If you didn't know it before now, it's news

Don't hate the playa, hate the game!

2010-02-08T17:13:00.001-06:00

I have ALWAYS hated the game playing! I'm more of a straight forward, say what you mean, mean what you say gal.

In school, we had to play games to get good grades. Not for exams, but for overall grades in classes. Even if I got 100% on all my math tests, I couldn't get an A in the class unless I submitted to hours of meaningless, mind numbing homework. The homework was bullshit. If I can get 100% on an exam WITHOUT doing 80-some problems of homework per night, then I obviously didn't need to do my homework.

In orchestra I was once told that I couldn't be 1st chair because I was on a scholarship and the person who was 1st chair had parents who were donors. How does that have anything to do with being a section leader? It was a parental money game...

In college, I had a roommate that had a sexist poster about "The rules." I think it had a rose, a lipstick and a gun (?) on it. Maybe I'm remembering it wrong. Get it, rules, for THE GAME. But essentially these rules were like games for dating. And the STUPIDEST game for dating is who calls who and when. WHY CAN'T WE JUST CALL?

I have honor, and integrity, and think that if I do the right thing and work hard I'll be rewarded. But it really hasn't worked that way. I've seen good things come to those who don't deserve it, and some of the MOST deserving never get a reward.

So screw it, I'm going to play the game. And really, I should ultimately get what I want. Here I come....

Sit Ups

2009-09-16T10:42:00.002-05:00

Trainer Mike had me do these medicine ball sit ups two days ago. I remember a time when I would be sore the day after an activity or workout, but recently my greatest pain is TWO days later.

Mike has me do 20 of these at a time (alternating with a standing medicine ball activity) and then two more sets of 20 reps.

Of course, I'm sore today. When I sit up straight or laugh my abs are on fire! I just realized that the way we count these I have to sit up to put the ball between my knees and AGAIN to retrieve it. That means I sit up twice for a count of "one." Which means I didn't do 60 sit ups a few days ago, but rather 120!

120, ow!

Results are coming, slowly but surely.

So true, so true...

2009-09-15T16:51:00.000-05:00

My horoscope for this week:

It’s time to stop dragging past issues into your current love agenda. A new moon in Virgo sounds the wake-up call. Instead of pointing the finger at other people, take a look at your own actions. It takes two to tango, Pisces . People are just mirroring back what you put out there. If you want a different response, bring something unexpected to the table. The element of surprise (and a little shock value) works in your favor when you pull an unpredictable move. All signs point to this truth: you’re ready for a serious (or more serious) relationship. Stop dragging your feet and dive in all the way. The adventure can only begin when you fully commit yourself.

Freezing Herbs

2009-08-19T16:56:00.001-05:00

A friend shared this and I can't WAIT to try it for myself!

Chop the herb, roll it into a log using bleach-free parchment paper and put that in an air tight bag. The point of preserving it this way, in this shape is so that you can slice pats of herb off like butter, or freezer cookies. You get just what you need and it's still super fragrant and flavorful.

More Love

2009-07-01T16:43:00.004-05:00

Whilst I'm posting about cousins I may as well post about my cousin Matt who is getting married this October. His Fiancee is wonderful and I think really good for him.

Here are some engagement shots. As always, click to enlarge.

Love

2009-06-29T16:40:00.002-05:00

I found this picture of my cousin, her boyfriend, and their dog (who shares their last names, hyphenated of course!).

To me, this sleeping family symbolizes the simplicity and ease involved in love.

I love them too!

Bad ending to an old flame

2009-06-07T20:43:00.001-05:00

A guy I dated around Christmas/New Year's of 2008 just posted his WEDDING photos on facebook.

?????

When did this happen?????

Also, to add to the excitement, when we were playing a wedding two weeks ago and someone asked us if we were playing for an Indian wedding, THAT WAS HIS WEDDING!!! So he was at the same venue I was for his wedding. Trippy.....

Eco Fix it!

2009-06-07T20:36:00.002-05:00

I had this clogged sink for WEEKS in my bathroom. I didn't want to use draino or liquid plumber, because those chemicals are super toxic. I tried buying an eco fix from from the grocery store, but it didn't touch this clog.

I read online that mixing white vinegar and baking soda will clear a clog. And SURE ENOUGH it did! I am so amazed that such a cheap and easy fix worked so well! Try it next time you have one.

Surfing in Madison, WI

2009-04-27T22:58:00.001-05:00

I love my cousin Jesse!!!!

http://dekerivers.wordpress.com/2009/04/24/surfing-on-lake-monona-in-madison-sight-to-see/

Socialism and the Anti-Christ

2009-04-16T16:34:00.002-05:00

I've been hearing a lot about "teabagging" (leave it to the super-prude conservatives to come up with the gayest name ever like that, since they DON'T KNOW WHAT IT MEANS!) parties lately. The associated photos always contain some comment about socialism and usually something about Obama being the Anti-Christ.

First of all, the conservatives are implying that social programs are bad. Really? Things we all pay for and only some of us use, that's bad? Let me tell you what that is: heath insurance, auto insurance, homeowner's insurance, the police, the fire department, libraries, schools..... so yeah, I think these are all GREAT things! I like to know that if I call 9-1-1 I can get a public servant to respond to my cry for help. I like knowing that the kids in my neighborhood (as I don't have any myself) are getting an education in order to grow up and contribute to society.

As a matter of fact, I think helping thy neighbor and doing onto others as you would have done to you are CORE Christian values! Which means if someone is against social programs and helping the less fortunate they themselves would be the Anti-Christ!

Therefore, Uber Conservatives = Anti-Christ.

Personal Growth

2009-04-15T09:56:00.001-05:00

I've been spending the past few years really trying to better myself. Classes, new hobbies, new friends, travel, forgiveness for bad things that have passed. Why shouldn't I strive to be the best, healthiest, happiest version of myself possible? Dating is difficult to work into this philosophy as we all act a little different when we first meet people, and before a relationship is defined there is a lot of seesawing and give and take and extra forgiveness (since there's no history or negative pattern to cloud the judgment) bending over backwards, etc…

It takes time to get to know someone, but also in that time I need to remember to be myself, and stay TRUE to myself and my values.

I've decided to stop with the pursuit of my latest date. He was so very cool and exciting when we met, and now he just seems kind of lost and sad to me. If I had a PARTNER, who was going through some trying times, I would be there to support him. But someone I've been dating for a month, it seems easier to cut my losses.

I am still holding out for an equal partner. Someone who will support me, and be in love with me, and vice versa. I want someone who is willing to grow and learn with me. Since I'm that way, there HAS to be a male counterpart to me within say 100 miles or so…..

Ethical Dilemma RESOLVED!

2009-03-23T14:29:00.001-05:00

I hate Wal-Mart. I think the company and those who run it are pure evil. They have driven the demand for cheap, non-regulated slave labor items from China and helped close numerous American based companies. They are the employer with the MOST employees on social welfare programs in the country (as they don't pay employees a living wage). They consistently pay women less than men for the same work and seniority levels. And on and on…. http://www.now.org/issues/wfw/wm-facts.html

http://www.wal-martlitigation.com/currentd.htm

Despite my hate for them, they are the ONLY place in my city to sell a generic version of Lactaid. Which costs about a QUARTER of what actual Lactaid costs. *sigh* So I've been wrestling with hating myself for patronizing the store for ONE product that I NEED (which isn't available anywhere else).

Have you ever noticed how products you depend on and love get discontinued? Well, Wal-Mart no longer MAKES the generic bottles of Lactaid.

I spent quite a significant amount of time online searching for an alternative and FINALLY found one through Rite Aid's website. Of course we don't have a Rite Aid within 100 miles of where I live… but the shipping was free AND they had a $5.00 coupon. http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=76531&catid=9323

I made my first purchase of non Wal-Mart Lactaid in years (since Walgreens stopped making it) and it feels like I no longer have to be a hypocrite about hating Wal-Mart. I can now eat dairy with a clear conscious! And I can be pretty sure that I will NEVER step foot in Wal-Mart again!!!!!

Baby Steps

2009-03-21T13:51:00.002-05:00

Sometimes I need to just take a breath and slow down for a moment.

My new "friend" explained that he wasn't sure he felt the fireworks. BUT he still said that he really enjoys me, spending time with me, and who he is and how he feels with me. Mixed messages?

It's OK. We've spent some time together since then, and it was still pretty amazing. We have plans coming up too.

I guess it's OK for me to get excited about all the ideas and feelings, but everything happens in due time. Baby steps are OK with me. As long as we can keep moving mostly forward.

Date Two, Completed

2009-03-11T16:23:00.002-05:00

OK! Date number one was a hit. So much so that we had date two three days later. It too was successful!

I almost don't know what to do with all the good feelings here! It's all so easy too, I'm almost not even trying. I'm pretty confident that I am 100% being myself. ALREADY!

The more we talk, the more we have in common, the more interesting and appealing he becomes to me. I am VERY smitten right now! And he seems to be as into me as I am into him. WOW! Things are off to a great start there! With many, many more levels to be reached.

I continue to be filled with hope.

Love the HOPE

2009-03-06T10:02:00.002-06:00

I'm meeting a really interesting new guy tomorrow. And right now I am FILLED with excitement, anticipation, and hope. I love that feeling! All the what ifs and could be.... There is ALL the potential in the world! A build up of kinetic energy...

And the BEST thing in the world would be for this feeling to continue to grow and progress.

Cross your fingers for me!

Indoor Gardener

2009-02-13T16:00:00.005-06:00

We had a little bout of spring-like weather last week (over 50 degrees!) and as a result the two feet of snow in my back yard melted to reveal a sad looking dormant lawn (and mud, I saw lots of mud too...).

The spring tease has gotten MANY of us excited about the idea of spring, summer, and locally grown food. Case in point, I'm going to the Garden Expo with a friend tomorrow morning. She bought us some fabulous 10 cent clay pots earlier today. Sounds like the future home of an herb garden to me!

To try and quench my thirst to grow food NOW (it's still February...) I started some micro greens a few days ago. I like the photos on this site: Micro Greens

I've also been taking inventory of my seeds from Fedco in order to know what more to order this year. For sure I'll be trying my hand at brussels sprouts and kohlrabi. In addition to the usual snap peas, 8 kinds of organic and heirloom tomatoes, many zucchinis, swiss chard, and cukes.

With all the food I'm growing, you'd never know I belong to a CSA as well. What can I say, I'm doing my part to be more green and live sustainably. All the little things add up, and I hope my things add up to really making a difference.

Long time...

2009-02-08T22:36:00.002-06:00

It was brought to my attention that:

1. I have not posted in QUITE a while
2. Anything I write on Facebook is NOT the same as writing here.

Good to know.

Soooo.... my work is bonkers due to three retirements and zero replacements. I feel like I'm quite possibly being punished for doing a good job. Uggggh! The situation, one way or another, can NOT remain as is for too long. That's all I'm sayin'.

Aldo needs three surgical procedures this month. He has a little mole-growth thing that needs to be removed from his leg, he has ANOTHER broken tooth that requires removal, and since the chylothorax is gone now he needs his port removed too. Ka-ching. So I need to hurry up and get my tax refund and book more weddings.

I helped my chiropractor move her clinic on Saturday. Wow, the former military women know how to get shit done! I was amazed at what the seven of us accomplished, without any men I might add!

Musevia, I hope you stopped by to read this! =)

Color Coding My Career

2008-09-20T11:26:00.002-05:00

I just took some color coding test on what I should be doing with my life. You can get your profile here: http://www.deweycolorsystem.com/

Here are my results:

The Dewey Color System® is the world's first and only validated, color-based personality career testing instrument. Based on our experience and your interests, your best suited occupations are listed below.

Best Occupational Category
You're an ORGANIZER
Key Words:Self-Control, Practical, Self-Contained, Orderly, Systematic, Precise, and Accurate
These conservative appearing, plotting-types enjoy organizing, data systems, accounting, detail, and accuracy. They often enjoy mathematics and data management activities such as accounting and investment management. Persistence and patience allows them to do detailed paperwork, operate office machines, write business reports, and make charts and graphs.

ORGANIZER CAREERS Suggested careers are Administrator, Secretary, Printer, Paralegal, Building Inspector, Bank Cashier, Private Secretary, Statistician, Operations Manager, Financial Analyst, Bookkeeper, Medical Records Technician, Developer of Business or Computer Systems, Clerical Worker, Proofreader, Accountant, Administrative Assistant, Banker, Certified Public Accountant, Credit Manager, Store Salesperson, Actuary, Dental Assistant, Business Education Teacher, Food Service Manager, IRS Agent, Budget Analyst, and Underwriter.

ORGANIZER WORKPLACES Your very careful, conscientious, conservative nature gives others the confidence to trust you with handling money and material possessions. Structured organizations that have well-ordered chains of command work best for you.
Suggested Organizer workplaces are large corporations, business offices, financial lending institutions, banks, insurance companies, accounting firms, and quality control and inspection departments.

2nd Best Occupational Category
You're a CREATOR
Key Words:Nonconforming, Impulsive, Expressive, Romantic, Intuitive, Sensitive, and Emotional

These original types place a high value on aesthetic qualities and have a great need for self-expression. They enjoy working independently, being creative, using their imagination, and constantly learning something new. Fields of interest are art, drama, music, and writing or whether they can express, assemble, or implement creative ideas.

Old School 90210

2008-09-04T13:11:00.002-05:00

Remember that one episode of 90210 where Brandon and Steve co-owned that little newspaper, and Brandon and Kelly were living together, and there was some relationship advice lady writing at the paper and she had a thing for Brandon? And then Brandon slept with the advice columnist and she gave him a watch for some reason… and then Brandon needed a gift for Kelly's birthday and he have her the watch. Was the advice lady named Emma? And THEN the advice columnist SAW Kelly wearing the watch and Brandon got caught for cheating, and there was lots of drama?

I bought myself a men's watch a few days ago, and every time I look at it I think of that one episode of 90210. Good times!!!

Dating vs. Stalking

2008-09-01T12:28:00.002-05:00

I had a date Friday night. Things got off to a weird start...

He picked me up, and the microchip in the key to his car short circuited. Of course, his car was in my driving, blocking my car (in my garage). He called AAA to see about getting it towed, repaired, and a loaner in the mean time.

The AAA call didn't go well. He apparently forgot to renew his membership so he was no longer a member. He renewed it over the phone. Tempers may have been heating up at this point.

Next, the place he wanted it towed is no longer a AAA approved mechanic. He was not happy with this info either. They would have to tow it to the dealership which is about 20 minutes from his place.

Lastly (and about an HOUR later) the phone call to the car rental place did NOT go well. he was rude, short, and MEAN to the people on the other end of the phone. If this is "best behavior" as practiced on a second date, I would HATE to see how pissed he really would have been!!!

We did finally end up going out that night, and it was OK.

The following morning he called me at 8:00 AM. Dude, my mom knows better than that! He proceeded to call me 6 times on Saturday, send 4 e-mails, and 8 texts. In fact, when I didn't respond soon enough he started getting concerned for me. I got one "are you OK?" text and a voicemail as well.

The next morning, I got two more phone calls (8 AM AGAIN!!!) and two more texts. If I was ever interested in seeing him again, the pushiness and neediness have TOTALLY put me off. It feels controlling! Like stalker-ish style controlling! We've been out twice, I'm not your girlfriend, so CHILL OUT!

I do NOT respond well to the controlling nature of men.

Like curly hair, wild horses, and the weather, I will NOT be contained or controlled!

Sarah Palin, no way!

2008-09-01T12:27:00.000-05:00

Sarah Palin is the LEAST qualified VP pick EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All the personal stuff (since she's so in favor of abstinence) is so hypocritical. I can't believe the republicans didn't sniff that out better before the offer was made.

Do they really think that just because she has a vagina the former Hillary supporters will now vote McCain/Palin??

NO WAY, NO HOW, NO McCAIN/PALIN!

Oh Sheboygan...

2008-08-04T11:35:00.003-05:00

For some reason, almost every time I read about Sheboygan in the news something totally bizarre is going on there.

Since that's where my family is from (and most of my family still lives there) I always take note.

Today: Car slams Brat Days in Sheboygan; 4 hurt, drunken driving suspected

Past wonders include: Boy Stuck in Supermarket Game

and: Man Drowns in Storm Sewer

I try as hard as I can to NOT make news whenever I'm there on a visit....

Dad and Maggie

2008-07-17T11:01:00.001-05:00

We picked her up last weekend, and she is happily fiting in to our pack. Welcome miss Maggie!!!

Haves vs. Have Nots

2008-07-17T10:55:00.002-05:00

My friend MK sent me the following e-mail forward (from her step-dad):

Subject: Words to Remember
~~~~~~~You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.
You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
You cannot build character and courage by taking away men's initiative and independence.
You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.
---Abraham Lincoln

The sender is ALSO convinced global warming is a hoax. I HAD to respond:

short response on global warming: There is NO SUCH THING as a peer-reviewed scientific journal that states global warming is a hoax. There are however, hundreds (if not thousands at this point) of peer-reviewed journals to indicate that it IS scientifically proven that humans are causing the overall temperature of the earth to increase (which causes melting of polar ice, extinction of animals, severe weather patterns including floods/draught/hurricanes/etc...).

If global warming is a hoax, and we take action to stop "warming" nothing happens. No one is hurt. No harm no foul.

If global warming is REAL, and we do NOTHING, we could lose the planet as we know it (Manhattan and Florida under water, etc....)

short response on rich v. poor: When Abe Lincoln said that, people could still basically live off the land. People had incomes, not generational inherited wealth. Being poor wasn't what it is today. Technology has changed it. Health care was a non-issue (people died around 40 yrs old) people could grow their own food and build their own house.....

The divide between the rich and the poor has NEVER been greater! 1% of the people own 50% of the wealth. Additionally, NOT helping people who need help generally means that they will die. DIE! Who would make a decision to not help another person stay alive? And if somehow the shit hit the fan, and Gil had NO money (for whatever reason) the same programs would help him out too.

http://www.cooperativeindividualism.org/wealth_distribution1999.html

http://www.faculty.fairfield.edu/faculty/hodgson/Courses/so11/stratification/income&wealth.htm

http://www.levy.org/pubs/wp_502.pdf

http://robertdfeinman.com/society/wealth_distribution.html

http://www.lcurve.org/ slightly older info, the gap has widened....

on both issues: Since we are ALL IN IT TOGETHER and making the world a better place benefits ALL OF US, how could anyone be against that?

Gun Rant

2008-07-03T15:26:00.001-05:00

I recently heard the 9-1-1- tape for this case, and this guy SUCKS!!!! The dispatcher pleaded with him NOT to go outside and confront the burglars, but he INSISTED that he was going to go shoot and kill them. In fact, he even tried to be all dirty-Hairy on them and said something brilliantly-witty like, "FREEZE, you're dead!" And in TX, they let him off…

http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/06/30/burglary.shooting.ap/index.html

It just seems to me, like any kind of burglary or robbery or anyone's property they own is NOT worth another human being's life. And the guy was TOTALLY playing wild-west-vigilante-style-justice. Don't get me wrong, at the end of "New Jack City" when the crack dealer mastermind guy (Nino Brown) gets killed by the old guy who was originally from the neighborhood Nino destroyed, I cheered for that. But it's a MOVIE.

On the 9-1-1 tape, the guy sounded like a trigger-happy redneck. The two robbers were absolutely no threat to him if he would have just stayed in his house. He had already called 9-1-1 and the police were on their way. The operator TOLD him to stay in his house. Begged him to stay inside. But he was out for blood and WANTED to shoot these guys. The shooting also seems racially motivated. The guy who did the shooting was white, and the two robbers were Latino. Since they were "others" and looked different from him, it was probably even easier for him to take their lives (which I find appalling).

I was just explaining to my friend Ramon yesterday how I never think of him in terms of his race, I just think of him as my friend, and I can't BELIEVE that people gave him a hard time for being Mexican when he was growing up. The only time I ever think about it is when I hear him speak Spanish (so very well...). When I was growing up, my parents had so many friends who were all so different from each other that I never think about the differences as being bad or good... just different. My parents have friends of all different races, religions, sexual orientation, disabilities, financial status, political affiliations.... I have just always thought of people as people, so racism has never made sense to me.

I can't even begin to think of a way to implement it, but I think the U.S. would be better off without guns. I saw an episode of Morgan Spurlock's "30 Days" last night where a woman who is a gun control activist was sent to live with some gun-culture enthusiasts (and work at a gun store) for 30 days. By the end of the episode everyone (on both sides of the issue) had changed their minds a little, and come to more of a compromise. But we do have too many guns, too much gun violence, and way too many accidental shootings and deaths because of the wrong people having guns in our country.

Can't Take That Away From Me

2008-07-01T10:32:00.000-05:00

The way you wear your hat
The way you sip your tea
The memory of all that
No, no they can't take that away from me.

The way your smile just beams
The way you sing off key
The way you haunt my dreams
No, no they can't take that away from me.

We may never, never meet again on the bumpy road to love
Still I always, always keep the memory of...

The way you hold your knife
The way we danced 'til three
The way you changed my life
They can't take that away from me.

Health Care Crisis, NEED for Nationalized Health Care NOW!

2008-06-24T09:27:00.002-05:00

I've said it before, and I'll say it until we have a system that protects the lives of the people of our country, we have a SERIOUS problem with the health care system and NEED nationalized health care!

Here's a headline that was in my (work) e-mail this morning:

New National Survey of Mayors Highlights Impact of Growing Health Care Crisis on City Budgets and Services

It's not getting better on its own, it's getting worse. The rich get richer, and the poor get sick and die. Sounds like we need to start fighting for change....

New Pooch?

2008-06-23T16:16:00.001-05:00

I REALLY hope that my parents end up adopting this little muffin! She's like Aldo's little sister! Her current name is Megan, but my mom has already suggested changing it to Maggie. Once you name something, it's yours!!!!

We need another blond bouvier in our extended family!

Seersucker

2008-06-23T13:17:00.003-05:00

I have a new seersucker Issac Mizrahi suit from Target. I laid it out last night in preparation to wear it to work today.

As I was getting dressed this morning, and watching my local news, I realized not only did the weather lady have it on, but she said, "I feel a little like Al Roker in my seersucker suit!" No she di'int!

I personally feel a little like P. Diddy preparing to attend the white party. =)

So far no one has asked me if I'm interviewing either (the standard question one hears when wearing a suit).

I have the dress too, of course.

Molded As I Was Meant To Be

2008-06-22T12:49:00.002-05:00

I've been neglecting this space due to my 200 friends and lil' green patch on Facebook! Sorry....

I got two e-mails this week from guys I knew in middle school. Apparently, the current, modern, 33-year old version of me was determined, written, sculpted, formulated, molded, back about 20 years ago.

When I was in 8th grade I started to become conscious of the outside world. Outside my city, state, country. I also cared about that world. Here I am 20 years later, working for an agency that provides social services to the most needy groups in my state. I donate money, and volunteer my time. I've become more green at my house than almost anyone I know.

Read this message from an old friend/acquaintance of mine:

"I checked out your profile and I could have predicted in 8th grade everything that was on your page! You are a total treehugger, liberal, feminist, potential democratic candidate! I knew it!"

So true.... I was MEANT to be what I have become. =)

And from my 8th grade boyfriend (who is now married):

"I was telling someone the other day how I was quite a shithead to girls when I was young. I apologize about that. Youth is not an excuse, but its the reason. Best wishes."

So apparently I now have the apology that I should have had 20 years ago. Perhaps this is a new beginning for me. It's time to move forward!

Blink!

2008-06-03T11:18:00.002-05:00

If you haven't read "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell yet, hurry up and get your hands on it!

I have book club this evening, and for the first time in a while I read the book! "Blink" is sooooo good! It talks about first impressions, or gut reactions to things. There's a lot about these first reactions based on race, or sex, or education or income level.

There is a section or two about police officers and police protocol for different situations (traffic stops, anything involving a suspect with a gun) and it's all so interesting.

There's also a section for me about orchestra auditions. They do most of them "blind" these days (with the person auditioning behind a screen so the judges don't know who it is). I guess women were really being discriminated against and not hired even when they were the best candidate simply because they were women.

You should read the book, it's WAY better than I'm describing it. And Malcolm is a cool guy too. =)

Sigg Bottles

2008-05-20T14:51:00.001-05:00

I finally made the investment of purchasing two Sigg bottles ($22 each) for my water drinking needs. One for work and the other for home/the gym.

I HIGHLY recommend them! Oprah does too.... =)

Ready to Pump (clap) Me Up!

2008-05-18T22:41:00.003-05:00

Last fall I won a work-out session with a professional body-builder at my work. Due to one freaking thing after another we hadn't had that session until just last Friday. Ouch! I'm sore!

I lifted free-weights with my friend Jan for TWO HOURS on Friday. I think she not only kicked my ass, she kicked every single other part of my body too. Except my back. For some bizarre reason, my back is stronger than hers. But I'm (or rather my muscle groups are) unbalanced. Heh.

I am so energized and motivated to keep it up! My friends Helmut and B are both working with a dude personal trainer (also a body-builder) and they are really starting to see results! I need to lose like 30 lbs and all I have to do at this point is KEEP GOING!!!

Jan gave me a little 3" x 5" card with directions on it and everything. I may even go out and buy those weight lifting gloves like she has. God, I'm about to be a weight lifting dork.

Augusten Burroughs

2008-05-18T22:31:00.003-05:00

First, let me say that I LOVE and adore the writings of Augusten Burroughs. Dry was phenomenal, I adored Magical Thinking and Possible Side Effects. I anticipated the arrival of his newest book, "A Wolf at the Table, A Memoir of My Father." *sigh*

It just wasn't what I've grown to love or expect. So much of the material was already shared in other books (Running With Scissors especially) and it lacked the humor that his other books used to mesmerize me. Really, I ordered it as soon as it was available on Amazon.com and it was just such a letdown.

I still love Augusten Burroughs, and feel like I'm reading a letter or an e-mail from a dear friend when I read his writings. Please, I'm begging you, write more books like the last few compilations. No more like this one....

R.I.P. Rachel

2008-05-14T18:57:00.003-05:00

I knew her since I was born. She played dolls with me, and we swam together, and she always had an amazing imagination.

It seems like I just went to visit her in the hospital, although the truth is it was months ago. She knew that she was dying, and she wrote her own obituary.

My dad's best friend's daughter Rachel passed away last Monday. I'll miss her presence and her spirit.

Hitch, Rachel Meredith
MADISON
Rachel Meredith Hitch, 41, of Madison, died May 5, 2008, at Meriter Hospital after a long illness.

Rachel was born Jan. 2, 1967, in Ypsilanti, Mich. with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, a condition often called "brittle bones." This presented challenges for Rachel, but she managed to live an exceptional life in the face of these challenges.

From an early age she learned how to live in an environment that was natural for Rachel though she endured many broken bones. Her family moved to Madison in 1971, and Rachel was schooled at Lapham Elementary School, and was the poster child for Easter Seals in 1976. She graduated from Memorial High School in 1985. Rachel had a role in the school play her senior year performing with a fracture (It was a bad joke to tell Rachel to "break a leg").

She went on to attend the University of Wisconsin and was a guest lecturer in the Women Studies programs. She advised the university on a task force to help bring more accessibility to the Madison campus. Rachel was a talented writer and published author of children's stories. She studied American Sign Language and used this skill to aid parent-teacher communications.

During and after college, Rachel lived on her own, usually in downtown Madison where she could be close to State Street and her favorite coffee shops. She moved to San Francisco for a time, but returned to Madison for health reasons. Rachel loved to travel and accompanied her father on many trips to Asia and Europe. She learned a great deal about accessibility in the world's business centers.

Rachel is survived by her father, Lawrence J. Hitch of Madison; and her mother, Sandra L. Christensen (and James L. Christensen) of Madison. She is survived by her brother. Lawrence J. Hitch Jr. (and Lisa Petros) of Madison; her sister, Hilary A. Christensen (and David T. Peng) of Middleton; and her brother, Lee J. Christensen (and Laura Richards) of Madison. Also, she is survived by her nephews, Damian Petros of Madison and Theron and Brannic Peng of Middleton.

We will all miss Rachel deeply, as will her countless friends here in the Madison area, San Francisco, and other parts of the country. We wish to extend our thanks to Dr. Bernard Micke, who was Rachel's doctor, friend, and confidant for more than 30 years, and to the staff at Meriter that became well acquainted with her over the last few years, and provided her with such wonderful care. We are also grateful to Rachel's many caretakers.

A Celebration of Life memorial is planned for June 1, 2008, at RENNEBOHM PARK, 115 N. Eau Claire Ave., Madison, starting at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made in Rachel's name to the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation, PO Box 630342, Baltimore, MD 21263-0342.

Rachel had a favorite saying that we think says so much about her - "Magic Happens."

My trip to the ER

2008-05-14T18:42:00.002-05:00

I swear that I've been to the ER about 3 times in the past year and a half, and maybe ONCE in my whole life before that.

Last week I woke up around 2 AM and had a spasm in my left trapezius muscle. It was painful all the way to the front of my chest. I REALLY wanted a muscle relaxer, but was too lazy to get out of bed to take one. I was awake until about 4 AM and then made it back to sleep (just in time to get up at 6 for work!).

At work, I had just finished my morning coffee, when I was still having pain and decided to take that muscle relaxer after all. I put it to my lips, and swallowed it with some water. IMMEDIATELY my whole body was on fire. I was so hot, and my skin was tingling. Even my scalp and the tips of my fingers were tingling. AGH!!! This thing was IN me, and there was no way to get it out. What was happening?

My first thought was to run to the ladies room and start taking clothes off (to combat the burning up sensation) then I realized that I should NOT leave the people to go be alone somewhere.

I ran to my friend Ray's cube. About a million miles and hour I said, "I just took a muscle relaxer and now I'm all hot and tingling and I don't know what to do but I'm scared I'm having an allergic reaction and can you take me to the hospital?" Ray was staring at me with the widest eyes ever. And then someone on his phone said something. "Are you on a conference call?" I asked. He nodded his head, I said "FUCK!" and I wheeled around and ran out of his cube to find my next friend.

Two friends later I found someone who was able to take me immediately to the ER. After getting dropped off at the ER the intake nurse took my vitals. I had a fever, my heart rate was 120, I had hives on my arms, and my blood pressure was elevated. The good news is I could TOTALLY still breathe!

I was at the ER (with electrodes all over my chest) for two hours, and other than the monitoring, I just took a Benedryl to combat the allergic reaction.

Apparently we aren't allergic to something until we are. I am NEVER allowed to take those muscle relaxers again!

Can you imagine if I had taken it at 2 AM when I was home alone though?

Chylothorax Update

2008-05-14T18:35:00.002-05:00

Aldo was starting to have a little bit of chyle fluid on his bi-monthly trip to the vet. Not much mind you, but it had previously been down to NONE so even 70 mls was bothering me deep in the pit of my stomach.

My amazing vet (Dr. Erin) called Aldo's surgeon and he said that simply have the port in Aldo *could* cause him to have almost a liter of chyle every other week. So the amounts we are finding are negligible. I finally got to decrease his steroid pills by one per day, and that's making a BIG difference in the potty (and sleep) schedules at my house!

The good news is, Aldo is going on 1.5 hour walks, and doing SUPER well in general! Yay for modern medicine!

Doggie Action Shots

2008-04-28T13:50:00.004-05:00

Helmut came over on Friday and took a couple of hours worth of amazing photos of the dogs. I'm super excited to have such great shots of them!

As usual, click on the photos to enlarge them.

Kids in the Mother F-ing Hall

2008-04-26T10:07:00.002-05:00

It's funny, in the picture of me from a few posts ago there is a poster for the Kids in the Hall show behind my head. I went to that show last night (with the Professor). It was SO funny! It's always good to have those kids of laughs. I also got to see a crazy show in the ladies room (some dude was in there helping a light weight lady friend puke her guts out). It's always weird to see a dude in the ladies'!

On the topic of the Professor, we're hanging out again. It's pretty harmless because he's moving to DC in a little over a month. I do still care about him, but maybe that's just called being human and a friend.

Yesterday afternoon my photographer friend Jamie came over and shot between 400-500 photos of me, the dogs, and my dad all in my back yard. We'll use some of those for Mother's Day (as a gift for my mom). Jamie is so much fun, and it didn't even seem like she was over for almost three hours.... The dogs loved her (plenty of face kisses from Aldo) and I appreciate her doing me that kind of favor. I can't wait to see the pics!!!

Just when I decided to quit e-harmony, they sent me the BEST match ever!!!! He likes to shop at Target, travel abroad, walk dogs, go to the symphony, cook food at home, is liberal.... and SO HOT!!! So I really hope that he gets as excited about my profile as I did about his. Maybe deciding to quit the site was what FINALLY delivered me a really good match. We'll see (keep your fingers crossed for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Falling is for old people!

2008-04-24T15:12:00.002-05:00

Oops! And me! I've had two recent falls (and neither are the good kind like falling in love).

I was taking out my recyclables last week, and running a little late so I was actually RUNNING up my driveway with the big cart. When I got to the street I (with lots of momentum still) tried to whip the container around so it was facing the right direction for the automated truck to come pick it up. I wheeled it too quickly and as the container began to fall down I realized I was going for a tumble as well. I was then laying in my street, face down, moderately injured, and my first thought was, "I wonder if any of my neighbors saw!" I picked myself up and collected a few stray recyclables and went to work (I noticed later scrapes on my palms and a big bruise on my left elbow).

This week, I dreamt that I was sitting on a sofa outside in NYC (like near Times Square). I was lifting my feet off the ground when some roaches ran by but then someone told me there were a bunch of rats running/climbing up the right hand side of the sofa, and as I flinched/jumped away from them, I REALLY did jump left and threw myself right on out of bed. OOPS! So lame... I fall down repeatedly, now I fall out of bed, I'm a hot mess!!! And no, it's NOT a common occurrence! Although the dogs were more than willing to also get up at 2:30 AM and run outside for a potty break, so it sort of worked out (or at least falls under the category of no harm, no foul).

I need to work on keeping my head in the clouds and feet on the ground!

GO GREEN!

2008-04-07T18:07:00.001-05:00

In case you aren't using fabric or reusable shopping bags yet:

According to The Wall Street Journal, the U.S. goes through 100 billion plastic shopping bags annually. An estimated 12 million barrels of oil is required to make that many plastic bags.

Do your part- use fabric or non plastic shopping bags!

I'm a Busy B!

2008-04-06T19:42:00.005-05:00

I swear that I didn't really have anything much to do, and yet had a pretty busy weekend.

On Thursday night I went to an art show opening and somehow managed to BUY art. Not that I have money to burn or anything, but I LOVE having beautiful, original artwork. It makes me happy! And the group of folks there (all friends with MK) are great. Many fun conversations were had. One in particular was about a woman who is a judge and performs weddings on the side. She says that she will only do them in her office now, because of a few too many weird instances in people's homes. For example: she went to marry a 16 year old girl who was pregnant. The dude was ILLEGAL and over 20..... Her mom had given permission, but changed her mind. The whole thing was a big cluster f%@#. My own wedding performances are never like this!

I planted seeds indoors to transfer to my garden as soon as it's nice out. I learned a lot from my first garden experience last year, so this year is going to be a feast of plenty, a cornucopia from my garden!

Did you know that you can see the New York Metropolitan Opera at Marcus Cinemas? Well you can! They play it live, on the big screen, with subtitles, and a great sound system! I saw La Boheme, which I played in college. It was amazing. You get to see interviews with the singers, conductor, stage producer, etc... The backstage scenes are AMAZING! I think my ticket was about $20, completely worth it!

I played in a dinner theatre Elvis show a few weeks ago. Good times! I had to sight read two shows in one day on my electric bass. It actually went quite well. And the money was nice too.

I saw Vic Wooten in Concert too. He inspired me to play electric in the Elvis show. And I got to chat with him a little after the show. Fair is fair by the way, and I have NEVER in my life seen 30 guys waiting for the bathroom and NO LINE for the ladies room! I guess there were more dudes at the show (way more...). Some weirdo drunk guy rubbed my dad's head too. It was awesome!

This weekend I'm going to see Kids in the Hall, and play a 3.5 hour wedding (they're giving us dinner too) and see the last symphony concert for the season. They're playing Tchaikovsky's Sixth Symphony which is my FAVORITE!!!!

The Genius in My Family

2008-03-22T11:51:00.003-05:00

Anyone who knows me well knows that I am the black sheep for being somewhat accomplished and normal in my family!

My super genius cousin (who does so many dumb things I'm surprised that she's still alive really) sent me these photos. Apparently she doesn't know that no matter WHAT the weather is like you should close your damn sunroof. But it's extra awesome because she left it open on a day that it was about 45 degrees out, and the following day was a bit of a blizzard. I guess it's stuck in the open position now too. Enjoy!

Playing With Fire

2008-03-22T11:47:00.001-05:00

So yes, I freely admit that I am perhaps playing with fire. Or about to play with fire. Or at least considering playing with fire. Although, somehow I think that the laws of physics don't apply to me or something and that I won't end up getting burned. This has to do with the Professor. More details will follow....

Manual Labor and Getting Older

2008-03-16T11:27:00.009-05:00

Yesterday I moved this pile of wood from my friends' house to my handyman's truck to my backyard. It only took about an hour and a half.

However, I have to say that my friends' yard was MUCH better suited to the task than mine. The snow is still so deep at my gate, that it can not be opened. See an entry below with the snow in front of my house. The gate is left of my garage (yikes!). And although there is a layer of ice on top of the snow, I kept falling through (and it was at LEAST knee deep). I ended up using way more muscle than I thought I would to THROW the wood over my fence. Which ultimately means that I will have to stack it neatly into a pile once more ice and snow melts from my yard.

I had a nice date last night with the Kiwi. I found out last week that the guy I was seeing around Christmas time is moving to Chicago, and now the Kiwi will also be moving this spring. I can't meet a guy who is staying here for some reason! Maybe that should be one of my first questions that I ask (do you like living here? Can your career work here? Where do you see yourself living in 5 years?).

I saw "Vantage Point" and thought it was a really smart film. I really enjoyed it. The crowd in the theater groaned each time the story started over. Didn't they know what the movie was about? I loved that each time there was a reset you saw a little more to the story and a few more clues. I like it when I'm thinking during a film!

In other news, today I turn 33. I remember just turning 23. Where does the time go?????

More weekend

2008-03-10T16:18:00.003-05:00

This is my buried mailbox (we've had over 92 inches this winter!!!!) as well as the fabric I finally organized (by: French- top, and not French-bottom).

As always, click on the pics to enlarge!

Action (?) Packed Weekend

2008-03-09T22:06:00.006-05:00

I spent the weekend with 5 appointments on Friday, then babysitting Lexa for about a day and a half, baking (for people AND dogs), organizing my crafting fabrics, and putting my curtains back up (they were taken down for window installation). WHEW! It was kind of boring, but all stuff that had to be done. Sometimes it's nice not to have to leave the house.

Lexa did dip into the people cookies (which had chocolate chips in them) so I had to monitor her for several hours to make sure it wasn't going to be a trip to the emergency vet, or fatal... She is the naughtiest 100 lb bouvier EVER! So of course, she was fine.

The doggie cookie cutter shapes are bone, dog house, labrador, paw print, and fire hydrant. The shapes are more for me than the dogs I suspect. Doesn't my photo look professional? I took it on my counter top, with the zoom/close-up setting on my camera. You can see the brown rice flour goodness!

Tom Wopat

2008-02-23T13:53:00.003-06:00

In addition to being sick all week, I've been playing in the 27 piece stage band for a musical. The music is a mix of big-band, jazz, swing, and blues. It's super fun to play, although I'm taking so many meds I can't believe that I'm standing upright playing the bass for several hours per night!

As it turns out, Mr. Tom Wopat is the star of our little show. I bet he gets more than $30 per performance like I do....

Last night (opening night) when Wopat walked on the stage the crowd went WILD!

He talked to me too (because he needed more bass in his monitor). Who knew that when I used to watch Dukes of Hazard as a kid that I would someday work with this guy, Luke Duke!

http://www.tomwopat.com/

Being sick, I realize the true meaning of "The show must go on!" But I'm not super happy about it. I can't wait for it to be next week already...

Boys to Men

2008-02-23T13:44:00.002-06:00

I've been home sick from work ALL WEEK. It's miserable.

After taking Aldo to the vet on Friday (and getting some good news) I wanted to call my co-worker who sent me a couple of e-mails this week to check on me. He is the NICEST guy in the world. I think of him as my peer, but really he has kids a few years younger than I am and GRANDKIDS too. So he's my peer, but also a grandpa! He's still probably 15-20 years younger than my dad though...

So I crank called him at work (asking for a program that has a similar phone # to his) and he was about to give me the right number when I busted out laughing and identified myself.

We started out talking about Aldo's appointment, and somehow the call deteriorated to my being single. Funny how that happens!

My friend, co-worker, and experienced older man told me that I need to quit looking for boys. Confused, I asked him if he was suggesting that I switch teams. Lesbianism does have certain perks.... No, he told me. I need to be looking to meet MEN. Not boys, MEN. He said it's a different mindset, and different level of responsibility, etc...

I told him if he knows any good men to point them in my direction. He funnily said, "If I find a good man, I'm keeping him for myself!" Good times!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T08:02:00.003-06:00

This is my first card of the day.... =)

A co-worker made raspberry and chocolate chip meringues and they are SO GOOD!!!!! I think I just found my breakfast.

I heard a very strong and amazing panel of women speak last night at the Women in Government seminar (reception). I am truly inspired today!

I voted!!!!

2008-02-13T21:53:00.002-06:00

A co-worker was going over to the City/County building to vote absentee ballot this afternoon and asked me to join her.

Since I have class after work next Tuesday, it was so much simpler to vote today than it would be to get there when the polls open at 7:00 AM on Tues.

My John Edwards was still on the ballot, but I wanted to truly be relevant and participate in the process, so I cast my vote for Mr. Obama.

Don't forget to make your voice heard and vote in the primary!!!!

My Bleeding Heart Status

2008-02-05T14:44:00.000-06:00

As I get older, politics and how people label themselves makes less sense to me…

When I was a teen, one of my BIGGEST issues for which political party spoke to me was choice. The freedom of choice touched nearly all of my friends in one way or another. I thought that women were most capable of deciding what was best for them (mind, spirit and body) and so I was a democrat. I also thought that unless we faced something as terrible as the holocaust that war was a terrible idea as well. This also lent itself to my ideology of identifying with the liberals.

Towards the end of high school I took an economics class and learned about fiscal conservatism. It made some sense to me. As a young adult I met plenty of men who identified themselves to me as fiscally conservative and socially democratic. It kind of made sense. Although I still couldn't appreciate how one party could be so interchangeable for another during an election. How were there people who could float between the candidates of different parties?

Then I realized how many of my friends were gay. More and more people came out, and hate crimes and hateful legislation began to show up in the news with alarming frequency. People who were politically conservative (republicans) claimed that to be gay was to be anti-GOD. Huh. So all of the sudden there was a religious element to being right-wing. The so-called "Christian Right." Although Jesus Christ himself was a liberal and supported social causes…. But last I checked the Bible teaches to judge not, lest ye be judged. The ultimate judgment is for God to make, not the republicans.

The republicans claim to want LESS government. But at every turn they fight for MORE control in government and people's lives! They put measures on ballots to take rights AWAY from gays (mostly in the name of God although we are a country built on separation of church and state), they want laws to keep women from controlling their bodies (abortion, birth control), they only fund public schools that teach their agendas (abstinence only education, creationism as science, etc…), they spend BILLIONS on an unnecessary war that seems to serve little purpose other than to create the terrorists of the future and to line their pockets (through non-bidding contracts and record oil profits), they don't want a nationalized health care because it would take PROFIT away from the insurance and drug companies (and clearly profit is more important than the health, safety and LIVES of the poor and working class). These same "anti-big-government" conservatives are creating the largest National Debt EVER.

And the issue of global warming seems so cut and dry to me… not only is it a proven scientific fact (in dozens upon dozens of peer reviewed journals) but even if it were somehow not true, aren't we better safe than sorry on acting to prevent calamity? If enough Arctic and Antarctic ice melt, the landscape of the WORLD will change. Millions of people will be displaced. New York City will be underwater, as will Florida, and the coast of China…. How can this be ignored?

When I was younger I was offended by the term bleeding heart liberal because it seemed so derogatory to me. If caring about the poor, the less fortunate, those without voices in the political process, and the state of the world make me a bleeding heart liberal, then I wear that badge proudly. I know that one person can make a difference, and I intend to use my entire life to make the world a better place for not just me, my family, my city, my country, but for the WORLD. In the name of all that is good and liberal…..

Is Someone Around Here Single?

2008-01-12T10:50:00.001-06:00

I realize that I haven't said a peep about the dating front in a while. I have met someone that I am interested in. We've been talking for about a month and a half, but through the holidays, blizzards causing roads to be impassable, and visiting families, and work trips, we have only been out twice. Tonight is to be our third date.

His personality is so much like mine. Not that I need that, or am looking for a clone, but it SURE beats a quiet wallflower (for me anyway....).

Out first date was 6 hours, our second one was 7. So there is lots to talk about, and things are going well. I'll update you all more later....

=)

Aldo is Nearly Mended

2008-01-12T10:47:00.000-06:00

Aldo's not just ON the mend, he's nearly mended!

We went to the vet yesterday and after his tap (the amount of fluid continues to go down each week) he weighed 80.3 lbs!!!!! YAY! My little baby had gotten so skinny he was only 71 lbs (and I met him at 85 lbs). He is looking and feeling so very much better!

There was running and playing in the yard last night, as well as this morning. My baby is making a HUGE comeback! I am so blessed and thankful.

Doing What Works for Me

2008-01-12T10:41:00.000-06:00

I was reminded (by a professional no less!) yesterday that it is not only OK to say No sometimes, but the only way to actually get the desired results sometimes.

There has been a struggle in my family (like the sharks and the jets) recently, and it's between the hometowns (little dogs) and the relocators (big dogs). No shit. We're fighting over where the dogs go when we visit each other. Although SOMEHOW the past four visits have all been ME having to bend over backwards (even the week after my appendectomy) to accommodate the little dogs while screwing over the big dogs (and sometimes myself) in the process.

IN ANY CASE, this year, 2008, I will be choosing to do what works for me more often. I will say no when I want to (and mean it) and stand by it. When a door shuts, people will generally go find another one to open. So everyone can get ready to put on their problem-solving hats and find ways to accommodate each other. I'm not bending over backwards anymore.

Time for Politics!

2008-01-02T19:27:00.000-06:00

They are sending me tons of e-mails, and so I am reminded that it's that time again. Time to stand up for what you believe in, time to save this country, and almost time to vote.

Howard Dean sent me a pledge to sign, and I did. I will support whomever the democratic candidate is. Although I'm pulling for Edwards...

Here's the site: http://www.democrats.org/page/s/GetUnited

Global Citizens

2008-01-01T10:59:00.000-06:00

This was on postsecret this week, and I LOVE it. The art is beautiful, as is the message.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I welcome 2008 to be an incredibly wonderful year filled with good times.

Wrong Way to Protest

2007-12-31T10:48:00.000-06:00

I have a cousin who is borderline illiterate, for sure a redneck, and not very well educated. She sent me an e-mail about how we can totally STICK IT TO the Saudis by not using their oil. Yes, the e-mail listed which companies use Saudi oil for gas vs. American or British companies. Here's my problem with that:

1. Supply and Demand. Economics class taught me that demand and price have an equilibrium. By boycotting these gas stations, the price of gas will ultimately GO UP (as the demand at all the US and Brit stations would exceed supply, causing the price to increase). There are some other economic issues like people in communities where public transportation is lacking NEED to use gas for their cars to get to work, daycare, the grocery store, etc... It's not like jewelry where if you can't afford it you don't buy it, gas is in many cases a necessity.

2. What kind of car are you driving? My cousin and her husband are very poor, and have made tons of terrible life decisions. They are living with her parents (where I believe that Social Security and Disability are footing the bills. Sometimes they have jobs, and other times they don't. Her parents have a reverse mortgage on the house... but she and her husband BOUGHT A BRAND NEW GAS GUZZLING SUV recently! So don't bitch about the price of gas when you buy an inefficient vehicle for NO REASON. The SUV is all faux-space. You can't haul things in it, it really holds about the same amount of material as a car (with half the fuel efficiency).

3. Bush and Cheney are NOT the entire US government. They are but two men. And they are greedy men with no sense of right and wrong. Remember that next time you go to the polls and vote (if you don't vote, you can't complain) and ELECT THE DEMS!

Here is her actual text: "OK? The oil company's that are is Saudi Arabia are run by the America government! We they pay the contractors $45 -50 and hour and pay the solider $10-12 to guards the refinery and put the lives on the line to suicide bomber for 63% of our guys are there to protect the OIL!!! (information I received from a SARGENT E7 doing just this!)

Personally it is the American GOVermet SREWING you over not! Any other country!!! The REAL RESON WERE OVER THERE IS TO PROTECT THE OIL!!!! And REMEMBER if the shit hits the fan our government is NOT there to protect us! There objective is to protect then selves and the pocket books (HELLO NSA!!! I know you watching ^%^ holes!) so just pray for alternate fuel and research on FUSION power with the H3 elements(CEMESTY NOT A BIG TRUCK) that is being done at UW MADISON may give us a chance in 5 years? "

Oy! It makes my head spin. It also makes me want to help change the world/volunteer/be a teacher/be a mentor/be a foster parent/etc...

John Edwards is THE MAN!!!!

2007-12-31T10:42:00.000-06:00

I recently decided that I will be voting for John Edwards in the primary. Of all the top running democratic candidates he is the ONLY one who has a universal health care plan. This country needs universal care! The poor are sick and dying while "the suits" in charge of the so-called health insurance companies (more like sick care than health care) are profiting beyond our wildest imaginations. We're almost like a third world country in the way we've been taking care of our poor (Bush, I'm looking at YOU). Universal health care is an absolute necessity. That issue alone will get my vote Mr. Edwards!

I also decided that now was the best time for me to put my money where my mouth is and donate to his campaign. As a matter of fact, I said aloud, "He's gotta have pay-pal, right?" Sure enough: DONATE NOW

Give early, give often, and give lots!!!!

Family

2007-12-17T19:46:00.000-06:00

I never had a chance... look at where I come from!!!!

My mom was in an art show, and her etching (shown above with women who have a BAD case of the giggles) SOLD almost immediately after the show opened. KICK ASS! So she got to put up a replacement. What a great art show....

Don't get me wrong, I love my family, but we are a traveling freak show!

ALDO UPDATE!

2007-12-11T11:37:00.000-06:00

Aldo is coming home today!!!! There is of course a huge blizzard and freezing rain and what not, but today is the day!!!

I will go meet with the surgeon this afternoon, learn how to tap Aldo's chest myself through his newly installed port, and then he can come home!

He has the worst haircut ever (from where they shaved him for surgery) and he has several sites that have big metal staple style stitches. So I know he can't jump on anything for a while. I'll find a way to sleep on the floor with him.

We have follow up visits Thursday and Friday. BUT HE GETS TO COME HOME!

Oh joy!

I need to go defrost the ostrich meat I bought him....

Hurry Up and Wait

2007-12-11T08:38:00.000-06:00

Wait, wait, wait. All I have been doing for EIGHT days since Aldo went to the hospital is wait. Then they call me and give me super hopeful good news, only to call later on with the opposite bad news.

Wait, wait, wait.

I'm waiting for a call from the vet student to see how x-rays went this morning. They removed the chest tube yesterday and are trying to monitor (through radiograph) how much air is in his plural space. (the x-ray shows if there is air leaking through the lung into the chest cavity).

PLEASE GOD LET ALDO GET WELL AND COME HOME SOON!!!!!

Friday Aldo Report

2007-12-07T09:10:00.000-06:00

I just got a call from my vet medical student, and he said that as of this morning is SEEMS like Aldo has stopped producing air in his chest cavity. They still need to monitor that today, but if it keeps up all day, then later tonight they will be able to remove the vacuum tube they have in his chest now.

As usual, I can't stop crying. This sounds like good news, but I don't really want to celebrate until I KNOW that his lungs are healed and that the tube is out. Our regular vet, Dr. Erin, is going to call and talk to the folks at the vet school so she can get report from them (and talk more to me) too.

My mom and I will go visit him again tonight after work. When I got there last night they said he wasn't really eating, but he ate TWO whole blueberry bagels (dipped in yogurt, of course) for me, and I'm bringing him some fat-free cottage cheese tonight too.

The new theme of my life is "HOPE!" Please share it with me.

Surgery and Long Road to Recovery

2007-12-06T15:51:00.000-06:00

Aldo's surgery is complete, but there were some complications that may make the road to recovery longer and bumpier.

He has a little tear in his lung, which is allowing his chest to fill up with air. They have a chest tube in him (creating a vacuum to suck out the air) and it SHOULD heal on its own within one to two days. However, if it doesn't in three days, he needs another surgery to try and correct it.

=(

I have never been more scared for so many days on end as I currently am.

Aldo is in the intensive care unit, which means the costs are just skyrocketing. I estimate that the whole thing has cost about $6,000 SO FAR. And it's not close to over. He is worth every single penny, but I'm starting to wonder where the pennies are going to come from.

I need to figure out how to sell everything I own on e-bay... check this out though:

E-bay Too bad I don't have more of those!

I'm going to visit Aldo tonight for the first time since dropping him off Tuesday. I'm only allowed 15 minutes. I miss my boy so much!!!!

Kiki is being pretty quiet at home. She doesn't really know how to be the only dog. She's been getting LOTS of snuggles and love though! I need her to lean on right now.

Please continue to keep Aldo in your thoughts and prayers. And if anyone asks what I need for Christmas or my birthday, the answer is CASH. Please. Thank you!

Thankful

2007-11-30T18:21:00.000-06:00

I truly thought I was going to lose my baby Aldo to chylothorax on Thanksgiving week (these photos are from Thanksgiving). He had over 11 lbs of fluid removed on Monday (after being tapped the Friday before) and he was tapped on Wednesday and Friday again too. It was the scariest day of my life.

But we went to see the number one expert in the COUNTRY on chylothorax on Friday and he said that Aldo is a good candidate for surgery. The surgery gives him an 80% chance of a FULL recovery (and back to our normal lives). Without it, he can't survive much longer.

Needless to say, I am not buying a new car or going on vacation for quite some time. My funds are tied up in doggie surgery! Aldo is worth every penny (and then some!).

The first photo here (it snowed on Thanksgiving!) is of Aldo sniffing Kiki's face after she has been eating snow in the yard. You can see where his ribs have been shaved for chest taps.

The next photo is our family portrait (taken by mom).

The last photo is NAUGHTY Lexa making noise in the kitchen. I knew she was eating something, and discovered a few seconds after this was taken that she had gotten the mashed potatoes off my island. What's funny about the photo is that we ALL know Lexa is up to something in the other room. Kiki and I have the same look on our faces. My dogs are SO good and well behaved. Where was dad during all this (watching football and NOT watching Lexa is my guess).

In any case I am VERY thankful that I can give Aldo the surgery that he needs next week. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers for a FULL recovery!

Somebody Ate November

2007-11-19T10:46:00.000-06:00

Apparently we are all dog people in my family. Even the distant relatives....

My Aunt came home from work one day to see that my Nana's calendar was on December. Seeing as there is still plenty of November left, my Aunt asked what happened. Nana's response was that "somebody ate November." That somebody was most certainly my Aunt's naughty little Riley dog.

Aldo and Kiki both went to the vet on Friday (Kiki for an ear infection and yearly shots/check-up and Aldo for a chest tap). Well then on Saturday I realized that little miss thing hadn't pooped in days (that I had seen) and yet she sure was trying. With that it was BACK TO THE VET! It turns out that she had eaten charcoal when my dad grilled out on Wednesday (at Lexa's prompting I'm sure) but she didn't chew it very well and it was clogging things up inside. Poor baby! She basically ate rocks! The vet gave her an enema, and then later a bath... Now she's on almost as many meds as Aldo. The newest one is an antibiotic in case she had injuries from internal bleeding. Christ!

Aldo woke me up around 3:00 AM today and was having breathing problems so I took him to the vet this morning. He gained three pounds of fluid since Friday. That's another chest tap for him today. I want my baby to be OK. I want him to get better. I want him to live. My dogs are my family, and I NEED Aldo to be OK. Please pray for him. For us.

I'm sitting at home right now waiting for the vet to call so I can go pick up my little man.

E.S.L.

2007-11-07T08:56:00.000-06:00

I know that I shouldn't laugh at anyone using English as a second language (especially since I speak French like a 6-year old French kid) but since I've been to Asia, I know that using bizarre English is par for the course. One of my home-stay sisters in Japan had this shirt that had a panda bear on it and talked about the wind blowing, in some weird nonsensical way... My roommate and I knew that there was something to all this (even back in 1992).

MK sent me this site, http://www.engrish.com/ and it is almost always fabulous! I think the biggest issue they have in Japan and China is they don't have anywhere near enough native English speakers to proofread anything....

Also, whenever I'm in France at any kind of touristy attraction they usually have signs in French, Spanish, German, and English. But of course the English is Great Brittan style, so they use "English" words that are the same as the French word. Like I can read the whole description in French and just not know one word, so I look to the English and they used that same damn word! ARGH! Languages are hard. We should take a page out of the European play book and TEACH OUR KIDS SEVERAL LANGUAGES STARTING WHEN THEY ARE LITTLE AND THEIR BRAINS ARE STILL LIKE SPONGES.

I have a friend who teaches at an immersion school in California. That's the right idea!

Holiday Cheer (?)

2007-11-04T09:23:00.000-06:00

Paris ROCKS!!!! Thanks to Emily for sending me this photo. It's from Galleries Lafayette, gearing up for the Christmas season.

I just don't know if I can get it up for the holidays this year. My dad and I ordered our 10 lb organic turkey a few days ago, and when we realized that thanksgiving at my house will include JUST me, my mom, and dad, it seems so small. And kind of depressing.... None of the other relatives want to celebrate it since my uncle died. Life goes on people! And I wish I had a boyfriend to invite, but I don't. Last year MK came and helped add some flava to the celebration, but she'll be in Florida this year with her new beau.

The thought of Christmas is good, and I LOVE buying (and giving) gifts to my friends, but this Christmas all I can think about is will Aldo get better soon? Whenever I'm home that's pretty much all I can think about, my baby boy. His allergies are really getting to him this week too. So on top of the chylothorax and breathing issues, he's super itchy. Poor guy. I give him all the love I can, I just don't know how parents of sick children do it. This is one of the hardest things I've ever gone through, and the waiting and not knowing is the worst part. Although we WERE able to go for a one mile walk last week, so I felt good about that. And I planted two new trees in my back yard yesterday and Aldo can pee on them now too. Yay! More vertical surfaces! He's still happy, bless his heart. The meds I'm giving him should start working any time now. Please god, let the treatment make him better.

I think I'm totally finished with my Christmas shopping, which is satisfying. I was sucked in by some after Halloween shopping too... but when DON'T I need more orange and black socks?? Or 50% off candy for work?

Today is my last day off after 4 days off in a row. I wish I could say that my house is clean and bills are paid and laundry is done.... but all I did is watch Netflix, cuddle with Aldo, pick about 100 tomatoes from my garden, book a wedding for next spring, and plant two trees.

I guess my mini-depression is a good excuse for being a slacker.

Within the next couple of weeks I'll have new windows installed on my house (I have something like 13 windows PLUS a 13' wide bay window) and the solar voltaic cells powering my electricity. Big, green changes are on the horizon!

"Outgoing"

2007-10-31T21:51:00.000-05:00

So I guess I'm considered outgoing. This means that I'm social, and I talk to a lot of people.

I'm sure that people think that I don't get scared meeting new people or talking to strangers, but I do. I just power through it like a good little soldier. It's almost like there is pressure on me to be this way. People expect me to be the life of a party... and I deliver.

I have friends.... so why am I so fucking lonely?

Dorky Holiday

2007-10-31T16:35:00.001-05:00

This was by far the geekiest thing e-mailed to me all day. And I LOVE it, although I wish it weren't labeled (like if I know what pi is, then I'll get the joke WITHOUT it being spelled out for me).

The next pumpkin I carve is getting a pi symbol (or 3.1417....)

Happy Halloween!

2007-10-31T15:58:00.001-05:00

We're the four seasons.... perhaps you've heard of us. Winter, fall, summer, and spring. We TOTALLY won the best group costume at work today.

Thank dogs too, because it was my idea and I was getting REALLY competitive about it!

I have a date tonight... with wonder-lad. He's a graphic designer who writes a comic strip in his free time. The question of the day is, do I wear my costume for our date?

SWAG

2007-10-26T17:42:00.000-05:00

These are my new (Swag, thanks Jamie!) Martha Stewart guest towels, scalloped in coral (hanging in my 1st floor guest bath). I've added the pic from the Macy's website too. Here's the link: Macy's Martha Stewart

Jamie gave me a bunch of wonderful Martha items when I went to visit him, and it really is like getting fabulous swag at a celebrity event! And Jamie is better than Santa Claus as far as I'm concerned!!!!

I said the word "swag" at work, and a dude looked at me with a "what the hell?" look. He asked me what I meant and I explained it was a nice free gift, a "thanks for coming!" if you will. He said that in the numbers business (which I'm in!!!) swag means: Scientific Wild Ass Guess. That figure was derived using the swag-methodology.....

Different strokes for different folks I guess!

All Dressed Up

2007-10-24T09:27:00.000-05:00

I bought this for Kiki at Target. It's a size Large (and she's only 53 lbs so I thought she could fit into it). Those arms are supposed to be for her paws... so it doesn't fit, but look how cute she is anyway! It's just dress up. She loves the hat too (although when she walked around the house with it on it was bothering Aldo a little).

I can't believe that Halloween is next week already! I have tons to do for all the fund-raising activities we have at work. I'm the coordinator for our annual giving campaign, so there is lots to be done! Next week we have a book sale, bake sale, and chili cook-off. I donated books, I'm baking something, and I think I'm making chili too. I'm giving $600 from my paychecks to my favorite charities next year too. I love how they just take it right from my check. How easy is that?

I had a therapeutic massage last night and the lady was WEIRD! Like somehow I ended up trying to convince her that I'm not fat, I'm just built like a sumo wrestler (?) and we were all doom and gloom talking too. Remind me NOT to go back to her! Although the actual massage was good....

I believe that I have a (yet another) first date this weekend. I've only seen one picture of this guy, and it's hard to tell what he looks like. The e-mails are great so far though... and he has a lot of really goods things to say. I feel like a broken record, but cross your fingers for me.

Single, Again

2007-10-12T08:21:00.000-05:00

After rather enjoying dating the professor for the past month and a half, he has come clean about the fact that he's seeing TWO other women (in addition to me) and that he obviously has some internal conflicts/mental issues.

So I'm single again!!!!

On my dog page-per-day calendar it says, "A recent American Kennel Club survey found that when comes to meeting women, 58% of dog-owning men claim that a puppy is a foolproof babe magnet."

Does that work in reverse too????

Damn the professor for putting me out there... again...

Rain, Humidity, and too hot for September!

2007-09-25T08:12:00.001-05:00

I love how you can see the rain in this photo on my local news site.

I have to admit, when I woke up around 5:45 AM today it was ALREADY 76 degrees out (and humid). Yuck! It had gotten so cold out a few weeks ago that I had to cover my garden with sheets to prevent frost and add a down quilt to my bed. Now I'm wearing capris, sandals, and a sleeveless top. Oh how fickle the fall weather is!

This Saturday is the big wedding! I am SO excited for my friend Musevia! We have lots of new music that I'm pretty pumped about too. I almost said "cool new music" but a more accurate description would be "Classics that have stood the tests of time." Can classical music be cool?

Home Sweet Home

2007-09-23T18:44:00.000-05:00

I'm back from the "new" New York (otherwise known as Jersey City New Jersey). JC is the fastest growing city in the states, because so many Manhattan businesses have just hopped over the river to relocate there. Somehow, we never made it to into NY propper, but we had a good and RELAXING time (with the exception of key-gate).

Now that I'm home there are bills to pay, and rehearsals to coordinate for next weekend's wedding, I need to get ready for my aunt and uncle to visit this week, and on and on....

Welcome home! Vacation is over...

Special Guest, BILL CLINTON!

2007-09-21T16:02:00.000-05:00

While I was busy having my adventure earlier today Jamie had a big meeting with the Macy's folks as well as the Martha Stewart team.

He saw a bunch of guys in suits hanging around where they tape the Martha tv show (except they don't tape on Fridays). He thought they even looked a little like secret service guys. BECAUSE THEY WERE!

Martha generally doesn't tape shows on Friday, but today worked for Bill Clinton to be her guest so she made an exception. Jamie has access to tickets too!

If only we had known ahead of time I could have gotten to meet my hero Bill Clinton!

I've met John Kerry a couple of times, and Tammy Baldwin (we had a long talk about the gay marriage amendment...) but never BILL!!!!

I LOVE YOU BILL!!!

My BIG adventure

2007-09-21T11:27:00.000-05:00

When I was a kid I used to go exploring. And somehow I always knew to check doors before I went through them.

This morning I was home at Jamie's place and he and Chris both went to work leaving me with little Dottie. After they had been gone for about 4 or 5 hours I thought that I should take her out for a walk.

For a brief second I thought about taking my purse or cell phone, but I didn't. I almost didn't wear a bra! But I managed to get dressed, leash up Dottie and head out the front door.

I undid the deadbolt and walked out. I tried the knob behind me and it was LOCKED!

LOCKED!

I had just talked to Jamie on the phone before I walked outside and told him, "It's OK that your meeting is going into the afternoon, I'm fine here!"

And now I'm locked outside with no purse, no cell phone, and a little pug dog for WHO KNOWS how long!!!

PANIC!!!

Of course I instantly had to use the ladies room. Hold that thought....

So I tried the upstairs neighbors' doorbell and knocked a bunch of times. They are the landlords after all. But of course, they weren't home.

I had seen the next door neighbor yesterday when I arrived so I thought I would go see if anyone had a spare key or knew how to get a hold of the landlords.

Two brownstones down a nice couple let me use their cell phone to call my mom (because she had Jamie's number and without my phone I didn't). She gave me the number and I called. Of course I got his voicemail because he was in a MEETING!

Another neighbor (Hugh) gathered around and he called the landlords and left a message on my behalf. Hugh said that I could wait in his house, which was a LIFESAVER!

I talked a lot with Hugh. His 2 floors of the brownstone has never been renovated, he bought it for only $11,000 back in the day... he doesn't have kids, his sister still lives in Great Brittan, and one of his cats is at the vet today, possibly dying. AND HE STILL WANTED TO HELP ME!

The best part is, that since I had Jamie's dog with me, my story checked out better. I didn't seem like a burglar.

Hugh and I tried to call Martha Stewart to get a hold of Jamie, but again I only got his voicemail. Hugh made me some tea to pass the time...

Finally I asked Hugh if I could use a ladder to scale the 10 foot fence between the gardens. I could see a window open in the back of Jamie's place.

Hugh got me a full size ladder and a blanket to put across the top of the fence as to not impale myself on the picketed top as I climbed over.

I have NO IDEA how I climbed over or got down on the other side (but I'm glad I was wearing a bra for all this acrobatic activity). Sure enough, the screen popped right out and I got in!

SUCESS!!!

I ran to the front of the hose and unlocked the door knob lock (stupid thing) and went back over to Hugh's to retrieve Dottie. He said that she went CRAZY when I went over the fence! This whole ordeal lasted about an hour and a half.

I guess that most people are helpful and kind. I was so appreciative of all the assistance I got from Jamie's neighbors. And Hugh has a big thank-you package coming his way as soon as I get home.

I'm NOT getting sick....

2007-09-19T23:29:00.000-05:00

For some reason I think I get sick almost EVERY time I go on vacation. Maybe it's the planes... But sure enough, my Professor was sounding VERY sick tonight. And I may have kissed him anyway.... He's so cute! How could I not?

I need to go take some nyquil... and some disinfectant. The Professor told me I had to promise him that I won't get sick.

I'm not getting sick, I'm not getting sick!

Stomach Woes (and other excitement)

2007-09-19T16:14:00.000-05:00

With everything going on lately, my stomach has been a mess! I don't even know how I'm going to be on vacation this weekend.

My partner left my job this week (which of course means more work for me), I have Aldo's condition on my mind, I have a VERY important wedding coming up, I'm dealing with two contractors for the projects at my house, I'm also scheduling meetings with the CITY for the cool loan I'm getting for said projects, I have out of state relatives coming to visit the same time as the wedding, and I had to cancel my audition, a friend is hospitalized, and my grandma has been ill for almost a month (and I'm trying to manage it from 200 miles away). Gee, I don't know why my stomach feels like I'm growing a huge ulcer!!!!

And my throat feels a little sore too. *cough* *cough*

The FABULOUS going away party I threw today went off without a hitch. The Secretary and Deputy Secretary both attended and gave nice speeches. About 50 people in total attended. And I have to say that I wowed folks with the trick where you cut the cake with dental floss. I don't know where I learned that, but it rules!

I can't WAIT for vacation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Catch Me I'm Falling....

2007-09-08T13:10:00.000-05:00

Remember that 1980's tune???

I am indeed falling for the professor. But because I'm soooooooo classy (you can dress me up, but can't take me anywhere) I actually DID fall on our date last night.

First we went to a restaurant (that I picked) and the music was way too loud because it was BELLY DANCING NIGHT! Oops! I just thought they had a good menu. I swear I didn't know there would be half naked women shakin' it! I certainly gave us something to talk about!

We left the restaurant and went to our second venue of the evening to see/hear the band that I also picked. He parked the car and I got out and started kind of walking around the front of the car (towards the club) as he went around the back. He was asking me if I had locked my door. I started backing up to see what he was doing and as I was walking backwards I stumbled on this HUGE bolder sized (ok, the size of two softballs) chunk of concrete.

I thought to myself "There is NO f-ing way I'm about to fall in front of the professor!" and sure enough, I thought I could recover. I must have tripped on the concrete in one spot and actually stumbled backwards for about 15 feet before I fell. Oh yes, I did INDEED fall. IN FRONT OF HIM!!!!

So as I laid on my back staring at the stars, he came over and helped me up. I was laughing, and SO embarrassed, and in a little pain from the fall (my wrist is slightly sprained and bruised).

He said, "That was totally in slow motion. I thought you were going to be able to recover because it took so long for you to fall." You and me both buddy! I still can't believe I fell....

Inside the club there were TWO MORE BELLY DANCERS! I've never seen so many belly dancers in my life! In fact, I think the last belly dancer I was was on a video at Christmas time about 15 years ago. I walked past the TV and said, "Look at that fat belly dancer!" and it was a video of my cousin's wife. OOPS! Well, ex-wife these days (Hi Carol wherever you are!).

What in the hell were the odds of two places having belly dancing last night? And I picked them! We both had a great time, lots of laughs, and good conversation. Today I'm still falling... but in a good way. =)

(Non) Labor Day Weekend

2007-09-04T09:14:00.000-05:00

I had a GREAT date last night, but don't want to talk about (or jinx) it too much.

I hadn't seen Oceans 11 or 12, but saw Oceans 13 yesterday. As it turns out, the plot pretty much stands on its own and I was able to follow (and enjoy) it without having seen the prequels. I know it has superior (and attractive) actors, but the whole film REALLY reminds me of "The Great Muppet Caper" when I was a kid. =) Good times. Remember the '70s? Anyone?

This morning Aldo woke me up an hour before my alarm. He didn't eat dinner last night and I'm a little worried about him. Luckily my dog-sitter is keeping a close eye on him for me today. The good news is that I got some bass practice time out of the deal (nothin' like 6:00 AM practice!). The bad news is I'm going to totally crash later…..

Saturday night was Emily's going away party. I think 25 people showed to the restaurant. Holy man! And none of those folks were related to her either. Dr. Anna got Emily a stuffed microbe of 'The Kissing Disease" which is just so cute! Here's the site:

http://www.giantmicrobes.com/us/products/kissingdisease.html Love the stuffed plushie, but not the real thing. I had a post about these stuffed guys a while back. Maybe I should link that too: http://phaedraworld.blogspot.com/2006_05_01_archive.html (scroll down to May 25)

The price has gone up on the geek toys in the past year! Blame the economy...

Saturday I made my six hour trek for lessons. Two hour drive to Katy's house, played a super intense two hour lesson, another 2 hour drive home. WHEW! Only a few more weeks of this….

I hope that people had a chance to NOT work for Labor Day!

Sounds Like.....

2007-08-17T08:07:00.000-05:00

Last night there was some HUGE parade happening outside my office building. They closed down major downtown streets, and had to re-route the city buses, etc... And they didn't really tell us about it ahead of time. Oops!

When I was leaving work there were a bunch of Shriner guys in the basement parking lot area. Most had bagpipes. One had a tuner sitting on the trunk of a car whilst he attempted to TUNE the bagpipe. Lordy! If you think they sound crazy when they're played, you should hear the tuning process. Ha ha ha ha! I kept wanting to yell, "You're flat!" (he was).

This morning I was listening to the news as I was washing my face in the bathroom and I kept hearing the announcer excitedly talking about the "string quartet" this weekend, which I found odd. Some people may get excited (and more should!) about classical music, but I couldn't believe all the excitement and hype surrounding his announcement. I finished washing my face and when I walked back into my bedroom I realized they were talking about the "Sweet Corn Fest." Sounds just like string quartet if you're in the other room running the water!

Have a good weekend all!

Destiny?

2007-08-16T09:15:00.001-05:00

God help me, will I someday be my mom?????

I went to the gym with my mom last night, and she really is mostly hopeless. The elliptical kept shutting off on her because she couldn't keep up the 60 rpms needed to POWER the thing! That's like one rotation per second. Not too hard.... I've seen mentally challenged people be able to use them!

Then we did weights and when I told her to blow out while she was lifting she would make a face like blowing through a straw to blow. She bugged her eyes out too. So I started laughing hysterically and then she's laughing and snorting…. The whole thing was out of control! I can only hope that she'll get better.

This morning she almost T-boned the neighbor while backing out of the driveway. WORST DRIVER EVER! I was waiting for her to pick me up in the street so totally saw the whole thing coming. I quickly put my hand out (like a cop) to "stop" the neighbor car in the street (which I did) just as I bruised/broke all my knuckles on my right hand to wrap on mom's window to get her to stop. MY GOD!

Luckily, I'm almost perfect. =) Makes it easier to judge my mom. I keep on pulling for my dad's genes to be more dominant as I get older.

Simpsonized!

2007-08-09T19:11:00.000-05:00

This is me, if I were a Simpsons character. I tried to have two dogs in the pic with me, but it didn't work so well.

I haven't seen the movie yet, but I will. Ah yes, good times!

Here's the link for you to be a Simpsons character too: http://simpsonizeme.com/##

The curse continues!

2007-08-06T17:20:00.001-05:00

Maybe it isn't much of a curse, but EVERY time we play an outdoor wedding, it rains. It may rain before the ceremony, or during, or after, or it delays the start of the ceremony, but rest assured: it will rain.

Saturday was our ONLY outdoor wedding of the season, and sure enough a downpour. We haven't had ANY rain in 5 or 6 weeks, but it poured on Saturday.

This bride was a delight and had a tent for the event and we just pulled the sides down in the corner we were set up in. It all worked out great!

Thanks to our rain track record, farmers really ought to hire us to play in their fields!

I Declare!!!!!

2007-07-24T16:20:00.000-05:00

They made us memorize this (in school, when I was 14) and say it aloud. But I've been thinking about it a lot lately, the Declaration of Independence. Especially the unalienable RIGHTS we are supposed to have.

Re-read it. Think about what the words mean today.

Second Paragraph:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

Full Text

Watch My Garden Grow

2007-07-23T21:04:00.000-05:00

I planted so many seeds back in April, and finally got the back yard tilled to be a garden. We are in severe draught in these parts, so I water my garden daily.

The seeds I was most interested in seeing develop were called "Eight Ball Zucchini." They are supposed to be round shaped! I have been harvesting my gold zucchini, black zucchini, basil, swiss chard, snap peas and cucumbers (tomatoes and carrots are still growing) but hadn't seen any of the Eight Balls.

On Saturday morning, while watering, I lifted up a leaf on one of my plants and BEHOLD! There were TWO round little Eight Balls! I picked one and a regular zucchini for comparison. I realize this photo is pretty green, I ate all the golden zukes and the ones in the garden were too small to pick.

I'm sure there will be more garden photos when my 8 different kinds of tomatoes take off!

Is Anybody Out There?

2007-07-22T19:19:00.000-05:00

Today's post secret card that I most resemble (above)

It's starting to seem like perhaps my friends are no longer coming here to get my news. That's what I get for just calling, talking face to face, or e-mailing them!!! But seriously, how long has it been since there was a comment????

Health Care Crisis

2007-07-11T08:36:00.000-05:00

http://www.michaelmoore.com/sicko/what-can-i-do/

Go See the film "Sicko" and then start pushing your representatives for change. We NEED nationalized health care. Our current system helps the rich to get richer while the working poor are DYING. Yes, dying.

I spent the last five years working in the health care industry. I KNOW firsthand the kind of record profits that hospitals are making. Even (and in some cases especially) the so called "non-profits." Millions, and BILLIONS of dollars. They make the most money by treating the fewest patients. Other countries don't have this problem because they have nationalized care.

We as a country and a people will ultimately be judged by how we care for our poorest and most vulnerable. We MUST demand better more equal treatment. For our elderly, for our poor, for our children. For the future....

How I Spend My "Free Time"

2007-07-08T11:38:00.000-05:00

My free time is rarely free.

I'm currently playing in a musical which held a rehearsal on the morning of the 4th of July (so much for sleeping in on a non-work day!) and in addition to non-stop rehearsals and shows, I had to dog sit for my parents over the weekend.

I've been trying to get a good shot of the three dogs together (since we have all the colors of the bouvier rainbow) for a while now and I think I finally succeeded! Aldo looks kind of small sitting behind the girls, but that's OK. They posed nicely. I think everyone finally knows "stay."

I've been watering the heck out of my garden every morning (geez, why don't I have photos of that???) and lots of things are flowering, which means veggies to follow soon!

I managed to sneak off to the fireworks on the evening of the 4th (not too far from my house, a good deal!).

Although I would LOVE to have some actual free time, and time to myself, and time to relax, and time to clean my house, I think I just signed on for a big (and time consuming, and somewhat expensive) project. I'm keeping it somewhat under wraps for now. Towards the end of September, I'll let you all know how it went! And thanks (in advance) to the French-man who will likely be offering some assistance. I really do appreciate it.

Who turned on the heat in here? It's about 95 degrees out and I have to go get ready for my show (that means dressed in black) and AFTER the show this afternoon I get to do some major heavy lifting (get my super-sized amp out of the basement-pit). The joys of musicianship!

Bon Weekend mes amis!

Dogs and Babies

2007-06-19T19:06:00.000-05:00

My mom used to call me by the dog's name when I was a kid too! Ha ha ha!

I love postsecret.com!!!

Unique

2007-06-13T14:12:00.000-05:00

My good buddy MK has this as her e-mail tag line this week, and I LOVE it!!!!!

In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.

-Coco Chanel

Four Weddings and a Funeral

2007-06-09T22:42:00.000-05:00

I've never seen that movie, but as it turns out life does imitate art.

We played the most perfect wedding today. The scenery on the super back roads county highways on the way there were beautiful. We even passed a wind farm! And the church was pretty small, but quite well set up, with our group in the choir loft. The acoustics were amazing!

The bride had some of the best timing ever. All the pieces we played during the ceremony lined up EXACTLY with how long it took her to do whatever part of the ceremony we were in. Becky, you win the #1 bride award!!!

Last night I got a cold call to play for a funeral service on Sunday. The guy who passed away developed foods for Kraft. He wanted joyful celebratory music for the event, so the funeral home looked on-line and called me. Since we had a wedding today, I had an easy time coordinating another gig for tomorrow.

I've been watching a lot of Six Feet Under lately, so the funeral gig is timely. Also, my dad grew up above the family funeral home, so I guess I'm part of a funeral family! He keeps telling me more people die than get married so we SHOULD play more funerals. Tomorrow is our start!

The month of June is netting me rehearsals for a musical (that plays in July) along with a total of four weddings and a funeral. Voila!

$OLD

2007-05-23T22:10:00.000-05:00

I loved the orange Romanian bass with all my heart and soul. I bought her 11 years ago, when I was young, in college, and full of hope for the future.

That bass got me through symphonies, and full orchestras, bass conferences, master class, wind ensemble, band, big band, pit orchestras, jazz trios, and too many auditions to count.

I still love it. And now, so does a young hopeful kid named Brian who is about to graduate from high school. He's going to be a jazz bass player in college, and the orange Romanian is his new baby.

Congratulations Brian!

And congrats to me.... I finally sold my extra bass!!!! My new bass (the brown beauty) is now my one and only.

My friend MK recently said that it's a little different each time you fall in love. She was talking about men, but it pertains to instruments too. I was the first owner of orange. She'll hopefully be around for hundreds of years. When I got her, I thought I'd play her for the rest of my life. We never really "own" instruments, we're just taking good care of them for the next person lucky enough to get to play them. Now I'm the first owner of the brown beauty bass. I really think that this love will last a lifetime.....

SOLD!

I told Brian to take good care of her and love her, and with wide hopeful eyes he told me, "I WILL!" and I believe him.

My ears are bleeding!

2007-05-06T22:04:00.000-05:00

The most surreal conversation was had at dinner tonight. I have to say, hearing old people using the lingo is something to behold.

While at dinner with my parents tonight my dad was (trying to be helpful by) suggesting that with summer coming up it might be a better time to meet guys and date. He said, "People have free time, and it's the summer, it will be a great time to HOOK UP."

And I was most interested in letting the "hook up" comment slide, but my mom decided to chime in with, "That means people just want to screw."

NO!!! My mom said "screw!" My ears are bleeding.

I was so over the whole conversation that I simply dropped my head in my hands and tried to think happy thoughts. My mom took that to mean that she might be wrong, "Phaedra, isn't that what hook up means? Or did I hear it wrong somewhere?"

"Yes mom, that's what it means alright...."

My dad retracted his previous hook up statement and suggested I simply keep trying to meet a nice guy.

Indeed.

Appendicitis!

2007-04-17T16:14:00.000-05:00

This is an OLD SCHOOL poster, but it's true!

I went to work on Monday (a few weeks ago) and told everyone all day about how my abs hurt. Then at 9 PM that night the pain was so intense I was awake all night. I went to Urgent care at 7 AM when they opened and was there until noon. They gave me pain meds and sent me home with a "if it gets worse, go to the hospital!"

I managed a short nap (thanks pain meds!) for about an hour and woke up with EVEN WORSE pain. So I went to the hospital and had a CT scan of my abdomen. It revealed that my almost 2 days of pain meant acute appendicitis and I needed it out IMMEDIATELY!

They took me into surgery at 11 PM and I was finished at Midnight.

A few weeks later I'm still weak in my ab muscles and have 3 incisions across my stomach, but am alive and MUCH better!!!!!

"Hair"

2007-04-03T09:16:00.000-05:00

'Tis the season for me to play in musicals. Straight off the heels of "Little Women" I'm now playing in "Hair."

The story line for Hair is a little confusing (although the guitarist has hypothesized this is because everyone was stoned back then, even the dudes who wrote it). But the music kicks ass!

In the song "Hair" the patented Phaedra declares they're takin' it home sequence goes like this:

They'll be ga-ga at the go-go
When they see me in my toga.
My toga made of blonde, brilliantine, biblical hair.

My hair like Jesus wore it
Hallelujah I adore it!
Hallelujah Mary loves her son
Why won't my mother love me...

Hair, hair, hair, hair......

Ohh, I'm rockin' just thinking about it! Good times. I think quite a few of my peeps are coming to see the show too, which I love.

Now if I can just get these appendectomy wounds to heal before the shows start next week.....

Kids of War, Part II

2007-03-24T17:28:00.000-05:00

Isn't this war over yet? Update on my friend's daughter: she's homesick. And she thinks that she and her pal look like Maverick and Iceman from Top Gun. The whole thing is so sad. We're going to have a whole generation returning from this war all fucked up.

I read an article the other day about all the kids in Iraq that no longer attend school (their schools have been destroyed) and all the psychological problems that kids have there. One little girl convulses and has seizures whenever she hears bombs/gunfire. Also, the psychiatrists are big targets, so the ones who haven't been killed are fleeing to other countries.

Who will clean all of this up???? And what is the point of this war George? FUCKING OIL???? Lining your friends' pockets? I hope there is a special place in hell for all of you.

They say it's your birthday!

2007-03-18T10:50:00.000-05:00

Clearly, this is a group of red-headed TROUBLE!

We celebrated my birthday on St. Patty's day this year. Amis sent me the beautiful roses (to work!) brought I brought them home for the little party.

My dad came over to install new lighting in my kitchen (why is there no photo of that?!?!) and we had some technical difficulties and it took forever. But it's pretty hot now!

I got cards from all the important out of town (state) friends, and truly had one of the best birthdays ever. I feel so loved!!!! Yay!!!!

I think it's going to be a great year....