Truth is Stranger Than Fiction

Writer's Block Question....
Isn't it obvious? The first film that popped into my head that falls into the "must see" action adventure category is "Raiders of the Lost Ark." I mean, c'mon, people. You've got Harrison Ford in his sardonic, sexy prime. You've got the puckish and cute Karen Allen as the hard drinking heroine, you've got not one, but TWO great villains (Belloq and Toht). You've got Nazis, Bible lore, golden idols, spiders, snakes...and of course, exotic locales. There is not a five minute segment of this film that is boring, or disappointing.

"Who'll be my role model now that my role model is gone?" Paul Simon "Call Me Al."

Current Mood: bouncy
Current Music: Don Henley

Apologies My Friends
I know-it has been 6 weeks since I have updated my journal. I guess in a way, that is a good thing. Good because I am building a nice social circle, and some weekly activities. I am gaming regularly on Thursdays, and just started playing bar trivia locally on Tuesdays. I may not do the trivia game every week, but it is a fun diversion on an otherwise blah weeknight.

Let's see; I have singles ads up on both OKCupid and something called Plentyoffish.com...although I have noticed that the quality of the available men seems markedly higher on the former site. The quizzes and questions require more insight, honesty, and time. Plentyoffish is a free site, but very dumbed-down. Most of those guys throw up a photo and two sentences, and call it a profile. I have made a few good friends so far, but no true romantic strings have been plucked.

What else? My 34th birthday was last Monday, the 12th. My landlady saved the day by taking me out for good red wine and a lovely dinner. She is about 70 years old, but the coolest senior I've met in months. She is going on an African safari next month, just because she can. She travels more than I do, and is engaged to a sweet guy who lives in Florida. She gives me hope that I will find a good guy someday, and also inspires me to get out there and live life to the fullest.

I have visited the Nettie-friendly Renaissance Festival in Huntersville, and it was as cool as the PA fair. Lots to see and do, strolling musicians, actors, storytellers, and acrobats. Some good comedy shows, like the Ded Bob Show. (yes, the spelling is correct.) I bought some cool clothing, gypsy style skirts. I had so much fun, in fact, that I am going back this weekend. I have a free ticket from a friend; belated birthday present. I'll try to spend less money this time around, though.

I guess that's about it for now. I'll try to be better at updating my journal in the future.

"With auburn hair and tawny eyes, the kind of eyes that hypnotize me through." Flock of Seagulls "I Ran(So Far Away).

Current Mood: busy
Current Music: Flock of Seagulls

Asheville, NC
It is the last hours of the Labor Day weekend, and I am satisfied that I truly made the most of it when I could. I finally got someone to take me to Asheville...a cool mountain city about three hours west of Charlotte. I cannot truly describe it, but I will sure as hell try.
There are parts of the city that are about 150 years old, and the town square has that old fashioned, Norman Rockwell feel; a general store, an Irish pub, a Civil War monument, etc. Modern banking buildings and insurance companies tower above bistros, bars, art galleries, and quaint grocers. But the real allure of the town is the superb, fascinating people watching opportunities.
The natives of this place need to be seen to be believed. I do not say this as an insult, or a compliment. It is a naked observation, and it is the truth. I saw a girl with a shaved head, walking on stilts, wearing a red kimono, and a nose ring. She was one of the more conservative folks I saw. :) She was gorgeous, and had a bright smile for everyone she met. The motley citizens included women with fiery red dreadlocks cascading to their hips, a half naked man playing a ukulele, teenagers in clown wigs and army boots, Deadheads lugging bass guitars and drums, Ren rats with peasant skirts and corsets, and some middle aged, L.L. Bean-wearing tourists. Everyone strolled slowly, taking it all in. It seemed that most people were mannerly and polite, pausing to allow others to take pictures. I adored this place, and can't wait to go back.
Next time, I'd like to spend the night, and spend two whole days. As it was, we arrived at about noon, and left at about 5 pm. It was perfect walking weather, and to top it all off, I took some great pictures. As soon as I get the CD, I'll post some on here.
I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend. :) Tomorrow it's back to the work week.

"With music by your side to break the color lines, let's work together to improve our way of life." Janet Jackson "Rhythm Nation."

Current Mood: accomplished
Current Music: Janet Jackson

Settled In
I have now had 5 days to settle in to my new apartment, and so far I must say; oh.....I am liking it here. I scouted several neighborhoods in central and southern Charlotte, and had conversations with city natives to determine the best locations. It came down to two sections of the city; one called Dilworth, another called Myers Park. Both are picturesque and quiet, within one mile of the Uptown area. Both are on bus lines and close to entertainment. Myers Park is more reasonably priced, and an older locale. Think of it this way; Dilworth is Desperate Housewives, Myers Park is One Tree Hill. Or something.
I have a washing machine (free), two air conditioners (free), broadband internet and basic cable courtesy of Time Warner, and all of my furniture. One simple thing that I do lack is a living room light fixture; no overhead light source in that room for some reason. I'll need at least one floor lamp, possibly two. Otherwise, this place is perfect; it is situated between two major roads, Randolph and Seventh. But the development is tucked away just far enough from the drag that it is blissfully quiet and peaceful. It is the perfect mix of country and city. I am excited to walk around some more, and explore the new people, places, and things nearby.

"They're doing it over there, but we don't do it here." David Bowie "Fashion."

Current Mood: awake
Current Music: David Bowie

Writer's Block Question (Gory Details)
Have you ever served on a jury?
Oh, what a question...how very apropos. Not only did I serve on a jury, my friends. I served on a DOUBLE HOMICIDE, CAPITAL MURDER trial. The victims were Lucy and Terry Smith, a couple who had an adopted son. The son was dating a woman twice his age, and the parents disapproved. The woman, named Elena, convinced the boy, Michael, that in order for them to be free, his parents had to die.
Michael needed a partner to help him commit the murders, so he enlisted his friend Landon May. Landon was 18 at the time. The two of them broke into the house at 2 am, on a summer night in 2001. Michael tortured and shot his adopted father, after gaining access to the PIN for his ATM card. Landon tortured the mother, Lucy, and made her do unspeakable things to him sexually before stabbing her, shooting her, and slitting her throat.
After this heinous three hour torture session, the two killers played cards in the basement, drank sodas, and hung out, unaffected by the bloodbath upstairs. Michael was smart, and plead guilty, which saved his life. He is serving a life sentence with no possibility of parole. Landon, the moron, plead not guilty, and therefore, the DA sought the death penalty. I happen to approve of the death penalty, if the person commits a particularly horrific murder.
So I sat, juror #12, for five weeks in the fall of 2002, and heard all of the evidence; saw the bloodied sheets and clothes, looked at the knives, guns, and other weapons used, listened to the county coroner describe the extensive injuries and mayhem; watched Landon sitting in the defendant's chair, looking by turns bored and amused. There were times I wanted to leap over the jury seat and strangle him with my bare hands.
He was guilty as sin; his DNA on the woman, his shoe prints in the house, his prints in the home....and yes, we found him guilty.
I became so physically ill during the sentencing phase, that I was dismissed and replaced by an alternate juror. Therefore, I got to listen to every word of the horror, but not actually decide his fate; whether this young man lived or died. I am relieved that I did not have to play God with a teenager, but I tell you now: Landon May sits on Death Row today in Pennsylvania, and if anyone belongs there, he does.

"Someone's gonna tell you lies; cut you down to size." Tom Petty "Don't Do Me Like That."

Current Mood: accomplished
Current Music: Tom Petty

New Digs....
I really should have posted about this earlier, but I have been so tired after work every day; and i get caught up with movies, roommates, phone calls, or other distractions. I have some good news, folks. Nettie has acquired an apartment of her very own. I move in 5 weeks. Here are the vital stats on the place.
1) It's on a bus line, which is key, since I do not drive.
2) It's eight blocks from the coolest neighborhood in Charlotte; jazz club, indie video store, bars, restaurants, coffee shops, clubs, mom and pop shops, etc.
3) Only about one mile from uptown, which is the hoppin' center of town.
4) Tree lined, quiet, safe, pretty neighborhood.
5) Rent is only 50 bucks more a month than what I was paying in Bumblefuck, PA.
6) Kick ass old lady for a landlord; she's sweet as honey, sharp as a tack, and damn interesting.
7) Big honkin' deck for lounging at night.
8) I pick up the key Wednesday, and the place is empty. Read-gradual move in means lighter, easier "official" move in day.

I am happy. Granted, there is no on site laundry; but if I have to go 8 blocks to a laundromat once a week, and that is the worst thing to contend with, then I'm well ahead of the game.
It will be such fun to get out there and walk around, exploring my new 'hood. I am really looking forward to it!

"You must try to ignore that it means more than that." Tina Turner "What's Love Got To Do With It."

Current Mood: accomplished
Current Music: Sting

Being a Kid...
I am going to answer the Writer's Block question of the day: What do you miss most about being a kid? I'd probably go with two or three things. I do miss the family togetherness....my parents were still married, and we'd always go to the park, or the beach, or on various vacations. We went to Disney World when I was 12, for example. I miss that innocent time spent together, when my brother, sister and I would just play together. There were no jobs, romantic relationships, bills, or sickness. Thinking about those times truly tugs at my heart.
I also miss the innocence of not having seen the face of Death-all of my grandparents were still alive and well, and I had never had to face the mortality of someone I loved. It has only been within the past 6 years or so that I have seen people I care about die. My friend Ang's mother, my cousin, my grandfather, and then my grandmother. Death is just cold and final, so the lack of its presence was an unrealized gift I had in my youth. It was just assumed that those people would always be there for you, forever.
There are advantages to being an adult, however. Making your own money, spending it how you want, doing what you want, when you want to-these are all huge perks. Traveling across the country, adopting a pet, getting a driver's license, having sex, falling in love, becoming an aunt....all really good adult milestones. There is truly a time for every season.

"Warm wind carried on the sea, he called to me 'Mi hijo, te amo.'" Madonna "La Isla Bonita."

Current Mood: contemplative
Current Music: Madonna

Health Issues Aplenty....
If there is a cosmic bookie out there somewhere, he is undoubtedly laying odds right now that I will be hit by a UPS truck on my first day of work this Friday. Sound pessimistic, maybe even fatalistic? Ah-then you have certainly not been reading my journal for the last four years, have you? I have uncanny bad luck sometimes. Usually this streak involves either men, my health, or meeting new people.
Today's category in the Nettie Chronicles is Health Issues for 100, Alex. Allow me to elaborate. This past Thursday I was awakened at 4 am in a cold sweat, with the uncontrollable urge to-shall we say-be ill in the toilet. I had four more such lovely urges in the intervening 4 hours. It was fabulous. I have since deduced that it was probably food poisoning from a bad burger at Red Robin the night before. So my next three days were touch and go...didn't eat much of anything, and rarely left the bed. I tried to be a hero on Saturday and get outside to go hiking. Hmmmm...this was a bad plan. My stomach protested mightily at the thought of riding in a car.
So just as this fun little escapade starts to tail off, I notice a whole new set of fun-filled symptoms. Having been introduced to this second, worse ailment in college, I recognized its horrific signs immediately. Urinary tract infection. Yes, ma'am. These little slices of Heaven elicit a level of pain for most women that cannot be described by mortal adjectives. So now I get to take a course of antibiotics for the next ten days. The one tiny silver lining on this plague-ridden cloud is that by the time I start work on Friday, the worst should be over.
That is, unless I contract syphilis within the next three days. And I mean, what are the odds of that happening-oh, wait. Probably 4 to 1.
That bookie is working OT right now...

"She's got something you just can't trust; it's something mysterious." Phil Collins "Invisible Touch."

Current Music: "Interview with the Vampire" soundtrack

RIP
David Carradine is dead at age 72. Rest in peace, brother.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/06/04/obit.david.carradine/index.html

Interesting Employment Dilemma To Debate
So a development has arisen the likes of which I did not think would occur in my job hunt. As many of you know, I applied at a nationwide company called Cintas, and interviewed there 9 days ago. I was told today that I am still in the running as a candidate, and a decision would be made by Friday.

I like this job opportunity because it is one mile from where I live now, and will probably pay about a dollar more an hour than I was making in PA. In addition, the work load does not seem very high-maybe 30 calls a day on a busy day, talking to people who had uniforms delivered.
What I don't like about it is that the job is located on a major highway, and I would need to either carpool with my roommate, or walk on a major metropolitan bypass. Additionally, the neighborhood I currently live in is quite suburban and has little to do for a non driver such as myself. So I'd essentially be trapped in La La land if I took this job.

Now enter the second potential job. Medco, a prescription drug carrier, who have a training class starting on June 19th. After 8 weeks of training, the position is work from home, which is lovely for someone with no car. I would take calls from people filling their prescriptions, which is not dissimilar to my most recent job in PA. This would give me the freedom to live wherever I want in Charlotte, allowing me to be on a bus line in a more "happening" part of the Queen City. The pay is comparable to the Cintas gig. The only drawback with this opportunity is the hours-1130 am to 8 pm, and Saturdays you must work 930 to 5 pm. Employees have off every Sunday, and one week day.

The pros and cons are pretty equitable for both jobs-so if both companies end up offering me work, which do you think would be the best choice? Discuss. Thanks guys!

Current Music: Steppenwolf

I Did It
I actually moved. I just drove 520 miles south of my hometown, and moved into my new abode, in Northeast Charlotte. I live about ten minutes outside of the actual city of Charlotte, in a lovely complex that has a gym and a pool. My bedroom is almost entirely unpacked and set up, and I had a job interview this morning at a good company called Cintas. It looks promising, and if I get the position, I will start next week. The company is literally 1.5 miles from where I live, so transportation should not be a problem. There is a grocery store and strip mall about a half mile away, and another shopping center about half a mile away on the other side of the apartment community. This one has Ace Hardware, various restaurants, and a clothing store.
Watching the local weather report last night was hilarious; the anchor stated "Tomorrow will be a little chilly-only 68 degrees; so you might want to wear a jacket."
In PA, 68 degrees is considered a perfect May day. Here, it is a below average temperature. I find that amusing.
I do think about my PA crew with fondness, but I feel at peace, and so far, things have been falling into place neatly. Hopefully my luck holds a while longer.

"He'd come and tell me everything was alright, could I get away again tonight?" Janis Joplin "Son of a Preacher Man."

No Tears...
I saw my mom today for the last time before I leave on Saturday. I did not cry-nor did I really feel the urge to do so; that sense that you have to push down the waterworks. I don't get it; I am a sensitive person, and felt certain that as the time drew near, I would cry. I know I will miss everyone. I know it is scary to move so far away from everything that is familiar to you. But I just....don't feel sad. I am tired, and have uncertainty, and a bit of disbelief at my own nerve. But actual melancholy or regret? Not a whisper.
Weird.

6 Days!
Six days...in 144 hours I will be on the road, probably in Virginia, on my way to the city of Charlotte. I have done everything I need to do except finish packing. At this point, it's a matter of boxing up clothes, kitchen stuff, and artwork. I have just one more session of D&D, just one more week of Tuesday trivia, and then my existence in PA will come to an end.

I am not nervous, and I am not sad; at least not yet. True, I am leaving all my friends and family; true, I am leaving my home city and everything in it....but I have high hopes that this is the right decision, and that I will have a great time in the New South.

Giddyup, y'all.

"Now I'm singin' all my songs to the girl who won my heart; she is only three years old and it's a real fine way to start." Led Zeppelin "The Ocean."

Moving Checklist
I am moving to Charlotte on Saturday, May 16th....and have gotten a lot done. But there is always something else to do.

Things I have done

1. Lined up a place to stay.
2. Lined up a job.
3. Opened a checking account with a Charlotte based bank.
4. Rented a U Haul.
5. Given away or sold most of my unwanted items.
6. Acquired moving boxes for packing.
7. Begun packing-mostly books and dvds so far.
8. Acquired a copy of my medical records for my new primary care physician.

Things Left To Do

1. Go to the post office and get my address changed.
2. Finish packing
3. Get rid of kitchen table and TV set.
4. Send last month's rent and forwarding address to my shady landlord.
5. Pray I get my security deposit back.
6. Go to PA dentist and hairdresser for the last times.

"I like the way you hold the road; mama, it ain't no sin. Dig that heavy metal underneath your hood...." Led Zeppelin "Trampled Underfoot."

Current Mood: accomplished
Current Music: The Doors

Poetry on Tax Day
My favorite poem is "Solitude" by Ella Wheeler Wilcox.

"Laugh, and the world laughs with you; weep, and you weep alone.
For the sad old Earth must borrow its mirth,
But has trouble enough of its own.
Sing, and the hills will answer;
Sigh, it is lost on the air.
The echoes bound to a joyful sound,
But shrink from voicing care."

There are two more stanzas, but you get the idea. It is a lovely, passionate work.

Advice Needed
So I had a bit of an odd occurrence today. I take my cell phone with me to work, but keep it on silent mode, because we are a call center, and are only allowed to use our cells on lunch or breaks. So at around noon, I notice two missed calls in a 30 minute period...but the caller did not leave a voice mail message. I attempt to call the number back, and get a business called Venture, or Century, or something, and a receptionist named Lauren. I explain to her that I am returning a call, but the person did not leave a name or message. She says to me "Well then, I can't help you." Um, okay.
See, here's the thing; the phone number is a Charlotte, NC, exchange, and I am wondering if the call was about one of the jobs I applied for. Some of my co workers said that perhaps they want to speak to me directly about something. I always thought that a potential employer would leave a message identifying himself, his company, and a good call back time. I am nervous...do you think I missed a job opportunity? If the company tries to call me again tomorrow, should I leave my cell on and answer, then face my boss' wrath later?

Not Sure in Lancaster

What A Night
I had one of the more interesting Sundays in my already interesting recent history last night; don't ask me how it happened, but my friend Diane somehow talked me into attending a Motley Crue concert. Yes, you heard me correctly.
Motley Crue. I am not exactly a fan of this sometimes-esteemed hair band. I remember kinda sorta liking "Dr Feelgood" when it was on MTV, and that is about it. I know about the hi jinks of Tommy Lee and his lovers, and that Vince Neill has had work done to repair his years of physical excess, but that is all I knew about the band members. I did not even know who Nicky Six was until last night.
Let's just say that the show was entertaining as hell, but not in the way it was intended. The opening band was some group called Hinder, who evidently are somewhat famous, but I have never heard of them. (I do not listen to the radio or watch MTV.) They seemed to have considerable talent, and I liked several of their songs. One in particular, called "Up All Night", was very good.
The boys of Motley Crue took the stage at about 930 pm, and opened with "Kick Start My Heart." I had forgotten about that song. Vince Neill was very polite to the audience, thanking us over and over again for coming out. But the guy is old...he is just old. He tried to dance around the stage, but the dude is not 25 anymore. His voice was not bad, but he had trouble with high notes, or fast lyrics. They played for about 90 minutes, and I did recognize about four songs; "Dr Feelgood", "Girls, Girls, Girls", and "Home Sweet Home." I think there might have been one very old school tune called "Shout at the Devil", though this one is before my time.
While this was definitely not the best live show I have seen, it also did not suck. And believe you me, the people watching opportunities at this thing were classic; bloated, middle aged blondes wearing leather and lace...redneck guys with greasy mullets, teenagers in leggings and knee high boots, lots of feathered hair, lots of acid washed denim. It's like 1989 had a nightmare, and woke up screaming....
Maybe that was just me.... Heh.

"All around my hometown, they are trying to track me down." Eric Clapton "I Shot The Sheriff."

Current Mood: amused

Meme From Head Tome (Love Lists)
Using only song titles from one artist, cleverly answer these questions.

Pick a band/artist: Led Zeppelin

1. Are you male or female: Black Country Woman
2. Describe yourself: The Rover
3. How do you feel about yourself: Trampled Underfoot
4. Describe your ex boyfriend/girlfriend: Dazed and Confused
5. Describe your current boy/girl situation: The Wanton Song
6. Describe your current location: Ten Years Gone
7. Describe where you want to be: Down by the Seaside
8. Your best friend is: Good Times, Bad Times
9. Your favorite color is: In the Light
10. You know that: Babe, I'm Gonna Leave You
11. What’s the weather: When the Levee Breaks
12. If your life was a television show what would it be called: What Is and What Should Never Be
13. What is life to you: Stairway to Heaven
14. What is the best advice you have to give: Boogie With Stu
15. If you could change your name what would you change it to: Kashmir

"You rearrange me til I'm sane. You lock the door and throw away the key." Pink Floyd "Brain Damage."

Current Mood: bored
Current Music: Pink Floyd

Santa Fe and the Superbowl...
Today I both recover from and absorb the past four days; a whirlwind trip to Santa Fe to see my sister wed. I must say that I had a good time; the weather was colder than I would have liked, only about 50 degrees all weekend. But the town is so picturesque, quaint, and entertaining that I cannot complain.

Julie and Jon married at the Loretto Chapel, renowned for its "Miraculous Staircase." Her wedding dress was 45 years old; it once belonged to the mother of her best friend, Anne. There were 28 guests who flew in to New Mexico for the occasion; about ten relatives, and about 18 friends of the bride and groom. I adored Julie's friends; there was a particular couple, Jerry and Nicki, who I especially loved; Jerry was hilarious and chatty, and his wife was intelligent and engaging. Lovely folks.

I did not buy a disposable camera until the last day of the trip, so I will only have limited photographic evidence of the events of this jaunt. However, I did purchase a few souvenirs for myself; a hand worked silver bracelet and a wool shawl, both crafted by local Native Americans. I did plenty of walking and got lots of fresh air during the past few days; I'd like to try to get more exercise here at home the rest of this winter, if I can. It feels good to get the old heart rate up a bit.

On Sunday I watched the Superbowl with Jon and his identical twin brother, Jeremy, at a local pub in Santa Fe called Catamount. Being a PA resident, I had to root for the Steelers by default...and they did not disappoint. That 100 yard touchdown in the first quarter was stunning; it's moments like that that make the annual football game royale worthwhile. Of course, being in NM, the rest of the bar was universally cheering for the Arizona Cardinals. Oh well....at least the fans were polite in their loss.

"Shall I stay, would it be a sin? I can't help falling in love with you." Elvis Presley "Can't Help Falling in Love With You."

Current Mood: relaxed

Sweet Fancy Moses....
Holy shit. I think today has been the busiest day I have had in at least a year. Deep breath....I took 123 calls today at work, while logging about 70 returned checks. When I got home, bleary-eyed but conscious, I managed to do all of the following this evening: Wash and dry a load of laundry, write checks to utility companies, do my federal taxes online (I am getting a nice refund), apply for a job online, AND I still plan on going grocery shopping this evening. Tomorrow night I will pack for my trip to New Mexico, and on Wednesday, it's off to Santa Fe to see my little sister get married.

When I set my mind to it, I can accomplish a hell of a lot in 24 hours. I'm no Jack Bauer, but hey...who is?

"There's a girl that lives up the block; back in school she could turn all the boys' heads." Bruce Springsteen "Glory Days."

Current Mood: sleepy
Current Music: Bruce Springsteen

Advertisement