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Name: Alison
Birthday: 3/2/1987
Gender: Female
Interests: God, Family, MUSIC, History, Theatre, Phantom of the Opera, Writing, Literature (reading), Singing, Piano, Violin/Fiddle, Guitar, Cosmetics, Opera, Monty Python, British Comedy, Cooking, Needlecrafts, Swimming, Cheerleading, Dogs, Horseback Riding, Archaeology, Vikings, Celtic Culture and Music, Gerard Butler, Monarchial History, Eleanor of Aquitane, Elizabeth I, Henry VIII, St. Olav, Erik the Red, Leif Erikson, Having Children Someday, Names, Rain, Toys, Faery Folk, Mermaids, The Little Mermaid, Languages, Friends, Talking, Sleeping, Video Games, Trashy Romance Novels, Traveling, Cream Soda, Strawberry Fruit Roll-Ups, Chocolate (with Caramel), MySpace, Facebook, Fan Fiction, Harry Potter, Wicked, Jeopardy!, Days of Our Lives, and Writing Lond Useless Profiles.
Expertise: MUSIC, comedic acting, being a history buff, writing long pointless blogs, Phantom of the Opera, Monty Python, singing like a man, traveling and being a tourist, sleeping, taking medicine, trashy romance novels, dogs, acting like a mom even though I'm not one, becoming addicted to useless video games, getting sucked into books, being awkward, embarrassing myself, torturing professors, and others and cooking fattening food.
Occupation: Student
Industry: Other
Message: message meEmail: email me
Website: visit my website
AIM:  Historical Muse
MSN: TWbebe32@hotmail.com
Yahoo:  HistoricMusique
Member Since:
11/16/2005
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| Here's lookin' at you, kid... Alright. I know that it has been long since I’ve updated, but I’m not consistent. So stop whining!
1. The trip was wonderful We went to Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, Russia, Germany and Finland, and I got to see Phantom two more times in London. I met some really amazing people like Lenny Windsor, Barry John, Joel Leder and Ramin Karimloo. Look them up Pretty cool. We saw dozens of important historical and cultural places, and I learned some very important lessons. Here are some lessons I learned.
A. NEVER, and I mean NEVER brush your hair in the Hermitage. Yes, you can take photographs (if you buy a pass), you can take videos, you can talk and laugh and run. However, you may NOT brush your hair. EVER. The Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia is one of the top Art museums in the world, with so many treasures inside, it makes your head spin. It is also quite crowded, and it can get hot inside if you’re around a lot of people. Well, my friends, Alison had just gotten her hair straightened on the ship, so it was down. We all know that when Alison has straight hair, she takes advantage of it. It was loose, but she began to sweat (as usual) and get pretty darn warm. She had stuffed her purse with all the possible things she might need inside the museum, and that included a mini-hairbrush. Well, since Alison’s hair look pretty freakin’ amazing (which is unusual) that day, she didn’t want to pull it back without brushing it back and making sure it stayed looking amazing. Thinking that it was alright to use a hairbrush, as long as she only brushed her own hair, she took it out and began to quickly style the red mass. Unfortunately, someone was watching her. A Hermitage State Museum guard Not speaking any English, she said in Russian, what Alison assumes to be:
“Stupid American You cannot brush your stupid red hair in here This is the Hermitage We do not allow hairstyling among the Da Vinci’s. We prefer natural hair around the Titians, so put that darn hairbrush away Criminal ”
Alison was puzzled, but finished pulling her hair back and then put it away. She thought that it was okay until she went to the next room and saw people taking pictures of the only two Da Vinci’s that ther Hermitage has with FLASH. Flash is allowed in the hallways, but it STRICTLY states that Flash is NOT allowed in the rooms with paintings. It was DA VINCI Do you realize how rare a true original Da Vinci is? Pretty frickin rare... The flash is not good for the paintings, and as a future archaeologist, Alison likes to preserve history. So while the mean Russian lady was yelling at Alison for brushing her hair, there were tourists actually DESTROYING renaissance mastery How rude
B. Estonian boys are hot. Heck yes they are... Mom and I went to eat at a little medieval themed restaurant in Tallinn, Estonia, and the waiter was pretty handsome. I want him.
C. Don’t give the airport security people the “Alison Death Glare.” It’s not a good idea. In my defense though, he littered We were on the tube from London to Heathrow, and we were sitting across from a man in uniform. How was I supposed to know he worked for the airport? Well when we got closer to our stop, he ate a piece of candy and then...wait for it...THREW THE WRAPPER ON THE GROUND No kidding. In front of all the people in the subway. Well, I was absolutely disgusted and gave him one of my death glares. He met it and then looked away frightened. I have that effect. I picked up the wrapper to throw it away and huffed loudly. I thought this was over, but when we went through security an hour later, guess who stopped my dad and put him through all the searches and humiliation he could do. Afterward, my dad came up to me and said.
“Well, he remembered you.”
I was puzzled until I realized it was the same man from the subway.
“Really?”
“Yeah. He asked if we were on the subway this morning, and I said yes. Then he just got quiet and said. ‘I remember your daughter.’ And that was it.”
I blushed and apologized for once again causing trouble. But seriously, littering? Come on people... he should be tried by the Spanish Inquisition.
2. I got a lot of postcards, but I never sent them...sorry guys I’ll give them in person though. Yay
3. I got to see the Russian Ballet in St. Petersburg, and they put on Swan Lake. The full ballet with two intermissions. It was beautiful Plus, I had such an amazing seat that I could literally see the dancers’ make-up melting off.
4. Fourth of July was fun, as we went to Jennifer and Craig’s house. He fixed us food, and we played Scrabble. I won, of course, but mom was close behind. Jennifer and Dad should just never try... we saw fireworks that night at Carmel, and then went home. We saw the native “Carmel-ites” in action with a traditional Carmel picnic. Wine and cheese. Seriously.
5. The day after the 4th, we went down to Frankfort, Kentucky to visit Adam, Melanie and KARISSA Yay SOOOOoooooooooooo cute. And she can EAT. She’s turning more and more into an Emmert every day... *tear* I’m so proud
6. Lenny Windsor, the British comedian that I made friends with (and once again, I don’t know how I meet all these people...I just do.), was a writer for Benny Hill Woot Yay for amazing-ness
7. I’ve been watching all the old seasons of “Grey’s Anatomy,” and I love it. I’m nearing the end of the 3rd season now. I am SO Izzy....you have to admit.
8. I got an Xbox 360 for cheap on Ebay, and I have “The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion” for it. However, Oblivion has this glitch on some systems (mine included) that makes it freeze up every 5 seconds. It’s such an amazing game though, that I still play it. It’s kinda like Fable, but you can be a girl and make someone who looks JUST like you. I picked “Nord” as my race, which is basically viking, and I made her look just like me. Mom and Dad came in the room and were kinda freaked out. They thought I downloaded a picture. I’m just that good... *grin*
9. I also got DDR Universe for it, but I haven’t tried it yet. I’m gonna get fit
10. I cleaned out the gutters on our roof and got the hose stuck in the drainage pipe. For future information, DON’T try to stick the hose as far down the gutter as it will go...especially if it has a big nozzle. It doesn’t come out...except for moms.
11. There’s a stray cat around our house that I’m trying to feed. I don’t know if it’s a boy or girl though. I’m gonna name it Hero though...whether it’s a boy or girl. You generally associate hero with a male, but Shakespeare had a female named ‘hero’ in “Much Ado About Nothing.” I believe...so there
12. Mike and Karen Landrum moved into my grandpa’s old house to rent it. Yay for keeping it in the CIFF (Central Indiana Farming Families) I just made that acronym up. I’m so brilliant...let’s keep it I’m starting CIFF, the organization.
13. Dad retired this year...so next year, he’s going to be home all the time...how weird.
Movie of the Day: “Goya’s Ghosts”
Song of the Day: “Believe” by Staind
Picture of the Day:
That's me and a random Danish man in Copenhagen. He didn't speak any English, and he was eating cookie dough from the package. How amazing was he?
Person of the Day: Benny Hill
Quote of the Day: “Geniuses are like thunderstorms. They go against the wind, terrify people, cleanse the air."
Soren Kierkegaard
This Episode of “The Days of Alison’s Lives” was brought to you by:
The Hermitage
Hairbrushes
Heathrow
Love and Starbucks,
~Alison*
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| Baltic SunburnAlright children! I am in Warnemunde, Germany, and I have some stories to tell. Yayness!
1. We went to London and, of course, I had to go to Phantom. It was amazing, as usual, but the phantom was absolutely breathtaking this time. His name was Ramin Karimloo, and he is by far the most talented phantom I have seen since Gerard and Michael Crawford. And from me, that is saying a lot. I whooped after Music of the Night. Which isn't always looked well upon in a theatre full of British people. But oh well, he was just too amazing. I also bought his CD (mainly covers), so I'll let you guys listen to that. I waited for him outside the stage door afterwards, and we talked a bit...okay, I jabbered away and he patiently listened. He is an incredible guy with a visible kindness. I was very impressed. He is humble, even though he has been playing the Phantom at Her Majesty's Theatre for 10 months. Plus he is WAY too good looking to be deformed. Seriously, this guy is like... whoa... Mr. Helsabeck has some competition. ;) Anyway! Look him up www.raminkarimloo.com ... OH! And he loves God...seriously, where did this guy come from? My vote is on the land filled with cream soda and monty python movies. (aka...heaven) Also, something else happened that night which made it a very good candidate for the best night of my life. But, until I get some confirmation, I'm not going to say anything. I know I'm awful at keeping secrets, and I'm an idealist, but I've learned the hard way to not get your hopes up by spreading the possible outcome. So we'll just see...just pray for me. I know it's a mystery, but I'm ready for some good things to come my way.
2. After Grandpa, Grandad and Snickers, I would have thought that death was done in our family. Not yet, it seems. My great-aunt, Mozella Alexander passed away on May 21st, exactly a year after her brother passed away on the same date. She was 101. She was ready, but she was still one of my favorite relatives. It was not a sad funeral, as it was a celebration of her life, but it's always hard to see someone go. Aunt Mozelle was a marvelous painter, and I hope to get some of her work online.
3. We are now on the "Norwegian Jewel" from the Norwegian Cruise Line. (NCL) It is wonderful, and I am uber excited for the trip. Yesterday we went to Copenhagen, Denmark, and I saw the Little Mermaid, the changing of the royal guard, the famous canals, and the house of Hans Christian Anderson. I'll have pictures and videos for you. It was beautiful, and I enjoyed it greatly.
4. How many people do you know that can get sunburnt in the Baltic? Well, now you know one. Me. Seriously. I'm hurting.
5. Today we're in Warnemunde, Germany, and I'm getting ready for a day out. More info about each port will come, but now I have to prepare for a German day...yay!
Quote of the Day:
There are times when the utmost daring is the height of wisdom. ~Carl Von Clausewitz
Person of the Day:
Hans Christian Anderson
Movie of the Day:
Beowulf
Song of the Day:
Prima Donna from Phantom of the Opera
Picture of the Day:
Love and Hamlet,
~Alison*
This episode of the "Days of Alison's Lives" has been brought to you by:
The Little Mermaid~
 
Aloe Vera~
Swans~
Tune in next time!
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| Snickers is Dead I believe that in my 21 years, I have had three days that rate for my most miserable and mournful. My Grandma and Grandpa (on my mom's side) were either expected deaths or I was too young to know any better. My three saddest days:
1. The Day my Grandad Died (January 2008) 2. The Day my Grandmother had her stroke. (March 2006) 3. May 11, 2008 What has happened on May 11th? Snickers, the only animal that has been like family to me passed away on April 14th, but I found out on May 11th. I agree with my parents' decision to wait until I was home for the summer to tell me, as it would have made an already awful semester even more horrible. For anyone who knew me well, they knew that Snickers was much more than a dog. He was by me through all my health problems and confusion. He was my protector, friend and baby. I know this sounds like sentimental crap, but I loved Snickers every bit as much as the owners of Old Yeller and Lassie...if not more. He was SO smart...smarter than most people I know, and he was completely dedicated to me. He lived with me at Grandmother and Grandad's house, and even went out west with my family a couple of summers ago. Snickers was born on September 29, 2000. I got him as an early Christmas present from my sister, Jennifer, on the day before Thanksgiving. He was a blessing. He was barely bigger than a large hand, and he quickly became my best friend. Obviously my best friends are always Mom, Tina and God, but Snickers was right up there...not with God...don't worry. And TIna and Mom mean more to me, but they knew how special Snickers was. He was a favorite of my family and was extremely popular with those he liked, and extremely unpopular with those he didn't. (He was an awesome judge of character, and could be a jerk if he didn't like you.) He was a Shih-Tzu/Chihuahua mix, and I don't believe I have ever seen a more adorable animal. He slept with me, walked with me, rode with me, did EVERYTHING with me. I was like Paris Hilton, only a lot better... When I was hospitalized the first time, Mom and Dad found a little plush dog that looked like Snickers and brought it to me. Even just being in the hospital for a week, I missed him horribly. From then on, whenever I'd have to stay away from him for any length of time, I'd take the plush with me. For eight years we were unseparable. He was my baby, and now he's gone... (The next is all what my parents told me) Apparently this year we've had a lot more deer than usual, and when he died, there were about five out back. Snickers and Zero like to chase them off, but usually we keep them inside if there are any wild animals outside. However, Snickers and Zero were already outside when the deer came to graze. As usual, they chased them, but this time was different. Instead of simply ignoring them or running away, one of two things happened. 1. A deer kicked Snickers away, cracking his skull instantly, and then speared him with their antler. 2. A very small deer kicked him, cracking his skull instantly, and then stepped on him, causing the large puncture wound in his lower body. I'm sorry to be so graphic, but I'm grieving right now, and I need to get it out. Snickers was so tiny, he couldn't survive a blow like that. My parents were inside, and the only reason they know it was a deer was the fact that Dad saw them running away into the woods when he went to let the dogs in. Zero must not have known, because he came in immediately. They called for Snickers (because he sometimes follows the deer) but he didn't come. Mom came out and called endlessly for 20 minutes, and then got worried. Dad went out to the field and searched for him. It didn't take Dad long to find Snickers, and he was already dead. Mom said she thinks he died instantly, because after only 20 minutes, his body was cold and stiff. His eyes were open. Mom stroked him and carried him over to bury by the field. They put two stones up and mom wrote on a piece of quartz his name in permanent marker until I could put a more memorable marker up. All of this happened before Wanda, before Finals, before anything like that... I had no idea. When my mom came down to Milligan, it broke her heart whenever I talked about "my babies," because she knew she couldn't tell me until I got home. They didn't tell anyone before me, because they thought I should be the first to know. I'm grateful. As soon as we pulled in from the drive from Milligan, mom woke me up and told me. I was stunned. It was one of my worst nightmares. She knew she needed to tell me immediately, because the first thing I would do is go in the house and call for Snickers and Zero. I sobbed for the whole day... her mother's day sucked... and slept for the next two. I'm just now starting to recover, but it will take far longer than that. I lost one of my best friends, and it hurts...bad. I just lost Grandad, and now Snickers. I'm not comparing the two, but...I loved that dog more than anyone could love an animal. Zero is mourning as well, and it is obvious by the way he acts. Mom said that now when there are deer out back, Zero growls and bares his teeth in a way they've never seen. He just stares out at the field where Snickers died like Snickers will come back. He wouldn't go near the grave for a while, but he would stare at it. And now he goes there all the time, almost playing with the stones. It's creepy... He sleeps in the same places Snickers used to, and he acts like he can't jump up on the bed...like Snickers couldn't. When I first came home, Zero almost whimpered...like he was glad someone he associated with Snickers was finally back. He didn't leave my side. Mom saved Snickers tags, and when she brought them in to me, Zero got excited and ran to where she was and sniffed the tags, thinking the sound of them was Snickers. When he realized it wasn't, he whimpered and whined for a long time. The first time we took Zero in the car afterward, he kept whining and looking around like he thought Snickers should be there like he always was. It makes it a little easier with Zero, and of course I love Zero with all my heart, but Snickers was with me longer, and he went before his time. Although Tina made a good point. Snickers was only trying to protect us from the deer, and this is the death he would have wanted. A heroic one. Again, I'm sorry for the sappy story, and the graphic detail, but I adored Snickers, and I needed to get it out. Thanks. Love and Snickers, ~Alison*   
More pictures will be coming soon... | | |
| Call Me Ishmael...Well, since I haven't written for years... I may as well write an entry less than 12 hours later. Right? I have so much to say...obviously...lol.
1. Little Mermaid is on Broadway now... yayness! They composed some really adorable new songs and I love them. I haven't *seen* anything yet, but I like what I *hear*. Thanks to Ashley. :)
2. I'm writing a paper on Hannibal and I need inspiration... *sigh*
3. Last night I went out with Daniel and some of his friends to the Acoustic and then Mid-City. Good times...
Ok. So it was boring, but I really wanted to do another round of my "Of the Day" things...
Quote of the Day:
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of
wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it
was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the
season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of
despair."
~Charles Dickens (A Tale of Two Cities)
I kinda feel like this phrase describes my life at all times... even though I don't live in the French revolution.
Person of the Day:
Michael Palin
 
Song of the Day:
"She's In Love" by The Little Mermaid Broadway Cast
Movie of the Day:
Troy
Picture of the Day:
Kayaking in Greenland
Place of the Day:
Reykjavik, Iceland
Love and Sweeney Todd,
~Alison*
This Episode of "The Days of Alison's Lives" was brought to you by:
Moby Dick
Little Mermaid
And Hannibal
 
I'll give you 3 guesses as to which one Mr. Helsabeck wants me to write about...
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| In the light of the day...It has been too long, and too much has happened. This semester has been awful. My Grandad died, choir tour was too soon, we switched insurance which caused some of my medicine to be messed up, and I've been sick twice. I've missed more classes than I've been to, and my grades aren't going to be good either. Right now, I'm beyond depressed and having a pity party. However, I figure I should post some things and vent a little.
1. Choir tour was fun, even if it added stress. We went south, and before that we went on a weekend concert to Mountain Mission School in Grundy, Virginia. The alma mater of our very own (2nd Alto...heck yes!) Sharayah Cochran. Yayness! That was amazing. Actually, I got sick there too... 3 times this semester! Weird... Although I do have the crappiest immune system EVER. Although Katie Lindner gives me a run for my money...lol.
2. Zach and Tina FINALLY got married! It was beautiful...pictures should be coming sometime. It was wonderful, and my parents came down to see it. I'm so happy for them...even if it means I can't spend the night at their place anymore...
3. Michael Ottinger has begun to spend more time with Tina and Zach, and since I'm their 3rd wheel, Michael and I have become close friends. We went and saw ETSU's Grease together, and I saw CJ on stage. He was amazing. I was so happy for him. We went to Applebee's with the cast afterwards, and it was great fun. Michael also may be my date for the Junior/Senior this year. It's a Masquerade theme! I don't dance, but I LOOOOOOOOVE masquerades...for obvious reasons...
4. I made a one-act called "Wanda's Visit" by Christopher Durang. It' being directed by Daniel Wallen and I play the crazy (and I mean CRAZY) ex-girlfriend of Jim (Alex Henderson) who is married to Marsha (Lydia Parker)... the only other person in the cast is a small but funny role of Waiter by Ian Swallen...my son-in-law and crush from "Midsummer Night's Dream" and "My Fiance is an Alien." Great fun... I'm excited. There's a surprise ending, so everyone should come to support Dan! It's being performed on April 29th, and the two stage manager people are Lori Strunk and Jeremy Long. We're also performing it at the Acoustic Coffehouse on May 7th. I'm excited...
5. Bethany Barton had her Senior voice recital a bit ago and she was AMAZING. Congrats! And Megan Gable is having hers tomorrow. I'm excited.
6. Gerard Butler is in a new movie, "Nim's Island," and I haven't seen it yet...I also haven't seen "The Other Boleyn Girl," which is about Anne, Mary and Henry VIII. Of course I need to see it... I saw "Enchanted" and I LOVED it. Totally went out and bought it right after. Sweeney Todd was amazing. (I HEART Alan Rickman) I need to buy it on DVD.
7. I've been playing more stupid computer games... I'm addicted.
8. I've also been doing a LOT of genealogical research, and it's incredibly fun and interesting. I've found quite a few surprises. I've also gotten in touch with some of the family who does genealogy research, and we haven't seen each other for years. I'm gonna try to get a Hines Reunion together sometime this summer.
9. I finally applied to Chez Vous, for the French summer program. I added French as a minor, so I hope it works out. Pray that it does.
10. I'm on NutriSystem, and I love it.
So that's an update! Now for some randomness...
Picture of the Day:
Person of the Day:
Geoffrey Chaucer
Song of the Day: "Psycho" by Puddle of Mudd
Movie of the Day: Enchanted
Quote of the Day:
From Ugly Betty~ Amanda: "What's Daniel doing with McSlutty? I thought things were getting serious with Charo."
Alright children...until next time!
Love and Cake,
~Alison*
This Episode of "The Days of Alison's Lives" was brought to you by:
Cake Mania
A Fish Called Wanda
And Nutrisystem
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