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Romantic Shorts presents a contemporary mystery of the heart, as we follow university student Emma through a labyrinth of life, lies, and longing. Our first offering by New Zealand native Kathy Servian reminds us all of the naiveté and energy of youth, and the intensity that new love can add.
Welcome. And enjoy!
by Kathy Servian
What the hell is that?
There it is again.
Okay, I'm awake now.
I'm tingling all over and every hair stands on end as I stare into the darkness. After a few moments of silence, my heart stops jumping around in my chest and I snuggle back down. Maybe I imagined it. I'll just try to go back to slee…
Okay, that's it! I'm getting up.
Reluctantly, I roll over, enjoying the last few moments of warmth, before reaching for the bedside lamp. Click – dim yellow light fills the room. Shapes slowly come into focus; I blink repeatedly, trying to clear the sleep from my eyes. Dark shadows pool in the corners of my room, refusing to yield to the light. The wind's blowing hard outside. Trees move against the side of the house – dragging, scratching. There's an eerie high pitched whistle. While I know it's just air passing through narrow gaps in the decorative woodwork and into the roof cavity, it still makes my skin crawl.
Okay, okay I said that I'm getting up didn't I? As my legs slide out from under the blankets, the cool air slaps me. I draw in a sharp intake of breath, bracing myself. My toes curl as they touch the floorboards – as cold as ice. Do I really have to get up?
Yes, I really have to get up. My robe is hanging on the back of the door. Two quick leaps and it's in my hand, another heartbeat and it's on my body. Okay, I'm warm now, well warmish. Blinking the last few blurry patches away, I stumble down the hall.
I blunder into the wall. Ow, my arm!
The stairs fall away into inky blackness in front of me. Hold the banister Emma or you'll fall and break your neck. A nervous giggle escapes me. That'll be a fine sight for your flatmate to find in the morning won't it? You sprawled dead at the bottom of the stairs.
As my foot hovers above the bottom step, I shudder; there's a breeze blowing through the house like an arctic gale. It feels like I'm in a wind tunnel as I turn into the kitchen and shuffle over the scuffed linoleum. The back door yawns and eerie yellow light streams in from outside. The door starts to swing shut again, so I lunge forward, my fingers gripping the wood. No, you don't, I tell the door, pushing it closed. It bounces back out of the frame, so I push it again. There's no click. No feeling of security.
As I peer at the lock, a creeping crawling sense of unease starts at my feet and works its way up my body until it's curling its icy tendrils around the back of my neck. Even in the gloom, I can see that the wood around the lock is ripped – bulging out, like a wound.
With my senses on high alert, I turn my back to the door – my sweaty fingers still locked in a death grip on the handle. My terrified mind turns every shadow into a lurking intruder.
Suddenly I'm blinded – blinking, trying to shield myself from the light that's flooding the room, banishing the shadows and causing my eye sockets to ache.
"What are you doing?" The voice is terse, irritable. As my vision clears, my flatmate, Chloe comes into view. Her stance matches her tone. She has one hip thrust to the side, arms folded over her chest. Her face is contorted into a deep frown.
"The door was banging in the wind. I tried to lock it, but it's busted. Take a look." I step back to allow her a better view of the door.
She stomps over, casting me a narrow-eyed sideways glance. Chloe's bad-tempered at the best of times, but being dragged out of bed at three in the morning has not improved her demeanor.
"It looks like it's been …forced open." She looks up at me, a hint of fear now in her eyes. "You don't think that someone…is..still..?"
"I don't know. I hope not."
"Let's look around."
We creep around the house, jumping at our own shadows. I let out an involuntary and totally inappropriate giggle.
"Shhh!" Chloe hisses.
"Sorry, I can't help it, I laugh when I'm nervous," I whisper. All I can think of are those episodes of Scooby Doo where the Mystery Crew are looking for ghosts in creepy old abandoned warehouses. I giggle again, and Chloe glares at me.
As we enter the living room the empty TV table, with a ring in the dust where my small TV used to be, is immediately obvious. A sweep of the room reveals my stereo and laptop are also gone. I groan. Suddenly the situation is not so funny.
"Damn it, I was going to organise insurance for my stuff …sometime." I throw myself down on the sofa. "This sucks. It's not like we had much to take. They should've gone next door. They've got much better stuff than us."
Chloe sits down next to me and tentatively places one hand lightly on my shoulder. "I'm sorry."
I shrug, giving the impression of nonchalance, but tears are stinging my ears. It's just stuff, don't be a baby, Emma. "Let's go back to bed. There's nothing that we can do about it now."
We jam the table against the broken door and go back to our rooms.
After lying in bed, jumping at every sound for four hours I haul myself out of bed. Something is different about my room, something's gone. Oh, crap! My handbag isn't on the chair by the dresser where I always leave it. I search frantically, throwing clothes around before thumping down on the bed with an exasperated groan. I do a quick mental inventory of the damage.
Wallet – credit card, library card, student ID etc…etc… damn!
Cash? – None, I'm a student.
Make up – annoying, but I can live without it.
Cell phone – damn, damn and triple damn!
My grandmother's signet ring – my mum will kill me when she finds out.
At least, my keys were in my coat pocket.
Then it dawns on me – the burglar must have come into my room when I was asleep. Before I have a chance for the horror of that thought to roll over me, there's a tap on my door.
"You okay?" Chloe asks as she comes in and leans against the dresser. She looks tired too.
"He was in my room."
"My bag is gone, it was on the chair." I point at the empty space surrounded by a messy pile of clothes.
Chloe frowns. "Look, I have to go to work now. Will you be okay?"
I pause for a moment.
"Yeah, of course."
I don't have a class until two today. I should go to the library, or do some revision, but I have an overwhelming sense of lethargy – sitting on the sofa in the living room, not moving, for most of the morning. When I uncurl my legs, they're numb.
As I shuffle into the kitchen my eyes settle on the broken door. Somehow this inspires me into action and I reach for the clunky old kitchen phone. I find the process of booking a locksmith, calling the bank, the library and student services to organise replacement cards, therapeutic. As if taking some sort of action makes me less of a victim. There's a knock at the front door just as I get off the phone. The handle turns and it flies open, hitting the wall with a thud. My friend Meg stands in the doorway clutching a bag of fried chicken and chips from Clucky's, the fast food place where she works. The smell of grease tickles my nose and my tummy rumbles.
"Hi," she sing-songs.
I cringe, not sure I'm in the mood for her insatiable happiness today. She befriended me about three months ago when she served me at the takeout and I've been unable to shake her since. While the free chicken is good, the constantly showing up at my house, wanting to hang out, is not.
"Are you gonna go into class this afternoon?" She asks me as she bounds past and begins to pull crockery from the cupboards without asking.
"I dunno. We got broken into last night. I'm kind of shattered."
She gives an over-exaggerated gasp and pulls me into a tight hug.
"Oh, Emma, that's terrible. I really don't think you should go into uni today. We can hang out. I'll keep you company."
Suddenly this afternoon's class is looking very appealing.
"Sorry I have to go, I have exams in a few weeks. I can't afford to miss any classes."
She pouts. "You're very resilient. If it was me, I'd want to lock myself in my room and never come out. I'd probably even quit uni and go home to my parents."
This seems like an over-reaction. But then Meg seems very anti-university. She's suggested I quit several times. I shrug. "No point in crying over spilt milk eh?"
"I suppose so." She doesn't seem convinced.
By the time I get to class, the lecture hall is packed. I scan the sea of faces, wondering if the person who broke into the flat is in this room. I unintentionally lock eyes with a guy sitting right at the back. He smiles at me. I look away immediately. He's cute, but I'm not in the mood for flirting today.
After the lecture, the guy approaches me. Tall and lanky, he's wearing black skinny jeans, a grey tee shirt and a battered black jacket. I can feel the heat creep up my cheeks. I'm surprised that I haven't noticed him before today, he's just my type.
"Hi, I'm Luca," he says. He has a nice smile.
"Hi, I'm Emma."
"Um, would you like to go out for coffee sometime?"
I'm surprised that he doesn't even bother with small talk.
"Um, sure."
"Tomorrow, after class?"
"Meet you right here at four?"
"Bye then."
"Um, bye."
I stare at his back as he strides away, rucksack swinging off one shoulder. Did my scanning the room for the burglar just land me a date with a cute guy? Perhaps this day isn't a complete write-off after all.
When I get home, Meg's standing on the porch.
"Hi, I've been worried about you all afternoon. Just thought I'd check up– see how your lecture went.
While I'm tired, I'm glad Meg's here because I'm busting to tell someone about my date tomorrow. I let us inside.
"Actually, I had a great afternoon. I met a guy after class. His name's Luca." I blurt before we even sit down.
A look of surprise passes over Meg's face – not the reaction I was hoping for.
"Oh, that's nice," she replies, her tone flat.
Undaunted by her lack of enthusiasm, I babble on about how our eyes met when I was scanning the room for the burglar, and how he asked me out, and how cute he is. All the time Meg's expression remains impassive. Suddenly she springs up off the couch and heads for the door.
"Are you going?" I ask.
"Yeah, I just remembered that I have to work. I'll..um..see you later." The front door bangs and she's gone.
After class the following day, I wait at the agreed place for Luca. Feeling self-conscious and slightly nervous, I bury my nose in a book – pretending to be oblivious to my surroundings.
"Hi," Luca's voice breaks into my charade. "You look really nice today, Emma."
I look up; trying to appear casually disinterested, but can't help the blush that creeps up my face as I gaze into his dark brown eyes. I make some sort of incoherent grunt in reply. Very cool, Emma.
"Shall we go?" he asks, placing his hand in the small of my back.
I nod. Afraid to speak in case I say something stupid.
Condensation runs down the steamy windows in the bustling cafe. I shift uncomfortably in my seat as sweat trickles down my back. I watch Luca walk towards our table carrying our coffees, and butterflies flutter in my stomach. Be cool, Emma.
"Where are you from, Emma?" His long fingers wrap around the rim of his coffee cup.
"Taupo," I reply. "How about you?"
"Right here in Wellington – Island Bay. My family has lived in the same house my whole life."
"So you live at home with your parents?"
"No, I decided to go flatting when I started uni. My place is on the Terrace."
"Wouldn't it be cheaper just to live at home?"
Luca's smiling as if there's a private joke I'm not privy to. "My parents have certain expectations, but I've chosen not to conform."
I stare at him blankly. "I'm sorry, I don't understand."
"Okay, I'll try and explain." He leans back in his seat. "I was born in New Zealand, but my parents are from Italy. They're very traditional in their views. It's always been their expectation that I would live at home with them until I married. But I decided to go flatting, which is unheard of in our community. They weren't happy – my mother cried and threw herself on the ground in a fit of hysteria on the day I moved out."
I stifle the urge to giggle, unable imagine my mother ever showing that level of emotion. She and Dad waved me goodbye and went to play golf on the day that I packed up and moved to Wellington to go university. Staying at home with my parents until I'm married is not something I'd even consider.
He quickly changes the subject. We talk about the classes we have in common, books we've read, movies we've seen, just general chit chat – but it's nice. He's funny and sweet. We both look up, surprised when the lights come on in the café. I check my watch – we've been talking for over two hours. I have an essay due tomorrow so I reluctantly stand up to go.
"Can I see you again?" Luca asks, "tomorrow?"
I do a little dance on the inside. "Sure. I'll give you my cell number, but don't use it till tomorrow morning cause that's when I pick up my new phone. You text me, then I'll have your number too."
The next day, it takes me twice as long as it usually does to get ready. I fuss over my clothes and hair. Normally I could care less what I look like, but suddenly it's important. I arrive at class five minutes late and search the sea of faces for Luca. I can't see him anywhere. I check my new phone several times during the lecture, but there's no text. I can't help feeling disappointed.
After study group the following morning, I again look around for Luca. I haven't seen or heard anything from him since the day before yesterday. Maybe the date didn't go as well as I thought.
As I'm walking home for lunch I feel a hand on the small of my back. I turn and Luca's there, smiling at me.
"Sorry, I haven't been in touch. I had to go home yesterday, just an issue with a family friend. I couldn't find my phone charger when I got back to my flat so my battery's been dead since yesterday, or I would have texted you this morning." He pauses. "Are you going home for lunch?"
"Yup, do you want to join me?"
"I'd love to."
As we walk through the park, the sky darkens and freezing rain suddenly pours down on us. By the time we reach the front porch we're both soaked to the skin.
"The bathroom's through there if you want to strip off. I'll bring you a towel. Your clothes can go in the dryer while we have lunch," I say after we tumble through the door into the hallway. I dash upstairs to change.
When I get back from depositing Luca's clothes in the laundry, he's standing in the middle of the kitchen with just a towel wrapped around his waist. I pretend I haven't noticed and bustle around, chattering inanely. He steps towards me, seemingly calm in the middle of my fluttering nervousness.
"Emma, is it okay if I kiss you?"
I nod mutely. Of course it's okay.
The rain is pelting against the roof; but it's quiet inside the house, as if time's standing still. My skin pebbles as he stands so close I can feel him breathing. I close my eyes and he touches his lips to mine. It's the perfect first kiss. All I'm aware of are his body and mine and how incredible this feels. I have no idea how long we're locked together. But I feel instantly bereft when pulls back.
"You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that," he says.
I know I should say something witty in reply, but my brain doesn't seem to be working so I just mumble something about making lunch.
The rain's stopped by the time we walk back to uni together. I feel his fingers tentatively finding mine and I can't stop smiling. After the lecture, where I didn't hear a single word the professor said, Luca and I part ways in the quad. He holds me around my waist and we share another lingering kiss. I could get used to this.
"Geez get a room." A young guy in jeans and a heavy coat rolls his eyes as he slopes past.
"Shall I come over in a couple of hours with dinner? Maybe we can pick up where we left off?" Luca whispers in my ear.
I smile and nod.
"I'd like that."
I hum to myself as I skip home. Grabbing my discarded wet clothes from my bedroom floor, I wander down to the laundry. The dryer door swings open and just before I stuff my clothes inside something catches my eye in the base of the drum. I reach in and grab it. As I look down at the object in my hand, I'm initially blank. Then a sense of unease washes over me – it's my grandmother's signet ring. I know for a fact that the ring was in my bag when it went missing. A heavy knot starts to form in my stomach as my mind considers all the possibilities for how to ring could have got into the dryer. I eliminate them one by one until the thought that I'm trying not to entertain is the only one that remains. Could it have been in Luca's pocket and fallen out when his clothes were in the dryer? I put the ring on my middle finger. I'm being irrational, why would Luca have my ring? I have to talk to someone about this. Chloe's staying at her boyfriend's place tonight so I grab my coat and head out into the gathering dusk.
I sit at a tatty Formica table at the back of Clucky's and wait until it's Meg's break time. She isn't my first choice as confidant, but I need advice now and she's available.
"You know that guy I was telling you about, the one I had a date with?" I ask her as we walk down the dim corridor towards the staff lunch room.
She shrugs. "I suppose, what about him?"
"I think he had my grandmother's ring in his pocket today, the one that was in my bag when it was stolen."
She frowns. "How do you know he had it? Did he show it to you?" she asks.
"No, we got soaked in the rain today when we were going to my place for lunch, so I put his clothes in the dryer. When I went to dry my clothes later, the ring was in the bottom of the dryer."
"He was at your place with no clothes on?" Meg scowls. "Emma, you need to be more careful." She leans forward. "I've got a bad feeling about this guy. He just appears and asks you out the day after the break-in. And now he somehow has your grandmother's ring in his pocket. It's like he's a weird stalker or something."
I sigh. "That thought crossed my mind too."
Meg grasps my hand over the sticky table. "Just promise me you won't go out with him again, okay?"
"Okay, I promise." I look at my watch. "But he's supposed to be coming over to my place in less than an hour. I can't text and tell him not to come cause I don't have his number." I curse under my breath. "Can you come home with me Meg? I don't want to be alone when he gets there."
She shakes her head. "Sorry, I can't, we're short staffed. Just don't go home, go to the library or something. I'll meet you there after my shift finishes at ten."
"Okay, thanks, Meg." I give her a hug. Perhaps I've misjudged her.
It starts raining again as I walk through the dark towards the library. I stand on the front steps and shake the drops off my hair.
"Emma! I was just heading over your way!" A familiar voice makes my stomach clench. I spin around as Luca bounds up the steps towards me, a huge grin on his face. Before I can speak he has me in his arms, his lips pressed against mine. I want to melt against him, but instead, I push back. He frowns.
"What's wrong?"
I hold up my finger. "This is what's wrong, Luca."
"What's that?"
"It's my grandmother's signet ring."
He steps towards me and peers at the ring. I'm scanning his face for any sign of a reaction, there's none. "I don't understand," he says, looking confused. Either he really knows nothing about the ring or he's a very good actor – I can't tell which.
"Remember that I told you about the break-in at my flat?"
He shrugs. "Yeah."
"Well, this ring was in my handbag when it was stolen."
"I don't understand what this has to do with me."
"The ring was in the bottom of the dryer this afternoon after your clothes had been in there."
His expression is blank. Then a frown forms.
"You think I had your ring?" he says after a moment.
"Well it all just seems a bit convenient, don't you think? My flat is robbed and then you just happen to appear in my class as if by magic the next day. Maybe you liked the look of me when you saw me asleep – when you came into my room to steal my bag. My timetable was on my laptop, so you'd know when I'd be in class. How come I've never noticed you before, eh?"
He's staring at me like I'm a crazy person. Suddenly I feel ridiculous.
His frown deepens. "You think I broke into your flat and now I'm stalking you?"
"Well…Meg thought…" I babble as panic mounts.
He steps back, hurt written all over his face. "I can't believe that you could think that about me. I've never seen that ring before and I have no idea how it got in your dryer. I've been in that class all year. But clearly you've just been too stuck up to notice me. I really liked you, Emma. It's taken months to get up the courage to ask you out. But now I know you, I'm not sure you're someone I want to spend my time with."
"Oh," I say, feeling stupid and small.
"I guess I'll see you in class. That is if you even notice that I'm there." He turns and runs down the steps and off into the dark and the rain. I slump back against the wall for a moment, I totally stuffed that up. I sigh, before pushing the library door open and going inside. After finding a seat amongst all the evening studiers, I sit there and stare into space, cursing my own stupidity. Eventually, I decide I'll call Meg later and I drag myself back to my feet and head home.
As I pass the café where Luca and I had coffee earlier today, I peer through the window at the couples huddled together around tables and I'm overwhelmed with regret. The light glows warm and yellow from the inside, casting a bright rectangle on the damp pavement. As I scan the faces, I stop on one that is familiar. Meg is sitting at one of the tables. I check my watch, sure that she said she would be at work until ten – it's barely nine. She's deep in conversation with someone. Desperate to talk to her about Luca, I pull the door open and walk inside. The background hum and the smell of coffee fill the air. As I step towards Meg's table she looks up, her face falls. Her companion swivels in his chair to face me. The air is sucked out of my lungs when I realise that she's with Luca and their hands are clasped together over the table. Without thinking, I turn and run. The air stings my cheeks and as I run blindly towards home.
"Emma, wait, I can explain." Meg's shoes clip clop on the pavement behind me.
I keep running. There's nothing she can say that can make this situation okay. I stumble up the path and into the house, locking the door behind me. She's on the veranda, banging on the door moments later. "Emma, let me in."
Then I hear heavier footfalls and another voice. It's Luca.
"Fio, what the hell is going on?"
"I told you to wait for me at the coffee shop, Luca. You have to go, you're ruining everything."
I open the door slowly and peer out into the gloom. Luca's standing on the porch. He has hold of Meg's upper arm. She glares at him, then at me. He turns to look at me. I have no idea what's going on. Meg struggles to free herself, but Luca doesn't let go of her.
"What the hell is going on?" he barks, his eyes darting between us.
"I have no idea. How do you know Meg?" I reply.
"Who the hell is Meg?" he asks.
"This is Meg. She works at Clucky's"
"No, this is Fio. We've been neighbors our whole lives."
We both turn and look at Fio. She scowls and drops her eyes, shuffling her feet.
"I want a lawyer."
"Don't be stupid," Luca snaps. "Just tell me what's going on, Fio."
She clamps her mouth shut. Luca pulls her into the house and deposits her with a bump on one of the kitchen chairs, then stands back – his arms folded over his chest. I follow them into the kitchen and stand on the far side of the table. I realise that I'm just a spectator in whatever drama is unfolding between them. I cast a furtive glance at Luca, but all his attention is focused on Fio.
"Start talking," Luca says. She shakes her head. Luca pulls out his phone. "I'm gonna call your parents right now if you don't tell me what the hell is going on."
Her head comes up sharply, her eyes wide. "You wouldn't."
"Try me." He swipes his fingertip across the screen of his phone.
Fio's hands fly up in an indication of defeat. "Okay, okay, just sit down and I'll tell you." She looks up at me, "both of you."
Luca and I sit opposite each other at the table but don't make eye contact.
Fio sighs and closes her eyes and then begins to speak. "My name isn't Meg, It's Fiorella and I've known Luca all my life," she says quietly. "Luca's had a crush on you since the beginning of the year when he first saw you in class, Emma. Every time he came home to see his mum and dad, he would come over to my place and go on and on to me about this amazing, beautiful red-head in his class – bla bla bla." She waves her hand dismissively. "I thought it would pass, but when I met him for lunch at uni a few months ago, he pointed you out to me in the quad. The way he was mooning over you was sickening. I knew he was into you in a big way." She glares at me. "After lunch that day, when Luca had gone to his study group, I followed you. You went into Clucky's for lunch. My uncle owns the place so I asked him if I could have a job there.
"Why?" I asked.
"To make friends with you."
"Why?" I repeated.
"I had to try and keep you away from Luca."
"But why?" Luca asks.
"You've really got no clue?" she eyes him, her face twisted into a scowl.
Fio groans and rolls her eyes.
"Because you're meant for me, Luca."
"What the hell are you talking about?"
"It's all been decided since we were kids. Our parents set it up between them. You're going to take over Dad's business when he retires and you and I are going to be married."
Luca scoffs. "That's ridiculous, Fio. I have no interest in your dad's business and nobody has arranged marriages these days, it's archaic."
Fio shakes her head. "You're wrong, Luca. Our parents had arranged marriages. To them it's completely normal."
"When was I going to be let in on this plan?"
"They told me last year, but before they could tell you, you went all rebellious and announced that you were going to uni and going flatting, which kind of stuffed up their plans. Why do you think your mum made such a scene when you moved out?"
There's silence. I can see Luca trying to take it all in.
"I love you, Fio" He leans over the table and takes Fio's hand in his. I feel my spine straighten involuntarily, "but as my friend – nothing more. It would be like marrying my little sister." Fio frowns and I release a breath I didn't realise I was holding. "Is that what you want – to marry me?" Luca asks.
Fio pauses for a moment. "I think of you as a brother, Luca and no I don't particularly want to marry you. But Mum and Dad said that if I didn't marry you then they'd bring some second cousin out from Italy who I don't even know. At least, if I'm married to you, I'll be able to do what I want with my life." She pulls her hand free of his. "Then you messed it all up by falling for some girl in your class." She turns and glares at me. "I knew that I had to do something to keep you two apart, or I was going to married off to some distant relative."
"I don't understand why you just didn't tell me all this? We could have gone to our parents together and talked some sense into them. If we stood up to them, there'd be nothing they could do." Luca said.
"It's different for you, Luca. You're a guy, you have options. As a girl, I have no choice. I have to do what my parents say."
"You don't need their approval to live the life you want. We're in twenty-first century New Zealand, you have options."
She looks up at him.
"Do I, Luca?"
They look at each other for a moment. I see my opportunity to ask a question.
"So, you just made friends with me to stop me dating Luca?" I ask Fio.
She nods. "I'd been keeping a close eye on you. So I knew that Luca was still obsessing about you from afar. But then he told me last week that he'd finally worked up the courage to ask you out and he was going to do it the following day after class. I panicked. All I could think of to do was stage the break-in and hope that if you had no handbag or laptop that you'd have to miss class. That would buy me some time to come up with a better plan. But it didn't work, Emma. You still went to class and Luca asked you out just as he had planned."
"So you broke my door, robbed my house and scared the shit out of me and my flatmate just to keep Luca away from me?" I sit back for a moment. "And you don't actually fancy him; he's just your ticket to freedom from your parents?"
"I know it's difficult for you to understand, but my whole future depends on this." She sighs. "But I realised pretty much straight away that it was a stupid plan – and I feel bad about it, honestly."
"And my ring, how did it get in the dryer?"
"I slipped it into Luca's jacket pocket last night when he came to see his parents. I thought that you'd find it in your pocket, Luca and show it to Emma, she'd recognize it, freak out and break it off with you."
"Did you really think all this through, Fio? If Emma had gone to the police I could have got into a lot of trouble." Luca shakes his head.
"Isn't it obvious that I didn't think it through at all? Nothing went as planned, neither of you did what I expected. It was a complete disaster." She hangs her head, a tear falling off her cheek onto her shaking hands.
Despite everything she's done, I feel sorry for her. I can't imagine what it would be like to have your parents putting that kind of pressure on you.
"Look, Meg – sorry I mean, Fio, I can't pretend to understand what you're dealing with at home, but clearly it's pretty full on and I can see that you're sorry. So can we put this behind us and move on?"
She looks up at me, tears streaming down her face. "Despite just making friends with you to keep you away from Luca, I've come to really like you, Emma. Do you think we can be friends – after everything I've done?"
I smile. "Sure."
"Your TV and other stuff are under my bed at home. I'll bring them back to you." She looks up at Luca. "You're not going to tell on me are you, Luca?"
Luca shakes his head. "Of course not; I just wish you'd told me what was going on."
A couple of hours later, I stand on the doorstep of my flat and watch as Fio and Luca hug each other before she jumps into the back of a taxi. Then she's gone; back home to her parent's house and a future where she's going to have to be very strong if she's ever to live the life she wants to live. But I know that, with Luca on her side, she's got a better chance of succeeding.
Luca walks up the short path towards me. He's smiling. I open my arms as he approaches. He stands on the step below mine and snuggles up against me; his head is on my chest.
"So I'm forgiven?" I ask, resting my chin on the top of his head.
"For accusing me of stalking?"
"Well, I have been crushing on you for months, so I kind of was, wasn't I?" He lifts his head and kisses me.
I suspect that Luca and I will also be in for a rough ride when his parents find out about us. But, hopefully, Fio will be on our side to help smooth the waters.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Romantic Shorts thanks you for joining us for Kathy Servian's Bang. Please feel free to visit Kathy Servian's Romantic Shorts Author's Page to learn more about this talented writer. You can leave a comment for Kathy, other readers, or Romantic Shorts using the reply form below, our contact form on our Contact Us page, or by sharing this story with friends and family using the share buttons below.
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Taranaki Farmers' Market
As you drive out of the Awakino Gorge on the road from Auckland to New Plymouth the essence of Taranaki completely opens itself up to you. The steep, winding road, (which the Audi Q5 handled with comfortable ease), becomes more relaxed and curvaceous. If it's a clear day Mt Taranaki will be smiling down on you and, no matter what the weather, the west coast meandering alongside you all the way in to the city centre is breathtakingly beautiful.
Visiting the Taranaki Farmers' Market also gives you a taste of the region's character. The friendly, relaxed atmosphere has you stopping for lengths of time at each stall as questions about the produce inevitably lead to more in-depth conversations about the origins, process and history of each producer. These guys are passionate — about their produce and products, about staying true to nature, and about the joy of eating good food grown and made in Taranaki.
You can buy free-range and organic meats, seafood, fruit and vegetables, macadamia nuts, honey, eggs, breads, preserves and plenty more. Stallholders vary from week to week according to what's in season -— we visited in March in the middle of Cyclone Lusi but that wasn't dampening the spirits of these stall-holders, no way, not hardy Taranaki folk.
Why you'll love the Taranaki Farmers' Market
Francis and Tony Rogers have owned and operated Post Q Gardens for more than 35 years. They have a huge variety of chillies on offer... hungarian mild, poblano, jalapeno, turkish medium, cherry mild, cayenne, rocotto, serrano, yastufusa, scotch bonnet... the lovely Francis helps you choose the right ones for different needs and palates. They also sell a variety of herbs.
Avonstour Heritage Organic Farm is a local certified organic farm with heritage breeds of pig, sheep, cattle and poultry. Their traditional dry-cured bacon is nitrate-free and comes from pigs that are happily free-range and bred using organic methods. They also sell kombucha (a fermented tea drink), local honey and hemp seed oil. You can mail order at avonstour.co.nz
Fresh and smoked fish was on offer at G&J Fish. Seasonal seafood delicacies can also be sourced here including fresh Bluff oysters, kina and whitebait.
Osama has been making his Middle Eastern dips and spreads under the Amadinah label for over 20 years. We left with a packet fantastic pita bread and a selection of dips — coriander pesto, babaganoush, spinach and feta and hummus — all natural.
Natural Lea offers certified organic produce grown locally by Patricia and Richard. On the day of our visit they had a large basket of organic tomatillos.
Love lavender are predominantly a garlic producer (the softneck variety) and it was good to learn that their beds of garlic plants are spray-free. Their name comes from the lavender they've planted as a wind-break between the garlic beds. Dried lavender and lavender oils were on offer, as well as a range of local-grown herbal teas.
Nashinui is fully certified organic orchard producing nashi pears. You can buy the fruit, or bottles of juice if you prefer.
The Blue Berry Patch was only selling blueberries on our visit but you can also buy blackcurrants and gooseberries — all grown on an orchard that follows organic and permaculture guidelines. They also sell preserves, and look out for their traditional sourdough bread and a range of small range of gluten- and dairy-free baking.
Taranaki Farmers' Market
Currie St (summer) or Huatoki Plaza (winter), New Plymouth
Every Sunday 9am-12pm

subset: commoncrawl


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Rock Bands Named After Classic Literature
Somewhere along the way it was decided that people who play in bands aren't very bright, then rock stars were further stigmatized as being drunk, dumb and on drugs because some big names glamorized this lushy lifestyle.
In actuality many of the most famous musicians in rock'n'roll history were extremely intelligent people, who showed off their brainy side with their brilliant lyrics and the very name of their band.
The Doors were named after Aldous Huxley's The Doors Of Perception, which is a line taken from William Blake's The Marriage Of Heaven And Hell:
"If the doors of perception were cleansed every thing would appear to man as it is, Infinite. For man has closed himself up, till he sees all things thro' narrow chinks of his cavern."
Stuart Murdoch got the name for his band Belle and Sebastian from French children's book Belle et Sébastien by Cécile Aubry, which was adapted into an awesome anime series in the 80s.
Modest Mouse's lead singer Isaac Brock named the band after a passage from Virginia Woolf's The Mark on the Wall:
"I wish I could hit upon a pleasant track of thought, a track indirectly reflecting credit upon myself, for those are the pleasantest thoughts, and very frequent even in the minds of modest, mouse-coloured people, who believe genuinely that they dislike to hear their own praises."
And last but not least we have Moby, the guy who was clearly named after Moby Dick, right?
Well, sorta- Moby was born Richard Melville Hall, and his parents started calling him "Moby" at a young age after telling young Richard Herman Melville is his "great-great-great-granduncle".
We hope you like this article!
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K-store effectively and efficiently manages the process of receiving goods in.
Product received – As products enter the warehouse K-Store automatically logs the date and time as well as the supplier details against a unique product reference. This begins the tracking process which continues right through until the product leaves the warehouse and is despatched.
Quality check – Managing the quality of your product is essential as you aim to meet your quality standards. K-store makes this process easy by attributing any product issues directly with the unique reference number allowing you to reference supplier and delivery details. Managing your suppliers and delivery is easier with K-store.
Quarantine – Any defective or low quality goods are quarantined to allow you to manage your quality standards.
Sampling – carry out sampling procedures
Stock value – Enables a real time report of stock value.


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Anyone else seen a never ending spinner when the nav system is trying to calculate a route? I used the voice recog to navigate to a location; it found it OK, but when I hit the 'navigate' button it would not calculate a route. Other addresses were OK, but for this one address it would not calc a route.
I dropped an email to the Ownership email address to log as a potential bug.


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Joburg Theatre is proud to present Cirque Infernal, direct from Europe, on the Mandela stage from September 6th to September 23rd 2018.
Inspired by Frederico Fellini, Wim Wenders and Tim Burton, Cirque Infernal offers non-stop captivating entertainment with astonishing and death defying acts.
Cirque Infernal was created by Danny Varanne – Danny was part of Le Grand Cirque Adrenaline which was presented at Joburg Theatre in 2012. He headlined the motorbike act; The Globe of Death, which left the audience in awe as they watched three bikers ride inside a globe of steel at speeds of up to 65km/h, all the while trying to avoid collision!
Born and raised in a traditional family of performers, Danny started as a showman in his parent's burlesque theatre in France from an early age. Along with his brothers, Danny started a motorcycle daredevil show. They toured the world and became internationally acclaimed for their skills. In 2012, Danny received two awards at the prestigious Festival International Du Cirque De Monte-Carlo, and an official Guinness World Record!
"I am extremely excited to be returning to Joburg," says Danny. "I have developed my appreciation for gothic and circus stories into Cirque Infernal, and I can't wait for South African audiences to witness this breathtaking production. The show features two world firsts and thrilling jaw droppers, as well as moments of pure poetry."
Cirque Infernal features some of the world's top circus performers:
Trapeze artists Celeste Bliss (USA) and François Colarusso (France/Canada).
Wilson Stey (France) is the funambulist (tightrope walking). At only 23 years old, Stey is originally from Germany. His ancestors have been walking the tightrope since the Middle Ages.
Pro Sufi dancer Aurelia Baque is a native of Toulouse, France. She spent half a year in an Indian Ashram, learning and practising the daily art of Sufi dancing.
The (almost) fully tattooed Stephane Bucheton from France is a former FMX Biker. Tired of crashing, he befriended the Infernal Varanne Riders who taught him to ride the wall of death.
Italian Bruno Alliot always said that he would rather ride a bike than walk! If he could, he would ride through the intricacies of life. Alliot, whose father was also a wall of death biker, grew up with Danny's family.
Married on stage and in life, Scottish couple Rachel and Charlie Atlas push the boundaries of the knife throwing act.
The beautiful Irina Naumenko studied contortion and other art forms at the world famous Circus School of Moscow. She participated in the Monte Carlo circus festival and toured the world with Cirque du Soleil.
Romanian brothers Valentin and Catalin Badea are the Strong Men of the show.
Johann Jacob Gorius is the rolla bolla (an acrobat performing on rolling cylinders). He is an Amish native of Alsace in France and his family worked in various circuses in California.
French fire performer, Varanella, is the Queen of Darkness in the show.
Though you won't see him live, French actor Warren Zavatta is the Voice of Death in the show.
Performance Details:
Venue: The Mandela Stage at The Joburg Theatre
Dates: 6th September – 23rd September 2018
Times: Thursdays & Fridays at 8pm
Saturdays at 3pm & 8pm
Sundays at 3pm.
Ticket prices range from R190 – R450. Bookings are through Joburg Theatre or by calling 0861 760 670, or via Webtickets.
Discounts are available for students, pensioners and groups of ten or more – these are available by calling the theatre directly on 011 877 6853.
There's an age restriction of No Under 5's.
Cirque Infernal is presented in association with People Magazine and Jacaranda FM.
Information and Pictures Courtesy of The Colab Network


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Why Fundraise?
The Norquay PAC team raises funds to assist the school by buy items it would not otherwise have. For example, between 2011 and 2014, the team helped to raise enough money to build a new playground. Other PAC activities include: community building, supporting the garden initiative, improvements to school grounds and supporting children's activities. We also respond to teachers' requests for funding assistance both inside and outside of the classroom.
Funds raised might support:
- school playground(s)
- rainy day activity supplies
- computer equipment
- books for the library
- learning materials
- musical equipment
- supplement classroom supplies and field study fees
- PE supplies
- fine arts performance
How is Fundraising Decided?
Each year the PAC executive listens to the PAC community in determining the year's general goals. These goals in conjunction with the school's request list is considered and voted upon by both the executive and general PAC community, thus determining the year's budget and fundraising goals.
Every parent/guardian of a child attending Norquay is considered a PAC member and as such, has an opportunity to determine:
- what money should be raised for;
- how it will be raised; and
- how raised funds will be allocated.
How can I find out more?
- The Norquay PAC team's fundraising initiatives and progress are discussed during monthly meetings on the first Tuesday each month at 6:00, in the school library (unless otherwise communicated)
- The Norquay PAC team endeavours to publish meeting agendas and minutes on the website here.
- Join our Facebook page here.
- Sign up for e-newsletters here.
- Join our email list here.
How you can help the Norquay community:
Connect the PAC team or school with individuals, businesses or corporations that can provide goods, services or knowledge to improve our efforts and the Norquay experience. Volunteering is another great way you can help out and get to know others! Learn more here.


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Please call +44 2392 987 765 to discuss your translation project with one of the UK's leading professional translation services providers. Alternatively, contact us for a for a no-obligation quote.
Go on, get in touch. We're professional linguists, so we love to talk! To discuss your translation project, please call:


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It's the new year, and sometimes college students come home during winter break with a few extra pounds. Entering college is a pivotal transitional period for most young adults. College students are prone to practicing unhealthy eating and lifestyle habits, such as pulling all-nighters to finish assignments and study for exams, relying heavily on caffeine, energy drinks, sugar to stay awake, and eating foods that are high in fat and sugar for comfort. In addition, the periods of the most rapid weight gain for adults is in their twenties, which may result in excess weight gain and body fat throughout life.
A research study by Greaney et al. showed that male and female students from 8 universities in 8 states stated the same barriers to healthy weight management. These barriers fell into three categories: intrapersonal (e.g., temptation and lack of discipline); interpersonal (social situations); and environmental (e.g., time constraints, ready access to unhealthy food). Facilitators of healthy habits also fell into these same three categories: intrapersonal (e.g., regulating food intake, being physically active); interpersonal (social support); and environmental (eg, university's environment supports physical activity). Research done by Nelson et al. also identified factors that influenced college freshman and sophomore student's weight gain, nutrition, and physical activity. Influences on weight and diet included unhealthy food availability on campus, snacking, late-night eating, alcohol-related eating, stress or boredom eating, and food in student dorms. Other factors that hindered physical exercise were negative experiences using campus recreation facilities, poor weather, and lack of time, motivation, and social support.
Below are some suggested solutions to help students tackle these interpersonal, intrapersonal, and environmental barriers.
In addition to what students can do on their own to overcome these barriers, they need support from universities. It is important for universities to take an active role in offering an environment that promotes healthy weight and behaviors among students!
Now get cooking and check out these 8 Quick & Healthy Microwaveable Dorm Room Meals!
We help grow healthy kids, families and communities to create healthier generations!Learn More
Meet Melissa Halas. When she's not at SuperKids Nutrition, she's inspiring adults to live their best life through healthy eating and an active balanced lifestyle at MelissasHealthyLiving.com.Get Inspired


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Results from the research of the research team, led by Dr. Darrel Jenerette, and the Earthwatch Urban Resiliency Program. Data from Operation Healthy Air is currently being analyzed and findings will be posted soon.
Resilient Trees 3.0 (January 2017-June 2017)
This current project will continue to build on the groundwork laid out during Resilient Trees 1.0 and 2.0 (below) by finding and measuring trees from a new set of 10 common urban tree species. Check our "Get Involved" section to find out how to join our current efforts!
Resilient Trees 1.0 (July 2015 – May 2016) & Resilient Trees 2.0 (June 2016-December 2016)
Working with citizen scientists, nonprofit partners, and institutions across a study area spanning from the beaches to the desert, this project was designed to find and measure healthy individuals from 20 specific tree species across this 150 mile-long climate gradient.
Operation Tree Canopy: NASA Project (August 2014 – August 2015)
During this project, citizen scientists and partners of the Earthwatch Urban Resiliency Program collected leaf samples from 122 different tree species in the 43 parks surveyed. This includes many iconic native species such as the native oaks (coast live oak, Engelmann oak, and valley oak), as well as many exotics. California sycamores, Chinese elms, coast live oaks, and jacarandas were found in close to 50% of the parks surveyed, but many species were found only in a small number of parks.
Scientific Publications
Scientists from Dr. Darrel Jenerette's team have published several scientific articles using the results from the Earthwatch Urban Resiliency Program. These articles show the contributions of citizen science to research.


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Ingredients: Lavender, Peppermint, Feverfew
Description: Always going, thinking, and playing. This would wear anyone out. Gemini's tend to keep a different pace and struggle keeping their bodies in managed conditions to keep up with the whirlwind they create. Headaches, anxiety, restlessness, and upset stomachs are all from forgetting to eat, drink water, and sleep. Keeping this tea in mind may help you with these areas. Please remember self care is important.
Brewing Instructions: Steep 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon for 3-4 minutes in boiling water
We are not doctors, lawyers, accountants or your mom. We give out free smiles and the occasional unsolicited advice. That being said; if you are pregnant, nursing or concerned about your health, call your mom. Or even better, consult a doctors before consuming; particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
This information is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.


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I've never been so happy to see a sweaty guy as I was this morning. There it was, at long last, our dearly departed stuff, in a big blue truck.
I wasn't going to get too excited until I actually saw the rig. Last night I almost got a smidge excited, but then I remembered that there was still time for the truck to blow six tires, throw a rod or become the lead story on the Texarkana news. "Moving truck catches fire, explodes" came to mind, with a deck head: "Fire so hot road melts; nothing left but tiny wisps of smoke."
So when Jeremy the Truck Driver pulled up today, he looked a bit haggard. Turns out — no lie — that he indeed blew two tires last night, and didn't finish getting them replaced until 4 a.m. He slept for two hours, then got back on the road. He must read my blog and realize that no jury of our peers would convict us if we blew up Ellis Moving Co. and all of its big, blue, broken-down trucks.
(We knew we wouldn't accidentally kill any drivers if we blew it up, since they don't seem to have any.)
As we stood there chatting with Jeremy, I saw dark brown goo drip, drip, dripping out of the center of one of the tire rims. Oops. It was axle grease, leaking right out. (Seriously, even I couldn't make this stuff up.) The tire next to it was kind of folded over a little onto itself, looking like a red blood cell, except black. Turns out those two tires were the new ones. Heaven knows what kind of shape the other 16 were in. I was afraid to look.
I have no earthly idea how our stuff actually got here, given this company's decrepit vehicles and complete lack of business acumen.
But it did! Some stuff even multiplied. Like my ceramic hose-hider that I bought in Mexico many years ago and have hauled all over America. It went from one piece to about 16 pieces. I'm banking on the fact that since Texas is really close to Mexico, I'll be able to find another one.
Generally, though, there was remarkably little collateral damage. Little nicks in wood, a small tear in our sofa. They say that three moves equals one fire, as far as destroying stuff. I've moved so many times now, and carted some of the same stuff through each one, that I was happy to have things come out as well as they did.
I'd been worried for a while that our refrigerator wouldn't fit in its hole. It just looked little, and there were small and subtle clues that the previous owners' fridge had trouble fitting. Like, the big chunk of tile they'd chipped out of the floor, and the piece of baseboard they'd hacked out, and the plaster they had lovingly scraped away. And our fridge is bigger than theirs was. Worry, worry, worry.
I'm happy to report that it's now safely ensconced in its little space. It was a big snug, but we were able to tuck it right in with the help of three moving guys, a bottle of Crisco, a block and tackle, two pulleys and a stick of dynamite. And I was able to clean off the dog hair from the coils before we did that, so I'm sure it will run much more efficiently now. I think it's just a baseless rumor that refrigerators actually need space around them in order to function. That's just less air it has to cool, right?
Then there was the Case of the Missing Bed Screws. On one of our guest beds (you're invited! c'mon down!), eight screws mysteriously disappeared from the wooden bed rails. I'm figuring that these screws were probably superfluous bits of hardware added by the furniture stores just to jack up the price, and really aren't needed. They allegedly connected the little metal pieces in the rails to the headboard and footboard, but again, probably just a rumor. If you come to visit, you might want to stay in the other room.
(D doesn't know about that little detail, so let's not tell her. She doesn't know about it because — and I know you will be shocked, absolutely shocked, by this — she had a doctor's appointment this afternoon and had to disappear for a while. This is the sixth time she's disappeared during a move in the past 12 years. I guess that's not too bad, since we've only moved six times.)
Our back yard here is a little smaller than our Nashville yard. (Picture Rhode Island on a map. That's here. Then picture the entire landmass of South America. That was there.) However, for some reason, it made sense to us to move our outdoor dining table, four lounge chairs, two outdoor end tables, a deck box full of crap, 73 flower pots, one hissing pool float, and two rusting metal flowers we bought at an art show three years ago. Oh, and a wheelbarrow, two gas cans, three shovels, four fishing poles and a partridge in a pear tree.
We also moved our mower, even though D has drawn the line at mowing when it's over 70 degrees outside. In Texas, that appears to be the period of time each year between Jan. 4-Dec. 29. I'm sure she'll mow a lot during those other six days, though.
Regardless, I don't think it will be a problem. Our yard is so small that we'll just have to crank the mower up, lock one wheel and spin it in a circle. Presto, we're through mowing.
The movers did get my desk set up in the office. Since we both have jobs at real offices, there's no big rush to get this room unpacked. That means instead of finishing it all tonight, I will be able to talk myself into putting it off until 6:07 p.m. tomorrow. So it became the repository for all obscurely labeled boxes.
You may be asking yourself why any boxes would be obscurely labeled. I, too, ponder this existential puzzle. As unexplained questions go, it's right up there with string theory.
Somehow, we wound up with about four-fifths of the 18-wheeler loaded into that room. I'm pretty sure the desk is still in there, although I haven't seen it since about 3 p.m. and cannot swear definitively that it remains in the room. I can, however, attest that my lovely writing sanctuary now harbors 873 unmarked boxes, one large carton cryptically marked "Srfsts," and a big wardrobe box bearing the most frightening word known to man since OCD was discovered: "Miscellaneous."
This wardrobe box was a lovely rectangle in its previous life, but six of its eight nice, sharp corners have now been crushed until it resembles a large, brown egg pod from an intergalactic race of space aliens. I hope "Miscellaneous" is one tough cookie.
If not, it will be kept company by the tiny boxes of delicate glassware marked "Fragile! Fragile! Fragile!" These formed a lovely soft cushion upon which the barbells, steel safe and large dirt-filled planters could ride.
Sometime this afternoon, as our movers unloaded and we argued about where our three boxes of fleece jackets would go, our DirecTV installer appeared. It seems that I'd forgotten to move the appointment. Well, I moved it the first four times that North American delayed our delivery date, but somehow it slipped past me this time. We had a lovely conversation, Marco and I.
Me: "Uh… Hi! Look, our movers were delayed, and are just now unloading our stuff! Ha ha ha."
Marco: "But I'm here to hook up your TV."
Me: "Great! We have a TV. Somewhere. Hey, mover guys, where is the TV?"
Mover Guys: "We dunno."
Marco: "Maybe you should reschedule."
Me: "No, no, no! 'True Blood' started three weeks ago and we haven't seen any of them yet! Stay! You have to stay! Can't you hook up everything else but the TV until we get it off the truck? Please? Pleeeeease?"
Marco: "There is nothing else. I'm here to hook up the TV, and there is no TV. I see this as a problem."
He turned toward his van to leave, but we then managed to come to an understanding. This was effected by skillful negotiating, and perhaps also was influenced when I broke down sobbing, clutched his left ankle and forced him to drag my limp body toward the curb in a one-legged lurch.
Just then, the pizza I'd ordered for the mover boys arrived. (Jeremy had hired two local men to help him unload the truck.) Louis and Angel were really hard workers, taking no breaks and hustling like crazy. They deserved pizza! So they began to reach for the box… but I really needed the TV.
Me: "Hey, guys, how about we hold off on lunch until we find that silly TV? OK? That work for you? It's probably right there in the next little part of the truck, anyway!"
Angel and Louis: "Uh, we're really pretty hungry."
Me: "Yes, I know! Me, too! Pizza! Fresh, hot pizza! Right after we find the TV!"
I thought it was a perfectly reasonable compromise… I got what I wanted, and I got what I wanted.
The guys kept digging out boxes and furniture, seeking the elusive TV. They began to flag a bit after the second hour. Several times I was forced to tie a piece of pizza to a fishing pole, gently lowering it in front of them.
The TV finally was found, a mere five hours later. Marco was able to hook it up, the guys were able to enjoy their congealed pizza, and I'll be able to watch True Blood this weekend.
They finally finished unloading about 5:30 p.m. I was hot, tired and perhaps a tiny bit cranky. As the truck drove away, D suddenly reappeared. It was like magic. What great timing!
"Hey, what great timing! You can help me unload these few boxes," I said, pointing to an Everest-sized pile. Suddenly, D realized that she needed to go let the dogs out, since it's hard for her mom to do it with her surgically-repaired arm still not well. Off she goes.
I decided to put our water and sodas into the fridge, which was merrily humming along from its cozy little nook. I opened the door, only to be confronted by a large, growly ball of black-and-green fuzz. It had red demon eyes and big fangs, greatly resembling a boxer I know named Sally.
It appears that refrigerators aren't really meant to be closed up in a hot moving truck for two weeks, because they apparently become large, double-doored petri dishes. The small box of baking soda had fought the good fight but ultimately was overwhelmed, much like the Persians at Thermopylae. The black fuzz had won. Ewww.
As a germophobe, I knew what I had to do. Dinner? No! Rest? No! Ice-cold alcoholic beverage? No! It was all-out war on the fuzz.
First I used the power-washer. Then I got out the Dremel, with the sandpaper wheel. Zzzzrrrrr! Zzzzrrrr! Nice. Next I ran over to the hospital and got a barrel of Decon Green hazmat foam we use for mass contaminations by toxic gases, applying it liberally to the inside of the fridge with a large paintbrush. Then I lathered, rinsed and repeated. I was able to find a hammer and chisel in the garage, and after that, I spritzed it with Lysol.
It took a while, but I got that fridge sparkling. Laurie 1, black fuzz 0.
And, really, I guess every refrigerator should be taken apart and cleaned every four years, whether it needs it or not.


text: While delivering the Christmas presents to all kinds in the Mushroom Kingdom, Santa Claus gets trapped inside a cage by the evil monsters, so our brave hero Super Mario must complete a series of great and dangerous challenges in order to set him free. Now this mission is also on shoulders as you need to help Mario bring back the joy of Christmas to the kids. // published 07/01/2015


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So what happened? Well, I was 9 day's over due impatiently waiting to meet our unborn child, impatient and anxious I've never been so terrified in my life. Always thinking the worse in any situation. I was excited but obviously still scared. I probably didn't let on how scared I was... you probably think I was scared of the pain... not at all that didn't frighten me - all I wanted was to know that our baby would be born safely and healthy, and of course that I would be safe and healthy at the end of this dramatic event.
I have never been so prepared for something in my life, every single thing on my check list was ticked, I'd cleaned the house and bedroom about 1000 times. Baby's clothes had been re-arranged so many times I'd lost count. But nothing could have prepared me for labour. I wanted everything to be completely natural of course. I was scared that I'd need to be induced and I wouldn't get my water birth like I had longed for!
The morning of Saturday the 4th of July 2015, I thought my water had broke, a little gush of water had leaked so I rang the hospital right away - they asked me to go in so they could check my cervix as I was having contractions but they were irregular. I was monitored for some time, eventually they checked my cervix... 'It's tightly closed I'm afraid, it's not time' disappointed I asked how will I know when it's labour? 'when your contractions are like clockworks' the midwife replied. She assured me that it could still be a few days.
We arrived home and I felt kind of disappointed I then ate two pineapples (I heard it can kick start labour) by the evening I was having kind of regular contractions they were coming every 10-15 minutes. After a few hours they got very painful and they were happening 8 minutes - I tried hard to watch a movie and 'forget' about the pain. We went to bed about midnight, Curtis fell to sleep instantly. Myself on the other hand ended up being woken up every 8 minutes in pain. 'how the f**k am i supposed to 'forget' about this pain'... I downloaded an app to monitor my contractions as I wasn't really sure if it was labour or braxton hicks! I had them a lot during pregnancy.
The entire night they got more intense and more regular 'this is it I thought' I talked to myself I let myself know its ok to be in labour and I told myself I can do this. By about 3am they got super intense 'should I wake Curtis?, NO! deal with it yourself' I decided to sing my 'A B C' to help me get through each contraction by 4am I needed a hot water bottle they were coming every 5 minutes and I needed comfort! I tried to sleep but I just couldn't it was too intense. At about 6am Curtis woke up. 'whats the matter why are you being sick?' I let him know this was it, I was in labour. He rubbed my back through each contraction and comforted me whilst I was vomiting. At about 10am Curtis mum woke up. 'El are you ok, how long has this been happening, I thin you need to go to hospital you cant suffer like this' by this point my contractions were every 4 minutes.
Curtis mum called the hospital to tell them what was happening, they said for me to take paracetamol and get myself to hospital sooner rather than later. I couldn't keep paracetamol down it made me sick more to be honest. I wanted both Curtis and his mum to be my birth partners, however who would have Lucas? His little brother. We called Curtis father to come over and look after him whilst they both came to hospital, I needed Jo in the backseat with me somebody had to rub my back! It felt like 5 million hours before Curtis father arrived. I was getting rather impatient.
After a super long car journey to southmead. I finally arrived at the hospital at 12.30pm! I was then sent to the wrong bit and my pool that was supposed to be kept for me was just taken by another women who has just gone into labour, I couldn't believe it they said they'd get it ready for when I arrived. Eventually I was offered a pool but in a different section of the hospital whilst waiting for it to fill up my midwife checked my cervix to see if I was dilating, I was 4cm dilate. Then we hit a problem the pool water was cold... turns out the hot water had broke down! I was devastated this meant I couldn't have a water birth. She suggested I do my labour in the bath so I decided that would be a good idea. Off we all went to the bathroom.
I had Jo flannelling me with cold water whilst Curtis firmly rubbed my back. 'harder, more water' I couldn't believe how painful labour was I was so sure I had a good pain threshold! I said so many times this would be the first and last child I'd ever have totally couldn't go through this again. Good news arrived an engineer had come out to fix the hot water. Off we went to the birthing pool at about 4pm. I sat there on a birthing ball waiting for it to fill up. I wanted it to be natural and held out for as long as possible until I eventually asked for gas and air. I inhaled the entonox and immediately shunned it 'its rubbish its not working' my midwife laughed 'Eloise you've only taking one puff you need to do it through the entire contraction' so I tried again, it worked... yaya the pain was bearable I felt a little high I started to waffle on about endless crap and started to laugh a little, bouncing on the ball whilst waving my arms in the air calming its like being in a rave. Curtis and his mum found this funny but nice they could relax a little as I didn't need so much rubbing and watering. The sickness finally calmed down a little too.
The pool took forever to fill as it wasn't a fast fill pool. But I finally got in. Curtis also got in an comforted me I then stopped with the gas and air as I found the water very soothing along with massage. After many more contractions I told my midwife I feel like I need to push. She said your waters haven't broke... I knew this but I insisted I needed to push, she told me to just go with my body and to do what feels right. So I gave a little push and then broke my own water! I was so excited I assumed this would be the really quick bit an hour or so baby would be here. So wrong! Almost 3 hours of pushing and the little buggers head got stuck. I was so exhausted I couldn't push anymore. I couldn't even move to let her check the heartbeat. I was trying so hard. Another midwife came in and said that I would need to be cut. This meant no water birth. By this point I just wanted him out my vagina and in my arms!!! I couldn't stand they had to all lift me and drag me to the floor where I would birth my baby. I had gas and air whilst she cut me I already had a second degree tear and that final cut was fucking painful. One push and little Romans head was out, it felt so easy, one more push and the next thing I know hes on top of me trying to nurse. This little purple boy squealing at me. It was magnificent the feeling of giving birth is like nothing I have ever felt. Overwhelmed with love. I looked at Jo and said 'I cant believe it, I did it jo' I was so proud of myself in that moment. Everybody was telling me how well I'd done. We had skin to skin for a good hour and I birthed my placenta naturally ready to take home to have it capsulised you can read more about that here. He was born at 7.14pm and weighed 7.14lbs. Who would've thought that pushing them out such a tiny little hole would eventually be these easy less painful part?!
Curtis was the most incredible birthing partner I could have ever wished for as well as his mum. But I don't think there are many men who are as wonderful as Curtis. He helped me through every second of the labour he made me feel strong and brave. Always reminded me how well I was doing and how proud of me he was. He loved seeing Roman's head almost out, but hated telling me 'one more push' for the 459th time...he wasn't squeamish at all, he understood completely when I said horrible things to him. That day I realised just how much I truly appreciate and love him.
I didn't sleep much that night. He didn't cry once. I just couldn't stop starring at him and cuddling him. He was just beautiful. Curtis got to stay in hospital with me we had to stay for about 4 days because we had trouble breast feeding at first. It was very emotional going home I was happy but I also felt a little sad because that was where my baby came into our world so I felt a deep connection with the hospital.


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[Osaka]: "Welcome back, I'm Sako Osaka, and this is your 2300 news brief. Earlier this evening, Terri Chow reported on a supposedly leaked report from one of our intelligence services, presumably the O5P. It is the policy of this station and ISNS not to broadcast unsubstantiated and unsolicited information. However, in light of the subject this report, we have reason to believe its authenticity. With more is Terri Chow."
[Cut to a young Asian woman in front the Ministry of Information Annex.]
[Chow]: "This is Terri Chow, reporting for Voice of the Dragon. I'm standing outside of our Information Ministry, where I just conducted an interview with an official who must remain anonymous. My source informs me that the disturbing events reported from Qandahar were, in fact, perpetrated by the outlawed 'Black Dragon Society.'
"My source alleges that local security forces lost a number of operatives in an attempt to quell an uprising instigated by suspected Blakist insurgents. Apparently, the security forces were wholly unprepared for the tactical situation. In addition, the Black Dragons may have received support from local conspirators. Furthermore, according to sketchy reports from the Qandahar Prefecture, petroleum plants and production facilities on Qandahar are assumed to be in the hands of the outlaw terrorists.
"Reportedly, O5P and ISF are stifled in how they should proceed from this point. Because of the ongoing Jihad, security assets have been stretched thin, and local operatives do not have the ability to properly contain the Society's resurgence, despite reassurances from the ISF. My source alleges that the use of military intervention is being discussed as an option. If so, the Tenth Pesht Regulars are the only available force in the Prefecture if such an option is used."
—VOTD broadcast (now removed), Benjamin, 21 December 3077
[This is an excerpt from the upcoming Jihad Hot Spots: Terra plotbook, to be released sometime this year by Catalyst Game Labs. For more preview action, you can go here and here.]


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Mallorca - The Mediterranean Lady
The climate in Mallorca is wonderful and so is the cosmopolitan ambience and beautiful landscapes all of which make it an ideal holiday resort for all. The culture is rich on this part of the Balearic Islands with Auditiorio de Palma being one of the best places the events take place. It is in Mallorca that you will find entertainment, culture, inspiration and relaxation all wrapped up into one. Even though most tourists coming here love staying in the hotels near the beaches, it is always a better idea to take a tour through the island.
Palma de Mallorca: it is one of the places which cannot be missed on a holiday here. It is the capital of Mallorca and has a beautiful bay and wonderful beaches. The best beaches you will find here include Can Pastilla, Coll Den Renassa and El Portixol. Other sandy beaches you will find within the area are Santa Ponca and Illetas which have crystalline waters and fine sand.
The Mountain Range: it is another must visit and see sight. It is parallel to the beautiful sea on the northeastern part of the islands from where you will enjoy wonderful sceneries. Standing out here is the Calvia village whose landscape is typically Mediterranean and home to a beautiful gothic Romanesque church and a castle which was erected in the 18th century.
The island's most outstanding landscapes can be enjoyed from fishing villages found here. Camp de Mar is one of the best and beautiful bay here and you will be amazed by the small island found on its center. Also worth visiting on your holiday here is the natural port of Puerto de Andraitx which has pine woods for its surroundings. From the port you can have those wonderful coastal views and enjoy some of the monuments found on it.
There are many other places and things to see while on the Mallorca Island all of which are bound to make your holiday here most interesting, relaxing and enjoyable. It is always a good idea to explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer.


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Overseas Music Video Coming Before summer Time 2011Public Group active 1 year, 9 months ago
Recently, I sat down for lunch with Barb to discuss the present condition-of-affairs with regards to the South Bay reside music scene.As a heads-up – given the sheer quantity of information I received from Barb, this is part 1 of a two-part interview.
But what has this powerful urge to get interest (so a lot so that artists have to risk their neck by spraying on partitions illegally) got to do with Hip Hop Producers In West Hollywood songs?
Ludacris now ideas to launch his new album, Cineplex, which has been said to be the sequel to his last album, The Theater of the Thoughts. It will function guest appearances from Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, Katt Williams, Nelly, Ne-Yo, Kanye West, and many other people.
Caitlynn Lawson and Mitchell Kellydanced a romantic ballroom quantityfull of beautiful lifts that made your heart new hip hop artists leap each time with them. The judges gave them a standing ovation. The dance still left Mary speechless for a second as she attempted to place her thoughts into words. It could effortlessly boast the title of 'best routine' of the night.
The first rock/rap collabortation , alongside with the songs video clip, brought hip hop to the mainstream. Run DMC where the first rap superstars! Who could neglect this black & white traditional?
In 2005 Typicallaunched his most industrial album to daysimply titled "Be" which was creatednearlycompletely by Kanye West. The album receivedcrucial praise and went on to promote 800,000 copies. After the achievement of that album he then reconnected with Kanye to produce his seventh album titled "Finding Forever". Typical named the album "Finding Forever" simply because it symbolized his journey to discover an eternallocation in the hip hop producers style of Hip-Hop. The album went on to debut at number1 and was nominated for a Grammy Award. But that didn't slowTypical down by 2008 he released his 8th studio album titled "Universal MindManage" and he is already at work for a new album titled "The Believe" which is anticipated to arrive out in 2010.
The Hip Hop diamond watches are usually characterised as an accent that is catchy, extravagant and flashy which would also provide as a status symbol for some people. This is a way of celebrating and displaying the success of the individual and the quality of life that he or she is encountering. This is not something to brag about or show extravagant and expensive jewelry simply because it is about the celebration of lifestyle.


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In this world, I rarely hear of any person who has never graduated from a university making a commencement address to graduating students. Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg could be the only two exceptions.
It was only last week when Mark Zuckerberg made his commencement address at Harvard and it gives me the inspiration and hope of doing what may seem a long journey.
The key points of his speech were the challenge of creating a purpose. The challenge for our generation is creating a world where everyone has a sense of purpose.
When we look at ourselves, our families, our friends and our community, doesn't it look pretty much the same?
Many wakes up in the morning, rush to work, brash through the traffic hour, back from work, rest for a couple of hours, sleep, and the same thing runs all over again on the next day. Sometimes they spend some rest, family time or some hobbies in the weekends.
There is this story of when John F Kennedy visited the NASA space center, he saw a janitor carrying a broom and he walked over and asked what he was doing. The janitor responded, "Mr. President, I'm helping to put a man on the moon."
The janitor could have grumbled about his job and low pay throughout his entire working life. But this janitor at the NASA space center decided to create a sense of purpose for himself. What if nobody cleans the space center, it becomes dirty and messes up the working environment? It could have influenced the health and working attitude of the engineers and astronauts. These small things could have made an impact to the mission of putting man on the moon.
This is what that has kept our society moving forward. It is our challenge, not only to create new jobs, but to create a renewed sense of purpose.
Pursuing meaningful projects together is one way to create a world where everyone has a sense of purpose.
Meaningful projects can come in different forms.
The driver who chauffeured our first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman around could have been seen just as a driver to some. But many never thought that he was the one that drove Tunku to important meetings that makes our nation's independence successful.
The janitor at the Malaysia's badminton training facility could have been only a cleaner, but he plays an important role ensuring the hygiene of the place, so that the players would not get ill.
The industrial sector of Penang would has been developed not only because of Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu; there are also his team of advisors, the state EXCOs, their assistants, and moreover the people of Penang who have put their tears and sweat working in the factories.
Many jobs could have been seen as job for us to earn a living. But if we put the sense of purpose into it, we could do great things.
As Mark Zuckerberg has said to the millenials who have just graduated, we have to also tell ourselves that it's our turn to do great things.
We do not have to be a highly educated or attain a high level of skills to do great things. Use what we know and turn into a sense of purpose; then we could do great things.
What about putting our time educating poor children who have lack of access to education?
What if we could educate drivers to have a better driving etiquette? We could have reduce traffic jams and accidents.
How about getting the employees of a factory to conduct environmental friendly practices? Pollutions may have been reduced.
What if we could spend time discussing ideas and solutions for the community's problems; and submits it to the government? This is what we call citizen participation; and this could be a new political culture that we can cultivate.
I believe these aims are achievable. Let's do them all in a way that gives everyone in our society a role to be better; in creating a better city and community. Let's do big things, not only to create progress, but to create purpose.
This article has been published in Mandarin in Kwong Wah Yit Poh dated 2nd June 2017.


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What's Hot Today
The Neighbors "September Fools" Season 2 Episode 2 airs Friday September 27 at 8:31pm on the ABC Television Network. Episode Synopsis: The Neighbors Season 2 Episode 2 "September Fools" – Larry sets out to pull an epic prank on the Weavers after they explain to him what April Fools' Day is. Meanwhile Reggie, with help from Jackie, tries to convince Amber that he doesn't have feelings for his Zabvronian soulmate (guest star Megan Park as Jane), on "The Neighbors," FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 (8:31-9:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. Read More... //www.tvequals.com/2013/09/27/the-neighbors-season-2-episode-2-september-fools/


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We hear them. Do they hear us?
The recent letter sent by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, or ACHP, to the secretary of the Navy echoes the region's concerns in a long list of mitigation and considerations for the Navy to address.
Some of these include: adverse effects on historical structures, agriculture and tourism. Members recognized that Growler jet noise would impact more than Central Whidbey.
This review has brought to light the magnitude of the harms that will be caused by the Navy's proposed increase in Growler jet flights and operations and the Navy's failed process to protect historic properties.
They have acknowledged and validated the public's concerns expressed on the insufficient mitigation offered by the Navy to reduce, minimize or mitigate Growler jet noise.
Advisory council members agreed that the Navy's methods of measuring noise may have been too narrow — leaving out over 40 historic properties in Port Townsend.
The ACHP suggests noise monitoring, adding its voice to requests for noise monitoring by the EPA, governor and state Department of Health.
The ACHP received more than 250 written comments on the Navy's proposed undertaking from consulting partners, members of the public, the governor's office and from a member of Congress. As a part of developing comments, the ACHP staff hosted a public meeting in Coupeville in December, attended by over 400 people from throughout Northwest Washington.
The message from the public for noise reduction was clear and consistent.
The secretary of the Navy will soon make his record of decision on the Growler jet expansion. It remains to be seen if the Department of Defense, or DoD, and Navy secretary will respond to the thousands of people from throughout the region who have commented on a failed process that has produced a proposal too big and too harmful for our region.
There is still time for the Navy to reduce its Growler jet expansion proposal and to demonstrate its responsiveness to the public they serve.
Regardless of what the DoD and the Navy decide to do, Sound Defense Alliance will continue its efforts to reduce Growler jet noise and to work toward reducing the number of jets, flights and locations of Growler jet training on Whidbey Island and across our region.
For more about the Sound Defense Alliance visit sounddefensealliance.org
SDA Legislative Committee
Nancy Nordhoff; Larry Morrell, Port Townsend; Mark Lundsten, Anacortes; Ian MacGowan, Freeland; Michael Monson, Coupeville; Maryon Attwood, Coupeville; Chris Hurley, Seattle; Brian Silverstein, Lopez island; Rob Smith, Seattle


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For "I'm Lovin' It Fridays" today Tidymom, is featuring patriotic idea links for the 4th of July just in the nick of time for this weekend! Check it out! I've added my own Flag Cookies post to the list:)
Add yours!
Happy 4th of July! XOXOXO
Friday, July 2, 2010
7 comments:
Thanks for sharing the TidyMom link! I just added mine, too :)ReplyDelete
Thanks for sharing Sue!ReplyDelete
thanks for visiting my blog:)ReplyDelete
what a great blog you have here! i am your newest follower!
ps. i can't wait to check out those flag cookies!
awwwe, now aren't you too sweet!!? Thanks so much for the shout out!!ReplyDelete
Have a fantastic and safe 4th!!
Those cookies of yours are just too cute! There are a lot of great ideas over at tidymom this week!ReplyDelete
I love your flag cookies. Wish I had to time to make some. The are so cute. Thanks for the link.ReplyDelete
I tuoi biscotti bandiera sono fantastici ^_^ grazie per avermi fatto conoscere Tidy Mom!ReplyDelete
Buona giornata
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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For Real Estate investors in the Northwest Houston area. Working together to improve neighborhoods and assist fellow neighbors dealing with distressing situations.
Good Move Properties, LLC/Two Moms Buy Houses started RENeW group (Real Estate North West) because we saw a ton of investment activity in the Cypress/Katy area, and we wanted a way to meet some of our fellow investors. There are a number of great Real Estate Investment Groups in the Houston and surrounding areas. But for us, being busy moms too, we found it difficult to attend some of the meetings since, for the most part, the groups met downtown. Therefore, in August 2015, we invited a few folks to join us at a local pub for a meet and greet and it's been growing ever since!
The mission of RENeW is to share information, experiences and contacts with other Real Estate investors whom do business in the Northwest area; also to gain knowledge from each member's field of expertise and build long-term professional relationships. It is important to us that each participant is principled and has legitimate value to bring to the group. If you have been in the business for any length of time, then you are aware that there are many investors, but it's a small world. News travels fast when one comes across an unethical investor.
On the last Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm , we meet at The Hidden Cellar, a local Cypress business located at 116518 House & Hahl Rd. Cypress, TX 77433. This is a terrific opportunity to network, exchange business cards and share deals.
Regardless of your role in the real estate investment process, you are welcome to attend. We have realtors, lenders, contractors, wholesalers, inspectors, builders, rehabbers, landlords and title companies. This meeting is free to attend. Please join us.


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It's not unusual that "The Hunger Games" movie's arrival in theaters has been accompanied by feverish anticipation on the Internet. The online world is easily and often set ablaze by enthusiastic fandom, and Susanne Collins' wildly popular series of novels about a dystopian future where teenagers fight to the death on television has sold millions of copies.
But it's not just fandom that's fueling "The Hunger Games" online fire. It's also being fed by controversy: specifically, whether Ms. Collins' series is a "rip-off" of Japanese novel "Battle Royale."
Certainly, the debate online is energetic. A quick Google search of "hunger games battle royale" turns up half a million results with headlines like "Why the 'The Hunger Games's Snub of 'Battle Royale' Matters," "5 Reasons The Hunger Games Isn't Battle Royale," and "Who Would Win in a Fight?: Battle Royale vs. The Hunger Games." YouTubers debate the similarities and differences among clips and trailers of the originals.
A description of Koushun Takami's book, published in 1999, makes those similarities clear. In a near-future dystopia, a despotic government selects teenagers by lottery to participate in the titular competition, in which the youths are thrown into the wilderness with a variety of weapons in order to participate in a televised death match. There are also commercial similarities: Battle Royale, too, made a successful jump to the big screen in a 2000 cult-classic release directed by Kinji Fukasaku. (Quentin Tarantino called it his "favorite movie of the last 20 years.")
But proponents of "The Hunger Games" being its own work have plausible arguments too. They note that "The Hunger Games" is at its heart a science-fiction story set long after a global war, whereas "Battle Royale" is more of a near-future, modern-world thriller. They also argue that "Games" is about broader revolutionary themes, while "Battle" is focused on simple, visceral survival. And of course, the violent, bloody "Battle" is not the young adult novel that "Games" is.
Despite their fans' passion over the heritage of "Games," neither author appears interested in fueling the debate. Collins told The New York Times that she only learned of Battle Royale after she submitted her first book to her publisher. "I had never heard of that book or that author until my book was turned in. At that point, it was mentioned to me, and I asked my editor if I should read it. He said: 'No, I don't want that world in your head. Just continue with what you're doing.' " And Takami told ABC News that he was amused by the debate, though he appreciated his fans' enthusiasm.
All in all, it seems to be another case of there being nothing new under the sun. After all, both novels and movies were predated by Stephen King's novella-turned-blockbuster "The Running Man," which was about – surprise, surprise – a reality-television death match run by a totalitarian government in a dystopian future. All three stories drew from books like George Orwell's "1984" and William Golding's "Lord of the Flies." And if one follows the trail back long enough, you eventually reach the Roman circuses, which were – you guessed it – real death matches employed by absolute rulers to keep the population in line.
And so long as their readers enjoy their stories, the authors are not concerned. "I think every novel has something to offer," says Takami. "If readers find value in either book, that's all an author can ask for."


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Tamara is an exceptionally and uniquely trained healer out of Illinois that specializes in a signature blend of crystal and energy healing.
Tamara's work is like no other out there! Her blend of healing was created from years of training with world renowned healers. She has taken what she has learned from them and created a way of healing that will help you break through blocks in your life once and for all.
It is her mission to help her clients remove the blocks in their lives so that they can live a rockin life!
Learn more about Tamara.
March Happenings:
Mala Making
March 8th 6:30-8pm at Yellow Aura Yoga in Geneva
To register http://bit.ly/MalaMaking-YAY32019
Intro to the Rockin World of Crystals
March 9th 2:30-4:30pm at Trillium Yoga
To register please call 847-454-3101 or visit the link below:
Group Healing
March 22nd 6:30-8pm at Trillium Yoga in Antioch
To register please call 847-454-3101 or visit the link below:


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Doug Kurkul
AFS Chief Executive Officer
As the CEO of AFS, Doug Kurkul draws on 30 years of business advocacy and association management experience. In past roles, he has served as CEO or President of the Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce, the Round Rock Chamber & Economic Development Partnership, and the Printing & Imaging Association of Mid-America. He also is a past Vice President for Communications & Marketing Services at the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), a Reagan appointee at the Department of Energy, and a Presidential Management Fellow at the Small Business Administration. He has a master's degree in Public Administration from the American University and a B.A. from Ashland University, as well as leadership training from Duke University's Center for Creative Leadership. Kurkul has served on numerous boards, including the Texas Association of Business and the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada. He is past editor of Leadership for Manufacturers magazine and the award-winning book, Manufacturing in America: A Legacy of Excellence.
Richard Jefferson
Vice President of Marketing & Communications
Richard Jefferson joined AFS as Vice President of Marketing & Communications in January 2017. He brings extensive marketing and management experience with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, CONEXPO-CON/AGG, and the Association of Equipment Management Professionals. He also was a Bush (43) Administration appointee at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He has master's degrees in public policy and communications and a bachelor's in English literature. He staffs the AFS Marketing Committee and oversees editorial, website and social media content, as well as branding and marketing.
Mike Lakas
Vice President of IT and Operations
Mike Lakas joined AFS in 2014 and made immediate contributions by beginning to modernize the organization's technology functions and instituting an internal Kaizen team. He was promoted to Vice President of IT and Operations in September 2017. In his expanded role, he heads up not only IT, but also conference management, customer service, and building operations. Before joining AFS in 2014, Mike held IT roles at a medical society and at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He holds an MBA and a bachelor of science degree from that institution.
Peggy Mennella
Director of Accounting and Finance
Peggy Mennella joined the AFS senior leadership team as Director of Accounting and Finance in May 2018. She is responsible for the accounting and reporting requirements of the AFS and the Institute. Mennella has a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Illinois-Chicago and is a certified public accountant licensed with the state of Illinois. She is a member of both the American Institute and Illinois Society of CPAs and appreciates the importance and need for professional societies advocating education and innovations. She brings many years of experience in public accounting, concentrating in audit and tax and not-for-profit association management accounting. Before joining AFS, she was accounting manager for the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Cathy Potts
Director of Human Resources & Administrative Services
Cathy Potts joined AFS in 2015 and was promoted to Director of Human Resources & Administrative Services in 2017. In addition to administering all HR functions, she provides administrative support to the CEO, staffs the Human Resources Committee, and is the staff co-liaison to Future Leaders of Metalcasting. Her extensive experience includes 16 years at Navistar in human resources and involvement in global recruiting and staffing, organizational development and training, employee relations and compensation.
Ben Yates
Vice President of Business Development
Ben Yates joined AFS in 2017, where he is responsible for membership development, chapter relationships, advertising sales, event sponsorships, and industry solutions programs. Before joining AFS, Ben spent 14 years with Associated Equipment Dealers, a North American trade group serving construction equipment dealerships. In addition to regular writing and speaking duties at AFS, he has extensive experience in grassroots advocacy, having hosted facility tours with more than 60 U.S. senators and congressmen. He holds a bachelor's degree from Ball State University and master's degree from Florida State University.
Clarence Trowbridge
Vice President of Education and Workforce Development
Clarence Trowbridge joined AFS as the Vice President of Education and Workforce Development in 2018. Trowbridge brings 30 years of workforce development experience for companies including Inland Steel Company and BP. From 1996 to 2006, he built a successful education program for ESW Inc. In 2016, he published a book, Maintenance Workforce Solutions: An Organizational Development Approach. Trowbridge, who also has experience working in a foundry, is a former sergeant in the U.S. Army, where he was an electronics repair technician. As a reservist, he was an instructor for the Army Non-Commissioned Officer Academy in Indiana. He has an MBA in organizational development and a bachelor's degree in communications.


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Aegean Sea facts for kids
The Aegean Sea is part of the Mediterranean Sea. It is between the Greece and Anatolia. It is connected (attached) to the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea by the Dardanelles and Bosporus. It is not known how the sea got its name.
In ancient times two groups of people lived near the sea – the Minoans of Crete, and the Myceneans of the Peloponnese. The city-states of Athens and Sparta came later and were part of Ancient Greece. Persians, Romans, the Byzantine Empire, the Venetians (people from Venice, the Seljuk Empire, and the Ottoman Empire later started around the Aegean Sea. The people near the Aegean were very advanced (powerful and clever) in Ancient history and they sailed across it to talk to each other.
There are seven groups of Aegean islands: the Thracian Sea group, the East Aegean group, the Northern Sporades, the Cyclades, the Saronic Islands (or Argo-Saronic Islands), the Dodecanese and Crete. The word archipelago used to mean these islands. Many of the Aegean islands, or chains of islands, are part of the mountain ranges on the mainland. One chain goes across the sea to Chios, another one goes across Euboea to Samos, and a third one goes across the Peloponnese and Crete to Rhodes. This one divides (splits, cuts) the Aegean from the Mediterranean. Many of the islands have safe harbours and bays, but sailing in the sea is difficult. Many of the islands are volcanos, and marble and iron are mined on other islands. The bigger islands have some green valleys and plains. Two big islands on the Aegean Sea are part of Turkey: Bozcaada (Greek: Τένεδος Tenedos) and Gökçeada (Ίμβρος Imvros).
Images for kids
Topographical and bathymetric map
Panoramic view of the Santorini caldera, taken from Oia.
Historic map (1528) of Aegean Sea by Ottoman Turkish geographer Piri Reis.