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.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
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.
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:
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.'
Sunday, November 23, 2008
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.
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.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
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*
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*
Thursday, November 20, 2008
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
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'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!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
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!
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!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
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.
22 days.
3 weeks, one day.
528 hours.
31,680 minutes.
1,900,800 seconds.
Not that I'm counting or anything.
Monday, November 17, 2008
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.
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.
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.
Friday, November 14, 2008
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.
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!
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!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
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!)
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
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 ...
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 ...
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
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
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
Monday, November 3, 2008
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!)
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.
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.
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