Sunday, March 08, 2009
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Guitar Blues
On February 25, 2009, Steve and I saw Guitar Blues at the Wheeler Opera House. Guitar Blues consists of Jorma Kaukonen, of Hot Tuna and a founding member of Jefferson Airplane, Robben Ford and Ruthie Foster.
Being that the only one of the three musicians with whom I had any familiarity was Ruthie Foster and being that I think she's phenomenal (as the title of one of her CDs states), I figured that the other two would be of a kind and that we were in for an awesome evening.
I was only partly right. It was a awesome evening but only because Ruthie stole the show. While both Kaukonen and Ford are extremely talented musicians, their music did little or nothing for me.
Ruthie, on the other hand, simply shone. Every time she stepped on stage, you could feel the energy in the theater change. Even those in the audience who were drawn to the show by the other artists (which was basically everyone but me) could be heard remarking afterwards how Foster was the real jewel.
Kaukonen, while very talented with a guitar, was too mellow and Ford, while also quite skilled, was too jam session-y.
But when paired with Foster and when Foster soloed, the audience soared.
Friday, March 06, 2009
The Dark Knight
Fairly complex for a comic book movie.Probably much more closely captures the true nature of the comic books series which I have found tend to be deeper than the average movie adaptation.
The hero is an anti-hero, the white knight ends up a villain and there is no happy ending. Anarchy seems to inspire chaos but it's all much more orchestrated and manipulated than that.
There is a small glimpse of hope in the common man thrown in to leaven the whole thing.
Dark themes of corruption, greed and mental illness compete with honor, trust and sanity.
Heath Ledger is on the surface a caricature but one which further attention reveals as a surprisingly layered caricature. I do however agree with a recent NPR commentator who stated that this Oscar, like Peter Finch's, was a posthumous correction of the failure to acknowledge the previous Oscar caliber role, Brokeback Mountain in Ledger's case and Sunday, Bloody Sunday in Finch's case.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Jerry Jeff Walker
On February 21, 2009, Steve and I saw Jerry Jeff Walker at the Wheeler Opera House. Jerry Jeff isn't really my speed but Steve really likes him so I agreed to go see him.
I was very pleasantly surprised. It was an excellent show. There were songs I recognized like Mr. Bojangles and Sangria Wine. There were ballads and there were rollicking Jerry Jeff standards.
He's a winning entertainer, engaging the audience in banter and taking song suggestions while also being willing to charmingly turn other suggestions down.
Jimmy Ibbotson from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band performed a duet with Jerry Jeff for Mr. Bojangles, the second song of the night. It was fun to see the two artists collaborating but Jimmy was a bit frenetic, dancing about the stage. This was probably in part necessitated by the fact that there really wasn't enough room for Jimmy, Jerry Jeff and Jerry Jeff's guitar in front of the microphone but it was still distracting.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Give Me Liberty by Naomi Wolf
While Wolf hooked me with The End of America, she loses me with Give Me Liberty.She comes across as a left-wing conspiracy theory nut who, prior to the 2009 Inauguration, questions whether the Republican administration of George Bush will allow the newly elected president to be sworn in.
Now, as far as I'm concerned, there were so many legitimate accusations to level at the Bush administration that it really calls Wolf's credibility into question for her to move so far into the realm of panic.
Wolf's book does provide an interesting dissection of the obstacles to exercising one's First Amendment rights of speech, assembly and petition erected by our various local, state and federal governments.
The book is not totally without merit as it marches us through Wolf's often less than successful attempts to be politically active and then provides us with a roadmap for overcoming the difficulties she encountered but like most books of its genre, whether right or left, it must be taken with a grain of salt, culling out the reasonable from the inflammatory.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
The Reader
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Well done.Powerful.
Leaves you with much to discuss afterwards.
Not as depressing as we thought it would be.
Michael is 15 years old when he begins an affair with Hanna who is twenty plus years his senior. The affair is shortlived, lasting only a summer but the consequences stay with Michael for his lifetime.
The movie eloquently explores themes of shame, fear, pride, remorse, isolation and redemption.
Winslet's Oscar for Best Actress is well-deserved. She provides a nuanced, multi-layered performance which never excuses Hanna's actions.
On a funny note, we had two friends who were going to see Slumdog Millionaire but ended up in the wrong theater and saw The Reader instead. It actually took them a while to figure it out!?! Quite the mistake.
Monday, March 02, 2009
65? Things to Cure Your Boring Questions
This is another annoying little copy, paste and fill in your own answers which you do because you are OCD about these things and won't let any of these go by. Then, send it on to all the other copy/paste OCDpeople and see if this go around to about 1,000,000 people on Facebook. Really go for it. Yes/No answers are boring....really go for it and fill in all the boring details. Then, pass it around and see where it goes!
1. Do you have a floor where you live? Could we start with a more inane question?
2. Have you ever had a zit? Ok, here's a more inane question.
3. What food do you eat just because it is good for you? None. I only eat foods that are good for me because they taste good.
4. What is your favorite number? 9
5. Have you ever known anyone named Sprocket? No but I knew someone nicknamed Sprout. That's how she was introduced to me. We were both adults.
6. What kind of tires are on your car/truck. Studded snow tires.
7. Have you ever thought about North Dakota? Sure, especially when they were talking about renaming it.
8.If you were an ocean, which ocean would you be? Did Barbara Walters write these questions?
9. Have you ever wished you had hair on your forehead? What kind of question is that? Is this some secret code for bald guys?
10. Do you get upset when you see a car with bumper stickers? only when they're stupid bumper stickers. and upset is a bit too strong a word. I more get condescending.
11. Is there a jar of mayonaisse in your fridge? I honestly don't know. I'd have to go look. Ok, I'll look. Wait here. Yep, two. Kraft Real Mayo and Kroger Classic Mayo. (Yes, I really went and looked. I'm geeky like that.)
12. Looking at the hands on a clock, what time of day do you think the hands look best or most "bitchen"? 7:25, 'cause it looks like it's running.
13. Do you prefer a comb or a brush for your hair? Brush. I can't remember the last time I used a comb in my hair.
14. What is the hottest temperature you have experienced? I have no idea. There was the time it was 105 degrees when I was hiking on the North Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon. If that wasn't the hottest, it probably felt like it since I was twelve miles into a fourteen mile hike and there was clearly no turning back.
15. Is there a time in your life when you don't care if you did it over again or not? Many.
16. What have been some of your most NON-embarrassing moments? Is that just a backwards way of saying moments you're proud of? Let's not get all braggy.
17. What hand do you use to click the TV remote control? I don't have a TV remote. But when I use one, I go righty.
18. Would you ever consider living in a foreign city? Yes. But it would be hard to leave where I am now.
19. Is there an "A" in your name? Only in my first name, which I don't use.
20. What would you be if you could have any job in the world that you would hate? Oh come on, there's just so many jobs I would hate.
45 things to cure (cause?) someone's boredom . . . someone with too much time on their hands.
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? The Virgin Mary? I do have an older cousin with my exact name but I wasn't really named after her.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? At a movie, but I can't remember which one.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Eh. My printing's much better.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Roast beef.
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? I say I have three (my daughter, my husband and my dog)
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yeah, I'm pretty cool but I can be a bit standoffish. I can also be kinda socially awkward so I'd have to be patient with me.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM? Never. (get it?)
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes, big honking ones.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? I bungee jumped out of a hot air balloon in South Carolina when I was pregnant (I didn't know I was pregnant).
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Do I have to pick one? Kix, Life, Nature Valley Oats and Honey or Corn Pops if I'm eating it out of the box. Cheerios or Cap'n Crunch if I'm eating it with milk.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Most of my shoes don't tie. My sneakers do and I try to take them off without untieing them but I usually fail.
12. WHAT DO YOU SEE IF YOU LOOK OUTSIDE YOUR KITCHEN WINDOW? My neighbors walking to and fro. Aspen Mountain and Shadow Mountain.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Haagen Daz Coffee. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Vanilla.
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Their grooming.
15. RED OR PINK? Red. Wait, pink. No, red. Although when I was in high school, I hated pink and swore that I would never wear pink. I got over that quickly.
16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? My social ineptitude.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? can't say.
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST? Only if they want to. In fact, I don't even want them to read mine if they find these annoying.
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Black pants, no shoes.
20. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? nothing.
21. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Can't choose. I have a really hard time picking favorites.
22.FAVORITE SMELL? You're not listening. (see #22). coffee, popcorn, eucalyptus, pine forest. Not all at the same time.
23. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My mom.
24. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Winter X Games was a lot of fun.
25. HAIR COLOR? Light brown/grey.
26. EYE COLOR? Brown
27. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? For 31 years until I got Lasix two summers ago. What an awesome thing!
28. FAVORITE FOOD? What's with all the favorites? right now i'd really like some cheese fondue.
29. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy Endings
30. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? The Dark Knight.
31. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Red.
32. SUMMER OR WINTER? Yes.
33. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs
34. FAVORITE DESSERT? chocolate mousse. raspberry sorbet. creme brulee. apple pie.
35. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Jonathan Alter's The Defining Moment
36. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? I have a laptop so no mousepad.
37. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? No TV.
38. FAVORITE SOUND(S)? I love the noon whistle in downtown Aspen. I love the cannon at the Smuggler Mine when they set it off early morning every 4th of July. I love hearing the muffled booms from the avalanche bombs on Aspen Mountain. I love the roar of the Roaring Fork River at the Grottos.
39. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? The Beatles
40. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Beijing, China
41. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Annoying my daughter?
42. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Columbus Hospital in Chicago, IL
43. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER? At a birthday party. It's actually a better story than that but it's kinda long so you can skip it if you want. We first saw each other at a birthday party for Cindy, a friend of his. I was just tagging along with a co-worker of mine. We didn't technically meet that day but he did meet Rachel. Two days later, I was actually introduced to him at another friend's, Annie. It was the 4th of July so we watched the fireworks together. (Yes, there were fireworks when we met.) Earlier that day, at the same friend's, I had also met a co-worker/friend/neighbor of Steve's, Jay. Jay asked Annie for my phone number so Annie asked me and I said yes (I found out later that my co-worker was beside herself about that because Jay had quite the reputation). Annie also talked Steve into volunteering to teach Rachel to ride her bike. Jay and Steve had no idea that they had both met me on the same day. Steve came over on Thursday for dinner and to teach Rachel but Rachel decided not to come home after summer camp that day (she was 8). Turns out, she had snuck in the back door of the apartment, gotten her bathing suit and snuck back out to go swimming at one of the lodge pools with a tourist child she had met on the way home. Steve , not knowing if he should be worried, offered to go look for her. I said no, 'cause I knew she'd be home eventually. And she was. Only 2 hours late. The next day, Jay called me to go to a movie. I was digging all the attention. Smart man that he was, he also invited Rachel. But things got kinda wierd when he called me to say that "they" were on their way. They??? He was bringing Steve!? and another friend. Huh? So, Steve, Jay, Ned, Rachel and I went to see The Kid. Jay did say that he'd take me out to dinner soon, just him and me. Two days later, I go to a benefit that both Jay and Steve were going to be at and Jay tells me that Steve's interested in me so he's going to back off and that I should call him if it didn't work out with Steve. I was kinda annoyed. I mean, if I had two guys interested in me, shouldn't I get to choose? But, it was a very gentlemanly thing for Jay to do and it all worked out for the best anyhow.
44. IS THE CUP HALF FULL OR HALF EMPTY? Half full
45. IF YOU COULD SIT DOWN TO DINNER WITH FIVE PEOPLE WHO WOULD YOU CHOOSE? That's a tough one but it's a great question to ask at the dinner table. Some pretty spirited conversations can result.
1. Do you have a floor where you live? Could we start with a more inane question?
2. Have you ever had a zit? Ok, here's a more inane question.
3. What food do you eat just because it is good for you? None. I only eat foods that are good for me because they taste good.
4. What is your favorite number? 9
5. Have you ever known anyone named Sprocket? No but I knew someone nicknamed Sprout. That's how she was introduced to me. We were both adults.
6. What kind of tires are on your car/truck. Studded snow tires.
7. Have you ever thought about North Dakota? Sure, especially when they were talking about renaming it.
8.If you were an ocean, which ocean would you be? Did Barbara Walters write these questions?
9. Have you ever wished you had hair on your forehead? What kind of question is that? Is this some secret code for bald guys?
10. Do you get upset when you see a car with bumper stickers? only when they're stupid bumper stickers. and upset is a bit too strong a word. I more get condescending.
11. Is there a jar of mayonaisse in your fridge? I honestly don't know. I'd have to go look. Ok, I'll look. Wait here. Yep, two. Kraft Real Mayo and Kroger Classic Mayo. (Yes, I really went and looked. I'm geeky like that.)
12. Looking at the hands on a clock, what time of day do you think the hands look best or most "bitchen"? 7:25, 'cause it looks like it's running.
13. Do you prefer a comb or a brush for your hair? Brush. I can't remember the last time I used a comb in my hair.
14. What is the hottest temperature you have experienced? I have no idea. There was the time it was 105 degrees when I was hiking on the North Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon. If that wasn't the hottest, it probably felt like it since I was twelve miles into a fourteen mile hike and there was clearly no turning back.
15. Is there a time in your life when you don't care if you did it over again or not? Many.
16. What have been some of your most NON-embarrassing moments? Is that just a backwards way of saying moments you're proud of? Let's not get all braggy.
17. What hand do you use to click the TV remote control? I don't have a TV remote. But when I use one, I go righty.
18. Would you ever consider living in a foreign city? Yes. But it would be hard to leave where I am now.
19. Is there an "A" in your name? Only in my first name, which I don't use.
20. What would you be if you could have any job in the world that you would hate? Oh come on, there's just so many jobs I would hate.
45 things to cure (cause?) someone's boredom . . . someone with too much time on their hands.
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? The Virgin Mary? I do have an older cousin with my exact name but I wasn't really named after her.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? At a movie, but I can't remember which one.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Eh. My printing's much better.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Roast beef.
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? I say I have three (my daughter, my husband and my dog)
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yeah, I'm pretty cool but I can be a bit standoffish. I can also be kinda socially awkward so I'd have to be patient with me.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM? Never. (get it?)
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes, big honking ones.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? I bungee jumped out of a hot air balloon in South Carolina when I was pregnant (I didn't know I was pregnant).
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Do I have to pick one? Kix, Life, Nature Valley Oats and Honey or Corn Pops if I'm eating it out of the box. Cheerios or Cap'n Crunch if I'm eating it with milk.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Most of my shoes don't tie. My sneakers do and I try to take them off without untieing them but I usually fail.
12. WHAT DO YOU SEE IF YOU LOOK OUTSIDE YOUR KITCHEN WINDOW? My neighbors walking to and fro. Aspen Mountain and Shadow Mountain.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Haagen Daz Coffee. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Vanilla.
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Their grooming.
15. RED OR PINK? Red. Wait, pink. No, red. Although when I was in high school, I hated pink and swore that I would never wear pink. I got over that quickly.
16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? My social ineptitude.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? can't say.
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST? Only if they want to. In fact, I don't even want them to read mine if they find these annoying.
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Black pants, no shoes.
20. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? nothing.
21. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Can't choose. I have a really hard time picking favorites.
22.FAVORITE SMELL? You're not listening. (see #22). coffee, popcorn, eucalyptus, pine forest. Not all at the same time.
23. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My mom.
24. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Winter X Games was a lot of fun.
25. HAIR COLOR? Light brown/grey.
26. EYE COLOR? Brown
27. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? For 31 years until I got Lasix two summers ago. What an awesome thing!
28. FAVORITE FOOD? What's with all the favorites? right now i'd really like some cheese fondue.
29. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy Endings
30. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? The Dark Knight.
31. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Red.
32. SUMMER OR WINTER? Yes.
33. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs
34. FAVORITE DESSERT? chocolate mousse. raspberry sorbet. creme brulee. apple pie.
35. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Jonathan Alter's The Defining Moment
36. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? I have a laptop so no mousepad.
37. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? No TV.
38. FAVORITE SOUND(S)? I love the noon whistle in downtown Aspen. I love the cannon at the Smuggler Mine when they set it off early morning every 4th of July. I love hearing the muffled booms from the avalanche bombs on Aspen Mountain. I love the roar of the Roaring Fork River at the Grottos.
39. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? The Beatles
40. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Beijing, China
41. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Annoying my daughter?
42. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Columbus Hospital in Chicago, IL
43. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER? At a birthday party. It's actually a better story than that but it's kinda long so you can skip it if you want. We first saw each other at a birthday party for Cindy, a friend of his. I was just tagging along with a co-worker of mine. We didn't technically meet that day but he did meet Rachel. Two days later, I was actually introduced to him at another friend's, Annie. It was the 4th of July so we watched the fireworks together. (Yes, there were fireworks when we met.) Earlier that day, at the same friend's, I had also met a co-worker/friend/neighbor of Steve's, Jay. Jay asked Annie for my phone number so Annie asked me and I said yes (I found out later that my co-worker was beside herself about that because Jay had quite the reputation). Annie also talked Steve into volunteering to teach Rachel to ride her bike. Jay and Steve had no idea that they had both met me on the same day. Steve came over on Thursday for dinner and to teach Rachel but Rachel decided not to come home after summer camp that day (she was 8). Turns out, she had snuck in the back door of the apartment, gotten her bathing suit and snuck back out to go swimming at one of the lodge pools with a tourist child she had met on the way home. Steve , not knowing if he should be worried, offered to go look for her. I said no, 'cause I knew she'd be home eventually. And she was. Only 2 hours late. The next day, Jay called me to go to a movie. I was digging all the attention. Smart man that he was, he also invited Rachel. But things got kinda wierd when he called me to say that "they" were on their way. They??? He was bringing Steve!? and another friend. Huh? So, Steve, Jay, Ned, Rachel and I went to see The Kid. Jay did say that he'd take me out to dinner soon, just him and me. Two days later, I go to a benefit that both Jay and Steve were going to be at and Jay tells me that Steve's interested in me so he's going to back off and that I should call him if it didn't work out with Steve. I was kinda annoyed. I mean, if I had two guys interested in me, shouldn't I get to choose? But, it was a very gentlemanly thing for Jay to do and it all worked out for the best anyhow.
44. IS THE CUP HALF FULL OR HALF EMPTY? Half full
45. IF YOU COULD SIT DOWN TO DINNER WITH FIVE PEOPLE WHO WOULD YOU CHOOSE? That's a tough one but it's a great question to ask at the dinner table. Some pretty spirited conversations can result.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
I've seen 102 out of 268 films
Supposedly if you've seen over 85 films, you have no life. I will gladly cop to that since movies rock.
Mark the ones you've seen. There are 268 films on this list.
(But there are just so many missing . . .)
(X)Rocky Horror Picture Show
(X) Grease
(X) Pirates of the Caribbean
(X) Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man's Chest
( ) Boondock Saints
( ) Fight Club
(X) Starsky and Hutch
( ) Neverending Story
(X) Blazing Saddles
(X) Airplane
Total: 7
(X) The Princess Bride
(X) Anchorman
( ) Napoleon Dynamite
( ) Labyrinth
( ) Saw
( ) Saw II
( ) White Noise
(X) White Oleander
(X) Anger Management
(X) 50 First Dates
(X) The Princess Diaries
( ) The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
Total so far: 13
( ) Scream
( ) Scream 2
( ) Scream 3
(X) Scary Movie
( ) Scary Movie 2
( ) Scary Movie 3
( ) Scary Movie 4
( ) American Pie
( ) American Pie 2
( ) American Wedding
( ) American Pie Band Camp
Total so far: 14
(X) Harry Potter 1
(X) Harry Potter 2
(X) Harry Potter 3
(X) Harry Potter 4
( ) Resident Evil 1
( ) Resident Evil 2
( ) The Wedding Singer
(X) Little Black Book
( ) The Village
(X) Lilo & Stitch
Total so far: 20
(X) Finding Nemo
(X) Finding Neverland
( ) Signs
(X) The Grinch
( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre
( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning
( ) White Chicks
( ) Butterfly Effect
(X) 13 Going on 30
( ) I, Robot
( ) Robots
Total so far: 24
( ) Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
( ) Universal Soldier
( ) Lemony Snicket: A Series Of Unfortunate Events
( ) Along Came Polly
( ) Deep Impact
( ) Kingpin
(X) Never Been Kissed
(X) Meet The Parents
(X) Meet the Fockers
( ) Eight Crazy Nights
( ) Joe Dirt
(X) King Kong
Total so far: 28
( ) A Cinderella Story
(X) The Terminal
( ) The Lizzie McGuire Movie
( ) Passport to Paris
( ) Dumb & Dumber
( ) Dumber & Dumberer
( ) Final Destination
( ) Final Destination 2
( ) Final Destination 3
(X) Halloween
( ) The Ring
( ) The Ring 2
( ) Surviving X-MAS
(X) Flubber
Total so far: 31
( ) Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle
(X) Practical Magic
(X) Chicago
( ) Ghost Ship
( ) From Hell
( ) Hellboy
( ) Secret Window
( ) I Am Sam
( ) The Whole Nine Yards
( ) The Whole Ten Yards
Total so far: 33
( ) The Day After Tomorrow
( ) Child's Play
( ) Seed of Chucky
( ) Bride of Chucky
(X) Ten Things I Hate About You
( ) Just Married
( ) Gothika
(X) Nightmare on Elm Street
(X) Sixteen Candles
(X) Remember the Titans
( ) Coach Carter
( ) The Grudge
( ) The Grudge 2
( ) The Mask
( ) Son Of The Mask
Total so far: 37
( ) Bad Boys
( ) Bad Boys 2
( ) Joy Ride
( ) Lucky Number Slevin
(X) Ocean's Eleven
( ) Ocean's Twelve
( ) Bourne Identity
( ) Bourne Supremecy
( ) Lone Star
( ) Bedazzled
( ) Predator I
( ) Predator II
( ) The Fog
( ) Ice Age
( ) Ice Age 2: The Meltdown
( ) Curious George
Total so far: 38
(X) Independence Day
( ) Cujo
( ) A Bronx Tale
( ) Darkness Falls
( ) Christine
(X) ET
( ) Children of the Corn
( ) My Boss' Daughter
(X) Maid in Manhattan
(X) War of the Worlds
( ) Rush Hour
( ) Rush Hour 2
Total so far: 42
( ) Best Bet
(X) How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
( ) She's All That
(X) Calendar Girls
(X) Sideways
(X) Mars Attacks
( ) Event Horizon
(X) Ever After
(X) Wizard of Oz
(X) Forrest Gump
( ) Big Trouble in Little China
(X) The Terminator
(X) The Terminator 2
(X) The Terminator 3
Total so far: 52
(X) X-Men
(X) X-2
(X) X-3
(X) Spider-Man
(X) Spider-Man 2
(X) Sky High
( ) Jeepers Creepers
( ) Jeepers Creepers 2
(X) Catch Me If You Can
(X) The Little Mermaid
(X) Freaky Friday
( ) Reign of Fire
( ) The Skulls
(X) Cruel Intentions
( ) Cruel Intentions 2
( ) The Hot Chick
(X) Shrek
( ) Shrek 2
Total so far: 63
( ) Swimfan
(X) Miracle on 34th street
(X) Old School
( ) The Notebook
( ) K-Pax
( ) Krippendorf's Tribe
(X) A Walk to Remember
(X) Ice Castles
( ) Boogeyman
(X) The 40-year-old Virgin
Total so far: 68
(X) Lord of the Rings Fellowship of the Ring
(X) Lord of the Rings The Two Towers
(X) Lord of the Rings Return Of the King
(X) Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
(X) Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
(X) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
( ) Basketball
( ) Hostel
(X) Waiting for Guffman
( ) House of 1000 Corpses
( ) Devils Rejects
(X) Elf
(X) Highlander
( ) Mothman Prophecies
( ) American History X
( ) Three
Total so far: 77
( ) The Jacket
( ) Kung Fu Hustle
( ) Night Watch
(X) Monsters Inc.
(X) Titanic
(X) Monty Python and the Holy Grail
( ) Shaun Of the Dead
( ) Willard
Total so far: 80
( ) High Tension
( ) Club Dread
( ) Hulk
( ) Dawn Of the Dead
(X) Hook
(X) Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe
( ) 28 days
( ) Orgazmo
( ) Phantasm
( ) Waterworld
Total so far: 82
(X) Kill Bill vol 1
(X) Kill Bill vol 2
( ) Mortal Kombat
( ) Wolf Creek
( ) Kingdom of Heaven
( ) The Hills Have Eyes
( ) I Spit on Your Grave aka the Day of the Woman
( ) The Last House on the Left
( ) Re-Animator
( ) Army of Darkness
Total so far: 84
(X) Star Wars Ep. I The Phantom Menace
( ) Star Wars Ep. II Attack of the Clones
( ) Star Wars Ep. III Revenge of the Sith
(X) Star Wars Ep. IV A New Hope
(X) Star Wars Ep. V The Empire Strikes Back
(X) Star Wars Ep. VI Return of the Jedi
( ) Ewoks Caravan Of Courage
( ) Ewoks The Battle For Endor
Total so far: 88
(X) The Matrix
(X) The Matrix Reloaded
( ) The Matrix Revolutions
( ) Animatrix
( ) Evil Dead
( ) Evil Dead 2
( ) Team America: World Police
( ) Red Dragon
(X) Silence of the Lambs
( ) Hannibal
Total so far: 91
(X) Slumdog Millionaire
( ) The Reader
( ) Revolutionary Road
(X) The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
(X) Milk
( ) Frost/Nixon
(X) The Visitor
( ) The Wrestler
(X) Rachel Getting Married
( ) Changeling
( ) Doubt
(X) Wall-E
( ) Defiance
(X) The Dark Knight
( ) Wanted
(X) Iron Man
(X) Tropic Thunder
( ) The Duchess
(X) In Bruges
(X) Happy-Go-Lucky
( ) Vicky Christina Barcelona
Grand total: 102
Now add them up and put "I've seen X out of 268 films" in the subject line and repost it.
Mark the ones you've seen. There are 268 films on this list.
(But there are just so many missing . . .)
(X)Rocky Horror Picture Show
(X) Grease
(X) Pirates of the Caribbean
(X) Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man's Chest
( ) Boondock Saints
( ) Fight Club
(X) Starsky and Hutch
( ) Neverending Story
(X) Blazing Saddles
(X) Airplane
Total: 7
(X) The Princess Bride
(X) Anchorman
( ) Napoleon Dynamite
( ) Labyrinth
( ) Saw
( ) Saw II
( ) White Noise
(X) White Oleander
(X) Anger Management
(X) 50 First Dates
(X) The Princess Diaries
( ) The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
Total so far: 13
( ) Scream
( ) Scream 2
( ) Scream 3
(X) Scary Movie
( ) Scary Movie 2
( ) Scary Movie 3
( ) Scary Movie 4
( ) American Pie
( ) American Pie 2
( ) American Wedding
( ) American Pie Band Camp
Total so far: 14
(X) Harry Potter 1
(X) Harry Potter 2
(X) Harry Potter 3
(X) Harry Potter 4
( ) Resident Evil 1
( ) Resident Evil 2
( ) The Wedding Singer
(X) Little Black Book
( ) The Village
(X) Lilo & Stitch
Total so far: 20
(X) Finding Nemo
(X) Finding Neverland
( ) Signs
(X) The Grinch
( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre
( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning
( ) White Chicks
( ) Butterfly Effect
(X) 13 Going on 30
( ) I, Robot
( ) Robots
Total so far: 24
( ) Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
( ) Universal Soldier
( ) Lemony Snicket: A Series Of Unfortunate Events
( ) Along Came Polly
( ) Deep Impact
( ) Kingpin
(X) Never Been Kissed
(X) Meet The Parents
(X) Meet the Fockers
( ) Eight Crazy Nights
( ) Joe Dirt
(X) King Kong
Total so far: 28
( ) A Cinderella Story
(X) The Terminal
( ) The Lizzie McGuire Movie
( ) Passport to Paris
( ) Dumb & Dumber
( ) Dumber & Dumberer
( ) Final Destination
( ) Final Destination 2
( ) Final Destination 3
(X) Halloween
( ) The Ring
( ) The Ring 2
( ) Surviving X-MAS
(X) Flubber
Total so far: 31
( ) Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle
(X) Practical Magic
(X) Chicago
( ) Ghost Ship
( ) From Hell
( ) Hellboy
( ) Secret Window
( ) I Am Sam
( ) The Whole Nine Yards
( ) The Whole Ten Yards
Total so far: 33
( ) The Day After Tomorrow
( ) Child's Play
( ) Seed of Chucky
( ) Bride of Chucky
(X) Ten Things I Hate About You
( ) Just Married
( ) Gothika
(X) Nightmare on Elm Street
(X) Sixteen Candles
(X) Remember the Titans
( ) Coach Carter
( ) The Grudge
( ) The Grudge 2
( ) The Mask
( ) Son Of The Mask
Total so far: 37
( ) Bad Boys
( ) Bad Boys 2
( ) Joy Ride
( ) Lucky Number Slevin
(X) Ocean's Eleven
( ) Ocean's Twelve
( ) Bourne Identity
( ) Bourne Supremecy
( ) Lone Star
( ) Bedazzled
( ) Predator I
( ) Predator II
( ) The Fog
( ) Ice Age
( ) Ice Age 2: The Meltdown
( ) Curious George
Total so far: 38
(X) Independence Day
( ) Cujo
( ) A Bronx Tale
( ) Darkness Falls
( ) Christine
(X) ET
( ) Children of the Corn
( ) My Boss' Daughter
(X) Maid in Manhattan
(X) War of the Worlds
( ) Rush Hour
( ) Rush Hour 2
Total so far: 42
( ) Best Bet
(X) How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
( ) She's All That
(X) Calendar Girls
(X) Sideways
(X) Mars Attacks
( ) Event Horizon
(X) Ever After
(X) Wizard of Oz
(X) Forrest Gump
( ) Big Trouble in Little China
(X) The Terminator
(X) The Terminator 2
(X) The Terminator 3
Total so far: 52
(X) X-Men
(X) X-2
(X) X-3
(X) Spider-Man
(X) Spider-Man 2
(X) Sky High
( ) Jeepers Creepers
( ) Jeepers Creepers 2
(X) Catch Me If You Can
(X) The Little Mermaid
(X) Freaky Friday
( ) Reign of Fire
( ) The Skulls
(X) Cruel Intentions
( ) Cruel Intentions 2
( ) The Hot Chick
(X) Shrek
( ) Shrek 2
Total so far: 63
( ) Swimfan
(X) Miracle on 34th street
(X) Old School
( ) The Notebook
( ) K-Pax
( ) Krippendorf's Tribe
(X) A Walk to Remember
(X) Ice Castles
( ) Boogeyman
(X) The 40-year-old Virgin
Total so far: 68
(X) Lord of the Rings Fellowship of the Ring
(X) Lord of the Rings The Two Towers
(X) Lord of the Rings Return Of the King
(X) Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
(X) Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
(X) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
( ) Basketball
( ) Hostel
(X) Waiting for Guffman
( ) House of 1000 Corpses
( ) Devils Rejects
(X) Elf
(X) Highlander
( ) Mothman Prophecies
( ) American History X
( ) Three
Total so far: 77
( ) The Jacket
( ) Kung Fu Hustle
( ) Night Watch
(X) Monsters Inc.
(X) Titanic
(X) Monty Python and the Holy Grail
( ) Shaun Of the Dead
( ) Willard
Total so far: 80
( ) High Tension
( ) Club Dread
( ) Hulk
( ) Dawn Of the Dead
(X) Hook
(X) Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe
( ) 28 days
( ) Orgazmo
( ) Phantasm
( ) Waterworld
Total so far: 82
(X) Kill Bill vol 1
(X) Kill Bill vol 2
( ) Mortal Kombat
( ) Wolf Creek
( ) Kingdom of Heaven
( ) The Hills Have Eyes
( ) I Spit on Your Grave aka the Day of the Woman
( ) The Last House on the Left
( ) Re-Animator
( ) Army of Darkness
Total so far: 84
(X) Star Wars Ep. I The Phantom Menace
( ) Star Wars Ep. II Attack of the Clones
( ) Star Wars Ep. III Revenge of the Sith
(X) Star Wars Ep. IV A New Hope
(X) Star Wars Ep. V The Empire Strikes Back
(X) Star Wars Ep. VI Return of the Jedi
( ) Ewoks Caravan Of Courage
( ) Ewoks The Battle For Endor
Total so far: 88
(X) The Matrix
(X) The Matrix Reloaded
( ) The Matrix Revolutions
( ) Animatrix
( ) Evil Dead
( ) Evil Dead 2
( ) Team America: World Police
( ) Red Dragon
(X) Silence of the Lambs
( ) Hannibal
Total so far: 91
(X) Slumdog Millionaire
( ) The Reader
( ) Revolutionary Road
(X) The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
(X) Milk
( ) Frost/Nixon
(X) The Visitor
( ) The Wrestler
(X) Rachel Getting Married
( ) Changeling
( ) Doubt
(X) Wall-E
( ) Defiance
(X) The Dark Knight
( ) Wanted
(X) Iron Man
(X) Tropic Thunder
( ) The Duchess
(X) In Bruges
(X) Happy-Go-Lucky
( ) Vicky Christina Barcelona
Grand total: 102
Now add them up and put "I've seen X out of 268 films" in the subject line and repost it.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
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)."
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)."
Friday, February 27, 2009
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.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, February 23, 2009
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.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
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 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.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
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 . . .
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 . . .
Friday, February 20, 2009
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
(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
Thursday, February 19, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
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.
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 . . . ;-)
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 . . . ;-)
Sunday, February 15, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
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.
Friday, February 13, 2009
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.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
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!
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!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
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.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Sunday, February 08, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, February 06, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
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.
Monday, February 02, 2009
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.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
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.
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