We've returned today from Minnesota. It's a very different place, compared to the South. Some, with a more optimistic view, would call it a "Winter Wonderland" with icicles hanging from the eaves of every home and building. I thought of all the snowy Christmas songs I was playing so often the past month, as I watched the snow falling on the already frozen ground. To the pessimist, who was guiltily me this time, it was the freakin tundra - dry, cold and froze me to the very marrow. No thyroid makes this type of weather painful to the touch on my skin.
Then the lost luggage - not RT's mind you, but mine. The first few hours of being there was difficult, to say the least. Then the wedding took place Saturday afternoon. After RT got us lost for the 4th time of 7 total (no lie), we arrived at the Church.
The wedding was absolutely amazing. Never did I see a more beautiful wedding in a more beautiful Church. I looked up to see the stoic groom, who had been patiently standing at the altar for many minutes, and he began to absolutely beam with an aura around him when the back Church doors opened, revealing his beautiful lady. As far as I could see as an observant spectator, everything went exactly as planned, down to the Maid of Honor's special touches to her dear sister's bridal gown, taking perfect care of her train, flowers and making sure she was beautiful at all times. Not a hard feat for the bride anyway, as she is stunning, with or without her bridal gown. It was simply elegant and amazing! : )
All the cold and aggravation was well worth it then. To witness this enchanting ceremony with such a charming young couple still takes my breath away. In the middle of ice and snow, was the warmest event ever to be witnessed, with the warmth enveloping all of us in the old, cold Church. With a life that will surely be filled with ups and downs, the promises of high hopes were radiating out of this couple. To be a guest was an honor, and just the right way to begin the New Year, filled with new hopes, love and expectations, for them and for everyone sharing in this gathering.
Other revelations were made on this long weekend. Today I find myself astonished that some information does not ease my heavy heart. But I will borrow some of the hope and anticipation of the new young couple, full of excitement, dreams and eagerness to begin their new marriage and New Year, as every New Year's Eve should be celebrated.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
What’s on your mind?
Yesterday, I had an intimate and funny conversation with a friend over the phone. She's a fun lady and hardly complains, but was a little on edge when we spoke. She said that men only have one thing on their minds: sex. Of course, I had to disagree. Having three older brothers, it just gives me the creeps to think that.
I have male friends and have had a lot of conversations with men before, and I truly can not believe that this is the ONLY thing on their minds. I believe that they think of three things: sex, money and food - not necessarily in that order, but possibly. I also told her to note that romance is nowhere in these three items. It depends on their mood or the day they are having. When you observe a businessman, hard at work, wheeling and dealing with another male client, sex can not possibly be on his mind. He's got to be thinking of money. When they're ready to carve the Thanksgiving turkey or a man opens the refrigerator door and stands there staring at the contents, they can't be thinking of anything but food. Sex is probably more on their minds, but food and money must come into play during the course of their days.
For a 19 year old young man, sure, sex is top on the list. We all know that physically and emotionally speaking, they are in their prime at this age. There are times that these 19 year old young men congregate and if there is food in front of them, food is first on their minds. They probably talk about sex, possibly money comes into the conversation. When these young men are talking with their grandmothers, I'm sure their grandmother's cooking skills or the last birthday check enters their minds - NOTHING else.
I explained this to my friend and she thought about it. She wonders if you could possibly combine the three. Sure, I told her! They call them wives. The wife takes care of the finances and budgets and decides when to spend the extra money on the large or special purchases in life. The other two items are self explanatory. She wondered if being a hooker, caterer and banker was what men look for when they first become interested in you. LOL! I didn't think so. It is definitely the sex thing for both people at the beginning of the relationship - always! The other two items follow, due to us women either wanting to be in control or when our nurturing trait takes over. LOL!
I told her that in my opinion, it is consistency that is probably the best route for these three items in life. You wouldn't want to suddenly have no cash flow. There has to be enough food in the house. So . . . think about what he's saying. Consistency. LOL! She agreed with me too.
I'm sure I'll hear from a few of you, so go on and tell me I'm wrong, but I'm sure I know of one man who is getting lucky tonight!
I have male friends and have had a lot of conversations with men before, and I truly can not believe that this is the ONLY thing on their minds. I believe that they think of three things: sex, money and food - not necessarily in that order, but possibly. I also told her to note that romance is nowhere in these three items. It depends on their mood or the day they are having. When you observe a businessman, hard at work, wheeling and dealing with another male client, sex can not possibly be on his mind. He's got to be thinking of money. When they're ready to carve the Thanksgiving turkey or a man opens the refrigerator door and stands there staring at the contents, they can't be thinking of anything but food. Sex is probably more on their minds, but food and money must come into play during the course of their days.
For a 19 year old young man, sure, sex is top on the list. We all know that physically and emotionally speaking, they are in their prime at this age. There are times that these 19 year old young men congregate and if there is food in front of them, food is first on their minds. They probably talk about sex, possibly money comes into the conversation. When these young men are talking with their grandmothers, I'm sure their grandmother's cooking skills or the last birthday check enters their minds - NOTHING else.
I explained this to my friend and she thought about it. She wonders if you could possibly combine the three. Sure, I told her! They call them wives. The wife takes care of the finances and budgets and decides when to spend the extra money on the large or special purchases in life. The other two items are self explanatory. She wondered if being a hooker, caterer and banker was what men look for when they first become interested in you. LOL! I didn't think so. It is definitely the sex thing for both people at the beginning of the relationship - always! The other two items follow, due to us women either wanting to be in control or when our nurturing trait takes over. LOL!
I told her that in my opinion, it is consistency that is probably the best route for these three items in life. You wouldn't want to suddenly have no cash flow. There has to be enough food in the house. So . . . think about what he's saying. Consistency. LOL! She agreed with me too.
I'm sure I'll hear from a few of you, so go on and tell me I'm wrong, but I'm sure I know of one man who is getting lucky tonight!
Monday, December 24, 2007
Christmas Through His Eyes
Over the past week, I've been thinking of Dad continuously. With the holidays here, he made it difficult to ever forget him. He absolutely loved Christmastime. His father Pasquale came from Napoli as a young boy, and Dad was named after him. To help "Americanize" his name, they called him Patrick. His parents' very humble upbringing helped Dad appreciate the small things about life and Christmas. Being Italian, he also appreciated the food this time of year.
Dad's life was very simple and meager, and quite different from the pretention and snobbery I was raised on in my stepfather's/mother's home. Even as an adult, visiting him was an extraordinarily special time that I revert back to often. He hugged you like it was the first or last time he would see you. I remember his warm chest against my cheek, frozen from the winter weather, when I entered his home. His house, like him, was always warm and inviting, though small and very modest. He was self taught on his father's mandolin and is the first guitar player I ever loved. As a child and adult, he would play "Jolly Ole St. Nicholas" and "Santa Lucia" to me on Christmas.
No matter what gift I gave him for Christmas, he would act like a seven year old boy receiving a bike on Christmas morning, with just as much anticipation and awe and smiles and gratitude. It was always like the gift he opened was exactly what he had been longing for. He was a completely lovable man, and I now deeply wish he was the parent who raised me.
Due to his illness, especially in later years, he was not able to eat all the Christmas goodies that were in the house. My stepmother was a great cook and baker, with a love for Dad that was unmatched by anyone. She would make sure that any Christmas memory of his would be cooked, baked and offered to any guest walking through the door. They smiled and hugged each other constantly and she would let him slide on his dietary restrictions during Christmas. Since they lived in a blue collar neighborhood, she would make a huge turkey and they would serve leftover sandwiches on December 26th, to any neighbor kid, as most of their parents' were back to work then. The day after Christmas at their house had more activity than Christmas morning. His house was as opened as his heart.
His last Christmas on Earth, he spent in a coma. With his wife knowing that he did not want do pass away during the holidays, from their prior conversations, she would go to the hospital daily, deeply saddened by her upcoming loss. She would whisper in his ear not to die, that it's only December 20th, 21st, 22nd, or 23rd, telling him each date, as the days passed. On January 4th, she said the kids were going back to school now and the holidays were over. It was alright to leave us. And so he listened to his loving wife for the last time and peacefully slept his life away that day, with her holding his hand. It's been almost 16 years since the saddest day of my life.
The smells of Dad's loving home, now fill mine on Christmas Eve. The past three days have been spent making the largest Italian feast you have ever seen. The house has oregano and garlic aroma in every room. RT and I have a loving tradition that we pack up a large sampling of our feast and share with our parish priests. They are in and out of Masses nonstop for the next two days, and this gives them a chance to eat. That's probably why we opened our home and hearts to Joey last year at Christmas. It gives me a chance to share and open my family's home, like Dad so often did.
The kids, though they are older, expect the chocolate coins, jordan almonds and Italian candies purchased months ago from the same old St. Louis Italian store on The Hill that Dad used for years. The Boy still wakes up anticipating the taste of homemade cannolis, cheesecake and biscotti. Though he was a toddler when he last saw Dad and doesn't remember him, he still sneaks and picks at the goodies, unknowingly and exactly like his grandfather did. The Boy has a remarkable resemblance to Dad, especially in his mannerisms and expressions. It always makes me smile when I witness one of these.
I love you and miss you terribly, but I know we will be reunited one day. I'll now dry my tears and try to emulate your wonderful Christmas spirit today, with all your kindness and awe. I will be gracious and smile at everyone. Merry Christmas, Daddy.
Dad's life was very simple and meager, and quite different from the pretention and snobbery I was raised on in my stepfather's/mother's home. Even as an adult, visiting him was an extraordinarily special time that I revert back to often. He hugged you like it was the first or last time he would see you. I remember his warm chest against my cheek, frozen from the winter weather, when I entered his home. His house, like him, was always warm and inviting, though small and very modest. He was self taught on his father's mandolin and is the first guitar player I ever loved. As a child and adult, he would play "Jolly Ole St. Nicholas" and "Santa Lucia" to me on Christmas.
No matter what gift I gave him for Christmas, he would act like a seven year old boy receiving a bike on Christmas morning, with just as much anticipation and awe and smiles and gratitude. It was always like the gift he opened was exactly what he had been longing for. He was a completely lovable man, and I now deeply wish he was the parent who raised me.
Due to his illness, especially in later years, he was not able to eat all the Christmas goodies that were in the house. My stepmother was a great cook and baker, with a love for Dad that was unmatched by anyone. She would make sure that any Christmas memory of his would be cooked, baked and offered to any guest walking through the door. They smiled and hugged each other constantly and she would let him slide on his dietary restrictions during Christmas. Since they lived in a blue collar neighborhood, she would make a huge turkey and they would serve leftover sandwiches on December 26th, to any neighbor kid, as most of their parents' were back to work then. The day after Christmas at their house had more activity than Christmas morning. His house was as opened as his heart.
His last Christmas on Earth, he spent in a coma. With his wife knowing that he did not want do pass away during the holidays, from their prior conversations, she would go to the hospital daily, deeply saddened by her upcoming loss. She would whisper in his ear not to die, that it's only December 20th, 21st, 22nd, or 23rd, telling him each date, as the days passed. On January 4th, she said the kids were going back to school now and the holidays were over. It was alright to leave us. And so he listened to his loving wife for the last time and peacefully slept his life away that day, with her holding his hand. It's been almost 16 years since the saddest day of my life.
The smells of Dad's loving home, now fill mine on Christmas Eve. The past three days have been spent making the largest Italian feast you have ever seen. The house has oregano and garlic aroma in every room. RT and I have a loving tradition that we pack up a large sampling of our feast and share with our parish priests. They are in and out of Masses nonstop for the next two days, and this gives them a chance to eat. That's probably why we opened our home and hearts to Joey last year at Christmas. It gives me a chance to share and open my family's home, like Dad so often did.
The kids, though they are older, expect the chocolate coins, jordan almonds and Italian candies purchased months ago from the same old St. Louis Italian store on The Hill that Dad used for years. The Boy still wakes up anticipating the taste of homemade cannolis, cheesecake and biscotti. Though he was a toddler when he last saw Dad and doesn't remember him, he still sneaks and picks at the goodies, unknowingly and exactly like his grandfather did. The Boy has a remarkable resemblance to Dad, especially in his mannerisms and expressions. It always makes me smile when I witness one of these.
I love you and miss you terribly, but I know we will be reunited one day. I'll now dry my tears and try to emulate your wonderful Christmas spirit today, with all your kindness and awe. I will be gracious and smile at everyone. Merry Christmas, Daddy.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Karma, Part 2: As God As My Witness and Vice Versa
In continuation of Karma (Part 1, November 26th), I have to add this blog. When God takes care of things, sometimes He let's me in on The Plan; but, most of the time, He doesn't show me anything and it's up to my faith to believe that He is under control, though I see nothing happening. Unfortunately, this time He did show me what He did.
When He shares a small part of The Plan with me, sometimes I want to see it. Sometimes, I NEED to see it. It's like a bad accident on the highway, where we all slow down (yes, you do), to see if there is any blood or heads rolling around. If we actually saw the accident, we would wish we never did. You can't "unknow" things. Once you know them, they are with you for always. So He shared a little of His power of karma to me on the person I blogged about on November 26th. I could have gone through the holidays without knowing this information.
I feel guilty for wishing karma on them, but it does exist and we have to realize it, know it and accept it. Karma is based on everything a person has done in the past, is currently doing or will do in the future. The effects of all of these actions make us responsible for our own lives. We are responsible for the good and bad we place in this world and are held accountable. We must take care of things the way He has instructed us, and we will receive the same either on this good Earth or Heaven above. Either way, you just can't get around karma.
When I first received the bad news discharged on this person, I immediately felt empathetic, as we have all been there before. Then the mother in me took over and remember thinking "I told you so". I followed with the thought that you just can't bamboozle Him, as He knows what you did. I am now feeling pity and very contrite about my first blog. I was depending on karma to be laid upon this person, and now wonder if they realize that is what it was. In this case, it has brought humility to them, which is always the first part of it. Then, maybe later when things calm down in their life, they will see that He's watching.
I can not even begin to balance the good and bad of this person's life. I have seen this person do many, many good things. We all get hit with bad things. We have to have unfortunate episodes in life. When we are young, we are easily taught about good & bad, hot & cold, wet & dry, happy & sad. The opposites are the simple lessons we pick up very quickly. If we don't see the shit in our lives, we never really recognize or appreciate when the happiness comes around.
I truly have learned from this incident. Mind you, I won't retain these worthy lessons, as I rarely do. But some people don't have faith in God or thinks He knows what He's doing. Some people get angry because God put thorns on roses, while others praise Him for putting roses among thorns. I know there is Someone at the helm that helps steer me. It makes me feel safe and secure and I depend on Him to take control, even if it means a strong dose of humbleness at times. I hope this person becomes aware too.
When He shares a small part of The Plan with me, sometimes I want to see it. Sometimes, I NEED to see it. It's like a bad accident on the highway, where we all slow down (yes, you do), to see if there is any blood or heads rolling around. If we actually saw the accident, we would wish we never did. You can't "unknow" things. Once you know them, they are with you for always. So He shared a little of His power of karma to me on the person I blogged about on November 26th. I could have gone through the holidays without knowing this information.
I feel guilty for wishing karma on them, but it does exist and we have to realize it, know it and accept it. Karma is based on everything a person has done in the past, is currently doing or will do in the future. The effects of all of these actions make us responsible for our own lives. We are responsible for the good and bad we place in this world and are held accountable. We must take care of things the way He has instructed us, and we will receive the same either on this good Earth or Heaven above. Either way, you just can't get around karma.
When I first received the bad news discharged on this person, I immediately felt empathetic, as we have all been there before. Then the mother in me took over and remember thinking "I told you so". I followed with the thought that you just can't bamboozle Him, as He knows what you did. I am now feeling pity and very contrite about my first blog. I was depending on karma to be laid upon this person, and now wonder if they realize that is what it was. In this case, it has brought humility to them, which is always the first part of it. Then, maybe later when things calm down in their life, they will see that He's watching.
I can not even begin to balance the good and bad of this person's life. I have seen this person do many, many good things. We all get hit with bad things. We have to have unfortunate episodes in life. When we are young, we are easily taught about good & bad, hot & cold, wet & dry, happy & sad. The opposites are the simple lessons we pick up very quickly. If we don't see the shit in our lives, we never really recognize or appreciate when the happiness comes around.
I truly have learned from this incident. Mind you, I won't retain these worthy lessons, as I rarely do. But some people don't have faith in God or thinks He knows what He's doing. Some people get angry because God put thorns on roses, while others praise Him for putting roses among thorns. I know there is Someone at the helm that helps steer me. It makes me feel safe and secure and I depend on Him to take control, even if it means a strong dose of humbleness at times. I hope this person becomes aware too.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Chocolate Kisses
I have heard from many friends and family over the past couple of days. With the holidays approaching, everyone is checking on each other. Some are busier than me, as I survived my one and only day of shopping at the mall. Some friends leaving to visit relatives, some are staying around, some are coming in town to visit us. All are checking in though. It's nice to hear from everyone, though with some it's just once a year we hear from them. Email has made it very easy to access people too. It is almost too easy, as we all get some crazy ass email, eh?
I have a few friends that contact me once a year, either because of geography or just too busy raising children or busy lives to get away. One of my friends, a chocoholic (I sent her chocolate this year), sent this email to me of a study conducted in England earlier this year. Chocolate is better than kissing. When it comes to tongues, melting chocolate is better than a passionate kiss, scientists have found. Couples in their 20s had their heart rates and brains monitored while they first melted chocolate in their mouths and then kissed. Chocolate caused a more intense and longer lasting "buzz" than kissing, and doubled volunteers' heart rates.
Of course, I have to add my opinion to this lame study, obviously financed by some large confection company, like Hershey or Nestle. Chocolate over kissing???!!! Who the hell were they kissing? Toads?? There is no way I can possibly believe this! They obviously need different people participating in this survey. There are kisses that I will remember forever, even if Altzheimer's sets in! Chocolate bars are easily forgotten. I make homemade brownies to die for and have been accused of putting some kind of addictive drug in them. LOL! But NOT in place of kissing! This is CRAZY!
I told my friend that she needs to put the chocolate down, back away and really think earnestly about this. Go back to the chocolate, slowly, and realize that she can actually have BOTH. Duh!
There is no quandary here with me. You can have chocolate any time.
I have a few friends that contact me once a year, either because of geography or just too busy raising children or busy lives to get away. One of my friends, a chocoholic (I sent her chocolate this year), sent this email to me of a study conducted in England earlier this year. Chocolate is better than kissing. When it comes to tongues, melting chocolate is better than a passionate kiss, scientists have found. Couples in their 20s had their heart rates and brains monitored while they first melted chocolate in their mouths and then kissed. Chocolate caused a more intense and longer lasting "buzz" than kissing, and doubled volunteers' heart rates.
Of course, I have to add my opinion to this lame study, obviously financed by some large confection company, like Hershey or Nestle. Chocolate over kissing???!!! Who the hell were they kissing? Toads?? There is no way I can possibly believe this! They obviously need different people participating in this survey. There are kisses that I will remember forever, even if Altzheimer's sets in! Chocolate bars are easily forgotten. I make homemade brownies to die for and have been accused of putting some kind of addictive drug in them. LOL! But NOT in place of kissing! This is CRAZY!
I told my friend that she needs to put the chocolate down, back away and really think earnestly about this. Go back to the chocolate, slowly, and realize that she can actually have BOTH. Duh!
There is no quandary here with me. You can have chocolate any time.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Christmas at the Dreaded Mall
I am not ready, at all. This year, I am so far behind. Nobody is pulling on me today, so I will head out to the dreaded mall. Uuggghh. I am no looking forward to this. The Baby will be coming home this weekend. The Boy has already transplanted himself. Joey getting settled in his new place and will join us some time on Christmas Eve. Jess will come in from OH on Christmas Eve as well. I think I only have a week. I'm trying not to look at the calendar.
The parking, the crowds, the media, the Santa line in the middle of the mall, confused people bumping into you, demonstrations taking up valuable walk space. I don't like the mall at any time, but during the holidays, it's the worse it can be. I am one of the few women out there who do not like to shop. If I need something, I get it. I'm not a window shopper or one to go through rack after rack, looking for just the right dress at just the right price. I have a friend that checks the ads every Sunday through the newspaper. She plans out which stores to hit, after cutting coupons and God forbid, if she misses the day after Thanksgiving or the day after Christmas. I admire her; she has guts. She said she would come with me today. Though I'd love to see her, I never shop with her. She makes me nuts.
Two years ago, The Boy and I went to NYC during the holidays. He had never been there, I had taken The Baby on a couple of trips there and I wanted to show him the big apple. I know the city well and wanted to show it to him. There's never enough time for everything up there, but his agenda is different from his sister's. We did a lot of Christmas shopping there that year. We ended up buying almost everything at Macy's! We have Macy's here! Although the windows are all dressed, the shopping is maddening during the holidays in NYC.
Well, here I go. If ya'll don't hear from me soon, call for help.
The parking, the crowds, the media, the Santa line in the middle of the mall, confused people bumping into you, demonstrations taking up valuable walk space. I don't like the mall at any time, but during the holidays, it's the worse it can be. I am one of the few women out there who do not like to shop. If I need something, I get it. I'm not a window shopper or one to go through rack after rack, looking for just the right dress at just the right price. I have a friend that checks the ads every Sunday through the newspaper. She plans out which stores to hit, after cutting coupons and God forbid, if she misses the day after Thanksgiving or the day after Christmas. I admire her; she has guts. She said she would come with me today. Though I'd love to see her, I never shop with her. She makes me nuts.
Two years ago, The Boy and I went to NYC during the holidays. He had never been there, I had taken The Baby on a couple of trips there and I wanted to show him the big apple. I know the city well and wanted to show it to him. There's never enough time for everything up there, but his agenda is different from his sister's. We did a lot of Christmas shopping there that year. We ended up buying almost everything at Macy's! We have Macy's here! Although the windows are all dressed, the shopping is maddening during the holidays in NYC.
Well, here I go. If ya'll don't hear from me soon, call for help.
Monday, December 17, 2007
What if . . . ?
A recent email to me from a friend had a long list of questions for me to answer. The point was to answer the questions honestly, then copy and paste to your other friends, all having the instructions to email back to the original sender as well. Your friends find out things about you that they never would have known.
So, here's the newest question. If you only had 24 hours to live and you knew it, what would you do? LOL! Why, oh, why am I getting this sent to me with so much on my mind this week.
I answered back that I would have a 22 hour party. The first hour I would prepare myself, so I looked presentable for the party. The last hour would be for the same primping hour - so I can depart looking good, and the funeral director wouldn't have too much work to do. LOL! She thought I was crazy!
She wrote me back and asked these questions.
"Who would be invited to THE PARTY!"
Anyone and everyone! Who cares? I'll be dead in a day, right?
"How would you pull it off?"
Send RT to the liquor store, would be a great start! Then, down to the wine cellar for those wines I've been saving for that special occasion.
"What would you wear?"
Who said I'd be wearing anything?
"Wouldn't you, of all people, pray?"
Maybe Reconciliation would be in order, but I'm sure I will be sinning at the party though. Maybe I should invite a priest to be on standby.
I finally got a little wary of her questions, so I called her and asked if she was planning on me dying. She laughed and said no, but was very intrigued by my party answer.
We both decided that a 22 hour party is in order, some time before we pass from this Earth. The conversation got a little more furtive, so I can't share the entire conversation with you, but it got crazy. LOL! With our forthcoming plans for "THE PARTY", we could invite a whole bunch of crazy ass people! She thought we could just tell the guests that one of us was dying. LOL! Then, the next day, we'd have to explain the "miracle" of why the dying one was alive.
It's good to start the day with this much fun and imagination. What a great break from my Christmas list.
So, here's the newest question. If you only had 24 hours to live and you knew it, what would you do? LOL! Why, oh, why am I getting this sent to me with so much on my mind this week.
I answered back that I would have a 22 hour party. The first hour I would prepare myself, so I looked presentable for the party. The last hour would be for the same primping hour - so I can depart looking good, and the funeral director wouldn't have too much work to do. LOL! She thought I was crazy!
She wrote me back and asked these questions.
"Who would be invited to THE PARTY!"
Anyone and everyone! Who cares? I'll be dead in a day, right?
"How would you pull it off?"
Send RT to the liquor store, would be a great start! Then, down to the wine cellar for those wines I've been saving for that special occasion.
"What would you wear?"
Who said I'd be wearing anything?
"Wouldn't you, of all people, pray?"
Maybe Reconciliation would be in order, but I'm sure I will be sinning at the party though. Maybe I should invite a priest to be on standby.
I finally got a little wary of her questions, so I called her and asked if she was planning on me dying. She laughed and said no, but was very intrigued by my party answer.
We both decided that a 22 hour party is in order, some time before we pass from this Earth. The conversation got a little more furtive, so I can't share the entire conversation with you, but it got crazy. LOL! With our forthcoming plans for "THE PARTY", we could invite a whole bunch of crazy ass people! She thought we could just tell the guests that one of us was dying. LOL! Then, the next day, we'd have to explain the "miracle" of why the dying one was alive.
It's good to start the day with this much fun and imagination. What a great break from my Christmas list.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
WHAT!!???
Today I learned about a new "sport". I had never heard of it before! It's called geocaching or letterboxing. With a GPS in hand, you find hidden "treasures" that people all over the world have buried! THE BURIER: You can go to a web site, log some kind of clues and general coordinates and bury your whatever in a disposable rubbermaid container or ziploc bag. Along with the so called treasure, you put in a log book and pen in the package. THE FINDER: You have your own log book and GPS and find this buried treasure, also using the clues from the web site. Sometimes you keep the treasure and sometimes you leave it behind for someone else to find it. You sign the log book that's buried and note in your log book. There are leagues and teams that you can join on the web. Yes, they travel all over the world to participate in this sport. WHAT!!!?????
Now I'm thinking that I should just read books - not the strange news on the web or newspapers any longer. This is now taking up valuable brain space and I will now forget something important, so I can now retain this new shit. OMG!
I don't think that it can technically be called a sport either. Is there a team that actually wins? Who thought up this game? Manufacturers of the GPS to sell more? Are they really that desperate? I'm really not lying about this! Quit laughing, Robert T! LOL!
When I travel (on vacation), I want to have my ass on a beach with a cute Pedro bringing me margaritas all day long, an afternoon nap or massage, then dinner and fun in the evening. I just can't imagine traveling to Zimbabwe, climbing a tall ridge, digging in the dirt and finding a coin that says "CHUCK E CHEESE GAME TOKEN" on it. LOL!
People think that I'm crazy - jeez!
Now I'm thinking that I should just read books - not the strange news on the web or newspapers any longer. This is now taking up valuable brain space and I will now forget something important, so I can now retain this new shit. OMG!
I don't think that it can technically be called a sport either. Is there a team that actually wins? Who thought up this game? Manufacturers of the GPS to sell more? Are they really that desperate? I'm really not lying about this! Quit laughing, Robert T! LOL!
When I travel (on vacation), I want to have my ass on a beach with a cute Pedro bringing me margaritas all day long, an afternoon nap or massage, then dinner and fun in the evening. I just can't imagine traveling to Zimbabwe, climbing a tall ridge, digging in the dirt and finding a coin that says "CHUCK E CHEESE GAME TOKEN" on it. LOL!
People think that I'm crazy - jeez!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
. . .the magic that you do . . .
"only you, can make this world seem right. only you, can make the darkness bright. only you, and you alone, can thrill me like you do. and fill my heart with love for only you."
wow! powerful words. i wonder if he meant it? that boy was really drunk or very much in love, eh? i wonder if the girl he wrote them for appreciated it? the warmth and tenderness of some people never shows, or possibly never exists in them. the 19 year old boy from omaha that went on a shooting spree before taking his own life, probably never experienced anything like the writer of this song. the emotions are at opposite ends of the spectrum. some people feel these words spiritually. some about another person. some people feel this way about their children. some have even felt it about more than one person at a time. but some don't feel it at all. i want to go out and fix them sometimes, but usually you can't do anything. it's a matter of free choice to open yourself up to receiving this kind of love. it sounds easy to us, because we have experienced it. it's worth the risk of hurt and pain. it's worth taking any kind of chance possible to feel that one magical moment of warmth. it's love.
"only you, can make this change in me. for it's true, you are my destiny. and when you hold my hand, i understand the magic that you do."
i think of the poor, as i receive many requests in the mail this time of year, asking for help. even in these societies, and in haiti, most of them have the feelings of the writer of the song. There are family units of a mother, father and children. some will go to drastic measures to help their families or walk for miles to Church. i've seen it. then there's our bro with his addiction. i'm sure he's never felt it. he's not in a 3rd world country, starving, homeless and without a job. so, it's obviously not oppression that keeps people from having loving relationships or dreams of tenderness.
i'm not sure what makes people feel this or not, other than not opening up to other humans. we all probably know someone that has never felt it. i know of two other people, in my family, that are selfish with their love and have refused to accept it when it's given to them by a number of people. this must be a sad time of year for them, as we speak of the Virgin tenderly wrapping her Baby in swaddling clothes to keep him warm from the dessert evening. Joseph standing close by watching in awe of his wife and new family. they had it and shared it, and thousands of years later, we all stand in reverence at the Baby in the manger, like Joseph must have on that cold night.
the most frustrating part of this season is not being able to help the people i know. it's an amazing gift of free will. i guess some people just don't know that it's a present in life. it's to be opened, used and shared. peering into their lives, life without it seems miserable. i can't imagine living without love.
"you're my dream come true, my one and only you."
wow! powerful words. i wonder if he meant it? that boy was really drunk or very much in love, eh? i wonder if the girl he wrote them for appreciated it? the warmth and tenderness of some people never shows, or possibly never exists in them. the 19 year old boy from omaha that went on a shooting spree before taking his own life, probably never experienced anything like the writer of this song. the emotions are at opposite ends of the spectrum. some people feel these words spiritually. some about another person. some people feel this way about their children. some have even felt it about more than one person at a time. but some don't feel it at all. i want to go out and fix them sometimes, but usually you can't do anything. it's a matter of free choice to open yourself up to receiving this kind of love. it sounds easy to us, because we have experienced it. it's worth the risk of hurt and pain. it's worth taking any kind of chance possible to feel that one magical moment of warmth. it's love.
"only you, can make this change in me. for it's true, you are my destiny. and when you hold my hand, i understand the magic that you do."
i think of the poor, as i receive many requests in the mail this time of year, asking for help. even in these societies, and in haiti, most of them have the feelings of the writer of the song. There are family units of a mother, father and children. some will go to drastic measures to help their families or walk for miles to Church. i've seen it. then there's our bro with his addiction. i'm sure he's never felt it. he's not in a 3rd world country, starving, homeless and without a job. so, it's obviously not oppression that keeps people from having loving relationships or dreams of tenderness.
i'm not sure what makes people feel this or not, other than not opening up to other humans. we all probably know someone that has never felt it. i know of two other people, in my family, that are selfish with their love and have refused to accept it when it's given to them by a number of people. this must be a sad time of year for them, as we speak of the Virgin tenderly wrapping her Baby in swaddling clothes to keep him warm from the dessert evening. Joseph standing close by watching in awe of his wife and new family. they had it and shared it, and thousands of years later, we all stand in reverence at the Baby in the manger, like Joseph must have on that cold night.
the most frustrating part of this season is not being able to help the people i know. it's an amazing gift of free will. i guess some people just don't know that it's a present in life. it's to be opened, used and shared. peering into their lives, life without it seems miserable. i can't imagine living without love.
"you're my dream come true, my one and only you."
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
First Impressions
The experts say that within the first three seconds of meeting someone, you are judged. That seems a bit quick to me. People are assessing one another in three seconds! It took longer to read this freakin paragraph!
It really doesn't seem fair, as there are some that just can not possibly make a good first impression. Homeless people come to mind. How often do we see an indigent person and think the worst? Or maybe we are slightly more compassionate and think, how the hell did you get yourself into this situation? Do we ever think that this person, at one time, was a cute little toddler at his mother's knees? Or that this person is someone's sibling, uncle, cousin, son or daughter? Do we ever think of the sadness or happiness that this person currently has in their lives? Do we ever think that this person has experiences and knowledge that could, possibly, be shared in the right forum or with the right person and make a difference in this world? Of course we don't.
For first impressions, it probably takes a little longer for a blind person. The body language, facial expressions, attractiveness/ugliness goes out the window for the blind, and they can only base their evaluation of what you say or smell like. Maybe we should all learn from them. They need a little more time and their hearing skills are more keen than ours. I realize it's human nature to judge so quickly, but we are supposed to be educated people. Maybe we should try to listen more intently, as the blind must have to do on a daily basis.
There is a man that I know that isn't getting a fair shake. His first impression with people is bad. I know there is a better word than "bad". It really quite sucks. He opens his mouth and pisses people off and he does it, sometimes, in less than three seconds! He is an educated man and maybe a little full of himself. I have seen him do it time and time again. LOL. Poor schlep! With only three seconds, he doesn't usually stand a chance.
In the past year, I have learned more about him and have given him a chance to express what he thinks and feels about certain situations. I have learned to like and respect this man a lot and love to give him shit, when I can, about how he expresses himself. He really is quite a compassionate person. I know that he has parents and family who care about him deeply and that he truly strives daily to do the best that he can. God made us all different. Three seconds is definitely not enough time for him. Three months may be a more fair time of assessment for him.
So if the blind leading the blind has any truth at all, I think I will let the blind lead. They "see" more than I do, especially in this type of situation. Mind you, I'm not going to smell him, but I will listen more and try not let the first three seconds dictate my decision of whether I like a person or not.
It really doesn't seem fair, as there are some that just can not possibly make a good first impression. Homeless people come to mind. How often do we see an indigent person and think the worst? Or maybe we are slightly more compassionate and think, how the hell did you get yourself into this situation? Do we ever think that this person, at one time, was a cute little toddler at his mother's knees? Or that this person is someone's sibling, uncle, cousin, son or daughter? Do we ever think of the sadness or happiness that this person currently has in their lives? Do we ever think that this person has experiences and knowledge that could, possibly, be shared in the right forum or with the right person and make a difference in this world? Of course we don't.
For first impressions, it probably takes a little longer for a blind person. The body language, facial expressions, attractiveness/ugliness goes out the window for the blind, and they can only base their evaluation of what you say or smell like. Maybe we should all learn from them. They need a little more time and their hearing skills are more keen than ours. I realize it's human nature to judge so quickly, but we are supposed to be educated people. Maybe we should try to listen more intently, as the blind must have to do on a daily basis.
There is a man that I know that isn't getting a fair shake. His first impression with people is bad. I know there is a better word than "bad". It really quite sucks. He opens his mouth and pisses people off and he does it, sometimes, in less than three seconds! He is an educated man and maybe a little full of himself. I have seen him do it time and time again. LOL. Poor schlep! With only three seconds, he doesn't usually stand a chance.
In the past year, I have learned more about him and have given him a chance to express what he thinks and feels about certain situations. I have learned to like and respect this man a lot and love to give him shit, when I can, about how he expresses himself. He really is quite a compassionate person. I know that he has parents and family who care about him deeply and that he truly strives daily to do the best that he can. God made us all different. Three seconds is definitely not enough time for him. Three months may be a more fair time of assessment for him.
So if the blind leading the blind has any truth at all, I think I will let the blind lead. They "see" more than I do, especially in this type of situation. Mind you, I'm not going to smell him, but I will listen more and try not let the first three seconds dictate my decision of whether I like a person or not.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Witchcraft, Stardust and That Ole Black Magic
I think I'm a music junkie. If I had to choose only one of the five senses, it would be hearing. I do most everything with music in the background, even at Mass. I can put a song as background for any life event. (The blogs of the kids moving out would have been Louis Prima's Pack Your Clothes. LOL!) I listen to various genres and artists and certainly appreciate talented musician of all types. As my bio states though, I am a huge sucker for a great guitarist, but also enjoy a large variety of different kinds of music. Placido Domingo is one of my favorite singers, but you have to be in the right mindset to listen to an hour of this type of music. It can be quite relaxing though. I can also listen to Alison Krauss, The Shins, Al Hirt's Dixieland, Jack Johnson, Zeppelin, Rosemary Clooney and Steve Miller, all in the same day. What a mix, eh?
Favorites are always hard to choose. Since I grew up with Rock & Roll, of course, I listen to a lot of rock. George H, EC, Beatles and Wilburys are always going to be my all time favorites. Growing up with a house full of six different musicians obviously had an influence on me. Having a father, who sat in on the drums with some of his old cronies, took me as a child to dark city taverns and old jazz musicians. These people and places smelled of smoke and gin. I heard some of the finest St. Louis local musicians of this genre at these gigs, while growing up in the 1960 - 1970s. Yes, I was a barfly from the age of eight to twelve.
One of the best that I can remember was a pianist by the name of Herb Drury. I'm not sure what ever became of him, as I have been away from STL for quite some time. I had never heard a pianist attempt AND SUCCEED at playing Take Five by Dave Brubeck, except for Mr. Drury. The tempo changes in this song a couple of times, and most musicians screw it up. He played, usually, with a man by the name of Jerry Cherry (I swear) that played a big stand up bass. I must have heard Mr. Drury play about 15 - 20 times and each and every time was more impressed and awe struck at this man's talents. I think he was an influence of piano playing to me personally, and I certainly thought about him many more times, when I sat down on the bench again as an adult. I was "born again" on the piano about 10 years ago and love playing, but can't stand when someone is listening or watching me. I usually play by myself! Crazy, but that's the way it is.
So the genre of music, I guess, depends what I feel like listening to at that given time. Of course, lately, it has been Christmas music. But even that has many genres: rock, country, jazz, classical, etc. I must say that some of the older music is lost or forgotten lately though. The jazz and blues of the 1920s-30s, especially when The Great Depression was over, and everyone began dancing and jumping again, glad to be alive and have a job again. The relieved people were so appreciative and the upbeat music reflects it. The blues, during the time of The Depression, is some of the most sad songs around. The blues are one of RT's favorite and he has been a huge influence on me appreciating the earlier blues recordings of these times. Clapton, as well, has resurrected some of these old blues tunes and brought them back to life on his recordings.
The swing and romance of the 1940s and early 1950s are also underestimated. Grateful that the big war was over, couples started dancing cheek to cheek. The romance and closeness was what helped us heal after the war. Then, the Baby Boom generation was born! Some of the best voices sang some of the sexiest lyrics during this time - some lyrics are downright risque and racy! And the best scat singers like Ella, Sarah, and Mel happened during this time too. I think they are all underestimated. (My "great American novel" that I am working on is based during this time period. NOTE TO SELF: I ought to spend more time on completing it instead of blogging.)
Some have tried to bring them back and I am fans of those artists too. Diane Schuur, Harry Connick, Jr., Michael Buble, Chris Botti (an amazing trumpet player), Diana Krall, Steve Tyrell, even Queen Latifah are a few of these artists and I purchase their CDs or make an iTunes purchase every time they put out a new recording.
So what got this rambling started was when I wanted to hear Sarah Vaughan's version of Stormy Weather. I clicked for the song on my iPod. I have 10 VERSION OF THIS SONG on my iPod! That's crazy, I thought. All equally as good, recorded at different times, but all great versions. I'm sure there are many more versions of this great song. The versions I have are: Lena Horne (of course), Etta James, Keely Smith, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, Tony Bennett, Jeff Lynn (yup, no kidding!) and Joni Mitchell (from an AT&T promotional recording from awhile back.) What a great song! I sat there and listened to all of them!
So a resurgence occurred within me with the music of the 40s. I turned off the Christmas music last night, and listened to Sarah, Ella, Frank, Tony, Nat, and Keely. The musicians backing them and the harmonies are astounding. It took me back to one of the few pleasant times of my childhood. I can smell the smoke and gin from here.
Favorites are always hard to choose. Since I grew up with Rock & Roll, of course, I listen to a lot of rock. George H, EC, Beatles and Wilburys are always going to be my all time favorites. Growing up with a house full of six different musicians obviously had an influence on me. Having a father, who sat in on the drums with some of his old cronies, took me as a child to dark city taverns and old jazz musicians. These people and places smelled of smoke and gin. I heard some of the finest St. Louis local musicians of this genre at these gigs, while growing up in the 1960 - 1970s. Yes, I was a barfly from the age of eight to twelve.
One of the best that I can remember was a pianist by the name of Herb Drury. I'm not sure what ever became of him, as I have been away from STL for quite some time. I had never heard a pianist attempt AND SUCCEED at playing Take Five by Dave Brubeck, except for Mr. Drury. The tempo changes in this song a couple of times, and most musicians screw it up. He played, usually, with a man by the name of Jerry Cherry (I swear) that played a big stand up bass. I must have heard Mr. Drury play about 15 - 20 times and each and every time was more impressed and awe struck at this man's talents. I think he was an influence of piano playing to me personally, and I certainly thought about him many more times, when I sat down on the bench again as an adult. I was "born again" on the piano about 10 years ago and love playing, but can't stand when someone is listening or watching me. I usually play by myself! Crazy, but that's the way it is.
So the genre of music, I guess, depends what I feel like listening to at that given time. Of course, lately, it has been Christmas music. But even that has many genres: rock, country, jazz, classical, etc. I must say that some of the older music is lost or forgotten lately though. The jazz and blues of the 1920s-30s, especially when The Great Depression was over, and everyone began dancing and jumping again, glad to be alive and have a job again. The relieved people were so appreciative and the upbeat music reflects it. The blues, during the time of The Depression, is some of the most sad songs around. The blues are one of RT's favorite and he has been a huge influence on me appreciating the earlier blues recordings of these times. Clapton, as well, has resurrected some of these old blues tunes and brought them back to life on his recordings.
The swing and romance of the 1940s and early 1950s are also underestimated. Grateful that the big war was over, couples started dancing cheek to cheek. The romance and closeness was what helped us heal after the war. Then, the Baby Boom generation was born! Some of the best voices sang some of the sexiest lyrics during this time - some lyrics are downright risque and racy! And the best scat singers like Ella, Sarah, and Mel happened during this time too. I think they are all underestimated. (My "great American novel" that I am working on is based during this time period. NOTE TO SELF: I ought to spend more time on completing it instead of blogging.)
Some have tried to bring them back and I am fans of those artists too. Diane Schuur, Harry Connick, Jr., Michael Buble, Chris Botti (an amazing trumpet player), Diana Krall, Steve Tyrell, even Queen Latifah are a few of these artists and I purchase their CDs or make an iTunes purchase every time they put out a new recording.
So what got this rambling started was when I wanted to hear Sarah Vaughan's version of Stormy Weather. I clicked for the song on my iPod. I have 10 VERSION OF THIS SONG on my iPod! That's crazy, I thought. All equally as good, recorded at different times, but all great versions. I'm sure there are many more versions of this great song. The versions I have are: Lena Horne (of course), Etta James, Keely Smith, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, Tony Bennett, Jeff Lynn (yup, no kidding!) and Joni Mitchell (from an AT&T promotional recording from awhile back.) What a great song! I sat there and listened to all of them!
So a resurgence occurred within me with the music of the 40s. I turned off the Christmas music last night, and listened to Sarah, Ella, Frank, Tony, Nat, and Keely. The musicians backing them and the harmonies are astounding. It took me back to one of the few pleasant times of my childhood. I can smell the smoke and gin from here.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Is there any intelligent life out there?
Someone recently asked me what color eyes I have. "Blue," I told her. She said that they looked a little greenish blue. Why ask me if you're going to argue the point? It's moot anyway. I have eyes to see what an ass you are.
Then, while watching the news, a so called "journalist" approaches a mother who just lost her boy in a drive by shooting. "How does this make you feel?" he asks. What a putz! How the hell do you think the mother feels? Do you really think she's going to say that she's glad he's gone! I turned the channel.
While waiting my turn for a cashier in this holiday madness, an attractive blonde young lady in front of me asked the cashier "Are these sizes the true sizes?" The clerk answered "Yes, I believe so." Try it on, Bimbo! If it fits, buy it! Hence, the blonde jokes.
Barbara Walters even did it tonight. She was interviewing President Chavez of Venezuela and said to him that there has been talk that he doesn't like Americans. She then asked him to please tell the American people how you REALLY feel about them. Stupid! Like he's going to say that he hates us all when he's put on the spot, knowing his words are going to be in millions of American households. Another blonde that has earned her stripes. Why not ask him "if you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?" She used to end all of her interviews with that question, until somebody that wasn't stupid told her that was stupid! LOL The list is endless with ole Baba Wawa, i.e. Rosie.
None of these type of people bother me too much. It's not good to waste time dwelling. But I think it is fun to laugh about these people. I can't tell you how many thousands of times in school I used to hear teachers say that there is no such thing as a dumb question. Wanna bet??? To any teachers reading this, quit saying that. It sounds stupid. LOL
I wonder if it was not enough oxygen at birth. Maybe they need attention and this is the way they receive it. Or it could be they're just a little stupid. I wonder how they got to work or the store. I'm sure they had to drive or take a bus. Either would require thinking - practical, logical thinking. I wonder if they can find their way back home.
I've done some stupid things too. I will constantly climb three freakin flights of stairs and forget what the hell I was suppose to be doing or retrieving. I go all the way back downstairs and, of course, before I hit the last step, I remember. Up I go again, usually cursing at myself.
I certainly understand and am more forgiving with mistakes, forgetfulness and accidents. Every one of us do these things. Those aren't stupid - just human nature. I'm not saying I am intelligent. I'm just not stupid.
I think we should bring back the Scarlet Letter, only make it an "S" for STUPID. LOL We could see these people a mile away and avoid them at all costs. Their cars should be marked too. And their children. LOL
So, how do we steer clear of stupid people. You can't, really. They just appear and interrupt your life. I think that's where a normal person came up with the word "dumbfounded". We found the dumb. But I found a few things that make me, and anyone else that witnesses a stupid person that's with me, put a big smile on our faces.
1. Without an explanation to them, take a picture of them with your cell phone camera.
2. Answer their stupid questions in a made up foreign language.
3. Say loudly, "Ew, do you smell that? Did you do that?"
4. Tell them there's a show with monkeys around the corner. Stupid people love to watch monkeys for hours at a time.
5. Get behind them and pretend to sneeze on them. They get totally disgusted.
All of these fine choices above will have the stupid person walking AWAY from you, instead of you from them. Under no circumstances should you be nice and begin a conversation with them. They may stay for hours! You'll get that bear trap feeling of wanting to chew your foot off to get away.
If you're a friend of mine and I see you talking to a stupid person, I'll walk away from the both of you. It's not that I don't care about you, it's just that you're kinder than I am. (And you were a little stupid for getting stuck.)
If you are insulted by this blog posting in any way, I just have one thing to say.
"AAA-CHOOO!"
Then, while watching the news, a so called "journalist" approaches a mother who just lost her boy in a drive by shooting. "How does this make you feel?" he asks. What a putz! How the hell do you think the mother feels? Do you really think she's going to say that she's glad he's gone! I turned the channel.
While waiting my turn for a cashier in this holiday madness, an attractive blonde young lady in front of me asked the cashier "Are these sizes the true sizes?" The clerk answered "Yes, I believe so." Try it on, Bimbo! If it fits, buy it! Hence, the blonde jokes.
Barbara Walters even did it tonight. She was interviewing President Chavez of Venezuela and said to him that there has been talk that he doesn't like Americans. She then asked him to please tell the American people how you REALLY feel about them. Stupid! Like he's going to say that he hates us all when he's put on the spot, knowing his words are going to be in millions of American households. Another blonde that has earned her stripes. Why not ask him "if you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?" She used to end all of her interviews with that question, until somebody that wasn't stupid told her that was stupid! LOL The list is endless with ole Baba Wawa, i.e. Rosie.
None of these type of people bother me too much. It's not good to waste time dwelling. But I think it is fun to laugh about these people. I can't tell you how many thousands of times in school I used to hear teachers say that there is no such thing as a dumb question. Wanna bet??? To any teachers reading this, quit saying that. It sounds stupid. LOL
I wonder if it was not enough oxygen at birth. Maybe they need attention and this is the way they receive it. Or it could be they're just a little stupid. I wonder how they got to work or the store. I'm sure they had to drive or take a bus. Either would require thinking - practical, logical thinking. I wonder if they can find their way back home.
I've done some stupid things too. I will constantly climb three freakin flights of stairs and forget what the hell I was suppose to be doing or retrieving. I go all the way back downstairs and, of course, before I hit the last step, I remember. Up I go again, usually cursing at myself.
I certainly understand and am more forgiving with mistakes, forgetfulness and accidents. Every one of us do these things. Those aren't stupid - just human nature. I'm not saying I am intelligent. I'm just not stupid.
I think we should bring back the Scarlet Letter, only make it an "S" for STUPID. LOL We could see these people a mile away and avoid them at all costs. Their cars should be marked too. And their children. LOL
So, how do we steer clear of stupid people. You can't, really. They just appear and interrupt your life. I think that's where a normal person came up with the word "dumbfounded". We found the dumb. But I found a few things that make me, and anyone else that witnesses a stupid person that's with me, put a big smile on our faces.
1. Without an explanation to them, take a picture of them with your cell phone camera.
2. Answer their stupid questions in a made up foreign language.
3. Say loudly, "Ew, do you smell that? Did you do that?"
4. Tell them there's a show with monkeys around the corner. Stupid people love to watch monkeys for hours at a time.
5. Get behind them and pretend to sneeze on them. They get totally disgusted.
All of these fine choices above will have the stupid person walking AWAY from you, instead of you from them. Under no circumstances should you be nice and begin a conversation with them. They may stay for hours! You'll get that bear trap feeling of wanting to chew your foot off to get away.
If you're a friend of mine and I see you talking to a stupid person, I'll walk away from the both of you. It's not that I don't care about you, it's just that you're kinder than I am. (And you were a little stupid for getting stuck.)
If you are insulted by this blog posting in any way, I just have one thing to say.
"AAA-CHOOO!"
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Fly, Little Chickies, Fly
So, I'm back, I think. Things were hectic for awhile there. All doctors called back; once again, I'm an unusual case. blah, blah, blah...
The circle of life is unfolding before our eyes. The Baby moved out - officially. Her old bedroom doesn't look the same any longer; mainly because it is now clean. All of her personality she had hanging on the walls in a gazillion different collages is now gone. She wants her shit at her new apartment. She's such a freakin pack rat @$!%$@! Today I spoke to her on the telephone and told her I had packed up everything, since she is ready to go through her cram session for finals. I also told her she needed a bigger apartment! She said she was going to weed out some of the old stuff that she had been carrying and storing all these years. I asked her why she didn't do that when she lived here! "I dunno" was her reply. The Boy moved out this past August and Joey is signing his first lease this weekend! WOOO HOOO! I told RT we need to collect the house keys from all of them and run around in our skivvies! LOL! Nothing like a little freedom in your own home, eh?
Since we all helped The Boy move, we all will help The Baby move. This is when I, the Mummie, put my foot down with the "family" thing. We all gather at the holidays and we all stop what we're doing when one of us needs help. We also found out that Jess will be in town on Christmas Eve. I wonder if this will be a Kodak moment in this house. Probably so. All four under one roof. That hasn't happened in quite awhile.
Another boring item is that we have decided after many, many years, what type of new flooring will be in the downstairs. Personally, I do not like carpet because I open the windows in the spring and fall. Pollen in the South is a deadly thick yellow blanket and once it gets in the carpet, you can't ever get it out completely with the vacuum. Each footstep on carpet is like a cloud of the pollen coming up. Since disposing of carpet, in the past two homes, my allergies are completely gone. I don't need my body fighting another thing.
We've decided on ceramic tile and the downstairs bath will be redone too. Since the floor and bathroom are from 1958, I imagine it's time for a small makeover. Our main concern were wet asses. LOL. Being on the lake, we have wet asses coming in and out all summer long. Carpet doesn't fair well with wet asses either.
I look at the kids with their first new homes and it's kind of fun to watch them. They want this and that and I just shake my head at them. Ideas of grandeur run through their minds on their tiny little bitty budgets. LOL! None of them have their own style yet. That's fun to watch too. And with The Boy's color blindness, that's even funnier! LOL! I imagine all three new homes will be filled with eclectic and impractical things that will have me scratching my head. Colors will be everywhere, especially with them shopping at every thrift store on the 55 mile stretch from here to Atlanta.
Ah, I remember my first digs in 1978. It was had avocado green shag carpeting and a bong on the coffee table. Peach crates that held the record albums, big ass speakers on the stereo that doubled for end tables on either side of the sofa, small hibachi on the balcony, a large Escher print over the sofa (which passed the time when the bong was in use). I also had a new puppy, Luigi, that crapped EVERYWHERE and ate my Slowhand album. I could actually take the puppy crap, but one of my EC albums? Little prick. It still stings after almost 30 years, probably because I still have the album.
I guess RT & I will sit here and await the dinner invitations that will never come. : ) I'm sure it will be up to me, at first, to get them all together, once they all get settled in. There will be final exams, Christmas and all the moving of boxes, then my hospital stint in January. I am thinking by February would be a good time for the mother hen to collect the chickies back into the nest for an evening. The Boy shares a birthday with George Harrison in February. Since I'm such a huge fan of GH's, The Boy thinks his birthday is extra special. Yes, February would be enough time for them to all be settled and actually WANT to come back for a visit.
And so the circle of life continues. Now we can watch from our comfortable and now clean home, in our undies. Life is good again.
The circle of life is unfolding before our eyes. The Baby moved out - officially. Her old bedroom doesn't look the same any longer; mainly because it is now clean. All of her personality she had hanging on the walls in a gazillion different collages is now gone. She wants her shit at her new apartment. She's such a freakin pack rat @$!%$@! Today I spoke to her on the telephone and told her I had packed up everything, since she is ready to go through her cram session for finals. I also told her she needed a bigger apartment! She said she was going to weed out some of the old stuff that she had been carrying and storing all these years. I asked her why she didn't do that when she lived here! "I dunno" was her reply. The Boy moved out this past August and Joey is signing his first lease this weekend! WOOO HOOO! I told RT we need to collect the house keys from all of them and run around in our skivvies! LOL! Nothing like a little freedom in your own home, eh?
Since we all helped The Boy move, we all will help The Baby move. This is when I, the Mummie, put my foot down with the "family" thing. We all gather at the holidays and we all stop what we're doing when one of us needs help. We also found out that Jess will be in town on Christmas Eve. I wonder if this will be a Kodak moment in this house. Probably so. All four under one roof. That hasn't happened in quite awhile.
Another boring item is that we have decided after many, many years, what type of new flooring will be in the downstairs. Personally, I do not like carpet because I open the windows in the spring and fall. Pollen in the South is a deadly thick yellow blanket and once it gets in the carpet, you can't ever get it out completely with the vacuum. Each footstep on carpet is like a cloud of the pollen coming up. Since disposing of carpet, in the past two homes, my allergies are completely gone. I don't need my body fighting another thing.
We've decided on ceramic tile and the downstairs bath will be redone too. Since the floor and bathroom are from 1958, I imagine it's time for a small makeover. Our main concern were wet asses. LOL. Being on the lake, we have wet asses coming in and out all summer long. Carpet doesn't fair well with wet asses either.
I look at the kids with their first new homes and it's kind of fun to watch them. They want this and that and I just shake my head at them. Ideas of grandeur run through their minds on their tiny little bitty budgets. LOL! None of them have their own style yet. That's fun to watch too. And with The Boy's color blindness, that's even funnier! LOL! I imagine all three new homes will be filled with eclectic and impractical things that will have me scratching my head. Colors will be everywhere, especially with them shopping at every thrift store on the 55 mile stretch from here to Atlanta.
Ah, I remember my first digs in 1978. It was had avocado green shag carpeting and a bong on the coffee table. Peach crates that held the record albums, big ass speakers on the stereo that doubled for end tables on either side of the sofa, small hibachi on the balcony, a large Escher print over the sofa (which passed the time when the bong was in use). I also had a new puppy, Luigi, that crapped EVERYWHERE and ate my Slowhand album. I could actually take the puppy crap, but one of my EC albums? Little prick. It still stings after almost 30 years, probably because I still have the album.
I guess RT & I will sit here and await the dinner invitations that will never come. : ) I'm sure it will be up to me, at first, to get them all together, once they all get settled in. There will be final exams, Christmas and all the moving of boxes, then my hospital stint in January. I am thinking by February would be a good time for the mother hen to collect the chickies back into the nest for an evening. The Boy shares a birthday with George Harrison in February. Since I'm such a huge fan of GH's, The Boy thinks his birthday is extra special. Yes, February would be enough time for them to all be settled and actually WANT to come back for a visit.
And so the circle of life continues. Now we can watch from our comfortable and now clean home, in our undies. Life is good again.
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