Where were you when . . .
Jan 22nd 2008
Karen HawkinsGoddess Readers Speak Out
Suzanne’s birthday blog last week made me think about those few moments in time when people share a common memory. For example, whenever my grandparents and their brothers and sisters get together, they inevitably talk about ‘the day Kennedy was shot.’
You guys know i love quizzes, so here we go!
Where were you when you first heard about. . . (and if you don’t remember or weren’t on this planet yet, feel free to say so!)
1. the space Shuttle, Challenger, blew up?
2. Princess Diana died?
3. 9/11?
And (for a little more personal insight) do you remember:
4. when you lost your first tooth?
5. when you met that special someone?
6. when you drove for the very first time?
7. when you picked up your copy of my new book TO CATCH A HIGHLANDER? Oh wait. TO CATCH A HIGHLANDER comes out TODAY, so I guess we all know when you did that! Silly me!
117 Comments »
117 Responses to “Where were you when . . .”
Freedom Writer on 22 Jan 2008 at 8:01 am #
1. Pregnant with my second child and looking at houses.
2. Relaxing at home watching TV
3. On the second day of my vacation watching GMA and seeing the second plane fly into the towers. On the first day I found out that a former boss had died over the weekend in a motorcycle accident.
4.I don’t remember where I was when I lost my first tooth, but I am sure that I was afraid of swallowing it thanks to a cousin’s horror story.
5. I met my DH while working a summer job at an amusement park.
6. My mother took me up to the high school parking lot to drive around in her Rambler which had no power steering.
7. Sitting on the veranda being fanned by one bronzed god while another fed me grapes, and yet another picked up the book at the local bookstore.
Karen Hawkins on 22 Jan 2008 at 8:07 am #
I’ll start!
1. the shuttle — I was in grad school in TN and saw it on a tiny, 20 inch tv set in the student lounge.
2. Princess Di - at a wedding in St. Petersburg, FL. I was so shocked, too. She was such a vibrant woman and seemed to be finally finding her stride.
3. 9/11 — living in Tampa. Turned on the tv and couldn’t stop watching for hours. It still makes me sad to think about this.
4. first tooth — my grandmother’s house. We used a string and tied it to a doorknob. And no, it didn’t hurt — it was barely in there and I was a chicken.
5. Met a special someone — five years ago when I was interviewing police officers for a book idea I had . . . for the book that comes out in August!
6. drove for the very first time — in TN, around my neighborhood with my dad clinging to the dashboard and looking very pale
7. I am off to sign stock at the local stores today, so I should see a lot of copies today! I hope so!!!
Karen Hawkins on 22 Jan 2008 at 8:08 am #
Freedom Writer, I like how you shop for books! THAT’S the way to do it!!!
SuzyQ on 22 Jan 2008 at 8:17 am #
1. The Shuttle - In my living room watching it on TV. I can remember not believing what I just saw.
2. Princess Di - my mom called me first thing in the morning and told me to put on the TV.
3. 9/11 - I was getting ready for work and my mom had just come over to watch my kids when the news broke on TV. I watched for a while longer and then went into work where I heard on the radio that the pentagon had just been hit. When I got to work we all went to the cafeteria to watch the TV.
4. First tooth - I can’t remember
5. Someone special - I met my DH between the sheets. OK ladies, get your mind out of the gutter! It was in the isle of Wamsutta sheets at Macy’s.
6. Drove - my sister let me drive her car around the neighborhood. My mother had a fit when she found out.
7. Karen’s book - hmm, you’ll have to wait until after lunch.
SuzyQ on 22 Jan 2008 at 8:19 am #
Not that this was part of the quiz, but I also remember where I was when Elvis died. We were eating at a restaurant on the boardwalk and the waitress dropped an entire tray. She started crying when she heard it from a coworker.
Kim on 22 Jan 2008 at 8:22 am #
1. I was playing hooky from school, laying on the sofa watching tv.
2. In bed. My husband woke me up. I sat on the sofa all night watching and crying.
3. At work on our morning break. In that big noisy factory all you heard was the same radio station (for once!) playing the same news story. Otherwise it was as quite as a church.
4. No, most of mine were pulled by the dentist. I do remember having one pulled and the novacaine hadn’t kicked in yet. Stupid dentist!
5. Oh yes! At our local race track. We locked his friend in a portapotty and tried to tip it over. umm, yes alcohol was involved.
6. No, but I remember running a stop sign during my first drivers license test.
7. In a little bit when I run to the store. Somebody better help that book lady if its not out. I’m just sayin’…
Freedom Writer on 22 Jan 2008 at 8:28 am #
Karen it is the only way to shop for books especially on the day a Karen Hawkins novel is released. All the pushing and shoving…
I guess I owe my mother an apology for knocking her down like that, but it can wait until I’m done reading.
Suzy: When Elvis died, I worked in a gift shop where myself and another clerk bought ourselves blue suede moccasins and wore them while we worked.
Karen Hawkins on 22 Jan 2008 at 8:36 am #
Suzy Q, that’s a GREAT first meeting story! ‘Between the sheets’ — BWHAHAHAHAHA!
Also, my always-cheerful mother wept when Elvis died. I was so shocked and it made such an impression on me. I’ll never forget that day either. I started to put it on the list, but didn’t want to put too many ‘downer’ events. Funny how my personal memories are mostly positive, but my societal ones are almost all negative.
Kim, my baby teeth wouldn’t come out and I had to have a bunch pulled, too. I’m sending you hugs for that stupid dentist! OUCH!
Freedom Writer, your poor mum! LOL! Glad you all have a er, CLOSE relationship!
PJ on 22 Jan 2008 at 8:37 am #
1. the space Shuttle, Challenger, blew up? - Living in Jax, FL and standing in the front yard waiting to see the shuttle fly overhead.
2. Princess Diana died? - Living in SC and watching TV with visiting friends from FL when the news scrolled across the TV. We couldn’t believe what we were seeing and kept talking about how young she was and how you just never knew when it was “your time”. Within a year one of those visiting friends was dead of a heart attack at age 39.
3. 9/11? - Sitting in my husband’s hospital room and absolutely terrified.
4. when you lost your first tooth? - No memory. Must not have been too traumatic.
5. when you met that special someone? - At the swimming pool of our apartment complex. The guy I was dating at the time introduced us.
6. when you drove for the very first time? - I was 15. My dad was in the passenger seat and my three brothers were hiding on the floor in back.
claudia dain on 22 Jan 2008 at 8:38 am #
1. I was home and turned on the TV to watch it being replayed over and over. I finally turned off the TV, too sad to keep watching a Moment of Death.
2. At the beach on a family vacation. It was shocking to hear such news on the radio on such a perfect, lazy summer day.
3. I was home, DH called, told me to turn on the TV and I sat all day staring at the screen, tears rolling down my face. One of my kids was many states away in college and I just wanted him home, safe, with me.
4. Not a clue, but I do remember one tooth that hung on for weeks by a thread. I had such fun pushing that tooth around with my tongue! Simple minds, simple pleasures.
5. June, Colorado Rockies. He was wearing ragged jeans and a worn out flannel shirt. Hair to his shoulders and a thick fu-man-chu moustache. The greenest eyes. Killer smile. I nabbed him.
6. Not a car, but a boat. I was 12 and the boat felt like it was going 100 MPH. Loved the power of a fast engine!
7. Today!
Karen Rose on 22 Jan 2008 at 8:45 am #
1. the shuttle — I was in college and was on my way to work at my p/t job in DC at an engineering firm. The busy, busy office - top brass and office admin alike gathered around a little TV. It was silent and grim.
2. Princess Di - I was awake, writing my first novel when the TV I had for background brought on the live report of the accident, followed a few minutes later with news of her death.
3. 9/11 — working. My husband called, crying, telling me to turn on the TV, but we didn’t have one at our office. I kept working that day - the deadlines beckoned. It didn’t sink in for several more days.
4. first tooth — don’t remember this one
5. Met a special someone — At my friend’s b-day in 1982, Jan 2, 6:15 pm.
6. drove for the very first time — in MD in driver’s ed. Our teacher was the PE teacher who hated kids.
7. Today of course!!!
Karen Rose on 22 Jan 2008 at 8:49 am #
Congrats on the book release, Karen H!!
cail on 22 Jan 2008 at 8:51 am #
. the space Shuttle, Challenger, blew up? in the Carribean, i was very young, barely remember it.
2. Princess Diana died? in the Hamptons, about to go to the Hamptons classic horse show- they had a moment of silence later.
3. 9/11? lower manhattan, i will never forget that day.
4. when you lost your first tooth? it was pulled like most of my baby teeth, i think.
5. when you met that special someone? i was 14, at the foot of a mountain on a lake on an island in maine.
6. when you drove for the very first time? i was definitely too young for it to be legal. dad was cool about that.
7. when you picked up your copy of my new book TO CATCH A HIGHLANDER? i can’t wait. i’ll be doing that later today.
KariE on 22 Jan 2008 at 8:52 am #
1. Challenger? In Elementary School in East Lansing, Mi.
2. Princess Diana died? At Farris State University with SnickWhite. Although I was not a student there.
3. 9/11? In a little breakfast cafe in Apollo Beach, Florida on our way to Tampa to pick up some fish for the pet store I managed. That day started at 3 am. I was the longest day of my life.
4. Lost first tooth? I don’t remember when I lost it but I do know my mom kept it in a charm box thing for a charm bracelet. Kinda freaked me out as I got older.
5. When you met that special someone? I remember, but I don’t always like to.
6.Drove for the very first time? Legally? at drivers training. Not so legally? in our driveway to move the car out of the way of another.
7. When you picked up your copy of my new book TO CATCH A HIGHLANDER? Since I am blessed with the power of premonition on Tuesdays, I see me holding your new book at 5:32 this afternoon (approximately)
Patty L. on 22 Jan 2008 at 8:58 am #
1. the shuttle — I was in the fourth grade watching it on television.
2. Princess Di - I was asleep and woke to my sil calling to tell me about it. She was in tears.
3. 9/11 — Taking care of my family who all had the flu. My husband was lying in bed when the news came on and was watching it live when the second plane crashed, I was cleaning up baby puke. Needless to say, the day just got worse from there.
4. first tooth — first grade. It was a week before summer break and all the other kids had already lost teeth, I was trying anything to knock one out. LOL
5. Met a special someone — Everyday. I try to surround myself with amazing people.
6. drove for the very first time — With my dad at fifteen. I had to learn with a stick shift before an automatic, so it was fun.
7. Today of course!!!
Karen Hawkins on 22 Jan 2008 at 9:07 am #
PJ, how could your brothers hide in the backseat without you knowing about it? They had to have been verrrrry quiet! When did you discover them?
Claudia, what a great description of your guy.
Karen Rose, you remember the TIME you met your guy! How CUTE! You two are adorable! And thanks for the book release congrats!
Cail, you were in Manhattan on 9/11? NO WAY! I’m so glad you’re ok!
KariE, you’ve lived in the US from top to bottom, haven’t you? Brrrrr Michigan to Hooooot Florida! And you have the Powers of Premonition, eh? Girlfriend, we need to get you some lottery tix!
Patty L — “Everyday. I try to surround myself with amazing people.” That’s a BEAUTIFUL way to live!
cail on 22 Jan 2008 at 9:20 am #
yeah. it was my first day of class my freshman year of college. the first plane woke us up, then we ran to the roof as the 2nd hit. you could see the smoke billowing out of the gaping holes in the towers. it was surreal. and luckily i was a safe distance away from the intial impact. later, when the wind changed the debris came towards us, making it hard to breathe without a mask. not a day i’ll forget, that’s for sure.
SnikWhite on 22 Jan 2008 at 9:27 am #
Challenger: Standing outside of my elementary school in Florida, trying to figure out why it stopped going up and why my teacher wouldn’t stop crying.
Princess Di: On the phone with my friend, who lived in Tamworth England, we both thought it was a joke at first.
9/11: On the corner of Bunn & Laffayette St in Bloomington Il. I was 6 months pregnant and terrified of what kind of world I was bringing my daughter into.
first tooth: I could not even pretend to remember the events surrounding it, but the gross thing? My mom still has all my teeth in a little container. Gross.
Special Someone: thought I did when I met my ex husband, the ex lets on that I was wrong. Made a list of things I needed in a man. Met that man. Got dumped. No reasons given. I’m on a break from love.
Drove: I was 8. My neighbor was driving down the road his dog was in the window of the car. A rottweiler pulled the dog from the car, he jumped out, I had to drive the car to avoid the ditch and to not die
Kasey on 22 Jan 2008 at 9:28 am #
1. Challenger - I was only 2 years old so I don’t remember this one.
2. Princess Di - I was at home watching TV.
3. 9/11 - I was in college getting ready to go to my Short Story class and one of my friends called and told me to turn on my TV. I turned it on just before the second plane hit and saw that on TV.
And (for a little more personal insight) do you remember:
4. first tooth? First grade during gym class.
5. special someone? still looking.
6. when you drove for the very first time? It was after church and I was 12. My dad pulled over on one of the side rodes and said go for it.
7. when you picked up your copy of my new book TO CATCH A HIGHLANDER? I’m planning on going to pick it up today after I am down teaching this afternoon.
Cookiedough on 22 Jan 2008 at 9:30 am #
1. Challenger-in grade 12. any classroom that had a tv, had it on
2. Diana-at home, in shock. for days. my sister met her.
3. 9/11 - at work with the kids, I kept them a way from it as much as possible, while still hearing details
4. first tooth? cannot remember!
5. have yet to meet that special someone…have only met unspecial jerks!sigh
6. drove for the first time- drivers ed -first class at 18, I had to go first, and it had started to snow. instructor said it was good for us to learn in terrible weather. round and round the Pictou NS rotary and on to the ferry terminal to PEI. we each of us had to make this trip to the parking lot to the terminal.To this day, I have no problem driving in the snow.
7… I’m heading out the door soon to pick it up! I even tried to see if the bookstore had it out on Saturday. Sometimes they put them out early.
Ann in IL on 22 Jan 2008 at 9:30 am #
Space Shuttle - day off at home watching TV
Diana - in bed reading and my brother came in to tell me
9/11 - at work. Someone said a “small plane” hit the WTC so we turned on the TV and talked about how they could put a fire out that high and how they could re-build that hight up without disturbing the surrounding tenants. Then we saw the second plane hit and everyone went silent. I left to go get my small TV. No Way was I going to work and not know what was going on. Don’t think we turned that TV off for weeks.
First tooth - that was so long ago it’s a fossil. Don’t remember.
Met someone special - actually hasn’t happened yet.
Drove - 15 with my Dad
PICKED UP THE BOOK LAST NIGHT…..am on vacation at my sister’s house. Everyone is gone to school and work so it’s just me and book. I started it last night, but didn’t get far cuz the kiddos ran me ragged at the mega-mall yesterday. Can’t wait to get in the recliner and start me some serious reading.
SnikWhite on 22 Jan 2008 at 9:37 am #
And finally, will be picking up the book on Friday after I get paid…SO NOBODY RUIN IT FOR ME!!!
Cause when I do end my break from love, I do plan on picking up a Highlander. KariE and I are headed to Ireland and Scotland to find the right one.
claudia dain on 22 Jan 2008 at 9:42 am #
Karen, I’m glad to hear that Ann in IL got your book last night, a bit early. It’s freezing rain here today so I’m housebound. I’ll get out tomorrow to buy TO CATCH A HIGHLANDER. Will that even it out on the sales chart? One day early and one day late…that’s just got to work.
Gannon on 22 Jan 2008 at 10:18 am #
1. The Challenger–I was in college and when I went back to my dorm, my friend across the hall was crying. Couldn’t believe it even when I watched it over and over again on TV.
2. Princess Di–we were living overseas at the time, and we were on a Med cruise. I had just come back from the spa, and my husband said “Di and Dodi are dead.” I told him that was a sick joke. Our final port was Harwich, England and we took a shuttle to London. This was the day of Diana’s funeral and the streets were lined with people. So sad.
3. 9/11–I was home, hosting our play group for the neighborhood toddlers. My dh called and told me to turn on the TV. My friends and I watched in horror, with tears rolling down our faces. When the Pentagon was hit, I was really upset, because we had a friend who worked there. And he was one of the victims that day. If my dh had ever worked in the Pentagon, that would have been the office he would have been in. It still gives me chills.
cont.
Gannon on 22 Jan 2008 at 10:22 am #
4. First tooth–I think my grandmother pulled it out with a string tied to a doorknob!
5. Special someone–I actually met my dh when I was in the 7th grade and he was in the 9th. He was my best friend’s neighbor. I developed a huge crush on him in high school, but we didn’t actually start dating until we were in college. We were friends for years, and we dated other people, but he was always THE ONE for me.
6. Driving–on the way home from a family vacation. That was so much fun for everyone!
7. Tomorrow I’m getting Karen’s book. We have freezing rain today too, so it will be something to look forward to tomorrow.
Karen Hawkins on 22 Jan 2008 at 10:36 am #
Cail, what a horrible day to be in Manhattan! Glad you’re ok!
Snik, i went through the same thing and I found that the best part of being single is learning to enjoy it. It took me a while to do that after my divorce, but hey, I got it and made some great friends that I still have today.
Kasey, you lost your tooth in gym class? Did a tetherball help it?
cookeedough, I wish you were driving for my daughter today!I worry when she’s in the snow and her town is COVERED!
Ann, so glad you found the book! Wow for the 9/11. I was the same way — became an instant TV Junkie. It was a rough time.
Snik, you and Kari are going to Scotland AND Ireland! Oh boy! WE WANT PICTURES!
Gannon, I am so glad your DH wasn’t in the Pentagon at that time. It’s sad how close and personal that day is to so many.
Gannon and Claudia, do NOT go out in bad weather! I just told my daughter that, too. They put her college on a late schedule, but her entire neighborhood is covered in ice. Safety first!
Mia Rose on 22 Jan 2008 at 10:49 am #
1. the Shuttle — I had *just* turned 2 yrs old so I have no idea where I was, but I was probably walkin around drooling over my baby dolls.
2. Princess Di - I remember coming home from school and seeing all the news coverage and my mom telling me what had happened.
3. 9/11 — My friend and I were alone at her house and we had overslept, not waking her little brother up in time for school and my BF had been trying to call us and ended up driving over to the house pounding on doors and windows to wake us up. We all watched the second plane hit live and cried.
4. first tooth — I don’t remember details, but I think my friend and I tried the string/doorknob trick. Bad news.
5. Met a special someone — I met my husband when I started working for the family business, and we were friends for a year before anything started.
6. drove for the very first time — My instructor knew me (small town) and knew I wanted a jeep wrangler so he let me drive his personal lifted jeep during my lessons.
Mia Rose on 22 Jan 2008 at 10:50 am #
AND LAST BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST…
7. The top thing to do after work today is hit the bookstore.
It’s been snowing non-stop here, perfect book reading by a fire weather.
Kasey on 22 Jan 2008 at 10:52 am #
No tetherball involved. I don’t even think we were playing anything yet, but I was just sitting there waiting for class to start and I finally pulled it out. I was pretty excited.
Correction on where I was for the Challenger too. I guess I was a little older than 2. I was 4 (I would have been 5 in a few weeks), but either way it was before I was in school. I don’t remember it.
KariE on 22 Jan 2008 at 11:08 am #
Yes we are headed to Ireland and Scotland, only after my power of premonition kicks in for the lotto numbers. Since it is Tuesday, things look good for tomorrows lotto.
Shoooooot, if I won the lotto and did that thing I need to do, I would take all of Mt. Oly to Ireland. We’d all claim a cliff as Oly Cliff, sit around drinking wine, Tab, Diet Coke and coffee, and talk about mundane things. Kinda like we do on My Oly but only on Oly Cliff. And I really would wear a toga. A blue one. To match the eyes of my Irish male servant.
My imagination has gotten the better of me. My apologies.
PJ on 22 Jan 2008 at 11:10 am #
I’m back from the dentist and Walmart where, of course, there were NO NEW BOOKS on the shelves. They haven’t restocked books for two weeks now. They said the book rep *might* be there Thursday or Friday. Ah, the joys of small town life. The freezing rain just started here so I’m in for the rest of the day but, unfortunately, not with your book, Karen. Oh well, on to Plan B.
Karen, I knew my brothers were in the back seat. Crouching on the floor was their non-verbal commentary on my driving ability. This was in the days before seat belts.
I immediately thought of cars for the driving question but, like Claudia, I learned to drive our speed boat at age 11 and started taking it out alone at age 12.
Karen Hawkins on 22 Jan 2008 at 11:11 am #
Mia, i have a Jeep Cherokee Classic, so I know The Magic. It’s so cool that your instructor let you do that!
Kasey, it’s cool that you remember it at all! I have a VERY shadowy memory before I was six. After that, I have all of the high points tucked away. Before that, not so much.
And KariE, you had me at ‘a blue one to match the eyes of my Irish male servant.’ LOL! What a TERRIFIC fantasy! I WANT TO GO TO OLY CLIFF WITH YOU!
PJ on 22 Jan 2008 at 11:11 am #
LOL @ Kari E. Don’t stop now! I like the way you think.
Karen Hawkins on 22 Jan 2008 at 11:13 am #
PJ, I’m so sorry the book isn’t out yet. WalMarts can be very, very good, or very, very bad depending on the stock person. Sorry about that.
I’m in awe of you and Claudia for driving a boat from such a young age. As a ski boat driver myself, I know how tricky they can be, especially trying to dock one without slamming into anything on a busy, wave-prone lake. BRACK!
PJ on 22 Jan 2008 at 11:34 am #
LOL! Funny you should mention docking. I now have a 24′ pontoon and you should see the men in my neighborhood when they see me coming in to dock for the first time. They cross their arms and kind of smirk, anticipating the banging and multiple tries before they gallantly come to the rescue of the “little woman”. The expression on their faces when I smoothly glide into the slip on the first try is a sight to behold, especially since it usually takes them more than one try. Their wives love it. Me too!
SuzyQ on 22 Jan 2008 at 11:43 am #
(eyes closed and fingers crossed) Please let KariE win the lottery, please let KariE win the lottery ….
claudia dain on 22 Jan 2008 at 11:44 am #
Docking a boat is a skill, isn’t it? Kind of like landing a plane. The plane in the air is supposed to be the easy part; landing, not so much!
cail on 22 Jan 2008 at 11:50 am #
i second the finger crossing for KariE’s luck in the lottery…
KariE on 22 Jan 2008 at 11:52 am #
I’m not against people throwing some numbers at me to play with. Anything over 1 mil, pack your bags ladies cause we going to Oly Ciff!
SuzyQ on 22 Jan 2008 at 11:55 am #
8
And just for the record KariE, our servants will be wearing kilts - right????
cail on 22 Jan 2008 at 11:56 am #
22
SnikWhite on 22 Jan 2008 at 12:00 pm #
HAHAHA Kari I love ya girl!!!
19
Can’t wait till you can do that thing you need to do and we are actually in that place LOL Oh and for the record, my Irish man servant looks amazingly like Gerard Butler…with slightly longer hair
SnikWhite on 22 Jan 2008 at 12:01 pm #
OHHHHH and Suzy they will have to be in kilts, but the traditional way only *wink, wink*
Gannon on 22 Jan 2008 at 12:07 pm #
PJ, I would love to see those men’s faces when you dock that boat! You go, girl!
KariE on 22 Jan 2008 at 12:22 pm #
SuzyQ-I think so. But not much else.
Kay on 22 Jan 2008 at 12:29 pm #
1. The space Shuttle Challenger, blew up?
I was at my parents’ house, doing laundry, after working the night before.
2. Princess Diana died?
A neighbor told us. We were outside doing something to the garage lights.
3. 9/11?
Driving my youngest son to preschool. I heard it on public radio, and called my DH (it was his birthday, and he had just gotten home from work) to make sure it wasn’t a “War of the Worlds” thing. As I was driving back from the preschool, I saw a sky FULL of airplanes circling & landing–we live near the MPLS/St. Paul airport. The skys were so QUITE right after that.
And (for a little more personal insight) do you remember:
4. when you lost your first tooth?
Can’t remember.
5. when you met that special someone?
September 15, 1986, at about 2 AM. We are still together.
6. when you drove for the very first time?
On my Grandparents’ farm, when I was 15.
Lisa H on 22 Jan 2008 at 12:44 pm #
Karen H - CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! SO HAPPY FOR YOU TODAY!
I will only answer one question because I only have a minute, I met my husband at a rib eating contest for charity.
My cousin was participating for the company he worked for and I was there to cheer him on. My husband was also cheering him on as he worked for the same company. When I arrived, the place was packed, so I stood on a chair with my cousin’s wife to see, and that was the first time my husband saw me…standing on a chair and yelling. It was good for him to witness me in my natural environment!
Lisa H on 22 Jan 2008 at 12:45 pm #
Oh, By the way, today was also a good day for my Johnny, He received his nomination for Oscar for Best Actor…I predicted this on another blog!
KariE on 22 Jan 2008 at 12:45 pm #
Kay- On September 11th, when my boss and I were driving back from Tampa getting our fish we were listening to an AM talk radio program. It was all so surreal. I turned to him and said “So this is must have been what people felt like when listening to The War of the Worlds.” He chuckled and said, “Maybe, but this is worse becuase this isn’t fake. This is real.” I will never forget. Your comment made me think of that.
KariE on 22 Jan 2008 at 12:50 pm #
(I must be still stuck in my Oly Cliff fantasy. “So this must be what people felt like when listening to The War of the Worlds” is what I was trying to type.)
Karen Rose on 22 Jan 2008 at 1:04 pm #
Don’t know about the rest of the goddesses on Mt. Oly, but hearing all these people say they were in elem school when Challenger exploded is making me feel very aged.
Y’all could lie, you know.
I remember the first year I taught school, a few years back (I was almost 40) and one of teachers used the Billy Joel song “We Didn’t Start The Fire” as an example of poetry and she and I were telling the class how we remembered it all. Then one kid said, how do you know all this stuff? Like it was ancient history. Sooooo ooooold.
I need a hug. Or chocolate. Or Karen’s new book!
PJ on 22 Jan 2008 at 1:15 pm #
“Don’t know about the rest of the goddesses on Mt. Oly, but hearing all these people say they were in elem school when Challenger exploded is making me feel very aged.”
Karen R, I feel your pain. They were in elem school when Challenger exploded. I was in 7th grade when JFK was assassinated. I think that probably qualifies me for “antique” status. LOL! I, however, prefer to think of myself as a Classic.
Gannon on 22 Jan 2008 at 1:20 pm #
Karen and PJ, I was thinking the same thing about all of the young ones here only being in elementary school, or younger when some of these events occurred. YIKES!
Ann in IL on 22 Jan 2008 at 1:29 pm #
Think I’ll join PJ and Karen in the rocking chair aisle.
As for remembering learning to drive, I was taught to drive a stick shift in a 1936 Buick. You had to touch the starter with your toe, the accelerator with your heel, put the clutch in, pull the choke and turn the key and hope the crazy thing started. I drove a 1939 Chevy to school. Those things were like TANKS. Oh yeah, they had vacuum windshield wipers….only moved when the motor built up enough steam to move them ONE WAY across the windshield. Of course you could crank the windshield open if you couldn’t see.
Ahhh, the good ole days.
KariE on 22 Jan 2008 at 1:33 pm #
Aged feeling Goddesses-You all got to live in that time period. You have memories I could only wish to have. I wouldn’t feel aged, I would brag!! Elvis on TV when he was alive. The Beatles when they were all alive and together. For those Godesses over 39 this year you got to experience man landing on the moon. Michael Jackson when he was black.
I have Madonna when she was a virgin. *humph*
There I go babbling again.
Gannon on 22 Jan 2008 at 1:54 pm #
KariE, LOL! “Michael Jackson when he was black.” I remember when the “Thriller” video debuted on MTV–I was in high school. When I look at pictures of MJ, I think that the Thriller time period was the last time he looked normal.
SnikWhite on 22 Jan 2008 at 1:55 pm #
LOL and a big PMP for the when Michael Jackson was black quip. Kari my darling, you are on a roll today.
Karen Hawkins on 22 Jan 2008 at 1:59 pm #
Madonna was a virgin? WHEN?
Psssht, people! There is no age on Mt. Oly! Whether we were 40, 20, 10, or Not Here when the shuttle exploded, on Mt. Oly we’re all Just The Right Age.
Of course, Mt. Oly is nothing compared to Oly Cliffs. With kilts, did you say? Look like Gerard Butler, but with slightly longer hair?
Happy sigh!!!!
RachelG on 22 Jan 2008 at 2:22 pm #
1. when Challenger blew up I was getting my daughter ready for kindergarten. That was so surreal
2. When Princess Diana died I was just relaxing after having worked all day
3. 9/11? I’d just dropped the last kid off at school. Again so surreal
And (for a little more personal insight) do you remember:
4. when you lost your first tooth?–don’t recall
5. when you met that special someone? Met him in his apartment over a keg of Bud.
6. when you drove for the very first time? I used to sit on my dad’s lap and he used to let me drive all the time. The first time I drove alone–kind of–I went to a party with my brother. He passed out and I drove the family Vista Cruiser home with him asleep in the back. I think I was 15.
7. when you picked up your copy of my new book TO CATCH A HIGHLANDER? On my way out the door to pick this up.
rg
SuzyQ on 22 Jan 2008 at 2:27 pm #
Whoo Hoo! Got my copy of To Catch A Highlander at lunch!!! Unfortunately, I had to leave it in the car. Otherwise I would have shut the door to my office and not done any work for the rest of the afternoon. Hey! Come to think of it, I haven’t done much today anyway.
Kari - LOL on your comments!!!
Kay on 22 Jan 2008 at 2:53 pm #
I DIDN’T ANSWER # 7!
I’m going to the bookstore this evening, after I cart the kids around to various after-school activities.
I guess I won’t get any sleep tonight!
Karen Hawkins on 22 Jan 2008 at 2:54 pm #
Rachel G, over a keg of Bud, hm? I can see Mr. G over a keg of Bud.
And some of those days did seem surreal, didn’t they? There you are, doing your normal thing, reading or taking the kids to school or driving to work, and then something happens — something not even close, and yet somehow very personal — and you know things will be different from now on. And they have been different, especially since 9/11. The New Reality, sort of.
Suzy Q, i’m glad you found the book! You guys have to let me know know what you think. It’s my favorite book so far.
Kay, it’s a fast read, so I bet you get to read it AND get to sleep! I hope so, anyway!
Julia London on 22 Jan 2008 at 2:57 pm #
I have no idea where I was when challenger blew up, altho I remember seeing the tape over and over again.
When Princess Di died, I was lying in a hospital bed recovering from surgery. I was there for a few days and had nothing to do but watch the coverage on every channel.
9/11 — having breakfast with a colleague at this groovy place in Austin. The waiter told us a small plane flew into the world trade tower. We didn’t know if he was being groovy or not and said, “oh.” He came back a few minutes later and said it was a big plane and planes were missing. We decided we better get back to the office and see what he was smoking.
First tooth? No clue. But I remember the going rate was a quarter. Yikes!
Driving — grew up on a ranch. We were driving early. What I remember is Greg Carlisle teaching me to drive a standard. Cowboy. Cute. Older. Be still my heart.
TCAH? sitting at my desk. I ordered it last week
Congrats, Karen! May you rocket to the stars!
cail on 22 Jan 2008 at 3:00 pm #
Karen, you’ve been a bad influence today. I’ve been sitting around distracted, doing work as best I can while patiently awaiting the time when I can leave work, run to Borders on my way home, and relax on my commute with your new book.
Marie on 22 Jan 2008 at 3:05 pm #
1. the space Shuttle, Challenger, blew up? Not born
2. Princess Diana died? 10, don’t remember
3. 9/11? I was in tech ed thinking it was one of the teachers stupid plane movies he loved to show. When I found that it was true I cried. It was horrible.
And (for a little more personal insight) do you remember:
4. when you lost your first tooth? Nope
5. when you met that special someone? We’ve been dating for 5 months. Yep I remember. Do I ever miss him right now.
6. when you drove for the very first time? Sissy allowed me to drive her car home from school when I was 12 I went to a rural school. I was going too fast hit a railroad and swerved. Scary, but fun.
Paula on 22 Jan 2008 at 3:36 pm #
1. Challenger can’t remember, what year was it? Iremember it on the news here in the UK.
2. Princess Diana I was in bed reading and listening to the radio and it came on on the news, spent the rest of the day in front of the TV, it felt like the whole country wqas falling apaprt.
3. 9/11 at home with my son, heard it on the radio, then put the tv on and watched it for the rest of the day.
4. Lost 1st tooth too long ago to remember!!
5. Met someone special: October 1985 we are still together and been married for 17 years this May.
6. On my Dad’s knee driving around a field full of sheep, later I learnt to drive a Landrover around a field of sheep with my older brother who said ” if you knock any of them over you’ll be sorry” neddless to say I didn’t, good practice but a bit of an obstacle course.!!!!
7. To catch a Highlander, it’s not out over here yet but I might try and order it from amazon.com. hopefully it won’t be too long.
Ellen on 22 Jan 2008 at 3:45 pm #
Hiya Girls…I’ve been on the road quite a bit lately and miss you all madly.
I was fresh out of college in my first job when the Challenger blew up. It was so incredibly sad to think of the mother’s face. You could see she knew something was wrong, but she kept looking up…hoping beyond hope.
I am a New Yorker. 9-11 has a very personal meaning to me. I was helping the school janitor carry in a huge box of books for our annual book fair when his Spanish speaking wife called up crying hysterically saying a helicopter had hit her building. Our next door neighbor’s daughter was on the 69th floor of the second building. She survived because she didn’t listen to the announcement saying that everything was okay and to return to her office. She was young and wanted to blow off part of her work day. I can still hear the cries of relief when she was finally able to call her parents seven hours later. None of our phones were working so she had to walk half way home…with no shoes.
I was rocking my ear infected child when Diana passed. My sister and I watched the funeral wearing our crowns. We both lost it when we saw the card with the flowers that said “Mummy”
Can’t remember my first tooth…but saved all my son’s in a locket.
I met my husband very briefly when I was 16. I remember thinking he was a really kind person. I met him again when I was 25. I remember thinking he was a really hot guy.
I will pick up Karen’s new book tonight. I wish her all the success! (Especially after that stunning defeat on Sunday)
Nicole Jordan on 22 Jan 2008 at 4:28 pm #
I’m heading out to buy TCAH in a sec! Can’t wait to read it, Karen. It’s sound fabulous!
NicoleJ
Kim on 22 Jan 2008 at 4:38 pm #
Since we’re celebrating the release of To Catch a Highlander today! Woohoo! I started a thread over on the forum under Goddess Books for discussion. I expect lots of bleary-eyed posters over there tomorrow;)
Good luck with the lists, Karen!
Please don’t make me pull out my rant on Wal-mart and early distribution, I beg you;)
Judy F on 22 Jan 2008 at 4:39 pm #
1. the space Shuttle, Challenger, blew up? I was at work, had a head set on and they broke in with the news. Was hard to stay focused after that.
2. Princess Diana died? Remember waking up to hear it on the news. It was just devastating.
3. 9/11? We were listing to CD’s at work and our part time person came in saying planes had crashed into the world trade center. Lisa was a bit of a titzs so we weren’t sure she was right. Got on the internet and it was so sad.
And (for a little more personal insight) do you remember:
4. when you lost your first tooth? Not really
5. when you met that special someone? Still waiting. Maybe when I get to the home. LOL
6. when you drove for the very first time? Yup. My dad took me and I swore I would never go with him again.
7. when you picked up your copy of my new book TO CATCH A HIGHLANDER? Oh wait. TO CATCH A HIGHLANDER comes out TODAY. Will have to look for it tomorrow when I work at the bookstore.
Kim on 22 Jan 2008 at 4:40 pm #
KarenR–poor poor you! Tell ya what, I made a Milky Way cake today I’ll eat a big ole piece for you;) Make you feel better?
Kasey on 22 Jan 2008 at 4:43 pm #
I’m on my way to go pick up TO CATCH A HIGHLANDER any moment now…I can’t wait to read it…it will probably be another late night for me.
Kim - a Milky Way cake sounds awesome. I’ve never heard of it. How do you make it?
Ann in IL on 22 Jan 2008 at 4:51 pm #
Karen,
I snorted Diet Cherry Pepsi on the “salted dishwater soup”.
I forsee another winner here. Can’t wait to finish.
Welcome back, Ellen. We missed ya.
Karen Hawkins on 22 Jan 2008 at 4:51 pm #
Julia, I wish I’d had your driving teacher. My dad taught me. Not as much fun as a Hot Cowboy by a long shot.
cail, I’m sorry I’ve been a bad influence! Say what you will, but a man who knows how to dress just so AND can make it thunder at Very Important Times . . . gotta love him!
Marie, I’m glad you survived the railroad swerve! WHOOPS!
Paula, I had to wait for the sheep when I was in Scotland. They wandered into the road . . . and then stopped. They seemed just as surprised by the situation as I was.
Ellen, glad you stopped in! And yes, Sunday’s defeat was indeed stunning. Sometimes, all you can do is cry it all out, and start over.
Thanks, Nicole and Kim! I’ve got fingers crossed the laydown was good, and the shoppers ready to shop!
Judy, I did the EXACT same thing — swore I’d never drive with my dad again. All that YELLING!
Kasey, yes! Make Kim tell us how to make a milkyway cake! I NEED more calories!
Karen Hawkins on 22 Jan 2008 at 4:53 pm #
Anne, I hope you’re ok! I’ve snorted Diet Coke before, but never Cherry Diet Pepsi. I can only say OW! Glad you’re enjoying it!
KariE on 22 Jan 2008 at 4:56 pm #
(Where is the best place to buy TCAH? I have WalMart, Target, Kmart and Book-A-Million. The less time I spend driving around for it the more time I have to sit and read it tonight.)
Mia Rose on 22 Jan 2008 at 5:03 pm #
Hmmm…
being on the west coast I’m still stuck at work and getting jealous of all of you already immersed in a certain sexy highlander…
I might just feel a headache coming on that will force me to leave work early so I can be by a warm fire, sipping some sweet vermouth and reading all about my next favorite weather controlling highlander who was based on the hottest brad pitt picture ever taken…
*sigh*
cail on 22 Jan 2008 at 5:07 pm #
yikes… did you guys see the news? http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20173072,00.html
Karen Rose on 22 Jan 2008 at 5:08 pm #
Now, Kim, that was just mean. Taunting me with Milky Way cake.
KariE on 22 Jan 2008 at 5:08 pm #
I just saw Cail!! *Shocked!!!*
doglady on 22 Jan 2008 at 5:09 pm #
Okay here goes.
1) The Challenger - I was in my graduate music history class at USM when a student ran in and said “The shuttle blew up. It’s all over the tv.” We all rushed to the music library across the hall. We were stunned.
2) Princess Diana - I was at home and they broke in with a news bulletin. I could not believe it. Called my buddies in the UK to try and find out more.
3) 9/11 - I was bathing my dogs in my back yard. I walked up the hill to my truck to get something and my neighbor was on the porch talking on her cell phone. She yelled “Have you seen the news?” I said “No, why?” She said “Go turn on the news. They bombed the towers in New York.” I ran down the hill and turned on GMA and watched for the rest of the day. I couldn’t believe it. I got all kinds of e-mails from my friends overseas checking on me.
4) We lived in Selma in a trailer park. Don’t remember too much else.
5) This is terrible. I met him when I met the band class I taught for my student teaching
PJ on 22 Jan 2008 at 5:11 pm #
Cail, I just finished reading that over at CNN. How very sad.
doglady on 22 Jan 2008 at 5:11 pm #
practice. He was two years younger than me. He was my student, but I did NOT start dating him until he was in college!
6) Uhm. It was in driver’s ed in high school. I almost drove the coach and the other kids off a bridge. The only C of my high school career was in Driver’s Ed. I had straight A’s all four years and the coach STILL gave me a C in driver’s ed!
7) Getting it tonight. My writers’ group meets in our local bookstore and she called to say it was in!! YAY!!!!!!!!
Gannon on 22 Jan 2008 at 5:14 pm #
OMG, I can’t believe that about Heath Ledger–so very sad.
PJ on 22 Jan 2008 at 5:14 pm #
What Cail just posted is a news bulletin that actor Heath Ledger was found dead in his Manhattan apartment this afternoon. He was 28. So very young. So very sad.
Mia Rose on 22 Jan 2008 at 5:21 pm #
oh my gosh!
I just read the headline about Heath Ledger… I can’t believe it!
He just had a daughter a couple years ago too… how horrible!
Paula on 22 Jan 2008 at 5:30 pm #
Karen H, sheep are such stupid animals. I come from a farming family and you can drive around the field and up to them even nudge them with the bumper of the landrover and they just stop grazing and look at you as if to “yes”. They do taste nice ,roasted though!! Well what do you expect I am a farmer’s daughter after all!
doglady on 22 Jan 2008 at 5:44 pm #
I just saw that bulletin re Heath Ledger. What a horrible waste of a talented young man. I really do hate to hear things like that.
Oh and Paula, I don’t know about sheep being stupid. I think they are just extremely mellow. It is not an emergency unless someone MAKES it an emergency. Not a bad way to look at life!
Kimberly W on 22 Jan 2008 at 6:12 pm #
1. I was 7 months old and in Schauffenburg, Germany were we lived.
2. Sitting on the couch watching Xena: The Warrior Princess of all things. I was 12.
3. I had just walked into my college Sociology class. The teacher always had some form of news program playing when student came into his class. I just happened to be the first one there that day and had just set my books down and glanced at the screen when the first plane hit. I gasped really loud and my teacher asked me what was wrong and all I could do was point at the screen and just as he turned to look the second one made contact. I was 16 and a junior in high school.
4. I was in kindergartn and it was right before Christmas.
5. Haven’t met them yet.
6. I was 15 and was tooling around with my dad old manual in the back pasture.
7. Yesterday:)
Karen Hawkins on 22 Jan 2008 at 6:16 pm #
I am so sorry to hear about Heath Ledger! I loved him that tv show he did — can’t remember the name of it (Roar?), but wow. So much promise, gone. That is so sad.
I think sheep are smart. I kept trying to pet one when I was in Scotland. It became a mission. They’re pretend not to see me and as soon as I was at arms’ length, they’d ruuuuuuun. Darn it!
Lisa H on 22 Jan 2008 at 6:18 pm #
Karen H - my WalMart doesn’t have your book! I am so disappointed! I’ll try again on Friday when I go out! Boo Hoo
KariE on 22 Jan 2008 at 7:30 pm #
I GOT THE BOOK!! BAM only had 1 left. phewww
Kay on 22 Jan 2008 at 7:34 pm #
My son is very sad about Heath’s death. I didn’t recognize the name at first, when I saw the e mail in my box from NYT. My kids had to remind me who he was (doesn’t THAT make me feel old and out of the loop)
So sad……
Freshechelle on 22 Jan 2008 at 7:42 pm #
1 - I was in high school, got home, turned the TV on and was stunned.
2 - in my living room, watching late night TV when they announced she had a broken leg. A friend told her mother the following morning; here’s her story - Mom “what happened?” Daughter “She was chased by the paparazzi.” Mom “The opera star?”
3 - I was in the Lincoln Tunnel on my way to NY when it happened. I was in a cab when we heard it on the radio. We assumed it was a small plane until the cab crossed 5th Ave and the white cloud of smoke us the rest of the story. Later, walking down 5th Ave radios blared from every van announcing the collapse of the first tower. That’s when the magnitude hit me and I almost passed out. In our office, no one could access the internet and phone service was gone. At the one year anniversary, I happened to be outside and the entire city in my neighborhood just came to a stand still. If was as quiet as the day it happened.
4 - don’t remember losing my first tooth.
cont.
Freshechelle on 22 Jan 2008 at 7:50 pm #
5 - I’ll let you know when it happens.
6 - on our driveway when I was probably 8 and petrified because we had a river in a backyard. We used to watch cars skid into the river from the highway on the other side so I was convinced I’d back us into the river.
7 - this weekend Karen, I promise. It’s 8 o’clock and I’m still stuck in my office, otherwise, I’d do it today. Scout’s honor. Now, I have to read everyone else’s responses.
cail on 22 Jan 2008 at 7:51 pm #
i just had to let you know, Karen, that I missed my bus stop because I was so engrossed in the book that I didn’t realize I was home. Luckily, the next stop was only a few minutes out of my way.
I think that means that it’s good.
Cookiedough on 22 Jan 2008 at 7:57 pm #
did anyone hear about Heath Ledger today????
I am shocked about it!
Judy F on 22 Jan 2008 at 8:50 pm #
That is so sad about him. I never saw him in anything but I hear he was so talented. Sad…
Sabrina Jeffries on 22 Jan 2008 at 9:03 pm #
1. the space Shuttle, Challenger: I honestly don’t remember.
2. Princess Diana: I was sitting in my house watching TV
3. 9/11: Same as above. I was getting ready for a doctor’s appt. while my hubby watched Daily Show, and my brother called to tell us to change the channel. Then I had to go to the appt. and sit in the waiting room with all the other people riveted to the TV they happened to have.
4. your first tooth. You’re kidding, right? Like I’ll remember that. Sheesh! I don’t remember losing ANY of them.
5. when you met that special someone? THAT, I remember. It was Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and I met him on the street (but introduced by friends). We were both in costume, him as a jester and me as a harem girl. I never looked back.
6. when you drove for the very first time? You know, I don’t remember that specific time. I do remember my mom giving me lessons and me giving her heart attacks.
Sabrina Jeffries on 22 Jan 2008 at 9:04 pm #
Oops, I forgot! When am I getting Karen’s book??? Soon as I possibly can!
claudia dain on 22 Jan 2008 at 9:20 pm #
KarenH, I’m probably the only other person on the planet who watched Roar. Loved it. What’s not to love about Roman Britain? Heath Ledger, for such a kid, was wonderful in it. He had such talent, such scope.
What a waste. His poor family.
Meg on 22 Jan 2008 at 9:47 pm #
1-Challenger–I was probably in school watching on TV
2-Princess Di–On my way out on a date with my future husband listening about it on the radio
3-9/11–At the time I was planning my wedding. What woke me up that morning was hearing my mom reading an article on the internet out loud to my grandmother. It was right after the first plane had hit. I turned on the tv and wathched for the entire day.
4-first tooth–I don’t really know.
5-special someone–I was in the tenth grade. I met him during lunch period. I smile every time I think about it.
6-first time driving–this is something else that I can’t remember. I guess it wasn’t that great of a moment.
7-Karen’s book–Scanning the “H” section at the book store with baited breath. Then letting out a little squeel when I found it.
ilovetoread on 22 Jan 2008 at 10:44 pm #
Challenger — Was pregnant and at home watching the take off on TV.
Princess Di- Was changing clothes to go on an outing with my family when it came across the TV.
9/11 — at the Orthodontist’s office with my first child. The nurse’s told us about it. We rushed home and cried the rest of the week.
first tooth — who knows
special someone — I was at work and he and his brother were walking past the entrance to the store that I worked nights during the week. His brother veered in to introduce us and his eyes and dimples took over my life!
first time driving — don’t remember but it was probably fast!
Karen’s book — jumping up and down for joy in the driveway because I had finally received the ARC of it in the mail!! (Huge gloating going on here). Hadn’t bought the finished book yet. Mother fell, broke hip, had surgery and I’ve been at hospital since.
ilovetoread on 22 Jan 2008 at 10:58 pm #
“Yes we are headed to Ireland and Scotland, only after my power of premonition kicks in for the lotto numbers. Since it is Tuesday, things look good for tomorrows lotto.
Shoooooot, if I won the lotto and did that thing I need to do, I would take all of Mt. Oly to Ireland. We’d all claim a cliff as Oly Cliff, sit around drinking wine, Tab, Diet Coke and coffee, and talk about mundane things. Kinda like we do on My Oly but only on Oly Cliff. And I really would wear a toga. A blue one. To match the eyes of my Irish male servant.
My imagination has gotten the better of me. My apologies.”
KariE — Keep up with the imagination, Goddesses please be sure to bring ALL tiaras and scepters, and whoever is in charge of the drinks, make mine Dr. Pepper or cherry lemonade (my vices for now)….
Karen Hawkins on 22 Jan 2008 at 10:59 pm #
Kari, I’m so glad you found it!
Bless BAM!
Kay, it is so sad about Heath. And he had a little daughter, too. They say he and his wife split up in Sept. Had to have been a rough time for him.
Fresh, it’s sad about Diana’s death, but your mother’s response was PRICELESS. I could just see a fat opera star chasing Di down the road while she tried to hold her tiara on with one hand. And yowsa, you were close the Bad Area on 9/11. So glad you’re ok!
Cail! There is no dearer words to an author’s heart than, “I missed my bus stop because I was so engrossed in the book that I didn’t realize I was home.” I’m tap dancing a happy song here!
Cooked, we’re all shocked. I think we need to start a thread on the BB about this. He was SO talented and SO young!
Sabrina, you don’t remember a SINGLE tooth? Not ONE? I winced at every one that came out, so they’re vivid memories for me.
Claudia, ROAR was a great series. I wonder if I can buy it now. I still can’t believe he’s gone.
Karen Hawkins on 22 Jan 2008 at 11:02 pm #
Meg, we need to know a little more about this lunch flirtation of yours. Who started it and how? (And I’m glad you found the book! I squealed when I read that!)
lovetoread, I’m so sorry to hear about your poor mum!!!! How’s she doing? Hugs to her from all of us here at Mt. Oly. We definitely need to remember to bring our tiaras to Oly Cliff. I’m still digging the whole ‘Irish male servant’ aspect!
ladydawgfan on 22 Jan 2008 at 11:35 pm #
Fashionably late to the party as usual, but here goes . . .
1. Challenger: I was at work and someone said that the Challenger had exploded. I thought they were joking until the radio announcer broke in with the news.
2. Princess Diana: I had just returned to my dorm from a football game and turned on the TV to get the sports scores. I got a news channel in passing and the accident and her death were being covered. I never did get the sports scores that night. And somewhere in my dusty collection of VHS tapes is a recording of her funeral that I taped live. Morbid, I realize, but I felt compelled to capture history and the burial of a Princess.
ladydawgfan on 22 Jan 2008 at 11:43 pm #
3. 9/11: Jackson, Ms. I was getting ready for class. I turned on the TV to get the weather report and saw the first tower on fire. Then as I watched, the second plane hit. I remember everything about that day - what I was wearing, what the weather was like, what was said among my classmates and my instructor, where I was sitting when I first heard, the panic in my mother’s voice on the telephone when we heard that the Pentegon had been hit as we talked. Living in the Bible Belt made things a little easier - my first thought was to head to Church for comfort as did many others. And the next day, anyone who had a marquee outside their business had a bible quote of some sort on it trying to make sense of the attacks or offer comfort or a message of hope or strength. I remember that the stores throughout the Jackson area quickly ran out of red, white, and blue fabric, ribbon, and bows, and that many were digging in their backrooms and bringing out their 7/4 stock.
ladydawgfan on 22 Jan 2008 at 11:53 pm #
One last thought about 9/11. My mother also recorded the news as it happened (she has probably 6-10 VHS tapes full). She says she did it to preserve history. My mother is one smart cookie!!!
4. First tooth: no real memory on this one. Sorry.
5. I’ve kissed a lot of frogs, but never met that special someone. I think that ship came in while I was at the airport!!
6. 1st time driving: 15 yrs old, drivers ed in high school. Teacher was a perv and a jerk who liked to grab the steering wheel.
7. Karen’s book: I’ve had an ARC for about a week or so, and I have read it and LOVED it!! However, I bought a copy tonight to get ahold of the family tree (and to support Goddess Karen!). Gotta love those MacLeans!!
Kim on 23 Jan 2008 at 12:14 am #
YAY! My Wally World had TCAH front and center. LOVE all the goodies at the back!
I’ll post the Milky Way Cake on the Forum tomorrow. KarenH-you want calories? This will give them to you. 1lb of butter, 5 cups of sugar, chocolate chips and 14 oz of Milky Way. Is anyone’s teeth aching yet?
KarenR–that was supposed to be helpful? It wasn’t? I’m sorry. You know I could be bribed to make you one of your very own and send it to you. I’m just sayin’
Speaking of diet soda. Has anyone seen the new Diet Dr. Pepper? Its cherry chocolate. ewwww! Chocolate does not belong in soda.
Soooo sad about Heath Ledger. His singing scene in 10 Things I hate About You is one of my very favorites.
Santa on 23 Jan 2008 at 12:34 am #
Challenger: Saw it happen in class. It gave me the chills.
9/11 - I was on my way to work downtown to complete a project before going on maternity leave. I went to my mother’s house to get something when my brother came in with the news. I watched the rest on the news and spent the rest of the day trying to get hold of relatives who worked in the area. One of my cousins worked for Port Authority and missed both bombings (early 90s) because she had to stay home with her kids!
Princess Di - don’t remember.
First Tooth - In Canada. I remember my mother and relatives putting a wine soaked dish towel there to stop the bleeding. Ah, home remedies.
Special Someone - my DH. First weekend, freshman year. That was 27 years ago.
Drive - my dad taught me at 18. I was in no rush. I learned to drive a stick shift in the Kings Plaza parking garage in Brooklyn.
My Highlander is in the mail. I hope they poked holes in the box….
Kimberly W on 23 Jan 2008 at 1:41 am #
I loved Roar. It was a great show. I was very very P.O’ed when they cancelled it for Ally McBeal! @#^&@$^&*@! Even though they are saying drugs, particularly sleeping pills, were involved I am holding out with the hope? that something else happened. From all accounts, he was a well adjusted man that never had any drug-related anything attached to his name. Hell even some of the NY news people who had seen at restaurants and clubs had said that he usually went home rather early, at least by 12, and was always quiet and polite and would hardly even drink on those occasions. I’m holding out that the maid that found him was the one to start spouting about the pills being “strewn” everywhere. I police would get in trouble if they leaked that kind of information and it would also be a quick way for a newly un-employed person to make some serious cash.
Jeeze and I’m not even anywhere near being a celeb-following anything. I guess I’m a conspiracy theorist at heart…secretly!
evlqn on 23 Jan 2008 at 2:31 am #
1: I was fixing a meal for my family and my ex was watching the lift off.
2: Taking care of a lovely lady who lived to be 102 before she died.
3: Having morning coffee with my sister before our first kids of the day arrived. One of our mothers came in crying and asked if we were watching the news.
4: No memory of my tooth.
5: Met a couple of special men, they were most special for giving me the wonderful sons I have. The first I met in a mobile home sales lot. The second at the house I was living, he delivered our landlady’s MG to her and stayed for dinner.
6: Drivers Ed, I had the perv teacher too. We girls finally got the nerve to tell the Principal about him. We never did know where he went.
7:I will be getting Karen’s book tomorrow.
Oh and I was in Las VEgas marrying #2 when Elvis died.
I really am saddened by Heath Ledger’s death. He was a remarkable young man.
Laurie G on 23 Jan 2008 at 5:58 am #
#1 In Florida, vacationing… cold weather BRRR!
#2 In Wisconsin, woke up to the news on TV
#3 Also in Wisconsin, turned on the TV around 1 PM and saw the incident being replayed over & over & over
#4 can’t remember but know I got $. 50… probably first grade
#5 senoir in college, I knew from the first date that I wanted to be with him
#6 I was in Wisconsin in the fall(learning to drive permit) and got my license in January as my birthday is January 15 and you have to be 16 in Wisconsin… snow, snow and more snow. I was scared both times!!!!
#7 I have ALL of your earlier books so I will get it soon!!
J Perry Stone on 23 Jan 2008 at 8:39 am #
1. I was in class. The explosion damaged so many of us, they stopped showing “history-changing events” in school.
2. I was in bed, waiting for an over-seas call from my husband-to-be.
3. I was teaching pre-school, was on the play-ground, and was big and pregnant. A mother leaned over the fence and told us and I promptly went inside to hug my oldest, then call my uncle who worked in downtown DC.
4. I ripped it out myself in first grade. It really pissed me off everyone else was losing theirs before me.
5. I saw him behind the bar flirting. Had major red-flags until I realized all that charm was soley for tips … and then i started to admire his work-ethic.
6. My god-father taught me to drive at 14 on an old pickup truck in his field in central Cali. Old Blue wouldn’t go into 1st unless you were on a slight decline. I can drive anything now.
7. It’s on it’s way to my hot little hands.
Karen Hawkins on 23 Jan 2008 at 10:17 am #
ladydawg, your mother is BRILLIANT! That would be so handy especially for teachers who want to show some real time events for students.
And thank you for buying an extra copy of TCAH! I’m just glad I FINALLY got that copy to you!
Kim, I chocolate cherry diet Dr. Pepper. I feel like I need to go and brush my teeth. That is WAY too many flavors at once!
KimberlyW, I had no idea ROAR was cancelled for Ally! What a sad loss.They say that Heath mentioned in an interview just a week or so ago that he was having trouble sleeping since he played the sociopathic Joker in Batman and that he ’sometimes took two Ambien, but they only worked for an hour or so.’ I think it sounds as if it was an accident. So sad, too. He seemed like SUCH a normal guy, unusual for that crazy career.
eviqn, look like I’m one of the few who remembers losing a tooth. Of course, I had the trauma of having string tied to it and the other end looped over a door handle, so perhaps THAT’S why I remember.
Karen Hawkins on 23 Jan 2008 at 10:21 am #
Laurie G, you knew on the FIRST date? I was never, ever that sure, but I admire people who recognize that quality so quickly. That’s so romantic!
And J Perry, that’s a very colorful and cute story about your godfather. What a great thing for him to do! Made me go ‘AWWWWW!”