My adoptive family has once again set off for a grand vacation and left me behind to hold down the fort. Unlike a couple years ago when they headed to the Happiest Place on Earth, this time I'm watching the house and pets while they spend a week in the sand, surf, and sun at the beach.
And so, for the next week, I will be growing accustomed to life alone in a 4 or 5 bedroom house (depends on how you're counting) without whom there is anyone to carry on an intelligent conversation.
The alone part I'm used to. I spend all kinds of time alone in my own apartment. But it's quite a bit smaller than this house. I assume I could attempt to have conversations with any of the two cats or two dogs, but if they start talking back, I may have to have myself declared insane.
And then there's the part where this place is usually full of noise. The sounds of electronic devises or any one of the five children that constantly run through the halls. At the moment, I sit in utter silence. The only sounds I hear are the ones coming from the keyboard as my fingers type away. There are times when the quiet can be nice, but a full week of it could be kind of maddening. Good thing there's a TV with cable at the ready.
So for now, it's just me and the animals. But Wednesday night, big party. You bring the pizza, I'll supply the tap water.
Showing posts with label The Greene House. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Greene House. Show all posts
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like
Christmas is coming. The goose is getting fat.
I had the day off today. It's something that I thought should have been happening every week since they cut my hours back to 35. For some reason, I've continually been scheduled to work every day, but two of those days each week come as half days. Why not just combine the halves and make a whole day off? Logical, right?
So that's what my manager finally did this week. And how did I spend my day off? I helped decorate the Greenehouse for Christmas. That's right, the tree is lit, the greens have been wrapped around the door post, and the stockings are hung by the chimney with care.
But I can't help but feel like it's kind of early. Traditionally, I've held to a Thanksgiving weekend decorating schedule. But hey, it's not my house, so it's not my rules. I just pitch in where I can. Especially since, in my own home, I won't be decorating this year.
You know, I had the opportunity to buy one of those fancy pre-lit trees last year right after Christmas. It was 50% off, so that's not a bad deal. But I passed it up. And now, another year goes by and I'm not getting a tree. I don't have any lights to hang in my apartment, nor do I have a wreath to hang on the door. But I'm really okay with that.
As much time as I spend with the Greenes, I get plenty of chances to bask in the glow of tiny white lights reflected off glass ornaments. Now I just need some snow and I'll be happy.
I had the day off today. It's something that I thought should have been happening every week since they cut my hours back to 35. For some reason, I've continually been scheduled to work every day, but two of those days each week come as half days. Why not just combine the halves and make a whole day off? Logical, right?
So that's what my manager finally did this week. And how did I spend my day off? I helped decorate the Greenehouse for Christmas. That's right, the tree is lit, the greens have been wrapped around the door post, and the stockings are hung by the chimney with care.
But I can't help but feel like it's kind of early. Traditionally, I've held to a Thanksgiving weekend decorating schedule. But hey, it's not my house, so it's not my rules. I just pitch in where I can. Especially since, in my own home, I won't be decorating this year.
You know, I had the opportunity to buy one of those fancy pre-lit trees last year right after Christmas. It was 50% off, so that's not a bad deal. But I passed it up. And now, another year goes by and I'm not getting a tree. I don't have any lights to hang in my apartment, nor do I have a wreath to hang on the door. But I'm really okay with that.
As much time as I spend with the Greenes, I get plenty of chances to bask in the glow of tiny white lights reflected off glass ornaments. Now I just need some snow and I'll be happy.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Aaron Vs. the Veterans Day Sale
I complain a lot about work. But there's a great thing about working at a bank: federal holidays.
So I went to the mall today with Nicole and my temporary roommate, Gordon. Gordon's sister has a birthday in a few days, so he wanted to get some nice American clothes to take back to Scotland for her. While at the mall, I did something that I haven't done since college. I bought clothing from a mall based store.
I stopped shopping in malls because the clothes are far too expensive. I've never in my life shopped in an Abercrombie or an Aeropostale. But back in the day, I bought stuff from American Eagle all the time. But they became wicked expensive, just like the other two stores I just mentioned. Maybe they were always wicked expensive, but before I maxed out all those college credit cards money just didn't seem to matter.
American Eagle is where I bought my new clothing. I found a decent shirt back on the sale rack. 30% off a $14.95 shirt translates to a pretty good deal, especially at a store like that.
While we were standing inside the local Aeropostale, waiting for Gordon to pay for his 2 for $20 t-shirts, Nicole mentioned that we were getting too old to shop in places like that. I quietly agreed, but out loud I claimed that I was not getting too old. Some of us have not yet hit 30.
But it did get me thinking. I am, of course, too old to dress like the kids these days. The clothes you'd typically find in stores like that are specifically aimed at teenagers with trust funds and college students with too many credit cards who put gel in their hair and bathe in cologne.
But someday, I'll be 60 years old. And when that day comes, I'm going on a shopping spree. I'll start buying the latest fashions from Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch and the Gap or whatever store the kids going to in 30 years. Then I won't be the creepy old guy in the neighborhood with a dozen cats who never cuts his grass. I'll be the hip old guy that wears awesome clothes.
Also, the good people at Kohl's sent my mother a $10 gift card in the mail. But it came to my apartment, so I used it for myself. Got a new pair of jeans. So, Mom, if you're reading this, sorry I took your card.
So I went to the mall today with Nicole and my temporary roommate, Gordon. Gordon's sister has a birthday in a few days, so he wanted to get some nice American clothes to take back to Scotland for her. While at the mall, I did something that I haven't done since college. I bought clothing from a mall based store.
I stopped shopping in malls because the clothes are far too expensive. I've never in my life shopped in an Abercrombie or an Aeropostale. But back in the day, I bought stuff from American Eagle all the time. But they became wicked expensive, just like the other two stores I just mentioned. Maybe they were always wicked expensive, but before I maxed out all those college credit cards money just didn't seem to matter.
American Eagle is where I bought my new clothing. I found a decent shirt back on the sale rack. 30% off a $14.95 shirt translates to a pretty good deal, especially at a store like that.
While we were standing inside the local Aeropostale, waiting for Gordon to pay for his 2 for $20 t-shirts, Nicole mentioned that we were getting too old to shop in places like that. I quietly agreed, but out loud I claimed that I was not getting too old. Some of us have not yet hit 30.
But it did get me thinking. I am, of course, too old to dress like the kids these days. The clothes you'd typically find in stores like that are specifically aimed at teenagers with trust funds and college students with too many credit cards who put gel in their hair and bathe in cologne.
But someday, I'll be 60 years old. And when that day comes, I'm going on a shopping spree. I'll start buying the latest fashions from Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch and the Gap or whatever store the kids going to in 30 years. Then I won't be the creepy old guy in the neighborhood with a dozen cats who never cuts his grass. I'll be the hip old guy that wears awesome clothes.
Also, the good people at Kohl's sent my mother a $10 gift card in the mail. But it came to my apartment, so I used it for myself. Got a new pair of jeans. So, Mom, if you're reading this, sorry I took your card.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Scary Stories
When I was a kid I loved the series of books Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. I think I may have been in the 3rd grade when I was first exposed to the first one. Soon after hearing one of the stories and thumbing through the book, I found it at the elementary school's annual book fair.
Over the next two years I got the follow-up editions More Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark and Scary Stories 3. The trilogy was a favorite of mine for many years.
The books are fairly simple, consisting of classic American folktales, ghost stories, and urban legends. They're the kind of stories that are a little creepy, but they're okay for little kids, so as not to give them nightmares. On the other hand, the illustrations, those could keep one up at night.
My young friend Brett was telling me a ghost story last week, keeping some of the Halloween flavor alive. The story was enough to remind me of those old books. They're the books that I've held on to since I was his age. They're the books that are always on my bookshelf somewhere, and if they've ever been in a storage box, they haven't been there long. But this time, they may as well have been. Because even though they've been sitting on a shelf, I haven't read them in years.
Even today, as I write this, I haven't even picked them up to read them. But I did take them to Brett to let him read. I'm sure these books are still in print and can still be found at book fairs and Scholastic fliers across the United States. But I do kind of feel that I've passed on some classic creepy stories on to another generation. Now I've done my part. You're welcome, America.
Over the next two years I got the follow-up editions More Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark and Scary Stories 3. The trilogy was a favorite of mine for many years.
The books are fairly simple, consisting of classic American folktales, ghost stories, and urban legends. They're the kind of stories that are a little creepy, but they're okay for little kids, so as not to give them nightmares. On the other hand, the illustrations, those could keep one up at night.
My young friend Brett was telling me a ghost story last week, keeping some of the Halloween flavor alive. The story was enough to remind me of those old books. They're the books that I've held on to since I was his age. They're the books that are always on my bookshelf somewhere, and if they've ever been in a storage box, they haven't been there long. But this time, they may as well have been. Because even though they've been sitting on a shelf, I haven't read them in years.
Even today, as I write this, I haven't even picked them up to read them. But I did take them to Brett to let him read. I'm sure these books are still in print and can still be found at book fairs and Scholastic fliers across the United States. But I do kind of feel that I've passed on some classic creepy stories on to another generation. Now I've done my part. You're welcome, America.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Suggestion
Today was a slow day at work. Okay that's a lie, it was a very busy day at work. But nothing blogworthy happened in my eight hours there. I didn't even lose my patience, nor did I lose my temper with anyone today. That makes for a slow blog day. So I've been sitting at my computer for roughly 30 minutes, pondering what I should write about.
It's at times like this that I turn to my friend Nicole. I'll send a quick text message, asking for a suggestion. There are some days when she's just as unable to come up with a subject as I am. But there are other days when she's able to come up with something that drives away the writer's block.
Tonight, her suggestion was to write about her. But not a simple biography. Her suggestion was to explore what an amazing friend she is, how she has inspired and taught me much about life over the past two years, and how I am a better person for having known her.
Now, I wasn't sure how to expand upon that. Everything in the above paragraph is true. But my challenge comes in saying something new. Because, what is there to say about her, or any of the Greene family for that matter, that hasn't been said before.
When I first moved to North Carolina, I was surprised to find that I had a family readily provided for me. And when I say family, I mean that in every sense of the word, the good and the bad. Nicole is every bit as much a sister to me as the girl I grew up in the same house with. That's my sister, April, for those of you keeping up with the family tree.
But I don't just think of Nicole as a sister but also a friend. For me, those are hard to come by. And I admit, that's totally my fault. I'm not good at making friends. A lot of times, I'm not that good at even relating to people. So when I find the few people who can stand to be around me for more than 10 minutes at a time, I tend to latch on. It takes a special kind of person to be able to deal with my brand of sarcasm and cynicism without losing their own minds. Nicole is one of those rare people.
I also have a hard time empathizing with people. That's mostly because I have a hard time dealing with my own emotions. Should I, then, be expected to deal with others' emotions as well? But since I think of Nicole as family, I'm happy when she's happy, I'm angry when she's angry, I cry when she cries. Okay, let's not go too crazy. I don't cry.
And when that earlier paragraph says she's taught me a lot about life over the last two years, it's also true. I've learned a lot about how families work and how individuals in a family relate to one another. I've learned what to expect and what to hope for. I've learned that I'm actually not as bad a person as I tend to think of myself. Otherwise, why would I continually find myself being invited to the Greenehouse? I mean, there are five kids there. I must not be that bad of an influence.
I moved down here for seminary. But once I got here I realized that wasn't really the reason I moved down here. I moved down here to be a friend and a brother. Recently I've wondered how much longer it will be until I outlive my usefulness. Ryan, Nicole's actual brother, is back in the States after two years in Austria. So that surrogate brother role I've been playing might be coming to an end. Sometimes I wonder if the day will come that I find I've become obsolete.
But until that day comes, if that day comes, I'll continue to be the best friend that I know how to be. I know it's not much. Nicole and any of my friends may feel that they're getting the raw end of that deal, but that's all I can promise.
It's at times like this that I turn to my friend Nicole. I'll send a quick text message, asking for a suggestion. There are some days when she's just as unable to come up with a subject as I am. But there are other days when she's able to come up with something that drives away the writer's block.
Tonight, her suggestion was to write about her. But not a simple biography. Her suggestion was to explore what an amazing friend she is, how she has inspired and taught me much about life over the past two years, and how I am a better person for having known her.
Now, I wasn't sure how to expand upon that. Everything in the above paragraph is true. But my challenge comes in saying something new. Because, what is there to say about her, or any of the Greene family for that matter, that hasn't been said before.
When I first moved to North Carolina, I was surprised to find that I had a family readily provided for me. And when I say family, I mean that in every sense of the word, the good and the bad. Nicole is every bit as much a sister to me as the girl I grew up in the same house with. That's my sister, April, for those of you keeping up with the family tree.
But I don't just think of Nicole as a sister but also a friend. For me, those are hard to come by. And I admit, that's totally my fault. I'm not good at making friends. A lot of times, I'm not that good at even relating to people. So when I find the few people who can stand to be around me for more than 10 minutes at a time, I tend to latch on. It takes a special kind of person to be able to deal with my brand of sarcasm and cynicism without losing their own minds. Nicole is one of those rare people.
I also have a hard time empathizing with people. That's mostly because I have a hard time dealing with my own emotions. Should I, then, be expected to deal with others' emotions as well? But since I think of Nicole as family, I'm happy when she's happy, I'm angry when she's angry, I cry when she cries. Okay, let's not go too crazy. I don't cry.
And when that earlier paragraph says she's taught me a lot about life over the last two years, it's also true. I've learned a lot about how families work and how individuals in a family relate to one another. I've learned what to expect and what to hope for. I've learned that I'm actually not as bad a person as I tend to think of myself. Otherwise, why would I continually find myself being invited to the Greenehouse? I mean, there are five kids there. I must not be that bad of an influence.
I moved down here for seminary. But once I got here I realized that wasn't really the reason I moved down here. I moved down here to be a friend and a brother. Recently I've wondered how much longer it will be until I outlive my usefulness. Ryan, Nicole's actual brother, is back in the States after two years in Austria. So that surrogate brother role I've been playing might be coming to an end. Sometimes I wonder if the day will come that I find I've become obsolete.
But until that day comes, if that day comes, I'll continue to be the best friend that I know how to be. I know it's not much. Nicole and any of my friends may feel that they're getting the raw end of that deal, but that's all I can promise.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Strange Visitors
While working today, I received a text informing me that Nicole was getting the kids ready and then taking them to the Krispy Kreme.
You are probably unaware that this wonderful doughnut factory is only a few blocks from where I work. So I responded to said text with my order: a lemon-filled doughnut.
I was only half serious. I mean, sure, I wanted a doughnut, but I didn't really expect her to hit the drive-thru to drop off a doughnut.
I was surprised to find that she not only came by the bank, she stopped and had the whole crew of kids come inside to deliver not one, but two lemon-filled doughnuts. I figured, at best, I'd get a quick drive-thru visit.
In return for the gift of pastries, I gave each of the kids their choice of lollipops. After distributing three blues, a yellow, and a golden (another yellow), Nicole and the kids went on their merry way.
After they left, my co-workers gave me something of a hard time. They found it a little hard to believe that I was that well-liked by so many children. Especially when it came to Gabby, waving and saying bye over and over as she was carried out of the bank.
That's right. Contrary to popular belief, I am extremely lovable!
You are probably unaware that this wonderful doughnut factory is only a few blocks from where I work. So I responded to said text with my order: a lemon-filled doughnut.
I was only half serious. I mean, sure, I wanted a doughnut, but I didn't really expect her to hit the drive-thru to drop off a doughnut.
I was surprised to find that she not only came by the bank, she stopped and had the whole crew of kids come inside to deliver not one, but two lemon-filled doughnuts. I figured, at best, I'd get a quick drive-thru visit.
In return for the gift of pastries, I gave each of the kids their choice of lollipops. After distributing three blues, a yellow, and a golden (another yellow), Nicole and the kids went on their merry way.
After they left, my co-workers gave me something of a hard time. They found it a little hard to believe that I was that well-liked by so many children. Especially when it came to Gabby, waving and saying bye over and over as she was carried out of the bank.
That's right. Contrary to popular belief, I am extremely lovable!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Talking
Tonight I witnessed something amazing. I've always wondered how it was possible for Han Solo and Chewbacca to carry on a normal conversation. Tonight I realized how it happens.
The baby of the Greenehouse, Gabby, has started talking like it's her job. Aptly named, Gabby was on the phone with her grandmother just jabberin' away. She was walking around with the phone to her ear, pointing at things, explaining herself very clearly. At least it was clear to her.
On the other end of the line, Gayle was talking back to her, in full English sentences. I'm not too sure that Gayle understood Gabby anymore than we did, but Gabby was fully aware of everything that was going on. In her mind, the conversation flowed as normal.
And all the while, I was remembering how Han and Chewie would have arguments and share adventures aboard the Millennium Falcon.
The baby of the Greenehouse, Gabby, has started talking like it's her job. Aptly named, Gabby was on the phone with her grandmother just jabberin' away. She was walking around with the phone to her ear, pointing at things, explaining herself very clearly. At least it was clear to her.
On the other end of the line, Gayle was talking back to her, in full English sentences. I'm not too sure that Gayle understood Gabby anymore than we did, but Gabby was fully aware of everything that was going on. In her mind, the conversation flowed as normal.
And all the while, I was remembering how Han and Chewie would have arguments and share adventures aboard the Millennium Falcon.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
My Advice to Travelers to LA
Nicole left today on a trip to Los Angeles to visit her sister, Jen. In honor of her time away, I've decided to post a list of dos and don'ts. Even though she's been out there before, I've been there much more recently and would like to offer my own advice.
DO close your eyes while speeding down the freeway. This is no reflection of Jen's driving ability. This is a reflection of the uncertainty of the abilities of those around you. In fact, I'd like to take this opportunity to compliment Jen on her driving. When I was out there, I'm pretty sure I asked how long it took her to get used to that sort of offensive driving. I think it would take me longer than I'd care to admit.
DON'T overestimate the effects of the Swine Flu. I really don't think it's as bad as the media would like us to believe. I think this may be where that kid from Live Free or Die Hard had it right. The media is just trying to scare us. It won't work. That's right, I'm talking to you Katie Couric!
DO try some sushi when Jen and Co. offer it to you. I know you'll be going to a different place than wherever it was that Jen took me. The place where I tried the sushi wasn't a sushi place. But I tried it. I'm not one to try new things, but I tried it. It was actually pretty good. After that, I probably would have willingly allowed her to take me to get some real sushi, but the opportunity never presented itself.
DON'T try to change the past. You will be 3 hours behind the east coast. I know it will be tempting to try to make changes to history. You'll just wind up disappointed. If this season of Lost has taught us anything, it's that whatever happened happened. While Back to the Future is a great movie, the theories presented there are just impractical.
DO have your picture taken with Superman in front of the Chinese theater. However, DON'T pay him for it, no matter how much he begs. Here's a clue, he's not the real Superman. He's just a glorified panhandler.
DO enjoy your precious Burbank Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Even though you are under the delusion that these are the best in the land. You're wrong. But I digest.
DON'T panic in the event of an earthquake or wildfire. It's LA, apparently these things happen sometimes.
And most importantly have fun. But that should go without saying.
DO close your eyes while speeding down the freeway. This is no reflection of Jen's driving ability. This is a reflection of the uncertainty of the abilities of those around you. In fact, I'd like to take this opportunity to compliment Jen on her driving. When I was out there, I'm pretty sure I asked how long it took her to get used to that sort of offensive driving. I think it would take me longer than I'd care to admit.
DON'T overestimate the effects of the Swine Flu. I really don't think it's as bad as the media would like us to believe. I think this may be where that kid from Live Free or Die Hard had it right. The media is just trying to scare us. It won't work. That's right, I'm talking to you Katie Couric!
DO try some sushi when Jen and Co. offer it to you. I know you'll be going to a different place than wherever it was that Jen took me. The place where I tried the sushi wasn't a sushi place. But I tried it. I'm not one to try new things, but I tried it. It was actually pretty good. After that, I probably would have willingly allowed her to take me to get some real sushi, but the opportunity never presented itself.
DON'T try to change the past. You will be 3 hours behind the east coast. I know it will be tempting to try to make changes to history. You'll just wind up disappointed. If this season of Lost has taught us anything, it's that whatever happened happened. While Back to the Future is a great movie, the theories presented there are just impractical.
DO have your picture taken with Superman in front of the Chinese theater. However, DON'T pay him for it, no matter how much he begs. Here's a clue, he's not the real Superman. He's just a glorified panhandler.
DO enjoy your precious Burbank Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Even though you are under the delusion that these are the best in the land. You're wrong. But I digest.
DON'T panic in the event of an earthquake or wildfire. It's LA, apparently these things happen sometimes.
And most importantly have fun. But that should go without saying.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
The Scoop
Most people like ice cream. I won't make a crazy blanket statement saying that everyone loves it. I, for instance, like ice cream, but it's not my first choice when it comes to choosing desserts. I'm sure there are those among us who just don't like the stuff. I'm sure they have their reasons and I certainly won't judge. I mean, I don't like chocolate. Do I like it when people call me "crazy" or "un-American" for disliking chocolate? Would you?
I got off track. We're talking about people who like ice cream. In particular, we're talking about a 21-month-old that likes ice cream. Gabby was having trouble with lunch. She was enjoying herself: shoving pieces of hot dog and mandarin oranges into her mouth. She really wasn't chewing and swallowing, just stuffing and showing off. That's right, she likes to fill her mouth with food and then she likes to open her mouth to show us what she's got in there. I'm proud to say, that's a trick I taught her.
Her older sister made the mistake of walking over with her own ice cream cone. This got the wheels in Gabby's young head turning. Once ice cream was part of the equation, the rest of the food must be expelled and ignored. All of the hot dog and fruit that was yet to be swallowed had to come out to make room for the vanilla cone to come.
The problem, as we soon found out, is that Gabby doesn't quite grasp the concept of licking ice cream from the cone. Generally, when she has her ice cream, she is spoon fed. All can now agree that is a much cleaner method. She attempted to lick the ice cream, but it sort of resembled a dog lapping at water in a dish. She'd just kind of touch it with her tongue and not really get a lot accomplished. Since that wasn't work, she tried to suck on it, like she would her pacifier. That just meant that she would be wearing the ice cream.
Of course we know ice cream is meant to be eaten somewhat quickly. Not so fast that you get brain freeze, but fast enough so it doesn't melt. No one screams for vanilla soup. But a toddler also has difficulty grasping the concept of the effect of room temperature on a frozen substance. While left to her own devices, Gabby experienced dripping ice cream on her hands, her arms, her chin, her neck, and yes, even her hair. Whenever she turned her head, she failed to move the cone along with her mouth. She may have even gotten some in her ear. That has to feel good.
There's nothing like a sticky nap time.
I got off track. We're talking about people who like ice cream. In particular, we're talking about a 21-month-old that likes ice cream. Gabby was having trouble with lunch. She was enjoying herself: shoving pieces of hot dog and mandarin oranges into her mouth. She really wasn't chewing and swallowing, just stuffing and showing off. That's right, she likes to fill her mouth with food and then she likes to open her mouth to show us what she's got in there. I'm proud to say, that's a trick I taught her.
Her older sister made the mistake of walking over with her own ice cream cone. This got the wheels in Gabby's young head turning. Once ice cream was part of the equation, the rest of the food must be expelled and ignored. All of the hot dog and fruit that was yet to be swallowed had to come out to make room for the vanilla cone to come.
The problem, as we soon found out, is that Gabby doesn't quite grasp the concept of licking ice cream from the cone. Generally, when she has her ice cream, she is spoon fed. All can now agree that is a much cleaner method. She attempted to lick the ice cream, but it sort of resembled a dog lapping at water in a dish. She'd just kind of touch it with her tongue and not really get a lot accomplished. Since that wasn't work, she tried to suck on it, like she would her pacifier. That just meant that she would be wearing the ice cream.
Of course we know ice cream is meant to be eaten somewhat quickly. Not so fast that you get brain freeze, but fast enough so it doesn't melt. No one screams for vanilla soup. But a toddler also has difficulty grasping the concept of the effect of room temperature on a frozen substance. While left to her own devices, Gabby experienced dripping ice cream on her hands, her arms, her chin, her neck, and yes, even her hair. Whenever she turned her head, she failed to move the cone along with her mouth. She may have even gotten some in her ear. That has to feel good.
There's nothing like a sticky nap time.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Outage
Last night was supposed to be a normal Friday night. I had planned to head over to the Greenes after work for a night of Prison Break and laundry. Those plans began to go off without a hitch. I arrived, dropped a load in the washer and even got that first load into the dryer, beginning a second load. The TV show was being recorded and things were going just fine.
And then 8:30 hit. I could have sworn I saw a bright flash outside. A split second later, the power went off. For a moment, darkness engulfed the Greenehouse, then the electricity returned. And as quickly and mysteriously as it came back into our lives, it was gone.
At the time, we adults had been debating what to get for dinner. With no power, tensions tend to rise in tight quarters with so many people, especially when children are involved. See, when kids can't be entertained by countless electrical devices, things get a little crazy. Kevin and I took off with the two oldest kids to pick up some food.
While we were out, we got a good look at the cause of the evening's festivities. A tractor-trailer made a right turn a little too tightly at the one major intersection in a small town. The nearby utility pole was splintered, causing the entire electrical grid to shut down. On the way back from the drive-thru, we passed my apartment building, which was also without power.
Progress Energy's automated line told us that the power would be restored by 10:15. Huh yeah right! Later the robot voice said 10:50. Some time after that, they said 2:15am. Not cool.
I was unable to finish my laundry that night. So I drove home, expecting to stumble into a darkened apartment. But as I turned the corner into my parking lot, I noticed lights in my neighbors' windows. Power had been restored. At least to some of us.
The Greenes regained power around 2am. All is once again right with the world.
And then 8:30 hit. I could have sworn I saw a bright flash outside. A split second later, the power went off. For a moment, darkness engulfed the Greenehouse, then the electricity returned. And as quickly and mysteriously as it came back into our lives, it was gone.
At the time, we adults had been debating what to get for dinner. With no power, tensions tend to rise in tight quarters with so many people, especially when children are involved. See, when kids can't be entertained by countless electrical devices, things get a little crazy. Kevin and I took off with the two oldest kids to pick up some food.
While we were out, we got a good look at the cause of the evening's festivities. A tractor-trailer made a right turn a little too tightly at the one major intersection in a small town. The nearby utility pole was splintered, causing the entire electrical grid to shut down. On the way back from the drive-thru, we passed my apartment building, which was also without power.
Progress Energy's automated line told us that the power would be restored by 10:15. Huh yeah right! Later the robot voice said 10:50. Some time after that, they said 2:15am. Not cool.
I was unable to finish my laundry that night. So I drove home, expecting to stumble into a darkened apartment. But as I turned the corner into my parking lot, I noticed lights in my neighbors' windows. Power had been restored. At least to some of us.
The Greenes regained power around 2am. All is once again right with the world.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Preempted
Tonight's episode of American Idol has been preempted by President Obama. Therefore, tonight's regularly scheduled American Idol blog post has also been preempted.
Mrs. Greene has been sick for the last few days. I, apparently, have not been very helpful. Today I made a pizza at home and when she caught wind of this information, she wanted some. Unfortunately, pig that I am, I ate it all. There was none left to share.
So I'm trying to think of a good way to cheer up a sick friend. I sent her some flair on Facebook. I've sent funny text messages from the next room. But none of this is epically funny enough to substantially cheer someone up. So maybe I'm coming at this all wrong. Maybe I shouldn't go with funny.
A few days ago, I came over to the Greenehouse to watch a movie that Nicole had been eagerly anticipating for several months. Saturday arrived and she was able to get Kevin to go out and buy it. The movie in question? Twilight.
That afternoon she was wanting me to write a review of the film adaptation of what could be her current favorite book. It's possible she likes one of the sequel novels more than the original, but that's not the point. The point is that I wasn't sure I wanted to review this movie knowing just how obsessive people are over it. What if I said something wrong? What if I offended one of those crazy vampire lovers? Wait... that was probably offensive, wasn't it?
If you want to know what I thought of the book, go here.
The movie itself was pretty good. As with any movie based on a novel, it was difficult to watch it without trying to pick out the differences between the two versions. It would be nice to be able to just watch something and take it for what it is. It's just too tempting to scrutinize every detail. I realize it's nearly impossible to translate a novel to film without making a few cuts here and there. Otherwise we'd have six hour long epics that no one will have the patience to sit through. Though in Twilight's case, I'm sure you'd find a few exceptions.
I can say that a lot of the places and people were just as I had pictured them in my mind. Honestly, I had seen movie posters before I read the book, so the actors playing the main characters of Edward and Bella were already in my head as I read the book. What I hadn't been prepared for was the nauseating stare downs that went on between Edward and Bella throughout 75% of the movie. I put up with that sort of behavior from a lot of couples in college. It's almost sickening. Don't they realize that there's a whole world going on around them that doesn't take place within their significant other's eyes. Both the book and the film make a big deal about how much of a klutz Bella is. She should take her eyes off her pasty boyfriend before she trips over her own feet again.
Another problem I had was the climactic fight scene at the end. While it was great to see what was described in such detail in the book put into action on the screen, it just seemed to go by way too fast. The most intense part of the book takes place over several chapters. But when that intensity becomes an action scene in a movie, it moves very quickly and is condensed to roughly ten or fifteen minutes.
I'm making it sound like I didn't like it. I did. Am I going to rush out and buy my own copy? No. But would I complain if I sat through it again? No. I will say this, it somewhat inspired me to go back home to get back into the sequel, New Moon. I've had that book sitting on my coffee table for over a month and had been stuck on chapter three. I just couldn't get into it. Now I'm curious as to what happens next. So it was a pretty good movie, definitely worth seeing. Happy viewing.
Nicole is probably watching it again while she's lying sick in bed. Get well soon.
Mrs. Greene has been sick for the last few days. I, apparently, have not been very helpful. Today I made a pizza at home and when she caught wind of this information, she wanted some. Unfortunately, pig that I am, I ate it all. There was none left to share.
So I'm trying to think of a good way to cheer up a sick friend. I sent her some flair on Facebook. I've sent funny text messages from the next room. But none of this is epically funny enough to substantially cheer someone up. So maybe I'm coming at this all wrong. Maybe I shouldn't go with funny.
A few days ago, I came over to the Greenehouse to watch a movie that Nicole had been eagerly anticipating for several months. Saturday arrived and she was able to get Kevin to go out and buy it. The movie in question? Twilight.
That afternoon she was wanting me to write a review of the film adaptation of what could be her current favorite book. It's possible she likes one of the sequel novels more than the original, but that's not the point. The point is that I wasn't sure I wanted to review this movie knowing just how obsessive people are over it. What if I said something wrong? What if I offended one of those crazy vampire lovers? Wait... that was probably offensive, wasn't it?
If you want to know what I thought of the book, go here.
The movie itself was pretty good. As with any movie based on a novel, it was difficult to watch it without trying to pick out the differences between the two versions. It would be nice to be able to just watch something and take it for what it is. It's just too tempting to scrutinize every detail. I realize it's nearly impossible to translate a novel to film without making a few cuts here and there. Otherwise we'd have six hour long epics that no one will have the patience to sit through. Though in Twilight's case, I'm sure you'd find a few exceptions.
I can say that a lot of the places and people were just as I had pictured them in my mind. Honestly, I had seen movie posters before I read the book, so the actors playing the main characters of Edward and Bella were already in my head as I read the book. What I hadn't been prepared for was the nauseating stare downs that went on between Edward and Bella throughout 75% of the movie. I put up with that sort of behavior from a lot of couples in college. It's almost sickening. Don't they realize that there's a whole world going on around them that doesn't take place within their significant other's eyes. Both the book and the film make a big deal about how much of a klutz Bella is. She should take her eyes off her pasty boyfriend before she trips over her own feet again.
Another problem I had was the climactic fight scene at the end. While it was great to see what was described in such detail in the book put into action on the screen, it just seemed to go by way too fast. The most intense part of the book takes place over several chapters. But when that intensity becomes an action scene in a movie, it moves very quickly and is condensed to roughly ten or fifteen minutes.
I'm making it sound like I didn't like it. I did. Am I going to rush out and buy my own copy? No. But would I complain if I sat through it again? No. I will say this, it somewhat inspired me to go back home to get back into the sequel, New Moon. I've had that book sitting on my coffee table for over a month and had been stuck on chapter three. I just couldn't get into it. Now I'm curious as to what happens next. So it was a pretty good movie, definitely worth seeing. Happy viewing.
Nicole is probably watching it again while she's lying sick in bed. Get well soon.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
The Greenehouse pays tribute to Aaron
For those wondering where Aaron disappeared to and why he left me in charge of his beloved blog, the answer is simple: Aaron took a trip to Bluefield this weekend and has no internet. This meant a call late Thursday night from a certain someone begging me to take his blog for two days until he returned. This was a huge request being that I have five kids and am so extremely busy but because I knew that he would do the same for me if ever I needed help, I accepted.
Today I decided that you, his readers, needed to hear from the Greenehouse our feelings about Aaron as he has spent much time incorporating us into many of his blog posts.
Over the past year, Aaron has spent countless hours as well as many a weekend hanging out with us and learning the ways of the Greene's. Enough time has been spent that he has officially become part of our family and truthfully when he is not around it is as if a part of our family is missing.
When Aaron is not doing laundry at our house (which he does about every two weeks unless he is visiting someone else with a laundry facility), you can often find him playing cards (Texas Hold Em, Rummy or Go Fish), Monopoly (in which he has been beaten by Makenaa) or watching one of our favorite shows with us. He doesn't just spend time hanging out with the "big" Greene's but helps to entertain the younger ones as well.
Today I decided that you, his readers, needed to hear from the Greenehouse our feelings about Aaron as he has spent much time incorporating us into many of his blog posts.
Over the past year, Aaron has spent countless hours as well as many a weekend hanging out with us and learning the ways of the Greene's. Enough time has been spent that he has officially become part of our family and truthfully when he is not around it is as if a part of our family is missing.
On more than one occasion, Aaron has tried to convince us that he does have friends other than the Greene's by faking a phone call. We know the truth(it's usually his mom) but play along anyway because we love him so much and don't want to hurt his feelings.
Family does that for one another!
Gabby LOVES Aaron and I am pretty certain that he is a bit partial to her as well. Pretty much like the rest of us, he gives her what she wants. We all are having to learn to tell her no but it's a process. She's so darn cute! Truly, could you resist that face?
There is never a dull moment when Aaron is around. Though the kids can annoy him at times, he has this way of bringing out the fun side of their personalities. Aaron doesn't take life TOO seriously and in his time with us, he has taught us all to relax just a little.
Anyone who knows Aaron knows that he loves Superman but not nearly as much as he loves us.
True Story!! (one of the many Aaronisms that has invaded our home)
In all honesty, we love Aaron as much as he loves us and he has become a part of our family. He happened to mention to us that he might move away and truly, the very thoughts left us wondering exactly what we would do without Aaron.
Life just wouldn't be the same.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Crying
Yesterday was an Applebee's kind of day. After going to church, I hopped in the Big Greene Machine (I was gonna go with Greenemobile, but it doesn't have the same ring) and headed to lunch with them. The meal itself was somewhat uneventful, it was the after dinner show that got a little out of hand.
Gabby, who is quickly closing in on the terrible twos, found the window blinds at the next table to be a fascinating curiosity. As she was pulling on the blinds, she nearly knocked over some of our Applebee's neighbors' condiments. So I quickly, but gently, grabbed her and pulled her away, saying some derivation of the word no at the same time.
Sidebar: Being the youngest of five children, Gabby just isn't used to being told no. Her older siblings tend to spoil her. Okay, everyone tends to spoil her, but she's just so darn cute.
So then she gave me a look of total shock. How could I have possibly said something so cruel to someone so adorable? Not only that, but I pulled her away from her object of desire. And then, out popped that lower lip. Then right on cue, the tears flowed. The toturous screams began. It was as if, when I pulled her away from the window, I had torn off one of her appendages.
Despite the wailing and the water works, I felt no twinge of guilt. I knew that she was just fine. I knew that in her mind, she would eventually be just fine. But she was not alone in this Academy Award worthy performance.
Soon after, Braedon got in on the act. I wasn't really paying attention to what he was doing (I was being deafened by Gabby at the time), but whatever it was, it was enough to get the attention of Mommy. Mommy must not have liked this behavior and repeatedly told him to stop. Braedon, however, had other plans. Thus, Mommy got the attention of Daddy, who in turn dropped the hammer. Okay, really the hammer dropping was just telling Braedon that he would be going directly to his room upon returning home. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200.
Obviously that's not something Braedon wanted to hear. Since Gabby was faking a good cry, why shouldn't he? So then he started into it.
So then I wanted to see if I could do it too. I mean, if these two very small children could whip up some gut-wrenching tears at the drop of a hat, then why couldn't I?
I desperately tried to reach deep down into my very soul to find something to squeeze out the tears. I guess my soul's not as deep as I thought it was. I just couldn't find anything to make me cry. Then I tried biting my tongue. That didn't work either.
Maybe it's as I've said for years, my tear ducts, if in fact they do exist, must be all dried out.
Sitting there at the table, Nicole claimed that she has seen me cry. I was apalled. When had such a thing ever taken place, I wonder. Was it during a movie? Were we watching My Girl? I don't remember ever seeing that with the Greenes. She said it happened once when I was talking about Dad. I guess I can go along with that.
I just can't let that get too far out there. So if you're reading this now, you've been sworn to secrecy. We can't have anyone out there to start believing I have actual feelings and emotions.
Gabby, who is quickly closing in on the terrible twos, found the window blinds at the next table to be a fascinating curiosity. As she was pulling on the blinds, she nearly knocked over some of our Applebee's neighbors' condiments. So I quickly, but gently, grabbed her and pulled her away, saying some derivation of the word no at the same time.
Sidebar: Being the youngest of five children, Gabby just isn't used to being told no. Her older siblings tend to spoil her. Okay, everyone tends to spoil her, but she's just so darn cute.
So then she gave me a look of total shock. How could I have possibly said something so cruel to someone so adorable? Not only that, but I pulled her away from her object of desire. And then, out popped that lower lip. Then right on cue, the tears flowed. The toturous screams began. It was as if, when I pulled her away from the window, I had torn off one of her appendages.
Despite the wailing and the water works, I felt no twinge of guilt. I knew that she was just fine. I knew that in her mind, she would eventually be just fine. But she was not alone in this Academy Award worthy performance.
Soon after, Braedon got in on the act. I wasn't really paying attention to what he was doing (I was being deafened by Gabby at the time), but whatever it was, it was enough to get the attention of Mommy. Mommy must not have liked this behavior and repeatedly told him to stop. Braedon, however, had other plans. Thus, Mommy got the attention of Daddy, who in turn dropped the hammer. Okay, really the hammer dropping was just telling Braedon that he would be going directly to his room upon returning home. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200.
Obviously that's not something Braedon wanted to hear. Since Gabby was faking a good cry, why shouldn't he? So then he started into it.
So then I wanted to see if I could do it too. I mean, if these two very small children could whip up some gut-wrenching tears at the drop of a hat, then why couldn't I?
I desperately tried to reach deep down into my very soul to find something to squeeze out the tears. I guess my soul's not as deep as I thought it was. I just couldn't find anything to make me cry. Then I tried biting my tongue. That didn't work either.
Maybe it's as I've said for years, my tear ducts, if in fact they do exist, must be all dried out.
Sitting there at the table, Nicole claimed that she has seen me cry. I was apalled. When had such a thing ever taken place, I wonder. Was it during a movie? Were we watching My Girl? I don't remember ever seeing that with the Greenes. She said it happened once when I was talking about Dad. I guess I can go along with that.
I just can't let that get too far out there. So if you're reading this now, you've been sworn to secrecy. We can't have anyone out there to start believing I have actual feelings and emotions.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Elevator Action
The move continues. Today at lunch, Brett asked if he could come and hang out at my house. I told him that if he did that, I would put him to work. He was equal to the task.
The rest of the Greenes went home to watch Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Again.
Brett sacrificed his entire afternoon to help me transfer heavy boxes from my old home to the new. Thus, he's the first guest I've had at the new apartment. He said it was the biggest apartment he'd ever seen. He probably hasn't seen too many apartments.
I gotta say, the kid was a real trooper. He waited at the car while I carried boxes to him, then he loaded them into the Escort. We made three complete trips. His help allowed me to get every packed box out of my house. Of course, this doesn't mean the job is done. I've still got work to do. More boxes to fill, furniture to relocate, etc. But the bulk of the work is complete.
At the new building, when we were on one of our elevator trips up to the 2nd floor, Brett pointed out some graffiti on the inspection tag. Someone gave Ms. Cherie Berry (I think names that rhyme are funny) a mustache. Then they wrote, rather conspicuously, the letters "F" and "U" under her portrait. Brett asked what those letters meant. I informed him that they were curse words, and left it at that.
In other news, my mailbox key does not work. This will need to be fixed posthaste!
The rest of the Greenes went home to watch Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Again.
Brett sacrificed his entire afternoon to help me transfer heavy boxes from my old home to the new. Thus, he's the first guest I've had at the new apartment. He said it was the biggest apartment he'd ever seen. He probably hasn't seen too many apartments.
I gotta say, the kid was a real trooper. He waited at the car while I carried boxes to him, then he loaded them into the Escort. We made three complete trips. His help allowed me to get every packed box out of my house. Of course, this doesn't mean the job is done. I've still got work to do. More boxes to fill, furniture to relocate, etc. But the bulk of the work is complete.
At the new building, when we were on one of our elevator trips up to the 2nd floor, Brett pointed out some graffiti on the inspection tag. Someone gave Ms. Cherie Berry (I think names that rhyme are funny) a mustache. Then they wrote, rather conspicuously, the letters "F" and "U" under her portrait. Brett asked what those letters meant. I informed him that they were curse words, and left it at that.
In other news, my mailbox key does not work. This will need to be fixed posthaste!
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Going Dark
A couple weeks ago, Nicole said that she was thinking about going dark. I knew she was talking about coloring her hair, but I asked if she meant "going dark" the way someone like Jack Bauer would "go dark." For those of you who don't watch 24 and aren't hip to that lingo, to go dark would be to cut all ties and break communication.
This gave Nicole the idea to test herself. To see if she could go 24 hours without her cell phone or computer. Not exactly going dark in the Jack Bauer sense, but in today's information-based world, going a full day without a text message or internet could be crippling.
Over the weekend, for some reason, Nicole decided that today would be the day that she would "go dark." Not sure why she picked a Tuesday, or why this day would hold any significance. But she says that she will go all day without using her cell phone or opening her laptop. In the past few days, Kevin and I have both said we didn't think she could do it. This, of course, only fueled that particular fire.
So, in theory, I could say anything I wanted to about Nicole today. She's not going to see it anyway. I could be mean and spread all kinds of vicious rumors. But I won't. When I was at the Greenehouse last night, she emphatically told me not to blog about a specific event which took place. An event which I promised I would refrain from writing about. Now, I could go ahead and report on this occasion, especially since I know she will not be reading about it today. But I am a man of my word. I made a promise and I intend to keep it. Besides, she'll be back on the internet machine tomorrow and I do not want to face that wrath.
I'm not saying that Nicole is particularly wrathy, but she has been known to punch me in the arm. And sometimes she hits really hard.
This gave Nicole the idea to test herself. To see if she could go 24 hours without her cell phone or computer. Not exactly going dark in the Jack Bauer sense, but in today's information-based world, going a full day without a text message or internet could be crippling.
Over the weekend, for some reason, Nicole decided that today would be the day that she would "go dark." Not sure why she picked a Tuesday, or why this day would hold any significance. But she says that she will go all day without using her cell phone or opening her laptop. In the past few days, Kevin and I have both said we didn't think she could do it. This, of course, only fueled that particular fire.
So, in theory, I could say anything I wanted to about Nicole today. She's not going to see it anyway. I could be mean and spread all kinds of vicious rumors. But I won't. When I was at the Greenehouse last night, she emphatically told me not to blog about a specific event which took place. An event which I promised I would refrain from writing about. Now, I could go ahead and report on this occasion, especially since I know she will not be reading about it today. But I am a man of my word. I made a promise and I intend to keep it. Besides, she'll be back on the internet machine tomorrow and I do not want to face that wrath.
I'm not saying that Nicole is particularly wrathy, but she has been known to punch me in the arm. And sometimes she hits really hard.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
The Return
The Greenes are coming home today. I'm trying to contain my excitement, but it's pretty difficult to do so. They've been gone for a week and a half. That's a week and a half too long as far as I'm concerned.
New rule: they're not allowed to leave anymore. One or two at a time is okay I suppose. Unavoidable when Kevin goes out of town for business or Nicole drives into Roanoke. But the entire clan? From now on they must have my written permission to leave town. And I need at least a year's notice. I have to prepare myself. Rebuild some of those emotional barriers so I won't miss them so much.
That, or I could just convince them to take me along next time. Maybe if I play my cards right...
New rule: they're not allowed to leave anymore. One or two at a time is okay I suppose. Unavoidable when Kevin goes out of town for business or Nicole drives into Roanoke. But the entire clan? From now on they must have my written permission to leave town. And I need at least a year's notice. I have to prepare myself. Rebuild some of those emotional barriers so I won't miss them so much.
That, or I could just convince them to take me along next time. Maybe if I play my cards right...
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Greene Day Ten
And here we have Queen Battle, formerly known as Chloe. Don't let her size fool you. She's quite powerful and ferocious. According to approximate measurements taken by Jen and Nicole, QB is a mere five doughnuts long.
I suppose by that reckoning, I'm roughly 18 doughnuts tall. I feel like a giant among domesticated pets.
But I don't go around bragging about my size to the Queen. I fear her wrath.
And she's a slippery little thing. She is generally kept contained in a small cage that resides in Kevin and Nicole's room. It is my contention that she merely allows this to be so. Maggie is there to keep her company, and I daresay, to entertain her.
There has been one occasion, after a trip into nature, that I was returning Queen Battle to her holding area and she seemingly vanished. It was clear she did not wish to return to the cage with her cellmate. Who was I to argue?
Within minutes she returned, as if from nowhere, and allowed me to place her back in her would-be home.
I have yet to experience the full depth of Queen Battle's abilities, and I'm sad to say, I may never see such things come to fruition. You see, in October, Jen will be flying to this very place to snatch the Queen away and take her to the west coast. Godspeed Queen Battle.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Greene Day Nine
And here we have Maggie. The slowest dog ever.Okay, I don't mean she can't move quickly. Because when she wants to, she can run like the wind blows. She'll run to the door when it's time to go outside. She'll run to her food dish when it's time for her to eat.
But when it comes time for her to... uh... how do I put this delicately? ...Drop the deuce, she's all kinds of slow. Especially when I'm here on my lunch break trying to get her to do the deed in the twenty or so minutes I have to get everything done. Including taking care of everyone else. And also feeding myself.
But while she is stubborn, she does listen better than Bailey. But Bailey's a cat, so I shouldn't expect too much there.
And tomorrow you'll get a look at the one you've been waiting for. That's right.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Greene Day Eight
This is Bailey. Her behavior is somewhat unpredictable.She is generally skittish around people, especially those she doesn't know. Some have described her as evil. Despite the glowing eyes and look of hatred in the picture to the right, I wouldn't necessarily call her evil.
She has her moments. We usually get along fine. But there are times when she makes it known she doesn't want me around. Little signs like bolting away from me or hissing at me.
Also, she tends to not get along with the dogs.
I'd like to say more about her, but she keeps to herself. She doesn't hang out with me too much when I'm here. I'm okay with that. I'm not what you'd call a cat person.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Greene Day Seven
This is Onya. She's the oldest of the Legion of Super Pets. While she has no actual super powers, she is a very sweet dog.It has only taken her a year to get used to my car. For a long time, whenever I would pull into the Greenes' driveway, she would come out of the garage and bark at me. Now that I've stayed here enough and taken care of her when her people are out of town, she's gotten to know me a little better.
Sadly, Onya is just about blind. She's all the time bumping into things and people. She gets excited when I get back to the house after work. I open the garage door and out she comes. She makes her way over to my car and walks with me as I go into the house. She usually runs into the back of my legs twice before I make it all the way through the garage.
Sometimes she runs into the kids' bikes. Sometimes she runs into the lawnmower. Sometimes when I go out to feed her, she flips over her food dish or spills her water bowl. She is easily excitable.
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