tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63829952008-09-01T16:12:39.753-04:00[something clever and obscure here]The chronicles of Amelia's post road trip adventuresAmeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15154811097636058006noreply@blogger.comBlogger385125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6382995.post-80450356551865907262008-09-01T15:22:00.004-04:002008-09-01T16:12:39.778-04:00half a tree down, half to go<a href="http://www.ameliathegreat.com/uploaded_images/treedown-720516.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.ameliathegreat.com/uploaded_images/treedown-720458.jpg" border="0" alt="Broken tree limbs" /></a><br />I lost power around 12:30pm, and tried to sleep through the worst of the storm. When I woke up, there was only half a tree in my backyard. <br /><a href="http://www.ameliathegreat.com/uploaded_images/gustav2-776409.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.ameliathegreat.com/uploaded_images/gustav2-776396.jpg" border="0" alt="see all the yellow? that's bad..." /></a>I'm faring better than others, though. Jeff has lost his patio roof and Justin's garage door caved in on his cars. Angie says she thinks this is worse than Katrina for Baton Rouge.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="float:right; font-style:italic;">See all the yellow? That's bad...</span>Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15154811097636058006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6382995.post-21341294373002523452008-09-01T11:15:00.006-04:002008-09-01T13:03:19.579-04:00hurricaneI'm waiting out Gustav, and starting to get bored, bored, bored. I've managed to entertain myself all morning, but it's becoming a challenge. I haven't lost power yet, thank goodness.<br />...research the etymology of <span style="font-style: italic;">hunker</span>, as in <span style="font-style: italic;">hunker down</span>...<br />...drink some hot chocolate...<br />...watch the news...<br />...email friends who are in other parts of the state and swap videos of what it's like where you are...<br />...drink more hot chocolate...<br />...watch Geraldo get an adrenaline high in 70 mph winds...<br />...take a shower, in case the hot water disappears...<br />..blog for the first time in years...and stress about getting back on the bike...<br /><img src="http://www.ameliathegreat.com/images/gustav1.jpg" />Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15154811097636058006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6382995.post-1136567879574548662006-01-06T12:15:00.000-05:002006-01-06T12:17:59.586-05:00<sigh> you're really making me explain it...I love you guys. Really, I do. And I'm sorry that I haven't shown it in the last four months, but it doesn't give you an excuse to be idiots.<br /><br />Let's take, for example, my post from August 27th. I've gotten several text messages gleefully pointing out that I've made a grammatical or spelling mistake in this post where I complain about grammatical and spelling mistakes. Now, I'm not immune from making mistakes, and I've even made one or two before (shhh, don't tell anyone), but THIS IS NOT ONE OF THOSE TIMES!<br /><br />Maybe if you'll more carefully read the last paragraph in that post you'll find that I didn't just use the word "irregardless" or spell "definitely" wrong, but also included more than 10 instances of mangled proper English. It's packed full.<br /><br />IT'S A JOKE!<br /><br />Happy New Year, everyone. I hope that you're keeping your resolutions.Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15154811097636058006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6382995.post-1125456359556237522005-08-30T22:42:00.000-04:002005-08-30T22:46:07.810-04:00Katrina missed me and mine.Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15154811097636058006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6382995.post-1125121706006182062005-08-27T01:27:00.000-04:002005-08-27T01:48:26.046-04:00it's a common mistakeThe phrase is "it doesn't <em>faze</em> me," not "it doesn't <em>phase</em> me."<br />It's sepArated, not sepErated.<br />a lot, not alot.<br /><br />However therefore I would like to reiterate again that irregardless of how quickly you've perused my site, you may still be surprised by the shear irreverance of it all. If your paying attention and sticking to your principals, then one day ya'll will write English as good as I.<br />Ironic?<br />Supposably.<br />Very unique?<br />Definately.<br /><br /><small>To the Star Wars fan whose blog partially inspired this entry: Thank you, and don't let your feelings get hurt if you ever find out I was making fun of you. Your tiny mistakes were inspiration to this imperious grammarian (read: self-righteous bitch) and my readers owe you one, because it actually got me to write.</small>Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15154811097636058006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6382995.post-1124105744456572222005-08-15T07:23:00.000-04:002005-08-15T07:40:46.086-04:00my baby...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ameliathegreat.com/uploaded_images/gingerbath-739678.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.ameliathegreat.com/uploaded_images/gingerbath-738520.jpg" border="0" alt="" title="photo by Jeff Vaughan" /></a><br /><br />...gets a bath<br /><br /><br /><br /><small>Elizabeth Barrett Browning - <a href="http://www.cswnet.com/~erin/ebbpoem.htm#cha">Change upon change</a>, able Seaman.</small>Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15154811097636058006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6382995.post-1122476213616060602005-07-27T07:53:00.000-04:002005-07-27T11:56:39.956-04:00blast offSo there was a shuttle launch yesterday and I saw it. Not from across the water in Titusville like the rocket launch a few months ago, but outside at work 50 miles away. Everybody gathered at the front of the building and looked east, and then we saw it: the bright and hopeful little engine that could. <img align="right" src="http://www.ameliathegreat.com/images/sm_shuttle.jpg" />I don't trust anyone who can watch a shuttle launch with a dry eye. Hundreds of thousands of man-hours went into that mission along with countless hopes and dreams and prayers and wishes and sleepless nights and worried families and ounces of adrenaline and pounding hearts and wide eyes seeing the earth for the first time. If watching that oblong fireball stream through the clouds doesn't make you shut up and stare with awe and wonder and slightly watery eyes, then you might want to do a little self-reflection on how you turned out to be such a heartless person. If you've never seen a shuttle launch and you're sitting there thinking, "I don't think that seeing one would make me feel all those things you're describing, Amelia." I'll give you the benefit of the doubt, you just have no idea.Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15154811097636058006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6382995.post-1121284730743244792005-07-13T15:54:00.000-04:002005-07-13T18:47:41.056-04:00no shuttle launchS'posed to be a launch today. wasn't.Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15154811097636058006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6382995.post-1120823116549214522005-07-08T07:36:00.000-04:002005-07-08T07:52:12.423-04:00feed! finally, I'm syndicated!Finally after months of being hassled about not having a site feed (by the lazy ones who don't want to check my site every minute). I'm setting one up. Here's the link to my <a href="feeds/atom.xml" title="Atom feed">Atom Feed</a>. I know there's RSS out there, too, but I haven't had time to explore the whys and wherefores of one over the other, and Atom is the one that Blogger supports with ease. If you have any suggestions about something I should do, then <a href="contact.html">text me</a>.<br /><br />If you have no idea what I'm talking about, and would like to, read <a href="http://blog.contentious.com/archives/2003/10/18/what-are-webfeeds-rss-and-why-should-you-care">What Are Webfeeds (RSS), and Why Should You Care?</a>. I haven't had the time to read it yet, either, so feel free to text me a synopsis.Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15154811097636058006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6382995.post-1120822113998416612005-07-07T23:37:00.000-04:002005-07-08T07:28:34.060-04:00london attacksautobot, kick amelia?<br /><br />They were blowing up London today. That really sucks. George Galloway, a member of the British Parliament said, <p class="quote">"We argued, as did the security services in this country, that the attacks on Afghanistan and Iraq would increase the threat of terrorist attack in Britain. Tragically Londoners have now paid the price of the Government ignoring such warnings."</p> Which is basically like saying, "ha, I told ya so." I don't keep up very much with individual MPs and their politics and personalities, but knowing no more than this, I can safely say that this George Galloway person is a tool. How about a little compassion for the 50+ dead and 700 wounded fellow countrymen? I suppose he <em>is</em> a socialist, so he can't help being an idealistic squeaker. <br /><br />The U.S. is also responsible for attacks on Afghanistan and Iraq, but I can tell you that this would never happen in the U.S. Why? Nobody uses public transportation. Terrorists would have to set a bomb in each of our cars, which would be highly impractical, because we certainly don't put more than two in a car at a time, and even that's rare. So, they stick to the old world, where there is not enough land and too many Europeans squeezing 60 of themselves into buses. They make an easy target. Now, Americans, we're the bright ones, spreading out all over, making it hard to hit a bunch of us at once....<em>just don't blow up a Walmart.</em><br /><br />It's a terrible thing that happened, and though I try to keep it light with humor, (humour), it's no fun to have your country attacked, and I send out my hugs to Sue, Harry, Em, Vincent, Henrietta Stackpole, and all of my dear friends there. Keep your head up, love.Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15154811097636058006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6382995.post-1120685756456411942005-07-06T17:17:00.000-04:002005-07-06T17:35:56.510-04:00pup!I bought a puppy.<br />She's four months old. She's an Australian Shepherd. She's way cool, but not quite potty trained.<br /><img align="left" src="http://www.ameliathegreat.com/images/sm_pup_profile.jpg" /> <img align="right" src="http://www.ameliathegreat.com/images/sm_pup_sits.jpg" /><br />Isn't she freakin' gorgeous?! I think her name is Ginger (Ginger Ale, Ginger Beer, Ginger Bear, Ginger Snap...Ginger something). She's been Honey Bear and Sugarfoot in the last two days, but I think I'm sticking with Ginger. She lost a tooth yesterday. I'm hoping that it was a baby tooth and that those sorts of things are supposed to happen. She's the first dog that I've been completely responsible for. I had dogs as a kid, but I didn't pay any attention to much about them except loving and fetching. <br /><img align="right" src="http://www.ameliathegreat.com/images/sm_pup_tug.jpg" /><br />Ginger definitely has more toys than any of my dogs ever did. The pet store lady said every puppy needed <u>8</u> toys! It's possible that she was just trying to sell more pet toys, but I think she's right, and I'd rather my baby be preoccupied with rubber squeaky things than with wooden table legs. She's already destroyed her favorite plush toy and is working on her second.<br /><img align="right" src="http://www.ameliathegreat.com/images/no_tooth.jpg" /><br />She lost her tooth playing tug-of-war with me. There was blood, and I was slightly worried that I had been too rough with her, but she didn't seem to notice that she was one incisor short. <br /><br />Yesterday was an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0689711735/ref=sib_rdr_dp/104-6325219-2025564?%5Fencoding=UTF8&no=283155&me=ATVPDKIKX0DER&st=books">Alexander</a> day. Today is better. I couldn't hold on to any thoughts yesterday, and I was under a tremendous amount of stress, I even had an anxiety attack in the night, and that's weird, because, as a rule, things don't go wrong with me. <br /><img src="http://www.ameliathegreat.com/images/sm_pup_sleeps.jpg" /><br />or maybe I'll name her CrackerJack<br /><br /><small>It'll be ok. It always is.</small>Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15154811097636058006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6382995.post-1120577446664491492005-07-05T11:26:00.000-04:002005-07-05T11:30:46.670-04:00hey, just wondering: graduate school? I don't get it. splain it to me, please.Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15154811097636058006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6382995.post-1119529014516290652005-06-23T07:42:00.000-04:002005-06-23T08:16:54.540-04:00Spock wasn't a misanthrope, so I still have hope.In some ways, I think it would be nice to have a cord coming out of my head that I could plug into someone else's head and then they would know everything going on in my mind without me having to bother to explain it. That's my technological solution to the Vulcan Mind Meld.<br /><br />Would you be afraid if someone could read your mind? I guess you'd need to ensure that the someone was an understanding, nice, and civilized person who wouldn't take advantage of the fact that they knew all your ins and outs. You wouldn't want to mind meld with someone who would surprise you with a frog once they realized you wet your pants because you're so scared of amphibians. Of course, the optimist in me thinks that someone who could read minds would automatically have more kindness and mercy. The fears and insecurities that keep us from connecting with and trusting other humans would fade away, because there would be little that was unknown. Of course, the pessimist in me thinks mind reading would cause someone to reach the pinnacle of misanthropy. There'd be no room left for optimism about human nature, because there'd be no question about how deeply flawed we all are.<br /><br /><small>I'm trying to get back in the habit of blogging. Bear with me.</small>Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15154811097636058006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6382995.post-1118761987934099922005-06-14T10:25:00.000-04:002005-06-14T11:53:07.430-04:00revivedToday I sat quietly at my computer looking for a tutorial on flute playing. I had the rare experience of opening up a brand new flute this morning. I know someone has touched it before, and I'm sure someone has played a few notes on it. It had to be crafted and tested before being released into the wild. So I'm not the first to touch it or play it, but I'm the first one who held it lovingly and said, "You are mine and we will make beautful music together." <br /><img align="right" src="images/flute.jpg" /><br />The First Time<br />I stand out on my porch in the sun, facing the trees. I am outside of my house, but it is more private than inside. I will certainly wake pets and people if I play my flute inside. I feel professional when I hold it. My back is straight, and my hands hold the flute up to my right as I mimic the flute players I've seen. I don't hold it with familiarity. I don't feel comfortable. My fingers don't know where they should rest and press and release. I'm a two year old with a big red crayon. My fingers feel fat and graceless, not light and lively. I don't give up. I play a timid note. Hmm, that sounds a bit breathy, not crisp and clear. I play louder, I press some keys. It needs work, but it's got potential. I'm pleased. Now I just need to figure out how to play this #ucker.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://parapsychologie.ac.at/programm/ss1999/barringt/flute.htm">Why I Must Give Up Flute Research</a> by U. NohooghAmeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15154811097636058006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6382995.post-1114527336292580642005-04-26T10:54:00.000-04:002005-04-26T10:55:36.293-04:00Is there a demon in my computer or is it just StickyKeys?Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15154811097636058006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6382995.post-1114028519404517012005-04-20T16:20:00.000-04:002005-04-20T16:21:59.443-04:00do you know what time it is?Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15154811097636058006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6382995.post-1113670620510668432005-04-16T12:55:00.000-04:002005-04-16T12:57:00.510-04:00I'm hiding in my cave, and I'm not coming out.Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15154811097636058006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6382995.post-1112871891634083802005-04-07T06:23:00.000-04:002005-04-07T07:21:53.446-04:00eat your vegetablesI had a dream I was eaten by alligators. I didn't actually get to the munching part. I woke up scared before teeth pierced my skin. There were thousands of alligators (though there could have been crocodiles, too) and at least one dinosaur. I was flying low over them, but not in a plane or anything, more like a flying carpet, something I could easily fall out of, and I wasn't driving. It was my co-worker, Robin (the one pushing me in a shopping cart). I don't normally think of her as doing things to endanger me.<br /><br />Once I woke up, I couldn't get Death out of my mind. I couldn't just brush away the feeling I had when I knew I would perish. I think about death on other days, especially when I'm driving to work down I-4. I think, "I could die in a car accident." <ponder> "I'd be okay with that." And more and more lately, I actually believe that. I would hate to leave the people who love me, but I'd be dead, so I really wouldn't care. Not this morning, though. I was afraid. I didn't want to be attacked and ripped to shreds. (People actually die that way! Here's a recent story from the town I live in: <a href="http://www.tampabaylive.com/stories/2005/03/050316gator.shtml">Man's Arm Found in Alligator Stomach</a>.) When I awoke, I didn't want to die at all, ever, but I knew I would, and I hated life because of it.<br /><br />I expect that feeling to fade as the sun comes up. I know that it will. I'll eat something and drive to work and it will be a day like any other. I'll be able to convince myself deep down inside that nothing is going to happen to me ever, and all the bad stuff is made up. War, shark attacks, genocide, school shootings: that's not real, that's just TV. Could you please turn it back to South Park? I'm tired of hearing about Terri Schiavo. She's in a Permanent Vegetative State, why would she want to live that way?Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15154811097636058006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6382995.post-1112627995900312252005-04-04T11:01:00.000-04:002005-04-04T11:19:55.903-04:00Yeehaa!<img align="right" src="http://www.ameliathegreat.com/images/tarheel.gif" />I saw the semi-finals in Chapel Hill on Saturday. It was cold, we were four, and coats were three, so I didn't partake in a grand amount of merry-making and bonfire-jumping on Franklin St. Of course I'm talking about the NCAA Men's B-Ball tournament, and the pair of not-so-exciting games which resulted in the auspicious #1 v. #2 game I'll be watching tonight. Go 'Heels!Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15154811097636058006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6382995.post-1112448704207916442005-04-01T19:40:00.000-05:002005-04-02T08:31:44.206-05:00<img src="http://www.ameliathegreat.com/images/Marryme.jpg" /><br /> <img src="http://www.ameliathegreat.com/images/Amelia.jpg" /><br /> <img src="http://www.ameliathegreat.com/images/AmeliaMarryme.jpg" />Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15154811097636058006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6382995.post-1112212366849877682005-03-30T14:30:00.000-05:002005-03-30T15:14:25.200-05:00<img align="left" title="I pout becuase you've stopped reading my site" src="http://www.ameliathegreat.com/images/pout_sm.jpg" />Don't stop reading my site! I plan to at least post on Friday, so don't miss that. <br /><br />I just installed <a href="http://www.ubuntulinux.org">Ubuntu Linux</a> on my laptop and I'm going through all of the hassle of getting that machine up and running, but when it's through, I'll be able to write a how-to for anyone else who is installing Ubuntu on a Sharp AV18P.<br /><br /><img align="right" src="http://www.ameliathegreat.com/images/ryan_amelia.jpg" />On other fronts, my co-worker and I now coordinate our wardrobes. I recommend it for those who need more team building within their organization or department. Today: black shirt and jeans. For tomorrow, we're debating wife-beaters.<br /><br />Carolina is in the Final Four. So I'm super-thrilled about that. I plan to celebrate the win on Saturday at <a href="http://www.watsoncrombie.com/hes_not_here_mudwrestling/unc_college_rugby_girls_mudwrestling.html">He's Not</a>. :)<br /><br />While you're at the store, don't forget to pick up an Amelia.<br/><img src="http://www.ameliathegreat.com/images/shopping.jpg" /><br/>I swear I'm going to be 27 this year.Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15154811097636058006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6382995.post-1110924301618459102005-03-15T17:09:00.000-05:002005-03-15T17:05:01.620-05:00beware the Ides of MarchToday seemed to be going fine for a while, but those Ides, they always catch up with you.Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15154811097636058006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6382995.post-1109892000847664032005-03-03T17:30:00.000-05:002005-03-03T18:20:00.850-05:00prohibition spawns ingenuity"Travelers are a valuable partner in the screening process," said Rear Adm. Stone. "If they pack smart and avoid bringing lighters to the checkpoint, passengers can accelerate the screening process and allow us to focus on those individuals and items that may be a threat to their flight."<br /><br />I'm sorry, but I just can't take anyone seriously whose title is Rear Admiral, but that's not the issue here.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.tsa.gov">TSA</a> has added lighters to the list of things which are prohibited past the security checkpoints in airports. You were already prohibited from packing your lighters in your checked luggage. You are, however, allowed to bring up to four (4) books of matches beyond airport security. I see business opportunities here, don't you? You could collect the prohibited lighters from those who are departing and trade them packs of matches. Then, you could sell these lighters to those smokers who just arrived for a hefty profit (in addition to profit you made selling the advertising that goes on the matches). You heard it here first, and I'll even sell you a start-up kit so you can get foothold in before the market gets saturated. You have 6 weeks to take action before they start <a href="http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?theme=40&content=0900051980105a77">confiscating lighters on April 14</a>. Get 'em while they're hot!<br /><br /><small>I can't wait until they find <a href="http://www.flynaked.com">clothing</a> to be a threat to airport security.</small>Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15154811097636058006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6382995.post-1109346744760730732005-02-25T09:52:00.000-05:002005-02-25T11:27:03.443-05:00<em> I may not be normal, but at least I'm regular.</em><br /><br />Dude, my co-worker had dinner with Lou Ferrigno last night. Why haven't I been so lucky? I mean, I saw Al Sharpton the other morning at breakfast, but the Hulk is in a different category altogether. The Hulk kicks Al Sharpton's ass.Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15154811097636058006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6382995.post-1109257208061505072005-02-24T09:59:00.000-05:002005-02-24T10:00:08.063-05:00love is free<em>I have lost my mind. It's kind of funny to me, though it may be scary to an outside observer.</em><br /><br />Good morning. Everything is going splendidly in Central Florida. It's going to be 80 degrees today with a 20% chance of rain.<br /><br />I passed a couple of guys standing around a trash can and they told me that I'd have to pay a dollar to throw away my banana peel. "Nothing is free," they said.<br />"Love is free. Graciousness is free," I said, and the secret was out: I am a hippie in IT consultant's clothing.<br /><br /><small>Please don't attack my punctuation. I haven't finished reading <a href="http://eatsshootsandleaves.com/">Eats, Shoots & Leaves</a> yet.</small>Ameliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15154811097636058006noreply@blogger.com