R-Shelly Goes to Blacksburg

I have some fabulous news dear audience.

The immensely-popular R-Shelly of Stinky-Britches fame...

she who coined the term Fungus-Toes...

has officially become...

a Hokie!

We've all known she is destined for great things, but this:

THIS!

is

GREAT.

NESS.

Soon she will have weekly trips to the delectable Sub Station II:

Soon she will be purchasing her textbooks at the Tech Bookstore:

Oh, the fun she will have!

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S ! ! !

A Conversation With My Headache

Alternate title: Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

I saw that you called.

And that you left a message.

I meant to call back, really I did.

Yes, I know, I couldn't have been that busy.

I don't know what to say. I apologize for hurting your feelings. I must say, though – you didn't need to go to this extreme. I get it, really I do. I'm sorry.

Yes, but we’re going on six days here. I repeat: SIX DAYS.

Note to self: I shouldn't have raised my voice; that just makes you worse.

There was a time when we had an...arrangement. You and I would meet about twice a month and...deal with one another. I believe that you had the best of that arrangement, for most of what I remember are – if I was lucky - dark rooms with naps or – if not so lucky, as was more often the case – searing pain for the duration. Your presence accompanied by children ‘playing’ instruments wasn't very beneficial for me. You, however were able to strive in that situation, growing and causing more of a ripple with every shake, hit and tap. I admire your fortitude, really I do. This time, however? A little much, I must say.

I know, I know – I moved across the ocean and you were somewhat left behind. Granted, you were not gone completely – we did manage to keep in touch, believe me we were, but as with many things, I am unable to spend as much time with you as I once was.

What did you expect with the Atlantic Ocean between us?

No, I did not break up with you, I promise! How exactly would one 'break up' with a condition such as yourself anyway? You thought we were friends, but did we have a friendly relationship – truly? I was not aware that you viewed our interactions as a full-fledged friendship. Granted, when you were around me, I spent all of my time focused on you – you are very demanding in that way. A friendship, though? Seriously? I think you misunderstand the meaning of the word friend.

Friend

1. somebody emotionally close to another – one who has a close personal relationship of mutual affection and trust with another
2. acquaintance – one who has a casual relationship with another
3. ally – one who is not an enemy
4. advocate – one who assists, defends or supports a person

I am quite certain that you are batting 25% here. The only part of that definition that you can possibly claim to be true between us is acquaintance. Yes, I know who you are and you know me. That is the extent of my good feelings towards you, however. I suspect that it is the end of yours towards me.

I feel absolutely no affection towards you. Who in their right mind would, considering you put me out of commission in a very bad way whenever you are around?

I definitely do not trust you; quite the opposite, in fact. You never go away when you say you will. Instead, you tease and then remain, making my life miserable.

You are not an ally. I mean, seriously. What kind of ally would show up on snow days, when I don't have to work, so that I cannot enjoy the day at home or even get any extra work done?!?

Finally, you do not assist me, but hinder me. You never defend me, and I get no support from you at all. Instead, it feels as if I, in my pain, support you and assist you in your daily goals. Let me tell you that I hold up my end of the bargain. I would know, wouldn't I, if you achieve success?

So you see, this has really been a one-sided 'friendship'. One where you constantly gain and I indefinitely lose. I am quite tired of our 'friendship' to say the least. In fact, since you brought it up, I think a break is indeed a good idea. And no, I don’t mean that we 'take a break' to see how we feel about each other. In this type of adolescent relationship we have, we all know that 'taking a break' is code for 'we’re done' anyway. Since you have been gracing me with your presence these last six days in an indefinite manner, I propose that we break up for an indefinite length of time.

That's right; this means we won’t be spending any time together for a while. We won’t be talking either, so no more phone calls and no more messages.

Yes, I'll let you know when I am ready to see you again.

I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you.

Then again, maybe you should...it would make my life easier.

Before and After, Take One

Recently things have changed in the land of Chompy-lones. Many things have taken a turn for...a different path. Least notably for him, is his hair. That is right, towards his hair he acts a tad indifferently, as a doggy is wont to do. Oh, sure, it feels better when it is mostly gone, but it is warmer when it is mostly on - so either style balances out. Let us now use this time to take note of the grand difference between the before and after. Enjoy.

Before:






After:

January 12 of 12

It is time again for 12 of 12. You will be excited to know that I left the apartment today - I know I was. For more information on the rules as well as links to everyone else who is participating, head over to Chad's site. Thanks again for the wonderful idea!

6:52; Our Apartment; Sotogrande, Spain

Waking up, walking, and eating breakfast is very hard work. So difficult that Cooper just must take a nap immediately after performing said activities. Oh, the life of a chompy-lones.

9:45; Our Apartment; Sotogrande, Spain

I received the box set of these for Christmas. I recall reading The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe as a child, but I didn't read any of the others. I am reading them in their original publication order (as opposed to the chronological order according to Narnia time) because they say there are more surprises that way. It takes me no time at all to read them, of course, so I have to pace myself!

10:20; Sotomarket; Sotogrande, Spain

This is the cover for the outdoor lobby-like area in Sotomarket. I was here because I had to visit the bank to get some money to pay for my Spanish classes.

10:20; Sotomarket; Sotogrande, Spain

This colourful item is located outside the bank in the Sotomarket. I love anything that is colourful, so I had to take a picture.

12:07; Pueblo Nuevo; Sotogrande, Spain

I have just left my Spanish class. That door at the end of the hallway is where I go twice a week to improve my communication skills here in Spain.

12:19; Pueblo Nuevo; Sotogrande, Spain

This shot was taken right before I left Pueblo Nuevo to head towards the store and home. These flowering vines are popping up everywhere, and it is so nice to see some color in the winter. The cats are everywhere too, but they are common all year long, so not so impressive.

12:23; Sotomarket; Sotogrande, Spain

Back to the Sotomarket to visit the Supercor for one thing: coffee. Apparently we are out of the regular coffee, and as much as the decaffeinated tastes the same, our brains sure do know the difference!

12-47; Our Apartment Sotogrande, Spain

Mmmm...lunch from our favorite italian place in Pueblo Nuevo. Cold left-over pizza is the best. This is their version of ham & pineapple and it is excellent.

16:35; Our Apartment; Sotogrande, Spain

I was in dire need of some sleep today...or so it appears. I am fairly certain that I slept for about 2 hours this afternoon. This is a shot of the clock when I woke up.

17:34; Our Apartment; Sotogrande, Spain

I have been neglecting this particular activity for a while. I finally started working on it again today. It will take no time at all once I am consistant with it; that is the great thing about knitting - soooo much faster than other crafts.

18:43; Our Apartment; Sotogrande, Spain

I head out to the car to drive over to the pick-up-point for collecting Señor CC after work. Some of his colleagues are oh so kind as to let him ride along in the evenings so that I don't have to make another trip to the work site. Yes, it is orange. Yes, I requested that color. I love my bright orange car!

19:17; Our Apartment; Sotogrande, Spain

Bonus Picture: Something New

Oh yes, that is what it appears to be. Señor CC and I found one in Christiansburg, Virginia while traveling this holiday season, and of course we had to get it. Went into the store to buy a birthday gift for Señor CC's brother, came out of the store with gift and this. It is dangerous shopping for M...indeed.

19:35; La Cabaña; Sotogrande, Spain

This small restaurant is our favorite here in Sotogrande. They have excellent everything, from the on-the-table snacks to the coffee that you can order after dessert. Mmmm....

Jet Lag

Day Three



Oh how I love that feeling you bring.

What feeling?

Oh, you know.

That one where I feel sick all day...

...like I might not make it to day's end without a trip to the bathroom...

...wait, yes I will...

...oh no - maybe not...

...yes...

...no...

...that feeling.

Of course, if one can sleep through the first half of the day, then one need not endure such feelings for quite as long. Unfortunately for me, today was the day that dear Señor CC decided to walk out the door without the car keys.

Logically, and practically (we are ever so practical, the two of us) the house key is on the same keyring as the car key. Hence, quiet knocking ensued...immediately.

As any doggy would, and mine quite emphatically, Chompy-lones decided to be sure that I could hear the knocking by employing his short, practical alert system.

I must give him credit, however. A good doggy was he who only barked, quietly for him, I might add, until he knew I had gotten out of the bed. Then he simply waited for me to see to the situation. Yes, good doggy indeed.

A result of a few things we are doing differently around here...

What is a girl to do when she is up and about, and feeling wonderful, just like today?

Why, make the most of it, I suppose.

Here then, are the pictures I was able to take because I was up:

8:00

8:01

8:02

8:05

8:06

Simply because I feel compelled to show you (that is the plight of a doggy-owner): When he is not performing his doggy duties, he is most often engaged in this activity:

11:24