10.31.2001
I finally got House Party installed today for the Sims. I bought it weeks ago on sale and hadn't ever gotten around to installing it... that's the first time I've done that with a piece of software. Anyway, it looks pretty cool... I haven't really played it for any length of time yet, but after I got it installed I checked it out to see what it was like. I had my Dale Earnhardt Jr. character purchase the bull-riding machine and go for a ride... he looked like a professional.
Aunt Rexie was moved to a semi-private room today... that's such great news. She is off the ventilator and the medicine they were using to keep her blood pressure up. They are expecting that she will go home on Friday. Thanks to those of you who've been sending good thoughts and prayers on her behalf.
Um, hello, it's Halloween...... where are the trick-or-treaters? We put a blacklight in the porch light and set our pumpkin outside, but as far as I can see up our street, it's pitch black. Do they think we are terrorists? Maybe I missed something... one year in State College they officially changed the night that everyone was supposed to go trick-or-treating because the 31st coincided with too many drunken football fans who might run over the kiddies on the sidewalk. Where is everybody???
Just sent my thesis corrections to my advisor... whew. I'm off work for the day... I think I'll go take a nap.
10.30.2001
Today's been quite a day... as Chris and I discussed tonight, it was surreal. I stayed in touch with my family during the day while I was at work to get updates on my aunt... then I came home, checked the mail, and made sure there were no suspicious letters before I took it in the house. A few minutes later, I turned on the television only to be greeted by the news that we could experience another terrorist attack within the next week. Yay. I know we have to get used to this, but what's actually scary is how normal it has all become in such a short time span.
On a positive note, Aunt Rexie seems to be making small but steady improvements... please keep the prayers coming her way.
I'm finishing up my thesis. Unfortunately, I can't stay up late like I used to be able to. I even drank a Coke at about 10 pm (something I never do anymore), but it had no effect. I really only need a couple more hours worth of work, but I am too tired to think straight. With that, I guess I'll go to bed.
10.29.2001
Well, after having talked to my mom and my cousin Stuart, I have a better handle on how Aunt Rexie is doing today. Her condition is still serious, but the bacteria are responding to the antibiotic, so you could say that she has the upper hand. It's going to be a long road out of this, but she's got a lot of spirit and lots of people are praying for her. I called the patient information line at the hospital earlier today to get an address, and it turned out that the woman who was answering that line knew Aunt Rexie. She asked me if she was "Rexann the caterer" and I said yes. She said she felt just awful for her and that she hoped she pulled through because she (Aunt Rexie) is such a sweet lady. Pretty cool...
I feel kind of out of it this morning... it seems that while yesterday's surgery was a big step in the right direction, Aunt Rexie is not quite out of the woods yet and may spend a week or so in ICU. My mom is supposed to call this morning to let me know the latest... hope she calls soon.
10.28.2001
I'm happy to report that Aunt Rexie is doing better. The surgery to drain her infected kidney was successful. Both of her kidneys had shut down, but they appear to be working again, and her blood pressure is up. I am thankful for such encouraging news.
We found out a few hours ago that my Aunt Rexie is in intensive care in the hospital. She has a septic infection throughout her body, her blood pressure is low, and she's having some difficulty breathing. She is scheduled to have surgery once they can get her stabilized. Some of you might remember her from our wedding - she catered the reception and made our wedding cake and groom's cake. She means the world to us. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.
Some fine individual from the UK just found our page by searching through Google for "britney spears 'in knickers'." And it's all because of our picture of that strange Delaware road sign...
10.26.2001
Here's the NPR segment in Real Audio I heard yesterday about irradiating mail. However, I think they've edited it... I am pretty sure that yesterday they said that "the beams would destroy photographic film, but would also destroy anthrax." As in, you take your pick. The clip on their website says that they would try to find some way to filter out mail containing film... if that's true, that's great news.
10.25.2001
Just heard on NPR on the way home from work that one of the methods under consideration for irradiating mail (I think it was electron beams) would destroy photographic film. Does this mean what I think it means for us users of services like Ofoto and Snapfish?
10.22.2001
A statement on why the anthrax attacks may be domestic rather than foreign terrorism, from an article in yesterday's Boston Globe:
"The crude, relatively ineffective delivery system of the anthrax . . . seems amateur in comparison with the planning, precision, and sheer audacity of the extremists who plotted for years to collapse the World Trade Center towers by crashing commercial airliners into them. Neo-Nazi groups have long coveted anthrax as a weapon to use against their perceived enemies. Antiabortion extremists have for years threatened abortion clinics with anthrax. The news organizations attacked constitute the heart of the 'liberal media' often demonized by antigovernment and right-wing extremists."
Someone must have been listening to our lunch conversation at O' Charley's yesterday... they took the words right outta my mouth.
10.21.2001
Yesterday we went to Lowe's and bought a floodlight so that we could light our American flag at night. Hey, if we're going to hang a flag, we're going to do it right. Anyway, we got everything all set up and then last night decided to try to get artsy with the camera. Here are a couple of the results of our efforts:
Arrrrrrgggggghhhh. Dale Jr. won the race today at Talladega, but his car failed the post-race inspection (even though it passed the pre-race inspection) by 1/8 of an inch in height from the roof to the ground. ARGH, ARGH, ARGH! There are plenty of legitimate things that could have caused this... the air pressure of the tires, something broken in the chassis, etc. But you know this will just feed the fires of those who seem to want to do nothing but tear Junior down after a win. Maybe this is NASCAR's attempt to polish it's reputation--by punishing Junior--after the implications of a fix at the Pepsi 400. Argh. I am so frustrated I could scream. Why can't he just win a restrictor plate race in peace?
10.20.2001
For the first time in a long time, I am obsessed with a car. I remember my first car love... when I was in 4th grade I was all about getting a red Honda CRX. Never mind that I was 7 years away from a license. In my late teens, I was briefly infatuated with green Ford Explorers and Toyota 4Runners, but I've gradually become morally opposed to SUVs for a variety of reasons. Now, I would love to have this. Specifically, the LS Sport appearance package, with a leather interior. I'm not sure why I'm so crazy about this car... it's partly the spoiler (and I usually think spoilers are ugly), it's partly the round tail-lights, and yes, it's partly because Dale Earnhardt Jr. owns an older model. I know I'll never have one... at least not until we're rich enough to have a third car, and by then I'm sure this redesign of the Impala will be ancient history. It also would be a sin to get this car and fill it up with dog hair and noseprints on the windows, but wow, it's just a cool, cool car. I guess I'll just have to settle for the picture of it on my desktop...
Got some great news last night... Grace Hindman, a friend who was a junior bridesmaid in our wedding, made jazz band at her middle school! She's in 6th grade, and jazz band is mostly made up of 7th and 8th graders. Grace plays trumpet, like I did, and I am especially proud of her!
10.19.2001
I've spent some time this week recalling my thoughts from the morning of September 11. I believe I left the house just minutes after the first plane hit the WTC. I was about halfway into work when I heard something on the radio. News announcers had begun to try to explain what was going on when the coverage switched to President Bush at an elementary school in Florida. I heard his statement live and he proclaimed it to be an act of terrorism. The snippet of news I'd heard before said something about a small aircraft, so when Bush mentioned terrorists, I'm rather ashamed to say I scoffed. I said out loud, in the car, "Now don't go jumping to conclusions." I simply had no idea of the magnitude of what had happened... in my mind's eye, I saw a huge skyscraper with a miniscule amount of damage caused by a small Cessna type plane. Even when I heard that both towers had been hit, I conceded that it was a little fishy, but I still thought it was probably just an accident. I got to the office and sat down at my computer and started working on something with my boss. We were both sitting there going over the intricacies of nurse surveys when a couple of our co-workers came to my office door and said that the Pentagon had been hit. That piece of news was what finally shook me out of my own little world and forced me to pay attention. The next thirty minutes to an hour were akin to being sucked in to a vaccum. Suddenly what had been a bizarre accident, some airport's problem, some airplane manufacturer's problem became my problem. Everything ceased to exist but what bits and pieces of information I could get from the radio. I believe we finally chose Dan Rather to be the one to explain it all to us. I remember trying desperately to construct a picture in my mind of what had happened. Now I envisioned a huge skyscraper with a commercial jet extending horizontally at a right angle away from the building, hanging on by it's nose. Or I imagined a commercial jet in pieces littering the streets around the WTC. Strangely, there was no fire and no smoke in my mental images. I oftentimes can't get my head around something until I see it, and I was really stuck on this issue of what had happened to the plane. It never once occurred to me that the plane was completely enveloped by the building.
Around 10:00 or 10:15 we went across the hall to watch TV in another agency's office. We all gathered around the 13 inch screen and watched in horror. By the time I tuned in, the first tower had already collapsed. We stared, we held our mouths open, we cried. And then we saw the second collapse live on TV. I remember thinking about all the people and it almost felt like I was at a funeral. We watched a bit longer and then returned to our office, and most of the rest of my day was spent trying to absorb every bit of news I could get my hands on.
I called my dad several times that morning to make sure he was aware of what was going on. I remember that he kept asking me, "What kind of a pilot would fly a plane into a building? No pilot would do that!" Of course I didn't have an answer for him. My dad was kind of out of it on the phone; in a way it was almost like we were discussing car maintenance or retirement savings. Later he actually apologized to me for this and said that he realized that he was in such shock over the events that he wasn't responding normally. He, too, was slow to get complete information that morning and I think it was a while before he could get a handle on it.
What I've been really aware of this week is how much our mindsets have changed as a result of the attacks. The things that happened the morning of September 11 were things that previously did not even exist as remote possibilities to me. I was so comfortable in my own little world that I couldn't even begin to correctly picture what had happened without the help of the television. I wonder if I will ever be that comfortable again. I wonder if I want to be. I tend to assume the best about everything and be rather naive. Some would call that a positive quality, and maybe it is, but it sure left me high and dry that day and in the following weeks, as I overcompensated with anxiety to make sure that I wouldn't be caught off guard again. Now I think I've eased into a state of mild to moderate suspicion that allows me to be cautious while at the same time continuing to live my life. Will it, and should it, last as we move further and further away from September 11? I guess only time will tell...
10.18.2001
I got a giggle or two out of this conversation this morning:
Chris: It's too cold to get out of bed.
Katherine: I remember when I was little and it would be too cold to get out of bed, but my mom would light a fire in the fireplace and then I could go there to get warm.
Chris: Ahhhh.
Katherine: But we can't do that because we have to go to work.
Chris: And your mom's not here to light the fire.
10.17.2001
Every day on my way into work, I drive around 3 of the 4 sides of the block that contains Gov. Easley's mansion. My office faces the back of the mansion, as a matter of fact. Since September 11 (and I'm not sure about before), there's been a state trooper with his car in both the front and back driveways. After hearing about anthrax in a room used by state police in Gov. Pataki's office while I was home at lunch, I wonder even more how those troopers feel. Have they heard this latest bit of news? Who radioes them to tell them, or do they actually not find out until they are off their shift?
Maybe it's just because I'm not into biology, but I wish that mainstream news websites (particularly CNN) would stop running graphics of bacteria on their front page. I don't know what I'd rather see, but I sort of get the creeps from the bacteria pictures-- it's like they are crawling around on my monitor. Besides, they're using a wide variety of pictures. None looks the same as the last, and for all I know, they could be pictures of anthrax or they could be pictures of something scraped off of a high school gym shower floor. I guess that's my point... the graphics aren't teaching me anything useful, they're just giving me the creeps.
10.16.2001
10.15.2001
How can there be so many letters going around with powder in them? While these letters that test positive for anthrax are certainly interesting, I am intrigued by the ones that test negative. Who just decides to sprinkle some powder in an envelope and mail it? More to the point, did people routinely receive letters with harmless powder prior to September 11, or even October 4? And what does the powder consist of if it doesn't contain anthrax spores? I can barely keep a handle on these anthrax scares and all of the positive and negative and back again test results. Like Ryan (although for somewhat different reasons), I am a bit fed up with some elements of the mainstream media. I'd like to know more than just the sensational headlines.
I tell you what, if it were my job to open somebody else's mail, I believe I'd be looking for a new job.
10.13.2001
A few photos from today's trip to the state fair...
A butter sculpture of the state fair logo that is being created by a sculptor in a large cooler.
Those disgusting looking "Giant North Carolina Turkey Legs"....
Can you find the Jack Russell Terrier in this picture?
A butter sculpture of the state fair logo that is being created by a sculptor in a large cooler.
Those disgusting looking "Giant North Carolina Turkey Legs"....
Can you find the Jack Russell Terrier in this picture?
10.12.2001
I spent all morning and early afternoon at the North Carolina State Fair. My agency has a booth at the fair and since today was the first day, a couple of us had to go and set it up and work the first shift. Basically, we're handing out pencils, stickers, and information about nursing. We're especially trying to target kids in the hopes that they will consider nursing as a career. The fair itself is pretty amazing. First of all, it's huge and somewhat overwhelming because of the size. I walked around during my lunch break and had to keep telling myself to close my mouth (yes, I have a tendency to walk around open-mouthed and wide-eyed in unfamiliar territory... I'm sure I look ridiculous). There are all sorts of rides, games, booths, displays, and vendors. I think there is also an agricultural component. And then there's the food. Funnel cakes, elephant ears (I still don't know what those are), giant turkey legs (that kind of grossed me out), roasted corn still in the husk, barbecue, corn dogs, cotton candy, ice cream, lemonade... the list goes on and on. It is very much a "classic" fair. One thing I found particularly appealing was that the carnival rides arrived not by truck, but by train, and the cars are parked on the railroad tracks across the street from the fairgrounds. That seems so old-fashioned to me. I also saw quite a variety of people from all walks of life, but many of them had one thing in common: I would estimate that at least half--maybe more-- had on some type of patriotic shirt. I was finally able to buy a t-shirt of my own-- a nice, simple white T with a screen print of a flat American flag on the front. I could have gone the tacky route if I'd wanted to, though... I saw some pretty elaborate graphics and slogans specifically referring to 9-11-01. To each his or her own, but I'd rather have something that's wearable years from now. I also finally got a 3' x 5' flag to hang outdoors. We've been searching for one and haven't been able to find one. We'll hang it up tonight. Anyway, Chris and I will be heading back to the fair in the morning to set up the booth again, but it will be staffed by volunteer nurses for most of the rest of the fair, which lasts until the 21st.
10.11.2001
One minute, the government tells us to go about our business and lead normal lives, and the next minute, they give us news like this. Nice. Thanks.
Mmmm, mmmm. Last night I made my Aunt Rexie's recipe for sweet potato souffle. I've been craving it for a few weeks now... maybe it's the fall weather and the approach of the Thanksgiving holiday, because usually the only time I get to have it is at Thanksgiving dinner at her house. It turned out pretty well and wasn't hard to make. Thanks, Aunt Rexie!
10.10.2001
I've been holding off saying much about any feelings of fear I might have as a result of the terrorist attacks. I figured if some terrorist happened to come across my page, I wouldn't want him or her to know that I was afraid. But, given the reality that terrorists probably have other things to do with their time besides read this site, I'm going to go ahead and say it: biological warfare scares me. A third person tested positive for anthrax exposure in Florida today. I realize that it's likely this is just a weird coincidence, but that doesn't totally ease my mind.
10.08.2001
I forgot to mention one of the results I heard from my cousins' horse show... 9 year old Sydney placed 6th in a group of 19 teenagers and adults. Way to go, girl!
I had a fairly productive afternoon off from work. I left at 1:00, came home and had some lunch, and took Hannah to the vet for what turned out to be an hour and a half appointment--ugh. Turns out she does have a bacterial UTI, and she's on painkiller for 4 days and an antibiotic for 2 weeks. Let's hope this clears it up and eases the inflammation, because she can't be feeling too good. After I took Hannah home, I went and found a place to get a haircut, which I badly needed. I then spent some time training Henry and making a menu and grocery list. Fun stuff.
I know my blog entries have been pretty boring of late, that is unless you are just dying to know how I spend my free time. I apologize for the lack of interesting reading material... I'm kind of in survival mode right now, just trying to take care of business and basic needs like sleeping and eating. Maybe it won't be long until I start thinking again...
10.07.2001
Well, we ended up having to abort the plan to go to the horse show. Lots of things had already gone wrong in the hours leading up to our trip, but the icing on the cake came when Henry had an accident in the car after we'd only made it an hour from home. We figured it was foreshadowing for what the rest of the day might be like, so we turned around and headed back. I am sorry we missed the chance to visit with my cousins, but maybe it was a good thing-- I fell asleep on the couch at about 8:30, although I did wake up later to watch more of Cal Ripken's retirement. Today's been a good day. I played handbells in church this morning and in between Chris and I met with the preacher and several other newcomers to talk about joining the church. It looks like we'll be doing that fairly soon. This afternoon, we flipped back and forth between the race and the war news. It was a pretty exciting race and I only took one short nap in the middle of it-- Dale Jr. finished 4th-- woo hoo! Hannah has been having some problems today and we suspect that she has a urinary tract infection. I was already planning to take some time off tomorrow afternoon; looks like I'll be spending some of that time at the vet. I hear those kinds of infections are pretty painful... I feel bad for her. Hopefully we'll get her on some antibiotics and get that cleared up soon.
10.04.2001
I have been working again for one week and one day and am enjoying my job. It is not stressful and all my co-workers are very nice. I even sorta like the bus ride I have to take. I drive to Chapel Hill and park in a free park and ride lot at the Friday Center. From there I take a bus onto campus and a bus back to the parking lot at the end of the day. I did a similar (but much shorter) commute in State College but the differences have definitely been the politeness and courtesy of my fellow riders. In State College no one spoke unless they knew somebody and hardly anyone spoke to the driver. Here people get into conversations easily and if someone notices that a backpack is about to come unzipped or a watch is about to slip off someones wrist they mention it and offer to help. And those who do not speak to the driver when they depart are far out-numbered by those who than the driver or wish the driver a nice day. It's a very pleasant way to begin and end a workday. Nice to be back in the friendly south.
10.03.2001
Tonight marks the beginning of a few days that will be even more ramped up in terms of being busy. Tomorrow I am heading to Greensboro for the NCNA convention. I will get back Friday afternoon, with just enough time to run some frantic errands in preparation for the weekend. Saturday morning we'll be heading to the Western NC Agricultural Center in Asheville for a horse show. My cousins Sydney and Blake show Tennessee Walking Horses, and this will be our first chance to attend one of their shows now that we have moved out of the North. We will only be going for the day, however, because on Sunday I will be playing handbells at church. Speaking of which, I've got to get to bell practice...
10.02.2001
10.01.2001
