Pull My Tale.

Internal Hurricane!

2011-08-24T20:40:00.003-04:00

News! News! A Storm is a brewing.

A hurricane?

Wow.
Entertaining to hear the frantic spiels of newcomers to Eastern North Carolina.

The Sky is falling! Gather your nuts, young squirrels!

Introduction of a drama queen and a local:

Possessed

2011-08-23T18:46:00.004-04:00

There are some things in this world that happen that just seem illogical, impossible, mythological, or just plain nut job.

I'd throw being possessed by the devil in that category, despite my strong belief in the Bible. Some of those stories just seem slightly over imaginative to my naturally cynical mind.

I mean, How many people have you met that were possessed by the devil?

And don't say, "Your Mom".
Or Your own mother...

Serious here. Really? The Devil.

I can make some crazy sound affects--I'm quite talented actually, but I can't fake the devil's noises.

I had no clue what that sounded like...
Until...

My last year of college.
Man, You learn so much at college.

Yes, One of five catholics on campus; I know about garlic and vampires, and holy water can melt anything evil and pop the suckers into thin air.

Who am I kidding?!
I was horror struck and yet amused when I walked into my 8man suite to hear from 6 girls barricading the bathroom door, "Don't go in there, funny noises are coming out of there."

"Hmm, that's not uncommon", I say.

"No, Lindsey is talking in strange voices on the toilet; it's not her at all."

Are you telling me what I think you're telling me?

"Wait, what? I want to hear; that is so cool. Let me get my cross and some holy water."

I proceeded to extend my ear through the bathroom wall, but the praying warrior freaks (aka: SEU RAs) came to the rescue.

Sometimes, I wish I could sound like a babbling baboon when I pray too. They spoke intimidatingly fast and furious; loud and ferocious--they scared us all into our bedrooms.

Couldn't stop the roommate and I for very long!

We took up the Cross! Literally.

And we went around praying in every room (made an X on the bathroom door). I pretended I had holy water and robotically sprinkled it on all the beds. Don't want a devil in our beds...

The whole time, I couldn't stop thinking...
Why, How tragic! The devil possessing you while sitting on a toilet!

Opportune time, I guess.

Some might think it was a bad case of diarrhea or Salmonella.

In this case, I had my doubts about her sanity in the first place.

But when I heard her--I knew it was the Devil.
No Denying it.
She was Possessed.
And did I mention?
On the Toilet?

I don't know what happened to the Devil; I didn't see it go into a horde of swine, but it was gone in a few hours.

I fell asleep to the incessant praying RAs.

The possessed girl went home forever. And we got a new suitemate.

No more Toilet Ghosts of "Christ"mas Past.

Beware, the Devil is out there. Next time you're on a toilet; I'd say a prayer...

"The Help"

2011-08-22T20:14:00.007-04:00

I saw "The Help" this weekend and can't help to think how similar Eugena and I are.

I can't help but to think how similar our society is. You're probably thinking, I'm going to preach on the blatant racism, but I'm skipping that topic.

I'm more addressing the annoying trait of society that advertises that every woman needs a man and if you don't have one there's something wrong with you...and you can't possibly be happy.

I am Single.
I feel Fulfilled.
And I'm very Much Satisfied with who I am and who I am in God.

I tell people this occasionally, and then I smirk and knowingly await the oncoming predicted response.

It comes, just as expected, on par.

"Oh, you'll find a man one day; he's out there."

It is said as if my previous statement was perceived to be some self-deprecating diatribe--as if I was looking for some sympathy vote, or if it was said, on my part, as some rationalized emotional booster.

Are we Living in the 50's?!

At 26, I'm surrounded by married women.

Anytime I go out with a boy, the reaction is equivalent to the latest gossip of "The Baccalaureate."

"So, Who is he?"
"What does he do?"
"What's his last name?"
"Does he believe in Jesus?"

Apparently, I will never be so interesting to talk to as when I have some kind of potential husband material to hunt down.

It consumes the focus of their conversation with me, until I throw the guy in the gutter.

Then, well, the next best item of conversation, in which, I am rarely involved, is about furniture, what shade of curtains to hang, and what's the best kind of diaper to use on their new arrival.

You know, worldly stuff.
Exciting.
Adventurous.
And Life-Changing.

Have I missed something?

Is my life supposed to be about finding a man?
And living to satisfy said man and his family?

Sounds so narrow-sighted.
Sounds like a half-life for me--unfulfilled.
Living short of what I'm made for.

Oh yeah, so many girls, living the American Dream.

I'm out to Find MY Purpose--not merely a man.
Now That's Exciting.

PS. If you are married; live life with a purpose...with a partner.

The Escape of Amedei Wilson

2011-08-10T16:45:00.007-04:00

Welcome back me! Sorry for my absense. My return is due to two weeks off from life commitments, yay!

Anyways, since last visit I have been scattered brain writing--mostly short stories that for a long time I had no idea where they would fit in the whole scheme of my book. Well, things are looking good folks--clarity has entered my world (and no, I don't need those mind drugs like in the movie "Limitless).

I do have several starts, but I'm leaning towards this one (just a set-up to the story). An intro...for you. I don't want to give it away just yet, but tell me what you think with the little I have, for your reading--do you want to read more?

Basic Info for you: It is a fantasy/sci-fi set in a futuristic/altered Morehead City, NC. Young Adult perhaps?

Book Title: The Escape of Amedei Wilson.
Chapter Title: Operation: Meeting

Glade Garrison likes to pretend like she’s not the boss, but she ain’t fooling nobody. She’s the oldest of Outfit 7—the Shepard Street kids on the block. Glade is fifteen and has a pimply face of a twenty year old on a twelve year old body, meaning to say; she is a gangly thing that looks like she doesn’t quite know how to walk. Yet, this girl has power; power of the mouth—power of young hearts. Her poor little brother, Calder, just can’t stand tall against her (although, physically speaking he does) and he certainly rarely gets a word in edgewise. He sure is a goofy looking guy; a little chunky and hairy, and probably much smarter than he looks. They both are sort of the hosts of Outfit 7—they have the perfect hangout house with the indoor play room—not to mention, Mrs. Garrison is the most humorous, friendly nut job and Mr. Garrison is the town’s favorite PE teacher. The other two houses are just regular, boring, two bedroom cottages, only fit to merely sleep in, and the owners are just normal parents with normal jobs.

Glade, is in fact, hosting a meeting today—a very important meeting. Well, at least she thinks so.

“Guys, take a seat. I just received a verbal from Twitty and his gang.”

“Please tell me we’re not going to the other side of the tracks again; it’s so abysmal,” said Valerian.

Intimidating Terrible Toilets: Part One

2011-01-25T15:45:00.011-05:00

Short Story (based off a dream) by Amanda Wade:

“Let’s get this weekend started, already, shall we? So many toilets and so few rooms. Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” asks Jon to his six roommates.

Everyone nods in assumed agreement so Jon continues discussing his plan.

“So we came all this way to the beach from Detroit to see Amanda’s hometown and to do beachy things, like surfing, swimming, riding whales and dolphins—Can we do that, Amanda?—oh, I guess not; sad—rowing in kayaks, wakeboarding…”

“Hate to interrupt, but can you get to the point?” asks Marissa.

“Ah, yes. Yes. So we came here scrounging dimes from our savings from recycling our beer bottles and soda cans, hence, we needed a cheap and short vacation. We found the perfect place according to this ad Jeff, the homeless man from Marissa’s work gave her—we probably should have seen the fault in that scenario—but it did seem sound, regardless of the source. So here we are inside a house, on the sand nonetheless and overlooking the ocean, but there is one thing that is somewhat wonderful and disturbing at the same time—the toilets.”

Amanda had opened the door to the beach house with her roommates following close behind—she expected a normal beach house like all the other ones lining the beachfront—you know; a bathroom for each bedroom or perhaps a bathroom per every other bedroom.

No. Not this one. This house is right out of Alice and Wonderland or some sci-fi channel movie. There are toilets placed sporadically around the house—in and outside bathrooms, with and without stalls, some white, green, pink, blue, and even an orange one with a white striped lid, in different shapes and types, and some urinals too, they’re even in places normally considered unsanitary to have a toilet in, like the kitchen, and toilets on walls which somehow manage to still flush--these ones, you can lean back on because they are facing upwards; although I can’t figure out how it’s feasible to use in the first place. By chance the wall toilets were purely for finalizing the décor taste of the Mad Hatter or Lemony Snicket—strong odors don’t seem to be emanating from the inhouse stations.

“Maybe these people have a really big family? I mean I’ve got five brothers.” Gabe says.

“Yeah. I’m sure your family loves to poop in front of each other. I wonder what your guests think?” Amanda jokes and everyone snickers.

“Uh huh, this house was definitely made by the seven dwarves, despite us not being in a forest.” Kate adds.

“Guys, I don’t think Jon was finished. Jon?” Christine pauses the conversation and everyone turns back to Jon who is starting to have a sly smirk on his face.

Charater Names

2010-12-14T22:02:00.005-05:00

I didn't realize how fun/hard it is to come up with good character names.

I think I've played around enough with my characters' names (the main people anyways) for my fantasy series.

Here we go:
1.Valerian Wilson (boy)
2.Amedei Wilson (girl)
3.Kai Wilson (boy)
4.Kelby Adair (girl)
5.Melodi Adair
6.Glade Garrison (girl)
7.Calder Garrison (boy)
8.Dagner
9.Mabel

I won't give anything else away for now.

HP Pureblood

2010-12-08T18:46:00.003-05:00

Naturally after a Harry Potter movie is released, I have the inner lure to re-read the whole series all over again just so I can nostalgically experience the joy, laughter, and adventure that HP delivers.

So, in one week's time,instead of writing, I have re-read the first 3 HPs and am now in the 4th. I have also been analyzing J.K. Rowling's structure and dialogue techniques.

Luckily, and ironically, the Harry Potter movie marathon was on last weekend! Oh, thank you Warner Brothers and Fox Family!

There's a scene in The Chamber of Secrets (#2) where Tom Marvolo Riddle (a young Lord Voldemort) writes his name in the air with his wand and then swirls it around to reveal "I am Lord Voldemort" to Harry.

I dorkishly, wanted to play around with my name as well, plus I've heard sometimes that pen names are created this way (and perhaps character names).

I found that I clearly have too many letter A's in my name.

Amanda Wade
1. Wanda Namad
2. Dawna Demaa
3. Adanea Mawd

Amanda Aloise Wade
1. Laandi Osa Mawadee
this one really fits the HP theme, but it sounds more like a spell than a name. Man, I have too many A's!

Perhaps, a more interesting post will be arriving soon--this was more of an attempt at filling space and feeling accomplished at my blog...

Dacey Garner

2010-11-28T17:13:00.003-05:00

Dacey stepped out of her green back screen porch door out onto the skinny strip of sandy beach. When she wasn’t in her boat, she had it parked right up in front of her back yard turned over with it’s backside in the air. It was a small boat, wooden, maybe 8 feet, and it needed a paint job over its fading white décor. It also had a set of wooden oars that probably were more effective when it didn’t have chips of wood missing. I often passed by this boat when my brother and I would spend all day at the sandbar—I’d catch myself dreaming about borrowing the yacht and leaving my brother alone on the beach while I floated in freedom.

She was a lonely, old, wrinkly lady across the street from my house—she was a little nutty because she frequently walked around in waders and a full yellow rain suit. I never knew what she did in that odd outerwear; it was never raining when I saw her in her gear. If only I could catch her in flippers and follow her to see dolphins—darn fantasies never come true. I never understood a word she said to me either—just nod and agree was my trick to successful conversation. Most of the neighborhood didn't bother her; she was simply watched from a distance--she gave people bewildered curiosity.

(I'm in the process of developing characters. Dacey is a minor character I'm playing around with. I could use some input. I realize I don't often get input, but I'll give it a go. I know where I'm going (I think) with Dacey, but I want to hear if you are correct in just the little I've written and what you assimilate. What genre do you see her in? Villain or hero? What do you think her background is? What questions are unanswered about her that you want told?)

T for Turkey. Gobble, Gobble.

2010-11-23T19:09:00.003-05:00

I only have thanksgiving off; boo hoo. That's alright; the only addition to the house for the week is my little brother--no one major. I love you, Cory.

I really want to ditch the turkey, create a new tradition, and eat oysters instead. The craving is becoming unbearable--obviously not enough for me to go to some sketch street oyster vendor van (those are the best).

I'll suffice for egg nogg and pumpkin pie...that can be my whole meal.

Well, my next story will probably be somewhat soon. I am making an expedition to the archives of my local newspaper next week to look up a plane crash that happened in 1983 a few streets from the house I grew up in. I am planning on including something about that in my fiction series. I'm also toying with the idea of submersibles (personal submarines).

I got a brand new journal purely for character development--I got all white and nerdy and organized it with colored tabs.

This journal will be my dear, dear spouse for the next few years--it will submit to all my words.

The pages are filling up quick.

Happy Thanksgiving, all.

Mamby Pamby Land

2010-11-17T21:19:00.009-05:00

As promised, a sample from the novel I currently am working on--a compilation of short stories. I'll add pictures for blog affect! Disclaimer: I know none of the pictured kids; they're just taken from the web.

Titled: Mamby Pamby Land

One of the main differences between an adult and a child is not the disappearance of mistakes, but how we resolve our mistakes when they happen. That’s what I love and hate most about this whole adult thing—I have to ask for forgiveness and suck it up even when I know deep down it wasn’t my fault, or it was a very small percentage of my fault.

Who am I kidding? I had to do that as a kid too. Only now, I can’t hide behind my parents or blame it on one, or both, of my brothers.

Sure, I suppose I can admit, on that rare occasion, I am in complete error and should step down in all words (all of them!) of defense. That rare occasion is not now.

If only there was a No Fault Insurance policy in life. Let things lie as is, no talking and resolving. I don’t even want to look at you. How about never meeting you again? Would you like to move somewhere else, so I don’t ever have to experience another awkward second with you? I’ll be willing to move away, if you so kindly give me the allowance to do so.

I was fired. Yesterday.

Not because I said those things; I actually didn’t release those emotions until just now.

I’m a hard worker; and I even consider myself sufficient at curing the heart of conflict. My hands are my best friends; they rarely fail me. Silent, laborious work is sometimes the best kind. All my thoughts take a hold over me—they encompass me in a world where no other person can enter unless they succumb to my game of pre-made responses. People always seem to be better when you can put words in their mouths. Doing the dishes, sweeping and mopping, taking the trash out, and sanitizing high-traffic surfaces, bring a sense of accomplishment and control when in the rest of the workplace there isn’t much to be found.

My ability and diligence in carrying out the tasks nobody else wants to do usually wins the boss and co-workers over to an un-wavering love for me.

Apparently, working at a daycare involves so much more than the menial labors of cleaning and baby excrement disposal.

Silly me.

Most of my mistakes originated from unknowingly being too much of a comedic smart-ass with the parents or from simply being too focused on the moment to answer correctly their concerned, over-protective questions about the scraped knees, their my-toy tantrums, and their wetting the cot at naptime. Understandably, parents don’t want to hear that their child is so bossy that they’re practically Hitler reincarnated or that their child spent most of the day in timeout because they have a fetish for licking, bruising, and screaming at other kids. Another favorite, I can’t express, is that your kid likes to shape shift into the National Whiner of the Year every time another kid pokes him or her.

Instead, at the end of the day, I have to give a report more like so: “Oh, she had a better day than yesterday. Only a few timeouts for some minor scruples—she likes to be Ms. Bossy-Pants a lot.”

My most memorable blunder was with a two year old named Damon when his mother came into the classroom that afternoon to pick him up.

I had been giving out hair bands to the girls that I had accumulated throughout the week on my desk, so when the mother arrived I was not fully paying attention to her. It was five o’clock because the movie was on in the blocks center and I was the only employee left for the day.

One level shy of yelling, the mother said, “Hey Damon! How was your day? We got to go, come on!”

Damon, who had been watching the movie intensely for the last fifteen minutes, without a peep or complaint, inched his way up in a sudden full-blown whine of pain. He’s walking like he’s constipated, in a full squat position; he’s stomping his feet one whiney step at a time towards his mother.

“What’s wrong with you? Do you have an owey?”, questions his mom.

No response other than more cave man walking and crying.

I’m at this point, staring at him in an amazed daze of awe. Do you want me to fluff your pillow, Damon? Let’s get some whine with that cheese--underage drinking, perhaps not such a bad idea.

Momma again, except this time, more directed to me, “What’s wrong with him? Why is he walking like that?”

Now in the past, this particular mother has been quite the wise-cracker. So, I’m feeling I have some leeway to be the little jokester that I usually am in close company with people. I did not read her mood meticulously enough, and to add to dynamite, words slipped out of my mouth that I did not plan. The joke turned into disaster. I knew it as soon as the sounds fell from my lips.

“Ah (with a little snicker), he’s making it up.”

Lightning strikes!

What did I just do?

Everything is slowed down and sped up all at once. Her mouth drops in utter disbelief and into automatic Xena: Warrior Woman.

Momma follows suit with her son, stomping, except a lot more speedily. She scurried and ducked down to grab her son in rescuing fashion from her newfound perceived acknowledgement that her child was being, clearly, not watched by an unsympathetic bystander.

“What do you mean making it up? He’s hurt and you don’t care? This place is ridiculous.”

In my desperation, “ah, hold on. I didn’t mean it like that”

As she’s parading out the door, “Tell your boss I’m putting in a two week notice.”

The one word description of what I was feeling: overreaction! Immediate guilt pursued which turned into inner anxiety attack and even shifted into self-destruction, but I am a trained chameleon, I can disguise most all emotion. Despite my sweaty palms, increased heart rate, amplified thoughts, and the adrenaline pumping through my body, in the matter of seconds, I’ve told myself I can handle anything and that anything can be fixed. Be calm and just let it go; I’ll call her and apologize. I’ll call my boss too and let her know before I’m in even more trouble. I’m an adult; I’m an adult. It’s my responsibility to mend what I’ve torpedoed.

The next few moments, I pretended to watch the movie with the kids; what I was really doing was rewinding and replaying the last ten minutes of my life.

Oh no! She’s not done; she’s back! Still in her take charge mood.

She takes me off guard.

“What are these scrapes and bruises all over his knees and legs?”

She shoves those little knees right in front of my face only to make sure, in case I was visually impaired, that I could see them.

Damon is a child that I normally wouldn’t acquire, under my guidance, until later in the afternoon when the daycare starts to combine classrooms due to parents’ arrivals. So, unless it is reported to me that there is an accident or an injury, I normally just assume something happened at home or it was minor enough to not get reported to me. Kids hurt themselves several times a day; it’s so easy to not write up (and then forget about it) the slips on sidewalks or the bumps into furniture. Why should I write anything up that doesn’t involve a little blood?

“I don’t know; I don’t remember anything happening this afternoon. Teri and Briana didn’t say anything either.” I say innocently.

Suddenly, mid-sentence, I get a flashback to an hour earlier. I had just the two year olds for a short stint before the combining. We went outside for a bit until it started to appear like Percy Jackson, Poseidon’s son, was forging war upon us in the rain clouds that were above us. Do you know how long it takes to line eight two year olds up? Time is not in our favor. This particular class has a leash with ten loops in it for each kid. I quickly go around to each kid, cramming a loop in each hand. We start to walk.

Drip. Drip. Drip. Thunder. Boom. Boom.

And now, screams. Child, high-pitched screams.

I have us walking as fast as possible. Which means we are still going slow. There’s always that one that doesn’t understand that the rest of the class is walking faster than him or her and that when they are not going the same rate, they cause collision and downfall.

And here comes the rain. Pouring and Pouring.

“Oh wait, I’m sorry. He did fall on the sidewalk, earlier when we were rushing in from the rain.”

Strike Two...You’re not watching my kid again.

“That’s what I thought; tell Jane, two week notice! I’m through!”

She’s out the door, finally.

I’m back to pretending to watch the movie while I prepare a mental script of the next two respective lashings to my self-esteem and pride--a phone call to my boss and to the mother that went berserk.

Step up; be a real woman, Clate—not one of the unapologetic, prudish, hoebags that so many people seem to be.

Ring. Ring. Ring. The daycare phone alarms me of my pending doom. I scurry to answer, but first I need to examine the caller id—it’s Briana, my coworker and assistant manager. Briana is the very coworker that happens to be the second mom of Damon.

AKA: Momma’s best friend!

My muscles sag into agony as all my bones in my body are cowering. Hesitantly, I spit out “hello?”

As soon as I realize she is not in automatic destructive mode, I’ve gained enough confidence to interrupt the war monger, but only because she’s currently playing out of character.

“Oh good, I was just picking up the phone to call you; I couldn’t reach Jane and I wanted to let someone know what just happened.”

The London Dead

2010-11-16T19:44:00.011-05:00

Clearly, I have abandoned my duty of blog making and voted upon adventure taking. Since the last time I was here, the trips I have taken are 1)to Florida for an Alumni soccer game 2)road trip to Murfeesboro, NC for a soccer game and 3)London to visit my cousin and her husband, and Melissa (a college soccer buddy).

For warm-up into the blog world again, I am supplying an assignment (due tomorrow too) from my creative writing class. We had to do a 1 page story that included the words: fragrant, hazy, frosty, coo, and nutty. Perfect words to describe London, right?

Alright, have fun and do a wordsearch!

The London Dead

Behind me I let the door to the flat slam closed. Since my arrival in London, a few days ago, I have acquired the stride of a prison escapee. There is no particular reason why I need to rush at all, but I certainly feel like I fit in now and it seems to be more exciting this way too. It’s a hazy morning—typical London air for November.

I walk a block to go to the Maida Vale Tube station. The tubes are generally frequented by both people and pigeons alike—if these people would slow down once in awhile they’d probably realize their inner desire to put a bb gun to each and every one of those rodents due to their never ending coo. No worry though, the constant scurry of the crowd drowns out all their annoyance—well, maybe not their calcium deposits.

I scan my oyster card and I’m through the gates of the underground. The smells of London and the heat emanating from the stagnant air below waft to my nose—what a fragrant whiff; one of sewage and sweat, and perhaps bird pooh too.

By now, I am a tube connoisseur; I am master of tube navigation—then, I have to get off. I probably walked past the road the Highgate Cemetery is on three times before realizing it is the right road after all.

The gate to the cemetery is built of stone and is quite medieval looking; I find my way through and there is a small building past the entrance that looks like an American fair booth. There’s a ticket master for self-guided tours—I was under the impression that there was a guided tour that would include ghost stories and real life stories about the dead people living there. I head on my way through the grave paths and, unmarked paths too, only to crunch the frosty leaves below—I’m careful not to step on the graves just in case my childhood fear of zombies comes true.

While I’m alone in the woods among the dead, I suddenly feel like a nutty person walking around a graveyard with no purpose—taking pictures purely for the sake to make-up my own stories about them later. At the end of my hour or two of perusing for the best written marker, I call it quits. I didn't encounter any engraving that stood out, but I did procure a love for the name "Mabel" and a curiosity for the meaning of "Ruhe Sanft."

Later when I get back to America, my mother is appalled and disappointed at my picture taking because I took more grave pictures than all of London. Maybe what she really wanted was a picture of me next to the graves.

I head back to the tubes much more speedily then my arrival to the graves. I conclude my travels, for the day, at the Museum of London.

Being that the Event/Travel journal doesn't enable me to really post as often as I would like I think I'll be mixing it up a little. I will include random stories I'm working on and a space for dreams, dream places to go, and asilly idea journal.

I'm Back....bachelorette!

2010-07-06T10:01:00.016-04:00

Taking a hiatus was not such a great idea, and I didn't officially inform the blog readers.

I thought since it was summer, I would be occupied with my new hobbies of surfing and sailing, and then the old past time, soccer. Not so. Not having a sailboat makes things a whole lot more difficult to sail. Weather and waves are determining factors for both the new sports.

Anyways, I'm back because I need things to do and people to meet. I miss writing too :(

So, let me start off with a little life story.

Beth Seitz Arroyo's Bachelorette Party 2010: Tampa Bay, Florida

I stumble off the plane into Tampa at 9:30am after basically four hours of plane-riding, airport-waiting slumber and back into the reality of my past college friendships and acquaintances. I was overjoyed and ignorant of my near future.

Jamie Willis ever so graciously accepted me into her home for the weekend, and chauffeured me around!

Fatigue and the longing for a body pillow could not escape me that day, but nonetheless, the morning turned into dancing.

I caught up with an old roommate, Charissa, for lunch at the Southeastern cafe. Good Times.

I came back and took a nap!

Frankly, pretty much nothing happened until, I don't even know what time, because the girls took forever to communicate and coordinate where and when we were meeting.

Let's just say around my normal bedtime, is when we finally left to join the wedding party girls.

The party participants primarily consisted of Southeastern Alum. Now, Southeastern girls are a different breed entirely from the rest of the college world purely in the fact that we signed a contract, and followed the contract (aside from a rare "hooligan") to not drink alcohol. That being said, while attending Southeastern it felt like most students were either priorly prone to radical religious beliefs against drinking entirely or they were being sucked into judging every action and mistake a person made involving that "sinful" activity.

That might be a little dramatic and I certainly don't have that feeling for all people at Southeastern. No doubt, there was a prevalent feeling towards that in my classes and in the general population. That Catholic background could have made my interpretation whack as well.

Regardless, the beginning of that night gave some merit to that. We went to Howling at the Moon which is a bar-club type restaurant that has two piano players taking song requests. Everyone belts out the songs along with them. Well, there were these buckets (almost a gallon?) of margaritas at pretty much every table with probably 10 straws--we ordered one. Our first alcoholic order. Two, maybe three of us had drank alcohol before (myself included).

The looks on the girls' faces were classic. Should I drink this or not? Will I be judged? Is this still taboo for me? Will someone find out? I could feel the peer pressure, the spiritual battle in the atmosphere.

I dove right into that Margarita! That gallon isn't going to waste--too tasty...and expensive for that matter.

Beth followed. And a few others (I think). They may have been pretending to drink because I could almost swear that Beth and I drank that whole bucket between the two of us. The other's sipped for the pictures.

It took a good while for people to get loose and sing; have fun.

The real party started when everyone became loose enough to have a drink and celebrate this weekend. We left Howling at the Moon; we went to a club and danced. I didn't dance much; I just got hit on by someone who was staring at me for 20 minutes. Poor guy; I didn't pay any attention to him and he went away after a sad attempt at conversation.

Then we went to a lounge/bowling alley. By this point, Beth had a little too many to drink; the other SEU alum had had one drink, and that was one too many. My eyes were on the heavy side which is usually my stopping point--I actually have a fear of drunkenness. So, perfect time for a whole group of guys to buy us shots--I couldn't tell you what of.

These guys, they were on their game; well, they were playing a game. Not sure about the well part. They were making the rounds to all of us, striking up conversations; hooking up was written all over their eyes, their drunken eyes. I was woozy, but I could tell that much. I had two come around to me, one didn't last long in conversation before moving on; the other....

Jay was his name. He made sure I knew that and made me feel guilty if I didn't.

We connected because he is a Marine; then he thought that meant we could kiss and "hook-up".

Italics = Me
" " = Jay

"Where you from?" North Carolina

"Oh yeah, I'm in St. Louis, but I'm going to be moving to NC because I'm being stationed there." oh, are you in the Army or the Marine Corps...or perhaps the Air Force?

"What do I look like?" ahh, I don't know; is there a look? I'd guess Marine though

At this point he goes on to tell me about being in Iraq twice and Afghanistan once. I could see past the drunkenness and into the pain in his eyes. I have no idea what has gone on in his life, but I felt the need to listen to him even with his current game playing. Plus, I wanted to hear his strategy of winning me into seduction.
It was somewhat amusing.

The next lines may be out of order and missing transitions because of my memory--they need to be included.

"so, I won't get you pregnant; you can trust me. You know. Us Marines; We good guys. What you think about hooking up?"
You do look like a trusting guy....when you're sober. I don't believe in this "hooking up"(I even did finger quotations); I have values.

At this point he was getting desperate, puppy eyes too; he proceeded to unexpectedly make out with my shoulder.

"You know you are a beautiful woman and we have things in common..."

Bam...this awkward kiss/lick directly on my shoulder. The shoulder of all places--I sneeze on that shoulder constantly throughout the day.

I look at him in astonishment and shock with a little smirk in there too. He interprets that as....

"Kiss me. I know you want to; I saw the way you just looked at me."

I am dead staring straight ahead in the opposite direction because he looks like he is about to pounce on my lips--I have never been so scared in my life.

"Look at me; look at me." No, I'm scared

Interpretation issues again.

Wham! Another make-out session with my shoulder. Why, are you licking my shoulder?

Alright, I'm done with this game; this isn't amusing anymore.

It looks like my wedding party has left; it's my responsibilty to hang out with them all weekend. I'm going to go look for them now. Nice meeting you, was it Jay?

"Come on, you know my name. You gonna do me like that." Yes. I need to leave.

He sticks out his cheek for a kiss and I refuse twice.

I'm only doing this because it is a custom greeting

And off to my friends for more laughter and witnessing to more crazy night. It was rewarding to see Beth enjoy the moments before getting married. Good times to share together.

On Voting for next activities:
I need to do some more research on what's coming up; then I'll post.

-

Bachelor Auction: Time/less

2010-04-27T17:30:00.016-04:00

I may have waited a tad long on posting the news story from the Bachelor Auction--I'm already forgetting how lonely and embarrassed I was feeling.

Oh, no, no....I didn't forget; the memory is still there.

So, it was a friday night and I get home from work thinking it's a typical friday night with no plans. I was double Wrong! I found out from a post on facebook that the auction was that night, not the following night that I had perceived it to be. It was starting 30 minutes after I read the FB post.

Debate: Go or not to go?

Yes, I am a woman of principle and a woman of word. True, not many words, out loud, but still "word."

Granted, now I have no one to go with because I am not taking thirty minutes to figure out logistics of multiple people's schedules--their on their own now with disappointment to follow on the next day.

I don't stop to think about how lonely I will be or the fact that I have no people skills with strangers....

I only rush, rush, rush into whatever suits my fancy--jeans and a semi-formal top. I look good in anything; I tell myself.

Make-up: check
I got to look a little older than 15...(my aging might be a little too slow)

I grab a camera and run on out to my car.

Fashionably, scratch that... I just arrive late. $25

I envisioned bar setting/restaurant setting...perhaps standing and cheering within a crowd.

Not so. There were round tables of women of all ages just drooling in their seats in anticipation. There was no room for me among such women; I had to stand embarrassingly alone amongst the majority sitting. If you don't know women by now, you should note that women travel in groups when they have no men attached to their belts. I felt like a beached whale paddling for the ocean--Can I go home now?

Inner screaming was subsided by a little rum and coke and the start of men being sold on the dance floor. Some of them did dance.

The men ranged in age of 21 to who knows; I wasn't paying attention to the old guys.

I probably would have bidded on three of them had I had a million dollars--$500 would have sufficed. Everyone went for over $200; I didn't think stranger men were that worth it. Although, that one curly, dark-haired...

I left at intermission. I couldn't take watching these men get bought off--I can't enjoy it that much if I can't buy one myself. Plus, that alone part was still a significant factor for leaving early.

I cowardly didn't take any pictures--it felt awkward standing in the middle of a sitting crowd, alone, to take pictures of men prancing around, selling themselves.

Perhaps, next time...I'll be the one being auctioned. My turn to dance...that belly dancing class would have come in handy...

My sailing trip was canceled due to high winds.

This past weekend I painted my surfboard all weekend.

Before

And After...

Next Week: I am going to take off due to exams coming up/end of spring class. I am hopefully starting my "cheapest meal on the menu tour" if the scheduling pans out.

Vote for: May 7-13
1. Drum Circle
2. Beaufort Music Festival
3. Crystal Coast Beach Music Festival

Also: I'm looking for a male (great way to get a man, ask for one!) who would like to take a tango class with me on any given saturday. I'm seeing some newspaper posts offering... If I get some volunteers, that can be voted on in the future too.

Oink oink Oink

2010-04-12T20:09:00.009-04:00

Pig Cookin' 2010....Yes, I purposely left the "g" out because it's southern. I'm a grammar fanatic myself...

Technically, I went, but many could claim that I did not. I went through the drive through to get a BBQ plate from the FFA.

I cheated; I know.

Only because I had forgotten, and was reminded the day of by my family, that there are only rides there and bbq plates.

My master plan fell to pieces.

Plan #1: Call my old FFA advisor to set me up with a chef/pig cooker man or woman whom I can assist.

Fail #1: I perceivably waited too long to act upon it--I'm giving the excuse of Easter.

Plan #2: Go around to several cooks on Saturday, at the fest, and taste test them all in order to give a review. Then go interview my chosen best cook about how to cook a pig.

Fail #2: That's not how things work....you buy plates without knowing who made the bbq.

Well, it was good and the vinegar based sauce is to die for.

Despite all that tomfoolery, the rest of the weekend was pure sweat and labor--hoeing them weeds and throwing down the rubbers...I mean rubber mulch, of course. Oh, the Spring!

Looking stunning and making me ecstatic...plants are popping up and growing in.

Two, maybe three weeks ago, I bought a surfboard! Hopefully I'll be riding some waves this summer. I'll be giving it my artistic touch in the next few weekends--here's the before picture. Painting it with my own design...

Next Event: Not surprisingly, the Bachelor Auction won out. This should be fun, as long as all the men aren't over 35...and I don't spend a million dollars. Prior to the event, I finally am learning to sail--all day Saturday!

Following event (Vote):

1. Maritime Museum's Wooden Boat Show: The museum’s Annual Wooden Boat Show has celebrated wooden boats and traditional skills since 1975. Free boat rides will be offered all week from 1-4 PM outside the Watercraft Center (April 24-30). At the Boat Show enjoy traditional skills demonstrations & displays, educational activities, historic vessels, nautical crafts, boat models, sailboat races at 11 AM and 3 PM, and sailboat rides from 12-3 PM. Parking at Gallants Channel with free van shuttle 9 AM - 5 PM (Saturday, May 1).

2. 6th Annual Beaufort Wine and Food Fest: Great wines plus the food of coastal Carolina's finest restaurants are a perfect pairing. Visit the quaint seaport town of Beaufort in grand style while attending tastings, seminars, dinners, wine and cheese pairings and much more. With 18 different events, there is something for everyone - don't miss this culinary experience.

The Fun Begins--Vote!

2010-04-02T15:43:00.003-04:00

I have the week off for Easter and next week I'm going to the Newport Pig Cookin'.

I thought I would put some descriptions down for the next vote though--April 16-22.

1. Tahoe Rodeo:
EVENT RUNS APRIL 16-17
Gates Open 6:00 pm/ Rodeo begins at 8:00 pm Both Days
Location: Newport Flea Mall, 196 Carl Garner Road (off highway 70), Newport NC

2. The Bachelor Auction:
The Beaufort Music Festival hosts its annual Bachelor Auction April 16 at the Beaufort Grocery Co. Annex in downtown Beaufort. Benefitting the 22nd annual musical event, set for May 7-8, the bachelor auction offers a chance to bid on bachelors paired with unique date and/or gift packages. Beginning with a bachelor preview at 7pm, participants can enjoy heavy hors d’ oeuvres and a cash bar, followed by the actual auction at 8pm. Advance tickets are $15 ($20 at the door) and available at the Backstreet Pub in Beaufort.

If you are up for this one--maybe you would like to increase my chances of winning a man by donating....if you would like to do that email me (aawade25@gmail.com)

3. Publick Day:
Colonial style market with crafts, antiques, food, music and games.
500 attendees expected.

4. Blue Tie Casino Night:
The first Blue Tie Casino Night – complete with music, fine food, signature drinks, a host of casino-style games, and a live and silent auction – will be held on April 17th, starting at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit children and adults with disabilities in the New Bern/Greenville NC region. Preferred attire is “dressy cocktail” with an emphasis on blue rather than black tie.

Walking with the Dogs

2010-03-28T18:03:00.007-04:00

Yesterday, I went all the way to Wilmington to walk about 1 mile in the park.

Pretty nuts--I should of brought my dogs too because it seemed like every person/maybe every other person had a dog.

I was walking in Wilmington for a Walk-a-thon for those who can't walk or need help walking with service dogs.

I saw the biggest dog I've ever seen, a bull mastiff (the Sandlot dog) take on a black lab--obvious winner there. I was walking behind a team of Boston terrier rescuers at one time--probably about 20 carbon-copies of those dogs surrounded me. The other half of the time was spent talking to a little old lady from Wilmington about dogs (my basenjis, her dogs) and the smell of dog waste in the air from the overwhelming numbers of them in the park.

We were fed free food from Papa Johns and McCalisters Subs. They were even handing out free doggy poop bags all along the trail...

Free t-shirts too! Large T-shirts and Extra Large T-shirts. This I do not understand. Every free event I ever go to--oversized t-shirts. The majority of the population wears small or medium, right? Do they think that there will be much advertising success in nightgown-wear? How about on Salvation Army racks? If people could actually wear these shirts in public, they might be able to sell a product or sell an event for the future--just a thought.

Terrible pictures this time, sorry! It took me awhile to figure out that the camera was on video setting, in which, I was merely snapshooting--so no video really either.

Here's what I got:

Notice the nightgown the girl is wearing...

Next Week:
Easter Week: I'm taking off.

Next Event:

1. The Newport Pig Cookin':The annual Newport Pig Cookin'Contest is a tradition in eastern NC. Try the "best of the best" eastern NC style barbecue in Newport Community Park. Rides, food, pretty much a festival again, but some really good bbq.

That's all that's listed that I'm available for. The following week looks to have a lot though--I'll post that as a poll to vote on later this week--after a little more research.

Mountain Time--Boone, NC

2010-03-28T17:12:00.012-04:00

I'm a week behind--shame on me!

Last weekend I went camping in Boone with 11 people--some I knew, some, not so much.

Perfect weather, perfect mountains and scenery, and good company.

The campfire chats were interesting, although, half of it was a foreign language--so many movie quotes. I'm learning that my social/conversation skills are quite inadequate in the group setting--perhaps on the level of cavewoman. I go off into fly-on-the-wall mode, the observer mode; when the conversation is over is when I realize I haven't said a word. I get so caught up in what people are saying...

Besides all that nonsense, we hiked all of Saturday along the river and trails, skipping and jumping from rock to rock. We lost the trail several times--hanging on trees due to the steepness of the mountains.

The hiking was tiring and re-freshing all together--I felt like I was related to Dora the explorer, minus the hispanic part.

There's something about nature that puts me in the contemplative mind, gets me reflecting on my life and the greatness of where we are and the possibilities God holds for us. The hiking did that for me.

The very dorkish thought did come to mind on the hike...

The Fellowship of the Ring. A team of people jumping boulders and rocks along the river... We were practically replicating it.

Yeah, I romanticize everything.

I could probably add that we were crossing lots of fallen trees over the raging river, just like the Goonies--Slick Shoes!

Great weekend and great car ride conversations and singing!

Irish Jig Fesitival

2010-03-14T14:23:00.004-04:00

There was a slight win towards the Belly Dancing in last week's poll, but due to my Raleigh friends inability to attend with me, I decided to go to the local 19th annual St. Patrick's day Festival instead.

It was a close race, so I didn't feel too guilty.

During the week, someone requested that I perform an irish step every 30 minutes that I was there, for 30 seconds.

I found it strange that at an Irish Festival, there wasn't any irish music, or food for that matter. I was stepping to Raggae and country music and there was Polish and Italian food being sold in the booths. Odd? Yes!

I think my dancing would have been better with the irish music, but regardless, maybe I should just stick to the singing...

It was an overall fun day, but only because I had called up a new friend, Elisha, from EI to meet up with her there--ends up she had a whole group of people there too (many I had met before). It would have been terrible without the company--it was just food vendors, a few rides, and a beer tent. Afterwards, we went over to Elisha's house and conversed for hours on politics, religion, sports, and personal lives.

Next Event:
Camping in Boone with 20 or more Morehead people! Im roughing it without a tent in March...

Following event:
Your choice still: Look to the Poll on the Right.

Easter week:
I'm not planning anything because it is Easter, but I may blog on whatever springs up.

Ultimate Beach Frisbee

2010-03-07T19:37:00.008-05:00

Discover Morehead City doesn't merely mean discover a place--for me, it means rediscovering it's people and culture. It's so much more than the physical realm.

So, when people get in the way of my "events", I embrace and follow along like a little new puppy.

To the point now: I have missed my event again.

My own made-up event at that. What happened to my own accountability?

Well, I suppose that on Saturday I was semi-disappointed that no one wanted to go collect cans with me door-to-door (which is becoming a pattern btw). Because of the lack of sufficient camaraderie, I got in the mindset that I could slack on the start time. The time comes around, and I tell my mom my genius plan of pushing the wheelbarrow down the streets of Morehead, collecting cans in them. She proceeded to demolish my dreams (which happens to be commonplace due to my everyday silly ideas).

"It's too rusty" "That thing is an eyesore"
"You'll look ridiculous" (Mom, I already look ridiculous)
"You're going door-to-door with a wheelbarrow?" (Yes, maybe?....)

Well, what did you do with my radio flyer little red wagon, mom? It's not here anymore.

I suggest that I go buy one and ask her for a cost estimation. Her cost estimation: $40-60. Mom decides she'll go halfsies with me because my niece will surely visit again. Alright!

Not alright :(
I go to Walmart and search the toy section and garden section = none
I go to Lowe's and ask someone right off the get go = they only have garden wagons
I go to K-Mart after the lead from Lowe's guy = no wagon again

I go on to Facebook and ask "why are there no more radio flyers anywhere?" and get a lead to hardware stores = percieved success.

I call William's Harware and they have one....except I find out when I get down there, that it practically could fit on someone's desk. My foot could fit in it...

Then I call three more hardware stores; two had them.

Mom's quotes = completely not even close. One = $90 Two = $169

That's a no go on reliving my little red wagon days.

Suffice to say, I'm not telling my mom my ideas anymore--she seems to bewitch me into doing the logical. I love you, mom!

I spent so much time on searching for a wagon, that the afternoon went by. I decided to postpone my trip around the neighborhood for the next day after church and some beach frisbee--with my wheelbarrow too (I don't care how ridiculous I look this time).

When I knew the Event wasn't happening:

After church I was planning on hanging out (ultimate beach frisbee) with some new friends I'm making, but I did not realize that that meant literally the whole afternoon.

We started at 1 and went until 4---three hours of running, and some walking, on the beautiful, windy, beach. Seven v. Seven. My knees are old and tired--thanks to all those years of soccer. Surprisingly, I was not that much out of breath with two years of inconsistant work-outs. Touche, respiratory and circulatory systems!

Now until May, I will be taunted by the desire for summer all because of today's outing....

Well, I am still going to attempt the can collecting during the week if I can squeeze it in with my work schedule and a test I have.

Next Event:
It's still in the air! Vote is continuing now between Belly Dancing and St. Patty's Day festival.

Following event:
Camping in Boone, NC area with 20 or more Morehead people.

Next Vote:
1. Drum Circle: Brad Fischer will hold a Drum Circle on Friday, April 2nd from 6 – 7 pm. Bring your favorite percussion instrument or borrow one of ours. All ages welcome. Cost: free.

2. I cannot believe I have the guts to list this, but here it goes! I'm foreseeing fainting spells just thinking about it. I've never attempted anything even in the same category of acting.
Auditions - 2010 Season

Saturday, Mar 27 9:00a to 5:00p
at Opera House Theatre Company - Lucille Shuffler Center, Wilmington, NC
for the productions of "Five Guys Named Moe," "Fiddler on the Roof," "The Music Man," "Anything Goes," and "The Secret Garden." Children 13 and younger will be from 9 to 11 a.m.; Adults and teens over 13 will begin at 11 a.m. For auditions, bring a prepared song and sheet music (an accompanist will be provided).

3. Walk for Those Who Can't
4th Annual Walk for Those Who Can't. Two of the cast members from the Lifetime TV series, "Army Wives" will team as our Master of Ceremonies for Carolina Canines; Sally Pressman (My Best Friend’s Girl) who plays the sexy and sassy ‘Roxy LeBlanc’ and Rhoda Griffis ("Walk The Line, Run Away Jury") who plays Lenore Baker, that catty character we love to hate …... So come out and meet the stars, come early and get a signed T-shirt and bring your dog….It’s a walk for those who can’t.

Fooseball To Nertz

2010-02-28T20:40:00.007-05:00

Well, Well, Well...

What a week. I was interviewed by Aniesa at the Jacksonville Daily News for my blog on Thursday along with a photography session. http://www.jdnews.com/articles/wonders-73342-wade-explores.html Because of such great research on her part, I am now looking at the Jacksonville newspaper as one of my event sources.

Then, there is some major activity going on with my two classes (A&P2 and Chemistry)--Midterms are lerking ahead like death. In fact, I think I will be dropping Chemistry because I have a teacher that could improve significantly in actual teaching; I do not have enough time in my week to be teaching myself this difficult twaddle. I'm not completely failing, but I wanted a certain grade for Grad school...

On that note, out with the bad and in with the good....

Justin, Cory, and Aloise came to visit this weekend, my niece and brothers. We went to Shevens Park and went down the slide perpetually, along with the never-ending swinging. It's so nice to be able to occupy a kid's mind, on one thing for an extended amount of time.

The Event:
Fooseball/Surf Night at One Harbor Church.

I worked all day on Friday, from 6:30am-6pm. The event started at 6:30pm, 30minutes away from where I work. Not like my punctual self, I arrived late, 7:15pm late. I didn't bring a camera either--such a slacker. They had a surf video on, which was mesmerizing despite the sound missing and my sheltered past life that didn't include one mole (see, I learned something in chemistry) of surfing. Well, I accidentally sat between a married couple's seats, but they wouldn't let me get up after they came back. They are in my homegroup and we talked during the video about our backgrounds (I've only gone to homegroups twice). I was so late that the actual event was over after the movie.

The After Party.

I saw an old friend there and we chatted for a little bit. He introduced me to a group of his friends and they all invited me over to someone's house to watch Hockey. Only a few of us watched hockey; the rest of us played Nertz and Apples to Apples. I was up way past my bedtime, 12:30am!

Although, this doesn't sound like an out-of-the-ordinary event, or adventurous for that matter, it was for me, since coming back from Detroit. I've always felt like I was socially slow--maybe I have frontal lobe problems....

Regardless, this was much needed and I enjoyed the company of complete strangers minus the 3 I knew.

The other event (part of the proclaimed Double feature) is supposed to be Jammin at the Book Nook. I haven't decided whether I will actually do it, because I am working an extra long day again (6:30am-6pm) and I have a test the next day. We'll see how I'm feeling. Otherwise, a reschedule of that again...

Next Event:
Little Red Wagon Saturday (my own creation) March 6, 3-6pm Start at Swinson Park. I am still a loner at this event :( Well then, let's see how many cans one woman can collect.

Following Event: Vote!
1. St. Patrick's Day Festival: Emerald Isle Shopping Center. Food, Games, Music. 9am-5pm March 13th

2. Mirage of the Oasis Belly Dance Showcase: This is in Raleigh at St. Augustine College.
Description: Belly dancing has captivated audiences around the world with rich music rhythms and traditions, undulating stomachs, shimmying hips, snake arms and more. See the diverse styles of belly dance from cabaret, oriental, folkloric or tribal style.

My Raleigh Friends...I'll be calling you. $12-$15 7:30pm Sat. March 13

And the Event After that: I know, I'm getting pretty far ahead, but I'm kind of excited about this one. I'm going Camping in the NC mountains with a group of about 20 people from Morehead. I haven't been camping in years and the scenery will be great too.

Report: My Soul is the Color Blue

2010-02-21T12:26:00.008-05:00

I convinced my parents (didn't take much since it was my birthday) to go out to a blues concert with me, feed me, buy a cd for me, and buy cocktails for me. So, not only do I look 16, but I still occassionally act like it too--feed me Seymour! I am utterly grateful for my parents.

We discovered a new love for blues and folk--those guys could jam. Two guys; a father and a son from philly traveling and singing together.

There is no other genre that makes me journey into my past, present, and future; no other genre that makes me think of who I was, who I am, and who I want to be. It takes me to a magical place that only God can go deeper than. It makes me escape the world and enter the world all at once. Bottom line: makes me want to pick up a mic/mandolin/guitar and sing-a-long.

There is one thing that I don't understand; I was the youngest person at the concert. Do young people not like Blues? How is that possible? Maybe there's too much crap on the radio that the good stuff isn't played anymore. I don't know; I don't even listen to the radio anymore.

Suffice to say, I had a wonderful evening with my parents. I also ascertained that I like orange juice (I've always hated) given that there is rum involved.

Next Event: I will be giving a double feature:
Church Foosball (ironic because there was a fooseball competition at the Beach tavern too) and jamming at the Book Nook!

Following Event: There is actually not anything in the paper I can do--ahh! So, I'll be doing some research beyond the paper for March 5-11. Suggestions are welcome. Maybe we can come up with a homemade event. Like going door to door all day for can foods for the soup kitchen--I need a little red wagon....

2010-02-15T09:36:00.005-05:00

I failed you all :(

So skipped out on the Masquerade to make valentine videos instead. My little brother ditched me, and stayed in Raleigh for the weekend. Plus, I didn't have the perfect dress to fit my "wild" self-image; really, I was going for tacky and fluorescent colors along with excessive hairspray.

It snowed a few inches which highly distracted me into making love videos for friends.

For the last few years, I created a tradition of calling people on valentine's day and serenading them--I usually had to sing over an answering machine though.

Next year, I will need some actresses and actors to help. Going for a comedic effect of current ballad music videos...

I could really use a videographer so I can actually have legitimate movement. Hiring process begins now!

Anyways, for the sake of my lone non-facebook follower, my Mom, I will repost some of my video work on here too.

Next Event:

It was skydiving, but I couldn't get ahold of the place and the fact that they are only open on the weekends, doesn't help. So, I will be calling every weekend until I reserve a spot.

Also, I will find something to do or someone will provide it I'm sure, because it's my birthday next weekend. So, expect a random event blog--unplanned.

Following event: Vote Now!

1. Crystal Coast Foosball Challenge: at Beach Tavern. Canned and dry food drive for Hope Mission. (Are you reading from the next Foosball champion?)

2. 2nd Attempt at the Jammin at the Book Nook: the first time = fail.

2010-02-08T20:00:00.006-05:00

Oh Chocolate, it is thee I love.

Before the event, I imagined starting the blog off with an air of warrior woman whom eats all. To start with the line: "31 booths, 31 chocolate samples, and one stomach...".

This is not the case--which shouldn't be a surprise by now. Maybe my expectations are too high.

8 Dollars for entry should equal something in return, is there something wrong with that thinking? Shouldn't there be a sample of chocolate at each booth?

Drum roll please....

There were 3, count them on your fingers, three booths that had samples. Sure I'll give some of you booths the benefit of the doubt and say you ran out of your samples, but only because I was there in the last two hours of the festival. Oh booths, do you not know about marketing your products? You score an F; all of you that are not the 3 mentioned.

So, I tasted some whipping cream (not even chocolate!) and one was pumpkin spice flavor. Which if you know me, you know I am a sucker for anything related to pumpkin. The other was something oreo.

I also tasted some mocha fudge, which ensued in me purchasing some for my mother. Well, actually she gave me twenty bucks to buy her something there. Sorry mom, I only spent $5.50 on you...of your money--and I'll probably be eating some of it too.

All the fun things always seem to be for the kids!

Chocolate Pudding Eating contest = for the kids. Although I often am percieved to be a big kid, I sadly cannot pass the test any longer. They were running the last eating contest of the festival right before I left. I was jealous, and if I was a kid, I would have been throwing a tantrum in front of everyone--because not only do I like pudding, but I like competition. Food and competition make a downright fine match.

Best Part of the Event:
I know, I know, I just complained about the $8, but it went to Carteret County charities. I just wanted samples....

This Weekend/Next Event:
Marti Gras Masquerade Party at Cool Fish.

Following week/My Birthday!
I will be skydiving! It would be a great gift if someone would go with me--and I only (unless you want to too) mean take a short roadtrip with me and see me off. I'm having it videotaped too.

I'll post the next voting period in the next event blog! The Marti Gras issue..

2010-01-31T18:59:00.006-05:00

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

2010-01-24T00:00:00.004-05:00

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

2010-01-19T14:47:00.001-05:00

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.

2010-01-17T18:09:00.003-05:00

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

2010-01-13T19:52:00.000-05:00

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

2010-01-09T15:26:00.006-05:00

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

2010-01-08T23:11:00.002-05:00

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.