So.
After a few false starts, fighting the kids for TV time - they got a Wii and that has been the focus of everything for the last few days - and my ability to misplace things, I finally got to see Meryl Streep in Mamma Mia!
For the most part I enjoyed the movie. I love Abba songs (Muriel's Wedding) and I think Meryl Streep is fantastic.
Now, for my nitpicky pickiness: Who edited this movie? There were scenes that seemed totally unrelated. It looked as if someone had a copy of an Abba Greatest hits CD, demanaded that dances were made to the songs and yelled "Go!"
'Kay
That aside: I am digging Abba. Again.
So soundtrack for a lazy Wednesday:
Mamma Mia
Dancing Queen
Lay Your Love On Me
I Had A Dream
SOS
Take a Chance on Me
Voulez-vous
Gimme, Gimme, Gimme
Money, Money, Money
Chiquitata
No apologies will be given if you get Dancing Queen, Chiquitita or Take a Chance on Me Stuck in your head.
-r
It's the Rachee show!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Meet ups
Ahhh...the ubiquitous meeting. The ritual in which a group of people are corralled in a pre arranged place and ideas are to be shared. Earlier this month I was privy to four (!) meetings and, as it is in life, some were better than others.
The usual suspects were in attendance:
The questioner: that person who inevitably asks a question about something that only relates to themselves. This person can also be called the time waster as in 'You are wasting everybody's time with this BS.'
The storyteller: that person who has an anecdote for every topic on the agenda. This person is cousin to the questioner as these are stories that only relate to the place where they work.
The whisperer: the person who knows more than the presenter. Instead of listening (or allowing others in the vicinity to listen), this person must carry on a private conversation throughout the entire meeting.
The crafter: it always amazes me that people bring their needlework to these things. Perhaps I am a bit jealous. I have to concentrate on each and every stitch in order to create anything. I lose count as well. I either have to listen to the lecture/meeting or crochet to get the most benefit. I cannot do both. (Perhaps I am the 'hater')
The murmurer. This is the person who always whispers their comment or question. They sit in the back, side or any other acoustically challenged area of the room and softly speak. Is it a secret?
The latecomer. Oh wait, that's me. Never mind.
Despite my sarcastic tone, I like these meetings of the minds. When I first started my position I used to be so intimidated by the fact that EVERYONE seemed to know more than I. While this may be true in some instances, I am more confident and feel that I can hold my own. I like chatting with my friends and colleagues as well as eyeballing what everybody else is doing.
Next meet-up is in January.
My tip: lots of coffee and sitting on the side (for the numerous bathroom runs that are a result of all of the coffee).
-r
The usual suspects were in attendance:
The questioner: that person who inevitably asks a question about something that only relates to themselves. This person can also be called the time waster as in 'You are wasting everybody's time with this BS.'
The storyteller: that person who has an anecdote for every topic on the agenda. This person is cousin to the questioner as these are stories that only relate to the place where they work.
The whisperer: the person who knows more than the presenter. Instead of listening (or allowing others in the vicinity to listen), this person must carry on a private conversation throughout the entire meeting.
The crafter: it always amazes me that people bring their needlework to these things. Perhaps I am a bit jealous. I have to concentrate on each and every stitch in order to create anything. I lose count as well. I either have to listen to the lecture/meeting or crochet to get the most benefit. I cannot do both. (Perhaps I am the 'hater')
The murmurer. This is the person who always whispers their comment or question. They sit in the back, side or any other acoustically challenged area of the room and softly speak. Is it a secret?
The latecomer. Oh wait, that's me. Never mind.
Despite my sarcastic tone, I like these meetings of the minds. When I first started my position I used to be so intimidated by the fact that EVERYONE seemed to know more than I. While this may be true in some instances, I am more confident and feel that I can hold my own. I like chatting with my friends and colleagues as well as eyeballing what everybody else is doing.
Next meet-up is in January.
My tip: lots of coffee and sitting on the side (for the numerous bathroom runs that are a result of all of the coffee).
-r
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
My Mom's coming home!
Hip Hip Hooray!
My mom is being discharged today*!
Thank you to all who have sent well wishes, kept her in your prayers and your kind words.
-r
*If you have never seen Super Why then this is lost on you.
My mom is being discharged today*!
Thank you to all who have sent well wishes, kept her in your prayers and your kind words.
-r
*If you have never seen Super Why then this is lost on you.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Pop's Gotta Brand New Bag
Made from the
No, this is not another hat!
I am trying to finish the bag I promised Pop from the yarn purchased at Loop. I like the pattern and I like the yarn but not together. The pattern, from Fun & Funky Crochet by Sophie Britten calls for chunky yarn. I thought doubling the yarn would produce a similar look.
[sigh]
Pop is excited. Loot is too. She is tired of the orange ratty bag that is a constant fixture.
By the end of the week.
-r
Is Rachée Fagg gonna have to choke a B*tch?
I hate her*!
My sister and I are twins and often are mistaken for each other (duh). I will concede that we do look alike; we both wear glasses and have locs (yes, she had hers first but I was natural first. I think). After spending our childhood forced to dress alike we have an unspoken agreement to to be as different as possible.
My style is jeans and tees. Her style is corporate business (she is a banker chick).
This has all come to a halt as Loot has decided that she must copy my style.
Friday we ventured out to the malls for the after Christmas sales. Joann's had a sale on yarn. Every skein was any where from 30 to 70 % off so while my stash is plentiful, a sale means I need more.
My aunt Charleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeene came with. She is a new knitter and wanted to get some yarn too. She also decided to hit Old Navy with Pop.
I am usually not a shopper at Old Navy. Something about
As the uber perky chick rang me up my sister made a derogatory comment about how long we were in the store, saw how much I saved and ran over to get a sweater.
MY SWEATER.
She gets on my last good nerve!
I hate her*.
-r
*Not really but sibling rivalry never dies.
Soundtrack for Sunday: Motivation to Move
Music to listen to after a wog.
I have too much free time and decided that you shall be treated to commentary for each tune.
Please to enjoy!
I hit shuffle on my crackPod (which is what iPods should be called cause they are addictive) and here is what came about:
Blues Traveler's Run Around (Wog around, close enough)
Michael Jackson's Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough (I said NO to the extra chocolate, does that count for anything?)
Jan & Dean's Papa Oom Mow Mow (oom mow mow, now this song is in my head all day)
Carla Bruni's L'excessive
Quantic featuring Alice Russel's Search the Heavens (for an outfit that is clean and fits)
Webbie's Independent
Sway (Dean Martin's version)
Brian McKnight's Shoulda Coulda Woulda (Hmmm, are the fates telling me that I need to do those crunches I decided against?)
What's Love Got to Do With It? Tina Turner (no comment)
OK
I need to boogie.
Later!
-r
I have too much free time and decided that you shall be treated to commentary for each tune.
Please to enjoy!
I hit shuffle on my crackPod (which is what iPods should be called cause they are addictive) and here is what came about:
Blues Traveler's Run Around (Wog around, close enough)
Michael Jackson's Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough (I said NO to the extra chocolate, does that count for anything?)
Jan & Dean's Papa Oom Mow Mow (oom mow mow, now this song is in my head all day)
Carla Bruni's L'excessive
Quantic featuring Alice Russel's Search the Heavens (for an outfit that is clean and fits)
Webbie's Independent
Sway (Dean Martin's version)
Brian McKnight's Shoulda Coulda Woulda (Hmmm, are the fates telling me that I need to do those crunches I decided against?)
Lina's Peace and Love
What's Love Got to Do With It? Tina Turner (no comment)
OK
I need to boogie.
Later!
-r
Today (December 28th) is...
...National Chocolate Day!
To be frank, National Chocolate Daycould does occur daily in this household so there is no need for me to go all gaga.
Today is also card playing day. I can get down with a game of Uno or War.
When I visit my mom perhaps she can beat me at Texas Hold 'Em.
-r
Aside: Blogger is a trip! I originally typed 'playing' as 'plating'. And when I did a spell check the only misspelled word was Uno.
Shenanigans!
To be frank, National Chocolate Day
Today is also card playing day. I can get down with a game of Uno or War.
When I visit my mom perhaps she can beat me at Texas Hold 'Em.
-r
Aside: Blogger is a trip! I originally typed 'playing' as 'plating'. And when I did a spell check the only misspelled word was Uno.
Shenanigans!
Filling up my life with music!
The ish used to stop when Solid Gold came on.
This is a show that seriously needs to come back.
Sadly, knowing television today, all of the dancers would be anorexic thin and barely dressed, the show would turn into some type of reality crap and there would be eight parts fluff to .5 part music. The dances would be something from favoring Cinemax after dark (you know what I mean) or ten minutes of various booty shakes.
[sigh]
My question: How does she dance with all of that hair?
-r
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Ommmmmm
My sis is a Yoga Mama.
Not I.
I really wish I could be a dazzling urban yogini: Zen-like with my yoga mat, lithely flowing and practicing poses as I center myself. Alas the only thing I've done with my mat is crochet a bag for it, let The Bee use it as a runway and it has served as a prop to open a door.
The practice of focusing my mind, quieting my breathing or relaxing myself long enough (without falling asleep) is not for me. I can't benefit from any of this; whenever I am told to relax, thoughts fly through my head: did I return that e-mail? What stories am I reading tomorrow? Do I have enough trains cut out? Did The Bee do her reading? Is my gut showing?
My thoughts exactly
Yoga always seems like some exotic practice that would allow me to contort my body in some weird way that may be useful when trying to find that hook that got away from me in the car, catch that kid trying to run around my desk or for some rather NSFW* only activities. The instructors I've encountered all seem like regular Joes and Joannas: not totally cut or uber fit so not intimidating - until they do they weird leg over shoulder thing or that cat stretch in which they look like they have no bones in the lower part of their bodies.
I decided that since I couldn't stand the stillness of yoga, I would give Pilates a go. Pilates always struck me as Yoga for an active mind; not so much with the centering and quiet. The moves were also reminiscent of moves my mom would struggle through as she huffed and puffed along with Joanie Greggains for Morning Stretch**. However, when I attempted one move, the 100s, my body decided that 38 was more than enough thank you.
I'm bring sexy back
Someone told me I should meditate however, same thing: thoughts race through my head, I fall asleep, I get distracted, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. I even went to a temple to attempt to find some inner peace. Yeah. After the instructor woke me up, he handed me a tissue to wipe the drool from my mouth and strongly suggested that I have some of the tea that was being brewed before my ride home.
Erp!
Going through my music player, I came across a meditation podcast that I downloaded a while back in hopes to help me sleep better('cause golly knows I need more sleep) and I decided to give it a go. With life really being as nutty as it can be, I felt that I should do something other than bitch and moan, eat, or sleep so I am giving contortion a try again.
So far, (one day) I am OK.
It's not a miraculous epiphany but soon I may be
Becoming one with myself Namaste!
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Lao Tzu
-r
*Not Suitable for Work. Which means reaching for whipped cream and inhaling TWO kinds of ice cream.
**Yes. I am old. I look young but... (lol)
***Forgive the negative comments. Just having some extra FG days.
Not I.
My idea of centering
I really wish I could be a dazzling urban yogini: Zen-like with my yoga mat, lithely flowing and practicing poses as I center myself. Alas the only thing I've done with my mat is crochet a bag for it, let The Bee use it as a runway and it has served as a prop to open a door.
The practice of focusing my mind, quieting my breathing or relaxing myself long enough (without falling asleep) is not for me. I can't benefit from any of this; whenever I am told to relax, thoughts fly through my head: did I return that e-mail? What stories am I reading tomorrow? Do I have enough trains cut out? Did The Bee do her reading? Is my gut showing?
My thoughts exactly
As soon as I am told to center all I can think of is how bad I must look: tummy rolling over the side of my shorts, tights giving me an ultra wedgie, glasses slipping. I always feel clumsy and awkward attempting any move that requires balance, patience, stamina, poise or some combination of the lot. While I do Roga at work (a Rachée 'Yoga' that are stretches to get the kiddies ready for storytime) the art of any type of yoga with some sophisticated four syllable name is so lost on me.
Yoga always seems like some exotic practice that would allow me to contort my body in some weird way that may be useful when trying to find that hook that got away from me in the car, catch that kid trying to run around my desk or for some rather NSFW* only activities. The instructors I've encountered all seem like regular Joes and Joannas: not totally cut or uber fit so not intimidating - until they do they weird leg over shoulder thing or that cat stretch in which they look like they have no bones in the lower part of their bodies.
[shudder]
I decided that since I couldn't stand the stillness of yoga, I would give Pilates a go. Pilates always struck me as Yoga for an active mind; not so much with the centering and quiet. The moves were also reminiscent of moves my mom would struggle through as she huffed and puffed along with Joanie Greggains for Morning Stretch**. However, when I attempted one move, the 100s, my body decided that 38 was more than enough thank you.
Someone told me I should meditate however, same thing: thoughts race through my head, I fall asleep, I get distracted, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. I even went to a temple to attempt to find some inner peace. Yeah. After the instructor woke me up, he handed me a tissue to wipe the drool from my mouth and strongly suggested that I have some of the tea that was being brewed before my ride home.
Erp!
Going through my music player, I came across a meditation podcast that I downloaded a while back in hopes to help me sleep better('cause golly knows I need more sleep) and I decided to give it a go. With life really being as nutty as it can be, I felt that I should do something other than bitch and moan, eat, or sleep so I am giving contortion a try again.
So far, (one day) I am OK.
It's not a miraculous epiphany but soon I may be
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Lao Tzu
-r
*Not Suitable for Work. Which means reaching for whipped cream and inhaling TWO kinds of ice cream.
**Yes. I am old. I look young but... (lol)
***Forgive the negative comments. Just having some extra FG days.
Best Post of the Year (a website to be visited)
Good Day all!
Check me out on Best Post of the Week.
I submitted my post from November, Young Reader's Day, and Vicki posted it.
Sweet!
Check out her blog, look at my link and discuss.
-r
Check me out on Best Post of the Week.
I submitted my post from November, Young Reader's Day, and Vicki posted it.
Sweet!
Check out her blog, look at my link and discuss.
-r
Woggin' on Sunshine
Hey! Hey!
Sis and I went for a two mile walk today in the drizzle.
I am really ashamed to admit that those two miles were tough.
And I mean, I wanted to tuck my tail between my legs and crawl home, tough.
Let's blame it on the mud at the track. (It slowed me down)
Anywho, I got to the track albeit a few days late but I am going to keep it up.
It's supposed to be almost 60 degrees tomorrow; I will make a return visit to get my huff on.
My goal is to run a total of 100 miles before the Broad Street Run.
Two down and 98 to go.
-r
Addendum: The Broad Street Run is 17 weeks away. My goal will be to run 250 miles before the big day. That's two miles per day or so.
Stay tuned!
Sis and I went for a two mile walk today in the drizzle.
I am really ashamed to admit that those two miles were tough.
And I mean, I wanted to tuck my tail between my legs and crawl home, tough.
Let's blame it on the mud at the track. (It slowed me down)
Anywho, I got to the track albeit a few days late but I am going to keep it up.
It's supposed to be almost 60 degrees tomorrow; I will make a return visit to get my huff on.
My goal is to run a total of 100 miles before the Broad Street Run.
Two down and 98 to go.
-r
Addendum: The Broad Street Run is 17 weeks away. My goal will be to run 250 miles before the big day. That's two miles per day or so.
Stay tuned!
Reason #410 why I sleep as often as I do....
...or, I needs my eight hours!
Rachée cannot be left unattended, needs a proper bedtime and really should not make decisions when she yawns at a rate of three per second!
My blog address has been bothering me for a bit. Youcancallmemsfagg.blogspot.com (whew! I got tired just typing that!) seemed like such a mouthful and originally I thought blogging would be like most of my other whims: a whim.
However, since I am liking what I do I got the bright idea that I should change the web address of my blog.
Long story short:
Say it Rah-shay is located at sayitrahshay.blogspot.com.
And I lost a lot of links and stuff, cause, well see above.
I hope this does not cause too many problems but if it does, I sorry*!
-r
No, really I am! I wasn't thinking!
Fools rush in and I lead the way!
Rachée cannot be left unattended, needs a proper bedtime and really should not make decisions when she yawns at a rate of three per second!
My blog address has been bothering me for a bit. Youcancallmemsfagg.blogspot.com (whew! I got tired just typing that!) seemed like such a mouthful and originally I thought blogging would be like most of my other whims: a whim.
However, since I am liking what I do I got the bright idea that I should change the web address of my blog.
Long story short:
Say it Rah-shay is located at sayitrahshay.blogspot.com.
And I lost a lot of links and stuff, cause, well see above.
I hope this does not cause too many problems but if it does, I sorry*!
-r
No, really I am! I wasn't thinking!
Fools rush in and I lead the way!
Friday, December 26, 2008
O. Lover
Today's soundtrack comes courtesy of a game that was sent to me on Facebook.
1. Put your iTunes (or similar music player for those opposed to Steve Jobs) on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your next answer.
3. You must write that song name down no matter how outrageous it sounds!
My shuffle revealed a few things about myself.
I need to get rid of some of the crap on my player; there are way too many junk songs.
Just 'cause something is free don't make it right!
I seem like a bitter old shrew! Lots of torch songs. I need to do a massive purge and get some happier, zippier tunes on my player.
IF SOMEONE SAYS, “IS THIS OKAY” YOU SAY?
Who Walks in When I walk Out (Ella and Louie Armstrong)
WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Thank You For All That You Do (Peter and Ellen Allard)
WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Wouldn't It Be Nice (the beach boys)
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE?
I Want You (Kiss)
WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Sittin on the Job (Tamia)
WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
What's Love Got To do With it (Tina Turner)
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT OFTEN?
Soul Man (Sam and Dave) Am I 15 again?
WHAT IS 2+2?
Control (Puddle of Mudd)
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Blues in the Night (Dinah Shore version) sorry Loot!
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Groove is in the Heart (Deee-Light)
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Work That (Mary J Blige) Talking about me noggin'!
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Hot Dog! (They Might Be Giants)
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Huntsmen's Chorus (from Der Freischutz) ???
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Fall Again (Micheal Jackson) There are so many Freud things going on here...
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Rescue Me (Madonna) Whoa! The iPod knows!!
WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
I Love to Walk (Testify, A Whole Lot More original music from The Simpsons)
WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
A Friend of Mine
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Veracruz (Santana) (WHAT!?! Why is there so much Santana on my player?)
WHAT’S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
Next to You (Jordan Sparks)
HOW WILL YOU DIE?
If My Friends Could See Me Now (Sweet Charity Soundtrack)
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
I'm With You (Avril Lavigne)
WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
I Got the Feeling (James Brown)
WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Shake Down (Mary J Blige) ...car note...those bad *ss kids from work...
WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
Rebel Yell (Billy Idol)
WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Blues in the Night ...and day and evening (Peggy Lee and Benny Goodman version)
DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
Sometimes I wonder (Jill Scott feat Darius Rucker)
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
The Nearness of You (Ella and Louie Armstrong)
WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Crazy Train (Ozzy Osbourne)
WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
O. Lover (Jason Mraz)
-r
1. Put your iTunes (or similar music player for those opposed to Steve Jobs) on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your next answer.
3. You must write that song name down no matter how outrageous it sounds!
My shuffle revealed a few things about myself.
I need to get rid of some of the crap on my player; there are way too many junk songs.
Just 'cause something is free don't make it right!
I seem like a bitter old shrew! Lots of torch songs. I need to do a massive purge and get some happier, zippier tunes on my player.
IF SOMEONE SAYS, “IS THIS OKAY” YOU SAY?
Who Walks in When I walk Out (Ella and Louie Armstrong)
WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Thank You For All That You Do (Peter and Ellen Allard)
WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Wouldn't It Be Nice (the beach boys)
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE?
I Want You (Kiss)
WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Sittin on the Job (Tamia)
WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
What's Love Got To do With it (Tina Turner)
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT OFTEN?
Soul Man (Sam and Dave) Am I 15 again?
WHAT IS 2+2?
Control (Puddle of Mudd)
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Blues in the Night (Dinah Shore version) sorry Loot!
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Groove is in the Heart (Deee-Light)
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Work That (Mary J Blige) Talking about me noggin'!
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Hot Dog! (They Might Be Giants)
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Huntsmen's Chorus (from Der Freischutz) ???
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Fall Again (Micheal Jackson) There are so many Freud things going on here...
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Rescue Me (Madonna) Whoa! The iPod knows!!
WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
I Love to Walk (Testify, A Whole Lot More original music from The Simpsons)
WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
A Friend of Mine
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Veracruz (Santana) (WHAT!?! Why is there so much Santana on my player?)
WHAT’S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
Next to You (Jordan Sparks)
HOW WILL YOU DIE?
If My Friends Could See Me Now (Sweet Charity Soundtrack)
WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
I'm With You (Avril Lavigne)
WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
I Got the Feeling (James Brown)
WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Shake Down (Mary J Blige) ...car note...those bad *ss kids from work...
WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
Rebel Yell (Billy Idol)
WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Blues in the Night ...and day and evening (Peggy Lee and Benny Goodman version)
DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
Sometimes I wonder (Jill Scott feat Darius Rucker)
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
The Nearness of You (Ella and Louie Armstrong)
WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Crazy Train (Ozzy Osbourne)
WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
O. Lover (Jason Mraz)
-r
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Mele Kalikimaka!
Or as my family loves to say, "Merry Kit-kit!"
Have a wonderful holiday and all that jazz.
I'm still not feeling like Christmas, presents, dinner, carols not in the mood nor do I feel like celebrating.
Here's hoping that the merry land of December 26th gets here super quick.
-r
Golly. I sound like such a witch!
Oh well.
Have a wonderful holiday and all that jazz.
I'm still not feeling like Christmas, presents, dinner, carols not in the mood nor do I feel like celebrating.
Here's hoping that the merry land of December 26th gets here super quick.
-r
Golly. I sound like such a witch!
Oh well.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Jumping off the 'Chuck' Wagon
Last week The Bee was showing me some of her moves. While carrying her sleuthing bag and Paulie Bear Pickles, she would dash from room to room to escape "them". Other moves included her diving to the floor as she caught an imaginary vase, rolling away from harm as she evaded a hail of bullets and rescuing Paulie Bear, Ruby Slippers and Vivian Bear from these contrived plots that include car accidents, bombs and other awful acts. Although I clearly chose this anecdote to make a buzz about The Bee (get it?), this demonstration brought to mind my adventures as the kid who loved to play cloak and dagger. I didn't quite like Nancy Drew but I sort of liked Scooby Doo and the Mystery Gang and that these kids were going from place to place solving mysteries. When NBC premiered 'Chuck' I was all for it.
The basic plot of Chuck: Average computer nerd- an IT type though not the arrogant type that makes you feel like an utter idiot for not understanding why your computer screen went blue- receives an encoded e-mail from an old college frenemy, Bryce. The message embeds the only remaining copy of the world's greatest spy secrets (The Intersect) into Chuck's brain and Chuck becomes the unlikely spy. Chuck is assisted by Sarah, the blonde hot chick from the CIA and National Security Agent bad ass, Major John Casey, who thinks Chuck is a fool.
The first season was good. Chuck was trying to balance this secret life as a spy while working at a Buy More (think Best Buy). Chuck works at the Buy More because he was kicked out of Stanford after frenemy Bryce lied to their professor and said that Chuck cheated on a test. Chuck never quite recovered. He is the likable loser type; he got in a jam and can't quite get his head together. (Been there, done that, got the tee shirt).
There are the motley crew what works with Chuck at the Buy More; other than his friend Morgan, I am too lazy to really investigate more. Chuck lives with his sister Ellie, a doctor and her boyfriend Devon ( (also a doctor) whom Chuck calls Captain Awesome.
During the first season, the show was trying to get its footing. Chuck was a goof, scared and nervous about doing these missions and unsure about how to balance his life working as a Nerd Hurd Squad (Think Geek Squad) with the CIA's demands of him being The Intersect. This season, Chuck seems to have gotten really cocky and that takes away from his charm.
Now, my nitpicky Chuck observations:
Chuck has not jumped the shark but these ^^^ are the sharks a circling because after catching up on three episodes I was like: "What the holey hockey mom?"
What's the deal with the way the episodes are written now? There are flashbacks that foreshadow something to come. Has someone been watching Psych and decided that if basic cable can feature a show that opens with a flashback then so could broadcast TV! Two of the three episodes opened with flashbacks for 'foreshadowing' effects.
What is the deal with the CIA/NSA only having ONE copy of the world's greatest super secrets, aka The Intersect? Don't they know about backing stuff up?
Does Chuck get a paycheck from the government?
Almost every episode has him dropping everything to rush . off to complete a mission or to hang with Sarah. While my last two directors were/are pretty cool, I am pretty sure that I would not have a job if I were to just drop what I was doing and roll out of work for what seems like days at a stretch. Even when I'm gone to do two storytimes I get the stink eye from some of my peers.
What is the deal with Chuck's flashes?
He seems to flash on EVERYTHING, EVERYWHERE! Everybody is some type of spy and everybody seems to know that he is The Intersect. Am I supposed to feel safe with this level of incompetence? Let me back up: When Chuck encounters something from The Intersect a series of images flash through his brain and he can identify a terrorist, criminal, person of interest just by an identifying mark, a mere glimpse of the person or a name. It seems that lately, everything causes a flash. How coinky-dinky!
Is this just lazy storytelling or do the writers really think their viewers are this dumb?
Why does Chuck keep getting out of the van/car?
Last season whenever Chuck went on a mission, he was afraid as most average Joes or Joannes would be (aside: all of the b*tch would come out of me if I had a gun pointed at me as much as Chuck does. I will truly admit that my bark is worst than my bite). Chuck used to be reluctant to be put in harms way yet always seemed to accidentally get in the midst of a mission. This season Chuck is cocky and aggressive. Sarah and Casey will tell him to stay in the car/van/ house and Chuck inevitably runs out to 'help' and winds up getting in the way, making matters worst.
What?!?
Did you want the insurance for 4.99 extra?
There is some good stuff about Chuck: Zachary Levi is adorable. He is such an aw shucks type of dude. You know the one: that rare cutie that may be the CNA in your kid's doctor's office, the guy that is swilling coffee at Wawa or some random patron (although NOT in my library-we won't go there!) And because its the holiday season and I think Zachary Levi is adorable I will continue to keep Chuck on the schedule. However, if but if the writing and story lines don't get any better then I am going to call "Shenanigans!"
-r
The basic plot of Chuck: Average computer nerd- an IT type though not the arrogant type that makes you feel like an utter idiot for not understanding why your computer screen went blue- receives an encoded e-mail from an old college frenemy, Bryce. The message embeds the only remaining copy of the world's greatest spy secrets (The Intersect) into Chuck's brain and Chuck becomes the unlikely spy. Chuck is assisted by Sarah, the blonde hot chick from the CIA and National Security Agent bad ass, Major John Casey, who thinks Chuck is a fool.
The first season was good. Chuck was trying to balance this secret life as a spy while working at a Buy More (think Best Buy). Chuck works at the Buy More because he was kicked out of Stanford after frenemy Bryce lied to their professor and said that Chuck cheated on a test. Chuck never quite recovered. He is the likable loser type; he got in a jam and can't quite get his head together. (Been there, done that, got the tee shirt).
There are the motley crew what works with Chuck at the Buy More; other than his friend Morgan, I am too lazy to really investigate more. Chuck lives with his sister Ellie, a doctor and her boyfriend Devon ( (also a doctor) whom Chuck calls Captain Awesome.
During the first season, the show was trying to get its footing. Chuck was a goof, scared and nervous about doing these missions and unsure about how to balance his life working as a Nerd Hurd Squad (Think Geek Squad) with the CIA's demands of him being The Intersect. This season, Chuck seems to have gotten really cocky and that takes away from his charm.
Now, my nitpicky Chuck observations:
Chuck has not jumped the shark but these ^^^ are the sharks a circling because after catching up on three episodes I was like: "What the holey hockey mom?"
What's the deal with the way the episodes are written now? There are flashbacks that foreshadow something to come. Has someone been watching Psych and decided that if basic cable can feature a show that opens with a flashback then so could broadcast TV! Two of the three episodes opened with flashbacks for 'foreshadowing' effects.
What is the deal with the CIA/NSA only having ONE copy of the world's greatest super secrets, aka The Intersect? Don't they know about backing stuff up?
Does Chuck get a paycheck from the government?
Almost every episode has him dropping everything to rush . off to complete a mission or to hang with Sarah. While my last two directors were/are pretty cool, I am pretty sure that I would not have a job if I were to just drop what I was doing and roll out of work for what seems like days at a stretch. Even when I'm gone to do two storytimes I get the stink eye from some of my peers.
What is the deal with Chuck's flashes?
He seems to flash on EVERYTHING, EVERYWHERE! Everybody is some type of spy and everybody seems to know that he is The Intersect. Am I supposed to feel safe with this level of incompetence? Let me back up: When Chuck encounters something from The Intersect a series of images flash through his brain and he can identify a terrorist, criminal, person of interest just by an identifying mark, a mere glimpse of the person or a name. It seems that lately, everything causes a flash. How coinky-dinky!
Is this just lazy storytelling or do the writers really think their viewers are this dumb?
Why does Chuck keep getting out of the van/car?
Last season whenever Chuck went on a mission, he was afraid as most average Joes or Joannes would be (aside: all of the b*tch would come out of me if I had a gun pointed at me as much as Chuck does. I will truly admit that my bark is worst than my bite). Chuck used to be reluctant to be put in harms way yet always seemed to accidentally get in the midst of a mission. This season Chuck is cocky and aggressive. Sarah and Casey will tell him to stay in the car/van/ house and Chuck inevitably runs out to 'help' and winds up getting in the way, making matters worst.
What?!?
There is some good stuff about Chuck: Zachary Levi is adorable. He is such an aw shucks type of dude. You know the one: that rare cutie that may be the CNA in your kid's doctor's office, the guy that is swilling coffee at Wawa or some random patron (although NOT in my library-we won't go there!) And because its the holiday season and I think Zachary Levi is adorable I will continue to keep Chuck on the schedule. However, if but if the writing and story lines don't get any better then I am going to call "Shenanigans!"
-r
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Holiday traditions
Yeah!
Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. I don't care so much about the day (I am a self-proclaimed heathen) but I don't have to work tomorrow!
I am sleeping in tomorrow.
I can watch all of Matt, Ann, Meredith (who has been replaced by Ann who has been replaced by Amy) and Al (who has been replaced by some bald dude who looks like he can and will kick your ass).
This is the plan but most likely I am going to get up early, do some last minute shopping and see the light show atWanamaker's Macy's. Part of me resents going into Center City (freakin' Nutter and the PPA!) but I like seeing the spectacular of lights and sitting next to the Eagle.
-r
Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. I don't care so much about the day (I am a self-proclaimed heathen) but I don't have to work tomorrow!
I am sleeping in tomorrow.
I can watch all of Matt, Ann, Meredith (who has been replaced by Ann who has been replaced by Amy) and Al (who has been replaced by some bald dude who looks like he can and will kick your ass).
This is the plan but most likely I am going to get up early, do some last minute shopping and see the light show at
-r
Monday, December 22, 2008
Lwaxana Troi died!
Majel Barrett Roddenberry, wife of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry died Thursday, December 18th.
Majel Barrett was the original Number One, Nurse Chapel (who was inexplicably in love with Spock, a man whocould would not show feelings), Lwaxana Troi (Deanna's mother) and the voice of the computer.
-r
Majel Barrett was the original Number One, Nurse Chapel (who was inexplicably in love with Spock, a man who
-r
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Today, December 20th, is...
...my aunt's birthday!
Happy Birthday Charleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeene!
Today is also "Go Caroling Day"
My favorite holiday songs are:
Santa Baby (Earth Kitt version)
O Holy Night (I get chills whenthat high note is hit)
Up on the House Top (Gene Autry and The Jacksons)
The Twelve Days of Christmas featuring John Denver and The Muppets
Winter Wonderland
Wonderful Christmas time (Simply, Having, a wonderful Christmas Time!)
Rocking Around the Christmas Tree
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Jingle Bell Rock
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
Some carols are a bit depressing.
Depending on who sings the song can make the difference between four minutes of cheer and egg nog from the carton and four minutes of wishing for laced nog in a glass. These are some of the songs that always make me want to curl up and cry like a lost little girl in the mall.
Sarah McLaughlin's version of I'll Be Home for Christmas.
The Little Drummer Boy always makes me want to hug bad kids.
The Jacksons singing Give Love on Christmas Day makes me want to make amends for sins old and new.
And the coup de gras, It's Christmas Charlie Brown. The Peanuts always depress me. It's something about these kids all alone with seemingly no parental supervision. When Christmastime is Near comes on I lose it. I want t atone for each and every wrong, real or perceived and depending on my mood, we don't watch many Peanuts.
-r
Happy Birthday Charleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeene!
Today is also "Go Caroling Day"
My favorite holiday songs are:
Santa Baby (Earth Kitt version)
O Holy Night (I get chills whenthat high note is hit)
Up on the House Top (Gene Autry and The Jacksons)
The Twelve Days of Christmas featuring John Denver and The Muppets
Winter Wonderland
Wonderful Christmas time (Simply, Having, a wonderful Christmas Time!)
Rocking Around the Christmas Tree
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Jingle Bell Rock
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
Some carols are a bit depressing.
Depending on who sings the song can make the difference between four minutes of cheer and egg nog from the carton and four minutes of wishing for laced nog in a glass. These are some of the songs that always make me want to curl up and cry like a lost little girl in the mall.
Sarah McLaughlin's version of I'll Be Home for Christmas.
The Little Drummer Boy always makes me want to hug bad kids.
The Jacksons singing Give Love on Christmas Day makes me want to make amends for sins old and new.
And the coup de gras, It's Christmas Charlie Brown. The Peanuts always depress me. It's something about these kids all alone with seemingly no parental supervision. When Christmastime is Near comes on I lose it. I want t atone for each and every wrong, real or perceived and depending on my mood, we don't watch many Peanuts.
-r
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Josie through the ages.
Favorites:
Disco
The Heavy metal and the techno/house mix.
Yes.
I have too much time on my hands.
-r
Does round count as a shape?
Tis the season to be jolly...
...and by jolly I mean:
More than a woman
When looking at myself in the mirror, I seem OK but the fit of my clothes say otherwise! I am not making self-deprecating remarks but an observation. My normal uniform of jeans and tees have been getting replaced by a more business casual fare. A few factors are in place: my new(ish) director wears adorable sweater sets and funky boots. My college gig requires that I distinguish myself from the student workers by wearing anything but jeans. And quite honestly when I have a meeting its rather nice to look as if I am a participant and not RBC (random black chick).
Well, as I have been trying to piece together an outfit that is not denim inspired I have noticed that there is a lot more of Rachée to love.
Lots more.
Blech!
Ai yi yi!
What to do!
Well, I KNOW *what* to do but it's just doing 'it' that I can't quite reconcile.
I was trying to be altruistic and say that I wanted to be strong and healthy so that was why I exercised. The weight loss was a bonus.
Horsehockey!
I am not happy with the way I look and need to do something about it but what?
Excuses:
No time to exercise
My workouts are stalled in a major way. The schizo weather in Delco is no surprise but I do get really bummed when I am all set for a wog and it's raining cats, dogs and elephants. Or cold. Or both.
No motivation
Yes, I could workout inside but I don't, have only done it three times this month and have no lasting motivation to change my behavior. Does realizing that you are contemplating calling in fat to work count as motivation?
I'm tired
The vicious cycle of being tired cause I'm out of shape is gearing to go. When I was hitting the track regularly, I was a like a robot: here, there and everywhere. Now, the best I can do is fly off the handle.
Too many delicious holday foods.
I swear my employers are trying to make me fat. Tootsie pops at the desk, chocolates from patrons, lunch. They force me to eat the food by merely leaving it there for me to get.
For real!
I was kicking myself earlier when I tried to sqeeze into a shirt I got, that fit a few weeks ago. It was va-va-va-voom but appropiately so. Now I look a little more wah-wah-wah-nooooo. The I'm a cow movie played through my head as I got dressed, drove to work and as I tried to appear confident in the outfit I wore.
But then: Lo and behold, what's been processed? The latest 'O' in which Oprah has come clean about her weight gain.
Heck!
Oprah has more money, staff and support and she still can't get it together. If Oprah keeps falling off the wagon (and into the chips) then I, a mere mortal, should ease up on myself.
OK.
Tomorrow is another day and Tamilee Webb can stretch me out.
-r
...and by jolly I mean:
More than a woman
When looking at myself in the mirror, I seem OK but the fit of my clothes say otherwise! I am not making self-deprecating remarks but an observation. My normal uniform of jeans and tees have been getting replaced by a more business casual fare. A few factors are in place: my new(ish) director wears adorable sweater sets and funky boots. My college gig requires that I distinguish myself from the student workers by wearing anything but jeans. And quite honestly when I have a meeting its rather nice to look as if I am a participant and not RBC (random black chick).
Well, as I have been trying to piece together an outfit that is not denim inspired I have noticed that there is a lot more of Rachée to love.
Lots more.
Blech!
Ai yi yi!
What to do!
Well, I KNOW *what* to do but it's just doing 'it' that I can't quite reconcile.
I was trying to be altruistic and say that I wanted to be strong and healthy so that was why I exercised. The weight loss was a bonus.
Horsehockey!
I am not happy with the way I look and need to do something about it but what?
Excuses:
No time to exercise
My workouts are stalled in a major way. The schizo weather in Delco is no surprise but I do get really bummed when I am all set for a wog and it's raining cats, dogs and elephants. Or cold. Or both.
No motivation
Yes, I could workout inside but I don't, have only done it three times this month and have no lasting motivation to change my behavior. Does realizing that you are contemplating calling in fat to work count as motivation?
I'm tired
The vicious cycle of being tired cause I'm out of shape is gearing to go. When I was hitting the track regularly, I was a like a robot: here, there and everywhere. Now, the best I can do is fly off the handle.
Too many delicious holday foods.
I swear my employers are trying to make me fat. Tootsie pops at the desk, chocolates from patrons, lunch. They force me to eat the food by merely leaving it there for me to get.
For real!
I was kicking myself earlier when I tried to sqeeze into a shirt I got, that fit a few weeks ago. It was va-va-va-voom but appropiately so. Now I look a little more wah-wah-wah-nooooo. The I'm a cow movie played through my head as I got dressed, drove to work and as I tried to appear confident in the outfit I wore.
But then: Lo and behold, what's been processed? The latest 'O' in which Oprah has come clean about her weight gain.
Heck!
Oprah has more money, staff and support and she still can't get it together. If Oprah keeps falling off the wagon (and into the chips) then I, a mere mortal, should ease up on myself.
OK.
Tomorrow is another day and Tamilee Webb can stretch me out.
-r
Pop, Lock and Drop it!
Am I going to anger the karma goddess for thinking that this is lame? However, if there were a church similar to this one in Delco, I would drag my butt out of bed Sundays to get my giggle on.
The whole thing is a hoot however, the moonwalk move at 1:55 is priceless.
-r
Disclaimer: Yes, yes this is old and been around for a while but it's new to me!
Addendum: Dlisted has a post that I swear I could have written myself. Whenever I have to pick up Dill from school or enter the meeting house at The Bee's school I hover near the doorway (in case of sudden earthquake).
"If I wasn't threatened by a meteor hitting me before even entering the
building...."
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Holiday ha, ha
Please to enjoy:
I am still in a Bah Humbug mood but I see some new moves that I am using for my next happy dance.
My mom is in rehab (no, no, no) and will probably not be home until after the holdays.
It could be like this:
Instead it's more like:
Let's face it; I'm tired.
-r
Trailer Trash
My geek flag is flying high today!
I just saw the new (to me) trailer for the JJ Abrams Star Trek movie.
Me no likey.
While I am not an avid viewer of original series-The Next Generation was and is my thing-I feel a bit protective for William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy and old Scotty (although Simon Pegg is the new Scotty and you all know how I feel about him). I don't know what I expected but the trailer made it seem more like some dumb Jason Stratham movie: full of crap being exploded, car chases and a stupid plot.
Blech.
While looking for the link to the movie I did come across a cute crocheted Communicator Button. I know what my next project is! Star Trek fans may be getting a little button.
(in very late 2009, Betty Rubble laugh)
Harry Potter is coming out in May.
Woo Hoo!
HP has gotten considerably darker in the last few years. The first movies and books were lighthearted, imaginative affairs that had me, a grown woman, waving sticks around saying-with feeling, "Wingardiam Leviosa!" Now the books and movies have become decidedly moody teen angst tomes that make you wanna holler!
I am looking forward to Jim Broadbent as Professor Slughorn as well as that big ball of crazy Helena Bonham Carter as Bellatrix Lestrange (great name!)
Then there is the Watchmen.
I. Cannot. Wait.
The graphic novel is awesome.
The trailer is awesome.
Let's hope the movie is the same. (Remember V for Vendetta? Yeep!)
Hopefully they won't change too much of the graphic novel. Yes, yes, EVERYTHING cannot be the same but hell, the storyboard is done for you!
Jeffrey Dean Morgan, aka Dead Denny from Grey's Anatomy is The Comedian. He looks like a smarmy git.
Billy Crudup is going to be a great Dr Wonderful. Those eyes!
And while I could wave my irritated semi fem woman flag about Malin Ackerman's outfit as Laurie Juspeczyk/Silk Spectre I will concede that Alan Moore's circa 80's illustrations were a bit outdated and would seem ridiculous in 2009.
Release dates:
Star Trek: May 8, 2009
Harry Potter: July 9, 2009
Watchmen: March 9, 2009
-r
I just saw the new (to me) trailer for the JJ Abrams Star Trek movie.
Me no likey.
While I am not an avid viewer of original series-The Next Generation was and is my thing-I feel a bit protective for William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy and old Scotty (although Simon Pegg is the new Scotty and you all know how I feel about him). I don't know what I expected but the trailer made it seem more like some dumb Jason Stratham movie: full of crap being exploded, car chases and a stupid plot.
Blech.
While looking for the link to the movie I did come across a cute crocheted Communicator Button. I know what my next project is! Star Trek fans may be getting a little button.
(in very late 2009, Betty Rubble laugh)
Harry Potter is coming out in May.
Woo Hoo!
HP has gotten considerably darker in the last few years. The first movies and books were lighthearted, imaginative affairs that had me, a grown woman, waving sticks around saying-with feeling, "Wingardiam Leviosa!" Now the books and movies have become decidedly moody teen angst tomes that make you wanna holler!
I am looking forward to Jim Broadbent as Professor Slughorn as well as that big ball of crazy Helena Bonham Carter as Bellatrix Lestrange (great name!)
Then there is the Watchmen.
I. Cannot. Wait.
The graphic novel is awesome.
The trailer is awesome.
Let's hope the movie is the same. (Remember V for Vendetta? Yeep!)
Hopefully they won't change too much of the graphic novel. Yes, yes, EVERYTHING cannot be the same but hell, the storyboard is done for you!
Jeffrey Dean Morgan, aka Dead Denny from Grey's Anatomy is The Comedian. He looks like a smarmy git.
Billy Crudup is going to be a great Dr Wonderful. Those eyes!
And while I could wave my irritated semi fem woman flag about Malin Ackerman's outfit as Laurie Juspeczyk/Silk Spectre I will concede that Alan Moore's circa 80's illustrations were a bit outdated and would seem ridiculous in 2009.
Release dates:
Star Trek: May 8, 2009
Harry Potter: July 9, 2009
Watchmen: March 9, 2009
-r
Loop: Yarn that is too good for a UFO
On the way to visiting my mom last week, Pop and I happened past Loop located on 20th and South Street. I have heard tell of mysterious yarn shops featuring high end skeins hanks of yarn, books and supplies of all kinds for the knitter (and crocheter, people sitting around working on projects and ...nothing else. No reindeer ornaments, flower arrangement supplies, racks of one dollar items or potpourri.
NOT a skein of yarn
As an avid Michael's, Jo-Ann, A.C. Moore and Salvation Army troll, I had pegged the independent yarn store as out of my league. Besides, I have only recently began crocheting regularly and felt that any yarn that cost as much as a tank of gas should not, nay WOULD not be had by me.
After circling the block twice looking for a legal parking spot (damned PPA!) Pop and I visited the store.
Let me set the scene: I always imagine independent yarn shops as bright, airy places where people are crafting away. The store was a bright airy place with three people crafting away. Loop heavily favors knitters (natch!) but I did see a crocheted scarf featured (aside: the featured crocheted scarf was of the same pattern as the one I had recently crocheted as was just a beautiful as mine! I felt like a big deal!). There were the legendary knitters (one was a dude!), well knitting and the store featured lovely, wonderfulskeins hanks of yarn arranged neatly (neatly!) by color and type. I finally got to see some alpaca as well as a silk blend and a hank of beaded pearl and silk yarn that cost FIFTY EIGHT BUCKS!!!!
Whoa!
The store was closing in a few minutes and not being one to leave empty handed, I picked a few sales rack items. I'd like to make another hat or maybe a bag with the yarn I scooped. I promised Pop that I would make something for her. Not sure what however....
Oh! And instead of a plastic bag for my purchases, the bag I was given is a reusable deal so that I can either take my projects with or keep it to buy even more yarn.
Reusable bag that I forgot to take when I bought more yarn
-r
NOT a skein of yarn
As an avid Michael's, Jo-Ann, A.C. Moore and Salvation Army troll, I had pegged the independent yarn store as out of my league. Besides, I have only recently began crocheting regularly and felt that any yarn that cost as much as a tank of gas should not, nay WOULD not be had by me.
After circling the block twice looking for a legal parking spot (damned PPA!) Pop and I visited the store.
Let me set the scene: I always imagine independent yarn shops as bright, airy places where people are crafting away. The store was a bright airy place with three people crafting away. Loop heavily favors knitters (natch!) but I did see a crocheted scarf featured (aside: the featured crocheted scarf was of the same pattern as the one I had recently crocheted as was just a beautiful as mine! I felt like a big deal!). There were the legendary knitters (one was a dude!), well knitting and the store featured lovely, wonderful
Whoa!
The store was closing in a few minutes and not being one to leave empty handed, I picked a few sales rack items. I'd like to make another hat or maybe a bag with the yarn I scooped. I promised Pop that I would make something for her. Not sure what however....
Oh! And instead of a plastic bag for my purchases, the bag I was given is a reusable deal so that I can either take my projects with or keep it to buy even more yarn.
Reusable bag that I forgot to take when I bought more yarn
-r
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Today, December 16th is...
...National Chocolate Covered Anything Day.
(In Homer Simpson voice) Ummmm. Chocolate.
Any excuse for an ice cream sundae overflowing with fudge and chocolate whipped cream. All boxes of chocolate covered nuts, caramels, truffles and the like will be accepted.
(And I was wondering why my pants were tight around the middle!)
Today is also Barbie and Barney Backlash Day.
Wow!
The Hate!
I played with Barbies and so does The Bee. I have nothing against Barbie. Well I do hate how cheap and disposable that they have become but Barbies are (still) the bomb. When I was a kid, Barbies were not just a toy but an experience. Everything stopped (in my eight year old world) when a new Barbie came out. Mom would take my sister and I to John Wanamaker's to drool over the Barbie display on the 8th floor. There were Barbies from all over the world, the dream house, the cottage, the RV, the cars, horses and of course, the clothes. Each Barbie item would come with a drool worthy insert featuring a variety of clothes, accessories and dolls that could be purchased. My sister and I would spend hours looking at the insert making up stories about the Barbies and the clothes they wore.
My mom even found a Barbie fan club that my sister and I joined in which we got a magazine and stickers (pink of course) as well as a cool theme song. To the tune of Georgie Girl.
Barney is not as bad as people make him out to be. Heck, 'Clean up, clean up, everybody everywhere' still entices kids (and their adults) to pick up after themselves. When Pop was two or three, she would be mesmerized by that giant purple dinosaur. There was one tape that guaranteed me a 45 minute nap. Barney in Concert was choice du joir after working overnight and needing to catch up on my sleep and agreeing to babysit.
When I still had a cassette player in my car, I used to listen to 'I Love My Yellow Blankey in the Day or Night', 'Grandpa's Farm' and 'Barney's Sleepytime Songs'.
The soundtrack for Wednesday will be a heavy Barney emphasis.
And of course: Hey There, Barbie Girl.
As I eat chocolate and play with the Dream House.
-r
(In Homer Simpson voice) Ummmm. Chocolate.
Any excuse for an ice cream sundae overflowing with fudge and chocolate whipped cream. All boxes of chocolate covered nuts, caramels, truffles and the like will be accepted.
(And I was wondering why my pants were tight around the middle!)
Today is also Barbie and Barney Backlash Day.
Wow!
The Hate!
I played with Barbies and so does The Bee. I have nothing against Barbie. Well I do hate how cheap and disposable that they have become but Barbies are (still) the bomb. When I was a kid, Barbies were not just a toy but an experience. Everything stopped (in my eight year old world) when a new Barbie came out. Mom would take my sister and I to John Wanamaker's to drool over the Barbie display on the 8th floor. There were Barbies from all over the world, the dream house, the cottage, the RV, the cars, horses and of course, the clothes. Each Barbie item would come with a drool worthy insert featuring a variety of clothes, accessories and dolls that could be purchased. My sister and I would spend hours looking at the insert making up stories about the Barbies and the clothes they wore.
My mom even found a Barbie fan club that my sister and I joined in which we got a magazine and stickers (pink of course) as well as a cool theme song. To the tune of Georgie Girl.
Barney is not as bad as people make him out to be. Heck, 'Clean up, clean up, everybody everywhere' still entices kids (and their adults) to pick up after themselves. When Pop was two or three, she would be mesmerized by that giant purple dinosaur. There was one tape that guaranteed me a 45 minute nap. Barney in Concert was choice du joir after working overnight and needing to catch up on my sleep and agreeing to babysit.
When I still had a cassette player in my car, I used to listen to 'I Love My Yellow Blankey in the Day or Night', 'Grandpa's Farm' and 'Barney's Sleepytime Songs'.
The soundtrack for Wednesday will be a heavy Barney emphasis.
And of course: Hey There, Barbie Girl.
As I eat chocolate and play with the Dream House.
-r
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Ding Dong Merrily We Sing!
In years past, I have dreaded "the concert". The concert sometimes uses the alias pageant, recital, show or chorus but we will agree to call it "the concert" from here out. These events are events that only a mother (or father) could love. While there is nothing cuter than your baby in a tutu and tights or a group belting out a familiar tune, there seems something sinister about these performances. One begins to wonder why the school curriculum includes violating the civil rights of ill-informed parents and well meaning relatives and friends.
Cute!
Not cute and wrong for so many reasons!
Blech!
*Slightly exaggerated. Leaky was in three numbers.
Blech!
Some highlights of torture masquerading as theater:
Pop as an irate town member indignantly declaring, "Oh we got trouble! Right here in River City!", an "orphink" and a trash can dancer in The Music Man Junior, Annie Junior, and Stomp Junior respectively. There was nothing junior about any of these. The average show time in that hot lunchroom/auditorium was 2 hours and 45 minutes!
Courtesy of Pop again (but not Pop), a child butchering Al Green. The soloist earnestly sang in a pitch only heard by animals "Put a little loooove! Put a little looooove!". This was a Spring concert so it was still hot in the auditorium/lunchroom/gymnasium but we could have the doors open.
A looooooooooong(4 hour) ballet recital in which the person I knew was onstage for three jetes and two Rond de jambe*. This time the torturer family member was my cousin Leaky. I was old enough to know better; this was pre-Bee but I wanted to support the family. The dance company actually announced that they had cut the program by featuring the smaller children at a noontime performance.
Pickles and his pre-school class performing a hula for Mother's Day.
Yes.
A hula.
I both dreaded and anxiously awaited the day when The Bee would be performing. Her school is very child centered and child oriented. Children are encouraged to give a lot more input than I would necessarily allow (and I am a pretty loose mom type as far as the Bee is concerned at times). However at her school the kids call the teachers by their first name (which freaks my mom out even after 5 years!) and they are often very opinionated on all topics. Whether ya wanna hear it or not.
In the four concerts that I have attended we have been entertained by homemade instruments, compositions by the kids with very limited assistance from the music teacher, and this 'bing bong' thing that an Australian guy so eloquently wondered in his wonderful accent, "What the hell?"
So when The Bee came home excited about her concert I was momentarily envious of my mom's hospital stay. The Bee joined the chorus this year and has been diligently attending rehearsals, practicing her songs and bugging me to get the black and white outfit needed for the day.
Concert night drama:
One stressor I have about the concert is trying to get there on time. Delco is not so far away but with traffic, trying to get dinner ready for a picky eater and the rain that inevitably occurs whenever there is a performance I left work early-ish to be ready for once.
When I got home The Bee off handily reported that she had to be to the church by 6:10. This was breezily remarked at 5:28. So, no dinner and away we flee. Of course, the Delco area rained hard and heavy Thursday night. Cats, Dogs and Elephants and let's get some sandbags type of rain.
Why does it ALWAYS rain or there is some other type of awful weather that occurs the date of the concert? Even the assistant head of school noted this phenomena.
We didn't get to eat and of course I was feeling all kinds of bad as I thought that my child was going to forget the lyrics to her songs because she was distracted by the rumblings of her tummy.
As I was hurtling through the streets of West Philly, stuck behind two slowly moving out of service SEPTA buses, I glance at the clock and I panicked at the time.
Me: 'We may not get there at exactly 6:10'.
The Bee says, 'No problem. We can get there at 6:10, 6:25. Something like that'.
Me: Blinking furiously: What!?!
The Bee: (singing to radio)
I guess I would have fibbed to my mom too about the time since she too suffers from chronic late-itis.
Oh well. Tonight's winter concert was sweet. It was very entertaining and while I was not familiar with all of the songs, I wasn't glued to my program as I would have been trying to will each song to end.
Highlights:
Ding Dong Merrily We Sing
Reindeer Rap (slipping and sliding, making all of the stops/ Killin ourselves to make Santa look hot!)
The 1/2 singing and dancing to a Hanukkah tune.
The chorus because they all looked so excited about singing.
I ran into a friend and we got to catch up on the girls and all of the drama that accompanies third graders at a private school.
It was really sweet and lovely. I was sad that my mom couldn't attend but The Bee has promised a full performance when she gets home.
-r
*Slightly exaggerated. Leaky was in three numbers.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Hospital Hat too
This is a hat that I crocheted when it was my shift with mom.
The pattern is a combo of a hat found in 24 Hour Crochet Patterns as well as some modifications I made in an effort to cover my locs.
As you can see, The Bee decided that the hat (and the matching scarf) was perfect for her.
Of course, she has since left the hat at school, my sister's and a few other places.
Kids!
-r
Today (December 12) is...
...National Ding-a-Ling Day.
Originally I thought this day was about food, Chuck Berry, or any slew of teenage comedies from the 90's but this is a day for wackos, lunatics, and others who are off their rocker. Insert your own snarky comment about a co-worker, workplace, family member, etc here ________________.
Tomorrow is a full moon.
How appropos!
-r
Originally I thought this day was about food, Chuck Berry, or any slew of teenage comedies from the 90's but this is a day for wackos, lunatics, and others who are off their rocker. Insert your own snarky comment about a co-worker, workplace, family member, etc here ________________.
Tomorrow is a full moon.
How appropos!
-r
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Butterfly Days
Butterfly Days ( life changing emergence from a cocoon day)
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes(Turn and face the strain)
I really wish that I could say that I came up with this phrase and
idea but credit belongs to ladyheadstrong who was blogging about a subject near and dear to me: losing weight. While I like to think that "I am not my weight" there are times that I let the number on the scale dictate my day.
Anyhoo, I am going to use this term to help me reach the goals that I need to set for the next run I plan to do. Quite honestly aside from the Workout Boogies I have not
run or did any exercise other than running my mouth for weeks. With this track record I cannot expect to run anywhere but to the nearest ER without taking the proper steps to get in shape.Full disclosure: I grew up in a 'Right Here, Right Now' type world. Instant gratification is the name of the game and I do not know from nothing about
deferred gratification. I am going to focus on mini targets to get in the shape that I want to be.
In this case, where I want to be is finishing the Broad Street Run in less than two hours. In 2007 Iranlimped the Philadelphia half marathon in 3 hours and 26 minutes. I was training for the race but somehow life got in the way and I let things slide. I wasn't going to run but I thought of that $75 entry fee and got off my
rusty dusty. I dragged myself through the streets of Philadelphia to complete this
race. I don't want to be dragging myself down Broad Street in May so I am going to
allow myself time to train, get in shape and be a proper runner.So my Butterfly Days will be as such:
Cocoon Day: May 3rd, 2009
Butterfly Days:
- December 25 aka Christmas: 18 weeks until the race. Goal is just getting out there.
- January 20 aka Obama's Inauguration : 15 weeks to race day. Goal is 12 laps
- February 14 aka Diane's performance: 11 weeks until race. Goal is 16
laps- March 10 aka The Bee's day!: 7 weeks to race. Goal is 20 laps
- April 12 aka Easter Sunday: 3 weeks to race. Goal is 24 laps
- May 3rd aka race day. Goal is to finish in under 2 hours.
During the winter I am not going to lie: if its too cold I may have to rethink my track visits. I have access to a gym that I will take advantage of. I am going to focus on small goals instead of the entire race so that I can actually finish.
Root, root,root for me!
-r
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Desk Intervention needed!
Or...A cluttered desk reflects a cluttered mind*
Where did I put my pencil?
Do you really think I can find a book for you in this mess?
I am in need of an intervention! I really wish I could say that my work area is a mess because of my days off or because I was so busy providing young minds with the right book.
Alas, I realize that I am a hoarder, pack rat and junk queen. (Sanford and Son theme plays).
I am going to get started with my New Year's Resolutions. My first one is to clean my desk of and have a clutter free work space.
Check in with me on January 9th to see if I keep it up.
-r
*Cluttered with awesome ideas. lol
Where did I put my pencil?
Do you really think I can find a book for you in this mess?
I am in need of an intervention! I really wish I could say that my work area is a mess because of my days off or because I was so busy providing young minds with the right book.
Alas, I realize that I am a hoarder, pack rat and junk queen. (Sanford and Son theme plays).
I am going to get started with my New Year's Resolutions. My first one is to clean my desk of and have a clutter free work space.
Check in with me on January 9th to see if I keep it up.
-r
*Cluttered with awesome ideas. lol
Skippyjon Jones
Me (with big cheese grin) and Judy, Judy, Judy
While at Baker & Taylor's Book Preview in November, I met Judy Schachner.
I totally name dropped; a coworker cat sits for her and mentioned that I would be stopping by. So Judy was looking out for me (busy chick that she is) and, while she personalized everyone's book(s)*, she made my kitty a little special:
Skippyjon Jones does NOT live the lye!
-r
*Although we were told to take ONE book, some library types felt that this rule did not refer to them. Library types loves their free stuff!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Back to work blues
Dun dun dun dun dun.....*
Yes, yes in this horrid economy I should be doing every variation of a happy dance to celebrate my being employed but mentally I am not here.
It does not pay for me to take time off! My mojo has been skewed all day.
Dun dun dun dun dun.....*
To set the scene: my room wasn't a mess (good) but my desk looked like a hurricane hit it. What the holey hockey mom? I know I cleared a layer of crap as well as straightened up the residual crap before I left last Wednesday! My desk was/is cluttered and full of scribbled pictures (the kids like to leave me gifts), broken pencils and tore up books.
It looked like my car.
Dun dun dun dun dun.....*
I had a few 'new to me' families at storytime and the little ones were more interested in every thing in the room other than myself. Normally no big but I could feel that I was off and wonder how much it showed. The parents stayed and chatted and said they would be back but perhaps they were sparing my feelings (paranoia rares her ugly head).
Dun dun dun dun dun.....*
I was greeted by 148 e-mails. About 18 were work related. The rest were advertisements from either every book seller, performer, or novelty seller that I have subscribed to in the last two years (everybody is trying to capture that last penny before the end of the year) , "elerts" claiming that my non-existent accounts are being compromised or the annoying read receipts that I set up for ONE person but somehow never got around to clearing for all else.
Dun dun dun dun dun.....*
The mystery book puller is back. Some lovely likes to find all books in a series, this time all of the Eyewitness books, and pile them in various places in my room. Ai yi yi!
It's bad enough that there are about one hundred books returned daily for my room but to have to add the 45 Eyewitness books just seemed cruel! I kind of took it personally but then I remembered that it's not all about me and woosahed myself back to sanity.
Dun dun dun dun dun.....*
Some kid that has been kicked out of the library, KNOWS he's been kicked out the library and sent kicked out info in writing decided to sneak back in. I guess he and his sneak buddies really thought I was asking their opinion when I put them out. Again. The conversation that ensued was reminiscent of a Charlie Brown cartoon: womp, womp, womp, womp, womp.
Dun dun dun dun dun.....*
The day is almost over. Now is the time for me to clear (lol) my desk and get ready to boogie.
Someone else is doing storytime tomorrow and no prep from me is needed.
Sweet!
My volunteer should be in during the afternoon and I am off to a meeting Thursday.
Crap!
It's in Chester.
(various muttered curses)
I always get lost in Chester so I am feeling anxious about the trip.
Dang!
Dun dun dun dun dun.....*
-r
*Blues riff
Yes, yes in this horrid economy I should be doing every variation of a happy dance to celebrate my being employed but mentally I am not here.
It does not pay for me to take time off! My mojo has been skewed all day.
Dun dun dun dun dun.....*
To set the scene: my room wasn't a mess (good) but my desk looked like a hurricane hit it. What the holey hockey mom? I know I cleared a layer of crap as well as straightened up the residual crap before I left last Wednesday! My desk was/is cluttered and full of scribbled pictures (the kids like to leave me gifts), broken pencils and tore up books.
It looked like my car.
Dun dun dun dun dun.....*
I had a few 'new to me' families at storytime and the little ones were more interested in every thing in the room other than myself. Normally no big but I could feel that I was off and wonder how much it showed. The parents stayed and chatted and said they would be back but perhaps they were sparing my feelings (paranoia rares her ugly head).
Dun dun dun dun dun.....*
I was greeted by 148 e-mails. About 18 were work related. The rest were advertisements from either every book seller, performer, or novelty seller that I have subscribed to in the last two years (everybody is trying to capture that last penny before the end of the year) , "elerts" claiming that my non-existent accounts are being compromised or the annoying read receipts that I set up for ONE person but somehow never got around to clearing for all else.
Dun dun dun dun dun.....*
The mystery book puller is back. Some lovely likes to find all books in a series, this time all of the Eyewitness books, and pile them in various places in my room. Ai yi yi!
It's bad enough that there are about one hundred books returned daily for my room but to have to add the 45 Eyewitness books just seemed cruel! I kind of took it personally but then I remembered that it's not all about me and woosahed myself back to sanity.
Dun dun dun dun dun.....*
Some kid that has been kicked out of the library, KNOWS he's been kicked out the library and sent kicked out info in writing decided to sneak back in. I guess he and his sneak buddies really thought I was asking their opinion when I put them out. Again. The conversation that ensued was reminiscent of a Charlie Brown cartoon: womp, womp, womp, womp, womp.
Dun dun dun dun dun.....*
The day is almost over. Now is the time for me to clear (lol) my desk and get ready to boogie.
Someone else is doing storytime tomorrow and no prep from me is needed.
Sweet!
My volunteer should be in during the afternoon and I am off to a meeting Thursday.
Crap!
It's in Chester.
(various muttered curses)
I always get lost in Chester so I am feeling anxious about the trip.
Dang!
Dun dun dun dun dun.....*
-r
*Blues riff
Christmas time is near...
The Bee and I recently attended a Holiday Hullabaloo. (Note to self: I am so stealing this idea for next year.) The set up was snacks [beverages(hot chocolate (yum!), warm apple cider, apple juice-always found near little kids) and treats (holiday themed sugar cookies, pretzels, and carrot sticks-only in suburbia] on one side of the room.
There was a huge screen projecting Christmas favorites in the center of the space: Frosty the Snowman and the cartoon featuring Mr Heat Miser.
And then there were crafts on the left. There were four tables set up as activity stations. Station one featured paper bags that were personalized and could be decorated with holiday themed stickers.
The other three stations featured a banner with winter/Christmas favorites (all the usual suspects: Santa, Rudolph, a snowman and a snowflake), an adorable penguin thermometer, and a penguin decorator.
Crafts 'r' Us
Now I have to call out the organizers because there were not enough supplies to go around. Either people were taking extras (as people are wont to do) or they had lots of late add ons. However my nephew was unable to attend so there should have been at least one extra at each station.
I realize I appear petty ('cuz that's the way I roll) but I also acknowledge this because while I was letting The Bee set her own pace and leisurely completing the activity on hand, there were people just grabbing and taking.
(I have often wondered why I always feel the need to act on my best behavior when clearly those acting a fool seem to make out like bandits. I am going to save that rant for another post and continue on with the good holiday feel.)
The Bee and Santa
The party also included the visit from a quite progressive Santa. (He's AA and he sported an iPhone!?!) My child does not believe in Santa. So in some ways I feel like a total hypocrite having her cheese with St Nick. However, when in Rome....
One thing the ex and I were in total agreement was that we would not perpetuate the whole Santa Clause myth. We did allow that she would think Santa brought one special gift and that all the rest were selected, bought and paid by her mom and dad. Because I works hard for my money I have always had issues allowing some fat stranger to get the credit for the Christmas gifts especially after I would spend my time braving the crowds, fighting for a parking spot, praying I don't get a ticket (or in Philly, towed), arguing with that clerk who hates herself and therefore everyone else in sight, the clerk who takes his job way too seriously and the people haggling over a nickel. But at the Christmas Hullabaloo Bonanza, I felt that this was a money shot.
Isn't she adorable?
I am ultra biased.
-r
There was a huge screen projecting Christmas favorites in the center of the space: Frosty the Snowman and the cartoon featuring Mr Heat Miser.
And then there were crafts on the left. There were four tables set up as activity stations. Station one featured paper bags that were personalized and could be decorated with holiday themed stickers.
The other three stations featured a banner with winter/Christmas favorites (all the usual suspects: Santa, Rudolph, a snowman and a snowflake), an adorable penguin thermometer, and a penguin decorator.
Crafts 'r' Us
Now I have to call out the organizers because there were not enough supplies to go around. Either people were taking extras (as people are wont to do) or they had lots of late add ons. However my nephew was unable to attend so there should have been at least one extra at each station.
I realize I appear petty ('cuz that's the way I roll) but I also acknowledge this because while I was letting The Bee set her own pace and leisurely completing the activity on hand, there were people just grabbing and taking.
(I have often wondered why I always feel the need to act on my best behavior when clearly those acting a fool seem to make out like bandits. I am going to save that rant for another post and continue on with the good holiday feel.)
The Bee and Santa
The party also included the visit from a quite progressive Santa. (He's AA and he sported an iPhone!?!) My child does not believe in Santa. So in some ways I feel like a total hypocrite having her cheese with St Nick. However, when in Rome....
One thing the ex and I were in total agreement was that we would not perpetuate the whole Santa Clause myth. We did allow that she would think Santa brought one special gift and that all the rest were selected, bought and paid by her mom and dad. Because I works hard for my money I have always had issues allowing some fat stranger to get the credit for the Christmas gifts especially after I would spend my time braving the crowds, fighting for a parking spot, praying I don't get a ticket (or in Philly, towed), arguing with that clerk who hates herself and therefore everyone else in sight, the clerk who takes his job way too seriously and the people haggling over a nickel. But at the Christmas Hullabaloo Bonanza, I felt that this was a money shot.
Isn't she adorable?
I am ultra biased.
-r
Monday, December 8, 2008
Workout Boogie Day 3: ¡Muy caliente!
So, while talking to my sister, she says that NOW is the time to exercise; to try and relieve some of the stress that has been a way of life these past few weeks.
Ipso Facto, the Workout Boogie continues!
Having so much nervous energy to burn, cardio was in order. My goal was to hit the track and do 2 miles (walk one, wog one 'really fast' ) but, to bastardize and borrow from Seuss, "too windy to go out, to cold to wog far, so I stayed in the house and did a DVD instead".
My eyes were drawn to Crunch Cardio Salsa. This was not quite the high impact that I was looking for but due to my lack of rhythm and two left feet, my heart got pumping.
What I look like as a dancer
And me after tripping over my feet doing the merengue.
I have always liked Crunch Fitness. The half hour shows used to come on basic cable way back when I used to tape them with a VCR. Donna Richardson was an instructor and she always made exercise and getting in shape seem so... possible. At a time when every Tom, Dick, Sally and Jane were putting out videos, Donna was always a mainstay.
The Crunch format is also more to my liking. The instructors have fun and don't take things so seriously. The cuing and camera work was a bit off but I will fully disclose that I did NOT preview DVD before attempting to complete it and I am a bit directionally challenged.
I am not going to be featured on "So you Think You Can Dance" anytime soon but what the hey, maybe the next KOCO won't find me sitting in a corner nursing a Diet Pepsi.
-r
*This is actually Kate DiCamillo's Mercy Watson but she is a faithful representation. lol!
Ipso Facto, the Workout Boogie continues!
Having so much nervous energy to burn, cardio was in order. My goal was to hit the track and do 2 miles (walk one, wog one 'really fast' ) but, to bastardize and borrow from Seuss, "too windy to go out, to cold to wog far, so I stayed in the house and did a DVD instead".
My eyes were drawn to Crunch Cardio Salsa. This was not quite the high impact that I was looking for but due to my lack of rhythm and two left feet, my heart got pumping.
What I look like as a dancer
And me after tripping over my feet doing the merengue.
I have always liked Crunch Fitness. The half hour shows used to come on basic cable way back when I used to tape them with a VCR. Donna Richardson was an instructor and she always made exercise and getting in shape seem so... possible. At a time when every Tom, Dick, Sally and Jane were putting out videos, Donna was always a mainstay.
The Crunch format is also more to my liking. The instructors have fun and don't take things so seriously. The cuing and camera work was a bit off but I will fully disclose that I did NOT preview DVD before attempting to complete it and I am a bit directionally challenged.
I am not going to be featured on "So you Think You Can Dance" anytime soon but what the hey, maybe the next KOCO won't find me sitting in a corner nursing a Diet Pepsi.
-r
*This is actually Kate DiCamillo's Mercy Watson but she is a faithful representation. lol!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
I sang to a gangster because that's how I roll
I am feeling relieved that my mom is better and have therefore decided to give myself a break from worrying. While looking for patterns (don't say a word!) I found this cute game on Lady Headstrong's blog.
Check it out for yourself
Tell me what your birthday means.
Pick the month you were born:
January-------I kicked
February------I loved
March--------I karate chopped
April----------I licked
May----------I jumped on
June----------I smelled
July-----------I did the Macarena with
August--------I had lunch with
September----I danced with
October-------I sang to
November-----I yelled at
December-----I ran over
Pick the day (number) you were born on:
1-------a birdbath
2----- --a monster
3-------a phone
4-------a fork
5-------a snowman
6-------a gangster
7---- ---my mobile phone
8-------my dog
9-------my best friends' boyfriend
10-------my neighbor
11-------my science teacher
12-------a banana
13-------a fireman
14-------a stuffed animal
15-------a goat
16-------a pickle
17-------your mom
18-------a spoon
19------ - a smurf
20-------a baseball bat
21-------a ninja
22-------Chuck Norris
23-------a noodle
24-------a squirrel
25-------a football player
26-------my sister
27-------my brother
28-------an iPod
29-------a surfer
30-------a homeless guy
31-------a llama
Pick the color of shirt you are wearing:
White----because I'm cool like that
Black-----because that's how I roll.
Pink-----because I'm NOT crazy.
Red------because the voices told me to.
Blue-----because I'm sexy and I do what I want
Green----because I think I need some serious help.
Purple----because I'm AWESOME!
Gray-----because Big Bird said to and he's my leader.
Yellow---because someone offered me 1,000,000 dollars
Orange---because my family thinks I'm stupid anyway.Brown----because I can.
Other-----because I'm a Ninja!
None------because I can't control myself!
-r
Check it out for yourself
Tell me what your birthday means.
Pick the month you were born:
January-------I kicked
February------I loved
March--------I karate chopped
April----------I licked
May----------I jumped on
June----------I smelled
July-----------I did the Macarena with
August--------I had lunch with
September----I danced with
October-------I sang to
November-----I yelled at
December-----I ran over
Pick the day (number) you were born on:
1-------a birdbath
2----- --a monster
3-------a phone
4-------a fork
5-------a snowman
6-------a gangster
7---- ---my mobile phone
8-------my dog
9-------my best friends' boyfriend
10-------my neighbor
11-------my science teacher
12-------a banana
13-------a fireman
14-------a stuffed animal
15-------a goat
16-------a pickle
17-------your mom
18-------a spoon
19------ - a smurf
20-------a baseball bat
21-------a ninja
22-------Chuck Norris
23-------a noodle
24-------a squirrel
25-------a football player
26-------my sister
27-------my brother
28-------an iPod
29-------a surfer
30-------a homeless guy
31-------a llama
Pick the color of shirt you are wearing:
White----because I'm cool like that
Black-----because that's how I roll.
Pink-----because I'm NOT crazy.
Red------because the voices told me to.
Blue-----because I'm sexy and I do what I want
Green----because I think I need some serious help.
Purple----because I'm AWESOME!
Gray-----because Big Bird said to and he's my leader.
Yellow---because someone offered me 1,000,000 dollars
Orange---because my family thinks I'm stupid anyway.Brown----because I can.
Other-----because I'm a Ninja!
None------because I can't control myself!
-r
Today (December 7th) is...
...National Cotton Candy Day!
Sugarstand has a recipe to make your own!
It is also letter writing day and Pearl Harbor Day.
Have a ball!
-r
Sugarstand has a recipe to make your own!
It is also letter writing day and Pearl Harbor Day.
Have a ball!
-r
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Workout Boogie on hold
Compared to last Tuesday, my mom is doing 100% better however she is still not quite herself. I am going to suspend my Workout Boogie until 12/14.
-r
-r
Random iPod picks
Sometimes iTunes is right on the money with new picks. Each week there are at last three free songs that can be downloaded. Some weeks the picks are great.
Other times
I have also been known to get stuck in a genre (showtunes, blues, oldies) and then there are times when I hear some music that forces me to take notice.
While waiting with my mom through the endless rounds of tests, lab work, just hoping she gets through the night, I just hit random and let the music play.
No particular order; these are just some of the songs that got me through that 3:30AM hump.
James Morrison's You Give Me Something.
Duffy's Mercy
Daniel Powter's Bad Day
Amy Winehouse's You Know I'm No Good (she warned us)
Jamie Lidell's What the Use
I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know by Alice Russell
Hail Holy Queen from Sister Act
Have It All and Overkill from the Scrubs Season I soundtrack
The Beta Band's Squares from Life
Until You Come Back to Me by Hil St. Soul
Alison Krauss and Robert Plant's Rich Woman
-r
Other times
I have also been known to get stuck in a genre (showtunes, blues, oldies) and then there are times when I hear some music that forces me to take notice.
While waiting with my mom through the endless rounds of tests, lab work, just hoping she gets through the night, I just hit random and let the music play.
No particular order; these are just some of the songs that got me through that 3:30AM hump.
James Morrison's You Give Me Something.
Duffy's Mercy
Daniel Powter's Bad Day
Amy Winehouse's You Know I'm No Good (she warned us)
Jamie Lidell's What the Use
I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know by Alice Russell
Hail Holy Queen from Sister Act
Have It All and Overkill from the Scrubs Season I soundtrack
The Beta Band's Squares from Life
Until You Come Back to Me by Hil St. Soul
Alison Krauss and Robert Plant's Rich Woman
-r
Friday, December 5, 2008
Today, December 5th is ...
...Krampuslauf.
In honor of a friend who grew up in Austria, I present this special holiday.
Austria, Bavaria and Switzerland Krampuslauf is the night scary, devil-like creatures called 'Krampus' carry cow bells, clanking chains and rods through the streets of alpine regions scaring children and adults. Naughty children are cautioned that if they do not behave Krampus will appear and they will receive no gifts from St Nicholas. Those children who have behaved will NOT see the Krampus and in a few days time will be visited by St Nicholas.
On the eve of St. Nicholas's Day, children are invited to throw snowballs at the devilish Krampus. Take this day to face your demons and make a go of the rest of 2008.
-r
In honor of a friend who grew up in Austria, I present this special holiday.
Austria, Bavaria and Switzerland Krampuslauf is the night scary, devil-like creatures called 'Krampus' carry cow bells, clanking chains and rods through the streets of alpine regions scaring children and adults. Naughty children are cautioned that if they do not behave Krampus will appear and they will receive no gifts from St Nicholas. Those children who have behaved will NOT see the Krampus and in a few days time will be visited by St Nicholas.
On the eve of St. Nicholas's Day, children are invited to throw snowballs at the devilish Krampus. Take this day to face your demons and make a go of the rest of 2008.
-r
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Today (December 4th) is...
...Wear Brown Shoes Day!
Hmmm.
This is really simple. I have a pair of shoes that my cousin lovingly calls my lumberjack shoes. They are comfortable and were on sale so they fit the bill.
Get thee some brown shoes and enjoy!
Today is also National Dice Day. While I am sure that this means the cubed six sided objects I am taking National Dice Day to mean that I am going to be bit more agreeable today; the opposite of No Dice (A refusal to accept a proposition - equivalent to 'nothing doing').
Today is also Extraordinary Work Team Recognition Day so here is a shout out to all the hospital types that have been so kind to my family as well as to acknowledge the hustle of the folks who have been working to keep my mom alive.
-r
Hmmm.
This is really simple. I have a pair of shoes that my cousin lovingly calls my lumberjack shoes. They are comfortable and were on sale so they fit the bill.
Get thee some brown shoes and enjoy!
Today is also National Dice Day. While I am sure that this means the cubed six sided objects I am taking National Dice Day to mean that I am going to be bit more agreeable today; the opposite of No Dice (A refusal to accept a proposition - equivalent to 'nothing doing').
Today is also Extraordinary Work Team Recognition Day so here is a shout out to all the hospital types that have been so kind to my family as well as to acknowledge the hustle of the folks who have been working to keep my mom alive.
-r
Hospital make me sick
Not really but it's late and I can't think of another pun or clever thing to type.
My mom has been transferred and she seems to be a bit better.
Ai yi yi!
I wish I were psychic and could figure out what is wrong with her.
My poor aunt has been here all day and now is saying that she will stay over. I keep telling her that she had better go home so that she is not the next one in a hospital.
Oh well.
Nothing really snarky or witty to say.
Sickness in itself is a bitch.
Sickness in a relative or someone that you really care about is humbling.
-r
My mom has been transferred and she seems to be a bit better.
Ai yi yi!
I wish I were psychic and could figure out what is wrong with her.
My poor aunt has been here all day and now is saying that she will stay over. I keep telling her that she had better go home so that she is not the next one in a hospital.
Oh well.
Nothing really snarky or witty to say.
Sickness in itself is a bitch.
Sickness in a relative or someone that you really care about is humbling.
-r
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Desperate Housewives - the day after
After a two week break, the ladies (and I am including some of the hubbies too) are back for more drama and intrigue.
We start off the re-cap with an almost giddy Mary Alice as she waxes methodically about the day after the fire. Is Mary Alice a ghost that haunts Wisteria Lane? Is she around to remind us that the ladies were/ are friends?
I left my notes somewhere so I am winging it from here on:
Susan:
OMG! Not usually my favorite character but I could sympathize with her upon finding out that Mike is dating. (The first time The Bee told me about the outing she had taken with her dad and his friend I saw red for a few hours!) Yes, yes, yes, she is dating Jackson , who was dumb enough to get locked in a supply closet and Susan couldn't get past the accident that killed a young mother and child but my money is on Mike. I will call Susan out for spitting out the cookie she bit. What a rude heifer! And what a waste of a good cookie. I hate that Kathryn lied to her. Perhaps because I never dated any one's ex I can speak with such certainty but damn!
Why is she upset with Kathryn? Aside from when Kathryn first moved back to Wisteria Lane, I have not seen Susan and Kathryn hanging out at all. Susan should have known that Kathryn was lonely and hooked her up with of her other cast offs. (lol!)
Bree:
Why are Bree and Orson still married? They have so many conditions for their marriage! Three weeks ago Orson was going to divorce Bree if she didn't give him a job, 5 years ago to demonstrate his love for Bree, Orson went to jail but this week was a doozy! Orson injured his nose during the big fire and has since been snoring like a bear. Instead of sleeping in the guest room that Orson stomped off to three weeks ago, he decides that he needs to sleep in his bed and drugs Bree the night before she had to do a big cooking demo. What the holey hockey mom? He couldn't man up and sleep in another room? He didn't pour out the drugged tea or put away the sleeping pills?
Really sloppy!
Gabby:
Always shallow. I am glad that Carlos may be able to see again because blind Carlos is dull Carlos. Perhaps with the return of his vision he and Gabby can see that they are killing their kids. I don't really cotton to mouthy kids so Gabby's brats irk me! I will leave this go for now because they are children and my snarky comments should be reserved for adults.
Since Gabby was always so shallow I can understand why she is so upset about Carlos reacting to the way she looks but I am going to put some of this on Gabby. If she is so worried about the way she looks, why does she dress like she gets her clothes by the pound? Again, I am not a fashion plate but I also know my limits. I am not whining about my looks (much) and I was never a fashion model. And while on the model subject: How was tiny Gabby a model? Unless Tyra Banks is just trying to give us short people a complex (models should be 5'9" and above) then how was she an international supermodel?
Linette:
What is the deal with this babe? She is truly the mistress of duplicity. She lies to her kids, lies to the cops, lies to herself (because she probably tells herself that she is a good parent). Obviously Matt Damon junior, aka Porter, is missing something if he and Donna Abandando are messing around. Perhaps he can't deal with his sneaky mother. If Porter did set the fire why would Linette and Tom protect him? SO they can sleep with one eye open for the next ten years? Anyhoo, off of my soapbox, I just don't get why Linette creates these monsters and then seems puzzled by their actions.
Yadda, yadda, yadda, Linette lies to everyone in ear shot, sends Anne off with a stack of dough and I'm done.
Dave:
Or Lt Hawk. Dave just looks like a straight up whack job on this episode. He seems unnerved that seven people were killed but does what any rational person with beige hair and alien eyes does: blame someone else. I'm not too upset with Dave's actions. One thing I have learned by watching DH is that he will get his in the end. When Dave visits Mike in the hospital (?) he asks for a friend. Man up! Can Dave get any more creepier? He just seems yucky and not menacing, what with the hair, the begging for a friend, the aimless stares.
My sister didn't like this episode but it was OK for me. There promises to be a Bob and Lee sighting (woo hoo!)
-r
We start off the re-cap with an almost giddy Mary Alice as she waxes methodically about the day after the fire. Is Mary Alice a ghost that haunts Wisteria Lane? Is she around to remind us that the ladies were/ are friends?
I left my notes somewhere so I am winging it from here on:
Susan:
OMG! Not usually my favorite character but I could sympathize with her upon finding out that Mike is dating. (The first time The Bee told me about the outing she had taken with her dad and his friend I saw red for a few hours!) Yes, yes, yes, she is dating Jackson , who was dumb enough to get locked in a supply closet and Susan couldn't get past the accident that killed a young mother and child but my money is on Mike. I will call Susan out for spitting out the cookie she bit. What a rude heifer! And what a waste of a good cookie. I hate that Kathryn lied to her. Perhaps because I never dated any one's ex I can speak with such certainty but damn!
Why is she upset with Kathryn? Aside from when Kathryn first moved back to Wisteria Lane, I have not seen Susan and Kathryn hanging out at all. Susan should have known that Kathryn was lonely and hooked her up with of her other cast offs. (lol!)
Bree:
Why are Bree and Orson still married? They have so many conditions for their marriage! Three weeks ago Orson was going to divorce Bree if she didn't give him a job, 5 years ago to demonstrate his love for Bree, Orson went to jail but this week was a doozy! Orson injured his nose during the big fire and has since been snoring like a bear. Instead of sleeping in the guest room that Orson stomped off to three weeks ago, he decides that he needs to sleep in his bed and drugs Bree the night before she had to do a big cooking demo. What the holey hockey mom? He couldn't man up and sleep in another room? He didn't pour out the drugged tea or put away the sleeping pills?
Really sloppy!
Gabby:
Always shallow. I am glad that Carlos may be able to see again because blind Carlos is dull Carlos. Perhaps with the return of his vision he and Gabby can see that they are killing their kids. I don't really cotton to mouthy kids so Gabby's brats irk me! I will leave this go for now because they are children and my snarky comments should be reserved for adults.
Since Gabby was always so shallow I can understand why she is so upset about Carlos reacting to the way she looks but I am going to put some of this on Gabby. If she is so worried about the way she looks, why does she dress like she gets her clothes by the pound? Again, I am not a fashion plate but I also know my limits. I am not whining about my looks (much) and I was never a fashion model. And while on the model subject: How was tiny Gabby a model? Unless Tyra Banks is just trying to give us short people a complex (models should be 5'9" and above) then how was she an international supermodel?
Linette:
What is the deal with this babe? She is truly the mistress of duplicity. She lies to her kids, lies to the cops, lies to herself (because she probably tells herself that she is a good parent). Obviously Matt Damon junior, aka Porter, is missing something if he and Donna Abandando are messing around. Perhaps he can't deal with his sneaky mother. If Porter did set the fire why would Linette and Tom protect him? SO they can sleep with one eye open for the next ten years? Anyhoo, off of my soapbox, I just don't get why Linette creates these monsters and then seems puzzled by their actions.
Yadda, yadda, yadda, Linette lies to everyone in ear shot, sends Anne off with a stack of dough and I'm done.
Dave:
Or Lt Hawk. Dave just looks like a straight up whack job on this episode. He seems unnerved that seven people were killed but does what any rational person with beige hair and alien eyes does: blame someone else. I'm not too upset with Dave's actions. One thing I have learned by watching DH is that he will get his in the end. When Dave visits Mike in the hospital (?) he asks for a friend. Man up! Can Dave get any more creepier? He just seems yucky and not menacing, what with the hair, the begging for a friend, the aimless stares.
My sister didn't like this episode but it was OK for me. There promises to be a Bob and Lee sighting (woo hoo!)
-r
Workout Boogie Day 2- Ten Minute Solution
Tuesdays are my long days and usually an excuse not to exercise or do what I am supposed to do (notice a pattern). So Tuesdays are reserved for the shorter workouts. My sister loaned me Ten Minute Solutions which features yoga, pilates, boot camp, kickboxing and ballet.
I chose ballet. With yoga, I cannot seem to quiet my mind to perform the poses. Pilates is like active yoga but I just wasn't feeling it tonight, kickboxing seemed too ambitious and boot camp was not what I wanted to do this late at night.
Tha juries still out on tonights class.
I love the blurb from the back of the box: get ballerina lean and a ballet butt. (I've seen ballerina's butts and they are so-so) but their legs are to die for so with gusto and a chair there I was plies and the like.
I might return this to my sis. I don't see myself doing the four other workouts and why keep it if I am not going to use it?
-r
I chose ballet. With yoga, I cannot seem to quiet my mind to perform the poses. Pilates is like active yoga but I just wasn't feeling it tonight, kickboxing seemed too ambitious and boot camp was not what I wanted to do this late at night.
Tha juries still out on tonights class.
I love the blurb from the back of the box: get ballerina lean and a ballet butt. (I've seen ballerina's butts and they are so-so) but their legs are to die for so with gusto and a chair there I was plies and the like.
I might return this to my sis. I don't see myself doing the four other workouts and why keep it if I am not going to use it?
-r
Today, December 3rd is...
...National Roof Over Your Head Day. Although we should do it EVERYDAY, today is a day of appreciation for the things we have, starting with the roof over our heads.
In honor of this day, here is a song list of roof and home related tunes:
Up on the Roof Top (Jackson 5 version)
Burnin' Down the House (Talking Heads)
Our House, in the middle of the street
or Our House, is a very, very, very, fine house...
Won't you Come Home Bil Bailey (Ella)
Brick House (Commodores)
House of the Rising Sun (Nina Simone's version)
Fiddler on the Roof (Traditionssssssssssss! Traditions!)
The Roof is on Fire!
Can you think of anymore?
Leave them in the comments!
Thanks!
-r
In honor of this day, here is a song list of roof and home related tunes:
Up on the Roof Top (Jackson 5 version)
Burnin' Down the House (Talking Heads)
Our House, in the middle of the street
or Our House, is a very, very, very, fine house...
Won't you Come Home Bil Bailey (Ella)
Brick House (Commodores)
House of the Rising Sun (Nina Simone's version)
Fiddler on the Roof (Traditionssssssssssss! Traditions!)
The Roof is on Fire!
Can you think of anymore?
Leave them in the comments!
Thanks!
-r
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Workout Boogie Day 1 - Core Rhythms Quick Workout
Due to my mom still being hospitalized, I feel that I am being frivolous or trivializing the seriousness of everything going on around me if I am doing anything other than sitting by her side and worrying. Of course, this is bordering on martyrdom so I am going to keep doing stuff as long as it is with in reason.
It was with this thought along with me telling myself twenty minutes to move my body IS NOT selfish and also, seeing how the family is rallying together, I thought: What more stress will another sick body add?
Thus, the Workout Boogie begins....
The beginning of any new thing is always the most difficult step for me. Whenever I start a new gig I am always amazed, shocked even that I am not familiar with how to do everything yesterday. I get so impatient with my lack of knowledge that I almost want to give up. Sometimes I use any excuse not to complete something that I pledged to do. I was determined to break the cycle and dragged my butt off of the couch and I popped in Core Rhythms Quick Workout.
The Core Rhythms workout became all of the rage when Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance were new premieres. Per the website:
This workout was a quick 20 minutes of Latin Dancing with a focus on the core (abs). I will fully admit I only got through about six minutes of the workout before I was called away. I have not yet had the chance to complete the workout but so far I can feel something in my midsection area; I am not sure if I pulled something or if my abdominals are getting a rude wake up. I am going to try and finish it up again tonight all good things willing.
I won't be baring any belly anytime soon but if I can get through the first week then I am on way.
-r
It was with this thought along with me telling myself twenty minutes to move my body IS NOT selfish and also, seeing how the family is rallying together, I thought: What more stress will another sick body add?
Thus, the Workout Boogie begins....
The beginning of any new thing is always the most difficult step for me. Whenever I start a new gig I am always amazed, shocked even that I am not familiar with how to do everything yesterday. I get so impatient with my lack of knowledge that I almost want to give up. Sometimes I use any excuse not to complete something that I pledged to do. I was determined to break the cycle and dragged my butt off of the couch and I popped in Core Rhythms Quick Workout.
The Core Rhythms workout became all of the rage when Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance were new premieres. Per the website:
CORE RHYTHMS ™ offers revolutionary weight loss exercise programs that use sexy Latin Dance Moves that raise your heart rate and tone and tighten your entire
core at the same time. The fun, CORE RHYTHMS ™ moves all start with the core,
affecting your upper abs, middle abs, lower abs, obliques and your back to give
you a 360° total CORE WORKOUT, all while being swept away by the fun of dance.
It's a CORE RHYTHMS™ workout!
This workout was a quick 20 minutes of Latin Dancing with a focus on the core (abs). I will fully admit I only got through about six minutes of the workout before I was called away. I have not yet had the chance to complete the workout but so far I can feel something in my midsection area; I am not sure if I pulled something or if my abdominals are getting a rude wake up. I am going to try and finish it up again tonight all good things willing.
I won't be baring any belly anytime soon but if I can get through the first week then I am on way.
-r
Monday, December 1, 2008
Book versus Movie: Twilight edition
I jumped on and subsequently fell off the Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series bandwagon. My introduction to Twilight was by someone who stated that Twilight was her new Harry Potter. I ran to read it and could not put it down. After getting books two and three through inter library loan (gotta love your library!) my opinion began to change.
For those who are ignorant to the whole Twilight phenomena, let me give you a brief synopsis.
***SPOILER ALERT***
Bella Swan moves to Forks, Washington and falls in love with Edward Cullen who is a vampire.
Things you need to know about Bella: She is a klutz who is just reuniting with her dad after a childhood of not really being together.
Things you need to know about Edward: He is a vegetarian vampire. He and his family hunt the blood of animals and not humans.
This is the bare knuckles version of the story but if you are not a 13 year old girl, her mother, a library type who works with 13 year old girls and their mother then this is all you need to know about Twilight.
Now, for my nitpicking:
(This next statement belongs in the 'me, Tarzan; you, Jane file but stick with me)
One of the things that drew me to Twilight was the one thing that I began to detest. In the book, Bella makes stupid, idiotic decisions which require being saved by Edward several times. I sorta dug this. I like a ballsy woman, heck, I even think I am a ballsy chick but it was nice to see a damsel being rescued. (a little nice). However as the books go along, Bella requires more saving than me typing a paper for school and I kind of got tired after a while.
What was the deal with Robert Pattinson? I will admit that I thought he was adorable as Cedric Diggory but he was downright creepy in this movie. His facial expression was a cross between embarrassed (had to be the hair) and dismay. And why the Elvis 'do? His hair looked like he had been electrocuted.
What is the big draw towards Edward? Call me cynical (at the ripe ol' age of 35) but Bella and Edwards love seemed...awkward. It seemed as if they had to be in love because that's what was written but there was no chemistry between Bella and Edward. I couldn't see the attraction but hey, woman who had a broken marriage here. My opinions are shaded a bit bitter. My cousin works at KOP mall and said when Robert Pattinson was there signing autographs, the girls went wild.
The vampires disappointed. When I read the books, I had Alice pictured as a young Winona Rider like waif but the actress who portrayed her did not have that ethereal look that I had Alice associated with. In fact, all of the vampires looked as if they all just needed some iron and they would be OK. Carlisle looked like Dr. Carter from ER in a blond wig. They vampires are supposed to be from "another time" but they all just seemed like kids from the cast of an CW show.
The danger didn't seem real. Although I read the books and knew that Bella could possibly have the life sucked out of her by these vamps, I never felt that she was in danger. Edward seemed more 'touched'* than anything. I was not afraid during the showdown scene where he is fighting James (the vampire out to get Bella).** I was a bit afraid of Alice and the way she broke his neck. But Edward only scared me because he looked as if his hands would be cold and clammy.
Blech!
Not enough Jacob Black! Although when I did the imdb search and found that he was a few years older than my niece; shades of Amy Smart and Mary Kay Letourneau...
[shudder]
I thought he was adorable. I have always liked the Jacob character better than cold Edward. And Bella does him so wrong in the books. She uses him and then tosses him aside when Edward comes about. But for the movie he seemed more like an add on instead of a main character.
The baseball scene was cool. This is one scene that I cannot complain much about. Alice was a cool pitcher although (nitpicking here) I didn't really see why they had to play in the rain. I didn't hear a loud crack when the ball was hit but then again, I just don't like baseball.
What was the deal with the way Edward ran? It looked like he was on a treadmill and they cut and pasted him in each running scene. The vampires are supposed to be superior to humans in strength and speed but Edward just seemed silly and cartoonish.
I did enjoy watching the movie and will re-watch once it comes out on DVD (to be borrowed from your local library!). I cannot say that I am anxious for the next one but if my niece wants to go see it, I can probably be persuaded.
-r
*touched is a Nellie-ism that means that a person is just a bit off, something is not quite right.
**Perhaps this is because I am desensitized to violence?
For those who are ignorant to the whole Twilight phenomena, let me give you a brief synopsis.
***SPOILER ALERT***
Bella Swan moves to Forks, Washington and falls in love with Edward Cullen who is a vampire.
Things you need to know about Bella: She is a klutz who is just reuniting with her dad after a childhood of not really being together.
Things you need to know about Edward: He is a vegetarian vampire. He and his family hunt the blood of animals and not humans.
This is the bare knuckles version of the story but if you are not a 13 year old girl, her mother, a library type who works with 13 year old girls and their mother then this is all you need to know about Twilight.
Now, for my nitpicking:
(This next statement belongs in the 'me, Tarzan; you, Jane file but stick with me)
One of the things that drew me to Twilight was the one thing that I began to detest. In the book, Bella makes stupid, idiotic decisions which require being saved by Edward several times. I sorta dug this. I like a ballsy woman, heck, I even think I am a ballsy chick but it was nice to see a damsel being rescued. (a little nice). However as the books go along, Bella requires more saving than me typing a paper for school and I kind of got tired after a while.
What was the deal with Robert Pattinson? I will admit that I thought he was adorable as Cedric Diggory but he was downright creepy in this movie. His facial expression was a cross between embarrassed (had to be the hair) and dismay. And why the Elvis 'do? His hair looked like he had been electrocuted.
What is the big draw towards Edward? Call me cynical (at the ripe ol' age of 35) but Bella and Edwards love seemed...awkward. It seemed as if they had to be in love because that's what was written but there was no chemistry between Bella and Edward. I couldn't see the attraction but hey, woman who had a broken marriage here. My opinions are shaded a bit bitter. My cousin works at KOP mall and said when Robert Pattinson was there signing autographs, the girls went wild.
The vampires disappointed. When I read the books, I had Alice pictured as a young Winona Rider like waif but the actress who portrayed her did not have that ethereal look that I had Alice associated with. In fact, all of the vampires looked as if they all just needed some iron and they would be OK. Carlisle looked like Dr. Carter from ER in a blond wig. They vampires are supposed to be from "another time" but they all just seemed like kids from the cast of an CW show.
The danger didn't seem real. Although I read the books and knew that Bella could possibly have the life sucked out of her by these vamps, I never felt that she was in danger. Edward seemed more 'touched'* than anything. I was not afraid during the showdown scene where he is fighting James (the vampire out to get Bella).** I was a bit afraid of Alice and the way she broke his neck. But Edward only scared me because he looked as if his hands would be cold and clammy.
Blech!
Not enough Jacob Black! Although when I did the imdb search and found that he was a few years older than my niece; shades of Amy Smart and Mary Kay Letourneau...
[shudder]
I thought he was adorable. I have always liked the Jacob character better than cold Edward. And Bella does him so wrong in the books. She uses him and then tosses him aside when Edward comes about. But for the movie he seemed more like an add on instead of a main character.
The baseball scene was cool. This is one scene that I cannot complain much about. Alice was a cool pitcher although (nitpicking here) I didn't really see why they had to play in the rain. I didn't hear a loud crack when the ball was hit but then again, I just don't like baseball.
What was the deal with the way Edward ran? It looked like he was on a treadmill and they cut and pasted him in each running scene. The vampires are supposed to be superior to humans in strength and speed but Edward just seemed silly and cartoonish.
I did enjoy watching the movie and will re-watch once it comes out on DVD (to be borrowed from your local library!). I cannot say that I am anxious for the next one but if my niece wants to go see it, I can probably be persuaded.
-r
*touched is a Nellie-ism that means that a person is just a bit off, something is not quite right.
**Perhaps this is because I am desensitized to violence?
Today, December 1st, is...
...World Aids Day.
On this day, there are a number of things you can do.
They include:
1. Learn more about HIV/AIDs.
2. Promote education about this disease, and protection against it.
3. Help people with AIDS.
4. Donate to the fight to end this disease.
Get yourself educated and tested.
-r
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