Friday, March 31, 2006

The rain falls fast on a humdrum town

Hello all. Another day off, and another day at the library. But this time I have BIG NEWS.

Ani DiFranco is going to be in concert in my state this month and I have tickets! Now, you've heard me chat about her from time to time, but I've never gotten to see her live and I honestly thought the chance had passed me by, because I scalped a ticket when I went to see Dimbrilliance and she had lost hers.

Ani quit touring because she had very bad carpal tunnel syndrome after over 15 years of touring and playing her guitar in her beautiful, inimitable style. But she's back! And I have tickets! I cant wait. I really can't. and I'll be sure to tell you all about it.

Cross one off my "musicians to see live before I die" list. I've got her down now!

In other news. Well, there isnt much. We were supposed to have more severe weather last night, and we lucked out with only tornado watches, which is good. We needed the rain and it was lovely. The thunder was a delightful low growl most of the evening, and instead of it frightening me, it was comfortable. We watched Survivor, CSI and Without a Trace and in the commercials I worked on my umpteenth reading of "The Vampire Lestat" because I wanted some brain candy and I wasnt in the mood for Harry Potter or Alexandre Dumas. I need to re-read The Brother's Karamasov sometime soon, and then maybe start on The Davinci Code, as suggested by our good friend Flash. If it gets him off his arse and reading [quoting his profile, not being mean, I promise] its got to be decent, at least.

I have an appointment with an advisor next Wednesday to talk about my college major. I've pretty much decided to go for two degrees at once, and Beloved says I am nuts. I think I can do it. I think I'll like it. And I want to make a good decision, since I want to do graduate [and hopefully doctoral] work once I get my degrees. I'm going to be in school forever, but I love it, so its not too bad, right? In case you're curious, I've selected Professional [techinical] Writing and [Elgish] Literature as my two degree options. I know you'll be laughing, since I never proofread this site, but honestly, I can write when I am into it, and I can proofread quite well when I make an effort, but this is an escape, right?

Apeaking of books, has anyone else read The Brother's Karamasov? It was my favorite book before The Count of Monte Cristo knocked it off the top of the list. I love the book. Its autobiography, allegory and fictional prose all whirled together. Its beautifully and painfully written. Big book, though. And a bit of a lagging read, at first, I admit, but it ends in brilliant style, and its incredibly moving. There are also a lot of roots in the existentialist movement inspired by the work, in fact, if I remember rightly, Freud even discussed existentialism in this book in a paper of his. Maybe I'll look it up again. Hm.

You know, if you wanted, I'd like to see everyone's top 5 book list, if you have one.

I'll start, hows that sound?

5. Memoirs of a Geisha, Arthur Golden [new to my list - I cant put it down]
4. Oranges Aren't the Only Fruit, Jeanette Winterson
3. Harry Potter [select one of the last 3, I dont care]
2. The Brother's Karamasov, Fyodor Dostoyevsky [sic]
1. The Count of Monte Cristo, Alexander Dumas

alright. Your turn.

Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Sun Just Slipped Below My Door

Ah, days off. How lovely are they?

And today, unlike our recent weather, has been beautiful. Gorgeous breeze, warm sun, green grass. The university mowed the lawn, even. So what did I do today? I went to work. On my day off. That's right. I am so pathetic I went in to have breakfast at my restaurant. It should say somethign about how good the food is [it reall yis] but I think it says more about how sad I am, doesn't it? Of course, my coworkers were obliging and chatted to me, my server Loves Nirvana was especially happy. Of course, I bought a pie off of him and that boosts his GCA, doesnt it? Either way, it was nice to talk to someone rather than sit alone in another diner with a surly waitress/er.

I did go get my hair cut. Again. Of course, since I shave dit five years ago it grows like mad. Its supposed to be a myth, I know, but my hair is fuller and grows faster now that its been shaved. You'd think it was a lawn instead of hair. but it looks pretty [I got a few stares at the mall where I get my hair cut] and its not shaggy anymore.

In related news [and a shamless plug for a friend, again] Phil got his hair cut as well. And our Mal Reynolds look-alike is quite cute now ;) well, not that he wasn't before...*pulls foot from mouth*

In one last shameless plug, I know I haven't been posting about sex lately [have you noticed?] but the other spot I write at [other than the lovely Reader Meet Author], The Secret Room, had a new dream I've been having on it, and I would be interested to hear what you all think. Of course, if you don't want to comment, you can always email me....[address in profile, friends, although most of you should have it by now]

Alright. Off we go.

Lvoe you all.
AG

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Maybe you should follow my example

Alright, a brief interruption to post a new person I am shamelessly plugging.

Go visit The Full Stop. Kieran [sorry, darling, I can't spell - not even my own name most days] is quite an interesting fellow. Has good taste in books and has recently had a conversation with God. It made for a good read. Really. Swiss will be interested to know he put Morrissey and The Smiths on his profile [both of them].

I think I owe this one to Mark from Fear and Loafing in England, so thanks, Mark. He's a gem.

Check him out, tell him hello. Heaven knows you'll want something more interesting to read than my drivel for a while....

Send me your pillow

Look! its another post. And within a day! Its frightening, almost.

Ladies [and gents, if you'll admit to having a hormonal time] do you find that you have more dreams, or more vivid dreams, when your hormones are more active? And I dont simply mean dreams like the type I post over at TSR, but just odd dreams. I've been having a lot lately, and its odd to have so many, so frequently. I have always been a dreamer, but I havent ever had several in a night, in quick succession, or ones so vivid. Its strange to me. I know there's a lot going on for me, and that might be part of it. I t also might be I am spending more time doing the "spiritual" things I have lain off of for a while. Or it may just be hormones.

But I have found myself wanting to stay in bed, to hit the snooze one more time so I can finish a dream, get a little further. Its been so long sonce I've done that.

I know some of you aren't heavy dreamers, some I am unsure of. How do you cope with them? Do you try to interpret them [Mystic, Spinny?] I've tried to quit asking. Sometimes its better not to know the answers. Especially as unsettling as my dreams can be.

I'll be back tomorrow, I promise. And I'll look forward to hearing what you all think.

xxx
ag

Monday, March 27, 2006

Let Me Kisss You

Wow. So its been sometime since I’ve posted something other than “hi I am fine but busy” hasn’t it? I honestly wish I had more time than I do to chat to you, and leave you all messages, unfortunately, I really am very busy. But I miss you all.

Today, I am curious, if you will enlighten me. When is it appropriate to ask someone you don’t know out? Are there rules? Is there a set protocol?

I ask because I was asked to dinner by a guest at my restaurant today. I had never met him before. I gave him the exact same service that I give all my other customers, and yet something I must have done gave him the idea to ask me out. Was it my looks? Was it because I smile [and most waitresses don’t]? Was it because I was younger than he was, and he liked that? [not that it matters, because it doesn’t...I’d figure him around 56-58 though, he ordered off the senior menu]

I have no idea, still, he asked me out and I was completely flabergasted. I have never entertained the thought of asking out someone who has waited on me. I have never asked someone out if I didn’t know them relatively well. I’ve never even really gotten a date from a bar. [the few interludes I have had stemming from adult venues were with people I had known for at least some time]

It has me interested. Tell me, dear friends, what you think. I am a little more than a bit surprised. Maybe I shouldn’t be. I’m not a prude, you know this better than most I imagine, still, I can’t fathom asking *a total stranger* to dinner. Let alone expecting them to anser yes.

I’m stumped. Is it stupid of me to even think it odd? You tell me.

Saturday, March 25, 2006

Switch!

So I am sure you all have noticed I moved, and now I am back. Things should be settling down now, I hope.

I am still exhausted from work, and I am hopeing to have a decent online connection sometime soon. I am getting ready to register for school, and I am trying to catch up on my sleep. I forget how wearing physical work can be.

Went on a little day trip with Belved yesterday. It was nice. Maybe I'll pop in and tell you lot about it tommorow. In the meantime, welcome to my new spot.

Lots of Love.
AG

Tuesday, March 21, 2006

Shiny and new

I'm back. Its short today, just to let you all know I am still alive and that things should be getting more interesting around here.

I still like my new job, and thats amazing, but I am working my first kids night tonight [kids eat free - *sigh*] so we'll see how that goes. I've missed seeing you all and I enjoyed catching up this afternoon. I suppose the upside of all of this is that I learned how to hange out modem cards.

Went to see V for Vendetta this weekend. If you are interested in the movie at all I suggest going over to Swiss Toni's there's a pretty good discussion about the film going on there. [No point in me starting one when theirs is so good] We had a nice time though.

Beloved and I are getting on really well, lately, and it makes me really happy. I mean, its enver been terrible, but with me being jobless and her having a job and school things got strained for a bit. I love this new thing we have, where we are actually enjoying eachother's company and planning for the future, seriously. Its nice.

She talked about moving the other day, going somewhere new. It made me excited to think of it. and happy to know she is planning on keeping me around. Its nice.

Alright. I'm being sappy.

Friday, March 17, 2006

From one extreme to another

Hi, all. Again, thanks for all the love. Turns out the lightnening fried my modem card, so I am getting a new one and should be online by Monday at the latest.

I saw this at Swiss Toni's so I better have a go.....

The rules:List 7 songs you're into right now. No matter the genre, whether they have words, or even if they're any good, they must be songs you're really enjoying right now. Post these instructions in your blog along with your seven songs. Then tag 7 other people to see what they're listening to.

[no particular order...btw]

1. Since U Been Gone, Kelly Clarkson [Thanks, ST, for reminding me...;)]
2. Into the Fire, 13 Senses
3. I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor, The Arctic Monkeys [by the way, Aravis, the album is amazing. I love you, I do]
4. Hand that Feeds, Nine Inch Nails
5. I Can't Get You Out of My Head, Coldplay [Live at Glastonbury] Thanks to this one for that.
6. Ring of Fire, Johnny Cash
7. Hate Me, Blue October

Alright. I am supposed to tag seven people. Erm...I dont think I know seven that haven't seen this posted somewhere else. So, erm, get on it then. Oh! Perpet, if you're reading today, you better give it a go. And Spinny, cause I am dying to know whats in your head. [love you darling - good to see you too!]

Alright. Times up here. Love you all. Of course I do.

Wednesday, March 15, 2006

Interlude

I'm still here, just barely. I'll be seeing you all soon, though. I hope you are all doing well. I've been round your places, but I have a short time limit here, so I am not able to comment as much as I like.

I really appreciate all of your support. It means a lot. Cleanup is starting, although all I have is a few branches, really. It should be okay. I'll likely go volunteer on my days off, there's a few places that were hit pretty hard in my town.

On the upside, I had lunch with my aunt A yesterday and it was really nice. It was good to see her, and I've been spending a lot of time with her and her girls lately. Its nice to have family members I can talk to, and that I can be friends with. My mom isnt talking to me right now, or she wasn't since Valentines, when I told her it was not appropriate for her to "drop by" at 9:30pm, especially because Beloved was sick. She hung up on me before I could schedule a raincheck. She phoned and left a message the other day [sometime last week, I think?] but I a not calling her back. It sounds petulant, but I left her no less than 1 message a day for a week after the incident, and if she is just now calling she wants something from me, and I haven't the time.

Working my first night shift tonight, new trainer, so it should be interesting. Liked my old one really well, I hope this one is just as nice.

Right. Miss you all. Still thinking of you.

I'll be back soon.


***
AG

Monday, March 13, 2006

danger, danger

Well, the weather reports were right, and then some. Its been a wilder Sunday than the rest f the time, I'll tell you. [brief update, Jack is fine and taking his meds like a champ, bless him]

anyway, the tornados hit. Again. And again. And I spent even more time in the closet - a total of nearly 6 hours, if you're couting - on Sunday.

You can read here about the storms in my reigon, if you are curious about the extent of the damage. There is also an interesting link of pictures from around the region with pics of the hail stones, and some of the storm damage. The Kansas City Star also ran an article about the storms in Missouri.

There were at least 2 tornados in my town for certain, possibly more, but there were two that were on the ground [does this need explaining, how much do you lot know about them?] For me, we had one touch down within about a mile of our house. The transformers outside our house were exploding and we got *baseball* sized hail. Baseball. It was very scary. We also lost our power until about 5 this morning, when everything came back on. I won't lie, I was frightened to death. I hate tornado's. I really do, and the older I get the more they frighten me, I think because I do have people I love, a house Icould lose and I am nowe able to admit that the saftey of my grandfathers arms aren't going to keep me from dying if one of those things graces my doorstep.

I felt helpless, and its a feeling I dont like. At all. I don't know how many of you have been in or around one, they aren't too fun. My step dad [v 2.0] was a tornado spotter/weather chaser, and I know exactly how deadly and terrible these things can be from his experiences. Its terrible, knowing there is something out there headed for you that you cant stop and you cant possibly get away from. All you can do is hide, and wait, and hope.

I'm tired today. And my internet connection is screwed because of the storms messing with the phone lines, so I'll be sporadic until its fixed. I am at the library right now.

I appreciate the love and the concern from you all.

I hope you are all well. I really do.

Do me a favor, tonight, think of everything you have, and just be grateful you have it. Iam realizing today how very lucky I am.

Sunday, March 12, 2006

Don't close your eyes




Wow. Wild wild weekend. I am keeping it short, and then a decent post tomorrow. Lots of storms in the area. Spent a long time in the closet last night during the tornado warning. Worn out! there's another watch right now, and they are saying we'll likely have more touchdown's tonight. I cant wait.

In good news, i am off tomorrow, so I am getting a break. Went home sick today. I need some rest. I'm wearing out. I forgot how tiring physical labor is.

Jack somehow got out and the dogs attacked him Friday. he's alright, just shook up more than anything, but I spent most of Friday night [read - past 10:30 pm] in the vets office with him scared to death. He's on antibiotics and some pain killers, but not really injured. Thank everything holy. I was so frightened.

I am off to sleep. I need it.

Love you all, in case I've not told you recently.

Friday, March 10, 2006

Talk to me now

I've not much to say, I am enjoying your comments below too much [keep going! keep going!] to break it up now...

I just wanted to add that I have put someone new to my blogroll, if you haven't been, you should go visit Serendipity. Nice girl, nice place.

Alright. Back to the poll.

Thursday, March 09, 2006

Poll

Alright. I am giving in to my baser desires, and although I have a separate blog for this, I am dying for some input, so you lot have to be my guinea pigs. I want to know one thing [or at least one thing] that you find painfully sexy. One thing, is all I ask. For me? hand feeding fruit. Its my new one. Tell me you wouldn't love to have your partner pack you a delicious picnic basket for two complete with candles and a blanket and hand feed you pineapple, strawberry and kiwi they've cut with their own hand...

Wednesday, March 08, 2006

Each time you pulled down the driveway, I wasn't sure when I would see you again

I was thinking last night, and it seems to me I spend an awful lot of time saying terrible things about my former partners, and its not very charitable of me at all, considering I did love them at one point, or at least I felt I did at the time.

I thought, for today, I might post a bit about my partner before Beloved [and to tell the truth I don't remember what I've called her, because I generally refer to her as the evil red head, which isnt nice at all] whom I am going to call Dimbrilliance, because I know she wouldn't object to that.

I can say these nice things about her -

She was very, very smart. Intelligent.

She was very pretty, and she didn't know it. She always seemed a little shy about her looks and I had always thought she was lovely.

She was the first person to take me to one of my favorite cities and I am very thankful for it. A lot of my vacations have been there and I would not have known about it if it werent for her.

She tempted me to try new foods at the Mexican restaurant in her home town, and I like a lot more food for it.

She was the person who introduced me to my love of scotch.

She was very funny. Witty. She always seemed to have something clever to say.

I liked talking to her. She had an opinion on everything. I was able to spend hours on the phone with her and not tire of it.

She was very patient.

There. See? I can be nice about my former partners. I am sure I could think of more kind things to say, but anymore is gratuitous, isnt it?

The waitress feilds the weight of her tray around her palm

I am afraid I have been more than a little boring lately, and I am going to be boring again today. For a moment at least.

I love my new job. Its amazing. I like the people. I like the atmosphere. And I am remembering a lot better than I thought I would. Two days in and I can already see myself becoming "one of the family". The other people are nice to me, stop me to show me things when I am looking for somthing or when there is something new or interesting to be done. Its great. I am quite a happy girl over that. My boss[es] are nice too.

*smiles* I almost feel guilty for it.

Tuesday, March 07, 2006

An ounce of peace is all I want for you

Roight. First off, I have the philosophy better late than never. So if you haven't go tell This Handsome Chap happy birthday.

In other news, I am doing my second day of work tomorrow. I am very much looking forward to it.

In music news, Aravis sent me the Artic Monkey's CD so I can finally give the whole thing a listen. Thank you! :) I'll be sure to report back what I hear. Also I've a new Emo song to love, and [judging by the colossal success of Fallout Boy] I thought I would share the lyrics with you, cause I like them so very much! Its by blue October, and its a fairly new song [music afficianados in the audience can tell how outdated I am now] and I am getting to where I like it a lot. It reminds me of how I used to be before I found Beloved and got all cleaned up.

So, Lyrics. Enjoy....

AG

*****************

Hate Me

I have to block out thoughts of you so I don't lose my head
They crawl in like a cockroach leaving babies in my bed
Dropping little reels of tape to remind me that I'm alone
Playing movies in my head that make a porno feel like home
There's a burning in my pride, a nervous bleeding in my brain
An ounce of peace is all I want for you. Will you never call again?
And will you never say that you love me just to put it in my face?
And will you never try to reach me? It is I that wanted space

Hate me today
Hate me tomorrow
Hate me so you can finally see what's good for you

I'm sober now for 3 whole months
it's one accomplishment that you helped me with
The one thing that always tore us apart is the one thing I won't touch again
In a sick way I want to thank you for holding my head up late at night
While I was busy waging wars on myself, you were trying to stop the fight
You never doubted my warped opinions on things like suicidal hate
You made me compliment myself when it was way too hard to take
So I'll drive so fucking far away that I never cross your mind
And do whatever it takes in your heart to leave me behind

Hate me today
Hate me tomorrow
Hate me for all the things I didn't do for you
Hate me in ways
Yeah ways hard to swallow
Hate me so you can finally see what's good for you

And with a sad heart I say bye to you and wave
Kicking shadows on the street for every mistake that I had made
And like a baby boy I never was a man
Until I saw your blue eyes crying and I held your face in my hand
And then I fell down yelling "make it go away!"
Just make a smile come back and shine just like it used to be
And then she whispered "How can you do this to me?"

Hate me today
Hate me tomorrow
Hate me for all the things I didn't do for you
Hate me in ways
Yeah ways hard to swallow
Hate me so you can finally see what's good for you

Monday, March 06, 2006

Think I'll Go for a walk now

Lots to talk about today, albeit breifly. Maybe something more interesting later, if I can manage.

Walk the Line: Really good film. Joaquin Phoenix is so much like Johnny Cash it frightens me. I love the music. I love his acting. I don’t think Reese Witherspoon deserved an Oscar for her performance, but it wasn’t bad at all.

Pride and Prejudice: an easy film to watch. Keira Knightly is easy on the eyes. All the acting was good. The set and costume design was brilliant. I liked a lot of the lighting effects.

First Day on the Job: Was interesting. I like my new boss, she’s really nice. I get to start on the floor as soon as I memorize the menu. I think I can do it. I am also looking forward to the variety that my new work schedule will offer. My co-workers seem very nice.

Flash: Welcome home Flashy! [See the ladies lining up?] He’s posted some great pics of his send off, and of something else, which I won’t spoil, although I will compliment him upon it. Very nice, monsieur!

Phil and Adem are starting a business, in case you’d like a new header for your blog. Sorry, boys, logo. A new logo...Phil’s new one is ace, so you might check it out. In other news, of friend in Bognor is getting his hair cut...and holding a contest to see if we can guess it...

For Aravis: Here's a good link on Purim, will tell you about everything you need. isn't Wiki wonderful? As for me, I think I am going as the sun...

Friday, March 03, 2006

Beautiful - There Is No Appropriate Title

This evening I got to experience somthing new and completely beautiful. Before I go on, I want to apologize in advance at anything completely stupid I might say, or mistakes I might make, its likely I will sound uneducated at some point in this post.

As I mentioned previously, Beloved is taking her capstone course at University, and it is focusing on the lives of Jewish Americans. Her professor was kind enough to invite their class to visit synagog on Shabbat this evening and I went with her. We were the only people from her class, although there was also a methodist church visiting.

When we got there her teacher pulled in right beside us. She walked us in and as she hung up her coat she explained to us about the different words for the Synagog, which mean different things. It is called a "house of prayer" a "house of teaching" and a "house of communion" depending on the use for it. She also explained there is no special significance to the temple itself, and that often they will have service outside, because they believe that god is with them regardless of their location.

At this point she left us to explore before the service. I told Beloved a little about King David, King Solomon and what I new about the Torah, various Jewish traditions and such. (I am a bit of an Old Testament geek, so I know a lot about this particular area from an academic, Anglo Saxon POV)

We went into their fellowship room and were inspecting a copy of a tapestry/rug done by a famous Russian Jew that I am unfortunately unable to recall, and we were discussing it when a man cam eup to us and was kind enough to explain some of the images to us. Part of it was a depiction of the torah from the time Moses receives it to the reclamation of the holy land by King Solomon. There were also depictions of things like the Haunnukka celebration and a village being burnt in Russia. It was fascinating, and this man, like everyone we ran into, both geniunely cared about the contents, and also knew a lot about it. he seemed very proud and happy to share with us about it. I was very grateful to him.

We also took time to get our prayer books and sit down. While we sat I told her the sotry about the book of Esther and the custom of Purim. [Esther is my favorite book of the bible, and I am actually very knowledgeable about this particular subject] We also took time to try and decide which stories were depicted in the stained glass windows. I am proud to report I got 3 out of 4 right, which isn't bad at all. [for the record they were: Jacob wrestling with God, Miriam and her tambourine in the desert after the escape from egypt, and Moses and the burning bush]

When the service started I was really suprised, in part because there was so much singing, and chanting. I loved being able to follow along in the prayer book. I think I was also more accustomed to the format than my dear, she hasn't been to chruch as much and I am relatively familiar with the layout of a Reformist service. Either way, what really struck me, beyond the beauty of the worship was the honest love that was expressed by the people in the congregation. They showed remarkable respect and joy throughout the service, and it was really moving. As one who has spent time in a church, and religion, that had no and gave no motivation to love it, I was awed by the sheer appreciation and joy of the service, especially from the children.

The rabbi, a lady, actually talked abot Purim, which I think irritated Beloved, she was telling me I was running my mouth about it, and she gave me a dirty look when the Rabbi started in. This month is actually the month of Adar, the month in which Purim takes place. She spoke about it, and about learning to live with opression and to endure it, and...I can't put it the way she did, but it made a lot of sense, that they would not be conquored by it. I think it espescially hit home for Beloved's teacher [see this post] and we talked about that after the service.

After the service they also had a meal, and they invited us to share with them. Beloved's teacher broke bread with us and shared wine, and it was a really lovely experience. I got to talk to her about her class, and all the things I learned this evening. I was really struck by it. It was very beautiful. We also talked about how some Jews don't believe in god, and how you can follow the torah and its moral teachings without believing in god, and it was really interesting the way she was talking about it. Apparently its something she has been trying to teach in her class that some had a problem grapsing.

I also had a nice chat with the Rabbi, and we talked about Esther and the holiday of Purim and she took me to her office and gave me an article she wrote about Purim and Esther. We even talked about the mythology of Esther and how there were corollary myths in Egypt. She is a brilliant and fascinating woman. She was also kind enough to invite Beloved and I back to the synagog for the feast of Purim in a week so we could enjoy it, and so I might be able to experience something I had studied about. It was very generous of her, and I am afraid I am going to abuse her kindness and attend. [I do, however, have to find a costume to wear] Beloved's teacher is also belly dancing [part of the tradition, apparently] and there is going to be another bread breaking ceremony afterwards. Rabbi compared it to Mardi Gras for the Jews. I am very much looking forward to it.

I am extremely grateful for Beloved taking me. It is by far one of the most interesitng things we have done as a couple. It was also the most moving religious service I have ever observed. I am both touched and incredibly greatful to have been able to experience it.

I walk up to the bar and point to the top shelf

Tea is the most comforting drink in the world. Hot tea, Earl Grey or English Breakfast, black. The world seems a little more right when you are drinking tea. I like it hot or cold although I prefer hot. I will drink it sweet or unsweet. I will not compromise on it being very strong. I will not drink it from restaurants that keep it in metal tins, it makes it funny tasting. I like it flavored, or plain, and I like it with fresh mint leaves if I have them.

My favorite wine is a white wine, not classy I know, but good. It is called Muscatto Allegro. Its sweet. Easy to drink. I like it when I have had a bad day and want something soft to make the evening a little more fuzzy around the edges. Also happens to be the only wine my friends can agree with me on. If I am not drinking it, I prefer cabernet sauvignon.

I used to hate orange juice. I drank it a lot as a child with my asthma medicine, which I broke open and put into the juice because I couldn’t swallow pills yet. I still don’t drink it often. My grandmother, whom I lived with, had good orange juice at night when she came home from work, I discovered later in life this is because it was a Screwdriver, and not really just orange juice.

In my church when I was little they served grape juice for communion. I was always disappointed when bottled grape juice didn’t taste as nice as the thimble full I got from those teeny cups. As I got older the boys who served the cups to us would stow away the unused and we would shoot it after the service.I

detest milk. I will only drink it cold with cinnamon rolls. I like it with chocolate. I have no idea where this prejudice came from. I do, however, like to drink steamers, which are of course steamed milk with whipped cream and flavored syrup.

I didn’t like beer until a few years ago. I discovered this is because I had only had light beer and I prefer dark beer. I once accidentally bought a case of rolling rock at a Sam’s club. I saw that the 24 pack long-necks were on sale, we were having a party and I knew everyone I knew liked it. I grabbed a 24 pack. When we got to the front they told me to wait and they would bring the rest of my case. I can’t even look at the bottles now, I am so sick of it.

Crown Royal is my favorite whiskey to drink. On my 21st birthday my friend Aeneas came down and we played Trivial Pursuit as a drinking game and used the bottles of Crown he bought me as our shooter. I like to drink it neat. The only thing I like better than whiskey is scotch. I like both with a cigar. It tastes nicer that way for some reason.

The drink that officially made me sick when I turned 21 was called a banana republic and it had banana liquor, banana rum, coconut rum and some sort of vodka in it with pineapple mixer. It was good, but it made me sick. I had been drinking whiskey all day/night.Beloved and I took a vacation a year or so ago and the owner of the bed and breakfast made breakfast for us. She served Mango juice at breakfast. It was delicious.

When I was in high school I drank cranberry juice all the time. I never liked it. I am unsure why I did it. I also had a proclivity to instant cappuccinos that they sold in my cafeteria. I don’t like those either. Those, though, I am pretty sure I drank because I only slept about 4 hours a night.

I do not like coffee, although I will drink coffee drinks. There is one brand of decaf I like, and it is served in one restaurant in my town. I will drink coffee with a lot of creamer in it. I also like *real* cappuccinos with extra espresso in them. I will drink a shot of espresso if I need a pick me up for a study session [when I was in school] or have had a late night.

I drink far too much soda. I prefer coke or mountain dew. Mountain dew is especially good with old fashioned cherry syrup in it. I like cherry drinks of all sorts. I like ginger ale dry. I prefer hot soda to cold and canned to bottles, although glass bottles are the best.

The drier the champagne, the better.

Gatorade [and all sports drinks] is evil.

I’ve of course left the most common for last. Water. I will drink it, especially when I am sick. I will drink it from the tap, although we buy four cases of water every few weeks or so, Beloved grew up on spring water from a well. I prefer plain to flavored, sparkling above all. I will say this: I would rather swim or soak in water than drink it.

So that’s me and beverages.

Thursday, March 02, 2006

We can have a few decent days and nights

I have a job. A new one. A Sure one. At a restaurant waitressing. Not very glamourous, but its a job. They'll work with my school schedule. And I will get to meet people and be around people and be friendly. It might be good for me.

Yesterday was a fine day. I got a job, of course. I also got to spend a decent time online decompressing and talking to people. I gave a tarot reading for someone. [incidentally, Spins, I have a question for you - how do you deal with a bad reading? I hate giving bad news] I also had lunch with a friend. While I was at lunch with my friend a guy came over and asked me if my tattoos were runes. He actually recognized them. He showed me he had as tattoo of the runic alphabet in a band around his arm. He was older, probably in his fifties, and it was neat to see someone like me...I don't know. It was just neat.

It was a beautiful day. Almost 80 degrees, which is unheard of in the midwest in February. The breeze was lovely. I wore a beautiful sundress my aunt R had given me, its turquiose blue with red and gold and pink flower/peacocks on it. It sounds garish, but its really very lovely. She has great taste. It cuts diagonally along the botton and has a couple ruffles. Its nearly all sheer. I felt like a spring goddess. It was nice.

I am having lunch with Mystery again today. I am looking forward to it. She's been ill and we haven't been able to hang out as much. [Plus, the darling girl has a life] But it will be nice. Its supposed to be warm again today. I might indulge in a walk around a park or something. We have a couple beautiful parks here. I might even go to one with a lake and pester the ducks. I love ducks.

I'm an 'effing little beam of sunshine today.

Sending you all lots and lots of love.
AG

Wednesday, March 01, 2006

This town had dragged you down

Last night Beloved came home completely shocked. She told me that a guy in her capstone course at school [which is on Jewish Literature - biographies and autobiographies] had told the class that he agreed with Hitler. he had a "hard time seeing the Jews as real people" How can there still be people like this in the world? It amazes me. To top it off [and you *know* she had to keep quiet] the professor is a Jew! How sick can a person be. Beloved said the whole class ws so shocked they couldn't say anything. I am amazed. The sad thing is, though, that there are poeple like this in my town. Everywhere. It makes me sad.