I take it all back! I cannot physically look like a whore.  Why are moms always right?  So frustrating.

That was probably a good thing after all because a few days prior to the start of the Pirate Punch, I found out that it was really a kid's event. 

Yes, one 25yr old (in a few weeks) and a 51yr. old, with no kids and no kids to borrow, at the KID'S Pirate Punch. 

I discovered such news from the lady I made reservations with over the phone--in which there was an awkward pause after I told her there were three adults coming with no kids.

After that, I pondered over who's kid I could steal for the day.  No success.  I know my boss has a 4yr old son, but I was too chicken to ask....


Why does the paper keep seeming to leave some details out, like the important ones?

Granted, it is so silly to me--such laughs.


So, this morning I had one of those mornings where I wake up and I have no idea what day it is, then I fell asleep again.  Well, for ten more minutes.  I woke up again and I knew; knew it was Pirate Day. 

Church first.   A new church.  A church that wasn't the church I grew up in--where spiritual mediocrity doesn't haunt me momentarily.  One Harbor Church.  It happened to be the place where all carteret county has been hiding--I wondered where all the my-age-people were.  I found you. 

Next up, Dress Up:

Looking at myself in the mirror is probably one of my favorite past times.  Especially, when I'm a pirate wench--oh, the poses. 

The self-admiration ends and Mom and I head out to the party.  We arive late....because of previous statement and a stop at the bank. 

That's alright.  We show up and the front desk woman wants to take our picture--along with more admiration.  "Oh, I love your hat...ten dollars please"

Compliments, Compliments, and compliments throughout. 

Problem is, did I mention it was a kids thing.  Cute, if I had my own kid.  We missed some sort of speech/maybe lesson.  The kids signed their names in to become pirates of a ship voyage and then all went up to the stage to swear to certain rules--Aye Aye, Captain.  Then we buffeted. 

Our Craft: Swiss Roll Treasure Chest

                      I'll only accept M&Ms in my treasure chest...

Observation:

1. The future of piracy is primarily female run.....

2. The little pirate's parents are not as adventurous and daring as they are...

                                                 

Conclusion:

I might as well have been at a 10yr. old's birthday party... 

Next Week:

Chocolate Festival.  Should I have stipulations? Like I have to try a piece of chocolate from every booth?  Ideas?

Following week:

1. Friday Free Flick presents "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs".  $1 for popcorn and drink.  In order for me to go....YOU must find me a date or suggest a date.  Blind date flick?

2. Mardi Gras Masquerade Party:  Yes, Dress Up again!  With masks and crazy dresses. 

At Cool Fish in Beaufort.  Free Poor in concert. (hey, normal adults might be here!)

3. Dating, Mating, and Romance in the Animal Kingdom:

Scale up your Valentine’s Day with an event for nature lovers at the Aquarium. Couples and singles are welcome at this amorous and humorous evening all about animal attraction. See how you match up to Mother Nature with the “Mating Game.” Get the inside scoop on who’s wooing whom in the Aquarium exhibits. Enjoy decadent desserts, coffee and other treats on the house. Wine is available for purchase.

(Blind Date on this one too? That might get embarrassing; "mating game" screams scarry) 

Put Your Votes in Now! 

Report #2 Wrastle me Dazzle

Yep, Morehead City. That’s the place where big things happen.

Where when a “Pro” Wrestling event comes to town, 60 people show up.

Where the show starts 1.25 hours later with no entertainment or announcements before the start.

Where the wrestlers are either normal size, obese, shorter than I am, or pick your own combination.

My dad’s friend described wrestling as the blue-collar opera. I say, you are correct, my friend. Hunting hats, wrestling shirts, and unwashed longhaired men surrounded me---and their kids too, who seemed to really get into the act.

I knew pro wrestling was fake prior to tonight, but this reminded me of fight scenes in old movies—really inept facial expressions that ensue after little to no impact. The outfits were good enough for them to make it on People of Wal-Mart:

http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/

Storyline (which I learned that pro wrestling has bad guys and good guys):

1. Italian mobster (bad guys) beat up on high school boy.

2. High school boy gets one slam

3. Then they leave and Two Asians (the bad guys) and two Americans come have it out with each other.

4. Asians win (of course)…

5. They leave and their bad gangster friends come out, one named Remix. An obese Mario brother comes out—the real Mario would be very disappointed in the weight that he has gained….

6. Mario sadly loses due to lack of oxygen.

7. Next up: Gay guy wearing pink vs. Mohawk, redneck skinny man.

8. Gay guy is really funny, but loses to the redneck (go figure).

9. Last witnessed match: Swiss guy (bad guy) vs. Purple pants. Not sure who won.



My dad joined me on this evening of fun, which is very fitting due to his close resemblance to a wrestler named Goldberg.

This is him with Goldberg.

Well, we enjoyed our time together mocking the wrestling and then leaving before the show ended.

The best part about this week’s event was shopping with my mom in the little boy’s section in Wal-Mart, for the only wrestling shirt we could find--$5.

Salvation Army, you failed me this time (although I found three great unexpected items)—thanks, Wal-Mart!


Next Week:

Pirate Punch—entails me wearing a pirate wench outfit that includes a patch and sword. My mom says it’s impossible to make ME look like a whore—I say, nothing is impossible if you believe…


Following week: YOUR PICK

Bee Business:
The Down East Library in Smyrna is pleased to host a free class on starting and managing a backyard honeybee colony.

Chocolate Festival:
The Carolina Chocolate Festival is highlighted with an array of chocolatier vendors from various cities throughout the state as well as those from other states; they bring all their chocolate delights for your pleasure.

Sportsfishing clinic:
Take a class on bass at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. The Aquarium hosts a sportfishing clinic featuring freshwater bass fishing. Professional angler Chris Elliott of Morehead City leads the workshop. A native of Raleigh, Elliott started fishing professionally in the FLW Outdoors Tour 12 years ago. Additionally, he owns and runs Crystal Coast Charters. In the clinic, Elliott shares his experiences, tips on basic bass fishing techniques and information on bass habitats and behaviors.



Start Your Voting Now!

Weekly Report #1

It is Monday morning, MLK day, and I have to go to work for 6 hours---yes, boo hoo.


I get home around 3:30pm...and my event life begins.

So I thought.

I run through stage and song scenarios in my mind in hopes of relief from any oncoming nervous attacks because I usually sprint away from any opportunity to go on stage. Sweatty palms, a heart that couldn't possibly beat any faster, vomit in my mouth (maybe a little dramatic), dry throat, and twitching hands.

Today was a different story from going stage fright crazy.

I was pep-talking myself all week; I told myself how stunning and amazing I am. If I barf, the crowd will love that too....

I memorized my songs and was set with the most peaceful state I'd ever had before getting on a stage.

6:45pm rolls around.

I went to pick my cousin, Casey, up from her house. I'm wearing a fashionable, bohemian 80's sweater dress with a white flowy bottom, hat and all--granted, it's impossible to wear while driving...

Casey lives probably about 45 minutes from Down East (destination). I find that she has an even more calming effect on me--we talk the entire ride....or I shall say; I talked the entire time.

It's dark and it's Down East (middle of nowhere), so I miss a few turns then see the sign for the place.

It's quaint, small, and has a string of lights on the roof, but....


Can I just state now that the local newspaper has its flaws?

Sign 1: No cars in the parking lot.

Sign 2: No lights on inside.

I'll take it that MLK day only happens ONCE a year. This place has open mic every 1st, 3rd, and 5th monday--I'll be scheduling it again.

So..so..so...so..so...disappointing!


Casey slept over and we watched Transformers instead. I finally identified the Detroit Train station in the movie--Yeah, I got to go in that building btw.



NEXT EVENT:

Shockwave wrestling seems to be the favorite--that's this Saturday


FOLLOWING WEEK:

There is an obvious winner: The Pirate Punch (pirate attire required) at the History Place.

The other events are concerts.


Just go ahead and agree with me on this one.....PIRATE PUNCH is a go.

The List.

So, in my year of Discover Morehead City, I also want to do some things I've never done before (or very little) that may not be listed in the newspaper.


I want to intermix this list with the year of looking in the newspaper, but here's the requirement:

I must find a new partner for each activity on this list (part of getting to know others).


1. Skydiving
2. Scuba Diving (class and certification included)
3. Crabbing
4. Weekend Sailing Trip
5. Hunting
6. Mudding
7. Learning how to Surf
8. Weekend Kayak trip/camping trip to/on the Shack


If you would like to be my partner in one of these or know someone who would be willing/knowledgable in one of these, please oblige in contacting me.

Suggestions in other things I should try is welcome too.

--Amanda

Jumping Ahead to Funkytown

Well, I've decided to go with the Jammin' at the Book Nook for my first outing/event.  I will be singing a number for "real", and I will also singing a number for fun with my pots and spoons...that were amazingly requested of me.  I'm going to try to have it videotaped. 

I do want to get somewhat ahead in scheduling; I need to get a pattern going in the beginning.  Here are my next choices for the week of January 22-28.  I may add a few if any cool things come up since it is a little ways away. 

1. Marching to the Music of the Revolution:
Musicians were an important part of the 18th-century military. Fifes and drums played from sunrise to sunset, and served as a primary mode of communication from commander to troops during battle. Tryon Palace has undertaken the exciting task of recreating a colonial fife and drum corps, which plays at numerous events throughout the year in New Bern and beyond. Come learn more about the music of the 18th century military, and experience it for yourself in this educational concert. (Note: Weather permitting, this event may be held in the gardens.


2. The Law is Too Slow: Lynching in North Carolina 1885-1906


As part of the Tryon Palace Historic Sites & Gardens' African American Lecture Series, Dr. Freddie Parker of North Carolina Central University will highlight the time from 1885 to 1906 when 43 people were lynched in North Carolina.

3. Kermit was Wrong - It IS Easy to be Green (at least in the garden)


Join us for a series of Garden lectures at 10 a.m. at Tryon Palace. The guest speaker in January will be Felder Rishing, Gardening Guru.

4. Shockwave Wrestling Entertainment presents Pro Wrestling:
Featuring a 10 Man Ladder Royal (whatever that means...) $7 at door, benefits to new West Carteret HS sign. 

The Time Begins

Apparently the online (the one I was looking at) paper is different than the real hard copy newspaper.

The online version stinks. Concluded.

Now I have the pleasurable satisfaction of highlighting events--I bought a Friday paper this morning. The paper people so kindly provide a whole separate section called "This Week" that solely reports the area's events. I will be following the dates on the headline which my first time period will be between Jan. 15--Jan. 21.

In light of the different versions and a few memory-problem schedule mistakes, there will be a few changes in my options for my first event.

A. I can not, sadly, participate in the Baby March meeting because I forgot that I start a class on that date and time. That said, the actual march is on May 8th. I'm scheduling that in.

B. Same cop out reasoning for the Book Club thing.


So, New items on the list:

1. Jammin at the Book Nook stands as a viable option still. What should I sing/bring/wear if this is the choice? I'm thinking video tape? I'm liking the pot and wooden spoon idea, Courtney!


2. Gathering Time Concert also is still an option.


3. Dancing at Leon Mann Enrichment Center: that's all the info. Should I have stipulations on this too?

4. Cooper, Cooper, Cooper & Kirchner: At the Cru Bar (Folk Music)

5. Riverkeeper Film Festival in New Bern at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

6."Cold as the Night Crissie Wright Came Ashore": N.C. Maritime Museum. Archaeologist David Moore will discuss myths, legends, and folklore and give an accurate portrayal of the seafaring tragedy. Libby Haynes guitarist and songwriter will perform.

I will make the final decision on Wednesday Jan. 13th.


Thanks, guys!

My Julia Julia Experiment

So, I need to get out of this large hole of stay-at-home mediocrity after I get back from work everyday. I have few friends here and I hang out with my PARENTS...ahh! My seclusion from the world has reached it's peak since moving back home in August. Adventure will give me sanity again...more friends will surely follow in result (I know I have that charm about me...)

So I watched Julia and Julia and came up with something of my own. Has nothing to do with cooking really (although I do want to do the same one day..in my OWN home), but it will be a routine of new excitements and very wide possibilities.

Solution: The Process every week or 2 at most:

Step 1: Search event calendar in local newspaper.
Step 2: Pick the strangest or most interesting thing to do that is either free or really close to free.

Step 3: You help me Choose! Then Do the top choice...or MY top choice if no one responds.
Step 4: Write about the experience.
Step 5: Start all over again. Search again within 2-3 days of last event.

Mind you, I'm in a small NC coastal town...so things might get interesting...like carving ducks and chasing wild island ponies in order to take pictures. I'm going to be open to everything....that fits my schedule.

Current listings according to my schedule:
1.March for Babies-- Jan. 14th
Anyone is welcome to join us who is interested in the March of Dimes mission to fight premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality. We will be holding a meeting to discuss who might be interested in joining the March for Babies Committee for the May 8th 2010 walk being held at Shevans Park from 9-12pm. Come and find out what you can do to support the cause and raise awareness in your community. We will provide drinks and heavy hors d'oeuvres during these meetings.

2. The Carolina Girls Bookclub invites girls of all ages to join us for our Launch Party-- Jan 14
About the Carolina Girls:This is not your average book club. The CG's will focus on a great North Carolina authors, but instead of discussing the books with each other, we will go straight to the source.Each month we will have different authors from across North Carolina visit to answer our questions, share their inspiration, and a few laughs during a Carolina Girls Happy Hour.

3.Gathering Time Concert--Jan 15
This acoustic vocal trio from New York offers smooth guitar mastery and a blending of voices that is perfection! Their harmonies have been likened to Peter, Paul, and Mary or Crosby, Stills, and Nash. Add to this superb songwriting abilities, and you are in for a real treat!

4. Jammin at the Book Nook--Jan. 18
The Down East Library in Smyrna hosts Jammin’ at the Book Nook on 1st, 3rd and 5th Monday nights at 7 p.m. New, novice or practiced musicians, bring your guitar or other favorite instrument. Singers are also welcome, or just come to listen and enjoy!! Allen Jones is our leader, and this is a great time for all ages.

Ok, these aren't as fun as some future events I see, like a start your own beehive class, Cheers and Beers night, trip to a waterfowl park with photographers, meditation with unitarians, coin club meeting, woodworkers meeting, bingo night, all through to February. So, help me choose. Which of the four listed should I do? Make requests of what I should be required to do when I go...like conversation pieces or songs I should sing (choice 4), or things I should bring or wear.