Dang Yankees

Cool. Today I got to cross another thing off my "NY to-do" list - go to a Yankees Game at Yankee Stadium. And let me tell ya, I don't like the Yanks, but I do appreciate the free tickets I got. And I have to be impressed with the sheer amount of Yankee fans. There were 55,000 people at this game tonight. Yeah, that's a lot. (This is a picture of me marveling at this full stadium. It was impressive.)

But before I say more about the game, first you must know my saga. I should rename my blog to "Suzy's Sagas." I think it would make more sense. Anyway, as I've said before, I don't like doing certain things alone. One of the things I really don't like doing alone is navigating (it is not my strong suit). And I tell ya, I especially don't like navigating through shady areas (not shady as in dark... shady as in fear-inspiring). I had to ride the train in and hop off at the HARLEM - 125th stop, then find the subway. (Did you catch that? Because I said stop at H.A.R.L.E.M.) And ain't it so sweet that people talk about an urban renewal going on down there and all... Well, I saw no signs of renewal, can I just say. All I knew was that I was supposed to "turn left" after I left the station. Well, I turned left - I made the "L" with my hand and everything. I got these terrible instructions from someone who will remain nameless but whose name starts with a "T" and ends in an "im," who will probably be sleeping on the couch tonight. Little did he know that not every staircase and exit is made the safe way or faces the same direction. If he had said walk toward the giant body of water, then I would have been okay. Why can't men think like women sometimes?!?

So, here is a sweet innocent looking Bambi walking through Harlem, with her sad attempt at a stoic poker face and her earphones in, signaling that "if you talk to me I won't hear/listen to you, you scary big men." That obviously did not work, because even though I kept my eyes straight ahead of me and kept a quick pace, I must have also been wearing a sign that said "rape and kill me because I'm the foolish white girl whose husband didn't come pick me up." Yup. So after being accosted by at least 6 (I lost count after 6) large scary fellas, one of which actually pulled his car over and honked until I finally looked over at him in his big ass SUV and he proceeded to offer me a ride "anywhere" - and wasn't that nice of him? - I finally called Tim and asked him if he knew where I might be. And his answer just didn't work for me.

Finally, I walked into the cleanest looking store I could find and just asked the Middle-Eastern man behind the counter. He gave me the fatherly look that translated to "Oh dear. Why are you in this neighborhood, you poor little thing?" That kind of panicked me a bit, but his instructions were good, at least. He looked like he was even thinking of escorting me there. I almost wish he had. I know I must have looked a bit freaked. But all I have to say is you would be too if half of the people you passed by on the street was either soliciting you for $$, winking at you, or saying to you (and I quote) "You be safe, darlin'. You be safe." What the crap is that supposed to mean?!? Yeah, that is what freaked me out the most. People telling me to be careful.

So, I finally found the subway entrance and rode the oh-so-crowded 4 train to my destination - Yankee Stadium - but only after I let 2 subway cars pass because they were THAT full of people. I decided that I would just find someone wearing a Yankee hat and follow them. At that point, what did I have to loose?!?

When I finally met Tim at the station, we had to have silence time. I was so pissed I just couldn't talk. And then, I had to put on a happy face and a World Vision t-shirt and hand out magnets. That was priceless. I gotta tell you though, even though this was a TRAUMATIC night for me, it was also a bit of a self-esteem booster. As I was handing out magnets, lots of Yankee fans asked if they could have my phone number instead. Ah yeah. Apparently, I still got it.

Well, all in all, it was a good night - except for my drama. The game was incredible. It was the Yankees vs. the Boston Red Sox and it was sold out. We had amazing seats (courtesy of the Yanks) in front of the box seats, were the club seating is. We would NEVER have been able to get these seats. Just wait till you see some of our pictures. And there were tons of famous people at this game, too. Laverne from Laverne and Shirley (Penny Marshall) was there, as well as Kevin Bacon, Paul McCartney, Alec Baldwin, and even Lorn Michaels. I have their pictures as well (from a distance). I wish the Red Sox had won, but it was a fun game.

Well, hello there...

Hey, so I am so SORRY that I've not blogged. (And if you don't get my picture reference reader, we cannot be friends.) You know those weeks that you just have lots of life going on and you can't bring yourself to the computer? Well, that is me, times ten at least, because I still am without my trusty PC. It's been rough. Want to know what's been going on? Here goes...

1. My computer is STILL down. Hopefully, we can pick it up on Thursday. If you are a blogger, then you pretty much understand how important a person's PC is to them. I feel like a dang amputee. I can't blog, I can't photoshop, I can't do anything. This bites. And when I go to pay my bill for getting Shelia fixed (that's her name... don't you have a name for your computer?), it is going to be dang expensive. I had to get a new screen for her. My warranty ran out last summer, so I am just screwed on this bill. And the reason it is taking so long at the shop is because it is a specially ordered part. Ack.

2. I'm still having work-related issues. Enough said, there.

3. My Saturn broke down when we were in Philly (still waiting on my PC so I can upload photos to blog about... I've got some real winner pics - especially ones of us waiting on the repair job). We fixed the problem, but I am concerned that we only fixed the results of the problem (cracked radiator and frozen thermostat or something) and not the problem itself (faulty fan?). Fixing the results was expensive enough. How much more will it be to fix the original problem? I fear the answer to this question.

4. We are recovering from a visit from our buddies the Tudors. They came, they saw, their three year old wore us out. So, we've noticed a change in our sleeping patterns lately! It was a nice visit though. We stayed up (as late as we were able) and had cookie chats, just like the good old days. Nothing beats those toll house break-off cookies. I want to buy stock in those puppies.

5. Our apartment building is being sold. It's a three family house, and the new owners are going to be living here - soon. This is a mixed bag. First of all, I am sad that our current owner is selling. Dave was like Mr. Hooper from Sesame Street (but not as child friendly). I'll miss him. And it also means that our second floor neighbors will probably move out. Their rent will double from what they are paying now (they had some type of agreement because they've been here so long). And they have been good neighbors because they are always gone on the weekends! I'll miss that. So, it may be weird having the owners live here. Now, I'll have to ask before I plant anything and ask if I can host a Halloween party (yeah, I'm thinking of having one but am unsure if anyone will come!) I don't like asking people if I can do something in my own home. Arg. This is going to be a tough one for me.

6. Hopefully I'll get to see the Yankees vs. Red Sox game tomorrow. I'm going after work to help World Vision "Stuff the Bus" with backpacks and whatnot. It's a corporate sponsored event, and who knows if there will be tickets for the "volunteers" to get in. Ack. I hope so. I don't really like the Yankees, but I'd love to see this baseball game. And if this sweet Southern girl is going to have to traipse through Harlem by herself, there needs to be some sort of reward. The game (and the fans) should be intense.

7. And finally (well, I could keep going, but it would get very dull after a while), I have absolutely no pictures of my first Halloween party in Johnson City. (If you know me, you know that I LOVE my Halloweens.) I'm working on a new scrapbook of Halloween celebrations, and I have something for every year Tim and I have been married, all except for the year we bought our house in TN and hosted a teeny tiny party. I would contact the folks that came, but I am no longer in touch with them and don't know how to reach them. Serious bummer. Maybe I'll just draw a picture. I do remember that was the year we made a kitty litter cake. That was an awesome cake, too. It was in a (new) litter box and you scooped it out with a litter scooper. It was even complete with tootsie roll kitty turds. It was a masterpiece. I wish I had a picture of it!!!

Well, that's all I can do. I'm totally tapped out. Now it's time for my nap. (Hey, that picture, BTW, is a preview of the Philly pics. There was a really cool sculpture garden of game pieces.)

Disco Fever

This has made me giggle for about an hour now... My in-laws have just had an anniversary and a friend of theirs created this for them. Take a gander.

And...

Wait for it... Wait for it... And... The Summer Reading at my library is now officially over! (Shew! As I'm wiping beads of sweat off of my porous forehead...) Thank God - I've survived another summer. I don't know if anyone realizes just how much work goes into these programs, but all of ya'll better go and thank your local librarian for me.

And now time to brag a bit. I started a new program at my library this year, a "Teen Book Bingo," and signed up 117 kids. Ahh yeah. (The other local library didn't have near as much success, even though their prizes were WAY more expensive. They had about 35 kids sign up.) So, a total of books my teens read (according to the 40+ Bingos turned in) is a bit over 200 books. It's been a busy summer.

Emma's Letter

Hey, so first of all, I'm back! And boy do I have loads to write. And loads of pictures to photoshop and post. But I still am handicapped with this crummy old laptop because my computer is still in the shop. So ya'll may have to wait a bit.

I wanted to share how beautiful and multi talented my sweet little 7-month old niece is... She's so smart, she even wrote me a birthday email. How is that for child prodigy?!?

"Mama told me yesterday that it was your birthday, but she's a little behind on the ball in sending you a happy birthday email -- so I'll step in her place and will send one instead! Now that I'm 7 months old, it's time I start earning my keep! Mama has been really busy this week, but we both sang "happy birthday" to you yesterday. Did you hear us, all the way down in Philly?

I've grown so much since you last saw me. I can sit up all by myself, and clap my hands together. I'm also eating, A LOT. I think I get my appetite and love of food from my mama. My favorites are avocados and bananas. I'm also babbling quite a bit, saying a lot of "mmmmaa" sounds. Maybe I'll be talking soon!

Anyway, I have to get going. Being so little, I only have a bit of an attention span. I love you, and my mama loves you lots too. I hope you had a great birthday.

love,

Emma

p.s. Mama says that you're catching up again to her in age, but that she'll pull ahead again in February. When she's 30! (ack)"

Now that is a witty child. In other news, happy birthday to baby brother Andy! My, how old we are all getting!

Golden Compass

(Becky posted hers... I had to post mine as well. If you haven't picked up this amazing children's book - do it! You'll be happy you did. Seriously.)

Pretty funny that my daemon turned out to be a lion, since I'm a leo and all.

Long Weekend

Tomorrow Tim and I are heading out of town. That's right NY - smell ya later. We are taking a long weekend to Philly where we will dine on cheesesteaks and Sam Adams beer (well, Tim will drink that... I'm not much for ale). But I am so excited to get to see the Liberty Bell, check out Elfreth's Alley, visit the different gardens, go to Edgar Allan Poe's house, see the Rodin Museum, and maybe even visit the state penn. where Al Capone stayed. We'll just see how much touristing we can do in our long weekend. Can't wait!

Gobilty Gook

Check this out, my buddy Tennessee Celeste sent this to me for some laughs. I used to live in Johnson City, TN. I do miss it. It was a great town.

(I think what really got me the most about this video is the band guy at the end saying "There's a place called Johnson City?!?")

Anyway, my computer is still at the repairman's. I hope it isn't gonna totally break the bank. Especially because Tim and I are leaving Thursday night for Philly for a mini summer vacation. I literally, yesterday, counted out our change jar to see how much was there because we absolutely will still be going on this trip. I M.U.S.T. get away. I need an escape from work, especially. (Unfortunately, that is something I cannot blog about. But someday I will write a book about my drama. It is going to be a national best-seller. But I'll have to publish it as a fiction. You will know the truth, though.)

I've been feeling the need for the return of my old favorite shows. I miss my old escapisms, such as "Weeds," "Survivor," "Desperate Housewives," "Amazing Race..." (The list is a long one.) Anyway, to temporarily ease my loss, I've been filling the void with crappy shows like "Who wants to be a Superhero." Well, at least I got a cool action figure out of the time I've wasted. Here she is, folks... Look at her face... Is it? Is it? Yes. It is I. Suzy is really the Pink Fury. Make one too! (If you do, leave me a link so I meet your inner hero.)

Yesterday Tim and I went into the City to meet up with a dear friend of mine who has just had little twin baby girls. She is such a good mom, too. I was so proud of her. Ann and I worked together as librarians while I was finishing up my masters. She is an inspiration to me. A really cool chick. Anyway, we got to see the girls for the first time and they are gorgeous! They are about 4 months old now and are named Scarlett and Edie. Here is a family photo. We took a stroll through their local garden on the West Side of the city and then went for a walk in Riverside Park (which is really beautiful, btw). It was so great to get to chat with Ann and it was also nice to get to hang out with her, now doubled, family! (Isn't this a cute picture? Edie was giggling at me while Tim was taking the picture. I guess I'm pretty funny lookin'.)

Well, that's all the news I have in me for now.

Disregard Below

Hey regular readers... disregard that abbiesite.pdf thing. It's for a crime caper being held at the library tomorrow. I get to play the villian. (The thing posted was one of the pieces of evidence.)

Since my regular computer crashed on Friday, I've had to do things on the ghetto. Sorry about that. And it isn't that my computer actually "crashed," but the screen went out. And my computer is a Sony Vaio, so the monitor screen is more like a laptop screen. It's gonna be expensive. At least my files are intact, though. Ack.

abbiesite.pdf

Let's Go Mets!

Yup. Baby Brother is a HUGE Mets fan. I think he's the biggest fan I know (not that I know many). Andy's birthday is coming up, August the 20th, and so Hubby and I took him to Shea last night for a Met game. Just look at what a sweet face he gave me... Isn't he a cutie pie? What big sister wouldn't want to spoil this kid rotten?

I have to write about how sweet he is, too. (I know that I'm biased, but whatever.) Tim was planning on joining me and Baby Brother later at the game - he had a big World Vision event and got to meet the mayor and police commissioner and whatnot - so I had to ride into Grand Central by myself and meet up with Andy. It's always lonely for me to do this and I really hate doing certain things by myself, being high maintenance and all, so I was a bit bummed. But as soon as I arrived at Grand Central, Andy was waiting for me to get off the train, right by my exit. What a sweet fella. (I know it doesn't sound big, but it was a big deal to me. I SERIOUSLY hate to travel alone. Makes me feel vulnerable or something.)

Anyway, we went to our game and the Mets lost - bummer - but Baby Brother is used to it, so he was okay. Andy is what we call a true Mets fan, he's followed them for years, before their current winning streak. Which brings us to another point: how weird it was to be in a full Shea Stadium! There were so many fans at the game. It was bizarre and exhilarating. Whenever I've gone with Andy before, I usually have to "clone" in fans with photoshop afterwards. Well, if you look at these pictures, I did not even edit them at all. For real, no editing.

While it was nice to be surrounded by fans, Andy and I did have some fan issues. Do you see the loser guy beside Andy? We almost came to blows with him and his icky family. They are what you would call "fair-weather fans" or "split-personality fans," whereas they cheer for whoever is doing well at the time. Now come on. Who does that? Pick a side and get off the fence already. That's incredibly annoying. Especially because these folk were loud. It's fine if you want to cheer for the Braves. Just don't cheer for the Braves AND the Mets. Otherwise, I won't sit by you.

But all in all, we had fun. Baby Brother is going to another game today, too. This time, I hope the Mets win.

The Starbucks Oracle

(Try this... It's hilarious. And OH SO TRUE.) The omniscient Oracle of Starbucks can tell you everything about your personality by what you drink at Starbucks. Simply enter your full drink order -- including size -- into the field below and the all-knowing Oracle will tell you everything about your personality. I'm a "Strawberries & Crème Frappuccino® Light Blended Crème" and proud of it (sometimes I branch out and drink a white tea blend, but that still makes me "high maintenance).

The all-knowing Oracle of Starbucks

Behold the Oracle's wisdom:

Personality type: High Maintenance

You pride yourself on being assertive and direct; everyone else thinks you're bossy and arrogant. You're constantly running your mouth about topics that only you would find interesting. Your capacity for wasting other people's time is limitless. Your friends find you intolerable, that's why they're plotting to kill you.

Also drinks: Water. Bottled, chilled, with four ice cubes, a twist of lemon, in a crystal glass.
Can also be found at: Trendy martini bars

In the Kitchen

...with Tim and Suzy (simpsonized).

The Week-In-Review

So, it is already Saturday. This was such a short week for me. I guess because it was action-packed. I never really had time to write and catch-up on all the things that have been going on. Sorry ya'll. So here a taste of what has kept me so busy...

* Last Saturday, my Uncle Ashton passed away. He was a really cool guy. I don't know many other fearless 95 year olds who have taught themselves how to use the computer and who like to hang out at the local cafes (or actually "cafeterias"). Ashton was one of a kind. And he had some fantastic travel stories. I admired him. (He was actually my GREAT uncle by marriage, so we weren't really related closely, but I definitely claim him.) He will be missed. His funeral was on Tuesday down in Texas (where pretty much everyone in the Mister's family lives). We weren't able to go to it because of time constraints and finances and whatnot, and that was pretty hard on us. It's tough when you don't get the chance to say goodbye.

* Another reason that I haven't been in a writing mood is because of my stupid cat. He is a punk and a half. When we bought our computer, it came with a really cool wireless keyboard that was super sleek and folded away and was just plain cool. Anyway, last weekend as I was sitting at the computer working on photos, with a tall glass of h2O, when all of the sudden my ridiculous cat sprang up (out of nowhere) and overturned my cool beverage onto the keyboard, thus frying it beyond repair. And believe me, I DID try to repair it! I broke out the screwdrivers and pried that bad boy apart, but to no avail. It's just no fun blogging on a foreign computer, so I waited till I could get a new keyboard. And I still can't believe how difficult it's been to find a suitable replacement. Punk cat.

* It's been HOT here. I guess I can't complain too much, because it has been a relatively nice summer, but this week has been HOT. So HOT that I have what I think is a heat rash. Right along my brassiere line, too. That's not an acceptable area to publicly scratch. Not unless you're in Quebec. (And I'm not just idly slamming on Quebec... I noticed when we were there that people were scratching and adjusting all kinds of things in all kinds of places, appropriate and inappropriate.) Well, other than covering myself in baby powder, what is a girl to do?

* I have literally been out and busy every night this week. It's almost like I'm avoiding something, eh? Monday night was going to the movies - we saw Transformers. It was seriously cheesy but decent. Tuesday night was the night Little Brother came over. We ate Taco Bell (his fave) and watched spy movies. Wednesday night is the night I work late. Thursday night was a social gathering with the ladies from work at a kind of garden party at one of the houses. We all had lots of sangria and conversation. Interesting. And last night I had a hot date with my Mister - dinner, bookstore, and the movies (again!). We saw The Bourne Ultimatum, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Jason Bourne = Yummy. The only thing I somewhat disliked was all of the shaky camera angles. Sure it makes you feel like you are part of the action, but it is also very annoying when you can't see half of what is going on. Still, a great action flick (and what planet would you be from if you didn't want to see Matt Damon flex a bit of muscle?!?).

* I'm trip planning again! For my b-day, the Mister is taking me on a long weekend to Philly! I am so excited. Our buddy J got us a great deal on a hotel (he formerly worked for Sheraton) and we are going to be staying in the old historic part of town at a really nice place, within walking distance to the Liberty Bell and whatnot. Philly is a two hour drive from here and has been on our list for forever and now we are finally getting to go. So far, I have a couple of things we plan on checking out, but if anyone has any ideas, I would oh so welcome them. I just found out about this and this and this...

So, that's all the news fit to print right now. I sorta feel caught up. Do you?

Well, Hot Dog!

Cool. Rosie over at Yellow Rose's Garden gave me a blogger award. (Yeah, yeah - I know everybody else gets a zillion of these - but this is my first. Let me wallow.) She thinks I'm creative. Thanks girl. If there was a "sweet" award, I'd give it to you.


EDIT: A Correction!!! (This is me having a total "blond" moment...) I take it back - I've gotten another blogger award - the "Rockin' Girl Blogger" - from Jennifer over at A Work in Progress! How on earth could I have missed that?!?


So, yeah. I'm going to give out another award (because it's my blog-o-sphere and I can). It's going to be called the Eeyore "Thanks For Noticing" Award. And it's going out to these two lovely ladies for being in the small handful of people in my fan club. (And the award is also silently going out to other three people in the club... you know who you are.) Ya'll are awesome.


EDIT AGAIN: Yes, I really am skank-arella. I got another award that I seemed to have TOTALLY missed from cool chick Barbie over at StepAwayFromTheBarbies back in early July! (How on earth did I miss that?!? I read her all the time!) Anyways, apparently she thinks I'm a thinker. I don't know how I tricked her into that! So Barbie, thanks! (And thanks Film Geek for letting me know!)

Quebec City

Let me tell ya'll about one of the craziest things me and my hubby have ever done. We drove nine hours up, on the 22 of July, to Canada for the day and then drove back. (I promised this tale earlier but life got in my way of posting it...) So now, here is the story.

Tim and I have this thing we do with listening to Harry Potter on audio first. We started it many summers ago in college, when we would road-trip from Atlanta to Fort Worth, Texas (to see Tim's family). Basically, we did this every summer. We would look forward to Harry Potter book releases for these road trips. So it makes sense that we would want to take another for the seventh and final book, ehh? Well, we thought so. And so, we needed a destination that wouldn't be too crazy far away (and we needed something somewhat exotic because we're both a little burnt out).

How much more exotic can you get than a French speaking place in the middle of North America?!? (Yes, I know that in NY people speak ALL SORTS of different languages - but that's so not what we were going for.)
Anyway, we booked a place to stay the night at, grabbed our passports (so cool), left our place around 10:30am Saturday morning and just drove. I mentioned before that customs was not too pleased, but Canada always welcomes tourists whatever the case, so they left us pass without too much hassle. We got to Quebec City around sevenish - dinner time. So yeah, I totally had to eat in a French bistro and have French food! What could be more French than French Fries?!? Heh.

Quebec City is absolutely GORGEOUS. I was awed by how clean and just European it was! To be honest, I was a bit angry that we could only stay overnight - we both had to be back to work on Monday morning. But we definitely plan on going back someday. Since we had limited amounts of time, we spend most all of it in Vieux-Quebec (Old Quebec), the walled part of the city. We even stayed in Old Quebec. It was just like being in Paris or something again. Quebec City is one of the oldest cities in North America and it is the only fortified city, north of Mexico, whose walls still exist.

Anyway, we stayed out late because things didn't start winding down there until around 11pm. We saw all the shops and street performers and it was just incredible. The next morning, we woke up and got an early start - we wanted to see as much as we could before we had to hit the road again. We walked all over town, stopping only for a seriously memorable French breakfast. I had a strawberry crepe (with Nutella) while sitting in a lovely little outdoor garden restaurant, overlooking the Chateau Frontenac, with birds chirping everywhere and a waitress that spoke to us in French. At that moment, it was not a wonder to me that French is called the language of love!

We had to check out at 11am, so that was when we left Quebec City. I don't think it has ever been so hard for me to leave a place before! (It is a good thing I had listening to Harry Potter to look forward to, otherwise I'd still be in Quebec.) But I will always carry fond memories of that beautiful walled-in city, swathed in window boxes full of flowers, with the sweet smells of bakeries and bistros and the sounds of horse-hooves on the cobbled streets, with everyone smiling and speaking to you in French - and the bliss and sweet frustration of figuring out what in the world they are saying to you! Ahh, Quebec.

Right before we left the area and began our trek homeward, we visited Parc Chute de la Chaudiere, a waterfall near Quebec City. It was incredibly beautiful to see, just the extra cream on the already sweetened visit. (If I had done my research before our drive, I would have made Tim also take me to Montmorency Falls, which is 100 feet taller than Niagara. Next time, perhaps.) Chaudiere was a beautiful spot, right off the highway. We walked along the base of it and also climbed across the suspension bridge. It was lovely.

But before we left the province, we HAD to eat some poutine. I demanded it. Luckily, on our way in, I remembered seeing this wacky French truck stop place with fiberglass dinosaurs and monster trucks and whatnot. We stopped there for lunch. It was intensely bizarre. But the poutine was great. And of course, there were photo ops.

And thus began the trip home - nine hours in the car (plus two and a half on top of that, because the American customs people were total asses and could not fathom why anyone except drug dealers and jewelry smugglers would drive for so long just to spend one night). We didn't get home till around oneish. And then we had to go to work the next day. Yikes. But worth totally it. Want to see more pictures? Go here.