Different, Not Less

Friday 30 December 2011

I saw this quote on Facebook yesterday:

Different
not less

and thought about how that applies to Kayla.

Yes she is different in that she has an extra chromosome. (But really, how 'different' is she? A lot of people out there have an extra - or even missing - chromosome. There are other people who have a single simian crease across the palm of their hand, others who have Brushfield spots in their eyes, others who have speech issues, others who have cognitive delays.)

But having a difference does not make her less.

It doesn't make her
...less than human.
...less of a daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin.
...less than a friend.
...less deserving of life.
...less deserving of opportunities - educational and employment.
...less deserving of love.
...less deserving of respect.
...less deserving of the chance to play sports.
...less deserving of a chance

She's not
...less capable of learning.
...less capable of love.
...less capable of being a friend.
...less capable of being able to play.
...less capable of knowing how to laugh.
...less capable of hurting.
...less capable of having fun.
...less capable of experiencing and enjoying life.
...less capable of following the rules.
...less capable of having a job.
...less capable of having feelings.

Different, yes. But not less. Not less than anything.

comments | | Read More...

Man Of Honor (K-Drama)

Thursday 29 December 2011

Title : Man Of Honor (2011) (K-Drama)
Alternative Title(s) : Glory Jane
Hardsubbed or Softsubbed: Softsubbed
English Subtitles: Yes
Fansub: DarkSmurfSub
Number of Episodes: 24
Date Aired (YYYY-MM-DD): 2011-10-12 to 2011-12-29
More Info: http://asianmediawiki.com/Glory_Jane
Summary: There is an old proverb saying, “An evil may sometimes turn out to be a blessing in disguise.” It means tragedy could bring a reversal at the end. Just like the case of ugly duckling, which turned out to be a beautiful swan, there are always ups and downs in life and everything just goes through after all… This drama brings you the story of Jae-in and Young-gwang. Warm-hearted Yoon Jae-in is a cheery, bright girl who always maintains a positive attitude despite her poor background. Kim Younggwang, former 4th hitter of the major league team, now a minor leaguer, is an innocently confident man who never stops trying his best to re-live past glories. This drama will show you how these young adults deal with life’s hardship and grow older to achieve their dreams.

Man Of Honor 1

Man Of Honor 2

Man Of Honor 3

Man Of Honor 4

Man Of Honor 5

Man Of Honor 6

Man Of Honor 7

Man Of Honor 8

Man Of Honor 9

Man Of Honor 10

Man Of Honor 11

Man Of Honor 12

Man Of Honor 13

Man Of Honor 14

Man Of Honor 15

Man Of Honor 16

Man Of Honor 17

Man Of Honor 18

Man Of Honor 19

Man Of Honor 20

Man Of Honor 21

Man Of Honor 22

Man Of Honor 23

Man Of Honor 24

DOWNLOAD SUBTITLES: http://www.mediafire.com/?jo7ew02zys2wd

uploaded by http://doramax264.com

comments | | Read More...

Almost new year

comments | | Read More...

Special Exposure Wednesday

Wednesday 28 December 2011

We went to FL to see my dad for a few days for Christmas ... my brother and his family were there from TN as well. The kids enjoyed seeing their Uncle Mike!

comments | | Read More...

American Families Saving Children With Down Syndrome

Tuesday 27 December 2011

Last night ABC News aired a segment on a family in Utah who adopted a little girl with Down syndrome from Ukraine.

What a positive message this was and such great awareness for the plight of orphans in Eastern Europe and for Reece's Rainbow!

Here is the video that aired:

Here is another short video on their website about Mia and her new family:


There is also a great article on ABC News about the whole process the Cox family went through. ABC News went inside a few mental institutions in Ukraine and reported on the conditions the children were living in. Children as young as 5 living in adult mental institutions; with adults who have severe mental illnesses. Sent there to live out their lives.

Here is a quote for their adoption coordinator in Ukraine about what life (if you can call it that) is like for a child with Down syndrome born in Ukraine. "Children with Down syndrome are considered outcasts, she said, throwaways. That's why they place them to closed institutions They have to spend the rest of life being outside of society. Absolutely," Angelina said. "They ... have absolutely no choices, no opportunities in this society."

How sad is that? 

comments | | Read More...

'Tis The Season!

Friday 23 December 2011

Last year Joe took the kids with him when he went to buy me something for Christmas. The kids came home saying, "Mommy we bought you a book!" (the latest Stephen King).

This year, Joe again took the kids out with him (will he ever learn?)

When they came in the door Kayla said, "Mommy we bought you a screwdriver!" Lucas reiterated that they did, indeed, buy me screwdrivers.

Joe said on the way home he asked them what they bought for me. Kayla said something that sounded pretty close to what it was so he said, "No... remember we don't tell mommy we bought that. What is it we say? We tell her we bought screwdrivers!"

Lucas said, "That isn't going to make Mommy very happy."

And just how does his little 3 yr old mind comprehend something like that? Why would he think that wouldn't make me very happy?

So I asked Lucas, "Why did you say that wouldn't make me very happy?"

Lucas, "Because it won't"

Me, "But why won't it? Why wouldn't I be happy with screwdrivers?

My ever-logical son replied, "Because we already have some!"

Well, there you go!

And to the kids' credit... so far they haven't let slip what they really bought me. Because I know it's not screwdrivers!

comments | | Read More...

Bedtime Chatter

Thursday 22 December 2011

The upstairs to our house has a big loft area. A good portion of the loft area separates Kayla's and Lucas's bedrooms ... so they aren't right next to each other.

They rarely try to talk to each other after 'lights out.' Doing so would require using very loud voices to be heard, and I think it's just never occurred to Kayla to try to do this. She's much like her father, falling asleep 5 minutes after her head hits the pillow.

Lucas has 'trouble' falling asleep. Or so he says a minute after I walk out of his room from tucking him in. "I can't sleep!"

The other night he decided to try and talk to Kayla. It involved a bit of yelling to be heard from room to room, and not realizing one person said something, so they were also talking over each other. I sat on the top steps amused by their conversation.

L: Kayla!
K: Stop Lucas!
L: Kayla?
K: You waking me up!
L: Kayla!
K: I trying to sleep! I going to Florida! (Before bed we had talked about going to FL to visit my dad)
L: What? California?
K: Yes, going to Florida!
L: Kayla did you say California?
K: Yes! Going to Florida!
L: Come here Kayla!
K: What? 
L: I want you Kayla!
K: Ok thank you!
L: Come here Kayla!
K: What Lucas?
L: I like you now Kayla!
K: What? I love you? Ok thank you!

comments | | Read More...

Special Exposure Wednesday

Wednesday 21 December 2011

Getting a chance to steer the boat on an eco-tour/dolphin-watching trip we took last month.

comments | | Read More...

Cha Cha Slide

Tuesday 20 December 2011

Last week we went to the Down Syndrome Association of Lowcountry's Christmas party. The kids had such a fun time! They were on the dance floor pretty much the whole time just having a blast with friends.

I had to capture a video of the group dancing to the Cha Cha Slide. I think they did pretty well!

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

and I better post these pictures from the party before it's already the new year!

comments | | Read More...

Hickory Farms No Kid Hungry Campaign

Monday 19 December 2011

One of my favorite holiday traditions is indulging in some sausage and cheese from Hickory Farms. As soon as I see the Hickory Farms stores or kiosks open in the mall I know the holiday season has begun!

I recently had the opportunity, thanks to Hickory Farms and Mom Central Consulting, to host a yummy party from some friends. It was a great time to enjoy the company of friends, let our kids play together, let the husbands watch some football (one of the husbands, upon hearing it was a HF party, stated he was so there! Guess he likes their products too!), take a break from the rush and craziness the holidays can bring, and sample some yummy sausage and cheese!

Hickory Farms does more than just produce some delicious foods - they give back to the community as well. This holiday season they will donate $5 from each party planner gift box to Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry campaign - a national non-profit working to end childhood hunger in America.

They are also a supporter of the military. They provide free shipping on APO/FPO military addresses across the globe. This came in handy for us a couple years ago when Joe was deployed. It was hard to come up with ideas of what to send him for Christmas and this turned out to be a great gift idea. Something he didn't need to worry about packing up and taking back with him when he came home.


My favorite dip was the Cranberry Mustard dip. The Honey Pineapple Mustard was a close second though!

 We sampled 7 different cheeses - and thanks to Joe for labeling each cheese so we knew which flavors we were tasting! (Parmesan Herb Blend is one of my new favorites; along with my old favorite of Cheddar and Havarti blend).

Hickory Farms provided gift boxes for guests to take home - which of course is the real reason they all came over! Ha!

Right now on Hickory Farms online you can get 40% off select items and Free Shipping on orders of $35+.

Hickory Farms will always be a part of our holiday traditions!

 “I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Hickory Farms and received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

comments | | Read More...

Lone Star Steakhouse "Miracle Cake" Program

Saturday 17 December 2011

Lone Star Steakhouse launched the “Miracle Cake” program in March to donate a portion of the proceeds from the sales of their Triple Chocolate Miracle Cake to Children’s Miracle Network. Through the sale of their cake, the organization reached their $100,000 fundraising goal in November and is rededicating their commitment to Children’s Miracle Network by setting a goal to raise an additional $100,000 during December.

The funds raised in local restaurants stay in those communities benefiting the nearest Children’s Miracle Network Hospital funding medical care, research and education that saves and improves the lives of the 17 million children treated each year.

 

In December, guests can either purchase a slice of Triple Chocolate Miracle Cake to help raise funds or make a donation to the organization. Lone Star will give guests that donate any amount over $1 during December a free appetizer card for a future visit.

comments | | Read More...

Free Shipping at Snapily

Friday 16 December 2011

If you still need to order holiday cards check out Snapily! Through December 31st Snapily is offering Free Shipping with promo code SHIPFREE. I love free shipping codes. 

I was surprised to see how many different cards they have available. I love the 3D effect cards - too cool! - and the best part is you don't even need the 3D glasses. These are my favorite of what they offer.

I also came across some great gift ideas like the personalized backpack tags. Kayla is rough on her backpacks so she's getting a new one for Christmas; this would be a great addition. I also like the option of creating my own bookmarks. You can create bookmarks with personal pictures and messages. What a great idea for teachers! You can even use your images to create a personalized ornament. Hung with a high quality ribbon, the ornaments slight movements will show off images of your loved ones in 3D depth OR flip Animation. Great for the grandparents ... or for people who seem to have everything already and you can't figure out what to get them. Personalized photo gifts seem to make anyone happy!

The Holidays are approaching faster than I can keep up with! A few months ago I thought I was going to be on top of things .. but here I am, doing last minute things! Need to do better next year!

comments | | Read More...

Special Exposure Wednesday

Wednesday 14 December 2011

Visiting with Santa! The first picture was at the Children's Museum, hence why she is in a princess dress-up dress. That's the first thing she does when we go to the museum!

At the Summerville Miracle League party

and Lucas too, of course!

comments | | Read More...

Sweet Carolina

Tuesday 13 December 2011

A couple of weeks ago Kayla and I were asked to be on a segment of the local cable show Sweet Carolina. What a neat experience this was! Kayla liked being able to see herself on TV while we were filming it. I so appreciated the chance to share our story about winning the scholarship for the "Most Beautiful Eyes" contest; and putting in a little plug to support the ABLE Act.

And Lucas, oh my dear boy. Of course he didn't want to be left out. He had the option to sit on my lap during the interview, or sit in the chairs opposite us. I should've known he wasn't going to stay long in those chairs. He made himself known. He didn't take the easy way to get on TV (sitting in my lap). He wasn't loud, in fact I don't think he talked at all during the taping, but he sure did make his appearance!

Kayla kept swiveling in her chair and I would put my hand on her leg or arm to make her stop. Watching the video makes me laugh because a few times she indignantly tells me 'stop!' I guess I was the one who was distracting her!

If you want to see the video just go to this link. Right under the video that is playing you'll see a play list by dates of previous shows. Just click on 11/30. We are the last segment so we don't show until 19 min 10 sec. (If you let the light gray status bar load the video all the way you can then move the slider forward to 19:10 so you don't have to watch through the whole segment.) I can't figure out a way to embed just that portion of the video on the blog, or I would've just done that.

comments | | Read More...

Lucas-isms

Sunday 11 December 2011

Running late one morning I was buckling Lucas in his car seat and said, "See Lucas, you're making me late." and he retorted, "Last morning when we went to MOPS you made YOURSELF late." 

Another night of encouraging Lucas to eat his veggies because they will make him grow bigger he tells me, "I just want my apple, that will make me grow bigger." 

To encourage the kids to eat all their dinner I tell them we have to eat the rainbow. One night after telling Lucas he didn't eat his green yet he said, "I just want to eat brown tonight."

Lucas do you want to wear long-sleeves or short sleeves? His answer, "Short sleeves. But not short sleeve pants."

Lucas and Kayla playing w/pretend food and Lucas telling Kayla, "You can have this pizza Kayla, it's gluten-free."

Lucas asking if grapes are gluten-free.

At respite one of the caregivers asked Lucas how old he is, he said, "I'm 3 and my sister can't have wheat."

A lady was walking next to us in the parking lot and started talking on her bluetooth. Lucas asked me, "Why is she talking to herself?"

Lucas pointed to a lady and said, "She has silly hair!" He thought her hairstyle was so amusing. I just hoped she didn't actually hear him!

comments | | Read More...

"Lustful Paradox: Til Death"

Wednesday 7 December 2011

‎"Lustful Paradox: Til Death"

Cold corners. 
Closed quarters. 
Corridors. Wet floors.
Open pores.
Spinning heads.
Spread legs.
Moist eyes.
Burning thighs.
Goodbye. 

Secure the locks.
Ignore the clocks.
You twist your locks.
You lick the rocks.
I tossed the phone.
We're all alone.
Scotch over stones.
I feel at home.
You're acting out.
You're in the zone.
You dog me out.
Come get the bone.
You hum and moan.
I take the throne.
I lose control.
Your mind is blown.
Fragments of frustration
Have be violently displaced.
You scramble for a taste.
You need to wipe your face. 

It's time for work.
Head still hurts.
One too many.
You're too friendly.
Such a flirt.
Short black skirt.
Unbuttoned blouse.
Too hot to douse.
Too wet to drench.
I never flinch.
Don't hide the funk.
Increase the stench.
You live for this.
You're loving this.
I'm not much better.
I fulfill your wish. 

I say goodbye.
You're asking why.
Tears start to well.
You're about to cry.
Can't lend reprieve.
I have to leave.
I'm running late.
You negotiate.
I've heard enough.
You hang in tough.
You state your claim.
I call your bluff.
It's getting late.
Hands navigate.
You recall my touch.
You masturbate.
You want it back.
You need it now.
You'll have your way.
You don't care how. 

I'm guilty.
I'm filthy.
In my desk drawer
Is your room key.
I'm on my way.
I'm coming over.
I turn the key.
You're far from sober.
You invite me in.
You're stumbling.
You're paranoid.
I'm not mumbling.
You lash out.
I can't shout.
Bound and gagged.
I'm assed out.
Flesh wounds.
Wet womb.
Warm mouth.
Bled out.
You're living an illusion.
You're in complete delusion.
You give it to me good;
But you won't quell my profusion. 

Two blades to the throat.
You bask in the elation.
My blood leaves your face soaked.
You treat it like ejaculation.
Twisted celebration.
Such a disturbed mind.
The cops have searched for weeks.
You make sure they never find.
Love is only blind
When lust gets in the way.
I misplaced my wife's trust.
I kept your heart at bay.
I couldn't walk away.
I doubt you would have let me.
You loved when I would play.
Never thought about neglecting.
Never was so unsuspecting.
Never thought I'd have to fret.
Your desire was unrelenting.
All that's left now are regrets……

And cold sores……

And you still want more……

But you can't ignore……

You're haunted by the emotional chore

Of cold corners,
Closed quarters,
Corridors,
Wet floors,
Open pores,
Spinning heads,
Spread legs,
Moist eyes,
And burning thighs.

Goodbye.

Written By: Devin Joseph Metz

comments | | Read More...

"Transcendence"

‎"Transcendence"

I am me. Not a "we."
I don't know about the team. 
I don't sit on the sidelines
Next to girls who shout and scream.
I don't play between the lines.
I just stay behind the scenes;
But you can keep the credit.
Never was part of the scene.
Never wanted to be seen.
Never begged to be noticed.
Never needed TV screens.
In due time, I'll be promoted.
By that time, you'll swear I gloated;
Take your time. Hug and hold it.
I'll declare that I've transcended.
You'll just think I merely floated.

I am me. Not a "we."
I don't know about the team.

I am me not a "we."
Uniform is starched and clean.
I came up on Goosebumps books
And those children's magazines.
We all grew up reading highlights;
But what demands your eyesight
Are the things that children do
When they decline the night light.
They have become profane.
You say they are insane;
But they never asked to drive.
You just sped up in their lane.
Peer pressure can change lives.
Nothing remains the same;
But the stronger minds will thrive.
What's left over is ashamed.

I am me. Not a "we."
I don't know about the team.

I am me. Not a "we."
Don't care for designer jeans.
Never wasted all my profits
By the age of seventeen.
No protection for my pockets.
Just projectors and white screens.
Not concerned with buying lockets.
Just beakers and triple beams.
Wasn't picked on by the team.
It was more like an adoption.
They took me under their wing
When I explained the triple option.
They always paid homage
To the nerd at the cool table;
But when I dropped some knowledge,
They still chose to pick up fables.

I am me. Not a "we."
I don't know about the team.

I am me. Not a "we."
When recited, it sounds mean;
But my love is unrequited.
Still can't justify your means.
The sugar coating is corroding.
I'm just trying to stay clean.
All the gloating leads to bloating.
Cleave your ego and stay lean.
All your needs you haven't met.
You think this is your best bet;
But you can't indulge in knowledge
Until the table has been set.
By the time you become modest,
Realization will lead to regret;
So to be completely honest,
You shouldn't thank me yet.

I am me. Not a "we."
I don't know about the team.

Worthy me. Woeful "we."
I am greater than the team.

He will be.
So will she.
Discard your "we."
Reclaim your "me."

Written By: Devin Joseph Metz

comments | | Read More...

"Vesper"

‎"Vesper"

Can't fight the fear.
Don't need today.
I've fought for years.
Take me away.
You led me here.
Lead me away;
Because one thousand of my tears
Still can't quell the fray.

It's just hell today
Followed by more tomorrow.
It was peaceful yesterday;
Twisted prelude for impending sorrow.
I wish there was some light to borrow;
Although I might not give it back.
This darkness is strategically stacked;
So I look high. The moon is black.

The warmth is gone.
This fire still burns,
But it scorches when I embrace it.
I suppose that lesson is learned;
So I lay here; freezing in pain.
I'm not concerned with the rain.
It doesn't wash me clean.
It just reveals my stains.

My mouth is always dry
Although I indulge in wet grains.
Can't say the same for my eyes;
But the raindrops mask my pain.
I probably look like a leper
To this weekly wandering lecturer.
He often comes my way.
I often shy away.

He never ends the day
Without granting me invitation.
I struggle to hide libation;
But he offers me salvation;
Saying he's watched me walk these streets
As I search for something to eat.
He offers pillows and bed sheets
And clothes that are crisp and neat.

He says that my bad luck
Is born of familiar traits:
When the mind depends on luck,
The heart may soon abandon faith.

He said that I still have a chance.
He vows that he is not deceiving.
He left me with a shining glance
At what I could be achieving.

He calls this place "His Father's House;"
Full of the faithful, steadfast and believing.
Since I no longer have a house,
I may visit his this evening.

Written By: Devin Joseph Metz

comments | | Read More...

"The Lonely Poet"

"The Lonely Poet"

I may not be as captivating;
But I promise to be fascinating.
Won't you open your ears?
Don't you care to hear
About things that pique my interest
And tickle my fancy?
Let them trickle slowly within you
Before they begin dancing
In a concise pattern of movement:
Rubbing against cranial walls
And cerebral hemispheres
To the center of what we hold dear.

Am I selfish for expecting
Or am I just here protecting
The quality of my craft
While addressing your neglecting?
I like to think I'm swell
And my verses are written well
And the words I juggle and jot
Rarely share the same old plot.
I am a proponent of diversity.
I tell stories of adversity,
Those in search of forever
And helpless souls bound to eternity.

Don't walk away.
I swear I'm not stalling.
I won't take all day.
I just want to share my calling.
Besides, what good is a public speaker
Who cannot find his forum?
Sometimes I feel like a preacher
Encased in the majestic decorum
Of sky high chandeliers
And beautifully stained glass.
God's house he holds dear;
But most people just drive past
Without even so much as a glance
At what the sermon is about;
But if given just one chance,
He can bring them out
Of their hulls of mediocrity.
He can make their lives colorful;
Bearing the blessing of breached monotony
And truly offer something wonderful.

But hey; that's fine.
You've checked your watch five times
And it's only been seven minutes.
I guess I've reached my limit.
Sorry for keeping you so long.
Although your silence was prolonged,
I hope I've at least broken through.
Maybe you'll share this with a few.
Maybe not.
Either way,
I'll leave you to your ways.
I'll share with you some other day..........

Written By: Devin Joseph Metz

comments | | Read More...

Special Exposure Wednesday

A very exciting moment for us from Chicago!

comments | | Read More...

Crunchmaster Crackers (GF!) Review & Giveaway

Tuesday 6 December 2011

Congrats to Cindy for winning the case of Crunchmaster crackers!

When Kayla was first diagnosed with Celiac disease I wondered what snacks she would be able to eat. I knew all her (then) current favorites would be out.

My first experience in going shopping for her at the local grocery store didn't turn out too well. There wasn't much of a selection and what there was didn't sound too appealing. Nevertheless I picked out some crackers that seemed like they would work; at least according to the very deceptive description on the packaging. Let's just say the whole package ended up in the trash. My mom and I both made a face at the first bite of the cracker which seemed like dry, seasoned cardboard. I still offered it to Kayla because, hey, her taste buds are different and she might like it! No such luck. She didn't care for them either.

Since then we have found a few brands of crackers that we rotate out but it isn't much of a selection ... and the ones we have been using don't seem to have any flavor variety.

A while ago I signed up with Moms Meet. Its an "...online resource that empowers moms to come together in an informal setting and talk about the latest on raising healthy families and living green." One of their opportunities is for Mom Ambassadors to sample the latest healthy, and/or green, products.

It was through this opportunity that I received Crunchmaster Multi-Grain crackers to review. These first thing about these crackers is they are certified gluten-free, all natural, saturated fat free, cholesterol free, and the Sea Salt is also vegan/dairy free.

I had seen them in the store but hadn't yet tried them; so this was a perfect opportunity to try them out and see if Kayla approved - then we could add them to our cracker selection.


We sampled the White Cheddar, Sea Salt, and Roasted Vegetable. The verdict? A big hit! These will now be among the rotating boxes of crackers we keep on hand for Kayla (and I imagine the rest of the family will be sharing in these as well!)



All of the crackers are sturdy, not crumbly (like a brand of crackers that Kayla likes, but is always broken up in the bag), and hold up well with dips. They also have just the right amount of flavor and variety to the crackers.

Kayla's favorite seemed to be the Sea Salt and White Cheddar. She didn't care too much for the Roasted Vegetable. I didn't care as much for the Sea Salt by itself, but really liked it with a dip such as salsa, hummus, or cheese. White Cheddar was my favorite. Joe's favorite was Roasted Vegetable. Lucas's favorite seemed to be the White Cheddar as well.

Crunchmaster has other products in their line as well including, but not limited to, Multi-Seed Crackers (in 4 varieties), Multi-Grain Crisps, and 7 Ancient Grains crackers.

You can follow them on Facebook and also save $1 on your purchase.

I have a case, yes a CASE, (12 full-size bags) of Crunchmaster Multi-Grain White Cheddar Crackers to give away (limited to US addresses only). Just leave a comment on this post (making sure I can contact you if you're the winner!) letting me know if you've ever tried Crunchmaster before, and what variety you like, or think you'd like.

I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agreed to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of the product.

comments | | Read More...

The Passed Over Babes

Sunday 4 December 2011

Please take a few minutes and click over to Julia's blog post about The Passed Over Babes. These are all children who are on Reece's Rainbow Angel Tree. The goal of the Angel Tree is to get all the kids at least $1000 in their accounts to help with their adoption. These are all kids waiting for a family... and money is usually the main obstacle preventing a family from adopting.

Julia's post highlights the children who have been on the Angel Tree list the longest. She is having a great giveaway on her blog- worth over $600. All you have to do is donate $5 to 2 or more of the children to be entered in the giveaway. That $5 can help a child finally be adopted into a forever family.

comments | | Read More...

i was really holding out for this last little one by your thumb

Saturday 3 December 2011

Whoa, is this thing on? Been a while since we've waved. Awhile is an adverb and "a while" is a noun phrase. That's how you tell them apart. We can wait awhile or be there for a while. Plus there's the wilderness. Let me tell you a few of the things I've done up in this here Autumn:

—Read at the Last Rites Baltimore series thanks to Pat King and Nik Korpan. Read w/ Sid Gold, Eric Goodman, and Wayne Hoffman. Mans hoffing and good. Nik gave me pizza out of his car, like the time I was in the cab to the Greyhound station and someone on Howard tried to sell me and the cabdriver some heroin. The reading was at a hostel and I think I stole the communal water drum. The other readers read things about some pool flirtation and reading periods and and and. I read about the ultimate holla back and tried to explain weakness exotically.

—Then I read again in Baltimore for the WORMS w/ Joe Martin, Chris Mason, and Lola Pierson. Hosted by the delightful R.M. O'Brien, who made a really old monk hilarious. The reading was at the Metro Gallery, which I have fond feelings for because they didn't lose my hoodie when I left it there for two weeks—they just let the hoodie comfortably hibernate on the floor of their walk-in freezer. I read a poem that was bad so I crumpled it up and threw it away onstage, and everyone cheered. Also I read about every weird person I've ever met in a piece entitled "Yo Whatever Happened Yo." Also I read a piece called "C'MON!" where everybody shouted out "C'MON!" after lines like "What kind of beautiful weather doesn't know it's September 11th? What kind of personality trait is a preference for ginger ale?" and so on. Chris read amazing sly poems like an old pro, Joe read a long story where a limo full of prom dates crashed and got bloody, Lola read some hilarious and touching stuff. Then later in the month on the street I met R.M O'Brien's baby and wife while I ate a samosa. That's what friends are for.

—Then I read for Artichoke Haircut's You're Allowed series w/ Kendra Kopelke. Kendra was everyone's teacher and much beloved and belovable. She had some Hopper paintings that stared at us as she read. The crowd was big and feisty. Someone knew what Belchertown Road was. The crowd elected to have the Jewish action figure talk to the ladybug football instead of the other way around. Thanks to Adam Shutz & Melissa Streat of Artichoke Haircut for inviting me and Justin Sanders for being an exuberant ham of a host.

—Then I read in Philly for Tire Fire! Philly is great. I will say what I said on Facebook about it, but I want to add "thanks to Wes for the accordion dance party" to the list: "awesome time in Philly! there was fried chicken next to indian food in Reading Terminal! thanks Christian TeBordo for being a great accordion player and host & Sarah Rose Etter for threatening to murder me within 15 seconds of meeting me and then later giving me a cookie & Karl Taro Greenfeld and Anna Louise Neiger for being lovely co-readers and everybody who came out to sit in bumper cars and watch us read."

—Then I read for the Five:Ten Reading Series, hosted by Michael Kimball & Jen Michalksi. This was at a fancy gallery and there were fancy Oreo type cookies to eat. I was nervous about reading the beginning of the one-balled coach/horse defecation story, but people laughed, especially when I shamelessly yoked the story's searing critique of masculinity to contemporary coaching scandals. Who says relevance never protected a room. I read with amazing human dreamcatchers Stephanie Barber and Ben Loory, who were both gripping. As in their voices and stories were like those little burrs you find in your sandals months after you walked in the woods.

—Oh em gee that's a lot of readings holy geez. Next weekend I'm going to read at Brown University for a New Voices in Fiction event with Matt Bell, Rachel B Glaser, Lily Hoang, Joanna Howard, and Matt Salesses. Lots of goodie gum drops. It'll probably be too cold in Providence to find the coconut milk ice cream truck I found the last time I was there, but I will cry and weep and thrash and get over it.

—Guys let's recap: gender is a performance, identity is a performance, a blog is a performance designed to make you think the only thing I care about are readings and people's names and eating things. Except when I care about frozen zones and, you know, "the slow and rusty American amusement-ride-like descent into feudalism/fascism" thing. The truth is I like eating things and forgetting names. The truth is out there. Somebody lick the dahl off my elbow.

—Things online! A poem in an awesome issue of H_NGM_N called "If the World Is Crazy We Will Be Crazy Too." That's something Gaddafi/Gadhafi said before I did, but at least he got to say it before he died. Probably my favorite line in the poem is "Any exit’s / an emergency once you can’t tell how fast you’re leaving." Lots of other great folks and UMass buds in H_NGM_N 13, so be sure to click that link before it gets outdated.

—The suave and spindly-haired Peter Jurmu interviewed me for Redivider's November spotlight.  We talked about invisible friendship, laundry change, Frank Stanford, batty like knock around, and navigating sacks of breath. Thanks, Peter! Peter is pretty much the only person these days besides Bryan Coffelt and my girlfriend to randomly GChat me at uncannily cozy times, for which I am endlessly appreciative.

—Four prose poems from my ongoing train trash thump project No One Sleeps Beneath the Train Except the Light went up at The Fanzine. Thanks to Casey McKinney and Amy Herschleb. And sweet damn, thanks to Danny Jock for some totally killer illustrations. This is the second time "The Dan Man"—as I just now a second ago nicknamed him—has brought my twisted shit to pixelated life, and that is pretty cool. Do the gawk to see his bowling alley fire, chugged V-8, harassed rickshaw, and Ishi hackey sacking fish guts.

—Dark Sky and Big Lucks both nominated a few things of mine for the Plushcart Pies. Fist bumps to their kindness.

—"War and domination are the opposite of room." — Carrot Cake Zaikowski wrote an awesome piece on Kenneth Patchen for The Rumpus!

—Some sweet new issues of NOÖ Weekly guest-edited by Ani Smith and Laura Eve Engel. Gobble them all up while you can still gob. While you're doing that, I will finish my semester by cajoling my students to write crazy essays, find some way to buy Christmas presents for people instead of neurotically indulging in the story I've built for myself about being terrible at buying Christmas presents, and get ready to say "where do I go to blog about eating things and forgetting names" in Thai.

comments | | Read More...