The Amazing Race started tonight and every time I watch it I think "I could totally do that". Then I am reminded how irritated I get just driving around town and how tired playing soccer with my daughter makes me. I think that means that for now I would have to pass. However, I enjoy watching it because it is so crazy and unlike Survivor a lot more of the game is in your control. The other thing that fascinates me are the groups of people who compete. I honestly think that my mom is the only one that I could go with and not end up with a ruined relationship. I take that back, my friend Jason would be a good match for getting along and having a good time, but we would so lose the first day for talking to each other too much and not paying enough attention (damn chatty Libras!) It is fun for me to watch it and think of the challenges though and what I would do, would I use a fast forward, etc.
I also think that Phil, the host, has the coolest job ever. Where was he when I was dating! (just kidding D) So far I think I am rooting for the "Keg-pack" Frat Brothers, Nick and Starr, Mark and Bill, Terence and Sarah, and Toni and Dallas, the mom and son. The Southern belles and the Divorcees are really bugging me.
Funniest moment was when the ex-NFL player who cheated on his wife, and his wife were in the Taxi in Brazil and she gets after him for not practicing his Spanish. Uh, they are in Brazil. Where they speak Portuguese.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Favorite Five Paul Newman Things
In honor of the passing of a great actor and fine man, I am combining my five favorites with a tribute to him.
1. Cool Hand Luke - Not only is this an amazing movie and an incredible performance by Newman, it gave us one of the best lines from a movie of all time.
2. Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing - By far one of the best out there (and his spaghetti sauces aren't bad either). On top of that he raised millions of dollars for charity with these products.
3. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid - One of the best Westerns, best buddy flick, and the scenery is incredible.
4. Color of Money - Oscar winning performance.
5. The Verdict - I think, Paul Newman at his finest.
1. Cool Hand Luke - Not only is this an amazing movie and an incredible performance by Newman, it gave us one of the best lines from a movie of all time.
2. Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing - By far one of the best out there (and his spaghetti sauces aren't bad either). On top of that he raised millions of dollars for charity with these products.
3. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid - One of the best Westerns, best buddy flick, and the scenery is incredible.
4. Color of Money - Oscar winning performance.
5. The Verdict - I think, Paul Newman at his finest.
Into the Sunset
Good night and God speed Cool Hand. You were the best of our time and the world is less bright without the light of your sky blue eyes and gentle heart.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Life Imitates Art
This week I asked if your life were a TV Show or Movie, what would it be and why?
I did not mean this question to be so literal and in the box, so I will try to elaborate by my example. Sometimes my life is Lost, seriously I feel lost. Sometimes I am Girl Interrupted or One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest because I just feel that I cannot hold it together any longer and wouldn’t we all be happier if I just checked myself in for a few days (or months). Other times it is Happy Days. When I am feeling particularly melancholy it is part Now and Then, part Sex and the City. There was a brief period where I veered off into an alternate universe that felt very Trainspotting and Mallrats at the same time. The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood and An American Quilt are my relationship with my friends and the definition of who I am when I am a woman, around women who care about me. Unfortunately, there was more Six Feet Under, Dying Young, and Steel Magnolias than I ever wanted. At times my marriage is a combination of It’s a Wonderful Life, The Simpsons, The Story of Us, and Little House on the Prairie. Most of the time I feel like I am in The Amazing Race without getting to travel to cool places or win a million dollars (I do have my own hot host though to keep me going)!
Despite all this, I am going to use a movie as I prefer those over TV. My life is Parenthood. Sometimes we fight, sometimes we get interrupted in our quality time, sometimes I scream at the kids, sometimes they are ramming their heads against the wall in a bucket for fun, at other times they are a little genius. Sometimes my parents irritate the fuck out of me. I KNOW I do or have done the same. It is great and shitty at the same time, it is all the things I ever hoped it would be and not at all what I planned. But you know what? That is life. That is my life. It is, as the grandma in the movie says “a roller coaster”. I would not have it any other way.
I did not mean this question to be so literal and in the box, so I will try to elaborate by my example. Sometimes my life is Lost, seriously I feel lost. Sometimes I am Girl Interrupted or One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest because I just feel that I cannot hold it together any longer and wouldn’t we all be happier if I just checked myself in for a few days (or months). Other times it is Happy Days. When I am feeling particularly melancholy it is part Now and Then, part Sex and the City. There was a brief period where I veered off into an alternate universe that felt very Trainspotting and Mallrats at the same time. The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood and An American Quilt are my relationship with my friends and the definition of who I am when I am a woman, around women who care about me. Unfortunately, there was more Six Feet Under, Dying Young, and Steel Magnolias than I ever wanted. At times my marriage is a combination of It’s a Wonderful Life, The Simpsons, The Story of Us, and Little House on the Prairie. Most of the time I feel like I am in The Amazing Race without getting to travel to cool places or win a million dollars (I do have my own hot host though to keep me going)!
Despite all this, I am going to use a movie as I prefer those over TV. My life is Parenthood. Sometimes we fight, sometimes we get interrupted in our quality time, sometimes I scream at the kids, sometimes they are ramming their heads against the wall in a bucket for fun, at other times they are a little genius. Sometimes my parents irritate the fuck out of me. I KNOW I do or have done the same. It is great and shitty at the same time, it is all the things I ever hoped it would be and not at all what I planned. But you know what? That is life. That is my life. It is, as the grandma in the movie says “a roller coaster”. I would not have it any other way.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Pissed Off!
I am angry, really, really angry and it is my own fault. We have the two cats you know (for all of you cat haters this post will just be validation of your feelings, even though through it all I don't agree with your position). Well the one cat, Isis, has always been a bit of a shit. I cannot tell you how many times I have had to wash a comforter or throw something away because she decided in a fit of irritation with a dirty litter box to pee on it. It is not all the time, just every now and then when we go to long without cleaning out her box. So we get the new kitty, they get along OK, but I doubt they will be BFF.
Well this past weekend, one of them, has decided to pee in the baby's room! It started out with some pajamas that I had put on the floor rather than in the hamper. Then it moved to some teddy bears and a blanket in a rocking chair, but tonight was the last straw. One of the cats peed in her crib! On the blanket, sheet, and the bumper. I am beyond livid, I am pissed! I love cats, have had them my whole life, but have never had this happen. I never had cats (other than one boy cat that had to mark his territory) who did this on clothes and in such specific areas. I am seriously ready to give them away...something I never thought I would do.
So now I am searching the Internet in the hopes of finding some miracle to fix this short of locking the damn animals in a room at night. If you have solutions, please offer them. If you know of a good home for some dumb ass cats, well provide that information too. (Just kidding, or not)
Well this past weekend, one of them, has decided to pee in the baby's room! It started out with some pajamas that I had put on the floor rather than in the hamper. Then it moved to some teddy bears and a blanket in a rocking chair, but tonight was the last straw. One of the cats peed in her crib! On the blanket, sheet, and the bumper. I am beyond livid, I am pissed! I love cats, have had them my whole life, but have never had this happen. I never had cats (other than one boy cat that had to mark his territory) who did this on clothes and in such specific areas. I am seriously ready to give them away...something I never thought I would do.
So now I am searching the Internet in the hopes of finding some miracle to fix this short of locking the damn animals in a room at night. If you have solutions, please offer them. If you know of a good home for some dumb ass cats, well provide that information too. (Just kidding, or not)
Monday, September 15, 2008
Things I struggle with....
~ Being around/hearing from/knowing people who fill the need to tell you how great and wonderful there life/marriage/kids are. All this tells me is that you are insecure, so do us both a favor and shut your cake hole.
~ Double standards of any kind. For example, women that get all bitchy and possessive about their husbands/boyfriends and anything they might have done in their past, but then expect their past behavior to be a non-issue.
~ People that believe that gay relationships are promiscuous or that they cannot commit for long term.
~ Having a daughter that gets all upset on the way home from school about the fact that there is not enough SCIENCE in school for her and how dare the astronomers say that poor little Pluto is not a planet anymore.
~ Small talk. Is it necessary or relevant?
~ Waiting 3+ months for another season of Survivor and the Amazing Race.
~ An economy that is in the toilet.
~ Taking time for myself. I seriously always feel so guilty whenever I do this, which is stupid, I know.
~ People that use other people/manipulative people/"teases". Grow up, this is life, not a game.
~ Those people (you know who you are) that must either be the center of attention or they will make everyone else miserable.
OK, I feel much better now. Thanks.
~ Double standards of any kind. For example, women that get all bitchy and possessive about their husbands/boyfriends and anything they might have done in their past, but then expect their past behavior to be a non-issue.
~ People that believe that gay relationships are promiscuous or that they cannot commit for long term.
~ Having a daughter that gets all upset on the way home from school about the fact that there is not enough SCIENCE in school for her and how dare the astronomers say that poor little Pluto is not a planet anymore.
~ Small talk. Is it necessary or relevant?
~ Waiting 3+ months for another season of Survivor and the Amazing Race.
~ An economy that is in the toilet.
~ Taking time for myself. I seriously always feel so guilty whenever I do this, which is stupid, I know.
~ People that use other people/manipulative people/"teases". Grow up, this is life, not a game.
~ Those people (you know who you are) that must either be the center of attention or they will make everyone else miserable.
OK, I feel much better now. Thanks.
Drive My Car...Beep, Beep Yeah!
I answered this back in July with this post. The car that I love is the Mercedes Benz 300 SL Gullwing.
Not only is this car beautiful and unique, it is fast! I love the classic curvy lines and think that it is just sexy. I mean, look at it!
They have actually brought the car back as well, though I do not like the new design as much. The first time I remember seeing this car was with my dad at a car show in California when I was little. The second time was the movie Flamingo Kid.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
I Spy
I just got back from seeing Burn After Reading by the Coen brothers and I have to say that it is a must see. Overall the critics are rating it a "B" and I will agree that some other Coen movies are better, but all I know is that immediately after it was over I wanted to watch it again. Particularly because I was laughing so hard I missed some of the dialouge. In my mind, that is always the sign of a good movie. And really, with that cast there is no way it could fail. I will never look at Brad Pitt the same again!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Favorite Songs
Top 10 Favorite songs. It should be 5, I realize. But, this is my blog and I will bloody well do as I please. (If it does not come up for you, click on "pop-out player")
Food, Felines, and Feet
Here is a brief update with what has been happening in our house ~
Here I am teaching the Fiesty Spice how to read. I figured the last one was reading before 4, why not get an earlier start on this one!
Fiesty Spice learning to eat baby food (she LOVES it)
Missy G and her kitty Izzy. This cat is crazy about her, follows her around, sleeps on her bed, sits in her chair or under it at the dinner table, watches her when she is outside. It is really funny, but so sweet.
Missy G and her soccer games - first time playing on a team and she seems to really like it. It is funny that she is so like me. She wants the ball, but only when it comes to her and she has to defend. That way, you get to play, but hopefully more often you get to stand in the back and chat! In this picture she is, surprisingly, not chatting, but "stretching".
Here I am teaching the Fiesty Spice how to read. I figured the last one was reading before 4, why not get an earlier start on this one!
This is my favorite picture of the summer. I took this in our backyard and am seriously considering making it the Christmas picture.
Another Year
I am pausing for a moment, as I do on this day every year since 2001 to think about that day that changed our nation forever. Everyone remembers where they were and what they were doing on that day, it left an impact on all of us, regardless of your religion, political affiliations, nationality, or race. For one moment, we were all Americans united. I hope that we can be that way again and not lose the lessons that this horrid experience taught us, without making more mistakes.
To all of you who lost loved ones and to the rest of my fellow Americans, I am with you today completely in mind and spirit.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Lipsticked Pig
So this is disgusting. If you do not know what VPILF stands for it is Vice President I'd Like to Fuck. Charming, really. So McCain brought her on board because women look up to her as a fellow mom and the men want to have sex with her. That really put the feminist and equal rights movement forward a few decades huh?
Then there is this~
In case you don't get it, that is Sarah Palin in a flag bikini holding a rifle. Awesome. I bet that will scare the shit out of all those terrorists who like to keep their women in a bhurka. I know it scares the shit out of me! But this doll scares me even more:
I am tempted to get the doll, just so that I can use it as a toilet plunger. Check out that outfit, I bet that really gets all those people who think she is a VPILF very excited. And it is very Presidential and definitely represents the values and ideals that I would like my daughters to have. I want her to grow up and dress just like that! I mean, what the fuck people!?
And then this is the action figure they create for Hillary?
And they accuse Obama today of being sexist? Good Hell! So Hillary is a "man hating pantsuit wearing femi-nazi" and Sarah Palin is "Hot!" And that makes her more qualified to run the country than Obama?
I notice that whenever an "average American" starts talking about why she is qualified to be the VP, they always say "Well she is beautiful".
You know who I think is truly beautiful and is a role model for my daughter and all little girls everywhere? The kind of women who is so beautiful on the inside that it radiates outward for everyone to see? The kind of beauty that Sarah Palin could never, EVER have? These women.
(all pictures from google.com)
Bow Down Mister....
This week the "other Kim" asks us to name one religion besides our own that we respect and tell why.
Frankly, I respect every one's right to worship how they please so long as it does not involve injuring children, other people, or animals. Outside of that, worship (or don't) who, what, and how you want, but respect my right to do the same. And, don't ask me to change to your religion, thank you. So lets make this more fun...here are the religions and philosophies of shit~
AGNOSTICISM What is this shit?
ALTRUISM Want some shit?
AMISH Shit dost occur.
APATHISM I don't give a shit.
ATHEISM I don't believe this shit.
BA'HAI All shit is truly shit.
BUDDHISM Shit happens.
BAPTIST FUNDAMENTALISM Shit happens because the Bible says so.
CAPITALISM How much will this shit cost?
CATHOLICISM If shit happens, you deserved it.
COMMUNISM It's everybody's shit.
CONFUCIANISM Confucius say, "Shit happens."
CREATION SCIENCE We have proof that God created all the shit that happens.
DARWINISM We came up from shit.
DESCARTES I shit therefore I am.
DIANETICS Shit your way to a better life.
DOMINICANS Belive in shit, or we'll boil you in it.
GNOSTICISM Know shit.
HINDUISM This shit has happened before.
ISLAM If shit happens, it is the will of Allah.
JUDAISM Why does shit always happen to US?
MENNONITE None of this modern shit now.
MORMONISM Shit's going to happen. Stockpile.
NIETSCHE If you're not Ubermenschen, you're not shit.
NIHILISM Everything is shit.
PAGANISM Shit happens. And is a part of nature.
PLATONISM There is an ideal shit, of which all the shit that happens is but an imperfect image.
PROTESTANTISM Let shit happen to someone else.
RASTAFARIAN Shit happens, but if it's all right with Jah, it's all right with me.
SHINTO Shit is everywhere. So as long as you're stepping in it, show it some respect.
STALINISM The state treats you like shit.
TAOISM The shit that happens is not the true shit.
THE-FORCE Do not be swayed by the Dark Side of the shit.
TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit.......
TV-Evangelism you need our shit, but it'll cost you.
UNITARIANISM There's only one shit, but you can have it happen any way you want.
ZEN What is the sound of shit happening?
Frankly, I respect every one's right to worship how they please so long as it does not involve injuring children, other people, or animals. Outside of that, worship (or don't) who, what, and how you want, but respect my right to do the same. And, don't ask me to change to your religion, thank you. So lets make this more fun...here are the religions and philosophies of shit~
AGNOSTICISM What is this shit?
ALTRUISM Want some shit?
AMISH Shit dost occur.
APATHISM I don't give a shit.
ATHEISM I don't believe this shit.
BA'HAI All shit is truly shit.
BUDDHISM Shit happens.
BAPTIST FUNDAMENTALISM Shit happens because the Bible says so.
CAPITALISM How much will this shit cost?
CATHOLICISM If shit happens, you deserved it.
COMMUNISM It's everybody's shit.
CONFUCIANISM Confucius say, "Shit happens."
CREATION SCIENCE We have proof that God created all the shit that happens.
DARWINISM We came up from shit.
DESCARTES I shit therefore I am.
DIANETICS Shit your way to a better life.
DOMINICANS Belive in shit, or we'll boil you in it.
GNOSTICISM Know shit.
HINDUISM This shit has happened before.
ISLAM If shit happens, it is the will of Allah.
JUDAISM Why does shit always happen to US?
MENNONITE None of this modern shit now.
MORMONISM Shit's going to happen. Stockpile.
NIETSCHE If you're not Ubermenschen, you're not shit.
NIHILISM Everything is shit.
PAGANISM Shit happens. And is a part of nature.
PLATONISM There is an ideal shit, of which all the shit that happens is but an imperfect image.
PROTESTANTISM Let shit happen to someone else.
RASTAFARIAN Shit happens, but if it's all right with Jah, it's all right with me.
SHINTO Shit is everywhere. So as long as you're stepping in it, show it some respect.
STALINISM The state treats you like shit.
TAOISM The shit that happens is not the true shit.
THE-FORCE Do not be swayed by the Dark Side of the shit.
TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit.......
TV-Evangelism you need our shit, but it'll cost you.
UNITARIANISM There's only one shit, but you can have it happen any way you want.
ZEN What is the sound of shit happening?
Boredom Copy Cat
20 years ago...
1. Recovering from a horrific experience and trying to decide if I could ever trust men
2. Hanging out with my skater/drama group/waver/punk friends
3. Spending time reading….a lot
10 years ago...
1. Newlywed (yippee!)
2. Working in call center (bleh)
3. Learning sign language
5 years ago...
1. Chasing after a 2 year old
2. Went back to college
3. Thinking that life could not get any better
3 years ago...
1. Pregnant with my son
2. Working for an awesome company in a cool and stressful job with a great office
3. Still in school
1 year ago...
1. Pregnant with my daughter and worried about the CVS test
2. Freaked out about my father in law selling the cabin
3. Missing my son and mother in law very much
So far this year...
1. Had a baby
2. Graduated college
3. Took a road trip to Montana
Yesterday...
1. I worked 12 hours
2. Laughed hysterically at my daughters crab/penguin walk
3. Made the decision to go back to school for my masters degree
Today...
1. Dropped Missy G off at school
2. Enjoyed a warm and cloudy morning
3. Had dinner with my friend John and reconnected (Hallelujah!)
Tommorrow...
1. Play bells at church
2. Another day of work
3. Searched for a house (no Kim, I will not buy yours!)
Next year...
1. We will have moved to a new house
2. I will complete my degree
3. We will all hopefully be happy, healthy, and appreciating our many blessings.
1. Recovering from a horrific experience and trying to decide if I could ever trust men
2. Hanging out with my skater/drama group/waver/punk friends
3. Spending time reading….a lot
10 years ago...
1. Newlywed (yippee!)
2. Working in call center (bleh)
3. Learning sign language
5 years ago...
1. Chasing after a 2 year old
2. Went back to college
3. Thinking that life could not get any better
3 years ago...
1. Pregnant with my son
2. Working for an awesome company in a cool and stressful job with a great office
3. Still in school
1 year ago...
1. Pregnant with my daughter and worried about the CVS test
2. Freaked out about my father in law selling the cabin
3. Missing my son and mother in law very much
So far this year...
1. Had a baby
2. Graduated college
3. Took a road trip to Montana
Yesterday...
1. I worked 12 hours
2. Laughed hysterically at my daughters crab/penguin walk
3. Made the decision to go back to school for my masters degree
Today...
1. Dropped Missy G off at school
2. Enjoyed a warm and cloudy morning
3. Had dinner with my friend John and reconnected (Hallelujah!)
Tommorrow...
1. Play bells at church
2. Another day of work
3. Searched for a house (no Kim, I will not buy yours!)
Next year...
1. We will have moved to a new house
2. I will complete my degree
3. We will all hopefully be happy, healthy, and appreciating our many blessings.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
The World Stopped
For just a moment on Friday 9/5/08 the world stopped. I had to take our baby to the Dr. for her normal check up and shots, thinking that it was no big deal. Except, of course, after having gone through what we experienced with our son, every visit to my children's doctor is a big deal.
So I take the baby in, she does all her weighing and measuring and is looking great. The Dr. comes in while I am feeding her and listens to her heart, checks eyes, etc. Then on to the legs and hips. As she is moving them around she tells me that she is worried a little about the femur not being lined up properly in the hip socket so wants to send her for an X-Ray as before 6 months it is a splint to fix, after 6 months it is surgery. So I don't panic, I just gather up her things and tell myself "no biggie, this is not life threatening". Then I sit and wait for the X-ray holding the baby, watching her sleep, still telling myself that it is fine. It could be worse, it could be a lot worse. Than I get called into the room.
Once I walk through that door and see all that massive equipment, it was like going back in time to almost 2 years ago, with my son. It was like experiencing the CAT scan, the MRI, the swallow test, and all that bullshit all over again. And then, seeing her on the table as they take the X-Rays and holding her as she screams. I do not know how I made it through without falling apart. By the time I left the hospital and was carrying her to the car I had tears running down my face.
Not for her, I knew she would be OK. But for Dylan, and all those damn memories that I tried to forget. I was in so much pain and I could do nothing about it. I hate that feeling, that helpless, drowning feeling. At the end of the day we got the call and everything was fine, so that was a blessing and I am so thankful.
So I take the baby in, she does all her weighing and measuring and is looking great. The Dr. comes in while I am feeding her and listens to her heart, checks eyes, etc. Then on to the legs and hips. As she is moving them around she tells me that she is worried a little about the femur not being lined up properly in the hip socket so wants to send her for an X-Ray as before 6 months it is a splint to fix, after 6 months it is surgery. So I don't panic, I just gather up her things and tell myself "no biggie, this is not life threatening". Then I sit and wait for the X-ray holding the baby, watching her sleep, still telling myself that it is fine. It could be worse, it could be a lot worse. Than I get called into the room.
Once I walk through that door and see all that massive equipment, it was like going back in time to almost 2 years ago, with my son. It was like experiencing the CAT scan, the MRI, the swallow test, and all that bullshit all over again. And then, seeing her on the table as they take the X-Rays and holding her as she screams. I do not know how I made it through without falling apart. By the time I left the hospital and was carrying her to the car I had tears running down my face.
Not for her, I knew she would be OK. But for Dylan, and all those damn memories that I tried to forget. I was in so much pain and I could do nothing about it. I hate that feeling, that helpless, drowning feeling. At the end of the day we got the call and everything was fine, so that was a blessing and I am so thankful.
Five Favorite Comedies
Some Like it Hot - This movie is just flat out funny. Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon in drag, gansters, Marilyn Monroe, and the wittiest script ever written.
The Birdcage - I repeat lines from this all the time. The whole idea is fun, ripe for comedy, and Nathan Lane/Hank Azaria are so over the top!
Harvey / The Philadelphia Story / Arsenic and Old Lace - I love old movies, it is cliche' but we just do not make them like that anymore.
Meet the Parents - Ben Stiller is not only someone who can laugh at himself, he also does an incredible job of making all of us laugh along with him. This movie is just such a classic example of what can happen when we try to impress others or be something we are not. Besides, Robert DeNiro is so like my dad in this movie!
Dan in Real Life - I have not laughed this hard in a long time, yet it was so sweet at the same time. And it had some great lines in it.
The Birdcage - I repeat lines from this all the time. The whole idea is fun, ripe for comedy, and Nathan Lane/Hank Azaria are so over the top!
Harvey / The Philadelphia Story / Arsenic and Old Lace - I love old movies, it is cliche' but we just do not make them like that anymore.
Meet the Parents - Ben Stiller is not only someone who can laugh at himself, he also does an incredible job of making all of us laugh along with him. This movie is just such a classic example of what can happen when we try to impress others or be something we are not. Besides, Robert DeNiro is so like my dad in this movie!
Dan in Real Life - I have not laughed this hard in a long time, yet it was so sweet at the same time. And it had some great lines in it.
What I See...
So, after having watched both the DNC and the RNC I can safely say that I am utterly and completely in support of Barack Obama and Joe Biden for President.
I think that Heather put the reasons much more eloquently than I can. But I do have a few thoughts to add.
- The "Country First" signs that everyone was waving imply that the Republicans believe that the US should be first, above everyone else. Our country is a part of this world, we are a part of something so much larger than ourselves. We should act like it. As we have not for the past eight years. I agree that our country should be first in our minds and hearts, but not at the cost of ours, or other countries, freedom.
- It is ironic that the back of the signs said "Service" and yet they ridiculed Obama for his years of Community Organizing, which is service.
- I agree that Palin's teenage daughter should not be subjected to intense media scrutiny, but Palins views of abstinence only, no sex education in schools, and pro-life should now be topic of conversation. As many others have said, by deciding to keep the baby her family was free to make a choice. A choice that she would then take away from the rest of us with her strict and conservative stance.
- The media coverage has been intense for the days after Palin was announced and rightly so. She came out of no where, which means that all of us are going to be curious about her, her views, her record, etc. They act like it is unfair bias and that Obama should be placed under the same microscope. Newsflash, he was. For the past 19 months. Do you not know about all the lies and rumors? Did you not see the magazine cover?
- The "drill baby drill" chant was disgusting. I don't have the words to explain how dirty that made me feel hearing and watching it.
The last point I have to make is not an original thought of mine (but I wish it was). A woman called into NPR on Friday and criticized the Republicans for calling themselves Christian, while criticizing and belittling Obama's record as a Community Organizer. Her point was that Jesus Christ was a Community Organizer. And Pontius Pilate? Well, he was a governor.
I think that Heather put the reasons much more eloquently than I can. But I do have a few thoughts to add.
- The "Country First" signs that everyone was waving imply that the Republicans believe that the US should be first, above everyone else. Our country is a part of this world, we are a part of something so much larger than ourselves. We should act like it. As we have not for the past eight years. I agree that our country should be first in our minds and hearts, but not at the cost of ours, or other countries, freedom.
- It is ironic that the back of the signs said "Service" and yet they ridiculed Obama for his years of Community Organizing, which is service.
- I agree that Palin's teenage daughter should not be subjected to intense media scrutiny, but Palins views of abstinence only, no sex education in schools, and pro-life should now be topic of conversation. As many others have said, by deciding to keep the baby her family was free to make a choice. A choice that she would then take away from the rest of us with her strict and conservative stance.
- The media coverage has been intense for the days after Palin was announced and rightly so. She came out of no where, which means that all of us are going to be curious about her, her views, her record, etc. They act like it is unfair bias and that Obama should be placed under the same microscope. Newsflash, he was. For the past 19 months. Do you not know about all the lies and rumors? Did you not see the magazine cover?
- The "drill baby drill" chant was disgusting. I don't have the words to explain how dirty that made me feel hearing and watching it.
The last point I have to make is not an original thought of mine (but I wish it was). A woman called into NPR on Friday and criticized the Republicans for calling themselves Christian, while criticizing and belittling Obama's record as a Community Organizer. Her point was that Jesus Christ was a Community Organizer. And Pontius Pilate? Well, he was a governor.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
PSS Filler - If you know what I mean
We had a "Cool Hand Luke" moment this week on whose turn it was to come up with the topic, so we came up with a filler that is a follow up to Shanes from last week.
That should do it. I think that would make me thoroughly and completely satisfied.
If you were going to cheat, with what celebrity/famous person (ONLY) would it be?
For my part, this would be quite a party. I think if you are going to do something like this you should "Go Big or Go Home"! That being said, here is the line up (yeah, I said line up) for Amypalooza:
First, Michael Buble'. 
I love his voice, he is funny and I would need to be serenaded into the mood. Besides, he is not bad to look at either. Then, I would not be able to decide between Liam Neeson (a personal favorite), Daniel Day Lewis (so intense and that nose), Viggo Mortenson, Daniel Craig, and I would have to include a Beatle, but the one I choose is this one (what can I say, he makes me laugh and I have a thing for noses obviously). Since I could not decide on one, I will just include them all. Michael would not have to be included, after all, I do not want to be greedy. He could just hang around and sing.
I love his voice, he is funny and I would need to be serenaded into the mood. Besides, he is not bad to look at either. Then, I would not be able to decide between Liam Neeson (a personal favorite), Daniel Day Lewis (so intense and that nose), Viggo Mortenson, Daniel Craig, and I would have to include a Beatle, but the one I choose is this one (what can I say, he makes me laugh and I have a thing for noses obviously). Since I could not decide on one, I will just include them all. Michael would not have to be included, after all, I do not want to be greedy. He could just hang around and sing. 
That should do it. I think that would make me thoroughly and completely satisfied.
The Apartment
Sometimes I dream of having my own apartment. Sometimes this dream coincides with that wonderful time of the month (ok, to be fair, probably most of the time. And I bet that D wishes I had my own apartment at that time too). However, there are other times when I dream of my apartment simply because I feel the need to get away, just to show everyone how shitty life would be without me and because frankly a dream of a different life is the only thing that keeps me appreciating this one when everyone is driving me absolutely bat-shit crazy!
Whew! So on to this apartment. It is lovely, if you could see it you would agree. It is a ground level apartment of an old Victorian style refinished duplex/house. Surprisingly, it is very girly, but not surprising it is very, very eclectic. It would have to be, I mean, with no one around to demand everything from me all the damn time and then throw a hissy fit when it is not right, I can travel and shop. And it is filled with books, all nicely arranged in my bookshelves, in my library, next to my big comfy chair, that my dog and cat sleep on. (These are imaginary animals of mine mind you). It has a bright and sunny kitchen with a dining room table and chairs that don’t match and are painted funky colors. I eat whatever I want in this kitchen, salads, soups, martinis, ice cream. My bathroom has a claw-foot tub and an endless supply of bubble bath…..and wine. My bedroom has a wrought iron bed, with big fluffy pillows of all different sizes. There is hardly any wall space free as it is all covered with my art collection and pictures of family and the places I have been. I have a patio on my apartment. A quaint little oasis of a garden with a table that I eat dinner on when it is warm and the planter boxes are full of gnomes doing all kinds of crazy things, like pushing wheelbarrows and mooning me. And parked in my garage is a mini Cooper with a sun-roof. At night, after my bath and two glasses of wine, I lie in bed and read. Then I look out my window at the stars, the moon, and the wind gently stirring through my trees.
And then I wake up. To Missy G screaming “Mommy” because she had a bad dream about snails or barbies or lava. I come back to my bed that I share with D, after checking on the baby and watching her sleep. And I lie there, thinking about my apartment, and smile. Glad that it exists in my mind and that I can visit it there when I like, but very happy that I don’t live there all the time.
Whew! So on to this apartment. It is lovely, if you could see it you would agree. It is a ground level apartment of an old Victorian style refinished duplex/house. Surprisingly, it is very girly, but not surprising it is very, very eclectic. It would have to be, I mean, with no one around to demand everything from me all the damn time and then throw a hissy fit when it is not right, I can travel and shop. And it is filled with books, all nicely arranged in my bookshelves, in my library, next to my big comfy chair, that my dog and cat sleep on. (These are imaginary animals of mine mind you). It has a bright and sunny kitchen with a dining room table and chairs that don’t match and are painted funky colors. I eat whatever I want in this kitchen, salads, soups, martinis, ice cream. My bathroom has a claw-foot tub and an endless supply of bubble bath…..and wine. My bedroom has a wrought iron bed, with big fluffy pillows of all different sizes. There is hardly any wall space free as it is all covered with my art collection and pictures of family and the places I have been. I have a patio on my apartment. A quaint little oasis of a garden with a table that I eat dinner on when it is warm and the planter boxes are full of gnomes doing all kinds of crazy things, like pushing wheelbarrows and mooning me. And parked in my garage is a mini Cooper with a sun-roof. At night, after my bath and two glasses of wine, I lie in bed and read. Then I look out my window at the stars, the moon, and the wind gently stirring through my trees.
And then I wake up. To Missy G screaming “Mommy” because she had a bad dream about snails or barbies or lava. I come back to my bed that I share with D, after checking on the baby and watching her sleep. And I lie there, thinking about my apartment, and smile. Glad that it exists in my mind and that I can visit it there when I like, but very happy that I don’t live there all the time.
Autumnopia
The signs are here, I can feel them, hear them, smell them, and see them all around. The first sign was Jonathan Apples in the grocery store. If you have never had one, you simply must. They are tart and juicy and wonderful covered in caramel. The second sign was the chill in the air the past few afternoons that allows me to drive around with the sun-roof open and windows down without needing either the air conditioner or heater. The third sign I saw today on the mountain; one group of trees, one lovely little group with their leaves turning orange. Fall is in the air and on the wind! I have to say that this makes me so happy, more than I think a season probably should. I embrace fall knowing that it will be over way too soon, faster than any other season. The trees put on their display as if knowing that it is the final performance, a one night only event if you will. To me, this makes it that much more special.
Fall makes me want to dig out everything I own that is corduroy. To borrow a line from “You’ve Got Mail”, I want to buy a bouquet of sharpened pencils. I want to go for long slow walks and inhale the smell of the earth and plants going to sleep for the winter and hear the leaves crackle under my shoes. I want to collect leaves and acorns with my daughter. I want to go for a drive up Sardine Canyon to Logan, on to Bear Lake and stop for a shake before coming home. I want to light a fire, cuddle up with D, eat popcorn and watch Young Frankenstein. I love fall. The impossibly blue sky, the intense color of the trees, the uncertainty of needing a jacket, and the smell of burning leaves. Until the snow falls and winter rears it’s cold (but beautiful in its own way) head, I will enjoy each moment of autumn. Hopefully, you will do the same.
Fall makes me want to dig out everything I own that is corduroy. To borrow a line from “You’ve Got Mail”, I want to buy a bouquet of sharpened pencils. I want to go for long slow walks and inhale the smell of the earth and plants going to sleep for the winter and hear the leaves crackle under my shoes. I want to collect leaves and acorns with my daughter. I want to go for a drive up Sardine Canyon to Logan, on to Bear Lake and stop for a shake before coming home. I want to light a fire, cuddle up with D, eat popcorn and watch Young Frankenstein. I love fall. The impossibly blue sky, the intense color of the trees, the uncertainty of needing a jacket, and the smell of burning leaves. Until the snow falls and winter rears it’s cold (but beautiful in its own way) head, I will enjoy each moment of autumn. Hopefully, you will do the same.
Monday, September 1, 2008
I am Woman...
It took me a few days to really digest John McCains pick for a Vice President. At first I was elated as I was so glad that he decided to just hand the Presidency over to Obama. But then I really started thinking about what his selection means. I personally feel that maybe 10% of his pick was because of Mrs. Palin's beliefs and her conservative stance. The rest of it is because she is young (therefore trying to appeal to the younger voters), she is attractive (as a former beauty queen this might appeal to the men) and lastly, but most importantly, he selected a woman to appeal to women voters.
I am sure that his campaign thinks that those Democrats or Independents who supported Hillary are still upset and will not vote Obama, so why not make his side more appealing by adding a woman? OK, first off I find this not only condescending, but sexist as well. Are you implying that we can not think for ourselves, that somehow just because this woman has the same anatomy she automatically deserves my vote? Even though she disgusts me as a woman for her stance on our rights, her righteous indignation as to what she believes are core family values, and let's not even mention the squeaky voice! Senator McCain, by your choice you have proven that you do not care about women's rights, or women in general...you only care about our votes. And I have no doubt that if you received enough to get elected, you would promptly appoint Supreme Court Justices who would take away our rights to an abortion and continue to ensure that equal pay does not relate to us.
I wonder if Cindy and your daughters, or sons for that matter, are proud of how you use women?
I am sure that his campaign thinks that those Democrats or Independents who supported Hillary are still upset and will not vote Obama, so why not make his side more appealing by adding a woman? OK, first off I find this not only condescending, but sexist as well. Are you implying that we can not think for ourselves, that somehow just because this woman has the same anatomy she automatically deserves my vote? Even though she disgusts me as a woman for her stance on our rights, her righteous indignation as to what she believes are core family values, and let's not even mention the squeaky voice! Senator McCain, by your choice you have proven that you do not care about women's rights, or women in general...you only care about our votes. And I have no doubt that if you received enough to get elected, you would promptly appoint Supreme Court Justices who would take away our rights to an abortion and continue to ensure that equal pay does not relate to us.
I wonder if Cindy and your daughters, or sons for that matter, are proud of how you use women?
Dawn of the dead
So missy G gets some new glasses this weekend that are very cute on her, but a little librarian-ish looking. We have been talking about what she wants to be for Halloween this year (which is also her birthday).
Me: With your new glassess you could be a librarian!
G: A dead librarian? After all, the dead read too you know.
She is weird I tell you, I love her, but she is weird.
Me: With your new glassess you could be a librarian!
G: A dead librarian? After all, the dead read too you know.
She is weird I tell you, I love her, but she is weird.
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