Read Or Not, Here I Come

I am truly not prepared for the onslaught that is June in Wilmington: waves of tourists, surges of heat and humidity, impending devastational hurricanes, and mosquitoes the size of the Volkswagen Convertible of my dreams.

I Wear My Brand With Pride

My tattoo artist thinks I'm a sweetheart.

Motivation For Me To Pick Up My Instrument Again

I am currently nursing a gigantic crush on the violinist for Turisas and I'm not ashamed of saying so!

He Couldn't Even Stand Up By Himself

Seeing my father after his surgery was a very strange and surreal experience.

Surprise Connections

Reconnecting with someone from your (not so distant) past can make you feel a lot better about a frustrating and negative situation.

Touristical Frustration

You don't have to pretend to be interested in my wares if all you want is to know where the closest bathroom is located.

Fatherless Daughter

I just want to protect her and make everything okay, but I am powerless to help her until she opens her heart to herself.

I'm Boring, Sorry

A quiet evening at home is (sometimes/often/occasionally) exactly what the (doctor/nurse practitioner/witch doctor) ordered.

Conflicting Ideas

How is it that I can simultaneously believe that the expanse of time (and I'm sure the quality of that times comes into play somehow) that my life will cover is both very long and very short?

Rehab Is For Quitters!

I'm so incredibly addicted to Kingdom Of Loathing but I don't want any rehab, thanks.

Imported Folk Metal Is Always Superior To Domestic

Returning to the (comparative) silence of my home from PaganFest in Raleigh, I noticed that the ringing in my ears sounded distinctly like the chirping of crickets in summer.

Of All The Things I've Lost...

At what point do you switch from "old enough to know better" to the sort of existence that is marked by the encroaching senility that is bestowed upon the elderly?

Dolly Good, Hernia Bad

Even though I know a hernia operation is a standard and routine surgery, I cannot help but be nervous for my father.

This Mortal Life

No one gets out alive.

An Entire Ecosystem In A Square Foot Of Land

Sitting on the grass on the bank of the Northeast Cape Fear River with my pups tethered nearby, I notice the abundance of life all around me and it reminds me of those 1x1 square foot maps we did as children in science class.

Sunny Flowers For A Sick Girl

A surprise box of flowers can brighten up the darkest of kitchens.

Europe Is To The USA As The USA Is To Mexico

The record-setting low value of the USD is cause for many international travelers to flock to our shores even though one must wonder what sort of vacation there is to be had in a country whose economy is in the gutter.

Oh, The Irony

What good is a medicine that stops you from coughing so that you can sleep if it makes you too awake to even want to even lie down?

I Feel As If I've Gone The Long Way Around To End Up Where I Am Now

And once more the path my life follows has decided to take a unique turn and I am excited to report that, if things go as I intend, this change may have a positive affect on many people.

Feverdogs

Upon being awakened from a semi-restful nap by the sound of my dogs playing loudly, I in turn, loudly inquired if they could possibly decrease the noise level of their fun, only to be surprised and distressed when virtually no sound exited my mouth.

Turtle Running In The Rain

A turtle was in my yard this morning, walking steadfastly away from the lake; I wanted to save it but I was in the shower.

No Backtalk Or Anything!

You never realize just how much of a delight having a faucet that turns off on command truly is until you live without one for ages.

Spinach And Ricotta And Pepperoni And Mozzarella!

Tonight I made my very first calzone and it was quite delicious.

My Stash Begins

Thirty-four dollars and change worth of fabric (half of it on sale) weighs a lot more than you'd think it would.

She Who Was Never A Quintessential College Student

Despite my best attempts, sitting at Hibachi Express while surrounded by college students makes me feel incredibly old and ugly.

Emergency Hydration Needed!

Sometimes catholic stretchers just want punch and are willing to stand in line for it.

And People Still Seem To Think That It Is Their Independence Day!

It bothers me that the only time this country, as a whole, seems to have any interest in the history of Mexico is when it involves heavy drinking on our part.

What If I Say The Wrong Thing?

My niece has requested my advice for her upcoming (and impending) E(nd)O(f)G(rade) exams and I cannot help but feel excited about my first real 'auntly' duty but I am afraid of letting her down.

Born To Clerk

I get such pleasure out of mundane things like organizing the closet at work and preparing the paperwork for the day's sales that sometimes I worry that I really am a grade A loser.

The Tears Of Snow-White Sorrow

I am so disappointed in Nightwish's new vocalist.

Tis The Natural Progression, I Suppose

One day I will be an old woman; a girl no longer.