Since I'm not getting my children cell phones anytime soon, I'm not really worried about the sexting craze, or the immense phone bill we'll have, or what constant communication does to a teen.
But it's coming, so I'm paying attention.
Here's a list of sexting acronyms all parents should know.
Here's a NY Times article that declares that adolecsents who text constantly aren't separating from their parents well and aren't having sufficient down time to discover their true selves.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
I could not love Mimi Smartypants' blog any more than I currently do. The latest post reminds me of how inept I am at writing, and how edgy and funny she is, and also that Wheat Thins really do have ridiculous marketing. To wit:
The back of the Reduced-Fat Wheat Thins box curiously depicts a lovely-looking home office setup, all seafoam walls and beige linen organizer boxes. There is a vintage-style wall clock and a charming little green ceramic pitcher being used as a pencil cup. Also: a full cup of coffee, a clothbound book with a blurry one-word title that looks a lot like a personal journal, and a bulletin board with post-its saying "Lunch @ 11:30" and "Call Corinne." And the box of Wheat Thins, of course. So we can deduce that this person likes Wheat Thins, is probably female (based on the Pottery Barn-ness of the desk accessories), and that she doesn't work too terribly hard.
Then there is the box copy. Tagline: "My space, my snack." Below: "You don't compromise in your daily life; you shouldn't have to in your snacks. Reduced Fat Wheat Thins are the best of both worlds: Full of crunch and the amazingly delicious taste of Wheat Thins---all with 35% less fat than Original Wheat Thins Crackers"
a. Yes, there is no end punctuation in the original. Odd, especially since someone bothered to use a semicolon correctly.
b. MY SPACE, MY SNACK. Well! You go, girl! Own those low-fat crackers!
c. Could this be more blatantly chick-targeted? You've got the luxurious Real Simple-styled desk scene. You've got the me me me, my space, my snack, perfect for that whole "time to myself" marketing focus. Which strikes me as particularly ironic because the woman with that perfect-looking office---who has lunch dates and who apparently keeps a journal in longhand---probably has no trouble whatsoever with the time-to-herself thing.
d. The more I think about that first line, the more it makes me laugh. "You don't compromise in your daily life; you shouldn't have to in your snacks." Who is this take-no-prisoners, make-no-compromises snacking woman? A combination of Martha Stewart and Chuck Norris? Damn it, no! I will not compromise my snacks!
e. I have not investigated yet, but I doubt the full-fat Wheat Thins box is this conflicted. I buy the low-fat ones because they are saltier, and nothing is salty enough for me except maybe a salt lick garnished with French olives. I did not expect the box to have all this baggage about compromise and claiming one's space.
The back of the Reduced-Fat Wheat Thins box curiously depicts a lovely-looking home office setup, all seafoam walls and beige linen organizer boxes. There is a vintage-style wall clock and a charming little green ceramic pitcher being used as a pencil cup. Also: a full cup of coffee, a clothbound book with a blurry one-word title that looks a lot like a personal journal, and a bulletin board with post-its saying "Lunch @ 11:30" and "Call Corinne." And the box of Wheat Thins, of course. So we can deduce that this person likes Wheat Thins, is probably female (based on the Pottery Barn-ness of the desk accessories), and that she doesn't work too terribly hard.
Then there is the box copy. Tagline: "My space, my snack." Below: "You don't compromise in your daily life; you shouldn't have to in your snacks. Reduced Fat Wheat Thins are the best of both worlds: Full of crunch and the amazingly delicious taste of Wheat Thins---all with 35% less fat than Original Wheat Thins Crackers"
a. Yes, there is no end punctuation in the original. Odd, especially since someone bothered to use a semicolon correctly.
b. MY SPACE, MY SNACK. Well! You go, girl! Own those low-fat crackers!
c. Could this be more blatantly chick-targeted? You've got the luxurious Real Simple-styled desk scene. You've got the me me me, my space, my snack, perfect for that whole "time to myself" marketing focus. Which strikes me as particularly ironic because the woman with that perfect-looking office---who has lunch dates and who apparently keeps a journal in longhand---probably has no trouble whatsoever with the time-to-herself thing.
d. The more I think about that first line, the more it makes me laugh. "You don't compromise in your daily life; you shouldn't have to in your snacks." Who is this take-no-prisoners, make-no-compromises snacking woman? A combination of Martha Stewart and Chuck Norris? Damn it, no! I will not compromise my snacks!
e. I have not investigated yet, but I doubt the full-fat Wheat Thins box is this conflicted. I buy the low-fat ones because they are saltier, and nothing is salty enough for me except maybe a salt lick garnished with French olives. I did not expect the box to have all this baggage about compromise and claiming one's space.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
LOST Season Finale - with spoilers
From "Sister Carrie", whose comments are always amazing and literary (and have a whiff of the insider about them) on Whitney Matheson's LOST discussions, Jacob's pronouncements:
To both Sawyer and Locke: I’m sorry this happened.
To both Kate and Sun/Jin: You’re NOT going to steal anymore, are you?; DON’T take your “special love” for granted.
To Sayid: I’m lost and need directions.
To Jack: I guess it just needed a push and by “it” I mean “you, Jack”!
To Hurley: You’re blessed and not cursed.
To mankind: It’s your choice.
Good Lord, between this and the Hurricanes and the Cruel Month of May, my heart can't take it.
To both Sawyer and Locke: I’m sorry this happened.
To both Kate and Sun/Jin: You’re NOT going to steal anymore, are you?; DON’T take your “special love” for granted.
To Sayid: I’m lost and need directions.
To Jack: I guess it just needed a push and by “it” I mean “you, Jack”!
To Hurley: You’re blessed and not cursed.
To mankind: It’s your choice.
Good Lord, between this and the Hurricanes and the Cruel Month of May, my heart can't take it.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Downtown Day
I recently spent a whole day in downtown Raleigh. Now, I used to LIVE in downtown Raleigh, but that was before it was really kind of nice and metropolitan, as it is now.
My friend and I rode the R Line - a pleasant, cool, free, hybrid bus ride. This after we took in a Symphony concert that was SRO. Believe it! Yes, most of the patrons were either a. ancient or b. homeschooled...still!
And finally, the day ended with a beer at an outdoor bar with a bunch of very stylish 20 and 30ish folk...who ARE they, and why are they living in my town so happily?
Pretty fun how the burg is coming on. Oh, and GO CANES!
Friday, May 08, 2009
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
My daughter, it seems, has finally hit the 5th grade wall. Her friends are emailing mean things to one another, and about their teacher, whom she loves. Her visit to the infamous Poe Center to learn about OUR CHANGING BODIES is imminent. Her day of reckoning with soccer grows ever closer as she must decide to get serious or play for fun a little longer. Add to that her very serious illness last week, and having to take giant horse pills for 14 days, and an upcoming piano recital and graduation ceremony, and her parents' busy work lives, and it's just a little much.
I feel for her...but I also love her unique take on things and trust her strength to carry her through this challenging season. Her brain works a little differently than mine, perhaps more like my husband's. She has found solace at the piano keyboard, and with her books (and more books) . But nothing soothes her more than hours and hours of bouncing a playground ball back and forth on our paved sidewalk and driveway.
She has always been a bit repetitive and focused in her play. Used to be, she would ride the zip line for hours (oooo the calluses!). Then, she blew out three scooters in a row on the path now used for ball-bouncing (the white scrapes on the concrete from her turns are still there). The playground ball that Santa brought exploded in protest after the 800,000th bounce, so Grandma graciously bought a new one during a visit. And the sound again echoes off of our brick house, over and over again.
I think she thinks, and sings, and imagines, and maybe even goes blank a bit when she's bouncing. Brother is not allowed to play with her during this time, although if a neighbor is over with him, she seems to just go on with her thing. Truly, she will do this for hours at a time....it is pure play but maybe the best kind of mental break and meditation.
I hope she can find something similar to relax her mind for years to come. The excitement and scariness of middle school is upon us...and she'll need an outlet. Perhaps I should spring for the value pack of balls.
I feel for her...but I also love her unique take on things and trust her strength to carry her through this challenging season. Her brain works a little differently than mine, perhaps more like my husband's. She has found solace at the piano keyboard, and with her books (and more books) . But nothing soothes her more than hours and hours of bouncing a playground ball back and forth on our paved sidewalk and driveway.
She has always been a bit repetitive and focused in her play. Used to be, she would ride the zip line for hours (oooo the calluses!). Then, she blew out three scooters in a row on the path now used for ball-bouncing (the white scrapes on the concrete from her turns are still there). The playground ball that Santa brought exploded in protest after the 800,000th bounce, so Grandma graciously bought a new one during a visit. And the sound again echoes off of our brick house, over and over again.
I think she thinks, and sings, and imagines, and maybe even goes blank a bit when she's bouncing. Brother is not allowed to play with her during this time, although if a neighbor is over with him, she seems to just go on with her thing. Truly, she will do this for hours at a time....it is pure play but maybe the best kind of mental break and meditation.
I hope she can find something similar to relax her mind for years to come. The excitement and scariness of middle school is upon us...and she'll need an outlet. Perhaps I should spring for the value pack of balls.
Friday, April 24, 2009
You Knew Flannery was Key
From Variety Season Pass:
Q. What works may have influenced you?:
You’re obviously huge fans of Stephen King… I was wondering how the ending to “The Dark Tower” informs yours. (Simplevincent)… I have read that “The Stand” is very influential to the mythology of “Lost.” (William) Are you guys fans of Irish literature as “Lost” seems to have similarities to a number of famous Irish stories, including of course ‘Ulysses”? (Brian) … The “Star Wars: Episode 4” influences are on display. True? (.35) … I have wondered if one of your big influences came in the form of a wicked British children’s show called “Children of the Stones,” particularly with time and cycles. (Spymunk and JimK). I am struck by the similarities in scope and tone between “Lost” and “The Prisoner.” (Jeanette) Of all the books referenced in the show, which fathered your show’s structure the most? (Mischa)
Are any of these, indeed influences and are there others not mentioned here?
CC: For both Damon and me Stephen King’s “The Stand” was the most influential model for “Lost.” Because “Lost” is not the tenth carbon copy of a medical, legal or cop show there wasn’t a clear roadmap for how to make it work for 100 episodes by looking at other TV shows. So instead we turned to “The Stand,” a 1,000-page novel with a high-concept idea at the core: most of the world’s inhabitants have been killed by a super flu. What we loved about the book was that what sustains the 1,000 pages is not the mythology of the super flu but the stories of the characters. The mystery of what was happening on this island had to be secondary to the mystery of “who are these people?” In terms of creative inspiration we owe a debt to many other sources: the Bible, “Twin Peaks,” “The Prisoner,” the Narnia Chronicles, and of course “Star Wars” and all of its mythological antecedents, Kurt Vonnegut and Flannery O’Connor.
Q. What works may have influenced you?:
You’re obviously huge fans of Stephen King… I was wondering how the ending to “The Dark Tower” informs yours. (Simplevincent)… I have read that “The Stand” is very influential to the mythology of “Lost.” (William) Are you guys fans of Irish literature as “Lost” seems to have similarities to a number of famous Irish stories, including of course ‘Ulysses”? (Brian) … The “Star Wars: Episode 4” influences are on display. True? (.35) … I have wondered if one of your big influences came in the form of a wicked British children’s show called “Children of the Stones,” particularly with time and cycles. (Spymunk and JimK). I am struck by the similarities in scope and tone between “Lost” and “The Prisoner.” (Jeanette) Of all the books referenced in the show, which fathered your show’s structure the most? (Mischa)
Are any of these, indeed influences and are there others not mentioned here?
CC: For both Damon and me Stephen King’s “The Stand” was the most influential model for “Lost.” Because “Lost” is not the tenth carbon copy of a medical, legal or cop show there wasn’t a clear roadmap for how to make it work for 100 episodes by looking at other TV shows. So instead we turned to “The Stand,” a 1,000-page novel with a high-concept idea at the core: most of the world’s inhabitants have been killed by a super flu. What we loved about the book was that what sustains the 1,000 pages is not the mythology of the super flu but the stories of the characters. The mystery of what was happening on this island had to be secondary to the mystery of “who are these people?” In terms of creative inspiration we owe a debt to many other sources: the Bible, “Twin Peaks,” “The Prisoner,” the Narnia Chronicles, and of course “Star Wars” and all of its mythological antecedents, Kurt Vonnegut and Flannery O’Connor.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
"Nice to Gays" is Written on Your Forehead
The title of this post is an actual description of me made by a boy who asked me to marry him - should it not work out with anyone else -
when we were 30. Obviously, he's gay, and much happier now without me as a wife. And yes, my real-life situation was also an actual "Will and Grace" plot line.
So no one need be surprised at my current fascination with Little Edie, given her status as icon in the queer community. And because out-of-town soccer tourneys mean free HBO (oh, and so much more for the soccer player and the family, I know, I know) not only did I get to see "#1 Ladies Detective Agency" (the most positive, uplifting HBO thing I've ever seen) but I got to see "Grey Gardens" as they premiered.
My friend Lynn has always had a huge crush on Drew Barrymore. Let me say now that I understand. Unequivocally. The joy! The accent! The costumes! The cabaret show! I loved it all.
The cast featured Jeanne Tripplehorn, who is luminous, and the great Malcolm Gets. He's delicious in the movie and plays piano as beautifully as he sings and acts.
I am feeling on top of things culturally. Now, if I could just get the family and house organized before May hits, all will be well.
when we were 30. Obviously, he's gay, and much happier now without me as a wife. And yes, my real-life situation was also an actual "Will and Grace" plot line.
So no one need be surprised at my current fascination with Little Edie, given her status as icon in the queer community. And because out-of-town soccer tourneys mean free HBO (oh, and so much more for the soccer player and the family, I know, I know) not only did I get to see "#1 Ladies Detective Agency" (the most positive, uplifting HBO thing I've ever seen) but I got to see "Grey Gardens" as they premiered.
My friend Lynn has always had a huge crush on Drew Barrymore. Let me say now that I understand. Unequivocally. The joy! The accent! The costumes! The cabaret show! I loved it all.The cast featured Jeanne Tripplehorn, who is luminous, and the great Malcolm Gets. He's delicious in the movie and plays piano as beautifully as he sings and acts.
I am feeling on top of things culturally. Now, if I could just get the family and house organized before May hits, all will be well.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
From Mo Dowd's Easter article on Iowa, the new California:
Max Mutchnick, the co-creator of “Will and Grace,” who married the entertainment lawyer Erik Hyman in Beverly Hills just days before Proposition 8 passed last November — theirs is among the 18,000 or so marriages now in legal limbo — was tickled by the idea of Iowa as the new California.
“Will we see David Geffen rollerblading in the Des Moines skywalk?” Mutchnick mused. “Will paparazzi chase after farmers looking for candid shots? Will Ashton and Demi be BlackBerrying friends from their corner table at Applebee’s? Will there be a new line of Kiehl’s products for goats?”
Mutchnick, who is raising twin girls with Hyman, frets that President Obama may be behind the country on this issue, and that the Obamas do not have enough gays around them.
“If more homosexuals were in the Obamas’ lives,” the writer said, “there is no way Michelle would have worn a twin set when she met the queen.”
Nah, I think she looked great. But that's funny anyway. Back to the sofa for Sunday at Augusta!
Max Mutchnick, the co-creator of “Will and Grace,” who married the entertainment lawyer Erik Hyman in Beverly Hills just days before Proposition 8 passed last November — theirs is among the 18,000 or so marriages now in legal limbo — was tickled by the idea of Iowa as the new California.
“Will we see David Geffen rollerblading in the Des Moines skywalk?” Mutchnick mused. “Will paparazzi chase after farmers looking for candid shots? Will Ashton and Demi be BlackBerrying friends from their corner table at Applebee’s? Will there be a new line of Kiehl’s products for goats?”
Mutchnick, who is raising twin girls with Hyman, frets that President Obama may be behind the country on this issue, and that the Obamas do not have enough gays around them.
“If more homosexuals were in the Obamas’ lives,” the writer said, “there is no way Michelle would have worn a twin set when she met the queen.”
Nah, I think she looked great. But that's funny anyway. Back to the sofa for Sunday at Augusta!
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Happy Easter/Passover/Freakish Cold Snap/Modified Spring Break
A little indie pop to get you through your weekend.
Monday, April 06, 2009
Happy Birthday, Little Sir!
A full weekend of fun. Lots of farting and burping when two friends spent the night Friday. Also the cussing? "Crap" and "damn" were about the worst, but...ok, I did it when I was their age, too. Just when I was about to lose hope in nine year-old humanity, they decided to watch "Curse of the Were- Rabbit" and I was reminded that they are, after all, little kids.
All the favorite foods: chocolate chip waffles, cupcakes, pizza, PR, and Chubby's. All the asked-for gifts: assorted balls and jerseys, and a Slim Jim. Plus some soccer in the sunshine.
He's a good boy, and a complete charmer. It's a miracle he hasn't broken a limb yet. He's ill-dressed at all times, has too much hair, is stinky and dirty, and I couldn't be happier that he's mine.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Library on a Rainy Afternoon
I never tire of giving blood, if only for the love and respect shown me. I've posted before that I am O negative, thus universally beloved and desired. My iron is better lately, and I have extremely lovely veins of a sky-blue hue. Today's donation, organized by my do-gooder husband, was up in the skyscraper of his office, so I was nervous that the altitude might affect me (that or giving next to a bunch of lawyers). Best to shore up one's iron with a Charburger. Oh so tasty and greasy and yes, I did have the fries as well.
At some point during my rapid donation (I also give really quickly and boy, do they heap the praise on that quality!), I started grimacing. Several nurses attended...but I was only worried about my husband. Across the way, he was getting stuck multiple times and was moaning and groaning. Apparently lack of hydration can make your veins not as supple as, say, mine. And Mr. Dark Magic every morning had already had his coffee and then some. Poor guy. They finally got the needle in but not without a lot of poking.
I saw my friend Dean at the blood drive. He said he was there because "it's all about the snacks". Hear, hear. I skipped the options due to my earlier beef-fest, but was very interested in the icing-filled oatmeal cookie and the Orangeade. High fructose corn syrup plays a prominent role in our society, especially within the blood donation community.
Ok, I must go rest my point of entry in my heaving, buxom veins and pamper myself the rest of the day.
Tomorrow, after all, I'm going to Williamsburg with the entire 5th grade for the day. I doubt I'll feel any love nor respect on that trip.
At some point during my rapid donation (I also give really quickly and boy, do they heap the praise on that quality!), I started grimacing. Several nurses attended...but I was only worried about my husband. Across the way, he was getting stuck multiple times and was moaning and groaning. Apparently lack of hydration can make your veins not as supple as, say, mine. And Mr. Dark Magic every morning had already had his coffee and then some. Poor guy. They finally got the needle in but not without a lot of poking.
I saw my friend Dean at the blood drive. He said he was there because "it's all about the snacks". Hear, hear. I skipped the options due to my earlier beef-fest, but was very interested in the icing-filled oatmeal cookie and the Orangeade. High fructose corn syrup plays a prominent role in our society, especially within the blood donation community.
Ok, I must go rest my point of entry in my heaving, buxom veins and pamper myself the rest of the day.
Tomorrow, after all, I'm going to Williamsburg with the entire 5th grade for the day. I doubt I'll feel any love nor respect on that trip.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
If I Were at SXSW...
I would have gone to see The Thermals. Nice review.
Also, a friend of mine is in a movie that just won a couple of lovely awards there! So I would have gone to see that. "That Evening Sun" was filmed in the Blue Ridge Mountains, FYI.
But I'm not in Austin, I'm here in bustling Raleigh, which shows record growth and steady housing prices and new restaurants. For my birthday, we went to Jibarra...very nice, very spicy. My husband had made a chevre, tomato and leek crepe for breakfast...so we weren't terribly hungry. Just tried some small plates. Tonight includes mystery plans made by my boss, and including my husband...and surely involving Duke basketball, another hallmark of Raleigh (and of course Durham). The Dance is usually part of my birthday celebration, and fine by me.
Here's to 41!
Also, a friend of mine is in a movie that just won a couple of lovely awards there! So I would have gone to see that. "That Evening Sun" was filmed in the Blue Ridge Mountains, FYI.
But I'm not in Austin, I'm here in bustling Raleigh, which shows record growth and steady housing prices and new restaurants. For my birthday, we went to Jibarra...very nice, very spicy. My husband had made a chevre, tomato and leek crepe for breakfast...so we weren't terribly hungry. Just tried some small plates. Tonight includes mystery plans made by my boss, and including my husband...and surely involving Duke basketball, another hallmark of Raleigh (and of course Durham). The Dance is usually part of my birthday celebration, and fine by me.
Here's to 41!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
For Your Netflix Queue
I found this on Twitter, so don't accuse me of reading GOOP (though I have, occasionally, gone on there...it seems less busy than Oprah's web sites).
Gwyneth's friends' top five movies to see...including Sofia Coppola and Stephen Spielberg.
Of course, our five-day rain has ended, so perhaps no one will be renting movies. We ourselves are trying hard not to read anything about the ending of Battlestar Galactica, since we still haven't completed season 2. Oh, and we gave up on 24. After EIGHT. YEARS. That's harsh. I thought I was a completist.
Gwyneth's friends' top five movies to see...including Sofia Coppola and Stephen Spielberg.
Of course, our five-day rain has ended, so perhaps no one will be renting movies. We ourselves are trying hard not to read anything about the ending of Battlestar Galactica, since we still haven't completed season 2. Oh, and we gave up on 24. After EIGHT. YEARS. That's harsh. I thought I was a completist.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Heavy Scent of Hyacinth, and Cherry Blossoms in Bloom
This will be the 20th romantic March 13th I've spent with my husband.
He reminded me of this last week.
Him: Hey, it's our dating anniversary!
Me: Hmmmm.
Him: What?
Me: It wasn't technically a date. More like a hook-up.
Him: Twenty years does not a hook-up make.
It was a beautiful spring day, the woman who wanted to date my husband was conveniently out of town, we borrowed his mom's Miata, and I bought new sunglasses. I also took off work. Leaving the office, my co-workers said, "You're going on a date." No, no I said. Not a date, just hanging out with my friend. We drove around, had dinner, saw a movie ("Enemies, a Love Story"), drank some wine. My cat (yes, Wissy...even then) overturned a bowl of fruit on my dining room table at my turn-of-the-century apartment.
Twenty-four hours later we were a couple.
He reminded me of this last week.
Him: Hey, it's our dating anniversary!
Me: Hmmmm.
Him: What?
Me: It wasn't technically a date. More like a hook-up.
Him: Twenty years does not a hook-up make.
It was a beautiful spring day, the woman who wanted to date my husband was conveniently out of town, we borrowed his mom's Miata, and I bought new sunglasses. I also took off work. Leaving the office, my co-workers said, "You're going on a date." No, no I said. Not a date, just hanging out with my friend. We drove around, had dinner, saw a movie ("Enemies, a Love Story"), drank some wine. My cat (yes, Wissy...even then) overturned a bowl of fruit on my dining room table at my turn-of-the-century apartment.
Twenty-four hours later we were a couple.
Friday, March 06, 2009
Daily U2 Report
I love the opening hymn, uh, song: "No Line on the Horizon". I think, but am not sure, that some reviewer I read said that the song was about the muse. But I was reading on the treadmill at a 10.5 incline so who the hell knows.
I love "Breathe" and "Stand Up Comedy" thus far. The slower-tempo songs haven't grabbed me yet.
Note to contemporary Christian musicians: You can use cryptic, poetic language, and guitar work that isn't strummy strummy, and your voice in a less pained manner, and still get across a message of love and hope.
But I probably still won't listen to you.
I love "Breathe" and "Stand Up Comedy" thus far. The slower-tempo songs haven't grabbed me yet.
Note to contemporary Christian musicians: You can use cryptic, poetic language, and guitar work that isn't strummy strummy, and your voice in a less pained manner, and still get across a message of love and hope.
But I probably still won't listen to you.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
The sick child thing is hopefully over, and boy did it get old fast. Trapped. Bored. Emotionally drained. These things come to mind.
Lost has been on a roll and how. I teared up during last night's epi. How can you not when Mssr. Le Fleur is aching?
Also, that statue looked like...um...hold on, let me check the Internets...
Ah, the Egyptian god Anubis, said to be protector of the dead, and able to revive them to life. OH REALLY?
In other cultural news, the new U2 is fun thus far...but I need to give it a good listen. It sounds like synthed-up "Boy" at times.
The soccer tourney was canceled due to lingering snow in Richmond. And no, we did not get a hotel refund. Note to self, and you people: Read the fine print. Dammit! Oh well, an early birthday present - a hotel room for a night without us in it!
I'm reading "The Senator's Wife" and find that I am bored silly. Yet, I can't stop reading it. This is a good thing, right? A mental break? An escape from worry? A blink during the economic and educational staredown that is my day-to-day life? "Two Lives: Gertrude and Alice" was a challenge (though written so well that the bizarre subject was clearly drawn and the mysteries about her clearly examined), but completely gripping. I identified strongly with Gertrude Stein...and not just because she was a lesbian Jew in France during World War 2.
Seriously, I might have to wade through her crazy prose because she was compelling as hell. Her books yes her books and even the poems and why not the poems I think yes the poems and the books, the books of war and lives and Alice B. Toklas. Then again, maybe I'll just read more Janet Malcolm.
And I can not let today pass without mentioning that in San Francisco, judges are debating Prop 8. Having seen "Milk" last week, I feel more galvanized than ever...gay people deserve the same benefits, protections, and community support in their relationships that straight people do. I have tried and tried to understand arguments against gay marriage, and I just do not get them. Not sure how much harder I will try, when I see friends who are being completely maligned for being in love. In this season of Lent, I feel like some couples are enduring their 40 days in the wilderness...may they find the strength and bravery to come out of it unscathed.
Lost has been on a roll and how. I teared up during last night's epi. How can you not when Mssr. Le Fleur is aching?
Also, that statue looked like...um...hold on, let me check the Internets...
Ah, the Egyptian god Anubis, said to be protector of the dead, and able to revive them to life. OH REALLY?
In other cultural news, the new U2 is fun thus far...but I need to give it a good listen. It sounds like synthed-up "Boy" at times.
The soccer tourney was canceled due to lingering snow in Richmond. And no, we did not get a hotel refund. Note to self, and you people: Read the fine print. Dammit! Oh well, an early birthday present - a hotel room for a night without us in it!
I'm reading "The Senator's Wife" and find that I am bored silly. Yet, I can't stop reading it. This is a good thing, right? A mental break? An escape from worry? A blink during the economic and educational staredown that is my day-to-day life? "Two Lives: Gertrude and Alice" was a challenge (though written so well that the bizarre subject was clearly drawn and the mysteries about her clearly examined), but completely gripping. I identified strongly with Gertrude Stein...and not just because she was a lesbian Jew in France during World War 2.
Seriously, I might have to wade through her crazy prose because she was compelling as hell. Her books yes her books and even the poems and why not the poems I think yes the poems and the books, the books of war and lives and Alice B. Toklas. Then again, maybe I'll just read more Janet Malcolm.
And I can not let today pass without mentioning that in San Francisco, judges are debating Prop 8. Having seen "Milk" last week, I feel more galvanized than ever...gay people deserve the same benefits, protections, and community support in their relationships that straight people do. I have tried and tried to understand arguments against gay marriage, and I just do not get them. Not sure how much harder I will try, when I see friends who are being completely maligned for being in love. In this season of Lent, I feel like some couples are enduring their 40 days in the wilderness...may they find the strength and bravery to come out of it unscathed.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Linky, linky
Best thing written about Jennifer Aniston. EVER. Thank you, thank you, Fug Girls!
Is everyone sort of catching on that the Octuplet Mom is trying to be just like Angelina Jolie, by the way? OH. I guess so. Did TMZ really need to give her this nickname? Ew.
Blackbeard's skull!? Arrrgh!
From a great NY Times article:
"Also, teachers often punish children by taking away recess privileges. That strikes Dr. Barros as illogical. 'Recess should be part of the curriculum,” she said. “You don’t punish a kid by having them miss math class, so kids shouldn’t be punished by not getting recess.'" RIGHT??? As y'all know, I don't often raise a ruckus at school, but the few times recess was taken away -- for any reason (too cold? WE LIVE IN NORTH CAROLINA) -- I was all over it. Here's some nice ammo if it happens to your kid.
And now I must sign off...I'm cutting down on computer time and dialing up my yoga time. I miss it, my knees are healthy now, and one can only Twitter, blog, or surf so much in each day.
Is everyone sort of catching on that the Octuplet Mom is trying to be just like Angelina Jolie, by the way? OH. I guess so. Did TMZ really need to give her this nickname? Ew.
Blackbeard's skull!? Arrrgh!
From a great NY Times article:
"Also, teachers often punish children by taking away recess privileges. That strikes Dr. Barros as illogical. 'Recess should be part of the curriculum,” she said. “You don’t punish a kid by having them miss math class, so kids shouldn’t be punished by not getting recess.'" RIGHT??? As y'all know, I don't often raise a ruckus at school, but the few times recess was taken away -- for any reason (too cold? WE LIVE IN NORTH CAROLINA) -- I was all over it. Here's some nice ammo if it happens to your kid.
And now I must sign off...I'm cutting down on computer time and dialing up my yoga time. I miss it, my knees are healthy now, and one can only Twitter, blog, or surf so much in each day.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Business in the Front, Party in the Back
My niece has a mullet. We tried to trim up the back. Bad idea: she's one, she's wiggly, we were at my mother-in-law's farm after a late night...you get the idea.
After thinking it over, though, we decided we all like the Kentucky Waterfall, especially after it has been combed nicely. For you see, my niece is PERFECT. And you may not change one thing about her!!!
Or else I shall sick the Goat of Beelzebub upon you, and He shall devour your very being with his Demonic Desires, of which there are no End.
Stop! Stop looking into its all-encompassing Eyes!
Stop, son! Do not feed it: it's hungers are not for earthly food, but for your inner Light!
Daughter! Do not attempt to cajole this beast. His heart hungers for your thoughts and ideas, not the morsels you offer.
The Goat of Hell hast wrought His wrath upon us....and you thought this was going to be an Oscar post!
After thinking it over, though, we decided we all like the Kentucky Waterfall, especially after it has been combed nicely. For you see, my niece is PERFECT. And you may not change one thing about her!!!
Or else I shall sick the Goat of Beelzebub upon you, and He shall devour your very being with his Demonic Desires, of which there are no End.
Stop! Stop looking into its all-encompassing Eyes!
Stop, son! Do not feed it: it's hungers are not for earthly food, but for your inner Light!
Daughter! Do not attempt to cajole this beast. His heart hungers for your thoughts and ideas, not the morsels you offer.
The Goat of Hell hast wrought His wrath upon us....and you thought this was going to be an Oscar post!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
As I'm sure I've written before (but am far too lazy and disorganized to find out for sure), my friend M.K. Allen has sponsored an Oscar contest for 14 years or more. I won once. Lots enter, with a $1 entry fee, so the award money is fun. The tiebreaker question is always random. I usually get at least 3 right, and in recent years (when, strangely, I rarely see the movies) I've been getting five of the six categories correct with regularity.
This year I'm going with:
Slumdog Millionaire
Stephen Daldry, Director of The Reader
Penelope Cruz
Heath Ledger (natch)
Frank Langella
Kate Winslet
But Nate Silver, of FiveThirtyEight, has different ideas than I do - see his predictions at NY Magazine. Obvs he has gotten other marquee contests right in the past.
I'll stick with the dark horses (Langella, Daldry) and the red-hot Spaniard (Cruz).
If I win, I'll take you to lunch.
This year I'm going with:
Slumdog Millionaire
Stephen Daldry, Director of The Reader
Penelope Cruz
Heath Ledger (natch)
Frank Langella
Kate Winslet
But Nate Silver, of FiveThirtyEight, has different ideas than I do - see his predictions at NY Magazine. Obvs he has gotten other marquee contests right in the past.
I'll stick with the dark horses (Langella, Daldry) and the red-hot Spaniard (Cruz).
If I win, I'll take you to lunch.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy VD
Chocolate Pots de Creme
(From an ancient Better Homes and Gardens cookbook)
1 cup light cream
1 4 oz package chocolate, chopped (we used a local chocolatier's dark chocolate bar)
1 tbsp sugar
dash salt
3 beaten egg yolks
1/2 tsp vanilla (I was out of Mexican vanilla, but think that might be right tasty)
Garnish: mint sprig, whipped cream, frozen raspberry, strawberries, etc. We used powdered sugar and homemade VD cookies from Lynn.
In a heavy small saucepan combine light cream, chocolate, sugar, and salt. cook and stir over medium low heat till smooth and slightly thickened. Gradually stir about half of the hot mixture into beaten egg yolks; return all to saucepan. Cook and stir over medium low heat; stir in vanilla. Pour into 4 to 6 pots de creme cups or individual sherbert dishes (WTF?). Cover and chill several hours or overnight till firm. Garnish and serve - 4 to 6.
(From an ancient Better Homes and Gardens cookbook)
1 cup light cream
1 4 oz package chocolate, chopped (we used a local chocolatier's dark chocolate bar)
1 tbsp sugar
dash salt
3 beaten egg yolks
1/2 tsp vanilla (I was out of Mexican vanilla, but think that might be right tasty)
Garnish: mint sprig, whipped cream, frozen raspberry, strawberries, etc. We used powdered sugar and homemade VD cookies from Lynn.
In a heavy small saucepan combine light cream, chocolate, sugar, and salt. cook and stir over medium low heat till smooth and slightly thickened. Gradually stir about half of the hot mixture into beaten egg yolks; return all to saucepan. Cook and stir over medium low heat; stir in vanilla. Pour into 4 to 6 pots de creme cups or individual sherbert dishes (WTF?). Cover and chill several hours or overnight till firm. Garnish and serve - 4 to 6.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
With middle school upon us, I've been reflecting on this stage of parenting. A book I read once called this stage the Travel Agent season. Indeed, I am constantly re-routing flights, canceling reservations, and toting to and fro. So different from the baby and toddler stage. The elementary school years have been far more social, for me and my children. Part of that is due to me going back to work (although, when I take time to examine my life, I realize that I didn't work at all for only a year. Gracious). Part of that is having extroverted (kind of? well, they are shy extroverts) children. Part of it is going to a school where there are lots of activities at night and during and after school for parents. Part of it is being so active at school and in the community.
I have hated a lot of this phase.
Indeed, the social part has been the hardest. And I am a non-shy extrovert. Like in high school, I fit into a thousand different niches, as opposed to one or two. In high school (as all of my newfound old friends on Facebook will tell you) I was: a band geek, in a perky sorority, had one BF who was the most popular girl in school and a better one who was the artsy actor in the dashiki and bell bottoms, in all honors classes, in a math SAT tutoring class, in school plays, on student council, dating the football team kicker, then dating the Valedictorian, then dating a much younger band geek, sometimes all at once.
Now, I have as many roles and circles as then. My most important role is to make the children find the niches they like as well as ones in which they are competent. And for now, that involves the aforementioned Travel Agent hat. As in every stage, the children themselves make it all worth it. They still adore me, they still are naive and innocent, they still play. I'll miss that as we enter the (as stated by that book) Volcano Dweller season.
But if I've learned anything, it is that you really cannot predict how you yourself will feel about parenthood. I used to be completely ambivalent about infants....I squoze one out and BAM! I became a nursing, kangaroo-caregiving, googly-eyed mommy. I feared the terrible twos....why??? That was possibly the cutest stage EVER, and dammed if I didn't start teaching little critters. I worried about elementary school....well, ok, that was warranted. But I would not have missed any of the plays, musical performances, classroom center sessions, teacher conferences, soccer games, basketball games, t-ball games, family movie nights, weekend getaways, long boring summer days, or Harry Potter reading marathons for anything.
So I'll move into this next season - and I think it is coming around the bend - with an open mind and heart.
Sorry so gushy - full moon/menstrual cycle...or maybe just the stimulus package passing...who knows.
I have hated a lot of this phase.
Indeed, the social part has been the hardest. And I am a non-shy extrovert. Like in high school, I fit into a thousand different niches, as opposed to one or two. In high school (as all of my newfound old friends on Facebook will tell you) I was: a band geek, in a perky sorority, had one BF who was the most popular girl in school and a better one who was the artsy actor in the dashiki and bell bottoms, in all honors classes, in a math SAT tutoring class, in school plays, on student council, dating the football team kicker, then dating the Valedictorian, then dating a much younger band geek, sometimes all at once.
Now, I have as many roles and circles as then. My most important role is to make the children find the niches they like as well as ones in which they are competent. And for now, that involves the aforementioned Travel Agent hat. As in every stage, the children themselves make it all worth it. They still adore me, they still are naive and innocent, they still play. I'll miss that as we enter the (as stated by that book) Volcano Dweller season.
But if I've learned anything, it is that you really cannot predict how you yourself will feel about parenthood. I used to be completely ambivalent about infants....I squoze one out and BAM! I became a nursing, kangaroo-caregiving, googly-eyed mommy. I feared the terrible twos....why??? That was possibly the cutest stage EVER, and dammed if I didn't start teaching little critters. I worried about elementary school....well, ok, that was warranted. But I would not have missed any of the plays, musical performances, classroom center sessions, teacher conferences, soccer games, basketball games, t-ball games, family movie nights, weekend getaways, long boring summer days, or Harry Potter reading marathons for anything.
So I'll move into this next season - and I think it is coming around the bend - with an open mind and heart.
Sorry so gushy - full moon/menstrual cycle...or maybe just the stimulus package passing...who knows.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Follow Up
My mother is a customer service nightmare. She will badger, bother, and complain til you are worn down. And then she'll tell you all about her job, that involves customers, and how SHE treats her customers...and soon you want to offer her $100 just to shut the hell up.
But...she's probably right, in most cases, to follow up. I am reluctant to bother my children's teachers. After all, that is a fairly thankless job. But when my son received a less-than-stellar grade on his report card, in PE no less, I was fairly shocked. He got the equivalent of an A+ in "content" (whatever that means) and a far lower grade in "participation". If you know the dude, you know he is ALL. ABOUT. PARTICIPATION. Especially when it comes to sports. So I emailed the teacher, asking how we could get that grade up. "Oh no!" she immediately replies, "that was a mistake! I'll fix it and print another report card". Slam dunk.
In recent weeks I asked the 5th grader's teacher to talk with me about her choice of read-aloud book for the class. The book in question was arguably mature and disturbing, and come to find out the teacher was "editing" as she read. I told her I was not interested in banning books or being a "Tipper Gore" type.. as you know I am ALL. ABOUT. BANNED BOOKS., but wanted to explore other, more appropriate books. We ended up having an amazing hour-long conversation about books, education, and my daughter. Much gushing on both ends. Happy ending.
So the other day I order a long-admired pair of boots online. They are pretty cheap, but you know me. I am ALL. ABOUT. THE DISCOUNT. The company sent me a $10 off purchase coupon...I used it, it didn't show up on the order - I called the company. The fine print, sadly, read that I had not spent enough money to get the discount! But, as a first-time courtesy, they were going to take the $10 off anyway. Sold.
Now to talk to that school board....
But...she's probably right, in most cases, to follow up. I am reluctant to bother my children's teachers. After all, that is a fairly thankless job. But when my son received a less-than-stellar grade on his report card, in PE no less, I was fairly shocked. He got the equivalent of an A+ in "content" (whatever that means) and a far lower grade in "participation". If you know the dude, you know he is ALL. ABOUT. PARTICIPATION. Especially when it comes to sports. So I emailed the teacher, asking how we could get that grade up. "Oh no!" she immediately replies, "that was a mistake! I'll fix it and print another report card". Slam dunk.
In recent weeks I asked the 5th grader's teacher to talk with me about her choice of read-aloud book for the class. The book in question was arguably mature and disturbing, and come to find out the teacher was "editing" as she read. I told her I was not interested in banning books or being a "Tipper Gore" type.. as you know I am ALL. ABOUT. BANNED BOOKS., but wanted to explore other, more appropriate books. We ended up having an amazing hour-long conversation about books, education, and my daughter. Much gushing on both ends. Happy ending.
So the other day I order a long-admired pair of boots online. They are pretty cheap, but you know me. I am ALL. ABOUT. THE DISCOUNT. The company sent me a $10 off purchase coupon...I used it, it didn't show up on the order - I called the company. The fine print, sadly, read that I had not spent enough money to get the discount! But, as a first-time courtesy, they were going to take the $10 off anyway. Sold.
Now to talk to that school board....
Monday, February 02, 2009
The reassignment drama in our school district grows more contentious and louder...and the thing is just about a done deal. Basically, our school will lose four or five "nodes" and gain one; this will change the number of students receiving free and reduced lunch, and change the number of families who have traditionally supplied the school with stay-at-home moms who volunteer their time and monies. Our school is not alone. And I think our school was pegged by the school board and made to suffer needlessly. I have not always felt this way. In fact, I used to think that perhaps our school needed a little mixing up. But the way that the school board members and reassignment coordinator handled the parents, the facts, the figures, and the pressure was completely disappointing. We now join hordes of other angry parents in other parts of the county. I daresay this is a new dawn for the county - and I'm not sure that is a good thing. Even mayors are getting involved. People are starting PACs to unseat board members. I have a headache.
Every three years, I fear we'll be sent elsewhere or be forced to make a change. Whilst I know my children and I would adjust...I just don't wanna! And they certainly don't. Nothing short of a move to London, Manhattan, or somewhere equally urbantastic would make me happy at this point, so I completely sympathize with the families in our county who are currently upended. Me: the bleeding heart, always worried about the disadvantaged kids, now advocating for well-off families who have only to go to a different school. Yeah? What of it? I've seen it all in our scant six years in the system, and I just don't blame anyone who opts out of it.
Every three years, I fear we'll be sent elsewhere or be forced to make a change. Whilst I know my children and I would adjust...I just don't wanna! And they certainly don't. Nothing short of a move to London, Manhattan, or somewhere equally urbantastic would make me happy at this point, so I completely sympathize with the families in our county who are currently upended. Me: the bleeding heart, always worried about the disadvantaged kids, now advocating for well-off families who have only to go to a different school. Yeah? What of it? I've seen it all in our scant six years in the system, and I just don't blame anyone who opts out of it.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
In lieu of telling you about middle school visits, three games in one day, and being too tired to read and too home-bound to do anything cultural, I'll share a nice song from the much-touted Animal Collective record:
I do likey.
I'm also eager for Lily's new album (bad word at the beginning:
Otherwise, I'm spending my days decluttering, watching CNN & trying to find out when Top Chef is on, finally finishing the now-year-long scarf project, and waiting for new New Yorker covers.
I do likey.
I'm also eager for Lily's new album (bad word at the beginning:
Otherwise, I'm spending my days decluttering, watching CNN & trying to find out when Top Chef is on, finally finishing the now-year-long scarf project, and waiting for new New Yorker covers.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
We all want a Snuggie. We need them, too, with a cold basement den area and me being 40 and all. My son wants one more than anyone, he who NEVER stays still. Ever. I can see the scene now: him in his Sunggie, wallowing about the den, unable to find his hands and thus cracking his head open on the fireplace hearth....
Snuggie Internet backlash is legion. Be sure and become a fan on Facebook,investigate Snuggie sightings, and check out the Cult of the Snuggie. I didn't think it was funny. But this kind of is:
Snuggie Internet backlash is legion. Be sure and become a fan on Facebook,investigate Snuggie sightings, and check out the Cult of the Snuggie. I didn't think it was funny. But this kind of is:
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
For the National Day of Service, we're going to:
Watch the speech on CNN at noon;
Visit Marbles and try to learn a little something (as well as gawk at Canstruction);
Visit the sadly underwhelming memorial here in town;
And go to the grocery store with the rest of the populace.
Watch the speech on CNN at noon;
Visit Marbles and try to learn a little something (as well as gawk at Canstruction);
Visit the sadly underwhelming memorial here in town;
And go to the grocery store with the rest of the populace.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Of all the coverage of the Inauguration festivities, the thing that has most affected me is seeing Malia Obama taking pictures of the performers with her camera. I applaud the First Parenting.
Monday, January 12, 2009
DVRless
Upstairs: On tiny, now black and white (due to constant poking/prodding) tv, I watched "24" and was slightly disappointed and a bit bored, but still loving Jack's solitary nature.
Downstairs: On the new ginormous tv, Daddy and Son watched the DEACONS DOMINATE UNC WHO WAS LIKE #2 IN THE COUNTRY OR WHATEVER BUT WENT DOWN!!!!
In between: I checked in with the Fug Girls' live blog for fashion coverage and noted the NY Times' headlines about, who else, Heath Ledger. And Kate "Nekkid" Winslet.
Fashionwise, I certainly enjoyed Marisa Tomei. I can also guarantee this will end up on all of tonight's worst-dressed lists.
Love, love, love the Mad Men girls. Joan looked hot, but so did Peggy and Betty!
Who is the hotter couple?
And finally, my daughter's favorite of the night (narrowly edging out Amanda Seyfried from "Mamma Mia"):
Downstairs: On the new ginormous tv, Daddy and Son watched the DEACONS DOMINATE UNC WHO WAS LIKE #2 IN THE COUNTRY OR WHATEVER BUT WENT DOWN!!!!
In between: I checked in with the Fug Girls' live blog for fashion coverage and noted the NY Times' headlines about, who else, Heath Ledger. And Kate "Nekkid" Winslet.
Fashionwise, I certainly enjoyed Marisa Tomei. I can also guarantee this will end up on all of tonight's worst-dressed lists.
Love, love, love the Mad Men girls. Joan looked hot, but so did Peggy and Betty!
Who is the hotter couple?
And finally, my daughter's favorite of the night (narrowly edging out Amanda Seyfried from "Mamma Mia"):
Friday, January 09, 2009
I Tend To Agree With Richard Dawkins Here....
....that the use of the word "probably" weakens the message.
London has been so heavy on my mind today. Thank you, fellow gym member, who left all the Waitrose magazines in the racks! I ate some lemon curd on my toast this morning. And I've been listening to some Elbow.
Next week, I promise to start thinking American.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
More Single Ladies
Are y'all SO tired of me?
The SNL parody is finally about. View here, while you can. My children now often pose for me and say, "We're the dancccers". Paul Rudd and his "B-Town" cracks me up.
I've also enjoyed various other mimics. My husband told me he read an interview with the choreographer, who explained that the style of dancing is a call and response deal...and I don't really remember what else and he's busy at work.
And the very famous, now, Shane Mercado:
The SNL parody is finally about. View here, while you can. My children now often pose for me and say, "We're the dancccers". Paul Rudd and his "B-Town" cracks me up.
I've also enjoyed various other mimics. My husband told me he read an interview with the choreographer, who explained that the style of dancing is a call and response deal...and I don't really remember what else and he's busy at work.
And the very famous, now, Shane Mercado:
Monday, January 05, 2009
If you must eat turkey bacon, and we must, go for the good stuff. Godshalls makes me very happy.
Otherwise, I encourage you to indulge and treat yourself, as best you can. We have dark times ahead. We have much transition to endure and/or enjoy. There is strength in numbers, and may you also find strength in your solitude.
Marching forward....
Otherwise, I encourage you to indulge and treat yourself, as best you can. We have dark times ahead. We have much transition to endure and/or enjoy. There is strength in numbers, and may you also find strength in your solitude.
Marching forward....
Friday, January 02, 2009
Election '08 Mix
My friend Corinne's Election '08 iTunes mix is as follows:
Barack Obama by Cocoa Tea
Airforce One (Main Title) by The City of Prague Philharmonic
Dry Your Tears, Afrika by Crouch End Festival
The Da Vinci Code (???) by The City of Prague Philharmonic
Yes We Can Can by the Pointer Sisters
The Stars and Stripes Forever by Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Philharmonic
Ding-Dong! The Witch is Dead by Ella Fitzgerald
The Battle Hymn of the Republic by the Boston Pops Orchestra
Somewhere Over the Rainbow by IZ - Israel Kamakawiwo'
Strike the Match by Hank Woji
On to Inauguration Day!
Barack Obama by Cocoa Tea
Airforce One (Main Title) by The City of Prague Philharmonic
Dry Your Tears, Afrika by Crouch End Festival
The Da Vinci Code (???) by The City of Prague Philharmonic
Yes We Can Can by the Pointer Sisters
The Stars and Stripes Forever by Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Philharmonic
Ding-Dong! The Witch is Dead by Ella Fitzgerald
The Battle Hymn of the Republic by the Boston Pops Orchestra
Somewhere Over the Rainbow by IZ - Israel Kamakawiwo'
Strike the Match by Hank Woji
On to Inauguration Day!
Monday, December 29, 2008
In trying to eat like the Hawaiian locals, we did venture close to Spam sushi, but never went there. Good for you, Mr. President-elect.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Happy Three Days After Christmas! My tree smells great, I had champizzle for brunch, I worked just an hour or two since Thursday, and my children are still sweet and grateful for the Christmas bounty. Truly, I ask you, what's to enjoy about the pre-season? Give me the days after for true relaxation.
I watched the Bejing Opening Ceremonies last night, in between naps, with a mixture of disbelief and horror. Why didn't you people tell me it was so frightful? YIKES is all I can say to 2,000 drummers in line and in unison, and I'm something of a percussionist myself.
The children received a Wii, against my best wishes, but so far so good. Friends have counseled me that it is all good. We don't really play computer games, and my urchins have thus far appreciated the new bikes and bouncy playground balls to the Wii...and their favorite Wii game is tennis which does actually involve movement. I had been debating getting them a hand-held game for the car so I guess this is ok. Feel free to berate me and tell me "I told you so" since I was all "no video games". I can take it. After Friday's breakdown (and subsequent back rub, sympathy, and other attentions from my husband) I'm strong!
We saw the Carolina Ballet's Nutcracker yesterday and enjoyed it a lot. It really is a quality production, and very charming. My daughter's best bud was a truffle. I also like the intermission coffee.
We also attended a Boxing Day soiree that was 2 intense hours of social fascination. I guess I knew almost all the attendees, and everyone was feeling peckish after a few days with family, and there was an open bar -- and well, you can figure out the rest. Good times, good times. My husband left floating on air - he was compared to George, Jon, and Errol????? I kissed at least one guest on the mouth and teared up about the Christmas spirit and my family. Ah, vodka.
So the holidays continue with some fun for my children (sleepovers? What are people thinking?) and I may actually try the Wii. If I can get my butt off the couch.
I watched the Bejing Opening Ceremonies last night, in between naps, with a mixture of disbelief and horror. Why didn't you people tell me it was so frightful? YIKES is all I can say to 2,000 drummers in line and in unison, and I'm something of a percussionist myself.
The children received a Wii, against my best wishes, but so far so good. Friends have counseled me that it is all good. We don't really play computer games, and my urchins have thus far appreciated the new bikes and bouncy playground balls to the Wii...and their favorite Wii game is tennis which does actually involve movement. I had been debating getting them a hand-held game for the car so I guess this is ok. Feel free to berate me and tell me "I told you so" since I was all "no video games". I can take it. After Friday's breakdown (and subsequent back rub, sympathy, and other attentions from my husband) I'm strong!
We saw the Carolina Ballet's Nutcracker yesterday and enjoyed it a lot. It really is a quality production, and very charming. My daughter's best bud was a truffle. I also like the intermission coffee.
We also attended a Boxing Day soiree that was 2 intense hours of social fascination. I guess I knew almost all the attendees, and everyone was feeling peckish after a few days with family, and there was an open bar -- and well, you can figure out the rest. Good times, good times. My husband left floating on air - he was compared to George, Jon, and Errol????? I kissed at least one guest on the mouth and teared up about the Christmas spirit and my family. Ah, vodka.
So the holidays continue with some fun for my children (sleepovers? What are people thinking?) and I may actually try the Wii. If I can get my butt off the couch.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Hostess gifts are tricky. Or not, depending on what you have on hand and for whom you buy. Adorable options abound...you can read up on Mighty Girl's Target finds, or see what Domino mag says about the subject (warning: lengthy and maybe not good, as I didn't have time to watch the vid). Or you can try some of these tricks. If you received one of these from me and didn't like it, let me know.
Fruit/homebaked goods. I always think this is a good idea. I gave a bag of clementines on top of oranges on top of grapefruit this year. Even if my host had a buttload of citrus like I do, she could re-gift or make juice or whatever. I like handing over a pumpkin loaf with a one-pot bag of coffee for the morning after a party, too.
Lotions/handcreams. I found some awesome organic stuff in the mountains - you can visit this place in person for maximum fun, or go online to Hazelwood Soap Company. Candles are nice, too...and this site as well as those large candle shops sell the new rage, soy.
Ornaments. Three words for you: Pier 1 Imports. Three more words: Also World Market. Cute, fun, cheap.
Method holiday soaps. Sometimes, if I'm feelin' crafty, I'll knit a washcloth with festive holiday colors to attach to some dish soap. I love the hand soaps, too.
There's always wine, but I may be one of the few people who loves a $10 and under bottle. There's a bunch out there that I love right now.
May your parties be fun, and your host gifts completely appropriate.
Fruit/homebaked goods. I always think this is a good idea. I gave a bag of clementines on top of oranges on top of grapefruit this year. Even if my host had a buttload of citrus like I do, she could re-gift or make juice or whatever. I like handing over a pumpkin loaf with a one-pot bag of coffee for the morning after a party, too.
Lotions/handcreams. I found some awesome organic stuff in the mountains - you can visit this place in person for maximum fun, or go online to Hazelwood Soap Company. Candles are nice, too...and this site as well as those large candle shops sell the new rage, soy.
Ornaments. Three words for you: Pier 1 Imports. Three more words: Also World Market. Cute, fun, cheap.
Method holiday soaps. Sometimes, if I'm feelin' crafty, I'll knit a washcloth with festive holiday colors to attach to some dish soap. I love the hand soaps, too.
There's always wine, but I may be one of the few people who loves a $10 and under bottle. There's a bunch out there that I love right now.
May your parties be fun, and your host gifts completely appropriate.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
No groceries are bought,
the shopping's not done
but none of that matters,
'cause I'm having fun!
I'd rather not do all
the things on my list...
I'm more of a party-type -
you get my gist?
I'd rather go visit
with friends (and some not)
than cook dainty pastries
or wrap toys for my tots.
I'd rather surf the net
for ideas and news
than to polish the silver
or buy some more booze.
So procrastinate?
Yes! I'll sit here all day
while Santa bemoans
how I've not filled his sleigh.
Then last-minute-like,
I'll dash out in the night
and accomplish so much
in a schedule so tight!
And Christmas will happen
tho I worry a bit,
that the house isn't clean and
the cat may have shit...
I'll treasure it all...
as I do every year.
I may seem stressed,
but I know what is dear.
(Written in under 3 minutes)
the shopping's not done
but none of that matters,
'cause I'm having fun!
I'd rather not do all
the things on my list...
I'm more of a party-type -
you get my gist?
I'd rather go visit
with friends (and some not)
than cook dainty pastries
or wrap toys for my tots.
I'd rather surf the net
for ideas and news
than to polish the silver
or buy some more booze.
So procrastinate?
Yes! I'll sit here all day
while Santa bemoans
how I've not filled his sleigh.
Then last-minute-like,
I'll dash out in the night
and accomplish so much
in a schedule so tight!
And Christmas will happen
tho I worry a bit,
that the house isn't clean and
the cat may have shit...
I'll treasure it all...
as I do every year.
I may seem stressed,
but I know what is dear.
(Written in under 3 minutes)
Friday, December 12, 2008
The 21? 22? year-old feline is yowling in the night and pooping on the floor and seems to be the worst type of geriatric patient. I can tell few people about this and expect sympathy, as we live in the age of major, expensive care for pets. Gone are the days of the outdoor cat, like mine, who was born on the streets and rescued? by me to live a nomad's life. (By my count she has moved with me 6 times...and only been lost once, when the neighbor's dog chased her to another street. Where she found a loving woman who gave her four cans of wet food a day and would have kept her had we not been idiotic enough to post a "Lost Cat" sign. )
So...I'm taking her to a new vet, but that takes time...I have to get her old records, find a vet that doesn't charge $250 for a senior cat panel, find a spare hour in this, the church's busy season, and wait for the month's paycheck to get deposited. In the meantime, I bought some Feliway spray. This seems to work a bit when applied to her sleeping areas and where she poops. But it is the Calm Kitty elixer of happiness, added to her water bowl (or milk if I'm feeling guilty) that she loves.
I couldn't find a link to this magical product, but it's out there. And people, I myself may have to try some (remember - I will try anything) . It has mystical aloe essence, and oil of orchid, and hibiscus parfums.....
....and 13% alcohol. For the same price, my husband noted, we could just give her a jigger of Bailey's every night. Cheers!
So...I'm taking her to a new vet, but that takes time...I have to get her old records, find a vet that doesn't charge $250 for a senior cat panel, find a spare hour in this, the church's busy season, and wait for the month's paycheck to get deposited. In the meantime, I bought some Feliway spray. This seems to work a bit when applied to her sleeping areas and where she poops. But it is the Calm Kitty elixer of happiness, added to her water bowl (or milk if I'm feeling guilty) that she loves.
I couldn't find a link to this magical product, but it's out there. And people, I myself may have to try some (remember - I will try anything) . It has mystical aloe essence, and oil of orchid, and hibiscus parfums.....
....and 13% alcohol. For the same price, my husband noted, we could just give her a jigger of Bailey's every night. Cheers!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Mommy, What's a Single?
It's the things that cost .99 on iTunes. From Rolling Stone. If you liked it, you shoulda put a ring on it!
100 will.i.am - "Yes We Can"
99 The Enemy - "You're Not Alone"
98 Teyana Taylor - "Google Me"
97 Sheryl Crow - "Now That You're Gone"
96 Little Joy - "Brand New Start"
95 Lucinda Williams - "Real Love"
94 Los Campesinos - "Miserabilia"
93 Madonna - "Candy Shop"
92 White Denim - "Shake Shake Shake"
91 O'Neal McKnight - "Check Your Coat"
90 Busta Rhymes - "Don't Touch Me (Throw da Water on 'Em)"
89 Old Crow Medicine Show - "Alabama High-Test"
88 Bon Iver - "Skinny Love"
87 Friendly Fires - "Jump in the Pool"
86 The Rumble Strips - "Cowboy"
85 M83 - "Kim & Jessie"
84 Lil Wayne - "A Milli"
83 Get 'Em Mamis - "Cold Summer"
82 Santogold & Diplo - "Icarus"
81 The Knux - "Cappuccino"
80 Mudcrutch - "Crystal River"
79 Kid Cudi - "Day 'N' Nite"
78 Love As Laughter - "Holy"
77 Hercules And Love Affair - "Blind"
76 The Roots - "Rising Down"
75 Flo Rida feat. T-Pain - "Low"
74 Ra Ra Riot - "Dying is Fine"
73 Ciarra feat. Ludacris - "High Price"
72 Sam Sparro - "Black and Gold"
71 Phantom Planet - "Do the Panic"
70 Busy Signal - "Tic Toc"
69 Missy Elliott - "Ching-A-Ling"
68 Fall Out Boy - "I Don't Care
67 M.I.A. - "Shells"
66 Jenny Lewis - "Acid Tongue"
65 The Virgins - "Rich Girls"
64 She and Him - "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here"
63 LCD Soundsystem - "Big Ideas"
62 The Gaslight Anthem - "The '59 Sound"
61 Robyn - "Cobrastyle"
60 Ne-Yo - "Closer"
59 Low vs Diamond - "Don't Forget Sister"
58 Jazmine Sullivan - "Bust Your Windows"
57 Charles Hamilton - "Brooklyn Girls"
56 The Hold Steady - "Constructive Summer"
55 Sigur RĂłs - "Gobbledigook"
54 Cat Power - "I Believe In You"
53 AC/DC - "Big Boi"
52 Lee Ann Womack - "Last Call"
51 Ashlee Simpson - "Rule Breaker"
50 Jackson Browne - "Time the Conqueror"
49 Jonas Brothers - "Video Girl"
48 John Mellencamp - "Troubled Land"
47 Janelle Monáe - "Many Moons"
46 Taylor Swift - "Fifteen"
45 Foals - "Cassius"
44 Panic At The Disco - "Nine in the Afternoon"
43 Erykah Badu - "The Healer"
42 The Raconteurs - "Salute Your Solution"
41 Duffy - "Warwick Avenue"
40 Kings Of Leon - "Sex On Fire"
39 The Academy Is... - "About a Girl"
38 Jamey Johnson - "High Cost of Living"
37 Bob Dylan - "Someday Baby"
36 Usher feat. Beyoncé and Lil Wayne - "Love in this Club, Pt. 2"
35 Kaiser Chiefs - "Addicted to Drugs"
34 Gnarls Barkley - "Run"
33 The Raveonettes - "Aly, Walk With Me"
32 N.E.R.D. - "Everyone Nose"
31 Conor Oberst - "Moab"
30 Weezer - "Pork and Beans"
29 Pink - "So What"
28 Kevin Rudolf feat. Lil Wayne - "Let It Rock"
27 The Ting Tings - "Shut Up and Let Me Go"
26 The Rapture - "No Sex for Ben"
25 Leona Lewis - "Bleeding Heart"
24 Lykke Li - "I'm Good, I"m Gone"
23 The Black Keys - "I Got Mine"
22 Jay-Z and T.I. - "Swagga Like Us"
21 Vampire Weekend - "One (Blake's Got a New Face)"
20 Katy Perry - "I Kissed a Girl"
19 Guns N' Roses - "Better"
18 Kid Rock - "All Summer Long"
17 The Killers - "Spaceman"
16 Young Jeezy - "My President"
15 Al Green - "Lay It Down"
14 The BPA feat. David Byrne and Dizzee Rascal - "Toe Jam"
13 Ryan Adams and the Cardinals - "Magick"
12 TV On The Radio - "Golden Age"
11 Rihanna - "Disturbia"
10 T.I. - "No Matter What"
09 Coldplay - "Viva la Vida"
08 My Morning Jacket - "I'm Amazed"
07 Estelle feat. Kanye West - "American Boy"
06 Beck - "Gamma Ray"
05 Lil Wayne - "Lollipop"
04 Blitzen Trapper - "Furr"
03 MGMT - "Time to Pretend"
02 Santogold - "LES Artistes"
01 Beyoncé - "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)"
100 will.i.am - "Yes We Can"
99 The Enemy - "You're Not Alone"
98 Teyana Taylor - "Google Me"
97 Sheryl Crow - "Now That You're Gone"
96 Little Joy - "Brand New Start"
95 Lucinda Williams - "Real Love"
94 Los Campesinos - "Miserabilia"
93 Madonna - "Candy Shop"
92 White Denim - "Shake Shake Shake"
91 O'Neal McKnight - "Check Your Coat"
90 Busta Rhymes - "Don't Touch Me (Throw da Water on 'Em)"
89 Old Crow Medicine Show - "Alabama High-Test"
88 Bon Iver - "Skinny Love"
87 Friendly Fires - "Jump in the Pool"
86 The Rumble Strips - "Cowboy"
85 M83 - "Kim & Jessie"
84 Lil Wayne - "A Milli"
83 Get 'Em Mamis - "Cold Summer"
82 Santogold & Diplo - "Icarus"
81 The Knux - "Cappuccino"
80 Mudcrutch - "Crystal River"
79 Kid Cudi - "Day 'N' Nite"
78 Love As Laughter - "Holy"
77 Hercules And Love Affair - "Blind"
76 The Roots - "Rising Down"
75 Flo Rida feat. T-Pain - "Low"
74 Ra Ra Riot - "Dying is Fine"
73 Ciarra feat. Ludacris - "High Price"
72 Sam Sparro - "Black and Gold"
71 Phantom Planet - "Do the Panic"
70 Busy Signal - "Tic Toc"
69 Missy Elliott - "Ching-A-Ling"
68 Fall Out Boy - "I Don't Care
67 M.I.A. - "Shells"
66 Jenny Lewis - "Acid Tongue"
65 The Virgins - "Rich Girls"
64 She and Him - "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here"
63 LCD Soundsystem - "Big Ideas"
62 The Gaslight Anthem - "The '59 Sound"
61 Robyn - "Cobrastyle"
60 Ne-Yo - "Closer"
59 Low vs Diamond - "Don't Forget Sister"
58 Jazmine Sullivan - "Bust Your Windows"
57 Charles Hamilton - "Brooklyn Girls"
56 The Hold Steady - "Constructive Summer"
55 Sigur RĂłs - "Gobbledigook"
54 Cat Power - "I Believe In You"
53 AC/DC - "Big Boi"
52 Lee Ann Womack - "Last Call"
51 Ashlee Simpson - "Rule Breaker"
50 Jackson Browne - "Time the Conqueror"
49 Jonas Brothers - "Video Girl"
48 John Mellencamp - "Troubled Land"
47 Janelle Monáe - "Many Moons"
46 Taylor Swift - "Fifteen"
45 Foals - "Cassius"
44 Panic At The Disco - "Nine in the Afternoon"
43 Erykah Badu - "The Healer"
42 The Raconteurs - "Salute Your Solution"
41 Duffy - "Warwick Avenue"
40 Kings Of Leon - "Sex On Fire"
39 The Academy Is... - "About a Girl"
38 Jamey Johnson - "High Cost of Living"
37 Bob Dylan - "Someday Baby"
36 Usher feat. Beyoncé and Lil Wayne - "Love in this Club, Pt. 2"
35 Kaiser Chiefs - "Addicted to Drugs"
34 Gnarls Barkley - "Run"
33 The Raveonettes - "Aly, Walk With Me"
32 N.E.R.D. - "Everyone Nose"
31 Conor Oberst - "Moab"
30 Weezer - "Pork and Beans"
29 Pink - "So What"
28 Kevin Rudolf feat. Lil Wayne - "Let It Rock"
27 The Ting Tings - "Shut Up and Let Me Go"
26 The Rapture - "No Sex for Ben"
25 Leona Lewis - "Bleeding Heart"
24 Lykke Li - "I'm Good, I"m Gone"
23 The Black Keys - "I Got Mine"
22 Jay-Z and T.I. - "Swagga Like Us"
21 Vampire Weekend - "One (Blake's Got a New Face)"
20 Katy Perry - "I Kissed a Girl"
19 Guns N' Roses - "Better"
18 Kid Rock - "All Summer Long"
17 The Killers - "Spaceman"
16 Young Jeezy - "My President"
15 Al Green - "Lay It Down"
14 The BPA feat. David Byrne and Dizzee Rascal - "Toe Jam"
13 Ryan Adams and the Cardinals - "Magick"
12 TV On The Radio - "Golden Age"
11 Rihanna - "Disturbia"
10 T.I. - "No Matter What"
09 Coldplay - "Viva la Vida"
08 My Morning Jacket - "I'm Amazed"
07 Estelle feat. Kanye West - "American Boy"
06 Beck - "Gamma Ray"
05 Lil Wayne - "Lollipop"
04 Blitzen Trapper - "Furr"
03 MGMT - "Time to Pretend"
02 Santogold - "LES Artistes"
01 Beyoncé - "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)"
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Eats
When going through the Christmas stuff, I found a tin that had been put away last year with cookies in it. I took a bite. Wouldn't you have? It was gingery and somewhat moist, but did have a staleness.
We also had last year's egg nog from the famous Egg Nog Party that my parents go to annually. The "egg nog" consists of a lot of grain alcohol (a substance that I have only ingested in my home town - why is that?) and some nutmeg. Also something creamy (Bailey's?). This stuff keeps for a year, but a little goes a long way, especially undiluted. My husband and I enjoyed some in cordial glasses whilst decorating the tree. I had dreams of intense swimming in currents, losing my job without knowing why, and outrunning a murderer with a gun in a retail store. My back is now out and apparently at one point I woke up screaming. No more year-old "egg nog" for me!
The children made the popular pretzel/rolo/M&M treat this weekend. Comments: 1. Not good for those whose gums have been sewn together like a quilt, and 2. leftover m&ms are dangerous indeed.
If you make the Joy of Cooking's french toast, I recommend that you add cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. And I always go for the maple syrup over sugar in the eggs. I do use skim milk instead of cream, but I have occasionally used Silk or Egg Nog.
I had the world's crappiest Indian food last week. I truly thought, that like pizza, there was not going to be any bad Indian food. I was wrong. Don't go here. I have heard about a fantastic Indian place in Cary - details when I get them - and of course the high end Indian at Azitra is tasty if not pricey.
Finally, in the midst of all this eating, I am trying to start jogging. Not going well. But I love it? Just a little? Exercise - it's really like a wonder drug. You can feel free to hit me now.
We also had last year's egg nog from the famous Egg Nog Party that my parents go to annually. The "egg nog" consists of a lot of grain alcohol (a substance that I have only ingested in my home town - why is that?) and some nutmeg. Also something creamy (Bailey's?). This stuff keeps for a year, but a little goes a long way, especially undiluted. My husband and I enjoyed some in cordial glasses whilst decorating the tree. I had dreams of intense swimming in currents, losing my job without knowing why, and outrunning a murderer with a gun in a retail store. My back is now out and apparently at one point I woke up screaming. No more year-old "egg nog" for me!
The children made the popular pretzel/rolo/M&M treat this weekend. Comments: 1. Not good for those whose gums have been sewn together like a quilt, and 2. leftover m&ms are dangerous indeed.
If you make the Joy of Cooking's french toast, I recommend that you add cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. And I always go for the maple syrup over sugar in the eggs. I do use skim milk instead of cream, but I have occasionally used Silk or Egg Nog.
I had the world's crappiest Indian food last week. I truly thought, that like pizza, there was not going to be any bad Indian food. I was wrong. Don't go here. I have heard about a fantastic Indian place in Cary - details when I get them - and of course the high end Indian at Azitra is tasty if not pricey.
Finally, in the midst of all this eating, I am trying to start jogging. Not going well. But I love it? Just a little? Exercise - it's really like a wonder drug. You can feel free to hit me now.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Guest stars - always worth the price of admission!
I can watch it on our big-ass new tv (well, big for us...we've been using a 19 incher for 17 years now) as soon as we get it hooked up, HONEY.
I can live with this new technology if it involves me seeing things up close, and in great detail...
image via exclusiveartistsblog
I can watch it on our big-ass new tv (well, big for us...we've been using a 19 incher for 17 years now) as soon as we get it hooked up, HONEY.
I can live with this new technology if it involves me seeing things up close, and in great detail...
image via exclusiveartistsblog
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Whilst I Enjoyed "Tropic Thunder" And Laughed Heartily, I Thought it Was a Boy Movie
Except for this part, that I had to watch three times.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
I love my family, but this Thanksgiving will not have Gourmet tendencies. I'm not sure what to think of the crock-pot stuffing that will be served. And though I enjoy, in a sentimental way, the picture above, I'm BYOCS (bringing my own cranberry sauce). Let's just hope that the roads are not so icy that I can't get away to work out or get some air or whatever, and that everyone remembers their very best Thanksgiving mountains. That, and their own personal stash of alcohol.
Enjoy your holiday!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Things I've heard this week:
1. "I don't want to be old and dried up when I'm like 30. (pause) But you're not like that, ma'am."
2. "I dreamed I had candy in my pants."
3. "The mouths of the people will drop. open."
4. "You, as the conductor, are in full control of your musicians."
Who said it?
a. Sexy musical artiste
b. my son
c. a grocery bagger
d. one of my preschool students
1. "I don't want to be old and dried up when I'm like 30. (pause) But you're not like that, ma'am."
2. "I dreamed I had candy in my pants."
3. "The mouths of the people will drop. open."
4. "You, as the conductor, are in full control of your musicians."
Who said it?
a. Sexy musical artiste
b. my son
c. a grocery bagger
d. one of my preschool students
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Love Story
I love Taylor Swift. A few months ago my daughter found out about a song and video that I found at once catchy, if not a bit fluffy. That would be "Love Story." See how pretty and unskanky Taylor looks -- sorry, you have to click to see....
But then. Last week we're riding home from who knows where and we hear a song on the radio. From the opening riffs, I guess it is Taylor Swift and impress my children. My daughter and son both knew the song - they told me it was "Our Song" from Taylor's first record. And I listen closely and hear:
"Our song is the slamming screen doors,
Sneakin' out late, tapping on your window
When we're on the phone and you talk real slow
'cause it's late and your mama don't know
Our song is the way you laugh
The first date "man, I didn't kiss her, and I should have"
And when I got home ... before I said amen
Asking God if he could play it again"
In a choked up voice, I squeaked out, "Oh."
Is that not the cutest capture of high school? DUDE. And her voice! Clear, straight tone, unstrained, and NOT NASAL (Yes, Miley Cyrus, I'm looking at you...you and Ashley Tisdale.).
The 3 minute pop song is my life's soundtrack, and y'all know despite my indie tendencies I'm not averse to folks like Justin and Beyonce and Gwen and Madonna - if they keep to their tight, edited little frothy concotions. Taylor has done it and without the annoying, repeptitive twang of today's country (sorry if I'm offending...maybe my new fascination will help me to be more open-minded).
So I get home after wiping away tears of music love and nostalgia, and open up a New Yorker that's sitting around.
And Sasha Frere-Jones loves her too! His article, like a lot of his, is a gushfest and almost too critiquey, but he knows more about her than I do, so I enjoyed it. Also, read how much better he describes "Our Song".
" 'Our Song' ” was not Swift’s first hit, but it was the first to stop me in my tracks. It’s a breezy recounting of frustration, streaked with simple phrases so conversational that on first hearing they fly by without registering. For example: “He’s got a one-hand feel on the steering wheel, the other on my heart.” Not one hand here and another there; first comes a “one-hand feel,” and then the asymmetrical “hand”—on someone else’s heart, not his own. The song’s tension is that Swift and her man don’t have a song to call their own; its genius is that they never pick one—their romance is the song, and both characters get a chance to narrate. Swift, the writer, also gets to transubstantiate; their song is their life as she describes it.
Now, I should warn you not to watch the video for "Our Song", cause remember that unskankiness? Yeah, apparently she didn't konw how to avoid it on the first album. Taylor's new release is obliterating the charts, iTunes, etc. etc. so you'll hear more of her, obviously, and good thing, too. I have given my full approval for my children to follow her career. Let's hope she continues to let her music do the talking.
But then. Last week we're riding home from who knows where and we hear a song on the radio. From the opening riffs, I guess it is Taylor Swift and impress my children. My daughter and son both knew the song - they told me it was "Our Song" from Taylor's first record. And I listen closely and hear:
"Our song is the slamming screen doors,
Sneakin' out late, tapping on your window
When we're on the phone and you talk real slow
'cause it's late and your mama don't know
Our song is the way you laugh
The first date "man, I didn't kiss her, and I should have"
And when I got home ... before I said amen
Asking God if he could play it again"
In a choked up voice, I squeaked out, "Oh."
Is that not the cutest capture of high school? DUDE. And her voice! Clear, straight tone, unstrained, and NOT NASAL (Yes, Miley Cyrus, I'm looking at you...you and Ashley Tisdale.).
The 3 minute pop song is my life's soundtrack, and y'all know despite my indie tendencies I'm not averse to folks like Justin and Beyonce and Gwen and Madonna - if they keep to their tight, edited little frothy concotions. Taylor has done it and without the annoying, repeptitive twang of today's country (sorry if I'm offending...maybe my new fascination will help me to be more open-minded).
So I get home after wiping away tears of music love and nostalgia, and open up a New Yorker that's sitting around.
And Sasha Frere-Jones loves her too! His article, like a lot of his, is a gushfest and almost too critiquey, but he knows more about her than I do, so I enjoyed it. Also, read how much better he describes "Our Song".
" 'Our Song' ” was not Swift’s first hit, but it was the first to stop me in my tracks. It’s a breezy recounting of frustration, streaked with simple phrases so conversational that on first hearing they fly by without registering. For example: “He’s got a one-hand feel on the steering wheel, the other on my heart.” Not one hand here and another there; first comes a “one-hand feel,” and then the asymmetrical “hand”—on someone else’s heart, not his own. The song’s tension is that Swift and her man don’t have a song to call their own; its genius is that they never pick one—their romance is the song, and both characters get a chance to narrate. Swift, the writer, also gets to transubstantiate; their song is their life as she describes it.
Now, I should warn you not to watch the video for "Our Song", cause remember that unskankiness? Yeah, apparently she didn't konw how to avoid it on the first album. Taylor's new release is obliterating the charts, iTunes, etc. etc. so you'll hear more of her, obviously, and good thing, too. I have given my full approval for my children to follow her career. Let's hope she continues to let her music do the talking.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Introducing:
Carlos and Reggie, Guppies. Carlos has a blueish hue...he is a Turquoise Guppy. Reggie is a Tuxedo Gold or some such. They seem very pleasant thus far. I feel sorry for them. The children love them.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Now that Scrabulous is gone, Facebook doesn't hold as many wonders for me. I've tried promoting events on there, and keeping up with organizations that I work with/volunteer for, but it really doesn't seem to serve that purpose, as I am not in high school.
The purpose it has served, however, is to render meaningless the phrase "whatever happened to?" I now know what happened to Greg, he with whom I had a tense hook-up one night in college. He was broody, smart as hell, little, and strange...so of course I was completely intrigued. Despite my pseudo-edginess, I was perhaps needy at the time, so you can imagine the scene both that night and the days that followed. My roommates nicknamed him "F.O.G.", for "Fear of Greg". His arrival in classes or the cafeteria was noted by their poking me and saying in a spooky voice, "The F.O.G. is rolling in...."
Last I saw Greg, his then-girlfriend was flinging his belongings out of a 2nd story apartment window whilst screaming obsenities. Now I know that he lives in a hip urban center, is into Mingus, the New York Dolls, A Confederacy of Dunces and Tristam Shandy, and is going to a birthday party this weekend. Granted, I knew about the music and books already, but did I need to be reminded?
I also now know what happened to Mark, and I'm happy about it: a fun and wry wit from high school, he has his PhD and teaches history at a nearby venerable institution. We're meeting for lunch next week. Mark would be the fellow that made our chemistry teacher, whom we called Mick Jagger (and for good reason) say, "Silver nitrate will turn your hands black, even you Mark!" I can't wait to ask if he remembers this moment.
I guess I just want some mystery to my past. I wonder if I'll ever again have those surreal moments of bumping into someone from your old life. I literally bumped into a guy I used to know once...in Manhattan! Pete had taken me to a fraternity dance in college. He was handsome, fit, smelled delish, and an amazing dancer. On the night of our date we enjoyed a super-long, very public, fantastic makeout session....and then we just resumed our friendship. When I ran into Pete many years later outside a Broadway theatre, he was thrilled to introduce me to his new boyfriend. He still smelled and looked great: he just had bigger muscles and gel in his hair.
I'm sure he'll friend me soon.
The purpose it has served, however, is to render meaningless the phrase "whatever happened to?" I now know what happened to Greg, he with whom I had a tense hook-up one night in college. He was broody, smart as hell, little, and strange...so of course I was completely intrigued. Despite my pseudo-edginess, I was perhaps needy at the time, so you can imagine the scene both that night and the days that followed. My roommates nicknamed him "F.O.G.", for "Fear of Greg". His arrival in classes or the cafeteria was noted by their poking me and saying in a spooky voice, "The F.O.G. is rolling in...."
Last I saw Greg, his then-girlfriend was flinging his belongings out of a 2nd story apartment window whilst screaming obsenities. Now I know that he lives in a hip urban center, is into Mingus, the New York Dolls, A Confederacy of Dunces and Tristam Shandy, and is going to a birthday party this weekend. Granted, I knew about the music and books already, but did I need to be reminded?
I also now know what happened to Mark, and I'm happy about it: a fun and wry wit from high school, he has his PhD and teaches history at a nearby venerable institution. We're meeting for lunch next week. Mark would be the fellow that made our chemistry teacher, whom we called Mick Jagger (and for good reason) say, "Silver nitrate will turn your hands black, even you Mark!" I can't wait to ask if he remembers this moment.
I guess I just want some mystery to my past. I wonder if I'll ever again have those surreal moments of bumping into someone from your old life. I literally bumped into a guy I used to know once...in Manhattan! Pete had taken me to a fraternity dance in college. He was handsome, fit, smelled delish, and an amazing dancer. On the night of our date we enjoyed a super-long, very public, fantastic makeout session....and then we just resumed our friendship. When I ran into Pete many years later outside a Broadway theatre, he was thrilled to introduce me to his new boyfriend. He still smelled and looked great: he just had bigger muscles and gel in his hair.
I'm sure he'll friend me soon.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
I was a secret policy wonk this past election season. And I say secret because I hid it from my family. My husband is a well-known political junkie, and I just didn't think our house/family/social life would survive with two of us in the house. So I started a few rituals: whilst making dinner or before everyone got into the kitchen for breakfast, I would watch CNN non-stop. In the car, no more jazz - just NPR. (Or, in the days before the economic meltdown, Rush Limbaugh. I kid you not.) And I became a devoted follower of Nathan Silver.
FiveThirtyEight was fun, impressive for a non-numbers gal, and generally a calming influence for someone who worried about certain races going certain ways, that they certainly did not. Apparently, I'm not alone in Loving Nate - check out the NYTimes, Newsweek, and Facebook.
So now the election is over, and Nate Silver is worried people won't care about politics anymore. But as my friend Linda said, now is the time to put the shoulder to the wheel. I'm taking down my political signs today (don't blame me for leaving them up for a week - those on differing sides from me in my 'hood have done the same and I suspect won't take them down anytime soon). I'm ready to recommit to helping people in my circle, to advocate for those less fortunate in my community, and to try to keep our own family economics from imploding. I'm proud and happy - and especially grateful that gender and race seemed to be non-issues last week (especially in my state!) - but I won't be a pompous, gloating ass about it. Starting now!
FiveThirtyEight was fun, impressive for a non-numbers gal, and generally a calming influence for someone who worried about certain races going certain ways, that they certainly did not. Apparently, I'm not alone in Loving Nate - check out the NYTimes, Newsweek, and Facebook.
So now the election is over, and Nate Silver is worried people won't care about politics anymore. But as my friend Linda said, now is the time to put the shoulder to the wheel. I'm taking down my political signs today (don't blame me for leaving them up for a week - those on differing sides from me in my 'hood have done the same and I suspect won't take them down anytime soon). I'm ready to recommit to helping people in my circle, to advocate for those less fortunate in my community, and to try to keep our own family economics from imploding. I'm proud and happy - and especially grateful that gender and race seemed to be non-issues last week (especially in my state!) - but I won't be a pompous, gloating ass about it. Starting now!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Monday, November 03, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Because I am slightly melancholy over the ending of elementary school, I insisted we all go, as a family, to the State Fair. We didn't buy advance tickets, and we didn't have a free evening. So we skipped something (soccer, I think) and I took out $700 cash from the ATM, and off we went. Daddy was to take the bus and meet us.
As we walked in, earlier drama over too much homework and whatever happened at school that day melted away into memory. Someone smiled at me and asked if I wanted an admission ticket. Sure! Later, someone asked us if we wanted their leftover ride tickets. Yes! "Good Karma", my daughter assured me.
(We went one day earlier than Paul Friedrich, he of Onion Head Monster fame. Which was too bad, as his day-long experiment? performance art piece? heart attack- inducement exercise? fascinated me.)
My son ate:
Half of a funnel cake sprinkled with another half pound of powdered sugar
a foot-long hot dog
an apple (from one of the exhibits on agriculture that I thrust upon my young charges)
a deep-fried Snickers bar
(He had a lot of gas that night.)
The children's favorite rides involved them going high in the air, in circles. One ride, a favorite for years, is a hanglider-type contraption. Watching them soar over the fair was fairly magical, and worth the traffic and depleted bank account.
Daddy met us without too much trouble, having taken the bus from his swanky new downtown office. We only argued about what and where to eat for 15 minutes, a family record! And all agreed to go see the cows and bunnies. I didn't get to see the gardening competition...but only because I felt like my feet were going to separate from my ankles (for exercise that day I walked for an hour...dumb. Just finding that hanglider ride was over a mile trek).
The fair was a pretty Republican-seeming place...but there were the occasional Democratic stickers, and usually on people who looked less urban than I might have thought. I saw most of the Dems in the Village of Yesteryear. What does THAT mean?
We parked far away from the fair, which was not only free, but that much closer to our house. Home in 10 minutes, then showers to wash off that special brand of fair grime. My son, who spent a good portion of his fair time on the GROUND, got a Mommy-scrubbing. Ewww. And we read books and drifted off, and another fall is upon us and the leaves turn and the children grow and the days are shorter than ever.
As we walked in, earlier drama over too much homework and whatever happened at school that day melted away into memory. Someone smiled at me and asked if I wanted an admission ticket. Sure! Later, someone asked us if we wanted their leftover ride tickets. Yes! "Good Karma", my daughter assured me.
(We went one day earlier than Paul Friedrich, he of Onion Head Monster fame. Which was too bad, as his day-long experiment? performance art piece? heart attack- inducement exercise? fascinated me.)
My son ate:
Half of a funnel cake sprinkled with another half pound of powdered sugar
a foot-long hot dog
an apple (from one of the exhibits on agriculture that I thrust upon my young charges)
a deep-fried Snickers bar
(He had a lot of gas that night.)
The children's favorite rides involved them going high in the air, in circles. One ride, a favorite for years, is a hanglider-type contraption. Watching them soar over the fair was fairly magical, and worth the traffic and depleted bank account.
Daddy met us without too much trouble, having taken the bus from his swanky new downtown office. We only argued about what and where to eat for 15 minutes, a family record! And all agreed to go see the cows and bunnies. I didn't get to see the gardening competition...but only because I felt like my feet were going to separate from my ankles (for exercise that day I walked for an hour...dumb. Just finding that hanglider ride was over a mile trek).
The fair was a pretty Republican-seeming place...but there were the occasional Democratic stickers, and usually on people who looked less urban than I might have thought. I saw most of the Dems in the Village of Yesteryear. What does THAT mean?
We parked far away from the fair, which was not only free, but that much closer to our house. Home in 10 minutes, then showers to wash off that special brand of fair grime. My son, who spent a good portion of his fair time on the GROUND, got a Mommy-scrubbing. Ewww. And we read books and drifted off, and another fall is upon us and the leaves turn and the children grow and the days are shorter than ever.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Other causes I lurve:
The Gail Perkins ovarian awareness group has a walk that has taken place, but their site has wonderful information and there's always next year!
Remember that the JRDF walk is coming up soon - you can always support my friend Scott.
Hearts with Haiti really needs your help. Things in Haiti are almost bleaker than I can comprehend.
And of course I encourage you to donate to the candidate of your choice for state and local races, as well as the big 'un.
I'm feeling like I should put positiveness out into the uni, so I'll report that my family had a special time of it this weekend. Team Whilst traveled to a town west of here for my daughter's soccer tournament. Not only did she play crazy great (including performing a block that had her sliding into the ball to knock it away from an offensive opponent...she would be on the highlights reel), but we all enjoyed the Emb-ASS-y Suites - free breakfast! Complimentary cocktails! A separate room for Mom and Dad! There was also the 10 hours of sleep we all got Saturday night. Love the church gig, but it cuts into my Saturday/Sunday laziness.
So I'm feeling good and healthy and aware and rested, and I want you all to feel the same. That's my wish tonight.
The Gail Perkins ovarian awareness group has a walk that has taken place, but their site has wonderful information and there's always next year!
Remember that the JRDF walk is coming up soon - you can always support my friend Scott.
Hearts with Haiti really needs your help. Things in Haiti are almost bleaker than I can comprehend.
And of course I encourage you to donate to the candidate of your choice for state and local races, as well as the big 'un.
I'm feeling like I should put positiveness out into the uni, so I'll report that my family had a special time of it this weekend. Team Whilst traveled to a town west of here for my daughter's soccer tournament. Not only did she play crazy great (including performing a block that had her sliding into the ball to knock it away from an offensive opponent...she would be on the highlights reel), but we all enjoyed the Emb-ASS-y Suites - free breakfast! Complimentary cocktails! A separate room for Mom and Dad! There was also the 10 hours of sleep we all got Saturday night. Love the church gig, but it cuts into my Saturday/Sunday laziness.
So I'm feeling good and healthy and aware and rested, and I want you all to feel the same. That's my wish tonight.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Also about my son? He has a favorite new playmate at recess, a boy who is not in his class. From what we can tell, the boy speaks in another language that "is not Spanish", but his English is good enough that he and my son discuss any number of things. The playmate's name, according to my son, is "Y2K".
Y2K is apparently funny, engaging, and quickly becoming popular with the 3rd grade boys. Until the school directory is published, we may not know his real name. Even then, some of the Montanyard children at school's names go almost completely unknown....initials are used. So for now, Y2K it is. My son says it is spelled "Ytookay." I prefer the numbers. I"ll keep you posted....I can't wait to meet him!
Y2K is apparently funny, engaging, and quickly becoming popular with the 3rd grade boys. Until the school directory is published, we may not know his real name. Even then, some of the Montanyard children at school's names go almost completely unknown....initials are used. So for now, Y2K it is. My son says it is spelled "Ytookay." I prefer the numbers. I"ll keep you posted....I can't wait to meet him!
Monday, October 06, 2008
Saturday, October 04, 2008
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