Castle Adventures

As pretty much all of you know, my sophomore year in the fall semester of 2002, I and a gaggle of classmates spent 3 and a half months living out of a castle in the Netherlands. The Castle, owned by my school Emerson College, is located in a little village named Well. Monday through Friday we’d all go to class and then Friday through Sunday we’d travel Europe. It’s hard to describe that period of my life in just a few words.

This evening I came across one of two journals I had during my time abroad. In reading what my 19 year old self wrote, I couldn’t resist putting some of those entries on here, in what will I hope become an ongoing series. The following is the very first journal entry I did, written shortly after arriving at the Castle. What you’ll soon discover is that this journal is not just a record of my travels but a deeply personal and therapeutic outlet for a very soul-enlightening time. Hope you enjoy it. Copied here verbatim.

9/6/2002 – Friday

Well, I’m at the Castle in the Netherlands. It’s about, oh, 4:30pm but to tell the truth, I could go to bed right now. We left Boston yesterday at 6:45, flew for 7 hrs and ended up in Amsterdam at 7 this morning. Let me just say this one thing: it’s VERY, VERY hard to sleep in coach. I got one or two hrs, then another hour on the bus to Well which is where the Castle is and thank the Good Lord I woke up in time to see it. This castle, while not a typical movie Wuthering Heights castle, is absolutely great. It has 2 moats, which actually are like those you’d see in the movies. The ceilings are cracked and the floors squeak. But I’m telling you, it’s awesome. Our room is the best part. First, I’m in a triple with friend Jackie and soon-to-be (hopefully) friend Ashley —-. Ashley is from Maine, a writing major, and enjoys the Beatles. Anyway, our room is HUGE! The ceiling is really high and it’s on one of the ground floors in the main castle (instead of the servants’ quarters which also have good rooms). The neat thing is that our room looks out on part of the grounds and our view comes equipped with a fountain, trees, and lots of ducks and birds. Also, if you look straight down out of the two (if I had to guess, I’d say they were at least 8ft if not 10) bay windows into the moat. The sound of the fountain is so relaxing. On the other hand, everything about this place is pretty relaxing. Almost too much.

I’m really just doing this to myself. It’s okay to be a bit of a loner and not in big groups at the dining hall. I fell like I’m holding Jackie back from hanging out with people she knows. I’m like the annoying kid sister who won’t go away. I have to stop doing this to myself. It’s just that we like don’t have anything to talk about. We have to do that before we can have real fun, right? However much I like it here, adn I do (the people I’ve met so far have been great) I can’t help but want to go home sometimes. Actually, I can’t help but feel an outsider. I try to be friendly and it works for like 5 minutes and then they go away. I’d almost be willing to do the entire semester alone, going on the trips alone, which I know I can’t do. That’s why I’m looking forward to starting class on Monday (a phrase eerily reminiscent of last year at about this exact time) so that I can at least know some of these people and they can know me. I’m pretty confident that by the end of ths, I’ll say it was great and I met some cool people. I’m just impatient. God, we’ve only been here 6 hrs. I’ll wait, it’ll be good. It’ll be great.

So, where do I want to go? Wll, there’s London of course. Munich, Rome, Eze, Nice, Dublin (maybe), Prague (big maybe), Spain, Greece (biggest maybe), Krakow, Brussels, and anywhere else we can go. Really can’t wait to get started.

I know things seem worse because I’m tired as is everyone else. As for me, I can predict my fav. activity will be staring out my window to the fountain and the ducks. And if I don’t get close to anyone, fine. I know I have friends back in Boston. For right now, I miss Mom and I wish I could talk to her. I will soon enough I guess. I’m okay. It’s not like I’m gonna cry myself to sleep. I just feel that something is off. Hopefully it won’t last forever. Later.

For the record, I did meet cool people, I did go to some of those places and more, and it did get a lot better…but not for awhile. Stay tuned for more Castle Adventures, including my first class with hunky Art Professor Pieter and some truly dramatic and tragic happenings with my Castlemates. I’ll try to scan in some pictures when I feel motivated to do so.

“Sir, I wondered what you know about…about Horcruxes?”

4 MORE DAYS!!!!!!!

Let my official countdown to Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince begin!

As I’ve said before, the book HP & The Half-Blood Prince is my favorite of the seven and I’ve been so eagerly awaiting this movie, especially since it was supposed to come out last November, that I’m literally bouncing up and down in anticipation and excitement.

I’ve been a little bad and have looked at a handful of clips from the new film. Only about a minute long each so I figure I’m still safe as this movie is rumored to be one of the longest of the film franchise. From what I can tell, it’s going to be amazingly good and very true to the book.

Things I’m excited to see (SPOILERS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT READ THE BOOK!):

• more Snape – please!
• Ron playing Quidditch. There’s no Quidditch in the seventh installment so let’s have it go out with a bang.
• Ron and Hermione flirting
• The long-awaited Harry/Ginny smooch
• Um, that climax scene with that guy and that other guy and the wand and – well you know what I’m talking about.
• Fred and George’s joke shop
• Jim Broadbent as Prof. Slughorn! FTW!
• The trailer hints that this is in the movie: that bridge collapsing.
• Oh and more Snape!

I’m sure there’s more. EEEE!!! So excited.

And for the record, do not ask me to compare Harry Potter and Twilight because honestly, there is no comparison. I love Twilight but get Sirius.

Um, YES!

Just read this and I completely agree (apart from all the kid talk as I obviously haven’t had to deal with that) but a lot of these things the writer is telling you not to do, I’ve had people do – and I’m sure I’ve done myself. Good tips here.

And for anyone keeping note, that last tip is a biggie.  Doesn’t need to be a gift, but a thank you or a note is a must. I deeply apologize if I’ve ever not done that to anyone reading.

How to be a good houseguest

• by Woman’s Day, on Tue Jul 7, 2009 7:21am PDT

By Kimberly Fusaro

Staying with a friend or family member is a great way to save some money when you travel. But if you’d like to get invited back, it’s best to brush up on your houseguest etiquette before packing your bags. Here, Lizzie Post—great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post, author of How Do You Work This Life Thing? and one of the bloggers behind Etiquette Daily—shares her tips for being a top-notch guest.

1. Nail down the dates of the visit before you go—and stick to them. When your hostess doesn’t provide specific dates (and, trust us, she doesn’t really want you to stay as long as you like) it’s up to you to pick them. Listen for subtle clues (“Well, I’ll be super-busy at work starting August 8”) and be respectful. If you would like to visit for a week but suspect your hostess can only handle a three-day visit, stay with someone else for the second half of your trip.

2. Be clear about who’ll be joining you. It may be obvious to you that you would never travel without your teacup Chihuahua; you should also let your hostess know that Tinkerbell will be staying as well. The same goes for significant others and kids. Don’t say, “I’d like to come visit” if you mean “I’d like to come visit with my husband, two kids and the ferrets.”

3. Pack smart. The contents of your entire home won’t fit in a guest room, so stick to the essentials. Bring just enough clothing for the duration of your visit plus a few just-in-case items, like something to wear to a nice dinner and a light sweater in case the evenings are chilly. Ask if you’ll need a bathing suit or any other outfits for specific outings. If you have kids but the people you’re visiting don’t, pack a few small toys or games to keep them busy.

4. Keep tabs on your stuff. You’re not staying in a hotel, so don’t treat your friend’s home like one. A good rule of thumb: When you’re not in your room, it should look like it did when you arrived. Put your clothes away, hang up your towel and straighten the bed every morning. Don’t abandon your slippers in the hallway, your sunglasses on the kitchen counter or your trashy novel in the den; take your toiletries into the bathroom when you need them and bring them back to your room afterward. If your kids aren’t old enough to wrangle their belongings, do it for them daily.

5. Follow the house rules. No shoes in the house does not mean that your flip-flops are an exception. Watch out for sneaky indoor cats when you come and go, and don’t give the dog people food, even if he’s making his I’m really hungry face.

6. Watch your children. “Just because you’re taking a vacation,” says Lizzie, “doesn’t mean you can take a vacation from parenting.” Talk to your kids—before you travel—about minding their manners and being neat. Let them know you expect them to pick up their clothing and offer to help carry groceries or set the table.

7. Don’t expect your hostess to do all the work. She may not want you to buy groceries or lend a hand at dinnertime, but it’s important to offer. Take care of little chores, like washing the few dishes in the sink or emptying an overflowing trashcan, when your hostess isn’t around.

8. Remember that your hostess is not a tour guide. Or babysitter. If you must see the local attractions, keep in mind that your hostess has probably seen them all (several times). Plan the outings on your own and take the kids with you.

9. Don’t expect the household to suddenly revolve around you. Vegetarians don’t need to swallow a hamburger with a smile, but they shouldn’t expect their hostess and her family to stop eating meat. If you’re staying with smokers, don’t suggest they take it outside; and you can’t ask pet owners to board their four-legged family members, even if they make you sneezy. Unless you have a potentially deadly allergy—which, by all means, you should alert your hostess to—it’s up to you to adapt.

10. Bring or send a thank you gift and follow up with a note. Some of Lizzie’s favorites: a pretty bowl with fresh berries, a vase with flowers or candles in candleholders. The gift needn’t be expensive: A basket of muffins or a plate of homemade treats are sweet (and inexpensive) options. If you don’t have time to shop, take the family to dinner. When you get home, send a quick note (not an e-mail!) to let them know how much you enjoyed your stay.

“Is it always ‘or’ – is it never ‘and’?”

ETA: Since writing this, I put my headphones on and turned my iPod to Michael Ball. Problems are still there but he’s making me much calmer about them. Crisis averted…for the moment.

Oh my God, I haven’t had a worse case of the funk since the beginning of May. I find that I can’t even think straight right now. This has been going on for a little over a week. And while I might be doing a good job of hiding it when I’m with people, inside I think I might be falling to pieces. I’m having major anxiety issues. It started isolated to job worries but has now spread so violently that I’m having physical panic attacks accompanied by bouts of claustrophobia, fatigue and a basic unwillingness to snap myself out of it. Seriously, I’m going mental.

To rant on about it on here will just come off as whining so I’ll refrain from doing that. It would just be nice to feel a little better in my head. It’d be nice to have more motivation and not go home and sit on my couch all night (as I have done basically every night this week) and ignore the world. And it would be really nice to stop second-guessing myself over every little second of my day. And since it is beautiful outside right now, I can’t even blame my current mental issues on the weather. In fact, it’s just making me feel worse.

I don’t know what it is but I’m really hoping it goes away soon because it’s making feel very weak and that isn’t something I usually enjoy being.

“I knew I was different. I knew I was special. Always, I knew there was something.”

ONE MORE WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is my favorite of the books and from the little glimpses I’ve seen so far of this 6th movie, I don’t think it will disappoint. Snape better be in a lot of this one!

Midnight show baby!

Emerson Blues

Anyone else get depressed reading the Emerson journal Expression that comes every now and then? I read what the alumni are doing, people my age exceptionally more successful than I and I just get very bummed out that I’m doing something better to warrant being noted in there.

Not that I care of course…

Sun!

Yep, it’s a gorgeous sunny day outside this Sunday. Nice temperature, good breeze going. Lots of sunshine. I was out for a couple hours this morning in it…

And that’s all I’m doing. I was away the past two weekends and this past Friday and Saturday I was out all day so, even though I’ve been complaining like hell about the rain and crappy weather, this fine day I’m staying in my apartment and not doing a damn thing else. Maybe I’ll sit by an open window.

I know what is behind this awful weather!

part 1:

“The Prime Minister felt it himself; people really did seem more miserable than usual. Even the weather was dismall; all this chilly mist in the middle of July… It was n’t right, it wasn’t normal…” (pg 2)

part 2:

” ‘I thought dementors guard the prisoners in Askaban,’ he said cautiously.
‘They did,’ said Fudge wearily. ‘But not anymore. They’ve deserted the prison and joined He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. I won’t pretend that wasn’t a blow.’
‘But,’ said the Prime Minister, with a sense of dawning horror, ‘didn’t you tell me they’re the creatures that drain hope and happiness out of people?’
‘That’s right. And they’re breeding. That’s what’s causing all this mist.’ ” (pg 14) Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Yes, that’s right. The sucky weather we’ve been having unfortunately points to the sad truth: Lord Voldemort is back and the dementors have joined his forces. Sorry to say it but isn’t it comforting to at least have an explanation for this craptastic weather?

Coming across the Charles this morning on the T, you couldn’t even see the city. I mean at all. I thought yesterday was gloomy but it’s 8:30am right now and it looks like it is 8:30pm out there.

On a brighter note, my pair of backup glasses I’ve been wearing until I get my real ones fixed broke this morning so now I’m basically blind all day. Yay me!

Eye Candy Because I Badly Need It Right Now

Wow, do I need a pick me up! Today was a very VERY VERY bad day at work so here’s a little something to lighten my mood and hopefully your mood as well. Call it my tour of eye candy.

Starting with a goodie:

Some Firth action:

Indulge me:

Wish I could get his sexy voice on here too:

Vampire Segment:

And of course:

How about vampire adjacent?:

How about writer of vampire musical?:

Which obviously leads me to:

More funny guys:

I’d pay so much to be in the middle of these three:

I am hotness (and so can you!):

Another New York person:

How about some singers:

And of course, my Michael:

Yep, that never fails.

“I know you know who I am” – Weekend Trip to NYC

So I was all in a rush this morning to get my photos developed from my last two trips to New York City and the digital CD I got of the photos is corrupt so I can’t post them on here. GRRRRR! So, just use your imagination.

Anyway, had an awesome weekend trip to NYC with friend of the blog Sarah this past weekend. We met up at about noonish and after a brief unloading of luggage at our hotel on 6th Ave, we headed out to Central Park, just gabbing and walking around for a few hours. Eventually we landed on a bench on Central Park West and just people watched for awhile. It was very nice. The weather was perfect: 80s, sunny with a nice breeze.

Here is where a picture of the Booth Theater where Next to Normal was playing would have been.

Saturday night we went to see Next To Normal which, after a full today of listening to the CD non-stop, might be my new favorite musical. Before the show and after a brief yet intense rain downpour, we went to a nifty burger place just off of Times Square for appetizers. Cannot for the life of me think of the name but the food was good and decently priced. I already have gushed about the show. After we went to another really cool restaurant off of Times Square. Can’t remember the name unfortunately but it was next to a dueling piano bar. This restaurant, and this is no joke and no exageration, had the best burger I’ve ever had in my life. The thing was huge and thick and juicy, covered with barbeque sauce that was also some of the best I’ve ever had. That burger was the best thing I’ve eaten all year, no question.

here is where a picture of what was left of the burger would have been.

Sunday morning after Sarah and I left are laughably tiny two bed hotel room, we went to walk the Brooklyn Bridge (I admit I got the directions a little wrong, sorry about that!) The Brooklyn Bridge was pretty damn awesome. I had never been there before and it’s always fun to do something new. Got loads of great pictures:

Here is me on the Manhattan side of the bridge, getting ready to go over. See I’m supporting my Mets!:

Here is a view of the Statue of Liberty, awesome cause I hadn’t seen it since I was like 4:

Here is Manhattan from the Brooklyn side of the bridge:

Here is my signature picture of Sarah and I, taken by yours truly. Gettin’ pretty good at those:

Cute right? I still hate how I look in pictures. You don’t have to disagree.

On the way back to our hotel to pick up luggage, we came across the annual gay pride parade going down 5th Ave. We had some extra time so we stopped to watch for about half an hour. It was a pretty festive atmosphere though I had expected the parade to be more flamboyant than it was. It was mostly just people marching down the street and us cheering at their various messages of diversity and sexual tolerance.

Here’s some of the floats:

Here’s one of a particularly striking queen. I really loved her frilly rainbow thing she had on:

I have to say though, I’ve seen much better drag queens walking around Provincetown but hey.

So that was pretty much it. Sarah’s bus was a little before mine so I went to the Borders by the bus stop and got the Next to Normal CD and ended up chatting with the cashier about the show which she loved too.

The bus ride home really suckedas the bus had little to no air conditioning and we got stuck in traffic for like an hour trying to get out of the city and then again getting onto the Mass Turnpike. Stuck in traffic in New York, I really thought I wasn’t going to make it. It was so hot and stuffy on that bus I could barely breathe but it did seem to get better as we went along. Still, 5 hours to get from New York to Boston is a little extreme I think. I have more to say on that subject but I’ll save it for another post.

Besides that little blip, it was a very fun weekend. And once again, I realized how much I would love to live in New York. To spend a day people watching in Central Park, go to all these fabulous shows, the museums, just walking around the city and being a part of that energy – it all appeals to me very much. Some day I guess.

Oh, and I finally have figured out where that big ass New York & Company store is in the city! East upper 50s on Lexington by Bloomingdales. Girls, we HAVE to go. It looked huge!