Weddings and Trivia

So, Jon and I just got back from a real whirlwind of a weekend. We shot a wedding in Charlotte, and it was actually very fun, although terribly exhausting. I took the picture above, and I was impressed, so I'm sharing with you! Also, we went to Ikea!!! I'd been waiting for months. It was overwhelming, and hard to manuever, but pretty everywhere you looked. Once we get the pictures finished, I'll post a link.

Also-geez-I forgot to mention...

I'm hosting trivia at Buffalo Wild Wings! Yes, BWW, the biggest and busiest hang out spot in town. Monday nights at 7, starting tomorrow.

We are so fortunate to make all of our money doing jobs that we love, and created for ourselves. We are blessed.

Also, working this wedding with Jon was smoother than ever. We are starting to read each other better than I ever thought possible. I love my husband more and more every day. And, btw, we're getting so much closer to being able to have a tiny Eckard around. I'm so excited about that.

Matt kept Bertha while we had the wedding. Bertha LOVES Matt. He's part of her pack, because he hangs out with us all the time. She has a special whine she saves just for when he comes over and doesn't pet her fast enough. This was the first time I've ever picked her up that I didn't think she was totally desperate for me. She was pretty content with her Matt, who takes her every where and spoils her as much as we do. She's a happy dog. Thanks Matt!

Michael Jackson (sheesh)

OK-first, let's ignore the fact that I haven't posted in weeks. I will briefly say that I've been going through this self discovery period in my life, and it has been wonderful, and I have learned much about myself and the way I interact with the world. I will be much better for it. However, it was mostly introspective stuff, not things I care to post for the world...so, let's just be content with skipping the blog coverage in the last few weeks of my life. A lot has happened, but I want to talk about Michael Jackson.


Don't get me wrong. Thriller (album, not just song) is perfection. Really, it gives me goosebumps, every time I hear it, though out my whole life. And it came out when I was 1, so believe me when I say 'though out my whole life'. Simply put, the world was given lots of beautiful music by this man.

But...to say that Bad was his last good album would be pretty right on. And that came out in 1987. My sister, who is of legal drinking age, was born in 1987. So what has he been up to since then?

Well, In 1993, when I was 12, allegations of child molestation began to surface. Also, reports from his own camp that he bleached his skin in some silly contraption. Oh-and he married Lisa Marie Presley. That was weird, right? Then Debbie Rowe, a plain jane nurse? Just to have a couple of kids through some convoluted process that everyone was confused about, then he divorced her. And do you remember when he dangled his baby over the balcony? And kept his kids faces covered at all times? And had at least 12 surgeries so that his face looked more alien than human? And then the second round of child molestation...and the shocking verdict of "Not Guilty"? And how about his very public running out of money? Come on...the man who owns the Beatles songs, plus royalties to all of his own? Remember when he said that his only spending money came from the sale of llamas from his ranch. And geez-he spent millions on a ranch, turned it into an amusement park, and named it Neverland! And do remember on that documentary when he said that he should be able to share his bed with little boys? Jesus Juice, anyone? Did we all forget what a nut job this guy was?

In this weeks Time, there is a photo timeline, and you can actually see his face melting and warping as the years go on.

For the last 2 weeks, there has been the stupidest media storm about this man. After 2 weeks, I still can't go more than 3 channels on the TV without seeing his alien face. And even with all this going through my head...even with my dominating thoughts about him my whole life being simply that he is a nut job...I find myself stopping on those channels, and listening to "Billie Jean" one more time.

But believe me when I say I am disgusted by this. Mark Sanford is a lucky, lucky man. Perfect timing for an affair, if you know what I mean.

But, I was able to swallow it all, and accept it. I figured it wouldn't hurt anything if we are all left with a favorable impression of the man. That's so clearly what this is all about...a huge media blitz so we only remember the music, and not the crazy. And then Al Franken had to open his big, stupid mouth.

"I am here because of the disgraceful and the despicable way some elements of the media have tried to destroy the legacy and image of Michael Jackson."

"You have had other entertainers that have had issues in their life. But you [the media] did not degrade and denigrate them...Show the same respect for Michael and Michael's family that you showed Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley."

"I don't think the media understand who Michael was. I don't think they have any cultural significance."

He's upset because the media didn't kiss Michael's behind enough? Are you kidding me? Has he not been watching TV? There hasn't been this kind of media frenzy since Princess Diana died. That man is infuriating, infantile, and out of touch with reality.

Now, you're probably all "Come on, Carmen, the man made 'Thriller'." I know. I covered that early. I love that album. Now, you're all "But he had a hard life...no childhood...child abuse." I know. But happiness is an inside job. We are responsible for making our lives livable, and for grasping happiness. This man had limitless resources to help himself. And instead of seeking therapy, or finding some good way to channel his pain, he publicly went insane. Then stayed that way for years. I do not have it in myself to mourn for him. You do not take your pain, and then turn it into pain for others...for countless little boys...and assume that is alright. You do not get to do that.

And that memorial service was disgusting. Oh boy-I wish I could have won tickets! Isn't that weird, people, to "win" tickets to a funeral?

Vomit, vomit, vomit. I wish this brainwashing of the public to remember him some certain way would end. I will remember that he was a crazy, child molesting, alien faced musical genius. I hope you will join me in this memory.

On the other hand...this is probably exactly what the man would have wanted. He always wanted people to talk to him, and he didn't seem to care if it was good talk or bad talk. So, here I am, feeding right into that. I'll stop now.

On other topics...life is swell, people. I've made a conscious decision to spend at least 95% of my time being happy. It's already had a great effect on my life. At some point, I think I forgot that we could pick our thoughts, and that thoughts are what make us feel certain ways. Once I remembered, I just started picking good thoughts. I like it.

If you're not doing anything tonight...

I'm starting a new game at Beef O' Brady's tonight at 8. I hope that even with the last minute heads up from me, you'll still be able to make it.

If you can't make it, I'll share details here later.

I'm super excited, and I think this new format will be wonderful.

Beef O' Brady's, on 29th avenue, Hickory, NC. There are directions on my other website www.triviawithcarmen.com. I hope I'll see you there. :)

Complete text of the best advice I've ever read.

When I read the document I posted earlier, I am amazed to find it the best advice I've ever heard. It touched me very deeply, and I think it will help me to be a better person. I think it would help anyone be a better person, but it is exactly the kind of person I want to be. It's hard to read in the picture, so I typed it out:

Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter: for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass. Take kindly to counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

Found in Old Saint Paul's Church, Baltimore MD, 1692

Found in Old Saint Paul's Church in 1692

This was hanging on Lori's fridge. It's a reproduction of some papers found in Old Saint Paul's Church in 1692. My favorites are: "Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection" and "You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars: you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore, be at peace with God" and "With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy."

Baby Bird!

I stopped by my friend Lori's house today and she had this tiny baby bird and ready to hatch egg! I totally wish I could have stayed long enough to watch the hatching.

Proud of my Mama and other various assundries

So, I've mentioned that my mom is in college, studying to be an sign language interpreter. She's good. She's always had a big dramatic streak, which she clearly passed to me. It makes for some durn good interpreting.

Apparently, her professors all agree. She was chosen for a scholarship that they give to the rising Junior of their choosing. So, she'll get money this year and next year for school, because she's awesome and the right people noticed! Isn't that cool?

In other news. . . I've been on pain killers for days and my head is more than a little fuzzy. I'm just going to shoot out some unconnected nonsense your way, and you can just gather up whatever you want to take away from it.

I saw my friend Michael from high school. I haven't seen him in 10 years, and it was lovely to get reacquainted. It was nice to catch up, but mostly, it reaffirmed to me that I have really just always had this exact same personally. I've grown and matured, but I'm still the same old girl. I find this comforting.

Karaoke is being moved from Saturday to Thursday. Awesome. I am officially reclaiming my weekend. Sweet. Any ideas, though, for a fun pop culture game? I think I can choose between another game or karaoke...I'm thinking about it.

I'm going to see Titanic at Hickory Community Theatre tonight. They're going to sink a ship on stage. I'm excited about that. For some reason, though, that place has lost every single bit of it's magic for me. And people, I'm all about magic. So, I'm kind of sad about that.

I've hardly been working at all here lately...I used to get calls every day for schools, but for the last 3 weeks, nothing. They make teachers say a month ahead of time what school they'll miss, and there aren't any workshops, so not much need for teachers. Yesterday I actually worked. When I signed in, I noticed I was the only sub for the day. I mean, usually, there are 5 or 6, or even 10 on somedays. I wasn't in any condition to work yesterday, but with no calls for 3 weeks, I really felt the need to go in. The day went pretty well until recess. I know these kids pretty well...taught them all last year, and they're great. This one kid fell on the playground. He split his head right open, within 5 seconds of us walking in the playground gate. So I left my class with another teacher, and this kid and I start walking. He is screaming...high pitched, short little shouts...kind of like he was in labor, but much more shrill. "Heee Heee Heee Heee", and good Lord is he bleeding. As we're walking, huge drops of blood are trailing behind us...each drop is bigger than a quarter, and we're leaving these drops every 6 inches or so. So then we were back in the school, hurrying down the hall, leaving our pretty trail, when we hit a traffic jam-3 kindergarten classes. One down both sides of the hall, and one class lined up in the middle. They're all waiting for the bathroom and the water fountain, and they see the blood. And now, tears from the kinders. But, the sweet kid with the bloody head has started calming down. Now, he's sobbing, clinging to me as we speed down the hall. Finally, we make it to the nurse's office. Not there. In my years of teaching, this is what I've learned. When you need the nurse, she won't be there. It isn't ever her fault...and that kind of goes across the board, all the schools I've worked at. It's not just this one nurse...it is all of them. They spread them too thin, and they're never there. But, the school secretary always is. FYI-the school secretary is the real boss. And I'd work for this one, Faye, any day. Very lovely lady. She took over at this point. I called the mom while she calmed the kid, someone else called custodians for our blood trail. After all the hysteria calmed down, the kid and I chatted while we waited for his parents. The blood let up some. He probably has stitches by now, but we had wonderful conversation. He wanted to know all about stitches, whether or not they hurt, if I was scared when I got mine...precious kid. And tough. He kept it together well.

I got to see my dad on Sunday. That was cool. He took fly fishing lessons in Boone, and I went up to have lunch with him. My dad and I have a lot in common and it is fun to see him.

I wish that my mom and my dad both lived in my town. My in-laws live here, and that is wonderful. I think it would be swell if by the time I had babies, the babies had 3 sets of grandparents around Hickory. But. . . that's still in the future.

I think that's enough of pain pill influenced Carmen for the day.

Ouch

Monday morning I got my wisdom teeth taken out. I am a big fat baby when it comes to my teeth. Something (maybe the pain pills) has this effect on me that basically makes unstable, and I've cried approximately 2 times an hour since I got home. Not because it hurts, even. Just because I'm kind of crazy. Poor people around me.

Pictures for you!

I'm still not really feeling like writing, so I'm just going to show you pictures of what I've been up to, with the most minimal of explanations. In no particular order:


My mom is currently in school, learning American Sign Language, to be an interpreter. She is awesome at it, and it doesn't hurt that she has a pretty deep dramatic streak. At her school (UNCG) they have a competition like American Idol, but with sign language. She ended up coming in second place, which was outrageous. She and my sister were actually far a away the best, and people were surprised and even quite irritated by the result. But, she was awesome. Camera wasn't doing well from far back. She and my sister performed "I Can See It Now" from Hairspray.



My dad has puppies...I've posted a few pics before, but I visited and got more.



We went to the cabin. It was the bees knees.



We're dogsitting Nikki. Nikki is insane a little bit. She watched TV intently, and runs around in circles barking and whining every time and animal comes on. One of these pics is her watching TV with Jon.



We have a wedding this weekend at The Peacock Inn. We went to scout it out, and it is a farm too! At the wedding, we won't spend much time with the animals, so I took pictures then.