Good news spreads fast

Nicole
09.29.05 @ 01:14 AM CST
feeling: i don't wanna go to class

So since I got to talk to almost everyone last night then I can go ahead and state that Kevin and I, and some of our fellow students, are might be going to an international architectural workshop. yeah. When I get more details you'll get more details. That's all for now. Go have a party, j-k I'll talk to everybody soon.

big news

Nicole
09.28.05 @ 04:42 AM CST
feeling: happy, oh so happy

So I recieved big news yesterday during my Intineraries class. I am still jumping up and down, well atleast on the inside. And while I do feel bad for those who couldn't share in the big news both kevin and I could so that made everything all right. So what is this big news I wish to share...

feeling the burn

Nicole
09.28.05 @ 01:37 AM CST
feeling: good

So I was starting to freak out about my weight, because clothes don't shrink back to the normal size without a dryer, well atleast not jeans. And while everything was getting bigger I was not convinced that it was because I was losing weight. So over the weekend I decided that I would start an exercise program to add to the large amount of walking that we already do; about 20 minutes to school (lots of hills) and when we go to sites there is either no walking or no sitting, for about 3 hours. Anyway, so we do alot of walking and we live on Piano 4, which in America would be the 5th floor, and while Kevin forces me to take the elevator to save my knees I make sure that I take the steps atleast once a day up and once a day down. But now to my addition, I decided to add abs, my knee exercises, other leg exercises, and push ups. Yesterday was the first morning that I was to do said exercises and then we walked up to school blah blah blah. This moring I am feeling the burn, I don't remember the last time I was so aware of my abdominal region (atleast do to exercise). Atleast I know that something is going on, I just hope that its a good thing.

On another note: I'm going back to the doctors today for my results and will let you know when he says that I am fine.

It's almost my birthday!

Jon
09.27.05 @ 10:50 PM CST
listening to: TV in the background...
feeling: Okay...

OKay, it's almost my birthday. Jocie asked me to put together a list. Most of it is on Amazon.com, clearinghouse of all things e-commerce-y. You can find it right Here.

Also - I want this bag from Overstock, because it is sexy, and it will help me when I travel back and forth to the east coast...and it will make a snazzy briefcase. I am still using that messenger bag from college.

Let's play catch-up...

Jon
09.27.05 @ 12:22 PM CST
listening to: Loveline. I record it at night.
feeling: Okay. A little cranky.

Okay, it's been a few days since I posted...and Denny, mench that he is, has commented that I don't post enough...so here's a big catch-up.

1) I roasted a chicken. I pulled the skin away from the body and tucked tasty herbs and dried onion, garlic, etc, under it, so that as it roasted, it rehydrated the herbs and osmosis did the rest. It was very tasty. I've never had a better piece of chicken. The next day I took the rest of the meat that I picked off the carcass and made Chicken Salad. It was so moist and flavorful that it needed very little dressing. It was very simple, and very good.

2) I had a good day yesterday. I got hired by a company called Aquent. They are a staffing firm that ONLY staffs designers. I have been frustrated trying to get on there for a while, and now I am.

3) I had a meeting with a propect yesterday, and we really hit it off, and he threw me about $1200 of new work. Badass.

4) I had a phone call with a guy in Grapevine who does these marketing kits for different industries. I may be going in once or twice a week to work for him designing these things.

5) I am losing weight. This is good. Current weight is 308.8. The last time most of you saw me was in the neighborhood of 330. I am trying to lose 100 lbs in the next year. 208.8 by October 1 2006. Sonofabitch.

That's what's going on with me.

Stray Dog

Jocelyn
09.26.05 @ 11:12 AM CST
listening to: None
feeling: Thirsty, is that a mood?

While mom and Keith were walking the dogs they picked up a stray dog. He had a "life of Riley" on his collar so we've been calling him Riley, same thing happened to Michael J Fox in back to the future, when he was called Calvin for his Calvin Klein underpants. We just got a call from Riley's mom and his real name is Rodger.

I bring Mabel to work today and "Riley/Rodger" was still here. Riley is a bog chocolate lab. All the dogs go outside so Mabel can meet Riley. Mabel was on guard with her back hair raised. She sniffs around, Riley is doing well with the interogation...all is going ok, until...da da da! Riley comes over to me. He pet him, talk to him, and Mabel like a overprotective boyfriend gets pissy and starts growling at Riley and her hair back is VERY tall. She eventually shows her teeth at Riley. Strike one Mabel gets tossed inside, when she settles down, and realized that is not how to talk to other dogs, we go back out. Again, everthing goes smoothly until Riley and I talk/pet. Mabel gets alittle defensive and growls lightly. We gently go back inside. Third time is a charm, Keith took Mabel outside with Riley...no trouble. Sniff, make friends and now they are romping around like good old friends.

As I'm writing this, Riley's mom calls and is on her way to pick him up. Riley lives in a beautiful house on probably 6-8 acres...and his dad is a baseball player. I forget which one. I was hoping we'd be able to drop him off but instead he's getting picked up here.

Mabels made a new friend and Riley gets to go back home. The End.

Weekend of Rita

Jocelyn
09.26.05 @ 10:07 AM CST
listening to: None
feeling: Nice

We went out Wedensday night to pick up some groceries for the impending storm. It turns out that Thursday the storm moved east and moved its path of wind and rain to another location rather than the DFW area. Saturday the clouds and wind moved in and we got a sprinkle for 3 minutes. We seriously need the rain....anyway, our plans did not change. We hunkered down the fort, started drinking around 4:30, roasted our chicken, our squash, and had rented movies ready. The chicken turned out sooooo good. We're always so proud of ourselves when we made a meal that we could serve a group of people. I'm leaving the details to Jon because he really cooked it, I just ate it. I cooked the squash. We're planning on using squash as a decorative accent in the home instead of eating it again.

1yr & 10months

Nicole
09.25.05 @ 02:03 AM CST
feeling: happy

So as of today Kevin and I have been together for 1yr and 10months, it is kind of scary to think that it has already been that long, when it feels like just yesterday we were just friends. While I know that is a good thing it also feels like we've been together forever and we have accomplished so much, and while we have been through a decent amount together we are far from conquering the world.

It is so nice to know that other people in my life have found happiness. And while I miss you all I know that your world moves on without my presence and mine without yours, I'm just glad that we all have people that appreciate us - even if we can't see it all the time.

I hope that you all have a nice day.

horses and funnel cake

Bernie
09.24.05 @ 05:28 PM CST

Don and I spent the day down at Howard CC Grand Prix. It is our biggest scholarship fundraiser and I had never been to it. There were fancy tents for the sponsors, and a vendors row and the field was covered with all these attractive jumps, lots of shrubbery. We helped out in the both that sold sodas, sandwiches like pit beef and funnel cakes. The weird thing was that the funnel cakes are pre-made (like hot pretzels) and you heat them up in the oil. We ran out around 2:30 so by 3:00 we went over to watch some of the jumping. Out of 32 horses only 5 made it through 12 jumps without knocking over the top bar. We left before they had the jump off. They also raffle off a Mercedes each year at $100 a raffle ticket.....Anyway, we're tired but feeling useful.

public transportation

Nicole
09.24.05 @ 01:45 AM CST
feeling: not to bad

Okay so because I don't have a car, or money to waste on constant taxis while in Rome, I am forced to use the bus and tram system. While I am used to the public transportation idea it is at times rediculous here. Instead of just keep running their roots buses actually stop and wait for an appropriate lapse in time for them to make it to their next stop, infact that night buses are so rare that we are convinced they take a nap. During the day it is not as bad but at 8am, for example, you are supposed to be able to catch the 44 every 6 minutes but you can't you can catch one every two minutes and then if you miss all 4 or 5 of them you have to wait a half an hour. Now a half an hour is the normal ellapsing time for the route but at night you have to wait an entire hour to catch the damn bus. I mean what do they do for that extra half an hour? And yes that is a retorical question. But it is nice when the system works because then it gets us to the beach in under an hour from the house, in a half an hour if we're lucky (like today when we're going back to the beach so I can make my burns grow :confused. But last night we waited for about an hour for the damn bus and at 2am that is not fun, especially not with a drunk that is throwing up, grrr (and no it wasn't me or Kevin, or even one of my roommates).

On a positive note the club was nice, it was called Rock Castle, and the played only Rock music (well for the most part). But our school sponsered it so people from AUR got in for free and then got cheap drinks, which didn't include Nicole because of the meds from the crazy doctor.

n.b.- don't mind my spelling it's early here and they all want to leave already for the beach. so . . . ya know you do what you can when you can.

Publicity...

Jon
09.23.05 @ 04:36 PM CST
listening to: Don & Mike
feeling: Okay, I guess.

http://www.socal.com/articles/1833-2.html

At least my poster is getting some good publicity. The performance is this weekend. Everyone wish Timur and the crew good luck. Or break a leg, or whatever.

it wouldn't be fall...

Nicole
09.23.05 @ 01:33 AM CST
feeling: blah

Well it is time, I am now sick. But it wouldn't be fall semester without Nicole getting sick. Luckly I don't have to go to the ER, just the hospital to see an doctor that speaks english. While I wll not discluse the fullness of my unrination issues, I think that one word is enough.

But it also wouldn't be a fall semester, or any semester, without girls having drama and let me tell you it has gotten interesting over here. I hope that they work it out, and luckly it is not in my room.

Well anyway, I can't go to the doctor until after 3 so I have time to feel better all on my own. I hate doctors, not the people just going to the office.

I hope all is well back in the states.

That was a test...

Jon
09.22.05 @ 05:11 PM CST
listening to: Don & Mike
feeling: Uh....apprehensive.

Okay, so I tried to add a feature to the 'blog, and it didn't work.

If you were trying to post, I apologize. It probably wiped your entry out. Sorry.

Ads

Jocelyn
09.22.05 @ 10:53 AM CST
listening to: XPN
feeling: Still Nice

I would like to comment and poke fun on the ads on the side of the blog. Nicole mentioned self tanning lotion and here's an ad for it.

While I'm here, I'm also going to share our idea for planting a raised bed for a veggie garden. I hope that this will start to take place this fall/winter so the beds will be ready for spring.

Also, we're going to roast a chicken this weekend. I had great hopes for making it but then I actually picked up the dead bird in the grocery store and got queesy. Jon with be handling the bird, I will be the sous chef. What a partnership. I needed to find someone who could accept and support my dislike of bones in meat.

Rita

Jocelyn
09.22.05 @ 10:20 AM CST
listening to: None
feeling: Nice

I am among the people tuned into the news to watch weather reports. I always have been. I was the point person for "The Storm of the Century" in Philadelphia. Friends would call me to hear the most up to date details concerning the potential snow storm of historical proportions....it ended up leaving a dusting and the weather forecaster got kicked out of the city and he how works somewhere in New York. Anyway, this leads me to Hurricane Rita.

There are so many different reports...speculations...people are taking this serious, which is good. This is so different than preparing for a snow storm. I know that sounds like a dumb statement, but it's what I have to compare it to. This storm has brought to my attention how many cities are at or just above sea level in texas. This area is being inundated with evacuees from both the South and Katrina evacuees. Clients of ours who have rentals are opening them up to evacuees, there is a hotline number on all the highway signs for people seeking assistance on hotels. MORE....

Rain

Nicole
09.22.05 @ 09:38 AM CST

So I thought that November was supposed to be the rainy season in Italy? I mean I like the rain but this is getting out of control; it has rained every other day, or sometimes more frequently. And it's not like I get out of any of my outdoor classes because of rain, we just change locations to be inside that day.

Although I must say that there aren't as many tourist will it's raining and that's always nice, because man do they get annoying.

On the matter of tourist, this guy offered to buy one of Kevin's drawings at the Pantheon, it was just a detail but the drawing turned out really well. Kevin didn't sell it though, we need all of our drawings to get grades at the end of the semester but it makes for a good story.

Pro Bono Work...

Jon
09.21.05 @ 09:29 AM CST
listening to: LoveLine...
feeling: Sleepy

Okay, so, I am doing a fair amount of Pro Bono work right now. You guys saw the opera poster I did last month. (The performance is coming up soon, btw.) This is a poster I just did for a local community center in West Dallas. Click on it to see the full-sized version.

It's so bizarre to drive out to this place. You go into the city, then go west until you leave the city, cross a bridge (over a field that I can only assume to be a flood plane) and back into city...only unlike downtown Dallas, which is so clean and shiny that it looks like a movie set, this is a small, dirty city. It's nothing but warehouses and defunct industrial stuff, and really crappy small houses that look like they are falling down.

It's then that it sort of sets into my brain what a poor job our government does at prioritizing. Here in Dallas it is illegal to panhandle. If you do, you get a ticket. If you don't show up for your court date, you get a warrant, and when you don't mail them a check, you get arrested. The system falls apart when you realize that there is no real way to enforce it because these people don't have mailing addresses. What a waste of resources.

Feeling better

Nicole
09.21.05 @ 01:23 AM CST
feeling: relief

So after drinking about 1.5 L of water between 6pm and 8pm I am feeling much better, incase you were worried. I also no longer feel dehydrated, and might never need to drink water again. Anyway, my sunburn is also clearing up and I only twinge slightly when someone touches my back, luckly the peeling hasn't started yet and I hope that it doesn't.

Well I need to read a chapter before my 12:30 class. Film is a wonderful class but it has a lot of reading and way to many names and dates, but I'll tell you more about that another day.

not my week

Nicole
09.20.05 @ 12:08 PM CST
feeling: do i have to answer?

So this week has not been the greatest. I got burnt at the beach, my own fault. I've been surviving my aches and pains from the burning, I tried to by aloe lotion at the store and instead the woman sold me self tanning lotion (but it is helping with the pain). The other night when I was looking for something in the dark I hit my chin on a chair and got a cut in my mouth, which is now a string of sores. And now today I feel like I have to pee every 5 minutes or so. And this isn't even my "ladies" week. I swear if we have a pop quiz I might just lay down in front of a bus.

Steppin Out

Jocelyn
09.19.05 @ 09:47 AM CST
listening to: None
feeling: Nice

Yesterday we celebrated moms birthday and my Aunt Terry's. We rented a pontoon boat on Grapevine Lake. It was awesome. We all jumped into the water expecting it to be salt water...oh we are so trained. Swimming and boating on this lake made all of us feel like we were on vacation and definately on the east coast again. The weater was beautiful...hot enough that we needed to swim twice but with a nice breeze so we could boat around. Jon even drove alitle. What Jon did most of the time was flip off the back of the boat. It was a great day and we all finally got alittle tan. Our first tan of the summer!

my flickr

Nicole
09.17.05 @ 07:48 PM CST

just wanted to let everyone know that my flickr site is ready.

you can see the pics at www.flickr.com/photos/nic_kev/

have fun, there are private pics as well but you need to be labeled as a family or friend or jon can help you.

night all (it's 2:48am here)

Sun sickness

Nicole
09.17.05 @ 01:42 AM CST
feeling: ouch

Yesterday we went to the beach. Kevin, Jackie, Allison, Vicki, and I all got up around 8ish and left by 9am for our day at the beach, this time was a difficult effort as we had come in from Compo di Fouri around 3am (damn the bus system). So back to the beach story. So as we are all tired we mostly slept on the beach and played in the water a little. So we get there and I put some sunblock on, not really paying attention to what I'm doing because I don't care and I was to out of it. Then after laying around I played in the water with Kev, who jumped right in. When we went to leave, everyone was checking out how much color did they get. And that is when a couple of my roommates get histarical over how red I was. To make a long story not quit as long. I came home took a luke warm shower, so my head would feel warmth but my body would feel cold. Then I rubbed aloe lotion all over my body, as I was wearing a two piece so this includes stomach and a large portion of my chest. Then I put on big pjs as to not touch me anywhere. I also was not hunger so when I ate dinner it made me feel sick and I basically went to bed right from dinner so that I wouldn't throw up. But don't worry I'm gonna buy some more lotion today and I'm feeling much better.

Different note: Almost all beaches in Italy are topless beaches, from what we've heard and experienced yesterday. And let me tell you there are some old women that are easily mistaken for men because those babies sag so much.

Saw Weezer Last Night...

Jon
09.16.05 @ 01:56 PM CST
listening to: Pugs & Kelly
feeling: I feel sick.



Went to see Weezer last night (Thanks Keith). It was cool. They put on a good show. Rivers was a lot more animated than when we saw them in Philly. He was doing a lot of the 'Jim Morrison' stuff. You know, thrashing around on stage, falling down, banging on stuff, etc. They had an extra guitar player on stage for a big chunk of the show because Rivers wasn't playing, or he was playing piano, or he was otherwise running around.

Overall it was a good show. We got there a little late...but we got into the shell as they were starting SurfWax America, one of my all-time favorite Weezer joints. It sounds so optimistic and poppy, but it's all apocalyptic. It's great. I love the dichotomy.

The stuff on the new album is way better live. The album is completely inorganic. Live, they were Rock songs.

Let's see...What else...We skipped out on Foo Fighters. Way different show than when I saw them in '96. It was all screamy and loud and it hurt us, even Keith, who is partially deaf.

Okay, now I am going to go scream curses at everyone, because I tried not to use any in my post. There you go, Mom.

Volunteer

Jocelyn
09.16.05 @ 12:49 PM CST
listening to: XPN

Yesterday mom, Aunt Terry and I volunteered at GRACE. GRACE, a strong non-profit in the area assists needy families in the area with housing, clothing, job skills and medical attention. They have now shifted their attention to the hurricane victims now living in the area. A empty warehouse donated space for large donations to be sorted. In the next few days or so it will be a place where displaced families can 'purchase' furniture, bedding and packs of clothes. Yesterday I organized the donations of men. I actually feel like I made a dent into all the donations. It was a great feeling to be able to do something hands on.

We're feeling the first effects of the new residents in the real estate market. One of our listings just sold from someone moving from New Orleans. Mom is friends with a teacher in the Irving area (Dallas ISD) and they're making big shifts in the class to fit the new students into the already crammed classrooms.

stuff

Bernie
09.15.05 @ 06:27 PM CST

I had dinner with grandma on Wednesday. They let her go home in the late afternoon. Both she and Mike are very happy that the tumor is not malignant. She is going to sleep on the living room couch for 2 weeks since steps are out. While I was there both Moe and Jimmy called to chat briefly. You could tell that she was pleased.

Nicole, don't they sell bug spray?

Jon, I am really enjoying conversing with Nicole and seeing the pictures that people post, but there really isn't much communication with you and Jocelyn.....

everything

Nicole
09.14.05 @ 02:02 AM CST
feeling: good

Okay so there are alot of things to talk about and to many subject headings to do them individually, so they will all be shortened and put into one entry.

1- Class Schedules

So while I'm in Rome I actually got the schedule that a wanted, I am the rare example. I am taking italian sketchbook,M at 8:30 to 12:30; survery of film history, M 12:30 to 3:30 and W 12:30 to 2; modes of drama, M and W 3:30 to 5;itineraries of modern architecture in europe,Tues - was 11 to 5 - then was 11 to 2 - currently 10 to 1 (teacher revisions); and imperial roman art and architecture, Thurs 9 to 12.

*the bold text is how i will be referencing that class.

2- Teachers

I must admit that I was a little bumbed when Mario told us on Monday that he would no longer be our sketchbook teacher, he sounded really cool. He joked around with us, he even inspired me to do my homework;which was so boring. But now we have this new women, who I don't remember her name, and she has assigned these drawing expercises that I remember doing in middle school. I mean it is one thing to approach the class that no one can draw but come on. She is having us do line drawings, and I don't mean basic sketches, I mean how many thicknesses of line can I do with this pencil, and if she wanted I could do an entire drawing with one pencil, but I want to move away from that and get myself to use a variety of pencils.

Anway then there is my film teacher, Paul, he's American, and proud of his love for A/C. He is a little neratic but very funny and interesting, I find his teaching style very easy to follow. I actually didn't mind reading 5 chapters for this past monday.

Ah yes my drama professor, he is a piece of work, and while I don't remembre his name either he doesn't yet know mine. I think that I might actually sign up for this poetically based drama that he wants to put on later this semester. I like his class so far.

As for Itineraries, well that conversation I don't think is web savy so I will leave my feelings on that for another day.

And Art and Architecture, I don't know about the teacher but the class is going to be miserable for the work, but interesting for the trips so it should even out.

In more to come-- Itchy skin, My knees don't know what's good for them, and A question for mom

grandma

Bernie
09.13.05 @ 05:51 PM CST

Talked to grandma on the phone this morning. She is feeling pretty good. The tumor was benign, so both she and Mike are very happy. She didn't know yet whether she is going home on Wednesday or Thursday. They let her have breakfast and were going to walk her down the hall in the afternoon. I am going to stop by to see her Wednesday evening.

Before Picture

Jocelyn
09.13.05 @ 12:55 PM CST



This is what we moved in with. This is actually one of the pictures that my mom took before we moved in the home.

Bathroom

Jocelyn
09.13.05 @ 11:07 AM CST
listening to: XPN



Here is one picture from our bathroom! It was a teal tile vanity. Totally geek to totally sheek.

moms

Nicole
09.13.05 @ 01:40 AM CST
listening to: sorry nothing
feeling: pretty good

So on my morning surfing I noticed that mom had commented on my runny nose and runny eyes blog, and it just made me laugh. I think that it is funny how a mom will always be a mom no matter how old her children get.

And don't worry mom the eye is all better and is only slightly pink now, well it was when i got up but i'll check on it later.

Food

Jocelyn
09.12.05 @ 04:55 PM CST
listening to: Nothing

This weekend we had friends come over Saturday night for dinner. We knew it had to be healthy because it was our trainer and his very health conscience girlfriend. I found a recipe for grilled salmon and other than that, we went to the grocery store with no other plan. It was nice to go without a plan and be able to whip up an easy dinner that tasted great. Jon made some meat infused with garlic and grilled in a cast iron pan. It was very nice and tender. I made a Lemon and Lime Grilled Salmon. SOOOO EASY. 1 tablespoon each: chopped tarragon, lime zest, lemon zest, olive oil. 3 Tablespoons of lime juice. Pepper to taste. Rub it over the salmon, marinade for 15 minutes, grill 3-4 minutes each side. EXCELLENT. Anyway, we also served tasty rice, asparagus, drank lots of wine and served grilled peaches and ice cream for desert. I'm proud of us for just being able to whip up a tasty dinner without any real plan. We're becoming skilled.

Eggs...

Jon
09.12.05 @ 10:52 AM CST
listening to: LoveLine. I record it at night.
feeling: Fine, I guess.

I love eggs.

I especially love hard boiled eggs. I love them in salads, and as egg salad, and I love them as a healthy protien-laden snack.

However, I do not know how to prepare them satisfactorily, nor do I know how to store them properly, therefore making them inefficiant to prepare in large numbers...which is the only way I would ever do it.

That's all I've got today. Have a good one.

flickr

Nicole
09.11.05 @ 02:44 AM CST

okay I have started a photo site. so far only pics of my room are on it but that could change throughout the day so give me some time and you will all get to see Rome.

runny nose, runny eyes

Nicole
09.11.05 @ 02:27 AM CST
listening to: cars going by?
feeling: okay dokay

So yesterday we went to Vatican City, which one bus and one long walk- okay it's maybe a half and hour but still. We went into the square and chased the birds, felt the columns, and got weird looks. Then after we went through the metal detectors we went inside. First we went into the catocombs and say the tombs of the old popes, there was a really long line to pray in front of Pope John Paul II. From there we went into St. Paul Cathedral, which is breath taking I mean I'm not as religous as I used to be and it almost brought me to tears;but on the other hand I am an architecture major and a fan of Bernini. Anyway, after waiting in line to see Da Vinci behind bullet proof glass, I wondered around. And let me tell you that throughout the beauty of the entire composition that makes up this church the most intreging element was the stairwells that led behind all of the sculpture down into secret rooms, now of course all of these were ropped off and the guards would come closer if you looked at them to long but it was still cool. Then afterwards we climbed all 320 steps to the top of the cupola to get the best view of Rome in the entire city. This also got you up close and personal with the mosaics that line the upper levels of the church, can you believe that someone had to hand lay all of those stones, the job must of sucked.

so what does this have to do with my nose and eyes.

grandma

Bernie
09.10.05 @ 08:15 PM CST

Just to let you know....Grandma is having surgery on Monday. She has a tumor in her lower abdomen. She will have to avoid stairs for 2 weeks and take it easy for 6 weeks. Tumors in this area are fairly common for women and hopefully this one is beign. Uncle Bill was teasing her and telling her that she needed a wireless network so she could use her computer on the first floor. Anyway send cards to 8249 Fairwood Dr. Pasadena MD 21122
Nicole, I am sure she would love to get a post card.

photos

Nicole
09.10.05 @ 02:17 PM CST
listening to: none
feeling: tired

So after another long day of touring Rome there are many more pictures to be shown. But I am wondering what is the best means of distribution? Should I just keep posting certain shots and you all can see the rest later or would you like it if I set up a flicker site for you to explore? Anyway just let me know and I'll get Rome on the web, and pics of me and kev for you all to enjoy our lovely faces.

Exewrcise !!!!!!

Don
09.10.05 @ 09:35 AM CST
feeling: Tired, but better !

After a busy and frustrating day at work yesterday; I decided to get up this morning (Saturday) and start with exercise. I went for a 4 mile walk and actually jogged for about 1/2 mile. I stopped at a yard sale and talked with a few new people, so I felt really good when I got back home. Bernie and I did about an hour of gardening and now she's off at the bank, Greg's downstairs and I'm on the net.

Work's still pretty depressing, but Ill manage. I'm still looking for new jobs at BGE, but not seeing anything that interests me just yet. The parent Company has a few opennings, but I'm not ready to make that jump yet. I'd really like to finish my career at BGE, but what happens, happens.

I'm off the Home Depot and the Library next. I want to install a sprinkler system for my flower beds and get some books out on exercises on the "ball."

I still prefer talking to people!

TTFN --- DOD

Rainy Days

Nicole
09.10.05 @ 01:45 AM CST
listening to: none
feeling: still waking up

So this entire weekend it is supposed to rain in Rome, and all over Italy. But yesterday that was really kind of nice because for the first time since we've been here Kevin and I got to spend some alone time together. While everyone else, at his place, complained about the rain; we cuddled up and watched movies all day long. We also did some homework, don't worry mom I'm getting all of my work done.

Today I have to finish a drawing for my sketchbook class, do some sketches in my traveling sketchbook and read more for film class. I'm also hoping that it stops raining long enough to do something outside. But we will have to see.

New Feature: RSS Feed

Jon
09.09.05 @ 07:05 PM CST
listening to: Nothing, yet...okay, now CSI in the background. ;-)
feeling: Good.

OKay, so not that many of you will care, but I've added RSS Feeds to this blog. If you look to the right, under the Get Around links, there is a Build RSS link and a View RSS link. If you are authoring an entry, and you are done, you can click the Build RSS link and it will execute a small PHP script that builds an RSS Feed of the 15 most recent entries in the site.

What is RSS? Well, depending on who you ask, it's an acronym that stands for a variety of things, but most people say it stands for Really Simple Syndication. It's a standard that reformats the content in a site as XML, so that can be read by a system that reinterprets it and reformats it. Most people use this to aggregate news feeds, blogs, etc, into a program called a RSS Reader and read the most pertinent articles on their favorite topic, in a specified time period, or by a specific author. I, for example, read all the RSS feeds from Wired Magazine that are categorized as Mac entries.

So, what is the point of adding RSS to this site? Well, mostly it was to do it at all. I had to edit the PHP, which is good to know, I had to install things on my server, which is good practice, and I had to familiarize myself with the process of generating the XML in general. The other 10% was so that people like Wes, Dáv, and our other techno-savvy buddies can add the RSS to their reader and read about Mabel learning to swim along with their stock quotes, virus alerts, and sports scores.

Returning home

Nicole
09.09.05 @ 01:58 AM CST
listening to: none
feeling: grrrrrrrrrrr

So I have 2 questions in which I need answers.
1- At what time is it not appropriate to return home if you know there is going to be someone there sleeping that you will desturb by your returning?
2- At what time is it not appropriate to do something after this return, like cook a full meal when you got in at 3am?

Let me know so that I can know if I'm overreacting.

Photographic Proof of Mabel Swimming, Part Deux

Jon
09.08.05 @ 12:12 AM CST
listening to: TV
feeling: Okay, I guess.


So, for all of you who might not have been satisfied by the "Loch Ness" quality of Mabel swimming photos, here is a good one of her swimming with her best friend, Lucy.

BTW - Jocie, I love my camera.

Naxious to get thinner

Don
09.07.05 @ 07:05 PM CST
feeling: Nervous ---- from lack of food ???

ok, I weighed in at 199 this weekend and was at 201 this morning (205 tonight) ... so I'm not doing too bad. My energy level is dropping a little, so I think I'll change my eating pattern a little. It's time to get back to the Michael Thurmond plan. 4-5 light meals a day with exercise a couple of times during the day.

I talked to Nicole, Jon and Greg today as well as Bernie and a couple of close friends at work; so I'm feeling pretty good right now. Sorry folks, but blogging just isn't my thing ... I like the conversation.

Getting' tired now ... man, that's sad ... it's only 8:07 PM, but my day has been starting at 4 AM lately.

TTFN ... DOD

the 7 hills of Rome

Nicole
09.07.05 @ 01:54 AM CST
listening to: nope nothing
feeling: okay

So we've all been told about the 7 hills that make up Rome, well let me tell you that they're there I know I've been walking them. From the first few days of wearing my knee braces I already have bruises on the sides of my knees, I'm not sure what from. It's funny because people always joke about older people telling stories about going up hill both way to and from school, well as of now I do believe that it is possible. There are two ways to get to my school and both ways are pretty much up hill and then depending upon how you come back, and where you need to stop, depends on how many hills you have to go up to get back. I wish I could draw you a sketch but I don't have a scanner. But anyway each big hill is made up of smaller hills, which still seem large compared to the flat quality of Philadelphia. My goal is not to give up on said hills and keep walking them to ensure the ability to eat as much pasta as I have had to do to the lack of meat in my diet, it's pretty expensive here.

Well I have to read for film class, 5 chapters by Monday, I should start now so we can go to the beach this weekend. Ciao.

Nicole
09.06.05 @ 12:45 AM CST

And this is the living room


And this is looking out the living room window

view_from_living_1

And this is looking out the window the other way

view_from_living_2

Well actually the last two were from off of the balcony looking along the street in both directions but you get the point.

Working on the muliple picture thing

Nicole
09.06.05 @ 12:35 AM CST
feeling: still okay

View out my window



The bathrooom, and it's window


bathroom

my room

Nicole
09.06.05 @ 12:31 AM CST
listening to: zero
feeling: ok



I don't know what this is going to look like so give me some time.

My apartment in Italy

Nicole
09.06.05 @ 12:24 AM CST
listening to: none
feeling: coming around

Okay so I just woke up on this fine Tuesday morning, to the sound of a large delivery truck going by, either that or a bus, I don't know I didn't see it. Not that I really mind because I have alot to take care of today anyway. I have to buy my film class' book and get money out to pay for the trips through the school, what a pain but I'll talk about that latter. But I have finally got some pics that I can show everyone of the apt. and the view. So let's see what I can do about getting these on the internet.

First Day of classes

Nicole
09.05.05 @ 11:06 AM CST
listening to: some italian song on mtv
feeling: a little hungry

ok so while i'm still trying to adjust to the food schedule here but that will come with getting used to my classes. Anyway, I had 3 classes today, sketchbook- which we just found out what supplies we need and where they give student discounts, survey of film history - which is a required class for their communication majors so it is actually meant to be hard, the teacher actually told study abroad students that are just here to party to drop out, and lastly modes of drama - taught by a proud englishman. But the drawing class and drama class should be cake, the film class will have a fair amount of reading and studying for the midterm and final but the one paper is only 4 pages long so mostly I just have to go to class and take good notes. Speaking of which I still have to buy notebooks, I've just been using my sketchbook. And while the film class might actually require thought it is going to be amazing we started to day with flip books in the 1830s and the class will end in the 1990s. But tomorrow I have another new class from 11am to 5pm and I'm going to buy books. Then after class I'm going to buy art supplies. Wed I just repeat the film class and the drama class. Then my last new class is on Thursday but it looks like I will only have to buy lunch on Mondays because I only technically have 5 minutes between all of my classes.

questioning happiness

Nicole
09.04.05 @ 03:49 AM CST
listening to: still just the cars (and this dumb bird)
feeling: well rested

So last night all of us went out, well not at first but I'll get to that. Sir Elton John was playing a free concert at the Coloseum last night, so my roommates decided to go because the missed English, not for Elton just the english. I decided that I didn't want to go because I'm not a big fan and because I want to save some money by eating in instead of picking up pizza on the way, which is what they were going to do. But there was also a free party for AUR students at this club last night so we decided that after the concert we would all meet up on the boat, yup club on the Tiber River. So Kevin and I ate a nice dinner and talked then got ready and went up. We walked the 20ish minutes to school, then 20minutes to the bar that everyone was meeting at. Once we got there we couldn't even get our free shot because the place was so packed that it had been taking people 25min. to get a drink. Then 15 min after we got there we followed the full time AUR students to the bus station, another 5 min walk, to stand on an over crowded bus and walk for another 5 min or so to the boat. Needless to say but they had told girls to dress up in their heels so I wore one of my most comfortable pairs with my jeans and a tube top but boy do my feet still hurt. We met up with my roommates, who went immediately to the bar to by their 10 euro drinks, of which they had atleast 2-3. Beers were only 5 euro on our reserved floor but down stairs they were 10 euros as well. Water thankfully was on 3 euro and that's what i drank. So here's my question. The entire evening I had to listen to them moan because they walked from the coloseum to the boat in their heels and then I got to watch them attempt to pick up men by getting the guys to come to them. Now I understand that both of these girls aren't trying for one nighters and that they don't want boyfriends right now but it was just wierd. Now should I be happy for them, even after the attempt to make a joke out of Kevin's and mine's relationship?

I mean if they don't want we have fine, if they thought that their last boyfriend was it and their upset because he wasn't fine but they knew that by asking me to be their roommate they would get me as a person and me as part of a couple. So how do I let them not question my happiness and allow them to find theirs?

Just stuff

Greg
09.04.05 @ 02:35 AM CST
listening to: check the rhyme...A Tribe Called Quest
feeling: eh

I knid of hate my life right now. I'm strong enough to get through it though. I'm planning on running for either president or UN representative in a few years. I wish. Glad to hear every one else is so good. I miss the good old days, I can't wait to see all of you again. My car's busted, I ain't got no girl, I'm broke and I owe. Not forever though. If I can give any of you advice...life changes. It's supposed to. Sometimes good, sometimes bad, but always change. Roll with the punches.

On a side note.
To my only brother and his bride,
I am happy for both of you. I could ony hope for the kind of relationship that you have. YOu are both extremely good people and truly deserve each other...in a good way. I knew for a long time that Jon was in love. It was mind-blowing when you got together, and I've never ever seen my brother more stoked about life. Although I do miss my brother I couldn't imagine a better life for him. Good luck. You're the best. I'm so proud of yous.
With Much Love,
Greggins

Good luck with Italy Nicole, if I gotta come and wup sum ass, I will.

Most Improved

Jocelyn
09.03.05 @ 07:45 PM CST
listening to: None
feeling: Hungry

Bowling League has come to an end. We all know that our team wasn't coming in first or even second...but the one thing I had a shot at was Most Improved Average. I wasn't confident that I'd win it because my bowling average tappered off around 70. We go for the awards (Cash Awards) and I got Most Improved Average! AND I also received the highest game with handicap. That came from the 135 game with my super duper handicap. Awesome. I also now have a key chain and a patch to always remember my summer nights spent at the bowling alley. Yay Me!

yeah for scavenger hunts

Nicole
09.03.05 @ 10:31 AM CST
listening to: nothing
feeling: sweaty

So today we went to a cook out up at school after registering with the italian gov't. It was alright especially since they served meat, which we can't actually afford beef. While we were there they had a scavenger hunt and the prize was a box of food and wine. It was great. We had to run around the campus and find all of this stuff and we just barely won. We got 2 bottles of wine, 1 bottle of lemon liquer, 2 or 3 bags of pasta, pesto, tomato sauce, cookies, chocolates, I mean we are not going to have to go to the store for a while. Anyway I'm going to go be with my baby. I love you all.

losing weight the Roman way

Nicole
09.03.05 @ 04:35 AM CST
listening to: traffic
feeling: happy

Okay so today I think will be another interesting day. Last night my roommate went out to visit a girl from school that has a roommate from CO that might be going home. They ate pizza and took part in the river festivel. Kevin and I were both tired so we just hung out and ate gellato. Now what does this have to do with losing weight? Well the point is that you can't eat as much gellato as pizza it's just to creamy so you're better off. No seriously I think that I have been losing weight while we've been here, my pants are a little larger and my belt is having to go further around my waist. While this might not be the mathematicaly approach to losing weight I feel better and that's what really matters.

Proof of Mabel Swimming...

Jon
09.02.05 @ 06:38 PM CST
listening to: TV in the background...
feeling: Proud



This is my dog swimming. She's the same dog that runs away from the hose...and the pool...and the rain...and the bathtub...and the sprinkler...and the pitcher of water that we fill her bowl with...and many other forms of water.

That picture (will someone tell me again how great camera phones are? Because, I am like, totally missing it) is of my scaredy-cat pooch swimming in Grapevine Lake this afternoon. I'm so proud of her, it hurts a little bit.

She waded out a little further every time Keith threw the ball, until eventually she went too far, and she had to swim back. After that, it was all over. Once she got the mechanics down, it was all over. She swam out really far to get the ball a few times, with her tail wagging behind her like a little black rudder.

We were so proud that we were jumping up and down on the beach cheering.
I am going to be a snivelling pussy when we have kids. God help me if they win anything.

Strike 3 - Sears

Don
09.02.05 @ 04:51 PM CST
feeling: Bummed Out!

Well, Sears didn't show. Bernie and I called yesterday, today, today and today again to make certain the service call would happen and nothing worked. This afternoon at 3:30 I called their corporate offices in Chicago and just stayed on the line until someone helped me.

Now they're scheduled for Tuesday --- they never come to Sykesvlle on Tuesday so we should feel special .... yeah, right.

BUT, they're getting much more effiecient .... now they've shipped me the same parts twice. The repair charge has showed up on my bill already, so I think I'll challenge the charge and drive them crazy ... heh, heh, heh!

I will never buy Sears products again. Anyone needing the Sears corporate phone number should call DOD. I just don't want to publish it on the internet until I don't need it any more, then I think I'll send it to everyone who has an email address in the world .... how would I do that?

Mabel Rocks

Jocelyn
09.02.05 @ 02:46 PM CST
listening to: None
feeling: Hot and Excited

Mabel, our doggie, has been terrified of water since the day we got her. We've tried to coax her and even force her into the pool every summer. No Luck. Today, Keith, Jon and I took Mabel and mom and dads two dogs (Bob and Lucy) to Grapevine Lake. Within an hour, Mabel went from testing the water with her feet to full on swimming long distances to catch a ball. Three dogs in the water and three people on the shore jumping up and down and waving our hands in the air cheering Mabel on. It was a very proud moment to see our puppy overcome a fear and embrace the water for all its glory. We had to pry her out of the water when it was time to leave.

anger management

Nicole
09.01.05 @ 04:13 PM CST
listening to: none
feeling: blah

so today we had a lot of fun roming the city, yes ha ha roming Rome. but let me tell you that after a certain amount of time a person can get tired of living their life around some one else's agenda. I love kevin but i want to just think about him and me not him and me and his sister and mother and all of their personal tramas, not that i don't appreciate them or like them; i guess that i was hoping that by being 8 hours away there would be something different. oh well.

Italy

Nicole
09.01.05 @ 03:01 AM CST
listening to: nothing
feeling: sleepy

Italy in a nut shell is not very different from the US. I mean I would hate to dissapoint everyone but there are only a few differences. People, in general, do dress nicer than your average American. I haven't seen anyone walking around in sweat pants but it is also warm here I mean it is like Northern FL. Men typically wear a nice pair of slacks and an appropriate shirt, if they work at a market is construction then they would be wearing a t-shirt but everyone else (male wise) wears button downs. I saw two gentleman around lunch time in full three piece suit, they were probably just at home for lunch. Women seem to take up a wider range of fashion. Just like in the states some women care and others don't. So yesterday I saw women in t-shirts and jeans, hulter tops and jeans, tube top dresses- and let me tell you she was wearing a lot of make up that matched her dress, but most older (mid 30s and up) seem to dress in either long cotton dresses or in pants and button downs. Some exceptions will apply to the following statement but it seems like the wear more muted colors then we do I've seen alot of greys and blacks, some whites, deep burgendies, and shades of cream but not to many primary colors not even in the stores with as I said a few exceptions.

still to come . . . weather, the italian male a spieces in itself, and the view is great the hills are not.