Getting down at the baseball game

Lake Monster baseball game with dancing mascot Champ

Barking dog. 4:00am, Barking dog. 5:00am

I woke up to hear a really loud dog barking at 4 in the morning. The dog barked for a good 20 minutes. There were times when the bark sounded like the dog was in pain. It finally stopped. In my mind I am thinking that there was a break in or something. But I went back to sleep, after about a half hour. Then it started again. Barking dog almost to the exact minute that he did it before. I listened and waited. It continued, so I went to my window and saw that there was a police car out front. The officer was standing about 12 feet from what looked like a boxer/pit pull black and white dog. The officer gets back in the car and drove off after the dog took off. But then the dog started barking again. I called the police station (don't worry, I didn't call 911.) because I didn't know what to do about the dog. It was barking so much I couldn't sleep. I even told the officer on the phone I was sorry to call about a dog, but didn't know what else to do. The dog was quiet for the rest of the morning and I got a little more sleep.

Today has been such a boring day with the exception of the men's water polo game at the Olympics. I even checked my work email. THAT'S how bored I am. I asked several people to go to the movies, and nobody was available. I might just go by myself.

The end of the week - trivia, bring green, shopping, movies, Olympics

Thursday was trivia night. My team has grown to about 10 people, mostly work people and Catherine. Kyle brought his friend Shane, who I had met in July. Patrick W. and his wife, also named Catherine, brought co-worker Greg. There were about 4 others there. We placed in the top 5 out of about 30 teams. Afterwards, we went down to the waterfront. The weather was really great. I had two apple martinis and had a nice vodka headache Friday.

Work Friday was pretty busy. It's a little stressful, but I went with a friend to watch our CEO play in a tennis tourney doubles with another co-worker. It was really fun to watch. I think it was my first tennis game in person. The CEO's team won. there were about 8 of us from work who showed up. And they had free pizza and salad for us, as our company was one of the main sponsors (being a charity event).

Today started out really slowly. I watched a movie, did some dishes, watched some Olympics. The my friend Catherine picked me up and we went to see Pineapple Express starring Seth Rogen and James Franco. I can't remember the last time I laughed so much at the movies. Sure it's a pretty typical buddy movie with lots of swearing and drug references (I only mention this for anybody who is sensetive to that), but I think it's the best thing James Franco has ever done. There are those moments when the subject matter is so wrong and not PC, it's funny. Some of the dialogue is just so freaking awesome. I would almost see this again.

After the movie, I left Catherine to go on her merry way and went to the City Market co-op. It's a natural foods store and right next door to the movie theater. I checked out the bus schedule and found I had about 35 minutes to shop before the last bus by my house. I was in much need of groceries as I had run out of all fresh food and was down to my canned goods. I bought some really good looking veggies like Swiss Chard, nectarines, onions, bananas. I had a hankering for burritos so I got the fixings for that too. I walked a few blocks to the bus station and only had about 10 minutes to wait. The bus dropped me off a block and a half from my house, which is really convenient. This is the first time I have done major grocery shopping since I got rid of my car. It was great. It gives me confidence for future grocery shopping events. I know I don't need to ask anybody for a ride.

Friday and today have been good no car days. Convenient bus riding and rides from friends. I also learned about a car sharing program that is coming in September. I hope I can hold out that long so I can at least try the program. As of today, I am telling myself that yes, I CAN go without a car. Complaining like I did last week about friends and getting rides I feel today is silly. Of course, I will probably complain about the car thing soon enough. But for now, I am ready to go to start the fall season without a car.

Olympics - So Michael Phelps has won 7 medals in Beijing. It has been awesome to watch. Tonight he has his last event. Might win #8. For now he is tied with Mark Spitz for most medals in one Olympic and already is the most medaled sportsman in the Olympic history. The diving and track and field have been pretty great to watch too. Tonight they have the women's marathon on. I can't believe the running outfits they wear. They look like tankinis. I have such a great time watching the Olympics. I just can't get enough of it. I think I might go swimming on Monday after work.

I am inspired.

The AMAZING Summer Olympics - 2008

PHOTO COURTESY
OF GETTY IMAGES (pictured Lezak, center, and Bernard, right)

It's summertime and this year amongst the dreary, rainy weather there is a big spot of sunshine - the 2008 Summer Olympics. If you are banning the Olympics or you just hate sports, that's fine. But for me, the summer Olympics brings me hours and hours of sheer joy.

This year is no exception. My most favorite events are the ones with gymnastics and swimming. But mostly swimming. Though the women's team is amazing, I am partial to the men's team. (I had a crush on Mark Spitz at age 5.) Now lots of people are obsessed with the extremely talented Michael Phelps, who, by the age of 23 has (as of this writing) won 9 medal. That is impressive and he is amazing. But last night's 400-meter relay was the most exciting sporting event I think I have seen in years! You can read all about the events HERE.

But here's my view of the events of last night...

One of the French had bashed the USA relay team, but that did not scare Team USA, no sirrrreeee. When Michael Phelps took off for the first 100 meters, I figured USA had a chance against the favored French. He managed to assist in surpassing the world record for that event. After Phelps came Garrett Weber-Gale then Cullen Jones. Cullen was I would say a whole body length away from the French, who were in first. Then Jason Lezak jumped in. He cinched up the space between Bernard the Frenchman who had dissed Team USA. Then, as I was on the edge of my seat, I watched Lezak catch up. They were neck and neck. It was intense! Lezak touched the wall 9/100 of a second before Bernard. Not only did Team USA beat the French, and set a new world record, but to win by that kind of a margin was AMAZING. When they realized they had won, I saw a few had tears. I have to admit, I did have moist eyes. USA has done extremely well in swimming, it makes me proud. Even my crushee, Aaron Peirsol, just won a gold. Sigh.

So here's to the men and women of these 2008 Olympics. They are talented, courageous and amazing. I think it's a wonderful forum for people of all nations to come together in what is (for the most part, most of the time in my Pollyanna kind of belief) a world-wide event that unites people of all races. Deep down inside, Sporty Girl is watching these events desiring to jump in the pool.

Drug dealers in my neighborhood

This afternoon I was clearing out a box of junk that was on my porch. There was a car parked in front of my house with three occupants and the engine on. I didn't think much of it since I was focused on my little project. But as the time passed, I wondered why they were parked out front with the engine still on. Then I noticed something.

The passenger in the back seat had a bag on his lap with an herb-like substance. I watched him fill up smaller bags with that substance. I watched him take some of that substance and fill up a cigarette paper with it, roll it and light it up. I watched the passenger by the driver get out of the car with a slightly filled plastic bag in his hand and go across the street and around the backside of the building where my landlords and I suspect the drug dealers live. By this point I was inside my apartment watching from the doorway. About 5-10 minutes later, the guy comes out with his bag a little heavier. He gets in the car and the young woman driver (think, blonde) is talking on her phone. I see the front passenger open the bag and take out a smaller bag with white powder in it. Then they drive away. I did manage to write down a partial license plate.

I would say the whole thing took about 20 minutes. At first I didn't know why they were parked. And when I saw the backseat guy with his "herbs" I thought about calling the cops. But I also had a bit of fear and trepidation. They had probably seen me. If I had called the cops, would there be retaliation? This crossed my mind. I just didn't know what to do. I think tomorrow I am going to call the police department to ask them. I know this is a rough neighborhood for Vermont. And I know from my neighbors that there are several drug dealers on this street. It's times like this that make me want to move. I just don't know.

Car withdrawl and how Sunset Blvd. inspired me

I am going through car withdrawl. The inconvience of not having a car is affecting my social life. Being dependent on public transportation and the kindness of friends is wearing on me. I am getting progressively aggrevated at one friend in particular who I have given rides to, bought tanks of gas for in the past who never offers to give me a ride though we have many of the same social things happening and the events are not that far away from where I live (but too far to walk to). And when I do ask for a ride, the reaction is one of disdain or that I am bothering him. I am thankful for my carpool buddy and that the bus picks up close to my house. However, I can't just pop into my car to go hang out with a friend, go to the movies, shopping, laundry. That all needs to be planned out now. I could go to a car dealership and get some crappy car to put an end to my pathetic misery, but the stronger person in me says "NO!" I am still trying to hold out for another month or two we shall see.

Last night, I went over to my friend Catherine's house for dinner with a few friends. Megan, from my writing group was there. She asked how things were going and I expressed my lament about not having a car. I told her that I am thinking that part of my lesson in this is that as inconvenient as it is to not have a car and hampers my social life, I should use the time to write. Maybe that's what God is telling me. WRITE, MRS. HAN SOLO. WRITE.

Then I watched Sunset Blvd. Director Billy Wilder wrote this film which came out in 1950, starring William Holden and Gloria Swanson. It's a great film and very well written. In watching it, there is a scene near the beginnigng that was so appropriate to where I am at with the car. William Holden is in fear of losing his car. He asks his agent for money to prevent it from being reposessed.




Joe Gillis: ... If I lose my car it's like having my legs cut off.
Agent: It's the greatest thing that could happen to you. Now you'll have to sit behind a typewriter. Now you'll have to write.

Wow. If that's not a sign...

So though I am writing on this blog, let's say that I am more inspired to get into my writing. It will be a much better use of my time instead of moaning and whining about the lack of car and blaming certain friends for not having the forethought to offer rides.

All About My Mother Part 2

NOTE: This is part 2 of a series about the last few hours of my mom's life. To read the first part, see the posting on 7/12/08

January 9, 2008:
During her last 27 hours with me, Mom had several really lucid moments. She rarely spoke complete sentences, but would give responses here and there, which I am glad to have had with her. For the most part, she laid down on her side, oxygen tubes in place. There were many times when I was watching her when she seemed to be dreaming something wonderful. She was always a mumbler and massive snorer but in this moment, she would giggle here and there. One of our friends said maybe she's seeing Heaven. We will never know. A few days before I came, she had told my dad and brother that she was ready to go - half way between here and there, she had said. She knew it was time for her to go. I find it fascinating and amazing what people experience before death. At the same time I think Mom was waiting for all of us to be there and for us to tell her she could go. That would come in the next day.

For now, I was spending time just holding her hand, stroking her arm and back. Talking to her without expecting response. Sitting or laying near her just to be there. Every few hours, we would give her pain medication. Bob was in charge of that while I think Dad was having such a hard time with this he stayed out of her room most of that time. Bob would crush up the pill and put it in about an ounce of water. Between him, Aunt Gail and I we would sit Mom up and she willingly took the medication. She would go back to sleep or whatever that place was she was in.

Merry and Dwight arrived in the evening and spent time alone with Mom. I can't really remember what I did when I wasn't in the room with her. Sitting numb in the livingroom or kitchen, talking with Dad, Bob and Aunt Gail. Our friends Dr. Becky and Judy came over to be with Mom and us. They are both therapists, and have known our family for years. It was really great to have them around. Judy and Mom were very good friends and I know it was hard on Judy to say good bye to her friend of 43 years.

Things we do in Vermont at lunch...

For those of you not on Facebook, here's a glimpse of my exciting life in Vermont. After a delightful lunch at the park with my co-workers Drew and Kyle, we returned to work....