My sisters and I spend Black Friday every year at Jamestown Settlement's "Food & Feasts". Sometimes mom & I will venture out in the wee hours of the morning, but in general we prefer to walk off our turkey dinner at Jamestown and avoid the crowds. The whole premise of the themed weekend is how people in the 17th & 18th century would celebrate. The interpreters make a lot of yummy food, they butcher a pig (off site) and dress it's carcass (on site) and visitors get to do more food type things than the usual pounding of corn at the Powhatan village. We've helped chop vegetables and herbs for sausage and head cheese, mix ingrediants for dishes - did you know that Chicken Fricasse made the old way uses two POUNDS of butter?
This past Black Friday we were again at the Food & Feasts in Jamestown. At one point during the day, sometime very close to lunch my stomach informed me, we were near the platform in the back corner where the musket demonstration is. There was one interpreter with the musket and another sitting on the platform enjoying his lunch. The rope keeping us a safe distance away is about 10 feet away. My stomach protested at the unfairness of his eating lunch when I hadn't yet. The interpreter heard it. The man had a sense of humor and ruthlessly began to tease me about my lack of food. He said "I'd love to share with you. Well no I wouldn't. But even if I did want to share with you, you'd have to be a volunteer or an employee." I don't know if he expected my answer or not, but I asked where to sign up and the conversation took a turn away from the mouth-watering food he was eating with just a knife and describing to me.
I learned that Jamestown and Yorktown do take younger volunteers. I don't think I've seen any kids there, but who am I to argue with a man holding a knife? I've looked into volunteering at Colonial WIlliamsburg. It's for ages 11-16. Recently my mom emailed for more information. They recruit volunteers at a recruitment fair in January of every year, but they aren't having one this year - not enough turn over from last year. Not to mention that you have to live in Williamsburg, James City County, or the Bruton district of York. Technically I'm out of luck. I'm in York, but not Bruton.
Wanting to volunteer at a museum is not new for me. Ever since I was 7, I've wanted to volunteer. I asked when I could volunteer at the Virginia Living Museum and they said I had to be 11. I came back when I turned 11 to ask if I could again. They said "No. Unfortunately, our rules have changed. You now have to be 13." We checked again (didn't ask, just looked on the site) a few months ago and it said that I had to be 15 or I could do a family volunteering at age 11. I found that quite stupid so I'm waiting until I'm 15 or apply somewhere else. I guess they don't really want younger volunteers. They have a pretty big age gap of "lack of things to do" for 10-15 yo. Their day camps stop at 5th grade and you can't even be a helper at day camp unless you are 15. :/
Today we were at Yorktown Victory Center. In the winter you're not allowed to explore the camp and farm by yourself. I guess they cut back staffing like Colonial Williamsburg does. We had two really nice and informative interpreters, one for each the camp and the farm. When we returned to the warmth of the museum, my sisters went off to finish exploring and I stayed behind to talk to them about volunteering at Yorktown. Sam didn't have much information, but she did know that they had some teenagers and she gave me the name and email of the volunteer service coordinator. Sam said I should let her know if I was interested in outside costumed work or just inside answering questions. So I just sent the volunteer service coordinator an email telling her that I would like to know some more information on the volunteering. Hope it goes well *crosses fingers*
Sunday, 29 January 2012
Tuesday, 24 January 2012
Tuesday's Top 10... Rights of Readers
I found this top 10 on the back of one of the many books my mum borrowed from the library. The name of the book is "The Rights of the Reader" by Daniel Pennac, translated by Sarah Adams. The top 10 is his, but the descriptions are mine.
1) The Right Not To Read - Honestly? I don't see why some people don't like books. My mum doesn't care whether I read or don't read but I read any and all books I can get my hands on. OK, well almost any and all. If I have to read for school, I'm most likely to argue for this Right. But... I have to read it if I want a good grade. Bleck
2) The Right To Skip - Everyone does this every once and a while. We come to this really boring description, a repeat of information, or just a part that we don't feel up to reading, and we skip to a part that seems to be more interesting. Don't deny it, you've had to do it at least once.
3) The Right Not To Finish A Book - Those times when the book just kinda sucks. My mum's rule is 4 chapters, and if you still don't like it, put it away and find a different world to disappear into. That's a good chance to get to know the book right? I think so.
4) The Right To Read It Again - When you get a good book read it and then just have to read it again. I have several series that I've read quite a few times. About a month ago, I finished reading the Harry Potter series for the 5th or 6th time. Again, the only time I don't like re-reading a book, is when your reading it again for school. Like the Odyssey & the Illiad. These have been in my curriculum every year for the last four years in either History, Lit or Mythology. I really don't need to read it again. Lol
5) The Right To Read Anything - Brain candy. Comics. Graphic Novels. Great Books. Classics. Pop Culture. Sparkly Vampires. Fairy Tales. Kid books. Autobiographies. Biographies. Some really are better than others, but sometimes you need a bit of twaddle, a bit of a mindless escape. It's like turning on Elmo's World. lala la la, lala la la....the vapid look crosses your face and you're not really reading, but you're not involved in the real world either. And that's okay. Other times you just really want a well written story with depth and interesting characters, no sparkly vampires allowed.
6) The Right To Mistake A Book For Real Life - When you read a book that has really good imagery, sometimes you will take it seriously and you'll tell someone and they tell you that it's not real and your like "Really? The book was really convincing though....You sure?" And then sometimes you'll have nightmares about it and then you think you see it the next day at school. *shivers* And sometimes an idea is so realistic that it really could happen and you find yourself wondering about a world like that. I read a book a few years ago, a series actually, about an alternate world right here where third children were outlawed and in hiding. Seems crazy right? But the author was pretty convincing.
7) The Right To Read Anywhere - Anywhere? I don't really agree, what if I take my book to a concert. Yea, that's a fantastic decision. Oh or even better, a lecture! I mean come on! You can't just take your book anywhere. There are times and places for reading. To be fair though, the author describes finding hidden ways and places to read, he doesn't suggest being rude.
8) The Right To Dip In - To pick the book up and start reading anywhere. Well I'm fine with it. I mean it might ruin the book but, your choice. I think this is better suited to books you've already read. Maybe I don't want to re-read the first chapter where we're told who Harry is, maybe I just want to get him on the train, or in Diagon Alley, or to the wind swept island where Hagrid gives Dudley a pig tail, or further in the adventure. You get the idea. Sometimes parts of the book speak to you louder than others and you just want to visit for a short time.
9) The Right To Read Out Loud - Reading out loud sometimes helps you to understand the book. Sometimes it just puts more character in the characters! I read to my sisters when I get the chance, I don't like to, but I do it anyways. They like it and I like getting the chance to share the characters, plots, loves and many other things with them. It's also okay to mumble to yourself while reading in the car. Really, it is.
10) The Right To Be Quiet - I dont't have to talk about the book I just read. I don't have to answer comprehension questions about it. I get to savor the book for myself. I'll talk about it when, and if, I'm ready.
1) The Right Not To Read - Honestly? I don't see why some people don't like books. My mum doesn't care whether I read or don't read but I read any and all books I can get my hands on. OK, well almost any and all. If I have to read for school, I'm most likely to argue for this Right. But... I have to read it if I want a good grade. Bleck
2) The Right To Skip - Everyone does this every once and a while. We come to this really boring description, a repeat of information, or just a part that we don't feel up to reading, and we skip to a part that seems to be more interesting. Don't deny it, you've had to do it at least once.
3) The Right Not To Finish A Book - Those times when the book just kinda sucks. My mum's rule is 4 chapters, and if you still don't like it, put it away and find a different world to disappear into. That's a good chance to get to know the book right? I think so.
4) The Right To Read It Again - When you get a good book read it and then just have to read it again. I have several series that I've read quite a few times. About a month ago, I finished reading the Harry Potter series for the 5th or 6th time. Again, the only time I don't like re-reading a book, is when your reading it again for school. Like the Odyssey & the Illiad. These have been in my curriculum every year for the last four years in either History, Lit or Mythology. I really don't need to read it again. Lol
5) The Right To Read Anything - Brain candy. Comics. Graphic Novels. Great Books. Classics. Pop Culture. Sparkly Vampires. Fairy Tales. Kid books. Autobiographies. Biographies. Some really are better than others, but sometimes you need a bit of twaddle, a bit of a mindless escape. It's like turning on Elmo's World. lala la la, lala la la....the vapid look crosses your face and you're not really reading, but you're not involved in the real world either. And that's okay. Other times you just really want a well written story with depth and interesting characters, no sparkly vampires allowed.
6) The Right To Mistake A Book For Real Life - When you read a book that has really good imagery, sometimes you will take it seriously and you'll tell someone and they tell you that it's not real and your like "Really? The book was really convincing though....You sure?" And then sometimes you'll have nightmares about it and then you think you see it the next day at school. *shivers* And sometimes an idea is so realistic that it really could happen and you find yourself wondering about a world like that. I read a book a few years ago, a series actually, about an alternate world right here where third children were outlawed and in hiding. Seems crazy right? But the author was pretty convincing.
7) The Right To Read Anywhere - Anywhere? I don't really agree, what if I take my book to a concert. Yea, that's a fantastic decision. Oh or even better, a lecture! I mean come on! You can't just take your book anywhere. There are times and places for reading. To be fair though, the author describes finding hidden ways and places to read, he doesn't suggest being rude.
8) The Right To Dip In - To pick the book up and start reading anywhere. Well I'm fine with it. I mean it might ruin the book but, your choice. I think this is better suited to books you've already read. Maybe I don't want to re-read the first chapter where we're told who Harry is, maybe I just want to get him on the train, or in Diagon Alley, or to the wind swept island where Hagrid gives Dudley a pig tail, or further in the adventure. You get the idea. Sometimes parts of the book speak to you louder than others and you just want to visit for a short time.
9) The Right To Read Out Loud - Reading out loud sometimes helps you to understand the book. Sometimes it just puts more character in the characters! I read to my sisters when I get the chance, I don't like to, but I do it anyways. They like it and I like getting the chance to share the characters, plots, loves and many other things with them. It's also okay to mumble to yourself while reading in the car. Really, it is.
10) The Right To Be Quiet - I dont't have to talk about the book I just read. I don't have to answer comprehension questions about it. I get to savor the book for myself. I'll talk about it when, and if, I'm ready.
Sunday, 22 January 2012
Rainy days
Rain, rain, go away, come again some other day. Maybe when it's warmer and I'm not forced to stay indoors. Cold rain is just bleh. All you want to do is wear sweat pants and curl up with a book and some chai. mmmm chai. And during cold rain, the rents are always on you about homework and chores. But during a warm rain shower you can go outside and smell the fresh earth. Better still, you can play capture the flag and jump in puddles having fun. No worries about homework or chores, just fun.
At least rainy days - hot or cold- also mean hot food and movie night. Fun family movie, soft warm jammies and chai. mmmm chai. Wait... did I say that already? Oh well. I think that the best store chai comes from Wawa. You fill the whatever size drink you get about 2/3rds of the way with the chai, the littlest amount of vanilla cappuccino you can get, and fill the rest with the vanilla creamer. Yumm! (Only a dollar (any size) for a limited time only *nudge, nudge* :D What do YOU like to do on rainy days?
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
Bad Days & Dreams on Hold
I've been having some pretty bad days since mid November. That's when my back started hurting and I found out I have a cracked vertabrae. Which means I have to take a break from gymnastics. For an unknown ammount of time. The orthopedist "isn't concerned" about the crack. The new one anyways. My old Ortho would have been concerned. But he doesn't take our insurance anymore. So I'm stuck with Mr. "If it hurts, don't do it." Ummm - pretty much everything hurts, can you please take another x-ray and give me some idea of recovery time?
There are some pretty bad things about this back injury. The first of course is that, well, my back is broke. Fun. But what that means is that my life, at least as I know it and have known it for the last 11 years is on hold. I've been doing gymnastics 26 hours a week for the last two years, 22 hours a week for the 2 years before that, 20 hours a week for the previous 2 years, 16 hours a week the year before that and 8 hours, for a few years but I started at 1 then 2 hours a week. Now, I'm at ZERO hours. What am I supposed to do with my time? My body is going crazy. So my season is over. I've competed once this season and my coach had me scratch an event so I don't have my state score, and the state meet is in March. I don't have time - assuming my back heals- to train and compete to earn a qualifying score to go to state. That's it, I'm done this year. No gymnastics for who knows how long. Probably no gymnastics camp. But the worst, the really worst, is that without gymnastics, I have to find another way to get to Cirque Du Soliel.
So, I'm taking some dance classes - little to no impact on my back- while waiting for someone to stop pressing the pause button on my life.
There are some pretty bad things about this back injury. The first of course is that, well, my back is broke. Fun. But what that means is that my life, at least as I know it and have known it for the last 11 years is on hold. I've been doing gymnastics 26 hours a week for the last two years, 22 hours a week for the 2 years before that, 20 hours a week for the previous 2 years, 16 hours a week the year before that and 8 hours, for a few years but I started at 1 then 2 hours a week. Now, I'm at ZERO hours. What am I supposed to do with my time? My body is going crazy. So my season is over. I've competed once this season and my coach had me scratch an event so I don't have my state score, and the state meet is in March. I don't have time - assuming my back heals- to train and compete to earn a qualifying score to go to state. That's it, I'm done this year. No gymnastics for who knows how long. Probably no gymnastics camp. But the worst, the really worst, is that without gymnastics, I have to find another way to get to Cirque Du Soliel.
So, I'm taking some dance classes - little to no impact on my back- while waiting for someone to stop pressing the pause button on my life.
My Top 10 Foods
1. Burritos- no, I'm not talking about Taco Bell - ick! I'm talking about a warm 10 inch flour tortilla with pinto & black beans covered with cheddar cheese & fresh pico de gallo. Yeah, I know - where's the beef right? Not really a fan of meat in my burritos. Or lettuce. weird right?
2. Dark Chocolate - this is the good stuff. I like my cocoa ratio around 80-85%. Darker than that & I can only eat a little, less than that and I've wasted my money. Once you've had good dark chocolate you can't go back to milk chocolate.
3. Banana Bread - Ohmygod, my house smells so good right now. Mom just pulled some banana bread out of the oven. I can't wait to dig into a slice. Confession - sometimes I refuse to eat bananas just so they get to the point where I *have* to make banana bread.
4. Yakisoba noodles -This was my first exposure to Japanese food and chopsticks when I was like 2 or 3. The noodles are like spaghetti noodles, but better becuase they actually taste like something. You can use soba noodles in lots of things like stir fry, soup, or noodle dishes. Yakisoba is a noodle dish with a sweet tangy sauce and vegetables. Best part is slurping it off the chopsticks.
5. Steak - Guilty pleasure. This is something my dad and I get when we go out. No one else in the family will eat it. Dad got a gift certificate to Outback for Christmas - can you say "Daddy, I love you!"? lol I forsee a dinner out in my future....
6. Lemon Pound Cake - tastes best with a mocha frappacino from Starbucks. I wonder if it would taste good on it's own? It's got a great balance of sweet & lemon, but the lemon isn't so sour that it's overpowering.
7. Black bean soup - I've had this a few places and a few different ways. Honestly? The best is semi homemade. Grab a carton of Trader Joe's Cuban Style Black Bean Soup (it's in a box), add a can of black beans and simmer. Serve with a spoonful of pico de gallo and some shredded cheese. I won't object to some Trader Joe's corn chips with it either.
8. Brownies - with ice cream, without ice cream, but definately without frosting or nuts. Why do people do that to brownies? I like a slightly fudgey texture - not cakey to fall apart but not really gooey & gross. Definately a dark chocolate kind. I'm thinking Gheradeli's.
9. Ham -My dad's mom, we call her Gammy, she makes the best ham at home if you're looking for a meal. Mom doesn't cook ham, probably couldn't do it right, so I won't ask her what the secret is. I know it has something to do with pineapple juice, cherries, brown sugar and I think Coke? But if you're looking for deli ham for a sandwhich - FireHouse Subs is the place to go.
10. Pretzel Bread - Personally I like the pretzel rolls from Trader Joe's. They're huge and the slightly salty flavor is just right. I like fresh warm soft pretzels also, especially with cinnamon sugar, but there's such a difference in the pretzel places that I'm always wary. There's this place in Williamsburg by Kidsburg that's really gross. I don't remember the name of it, but I'm not sure how they stay in business. On the other hand, one of the pretzel places in the mall is passable and the other is good. Can't remember which is which so it's always a guessing game. If you're ever in Disney World and get reservations to Le Cellier in Canada (Epcot) - the warm pretzel sticks they serve before a meal are amazing. Save room for the steak though.
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