cheshire_monkey | He's going

I wish I had more upbeat news to put here. Alas, grandma passed away on July 6, 2010. We're still devastated by this loss.

I'm not quite sure I'll be able to use this space as I initially intended, but for the moment I'm just trying to get through 2010. I have this feeling that if I can just make it until 2011, I'll be able to see through the fog.

Until then...

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family

Those who follow my LJ know how this year has been. That is, how absolutely awful it's been. I don't even really know how to sum up the terrible things that have been going on for the past three months and I only wish I were able to say this is an April Fool's joke. Sadly, it's not.

My grandmother went into the hospital in mid-January and has only been home for a week since then. They had to remove a cancerous kidney followed by another surgery to help with the VRE infection she got from the second surgery (she's had three this year). She's still recovering in a rehabilitation center, but I can't even go see her because I fear I've got some kind of bug. It's not a major one, but anything additional right now is not good for her.

The other two major events involve Matt's parents and I just can't go into detail again. In summation, after 15 years away, his father contacted him only to inform us of his diagnosis of terminal cancer. He passed away two weeks ago tomorrow. Matt's mother is battling cancer of her own and, at this point, we're on hold to see what course of treatment she'll undergo. We won't know anything until after next week when she goes in for surgery.

Oh, and then there's the pesky possibility of the grant I work for being eliminated. Actually, I'm pretty sure it just needs to be formalized.

That's it in a nutshell. Obviously the day-to-day brings other stresses and I can't believe we've started the fourth month of the year without much improving.

Instead of leaving on a complete downer, however, I am going to Wonder-Con this weekend. That should be fun (even if I don't have any money for it).

Humm... I guess we should be glad I don't update here too often, eh?

Feeling blah
On the iPod Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out of --U2

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I honestly thought I'd get used to using this blog and just cross-posting to my LJ, but it hasn't been the case. I think it's hard to break the LJ habit, and if I'm being honest with myself, it's not like I really want to all that much. It occurred to me recently that I'll have had my LJ for four years come February and that amazes me quite a bit. I've talked about so much that has happened to me over that time that it's possible for me to know exactly when I did something or how excited I was about something. Yes, sometimes that's embarrassing, but it's there.

I've also met some of the most amazing people through LJ that I can't even imagine my life without them. As an example, I'm sitting here in the woods of North Carolina with one of my dearest friends,

nomdeploom, in a cabin that is so relaxing I can't even think straight. I'd have never met her without LJ. And there are so many others who I would gladly travel the globe for in order to see them (you know, if money wasn't an issue).

I've been able to find people on LJ because I don't hold anything back. I don't worry about people stumbling upon the posts unless I want them to and it somehow makes it easier to just blather on about anything. Not the case here since I've told myself I'm going to keep it public.

I'm not abandoning this blog because I do intend to try and post more often. What's even funnier is that most things I post are so inconsequential that it wouldn't matter if they were here out in the open. I just can't seem to allow myself to do it too often. Weird, that.

The theater here in West Jefferson shows movies for $5. Tonight it's movie time - after our trek to the Ashe County Cheese Store. It's silly how happy I am about this.

Feeling content
Situated Ashe County, North Carolina
On the iPod Get Rhythm - Johhny Cash

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Today my oldest nephew turns 9. I think I'm still in a state of shock. I remember teaching myself some Spanish lullabies to be able to sing to him, but the only one that really stuck (and I have now sang to ALL five of them) is Elefantes. On the day he was born, it was the first day of a new semester where I was a TA for the "Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion" (aka 'Intro to Anthropology of Religion') class. It was the first day I met my students and I remember the only down side to it was that I couldn't be in the hospital with my family waiting for this little guy to meet us.

( Wherein I wax nostalgia. )

Now that he's nine, he's much more quiet. VERY shy (much like I was as a child). Still, he makes me smile. He makes me happy just knowing he's around and there's nothing like his laugh.

I doubt he'll ever see this, but I just had to write a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my eldest nephew. My Diego.

Feeling nostalgic
On the iPod Lights Out - Sonic Youth

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Last week I took offense to being called clumsy. I've never thought of myself as much of a klutz. I've never even broken a bone. *knocks on wood* Anyway, last Friday I went to this AMAZING PJ Harvey concert at the Warfield in San Francisco. Fan-freakin-tastic! We decided to watch the encore from downstairs so when the band cleared the stage my friend and I got up to leave our seats. We were up in the balcony. I took one step and slipped and fell on my butt. Okay, not really graceful or anything, but whatever - it happens. So, I got up, took two steps down and FELL AGAIN! This time, I managed to twist myself a little awkwardly and nearly landed on some poor unsuspecting guy. I didn't twist an ankle (this time), but I somehow managed to pull some muscles here and there. Today is the first day my legs are not completely sore.

That's right, I'm not only able to fall down and twist BOTH ankles at the same time, but I can also fall down the same set of stairs TWICE within seconds. My own boss told me to be careful around air - it could be hazardous to my health. [Note: I did not have any alcohol in my system.]

Speaking of my boss (or work), our program is listed as one of the top 10 diversity champions. We've got a poster and everything - it's amazing! *is proud*

Also, that grant we didn't get a month ago? They "found" money and we'll be starting that program (PDF) up in September. \o/ WIN!

Feeling tired

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I'm heading out to San Francisco to see PJ Harvey and John Parish at the Warfield. Woo-hoo!

Feeling excited

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music

I flew into Washington, DC yesterday. The wonderful

nomdeploom met me here so we could run around for the weekend before a work conference next week. Last night we went to see Little Ashes, conveniently playing at a theater within walking distance. Today we hit Arlington National Cemetary, and managed to catch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (you know, once we managed to get on the right train). Right now we're getting ready to have a fancy dinner out on the town.

I'm trying to stay caught up on the flist, but I'll be mostly MIA until next Friday.

Disneyland went surprisingly well. The children were amazing and who knew that growling with a three-year old for 10 minutes could make us both laugh so hard. You've got to pass the time waiting for fireworks somehow, eh? [I think people in our vicinity thought we were nuts.] Of course, the fireworks were canceled that night, but whatever. My dad also gave me the money for my iPhone. I can get my upgrade next month. :)

Right now, I'm relaxed. I'm calm. And I'm happy. Three things I really needed right about now (even though I do miss

abigor60).

Feeling hungry

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Or cleaning. Or getting ready. Or going to the bank. Or getting some coffee. There certainly are a number of things I should be doing right now, but I'm finding it hard to just walk away from the soft glow of the computer and live in the real world. I'm about to get a pretty big dose of reality in just a little while when I leave here with my brother, my nephews (8, 5 yrs. old), and my niece (3 yrs. old). We're off to the most magical place in the universe - the happiest place on Earth (hey - I've been fed that since birth). Yep - Disneyland! I'm sure I'll get more excited as we get closer, but right now I find myself nothing but nervous and doubtful. Can I handle my family for 4 days? Can I handle kids for 4 days (straight)? Sure, all three of those kids have me wrapped around their little fingers, but still. 4 days? With no place for peace and quiet. *channels patience*

Tonight I'm taking my niece to Build-a-Bear. She can make anything she wants. Oh, and my dad is meeting us on Friday at some point.

As one can imagine, I'll probably be nowhere near a computer. I mean, I'm taking my work laptop, but it's mostly to work on a report any time I get a minute (if I can somehow manage that).

So, my loves, I'm out for the weekend. I hope you all have lots of fun and I'm sure there will be pictures upon my return. The camera's memory card is empty and the extra batteries are ready to go.

Feeling anxious
On the iPod It's a Sin - Pet Shop Boys

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I'm just testing the cross-posting feature. I've never cross-posted in my life.

Feeling curious
On the iPod Make You Feel My Love - Bob Dylan

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I'm not sure what I'll use this for exactly, but I had to test it out. Much thanks to

ladytalon1 for the invite!

I think I'm passive-depressive.

Now don't let's be morose.

Not so New News

The State of Things (aka 2010 sucks)

So much for updating this more

Ode to My Diego

I had a quote using the word 'bitchface' I was supposed to use here but I forgot it.

To the City - Away!

Hanging out in DC

I should be packing.

Here goes nothing

Giving this a go

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