39 posts tagged “friends”

Yeah, yeah - you've all seen pictures of beaches, pretty blue water, and cruise ships but you haven't seen anything like this. Er...well, if you're a regular reader then I suppose you probably have as I haven't changed too much ;-)

The Girls
Me, Kat, and Crystal - my boat buddies!
From L to R: first night at our fave Indian bar, cheesy tourists, crazy girls at Atlantis, Captain's dinner night

Maggie's Kissy Face Collection
I don't know how it happened, but as the trip progressed so did the amount of kissy face pictures I decided to generate. I only really noticed after looking at all of them again. Heh - you know you love it!
From L to R: Senor Frogs, towel elephant lovin', Vogue - strike a pose, a ship named Rex

And last but not least...my fave candid shot.
Kat was given a mission to capture a great candid shot of me since I'm generally such a poser. Coincidentally, Crystal caught this one while I was laughing at something Kat said. A joint effort, I think.

Two weekends ago, D and I went to DC to visit KC and one our stops was at the Smithsonian of Natural History. I had pre-ordered tix for the butterfly exhibit. That's right - live butterflies!! Squeeee and ewwww all at the same time.

While bugs in general, no matter how pretty they are, freak me out - I'd highly recommend this exhibit. So cool!
Please excuse me while I showcase my cute fluttery friends.

Whoa baby. Really? One year ago I made my first Vox post? It's okay, don't worry about going back and reading it as it's pretty cheese. Lucky for me and you, my writing style has improved since the early days of Channel M and while I won't say I'm quite the clever diva, I will at least say that I've upped the sass - all in the name of hoodie entertainment!

I've come a long way in one year and I'm at least proud to say that I like where I'm at this year. Not that I didn't enjoy March '07 but it's always nice to progress and to see yourself improve. So what's happened in the past year here on Channel M? - LOTS! *cue sentimental music*

In the past year, I've managed to make some fantabulous friends. They all may have started out neighbors, but eventually they crept into my little blogger heart and left their mark. Among the group, I even managed to meet a few and make my Vox 'hood come to life.

MMB in Chicago was my first voxy meetup, but Crankypants and Cap'n Crook weren't far behind in Philly.
 

While each of these lovely hoodies made the year perfect, these meetups wouldn't have been complete without....ELVY!! (Sorry CP, but you know it's true and I'd be remiss for not mentioning it!)

For me, my blog is a space where I can share my adventures, big or small, with friends, family, and even complete strangers. I never write to be famous or with the thought of Voxy fame in mind, but who am I kidding...a little recognition goes a long way in my book. Comments make my day and while I sometimes forget to immediately respond, I read each and every one. Thanks to those that took the time to read and comment this past year. But a big thanks goes out to those that TIG-ed me this past year and made me feel extra special when two of my posts made it to the big time.  Did you miss them the first time? No worries...here they are for your reading pleasures.

1. Adventures in Sushi Rolling
2. My Anniversary...Around the World

Of course, a little fame never hurt anyone's ego, but it's what I've learned here at Vox that has meant the most. It's taken me awhile to get it and while I've never been overly confident in who I was, this year I've learned that I am beautiful - inside and out - and always worth the effort. Foxsydee's Vox Fitness Challenge has helped me to rediscover who I am recently (physically and emotionally), but I'd say it all started with a philosophy by the one and only Crankypants that taught me to take happiness as it comes and to never expect more than what you're given. I' doubt she ever thought it would stick with me this much or that I'd apply it so much to how I lived, but nothing has beat Cranky's concept of a little 'Slice of Nice' as it's helped me deal with times of joy as well as disappointment.

All in all, this year has been fantastic and I'm looking forward to another here on Vox and spending it with all my neighbors - old, new, and the ones I haven't yet met! But before I sign off, who could forget one of the biggest impacts Vox has had on my life. If you can believe it, Vox even started me on a very awesome career path. How might you ask?

Well, let's not forget when Maggie made her first WeeMee ever. Or when Maggie made fun of fashion using her awesome new WeeMee. It started me down a path that even I didn't see coming. Who knew I'd be on my way to Boston in December meeting my fab new co-workers? And who knew that in a year's time I'd go from unemployed traveler/Dutch house painter to WeeWorld's Community Manager in the blink of an eye?

Oh and lookie! Even my WeeMees have progressed throughout the year!

I must say, I love change and I love the progress that comes with moving forward. I love that I feel like I've found myself in life, love, and even a career! I may have made a few mistakes along the way but at least I've lived and then learned. I'm a better person for it and that I know is true. Happiness comes in many forms for me and it's quite easy to see that Vox is my happiness!

I know St. Patty's Day was Monday and I'm a little late on the green parade, but I can't dare pass by a holiday that celebrates good friends and good drinks!

This past weekend, I visited DC to celebrate with two of my most favoritestestest friends - Janet and KC. KC is the same KC from my Aussie escapades and Janet I knew in college. KC and I spent Saturday at the Smithsonian of Natural History oogling at the dinosaurs, the Hope Diamond, and even the cool new butterfly exhibit - yes, we were a mini nerd herd. We didn't have time to walk through the live butterfly exhibition, but it's been put on the list for my next visit in April for my BIRFDAY!! Woohoo!

Later that night, we decided to go Irish and spend the night drinking with other Irish wanna-bes! I have to admit it wasn't as grand and out of control as drinking with actual Irish like the olden days of Oz (which my liver thanks me for) - but plenty of fun was had! Here's a photo montage for ye...

Oh and because I wouldn't dare post about the Irish without paying homage to those who showed me the Irish way, here's my favorite pic of me and Edel - clearly the best Irish mate out there!

Nearly one year ago, I was here...

...where I met some crazy Pommy cats. Two days ago, we decided to reunite for a few more laughs and to reminisce about the farm for old time's sake. Fitchy and Kel popped up to NC for just a few days while on their great American tour and plenty of fun ensued. While the visit was short, it was mo st certainly sweet and included mountain hikes, swinging bridges, attempted souvenir shopping, and of course a drink or two. Naturally, I took the camera along to capture any incriminating evidence. It's not all blackmail quality, but I'm sure we'd get a few laughs when we meet back up again and remember those oh, so good days in NC! w00t!

Word of mouth is important and I feel like I'm doing my part by sharing it here. This was sent to me by one of my friends at UNC - School of Public Health. If anyone would know, she would.

Do you have your vaccination? Circle, circle. Dot, dot...

*cue the Doublemint music*

Saturday was a day I had been looking forward for quite sometime - not because it was the official first day of my east coast road trip, but because I finally got to meet two Voxy neighbors. Not one, but two! Count 'em.

The night started early and I'll admit, I was a bit nervous. I met Cap'n Crook first and not so much to my surprise he was exactly as I had anticipated. Snarky and quite intelligent - no surprise for an Associate Scientist (as is printed on his business card that I acquired). "Hi hi's" were exchanged and then the wait for Crankypants started.

I won't lie and I hope Cap'n won't mind too much when I admit this, but there's no Voxy Meet-up that could top meeting Crankypants. At the risk of sounding like some love-sick middle school kid that idolizes her big sis who is wicked popular in highschool, meeting Crankypants has been a very bright highlight of my trip (and I doubt it will be trumped). It was almost like a first date, except not nearly as nerve-wracking because I already knew Cranky was beyond awesome, I just had to see for myself. Plus I'm not a lesbian so obviously there was no awkward sexual tension.

Everything went off without a hitch and before we knew it, we were exchanging gifts. Cranky gave me the cutest purse with an embroidered design and inside I found an ear clip and a nose pencil sharpener. I loved them, but Cranky and I had to take a timeout to explain to Cap'n how to properly use the nose pencil sharpener. :) Hehe. Conversation then continued and I'm not sure if Cappy could get a word in edge-wise as I think Cranky and I might have chatted his ear off. Nonetheless, it's official, my Vox peeps are FABULOUS!

The night ended a bit early but with promises of a second date for this coming Friday (Hey! that's a better outcome than most dates in my sordid dating history). *ahem* By the way Cranky, I'm holding you to that! :) I'll even persuade you with chocolate again if I have to. Don't make me indulge in another box of chocolates!

There was pictoral proof taken; however, I'll have to temporarily rely on Cranky to post her pic as I forgot to bring my camera cord with me and my work laptop doesn't have a card reader. Doh! But don't worry, I'll post it just as soon as I get the chance. Although, Cranky's pic was not oober flattering of moi and Cap'n might have a conniption if she does post it since Cappy wasn't doing his best 'Smile for the camera' pose. Meh, at least it will be good for a laugh. Must do better this Friday to take A-mazing pics!

So yes, travelling to the Philly area? Call up Cranky and Cappy. If you enjoy sass and quality convo, you just can't go wrong.

What? Like you've never seen a picture of yourself and thought 'DAAAAAAAAAAAAAMN'

 

Tarheel born, Tarheel bred, and when I die I'll be Tarheel dead.

In case there was any doubt as to where I came from, there's nothing like a little trip to North Carolina's State Fair to erase all uncertainty and to make me feel Southern again.

For nearly five years, since my best friends and I graduated from high school, the four of us had been saying that we all wanted to go to the State Fair and to reunite during our college days. As the story goes, college life took over and for whatever reasons, we simply never went. However, this year, we nailed it and finally got our act together! 2007 marked the year that we all finally made it down to Raleigh for our very first State Fair Experience!

I'm not sure how I have lived in NC and never attended a state fair, but it seems that people often take their own state's attraction for granted. I had been to similar events, but I didn't feel I could say I'd properly been to a state fair until I made it down to Raleigh, a true haven for everything fried and everything country.

As soon as we arrived, it was a natural concensus that we needed to start eating if we wanted to fit in all our gluttonous desires, so my friends and I lined our stomachs with some Eastern NC barbeque. Growing up at the base of the Appalachian Mountains, I'd grown accustomed to our tomato-based BBQ, but I must say, this was fine dining as the vinegar BBQ just made your mouth water with anticipation. Naturally, a nice cool glass of Sweet Tea helped wash down the sides of boiled potatoes and green beans. I know it looks like a big meal, but don't worry, I came hungry and I wasn't leaving the fairgrounds until I felt completely ill. There is no other way in NC! Time spent during our first meal was spent wisely and my friends and I mapped out our State Fair itinerary! Immediately we decided that the Folk Festival, the Pig Racin', the carnival rides and the animal showcases were a must. Mix that in with plenty of fried foods along the way and we had the makings of a perfect state fair day.

First stop, the folk festival, where dance and instrumental talents were showcased. Now, please keep in mind that just because it's talent in NC, doesn't mean it's talent anywhere else. This I already knew, so when my ear drums nearly busted from some slightly awful Bluegrass singing, I wasn't too surprised. However, just like any talent showcase, there are a few acts that will get your toes-a-tapping...like this little cloggin' routine. Now for those poor Yankee souls out there that might not understand clogging, let me break it down for you. Clogging is basically a Southerner's rendition of tap dance. It has the components - step, ball, change - but throw in some crazy leg kicks and a yeeeeeee-haw and you've got clogging.

So far, so good on our state fair check list. Barbeque - CHECK. Folk festival/cloggin' - CHECK. Up on deck was the desire for some much needed fried foods. Naturally, we spread these out throughout the entire day, but ultimately before we said our final goodbyes to the fairgrounds, my friends and I managed to scarf down at least two tons of grease. Fried candy bars, fried pickles, fried everything. You name it, we probably tried it. What? You would have done exactly the same thing!

Nothing says NC State Fair like a fried Snickers bar. Thanks to Dave for the recommendation. I was all over this like white on rice. Nom, nom, nom.

...and I couldn't possibly leave without muching down on the fried pickles, a North Carolina specialty.

Of course, by this point in the day, the sun was high in the sky and we all decided that we needed to take some refuge from the sun. Our grease lined stomachs and the heat was starting to be just a little too much so we decided to visit the market building where they housed fancy veggies and all sorts of farm animals. It's not like I've never seen apples, pumpkins, cows, and pigs, but there's just something special about animals and veggies when people put up a fence and say 'don't touch.' Events like this usually call for pictures and snarky remarks. While I was there, I managed to take a few moo cow pics for AmyH, since she is my resident moo cow expert. I will admit, I'm no expert, but I did manage to tell the difference between the Black Angus and what I assume to have been the Brown Swiss. Amy, feel free to analyze the state fair moo cows and let me know if they are up to cow standards :) I'd hate for NC to fall behind in the market.

But of course, it would be incredibly naive of me to think that these cows and animals are only for the petting zoos or even just for dairy purposes. LittleM, avert your eyes, because I was even shocked to see this little moo cow's buyer listed as 'Harris Teeter'...sniffle, sniffle. There's just no need to point out that I just petted my next beef cutlet for a whopping price of $25,000!!! I prefer my ignorance, thank you very much.

Don't fear Voxy readers, no humans were harmed in the attempted petting of these animals, as state fair officials took it upon themselves to properly warn all would-be idiots.

On a lighter note, they did have pretty fruits, veggies, and one massive pumpkin that weighed in at over 1,000 pounds (apparently the largest in NC State Fair history, as reported to me by one of my friends). Can you imagine how many pumpkin pies you could make?? Tim might think he's died and gone to pumpkin heaven! :)

Once we finished up with the moo cows and the veggies, we trucked it to the next Pig Racin' performance. We had managed to miss out on the one earlier in the day simply because it was overcrowded, so we had planned ahead for the 5 o'clock show so we wouldn't miss out agian. No state fair experience would be complete without Pig Racin' - it is North Carolina, afterall. I didn't want you to miss out either, so I gladly took a vid clip. I risked life and limb for my peeps, because let's face it...Pig Racin' is a dangerous business. You can thank me later.

After this little performance, life seemed pretty much complete and our State Fair day appeared to be coming to a close, but we knew we couldn't leave quite yet. Let's review, shall we?

BBQ - CHECK
Cloggin' - CHECK
Fried Snickers - CHECK
Fried Pickles - CHECK
Moo cows - CHECK
Veggie Displays - CHECK
Pig Racin' - CHECK
Carnival Rides - NEXT!!

For the record, I love carnival rides, theme parks, and anything rickety that makes me want to pee my pants. I love the adrenaline and the thrill is fantastic, but for whatever reason, I do not like Ferris Wheels. They are beautiful little architectural pieces that scare the crap out of me, but this is the state fair. No one goes to the state fair and chooses to avoid the Ferris Wheel. Plus, it was one of the only rides that all four of us would agree to ride. However, once at the top, there were a few of us who drastically wanted to rethink our compliant decision to ride the WHEEL OF DEATH!

Okay, okay, so call us drama queens, but even those of us who weren't chicken and secretly scared even made a few nervous comments.

Hmm, that's funny. I don't think our bucket should really be swinging this much. *nervous giggle*

At least the next time someone asks me to get on a Ferris Wheel in the next three years, I can gladly say, 'Oops, sorry. I just fulfilled my once in a decade ride. Come talk to me in 2010."

All in all, the day was fab and our State Fair experience went off without a hitch. Laughs were shared, stomachs were upset, and plenty of pictures were taken. At the end of the day, I really only had one regret...okay maybe two.

1. I should have totally bought a chocolate covered, frozen banana
2. I should have snuck in another Deep Fried Snickers!

Nothing says, Life is good, like a visit to North Carolina's State Fair.