And the word is... vent

On your mark. Get set. Vent.


Ok. So I pretty ticked right now and I need to vent. I do not understand how we as human beings can be so focused on ourselves that we neglect our fellow humans. As you all know, my Granny was put into the hospital this weekend. In less than a week, she has gone from a happy and interactive, ever be it extremely sick, woman, to being hooked up to a ventilator in ICU with more tubes than I care to admit. However, this blog is not about her. She deserves better and you better believe the biggest and best blog yet will be soon and be all about her.

So, last week, I decided that once I got back home for the holiday, I would host some friends and we could go caroling and come back to my place and watch some Christmas movies. What better way to get myself in the holiday spirit? None that I could think of! Then, with Granny not doing well in the hospital, I sent out a message to these friends and let them know that Monday night (when the caroling and holiday fun was to be) may have to be postponed or cancelled depending on how things went with Granny. Well, then Monday comes and around 11am I just know there is no chance of me entertaining anyone. Granny had taken yet another turn for the worse and although I really, really needed some cheering up, love, and holiday joy, I just couldn't stand the idea of entertaining people while the rest of the family was in the ICU waiting room. So I did what I had to do and sent everyone (and by that, I mean every person who got the Facebook invite whether they were attending, maybe attending, not attending, or even yet to decide) a message to tell them Granny had gotten even worse and I just couldn't do it. Now, the real kicker. How many people were invited, and thus got the message about Granny? 50. How many people replied to the message in any form? 1.

While I understand that in this state of grieving my emotions are bit intense and sensitive, I also know that this is unacceptable.

How in the world do we expect to achieve "peace on earth" or give "joy to the world" when we remain so ignorant of pain and sorrow in others' lives? I know it is easier to remain ignorant and selfishly continue to live our own lives... yes because I am guilty of it, especially in the past few months. It's just sickening to know that every single day, people around us are suffering and we do nothing about it. Remember the power of a question.

You know what would have been nice tonight? A few more questions. Yeah... because I had one person prove to be one of my best friends. Why? The power of a question. For hours on end, I was asked about how I was doing, if there was anything I needed, how my mom was, how the rest of the family was. Those things, along with a reminder that we sometimes need tough love, changed my night. I was not alone.

"How are you?"

"Do you want some company?"

"Have you eaten? How about I bring you some food."

"Want some coffee or a drink?"

"Does anyone there need a ride anywhere? Maybe to pick up a few things for tonight or something?"

"Did you know that I love you and am thinking of you?"

"Wanna talk?"

Those are some questions I would have loved to have gotten. Those are questions people would love to get. You never know when someone is having a sad moment, bad day, rough week, or life crisis. Maybe that one question will change their outlook on things. Maybe that one question will lead to a life-long friendship. Maybe that question will just make them smile. Who freakin' knows. But, I'll tell you one thing, you'll never know unless you ask and see.

I want to challenge you, ask someone today. Ask them what? you ask. Who cares. Just ask it. Why? Because nobody can comprehend the power of a question. 

In this time of year, everyone is complaining about not being in the spirit of the holiday. Well, then shut up and do something about it! Don't just whine that you aren't jolly... start focusing on making others a little happier and I guarantee that in no time, you will be the jolliest of the jollies. It's all in the power of a question. 

We all want the answers. But, can an answer be an answer without first being a question? Without a question, we have no answers, they do not exist. Ah... the power of a question.

So go. Go ask. Ask now. Ask often. Ask a question and behold the power...



I am really sorry this seems so negative. Sometimes, though, even the most postitive people need a moment of weakness. In this time, I am so completely and utterly wrecked that I just needed to say what I said. I can garauntee that this will not be the last vent session. I can also promise that someone will be offended by this blog. That's okay because our selfish actions offended me first.
This is my blog. I will say what I want and if you don't like it, tough. This is for me and nobody else. Thanks! :)

And the word is... Update

To all my readers (both of you), I want to apologize for not posting anything in quite some time. You see, it was the end of the semester. What does that mean? Final Exams

*booo*hissss*



Can you please explain to me how I can study 6-8 hours for a multiple choice exam and still manage to get a 70%? Please? Because that's what happened in my History of Rock and Roll. I don't know how that happened. For my first exam in this class, I studied 2-4 hours and got an 80%. Hmmm I think I should study more. So, for the next test, I studied 4-6 hours, which yielded..... a 74%. What the friggin heck? I REALLY will study a lot for the final! Yeah.... 6-8 hours later, a 70%. That's okay... my Gender in Society final was amazing.

I breezed through about 8-12 essays in just about an hour and a half. No problem! I am pretty sure I will match my midterm grade of a 96%, if not beat it. Tie that in with a decent Greek Art exam and a fairly decent Medieval India exam, and no final in EnviSci? Heck yeah. The semester is DONE DONE DONE!

We're probably looking at 2 A's and 3 B's. Not quite my best work, but it'll do!

So needless to say, I was on cloud 9... no. Cloud freakin' number 19! ......then I got a call from home.

My granny (see blog post about Kentucky Pie) was being rushed to the hospital. After a night full of a lot of tests and no sleeping, they told us her aorta had torn. Now, if you don't know what the aorta is, check out some basic information and a diagram here. If you do already know, then you know just how serious this can be. Unfortunately, my family has experience with it, too. In the past decade, my uncle and aunt both died of this same type of trauma. Marvin only in his 40's and Gloria in her 50's. So here lies 80-something year-old Granny with a torn aorta.

She was sedated earlier and they did everything they could to reduce movement and control her blood pressure. Now, we wait. We wait and we pray that the tear begins to heal and that she can pull through this thing.

It pretty much stinks. Did I mention that last week was the anniversary of my aunt's passing and in just about 3 weeks is the anniversary of my uncle's? Yeah.

So there it is.... my update. This is literally my life now and for the past two weeks. It's been a roller coaster. Did you know I get motion sickness? (that means I hate roller coasters....both figuratively and literally.)

So if you could, take 30 seconds and say a holiday prayer for a holiday miracle. I need my Granny a little longer.

*My apologies for not having a more positve update*

And the word is... Calendar

So, I realize this comes only 30 minutes before it is no longer applicable, but I had to share a wonderful fact about today.

Today is December 11, 2010. No way!!!  Ok chill out. I haven't even put into numbers yet. That's right. Today is 12-11-10. TWELVE ELEVEN TEN!!!! 

12-11-10

Pretty cool huh???

  Of a related calendar-y note, my name can be found on the calendar. As I was looking up a date, I noticed a calendar with a heading similar to this one:

That is right, ladies and gents, JASON can be formed by the first letters of July, August, September, October, and November. Pretty cool, huh??



So there you have it, two awesome things related to the calendar in one day!

And the word is... Orange

Why ORANGE? Only because it is the best color EVERRRRR!!!!

Okay... can you tell my brain isn't functioning enough for a good blog topic? Give me a break, its Final Exams time.

So back to Orange. It is seriously my favorite color in the world. Light Orange. Dark Orange. Burnt Orange. Burning Orange. Burning Orange? Huh? Okay... sure! Apples or Oranges? Uhhhhhhh DUH! Orange is amazing.

So Orange, like all colors, can have so many meanings. It can be bright like the sunny days of Summer. Those are the times that Orange is energizing and electrifying. Then, there are the times when Orange gets burnt. But have no fear! Just like hamburgers, Orange is good burnt, too. Those are the times when Orange is warm and cozy. Orange can be tame and sophisticated and then, at the drop of a hat, turn into the neon color bouncing off the walls at a birthday party!

Orange goes with everything. I mean, can you really have Thanksgiving without Orange? Would Halloween be as scary with only Black? Charlie Brown (who reportedly is changing his name to Charlie Orange) and the Great Pumpkin think not.

I even go to a school whose colors are Blue and.... ORANGE! Wahooah!

So, here ends my ode to Orange. Orange, you simply are the best color. You have always been and always will be my absolute favorite.

With Orangey love,

Me

And the word is... Backwards

You know how you have those days when you want to look extra sexy? Meh. Me neither.


Well, today, I was almost to that point, but since it was in the 20's outside, I went for warm instead. Okay... warm and hot. ;)


Despite being 10 minutes late to class, I was feeling fine in my warm, black cashmere V-neck sweater. I had on a nice pair of Express jeans, some brown suede shoes (YES - brown and black and it looked good, thank you!) and a sweet H&M tan scarf that is like 2 miles long and thin as paper.


Well, I finished the class, and then went to the library to study for Final Exams. As you can imagine, the library was packed full of students eagerly preparing for this, the favorite two-week span at UVA. I finally found an open computer on the back wall, farthest away from everything. After I worked on my homework, I had to get up and go to the printer, stand in a line of about 7 or 8 people, then wait for the paper to print. I decided to be the good student and go ahead and hand-deliver it to my professor's box. So, I walk out of the library and through the building only to discover I would have to leave it with the receptionist. Okay, no biggy. So I make my way back to the corner and proceed to compose a few emails and study some more.


After some time, I decide to print of my Greek Art study guide. So, I go wait in a line of about 15 people this time. Click the print info. Wait for a girl's novel to print. Retrieve study guide. Begin to walk back. Make a horrifying discovery.


Now, mind you, I had gotten to school about 9:30am. It is now nearing 2:00pm. The library is packed and I've been walking around Grounds like the big man on campus because I'm hot stuff. So what was my mortifying discovery?


My sexy black, V-neck sweater.... was on.... backwards! Yes, ladies and gents, backwards. Here I was, seeing people watch me all morning, thinking it was because I was lookin' good. Nope. It was because I am an idiot.


Eh, no problem. With a face as red as a fire truck, once my heart had resumed beating, I made a dash back to my computer station and wrapped my neck up in that paper-scarf. Who cared if it was hot as summer in there? Not me, that's for sure. I decided to cut my study session a little early and left to remedy this terrible error.


No worries now though. I was reminded on my FaceBook today that I must just be bringing back the Kris Kross style:





Ok... so I don't plan on making this a fashion statement, but you have to admit... it's a convenient excuse!

And the word is... Stinkbug

Oh my! What on earth is that smell??

It smells like someone died and was burried in their moldy gym clothes in a coffin made of rotten eggs!

Ok... so it isn't that bad. In fact, to be completely honest, I don't think Stinkbugs are that terribly potent. I mean, get a few of them having a party together and maybe there will be a little odor, but nothing more than a musty attic. Hm. I don't know, maybe I am just immune to them....

In case you don't know what a stinkbug is, let me just say I AM SO JEALOUS! Once they make it to your home, you'll never see the end of them. Just to give you a visual, here is the lovely creature of which I speak:

Ah, yes. Good ol' Halyomorpha halys. He is actually a nice little insect (i.e. a freaking annoying little bugger that eats everything in its path) native to Japan who was introduced to the US only about 6 years ago... so they say, but I seem to remember them for as far back as I can think! Anyways, they snuck over on some cargo ships and landed in Pennsylvania. From there, it has been downhill.

These pests are like rabbits. Just, we can neither eat them, nor sell them in over-priced mall pet shops. No. And what eats them? Oh! That would be.. umm... oh yah... NOTHING! These things have no natural predators in America. There is only one species of wasp in Japan that eats them. I think I speak for all peoples allergic to bee stings when I say, we don't want any more bugs from Japan!! Apparently peacocks sometimes like to make stinkbugs into a quick, crunchy snack, but I don't know what is worse: peacocks screaming and pooping all over my neighborhood or a plague of stinkbugs.

Seriously, people, it is a plague. I thought that once it got colder, they would all freeze and all I would have to worry about was sweeping out a pile of crusty exoskeletons. Nope. So just today, I emptied out a secret stash of goodies and what should my eyes behold in the bottom of this top-secret holder of goodies? A baddie. Yes... a stinkbug. Then tonight, I go into a drawer to pull out some medicine. What do I pull out instead? Yes... a stinkbug. That doesn't even count the time earlier this week I went to put on my shoes and put on... yes... a stinkbug. And just a day before that, I went to grab a glass of water. Instead, a glass with a... yes... stinkbug. C'mon!! How can it be in the 20's outside (it even snowed this week!) and these little monsters still hang around! I am not one to wish harm on anyone or anything, but DIE ALREADY!!!! I am sorry, PETA members. I am all for the ethical treatment of animals, but nature needs to run its course and wipe these little things out!

I am sure that I will keep finding these nasty things all over my bedroom and bathroom, kitchen and living room. Don't even get me started on the Jeep! Complaining about them won't make them go away, but it makes it a little more bearable.

So... thanks for listening... because if you didn't, life would really STINK, BUG!!

And the word is... Cold

It was bound to happen.... and by it I mean Cold. And by cold I mean two things.

1. Temperature - it is literally cold outside. Actually, freeszing is more like it. So much so that it snowed tonight. Yes, ladies and gents, SNOW!!! It even stuck! It was like a frikkin winter wonderland of mountains of snow covered snow!! And by that..... I mean like 1/8". But hey... I am from Virginia Beach.... that's practically enough snow to warrant a state of emergency.
2. Illness - I sit writing this blog from bed where I lie in capris and a hoodie with my eyes almost swollen shut and a square of toilet paper shoved up each nose hole. (wonderful visiual, huh?) Yes, that is correct. I have a cold. Not even daily doses of echinacea goldenseal and daily intake of vitamins with a couple cups of hot tea every single day proved to be incapable of defending my poor little body against the cursed Cold. Well, welcome, Cold. I would say to take off your shoes and make yourself at home, but 1) you have no feet. Therefore, I highly doubt you have shoes to take off. 2) Even without an invitation, I'm sure you'll be here for a lot longer than we want you here. Oh wait! You must know the In-laws?

So, today is a cold, cold day. Therefore, I am wrapping up because I am and I have... Cold.

And the word is... Studio

Have you ever heard of the New Dominions? Yeah! Aren't they great?? Well, in case you are one of the few people to not hear about this amazing group, let me give you a quick, quick rundown.

And I do mean quick because I have to be up in only 6 hours >_<

Founded in 1990, The New Dominions is the oldest co-ed a cappella group at the University of Virginia. Basically, after some amazing singers didn't make it into a couple very dumb and very gender-specific groups, they decided to form a co-ed a cappella group: The New Dominions, aka The Newdos aka Themostawesomeacappellagroupever!

There will be many posts about the Newdos I am sure, but today marked a first for me: Recording in a studio!

Okay... so the studio is actually the basement of a house that has been converted, but still! It was so cool!! There was soundproofing pads all over the place and microphones and headphones and enough wires to wrap around the world a few times. There was a control panel and computer that was like as tall as me and pretty much about 8 feet long. Ah may zeeng. It was so much fun to record the first of our songs.

Which songs you ask? Well, you'll just have to wait and see. Until then, though, feel free to look up The New Dominions on iTunes, the www, and FaceBook too!!

And the word is... Manager's Specials

...because they are where it's at!

Nect time you go grocery shopping, look for a discount row or section for marked down items. For example, in the bakery section, they will usually mark down baked goods the day or two before the "sell by" date.

Today I got a pack of 12 dinner rolls for $.99. Yes... ninety-nine cents. I also got a beautiful loaf of artisan bread for only $1.69. Why? Because it has to be sold by December 2.

So, there ya go! A wonderful way to save money.


Oh... and as a side note, I got 5 shirts today at TJMaxx for only a little over $20. Thank you, clearance section!

Happy Shopping and Happy Savings!

And the word is: Jeep

So we had just gotten back from one of the busiest Thanksgiving breaks I can remember. From Charlottesville to Chesapeake on Tuesday night. Then on Thursday, from Chesapeake to Winchester. Then Saturday, Winchester back to Charlottesville. That's not counting all the driving in the other cities too. All in all, it was probably just over 1,000 miles worth of driving.

So at about 2:15am on Saturday (well, I guess technically Sunday), we pull up to Home Sweet Home, grab just what can fit in our tired arms (i.e. dog, laptops, overnight bags, etc) and leave the rest (i.e. games, kennel, food, etc) until the morning.

Around 10:15am on Sunday, it was time to head to the airport to pick up a friend of mine. Just after leaving, I go to put something in the backseat. What came next? "STOP THE TRUCK! PULL OVER! SOMEONE BROKE INTO MY TRUCK!"

Yes, ladies and gents, someone broke into my Jeep. More accurately, they cut into my Jeep. My beautiful 2005 Jeep Wrangler Limited Edition has a new addition to her. There's a nice slash in the back window about 12" long and 6" high. I thought I was going to pass out.

We searched and searched, but nothing was gone. They must have been interupted or something. I got a visit from a lovely police officer who couldn't have cared le... umm... I mean who was deeply concerned and obviously loved her job. She even wrote down my claim number for me!! ......right on the registration to my truck.

Luckily, I'm in the process of getting a new one which State Farm has so kindly agreed to pay. So, hopefully, by this weekend, my truck will be back to complete.

You should already know pictures will be up soon!

I always liked driving with my windows out... not so much this time.

Photography: A Hobby

What is a blog without a few secrets?

Well, this one isn't a big one, but you better not complain

I promise I have more to come...



Even some people closest to me don't know that one of my hobbies is photography.

I may not be the best, but it is something I have always loved.

Maybe one day, I will be able to afford a really nice camera.

*Crosses Fingers*



All of these photos were shot with my Canon Powershot A710 IS.

Yes... a point and shoot.

She is as old as the hills and on her last leg, but she's snapped some of my best memories.

Oh my.... the things she has seen!

My only issue is that I can't get her to stop flashing people!
Okay... I said photography was a hobby, not stand-up.





Well, enough talking.

Take a look at my hobby, then go get happy with your own!

Don't forget to let me know what you think!

:]

Kentucky Derby? No. Kentucky Pie

So no horses, but tonight is still all about the gamble - not for me, but for whoever is brave enough to try my Kentucky Pie!


A couple weeks ago, I was visiting my Granny and Grandad. You don't know much about them, but for now, all you really need to get is that I love them both so much and as time goes on, their health continues to decline. (Congratulations. You've already got me ballin' my eyes out.) For some reason, probably because I hadn't eaten all day long, all our conversations revolved around food. Now, you need to understand that Granny isn't just another old lady. She's an old lady who knows how to cook!


For as far back as I can remember until just a year or two ago, Granny cooked a feast every single Saturday for each of her children (until 2004 it was 6, then 5 in 2007) and their kids and their kids. There would be so much food that there was no room for your dinner plate! Seriously. We would cram 7 or 8 people at the table and after they were done came "the next shift" of eaters. Every once in a while, there would even be THREE shifts! Anyways, my point is that even after all those people ate, there was still leftovers for every family. CRAZY!


So there's a quick trip down Memory Lane... have no fear, we'll be down that road again soon. But now, back to pie.


As I said, we were all talking about food and Granny started talking about one of her favorite desserts from when she was younger: Kentucky Pie. She went on and on about how she loved it. So, you know me, I decided to make it for her. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and even though we're going out to Golden Corral, I AM BAKING KENTUCKY PIE, BABY! Okay, maybe I should also clarify that I am taking it to the house after our dinner (or lunch or whatever you call a meal at 2:00pm).


One more story about this pie and then I'm done. I promise.


Today, as I pushed through the throngs of people in the grocery store on the day before FOOD.... er.. I mean, the day before we give thanks for the blessings in our life, I got a call from my mom. For some reason, it had completely slipped our minds that Granny can't eat nuts or seeds. Thank you, diverticulitis. I have never broken down in tears in Food Lion before today. So.... I left. Just.... left. Fast forward a few hours and thanks to some heart-felt encouragement, I have a Kentucky Pie. And guess what? Even if Granny can't eat it, I'm giving it to her. I'm giving it to her and it is going to be just as sweet as the pie itself. "Why do that?" you may ask.


Why not? This is what the holidays are all about! Truthfully, I couldn't care less about the way this pie tastes tomorrow. The important thing is that along with pecans, chocolate, and bourbon (shhhhh), it is packed full of love and spirit.


We hear it so often that the holidays are a time for love and giving and peace and harmony. Well let me tell you, don't knock it 'till you try it! Love. Giving. Peace. Harmony. Selflessness. Sincerity.


Like me, you may not be a betting man, but I can gaurantee you that this is one bet you won't regret. It is a gauranteed winner. So, bring on the Kentucky horses... but they can't touch my Kentucky Pie!






Oh! And if you're wondering how it turned out, feast your eyes on my first Kentucky Pie...




What? Another blogger?

Yes. Another blogger. Before you get your panties tied in a knot, give me a chance.


So I've always wanted to have a blog, but never quite knew where to start. To be honest, I still don't.... but I won't let that stop me. I finally decided to suck it up and set it up when it came to a blog because if I didn't, well, I would be letting fears get in the way of my dreams, and that's just not cool with me.


This blog (and its title) is an extension of something I have done on FaceBook for quite some time now: The Word of the Day. I'll pick just one word each day and tell why I picked that word or an idea behind it in just one sentence. Now, I do admit that I've fallen short of posting one every single day, but I always make them good to make up for it. Sometimes they are deep and thoughtful, introspective and philosophical. Somestimes they are sweet and simple, witty and wise. Sometimes, though, they're completely random and leave you puzzled. Same goes here.

I won't just be posting one word, though. This blog is a place for rants, raves, personal thoughts, raging battles, general foolishness, and so much more. Basically, you never know what is coming next, so you need to come back often just to see. You wouldn't believe the things that come through my mind...

I just want a place to talk and maybe make a difference. So hopefully, you will give me, the world's newest blogger, a chance. I promise, you won't regret it! :)