Holiday Time

During the Christmas and New Years break it is more about going back home or meeting up with friends/family who you have not seen in forever. So during this time it's like your normal routine life is put on hold while you connect with those who are not typically around. For me I have been hanging out with people who are around but who I have just not seen in forever due to moving in different circles. It's been interesting, fun, and refreshing to reconnect with those who I have not seen in awhile which is also due to different schedules. I'm thinking about this b/c for the past 4-5 days I have met up with 3 different people who I have not hung out with one on one in forever. This also made me realize that I like to meet people. I love making new friends and hanging out with different people. I also like my own time but have realized I don't take enough "me" time. I don't know if this is a bad thing but I guess if I am okay with being on the go all of the time then that is okay. However, I am feeling like I am running out of steam and need to just chill for awhile. This is something I have been doing on my 10 day break. Watching television, going to the library, and reading have been great to me recently. Sometimes we need to just put everything on pause and reconnect. 

Sleep.

I need sleep.
For the past week I have either been working a night shift or doing something for christmas. I have not gotten much sleep. I miss my Richmond friends.
When I get home I am going to sleep for a million years then wake up and hang out with my friends and then paint a picture.
It will be amazing.
Love,
Amy L.
p.s. I especially miss Amy O's presence on this blog. Where are you Amy O? I have posted like 10 million posts. Do you not have a computer in christmas land? Love you.

This is pretty amazing

What Else is There?

More computer, less television.

(The following from a facebook chat session with Chris. A thought from my mom. A really good one.)

7:08pmAmy
My mom says it's refreshing to see all the inspirational people on the internet. She says she watches the news all the time and starts to think that everyone is evil or perverted and it's very depressing. But, she says, on youtube/internet their is so much creativity and people doing interesting things. She says you see more of the beauty in life and it makes her want to go paint a picture.

I thought that was a nice thought.

7:09pmChris
That is a nice thought.

7:09pmAmy
from and old person who doesn't use the internet

7:10pmChris
More computer, less television

7:10pmAmy
yeah we have more control
most people are good.

7:10pmChris
yes

Flight of the Conchords: season two

WATCH THE FIRST EPISODE OF THE SECOND SEASON HERE:
http://www.hbo.com/conchords/

Mmm...me like
Essie Jain
http://vimeo.com/2035393

Work ah!
Videos yay!
Act like an angry erotic sheep in the woods.
I have a girl crush.

http://vimeo.com/99317

2:15 AM in the morning

I wish I had a french speaking little girl. If I did I would make her tell me stories like this:
http://vimeo.com/2113477

Blogging away my depression.

No matter how you cut it...it is pretty depressing being alone on Christmas.
Oscar and Mr. Nielson are doing their best to cheer me up.
I am going to go to Starbucks and have a cup of joe.
They are the only place open.
How depressing.

Sparks

Self: You are loving this pop group Sparks aren't you?
To self: Actually, yes I am.
Self: Something tart, funky, and fresh just like the drink Sparks that is about to be discontinued?
To self: Yes! Exactly! This can be my NEW Sparks because music never dies. Sob.

Creepy guy

Was looking up stuff on the discontinuation of Sparks the drink and well....found this Sparks on youtube.
Posting it mainly for the mustache.
hmmm.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ax8JYmoRhy4

Make sure to also check out their hit "The number one song in heaven."

If I had a baby and snow I would throw the baby in the snow and make it do this!

Awe, snow, bike kiss.

I want snow so bad.

(FOUND : http://www.flickr.com/photos/25614002@N02/2592638194/)

I really really do. I am so jealous of everyone who is getting it.

I want to walk around and be romantic in the snow.

I want a kiss in the snow.

GRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!

Okay so I was at Starbucks today doing one of my favorite things, people watching (and coffee drinking!)...I started writing down things that I observed that I hate and love:

Here they are:

Hate:

- Listening into a conversation and noticed that only one person is talking the whole time. I feel so annoyed for that other person. Speak up dude! Grumph.

- When someone uses the rest of the half-and-half and doesn't get it refilled and leaves it empty for the next person. ME. Grumph.

- People answering their phones while checking out. Seriously! You should know not to do this by now. Grumph

- When business people meet at coffee shops to talk loudly about "important" business things.

Love:

- Good friends/family meeting at coffee shops.

-That a lady spilled her coffee and four people came to help her clean it up.

- Business people on their laptops enjoying a cup of joe maybe a bagel.

- Sharing newspapers with strangers!

-Doing the crosssword even though I'm not any good at it.

-Getting some serious creative thinking done.

Adorable video

http://video.yahoo.com/watch/499508/2649775

Volleyball

Blair Brown is from Falls Church, VA and is a 6'5 starting Sophomore. She rocked it on the court.

Since my older sister started playing volleyball in 1991 I have been interested in the sport. I played from 1992-2004 and had a lot of great experiences and memories from playing for so long. This past weekend I watched the best volleyball I think I've seen in a long time and was amazed by the athleticism of these women playing. I watched the NCAA Semifinals and Finals. The Penn State volleyball team was amazing and HUGE! The girls played unbelievable defense and offense. If you ever catch them on television next fall you should watch because these girls are so talented at this sport that it leaves me in disbelief.

I don't think I can leave this place

We drink at work. In an office environment this is a totally new concept! So now after drinking champagne I have a buzz sitting here at my desk. Strange.

So, as I am writing this blog Sally comes into my cubicle and ends up giving me this Christmas gift. A little stocking with her business card with this message and picture on the back "A small, but a Merry Christmas with! Sally" She gave me a silver dog bookmark with the quote "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself" -Josh Billings.

Sally gets me.

This made me happy today

I think this is the BEST Christmas card I have ever seen or received! The snowflake dangles on the card, the penguins noses and feet are orange felt. The inner tube has pink glitter and the ice capsule has silver glitter. I got this card from Deb at work and she is awesome.

"Hey Joe and Larry hop on those bikes...I need to fire up the blender and make myself a daquiri!"

Some of you may know that I no longer own a vehicle. My main mode of transportation is a bike (and no I don't wear my helmet as much as I should). I take the bus when it's raining (really great people watching (and smelling)). Hitch rides from my friends to far off places and tomorrow I will be taking on a rental car for the first time.
It's been over two months, and I love not having a car. Sometimes inconvenient, a little challenging, but overall WAAAYYY worth it. Now granted I live in a really great area for biking, I work less then 5 miles away from my apartment and everything I need is basically in walking distance.
Anyway, I was at brunch with some friends over the weekend and Aaron C. started talking about a house he was working on that was going to be on cribs. No it's not actually a famous person's house but someone whos house is "green" or environmently friendy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yoH6raSZWM
So it got me thinking what about a room in that house, where there are like ten bicylers (however many it took) who where at your beckoning call to peddle whenever you needed electricity, basically always? Besides being "green" it would solve a lot of our nations problems right, like poverity (jobs for the needy), obesity (biking is GREAT exercise).
Some rich person get on this idea, cause I would really really love to see it!

"Hey Joe and Larry hop on those bikes...I need to fire up the blender and make myself a daquiri!"

Hi! I don't know what to say but I'm going to blog anyway

Hmmm...lets see what to blog about what to blog about. It seems rather dumb to just start blogging and you don't even have an idea about what you want to talk about. Im sure there are a lot of fantastic, interesting, mind blowing things up in my brain that you all want to hear about (all two of you). Hmmmm......

Hmmmm......

Nothing. How about just a bunch of random things. Okay, so here goes, I am going to just write things down as they come to me even if they don't make sense. Ready...okay.

* Need to make crafts

* Need to start painting more.

* What is the difference between historic and historical?

* Cats keep stepping on the keyboard. Really annoying

* Popcorn and sex.

* Just got a 2009 calendar to keep myself straight.

* Need to send more thank you cards.

* Keep one peice of paper with you at all times that you write all your fantastic project ideas on. So as they are not spread out on lots of little papers.

* Need to pick up rental car tomorrow.

* Do I text too much?

* The Main street polar bear.

* Children's book.

*Bicycling "green" house. Oh! That's what I wanted to blog about.

See, people, this is what goes through my brain.

Read This Book!

This is one of my all time favorite books and I'm kind of bothered that there is a movie made about it. I know that the movie might make people go out and buy the book which is great! However, it is already a bestseller and I don't like the fact that Hollywood is going to make money off of an awesome true story. I just know the movie will not represent accurately the touching story this dog Marley and his influence on his owners. So go check it out or buy the book, rather than waste $10 on the movie. This book will make you laugh out loud, surprise you, make you feel warm and fuzzy, make you want to get a dog, make you cry, and best of all make you happy that you read this book. So read it and don't see the movie...or read it first and then go see the movie.

A picture to give you the creeps

Click here! You know you want to!

I don't own a sombrero but I could get one

So I am looking on craigslist for a second job and I come across this one:


needed: 1-2 little people to help host a 'south of the border' themed party in mid-january. responsibilities include: 2-3 hour time commitment wearing a sombrero/other 'south of the border' garb walking around the party and generally having a good time this is not a joke. it will be a fun party. please contact me if interested.
Location: charlottesville
Compensation: $20 per hour, free booze
Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
Please, no phone calls about this job!
Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.PostingID: 958999164

Lovely Lady

My Grandmother:

Sassy

Mother

Independent

Cook

Intelligent

Crafty

Athletic

Unique

Teacher

My Grandmother may not be the most affection person but she has shown her love through different means. She would sleep with me when I was little and scared to sleep alone. Her and my grandpa would pick me up after school when both of my parents were working full time. She would play boardgames with us, she would tutor me in math (my worst subject), she would make us yummy snacks, and she would let me "sew" fabric using her antique sewing machine. She let us all play dress up with big skirts, shoes, and purses. She taught me how to play tennis and she taught me how to play different card games. She is an amazingly strong woman, who followed her husband all over the world. She raised 5 girls while her husband was away at sea for months at a a time. She has grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is now living by herself with about 5 cats (I lost count) and loves to talk about the past. I shot basketball hoops with this 84 year old woman a month ago. She used to hold Iowa's High School girl's basketball state record for most points scored in a game until a couple of years ago when someone broke the record. She is feisty and you have to hold your ground with her. I love to talk politics with her and I like to be as blunt with her as she is with me. She likes to dress up and go to the symphony. She likes to read and to take me to the local libraries. She is probably one of the most unique woman, or even person, I have ever met and I look up to her.

I don't know what I have done. I'm turning myself into a demon.

I don't know what I have done! I'm turning myself into a demon...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMrqBldlqzA&eurl=http://shortfacebear.blogspot.com/&feature=player_embedded

Scared.

This makes me insecure.

I hate that feeling.
Vomiting.

Blabla.

Ugh.
O.

Sun.

I'm having a hard time working today

So I'll just post another blog about Sally!

She just came in from the kitchen with a Christmas cookie which is in the shape of star and goes:
"If you are what you eat, then I am a star!"
a second later comes back and goes
"In my case a whole galaxy!"

I'm still laughing......

Letting go?

It's been over a year since my best friend passed away and I am now wondering when to let go. Does one ever let go of someone he or she loved so much? I hate the thought of it but I think you have to start letting go when you want to get better mentally and emotionally. I personally can't keep blaming a lot of my fucked-up-ness in the past on having lost someone who has a major piece of my heart....or can I? I guess I'm thinking about moving forward but then I'll come across things such as Facebook and am reminded of something I didn't get a chance to share with him and it kills me. It's like I fall back and can't let go because I don't want to lose any part of him that I still have. There are things such as watching movies where someone is dying in a hospital that make me frozen with thoughts of when I saw Charles passing away. The word Opthamologist I hate because I remember a certain incident in his hospital room that paralyzed me with fear of the knowing I was going to lose my friend. I'm not writing this for sympathy but I'm writing this because I am currently bothered by having come across his Facebook page and seeing pictures I have never seen. Fuck. I hate this feeling but it will pass because I am used to it and know it does. The thing is, that I want to move forward from sadness but I'm wondering if that will ever happen? I remember many good times and talk about him in reference to the old times without crying. So it's not as though I dwell on sadness or loss but I still hurt so much with how much I miss him. When will this stop? Does it?

Don't Get Me Started

Place: Barcode
Setting: Martinis, Wine, Techno (House music, whatever) Music, Gay men, Straight ladies, Food, and Christmas lights.

Matt to Amanda: You shouldn't read books.
Amy: What!
Amy: Why shouldn't someone read books?
Matt: Why would you want to?
Amy: Why would you NOT want to?
Matt: Because you can listen to books?
Amy: That is great, I support someone wanting to checkout or by any publication by an author in order for one to learn and be interested in literature (okay I don't think I said this exact statement b/c I was 3-4 glasses of wine in BUT it was something like this).
Matt: Nods his head

Then I just went on a roll for a good ten minutes about books and libraries, etc.
During this time people's eyes start to glaze over....

Matt to Amanda: Was she an English major? (I was still talking which is why he didn't ask me)
Guy who styled my hair to David: She is really passionate about books.

I stop talking b/c I heard both comments. Think about it for a second and look at Amanda and Amanda looks at me.

At the same time we say:
Amanda: She is a Librarian!
Amy: I am a Librarian!

Laughter and me turning red and realizing I can go on a tangent about books and libraries, ugh.

Pygmy Tarsiers

(Pygmy)....Love me.
(Me) Oh hi..hmmm?!Okay...yes!!

Oh my god this thing, a Pygmy Tarsier, it is so creepy yet so freakin' adorable I can almost not stand it. Apparently, people thought they were extinct and then a Indonesian scientist accidentally killed one while trapping rats. (R.I.P poor Pygmy)

They hadn't been seen in 80 plus years!

(See wikepedia link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pygmy_Tarsier)
Question: What celebrity does this thing look like? CLICK HERE FOR ANSWER

Finally an interesting book to catalog!

2 more Sally stories

1) Yesterday morning I called Sally's cell phone number because I needed the big boss's # to let her know I would be late due to my dog tearing her meniscus. Sally of course is like, "oohhhh no! I hope Bailey will be okay!" and so on. She then told me not to worry about calling Joyce and she would do it for me. Well when I get into the office, Sally asked me first about Bailey and proceded to tell me how sorry she is for the both Bailey and I, etc. Then she tells me that she didn't just call Joyce but she called Tim C., Time E., Janette, and Deb. So basically everyone who works in Technical Services along with Joyce received a phone call at 7:50 a.m. Sally thinks that people will not answer their phones or get their messages, so she decided to call everyone to let them know I had to take Bailey to the vet. Sally is so great!

2) We sit down together in my cubicle so she can teach me some more things about cataloging. Her cellphone beeps indicating she got a new text. A little bit later I had to run and go get a book as I come back to my cubicle where Sally told me my cell phone was ringing. I told her that is weird b/c my cell phone is on silent. She said, "Oh, it is? Well then it must have been your work phone!" and "What a strange ring you have!". A little bit later I had to go out in the stacks to get another book, came back, and she told me the ring she heard was her own cell phone ringing! Then her phone beeps again a bit later indicating another text message and she said, "For Pete's sake I am full of noise today!". She loves saying "For Pete's sake" and it always makes me crack up when she does.



I feel I should write a blog only about Sally! Then again maybe I am the only one who finds her so funny because some other coworkers seem to get annoyed by her spastic ways.

Kim no-coat, Kim yes-coat!

Times are not tough they are Rough

Why is it that when good things happen, the worst ones hit the hardest. My dog just tore her meniscus in her right leg this morning. What is crazy is September of 2007 she tore her meniscus in her left leg. The surgery is super expensive and I am going to have to get a second job yet again to cover the surgery. The only problem is we were not in a recession like we are now. There are absolutely no jobs out there. I am a librarian who is covering all of the available career seeker services and there is nooooooooooothing. The most important things is I have full time job with health insurance. I will do anything to make sure my dog gets the necessary medical treatment even if that means working at the Cheesecake Factory b/c that is like the only place hiring right now. Those two things make me think "Everything will work out" (as Charles always used to say). Does anyone have any ideas about where to find a second job?

Sally. A librarian who treats her cats like real people

My boss is the sweetest, quirkiest person I have about ever met. Below is the email she sent me after sending some of my coworkers Halloween pictures I came across. So Sally was referring to a picture of me dressed up as Sarah Palin. I wish I could write more about my boss but she is so wacky, yet endearing, that it is hard to describe her in words. I thought the best bet would be to just post this email. Also, I know that she is really thinking of doing something for her neighbors....

"You make a remarkable Caribou Barbie, I actually think SP is attractive, but you are much more so. Waytago! And HERE’S Sunflower who is challenging me to think of something nice to give the neighbors to compensate for her noisy complaining about being stuck in the kitchen!"

The one that got away

The one that got away, is my regret. I had this conversation with my cousin over Tday break about the one person you regret cutting out of your life. My cousin is single but the one lady that he still regrets dumping was one from his late twenties. He found her recently on Facebook. She is going through a divorce and now they are all of a sudden talking again after he just brought her up to me randomly. Is it meant to be? That is to be determined. The one that got away from me happened over a year ago. I wasn't in the right place at the time and he was too much in the right place. I was overwhelmed by his intensity because he knew exactly what he wanted, when I had no clue what it was that I wanted. I got incredibly scared because here I was this girl living with her parents, going to school full time, working part time, and having huge amounts of self-doubt. Then he was this beautiful, caring, kind, and highly intelligent individual who knew what he was doing, doing it, and going after it all. I freaked out. I cut him off and never looked back.....until now. Now I am looking back because I can understand where he was and wanted to be. I am now 28, educated, done with school, have a good job, and have a decent amount of self confidence. I know what I want and am not afraid of going after it. I think that scares people....guys in particular who are not sure where they are with their life. All I know is that I think it all boils down to timing. If you are in the right time to think about giving yourself to another, you will. If you are too scared about yourself and your own life you will hold back and not be yourself, nor give your self to another. I now regret being so mean to this individual....he only knew what he wanted. I did not. So what do I do now? Do I contact him or do I just leave it be? I wonder if things could be different with us now that I know more about what I want....

Ah...

Ahhh....

FFFFound ...

Amy O' Smoking

Okay Babe! So...here's the thing. This is my most favorited, most viewed, most "interesting", shot on flickr. I mean, yeah you're a hot babe, and yeah you're smoking but I just don't quite get the love that some people have for this photo. People are weird.
If it botheres you and would like me to take it down just let me know . Or I can make it private only to my contacts. Or if you don't mind we can just keep it up. Funtastic!

Oh yeah and good luck with quitting on Dec 12(?)
Just use this photo as motivation, imagine all the gross men whacking off to this picture. (sorry that was gross) It makes me never want to smoke again!

Warning

Do not watch the movie P.S. I Love You unless you want to start bawling. I have been highly unmotivated to write my last paper, so I decided to watch a movie and try to write. This was bad beyond the obvious because I couldn't stop crying while watching the movie! I haven't cried like that since watching Life Is Beautiful or Forrest Gump! The thing is, is P.S.... is not even the greatest of films but damn the plot of the story is so sad. I wasn't expecting to cry while trying to write a paper and now I am still writing my final paper, ugh!

Bailey and Me

I have to write a blog about my dog because she is a central point in my life. When things are rough I can get some loving from her and I feel so much better. When I'm not in a good mood, I can take her on a walk and we will play fetch (which is more like me running after her) and it is so much fun that I end up feeling so much better. When I go walking with her and let her run the best part is watching how agile and free she is and that makes me feel so much better. I have had her for seven years and she came to me when I was at a low point do to not liking the college I was at and being home sick. From the first day I have had her she has been by my side. It is so true that a dog is man's best friend because she certainly has been mine. Bailey makes me so happy at times that it is amazing to me because she is just a dog. She is of course more than just a dog and the stuff I have gone through in my twenties whether good or bad has been endured more so because of the joy she brings me.

Hit by a water balloon while biking

Grrrr....

Riding my bike to work today I got hit on my leg by a water balloon. It was about 6:45 PM. I was somewhere around Strawberry and Meadow I think...I can't remember the exact place. I was so angry. I hide for five minutes waiting to see if the people, wherever they were, would come back out so I could verbally attack them and hold them down until the police came. Unfortunately I was already running a bit late for work so I left the scene. I wish I had waited a bit longer.

What idiots!

What if they hit me in my head, fell off my bike into traffic and got run over by a car! It could have happened. I was so terrified at first. I thought someone threw a glass bottle of beer at me. Luckily nothing bad happened (other then being a little shaken up and angry).

I'm sure they were stupid some drunken VCU idiots (with small penises), and not those lovely two ladies in hot pink one-pieces or that hunk-of-a-thing in neon swim trunks like you see above.

Anyway. Jerks. Stupid jerks. Whatever you do comes back to you three times fold. BLA!

Baby hedgehog

HI!

My Friday started out great!

This morning I was flipping through the stations and came across an old episode of The Jetsons. I used to loooooooooooove watching this cartoon because of the futuristic components of the program. I wanted to be Judy Jetson so bad and thought she had the best style although her outfit never changed....Anyways, so I found out that I can order the complete first season of The Jestsons on DVD and I'm doing it!

Drunk. Wine. Whiskey.

You know.
There is that perfect time when you are just perfectly drunk.
Where everything seems so romantic and beautiful?
That is where I am RIGHT now!
Music sounds amazing.
Boys seems amazing.
You apartment seems amazing.
Life, life. God it's all fucking amazing.
Then, in an attempt to keep it all from going away too fast, you drink too much and everything seems so ugly.
I hate that.
I HATE that.
The ugly always seems to stick around for too long.
I'm always vying for the beautiful.
Sincerely,
Amy L.

Red.

Remember.
Red always gets you into trouble.

Help save a Pig

This poor Pig needs a home! Go on Craigslist under "Pets" if you want to adopt!

I have a black and white female pot bellied pig. She is 1 1/2 years old. Approx 130 pounds. She is very friendly and potty trained. She is an indoor pig, but likes to be outside during the day. I am considering finding a new home for her, my dogs don't like her and there is constant conflict in my house. I am putting this ad on CL to see if there is anyone out there who could provide her with a good home. I am looking for someone who will treat her like family, and who will make sure she gets proper health care and a proper diet. She could probably adjust to being outside, but I think that should wait till the spring, as she has never been left out in the cold. She will need clean dry shelter. I will not rehome her with someone who intends to put her in a field and leave her. They are very smart and require attention. She has never been around another pig, she is afraid of dogs, and she doesn't like a lot of noise. She is ok with kids as long as they don't grab at her. She loves her belly rubbed, and she loves food. Grapes, apples, and tomatoes are a special treat for her. She sits and rolls over. She gets fed 2x a day and likes to graze outside when weather permits. She is like family and we are attached to her. I just want her to have a family where the dogs won't try to eat her all the time. If I think you are a good fit for her, she comes with a book on piggy care, a bed, food, and a few extras, like shampoo and toe nail clippers. If you can provide all that she needs and would like to know more about her please email me. I am not asking a rehoming fee, I want her to go to a loving home.

The Kitchen

I come from a family of great cooks. They are all female. They all cook(ed) for their husbands but more importantly I think they cook because they enjoy it. I think I got this gene because I love to cook. I'm not the best but I can hold my own. I like to cook for others but also I like to cook because my mind will stop and I can just focus on the task at hand. I usually get so focused on what I'm doing that after I am done, I have to reorient myself to the present. Does that makes sense? When I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life, I thought about going to culinary school but didn't have the motivation to apply. Now, I can take cooking classes or just try a recipe on my own. I like to entertain and any reason to have a dinner party is good enough for me. I wish I had more money to have people over for dinner more often but I don't....I feel like over the past month I have been getting more inspired to cook which is a good thing. The more I do it the better I get. It's funny because when I think about the way the females in my family cook we all hold the same position. We stand with one leg (or foot) behind the other and kind of tilt one hip to the side. I am thinking about all of this because of cooking with my Grandmother and Aunt over Thanksgiving. I observed the way they cook and thought they look similar to my mom and myself (those who I am talking about are all from my mom's side of the family). Also, we all think that if you feel like something is missing just add more salt. I guess I just appreciate people who do cook because I know it is a skill. It is also a selfless act because you are making something with your hands and your attention to give to someone else. I would recommend reading Like Water For Chocolate and you will further understand this idea. Otherwise, I challenge you to cook a meal this week.

Hey Amy O!

I was thinking.
If we found another Amy L., we could befriend her, and have her start writing for the blog and then we would be Amy L.O.L.
Lets make this happen.

Things to do:

Things I need to do:
* Cancel gold gym membership
* Get VCU gym membership (so much cheaper)
* Start swimming!
* Keep up with photo project
* Make xmas presents
* Do more art.
* Do etch-a-sketch art project!
* Appreciate my life more.
* Take keg back to the Keg store.
* People's shopping cart photo project.

Next post:
My life without a car.

8:22-365 Photo project. What what!

I have decided to start a photo project.

Inspired from an article in this weeks Style Weekly.
http://www.styleweekly.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=92FAAEAC0D684399B38E353FFCBF23A2&AudID=307AACC9CB4748F1BF28EC3057EA1071
on this project:
www.sametime715.com/

So everyday at the same time I am going to take a picture. No matter where I am and then post in on flickr. Fun huh? I thought so. Anyway here I go...hopefully I can keep it up. If not, oh well, who the fuck cares!

Another reason why I love my job

If you are an employee with the University of Richmond you get 5 free Continuing Education classes a semester. This means I am going to take:

1) Massage Therapy-3 one hour full body massages (How this is a class, I have no idea but I'll take it!)

2) More Chef's Skills-One of the core course offerings, this two-evening class will explore basic, building-block cooking techniques including frying, soup-making, thickening, roasting, poaching, broiling, sauteing and more

3) Stocks and Sauces-. Learn the principles of making high quality stocks from scratch in this two-night core course. We will prepare basic brown sauce, bechamel sauce, veloute sauce, and an emulsified sauce. You will then learn to create other sauces from these basic sauces. You will be amazed at the variety of stocks and sauces that you can easily make at home and modify to your own tastes.

4) Red Wines of the World-In this 2-session class you will learn the importance of Body, Taste and Flavor in red wines and how these are vital to a life-long appreciation of wine. You will be led on a tour through all the red grape varieties of the world. Learn how to ask the right question to ensure you get the wine that best suites you. Discover the 8 tips of "Flawless Matching" of food and wine.

5) Seafood Pasta Creations-In this class you will create both and work on combining them to make classic entrees and appetizers. Learn the method of making fresh pasta dough, flavoring it, rolling it out and creating different cuts. Make ravioli, and learn simple sauces to complement it, and then see how to add seafood to round out the dish.

Gifts

When somebody gives you something you can learn from, it's probably the best kind of gift ever. My friend Amanda gave me this beautiful book called The Prophet by Khalil Gibran. If I could recommend for you to read any book, this would be the one. The writing and drawings are poetic and magical. Each chapter is about a different area of life from eating and drinking, to love, to dying, and so on. There is so much emotion coming from the writing that I have to stop and think and write about what I just read. This is why I love books and love reading. I feel so lucky to have Amanda as a friend and for her to have given me this gift on my 28th birthday. So I end my first blog with my favorite passage of The Prophet,

"When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy.
When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight"

Hi. I'm Amy L.

I like to take pictures of myself.

I'm always around.

I hope it doesn't offend you.

I don't mean it to.

It's just...that I'm always around.

and I'm a little weird.

But aren't we all?

The only normal people are the ones you don't know.

So embrace it. I'm trying to.