Found another long-lost, unpublished post. Eh, what the hell? Enjoy.
It's that time of year again. Yes, there are still about 2 weeks left in 2008, but I need to write when I have the time and the inclination!
1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
- Played "single mom" for about four months
- Put it more work-week hours than I thought possible
- Became a "stage mom"
- Spent a few days alone in my house
- Repaired my own lawn mower
- Performed in a 26-show musical run
- Called the paramedics for my daughter and followed the ambulance to the hospital
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't make resolutions. I just look for ways to improve throughout the year.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Not very close, but dear in memory. My high school German teacher, Frau Blecha.
5. What countries did you visit?
None.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Very similar to last year:
- Greater peace of mind
- Breathing room
- Time for taking care of the home front
- Traveling for pleasure instead of for necessity
7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
The day Tony left for Florida. We thought we'd be apart for a year.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting a better paying job that encouraged working from home as an option.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Letting that job take over my life when I didn't have it to give.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Nothing much. The usual colds and occasional ooginess.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Plane tickets for Tony to visit us and for me to visit Tony.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
- My husband: for following his dreams, continually striving for improvement, and being there for us when we needed him the most.
- My son: for his focus on his goals and emotional growth as an amazing young man.
- My daughter: for her academic improvement and courage to try new things.
- My kids and parents: for their love and support for both Tony and me.
13. Whose behavior appalled and depressed you?
- Former friends
- Our government and leaders
- The TSA
- A majority of the American public
14. Where did most of your money go?
Technology and travel.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
- My job
- The movie premiere
- The Space Shuttle launch
- Visiting my in-laws (no joke!)
- Seeing Sir Ian McKellan
- Seeing Spamalot
- Seeing my son in his FIRST high school show
- Finding old friends online
16. What songs will always remind you of 2007?
That's a tough one. I really don't know that until I'm past 2007 and hear a song that ends up reminding me of it.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. Happier or sadder?
Happier. Definitely. More content.
ii. Thinner or fatter?
About the same.
iii. Richer or poorer?
In cash or in things that are really important? Friends, love, security, family... richer.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
- Working on the house
- Spending time outside
- Being with my family
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
- Being on the computer (work and play)
- Worrying (job search)
- Being angry over things I had no control over
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Quietly with my husband and kids... playing Rock Band, playing board games, watching movies.
22. Did you fall in love in 2007?
365 times... with my husband.
23. How many one-night stands?
ZEEE-RO.
24. What was your favorite TV program?
I think Doctor Who topped the list.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Interesting question. There are definitely those that I dislike, am disappointed in, or am baffled by reasoning, behavior, or choices.
26. What was the best book you read?
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
There was none this year, unless you count rediscovering old favorites.
28. What did you want and get?
- More travel
- Seeing family
28. What did you want and not get?
- Travel to Europe
- Our passports
- A better job for Avindair
30. What was your favourite film of this year?
On the fun side, Hot Fuzz.
On the serious side, Sicko.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
On my actual birthday day, had a nice dinner with my husband and kids. I turned 41.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Having the freedom to be in charge of my own schedule -- when to work, when to play.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
Me.
34. What kept you sane?
My husband and kids, my dog, getting outdoors.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Whom did I "fancy"? I don't think I'd go that far. There are those whose work I enjoy or I think are attractive, but "fancy"? Not so much.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Health care
37. Whom did you miss?
- Family
- Penmaster and Raven
- Uncle Dale
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Not a clue.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007:
Say goodbye to people and situations that are a destructive influence. Life's too short.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"Always look on the bright side of life."
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Review: 10,000 B.C.
I discovered a few drafts that for some odd reason, I'd never quite finished. Releasing them on the unsuspecting public now. Spoiler Alert: This review ends in a cliffhanger.
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD
Yes. If this movie wasn't already spoiled rotten. So rotten, in fact that it currently holds a 7% on the Rotten Tomato meter.
I confess. We went to 10,000 B.C. with one expectation: to get a good laugh from what we knew would be a hideously bad film. I must say that it did fulfill that expectation -- in spades. One look at the trailer, depicting woolly mammoths building the pyramids, and we were hooked.
Where, oh, where do I begin?
10,000 B.C. follows the meandering trail of D'Leh (who's name is funny enough, but I prefer to call him "NeanderTed") as he stumbles from hunter-gatherer to Neolithic farmer for a chick with bad blue contact lenses named Evolet. Truly a film for the WASP "special snowflake" generation, NeanderTed and Evolet trip over a pile of woolly mammoth dung and are credited with saving civilization.
Once again, I warn you: SPOILERS AHEAD. Proceed at your own risk.
The movie begins with the sweeping vista of a snowy tundra. A small tribe of hunter-gatherers, strangely comprised of dread-locked Inuit, Maori, African-American and European descent people, is bemoaning the lack of mammoths. They find a child with bad blue contact lenses and the medicine woman proclaims that she is a special snowflake who will apparently do everything from finding the cure for cancer to discovering jelly donuts.
NeanderTed loves Evolet.
So. Her family gets killed. Another tribe finds her. A medicine woman says she's a special snowflake and announces that the new leader of the tribe gets to claim her for their own. NeanderTed is supposedly more noble because he wants to win to have her, not to be the leader of his people.
NeanderTed only wins because he accidentally kills the mammoth while running like a little girl and has to be guilted into giving up the prize... and pouts. Once again, the "four-legged demons" show up. Steal people from this tribe, including her. NeanderTed goes after her. NeaderTed, one of a tribe of truly stone age people who make Fred and Wilma Flintstone look brilliant, stumbles his way from frozen tundra to steaming jungle in 3 easy steps.
"You've killed the bad guy, and toppled a mighty civilization. Welcome back to your shithole!"
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD
Yes. If this movie wasn't already spoiled rotten. So rotten, in fact that it currently holds a 7% on the Rotten Tomato meter.
I confess. We went to 10,000 B.C. with one expectation: to get a good laugh from what we knew would be a hideously bad film. I must say that it did fulfill that expectation -- in spades. One look at the trailer, depicting woolly mammoths building the pyramids, and we were hooked.
Where, oh, where do I begin?
10,000 B.C. follows the meandering trail of D'Leh (who's name is funny enough, but I prefer to call him "NeanderTed") as he stumbles from hunter-gatherer to Neolithic farmer for a chick with bad blue contact lenses named Evolet. Truly a film for the WASP "special snowflake" generation, NeanderTed and Evolet trip over a pile of woolly mammoth dung and are credited with saving civilization.
Once again, I warn you: SPOILERS AHEAD. Proceed at your own risk.
The movie begins with the sweeping vista of a snowy tundra. A small tribe of hunter-gatherers, strangely comprised of dread-locked Inuit, Maori, African-American and European descent people, is bemoaning the lack of mammoths. They find a child with bad blue contact lenses and the medicine woman proclaims that she is a special snowflake who will apparently do everything from finding the cure for cancer to discovering jelly donuts.
NeanderTed loves Evolet.
So. Her family gets killed. Another tribe finds her. A medicine woman says she's a special snowflake and announces that the new leader of the tribe gets to claim her for their own. NeanderTed is supposedly more noble because he wants to win to have her, not to be the leader of his people.
NeanderTed only wins because he accidentally kills the mammoth while running like a little girl and has to be guilted into giving up the prize... and pouts. Once again, the "four-legged demons" show up. Steal people from this tribe, including her. NeanderTed goes after her. NeaderTed, one of a tribe of truly stone age people who make Fred and Wilma Flintstone look brilliant, stumbles his way from frozen tundra to steaming jungle in 3 easy steps.
"You've killed the bad guy, and toppled a mighty civilization. Welcome back to your shithole!"
Let's Try This Again
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post...
Occasionally over the past few years, these emails would drop into my inbox.
Horoscope de cette semaine calcul ascendant theme astral Review my site; voyance par telephone, http://www.londonsuccessuniversity.com,
One or two. Here and there. I'd delete them and move on. I hadn't blogged since December of 2009.
Logiciel gratuit d astrologie astro chinoise gratuite my web site; voyance par telephone Comment savoir notre signe astrologique linternaute horoscope 2011 Feel free to visit my web page; voyance gratuite Horoscope 2012 femina 22 aout signe astrologique my weblog: voyance gratuite
Then I started to get 5, 10, 20 per day. Then 40. Filling up my inbox. It was time to turn off comments.
I couldn't even remember how to login.
After I'd taken care of the spammers, I started reading my old posts. Indulge myself in a bit of nostalgia. The posts weren't anything fantastic, but they weren't bad. And then I saw a mention of Facebook. I realized that the siren song of quick response, soundbite status posts and games had pulled me in. And pulled me away from more real writing.
Not that Facebook doesn't have its place. I've reconnected with friends I thought I'd never see again. Found support for MS across the world. And keep in touch with distant family with more than just the annual Christmas card.
But my writing skills have suffered. And I mean to change that.
I'll be posting to Rhapsody again. It doesn't matter if no one reads it. Just me, exercising my brain and my virtual pen. Oh... and those spammers? BLOCKED.
Occasionally over the past few years, these emails would drop into my inbox.
Horoscope de cette semaine calcul ascendant theme astral Review my site; voyance par telephone, http://www.londonsuccessuniversity.com,
One or two. Here and there. I'd delete them and move on. I hadn't blogged since December of 2009.
Logiciel gratuit d astrologie astro chinoise gratuite my web site; voyance par telephone Comment savoir notre signe astrologique linternaute horoscope 2011 Feel free to visit my web page; voyance gratuite Horoscope 2012 femina 22 aout signe astrologique my weblog: voyance gratuite
Then I started to get 5, 10, 20 per day. Then 40. Filling up my inbox. It was time to turn off comments.
I couldn't even remember how to login.
After I'd taken care of the spammers, I started reading my old posts. Indulge myself in a bit of nostalgia. The posts weren't anything fantastic, but they weren't bad. And then I saw a mention of Facebook. I realized that the siren song of quick response, soundbite status posts and games had pulled me in. And pulled me away from more real writing.
Not that Facebook doesn't have its place. I've reconnected with friends I thought I'd never see again. Found support for MS across the world. And keep in touch with distant family with more than just the annual Christmas card.
But my writing skills have suffered. And I mean to change that.
I'll be posting to Rhapsody again. It doesn't matter if no one reads it. Just me, exercising my brain and my virtual pen. Oh... and those spammers? BLOCKED.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
If You Can't Get Your Kid to Turn Off the Game, It's Your Problem, Lady
Apparently, there are parents out there who haven't a clue on controlling their kids. Who knew?
A Boston mom actually called 911 because she couldn't get her 14-year-old to stop playing "Grand Theft Auto" at 230am. He also committed other 911-involving acts - like walking around the house and turning on the lights.
http://wcco.com/watercooler/mom.calls.911.2.1384279.html
For wasting the time of the Boston PD and the money of the Boston taxpayers, I think this woman should be required to take some parenting classes. I mean, really. She could have:
1. Said no and meant it.
2. Unplugged the game system/television.
3. Taken away the game system.
4. Threatened a punishment (grounding, taking away television/electronics/cell phone)... and followed through.
It's not rocket science.
A Boston mom actually called 911 because she couldn't get her 14-year-old to stop playing "Grand Theft Auto" at 230am. He also committed other 911-involving acts - like walking around the house and turning on the lights.
http://wcco.com/watercooler/mom.calls.911.2.1384279.html
For wasting the time of the Boston PD and the money of the Boston taxpayers, I think this woman should be required to take some parenting classes. I mean, really. She could have:
1. Said no and meant it.
2. Unplugged the game system/television.
3. Taken away the game system.
4. Threatened a punishment (grounding, taking away television/electronics/cell phone)... and followed through.
It's not rocket science.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
2009: A Year in Review
I skipped 2008. Time to catch up. Thanks to Avindair for the format!
1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
Had an MRI. (To be more concise, about 5.)
Got diagnosed with Multiple-Sclerosis.
Had a spinal tap. (It's really not as fun as the movie.)
Gave myself injections. (Not as bad as I thought it would be.)
2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Some I was able to keep. Others, due to circumstances, couldn't be kept. I think of them more as hopes than resolutions.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes. Two co-workers.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes. I lost my uncle, Leo, in September. Then my grandmother, Minnie (Leo's mother), in November. It's been difficult, but toughest on my Dad, who's now the only one left.
5. What countries did you visit?
Sadly, just the U.S. of A.
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
Steady health.
Fewer "emergencies of the week".
7. What date(s) from 2009 will remain etched your memory, and why?
April 20
It's the day I went into the emergency room and was admitted to the hospital for the "attack" that led to my MS diagnosis.
December 12
Seeing our son as Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol" and getting to hear him sing! If I'd been standing, it would have knocked me off my feet!
8. What were your biggest achievements of the year?
Recovering from the attack and going back to work full time.
Learning to give myself injections.
Learning to pace myself and listen to my body.
9. What were your biggest failures?
Not that I didn't make mistakes, but I think just getting through this year was a win.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
See everything above! Yes, I was diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. At first, it was a very frightening prospect. My grandfather had MS, although he must have Progressive MS, and every year of his life we watched as his physical capabilities went downhill. From cane, to walker, to wheelchair. But treatments now are so much better than they were for him. There's no cure, but there are options. I just have to listen to my body, stick to my medication, and stay as healthy as I can.
Although I have my good days and my bad, I'm coming to terms with it. My family has been unbelievable through everything. Our friends have been wonderful. My workplace has been incredibly supportive. I can't ask for more.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My medication (That seems to be doing it's job.)
XBox 360 Elite for Tony's birthday
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Avindair, SportyGirl and MonkeyDude: I don't know where to begin. Their strength and love has seen me through so much this year. Words can not express.
MagicMarmot: For seeing me through getting admitted to my hospital room... and the laughter and tears. I am truly grateful.
Garrett: For watching out for my family that first night. You are truly a friend indeed.
Penmaster and Raven: For showing up on our doorstep and holding our hands through the rocky early days of the diagnosis. We are blessed to have you as friends... but really, you are more "family" than "friend"... but you know that! :-)
My Boss and Co-workers: My boss made sure that work was to be the least of my worries. If it weren't for her support, I really wouldn't have recovered as quickly and returned to work like I did. My co-workers helped carry the load until I was able. I couldn't have done it without them.
My Dad: He's been through so much this year. He was a caretaker to his brother and his mother. Seeing them both through the last days of their lives. His strength astonishes me.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
The usual:
Corporate America
Our government leaders
Americans in general
14. Where did most of your money go?
Hospital Bills
XBox360
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Small moments (really small, like being able to write my own signature legibly!) in my recovery from the "attack"
Going to see Gaelic Storm again with the family
MonkeyDude in "A Christmas Carol"
16. What song(s) will always remind you of 2009?
I don't think there are any. I'll have to wait until 2010 and beyond to see.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder?
Believe it or not, happier. December 2008 was tough, as I recall. Mostly due to work. Plus, I just had a good MRI that showed some small reductions on my brain lesions. So... good news.
ii. thinner or fatter?
About the same. I'm wearing the same pants, at least.
iii. richer or poorer?
Richer. Avindair has a regular paycheck now.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Played.
Traveled.
Exercised.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Worrying.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
At home with the family. Maybe light the fireplace. Play some games. See a movie or two.
22. Did you fall in love in 2009?
Over and over... with Avindair.
23. How many one-night stands?
None.
24. What was your favorite TV program?
That needs to be "programs". :-)
"Big Bang Theory"
"Supernatural"
"Dollhouse"
"Doctor Who"
"True Blood" (except for the season finale - fail)
"Jekyll"
24b. Shows that let you down?
Mine are all the same as Avindair's.
"Battlestar Galactica" - Final episode EPIC FAIL.
"Smallville" - Dullsville
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No. People worth hating aren't worth my time.
26. What was the best book you read?
"Orlando" by Virginal Woolfe
27. What was/were your greatest musical discoveries?
SportyGirl can answer that question. I just listen and enjoy.
28. What did you want and get?
- I put work in its proper place.
- I had more time with Avindair and the kids.
- I got perspective and found more joy in the little things in life.
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
Probably "Avatar".
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 43. We picked up Buca's on the way home from work and had a lovely, quiet dinner with Avindair and the kids.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Nothing. Everything - good or bad - had its purpose. Just making it through 2009 is satisfaction enough.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Business casual at work.
Casual casual at home.
34. What kept you sane?
My family.
My recovery.
My work.
My friends.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Still a big fan of Ewan McGregor and Hugh Jackman.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
The health care issue... or lack thereof.
37. Who did you miss?
My Grandma Minnie
My in-laws (yes - my in-laws - I adore them)
Penmaster and Raven
38. Who was the best new person you met?
One of my new co-workers. She's something else! (In a good way.)
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009:
Take each day as it comes.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"I've paid my dues -
Time after time -
I've done my sentence
But committed no crime -
And bad mistakes
I've made a few
I've had my share of sand kicked in my face -
But I've come through
We are the champions - my friends
And we'll keep on fighting - till the end -
We are the champions -
We are the champions
No time for losers
'Cause we are the champions - of the world
I've taken my bows
And my curtain calls -
You brought me fame and fortune and everything that goes with it
I thank you all -
But it's been no bed of roses
No pleasure cruise -
I consider it a challenge before the whole human race -
And I ain't gonna lose -
We are the champions - my friends
And we'll keep on fighting - till the end -
We are the champions -
We are the champions
No time for losers
'Cause we are the champions - of the world"
-- We Are the Champions - Queen
1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?
Had an MRI. (To be more concise, about 5.)
Got diagnosed with Multiple-Sclerosis.
Had a spinal tap. (It's really not as fun as the movie.)
Gave myself injections. (Not as bad as I thought it would be.)
2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Some I was able to keep. Others, due to circumstances, couldn't be kept. I think of them more as hopes than resolutions.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes. Two co-workers.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes. I lost my uncle, Leo, in September. Then my grandmother, Minnie (Leo's mother), in November. It's been difficult, but toughest on my Dad, who's now the only one left.
5. What countries did you visit?
Sadly, just the U.S. of A.
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
Steady health.
Fewer "emergencies of the week".
7. What date(s) from 2009 will remain etched your memory, and why?
April 20
It's the day I went into the emergency room and was admitted to the hospital for the "attack" that led to my MS diagnosis.
December 12
Seeing our son as Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol" and getting to hear him sing! If I'd been standing, it would have knocked me off my feet!
8. What were your biggest achievements of the year?
Recovering from the attack and going back to work full time.
Learning to give myself injections.
Learning to pace myself and listen to my body.
9. What were your biggest failures?
Not that I didn't make mistakes, but I think just getting through this year was a win.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
See everything above! Yes, I was diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. At first, it was a very frightening prospect. My grandfather had MS, although he must have Progressive MS, and every year of his life we watched as his physical capabilities went downhill. From cane, to walker, to wheelchair. But treatments now are so much better than they were for him. There's no cure, but there are options. I just have to listen to my body, stick to my medication, and stay as healthy as I can.
Although I have my good days and my bad, I'm coming to terms with it. My family has been unbelievable through everything. Our friends have been wonderful. My workplace has been incredibly supportive. I can't ask for more.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My medication (That seems to be doing it's job.)
XBox 360 Elite for Tony's birthday
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Avindair, SportyGirl and MonkeyDude: I don't know where to begin. Their strength and love has seen me through so much this year. Words can not express.
MagicMarmot: For seeing me through getting admitted to my hospital room... and the laughter and tears. I am truly grateful.
Garrett: For watching out for my family that first night. You are truly a friend indeed.
Penmaster and Raven: For showing up on our doorstep and holding our hands through the rocky early days of the diagnosis. We are blessed to have you as friends... but really, you are more "family" than "friend"... but you know that! :-)
My Boss and Co-workers: My boss made sure that work was to be the least of my worries. If it weren't for her support, I really wouldn't have recovered as quickly and returned to work like I did. My co-workers helped carry the load until I was able. I couldn't have done it without them.
My Dad: He's been through so much this year. He was a caretaker to his brother and his mother. Seeing them both through the last days of their lives. His strength astonishes me.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
The usual:
Corporate America
Our government leaders
Americans in general
14. Where did most of your money go?
Hospital Bills
XBox360
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Small moments (really small, like being able to write my own signature legibly!) in my recovery from the "attack"
Going to see Gaelic Storm again with the family
MonkeyDude in "A Christmas Carol"
16. What song(s) will always remind you of 2009?
I don't think there are any. I'll have to wait until 2010 and beyond to see.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder?
Believe it or not, happier. December 2008 was tough, as I recall. Mostly due to work. Plus, I just had a good MRI that showed some small reductions on my brain lesions. So... good news.
ii. thinner or fatter?
About the same. I'm wearing the same pants, at least.
iii. richer or poorer?
Richer. Avindair has a regular paycheck now.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Played.
Traveled.
Exercised.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Worrying.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
At home with the family. Maybe light the fireplace. Play some games. See a movie or two.
22. Did you fall in love in 2009?
Over and over... with Avindair.
23. How many one-night stands?
None.
24. What was your favorite TV program?
That needs to be "programs". :-)
"Big Bang Theory"
"Supernatural"
"Dollhouse"
"Doctor Who"
"True Blood" (except for the season finale - fail)
"Jekyll"
24b. Shows that let you down?
Mine are all the same as Avindair's.
"Battlestar Galactica" - Final episode EPIC FAIL.
"Smallville" - Dullsville
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No. People worth hating aren't worth my time.
26. What was the best book you read?
"Orlando" by Virginal Woolfe
27. What was/were your greatest musical discoveries?
SportyGirl can answer that question. I just listen and enjoy.
28. What did you want and get?
- I put work in its proper place.
- I had more time with Avindair and the kids.
- I got perspective and found more joy in the little things in life.
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
Probably "Avatar".
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 43. We picked up Buca's on the way home from work and had a lovely, quiet dinner with Avindair and the kids.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Nothing. Everything - good or bad - had its purpose. Just making it through 2009 is satisfaction enough.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Business casual at work.
Casual casual at home.
34. What kept you sane?
My family.
My recovery.
My work.
My friends.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Still a big fan of Ewan McGregor and Hugh Jackman.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
The health care issue... or lack thereof.
37. Who did you miss?
My Grandma Minnie
My in-laws (yes - my in-laws - I adore them)
Penmaster and Raven
38. Who was the best new person you met?
One of my new co-workers. She's something else! (In a good way.)
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009:
Take each day as it comes.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"I've paid my dues -
Time after time -
I've done my sentence
But committed no crime -
And bad mistakes
I've made a few
I've had my share of sand kicked in my face -
But I've come through
We are the champions - my friends
And we'll keep on fighting - till the end -
We are the champions -
We are the champions
No time for losers
'Cause we are the champions - of the world
I've taken my bows
And my curtain calls -
You brought me fame and fortune and everything that goes with it
I thank you all -
But it's been no bed of roses
No pleasure cruise -
I consider it a challenge before the whole human race -
And I ain't gonna lose -
We are the champions - my friends
And we'll keep on fighting - till the end -
We are the champions -
We are the champions
No time for losers
'Cause we are the champions - of the world"
-- We Are the Champions - Queen
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Friday, August 07, 2009
John Hughes, February 18, 1950 - August 6, 2009
You'll never be 18 again, but you can watch it in technicolor.
I heard yesterday that John Hughes died.
I'm 42. I've never had a problem with my age and I still don't. But yesterday, when I heard that the director of those quintessential teen films was gone, my memories took on a more sepia-toned hue.
John Hughes wrote and/or directed many of my favorite films of the '80's: The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candles, Some Kind of Wonderful, and Weird Science. His characters were fun, and smart, and often - even in the silliest of plots - honest. I know they weren't the best. They didn't have action, or special effects, or graphic sex scenes, or anything else that makes a blockbuster nowadays. But they had heart, and they had great music, and they spoke to a generation.
I didn't realize it until now, but those silly teen flicks meant a lot to that idealistic, starry-eyed, definitively '80's girl.
It's going to be a rainy weekend. I think I'll snuggle up on the couch with my family, a big bowl of popcorn, and have a John Hughes film festival.
I heard yesterday that John Hughes died.
I'm 42. I've never had a problem with my age and I still don't. But yesterday, when I heard that the director of those quintessential teen films was gone, my memories took on a more sepia-toned hue.
John Hughes wrote and/or directed many of my favorite films of the '80's: The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Pretty in Pink, Sixteen Candles, Some Kind of Wonderful, and Weird Science. His characters were fun, and smart, and often - even in the silliest of plots - honest. I know they weren't the best. They didn't have action, or special effects, or graphic sex scenes, or anything else that makes a blockbuster nowadays. But they had heart, and they had great music, and they spoke to a generation.
I didn't realize it until now, but those silly teen flicks meant a lot to that idealistic, starry-eyed, definitively '80's girl.
It's going to be a rainy weekend. I think I'll snuggle up on the couch with my family, a big bowl of popcorn, and have a John Hughes film festival.
Best Intentions
Writing that the past few months have been a rollercoaster ride would be an understatement.
I have been online: emails, Facebook,reading other people's blogs, but just haven't felt up to the task myself. I figure it's time to start posting again.
Not to be overly mysterious, but several months back I was diagnosed with a medical condition that my family and I have had to adjust to. In time, I'm sure I'll discuss it here. Thus the reason for my lack of blog presence.
Now, I want to come back. Rhapsody will be the same mish-mash of whatever happens to be bouncing around in my brain on any given day. Sometimes serious, sometimes ludicrous. No theme. No promises. :-)
I have been online: emails, Facebook,reading other people's blogs, but just haven't felt up to the task myself. I figure it's time to start posting again.
Not to be overly mysterious, but several months back I was diagnosed with a medical condition that my family and I have had to adjust to. In time, I'm sure I'll discuss it here. Thus the reason for my lack of blog presence.
Now, I want to come back. Rhapsody will be the same mish-mash of whatever happens to be bouncing around in my brain on any given day. Sometimes serious, sometimes ludicrous. No theme. No promises. :-)
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
These Boots Were Made for Walkman
I remember when having a Walkman was "the shit". Of course, at that age, I would have never, ever said, "the shit". It was always better to depend on the radio stations, though. Playing cassette tapes really ate up batteries quickly.
Walkman, at 30, a mystery to teen
Alejandro Martinez-Cabrera
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
What better way to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Sony's iconic Walkman than to ask a teenager for some feedback on the device?
I like to imagine that the experience was similar to an archaeologist rediscovering how a recently excavated artifact was employed thousands of years ago. But I'm well aware that it must have been different for 13-year-old Scott Campbell, who co-edits his own news Web site. For one, teenage impatience must have stood in the place where I fantasize scientific curiosity should have been.
"My dad had told me it was the iPod of its day," Campbell wrote. "He had told me it was big, but I hadn't realized he meant that big. It was the size of a small book."
Sure enough, people on the street noticed the antique clinging from his belt with amusement and friends on his school bus were quick to come up with some witty remark.
Campbell went on to criticize the portable cassette player's size, appearance, functionality and the "hissy backtrack and odd warbly noises."
Even when he discovered the cassette had more music on the other side (it took him three days), Campbell was still disappointed it could only hold a small fraction of what an iPod can.
"Did my dad ... really ever think this was a credible piece of technology?"
Ouch.
A daily dose of postings from The Chronicle's technology blog (sfgate.com/blogs/tech)
This article appeared on page C - 2 of the San Francisco Chronicle
Walkman, at 30, a mystery to teen
Alejandro Martinez-Cabrera
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
What better way to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Sony's iconic Walkman than to ask a teenager for some feedback on the device?
I like to imagine that the experience was similar to an archaeologist rediscovering how a recently excavated artifact was employed thousands of years ago. But I'm well aware that it must have been different for 13-year-old Scott Campbell, who co-edits his own news Web site. For one, teenage impatience must have stood in the place where I fantasize scientific curiosity should have been.
"My dad had told me it was the iPod of its day," Campbell wrote. "He had told me it was big, but I hadn't realized he meant that big. It was the size of a small book."
Sure enough, people on the street noticed the antique clinging from his belt with amusement and friends on his school bus were quick to come up with some witty remark.
Campbell went on to criticize the portable cassette player's size, appearance, functionality and the "hissy backtrack and odd warbly noises."
Even when he discovered the cassette had more music on the other side (it took him three days), Campbell was still disappointed it could only hold a small fraction of what an iPod can.
"Did my dad ... really ever think this was a credible piece of technology?"
Ouch.
A daily dose of postings from The Chronicle's technology blog (sfgate.com/blogs/tech)
This article appeared on page C - 2 of the San Francisco Chronicle
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Run AWAY! Run AWAY!
Have you seen any small, white rabbits running around London with great, nasty teeth?
Recently, a toy replica of the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch was responsible for a bomb scare in London.
Not kidding.
Recently, a toy replica of the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch was responsible for a bomb scare in London.
Not kidding.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
I'm a Millionaire!
Hey, everyone! I got this email today. Looks like I'm set for life!
*****************************************************************
Greetings from Dave Yorke,
I am Dr. Dave Yorke, Group Accountant (R.B.T.T) However, I have already sent you this same letter by post one month ago, but I am not sure if it did get to you since I have not heard from you, hence my resending it again.
I discovered a dormant account in my office, as Group Accountant with Republic Bank of Trinidad and Tobago. It will be in my interest to transfer this fund worth $28.5M Dollars (Twenty Eight Million Five hundred thousand Dollars) in an account offshore. Can you be my partner?
Regards and respect,
Dave Yorke
*****************************************************************
So people actually fall for this crap?
*****************************************************************
Greetings from Dave Yorke,
I am Dr. Dave Yorke, Group Accountant (R.B.T.T) However, I have already sent you this same letter by post one month ago, but I am not sure if it did get to you since I have not heard from you, hence my resending it again.
I discovered a dormant account in my office, as Group Accountant with Republic Bank of Trinidad and Tobago. It will be in my interest to transfer this fund worth $28.5M Dollars (Twenty Eight Million Five hundred thousand Dollars) in an account offshore. Can you be my partner?
Regards and respect,
Dave Yorke
*****************************************************************
So people actually fall for this crap?
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Minnesota - Killing Me Softly
I've started this blog post at least half-a-dozen times in the last few minutes. My current location has me feeling like one cranky bitch. I'm cold. Cabin crazy. House bound. Hungry. Bored. Light deprived. Lonely. Usually, I hit this point around February. Discontent arrived early this year.
Where am I? I live in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota.
My family and I have lived here 10 years now. We've given this place and these people a decade of our lives. We're still treated like outsiders by the natives. We've lost more friends than we've made. Sometimes I felt like we did everything short of standing on our heads and shooting fireworks out of our asses to please people. Minnesota is not famous, but infamous for its fabled "Minnesota Nice". A phrase that to those in the know generally translates to "passive aggressive". We've made no more than a handful of friends, most from outside of the Twin Cities area; many however, are no more than acquaintances. I even have relatives here. Relatives that I've seen a sum total of 8 times... at least half of those were just because my mother was visiting me.
My husband spent 4 months in school in Florida this past year. In that time he made many friends... more than we had in 10 years here. Friends that he's still in contact with nearly every day. People we know here we sometimes don't hear from for weeks at a time, and usually only if we initiate it. During the 4 months that I was here alone as a temporary single parent? I heard from local people less than a dozen times.
At least folks from the Twin Cities match their climate.
Several months out of the year we spend fighting the artic weather. Believe it or not, I was born and raised in an even harsher climate, North Dakota, but I've had it. I've come to dread doing the basic necessities of life, because it involves going outside. The climate is physically and mentally draining. I've spent 40 years fighting the cold: brutal temperatures, dangerous driving conditions, wear and tear on vehicles and homes, depression from light deprivation, having entirely separate winter wardrobes, cramming all outside activities into a few good months... the list goes on and on.
This past Christmas, our "celebration" meant that out of 36 hours, 10 hours were spent in said dangerous, white-knuckled driving conditions due to winter weather. Here, that can hit anytime between November and April. While people in other parts of the country are walking around in their shirt sleeves enjoying the sun on their face, we're wrapping up in double layers of clothing until only the whites of our eyes show for fear of frostbite. Even in the house or at work, I'm cold all the time. Being cold leads to a ravenous appetite. Of course, the human body, when faced with cold tries to shore up its reserves and store fat. The result? Constantly denying my hunger just to button my pants.
Lonely. Cold. Hungry. Depressed. I'm done. I can't live like this any more.
We really wanted to leave years ago, but we have two kids. Two kids who had been moved around a lot when they were younger. We were determined to stay in one place until our eldest graduated high school. We have a year and a half to go. One more winter to endure.
Where am I? I live in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota.
My family and I have lived here 10 years now. We've given this place and these people a decade of our lives. We're still treated like outsiders by the natives. We've lost more friends than we've made. Sometimes I felt like we did everything short of standing on our heads and shooting fireworks out of our asses to please people. Minnesota is not famous, but infamous for its fabled "Minnesota Nice". A phrase that to those in the know generally translates to "passive aggressive". We've made no more than a handful of friends, most from outside of the Twin Cities area; many however, are no more than acquaintances. I even have relatives here. Relatives that I've seen a sum total of 8 times... at least half of those were just because my mother was visiting me.
My husband spent 4 months in school in Florida this past year. In that time he made many friends... more than we had in 10 years here. Friends that he's still in contact with nearly every day. People we know here we sometimes don't hear from for weeks at a time, and usually only if we initiate it. During the 4 months that I was here alone as a temporary single parent? I heard from local people less than a dozen times.
At least folks from the Twin Cities match their climate.
Several months out of the year we spend fighting the artic weather. Believe it or not, I was born and raised in an even harsher climate, North Dakota, but I've had it. I've come to dread doing the basic necessities of life, because it involves going outside. The climate is physically and mentally draining. I've spent 40 years fighting the cold: brutal temperatures, dangerous driving conditions, wear and tear on vehicles and homes, depression from light deprivation, having entirely separate winter wardrobes, cramming all outside activities into a few good months... the list goes on and on.
This past Christmas, our "celebration" meant that out of 36 hours, 10 hours were spent in said dangerous, white-knuckled driving conditions due to winter weather. Here, that can hit anytime between November and April. While people in other parts of the country are walking around in their shirt sleeves enjoying the sun on their face, we're wrapping up in double layers of clothing until only the whites of our eyes show for fear of frostbite. Even in the house or at work, I'm cold all the time. Being cold leads to a ravenous appetite. Of course, the human body, when faced with cold tries to shore up its reserves and store fat. The result? Constantly denying my hunger just to button my pants.
Lonely. Cold. Hungry. Depressed. I'm done. I can't live like this any more.
We really wanted to leave years ago, but we have two kids. Two kids who had been moved around a lot when they were younger. We were determined to stay in one place until our eldest graduated high school. We have a year and a half to go. One more winter to endure.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Looking Ahead
I woke at 6:00am thinking about the day before me.
I've been on PTO (paid time off) since a couple of days before Christmas. Time off that I desperately needed to get my head together again. It wasn't all fun and games, though. Due to work commitments, I thought that I'd have to spend a lot of time working during my "time off." Thankfully, my presence wasn't needed all that much. Today, I'd planned to get up, fire up the laptop, and tackle all of those emails that I'm sure have piled up in Outlook before diving into whatever work had popped up during my absence.
As I lay in bed, warm under the covers in the dark, listening to Avindair's measured breath of slumber, getting out of bed became a much more difficult prospect -- and I began to think. On the precipice of 2009, I thought about the past year. I thought about the year to come. I thought about what I needed and wanted for myself and my family.
I want:
- To put work in its proper place
- To have time for Avindair and I
- To enjoy our children while they are children
- To be supportive of my son
- To be patient with my daughter
- To be in the sun
- To find more joy in life
- Happiness to outweigh sadness
- Certainty to outweigh fear
- Friendship to outweigh lonliness
- To balance work with play
- To balance want to's with must do's
- To see more of the world
- To have the leisure to learn
There's so much uncertainty in the year ahead that may affect all of us with the economy and the political landscape shifting. So much fear and hope in our personal lives with family and work. I'd like to say that I'm looking forward to 2009, but in truth, I'm hesitant about it. I won't make resolutions. I won't make promises. I won't make predictions. There's just too much at stake.
Today is New Year's Eve 2008. Time to put work in its proper place and log in for the last day of the year.
I've been on PTO (paid time off) since a couple of days before Christmas. Time off that I desperately needed to get my head together again. It wasn't all fun and games, though. Due to work commitments, I thought that I'd have to spend a lot of time working during my "time off." Thankfully, my presence wasn't needed all that much. Today, I'd planned to get up, fire up the laptop, and tackle all of those emails that I'm sure have piled up in Outlook before diving into whatever work had popped up during my absence.
As I lay in bed, warm under the covers in the dark, listening to Avindair's measured breath of slumber, getting out of bed became a much more difficult prospect -- and I began to think. On the precipice of 2009, I thought about the past year. I thought about the year to come. I thought about what I needed and wanted for myself and my family.
I want:
- To put work in its proper place
- To have time for Avindair and I
- To enjoy our children while they are children
- To be supportive of my son
- To be patient with my daughter
- To be in the sun
- To find more joy in life
- Happiness to outweigh sadness
- Certainty to outweigh fear
- Friendship to outweigh lonliness
- To balance work with play
- To balance want to's with must do's
- To see more of the world
- To have the leisure to learn
There's so much uncertainty in the year ahead that may affect all of us with the economy and the political landscape shifting. So much fear and hope in our personal lives with family and work. I'd like to say that I'm looking forward to 2009, but in truth, I'm hesitant about it. I won't make resolutions. I won't make promises. I won't make predictions. There's just too much at stake.
Today is New Year's Eve 2008. Time to put work in its proper place and log in for the last day of the year.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Happy Halloween
A Halloween gift by Edgar Allen Poe...
The Raven
First Published in 1845
Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
`'Tis some visitor,' I muttered, `tapping at my chamber door -
Only this, and nothing more.'
Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December,
And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.
Eagerly I wished the morrow; - vainly I had sought to borrow
From my books surcease of sorrow - sorrow for the lost Lenore -
For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels named Lenore -
Nameless here for evermore.
And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain
Thrilled me - filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before;
So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating
`'Tis some visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door -
Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door; -
This it is, and nothing more,'
Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer,
`Sir,' said I, `or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore;
But the fact is I was napping, and so gently you came rapping,
And so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my chamber door,
That I scarce was sure I heard you' - here I opened wide the door; -
Darkness there, and nothing more.
Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing,
Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before
But the silence was unbroken, and the darkness gave no token,
And the only word there spoken was the whispered word, `Lenore!'
This I whispered, and an echo murmured back the word, `Lenore!'
Merely this and nothing more.
Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning,
Soon again I heard a tapping somewhat louder than before.
`Surely,' said I, `surely that is something at my window lattice;
Let me see then, what thereat is, and this mystery explore -
Let my heart be still a moment and this mystery explore; -
'Tis the wind and nothing more!'
Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter,
In there stepped a stately raven of the saintly days of yore.
Not the least obeisance made he; not a minute stopped or stayed he;
But, with mien of lord or lady, perched above my chamber door -
Perched upon a bust of Pallas just above my chamber door -
Perched, and sat, and nothing more.
Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,
By the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore,
`Though thy crest be shorn and shaven, thou,' I said, `art sure no craven.
Ghastly grim and ancient raven wandering from the nightly shore -
Tell me what thy lordly name is on the Night's Plutonian shore!'
Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.'
Much I marvelled this ungainly fowl to hear discourse so plainly,
Though its answer little meaning - little relevancy bore;
For we cannot help agreeing that no living human being
Ever yet was blessed with seeing bird above his chamber door -
Bird or beast above the sculptured bust above his chamber door,
With such name as `Nevermore.'
But the raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only,
That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour.
Nothing further then he uttered - not a feather then he fluttered -
Till I scarcely more than muttered `Other friends have flown before -
On the morrow he will leave me, as my hopes have flown before.'
Then the bird said, `Nevermore.'
Startled at the stillness broken by reply so aptly spoken,
`Doubtless,' said I, `what it utters is its only stock and store,
Caught from some unhappy master whom unmerciful disaster
Followed fast and followed faster till his songs one burden bore -
Till the dirges of his hope that melancholy burden bore
Of "Never-nevermore."'
But the raven still beguiling all my sad soul into smiling,
Straight I wheeled a cushioned seat in front of bird and bust and door;
Then, upon the velvet sinking, I betook myself to linking
Fancy unto fancy, thinking what this ominous bird of yore -
What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt, and ominous bird of yore
Meant in croaking `Nevermore.'
This I sat engaged in guessing, but no syllable expressing
To the fowl whose fiery eyes now burned into my bosom's core;
This and more I sat divining, with my head at ease reclining
On the cushion's velvet lining that the lamp-light gloated o'er,
But whose velvet violet lining with the lamp-light gloating o'er,
She shall press, ah, nevermore!
Then, methought, the air grew denser, perfumed from an unseen censer
Swung by Seraphim whose foot-falls tinkled on the tufted floor.
`Wretch,' I cried, `thy God hath lent thee - by these angels he has sent thee
Respite - respite and nepenthe from thy memories of Lenore!
Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe, and forget this lost Lenore!'
Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.'
`Prophet!' said I, `thing of evil! - prophet still, if bird or devil! -
Whether tempter sent, or whether tempest tossed thee here ashore,
Desolate yet all undaunted, on this desert land enchanted -
On this home by horror haunted - tell me truly, I implore -
Is there - is there balm in Gilead? - tell me - tell me, I implore!'
Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.'
`Prophet!' said I, `thing of evil! - prophet still, if bird or devil!
By that Heaven that bends above us - by that God we both adore -
Tell this soul with sorrow laden if, within the distant Aidenn,
It shall clasp a sainted maiden whom the angels named Lenore -
Clasp a rare and radiant maiden, whom the angels named Lenore?'
Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.'
`Be that word our sign of parting, bird or fiend!' I shrieked upstarting -
`Get thee back into the tempest and the Night's Plutonian shore!
Leave no black plume as a token of that lie thy soul hath spoken!
Leave my loneliness unbroken! - quit the bust above my door!
Take thy beak from out my heart, and take thy form from off my door!'
Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.'
And the raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting
On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming,
And the lamp-light o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
Shall be lifted - nevermore!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Come on, Fashion Industry. Make up your minds.
Way back in July 2007 I posted a little rant, Size Does Not Make a Difference about women's clothing.
Now I'm seeing with my 11-year-old daughter's clothes.
At the beginning of the summer, I bought SportyGirl a couple of pairs of blue jeans at the Big Red Concentric Circles store. They were the store brand, size 10.
Fast forward to last week. The same size 10 jeans still fit SportyGirl, but they were getting worn out. Not wanting to send my child to school in hole-covered jeans (no matter how much she begs me to let her) we ran to the same store for the same size of the same store brand. Easy-peasy purchase, right?
I took them home, took off the tags, washed them and put them away for the school week. Yesterday she tried to put them on. Couldn't even get them buttoned. They were skin tight. Wuh?
SportyGirl, although she has a great attitude about weight, healthy eating and exercise, still falls prey to the media-hyped fat/skinny thing occasionally. Her eyes started to tear-up. "Am I getting fat?" she said.
I checked the label between the pair she'd been wearing and the pair we'd just purchased just a few months apart. Identical. I held them up together to match the seams. The new "size 10" pants... same brand... same size... same style... were now 2 inches smaller in the waist and legs. TWO INCHES! Her "old" size 10 pants still fit her to perfection. SportyGirl had to move up to a size 12, even though her body had not changed.
Our size-conscious society, keeps telling us to be healthy on one hand, while telling us to be size 2 on the other. There are girls SportyGirl's age (11), who are starving themselves and hurting their bodies to fit into these impossible and unhealthy sterotypes. Most of them aren't going to do a physical comparison of the clothing and think, "The clothing manufacturer changed the sizing." They'll think, "I'm fat. I've got to lose weight."
Yes, I know that one size isn't what matters. I know that the number doesn't matter, but it's a mind game. I've had some clothes for 15 years that fit me nearly the same now as they did then. Yes, I've put on a few pounds over the years, but when a Large from 10 years ago is a roomier fit than an XXL today? There's something wrong.
Now I'm seeing with my 11-year-old daughter's clothes.
At the beginning of the summer, I bought SportyGirl a couple of pairs of blue jeans at the Big Red Concentric Circles store. They were the store brand, size 10.
Fast forward to last week. The same size 10 jeans still fit SportyGirl, but they were getting worn out. Not wanting to send my child to school in hole-covered jeans (no matter how much she begs me to let her) we ran to the same store for the same size of the same store brand. Easy-peasy purchase, right?
I took them home, took off the tags, washed them and put them away for the school week. Yesterday she tried to put them on. Couldn't even get them buttoned. They were skin tight. Wuh?
SportyGirl, although she has a great attitude about weight, healthy eating and exercise, still falls prey to the media-hyped fat/skinny thing occasionally. Her eyes started to tear-up. "Am I getting fat?" she said.
I checked the label between the pair she'd been wearing and the pair we'd just purchased just a few months apart. Identical. I held them up together to match the seams. The new "size 10" pants... same brand... same size... same style... were now 2 inches smaller in the waist and legs. TWO INCHES! Her "old" size 10 pants still fit her to perfection. SportyGirl had to move up to a size 12, even though her body had not changed.
Our size-conscious society, keeps telling us to be healthy on one hand, while telling us to be size 2 on the other. There are girls SportyGirl's age (11), who are starving themselves and hurting their bodies to fit into these impossible and unhealthy sterotypes. Most of them aren't going to do a physical comparison of the clothing and think, "The clothing manufacturer changed the sizing." They'll think, "I'm fat. I've got to lose weight."
Yes, I know that one size isn't what matters. I know that the number doesn't matter, but it's a mind game. I've had some clothes for 15 years that fit me nearly the same now as they did then. Yes, I've put on a few pounds over the years, but when a Large from 10 years ago is a roomier fit than an XXL today? There's something wrong.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Maverick
You know, the word "maverick" gets thrown around a lot these days, but what does it really mean? The American Heritage Dictionary has two definitions:
1. An unbranded range animal, especially a calf that has become separated from its mother, traditionally considered the property of the first person who brands it.
2. One that refuses to abide by the dictates of or resists adherence to a group; a dissenter
Since McCain and Palin seem to agree with the Bush administration and the Republican party most of the time, I'm guessing that the second definition is wrong.
The first definition seems much more appropriate.
November 4 can't come soon enough. I'll never be able to watch "Top Gun" again.
1. An unbranded range animal, especially a calf that has become separated from its mother, traditionally considered the property of the first person who brands it.
2. One that refuses to abide by the dictates of or resists adherence to a group; a dissenter
Since McCain and Palin seem to agree with the Bush administration and the Republican party most of the time, I'm guessing that the second definition is wrong.
The first definition seems much more appropriate.
November 4 can't come soon enough. I'll never be able to watch "Top Gun" again.
BLOCKED!
No, not me. Someone else. Someone I thought was reasonably sane... until politics came up.
I actually blocked someone on my Facebook account.
I expressed my opinions about a certain candidate, as is my right to do, to have her reply, "Puh-leeese." Yes. "Puh-leeese." Much like an eye-rolling 14-year-old. A less than valid argument, I'd hazard to say. So I replied by providing validation for my beliefs. Another reply was given that hit yet another level of rude, sporting opinions that sounded as if they were gleaned from 1 minute of Bill O'Reilly sound bites.
Wanting to demonstrate that I actually make up my own mind based on multiple reputable sources, I refuted her unfounded claims and made a few valid arguments of my own, citing said reputable sources... and even quoting them.
Today, her reply had all the depth and weight of... of... well, the same uninformed rhetoric of the candidate she supports. My sources? Can't cite the New York Times! Can't cite CBS! Thery're left-leaning liberals patsys! Her sources? Guess she doesn't need them. Dirty political ads, frightenenly false email spam, and Rush Limbaugh seem to be proof enough.
So, I had two choices - keep up this ridiculous waste of time where I'd spend precious minutes of my life reading, researching and evaluating before sending back a measured and well thought out response...
... or I could lob one last volley and block this angry, intolerant, uninformed, and most of all rude former co-worker.
I chose the latter.
Bye!
I actually blocked someone on my Facebook account.
I expressed my opinions about a certain candidate, as is my right to do, to have her reply, "Puh-leeese." Yes. "Puh-leeese." Much like an eye-rolling 14-year-old. A less than valid argument, I'd hazard to say. So I replied by providing validation for my beliefs. Another reply was given that hit yet another level of rude, sporting opinions that sounded as if they were gleaned from 1 minute of Bill O'Reilly sound bites.
Wanting to demonstrate that I actually make up my own mind based on multiple reputable sources, I refuted her unfounded claims and made a few valid arguments of my own, citing said reputable sources... and even quoting them.
Today, her reply had all the depth and weight of... of... well, the same uninformed rhetoric of the candidate she supports. My sources? Can't cite the New York Times! Can't cite CBS! Thery're left-leaning liberals patsys! Her sources? Guess she doesn't need them. Dirty political ads, frightenenly false email spam, and Rush Limbaugh seem to be proof enough.
So, I had two choices - keep up this ridiculous waste of time where I'd spend precious minutes of my life reading, researching and evaluating before sending back a measured and well thought out response...
... or I could lob one last volley and block this angry, intolerant, uninformed, and most of all rude former co-worker.
I chose the latter.
Bye!
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