This is my first springtime in the south and there is an interesting phenomenon going on outside. It seems that everything is turn yellow-green! Can this be from radiation? Oh? What's that you say? It's coming from the trees? Run for you lives people! The trees are infected!!
Oh wait. It's only pollen. Pollen that will consume your car, home, and outdoor pets! Seriously, it's insane. Luckily I have discovered my allergies are probably more to weeds since I get reactions in the fall, not the spring. If I were allergic to trees, I am almost certain I would be dead by now. Theory supported below.
The amount of pollen in the air is measured daily in cubic feet of air down here and hits some ridiculous highs. The measurement rating system:
Low, 0-30 Only people extremely sensitive to these pollens & molds will have symptoms.
Medium, 31-60 Many people sensitive to these pollens & molds will have symptoms.
High, 61-120 Most people with any sensitivity to these pollens & molds will have symptoms.
Extremely High, 120+ Almost all people with any sensitivity at all to these pollens & molds will have symptoms. Extremely sensitive people could have severe symptoms.
Today we have a measured pollen count of 5,937. If you'll notice that is almost 50 times what is considered extremely high and what will cause allergic reactions in most people. 50 times!!!! Stay in your homes and do not attempt to go anywhere!
Until today, my car looked like Slimmer had run all over the thing and threw up twice. Thank goodness for car washes. It's going to be a long spring.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Split Happens
As some of you may know, I was in a bowling league with people from work for the last 8 weeks. It's been fun and the group has been a lot of fun to hang out with. They mostly consist of people right out of college. That being said, it's a good bunch to have fun with. Tonight was the bowl off for the championship. Sad to say my team did not place in the top 3, but snagged 4th place. I have learned a lot from this experience and I thought I would share with you what I now know.
One - Bowl really crappy at least the first two weeks. This is what they refer to as "sandbagging". Sure, people might call you on it, but you can always retort you have an excellent learning curve. Sandbagging will cause your handicap to go up and thus your overall score will be higher once you bowl at your normal average. I bowled my best games the first few weeks, so I was of no help to myself or my team. Lesson learned.
Two - I believe booze help game scores. Again, during the first two weeks I bowled really well and this was while I was drinking a pitcher of beer and bowling better than I should. I gave up beer soon thereafter for Lent and that has only lead to lower scores throughout the season. To prove this point, I have bought amaretto sours the last two weeks and my scores went back up slightly. It is not as effective as beer, but it's what I could have. I believe this is enough of a scientific study to prove my point.
Three - Bowling Etiquette. Some leagues take this more seriously than say... our league full of almost not completely immature guys. Generally you don't go up to bowl when someone in the lane immediately to your left or right is bowling. That's the big one. Well, some teams prefer it if you aren't any where near the wood while they are bowling and may throw a stink about it like a two year old. Just be aware, you may be bowling next to some really anal people.
Overall it was a fun experience and if they do it again in the fall I am totally going to sign up for it. I have had the opportunity to meet a lot of different people, most of whom are petty cool and nice. It's helped a lot getting settled here. And I will be able to drink beer while playing by then. Let the good times roll!
One - Bowl really crappy at least the first two weeks. This is what they refer to as "sandbagging". Sure, people might call you on it, but you can always retort you have an excellent learning curve. Sandbagging will cause your handicap to go up and thus your overall score will be higher once you bowl at your normal average. I bowled my best games the first few weeks, so I was of no help to myself or my team. Lesson learned.
Two - I believe booze help game scores. Again, during the first two weeks I bowled really well and this was while I was drinking a pitcher of beer and bowling better than I should. I gave up beer soon thereafter for Lent and that has only lead to lower scores throughout the season. To prove this point, I have bought amaretto sours the last two weeks and my scores went back up slightly. It is not as effective as beer, but it's what I could have. I believe this is enough of a scientific study to prove my point.
Three - Bowling Etiquette. Some leagues take this more seriously than say... our league full of almost not completely immature guys. Generally you don't go up to bowl when someone in the lane immediately to your left or right is bowling. That's the big one. Well, some teams prefer it if you aren't any where near the wood while they are bowling and may throw a stink about it like a two year old. Just be aware, you may be bowling next to some really anal people.
Overall it was a fun experience and if they do it again in the fall I am totally going to sign up for it. I have had the opportunity to meet a lot of different people, most of whom are petty cool and nice. It's helped a lot getting settled here. And I will be able to drink beer while playing by then. Let the good times roll!
Saturday, March 24, 2007
The Eyre Affair
I usually try to give my two cents on any book I finish within a short time of finishing it, but sometimes it waits. I had just finished The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde not too long ago but then got carried away with other stuff so here you go! This was the book I read Jane Eyre for and quiet honestly it was nice to know what was going on for once. So even though Jane Eyre was a little bit on harder side of reading, it was worth it. The Eyre Affair is about the future where they have dodo's as pets and people can jump into books and join their favorite characters in their stories. Not likely to be in our particular future any time soon, but it was fun to read about. The tie to Jane Eyre is when a criminal decides to hide in the book and the detective goes after him. It's interesting to see how she manages to hide out of the main story but right along side of it. If anyone has read Jane Eyre and not read The Eyre Affair, I would recommend it. It was a fun book and a quick read. I blame that for my lack of sleep a few weeks ago. I was just trying to finish the book but I traded in a good nights sleep to do so. The sacrifices we all make.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
My Super Sweet 26!
I have been inspired! I was watching My Super Sweet 16 the other night and thought to myself; why the hell did I not get a big party and $100K car for my 16th birthday? As far as I can recall, my 16th birthday consisted of a party of about 10 people at the house after we all went ice skating. We ate cake and there was no car. I think it's pretty lame in comparison. I have decided since I can't go back to my 16th birthday, that I could just fudge it a little and go for the 26th birthday. Although Mike P. seems to be confused about my age and I could probably convince him that I was turning 16. ANYWHO! This is what I have decided to go with for My Super Sweet 26th birthday!
I am going to invite everyone I know, including people I don't like just to show them how much better of a party I can throw than them. The bonus; if I feel like being a total bitch on my birthday I can have my bouncers deny them entrance to my super exclusive party. How awesome! I am going to go with a beach themed party which will be hosted at Waikiki Beach in Hawaii. Buy tickets now to avoid the rush and secure your seat for the number one party of the year! We are going to do an official luau right there on the beach and roast a pig in a pit and have a fully catered menu for everyone. I will have the bouncers set up in a perimeter around the party to kick out anyone not worthy of such coolness. I, of course, will be the star of the hula dance dressed to impress in authentic costumes (that's right - the real coconut bra and everything!) to kick the night off right! We'll pump up the music and get the party hoping! I will be having a well known pop star perform at my awesome party. I can't say who it is because it will be a surprise to all guests. After you all have adored me for the entire evening I will receive ridiculous gifts, least of which being a Bentley Brooklands or similar car in quality and price.
So you should all clear your labor day weekends as it will be "the best party ever!"
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Sweetwater Creek
Another three day weekend well spent. It included a trip to the library, the grocery store, the dry cleaners and Sweetwater Creek. Since the first three on that list are not even remotely interesting, I figured I would post about Sweetwater Creek. Sad to say, I found out this is not where they make Sweetwater beer. How disappointing. Nonetheless, the hike proved to be a good one.
We had to wait until the morning storms rolled through and dried up a bit which happened much more quickly than we were expecting. It turned out to be a gorgeous day. The park has just gotten a brand new visitors center which we largely ignored but took notice of. People have not started to flock to the parks yet, although it was Six Flags opening day, so maybe that's where they all were.
Our mascot did really well for the first part of the hike, unfortunately, he hasn't learned to pace himself yet and was really reluctant to finish the hike. To be fair, it got really warm during the last mile or so of the hike and he is really furry.
The history along this trail is with the New Manchester Manufacturing Company which was burned down during... come on take a guess! You're correct, the Civil War! As far as I can tell that's the correct answer as to when anything was burned around here.
It was good to be out and get some fresh air and the nice weather was a plus, well not for Rummy, but if we shaved him, I am sure he would feel better in the heat. :)
We had to wait until the morning storms rolled through and dried up a bit which happened much more quickly than we were expecting. It turned out to be a gorgeous day. The park has just gotten a brand new visitors center which we largely ignored but took notice of. People have not started to flock to the parks yet, although it was Six Flags opening day, so maybe that's where they all were.
Our mascot did really well for the first part of the hike, unfortunately, he hasn't learned to pace himself yet and was really reluctant to finish the hike. To be fair, it got really warm during the last mile or so of the hike and he is really furry.
The history along this trail is with the New Manchester Manufacturing Company which was burned down during... come on take a guess! You're correct, the Civil War! As far as I can tell that's the correct answer as to when anything was burned around here.
It was good to be out and get some fresh air and the nice weather was a plus, well not for Rummy, but if we shaved him, I am sure he would feel better in the heat. :)
Thursday, March 8, 2007
My Hit List
Now that I live in Atlanta I want to take advantage of some of the things to do that are significantly closer to here than say any place else I have lived. That being said, I have made a hit list and not in any particular order. It's whatever I feel like doing first. :)
New Orleans - I have been told life is still thriving there and they are trying to keep the tourism industry going. I would like to go visit the area for its food and music if nothing else. I won't lie, I think it would also be something if I were to visit the place where the hurricane hit. Not for neat photo ops, but to just stand in the place where so much destruction happened by natural causes and how people are rebuilding. I know it's a one of a kind place and being only 8 hours away makes it seem a little closer to reality.
Savannah - It's about the only other place in this state I am interested in visiting. Obviously there is a lot of history there, but it's also where Paula Dean has her restaurant. :) I have been told by many of my co-workers, that's the place to go for St. Patrick's Day, but I am not entirely sure I get the connect between of one of the most southern cities and Irish anything have to do with each other. It's a 5 hour drive and there is a campsite nearby to forgo the expense of hotels.
Biltmore Estates - Located in North Carolina, this should only be about a 3-4 hour drive and a possibility to do it in one day. It would be a long one, but I think it would be neat to go check it out. I mean why not see what it would be like to live ridiculously rich?
Orlando - This is also about a days drive as well, could be a great place to go for a quick vacation. I would never pass up a chance to go to Disney World because that's just plain crazy talk, but there are plenty of other things going on in Orlando. I even get discount tickets to Universal Studios through work. In any event, it would be a fun trip for the inner child which seems to take over more often than not. :)
Florida Keys - I realize this is not in an ideal driving distance range, however I would hope airfare may be cheaper because we are a little closer. But seriously, I would really like to go because beaches really are my thing and I think I should visit them all. :)
I understand that I may not get to all of them, but I am going to try!
New Orleans - I have been told life is still thriving there and they are trying to keep the tourism industry going. I would like to go visit the area for its food and music if nothing else. I won't lie, I think it would also be something if I were to visit the place where the hurricane hit. Not for neat photo ops, but to just stand in the place where so much destruction happened by natural causes and how people are rebuilding. I know it's a one of a kind place and being only 8 hours away makes it seem a little closer to reality.
Savannah - It's about the only other place in this state I am interested in visiting. Obviously there is a lot of history there, but it's also where Paula Dean has her restaurant. :) I have been told by many of my co-workers, that's the place to go for St. Patrick's Day, but I am not entirely sure I get the connect between of one of the most southern cities and Irish anything have to do with each other. It's a 5 hour drive and there is a campsite nearby to forgo the expense of hotels.
Biltmore Estates - Located in North Carolina, this should only be about a 3-4 hour drive and a possibility to do it in one day. It would be a long one, but I think it would be neat to go check it out. I mean why not see what it would be like to live ridiculously rich?
Orlando - This is also about a days drive as well, could be a great place to go for a quick vacation. I would never pass up a chance to go to Disney World because that's just plain crazy talk, but there are plenty of other things going on in Orlando. I even get discount tickets to Universal Studios through work. In any event, it would be a fun trip for the inner child which seems to take over more often than not. :)
Florida Keys - I realize this is not in an ideal driving distance range, however I would hope airfare may be cheaper because we are a little closer. But seriously, I would really like to go because beaches really are my thing and I think I should visit them all. :)
I understand that I may not get to all of them, but I am going to try!
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Google Reader
I have just discovered the latest and greatest in Google. They have now added a Google Reader to their long list of very cool and very user friendly features. The first time you go to Google Reader they play a clip for you about how it works. It's sort of like your email inbox, but for all your favorite websites. So if I want to read CNN, check up on the latest in recipes, or see what Mike is up to, I just add it to the list of subscriptions. Then it is essentially "mailed" to Google Reader. No more going through 15 web pages a day. You just need to go to Google Reader to get the latest!
I would like to say this puts Mike P. out of a job with tracking peoples blogs, but there is a high entertainment value in his rating system. So long I am entertained, I say it stays!
I would like to say this puts Mike P. out of a job with tracking peoples blogs, but there is a high entertainment value in his rating system. So long I am entertained, I say it stays!
Book Review
One of my New Year's resolutions was to keep a reading list of everything I have read this year. Mostly because I look back on last year and think, I wonder how many books I read? Why not keep a list? Brilliant!
I just finished Life A La Mode by Linda Lenhoff. This one I borrowed from the library and was a fairly quick read. It's classified as an adult fiction and is mostly about a woman who has a sister who has been engaged 7 times, divorced parents dating respective other people, and a somewhat lame love life. The book wasn't bad, but it just seemed like the main character didn't really do much. There didn't seem to be a time line associated with the book's pace at all and I was always confused at how much time had passed. It's a good book for little thinking and has an entertainment value because there are funny moments and like I said it's not horrible. I would mark it as a beach week read. If you got distracted with the hot tub, you aren't missing much.
I just finished Life A La Mode by Linda Lenhoff. This one I borrowed from the library and was a fairly quick read. It's classified as an adult fiction and is mostly about a woman who has a sister who has been engaged 7 times, divorced parents dating respective other people, and a somewhat lame love life. The book wasn't bad, but it just seemed like the main character didn't really do much. There didn't seem to be a time line associated with the book's pace at all and I was always confused at how much time had passed. It's a good book for little thinking and has an entertainment value because there are funny moments and like I said it's not horrible. I would mark it as a beach week read. If you got distracted with the hot tub, you aren't missing much.
Monday, March 5, 2007
Happy Half Birthday to Me!
You may be asking yourself, what exactly is a half birthday anyway? The answer would be it is the day that is 6 months from your real birthday. This really started with a friend of mine who was born on December 25th. In an effort to make things fair and celebrate both a birthday and Christmas, they celebrated her half birthday, June 25th. That way she would actually be able to enjoy both holidays equally like a normal kid. So I decided to adopt this just as a way to have another personal holiday. To tell you the truth, I am surprised that Hallmark hasn't jumped all over this. It could very well double their sales! In any event, I encourage all of you to celebrate your half birthday which gives you another reason to have some cake!
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Locks of Love Donation
I have officially cut off my hair! I went to the salon early this morning to get it done. I was really nervous about having that much hair cut off and what I would be left with. Although I did take measurements beforehand to make sure I would have enough, but you just never know until it's done. :-)
I got in the chair and they pulled back into a pony tail and proceeded to make "the cut".
Once it was done and my hair feel forward, I laughed. I think the people in the salon were relieved to hear that becaues I guess some people cry. I have had short hair before so it wasn't a total shock. I had showed her a picture of exactly how short I am used to and the neighborhood length to stay in. She was really good about it and my hair looks awesome! I keep swinging my head around from side to side and laughing. It feels amazing and so much lighter!
I had the pony tail all buddled up and in the bag ready to mail out.
So kids win and I get a great new look. I am sure it will be the talk of the town. :)
I got in the chair and they pulled back into a pony tail and proceeded to make "the cut".
Once it was done and my hair feel forward, I laughed. I think the people in the salon were relieved to hear that becaues I guess some people cry. I have had short hair before so it wasn't a total shock. I had showed her a picture of exactly how short I am used to and the neighborhood length to stay in. She was really good about it and my hair looks awesome! I keep swinging my head around from side to side and laughing. It feels amazing and so much lighter!
I had the pony tail all buddled up and in the bag ready to mail out.
So kids win and I get a great new look. I am sure it will be the talk of the town. :)
Friday, March 2, 2007
Welcome to my Blog
Ok, I have officially joined the craze of blogspot. I thought it may be fitting to explain what my blog name means. For those of you who have not had the pleasure of packing me up and moving me at least once, this is for you. In the past 7 years, I have not lived in any one place for at least a year. The closest I came was 11 months, although the shortest was 1 month. On average it has been about 5 months in any one place. In that time I have also lived in 4 states if you count the summer I spent in CT. Since I have developed this habit of bouncing from place to place, I thought it would be fitting to have a blog to describe that experience. I think a stardust trail is an appropriate description of those events. Also cleverly hidden is a reference to my favorite book Stardust by Neil Gaiman. For those of you who haven't read that book, you should. If there were a world full of faeries, magic, and stars that fell from above, I would want it to be that one. So with that welcome!
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