Jodie Foster does a comedy film!
http://www.buzznet.com/tags/nimsisland/video/2245531/nims-island-official-trailer/
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Stupid Move of the Week
I heard a story on the news this afternoon as I was driving home that is a prime example of how "over the top" we all have become in regards to rules and regulations that were set up with the best of intentions.
A 10 year old girl was arrested at school for using a steak knife to cut up her lunch. That's right. She brought the knife in her lunch bag to cut up a piece of steak she brought with her for lunch. School officials state that she did not use the knife inappropriately and she didn't threaten anyone with it. She simply used it to cut up her lunch. A couple of teachers who saw her, took the knife and then called the sheriff. The teachers said anytime time there is a "weapon" on campus they are charged to report it to the police. The sheriff tried to contact the parents and were unable to reach them so they proceeded to arrest her and take her to juvenile hall. They said that it is the school's policy and if they are called they have to take some kind of action.
The girl now faces a felony charge for possession of a weapon and has been suspended from school for ten days.
If eating utensils are weapons, has anyone considered how deadly a fork could be? Maybe we should just ask children to eat with their hands. That is what we are talking about here folks.....children! Fifth graders! Just the fact that the school officials told the sheriff that she was simply eating her food and going about her business is in itself laughable. A ten year old girl now faces a felony charge for using a eating utensil.
Have we lost our minds?
A 10 year old girl was arrested at school for using a steak knife to cut up her lunch. That's right. She brought the knife in her lunch bag to cut up a piece of steak she brought with her for lunch. School officials state that she did not use the knife inappropriately and she didn't threaten anyone with it. She simply used it to cut up her lunch. A couple of teachers who saw her, took the knife and then called the sheriff. The teachers said anytime time there is a "weapon" on campus they are charged to report it to the police. The sheriff tried to contact the parents and were unable to reach them so they proceeded to arrest her and take her to juvenile hall. They said that it is the school's policy and if they are called they have to take some kind of action.
The girl now faces a felony charge for possession of a weapon and has been suspended from school for ten days.
If eating utensils are weapons, has anyone considered how deadly a fork could be? Maybe we should just ask children to eat with their hands. That is what we are talking about here folks.....children! Fifth graders! Just the fact that the school officials told the sheriff that she was simply eating her food and going about her business is in itself laughable. A ten year old girl now faces a felony charge for using a eating utensil.
Have we lost our minds?
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Holiday Angst #73
I'm huddling inside, out of the icy 'wintery mix' whatever the heck that is. I was out and about before the mess of whatever started falling, on a holiday mission to find some appropriate co-worker gifts for Monday's holiday lunch.
In other words, I've caved. Angst or not.
Just minutes before I went home sick on Monday, the art director and I formed an anti-team-holiday-luncheon alliance which she pledged to maintain should the topic come up at that afternoon's team meeting. Apparently my absence effectively derailed the agenda and the topic didn't come up. We were on track for success!
We're not a bitter, scroogish bunch, really. Just a bit overworked and trying valiantly to hire three new people. We're admittedly picky eaters, with vegetarian, low-carb and nothing too spicy representing just a few of our well-stated requirements. More than one of us is a bit quirky. Some of us are more adept at small talk than others. And did I mention we're all women?
Our most recent effort at festive lunching was a farewell potluck for our admin who moved up and on to another post in the organization. I reminded the art director of this as we formed our alliance and you could tell the second recollection of that hour came to her mind.
We just don't 'jell' as a fun lunch group. In pairs, with a third or even half the team present, we do fine. But throw us all together, and unless the goal is deliver on a deadline or execute a project, we flounder. Big time. It's so obviously painful that other teams feel sorry for us.
So I returned on Wednesday, just as the other teams were hitting full-on holiday luncheon mode thinking, te he, we won't have to do that again this year. We'll devote our goodwill to the adopt-a-family effort and gorge ourselves on the goodies various vendors drop by. (Printer-dude -- those candy coated pretzels rock!)
Then, in a meeting with three of us to discuss what to do with some new research, our v.p., who is usually the last person to suggest such things, asks when we think we can fit lunch in before the holiday, her treat. I look around the office in a panic. No art director. Just Suzy Sunshine A, and Suzy Sunshine B who is 1) a new hire of Suzy Sunshine A that we don't want to taint, yet, and 2) is positively beaming at the praise she's just received for this project.
Crap. I'm trapped.
I coughed. Mumbled something about it maybe being tough to find time to get us all together and tried to not look horrified. Or fearful. Suzy Sunshine B offered to check calendars and schedule us all. Suzy Sunshine A smiled, and I'm sure was mentally patting herself on the back for making such a good hire.
Five minutes later, the art director is in my doorway, a look of horror on her face that no doubt matched my own.
We'd been ambushed.
Monday, we'll lunch. Together. Happy holidays...
In other words, I've caved. Angst or not.
Just minutes before I went home sick on Monday, the art director and I formed an anti-team-holiday-luncheon alliance which she pledged to maintain should the topic come up at that afternoon's team meeting. Apparently my absence effectively derailed the agenda and the topic didn't come up. We were on track for success!
We're not a bitter, scroogish bunch, really. Just a bit overworked and trying valiantly to hire three new people. We're admittedly picky eaters, with vegetarian, low-carb and nothing too spicy representing just a few of our well-stated requirements. More than one of us is a bit quirky. Some of us are more adept at small talk than others. And did I mention we're all women?
Our most recent effort at festive lunching was a farewell potluck for our admin who moved up and on to another post in the organization. I reminded the art director of this as we formed our alliance and you could tell the second recollection of that hour came to her mind.
We just don't 'jell' as a fun lunch group. In pairs, with a third or even half the team present, we do fine. But throw us all together, and unless the goal is deliver on a deadline or execute a project, we flounder. Big time. It's so obviously painful that other teams feel sorry for us.
So I returned on Wednesday, just as the other teams were hitting full-on holiday luncheon mode thinking, te he, we won't have to do that again this year. We'll devote our goodwill to the adopt-a-family effort and gorge ourselves on the goodies various vendors drop by. (Printer-dude -- those candy coated pretzels rock!)
Then, in a meeting with three of us to discuss what to do with some new research, our v.p., who is usually the last person to suggest such things, asks when we think we can fit lunch in before the holiday, her treat. I look around the office in a panic. No art director. Just Suzy Sunshine A, and Suzy Sunshine B who is 1) a new hire of Suzy Sunshine A that we don't want to taint, yet, and 2) is positively beaming at the praise she's just received for this project.
Crap. I'm trapped.
I coughed. Mumbled something about it maybe being tough to find time to get us all together and tried to not look horrified. Or fearful. Suzy Sunshine B offered to check calendars and schedule us all. Suzy Sunshine A smiled, and I'm sure was mentally patting herself on the back for making such a good hire.
Five minutes later, the art director is in my doorway, a look of horror on her face that no doubt matched my own.
We'd been ambushed.
Monday, we'll lunch. Together. Happy holidays...
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Don't Let the Beast Get You Down.
It's raining. I'm PMSing. And I was craving roast beef.
(Sorry vegetarians. I tried it in the 80s, it didn't take.)
All I wanted to do today was tie my hair back, roll up my sleeves and put the ridiculous number of kitchen tools I've accumulated to use. Is that really asking so much?
But no. I forgot to take the beef out of the freezer in time to thaw last night. So much for domestic therapy. I've been bitchy and restless all day.
Yes, I know that's giving a hunk of beef way too much power. But it's either that or give the season too much power over me.
This blogs owner and I couldn't be more different in that regard. She's been known to sing carols in July, and yes, that was her skipping down the aisle at Macy's yesterday when a certain tune came across the store speaker.
I struggle to put on a brave face throughout the holiday month. By January 2, I'm more than over it. And this isn't a mid-life moment I'm having.
It is, I suspect, an only child moment.
When I was a kid we always went to my grandparents' house for Christmas. It wasn't the promise of a lovely drive south along I-75 that got us moving at sunrise on X-mas eve -- it was the need to surround the only child with three, four, six or more cousins. And I loved every moment of it. Going home a day or so after Christmas I'd sit in the back seat, leaf through a book and sigh.
The older I got the louder the sighs, the bigger the pile of books. It became simpler just to keep the surly kid home and invite the local relatives over for dinner.
In high school I formed a support system of friends, who, looking back, I realize were always around on Christmas Eve, even Christmas Day, because they were rebelling against having to split their holiday between divorced parents.
In college I worked retail and spent my day off sleeping. (Except for the year I came out and had HIVES at Christmas... but that's another post.)
Settled for several years in a steady relationship, my home with my ex became a stop on the holiday tour for both our families. I liked the entertaining itself more than the forced family fun. Rita would never believe it, but I spent days obsessing about where the stockings were hung and creating a unique centerpiece for the buffet table.
This year, like the last couple, I'm navigating the holiday season best I can. I'm tempering Rita's joy with the occasional bah humbug. I've finished shopping. I'll eventually crack open a bottle of cheap wine and wrap the presents.
And I'll have my roast beast. For breakfast. Tomorrow.
(Sorry vegetarians. I tried it in the 80s, it didn't take.)
All I wanted to do today was tie my hair back, roll up my sleeves and put the ridiculous number of kitchen tools I've accumulated to use. Is that really asking so much?
But no. I forgot to take the beef out of the freezer in time to thaw last night. So much for domestic therapy. I've been bitchy and restless all day.
Yes, I know that's giving a hunk of beef way too much power. But it's either that or give the season too much power over me.
This blogs owner and I couldn't be more different in that regard. She's been known to sing carols in July, and yes, that was her skipping down the aisle at Macy's yesterday when a certain tune came across the store speaker.
I struggle to put on a brave face throughout the holiday month. By January 2, I'm more than over it. And this isn't a mid-life moment I'm having.
It is, I suspect, an only child moment.
When I was a kid we always went to my grandparents' house for Christmas. It wasn't the promise of a lovely drive south along I-75 that got us moving at sunrise on X-mas eve -- it was the need to surround the only child with three, four, six or more cousins. And I loved every moment of it. Going home a day or so after Christmas I'd sit in the back seat, leaf through a book and sigh.
The older I got the louder the sighs, the bigger the pile of books. It became simpler just to keep the surly kid home and invite the local relatives over for dinner.
In high school I formed a support system of friends, who, looking back, I realize were always around on Christmas Eve, even Christmas Day, because they were rebelling against having to split their holiday between divorced parents.
In college I worked retail and spent my day off sleeping. (Except for the year I came out and had HIVES at Christmas... but that's another post.)
Settled for several years in a steady relationship, my home with my ex became a stop on the holiday tour for both our families. I liked the entertaining itself more than the forced family fun. Rita would never believe it, but I spent days obsessing about where the stockings were hung and creating a unique centerpiece for the buffet table.
This year, like the last couple, I'm navigating the holiday season best I can. I'm tempering Rita's joy with the occasional bah humbug. I've finished shopping. I'll eventually crack open a bottle of cheap wine and wrap the presents.
And I'll have my roast beast. For breakfast. Tomorrow.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Obama vs. Clinton - or is it?
The latest news to hit the stands this week was that Oprah was going to speak at several campaign stops this weekend in support of Senator Obama. The idea is that the most powerful woman on television (not ready to say "the world" at this point) will attempt to woo her female fan base into voting for Obama.
Can Oprah pull women voters in enough to vote for a man instead of voting for Hillary? This is the question of the day. We have a very strong candidate in Hillary - well-educated and tremendous governmental experience. I am going to go out on a limb and say that probably 75% of the women in America would love to have a woman as President of the United States. So based on that I don't know if Oprah can swing the female vote to Obama over Clinton. I mean.....this isn't her book of the month......this is for the most powerful office in the U.S.
I like Oprah and I admire her for creating her empire out of nothing. She is the role model for what you can do if you only put your mind to it. She is living the American dream. Now....all that aside.........I don't think it will be as easy to "sell" Barack Obama to women as it is to sell one of her favorite novels. Women want to be assured that there is someone in office who can relate to them. Someone who can reel America back into place, mend fences with our allies and get us out of this stupid war. For centuries (post 1940) it has been the woman who has kept the house in order and kept families together. There is just a maternal instinct that goes along with being a woman and it is that instinct along with her education and experience that makes her the candidate for which women would be drawn. So it is time to bring this "U.S. house" in order.
So we need to remember, Oprah isn't running for office. She is only campaigning for Senator Obama. It is not Oprah vs. Hillary. This weekend, it is not just about who is the better educated/experienced candidate, it is about who appeals to the most women.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Suspicious Minds
Thanks to Drowning Pisces for the tag -- things of which we are suspicious meme.
Since we come as a pair at Working the Room (bogo) Rita's items will appear in italic; Lynt's not.
1) Mimes. Need I say more?
2) Salespeople. All varieties.
3) Half-price donuts.
4) My boss.
5) Smelling smoke, seeing no fire.
6) Cats. I know. Take away my toaster oven.
7) Giddy girlfriends.
8) Bleu cheese.
9) Optimistic head football coaches -- aka Marvin Lewis, anytime in July.
10) Nancy Grace.
11) Things in brown paper bags.
12) Decaf coffee.
13) All you can eat Chinese buffets. Especially anything labeled chicken.
14) Dated elevator inspection certificates.
15) Feet tapping in a public restroom stall. (Thank you, Idaho Statesman)
16) Anything 'she who is not mentioned here' says.
17) Ex-es bearing gifts.
18) Loose sushi.
19) 'It will only hurt for a second'.
20) Garden gnomes.
Since we come as a pair at Working the Room (bogo) Rita's items will appear in italic; Lynt's not.
1) Mimes. Need I say more?
2) Salespeople. All varieties.
3) Half-price donuts.
4) My boss.
5) Smelling smoke, seeing no fire.
6) Cats. I know. Take away my toaster oven.
7) Giddy girlfriends.
8) Bleu cheese.
9) Optimistic head football coaches -- aka Marvin Lewis, anytime in July.
10) Nancy Grace.
11) Things in brown paper bags.
12) Decaf coffee.
13) All you can eat Chinese buffets. Especially anything labeled chicken.
14) Dated elevator inspection certificates.
15) Feet tapping in a public restroom stall. (Thank you, Idaho Statesman)
16) Anything 'she who is not mentioned here' says.
17) Ex-es bearing gifts.
18) Loose sushi.
19) 'It will only hurt for a second'.
20) Garden gnomes.
I must say that this was an extremely fun little exercise. I think Lyn and I could have gone on for about another twenty minutes if we didn't have cats begging for attention and a little dog begging for another rice cake. Thank you for passing it along DP!
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Reserve Now for Best Price!
So today was C & D's annual holiday brunch. The food, decor and conversation were outstanding, as always. We'll post a picture of the dancing/singing gay snowman soon!
As we talked about the crappy real estate market, our kids, lack there of, or procuring sperm for creating future kids, the conversation turned to retirement. Some of us are closer than others, and some of us are pretty sure we'll never be able to afford to retire. We're quite confident we've come up with a marketable proposition to help us all ease comfortably into our gay old age.
It won't be your traditional lesbian retirement community -- money alone won't buy you a spot and weekly bingo. We're planning something a bit more exclusive.
We think about 10 acres somewhere here in the Tri-state would get us started. A nice, tree-filled space, long, winding driveway, perhaps a small pasture or two for goats, alpaca, a few horses.
A retinal scanner at the gate will ensure proper identity and security. And the moat, of course, will be the perfect final deterrent to prevent the bevy of those-whose-names-will-not-be-spoken here from gaining entry and disturbing our golden years.
Then there'll be a lengthy application process conducted by the admissions office,(okay, actually that's D and myself; I won't speak for her, but I have trust issues that require my involvement!). We'll start with a psychological screening, perhaps administer a personality type test or two, conduct a credit report analysis, do an astrological chart, and conclude with an intensive survey of how involved the individual has been in the more damaging activities on the local lesbian scene.
We think we can meet most daily living needs via careful marketing to those around today's table and a handful of others -- a couple of nurses, a massage therapist or three, a professor/organic gardener, accountant, one or two IT types to keep us web-connected.
Aside from deciding what limits to set on the cat population, the plan is coming together nicely.
Champagne punch in a snowman cup is quite the thing...
As we talked about the crappy real estate market, our kids, lack there of, or procuring sperm for creating future kids, the conversation turned to retirement. Some of us are closer than others, and some of us are pretty sure we'll never be able to afford to retire. We're quite confident we've come up with a marketable proposition to help us all ease comfortably into our gay old age.
It won't be your traditional lesbian retirement community -- money alone won't buy you a spot and weekly bingo. We're planning something a bit more exclusive.
We think about 10 acres somewhere here in the Tri-state would get us started. A nice, tree-filled space, long, winding driveway, perhaps a small pasture or two for goats, alpaca, a few horses.
A retinal scanner at the gate will ensure proper identity and security. And the moat, of course, will be the perfect final deterrent to prevent the bevy of those-whose-names-will-not-be-spoken here from gaining entry and disturbing our golden years.
Then there'll be a lengthy application process conducted by the admissions office,(okay, actually that's D and myself; I won't speak for her, but I have trust issues that require my involvement!). We'll start with a psychological screening, perhaps administer a personality type test or two, conduct a credit report analysis, do an astrological chart, and conclude with an intensive survey of how involved the individual has been in the more damaging activities on the local lesbian scene.
We think we can meet most daily living needs via careful marketing to those around today's table and a handful of others -- a couple of nurses, a massage therapist or three, a professor/organic gardener, accountant, one or two IT types to keep us web-connected.
Aside from deciding what limits to set on the cat population, the plan is coming together nicely.
Champagne punch in a snowman cup is quite the thing...
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Christmas decorations
There are hundreds (maybe thousands) of opinions on when it is the best time to decorate for Christmas. In my opinion, thirty days ago was too soon and twenty days from now is too late. I subscribed to the whole "day after Thanksgiving" notion. I mean, if I am going to shop for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving, why not decorate for it too? This year, however, I was so tired from my midnight shopping brigade at the outlet mall, I just couldn't get it done on time as planned. I am running a little bit behind but I have managed to do some light decorating tonight as I watched the evening news.
"Light decorating" means one small tree in my living room, one small tree in the family room, a wreath above the fireplace and a Santa hat on my front door. I have not put up the lighted garland around the banister leading down to the family room and I haven't "decked out the cats". So I am doing pretty well methinks.......
So what is too early and what is too late? Obviously, Christmas trees that are still twinkling on Valentine's Day is waaaaaay too late and may indicate that someone needs a good therapy session. YIKES! Lyn calls me "Mother Christmas" because of my endless humming of Christmas carols and the need to throw up the decorations while munching on a leftover turkey sandwich. And, I have been known to listen to Christmas carols before Thanksgiving Day. Sad but true.
So let me see a show of hands! Have you started to decorate already or are you waiting until next month?
TA TA!
"Light decorating" means one small tree in my living room, one small tree in the family room, a wreath above the fireplace and a Santa hat on my front door. I have not put up the lighted garland around the banister leading down to the family room and I haven't "decked out the cats". So I am doing pretty well methinks.......
So what is too early and what is too late? Obviously, Christmas trees that are still twinkling on Valentine's Day is waaaaaay too late and may indicate that someone needs a good therapy session. YIKES! Lyn calls me "Mother Christmas" because of my endless humming of Christmas carols and the need to throw up the decorations while munching on a leftover turkey sandwich. And, I have been known to listen to Christmas carols before Thanksgiving Day. Sad but true.
So let me see a show of hands! Have you started to decorate already or are you waiting until next month?
TA TA!
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Waste Time? Me? Never.
Between time off for the knee surgery and a few days of vacation coinciding with turkey day, I've pretty much spent most of my November wasting time and perfecting my addiction to TLC's daytime reality television lineup.
Let's review what I've been viewing on an almost daily basis:
Let's review what I've been viewing on an almost daily basis:
- What Not to Wear (I have a crush on Stacy)
- 10 Years Younger
- Baby Story (the gay couple made me cry)
- Bringing Home Baby (CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta was a good episode)
- Flip That House (Some of these people need a reality check!)
- John & Kate + 8
- Take Home Chef
I'm not proud, and more than a little curious what my former therapist would read into these viewing habits. As a reminder:
- I'm a lesbian
- I don't have or plan to have children
- I like clothes... but seriously. See first bullet and add the words 'in the midwest'
- I don't have the money to buy/flip any houses
- I'd probably run if some cute dude with an accent walked up to me in the grocery holding an artichoke
Saddest of all -- I have to go back to work tomorrow and have no more time off scheduled until post X-mas. And I don't have Tivo. Or DVR. (Nor, Santa, do I want either!!!)
Gotta run. The next episode of A Baby Story is starting...
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Thanks. Really.
I don't pretend to corner the blogosphere in saying thanks this week. In fact, I've come to terms with the fact that Thanksgiving in the 2000s is more about the shopping yet to come than celebrating a successful harvest.
The only harvesting my family will do is at the local Kroger or Wal-Mart.
Since I'm still recovering from the holiday meal X-Mas 1981, which involved live chickens being 'fattened' in my parent's garage while I partied my way through my freshman year away at college... that's probably a good thing. No one told me a thing until I found the feathers.
Since the slaughtered-frozen-elsewhere-prior-to-appearing-on-my-table turkey is not done yet, I thought I'd toss out a few things I'm thankful exist in and out of my daily life. Trite? Maybe. But it also seems like the right thing to do since there's not a local tribe to which to extend my hand in friendship.
The only harvesting my family will do is at the local Kroger or Wal-Mart.
Since I'm still recovering from the holiday meal X-Mas 1981, which involved live chickens being 'fattened' in my parent's garage while I partied my way through my freshman year away at college... that's probably a good thing. No one told me a thing until I found the feathers.
Since the slaughtered-frozen-elsewhere-prior-to-appearing-on-my-table turkey is not done yet, I thought I'd toss out a few things I'm thankful exist in and out of my daily life. Trite? Maybe. But it also seems like the right thing to do since there's not a local tribe to which to extend my hand in friendship.
- Family. We'll eat three hours later than the appointed time, 'cause that's just what we do. The men and small fry will serve themselves first 'cause that's just what we do. My dad will say grace, cause that's just what he does. We'll draw names for the X-mas gathering one month from now. Someone will feel guilty and clean up the kitchen (another reason she-whose-name-shall-not-be-mentioned-here was once useful). And we'll go home.
- 'Other' family. Friends and the more significant of one sort or the other (you know where you fit, or should). While we may not spend the holiday together... it's still nice to know you're there. Checking in and/or waiting on me hand and foot during things like knee surgery.
- That it's LESS THAN ONE year to the presidential election.
- That I don't live in Saudi Arabia, where a 19-year-old woman is to be publicly whipped as punishment for being gang-raped. Yep. That's right. Blame the victim and then some.
- That I do live in a state that just elected a democrat as governor... okay, so that's just one. I'm hopeful. And I can always move back to Ohio if my vote looks like it's needed there next year.
- That this morning, I was able to connect a vendor I've been working with on a project with help for a family situation -- how cool did that make me, the non-social worker feel on my day off?
- That Women Out Front is trying hard to make being a lesbian in Cincinnati just a little easier with more/bigger/better events and opportunities to connect. There's even talk of a new book group that I'm kind of looking forward to helping get off the ground.
- That a conversation with some folks at work yesterday actually included more than one person (me) referencing inclusion strategies for GLBT folks.
- That Friday at 4 a.m. I'll be snug in bed while Rita and Robin are STILL sitting on the highway, waiting to get into the outlet mall. Tailgate snailgate.
It's not much. But it's a life. Happy Turkey!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Post-Thanksgiving shopping madness
I am not a shopaholic. The site of a mall as I am driving down the road does not induce shaking, quivering, drooling or uncontrollable body spasms. I am what I like to call a "strategic shopper". Shopping to me is like a reconnaissance mission. I know exactly what I need to buy and what store has that item. Sometimes I even have a list. I go in.....survey the area......find what I need....and head for the cashier. If I don't see what I need, I proceed to the exit. It is that simple. It is also the direct opposite of Lyn's shopping habits but that is another blog entry entirely.
Let me digress.......we all know what is going to happen this Friday. Post-turkey day shopping madness! People getting up at 3am to cook breakfast so they can be off to Walmart, Kohl's or Macy's by 4am. Phew! It can be exhausting just thinking about it.
So how will the "strategic shopper" handle this day? Easy........I am not going to get up at 3am on Friday morning. I am going to stay up and start shopping at Midnight when the local outlet mall opens its doors! Ohhhh yessss......check your local outlet malls people! There are many that will be open at Midnight for all of the reeeeeally early morning frivolity. By the time I get my shopping done at 3 or 4am.......the shopaholics will be out at the local mall just getting started with their long day of window shopping.
It is quite a unique trip at Midnight the night of Thanksgiving. Last year the outlet mall was simply manic. There had to be at least 1000 people there at 1:30 am. Even the food court was open! Of course, Lyn and I made the trip and we found out first hand how manic it was well before we landed at the actual mall. You see......approximately 2 miles out from the actual highway exit for the outlet.........traffic was at a complete standstill. We moved about 1 yard every 10 minutes. So from 11:30 to 1:30 we sat on the highway. Yeah. Thank God for Sirius satellite radio because up there in farm country.....you do not get a radio signal. So at least we had some entertainment.
This year I will be heading up there once again. This time - because of logistics or maybe because she fears the highway wait - Lyn will not be going with me on this little adventure. This time I am dragging my friend Robin with me. I have decided that getting up there early is the best option and I am going to bring provisions with us. Kinda like a tailgate party. My feeling is that you cannot be prepared enough for this type of shopping experience.
So what type of shopper are you? 1) Strategic shopper 2) Window shopper or 3) No shopping.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Let me digress.......we all know what is going to happen this Friday. Post-turkey day shopping madness! People getting up at 3am to cook breakfast so they can be off to Walmart, Kohl's or Macy's by 4am. Phew! It can be exhausting just thinking about it.
So how will the "strategic shopper" handle this day? Easy........I am not going to get up at 3am on Friday morning. I am going to stay up and start shopping at Midnight when the local outlet mall opens its doors! Ohhhh yessss......check your local outlet malls people! There are many that will be open at Midnight for all of the reeeeeally early morning frivolity. By the time I get my shopping done at 3 or 4am.......the shopaholics will be out at the local mall just getting started with their long day of window shopping.
It is quite a unique trip at Midnight the night of Thanksgiving. Last year the outlet mall was simply manic. There had to be at least 1000 people there at 1:30 am. Even the food court was open! Of course, Lyn and I made the trip and we found out first hand how manic it was well before we landed at the actual mall. You see......approximately 2 miles out from the actual highway exit for the outlet.........traffic was at a complete standstill. We moved about 1 yard every 10 minutes. So from 11:30 to 1:30 we sat on the highway. Yeah. Thank God for Sirius satellite radio because up there in farm country.....you do not get a radio signal. So at least we had some entertainment.
This year I will be heading up there once again. This time - because of logistics or maybe because she fears the highway wait - Lyn will not be going with me on this little adventure. This time I am dragging my friend Robin with me. I have decided that getting up there early is the best option and I am going to bring provisions with us. Kinda like a tailgate party. My feeling is that you cannot be prepared enough for this type of shopping experience.
So what type of shopper are you? 1) Strategic shopper 2) Window shopper or 3) No shopping.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Go Bucks!!
Ok.....for all of those women who do not care to discuss football in any form.....this is not the blog to read this morning.
Ohio State beats Michigan!! This is the sound that rang out across the land yesterday afternoon as the Buckeyes claimed the Big Ten title yesterday in Ann Arbor. This is the fourth straight win over Michigan. The Wolverines looked like the same team that was beaten by Appalachian State earlier in the season. With that in mind, it's no doubt that we are now expecting Lloyd Carr to announce his retirement today. You cannot be expected to continue on as Michigan's head coach after taking repeated beatings from The Ohio State Buckeyes. He has lost the last 6 of 7 meetings.
Once again I joined in on the fun and frivolity with my OSU alumnae friends. Calling them fans is an understatement. I don't think there is a fan-base stronger than what they have coming out of Columbus. We are talking grandiose, huge proportions here. I too have my Buckeye wardrobe especially for a game like yesterday. Thanks to my friend Emily......I am completely "accessorized" with buckeye necklaces and buckeye earrings. Real buckeyes on those accessories folks. Yep.....the real thing!
It was a fun afternoon all in all and the topper was the smacking down of the Wolverines in their own house. Yeah....really sweet. This was Lyn's first exposure to the whole Buckeye gameday phenomena with my friends so she was caught up in it pretty quickly. She too received her very own buckeye necklace which she wore proudly for the duration of the game. She was a bit concerned when we went out and played a light round of touch football at half time. She didn't participate of course since she is still recuperating from her knee surgery. She stood by to ensure that she wouldn't need to drive me to the hospital after some freakish football accident. No worries though.....it was a very light toss-around game and all in good fun for a brief 15 minutes. A great day for football and a great win for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
So Michigan.........who's your daddy?
TA TA!
Ohio State beats Michigan!! This is the sound that rang out across the land yesterday afternoon as the Buckeyes claimed the Big Ten title yesterday in Ann Arbor. This is the fourth straight win over Michigan. The Wolverines looked like the same team that was beaten by Appalachian State earlier in the season. With that in mind, it's no doubt that we are now expecting Lloyd Carr to announce his retirement today. You cannot be expected to continue on as Michigan's head coach after taking repeated beatings from The Ohio State Buckeyes. He has lost the last 6 of 7 meetings.
Once again I joined in on the fun and frivolity with my OSU alumnae friends. Calling them fans is an understatement. I don't think there is a fan-base stronger than what they have coming out of Columbus. We are talking grandiose, huge proportions here. I too have my Buckeye wardrobe especially for a game like yesterday. Thanks to my friend Emily......I am completely "accessorized" with buckeye necklaces and buckeye earrings. Real buckeyes on those accessories folks. Yep.....the real thing!
It was a fun afternoon all in all and the topper was the smacking down of the Wolverines in their own house. Yeah....really sweet. This was Lyn's first exposure to the whole Buckeye gameday phenomena with my friends so she was caught up in it pretty quickly. She too received her very own buckeye necklace which she wore proudly for the duration of the game. She was a bit concerned when we went out and played a light round of touch football at half time. She didn't participate of course since she is still recuperating from her knee surgery. She stood by to ensure that she wouldn't need to drive me to the hospital after some freakish football accident. No worries though.....it was a very light toss-around game and all in good fun for a brief 15 minutes. A great day for football and a great win for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
So Michigan.........who's your daddy?
TA TA!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Happy Sandwiches. Not So Much.
I get it. But it's really annoying me.
Have a happy sandwich. Sell the cheesy experience of the comforting classic sandwhich, not the cheese itself.
Cute smiling graphic. Quick animated spots designed to make me buy more cheese. And make more happy sandwiches.
Apparently cheese consumers are no longer all about the convenience of a clever individual wrapping on each slice.
And I'm much more likely to equate happiness with a nice wedge of triple creme brie...
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Price Hill on Percocet
Pain management. What a concept. After two nights of no sleep, my post op doc visit yesterday yielded a new pain relief tool -- percocet.
Wow. The doc wasn't kidding when he said he'd give me something stronger. I slept like a baby. And dreamed in technicolor and then some. Vivid, weird, almost epic-length dreams. (Clearly I missed something in all those years of just saying no!)
One dream I think might actually be worth sharing with city leaders, for I now have a 'vision' for just how to bring one of Cincinnati's most historic, and currently most troubled, on-the-edge neighborhoods back. Well, at least bring it back aesthetically. I'll leave the social problems to the bevy of fine organizations (my own employer included) already at work in the neighborhoods.
As I told nurse this morning...
"I was lost in Price Hill, and J came to find me because I was late for dinner at her house. You know, she used to live there. We were climbing up and down all those hills . And my knee didn't hurt. And it was a really cool, safe place."
"That's nice. Do you want some coffee? I made coffee. Didn't you hear the grinder?"
"No, I was in Price Hill. The row houses were like really spruced up... they had terraces. And people were sitting outside, drinking wine. And then there was a sushi place."
"Why would you go to Price Hill for sushi? Did they have espresso bars too? Y'know, Price Hill could use an espresso bar; right next to Price Hill Chili. It's 9 o'clock. Did you take more medicine? What time did you take the medicine?"
"And the sidewalks... they were really smooth. Like marble. It was really amazing. Everything was gentrified. There were no cash advance stores. No 'we buy ugly houses' signs on the street poles. I wish I could draw. Then you could see what I mean. It looked so cool..."
"How many did you take? And everyone had a little white dog, right? Really...let's get you some coffee."
Wow. The doc wasn't kidding when he said he'd give me something stronger. I slept like a baby. And dreamed in technicolor and then some. Vivid, weird, almost epic-length dreams. (Clearly I missed something in all those years of just saying no!)
One dream I think might actually be worth sharing with city leaders, for I now have a 'vision' for just how to bring one of Cincinnati's most historic, and currently most troubled, on-the-edge neighborhoods back. Well, at least bring it back aesthetically. I'll leave the social problems to the bevy of fine organizations (my own employer included) already at work in the neighborhoods.
As I told nurse this morning...
"I was lost in Price Hill, and J came to find me because I was late for dinner at her house. You know, she used to live there. We were climbing up and down all those hills . And my knee didn't hurt. And it was a really cool, safe place."
"That's nice. Do you want some coffee? I made coffee. Didn't you hear the grinder?"
"No, I was in Price Hill. The row houses were like really spruced up... they had terraces. And people were sitting outside, drinking wine. And then there was a sushi place."
"Why would you go to Price Hill for sushi? Did they have espresso bars too? Y'know, Price Hill could use an espresso bar; right next to Price Hill Chili. It's 9 o'clock. Did you take more medicine? What time did you take the medicine?"
"And the sidewalks... they were really smooth. Like marble. It was really amazing. Everything was gentrified. There were no cash advance stores. No 'we buy ugly houses' signs on the street poles. I wish I could draw. Then you could see what I mean. It looked so cool..."
"How many did you take? And everyone had a little white dog, right? Really...let's get you some coffee."
Thanksgiving
I can hardly believe that we are rolling around to the holiday season again. I thoroughly embrace the holiday season of Thanksgiving and Christmas. You see for me.....my biggest cooking day of the year is Thanksgiving Day. My mother freely surrendered this day to me about 6 years ago. I didn't think it would happen quite honestly because my mother likes to cook and the holidays are her big days too. As maddening as that day will be (I always forget about the madness until the very day) I love the prep work....the selection of recipes, the grocery shopping and all of the chopping, mincing, peeling, grating and basting.
I have learned what works and what doesn't work. (The Cranberry Sauce with five-spice seasoning last year was not a hit.) I have learned to pull in some cherished family recipes with some new exciting side dishes. I have learned that if you want turkey sandwiches the next day....you must get a bigger bird! Which....I do every year since my first go around at this! Probably the most important thing I have learned though is that when Mom says she wants to come early to help........have a project in mind for her to keep her busy and out of the way! Also, a nice big glass of wine before she arrives also tends to keep frustrations down to a minimum.
I am now going to do something on this blog that I have never done since I started blogging.........I am going to share a recipe. Not just any recipe mind you.....this is my family recipe for Sweet Potato (Yams) Casserole - passed down from my great aunt Ady. This is a family favorite and I have always received rave reviews from those folks that have tasted it or tried it at home.
Rita's Sweet Potato Casserole
3 or 4 Sweet Potatoes or Yams
Cinnamon
Dark Brown Sugar
1 Granny Smith Apple (or any good tart apple)
1 stick of butter
Mini marshmallows or pecans (optional)
Peel sweet potatoes and boil the sweet potatoes until fork tender. You don't want them to be mushy. This isn't a mashed potato recipe. Set aside to cool slightly.
Slice the Granny Smith Apple in thin slices - crescent moon type of slices.
Slice the sweet potatoes about 1/3 of an inch thick slices and begin layering the slices in a casserole dish. After you have one layer of potatoes, add one layer of apples followed by a small handful of brown sugar and sprinkles of cinnamon. At the top of this layer, add two or three slices of butter. REPEAT the layers until you fill the dish. (I would suggest that you go every other layer with apples because they can add water to the recipe as they cook)
Once you have filled your casserole with the last bit of butter at the top - bake in a 350 degree uncovered for approximately 40 minutes.
*If you prefer, you can top the recipe off with mini marshmellows.
*I have also added chopped pecans to this recipe from time to time as well.
TA TA!!
I have learned what works and what doesn't work. (The Cranberry Sauce with five-spice seasoning last year was not a hit.) I have learned to pull in some cherished family recipes with some new exciting side dishes. I have learned that if you want turkey sandwiches the next day....you must get a bigger bird! Which....I do every year since my first go around at this! Probably the most important thing I have learned though is that when Mom says she wants to come early to help........have a project in mind for her to keep her busy and out of the way! Also, a nice big glass of wine before she arrives also tends to keep frustrations down to a minimum.
I am now going to do something on this blog that I have never done since I started blogging.........I am going to share a recipe. Not just any recipe mind you.....this is my family recipe for Sweet Potato (Yams) Casserole - passed down from my great aunt Ady. This is a family favorite and I have always received rave reviews from those folks that have tasted it or tried it at home.
Rita's Sweet Potato Casserole
3 or 4 Sweet Potatoes or Yams
Cinnamon
Dark Brown Sugar
1 Granny Smith Apple (or any good tart apple)
1 stick of butter
Mini marshmallows or pecans (optional)
Peel sweet potatoes and boil the sweet potatoes until fork tender. You don't want them to be mushy. This isn't a mashed potato recipe. Set aside to cool slightly.
Slice the Granny Smith Apple in thin slices - crescent moon type of slices.
Slice the sweet potatoes about 1/3 of an inch thick slices and begin layering the slices in a casserole dish. After you have one layer of potatoes, add one layer of apples followed by a small handful of brown sugar and sprinkles of cinnamon. At the top of this layer, add two or three slices of butter. REPEAT the layers until you fill the dish. (I would suggest that you go every other layer with apples because they can add water to the recipe as they cook)
Once you have filled your casserole with the last bit of butter at the top - bake in a 350 degree uncovered for approximately 40 minutes.
*If you prefer, you can top the recipe off with mini marshmellows.
*I have also added chopped pecans to this recipe from time to time as well.
TA TA!!
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Post-Op Musings
- I have a GREAT nurse. She's kept me fed (meatloaf and peas!), watered, properly elevated, iced and drugged, taken out the trash, provided excellent reading material, and seems to be dealing quite well with all the little quirks anesthesia brings out in me. And I'm sure she was THRILLED to go back to work today and rest.
- About the little quirks. On Sunday I completely re-arranged all the furniture and decor items in my house. I decided if I had to sit and look at it for three days or so, it needed to change. Then I became OBSESSED with keeping it neat. That only grew post-op. I must have asked 14 times yesterday that the rug in front of the sofa be straightened. And that the candles on the mantle be moved just a smidge to the left. That the new artwork on the dining room wall -- visible from my sofa perch -- be straightened and if it wouldn't stay, tacked down with two-sided tape.
- The most annoying quirk -- the five miles of Ace wrap attached to my leg. I've pinned it, pulled it, re-wrapped it, and right about now, am wondering what purpose it really serves.
- The knee was apparently not a pretty site on the inside. I seem to have no cartilage, much arthritis. I'm eager to get the sentence directly from the doc on Friday. Then I'll be seeking a new gym -- one with a pool and pilates. URRRGh. What the hell can I do with an I-pod in a pool?
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Closets
I guess at some point in our lesbian lives we live in a closet. Some of us live completely inside with the door locked tight. Some of us leave it opened just a crack just to peek out a bit. And some of us leave the door partially open and move in and out of the closet........this is where I am.
I am not out at work and I am partially out to some of my family members. All of my friends who are worth anything to me know that I am gay. I don't feel the work thing is an issue because it is all about my performance there and not who I choose to go home to every evening. However, it gets a little trickier with my family. Several of them I have come out to but most of them I have not. Do they already know? There is not a doubt in my mind that some of them know and choose to accept me for me regardless if I say anything to them. Several of my aunts do not know and I have made it my business not to inform them mainly because of their religious values or in the case of one.........gossip issues. She's a regular "mouth of the south" she is........a real piece o' work.
Well lately,the "piece o' work" has been sniffing around to my Mom with comments like " I don't know....I think Rita is gay".....that type of thing. While some of you may say.......wow....if she thinks you are already....then why don't you just tell her? My Mom had that reaction and I said......no thank you. You see......this particular aunt..........can take information about people and spread it to the four corners of the earth WITH her own spin on it.........adding editorial comments to further degrade the situation. Plus the fact that she likes to act as the moral majority already at family gatherings and it just makes me think...........why would I invite more stress into my life? By opening up to her, I am opening myself up to more scrutiny later on a broader religious scale at a time of her choosing.
It is very easy to say....."Oh just tell everybody and get it out" and it will all be over with. It is so easy to think that way when it is not YOU. When it is not you who is going to sit down and say...."Hey everybody I'm gay!". They have no idea what all of this means because at the end of the day I am the one doing the fighting to defend my life.
My mother probably has the worst time dealing with it because she knows it IS my decision to tell the other family members........not hers. However, she doesn't like the fact that she has to play dumb when confronted with the subtle questions or suggestions about it. She is quick to say that she would assist in defending me because I am her child and she will battle for her cub. While this provides a bit of comfort.......she is getting older and I don't know whether she could withstand what my aunt is capable of shoveling out.
My "gayness" has the tendency to come around as a topic of discussion from time to time and this too shall pass methinks. However, if she asks me, I am not so sure that I would not tell her. It just opens my personal life up to such scrutiny that I cringe at the thought of her "needing" to know my business.
When does needing to know suddenly become the right to know?
I am not out at work and I am partially out to some of my family members. All of my friends who are worth anything to me know that I am gay. I don't feel the work thing is an issue because it is all about my performance there and not who I choose to go home to every evening. However, it gets a little trickier with my family. Several of them I have come out to but most of them I have not. Do they already know? There is not a doubt in my mind that some of them know and choose to accept me for me regardless if I say anything to them. Several of my aunts do not know and I have made it my business not to inform them mainly because of their religious values or in the case of one.........gossip issues. She's a regular "mouth of the south" she is........a real piece o' work.
Well lately,the "piece o' work" has been sniffing around to my Mom with comments like " I don't know....I think Rita is gay".....that type of thing. While some of you may say.......wow....if she thinks you are already....then why don't you just tell her? My Mom had that reaction and I said......no thank you. You see......this particular aunt..........can take information about people and spread it to the four corners of the earth WITH her own spin on it.........adding editorial comments to further degrade the situation. Plus the fact that she likes to act as the moral majority already at family gatherings and it just makes me think...........why would I invite more stress into my life? By opening up to her, I am opening myself up to more scrutiny later on a broader religious scale at a time of her choosing.
It is very easy to say....."Oh just tell everybody and get it out" and it will all be over with. It is so easy to think that way when it is not YOU. When it is not you who is going to sit down and say...."Hey everybody I'm gay!". They have no idea what all of this means because at the end of the day I am the one doing the fighting to defend my life.
My mother probably has the worst time dealing with it because she knows it IS my decision to tell the other family members........not hers. However, she doesn't like the fact that she has to play dumb when confronted with the subtle questions or suggestions about it. She is quick to say that she would assist in defending me because I am her child and she will battle for her cub. While this provides a bit of comfort.......she is getting older and I don't know whether she could withstand what my aunt is capable of shoveling out.
My "gayness" has the tendency to come around as a topic of discussion from time to time and this too shall pass methinks. However, if she asks me, I am not so sure that I would not tell her. It just opens my personal life up to such scrutiny that I cringe at the thought of her "needing" to know my business.
When does needing to know suddenly become the right to know?
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Ouch. Still. But Not for Long...
Remember this from a few posts back? Well, it's still throbbing, cracking, creaking, locking, clicking, popping. And hurting. Thanks for letting me whine.
The good news is I'm a step closer to getting relief. Mere days, hopefully, as surgery is scheduled for 11/6.
Side bar: Yes, that's election day. And yes, I will still vote. I'm pretty sure I can hobble in to the polls and remain upright long enough to at least get Kentucky once step closer to a non-criminal new governor who just happens to be of the democratic persuasion. I'm looking at it as practice for 2008. It's too important this time around to miss.
Oddly, at 40-something, I've only had one brush with surgery of any kind, and that was wisdom teeth removal. I've never even had stitches, other than those put in after the wisdom teeth were removed. This is arthroscopic, so I'm hopeful it won't be too traumatic. God knows I nursed she-whose-name-i-don't-speak-in-this-blog through enough of them.
So go ahead, share the bevy of lesbian knee surgeries gone bad tales. I'm determined to stay positive and eager!
NFL hits London
While I would love for the title of this blog to say "NFL takes London" I don't think the two teams we sent over there today could "take" anything. I know that someone probably thought that the Dolphins and the Giants might make it a game worth watching but in hindset, it would have been much better to send a sure thing over to London.........like the Cowboys, Colts or Patsies. Either one of these teams would have been a better representation of what the National Football League has to offer.
Yet another bum decision being made at the executive level...........we are certainly showing consistancy to our neighbors across the pond. :\
Yet another bum decision being made at the executive level...........we are certainly showing consistancy to our neighbors across the pond. :\
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Ashes.
Flames. Destruction. Loss. Sadness.
I'm watching California burn.
But as the disaster unfolds, I'm finding it harder to keep watching the news coverage. What can I possibly say about the devastation from clear across the country?
That's what I'm thinking when an e-mail pops up, bringing news of another long-term lesbian couple gone kapput. Though I lost touch with them some time back, the news still causes me to gasp.
They REALLY thought it would never happen to them.
I've heard both say proudly that they'd proved all the nay-sayers wrong. They were going to outlast all of us who questioned why one or both would ever stay in such an obviously whacked-out relationship. Some of us, myself included, said this as our own long-term relationship(s) imploded/exploded/fizzled.
We watched their destructive moments, occasionally added fuel to the flames, enjoyed their hospitality, marveled at the ever-expanding collection of pets, and chalked the fact that it seemed to work up to some weird twist of fate or really freaky chemistry.
By my count they outlasted all but two of the six or so couples who were once some part of that circle. Yeah, I know what the stats say.
But I'm a sucker for a happy ending. Not naive. Just hopeful. Movie magic.
California's burning. And I'm not watching CNN any more today.
I'm watching California burn.
But as the disaster unfolds, I'm finding it harder to keep watching the news coverage. What can I possibly say about the devastation from clear across the country?
That's what I'm thinking when an e-mail pops up, bringing news of another long-term lesbian couple gone kapput. Though I lost touch with them some time back, the news still causes me to gasp.
They REALLY thought it would never happen to them.
I've heard both say proudly that they'd proved all the nay-sayers wrong. They were going to outlast all of us who questioned why one or both would ever stay in such an obviously whacked-out relationship. Some of us, myself included, said this as our own long-term relationship(s) imploded/exploded/fizzled.
We watched their destructive moments, occasionally added fuel to the flames, enjoyed their hospitality, marveled at the ever-expanding collection of pets, and chalked the fact that it seemed to work up to some weird twist of fate or really freaky chemistry.
By my count they outlasted all but two of the six or so couples who were once some part of that circle. Yeah, I know what the stats say.
But I'm a sucker for a happy ending. Not naive. Just hopeful. Movie magic.
California's burning. And I'm not watching CNN any more today.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Great songwriters
Lyn and I have been having an ongoing discussion lately about the great songwriters of the ages. It all started with a discussion about Bruce Springsteen's latest album and how much it sounds like his album of the 80's - Born in the U.S.A. Our conversation expanded out to his contribution to songwriting over the years.
If you had to name your top five songwriters, who would they be? I insisted that you have to have the likes of James Taylor on that list. How about Bob Dylan, Carole King or Melissa Etheridge? If you stop to think about it, it could be longer than a list of five. I also think that it is a sentimental thing with each one of us. Perhaps the right Jackson Browne or Kenny Loggins tune would cause one of them to be on your list of five.
Who are those songwriters who have really had a message and shared that message well? It does pause you to think a little bit. There are so many. I even reached back to the days of Roger and Hammerstein just for fun.
Here is my top five in no particular order:
1) James Taylor
2) Bruce Springsteen
3) John Lennon/Paul McCartney
4) Carole Bayer Sager
5) Stevie Wonder
Five is really too short of a list and is a huge injustice to those other songwriters I have been humming along with for years!
If you had to name your top five songwriters, who would they be? I insisted that you have to have the likes of James Taylor on that list. How about Bob Dylan, Carole King or Melissa Etheridge? If you stop to think about it, it could be longer than a list of five. I also think that it is a sentimental thing with each one of us. Perhaps the right Jackson Browne or Kenny Loggins tune would cause one of them to be on your list of five.
Who are those songwriters who have really had a message and shared that message well? It does pause you to think a little bit. There are so many. I even reached back to the days of Roger and Hammerstein just for fun.
Here is my top five in no particular order:
1) James Taylor
2) Bruce Springsteen
3) John Lennon/Paul McCartney
4) Carole Bayer Sager
5) Stevie Wonder
Five is really too short of a list and is a huge injustice to those other songwriters I have been humming along with for years!
Let's be frank about the NFL
Ok....let's talk about where we all are in the NFL season. Some of you out there are a little better off than the Bengals and some of you are a lot better off than the Bengals and some of that is because your team has beaten the Bengals!
But let's look at the facts as they stand right now. Let's all sit down and be honest with ourselves, shall we? If you are in the AFC, it does not matter what you do or how well your season is going along. The AFC representative in the Super Bowl is going to be the Colts or the Patsies. Plain and simple.........let's not sugar coat this anymore. What is the point? Both of them have outstanding records and are playing fantabulous football. Tom Brady may even set a few new records this season. This leaves the other AFC teams as bride's maids. I mean.....the Colts and the Patsies have to play someone right? We just can't give them immediate rights to the Superbowl. We have to make it look legit and everything.
Let's look at the NFC. I will ask those readers to weigh in on their NFC teams and correct me if I am wrong. Is the Dallas Cowboys the best that the NFC can do? I have to say.....if it is.....the NFC is as sunk as the other teams trying to win in the AFC. The AFC looks mighty strong right now. We have the two most powerful teams in the league.
So riddle me this........does the NFC have a team that can take the Colts or the Patsies down? If it came down to a Superbowl game, are we going to just skip it because its going to be a yawner or is it going to be a competitive match? The Patsies are damn near close to being called "The Evil Empire". For those of you not familiar with that nickname.........it is a name that has been given to the New York Yankees. Nobody wants to see the Yankees win because they have such a long history of doing it. Been there done that........its not worth sitting home watching it on TV if the Yankees are in it.
Inside Massachusetts, no one dares to think that the rest of the nation is thinking that of their Patriots........but we are. The team with the nickname "America's Team" is the Dallas Cowboys. At some point in the past, they had the old "Dubya" Texas swagger so I guess it might be a tip of the hat to those old Texas Republican oilmen.
But I digress...........what say ye? Is there a team out there that can break the back of the best two teams in the NFL? Remember, the Colts and the Patsies can't go there together. One has to win it all for the AFC. Being in the mid-west my money is on Peyton Manning. He has a quiet confidence and has nothing to prove.
If you are good and you come about it honestly, you have nothing to prove. Your game says it all.
TA TA!
But let's look at the facts as they stand right now. Let's all sit down and be honest with ourselves, shall we? If you are in the AFC, it does not matter what you do or how well your season is going along. The AFC representative in the Super Bowl is going to be the Colts or the Patsies. Plain and simple.........let's not sugar coat this anymore. What is the point? Both of them have outstanding records and are playing fantabulous football. Tom Brady may even set a few new records this season. This leaves the other AFC teams as bride's maids. I mean.....the Colts and the Patsies have to play someone right? We just can't give them immediate rights to the Superbowl. We have to make it look legit and everything.
Let's look at the NFC. I will ask those readers to weigh in on their NFC teams and correct me if I am wrong. Is the Dallas Cowboys the best that the NFC can do? I have to say.....if it is.....the NFC is as sunk as the other teams trying to win in the AFC. The AFC looks mighty strong right now. We have the two most powerful teams in the league.
So riddle me this........does the NFC have a team that can take the Colts or the Patsies down? If it came down to a Superbowl game, are we going to just skip it because its going to be a yawner or is it going to be a competitive match? The Patsies are damn near close to being called "The Evil Empire". For those of you not familiar with that nickname.........it is a name that has been given to the New York Yankees. Nobody wants to see the Yankees win because they have such a long history of doing it. Been there done that........its not worth sitting home watching it on TV if the Yankees are in it.
Inside Massachusetts, no one dares to think that the rest of the nation is thinking that of their Patriots........but we are. The team with the nickname "America's Team" is the Dallas Cowboys. At some point in the past, they had the old "Dubya" Texas swagger so I guess it might be a tip of the hat to those old Texas Republican oilmen.
But I digress...........what say ye? Is there a team out there that can break the back of the best two teams in the NFL? Remember, the Colts and the Patsies can't go there together. One has to win it all for the AFC. Being in the mid-west my money is on Peyton Manning. He has a quiet confidence and has nothing to prove.
If you are good and you come about it honestly, you have nothing to prove. Your game says it all.
TA TA!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
A Grey Moment
"Don't you dare come to me for forgiveness you traitorous bitch."
Repeat it five times slowly and file it away.
Who says lesbians can't learn from 'straight' television.
Best line of the week. Callie rocks.
Repeat it five times slowly and file it away.
Who says lesbians can't learn from 'straight' television.
Best line of the week. Callie rocks.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Feed Me
Bailey's on week three of her seizure med -- phenobarbital. No seizures so far, at least as observed by her circle of human caregivers. But I'll be starting the fundraising drive to keep her in dog food later this week.
All she does is eat. Or beg. Or belch. Or inventory hidden treats.
She's been a finicky eater all her life, rarely even sniffing her morning meal in my presence. Confident food will be there when she wants it, and replaced later in the day if it gets a bit stale-looking. We used to joke that she didn't eat on Sundays because she was fasting in observance of some higher canine power.
On day three of the meds she ate three full meals -- in two hours -- before I got control of myself and decided I should probably learn to ignore the whining. Then she went to the spa (grandma's) for a few days while I put in long hours at the office.
Her grandparents can't stand to see her beg -- they typically roast a chicken or turkey breast as soon as they know she's coming for a visit. So I warned them in advance that they simply couldn't feed her constantly or she'd balloon up to Basset size in no time.
I'm sure it was tough on all three of them. And I'm equally sure grandma came up with a solution by day two; grandpa would simply need to increase the number of walks. Not jaunts to the corner, but around the block and then some, from the usual two a day to three. Or four. Or maybe more.
All she does is eat. Or beg. Or belch. Or inventory hidden treats.
She's been a finicky eater all her life, rarely even sniffing her morning meal in my presence. Confident food will be there when she wants it, and replaced later in the day if it gets a bit stale-looking. We used to joke that she didn't eat on Sundays because she was fasting in observance of some higher canine power.
On day three of the meds she ate three full meals -- in two hours -- before I got control of myself and decided I should probably learn to ignore the whining. Then she went to the spa (grandma's) for a few days while I put in long hours at the office.
Her grandparents can't stand to see her beg -- they typically roast a chicken or turkey breast as soon as they know she's coming for a visit. So I warned them in advance that they simply couldn't feed her constantly or she'd balloon up to Basset size in no time.
I'm sure it was tough on all three of them. And I'm equally sure grandma came up with a solution by day two; grandpa would simply need to increase the number of walks. Not jaunts to the corner, but around the block and then some, from the usual two a day to three. Or four. Or maybe more.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Monday Without Meatloaf
Meatloaf definitely makes Monday's better, and clearly inspires creativity. No meatloaf, no posts. Hmm. Perhaps it's a conspiracy.
Or perhaps it's the old 'why would anyone read what I have to say' creeping in. I admire Rita's ability to post at will about any number of topics. Whereas I stress over what makes a worthwhile topic...kind of like I'm missing the point of the whole blogging thing, huh?
As I've started down the blogging path as a Working the Room contributor, I've been doing what any good novice would do and immersing myself in a number of lesbian blogs -- Hahn At Home and The Wishful Writer in particular. I've actually spent time reading the archives of these and others, so sucked in am I by a particular post or random turn of phrase.
I'm soooooo jealous. It seems to come so easy.
Have I spent too many years writing cheesy brochure copy, news releases and event scripts to actually remember how to be engaging, chatty, witty, able to banter at will? Could I ever? (E-mail flirting aside, since I may have actually succeeded at that on a couple of occasions. Accidently, of course.)
I had a very short first career as a news reporter turned feature writer and ultimately columnist. Sure, it was for a weekly newspaper in the late 80s. Pre-laptop, pre-WWW access, but still one of the most empowering things I've ever done. I remember writing my first column about the challenge of finding an apartment with character in suburban Dayton Ohio. That got me a date with a cute sports reporter for a sister newspaper, and, ultimately, the feature and column clips led me to an advertising job in a new, larger city with lots of character-filled apartments I could actually then afford.
And then... I woke up in my current state of mid-life crisis. I'm hoping this blogging thing is going to help move me beyond that. I'll keep reading. Keep writing. And keep hoping someone's at least occasionally mildly entertained.
Or perhaps it's the old 'why would anyone read what I have to say' creeping in. I admire Rita's ability to post at will about any number of topics. Whereas I stress over what makes a worthwhile topic...kind of like I'm missing the point of the whole blogging thing, huh?
As I've started down the blogging path as a Working the Room contributor, I've been doing what any good novice would do and immersing myself in a number of lesbian blogs -- Hahn At Home and The Wishful Writer in particular. I've actually spent time reading the archives of these and others, so sucked in am I by a particular post or random turn of phrase.
I'm soooooo jealous. It seems to come so easy.
Have I spent too many years writing cheesy brochure copy, news releases and event scripts to actually remember how to be engaging, chatty, witty, able to banter at will? Could I ever? (E-mail flirting aside, since I may have actually succeeded at that on a couple of occasions. Accidently, of course.)
I had a very short first career as a news reporter turned feature writer and ultimately columnist. Sure, it was for a weekly newspaper in the late 80s. Pre-laptop, pre-WWW access, but still one of the most empowering things I've ever done. I remember writing my first column about the challenge of finding an apartment with character in suburban Dayton Ohio. That got me a date with a cute sports reporter for a sister newspaper, and, ultimately, the feature and column clips led me to an advertising job in a new, larger city with lots of character-filled apartments I could actually then afford.
And then... I woke up in my current state of mid-life crisis. I'm hoping this blogging thing is going to help move me beyond that. I'll keep reading. Keep writing. And keep hoping someone's at least occasionally mildly entertained.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Disney World
On Friday, I had a conversation with a co-worker from Florida regarding her weekend plans to take her daughter to Disney World for the first time. This spawned into a 15 minute conversation solely on the whole concept of Disney World and how phenomenal it was for ourselves when we were children. Then, after that call finished, my co-worker in the next cube said he was going to Disney as well and we walked out of the building talking even more about the "wonders of Disney World".
For my overseas readers who have heard of Disney World and have never been able to go, I will do my best to fill you in on the wonderment of it all. It will be almost impossible in one blog sitting! However, I will say this, if you are going to make a trip to the United States, please make Disney World in Orlando Florida one of your must see stops. You and your family will never forget it.
Now....there are two Disney attractions in the U.S. - Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California. I can only speak to Disney World since I have only been to this park. I have never had an interest in seeing Disneyland since I have been told that Disney World is larger and more grand.
In the 1960's, the Disney World location was nothing but swamp land. By the time the theme park opened in 1971, this empty swamp land was turned into the most spectacular technologically advanced theme parks in the U.S. Unfortunately, Walt Disney himself did not live to see the doors open since he died in 1966. However, his futuristic creative ideas transformed how we would view amusement parks from that day forward. Many of the technologies that Disney used in the robotics of the theme rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, The Haunted House or the Hall of Presidents are viewed as the best way to do things even today.
My first trip to Disney World's Magic Kingdom (Magic Kingdom was the only park in the Disney World space at the time - it has grown to include Epcot Center, MGM Studios, Typhoon Lagoon etc etc) was when I was twelve and it was the most amazing thing I had ever seen. Presidents coming to life on a stage.....moving around and talking! Pretty exciting stuff for a twelve year old I must say! It is amazing to me (and my co-workers) that even today when we go back as adults how this technology still has us in awe. I mean....it was fantabulous when we were twelve but it is still advanced even today!
Walt Disney was a forward-thinker and the parks that bear his name are still forward-thinking in their advancements. As I write about this today, I am getting excited like the Disney mothership is hovering over the house right now to whisk me down there. Alas......that is not the case. I don't have any near future plans to make a trip to Disney in the next year. I have been to Disney World three times in my lifetime and I will make a fourth trip if my "partner in crime" will oblige my rambunctious inner child the opportunity.
Here are some websites for more information on The Wonderful World of Disney:
http://www.disneyworldtrivia.com/
http://corporate.disney.go.com/corporate/complete_history.html
For my overseas readers who have heard of Disney World and have never been able to go, I will do my best to fill you in on the wonderment of it all. It will be almost impossible in one blog sitting! However, I will say this, if you are going to make a trip to the United States, please make Disney World in Orlando Florida one of your must see stops. You and your family will never forget it.
Now....there are two Disney attractions in the U.S. - Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California. I can only speak to Disney World since I have only been to this park. I have never had an interest in seeing Disneyland since I have been told that Disney World is larger and more grand.
In the 1960's, the Disney World location was nothing but swamp land. By the time the theme park opened in 1971, this empty swamp land was turned into the most spectacular technologically advanced theme parks in the U.S. Unfortunately, Walt Disney himself did not live to see the doors open since he died in 1966. However, his futuristic creative ideas transformed how we would view amusement parks from that day forward. Many of the technologies that Disney used in the robotics of the theme rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, The Haunted House or the Hall of Presidents are viewed as the best way to do things even today.
My first trip to Disney World's Magic Kingdom (Magic Kingdom was the only park in the Disney World space at the time - it has grown to include Epcot Center, MGM Studios, Typhoon Lagoon etc etc) was when I was twelve and it was the most amazing thing I had ever seen. Presidents coming to life on a stage.....moving around and talking! Pretty exciting stuff for a twelve year old I must say! It is amazing to me (and my co-workers) that even today when we go back as adults how this technology still has us in awe. I mean....it was fantabulous when we were twelve but it is still advanced even today!
Walt Disney was a forward-thinker and the parks that bear his name are still forward-thinking in their advancements. As I write about this today, I am getting excited like the Disney mothership is hovering over the house right now to whisk me down there. Alas......that is not the case. I don't have any near future plans to make a trip to Disney in the next year. I have been to Disney World three times in my lifetime and I will make a fourth trip if my "partner in crime" will oblige my rambunctious inner child the opportunity.
Here are some websites for more information on The Wonderful World of Disney:
http://www.disneyworldtrivia.com/
http://corporate.disney.go.com/corporate/complete_history.html
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Nicknames
I just have to ask this question......if you have a significant other in your life, do you have a special nickname for him/her? How did you derive the name? I admit that Lyn and I both have nicknames for each other that are used from time to time. Of course, if I divulge it here I would probably lose my blogging privileges! ;-)
However, since my the blog comments can be anonymous I am encouraged that I will hear all kinds of silly things as a result of this blog. Fire away!
However, since my the blog comments can be anonymous I am encouraged that I will hear all kinds of silly things as a result of this blog. Fire away!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Marion Jones
Until this week, I had forgotten about Marion Jones and her denials of using performance enhancing drugs. This week she joins the ranks of other infamous lying sport stars who have watched their careers incinerate before their eyes.
Marion has been lying about this for six years and it is going to cost her dearly. She has had to return her five medals from the 2000 Olympic games and will also have to pay back hundreds of thousands of dollars in prize money she has collected over that time frame. Oh yeah she is sorry. She did as most of the sports stars have done. She went on TV and said she was sorry and ashamed and cried a bit more than most of the other infamous liars.
What is worst though....and it does get worse......the teammates that were on two of the winning relay teams may be forced to give back their medals as well. After all, they won as a team with Marion's help. Fair? No...I don't think so but unfortunately I think it is the legitimate thing to do. I realize that these other women were not aware of her drug use and may feel that they should not be penalized. However, the team that they won on was tainted and all of those medals deserve to go to the team who played the sport honestly. I realize that the other women gave their "all" and performed an honest race....however.....would they have won it without Marion? That's a hard thing to say.
If Marion did not hand over her medals, nor was asked to, I would feel a little differently about the rest of the team not handing over their medals. I realize that the feelings run deep on this one. They are in shock about all this but ultimately do they want to say....."this is my medal from the 2000 Olympic relay team which was strickened from the record books." It may be that they say.....ok...you can keep the medals but they are not legitimate because we are now recognizing Greece in the books as winning the Gold medal.
Fairness or doing the right thing?
Marion has been lying about this for six years and it is going to cost her dearly. She has had to return her five medals from the 2000 Olympic games and will also have to pay back hundreds of thousands of dollars in prize money she has collected over that time frame. Oh yeah she is sorry. She did as most of the sports stars have done. She went on TV and said she was sorry and ashamed and cried a bit more than most of the other infamous liars.
What is worst though....and it does get worse......the teammates that were on two of the winning relay teams may be forced to give back their medals as well. After all, they won as a team with Marion's help. Fair? No...I don't think so but unfortunately I think it is the legitimate thing to do. I realize that these other women were not aware of her drug use and may feel that they should not be penalized. However, the team that they won on was tainted and all of those medals deserve to go to the team who played the sport honestly. I realize that the other women gave their "all" and performed an honest race....however.....would they have won it without Marion? That's a hard thing to say.
If Marion did not hand over her medals, nor was asked to, I would feel a little differently about the rest of the team not handing over their medals. I realize that the feelings run deep on this one. They are in shock about all this but ultimately do they want to say....."this is my medal from the 2000 Olympic relay team which was strickened from the record books." It may be that they say.....ok...you can keep the medals but they are not legitimate because we are now recognizing Greece in the books as winning the Gold medal.
Fairness or doing the right thing?
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Ghost results
Ok.....I am going to preface my blog entry today with the statement that my "Working the Room" blog is not going to turn into a ghost blog. :) Both Lyn and I are too opinionated to be partial to ghost entries every single day. So........I will probably create a new blog dedicated to our ghostly adventures and link it back to this one!
Our adventure at the home of my co-worker proved to be a disappointing one. The normally frisky spirit clammed up tighter than an oyster shell while we were in the house. We took a lot of pictures - digital and 35mm, recorded about 45 minutes of audio and had a video camera positioned upstairs to try and gain something we would have missed while spending our time in the basement of her home. After reviewing the data last night, while we gained a better foothold on what we should have done and not done, we did not record any ghostly data. In fact the most excitement we had on our first ghostly tour was my friend getting spooked by a electronic air freshener that chose to go off 3 feet above her head in the basement. We did record the screams on that one and it was all very very funny.
So while we didn't get any real data on this trip, we are looking forward to our next adventure. I would like to go out once a month to experience some kind of phenomena. I still believe that ghosthunting is feast or famine.........probably famine most of the time. So we have to be patient. I am sure that we are not going to experience something every time we go out. The door to my co-worker's house has been left open to us in case we want to make a return trip there someday and give it another shot. Always a good option............
In the meantime.....I will work on another blog in the next few weeks and link it back to this one for everyone who may be interested in reading about this type of thing. I have to say it was still very exciting and I look forward to my next adventure!
Our adventure at the home of my co-worker proved to be a disappointing one. The normally frisky spirit clammed up tighter than an oyster shell while we were in the house. We took a lot of pictures - digital and 35mm, recorded about 45 minutes of audio and had a video camera positioned upstairs to try and gain something we would have missed while spending our time in the basement of her home. After reviewing the data last night, while we gained a better foothold on what we should have done and not done, we did not record any ghostly data. In fact the most excitement we had on our first ghostly tour was my friend getting spooked by a electronic air freshener that chose to go off 3 feet above her head in the basement. We did record the screams on that one and it was all very very funny.
So while we didn't get any real data on this trip, we are looking forward to our next adventure. I would like to go out once a month to experience some kind of phenomena. I still believe that ghosthunting is feast or famine.........probably famine most of the time. So we have to be patient. I am sure that we are not going to experience something every time we go out. The door to my co-worker's house has been left open to us in case we want to make a return trip there someday and give it another shot. Always a good option............
In the meantime.....I will work on another blog in the next few weeks and link it back to this one for everyone who may be interested in reading about this type of thing. I have to say it was still very exciting and I look forward to my next adventure!
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Ghost adventure
It is Sunday morning and I find myself up early (as usual) thinking about my first ghost adventure tomorrow night. My friends and I will be going to the home of a co-worker who has had some mysterious things happening at her house for years. We have managed to equip ourselves with some basic "equipment" so that we can try and catch some ghostly phenomena in action. I can easily see how you could spend quite a bit of money on this type of thing so we are moving slowly with this hobby.
Tomorrow nights investigation should be interesting. I have prepared myself to experience "something" while I am there so I am not caught by surprised if something dramatic should happen. I don't want to be the first one running from the house! So expect the unexpected is my thought process right now as I try to keep my mind open and skeptical. You have to be a bit of a skeptic with this whole thing so you can rule out local environmental impacters (noisy water pipes, etc) as voices from beyond the grave.
My co-worker and her husband have lived with this "ghost" for some time and have gotten used to its presence in their home. Apparently it has made one playful appearance to their grandson and gave the little guy a good scare. Children and animals are much more open-minded and naive so they will see ghosts more often. Me on the other hand.....closing in on age 42..........require a stockpile of electronic equipment just to get a glimpse of them. I'm thinking we could have just rented a child for the night and he/she could provide all the data we need! I can't help but be reminded of the little boy in the Sixth Sense......"I see dead people".
Lyn will be staying home tomorrow night still recovering from the fact that I am out gallivanting after ghosts. Yes.....she is a true skeptic but I think some of that skepticism is derived out of the idea that she might actually have a ghostly encounter and that would counterattack years of sound reasoning and practical judgement. I am hoping that after hearing a few ghostly recordings she will come around. It is doubtful that she will ever come out on a ghost expedition with me but she may stop evaluating the need to refer me to a good psychiatrist and submit a new personal ad to Match.com!
TA TA!
Monday, October 01, 2007
Monday Meatloaf Meanderings
Since I'm avoiding the impending Monday Night Football fiasco, a few thoughts from this lesbian life as the week begins...
Meatloaf is good stuff. Especially when someone else makes it for you. Thanks Rita. Low-carb without bread crumbs and all... it's still comfort food. Hated it when I was a kid. Love it now and I'm convinced it's all about the comfort. Yummy good. Especially when it's a Monday leftover.
Coffee is good stuff, too, and a Red Eye is the best way I know to start off the work week. It's even better when it's free. This morning I waited patiently in the drive-thru line at my local independent coffee purveyor -- JET Coffee. It's just down the street from the green mermaid place and doing its darndest to inspire loyalty in its customers without a multi-million $ concept and brand standards out the wazoo. I stop now because it's on the right side of the street and just before the highway onramp -- no left turns required. For the previous few years I stopped for a smile from barista Elizabeth. But she's off to grad school in Iowa (????) so I settle for the coffee.
And today it was FREE.
Apparently a regular customer every so often hands over a $20 and says 'pay it forward' or the coffee equivalent, meaning the next few cars in line get a free fix. How cool is that? Doesn't it make you wonder what little thing each of us might be able to do to share the love on a Monday...it did me. I'll keep you posted on what I come up with.
I also want to muse for a moment on the cool lesbian flick we caught almost by accident this weekend. The Gymnast is a beautifully shot look at a mid-life crisis (far different from my own!) and a former athlete's journey to reclaim her past athletic/artistic success while discovering her own sex/sense-uality. She finds incredible strength within herself, both physical and emotional. Though I'm embarassed to say I'd picked the wrong woman as the love interest for the lead character... yes, I saw the poster in the lobby.
Meatloaf is good stuff. Especially when someone else makes it for you. Thanks Rita. Low-carb without bread crumbs and all... it's still comfort food. Hated it when I was a kid. Love it now and I'm convinced it's all about the comfort. Yummy good. Especially when it's a Monday leftover.
Coffee is good stuff, too, and a Red Eye is the best way I know to start off the work week. It's even better when it's free. This morning I waited patiently in the drive-thru line at my local independent coffee purveyor -- JET Coffee. It's just down the street from the green mermaid place and doing its darndest to inspire loyalty in its customers without a multi-million $ concept and brand standards out the wazoo. I stop now because it's on the right side of the street and just before the highway onramp -- no left turns required. For the previous few years I stopped for a smile from barista Elizabeth. But she's off to grad school in Iowa (????) so I settle for the coffee.
And today it was FREE.
Apparently a regular customer every so often hands over a $20 and says 'pay it forward' or the coffee equivalent, meaning the next few cars in line get a free fix. How cool is that? Doesn't it make you wonder what little thing each of us might be able to do to share the love on a Monday...it did me. I'll keep you posted on what I come up with.
I also want to muse for a moment on the cool lesbian flick we caught almost by accident this weekend. The Gymnast is a beautifully shot look at a mid-life crisis (far different from my own!) and a former athlete's journey to reclaim her past athletic/artistic success while discovering her own sex/sense-uality. She finds incredible strength within herself, both physical and emotional. Though I'm embarassed to say I'd picked the wrong woman as the love interest for the lead character... yes, I saw the poster in the lobby.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Boo!
Ok....before I begin to talk about something really scary (the Bengals and Patriots game on Monday night) I must comment on the whole ghost thing!
Now I know it might be a bit freaky to think about the whole ghosthunting thing but this is something that I am really fascinated by. Personally....I have never seen a ghost.....ever. I have had friends who look so bad they are ghost-like.....perhaps even ghoulish........but I have never actually seen something from the great beyond. The ghost shows on TV intrigue me and the stories that people recall about being terrorized by spirits can be very unnerving. So I can't help but be fascinated by the whole paranormal phenomena. I am an Aquarius after all and we have eccentric interests so I am par for the course here.
There used to be a television show on called Haunted.....Haunting...something like that....from the UK that I really enjoyed. These folks would bring psychics with them to feel out the spirits even more and provide background information. They had all sorts of fun on that program.
Anyway.....I am slowly building the necessary equipment to catch some paranormal activity. Oh yes......no shoes.....but some nice electronic equipment that might provide some concrete results that these things are amongst us. So anyway.....more on that if something exciting happens.
***************************
Ok......the Bengals play the Patriots on Monday Night Football. While in years past I would be excited about the prospects of kicking some Patriot-ass, I am not thrilled about this meeting. The Bengals (somehow) have managed to start the year with disastrous results. We are now 1-2 thanks to losses to Cleveland and Seattle. Just fabulous! Now we have the Patriots at home in front of a nationwide television audience and stand a good chance of being even more embarrassed.
It is my hope......that somewhere......from someones pocket....playbook....diary......we managed to pull together some plays, tricks, slight of hand........that allows us to beat the Patsies. Could it be that the Patsies will take us for granted after our last two losses and not bring their game? This would be my fondest wish because I would really like to be the one sending a voicemail to my Boston friends after a win against them.
This is probably the only game that I will watch with my eyes closed. GO BENGALS!
Now I know it might be a bit freaky to think about the whole ghosthunting thing but this is something that I am really fascinated by. Personally....I have never seen a ghost.....ever. I have had friends who look so bad they are ghost-like.....perhaps even ghoulish........but I have never actually seen something from the great beyond. The ghost shows on TV intrigue me and the stories that people recall about being terrorized by spirits can be very unnerving. So I can't help but be fascinated by the whole paranormal phenomena. I am an Aquarius after all and we have eccentric interests so I am par for the course here.
There used to be a television show on called Haunted.....Haunting...something like that....from the UK that I really enjoyed. These folks would bring psychics with them to feel out the spirits even more and provide background information. They had all sorts of fun on that program.
Anyway.....I am slowly building the necessary equipment to catch some paranormal activity. Oh yes......no shoes.....but some nice electronic equipment that might provide some concrete results that these things are amongst us. So anyway.....more on that if something exciting happens.
***************************
Ok......the Bengals play the Patriots on Monday Night Football. While in years past I would be excited about the prospects of kicking some Patriot-ass, I am not thrilled about this meeting. The Bengals (somehow) have managed to start the year with disastrous results. We are now 1-2 thanks to losses to Cleveland and Seattle. Just fabulous! Now we have the Patriots at home in front of a nationwide television audience and stand a good chance of being even more embarrassed.
It is my hope......that somewhere......from someones pocket....playbook....diary......we managed to pull together some plays, tricks, slight of hand........that allows us to beat the Patsies. Could it be that the Patsies will take us for granted after our last two losses and not bring their game? This would be my fondest wish because I would really like to be the one sending a voicemail to my Boston friends after a win against them.
This is probably the only game that I will watch with my eyes closed. GO BENGALS!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Who Ya Gonna Call?
Let me start by acknowledging I'm a skeptic about many things in life -- the 'paranormal' is just one more. See previous posts on religious upbringing for proof.
Let me also say I fully support individuals' freedom to choose and pursue any and all hobbies they like. Have fun. Really. That said...
Rita and another friend have a new hobby. They are going to chase ghosts. In graveyards. In peoples' homes. Really. Give them a call. They'll soon be appropriately outfitted and will be glad to check it out. Equipment is being purchased as I type.
*hum theme from ghostbusters here*
The root of all this was an opportunity for local folks to participate in a ghosthunting at a local courthouse that's 100+ years old and, being in Kentucky, was likely the site of all sorts of mischief. When they tried to register to attend, they found the event was at capacity and they were on a waiting list of some 85 people (!?).
The madness has ensued from there. Best as I can tell (since I chose not to join in last night's preview of the new Ghost Hunters TV series) they've actually purchased some sort of recording device, are looking into some other piece of ghost-spotting paraphernalia, and possibly even shoes. Spooktacular! It's not even October.
If you've had a ghostly visitor in your dwelling, share my skepticism or want to hang out with a non-ghosthunting kind of gal while her friends are in pursuit of.... whatever, let us know!
Let me also say I fully support individuals' freedom to choose and pursue any and all hobbies they like. Have fun. Really. That said...
Rita and another friend have a new hobby. They are going to chase ghosts. In graveyards. In peoples' homes. Really. Give them a call. They'll soon be appropriately outfitted and will be glad to check it out. Equipment is being purchased as I type.
*hum theme from ghostbusters here*
The root of all this was an opportunity for local folks to participate in a ghosthunting at a local courthouse that's 100+ years old and, being in Kentucky, was likely the site of all sorts of mischief. When they tried to register to attend, they found the event was at capacity and they were on a waiting list of some 85 people (!?).
The madness has ensued from there. Best as I can tell (since I chose not to join in last night's preview of the new Ghost Hunters TV series) they've actually purchased some sort of recording device, are looking into some other piece of ghost-spotting paraphernalia, and possibly even shoes. Spooktacular! It's not even October.
If you've had a ghostly visitor in your dwelling, share my skepticism or want to hang out with a non-ghosthunting kind of gal while her friends are in pursuit of.... whatever, let us know!
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Dog Days
The cutie at the right is Bailey. Or Boodle. Or Schnoodle. She'll acknowledge any of them; acknowledge, but not actually come running. Unless there's turkey or a veggie chunk offered as a treat.
Obedience isn't a strong point, but unconditional puppy hugs and kisses are abundant. She's 11 now--past mid-life, but as a small mixed breed, ideally has a few or more good years left according to her friends the Drs. McBride.
That's a good thing, since I can't quite imagine my home without her. She's been scaring me this summer though. Not quite as fleet, though still a flight risk off lead, she occasionally seems lost in her own little world. And the seizure disorder she's had since age 4, if not longer, seems to be causing more frequent seizures. That scares her mama.
I'm trying to stay calm, track the seizures as directed by the vet, etc. But the documented occurence of three in the past couple of months has me concerned. I'll be calling the vet first thing tomorrow to report last night's seizure and discuss starting medication, scheduling a follow up appointment to last month's complete work up.
I hate to resort to drugs, but it's getting hard to watch her little eyes grow glazed and limbs seize up; I wonder if it hurts? Does she know? Is she scared? Fighting back the tears, resisting the anger that builds in me when I see her like that -- as if I or any other person in or now out of her life could change it.
All I can do is cherish the sight of her at the top of the stairs when I come in the door from work. Make room to cuddle her close at night. Play a good game of squirrel toss or rabbit retrieval when she asks. And keep looking the other way when her aunts, friends and grandparents doctor her kibble with yummy bits of people food.
Unconditional love goes both ways.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Random Thoughts
- Wow.....Barry Manilow speaking his mind and being kicked off "The View"! Seems he didn't want to sit with or next to Miss Elizabeth. According to Whoopie Goldberg, you don't want to sit with one of them then you don't want to sit with any of them. So he got the big axe. Never been a fan of Elizabeth Hasslebeck myself.........http://www.abc.go.com/daytime/theview/index
- I have resumed my South Beach diet routine in the last two weeks. Not that I deviated too much over the summer but I was not faithful by any means. I am back to the gym three days a week and trying to escape my cube at lunchtime to walk. This sounds impressive doesn't it? Just want to drop about thirty pounds and I will be content. The South Beach diet is a revised version of the Atkin's diet. This one concentrates on good carbs while eliminating the bad carbs. In other words......throw all of the cookies and bagels away and eat all the vegetables and meat you can hold. Yeeeehaaaa! :\
- I hear "If I Did It" is already in its second printing.
- The latest episode of "Survivor" begins tonight. www.cbs.com/primetime/survivor15 This season takes the show to China. I have to say I am losing my enthusiasm for Survivor. I think if they took a full year off and came back that would be just enough time away for me to want it to come back. I would like to see them survive in the frozen tundra.....just once. Now that would be a twist! All of the tropical locations are beginning to look the same......
- Looks like the Ladies World Cup Soccer team has a tough opponent on Saturday when they take on England. This will be very tough because those folks are given the ball at birth! Go get 'em ladies!
- And finally, this weekend we are going to do a little housekeeping on the blog. Its good to update things every now and again. Lyn has a few ideas that she would like to explore so you never know what might appear on Sunday!!!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
REALity TV
Big Brother is finally over. I'm either aging out of my reality TV obsession or am just generally more easily troubled by some of these losers. So I'll ask a question -- why don't we ever see stereotypical middle-age or approaching that lesbians on these shows?
Wouldn't it be at least mildly amusing to throw a soft butch, ballcap-wearing dyke from the Midwest into the mix? Or even someone who makes us suspect they just might be that person. Not a femmed-out 20 something...
I don't know, the ad for the new Jodie Foster movie comes to mind. Sure, she plays a revenge-seeking bad grrl, but the image has certainly brightened up my Yahoo portal homepage the last couple of days. C'mon, be honest, I'm not the only one. (I may, however, have been the only one to spend a lunch hour reading the NYT in-depth analysis of why such roles work for Jodie). But I digress.
Adding an honest-to-goddess lesbian or two would vastly improve the competitions. And the potential for self-actualization, group process and drama of a whole new sort. And I think it has to be Big Brother. Not Survivor -- that's way too easy (and has been done. and done. and done.)
How about designing a season around a lesbian softball (volleyball, soccer, etc.) team? Even the average lesbian potluck gathering has been known to provide a season's worth of drama.
Hmmm. Nominees? Volunteers?
Wouldn't it be at least mildly amusing to throw a soft butch, ballcap-wearing dyke from the Midwest into the mix? Or even someone who makes us suspect they just might be that person. Not a femmed-out 20 something...
I don't know, the ad for the new Jodie Foster movie comes to mind. Sure, she plays a revenge-seeking bad grrl, but the image has certainly brightened up my Yahoo portal homepage the last couple of days. C'mon, be honest, I'm not the only one. (I may, however, have been the only one to spend a lunch hour reading the NYT in-depth analysis of why such roles work for Jodie). But I digress.
Adding an honest-to-goddess lesbian or two would vastly improve the competitions. And the potential for self-actualization, group process and drama of a whole new sort. And I think it has to be Big Brother. Not Survivor -- that's way too easy (and has been done. and done. and done.)
How about designing a season around a lesbian softball (volleyball, soccer, etc.) team? Even the average lesbian potluck gathering has been known to provide a season's worth of drama.
Hmmm. Nominees? Volunteers?
Sunday, September 16, 2007
"The Killer"
I have resisted the urge many times to post a blog about "the killer" of Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown-Simpson. Personally, I don't want to give the man any more media time than he deserves. Not that my little humble blog is going to matter but it is simply the principle of the thing. He does not deserve the publicity. So in order to blog about his recent stupidity, I will simply use the name that everyone knows him by......The Killer.
Apparently, "The Killer" decided to shake a few folks up in Vegas this past weekend by stealing "stuff" that rightfully belonged to him. Oh yeah....and he took a couple of thugs with him who brandished a weapon or two AND THEN he went on CNN and told his side of the story. Ooops!
Yeah.....well now he has been arrested for several counts of armed robbery and burglary all of which could account for him spending some time in jail...........if he is found guilty.
This just ends a tumultuous week for all of us who have had to walk down memory lane with the Goldmans and the Browns regarding the infamous book - If I Did It. If you have been living under a rock lately, the Goldmans won the publishing rights to the book so they can now do whatever they please with it. They have decided to publish the book with an "Afterward" about the trial. They seem to be perfectly fine with it. I think it is in poor taste and a disgrace to both victims. More publicity for "The Killer".
I don't disagree with the Goldmans effort in gaining the publishing rights, but I do disagree with publishing the book. It smells bad......really bad........and I think the Goldmans are looking at this a bit one-sided. Personally, I would have like to see them win the publishing rights and then have a televised manuscript burning......maybe on Larry King. If they want to get a last laugh on "The Killer", I don't think this is going to bring them a laugh or any peace. In fact, on Oprah last week, they acknowledged that it won't bring them any peace or money. (apparently they are only receiving 17 cents per book) Yeah....ok......so what is gained?
Look folks, there are children involved here and this book (according to the Oprah show) is not kind in its description of the killings or his description of his wife - Nicole Brown-Simpson. In fact, it is said that he paints a very derogatory picture of her. If there are lessons to be learned here, then why aren't efforts directed toward aiding the thousands of women who are battered every day by their lunatic spouses? I have yet to hear the Goldmans say that their 17 cents per book is going to go to a worthwhile cause. Let us not forget......"The Killer's" primary target that night was his ex-wife.
While I could go on and on about this, this will be my only blog on this topic because too much publicity, time and energy is given to this guy. We are 13 years removed from this tragedy and it continues to haunt everyone because we allow it to go on mercilessly. We all continue to tune in and watch the train wreck over and over again.
Apparently, "The Killer" decided to shake a few folks up in Vegas this past weekend by stealing "stuff" that rightfully belonged to him. Oh yeah....and he took a couple of thugs with him who brandished a weapon or two AND THEN he went on CNN and told his side of the story. Ooops!
Yeah.....well now he has been arrested for several counts of armed robbery and burglary all of which could account for him spending some time in jail...........if he is found guilty.
This just ends a tumultuous week for all of us who have had to walk down memory lane with the Goldmans and the Browns regarding the infamous book - If I Did It. If you have been living under a rock lately, the Goldmans won the publishing rights to the book so they can now do whatever they please with it. They have decided to publish the book with an "Afterward" about the trial. They seem to be perfectly fine with it. I think it is in poor taste and a disgrace to both victims. More publicity for "The Killer".
I don't disagree with the Goldmans effort in gaining the publishing rights, but I do disagree with publishing the book. It smells bad......really bad........and I think the Goldmans are looking at this a bit one-sided. Personally, I would have like to see them win the publishing rights and then have a televised manuscript burning......maybe on Larry King. If they want to get a last laugh on "The Killer", I don't think this is going to bring them a laugh or any peace. In fact, on Oprah last week, they acknowledged that it won't bring them any peace or money. (apparently they are only receiving 17 cents per book) Yeah....ok......so what is gained?
Look folks, there are children involved here and this book (according to the Oprah show) is not kind in its description of the killings or his description of his wife - Nicole Brown-Simpson. In fact, it is said that he paints a very derogatory picture of her. If there are lessons to be learned here, then why aren't efforts directed toward aiding the thousands of women who are battered every day by their lunatic spouses? I have yet to hear the Goldmans say that their 17 cents per book is going to go to a worthwhile cause. Let us not forget......"The Killer's" primary target that night was his ex-wife.
While I could go on and on about this, this will be my only blog on this topic because too much publicity, time and energy is given to this guy. We are 13 years removed from this tragedy and it continues to haunt everyone because we allow it to go on mercilessly. We all continue to tune in and watch the train wreck over and over again.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Commitment ceremonies
Otherwise known as marriage ceremonies, civil union ceremonies or life partnership ceremonies.......
For those of us who are gay and not living in a state where it is a legal and binding statute, it is a symbolic union of two souls. My question is...........if it doesn't carry any legal weight, why do it?
Many of you know couples who have been partners for over a dozen of years who have not taken the step of having a commitment ceremony in front of all of their friends and family members. I believe that one of the reasons that long term partners do not have commitment ceremonies is because their security with themselves and each other is well grounded. They have nothing to prove to anyone about their commitment to each other. The friends who surround couples such as these are well aware of their commitment and admire them for having the longevity and permanence that most gay and lesbian couples crave.
So then what is it about having a ceremony? Is it simply a "show and tell" event? Is it a way for one or both people in the relationship to overcome a insecurity? ("See I am lovable and we are together")
Now if you are going to say, a ceremony like this is a way for everyone to share in the joy of the couples new union together......I don't know if I buy that. As I said earlier, I know of a few long term couples and I have great admiration for their commitments to each other. It didn't take a ceremony for me to share their joy or clearly understand their commitment.
I think those who jump into commitment ceremonies in Year One or Two of their relationship are probably overcoming some kind of insecurity. Some kind of inner need to show everyone that they are committed instead of just letting things grow freely and naturally. Those that have commitment ceremonies early don't always have the relationship longevity that they hoped for in the beginning.
I have been in a relationship for two years and I am no less committed to her than I would be if we jumped in with a ceremony. I believe that the longevity of your relationship is a silent statement all to itself. What more is there to say?
So what say YOU? Have you been through a ceremony or contemplating a ceremony? What is your viewpoint on it? There are no right or wrong answers here...........only opinions.
For those of us who are gay and not living in a state where it is a legal and binding statute, it is a symbolic union of two souls. My question is...........if it doesn't carry any legal weight, why do it?
Many of you know couples who have been partners for over a dozen of years who have not taken the step of having a commitment ceremony in front of all of their friends and family members. I believe that one of the reasons that long term partners do not have commitment ceremonies is because their security with themselves and each other is well grounded. They have nothing to prove to anyone about their commitment to each other. The friends who surround couples such as these are well aware of their commitment and admire them for having the longevity and permanence that most gay and lesbian couples crave.
So then what is it about having a ceremony? Is it simply a "show and tell" event? Is it a way for one or both people in the relationship to overcome a insecurity? ("See I am lovable and we are together")
Now if you are going to say, a ceremony like this is a way for everyone to share in the joy of the couples new union together......I don't know if I buy that. As I said earlier, I know of a few long term couples and I have great admiration for their commitments to each other. It didn't take a ceremony for me to share their joy or clearly understand their commitment.
I think those who jump into commitment ceremonies in Year One or Two of their relationship are probably overcoming some kind of insecurity. Some kind of inner need to show everyone that they are committed instead of just letting things grow freely and naturally. Those that have commitment ceremonies early don't always have the relationship longevity that they hoped for in the beginning.
I have been in a relationship for two years and I am no less committed to her than I would be if we jumped in with a ceremony. I believe that the longevity of your relationship is a silent statement all to itself. What more is there to say?
So what say YOU? Have you been through a ceremony or contemplating a ceremony? What is your viewpoint on it? There are no right or wrong answers here...........only opinions.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Coach Beli-cheat
As some of you may know, it was reported this week that the Patriots used a video camera to tape the defensive plays of the Jets this past Sunday. Of course, the Patsies beat the Jets soundly 38-14.
NFL Commissioner Goodell is now investigating since it is a league rule that teams cannot use video equipment to tape the other team. Oddly enough.....as soon as Coach Belichick found out that his team was being investigated he issued an apology for the "commotion" that his team has caused surrounding the spying incident. Apparently, he has his own "interpretation" of league rules. Yeah.......whatever.
So my question is - is Belichick really a great coach because he is a mastermind of the game or is he simply great because he has to cheat to win? Talk about a no confidence vote on the abilities of your own team! YIKES!
One final word on this...........Come on down to Cincinnati boys and leave your video cameras behind. I would rather have you beat the Bengals honestly than to cheat to get the quick win!
TA TA!
NFL Commissioner Goodell is now investigating since it is a league rule that teams cannot use video equipment to tape the other team. Oddly enough.....as soon as Coach Belichick found out that his team was being investigated he issued an apology for the "commotion" that his team has caused surrounding the spying incident. Apparently, he has his own "interpretation" of league rules. Yeah.......whatever.
So my question is - is Belichick really a great coach because he is a mastermind of the game or is he simply great because he has to cheat to win? Talk about a no confidence vote on the abilities of your own team! YIKES!
One final word on this...........Come on down to Cincinnati boys and leave your video cameras behind. I would rather have you beat the Bengals honestly than to cheat to get the quick win!
TA TA!
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