Wednesday. 'W' day.
Remember on Sesame Street they always had a letter to sponsor each day.
Today, kids is 'W' day.
W is for Weigh-In day. Can you say 'Unsightly bulge', kids.
So I am in two... well, I guess you would call them competitions. Two weightloss competitions. One here at the office, and one at home with the family.
Our family competition is fun. It started with the daughter and me. We both wanted to take off the 'last few' pounds. So we decided to do it together. Ferris wanted to get involved as he is trying to bulk up this summer in anticipation of the next wrestling season. With his numbers consistently rising we figured it would just make us look better on the chart. We later added my svelte wife as our 'constant'.
The competition is going well - the daughter has been steadily losing, Ferris gaining nicely, my wife remains steady.
At work a small group of us got together for a Weight-Off. No one in the group is particularly heavy. We all just want to drop a couple extra pounds. The goal of this competition was to loose 7% of your body weight. Today, two people in the competition will reach their goal weights. They must remain at this goal for 2 more weigh ins after today.
As for me... well, lets just say I am exploring new methods. Today's weigh-in will put me at my starting weight on both charts. But I am resilient. I am not giving in.
I have a new plan.
The really good news is that 'W' is also for Wednesday Wings Night!
Hot wings and a pitcher of beer makes everything right in the world.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
44°
As I sat down to my computer this morning my little Weather Bug icon was chirping at me. The weather bug will display the current temp in the toolbar. I felt like turning it off this morning. I just didn't want to know.
But I had to look. 44 degrees.
It's the end of May folks.
Inclement weather usually doesn't bother me. I love rainy days, and I don't get all wired if we have a rainy season.
But 44... enough is enough.
But I had to look. 44 degrees.
It's the end of May folks.
Inclement weather usually doesn't bother me. I love rainy days, and I don't get all wired if we have a rainy season.
But 44... enough is enough.
Friday, May 20, 2005
Priorities
In my never-ending battle with my middle-age spread I have incorporated a daily walk into my regular work day routine. I have heard, or maybe I read it online somewhere that diet and exercise are key to weight loss (huh).
This walk however, changes my routine. I am all about routine. Rainman had nothing on me. So now I am walking when I am normally blogging. This puts a wrinkle in my universe, but its the best I can come up with.
I considered a walk before work, but this would change my morning routine. Not good. Mornings must remain as morning are. A change in my morning routine could throw off evolution as we know it. If you believe in the premise of Its a Wonderful Life; how the course of one life affects so many others - then really you don't want to go messing with my morning routine.
After work is fine - and actually my fit wife and I do walk 3 to 4 times a week together with the Free Dog. This is a whole diffent kind of walk and really that is a whole 'nother entry....more on this later.
My daily work-walks are really just so I get up out of my chair each day and let the blood actually get from one spot up through the heart and out to another. Remember, if you don't have your health....
So, in order to blog I will have to displace some other part of my day.
What is the obvious answer...yup. Work.
Gonna have to sacrifice some actual work.
I imagine this will take some time to adjust to - so if my blogging is sparce for a week or two, this is why. I am simply adjusting.
Will I be getting any thinner while I adjust - this remains to be seen.
This walk however, changes my routine. I am all about routine. Rainman had nothing on me. So now I am walking when I am normally blogging. This puts a wrinkle in my universe, but its the best I can come up with.
I considered a walk before work, but this would change my morning routine. Not good. Mornings must remain as morning are. A change in my morning routine could throw off evolution as we know it. If you believe in the premise of Its a Wonderful Life; how the course of one life affects so many others - then really you don't want to go messing with my morning routine.
After work is fine - and actually my fit wife and I do walk 3 to 4 times a week together with the Free Dog. This is a whole diffent kind of walk and really that is a whole 'nother entry....more on this later.
My daily work-walks are really just so I get up out of my chair each day and let the blood actually get from one spot up through the heart and out to another. Remember, if you don't have your health....
So, in order to blog I will have to displace some other part of my day.
What is the obvious answer...yup. Work.
Gonna have to sacrifice some actual work.
I imagine this will take some time to adjust to - so if my blogging is sparce for a week or two, this is why. I am simply adjusting.
Will I be getting any thinner while I adjust - this remains to be seen.
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
It doesn't take much
I am all freaked out about the environment again.
I had a doctor’s appointment yesterday, and she got a bit behind in her schedule, leaving me in the waiting room for ½ hour with a National Geographic magazine. I should not be left unsupervised with such magazines.
I read this article on oil consumption and supply. It had charts and diagrams and pictures of 10mpg SUV’s. It basically outlined how we are heading for crisis, and that we are forced to find oil in more far reaching places. There were lovely graphics showing just how much oil is left and where. Do you know how much oil you use each day? Each person in America uses 3 gallons a day. And there are A LOT of us.
My environmentally friendly wife read me excerpts from a similar article in Time magazine last week. The news is not good folks. We really should be paying a little more attention.
Add to this, that this morning I started to read an article about the rising sea levels caused by global warming. Evidently, folks seem to think that we have made such environmental progress since the 1970’s (which we actually have – our water supply and air are in fact cleaner) that they no longer need to really pay attention to what’s going on now. All that trapped contaminated air up there eating at the ozone, ever so slightly warming up the polar caps causing a bit of melting action, raising the sea levels a little at a time.
We had actually been thinking of buying a little cape close to the shore. But now, maybe we’ll just wait. See how this whole thing plays out. We may be just sitting on some beach front property.
I had a doctor’s appointment yesterday, and she got a bit behind in her schedule, leaving me in the waiting room for ½ hour with a National Geographic magazine. I should not be left unsupervised with such magazines.
I read this article on oil consumption and supply. It had charts and diagrams and pictures of 10mpg SUV’s. It basically outlined how we are heading for crisis, and that we are forced to find oil in more far reaching places. There were lovely graphics showing just how much oil is left and where. Do you know how much oil you use each day? Each person in America uses 3 gallons a day. And there are A LOT of us.
My environmentally friendly wife read me excerpts from a similar article in Time magazine last week. The news is not good folks. We really should be paying a little more attention.
Add to this, that this morning I started to read an article about the rising sea levels caused by global warming. Evidently, folks seem to think that we have made such environmental progress since the 1970’s (which we actually have – our water supply and air are in fact cleaner) that they no longer need to really pay attention to what’s going on now. All that trapped contaminated air up there eating at the ozone, ever so slightly warming up the polar caps causing a bit of melting action, raising the sea levels a little at a time.
We had actually been thinking of buying a little cape close to the shore. But now, maybe we’ll just wait. See how this whole thing plays out. We may be just sitting on some beach front property.
Monday, May 16, 2005
Real TV
This is not the first time that TV has ticked me off. Surely won’t be the last.
On Saturday afternoon, Ferris was recouping on the couch.
He was flipping around the channels, bouncing around to a couple ball games, some action/thriller type movie and MTV every once in awhile – typical TV watching with Ferris (which is why I rarely watch TV with him).
On one of my trips through the room I noticed this show he was watching about kids of celebrities. I sat down for a moment to watch.
The show seemed to be about just how fantastic their lives were. So posh and full of everything a kid could want. One segment was on the Travolta kids. They told an anecdote of the first time their daughter took a commercial flight – she wanted to know why there were all those people on the plane. Because of course, she is used to just the family being on Dad’s luxury jet. They showed pics of his jet too. Now I don’t know much about private jets – but this was a pretty amazing plane.
They also interviewed some rappers kid who is on his local football team, and the dad spends gobs of money on the team and chauffeuring them around in limo’s and such to their games.
I have a real problem with this type of programming aimed at kids and adolescents.
Its one thing if an ADULT wants to watch Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. Some I suppose watch to torture themselves, others may watch just out of morbid curiosity. Some simply find it interesting or amusing.
Either way – we are ADULTS. Whether we have a grasp on reality or not, we process this sort of information differently. I can watch Animal Planet all day and not run out to the local shelter and bring all the pets home (ok, well there have been some close calls there). Kids don’t have such emotional restraint. Kids don’t have a grasp on their own socio-economic status. Kids don’t have the maturity to deal with the pressures of economic standing. And really …why should they – they’re kids.
I know, I know, before you start commenting on how parents should be limiting what their children watch… I completely agree. My point is – who thinks this stuff up, who approves it, who creates it – that’s a whole huge team of really stupid people. If one of you out there reading this blog created this show, you will hear no apologies from me. I suggest you find other work, might I suggest the Peace Corps, or perhaps simply a little community service.
I think this kind of television is more damaging than R rated movies.
Now Disney has been making movies about rich kids for ages. They are feel good movies where the kids get to figure out that it’s not the money that’s important, and then they adopt the butler or some such nonsense. It’s cute, it’s not real, it’s a STORY – usually with some semblance of a moral.
This show is reality. The cold hard facts that some are rich and most are not. And those who ARE rich have great stuff, and great lives and get to have TV shows made about them.
I hate TV.
On Saturday afternoon, Ferris was recouping on the couch.
He was flipping around the channels, bouncing around to a couple ball games, some action/thriller type movie and MTV every once in awhile – typical TV watching with Ferris (which is why I rarely watch TV with him).
On one of my trips through the room I noticed this show he was watching about kids of celebrities. I sat down for a moment to watch.
The show seemed to be about just how fantastic their lives were. So posh and full of everything a kid could want. One segment was on the Travolta kids. They told an anecdote of the first time their daughter took a commercial flight – she wanted to know why there were all those people on the plane. Because of course, she is used to just the family being on Dad’s luxury jet. They showed pics of his jet too. Now I don’t know much about private jets – but this was a pretty amazing plane.
They also interviewed some rappers kid who is on his local football team, and the dad spends gobs of money on the team and chauffeuring them around in limo’s and such to their games.
I have a real problem with this type of programming aimed at kids and adolescents.
Its one thing if an ADULT wants to watch Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. Some I suppose watch to torture themselves, others may watch just out of morbid curiosity. Some simply find it interesting or amusing.
Either way – we are ADULTS. Whether we have a grasp on reality or not, we process this sort of information differently. I can watch Animal Planet all day and not run out to the local shelter and bring all the pets home (ok, well there have been some close calls there). Kids don’t have such emotional restraint. Kids don’t have a grasp on their own socio-economic status. Kids don’t have the maturity to deal with the pressures of economic standing. And really …why should they – they’re kids.
I know, I know, before you start commenting on how parents should be limiting what their children watch… I completely agree. My point is – who thinks this stuff up, who approves it, who creates it – that’s a whole huge team of really stupid people. If one of you out there reading this blog created this show, you will hear no apologies from me. I suggest you find other work, might I suggest the Peace Corps, or perhaps simply a little community service.
I think this kind of television is more damaging than R rated movies.
Now Disney has been making movies about rich kids for ages. They are feel good movies where the kids get to figure out that it’s not the money that’s important, and then they adopt the butler or some such nonsense. It’s cute, it’s not real, it’s a STORY – usually with some semblance of a moral.
This show is reality. The cold hard facts that some are rich and most are not. And those who ARE rich have great stuff, and great lives and get to have TV shows made about them.
I hate TV.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Friday, May 13, 2005
Prom Night
We live on one of the main roads in town. I enjoy this tremendously – well… except for the obvious street noise. When we are out in the front yard someone always drives by and beeps. On a warm sunny day, folks will stop on their way by to chat for a moment through the car window. Everyone knows where we live, everyone knows its Ferris’ house. And EVERYONE knows Ferris.
It can be fun to know that most folks in town will be driving by your house. When our PeeWee Pop Warner football team won the State game – we hung the Championship banner on our house; when the daughter graduated high school we hung a banner high up from the second floor windows proclaiming her achievement. Everyone in town got to see them – you can’t do that living on a cul-de-sac.
Tonight is Prom night in our town.
In years past, we would get all excited on this spring Friday night. Grab a cocktail and a rocker on the porch and watch the limos go up and down our street, trying to peek in and see the kids all cleaned up and spiffy. The flurry would only last ½ hour or so. And then we knew they were off on their way… all nervous and smelling pretty – perhaps having a little pre-dinner cocktail themselves.
This year Ferris will be in one of those limos. We will watch them drive by hoping to peek in and see the kids all cleaned up and spiffy.
Thankful for the limo driver while we all enjoy our pre-dinner cocktail.
It can be fun to know that most folks in town will be driving by your house. When our PeeWee Pop Warner football team won the State game – we hung the Championship banner on our house; when the daughter graduated high school we hung a banner high up from the second floor windows proclaiming her achievement. Everyone in town got to see them – you can’t do that living on a cul-de-sac.
Tonight is Prom night in our town.
In years past, we would get all excited on this spring Friday night. Grab a cocktail and a rocker on the porch and watch the limos go up and down our street, trying to peek in and see the kids all cleaned up and spiffy. The flurry would only last ½ hour or so. And then we knew they were off on their way… all nervous and smelling pretty – perhaps having a little pre-dinner cocktail themselves.
This year Ferris will be in one of those limos. We will watch them drive by hoping to peek in and see the kids all cleaned up and spiffy.
Thankful for the limo driver while we all enjoy our pre-dinner cocktail.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Earth Friendly
This morning on my way to work I was behind someone driving one of those Toyota Prius cars. It had a bumper stick that said EAT MY VOLTAGE.
I covet this car.
The styling leaves a little to be desired, but I would drive a Prius before one of those unbelievable cute Mini Coopers.
I covet this car.
The styling leaves a little to be desired, but I would drive a Prius before one of those unbelievable cute Mini Coopers.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Environmentally sound
When I went to cut the grass for the first time this season I found my hand mower in a distressing state...
You see, some years back we made a decision on lawn care.
The decision was to simplify. The lawn is too big. So barring moving we wanted to find a way to make it easier for us as we get older (oh..shushies).
I was getting tired of doing full tune ups to small engines each spring. At the time we had two tractors (yup…one for cutting one for hauling) a self propelled hand mower, weed whacker and leaf blower. It was a fleet.
It was… a pain in the ass.
So – Plan A was to get rid of all the equipment and hire a lawn service.
I spent an entire season trying to get accustomed to having a service.
‘Pros’:
- we no longer had to cut the grass
- no more spring tune ups for the fleet
- no more breaking down in the middle of a cut…and wondering how to finish
'Cons':
- no control over the schedule (the lawn should be tidy before entertaining)
- no control over quality (patterning, trimming, clippings etc)
- no control over mishaps (don't get me started)
- the weekly cost(very pricey)
Cost... and me being a control freak led to Plan B.
Plan B was to buy a new tractor… with the caveat to have it serviced each year.
We bought an electric string trimmer -- no engine to deal with (of course we had to make some adjustments to the gardens and edges so that an electric trimmer would suffice) and we bought a non-self propelled hand mower (cheaper, less to break).
Welp. Its seems that ‘servicing’ said hand mower sorta fell through the cracks.
This spring I found it sitting in a puddle of its own oil, gummed up and unwilling to turn over.
Hmm.
I went back out the week after, and tried more fervently to get it to go. Cuz you know, sometimes if you pull harder or faster that works.
Nothing.
I tried just this past weekend again. Just to be sure.
Its over folks.
I could probably have it fixed up for just under a hundred bucks… but that would still leave us with a gas engine to deal with.
Pfft.
So as an amendment to Plan B – we will add THIS to our fleet.
You see, some years back we made a decision on lawn care.
The decision was to simplify. The lawn is too big. So barring moving we wanted to find a way to make it easier for us as we get older (oh..shushies).
I was getting tired of doing full tune ups to small engines each spring. At the time we had two tractors (yup…one for cutting one for hauling) a self propelled hand mower, weed whacker and leaf blower. It was a fleet.
It was… a pain in the ass.
So – Plan A was to get rid of all the equipment and hire a lawn service.
I spent an entire season trying to get accustomed to having a service.
‘Pros’:
- we no longer had to cut the grass
- no more spring tune ups for the fleet
- no more breaking down in the middle of a cut…and wondering how to finish
'Cons':
- no control over the schedule (the lawn should be tidy before entertaining)
- no control over quality (patterning, trimming, clippings etc)
- no control over mishaps (don't get me started)
- the weekly cost(very pricey)
Cost... and me being a control freak led to Plan B.
Plan B was to buy a new tractor… with the caveat to have it serviced each year.
We bought an electric string trimmer -- no engine to deal with (of course we had to make some adjustments to the gardens and edges so that an electric trimmer would suffice) and we bought a non-self propelled hand mower (cheaper, less to break).
Welp. Its seems that ‘servicing’ said hand mower sorta fell through the cracks.
This spring I found it sitting in a puddle of its own oil, gummed up and unwilling to turn over.
Hmm.
I went back out the week after, and tried more fervently to get it to go. Cuz you know, sometimes if you pull harder or faster that works.
Nothing.
I tried just this past weekend again. Just to be sure.
Its over folks.
I could probably have it fixed up for just under a hundred bucks… but that would still leave us with a gas engine to deal with.
Pfft.
So as an amendment to Plan B – we will add THIS to our fleet.
Monday, May 09, 2005
The Zone
Did you watch the Derby on Saturday?
The 131st running of the Kentucky Derby.
The most exciting two minutes in the world of sports.
Whew…what a race, huh.
We saw it from the best seats in the house at the ESPN Zone in Times Square.
We took Ferris and a buddy for his birthday – and literally we had the best spot in the joint… we had the center booth in the ‘screening room’ with two 16 foot screens and a dozen smaller ones each with a different ESPN feed, surrounded by stats and scores on either side. Also there was TV on our table, speakers in our headrests…TV’s in every stall in the bathroom (I will assume over every urinal as well). Not to mention the entire 3rd floor is a grown up video arcade. What a place.
That is …if you like sports.
And what a place to see the race! The place filled up about ½ hour before post time with people pouring in off the streets to pack the bar behind us. The roar when the race started was unbelievable. Barring being right at Churchill Downs – this was the spot to be.
Ferris placed a bet on ‘the rabbit’ cuz he is just that kinda guy. (anyone know who the rabbit was?).
He didn’t win… but he was the front runner out of the gate.
The 131st running of the Kentucky Derby.
The most exciting two minutes in the world of sports.
Whew…what a race, huh.
We saw it from the best seats in the house at the ESPN Zone in Times Square.
We took Ferris and a buddy for his birthday – and literally we had the best spot in the joint… we had the center booth in the ‘screening room’ with two 16 foot screens and a dozen smaller ones each with a different ESPN feed, surrounded by stats and scores on either side. Also there was TV on our table, speakers in our headrests…TV’s in every stall in the bathroom (I will assume over every urinal as well). Not to mention the entire 3rd floor is a grown up video arcade. What a place.
That is …if you like sports.
And what a place to see the race! The place filled up about ½ hour before post time with people pouring in off the streets to pack the bar behind us. The roar when the race started was unbelievable. Barring being right at Churchill Downs – this was the spot to be.
Ferris placed a bet on ‘the rabbit’ cuz he is just that kinda guy. (anyone know who the rabbit was?).
He didn’t win… but he was the front runner out of the gate.
Friday, May 06, 2005
Endorsement
Scotts Lawn Care products DO work!
My neighbors lawn:
Our lawn - using Scotts:
Ooops - one slipped by....
Yesterday we took a day off to tidy gardens:
My neighbors lawn:
Our lawn - using Scotts:
Ooops - one slipped by....
Yesterday we took a day off to tidy gardens:
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Somebody please...
...stop this ride so I can get off.
work is nuts today. posting is not going to happen.
dammit.
work is nuts today. posting is not going to happen.
dammit.
Friday, April 29, 2005
Vaca Day
I am taking a day off from work today. I was actually supposed to be taking the entire week off...but that is whole 'nother story.
Today's activities will begin with...anyone...anyone... correct!
Cleaning.
As we have established, cleaning is my Zen.
Its also an excellent use of time. Think about this. With the weekend approaching I would be planning to clean the house anyway. Probably Saturday morning would be spent tidying, dusting and vacuuming. Instead, I can use this time - time where normally I would be sitting in my cozy, dark cubicle - and get a head start on the inevitable. This also frees me up to spend more time with my lovely wife.
And just what has my artistic wife been up to these days?
Today's activities will begin with...anyone...anyone... correct!
Cleaning.
As we have established, cleaning is my Zen.
Its also an excellent use of time. Think about this. With the weekend approaching I would be planning to clean the house anyway. Probably Saturday morning would be spent tidying, dusting and vacuuming. Instead, I can use this time - time where normally I would be sitting in my cozy, dark cubicle - and get a head start on the inevitable. This also frees me up to spend more time with my lovely wife.
And just what has my artistic wife been up to these days?
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Dressed for success
Do you remember when your mother used to tell you to wear good underwear when you went out? Well, I was watching Trauma: Life in the ER on the Discovery channel last night and realized the stakes have been raised.
Not only will the doctors and nurses see your torn and tattered undergarments but you may be on TV as well.
I don’t know about you…but I am going shopping today.
Not only will the doctors and nurses see your torn and tattered undergarments but you may be on TV as well.
I don’t know about you…but I am going shopping today.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
The Artist and the Rocket Scientist
So... what happens when you mix art and science?
Do you get sparks, explosions, do we meet the melting point!!!
Ok, relax folks. This is the real world - where sometimes things simply go... 'well'.
We all had a wonderful time at our 'blind date' dinner party.
We saw no visible sparking...but there is some casual chat on both sides of perhaps a second meeting (altho I have yet to hear the word date).
(the Artist occasionally reads this blog - perhaps we can coax her into a comment?)
Do you get sparks, explosions, do we meet the melting point!!!
Ok, relax folks. This is the real world - where sometimes things simply go... 'well'.
We all had a wonderful time at our 'blind date' dinner party.
We saw no visible sparking...but there is some casual chat on both sides of perhaps a second meeting (altho I have yet to hear the word date).
(the Artist occasionally reads this blog - perhaps we can coax her into a comment?)
Monday, April 25, 2005
The Draft
As you can well imagine we have a lot to say about this matter, having kids of eligible draft age. My liberal wife will pack us all up move us to Canada if they even hint at re-instating it. You don’t wanna mess with her when it comes to slapping a uniform on one of her babies.
Of course there is nobility in fighting for what you believe in, but there is no cowardice in deciding not to get yourself killed for political ping-pong. I mean take a look at the situation with this current admi….
Ok, ok… relax. Weese has not suddenly gone off the political deep end…
The draft I am referring to of course was this weekends NFL draft!
As Ferris says – there is the draft and then 363 days of planning.
He was decked out in full 49ers regalia, replete with 49ers swivel chair placed strategically in the center of the living room. Snacks within easy reach, phone at his side to taunt friends and family, and remote in hand to flip back and forth to the Mets game.
What better way to spend a rainy Saturday.
(not to mention the 'niners got the 1st pick and snagged themselves the top pick QB)
Of course there is nobility in fighting for what you believe in, but there is no cowardice in deciding not to get yourself killed for political ping-pong. I mean take a look at the situation with this current admi….
Ok, ok… relax. Weese has not suddenly gone off the political deep end…
The draft I am referring to of course was this weekends NFL draft!
As Ferris says – there is the draft and then 363 days of planning.
He was decked out in full 49ers regalia, replete with 49ers swivel chair placed strategically in the center of the living room. Snacks within easy reach, phone at his side to taunt friends and family, and remote in hand to flip back and forth to the Mets game.
What better way to spend a rainy Saturday.
(not to mention the 'niners got the 1st pick and snagged themselves the top pick QB)
Friday, April 22, 2005
Blind date
Tonight my delightful wife and I are orchestrating a blind date of sorts.
We have a friend, a lovely and wildly creative creature who recently became single. Her relationship of 7 years ended abruptly last winter.
We figure it’s high time to get her out there and start dating again.
Through other friends we had the opportunity to meet an ex NASA rocket scientist… also recently broken up and in need of a good woman. No, really-- she is a rocket scientist. Well actually, I believe she is doing social work with impoverished kids these days. As you know there is a high burn out rate making rockets.
Well tonight we get them together over dinner. We will be there, as well as another couple to see if the artist and the scientist make music together.
It has all the makings of a made for TV movie.
We have a friend, a lovely and wildly creative creature who recently became single. Her relationship of 7 years ended abruptly last winter.
We figure it’s high time to get her out there and start dating again.
Through other friends we had the opportunity to meet an ex NASA rocket scientist… also recently broken up and in need of a good woman. No, really-- she is a rocket scientist. Well actually, I believe she is doing social work with impoverished kids these days. As you know there is a high burn out rate making rockets.
Well tonight we get them together over dinner. We will be there, as well as another couple to see if the artist and the scientist make music together.
It has all the makings of a made for TV movie.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Civil Union bill signed into law
HARTFORD (AP) -- Gov. M. Jodi Rell signed landmark legislation Wednesday that makes Connecticut the first state to recognize same-sex civil unions without court pressure.
The bill was fraught with controversy, and only passed because a DOMA amendment had been attached.
But …it PASSED!
So… will this adorable couple of near 20 years take the plunge?
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
80°
It's 80 degrees. Right now - in the middle of April.
Granted it will be 50 this weekend - but you have to take it as it comes.
Spring in our yard is an symphony of blooms - my artistic wife has made such a beautiful vista. Each day or so some one or another tree explodes into blossom or flowers spring to life with their heady smells and happy colors. It's a great couple of weeks each spring.
Tomorrow.... I promise a picture or two.
Granted it will be 50 this weekend - but you have to take it as it comes.
Spring in our yard is an symphony of blooms - my artistic wife has made such a beautiful vista. Each day or so some one or another tree explodes into blossom or flowers spring to life with their heady smells and happy colors. It's a great couple of weeks each spring.
Tomorrow.... I promise a picture or two.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
I am going to add this to my living will:
A couple of years ago we spent half a grand on a lawyer to get all those medical, financial, and familial docs that gays need to have to protect their families and assets, and of course a firebox to put them all in (because we lesbians are nothing if not careful). In that myriad of paper work we also have living wills and estate wills. Our lawyer suggested we each have a section with specific designations that we can maintain our selves and change as need be.
I suppose some might think of this sort of planning as morbid – but we had some fun with it.
I opted for cremation. But I don’t want my ashes dumped out somewhere. That's so …cliché.
Rather – I want to have small pendant sized urns – each filled with a little bit of me. We can give them away as parting gifts at my funeral. How fun is that? You could hang it from the rear view mirror, use it as a key chain, perhaps a pull for a hanging lamp…
The other fun part to my funeral will be a little twist I came up with for the procession.
Funeral directors will ask folks to turn their lights on as a sign of respect and also to designate that your vehicle is in the procession.
My funeral will be at night, and my train of cars will drive with their lights out.
Puts some adventure into in, doncha think?
If I am ever on life support I want to be unplugged, but not until I get down to a size 8.
(from a birthday card sent to my older, yet better wife)
A couple of years ago we spent half a grand on a lawyer to get all those medical, financial, and familial docs that gays need to have to protect their families and assets, and of course a firebox to put them all in (because we lesbians are nothing if not careful). In that myriad of paper work we also have living wills and estate wills. Our lawyer suggested we each have a section with specific designations that we can maintain our selves and change as need be.
I suppose some might think of this sort of planning as morbid – but we had some fun with it.
I opted for cremation. But I don’t want my ashes dumped out somewhere. That's so …cliché.
Rather – I want to have small pendant sized urns – each filled with a little bit of me. We can give them away as parting gifts at my funeral. How fun is that? You could hang it from the rear view mirror, use it as a key chain, perhaps a pull for a hanging lamp…
The other fun part to my funeral will be a little twist I came up with for the procession.
Funeral directors will ask folks to turn their lights on as a sign of respect and also to designate that your vehicle is in the procession.
My funeral will be at night, and my train of cars will drive with their lights out.
Puts some adventure into in, doncha think?
I am going to add this to my living will:
A couple of years ago we spent half a grand on a lawyer to get all those medical, financial, and familial docs that gays need to have to protect their families and assets, and of course a firebox to put them all in (because we lesbians are nothing if not careful). In that myriad of paper work we also have living wills and estate wills. Our lawyer suggested we each have a section with specific designations that we can maintain our selves and change as need be.
I suppose some might think of this sort of planning as morbid – but we had some fun with it.
I opted for cremation. But I don’t want my ashes dumped out somewhere. That's so …cliché.
Rather – I want to have small pendant sized urns – each filled with a little bit of me. We can give them away as parting gifts at my funeral. How fun is that? You could hang it from the rear view mirror, use it as a key chain, perhaps a pull for a hanging lamp…
The other fun part to my funeral will be a little twist I came up with for the procession.
Funeral directors will ask folks to turn their lights on as a sign of respect and also to designate that your vehicle is in the procession.
My funeral will be at night, and my train of cars will drive with their lights out.
Puts some adventure into in, doncha think?
If I am ever on life support I want to be unplugged, but not until I get down to a size 8.
(from a birthday card sent to my older, yet better wife)
A couple of years ago we spent half a grand on a lawyer to get all those medical, financial, and familial docs that gays need to have to protect their families and assets, and of course a firebox to put them all in (because we lesbians are nothing if not careful). In that myriad of paper work we also have living wills and estate wills. Our lawyer suggested we each have a section with specific designations that we can maintain our selves and change as need be.
I suppose some might think of this sort of planning as morbid – but we had some fun with it.
I opted for cremation. But I don’t want my ashes dumped out somewhere. That's so …cliché.
Rather – I want to have small pendant sized urns – each filled with a little bit of me. We can give them away as parting gifts at my funeral. How fun is that? You could hang it from the rear view mirror, use it as a key chain, perhaps a pull for a hanging lamp…
The other fun part to my funeral will be a little twist I came up with for the procession.
Funeral directors will ask folks to turn their lights on as a sign of respect and also to designate that your vehicle is in the procession.
My funeral will be at night, and my train of cars will drive with their lights out.
Puts some adventure into in, doncha think?
Friday, April 15, 2005
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Activism
Today in the Connecticut House of Representatives there will be a vote on S. Bill # 963 - AN ACT CONCERNING CIVIL UNIONS.
Opponents to same sex marriage are trying to attach a DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) to this bill.
Evidently there will be a day long debate/discussion today in the House on this very topic. There will be thousands of people there from both sides of the issue.
Thousands of people… who have freed up their schedules to spend the day at the capital.
I can understand throngs of same sex couples, with their family and friends fighting for their rights – this makes sense. But why-o-why would someone show up to oppose such a thing when it will have no effect on their lives. Do these people go into their boss and say “I’ll need to take the day off on Wednesday or those damned gay folks might start getting married. Can’t let that happen… I’ll take the day without pay if I have to.”
I think the Catholic churches are busing them in today. Go to any Connecticut Catholic diocese site today – this bill is front page news.
This bill DIRECTLY affects me and my family – and I am sitting here eating cornflakes. Why would someone who will not in any way be affected by the outcome of this vote spend an entire day listening to House representatives pontificate? This just makes no sense whatsoever to me.
I think I will take a ride up to the capital later in the month tho…just to keep an eye on the outcome of Bill #6762 AN ACT ALLOWING RETENTION OF PAID VACATION DAYS.
This is ludicrous. How can we stand for this. What’s next – mandatory 2 week Hawaii vacations for all public employees. You can’t let these things get out of hand...
Opponents to same sex marriage are trying to attach a DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) to this bill.
Evidently there will be a day long debate/discussion today in the House on this very topic. There will be thousands of people there from both sides of the issue.
Thousands of people… who have freed up their schedules to spend the day at the capital.
I can understand throngs of same sex couples, with their family and friends fighting for their rights – this makes sense. But why-o-why would someone show up to oppose such a thing when it will have no effect on their lives. Do these people go into their boss and say “I’ll need to take the day off on Wednesday or those damned gay folks might start getting married. Can’t let that happen… I’ll take the day without pay if I have to.”
I think the Catholic churches are busing them in today. Go to any Connecticut Catholic diocese site today – this bill is front page news.
This bill DIRECTLY affects me and my family – and I am sitting here eating cornflakes. Why would someone who will not in any way be affected by the outcome of this vote spend an entire day listening to House representatives pontificate? This just makes no sense whatsoever to me.
I think I will take a ride up to the capital later in the month tho…just to keep an eye on the outcome of Bill #6762 AN ACT ALLOWING RETENTION OF PAID VACATION DAYS.
This is ludicrous. How can we stand for this. What’s next – mandatory 2 week Hawaii vacations for all public employees. You can’t let these things get out of hand...
Monday, April 11, 2005
Pilot
I have this new idea for a cable series I am going to pitch to Showtime (aka gay tv)
Real Lesbians.
Basically it will show what real lesbians do on the weekends. You know…kinda like the Lword – but since it’s not based in LA – the lesbians would do stuff like: raking, picking up sticks, laundry, mopping the floor, grocery shopping…
The closer of the first show will be something like this.
Two women clearly in love (although seemingly exhausted) are sitting on an open porch basking in the sun. They rock slowly, chatting quietly to each other, smiling and occasionally laughing. One woman is slowly and sensually enjoying an ice cream treat, licking the spoon o-so sexily, while glancing at her lover. Her lover is taking long luxurious sips from a succulent looking frozen drink, piled high with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle. Their glances are so hot it’s a wonder the ice cream doesn’t melt.
Then suddenly off camera is heard a loud car, with booming music coming to a skidding halt. The women look knowingly at each other. The music cuts off abruptly.
One of the women takes her cup lifting it up and away.
Car door slams, and almost instantly the cup is snatched from her hand – a boisterous teen leaps in between them, cup in hand, devouring the rest of the tasty snack.
Smiling, he jumps up and disappears as quickly as he came. Off camera we hear a car squealing away and a friendly beep-beep as he disappears down the street in a plume of dust.
Whaddya think? Huge market potential huh.
Real Lesbians.
Basically it will show what real lesbians do on the weekends. You know…kinda like the Lword – but since it’s not based in LA – the lesbians would do stuff like: raking, picking up sticks, laundry, mopping the floor, grocery shopping…
The closer of the first show will be something like this.
Two women clearly in love (although seemingly exhausted) are sitting on an open porch basking in the sun. They rock slowly, chatting quietly to each other, smiling and occasionally laughing. One woman is slowly and sensually enjoying an ice cream treat, licking the spoon o-so sexily, while glancing at her lover. Her lover is taking long luxurious sips from a succulent looking frozen drink, piled high with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle. Their glances are so hot it’s a wonder the ice cream doesn’t melt.
Then suddenly off camera is heard a loud car, with booming music coming to a skidding halt. The women look knowingly at each other. The music cuts off abruptly.
One of the women takes her cup lifting it up and away.
Car door slams, and almost instantly the cup is snatched from her hand – a boisterous teen leaps in between them, cup in hand, devouring the rest of the tasty snack.
Smiling, he jumps up and disappears as quickly as he came. Off camera we hear a car squealing away and a friendly beep-beep as he disappears down the street in a plume of dust.
Whaddya think? Huge market potential huh.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
A little late
I have been passed a ‘stick’ from Robin (last week I think)
Since it’s been passed – it would be rude not to pick it up.
But boy… have you got the wrong gal for this meme.
-Rock Music
1. The total number of music files on my computer is....
2. The last CD I bought was....
3. The last song I listened to before reading this message was....
4. Five songs I listen to often or that mean a lot to me are....
5. The three people I'm passing this stick to (and why) are....
Since it’s been passed – it would be rude not to pick it up.
But boy… have you got the wrong gal for this meme.
-Rock Music
1. The total number of music files on my computer is....
I presume you wanted to know about mine (not the rest of the family)
So at home… that would be 2 (and those were just downloaded to test a connection)
Here at the office… I find 95 of them. But I think about 20 or so came with the operating system, and let me tell you – that’s some fine music.
2. The last CD I bought was....
You mean me…personally, doing the purchasing myself… hmm,
3. The last song I listened to before reading this message was....
Well that would have been, I guess the theme song to West Wing last night.
4. Five songs I listen to often or that mean a lot to me are....
Ok. I do have some of these (but its cuz my melodic wife burns me CD’s):
Bonnie Rait: I Can’t make you love me—because I love to sing along.. really loud
Dido: Thank You – because its used in that movie with Ellen and Sharon Stone…ooh fah with that.
Fields of Gold: Sting — mostly because of one line “feel her body rise when you kiss her mouth” – this always makes me think of my wife… (ooh fah with her)
Lie in Our Graves: Dave Mathews – because its an amazing song
Into the Mystic: Van Morrison – because it's Van Morrison
5. The three people I'm passing this stick to (and why) are....
Since I did poorly and I am late – I will drop the stick, and back quietly away.
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
L is for…
Ludicrous… and I LOVE it.
Do you watch the L Word?
Well, after we watched this week’s episode last night I told my sexy wife to start packing.
We are moving to LA.
Evidently in LA 80 percent of the population are lesbian. Really hot lesbians. AND all of the delivery people are lesbians as well, AND they will sleep with you when they deliver stuff (or in some cases, if you are perhaps too busy to have sex they might just give you a case of Angus Steak…which is REALLY good steak, and I would be VERY happy with a case of Angus Steak).
I am still trying to figure out how a very wealthy Museum Curator can live next door to an unemployed writer...in those FABulous bungalows, but I guess that’s just how it is out there in sunny CA.
Do you watch the L Word?
Well, after we watched this week’s episode last night I told my sexy wife to start packing.
We are moving to LA.
Evidently in LA 80 percent of the population are lesbian. Really hot lesbians. AND all of the delivery people are lesbians as well, AND they will sleep with you when they deliver stuff (or in some cases, if you are perhaps too busy to have sex they might just give you a case of Angus Steak…which is REALLY good steak, and I would be VERY happy with a case of Angus Steak).
I am still trying to figure out how a very wealthy Museum Curator can live next door to an unemployed writer...in those FABulous bungalows, but I guess that’s just how it is out there in sunny CA.
Sunday, April 03, 2005
Images of Spring
I rarely post on the weekends. This is for Elizabeth.
I call this "Free Dog on Crocus"
I call this "Free Dog on Crocus"
Friday, April 01, 2005
Thursday, March 31, 2005
What...what ...speak up
I have a head cold. I stayed home yesterday and I was sooo good - no blogging, no working in the yard (it was over 60 out there)...ok, so I did a little laundry. My thoughtful wife loaded me up with chick-flicks -- yup, gotta watch chick-flicks when you're sick.
Today I am back at work. The problem... is that I can't hear anything. There's gonna be alot of nodding and smiling today. Wish I knew how to read lips.
Today I am back at work. The problem... is that I can't hear anything. There's gonna be alot of nodding and smiling today. Wish I knew how to read lips.
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
People please,
Get up off the couch, walk out your front door. Take 10 big steps away from your house and turn around.
If you see any decaying pine boughs, red ribbons, snowmen, Santa faces, elves, imitation holly or mistletoe, baubles or garland, would you JUST take it down already
If you see any decaying pine boughs, red ribbons, snowmen, Santa faces, elves, imitation holly or mistletoe, baubles or garland, would you JUST take it down already
Friday, March 25, 2005
Please keep an eye out
For my wife...and this dog.
She just loves boxers... and perhaps feeling the pangs of emptyness...
and the FREE dog is not helping at all.
So, generally, we are not letting her leave the house alone for awhile.
She just loves boxers... and perhaps feeling the pangs of emptyness...
and the FREE dog is not helping at all.
So, generally, we are not letting her leave the house alone for awhile.
'Sweetie...you still at the office?'
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
For David
When my Blogfather stopped in to see us during a recent blizzard, we offered him some warm tea, or perhaps a port. We offered the port unknowingly of course - since our port was not kosher.
Being Italian - it was important for us to serve something to 'take the chill off', especially since he would be driving home in all that snow, with those treacherous white out conditions, and slipperiness and all... must have a little 'something'.
My Italian wife suggested some Limoncello, which we make ourselves (as Italians we are required to either make wine or limoncello – we are also required to have at least one lawn statue). We reviewed the ingredient list and found nothing un-kosher about it.
The recipe below is for David, from my wife. But please, give it a go if you are so inclined.
We keep a bottle in the freezer at all times, so stop in anytime for a taste.
Limoncello (pronounced lee-mohn-CHEL-loh) Recipe
Phase 1: The Zest
Wash lemons well with hot water to remove any residue of pesticides, wax or stickers. Pat lemons dry.
Fill the jar with one bottle of 100-proof vodka. Be sure to use 100-proof, which has less flavor than a lower proof vodka (Limoncello should taste like fresh lemons, not poor-quality vodka.). Also, higher proof vodkas won’t turn to ice in the freezer.
Start peeling the zest from all the lemons with a vegetable peeler. If you get some of the bitter white pith with the zest, carefully scrape the pith away with the tip of a knife. As you peel and de-pith the zest, add it to the jar.
After combining the vodka and lemon zest, cover the jar and store it at room temperature in a dark place (We store ours on a shelf in our cellar.). Let it sit for 40-45 days. As the limoncello sits, the vodka slowly takes on the flavor and rich yellow hue of the lemon zest.
Phase 2: The Syrup
After 40-45 days, retrieve the jar from its hiding place. You are now ready to add the remaining ingredients.
Combine 4 cups of sugar with 5 cups of water in a sauce pan. Bring to a boil and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Let the syrup cool.
Add the second bottle of 100-proof vodka to the jar of limoncello. Add the cooled syrup.
Cover the jar and return it to the cellar to sit for another 40-45 days.
Phase 3: The Finale
After the second 40-45 days, retrieve the jar from its hiding place. You are now ready to strain and bottle your limoncello. Cut a layered section of the cheese cloth big enough to generously fit over the mouth of a funnel. Place the funnel on a glass pitcher or other glass container that’s big enough to hold the entire batch of limoncello. Pour the liquid from the jar through the cheesecloth-funnel into the pitcher. The cheese cloth will trap all the tiny chunks of zest.
Now remove the zest from the jar and discard it. Repeat the straining technique with the cheese cloth-funnel, this time from the pitcher back to the jar. Replace the soaked cheese cloth with a new fresh layered section of cheese cloth. Strain one more time from the jar to the pitcher.
Pour the limoncello into decorative serving bottles (Pier One has a fabulous collection of tinted green bottles!) with cork tops. Immediately put one bottle in your freezer. Serve the limoncello in cordial glasses (or drizzle over ice cream or fresh berries) as soon as it’s frosty.
Store the remaining bottles in your cellar until you’re ready to serve or give away to your friends.
Being Italian - it was important for us to serve something to 'take the chill off', especially since he would be driving home in all that snow, with those treacherous white out conditions, and slipperiness and all... must have a little 'something'.
My Italian wife suggested some Limoncello, which we make ourselves (as Italians we are required to either make wine or limoncello – we are also required to have at least one lawn statue). We reviewed the ingredient list and found nothing un-kosher about it.
The recipe below is for David, from my wife. But please, give it a go if you are so inclined.
We keep a bottle in the freezer at all times, so stop in anytime for a taste.
Limoncello (pronounced lee-mohn-CHEL-loh) Recipe
Ingredients
15 large, thick, skinned lemons
Two 750 ml bottles of 100-proof vodka
4 cups sugar
5 cups water
Tools
1 large glass jar (at least 4 quarts) with lid
Vegetable peeler
Glass pitcher
Funnel
Cheese cloth
Phase 1: The Zest
Wash lemons well with hot water to remove any residue of pesticides, wax or stickers. Pat lemons dry.
Fill the jar with one bottle of 100-proof vodka. Be sure to use 100-proof, which has less flavor than a lower proof vodka (Limoncello should taste like fresh lemons, not poor-quality vodka.). Also, higher proof vodkas won’t turn to ice in the freezer.
Start peeling the zest from all the lemons with a vegetable peeler. If you get some of the bitter white pith with the zest, carefully scrape the pith away with the tip of a knife. As you peel and de-pith the zest, add it to the jar.
After combining the vodka and lemon zest, cover the jar and store it at room temperature in a dark place (We store ours on a shelf in our cellar.). Let it sit for 40-45 days. As the limoncello sits, the vodka slowly takes on the flavor and rich yellow hue of the lemon zest.
Phase 2: The Syrup
After 40-45 days, retrieve the jar from its hiding place. You are now ready to add the remaining ingredients.
Combine 4 cups of sugar with 5 cups of water in a sauce pan. Bring to a boil and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Let the syrup cool.
Add the second bottle of 100-proof vodka to the jar of limoncello. Add the cooled syrup.
Cover the jar and return it to the cellar to sit for another 40-45 days.
Phase 3: The Finale
After the second 40-45 days, retrieve the jar from its hiding place. You are now ready to strain and bottle your limoncello. Cut a layered section of the cheese cloth big enough to generously fit over the mouth of a funnel. Place the funnel on a glass pitcher or other glass container that’s big enough to hold the entire batch of limoncello. Pour the liquid from the jar through the cheesecloth-funnel into the pitcher. The cheese cloth will trap all the tiny chunks of zest.
Now remove the zest from the jar and discard it. Repeat the straining technique with the cheese cloth-funnel, this time from the pitcher back to the jar. Replace the soaked cheese cloth with a new fresh layered section of cheese cloth. Strain one more time from the jar to the pitcher.
Pour the limoncello into decorative serving bottles (Pier One has a fabulous collection of tinted green bottles!) with cork tops. Immediately put one bottle in your freezer. Serve the limoncello in cordial glasses (or drizzle over ice cream or fresh berries) as soon as it’s frosty.
Store the remaining bottles in your cellar until you’re ready to serve or give away to your friends.
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Julia
10.28.1994 - 03.19.2005
Julia was a muse. She was perky and loving, her intelligence… questionable.
She never finished growing, and visitors would always marvel at how small she was.
She was the only dog I ever knew who would sniff around the yard and not even lift her head if guests arrived. Not a typical dog.
She was not good with children. She did not like being picked up. She made it very clear on the things she did not like. If you sat – she was in your lap. If you were under a blanket, she was under with you. If you opened the fridge, she was in the kitchen. If you called her name, she completely ignored you.
She loved to be warm and would seek out any source of heat. She would follow the sun around the house on lazy weekend days. She loved to crawl into the daughters big sweatshirts while they lay around watching TV all afternoon. When we had occasion to work around the house using our portable halogen lamp – she would stand right in front of it, soaking up the warmth. On really, really hot summer days, she would stretch out on the asphalt driveway. A couple of times I actually carried her into the house before she started to cook. Her legs were so thin and her coat so short that when it would get to be below 0, her legs would freeze up and she would tip over, I would need to run out and scoop her up.
She could care less about other dogs. We have always had a big dog in the house, and so she had no fear of them. It was this courageous ignorance that kept finding her in the neighbor’s yard…. the neighbors with electric fence….electric fence to contain their 100lb. Shepard. He never caught her, tho he tried.
She was certainly not like any other dog. Let’s call her special. For reasons I cannot truly explain, I was rather attached to this little pup.
We'll miss our little Joosie.
Friday, March 18, 2005
Exercise Regimen
After having come to the conclusion recently that I needed to exercise as well as diet to take off those last 5 pounds – I immediately put on 3. This is a good thing tho – it’s all part of the dieting process. I call them Panic Pounds. It’s a reflex really. As soon as you say you’re going to diet, your body goes into panic mode -- to protect itself.
Regarding the exercise portion of my program – I can say this, I am not a quitter.
Are you familiar with the saying “You can‘t win if you don’t play”?
Well you can’t quit if you don’t start.
Works for me.
The dieting part (now that I am past the panic pounds) is actually working quite nicely, albeit slowly. But this is to be expected. I cannot lose 5 pounds in 3 weeks.
I can lose 1 pound in three weeks. It’s good to know your limitations.
My diet of choice is tried and true – starvation. Weeellll, perhaps not starvation like 3rd World starvation – this is more Americanized. It basically means eating a hell of a lot less. It’s a very convenient diet. No special foods to prepare, no planning, no counting points and you save money at the grocery store.
My downfall is weekend cocktails. I do so like my evening cocktails on the weekends. They really rack up the calories.
The first weekend I decided that rather than drinking beer, which is so high in calories it’s practically a food group – I would have vodka. That way I would drink less, as it’s so much more potent.
Yeah well. Tell a beer drinker to drink less. Ha.
Ok, Vodka is off the list.
This weekend I will stick with beer. I am planning to compensate for the calories during the day – by eating much less food I will get tipsy faster, and therefore drink less – less calories all around– it’s a win-win situation.
Regarding the exercise portion of my program – I can say this, I am not a quitter.
Are you familiar with the saying “You can‘t win if you don’t play”?
Well you can’t quit if you don’t start.
Works for me.
The dieting part (now that I am past the panic pounds) is actually working quite nicely, albeit slowly. But this is to be expected. I cannot lose 5 pounds in 3 weeks.
I can lose 1 pound in three weeks. It’s good to know your limitations.
My diet of choice is tried and true – starvation. Weeellll, perhaps not starvation like 3rd World starvation – this is more Americanized. It basically means eating a hell of a lot less. It’s a very convenient diet. No special foods to prepare, no planning, no counting points and you save money at the grocery store.
My downfall is weekend cocktails. I do so like my evening cocktails on the weekends. They really rack up the calories.
The first weekend I decided that rather than drinking beer, which is so high in calories it’s practically a food group – I would have vodka. That way I would drink less, as it’s so much more potent.
Yeah well. Tell a beer drinker to drink less. Ha.
Ok, Vodka is off the list.
This weekend I will stick with beer. I am planning to compensate for the calories during the day – by eating much less food I will get tipsy faster, and therefore drink less – less calories all around– it’s a win-win situation.
Thursday, March 17, 2005
It's Madness I say
Last night was family Wednesday Wings night.
We brought our March Madness brackets to fill out over wings and a pitcher.
There was a pile of Ferris’ buddies there and bracket advice was flying from table to table. I would just call out a team and a debate would erupt.
Ferris plays two brackets – one from the heart, and one from the head. Mine is a melding of the two. Which, of course, means Uconn gets knocked out in the final four.
I have entered my selections into our workplace pool for $5.00. I am so excited…I never entered one for myself before.
No one is doing the Women’s bracket – so I am going to fill one out all by myself, because I am so swept up in the Madness now.
Gotta go…time for tip off.
We brought our March Madness brackets to fill out over wings and a pitcher.
There was a pile of Ferris’ buddies there and bracket advice was flying from table to table. I would just call out a team and a debate would erupt.
Ferris plays two brackets – one from the heart, and one from the head. Mine is a melding of the two. Which, of course, means Uconn gets knocked out in the final four.
I have entered my selections into our workplace pool for $5.00. I am so excited…I never entered one for myself before.
No one is doing the Women’s bracket – so I am going to fill one out all by myself, because I am so swept up in the Madness now.
Gotta go…time for tip off.
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Good Morning
I was going to blog this morning about being irritated by the continuing cold weather.
I had compiled a long list of synonyms in my head; grating, harsh, annoying, maddening, frustrating, wearisome, exasperating…
BUT – I woke up this morning next to love of my life…, and the birds were singing and the sun was out, and the temperature…well, ok the temp was still 25…
I can sense the spring under all that snow. It refreshed me. I think I can make it.
Life is good.
I had compiled a long list of synonyms in my head; grating, harsh, annoying, maddening, frustrating, wearisome, exasperating…
BUT – I woke up this morning next to love of my life…, and the birds were singing and the sun was out, and the temperature…well, ok the temp was still 25…
I can sense the spring under all that snow. It refreshed me. I think I can make it.
Life is good.
Friday, March 11, 2005
Gaaaayyyy BING-GOOo
Tonight we will play Gay Bingo. I am not yet sure how this differs from ‘Straight’ Bingo– except the caller will be a drag queen. A bunch of us are going – because lesbians are known to travel in tribes of course. And, as is customary it will be held in a church basement (not a catholic church mind you), which means no cocktails. I have suggested we all leave work early for a pre-bingo cocktail hour.
I have been practicing all morning. A…4 ; I…6 ; E ...7
My analytical wife loves to gamble so this is right up her alley; she says if she wins she will call out 'Gay Bingo'.
When I win I will call out ‘You sunk my battleship’.
I have been practicing all morning. A…4 ; I…6 ; E ...7
My analytical wife loves to gamble so this is right up her alley; she says if she wins she will call out 'Gay Bingo'.
When I win I will call out ‘You sunk my battleship’.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Compulsion
I am home today, waiting for the dryer repairman to come. There are loads of laundry in waiting.
My plan for the day, other than laundry, was to finish up some trim painting in the living room.
However, I went outside for just a moment to sprinkle some of that de-ice stuff on the walk -- in hopes the dryer repair man would not slip fall and break something, thereby not able to fix my dryer and did I mention there is quite a bit of laundry queued up.
See, we had this weird snow the other day, which left about an inch of ice underneath, that we were not able to clear with the snow thrower or shovels.
We generally keep the driveway cleared, clean and dry all winter. It’s civilized. Ice or snow on the driveway or walkways is not acceptable. But warmer weather is promised for just next week, so ‘waiting’ was the best option we came up with.
However, while sprinkling the ice stuff, I notice a loose piece, so I chipped at it, and it started to come up. More and more ice started to break up as I went. So I continued, on and on, gathering different shovels and other tools to lift and break up the ice. Chopping and scooping it out of the driveway, added more de-ice pellets, shoveling away the broken ice…. basically, I can't stop now.
I have to keep picking and chipping at it until its gone. It's driving me mad.
I simply can…not…stop chipping and picking and chipping and picking...
I am obsessed.
My plan for the day, other than laundry, was to finish up some trim painting in the living room.
However, I went outside for just a moment to sprinkle some of that de-ice stuff on the walk -- in hopes the dryer repair man would not slip fall and break something, thereby not able to fix my dryer and did I mention there is quite a bit of laundry queued up.
See, we had this weird snow the other day, which left about an inch of ice underneath, that we were not able to clear with the snow thrower or shovels.
We generally keep the driveway cleared, clean and dry all winter. It’s civilized. Ice or snow on the driveway or walkways is not acceptable. But warmer weather is promised for just next week, so ‘waiting’ was the best option we came up with.
However, while sprinkling the ice stuff, I notice a loose piece, so I chipped at it, and it started to come up. More and more ice started to break up as I went. So I continued, on and on, gathering different shovels and other tools to lift and break up the ice. Chopping and scooping it out of the driveway, added more de-ice pellets, shoveling away the broken ice…. basically, I can't stop now.
I have to keep picking and chipping at it until its gone. It's driving me mad.
I simply can…not…stop chipping and picking and chipping and picking...
I am obsessed.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Unionized?
As you may have read, the State Judiciary Committee here in Connecticut has approved legislation to allow civil unions. This controversial topic will now go to the Senate or the House or the Hood… to get voted on again and again and finally end up in the lap of our new and improved, non-cheatin’ governor Jodi Rell, while all we gay folk wait with bated breath to be allowed to share in a small percentage of rights enjoyed by heterosexuals… well as long as we stay in Connecticut that is.
The GLBT activists here (Love Makes a Family specifically) are not all that enthused as they feel civil unions makes gays “separate and unequal”.
But in all this political rhetoric, I beg to say we are missing a very important point.
Quite simply it boils down to conjugation…the schematic arrangement of the inflectional forms of a verb… basically what the HELL am I going to say?
Ok – you’re at a party, you’re a heterosexual, you have a stunning example of the opposite sex on your arm, you are wearing a ring on ‘the’ finger. What might you hear…”Say there Pat, when did you get married?”
Now… you’re me. I am at a party, I am a homosexual, I have my stunning wife on my arm and am wearing a ring on ‘the’ finger. Say there Weese, when did you get…..aahh
…get…. um… civil unioned?... uuh unionized?…no no..that’s Hoffa… um… civilized? Ah, when did you crazy kids go to town hall and sign those papers to give you rights to visit each other in the hosptial...well in the state, and get health insurance..well also in the state - but really congratulations.“
C’mon people… a little help here. How can I explain in a word to the world that I have willfully, joyously, romantically with all of my heart and mind, for the rest of my life …signed some papers and entered into a civil union.
If for no other reason than the adjective – it think we should fight for FULL marriage rights, and on a federal level--so I don’t have to make up other words when I travel out of state.
The GLBT activists here (Love Makes a Family specifically) are not all that enthused as they feel civil unions makes gays “separate and unequal”.
But in all this political rhetoric, I beg to say we are missing a very important point.
Quite simply it boils down to conjugation…the schematic arrangement of the inflectional forms of a verb… basically what the HELL am I going to say?
Ok – you’re at a party, you’re a heterosexual, you have a stunning example of the opposite sex on your arm, you are wearing a ring on ‘the’ finger. What might you hear…”Say there Pat, when did you get married?”
Now… you’re me. I am at a party, I am a homosexual, I have my stunning wife on my arm and am wearing a ring on ‘the’ finger. Say there Weese, when did you get…..aahh
…get…. um… civil unioned?... uuh unionized?…no no..that’s Hoffa… um… civilized? Ah, when did you crazy kids go to town hall and sign those papers to give you rights to visit each other in the hosptial...well in the state, and get health insurance..well also in the state - but really congratulations.“
C’mon people… a little help here. How can I explain in a word to the world that I have willfully, joyously, romantically with all of my heart and mind, for the rest of my life …signed some papers and entered into a civil union.
If for no other reason than the adjective – it think we should fight for FULL marriage rights, and on a federal level--so I don’t have to make up other words when I travel out of state.
Monday, March 07, 2005
My Quest
It seems that the list of repairs on the van have finally exceeded its worth.
As I have blogged before – I love my Quest... but I am ready to accept that it’s over… its time to let go, its time to move on, its time... for a change
…but not a good time as far as our fiscal planning is concerned.
The plan was to replace the van in two more years. That was our plan, it’s a good plan, it’s a financially sound plan.
This was not in the plan.
I am all about planning.
So I would need to be frugal, wise and conservative in my car selection.
I called my trusted mechanic for some sage advice.
He suggested the LeSabre.
Ok now, I have nothing against mid-size American family sedans…really, I don’t.
But look at me…trendy (stop laughing), middle-aged, lesbian… in a LeSabre.
Ooo, I shudder at the thought.
I know, I know – I am not in a position to be picky.
My trusted mechanic also recommended a car dealer right down the street from where I work, he said they may have a used Altima or Accord.
Ok, I can do an Altima, I can do an Accord – I could even do a Sentra – affordable, good on gas, sensible – yeah, I can do that. I am so centered and self confident – I can drive a Sentra and make it look cool.
That very day I took my lunch hour and went to the dealer.
I pull in the lot and what is the first car I see?
While test driving it I sold it to myself.
My wife is so supportive.
I called her from the dealer and told her I basically just bought the first car I laid eyes on.
She laughed.
She loves me.
As I have blogged before – I love my Quest... but I am ready to accept that it’s over… its time to let go, its time to move on, its time... for a change
…but not a good time as far as our fiscal planning is concerned.
The plan was to replace the van in two more years. That was our plan, it’s a good plan, it’s a financially sound plan.
This was not in the plan.
I am all about planning.
So I would need to be frugal, wise and conservative in my car selection.
I called my trusted mechanic for some sage advice.
He suggested the LeSabre.
Ok now, I have nothing against mid-size American family sedans…really, I don’t.
But look at me…trendy (stop laughing), middle-aged, lesbian… in a LeSabre.
Ooo, I shudder at the thought.
I know, I know – I am not in a position to be picky.
My trusted mechanic also recommended a car dealer right down the street from where I work, he said they may have a used Altima or Accord.
Ok, I can do an Altima, I can do an Accord – I could even do a Sentra – affordable, good on gas, sensible – yeah, I can do that. I am so centered and self confident – I can drive a Sentra and make it look cool.
That very day I took my lunch hour and went to the dealer.
I pull in the lot and what is the first car I see?
While test driving it I sold it to myself.
My wife is so supportive.
I called her from the dealer and told her I basically just bought the first car I laid eyes on.
She laughed.
She loves me.
Mid-life crises ?
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Batteries not included
My rechargeable batteries for my digital camera are... de-charged.
:o(
so no snow pics today.
Let me try to describe it for you.
Perhaps in Haiku...
ok.. how about a simple rhyme...
Or perhaps the more unusual … Cinquain
:o(
so no snow pics today.
Let me try to describe it for you.
Perhaps in Haiku...
cold yet dry to touch
deep enough for sore muscles
soon to be flowers
ok.. how about a simple rhyme...
White and fluffy and dry to touch
The snow is not melting fast enough
The months accumulation is very deep
So much in fact we may buy a jeep
I tire of its brightness, soon to be brown muck
Ready to throw in the shovel and say " Who gives a f*** "
Or perhaps the more unusual … Cinquain
Snowstorm
Cold, white
Blowing, drifting mounds
We are its prey, stranded and warm
Blizzardry
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
MORE shoveling
Actually - we DO have a snowthrower. I was ...well... exaggerating a bit yesterday.
I am in love with my snowthrower, will never live without one again.
However, as I type my herculean wife is out there shoveling the driveway. We had a 'dusting' of three more inches last night. It's rather puffy and fluffy...so she decided to do it the old fashioned way.
If I make it home before dark tonight I will post a pic of all this crazy late season snow.
And yes...I promised a story and a pic yesterday - I have not forgotten, but work keeps getting in the way.
I am in love with my snowthrower, will never live without one again.
However, as I type my herculean wife is out there shoveling the driveway. We had a 'dusting' of three more inches last night. It's rather puffy and fluffy...so she decided to do it the old fashioned way.
If I make it home before dark tonight I will post a pic of all this crazy late season snow.
And yes...I promised a story and a pic yesterday - I have not forgotten, but work keeps getting in the way.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Shoveling
There is ALOT of snow out there. I can barely type... my arms are so sore.
There is still more - so posting will have to wait. But I promise a picture and a story tomorrow.
In the mean time the wife and I had a FABuLous visit from my blogfather last evening.
Cleary, real men do not fear snow.
There is still more - so posting will have to wait. But I promise a picture and a story tomorrow.
In the mean time the wife and I had a FABuLous visit from my blogfather last evening.
Cleary, real men do not fear snow.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Willow
6.22.1992 – 2.24.2005
Willow was our hunter, our cuddler, the toughest cat in the neighborhood and quite the food critic.
Fiercely independent, yet willing to purr in your arms – probably more for you. He had his own door, he was his own man. Through his private door he brought many a friend to play with… until death would part them.
He was always there. You could pull in the driveway and he would be basking on the hot pavement. If you went to get the mail he would pop out from under the porch. While I cut the grass I would see him in the back fields, pouncing his pray – sometimes a cricket sometimes a mouse, we think he may have taken down a deer or two back there as well.
We gave him a bath only once. We all learned a lot that day.
He used to visit our elderly neighbor almost daily and roll himself silly on her back deck. She often called him over to show him off to her grandkids.
He loathed the dogs but tolerated them because he knew he had too. He seemed almost amused that we would want such silly creatures in the house with us. He could easily have taken the MinPin out… he’d twice captured bunnies bigger than her. He taunted Riggs… just outside of fence, always aware of her limits.
He loved to play, he loved his catnip, he loved life, he LOVED the daughter, and I think he loved us too.
He will be missed and remembered forever.
First born
Ferris does not read my blog. I imagine he hears enough of me in person, why read more online. He is also unaware of his pseudonym. I came up with it while posting about him some time ago but it’s not something we call him offline.
Last night on our way out to wings-night (bringing back the family dinner with 20cents wings and beer every Wednesday) he says in the car “You know I am going to name my first born son Ferris”
He later mentioned he may name his daughter Jeanie.
Last night on our way out to wings-night (bringing back the family dinner with 20cents wings and beer every Wednesday) he says in the car “You know I am going to name my first born son Ferris”
He later mentioned he may name his daughter Jeanie.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Car Shopping
I am out car shopping today. No time to post.
The van is, remarkably, still on the road...However, it has been recommended that we stay off the highway. Let's just say we are on borrowed time.
In other news - wrestling season is OVER.
Ferris is eating everything that is not tied down.
(For those of you who don't know - a wrestler must make weight twice a week. Wrestlers like to cut weight to be in a lower weight class - they feel it gives them an advantage. So making weight each week requires strict attention to diet, sweating down and often spitting your way to the scales.
Imagine what discipline that must take being raised by TWO Italian mothers. )
The van is, remarkably, still on the road...However, it has been recommended that we stay off the highway. Let's just say we are on borrowed time.
In other news - wrestling season is OVER.
Ferris is eating everything that is not tied down.
(For those of you who don't know - a wrestler must make weight twice a week. Wrestlers like to cut weight to be in a lower weight class - they feel it gives them an advantage. So making weight each week requires strict attention to diet, sweating down and often spitting your way to the scales.
Imagine what discipline that must take being raised by TWO Italian mothers. )
Friday, February 18, 2005
Way to get motivated
So I am sitting her in my dark, warm little cubicle, happily surfing getting ready to enjoy my tasty salad... a co-worker comes by (who will remain nameless...altho I will keep an eye on the comments) and asks if I want to walk with them today.
I hesitate... hmm, have alot of work to do... need to leave a little early today...
The unnamed co-worker suggests I will feel better if I walk.
I consider her point... she is right, I will, so I go.
Silly me, I had forgotten winter had returned to New England.
Not only is the temp only 31. But the BRISK breeze gave us a wind chill of 20.
ow.
I hesitate... hmm, have alot of work to do... need to leave a little early today...
The unnamed co-worker suggests I will feel better if I walk.
I consider her point... she is right, I will, so I go.
Silly me, I had forgotten winter had returned to New England.
Not only is the temp only 31. But the BRISK breeze gave us a wind chill of 20.
ow.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Whew
Went to the gym yesterday!
Yup - even walked over there.
Ok, so it was actually more of a 'tour' of the gym.
But hey... then I walked back from the gym.
I am counting that as my first day of exercise.
Yup - even walked over there.
Ok, so it was actually more of a 'tour' of the gym.
But hey... then I walked back from the gym.
I am counting that as my first day of exercise.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
On The Wagon
Did I fall off the wagon? Well since I never officially got on the wagon I suppose not.
As I mentioned recently, exercise is imminent. These 7 pounds cannot be lost without some sort of motion. Since I am always in motion..it’s gonna have to be something a tad strenuous. Like actual exercise.
I have spent the last week contemplating exercise. I don’t want to rush into anything and my choices are many. This of course, has me paralyzed… which burns no calories whatsoever.
The easiest option is to simply walk. Like right now for example. It's lunch time here at work, and instead of walking – I am blogging… again, very low on the calorie burning scale even tho I am typing really, really fast.
Lots of people walk at lunch, my svelt wife is probably out walking as I type. But I am here in my dark cozy cubicle, with my little heater on, listening to my new Pink Floyd cd (thanks love).
Ok, my next choice is to join the FREE gym here at my office complex. They have all sorts of snazzy machines and weights and TV’s and marble bathrooms … so posh.
Of course in order to join the FREE gym I will need new sneakers, some sort of outfit (or two) to work out in, a new gym bag perhaps, and an mp3 player (ok, I can probably do without the mp3 player).
This will require shopping, which I could do on my lunch break…but I am here in my dark cozy cubicle… well… you know what I mean.
Other choices include but are not limited to; selecting from a wide variety of the daughter’s work out tapes at home, joining the Y down the street from our house, or even just doing some exercises when I am getting up and ready in the morning.
Clearly I need to take my time to make a wise decision.
Will I exercise today?
I just went to the online Magic 8 Ball site. I asked twice, just to be sure.
My answers were:
So there you have it folks. I will keep you posted.
As I mentioned recently, exercise is imminent. These 7 pounds cannot be lost without some sort of motion. Since I am always in motion..it’s gonna have to be something a tad strenuous. Like actual exercise.
I have spent the last week contemplating exercise. I don’t want to rush into anything and my choices are many. This of course, has me paralyzed… which burns no calories whatsoever.
The easiest option is to simply walk. Like right now for example. It's lunch time here at work, and instead of walking – I am blogging… again, very low on the calorie burning scale even tho I am typing really, really fast.
Lots of people walk at lunch, my svelt wife is probably out walking as I type. But I am here in my dark cozy cubicle, with my little heater on, listening to my new Pink Floyd cd (thanks love).
Ok, my next choice is to join the FREE gym here at my office complex. They have all sorts of snazzy machines and weights and TV’s and marble bathrooms … so posh.
Of course in order to join the FREE gym I will need new sneakers, some sort of outfit (or two) to work out in, a new gym bag perhaps, and an mp3 player (ok, I can probably do without the mp3 player).
This will require shopping, which I could do on my lunch break…but I am here in my dark cozy cubicle… well… you know what I mean.
Other choices include but are not limited to; selecting from a wide variety of the daughter’s work out tapes at home, joining the Y down the street from our house, or even just doing some exercises when I am getting up and ready in the morning.
Clearly I need to take my time to make a wise decision.
Will I exercise today?
I just went to the online Magic 8 Ball site. I asked twice, just to be sure.
My answers were:
"All signs point to yes."
"Without a doubt."
So there you have it folks. I will keep you posted.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
3 Day Weekends
I HIGHLY recommend them.
I have suggested to my boss that we work 10 hour days, 4 days a week.
He loves the idea (like that's gonna do any good).
Gotta love the corporate machine.
I have suggested to my boss that we work 10 hour days, 4 days a week.
He loves the idea (like that's gonna do any good).
Gotta love the corporate machine.
Friday, February 11, 2005
Changing Seasons
I dreamt last night that all of our pets were outside in a great pen filled with mud. They were running and frolicking and rolling. Ohhh, the horror of it.
This is a sure sign from the Old Weese’s Almanac that spring is near.
The thaw has begun.
This is a sure sign from the Old Weese’s Almanac that spring is near.
The thaw has begun.
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Paxil for Weese – Reason#2
I mentioned in passing in yesterday’s post that I don’t drive very fast. This is quite true. I don’t really speed; I don’t see a need to. I obey the laws and in general follow rules of etiquette on the roads. I also do not experience road rage. I find this a major waste of energy. It seems ludicrous to get mad at someone who has no idea that you are upset whatsoever, allowing them to simply drive away feeling dandy…leaving you to stew in your own anger. What is the point of that? This is not to say I am happy about getting cut off in traffic…I just don’t get all freaked out about it. I have much better things to get freaked out about… such as … timetable anxiety. Yup. I cannot be late. It causes me great stress to be late. Must—be—on—time; preferably early.
“if you’re early, you’re on time; if you’re on time, you’re late; if you’re late, don’t bother showing up”
Really…it’s bad. DON’T make me late for an appointment, a meeting, even a movie … and if I am running late – you may want to pull over and let me pass.
Cuz I will be burnin’ some rubber, and I will be very agitated.
My family humors me. They have long since given up on complaining about being at the movie theater 20 minute early, they have learned to go play video games or otherwise amuse themselves while I contently sit in my well chosen seat with my untouched popcorn waiting for the lights to dim (mustn’t eat the popcorn before the movie begins…). I always have a book or magazine in my car – so I have something to do when I show up early. When the kids used to need rides, I was always in the parking lot… early… waiting… reading.
And forget going to the airport with me… oh my, where IS the Paxil when you need it.
Gotta go pack for my summer vacation now.
“if you’re early, you’re on time; if you’re on time, you’re late; if you’re late, don’t bother showing up”
Really…it’s bad. DON’T make me late for an appointment, a meeting, even a movie … and if I am running late – you may want to pull over and let me pass.
Cuz I will be burnin’ some rubber, and I will be very agitated.
My family humors me. They have long since given up on complaining about being at the movie theater 20 minute early, they have learned to go play video games or otherwise amuse themselves while I contently sit in my well chosen seat with my untouched popcorn waiting for the lights to dim (mustn’t eat the popcorn before the movie begins…). I always have a book or magazine in my car – so I have something to do when I show up early. When the kids used to need rides, I was always in the parking lot… early… waiting… reading.
And forget going to the airport with me… oh my, where IS the Paxil when you need it.
Gotta go pack for my summer vacation now.
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Slowing down
I have turned a corner.
It actually happened a long time ago. I suppose I knew… I just never really put much thought into it. Really, it happens to most people at some point in their lives (‘most’ – not all).
Do you flash your headlights at oncoming traffic when you have passed a speed trap?
I was on my way home at lunch time today, and a couple of cars flashed at me indicating the presence of a speed trap. I, without even thinking, eased off on the gas and gazed to the speedometer. This is pure reflex, because I really don’t drive very fast.
As I continued on my way, I passed other cars heading toward me. My lights, however, remained dark.
This was my street. How many times have I sat on our porch sipping a beer and damn near snapped my neck watching cars at speeds completely unsafe for this road.
I smirked to myself today as these unsuspecting drivers passed me … approaching the cop lying in wait. Ha, they’re on their own.
So, the corner I turned so long ago(after a proper signal of course), was when I realized cops are the good guys.
As teens we spent a lot of time ‘dodging’ the cops, ‘looking out’ for the cops, ‘running from’ the cops, and generally bad mouthing them (David…do you remember Applebaum?). Questioning authority. Its part of the growing process. I am done growing now (please reference my diet post…no more growing for me.)
Now, I have friends who are cops. (see how I use the colloquial ‘cops’ rather than ‘policeman’… that’s cuz we are friends…and that’s how friends are – like for example they could call me a lezbo and I would be ok with that). We have called the cops for various reasons throughout our 17 years in our town. They have always been helpful, prompt, polite, and rather supportive. A dear friend once said how much she valued “anyone willing to take a bullet for me.” That summed it up perfectly for me.
So if you are heading out my way anytime soon – you may want to slow down a bit. That way you will notice if we’re out on the porch having a coldie… so stop in (safely signaling first).
It actually happened a long time ago. I suppose I knew… I just never really put much thought into it. Really, it happens to most people at some point in their lives (‘most’ – not all).
Do you flash your headlights at oncoming traffic when you have passed a speed trap?
I was on my way home at lunch time today, and a couple of cars flashed at me indicating the presence of a speed trap. I, without even thinking, eased off on the gas and gazed to the speedometer. This is pure reflex, because I really don’t drive very fast.
As I continued on my way, I passed other cars heading toward me. My lights, however, remained dark.
This was my street. How many times have I sat on our porch sipping a beer and damn near snapped my neck watching cars at speeds completely unsafe for this road.
I smirked to myself today as these unsuspecting drivers passed me … approaching the cop lying in wait. Ha, they’re on their own.
So, the corner I turned so long ago(after a proper signal of course), was when I realized cops are the good guys.
As teens we spent a lot of time ‘dodging’ the cops, ‘looking out’ for the cops, ‘running from’ the cops, and generally bad mouthing them (David…do you remember Applebaum?). Questioning authority. Its part of the growing process. I am done growing now (please reference my diet post…no more growing for me.)
Now, I have friends who are cops. (see how I use the colloquial ‘cops’ rather than ‘policeman’… that’s cuz we are friends…and that’s how friends are – like for example they could call me a lezbo and I would be ok with that). We have called the cops for various reasons throughout our 17 years in our town. They have always been helpful, prompt, polite, and rather supportive. A dear friend once said how much she valued “anyone willing to take a bullet for me.” That summed it up perfectly for me.
So if you are heading out my way anytime soon – you may want to slow down a bit. That way you will notice if we’re out on the porch having a coldie… so stop in (safely signaling first).
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Monday, February 07, 2005
Feelin’ the burn
Wasn’t it Jane Fonda who had the very first workout tapes?
I had one of them…and she would continually ask me during our workout “Can you feel it?”
Yes, damnit, Jane – I felt it.
I am beginning to realize that if I really want to lose this last 5 pounds, I may need to actually exercise. While I am a firm believer in my tried and true starvation diet – this last 5 pounds may require more hunger than I can stand.
I don’t think I can avoid it any more. I simply must exercise.
Let’s discuss how I feel about exercise. Couple of words come to mind very quickly…loathe, abhor, avoid.
Ok, more specifically – I really dislike expending energy over a period of time where there is no tangible result. I know, I know…my health, firmer muscles, weight loss – those are results. But if I am going to work that hard at something for an hour or more – I would like to see something for it – like a tidy garden bed, or a new shed or even gleaming floors.
Hey, I am no weakling and am not afraid of hard work. I beg you to find many 40+ women who can hang sheetrock…. alone; or purchase, load, unload, cut to size, carry and hang 3’ x 5’ cement board … (try holding one of those on the wall, placing the screw and finagling the drill up to the screw head, without dropping the whole thing on your toes…all by yourself). My rather lithe and fit wife and I do many heavy manual labor projects around the house and yard. We rake a forest of leaves together each fall, we demolish and remodel entire rooms, and will be laying a new flag stone patio this spring ourselves.
But exercise… well that’s another matter completely. Take running for example. You get all dressing in your fancy, fitted ‘running’ outfit – then you run, fast as you can, turn around and come back. Where have you gone? It would make sense to me to run to the store, buy something and then run home. But to just run around in circles… for what. Now our daughter is a runner. She seems to get something out of it. Me…not so much. I need a purpose.
Lifting weights is the same.. it’s like picking up something heavy for no good reason. Now if you needed to move some heavy objects around to say…clear a path, or build a wall – well that makes sense.
But really …what am I saying here. What is my point?
Nothing.
I am just procrastinating.
I need to exercise.
I had one of them…and she would continually ask me during our workout “Can you feel it?”
Yes, damnit, Jane – I felt it.
I am beginning to realize that if I really want to lose this last 5 pounds, I may need to actually exercise. While I am a firm believer in my tried and true starvation diet – this last 5 pounds may require more hunger than I can stand.
I don’t think I can avoid it any more. I simply must exercise.
Let’s discuss how I feel about exercise. Couple of words come to mind very quickly…loathe, abhor, avoid.
Ok, more specifically – I really dislike expending energy over a period of time where there is no tangible result. I know, I know…my health, firmer muscles, weight loss – those are results. But if I am going to work that hard at something for an hour or more – I would like to see something for it – like a tidy garden bed, or a new shed or even gleaming floors.
Hey, I am no weakling and am not afraid of hard work. I beg you to find many 40+ women who can hang sheetrock…. alone; or purchase, load, unload, cut to size, carry and hang 3’ x 5’ cement board … (try holding one of those on the wall, placing the screw and finagling the drill up to the screw head, without dropping the whole thing on your toes…all by yourself). My rather lithe and fit wife and I do many heavy manual labor projects around the house and yard. We rake a forest of leaves together each fall, we demolish and remodel entire rooms, and will be laying a new flag stone patio this spring ourselves.
But exercise… well that’s another matter completely. Take running for example. You get all dressing in your fancy, fitted ‘running’ outfit – then you run, fast as you can, turn around and come back. Where have you gone? It would make sense to me to run to the store, buy something and then run home. But to just run around in circles… for what. Now our daughter is a runner. She seems to get something out of it. Me…not so much. I need a purpose.
Lifting weights is the same.. it’s like picking up something heavy for no good reason. Now if you needed to move some heavy objects around to say…clear a path, or build a wall – well that makes sense.
But really …what am I saying here. What is my point?
Nothing.
I am just procrastinating.
I need to exercise.
Friday, February 04, 2005
Holiday plans?
So what are your plans for the Holiday?
Super bowl really wraps up the whole holiday season doesn’t it?
(and… another gentle reminder PLEASE take down your holiday lights)
Also of note, Super Bowl marks the beginning of dieting season. Yup – from Super Bowl to Memorial Day, best time of the year to lose weight.
3 months, 16 weeks, 112 days.
In most cases it’s possible to comfortably lose a pound a week. (Unless you are a wrester…then you can lose 5 pounds in one day… but that’s a whole different program).
My unreachable goal this year – 7 pounds.
…one sec while I take a bite of my bagel and cream cheese….ok
I say unreachable because it’s really the LAST 5 pounds I have been trying to lose now for a couple of years. (I want to lose 7 for margin of course…you simply must account for bloating).
I always say that I am on the starvation diet – how’s that not gonna work, starving people are always thin. Of course MY idea of starving is perhaps 4 -6 small meals per day. So small I feel faint just an hour after eating (please picture me with the back of my wrist to my forehead, back arched, eyes rolled up with a woe-as-me look on my face).
Ok so perhaps my concept of starving is more like eating a lot less than usual…ok ok eating a bit less than I normally do.
My wife is roiling with laughter right now…because she lives with this…bless her.
Seriously--
I don’t diet per se. I took some weight off a few years back (40 lbs. give or take) and have kept it off without a problem because I changed the way I eat.
If you want to lose weight ...forget about cutting carbs, or fat, or eating only hot dogs and grapefruit on odd days of the week.
Eat real food. The less processed the better. This means cutting out most breads and pasta’s…this has NOTHING to do with carbs. It has to do with refined flours and sugar.
Vegetables, fruits, nuts, even meat, milk, eggs…all real food. (yes we do process milk…but that’s just so it doesn’t kill you…and ladies we do need our calcium).
Losing weight then becomes just math. And I am all about data.
First you must determine your Basal Metabolic Rate. This is basically how many calories you burn in a day while simply existing.
To do this… follow these formulas:
To lose one pound you need to reduce your calories by 3500.
Again, its just science
It’s that simple.
For example, my basal metabolic rate is 1334 calories per day or 9336 per week.
To lose one pound per week I would need to cut to 5836, or consume only 833 calories in a day. This, of course, would kill me.
So … I will opt for ½ pound a week instead. This gives me plenty of time to be svelte by Memorial Day.
Now before you going doing all these calculations – remember to stock up on chips and beer for the big game. You can make a snazzy spreadsheet on Monday, with charts and graphs and perhaps a picture of yourself naked for inspiration.
Go Eagles.
(my money is on the Pats, but I will be rooting for the underdog)
Super bowl really wraps up the whole holiday season doesn’t it?
(and… another gentle reminder PLEASE take down your holiday lights)
Also of note, Super Bowl marks the beginning of dieting season. Yup – from Super Bowl to Memorial Day, best time of the year to lose weight.
3 months, 16 weeks, 112 days.
In most cases it’s possible to comfortably lose a pound a week. (Unless you are a wrester…then you can lose 5 pounds in one day… but that’s a whole different program).
My unreachable goal this year – 7 pounds.
…one sec while I take a bite of my bagel and cream cheese….ok
I say unreachable because it’s really the LAST 5 pounds I have been trying to lose now for a couple of years. (I want to lose 7 for margin of course…you simply must account for bloating).
I always say that I am on the starvation diet – how’s that not gonna work, starving people are always thin. Of course MY idea of starving is perhaps 4 -6 small meals per day. So small I feel faint just an hour after eating (please picture me with the back of my wrist to my forehead, back arched, eyes rolled up with a woe-as-me look on my face).
Ok so perhaps my concept of starving is more like eating a lot less than usual…ok ok eating a bit less than I normally do.
My wife is roiling with laughter right now…because she lives with this…bless her.
Seriously--
I don’t diet per se. I took some weight off a few years back (40 lbs. give or take) and have kept it off without a problem because I changed the way I eat.
If you want to lose weight ...forget about cutting carbs, or fat, or eating only hot dogs and grapefruit on odd days of the week.
Eat real food. The less processed the better. This means cutting out most breads and pasta’s…this has NOTHING to do with carbs. It has to do with refined flours and sugar.
Vegetables, fruits, nuts, even meat, milk, eggs…all real food. (yes we do process milk…but that’s just so it doesn’t kill you…and ladies we do need our calcium).
Losing weight then becomes just math. And I am all about data.
First you must determine your Basal Metabolic Rate. This is basically how many calories you burn in a day while simply existing.
To do this… follow these formulas:
Adult female:
655 + (4.3 x weight in lbs.) + (4.7 x height in inches) - (4.7 x age in years)
Adult male:
66 + (6.3 x body weight in lbs.) + (12.9 x height in inches) - (6.8 x age in years)
(* you can have more calories if you exercise. So if you do something to burn 300 calories you can add that right to your daily total.)
To lose one pound you need to reduce your calories by 3500.
Again, its just science
It’s that simple.
For example, my basal metabolic rate is 1334 calories per day or 9336 per week.
To lose one pound per week I would need to cut to 5836, or consume only 833 calories in a day. This, of course, would kill me.
So … I will opt for ½ pound a week instead. This gives me plenty of time to be svelte by Memorial Day.
Now before you going doing all these calculations – remember to stock up on chips and beer for the big game. You can make a snazzy spreadsheet on Monday, with charts and graphs and perhaps a picture of yourself naked for inspiration.
Go Eagles.
(my money is on the Pats, but I will be rooting for the underdog)
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Parenting
We are liberal parents. I wouldn’t go so far as to put us in the category as hippy-parents, buuut we’re probably not far off.
We’ve never pushed our kids, if they wanted to take up an instrument – fine. If they wanted to stop – that’s ok too. Sports were always voluntary. (I have known parents who actually require their kids to participate in one sport per season. We don’t think that way.)
What they did decide to participate in… we supported.
We have spend countless hours on cold bleacher seats, in the rain and even snow. We bought a piano for our daughter who took lessons for years and still serenades us on warm summer nights on the porch. We bought an electric guitar for our son when he showed an interest…ok well that one didn’t really work out – but hey you never know. My point is we never pushed them, they got to pretty much make their own decisions.
I am neither bragging nor ashamed of this – it is what it is.
I offer this as background. Background to what I find unacceptable parent behavior (oh…did I fail to mention I am rather opinionated).
At our match last night our team got spanked. It happens. This is the heart of competition.
With all the lost matches and near wins the tension was high for sure – but there was one story last night that enraged me.
One of our wrestlers, we’ll call him Ray, is a first year wrestler but gets to wrestle varsity matches because the team does not have a more experienced person in his weight class. Ray is a handsome, muscular boy with a lovely olive complexion. I don’t know him well as i do some of the other kids – but he seems reserved and possibly what I might call a bit soft (tends to show his pain easily). Let’s review: 1st year wrestler, young, inexperienced, competing with better wrestlers, not really a hard edged kinda guy.
Ok. So, this young man lost last night after what seemed like a decent battle. He didn’t fight as hard as some we’ve seen – but that criticism will come from his coach, certainly not me. His mother is shouting advice to him the entire match (this is not unusual…we all do this – which is especially comical from me because I am so clueless – luckily Ferris tells me they can’t really hear us… as I scream “get his wrist” ”crossface” ”you’re too high” “shoot” ha…). But where it falls apart for me is… the moment Ray was pinned she says – loud enough for me to hear on the next set of bleachers--, “He gave up to soon.” It wasn’t just what she said…but the look of disgust on her face.
Later after the match he walked up the bleachers to sit with his family, and she actually sneered at him and turned her head.
Unfathomable.
My heart broke for Ray.
We’ve never pushed our kids, if they wanted to take up an instrument – fine. If they wanted to stop – that’s ok too. Sports were always voluntary. (I have known parents who actually require their kids to participate in one sport per season. We don’t think that way.)
What they did decide to participate in… we supported.
We have spend countless hours on cold bleacher seats, in the rain and even snow. We bought a piano for our daughter who took lessons for years and still serenades us on warm summer nights on the porch. We bought an electric guitar for our son when he showed an interest…ok well that one didn’t really work out – but hey you never know. My point is we never pushed them, they got to pretty much make their own decisions.
I am neither bragging nor ashamed of this – it is what it is.
I offer this as background. Background to what I find unacceptable parent behavior (oh…did I fail to mention I am rather opinionated).
At our match last night our team got spanked. It happens. This is the heart of competition.
With all the lost matches and near wins the tension was high for sure – but there was one story last night that enraged me.
One of our wrestlers, we’ll call him Ray, is a first year wrestler but gets to wrestle varsity matches because the team does not have a more experienced person in his weight class. Ray is a handsome, muscular boy with a lovely olive complexion. I don’t know him well as i do some of the other kids – but he seems reserved and possibly what I might call a bit soft (tends to show his pain easily). Let’s review: 1st year wrestler, young, inexperienced, competing with better wrestlers, not really a hard edged kinda guy.
Ok. So, this young man lost last night after what seemed like a decent battle. He didn’t fight as hard as some we’ve seen – but that criticism will come from his coach, certainly not me. His mother is shouting advice to him the entire match (this is not unusual…we all do this – which is especially comical from me because I am so clueless – luckily Ferris tells me they can’t really hear us… as I scream “get his wrist” ”crossface” ”you’re too high” “shoot” ha…). But where it falls apart for me is… the moment Ray was pinned she says – loud enough for me to hear on the next set of bleachers--, “He gave up to soon.” It wasn’t just what she said…but the look of disgust on her face.
Later after the match he walked up the bleachers to sit with his family, and she actually sneered at him and turned her head.
Unfathomable.
My heart broke for Ray.
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
It's in the air
When I walked out of the door this morning I heard two distinct birdsongs. These were not winter birdsongs... they begged of spring. Granted it was 12 degrees out (which is starting to feel rather balmy).
I have yet to hear what Phil says this morning - but Weese says:
It's over folks.
And for those of you still sporting your holiday lights - please find the plug.
I have yet to hear what Phil says this morning - but Weese says:
It's over folks.
And for those of you still sporting your holiday lights - please find the plug.
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Sleepy
Why is it when I work even just a little late I get so tired.
I am not doing anything strenuous what-so-ever.
I am sitting... clicking, typing...
If I go home and sit at the table - not a problem.
Perhaps I need a new line of work.
I am not doing anything strenuous what-so-ever.
I am sitting... clicking, typing...
If I go home and sit at the table - not a problem.
Perhaps I need a new line of work.
Monday, January 31, 2005
configuring
no time for posting...
I have to get my desktop color coordinated, get my fonts all back to the way I like them. Oh...yeah and I suppose I could do that Oracle install too... well, we'll just see if we have time for that after I download custom screen savers and desktop themes.
I have to get my desktop color coordinated, get my fonts all back to the way I like them. Oh...yeah and I suppose I could do that Oracle install too... well, we'll just see if we have time for that after I download custom screen savers and desktop themes.
Friday, January 28, 2005
Stepford-ized
Today (hopefully today) I am getting a sparky new machine here at work.
Our company was acquired recently and the new parent company is upgrading all of our machines, and standardizing them in the process.
I hear from others who have already been converted that the process is not necessarily painful, but there is an adjustment period.
There will be conformity, from the OS to the applications that we can install. There will be new limits imposed and certain software that we will no longer be able to use. Sounds a little restrictive, but those who are finished with their conversions seem to be ... well happier, more productive, even their cubicles are more tidy and efficient.
If I blog next week about how much I love my job and seem to be spending time trying to improve my corporate persona... please send help.
Our company was acquired recently and the new parent company is upgrading all of our machines, and standardizing them in the process.
I hear from others who have already been converted that the process is not necessarily painful, but there is an adjustment period.
There will be conformity, from the OS to the applications that we can install. There will be new limits imposed and certain software that we will no longer be able to use. Sounds a little restrictive, but those who are finished with their conversions seem to be ... well happier, more productive, even their cubicles are more tidy and efficient.
If I blog next week about how much I love my job and seem to be spending time trying to improve my corporate persona... please send help.
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Yet another reason for Paxil
This should be a series of posts for me… “Reasons Weese needs Paxil”
Lets just say I have …issues.
Today’s anxiety brought to you by… snow.
Wait – let me explain.
I like snow. I find it pleasing to look at. I enjoy using my snow thrower - quite a bit actually. I like shoveling (well to an extent…which is why I have the snow thrower). I have no problems driving in snow. It's fun to play in and to walk in. I do love a good blizzard… getting snowed in at my favorite place, with my favorite people.
All that said, here is where it all falls apart.
Dirty snow.
Sheer torture for Weese.
The roads are completely covered in brown slush right now. There is literally 6 inches of evenly browned snow on the streets.
That brown slush gets into the driveway on our car tires and from the town plows.
It then drops in great smooshy, clumpy piles into the garage. These piles get stepped in…and you know what happens next. Yup. It gets tracked up my nice neatly shoveled and swept walk…onto our lovely tongue and groove fir porch floor... and then, THEN, it gets into the house! (wfhuu fhuuu… I am breathing into a small paper bag right now, whuuu fhuuu). Of course-- I require that shoes be removed, and I have a fleet of little rugs to catch what they can. But some gets through, you can’t be everywhere at every moment. Things happen…it does get in.
Then it leaves those filthy dried puddles of what was dirty snow, caked and gritty on the floor. And do you know what happens when you then step in that …oooooh yes,…it can get carried to other rooms. And the floors in those other rooms will then get gritty. You know this ruins the finish on the wood floors (which is a fantastically ridiculous thing to say…in light of living with the Free Dog – who by the way, gets her paws wiped every time she comes in when its raining or snowing or muddy, and is remarkably patient about it) not to mention that I can feel it underfoot. Grating. Gritty. Dirty.
Guess what I am doing tonight.
Vacuuming, mopping, shaking rugs… with my ever so patient wife wishing for Paxil.
Lets just say I have …issues.
Today’s anxiety brought to you by… snow.
Wait – let me explain.
I like snow. I find it pleasing to look at. I enjoy using my snow thrower - quite a bit actually. I like shoveling (well to an extent…which is why I have the snow thrower). I have no problems driving in snow. It's fun to play in and to walk in. I do love a good blizzard… getting snowed in at my favorite place, with my favorite people.
All that said, here is where it all falls apart.
Dirty snow.
Sheer torture for Weese.
The roads are completely covered in brown slush right now. There is literally 6 inches of evenly browned snow on the streets.
That brown slush gets into the driveway on our car tires and from the town plows.
It then drops in great smooshy, clumpy piles into the garage. These piles get stepped in…and you know what happens next. Yup. It gets tracked up my nice neatly shoveled and swept walk…onto our lovely tongue and groove fir porch floor... and then, THEN, it gets into the house! (wfhuu fhuuu… I am breathing into a small paper bag right now, whuuu fhuuu). Of course-- I require that shoes be removed, and I have a fleet of little rugs to catch what they can. But some gets through, you can’t be everywhere at every moment. Things happen…it does get in.
Then it leaves those filthy dried puddles of what was dirty snow, caked and gritty on the floor. And do you know what happens when you then step in that …oooooh yes,…it can get carried to other rooms. And the floors in those other rooms will then get gritty. You know this ruins the finish on the wood floors (which is a fantastically ridiculous thing to say…in light of living with the Free Dog – who by the way, gets her paws wiped every time she comes in when its raining or snowing or muddy, and is remarkably patient about it) not to mention that I can feel it underfoot. Grating. Gritty. Dirty.
Guess what I am doing tonight.
Vacuuming, mopping, shaking rugs… with my ever so patient wife wishing for Paxil.
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
squeeezed for time...again
SO much to say - no time to say it.
(by the time I find time...of course I will have forgotten what I wanted to say)
More to say tomorrow...if I remember.
(by the time I find time...of course I will have forgotten what I wanted to say)
More to say tomorrow...if I remember.
Monday, January 24, 2005
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Transplanting
Remember what I said about putting down roots and deciding to stay near where I grew up...and what a wonderful feeling it was to have such history in the same place, where my grandparents settled and my parents grew up and now my kids are growing up here...and blahdy blahdy blah....
Welp, it was 2 degrees yesterday, it's gonna be '-something' tomorrow, and I hear we are getting a foot and half of snow over the weekend.
Pulling up the roots and hauling them off to Miami is starting to sound really good.
Welp, it was 2 degrees yesterday, it's gonna be '-something' tomorrow, and I hear we are getting a foot and half of snow over the weekend.
Pulling up the roots and hauling them off to Miami is starting to sound really good.
Monday, January 17, 2005
Alma Mater
This weekend Ferris' wrestling tournament brought us to the high school I graduated from.
I have been back there over the years many times for other sporting events, and each year we attend the fireworks there and sit in the baseball field. But this is the first time in ... I believe since graduation, that I have been inside.
Of course we spent most of the day in a room I have very few memories of. Let's just say I was (am) not much of an athlete. Not to mention the HID-e-OUS gym uniforms we were required to wear back in the 70's (David...back me up here). Really, how could I subject myself to such humiliation each week. I had a reputation to keep up... and granted - those girls who were so fit and athletically inclined actually pulled it off in the poly-blend striped atrocities.... me... not so much. There was nothing attractive about me in a gym uniform.
Spending the hour outside in the smoking lounge suited me much more. (yes, we had a smoking lounge at high school...it was the 70's).
From the brief look I had outside the gym, everything looked pretty much the same. Actually, it looked exactly the same. Kinda scary.
(yes, David... it all looks the same. The commons, the bathrooms, the smoking lounge (altho its smoke free now), the lockers even look original.)
I have been back there over the years many times for other sporting events, and each year we attend the fireworks there and sit in the baseball field. But this is the first time in ... I believe since graduation, that I have been inside.
Of course we spent most of the day in a room I have very few memories of. Let's just say I was (am) not much of an athlete. Not to mention the HID-e-OUS gym uniforms we were required to wear back in the 70's (David...back me up here). Really, how could I subject myself to such humiliation each week. I had a reputation to keep up... and granted - those girls who were so fit and athletically inclined actually pulled it off in the poly-blend striped atrocities.... me... not so much. There was nothing attractive about me in a gym uniform.
Spending the hour outside in the smoking lounge suited me much more. (yes, we had a smoking lounge at high school...it was the 70's).
From the brief look I had outside the gym, everything looked pretty much the same. Actually, it looked exactly the same. Kinda scary.
(yes, David... it all looks the same. The commons, the bathrooms, the smoking lounge (altho its smoke free now), the lockers even look original.)
Friday, January 14, 2005
Lazy Friday
I did not blog today.
Instead I spent my lunch hour reading all YOUR blogs.
Also... I need to say
"Hi Sue!"
Instead I spent my lunch hour reading all YOUR blogs.
Also... I need to say
"Hi Sue!"
Thursday, January 13, 2005
40 Meeelion Dollars
This is why I avoid the news. This is why I stay out of the political arena.
We have jagumbo deficit, hungry people, crumbling schools…
and yet we spend 40 million dollars on a party.
How is that ok?
We have jagumbo deficit, hungry people, crumbling schools…
and yet we spend 40 million dollars on a party.
How is that ok?
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
A Wrestlers Story
As parents we are fairly involved in our kids sports – I actually plan to blog more about this later in the week... as lesbian parents we are probably …weeell… a bit over the top when it comes to our kids …and sports…and competition…and say …possible injury… --think about your mom, when you were in high school – now double her… scary huh.
But for now …a quick story from a recent wrestling match.
Ferris is a wrestler. He is a Jr. and this is his second year on the Varsity team.
His friday night match starts out and the guys are testing each other, getting a feel for who is stronger. Each trying to snap the other down to the mat. It's clear early on, Ferris is stronger. I have learned to see this moment in him; you can practically watch the realization wash over him.
His opponent is good so, even with Ferris dominating, the match is good to watch.
Coming into the second period Ferris is up by points, suddenly the other guy gets a Take Down. (For those who don’t know, you score two points for taking your opponent down to the mat and controlling him/her.)
So the guy is on top and working very hard to roll him onto his back to attempt a Pin. Ferris is calm – he is not struggling what so ever, as if he is patiently conserving energy. I turn to my clench-fisted wife and say “I think he is …waiting.”
He was. He was waiting for his moment. And when it happened… in one motion he so fluidly rolls his opponent up over his head onto his back wraps his arm around his neck for a headlock and starts to push his shoulders to the floor. Wrestlers often begin spin their opponents at this point to gain leverage to push them down for the pin …which is what Ferris started to do. As he is spinning with his opponent locked in his bent arm with no hope of escape… ever so close to the pin, he spins around to face the crowd….my wife’s telephoto lens trained on him…he lifts his head, looks straight at her – and smiles.
The crowd fell apart laughing.
Yup, that’s our boy.
(We are not yet sure if my wife’s sports lens captured the moment. I promise to post if it did)
But for now …a quick story from a recent wrestling match.
Ferris is a wrestler. He is a Jr. and this is his second year on the Varsity team.
His friday night match starts out and the guys are testing each other, getting a feel for who is stronger. Each trying to snap the other down to the mat. It's clear early on, Ferris is stronger. I have learned to see this moment in him; you can practically watch the realization wash over him.
His opponent is good so, even with Ferris dominating, the match is good to watch.
Coming into the second period Ferris is up by points, suddenly the other guy gets a Take Down. (For those who don’t know, you score two points for taking your opponent down to the mat and controlling him/her.)
So the guy is on top and working very hard to roll him onto his back to attempt a Pin. Ferris is calm – he is not struggling what so ever, as if he is patiently conserving energy. I turn to my clench-fisted wife and say “I think he is …waiting.”
He was. He was waiting for his moment. And when it happened… in one motion he so fluidly rolls his opponent up over his head onto his back wraps his arm around his neck for a headlock and starts to push his shoulders to the floor. Wrestlers often begin spin their opponents at this point to gain leverage to push them down for the pin …which is what Ferris started to do. As he is spinning with his opponent locked in his bent arm with no hope of escape… ever so close to the pin, he spins around to face the crowd….my wife’s telephoto lens trained on him…he lifts his head, looks straight at her – and smiles.
The crowd fell apart laughing.
Yup, that’s our boy.
(We are not yet sure if my wife’s sports lens captured the moment. I promise to post if it did)
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Puppies and kittens eventually get old
Be very clear on this when falling in love with those furry little faces. So cute and playful and full of innocence. Of course- they destroy your house as toddlers, we expect this, it’s part of the package. Kittens with their razor sharp claws climbing up the curtains and inside the furniture. And puppies with their occasional piddles and relentless chewing on your slippers, socks and chair legs. We laugh through our annoyance. We say “oh. that little so and so did it again.” And we are grimacing…but then when they crawl into our laps, all tiny and fuzzy and tired --we melt. All is forgiven. Go buy new shoes.
But what we don’t see in their little bright eyes is their last days –when their eating becomes so finicky they are weak and wobbly. They loose their hair, their eyes weep with mucus, their sight is failing, and their cognizance is questionable. When the accidents happen not out of ignorance but of incontinence. They will vomit, and seize and bleed and not sleep through the night. There are no convalescent homes or visiting nurses. There’s no way to ask questions, no way to know how long it will go on. You just keep trying new food, wiping up the mess, helping them out the door because they forgot they had to ‘go’ and wait. Yes, we wait. We wait for the end, or we wait for a sign or we wait to make a decision or we wait …because there is nothing else to do but wait, and clean and wipe and feed and sweep and wait.
Your puppies and kittens will get old.
But what we don’t see in their little bright eyes is their last days –when their eating becomes so finicky they are weak and wobbly. They loose their hair, their eyes weep with mucus, their sight is failing, and their cognizance is questionable. When the accidents happen not out of ignorance but of incontinence. They will vomit, and seize and bleed and not sleep through the night. There are no convalescent homes or visiting nurses. There’s no way to ask questions, no way to know how long it will go on. You just keep trying new food, wiping up the mess, helping them out the door because they forgot they had to ‘go’ and wait. Yes, we wait. We wait for the end, or we wait for a sign or we wait to make a decision or we wait …because there is nothing else to do but wait, and clean and wipe and feed and sweep and wait.
Your puppies and kittens will get old.
Monday, January 10, 2005
So much to blog, so little time
My wife and I had what is turning into a regular thing on Friday nights at our house.
We walk in from work and rather than beginning to prepare a meal, she will start cutting up stuff in snack size bites that usually can be eaten with or without a cracker underneath. I open a bottle of red for her and a brew for myself. And there we are in the kitchen, drinking and snacking and talking like we haven't spoken in weeks. Sometimes one or both kids will wander in and snack and/or drink for awhile with us. We often end up sitting on the counters, or on the little step stool we use to reach high cabinets. These nights often spawn some of our funniest, most interesting, deepest or even silliest of conversations. This particular Friday night we never left the kitchen... never got to starting that fire we talked about - we just stayed and talked and talked until it was bed time.
During the twisty, winding course of our conversations we touched upon several subject I wanted to blog about.
Now if I could only find the time.
We walk in from work and rather than beginning to prepare a meal, she will start cutting up stuff in snack size bites that usually can be eaten with or without a cracker underneath. I open a bottle of red for her and a brew for myself. And there we are in the kitchen, drinking and snacking and talking like we haven't spoken in weeks. Sometimes one or both kids will wander in and snack and/or drink for awhile with us. We often end up sitting on the counters, or on the little step stool we use to reach high cabinets. These nights often spawn some of our funniest, most interesting, deepest or even silliest of conversations. This particular Friday night we never left the kitchen... never got to starting that fire we talked about - we just stayed and talked and talked until it was bed time.
During the twisty, winding course of our conversations we touched upon several subject I wanted to blog about.
Now if I could only find the time.
Friday, January 07, 2005
Pet Hospice - update
Quick update on the state of our pets.
First, a quick review - our pets include:
1) Free Dog, who sheds profusely, has a keen interest in landscaping and enjoys getting 'out' as often as possible - but who is also otherwise healthy.
Then
2) Small Dog, the 6 pound MinPin, is really more like a large rodent than a small dog, who is in kidney failure.
And finally
3) Miracle Cat, who can pull off being cool and aloof while cuddling and purring, living with sinus cancer.
Free Dog has been healthy and has had no recent breakouts. And really...we have spent enough time talking about her lately.
Small Dog, diagnosed last spring with kidney failure, is holding up well. The vet said she would not have long at all if she didn't eat the 'special' kidney food. Well she hasn't eaten it. She is going bald, and pees constantly...but other than that seems rather content.
Then there is the Miracle Cat. He was diagnosed with sinus cancer last winter. He was in really bad shape, the vet suggested we may want to ease his misery. We chose to wait. He started to improve. He started to improve so much in fact that come spring we realized we needed to give him some flea/tick protection. Unfortunately, we made a critical error in dosage, and gave him the dogs dose instead...the big dogs dose. It was horrible, he had seizures and was shaking so bad it was hard to hold him. We called the ASPCA Poison Control Center. They were wonderful, they advised us to put him on muscle relaxers, scrub him with Dawn dish detergent, and wait. Not only did he get through it, but his symptoms from sinus cancer subsided. He started to go outside, catch mice, taunt the dogs...he seemed fine all summer.
We think of it now as his chemo treatment.
About a month ago his symptoms returned. He sounds heavily congested, he drips blood from his nostrils and worst of all last week he stopped eating.
We were very concerned. We started to discuss our 'options'. It was that bad.
My ever patient wife has been trying to feed him all sorts of things with no luck.
Until two days ago - she got him to eat baby food of all things. Yup, pureed lamb in a jar. He loved it. Yesterday, he seemed ravenous. He ate more baby food (beef this time) and cat food as well.
I can't explain it. I won't even try.
So, as usual, we just go along for the ride the universe is taking us on.
First, a quick review - our pets include:
1) Free Dog, who sheds profusely, has a keen interest in landscaping and enjoys getting 'out' as often as possible - but who is also otherwise healthy.
Then
2) Small Dog, the 6 pound MinPin, is really more like a large rodent than a small dog, who is in kidney failure.
And finally
3) Miracle Cat, who can pull off being cool and aloof while cuddling and purring, living with sinus cancer.
Free Dog has been healthy and has had no recent breakouts. And really...we have spent enough time talking about her lately.
Small Dog, diagnosed last spring with kidney failure, is holding up well. The vet said she would not have long at all if she didn't eat the 'special' kidney food. Well she hasn't eaten it. She is going bald, and pees constantly...but other than that seems rather content.
Then there is the Miracle Cat. He was diagnosed with sinus cancer last winter. He was in really bad shape, the vet suggested we may want to ease his misery. We chose to wait. He started to improve. He started to improve so much in fact that come spring we realized we needed to give him some flea/tick protection. Unfortunately, we made a critical error in dosage, and gave him the dogs dose instead...the big dogs dose. It was horrible, he had seizures and was shaking so bad it was hard to hold him. We called the ASPCA Poison Control Center. They were wonderful, they advised us to put him on muscle relaxers, scrub him with Dawn dish detergent, and wait. Not only did he get through it, but his symptoms from sinus cancer subsided. He started to go outside, catch mice, taunt the dogs...he seemed fine all summer.
We think of it now as his chemo treatment.
About a month ago his symptoms returned. He sounds heavily congested, he drips blood from his nostrils and worst of all last week he stopped eating.
We were very concerned. We started to discuss our 'options'. It was that bad.
My ever patient wife has been trying to feed him all sorts of things with no luck.
Until two days ago - she got him to eat baby food of all things. Yup, pureed lamb in a jar. He loved it. Yesterday, he seemed ravenous. He ate more baby food (beef this time) and cat food as well.
I can't explain it. I won't even try.
So, as usual, we just go along for the ride the universe is taking us on.
Thursday, January 06, 2005
Useless Pondering
On my slow ride into work this morning (the roads were slick), I had some time to ponder.
I passed a house with a sign on the front lawn for a decorating/wallpaper company - it seems they were doing work inside this house. Altho, I have no real proof of that...since I didn't see any wallpaper on the outside, or even any new paint.
Now tell me, what is the point then of the sign on the front lawn.
Do they expect me to just drop in on these folks and check out their work?
Perhaps it's that if I admire the exterior of the house I will assume they must have some terrific decorating sense and why wouldn't I want to hire the same wallpaper folks that they used.
Or maybe I am supposed to call the number on the sign and ask if they did a good job there?
Seemed odd to me.
I passed a house with a sign on the front lawn for a decorating/wallpaper company - it seems they were doing work inside this house. Altho, I have no real proof of that...since I didn't see any wallpaper on the outside, or even any new paint.
Now tell me, what is the point then of the sign on the front lawn.
Do they expect me to just drop in on these folks and check out their work?
Perhaps it's that if I admire the exterior of the house I will assume they must have some terrific decorating sense and why wouldn't I want to hire the same wallpaper folks that they used.
Or maybe I am supposed to call the number on the sign and ask if they did a good job there?
Seemed odd to me.
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Some light reading this afternoon
Thanks to my wife for these links:
"Twenty-Six Years: Those Magic Words"
Second Generation: LGBT Kids of LGBT Parents
"Learning about the Trans Community"
"Twenty-Six Years: Those Magic Words"
Second Generation: LGBT Kids of LGBT Parents
"Learning about the Trans Community"
Monday, January 03, 2005
Tree in a bag?!
Take a LIVE Christmas tree ... a 100%, all natural, bio-degradable Christmas tree... and put it in a HUGE plastic bag by the road.
Ugh.
Ugh.
Sunday, January 02, 2005
The dearest of friends
Who's got better friends than us?
When my sniffly wife couldn't keep our New Years plans, our friends simply postponed the event.
Last night was New Years Eve at our house!
We watched Regis counting down in the Big Apple, and were even able to pause at 15 seconds while we called Ferris into the room for the New Years toast.
Fab.
When my sniffly wife couldn't keep our New Years plans, our friends simply postponed the event.
Last night was New Years Eve at our house!
We watched Regis counting down in the Big Apple, and were even able to pause at 15 seconds while we called Ferris into the room for the New Years toast.
Fab.
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Time Off
Me and the Missus are taking the week off. We have no specific plans.
Today we are off to home depot... I have no idea of where this will lead us.
I am fairly certain there will be paint involved, and possibly some electrical work.
In case we get too 'involved' ... have a happy New Year.
Today we are off to home depot... I have no idea of where this will lead us.
I am fairly certain there will be paint involved, and possibly some electrical work.
In case we get too 'involved' ... have a happy New Year.
Friday, December 24, 2004
Merry Merry Joy Joy
Its finally here.
Its all for me, folks. The cleaning is all about me. :o)
MERRY MERRY HOLIDAY - whatever holiday you celebrate.
and please remember - be safe...
Don't smoke around the Christmas tree.
Don't run with sissors.
Don't drink and drive... that's for amateurs.
Drink yourself into a joyful stupor - and stay put!
Me on the phone with our dearest friends Christmas Eve morning:
Dear Friend: "Hi, Merry Christmas, so what are you doing?"
me: "Merry Christmas to you too!! Guess."
Dear Friend: "Ha, cleaning... are you having company tonight?"
me: "no"
Dear Friend: "Entertaining tomorrow?"
me: "Nope, going to the in-laws."
Its all for me, folks. The cleaning is all about me. :o)
MERRY MERRY HOLIDAY - whatever holiday you celebrate.
and please remember - be safe...
Don't smoke around the Christmas tree.
Don't run with sissors.
Don't drink and drive... that's for amateurs.
Drink yourself into a joyful stupor - and stay put!
Thursday, December 23, 2004
Huh
I just ran down to the Italian Importer in town to get some things for the holiday.
I got some Parmigiano Reggiano, some nice Locetteli Romano, fresh mozzarella and some thinly sliced prosciutto. nice. all set for Christmas eve dinner.
I left my van unlocked... with the keys in the ignition.
It was still there when I came out.
Huh.
I got some Parmigiano Reggiano, some nice Locetteli Romano, fresh mozzarella and some thinly sliced prosciutto. nice. all set for Christmas eve dinner.
I left my van unlocked... with the keys in the ignition.
It was still there when I came out.
Huh.
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Just so you know...
The world has gone mad.
The pre-holiday frenzy has begun.
If at all possible, might i suggest that you stay in for the next couple days.
The pre-holiday frenzy has begun.
If at all possible, might i suggest that you stay in for the next couple days.
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Roots
I want to share what may have been an insignificant passage that happened this morning. It got me to thinking about family and community and neighbors… and destiny.
My wife and I stopped in at our mechanic this morning. We have been stopping in there quite a bit these past few weeks (if you have been reading along …you know what I mean). This morning’s business was to get the paper work finalized on Ferris’ car and have it hauled off for scrap. Our mechanic, Dave, runs this family garage that has been in town for generations. Dave is the nicest guy you ever wanna meet. Always a chipper hello followed by a ‘How’s the family?’. I don’t think I have ever once left his shop without an anecdote or tale about his family… or perhaps another customer with a problem similar to the one I might be having at the time.
This morning was no different. And even though we were not there about the van… when I asked a question in passing Dave went right out to take a look, kneeling down peering under the carriage, opening the hood and poking around in this crazy 0 degree weather we are having. He made sure I could get through the next couple days safely.
Cuz that’s the kind of guy Dave is.
But what really got me to thinking today was this… while we filled out the paperwork – Dave noticed my wife’s last name on the title. He paused thoughtfully then said, “Say is the same [lastnamehere] who lived over on Suchandsuch Street” … and after some bantering back and forth they discovered that Dave went to high school with my wife’s aunt, and even remembered the little white ranch house where she lived.
These are the things that happen when you live in a community where you grew up, where your parents grew up, where you have local family businesses that have been around for generations. It's not all that common around here these days… in one of the richest counties in the U.S. – with transplants from all over, and so many who grew up here saying they can’t wait to get out.
I don’t think either of us stayed here because of any of this. We just did. It just happened this way, made sense this way, worked out well this way. This, I suppose, is what destiny is.
It made me feel good today, even proud… to still be here-- near where I grew up, near where my parents first met, near where my grandparents settled right off the boat from Italy.
My wife and I often marvel at how many times our lives intertwined before we met – without us even knowing.
We have talked of moving… off to PTown, or up to Canada to marry, or why not to a warmer climate – but if we end up here, where generations before us were, where we were born, where our children were born, so be it – perhaps… I will even revel it in.
My wife and I stopped in at our mechanic this morning. We have been stopping in there quite a bit these past few weeks (if you have been reading along …you know what I mean). This morning’s business was to get the paper work finalized on Ferris’ car and have it hauled off for scrap. Our mechanic, Dave, runs this family garage that has been in town for generations. Dave is the nicest guy you ever wanna meet. Always a chipper hello followed by a ‘How’s the family?’. I don’t think I have ever once left his shop without an anecdote or tale about his family… or perhaps another customer with a problem similar to the one I might be having at the time.
This morning was no different. And even though we were not there about the van… when I asked a question in passing Dave went right out to take a look, kneeling down peering under the carriage, opening the hood and poking around in this crazy 0 degree weather we are having. He made sure I could get through the next couple days safely.
Cuz that’s the kind of guy Dave is.
But what really got me to thinking today was this… while we filled out the paperwork – Dave noticed my wife’s last name on the title. He paused thoughtfully then said, “Say is the same [lastnamehere] who lived over on Suchandsuch Street” … and after some bantering back and forth they discovered that Dave went to high school with my wife’s aunt, and even remembered the little white ranch house where she lived.
These are the things that happen when you live in a community where you grew up, where your parents grew up, where you have local family businesses that have been around for generations. It's not all that common around here these days… in one of the richest counties in the U.S. – with transplants from all over, and so many who grew up here saying they can’t wait to get out.
I don’t think either of us stayed here because of any of this. We just did. It just happened this way, made sense this way, worked out well this way. This, I suppose, is what destiny is.
It made me feel good today, even proud… to still be here-- near where I grew up, near where my parents first met, near where my grandparents settled right off the boat from Italy.
My wife and I often marvel at how many times our lives intertwined before we met – without us even knowing.
We have talked of moving… off to PTown, or up to Canada to marry, or why not to a warmer climate – but if we end up here, where generations before us were, where we were born, where our children were born, so be it – perhaps… I will even revel it in.
Monday, December 20, 2004
Snow in CT
Got our first measurable snow here last night.
My fit and active wife wanted to shovel, saying it was such a small bit of snow…but I would have none of that.
I brought out the behemoth.
I love those tidy snow thrower edges.
It’s a bit chilly here too. It’s noon and its only 7 degrees.
My fit and active wife wanted to shovel, saying it was such a small bit of snow…but I would have none of that.
I brought out the behemoth.
I love those tidy snow thrower edges.
It’s a bit chilly here too. It’s noon and its only 7 degrees.
Friday, December 17, 2004
Calm before the storm?
Went to the mall last night and it was eerily quiet.
Just got back from Wal-mart (which here at the office we refer to as the Evil Giant).
I easily got a parking place, and waiting behind only one person at the checkout.
What's going on?
Just got back from Wal-mart (which here at the office we refer to as the Evil Giant).
I easily got a parking place, and waiting behind only one person at the checkout.
What's going on?
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Van-tastic
She's back. She's better than she was before.
No really.. get this. Not only is the van driving so sweetly, just like new --
but now the long broken rear wiper AND the odometer are working again too!
It's like a Christmas miracle.
Ok ..well perhaps not a miracle. But it's rather convenient.
So back to Plan A - which is to keep the old girl on the road another two years.
That would make her 15 years old and I ballpark about 190k. Then we can talk about moving on.
Or perhaps I can learn something from Karen whose '77 pickup is still working their land.
No really.. get this. Not only is the van driving so sweetly, just like new --
but now the long broken rear wiper AND the odometer are working again too!
It's like a Christmas miracle.
Ok ..well perhaps not a miracle. But it's rather convenient.
So back to Plan A - which is to keep the old girl on the road another two years.
That would make her 15 years old and I ballpark about 190k. Then we can talk about moving on.
Or perhaps I can learn something from Karen whose '77 pickup is still working their land.
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
My Quest
As I have said too many times…I love my van. Functionally it’s the perfect vehicle for our family. I got the van back when the kids were much younger. So when Ferris was playing both soccer and baseball as a lad – he would use the van (with its back tinted windows) as his personal locker/changing room. Running off the soccer field into the van – quick uniform change and a cool drink from the cooler and then up the hill to the ball field.
When our daughter was a teen, she could listen to her music through headphone hookups in the back seat, while her mom and I could chat quietly up front. Both kids learned to drive in the van (this is especially notable …since they are 8 years apart).
The windows have decals from most of the universities our daughter attended, and left over stickers from our Pop Warner days.
I still have an unused cellular antenna on the van… remember those? The first phone we had in the van required the cigarette lighter for power. It was mobile…but you needed a briefcase to carry it.
My van has captain’s chairs in the second row. One of those chairs has sat in the garage all these years, because it makes a perfect spot for a big dog to sit.
If I take out both middle chairs and slide the bench seat forward – I can fit sheetrock flat in the back. I have done that more times than I care to remember.
I can’t even count how many times my spontaneous wife and I were out shopping and bought furniture, or an appliance or a gas grille, a shrub or some other hard to transport item…and just popped it into the back of the van. Everything always fit.
It’s the ultimate vacation car. Pull out the middle seats; cram the back with beach paraphernalia and you can still fit 4 comfortably.
And let’s not forget its most recent fun trip, taking our kids to the DMB concert this summer.
My van is 13 years old, and has …well we don’t really know the mileage since the odometer stopped working a couple years ago…lets just guess about 160,000.
To look at her you would never know it. She looks good for an old girl.
But …as to be expected – her health is beginning to fail. Oh sure…there were signs. First the door locks started locking …at odd times… kinda like Alzheimer’s. The back wiper stopped working… could be arthritic. Lights on the dash here and there work intermittently. There’s more rattles and squeaks than there used to be.
Well, the old girl broke her axel the other night. Ferris was driving when it happened. Luckily he was just pulling out of a parking lot – and handled the situation like an old pro.
I spoke with the mechanic yesterday, they tell me there may be other problems … possibly the transmission; there is also something with the front suspension. We won’t know for sure …until they can get in there and fix the axel. So we wait. Pacing. Nervous. Not sure how it will turn out. It may be the old girls time. But I am not giving up on her yet. (Ferris would be rolling his eyes now…).
Then again… there is the cutest little blue Cabrio at the used car dealership in town.
When our daughter was a teen, she could listen to her music through headphone hookups in the back seat, while her mom and I could chat quietly up front. Both kids learned to drive in the van (this is especially notable …since they are 8 years apart).
The windows have decals from most of the universities our daughter attended, and left over stickers from our Pop Warner days.
I still have an unused cellular antenna on the van… remember those? The first phone we had in the van required the cigarette lighter for power. It was mobile…but you needed a briefcase to carry it.
My van has captain’s chairs in the second row. One of those chairs has sat in the garage all these years, because it makes a perfect spot for a big dog to sit.
If I take out both middle chairs and slide the bench seat forward – I can fit sheetrock flat in the back. I have done that more times than I care to remember.
I can’t even count how many times my spontaneous wife and I were out shopping and bought furniture, or an appliance or a gas grille, a shrub or some other hard to transport item…and just popped it into the back of the van. Everything always fit.
It’s the ultimate vacation car. Pull out the middle seats; cram the back with beach paraphernalia and you can still fit 4 comfortably.
And let’s not forget its most recent fun trip, taking our kids to the DMB concert this summer.
My van is 13 years old, and has …well we don’t really know the mileage since the odometer stopped working a couple years ago…lets just guess about 160,000.
To look at her you would never know it. She looks good for an old girl.
But …as to be expected – her health is beginning to fail. Oh sure…there were signs. First the door locks started locking …at odd times… kinda like Alzheimer’s. The back wiper stopped working… could be arthritic. Lights on the dash here and there work intermittently. There’s more rattles and squeaks than there used to be.
Well, the old girl broke her axel the other night. Ferris was driving when it happened. Luckily he was just pulling out of a parking lot – and handled the situation like an old pro.
I spoke with the mechanic yesterday, they tell me there may be other problems … possibly the transmission; there is also something with the front suspension. We won’t know for sure …until they can get in there and fix the axel. So we wait. Pacing. Nervous. Not sure how it will turn out. It may be the old girls time. But I am not giving up on her yet. (Ferris would be rolling his eyes now…).
Then again… there is the cutest little blue Cabrio at the used car dealership in town.
Monday, December 13, 2004
such a clatter
Twas the night before last, when all through the house,
not a creature was stirring not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung so the Free dog couldn’t reach,
in the hopes that presents would soon be in each.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of new cars danced in their heads.
And mamma in her flannels and I in my cap
had just settled down for a long winters nap.
When down in the living room arose such a clatter,
We sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
… and sure enough – the Christmas tree had fallen over.
Why is it these things always happen at 3 a.m.?
Friday, December 10, 2004
Just pay for the manicure
My lovely wife and I attended my company’s Holiday party last night.
She was a vision of beauty of course. And I painted my nails red for the occasion. I may have mentioned before – this is not something I do on a regular basis. Actually, I have only done it perhaps three or four times …ever.
I have a new found respect for the Nail Technician. This is not a DIY job to be taken lightly. Some things are better left up to the professionals.
But after 3 or 4 coats and some clean up (this was my own desperate idea…it involved tissues, polish remover and one of those cuticle stick things – it was effective although not efficient) and the mood-setting low-lighting I think it was passable.
Also, red nail polish is rather stubborn to remove. But it’s gone now and the nails have been trimmed back to their normal active length.
It was a lovely party. And better yet we were home and tucked in by 11:00.
She was a vision of beauty of course. And I painted my nails red for the occasion. I may have mentioned before – this is not something I do on a regular basis. Actually, I have only done it perhaps three or four times …ever.
I have a new found respect for the Nail Technician. This is not a DIY job to be taken lightly. Some things are better left up to the professionals.
But after 3 or 4 coats and some clean up (this was my own desperate idea…it involved tissues, polish remover and one of those cuticle stick things – it was effective although not efficient) and the mood-setting low-lighting I think it was passable.
Also, red nail polish is rather stubborn to remove. But it’s gone now and the nails have been trimmed back to their normal active length.
It was a lovely party. And better yet we were home and tucked in by 11:00.
Thursday, December 09, 2004
Canada here we come...
CNN Alert Name: Same-sex marriages
...gonna make that drive to PTown a little longer this year.
Canada court approves gay marriage
12/09/04 10:20 AM, EST
Canada's highest court said Thursday the government can redefine marriage to include same-sex couples, but it added that religious officials cannot be forced to perform unions against their beliefs.
read the FULL STORY
...gonna make that drive to PTown a little longer this year.
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
Really big presents
We should probably just get rid of our TV.
Last night I watch a flurry of commercials where couples give each other cars for Christmas.
One attractive slim woman came out of her very modern art deco home, guiding her husband who had is eyes closed to a brand new Jag in the driveway.
The next commercial was a clumsy young man trying desperately to figure out how to put a really, really big bow on the Lexus he just bought for his wife.
Ok… Here is my question – and really …feel free to comment cuz I really don’t get this.
Whose money is getting spent here?
If I went out and bought my luxurious wife one of these – I am thinking she may notice the $89,995 deficit in our account.
But really …it’s not the dollar amount that I am questioning.
Even if I went out and bought… lets say a more sensible car… I am still spending ‘OUR’ money.
I suppose you can say the same is true if you go out and buy any gift at all for your spouse…but c’mon people… this is not a new watch, or string of pearls here.
I also understand that there are people so rich that 89k outta the checking account is no big shake… but are these people sitting around on a Tuesday night watching NYPD Blue.
And would these incredibly rich people, watching weeknight TV, really see a commercial like that and then slap their forehead and say ”Oh! Yes… I can get Tom a Jag… what a great idea, I’ll pick it up tomorrow on my way back from daycare.”
Last night I watch a flurry of commercials where couples give each other cars for Christmas.
One attractive slim woman came out of her very modern art deco home, guiding her husband who had is eyes closed to a brand new Jag in the driveway.
The next commercial was a clumsy young man trying desperately to figure out how to put a really, really big bow on the Lexus he just bought for his wife.
Ok… Here is my question – and really …feel free to comment cuz I really don’t get this.
Whose money is getting spent here?
If I went out and bought my luxurious wife one of these – I am thinking she may notice the $89,995 deficit in our account.
But really …it’s not the dollar amount that I am questioning.
Even if I went out and bought… lets say a more sensible car… I am still spending ‘OUR’ money.
I suppose you can say the same is true if you go out and buy any gift at all for your spouse…but c’mon people… this is not a new watch, or string of pearls here.
I also understand that there are people so rich that 89k outta the checking account is no big shake… but are these people sitting around on a Tuesday night watching NYPD Blue.
And would these incredibly rich people, watching weeknight TV, really see a commercial like that and then slap their forehead and say ”Oh! Yes… I can get Tom a Jag… what a great idea, I’ll pick it up tomorrow on my way back from daycare.”
Sunday, December 05, 2004
After all...
I am a tried and true Saints fan.
I graciously accept my defeat, turn briskly on one heel - and head straight for the bar.
Congrats Ace...and your blue Panthers.
I graciously accept my defeat, turn briskly on one heel - and head straight for the bar.
Congrats Ace...and your blue Panthers.
Friday, December 03, 2004
oh and...
We got game.
Seems me and my blogger pal Ace have a bit of a rivalry going on this Sunday.
Of course since she actually lives in 'Panther country' she will get to see the game.
Me...I will end up having to watch the Jets, or Brady and the Patriots...or perhaps the Giants swapping quarterbacks all day.
I'll have my game face on...and my Official NFL New Orleans Saints Jersey, with my matching Fleur-de-Lis socks of course.
(tho, I don't have a nifty mascot like Ace does... might just have to dress up Riggs)
Seems me and my blogger pal Ace have a bit of a rivalry going on this Sunday.
Of course since she actually lives in 'Panther country' she will get to see the game.
Me...I will end up having to watch the Jets, or Brady and the Patriots...or perhaps the Giants swapping quarterbacks all day.
I'll have my game face on...and my Official NFL New Orleans Saints Jersey, with my matching Fleur-de-Lis socks of course.
(tho, I don't have a nifty mascot like Ace does... might just have to dress up Riggs)
I probably should have mentioned we are not going to PTown until July.
(yes, we are that excited).
In today's pet news - our only healthy pet (the other two are hospice pets) has a magnificent case of diarrhea (yup..that's the FREE dog). Last night she was confined to the mudroom, and my poor wife found the horror of it all this morning. She was pretty pale and woozy (my wife...not the dog) by the time I got downstairs.
Well ...gotta run now. Going home to check on the 'explosive' situation.
(yes, we are that excited).
In today's pet news - our only healthy pet (the other two are hospice pets) has a magnificent case of diarrhea (yup..that's the FREE dog). Last night she was confined to the mudroom, and my poor wife found the horror of it all this morning. She was pretty pale and woozy (my wife...not the dog) by the time I got downstairs.
Well ...gotta run now. Going home to check on the 'explosive' situation.
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Looking for some part time work
Made our PTown reservations …we are sooo going this year.
We have missed our annual PTown trip for the last couple years. Actually, it’s been three years since we have had a proper PTown vacation.
This year we will to celebrate our 20th anniversary there.
So we booked early.
Full week…in town.
I may start packing this weekend.
…in other news we made a disturbing auto-mechanical discovery yesterday. Ever hear of a ‘timing-belt’? Well we found out these things need to be changed... preferably before they fail.
And evidently this must be a very hard thing to do, because you pay dearly to have it done.
Both of our cars are going to need this pricey maintenance repair.
On the bright side, neither car has had an actual failure of said timing-belt – especially with my van at 160K miles we are very lucky, as this can pretty much ruin an engine.
We have missed our annual PTown trip for the last couple years. Actually, it’s been three years since we have had a proper PTown vacation.
This year we will to celebrate our 20th anniversary there.
So we booked early.
Full week…in town.
I may start packing this weekend.
…in other news we made a disturbing auto-mechanical discovery yesterday. Ever hear of a ‘timing-belt’? Well we found out these things need to be changed... preferably before they fail.
And evidently this must be a very hard thing to do, because you pay dearly to have it done.
Both of our cars are going to need this pricey maintenance repair.
On the bright side, neither car has had an actual failure of said timing-belt – especially with my van at 160K miles we are very lucky, as this can pretty much ruin an engine.
technically speaking if you have an interference engine and the timing belt slips even one notch, the piston can crash into the valve causing serious engine damage by bending valves and breaking pistons. <-- this sounds bad
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Our evening
So we are sitting at the table last night for a while before going to the airport to get Ferris. My really smart wife was doing algebra while I was doing my nails…
Huh, what?!… this is where you say – You were doing your nails?
Ok, for those of you who don’t know, or have not yet been able to surmise from my writings – I am not so much of a ‘do your nails’ kinda gal. Not that I favor flannel shirts and work boots, I am just generally too practical. I work with my hands a lot around the house – from cleaning to home repair. And just don’t have the time and energy to worry about mucking up my nail polish. It’s kinda like… what? Oooh – you were wondering instead why my brilliant wife was doing algebra?
Actually, relearning may be a better word.
Ferris has been away over the holiday, and missed a couple days of school. Knowing he needed to do some catch up (this is done on the flight home of course) he called my math wizard of a wife and asked her if she could go over some algebra with him on the way home in the car from the airport.
So she spent much of that afternoon trying to remember algebra from the examples in his text book. It was quite endearing.
The car ride home was hysterical. It was very late. We were all a little daffy. The two of them in the way back seat of the van with the light on hunched over the algebra book. From where I sat I am not sure who was teaching whom.
My nails look great, by the way.
Huh, what?!… this is where you say – You were doing your nails?
Ok, for those of you who don’t know, or have not yet been able to surmise from my writings – I am not so much of a ‘do your nails’ kinda gal. Not that I favor flannel shirts and work boots, I am just generally too practical. I work with my hands a lot around the house – from cleaning to home repair. And just don’t have the time and energy to worry about mucking up my nail polish. It’s kinda like… what? Oooh – you were wondering instead why my brilliant wife was doing algebra?
Actually, relearning may be a better word.
Ferris has been away over the holiday, and missed a couple days of school. Knowing he needed to do some catch up (this is done on the flight home of course) he called my math wizard of a wife and asked her if she could go over some algebra with him on the way home in the car from the airport.
So she spent much of that afternoon trying to remember algebra from the examples in his text book. It was quite endearing.
The car ride home was hysterical. It was very late. We were all a little daffy. The two of them in the way back seat of the van with the light on hunched over the algebra book. From where I sat I am not sure who was teaching whom.
My nails look great, by the way.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)