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Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Trend We're Loving: Peplum

In nearly every fashion magazine I’ve read this year, I’ve come across at least one outfit sporting the peplum trend. Not familiar with it? Peplum means that the item of clothing has a piece (or pieces) of fabric, often in a ruffle, right near the waist. This trend can be seen on blouses, skirts, dresses or even jackets. Sometimes it’s a small embellishment, other times it’s a larger piece of fabric intended to create a really dramatic effect.

The great thing about this trend is that it can do a lot for different body types. If you are self-conscious about your lower stomach, choosing a peplum blouse can help completely hide that area. If you’ve got no curves whatsoever, a peplum dress or skirt will help create the illusion of an hourglass figure. No matter what your body type, you’re sure to find a piece that looks good on you.

This trend is quite girly and flirty, so if that’s not your cup of tea, peplum might not work for you. With that being said, if you have been thinking about adding some more feminine pieces to your wardrobe, you might want to try out a solid-colored peplum piece as opposed to a floral-print, lace or something ultra-feminine.

Here are some of some of my favorite peplum looks:

blue bow peplum top Wanted! Blue bow peplum top from A|Wear

Do you like this trend? How long do you think it will stick around?

Monday, July 30, 2012

Health & Nutrition: Cauliflower Pizza Crust Via Pinterest

For those of you who know me, you know that I LOVE pizza. Since I have a love/hate relationship with gluten I've tried several different recipies over the past year that were gluten free but still allowed me to eat delicious pizza.
For dinner a few weeks ago I plaedn on making pizzas (surprised?) Instead of my usual gluten free crusts of choice I decided to try something new: cauliflower pizza. I've seen several recipes floating around on Pinterest and decided to finally give it a try.

What you'll need:
1 and 1/2 cups grated cauliflower
1 egg, beaten
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. parsley
1 tsp. garlic (I used crushed garlic)
1 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional - I like it hot!)
1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees
2. Chop up the cauliflower into little florets and grate then with a cheese grater
3. Rice the grated cauliflower by placing it in the microwave for 2 minute intervals until it is softened (I cooked mine for about 4 minutes)
4. Mix the cauliflower, egg, mozzarella cheese and spices in a bowl until combined
5. On a greased cookie sheet or pizza pan press dough into a thin circle
6. Cook for 12-15 minutes and remove from oven
7. Top with ingredients of choice. I picked pizza sauce, mushrooms and spinach and a little cheese and some more red pepper flakes (told you I like it hot)
8. Change oven to the broiler setting  and cook pizza for 5 more minutes or until the cheese is brown and the toppings are cooked
9. Enjoy!

It was a healthier alternative to the pizza that I love and I am making it again tonight. I'm already dreaming about it and it's only 8 a.m.!

Are there any healthy recipes you've tried via Pinterest (or elsewhere) that you'd like to share? We are always looking for new ones!

Friday, July 27, 2012

How-To: Winged Eyeliner

Love the look of winged eyeliner but haven’t quite mastered it? I’ll show you two really easy tricks to help you get the hang of creating this look: the tissue method and the tape method. What?? I know it sounds weird, but using either a piece of tape or a tissue helped me master the winged eyeliner effect.

Here are the steps:

1. Before getting to the tape/tissue part, apply your eyeliner in small short strokes, making sure to thicken the line as you approach the outer corner of your eye. Trying to drag one line across your eyelid often results in unevenness and less product in some areas.

2. Stop when you get to the outer corner of your eye. Your first goal should be to apply the eyeliner as if you weren’t going to wing it out.

3. Once you’re happy with the line you’ve created, choose either the tape or tissue. If you go with the tape, I recommend placing it on the back of your hand and peeling it off first. Do this several times so that it’s not so sticky when you place it near your eye. If you have really sensitive skin or have some kind of reaction from sticking the tape on your hand, please don’t use this method! If you choose the tissue, fold it in half.
4. Align the tape or tissue with the bottom rim of your eye (you should try to match the angle), like so:

5. If you’re using a tissue, you’ll either have to hold it in place while you finish your eyeliner or tape it down. Even if you tape it down, you’ll need to apply light pressure near your eye to make sure the tissue doesn’t come up while you are applying your eyeliner.
6. In small short strokes, draw a line from the outer corner of your eye along the tape or tissue. The length is up to you; it all depends on how dramatic you want to make the look.
7. Once you have drawn that line, start at the very end of the line and slowly draw back toward the center of your eye in order to connect the wing and the rest of your eyeliner. Fill in any gaps.

You're done!

A few tips:

I think that this look works best with either liquid or gel eyeliner. These types of eyeliners are a bit difficult to wipe away once they dry, so one idea is to lightly trace out the shape of your eyeliner with the same color eye pencil or eyeshadow before putting on the liquid or gel liner.

Don’t be discouraged if you can’t get it perfect right away. Keep a cotton bud soaked in eye makeup remover handy to clean up any mistakes.

Have you tried this method? Do you use guides to apply any of your makeup?

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Fashion: Neon--Not Just for the Runway

Neon is all the rage in fashion lately. I've noticed that clothing at the gym has also adapted to this trend. I'm not sure how long it will stick around in every day fashion, but I have a feeling it's going to be a long lived trend in athletic gear. Being able to be clearly seen when you're working out (especially outside) is also safe. I feel much better on my runs when I'm wearing bright clothing that cars can clearly see.

Some of my favorites I've found:

Neon I've been sporting lately:

My favorite Lululemon Neon Tank
My neon Mizuno running shoes Jay bought me :)
What do you think of the neon trend? Love it or hate it? Any other workout gear you're loving lately?

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Kiehl's Dark Spot Corrector Testing and Review: Part Two

In early June, I posted part one of my review of Kiehl’s Dark Spot Corrector. Click here to read it.

The first positive thing I have to say about the product is that it lasted A LOT longer than I anticipated. Even with going a bit above and beyond the recommended usage, the product lasted until the beginning of July (I bought it in mid-April). That’s just over two and a half months of being able to use it twice daily! I am really impressed. When spending $50 on one skincare item, I want it to be able to use it for a while.

After a few weeks of using the product, I was pretty skeptical. Before I purchased the dark spot corrector, I read a bunch of really positive reviews – some even said the product was a miracle. Unfortunately for me, I wasn’t seeing those instant results some reviewers saw. At the time I posted part one of my review, I thought I could see a few signs of improvement but I really wasn’t sure.

So, did it work?

I’m happy to say it absolutely did! Though the spots I wanted to get rid of are not completely gone, I’ve seen a dramatic improvement from the time I began using the serum. My skin tone is a lot more even. What made me realize that the serum had begun to work is the fact that I was using less foundation and concealer to cover those areas. Now that I finished one bottle of the serum, I don’t even need concealer in some areas.

Here are the before and after pictures:

I think the results are especially apparent in the first before and after picture!

Lastly, here’s a quick rundown of my thoughts on the product:
  • Easy to use? Yes.
  • Price? Expensive, but worth it.
  • Value? Excellent – lasted much longer than expected.
  • Does it work? Yes, but you may need more than one bottle to completely get rid of dark spots.
  • Would I purchase again? Absolutely.
Have you tried Kiehl’s Dark Spot Corrector? If so, did you have good results? If not, would you consider trying it?

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Beauty Review: Tarte Blusher & Bronze On The Go

At a recent Ulta trip I noticed this Blush & Bronze On The Go set while in the checkout line and had to scoop it up. I was in need of some new bronzer since mine had shattered in pieces just days before (RIP bronzer) and thought this would be the perfect way to sample the Tarte brand that I've heard so many amazing things about.

About The Product:
- Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Dollface (light pink) 0.11 oz.
- Mineral Bronzer in Park Ave Princess (highly pearled golden tan) 0.11 oz.

As described by Tarte:
What it is: A travel-size duo that includes bestselling essentials for a gorgeous healthy complexion. What it does: This limited-edition duo will have you looking bronzed and beautiful on the go with custom-designed travel friendly compacts that fit neatly into any pocket or purse. Formulated without oil, talc, or fragrance, Park Avenue Princess Bronzer fuses earthly minerals with naturally derived ingredients for a finish that's pure perfection. The long-wearing, light pink sheen of Amazonian clay 12-hour blush adds an additional soft and healthy glow to the skin.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
Parabens- Sulfates- Synthetic Fragrances- Phthalates- Triclosan What else you need to know: Amazonian clay is nature's most perfect ingredient because it is completely intuitive and skin-balancing for all skin types. So whether your skin is oily, dry, or combination, Amazonian clay will respond to your specific skin concerns and neutralize for better, longer, and truer wear.

My Review:
I absolutely loved this set. And for only $15? It couldn't be beat. The bronzer is perfect for my skin tone and the blush gives a great pop to my cheek bones. I have had it for a while now and have barely made a dent in it even though I use them both every single day. They stay on all day while I am at work and well into the evening until I wash my face. I will be buying the full sized products of each when these eventually run out someday.

I would highly recommend both of these products if you would like a fresh new blush and bronzer.

Have you used any Tarte brand products before? Do you have any other recommendations for bronzer and blush?

Monday, July 23, 2012

What's In Your Travel Makeup Bag?

I recently got back from a (much needed!) week-long vacation. One thing I always stress out over before traveling is what to pack. I never know how many outfits to bring or what I’m going to feel like wearing during the trip, so I try to bring extras of everything in order to give myself some options.

I used to try to bring all sorts of different eyeshadows, eyeliners and blushers in order to create any kind of makeup look I want, but I ended up packing so many products that it just got to be too much. In recent years I’ve cut down on the amount of makeup I bring on trips, but I’ve been able to figure out which products to bring so that I don’t feel limited.

Here’s what I brought with me:

•    Urban Decay Naked Palette
•    Garnier B.B. Cream in Light/Medium
•    Benefit Erase Paste
•    Laura Mercier Secret Concealer in #3
•    CoverGirl Clean Pressed Powder for Sensitive Skin in Classic Ivory
•    CoverGirl Clear Mascara
•    CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara in Very Black
•    MAC Kohl Eyeliner in Smolder
•    Avon Ultra Luxury Eyeliner in Dark Brown
•    MAC Gel Eyeliner in Blacktrack
•    Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Dollface
•    Tarte Bronzer in Park Avenue Princess
•    Stila Lip Glaze in Kitten
•    Tarte Lipsurgence Natural Matte Lip Stain in Lucky
•    Avon Fruity Juice Lip Gloss in Tangerine
•    Laura Gellar Spackle Under Makeup Primer
•    Tarte Eyelash Curler
•    Brushes (Foundation, Blush, Powder, 3 Eyeshadow and Eyeliner)

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when trying to decide which products to bring on a trip:
  1. Pick one foundation/B.B. cream/tinted moisturizer that you know works for you and bring just that. There’s no sense in trying to bring several different foundations. If you’ve got one go-to product, bring that and be done with it.
  2. Try to avoid packing single eyeshadows; this will just bulk up your makeup bag. I bring one eyeshadow palette with me – from that I can create a whole bunch of different looks.
  3. Do you have trial sizes of anything? If so, pack them!
  4. Think about the climate in your destination. It’s July and I traveled to the east coast, which is known for bouts of high humidity. That combined with the fact that I spent most of my time outside walking around meant that I had to bring powder (which I don’t normally wear) and a face primer. Going somewhere chilly? Skip the powder and think about bringing a creamy foundation or thicker face cream.
  5. Lip products can change your whole look. I bring at least three different lip products -- one pink, one neutral and one wild card (something in the red/orange or purple color family). Lipsticks or glosses usually come in small packages, so it’s not hard to bring more than one.
  6. Sometimes blushers can come in large packages, so I avoid bringing multiple products if possible. I usually bring one pink or peach blush and a bronzer. The bronzer I am currently using works with just about any makeup look, so it was a must-have for me on my trip.
  7. If you have products that do double duty (like a stain that can be used on your cheeks and lips), bring it! These products will help maximize space in your suitcase.
What are your makeup must-haves when you travel?

Friday, July 20, 2012

Fashion: Maxi Love

Skirt and Shirt Forever 21, Sandals Gap

I have spotted so many maxi dresses and skirts this summer that I've lost count. I LOVE this trend and up until now I haven't owned anything this length. I was always afraid that it would make me look shorter or bigger than I was - but I've discovered that it's not the case at all! I have recently purchased a few skirts and dresses of my own and can't stop wearing them. It's an easy and comfortable trend that can be worn very casual or dressed up. I love the way this looks and when done right people of all shapes and sizes can rock this trend.

A few looks I'm loving right now:

What do you think? Do you own any maxi dresses or skirts? Would you wear this look?

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Five Summer Makeup Must-Haves

Summer is in full swing – is your makeup bag stocked and ready? Here are a few things I consider must-haves for summer:

Eye and face primers
Don’t let all the work you put into perfecting your makeup look go to waste when you step outside. Make sure you’re wearing eye and face primers, and be sure to pick up separate primers formulated for each area.

A few favorites:

Urban Decay Primer Potion in Original

This is my year-round go-to for eye primer. It’s lightweight, easy-to-apply and it speaks for itself – my eye makeup always lasts the whole day.

Kat Von D High Voltage Eye Primer in Skin

This eye primer comes in a close second. The product is a little thick, but once blended it will help your eye makeup stay put. As an added bonus, using a beige-toned eye primer helps cover any redness or discoloration on your eyelids making the colors you apply more bright and vibrant.

Kat Von D - High Voltage Eye Primer
Laura Geller Spackle Under Makeup Primer in Original

If you have any oiliness whatsoever on your skin, this primer will suck it all up. Enough said.

Bright eyeliner
Summer is the time of year where you can wear fun and bright makeup colors and it looks totally normal. I’m a huge fan of bright eye makeup, especially eyeliner. My absolute favorite is wearing bright green. Come on – you can’t really get away with that during the winter.

A few to try:

Sephora Collection Nano Liner in Chlorophyll

This bright green is adorable. And surprisingly, it works with a lot of different eyeshadow colors.

Inglot Matte Collection AMC Eyeliner Gel in 72

Pink eyeliner? If you’re brave enough to try it, I promise it will give your whole face a summer-y look!

BB cream or tinted moisturizer
Don’t apply a thick foundation – let your skin breathe this summer! A BB cream or tinted moisturizer is perfect to wear “it’s hot outside” is an understatement.

Here are a few favorites:

Garnier BB Cream in Fair/Light
This is the BB cream I am currently using, and I couldn’t be happier. I bought this on a whim from Target and have been really satisfied with how lightweight it feels and covers up any imperfections on my skin.

Garnier - Miracle Skin Perfector - Light/Medium
Smashbox BB Cream

This is the BB cream Amanda is currently using, and she loves it. You can check out her review here.

Smashbox - Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

I don’t think I’m the only one who loves this tinted moisturizer. It’s light and looks really lovely on the skin.

Laura Mercier - Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20

Bright lip gloss

Second only to bright eyeliner, bright lip gloss is another summer makeup must-have. I prefer it over lipstick, because it doesn’t feel or look so heavy on the lips.

Try these:

MAC Tinted Lipglass (try Pink Poodle, Saint Germain or Angel)

I can’t get enough of MAC lipglasses. These lightweight glosses give a big color payoff without feeling too sticky or heavy.
 Tinted Lipglass

Stila Lip Glaze (try Kitten or Watermelon)

Stila’s lip glazes are a little bit thicker than a normal lip gloss, but they have so many color choices that are perfect for summer. The lip glazes don’t wear off easily and no matter which one you choose, you can be sure your lips will have a really pretty sheen or shimmer.

Stila - Lip Glaze

Bronzing powder

I religiously wear sunscreen, so I can’t say I’m sporting any kind of a tan – even in the midst of summer. In order to fake it, bronzing powder is a staple in my summer makeup routine.

Tarte Bronzer in Park Avenue Princess

This is a perfect color for lighter skin tones – it doesn’t look too orange or ruddy. It’s best applied lightly in layers.

matte waterproof mineral powder bronzer

Smashbox Bronze Lights
Another great bronzing powder choice. Super blendable and gives a lovely glow to the skin.
Smashbox - Bronze Lights

What else do you carry in your makeup bag during summer?


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Tuesday, July 14, 2009

World Series Game 7, Who is Your Starter? [David Stefanini]

This was a question just posed to me by a good friend of mine. He randomly called me and made me pick a starting pitcher to start and win game 7 of the World Series.

This pitcher would need to have several characteristics in order for me to chose him. So I decided to quickly run down the list of pitchers that I have seen, in other words pitchers from the 90's and up. This is the short list I produced: Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, Johan Santana, Greg Maddux and Roger Clemens.

After looking at this list I realized as great as Johan is he has not pitched in a World Series game and does not possess the career numbers in which the others do; so he was eliminated from the thought process. Next was Greg Maddux, for as great as he was posted a losing record in the World Series, though he has a 2.09 ERA in 5 games. He was a brilliant pitcher who possessed the intelligence to be considered, but I wanted someone who had 'disgusting' stuff. Someone who scared you. I then looked at Roger Clemens who is 12-8 with a 3.75 ERA. He was amazing, but did it using steroids. In today's game he may be suspended so I couldn't take that risk.

That left me with Johnson and Martinez, two guys who have such amazing arms, and both have great baseball intelligence. Johnson's postseason statistics are not tremendously impressive but his World Series record and ERA are incredible. However, when you put these two legendary pitchers statistics together you get a feel for how amazing Pedro Martinez was.

Pedro in his prime was simply untouchable. Just go to baseballreference.com and punch in his name to look at these stats. In 1999 he had probably the most amazing season I have ever seen, like I said earlier I started watching baseball in the early 90's. His numbers: 23-4, 2.07 ERA, .923 WHIP, 313 K's, and how does he follow this season, with arguably a better one: 18-6, 1.74 ERA, .737 WHIP, 284 K's. He only pitched one World Series game and pitched 7 shut out innings of stellar baseball. Want more evidence supporting my claim? How about a 6-2 Postseason record doing it while going against the great Yankee teams and other AL power houses of recent memory. His seasons form 1997-2003 go down as the best stretch of any pitcher not named Koufax.

Give me Pedro in his prime any day over anyone else I have ever seen, and probably Pedro over anyone in history. Feel free to argue this in the comment section as it's only my opinion and J. Mark English will more than likely argue against Pedro.

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Black Algaecide

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1-Quart bottle


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5712 MicroStrategy Oglethorpe Consulting firm with MicroStrategy Software expertise in Oglethorpe
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day 240

the demands of life
anchor us in separate waters
we tow their weight
for the needs of others
as well as our own.
commitments cling like barnacles,
encrusting us with their importance
until we have forgotten why
we took down our sails,
turned away from the joy of the wind
and remained stuck
in the mud of responsibility.

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Tuesday, February 26, 2008

The Purple Mermaid

I just finished her up!
She is painted in acrylics and done on a 10 x 10 stretched canvas. Her special crown reads "Sailor's Dance" and is cut from vintage sheet music!

Thursday, February 07, 2008

Just finished this cutie up! What do you think? Her dress and wings are collage papers!
When I started her...she wanted to be blonde...continued creating her...and she went to light brown...continued on and on...and she decided upon being a dark chocolate brown! ; ) I think it suits her!
She'll be up on eBay later today!!

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Another blog???

Am I crazy??! Well...maybe! I am trying to 'organize' a bit...and in my silly mind I think I should seperate everything...a blog for my biz...a blog for my photography...and a blog for my art! You might be thinking I have WAY too much time on my hands LOL!


text:
The Official Welcome/Introductions Thread
Hello I'm voidwalker Male, American and have been around since before disco died lol.
I love Anime and everything related. I came across AMV Hell at it's peak and fell in love with the concept.
As most fans were, I was heart broken to see it's decline partly because I feel like I missed a window to be part of something great. But then I found AMV Hellspawn and a new home. Law, Chaz, SuperLoliSentai and any of the other admins; thanks for doing what you do and I hope to contribute and help out in any way I can.
as far as my editing tool bag it's not much different from Chaz's setup - Audacity; Photoshop; Avidemux and working with OpenShot and Blender at the moment.
Blimey, it's nice to see this thread used once in a while.

Welcome Void. Hope to see something from you.
Hey Big Grin
I m new here and here is my new AMV i spend so much time in it I hope you will like it Big Grin

just submitted three entries on the amv submission page in the form of new posts
wazzup guys... im new here but older at the amvhell xD

Forum Jump:


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Monday, November 28, 2016

The Homestretch of 2016

Hard to believe, but 2016 is almost finished.  Thanksgiving has come and gone, which, unfortunately, was the least memorable and lamest Thanksgiving that I have ever had.  It started with what I thought was a cold the week before, turning into what I think was probably the flu with the aches, fever, chills, cough, the whole nine.  As the week of Thanksgiving started, I started to feel better, only to turn again on Thanksgiving and sleeping about 15 hours straight through dinner.  As much as I love the leftovers, I barely ate any of those because my desire to eat was nonexistent.

Excitement abound!
The year has been a crazy one (aren't they all, though?) in my personal and professional life, not to mention the economic, social, and political fabric of the United States and the world changing drastically with a great deal of uncertainty for 2017 ahead of us.  But, as one of my favorite movie characters of all time, Garth Algar from Wayne's World, once said, "LIVE IN THE NOW!" After spending most of Thanksgiving week under the weather, I am finally feeling better (just in time to give whatever sickness I had to my 5-year-old daughter, 19-month-old son, and wife), I got plenty of sleep (because I was sick), and SiriusXM hosted a week and a half of Mandatory Metallica to celebrate the release of their new album, which is absolutely amazing (Brian Briggs, did you pick it up yet?).  I am recharged and ready to rock the next three weeks of school to finish off the calendar year.  The beard is growing in, with a lot more grey than in years past, my hair is longer than it has been in, well, a year, since last No Shave November, and the last few weeks of 2016 is shaping up to be an exciting time, personally and professionally, for yours truly.

Bill Murray, aka, Pvt. Winger salutes you!
Recently, my school's Air Force ROTC program purchased 60 Chromebooks for use in their classes.  I spent some time with my tech partner and a couple of students enrolling the Chromebooks and building carts for the classes.  Now comes the million dollar question:  what do we do with these things?  I admire the ROTC department for their willingness to commit money to the technology and their curiosity in how they can best use their new devices.  Some teachers would get them and let them collect dust or use them as glorified worksheet machines.  The teachers from the ROTC department have already booked appointments to work with me on how to best utilize the tools that they now have.  And it also goes without saying that I admire the fine men and women of our ROTC department that have made military service their career and are now molding the next generation of leaders at our school.

Over the past few weeks, many teachers of my school have been working hard preparing for the Google Certified Educator, Level 1 exam.  I organized a three-hour training, with an additional three-hour block of time for the exam on Saturday, December 10 at my school.  Not only have teachers been incorporating more Google tools into their daily lessons and reviewing the modules provided by the Google for Education Training Center, they are going to be giving up a 6-hour block of one of their Saturdays to complete the training and testing.  To convince somebody to put in those kinds of hours, cough up $10 to pay for the exam and give up their Saturday takes quite a bit of convincing on the part of the organizer.  However, 25 teachers and staff are signed up, and I look forward to seeing each and every one of them receive their certification certificates.

One of the best things about working at a school that is trying to become more technologically savvy and innovative is helping teachers that already have great lessons and projects and how to flip them into something that is more digital in nature (SAMR, anyone?).  One such teacher wanted to take a small project that involves researching historical figures from providing a brief presentation of simple facts with a graphic to something much more exciting and visually appealing.  I provided her with a few ideas on how to achieve this, such as creating a hyperdoc or short videos.  In ten minutes, she turned her project into a video project using Adobe Spark where student groups would demonstrate their learning on a historical figure through graphics and short text, rather than long sentences/paragraphs, with voiceovers and music to accommodate the information.  The videos could then be posted by students to Google Classroom to share with their peers for learning and evaluative purposes.

We took our kids to Disneyland at the beginning of break;
 this is what it's like waiting in line at times! And waiting to
hear back on other things too...
The next few days and weeks are full of potentially good news for me as a professional.  I am awaiting word on approval on several fronts.  I applied to be a presenter at CUE in Palm Springs in March.  My presentation will be non-traditional in nature in regards to your typical conference session in that it will be more of a roundtable discussion on how to bring tech laggers and tech resistors on board with a vision of expanding technology in a school.  I also applied to present several sessions at the EdTech Team's Carson City, NV GAFE Summit (is it still going to be called a GAFE Summit now that it is GSuite?).  And the one that I am most anticipating is my application for Google Certified Trainer that I submitted a few weeks back.  It's tough playing the whole "hurry up and wait" game, but the rewards are great if I can only be patient.  But it's so hard!

Lastly, while I enjoy many aspects of the December holiday season, it's not my favorite time of the year, for several reasons.  I don't enjoy how it becomes earlier and earlier every year (can we get through Halloween, Veteran's Day and Thanksgiving please?).  I don't enjoy how materialistic and corporate it has become.  I'm not religious, but in my opinion, it's gotten away from the religious, cultural, and family-oriented holiday that it once was.   And I also don't enjoy remembering spending a Christmas in the hospital when my grandmother was sick years ago.  I cherish the memories of her, just don't like being reminded of that one.  This year, for the first time since I moved to Nevada in 2005, I will actually be home.  Because I have always traveled during my time off in December, I have never bothered to decorate a tree or anything.  This year, we will buy a tree, decorate it, hang stockings, and the whole thing for the kids.  And of course, I will enjoy the things that I do like about the holiday, like watching Bad Santa, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Home Alone, and Charlie Brown and hanging out with friends and family.  And of course, hockey is always on and college bowl season begins and barring the (probable) collapse of the Detroit Lions, playoff football in the Motor City.

The next few weeks will be a great ride, hopefully, your ride will be just as fun and jam-packed as mine.  Until next time...

Monday, November 14, 2016

Where Do We Go From Here?

How we all felt as the campaign dragged on, and on, and on!
Now that the dust has settled (slightly) on the 2016 election cycle, I feel that it is important to address what it means for educators and our students.  I am not putting this out as a platform for debate, mudslinging, and hatred that too much of the past year and a half has been about, this is more of a simple observation and hope for the future.  And I also write this as unbiased as I can be.  I enjoy politics (that are civil, based on facts, etc.) and I feel that our nation has the best system of government in the world.  Throughout the past few months, I have stayed on the sidelines for several reasons, mainly because I was very well set in my thoughts on the candidates and their views and I am not a fan of confrontation, especially when so much of the confrontation in this cycle was so negative and downright violent at times.  I normally do not share who I voted for, but for the sake of this post, I will open a door that is rarely opened.

Now this is just fun!
I grew up in a family that was very Republican.  My political views through high school and early college were very much aligned with the Republican platform as a result.  However, those views began to soften during college, starting with the mess that the Election of 2000 was at the time.  Through my early to mid-20s, my views became more center of the road, to even liberal in nature.  I would classify myself today as a moderate liberal, but I always like to vote for who I believe is best for the job, regardless of their party affiliation or their placement on the political spectrum.  That being said, I have voted for Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Greens, Reforms, and Libertarians, far to the left, far to the right, and everywhere in between.  In the beginning of this cycle, I narrowed down candidates from both of the major parties that I could get behind.  However, as the campaign progressed, my choices were eliminated by either personal preference or by the lack of votes in the primary.

How I am sure many around the nation and world felt when they saw the results.
As the campaigns developed and the candidates were narrowed down to Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump, I could not get behind either one.  I felt that Hilary had too much baggage coming from too many places regarding the various scandals in her career and Donald lacked experience and was way too controversial.  I am not a believer in the "lesser of two evils" mantra, so I ended up throwing my vote behind Gary Johnson.  Many will call it a wasted vote, but if more people voted third party when they do not like either of the two major party candidates, a third party would have a realistic change.  I was absolutely glued to the TV from about 3 PM Pacific on Tuesday, all the way until 1:30 AM on Wednesday morning, and was, like many people around the country and world, very surprised by the result.  But enough of my rambling, let me get to the point of the whole piece...

The debate is only beginning between all sides as to what a Trump presidency means for the United States.  Supporters are "ready to make America great again", while detractors are protesting, threatening to leave for Canada, and doomsday prepping.  So what does it really mean for us as educators?  It means that we still need to do our jobs to the best of our abilities and work our butts off educating the future leaders of the nation, which is no different than if Hilary Clinton would have been elected.  We still need to get up in the morning, go to work, prepare our lessons, find creative and innovative ways to present said lessons, be there for kids that are having a rough day, congratulate those that are doing amazing things, guide those that need help getting there, keeping a look out for those that are vulnerable because of an abusive household, bullying by their peers, continue to learn to better ourselves as educators, and go home only to wake up and do it all over again.  Politicians can say they are going to do a lot of things.  The bottom line is that those things will only happen through hard work and compromise of hundreds of people within our government.  No one person is too powerful to enact even the simplest of ideas, let alone one as horrific, deplorable, and vile as some campaign promises that were made by the president-elect regarding Muslims, immigrants, and women that choose to end a pregnancy (DISCLAIMER: this is my personal viewpoint on some of the ideas that were touted during the campaign; I do not judge you for your opinions if yours are the opposite of mine, what makes the country great is that we can disagree and still live our lives).  It is going to take hard work from the president-elect, his advisors and cabinet, Congress, and citizens like you and me to make the next few years great.

While I disagree with many of Mr. Trump's policy stances and things that he has done and/or said in the past, I wish him all the best.  Hoping that our president fails is hoping that our nation fails.  I know I will keep an open mind about his presidency, and I hope that more decide to do the same.  If you disagree, you have the right to do so, the right to protest, the right express your anger.  In four years, we will do this all over again and if his presidency is not what he has promised, we will change him out for somebody else.

With that being said, I will bid you "au revoir!" Until next time...


text:
Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Tasty Tuesday: (Maybe Meatless) Taco Bake

This recipe is from Emily, who writes, "This is a common meal in my home! I love it because it's so versatile. I started making this with taco meat, but with meat prices being so high, I started adding some filler ingredients & eventually just left out the meat altogether. You can use any combo of filler ingredients, or go with only meat."

The Ingredients:

  • 1 can refried beans
  • shredded cheese
  • 2 boxes corn bread mix
  • taco seasoning
"Filler" Options -  you can use any combination of the ingredients below:
  • 1 can black beans
  • approximately 1/3 bag of lentils, cooked
  • approximately 1.5 cups of rice, cooked
  • ground beef, cooked

The Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray 13x9 pan with cooking spray & spread refried beans to cover the bottom. It will be just a thin layer.

In a bowl, combine desired filling ingredients & add taco seasoning to taste, then spread over refried beans. Cover with shredded cheese to taste.

Mix corn bread according to package directions, then spread over the filling & cheese. Bake at 400 degrees for about 25 minutes.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Tasty Tuesday: Side Dishes

Many of our Tasty Tuesday recipes focus on one-dish meals.... but sometimes you need a new side dish to jazz up your meal! Here are a few side dishes recommended by Anderson MOPS mamas!

Roasted Corn on the Cob

... this is the easiest way to cook corn EVER. And it's delicious. Trust me. :)

The Ingredients:

  • 1-2 ears of corn for each person, still in their husks

The Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line ears of corn up on a baking sheet & put in oven for 30-40 minutes (when you smell it & the husks start to look crispy, it's done). Allow to cool & shuck... the husks & silks will peel off easily. Enjoy!

Sweet Baby Carrots

Easy & kids love 'em!

The Ingredients:

  • 1 lb baby carrots, uncooked
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 2 tsp canola oil or 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
  • pinch of salt

The Directions:

Boil carrots in medium saucepan until tender. Drain. Pour orange juice over carrots & toss. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes. Stir in butter or oil, brown sugar & salt. Cook while stirring until salt & sugar are dissolved into a syrup.

Roasted Broccoli

... it's been called the best broccoli you'll ever eat! You be the judge :)

The Ingredients:

  • 1 large bunch of fresh broccoli (or more, if you have a big family)
  • 2-3 tbsp olive oil
  • salt (sea salt is preferred)
  • grated cheese (optional)

The Directions:

Cut broccoli into bite-size florets. Put broccoli & olive oil in a gallon-size ziplock bag & shake it until thoroughly coated (or you can put it in a large bowl & toss). Spread on a baking sheet & sprinkle with salt. Put in oven for 25-30 minutes, or until broccoli is slightly crispy. Sprinkle with cheese (if preferred) &  serve immediately.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Tasty Tuesday: Sour Cream Enchiladas & Rice

At our house, we have "Mexican Monday"& this meal is a favorite... for Monday or any day or the week!

The Ingredients:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • 8 oz sour cream
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped or 1 tsp dried cilantro
  • 1 can Rotel tomatoes
  • 1 cup onion, diced
  • 8 large tortillas
  • 1/2 cup shredded mexican cheese blend
  • 4 oz can diced chilies (optional)
  • 2 cups mild salsa
  • 1.5 cups water
  • 1 package taco seasoning
  • 2 cups brown or white instant rice

The Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Fill a large pot with water & add chicken breasts. Boil until cooked thoroughly, then use a fork to shred. Coat 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.

In a medium saucepan, mix together sour cream, soup, milk & cilantro. Heat through, stirring constantly. (This boils quickly, so please keep stirring!). Once heated, set aside. In a large skillet or pan sprayed with cooking spray, combine chicken, Rotel tomatoes, onions & green chilies (optional). Heat until onions are thoroughly cooked & transparent. Sandwich tortillas between damp paper towels & warm in microwave for 10 seconds, or until flexible.

Divide chicken mixture into 8 equal parts (will be approximately 2 tbsps). Spoon chicken mixture onto each warmed tortilla & wrap. Place in 9x13 baking dish, with seam side down (or they'll unravel). Pour sour cream sauce over enchiladas & sprinkle mexican cheese on top.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly & cheese is melted.

While enchiladas are in oven, combine salsa, water, & taco seasoning in a sauce pan & bring to a boil. Remove from heat & stir in rice. Allow to sit for 15 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Rice & enchiladas should finish about the same time.

Sunday, September 14, 2014

out of the comfort zone

This year, I'll be sharing the notes from each month's devotional on the blog... just in case there's someone who missed the meeting or who wants to go back & reread afterward.

September Devotional
by Sarah

At our Steering Team retreat this summer, the devotional sign-up sheet went around the room & I passed it on without a second glance because, um, I don't really do devotionals. Then the sheet made it's second round & September was the only month available. And I suddenly realized that ok, so devotionals aren't in my comfort zone. But this year is about brave, right?

So here I am.

This year's theme, "be you, bravely," is about pushing yourself. It's about going a little bit beyond your normal. It's about doing a new thing. Our theme verse reads:
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!

Isaiah 43:18

So at risk of getting a bit vulnerable (because we're being brave, remember?), I'd like to tell you a quick story.

In 2006, when I was 28 years old, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. She died 10 months later. And y'all? It was really terrible. Like, REALLY terrible. I tried & tried but I couldn't fix her. And when she died, I was devastated.

A year later, I was still reeling. I went from talking to my mom on the phone 3 times a day to nothing & I didn't even know how to process that. Then I found out I was pregnant & it felt like maybe, just maybe, things were looking up. Except then I had a miscarriage. And then next year, another miscarriage. And the year after that, another miscarriage. And by this time, I was a scary, bitter person. Like the kind of person you avoid because, yeah, that girl? She's got the issues.

So then in 2011, I was doing fertility treatments & jumping through all these hoops & my husband was still hanging in there, & I got pregnant again. And this time, it actually worked. My daughter Rose was born in September of that year.

When Rose was 5 months old, I found myself in a MOPS meeting. I was still in a bad place emotionally... I had this baby that I loved more than anything, but my mother was still gone & I had no idea what I was doing & nothing was like I always thought it would be. So I walk into this MOPS meeting & there were all these moms who really had themselves together. They're laughing & cute & nice & happy & skinny & pretty much awesome. And I thought "dude, this is not going to work. These people are WAY too happy." I felt like a total fake... like at any moment, someone was going to tap me on the shoulder & escort me out.

But then when I got home that day & started thinking about it, something happened. I realized that if I was ever going to progress, to change, to move forward at all, I HAD to take a chance. So I came back to MOPS the next month. I showed up. I took a risk.

There have been times when I just feel awkward. There have been moments when I feel totally disconnected, like I don't fit in. I think if we're honest, everyone in this room has had those feelings, even if we hide it really well. Whenever you open yourself up to new people, or a new group, or new experiences, there is risk involved. Risk brings vulnerability.

But when I came back to MOPS, I found something totally unexpected, something fabulous & healing & beautiful. I found relationships... real, honest relationships.

So this morning, I just want to challenge you -- & myself -- to do a brave thing this year. You get to decide what your brave thing is... whether it's coming to next month's meeting, or inviting someone else, or picking up the phone & making that phone call you've been dreading, or coming to a mom's night out even if you want to stay home & rock your yoga pants. Let's gather our courage & our guts & try something new.

In closing, I want to read an excerpt from the feather handout that you'll find here... I think it's beautiful & so appropriate:

A bird will fail to experience all it was made for if it fails to fly.
{The same is true for us}
May this year change your life.
May you hear whispers of hope stirring in your soul.
May MOPS remind you to breathe in & breathe out,
because we're all in this together.
The first step may test our bravery, but courage is the key around our necks.
Be you, Bravely.

Friday, September 12, 2014

Be you, Bravely!

Yesterday was our first meeting of the 2014-15 year, & it was fabulous! So, so glad to see y'all again... thank you to everyone who came!

Mark your Calendars!
  • MOPS on the Town (MOTT) - Wed, Sept 17 at 10am. Bring lunch & a picnic blanket for a playdate with the kiddos at Grace Episcopal Church's playground (address: 711 S McDuffie St Anderson SC 29621).

  • Moms Night Out (MNO) - Thurs, Sept 25 at 7pm. Come enjoy a sweet treat, sitting under the stars & great conversation at Figs Beanery & Creamery (address: 200 N Main St Anderson SC 29621)

Business Recap:
  • If you haven't paid your dues yet, they are due at the October 9th meeting. It's $35 per semester or $70 for the year. If you'd like to apply for a scholarship or payment plan, please click here.

  • Sonia R is sponsoring a Tupperware fundraiser for Anderson MOPS, which is awesome! Each mom was given a flyer, & whatever we sell, MOPS gets 40%. Woohoo! If you'd like to sell or order for yourself & need a fundraising brochure, please let us know. Orders are due by our meeting on Oct 9th, & products will be given out at our Nov 13th meeting.

For our kick-off meeting, we watched a wonderful inspirational video featuring Sherry Surratt of MOPS Int'l. The topic was facing our mom fears, which often prevent us from being our best brave selves. Sherry encourages us to put a name to our fears... that labeling it with a finite word makes it more controllable & less scary. Also, leaning into other moms & talking about our fears will help. It's often the unspoken fears that grow in our minds until they are larger than life. In closing, Sherry encouraged us to "step into the brave mom that God designed us to be."

need help with dues?

We don't ever, ever, EVER want finances to be the reason that you can't join Anderson MOPS!

If you'd love to be a part of our MOPS community & the dues are just not possible for your family, we have full & partial scholarships, as well as payment plan options.

. . . because accepting help from your fellow mamas is sometimes the bravest thing you can do!

Click HERE to download our scholarship application & contact our Finance Team (Sara or Sarah).

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Tasty Tuesday: Pork Chop (or Chicken) & Rice Casserole

This recipe was shared by Shelley, who writes, "This is an easy one-dish recipe... I love it!"

The Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rice, uncooked
  • 1 envelope dry onion soup mix
  • 6-8 boneless pork chops (or 6-8 boneless chicken breasts or thighs)
  • 1 can cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup
  • 1.5 cups water
  • garlic (optional... I add it because I love it!)

The Directions:

Pour uncooked rice in a 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle dry onion soup mix over rice.

Lightly brown pork chops or chicken, then put on top of soup mix & rice in a single layer, covering fully so juices from meat help cook the rice.

Pour cream of mushroom or celery soup over meat. Add water. Cover with foil & bake at 375 degrees for one hour.

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Hey Mama, you are amazing!

During the past few weeks, I've published daily introductions of this year's Steering Team.... & to get all those fascinating facts & stories, each member was asked to fill out a questionnaire.

One of the questions was "Who has influenced your life the most?"  And there was one answer that kept popping up: "my mom."

So here we are, in our 20's & 30's, all grown up with jobs & degrees & responsibilities & mortgages & families of our own...

and the influence of our mothers is still so very prevalent.

It's easy to get caught up in the minutes of the day... staying on schedule, cleaning, planning, worrying. But reading these responses reminded me that now I AM the mother. And even if you're running late & your kid's shoes don't match & your family has fast food for dinner tonight,

you, me, WE really are amazing in the eyes of our children.

Thursday, September 4, 2014

ST Intros: meet Kelly!

I'm on the Anderson MOPS Outreach Team this year!
This is my 3rd year on Steering Team...
I love meeting new people
& ST is a great way to make friends!
I have three kiddos - Trace (age 6), Zack (age 4), & Brinkley (age 2).
My fav is Mexican!
I order #11. It's the same at most restaurants... burrito, enchilada & taco. YUM!
The last song I sang was "Let It Go" with the kids in the car
In the last week, I've realized that
it's impossible to have a Pinterest- or Facebook-perfect life.
People only post the good stuff, ya know?
My childhood celebrity crush?
Joey Lawrence... I loved "Blossom"!
If I had 2 hours of unexpected free time, I'd go to dinner with friends.
My favorite time of day is bedtime.
After the kids are in bed, I can snuggle up with my husband & watch our TV shows.
The worst place to be stuck waiting?
A doctor's office with three kids!
Those facebook quizzes? Nope, I skip 'em...
My fav dessert is chocolate chip pecan pie.
My favorite thing about MOPS?
The friendships & fellowship & knowing that I'm not alone!

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

ST Intros: meet Anita!

I'm on the Anderson MOPS Outreach Team this year!
This is my 1st year on Steering Team...
one of my goals after leaving my full-time job was
to volunteer & get involved wherever my girls go.
MOPS is our group!
I have two kiddos - Ellyana (age 3) & Emilia (age 1).
The last book I read was "Unglued" by Lysa Terkeurst. I actually heard about it at MOPS
& I would really recommend it to any mom.
My favorite book is "The Glass Castle"
by Jeannette Walls.
The last movie I saw was "Oblivion"... yes, I would recommend it. It's great!!
My fav movie is "The Princess Bride"
My fav is Chinese food. I always get shrimp fried rice with no onions & an egg roll.
The last song I sang was "God is Bigger Than the Boogie Man" with the kids in the car. We were all singing loudly :)
In the last week, I've learned that
if I manage my time correctly & stay focused,
I can finish big tasks that might seem impossible.
My childhood celebrity crush? Menudo & Hombres G
If I had 2 hours of unexpected free time, I'd buy a pretzel & big drink from QT,
head back home & watch "The Big Bang Theory."
My favorite time of day is naptime! From 2-4 in the afternoon, I have quiet time, make phone calls & get lots of stuff done.
Something I've been meaning to do?
Learn to sew
& finally use the sewing machine I got for my birthday three years ago!!
Most random thing I've done?
My husband & I, along with two other couples,
TP'ed a friend's yard while he was visiting his secret girlfriend. ;)
My favorite dessert is chocolate chip cookies. YUM.
My favorite thing about MOPS?
the love each person has for the Lord,
their family
& their community!

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

ST Intros: meet Becca!

I'm a member of the Anderson MOPS Outreach Team this year!
I've been on Steering Team for several years...
because this will be my last year at MOPS, I wanted to help make it the best year yet!
I have three kiddos - Cailyn (age 10), Lydia (age 7), & Evan (age 5).
My least favorite chore? Housework of any kind!
My (new) favorite restaurant is FOGO de CHOA in Atlanta... I recently went for the first time & it was amazing!
The last song I sang was John Legend's "All of Me"... it's been in my head for months.
I can't get it out. Help!
If you hear me singing it, you have my permission to punch me.
In the last week, I've learned that
I can't do all that I want to do & achieve perfection...
something always gets neglected.
(For example, if I want to read my Bible every morning, I won't get around to exercising. If I want to play with the kids & take them somewhere fun, I won't get around to cleaning the house. If I want to actually print out photographs or mail a birthday card, I'll neglect the laundry.)
It seems that something important gets left undone everyday.
But in the end, very few of these things actually matter.
So I'm not choosing perfection... I'm choosing people & God.
Most random thing I've done? I've gone through the underground tunnels from one side of my college campus to the other. It was strange & full of
many, many creepy crawly creatures. I was into caving, so
it made perfect sense at the time.
My favorite time of day is the morning when I drink my beloved coffee & snug with
my kids.
I would love to learn how to ballroom dance with my husband.
If I were one of the Seven Dwarfs, I would be Bashful.
My favorite thing about MOPS?
There are so many amazing women at the meetings. I enjoy meeting new moms tremendously... if I haven't met you yet, please come find me &
I'd love to get to know you!

Tasty Tuesday: Crescent Sausage Bites

This recipe is from Katie, who writes, "This is one of my favorite go-to meals... seems to please everyone!"

The Ingredients:

  • 1 package of your favorite Jimmy Dean sausage (I like Hot, but the Sage is also good)
  • 2 tubes refrigerated Pillsbury crescent rolls
  • 2 packages cream cheese, slightly softened (I use reduced-fat... doesn't seem to make a difference in the taste & you can save a few calories!)

The Directions:

Preheat oven according to package directions on crescent rolls.  Brown the sausage, then drain fat. Mix the cooked sausage with slightly softened cream cheese.

Unroll crescent rolls out flat on a baking sheet covered in foil. Spread the sausage & cream cheese mixture on the crescent rolls. Place the other tube of crescent rolls flat on top of the spread, pinching the edges as you go.

Bake according to directions on crescent packaging (approximately 11-13 minutes).

Monday, September 1, 2014

ST Intros: meet Ashlee!

I'm a member of the Anderson MOPS Craft Team this year!
This is my 1st year on Steering Team...
I wanted to join because I love serving others & I believe that by serving others, we can become more like Christ.
I have four kiddos - Teigen (age 8), Jasmine (age 8), Brookelyn (age 5) & Landyn (age 2).
The last book I read was "Jesus > Religion"... it was awesome!
My favorite books are The Twilight Saga, Of Mice & Men,
Island of the Blue Dolphin, & anything by Nicholas Sparks.
My fav movies include "A Knight's Tale," "Forest Gump," "The Notebook," "Titanic" & "Shawshank Redemption"
My fav restaurant is Carabbas! I love Italian food... my fav thing to order is
the Polo Rosa Maria. Yummm!
The last song I sang was "Let It Go." Loudly. My kids are addicted to Frozen, so if I hear "Do You Wanna Build a Snowman" or "Let It Go" one more time....
I may just let it go.... right out the car window going 65.
In the last week, I've learned that Goo Gone is an
excellent clothing stain remover... it's awesome!
My childhood celebrity crush?
John Stamos. ummmmm, loved me some Uncle Jesse. (still do... shhhh)
If I had 2 hours of unexpected free time, I'd SLEEP!! I love to sleep. I miss sleep. Oh my, & when the sheets are fresh out of the dryer?!
My favorite time of day is bedtime. When everyone else goes to bed, I can
finally relax & enjoy a show, pee in private or take a bath.
But let's face it... by bedtime, I just want to sleep.
Something I've been meaning to do?
Clean the house. Maybe I'll get around to that one day...
Yep, I love those facebook quizzes! If all the quizzes I've taken were true, I'm Ariel, I should be married to Eric, my villain alter ego is Cruella de Vil, & my old lady name is Pearl.
My favorite thing about MOPS?
I love Anderson MOPS... it's amazing!
I have met some wonderful friends & love being in a group that loves everyone & tries to make our community better!


text:
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text:
[2.4] Tale of Two Awkward Men

Andre stood standing in front of Monash University Bicycle Shop. He looked down sharply and his eyes were greeted by the great big well-rounded ball that was his tummy. This was his chance to do something about it, and possibly look the way Brad Pitt did in the poster hanging behind Andre’s bedroom door. His eyes skimmed through the range of bicycles available behind the glass windows briefly and finally decided to open the door.

“Hello” said the shopkeeper, in an almost hostile tone. He had an amazingly square jaw, and pearly white teeth that would most probably reflect the moonlight perfectly in the night. His hair was combed neatly back, and he was wearing a singlet which drooped so low his nipples were partly visible. He was bow-legged, clearly the result of years of vigorous bike riding. He looked no older than 25.

“Hi, I was looking for a bicycle” came Andre’s hesitant reply. There were piles of bicycle parts in literally every single corner of the room. The shop space was so minimal Andre found it a huge challenge just to make it to the only available space in front of the shopkeeper, who was standing rather awkwardly in the middle of a mountain of trash. When he finally managed to claw his way to the front of the man, the proximity between the two men was so close Andre could smell the Hawaiian pizza from the shopkeeper’s breath.

“Okay. Erm… What kind of erm….bicycle?” The shopkeeper replied, and the uncertainty in his voice discomforted Andre.

“Just anything really. Anything that maybe… like that one” Andre’s sentence ended so abruptly that the shopkeeper stood rooted to the spot in anticipation of a continuation.

“Oh” A pause which felt like a full 10 minutes followed, before an answer was finally given. “Erm…Well, we have actually sold out most of our bicycles. And by most, I mean all”.

Another silence filled the small, cramp space which the two men stood in, this time definitely more deafening than the last. Andre did not know what to say next. His brain seemed to be drawing little doodles in its imaginary drawing pad, completely leaving Andre to his own.

“But I guess I could give you the phone number of another bicycle shop, just around the corner in Moorabin”

“How am I supposed to bring a bicycle back after purchasing it from another suburb altogether?” Andre asked impatiently.

“I guess…maybe..erm..maybe you could just take a bus? And then… I guess you could maybe just cycle it back? I don’t know” replied the shopkeeper, still standing astoundingly in the exact same spot all the while. Andre could feel the conversation heading rapidly towards another abyss.

“Could I just leave my number with you and you give me a ring once you receive new stock please?” came Andre’s feeble attempt at keeping the conversation going.

“Sure… Then I will just give you a call when I get stock. But I won’t know what we might get. Erm… We might get something too small or too large. Erm.. But yeah okay. I shall keep your number”

With that, Andre forced a wide smile and said a quick thanks, before running out the door. Once outside, Andre felt the oxygen re-enter his lungs. Life seemed to brimming with colour and energy. Everyone smiled caringly at each other, and everyone walked with such a bounce Andre felt as though he was on drugs. Everyone seemed to be having the time of their lives, and Andre never wanted to enter the bicycle shop ever again.

“Gosh, what an awkward man” Andre said in a nearly audible whisper before beginning his walk home, oblivious to the fact that the shopkeeper was feeling exactly the same way.

[2.3] The Master Award?

‘OOOooo! Another award for moi!’
squealed Andre as he scrolled down Lady V’s blog. Sunlight filtering through the blinds splashed almost too violently across his laptop screen, resulting in an excruciating pain at the back of Andre’s eyes every time he tried to focus. Nevertheless, he had another award, and that was all that concerned him. Narcissism or easily excitable?

There was no time to lose, and once again Andre pulled out the trusty black book called a diary and began on a fresh new page.

12th March
Time: 5.47pm

Dear diary,
What luck! I just received another award, this time from Lady V. I have won more awards in the span of two weeks than I have in my lifetime. I am so happy. No, I am ecstatic. Actually no, I am elated. I feel like a SIM (from the SIMS 3) who has just completed his lifetime goals and is now ready to die in peace. Well diary, I don’t think I can ever feel more satisfied. I would even drive naked to the tune of ‘Battlefield’ by that Jordin-something.

The next 10 minutes were spent most wisely by Andre as he doodled away passionately in his little black book.

There! Dear diary I have finished this work of art. What I want to convey in this piece is the joy I am holding in my heart. Should my heart suddenly stop one fine day, my emotions and all of my days will remain on this earth. Maybe, just like Adrian Mole’s diary, mine will be discovered by some influential figure in the literary world. He would probably realize the significance of my life in the context of literature and I’ll get famous! I shall live on with all the other greats such as Charles Dickens. Who knows, we might even end up housemates in the after-life. How exciting, gosh.

Oh anyway, back to the masterful award. I proudly declare that I am a master of Wedgies. I don’t know when or how I managed to develop such an advanced skill, but ever so often, when I least expect it, I suddenly feel the warm fabric climb up just a tiny bit higher. Before I know it, BAM, its just there, between the cracks like a peanut butter sandwich. There is a saying that goes ‘with more power comes more responsibility’. I think it came from the Spider Man movie. Anyway, I don’t know how this applies to me but I’m pretty sure it does.

I do realize that most of the bloggers I want to send this award to already have it, so I shall sadly have to skip them. Maybe next time my dear ones. Anyway, I nominate the three musketeers: Andy Jones, Johana Hill, and Chantelle. Alright dear diary, I’m sweating because the stupid air conditioner in this library isn’t working again. Til we meet again, toodaloos.

Andre Leech

[2.2] Public Transportation Horrors

Andre looked wide-eyed at the gigantic notice plastered across Clayton train station’s gate. ‘No trains are running today. Bus services have been arranged as an alternative to the nearest train station. To get to the city, please board the train at Oakleigh train station platform 2.’

That would take a good two hours! Good grief, what are they doing to me here? Andre thought to himself as he stubbornly rammed his face into the cold, tightly shut glass doors of the train station. So hard was the collision between his face and the door that Andre thought he heard the faintest snap in the upper bridge of his nose. The train station was completely deserted, besides that one fruit-fly which came flying merrily towards Andre’s squashed face on the other side of the door, as if to mock his helplessness. This enraged Andre more, but he reluctantly let the anger pass him by. He had more important issues in life to deal with at the moment.

Giving the closed platform a final malicious look, Andre spun around and started to scan the vicinity for the assigned bus replacement service. He found it soon enough, and raced towards the bus like a hawk chasing a rabbit. I’m swift as the flowing river, he kept telling himself as he ran, skipping over puddles of water with such grace and determination, all the while humming to the tune of 'I believe I can fly'.

‘C’mon mate you are holding everyone up!’ yelled the bus driver. Andre jumped in surprise, almost losing his balance on the steps of the bus and knocking over the poor old woman behind him. Taking in a deep breath and calming himself down, Andre leaped into the jam-packed bus, squeezing in just in time before the bus driver impatiently slammed the door shut, missing Andre’s big toe by a whisker. The ride to Oakleigh train station was nothing short of painful.

What is that terrible, terrible smell?

Andre tried as best as possible to put up with the smell, but curiosity soon got the better of him. The phrase ‘Curiosity killed the cat’ would never have been used more ideally than in this situation. Andre strained his neck, rotating it almost an impossible 180 degrees. There, just inches away from Andre’s face, was the source of the foul smell: An armpit. Yes, an armpit. Actually, it was The armpit. The armpit which managed to leisurely fill the bus with its pleasant aroma like roses in a garden. The armpit which was being held up high and proud (and open) like the Olympic torch, ready to fill people’s hearts with love and joy and the fresh scent of victory.

Andre looked away and closed his eyes, reminding himself that ignorance was bliss.

[2.1] 7 Facts and An Award

Andre took a sip of his favourite Hazelnut Mocha and squinted at the clock hanging lazily above the coffee machine in Gloria Jeans: another two hours until ‘Shutter Island’. He tried to stifle a gay giggle as he felt his excitement boil inside him, but failed terribly.

Andre looked down at his black-leather diary, and then to his bloated tummy, promptly pulling his pants up the slightest in order to cover his obnoxious butt crack. Decency was highly valued by Andre, ironically enough. In his diary he wrote:

2nd March
Time: 5.58pm

Dear diary,
I went on Blogger yesterday (that blogging website), only to find that I have been tagged in one of those 7 facts about me thingamajiggies. I am not sure why anyone in their right mind would want to know more about me, but I do like to play tag games. Therefore, I shall attempt the quiz with all the brains, charisma and intelligence I can muster. I would also like to thank Princess V for giving me this challenge, and for giving me such a pretty award. Now let’s see… what have I got?

An hour went by without another word being put on paper, and Andre’s momentum started to drain like a leaking dam – swiftly and dangerously. He continued to swirl the spoon aimlessly in his Hazelnut Mocha for a while, before ideas finally started to sink in.

Time: 6.05pm

Dear diary,
Sorry I abandoned you for an hour. I am now back and ready to conquer all. .

Fact 1: I rarely finish what I start. I used to think that everyone was just like me, always getting distracted, forgetting what stage I’m up to in a project, lacking enough motivation to keep me going. But now that I’m older and so much wiser, I realise I might just be abnormal.

Fact 2: I used to be an athlete. Now this fact is highly subjective. Close friends and family used to tell me that athletes didn’t look the way I looked, neither did they run the way I ran, but what does anyone know anyway? I was able to grasp the technicalities of most sports almost instantly. Plus, the only injuries I have ever sustained came from carelessness, and not my sporting abilities.

Fact 3: The only time I ever sprained my ankle really badly was when I stepped into the hole on a golf course. I used to tell people this all the time, thinking that it proved my athletic abilities, since I haven’t really injured myself like all other sport stars. They would just laugh at me, and I would hate them all my life.

Fact 4: I suffer from severe arachnephobia. Gosh, those legs. Why do they need so many anyway?

Fact 5: I am pretty darn good at Scrabble. I don’t know if this is a trait worth having, since Delilah almost never touches a scrabble board, and hurries away when I pull a Scrabble board out. I used to represent my high school in Scrabble at one stage. The glory. Of course, I didn’t win.

Fact 6: I have no idea how to drive a manual car.

Fact 7: I fart a lot. I did significant research on this, and I even posted a comment on OneMinuteWriter.blogspot.com. Let’s see if I can still find it. Of course, as usual, I didn’t win.

Now I’m at the stage where I send this award to 7 other bloggers out there but since I don’t even have 7 followers, I shall just send this award to my dedicated followers because they deserve it:

Andy from http://andyjonesx.blogspot.com,
Johana Hill from http://the-mercurial-wife.blogspot.com/,
Chantelle from http://whenmythoughtsgotainted.blogspot.com/,
Lady V from http://torijean.blogspot.com/,
and The Analyst from http://theanalystquotes.blogspot.com

Andre Leech.

[1.6] Grey, Grey Skies

Andre looked around him as he stood on the balcony. The cloudless sky was a vast canvas of toneless grey. The wind blew furiously and rain poured with assertion. Each drop plunged like daggers to the heart, like treacherous words intended to rupture even the purest of souls. Andre set his hands on the balcony rails, and lay his head peacefully on the back of his palms. For the first time in a long time, he felt alone.

He inhaled deeply. The moist, unfriendly air filled his lungs as he let out an abrupt cough. I guess tar and moisture aren’t the best of buddies, he thought.

That night Andre pulled out a little black leather book, which would serve as his diary in the years to come. He turned to the first fresh page, gave it a whiff and put his pen to paper. He wrote:

27th February 2010,
Time: 10.25pm

Dear diary,
I miss Delilah.

Andre Leech

[1.5] Oh my, how very rude!

Andre pulled off his beanie and violently scratched his scalp. ‘Not so hard you dufus!’ came Delilah’s sharp intervention, followed by a severe (and awkwardly loud) smack to the back of Andre’s head. Andre was overwhelmed by a piercing ring in his ear and a stark moment of blindness. Can’t you feel the love tonight?

They sat in a corner of Hargraves library, as usual, away from prying eyes and curious minds. As Delilah sat with such poise and grace, working away at her laptop like an attorney hard at work, Andre sat like a confused monkey without his banana, clueless. He had only one thing on his mind: the telephone conversation that had taken place several hours ago between him and his workplace manager.

Andre had been working at Coles for a good two years now (Editors note: Coles is the equivalent to Wal-Mart in America). In his whole two years of work experience, he had never had any contact with his store manager since the need for it never arose. That particular afternoon came his first encounter with the most feared man of any workplace.

‘Hi am I speaking to the store manager?’ Andre asked meekly. His voice trembled as he felt a sudden warmness in his underwear. Did I just…?

‘Yeah, who’s this?’ was the unfazed reply on the other end of the line. He sounded stern and cold, a voice which sounded exactly the way Andre had imagined it to be like.

Clearing his throat and doing a small bounce off the ground to shake off the initial shock, he answered almost too forcefully ‘Its Andre, I work as a service assistant in Coles’

‘Well I was wondering if I could get a store transfer to the Coles branch in Burwood. I have already informed the store manager there and he would be happy to have a talk with you about my internal transfer today. In fact, he could give you a call later this…’

The unforgiving voice came interrupting rudely before Andre could complete his sentence.

‘Call Catherine’ (who was Andre’s grocery manager)

‘But she isn’t in today’

‘Yeah, so?’

‘Couldn’t Burwood’s manager just talk to you? You are the store manager after all. It wouldn’t take more than a minute’

‘I’m leaving the store now alright? Bye’

There Andre stood with his mouth gaping open in bewilderment. For a good five minutes he remained stoned as a statue, oblivious to the puzzled looks passer-bys were giving him. A fly landed peacefully on his parted lips and twitched a little, only to fly off, probably from boredom. Still, Andre did not react. He just could not comprehend the work ethics of his store manager.

How could someone in his position not possess any sense of responsibility? I’ve heard of such treatment in the workplace before but I have definitely not encountered it until now. I wonder who else have had experiences like that. How rude some people can be! Gosh.

With that, Andre’s right hand shifted towards his buttocks for the third time that day and pinched at his underwear, attempting to pull the fabric out from between his butt crack. Summer can be an unforgiving season.

[1.4] Coffee and a Caramel Short Black?

The one thing that Andre found more annoying than getting slapped with a hefty fine from illegal parking (which was unfortunately a recurring circumstance in his life) was his utter lack of knowledge in the realm of coffee-latte-talk. Yes he drank Cappuccinos and Lattes almost once every couple of days, but the finer details never failed to baffle him.

What exactly is a Latte? Isn’t a Latte in the same family as tea? Cappuccinos hail from the same ancestors as coffee- that much I think I know. So what is an espresso then? Long Black and Flat White: they sound like political parties. My poor, poor brain.

Andre looked up and down the long McCafe drinks menu, instantly feeling a strain in his brain nerves (the exact name of the nerves are not known – but one would probably be the ‘logic’ nerve). The longer Andre stared at it, the more it resembled a periodic table. This was definitely designed for the mentally advanced, not for the common man, Andre thought to himself. He had once plucked up the courage to ask about the different names on the drinks menu, but his memory had failed him, as usual. Instantly feeling his IQ dip a few figures lower than the average man, Andre figured the only way to salvage his lost dignity was to order an ‘experienced-coffee drinker’s choice’. ‘Fake it til you make it’, that was the saying wasn’t it?

‘How can I help you sir?’ came the voice behind the counter.

Hey this might just be identical to Sub-way’s food menu! Piece of cake. Andre closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, to which an eyebrow was raised by the man behind the counter in confusion. ‘I know this might not be the time of the day, haha, but I think I’ll need a strong one to keep me going through the day. I will just go with a Caramel Short Black please,’ came Andre’s all too intelligent reply. The next few seconds were spent in silence. The two men (one who looked too confused and another who looked too smug) both stood leaning on the Café counter, with a handful of customers in line waiting to see what came next.

Realising it was the only smart thing to do, Andre changed his answer to a far more ordinary one. ‘A cup of hot tea I meant’, and gave a crooked, awkward smile.

[1.3] The Post - Exam World

Andre shuffled in his seat again, desperately looking for an area which hasn’t yet been warmed by his buttocks. The sensation of sweat-soaked underwear fabric sticking to his butt cheeks was certainly getting to him. It was getting a little too stuffy for comfort in this somewhat vacant Hargraves library. The air-conditioners in the entire building were under repair and with the 35 degree heatwaves dancing about outside like minute ballerinas, it was amazing no one else felt like a crispy muffin fresh out of the oven. Post-exam period wasn’t as bad as Andre had expected it to be due to two reasons.

Firstly, he finally had some time on his hands to spend with Delilah. For the longest time, nights out to town and short hour study periods were a package deal - one had to come before the other. It was almost similar (though nowhere near as immense) to the existence of the sun and the moon. Given Andre’s anxious and paranoid nature, a day out without a study block during school semesters would drive his mind amok. His books were practically the couple’s third wheel.

Secondly, he would be able to finish ‘Eleven Minutes’, a novel by Paulo Coelho which was quickly turning out to be one of his favourites. Paulo Coelho’s ability to capture Andre’s attention was nothing short of special. He was learning more about pain and love than he had ever learnt. This was exactly what made ‘Eleven Minutes’ all the more appealing: its ability to consolidate Andre’s straying thoughts, slowing his conflicting mind down just enough for him to reach a point of epiphany or realization at least once every few days. Ironically enough, this was a feat he previously perceived as impossible since the last Harry Potter book.

Andre unzipped his bag and pulled out this new favourite book of his. Adjusting his posture a final time, he spread its pages open carefully, like a gentleman does with his partner in bed for the first time. Yes, being dramatic was an essential way of life. Doesn’t that make life more interesting for all of us?

Andre was deep into the book when the librarian’s shrill voice rang through the air, almost shattering his fragile eardrums. “The library is closing in 5 minutes. Please pack up your things and prepare to leave!” she said, much to Andre’s despair.

Do all librarians sound like a cat with its tail caught underneath someone’s shoe or is it only all librarians I know of who are like that? I should pen my thoughts in my diary as soon as I get home. I think I’m getting smarter, so let’s not waste this opportunity shall we? And with that, Andre shoved ‘Eleven Minutes’ back into his bag, got up and headed towards the exit, making sure to ram his big toe straight into a concrete pillar in the process.

[1.2] Delilah Tequila enters Andre’s life

Now let’s take a trip down memory lane.

It was a warm summer’s day probably four and a half years ago. Andre sat with some-guy-called-Ken and another friend called Yvette in the computer labs. He was in his final year of high school. As usual, Yvette prowled through Myspace (Facebook was yet to make its mark on the virtual world) like a lioness desperate for meat in a famine while Andre and Ken slouched back in their chairs, waiting for the bell to ring.

As Andre turned to pick up his school bag, his eyes met another pair on the computer screen. It was the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen in his life, so full of life and energy, so commanding yet gentle, so experienced yet so young and intense.
‘Hey Yvette who was that?’ Andre asked abruptly, startling Ken, who was drifting in and out of sleep with a consistent supply of saliva hanging from the far most left corner of his mouth.

‘That girl who was wearing that bright blue dress with her hair tied back in a bun.’

‘Oh you mean her,’ as Yvette enlarged the photo which had Andre on the edge of his seat. ‘Her name is Delilah Tequila, a close high school friend of mine. She’s a Filipina (a girl from the Philippines), and currently studies in Singapore.’

The world went silent for a moment as Andre frantically tried to remember that particular name. It was beautiful, and it wouldn’t be too hard to keep in mind. Delilah Tequila, Delilah Tequila. She had tan, radiant skin, and stood at 5’4 thereabouts. Her smile spoke to his soul and Andre felt a warmth like never before flow through him. Her eyes, you already know. Maybe this was what people called ‘love at first sight’.

The minute school ended that day, Andre raced home without first claiming his books from his locker. What was education when something as significant as love hits you anyway? Andre had heard from the more mature figures in his life (namely, his parents) that your true love only comes by once in your life, and he was not about to miss this opportunity for the world. He got home, pulled out his laptop from his bag, placed it gently onto the study table, and turned it on. Just as stalkers do, Andre searched up ‘Delilah Tequila’ in Google search, hoping against hope that he would be to dig up some information on her. Don’t be mistaken, Andre wasn’t a stalker. He was, in his own true words (to another unknown source), ‘under the influence of love’. All mistakes should be pardoned in such a circumstance shouldn’t it?

Bingo. She had her very own website, composing songs and writing poems. At least she has the brains to go with her looks. Very impressive, Andre thought to himself. His eyes widened. There it was at the bottom right hand corner of her gorgeous little website in italic: her email address. Andre suddenly felt a sudden tang of appreciation for the technology human beings possess. Before he knew it, this mysterious girl who he only just laid eyes on that very morning was in his MSN messenger list.

Several months after of communication through virtual space came the hugely unexpected news: Delilah was moving to Melbourne. Andre’s heart skipped a beat. Two beats to be exact. She had been accepted into Monash College, a gateway to a prestigious Australian university (Monash University) located within the outer eastern regions of Melbourne.

What comes next was the usual story of boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl, girl takes a while (2 years in this case) and eventually falls in love with boy (who could resist Andre- That bad memory, that ridiculous tardiness, those bad habits?). It became a daily routine to attend classes until 3 in the afternoon, maybe skip a couple of classes here and there, and then travel an hour and a half by train to get to Clayton just to have mid-day tea with Delilah.

‘I was in the vicinity’ was Andre’s most uttered phrase of the month.

It's been 4 years and til this very day, Delilah still holds Andre's heart.

[1.1] Andre's Examination

Andre paced around in front of 123 Bouverie Street, glancing occasionally at the clock, ticking away lazily on the common room wall- Half an hour to go before his last summer semester exam. Soon there would be no more early mornings, no more daily waits for an available city tram (trams in the morning were always jam-packed with preoccupied businessmen and burnt out university students), and lastly no more five hour study sessions in Borders. He would miss these study sessions in Borders though, to be honest. Throughout his academic life, Borders had served as an escape from the chaotic hustle and bustle that he was thrown into the moment he stepped foot out of his house. It was a perfect place for recollection of the body and mind, especially with a book in one hand and a Cappuccino in the other.

After what seemed like hours, the announcement was made: “Students with registration numbers 200000 to 500000 proceed to the left, others to the right. Place all bags in the holding room, first door on the right thanks.” “Why are invigilators always this strict? They of all people should know how nerve-wrecking an exam can be for students. Not even a please or good luck, what manners!Andre said out loud in his mind, which was of course inaudible outside of his head. As he passed the invigilator, he made sure to slow his step, giving himself ample time to shoot the invigilator a stern and dirty glare, which he immediately regretted on the realisation it could cost him his entire semester of hard work.

The exam paper was easy enough. Andre was a smart boy. Eleven questions in the span of two hours were easily manageable by his standards. It wasn’t easy however, for him to stay focused. The slightest movement startled him, never allowing him to connect a single train of thought. ADD was certainly not an advantage in this situation.

Is it just me, or does this room smell like mouldy socks? Why is that silly boy behind me sharpening his pencil right now instead of using a pen? What’s the use of a pencil when you wouldn’t have time to erase mistakes anyway? And what’s with that ridiculous itch on my leg?

Andre straightened his back and cracked his knuckles, his eyes straying ever so slightly to the right, careful still not to attract the attention of the patrolling invigilators. Three invigilators stood leaning against the wall, probably gossiping about someone’s child receiving a place in a prestigious university in another part of town. Some students tilted their heads just high enough to read the time, before once again waging war against the paper before them. Others stretched sluggishly, releasing occasional yawns which made them look slightly uncouth. Images of a hippo with its mouth wide open started materializing in his mind. A sudden gust of wind shook the window pane nearest to him, carrying Andre’s drifting imagination sharply back to the task at hand.

Andre was met with a nice mid-day breeze as he stepped out of the examination room, which ruffled his already extremely dry and unkempt hair. Pleased that it was finally over, he let out an uncontrollable smile. His heart was having a private party, and he looked like an idiot who was unsure whether he wanted to walk to the tram stop like a regular human being or dance over, concluding his delightful little journey to the tram stop with twelve pirouettes. He chose the former.

He felt a vibration somewhere near his buttocks and drove his hand down to yank his phone out of his back right trouser pocket, hearing a faint rip in the process. Delilah Tequila’s name flashed violently on screen. Ah that sweet name…

[1.0] The Beginning of an End

"I have these ideas in my head, these theories that always linger in my subconscious all the time. When they come up, I waste a day pondering, only to let them eventually pass me by, unphased and unchanged, due to both my laziness and atrociously bad memory. Therefore, I have decided to make a blog, not only as a notepad for these crazy thoughts or worthwhile ideas, but as a sanctuary for my restless mind, a temporary shelter for my soul as I reflect on my day," Andre wrote in his new blog, which he rightfully entitled Cocopoops.

Andre Leech was not your usual protagonist. He had short black hair with a few stray strands of white sticking out awkwardly, nose hair which extended way out of his nostril when he smiled, a bad case of hayfever, and never failed to over-exaggerate, which constantly provided Delilah with more stress and worries.

He was a man, a boy rather, frustrated with the monotony of life, the aimless routine of work, school and play. What is life? The question of the century. Now, sitting in his tight blue briefs and dirty green singlet, he has decided to record the daily happenings of his life in hope that someday, maybe, he would be able to discover something out of the ordinary. He was a man on a mission, and his story begins.

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