South Station. 
I’d never been to South Station, and I was unprepared for the delights contained within. It was like Faniuel Hall combined with the Logan Airport terminal, with kiosks selling overpriced books and coffee, little boutiques, and terminal signs that didn’t actually tell you what tracks the commuter trains were arriving on.
Adam and I made our way through labyrinth of corridors until we got to the Redline platform. We sat on a bench, foot-sore but triumphant, knowing that any minute a train would come to take us home.“Please exit the platform and wait outside the station. A shuttle bus will be by to take you to Broadway Station.”
Adam and I groaned. They just closed down South Station? What was once a wonderland became a living hell as Adam and I waited for a bus that wasn’t already full to take us to the next station.
Finally, inspiration struck.
“Meghan,” Adam said, “why don’t we take the commuter train to Quincy Center?”
“Brilliant!”
We stood in line at the commuter tickets counter, where, in light of the current crisis, they had two of four windows open.
Nevertheless, Adam and I bought our tickets for the 7:29 to Kingston, and we just a chance to see how the other side rides.
The commuter train is amazing! A quiet, smooth ride on comfy leather bench seats, making the regular trains seem like a roller coaster with smaller seats.We pulled up to Quincy Center at last, where Adam and I said our goodbyes.
Naturally, my bus ran late, but I finally arrived at my house at 9:00 pm, four hours after I left work.
It was good to be home.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
SPAM
This is a spam message that my friend got over the weekend.
What happened to the good old days when nice Ugandan princes were trying to give us money?SOMEONE YOU CALL YOUR FRIEND, WANTS YOU DEAD.
I felt very sorry and bad for you, that your life is going to end like this if you don't comply, i was paid to eliminate you and I have to do it within 10 days. Someone you call your friend wants you dead by all means, and the person have spent a lot of money on this, the person also came to us and told us that he wants you dead and he provided us your names, photograph and other necessary information we needed about you. If you are in doubt with this I will send you your name and where you are residing in my next mail. Meanwhile, I have sent my boys to track you down and they have carried out the necessary investigation needed for the operation, but I ordered them to stop for a while and not to strike immediately because I just felt something good and sympathetic about you. I decided to contact you first and know why somebody will want you dead by all means. Right now my men are monitoring you, their eyes are on you, and even the place you think is safer for you to hide might not be. Now do you want to LIVE OR DIE? It is up to you. Get back to me now if you are ready to enter deal with me, I mean life trade, who knows, and I might just spear your life, $8,000 is all you need to spend. You will first of all pay $3,000 then I will send the tape of the person that want you dead to you and when the tape gets to you, you will pay the remaining $5,000. If you are not ready for my help, then I will have no choice but to carry on the assignment after all I have already being paid before now. Warning: do not think of contacting the police or even tell anyone because I will extend it to any member of your family since you are aware that somebody want you dead, and the person knows some members of your family as well. For your own good I will advise you not to go out once is 7pm until I make out time to see you and give you the tape of my discussion with the person who want you dead then you can use it to take any legal action. Good luck as I await your reply to this e-mail contact:b.patbulle228@gmail.comMr.Celestine chuks
Friday, May 23, 2008
The Starling Saga Continues ...
Just when we thought our bird drama was over, Taylor and I heard a familiar chirping yesterday morning.
"Oh crap," Taylor said, "There's another stupid bird in there!"
"Oh yeah," I said, "I remember reading about starling colonies in attics ..."
"What?"
"Well, usually starlings hang out in groups, and they all live together in the attic."
Taylor huffed, turned over and covered his head with the blanket. Through the covers I heard him mumble, "We'll just have to wait the stupid bird out ..."
There was no signs of the bird until this morning. I was in the bathroom when I heard Taylor yelp, "The bird! The bird came out!"
This time the whole house was in an uproar as Taylor and I, the cats and the dog ran around the second floor chasing the frantic bird.
I'm not sure why I was chasing it, since I had no intention of actually touching that nasty, dirty, disease-infested bird (Taylor thinks I'm a little ridiculous about my prejudice against starlings for these particular traits, as in his opinion all birds are vermin).
Finally, my cat Healey gave a tremendous leap and tackled the poor bird, and then chased it out the window Taylor managed to open just in time.
Taylor, the cat, and I looked at it each other pride. Victory!
"Wow, you're not a useless as we thought," Taylor said to Healey fondly.
Above our heads, we heard a familiar scratching sound.
"Oh no." Taylor groaned and crawled back under the covers of the bed.
"Um," I said. "Did I mention that starlings live in colonies?"
From the bed I heard a muffled, "Yeah. I think you did."
"Oh crap," Taylor said, "There's another stupid bird in there!"
"Oh yeah," I said, "I remember reading about starling colonies in attics ..."
"What?"
"Well, usually starlings hang out in groups, and they all live together in the attic."
Taylor huffed, turned over and covered his head with the blanket. Through the covers I heard him mumble, "We'll just have to wait the stupid bird out ..."
There was no signs of the bird until this morning. I was in the bathroom when I heard Taylor yelp, "The bird! The bird came out!"
This time the whole house was in an uproar as Taylor and I, the cats and the dog ran around the second floor chasing the frantic bird.
I'm not sure why I was chasing it, since I had no intention of actually touching that nasty, dirty, disease-infested bird (Taylor thinks I'm a little ridiculous about my prejudice against starlings for these particular traits, as in his opinion all birds are vermin).
Finally, my cat Healey gave a tremendous leap and tackled the poor bird, and then chased it out the window Taylor managed to open just in time.
Taylor, the cat, and I looked at it each other pride. Victory!
"Wow, you're not a useless as we thought," Taylor said to Healey fondly.
Above our heads, we heard a familiar scratching sound.
"Oh no." Taylor groaned and crawled back under the covers of the bed.
"Um," I said. "Did I mention that starlings live in colonies?"
From the bed I heard a muffled, "Yeah. I think you did."
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Starling in the Attic
On our first night in our new home, Taylor woke me from a sound sleep."Meghan, do you hear that?" He whispered.
"...Hear wha...?" I mumbled. My sleepy brain couldn't process what he was saying.
"There's something scratching in the attic. Listen."
I indeed heard scratching, but having been interrupted from my REM cycle, I really didn't care. I muttered something, then turned over and went back to sleep.
I woke in the morning to Taylor's ire and to the sound of bird chirps coming from the bedroom ceiling.
"There is a stupid bird in our attic!" Taylor informed me. "I couldn't sleep at all last night because it kept chirping and scratching and making all kinds of noise. We have to get rid of it!"
That afternoon Taylor called me at work to fill me in on his battle plan against our feathered intruder. He thought the bird came in through an unused vent pipe, which he would seal up.
"Wait a second," I said. "You can't seal the pipe with the bird inside the attic. It's starve to death."
"Well, what else am I supposed to do? I have to keep more birds from getting inside."
"You can't kill the bird! That's cruel." I sensed that appealing to the morality of a very tired and grumpy Taylor would get me nowhere, so I added to my argument. "Plus, if the bird dies in the attic, it'll stink up our room for weeks."
He grunted.
After work Taylor investigated the attic. Our bedroom has cathedral ceilings, so that part of the attic was walled off, and there was no way we could access the bird's hiding place. As Taylor sat on the edge of the attic entrance to think, suddenly the starling flew out of it's hole into the main attic.
"Meghan, help me get the bird!"
I came up to the attic with a small box. Taylor and I ran around unsuccessful trying to chase a terrified starling (which are pretty darn big!) and praying that the floorboards wouldn't break. The bird flew back into his hole. We went back to the bedroom and banged in the ceiling with a broom, but nothing would persuade the bird to leave.
After enduring another night of scratchings and bird noises, we got desperate. Taylor drilled 2-inch holes in the ceiling where we heard the bird scuttling around, and then waited. At long last, the bird flew out of the hole into our bedroom, banging into the ceiling and defecating everywhere until Taylor chased it out the window.
It turns out that all the effort really was worth it, as during my Internet research I found out that starlings are dirty birds that carry mites and lice and other fun diseases. Plus, they build these crazy nests that can engulf your attic, like this.
Taylor sealed off the vent where the bird got in the attic. I just hope we don't find anymore uninvited guests.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Obesity contributes to global warming: study
Obese and overweight people require more fuel to transport them and the food they eat, and the problem will worsen as the population literally swells in size, a team at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine says.
The study also revealed that "heavy breathers" contribute more than their fair share of carbon emissions.
The study also revealed that "heavy breathers" contribute more than their fair share of carbon emissions.
Home Owners
Taylor and I closed on a house about three weeks ago. It’s a three bedroom, two bath, fixer-upper, and considering where we live, it was actually a steal.
I have to admit, that we came into the whole “fixer-upper” thing with starry-eyed optimism. We looked around at our grimy house and said “No problem, we just need to paint the walls and ceilings of every room, and rip up the carpet, and redo the cabinets, and regrade the front yard, and replace the gutters, and …”
All this improvements are easily accomplished in one’s naïve imagination. We thought we’d get our master bedroom completed in three days, then complete the kitchen shortly there after – why, the house would be ready to live in within two weeks! Three weeks later, we just now finished the living room, have of the kitchen, started the downstairs path and have to complete the upstairs bathroom tonight.
When we first start home-improving, the phrase “money-pit” began to ring around my head, but I have to say that after dedicating 4-5 hours after work every night straight for the past three weeks, we’ve come a long way. Tomorrow we hope to actually get our stuff in the house, and we may be living in our home by the beginning of next week – as long as I can clean the 20+ years of mold and soup scum out of the bath tub …
I have to admit, that we came into the whole “fixer-upper” thing with starry-eyed optimism. We looked around at our grimy house and said “No problem, we just need to paint the walls and ceilings of every room, and rip up the carpet, and redo the cabinets, and regrade the front yard, and replace the gutters, and …”
All this improvements are easily accomplished in one’s naïve imagination. We thought we’d get our master bedroom completed in three days, then complete the kitchen shortly there after – why, the house would be ready to live in within two weeks! Three weeks later, we just now finished the living room, have of the kitchen, started the downstairs path and have to complete the upstairs bathroom tonight.
When we first start home-improving, the phrase “money-pit” began to ring around my head, but I have to say that after dedicating 4-5 hours after work every night straight for the past three weeks, we’ve come a long way. Tomorrow we hope to actually get our stuff in the house, and we may be living in our home by the beginning of next week – as long as I can clean the 20+ years of mold and soup scum out of the bath tub …
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Starbucks
Starbucks Closing All Stores for 3 Hours Tuesday Afternoon for Barista Re-training.
Meanwhile, zombie-like hordes of caffeine addicts pound at the doors screaming "grande non-fat mocha!"
Meanwhile, zombie-like hordes of caffeine addicts pound at the doors screaming "grande non-fat mocha!"
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Meetup Groups
Morgan is going to a Puggle Party today. I joined a puggle-owners group on Meetup.com in an effort to meet new people.
The puggle group was the only one in which I was really interested. A lot of the other groups focused around politics, which I find interesting, but can't really see myself joining a group where that's the main topic. I'd rather join a group where our main interest is unicorns and politics can be discussed on the side, particularly regarding its effect on unicorn rights, etc.
The group I thought the most amusing was "Fascism in America." I can't help but think this group would quickly turn into a whine-fest led by people who feel that their personal liberties can't be infringed upon in anyway.
"I got ticketed for parking in a no-parking zone by my fascist local government!"
"The newspaper wouldn't publish my 1500-word essay comparing Bush to Dracula - they are such fascists."
"My mom says I have to be home by 9:00 - what a fascist!"
Yeah, that would get old after a while.
The puggle group was the only one in which I was really interested. A lot of the other groups focused around politics, which I find interesting, but can't really see myself joining a group where that's the main topic. I'd rather join a group where our main interest is unicorns and politics can be discussed on the side, particularly regarding its effect on unicorn rights, etc.
The group I thought the most amusing was "Fascism in America." I can't help but think this group would quickly turn into a whine-fest led by people who feel that their personal liberties can't be infringed upon in anyway.
"I got ticketed for parking in a no-parking zone by my fascist local government!"
"The newspaper wouldn't publish my 1500-word essay comparing Bush to Dracula - they are such fascists."
"My mom says I have to be home by 9:00 - what a fascist!"
Yeah, that would get old after a while.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Whole Foods
Lest my last post make you think I'm completely heartless when it comes to the environment and animals and naive Cambridge hippies, I wanted to assure you that I'm really not. I appreciate initiatives that raise awareness and help create clean air standards and nature reserves.
However, I think many issues are better dealt with by the people as consumers rather that the government, because government is alway very heavy-handed and tend to make problems bigger.
For example, I had a friend who told me he thought factory-farming was bad, and there should be laws banning it. I agreed with him that factory farming was pretty bad, but said he needed to look into the issue a little deeper before choosing to legislate the problem away. Factory farming exists because it efficient, and animals are fattened up and slaughtered very cheaply, which means poor families shopping at Wal-Mart can afford to buy more meat. Pass a law that takes that away, you can cause the factory farms drop business because of extra costs associated with raising animals free-farm, creating a shortage in the available meat supply, thus making it cost more to get.
I believe a better solution is supporting companies like Whole Foods. At their website I discovered they have "Animal Compassion Standards" and only purchase their meat from farmers who meet their standards. I think this is a great way to deal with this problem. And as more consumers support Whole Foods because of their practices, other food producers will start changing their practices to in order to compete. The more competition, the lower prices will be. This process is slower, because changes take time, but in the end it is much better for society then the government passing some sweeping law.
We already see this happening in the "green" movement that's occurring right now. Everywhere I look I see companies promoting how environmentally friendly they are.
Maybe I'm being a naive capitalist, but I really believe we have a lot of power to create change just by choosing wisely to whom we give our money.
However, I think many issues are better dealt with by the people as consumers rather that the government, because government is alway very heavy-handed and tend to make problems bigger.
For example, I had a friend who told me he thought factory-farming was bad, and there should be laws banning it. I agreed with him that factory farming was pretty bad, but said he needed to look into the issue a little deeper before choosing to legislate the problem away. Factory farming exists because it efficient, and animals are fattened up and slaughtered very cheaply, which means poor families shopping at Wal-Mart can afford to buy more meat. Pass a law that takes that away, you can cause the factory farms drop business because of extra costs associated with raising animals free-farm, creating a shortage in the available meat supply, thus making it cost more to get.
I believe a better solution is supporting companies like Whole Foods. At their website I discovered they have "Animal Compassion Standards" and only purchase their meat from farmers who meet their standards. I think this is a great way to deal with this problem. And as more consumers support Whole Foods because of their practices, other food producers will start changing their practices to in order to compete. The more competition, the lower prices will be. This process is slower, because changes take time, but in the end it is much better for society then the government passing some sweeping law.
We already see this happening in the "green" movement that's occurring right now. Everywhere I look I see companies promoting how environmentally friendly they are.
Maybe I'm being a naive capitalist, but I really believe we have a lot of power to create change just by choosing wisely to whom we give our money.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Global Warming
Boston is having one of it's snowiest seasons in recent records. By now, most of us are pretty tired of cold feet and wet gloves, but one advantage I have discovered is that it's been too cold for the Greenpeace acolytes to stand around Central Square and harass me about global warming.
I got into an argument with one once, and during the course of it I mentioned how just 30 years ago the big climate crisis was global cooling. He informed me that global cooling was a part of global warming and that "it's like Robert Frost poem, Fire and Ice, you know?"
I blinked at him a couple times, because, not being a poetry buff, I didn't know. I then countered that it seems silly to claim that the world heating up would simultaneously cause it to cool down.
He then asked me if I saw Al Gore's new movie.
"You mean his glorified power point presentation? Why yes, I had."
Not only have I seen An Inconvenient Truth, but nearly ten years before I read Gore's book, Earth in Balance.
I didn't want to, but my mom made me because she thinks silly things like "knowing both sides of a debate" is important.
I wasn't convinced, particularly when I noticed that his graphs showed that carbon levels rose after temperatures rose. This was so contrary to what he was claiming that I even showed the graph to my mom to make sure I was reading it right.
So imagine my delight stumbling across this John Stossel report on Gore's latest creation.
I just wish I knew about this when I was debating with Greenpeace. After all, if I can watch An Inconvenient Truth, surely he could spare eight minutes and watch a video.
I got into an argument with one once, and during the course of it I mentioned how just 30 years ago the big climate crisis was global cooling. He informed me that global cooling was a part of global warming and that "it's like Robert Frost poem, Fire and Ice, you know?"
I blinked at him a couple times, because, not being a poetry buff, I didn't know. I then countered that it seems silly to claim that the world heating up would simultaneously cause it to cool down.
He then asked me if I saw Al Gore's new movie.
"You mean his glorified power point presentation? Why yes, I had."
Not only have I seen An Inconvenient Truth, but nearly ten years before I read Gore's book, Earth in Balance.
I didn't want to, but my mom made me because she thinks silly things like "knowing both sides of a debate" is important.
I wasn't convinced, particularly when I noticed that his graphs showed that carbon levels rose after temperatures rose. This was so contrary to what he was claiming that I even showed the graph to my mom to make sure I was reading it right.
So imagine my delight stumbling across this John Stossel report on Gore's latest creation.
I just wish I knew about this when I was debating with Greenpeace. After all, if I can watch An Inconvenient Truth, surely he could spare eight minutes and watch a video.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
The Good Life
Sometimes I wish I could take a vacation from my life and be my cat for a while. He's got it so good!
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