HNT-Useless Skill #3- Spooning

Ok, it was suggested that both arching a single eyebrow and tongue rolling might have actual real life applications of value. To be honest I must admit I have used them both for my advantage. I promise, I only use my powers for good, never evil....Ok, Ok, I have used them in wicked ways (Mwahahahaha!!!!) but you just don't understand the burden of these powers unless you possess them.

Continuing with the theme of 'skills no one cares to see on your resume,' allow me to demonstrate the hanging of spoons from the end of one's nose. Beginners should stick (pun intended) to plastic spoons as they weigh much less and adhere with ease. Progressing along with the demitasse, one may increase size and weight until balance is easily achieved and hang time can exceed 10 seconds. Eventually you may move to a heavy gauge teaspoon and for those with especially prominent or gifted probosci, soup spoons. The use of any artificial adhesives is strictly forbidden.

Though I have not progressed as far as soup spoons, I hope I have sufficiently established my expertise. It is particularly notable that I was able to dangle the spoon, cross my eyes AND take the picture at the same time.

*No spoons or Limes were harmed during the production of this HNT.

Happy HNT!

Weird Wednesday-Google Me This!*

*Posted with Snavy's permission

Last week Snavy posted:
I think we need more cowbell

I commented thusly:
oh yeah, and cowbell is always good. so is that wooden scraper thingy that's shapped like a fish. i wanna be the lead in a band of cowbells and scrapers....ooooh and triangles, we need some triangles

She responded via email with:
LMAO!! We need some finger cymbals though!

Since I use Gmail, that brief correspondence fired off the automated searching that produces sidebar advertisements connected to your email. For those who don't have Gmail, Google basically searches the body of text in email and puts in ads they think will appeal to you based on the content of your email. To be honest, I usually ignore them but the ones attached to our correspondence this time caught my eye.

I implore you to click on the links and read briefly. It's well worth it and getting up at 5 am to see the kiddies off just makes me too damn lazy to save images and post them through Flickr, etc. I'll adjust soon but in the meantime let's get clicky with it.

Travel Tongue CleanerThe Most Effective Tongue Cleaner Dentists and Hygienists Love.
www.traveltonguecleaner.com/
Thinnest Tongue ScraperA thin slim & narrow tongue scraper works much better. Why? See it here
www.BFresh.net/StopBadBreath

Apparently the combination of cowbells and scrapers made them think we have a terrible halitosis problem (holds hand up, breathes into it, and sniffs...hhmm, anyone have an Altoids?). Do we have breath so bad it rivals meadow muffins? Is that what they are saying? Now listen, just because I like garlic and hot peppers doesn't mean a thing, ok?? I practice meticulous oral hygeine. C'mere, give me a kiss. Bwhahahaha!

Personally, I think the part of the ad that touts the feature that makes the one scraper less likely to trigger a gag reflex is one of the best parts. Here's the line of testers of tongue scrapers and the researchers wearing labcoats and carrying clipboards. Subject #1 uses the old fashioned wide tongue scraper and hurls on the researcher because his gag reflex is triggered so strongly. So now we see the researchers in multicolored spew-covered labcoats, sticky shoes, perhaps safety goggles...Jensen, put that down as a negative response to the old model. Hhhmm, I wonder how well blue Gatorade comes out of labcoats....

Ok, I clearly have a sense of humor as highly refined as the average 10 year old boy but I think we could mine this feature of Google for all it's worth in terms of Weird Wednesday fodder. To that end I am inviting you all to play along. Send me an email with whatever strange words you think could produce some bizarre search results. Just be silly and skewed, not borderline psychotic. No violence or porn. Put 'Weird Wednesday' in the subject line so I know it isn't spam to be deleted without reading. We'll see what other goofy results I get and the funniest will be posted in future Weird Wednesdays.

Trini Tuesday-I'm a Little Hunk of Tin

I'm a little hunk of tin
No one knows what shape I'm in
Honk, honk, rattle, crash, bang, beep, beep!
Honk, honk, rattle, crash, bang, beep, beep!

Continuing with last week's theme of transportation on Trinidad, I am presenting our car. Ain't she a beaut? We got her a few months after we arrived. She was an ancient Toyota Corolla. Trinis tended to favor Japanese cars. There were a few VWs around too. Very rarely would you find an American car. I'm not entirely sure why, nor am I certain if it is still the case but cars were outrageously expensive to purchase, even used ones, even jalopies like ours. Once you owned one, a trip to the mechanic was not as overpriced as it is in the US. That was the bargain. The trick was being able to buy one.

Our little heap up there was quite the piece of work. You can see the stylish two-tone color scheme. Let me tell you more. She had no AC, so she did not provide a cool ride. She leaked like a sieve. In the rainy season it was wise to wear a slicker while riding in her, or else carry an open umbrella. Her speedometer didn't work, but that was ok. You could judge your speed by watching how fast the yellow lines whizzed by through the holes in the floor. She had no suspension. She spent a LOT of time in the shop. Let me tell you, this car was literally such a hunk of junk that when we were robbed (a WHOLE other post) and the gunmen had the keys to it in their hands, they gave them back after they saw the car.

Now, I do not want you to think I am complaining about our little car. Nuh man! Doh get vex wit meh! She was a heap but she was our heap. And she (usually) got us and a whole lot of other people where we needed to be. As I mentioned in a much earlier post, we worked in a squatter village. We didn't necessarily plan on buying such a jalopy but it worked out well. We could park it in a crime ridden area and be pretty confident no one would interfere with it. When we drove to the village we were going over some roads that contained potholes big enough to darn near swallow our little hunk of tin. We certainly didn't need to worry about her good looks being marred by travelling such paths. She was also mechanically uncomplicated (no computers and nonsense). Just pop the bonnet and you only had the basics. Mr. Lime could work on her himself, not like the cars we have now that have to be hooked up to a life support system for the trained mechanics to even tell you what is wrong before you take out a second mortgage to pay for repairs. Heck, I looked under her bonnet and thought, 'Gees, this looks like I could even figure stuff out.'

Back when we lived in Trinidad there were no seatbelt laws so we could cram our little buggy full of however many kids wanted to climb in and get them all to school. Remember, the schools there do not provide transportation so if you don't have a car you pay to go on maxis or in private taxis. The people we worked with were among the poorest on the island and several families had to choose between eating and paying taxi fare. If cramming 10 kids in our car helped ease some of that we were glad to do it.

So there she is, our Trini ride in all her hard working glory.

Happy Trini Tuesday!

First Day

Dear God in Heaven, what sadist decided 10 year olds who live 2 miles from their school should be at the bus stop at 6:15 am for a school day that commences an hour later? Whoever the hell it was should be the one personally waking said ten year olds, getting them ready for school, driving the whole busload of them to school, and then inspiring them to learn in the classroom. Either that or the aforementioned sadist ought to be shot at dawn which, when the time changes, will not arrive for quite a long time AFTER 6:15 am. Did I mention we live in an area with no streetlights or sidewalks? Shooting at dawn is too good. Let me think on it a while, I'm a creative person, I am sure I can come up with a better form of revenge. In the meantime, your suggestions are welcome. Ok, I will calm down now....


Now children, come over to the story corner and sit down. It's sharing time.

The Tale of Two Teachers.

Once upon a time there was a little girl, named Lime who was ready for kindergarten. She was very excited and when the big yellow bus picked her up she gabbled all the way to school. Who would the teacher be? Who would her classmates be? What was the bus passing? Who would she sit with? What would the room look like? Would she get lost?

When the bus arrived a lady with pointy glasses, a wildly colored dress and a very tall beehive hairdo came to the bus and said she was their teacher (Years later when the girl was grown she would know all the beehived women in pointy glasses depicted in Far Side cartoons were modelled on her kindergarten teacher). She led the children to their new classroom. 'Here are your cubbies and here are your tables. Please put your things away and come sit down on the rug. The principal will be here in a minute to welcome you.' The children did as they were asked and in came a short man in a baggy suit.

The man in the baggy suit said,'Good afternoon.' Some children repeated his words, some looked out the window, some picked fluff off the rug, some picked their noses. He repeated himself more loudly. Some more children repeated his words, some giggled because he sounded like their whiny little brother and he was repeating himself insistently, just like the whiny little brother.

The man in the baggy suit started to say more words. He was using the grown up tone that says, 'I am very important and you are small so you must listen very carefully' but his voice was still whiny and monotonous. And there was a whole shelf of interesting looking books, and stacks of colorful paper, and pretty fall leaves on the bulletin board, and that girl has pretty pigtails, and that boy has a lot of freckles, and how does the teacher get her hair to stay like that, and the man in the baggy suit kept talking and talking and talking and whining and whining and whining.

Little Lime noticed the girl on her left was talking to the other girl next to her,and the boy on her right was still picking his nose and he was wiping it on the rug next to her. She leaned over and said, 'That's yucky, you better not get boogers on me.' The man in the baggy suit noticed that the children were paying more attention to everything but his whiny words and said, 'One of the things we will learn in kindergarten is how to keep our mouths shut when it is time to learn because some of us have very big mouths.' Now Little Lime came from a family where personal opinions were uncensored and offered freely and where astute observations were commended. So she waved her hand enthusiastically in the air (having listened to the man in the baggy suit explain that this was the expected manner for taking turns speaking) to share her great insight. The man in the baggy suit pointed to her and she proudly exclaimed, 'We know who has the biggest mouth of all! You do!' Thus it came to pass that Little Lime had a note home to her poor mortified mother on the first day of kindergarten.

Lime grew and she grew and she grew. She married Mr. Lime and they had 3 lovely Limelets of their own. It came about that it was time for the first Limelette to go to kindergarten. Knowing that Limelette #1 is even more inclined to freely offer her unvarnished opinion than Lime herself, Lime was a bit concerned about this first day of school. When the day arrived Lime walked her own dear Limelette #1 to school. All the other children lined up with their bright new clothes and shiny bags and happy faces. Limelette #1 marched up the steps to join them confidently. Out came a smiling woman with gentle eyes and a gentle voice and and gentle, happy greeting, 'Welcome to kindergarten my dear children. We have so many wonderful things to learn together.' Limelette #1 marched in as Lime felt an odd sort of realization that 'Another Woman' would now help mold and shape her precious Limelette. 'We shall see...,' she thought to herself.

When Limelette #2 turned 4 she knew her turn with the teacher with the gentle eyes, voice, and smile would come soon. She asked her mother every day for a year, 'How many days until I turn 5 and can go to kindergarten?' Every time she saw the gentle teacher she asked, 'How many more days until I can be in your class?' The gentle teacher always said, 'Soon my dear, and I can't wait either.' Eventually after many days and many repetitions of the question and answer, Limelette #2 was lined up with all the other children in front of the school and wiggling excitedly. The smiling teacher with the gentle eyes, and gentle voice came out to meet the class. She leaned over to Limelette#2 and said, 'My dear, guess what?' Limelette #2 looked up with shining eyes and asked, 'What?' The gentle teacher smiled wide, her own eyes shining with joy and answered, 'TODAY IS FINALLY HERE! And I am soooo glad to have you in my class!' As the class followed the gentle teacher in Lime smiled knowing Limelette #2 was in caring hands.

Finally, the day came when Limelet #3 was ready for kindergarten. Since Lime had helped so often in the gentle teacher's class and the teacher had often said Limelet #3 should come along, Limelet #3 knew the gentle teacher very well. He knew where to find the room. He knew where everything in the room was. The first day of kindergarten was a mere technicality to him. But the gentle teacher was also wise and wanted it to be a special day for all her students. Limelet #3 lined up with all the other new kindergarteners and the gentle teacher came out to meet the class and she said to Limelet #3, 'Welcome to kindergarten, my dear! Today, you don't just get to visit my class. Today you get have your very own spot in it and today you get to stay. I am so very glad.'

At the end of Limelet #3's kindergarten year Lime felt a bit sad knowing it was the end of an era with the gentle teacher. She told the gentle teacher how she had wondered about her on the first day Limelette #1 went to kindergarten. Then Lime said, 'I am so glad each of my children got to start their school career with you. In all my imagination there does not exist a more wonderful kindergarten teacher than you.' The gentle teacher shed a little tear and siad, 'Thank you, I needed to hear that.'

May all the gentle teachers and precious children have a wonderful start to the year.

And may the sadists taste justice......(Bad Lime! Naughty Lime, go sit in the corner! There will be a note going home today! Some of us just never learn do we??)

Friday 55ish-More or Less

Thanks again for the encouraging comments on Wednesday. I've calmed down a bit especially after talking to my therapist. She gave me some very good clinical information that I found helpful. We shall see what happens in a month....

In the meantime it's Friday 55. Rule breaker that I am, this is not even close to 55. Oh, well.

Waking
Waiting
Wondering
Wanting
Ssshhh

Seeking
Suckling
Shuddering
Sighing
Ssshhh

Touching
Tasting
Trembling
Taunting
Ssshhh

Clasping
Cooing
Cuddling
Calm
Sssssshhhhhh

~Lime~

*Painting: Egon Schiele's Embrace (1917)

HNT-Useless Skill #2

Last week I displayed the rare and special talent of arching a single eyebrow. I realized I have a few more useless skills so why not at least have fun with them for HNT. With that, may I present the rolled tongue.

*Tune in next week for another exciting installment of 'skills no one cares to see on a resume.'

Happy HNT!

Rats

Well, I just saw my surgeon yesterday. He is pleased by the gains I continue to make overall but he is not so pleased by the amount of pain I still have in my wrist. He determined this by grabbing my hand, twisting hard, and poking his finger firmly into pain central on the back of my wrist. Gee, that was fun! It's a good thing he is the fellow who put this Humpty-dumpty patient back together again AND that I like him because if those two criteria were not met I'd have had my one good hand around his throat. It's just sort of this instinctive thing with me to want you in pain if you willingly inflict physical pain on me. Call me crazy. I'm just glad I was able to censor my comments before they came flying out willy-nilly since my son was sitting next to me. Not that he hasn't learned every cuss word in the book from me already, but I do try. Honest. And I actually do like and trust my surgeon. Honest.

Anyway, what does this mean? It means he is threatening to dig around inside my arm again and fish out the nice big piece of metal he stuck in there in the first place to hold it together. He thinks the metal is grinding in the wrist joint and the cause of pain which impedes further progress. He said we don't have to hurry to make the decision. He's giving it until next month. I'm glad he's not in a hurry. I'm not real keen on pain but I'm less keen on surgery. Much less keen. Ok, I grasp the logic. We take a couple of steps backwards so we can take even more forwards...eventually. I'm still not keen on it. Did I mention that?

I REALLY don't like surgery mainly because I have a certain phobia about anesthesia. I don't have good experiences with it. I either have crazy reactions to small amounts or they max me out and I am still feeling things or I wake up puking my guts out.

• Excisional biopsy when I was 22 (benign, thankfully) I woke up puking and knowing I couldn't move. There I am laying on the gurney or bed or whatever thinking, 'Hhhmm, so this is how it ends? I'm gonna choke to death on my own vomit like Jimi Hendrix. Not what I expected.' I was quite profoundly grateful for the cold set of hands that turned my face in time to spare me that fate.
• First c-sec I just shook uncontrollably for I don't know how long after the surgery.
• Second c-sec I felt. Yes, from first incision to last suture I felt the whole friggin surgery. Of course, they warned me I would and I argued my way out of general anesthesia when the epidural only took partial effect (probably a benefit of being an American in Trinidad at the time too, a certain 'indulgence' granted that otherwise would have been denied). I can be such a pain in the ass, I know. I'd do it again too if it was the only way to remain lucid when my child enters the world. That scene at the end of Braveheart.....yeah, something like that.
• Last c-sec I had some crazy reaction to the drug and started choking, then I spent the next 24 hours tearing my face off because the itching damn near drove me out of my mind. Anesthesiologist leans over me during surgery and says, 'Gee you're very sensitive to this drug.' Ya think??? (Does anyone else see great irony in a person who hates surgery and anesthesia having all her kids that way?? Believe me, it was not my choice! I'd have preferred squatting in a field. They were healthy, all that matters in the end.)
• This thing with my arm? I fortunately didn't wake up puking. Mr. Lime warned them and they loaded me up on all sorts of things to prevent that. Thankyouthankyouthankyou! I also didn't have any weird reaction that I know of. I do feel like I was lobotomized through my arm though. Afterwards it took me a long time to be able to feel like coherent thoughts were not a struggle even when I was not taking painkillers. And short term memory? Just call me Dorrie. Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming...
• I've just spent 3 months working like crazy to regain some strength and use of Janita and now they want to send me backwards. The doc tells me I won't have to be splinted or anything so that's good. I'm still not jumping for joy here.

I'm just not digging this threat of a second surgery. Ok, I have moaned and whined enough. There are a lot of people suffering in ways I cannot even fathom or imagine. And in the 4 months since the accident I have spent fewer hours boohooing than Janita has fingers. I just Don't want to spend time in that spot. It doesn't get me better and there are actually too many things for me to be thankful about. I'm not going to spend a month worrying about the possibility of surgery. Maybe I won't need it after all. I just needed to get that rant out of my system. We now return you to your regularly scheduled Lime.

Just in case I get too whiny or self-pitying or negative, you all have permission to tell me to go out to the rock, sit upon it, and consider some of the nastier alternatives I could be facing were I not as fortunate as I already have been. See it? That rock down there. That's the one I landed right next to....very thankfully, not on. I need to remember it could be a helluva lot worse.

Trini Tuesday-Maxis

After spending a lot of time on my own road trip and then reading TTfootball's responses last week I thought I'd share a little about transportation on Trinidad this week.

It's a small island, 35 by 55 miles at its widest points. Due to the presence of the world's largest natural asphalt deposit in La Brea's Pitch Lake there is a high percentage of paved roads. There are a heck of a lot of unpaved roads too and some of the paved ones are anything but smooth.

Many people have cars but many don't. Public transportation in Trinidad is common, cheap and generally reliable as well as a bit adventurous. To be honest, it was a big adjustment to come back to rural Pennsylvania and not be able to 'find a drop' easily outside my front door.



There are several forms of public transport on the island. The one TTfootball mentioned was 'maxi-taxis' or maxis, for short, as you see pictured above. This is a smaller maxi but a good example. Maxis all have fairly set routes they travel and you can tell what direction they move by the color of stripe. The green on this one indicates it runs a north-south route. Red denotes east-west. Yellow taxis would designate that they run only to the extreme east of the island. Other colors would denote different regions. At the ends of each route they will park at 'stands' that are designated for the specific road or route travelled. 'Excuse please, where de O'meara stand? Dey does line up dere by de Scotiabank. Round de corner is de Demerara stand.'

You can catch a maxi at any point along its route, provided it has space, by mere eye contact or a slight downward point of your hand. As a newcomer I accidentally hailed a few simply because I was so curious and just watching the people and driver on them. And if you hail one that happens to be full, don't worry, in a minute or two another will come along. The roads are full of them. Likewise you can exit at anytime along the route.

Many maxi drivers also decorate them so that regular riders can recognize them from a distance. Anyone who relies on them heavily quickly develops favorite drivers. When we first moved to Trinidad in 1992 maxis also were allowed to play music. The volume at which the music was played was another identifying trait that announced the maxi long before it could be seen. Riding on a crowded maxi right next to the speakers pumping out a bass sound heavy enough to alter your own heartbeat and keep your ears throbbing for a long while after disembarking is quite a memorable experience. My Calypso has a very Trini sense of rhythm even though she has not been there since she was 2. I think 9 months in utero, riding loud maxis may have something to do with that. Shortly after we moved back to the States the loud music was banned from maxis.

Now the island has 3 main highways, two that run east-west along the foothills of the northern moutnain range, and one that runs north-south. There is also an east-west 'bus route' that is supposedly only for maxis and the large coach style buses that run to and from town. If you want to get the full maxi experience you need to ride Eastern Main Road. It is the original east-west artery that runs the width of the island. It winds and bumps through the heart of the population along the width of the island. It is full of potholes, bicycles, pothounds (stray dogs), people, and cars. Along either side there are large ditches. The first couple of times you make this run yo umay wonder if you'll get out alive. After a few more, you'll happily bump along as placidly as a local even as a pothole or a swerve to avoid one of the myriad obstructions throws you into the lap of your seatmate.

Now if I am scaring you I don't mean to. I actually love to ride maxis. This is where a great cross section of the population intersects and it is a great place to people watch. You can catch all the latest news and political debate from your maxi mates. You'll be crushed in with shoppers and people travelling to work, children on their way to school, people of every creed and race. Even people who do own cars may be inclined to catch a maxi because it is less hassle for the convenience of a quick errand where parking may not be too available. Considering that for the equivalent of a couple of dollars (granted this was way back when we lived there and I don't know what rates are these days) I could travel from Arima in the east to Port of Spain in the west it's a heck of a bargain too. And a Trini does love a bargain!

Happy Trini Tuesday!

YUM!

I had to run to the grocery store this weekend. I was all out of cantaloupe and berries and peaches. I love summer fruits and veggies. I could just live on them. It's always a little sad when the seaon for all those succulent things passes. There are a few things that temper the sadness. Not the least of which is the mere beauty of autumn and the mild temperatures.

When I was at the store I walked with determination toward the check-out and then there it was. In the corner of my eye a blazing orange box caught me and drew me in. (Warning to Semi Gloss Lacquer, nostalgic Pennsylvania moment to follow) the Sweetzels Spiced Wafers are in stores. It's another autumn happiness that eases the loss of all the delicious summer produce.

They are only sold just as schools are going back in session until around Thanksgiving. Their appearance in grocery stores heralds the soon to arrive changing leaves and crisp mornings of fall. For anyone from Southeast Pennsylvania it's the autumn equivalent of seeing the first robin of spring. Well, ok, maybe not anyone, but for me at least. But the box does say "...a favorite Philadelphia tradition to the welcoming of fall.'

Now anyone who knows me knows how I adore chocolate but these spiced cookies are just so yummy and special they almost rival my other addiction (almost). Give me a pile of these and a glass of ice cold milk, which I almost NEVER drink, and I will happily dunk Sweetzels until the pile is gone.

So tell me, what seasonal (any season) delectables are unique to your area that you simply adore?

Nicked from Ian and Myutopia

Ian had this on his blog a while back and I liked it. I also got nuthin else today. I added a couple of things to it too.

Name a song that helps you wake up Jingo by Santana

A song you associate with hot balmy weather Caribbean Party by David Rudder

A song that makes you happy to be alive Love Shack by the B52s or 59th St. Bridge Song by Simon and Garfunkel

A song that makes you want to cry Don't Know Why I Didn't Come by Norah Jones

A song that makes you smile to yourself You Make Me So Very Happy by Blood, Sweat and Tears or Radar Love by Golden Earring.

A song that makes your ears bleed Roseanne Barr's rendition of the Star Spangled Banner or anything by either of the Simpson sisters.

A song where you think 'god, she's got an amazing voice' The rendition of Ain't No Sunshine that Calypso gave at her school talent show when she was 11. The kid sings all over the house all day so I know she can carry a tune but that's very different than standing on a bare stage in front of an auditorium full of people and blowing their socks off with an a capella version to the extent where the audience falls silent and then erupts into wild applause and a standing ovation. (How was that for a run-on sentence? Diagram that, I dare ya.)

A song where you think 'god, he's got an amazing voice Harry Connick, Jr.'s cover of Cry Me a River

A song that you could be very intimate with someone to or that you could fantasise about being intimate to Baby, I Love Your Way by Peter Frampton or Satisfied by Prince

A favourite song from the 50's Unforgettable by Nat King Cole (this was a close runner for 'god, what a voice')

A favourite song from the 60's Dream a Little Dream of Me by the Mamas & the Papas

A favourite song from the 70's Dust in the Wind by Kansas

A favourite song from the 80's Only one??? No way. Gees, I can't even narrow down to one group/artist.

A favourite song that is longer than 7 minutes in length Magic Carpet Ride by Steppenwolf

A song that is so hypnotic and mesmerising you would commit a crime to it if it told you to I dunno, but there are a few that make me nearly homicidal. The Teletubbies theme song comes to mind. (Sorry, Lisa)

A favourite instrumental Snakecharmer by Ottmar Liebert

Favourite Scottish song Uuummm... Does KT Tunstall's Black Horse and a Cherry Tree count? Because it's either that or something bagpipey, sadly I'm not up on Scottish tunes.

Favourite cover version Killing Me Softly by the Fugees or Dancing in the Streets by Van Halen



This one I ripped from My Utopia. Again, I modified it some.

1. One book that changed your life: Well, the Bible would be an obvious one. I was scared and intimidated by it as a kid, partly due to a complete lack of exposure to it. As a college student, I was amazed and changed by it. Antoine de St Exupery's The Little Prince has also had a profound effect on me.

2. One book that you’ve read more than once: See above. Otherwise, I can't think of too many books meant for adults that I've read and reread aside from various books of poetry. Among children's books the list is just huge. Dr. Seuss's ABCs is committed to memory. The Kissing Hand, Guess How Much I Love You, several books by Kevin Henkes and Jon Sciezka(These guys are wonderful! They soooo get the way a kid's mind works, Scieska in terms of humor, Henkes in terms of relationships.)

3. One book you’d want on a desert island: Only one???? Ok, I'd say an atlas that included maps of the currents and shipping lanes in the area as well as a how-to-guide on shipbuilding.

4. One book that made you laugh: Well, several people at the beach looked askance at me as I giggled my way through Bill Bryson's In a Sunburned Land.

5. One book that made you cry: Haing S. Ngor's autobiography. He was the actor who portrayed Dith Pran in the movie The Killing Fields. His story is so utterly tragic and heart rending it makes the story from the movie look like a cakewalk. He prefaces certain chapters by saying sensitive readers may want to skip ahead.

6. One book that you wish had been written: Hhhmm, how about wishing that Thomas Cahill's Hinges of History Series (How the Irish Saved Civilization, The Gift of the Jews, Sailing the Wine Dark Sea) had been WELL written. The premise of the books fascinated me and I thought he had many good points. His style and chronology were just so convoluted it drove me insane. I was so excited when I received them all as a gift and so disappointed when I read them.

7. One book that you wish had never been written: It is regrettable that Danielle Steele is so wealthy when talented writers can't even find agents. We'll just leave it at that.

8. The book you are currently reading: Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi. I highly recommend it.

9. One book you’ve been meaning to read: This list is extensive...Night by Elie Wiesel is on top of my 'to read' pile though.

10. The most recently acquired book: Anonymous Lawyer by Jeremy Blachman. A great big 'thank you' goes to James who had a drawing for this book. I was fortunate enough to have my name leap out of the fishbowl and into his hand. It just arrived in the mail yesterday. Yippeee!

11. One book you'd recommend that people might be reluctant to read: Go read The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester. It's about the first publication of the Oxford English Dictionary. Yes, I know that sounds dreadfully dull, but the relationship between the main editor and one of the most prolific contributor of entries is one of those 'truth is stranger than fiction' things. It really will amaze you. Also, you will come away with a deeper respect for the writers who labored prior to OED, an appreciation for words, and awe at the massive undertaking of the project itself. Go. Now. Go on...go check it out of the library. Now! Why are you still here?


Ok, wait...tell me what other music and books do you folks recommend I check out? Some of my favorites were suggested by other people. One never knows....

Have a great weekend. And stop at the library.

HNT-Overarching

Some time back I mentioned that arching a single eyebrow was one of my talents. M requested it as a HNT shot. Always eager to please, I took a zillion by myself but they all came out a bit forced looking. Last week while in the lair of the hausdrachen, Limelette #1 grabbed my camera to snap a pic of me and caught this reaction. So M gets her wish this week as I display a talent that along with a couple of bucks may get me a cup of coffee.

Happy HNT!

Weird Wednesday-Between a Rock (Band) and a Downy Soft Place

Monday I recapped the trip to and from Georgia. Overall, the visit went well on an interpersonal level. I'm very thankful for this since past visits have been, shall we say, less than pleasant. There was a rather odd mystery with a weird resolution though.

Grandma has a pool with a little lake nearby so we spent a good bit of time swimming. Upon returning to the house, Mr. Lime put the wet towels in the dryer. The next day we took them out and we noticed a very funky smell when we dried off with them. We all thought maybe they hadn't been dried fully. We washed them and dried them properly next time but noticed the whole laundry room smelled a bit funky.

The following day the laundry room was downright rank. Mr. Lime pulled out the machines to check under them and found nothing. Grandma thought it was the septic backing up since no obvious source of the stench could be found. I declared it the smell of ripe roadkill, not septic fumes. Then I noticed that if the dryer was running there was no smell. Mr. Lime pulled out the dryer again and disconnected the big vent pipe. Upon the most cursory glance a tail was found to be dangling from the back of the dryer. Rubber gloves and a bucket were fetched. After a moment, one very smelly and decomposing flying squirrel was extracted from the back of the dryer. Mr. Lime was lauded as a hero and after a bit of bleaching and replacement of fresh vent pipes the malodorous ordeal was over. I am glad for Grandma's sake that it happened while we were there so it could be taken care of easily for her. May I just say, I don't think flying squirrel scented dryer sheets will ever be a big seller.....just in case anyone ever has that idea.

As you know, it was a 15 hour trip down and a 15 hour trip back. I shared some of the things we did for amusement during said trek. Maybe I like Dave Barry too much but coming up with weird names for rock bands amuses me. Road signs, billboards, and other sights became a good source for this. And since AndyT is looking for rock band name suggestions I tossed a few out. Here they are plus some more.


Slow Children Playing (C'mon, this is good. I laugh ever time I see these signs...think about it.)
Dangerous Curves
Crazy Steve and the Fireworks (Get real crazy and think Flaming Lips. Look Ma! No hands!)
Cheap Cigarettes
Flagman and the Orange Vests
Live Nude Girls (Hey, if Bare Naked Ladies can make it, so can this group)
99 cent Whoppers
Hummer and the Wee Peepees
Fresh Bait and the Hookers
Screaming Hellion and the Bird Flippers (Saw a lot of these, it made me think of 10,000 Maniacs)
Exit 69
Hot Tar Sniffers
Hog and the Speedtraps
Elephant Butt (Yes, I am juvenile. This still makes me crack up days later.)


Ok, folks.....you're up. Give me a good road trip name for a rock band.

Trini Tuesday-Interview With TTfootball

On my last Trini Tuesday I posted 5 questions for TTfootball. She's a Trini living up in Connecticut and I am so glad she asked for 5 questions because I've been wanting to get to know her better. She doesn't post terribly often but I enjoy reading her perspectives on her American experience when she does. She's been fortunate enough to visit Scandinavia too and had some interesting thoughts on that as well. I'd encourage you to stop by her place and read through her archives a bit. I'm also still trying to recover from my trip and start the whole back to school preparations, so with TT's permission I am copying her responses to the 5 questions here.



Ok here we go... I needed some focus since I'm still at soccer camp, there's alot to write about but I can't settle on one thing till i get home and organise my thoughts. So I got these questions from Lime to keep my posts going till then:


1. You are from Trinidad but studying in Connecticut. What made you decide to study in the USA and do you plan to return to Trinidad upon completion of school?

I actually came to the U.S. because I was bored and football gave me the opportunity to leave and get a degree at the same time. I have known many people who come to play for one year just for the experience and go back home. It's the question of my life: to return or not to return...and I keep putting off answering it until I ABSOLUTELY have to. When I completed my BS it was there, then I got accepted to do my MBA so I put off thinking of that for another 2 years (still have one to go) Then what? well after that I apply for Optional Practical Training (thats another year I can stretch it out for hehe) Maybe something else might come up after that. Or maybe I might grow up by then and actually decide...


2. The Northeast USA is said to be a very 'cold' place, not just the climate but the people as well. I loved the warmth of Trinidad's culture when I lived there and found this a very difficult place to return to. Do you find 'cold' to be an accurate description and even if not, how do you cope with the cultural differences?

One of the biggest things I miss about Trinidad, especially my neighbourhood, is the people on the street. And I don't mean like what you see on TV with unemployed people on the corner. But the open doors, the WALKING down your street and saying good afternoon to people as opposed to driving, the way you can just drop by someone's house for a few minutes without calling in advance, "lime" by the front gate. I always thought it noticeable how you hardly ever see anyone on the street even in the more residential neighbourhoods.It is a bit difficult to make a comparison of the Northeast since my experiences here have been filled with people who have also come from other countries. Somehow it usually happens that the "foreigners" gravitate towards one another, I never put thought into whether it was a Northeast thing or simply an American thing.


3. If you were taking a friend on tour of Trinidad, what spots would you be sure to visit? This may include but is not limited to obvious tourist places....(oooh, i feelin' fuh an Aptee's roti or some doubles from by de airport......)

Been thinking about this one since I finally visited my european friends. Definitely they would have to take a ride in a maxi taxi, a main road one at that, not a bus route one. Port of Spain, from the President's House to the Light House; of course Maracas Bay, as much for the scenic drive and the beach as for the bake and shark; Invader's Bay, Chaguaramas, great sunsets; Chaguanas to experience the hustle of street shopping; West Mall for mall shopping and Trinidad White people hehe; Aranguez savannah where I learned to play football and fly kites; Smokey and Bunty, bar and grill (more bar); east coast leatherback turtle-nesting-watching; Asa Wright nature centre; La brea, pitch (asphalt) lake; University of the West Indies doubles vendors; ferry to Tobago: then Charlotteville to pull seine; Store Bay/Pigeon Point, beaches; Buccoo Reef/Nylon pool (clear shallow in the middle of the reef); Fort King George, history, great view;o and we would have to choose a couple good nightclubs ;-)Those were just a few off the top of my head, but I definitely think its important to experience the daily culture and not only the tourist spots .


4. What do you enjoy most about living in the USA? What cultural traits or opportunities/experiences will you miss if and when you return to Trinidad?

Cultural traits... I feel that in spite of the American influence on caribbean society, our way of life and approach to things in general, have quite a British or European flavour. I have always had more in common with other foreigners than Americans. I really don't know what can be identified as an American trait...hmm, you drive everywhere? You like to claim your heritage e.g. Portugese, Irish etc even if you don't know much about it? You like to have parades! That's a good one! Oh and processed food!I will miss most the opportunity to meet so many different people of various cultures. Many Americans marvel at the fact that I left Trinidad on my own, but there are in fact many like myself and such people have enriched my experience here in indescribable ways; great friends. I enjoy the ability to drive for hours and not reach the other end of the island; New York City; visiting my Grandmom; in some ways I enjoy being the novelty, the caribbean girl; coaching, coaching girls; I will miss things being open in the middle of the night e.g. Dunkin Donuts; there is so much more to do here, things to try, I guess thats why its big; I will surely miss skiing (I plan to learn to snowboard this coming winter); sometimes I am afraid I will get like one of my Uncles and be bored back in Trinidad but I know things have gotten very different in terms of nightlife and liming spots in the few years I've been away; as long as I can travel i'll be OK.


5. Now for the question I was always tickled to have asked when I lived in Trinidad....What yuh mix, gyal?

I always say I'm as mixed as they come, the only thing I am yet to discover in my heritage is some Chinese. But i've got the European/African/Indian thing goin on ;-)


Thanks for playing, TT!

Happy Trini Tuesday, everyone!

I'm Baaaaaack!

Yeeehaw! I made it out in one piece, well...almost...sort of. Ok, I'm alive and so is the hausdrachen and everyone else. I'll get back to all that but you know, 30 hours in a car gives one all sorts of time to think...in between the 'are we there yets,' 'she's touching mes,' wild swerves to miss the lunatic drivers on the interstates, pit stops, and the amazing proliferation of snack wrappers mounting high enough to block rear views. I just wanted to share some of the profound thoughts bulls***t that I pondered deeply amused me during the 30 ass-flattening, mind-numbing hours.

• What exactly does it mean when a sign says 'Speed Enforced from Aircraft?' Do the police fly around in helicopters and bomb you if you speed? Or does a giant net fall from the sky to capture you? Do they activate huge trapdoors in the interstate to swallow offenders?
• I saw billboards for a place called Zaxby's Chicken Fingers and Buffalo Wings. Now this amazes me. There's a whole chain of fast food places making a killing off ficticious animal parts. Can we expand the menu to include fish feet and cow fin soup? Just a thought...
• I am convinced Arizona has a monopoly on U-Haul rental trucks and trailers. Every one we passed had Arizona plates on it except one. That one was from Alberta. May I salute the intrepid Canadians who have horned in on Arizona's stranglehold.
• Oh, and speaking of salutes I'm using a special finger for that Hummer driver that felt the need to attempt an automotive colonoscopy for several miles while I was cruising up I-81.
• Mr. Lime gave us all quite a giggle when he exitted the Hampton Inn in Lexington, VA because they were charging $150/night. He shared his thoughts by mooning the front desk from the parking lot. That's right ladies, he's all mine. (You can breathe a sigh of relief now)
• I got bored at one point and read the Road Atlas for fun. Did you know there is a town in New Mexico called Elephant Butte? I was obviously rather delirious when I found that because I read it as Elephant Butt. I giggled for about 10 miles. I am just waaaay too easily amused.
• Speaking of big butts, my son's favorite part of the trip is when we pass the water tower shaped like a gigantic peach in Gaffney, SC. We've all decided it looks like an enormous peachy ass.
• With regards to my son, I enjoyed the look of horror on my husband's face when we swapped driving duties in WV and Mr. Lime discovered Isaac had just rapidly ingested a Candy Bar and a 16 oz. bottle of Jolt soda he'd bought on the sly. Oh yeah, 10 year old boy and excessive sugar and caffeine in confined space...fun times!
• Mr. Lime occasionally threatens to move the family to western Nebraska because of local overcrowding. This led me back to the Road Atlas. According to Rand McNally, there are 11 contiguous counties in Western NE that each have a population less than 1000. Some of these counties had exactly 2 roads that made the map. Some had a single speck of a town in them. Now I mean no disrespect to the good people of western NE (wherever they may be found) but....NOT A CHANCE! I have greater social needs than what the average herd of deer and antelope can provide.
• I'm also not interested in living in Tom Green Co., Texas. I'd be embarassed to live in a place named after the goofball who married Drew Barrymore.
• Now, for the love of God and weary travellers who play the license plate game, I think fancy license plates frames and extraneous specialty plates should just be outlawed. The frames obscure my ability to read what state you are from and the myriad of specialty plates just give me false hope. 'Ooooh, where's that plate from? Damn, just another Florida variation. Sheesh!' Here I am thinking I get to check off a whole new state and it's just some barnacle encrusted manatee that graduated from FSU. In case you care, and I know you've waited all week to learn this, I counted 42 US states and 4 Canadian provinces. Oh, and by the way, the GA vanity plate that read 'AKBAR 1'.....I'm thinking it's not the plate I'd want right now.

Ok, so maybe you want to know about the actual visit in the lair of the Hausdrachen. Maybe you don't. Hey, I lived. You will too.

• It was a delight to see our 24 year old nephew. He is such a great guy and was so good to the kids.
• It was crazy to see how much our 6 year old niece has grown and changed and it was fun to see her enjoy her cousins.
• My husband and his brother look more and more alike as the years pass. Hon, this is why you can't shave your moustache. I need to be able to tell the difference.
• I aggravated my lower back badly enough I needed to find a chiropractor in East Nowhere, GA (long drives and conjugal acts performed on the bathroom counter of Holiday Inn Express are a bad combination with herniated disks, go figure).
• The Hausdrachen wanted to know why she has trouble getting on the internet. Um, computer from 1997, Windows 95, dial-up connection...where do we even begin?
• During the one group conversation when the HD started to breathe fire at Mr. Lime's older brother, Mr. Lime picked up the first random object at hand, made some inane observation about it. While HD was distracted (ooooh shiny!) we all scattered like cockroaches when the light is turned on. It was an amazing display of efficient self-preservation.
• Aside from that incident and one other involving a two liter bottle of soda, 4 kids and a small pontoon boat, the visit was generally conflict free, which is a minor miracle. HD also seems to be recovered from the ailment that prevented her from travelling north so we are all glad for that.

Now, I must apologize to Breazy and Chickadee because I missed them in my fantasy road trip. To make it up to them I am taking them both with me when I go to Trinidad. Breazy will love the beach time and Chickadee, the birdwatching there is world famous.

Now as a last order of business I want to post a note from my cousin Lisa...Again, thank you to each who took the time to offer condolences.

Lisa said...
Hi everyone.This is Lisa, Lime's cousin.

Thank you so much for your condolences, your kind thoughts, your prayers. I don't think I have even gotten to grieve my father's passing very much. Every family acts differently in grief, and my three sisters decided it was just the right time to tell me exactly what they thought of me, so it's been nothing less then truly horrid. Really, it was a nightmare. We're home now, my little son and I, and the healing started when I read your kind notes. I'm glad my cousin has such a good crew reading her journal, and I wish you all the best. Thank you so very much.

ps I'm sure I'll get to posting on my blog soon.

Road Trip

Well Susie was busy in Washington harassing the Idiot and Logo. I'm with my family on my way to Georgia to visit the hausdrachen (I'm told this is German slang for mother-in-law, it's fitting...). It's often a bit tense, something having to do with me corrupting the perfectly cultivated WASP line, possessing an earthy sense of humor, ruining her perfect son or some such....Mr. Lime graciously offered me the opportunity to stay home by myself but somehow that just feels wrong. Must be my overactive guilt gland. Either that or my overdeveloped sense of masochism. I think it will work out ok. I hope...

Still, I'm not especially looking forward to the 15 hour drive. Yuck! If it were up to me here is where I'd be driving but in a very slow meandering way rather than the 'long way to go, short time to get there' convoy method....

I might ask David if we can tool around in his VW bus for part of the trip.

First, I'll shoot over to New York and hangout by the pool with BTExpress and his girlfriend, Lori. Maybe in the evening we can catch one of AndyT's shows. I hope he plays something I can dance to.

Then, I'll head north to Massachussets and get into trouble with my cousin Lisa. She wants me to come to Sweden with her so we'll hop a plane and she and Renny can show me Scandinavia, since he's just across the border in Norway. I think she could use the time away right now.

When we fly back, Snavy can pick me up at the airport and we can tear up Massachusetts with the East Coast Trivia/Blogger Fest 2006.

I've never seen Maine so I am looking forward to meeting Sheri and her lovely family. Some time at the campground together maybe? Melody, what can you show me in your great state?

From there I'll head to Ontario. I'll deliver a case of Trinidad's Carib Beer to my bloggy buddy Mark since he loves trying new beers. I wonder if Darth Tater will make an appearance? Nancy Drew, can introduce me to the Most Spoiled Cat in the Universe. Alro, let me know where your band is playing, I'd love to come hear you guys!

I'll shoot down into Michigan and pop in on Top Cat and his lovely wife. Hopefully we can have some fun to ease the frustrations they have had lately. Casually Me, how about I come by your place too? We can trade bizarre scenarios and you can bench press me if you want to. (Get your minds out of the gutter, people. He's a power lifter...ok, there was that bit about a fee schedule he said he'd halp me with...). Laurie, can I have a ride on your bike too if i make it to your place?

If Moose will have me, I'll pop in to Minnesota and we can paint the town red. Then I'll head over to Cootera's place so she can show me what she loves most about Iowa. Maybe if I can find M out there in the midwest we can scandalize her coworker, Bertha, by going slipless together.

I have to agree with Blither about the ungodly heat in Las Vegas. I'm also not much for gambling, and if I wanna see nekkid girls I have the internet and a mirror. Blither is there though so I simply have to make a stop so we can spend a day by the pool sipping margaritas. I know Fred loves Vegas so maybe he and the missus will meet us there. How about it Fred? Can you be persuaded?

From there I'll be headed to Washington where I can finally get into trouble with Logo and Idiot. Idiot, for you, I'd even be willing to have a coffee. Logo, you and me on the bike, k?? OOOOh, I soo can't wait. Can we pop in on Seamus if he hasn't gone on his own drive-about yet? Look out Seattle! While we are at it can we head up to BC and have a party with Miss Lissa?

Now I'm going to shoot down the coast of California and see Susie. Wow, I can't believe I've been chatting to her for 4 years! We are going to get into sooo much trouble, I just know it. And I'll be there for blackberry season, yum! While I'm in the Golden State I want to meet Lecram, APJ, Solitaire, and Semi-gloss Lacquer. Lecram, will you share a pith helmet with me if I wear a sarong? And will you tell me stories no end? APJ, I can't wait to have you toss me out of a plane and then we'll pole dance on the subway or bus. Semi-gloss Lacquer, I have some stuffed cabbage, proper pretzels, apple butter and whatever other Pennsylvania treats you are missing that I can carry for you. I'll drop by Bob Pixel's place too. I am so interested in the new property he and his family have bought and are working to live in sustainably. I also really want to see that hippo toilet! Jodes, I'm not in the shape you are in but can I come along on a beach walk with you when I get to San Diego? Oooh, what fun!

I'm not really looking forward to the drive to from California to Texas. I've done it before and it was long, hot and boring. But maybe if Just a Trucker has a night run he can pick me up so I can see what he sees on those night drives. Whenever he needs a break I will dance with him to whatever music he picks. Phaedrous, may I come share some time with you? You've been through hell and back. Let me put a smile on your face for just a while. No need to play host. Let me treat you to something. Gary will you show me your beautiful garden in person and give me some tips? Let's people watch for a while too. Damasta, girl...you and I are gonna go have fun and not worry about boys for a while. just a couple of girls and maybe a rat out having a good time. Either that or we can mess with customer's minds at your workplace. Myutopia, let's get together and swap some good books, ok?

Moving on to Oklahoma, I'm hoping James can take me out on his boat. I want to check his wakeboard. I'll share one of my grill recipes if he gets it fired up. It's pretty heavy on garlic, keeps the vampires away. While I'm in Oklahoma I want to finally meet Brian, his terrific kids and this Mystery Girl of his. Aside from my co-bloggers from Yahoo trivia, he's the blogger I've known the longest and I'd love to hang with his crew for a bit. Some karaoke and mojitos perhaps?

I'll shoot down to Louisiana and hang with Tommy for a while. I'm so proud of the positive changes he has made lately, we've got to celebrate. You call the shots, big guy.

If Fred can't meet up in Vegas then I'll stop in Florida and pop in on his class to see if his students are right about his fashion sense or not. Le chat, may I come by and see your new place too?

Now, it's another long drive up the east coast, but I'll stop at Jericho Falls in the Southeast. I'd love to hear him play piano and then just sit on the porch watching fireflies and have a long talk and solve the world's troubles together. Sissy B, let's spend some girl time. No need to be intimidated. We can just chill. Or plot the overthrow of people who need overthrowing. Maybe we can hook up with Heather too and see what she says out loud.

From there I'll visit Margie in Maryland and we can stomp around in the Elk River. Maybe she can help me finish this one scrapbook I've been working on for 3 years.

I'll pull back into Pennsylvania and pop by TLP's place so we can hit the free ride at Hershey Park. Gotta love the free candy at the end. Let's make faces at the cameras too. Won't Mama be proud?

After I rest a bit I'll have to start planning my trips to Australia, Turkey, Hong Kong, and England. Oh, did I almost forget.......TRINIDAD too! Are there any other places I should add to my itinerary?

I'll be back next week. Wish me luck and tell me where you would like to be going?

Friday 55 (plus some extra)

Before I say anything else, I'd like to thank all those who left condolences for my cousin Lisa. She is with her mom right now and not hooked up to the net but I spoke to her and let her know about all the well-wishes. She was very appreciative of the kindness expressed by so many of you and will read the comments when she returns. Thanks for taking the time to do so. It lifted a grieving heart. Peace to each of you. Love you, cuz. Big hugs and a soft shoulder any time you need it.

Ok, It's Friday and my contribution to Friday 55 is more than 55 words. It's poetry of questionable quality, not fiction of equally debatable merit. You'll live. Just deal with it, ok??

He watches his far away mistress, the moon.
Her soft light gives hope in the night.
Ever his
Yet never to be reached.

She reaches for her falling star lover
His bright glory rains wishes in the dark.
Ever hers
Yet never to be grasped.

Beheld together by lovers below
The mistress moon
And king of stars
Ever roam
Yet never meet.

~Lime~

We Interupt Regularly Scheduled Weirdness...

Alright, Alro AND Blither tagged my ass with this Meme. Blither even spanked me. Do you see the marks she left?? Gees, you didn't have to get so rough already! I'm easy. I would have done it. Wait, that doesn't sound right.... Nevermind. Ok, onto the meme.


Favourite Colour: Tie dye
Favourite Food: Hello??? Did you read Monday's post??
Favourite Movie: Simon Birch for a Drama. Monty Python and the Holy Grail for comedy.
Favourite Sport: Ancient Olympic wrestling. Two guys slicked up in olive oil, rippling muscles, no steroids. What's not to love?
Favourite Day of the Week: Saturday
Favourite Season: Fall
Favourite Ice Cream: Breyer's Mint Chip or Turkey Hill Peanut Butter Ripple, depends on my mood.


Current Mood: Dizzy from spinning around trying to see if I have a 'Tag Me'sign on my back.
Current Clothes: Have you people not yet learned what I do with this question? Swim fins, chaps, a purple bustier, red and black checked hunting jacket, and chartreuse beret.
Current Desktop: Raindrops on a windowpane
Current Time: 1:25 am
Current Surroundings: Air, lots and lots of air. Which is a good thing.
Current Annoyances: When the current is too strong to swim against. That's not so good
Current Thoughts: What?? You expect me to actually think at 1:25 am?? You are so demanding.


First Best Friend: Beth, my next door neighbor. We used to tell people we were sisters.

Last Drink: Water
Last Car Ride: COming back from the grocery store
Last Crush: Orange, many years ago.
Last Phone Call: The lady Diana babysat for tonight
Last CD played: Listened to the demo of Prince's 3121 at the store. I sooo want it.


Have you ever dated one of your best friends: Yep
Have you ever broken the law: I know my Miranda rights. I don't have to answer this.
Have you ever been arrested: no
Have you ever been on TV: yes
Have you ever kissed someone you dont know: yes


5 things you are good at: Arching a single eyebrow, popping wheelies in wheelchairs, untying knots, squeezing every molecule of toothpaste out of the tube, folding fitted sheets. Should I include these on my resume?
4 things you have done today: Respired, perspired, got tired, retired.
3 things you can hear right now: Crickets, the AC, tickatappa goes the keyboard.

Trini Tuesday-Emancipation Day and 5 Questions

August 1 is Emancipation Day in Trinidad and Tobago. It celebrates the emancipation of slaves in the British Empire which occured on this date in 1834. According to Wikipedia, Trinidad and Tobago was the first nation to recognize this historic event with a public holiday.

Unfortunately, that first Emancipation Day was a mere technicality. The 'freed slaves' had conferred upon them the status of 'Apprentice' and were told they should not leave their masters but provide 6 more years of labor in order to learn a trade which would enable them to be self-supporting.

Angry apprentices marched on the capital, (say it with me class) Port of Spain. Protests went on for a week and there were violent confrontations with the police and militia groups. Many apprentices were arrested. The governor insisted since Trinidad was a Crown Colony he had no authority to reduce the years of service. The immediate violent protests ended but for four more years periodic uprisings and unrest continued. The island was brought to such tension that in 1838 the governor finally signed a decree that granted full emancipation 2 years before the apprenticeships were scheduled to be complete. The slaves/apprentices were, at last, free indeed.

Happy Emancipation Day!



Yesterday ttfootball requested 5 questions since she needed some blog topics. I am delighted to do so.

1. You are from Trinidad but studying in Connecticut. What made you decide to study in the USA and do you plan to return to Trinidad upon completion of school?

2. The Northeast USA is said to be a very 'cold' place, not just the climate but the people as well. I loved the warmth of Trinidad's culture when I lived there and found this a very difficult place to return to. Do you find 'cold' to be an accurate description and even if not, how do you cope with the cultural differences?

3. If you were taking a friend on tour of Trinidad, what spots would you be sure to visit? This may include but is not limited to obvious tourist places....(oooh, i feelin' fuh an Aptee's roti or some doubles from by de airport......)

4. What do you enjoy most about living in the USA? What cultural traits or opportunities/experiences will you miss if and when you return to Trinidad?

5. Now for the question I was always tickled to have asked when I lived in Trinidad....What yuh mix, gyal?

Happy Trini Tuesday!