Monday, March 16, 2009
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Coming Together for the Common Good
Tonight at 8:00 p.m. begins the annual 40-hour fast for change sponsored by the Labor-Religion Coalition of New York State. The fast ends Friday March 6 at noon. The goals of this fast are sacrifice (food - even missing one meal can help a person refocus his or her priorities), pray (for public officials making important decisions), and communicate (to others about why you are fasting: "an end to wage theft, a shrinking of the wage gap and increased attention to 'the least among us'").
A local ecumenical prayer service will be held tonight at 7:00 at Sarah Jane Johnson United Methodist Church in Johnson City, NY. A statewide event, this local event is sponsored by Broome County Council of Churches, Clergy for Peace, Catholic Community’s Justice and Peace Advisory Council, Social Justice Network of the Wyoming Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, and Just Faith Group at the First United Methodist Church of Endicott. For a list of events throughout New York, visit this Web site: http://www.labor-religion.org/fast09-statewide-events.htm.
A local ecumenical prayer service will be held tonight at 7:00 at Sarah Jane Johnson United Methodist Church in Johnson City, NY. A statewide event, this local event is sponsored by Broome County Council of Churches, Clergy for Peace, Catholic Community’s Justice and Peace Advisory Council, Social Justice Network of the Wyoming Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, and Just Faith Group at the First United Methodist Church of Endicott. For a list of events throughout New York, visit this Web site: http://www.labor-religion.org/fast09-statewide-events.htm.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Marathon update
I can't really figure out how to run for a charity without joining a run-for-charity group, so, the Lake Placid half marathon in June will be a run-for-Tara race. Maybe I'll wear a Sky Lake T-shirt.
However, if you are saddened at this lost opportunity to give me money, our Future Educator fund - established to send one young, attractive, intelligent male history major destined to change the world one student at a time to grad school - is always accepting donations.
However, if you are saddened at this lost opportunity to give me money, our Future Educator fund - established to send one young, attractive, intelligent male history major destined to change the world one student at a time to grad school - is always accepting donations.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Positive thinking: first result
Tim got into NYU! This is very exciting. We can't afford it, of course, but if we choose to go here we'll just have to figure it out. Time to look for scholarships . . .
Rockland is gaining on us!
Don't let Rockland win. OWEGO is the coolest small town in the United States. Vote here: http://www.budgettravel.com/bt-srv/coolestsmalltowns/
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Tim and Tara on a Train
As some of you may know, and some of you may not, Tim and I are going on a train trip across the country next month. I'm so excited about this that I've started a new blog to document our week. It's called Tim and Tara on a Train. Visit it if you'd like to hear about our trip!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Job opportunity!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Vote Owego as America's Coolest Small Town
Owego is up to win, by user votes, Budget Travel's Coolest Small Town. Go here to vote often!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Steak night!
So, this post is a little late, but I've just watched the "My Lawyer's in Love" episode of Scrubs and Dr. Cox fired intern Ed. Boo!
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Tara tries positive thinking
I previously solicited prayers and positive thoughts for my husband while he applies to graduate school to obtain a master's in teaching or the equivalent. He's officially sent in a few applications and is finishing up the rest. If you feel so moved, please continue your prayers and positive thoughts (thank you, thank you, thank you).
You've likely heard the mantra "hope for the best, but expect the worst." I suppose this is close to my usual life approach, except to truly hope it can't be held back by expectations. So I usually just end up expecting the worst, mostly because of pride - when the worst happens I can then say "I knew it." A blow to my pride really is my greatest pain, which is kind of sad for a girl who is often an airhead (and obviously a little egocentric). These negative expectations combined with my airheadedness makes me a ton of fun to hang out with.
But.
I'm going to think positive about this. No, really.
We've aimed high, so it will be a big deal for Tim to get into any of the colleges he's applied to, so imagining any acceptance letter solicits a joyful response. I like this feeling. I'm going to focus on it - not on any negative feeling. Putting this in writing now holds me accountable. I'm talking irresponsible optimism here. Join me?
You've likely heard the mantra "hope for the best, but expect the worst." I suppose this is close to my usual life approach, except to truly hope it can't be held back by expectations. So I usually just end up expecting the worst, mostly because of pride - when the worst happens I can then say "I knew it." A blow to my pride really is my greatest pain, which is kind of sad for a girl who is often an airhead (and obviously a little egocentric). These negative expectations combined with my airheadedness makes me a ton of fun to hang out with.
But.
I'm going to think positive about this. No, really.
We've aimed high, so it will be a big deal for Tim to get into any of the colleges he's applied to, so imagining any acceptance letter solicits a joyful response. I like this feeling. I'm going to focus on it - not on any negative feeling. Putting this in writing now holds me accountable. I'm talking irresponsible optimism here. Join me?
Monday, February 02, 2009
February
I usually do love letters in February, but right now I don't really feel like writing them. If this changes I'll of course resume my theme month. They are consistently lame anyway. I just wanted to let you know I was thinking of you.
Friday, January 30, 2009
25 Things
If you have a Facebook account, you’ve probably been tagged in the note “25 things” (or similar title). Friends write 25 factoids about themselves, send you this note, and request that you write 25 factoids about yourself. I actually enjoyed writing mine, and I am so self-involved that I’m going to try to come up with 25 more here. This is likely my attempt to convince myself I’m interesting, as I’m sure you’ve already decided one way or another. You should try this too.
1. I hate shopping, especially grocery shopping. Sometimes I’ll enjoy a good bookstore or record shop, but I really have to be in the mood.
2. I don’t like talking on the phone and avoid it.
3. Besides Pacey, and the rampant self-reflection and pop psychology references, what I miss most about Dawson’s Creek is the music. The show had really good music. When I have the precious opportunity to flip through channels, I’ll sometimes stop on a CW melodrama to listen to the music.
4. If I weren’t married I’d want to be Zach Braff’s girlfriend (or at least his public persona’s girlfriend). I know he tries a little too hard to mean something—and if you ever really want to mean something you can’t actually try to mean something—but goshdarnit I find it endearing. For all of the reasons you hate him, I love him. And he was nice to Keith at the Bowery Mission, and this makes Zach cool.
5. I don’t do cute: I don’t call my husband “Timmy,” I don’t sleep with stuffed animals (Batman, though filled with stuffing, is not a stuffed animal), Oscar is my favorite Muppet, I don’t talk baby talk unless I’m trying to piss off my cats or teach babies irony, and the only cartoon character I have on an article of clothing is Smurfette, on pajamas, and this is only because Santa gave them to me.
6. I do like Santa, but I do not like Christmas.
7. I wish I were a better liar.
8. I’d love to be that girl who lights up the room, but, let’s face it, I’d crack under the pressure. And I’d probably have to be cuter.
9. I’d love to be a brilliant writer. For awhile in college I thought I may have it in me, but I’m pretty sure the professor who made me think so just wanted to sleep with me.
10. I’m surprised I married a normal person.
11. I laugh at my own jokes.
12. I’m sometimes a good heckler, even avoiding heckling based on the player’s appearance or mother’s sexual morality. However, I need to be inspired by either beer or fellow hecklers.
13. I wish I could play guitar. If I tried harder I might be able to, but it didn’t come naturally like wanted it to so I stop trying. I think they call this lazy.
14. I’m closed-minded toward people who aren’t open-minded.
15. I’m not ready to have a child. Call me stunted.
16. Sarcasm is my greatest strength (and weakness).
17. I worry a lot, about things that could happen. I realize the futility of this, but when something happens and I didn’t worry about it, I beat myself up for not doing anything to prevent it.
18. I like cuss words. They are a necessary part of communication. They are, however, horrendously overused and thus have lost all poetry.
19. I’m very protective of my husband. This isn’t to say that I don’t realize he is/was a grown man who can/could make his own decisions, but if I know you’ve hurt him I probably don’t like you. I’d say sorry, but I wouldn’t mean it. I’m kind of a German shepherd.
20. Of the who, what, when, where, why, and hows in life, I focus mostly on the why. It’s both maddening and fulfilling.
21. I avoid haunted houses, because when I am startled I punch. I don’t want to hurt anyone.
22. I don’t like action films. Some examples: Indiana Jones, Terminator, or anything directed by Michael Bay. I don’t like college boob movies either. Even more than the movies, I don’t like guys in real life who try to be like the boob movies guys. I want you to look in the mirror and repeat: I am not Van Wilder, nor do I want to be.
23. I watch the Super Bowl for the Super Bowl.
24. My high school class is trying to have an 11th-year reunion because we didn’t have a 10th. I hope my reunion is like Liz Lemon’s.
25. I think more people should actually read the Bible, not quote it.
1. I hate shopping, especially grocery shopping. Sometimes I’ll enjoy a good bookstore or record shop, but I really have to be in the mood.
2. I don’t like talking on the phone and avoid it.
3. Besides Pacey, and the rampant self-reflection and pop psychology references, what I miss most about Dawson’s Creek is the music. The show had really good music. When I have the precious opportunity to flip through channels, I’ll sometimes stop on a CW melodrama to listen to the music.
4. If I weren’t married I’d want to be Zach Braff’s girlfriend (or at least his public persona’s girlfriend). I know he tries a little too hard to mean something—and if you ever really want to mean something you can’t actually try to mean something—but goshdarnit I find it endearing. For all of the reasons you hate him, I love him. And he was nice to Keith at the Bowery Mission, and this makes Zach cool.
5. I don’t do cute: I don’t call my husband “Timmy,” I don’t sleep with stuffed animals (Batman, though filled with stuffing, is not a stuffed animal), Oscar is my favorite Muppet, I don’t talk baby talk unless I’m trying to piss off my cats or teach babies irony, and the only cartoon character I have on an article of clothing is Smurfette, on pajamas, and this is only because Santa gave them to me.
6. I do like Santa, but I do not like Christmas.
7. I wish I were a better liar.
8. I’d love to be that girl who lights up the room, but, let’s face it, I’d crack under the pressure. And I’d probably have to be cuter.
9. I’d love to be a brilliant writer. For awhile in college I thought I may have it in me, but I’m pretty sure the professor who made me think so just wanted to sleep with me.
10. I’m surprised I married a normal person.
11. I laugh at my own jokes.
12. I’m sometimes a good heckler, even avoiding heckling based on the player’s appearance or mother’s sexual morality. However, I need to be inspired by either beer or fellow hecklers.
13. I wish I could play guitar. If I tried harder I might be able to, but it didn’t come naturally like wanted it to so I stop trying. I think they call this lazy.
14. I’m closed-minded toward people who aren’t open-minded.
15. I’m not ready to have a child. Call me stunted.
16. Sarcasm is my greatest strength (and weakness).
17. I worry a lot, about things that could happen. I realize the futility of this, but when something happens and I didn’t worry about it, I beat myself up for not doing anything to prevent it.
18. I like cuss words. They are a necessary part of communication. They are, however, horrendously overused and thus have lost all poetry.
19. I’m very protective of my husband. This isn’t to say that I don’t realize he is/was a grown man who can/could make his own decisions, but if I know you’ve hurt him I probably don’t like you. I’d say sorry, but I wouldn’t mean it. I’m kind of a German shepherd.
20. Of the who, what, when, where, why, and hows in life, I focus mostly on the why. It’s both maddening and fulfilling.
21. I avoid haunted houses, because when I am startled I punch. I don’t want to hurt anyone.
22. I don’t like action films. Some examples: Indiana Jones, Terminator, or anything directed by Michael Bay. I don’t like college boob movies either. Even more than the movies, I don’t like guys in real life who try to be like the boob movies guys. I want you to look in the mirror and repeat: I am not Van Wilder, nor do I want to be.
23. I watch the Super Bowl for the Super Bowl.
24. My high school class is trying to have an 11th-year reunion because we didn’t have a 10th. I hope my reunion is like Liz Lemon’s.
25. I think more people should actually read the Bible, not quote it.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Dating Tip: Don't Date People Who Call a Cab for a Getaway Car
Cab driver Harold Webb of Toledo, Ohio, isn't nosy. When passengers enter his cab carrying three televisions, he doesn't like to ask questions. C'est la vie is Harold's policy. He does, however, draw the line when you offer to sell him one of the televisions for cab fare.
Daniel Standridge, after looting a Greek restaurant and dropping his wallet in the stairway, decided it would be a good idea to call a cab to assist with the transport of his stolen goods. Harold Webb was the lucky driver. Danny asked Harold to drive him home, his actual home, unafraid that Harold would suspect any criminal activity; people take cab rides with multiple televisions and boxes of liquor all of the time. Besides, his excuse was flawless: the restaurant was going out of business and the boss wanted three TVs and some liquor.
Unaware of his lost wallet until it came time to pay his getaway driver, D-dog asked Harold to wait while he retrieved money from the house. Finding no money, Dan the man then asked Harold to drive him to the ATM. Alas, Senor Standridge had only $9.00 available, and tried to sell Harold a TV. Whether it was the lack of compensation, or all of the other factors, Harold decided to call the cops. He knew the theft's address after all.
If you must date a thief, at least date one who has a car.
Daniel Standridge, after looting a Greek restaurant and dropping his wallet in the stairway, decided it would be a good idea to call a cab to assist with the transport of his stolen goods. Harold Webb was the lucky driver. Danny asked Harold to drive him home, his actual home, unafraid that Harold would suspect any criminal activity; people take cab rides with multiple televisions and boxes of liquor all of the time. Besides, his excuse was flawless: the restaurant was going out of business and the boss wanted three TVs and some liquor.
Unaware of his lost wallet until it came time to pay his getaway driver, D-dog asked Harold to wait while he retrieved money from the house. Finding no money, Dan the man then asked Harold to drive him to the ATM. Alas, Senor Standridge had only $9.00 available, and tried to sell Harold a TV. Whether it was the lack of compensation, or all of the other factors, Harold decided to call the cops. He knew the theft's address after all.
If you must date a thief, at least date one who has a car.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Dating Tip: Don't Date People Who Set Pubs on Fire, Then Themselves, Then their Car
And then goes to the nearby hospital to get treated for burns.
On a clear, calm night in May, Lee Sood took a leisurely late-night drive down a quiet Rugby High Street in Coventry, Warwickshire. Mr. Sood thought to himself, Gee, I should liven it up a bit 'round here. After consulting his two BFFs in the car with him, he decided to throw a brick through the window of Walkabout Pub. The loud crash and the tinkling sound of the broken window delighted the three friends, but was over too soon. Then he thought, I know! I'll set it on fire! His friends agreed that this would indeed be fun and pretty. It didn't work out so well.
On a clear, calm night in May, Lee Sood took a leisurely late-night drive down a quiet Rugby High Street in Coventry, Warwickshire. Mr. Sood thought to himself, Gee, I should liven it up a bit 'round here. After consulting his two BFFs in the car with him, he decided to throw a brick through the window of Walkabout Pub. The loud crash and the tinkling sound of the broken window delighted the three friends, but was over too soon. Then he thought, I know! I'll set it on fire! His friends agreed that this would indeed be fun and pretty. It didn't work out so well.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Dating Tip: Don't Date People Who Fake Their Own Deaths and Go to the Funeral
Alternate title: "Don't Date People Who Fake Their Own Death in Order to Leave Church."
One day in late 2006, 27-year-old Alison Matera of Port Richey, Florida, grew tired of singing in the choir. She told her fellow songbirds that she had cancer, and had only months to live. She then left the church and went on hospice care. Her caring hospice nurse, with a voice very similar to Alison's, kept the choir updated on Alison's treatment. Then, on January 18, 2007, Alison's sister, also having a voice similar to Alison's, informed the church that Ms. Matera had passed away. The church naturally gathered for a memorial service, which Ms. Matera's sister naturally attended.
Choir member 1: Did you know Alison had a sister?
Choir member 2: No, I did not. Why?
Choir member 1: That girl looks just like Alison!
Choir member 2: Wow! You are right. Let's go talk to her.
Choir member 1: Yes, let's.
Choir member 2: Hello, Alison.
Ms. Matera: Hi, Susan - I mean, hello fellow mourner. I am Alison's sister, Malison.
Choir member 1: Malison, do you know the phone number for the local sheriff's office?
Ms. Matera: Why yes, it is 847-5878.
Choir member 2: We are sorry for your loss (raises both hands in fists, extends index and middle fingers, bending them two times, creating a shape remarkably similar to quotation marks), Malison.
Later that evening, the sheriff arrives at Alison's apartment and knocks on the door.
Alison: Hello, officer. How can I help you?
Sheriff: Really? You answered the door?
Alison: Oh. Right.
So, while I don't want to deter you from dating death-fakers per se, maybe avoid those who go undisguised to their own funeral. Something to think about.
One day in late 2006, 27-year-old Alison Matera of Port Richey, Florida, grew tired of singing in the choir. She told her fellow songbirds that she had cancer, and had only months to live. She then left the church and went on hospice care. Her caring hospice nurse, with a voice very similar to Alison's, kept the choir updated on Alison's treatment. Then, on January 18, 2007, Alison's sister, also having a voice similar to Alison's, informed the church that Ms. Matera had passed away. The church naturally gathered for a memorial service, which Ms. Matera's sister naturally attended.
Choir member 1: Did you know Alison had a sister?
Choir member 2: No, I did not. Why?
Choir member 1: That girl looks just like Alison!
Choir member 2: Wow! You are right. Let's go talk to her.
Choir member 1: Yes, let's.
Choir member 2: Hello, Alison.
Ms. Matera: Hi, Susan - I mean, hello fellow mourner. I am Alison's sister, Malison.
Choir member 1: Malison, do you know the phone number for the local sheriff's office?
Ms. Matera: Why yes, it is 847-5878.
Choir member 2: We are sorry for your loss (raises both hands in fists, extends index and middle fingers, bending them two times, creating a shape remarkably similar to quotation marks), Malison.
Later that evening, the sheriff arrives at Alison's apartment and knocks on the door.
Alison: Hello, officer. How can I help you?
Sheriff: Really? You answered the door?
Alison: Oh. Right.
So, while I don't want to deter you from dating death-fakers per se, maybe avoid those who go undisguised to their own funeral. Something to think about.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Dating Tip: Do Date People Who Fight the Law and the Law Loses
This story also comes from the UK. Balance.
21-year-old Dale Lyle drives a 14-year-old Honda Civic. One day he opens a piece of mail from the Crown Prosecution Service: a ticket for speeding, 98 miles per hour. After checking the immediate vicinity for hidden cameras and/or Howie Mandel, he decided to let the authorities know that he, um, drives a 1995 Honda Civic, which can't even go 98 mph. What do the authorities do? Make Dale prove it. What does Dale do? He proves it. He hires driving expert to drive his car, a driving expert who can get the Honda to reach a maximum speed of only 85 mph. Dale wins.
Dale now plans to sue the CPS for his expenses.
21-year-old Dale Lyle drives a 14-year-old Honda Civic. One day he opens a piece of mail from the Crown Prosecution Service: a ticket for speeding, 98 miles per hour. After checking the immediate vicinity for hidden cameras and/or Howie Mandel, he decided to let the authorities know that he, um, drives a 1995 Honda Civic, which can't even go 98 mph. What do the authorities do? Make Dale prove it. What does Dale do? He proves it. He hires driving expert to drive his car, a driving expert who can get the Honda to reach a maximum speed of only 85 mph. Dale wins.
Dale now plans to sue the CPS for his expenses.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Dating Tip: Don't Date Lying Lifeguards or Confessional Killers
Or any kind of liar or killer, really. This dating tip could also fall under the "posting incriminating photos on the Internet" tip, a tip that cannot be repeated enough.
Today's warnings come from jolly old England. Despite his sweet tats and penchant for surfing, deny your urges for Joe Olroy of Paignton, Devon. You may be impressed as well by his lifesaving abilities and his knack for cheating the system, but, really, don't be. Joey O, who the Department of Work and Pensions believed to be afflicted with various debilitating ailments, posted current photos of himself surfing and boating on his Facebook. In fact, if it is a valid Facebook account, the photo of him boating is his profile picture.
Speaking of Facebook, pay attention to your date's status updates, and maybe be a little worried if it states "i feel like killing some1." The a-hole I quote is Leon Craig Ramsden, who allegedly stabbed a man to death a few hours after his helpful update. Tributes to Paul Gilligan, the murdered man, can be found here. Even if Ramsden is not convicted, I wouldn't recommend dating someone who feels like killing someone and lets everyone on Facebook know.
You're welcome.
Today's warnings come from jolly old England. Despite his sweet tats and penchant for surfing, deny your urges for Joe Olroy of Paignton, Devon. You may be impressed as well by his lifesaving abilities and his knack for cheating the system, but, really, don't be. Joey O, who the Department of Work and Pensions believed to be afflicted with various debilitating ailments, posted current photos of himself surfing and boating on his Facebook. In fact, if it is a valid Facebook account, the photo of him boating is his profile picture.
Speaking of Facebook, pay attention to your date's status updates, and maybe be a little worried if it states "i feel like killing some1." The a-hole I quote is Leon Craig Ramsden, who allegedly stabbed a man to death a few hours after his helpful update. Tributes to Paul Gilligan, the murdered man, can be found here. Even if Ramsden is not convicted, I wouldn't recommend dating someone who feels like killing someone and lets everyone on Facebook know.
You're welcome.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Dating Tip: Don't Date Drama Queens
The girl or boy kind.
If being with you does not make your date happier, don't date him or her. If you're entire relationship is based on drama, don't date him or her.
Don't try to make your SO - significant other - feel better, because it won't work; this person is happy only when he or she is miserable. And absolutely do not create drama just to keep the relationship together, especially if that drama involves a previous relationship. (And if that's the case, you probably shouldn't have got together in the first place.)
To demonstrate, here is another Scrubs video, along with a gift idea from MAD TV.
If being with you does not make your date happier, don't date him or her. If you're entire relationship is based on drama, don't date him or her.
Don't try to make your SO - significant other - feel better, because it won't work; this person is happy only when he or she is miserable. And absolutely do not create drama just to keep the relationship together, especially if that drama involves a previous relationship. (And if that's the case, you probably shouldn't have got together in the first place.)
To demonstrate, here is another Scrubs video, along with a gift idea from MAD TV.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Dating Tip: Do Date Persons in a Bromance or Homance
(Sorry - I couldn't find another word for girl crushes, and it rhymes.)
If you're straight and have found yourself dating a man or woman who is in a straight relationship with someone of the same sex, put this in the "pros" column of your pros and cons list. You will sometimes be a little jealous of the time they spend together and of their inside jokes, but you'll get over it, mostly because the inside jokes aren't funny. The bro or ho loves your significant other in a way you never will, or, should I say, in a way you will never have to. Think about it: Do you really want to see that movie? Do you really know or care what they are talking about? Did you really want to go to that thing? Of course not. This other relationship provides your boyfriend or girlfriend the attention he or she needs while you can pay attention to yourself.
If you're straight and have found yourself dating a man or woman who is in a straight relationship with someone of the same sex, put this in the "pros" column of your pros and cons list. You will sometimes be a little jealous of the time they spend together and of their inside jokes, but you'll get over it, mostly because the inside jokes aren't funny. The bro or ho loves your significant other in a way you never will, or, should I say, in a way you will never have to. Think about it: Do you really want to see that movie? Do you really know or care what they are talking about? Did you really want to go to that thing? Of course not. This other relationship provides your boyfriend or girlfriend the attention he or she needs while you can pay attention to yourself.
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