Today's Greek Journey

So the computers here at the Center were down yesterday, so I didn't get a chance to write anything to you. I found out that all computers on the island were down, so it wasn't bad. I hear that that happens whenever there are thunder storms (and there were). That's Ok because I went to bed. I view it as one of the last times that I am going to be able to sleep for a while.

I have packed my schedule in a very beautiful way, and I'm not required to work as hard as I am and as hard as I have committed myself, but I know that the more that I put into something the more I get out of it in the end. And knowing what a beautiful place it is here. Every time I step out of my door, I think of how lucky I am to have found a place, and in fact, how lucky I am that such a place even exists in this whole wide world. It's worth every second it took to get here, as well as every dollar I spent making it work! You can tell anyone that.

Here are the interesting things that I've run into. I've discovered that I am actually picking up the Greek language quite fast. When people ask "Ti canis?"(how are you), I am able to give them a response. I walked into a bakery and knew that I could have ordered my entire thing in Greek, but it got a little complex when they didn't have what I wanted. I know that I will do this at least by the time that I leave the island.

I have also discovered that I am learning to read intuitively. It's more a survival thing, because when you are trying to buy groceries, you need to know what you're buying, and nothing is written in English, literally NOTHING. So when you are shopping for something, you need to know if you are buying hair oil or olive oil, and if the fish you are looking at is squid or tuna (an actual mistake I made). I was in the store today, and I realized that I actually did know what I was reading. Somehow, the thought came to me that I was holding milk, and I was, and it was not even near the refrigerated aisle (they don' refrigerate their milk here).

I have gotten quite good at saying hello to people on the street. One other story ties into this. Yesterday, I was quite late for my class, and I was totally lost. As a pirate, I was making my way through the maze of streets, not wanting to raid and plunder, but to find my way to the darkroom (conveniently not connected to the school and down a very windy street). As I was hurrying along, I saw that an old man was taking up the whole road. I then looked more closely, and I discover that it was an old man and his donkey. My heart almost fell out of my chest, but I kept my cool, walked around them and made it to my class (not without being scolded about being late).

Today, however, I was hurrying off to the Center to start my drawing class, and I saw the old man again. Sure enough, he had is trusty donkey by his side. I wasn't in a hurry really this time, so I walked slowly around them and looked carefully at them. I saw that he was selling lettuce off the back of his donkey. It was the most touching and beautiful scenes that I've ever seen, and I plan to make a whole art piece around it (I'm nervous about asking if I could photo him). Rather than just become the girl that always passes silently, I decided it only polite to at least address him. I have him a nice quiet "yasas" (hello). He looked up at me and smiled like I had made his day, and he said "CALIMARA" (Good day). I flashed him a beautiful smile back, and walked on. Little did he know that he made my day much more than I made his!

I plan to ask if it would be polite to take a picture. It is going to be the basis of my work here in photography if so!

I also ran into another beautiful thing the other day as well. It was thundering outside, but the clouds were far off, so I decided to go for a walk. John commented to me, "Don't go get wet now." It was a joke, but you know how these things can turn serious real fast! I walked out with my camera intending to take some photos of the clouds that I was falling in love with, and it started to rain softly. I thought, "I'm from Oregon, I can handle this." And I kept walking on.

However, it started to really pour, and I diverted from taking photos. I needed to make it either to my apartment or the center very fast, and neither were close at all. Then the hail started coming down. It was bigger than the size of peas, and it was really starting to hurt. I walked by a bakery with some old men (no women) in it making loud conversation as they smoke cigarettes, drank coffee, made good conversations and played with their dogs. They saw me passing them by, but they couldn't take it. Two of them walked out into the street where I was and pulled me into the bakery. They were very polite about it, but it was probably the most touching thing I had ever experienced in my entire life. These two old men actually cared enough to retrieve me from the rain and take care of me while it hailed. This culture is so beautiful, and I'm so glad to be a part of it!

I found out that it was a little expensive to do photography they way that they want me to do it. We talked about this on the phone yesterday, but I think I got it solved. I am going to try to use some supplies here, and maybe have you ship me something (very light, so very cheap). I am going to continue in photography, as it is an important skill to me, and I'm not going to let finances get in the way of anything. This many not be my main focus, but it will be an important focus. I can't not come here and not record the world the way that I know how to best. I discussed this with the professor, and she is willing to let me use my own film. I just need to get some canisters to hold the film now.

Tomorrow I have basic drawing at 10:00 (I love this class) painting at 13:00 and writing at 18:00. I am going to have 3 pieces of writing done for tomorrows class (because they are just crawling non-stop out of my head).

I took my first long walk alone today. I had to go buy a painting supply, and it was on the other side of town. It was fun to walk around and see what it was the town had to offer. I am definitely in the nicest part of town!

I also went to try to sort out my hot-water issue. I went to my landlord, and she said, no it is working fine, and then walked away. I was like, OK. Siega Siega (slowly, slowly(another motto of the Greek service industry). She did give me one solution. However, it looks like I am going to be taking two showers a day. One in which I can wash my hair quickly and one in which I can wash my body quickly. I'm going to have to do something, as I haven't been able to shower for 2 days now. GRRRR. I wouldn't mind except that it's so cold here, so when you take a cold shower, it just makes it worse. I hate shivering. If it weren't for that, I would be just fine!

When it all gets totally overwhelming, all you have to know is that Boogatza will fix it all. I had one yesterday when all was looking dim in the photography world. It was GREAT. Cheered me right up. I have some chocolate milk I'm saving for a rainy day. Other than that, bread soaked in olive oil with cheese on it has made the best meal so far. It's excellent. Olive oil is heaven. We're going to have to find cheap suppliers in the US, because this stuff is excellent! I've also discovered the great joy of bananas and yoghurt. It's what I eat every day for breakfast. The yogurt here is just divine. I could eat it for the rest of forever. These two meals, together, are making life great for me. Throw in a boogatza, and you're in heaven!

It must be said that I had a large win yesterday when I made my first painting. It was nothing to be proud of, it would out of proportion, and I didn't do the exercise very well (though it wasn't THAT horrible), but the most important part was that I stepped near a canvas, and that my friend, is something more valuable than life itself. I am conquering some real fears that have actually been hindering me as a person here. Not just in art, in so many areas of life. This is a true education, and I couldn't ask for anything more except to have you here sharing every moment of beauty with me.

Goals for Greece

I have now made my dream of studying art on a Greek island a reality and I want to be very productive as an artist. Following are my areas of study and what I want to accomplish in them while I am here. The schedule that I have decided to take is almost unmanageable, and I am told that no students have been able to maintain it in the past. I am determined to make progress in all areas.

Following are the products I wish to create and the skills and abilities that I wish to leave the Aegean Center with.

Art History:
• A fundamental understanding of the basics of Art History that I can add onto my present knowledge. A specialized knowledge of Greek Art History.
• Either a painting, drawing or paper should be the end-product of this class.

Basic Drawing:
• This class should be completed with a basic understanding of the fundamentals of drawing.
• I would like to add six new drawings to my portfolio to take home with me (pastels are preferred).

Creative Writing:
• This class will be completed with an even greater appreciation and understanding of this art.
• I would like to add 26 new pieces of writing to my portfolio as well as go home with a book started.

Digital Photography:
• In this class, I would like to master and understand all controls on my camera.
• I should leave the class with a full understanding of the Adobe Photoshop program.
• I would like to leave this class with a basic understanding of all aspects of the art of Digital Photography.
• I should leave this class with no less than 1,000 raw images that can be worked with later and used to show people my Greece Experiment.
• I should leave this class with no less than 15 final and professional prints that are portfolio/display quality.

Figure Drawing:
• I should leave this class with the basic understanding and ability to draw the human figure.
• I would like to leave this class with three drawings of the human figure that I would be proud to hang on the wall.

Literature:
• This class is very important to my understanding of the world that I am in.
• I will leave this class with a very nice foundation in Greek Literature.
• I will re-read the Odyssey to full understanding.
• I will continue to read other plays, poems and books until I have a minor background in Greek Literature that can be continued while I am away.
• I would like to purchase a copy of the Greek books that I read.

Painting:
• I would like to leave this class without the fear of showing my paintings to other people.
• My utter terror of painting needs to leave me.
• I would like to add 3 good paintings to my portfolio of work.

Photographic History:
• I would like to leave this class with a more full knowledge of the history of photography that I can use later in life.
• This class goal fits in with that of Art History.

Sculpture: • I would like to leave this class with a basic understanding of marble sculpture.
• I want to add one or possibly two sculptures to my artistic portfolio.

Silver Photography:
• I need to leave this class with any present holes in photography filled in.
• I need to discover new products for me to use as a photographer.
• I need to have 200 raw images for use later.
• I need to have 15 photo prints that are portfolio quality.
• I need to use my special photo equipment to create images on canvasses that can then be painted.

Final note on The Aegean Center for the Fine Arts
I need to leave this opportunity a lot more full as an artist. I am gaining the understanding of the ability to see beauty in everything. My ultimate goal is to leave here with a sizeable portfolio that I will be able to use to display myself as an artist. I also would like to change my frame of mind on life so that it is as it has been this past week here in the wonderful country of Greece.

Some Photos of the Center

If you would like to see some photos of the incredible building that I am studying art in, go to this link. More photos actually taken by me soon. http://www.kalligrammon.gr/restoration.html

Great Men Before Us

Men of the past have come so far before me. Built great walls and sent forth their ideals as much as their sculptures. Brilliant men so far behind had it mostly right. Bud did THEY live by their ideas? We now, in our hands, have the ability to build such a great civilization. What of the nuclear weapons? And the hate crimes? What of the AIDS and the people unable to feed themselves? We have many, many thousands of thinking men’s ideals behind us. And why do we not live by them. One great man sends forth great genius; then why does he not live by it? We’re no lack of brilliant ideals to make a great civilization where all prosper. All that lacks is our genius application of that data. We all say it, why do we not all use it?

Dimitri

My name is Dimitri. You don't know me, nor do any people from any land that prospers. I live in a far off country that your land is embarrassed about putting in your history books. Nor does your geography text point you in my direction. We will never meet. You do, however, fight for my cause. Your history texts do talk about the evils of the government I live with daily. However, your help is not in the name of help. It is in the name of the interests of your government. That is why I still live daily devoid of the joys of life. My small country has nothing to offer your leaders. We have no potential of great world power. I write not to rant. I have talents I am not free to explore. I'm not free to open the bakery I want to open. I know not how far my untapped skills go. I have trouble finding food. Other people tell me what my freedoms are. I have not the rights you do. I even must write this piece in secret. When something happens that I think is wrong, it's not legal for me to voice how I feel. I could, but death would swiftly follow. I have not the right to believe in art or spirituality or any higher power. The old churches in my country have been converted into the metal factories that I am forced to work long hours in. I do not wish to bring children into this cruel world, but birth control being inaccessible to me, I have three. Many times, my stomach goes empty to feed theirs. They do not get an education, as educated people are free. They know not the trap they are caught in, nor do they know it doesn't exist everywhere. My children will be told where to work and what to do with any of their own dreams being denied to them. I can't leave or go on vacation at my will. There are guards at my borders willing to kill. I do not get to choose my doctor or my car (these are not available in any case). I have no freedom of choice in what I buy. The work I produce need not be of high quality, as the same level of work will get me the same either way. Nor do I feel sorry for myself. This is who I am. My life is only one situation out of the thousands of people in my country. My neighbor's story is similar, and she has her own hidden, untapped skills and her own children who will never see their full potential. You have the great advantage of being prosperous. You have money and birth control. You have churches and education. So do not just say that this is bad without understanding, and do not support it's eradication with the government only using it as an excuse to continue it's own corrupt aims. Take a look outside your textbook and see if this is right. Take my individual situation and weigh it against your own, but make sure you look. Our government's agendas mean little against feeding a hungry child. Inspired by a free Albanian

Chris' Recent Journal

I had to wait for some time to get onto the ferry. Waiting is a killer, and boy did I wait for a long time. Riding the ferry was very interesting. I had a class C ticket, and if you can tell me what that means, it would be great. I wandered the boat wondering what was up until I just stood on the deck and enjoyed the view of the men loading the ferry. You try backing a semi into a boat. They were very skilled.

I sat so much that day and contemplated my situation and my life. It was a nice experience. I haven't done that in so long, it was just incredible. I figured that since I'd be going to an art school that I should produce something as an artist. I wrote a poem/story. It was nice. I was prepared from that point to arrive on the island. I think that I now have the ability to produce art and believe that it is good. The one I wrote on the ferry was an accomplishment for me.

After writing, I wandered the ferry looking for a warm place to sleep. However, anything that was above freezing was infested by smoking Greeks. I swear to god that they are the reason that the world grows tobacco. None of them would survive in New York. Damn the people that put tobacco in the hands of the Greeks!

After 6 hours on the ferry, we made it to the Paros port in Pariokia (note this can be spelled any of thousands of ways you choose). It was beautiful to see the boat coming into the port as everything was lit up, and it was just a beautiful site! It was the dawn of my fairy tale.

At the end of the ferry ride, I ran into a girl that had been traveling around the world on her own for 10 months. She was the only person I had seen in days that spoke fluent English, and we got on well. I agreed to help get her a place to stay (at least find the one she was looking for).

Jane Pack was standing there with the entire art group when I got off the boat. I was introduced to them all. I finally met Suzanne, who I had been talking to for months. She said that the girls were going out that night, and they wanted me to come.

Jane showed me to my apartment. Apparently, I had been given the biggest and most incredible apartment of them all. I was told how large it was compared to everyone else's. The bedroom had a huge bed, and I have a bathroom, a kitchen, a living room, a dining room and another random room that really serves no purpose that separates the house into three parts! The floors are marble as are the baseboards. I have a courtyard just outside with lawn furniture that will go on it when it gets warmer. I also have a fireplace. It is a quaint little place, and I'm excited to spend the next 3 months in it!

We went out to a bar called Karen's. Karen is a bar tender from Ireland, and she lives in Greece. She was completely hilarious, and I spent a nice night drinking water and meeting everyone. We then went to the other town hot spot, where I met more people and found a computer for the first time! I emailed Jared and checked out what else it was that I had in that department.

Jared has been wonderful for this whole trip handling anything and everything that he can! I went to bed at 4:00 AM. I slept until 10:00. Now, I do warn you that living in Greece has its quirky little things. I woke up to a freezing house (literally it was under 32 degrees) and no water. I went out to seek a way to get my water on. If you ask Jared, he will be able to tell you some of the adventurous things that I have been through. You take things for granted like being able to lock a door (locks are not even close to normal here) and being able to take a shower with a showerhead that is attached to the wall (we hold them here). You also take for granted porch lights and warm showers. Learn that when you travel, these things are not always dependable. I will save the details for a piece of art later!

I spent the day exploring this beautiful island I somehow managed to land myself in. I saw an ancient temple and a graveyard. I saw some beautiful green water and windmills that have been used to make electricity. Best of all, I walked all around a church called the Church of a Hundred Doors. It is the oldest continually used church in Christendom. Fancy that. It's on my island. I'm so privileged.

I went out to a bar that night again and met some Greek people. The people here have different viewpoints on life than the normal American, and I cannot say to you how beautiful it all is to me. I also talked to some Albanians, for which, my second piece of writing was made (read it on my blog).

I spent the rest of the day exploring what is called boogatza. It is the most delectable Greek pastry ever. Eat it if you can find it. I've never tasted anything so wonderful. And now my journal is going to consist of things I write to Jared.

This was what happened today.
Jared, It's just amazing that I'm sitting here on a Greek Island doing what I wish, and you are there working. I would just be dying right now if you were in a job that you hated. I can't tell you how happy I am that I get this opportunity to do this, and it's so great that you're over there taking care of me. No one else has the advantage there (well, parents), and I just think of how grateful I am to have what you're doing. Thank you so much.

I did decide to do some painting, so that set me back about 50 Euro because I had to buy all of my supplies, sorry about that, I should have gotten everything in the US, but it was just a whim thing, and I really think I'm going to learn how to succeed here as an artist. It's so important as to who I am.

This experience is amazing. I am starting to open up a lot. I'm finding that there are several things that I find that I am missing here. They are as follows. 1.) Fingernail clippers. I keep breaking those suckers and I want to cut them all off. 2.) Art supplies, of course I chose to take the painting classes! 3.) I laptop or at least our palm so that I can write where I please. I have become a most prolific writer here.

Something very unfortunate happened today. Someone graffitied our building last night, and we spent a lot of the day sorting that out. It was some Canadian person that was drunk and crazy. It sanded right off, and I believe that he will be deported from Greece! I learned a lot about restoring buildings though because John had to restore the building the school is in. He did it in neoclassical style, and it is beautiful. The paint is frescoed on. It's not just painted on. It's a part of the wall! I want to get into that stuff.

Today was my first day of classes for real, and it was just fabulous. This is the schedule I have taken on.
Monday:
10:00 Figure Drawing
18:00 Writing
Tuesday:
10:00 Photography
13:00 Painting
18:00 Art History

Wednesday:
10:00 Figure Drawing
14:00 History of Photography
16:30 Digital Class
18:00 Literature

Thursday:
10:00 Basic Drawing
12:30 Photography
13:00 Painting
18:00 Writing

Friday: COOLIO hikes with John. They sound AWESOME.

I'm also going to do some mosaic classes, but the instructor is on maternity leave right now! My figure drawing class was incredible. I've never drawn a nude model before, and it was actually great. I learned so much and the instructor really broke it down for me to really understand it. I actually got the hang of it, and my things really looked like people. Drawing is a subject I really want to conquer this term because I have all the help and experience backing me in the world.

I also discovered that John (the director of the school) worked closely with Ansel Adams. NEATO! He's got some great work.

Things have gotten even quirkier really! I took a very cold shower this morning. We can't figure out how to get my hot water to work. I turned on the hot water heater, and after 12 hours of heating, I got 1 minute of hot water. It's just kind of funny. I'm learning more and more about how to close a door every day here. I've got the locks to my apartment down, but getting into the school is impossible at this point!

I was going to have to buy a coat because it has been incredibly cold here, but I went into the old student lost and found and found one, so I'm going to at least borrow it until it gets warmer. It's a very nice jacket though!

I love quirky apartments. I'm just glad it's not one that we bought. Our house is just perfect! Keep making it more and more clean. I have a cleaning lady that comes to handle mine once a week, but I'm spotless anyway!

If only you were here to sort out disasters with our network here. I guess there are a lot of little quirks in that too. It seems to be a motto here in Greece. I learned of this term that I have been observing so heavily. It's a state of mind called Ti-na-kanomay. This is the motto of the Greek service industry. It basically means, we'll get to it no worries, no rush. That idea at least.

I also got the great pleasure of dining Greek today. I discovered it is much cheaper to get the Greeks to make me lunch. You can get a Greek meal for less than 2 Euro. This stuff is GREAT. I had a chicken pita sandwich with yogurt inside. It was delicious. I now know where to eat lunch. Other than that, I have been surviving on bananas and yogurt. Both very cheap but delectable items here. Really worth trying.

I also discovered a great Greek item that is worth any part of the trip. It is called a Boogatza (that's how it sounds). This is the most incredible pasty item you have ever tasted. I am going to learn how to cook it when I get home for all of my friends. This week is Carnival, and I am told that the bakeries will be making this fresh every day, and I can get it warm. I am SO into Carnival! The food here sounds delectable, and I can't wait to devour it!

I have learned here the importance of art in life. It's what runs you. I am going to post my first writing piece tonight. It's something you can appreciate. As I was looking at anthologies of past art students, I realized that this man that is teaching my class has had the great honor of teaching students that you have taught. Three of them to be exact. I wonder if he notices any difference. He chopped my piece of writing. I left a little discouraged, but I'm going to make it even better!

I love this little town. The best thing so far for me is the fact that you can walk around saying "yasas" to everyone. That is the Greek version of hello. Unlike in America, you make eye contact and wish the person walking a good day. It is only the polite thing to do, and you get a quick "yasas" back or a "calimara," which means "good day." It's so nice to be in a town where the people acknowledge each other's presence.

These notes are my daily journal, and also partially what I am going to post on my blog, so be warned. A lot of this stuff is the raw inspiration I plan to use in my writing class!

Ya Hara
Chris

Several Days in the Life of Chris' Greek Journal

I must have been pretty naive to believe that going to Greece, 1/2 way around the world wasn't going to be at least interesting. It's as if I was put in a slingshot and flung here without hardly any knowledge of the fact that a place such as this would exist. Actually, I didn't come here by slingshot. I got here well on my own. A hard-won journey made by a plane.

I spent about 24 hours traveling from my beautiful home to the next time I rested my head—in my almost destination of Athens. I flew from Portland, Oregon to Cincinnati, Ohio with very little excitement. I was on the plane for several hours and besides the fact that I was supposed to be at a window seat and landed the worst aisle seat in history. Thing were fine.

Well other than the fact that the fever I was running for the previous 5 days had not yet decided to break! It continued on. I have a tough body, and my body had a very tough time fighting it off!

During my barely 45 minute stay in Cincinnati, I found a little coffee shop and asked for a hot water. When I pulled my money out to pay, this nice lady waved me off. In fact, she looked at me like I was crazy for wanting to pay. I brewed me up some Good Earth tea while I waited for my first European adventure—a flight to Paris.

While I sat there listening to the stewardess translate everything into French, I thought "how many of these people around me could possible actually BE French." I found out that it was quite a few, as I turned out to be the only one of two Americans on the plane. If they weren't from France or England, they were actually making a connecting flight to Bombay—go figure. I adored listening to the French men speak in their accents.

I was on that plane to France for 7 hours, and I managed to sleep most of the way. My fever continued on. It's a good thing that the flight wasn't fully full, and the seat next to me was open. Less germs to spread on! I made it through being sick AND air sick with the wonderful invention of 7-UP. I would recommend flying Delta. We all had personal TV's with many channels. The food was actually edible, and I ate my chicken breast while flipping between Friends, Finding Nemo and Jerry Maguire.

My flight to Paris got in 45 minutes late. I missed my layover, which I can understand. There was ice and snow surrounding the Paris landscape and we had a hard time landing. I ended up waiting in a very long line to get myself on another plane. I prayed that one would leave the same day, and I got my wish, it was 3 hours off. I got my ticket and walked toward the terminal.

The Paris airport is very confusing. Whole walls open up, but you have to know where to ask! When I asked if they could hand inspect my film at security, no one understood me, and I wasn't going to try my French. They ended up calling the police to deal with me. The officer that came told me to open up my film canister, and I had the hardest time communicating that it was film. They still didn't get it, so I told them to send it through the x-ray machine. It's dark in there was the response I got. I let it slide, and went on.

When I went to wait for my plane, I was very tired, and I fell asleep. They kept making announcements about delays, but they were all in French, and I had to learn how to hear the language that I only know how to read. I was able to do that very quickly. And of course my flight was delayed due to ice and snow in Paris. I was cold, and I was tired. I fell asleep on the plane for 3.5 hours while they took me to Athens.

I wasn't sure what I was going to do when I got to Athens with all of the ferries on strike and all. I found a travel agency. The woman there told me that yes; the ferries were on strike until Saturday at least! She was very nice, and gave me the way to a cheap hotel and some maps. I bought a bus ticket for bus E95 to take me to Syntagma Square. Not everything is written in Latin. They have it all in Greek. Don't believe the travel books. They are wrong. I missed my stop on the bust because I had no idea where I was.

When I asked someone where to go, he grabbed my bags and hauled them and I off the bus. He told me to follow him while he left my bags on the side of the road with a friend, and he took me to get directions. I was told to walk 200 meters that way (and points) to get to the metro. So I walk 200 meters in indicated direction and, "Do you speak English, Please? Where is the metro?" "Lady, it's 200 meters that way (points in indicated direction, same as before)." So I walk 200 meters in indicated direction and, "Do you speak English, Yes? Where is the metro?" "The WHAT?" "Umm metro, underground, train, the L the T the…." "Underground,… OH Miss, it's 200 meters that way (points in indicated direction, same as before)." GRRR. So I walk 200 meters again, and it IS there this time. Athens has a very nice metro that was just completed for the Olympics not months before. It's designed the exact same way as in DC, so I'm sure that it is American crafted because the more I learn about Greece, the more Xeno (non Greek) it seems.

I took the easy-to-use metro to my stop OMONIA Square and then got off. I was looking for my place to stay, the Alma Hotel. I had become so exhausted from carrying around my 56-pound suitcase, so I stopped many times and asked for directions. Everyone was very nice. Especially because I was asking other hotel owners how to get to their competitions.

After a long walk and a great workout, I finally made it. I got my key and checked out my small, two bed room. Very 70's like room that was clearly practical. I fell asleep and slept for 13 hours waking up in a bed of sweat. I think the fever finally broke. I was glad because I wasn't sure if I was going to have it forever or not.

I checked out at 11:00 after exploring the Greek traditions of not flushing toilet paper and checking out (by actual use) the Greek version of a shower. It's just a hand held head with water coming out. Nothing too incredibly fancy, and quite odd to a spoiled American. And so, me and my 56-pound suitcase set off on a new journey. Only I was smart this time, I had two backpacks before, and I consolidated it to being just a big bag and a backpack. I knew this travel was going to be easier than before. We set out to find Syntagma square, and using the metro, I had to problems doing just that.

However, after I got off the metro, I spent no less than 2 hours trying to find my next hotel, and after walking half way to the Parthenon and back many times (literally) I hailed a taxi. He charged me 5 Euro to go the 1 block away from my hotel that I was, but I may never have found it without him.

The second room was no more promising than the first. However I got to put my things down, so I had the day to explore. My hotelkeeper gave me a map of Athens and sent me on my way around. I talked to no less than 15 travel agencies inquiring on how to get to Paros. All reactions were the same.

"The ferry is on strike."
"I know, but I NEED to get to Paros, I can't stay in Athens."
"Oh… Hire a room, stay for a while, drink some wine, have some dinner, all the same. No worries."

And of course I was worried, and so I went to the next travel agency trying to find a flight or a fisherman who was willing to take me to a small island in the middle of the Aegean.

I did, however, manage to get someone to take pity on me and get me booked on standby for a flight to the island. If that failed, I'd no idea what lengths I would go to get to the island. I also went to visit the Acropolis. It was just incredible, and I can't write too much here about it because it just took my breath away. The people that made the place over hundreds of years had such care of what went on, and even small things like the place where the bronze sculptures were forged were all carefully planned out. It was in incredible experience I would never forget, and of course I took photos. Definitely worth the 12 Euro to get in. Also, it was simply incredible to see the writing that had been put on stones in 600 BC in actual ancient Greek. The Acropolis had all the makings of ancient perfections.

Socrates, Plato and all other incredible Greeks walked on that hill as well. I was with greatness. The sculptures that have survived to today are simply amazing. Many of them were broken down, and it just reminds you how much time can change things, even stone!

It's not how I thought it would be at all. However, it's humbling to understand that some communication, some sculpture that was made in ancient times still exists today, and I saw the originals. That is so priceless. The preservationists are incredible and I'm so honored that I chose to work with a profession/major that is so competent and beautiful. The lengths they go to to preserve our history is just simply amazing. I was in my place on that little hill—for sure.

After the Acropolis, I went to Piraeus, the port city, to see if I could get any data or see anything that had to do with the ferry strike. I saw it for myself, docked boats, it really wasn't exciting. Docked boats and empty ticket booths. I then went back to Athens for the most incredible thing. I had a Greek meal. It would have been much better I'm sure if I had done it in the traditional Greek way with people all around and a family, but I did it in my own unique style as the girl traveling alone.

I asked the waiter what it was that I should eat, and he took me into the kitchen and recommended that if I liked cooked onions that I have this. I told him to serve it up. It ended up being veal and onions. Neither of which I eat, but when I go into it with my large brick of feta cheese I learned to enjoy it very much. I ate quite a bit of the meal, and then I was brought Crème du la crème ON THE HOUSE. The people were so nice, and the food was so good. I was well taken care of.

One interesting fact is that I had dinner next to and practically ate with an actor from the play Cats. He was from Sydney, but he brought his wife and child to Athens to practice the play he is doing on tour around the world!

I finally figured out the Greek phone as well, and I was able to call Jared.

3.4.05 I couldn't sleep at all because I was so bloody worried about the stupid ferry strike, and I wondered if I was going to be able to get myself out of Athens or not. Also, the Greeks must have a theory about using clocks because the only inkling I could get of the time was the fact that the news was talking about the close of the New York Stock Exchange, which didn't really help, as I didn't really know the time difference or if the news was old or breaking! I woke up, watched the same newsreel I had watched all night and took a shower.

I must say that showers are much more tricky in Greece. I may come home with only half of my head clean, as I challenge you to hold something while trying to shampoo your long, blonde hair. Getting the soap out of the bottle, scrubbing your head and making a lather are all tricky with only one hand.

After my shower, I went out in search of a travel agency who could get me to Paros by any means. I had my fingers crossed that the standby flight was going to work out for me. When I made it to the front desk, the man that was there saw me and joyously announced that the ferry strike had ended.

Incredibly happy, I went out in search of an agent that would be able to get me on the first boat. The sun had just come up and it was beautiful to see all of the Greek people on their way to work. The fresh bread smelled excellent. I did manage to find a travel agency that was open. I walked in and asked about the "boat ticket" and the lady said, "not today." I held back my tears as I left to go back to the hotel.

Sad, broken-hearted and confused, I went back to the hotel where the man insisted that he was going to get me to Paros that day. He got on the phone and in rapid and loud Greek he managed to get me at least a reserved ticket on a ferry! I called another travel agency and asked them to get me a ticket printed right now. They accommodated me, and it as incredible! I had then in my possession a ticket for the 3:00 (15:00) ferry that was going to take me at last to my final destination. I grabbed my bag and checked out.

Though I was again stuck with a 56-pound bag and nothing to do. I made my way to Syntagma Square and looked at the short, ripe orange trees while I felt the breeze go across my face. There I sat in Syntagma Square. It means "constitution" and was good news for me. The square is a nice little plaza where people get off the metro and talk and smoke (as all Greeks do). There are fountains and orange trees and birds and everything. It is such a nice, quaint little place.

Here are some comments I have about the Greek lifestyle.
• I say, "I need to get to Paros." They say, "No worries, go in three days when the strike ends. Rent a room, drink some wine, talk to people and get something to eat."
• People here are very laid back.
• Everyone you see is either smilish or stylish.
• There are no people trying to force you to buy their goods in the square. You can sit just peacefully!
• They are VERY open to helping and talking to foreign people.
• I was lugging my overstuffed and over heavy luggage up the staircase because the dumb American inside of me didn't see the bloody elevator right there. A man walked over, grabbed my bag and hauled it up the stairs without saying a word. After hearing my large and prolonged thank you, he turned to me, said, "There is nothing to thank," in his wonderful Greek accent and walked away.
• And I've come to the conclusion that the only way to not be a Xeno (non-Greek) is to not be a Xeno. I'm going to try it out, but it's very hard to speak a language you know little of to a pro.

Hello From Greece

Hello, First off, mind the typos because this keyboard is strangely Greek in design! There is a lot of news for me to tell about.

First of all, Jared and I have officialy moved. We live at
660 NW Gleneagle Dr. Unit G-50
Sherwood, Or 97140

His phone # is 971-241-8024
Mine is # 503-560-8600

My cell is of little use while I'm in Greece, so just call Jared if you need anything.

So, I made my long flight around the world with great adventure. I got stuck in Paris for many hours while the runway was icy and few flights were coming in or taking off. When I finally did get to Greece, the ferry workers were on strike, and I stayed in some interesting little hotels while I was there. I got to know the metro system well. I saw the port city a lot, and of course I made it to the famous Parthenon (which was right out my back door). The olympics are still very big there with signs and posters everywhere. Being stuck in city is very interesting, and few people speak English, so I learned survival Greek, and I can read street signs now! It's very safe though, and as I was forced to walk alone at night alone, it's a good thing. All people who do manange to speak/understand English are very, very nice, so it worked out fine.

I finally made it to Paros, and it's beautiful. Really the island and the city are something out of a fairy tale. The streets are narrow and stone, and they were built to confuse pirates. I must say that I still have a hard time finding my apartment! So I'm off now to find something to eat (olives and feta are VERY cheap here) and then take a walk in the Greek sun. You can always email me back, but it's hard to stay in contact with everyone, so the group email is going to have to do for now. I'm going to try to post things on my blog, so check it often. http://yellocowphoto.blog.com

Ya Hara, Chris

Offically Homeowners!

Jared and I officially got the keys to our newly owned house. As of 11:00 yesterday morning, we own our house! It's very exciting. I already moved a load of stuff over to the new place. I'll be moving the rest today.

Be patient if I'm not posting right now. We're losing our internet connection for a while. I promise more updates later...

Jenna, Jenna, Jenna...

Hello!

Here is an excerpt recently from Jenna Elfman's website. Looks like our lives are parallel. Check her out, she's awesome!

Hi all! Jenna here. I hope your new year is going as well as mine. I thought it was time to fill you in on all the good news. First of all, I am coming back to TV! I’m creating a brand new TV show and I can’t tell you much more than that. I want to tell you…but I can’t. It’s very hush hush. But I can say it’s going to be hilarious. I’ll let you know more soon...

I also starred in and produced my first film! "Touched". A really beautiful film. I will let you know how and when you can see it… be prepared to bring tissue. I also moved into my dream house at the beginning of this year…finally! It took forever to remodel but it was worth it…I love it! I’m also about to celebrate my 10-year anniversary with Bodhi. 10 Years! I wrote a piece for Glamour Magazine in the “couples section”. It’s in this month’s edition on newsstands now! Check it out… On the humanitarian side, I’m working very closely with Criminon, a non- profit criminal rehabilitation program that actually works, it gives these men and women the tools and life skills to become contributing members of society. I have been tutoring an inmate through the program and he’s on his third course. His success stories have been fantastic and I’m incredibly proud of him. Here’s some more amazing news. Some of you may know how rampant the legal drugging of kids is in this country. “He talks too much and won’t sit still… give him Ritalin!” Well, you may not know that school teachers and psychologists could force and threaten the parent to put the kid on drugs and if the parent refuses, the school could call Child Protective Services who could charge the parents with neglect and could actually TAKE THE CHILD AWAY! (For not giving your kid drugs!). So, I went to Washington D.C. with a few other dedicated people and we pushed and supported a bill that put the choice and decision into the hands of the parents, where it belongs. Well, I’m thrilled to say the bill passed on December 3rd, 2004. It’s called the Prohibition on Mandatory Medication. No more forcing kids to take drugs, no more threats! It’s up to the parents. Yeah!!! Okay! That’s good for now. A new TV show. A new film. A new house. A new criminal rehabilitation program. A new law passed in congress that protects every child in America. Phew! Okay, I’m gonna sit by my new swimming pool, eat brownies and laugh at my pugs. Stay tuned for more details…

Life as Art

Life As Art

You see that’s a matter of viewpoint. Beauty has something to do with beingness then doesn’t it? It’s way up there.

But do you know at the same time that the fellow says, I’m no artist.” He says, I’m not an artist.” He means by that, “I don’t paint; I don’t write; I don’t compose music.” What is he doing that might throw this into question?

He might be living a very beautiful life. Because the biggest and widest canvas that you could paint would be the canvas of a life. A man could actually achieve the level of being a professional beautiful liver. He could. There are some people you are glad to know simply because they seem to lead a beautiful life. It’s interesting, isn’t it?

So people say we have to go hungering after art through painting, writing and so forth, and what are these people doing? They’re writing about, they’re painting about, composing about life. You’re sitting there with this enormous canvas and all the raw materials to put together into what is actually a piece of art... You’re overlooking the primary field of art, which would be to live beautifully.

L. Ron Hubbard

Breadmaker

Jared has decided that he isn't going to eat wheat anymore, so rather than pay tons of dollars for wheat-free bread, I've decided to try making bread myself. The first objective was to get a breadmaker. Someone on Ebay outbid me on a really reasonable one, so I went to Good will and got the same thing for much cheaper ~ $5.00. I was excited.

I tried to make a loaf of Rye bread and it was really really bad. Does anyone know how to make bread at all? I've done some research. I'm trying to figure out how to make wheat-free, gluten-free, yeast-free bread. Yummy!

The Internet has been no help. I'm going to keep trying, but don't be surprised when I make the best damn bread in the whole country.

City Kids Have it Easy

Check out this letter from a Marine that was once a farm kid.

Dear Ma and Pa:
I am well. Hope you are. Tell Brother Walt and Brother Elmer the Marine Corps beats working for old man Minch by a mile. Tell them to join up quick before maybe all of the places are filled. I was restless at first because you got to stay in bed till nearly 6 a.m., but am getting so I like to sleep late. Tell Walt and Elmer all you do before breakfast is smooth your cot and shine some things. No hogs to slop, feed to pitch, mash to mix, wood to split, fire to lay. Men got to shave but it is not so bad, there's warm water. Breakfast is strong on trimmings like fruit juice, cereal, eggs, bacon, etc., but kind of weak on chops, potatoes, ham, steak, fried eggplant, pie and other regular food, but tell Walt and Elmer you can always sit by the two city boys that live on coffee. Their food plus yours holds you till noon when you get fed again. It's no wonder these city boys can't walk much. We go on "route marches", which the platoon sergeant says are long walks to harden us. If he thinks so, it's not my place to tell him different. A "route march" is about as far as to our mailbox at home. Then the city guys get sore feet and we all ride back in trucks. The country is nice but awful flat. The sergeant is like a school teacher. He nags a lot. The Capt. is like the school board. Majors and colonels just ride around and frown. They don't bother you none. This next will kill Walt and Elmer with laughing. I keep getting medals for shooting. I don't know why. The bulls-eye is near as big as a chipmunk head and don't move, and it ain't shooting at you like the Higgett boys at home. All you got to do is lie there all comfortable and hit it. You don't even load your own cartridges. They come in boxes. Then we have what they call hand-to-hand combat training. You get to wrestle with them city boys. I have to be real careful though, they break real easy. It ain't like fighting with that ole bull at home. I'm about the best they got in this except for that Tug Jordan from over in Silver Lake. I only beat him once. He joined up the same time as me, but I'm only 5'6" and 130 pounds, and he's 6'8" and weighs near 300 pounds dry. Be sure to tell Walt and Elmer to hurry and join before other fellers get onto this setup and come stampeding in.

Your loving daughter,

Gail.

Filling the Void

I've decided that I love my goat and my mule very much. Though they are very close, I want to be near them all the time. I've found a way to fill the void. I am going to read and write stories of goats, donkeys and mules. I have complied a list of some goat/donkey books that I want to read. My other books are now in progress (the ones I'm writing).

Here's the list:

Gregory the Terrible Eater

Three Billy Goat's Gruff

Goats of the World

Beatrice's Goat

Oh Look

G is for Goat

Bill Grogan's Goat

The Duck and the Goat

Little Donkey, Close your Eyes

The Donkey's Dream

The Definitive Donkey

Travels with my Donkey

Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes

Donkey Trouble

Donkey Rescue

The Donkey and the Rock

The Donkey that Sneezed

Daffy Down Donkey

Look for them, let me know if you see any of them... It's my way to fill the void for now!

Patches

I'm not one for sending chain emails around, but this is great. Check out www.patchesthehorse.com and download the file. It's very adorable and worth the wait! I'm convinced that I'm going to take over the condo association and convince them to allow me to have a goat

Jared Wrote a Book

Did you know that my husband Jared Anderson wrote and published his first book last year? I really forgot to post this, and I am redeeming that now.

Last year, Jared finished up his very first book. I was so excited, but now I'm excited to tell you. It's called Cryptic Advice. You can order it on Amazon.com. I really enjoyed the book. If you want to buy one, let me know, and we can get you an author signed edition! Wouldn't it be exciting. Just know you may be holding a best-seller...start early... be a fashion starter!

Artists Enhance our Lives

I was thinking the other day was a good team artists and scientists are. Artists are the people in this society that have enough guts to take a look at the status quo and be willing to make a change or venture something different. It must take a lot of good. There are many times that they are called cooky and weird, but in hindsight, we see how much they can change.

Take Leonardo Da Vinci for example. He was an incredible artist and a scientist. He used his artistic mind to change the way that the world was. He was the first to think of several things, including the flying machine. People thought he was weird, but her persisted! Look at how much we adore him now. Also, look at how much he changed the world.

Hug an artist today. I sure hope I get lots of hugs.

Gone

Greg and Half-Pint have officially moved. They are now hanging out on 5 acres in a the very beautiful countryside of western Oregon. They are actually living on one of my favorite streets in the world. It's not TOO far away from where I am going to live, so I think it will all work out to be fine.

It's a little hard to get up on the morning and look out the window only to find that they're not there eating all the hay.

I also almost drove home yesterday to let them out to play at lunch...

It's going to be hard to get over no longer being a farmer, but I think that I may be able to. I'm sure I'll find a goat or a mule to take care of in Greece!!!

Greg amd Half-Pint

Greg: My sister, my cousin and I bought him at the State fair about 6 years ago. I estimate that he is 6.5 years old because he was very young when we got him. He is a pygmy goat. He's named after the TV show Dharma and Greg (you know the one with Jenna Elfman). I've owned him my whole life, and I've taken care of him for quite a bit of it. He used to live with a bunch of other bigger goats, and he hated it. He's perfectly happy being the only goat around with a mule to protect him. Sometimes Half-Pint will try to beat up on him, but he's quite tough, and knows how to fight back.

He recently went through a very traumatic incident. I had him tethered outside while I was gone for a while, and when I came home he had been attacked by a large dog. It got him around the top of the neck and did quite a bit of damage. He would have died under any other circumstances, but Paula and I saved his life. He lived in our spare bathroom for about a week, and I even got him housetrained. He is definitely my baby. He actually hasn't fully healed from that. He had one very large, deep tear wound. It was full of dirt and stuff. It's been 3 months, and it doesn't take constant care anymore. He should be able to heal on his own now. His neck is a little crooked now. We think that the dog broke one of the vertebrae. He may not recover ever, but he's not in pain at all. That's why the hair on his neck has been shaved off.

He is a very social goat. He loves people, he loves kids, he may be shy of your dog until he learns that it's OK. He will follow you around if you let him. He liked to run. We exercise together, he's very cute when he runs. He really really has a very clean affinity line. He will eat almost anything. He loves human food. He likes any kind of cracker. He LOVES bread. He eats paper, so make sure that you don't have any important papers around him (though it's not very good for him). Just make sure that he gets equal attention with Half-Pint, or he'll get jealous.

I let him run around in the yard when I'm at home. He never goes very far, but I keep an eye on him. If you have flowers around, it's not a good idea. Goats eat rosebushes and petunias, and I'm sure a large variety of other flowers. You can tether him up away from your flowers but next to blackberry bushes, and he'll love you forever. He will devour them. He's good that way.

The only health thing with Greg is that he has gotten lice before. It's really odd, and I don't know how he got them. You just have to put the Sevin on him, and you're done. Repeat every once in a while. Goat lice can't transfer to horses, dogs, cats or people, so you don't need to worry about them at all. If he is itching a lot (or if the hair on a part of him is shorter than on other parts) it's a sign that he has lice. Dusting isn't bad for him or the mule at all, so it's safe.

It's a little bit of a loss for me to not be around him, so I may need to visit often for a while.

Half-Pint:

I've had him a lot less time. He is 18 years old, but as far as I can tell, he's in perfect health. He has an iron stomach, and will eat anything. When the blackberries are out, he and Greg team up and attack them until there is nothing left but the stickers!

As far as I can tell, he has been used only as a companion for other horses his whole life, and no one has really worked with him at all for himself. When we got him, he didn't know how to lead at all. He was very confused.

What I've learned from training him is that you just have to use the same word very firmly over and over again, and he'll catch on.

He is a little shy of men sometimes. He may have been abused, but I think that the more likely reason is that he has always only ever had women take care of him. Jared didn't participate much in his training or anything, but he got used to him being around, so that may not be a problem anymore.

I have a feeling that he is profoundly grateful to both Jared and I for taking such incredible care of him and loving him so much for himself. He will do ANYTHING that I ask him too. I've ridden him several times, and he has just let me. I'll keep coming out and working with him (if that's fine with you). I'm sure if Joni really got in communication with him he would let her ride him no problem. He's got a really big heart.

I've been watching his feet. They are very tiny, but it's been pretty muddy. I try to pick them out every day. If you don't get to it, it's not a big deal, just keep an eye on them, and make sure that they're not gross.

He was pretty thin when I got him, and I notice that he's ALWAYS hungry. I have wormed him, and it didn't seem to make a difference. Just make sure he is eating enough. I was feeding him pellets, but he did just as good with some hay and grass.

I never let him out without being tied to something. He gets very excited and confused and will run away, and he is very hard to catch again.

Half-Pint is an excellent guard. If I had let him be near Greg when we was tethered outside, he never would have gotten hurt. I have seen him ward off elk before, and it was very cool. He would never let anything hurt something that he had affinity for. Mules are very capable of killing things like cougars.

I try to groom him and keep him clean. Just check and make sure that he's doing fine. Make sure that there aren't any ticks on him, and if you do find any, dust him with Sevin.

These two animals together have been my pride and joy for the last seven months. I'm sure that you'll adore them. It doesn't take nearly as much time to take care of them as it sounds like. Just make sure that you give them love.

Sorry this is so long, but this is most of the data that I can think of about these two. At least you should be acquainted now.

Farmer at Heart

I am really a farmer at heart. It's such an interesting thing! I grew up on a farm, but I never was really able to appreciate how lucky I was to be able to go outside into the great outdoors and create things for myself to do to entertain myself. I now consider it to be my greatest skill!

However, I never knew that I liked animals so much. Sure, I spent time helping with the cattle when needed, but I never really liked it.

When I went to boarding school in Oregon, I would help to take care of the animals, and even then I still didn't LOVE IT. I was too busy doing my studying to notice this missing facet of my life.

However, when my husband and I got married and moved into our first house, there was a noticeable missing feature in my life.

My grandma called me up one day and told me that she was going to send me her goat. At first I didn't like the idea of having to take care of him, etc., however I got very excited about it and had her send him over. Since then we have been inseperable.

My goat asked for a friend for his Birthday, and that's where the mule is. Actually, the mule is Greg's pet mule. :) They get along really great.

And while I had them, they were the most important part of my life. Almost as important as a kid.

Now, my husband and I have bought a condo, and they won't fit in my patio (well, they would, but not very well), so it's time to send them on. I have found the best place that is quite close to me for them to stay, but as I took them on their walk today, I realized that there was going to be quite the void in my life with them gone.

It's now on my list that further down the road when I have a house and some kids that I once again have a barn and a goat with a pet mule... until then, a big picture of them will have to do.

Honor Roll

Today I was working on college. I logged into the college website only to discover that I had gotten my first email from the college account that I've had for two years. I decided to open it up and see what it said.

When I got into my email, I read the title. It said that I had made the Honor Roll at Chemeketa Community College for my excellnt GPA, etc. That was pretty exciting to me. They sent me a certificate and a really nice letter. I've always wondered what made me so different. I try so hard at school, but all I do is what is asked for me. I guess that this is the reason that Message to Garcia was written. There should be more people like me in the world.

No seriously, I'm very proud of myself. I didn't know I could do it! But who the hell knew I could pull off a 4.0?

You're Dumb When You're Drunk

Toronto Globe & Mail March 30, 2004: In most of the Canadian Provinces, there is a policy of checking on any stalled vehicle on the highway when the temperatures drop in the single digits or below. One morning in March 2004 about 3AM RCMP Constable Bill Wisen was awakened to respond to such a call of a car off the shoulder on the Trans Canada Highway outside of Medicine Hat, Alberta. Constable Wisen located the car still running, stuck in deep snow alongside the highway. Pulling in behind it with his emergency lights on, Constable Wisen walked to the driver's door to find an older man passed out behind the wheel and a near empty bottle of vodka in the seat. He tapped on the window and the driver woke up, seeing the rotating lights in his rear view mirror and the RCMP Constable standing next to his car. The man panicked, and he jerked the gearshift into drive and hit the gas. The car's speedometer was showing 20-30-40 then 50 KPH, but its still stuck in the snow. Constable Wisen , having a sense of humor, began running in place next to the speeding but still stationary car. The driver was totally freaked thinking the officer is actually keeping up with him. This went on for about 20 seconds when Constable Wisen yelled at the man ordering him to "pull over". This man obeyed and turned his wheel and stopped the engine. Once out of the car the drunken driver asked about the RCMPs' special training and just how coukd the Constable run 50 KPH. The man, Mr. Robert Duport of Medicine Hat was arrested still believing that an RCMP Constable had outrun his car

Groundhog's Day

For us Oregonians, there isn't much point to this day they call "Groundhog's Day." Really, if you think about it, how does is apply to us? Some rodent in Pennsylvania comes out of his little rodent lair and looks at a shadow on a wall/ground, and that's supposed to tell us what the weather is going to do for the next 6 weeks. Maybe if you live in the region, it works better. However, how can we people in the other part of the country believe that it will affect OUR weather. For example, in Oregon, it rains from October to April non-stop. Is his shadow going to stop that? No, because it's an inevitable law of the universe. Unless of couse the Tsunami knocked the axis of the earth off (but 2 centimeters doesn't change much now does it?)

Additionally, any trained photography would know that if he didn't see his shadow, that would be a bad thing, as it would be OVERCAST, which indicates rain....boy are we Americans weird.

I hate to rain on the parade, but maybe I should let my goat out and see if he can see his shadow?

Neat Dates

Hey.

My mom was born on 2/2 my dad was born on 4/4 and I was born on 6/6. My sister got it all messed up when she was born in the right month 8, but got the day wrong 24...... No big deal, but the first three were cool.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Resumes

I've recently had a nice run in with having to prepare myself to being able to help present Jared in the job world. He's been looking at many good jobs recently, and we were just in the process of getting him to look good, so he had to write a resume. He has a fairly nice one.

I got to thinking. I wrote a resume long ago, but I forgot about it. I thought about all of the things that I have done and accomplished so far. I'm not yet legal to drink, but I still have all this incredible experience in so many different areas.

1.) I grew up on a farm and am very experienced with animals. That's very awesome. I know how to clean a pen, clean an animal, clip an animal, take care of a sick animal, know when an animal is sick, etc. That's a nice skill to have.

2.) I know how to run a movie projector.

3.) I am a trained and qualified 4-H leader. It will be exciting to put these skills into use when I move to Sherwood and join up with the clubs there.

4.) I worked at a bagel store for a while, and can prepare bagels and handle customer service.

5.) I worked as a cashier at a grocery store, so I'm very experience there.

6.) I worked as an Office Manager at the Delphian School for two years. I was then promoted to working in the HR department. I loved that job.

7.) I'm a trained volunteer minister from the Church of Scientology (see all the cool help that's being given after the tsunami disasters at www.volunteerminister.org).

8.) I'm a sophomore in college.

9.) I'm married and I own a house (those aren't things that one would put on a resume, but WOW).

10.) I've been hired on certain weekends to work as the manager of a horse barn.

11.) I'm a trained irrigator (though I'd never tell anyone that).

12.) I know how to operate a tractor.

13.) I know how to train a miniature mule to ride.

14.) I've been working as a college counsellor.

etc.......

Make a list of all the cool things you can do. It's fun.

Arizona Sheriff

TO THOSE OF YOU NOT FAMILIAR WITH JOE ARPAIO, HE IS THE MARICOPA ARIZONA COUNTY SHERIFF AND HE KEEPS GETTING ELECTED OVER AND OVER. THIS IS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY:

Sheriff Joe Arpaio (in Arizona) who created the "tent city jail": He has jail meals down to 40 cents a serving and charges the inmates for them. He stopped smoking and porno magazines in the jails. Took away their weights. Cut off all but "G" movies. He started chain gangs so the inmates could do free work on county and city projects. Then he started chain gangs for women so he wouldn't get sued for discrimination. He took away cable TV until he found out there was a federal court order that required cable TV for jails. So he hooked up the cable TV again only let in the Disney channel and the weather channel. When asked why the weather channel he replied, so they will know how hot it's gonna be while they are working on my chain gangs. He cut off coffee since it has zero nutritional value. When the inmates complained, he told them, "This isn't the Ritz/Carlton. If you don't like it, don't come back." He bought Newt Gingrich' lecture series on videotape that he pipes into the jails.

More on the Arizona Sheriff: With temperatures being even hotter than usual in Phoenix (116 degrees just set a new record), the Associated Press reports: About 2,000 inmates living in a barbed-wire-surrounded tent encampment at the Maricopa County Jail have been given permission to strip down to their government-issued pink boxer shorts. On Wednesday, hundreds of men wearing boxers were either curled up on their bunk beds or chatted in the tents, which reached 138 degrees inside the week >before. Many were also swathed in wet, pink towels as sweat collected on their chests and dripped down to their pink socks. "It feels like we are in a furnace," said James Zanzot, an inmate who has lived in the tents for 1 year. "It's inhumane." Joe Arpaio, the tough-guy sheriff who created the tent city and long ago started making his prisoners wear pink, and eat bologna sandwiches, is not one bit sympathetic He said Wednesday that he told all of the inmates: "It's 120 degrees in Iraq and our soldiers are living in tents too, and they have to wear full battle gear, but they didn't commit any crimes, so shut your damned mouths!"

Maybe if all prisons were like this one there would be a lot less crime and/or repeat offenders. Criminals should be punished for their crimes - not live in luxury until it's time for their parole, only to go out and commit another crime so they can get back in to live on taxpayers money. Sheriff Joe was just reelected Sheriff in Maricopa County, Arizona.

New Stuff....Condo Offers

Hello again,

My sister informs me that I need to be posting new stuff on my website. When I looked, I realized that I didn't announce that we made an offer on a condo.

Jared and I are really going to buy one. Isn't that great? The lady accepted our offer. We did a home inspection and an apprasial. I now just got all of the loan paperwork. This is going to be exciting. I'll post pictures when I take some!!!

Sunrise

I was lucky enough this morning to see the most incredible sunrise. In addition to that, I caught it on film. See sunrise in my album. You won't regret it.

Kenny and My Theory of Life

In honor of the fact that Kenny Chesney's new record is coming out this week, I wanted to do something special. This is currently my favorite song. It goes right along with my theory of life.

I’ve been up to my neck workin 6 days a week
Wearin holes into the shoes on my feet
Been dreamin of gettin away since I don’t know
Aint no better time than now..for mexico

No shoes, no shirt, no problems
Blues what blues..hey I forgot them
The sun and the sand and a drink in my hand with no bottom
And no shirt, no shirt, and no problems!
No problems

Want a towel on a chair in the sand by the sea
Want to look thru my shades and see you there with me
Want to soak up life for a while
In laid back mode
No boss, no polite, no stress, no dress code

No shoes, no shirt, no problems
Blues what blues hey I forgot them
The sun and the sand and a drink in my hand with no bottom
And no shoes, no shirt, and no problems

Babe lets get packed..tank tops and flip flops if u got them
No shoes, no shirt, no problems
No problems.

Make it your theory of life.... It's much more fun that way...besides the fact that I'm spending three months on a Greek Island helps!!

Quality Time with Half-Pint

I got to spend some quality time with my little Half-Pint today. I was so excited about it. I picked out his hooves. I brushed him, and then saddled him up and went for a nice long ride. We had a lot of fun. Gregory and Mini came with us, and we had a blast. To check out what I look like on my mule, check out Half-Pint in my photo album.

Minimum Wage

I had a realization when I was talking to my friend from Pennsylvania that minimum wage laws are actually a lot different around the states then I thought. Here's what I was thinking. She was talking about her job and minimun wage etc., but I was thinking, minimun wage isn't THAT much really. Oregon minimun wage is sitting somewhere between $7.05 and $7.20. That's totally crazy. Of course we also have the highest unemployment rate, but that's never advertised.

I realized that federal minimum wage is quite low you know. It's down in the $5.00 dollar range. I could never imagine making only $5.00 an hour, yet some brave Americans do. Here's to those people that still get up off the couch (or out of bed--whichever you may choose) to go to work and be productive, if the wages aren't perfect. And here's to those companies that takes good enough care of their employees to pay them what they're worth. And also, here's to those people that are worth so much more than they're being paid!!!

Visa, Governments, Travel

I think it's kind of odd in this world that the citizens don't have free reign to go where they please. I recently ran into a situation where I needed to look into getting a visa to go to Greece. The rule is that if you stay longer than 90 days that you need a visa. Unfortunately, I will be there a little longer than 90 days, so I have to look into getting a visa.

I called the consulate in San Fransisco, and they didn't really have a visa for what I want. They sent me the information for a student visa, but per the Greek constitution, you aren't really a student if you aren't in a Greek university. So, I've decided to just go, and get my 90 days extended while I'm there. I'm told it's much easier.

However, I have a really good friend moving to Austria, and he's trying to get a work permit. I'm told that to do that you have to prove that you couldn't possibly be filling a job that someone else could be filling that lives in the country. I'm told it takes an act of God.

I have some suggestions. Only talk to ONE person at an office. Get their name and extension and call back as much as you need to. Be annoying, but firm....

It's the only way.

Engagement Announcement

I just thought that it would be proper to give my congratulations to one of my good friends, Gretchen Reiner for becoming engaged to her boyfriend Todd.

I'm very happy for them both. The wedding is set for July, and I was asked to be the photographer for it! Hooray!

Contacts

So I went to the the eye doctor yesterday, because I was having trouble seeing all the time when I was driving and everything, so I decided to get contacts. Contacts are much better than glasses especially when you are out trying to use a camera to take photos of things. Anyway... so we decided to give me contacts. And isn't is just odd putting something in your eye every morning? I'm starting to get the hang of it, but it's great to be able to see things.

I can truly tell you that it's a religious experience to be able to see things. We live on the top of a hill overlooking a valley, and in the morning you can see the fog overlooking the valley. It truly is a religious experience. I'm now starting to believe that just being able to see is truly a religious experience.

Good Earth Tea

If you are a tea drinker--and not many people are, I have a suggestion for you. Try Good Earth Tea. Just the good old normal stuff. It doesn't really belong in the relm of tea. Most teas are boring and bland, or they need something to spice them up. However, this tea has the most incredible flavor, and it doesn't take your entire stash of milk and honey to make it right. Try it out...see what you think. I swear by it. Maybe they'll give me a job as their international spokesperson.

New Life Changes

I've recently realized that there are a lot of us going through life changes. My husband and I are preparing to move to other jobs and leave the group we have been a part of for several years. My sister had her beautiful baby boy, and several of my friends are pregnant ready to have their children. On top of that, I've had several friends get married and start new lives over the past year.

I just wanted to extend my excitement to all in these life-changing times. :)

The Way to Happiness

I've recently stumbled across this amazing project that is found 'around the world. There is this incredible little book circulating that has been changing civilization in a big way for the better.

I am proud to introduce it to you. The book is called The Way to Happiness. It is a common sense guide to living. It's purpose is to put a moral code in society so that the current moral decline can be haulted and so that man can once again live in happiness and decency.

Go to www.twth.org and check it out for yourself. If you are interested, email, me, and I can get you an e-copy of the book.

It's so amazing. It has such values as be worthy of trust, don't be promiscuious, love and help children, care for your environment. It really is an incredible book.....

Mad Cow Disease

What is Mad Cow Disease?

America found its first case of mad cow disease on December 23, 2003. Since that time, a scare has broken out in society as well as in the meat industry. The demand for beef had decreased rapidly. Other countries throughout the world have stopped importing our beef and we have slaughtered at least 500 cattle. I'm going to look at whether or not this scare is really necessary.

Mad Cow disease is a disease that occurs in the brain and spinal cord of cattle. It is caused by a type of bad, odd protein that convinces the normal proteins of the brain and spine to change into a sponge-like mass.

Mad Cow disease is just a nickname for the disease. The nickname came about because the cattle don't act normally when they get this disease. The actual scientific name for it is Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy.

What's the big deal if this disease is just a cow thing?

The reason there is such hype about mad cow disease is because it is believed that people are able to contract a form of Mad Cow disease by eating the meat of infected animals. The human form of the disease is called CJD. The human form of the disease is just as severe as the cow form. There is no treatment or vaccine.

Mad cow disease is such a big deal because in the mid 80's, England, several people contracted CJD from cattle with mad cow disease. During that time in England, they killed five million cattle to try to stop the spread of the disease.

We don't want a situation like that to come to America.

How is Mad Cow disease spread?

Imagine this scene. You are a cattle farmer and you want to make the biggest amount of money the fastest possible way. Raising cattle free range can be quite costly because you have to own and manage the land. Feeding them on hay is also quite expensive because hay prices are quite high (due to less land for farming and the amount of work it takes to harvest it).

You take your cows to slaughter. The butcher carves off all of the meat that is needed for steaks and other things, and goes to throw the rest of the meat away. This extra meat consists of the brain, the intestines and the spinal cord of the cattle. It also contains the bones of the cattle.

There's the bright idea. Couldn't we do something with that extra stuff to make money. Someone several years ago came up with the bright idea of drying it out, grinding it up and feeding it to the other live animals for food. It doesn't cost nearly as much as having to buy all that expensive hay.

Thus was born the practice of feeding cattle to other cattle. This practice wasn't only done with cattle. Soon, cattle were eating sheep, pigs, horses and cattle. That's how mad cow disease started. Sheep have a form of the disease that was passed onto cattle when we started to feed animals to other animals. Those animals were ground up and feed to other animals, thus trending the downward spiral of sending mad cow disease on to other cattle. If you are feeding a bunch of cattle other infected cattle, that disease is going to spread real fast.

It is IMPOSSIBLE to spread mad cow disease merely by association. That is, just having infected cattle put with other cattle. The brain or spinal cord must be eaten.

The spread of Mad Cow disease shows only the feeding practices of the animals. The WHO suggested banning these feeding practices. The United States banned animal cannibalism to stop the spread of this disease. They didn't, however, ban feeding animals other animals. So a sheep could be fed an infected cow. That sheep could then be fed back to cattle infecting other cattle. This is how the disease could spread on. There are many people concerned about this.

There's one other thing to this. We allow downer cattle to be slaughtered. These are the cattle that are too sick to stand. They have to be hauled into the slaughterhouse to get killed because they can't walk. These cattle are allowed into the food chain with almost no problems. These are the cattle most likely to have the disease, and we aren't testing them for the disease.

How can humans get Mad Cow disease?

Basically by eating the brain of a cow (as some sick people do). It is also argued that you can get it by using cattle products that could contain part of a ground up brain (like the base of lipstick), but it is not likely.

The scary and not so scary facts

If you listen to the news, you can hear all kinds of scary facts about this mad cow scare like that the bad protein that causes all of this can't be killed with temperature and radiation (which is true) or that it takes 5 years to know if you have the disease. However, when you look at the actual facts of the disease, there's NOTHING to be scared of.

America tests their cattle for this disease. Though we don't do it as rigorously as other countries, we still do test them. This is the first case we have EVER run into that has been infected in America. That's not really enough to cause such an alarm.

The cow that was found was a dairy cow. That means quite a bit. First of all, dairy cows are most likely used for dog food when they go to slaughter. Because of the nature of their bodies, they aren't made to create beef. They're made to create milk. It takes up so much of their body energy and muscle that when they are killed, we can't eat steak from them. They just don't have it. That means that ALL steak is safe because this cow wasn't a beef cow.

The dairy products of this cow were safe (if you drank her milk) because it doesn't contain brain or spinal cord tissues.

The US has taken incredible precautions to keep mad cow disease from spreading. What they have done:

1.) Banned the import of meat and cattle from infected areas

2.) Banned the feeding of cattle to other cattle

3.)Testing animals for the BSE protein

4.) All downer cattle have been banned from the human meat market.

Mad cow disease will effect older animals (because the incubation period is so long). Most cattle in America are slaughtered at the age of 2. No case has ever been found in a cow that young.

Beef gets mixed with other beef and you're eating the beef of about 100 other cows when you eat a hamburger. That means the hamburger from this one cow is diluted so much it isn't even noticeable.

There have been only 139 cases world wide of CJD disease from Mad cows disease. That's .00000025% percent of the current population. There has only been 2 occurrences in the last three years.

The chances of getting infected if you eat infected beef are about the same chance that you'll win the Powerball lottery and get struck by lightning on the same day. The risk of contracting the disease from eating beef and beef products, even when infected cows are in the food supply, "is much less than one case per 10 billion servings."

Recovering Goat

My goat has been doing quite well. I haven't written about him recently, but I just wanted everyone to know that he has made a nice recovery. He still has a pretty big wound on one part of his neck. Yeah...it has been a while, so that wound must have had some damage to it.

However, that is the only problem that he's had, so it's actually turned out to be just fine. He's out walking around all the time, and he got an upgraded house out of the deal. He also has a special box of crackers just for him. He still often tries to convince me that he needs to sleep inside, but I've caught on. :)

Magic Computer Swap

This morning I moved my office to another place and I made the magic computer swap. This is probably the 4th time in the last year that I've moved my office, but somehow, for whatever reason, my beloved computer comes with me. I was SO excited when I first got it because it was such an incredible upgrade from what I was using. It must have been love at first sight beacuse I sure did love that computer. There's just something unhappy about having to set up another computer to have all the settings the way that YOU want them.

Maybe someday someone will write a song about my magic computer swap...and I will be famous.

Auntie and Uncle

Jared and I are offically and aunt and uncle.

Canadians Are Great

I recently took a little trip to Canada. It was kind of the pre-cursor of what it is that I'm going to be doing in Europe.

No, really. I have a really good friend that lives up there, and one of my other really good friends talked me into going up with him.

We took the train (a new experience for me). It was a lot of fun. I got to hang out and see all the weird things they do in Canada. Here are somethings I noticed.

1.) If you yell "Merry Christmas" at them out the window, they don't automatically expect it to be expletives, and sometimes they wave back.

2.) They have a very nasty potato chip that actually is covered in dried ketchup.

3.) When you order french fries at a resturant, they bring you vinegar (HMMMMMMM)

4.) Canadias aren't FAT like Americans.

5.) Candaians are just nicer in GENERAL!

The Greece Kit

So here I am packing off to Europe, and I'm trying to put together what I'm deeming my Greece kit. What do I need to take with me half-way around the world? This is what I've got so far.

Documentation to prove who I am (passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc)
2 Cameras and their accessories
20 Cd's to burn the photos onto
1 notebook to record things about my photos and what I'm doing
1 medium suitcase with sundry items (clothes, toothbrush, etc.)
1 pair of shoes that can work as dress up and dress down shoes
1 Plane ticket
2 Empty credit cards
1 Paycheck on hand to pay off those credit cards
A few photos of my lovely family and husband
1 visa to stay in Europe

What else do you think I need?

Add a small calculator to convert the EURO‘s to US dollars until you get familiar with the exchange rate

Take a portable clothes line and some clothes pins so you can wash out your socks in your room.

take an electrical convertor to change the voltage for your electronic things like computers and cameras

Take a little swiss army knife (pack in suitcase and check that luggage)or one of those all-in one-tools, never know when a screwdriver is needed, or a bottle opener

pack a second pair of shoes that can be dressy(?) or good to walk in, a change to another shoe is GREAT after walking all day in the first pair

Hey, that\‘s GREAT advice--all the things I should have thought of, but didn\‘t because I\‘ve never left the country...

I think you should take some American chocolate too, just in case Greek chocolate turns out to be weird. :)

Hey, that\‘s GREAT advice--all the things I should have thought of, but didn\‘t because I\‘ve never left the country...

I think you should take some American chocolate too, just in case Greek chocolate turns out to be weird. :)

Greek language CDs, CD player and small dictionary (that stuff tends to be expensive outside the country--they know they‘ve got you). MONEY BELT--because tourists are fair game. THE REALLY, REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF: Compass to remind yourself you don‘t have the slightest idea where you are. A hatpin for those times you need to remember THAT you are ("Wake up, Alice dear!"). A resume with several photos of yourself to help you remember that you don‘t have the slightest idea WHO you are. SOUTH PARK DVD so you can learn the words to "Blame Canada." A pack of Gaulois cigarettes for self defense on trains. A dozen rolls of toilet paper because you just never know. A hardback copy of WAR AND PEACE in case you need to make room in your luggage (and you know darned well you weren‘t going to read it anyway). A half gallon of butter pecan ice cream in case Greek ice cream turns out to be weird. A picture of Dege so you can think of all the ways you might make his miserable excuse for an existence just a tiny bit happier. And how COULD you have forgotten to bring photos of your mule and your goat?

Freezing Rain

It's been SUPER cold here lately. I'm cold. Though I grew up in a town that is famous for (and often does have) the coldest weather in the country, I have found the past couple of days to be cold...and an adventure nontheless.

There was one flaw when they made car heaters. It takes about the time it takes me to drive to work for it to come on. So basically, I walk out my door to freezingness, and then I sit in a coldbox all the way to work. Go figure.

Heh. An even more adventurous thing...our hot water heater broke. You know what that means, no water over 33 degrees. DARN. I had to travel to work to take a shower last night. But again...it was an advenutre.

This morning, when I walked out to my car, there was a layer of frozen rain drops on the windshield. It was fun to get off, but what did that make me thing about the road. That's right. We slipped and slid everywhere. Quite a hilarious picture. So... Enjoy this weather.

Happy New Year

Ok,

So I haven't written in a while. Too bad. I'm going to start up again. I did a lot of travel over the holidays, so I'm back and running :)

Ok...here we go.