distinctly.elan

Happy New Years Eve, everyone!

Happy New Years Eve, everyone!
"On the Out" by MXPX

I must say this year has been very eventful. To sum it all in a few words:

Ben
"Without a Prayer" Dinner Theatre
Good Charlotte
Marsha
Skipping
Prom Date
Missing Junior Prom
Farewell to BCCHS
New Job
Painter Kids
National Fine Arts
Driving Lessons on I-95
Puppy
Turnaround
BCCCollege
Delaware
NawNaw
Goodbyes
Confusion
Content?

I'll think about things. But I think I like the way it's all turned out.

- My Great-Grandmother NawNaw passed away yesterday afternoon. She'd been in intensive care for about a week, and eventually the doctors couldn't keep her any longer. I don't quite know how I feel about it; I'm glad she died peacefully, and surrounded by her family, but I think I grieved over her all I could when she first went into the nursing home two years ago. Several years ago, she was a vibrant lady, and her health quickly failed her, so much that when she was put into the home, she wasn't the NawNaw I knew. Thanks for your caring and your prayers, everyone.

P.S. -> Check out my

P.S.

-> Check out my guestmap on the right side of the page. Add your name, city, and a note or two. Even if you're just passing by, I'd love to see where my readers are all from. Thanks!

Sunshine Buddies Allie is so

Sunshine Buddies

Allie is so very awesome, she got me a gift card to Barnes & Noble, which I will very much enjoy spending. :-D

The guys we meet - someone who kept driving on the right side of the road and the teeth-brusher
*I rolled my eyes at them to let them know they were NOT COOL* - Allie's response to guys that drive in fast cars
*I've never been in this side of the store before*
*I hate sharing my bed. It's a horrible feeling*

Toodles everyone!

Two for Tuesday "What it

Two for Tuesday
"What it is to Burn" by Finch

1. With the New Year fast approaching, have you set forth some resolutions or goals for 2004?

Usually my resolutions are the same from year to year, and I end up not following through (I doubt anyone really does).

But so far -
- find another job
- get out of the house and get my own place
- driver's license and car
- regularly exercise
- find a hobby
- write the script I had planned to write this summer
- stop overanalyzing
- stop letting people get the best of me
- make my own decisions about my life

2. What are your plans for New Years Eve?

- I'll be spending New Year's Eve on the Constellation, working their deck party from 8pm until 1am. At least Baltimore has the best fireworks there.

I'm digging my new layout.

I'm digging my new layout. Took me a while and had some problems, but I like it! And I didn't like my other one when the Cheshire cat diappeared from the layout. Yay.

Oh, and it's a sad day.

Actor Earl Hindman, best known for playing a neighbor whose face was forever obscured by a fence on the television show "Home Improvement," died of lung cancer Monday in Stamford, Connecticut. He was 61.
(entire CNN story)

Tehe. At least uglychristmaslights.com didn't

Tehe. At least uglychristmaslights.com didn't post 34th Street. The there would have been war. I like my White Trash Christmas just the way it is. Yes, White Trash. Not Redneck.

Ya gotta love a sticky keyboard.

Me: ichee

Allie: ichee? :-P

Me: yes, ichee

Allie: itchy?

Me: no, ichee

Allie: I don't get it

Me: haha, ichee= I see

Allie: oo

Me: tehe, it's a mistypism

Allie: sigh

And I'm never satisfied. Next summer, I'm stealing her haircut. How cute is that?! (Leave a note, whatever you think, especially peoples who actually know what I look like)

PS (And Sean got some

PS

(And Sean got some cute pictures of Dace, Allie, and I, and so did Jason. I do hope they will turn out, and hopefully I can post some of them in a few days. Sean, email me the pictures please, and Dace, what's Jason's sn? Gracias)

Unleashing Your Inner Dog and

Unleashing Your Inner Dog and other very creepy-funny books at B&N
"Bloody Valentine" by Good Charlotte -it's the ironic vengeful beeyatch in me that loves this song

I've gotten very little sleep this weekend; I went to sleep last night at 9:30 and woke up nine hours later feeling refreshed.

Yesyterday was a blast, went to Dace's for her Christmas party, re-met her ex Jason, and hung out with Allie, Sean, and Seth's brother Travis and girlfriend Rachel. Watched Finding Nemo, played MarioKart, and 007. And they made fun of my 007 character's teal shirt and red hair. *The fashion police are coming to get you! She's running into walls! Let's put her out of her misery* haha. So much fun, we haven't had a bash since... Allie's birthday. *Pony boy*She has huge thighs!* Tehe

~~~~~~~

Today was my first day back to work in 11 days. Felt strange. Screwed up scheduling messes me up and weirds out my paycheck. (woohoo. 8.5 hours in 2 weeks. what fun.)

The crowds were massive today. No "We had 12 visitors today!" quipping to Bossman. I haven't seen this many people since the summer, not even during Labor Day Weekend. And it was a gorgeous winter day. I would have it stay this way all winter.

But I did my new presentation again today, the one I was tested on at least two weeks ago and haven't studied since, so I said everything off the top of my head. (Which was terrifying.) But L said I did a good job, so I'm pleased. Then I had two other presentations to do for these masses of people, and my voice is very sore and hoarse now. (Learn to project. I know.) But I am dead tired. But content. It's a good exausted.

And a little boy, about 7 or 8, made me so happy today. As part of the audience partici.....pation , I asked this kid and another little girlie to help me out and shout the commands to finish it off. They were so cute! *squeals* So they're yelling out "Brace for square!" in their loudest kiddie voices, and I just sit there, trying my best not to giggle. Then after I had finished, answered questions, and made smalltalk, L let me go on break. Twenty minutes later, I walked back to the ship and there's the kids, their chubby hands holding onto Daddy's strong ones. The boy walked up to me, gives me a little hug and said "That was so much fun! Thank you," then waved and the three disappeared into the hoardes of visitors on the pier.

That's why I love my job so much; I love making people smile. Even if they're laughing at me, I want them to smile. And being able to work with children, I couoldn't be any happier. Yeah, there are some really moronic and twitty tourists out there. But it's it's little kids like the boy and his sister that make it worthwhile.

So I got my hair

So I got my hair cut today. Too exausted and run out to do anything else. My hair doesn't look *too* bad, I'm happy all the split ends are gone, and it's much lighter. It's now almost a shoulder length bob, but much more layered and choppy, with long bangs. Yay. I like it. Will post pictures ASAP for my readers in Blogland, probably from tomorrow's party (because I know you all are on the edge of your seats wondering who this hottie child is and what she looks like). I feel so bouncy now. Except for the fact that I'm too tired to bounce. Too sleepy .....zzzzzz

Oh, and we're getting DSL in a couple weeks when AOL runs out. (Weehoo!) I'm so excited. Gosh I'm a dork. And it is a really dumb thing to freeze a spoon then pt it in your mouth. My tongue hurts.

Perfect, perfect song for tonight. The great Ms. Etheridge couldn't have said it any better.

"Breathe" by Melissa Etheridge

I'm all right, I'm all right
It only hurts when I breathe

He left for his flight

He left for his flight this morning; we followed him up to the baggage check, then in a whirl of hugs and goodbyes, he was gone.

Late the night before, L and M took us and W2 out to see Master & Commander again. Got home around 1am, wrote in my journal, then crashed, only to wake up at six-thirty this morning. I feel so tired I could lose conciousness at any moment. But first I'm getting my hair cut, and then I'll come home to a nap.

In honor of this new path they call the New Year, a tidbit from Lewis Carrol's Alice in Wonderland.

" 'Cheshire Puss,' she began, rather timidly, as she did not at all know whether it would like the name: however, it only grinned a little wider. 'Come, it's pleased so far," thought Alice, and she went on. 'Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?'

'Oh, you're sure to do that,' said the Cat, 'if you only walk long enough.' "

eebmore.com has some great

eebmore.com has some great pictures of 34th Street in Hamden. That is Christmas to me.

I told you it was

I told you it was fake.

Swiped from Nuggets, who swiped it from BBC.

"An American woman has been left with a British accent after having a stroke.

"This is despite the fact that Tiffany Roberts, 61, has never been to Britain. Her accent is a mixture of English cockney and West Country.

"The first case of foreign accent syndrome was reported in 1941 in Norway, after a young Norwegian woman suffered shrapnel injury to the brain during an air raid.

"Initially, she had severe language problems from which she eventually recovered. However, she was left with what sounded like a strong German accent and was ostracized by her community."

(The entire story is on the BBC site.)

So this is Christmas.. "Picture

So this is Christmas..
"Picture Perfect" by Nelly Furtado

December has passed so very quickly; it only occured to me a few days ago the year is nearly over. I've had so many new experiences, places I've discoverted, paths I'd never expect to venture into but am so grateful I took the first step toward them. I feel like Alice when she first fell through the rabbit hole to Wonderland; she was so wide-eyed, and curious. I've journeyed onto paths- physically, mentally, and spiritually - and it's been this incredible eye-opening experience. I finally feel comfortable in my own skin, and nearly adjusted to who I am, and where I have been placed in life. But that entry is for another day.

Christmas passed pretty uneventfully. I enjoyed myself, but I wouldn't be exagerating when I said a miracle occured yesterday.

I spent Christmas Eve at a vespers servie last night with my family, Puppy and some of my closest friends, which is what I had wanted. Kat loved her gift, an Evanescence tshirt, and I was so happy to see her last night; I've missed her, and she was unable to join us bowling a few days ago. After we left, I stayed up until two in the morning, wrapping gifts for our extended family and friends. I saw the last bit of It's a Wonderful Life, a movie I've never watched in its entirity until last year, and a blurry but still lovely ballet production of The Nutcracker.

Then Chrstmas morning was spent sleeping until eight, the exchanging presents. I had gotten Jacob a hoodie and hat, Mum a pair of tickets to see Cold Mountain, and Dad received a grill set from Jacob and I. Santa thought I was a good girl this year and delivered the XMen2 nd Pirates of the Caribbean dvds (yay! *dances*), a gorgeous red top and flowy skirt, and Nelly Furtado's newest album, which I was surprised about, she was the one artist I hadn't mentioned to mum. In all, I was very pleased and surprised.

In the afternoon, we planned to go to my mum's side of the family, visit her four sisters and their children, and my grandparents. I curled my hair, dressed in the outfit I had received, and we were on our way. I can't say I've ever felt more beautiful, aside from the night of the Ring Cruise last fall. My aunts complimented me the entire evening, and simpleton that I am, it made me so happy. There was a tinge of hurt from the little girl deep down inside me that's gone to these family functions year after year, the little girl with stick straight black hair, coke-bottle glasses, and skinny, stumpy body that could never compare to her older, or even younger cousins. She was always looked down on, in fact, her entire family was the people that had to work hard for anything, for the gifts they passed out to relatives that were received with a sigh and a nudged "thank-you."The little girl has grown up though, her glasses gone, a real grin, not any plastered smile, and a bounce in her step. She's become a young lady who is finally learning to know and love every bit of herself, a girl that's learned to trust her judgement and decisions. And that girl is so very happy with the person she is today, a girl that knows even though she feelslike crap and feels like she is at the bottom and the lowest she can go, she can still stand up, and be pleased with her life.

Going to see my mother's family is always very strange, I go with a gut feeling that there will be some kind of mishap or misunderstanding that will erupt into a massive fight, usually between my family and the others. I doubt I'll go to their get-together next Christmas, or ever again, simply because the tension between the family members is always there, always waiting to happen at any moment. Every year it's been the same, and I was simply so tired off hearing it every year that I asked mum not to ever make mention of anything that could possibly cause a fight - no political, religious, philosiphical, or medical topics could be brought up, ever. And she was good. The night was spent discussing how wonderful everyone's kids were and how tasty the green bean casserole was. Boring conversation that might take place between aqquantainces, yes. But a good way to keep out of yet another fight. That's not to say there weren't any almost fights; there certainly were. But it was ignored for the most point, and voices only rose in anger and frustration twice.

So all in all it wasn't a bad Christmas. Was it what I dreamed of? No, but it's pretty darn close.

I hope you all had

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! Much love and hugs
to you all.

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus 2 that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.

When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.
Luke 2:1-20

"REmedy" by Jason Mraz Things

"REmedy" by Jason Mraz
Things Not to Do At Return of the King

(But I want to do these soo much. For anyone who goes with me to see ROTK, beware.)

For those of you planning on seeing the third LOTR movie at the theatre here are some survival tips.

1. Stand up halfway through the movie and yell loudly, "Wait... where the hell is Harry Potter?"

2. Block the entrance to the theatre while screaming: "YOU SHALL NOT PASS!". After the movie, say "Lucas could have done it better."

3. At some point during the movie, stand up and shout: "I must go! Middle Earth needs me!" and run and try to jump into the screen.
After bouncing off, return quietly to your seat.

4. Play a drinking game where you have to take a sip every time someone says: "The Ring."

5. Point and laugh whenever someone dies.

6. Ask the nearest ring-nut if he thinks Gandalf went to Hogwarts.

7. Finish off every one of Elrond's lines with "Mr. Anderson."

8. When Aragorn is crowned king, stand up and at the top of your lungs sing, "And I did it.... MY way...!"

9. At the end, complain that Gollum was offensive to Ethiopians.

10. Talk like Gollum all through the movie. At the end, bite off someone's finger and fall down the stairs.

11. When Shelob appears, pinch the guy in front of you on the back of the neck.

12. Dress up as old ladies and re-enact "The Battle of Helms Deep" Monty Python style.

13. When Denethor lights the fire, shout "Barbecue!"

14. Ask people around you who they think is the next "Terminator" sent from the Middle Earth of the future to assassinate Frodo Baggins.

15. In TTT when the Ents decide to march to war, stand up and shout "RUN FOREST, RUN!"

16. Every time someone kills an Orc, yell: "That's what I'm Tolkien about!" See how long it takes before you get kicked out of the theatre.

17. During a wide shot of a battle, inquire, "Where's Wally?"

18. Talk loudly about how you heard that there is a single frame of a nude Elf hidden somewhere in the movie.

19. Start an Orc sing-a-long.

20. Come to the premiere dressed as Frankenfurter and wander around looking terribly confused.

*sigh* It was a good

*sigh*

It was a good weekend. The cantata turned out just wonderful, and Puppy came to see me. After we finished, we went out with 20 or so other people from the cast to Nautilus Diner, then drove around Towson looking for lights. Several off the houses that we visit every year as long as I can remember were not decoreated, or simply not lit. It was very strange. At last, we decided to go down 34th Street in Hamden, and we walked up and down the block for an hour while my bare toes (I was still wearing flip-flops, I hadn't bothered to change shoes.) slowly lost all feeling and color. But it was nice, and I am kind off glad the cantatas are over.

Then on Sunday, I saw Sean at church, and the little kids had a darling production/musical of their own.

One very frightening thought: how did **** get my phone number? He asked for it on Friday, and I stupididly gave it to him. Yeah, I have a gut feeling he has a slight crush on me, but we're friends, so I suppose I shouldn't be this so freaked out about it. But my phone number! I don't have is, so I know I've completely lost my mind. I rarely give my number out, only a few close friends have it. I just am not a phone talker; I talk online on IM, but not phone. Oy well.

After the ship closed, Bossmand treated the crew to a good-bye party for Puppy at Capitol City, and we played pool for a while, and I showed of my pool-playing talents(haha!). Yeah, and I'm playing with Santa next time.

Today is the last and

Today is the last and final cantata for this Christmas 2003. This is the fourth, unless you count last night's mini preduction at TowsonTowne. I can't say I'm glad it's over, although I'll have my weekends freed up again. This year was one of the best - the drama in the 1st half was fantastic, song choices were better than some years, and I bonded more with some of my little sissies. (Oh yes, and my hair was bearable. No wigs or heavy crowns this year.)

But like anything else, things change. The seasons have changed, friends have changed, ideals have changed, and relationships have changed. Some of these I can understand; some are inevitable and I have to simply roll with it, but other changes feel almost unnecessary. Changes are rarely looked forward to, and I'm not looking forward to any of the changes in the next several months, aside from the weather getting warmer. I don't like having the carpet pulled from under me, feeling as if the world is crashing down on me, while every other human being seems not to notice. Perhaps I put too much faith and stock into life. I've always been a dreamer; I grew up on fairy tales and things turning out happily ever after. And if there's one thing I should've learned from the past several years, it is that events are rarely going to go my way. I thought I had prepared myself enough for this month, for his leaving. But I simply haven't, I've just packed it all neatly into a jar and sealed it away. And it wasn't until last night I was able to let go. I let myself think over all the memories and events and moments of the past summer and autumn,and release it. I still don't want him to go. I know I'll get all emotional when he's on the plane, and I'll think about what could have been had he stayed, but I think that his leaving is not only his "quest," as Zauditu called it, but perhaps also a test for me. What will happen in the next couple months, I don't know. Everything is still shrouded in mystery to me. But I do know that by May, I'll be a bit stronger, a bit wiser, and will even have some time to myself and figure out what I want from life. I need to know if acting would be right for me, if Baltimore is the only place I'll ever be truly at home, if I need to go on my own "quest" to figure out myself. It will give me moments to reflect on who I was back in May of 2003 when I started working at the ship, and who I will be in May 2004, and if I wish to stay that way; if I am happy and content with the changes and differences in my life. I don't know where I will be mentally and how my spirit will have changed in four months' time. I wish I knew, wish I could prepare myself, but I simply can't. I feel like I'm on a roller coaster, just at the highest point, right before the cart goes down the hill, and I'm blindfolded. I know there will be many twists and turns in the coming year, and I hope I am prepared fully for them.

I just hope I will be a stronger and more secure person by the time the cart stops.

Did you know that I

Did you know that I wrote a song for you? It's about ramen noodles...
"Santa Baby" - I can't get the song out of my head.

The Dante's Inferno Test has sent you to Purgatory!
Here is how you matched up against all the levels:

That's me, Miss Angelic. *snicker, snicker*

Your medieval name is: Gweneveire. You are
innocent, quiet, beautiful and angelic. You
harbor an inner beauty and you usually keep to
yourself, following the lines of conformity.
You're totally innocent and loyal.


What is your Medieval name?
brought to you by Quizilla

What is up with the "naive" trend thing I have going in these quizzes tonight? Hmmm..

You are Lucy Harris, the love interest of Dr.
Jekyll/Mr. Hyde in Jekyll and Hyde: The
Musical. You are a mystery: sexy and sweet,
naive and worldy, all at the same time. Don't
hesitate in following your dreams by getting
all the education that you can, and try not to
end up in the same situation as poor Lucy!


Which Classic Broadway lead are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Haven't seen or heard of this musical, and I haven't read the book yet. Will look into it. and what is this situation she got herself into?

I just had a thought..

I just had a thought.. no work next Tuesday for me.. and I think ya'll (i.e. RCCS and the gang) are off from school that day.. anyone want to go bowling at the Timonium AMF lanes? Probably around 2 or 3, we could get a couple games in.. whatever. I just feel like getting everyone together for a Christmas party. Leave a note if the date works.

Oh heck with it. I'm

Oh heck with it. I'm not posting today. It's random linkies to break up the boredom day.
On a happy note, sappy story of the day.

And if I don't get to see you before the holidays, I'll let Strongbad say it for me.
Merry Christmas, ya'll!

Dude! I wanna be a

Dude! I wanna be a geek! (well, I'm not calling Allie and Dace geeks.. they only went to Canada to see all three films, and go to the convention, and make costumes, and get an autograph from one of the elf actors... but no, they aren't geeks. ) And Tawny and JoshS went to see it last night.. eh, oh well. I'll probably see it with Allie when she gets back.

For a laugh: The Worstest Album Covers Ever. (empathy toward photographers of these artists everywhere.)

And I saw the

And I saw the coolest book today.. The Parables of Peanuts. Yeah, that would be on the top of my book wish list.

Yay! added the Baltimoron blog

Yay! added the Baltimoron blog linkies to the sidebar. G'night ya'll!

Take a deep breath, Elan.

Take a deep breath, Elan.
"Cute Without the 'E'" by Taking Back Sunday

There is one thing are two things I absolutely despise above all else. 1) To be made to feel as if I were unimportant and can be easily left out of things, trivialized, and ignored. and 2) To be looked upon as if I were a little child, and just plain stupid and nieve.

There is probably a third thing, but my brain's out the window right now.

I am just hitting my head on the wall for being so dern stupid.. and yes, nieve. (I know, I just said I hated that.. but, it's when others act as if I am always stupid/nieve.)

I hate it when people can just leave you at the drop of a hat for someone else. I hate it when this person only looks upon me as someone that's not worth their time unless they have no other friends that happen to be free. I hate it that this person can just yap and yap about his problems when he doesn't see hat he has.. what he could have, if he wanted to open up his eyes. I hate it that I always feel like second best. I wish he'd appreciate me, I wish he'd act as if I am a real person, complete with my own set of feelings and problems. I want him to actually want to hang out with me, not just use me as someone he can have to walk beside him so he won't look some lonely freak in the mall. I wish he could just look past his own self for once.

God I miss Allie. I'm leaving too many emails in her inbox.

Congratulations! You're Pippin! Which Lord

Congratulations! You're Pippin!


Which Lord of the Rings character and personality problem are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

I didn't kill Gandalf! He just tripped. over. my. foot. (oops.) But they did say I was adorable. *grins*

"The First Noel" as sung

"The First Noel" as sung by Clay Aiken - He sings all the verses, ones I haven't before. Purdy.

I wonder if White Marsh still has that tshirt printing shoppe. The Baltimore BELIEVE signs all around town are getting anoying, so I think I'll just make my own PRETEND tshirt. That's all a real Baltimoron can do, right? Because they really can't expect me to keep believing that the PO-lice will keep coming out to our neighborhood and yapping to him about how he should stay on our side off the street and not go over to the neighbor's curb because he might harm her precious little babies when my father also gets pulled over for happening to be driving through downtown at 3am on his way to work, and just happens to look Middle-Eastern (he has darker skin and a beard, for goodness' sake, and at the same time there are kids Jacob's age wheelin' and dealing' on those very same street cornors.

Excuse me. I'm just a realist when it come to Baltimore and crime and certain problems. It's not that I don't love the city; I do. I love the architecture and museums, monuments, little shoppes and boutiques. I love the Constellation and working there. I adore the history and tales surrounding the city. But do I think that we could've should've spent those thousands of dollars on actually cracking down on the crime, rather than believing this sinking ship would just right itself. A tap on the wrist and hopeful thinking isn't going to stop anytrhing.

Yea, I'm done my rant. Continue with your normal doing whatever you were doing.

And now there are two movies I'm uber-excited about. LOTR: ROTK of course (tomorrow!), and Spiderman 2 (July 2, 2004). Check out the trailer-teaser here.

See? Even Santa says I'm

See? Even Santa says I'm on his nice list...
Elan has been on her best behavior most of the year! A real "Nice" surprise. Always plays by the rules. Is a good, polite listener, even when bored. Set a new record of only interrupting 75 times in 365 days! Always says "bless you" when somebody sneezes. Every now and then gets a little cranky. (Like last Thursday?) Let's try and keep the good attitude every day!

See what Santa says about you.

And I saw this at Jewdez's site, so, b/c of my obsessive compulsion to check out all the fun linkies, I had to do it.

Go on, make your own. You know you want to.

All the hot cocoa is gone. Anyone wanna take me out for some?

If only because I am

If only because I am feeling like strangers are reading over my shoulder
341 people have visited my blog, as of 8:30 tonight. I'm flattered, really. I just doubt I have 341 friends. (well, I could be that popular.. but) But who are you? It's kinda an interesting question. Do I even know you, or do you just stumble across my daily brain farts by accident? Leave a comment, and the state you live in. Just to anwer my Q. Muchas gracias!

"Nothing Else Matters" byMetallica So

"Nothing Else Matters" byMetallica

So close no matter how far
Couldn't be much more from the heart
Forever trusting who we are
No, nothing else matters

I'm Nobody--Who are you? Are

I'm Nobody--Who are you?
Are you--Nobody--too?
--Emily Dickinson

All my shopping is done. Okay, except for Dace's gift. She's hard, I have to say. But otherwise, everything is finally done! Now on to the wrapping....

Update: my grandmother NawNaw was

Update: my grandmother NawNaw was rushed to the hospital for an emergency surgery. Have no other details. I miss Allie. Lucky girl's in Canada right now.

YOU ARE CATNIP What herb

YOU ARE CATNIP


What herb are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Meow!

Darling, it seems that you belong in Gone with the
Wind; the proper place for a romantic. You
belong in a tumultous world of changes and
opportunities, where your independence paves
the road for your survival. It is trying being
both a cynic and a dreamer, no?


Which Classic Novel do You Belong In?
brought to you by Quizilla

Aye, it is. *swoons*

and another thought... now Five

and another thought... now Five for Fighting's new album, The Battle for Everything, would be a great birthday present for a soon-to-be-18 year old. [hint hint]

It comes out on February 3rd, 2004. And they're single is good.. they seem to have kept the sound of their debut album, which is great and mellow.

100 Years

15 there's still time for you
Time to buy and time to choose
Hey 15, there's never a wish better than this
When you only got 100 years to live

"Iris" by Goo Goo Dolls

"Iris" by Goo Goo Dolls
When everything's made to be broken, I just want you to know who I am...

The first performance is done and over with, and i had a blast tonight, and as always, I'm awake even though I still need to shower and wash the gallons of hairspray out ofmy hair and the bits of makeup that I missed earlier. And I just simply need to sleep; have to be back there at 11:30am tomorrow, and knowing my family, I'll arrive promptly at 12:30. Eh, at least ehy're predictible.

But because I'm a blathering idiot and want nothing more than to type and write how I'm feeling tonight, I can't right now. As much as I want to. I've made some decisions about nexxt year, and although I'm disappointed by the consequences I foresee, it'll be for the better in the long run. And I just don't want to bore you with the details of school and whatnot. Thouhgh it is more than just school stuff. But that's for another day, another time when my eyelids aren't drooping so low and as much as I want to write it all out, I won't, for now.

Found a bunch more interesting Blogs to add to my linkies. Found an entire webring for Baltimoron Bloggers, and see, the city, does have some good writing and intelligent people. I almost found myself expecting to see a blog written by Mr. M, an English teacher from BCCHS. Now he was a character. If it was possible, I had a slight crush on him. He was soft-spoken, had this dep rumbling chuckle, a slight shadowing of stubble on his jawline, and light brown eyes. Okay, so I did have a crush on him. But with the Hubble Poetry Project I was involved in, we ended up chatting a bit, and it was he that got me involved in writing even more, the Towson U radio station, and much more, truly "alternative" music. He told me about concerts he was going to hosted at the Recher's, and of course, most I wanted to go to. I really don't know what it was that I found myself drawn to so much, but he was a friend, out of all the BCCHS teachers, that I could complain to, ask advice of, and simply had much in common with. It was his character that drew me out of my shell so much; he introduced me to new people and new ideas, new styles of thinking and writing. And now I wonder how on Earth I ever divulged to that path. Eh, I never expected you to be entertained.

But check out on the left-side bar in the next couple days, I'll add the linkies.

And one blog I found was bit of Baltimoron gossip mixed in with news, and the author has some great pictures of the lighting of the Monument last week (which I so wish I could've gone too!)

eebmore.com - a Baltimore centered weblog project

I am in a really

I am in a really really incredibly happy mood right now.Which is rare. But I'm looking forward to tonight, and this weekend, and my mind is at ease for once. I'm just plain happy. *grins*

And I'm thisclose to finishing up my Santa shopping. Even Jacob is done. Weee.

Tongiht was the final dress

Tongiht was the final dress rehearsal. Tomorrow's the first night! Yay. Sean came tonight and brought his friend Marshall, and as always, we had a most fascinating conversation (tehe). And I actually think I could pull it off, having curly hair. Sean, have a comment there? But for once, I didn't have [that] big hair.

I am positively convinced everyone is doped up on hairspray when I hear this:
My teeth feel like they have sweaters on them!
He's always moseying around. He's Moses.
and my favorite: He's never seen you with that much makeup on. He'll think you're a slut! (wink wink, nudge nudge)

Ah, I have too much fun at these things.

Also, went job-hunting earlier downtown. Applied to Forever 21, Victoria's Secret, and J.Crew. Woohoo. Anyone of those will come in handy with a discount, eh Allie? I just need some more hours! And I'm only taking a couple classes next semester, basics I can transfer to Towson in the fall. So I'll have free time to work, and save up. (har)

Oo, and yes, it does hurt when you step on my toes. Check this out. "Oh, that was an error. someone came in and changed the wording. Suuure.

Holiday Ad Has Hidden Hate Message
Hanukkah Flier Contains Anti-Semitic Line

DALLAS -- A holiday shopping flier that's been distributed to thousands of households in north Texas is creating controversy because a message of hate is included within an advertisement.

ADVO representatives in Dallas said they are mortified by the oversight and that they are trying to figure out why the error was never caught.
Copyright 2003 by nbc5i.com.

Surveys.. pilfered from someone or

Surveys.. pilfered from someone or another
"Dizzy" by Goo Goo Dolls

Fill this out and leave it as a comment, ya'll.

If I were a month I would be: June
If I were a day of the week I would be: Friday
If I were a time of day I would be: 7am
If I were a planet I would be: Venus
If I were a sea animal I would be: a jellyfish - pretty to see but painful to the touch
If I were a direction I would be: east
If I were a piece of furniture I would be: a coffee table
If I were a historical figure I would be: Amelia Earhart
If I were a liquid I would be: pink lemonade
If I were a stone, I would be: an emerald
If I were a tree, I would be: a weeping willow
If I were a bird, I would be: a hummingbird
If I were a tool, I would be: a Swiss Army knife
If I were a flower/plant, I would be: a hydrangea
If I were a kind of weather, I would be: foggy
If I were a musical instrument, I would be: harpsicord
If I were an animal, I would be: a cat
If I were a color, I would be: burgundy
If I were an emotion, I would be: ambivalence
If I were a vegetable, I would be: sweet potato
If I were a sound, I would be: a whistle
If I were an element, I would be: water
If I were a car, I would be: a 1969 VW Beetle
If I were a song, I would be: "Numb" by Linkin Park
If I were a food, I would be: lime sherbet
If I were a place, I would be: a hideaway cove
If I were a material, I would be: corduroy
If I were a taste, I would be: sweet
If I were a scent, I would be: protestant
If I were a word, I would be: spunky
If I were an object, I would be: a book
If I were a body part I would be: an elbow (first thing that popped into my mind)
If I were a facial expression I would be: a conniving grin
If I were a subject in school I would be: English Lit
If I were a cartoon character I would be: the Muppet Baby Miss Piggy
If I were a shape I would be: a star
If I were a number I would be: 6

My most recent dream involved: Tom, from BCCHS.. very creepy
I prefer my french fries: crunchy and golden, with Old Bay
To remind me of home while traveling, i pack: Sylvia, my kitty
My ideal number and type of pillows is: 1 thick soft pillow and 1 firmer, firmer on the top
Fireplaces: gas or woodburning? woodburning
The smell that most reminds me of winter: cinnamon
The taste that most reminds me of winter: eggnog and pumpkin pie
The sound that most reminds me of winter: crunching of snow under my feet
My favorite wintertime activity: Snuggling and watching movies with friends
My ideal winter meal? Chicken dumpling soup
My most-coveted gift on my wish list: Pirates of the Carribean dvd :-P.. or a cell phone

"Weapon" by Matthew Good Band

"Weapon" by Matthew Good Band

Here by my side, it's heaven
Here by my side, it's heaven

Errands done [check] Chores done

Errands done [check] Chores done [check] Phone Calls made [check] Finding some other errand to run until later []
"California" by Phantom Planet

You are the classy pin-up! You are everything
sophisticated and refined about the entire era.
You exude class and dignity.


What Type Of Retro Gal Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Oo, yes, I wish. If I was to be born into an other decade, it would've been the 1940's.

Take the What Should Your New Year's Resolution Be? Quiz

Yeah woohoo! What the ?! Explain this, por favor.

The Count's Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

It started with a simple affection for counting and
the terror it induced in others, didn't it?
But now it's turned into a full-blown life-
consuming chaotic nightmare of order,
repetition, zealousness, and perfectionism.
You used to be so grand, but now you find
yourself obsessively worrying over the littlest
things--like, maybe if you don't check the
light switch at least once every two minutes,
the electricity will go out (and damnit, you're
a vampire--that shouldn't be a problem!), or
maybe if you don't wash your hands until your
seams are coming out, you'll get some fatal
disease. Get yourself some treatment.


Which Sesame Street Muppet's Dark Secret Are You?
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Oh crud. Now they know about me. At least Quizilla understands. *washes hands*

You are French-press coffee. You are full of body
and sensuality, and you love to be sipped and
savored at leisure... though you can get cold
rather quickly.


What Kind of Coffee Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Yummy. Haven't had this "French-press coffe" you speak of. Sounds enticing.

What's your Battle-Cry?

this quiz was made by Aroihkin of PlanetKulitron

I think I was just insulted.

And because I'm bored, here's mum's definition for a metrosexual: "someone who no one knows what they are."

"Grey Street" by Dave Matthews

Perhaps I am coming down with something. Mum and dad have had the flu-ish all weekend, so I wouldn't be suprised. Yesterday was spent folding letters and stuffing envelopes for a good 6 hours or so at work. Wee. Tells you how slow things have gotten. (So, yes, I'm begging you to come visit me!) Then after work, although dad is supposed to pick me up at 6pm, he decides to come by a half-hour earlier, and leaves before I see him. So last night was spent dragging my feet around Harborplace until we were picked up.I was just so exausted and icky I didn't feel like staying out, no matter who I was with. (First time I've been in bed by 10pm in weeks, no months!)

Then this morning I wasn't feeling good enough to go out on the campus tour we had scheduled at Towson U, so I slept most of the day, and right around 2 o'clock, I realized something: I think and overanalyze the oddest things way too much. At times, I want to just relax and enjoy the moment, get lost in what's happeneing, rather than ponder and worry about what will happen in the next couple months, year. Part of me, however, wants to know what's happening, and keeps trying to see beyond the next hill. At times I feel so much like I'm drowning, like all I can think of is to stay afloat. And I aboslutely hate this feeling; I know I'm not strong enough to keep afloat. That's about all I really know. And still I try, and it jumbles my thoughts and confuses me so much, disorients me so I don't know which way is up or right anymore, I feel like simply giving up and letting the undercurrent pull me away. I just feel like I've backed myself into a corner, and whichever way, I turn, I'll lose something of me when I try to escape.

So Doomsday is finally coming...

So Doomsday is finally coming...
"O Come All Ye Grateful Dead-heads" by The Bob Rivers Comedy Group

Yep, the Christmas Cantata at church.

Today was the Nearly Almost Last Rehearsal before the actual performances, and things went, well... normally. In otherwords, Tech #2 is normally the rehearsal where everyone figures out what o do for hair and costume-wise. And for a Tech #2 to go normally means that not everyone gets their hair done, costumes aren't quite finished, and the entire day is quite chaotic. Add on top of this the fact that the Tech #1 was cancelled yesterday, and that was makeup day. So the two techs were combined, and considering we have quite a few newbies this year, it went abnormally smoothly. Mum and dad have come down with something or other, which meant that we ended up missing the services this morning, but still arrived for rehearsal. We got there at 1pm, and the day proceeded something like this:

1pm - arrive
1.15 - makeup box is not ready, help others get their foundation done
1.30 - secure empty makeup box, wait in line
1.45 - makeup box filled and ready to go
2.15 - makeup done and set
2.30 - eat, being careful not to smear face
2.40 - walk upstairs to hair room, wait
2.45 - break out deck of cards, ensue games of Kemps and Spit
4.00 - get tired of waiting, change into costume
4.10 - chided for not setting hair in curlers
4.15 - hair somewhat twisted, given up on
4.30 - on stage

Yeah. Now you see how much incredible work goes i to something like this?! More to come on the never ending saga.

Because I know everyone is

Because I know everyone is pondering what the *perfect* Chritmas present for a certain Elan would be...

Oh...

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas,
Only a hippopotamus will do.
Don't want a doll, no dinkey tinker toys
I want a hippopotamus to play with and enjoy.

I can see me now on Christmas morning
Creeping down the stairs.
Oh what joy and what surprise
When I open up my eyes
To see a hippo standing there.

"Eleanor Rigby" by The

"Eleanor Rigby" by The Beatles - my favorite song by The Great Brits

Snow is pretty. When one has nothing to do and no plans. But then I need to be doing something and can't go anywhere because the roads are still covered and won't see a snow plow until the snow has all but melted. Welcome to Baltimore, hon.

Here's the update for my fascinating, "busy" weekend:

Mum has the flu. Or something akin to it. Whatever it is, she's been too tired and drained to wake me up, so I slept in till 2pm yesterday and 12:30pm this afternoon.

Jacob, ever the little miser, has started on his snow-shoveling campaign. He and his friend made $60! Grr. Why can't I ever do that? Oh. Because I hate the cold. That would be it.

No rehearsal for today, nor the SATs. Which adds a new problem. The next dats I can take the SATs is on January 24th, and the results won't be mailed until mid-Febraury. Kinda late, especially when my applications have to be in by February 1st. argh.

Last night, went over Puppy's and watched a couple movies and had dinner. And I'm so happy; he isn't leaving until January. At least a couple more weeks. Sigh. So much more I want to say.

Oo, and to make your day a little better... turn on your speakers, this is great!

You are a Pixie! In

You are a Pixie!
In folklore, pixies (or piskies) are little people
who are believed to live on the downs and moors
of Cornwall, England. According to one myth,
pixies were originally Druids who resisted
Christianity, and the more they resisted the
smaller they grew. Another myth tells of a race
of people who were not good enough for heaven,
nor bad enough for hell and were doomed to
wander the earth forever.

They love to steal horses and ponies and make
nocturnal rides on their backs over the heaths
and moors, while entangling the manes of the
animals. Even inside houses people are not safe
to their tricks, such as throwing small objects
at the inhabitants. Although pixies like to
play, they are hard workers as well. They work
on the fields the entire night for some bread
and cheese.


Which Type Of Faery Folk Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Ooo, 'tis scary that they used the same picture as my LJ one. Yea, sounds like me; I'm not good enough for Heaven nor Hell. And I want to go horseback riding again. Weee.

Why I don't work for McDonald's. Angry people and mayonaise are not a good mix.

Today sucked. 1) Drove all

Today sucked.

1) Drove all the way over to Kenilworth Mall in Towson to the MVA to get my driver's permit, waited 20 minutes in line, ony to find out that "this location is not large enough for you to take your test and receive a permit. The main locations are at Mondawmin, Glen Burnie, Bel Air, and Middlesex." Yeah. Now why did the operator tell me this when I called the main MVA offices and asked if all locations could service this?! Argh. I could care less about how well I do on the SATs this Saturday. All I want is my permit!

2) So by then it's 4:30pm, and all MVA locations have closed, so we drove back home and picked up some groceries. Everyone is terrified that there will be another blizzard this winter, so they're all stocking up on toilet paper, bread, milk, etc. We get everything we need after 15 minutes or so, then go up to the checkout line. We're second in line. 5 minutes pass by as the cashier, a girl about 20, scans the poduce and bags it. 10 minutes. 15. Finally, our cart is up, after the girl has scanned the previous customer's WIC card at least a half-dozen times, each time the machine flashes back an "APPROVED" signal, then the girl scans the card again, apparently not noticing the card has already been approved. When our produce is finally scanned, the girl picks up a head of lettuce, looks around the room, scans the vegetable, looks around, then puts the package into a plastic bag. She does the same with the next object - pick up, look around, scan, look around, put in bag - until a full 15 minutes later, our 4 bags of groceries are filled. Nearly an hour has passed, and finally dad pays the bill. He hands her a check. She looks at it, tries inserting it upside down into the cash-register, and it is not accepted at that angle. She asks for his ID. He gives it to her, she tries inserting the check again. Still no luck. Finally, dad advises her to put in in right-side up. This time it works, and we are, at last, on our way home.

3) Rehearsal was okay, but I'd rather be out seeing Master & Commander again. Sill no llama for me.

4) Mum's coming down with something, and my stomach feels awful. I can. not. be. getting. sick. Grrr.

You ever get the feeling

You ever get the feeling people aren't telling you the entire story? And how does one jump into something when they don't know what the possible consequences are? Grr. Life's too complicated. And why do people jump ahead of you when you're telling them something of import, then claim it was only so you didn't have to go through the entire dialogue.

"Mr. Tambourine Man" by Bob

"Mr. Tambourine Man" by Bob Dylan

Now today was interesting. Nah, the entire week has so far been great. Monday night after work, I went out with Puppy and W2 (watch me, one day I'll type WD40 instead) to Capitol City and played a couple games of pool, and I was pretty good for once. Haven't played since last year at Craig's (now that's a kid I haven't seen in a very long while), and I absolutely sucked then. Last night Puppy and I went out shopping, and tonight Sean decided to pick me up and go out Christmas shopping.

After he finally found his way to my house by way of two giant neon green trees, we drove out to White Marsh (which was never really white), and had a Great Expedition in our search for a Baby's First Christmas ornament for his brother Aaron. I got a couple gifts, and we eventually dragged ourselves away to stop at Starbuck's where we had some lattes, and shared a most insteresting and pleasant conversation. Sean's an interesting character, and he did try his best to get me in a holiday mood. Yes, playing Christmas carols the entire time does work ;-)

And he's the only person I know who can spend an entire hour in an ornament shoppe.

You are 'Adam Lay Y

You are 'Adam Lay Y Bounden'! Ah, you appear to be
something of a Christmas snob. Whether you are
a musician who has sung one carol service too
many, or merely someone with very highbrow
views on music and culture, you shudder at the
thought of piped music in lifts, wince at
endless repetitions of Jingle Bells and have
put out a contract on Rudolph. While you agree
that some of the well-known carols are lovely,
you are more drawn by the really obscure
medieval carols, or the ones arranged by Bach.
You also know parodies of several carols - a
legacy of excessive carolling, or perhaps just
the product of an enquiring and slighly cynical
mind... Try to enjoy Christmas, anyway.


What Christmas Carol are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Occasionally true. I like some of the older carols, but haven't heard of "Adam Lay Y Bounden." And how is it my fault that I learned carols in Latin? It's always the schools that cause these things.

Speaking of schools, I found out Towson's deadline isn't Dec. 1st like I thought it was, but February 1st. [insert sigh of relief] I mixed up the Spring and Fall 2004 deadlines. *smacks head*

Oh, and I'm getting my driver's permit tomorrow! Yay!

Need I say more?

Need I say more? December 12th.