Transmogrification

Elvis Sighting!

2010-04-20T07:00:00.000-04:00

I tend to walk the dogs around the same block every evening. I chose this particular block for a couple of reasons. One being that it’s the flattest block in our location. I know I’m not old enough to complain about my knees, but these hills just kill me in the cold weather. Second, it’s simply a beautiful block. Well maintained and nice houses. It is very quiet and peaceful.

There is one house in particular that I enjoy walking by. It’s nothing fancy. A simple, three story, white (not that color matters) house. Not too big, not too small. Nothing spectacular about the yard, but there is very limited yard space as the house sits fairly close to the sidewalk. What does makes it special is the elderly man who lives there. He is almost always sitting in a recliner which is positioned next to the front window. From time to time, we would make eye contact and give the polite nod. The dogs started acknowledging his existence as well by going closer to the window each time we walked by.

Something that catches my eye about this house, besides the friendly man, is the sign in the front door: “Warning: Oxygen in Use.” Every time I walk by, I wonder why this gentleman needs to use oxygen. I know the said oxygen is used for this man because sometimes I see the nasal cannula attached to his face.

Well, months go by and we’re still exchanging our nods and smiles. Watson and Ginny shared their love by depositing in his yard. The man would watch me as I cleaned up after them. His look would be of, “what a caring person to clean up after their pet,” not a look of, “damn straight you better clean that shit off my yard.”

Since the days have been getting warmer, I decided to walk a longer, different route to see all of the trees and flowers in bloom. It had probably been at least two weeks before I went back to my usual block. When I did, I noticed that the air seemed a bit quieter. As I approached the simple house I noticed it was unusually dark inside. Only one light was lit on the third floor. The sign was still in the doorway: “Warning: Oxygen in Use.” I thought nothing of the stillness until I noticed a new sign leaning up against the house: “For Sale.” My heart sank. Did the old man’s oxygen run out? I continued my walk home and told Ben about my findings. He told me not to worry, that the old man was probably getting ready for bed – and probably just moving to another place, not dead.

The next day I made sure to take an earlier walk during day light to see if my neighbor friend would be in his recliner. No luck. Maybe he was out on the town, or something.

The following night, I went for a walk after dusk. It was pretty dark out, but the streetlights provided me with enough light. I approached the simple house. No lights on. Both signs staring back at me. I glance in the gentleman’s window and out of the corner of my eye I see A GHOST!!! A GHOST IS STARING AT ME!!!

My heart starts racing. I had a feeling he had died, but had he actually come back to keep nodding and smiling as I walked my dogs?

I quickly scoot by and fumble with the dog leash as I try to pull my phone out. I finally get my shaking hands under control and press “two - send.” Ben answers after the second ring. “Yeah?” he asks.

“Where are you?” - I asked in a frightened voice.

“Walking down Columbia one-way.” – Ben replies.

“Okay, good, please meet me at the corner. I just saw a ghost and I’m freaking out!” Thank goodness he was so close!

“Umm… okay.”

Click.

Ben and Ginny meet up with Watson and myself at the proposed corner. I grab Ben’s free hand with mine and immediately fill him in on my findings.

We slowly turn the corner heading toward the simple house and I quickly whisper, “Look, right there in the first front window. Is it still there?”

Ben casually walks up to the house, staying on the sidewalk. He turns and stares at the window for what I think to be way too long.

“Well?! Do you see it!?” – I plead, quietly.

“Yeah. But, I think it’s just Elvis.” Ben replies, quite calmly.

What the freak? Elvis? I cautiously approach the house, heart racing, and ever so slowly peek in the window.

Through the darkness I make out the unmistakably shape of Elvis’ hair. It’s freakin' Elvis. Are you kidding me?! IT’S ELVIS! A stupid half mannequin head of Elvis was starring right back at me.

My heart beat starts to become regular knowing that I had not seen a ghost, but a stupid mannequin.

“Who the heck would put Elvis in the window?” I ask Ben as we turn to walk home together.

"Maybe it's a selling strategy..."

Bumper Sticka

2009-06-13T18:18:00.006-04:00

I wonder if there has ever been a statistical study of what make/model of cars have the most bumper stickers. I would guess that mini vans top the list. My reason being that mini vans are mainly driven by the Proud Parents of Honors Students. However, I feel that the Volvo station wagon was designed to hold bumper stickers. They have a spacious body area on their trunk. I don't think a Volvo has failed this hypothesis, yet. Who knows?

Some people are so desperate to put bumper stickers on their small cars that they have to be creative in their placements. There is this one chick who drives around Ithaca with a PetSmart "My Dog has Class" sticker on the frame of her driver's side door above the window. It's quite awkward, and you definitely have to tilt your head to read it and by that time you're in the middle of an accident.

My only bumper sticker, aside from the classic "college" window sticker, was from Dave and Busters; purchased with tickets from Paige's birthday party. It was promptly removed from my Honda after my father told me it was a 'red flag' for police men to pull me over.

I don't think I will put a bumper sticker on my car again. They are kinda like tatoos, impossible to remove. Unless it is magnetic. But I now own a Saturn, made of plastic.

I have come across quite a few funny bumper stickers, some unnecessary bumper stickers, some unreadable bumper stickers and some that I just don't understand.

I think am going to start that study right now. Do you encourage people to "honk" for anything? Do you still support John Kerry? Are you angry at corporations? Do you have the DMB dancer? Do you sport a rainbow? OBX? LBI?

What is your bumper sticker and where did you stick it?

Scratch the Peppers

2009-04-04T13:00:00.005-04:00

After two weeks (minus one day) the peppers have shown no sign of sprouting. Sorry Rich.

However, everything else is looking great!

Here is an little heirloom tomato sprout - too cute!

Just a small portion of all the cherry tomatoes:

The broccoli is tall and strong:

The lavender is going strong too, but I have yet to get a good picture of those.

Besides using Miracle-Gro Potting Mix, I have been using other additives - a space heater and an overhead spotlight. We keep our house REAL cold and I didn't want my lil sproutlings to suffer.

Today, I dumped the "used" pepper soil into my outside garden - still yet to be totally turned (this cold weather needs to stop) and started my eggplant seeds indoors.

Jamie and Ricky have a plethora of seeds (various herbs/veggies/flowers) so I am going to peruse those tomorrow.

~Gardener Les

Garden!

2009-04-02T22:23:00.011-04:00

Usually my posts are kinda silly highlights of my life and whatnot... However I want to start posting about my garden. This is something completely new to me - especially going solo.
I have helped my gram in her garden, done various weeding at our house in Exton, a little here a little there with ASP/Good Works, etc.
Last year I really got my hands dirty and became really excited about gardening.
At Lakeside we had our own private courtyard - surrounded by 4 walls, not allowing any animals inside (except for a few chipmunks... still curious as to how they got there). Jamie was the ring leader in that, so she taught me a lot. She and Ricky also showed/taught us how to compost and we created one in our backyard last Spring.

Anyway, after learning a few skills along the way, I went on the Cayuga Wine & Herb Trail and received a potted herb/veggie plant at each winery we went to. I had to take advantage of these awesome plants, so I started a mini garden in our back yard. Great success! We're going again this year and here are some plants to look forward to: Beefsteak Tomato, Big Max Pumpkin, Bouquet Dill, Cilantro, Dark Green Zucchini, Forest Green Parsley, Jalapeno Peppers, Oregano, Red Norlan Potatoes(Seed Potatoes), Purple Peppers, Rosemary, Sage, Summer Thyme, Sweet Italian Basil, Sweet Marjoram, Walla Walla Onions.

This year, I started from scratch. I read through the Farmer's Almanac (online version) and figured out when to plant some seeds. About two weeks ago, I purchased seedlings from our Agway and planted them indoors. Ben also got some more fencing so we can make sure the dogs don't get their paws dirty in my garden.

I am going to blog my progress. There will be pictures. Sorry to those who could care less about gardening. I love it - and I want to share my experiences as an amateur.

3/22 I started seedlings of:
Lavender
Cherry Tomatoes
Heirloom Tomatoes
Broccoli
Jalapeno peppers (per Rich's request from seeds from last year... not thinking they're going to sprout).
Green peppers (also per Rich's request - from an actual green pepper... not so sure about those either).

3/30 Sprouts are sprouting:
Broccoli!!!

3/31 Even more sprouts:
Cherry Tomatoes
Lavender

4/1:
Heirloom Tomatoes

Everyday Ben comes home and I pull him in to the back room saying, "Come, lookie see!!!" I am so excited about my garden.

Today I spent a good part of the sunny morning/afternoon digging and turning over the earth. I hope to get the rest of it done tomorrow and then turn and add the compost over the weekend (hoping it doesn't actually snow).

Until next sprout,
~Gardener Leslie

A few questions...

2009-03-28T22:09:00.008-04:00

#1 Good Samaritan or Creepy?
I have a brake light out on my car - which I have known for almost 3 months now and am too lazy to fix it or too broke to have it fixed. Either way... I should probably change it. My mom told me about it in Jan. A cop told me in Feb. An old man told me in March. Now, this old man wasn't just walking by my car and noticed. He wasn't next to me at a stop light. He actually followed me two miles to my destination... waited for me to park my car and pulled up behind my car to inform me of my brake light being out. At first I thought he was going to my previous place of employment (a nursing home) to visit a relative/friend of his, but no, he just took some time out of his journey to follow me and let me know of my broken brake light and then went on his merry way.

How nice of him? How creepy of him?

#2 Why do girls go to the bathroom in pairs or triples?
My roommate Rich, had this question while at a bar on St. Patrick's day. He actually timed the singles/pairs/triplets going into the bathroom and the more that went in at a time, the longer it took. This would make sense, but divided by the number of people, it took a whole lot longer. So, he took this time to actually ask one of the "triplets" to find out why they "go" two + at a time.
The answer: "It saves time and we can talk about people that we're out with and guys."

LIES! Okay, yeah, they probably talk about other people, but saves time? I think NOT! I personally do not enjoy spending my bathroom time with other people, nor do I appreciate the "time saving" gestures that other girls insist on doing. Thank you very much.

#3 Why do my dogs eat their own poop? Ginny will be right up in Waton's butt while he's doing #2 and sniff it while it's coming out. Once he's done, they examine it together and then take a little taste. I prevent it when I can - but seriously, WHY?!

The Villages

2009-02-09T12:52:00.018-05:00

My folks live in a 55+ active-adult community in Leesburg, Florida. There are a lot of happenings in their Royal Highlands development such as a private golf course, community chorus, state clubs, shuffleboard competitions, etc … But they like trying new things and frequent The Villages, another 55+ community.

On my trip down to Florida over the weekend I was introduced to a new lifestyle. A lifestyle in which I hope to never actually live, but maybe visit every once in a while. While driving to The Villages, about an hour North of Royal Highlands, my parents pointed out different communities they had first looked at when deciding to move to Florida.

I ask, “What didn't you like about The Villages?”
Their response, “It's too big for what we're looking for.”
“The houses are too big, or the community?” I ask.
“Mainly the community.”

I had no idea what I was about to encounter.

We first pull into The Villages and I'm expecting another replica of Royal Highlands, only with a different specialization.

This is going to be very hard to explain, it is more of an experience – but try to picture Pleasantville, only with golf carts for vehicles and an older generation. They have the housing developments, just like Royal Highlands, but then on top of that they have their own grocery store, hospital, movie theater, strip malls, gazebos for live entertainment and dancing, historic looking town squares, all within a gated community.

Our reasoning for going to The Villages on Friday was to attend Happy Hour. They have live music and Happy Hour every single day from 5-6pm. I wish I had my camera with me Friday night. I missed so many great picture opportunities. There were line dancers galore, friendly faces EVERYWHERE, older people getting drunk on 2 glasses of wine within 40 minutes, oh wait, that was my Gram... I have never seen so many active AARP members in one space. This is completely different from my usual setting at work.

During Happy Hour I turn to my dad and ask if we can come back again tomorrow so I can get some pictures. He pretty much just laughed, but we did. And Gram came along again because the wine was really good.

I got some pretty great shots of:

Souped-up golf carts.

Golf cart parking.

Couples in love and dancing.

Even mom and I boogied a bit.

My parents enjoying some wine.

Kids (a RARE scene) contemplating jumping.

I also learned that you can pretty much get away with anything...

Eating foot long hot dogs with everything on it.

Wearing pink jump suits.

Pushing your husband/wife around the dance floor.

Dance like nobodies watching

The only picture I really wish I had was the numerous geri-couples out there, holding hands.

Both nights, all I could hear in my head when we were leaving was Adam Sandler singing, “I wanna grow old with you.”

I can't wait to grow old with Ben...

Engaged! and random points of interest.

2009-01-22T20:52:00.009-05:00

I'm engaged! And it happened shortly after my last blog entry, which was almost 3 months ago.
Wedding planning in full gear - we have lots accomplished but plenty more on our plates. Thank you to everyone who has helped keep our lives a bit more sane.

Holidays came and went. Brian, Loni and Niall made it up and out to Ithaca. We had a lovely time!

Ben had a birthday. He got lots of knives.

Jon had a birthday last weekend, which was celebrated by a visit to NYC. I am never driving to the city again... Oh and The Mugs totally rock.

Ginny and Watson turned 6 months on the 17th.
Picture perfect Ginny

Barely holding Watson. This is my "take-it-quick-Ben,-I'm-going-to-drop-him" face.

Today marks the birth of Paige and Brian's newest - Susanna Campbell Johns - Welcome to the world little one!

I have been exposed to the wonderful world of Cornell Hockey. Boy is that an adventure in itself. They play Yale tomorrow night and we have third row seats.

I am going dress shopping, round two, with my cousin Rebecca this Saturday. I'm still waiting to find "the one" for real -but I may have a good hunch.

I'm up to 9 private lessons (including guitar, violin and piano) so I am keeping quite busy when I'm not planning or taking care of the pups.

How are you?

Root, root, root for the spiiiiiiiider - Play by play

2008-11-05T15:20:00.004-05:00

I am sitting in an office adjacent from my own since Jamie is on the computer critiquing my recent work.
I came into this office to work on the next purchase order for Phoenix. This office isn't used very often - as the lady who used to "own it" decided to quite her job after having a heart attack (brought on by her job).

I sit down at the computer and hear a fly at the window, on the inside. Bzzz bzzz - I'm not surprised, as this office is pretty dingy. But then the buzzing doesn't stop - so I look over to find the location of the sound. Whoa, it's stuck in a spider web!!!
So, apparently I have never seen this sight before. Usually the fly is already dead and the spider about to munch down.

I put my glasses on for a better look and open the blinds. The spider is inches away, just waiting for the fly the stop struggling. One wing stuck to the web, the other frantically trying to free itself. Yeah little dude, that's just going to make it worse. Stop struggling and become comfortably numb.

The spider take a few stops closer once the fly settles down. Bzzz, back he goes again. It's almost like the spider is tickling the fly. This is so amusing to me! The spider waits for the fly to quiet down again and takes a few steps closer. Bzzz bzzz bzzz...
"Forget it" - (I'm pretending to be inside the spider's head). "I'll just go about my business and finish working on my web."

Fly (now a proper noun) is about twice the size of Spider. The web, about as long as my finger tips to elbow, using a dead parade rose plant to help secure the ends (and I'm sure to draw the attraction of unsuspecting flies).

25 minutes have now passed of bzzzing and non-bzzzing. One wing going strong. Spider tickling Fly, back and forth, back and forth.

I'm being quite productive with my purchase order. One item located on the internet (instant snow - yeah, I'm testing to see what we can get away with). I don't feel bad, taking the time to watch nature. I'm staying late today, since my first piano lesson doesn't start until 5... just saying, for those wondering how I can get away with such nonsense.

Ahhh, silence. I take a peek between writing sentences. Fly is motionless, Spider on his head. Maybe sucking some bloo-bzzzzzzzz. Nope, still alive and kicking. Spider braces himself on his web.

35 minutes passed and Fly is getting tuckered out. He's only moving his legs as he's probably given up the wing technique. Bzzz. Oh but has he? He's doing the bzzz-wiggle-wiggle now. A lil bzzz a lil wiggle wiggle. Spider just chillin' on Fly's head. Fly starts to buzz again while Spider is holding his hand. We'll call this the Bzzwaltz.

45 minutes.
Hmmm, spider looks a little plump. Fly is no longer moving.
I think we can all guess where it goes from here.

Yes, that's right. Leslie gets back to work and leaves Spider and Fly to privacy.

I think I should publish children's books.

Feel the Music - Readers be warned: The content below may BLOW YOUR MIND!

2008-09-08T20:19:00.006-04:00

Okay, I'm a strict believer of music motivating, healing, soothing, inspiring the mind, body and soul. Heck, I'm a Music Therapist.
What does "feel the music" mean to you?

I saw an ad for the following in an Oprah magazine while chatting it up with some ladies in my Phoenix group. Awkward? Yes.

OhMiBod = Oh My Goodness - is this really necessary? Especially the video???

What really kinda disgusts me (amongst the spelling of accessories) is that OhMiBod's abbreviation is OMB - which to me means my always awesome One Minute Bible bible study.

One Minute Bible - The first socially acceptable vibrator.

I think not.

My favorite tiny things

2008-08-28T20:52:00.010-04:00

Niall at 6 months. I love his bright blue eyes and his already receding hairline (he inherited from Brian) He is doing extremely well and down to only 1 breathing treatment a day.

Meet Watson and Ginny - 5 weeks old

It appears that Watson, too, has blue eyes. They match his chewy bone

Ginny's first steps at her new home

The bat came back...

2008-08-19T09:07:00.002-04:00

Saturday night I retreated from the attic, ready for bed, to find Ben standing in the stairwell moving his head as if watching a tennis match.

"What are you doing" - I ask?

"There's a ba - WATCH OUT! - bat in Erik's room." Ben replies.

"Ewww, really? I wanna see!" - I exclaim, excitedly! But then I realize, I'm only excited to see a bat up close, but not necessarily living in our house.

I knock on Rich's door to inform him of our new house guest. He proceeds out, in his undies, to take a gander. Rich and I stand in the hallway watching the bat fly around Erik's room, ducking every so often as the bat changes course towards our faces. Ben is in the bathroom removing the window for easy escaping.

Finally, Rich leads the bat into the bathroom and we shut the door. In the morning, no more bat.

Last night, I was startled awake to a scratching. I think to myself, "Ohh the mice are back... " and drift back to off to sleep.

A few moments later I wake up again to feel a breeze not coming from the window fan and hear a "ting" of wing against metal (the lamp above my head).

ACK!!!! The bat came back! And it's in MY room!!!

Frozen in my bed, I pull the blankets up over my head. After my heart settles down, I turn on the light so that I may pin point the location of the creeper.

Stupid.

Bats fly - it's EVERYWHERE! It does a couple laps around the room, then lands on my window treatment. I get a good look at the bugger and shimmy down even more into bed. He takes off again and I position myself under the blankets, but still able to see him in the mirror, flying around my bedroom.

Think. Think. I don't want to get out of bed. Think. What if he has rabies? Think. What if he poops on me? Think. Think.

I feel comforted by seeing him fly around through the mirror. It's when he lands out of sight that I get more freaked out. After a few more laps I decide to make a move the next time he lands.

Finally, the sound of flapping wings stops. I slowly gather my comforter up off my bed, still keeping it above my head. I tip toe out of bed - keeping my arms up and protecting - whole body completely draped in my comforter. I find the location of the bat - on my quilt hanging. I move to the door, open it and back away.

The bat takes flight, making several more laps before landing again. Damn! Get out get out get out!!! This time he's on my dresser, scurrying about blindly. Stupid animal. I hope you get a good meal with all those daddy longlegs up there.

Another flight and out he goes. Woo! I shut the door, shake my nerves and hop into bed. I'll let Rich and Erik handle the bat now.

I take one last look around the room and turned out the light.

So... we have bat problems. Anyone wanna stop by around sunset time and keep a watch for bats flying about?

Bike haiku

2008-07-27T12:17:00.003-04:00

I bike home from work
No worries of speed limits
I love my blue bike

From here and to there
A lowered car insurance
More cash and fresh air

Feist Counts to 4

2008-07-24T17:01:00.002-04:00

Sometimes I wish I were still a wee little one so I that could stay home and watch cool television programs with awesome musicians.

T-Shirt Bag: Demonstrated

2008-05-18T14:22:00.013-04:00

This is what you'll need:

1 t-shirt
1 pair of scissors
1 saftey pin

Step 1: Lay shirt on flat surface and cut a straight line just below the armpits.

Step 2: Measure two-fingers-width at the top of the cut t-shirt. Cut that width all the way across your t-shirt. This will become your thread - Set aside.

Step 3: Turn your t-shirt upside down, so that the edge you just cut is facing you. Cut "piano keys" all along the bottom, creating fringe.

Once cut, tie the matching front and back "keys" together and double knot.

Step 4: Cut a diagonal line (or triangle) in the hem of your t-shirt on both sides

Cut your thread to make one long piece. Attach your safety pin to one end of the thread.

Work the safety pin through the entire hem of your shirt.

Tie the two ends into a knot.

The finished product:

Or if you don't fancy the fringe, turn it inside out for a hobo effect:

Every year is a little better

2008-05-11T21:42:00.009-04:00

I had such a wonderful 27th birthday - well I guess it could be a birthweek because that's how long it was celebrated.

It all started with an awesome trip "home" to have some quality girl time including Lori's bridal shower and shopping for Er's bridesmaid dresses:

Then on my way home, Ben called to say I was getting an early birthday present. I was thinking it was a puppy. But no, I got a freakin' grill!!!
It was a bit chilly :-) Ohh, and I now wear glasses 75% of the time.

On my actual day of birth I received flowers from Er and Jon:

The wine and herb tour over the weekend was a blast. I highly recommend visiting me in Ithaca so I can take you on a tour :-) It was a special treat to spend time with our out-of-town visitors!

Cheers!

Giant Peach

2008-04-07T20:32:00.004-04:00

These aren't TOO recent but definitely worthy of posting.

This is just a glimpse of what I see around downtown.

If only I had my camera on me more often.

Tiny World

2008-03-31T17:59:00.003-04:00

Ben and I spent a bit of time in Penn State this past weekend. The Pennharmonics had their Shamrockapella concert and Beer Pong Tournament (Ben and Pete lost).
Also, I had invited Jamie and Ricky along because a fav band of theirs was playing at Zeno's and they wanted to meet up with old friends from when they worked at Penn State.

We dropped Jamie and Ricky off a their friends for dinner and the rest of us headed to the concert.

I wasn't much in the mood for hanging out with the undergrads at the Beer Pong tournament, plus I had promised Melissa that I would take her out once she turned 21. We headed to Zeno's to catch The Blue Method perform. I called Jamie and they said they'd be running late. So I downed a couple of G&T's and taught Melissa's friends how to pour/try GOOD beers while waiting for both the band to perform and J&R to show up.

After about an hour, I look up and see Andy Pierce walking towards me. Yes, I just wrote Andy Pierce. Holy crap! We greeted with hugs galore and chatted a bit. I see Jamie and Ricky coming in and I point to them as I'm telling Andy who I was waiting for. Turns out, he CAME with Jamie and Ricky. Holy FREAKIN' crap! Andy Pierce is friends with Jamie and Ricky. (BTW, for those of you who haven't spoken with Mr. Pierce within the last 4 years, he now goes by Andrew.) Anyway, this was just blowing my mind. And apparently his too because he would look at Jamie and myself interacting, while standing in complete disbelief.

This is a teenie tiny world we're living in.

To summarize:
Shamrockapella was entertaining
PAO lost to the currents
The Blue Method pretty much rocks
Ricky and Jamie are friends with Andy Pierce

Pet Peeve?

2008-03-23T21:07:00.006-04:00

You know those little plastic baggies that reside in the fruit/veggie section of grocery stores? You can tie them in a knot or use the twisty-ties?

Well, I find these baggies completely unnecessary when purchasing fruits/veggies (for the most part - we'll get to that in a minute).

Reasons for not needing them:
Fruits/Veggies contain their own protective layer
You're just going to (hopefully) wash them anyway
The little sticker on the item is easier for the cashier to read, unless they have them all memorized
It's wasteful - the life of a baggie consists of a loop around the grocery store, into yet ANOTHER bag and then thrown out (not recyclable) as soon as you get home.

Even with all those reasons, Ben still insists on using them. I just don't get it and it drives me insane with every single trip to the grocery store.

I do have 2 reasons for possibly accepting the usage:
You have multiple little items that you MUST keep together
The skin on the fruit/veggie can easily be punctured and ruined - but even those flimsy bags can only withstand so much pressure

If this is your case, then I suggest using a canvas bag that can be used and re-used for all your grocery shopping needs.

Now I lambie down to sleep...

2008-03-10T16:50:00.003-04:00

For the longest time I truly thought there was a prayer about my beloved Lambie. And yes, I still have Lambie - newly repaired thanks to Mama Clarke for her creative-surgery and cloak.

But with all seriousness I would like to ask you for your prayers. My nephew, Niall, has been diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. For those of you who don't know what CF is, I enclosed a copy of WebMD's definition.

"Cystic fibrosis is a disease that causes mucas in the body to become thick and sticky. This glue-like mucus builds up and causes problems in many of the body's organs, especially the lungs and pancreas. People who have cystic fibrosis can have serious breathing problems and lung disease. They can also have problems with nutrition, digestion, growth, and development. There is no cure for cystic fibrosis and the disease generally gets worse over time.

The life expectancy for people with cystic fibrosis has been steadily increasing over the past 40 years. On average, people who have cystic fibrosis live into their mid-to-late 30s, although new treatments are making it possible for some people to live into their 40s and longer."

Knowing those statistics, it's very hard on my family right now. Brian and Loni are doing the best they can and being proactive. Even though signs won't appear within the first couple of years, they are already starting Niall on a vitamin and researching CF centers to find the best care.

Niall is currently with Loni in California, visiting her parents. It was extremely difficult to get him out for fresh air in bitterly cold Idaho. Plus they were finding it hard to get the right vitamin for Niall in/around Sandpoint.

Right now Brian is struggling with this news all alone (the dogs are in CA, too). Luckily he has the restaurant and his band recordings to keep him busy. He'll be flying to CA next week so he can be with Loni and Niall for Easter and then they'll all return to Idaho the following week.

There is a bit of good news with this terrible disease. The doctors say that Niall will be able to attend a typical school and be active in sports. There is no reason why he should not be able to live a fulfilling life. He has wonderful parents and a huge loving family. We have been receiving a bunch of support and hearing success stories from friends who have encountered CF within their own families.

Plus, what better father than a percussionist to do all the chest percussion?

May God bless you, little one.

Niall Rennie

2008-02-09T13:08:00.001-05:00

I felt that nephew pictures were a bit more important than the kitchen pictures. He's so tiny...

Lily is so cute, protecting lil Niall.

Welcome little one!

2008-02-04T16:40:00.000-05:00

Niall Rennie Hibbard was born today (2/4/08) at 7:37am PST
5lbs 12oz 20in
Hair, toes and chin of my brother and ears of my sis-in-law

Congrats Brian and Loni!

Lost is Found

2008-01-28T22:25:00.000-05:00

The countdown begins...

Actually it began about a month ago, at least for me - but in three days I'm going to be indulging in the season 4 premiere of Lost in glorious HD heaven, biting my fingernails and pulling my knees up to my chest while underneath a blanket.

And then 8 weeks from then I'll be crying, since that's all folks. At least for now.

Fingers crossed that the strike will be over soon and we can get all our questions answered.

My type of man

2008-01-17T23:39:00.001-05:00

Does anyone know?

2008-01-11T09:30:00.000-05:00

Being part German I am ashamed to admit that I am unaware of when Fausnaught Day is this year.

I do know, however, that it started when people needed to use up all the baking ingredients around the house prior to Lent. Does this mean that it is always the day before Lent? Or the day Lent starts?

Does anyone know?!

First step

2008-01-05T10:33:00.000-05:00

Here's what we're dealing with here:

The best part is the current jaundice color scheme:

Just makes you kindawanna puke, huh?

First, I took care of removing the shelves/drawers/hardware while Ben carried them down to the basement to be sanded and puttied and sanded again:

And now for several views of the kitchen with random poses brought you by BAC

I had a bit of a tiff with the wallpaper, and now I'm sanding the remains

And a couple shots of the kitchen with the empty cabinets -
making us ready for more sanding and then painting!

Home renovations for the new year!

2008-01-02T20:55:00.001-05:00

For the last week, Ben and I have been removing parts of our kitchen to repair, remodel and refurnish.

I'm currently in the process of taking pictures of the progress. I will post as we renovate.

It's quite exciting being able to make little to huge modifications in your own home.

Happy New Year!

when milk freezes over

2007-10-27T12:09:00.000-04:00

The refrigerator we have came with the house. We first thought it was a great idea, seeing how none of us had our own to spare.
Over the summer it would leak from time to time, but we understood since it was wicked hot and it was just working extra hard.
But now, here we are, getting a lil chilly and our refrigerator seems to be taking the opposite effect of when one usually breaks.

It has decided to freeze just about everything.

First it was the water in our PUR container.
Then some random ice started forming on top of containers.
Our lettuce had an extra crispy texture.

Ben and Rich discussed getting a new refrigerator once the milk freezes.

But frozen EGGS!? Yes, this is a frozen egg.

Bob

2007-10-25T15:30:00.000-04:00

Short and sweet - Gotta love dads who get right to the point:

"Just got a call from Brian. Loni had her ultrasound today. Things look good and it's a boy. Due date is March 11th."

YAY!

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Skirmish

2007-09-19T20:39:00.001-04:00

My Saturday night was filled with multiple rollercoasters of emotions.

Here's the story:
Ben and I were going to hit up Watkins Glen off Seneca lake with some classmates, but decided against it due to needing to cut it short so he could hit up "Weekend of Man"

What is "Weekend of Man" you may ask? For those of you who are aware of Pennharmonics, one of the alums (Dan Brian) is getting married in November and his best friend/man planned "Weekend of Man." This includes traveling down to Jim Thorpe, PA for 3 nights of camping, whitewater rafting, paintball and competitions of man, roar!
So around 6pm, Ben packed his car and headed out, shortly after a cute departure smooch and me asking, "Do you have your cell phone? Give me a call when you get there!"
Ben simple replies, "Yup! Will do, see ya tomorrow night!"

Ben departs and I'm left to my own devices seeing how none of my other roommates were around either. Ahhhhh, sweet relaxation.....

After about a half an hour of channel surfing, I decide to knock out some laundry, whoop! I head upstairs and see that Ben has left his Skirmish registration form on the dresser. I immediately call him asking if he may need it to check in. No answer... I call again... no answer. I sent a text, thinking he might see that, knowing that cell phone usage while driving in NY is illegal. No response... Oh well, I guess it's not THAT important.

I finish putting some laundry away and head up to the attic to check da e-mail, da e-mail, wah wah, da e-mail. Upon my desk lays Ben's phone. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Panic mode: Ben has NO idea where he's going. He has NO way of contacting the guys attending this "Weekend of Man." What if he gets in an accident? He won't be able to call me. Frick frick frick!!!

I immediately sign onto instant messenger and pounce Hunnex asking if he knows anyone attending this shindig that I may be able to call to let them know Ben is on his way and to be on the look out for him. Josh doesn't know, but is willing to look up people...

After pacing a lil, I come up with the brilliant idea to look up Dan's number in Ben's cell phone. I find "Dan Brian" - DIALING:
"Hello, Dan Brian."
"Hi, Dan? This is Leslie, Ben's girlfriend. I just want to let you know that Ben forgot his cell phone but he's on his way to meet you."
"Who?"
"Ben..."
"Where is he meeting me?"
"Jim Thorpe??"
"I'm not there..."
"Oh, I guess I have the wrong number."
"Okay."
"Thanks, see ya."

Frick!

Think think think. Oooo, Ben's gmail password is saved on my computer, I can look up the dudes number from the "Weekend of Man" e-mail. Score!

DIALING: Zach

"Hello?"
"Hi, Zach? This is Leslie, Ben Clarke's girlfriend. I'm just calling to let you know that Ben is on his way to Jim Thorpe but forgot his cell phone. So be on the look out for him."
"On his way where?"
"Jim Thorpe, for 'Weekend of Man.'"
"Ummm, he's got the wrong weekend. That's not for another two weeks."
"Ohhhhh my goodness! Are you serious?!" FRICK!!!
"Oh wow, Oh geeze, how far is he?"
"He's been gone for 3 hours, he should be there by now."
"Oh my God, oh this is so sad but so funny at the same time. I wish I could help. Oh God, I have to call Dan."
"Ohh okay, well thanks. See ya."

Ohhhhhh boy. Thinking. Freaking. Ben has no idea. No way of calling. Lost in central PA. Call Jim Thorpe.

"Hello, Jim Thorpe Camp Grounds."
"Hi, I'm wondering if a guy named Ben Clarke has checked in yet?"
"No, we're booked. No one has checked-in in that last couple hours or so..."
"Ohh, well, if you see a guy with blonde hair, wearing a brown vest, can you have him call his cell phone?"
"Umm, yeah, sure."
"Okay, thanks."

Jerk.

What would Ben do? He's probably wicked tired... he's only an hour from home.

"Hello?"
"Hey Jer, it's Les. So, Ben is lost in central Pa and may be finding his way home. Just be on the look out for him. If he does get there, have him call me."
"Uhhh okay...?"
"Alright, see ya"

Ben's phone rings...INCOMING CALL: Dan Brian

"Hello?"
"Leslie? It's Dan... "
"So I guess I did have the right number. That's why I was confused..."
"Yeah, definitely. We were all confused. So, umm where is Ben?"
"He's probably at Jim Thorpe by now. I can't believe this."
"This is just an incredible story. Let him know I am so honored of his dedication. Oohhh, Gooch lives in that area. Maybe you could call him and have him hunt him down."
"Ohh, yeah I think he lives around there. That's a good idea. Well thanks..."
"I hope Ben turns up soon."
"Yeah, thanks, me too."

DIALING: Gooch
BEEEEEP
"Hey Gooch, it's Leslie. Just wondering if you're free to locate Ben. He's lost around your neck of the woods. Alright, talk with ya later."

Well, I guess I can't really do anything else. I occupy myself on IM for a bit, then I hear a door. It must be the neighbors, they like to use doors, and party.
Then I hear footsteps. I start to head downstairs and there pops Ben's head.

YAY!!! Ohh sweet embrace. "Here's your cell phone, babe!"

"Yeah, once I reached the NY/PA border, I went to call Zach, and realized I didn't have my phone. Plus I didn't really know where I was going, so I turned around."

Phew.

Let me just say, I am NOT looking forward to the worrying part when I become a mother. I already worry enough with a grown man.

Any girls wanna do a girls weekend? I could use some good relaxation after those events.

Ooooooooooohhhh we want the funk

2007-09-11T20:59:00.000-04:00

So wicked cute

I just can't keep up

2007-09-04T22:06:00.000-04:00

Blogging is a fantastic idea, especially since moving to Ithaca, away from all my friends who haven't moved already. I just can't seem to keep up on my end though... I'm trying my best, with help of threatening comments from my dearest cousin, Ali.

Anyway - last week, Ben and I went to see Bela Fleck and the Flecktones at Binghamton University with Zach (a classmate of Ben's). It was such an awesome venue, much like the Mann center in Philly, with assigned seating inside and then an open grassy area behind. If you have not yet seen Bela and his 'Tones, I highly recommend. Vic Wooten (the bass player) totally rocked my socks off. He has a pretty sweet bass guitar that had the face of an upright and no frets. Now that's talent, my friends. The sax player, Coffin, played TWO saxamaphones at one time and of course Bela was freakin' amazing. I was looking forward to seeing Futurman's adapted instruments, but was quite disappointed with his performance. For a percussionist, he seemed to have lacked a continuous sense of rhythm - however his pirate outfit was wicked sweet. The band as a whole was so energized, but chill at the same time. Not in a drug sense - chill - but in a down-to-earth kinda way. The age range of the audience was 2 to 102, and when the 'Tones started playing, the crying from the tikes completely ceased. Yes, they're THAT good. So check them out!

Over Labor Day weekend, I was able to hang out with so many friends. It started with a marvelous drive down to Hershey, PA with one sexy roommate, Erik and B. We stayed overnight at Erik's friends' place (Riley and Andrea Conway) and their sweet bearded dragon, Beardy. Original, right? Riley's dad made a coffee table/reptile tank in one. I think we need that for Sobe and Tang.

Saturday was Hershey Park with JD, Er, Nick, Hunnex, Ben and myself. The Great Bear was my favorite, followed by the Swings. There's nothing like a floating sensation... I wish I could fly.

Then, since we had some time to kill before the Drake wedding on Sunday, we hit up Supberbad (funny, but just a lil too much) first.
Seconds before the bride walked down the aisle, we were able to sneak in. Jen looked beautiful and Pete looked like Pete. Barbie and Ken = Perfect wedding. However, I was less than impressed with the string quartet... such a shame. *shush* don't tell Jen.
Anyway, the weather was absolutely perfect, the ceremony was nice and in the elegant Hershey Theater follwed by the cocktail hour/reception which was held at the 4 Star/4 Diamond rated Hotel Hershey. Again, Perfect.
I got to hang out with Uncle Chuckie and the Mrs. as well as catch up with some Penns (even though I was not IN the group - I have several connections TO the group). I would post pictures, but we kinda ran out of time to take any, as we needed to bust a move out and up to Ithaca so Ben and Erik could attend classes on Labor Day. Stupid Cornell and their liberal mindedness.
I'm sure Er and/or Hunnex will have some pictures posted within the next 5 days...

In local news, I have decided to attend Christ Chapel, with my cousin Steve Felker as the pastor. Small world, I know. A lot of graduate students attend this church as well, so I'll be able to meet more people who won't be directly connected to Ben. I am also really excited about this because I plan on singing in the choir which is directed by the Dean of the School of Music at Ithaca. Such a great opportunity.

Life is still going great - I can't believe how lucky I have been.

And with this, I close.

As promised - PICTURES!

2007-08-14T20:43:00.000-04:00

House: ~ 65% painted (somewhere between 1-3 coats)

New Color/ Blue Tape / Old Color / 1/3 of our dining room windows

Job: still rockin'

note: all of these pictures were taken for our new brochure advertising the Phoenix Program

Afternoon Recreation Groups - Sorry, no faces, but I thought this was a good shot. Jamie and I are helping with designing aprons
We are most definitely playing bingo!

Music Therapy - even though you don't see ME playing music, there is a pretty sweet picture of a beaded maraca. Plus, streamers are wicked fun.

Bike rides since insurance kicked in (8/4): 3

My friend (defined as MY friend and not someone I became friends with through Ben or my housemates) tally is up to: 1 - Jamie!

picture taken for the Summer Lakeside Newsletter

Now that I have finished the 7th,

2007-08-07T20:52:00.000-04:00

I need another book to sink my brain into. I have my Paste magazines to tie me over for the time being but I just feel so empty going to bed without settling into a good book. Plus I have 5 days at the beach coming up...
Any suggestions?
Much thanks.

International Forgiveness Day...

2007-08-06T21:42:00.000-04:00

...was yesterday.

But in recent news (of no particular order):

House: ~ 65% painted (somewhere between 1-3 coats) - I will post pictures soon
Trips to Home Depot: ~ 7
Job: still rockin' - again, I will post pictures soon
Bike rides since insurance kicked in (8/4): 1
My friend (defined as MY friend and not someone I became friends with through Ben or my housemates) tally is up to: 1 - pictures soon
Ben: had lasik surgery and is slowly recovering - do you really want to see a picture of Ben laying around while wearing sunglasses at night?
Traveling: sweet, but I'm ready to stay home for the next two weekends - sorry no pictures to accompany my most recent trips to PA

Too-da-loo

Sisters

2007-07-01T09:22:00.000-04:00

It's official. After over a year of trying to mate Sobe and Tang - it turns out they're sisters, not lovers.

No baby geckos this year *sniff*

Self-Titled Week Two

2007-06-17T18:57:00.000-04:00

June 10th - After a tiring day of unloading, obstacles, throwing out my shoulder on an antique chair probably worth more than my life and spraining my ankle, we finally got a good night's rest at our new peachy place of residence. Yes, our house is peach. It also has a pretty rose out front that Ben insisted on taking a picture of:
Begins week two: I freakin' love my job. I started putting together a proposal at the end of last week for a purchase order containing music therapy items adding up to almost $500. Jamie told me to star the items that are needed more than others because she wasn't sure how much would be approved. We met with Pat (head honcho) today, who seemed very excited about the newly added Music Therapy program, and he approved my proposal, plus another order of activity/rec. and leisure supplies. Woohoo!

Tuesday was another fun-filled night of Salsa dancing. Ben mastered the turns, very smooth.

The remainder of the week I completed most of my clients activity assessments and monthly scheduling. Next week I'll be able to begin my Music Therapy sessions.
We've also been unpacking the never-ending piles of boxes. We actually started to form some sort of order for our attic (office) and desk supplies. (No pictures until it's all said and done).

So I guess that pretty much updates everyone on the last two weeks of my new life.

Job is great
House is great
Ben is great

Self-Titled Week One

2007-06-17T18:39:00.000-04:00

June 3rd - I arrived at 114 Ferris Place (Ben's apt) just in time to relax and settle in prior to my first day with my new job. Ben was off camping with his PhD buddies in the Adirondacks. Peace and Quiet. After re-reading a couple chapters from The Order of the Phoenix, I tapped out.
June 4th - First day at Lakeside. I met up with Jamie and she gave me another tour of the huge labyrinth of the facility. I also met a bunch of the clients I would be working with and observed a few groups in the Phoenix Behavioral Health program. <---- That is the new program in which I will be the Recreation Therapy Director/Music Therapist. Ben arrived home Monday night and took me out to dinner at Aladdin's. It's a fine eating establishment catered to veggie hippies. Welcome to Ithaca!

I had training all day on Tuesday. It was a bunch of the same stuff I went through with Devereux the first time around. The part that cracked me up was when a few of the CNA's freaked out about the FBI background check Lakeside administers. What kind of people are they hiring here?
The rest of the week was more observing and reading through medical charts.

Aside from working, Ben, Rich, Erin (Rich's girlfriend) and I started Salsa dance lessons. It's a 6 week session class held on Tuesday evenings at an extremely fancy and overpriced gym. If anyone knows what the ACAC in West Chester is, you'll know what I'm talking about. But the Salsa classes seemed pretty reasonable and Ben definitely laid down some pretty sweet moves.

Over the weekend Ben and I drove down to P-Ville/Chester Springs to load up my life (and some of Ben's) belongings into a U-Haul plus two cars:

Before heading out of town we stopped over to visit with J.D. for a second to deliver the last of his nerf gun supplies, then made our way back up to Ithaca to unload.

Highlight of the weekend = Renting a ladder to hoist my full size mattress through the second story window since it failed to fit around the sexy curves of our stairs. Ben and Erik climbed up the ladder while my dad and I were at the receiving end. Sorry no actions shots - it was actually quite a quick process of about 20 seconds.

Pirates:Stabilizing:Testing:Success:
Erik's mattress went up the stairs just fine, after we folded it like a taco.Phew.

Week Two: Coming REALLY soon

For all those devoted Transmogrification readers out there:

2007-06-16T18:06:00.000-04:00

I have so much to write - but so little time. Just know things are going swell and there will be a ginormous post (with pictures) coming very soon.

Love,
~L

Holy Crazy Batman!

2007-05-20T21:18:00.000-04:00

Last Wednesday night = a very intense episode of Lost. Sorry to those who don't watch the show, while I ramble a bit. I go back and forth with my feelings on Charlie. Yeah, that list of greatest hits was the kicker in the last episode. But does anyone think Desmond was lying about how Charlie is supposed to die this time around? Usually we see the "flashes" of events that lead up to and include Charlie dying. We didn't see that in the "Greatest Hits" episode. I cannot wait for the season finale. The battle is just going to be so awesome!
Anyway, the entire hour had me so worked up that I couldn't fall asleep Wednesday night. I think the last time I looked at the clock it was nearly 2:30am. Okay, some people may think, "what's the big deal?" But, with a normal bed time of 10pm (with the exception of Lost nights)... I need my 8 hours.
However, I've come to realize the REAL reason for not getting a good night's sleep. Stress. I'm leaving in TWO WEEKS!!! I haven't even started packing. What I think has been happening in the back of my head is that I don't really need to hard core pack because I can always just come back down to PA if I forget something. I'm thinking this is like college, where I just need the necessities. But it's not. I'm moving, for real. New address, new phone number, new job, new driver's license and license plate.
People keep asking me if I'm excited - of course I'm excited. But then recently I was asked if I was scared. My initial reaction was, "No, I'm just really excited . . . I never really though about being scared." Then after actually pondering a different emotion. . .
"Yup, I'm scared, thanks for pointing that out." This is a major change in my life, a good change, an awesome change. The excitement definitely overrides being scared. That's all the matters.
And that I have everything packed.

Three Weeks Notice

2007-05-13T17:33:00.000-04:00

All your fingers/toes/legs being crossed paid off. As of June 3rd I will be an official resident of New York, again. An Ithacan, Ithacian, Ithacer... someone please give me a decent name for living in Ithaca.
Anyway, I heard from Jamie via e-mail Friday afternoon and called her during my later-than-planned lunch break. I guess I'm lucky if I'm able to get one at all. Anyway she offered me the position, full time with benefits. This is such a great career opportunity. I couldn't contain myself while on the phone - I was just full of "Yes"'s and "Absolutely"'s and "I'm so excited"'s, Jamie must think I'm a freak. Though she did sound just as excited as myself. Hooray!
I called my parents and they were thrilled. In fact my dad was already looking up truck rentals from Phoenixville to Ithaca. Nobody needs to ask twice where I get my organization skills from. Anyway, I think I'm going to switch my Nationality to Irish because I undoubtedly have been blessed with a lot of luck. Or maybe it was all the hard work, searching approximately 5 months for a job, that certainly paid off.
So with that said, I have three weeks left in P-Ville. Three weeks left at CARES. Three weeks to pack. Holy crap, what am I doing on my computer? Procrastination, how I love thee...

Employment Specialist; The Never-Ending Interview

2007-05-07T16:00:00.000-04:00

I had another interview yesterday with the JM Murray Company. The position title is "Employment Specialist" and pretty much involves finding employment for anyone with any type of disability.
I met with a man named Ray yesterday at CTB in downtown Ithaca. The actual site location of the facility is up in Cortland (about 30 minutes North of Ithaca), but Ray is from Ithaca and decided to just meet me downtown, especially since it was a Sunday. We gabbed about the job over Chai Tea and ice water and he said he would love for me to see the facility if I was able to make it back up to Ithaca during the week. I wasn't too excited about the position, especially after hearing the base salary, but I didn't want to shoot it down until I had actually seen the facility.
Ray told me to get back to him on Monday with a day that would work for me. In the back of my head I'm thinking, there is no way I can take off a day from CARES to make yet another trip up to Ithaca... When I mentioned this to Ben, he suggested staying an extra night and get it all taken care of. Brilliant idea. I talked with Crystal first to make sure she'd be okay with me playing hookie and then I got a hold of Ray to schedule a meeting.
This morning I drove up to Cortland (about a 45 minute commute - blech). Once I got there, I met with Ray and he took me to a conference room with two women, Bri (pronounced like the cheese) and Loree, reviewing my resume. I definitely didn't expect to go through another round of interviews on my "tour" of the facility. They were extremely nice though and interested in my Music Therapy background, which was awesome. Bri asked how I would be able to bring Music Therapy to the job which had me thinking "hmmm maybe this COULD work if I'm able to contribute my Music Therapy knowledge to this position."
Ray then took me around the facility and I was able to meet more people. Everyone was extremely nice, I knew I would fit right in should I take the position. After we toured the "office facility" Ray drove me down to the other JM Murray location, about a 10 minute drive. We made good conversation in the car but it kept leading back to the travel time/distance from Ithaca, like he was trying to sell it. He even told me that from time to time he'll ride his bike up to work. I would've totally bought it, but not after making the 45 minute drive myself just an hour prior.
After going through another interview with Jack, the head of HR, Ray drove me back up to the first center where I filled out an application. After two exhausting hours of interviewing with Ray and JM Murray, I was on my way home to P-Ville.

It was a wonderful drive - no traffic and perfect open sunroof driving weather.

When I arrived home I had a message from Jamie at Lakeside Nursing and Rehabilitation asking me to call her as soon as I get the chance because she wants to know what I thought about the position.

ACK!

I immediately called Jamie back and let her know that I was extremely interested in the job, but only if we were able to make it a full time position. Jamie said she would love to have me at Lakeside and asked me to research base salaries for the position (since it is new to the facility) and to throw out some ideas on how to make it full time. She would go over any information I send her with her supervisor and get back to me later in the week.

I hung up the phone and exploded with excitement. It was quite a scene, seeing me prance (yes prance) through my house. I called Ben and my folks and filled them in on the exciting information.

I did some major research and scratched my brain for ideas on how to make this position full time. Now all I need to do is wait and make sure I didn't quote too high a base salary. I can't undersell myself.

*fingers crossed*

One down and three-point-six

2007-05-05T20:16:00.000-04:00

When applying for jobs through the internet, you have no idea what type of feedback you'll get, if any. I have applied for over 20 positions and have made a whole bunch of follow-up calls. I maybe heard back from five facilities. I am finding it difficult to job search when living more than 230 miles away. The WWW is the most convenient source, but also the most unreliable.
However, I had my first interview today for a position in my new place of residence. The title of the position I applied for is Certified Recreational Therapist at Lakeside Nursing and Rehabilitation center. Of course I am not qualified for such a title, but it was worth a shot.
It all started with a receiving a phone call on my birthday from Lakeside stating they were interested in my resume with my music therapy background and wanted to schedule an interview.
I met with Jamie Hocker today, who also just moved to Ithaca because her boyfriend landed a sweet job working at Cornell University. As the interview progressed, I found more and more in common with Jamie. That made for a pretty sweet connection.
The job description is pretty iffy at the moment. They just opened a behavior unit in the nursing facility and are looking to have a more in depth recreational activities program for the eight residents currently in the unit. That is where I would come in, should I be chosen and accept the position. I would be the person to organize and pull out all my creative skills to get this program up and running. This has me completely overwhelmed with excitement. Just the fact of knowing I'll be organizing anything is wicked fabulous (yes Ali, we are totally related).
I was getting elated just talking with Jamie about possibilities of activities and how it will positively affect the residents. I am getting goosebumps just thinking about it.
In any case, Jamie will get back to me by the end of next week. *fingers crossed*

I have another interview scheduled for tomorrow at 2:30pm. Not so excited about this position, but I'm definitely keeping my options open.

I have yet to completely feel my transmogrification and thinking I may actually be living up here (in Ithaca) a month from two days ago...

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2007-04-30T23:30:00.000-04:00

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3:31 on 4/24

2007-04-24T20:00:00.000-04:00

My mom calls me at 3:31pm (the exact time I was born) every April 24th. I think that is the sweetest gesture. My parents rang today to sing "Happy Birthday" on their way home from the pool. I could hear the beeping of their golf cart backing up in the background. Ohhh retirement...

Friday - night was a blast. Thanks to everyone who came out (I think we had 20) to On the Border. Sorry I wasn't able to mingle with everyone who was there. The food wasn't that great, according to Ben, but my huge Raspberry/Peach Margarita swirl was scrumptious (Ali, you would love it) and set the mood for the remainder of the night.
After a few detours, we made our way to Kildare's in West Chester. The band, Juliano Brothers, wasn't what I was expecting though. They were a good cover band, don't get me completely wrong - but not the type of band you would expect to hear at a hoppin' bar. Luckily my Bombay Sapphire gin and tonics kept me moving and dancing, which was enough to get Clarita's beau cutting a rug. Oh that was fun!
After Kildare's, Ben wanted to head to his house to beer pong it up with Rich and some old buddies. I finally got to meet Mike's girlfriend, Ashley, so that was hunky-dory. We eventually made it home around 3:30am. I wasn't feeling the lateness of time, so I guess that's a good thing at my old age.

Saturday - was a lazy morning after an eventful night. Many apologies to Josh and not really helping with the move.
After getting a lil nauseous in the car ride to Cracker Barrel, Ben and I met up with Jer and Mr. Clarke for brunch. I love those guys - always a good time, especially with scientific conversations acknowledging that cocaine may be a cure for Alzheimer's. Afterwards, Ben and I hit up Philly and the Franklin Institute. We had tickets to see the traveling exhibit: Tutankhamun (Tut for short) and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs. It was so amazing to see artifacts of over 3,000 years old. The detailing on the jewelry all the way to the confinettes was phenomenal. We also saw the IMAX presentation of Mummies - Secrets of the Pharoahs (recommended by Ericka if we wanted any clue as to what we were looking at in the exhibit). It was very informative, cheesy music and all.
Ben and I continued our tradition of having-something-go-wrong-while-traveling in Philly. I won't blame anyone *cough* but we pretty much walked about a mile out of the way to the restaurant where we planned on eating. Unfortunately, we had time constraints, so after walking all over town trying to find this restaurant, we gave up and ate as close to the Franklin Institute as possible. We settled down at Tír na nÓg on Arch Street. Let me tell you: I love cheese. If you love cheese too, order the selection of Irish and International cheeses including market fresh fruits and breads. YUM!
After the shows and exhibits, we met up with Rich and his friends at New Deck Tavern in University City. We drank some beer, met new people, and planned our next transportation screw up (again, I won't blame the same person from before). Long story short, we cut our time spent with Rich so that we could have an extra hour critiquing the life of a pigeon in Suburban Station.

Sunday - was another "get-to-sleep-in" day. I don't come across those too often - especially not two in one weekend. Anyway, Ben and I pull our usual Sunday afternoons of lunch at Cosi and a movie at Oaks. Hot Fuzz is a movie and half, at least at first. Then it kept going, and going and going... But, if you enjoyed Shaun of the Dead, you can't go wrong.

A few special thank yous are in (no particular) order:
Jenn, for bringing Aaron and yourself to dinner AND for finding a birthday card with my name on it.
Rich, for getting Ben's butt down in a timely fashion.
Josh, for getting me a DVD player to replace my non-existent one.
Mom and Dad, for always calling at 3:31pm on my birthday.
Paige, for calling and leaving me a message of good news of being in town next week.
Jenny, for calling and chatting it up with me.
Ericka, for bringing me not one, but two special desserts and not ugly flowers and for keeping me company on an otherwise (acceptably) lonely birthday.
Ben, for not REALLY forgetting my birthday.
Lori W., for perfectly timing the arrival of my birthday card.
Nurse Joanne, just for being you! (and the delicious treat)
Crystal, for climbing out of her death bed to help celebrate my birthday.
Rob, for coming! His birthday is next :-)
Celine (and Brian), for not forgetting about her ex-co-worker/cous

and for everyone else who sent me messages/text/wall posts/cards/etc...

Much love,
~Les

Henry - Ben (Folds) - Ellie

2007-04-15T20:14:00.000-04:00

Has anyone every really pondered the circle of life theory - meaning when one person dies another one gets a chance to live?
Well that definitely proved true for me last week.
Prior to my adventures with Jimmie Majka and Ben Folds Thursday evening, I received an e-mail from my dad with the subject line: Sad news.
This can't be good.
My dad had just gotten off the phone with a devestated Loni saying that Henry, their middle dog, had been killed.
After they returned home from a late night working at DTC's Open Mic Night, they found an unusually less rowdy greeting from their two dogs Lily and Wesley. Henry was no where to be found. They searched all night for him with no luck. The next morning they found him lying in the side yard, probably placed there by the neighbors, owners of the supposed dog who killed Henry. This e-mail left me in tears and thoughts of how Henry felt while the end of his life neared.
I immediately lost interest in seeing my hero, Ben Folds, but decided to go anyway with hopes to take my mind off the late Henry.
I arrived at West Chester University and immediately told Jimmie of my newly founded upsets. He was a great friend able to console me. We hung out in Jimmie's dorm room along with his friend, Jamie, deciding to skip the opening act Eef Barzelay of Clem Snide. Definitely a good choice as we heard out of tune vocals and ungroovable beats while making our way to the Hollinger Gymnasium.
Upon finding seats in the bleachers, I caught sight of Lauren and Dave amidst the crowd waiting for Ben to approach his piano bench. We sent a few texts back and forth, proclaiming my jealousy of their height and ability to see over the crowd and disgust in the opening act.
Ben came on around 9pm and rocked out for about 2 hours. That being my 5th time seeing him in concert, it wasn't anything spectacular - though he did pound out the Sanford and Son theme song on his nifty red keyboard. This immediately made me giggle to myself and think of Jon and this episode of Scrubs.
To make matters even more interesting - We wound up sitting behind Jason Bradley, his sister Jenn, Vince Grim and Josh Pierce. Jason immediately caught my eye and we engaged in conversation for a good five minutes while Josh, sitting next to Jason, blatantly ignored my existence. WTF?
After the show, Jimmie, Jamie and I went back to the dorm to watch a bit of Jarhead while waiting for our pizza. Quite an out of body experience; hanging in a dorm room only 12 days from my 26th birthday. It was fun, none the less.
So to conclude my post and bring it to the point of new life - Michelle and Keith became proud parents of a tiny 6lb 7oz baby girl, Ellie Jane Rzucidlo, Saturday morning. Michelle wasn't due for another 16 days, but Ellie wasn't waiting around. I believe it was because she overheard her mother saying that she surprisingly had nothing planned for the weekend. I am so excited for Ellie's arrival and can't wait to meet her.

So here's to new life and in remembrance of Henry

Back up a minute...

2007-04-05T03:15:00.000-04:00

Say about two weeks ago. I had a preemptive spring break down in Florida with my whole family plus Alison and Ben. It was such an awesome and relaxing time, hanging out like retired folk.

Wednesday: I spent most of the morning worried and frustrated that Ben wasn't going to make it home in time to catch our flight. He finally arrived to my place of residence shortly after 2pm and it was smooth sailing from there on in. No car troubles (or air troubles) this time around. Arrived at 20614 Queen Alexandria Drive in comfortably warm temperatures, toured my parents lovely Florida home and crashed.

Thursday: Ma, Dad, Ben and I went to Animal Kingdom - which I wasn't too excited about, seeing how I didn't really enjoy it the first time around in 2000 - but Ben REALLY wanted to go... It turned out to be quite enjoyable, especially the new ride: Expedition Everest, a Himalayan-themed runaway train adventure with a giant Yeti who tears up the track!After some hours at the AK, went drove down to Orlando to pick up Alison, Brian and Loni. Quite the family reunion.
For dinner, we hit up Cafe Tu Tu Tango. Definitely recommend this spot - good eats, tasty drinks including an extensive martini menu, live entertainment (we saw a belly dancer and her daughter who hula-hooped like 25 hula-hoops at once), artists, etc...
Friday: Bummed around like retired folk do. Hit up the pool, did a little golf cart driving, ate at a cute lil bakery, toured a winery. Nice and relaxing. At night we played an exciting round of mini-golf - 2 holes in 1 and I took first place out of the 7 of us.

After we returned to Leesburg, I think it was Ben and Brian who put the finishing touches on the Maple Lane puzzle: Saturday: Disney! Ali, Ben and I ran all over Magic Kingdom, taking in the classic rides with Pirates (although I despise the fact that they put Johnny Depp in the ride - the movie came from the ride, not the other way around!), BIG Thunder Mountain, Haunted Mansion and of course Space Mountain. We then monorailed over to Epcot where we rode Test Track and drank our way around the countries. We met up with the rest of the folk in China for a delicious gourmet meal, where I drank two pots of tea to help rid myself of the returned sore throat.
Sunday: Ciao! The fam left Ben and myself to our own devices - we relaxed at the pool till we were slightly toasted and then caught our flight back to the working world.
Now it's back to sick children, sick me and job hunting.
I'm beginning to think that my body is reacting to giving up chocolate for Lent. Those natural antioxidants were keeping me healthy.

Only 4 more days...

why not?

2007-04-03T03:00:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I find myself drafting creative writings in my head and later wonder why I never hard copy my thoughts. Well, when one has had enough of job hunting and waiting around for something adventurous to come their way, why not create a blog to answer that question? It's easier than the old paper and ink. I'm sure everyone's first entry is similar to what I'm currently writing... An intro to something new.
Well, I'm just putting my words in some sort of form and hope to come to some sort of revelation through these next few months of my transmogrification.
Enjoy the ride...