The recent declining health and illness of my father has put a magnifying glass upon my parents and all connecting relationships like never before. In a series of telephone calls between my brothers and I, we have conducted therapy/poker sessions. "I see your paternal disconnection and raise you mom's co-dependence." It's almost become a one-upmanship of scarred childhood memories. It's terribly sad but met with loving sarcasm, if there is such a thing. Sometimes it is just so absurd, that all you can do is laugh.
Have you ever watched Christopher Titus "Norman Rockwell is Bleeding"? That is a portrayal of my father. "The Anti-Dad" But his dad at least had cool cars.
Here is the thing about my folks. In two examples, I can clearly define their relationship:
My dad was recently transported to the hospital at 8 in the morning by ambulance. My mother calls, in snot and tears, and needs me to come down to take her to the hospital. While I am driving down (it's a 45 minute trip) my cell rings. It's my mother. "Do I have time to take shower?" she asks. Sure, mom, why not?
I am NOT making this up.
My dad had surgery. It was a major surgery as he had a perferation in his bowel. They kept him in a medically induced coma for a while as he was on a respirator. The nurse told my mom that while he was under, mom could still touch and talk to him and he would probably know that she was there. So, my mom took his hand and talked to him.
He took his hand away.
When the nurse looked at my mom with a puzzled glance, my mom says "Well, he never did like holding hands."
And that is the thing about my folks.
31 December 2007
The Barone Family
I have mentioned previously that the show "Everyone Loves Raymond" very closely parallels my own life. Just in case you've forgotten, or are a new reader, yes, my in-laws live next door. Both brother & sister in-law and parent in-laws. *Right* next door. Within visual and auditory range. Cannot swing a cat without hitting a relative around here. I have been intending to get a sign made "Welcome to the Compound, Don't Drink the Kool-aid" (you think I'm kidding.)
What was my point? Oh yeah...
The MG's brother is definitely Robert. It is shockingly accurate, from the demeanor to the downtrodden posture. My sister-in-law is mostly like Amy, she does everything right: cooks, cleans, sews. The MG is a smart version of Raymond. There are times that what Raymond is saying, I have actually heard come out of the MG's mouth.
The parents are strangely a blend of all our parents. Raymond's mother is a mixture of my mother and MG's mother. The acid-tongued but well-intentioned comments are my mother, the neurotic clingyness is MG's mother.
Raymond's Dad is a more verbal version of my dad. And their marriage is a mirror of my parents relationship (more on that in my next post) The only one left out of the equation is MG's dad. The only parallel is that Frank is constantly watching television and eating. Both of our fathers do that.
I think, I hope, that I am not Debra. I've always found her abrasive, even bitchy. Perhaps she is my evil twin.
I have heard Raymond mention in interviews that people comment to him regularly that it is as if he has peeked into our lives and put it on television. In my case, it couldn't been more true. I am still not wholly convinced that there aren't Everyone Loves Raymond spy cams installed in our house.
So, if you ever wonder what my regular, day-to-day life is like: watch television. There it is.
Now, I have to go get ready for the party next door. Where my s-i-l will have prepared all the food and my b-i-l will keep track of how many hands of poker his brother has won. While my f-i-l watches football and my m-i-l hovers.
What was my point? Oh yeah...
The MG's brother is definitely Robert. It is shockingly accurate, from the demeanor to the downtrodden posture. My sister-in-law is mostly like Amy, she does everything right: cooks, cleans, sews. The MG is a smart version of Raymond. There are times that what Raymond is saying, I have actually heard come out of the MG's mouth.
The parents are strangely a blend of all our parents. Raymond's mother is a mixture of my mother and MG's mother. The acid-tongued but well-intentioned comments are my mother, the neurotic clingyness is MG's mother.
Raymond's Dad is a more verbal version of my dad. And their marriage is a mirror of my parents relationship (more on that in my next post) The only one left out of the equation is MG's dad. The only parallel is that Frank is constantly watching television and eating. Both of our fathers do that.
I think, I hope, that I am not Debra. I've always found her abrasive, even bitchy. Perhaps she is my evil twin.
I have heard Raymond mention in interviews that people comment to him regularly that it is as if he has peeked into our lives and put it on television. In my case, it couldn't been more true. I am still not wholly convinced that there aren't Everyone Loves Raymond spy cams installed in our house.
So, if you ever wonder what my regular, day-to-day life is like: watch television. There it is.
Now, I have to go get ready for the party next door. Where my s-i-l will have prepared all the food and my b-i-l will keep track of how many hands of poker his brother has won. While my f-i-l watches football and my m-i-l hovers.
Poker - BlackJack - Crib
We are playing cards tonight, in celebration of the new year. Just a few friends and family, gathering together to win money away from one another. It's the spirit of the holidays.
The MG and I are easily bored. We're very well suited in that way, but we can be frustrating for everyone else.
The last time we played cards, we grew bored and began making up our own rules. Much like the game of "Cups" that Chandler played Joey on Friends. (perhaps my fave episode, ever)
Much to my b-i-l's consternation, we developed Poker-Blackjack-Crib. We are each dealt 5 cards and whoever can make the best hand out of the three games listed, wins. Of course, this isn't always possible, so it is sometimes settled by paper, rock , scissors or whomever shouts the loudest. (usually MG)
So, give it a try. Don't get bogged own in the rules...make 'em up as you go along. It's so much more fun that way!
The MG and I are easily bored. We're very well suited in that way, but we can be frustrating for everyone else.
The last time we played cards, we grew bored and began making up our own rules. Much like the game of "Cups" that Chandler played Joey on Friends. (perhaps my fave episode, ever)
Much to my b-i-l's consternation, we developed Poker-Blackjack-Crib. We are each dealt 5 cards and whoever can make the best hand out of the three games listed, wins. Of course, this isn't always possible, so it is sometimes settled by paper, rock , scissors or whomever shouts the loudest. (usually MG)
So, give it a try. Don't get bogged own in the rules...make 'em up as you go along. It's so much more fun that way!
Thieving Bastards
So, I am addicted to magazines. I have a huge pile of them, usually. The essentials: People and Entertainment Weekly, the grown-ups: Time and Newsweek and the fill-ins: Ladies Home Journal, Redbook, etc. Lately, I've been branching out: Vanity Fair, Domino, Home. Next to receiving a book in the mail. there's nothing better for me than to glimpse a new magazine patiently waiting for me in the mailbox.
The Mad Genius also gets magazines, boy stuff mostly: National Dragster, Maxim, all the car magazines, National Geographic.
So, we are always getting subscription notices. I have to admit, I am not the best at keeping track of them. Mostly because we get so many and so often. By accident one time, I let a subscription "lapse". I got a cancellation notice but the mailing label on the magazine stated two years in advance subscription.
(Do you know where to find that? On the mailing label, on the upper right hand corner. It should read something like "DEC 08")
Well, this is accurate only if paid in full. If you've simply ordered the magazine but not paid, it's isn't accurate. And also, you are usually subscribed for six months in advance, meaning there is a strange little grace period that I haven't quite figured out yet.
But the reason this is titled "Thieving Bastards" is this:
I went online today to attempt to determine which subscription is due & when for the MG's magazines. Usually, they are about $20 yearly. Imagine my shock and surprise and irritation, when I discover that if I order them online, they're half-price. And it's not a "Special Offer", it's the regular subscription. We've been paying the old subscription rates and *Gasp* they didn't offer us the lower available rates! Thieving Bastards.
So, I've let the "mail-in" subscription lapse and have ordered two years for the price of one online.
Check it out. Don't get ripped off like we did.
Also, if you belong to an organization or business of any kind, you may be eligible for "commercial rates" I ordered a subscription through the school I used to work at and got the magazine at a significantly lower rate. Just make sure that you're ordering through the actual publishing company and not a clearing house. You have to be careful!
Now that I've saved $20, I should be able to subscribe to two more magazines...I must search...
Oh, one caveat: Oprah's Magazine is apparently printed with ink derived from extinct mammals because her magazine is EXPENSIVE. And she graces every cover. If you can get over that, it's not a bad magazine, otherwise borrow it from the library.
Oh, and one more thing: I am trying to reduce my carbon footprint so I do recycle the magazines. I also donate them to different organizations. Someone is always looking for magazines: senior centers, preschools (for cutting out pictures, so no Cosmo or Maxim!)
libraries, etc. Even Value Village will accept magazines now. Just make sure you've taken off the mailing label.
This ends my rant about Thieving Bastards. You may resume your regular activities now.
The Mad Genius also gets magazines, boy stuff mostly: National Dragster, Maxim, all the car magazines, National Geographic.
So, we are always getting subscription notices. I have to admit, I am not the best at keeping track of them. Mostly because we get so many and so often. By accident one time, I let a subscription "lapse". I got a cancellation notice but the mailing label on the magazine stated two years in advance subscription.
(Do you know where to find that? On the mailing label, on the upper right hand corner. It should read something like "DEC 08")
Well, this is accurate only if paid in full. If you've simply ordered the magazine but not paid, it's isn't accurate. And also, you are usually subscribed for six months in advance, meaning there is a strange little grace period that I haven't quite figured out yet.
But the reason this is titled "Thieving Bastards" is this:
I went online today to attempt to determine which subscription is due & when for the MG's magazines. Usually, they are about $20 yearly. Imagine my shock and surprise and irritation, when I discover that if I order them online, they're half-price. And it's not a "Special Offer", it's the regular subscription. We've been paying the old subscription rates and *Gasp* they didn't offer us the lower available rates! Thieving Bastards.
So, I've let the "mail-in" subscription lapse and have ordered two years for the price of one online.
Check it out. Don't get ripped off like we did.
Also, if you belong to an organization or business of any kind, you may be eligible for "commercial rates" I ordered a subscription through the school I used to work at and got the magazine at a significantly lower rate. Just make sure that you're ordering through the actual publishing company and not a clearing house. You have to be careful!
Now that I've saved $20, I should be able to subscribe to two more magazines...I must search...
Oh, one caveat: Oprah's Magazine is apparently printed with ink derived from extinct mammals because her magazine is EXPENSIVE. And she graces every cover. If you can get over that, it's not a bad magazine, otherwise borrow it from the library.
Oh, and one more thing: I am trying to reduce my carbon footprint so I do recycle the magazines. I also donate them to different organizations. Someone is always looking for magazines: senior centers, preschools (for cutting out pictures, so no Cosmo or Maxim!)
libraries, etc. Even Value Village will accept magazines now. Just make sure you've taken off the mailing label.
This ends my rant about Thieving Bastards. You may resume your regular activities now.
28 December 2007
Addy
After, finishing our Christmas cards this year, I found myself flipping lovingly through our address book. This is the first address book the Mad Genius and I have had together. So, it's 17 years old. There are lots of scribbled out numbers, pen ink colors and business cards stapled inside. Some addresses are old, some people have passed or are just not a part of our lives anymore.
It's fun to browse nostalgicly (is that a word?)
I laughed when I saw "Jesse and Amy" Then saw that Amy's name was scratched out. They married young, went "on a break" (yes, Jesse actually used that phrase) and then split. Jesse lives in Vegas baby and Amy is long gone.
Or the grouchy, gruff old lady, Mrs. Gritz, that used to own our house. She would be amazed to see the property now.
My God how many times has "W" moved? How many names has "D" had? It's all listed there.
It made me sad to see names of people who have passed or simply faded out of our lives.
If you think about it, an address book is kind of like your life story. A journal of people you knew and places you've been.
Go look through yours...
It's fun to browse nostalgicly (is that a word?)
I laughed when I saw "Jesse and Amy" Then saw that Amy's name was scratched out. They married young, went "on a break" (yes, Jesse actually used that phrase) and then split. Jesse lives in Vegas baby and Amy is long gone.
Or the grouchy, gruff old lady, Mrs. Gritz, that used to own our house. She would be amazed to see the property now.
My God how many times has "W" moved? How many names has "D" had? It's all listed there.
It made me sad to see names of people who have passed or simply faded out of our lives.
If you think about it, an address book is kind of like your life story. A journal of people you knew and places you've been.
Go look through yours...
16 December 2007
What Would Bill Would Say?
In tribute to a friend that was lost to time and circumstance...
"What does your gut say?"
"Lock your door"
"Don't be so coy!"
"Fake it until it's true."
"Sometimes you just gotta cry."
" 'I don't know' is not an answer."
"What does your gut say?"
"Lock your door"
"Don't be so coy!"
"Fake it until it's true."
"Sometimes you just gotta cry."
" 'I don't know' is not an answer."
10 December 2007
Jesus Lived in the Closet
Okay, I find it very funny that as I typed that sentence, my computer whigged out....
Many years ago, while shopping for a present for the Mad Geniuses mother, the MG saw a picture that I swear he said he liked. So I bought it for him. It turns out that he didn't say he liked it. Hmm, welll, now what? It wasn't my taste but I had to admit it was a beautiful picture. So, I put it up anyway.
It was a picture of Jesus hugging a man and it had a caption about being accepted wholeheartedly.
When we moved into the Malibu Barbie Dream House, the picture no longer matched anything and I didn't want to put it up "just because" So, with a small twinge of guilt, I stored Jesus in the closet.
On a recent cleaning binge, I took Jesus out and decided to donate him to the church that is across the alley from my work. As Jesus waited patiently for me to actually remember to put him in the truck, the MG noticed and asked where he was going. I explained that I was donating him to church because I didn't want it anymore.
MG fairly choked. "I have been living the life of Job because you've kept Jesus in the closet because he DOESN'T MATCH!?"
Although I laughed, I did feel another little twinge of guilt. I must admit. But I promised MG that Jesus would be much happier at the church than he would be with us. And made darn certain that I didn't forget the picture again.
The next morning, I dropped him off with one of the church ladies. It was kind of awkward to explain to her the story but I went with the truth. I told her that MG was teasing me that I was a heathen. She kindly patted me on the hand "I think you're going to be all right."
Many years ago, while shopping for a present for the Mad Geniuses mother, the MG saw a picture that I swear he said he liked. So I bought it for him. It turns out that he didn't say he liked it. Hmm, welll, now what? It wasn't my taste but I had to admit it was a beautiful picture. So, I put it up anyway.
It was a picture of Jesus hugging a man and it had a caption about being accepted wholeheartedly.
When we moved into the Malibu Barbie Dream House, the picture no longer matched anything and I didn't want to put it up "just because" So, with a small twinge of guilt, I stored Jesus in the closet.
On a recent cleaning binge, I took Jesus out and decided to donate him to the church that is across the alley from my work. As Jesus waited patiently for me to actually remember to put him in the truck, the MG noticed and asked where he was going. I explained that I was donating him to church because I didn't want it anymore.
MG fairly choked. "I have been living the life of Job because you've kept Jesus in the closet because he DOESN'T MATCH!?"
Although I laughed, I did feel another little twinge of guilt. I must admit. But I promised MG that Jesus would be much happier at the church than he would be with us. And made darn certain that I didn't forget the picture again.
The next morning, I dropped him off with one of the church ladies. It was kind of awkward to explain to her the story but I went with the truth. I told her that MG was teasing me that I was a heathen. She kindly patted me on the hand "I think you're going to be all right."
01.20.09
Not since I was 15 years old, have I wished for a year to pass quickly more.
Will someone (excuse me, Mr. Kennedy?) please sacrifice their career on the altar of all that's good and pure in this country and call for a fricking impeachment already? If nothing else, to show the rest of the world that we don't stand behind this Idiot King whose Daddy bought him a presidency.
But, I guess, we're just stuck white-knuckling it through the next year.
01.20.09..... I've always wanted a tattoo. This very well may be it.
Will someone (excuse me, Mr. Kennedy?) please sacrifice their career on the altar of all that's good and pure in this country and call for a fricking impeachment already? If nothing else, to show the rest of the world that we don't stand behind this Idiot King whose Daddy bought him a presidency.
But, I guess, we're just stuck white-knuckling it through the next year.
01.20.09..... I've always wanted a tattoo. This very well may be it.
Computer Wizard
I am not a computer geek. Most of what I've learned is from trial and error. There's been a lot of "hmm, I wonder what this button does?" in my learning.
In fact, I was taught computers in high school, WAY back in 1987. Along side of my bff at the time on a Commodore 64. Back in the "RUN" days. Thank God it's easier now. Or is it?
My new computer (Thanks, Gerry the Computer Dude!) had suddenly bogged down while using the internet and slowly as I used my email as well. As I am one of the ten people in the US that still has dial-up: this was incredibly frustrating.
So, I did all the tweaks I knew how and then wandered out into the vast world of search engines.
I am a search engine rebel, I don't use the Google. I heard that gasp, it's true: I don't use the Google. I use Dogpile, I like it much better and have had better luck with it.
I found something interesting: "10 Simple Ways to Speed up Windows XP" A clever girl would have the link for you but I didn't think that far ahead. You are smart beings, I am sure you can find it if you wish. It was fairly easy and it did seem to help the computer.
The other piece of information that I learned is that a person only needs three programs on their computer and sshhh, little known secret: (to me at least) they're all free. FREE I say!
AVG Antivirus. Spybot and CCleaner. These programs have made me into such a better computer owner. LOVE that!
And I have to admit it, I have to honor my inner computer geek: I love download.com. There, I said it. I feel better now.
I also discovered something I had been told before but failed to truly realize and appreciate: you don't have to use IE! There's another option! I know! The overall cure of my internet woes laid in the hands of Mozilla. It fixed my internet! All is right again in Whooville.
So, there is the complete edition of my limited knowledge of computer stuff. It may be "DUH" to some people but perhaps it's not to others. In the spirit of Christmas, I am sharing my new knowledge.
And can I just say that the new spell-check option on Blogger is a godsend? I usually cut and paste my blogs, one of the things that thwarts my regular postings. Ooops, did I just say that aloud? Sh*t, now I don't have an excuse. Oh well...
In fact, I was taught computers in high school, WAY back in 1987. Along side of my bff at the time on a Commodore 64. Back in the "RUN" days. Thank God it's easier now. Or is it?
My new computer (Thanks, Gerry the Computer Dude!) had suddenly bogged down while using the internet and slowly as I used my email as well. As I am one of the ten people in the US that still has dial-up: this was incredibly frustrating.
So, I did all the tweaks I knew how and then wandered out into the vast world of search engines.
I am a search engine rebel, I don't use the Google. I heard that gasp, it's true: I don't use the Google. I use Dogpile, I like it much better and have had better luck with it.
I found something interesting: "10 Simple Ways to Speed up Windows XP" A clever girl would have the link for you but I didn't think that far ahead. You are smart beings, I am sure you can find it if you wish. It was fairly easy and it did seem to help the computer.
The other piece of information that I learned is that a person only needs three programs on their computer and sshhh, little known secret: (to me at least) they're all free. FREE I say!
AVG Antivirus. Spybot and CCleaner. These programs have made me into such a better computer owner. LOVE that!
And I have to admit it, I have to honor my inner computer geek: I love download.com. There, I said it. I feel better now.
I also discovered something I had been told before but failed to truly realize and appreciate: you don't have to use IE! There's another option! I know! The overall cure of my internet woes laid in the hands of Mozilla. It fixed my internet! All is right again in Whooville.
So, there is the complete edition of my limited knowledge of computer stuff. It may be "DUH" to some people but perhaps it's not to others. In the spirit of Christmas, I am sharing my new knowledge.
And can I just say that the new spell-check option on Blogger is a godsend? I usually cut and paste my blogs, one of the things that thwarts my regular postings. Ooops, did I just say that aloud? Sh*t, now I don't have an excuse. Oh well...
Flurries
Allo poppets! It is, at long last, me again. Once again, I have been caught up in the whirlwind of life and for a moment, it has spat me back out so that I can concentrate for one quick moment at the computer.
There was been snow over the past seven days, nothing that exciting, actually it's the perfect kind of snow: enough to make everything pretty but not enough to keep everyone at home.
And like the snow, I will post in my usual style: in a flurry of small posts.
Thank you, as always, for your patience. And on we go...
There was been snow over the past seven days, nothing that exciting, actually it's the perfect kind of snow: enough to make everything pretty but not enough to keep everyone at home.
And like the snow, I will post in my usual style: in a flurry of small posts.
Thank you, as always, for your patience. And on we go...
11 November 2007
Viva Las Vegas!
We just returned from Vegas Baby! I really wasn't that interested in going but after staying behind three years running, I decided to go. I LOVED IT. I sooo want to go back and I wasn't ready to come home! We didn’t get to see quite everything that I wanted to see but we experienced lots. I figured I would break it down by day:
Thursday:
We were in Vegas at noon. Glorious sun and heat! We left rain and cold in Seattle, of course. We picked up the rental car and headed down the Strip to our hotel, which is at the opposite end of the Strip. This was great because we got to see everything right away. It’s not as garish in the daylight but it’s not as enchanting as well. Some of the hotels are just as beautiful in the daylight: The Venetian, the Bellagio, Paris, and New York New York. We stayed at the Stratosphere, which is Space Needle-like.
We drove the entire Strip, checked in and took a nap. Then we went to the top of the Stratosphere to see Las Vegas. It is impressive during the day as it is at night. During the day, you really realize how far up you are. During the night, the lights are amazing! I would have never guessed that Vegas was that large of a city.
There are rides on top of the tower that are mind boggling. I didn’t do any of them. In fact, I was scared just WATCHING them. They were definitely in the “No Fucking Way” category.
Here is a link and you can click on the right side to see the rides. Be sure to click on “See Image” to see an actual picture of the ride. TERRIFYING.
http://www.stratospherehotel.com/attractions.html
Then we took a cab down to the Mandalay Bay, which ist the other end of the Strip. (this is important to remember)
This hotel has a Shark Reef Aquarium. It is amazing. The sharks literally swim right past your nose. You can walk underneath their tank and see them swim above you. AMAZING.
Then we went to the Harley Davidson Café, not necessarily because it was on our list of things to do but because it was close and we were hugnry. Lots of comfort food, but expensive.
See virtual tour here: http://www.harley-davidsoncafe.com/
After dinner, we decide to walk a bit to see the town. We walked up one side of the Strip, looked at everything as we went. Las Vegas has overhead walkways so that you don’t have to risk your life crossing the street. These also allow you to see more. Pretty darn cool. We didn’t go into any of the casinos or hotels but did walk through their entrances if they caught our eye.
Well, it turns out we walked the entire Strip. Just under FIVE MILES. I know!
Remarkably, it didn’t feel like five miles. I think it’s because everything is so interesting to look at and everything is so energized.
Once we got back to the motel, we crashed. We did have friends there but their flight was late, go figure.
Friday:
We had breakfast with our friends in the casino buffet. I am not a big fan of buffets, one would think I would be but nope. I want someone to bring me my food. Also, I don’t eat lots so it’s a waste most of the time. We couldn’t coordinate going on the Hoover Dam tour so we decided to drive out to Red Rocks Canyon instead. The drive allowed us to see more of Las Vegas, more of the desert and time to just chill. Our friends were in the other SUV and we followed them, not without getting lost of course.
We went back to the hotel because we had tickets to see a show at the Excalibur Hotel, Tournament of Kings. It was a jousting competition and Medieval dinner. I wanted to copy and paste the picture, because it was the Prince we cheered for. (you are assigned a country to cheer for) but I couldn’t.
They give you ceramic steins to keep and you have to use them to cheer when prompted. Here is the link to the page. It’s nothing at all but at least you get to see our prince! http://www.excalibur.com/entertainment/tournament_of_kings.aspx
After dinner, we went down to Fremont, which is old Vegas. It’s AMAZING. They have the old neon signs up and lots of kiosks and stores. There is also a laser show that runs every hour on the hour. This was more family friendly and also seemed to be more for the locals. We saw much more humanity here, always entertaining.
After this show, we went to Margaritaville. It’s just a bar but they have these margarita pump pots that they set on your table. 2 liters of margaritas. There was also a live band. This experience showed us just how old we are. (:-D
Saturday was Boys Day. We went to the Las Vegas Motorspeedway to watch our friends race. This is where MG was a crew chief last year. He’s so glad that he wasn’t one this year. Our friends did really well!
I only lasted half the day because I was too tired. I took the rental back to the hotel and T and I went upstairs in the Strat (as the locals call it…haha) to shop. I tell you, they slap the words “Las Vegas” on everything! I didn’t buy much of anything, other than postcards of course! Then I returned to the room to take a rest.
One of the most interesting things about Las Vegas was that the hotel had a tourism channel, which played nothing but A&E, Discovery, and History Channel documentaries about Las Vegas! It was Very Interesting! The history of Vegas, etc. I loved it!
The Mad Genius came “home” late and we ate downstairs at “Roxy’s” which was a 50’s café, featuring singing waiters! There was a woman (customer) in her late sixties, singing and chasing the waiter as he sung. They ended up dancing on the table! Then the deejay played the Chicken Dance for two little girls and the waiters danced with them. It was too cute! He also played Johnny Horton “North to Alaska”, he wore a beat up hat and held a pony stick. Too funny. Here is the link: http://www.stratospherehotel.com/roxys_diner.html
Sunday:
Sunday I slept in while the Mad Genius went to the buffet and then off to the races we went. T stayed at the hotel. I promised to come back in the afternoon and take her to the Venetian to see the canal. As luck would have it, all of our friends did really well. I stayed until just the start of the semi-finals and then left.
I drove down to the Venetian. Getting around Vegas was easy and our rental was nice. (A Suzuki SUV)
The Venetian was AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL! As luck would have it, I didn’t take my camera, *head slap* The gondoliers are opera singers! Beautiful! Also, there are human statues to see.
It is a high-end hotel with shops all through. Designer stores and galleries. Some of the stuff we saw was incredible. Glass work for thousands of dollars! http://www.venetianhotel.com/TOUR.aspx# Definitely take the “tour”.
I went into one gallery because it had Snoopy paintings …
They were HUGE. This one was probably six foot by four foot. Bright colors, and I’m not sure the medium. They look almost like tempera paint and deflated balloons. It sounds garish, but they were cool. The salesperson approached us and said the above picture’s last bid was $2400. The person that does these creations is reportedly Charles Schulze’s best friend and he painted these during Charles’ final days, with Charles permission. It was a touching story, I hope it is true and not a sales technique.
The website is www.s2art.com I haven’t gone there yet so I have no idea what I’m sending you to.
I drove the Strip after we left the Venetian. We got to see and listen to part of Bellagio’s water fountains, Elvis music of course.
Here is the link to see the fountains… http://www.bellagio.com/amenities/fountains-of-bellagio.aspx
That night we went to Treasure Islands Pirate Show. It was very porn-y. There is a ship with siren maidens (I think they called them) Witch whores, essentially. They capture a sailor from another ship and the ship tries to retrieve him. They have a battle and the man ship sinks. It’s very over-done and the women are dressed like strippers. But the effects were cool. Here is the link…
http://www.treasureisland.com/ The Sirens of TI are pictured and you can watch a video of it.
Monday was a long day. We went on the Hoover Dam tour, which took allllllllllllllllllllllllllll day. We stood at the top of the dam and looked down…it’s really far. (:-D http://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/gallery/damviews.html
It took an hour to get there, then we spent two hours there, and then we had lunch at a buffet (my fave!) at a casino called Sam’s Town. It has a huge atrium with a fountain in the center with animatronic animals, which certainly needed refurbishing. Here is the virtual tour…http://www.samstownlv.com/vr_tours/index.cfm You want to see “Mystic Falls”.
We also stopped at Ethyl M’s Chocolates, which is M&M’s top shelf chocolates. Yum!
We returned to the hotel, took a nap, packed and were at the airport a little before 7 pm. Our flight was at 9:32 pm and was delayed 20 minutes. MG & I slept on the plane and again in the van. (his parents picked us up at SeaTac)
I really want to watch the movie Fools Rush In with Salma Hayek and Matthew Perry again. I think I’m going to this weekend. I even saw it on a poster at the Hoover Dam.
I loved the weather. It was 80 degrees but felt more low 70’s, which is perfect. My weather e-friend Scott said that it would be that way. I’m relieved, I was worried it would be HOT and I would be miserable. But I felt so good in that climate!!!
Okay. Now you’ve completed the tour of my vacation. We had so much fun! I really want to go again, I really wasn’t ready to come home yet.
I really really want to go again. I reccomend it even to people that don't gamble...we don't at all. There is too much to do!
We didnt' get to see the lions at the MGM Grand (a horribly ugly building)
Or ride the roller coaster at New York New York and the NASCAR Cafe.
Or do the NASCAR Experience at Las Vegas Motorspeedway.
I want to see the Las Vegas Sign Graveyard where they store the old casino signs.
We traveled through Boulder City, which looks like a cool town to walk through. It's on my list of things to go back and look.
We also need to take at least one full day to drive/fly to the Grand Canyon. I've decided that I want to try to do the Skywalk.
And would you believe that we didn't see one single Elvis while we were there?! I feel robbed! It was on my list of things to do!
We also momentarily considered getting remarried at the the Little White Chapel, just for fun.
When I figure out how to post pictures, I wll do so. This post was so much more cool with the pictures.
Thursday:
We were in Vegas at noon. Glorious sun and heat! We left rain and cold in Seattle, of course. We picked up the rental car and headed down the Strip to our hotel, which is at the opposite end of the Strip. This was great because we got to see everything right away. It’s not as garish in the daylight but it’s not as enchanting as well. Some of the hotels are just as beautiful in the daylight: The Venetian, the Bellagio, Paris, and New York New York. We stayed at the Stratosphere, which is Space Needle-like.
We drove the entire Strip, checked in and took a nap. Then we went to the top of the Stratosphere to see Las Vegas. It is impressive during the day as it is at night. During the day, you really realize how far up you are. During the night, the lights are amazing! I would have never guessed that Vegas was that large of a city.
There are rides on top of the tower that are mind boggling. I didn’t do any of them. In fact, I was scared just WATCHING them. They were definitely in the “No Fucking Way” category.
Here is a link and you can click on the right side to see the rides. Be sure to click on “See Image” to see an actual picture of the ride. TERRIFYING.
http://www.stratospherehotel.com/attractions.html
Then we took a cab down to the Mandalay Bay, which ist the other end of the Strip. (this is important to remember)
This hotel has a Shark Reef Aquarium. It is amazing. The sharks literally swim right past your nose. You can walk underneath their tank and see them swim above you. AMAZING.
Then we went to the Harley Davidson Café, not necessarily because it was on our list of things to do but because it was close and we were hugnry. Lots of comfort food, but expensive.
See virtual tour here: http://www.harley-davidsoncafe.com/
After dinner, we decide to walk a bit to see the town. We walked up one side of the Strip, looked at everything as we went. Las Vegas has overhead walkways so that you don’t have to risk your life crossing the street. These also allow you to see more. Pretty darn cool. We didn’t go into any of the casinos or hotels but did walk through their entrances if they caught our eye.
Well, it turns out we walked the entire Strip. Just under FIVE MILES. I know!
Remarkably, it didn’t feel like five miles. I think it’s because everything is so interesting to look at and everything is so energized.
Once we got back to the motel, we crashed. We did have friends there but their flight was late, go figure.
Friday:
We had breakfast with our friends in the casino buffet. I am not a big fan of buffets, one would think I would be but nope. I want someone to bring me my food. Also, I don’t eat lots so it’s a waste most of the time. We couldn’t coordinate going on the Hoover Dam tour so we decided to drive out to Red Rocks Canyon instead. The drive allowed us to see more of Las Vegas, more of the desert and time to just chill. Our friends were in the other SUV and we followed them, not without getting lost of course.
We went back to the hotel because we had tickets to see a show at the Excalibur Hotel, Tournament of Kings. It was a jousting competition and Medieval dinner. I wanted to copy and paste the picture, because it was the Prince we cheered for. (you are assigned a country to cheer for) but I couldn’t.
They give you ceramic steins to keep and you have to use them to cheer when prompted. Here is the link to the page. It’s nothing at all but at least you get to see our prince! http://www.excalibur.com/entertainment/tournament_of_kings.aspx
After dinner, we went down to Fremont, which is old Vegas. It’s AMAZING. They have the old neon signs up and lots of kiosks and stores. There is also a laser show that runs every hour on the hour. This was more family friendly and also seemed to be more for the locals. We saw much more humanity here, always entertaining.
After this show, we went to Margaritaville. It’s just a bar but they have these margarita pump pots that they set on your table. 2 liters of margaritas. There was also a live band. This experience showed us just how old we are. (:-D
Saturday was Boys Day. We went to the Las Vegas Motorspeedway to watch our friends race. This is where MG was a crew chief last year. He’s so glad that he wasn’t one this year. Our friends did really well!
I only lasted half the day because I was too tired. I took the rental back to the hotel and T and I went upstairs in the Strat (as the locals call it…haha) to shop. I tell you, they slap the words “Las Vegas” on everything! I didn’t buy much of anything, other than postcards of course! Then I returned to the room to take a rest.
One of the most interesting things about Las Vegas was that the hotel had a tourism channel, which played nothing but A&E, Discovery, and History Channel documentaries about Las Vegas! It was Very Interesting! The history of Vegas, etc. I loved it!
The Mad Genius came “home” late and we ate downstairs at “Roxy’s” which was a 50’s café, featuring singing waiters! There was a woman (customer) in her late sixties, singing and chasing the waiter as he sung. They ended up dancing on the table! Then the deejay played the Chicken Dance for two little girls and the waiters danced with them. It was too cute! He also played Johnny Horton “North to Alaska”, he wore a beat up hat and held a pony stick. Too funny. Here is the link: http://www.stratospherehotel.com/roxys_diner.html
Sunday:
Sunday I slept in while the Mad Genius went to the buffet and then off to the races we went. T stayed at the hotel. I promised to come back in the afternoon and take her to the Venetian to see the canal. As luck would have it, all of our friends did really well. I stayed until just the start of the semi-finals and then left.
I drove down to the Venetian. Getting around Vegas was easy and our rental was nice. (A Suzuki SUV)
The Venetian was AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL! As luck would have it, I didn’t take my camera, *head slap* The gondoliers are opera singers! Beautiful! Also, there are human statues to see.
It is a high-end hotel with shops all through. Designer stores and galleries. Some of the stuff we saw was incredible. Glass work for thousands of dollars! http://www.venetianhotel.com/TOUR.aspx# Definitely take the “tour”.
I went into one gallery because it had Snoopy paintings …
They were HUGE. This one was probably six foot by four foot. Bright colors, and I’m not sure the medium. They look almost like tempera paint and deflated balloons. It sounds garish, but they were cool. The salesperson approached us and said the above picture’s last bid was $2400. The person that does these creations is reportedly Charles Schulze’s best friend and he painted these during Charles’ final days, with Charles permission. It was a touching story, I hope it is true and not a sales technique.
The website is www.s2art.com I haven’t gone there yet so I have no idea what I’m sending you to.
I drove the Strip after we left the Venetian. We got to see and listen to part of Bellagio’s water fountains, Elvis music of course.
Here is the link to see the fountains… http://www.bellagio.com/amenities/fountains-of-bellagio.aspx
That night we went to Treasure Islands Pirate Show. It was very porn-y. There is a ship with siren maidens (I think they called them) Witch whores, essentially. They capture a sailor from another ship and the ship tries to retrieve him. They have a battle and the man ship sinks. It’s very over-done and the women are dressed like strippers. But the effects were cool. Here is the link…
http://www.treasureisland.com/ The Sirens of TI are pictured and you can watch a video of it.
Monday was a long day. We went on the Hoover Dam tour, which took allllllllllllllllllllllllllll day. We stood at the top of the dam and looked down…it’s really far. (:-D http://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/gallery/damviews.html
It took an hour to get there, then we spent two hours there, and then we had lunch at a buffet (my fave!) at a casino called Sam’s Town. It has a huge atrium with a fountain in the center with animatronic animals, which certainly needed refurbishing. Here is the virtual tour…http://www.samstownlv.com/vr_tours/index.cfm You want to see “Mystic Falls”.
We also stopped at Ethyl M’s Chocolates, which is M&M’s top shelf chocolates. Yum!
We returned to the hotel, took a nap, packed and were at the airport a little before 7 pm. Our flight was at 9:32 pm and was delayed 20 minutes. MG & I slept on the plane and again in the van. (his parents picked us up at SeaTac)
I really want to watch the movie Fools Rush In with Salma Hayek and Matthew Perry again. I think I’m going to this weekend. I even saw it on a poster at the Hoover Dam.
I loved the weather. It was 80 degrees but felt more low 70’s, which is perfect. My weather e-friend Scott said that it would be that way. I’m relieved, I was worried it would be HOT and I would be miserable. But I felt so good in that climate!!!
Okay. Now you’ve completed the tour of my vacation. We had so much fun! I really want to go again, I really wasn’t ready to come home yet.
I really really want to go again. I reccomend it even to people that don't gamble...we don't at all. There is too much to do!
We didnt' get to see the lions at the MGM Grand (a horribly ugly building)
Or ride the roller coaster at New York New York and the NASCAR Cafe.
Or do the NASCAR Experience at Las Vegas Motorspeedway.
I want to see the Las Vegas Sign Graveyard where they store the old casino signs.
We traveled through Boulder City, which looks like a cool town to walk through. It's on my list of things to go back and look.
We also need to take at least one full day to drive/fly to the Grand Canyon. I've decided that I want to try to do the Skywalk.
And would you believe that we didn't see one single Elvis while we were there?! I feel robbed! It was on my list of things to do!
We also momentarily considered getting remarried at the the Little White Chapel, just for fun.
When I figure out how to post pictures, I wll do so. This post was so much more cool with the pictures.
Happy Freaking Thanksgiving
I am Chandler Bing. If you don’t know who Chandler Bing is then stop reading, as we can’t be friends anymore.
I don’t like Thanksgiving. It’s not my favorite holiday, at all. It’s not even in the running. No consideration whatsoever. I have no thanks for Thanksgiving.
We “celebrate” (the quotation marks are for sarcastic measure and will be a theme) Thanksgiving twice. Once in the early afternoon and once in the late afternoon. Yes, I am aware that the math doesn’t make sense in that sentence. Welcome to my life.
The first “celebration” is with the in-laws. This, one would think, would be easy as they all live here. Well, except that we all gather in one house with not nearly enough seating and it is approximately 5000 degrees in said house.
Every once in awhile to add to the fun, my m-i-l will invite random aunts or cousins.
Also, add in that the sister-in-law invites her sister and brother, both of which are probably featured in at least one episode of COPS. So, not only do we “celebrate” twice, we “celebrate” with people we don’t like and would never associate with. Yea, yea for us.
Oh, have I mentioned not enough seating? Yeah. This is a problem. My nephew-in-law ALWAYS stretches out in one of the recliners and falls asleep. While I admire the coping technique of sleeping through the holiday, get your 25-year-old ass (I mean this literally and figuratively) out of the chair and let one of the adults sit down. (And I am talking about my father-in-law, not myself. I sit at the kitchen table and read the paper or play Solitaire with actual cards.)
Then as if that’s not enough, let’s mention the loser nephew: The Jon Lovitz perpetual liar of the family. He stretches out in the middle of the floor and sleeps. This, I find immensely rude and irritating, and I must admit I laugh with sadistic glee when my grand-nephew either jumps on him or shrieks a sound only four-year-olds can emit.
Although, conversely, if he’s sleeping, we don’t have to listen to his bullshit stories of how he is a semi-pro football player or is going to fight in a MMA fight.
Dinner is always late, there is always way too much food, and the cook is always grouchy. ALWAYS. Without fail. We even attempted using two stoves to alleviate the hassle and it still didn’t help. The Mad Genius and I have offered to have dinner at our house, with two caveats: we order dinner and the COPS regulars aren’t invited. So far, we’ve been turned down. “Because it’s *FAMILY*” Um, no, it’s not MY family. It’s not even my in-laws; it’s not my pretend family. It’s not, it’s not, IT’S NOT! *foot stomp*
Our forks barely touch our plates as we finish and we are in the car to drive 45 minutes to my parent’s house. Here is the exact opposite of the first “celebration”. It’s quiet, the house is cool, the cook (my mom & brother) is happy and there is enough seating.
What’s the problem here? Well, there’s the fact that my younger brother is always late and my mother insists on waiting for him. (Because this holiday seems to be a surprise to him every single year) We always get to watch fascinating television like CURLING. (I’m not kidding, people)
But the Piece de Résistance is the “Who’s Going to Take the Lord’s Name in Vain Game?” We play this on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. I am still not kidding.
Usually, we can count on my Dad to win this game. It became such a shoo-in, we added on a time limit: within fifteen minutes of arrival, or thirty?
My eldest brother caught us laughing one year and wanted in on the joke. We told him, so now he gets to play along too.
Another fun part of that game is every once in awhile; my nieces will chime in with a singsong “Language!” warning after the offending utterance has occurred.
We usually eat buffet style, which is genius of my mother. So much easier! And no one usually notices how little the Mad Genius and I don’t eat.
Then we drive back 45 minutes about 9:00 at night to our own house. We usually try to sneak past the house so that our phone doesn’t ring with the inquiry “Do you want pie?” as soon as we step foot inside. No, we don’t want pie. We want Prozac. We want bed. We want you people to go away.
So, now you know why I don’t like Thanksgiving. And, hopefully, you can now go celebrate with your family and think, “Thank God I only have to celebrate with my family!” Because I know, my families make most families look like the Cleavers.
You’re welcome. Enjoy.
I don’t like Thanksgiving. It’s not my favorite holiday, at all. It’s not even in the running. No consideration whatsoever. I have no thanks for Thanksgiving.
We “celebrate” (the quotation marks are for sarcastic measure and will be a theme) Thanksgiving twice. Once in the early afternoon and once in the late afternoon. Yes, I am aware that the math doesn’t make sense in that sentence. Welcome to my life.
The first “celebration” is with the in-laws. This, one would think, would be easy as they all live here. Well, except that we all gather in one house with not nearly enough seating and it is approximately 5000 degrees in said house.
Every once in awhile to add to the fun, my m-i-l will invite random aunts or cousins.
Also, add in that the sister-in-law invites her sister and brother, both of which are probably featured in at least one episode of COPS. So, not only do we “celebrate” twice, we “celebrate” with people we don’t like and would never associate with. Yea, yea for us.
Oh, have I mentioned not enough seating? Yeah. This is a problem. My nephew-in-law ALWAYS stretches out in one of the recliners and falls asleep. While I admire the coping technique of sleeping through the holiday, get your 25-year-old ass (I mean this literally and figuratively) out of the chair and let one of the adults sit down. (And I am talking about my father-in-law, not myself. I sit at the kitchen table and read the paper or play Solitaire with actual cards.)
Then as if that’s not enough, let’s mention the loser nephew: The Jon Lovitz perpetual liar of the family. He stretches out in the middle of the floor and sleeps. This, I find immensely rude and irritating, and I must admit I laugh with sadistic glee when my grand-nephew either jumps on him or shrieks a sound only four-year-olds can emit.
Although, conversely, if he’s sleeping, we don’t have to listen to his bullshit stories of how he is a semi-pro football player or is going to fight in a MMA fight.
Dinner is always late, there is always way too much food, and the cook is always grouchy. ALWAYS. Without fail. We even attempted using two stoves to alleviate the hassle and it still didn’t help. The Mad Genius and I have offered to have dinner at our house, with two caveats: we order dinner and the COPS regulars aren’t invited. So far, we’ve been turned down. “Because it’s *FAMILY*” Um, no, it’s not MY family. It’s not even my in-laws; it’s not my pretend family. It’s not, it’s not, IT’S NOT! *foot stomp*
Our forks barely touch our plates as we finish and we are in the car to drive 45 minutes to my parent’s house. Here is the exact opposite of the first “celebration”. It’s quiet, the house is cool, the cook (my mom & brother) is happy and there is enough seating.
What’s the problem here? Well, there’s the fact that my younger brother is always late and my mother insists on waiting for him. (Because this holiday seems to be a surprise to him every single year) We always get to watch fascinating television like CURLING. (I’m not kidding, people)
But the Piece de Résistance is the “Who’s Going to Take the Lord’s Name in Vain Game?” We play this on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. I am still not kidding.
Usually, we can count on my Dad to win this game. It became such a shoo-in, we added on a time limit: within fifteen minutes of arrival, or thirty?
My eldest brother caught us laughing one year and wanted in on the joke. We told him, so now he gets to play along too.
Another fun part of that game is every once in awhile; my nieces will chime in with a singsong “Language!” warning after the offending utterance has occurred.
We usually eat buffet style, which is genius of my mother. So much easier! And no one usually notices how little the Mad Genius and I don’t eat.
Then we drive back 45 minutes about 9:00 at night to our own house. We usually try to sneak past the house so that our phone doesn’t ring with the inquiry “Do you want pie?” as soon as we step foot inside. No, we don’t want pie. We want Prozac. We want bed. We want you people to go away.
So, now you know why I don’t like Thanksgiving. And, hopefully, you can now go celebrate with your family and think, “Thank God I only have to celebrate with my family!” Because I know, my families make most families look like the Cleavers.
You’re welcome. Enjoy.
25 October 2007
14 October 2007
1987
Late last night, I realized that there are still some things that I do that I did when I was a teenager...
I still watch Saturday Night Live, and I still fall asleep before the end.
I still think Jon Bon Jovi is hot.
I still will spend my last $20 on a CD
I still need $20 to get through the week...some of it goes in the gas tank, some of it goes toward coffee. (used to be soda when I was younger)
I still watch John Huges movies every time they come on.
I still have the televison on when I read. I still have the radio on when the televison is on.
I still wait until the last possible second to get my chores done.
I still play my music loud in the mornings on the way to work (used to be school)
I will still make myself macaroni & cheese , if I am only cooking for me.
I still clean when I'm stressed.
I still mutter when I'm mad.
I am sure there are more things that I do that I just have't realized. However, it's odd to think about doing these things thoroughout all the stages and settings of my life. It's difficult to think that I've been an adult for twenty years. Twenty Years.
1987, in some ways it still feels like yesterday.
I still watch Saturday Night Live, and I still fall asleep before the end.
I still think Jon Bon Jovi is hot.
I still will spend my last $20 on a CD
I still need $20 to get through the week...some of it goes in the gas tank, some of it goes toward coffee. (used to be soda when I was younger)
I still watch John Huges movies every time they come on.
I still have the televison on when I read. I still have the radio on when the televison is on.
I still wait until the last possible second to get my chores done.
I still play my music loud in the mornings on the way to work (used to be school)
I will still make myself macaroni & cheese , if I am only cooking for me.
I still clean when I'm stressed.
I still mutter when I'm mad.
I am sure there are more things that I do that I just have't realized. However, it's odd to think about doing these things thoroughout all the stages and settings of my life. It's difficult to think that I've been an adult for twenty years. Twenty Years.
1987, in some ways it still feels like yesterday.
03 October 2007
An Abandoned Soap Opera Script
What the hell is going on in Hollywood? Starlets in jail. Car and motorcycle crashes. Breakdowns. Feuds.
It is as if the agents banded together, culled together abandoned soap opera scripts, and set this current Hollywood in motion.
What happened to Hollywood glamour? What happened to discretion? Hollywood used to be considered American Royalty. Now they've become like characters in a graphic novel. Exaggerated.
Is it the media? Is it the agents? The stars themselves? Probably a mixture of all.
In response to an interview question "Why don't we see you in the tabloids?" The Mad Genius's "freebie", Jessica Alba, said "Because when I go out in public, I consider myself at work."
I think she summed it up: celebrities used to conduct themselves as if they were at work when they went out. They were never caught looking less than fabulous, they conducted themselves (mostly) properly. They were at work.
Also, the media used to cut them a break. They'd squelch unflattering photographs, they'd turn a blind eye to compromising situations. Neither of these things happen any more.
I want 1940's glamour back. Bring me Hepburn & Tracy (although they were scandalous in their own right)...Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn. Give me hats, gloves, walking sticks and suits.
Bring back the glamour! And not just because it's the Academy Awards.
It is as if the agents banded together, culled together abandoned soap opera scripts, and set this current Hollywood in motion.
What happened to Hollywood glamour? What happened to discretion? Hollywood used to be considered American Royalty. Now they've become like characters in a graphic novel. Exaggerated.
Is it the media? Is it the agents? The stars themselves? Probably a mixture of all.
In response to an interview question "Why don't we see you in the tabloids?" The Mad Genius's "freebie", Jessica Alba, said "Because when I go out in public, I consider myself at work."
I think she summed it up: celebrities used to conduct themselves as if they were at work when they went out. They were never caught looking less than fabulous, they conducted themselves (mostly) properly. They were at work.
Also, the media used to cut them a break. They'd squelch unflattering photographs, they'd turn a blind eye to compromising situations. Neither of these things happen any more.
I want 1940's glamour back. Bring me Hepburn & Tracy (although they were scandalous in their own right)...Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn. Give me hats, gloves, walking sticks and suits.
Bring back the glamour! And not just because it's the Academy Awards.
A story about my dad
In honor of my dad's upcoming fight with cancer, I thought I would share our favorite story of us together.
When I was 16, my dad put a new roof on the house. He's been everything from a general contractor to a fire chief, so this was our normal. One day I was up on the roof helping him. I think I was just pulling nails, I don't quite remember.
My parents house sits on a lake. The front of the house has HUGE picture windows. They had taken their fair share of abuse, birds bouncing off of them, brothers throwing pinecones, etc.
My dad was trying to get the last truss pushed off of the roof. It was just the truss but it was a little too heavy for him to push alone so he called me over to help. Now, I am fine with heights as long as I am not on the edge. This required me to be on the edge.
So, reluctantly, on the count of one, two, three...we pushed.
As happens in most accidents, the world slowed to stop-motion speed.
We watched the truss fall and then take a shuddering left turn and down toward the house.
*SHATTER*
There goes two picture windows, in one shot.
My dad looked at me like, and perhaps even said, "oh shit." He scooted back up to the center of the roof, sat down, took out a cigarette and said "Let's stay up here awhile."
In the ensuing silence, we hear my mom. Thud, thud, thud, thud. We listen to her footsteps to the door. "DAMMIT FRED!" she yells.
He said something like "I know, it was an accident." and my mom lost her mind. She went on rant, reasonably so. Finally, my dad unwisely replies, "What do you want me to do, glue it back together?" I remember biting back a burst of laughter, so far she was only mad at him and I wanted to keep it that way.
You could actually see the fuming silence rise up to the roof. Her response was a house-shaking door slam and shortly thereafter the sound of the vacuum cleaner. I am sure there was much muttering and cursing.
I don't remember much else about the day. Just vividly my dad ever-so-calmly taking out a smoke, waiting for the armageddon that was going to be my mother.
When I was 16, my dad put a new roof on the house. He's been everything from a general contractor to a fire chief, so this was our normal. One day I was up on the roof helping him. I think I was just pulling nails, I don't quite remember.
My parents house sits on a lake. The front of the house has HUGE picture windows. They had taken their fair share of abuse, birds bouncing off of them, brothers throwing pinecones, etc.
My dad was trying to get the last truss pushed off of the roof. It was just the truss but it was a little too heavy for him to push alone so he called me over to help. Now, I am fine with heights as long as I am not on the edge. This required me to be on the edge.
So, reluctantly, on the count of one, two, three...we pushed.
As happens in most accidents, the world slowed to stop-motion speed.
We watched the truss fall and then take a shuddering left turn and down toward the house.
*SHATTER*
There goes two picture windows, in one shot.
My dad looked at me like, and perhaps even said, "oh shit." He scooted back up to the center of the roof, sat down, took out a cigarette and said "Let's stay up here awhile."
In the ensuing silence, we hear my mom. Thud, thud, thud, thud. We listen to her footsteps to the door. "DAMMIT FRED!" she yells.
He said something like "I know, it was an accident." and my mom lost her mind. She went on rant, reasonably so. Finally, my dad unwisely replies, "What do you want me to do, glue it back together?" I remember biting back a burst of laughter, so far she was only mad at him and I wanted to keep it that way.
You could actually see the fuming silence rise up to the roof. Her response was a house-shaking door slam and shortly thereafter the sound of the vacuum cleaner. I am sure there was much muttering and cursing.
I don't remember much else about the day. Just vividly my dad ever-so-calmly taking out a smoke, waiting for the armageddon that was going to be my mother.
When You're Feeling Blue..
My mom used to tell me that if I didn't feel well or was sad to dress up. Her theory was that it was difficult to feel badly when you're dressed up in your nice clothes. And, a by-product is that perhaps people will comment on how nice you look. So, if you feel like poo, your self-esteem will be feeling great. I've tried it throughout my life and it does help a little, I must admit.
Another random bit of fashion advice...
There used to be an ad on television years ago. (in the 80's) It was for Navy perfume "Because you always feel good in Navy." Of course the super-model spokeswoman was dressed to the nines in navy. And she looked good, I'm assuming she felt good too. This, too, I have found to be true. You do feel better in Navy!
And now, I'll leave you with whatever punchline you have in response...something concerning sailors, I am sure. (:-D
Another random bit of fashion advice...
There used to be an ad on television years ago. (in the 80's) It was for Navy perfume "Because you always feel good in Navy." Of course the super-model spokeswoman was dressed to the nines in navy. And she looked good, I'm assuming she felt good too. This, too, I have found to be true. You do feel better in Navy!
And now, I'll leave you with whatever punchline you have in response...something concerning sailors, I am sure. (:-D
25 August 2007
Places I have Wandered to...
I am cheating a little, dear friends. I seem to have a little ADD mixed in with my OCD and now a dash of PTSD to make a lovely psychological alphabet soup. This is keeping me from spending much time with the computer beyond playing Spider Solitaire and checking my email. So, without further ado...Places I've wandered to...
This is a blog that passed along by a friend. He's crass and sometimes you have to wade through some stuff to get to the point, but I found it worth the wading. It's amazing to me that someone would actually move to Thailand on purpose...
http://ingnominousoffences.blogspot.com/
Hmmm. I thought about this site a lot. There have been times in my life that I might have used this. Perhaps even in current time. Must think on this...
http://www.say-so.org/
This site was also passed along by my co-worker. Good for a giggle.
http://www.stitchymcyarnpants.com/
And it's companion site...although it looks like it is discontinued now.
http://youknitwhat.blogspot.com/
For my fellow book nerds/book whores...the very same coworker referenced above is beginning her dream book business, online to start then with a brick & mortar version someday. She's just beginning so bookmark this (pun intended) and visit later.
http://www.nevermorebooks.blogspot.com/
And from my e-friend Terry in Chicago... www.ayntk.blogspot.com Terry's sister is running for office! This is an email that I am passing along to you all just for fun. It's kind of fun watching a campaign that one has no personal stake in. Amy has mentioned doing a blog describing the process as she goes along. Welcome to the New Century's Elections.
As most of you are probably aware by now, my ambitious younger sibling has decided to do something completely crazy: run for political office! Over the past couple of months, AmySue has been busily getting all of the pieces in place for a serious run at the Illinois 5th District Senate Seat. It's a big area to represent, including a large chunk of Chicago, and a big responsibility to hold elected office - but I can honestly say I don't know too many people better qualified to make a difference than my little sis. She's an ambitious, critical thinker with great ideas and an excellent understanding of how government works (and doesn't work, as our current leadership downstate has been demonstrating). Further, AmySue is genuine - someone who really cares about people and the problems we all face. She's the kind of person we need more of in elected office, so I am proud to say I support her all the way...and I hope you will join me in that support. Here's all I ask... won't you PLEASE visit her website and make a small donation to her campaign fund. Or a not-so-small one if you can manage it. She really needs all the support she can get between now and February's primary. Any help you can offer today, however small, would go a long way toward helping her make it happen. And it would sure make a great birthday gift! :) The site is a work in progress, but the link to donate is very secure: www.AmySueMertens.org
This is a blog that passed along by a friend. He's crass and sometimes you have to wade through some stuff to get to the point, but I found it worth the wading. It's amazing to me that someone would actually move to Thailand on purpose...
http://ingnominousoffences.blogspot.com/
Hmmm. I thought about this site a lot. There have been times in my life that I might have used this. Perhaps even in current time. Must think on this...
http://www.say-so.org/
This site was also passed along by my co-worker. Good for a giggle.
http://www.stitchymcyarnpants.com/
And it's companion site...although it looks like it is discontinued now.
http://youknitwhat.blogspot.com/
For my fellow book nerds/book whores...the very same coworker referenced above is beginning her dream book business, online to start then with a brick & mortar version someday. She's just beginning so bookmark this (pun intended) and visit later.
http://www.nevermorebooks.blogspot.com/
And from my e-friend Terry in Chicago... www.ayntk.blogspot.com Terry's sister is running for office! This is an email that I am passing along to you all just for fun. It's kind of fun watching a campaign that one has no personal stake in. Amy has mentioned doing a blog describing the process as she goes along. Welcome to the New Century's Elections.
As most of you are probably aware by now, my ambitious younger sibling has decided to do something completely crazy: run for political office! Over the past couple of months, AmySue has been busily getting all of the pieces in place for a serious run at the Illinois 5th District Senate Seat. It's a big area to represent, including a large chunk of Chicago, and a big responsibility to hold elected office - but I can honestly say I don't know too many people better qualified to make a difference than my little sis. She's an ambitious, critical thinker with great ideas and an excellent understanding of how government works (and doesn't work, as our current leadership downstate has been demonstrating). Further, AmySue is genuine - someone who really cares about people and the problems we all face. She's the kind of person we need more of in elected office, so I am proud to say I support her all the way...and I hope you will join me in that support. Here's all I ask... won't you PLEASE visit her website and make a small donation to her campaign fund. Or a not-so-small one if you can manage it. She really needs all the support she can get between now and February's primary. Any help you can offer today, however small, would go a long way toward helping her make it happen. And it would sure make a great birthday gift! :) The site is a work in progress, but the link to donate is very secure: www.AmySueMertens.org
22 August 2007
Good Fortune
I've always had bizarre experiences with fortune cookies. From the laughable:
My family was out to dinner and my brother & sister in law were adding "...in bed" to the end of everyone's fortunes. I was inwardly rolling my eyes, because I'm not twelve years old, when my nephew...then 16 years old...leans over and says "I was going to play that game too but then I thought it would be immature."
I laughed right out loud. And I couldn't explain why without insulting his parents or getting him in trouble.
The next story is when I lost my job a year and a half ago. We had recently had Chinese food and my fortune said "You will soon be pursuing other career opportunities." Not knowing what the future had in store for me, I dismissed it. Low and behold, less than three days later: I was unemployed! It didn't even occur to me until the Mad Genius woke me up one morning by bouncing on the bed and telling me "It's all the cookie's fault!"
So then, last night I brought home Chinese food for dinner. The Mad Genius didn't get home until 7:30 so he was dog-ass tired. We hardly spoke during dinner, he just didn't have the energy for it.
He always chooses the fortune cookie because I have horrible luck with them. He opens his, reads it, then tosses it on the table. "Fuck that."
I reach over, pick it up and read:
"You will bring sunshine into someone's life"
Perhaps it's not the fortunes themselves, but our reactions to them. Hmmmm.
My family was out to dinner and my brother & sister in law were adding "...in bed" to the end of everyone's fortunes. I was inwardly rolling my eyes, because I'm not twelve years old, when my nephew...then 16 years old...leans over and says "I was going to play that game too but then I thought it would be immature."
I laughed right out loud. And I couldn't explain why without insulting his parents or getting him in trouble.
The next story is when I lost my job a year and a half ago. We had recently had Chinese food and my fortune said "You will soon be pursuing other career opportunities." Not knowing what the future had in store for me, I dismissed it. Low and behold, less than three days later: I was unemployed! It didn't even occur to me until the Mad Genius woke me up one morning by bouncing on the bed and telling me "It's all the cookie's fault!"
So then, last night I brought home Chinese food for dinner. The Mad Genius didn't get home until 7:30 so he was dog-ass tired. We hardly spoke during dinner, he just didn't have the energy for it.
He always chooses the fortune cookie because I have horrible luck with them. He opens his, reads it, then tosses it on the table. "Fuck that."
I reach over, pick it up and read:
"You will bring sunshine into someone's life"
Perhaps it's not the fortunes themselves, but our reactions to them. Hmmmm.
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