New Year's Eve Edition

Generally I don't make New Year's resolutions. I make them on my birthday so that I'm accountable to me, and only me, not just the rest of the universe. Believe me, I've disappointed myself more than a few times with my resolutions.

This year will be different.

I'm putting them in print. Here. In my Blog. For all to read and harass me over. So, here goes:

1. I will play on my Wii/Wii Fit at least 30 minutes per day.
2. I will drink red wine at least three times per week (for health reasons, of course).
3. I will not eat any fried/greasy fast food in 2009.
4. I will attend WW meetings faithfully.
5. I will get at least 4 servings of fruits and veggies per day. Lime in a G&T will count.

and there you have it. The five items I will focus on for this year. Wish me luck!

And So It Was Christmas.

Am back in Indy and thankful to be so. It isn't that I don't love my family (I do) but there are times, TIMES I say, that I think I have been dropped in from another planet or just plain adopted.

My Mom isn't the issue. She rarely ever is. I would say never, but we've had our moments over the years. Sometimes she's right, sometimes I am, and sometimes it is a draw.

I did receive some awesome gifts from my Sister and Mom. Then on the 26th, I braved the ice and snow to meet my friend Chuck for breakfast and stopped at a GameStop in Valpo in the hopes that I would find a Wii.

I found a Wii.

I bought a Wii.

I love my Wii.

Then it was GAME ON to find a Wii Fit, as I really wanted that too. So another trip to Michigan City and another stop at a GameStop and waa-laa, a Wii Fit!

So I'm in love with my Wii and Wii Fit. I can see myself in a help group at some point.

"Hello" (hello) "My name is Athena and I bought a Wii and Wii Fit. I am now an addict and powerless to stop."

In other news, the cats are glad I am home and have made themselves into velcro since I returned. I have not been over 6 feet away from either one of them since my return to Indy and right now, I have Cleo with her head lying on the laptop and Caesar on the couch right above my left shoulder with one paw on my left shoulder.

And finally, today I was busily getting ready for a meeting tonight when I heard a fire truck and ambulance. This isn't unusual given where I live, however, it *seemed* close. Then another, then another, then another .... all close, all with sirens ending soon after entering my neighborhood. Uh-oh.

Turns out that the condos across the street and one building down to my left had a fire. A rather decent fire too, as there were 11 fire trucks, two ambulances, one battalion chief-mobile and all three news crews here in moments. Fishers, Castleton and Lawrence Township Fire Departments all responded. After the fire was out, I wandered around with some cold Diet Coke and offered it up to the fire fighters. My driveway was blocked by fire trucks and assorted equipment and as such, I figured it couldn't hurt to offer up some goodies.

I could only think of my friend Jay of the Clay Township Fire Department in South Bend and sent hopes that those he serves think of him and his bretheren when there is a fire in their neighborhood.

Okay I love this.

http://www.noradsanta.org/en/home.html

Stolen, blatantly, from Liam's blog.

Thanks Liam!

Trash Television

I don't often admit to my trashy television addictions but this time it is more than I can bear.

I have watched Momma's Boys.

And it is scarily addicting.

It is on NBC. Beware.

Family Christmas (aka I Call Bullshit!)

On Wednesday night is another round of Family Christmas (I Call Bullshit!) with the same basic folks I just celebrated Christmas with on Saturday night. What a f'ing debacle that was.

Some general observations (and reasons why I'll be seeking a single, only-child orphan, child of only-child orphans for my next husband and why I'll be moving to Timbuktu before next Christmas):

1. Charity is lost on my family. It is all about what gifts they get and whether they like them. No sense of giving, no sense of betterment of community. It is all about me me me me me me.

2. 'It is SO stressful' to have the whole family over, said Cousin B. I would understand if none of us ever saw each other or had invited a busload of acquaintances to the family Christmas, but seriously, 15 people, all related to you, with 7 of those 15 being immediate family, in your house is stressful? Tell you what, I'll spend next Christmas on Siesta Key. No problemo.

3. 'No one liked their gifts, I'm not participating next year' said Aunt J. Oh for the love of all that is holy, seriously?

4. 'It is too hard to take all the donations to the Salvation Army. Who wants to do that anyway?' said Cousin B and Aunt J. Mom didn't mind, she volunteered. I volunteered. Sister volunteered. Please see #1.

5. Cousin B's 15 (yes fifteen) year old son was disappointed he did not get any gifts on Saturday. So Cousin B gave the 15 year old one of his gifts from under the tree. As we are getting together on Wednesday night, Mom, Sister and I had assumed that we'd give him his gifts on Wednesday. Seriously, he is 15. Not 5. He will survive 3 days without his gift.

And so, dear readers, you might imagine I'm not-so-looking-forward-to Christmas on Wednesday night.

Family, Bah Humbug.

New Addition to the Blogroll

Please welcome Naptown Observer which was located thanks to FeedMeDrinkMe, a fine local foodie blog.

Naptown Observer seems to take in the City's architecture and sights, all while providing commentary when needed. Spend some time there, I did.

The family.

As most of you know, my family, overall, are a nice group of people. That is not to say, however, that many of them do not drive me crazy. Indeed they do. Often.

The most recent example revolves around the Christmas gift-giving season. If you'll recall the Great Thanksgiving Blow-Up of 2007, where as I dared to suggest that we give to charity instead of each other and the resulting shouting/screaming/crying that went on from that, this year I was resolved to be quiet. I did not want to cause the family outrage I had engendered last year so when asked what I might want to do, I left it alone.

I had talked to my Mom about a compromise -- a $10 donation of goods to a food pantry and a $10 gift. Mom then took this and offered it as a suggestion to the family.

It was received better, although I will not say very well, by the family. Sister, Mom and I are on-board, as are my Cousin and his wife, but Cousin B and her family and Aunt J (of the crazy Great Thanksgiving Blow-Up of 2007) are not in favor. Nonetheless, it was agreed to and we went on our way.

Now it has come to pass that Cousin B says she and her husband cannot afford a $50 donation to a food pantry. Just to do the math, Cousin B and her husband would be responsible for $10 (each) donation = $20. Where is the other $30 coming from, you ask?

Her 20 year old son.
Her 19 year old son.
The 19 year old son's girlfriend (the babymama).

Somehow, Cousin B thinks she is responsible for the gift-giving of her grown children as well. She has missed the point entirely, and as such, so do her children. Up until now, the 19 year olds have not been part of the family exchange and as such, have had gifts purchased for them. This will be their first year in the exchange. The 20 year old, he participated last year but his mom (Cousin B) bought the gift for him to give. I might like to say at this point that all three of these people are employed.

My point is, and has been, that we are fortunate as a family to be so blessed with food, shelter, clothing and most materials wants met. There are plenty of people out there in our community that lack even the most basic things: shelter, food, clothing. Thus, we as a family should share our blessings and be thankful.

ai yi yi.

I'll be upping the meds this weekend for sure.

Just another day in snowland.

I tried, I *tried* to convince myself that the white stuff on the ground on Tuesday when I landed from sunny Tampa was sand. Alas, alack, it was snow. And my car had to be chipped out, thanks to a heaping helping of ice covering it. Did I mention that my snow scraper was handily at home in my garage on Tuesday evening? No? Well, in a typically McGyverish (sp?) fashion, I searched my car for something to scrape the windshield free of ice. Nothing, nothing, nothing ... then BINGO! A frozen magnet that was once stuck to my mailbox. Thank you, Wild Horses Salon, for putting your business card/magnet on my condo mailbox so that I can use it to scrape my windshield. Not the finest tool known to man to do the job, but it got it done.

Yesterday was supposed to be rather uneventful until a fateful phone call shook me from my daily grind. Maestro had no finals to give yesterday afternoon which meant that we could meet downtown, at India Garden, for a no-holds-barred Indian food lovefest. :) We had done this a few times over the summer, but with his schedule of classes and his 23 minute lunch break, it was impossible to schedule since that time. Then happiest of happys, he called, we met, we ate and both walked out in a blissful state of Indian food oblivion. Thanks Maestro!

Here's to hoping FitnessNerd gets back to good health. I've got a magazine article about Touretta Lynn for you ... does this help?

Last night I met up with Jason and we did a whirlwind tour of Target, Kohls and Meijer for some last minute holiday shopping. I even managed to get a few gifts for the 'gift closet' I maintain for future events. I was quite proud.

Tonight has a Winter Weather Advisory in store for us here in Central Indiana. This means two things: 1) there will be massive runs on grocery stores today by well-meaning people who have determined that Winter Weather Advisory means Blizzard and 2) Not one Lowe's, Home Depot, Menards or other hardware store in the Central Indiana area will have an iota of ice melter/driveway salt available by 5 o'clock tonight. Ah, I love full fledged hot panic over weather. I think I'll go home and bake something tonight.

Tonight is also dinner with D9 for his kindness in taking care of the kittens while I was in FL. I'm making lamb burgers and baking a multi-berry pie. He will be happy.

In our run to Meijer last night, I also purchased the makings of fudge, truffles, banana bread and beer bread. I will do some baking tonight and perhaps, just perhaps, make some goodies for work tomorrow.

No matter how many times I click my heels, I am not returning to Tampa. Sigh.

Back Home Again ... In Indiana

and it seems that I can see,
the gleaming snowfall, it's such a ball,
to slip and slide all day ...

Okay, so maybe, just maybe, that's not the actual words to the State Song. However, I am back from Florida and already I cannot figure out why.

I emailed my HR director today to tell him I needed FMLA because already I am sick of this weather. He thought that was a good reason to use FMLA. That is one of the many reasons why he and I are friends.

Yesterday was spent planting hibiscus in Dad and Stepmom's yard, moving sand around and discovering an untapped well in Dad's yard. Big Fun, I know, but it was 83 and I was so not complaining. The day before was spent at the beach, soaking up some rays. I have quite a few freckles now.

So I'm back. Thinking about Christmas. Only the tiniest bit of shopping yet to do.

Theft.

I'm currently stealing wifi from a neighbor of Dad's. I have a theory as to who it is but it isn't like I can go up to their door, knock and announce just how much I enjoy stealing their internet service :)

Today's agenda includes a trip to Beall's (a Florida department store chain that is a cross between Kohl's and Stein Mart) and a fish fry dinner at Granny's, a one-location local restaurant that serves some wonderful food. Fattening? Yes. Enormous portions? Yes. Good? Oh Hell Yes.

Other than that, I'm just relaxing here at Dad's. Sister hates this part of the trip, the sitting around. When she is here she wants to go to the beach every day. Considering today's high is all of 63 degrees, I am fine with being here.

Honestly, staying at Dad's is a vacation in and of itself. I just relax and read a great deal while I'm here. I wander around the yard, looking at flowers. I sleep late and go to bed early. I fit well into the Florida retiree lifestyle, I must admit.

The latest projects around here are a white picket fence around the front yard so that Elmer the wonder dog can roam freely. He seems to have a habit of running away when off-leash. Also, a new kitchen, completely remodeled by Dad. He really has a knack for woodworking, tileing and remodeling.

Life is good.

At the Airport.

Amen, I am at the airport, headed to Tampa to see Dad, Stepmom and Stepgrandma for an early Christmas and Dad's birthday.

The new airport? Wow. I flew out of the old airport last month and it was obvious the new airport was soon to open. The old one looked worn, tired and generally unfit for travel. The new one? Amazing.

I had Shapiro's for lunch. Big ol' corned beef sandwich, some of their famous mac and cheese and a nice big Sam Adams beer. Yes, it is my tradition to have a beer before each flight, just to take the edge off. I'm not a nervous flyer, per se, but I must admit the turbulence I was warned that was upcoming was enough to ensure I needed a beer.

I'll be blogging while in Florida. I steal wifi from a neighbor there who hasn't put up a firewall yet. Gotta love the generous (and misguided).

And so it goes ...

One of my single favorite Vonnegut lines is 'and so it goes.' I believe that this week was intended to test the limits of my mental acuity, physical strength and emotional balance. So far, I'm still relatively sane, not completely worn out and can still spell simple words such as cat and dog.

I've done so much the last five days I hardly know where to begin. I had an overall good weekend where I:

*went out with coworkers on Friday for beverages at Claddaugh.
*met FitnessNerd at Olly's and we went to the Indy Roller Girls calendar launch to support Xena and her merry band of roller girls.
*went to Twilight with FitnessNerd and swore complete and utter allegiance to Robert Pattenson. Mmmm, YUMMY.
*went Goodwill-hopping and yardsaling with D9.
*watched college football and ordered chinese food with Jason
*cleaned house on Sunday
*watched MNF with Jason
*went to a work event on Tuesday night -- pleasant and fun.
*was comfy in bed on Tuesday when a frantic call from Sister's friend sent me scurrying to Sister's side.
*met a contractor to secure a door at BoyWonder's house (the cause of the scurry on Tuesday evening).
*frantic emails, phone calls and other nonsense today regarding various grants. I need a vacation like nobody's business.

Now I am done with work, ready to head home to pack for Florida, relax a bit and generally chill out before tomorrow. I've got a few things going in the morning before I leave for FL (a garage door fixed [damn mice] and a furnace check [normal maintenance]). Plus a quick trip to Jamestown for some letters to be sent out.

And by 1 p.m., I'll be leaving Indy, headed for sunny Tampa.

OMG am I ever ready to go.

Thanks for the Therapy

Big hugs to Blanche, Romeo and FitnessNerd for the camaraderie at Olly's last night. I needed the liquid therapy and appreciate you more than you know.

Public Service Announcement

As many of you know, I work at a local college here in town. My fellow co-workers are truly some of the most incredible people I've ever met and there isn't anyone here doing what we do for the money -- it is for the love of education and the improvement of our fellow citizens.

One of my coworkers, Alisha, has a son, just two years old. Recently it was found that he has leukemia, a word that surely struck fear in her heart just as it did in mine when I heard the news. He's being treated at Riley.

The most interesting part of this story is not my coworker, nor the leukemia news, it is the resilience of a child. You see, her son, Blaine, had just come from chemotherapy when his mom told him that he had received some mail. After looking through his mail he told her that 'this is the best day ever' because he had received mail. Imagine, after a day of chemotherapy, a two year old child telling you that receiving mail was the best thing ever.

I'm not ashamed to say I cried.

Please take your time to send a little email to Blaine. It doesn't matter the length or that you don't know him, just give him more of 'the best days ever' and you will have my eternal thanks.

http://rileychildrenshospital.com/contact.jsp

Blaine Raider is his name.

Thanks.

A Region Rat Speaks.

I'm biased, I know this. Growing up in The Region (which, btw, is a term I picked up for it here -- I had always known it as the Greater Chicagoland Area), I learned to drive on snow. Lots of snow. Blizzard-like conditions with lake effect snow blowing off the lake snow -- not this minor-league .3 inch snow that we call snow here in Indy.

Last night, as I was driving out west on 70 to my client, I was making pretty good time. Granted, I wasn't going the posted speed limit but close. I was driving according to the road conditions, something that any driver worth their salt learns early on. I note the time (6) and realize I won't make it to my clients' place in time for supper (it was homemade dinner and I was invited, of course I'll show up). I pull off at Cloverdale/Greencastle and get some Tbell. I get back on the road and it is 6:07. Four miles down the road, near exit 37, I notice slowing in the lanes and everyone getting over to the left. I do the same. I text Maestro to see if there are any traffic notices online I should know about. We talk for a bit and there is nothing to be found. I thank him and hang up.

For the next 10 miles and 1.5 hours, I am crawling along 70. No wreck, no crash, no guardrail mishaps, only truckers blocking the right lane so any other driver cannot make headway to see what is going on.

Ultimately: a SUV was tipped over, on its' side, in the eastbound lanes. Yes, dear people, my lanes were reduced to one for an accident on the OTHER SIDE of the road. There was ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG with my side of the road.

Pissy does not even describe my mood. Foul doesn't touch it. Two hours, forty-seven minutes later, I pull into my client's drive. For a simple 1.25 hour journey, I doubled that and then some.

Thus, these are the road rules as I see them.

1. Drive according to road conditions. Do not use cruise control on icy roads. Drive with caution, but not grandmother-type stealth.

2. If you are scared of driving in icy, snowy weather, I recommend a relocation to Florida. Immediately.

3. The snow plow is not the official 'mush dog' for the highway. Nor is it the pace car. There is no reason to follow the snow plow unless the road is covered in more than 10" of untouched snow. If this is the case, just do the plow and emergency crews a favor and stay home. You'll only cause an accident.

4. Trucks blocking a second lane for no reason whatsoever should be banned from all road travel. I recommend trains for the trailers.

5. Good tires make all the difference. If you have bald or balding tires, you are a hazard. Remove thyself from all roadways until this is rectified.

6. If you begin to slide to the right and do not want to, turn your wheel to the left. If you begin to slide to the left and do not want to, turn your wheel to the right. The coefficient of friction is your friend. (Thank you Mr. Powers, 12th grade physics teacher)

7. Keep your distance. If you are going to crawl up my ass, I want to be formally introduced.

8. 4 wheel drive does not equal impervious to all road conditions. 4 wheel drive is for getting yourself out of mud, sand or other unpleasant road conditions. It is not for balls-out winter weather driving.

9. The left lane is for passing, the right lane is for driving. I would not think I'd have to say this over and over but I do. And I will.

10. Driving isn't a contact sport, despite what you've seen on NASCAR. Thanks.

Thoughts on the economy.

Before you read this, you should know I had a long discussion with an old friend last night about the state of our economy and what we will be facing in the near future. This post will reflect that discussion and my general feelings on the subject. You may or may not continue to read at this point. You Were Warned.

I went to bed relatively early last night, maybe around 8 or so. I had been in bed far before 8, just relaxing, watching football and reading my book. I had been yawning since 6 and so I finally gave up, shut out the light and snuggled into my warm and cozy bed.

The phone rang a few minutes later, just as I was entering the twilight phase of sleep. I recognized the phone sound but had no idea what day/time/life I was in. It was a dear friend from high school, "Arc." Arc and I talked about my single-handed attempt to revive the retail industry on Friday, mutual friends and getting together over Christmas for pizza and beer.

Then he talked about the economy. I'm not a pessimist by nature, but the economy scares me more than I'm often willing to admit publicly. After years of saving for retirement with minimal 'match' by my employers, I saved a decent amount. Not enough, mind you, for anything other than someday, but enough. Recently I opened my statement.

Yes, I know I should not have. I KNOW.

After my eyes adjusted to a figure I've not seen on my statement in, let's say, seven years or so, I began to feel dry heaves forming in the pit of my stomach. It was only after some time with my head on the cold porcelain side of my toilet that I realized the most important thing: I'm not retiring anytime soon.

That was the only good news I could find in all of this.

When he began speaking of the economy, the various issues that cannot/will not be fixed quickly, it was clear to me that I needed to develop my own economic plan for the next few years. I've always been consciencous of saving for retirement but now I feel even more pressed to save more.

So don't be surprised if I become even more frugal in the coming months. I'm beginning to think that me growing my own garden and stocking my freezer was only step one in this process. Now it is time to get those dollars screaming before they leave my wallet.

Sunday. Return to Normalcy.

Good afternoon -- Happy Sunday. I've been up since a little after 7, when I heard the sound of snow hitting my bedroom window. First it sounded like hail, to be honest, but upon further investigation (getting my newspaper), I found that it was icy, slushy snow.

So I came downstairs and promptly started laundry, lit a fire, lit a candle, covered in a blanket and cozied in, reading my paper, listening to the fire crackle all while my cats surrounded me.

And so goes my Sunday.

I enjoyed my time at home with family, relaxed a bit and did my part to keep the retailers of America in the black this holiday season. I decided one thing -- apparently I love myself. I bought for me nearly as much as I bought for everyone else. :)

A big thanks to the Sharkfamily for meeting Sister and I yesterday at Mosier's in New Carlisle for lunch. Mosier's was delicious (mmm, Austrian beer, mmm) and the coconut cream pie was everything I could have hoped for in a pie. Aside from all that, I did get to see the Sharkfamily FIL and Lil' Amigo, which was most excellent as well. Food was fine, company was far finer. Hope you enjoy the homebrew from Brew!

Now I think I'll commence with cleaning my house and getting things in order. I do need to giftwrap quite a bit, as I haven't even given thought to that yet (and should have).

Hope you all had a lovely holiday weekend. Enjoy your Sunday, as I am enjoying mine. Good fire, good food, warm kittens ... ahhhh.

After Last Year's Thanksgiving Meltdown ...

A Cultural Gap Exists.

So I was talking to A1 today about swimwear. She'd like to buy some, she asked me where I shopped and I told her. Then she said something about a hot tub. So I broke out into the Eddie Murphy SNL rendition of "Hot Tub."

She looked at me quizzically.

I did it again.

Even more quizzically.

It was then I realized a true cultural divide existed between us. She is 23 and I am 35 and that is not twelve years, it is 1,200 years in terms of generations. So we quickly went to YouTube and she was cured of her missing cultural knowledge.

But then she said she had watched some old SNL videos, "you know, with that one guy that overdosed." Just as I was about to say, "John Belushi" she said "Chris Farley."

Old SNL videos indeed. Harrumph.

The Eternal Question I Face.

In this past week (and God-only-knows-how-many-times-in-the-past-3-years), I've been asked not less than three times if I ever plan to get married again.

Umm. I don't know? Maybe?

This question, much like "when are you having kids?," is probably ranked right up there in the most annoying questions of all time. Here's why:

1. Getting married is not like buying a car. I can't just go out one day, find someone and say, "hey, what do you think about a quick trip to the courthouse?"

2. Getting married is not like ordering dinner. As much as there is on the menu, I do have to pick just one and hope like hell I like him. Oh, and you can't send him back to the kitchen if you don't like him. Divorce is much more expensive.

I suppose since I've done it once, I'm a little more gun-shy about fucking it up a second time.

So the answer will remain 'maybe' with the caveat of 'maybe not.'

Now what?

Do you ever get truly restless with your life? So much so that you look around your house, assess the ten things you cannot live without and think about selling/giving away the rest, moving somewhere completely different and trying out a new life?

I get that way at times.

I'm not sure why I'm such a restless soul. I find myself dreaming of new cities, new jobs, new challenges. I've always loved living in Indy but in so many ways I feel tied here, by some invisible rope that keeps me within a 30 mile radius of the city's center.

Some of my restlessness, I know, comes from the fact my Hex won't let go. You'd think after 3 years of the-ink-is-dry-get-the-fuck-over-it divorce, he'd wish me well and let go. As I have of him. But no, the emails continue, the contact attempts continue. I've said this more than once, I'll say it a million more times, if he had put this kind of effort into our marriage we may well have just celebrated our 6th anniversary and not 3 years of divorce. Ridiculous.

I don't know if you do this, but each city I visit (meaning cities where I stay a few days, immerse myself into the local culture and really visit) I think about whether I'd live there or not. Then there is the ultimate 'feeling' of whether I feel at home here or not. The only thing I can liken it to is the feeling one gets, upon buying a house, that it is 'home' while the other houses you've looked at were just, at best, 'meh.'

Stockholm was home to me. I could see myself living there in a minute.
Washington, DC was home to me. I could imagine a life there.
Chicago has always been home to me.
and so on, and so forth.

My trip to Schaumburg this weekend has been theraputic already. Cousin Krin, with her cut-to-the-chase way of speaking says, "You just got your sister to move to Indy and now you want to go somewhere else?"

Ummm. Yes?

I don't know. Here's the things I do know, in no particular order.

1. I like what I do. I love the creative aspect of it, the research of it and the thrill of victory when a grant gets funded.

2. Although I'm a pale, pale human, I really like sunshine a great deal. This weather lately has brought me down.

3. I still have 7 months on two contracts I have out for consulting work. I do not intend to sign any more consulting contracts past their expiration.

4. I will 'vest' at my job in January, bringing me 15% of my salary into a retirement account. A retirement account which has, sadly, made me cringe of late. These funds, however, will help make my account a touch more solvent.

5. Sister's wedding is in May. Nothing will happen prior to that. I need to help her as being maid of honor is a hell of a big job and she already has two bridesmaids out of town.

6. This is not the time to sell a house.

7. I have some serious purging to do if I ever intend on moving. How does one collect so much 'stuff' anyway?

8. My family lives here and in Florida.


Stay tuned, my life could get downright interesting by this time next year.

Wow is this addicting.

I'll be adding this site to my blogroll.

http://herbadmother.blogspot.com/

Weekend nonsense.

1. supposed to go to dinner tonight with Sister, Boy Wonder and some family friends at Oceanaire tonight. I feel like crap. This sucks.

2. supposed to drive to LP tomorrow to pick up my cousin Krin and head to Schaumberg for some power shopping at Woodfield and IKEA but feel like crap. Again, sucks.

Perhaps I should just stay home and let this garbage run its course. *sigh*

Blatantly Stolen from Another Blog

This was stolen directly from Maestro's friend's blog (journeyworker). As I'm a newbie foodie, I thought this was interesting ...

In any case, in the small amount of time I have been spending online this week, I did come across a fun little list on the Very Good Taste blog called "The Omnivore's 100." Apparently, it's a list of a hundred foods every good eater should try at least once in their lifetime. Since we are coming up on some rather gastronomical holidays, I thought it might be fun to post here as well, in case anyone wants to shake things up at Thanksgiving and knock a few dishes off the list. The idea is to post the foods you've already eaten in bold and strike through the ones you absolutely won't touch.

1. Venison
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile (alligator yes, crocodile not yet)
6. Black pudding (no thanks)
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho (my college roommate's mom made the best ... ever!!)
13. PB&J sandwich
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart (many a night after a Broad Ripple binge this sounded good)
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes
22. Fresh wild berries
23. Foie gras (no, I can't get over the force-feeding of geese)
24. Rice and beans
25. Brawn, or head cheese (pass)
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters
29. Baklava
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl
33. Salted lassi
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float
36. Cognac with a fat cigar (cognac yes, w/fat cigar, not yet)
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat
42. Whole insects (pass)
43. Phaal
44. Goat’s milk
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more
46. Fugu
47. Chicken tikka masala
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut
50. Sea urchin (does sea urchin roe count?)
51. Prickly pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal (seriously, never tried one.)
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini (love gin, hate olives ...)
58. Beer above 8% ABV
59. Poutine
60. Carob chips
61. S’mores
62. Sweetbreads (pass)
63. Kaolin
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs’ legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68. Haggis (pass)
69. Fried plantain
70. Chitterlings, or andouillette (pass)
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe
74. Gjetost, or brunost
75. Roadkill (pass)
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom yum
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant.
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare
87. Goulash
88. Flowers
89. Horse (pass)
90. Criollo chocolate
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee (a dear friend used to serve this to me. YUM!!)
100. Snake

Facebook and other musings.

Alright, kiddos, I have entered the 21st century. I have officially done more with my Facebook account than just open it. I've looked up friends from my past, added photos and generally enjoyed myself. I've been on myspace now for quite some time, but Facebook hasn't been on my radar until lately.

*****

I'm exhausted after another day at home. I should feel better but the truth is I've slept so much I feel a little out of sorts because of it. Big big monster-huge thank you to my Sister for bringing me lunch and meds today. She literally saved me from pain. Love you Sissy.

*****

The one thing I hate about Facebook and myspace is the 'relationship' determinator all seem to have. Does that truly matter? I suppose for people looking for hook-ups or other such entanglements, the status matters but for me, meh. I'm single, I'm dating, I'm happy. Simple as that. Too bad there isn't a relationship status button for "happy" because I'd denote that every time.

*****

A few shout-outs before I call this a day:

* Jason Moore -- glad to catch up with you on Facebook. Would love to hear more about your life.

* Sharkfamily -- looking forward to seeing you next week.

* Sister -- thanks for saving me today. Seriously, you rock.

* Scully -- next summer is looking like more and more of a go. I'm consulting with my friend in Portland to see when she'll be in town then I'll set the dates. Cannot wait!!!

* Peteski and Babs -- thanks for the birthday wishes, I appreciate them mightily!

I love Paula Deen and Ina Garten

I admit it, I'm a cooking show junkie. My very favorite two are Paula Deen and Ina Garten (Barefoot Contessa).

I love Paula Deen because she unabashedly adds whole cream, butter (yes, butter) and white flour to damn near everything. As I watch her show I feel my ass expand a bit at the thought of all this culinary goodness. Quotes of today's show: "You certainly don't want to risk the idea of burning yourself alive, not even for a baked potato" and "y'all will have to excuse me for a minute so I can finish makin' love to my tater." As much as I love my mother, I want Paula to adopt me.

Ina Garten is a more subtle version of Paula Dean. Still the same unmitigated use of whole-fat dairy products and white flour, she is refined a bit. Today's show was all about a Thanksgiving for two and my oh my did I wish I were part of that two.

I want their cookbooks for Christmas. Sister, take note, gift idea!

Florida Countdown Begins Today

22 days until I see beaches and sand again.

22 days.

3 weeks, one day.

528 hours.

31,680 minutes.

1,900,800 seconds.


Not that I'm counting or anything.

Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act

Please note, the House of Representatives passed this bill in September 2008. The Senate and the President have yet to act. Please click on the hyperlink below to show your support for this legislation. Thanks.

From a nurse: I'll never forget the look in my patients' eyes when I had to tell them they had to go home with the drains, new exercises and nobreast. I remember begging the Doctors to keep these women in the hospital longer, only to hear that they would, but their hands were tied by the insurance companies. So there I sat with my patients, giving them the instructions they needed to take care of themselves, knowing full well they didn't grasp half of what I was saying, because the glazed, hopeless, frightened look spoke louder than the quiet 'Thank You' they muttered.

A mastectomy is when a woman's breast is removed in order to remove cancerous breast cells/tissue. If you know anyone who has had a Mastectomy, you may know that there is a lot of discomfort and pain afterwards. Insurance companies are trying to make mastectomies anoutpatient procedure. Let's give women the chance to recover properly in the hospital for 2 days after surgery. It takes 2 seconds to do this and is very important. Please take the time and do it! Please send this to everyone in your address book. If there was ever a time when our voices and choices should be heard, this is one of those times. If you're receiving this, it's because I think you will take the 30 seconds to vote on this issue and send it on to others you know who will do the same.

There's a bill called the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act which will require insurance companies to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for patients undergoing a mastectomy. It's about eliminating the 'drive-through' Mastectomy where women are forcedto go home just a few hours after surgery, against the wishes of their doctor, still groggy from anesthesia and sometimes with drainage tubes still attached.

Lifetime Television has put this bill on their Web page with a petition drive to show support. Last year over half the House signed on. Please sign the petition by clicking on the web site below. You need not give more than your name, state, and zip code.

http://www.lifetimetv.com/breastcancer/petition/signpetition.php


This takes about 2 seconds. PLEASE PASS THIS ON to your friends and family, and on behalf of all women, THANKS.

#235 -- Wow, I'm a wordy mf

Yes, it seems like days ago I was blogging in the under 100 posts mark but today I note that I'm on #235. I don't know if that means anything, per se, other than I apparently brain dump a great deal.

The birthday weekend was lovely. Dinner with the Sharkfamily, Sister and Boy Wonder was delicious. We went to Loon Lake Lodge, which is neither on a lake nor a lodge, and I had pecan encrusted grouper. Which is to say I am still basking in the glow of happy times and smiley faces from the experience. Damn I love that dish.

Saturday was pleasant enough with some wandering about with D9. We had lunch at an Indian food buffet, then wandered Target and Goodwill. Following that, we returned to my house to watch a show on the History Channel about mysterious lights/explosion up in Kokomo that has been attributed to 'sonic booms' but the UFO people were having none of that nonsense.

Speaking of UFOs -- do you believe? No, no, I speak not of little green men with anal probes, but actually UFOs. Unidentified Flying Objects. In case you were wondering, I believe in UFOs and I also believe in IFOs. As for little green men with anal probes, I'm not so sure about that, but what I am sure about is that there is no way in this whole enormous universe that we are the only planet with life. When I say 'life' -- I can mean bacteria, vermin, viruses ... anything really -- on another planet somewhere in the universe. And Yes, I believe there is life on other planets.

Had a date Saturday night that was meh to the millionth power. I will not be speaking of it again.

Sunday was spent at a Starbucks, wandering an international grocery, doing laundry and then watching football at Jason's house with a fire and homemade pizza as my accompaniment. Lovely evening, nice time.

Today I've managed to plan most of December as vacation days, drank some water and ate some crackers w/cheese and roast beef.

Sending out good wishes to FitnessNerd -- I'm keeping fingers crossed for you.
Hugs to the Sharkfamily for a lovely dinner Friday night.

Questions for My Birthday

(apologies for Liam for stealing his ideas ... )

1. Best gift you've ever received.

2. Most embarrassing gift you've ever received.

3. Most 'thought that counts' gift you've ever received.

4. Last gift you gave/to whom/for what.

5. Gift you'd most like to receive is.

No Way I Am 35 Today.

I remember my Mom's 35th for goodness sakes.

Tonight I'm having dinner with the Sharkfamily, Sister, Boy Wonder and Jason. Looks to be a nice evening. Following dinner, Jason is taking me to see the new 007 movie :) Cannot wait!

Veteran's Day

A humble and gracious 'Thank You' to all that have served our country.

Some folks that I know that have served:

Dad (Air Force, Viet Nam)
Grandpa A (Navy, WWI, aboard the Arizona)
JZ (Army, Viet Nam)
Cousin Mike (Navy)

Amen and Godspeed to all those serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and other postings around the globe. May you return safely to those you love and the country that loves you.

(feel free to post Veterans you know in the comments -- I'll add them to my prayers tonight!)

A Rant.

I've talked about this subject before but apparently I am not talking enough about it. What is it, you ask? What could be so compelling that Athena needs to revisit the subject?

Urine on the Toilet Seat.

As some of you are aware, I drink a whole lot of water every day. I'm not really a pop drinker, like iced tea in the summer but really, it is water for me all day long. After work ... well, that's another story ;)

With my many many many glasses of water all day long, I, inevitably, need to use the restroom. On not one, not two but THREE separate occasions in three SEPARATE restrooms I sat down in someone else's urine.

For the men that read this blog that are baffled by this phenomenon in the women's restroom, please allow me to explain. Men, you are equipped, properly, for aim. Women -- not so much. Some women (apparently yesterday was three different women) don't like to sit on the toilet seat ("too germy" or something), so they 'hover' as they pee. While hovering, given that they are not 'built' to aim, invariably the seat is covered with urine. Now, instead of say, covering the seat with TP before they sit, or perhaps even being a nice person and wiping up her urine residue, these women leave it.

Yes, leave the urine coated seat for 'someone else' -- namely me -- to deal with and discover.

The main problem with this is that these hoverers (as I shall call them), apparently drink a lot of water too, as their urine is nearly clear and cannot be detected by normal observation. It is only by the placement of my ass on said toilet seats that I discover two things: 1) I am sitting in someone else's urine and 2) it is too late to do anything about it.

Upon leaving the restroom I am in a foul, foul mood but nothing like three different times in three different restrooms to bring me nearly to murderous rage.

I do not know why women hover, I do not know why these women do not wipe up after themselves but one thing is clear: I am fucking sick of having an assfull of someone else's piss.

Thank you for listening to my rant.

Wow.

Really, that's all I have to say. It was quite a night here in DC, with horns honking and people laughing and partying well into the night. I was awake until well after 1 a.m., listening to the talking heads, Obama's speech over and over and just crying tears of joy.

I don't ever remember an election like this. I hope I never remember another election that *wasn't* like this ...

I forgot to mention something yesterday ...

In the afternoon my coworker and I were able to explore DC a bit before the conference truly kicked off. As a result, we ended up walking around DC a bit, walking by the Capitol and I was able to see the Library of Congress for the first time.

I do not need to tell you it is cool. Cool isn't a good enough word. Spectacular isn't even close. Unbelievable is getting there but still isn't enough. As I walked the halls that so many before me had, and as I saw the 'original' Library of Congress, also known as Thomas Jefferson's personal library, I teared up. It was phenomenal and moving, and I stand in awe. One of the exhibitions was the making of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution/Bill of Rights. It was phenomenal and amazing to be within inches of some of the greatest instruments of liberty ever written.

More tomorrow ...

Am crying tears of joy ...

I am so proud to be a supporter of Barack Obama ---

Managed to crash the DCCC party tonight at my hotel and took some pics via my cell phone. A passing car was just honking in celebration of the victory ...

OMG, I have cried tears of joy since they called FL for Obama ... and now it appears that Indiana will go blue.

I have never, ever been so proud. I cannot keep the tears from flowing.

Boo hoo'ing in DC, Athena

HOLY CRAP ...

Managed to crash the DCCC party ... saw Steny Hoyer, Chuck Schumer and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi speak ...

and joined in the celebration as FL was called for Obama --

Our Next President

OMG, I am so overwelmed. I teared up as Obama was named President. Amen.

XOXO, Athena

Oh, and the DNCC is having their party here

The Democratic National Congressional Committee is having their shindig at my hotel tonight. If you see a reporter 'live from the DNCC' please note that I am in that hotel. I hope to see some people tonight ....

Too Cool!

I saw Barack Obama's Motorcade!!!

Swoon, swoon, double swoon ....

So there I was, chilling out at Indianapolis International Airport, waiting for my flight to DC when I look up to see a large motorcade entering the airport jetway area ...

It was BARACK OBAMA!!!

I was able to see his plane with the big 'Change' logo on the side ...

OMG, I was/am on a political high!!!

Now I am in DC and believe you me, there is plenty of tshirts, buttons and other political stuff for the junkie like me here. I may well come back with quite a few goodies.

I got up at 5:00 this morning.

Yes, readers, it was only by sheer force of will that I climbed out of my warm, soft, comfy, wonderful bed this morning to get ready.

I knew that I was headed to the airport this morning at ten when Sister was to pick me up. Given that I did not vote early (I wanted to avoid a three hour wait in line on Saturday/Sunday), I knew that my only option was this morning before I took off for DC.

So I crawled out of bed, wondered if I had lost my mind and promptly hit the shower. After a few minutes of water pressure steadily waking me up, I got moving and got ready for the day. Yes, dressed for my travel today ... and out the door by 5:30.

My neighbors were leaving at the exact same time for the exact same purpose and we arrived at the polls within seconds of each other. We were approximately 13, 14, 15 in line ... and by 6 a.m., there was at least 75 people behind us in line. Yes, it stretched down the block and was turning the corner before the polls opened.

Do I need to even mention that this phenomenon brings me untold joy? I could've wept at the sight of my fellow Americans taking their responsibility so seriously. The political junkie in me desperately hopes this is not a one-time event, that Americans will continue their commitment to the political process and show up in record numbers at EACH election.

By the time I reached the front of the line, I was voter number 23 in my precinct (two precincts were at my polling site and I chose the wrong line at first). It took me nearly 25 minutes to vote.

As I walked out, the line still stretched to the end of the block, wrapping around the corner.

I drove away, carefully avoiding the many cars pulling into the parking lot and I smiled. Democracy in Action is a beautiful thing.

From Yahoo News -- GO INDIANA!!!!

Clues to election result could come early

By John Whitesides, Political Correspondent John Whitesides, Political Correspondent – Mon Nov 3, 3:39 am ET

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Some of the earliest returns in Tuesday's U.S. presidential election could provide big clues about the outcome.

Trends in the race between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain could become clear soon after the first polls begin to close at 6 p.m. EST in Indiana.
Obama and McCain are locked in a surprisingly tight duel in Indiana, a Midwestern state that has voted Republican in every White House race since 1964. A breakthrough win for Obama, or even a neck-and-neck struggle, would be an encouraging sign of broad strength for the senator from neighboring Illinois.

But if McCain appears to be cruising to a relatively easy win in Indiana it could signal trouble for Obama, who is challenging McCain in about a dozen states won in 2004 by Republican President George W. Bush.

The first public sign of Democrat John Kerry's loss in 2004 came from a worse-than-expected 20-point blowout in Indiana.

"If Obama wins Indiana, the election is over," Democratic consultant Doug Schoen said. "Even if it's close, within 2 or 3 points, it probably suggests a big Obama win nationally. If it's more than 4 points for McCain, it's going to be wait and see for a while."

The next round of tests is at 7 p.m. EST when voting ends in Georgia, parts of Florida and the battleground state of Virginia -- another place where Democrats have not won a presidential vote since 1964 but have made gains in recent statewide races.

"If Obama wins Virginia by a decisive margin, it's a pretty strong suggestion he's going to win the election," Schoen said. "If McCain wins by more than a few points that could suggest movement toward him."

At 7:30 p.m. EST, polls close in the states of Ohio and North Carolina.
By 8 p.m. EST, all polls in Florida will be closed. Florida's 27 electoral votes and Ohio's 20 electoral votes are two of the biggest prizes still up for grabs on Tuesday.

MCCAIN MUST WIN THEM ALL

McCain, an Arizona senator who faces a perilous path to gaining the 270 electoral votes he needs to win, essentially has to carry all of those early battleground states to have a realistic chance.
A setback in any would increase pressure on McCain to make up for the loss with an upset of Obama in Pennsylvania, which Democrats have taken in the past four presidential elections. Voting in Pennsylvania, which has 21 electoral votes, also ends at 8 p.m. EST.
The presidential race is not the only battle with an early bellwether. The first returns could offer hints about the fight for control of the U.S. Senate as well.

Democrats are expected to dramatically boost their narrow 51-49 control on Tuesday but need to pick up nine seats to reach a 60-seat majority that would give them the muscle to defeat Republican procedural hurdles.

The first crucial Senate showdown is in Kentucky, where Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell is in a tough fight for re-election and, like Indiana, polls begin to close at 6 p.m. EST.
"Indiana offers an early tip about the presidential race, and Kentucky will do the same for the Senate," said Peter Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University poll.

"If McConnell wins Kentucky, there is no way the Democrats get to 60," Brown said. "We're going to know two things fairly early -- whether it's a presidential blowout and whether the Democrats have any shot at 60 seats. Those are two big questions."

(Editing by Bill Trott)

(colors by Athena ... hopeful that Indiana will finally be a blue state!)

Tomorrow is THE DAY.

Vote, people, VOTE.

As most of you are aware, I'm a complete political junkie. Love CNN, love CSPAN (yes, tell no one), love politics in general. I've worked on campaigns, both in volunteer capacity and in an actual role. I've voted in every election.

I have LOVED Indiana's role in this election. Never, ever, ever before have I felt that Indiana actually mattered to anyone of national political stature and yet, this year, we have been a part of an onslaught of visits and campaign offices. Love Love Love It.

Obviously you know who I'm voting for this year -- it's not a well kept secret :)

Tomorrow I fly out to Washington, DC for a conference for several days. I'll be watching the election returns just steps from Capitol Hill ... and if you hear screaming in Indiana, just know it is your friend Athena and her whoops of joy as Indiana goes D for the first time since 1964.

Dinner w/the Pharmacist

One of my friends does not get nearly enough of my time and that is the Pharmacist. She and I were roommates back in college for all of ten days and yet, yet, we have maintained a friendship ever since.

I haven't seen much of her the past year or so, with both of us caught up in our own planets and not making enough time for the other. So last Friday night she called me and in my haze of multiple pharmaceuticals and exhaustion, I said "How about Wednesday at 6, Mellow Mushroom?" Luckily enough I remembered, vaguely, talking to her, so meet up for dinner we did.

As is every time I see her, we laugh, we joke, we catch up, both of us end up in some kind of tears. She is, far and away, one of the most wonderful people I know.

We shared some things that had happened this last year and I think both of us were better served by our time together. We made a pledge that we'll go out next month for my bday and in December for hers.

Last year's birthday goals involved taking better care of myself (which will be on the list again this year), making time for friends (which I have tried to be better at doing) and focusing on my life in general.

I'm not sure what this year's goals will be, yet, although I do know that making time for friends and taking better care of myself will be among them.

Love ya Pharmacist!

Bag Lady Bus Tour (in pictures)

Alice (Mom) and I at the tour. Please note, in subsequent pictures I have less and less cards on my costume.

The White Rabbit (Halle Pino)

The Mad Hatter (FitnessNerd). He was also crowned Miss Allaneous.

Me (Queen of Hearts), Mom (Alice), Maestro (Prince Charming) and Summer Clearance (Some Star Trek character I cannot remember).

These are the 'polite' pictures. There are more from Mom's camera which are more damning.

About last night ...

I am fairly certain I can never run for political office now.

Pictures will be posted soon.

Grandma

Last week was sixteen years since my Grandma Lemons passed. I had been meaning to blog about her for awhile, as she is in my thoughts daily, but I couldn't do it last week. Mid-October is a 'raw' time for me -- Grandma passed on October 15, I was married October 19, my uncle was seriously hurt (and later died) from a car crash in mid-October/early-November. As much as I love fall, mid-October is a hard time of year for me.

My Grandma Lemons was a fantastic, kind, funny and fabulous grandmother. She loved to bake and cook for everyone and was an unbelievable hostess. If you wanted or needed for anything in her house, it was because she wasn't home. If she was, she made sure you were fed, you had something to drink, you were warm/cold or whatever.

She was the daughter of two Swedish immigrants, Anna Marie (Giller) and Rudolph Hedstrom, who came over from Stockholm in 1900. She was the fourth of five children -- and, by the time she was born, my great-grandparents were living in Door Village, Indiana (just outside of La Porte) and they were not teaching their children Swedish anymore, to prevent their children from being left behind at school. Her father died when she was young and her mother went on to marry again.

She had three daughters: Aunt N, Aunt J and Mom. Mom is the youngest by 17 and 15 years respectively and as a result, I have cousins that are between 9-14 years older than I am. There are six cousins all together: T, M, D, B, me and Sister.

Grandma was diagnosed with a reoccurrance of cancer the summer before I went to college. She had breast cancer when I was a kid, and had survived, but this time it was caught too late. It had metatisized from her breast to lung, to liver to brain. In four months she was gone and to this day I miss her still.

Her laughter, her jokes, her way of clearing her throat ... all silly things to miss, but miss them I do. Her clear blue eyes were 'home' for me and when I think of her, I think of that smile and those eyes.

And I miss her homemade Swedish meatballs. Why oh Why did I not learn that recipe?

*****

After I went to school that fall, 12 hours and 800 miles away, I did not think I'd get to see her again. The cancer that had so recently been discovered was ravaging her by the minute. I could not afford, and nor could my family afford, to bring me back home to see her. Each time I'd call home, I'd ask how she was and finally, a family friend told me what my own family would not: the end was nearer than I had known.

I cried myself to sleep that night, wishing with all my might that I was back in La Porte, back with my family and most of all, to see my Grandma again.

Unbeknownst to me, my roommate and friends had begun a collection. A dollar here, a dollar there ... pretty soon it added up to enough to fly me back to Chicago and get me home. They called me out into the suite and told me of what they had done and how I'd get to see my Grandma. Even now this brings tears to my eyes as I remember so clearly the selflessness of my friends and how, in my time of need, they gave me what I wanted most: to see my Grandma.

A few days later I was on my way to Kansas City in the car of another friend who had volunteered to take me to the airport and pick me up four days later. I was on my way home.

When I saw my Grandma, obviously so weak and dying, it was hard. I did not ever want to see her hurting and seeing her like this was crippling to me. She knew who I was, was glad to see me and we were able to tell each other we loved each other. I was able to spend a long weekend in La Porte and see her -- and for that, I am ever grateful to my friends at Cottey. After I returned to Cottey -- she passed, quietly and peacefully a few days later. I did not come home for the funeral (as there was no money for me to do so) but when I got home that fall, I went to her grave. It was quiet and peaceful there and she was where she wanted to be, back in Door Village, next to her parents in the small cemetery there.

Later that Christmas, I learned from that same family friend that Grandma stopped being able to speak the day after I left. It was truly a miracle that I was able to see her when I did. There are not enough 'thank yous' in the world to express my gratitude to my friends at Cottey for giving me such an amazing gift.

*****

Like I said, I miss her still. At this time of year we'd be raking her leaves, bagging them up (although she much preferred to burn them ... she was a pyro, my Grandma), and welcoming my Sister and I into her house for hot cocoa and cookies.

Love you Grandma ---

*****

This week Sister brought me a scrapbook Mom had made me over the years with everything from cards from my baby shower (35 years old now) to Valentines I'd received in grade school. The most precious things in the scrapbook were the cards, valentines and notes from relatives now gone from this world. Seeing my Grandma's signature again brought immediate tears to my eyes and I realized just how much I missed her all over again.

An update on the life of Athena

1. I am alive.

2. The antibiotics appear to be starting to kick in. As God is my witness, a bladder infection will not do me in.

3. Yes, I wanted to see Obama today. Even had it on my calendar. Instead I laid in my bed, praying for the sweet release of death.

4. Do I think Sarah Palin is becoming more of a grotesque caricature with each passing day? Yes.

5. I have done nothing these past two days but sleep, check email, pee incessantly and sleep some more. I'm bored.

6. Does the fact that I'm bored make me want to do anything? No, not really.

7. The cats have been pleased that I've been home. I take that back, they have been pleased to sleep next to my body as I've run a fever for two days and I'm exceedingly warm to them.

8. I burned a log in my fireplace yesterday. That was nice.

9. My house is a sty. I can't bring myself to care right now.

10. Hope you all are having a good week :)

Athena goes on a trip ...

http://indyprideinc.com/blog/

The Big Gay Mafia, as I call some of my friends, are participating in the Bag Lady Bus Tour on Saturday night here in Indy. Some of you might wonder what this entirely innocuous sounding event is so let me share:

Drag Queens
Raising Money
For Charitable Causes
Touring the City -- bar to bar
Pictures on the Circle with said Drag Queens
Merriment ensues!

I, Athena, had mentioned some months ago that I'd be interested in attending said bus tour since I'd heard that Mom (a fellow friend of the BGM) had attended last year. I had thought that women weren't allowed on the tour, given some of the places that are visited. (Yes, it is what you think it is)

I hear Mom has gone so I pipe up and announce that I want to go. Yes, dear Readers, your very own Athena is dressing up as the Queen of Hearts (the Alice in Wonderland theme of my friends played a BIG part in this) and will be flouncing throughout various bars and clubs on Saturday night.

Two of my friends, Halle Pino and Summer Clearance, are participating by dressing in drag. FitnessNerd is dressing as the Mad Hatter. I'm not sure what Mom will be, I need to ask her.

In any case, it should be a rolicking good time.

Oh, and I may get some pictures. Hang in there.

Lambeau Field

As you all are aware, I went to Wisconsin this weekend to visit Pete and Babs and, although unknown to me on Saturday, to see the Colts get their asses handed to them at the game on Sunday. *sigh*

Lambeau Field. Wow. This is a truly phenomenal stadium. The history of the Packers organization, coupled with the devotion of their fans is something that legends are made of. From the moment we drove up to Lambeau, the cameras started snapping and we stared at it in awe.

We drove down Lombardi Avenue and managed to park on a homeowner's lawn just two blocks from the stadium. Price: $10. Not bad. The lots around the stadium are sold out to season ticket holders and so parking on-site was not possible. Parking ranged from $25-$10 and I think we scored a primo parking space that was easy to get out of.

For my Indy readers, the interior of Conseco Fieldhouse's entry (where the Indiana Pacers play, to non-Indy natives) and the interior of Lambeau Field's entry is nearly identical. If the same architect was not used for both, I'd be very surprised. When we walked in, we were handed gloves (bright yellow with a GB logo) and our first greeting was from a beer vendor in the entrance. He welcomed us to Lambeau, told us he hoped we had a good time and encouraged us to check the place out.

We went, first, to the Pro Shop where we each bought a cheesehead. Yes, dear readers, I allowed a foam rubber wedge of cheese to ride in the car with me. I know, I know, sacriledge. My purchase was for my cousin's friend's son who, although he lives in Lexington, KY, is a huge Packers fan. Who knew?

We finished up at the Pro Shop (which was ass-to-elbow full of people) and headed downstairs to the Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame (admission $10) is worth every penny. It is interactive, with plenty of exhibits and highlights the players, the fans and the town. We took our time and looked through the exhibits and Jason found a couple of players' jerseys that he had on his fantasy football league so I took a picture of him next to that. We read through telegrams sent to the football coach from the Governor of Wisconsin (at the time), the various owners of the other football teams (including what was then the Baltimore Colts), and proud citizens. It was truly heartening to see how much Green Bay is the Packers as much as the Packers are Green Bay.

Heading to our seats, we received a fair amount of ribbing from various Packer fans but overall, a very congenial atmosphere. The seats, oh the seats ....

Thirty nine rows up, section 102 (right behind the goalpost area), two end seats. The only downside of the seats was a jackass behind and to the right that kept up the verbal abuse for the whole game. Nice lesson to teach your daughter, jackass. Maybe someday she'll rise to the level of classiness you showed us. *snort*

The other fans around us ... obviously pleased that their team was winning but overall accommodating and pleasant.

Another interesting observation -- Lambeau has very few 'seats' -- it is mostly aluminum bleachers. There is quite a cottage industry of renting seatbacks at the stadium and most people either rent or bring their own. We did not rent seats but instead used a blanket I had brought to keep our tushes off the cold aluminum. Very good.

The food was fun. I had a bratwurst and some cheese curds (yes, I tempted fate again Peteski -- lots of cheese in two days' time) and washed it down with a beer. The normal other foods were there too but this is the first place I've ever seen that the beer guy also sells Old Wisconsin Beef Sticks. :)

In closing, although the Colts bombed at Lambeau, the field and place made the day spectacular. Thank you, Pete and Babs, for sharing your tickets with this Colts fan. I'll keep an eye out for Bruce tickets and if you ever have an inclination to watch the cars go round and round the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, please give a shout. :)

Sara Palin Funny

Enjoy ...

http://www.palinaspresident.us/

Use your mouse to click around the room -- apparently this changes often ...

A Big Thank You.

A big thank you to Pete and Babs, as well as Ralph and Diane, for a lovely welcoming to Wausau last night. Jason and I saw some phenomenal pictures of the trip to Italy and Dublin and were witness to the 'Church of Springsteen' via a concert video. I don't mean to dispute the Talking Heads, Peteski, but Bruce is The Man.

PM, I'll have you know that I ran Peteski out of Spotted Cow. I did what I could for the upholding of tradition. Yes, yes, don't panic, I will pick up your case today.

Today Jason and I traverse to Lambeau Field, of which I cannot help but say, each time I think "Lambeau Field" in my mind: The Frozen Tundra of Lambeau Field. Actually, it should be in the 60s today so a pleasant day will be had.

Pictures later tonight of Lambeau.

XOXOXOXOXO Pete and Babs. Thank you for welcoming Jason and I into your lovely home. Ralph and Diane, thank you for sharing your stories with us. What a lovely night in Wausau, WI.

Up Nort'

I'm headed up nort' to Wausau, WI tomorrow with Jason to visit with Pete, Babs and all the usual suspects. After a stop at the hotel and the local liquor store for the Spotted Cow ... beverages and snacks at Pete and Babs' residence, then off to meet Babs at Mino's for dinner. Mmm Mmm Mmm, I can already taste what I'm having. Hey Peteski, tell Mino's to lay in some of that good fermented grape stuff we had last time, eh?

On Sunday, Jason and I make the pilgrimage to the one, the only, Lambeau Field. Yes, we are going to the Colts/Packers game, and OH HELL YES I am excited!!! We'll get there some early to take pictures and wander the place appropriately. Post game, we'll head a bit south from Green Bay to some town I can't pronounce the name of to stay the night.

Monday we get up and traverse back. A short weekend but a good one.

To give you an idea of what I'm in for, this is the email Peteski sent me today:

"Quit yer grinnin' …and pull up yer linen – yer headin’ nort!

I believe you said (by the way, I cannot find the link to your blog since my computer was rejiggered – please resend) that you liked the cheese curd concept, have I got good news for you: one of my driver’s discovered a little cheese factory between East Jesus & Bumfuck, and do they turn out a great product – cheap! You might be bound up tighter ‘n Aunt Nellie’s knickers, but you’ll have scratched that curd itch.

Otherwise all systems are go: civil & emergency authorities have been notified, the booze laid in and the usual suspects invited – we’re all set! Just drive safe and we’ll look for you in 35 hours. Petrovski"

Damn, I can't wait!

I love iTunes

iTunes and my iPod have changed my musical choices from many CDs and the radio to darn near any song out there and the radio.

My only complaint, and pardon my late 80s/early 90s coming of age, but iTunes does not have AC/DC. WTF? I need some AC/DC and I am going to have to resort to buying a CD. I rather like buying tracks at a time, as let's be honest ... there is a whole lot of filler on some bands/singer albums out there. So I buy what I want, load 'em up on my iPod and start singing along.

Speaking of singing along, am I the only one who is a complete rock star in the car or shower? I mean, seriously, I could fill in for Stevie Nicks. (ha!) Actually, the more I sing in the shower and car the more I realize that there are some singers that I could maybe, actually, potentially sound like. Stevie is one for me. Who do you think you sound like when singing?

Oh, and favorite concerts of all time ... who is on your list?

My list would include: Sting ('91), Don Henley ('91), Van Halen ('91), Genesis ('92), U2 ('92), Brooks and Dunn ('95), Mellencamp ('96), Madonna ('01), Keith Urban ('07). Keep in mind, I've probably seen upwards of 50+ concerts ... so these, to me, represent the best of those 50+.

My list for 'still to see' includes: Mary J. Blige, Fleetwood Mac, LL Cool J, Stevie Nicks (on her own), AC/DC, Coldplay, Tom Petty, Rolling Stones. This list grows as I feel like I'm 'missing something' by not seeing a particular artist/band.

Forging onward ...

I head to Wisconsin this weekend to see the Colts/Packers game courtesy of some sweet seats from Pete and Babs. In addition, I'll get to hang out in Wausau again and eat some truly yummy yummy food at Mino's. (Oh and IMBIBE some wine or beer) Yes, I'm bringing a date of sorts, no it's not serious, yes you will meet him if invitations are to be sent out for any event.

Oh, and bring back at least 3 cases of Spotted Cow. Of Course. Yeah Rah for Regional Beer!

As many of you are aware, the guys I date aren't met by friends or family until there is something serious going on. So Pete and Babs, consider yourself lucky. You'll meet him. But don't think this means it is serious (because it surely isn't), it just means I needed someone to go to the game with me.

While I'm sure he wouldn't like being discussed like a hunk o'meat, for all practical purposes, he is a big hunk o'meat. Now Sister and Boy Wonder met him some weeks ago, but again, it was a Colts game, I bought the tickets and wanted someone to go with me. Thus, they met him.

This is not to say he isn't a nice guy (he is), or that he isn't worth meeting (he is). It is just, well, hem haw, it's not serious and I'm not sure it will be. So there. :P

The last serious guy? Well, I married him. And have been divorced nearly 3 years. So out of the last eight years, one serious guy. Pretty rare, really, for me.

Now the bigger question -- would I want a serious guy?

hmmmmmmmm.

Well, yes. When I see friends that have good relationships with their spouses (MND/MNM or Jen/Jay), I think, hey, this is way cool and I want some of that. I just haven't found that serious guy yet.

Clear as mud, right?

Random Thoughts

I was going to call this deep thoughts, but that would be to insult Jack Handey.

With that in mind, I was driving back from lunch today and "Take Me Home" a song by Phil Collins came on the radio. All the sudden I was transported back to the time I got my first tape player and the first cassette I bought was Phil Collins "No Jacket Required." Sussudio was big on the radio at that time and I just loved Phil. Later I discovered Genesis and acquired all their stuff too -- but for one moment in time today I was transported back to my first tape player and my very first cassette tape. I probably don't need to tell you that I still have quite a few of the tapes I bought in my early pre-CD years and that quite a few of them reflect the musical genius (?!) that was the mid to late 80s. Think hair bands and pop groups and you've got a pretty good idea of what it is my tape collection looks like.

The single worst thing that happened in my obsession with Phil and the boys was that my dear Sister was permanently warped by my overplaying of Phil and Genesis. She hates them both now. Of course, I try not to take that personally, as her first concert was New Kids on the Block, so it is obvious my musical tastes are much more refined than hers. At least I can say that my boys have continued to make music over the years while her 'kids' have now staged a 'comeback' some 20 years later. Who, in fact, is so warped they need to see NKOTB again?

so, dear readers, who was your first record, tape or cd? (My first record, btw, was 'She's So Unusual' by Cyndi Lauper)

And what memories does it bring back for you?

A funny ...

please see:

http://adennak.com/blog/wordpress/?p=92

I have not seen such quality snark in some time.

General stuff ...

I was rear-ended last night. No mega-damage but enough to cause a trip to the body shop. New bumper and irritable Honda owner. And my shoulders hurt from bracing myself. Nothing sucks more than watching an accident unfold and knowing, just knowing, there isn't a damn thing you can do about it.

I have tickets, courtesy of Peteski of Wausau, WI, to the Colts/Packers game on 10/19. Yes, I will be in Wisconsin all weekend and yes, I will be purchasing a quantity (as yet to be determined) of Spotted Cow. Amen for regional brews.

I am helping with interviews for security staff. Why, I'm not sure, except I agreed to do so. Oh, and I guess I have a vested interest in ensuring that when I walk out late at night, the security guards are a help, not a hindrance.

I received 30, yes 30, freshly brewed beers from my friend the brewmaster. In fact, I'll call him Brew. 15 Octoberfest and 15 spice beers. Sharkfamily, from what I understand, the spice beers will be in fine, eminently quaffable form by the time you arrive in town in mid-November. I will keep them in reserve for our weekend. I promise nothing on the Octoberfest :) HOWEVER, there is a chocolate raspberry stout coming ... mmm mmm mmm. I'm thinking this is the December beer -- and so a trip to the Sharkfamily residence will need to be scheduled appropriately.

I missed catching up with Scully and her husband thanks to my car issues. Sorry, friend. :(

I have cute shoes on today.

That is it for today. Be good, be well, at for goodness sakes, watch where you are going :)

I may take my ovaries out with a spork.

that is all.

(okay, that is not all -- one kid is overtired and one kid is sick). Auntie Layla is starting to hit the Pinot Noir hard. Amen.

XOXO.

Oh, one other thing.

Yes, I'm a little ADD today.

Evolution: I am not dead. In a ditch or creek.

You did miracles, beautimous miracles with my hair. I love it. Thank you.

Love ya -- me.

Save the Ta Tas!

As I've posted on myspace, please remember that this month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If you have breasts -- or someone you love does -- or, quite frankly, you like 'em, please encourage others to get their breast exams.

Sixteen years ago this month, my Grandma passed from cancer. She had breast cancer earlier in her life, and despite a mastectomy, it came back with a vengeance sixteen years ago. By the time it was caught, it had metastasized throughout her body and there was no hope for a cure, only to buy some time. When I left for college that fall, I wasn't convinced I'd see her again. Only by the grace of God and my dear friends at Cottey, I was able to see her just a few days before she passed.

She was diagnosed in July and passed in October. I miss her still.

Please check out my friend Jay's blog at Plays with Sirens -- the link is over to the right. Clay Township Fire Department in South Bend is doing a 'Real Men Wear Pink' month. I applaud the Clay Township Fire Department for their dedication to this cause. Jay, love you and your fellow fire and EMS folks for your dedication to the cause.

Small people invade my planet.

As many of you are aware, I have some dear friends, Madison's Mom and Dad. Now that they have had kid #2 (Nathan), I am thinking I will rename them to MN Mom and MN Dad. Anyhoo.

This weekend, MN Mom & Dad, Madison and Nathan arrive at my house. Madison is 2.5 and cute as all get out, Nathan is just 2 months and MN Mom and Dad are, well, tired :) As to be expected with two little ones, both of them take turns sleeping, showering, breathing alone and talking because two kiddos take a considerable amount of energy.

I invite them down often, as I enjoy spending time with them and to remember that the grass isn't always greener, for them or me.

Last night I spent the evening crawling around my house, trying to determine what items would interest a 2.5 year old and I put them (if breakable or valuable) up as high as I knew she could not reach. Much easier to just have them out of reach or sight than to spend 2 days saying "no no no no no." I've done this as long as they've had Madison, just to let them relax when they are at my house too -- I don't want them spending all weekend putting things out of her reach when in reality, I should have done it.

As for the kids, I love them. Unconditionally. Love to hold them, love to play with them, love to be silly with them. They make me laugh and smile.

Do I want one tomorrow? Uh, no. A whole host of things has to happen before I have kids, not the least of which being I need a, ahem, partner for that sort of activity. Not just for the creating (as I'm sure I could no doubt find a partner for that rather easily) but for the continued raising of, caring for and educating of the child(ren). Call me picky, whatever.

We'll be attending a local indoor pool while they are here and will likely eat at a couple of their favorite restaurants. And we'll laugh -- often and hard, about anything that amuses us.

I've missed them. Glad they are coming this weekend.

(side note to the Sharkfamily: You are most welcome. Enjoy the stout. You know I will be.)

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Make My Day.

Every Thursday my coworker, John, brings without fail two boxes of Paradise Cafe cookies. Ever since he learned that I love (heart, adore, worship, grovel for) oatmeal raisin cookies, he makes sure I have one.

There are others in this hallway that also love them. There once was a Thursday when there was no oatmeal raisin cookie for me. I was sad.

Now that the oatmeal raisin crisis has been averted, John buys at least 6 oatmeal raisin cookies out of the 24.

Thanks John. You are fabulous. You know that the Oatmeal Raisin Cookies make my day.

Musings of Me.

The past few months have been a period of reflection for me. Basically, I'm trying to decide on what I want to do next and when 'next' will be.

I could elaborate on and on as to why I've been thinking about these things, but if you've seen me at all in the past couple months, you already know why. And if you don't know, consider yourself to be in a happy state of bliss heretoforth unknown to me.

For as long as I can remember, I have harbored an interest in teaching, specifically at the college level. Here at work, I can teach a class or two, since I have my masters, but I am considering going back for my Ph.D. Potentially in Public Policy, which is a joint Ph.D. with both public policy and political science at IU. I'm starting to ask some questions about the programming and hope to learn more so I can make a decision to apply rather quickly. Seems that January is the deadline for the Fall '09 class.

If you are wondering if I can do that and still work, well, I'm wondering that too. If, and it is a big IF, I end up with a new boss that can appreciate my need to continue my education, I may have an opportunity to work a 4 day workweek, thus freeing up some time to get my classes in. If not, well ... more decisions to be made.

Such is life and the musings of me.

Political email received from Mom ...

I'm a little confused. Let me see if I have this straight.....

* If you grow up in Hawaii , raised by your grandparents, you're 'exotic, different.'

* Grow up in Alaska eating moose burgers, a quintessential American story.

* If your name is Barack you're a radical, unpatriotic Muslim.

* Name your kids Willow , Trig and Track, you're a maverick.

* Graduate from Harvard law School and you are unstable.

* Attend 5 different small colleges before graduating, you're well grounded.

* If you spend 3 years as a brilliant community organizer, become the first black President of the Harvard Law Review, create a voter registration drive that registers 150,000 new voters, spend 12 years as a Constitutional Law professor, spend 8 years as a State Senator representing a district with over 750,000 people, become chairman of the state Senate's Health and Human Services committee, spend 4 years in the United States Sena te representing a state of 13 million people while sponsoring 131 bills and serving on the Foreign Affairs, Environment and Public Works and Veteran's Affairs committees, you don't have any real leadership experience.

* If your total resume is: local weather girl, 4 years on the city council and 6 years as the mayor of a town with less than 7,000 people, 20 months as the governor of a state with only 650,000 people, then you're qualified to become the country's second highest ranking executive.

* If you have been married to the same woman for 19 years while raising 2 beautiful daughters, all within Protestant churches, you're not a real Christian.

* If you cheated on your first wife with a rich heiress, and left your disfigured wife and married the heiress the next month, you're a Christian.

* If you teach responsible, age appropriate sex education, including the proper use of birth control, you are eroding the fiber of society.

* If , while governor, you staunchly advocate abstinence only, with no other option in sex education in your state's school system while your unwed teen daughter ends up pregnant, you're very responsible.

* If your wife is a Harvard graduate lawyer who gave up a position in a prestigious law firm to work for the betterment of her inner city community, then gave that up to raise a family, your family's values don't represent America's.

* If you're husband is nicknamed 'First Dude', with at least one DWI conviction and no college education, who didn't register to vote until age 25 and once was a member of a group that advocated the secession of Alaska from the USA, your family is extremely admirable.

OK, much clearer now.

I miss Sweden

This was the view out our hotel window each day. In the distance on the left you can see a couple of steeples -- these were part of the Royal Palace and the church next door to it. Also, please note the bike/pedestrian lanes on the roads are equally as wide as a traffic lane. Ah, Sweden.

More pictures later ...

Halle Pino's Merry Gang of Bag Ladies

Or perhaps this post should be titled: "How Halle Pino brought us all to the bayou and made a ton of money doing it!"

I went to Halle Pino's Night on the Bayou, a benefit supporting the creation of a Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Community Center here in Indy. As expected, the food was fantastic and the performers were even better. I was able to see some old friends, meet some new ones and laugh long and hard all night long. The only downside -- dear Athena has a tender stomach and finally, finally after the 3rd dose of Pepto did the stomach calm down. Shoowee, that food was spicy and GOOD.

Also went to the Colts game this weekend -- had a great time but oh such a sad ending. :(

Other than that, work work and more work. You know, life.

Be well, all.

Random thoughts ...

I'll have some friends in town next weekend from La Porte. P and J and their two kiddos will be arriving on Friday and leaving Sunday morning for a weekend of silliness and fun.

I think people who ride out a hurricane are just plain stupid. Seriously, people, you have advance warning, sounds like a doozy, get your happy asses in the car/bus/train/bandwagon and get the frick out of town. It angers me that police and fire department personnel have to risk their lives to save fools. Stay if you want, fine, but be prepared to stay until you can get out on your own.

I liked the rain.

The cats are sleepy and so am I.

The Kenny Chesney/Keith Urban/Leann Rimes/Gary Allan/Luke something or another/Brother Trouble show last night totally rocked. Lucas Oil is a very cool stadium. I like that the windows open. Yes, I am easily amused. I knew the roof opened, had no idea the big picture window opened.

I am not feeling well. GI distress. Blech.

g'night.

Life.

My life has been a bit busier than I had intended it to be this month. I had the crazy idea that I'd slow down because the summer went by in such a blur. Now here it is the 11th of September and I have no idea where days 1-10 went. I think it went a bit like this:

Drive back from La Porte
Go on meet and greet date with new guy (henceforth "Jason")
Meet Scully after work, dinner with Scully and AM, laughs until late
Scully back to Seattle
Work Work Work Work Work
Date with Jason
Date with Media
Media announces he is moving to St. Louis
Laundry/home day
See Nicholas and D9. Watch Nicholas engage in standard 2 year old meltdown. Laugh at him.
Paperwork for side business
Watch football and NASCAR with Jason
Talk to Maestro, discuss his birthday weekend celebration
Set lunch date with FN
Add Halle Pino's Cajun Fish Fry to the calendar
Work Work Work Work
Meet with side business clients
See Jason after his softball games
Date with Jason

Weekend plans: concert. laundry. sleep.

Musings of nothing in particular

Scully, thank you for coming to Indiana and staying with me on Wednesday. You really made my day and I loved my visit with you and AM. Next summer?

The Shark Family -- thanks for a most excellent evening on the deck covered by the bazebo. The libations were fine but the company was finer. November, indeed!

Sister and Boy Wonder -- Nice job on the house. It looks spectacular. I will send along good hopes that it sells pronto-tonto.

Work -- I am tired. Pardon me while my interest in you wanes a bit.

Maestro -- happiest of birthdays, friend. Have a marvelous weekend.

Miss Effie's -- a new blog found on a friend of Maestro's blog. Love love love this. Can totally relate to the millions of peaches put up in my own freezer.

This weekend's tasks:

Clean up garage
Reorganize freezer after great peach experiment of '08
Town stuff
Sleep
Dates (yes, more than 1!)

Good weekend overall.

I'm back.

The weekend was overall pleasant with visits with family and friends. I packed a hella lot of visits into the weekend and now am feeling a bit out of it.

In other news, I had a date last night. Yes, I know, a date! Looks like we'll be going out again on Friday, I'll keep you posted if there is anything else to note.

Yes, Media is still in the picture. He may take a job transfer so I'm not sure what's next there. Yes, I am bummed.

Scully is coming to visit tomorrow and I am so excited!!!

Put up another 8 bags of peaches today (Amen, Garwood's Orchard) and five bags of various kinds of peppers. Yes, the freezer is almost full.

*************************************
As for McCain's VP pick, I honestly could not be more surprised. When there is talk of 'baggage' of a candidate, I find it fascinating he picked one with her own baggage claim area. Very very very interesting. Oh, and the 17 year old's boyfriend looks like a Class A Charmer too.

*************************************
If I hear one more discussion of PUMA I may start screaming. I was watching one of the news programs where this woman was going on and on about how the primary election was 'stolen' from Hillary. If I consult my Webster's dictionary for 'stolen election,' I don't find Hillary's face there, I find Al Gore, Florida and Supreme Court nonsense.

When I look at the platform of the Republican Party, I cannot fathom why anyone who once supported Hillary would say: "Hell with Barack, I'm going Republican." Seriously, is there one item on the Republican platform which says equality for all? What about abortion rights? What about gay marriage? What about the war in Iraq? What about health care? Sweet Mary Mother of God, I cannot get this. I have tried and tried.

I have never made any bones about the fact I supported Barack. But if things had gone differently, if it was not Barack up there accepting the nomination but it was Hillary, would you see me wearing a "Democrats for McCain" shirt? Would you see me joining PUMA? Would you see me staying home on election day?

No, No, No. For Fuck's Sake, People, get a Damn Grip. The only question one should be asking themselves is: "Am I prepared to accept another 4 years of a Bush presidency?"

Oh Hell No.

*****************
Rant over. To bed.

The Week From Hell.

For those that don't know, this week was the first week back to classes. Sounds innocuous, doesn't it? Like spring flowers blooming and all that happy horseshit.

In actuality, the return of students is a little more like this:

"Where am I?" (IT)
"Where am I going?" (Let me look at your schedule)
"Where's the bookstore line?" (You are in it)
"Is the line always this long?" (Yes, when you wait for the first day of class to get your books)
"Is there a Taco Bell around here?" (Yes, thankfully)
"Do you know where Instructor X is?" (No, and the tracking microchip is currently not working)
"Is enrollment up?" (Yes, No, Maybe, Who Knows [dependent on day])
"Can I park in a numbered spot marked 'reserved'?" (Only if you want towed)
"What class is this?" (Obviously one you don't think you belong in)

I have used up my allotment of 'fuck' this week so I've had to resort to 'frack.' All out of 'fuck' by Tuesday, that must be a new record.

Thankfully, thankfully, I am off work tomorrow (Libations in Sharkboy's Gazebo, here I come!) and off Tuesday. Nice, long, pleasant weekend.

Or at least long ;)

Have a great weekend!!