Not so desperate

The 3 Day 2010

2010-07-22T00:46:00.002-04:00

In a little over 24 hours I will begin my 4th Komen 3 Day for the Cure.

60 Miles in 3 Days.

It's a freaking blast. And I can't help but feel there is something wrong with looking forward to punishing your body in this way, LOL.

It's hard, but you get so much emotional feedback and bonding it's worth it. To be part of something that does so much---that even symbolically represents so much hope to others. So you are hot, sore, and tired. So you get a blister. Women facing cancer deal with much more. This event is like a giant spa weekend without the sauna and cucumbers. Why this ended up touching me so much, I'm not sure. I have some peripheral connections. My Nana had a double mastectomy at a time where that's all they did. And even with today's advances, I want more for my and my daughter's future.

One of the most vivid memories from my first walk was of a woman drawing her vacant brows on with a pencil after a shower. And here I do it out of vanity because I over-plucked. All I know is Friday morning over 2000 crazy women---and men will have raised over $5 million to fund mammograms and research for a disease that has the nerve to afflict you for all intensive purposes because of the glands you possess and hormones you secrete. And it's a giant 3 Day celebration.

There are designated places to cheer us on:

Friday, July 23:

8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
St. Paul's Church
502 Washington St.
Wellesley MA 02482

12:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.
Yolandas parking lot
355 SR-60 Waverly Oaks Rd.
Waltham, MA 02452

Saturday, July 24:

7:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Robbins Farm Park
51 Eastern Ave.
Arlington MA 02476

9:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
YMCA-Greater Boston Area:
North Suburban Family Branch
138 Lexington St.
Woburn MA 01801

11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Parker Field Playground
81 Worthen Rd.
Lexington MA 02420

Sunday, July 25:

7:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Shaw's Supermarket
699 Mount Auburn St.
Cambridge MA 02138

8:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Cambridge City Hall
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge MA 02139

9:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Boston Public Garden
(between Paul Revere and Swan Boats)
Commonwealth & Arlington Street
Boston, MA 02127

If you think you might come, text me to get an idea what time Wendy and I should be getting to each location.

Surprise!

2010-01-24T23:41:00.004-05:00

Hi honey! I'm home!

I keep feeling this tug of this restless, creative energy. And I'm wasting it. I have to start writing again, if nothing else. I also want to go back to knitting, because it was really cool creating something tangible and useful.

My life is wonderfully full of things. The kids are growing and maturing and are amazing people. I have been working at the hospital again with more regularity. (Although the new regime is quite authoritarian and lame in their scheduling!) This weekend in fact, I had two very cool drug consults with residents. I felt like I actually knew what I was talking about! Maybe I am not destined to be a professional med-approver/time-changer. Actually most days I am a professional chauffeur/secretary/cook/maid---and I don't say that disparagingly. It's a most difficult job, and unfortunately none of those jobs get done with 100% accuracy. (I'm very good at surfing the net though. ;-) )

My husband brings me home flowers when I have a cold. :) I feel like I have a BFF in town, and my sisters are a lifeline.

Shifting gears...you know the whole Facebook and Twitter thing? Good in many ways and for certain things. I mean, I think my whole HS class is now connected again. (That's a good thing because we were small and actually like each other. Well, we didn't hate each other...) But this whole 140 character, instant update world just seems to be feeding our addiction to instant gratification. I mean, I guess it's cool because we do tend to be able to keep up with each other more easily. But it wasn't that long ago people were lamenting the death of hand-written correspondence; now we don't even email anymore, we update our Facebook status or Tweet. For God's sake people expect the POTUS to have fixed the country in 12 months...(had to sneak in politics! heehee) Maybe people should invest in short films, they could be the future! People could watch them on their iphones on their way to work. Eh, I guess TV episodes work just as well. But marketed right to the artst-fartsy crowd...

God, am I turning into some cranky old person longing for the good ol' days of vinyl and newspaper crosswords?

Okay, I know I sound like that abusive lover again, but this time I promise I will keep updating. I know you've been coming by and checking. And I love you for it.

Yeah, yeah, I know, that and $2 will get you a cut of coffee. But my heart and head are totally in the right place. I just might make it happen.

Some fun stuff.

2009-07-30T10:55:00.003-04:00

Others at the walk have much better video and pictures than I got. Here's a cute one:

Also, Men with Heart posted a wonderful slideshow. It's 8 minutes long, but really shows you the whole event start to finish.

Day 2: Spare the hose, douse the walker

2009-07-29T10:20:00.008-04:00

"Sunshine On my shoulders Makes me happy"

…Provided I have adequate sunscreen on. (Read about Day 1 here)

Saturday morning, we were determined to get back to camp earlier than we did Friday. We set our alarm to be up at 5:30, for a 6:30 breakfast call, and to be on the course by 7:00. Of course, I slept like crap, snoozed for 15 minutes because Wendy was in the shower, and by the time we stopped at the medical tent, hit the porta-potty, and filled our water bottles, it was almost 7:30 AM. We were warned there was a big hill on the route today, between Pit Stops 1 & 2. They were offering to bus people who didn’t feel they could make it up to the top. It sounded very ominous. However, despite all the doom and gloom, we made it up no problem. There were several plateaus along the mile-long climb.

Shaws in Belmont had employees outside their store handing out water, iced tea, candy and gum to walkers as we passed. It was so nice!

The weather was much, much nicer. Although, the heat comes with its own challenges. Despite the constant reminders to drink, and guidelines on how much you should be drinking, people still end up with an IV and red-carded off to the E.R.. The mantra at each pit stop is “Eat, drink, pee!”.

One of the fun things about the 3 Day is that you get to be juvenile, and let the little things amuse and delight you. Like Smuckers Uncrustables PB&J sandwiches to eat at pit stops, Purple flavored Gatorade instead of icky Blue Frost, and getting stickers for your credentials. Men dressed as Cleopatra and angels telling you to keep going, singing “Sweaty women” to the tune of Roy Orbison. You smile and thank police officers, as random women ask to press the alert horn, or to be cuffed for a scavenger hunt picture.

We realized early on in the day (based on the route card they give us with mileage and where the pit stops are) that the last pit stop/cheering station was at a Friendly’s. We spent a good portion of that day’s walk with the image of an ice cream cone dangling on a stick in front of us as we walked. I wanted vanilla soft serve in a cone with sprinkles. They only had chocolate so I had to settle for regular ice cream but that was just fine. As we got to the last few miles of the day, we came across a family handing out Hoodsie and Sundae cups. Jen tried to protest saying, “Oh, no thank you, I just had ice cream.” But the dad said, “How can you turn down a Hoodsie from a kid?”

Dad for the win! We all took cups. I got a fudge sundae cup. What was even cooler? A group of kids with trash bags a block or so later.

We ended up back at camp at 6:30, which was no surprise given we had fallen further and further behind at each pit stop, and pretty much closed lunch. Oh well. It’s not a race. I still showered before eating dinner. With both ice creams I wasn’t hungry in the least, and had had enough fluid that I was fairly confident I wouldn’t pass out nekkid in the showers. The only reason to be back at camp sooner is that you can take advantage of some of the activities. I spent dinner listening to the “3 Day Rock Star” finals and icing my feet while I ate. Jen went to visit the remembrance tent, and Wendy was with her daughter who was part of the youth corps. I grabbed fresh ice, and went back to the tent to call Dave and the kids and go to sleep. It still ended up being near 10:00 before we were tucked in. I slept like a rock, despite a 1:30 AM need to pee.

Quote of the day: “It’s gonna take me days to remember to flush!”

P.S. if you click on the pictures they get bigger. :)

Next- Day 3: Walking on Sunshine

The Komen 2009 Breast Cancer 3 Day, Day 1: Raindrops keep falling on my head

2009-07-28T11:03:00.016-04:00

"I'm a-walking in the rain
Tears are falling and I feel the pain…"

Walking in the rain is one thing. Walking in a monsoon is another. That’s what the weather was like last Friday morning as the sun rose over Farm Pond in Framingham, MA. We heard the meteorologists were calling it a nor’easter. Call it whatever you want, it was raining reeeeaaaally hard, and I along with 1500 women and men were about to walk 20 miles in it.

We made a sea of ponchos, cheering as we made our way out of the opening ceremonies and out onto Rt. 135. The ponchos keep you dry for the most part. However they don’t cover your sneakers. The problem with wet shoes in a situation like this is that moisture softens the skin of your feet. Moisture + friction = blisters. People were trying various unique ways of keeping their feet dry. There were inverted ziplocks taped to legs. Some used plastic grocery bags or baggies on the inside of their sneakers, and tied or banded around their ankles. Others planned ahead and bought those rubber foot condoms to put over their sneakers. Some abandoned sneakers altogether in favor of flip flops. That seemed risky to me. Plastic rubbing against wet skin, over, and over, and over with each step? Blister city of you ask me. Maybe if you had trail sandals like Teva or Reefs…

You wouldn’t believe what goes into caring for you feet for an event like this. Everyone kind of does something different. Key #1: change socks often, at least once if not twice a day. 2) Lubricate with Glide or Vasoline. 3) Add powder if necessary. The problem with last Friday was that you could change your socks as much as you wanted, if your sneakers were soaked, the socks would eventually get wet. Then there’s the type of sock; There’s the padding camp, vs. the lightweight, wicking camp. I went with padded socks and found out my feet were sweating too much. I ended up with heat rash, and some hot spots. A hot spot is when you notice a patch of skin getting red and warm from friction. You have to cover it to keep it from getting worse. I’ve been lucky enough to never have to deal with blisters on the walk. I’ve been militant about taking care of my feet. I think the majority of people who end up with debilitating blister problems actually haven’t been properly fitted for sneakers. You should actually be wearing them a ½ to a full size larger than your shoes. You should have plenty of toe room. Then you need to see what kind of support you need based on how your foot strikes the ground.

I did end up with a small blister on my big toe after the end of Day 2, but it didn’t cause me any grief.

I did find a walking partner: Wendy, who I met two years ago on a walk. She had no team this year, so she gladly joined mine. Together, we met Jen moments into the walk. She was walking alone, so we invited her to join us. I felt like I was paying it forward, as I had been adopted by Wendy and her friends when I was alone.

The rain was really awful, as was the wind. We hopped into the first D&D we saw because we needed the bathroom and knew the 1st pit stop would be crowded. Once the crowd starts to spread apart it gets a little easier. Reports had the rain stopping around 8:00 AM. I wasn’t holding my breath. It finally showed signs of slowing around 11:00. We passed a cheering station at the Star Market in Wellesley, and Wendy’s sister and kids were there handing out candy and cheering for us. Jus had hot chocolate! Mmmm.

Lunch wasn’t until like mile 12. It was after 1 o’clock by the time we got there. The rain had started again so they opened a gym at Lasell College in Newton. Got to take off the sneaks, stretch out, and use a real bathroom!! Whoot!

I tried putting pieces of plastic trash bags over my dry socks and under my sneakers. It made a lovely fashion statement. It lasted another 4 or 5 miles, then I ditched it. Too hot. I was steaming my feet.

The sun finally came out. Ponchos were tossed. The last mile to camp was up hill. I couldn’t believe we weren’t back at camp until 5:30. But the crew, Pink Angels, and Men With Heart were all there to cheer us on those last few yards.

Other highlights of Day 1:
The three somewhat-elderly men with pink pom-poms on their sneakers who kept appearing on the route to cheer. They gave us hugs toward the end on that last mile. They were there each day, in the morning and the evening.

Bertucci’s on Washington St, in Wellesley had staff outside with cups of ice water and fresh hot rolls for the walkers. It was a huge treat, as lunch was several miles and hours away!

Thank God for artificial turf. I can’t even imagine having to camp in the mud that would’ve existed on a normal athletic field.

Next: Day 2 “Sunshine on My Shoulders.

Breast Gal Walkin'

2009-07-23T18:58:00.000-04:00

The 3 Day is here!

Tomorrow morning I will be at Farm Pond in Framingham at 6:30 AM with 2000 of my new closest friends. We will embark on our 60 mile journey over 3 days to help raise money and awareness for breast cancer. I plan to blog and Facebook along the way, so please check in. There are cheering stations along the route, and I have listed them here. If you are around Friday or Saturday please consider coming by to show your support. Bring a hat, water and maybe even a beach chair! Let me know if you think you will come and I can give you an idea when I might be passing through the area.

Send sunny thoughts. Rain rain go away!

Cheering Stations
Public cheering stations are a great way to show your support along the route to encourage walkers and let them know that you are with them every step of the way. Seeing familiar faces cheering them on can provide that extra burst of energy that gets them to take that next step or go the next mile. Create banners, hold up signs, bring some music and make some noise - anything to make them smile, get energized and keep walking.

Friday, July 24:

9:00 am - 11:30 am
Hunnewell Playground
Parking at Stars Market, 448 Washington Street
Wellesley MA 02482

11:15 am - 3:00 pm
Learning Prep School
1507 Washington Street
Newton, MA 02465

Saturday, July 25:

10:15 am - 3:30 pm
YMCA-Greater Boston Area: North Suburban Family Branch‎
175 Lexington Street
Woburn, MA 01801

10:45 am - 4:00 pm
Lexington Town Center
Green Area next by the Buckman Tavern
(Massachusetts Avenue between Hancock Street & Meriam Street)
Lexington, MA 02420

11:30 am - 5:45 pm
Friendly’s Restaurant
1111 Lexington Street
Waltham, MA 02452

Sunday, July 26:

8:15 am - 11:15 am
Cambridge City Hall
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139

Cluck cluck

2009-07-09T21:49:00.002-04:00

I'm going to New York this weekend. As in "the City". I say that because to many people, just saying New York could mean "Upstate", and "Upstate" is not "the City". Though I suppose technically, New York could mean Long Island, but anyone going to Long Island would be from Long Island, and call it Long Island. (Pronouced: lawngeyeland.) Because Long Island is also not the "City."

And all of this is just a mindless preamble to a post about my lil' sister. You see, she has decreed the next month shall be "All Amy, all the time". ;-). Sissy understands the above paragraph. Actually, I remember visiting her office once, and they had transcribed literal spellings of common Tri-State area phrases, like "fugeddabowdit". (n.b. That was from memory, and not necessarily an actually New Yorker's spelling.)

Amy does epitomize New York. I've now lived up here longer than I ever lived in NYC. I lost most of my accent. I lost my walk. I lost that NYC swagger and mojo. Although in all honesty, I'm not sure I ever had any. Not like my sisters did anyway. Biggest Sissy could sell you the Brooklyn Bridge. Lil' Sissy would make sure you were happy with your purchase on the way out, making sure to tell you "how great your outfit was, by the way, and where did you get it?"

We are going to get sangria and chicken this weekend, at Pio Pio. Did you know that "pio pio" is the sound a chicken makes in Spanish? Amy taught me this. Also, apparently, her oldest daughter---who is 3, thinks the name of the restaurant is actually "Pio Pio-Rice-&-Beans". (I guess it's good she doesn't think the name of the restaurant is "Pio Pio-mas-sangria-por-favor".)

So, over sangria and rice and beans, Amy will supply me with insanely amusing anecdotes for me to blog about. Though we also have to do the Celebrity Death Watch.

Mama say, mama sah, mama koo sah

2009-06-28T20:30:00.002-04:00

It was a Princess Di moment. It was that big. He was that big. And unfortunately because of everything that happened in the last 15 years that impact somehow became diminished. After that point he went through life almost encouraging the farcical image the world has begun to have of him.

But I remember sitting on Terri's stoop in 1979, listening to my copy of "Off the Wall". I was a still a total disco babe then, listening to Disco 92 and Jay Thomas in the morning. I loved that album. I think I loved it more than Thriller. But now if you ask me, I think Thriller has more hits I like.

Sissy Amy called me last Thursday afternoon. I was running around like a nut, trying to get the kids the carnival and pack up my stuff to fund raise for the walk at the same time. I had just talked to her like an hour or two ago.

"Hey, what?" I asked, as I answered the phone.
"So, does Michael Jackson dying trump Farrah?"
"...WTF are you talking about??"

I put on CNN while she said TMZ was reporting he was dead, and with all the little shit reporters they have everywhere they were usually always right.

Bizarre. And surreal. Because it was the furthest thing from your mind. Not that I should really give a shit, because he was a musician far removed from my everyday life but still...

It was a Princess Di kind of moment. This icon of a generation---my generation. Michael Jackson--- who defined music videos; who was appointment television before there were DVR's. He was the man who pushed the envelope, who inspired fashion, not to mention countless performers to come after him. I listened to Justin Timberlake's "Future Love Sex Sounds" and said, "he's totally copying 80's Michael Jackson."

And while my kids seem to "get it", I can tell they don't. And that is when I realized. I am over forty years old, and I have over decades watched as "legends" of stage and screen died. I've watched retrospectives and said, "awe". Paul Newman, Bea Arthur, and countless others have had their obits published in recent years. But while I could appreciate their talents and impact on entertainment, I didn't live through their comet blaze across the sky. Those of us born after 1965 watched the taillights of the baby boomer generation's entertainers fade to black. But they didn't belong to us. MJ belonged to us. He was disco, pop, and MTV. He was an Elvis for the 80's. He is to my kids what Elvis was to me.

He's the first one we've lost. Him and Farrah- who launched a million young boy's fantasies. Who inspired a hairstyle decades before Jennifer Anniston. And not withstanding what happened in this man's troubled life, the impact he had on pop music and culture is immeasurable.

One TV analyst said, "But, could you really imaging Michael Jackson being 80 years old?" And no I couldn't. Not that that's any justification for a life shattered by drama, abuse, and most likely drug addiction. His soul at least is at rest. And God knows, he had a lot of it.

Interesting Tidbit of the day

2009-06-15T06:48:00.002-04:00

Did you know the internets are not kosher?!!! It’s true. Your average, uber-orthodox, Jewish friends can’t surf the Web like you and I do, because while searching for a licensed plumber they might stumble across an ad for low mortgage rates with a woman dancing back and forth for no apparent reason, or pictures of T.V.s and other assorted instruments of pleasure not allowed in the orthodox universe. Que Horror!

That has all changed now, my friends, with the introduction of “Koogle”.

A play on words with the fabulous noodle dish and Google, the site “omits religiously objectionable material, such as most photographs of women which Orthodox rabbis view as immodest”. And of course, there is no posting or shopping on the Sabbath. Koogle won’t let you.

Damn. Now I want Kugel.

(Reuters)

Grub and booze

2009-06-12T09:16:00.002-04:00

I’m trying to decide between cleaning the house, and walking 10 miles. I suppose I could clean the house first, then walk, but that’s only marginally less taxing on my body and psyche. I also need to come up with a design for my “team” tee shirts, and get in touch with Wendy, my lone teammate. Not too mention fund raise more. Crap it’s only 6 weeks to the event!

We went to a wine tasting last night to benefit the library. Maintaining the town library has always been important to me. It always seems to be the thing that has to take cuts, and has been asking for upgrades for ages and never gets approval. It was held at Oak Grove Farm, and pretty much everyone there was as old as the historic farm. After tasting six or eight wines, of which three were decent, we high-tailed it over to our favorite bistro for an little shot of ~~martini~~ vitality. And a lobster fig pizza. Seriously good stuff.

Here are some wine rec’s, some from last night, and a few that I’ve read about and had recently.

Crios Torrontes-2008 from Argentina, a nice rich white that would pair well with appetizers and a seafood dinner. $12

Pine and Post- a Washington state label- This is a bargain. It’s a $9 3 for $25 special that pretty good, especially for the party/BBQ season. Try the Chardonnay and Merlot.

Altovinum Evodia 2007: is 100% Spanish Garnacha grape, and for $12 another really nice drinkable red for steaks, burgers, etc.

Sleeping on the interstate

2009-06-09T16:06:00.003-04:00

Training for this walk is time consuming. Walking miles and miles can be very boring. You do some with friends, but even your closest, physically fit friends don’t want to go 8-10 miles with you.

Even with the music going, your mind has little to do but think about things. I spend many mornings pondering what I have to do once I get home and shower. I mentally tick off a grocery list. Then there is the introspection that comes with solitude, which isn’t always wanted. I get to obsess over how I’m ruining my kids lives, why aren’t you writing or blogging anymore, blah blah.

I have to try to plan my walks so every 3 or 4 miles I pass somewhere to pee, or buy more water if I am out. Usually I make Dunkin Donuts the last stop before home so I can grab an iced coffee for the last mile and a quarter.

One thing about walking around town is that you notice more things than you do driving. I’ve enjoyed people’s gardens and the seeing different variety of flowers. I’ve discovered houses I never new existed set way back off the road. Unfortunately I’ve seen more roadkill than one person needs to in a lifetime, a gross variety of flattened garden snakes, squished chipmunks, skunks in the middle of the road… I wonder who cleans that up? Or does it just sit there until the wildlife takes care of it?

Speaking of wildlife, our neighborhood has a coyote. Fun huh?

See this is why I’m not writing or blogging. This post is supremely boring. Bonus points for the song the post title comes from.

Man I suck

2009-05-29T19:55:00.002-04:00

So I get all apologetic about not posting, and then make this big deal about revamping the blog, and promising I'll post everyday.

Yeah right. I wouldn't believe me either anymore. The killer is, I waste more time bitch slapping stupid people who comment on news stories at Boston.com. Time and energy I could be writing those same thoughts here.

The thing is, the stupid people don't read them here. I don't have an audience. What's an attention whore to do?

Have faith in herself that's what!

I can write.
I write well.
I can get an audience.
I need to start writing again.
I should keep a journal.
Maybe that novel will eventually appear.

School is almost out. 'Tis both a curse and a blessing as many of you with school-age children know. The lack of alarm and the lure of the mattress. The lazy days, but alas, you also have to feed them lunch. But... we have a new pool going in. We have WiFi and laptops. Sweetness.

Now all I need is a pool boy... ;-)

Rocky Mountain High

2009-04-12T20:10:00.002-04:00

First of all, no one warned me that when my $40 Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer traveled from Boston to 10,000 ft above sea level it was going to erupt like Mount St. Helens. There was no stopping it. It poured all over my hands, the counter, and the sink basin. Same for my travel night cream.

So, while my skin may not have been beautiful, (after burning even with SPF 55 on) the scenery was. I couldn't get over the moutains. White-peaked, and stone faced against the bluebird sky---they were breathtaking. I could've looked at them all day. But that would've made it hard to ski without crashing into something or someone. hee hee. I think one run from top to bottom was more than I ski in the morning at Sunday River! I did some steep bump runs and felt really good.

The snow was amazing. The first day we got there, there was about 4-5 fresh inches. It made it hard for the kids to practice their events, but me and my MissDemeanors loved it. With three kids compting in almost all the events they were elegible for, my skiing was pretty limited, but we grabbed some runs in when we could. I made it to the top of Copper, but never got down the back bowls. I took some tree runs with the Littlest One. Thought I was going to die, as usual. But I made it out unscathed and triumphant. Took a steep bump run off the rim with hubby---it was a blast!.

When we weren't skiing we were hanging out in Copper's Center Village, either listening to awards, (of which Maine grabbed several! More to come...) or drinking beers and margaritas. It was very cool than the kids all pretty much hung out with each other---either at someone's condo watching movies, or at the Woodward gymnastics center, and the grown-ups could socialize.

Tomorrow I will give a full wrap up of how the kids did, how The Maine Mountain Series did, and oodles of pics and video.

Off to Copper, CO!

2009-04-03T08:21:00.002-04:00

I'm headed for a Rocky Mountain High folks. For those of you who don't know (as I have been shouting it to the roof tops) Dave and the kids are competing in the USASA National Championships in Snowboarding. The plane leaves this afternoon!

Send super good vibes for my East Coast competitors who tend to have the deck stacked against them vs. their western mountain counterparts who are on the snow many more months of the year and can train more. I will most certainly update the blog and Facebook with news, photos, and video!

xoxo
G.

Walking the Walk

2009-03-26T14:31:00.002-04:00

I'm doing it again.

I didn't do it last year, and I regretted it. But life was really hectic with the move.

It is the Breast Cancer 3Day Walk to benefit the Susan G Komen for the Cure. This amazing event has over 1000 people, women and men walking 60 miles over three days. We live, camp and eat together. It is a blast-- well, as much as punishing your body like that can be...

As a woman at risk, with a daughter, this cause is important to me. I have added the donation "widget" to my side bar. Please click the link and donate if you can. Even better? Walk with me. This year, I finally did it and registered as "Team Tough Titties". LOL If I can do it, you can. The training can be time consuming, and the fund raising a little intimidating, but it's all worth it. I think there will be a team training blog too, that I will link here.

Cheers!

Obama, Leno, and Wingnut hypocrisy

2009-03-20T13:11:00.001-04:00

Ugh! Obama was NOT making fun of Special Olympians!!! The comment referred to the way Leno “patronizingly” praised Obama’s admittedly poor bowling score. Like you would reinforce the work of someone challenged.

People need to get real. You know, for years conservatives have been harping on liberals being the “PC” police, yet all this umbrage over this? Give me a big fat effing break. Score another #1 on the Hypocrite Hit Parade. I would wager more than half of the people getting all outraged over this haven’t even seen the interview, they are just hearing about it after it’s been distorted three ways from Sunday.

I hate hypocrites. It’s like the people who jump on the bandwagon to protest some purportedly “controversial” book or movie that they haven’t read or seen. People vehemently apposed to abortion but have no issue with capital punishment or how many soldiers and Iraqi people have been killed since the war started.

In other news I had a great shift at work last night. If you leave out the part where my car got towed. Who would think to look for a parking rules sign at a meter????

Probably my last weekend at Sunday River for the season. Ciao!

My Favorite Things

2009-03-16T20:07:00.004-04:00

Look under your computers! Everyone reading gets their own goody bag!

Yeah ok, not. But I would if I could.

You've heard of "products queens"? I am a self-proclaimed "product whore." I could spend 4 hours in Sephora and rack up a bill to rival Imelda's shoe budget. And I've been meaning to share the love, at least in terms of reviews, even if I can't give you all a tube of Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment.

Some of this stuff is a little pricey, but people who tell you there's no difference between this and drug store brand? They're lying. Or they don't wear make-up or use moisturizer. And recession be damned, you should not be skimping on yourself in terms of looks. There's job interviewers to impress, or you know maybe in some cases Sugar-Daddys to seduce. So here are some of my favorite products and "must haves".

Pevonia Botanica is a line of spa products that I discovered getting facials at Bella Skin in Newton. (Love that place!) Like most skin care companies, they have various lines based on aging, acne, moisturizing based on need. The first thing of theirs I tried was their sunscreen. I was looking for something that was more than 15 and better for my aging, big pored, adult acne proned skin. I wear the Hydrating Sunscreen every day, unless it's pouring rain. It's not greasy, it acts as a daily moisturizer and gives me the SPF 30 I want. Then I took home a sample of the Hydrating Cleanser that the esthetician used for my facial. You really don't know the meaning of "soft, and no residue" until you use this and then go back to a drug store cleanser for a weekend because that's what you have up in the Maine vacation house. I was like, "ick" after using the "Oil of Olay" foaming daily cleanser. I have tried a dozen cleansers over my adult life and I have to say, I love this stuff. (I was about to type that I will never use another, but I realized I am lying...as evidenced further in the post.) Work a quarter sized amount onto dry skin with wet fingertips and rinse with a clean washcloth. Finally, Pevonia's Age-Defying Marine Collagen Cream is a joy to put on morning and night.

Another skin care line I really like is Philosophy. Their products smell amazing. Their best know item is probably "hope in a jar". It was a Sephora "Best of" winner last year. I tried this stuff. It's not for heavy moisturizing, or anti-aging, but it is really soothing to the skin. I love it when my skin is irritated from sun or wind. It's like a mousse that is instantly absorbed. The Purity made simple skin cleanser is a bargain, and also very gentile that leaves little residue.

One of my issues was I had a lot of sun damage and hyper pigmentation. I did some micro-derm abrasion to try to get rid of it. It didn't really get at too much. Before taking the next step to laser treatment, I took the advice of the esthetician and tried vitamin C. I was always skeptical about that, because I knew it was very unstable, and any product that claimed to have vitamin C to help your skin aging probably had very little by way of concentration to have any benefit. Well, Philosophy has this turbo booster C powder. You dissolve a scoopful in your favorite serum (such as Philosophy's "when hope is not enough firming and lifting serum") and you have a way to fade age spots, and lighten brown, blotchy skin. And it works! It took a few weeks, like 4 maybe, but I saw a difference in my skin. The next thing I buy from them is "eye believe" and "hope in a tube" eye and lip firming cream. I got a sample and it was really rich and soothing.

Ok. This post is way long now, and I know the average attention span has grown brief in this age. So...

To be continued...

The crazies

2009-03-10T17:48:00.003-04:00

I know I said I was going to write about product rec's, but this caught my eye:

SURVIVAL SEEDS--Plant a full acre survival garden!

Now, this is my blog, so I get to comment however I want without the urge to be politically correct. It's the beauty of the internet. And God knows they do it enough, so...

These extreme Right wing, neocon, wignuts are flipping lunatics. Here are some choice excerpts from the website to illustrate my very judgmental opinion:
You don’t have to be an Old Testament prophet to see what’s going on all around us. A belligerent lower class demanding handouts. A rapidly diminishing middle class crippled by police state bureaucracy. An aloof, ruling elite that has introduced us to an emerging totalitarianism which seeks control over every aspect of our lives.

As the meltdown progresses, one of the first things to be affected will be our nation’s food supply. Expect soaring prices along with moderate to severe shortages by spring. If you don’t have the ability to grow your own food next year, your life may be in danger.

Could you and your family get off the grid and survive in a panic? Do you have enough seeds to plant a survival garden and feed your family? Do you have the right kind of seeds to plant? If you’re answering no to these questions, you need to stop wherever you are and ask yourself… “What would I do if the grocery stores closed?” The answer sadly is that you’d probably go hungry.

And so it goes. Are you envisioning the Branch Davidians hunkering down with stockpiles of ammo, guns, and 16 year-old girls to marry off to older cousins? W.T.F. There are unfortunately, way too many of these people for my comfort. I hope the ATF and DEA are keeping tabs on these people.

Comments

2009-03-09T21:06:00.002-04:00

Are fixed for now. Not sure if more than two of you out there care. I guess the whole "embed at the bottom of the post doesn't work. Sorry J. Back to the pop-up window, since I hate navigating away from the page.

My word on just about everything

2009-03-09T13:44:00.002-04:00

What else is a blog, right? So in order to get over my "blogger's block" I have re-vamped the layout (feedback solicited to the left). So here we go. Not So Desperate is back---bigger and better than ever. Some business on the agenda:

I backed up my old template, not understanding that the data in the little "page layout" widgets would not be saved. If you remember some links I had, and should have back, please remind me. If you want to be linked please tell me.

I want my readers back, and some. So please keep coming, tell your friends if you'd think they like the blog. I will be writing regularly again, and adding features.

Coming soon: The self-proclaimed product queen tells you some of my favorite items.

This place needs a makover

2009-03-08T15:01:00.002-04:00

I just looked over Blogger's templates and they are the same sorry shit they had like 2 years ago. What's up with that?

I'll have to summon up some Google mojo. In the meantime, what's new? Anyone been laid off recently? Had your 401K plummet? Finished any knitting projects? I am being the queen of procrastination. Sort of. I have been keeping up with house and kid stuff, but today, when I have free, quiet time, I am like, I should write! I should blog! I should knit! So naturally I just started surfing the news and getting sucked into wignut vs. liberal political commentary. But I'm weaning myself off I swear. I can to blog instead. Well, I came to putz around with my design, unsuccessfully. So I decided to write a brief love note, to the six or so people who still drop by. I am gradually stepping back into the writing of commentary, rather than reading it.

Promise.

I know, I sound like an abusive boyfriend, all talk. But I will.

Sick, stink, stank.

2009-01-14T11:51:00.002-05:00

I cleaned out the refrigerator this morning and I almost threw up in my mouth. That is the downside to buying fancy, expensive, tupperware---you can't just toss it out when the leftover Spaghetti-O's have three inches of black, furry growth on them. The Gladware from supermarket on the other hand, if I find it in the back of the fridge and have no idea when the last time I looked in it was, it's in the trash without even opening it fast than you can say, "penicillin"!

Ed Hale, Joseph Farah, and Berg vs. Obama; The Freaks and the future of Neo-Nazi America

2009-01-09T21:24:00.006-05:00

Remember a few months (and 3 posts) back when I wrote about all these Freepers and freaks who had this venomous hatred for our now President-elect Barack Obama? These people are still out there. And some of them are obsessed with preventing Obama from being inaugurated on 1/20/09. Seriously, it's like their life's mission, and I cannot for the life of me fathom what drives someone to hate that much. To say things like, "He's not my president. He never will be. I will not obey any law he signs" or to spend your entire life to filing lawsuits to the Supreme Court begging them to listen to your nutty theories on how Obama was really born in Kenya and isn't omg-a-natural-born-citizen-and-we-are-shredding-the-CONSTITUTIONOFTHEUNITEDSTATES!!1!!!1!!!!!. WHY WONT HE SHOW HIS REAL BIRTH CERTIFICATE OMGOMGOMGOMG.

Well I can.~~(racism)~~ But you can't say such things or else people get thier backs up over it. Then they say things like, "I fighted for civil rights for those negroes I'm no racist." "He's a big fraud and Hillary should've been the nominee!"

I want to mention names only so maybe it'll come up on Google. Ed Hale is a freak who has been scamming people's money and claimed he had PROOF GOADAMMIT that Obama was born in Kenya. But apparently the big reveal was an epic fail. He also said he had a tape of Michelle Obama hating on America. He also claims he killed Bigfoot.

Joseph Farah runs World Net Daily. "an independent news company dedicated to uncompromising journalism, seeking truth and justice and revitalizing the role of the free press as a guardian of liberty. We remain faithful to the traditional and central role of a free press in a free society – as a light exposing wrongdoing, corruption and abuse of power." Translated: a bunch of racists Jesus freaks who whore themselves out for Ann Coulter and will pay FedEx to send your letter to the Supreme Court beseeching them them to stop NOBAMA from becoming President because it will throw the universe into chaos. And increase your taxes.

Philip J. Berg is another freak who is obsessed with proving that Obama is not NATURAL BORN GODDAMIT. Because Obama's father was British. And his mother was American. So you can't be both OBVIOUSLY. There's proof she didn't live in Hawaii long enough and beside she birfted baby Barry in Kenya anyway so he's not NATURAL BORN. Those Hawaiians aren't REAL AMERICANS anyway. Not like those red-blooded Texans or Oklahoman's right? POI isn't in the BIBLE. Anyway, Berg is honoring his brother who I gather must have hated Obama too, or must have been another REAL AMERICAN.

You know what I have to say to you freak???? GROW THE FUCK UP. YOU LOST. OBAMA WON. SUCK IT. TAKE OFF THE TIN FOIL HAT AND TAKE YOUR MEDS. And for the love of God and all things holy, stop sending my father all those propaganda emails!!!!

All caps is really obnoxious isn't it? That's how we feel when you do it. Especially when you throw in a few THANK THE LORDs and GOD BLESS AMERICAs too.

I laugh when you rant on about the "Main Stream Media" ignoring the story and us all following blindly like sheep. Oh the irony. Keep reading World Net Daily. How's that ~~manipulating~~working out for you?

You know why no one is reporting on this? Why no one will listen to you? Why the networks refused to air your stupid youtube spot? BECAUSE THERE IS NO STORY. THE SUPREME COURT SAYS TO LEAVE THEM THE FUCK ALONE!!!!

You can't even play Little League without a birth certificate. Never mind go to school, get a driver's license, get a PASSPORT, run for CONGRESS... how on Earth did this man exist for the last 30 years without a VALID BIRTH CERTIFICATE????? OH but the conspiracy started back then, in 1961. The "MSM"(Main Stream Media) was warned Obama was the MESSIAH. Coaches and schools turned a blind eye. The state department let him travel overseas. If he was born in Kenya and had some sooper sekrit sealed Kenyan birft certificate he would've needed a VISA to be in the USofA. THERE ISNT ONE! If he was born in Kenya, and Moma Obama filed in Hawaii the COLB(Certification of Live BIRTH) would have to say "Place of Birth, KENYA" IT SAYS HONA-FUCKING-LULU!!! Or the state of freaking Hawaii would be LYING!!!! Oh but they must be in on the whole conspiracy.

I seriously want to slap all of these people with a giant wet noodle, like Sister Barabara would.

I am not some "obamabot". But get serious in your concerns and criticisms people. If you want to be taken seriously.

Fine, I'm blogging ok????!!1!!1!

2009-01-08T21:37:00.002-05:00

I have bloggers block, ok? It's like writer's block except that instead of being unable to come up with a plot, you feel intense pressure to write something funny and/or witty. It must be interesting enough to make people care to read. For a while I really had some great stuff. I had readership. Then... I dunno. My hits dropped. I felt self-conscious.

I need to get over it.

I need to just use this platform to write, bitch, inform, recommend... It may not be pretty. It may be grammatically incorrect. I will make every effort, but stream of consciousness is one of my favorite things.

Welcome to my head. mwahahahaha

I swear, while I agonized over what to post, the only thing I could come up with was, "Why do I feel I need to look away when my dog takes a shit?" It felt like something Jobee would say. I mean that in all sincerity because I worship the blog she types on. And right now she's in France so she won't see this.

So I will tell you a brief kid story. It was sometime this fall. I was driving my daughter to religious ed, and had NPR's All Things Considered on the radio. They were discussing some farmer somewhere that apparently had advertised to give away food off his fields to people if they brought containers and picked it themselves. We came in mid-report so I didn't get all the details. The gist of it all was they were overwhelmed by the number of people that came. R asked what they were talking about, likewise trying to follow the story in the middle of it.

"This man grew all these vegetable and then just let people come and pick them." I told her.

"Well that's stupid," was the response I got.

I confess I was a bit horrified at that attitude. "Well, times are hard. People need help and it's near Christmas and this man gave people food. I think that's a wonderful thing," I told her.

"Well, I would've at least done a 'buy 2 get 1 free' deal".

Watch out world. My daughter means business.

Tomorrow I will discuss freaks that still think Obama is some illegal-alien-Muslim-anti-Christ.

Rock the boat

2008-11-08T21:07:00.002-05:00

I accidentally put eyeliner on my eyebrows this morning instead of the brow pencil. I was like, "whoa, why is that so dark?" Then I looked down at my hand when I went to put it back. I left it, and just went out looking like Joan Crawford for the day.

I was just going to the soccer field. It was one of those marathon days, with Biggest One being a referee at 10:30, Girlie's game at 11:45, and Littlest One's at 1:00. The athletes went 1-1.

So big changes in the world. I had hope for a while, but I still see so much bitterness around the Web, thinly guised xenophobia, that it makes me sad and mad.

I am hosting Thanksgiving. :) I have done Christmas for the past, oh like 7 or 8 years but this is the first time my NYC family is coming up to MA and letting me host them. So far I am trying to plan a yummy dinner with classic and updated sides, but not make myself nuts either. Once I have the whole menu down I'll post it. We went out and bought this cool soup tureen, because we want to have a soup course. Hubby has taken the reins of this. He will make the dinner rolls too.

My house is near silent. We just got back from Barnes and Nobel and everyone is reading. Can't beat that.

I promise to try to blog more. I swear. Tell all your friends to come back.

I have hope

2008-10-27T08:44:00.003-04:00

Not Obama hope. Well I have that too, but after watching all this viral video of McCain rallies and thinking the country is going down the toilet in a civil war on Nov 5th, I hear a story that restores my faith in humanity.

http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/wfaa/latestnews/stories/wfaa081026_mo_auctionangels.151177f7c.html

DALLAS - Two strangers were brought together by a leap of faith and one piece of property that was among 200 North Texas homes up for auction at the Dallas Convention Center.

While the misfortune of others lured hundreds of bargain hunters to the foreclosure auction, Tracy said she came to find closure. The mother took her seat among a sea of investors and strangers to say goodbye to her Pottsboro home, which is located just west of Denison.

"It means so much to all of us," she said of her home that she lost to foreclosure. "It's not just a house."

At the fast-paced and energetic event, Tracy's tears did not go unnoticed.

"She was crying and I asked her what she was upset about," said Marilyn Mock, of Rockwall.

When Tracy's home, "Number 73," came up for auction, Mock raised her hand and bid. With no picture of the property in the auction book, Mock had only Tracy's word on the home's worth.

"Don't ya get it? Potter's not selling! Potter's buying!"

2008-10-10T09:53:00.003-04:00

When pondering right wing conservatives that say, "Obama's for socialism!" this scene from "It's A Wonderful Life" came to my mind. Like Potter, some might say Bush and congress "bought" the banks. While George Bailey, a man of the people, who wanted everyone to have an "affordable house", got everyone to "share the wealth" when times were tough.

Not quite the same thing I know. But the intentions of most liberal ideas are noble, and good. Government is just too big to execute them properly. Good grief, could BOTH political parties, in their purest sense mind you, not the radical fringes, have it right? If only they would put the gloves down instead of taking them off. The drive for absolute power has absolutely corrupted. Washington (as in George) was right.

Got Hate?

2008-10-06T10:52:00.005-04:00

Remember when we thought that the 2004 presidential election was the most divided our country has ever been? Good times, yo.

Glenn Beck at CNN.com posted an op-ed piece last week that struck me. (link provided should you care to read.) In it, he was "writing America" from the future, warning us what will happen if we don't hold our politicians accountable. He also spoke about how partisan politics are becoming our our own worst enemy. He gave a quote from our very first president, George Washington, who hated the idea of political parties. Here's what he said about them in his 1796 farewell speech:

"The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries which result gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of public liberty."

From Beck's piece: "I know that George had a habit for using big words, so allow me to translate into 2008 English: Political parties that put their own success over that of the country's will be the death of America.

If you don't believe him yet, just wait a few more years...you're about to see firsthand how right he was. After all, if power corrupts, then the kind of absolute power gained by political parties (and feared by Washington) corrupts absolutely."

I have been following all the news stories for a few weeks now, and the "comments" the American "populous" is responding with. If these people are any kind of majority then I'm truly afraid of our country's chances for change. Here are a few examples of my favorites:

From Chicago Sun Times:

By Joni on October 5, 2008 10:12 PM

Revalations chapter 13 tells us it is 42 months, and that is almost a 4 year President term. According to the Book of REVELATIONS the Anti-Christ is: According to the book of REVELATIONS THE ANTI-CHRIST IS: " the Anti-Christ will be a man, in his 40's, of MUSLIN descent, who will decieve the nations with persuasive language, and have a MASSIVE Christ-like appeal.... the prophecy says people will flock to him and he will promise false hope and world peace, and when he is in POWER, will destroy everything." Anyone you can think of running for office offering a change, that is what will happen and much more. YOU LIBERALS read the BIBLE and don't just say this is just REGILION talk. Because all I can say is THANK GOD I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST AND MAY THE LORD HAVE MERCY ON US ALL.

By BG on October 5, 2008 11:04 PM

Wow, the first comment on here by DEMOCRAT 08 is the definition of a negro-loving stupid white pussy mentality that has gotten this country into significant trouble in the last 15 years. Please, move to Canada, or better yet, Kenya or South Africa where you will be beaten to a pulp for having such silly viewpoints that go against your own country.

From The Boston Herald: (not surprising)

trixie1223:
PS: Obama thinks it's okay to let babies die who have survived abortion. Nice guy, heh?

bramwell:
One of the basics of civilization is the family - a man and woman naturally procreative. The Democrats policies are anti-civilizational. They loathe Palin because of her fruitfulness. Even cavemen would look at Dems notions with derision.

straighttalker:
Doubting Tom, you are right. Everyone else, there is no way Fauxbama thought of this first. he's a total self centered dope. he was one of the buffoons taking tons of dough from freddie mac and fannie mae. get a grip. mccain wanted to do something to regulate those crooks in 05, but Fauxbama.....did nothing! in case you all forgot, he's done NOTHING significant while in the senate--besides vote present the majority of the time. Yeah, a real bold leader. And now he and his diahhrea of the mouth running mate, lyin Joe Biden, can't even get their stories straight and are bickering....yeah, that really inspires confidence.

nononobama: (he's one of my favorites, but the older stories where he was at his hating best are archived now.)
The Obamabots are strangely silent. They must be waiting for talking points from Obamabot Command.

oonce
Is Barak Hussein Obama bringing his teleprompter?

Chrissy
I'm glad your "messiah" is keeping his azz out of DC we don't need another Democrat trying to give all these lazy mofo's who borrowed money wayyy beyond their means a free ride, the CEO's severance pay and the rest of the perks that go along with running their companies into the ground. You think the Democrats will come up with a real solution that will benefit the real people("us") that are going to be paying for this? They're not bailing these companies out they want to buy them. This means "we" will own them and that's it. Your not going to see any money come our way. The Democrats want big government what a convenient way to get their hands in the door hu? OWNING & RUNNING the biggest institutions in the country. If the package passes the way it is now you better hold on cuz the rides not over and it's going to get worse. By your standards the Republicans can't do anything right, well by my standards neither party can do anything right. This didn't happen over night they knew about it all and used it as a bargaining chip to get the "messiah" elected President.

bobaboie
McCain once by a large margin 10-1. Barry Hussein Obama, where was your trusted teleprompter? Obama did not answer any of this questions. He mindlessly wandered. He looked like he has ADD. Empty suit with the teleprompter. Ask about Al-Queda, and he ends up talking about his spending package. What a loser. And we does he always cop an accent when he ways "Back-is-stan" (pakistan). He lived with Paki muslims in college (at least one was an illegal). We where hopeful that the anti-american 1960's drug-addled hippies would just fade away. The reality is that 300 of them are grooming Obama to be their legacy, the next-gen radical, but this time, rather than unshaven, smelly hippies, we have the (Saul Alinsky) strategy of communism via Harvard lawyers.

(and a two-fer from “bobaboie” since he provides such good material)
…got communism? Then vote for B. Hussein Obama, an empty suit, inexperienced, and will not protect the US and our constitution. Sixites radicals and terrorists want Obama elected. That says a lot. Can you imagine Barney Frank, who is a villian in the Fannie/Freddie mac crisis, as Secrtary of Treasury. Can you imagine the breck girl, I mean John Edward, an ambulance chasing plaintiff attorny as Attorney General. Can you imagine lazy John Kerry, as sectrary of state where he will work for the UN, not the US. Can you imagine (dis-barred accused rapist) Bill Clinton as supreme court justice. Obamas cabinet would look like a Howard Stern Whack-Pack!

From The Boston Globe:

“thinblu” (racism is still alive and well in New England. I bet this guy was throwing rocks at buses in Southie back in the 70's)
I will tell you who JSP (joe six-pack) is. He is a fellow who used to subscribe to the Boston Globe when they were a viable and meaningful entity in the daily lives of hard working people in the greater Boston area. Now that your paper is run by the leftist elites who are so much smarter than we peons, we Joe Six Packs called and cancelled our subscriptions since we are not interested in your daily directions in the realm of political correctness. We are not interested in supporting the aberration of homosexuality and we know that no matter where they live together in every city and town in America Blacks commit crime and it is out of control and we move and take our children with us so they are not subjected to "diversity". There are an awful lot of us out here. The Globe elites call us racists and homophobes and refer to us as the less educated or stupid, in other words. We do know how to use a computer and are going there in droves to find a truthful representation of what is happening in our world. We don't support killing babies and know that being pro choice really means that you are pro abortion. Being as stupid as we are, we should probably only get a quarter of a vote or maybe we should not be allowed to vote at all since we will not be making the right choices.

Jkite:
if Obama wins, it'll be plain and simple. taxes will go up, the ountry will continue its downward spiral towards socialism, and liberals will rejoice. therefore, and sadly, i guess Obama winning just means more of the status quo...

kitkat100:
spoken like a true apparatchik! It's really dickheaded, dense dumb people who will vote for a vapid Obummer and the corrupt Democratic party who gave us this current economic nightmare.

Iznuz:
Left wing dribble. It is surprising that Hussein only leads by 9 points considering the free 24/7 advertising he gets from the Globe/Times/CNN.
Bottom line: this crisis was created by liberals and the Republicans are blasted for trying to fix it.
Be careful what you wish for liberals; the Messiah will impose a new tax on your limosines and wine.

Damn-Nation-2:
Why do I do this, why do I fall for this stuff? I hate the Globe, I hate Obama, I hate Obama supporters.
No cannot say "dislike"...."Hate" is the only appropriate term.
Why do I respond to this media candy give-a-way.
Sorry Obama supporters, I have to go to work now so you can give live off a third of my "earned" income.

Boomers_rock_2:
John McCain will win in the biggest landslide you have ever seen. All those "quiet" voters will make their voices heard where it counts, in the voting booth.

Cheers John; as I watch you kick "NoBammas" tail in tonight's "debate".

Outrage!

2008-09-29T10:36:00.004-04:00

Clarion Fund: Pro-McCain Non-profit Group Fueling Politics of Fear
The Clarion Fund is a 501 c(3) non-profit organization that apparently supports Senator John McCain for president. Why "apparently"? The Clarion Fund is responsible for paying newspapers around the United States to distribute an anti-Islam documentary...
View more »

This is outrageous. Just when I thought I couldn't be more frustrated with the state of American politics, I hear this story. The fear-mongering continues, with this propaganda DVD inserted into newspapers in contested swing states. The movie, titled "Obsession" shows how "radical Islam" is targeting Americans and how we're all in danger. The idea being to scare voters into voting for McCain. Because, you all know how Obama is a Muslim and is going to turn us all into Socialists.[/sarcasm]

Well, coincidentally, someone in Dayton, Ohio (a place where the video was distributed) sprayed a chemical irritant into the window of a mosque celebrating Ramadan. The room was filled with children and women watching them while the service was going on. Nice. Let's gas the babies before they grow up to be suicide bombers, right?[/more sarcasm]

And this isn't even the whole basis for my outrage today. It's the fact that this story has gotten ZILCH for major media coverage, only political blogs like The Huffington Post, (Chris Rodda's piece is great) and The Daily Kos.

So felt the need to tell people about it.

Debate

2008-09-26T22:50:00.004-04:00

CNN has this "audience reaction" graph on the bottom of the screen during this presidential debate. For the most part it looked like this:

This has to be the most anti-climatic debate I've ever watched. After all the grandstanding and expectations... Obama stuttered and tried to sound informed with rhetoric. McCain, God help me sounded informed with intentions.

I want to go live in the woods off the land. With my hairdryer and internet.

Have you ever been to "I can has cheezeburger?"

2008-09-25T13:06:00.001-04:00

more animals

Judi, you must go if you haven't. LOL

OMGWTF??????

2008-09-24T11:54:00.003-04:00

I'm shocked!!

LIAR LIAR pants on fire!

Ok. enough. I just wanted an excuse to be sarcastic about something other than the GOP or the Federal Reserve. I'm taking a load off with a cup of coffee before I shower. Yes it's noon, but I finally got the basement clean and almost unpacked and organized. Now I'm going to look at clothes from Kokoon. There's a rep in Medfield having an open house today. I really like the clothes; they're comfortable, and stylish, and easy to layer.

I promise house pictures soon!

For everything else

2008-09-13T16:36:00.000-04:00

Tank of gas: $75
Mets tee shirts: $50
Seeing them play one of the last games at Shea Stadium with your two sissy poos: Priceless

Red Sox!

2008-09-10T19:32:00.001-04:00

See that ledge??? We are sitting in the FRONT ROW of the Green Monster seats!!!! OMG Please Papi hit a Homer!

Semptember morn

2008-09-07T09:50:00.002-04:00

Not mourn mind you. We did make it home from Provincetown, in case anyone was wondering. The boat didn't capsize in the raging seas of Massachusetts Bay. However despite using protection we again had two out of three episodes of emesis. (Wow, my spellcheck doesn't know that word.) We actually broke up the sail home into two legs: we went to Scituate on Sunday, stayed the night and went to Boston the next morning. It was against the wind both days. Ugh. Monday was beautiful though. Plus everyone got a full dose of Dramamine, even Littlest One before we left. None of this "let's give half to start and not zonk everyone." They all thanked me for it, and rode the bow the whole way home.

School started with an uneventful bang. The girls and I celebrated over coffee. The new house is starting to look more empty of boxes. We are having a weekend of power-unpacking. The garage I can't say the same of. Must deal with that before the snow flies. The man is home doing manly things---using his drill to hang towel bars and putting plate covers back on all the plugs and switches. I'll post some pics soon.

Pilgrims

2008-08-30T23:04:00.000-04:00

I meant to take a picture from the top of this monument to post but I forgot. They built this monument here to the pilgrims because they actually 1st landed at Provincetown before Plimouth rock. But I got this sticker to say I climbed a zillion steps to the top. Now we sat on the back of the boat listening to the thumping bass of the onshore club while this illuminated, monolithic monument disappears into the overcast sky... It's very surreal.
We shopped til we dropped today. Food not as good as last few meals. We head out back to Scituate tomorrow AM. hopefully less chop. Everyone gets Dramamine just in case. Even me. :)

whale watch

2008-08-29T17:04:00.001-04:00

We saw a bunch of humpbacks flipping us off. *g*. now back to the dock to find more good food and drink. We went to the Lobster Pot for lunch and had an amazing Bloody Mary and fried clams. Plus, we were entertained by a singing, bell ringing, pilgrim-clad town crier.

Hot tranny messes

2008-08-29T09:01:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Provinetown! We left Boston @ 10:00- got here at 7:30. 4-5 foot seas and 15 knot winds. Two out of three kids puked. I managed to keep it in check. Ate fabulous beef carpaccio at Bubala's then listened to Barak via NPR back at the boat. Kids saw their first Trannies. Good times. More later! xoxo G.

United!

2008-08-25T21:07:00.003-04:00

"You know, you haven't blogged in like, forever," my sister IM'd me today. I haven't blogged in so long it appears Blogger changed my Dashboard.

Anywhos, while I've been ignoring my faithful audience, I've entertained myself by reading other blogs, watching video of magazine interns eating cat food, and following the drama of a con man who kidnapped his daughter and may have killed his California landlords back in the 80's. Oh, and I moved and have been living amongst boxes which I am desperately trying to unpack in a somewhat organized fashion. And China ~~did its best to suppress it's totalitarian state~~ held the Olympics. Oh, and I learned how to sail a 38' sailboat on my own. Well not literally on my own, but as in Me, not with the hubby and family in tow. I felt empowered to the nth degree.

So here I am in my new house. No baseball tonight, no Olympics, so the DNC is providing me with entertainment and the nudge to give some attention to politics and the upcoming Presidential election. Michelle Obama is going to speak to me in 50 inches of high definition glory.

The house is huge. I am loving every inch of unbridled space. Kids play in the basement. I unpack boxes undisturbed. I try to keep up with dog hair. The older two have now brought their own laundry hampers down and done their own laundry. I am dreaming of the day the last bits of contractor stuff is done and I don't have peoples in and out. I can't wait to have window treatments.

Thursday we leave for Provincetown. We are taking one of the BSC's boats. It's about a ten hour sail with decent wind. The NWS is suggesting we may have that to spare. Once there we plan to tie up and just be tourists for the weekend---rent bicycles and go visit the dunes and beach, maybe see the Pilgrim Monument, hopefully dodge rain. We'll sleep on the boat. It's actually very spacious and comfy. It's completely stocked with housewares etc. We just need to pack food and our "stuff". I consider it high-end camping without dirt and bugs. I might try to mobile blog from the trip for fun so stay tuned.

Put me in coach

2008-08-01T22:51:00.002-04:00

My sister once challenged me to write about why baseball is “America’s Pastime.” Many would argue it really isn’t anymore with the ratings the NBA and NFL get. But Baseball is different. It’s old---it has history. A passion for baseball is something that is passed down from the generation before. My sister and I surely got it from our Dad, who played sandlot ball before marrying our mom. The story was always told how he would have gone on to play with the White Sox had he not broken his ankle sliding into third during a playoff game. Anyway, he always watched the games, and took us when he could. He taught me the game, how to keep score, and explained strategy moves by mangers. So my sister and I are both rabid baseball fans. She, down in New York, follows the Mets faithfully, even as far as to have the portable radio out in the yard for Sunday afternoons. I of course can cheer for the Mets as they are an NL team. In turn, we share a joint cause in wishing a pestilence upon the Yankees. So by default, she can be a Red Sox fan. God help us if the two meet in the World Series. (Oh, and crap, I still need to pay off from the Super Bowl!)

So I’m sitting here watching the Sox go into extra innings. The game had a bit of drama built into it, as yesterday our star Hall of Fame bound Manny was traded and tonight was the debut of Jason Bay. The crowd went nuts for him, and god love him he walked, score on a sac fly, got a base hit, and made a diving catch in left field. Nice way to impress the crowd new dude. You must have gotten the memo. :p

So now the game is in the bottom of the 10th inning. With two outs, the A’s allow a hit, and then Houston Street allows two walks to load the bases. The crowd is on their feet. Rookie Jed Lowry comes to the plate. The excitement is palpable. And you know why? Because at that moment, everyone might as well be ten years old, in the Little League World Series. There is a wonderful emotion joining every body in the stands: Hope. We hope Jed gets a hit. We have faith Jed CAN get a hit. There is no reason to believe he can’t, and hey---we can will him to get one with our caps turned upside down, and our hands clasped in front of our faces and our breath held with each pitch that comes at him.
-Fouled off. –exhale—
-ball 2
-swings, crack, gasp---foul ball
and so it goes as Lowry works the count.
Our excitement mounts. And with a loud crack of the bat, we all gasp again!
Pop fly, and he’s out. “AWE!”

But it’s ok. There’s another inning to play. It’s our team, and our field. And we’re still there, not one person has left the stadium, with our collective energy fueling the fire.
“”Cause it’s root, root, root for the home team.
If they don’t win it’s a shame…”

Pass me the peanuts, and Crakerjacks.
That’s why it’s America’s pastime.

P.S. OMG The new guy, Bay just hit what looked like it was headed for Landsdowne St triple off the left field wall. Welcome to Boston Jason Bay.
P.P.S. Rookie Jed Lowry just beat out an infield hit, to score Bay for the walk-off win. Cecil B. Demille couldn't have scripted it better. I predict tomorrow's Boston headlines to read, "Manny Who?"

2008-07-24T21:33:00.002-04:00

I haven't blogged in a while.

Surprise!

Like you, my faithful friends and readers who check everyday don't already know that.

So let's catch you all up to speed.

We sold the house! In three weeks. For a pretty damn good price. We move into what has been affectionately dubbed "The Roadhouse" on August 4th. If you are ever trying to sell your house in a buyers market, get a GOOD agent, and have her get you a stager. Mine even paid for it! Funny story about my real estate agent, we were talking about out our Maine property and turns out she skis Sunday River. Her kids are in the same program as mine. We probably passed each other in the Riverhouse all winter long. So I am looking forward to buying her a fine margarita apres ski this coming season.

Now that I have a closing date that once upon a time seemed very nebulous, I've been on a buying frenzy. These are my new dishes. I love them; they can go from freezer to oven, to microwave and dishwasher safe, and they are sturdy. And... I found them cheaper online and saved over $1000. It's like I got all my serve ware for free. Love. It.

Decorating is going to be a blast. I can't wait. I hope all the stuff that isn't going to make it for moving day doesn't take too much longer to arrive. I'll post more stuff and pics once we're in.
^*^*^*^*^*^
We actually took a little down-time last week, and went sailing with the kids. The plan was to take the boat out Friday evening, sail to one of the Boston Harbor Islands, grill some dinner on the cute little hibachi that hangs from the boat, and moor for the night. The next morning we were going to explore George's Island, and the venerable old Ft. Warren. Well, we got a little bit of a later start than we'd planned. We started motoring out since it was late, but there was so much wind I really wanted to sail. So we got them up and made good time out of the inner harbor. And then the wind died.

(For those of you who don't remember or don't live in New England, last week was that time where it was hot and humid and there was a chance of thunderstorms.)

I said, half jokingly, "Wow, look at the water it's like glass. There is nothing for wind. This isn't the calm before the storm is it?" (Unfortunately, hubby didn't hear me say that, or he would have taken me seriously he said later) No sooner had we decided to just take the sails down and motor the rest of the way, the wind shifted and gusted from the south. That's when he knew a storm was coming. (Because, you know, we learn about this stuff in sailing class.)

"So I was right when I said it was the calm before the storm, wow!" I said.
"When did you say that?"
"Just before."

So we struggled to haul in the main sail and lash it down while we cranked up the engine in hoped of beating the storm to our destination, still a good 20-30 minutes away. We calmly instructed kids to get their life jackets on, even below deck. I had to make sure there was one handy. Skipper had his on. This was kind of cool, really. The waves were churning up and slapping the boat while we pushed out around Long Island. But it was also getting dark. And we had no idea where the mooring balls where at George's because we'd never done this before.

I was navigator, and hubby had the helm. Biggest one came up to see some lightening in the distance and help us with flashlights. We motored in slowly, and with the glasses finally spotted what looked like a mooring field. Although one looked like a lobster pot buoy, we couldn't tell. Then, I had to take the helm, keep my sites on the ball and head straight to it slowly, while hubby and Biggest One tried to hook it with this big long thing.

Nailed it.

So there we were safe and sound. We tried to get the grill hooked on the rail of the boat, when the skies opened...
And we piled into the cabin below . It's fairly nice, and pretty roomy, considering there were five of us. It's a good thing I bought Italian bread and cold cuts, plus some chicken salad. We filled our bellies, made our beds, and listened to the Red Sox game as the boat rocked us gently to sleep.

Until the wine and beer wore off, anyway. I woke up at some point to some AM talk radio guy talking about oil prices and I had to go pee. Then when I tried to go back to sleep every slap of a wave, every gong of the nearby buoy, was not lulling anymore. When the planes started taking off from Logan I knew I was a goner. I was also worried, (because I knew hubby was worried) that we could potentially run aground with the low tide because we came in so urgently not knowing the times and the depth of the mooring field.

I have to tell you though, waking up to this peaceful scene---just a few boats, clear sky, birds along the rocky shore of the island all in front of me, as I drank a cup of french pressed coffee, was worth it.

The rest of the trip was worth it too, but this post is long enough, so I'll write that next time. Tomorrow I need to pick out accent tiles for the fireplace, and finalize window treatments.

"Around the world in 80 days"

2008-07-05T22:06:00.004-04:00

My Nana had a music box in the shape of a little bird in a cage that played that tune. The bird would hop back and forth from perch to perch as it played. I actually think it was her sister's. It's amazing what we remember isn't it? I thought of my Nana this weekend too.

Anyway, I thought of flying around the world in a balloon after reading this story about a man in Oregon who took off for the Idaho border in a lawn chair rigged with over 150 helium-filled party balloons. I mean, who hasn't as a kid thought, "if I only had enough of them I could take off..."?

He is equipped with a BB gun and a blowgun for popping balloons if he gets too high and three 15-gallon barrels of cherry Kool-Aid for ballast to release if he gets too low.

What I want to know is, why cherry Kool-Aid? Why not just water? And if he needs to pee will he need to shoot out a balloon or two?

We had a wonderful 4th in NYC. The backyard oasis was rocking with kids, food, and fun. Then I was treated to the Macy's fireworks over the East River from the balcony of my friend's new co-op. The view was amazing. Plus I saw some good old friends.

Girlie-Girl leaves for camp in Oregon tomorrow. Biggest One lands 6 hours later. Maybe they'll see Balloon Man. We plan to kill time on Boston Harbor. Hopefully we won't capsize. That would suck.

Movie Review of WALL-E

2008-06-30T23:01:00.000-04:00

You know all the hype you’ve been hearing, the glowing reviews for Pixar’s “WALL-E”?

Believe them.

You must see this movie. Remember back when you saw “Toy Story” and marveled at this new-fangled computerized animation? Despite seriously having what I would refer to as cinematography, that doesn’t even begin to speak to the brilliance of this movie.

There is no dialog for like the first half-hour of the film. Yet you come to know all about WALL-E- as our “hero”. Even without words you learn how and why the Earth is this apocalyptic-like trash filled wasteland. There are all the subtle nuances meant for the grown ups, but this time, they coax more of a melancholy smile than a guffaw. When we see humans as these obese, technology-addicted blobs who don’t even walk anymore, it’s funny-but at the same time it’s not.

Yet it never ever crosses the line into preachy-ness. Even the “bad-guys” aren’t really bad; they’re computers just following orders. That’s not a spoiler is it? I hope not.

The little “homages” to other classic films are wonderful. And the irony of the whole opening scene is too good to be true. I must get the soundtrack.

Run to see this movie. I swear it must be nominated for best picture, and it wouldn’t be a farce.

Look at what I made

2008-06-25T08:02:00.001-04:00

This is my first attempt at felting. It's a vase. I can't believe it really worked and it was so easy.

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"T*ts shouldn't even be on the list!"

2008-06-23T19:45:00.002-04:00

I was so sad to hear about George Carlin this morning. I had recently heard ads for an upcoming performance in my area soon. I wasn't going to post about it, but this video on Yahoo this afternoon was so poignant and honest I wanted to share it here:

Rest in Peace George. You cocksucker motherfucker! :)

Thank you, Calvin Klein

2008-06-17T12:41:00.003-04:00

It's amazing how comfortable your underwear becomes when you come to the realization that your 41 year-old ass is bigger than your 29 year-old ass and you buy a few new pairs at a bigger size.

And yes, I know many of you are getting your mini-violins out for me.

House update: It's officially listed. It looks gorgeous! We had an open house with a lot of traffic. Some interest but still in limbo. Other agents are seeing it today, and it's being shown to someone tomorrow. Think good thoughts.

Kids are out of school. Hooooooray. We slept until 9AM this morning. Mmmmm... Of course they bickered from 10-11 so ask me how I feel in two weeks.

If you teach a mom to sail

2008-06-06T22:33:00.004-04:00

I love sailing.

Time has past since I wrote about my first sailing adventures. Since I enjoyed it so much, I wanted to go on and take the advanced sailing classes, because you know, a basic course in anything is enough to get you in the door, or in this case on the dock. But in reality, all you really know enough to scratch your bum and say, um, "I don't remember..." especially if you don't do it again for months. While I get out on the boat with hubby, so I do get some experience, it's ~~better~~different when you have a teacher-type person explaining something instead of your significant other.

But seriously, the more times different people try to teach you about the same subject in different ways it all converges into this conflagration of common sense. Like that giant ACME anvil falling on your head in a moment of clarity. After this week, I feel like the "mystery" has been taken out of sailing for me. Before it was some secret, Dead Poet's Society-bond-magic-cult that I was on the outside looking in on. Now, bring on that boom vang and back stay! Give me gusts at 15-20 knots! I'll put that spinnaker up no problem.

Now growing up, my dad had a fishing boat on the easter shore of Long Island, NY. It wasn't a sailboat, it was a fishing boat, but I think the experience of being out on the water stayed with me. I really loved it. I loved the smell of the salt, diesel fuel, and yes---smelly fish of the marina. I loved catching fish. Remind me and I'll post a picture of me, all of 40 pounds soaking wet, holding this huge fluke fish I caught that won a prize.

Can you imagine if I got myself a pole, rig, and fluke lure for the sailboat? We could anchor ourselves up off Winthrop or Gloucester and drop a line? I'd have the best of both worlds! Plus cold beer because I'm legal.

So would be the fish by the way. I'd never keep a shorter.

life update

2008-05-27T09:01:00.001-04:00

Is the school year over yet? Though as I’m saying that a little voice in my head is whispering, “be careful what you wish for G…” Because I know all the stuff I have to do right now is better accomplished with them gone from 8AM to 2PM.

I’m popping in for a brief life update. If you talk to me in person, don’t ask “So when are you moving into the new house?” because it’s a bad subject right now. But, dear brother-in-law B is up here helping us paint and get the old house pretty to show. The bathroom came out great! Family room is primed and ready to paint. Then it’s the hallway, some miscellaneous windows, and the boys room. Oh, and I need to get new carpet put in up there. Oh, and power washing the siding, and the gutters and windows cleaned out. Hubby made a good observation this weekend: imagine how much easier this would be if we actually had done a spring-cleaning every year. I hope to take this lesson across town.

Meanwhile the laundry and dog hair continue to accumulate. I think I might need tea and a scone this week.

Hugs and kisses.

It didn't rain

2008-05-12T08:15:00.003-04:00

But it was windy as all hell both days this weekend. Actually, I could make a joke about it was "raining men" as I was one of only two women in this class and we were not on the same boat. LOL I think I did well. I at least feel more confident and comfortable. Sunday's trip was a sail out around the harbor islands and back. We had the perfect wind to do it. I was really worried it'd be too rough to handle for me, but it was perfect. The Sailing Center does a really good job. (Special shout out to Adrian this week since I mentioned François last week. We had the best crew!) I might have to take the advanced class to get more time on a boat with an instructor to get better at it. I may not be content to just be "1st mate." Granted, I'm the only mate. At least legally. hee.

Boston sports teams got spanked this weekend. Meh. Now it's Monday. Sadness. Reality. Back to all things house related. Ciao bellos!

Toys

2008-05-09T18:16:00.003-04:00

I really wanted to write s_x toys but god know what kind of hits I'd get.

So remember when I wrote about the Dora the Explorer Aquapet that looked like a vibrator?
And, how it wasn't the first time a kid's toy could potentially be used for self gratification?

Well, I want to be the first to try out the Indiana Jones Electronic Sound FX Whip.

I've had Christopher Cross stuck in my head for a week

2008-05-09T08:25:00.003-04:00

So I should really know better than to talk shit. Tuesday afternoon I was so excited to take the hubby out on a boat to show him what I learned. But, it was so easy to grab the mooring Sunday! It did it perfect three times! My instructor said so.

That said, if any of you sailing center staff reading this were watching the goofball trying to navigate the mooring field with just the jib up on Tuesday, that was me. But it's partly hubby's fault! Since he's been on the larger cruising boats with a wheel he kept telling me the wrong way he wanted me to move the tiller. :p The smaller boat keeps you honest.

Meanwhile, in other learn to sail news...

Can you feel my joy through cyberspace? It's a good thing I'm into yellow rubber. ;-) And I already know I won't melt.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I've been pretty silent on American Idol this season. It's really about to jump the shark, no? At least Jason went home. If Syesha had left I'd have lost all faith in the American television viewing public. David Cook better win.

I really need my nails done but I hesitate to given the fact that I have to rig sails on a boat and pull lines. First things first I have to work on the house.

Even though I'm made of sugar I didn't melt

2008-05-05T08:58:00.003-04:00

Now that ski season is officially over, my ~~husband~~family turns its thoughts to sailing. If you remember hubby has the power and skill to sail those really big boats. We took that wonderful trip to Salem last year. Well, he thought it would be good, and not mention helpful if I took a “learn to sail” class so I’d be able to be a better crewmember. :p

The fact that the class was a full Saturday and Sunday for two sequential weekends was not all that thrilling, but this was important, and I did want to be more useful on the boat and know what was going on. It would certainly enhance my enjoyment of going out of a cruise.

My first class was this past Saturday. I think I was in denial that the rain would go all day, as I went to Louis Warf in a sweatshirt, windbreaker, and Merrell slides. (Hey, they’re my deck shoes!) You see, I hate rain. The only thing worse than rain, is cold rain---cold rain with wind. On a day like that, my idea of a good time is being under a blanket watching Jimmy Stewart woo Kate Hepburn. So, after the morning lecture, knowing we were then going to head out onto the boats, I dodged the drizzle to grab some chowder and a beer at the Sail Loft, replacing thoughts like, “thanks a lot Dear!” and “Oh you better appreciate this!” with more of a Zen-like, “Oh well, how bad could it be? They have rain gear for me” and “I have no control over the weather but I will have control over the boat.”

Looking much like the Gorton’s Fisherman I stepped into the Soling to spend 4 hours in the rain and 10 knot “breeze” coming out of the east-northeast. I bought deckhand gloves for $20. Not that they helped keep my hands warm mind you as they got wet the minute I started rigging the sails. And while the bright yellow rubber jacket and pants kept me pretty dry, once your feet are soaked and hands numb there’s only so warm your core will keep. But, I have to say it does help to have a charming French-Canadian instructor named François showing you how to man the tiller. I actually managed to enjoy myself.

Sunday’s forecast wasn’t looking any better. Now, hubby had a boat reserved for the day, and was going to take his brother and the kids out for a sail and then meet me after my class. The wussies bailed, while I braved the elements! And you know what? The storm moved out quickly; there wasn’t much more than leftover mist, and the light wind conditions made it easy to practice the maneuvers. I rocked! And I don’t mean the boat. It really was a lot of fun. It’s a great, and powerful feeling to control the boat. Now I can’t wait to get out and show hubby what I can do!

Hi, my name is

2008-04-23T10:01:00.005-04:00

While I am not bemoaning the return of springtime weather, I have to say I hate having to shave my legs with regularity. Not that I have to. I could shun Western grooming expectations and walk around like a neo-naturalist hippie. I choose to have my legs oogle-worthy. Not that they're much of that lately. Spider veins. Thanks mom.

I had such high hopes for this week's Idol. I love Andrew Lloyd Webber. Except for Carly's JC and Syesha's One Rock and Roll Too Many (From Starlight Express, btw, which explains why I'd never heard it. LOL) everyone was a train wreck. Okay, dear David Cook is never a train wreck, but I really wanted to hear him belt out a Judas number from Superstar.

And what happens? The two best performers of the night end up in the bottom three! I think mild-mannered middle America was put off by tats, offended by rock singing about The big J.C. and a sexy PYT African American Syesha.

Jason Castro: secret love child of John Travolta?

I wish I could've found a better picture to show the comparison. Castro looks more like him when he sings, eyes closed, face scrunched, wide smiling mouth. D and I kept expecting him to say "Sandy! Oh, Sandy!"

I have a cold again. WTF is up with me getting sick? Speaking of sick is April vacation over yet?

a whole lotta nothin

2008-04-18T08:43:00.002-04:00

Some crazy lady called my house last night and started singing the Post Raisin Bran commercial, and then hung up on me.

I think you need the visual:

For those of you who don't know, we bought a new house! So life is really busy trying to clear clutter, and make lots of plans and arrangements. Hence the sparse entries. So I'm off to shower, and hit the Homer

Bibliography

2008-04-10T07:44:00.002-04:00

I returned a bunch of library books yesterday, almost on time. Only one day late; that's pretty good for me. Plus, it ended up being half-fine day---I let them have the whole fifty cents though. They need the money. The building is falling apart, and I'm sure the materials could use a bit of updating. They do pretty well though, in recent months they've added a bunch of DVD's, CD music, and audio books on CD.

As I walked out of the building I was reminded of a local conservative radio host ranting over a news item about the Brookline library looking for more funds through a tax override. Putting aside the debate about taxes and budgets, this guy was totally devaluing libraries saying, "Who uses the library anymore anyway? Everyone uses the internet. There's a Borders bookstore on every other corner." My issue is not to debate how much money they need to operate or who should pay for it (but they have always been publicly supported, hence the name public library!) but to say they are obsolete I think is very elitist and unfair. Not everyone has a "lucrative radio career" and writes for the Boston Herald. Some people actually use the library for books and movies. School kids still use it for references, since Wikipedia is not accepted by most teachers as reputable, and most home computers don't come with subscriptions to Lexis-Nexis. They also serve as community centers, offering story times, and lectures. Ours is now sponsoring a game night for youths and teens to come and have pizza, play board games and socialize.

The town next to us voted down an override and their library lost its accreditation. They can no longer be part of the network, and our library won't lend books to them. It's sad, since they had renovated the building and had a really nice space. I hate the fact that it seems slowly but surely the fabric that holds us together is slowly being eroded as technology advances and our economy evolves.

I admit I don't take advantage of the library a lot. I try to. I go through spurts, end up with books a month overdue, and remember that I can't get one read and returned by the due date. A friend has a problem with the fact that other people's fingers have been all over the book, and God knows where they've been. LOL. A valid point, I guess. I guess I figure the germs have died by the time I pick it up.

Speaking of germs, I had a sore throat for a week, so I finally went to the doctors office. Turns out I have strep. You know, I would have thought I'd have a fever and more symptoms. Granted the throat hurt like a mother... But I suddenly started to feel really shitty, so I figure I must have gone in just in time before I dropped dead of sepsis or scarlet fever. I'm on antibiotics now, and it feels a little bit better, but I am still icky and tired.

gimme gimme more

2008-04-03T21:00:00.002-04:00

You know how everyone has those "rewards cards" now? Seriously, everyone at the check-out now asks me, "do you have a rewards card?" Most of them are just crap, because they send you coupons that of course sit in my pile of mail or other school notices---some might even make it into my pocketbook, until they expire. I'll find them every bi-annual throw out. "$10 off your next $50 purchase." "$5 ACE Hardware bucks". Down the drain. At least I try to recycle the paper they're printed on. For God's sake the CVS hands them to you on your receipt and I can't even manage to redeem them. Someone one said to me, and now I am getting paranoid about it, is that they are using this to track what you buy, like Big Brother. But do I really care if the government or more likely some marketing agency knows that I have hemorrhoid's, or like Loreal Vive shampoo?

It reminds me how New Hampshire resisted getting the EZ Pass/Fast Lane toll transponder for their highways because they didn't like the idea of someone being able to track their movements. (Live Free or Die!) And you know, I would never even think of that shit. I would make a terrible spy or criminal.

But anyway, back to rewards cards. The one, and only one, worth the ink and non-biodegradable plastic it's printed on is the Sephora Beauty Insider Rewards. So you accumulate points per bucks spent, and when you reach the magic number, (a most easily attainable $100) you get a product sample. On the spot. Not a coupon in the mail I have to bring in to the store within like some stupid two week time frame, an honest-t0-goodness decent sized lip gloss, mineral powder, eye cream, night treatment serum...and I get a choice! This system was made for a company like Sephora. Let me see how amazing the NV Perricone Skin Smoothing Serum is. I might just plop down $59 for the full size if I like it. And those little samples make great travel items to leave in your valise. CVS should give me a sample of Tums or Loreal instead of stupid Rewards Bucks that expire in the bottom of my purse. I might spend more money there.

I have to say, as expensive as it is, NV Perricone stuff is freaking amazing, but I still can barely bring myself to shell out how much it costs, and there is stuff on the market like Kinerase that costs even more. Maybe when my wrinkles get worse...

Speaking of wrinkles I got a facial today. The girl who I normally see left. I was so sad! I loved her. But I have to say, Trina gave the most amazing massage to my head, neck, shoulders, and arms. But, damn, the woman squeezed every blackhead out of my face with gusto.

So, coming soon...some serious product reviews.

Middle School Musical

2008-03-28T23:44:00.004-04:00

Oh the joys of the school play!

Did we sound that bad in our youth at Ferrer? I kid. It was Guys and Dolls, and they did a good job. Girlie girl had a great time. And though she had a minor part, I have to say her face was more expressive than many of the others, and she smiled! I did make up; now that was an adventure! I got to put it on the boys too, hee. They were troopers, although camera phones were a-snappin'so you might want to check out You Tube. just sayin'

My drama queen has been bitten by the acting bug.

I just heard from Biggest One via text message, the mountain looks beautiful. Today is a practice day for them.

Breakfast with champions

2008-03-26T07:47:00.002-04:00

I could get used to this baseball in the morning thing, curling up on the couch under a comforter with a hot cup of coffee. The Red Sox are stinking it up to the tune of A's pitcher Rich Harden.

Speaking of tunes...(Ha! I'm so clever!) Who saw "Idol" last night? This is going to be a good season, seriously. Each week, one of them either surprises or falls flat. It could come down to who starts to show consistent greatness.

Speaking of greatness, I am still in awe over David Cook's performance last night. He sang "Billie Jean" putting a Chris Cornell spin on it. Brilliant:

The bad thing about sitting here like this is I'm staring at all the stuff I have to do. Maybe that's why I closed my eyes and napped during yesterday's game.

More deep thoughts soon.

procrastination

2008-03-25T13:46:00.001-04:00

Find Out Which Disney Girl You Are!
created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Esmerelda

Spinning and twirling and swaying to music - that's the best way to spend your time! Esmerelda was a strong, confident woman, and so are you! Don't be afraid to dress differently, even expose some skin now and then. You know you're beautiful enough to pull off anything you do - just be careful you don't get vain about your looks.

Esmerelda

79%

Alice

75%

Jane

63%

Megara

63%

Belle

58%

Snow White

54%

Cinderella

50%

Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)

46%

Violet

46%

Tinkerbell

46%

Ariel

38%

Jasmine

38%

Pocahontas

33%

Mulan

29%

Sarcasm and irony rule

2008-03-24T08:40:00.004-04:00

Boston.com had the following article about a popular new blog, "Stuff White People Like."

From the Globe:
It was an instant-message conversation about the critically acclaimed but little-watched HBO drama "The Wire" that led to the creation of the blog Stuff White People Like. Christian Lander, a Los Angeles-based white Canadian and his friend Myles Valentin, a Filipino Canadian, were chatting about why white people didn't watch "The Wire." They began trading jokes about what whites occupied their time with instead: divorce, therapy, attending plays.

In January, Lander, with occasional assists from Valentin and others, began creating satirical posts about the social and cultural habits of a group of whites they were familiar with - middle-class liberals. They detailed this group's love of coffee, film festivals, and organic foods, then moved onto their enjoyment of difficult breakups, Barack Obama, and divorce. The blog has attracted a diverse group of fans and started conversations about race. It has also made some people uncomfortable and faced criticism from those who see racism in it.

I hope they didn't really need to go

2008-03-19T14:38:00.001-04:00

A little less conversation, a little more action

2008-03-16T16:00:00.002-04:00

I just found out that one of the parents in my littlest one's grade is running the Boston Marathon this spring. At least he hopes to. He plans to run for his oldest son Max, who suffers from neurofibromatosis. However he needs to raise $3000 to be eligable for a number. On visiting his page, I see he is short of that, so I am using the power of the internet to hopefully solicit some help for them. You can check it out here:

Scott Runs For Max.

Idol time!

2008-03-12T20:40:00.002-04:00

We kinda hopped on the American Idol bandwagon once it got down to the final 12 because we've been so busy. Last night was only the second time I've seen them sing. I have a clear favorite already. Care to guess? David Cook! I think he rocks. And Chikezie is growing on me. I'd like to see Brooke White go far. Oh, but WTF is up with the chick with the Morticia hair? And she can't really sing either.

I am just whipping out this post so I can make predictions before the reveal show comes on at 9:00. For the boys, despite his pretty boy youth appeal, I think David A. is a strong contender for the boot given that he forgot words. The other David H sucked too though. As for the girls, I'm sorry but we already have a crowned a country queen Idol. Kristy Lee Cook is a Carrie Underwood wannabe. She sings tonight.

Go go go Diego! Harder! ooooh

2008-03-06T10:43:00.004-05:00

I can't comment any better than Adrienne Martini on Babble.com:

"Did anyone run this design past a kid over the age of ten? And do any of the Aquapet's owners wonder why it keeps ending up in Mommy's nightstand?"

The Top 9 Puzzling Dora Toys

Sissy, bygones if you can no longer watch the show in the same way.

This hearkens me back to the Harry Potter Nimbus 2000 Broomstick. Remember that, kids?

Something's fishy

2008-03-04T09:05:00.001-05:00

I’m sick. The pile of tissues next to me has reached critical mass. I really felt the Zicam was working; I used it all weekend, and it was keeping things from spreading to my head. But I misunderstood the directions. I thought it said to use for the first 48 hours of a cold. It actually reads “use at the first onset of symptoms and continue through 48 hours after they begin to subside.” Oh well. I skied all weekend nonetheless, because the snow was of epic proportions. That probably didn’t help.

I had tea with Sue last week. I thought I would try to recreate this little anecdote to entertain you, my dear readers, especially those of you who know her, and can appreciate it. And for Linda, impatiently awaiting an update. ;-)

Me: So, do any cooking lately? Make anything good?
Her: Nah, not really…I’ve been painting garage doors and working on the mudroom.
Oh, I’ve been killing fish!
Me: For dinner?
Laugh, laugh, laugh
Her: No, no (playing along) The boys have set up a fish tank and we can’t seem to keep them alive. The first one was my fault really, I forgot to put, well you know the screen that covers the filter-thingy?
I nod, understanding what comes next.
Her: One of them got stuck up there! I had to take it apart and pull it out. At least it wasn’t up there that long and got…
I nod. Decomposed fish would not be fun.
Her: That was the first one. So we went back and got more, and then one of the got all these spots on it, and I asked Joanne because I know she knows about fish and she said, “oh you have the “ick”. Just get some medicine drops and drop them in. So I get the drops and you could see right away the blacker fish got better, but the silver fish started to float on his side, a little funny, ya know? At this point Sue makes a funny fish face by pursing her lips and creating gills with her fingers flailing next to her cheeks. So I took him out and quarantined him in another bowl, but he died. And Pet Smart will replace them if they die within the first two weeks, but you have to bring the dead fish back with you. And, with the basketball games, and garage construction I have no time to get there until Saturday, so here I have the dead fish saved in a zip lock bag with the receipt stapled to it. I put it outside because I don’t want them to get, you know. So now they are frozen in a block of ice. Fish popsicles! I can just see me bringing them in, “No, this isn’t how they died…”

Never a dull moment for sure.

I’m hungry. Is it feed a cold and starve a fever? Or feed a fever starve a cold?

Update

2008-02-20T09:23:00.002-05:00

Kids been sick. Boo.
Dropped smart phone in a water-filled hole. Boo.
Skied. Biggest One took two second place medals in slopestlye comps this past weekend, yeah!
Fixed phone, yeah!
Spring training started, yeah!

"Yeahs" 3
"Boos" 2

Can't complain about that.

Back to Maine today. Everyone do a snow dance.

Happy Birthday to me!

2008-02-12T11:27:00.000-05:00

I share this day with Abraham Lincoln, and writer Judy Blume. Obviously an historic date in history, no?

I told my sissy that 41 felt more fabulous than 40. Thank God for Sephora.com.

The other momentous occasion today is that my two oldest are getting their braces put on today. When deary darling Ra found out, she went into hysterics.

"It can't be tomorrow! I'm not ready! I have to eat everything I can't have one they're on!"

So, I've been instructed to bring a pack of Hubba Bubba Max to school when I pick her up. You should have heard her yesterday, arguing with me. "Why do I need braces anyway? I have a few crooked teeth and you can't see them so what?" "Or, they can pull out a few and the rest can grow in, so!"

Perhaps I should pick up a fine bottle of wine on the way home.

No brainer?

2008-02-08T08:37:00.000-05:00

"We can go to the tropics
Sip pina coladas
Shawty I could take you there
Or we can go to the slums
Where killers get hung
Shawty I could take you there"

Um, Sean honey, I think I choose the pina coladas. God I am so sick of that song. Tropics and pina coladas always sound good in February no? On the Lido deck, while my kids are in the care of a fine cruise camp director.

Of course, snow is never a bad thing when you ski. February has been a banner month for Sunday River so far. I'm really looking forward to this weekend. The kids have boarder cross races both days, but with it being at SR (and hopefully more organized) I hope to get some good runs in between watching. Here are some cool pics of the kids from the last few slalom races.

Speaking of February, I am now officially the mother of a teenager. Biggest One's birthday was Wednesday.

Super choke

2008-02-04T17:20:00.000-05:00

So the Giants pulled off the biggest upset in Superbowl history. And yes, I am a Patriots fan. You live up here in New England for twenty years, you drink the Kool-Aid, and before you know it you're saying things like "Wicked pissah!" and rooting for their sports teams.

Now, for some reason, every friend and family member in New York felt the need to call me to rub it in---Um one, like I really care, and two, I spoke no trash talk to anyone about the game to begin with! The Woodside contingent chanted "Brady Sucks!" and Paulie asked, "Hey G, what has 22 legs and sucks?" Way to hit a girl while she's down.

My sissy poo and I had a bet going. If the Pats won, she would send me Season One of "The Sopranos" and if the Giants won, I would send her an assortment of movies filmed and or set in Boston. So heading her way are: Good Will Hunting, The Departed, and Next Stop Wonderland.

She sent me text messages throughout the game:
(2/3 10:54 PM)"So not only do I win my bet with you but I won the 4th quarter and game in the football pool---and the mets got Johann Santana woo hoo"
(2/3 10:55 PM)"And I'm f*cking Matt Damon"

More on the Superbowl ads later...

Girls night out

2008-01-26T21:09:00.000-05:00

Georgia Peach & and Ellen bailed but the book club is having a serious discussion on Cape Cod.

Borrowed laughs

2008-01-24T08:07:00.001-05:00

I shamelessly stole this from Dave at MMP.

"Wha'youtalkin'bout Hills?"

I also have a very good friend who is on Planned Parenthood's mailing list, and found this in her e-mail the other day. Since she hasn't shared it on her blog, I hope she doesn't mind me putting it here, it was too awesome not to post.

Dear ________,

This is your cervix writing.

I know, you might've forgotten I existed until you got this e-mail just now (what with vagina and clitoris always hogging all the attention). I bet you wouldn't even recognize me if you saw me - me, your very own cervix!

The letter goes on to educate on ways to prevent cervical cancer, the second most common cancer in women, making sure to add in the closing, "Don't have a cervix? Forward this e-mail to the people you love who do have cervixes!" (Is that really the plural of cervix? My spell check doesn't like it, and it looks funny. More than one ox is oxen, no? Though I suppose axes is more than one ax. And then there are boxes. Boxes and cervixes. That's good. BWAH! The back and forth exchange this spurred was even better than the email itself, but you kind of had to be there to appreciate it. ) My OBGYN is always telling me I have such a "pristine" cervix because I've never had a baby pass through it, I've had all sections. So, I do love my cervix, and I would know it anywhere 'cause it's so beautiful.

So, the point of it all is <3>your cervix! Celebrate National Cervical Cancer Screening Month and get a pap smear!

A call to arms...

2008-01-16T08:01:00.000-05:00

...or legs, as it were.

It's that time again. I heard the ad run, the ad that first put the idea in my head that I could do something special to help those with breast cancer. The Breast Cancer 3 Day challenges you to walk 60 miles over 3 days, raising money and awareness. At the end of that walk you will be a different person, and the world will be a different place.

God, can I be any more dramatic? And I'm complaining about my daughter's histrionics.

The goal is to raise $2200, but I'm not posting today to ask you for your money. (That will come later!) It’s time for me to register. I’ve talked about it. Many of you have talked about it. I challenged you last August. I want to put together a team. I will help you train. The website will help you train. The walking is nothing really, the challenge is getting the money. But it’s doable. You know those good friends you have that sell Mary Kay or Tupperware? Have them host a party and donate some of the receipts. Empty coin jars. Something I haven’t done yet is hit up local businesses for sponsorship.
You can do this, you know you want to. Think about it. A, Jobee, CDK, Ell, Linda... Team Tough Titties awaits.

The Sleep over: An update

2008-01-11T22:38:00.000-05:00

The girls came about 4:45 PM, and it was just girlie screams and pandemonium for an hour. iDogs played Kanye and Hanna Montana. We made pizza. There were pillow fights. There was Carvel ice cream cake complete with chocolate crunchies.

So, remember Truth or Dare? Apparently the new game is "Confess or Stress". You play it with a die, and if you roll evens you confess something, and if you roll odds you do something stressful. So far, everything stressful has involved coming downstairs to do something obnoxious in front of mommy.

I'm loving this Miss America: Reality Check series on TLC. I guess they are revamping the whole pageant, and America has a say in the final sixteen.

Girls

2008-01-11T11:36:00.000-05:00

Tonight is the sleepover of the century. Girl of the 00's that she is, Girlie Girl will host 5 of her friends tonight for lots of eating and whatever it is eleven year-olds do at a sleep over. I never had sleepovers. Well, maybe kind of in High School, Jo you camped out in Queens a lot no?

Anyway, the actual birthday is Monday, the sleepover is tonight, so we can still drive up to Maine Saturday for her to compete in a slalom/GS on Sunday. So, pray for me tonight. Of course, they will want nothing to do with me unless it involves providing sustenance and ice cream cake, so odds are I'll have a quiet evening with the TV and the couch. :)
________

Speaking of girls and sleeping, is birth control illegal in the state of California? What is it with the Hollywood baby boom? I would think that if they can't keep their legs closed they should at least be familiar with a condom no? Norplant? IUD? Ummm THE PILL? Britney and her Irish twins, Nicole Ritchie, Lily Allen, Jamie Lynn, Jessica Alba, rumors of Ashlee Simpson and Avril Lavigne and out there too.

There was a great column from Ellen Goodman last week about Hollywood and recent films glorifying teen/unexpected pregnancy, showing the "happily every after". You can read it here. I adore Ellen Goodman.

Time to hit the gym?

2008-01-03T08:10:00.001-05:00

It took me both hands and my body for leverage to open a bottle of Tide. And if that wasn't bad enough, I couldn't get the cork out of a bottle of Shiraz last night. Which is worse dirty clothes, or no wine?

It's bleeping cold in New England this morning. Snot freezing cold. My plan today is to get all the laundry I washed yesterday away, clean up the messy kitchen we left last night after a Shiraz-induced nap on the couch during HGTV, scoot out for a "Q" crochet hook and some fire-starter bricks, then clean up the family room mess. Though family room mess is better cleaned when no kids are home so I may need to rethink the order of operations there.

Finally, a story from Christmas I forgot to tell. We went to Mass Christmas Eve. Shamefully, my children have not been to church since... actually not even Easter because we were on a plane back from Tahoe, so since last Christmas. But that is only incidental. See we bought a talking Hallmark "Peanuts" ornament for the tree this season that recreates the pivotal scene from A Charlie Brown Christmas where Linus explains the true meaning of Christmas. Well, as Fr. Chambers read from Luke 2:1-20
And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will toward men.
Littlest One leaned in and said, "It's the Linus speech!"

Amen.

New Year

2008-01-01T09:40:00.000-05:00

Happy 2008. Yawn. Isn't New Year's Day a little anticlimactic? In fact, as I sit here and type this entry girlie girlie is asking why daddy isn't at work, and he looked at me and said, "Why do we consider this a holiday? So we can recover from drinking the night before?" I do kind of like all that Year in Review stuff. I didn't see or read any of it though.

Considering all the drinking I did last night I don't feel so bad. Our neighbors came over (the parents of the BFF) and brought margaritas plus we had champagne. Nothing a few cups of Tassimo coffee can't fix. Yum. Girls, we're doing coffee at my house this week.

My Christmas dinner came out fabulous. I make my usual leg of lamb, with tons of garlic and parsley. The gravy came out extra tasty this time. (My secret? Baste with bourbon! Just call me Julia.)ETA: Everything I learned about cooking such a great leg of lamb was from my dear mommy. There! Happy Sissy? :p ) I was like, pouring it into my potato skin. Hee. The wine flowed, and I got a really cool backgammon set in the Yankee swap. You can hang it on the wall and it looks like a vintage "pub" game. Then the kids and I scooted up to ski for the long weekend. The mountains are getting clobbered with snow so far this year and I am so psyched. Digital Dave from MMP was home from Colorado for the holiday and we got some runs (and some beers) in together. The boy is sick. He proudly had my kids jumping off cliffs on their snowboards. I shudder to think what they'd be doing if I wasn't with them. I missed the shot of Biggest One coming off the jump. He landed it pretty sweet. I can't get over my girlie doing this and hitting the rails in the park.

Who needs crack?

2007-12-26T12:53:00.000-05:00

Something tells me I'm going to become more productive...
Unit dose coffee!!!! Whee!

Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T14:59:00.000-05:00

Hi bloggerland. Happy holidays! This gingerbread house is courtesyof Jobee, and handmade by my rugrats.

Present time

2007-12-21T07:52:00.000-05:00

What was your most memorable Christmas (or Hanukkah) gift? My mom asked me this once. If I was basing it on my childhood, I would say the Barbie head that you got to put make-up on and style her hair. I wanted that so badly, and was so excited to get it. (See, I was always a product whore! Hee.) Or the other was when we came home from my uncle's house late Christmas Eve to see a big chalkboard easel, a bicycle with a flower basket,(omg and that is the exact one!) and sitting in the basket was a baby doll. I named her Elizabeth because it was my favorite name. On the board written in chalk was "Merry Christmas G, Love Santa". I must have been really small for that one because I have no memory of Lil' Sissy poo being there or having a pile of presents.

As a grown up, the first thing that comes to my mind is the year my hubby got me this wonderful red wool hat. Not like a knit cap, but you know, a hat. I used to dress a little ~~weird~~funky and I loved that hat. It was so me.

Ok, class participation time: what was your most memorable gift?

Haul out the holly

2007-12-18T08:17:00.000-05:00

I'm making a list, and checking it twice, but it's not who's been naughty, it's my to-do list. Staying organized is the name of the game after all, especially for me since I'd lose my head if it wasn't attached to my neck.

Post Office needs to be near the top as gifts need to get there before Christmas and it is the 18th of December. Cooking is next because 2 kids need cookies for classroom parties. Thank you very much Pillsbury. My book club party is tomorrow, and we do a pot luck recipe exchange. Needless to say I shouldn't be blogging. ;-) So... off to shower.

Be good! Santa's still watching.

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

2007-12-13T06:44:00.000-05:00

Ladies and gentlemen,
We have a tree. And it has ornaments on it. It's probably the bestest tree we've ever had! It's really fat and dense, and I loaded it with lights. The kids had a blast decorating it. We had it done in an hour pretty much. I had the fireplace going and it was very smooth. I also got lights done outside, and my quintessential New England colonial electric window candles in each front-facing window. And a big ol' wreath on the door. I still need to get the spot light to shine on it. Hee. I think I finally found my Christmas spirit. If not, tonight hubby and I are going to see "White Christmas" down at the Wang Center. Unfortunately, mother nature is going to make it a White Rush Hour. I am going to head to town early to avoid the snow, because they are saying it's going to fall fast, hard, and heavy, and are already predicting the rush hour commute is going to be the worst EVAH!

Snow is good though. We're going to have a huge nor'easter on Saturday into Sun. It's funny, how we all view the news of a big snowstorm differently, taking into account our own egocentric circumstances. I noticed this yesterday when I met Sue for coffee. I am excited about the storm, because the mountains are going to get slammed, and I can ski on it. :) Sports fans are all over how it will impact Sunday's Patriots game against the Jets. The bagel store owner was concerned over how it will impact how much business he gets. Sue lamented it'll cause her contractors to stay home.

Sweetie girl had her school's holiday band concert the other night. Big night in our small town, let me tell you. She had a saxophone solo. I was dismayed to see she was the second piece in the program, because daddy was stuck in Mass Pike traffic. I watched the auditorium door anxiously, but no D. But, as the applause of the opening number began to fade, I had a moment of brilliance: I hit speed dial, and held the phone up in the air. When she was done, I brought the phone down low to my ear and whispered, "Did you hear it?"
"Was that R?"
"Yeah, she was the first solo, so I thought fast."
The gingerbread men we made for the after-party were a big hit.

I'll report on the show (and perhaps even the snow!) tomorrow.

Let them know it's Christmas time...

2007-12-07T00:07:00.001-05:00

Do you know how many blog hits I get by people searching song lyrics, because I often use them in my titles? This ought to add some.

First things first. Warning: This link could be highly addictive. But, it's educational and helps to feed the hungry.

Build your vocabulary and donate rice

Seriously. For every word you answer correctly, you give 20 grains of rice. Sounds silly? Like pissing in the ocean? Keep playing. In 5 minutes you've given 600 grains. Pop on a couple of times a day/week you got a few bags on a flight to Darfur. Cool, huh? Tis the season.

On a similar note, I heard a commercial for this and wanted to pass it on, in case there are those of you who haven't passed a Toys For Tots box or the like.

My Brother's Keeper is a local Christian organization that delivers furniture, household items, and food to those who seek assistance. They are also gathering toys for the holidays.

BTW, Christmas threw up on these people's lawn again this year. (I loved that expression E! My kids laughed when I said it, and of course I had to give you props. :p :p) It's actually worse if you can believe it.

There's no business like SNOW business

2007-12-05T15:24:00.001-05:00

Sunday River got over a foot baby.

I'm in total denial that it's December 4th. Ask me how many gifts I've bought?

You know, I've had it with all these people having Christmas decorations up the day after Thanksgiving. It was always one thing to see the department stores all decked out in November, then earlier and earlier. But now, my kids are all like, "why don't we have our decorations up? When are we getting our tree? Katie has her tree!" (Italics = whine) Ugh.

So, I must get cracking.

I think they're all getting coal this year.

Dance dance!

2007-11-30T15:37:00.000-05:00

I know, I know, long time no post. I was duly chided by the book club girls.

Popping in to say the wedding was fab, the groom was on time, the bride was beautiful, and Jobee lost two big toenails. Pics at her site if you care.

Meanwhile, T.G.I'm going to Maine Friday. Here's something fun to keep you busy until I post again.

Go Elf Yourself

My dog elfed

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-21T09:28:00.000-05:00

We're off to grandma's house. If we end up at the Parade I'll blog a pic or two.

To get ready for all that turkey eating, here's a Turkey Quiz, sent in by my friend Sue. I realize I have so many friends named Sue, so I can use her real name and not give away her identity.

I score 50% btw, which I think is pretty good given some of the questions!

Lost and Found

2007-11-19T10:52:00.000-05:00

I found my iPod! Talk about a relief. I was in denial that it was truly gone. I couldn't find it anywhere, and was clinging to the hope that I'd left it in Maine, even though hubby swore he hadn't seen it when he was there two weeks ago. I even prayed to St.Anthony (ok, the best thing about that link, is they use "St Anthony" for their site search engine.)on Friday night to help me find it, and promised to fill a whole shopping bag for the food pantry if I did.

Well, the iPod wasn't in the condo anywhere. I was crushed, but still refused to believe it was gone forever. Then, the next morning while getting ready to go to the mountain, I suddenly realized where it could be! Zipped up in the speaker case I got for my anniversary present. When we got home last night, I dug it out and sure enough! Whee! Damn straight I'm stocking those pantry shelves. :)

Skiing was great, considering how early it is and it's all man made snow. We did a couple of runs each morning, then just hung out playing video games, and watching movies.

New in The Stupidity files

2007-11-15T08:52:00.000-05:00

"Oh Santa Baby, slip a fifty under the tree, for me..."

SYDNEY (AFP) - Santas in Australia's largest city have been told not to use Father Christmas's traditional "ho ho ho" greeting because it may be offensive to women, it was reported Thursday.

Sydney's Santa Clauses have instead been instructed to say "ha ha ha" instead, the Daily Telegraph reported. (Full story)

Next...
As I was getting coffee yesterday, I happened to notice the new Christmas tree ornament that Dunkin was selling in front of the register.

So I picked it up. On the back it said this:

Me:
I would think the only people you'd have to caution not to eat the thing aren't old enough to read the warning
Hubby:
they have to say coffee is hot
Me:
yes, but you are buying coffee with the intention to consume it. I would assume an adult was purchasing a christmas ornament to hang it on a tree, and would not need such clarification.

Not as good as the don't eat the frozen pizza frozen but ridiculous nonetheless.

And yes, I took pictures at the Dunkin Donuts counter with my phone, since the web had nothing. All in the name of entertainment my friends.

Somewhere, Elvis is rolling over

2007-11-13T12:08:00.000-05:00

Or maybe not. Who knows, maybe The King, and said signature tune, would have been Viagra's spokesman had it been around back then.

But this is just wrong. And it's so gay.

On a related note, have you heard the ads for "natural enhancements"? You know, the ones that guarantee results, "drug free"? Well apparently they aren't as innocuous as the men buying them might think.

"Are you lonesome, tonight?"

Impotency products heralded as “all-natural” and bearing labels abundant in herbal ingredients also include unregulated versions of precisely the chemicals they are supposed to replace, the Associated Press reports.

The AP says that its investigation emphasizes a growing public health concern that officials do not yet know how to track or ameliorate. This could prove difficult, as herbal impotency pills are much sought after – as sales worth approximately $400 million in 2006 prove.

At greatest risk are men who take nitrates and are well aware that prescription sex medication like Viagra, Cialis or Levitra is not recommended for them, should they wish to enhance their sexual performance.

James Neal-Kababick, director of Oregon-based Flora Research Laboratories, told the AP that about 90 percent of the hundreds of samples he has analyzed contained forms of patented pharmaceuticals. Some of these presented doses more than twice that of prescription erectile dysfunction medicine.

No deaths have been reported, yet all-natural sex pills have caused numerous emergency room visits, the AP notes.

Older men, more likely to have heart or blood pressure problems as well as erectile dysfunctions, are not the only ones that suffer unanticipated side effects of herbal pills.

The wire service reports that records of emergency room visits showed men in their 30s, in good health, nevertheless suffered after taking herbal sex pills, presenting side effects of the active ingredients in regulated impotency pharmaceuticals, such as difficulty seeing clearly or severe headaches.

Public health officials consider that these cases could be vastly underreported, with patients too embarrassed to share such experiences.

Damn.

Thursday was a me day

2007-11-09T08:32:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I drove across the entire state of Massachusetts to get 5 hours of live continuing education credits in order to satisfied my license requirements. I always wait until the last minute. Granted, there were a few other programs here in the metro area, but they are on weekends, and the last thing I want to do on a Saturday in December is sit in a cold hotel room hearing about tamper-proof prescription blanks and new treatments for inflammatory bowel disease for 7 hours. I'd rather be in Maine.

So yes, I drove almost 3 hours to Pittsfield. I could have spit on upstate N.Y. There are worse drives though. The Berkshires are beautiful, and there was still some foliage left. When I got off the Pike, (after being delayed by Massachusetts' finest in the tune of $170) I drove through Lee and it was such a quaint little town. Since I had plenty of time after the CE I stopped on my way back and browsed the little shops and enjoyed a latte at a little coffee shop, and knitted for a while. I found this really cool purse that's made out of recycled juice boxes! It was so unique I had to buy it. I liked the mini bag with the wrist strap, but I knew the coin purse would be more practical. I also figured I didn't want to spend a huge amount of money on a novelty item.

Then I drove back, keeping the car under 70 mph mind you, stopped at the mall, oh sorry it's Natick Collection, (there's not even a THE wtf?) to return leggings, (because in all honesty what was I thinking?) and found the exact kind of stretchy twill pants I was looking for when I bought the leggings. I think Lord and Taylor is my new favorite store. I also got a classic black pencil skirt in a casual fabric, which I'd also been looking for. Then I asked the Chanel associate if I could try some powder, since I was then meeting hubby for dinner, and she made up my whole face. I bought the long wearing lipstick since I loved the color.

The day was just perfection. Well, aside from the ticket. Even all the driving was fun because I got to listen to news and sports shows without interruption. The bad thing is we got home late and I left the kitchen a giant mess which I now have to look at over my morning coffee. Think it'll be any more fun to clean up after I go back to bed for a while?

Creativity

2007-11-07T09:25:00.000-05:00

My littlest one was crunching the frost on the grass this morning while he waited for the bus this morning. It was cute. Frost means snow. Snow means skiing. Skiing is good.

I was trying to crochet a hat for hubby, because he liked one I did as practice, but it was with purple girlie wool, but now I can't recreate what I did. So I am going to finish it, make mittens to match, and give it to a shelter or something. Then back to work on kids blankets. I have one done, one half done, and a girlie girl nagging me to finish her brother's quickly so I can get to hers.

I am also writing again. :) Just a short story but the idea just came back up with words to match. Go figure.

Will post more soon.
G.

Boo 2

2007-10-31T15:12:00.000-04:00

Boo Ya!

2007-10-31T08:20:00.000-04:00

My kids have the impression that as long as they can get an item of clothing on their body, it fits. (Thank God R isn't that fond of skirts!) I have had her dig clothes out of the trash when she catches me throwing them away. The latest compromise is letting her wear too small tees and shorts as PJ's. Next I think may be having them dress her stuffed animals. They're the same way with pants too, even the boys. The bottom of them hem can be over their ankles and they'll be like, "They're fine!"

The problem is, they are so petite that usually there is a gap (no pun intended) between what is too small and the next size up. R is complaining the long-sleeved tees I bought her are too big. Well too bad. Roll up the sleeve. I'm not paying $15-$20 for a shirt that won't fit next fall. Because eventually they have to grow, right?

Damn, and they complain there is never enough food in the house now...

Speaking of food, Happy Halloweenie! This is officially my daughter's favorite holiday. SRSLY, above Christmas. In her mind, rats, zombies, and hordes of candy rule over sugar plums and Santa anyday. The bigger two are being something ghoulish, while Littlest One is Shaggy from Scooby Doo. The costume is a riot.

I am planning on scaring the children who come to trick-or-treat---no not with my face shut up, with a freaky mask and "bloody gauze" around me.

The naughty bits

2007-10-29T12:25:00.000-04:00

(Or daddy's boo-boo.)[/inside joke]

This weekend I went down to NYC for a bridal shower. It was for the fiance of a dear childhood friend, and I guess in Queens-speak going to the shower is tacit "We like her and approve". LOL. Seriously though we like her. She seems to know just exactly how much of his BS to take and what to give back. Jobee and I went together, since both of us wanted to go, but neither of us knew anyone else there. Those of you who know Jo personally will recognize what an adventure this would be. Make note now, (though I'm sure she will blog about it, in a more entertaining fashion than me) if she ever gets married, none of that bows-on-the-paper-plate-hat, cute-favors-ginzo-crap. She wants to see dildos and slutty lingerie. The Bridal Shower Bingo was good for amusement, of course she got a blank free space on her card so naturally Jo wrote in what she bought. They were passing around a little book for people to write messages and I had to resist the urge to write, "Run now! Don't do it!". :p :p ;)

Afterward we went into AC Moore crafts since she'd never been in one, and ooh and aaahed over all the yarn, then over all the other multitude of craft projects. I was telling her about how some moms send in goodie bags for classroom Halloween parties, and they'll take TootsieRoll pops and wrap them up in little pieces of white cloth to make them look like ghosts. Yeah, and I send mine in with a bag of Kit Kats. But hey, I kind of have time for that this year. What should I do? I bet I could make some scary spider candy or something. Not. She did teach me how to circular knit on double pointed needles, (thanks again dearie!) Oh the troubled life of us upper middle class suburban moms.

The evening was spent at my sister's with the guys watching the Red Sox win, eating empañadas, and being incredibly sophomoric for 40 year olds. It was great.

Don't forget to get your taco tomorrow!

Caution! Contents might be cold

2007-10-22T21:12:00.000-04:00

The first instruction on the box of frozen pizza I am heating up:

"Do not eat pizza without cooking."

I know those frost-bitten black olives and pepperoni look reaaaallllly good, and you might reaaallly be hungry, but it will be worth the 10 minute wait. Trust us.

Sports

2007-10-20T23:03:00.000-04:00

I love that my daughter always has a smile on her face on the soccer field. It's really cool. She never has one of those "game faces" or gritty determination scowls, it's always this wide-eyed, excited, grin. I can smell the determination emanating from her; she wants a goal so badly. She got one last week. Today, no one got the ball to her, despite being in the right position to score most of the game. They won though, 1-0. She however, did nothing but berate herself for a poor performance in the second half, because she was playing a position she hated, and had her foot slip on a corner kick. I gave her specific praise for what I saw her doing great, and told her, "well yes, you had that flub," but her teammates had worse goofs, "but if you played hard, and tried your best, but that one thing was bothering her then the only thing to do was to work harder and practice for the next time."

I am so full. I ate junk food all day. An Italian sub for lunch, loaded waffle fries at Friendly's while the kids ate dinner, and now some chicken wings and beer while watching the Sox kick Cleveland's ASS back to Ohio. Well, we have to win one more game, but Curt pulled another one out of that arm of his (and JD Drew finally got the big hit) and we're up 10-1 in the 8th. 10 runs, and not one of them from Big Papi or Manny. Ah, well hold on to that for a moment, Ortiz just got a double and Manny's up.

I spent a fortune on yarn today; I'm making an afghan for each kid. (so they stop dragging and throwing mine all over the floor.) The girl next door is having a baby and I want to make her a baby blanket too. I just made my niece mittens and am going to make a matching hat for them.

Going to NYC next weekend. I'm looking forward to seeing Jobee and Lil' Sissy poo.

Excuses, Confessions

2007-10-19T09:18:00.000-04:00

Here's the deal. There hasn't been much posting, because:

1) I've been busy.
2) I'm obsessed with knitting and crocheting.
3) I feel like I have nothing worth saying that anyone would care to even read, hence the mushroom post.
4) I have my head up my ass and am avoiding writing anything

Writing. For some reason that word has provoked anxiety in me for a while now. I'm deliberately choosing to not write; I picked up knitting, exercise, and when I have some free time that's what I do. And now NaNoWrimo is coming around again.

Last November I wrote over 50,000 words in 30 days. I had so much encouragement from my family and friends. I signed up for a class to work on it. And then did nothing. I even blew off sending the 20 page excerpt to the teacher for her expert critique. Now I feel guilty. I feel like I let myself down, I let everyone who encouraged me down... God, am I pathetic and have issues or what? But I made such a big deal about "wanting to be a writer", and I just dropped it, like I do with a lot of things.

I do this shit all the time too. I am aware that I am avoiding something, be it writing a letter, returning a phone call, making an appointment, having a conversation that needs to be had... yet I just keep not getting to it. It's almost like I am standing outside myself watching me being stupid, but being mute and frozen to the ground unable to kick my own ass. And I hate it. It's probably very difficult to understand, and it's kind of sad that I am explaining all this in my blog to the world instead of confiding it to loved ones but somehow this is easier. Because I can take my time and write the words. I can hit back space and cut and paste. I can open the thesaurus and find the word that eludes me. And some Anonymous person from NY threw down the gauntlet. I've always been a "TMI" kind of girl anyway.

Anyway, I hated that manuscript. I can't explain why really, it was just not right. It wasn't the story I set out to tell, I couldn't figure out who the target audience was, I couldn't figure out how to finish it...

So maybe I should just take the advice I often give to others and just let go of what's done and move forward, use Nano to make myself sit down in front of Word and start something. I guess as long as I keep trying maybe one day I'll finish. I managed to finish a scarf and a poncho right?

toadstool

2007-10-09T12:01:00.001-04:00

I was thinking as I cooked dinner last night, who first thought of eating a mushroom? I imagine it had to be someone wandering around in the woods, really hungry, kind of risky when you consider most of them can be poisonous. And when did it become an ingredient? I bet it was the French. Though, people must have been eating them long before.

However I realize as I type this that the internet is a wonderful tool, and at my fingertips. Hmmm... much of what I'm finding concerns "magic" mushrooms. Actually, it seems they've been around for centuries. Wow, supposedly Buddha died from eating a toxic mushroom. About.com says they were first cultivated by the French in the 18th century.

This site has the best history of the mushroom.

Mushrooms were gathered and eaten from the time of early man, yet it wasn't until the 18th century that the details of their cultivation were fully understood. Because mushrooms in the garden often appear to pop up overnight, even the ancient scholar Dioscorides thought them capable of spontaneous generation, a belief that held fast throughout medieval times.

Lots of cool facts about all the myths and beliefs surrounding them too; no surprise given how some cause you to hallucinate, and others will kill you.

God this is a boring post.

Lackey is our bitch

2007-10-03T21:39:00.000-04:00

4-0 baby. Beckett pitched a complete shutout. Sweetness.

Guess where I am?

2007-10-03T19:35:00.000-04:00

They are changing the bases every inning. WTF?
3-0 Sox. :-D

Vintage ads

2007-10-02T15:18:00.000-04:00

This was really amusing.

Vintage Ads (source Cityrag) Make sure you note some of the post titles, and go back a few pages. There is one for Winston cigs, that the innuendo is just priceless. I can't believe they really got away with that.

Oh, Gotta love this one .