Here Fishy Fishy....

I just don't know what to say. This takes aquarium keeping to a new level. Fish Tank

Good Grief Germany!!!!

I think I know why Germans like their cars to be sturdy and safe.

"We're living in a time bomb."

Dressing and Hiking

Last weekend at the Thousand Islands was incredible. And yes, it's where the salad dressing gets its name. The people we stayed with had their "cabin" on the waterfront of the St. Lawrence River and I got to see the most amazing sunsets while sitting on the dock. Swimming in the river was a nice diversion. It was a bit chilly with warm spots every so often. Of course the warm spots made me wonder why exactly they were warm.... Sabbath we were going to go to the nature center, but it was pouring rain for quite a bit of the time so we didn't really want to go out on the boat and brave the lightening. Sunday morning our hostess' son took us up the river in the motorboat. I don't know if technically there is a thousand islands, but there are many at least. Some of the homes built on those islands are huge. It appears to have been a summer place for rich people from NYC back in the day. One of those places is the Boldt Castle located on Heart Island which we circled. We also ate the most amazing food there and weirdly enough it was vegan and mostly had no refined sugar, yet it tasted normal. So, it was all good.

Thousand Island Photos

I opened a bank account yesterday at the M&T bank. Upon leaving, I realized that if you remove the ampersand from the name, you describe my account!

Today I had my physical at the clinic where I'll work. It mostly consisted of checking my heart and lungs and squeezing my ankles. I have NO idea what they learn from squeezing one's ankles, but it seems to be a theme of the internships that require physicals.

After that, I went hiking with another intern because she's been bored and it would be good for me to get out more. We went to Chittenango Falls, just to the east of Syracuse. We only got lost once and found the locals very kind and helpful in getting back on the right road. Of course we were all excited about this hike but when we got there, discovered the trail was closed, so we just walked down to the bottom and back. There was quite a few stairs so it was a workout. It's really pretty there, so our time wasn't wasted, we sat where we could hear the falls and talked and ate our snacks. The creek was so inviting, but signs were posted that swimming and wading were frowned upon. Well not so much frowned upon as verboten, which was disappointing, but nonetheless beautiful.

Chittenango Falls Photos

And speaking of German...because I love random and weird news, the Germans are at it again. I honestly have nothing against Germans, after all, I'm probably half German, but they have the best news!

(Katie, I'm working hard on helping you with this vicarious New Yorker thing!)

I'd prefer Italian....

I'm going to the Thousand Islands this weekend. I've heard it's really beautiful, but I can only picture land draped in creamy dressing. At least it won't be as disappointing as Big Rock Candy Mountain.

A Bit Gun-shy

So today I went back to the canal to walk again. I haven't been there since I saw the snake, although I think it has less to do with the snake than my laziness. This time, I had a different, much more interesting audiobook to listen to. I'm still a little more careful about where I step, but I enjoyed my walk and became thoroughly engrossed in my little world, where I spend a lot of time anyway. I walked up the towpath to this place called Sim's Store. As near as I can tell, it's not a store, could be a museum, but that's still up for debate as well. They have what remains of an old wooden lock gate from one of the many locks the barges used to use. Also some of the hollowed out logs used to pipe salt brine somewhere or another. There's also a reproduction, or reparation of a barge that used to travel the canal back in the day. I dallied a little around these things and then began the two miles back to my car. One of the reasons I like it by the canal is that people suddenly become friendly there. It's almost some sort of magical place. Elsewhere, the locals (I feel like an anthropologist here) are either rude or just oblivious. But on the towpath, they smile and say hello. Some even start casual conversation. I was enjoying this reverie in addition to my book when all of a sudden, right beside me in the canal, a fish (or it could have been a whale) jumped and belly-flopped on the water. I instantly froze, wondering whether I should sprint, hit the deck, or just wet myself. I managed to calm myself down and process what had happened, but good grief, I've either got to get a hold of myself or just take up running for exercise.

more creative news

I know I've been mostly posting news stories, but I was watching the news on public television tonight and the pundit described Fred Thompson's campaign exploration as a very long striptease. Now look at the picture below and tell me that's not a horrifying mental image....

Frisky Pets

I think it's bad enough when a dog humps my leg, not to mention a camel. Australian Camel

ARGHGHG

It's 12:58am and apparently Mr. Downstairs is a burgeoning drummer....

Nyoka!

This week I've been going for walks along the Old Erie Canal. It's a nice tree lined gravel path with quite a bit of wildlife and greenery. Quite a pleasant place. I've been listening to an audiobook about the Zionist movement in Jerusalem while I walk. So today, I was heading back toward the car when I spotted something making a wake in the canal. Cassie had mentioned there being turtles around and I figured it was one swimming so I hurried my pace to catch up to it. As I got closer, I realized it was a snake swimming in the canal. I hate snakes! In fact the only thing I hate more than snakes, is clowns. And then I thought to myself, the only thing scarier than seeing a snake swimming in the canal, would be seeing a clown swimming in the canal. And then I thought "what if a clown AND a snake were swimming in the canal? And what if they fought each other, who would win?" And then I suddenly realized HOW boring my audiobook really was and that my brain will henceforth connect Zionism with dueling clowns and snakes. The End



More pictures from the canal

Those Germans

Although I must cheer German skepticism of Scientology, I also must express concern about their drivers. I referenced one unusual driving incident in a May 30 post and now I find one involving chickens. Although the circumstances are amusing, I probably shouldn't laugh at this mass murder. (Driver Kills 300 Chickens)

Wendi, this one's for you!

Bath Time

So, since the cats are going to be indoor cats, I decided that they will get semi-regular baths to help with the shedding and overall cleanliness. I decided to wait a few days so they could get over travel trauma before I gave them something new to stress them. Today was the day. I rounded them up in the bathroom and decided to wash Garfunkel first. He's a squiggly little guy and gave me a few scratches which is very unusual for him. Also unusual was the screaming he did. I've never heard him swear at me so loud, his voice would have made a sailor blush. Even now I'm waiting for that follow up from animal control based on my neighbors' reporting. Simon, ever the sympathetic brother watched this all nonchalantly from the rear edge of the tub. After I rinsed the soap out and got him toweled off, it was Si's turn. Considering G's noise, I was dreading washing Simon because he's known for mouthing off about EVERYTHING and I assumed this would be at least twice as bad. Not a peep! Yep folks, Simon endured an entire bath without uttering a word. It might be the longest he's been quiet while not asleep in his entire life.

Update

Well, I did not go downstairs to ask my neighbor to turn up the radio, but this morning I can make out the words. Apparently this neighbor has some diverse taste as I've heard everything from Johnny Cash to Kelly Clarkson

Apartment Life

Today I should probably continue to unpack, but I took my dad to the airport this morning and now being alone in Syracuse for the first time I can fully sit with what I've done. I MOVED CLEAR ACROSS THE UNITED STATES!!!! And why you ask, I did it because I could. I woke up this morning to jackhammering below, it's the second day of it. I'm beginning to wonder if they're trying to remove the foundation of my building and if I need to look for another place. In the breaks between jackhammering, I sit and try to figure out exactly how loud one has to play their stereo in the apartment below to make my furniture vibrate. I've been trying to cover up the noise by listening to my records. I finally got record inserts for my 45s. I'd been trying to find them for a long time, but as not knowing the official name of them, had been unsuccessful. Fortunately I saw a stranger in Portland who had a picture of one on his shirt and accosted him for the information. He seemed startled and perhaps a little scared. But, I finally can listen to my 45s, and really, it's all about me, isn't it?

Speaking of scared, Si & G aren't big fans of the noise either. At first they ran from room to room looking for safe places until I decided that maybe if I closed the windows and turned on the air, it'd be quieter in here. Lucky for them, I will delay bath time another day so as not to further traumatize them.
Simon Being Scared


I'm still trying to figure out how I own so much stuff. I keep unpacking and there is just more and more. Some of it entirely useless such as the elephant water gun that McDonald's gave away with the happy meal when Disney opened that game park type thing in Florida. Why can't I get rid of it? Because Jeannette and I used it to train Daphne not to get into trouble. And besides, it was so much fun to see visitors eyes widen when I'd say "Hurry Jeannette, get the elephant gun!" And that is why I have so much stuff.

One of the reasons I chose my apartment was because it had a washer and dryer in it. So yesterday, I decided to wash a blanket. When I turned it on, the washer groaned as if it were going to work, but there was no water pouring in (call me Western, but water is a prerequisite for being clean). So Dad pulled the unit out and flipped a switch and water began pouring in. Even though it was set on cold, the water was ridiculously hot. Further investigation showed that the cold setting yielded hot water and the hot setting yielded nothing. So I called in a work order.

After hauling everything I own up two flights of stairs, Dad and I nixed the idea of finding me a couch. Instead I hunted on Craig's list for a chair which brought me this delightful specimen.

I really lucked out as it is quite comfy. Now I only need a footstool as I cannot get Garfunkel to stand still long enough.

In the meantime I'm thinking of going downstairs and asking my neighbor if he (or she) could turn the volume up so I can at least hear the words.

Leaving Las Portland

I wrote the following for another blog, but then realized I didn't want to write something else for this one. So I apologize to my cohort members for the duplicate writing that results from laziness

Today Dad & I packed up everything I own and took two angry cats on the road. We have a huge truck because my dad did some fancy math and decided it was more economical, so I'm driving to New York, with enough room left in the truck to take about 15 homeless people on vacation. Since we're staying two nights with my uncle in Vancouver, we didn't load the car onto the trailer yet so I spent my driving alone time thinking of the things I'd miss. I ordered onion rings at DQ (yeah, I know, NY is retarded without DQs) and drove out Wilsonville Road, listening to Comfortably Numb (apparently it's a real tearjerker) and crying the whole way. I said goodbye to the sign that says "blueberry's for sale" without out even internally mocking the grammatical error by saying (exactly what is your blueberry selling?) I started thinking about our top ten lists and how when I come back for my final defense, I'm going to be trying to do so many things I've missed. As I drove into Portland, the sun was beginning to set behind the West Hills and I thought about how much I love the people and the culture of Portland. I glanced around at my fellow drivers thinking about how, in every other city I've been in, drivers are pushy and rude. But no, not good old P-town, I'm going to miss those nice drivers. I've heard rumors about New Yorkers, how pushy and impatient they can be. Lost in my reverie, I notice a white Corolla coming down an on ramp. Trying to be a nice Portland driver, I slow down so she can go ahead of me, but she won't, so I try to speed up as we're rapidly running out of two lanes. And then, she rams on her gas nearly sideswipes my car, cuts in behind me, races to the left side of me, flips me the bird and drops the f bomb out her passenger window. Ah sweet reality...I'M SO OUTTA HERE!!!!

Smarter than They Look

Welcome to Scotland, where a gull steals chips.
Video

Similarities

These pictures caught my eye...Honestly, I'm not trying to pope-bash, I just couldn't resist!

Lost in the 60s Starring Pope Benedict XVI

The Pope apparently now wants to do away with Vatican II a piece at a time, a council he in fact participated in. Hmmm. I'm guessing the committee didn't go his way?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19692094/from/ET/

More Good Times in Lafayette

Oakley got to go home today. He was so happy to see Beth! Before she got here though, he helped defend the place by running a coyote off several times. After Oakley went home, I got ready for bed and I noticed Simon getting really nervous and pacing in front of the door. I called for Garfunkel to come in and finally spotted him coming out of the shrubs. All of a sudden this gray blur comes flying after him. So I grabbed my keys and ran outside to try and save him. I spotted the coyote on the driveway and he still seemed to be in hunting mode, so I wasn't sure where G was, but I knew the beast didn't have him. I charged him on foot a couple of times and he'd run into the meadow, but he'd always come back. So finally, I jumped in my car and sped after him honking vigorously. I sped through the trees into the meadow and circled it a couple of times blaring my horn. The Volvo was pretty good for off-roading as always, and I was pretty sure I had put some fear into that dog. I was still worried because I hadn't seen anything of G. I had walked around for a while calling him, when I heard a little meow from my balcony, He had made it inside. So I went back in and closed the doors. Poor guy was all puffed up and shaking, even now he's still cowering beside me, but at least he's safe and I know Blondie is as tough as ever (good old car).

Good Times in Lafayette

So....Today actually had three interesting things happen.

1. We had a police chase in Lafayette. Of course its such a small town that it wouldn't make the news, but I witnessed it myself and it was impressive. All ten or less minutes of it.

2. I talked to my grandpa today and he asked me who I was and what I was doing and so I said, "I'm Melinda and next year I'll be Dr. Pearson." He responded with, "Good! you can come down here and fix my shoulder." I told him that I was going to be a psychologist and not that kind of doctor, to which he replied, "well then, you can come down here and talk to me and make me believe it doesn't hurt anymore." Ah, even dementia can't deaden that wit!

3. Oakley continued his swimming lessons. He is no longer afraid of the water and was having fun jumping in and chasing tennis balls.









Tired puppy...

Next we head to the diving board!

Swimming Lessons

I didn't think it was right that a golden retriever be scared of water, so I gave Oakley some swimming lessons today.



He's also the forgiving sort...

It's Not Easy Being Green

My cousin's in South Africa and I'm JEALOUS... :(

Water for Thought

Did you know that in the United States there's a community that has to drive 35 miles one way for water?

It's true, it's the White Horse Lake Chapter of the Dine' tribe.

Insurance Companies - FYI

My cousin wants the world to know that Blue Cross and Blue Shield will not cover malaria medications, but fortunately will cover your medical costs when you return to The States sick with the disease. Preventitive medicine, who needs it?

Biofuel scares Germans and Mexicans

My sister pointed out these important news stories

Mexico
Germany

Maybe the answer is to run our cars on alcoholic beverages. Or perhaps that may be the cause of this...

Taking the Subway

At any rate, Blondie (the Volvo) hates ethanol

The Soul of a Limerick Writer

People sometimes ask me how I'm doing, and I'm fine, feeling a bit catatonic since school got out, but fine. It's times like these that I feel would best be summed up in a monologue by X.J. Kennedy:

A lugubrious lady of Lawrence
Would regard each new day with abhorrence.
"When I wake up," she said,
"Just to get out of bed
Seems a good deal more work than it warrants."


and yes it's true.....I'm a SUUUUUperSTahhhhhhr!!!!!

Invasions

This has to be my favorite news article of the year. Even greater if you've ever seen "The Mouse that Roared."

moving

Well, I guess it's once again time to update the blog. Finally after many agonizing weeks of waiting, I've learned that I will be moving to Syracuse, NY for internship. That was my first choice, so yes, I"m excited about it. In the meantime, I have so much left to do before the end of this school year and I'm trying to stay focused....

Oh to be so wise.

Idea # 4,598,678 that I wish I'd had Immigration Solution

Internship Interviews

Well, I guess it's time to update the blog about things other than German speaking muppets and scary stuffed rabbits. I've finished my interviews for internship, a feat that involved pitching woo around the United States. In ten days I visited five new states, and saw two new state capitols. I visited NYC for the first time and now have a better grasp of the significance of how amazing it is when "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn." Brooklyn probably made the most impact on me because I'm not used to poultry shops selling live chickens (at least in the US). The best part was it was down the street from the "live girls" which led me to the mental picture of poultry wearing tassles. I was woken up at 4:30 am by loud reggae music which, given the alternatives (Waldo the rooster) wasn't altogether horrible. Of course, had Waldo been there, I would have known exactly where to take him to the chopping block. I passed a city park on my way to the hospital for the interview. It was unique in the fact that it was covered in concrete with an exception for holes where the trees sprouted through. The site itself was wonderful, but we'll see. I also interviewed in Syracuse, NY and got to spend some time with Cassie. I could go on and on about the mundane details of the trip, but I won't.
I've submitted my rankings of the sites and now I can only wait and pray. I'll find out on February 26 where I'll be living next year, and I hope it's _____________.

Post Script: I need to clarify that I don't consider my time with Cassie to be a mundane detail of the trip. There could be some misunderstanding at the end of that paragraph.

Yeah Ernie

Sesame Street is so much more interesting in another language.

Freaky

Jo and I found this bunny at Goodwill. I believe it is evidence that the creative designers at Ty are doing drugs....hard drugs.
I think what frightens me the most are his tiny, shiny hooves. RABBITS DON'T HAVE HOOVES!!!!!