This song, Starting Now by Ingrid Michaelson, turned out to be my morning's anthem. Sometimes sad things are necessary. While painful, pruning is, overall, a healthy process.
I want to crawl back inside my mother's womb
I want to shut out all the lights in this room
I want to start fresh, like a baby in a sink
Scrub away all these thoughts that I think of you
So life moves slowly when you're waiting for it to boil
Feel like I watch from 6 feet under the soil
Still want to hold you and kiss behind your ears
But i re count the countless tears that i lost for you
But before you finally go there's one thing you should know: That I promise -
Starting now I'll never know your name
Starting now I'll never feel the same
Starting now I wish you never came into my world
I want to crawl back inside my bed of sin
I want to burn the sheets that smell like your skin
Instead I'll wash them just like kitchen rags with stains
Spinning away every piece that remains of you
But before you finally go there's one thing you should know: That I promise -
Starting now I'll never know your name
Starting now I'll never feel the same
Starting now I wish you never came into my world
It's my world, it's not ours anymore
It's my world, it's not ours anymore
Starting now I'll never know your name
Starting now I'll never feel the same
Starting now I wish you never came into my world
Showing posts with label Single. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Single. Show all posts
04 June 2010
28 February 2010
Paws in the Park
Another belated blog post. Please forgive me! Here it is:
From the Lockheed Martin article:
"With biting wind, overcast skies, and temperatures hovering around 40, Saturday, February 13 went to the dogs…literally! The spirit of the 16th annual Paws in the Park Pet Walk at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando was not shuttered by the wind or cold temperatures. Over 2000 people turned out for the event to raise money for the Central Florida SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).
The 45+ person Mutts on a Mission team comprised of Lockheed Martin employees from STS and MFC and their family members (furry and not) raised over $9,000, putting the “pack” in the third highest fundraising team. The entire event raised more than $160,000."
Kurt Bouwman with Cassie and Julie Bolyard display the Lockheed Martin banner during the Paws in the Park fundraiser. The Mutts on a Mission “pack” included over 45 Lockheed Martin employees and their family members.
LM Mutts on a Mission group shot
First of all, thank you to everyone who sponsored me and Heidi to participate! We thoroughly enjoyed it and are happy you joined us in helping the animals in the central Florida area through this event!
My friend, Matt, joined me and Heidi for the walk, and it was a ton of fun! When me and Heidi first arrived she was very shy and huddled around my legs at the sight and sound of so many other dogs, many of them larger than her. I had parked on the far side of the lake from where the LM group was meeting, so I had to go .3 miles with Heidi, and it would have taken ages had I not decided to just carry her!
Matt arrived just in time for the group photo and for the walk to being. Heidi did wonderfully after the photo! She observed the other dogs, then all she wanted to do was play! This walk banished her fear of the larger dogs, and she got some great puppy socialization! Everyone thought she was super cute, and, of course, she is! I thought she'd tire out and force me to carry her after walking half way around the lake, but she was full of energy and didn't pass out until we returned to the car! I'm so proud of my Heidi Jo!
Here are some more photos from the walk:
Heidi and an adult German Shepherd
Heidi conked out on the ride home after the morning's excitement
Matt, Heidi & I with a German Shepherd and their owner
Matt walking Heidi
Heidi & I
From the Lockheed Martin article:
"With biting wind, overcast skies, and temperatures hovering around 40, Saturday, February 13 went to the dogs…literally! The spirit of the 16th annual Paws in the Park Pet Walk at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando was not shuttered by the wind or cold temperatures. Over 2000 people turned out for the event to raise money for the Central Florida SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals).
The 45+ person Mutts on a Mission team comprised of Lockheed Martin employees from STS and MFC and their family members (furry and not) raised over $9,000, putting the “pack” in the third highest fundraising team. The entire event raised more than $160,000."
First of all, thank you to everyone who sponsored me and Heidi to participate! We thoroughly enjoyed it and are happy you joined us in helping the animals in the central Florida area through this event!
My friend, Matt, joined me and Heidi for the walk, and it was a ton of fun! When me and Heidi first arrived she was very shy and huddled around my legs at the sight and sound of so many other dogs, many of them larger than her. I had parked on the far side of the lake from where the LM group was meeting, so I had to go .3 miles with Heidi, and it would have taken ages had I not decided to just carry her!
Matt arrived just in time for the group photo and for the walk to being. Heidi did wonderfully after the photo! She observed the other dogs, then all she wanted to do was play! This walk banished her fear of the larger dogs, and she got some great puppy socialization! Everyone thought she was super cute, and, of course, she is! I thought she'd tire out and force me to carry her after walking half way around the lake, but she was full of energy and didn't pass out until we returned to the car! I'm so proud of my Heidi Jo!
Here are some more photos from the walk:
16 January 2010
Researching the GSD
This week kicked off my extensive research into the German Shepherd Dog (GSD)! I have been acting as a sponge and soaking up heaps of information from books like "The Everything German Shepherd Book" and from friends who own dogs. I grew up with dogs, and that helps prepare one, but I am certain that growing up with a dog and owning a dog are two very different things. Now it won't be my parents caring for the dog, but me, etc. But it'll be worth every moment of owning a sweet little German Shepherd pup like one of these:
Which I know will eventually get quite large and look gorgeous like this one:
Why a GSD? Many reasons! A few of the top reasons (not necessarily in order):
1. companionship (I live alone with my cat who, while wonderful, doesn't provide the companionship I could have with a dog).
2. man's best friend (I've always wanted a dog of my own, and now I'm finally able to provide a healthy environment for one; I look forward to working with the pup, training it and taking it to obedience classes!)
3. protection (Living alone in a big city can be scary sometimes, especially at night. While I live in a safe area and a nice apartment complex, one can never be too sure; a dog, especially a GSD, would provide protection.)
4. running buddy (After the pup is a year old I can begin taking it on runs with me!)
I have a lot to prepare for in getting a puppy. Mentally I'm pretty much there. The biggest hurdle was realizing and coming to terms with the fact that during puppyhood I'll have to sacrifice my lunch hour daily to come home to care for the pup. I've realized that this will be very worthwhile in the end, though. In fact, I'm kind of excited about coming home midday through the work week; it'll make for a nice lift in my day, seeing the pup.
I also know it will be expensive to not only acquire but also to own the pet. I'm budgeting $1000 in expenses for the first year, not including the price of the puppy, which I'm not sure about as I've not yet began contacting potential breeders. I'm hoping everything will fall into place (financially and time-wise with the breeder) such that I'll have a puppy by late Summer 2010 or early Fall 2010.
I'm very interested in bringing a GSD into a home where there is already a cat (as in my situation). I know GSDs are have strong herding tendencies, but I also know that they are highly trainable. My plan is to teach the pup early on that Ashes is not to be herded into a corner, etc. Also, while it's a pup, I'll be keeping a constant eye, so I can definitely watch, monitor and control how things develop between the pup and Ashes. I'm still reading up on what experts have to say about GSDs and a cat(s) mixing in the home.
If you have any tips on owning a dog in general or owning a German Shepherd specifically, please send them my way! I look forward to hearing your advice!
Amanda
PS - I want a female!
Which I know will eventually get quite large and look gorgeous like this one:
Why a GSD? Many reasons! A few of the top reasons (not necessarily in order):
1. companionship (I live alone with my cat who, while wonderful, doesn't provide the companionship I could have with a dog).
2. man's best friend (I've always wanted a dog of my own, and now I'm finally able to provide a healthy environment for one; I look forward to working with the pup, training it and taking it to obedience classes!)
3. protection (Living alone in a big city can be scary sometimes, especially at night. While I live in a safe area and a nice apartment complex, one can never be too sure; a dog, especially a GSD, would provide protection.)
4. running buddy (After the pup is a year old I can begin taking it on runs with me!)
I have a lot to prepare for in getting a puppy. Mentally I'm pretty much there. The biggest hurdle was realizing and coming to terms with the fact that during puppyhood I'll have to sacrifice my lunch hour daily to come home to care for the pup. I've realized that this will be very worthwhile in the end, though. In fact, I'm kind of excited about coming home midday through the work week; it'll make for a nice lift in my day, seeing the pup.
I also know it will be expensive to not only acquire but also to own the pet. I'm budgeting $1000 in expenses for the first year, not including the price of the puppy, which I'm not sure about as I've not yet began contacting potential breeders. I'm hoping everything will fall into place (financially and time-wise with the breeder) such that I'll have a puppy by late Summer 2010 or early Fall 2010.
I'm very interested in bringing a GSD into a home where there is already a cat (as in my situation). I know GSDs are have strong herding tendencies, but I also know that they are highly trainable. My plan is to teach the pup early on that Ashes is not to be herded into a corner, etc. Also, while it's a pup, I'll be keeping a constant eye, so I can definitely watch, monitor and control how things develop between the pup and Ashes. I'm still reading up on what experts have to say about GSDs and a cat(s) mixing in the home.
If you have any tips on owning a dog in general or owning a German Shepherd specifically, please send them my way! I look forward to hearing your advice!
Amanda
PS - I want a female!
15 January 2010
14 February Cheat Sheet
Have you noticed that we're less than a month away from Valentine's Day 2010? Whether you're into this celebration or not, if you're interested in getting a little something for your significant other, check out this cheat sheet I put together for you: five items for women, five for men.
Wait a minute - aren't I single? Why am I putting a Valentine's Day cheat sheet together for those who can actually enjoy the special date? Well, folks. I just love browsing Etsy.com THAT much. Plus I like making lists. And blogging. = )
Just click on the image to be linked to the item's Etsy shop where you can make a swift purchase for your loved one. (All images are from the product's respective Etsy shop.)
F I V E I D E A S F O R W O M E N
It's chilly this time of year. Give her something to keep her hands and arms warm when you're away. These fingerless arm warmers are feminine, super warm and will match everything she wears. (From Zarina2009's Etsy shop.)
What a clever way to say that you'll always be there to protect her from the rain? If she likes simple, silver jewelry, she'll love this umbrella charmed necklace. (From michellechangjewelry's Etsy shop.)
She has friends all over the place and is always talking about how she wishes they could be closer. Nudge her towards the old fashioned way of communication with this darling French vintage note card set. You might get brownie points for getting her some stamps, too. (From foundaroundb4's Etsy shop.)
She loves her coffee. Help her express herself and accessorize her favorite coffee mug with this gorgeous cozy. (From waysideviolet's Etsy shop.)
Here's a romantic heart-shaped locket for you to present to your beautiful lady. It is vintage, old brass, and has a lovely key charm. Place a photo of each of you in the locket, or maybe a love note folded up teeny tiny-like. She'll treasure this necklace. (From BeadCoutureBySteph's Etsy shop.)
F I V E I D E A S F O R M E N
How long will he carry around that old, tattered wallet of his? If he's not super attached and just hasn't replaced the silly thing, consider this stylish and practical wallet. Houndstooth is making a comeback for men, too. (From sewlutionsbyamo's Etsy shop.)
I've been seeing a growing trend for anatomically correct hearts. Here's a tee that will let him express his love in a very technical, yet subtle, manner. (From darkcycleclothing's Etsy shop.)
Check out this sexy, masculine neck warmer! (From minggusandmoob's Etsy shop.)
What computer savvy guy wouldn't love these CTRL ALT DEL pillows? (From diffractionfiber's Etsy shop.)
You know he's always talking about how he has too much change rattling around in his pockets. Give him somewhere to put all those coins with this vintage post office box coin bank. (From Boxnmor's Etsy shop.)
And that's all I've got folks! Happy [early] Valentine's Day!
Amanda
31 December 2009
Christmas Letter 2009
Merry Christmas!
2009 was an adventurous year for me! Looking back I can see how much I’ve grown and how wonderful the last twelve months have been:
In January, as a sort of graduation gift to myself, I bought a 2009 Honda Fit Sport. When I moved to Orlando, Florida that little car did me well. Even better than the fuel efficiency was the company I had during the trip. My family helped move me into my lovely apartment, which has become home for me and my cat, Ashes; being so far from Indiana isn’t quite so bad with that fur ball around to keep me company.
I moved to Orlando for my new job with Lockheed Martin. I am a systems engineer on the Test Team for the Assured Identity program. Our job is to upgrade the current Lockheed Martin employee badge system to smart cards. My job is to find and report defects in the new system as it’s being developed. Until recently I was on the Test Team full-time. Just last week I began a transition to take on a second role part-time. For this new role I gather and analyze metrics and represent the business area. I’m being challenged, and I really enjoy my job!
Indeed, the weather and nearby beaches are nice, but Orlando has given me so much more for which I am thankful! I’ve made several friends and found a fantastic church. I played on a Lockheed Martin sand volleyball team, and I am catcher for a Lockheed Martin softball team. Also, I joined a gym, a camera club, two running clubs and I even founded a book club!
I love to read and wanted to meet other readers around town, but no existing book clubs I found were working out, so I just started my own: The East Orlando Twenty-Something Book Club. Through the book club I’ve met other bookworms, and we have heaps of fun! We’re a pretty social bunch: trips to Busch Gardens, the beach, book sales, movie nights, bowling, and, of course, the actual book discussions. We read one book a month, but, in addition to that, I usually read another one or two books. The next book on my list is Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
Here’s the latest on the family: Mom always keeps busy whether she’s gardening, quilting or running. She’s been running up such a storm that, believe it or not, she currently holds the Bennett Family Half-Marathon Record Time! Dad is continually studying his hobbies: photography and weaponry. His Navy background gives him a leg-up on the competition at the shooting range. Chucky has buzzed his hair and is aiming to become a Navy SEAL! With his wrestling history he will go far in that endeavor! Speaking of wrestling, Sam just signed with Northern Illinois University for a wrestling scholarship! I can’t wait to see him wrestle under the lights at State!
I sure do miss my family and friends who are far away, but, lucky for me, I’ve had many visits with them! Here are a few of the year’s highlights: Mom’s visit during Spring Break, running the Indianapolis 500 Mini Half-Marathon with Mom and Dad, Kristin & Aric’s wedding in Iowa and their visit for the Fourth of July, Mom’s summer visit, hanging out with my fellow Boilermakers and my Aunt Joan in nearby Melbourne, Sam’s fall visit, turning 23, Lana & Geof’s wedding, enjoying the Colts’ season with friends, Purdue’s Homecoming and reunion with college friends, all sorts of Halloween fun, and a surprise visit home for Thanksgiving!
That brings us to Christmastime! “And so I’m offering this simple phrase, to kids from one to ninety-two, although it’s been said many times, many ways, a very Merry Christmas to you!”
Amanda Bennett
2009 was an adventurous year for me! Looking back I can see how much I’ve grown and how wonderful the last twelve months have been:
In January, as a sort of graduation gift to myself, I bought a 2009 Honda Fit Sport. When I moved to Orlando, Florida that little car did me well. Even better than the fuel efficiency was the company I had during the trip. My family helped move me into my lovely apartment, which has become home for me and my cat, Ashes; being so far from Indiana isn’t quite so bad with that fur ball around to keep me company.
I moved to Orlando for my new job with Lockheed Martin. I am a systems engineer on the Test Team for the Assured Identity program. Our job is to upgrade the current Lockheed Martin employee badge system to smart cards. My job is to find and report defects in the new system as it’s being developed. Until recently I was on the Test Team full-time. Just last week I began a transition to take on a second role part-time. For this new role I gather and analyze metrics and represent the business area. I’m being challenged, and I really enjoy my job!
Indeed, the weather and nearby beaches are nice, but Orlando has given me so much more for which I am thankful! I’ve made several friends and found a fantastic church. I played on a Lockheed Martin sand volleyball team, and I am catcher for a Lockheed Martin softball team. Also, I joined a gym, a camera club, two running clubs and I even founded a book club!
I love to read and wanted to meet other readers around town, but no existing book clubs I found were working out, so I just started my own: The East Orlando Twenty-Something Book Club. Through the book club I’ve met other bookworms, and we have heaps of fun! We’re a pretty social bunch: trips to Busch Gardens, the beach, book sales, movie nights, bowling, and, of course, the actual book discussions. We read one book a month, but, in addition to that, I usually read another one or two books. The next book on my list is Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
Here’s the latest on the family: Mom always keeps busy whether she’s gardening, quilting or running. She’s been running up such a storm that, believe it or not, she currently holds the Bennett Family Half-Marathon Record Time! Dad is continually studying his hobbies: photography and weaponry. His Navy background gives him a leg-up on the competition at the shooting range. Chucky has buzzed his hair and is aiming to become a Navy SEAL! With his wrestling history he will go far in that endeavor! Speaking of wrestling, Sam just signed with Northern Illinois University for a wrestling scholarship! I can’t wait to see him wrestle under the lights at State!
I sure do miss my family and friends who are far away, but, lucky for me, I’ve had many visits with them! Here are a few of the year’s highlights: Mom’s visit during Spring Break, running the Indianapolis 500 Mini Half-Marathon with Mom and Dad, Kristin & Aric’s wedding in Iowa and their visit for the Fourth of July, Mom’s summer visit, hanging out with my fellow Boilermakers and my Aunt Joan in nearby Melbourne, Sam’s fall visit, turning 23, Lana & Geof’s wedding, enjoying the Colts’ season with friends, Purdue’s Homecoming and reunion with college friends, all sorts of Halloween fun, and a surprise visit home for Thanksgiving!
That brings us to Christmastime! “And so I’m offering this simple phrase, to kids from one to ninety-two, although it’s been said many times, many ways, a very Merry Christmas to you!”
Amanda Bennett
28 July 2009
My Meetup Group
If you're reading this, you probably know how much I love books. For the last couple of months I've been trying to get involved with a book club in Orlando that I found through Meetup.com (check it out if you're unfamiliar). Unfortunately this group's Meetups were either too far away or already booked up. Slightly frustrated, but no less discouraged to be in a book club, I decided to found my own! So far there are 14 "book worms" in the group! I can't wait to meet these people! The first book we're reading is "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury.
Amanda
Amanda
09 June 2009
Please Pray
After six months of enduring a painful recovery, I am doin' all right, with one exception: I'm suddently on what seems to be a permanent sideline, watching a person, someone who is dear to my heart, suffer. Not only that, but I'm struggling with some related and difficult things right now. I won't go into detail, but I will ask that you pray for me and this person. I believe in the power of prayer.
-Amanda
-Amanda
10 May 2009
Mom's Spring Break Visit
A few weeks ago my mom visited me! It was wonderful to see a member of the family! I'd missed her so much! We had a great week and a half together. We ate at Urban Flats (tradition), had make-overs at Merle Norman (also tradition), canoed with an alligator down a river in Wekiva, furnished my apartment, started a potted garden, ran a 5K, played at the beach and in the ocean and met up with Aunt Joan. I can't wait until she visits again this summer! Here are some photos of her stay:
the finished looks from the Merle Norman make-overs
about to begin our "adventure" canoe trip
the gator we canoed by while less than a meter away (seriously)
pre-race photo with the OWR at the Windermere Run Among the Lakes 5K
Mom looking hot in the cool ocean (5 more minutes, please!)
Great Aunt Joan Golden, Mom & I
-Amanda
-Amanda
25 April 2009
Help from India
I had heard this song before, here and there over the years, but I heard this version on the Sex & the City soundtrack. As it turns out, the entire soundtrack was incredibly therapeutic in my getting over what used to be me and Adam, but this song in particular was very helpful.
The heart of the matter for me was that I needed to do a lot of forgiving. Mostly I needed to forgive myself for ten years of allowing myself to forget just how precious God is to me. Let me tell you, it's not easy to forgive yourself. Many times I wished I could blame someone other than myself.
These lyrics, specifically, are what hit home the hardest with me: "The more I know, the less I understand. And all the things I thought I'd figured out, I have to learn again."
The thing I've learned through all of this is control. I don't have it. I never did. I never will. It's simply a black and white matter. I don't even need to understand. I thought I had a lot of things figured out, and, man, was it convincing. So very convincing. But I know better now. It's a relief not having to fret about anything, really. Such peace of mind.
It's an interesting transition from a serious relationship back to being single. Of course I miss Adam dearly, but being single is just what we need at this point in our lives.
Any way. I was compelled to share a little about what this song means to me.
-Amanda
The heart of the matter for me was that I needed to do a lot of forgiving. Mostly I needed to forgive myself for ten years of allowing myself to forget just how precious God is to me. Let me tell you, it's not easy to forgive yourself. Many times I wished I could blame someone other than myself.
These lyrics, specifically, are what hit home the hardest with me: "The more I know, the less I understand. And all the things I thought I'd figured out, I have to learn again."
The thing I've learned through all of this is control. I don't have it. I never did. I never will. It's simply a black and white matter. I don't even need to understand. I thought I had a lot of things figured out, and, man, was it convincing. So very convincing. But I know better now. It's a relief not having to fret about anything, really. Such peace of mind.
It's an interesting transition from a serious relationship back to being single. Of course I miss Adam dearly, but being single is just what we need at this point in our lives.
Any way. I was compelled to share a little about what this song means to me.
-Amanda
24 April 2009
Raven Takes a Beating
Yeah. That's my brand new, 2009 Honda Fit Sport (aka Raven). Purchased 2 January 2009. Someone rear-ended me on Sunday, 6 April 2009. Don't worry, no one was injured. My x-ray's showed nothing abnormal; the soreness I experienced was only muscular and didn't last more than a couple days.
I have a rental for the time being. Raven is in the repair shop, and I hope to have it back next week, although I was told to expect it back this week. We'll see about that.
The best part of all this - yes, there is actually a best part to the tragedy - is that I made a wonderful friend. Krista was a complete stranger who happened to witness the wreck. It was no coincidence that she happened to have that rare Sunday evening free. She was my angel that night: she pulled over, called the police, provided a witness statement of the wreck, loaded up my groceries from my car to hers, helped me drop them off at my apartment (my car was being towed away), took me to the emergency room, then took me to pick up my pain medication prescription. A complete stranger. I find it so comforting to know there are Good Samaritans still around.
Since the wreck Krista and I have kept in touch. We met up at the Corporate 5K race downtown last week, we're planning a night to have dinner together, and we're planning to attend church together.
Bless Kirsta! I had no one else to turn to, being down here all alone, but God sent me an angel!
-Amanda
21 February 2009
First Night Out with the LM Folks
Last night was the first night I went out with the LM folks. It was the most fun I'd had since Halloween!
Kevin picked me up around 9:30, we "found" and wagered our way to Jason's to pick him up. On the drive downtown Jason and I reminisced about how Jason's leather seat heater was on for a week before he realized it, haha! And this was in August!
Our first stop was Wall Street, but we didn't go after all (bummer because I've never been there and wanted to see what all the talk was about) and ended up going to this really neat place called Embers. It was indoors and outdoors, they have great drinks at a fair price, and the building's architecture is old Spanish! Beautiful place! A lot of places around here have the outdoor heater lamps like they had in Australia!
Here's the group (pre-Kiley's arrival) (Kevin, me, Jason):
The bought the first round with no hesitation. I had a delicious White Russian! Next round was from Kevin: Malibu and Coke (double shot as requested by one of the group, haha, I didn't know until I realized how light-colored my drink appeared). It was so good, though! We saw a guy wearing a sweater that had fake suspenders screen printed on to it, haha! Kiley arrived after his UCF baseball game wrapped up:
Embers played a lot of great music ranging from pop to 80s. The DJ was really friendly and played Mr. Jones for me and Kevin. We requested Take Me Home Tonight, but didn't hear it played because we left to go to The Lodge. The Lodge is downtown Orlando's equivalent of Harry's back at Purdue and The Down Under Bar in Brisbane: packed, dirty, cheap(ish), dancing, drunks and totally fun! Here's a shot of Kevin rocking out to some Joan Jett and the Black Hearts!
Kevin is quite a little people-magnet! He knew about everyone we bumped into, granted he's from the area. Here is one of us with his friend John:
The girls!!!
Me and Kiley:
Me and Kiley:
A few random thoughts about the night: It's Kevin, not Kyle. Just take the spare house key next time. Fun times being "that girl" in photos, haha! Making friends in the line for the "unofficial" ladies room. Being turned down with a flat no from the DJ upon requesting Walk Like an Egyptian, haha! Quarreling over the artist who sang Mr. Brightside (I was right, by the way, with The Killers' Hot Fuss album). Dancing with my eyes closed. Losing my straw. "Shooting" with the guy in the glasses. Mr. Photographer! Smiling at cute strangers on the other side of the crowd and then looking away as I take a sip of my drink. Zachary.
Awesome night out with some awesome people. I'm very thankful for my new friends, especially now with being so new to the scene. One of the best gifts in life is that of friendships.
-Amanda
PS: chat with old friend, Steve Bray:
him:
although I gotta say...I saw in your blog where you gave a description of harry's as old, dirty, and cheap...
I'm curious on your choice of word with cheap..
me:
hmm
that was more in line with the down under bar in australia i gusess
it's that weird culture of griminess but everyone loves it any way
i hope i didn't offend you
harry's is where the purdue nightlife heart beats
him:
no haha it wasn't offensive...just curious is all
......The point of adding this conversation was to exemplify that Harry's, The Down Under Bar and The Lodge are all places one MUST experience. It's just one of those things.
Kevin picked me up around 9:30, we "found" and wagered our way to Jason's to pick him up. On the drive downtown Jason and I reminisced about how Jason's leather seat heater was on for a week before he realized it, haha! And this was in August!
Our first stop was Wall Street, but we didn't go after all (bummer because I've never been there and wanted to see what all the talk was about) and ended up going to this really neat place called Embers. It was indoors and outdoors, they have great drinks at a fair price, and the building's architecture is old Spanish! Beautiful place! A lot of places around here have the outdoor heater lamps like they had in Australia!
Here's the group (pre-Kiley's arrival) (Kevin, me, Jason):
The bought the first round with no hesitation. I had a delicious White Russian! Next round was from Kevin: Malibu and Coke (double shot as requested by one of the group, haha, I didn't know until I realized how light-colored my drink appeared). It was so good, though! We saw a guy wearing a sweater that had fake suspenders screen printed on to it, haha! Kiley arrived after his UCF baseball game wrapped up:
Embers played a lot of great music ranging from pop to 80s. The DJ was really friendly and played Mr. Jones for me and Kevin. We requested Take Me Home Tonight, but didn't hear it played because we left to go to The Lodge. The Lodge is downtown Orlando's equivalent of Harry's back at Purdue and The Down Under Bar in Brisbane: packed, dirty, cheap(ish), dancing, drunks and totally fun! Here's a shot of Kevin rocking out to some Joan Jett and the Black Hearts!
Kevin is quite a little people-magnet! He knew about everyone we bumped into, granted he's from the area. Here is one of us with his friend John:
The girls!!!
Me and Kiley:
Me and Kiley:
A few random thoughts about the night: It's Kevin, not Kyle. Just take the spare house key next time. Fun times being "that girl" in photos, haha! Making friends in the line for the "unofficial" ladies room. Being turned down with a flat no from the DJ upon requesting Walk Like an Egyptian, haha! Quarreling over the artist who sang Mr. Brightside (I was right, by the way, with The Killers' Hot Fuss album). Dancing with my eyes closed. Losing my straw. "Shooting" with the guy in the glasses. Mr. Photographer! Smiling at cute strangers on the other side of the crowd and then looking away as I take a sip of my drink. Zachary.
Awesome night out with some awesome people. I'm very thankful for my new friends, especially now with being so new to the scene. One of the best gifts in life is that of friendships.
-Amanda
PS: chat with old friend, Steve Bray:
him:
although I gotta say...I saw in your blog where you gave a description of harry's as old, dirty, and cheap...
I'm curious on your choice of word with cheap..
me:
hmm
that was more in line with the down under bar in australia i gusess
it's that weird culture of griminess but everyone loves it any way
i hope i didn't offend you
harry's is where the purdue nightlife heart beats
him:
no haha it wasn't offensive...just curious is all
......The point of adding this conversation was to exemplify that Harry's, The Down Under Bar and The Lodge are all places one MUST experience. It's just one of those things.
Sex & the City
One day, during the wonderful summer of 2007, a dear friend named Kristin said to me, "Amanda, every woman should watch that show." "That show" being referred to could be none other than Sex & the City (SATC). I nodded my head and brushed off her comment. I have never been the chick-flick movie type, why on earth would I watch "that show?"
I've been so transformed since having the pleasure of meeting Miss Kristin. You see, through our friendship I've learned quite a bit about being a woman. Being the only female in your major for college career can suppress your feminine side drastically. Ask any of my boys. So, Kristin helped me nurture my female self.
When I was studying in Australia, the SATC movie came out. Myself and all of my flatmates went out to see it (even the blokes!). As we were exiting the cinema I was completely taken by surprise as I realized how much I had fell in love with the movie, the ideas, the humor, the concept, the characters - everything about SATC! By the way, Inga pointed out that I was most like Charlotte, which I took as a compliment.
For Christmas of 2008 I asked my grandparents for my very own copy of the SATC movie. I was so excited to watch it with my best friend (who doubles as my mother)! There was something really special about watching that particular film with my mom. We laughed and had a great girls night in, despite being forced to watch the movie in my dad's office because his was the only dual-layer DVD reader in the house, haha!
A few nights after moving to the big, fabulous city of Orlando, where I reside as a single woman, I decided I must watch the SATC TV show. I was empowered as I purchased the first season. I am three episodes in and - no surprise - I absolutely love it. I even joined a Facebook group for SATC.
I think the aspect I love most about SATC is that everyone - young, old, single, married, complicated, happy, sad, ugly, beautiful, rich, poor, male, female, newb or veteran and everything in between - EVERYONE can relate to the show. It's brilliant.
Here are some Sex & the City quick links:
The HBO Sex & the City website.
The Sex & the City 2008 film IMDB website.
The Sex & the City Wikipedia article.
-Amanda
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