My Bail Is $335.50

Read the "offense" and if you've done it, you owe that fine. Keep going until you've read each "offense" and added up your total fine. Title your bulletin "My Bail is $ . . ." You don't have to confess your answers, just the amount of your fine.

1) Smoked pot -- $10

2) Ever got drunk at work, or went to work while still drunk --$50

3) Cheated on your significant other -- $10

4) Been in love with two people or more at the same time -- $50

5) Said you love someone but didn't mean it -- $25

6) Went streaking -- $5

7) Went streaking in broad daylight -- $15

8) Kissed a co-worker-- $ 20

9) Kissed your boss --$50

10) Been arrested -- $5

11) Spent time in jail -- $15

12) Peed in the pool -- $0.50

13) Played spin the bottle -- $5

14) Done something you regret -- $20

15) Slept with your best friend >-- $20

16) Been in love with a stripper -- $20

17) Went skinny dipping -- $5

18) Been slapped-- $5

19) Slapped someone-- $5

20) Beat up someone -- $20

21) Been jumped -- $10

22) Ever had sex at church -- $25

23) Dated someone you met on My Space -- $25

24) Cheated on test -- $50

25) Vandalized something -- $20

26) Slept with someone in your parents' bed -- $100

27) Crossed dressed -- $10

28) Given money to stripper -- $25

29) Flirted with an officer to get out of a ticket-- $30

30) Kissed some one whose name you didn't know --$10

31) Hit on some one of the same sex while at work-- $15

32) Ever drive drunk -- $20

33) Used toys while having sex -- $30

34) Got drunk, passed out and don't remember the night before -- $20

35) Had sex in a pool -- $20

36) Masturbated -- $10

37) Cheated on your significant other with their relative or close friend --$20

38) Done oral -- $5

39) Got oral -- $5

40) Done/got oral in a car while it was moving-- $25

41) Woke up in the morning and did not know the person who was next to you-- $40

42) Stole something -- $10

43) Slept with someone who has been in jail -- $25

44) Made a dirty home video -- $15

45) Plan on making a dirty home video in the near future --$30

46) Had a threesome -- $50

47) Had sex in a public place-- $20

48) Been in the same room while someone was having sex -- $25

49) Stole something worth over more than a hundred dollars --$20

50) Had sex with someone 10 years older -- $20

51) Kissed a teacher while you were still a student--$25

52) Lied to your mate -- $5

53) Lied to your mate about the sex being good -- $25

OK, now tally up your answers, then, copy and paste this into your own note. In the subject, put "My Bail Is (your total)."

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Yet another instance involving a short story where the movie is oh much better than the story upon which it is based.

Although, in this case, I'd have to say, loosely based.

The short story is rather monotone and drone-y. Emotionally gray, it merely marches the reader through the rather pathetic life of Benjamin Button with little empathy.

Fortunately for the viewer, the movie differs significantly from the story. Unlike Brokeback Mountain, which took every detail from the short story and fleshed it out to great advantage, the screenwriters for Button changed almost everything, retaining only the framework. This is to the movie's benefit.

So, the bottom line is see the movie, skip the short story.

This week's PostSecret favorite

Maybe Rachel & I will do this

Marillac High School Class of 1980

Fill this out about your SENIOR year of high school! The longer ago it was, the more fun the answers will be!!

REPOST with the name of high school and graduating year in the subject box.
Send this to all your friends, but don't forget to send it back to me. Thanks

1. Did you date someone from your school?
Um, no. It was an all girls Catholic school. Nobody in our school dated anyone else in our school. At least not openly.

2. Did you marry someone from your high school?
No. see #1.

3. Did you car pool to school?
Yes, with Eileen Mitchell and Deidre Dolan and a couple of underclassmen whose names I forget. Although I can't remember for sure that we were all still carpooling by senior year.

4. What kind of car did you have?
I had a green Audi Fox, a hand-me-down from my dad when he got a new car in 1978. Someone torched it in our driveway in August of 1981, one of a number of cars in the area that were torched during a short timeframe. Quite the excitement in our quiet little suburb.

5. What kind of car do you have now?
1998 Toyota Rav 4.

6. It's Friday night...where are you? (then)
Hanging out with friends at Sambos

7. It is Friday night...where are you? (now)
This past Friday night, I was at the Wheeler Opera House.

8. What kind of job did you have in high school?
Retail clerk in the housewares department at Sears and in the candy department at Marshall Fields. File clerk at my dad's office.

9. What kind of job do you do now?
two jobs, medical office administrator and executive director of an independent physicians' association

10. Were you a party animal?
Um, not so much.

11. Were you considered a flirt?
Too awkward to be considered a flirt.

12. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir?
not in senior year in high school. earlier, yes.

13. Were you a nerd?
I still am.

14. Did you get suspended or expelled?
I got suspended during my final week in high school for skipping school for the very first time with a bunch of my girlfriends. We got busted because the attendance clerk was smart enough to realize that it was a bit suspicious that we were all out sick at the same time. We went downtown to Michigan Avenue and acted like obnoxious high schoolers. Two of the girls' mothers covered for them so they didn't get suspended and those of us who got to stay home because we were suspended teased the girls who had to go to school.

15. Can you sing the fight song?
I don't think we had one. You know, Catholic girls' school? Although, when our basketball team was doing really well (they went to States), we would sing Hey, Hey, Goodbye to the opposing team and fans.

16. Who was/were your favorite teacher?
Ya know, I'm coming up blank. I don't think I can even remember any of my teachers senior year. I will say that I really liked Sr. James, who was the vice principal and was in charge of discipline, especially since I rarely got in trouble and then usually just for talking back to my teachers. She was cool and I was sad to hear that she had recently passed away.

17. Where did you sit during lunch?
at a table in the cafeteria? We did girly things like play hearts and bring in cakes for each other's birthdays or half birthdays. I can remember singing at the top of our lungs to Manfred Mann's Earth Band's Blinded by the Light as it played over the speakers.

18. What was your school's full name?
St. Louise de Marillac High School

19. When did you graduate?
1980 (I always really liked my graduation year.)

20. What was your school mascot?
The Northstar. Don't ask me, we voted on it.

21. If you could go back and do it again, would you?
Hell no. I was way too insecure back then.

22. Did you have fun at prom?
Yep. We went as a group. Equal numbers boys and girls and that took the pressure off since no one was technically paired up. Prom was downtown Chicago which was exciting for us suburban kids. (this is either my prom I'm remembering or the nearby boys' school's prom or maybe both combined)

23. Do you still talk to the person you went to prom with?
No, none of them.

24. Are you planning on going to your next reunion?
No. My school merged with another school a few years back. But really, that's just an excuse. I wouldn't go either way.

25. Do you still talk to people from school?
One regularly and one sporadically.

Second City Touring Company

We went to see the Second City Touring Company on Friday, February 13th at the Wheeler.

I'd seen Second City previously at their Chicago theater and came away feeling ambivalent. It just seemed really spotty, not consistently funny.

I got the same vibe at the Wheeler. Parts of the night just felt so forced.

However, this time I did come away with a greater appreciation of just how much talent and intelligence it takes to perform the sort of comedy for which Second City is known. The improvisation where the cast members took suggestions from the audience is quite challenging and I was impressed by the depth of creativity the cast members exhibited.

They performed a debate where two cast members had to figure out words suggested by the audience. The only clues they had available to them were mimes by the rest of the cast members. Their words were scintillating necrophiliac masturbation. It was hilarious.

So, while a bit uneven, on the whole, the evening was a success. I am glad that I saw them a second time.

Six-Word Memoirs on Love & Heartbreak by Writers Famous & Obscure

The editors at Smith Magazine have published another book of six word memoirs, this one focused on love and heartbreak.

This book, like their last, inspired me to cull out the six word memoirs with which I identified.

I've thrown in a few of my own, too.

He did not laugh at Airplane.

He was way ahead of me.

He called me, asked for her.

He was addicted, too many women.

I left though I loved him.

I wrote her a thank you.

First thought: He has nice eyes.

He's an artist and I'm not.

Couldn't give up B for W.

Eight years alone, met my guy.

Thanks to him, I trust again.

He makes me laugh every day - Detta Owens, p. 11.

Became the other woman. Didn't know - Cameron Vest, p. 22.

Good sex was all we had - Kimberley Yvette Price, p. 39.

Forgot why I left; went back - Sharon Lewis, p. 44.

It helps to label the books - Juan Antonio del Rosario, p. 47.

Love plus laughter: happily ever after - Dan Goggin, p. 50.

Love almost always leads to heartbreak - Raoul Felder, Esq., p. 60.

Love at first sight is blind - Jace Albao, p. 61.

My heart is my strongest muscle - Shanna Katz, p. 64.

More complicated than movies let on - Erin McIntosh, p. 77.

Maybe he will call me tomorrow - Jody Madala, p. 80.

I love you and I'm leaving - Christine Stewart, p. 81.

Happiness is a bed to myself - Michelle Ponto, p. 82.

Three word memoir: Paper. Pen. Revenge. - Lora Mitchell, p. 120.

It's just a matter of luck - Ayelet Waldman, p. 122.

In hindsight, I'd still choose you - Natana Gill, p. 128.

No Call List

Back in August of 2005, when I first heard about the National Do Not Call Registry, I registered every phone number I had. I registered my home phone, my cell phone, Steve's cell phone, Rachel's cell phone, my work numbers (and there are many of them).

And I still have the email confirmations to prove it.

Even so, a few months ago, we started getting more and more calls from toll free numbers or unknown name, unknown numbers or weird area codes. At first, I didn't think a lot about it because it was election season and I figured it was political calls and polls.

But as they persisted, I started googling the phone numbers and discovered that many of the calls were in fact telemarketers.

This then begged the question, why are they calling me if I'm on the no call list? I am on the no call list, aren't I?

So I checked. And oh so mysteriously, I seem to have fallen off the no call list. Not all my numbers, just my home number. That number wasn't registered. WTF?

So I re-registered it. But, there's a delay between the time you register and the time the telemarketers have to stop calling. It seems like they know that they're going to have to stop so the calling just gets more and more frenzied.

Which leads me to Wednesday. Wednesday, Steve was home, getting frustrated with his computer. This frustration was exacerbated by the fact that the phone kept ringing all day. So now, he's frustrated with the computer and with the phone. Not a good combination.

Finally, he was over it. The phone rang again, at 7:40 pm. He glanced at the caller id, saw a number he didn't recognize, answered the phone and shouted into it, "Don't call here again!!!!"

And then he hung up.

On my father . . .

The Bucket List

The Bucket List. Place an X by all the things you've done and remove the X from the ones you have not, then send it to your friends (including me).

(To do this on Facebook, go to “notes” under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, do the list and tag 25 people (in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish.) If you don't see the Tag people in the upper right hand corner, you are in the wrong place.)

Things you have done during your lifetime:

(X) Gone on a blind date
(X) Skipped school
( ) Watched someone die
(X) Been to Canada
(X) Done Vegas Baby!
(X) Been to Mexico
(X) Been to Florida
(X) Been to Hawaii
(X) Been on a plane
(X) Been on a helicopter
(X) Been lost
(X) Gone to Washington, DC
(X) Swam in the ocean
(X) Cried yourself to sleep
(X) Played cops and robbers
(X) Played Cowboys and Indians
() Recently colored with crayons
(X) Sang Karaoke
(X) Got an autograph of someone famous
(X) Broken the Law
() Been caught and arrested
(X) Given to the poor and homeless
() Paid for a meal with coins only
(X) Been to the top of the St. Louis Arch
() Done something you told yourself you wouldn't. Daily.
(X) Made prank phone calls
() Been down Bourbon Street in New Orleans
(X) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose & elsewhere
(X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
() Danced in the rain-naked
(X) Written a letter to Santa Claus
() Been kissed under the mistletoe
(X) Watched the sunrise with someone
(X) Blown bubbles
(X) Gone ice-skating
(X) Gone to the movies
() Been deep sea fishing
(X) Driven across the United States
(X) Been in a hot air balloon
(X) Been sky diving or parasailing
(X) Gone snowmobiling
() Lived in more than one country
(X) Lay down outside at night and admired the stars while listening to the crickets
(X) Seen a falling star and made a wish
(X) Enjoyed the beauty of Old Faithful Geyser
(X) Seen the Statue of Liberty
(X) Gone to the top of Seattle Space Needle
() Been on a cruise
(X) Traveled by train
(X) Traveled by motorcycle
(X) Been horseback riding
(X) Ridden on a San Francisco CABLE CAR
(X) Been to Disneyland
(X) Been to Disney World
() Truly believe in the power of prayer
(X) Been in a rain forest
(X) Seen whales in the ocean
(X) Been to Niagara Falls
() Ridden on an elephant
() Swam with dolphins
() Been to the Olympics
(X) Walked on the Great Wall of China
() Seen and heard a glacier calf
() Been spinnaker flying
(X) Been water-skiing
(X) Fallen in Love
(X) Been snow-skiing
(X) Been to Westminster Abbey
(X) Been to the Louvre
() Swam in the Mediterranean
(X) Been to a Major League Baseball game
(X) Been to a National Football League game
( ) Been to India
( ) Been to Africa

The Visitor

What a good movie!

Very deliberate but never draggy. Slow paced but again, not at all in a negative way.

Richard Jensen has been nominated for a Best Actor Oscar as Walter, a lonely, detached economics professor who visits his basically abandoned Manhattan apartment to find two illegal immigrants living in it.

The movie perfectly portrays the intersecting relationships which develop as a result of this happenstance and the desperation and helplessness of all in the face of the immigration bureaucracy.

Hiam Abbass who played Mouna in this movie was the lead, Salma, in Lemon Tree, another movie I really enjoyed. The Visitor is directed by the director of the Station Agent and produced by the producer of Sideways so there are connections to at least three other movies that I recommend.

Short Film (Live Action)

We screened the 2009 Oscar nominated live action shorts at the Wheeler and I've got to say I'll be very interested to see which one wins.

I certainly can't choose.

The nominees are Auf Der Strecke (On The Line), Manon on the Asphalt, New Boy, The Pig and Spielzeugland (Toyland) and all five of them were excellent.


On The Line tells of the unintended consequences when a lonely store security guard has a crush on one of the clerks.


Manon on the Asphalt provides us with an unusual perspective on friends and family.


Newboy takes the time worn tale of the new kid and adds layers.


The Pig explores culture clash and loneliness in Denmark.


Toyland tells the tale of heroics on a small scale in Nazi Germany.

All five were fairly serious, although Manon on the Pavement started out deceptively lightly and The Pig had moments of whimsy. The consensus between the three of us who attended the screening was that On The Line and Toyland were the most layered so were more probable winners.

I look forward to finding out.

This week's PostSecret favorite

Another week where picking my favorite was challenging

Valentine's Day

I had a very nice Valentine's Day.

That's pretty much the way it goes these days.

I used to be one of those singles who detested Valentine's Day since it made me feel lonely. Then I was of those in unhealthy relationships who was conflicted by Valentine's Day since it made me feel insecure.

Now, I just pretty much like Valentine's Day since my husband is such a romantic.

For Valentine's Day, he bought me all the books on my Amazon wishlist marked high priority. 10 books and 1 DVD. Then he sat down and composed cute and appropriate little to and froms for each one, cut them out and made little bookmarks for each.

The Lion in Winter: To My Lion Queen, You make a king out of me. I Love You. from, Your Kind of King.

A Lion Among Men, Volume Three in the Wicked Years: To My Lioness, you bring out the Lion in me. I love You. from, Gemini the Lion.

Devil's Gate, Brigham Young and the Great Mormon Handcart Tragedy: To My Forever Young, I'm complimented by your thorough intelligence. I Love You. from, Your Student of Life.

Lincoln's Melancholy, How Depression Challenged a President and Fueled His Greatness: To My Greatest Greatness, no more melancholy for me 'cause of you. I love you. from, Your Happyboyman.

Wide Sargasso Sea: To My Traveler Wife, I'd like to see the Wide Sargasso Sea with you. Where is it? Does it exist? I Love You. from, Your Armchair Traveler.

In Sunlight, in a Beautiful Garden: To My Sunlight, being the freaky leafy tree I am, I couldn't live without your sunshine. I Love You. From, Your Tree of Life.

Marie Antoinette, The Journey: To My Bridgetteaniette. The journey got profound once I found you. I Love You. from Mark Anthony?

Forever Lily, An Unexpected Mother's Journey to Adoption in China: To My Unexpected Forever, you adopted me and changed my life. I Love You. from, Your LuckyHubby.

Mr. Timothy: To, Mrs. Bielinski/Williams, Mr. Timothy's got nothing on Mr. Steven. I Love You. from Mr. Steven.

Postcards From Ed, Dispatches and Salvos from an American Iconoclast: To My Favorite Post Card. To the edge and back. My road trips were good, then they got better because you joined them. I Love You. from, Your Restless Soul Mate.

In the Shadow of the Ark: To My Safe Haven, that was cool, sitting around doing a crossword puzzle with you today. I love You. from, Your Favorite Wordsmith, Wordwilliams?

Isn't he clever?

It was lightly snowing when he walked home so I asked him if he wanted to walk or take the bus up to dinner. When he insisted on walking, it seemed strange but I didn't think twice. Then, as we walked, I understood why he insisted. There was a heart in the snow on the hood of the car, a heart in the snow on the sidewalk, on the bridge and on a sign. I'm sure he brightened several people's Valentine's Day with his snow graffiti, but the coolest part was that it was all for me.

Then, we had an absolutely yummy dinner at Takah Sushi, finished off with some gratis Lilly Pilly, an absolutely luscious dessert wine. Takah's special Valentine Roll was a great combination of tuna, tempura shrimp, avocado and a raspberry sauce.
We both really wanted to go to Belly Up for Super Diamond but it didn't happen 'cause, you know, we're old. Steve also has been under the weather and he had to work on Sunday.

So, yes, a pretty excellent Valentine's Day. Makes up mightily for all those sucky ones in the past.

What did I get him, you ask? Now, remember, in my defense, I am not nearly as creative or as emotive as he is. I got him a heartfelt card, the book, Six Word Memoirs on Love and Heartbreak: by Writers Famous and Obscure and tickets to Jerry Jeff Walker next Saturday.

Oh yeah, and I married him . . . ;-)

40 odd things

40 ODD things~Share
You know the drill! 40 ODD things about you! Learn 40 things about your friends and let them learn 40 things about you. Once you've been tagged, please complete.

1. Do you like blue cheese dressing? No!

2. Have you ever smoked cigarettes? Yes, very rarely as an upperclassman in high school and a freshman in college. I had a pack of cigarettes hidden in the trunk of my car in high school for social occasions. It lasted forever.

3. Do you own a gun? Yes, a cute little Walther PPK, although I'm not sure that I'd be able to find the key to the trigger lock.

4. What's your favorite drink at Starbucks or other specialty coffee shops? Double or triple shot latte.

5. What do you think of hot dogs? I like grilled hot dogs with ketchup.

6. Favorite Christmas song? Carol of the Bells. I burned a CD with 13 different versions of it.

7. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? coffee with cream

8. Can you do push ups? a few. more when I'm reliably attending my workout class (which is not right now).

9. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? my engagement ring.

10. Favorite hobbies? photography and blogging.

11. Do you have ADD? no. not at all.

12. What's one trait that you hate about yourself? Hate is too strong a word but I wish I wasn't as socially awkward as I am.

13. Middle name? Bridget

14. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? 1. what a ridiculous question. 2. what thought will reflect well? 3. what a ridiculous question.

15. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink. coffee, water, Riesling

16. Current worry right now? getting all my work done.

17. Current hate(s) right now? the far right.

18. Favorite place to be? Aspen.

19. How did you ring in the New Year? wondering if there were really bombs in downtown Aspen.

20. Like to travel? Yes, although it's not always so much fun getting there anymore.

21. Name 3 people that will complete this? I'll be interested to see.

22. Do you own slippers? slipper socks

23. What color shirt are you wearing? red

24. Could you ever make it 39 days on the show Survivor? Absolutely no desire. Actually since I've never seen Survivor, I really have no idea. But again, absolutely no desire.

25. What song do you sing in the shower? I'm usually listening to NPR in the shower so no singing.

26. Favorite girls' names? When I was in college, I thought I'd name my daughters (if I had any) Chelsea and Britney. So instead I named my first two dogs Chelsea and Britney. I didn't choose Rachel's name until after she was born. Up until that time, I was leaning towards Ryan or Kendall.

27. Favorite boys names? In college, I thought I'd name a son Ian. When I was pregnant, I was thinking Benjamin, Kendall or Ryan.

28. What's in your pocket right now? empty. like my bank account. :-)

29. Last thing that made you laugh? my husband.

30. Worst injury you've ever had? broken jaw. 2d grade, fell off a jungle gym during recess at the school playground. then had to move and start a new school with my jaw wired shut.

31. Do you love where you live? oh yeah!

32. How many t.v's do you have in your house? zero. we took our TV out of the house in January of 2001, brought it back for two weeks after 9/11 and haven't had one since.

33. Who's your loudest friend? me. Rachel.

34. Does someone have a crush on you? I hope so.

35. What's your favorite candy? snickers.

36. Favorite sports team? Don't really follow sports anymore. Used to be into college basketball and pro football. Will always root for the Bears if they're doing well. Otherwise, I'm not paying attention.

37. What were you doing at 12 AM last night? sleeping

38. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up today? Why isn't Rachel home!?! in a very panicked way. It was 3 am and I never heard her and her friend come in from Winter Formal. Usually, Ellie barks and wakes me up but that didn't happen. However, when I got up and checked, there they were, sleeping peacefully. Such good kids!

39. What's your favorite holiday? April Fool's Day.

40. What are your plans for tomorrow? work and maybe a movie.

REK

Robert Earl Keen performed at the Wheeler on January 10th, shortly after a friend's birthday so off we all went. REK is a repeat performer in Aspen and has quite the following here.

I was completely unfamiliar with his music. That always makes for an interesting experience and he didn't disappoint.

REK is a Texan singer songwriter with a humorous edge who enjoys engaging with the audience. He creates a rolicking vibe that was a bit lost at the Wheeler. The Wheeler is set up as a theater, so while you can get seats right up against the stage, there's no room for dancing. REK's music begs to be danced to. It's got to be a bit disconcerting for a musician of this type to look out at a very large room full of people, all of whom are seated and at the most, bobbing their heads.

In my opinion, his show would have been better at Belly Up, where there's a dance floor right in front of the stage.

Or maybe the Wheeler could figure out a way to accommodate the inevitable urge to get up and dance.

Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist

BellyUp Aspen has free movie nights sometimes.

Tuesday night, they screened Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist. Steve and I went, had a couple of drinks and enjoyed a film. It's a pretty cool deal.

Since I liked Michael Cera in Juno, I thought it might be fun to see what he was up to here.

Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist is cute, witty, funny, sweet, zany and whimsical. As the parent of a 17 year old, it was nice to see two levelheaded kids portrayed in a movie that showed teenagers having fun without glorifying teenage partying.

Putting aside the many improbabilities throughout the movie, it was an amiable, feel-good experience which falls short of Juno but that's a pretty high mark to shoot for.

Steve also really enjoyed it.

College?

My head is spinning.

I don't remember it being this complicated.

Yesterday evening, we spent 2+ hours being lectured and harangued about the college application process.

Yikes.

I now have an hour long meeting scheduled two weeks from today with Rachel and her college counselor. This is the first junior meeting. First, as in there's more than one. I'm not quite clear on how many.

We also have to attend two days of workshops in June, July or August.

But, I'm not really complaining. (Well, maybe a little.) The Aspen High School college counselor, Kathy Klug, is very dedicated to her job and to the AHS students and works ferociously to assist them in their college bound journey.

All I can say is I'm glad I only have to go through this process once!

Abigail Washburn & the Sparrow Quartet

We saw Abigail Washburn and the Sparrow Quartet at the Wheeler Opera House on Saturday evening. Excellent show.

Abigail Washburn is a folk musician and the Sparrow Quartet was formed for the purpose of traveling and performing in China. They stayed together after their return and have released a self titled cd with American folk music combined with Chinese folk music.

One of my favorite cuts on the cd is Taiyang Chulai, an energetic traditional Chinese folk song. Another favorite track is Captain which was written by the quartet.

The musicians were all very engaging in person. The house was full and at the end, everyone was buzzing with approval.

Brexi

Another new restaurant opened in Aspen.

Brexi Brasserie opened Saturday night, February 7, 2009 and Steve, Suzannah and I stopped by for dinner on our way to a concert at the Wheeler.

Brexi is owned by Craig and Samantha Cordts-Pearce who also own Wild Fig and Lulu Wilson (where, coincidentally, Steve and I ate on Friday night). It's located on the northwest corner of Monarch and Durant in the new Dancing Bear.

It's billed as a traditional French brasserie and its decor is warm and welcoming. We loved the mismatched but coordinated light fixtures (although the lighting was a bit dim and we had to use our cell phones to shed additional light on our menus in order to read them).

When we arrived at 6:15 pm, it was about half full but by the time we left at 7:45 pm, it was packed. Lots of locals came out to support the Cordts-Pearces on their opening night. We also saw Peter Berg, who was in town for a screening of Aspen Extreme, at the next table.

The staff was all very welcoming, friendly and professional. The sommelier, Jim, who, as Steve pointed out, resembles Chip from My Three Sons, was personable and knowledgeable.

The food was stellar. I had the lemon sole, Steve had the New York steak and Suzannah had the chicken and we all cleaned our plates.

Brexi is Aspen a little over middle of the road price wise. It's by no means inexpensive with most entrees in the low to mid $30 range which is basically par for the course in many (but not all) Aspen restaurants.

This week's PostSecret favorite

One can only hope.

Yapta

This Yapta thing is pretty cool.

If you purchase plane tickets, you enter the information on Yapta and they track whether your ticket price goes up or down. If it goes down, they email you and you get the benefit of the lower price. Just what kind of benefit depends on the airline.

I have Yapta tracking our London tickets and last week, I got an email that the price had increased. Well, ok, so I feel like at least I got in at a lower price.

Until yesterday, when I got an email that the price had dropped, fairly significantly. $225 for the two of us. So, as instructed by Yapta, I immediately got on the phone to United.

Now, I'm pretty sure (at least I've done so in the past) that I could have rebooked the itinerary at the lower fare and gotten a refund. But there would have been a rebooking fee of somewhere between $100 and $150 so my refund would have been less the rebooking fee.

Instead, Daniel at United is going to mail me a travel voucher for the full price difference between the two fares, with no penalty.

This is a win-win as far as I'm concerned. United gets to keep the money they already have and likely make more when I book with my travel voucher. I don't mind having a credit with United since the two airports that I fly in and out of most frequently, Denver and Aspen, are both mainly served by United.

Mommies

Here you go, mommies - a different kind of survey for a change - it's all about your first born! Just copy and paste it in a new note for yourself!

Let's see how much you remember!

1. WAS YOUR FIRST PREGNANCY PLANNED? No.
2. WERE YOU MARRIED AT THE TIME? No.
3. WHAT WERE YOUR REACTIONS? Conflicted.
4. WAS ABORTION AN OPTION FOR YOU? Yes.
5. HOW OLD WERE YOU? 29.
6. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT? A routine pregnancy test at the doctor's office before a procedure.
7. WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST? the father.
8. DID YOU WANT TO FIND OUT THE SEX? No.
9. DUE DATE? April 4, 1992
10. DID YOU HAVE MORNING SICKNESS? No
11. WHAT DID YOU CRAVE? coffee ice cream.
12. WHO/WHAT IRRITATED YOU THE MOST? Nothing that I can remember. People were a bit surprised.
13. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CHILD'S SEX? Girl
14. DID YOU WISH YOU HAD THE OPPOSITE SEX OF WHAT YOU WERE GETTING? No
15. HOW MANY POUNDS DID YOU GAIN THROUGHOUT THE PREGNANCY? 50 lbs. (Yikes!) and I delivered 10 weeks early. I don't even want to think about how much I would have gained if I had gone to term.
16. DID YOU HAVE A BABY SHOWER? Yes, two. Both after the birth although not planned that way.
17. WAS IT A SURPRISE OR DID YOU KNOW? Both planned.
18. DID YOU HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY? Is pre-term labor a complication? Other than that, no.
19. WHERE DID YOU GIVE BIRTH? Holy Cross Hospital, Silver Spring, Maryland
20. HOW MANY HOURS WERE YOU IN LABOR? The answer to that question is complicated. My water broke on Saturday evening (after a day spent moving), I was on morphine all day Sunday (Superbowl Sunday and the Redskins were in the Superbowl) to forestall labor, I went into active labor late Sunday night and finally delivered via c-section at 5 am on Monday morning. I was very annoyed that, knowing that I was going to have a c-section, I had to endure as much labor as I did.
21. WHO DROVE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL? I did. But, my brother, Brian, was with me.
22. WHO WATCHED YOU GIVE BIRTH? ob, neonatalogist, nurses and my mom.
23. WAS IT NATURAL OR C-SECTION? c-section
24. DID YOU TAKE MEDICINE TO EASE THE PAIN? Yes, it was a c-section, but I was awake and that wasn't pleasant.
25. HOW MUCH DID YOUR CHILD WEIGH? 3 lbs, 6 oz. and she dropped to 2 lbs, 9 oz.
26. WHEN WAS YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY BORN ? January 27, 1992 at 5 am.
27. WHAT DID YOU NAME HIM/HER? Rachel Elizabeth Bielinski
28. HOW OLD IS YOUR FIRST BORN TODAY? 17.

Another survey

AND THE SURVEY SAYS.......

Do you ever get "good morning" texts from anyone?
No but that's ok.

Where is your cell phone?
on my desk

Who last texted you?
Kim last night to tell me she'd get me dinner.

What time did you go to sleep last night?
10:30 pm

What woke you up today?
NPR (my alarm clock)

Have you ever tried to break someone up?
Yes, back when I was in unhealthy relationships.

When was the last time you talked to your best friend?
last night before she went to bed.

Have you done anything embarrassing lately?
No. (unless I've blocked it out). but it does depend on how you define lately.

Dark hair or light hair in the opposite sex?
dark hair. Starsky or Hutch? Starsky. Jon or Ponch? Ponch. etc.

What was your dream about last night?
can't remember. I don't often remember my dreams unless they're those bizarre morning dreams that you have when you fall back asleep after being awoken.

How is your hair right now?
straight

Have you ever been called Prince/Princess?
Yes. I'm the only daughter . . .

Do you wear makeup?
no. (well, rarely and then only mascara and lipstick)

What are you doing later?
working and then ??

Do you prefer to call or text?
depends on the circumstances. texting if I just want to communicate info, calling if I want to vent.

Where is your biological father right now?
probably at home or maybe walking.

Do you think relationships are ever really worth it?
yes, but just barely.

Are you a bad influence?
sometimes but usually not. People who don't know me well think I'm a goody-goody.

Do you ever think about any of your exes?
Yes, every one of them but there haven't been that many of them so it's not like it takes a lot of time.

How do you feel about your life right now?
satisfied

Has anybody ever given you butterflies?
yes, in both good and bad ways.

When was the last time you went shopping?
Wednesday online. In person, January 23rd. shopping around here is a field trip so it's usually memorable.

Did you laugh a lot at something today?
Yes, a comment to my blog post from Wednesday made me laugh out loud.

How many texts are in your inbox?
Two. I tend to delete them as soon as I get them. I'm organized like that.

Has anyone ever called you baby, with meaning?
Yes, but it's been a long time. I don't strike people as the "baby" type.

When you see new people, do you judge how they look or act?
It depends on how outrageous they look or are acting.

Where were you on July 4th?
Aspen, watching the parade and fireworks.

Do you find the opposite sex confusing?
No. I'm the confusing one.

What's bothering you right now?
The amount of work I have to do (that I'm avoiding).

What were you doing last night at 11?
Sleeping. But give me a break, it was a Thursday night.

Who was the last person you took a picture with?
family visiting in January. (Bob, Mom, Dad, Rachel and Steve)

Besides this, what are you doing right now?
working.

Will you be up before 7 am tomorrow?
Probably not. Tomorrow's Saturday and I'll let myself get up when I wake up.

Have you kissed anyone this past week?
Yes.

Is it easy for someone to make you smile/laugh?
Yes, Steve's very good at it. Of course, he's pretty good at making me frown too.

Do you plan on falling in love in 2009?
No.

What are you doing tomorrow?
Either ski or work. Quite the choice. I will be attending a concert tomorrow evening.

Without stating the name, say something to someone you dislike right now?
Just be nice!

Would you ever get a tattoo?
Yes, I already have 3 and would get another if the right circumstances presented themselves.

Would you rather it be sunny or rainy?
Sunny but not all the time.

Does it bother you when your friends bring up your past mistakes?
Usually not. Most my mistakes I've made peace with but some I haven't. I'm working on those.

Do you sing obnoxiously in the car?
No. It's never obnoxious when I sing. Not!

Is there a person of the opposite sex that knows everything about you?
No. I don't think anyone knows everything about me.

What were you doing last night?
meeting with my bosses.

Has anyone ever told you they love you?
Yes.

Do you miss the way things used to be?
No. I'm on forward journey.

Last person who called you?
Charmaine from MCI.

How many pills do you take a day?
One, a prophylactic antibiotic.

Do you get nervous before doctor appointments?
No, but I grew up with doctors and I work with doctors so I'm pretty comfortable with doctors.

Have you ever intentionally made someone jealous?
Yes and I'm not proud of it. Those unhealthy relationship days again.

Have you ever broken a mirror on purpose?
No.

In one word, how do you feel right now?
Guilty.

Are you excited for 2009?
Sure.

What do you want for your next birthday?
Fun.

Where did you get the shirt you're wearing?
Ann Taylor Loft. I'm wearing red for National Wear Red Day, to raise awareness of heart disease as the number 1 killer of women.

What do you currently hear?
classical music, ringing telephone and traffic.

Would you ever trade your wardrobe with someone?
Depends on who I get to trade with. I'm pretty comfortable with my wardrobe.

You have a Million dollars, what do you do with it?
Well, a million dollars doesn't go so far but I'd put Rachel through college and invest (where!?!) for my retirement which is currently almost non-existent. I might also take a trip but Steve and I would have a hard time agreeing on where to go.

One word survey

ONLY ONE WORD! It's not as easy as you might think! Copy and change the answers to suit you and pass it on. It's really hard to only use one word answers. Be sure to tag the person you received it from!

Let's see......

1. Where is your cell phone? table

2. Your significant other? Highlands

3. Your hair? straight

4. Your mother? warm

5. Your father? cool

6. Your favorite? what?

7. Your dream last night? fun

8. Your favorite drink? wine

9. Your dream/goal? contentment

10. What room you are in? kitchen

11. Your hobby? blogging

12. Your fear? failure

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Aspen

14. Where were you last night? movie

15. Something that you are not? coordinated

16. Muffins? yum

17. Wish list item? travel

18. Where you grew up? Glenview

19. Last thing you did? blog

20. What are you wearing? jeans

21. Your TV? nope

22. Your pets? Ellie

23. Friends? yes

24. Your life? charmed

25. Your mood? upbeat

26. Missing some one? yes

27. Car? broken

28. Something you're not wearing? socks

29. Your favorite store? Explore

30. Your favorite color? undecided

31. When is the last time you laughed? Today

32. Last time you cried? yesterday

33. Who will resend this? Rachel

34. One place that I go to over and over? Grand

35. One person who texts me regularly? Rachel

36. My favorite place to eat? Takah

37. My favorite food? sushi

25 Random Things About Me

1. My first name is Mary

2. The only major bone I've ever broken is my jaw. I was in second grade and had to start a new school with my jaw wired shut.

3. I used to be a lawyer.

4. I have three tattoos, a pierced belly button and a double ear pierce. Rachel and I have matching tattoos.

5. One of my favorite foods is tuna sushi. If Cache Cache, a restaurant here in Aspen, had put the word tuna on its menu, I would have not tried ahi and would not have later tried sushi.

6. I have a motorcycle license and used to own a motorcycle.

7. Many people are surprised by the fact that Rachel is biracial.

8. Twice in my life when I was about to simply change jobs, I picked up and moved across country instead.

9. I never thought I'd live in Colorado (until I actually did live in Colorado, that is.) I love living in Colorado.

10. I was a complete and total uncoordinated klutz growing up. I still have less than good balance.

11. I used to work for Gary Williams who is now the head mens' basketball coach at the University of Maryland and Ed Tapscott who is now the head coach of the Washington Wizards.

12. I worked on the successful effort to add a multiracial category to the 2000 census.

13. I don't have a TV and therefore am an NPR junkie. I was a TV junkie growing up.

14. The first time I ever skipped school was the second to last week of my senior year in high school. I was kind of a goody goody although I've made up for it a bit since.

15. I don't like beer, except for Guinness. I do like sweet wines like Riesling, White Zinfandel, Gewurztraminer. I also like Pinot Noir. Since I'm a lightweight, I steer clear of hard liquor.

16. I've only been married once. So far.

17. I was picked on, a lot, in grammar school. I believe that it made me a stronger person. But it also makes me less than interested in attending my reunions.

18. As a result of being picked on, I used to be very insecure. I'm not anymore but sometimes that younger insecure me comes for a visit. This annoys me.

19. I read, a lot. When my book club was meeting, I would annoy them by not only reading the selected book but multiple related works.

20. My daughter is my best friend. Usually. Except for when she's being a typical teenager.

21. I thought I was going to go into international relations. Instead, I've ended up in the family business, healthcare.

22. I was intimidated by the thought of strenuous physical activity until 1998 when I hiked from the North Rim to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon with one day's notice in $15 Payless work boots. And survived. And even enjoyed it.

23. After buying a road bike at the end of June 2004, I decided in mid July to do Ragbrai and, at the end of July, rode 500+ miles across Iowa with 10,000 people with no training. And survived. And even enjoyed it.

24. I'm not at ease in social situations. I'm much more comfortable one on one or in very small groups.

25. I've led a charmed life. I'm aware of this fact and am very appreciative of it.

Milk

Enthralling.

Sean Penn's performance is incredible. He completely inhabits Harvey Milk.

Even though you're aware of the destination (in fact, the movie spells it out in its first moments), you are swept along the journey.

The intermittent narration by Penn is an effective device to bring you even further into the motivations of this unlikely leader.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

One of those movies you puzzle over long after it ends. So rich in symbolism (much of which I'm still pondering) and yet such a elementary story.

Very well done. Even though I knew objectively as I was watching it that it's central conceit is not possible, that fact was never an obstacle to the story.

The performances across the board were strong.

A life lived backwards. The wisdom of age coupled with the physicality of youth. Isn't that what many wish for?

How similar the end of life is to the beginning.

This week's favorite

Some weeks I have a hard time finding one that I like. This week I had a hard time picking my favorite. See for yourself.