A friend of mine, Beth Adams, sent a note out to folks on Facebook asking them to write 16 things about themselves, and then to tag others to do the same.
This has been a year of soul-searching, and this was what I could muster at the time:
1. I am a proud aunt to a beautiful little girl, Lily.
2. I have two dogs: Pepsi, who is 11 and may be starting to go deaf; and Bruiser, who is 6 and went completely blind over the course of two weeks this year.
3. I can instill fear into people's hearts by raising my left eyebrow.
4. I live to shop.
5. My favorite Christmas movie is the original Miracle on 34th Street.
6. A ring intended for my finger will also fit perfectly on my thumb.
7. In 1969, on my birthdate, The Who released the rock opera "Tommy."
8. Any time it is on television, I will watch the movie Jaws. I seriously can't not watch it.
9. When I was little, my dream was to be an animator for Disney.
10. I do not have any tattoos, but I would like to get one when I turn 40.
11. I may be the only girl on the planet who thinks The Three Stooges is a riot.
12. I can't get the song "Ironman" out of my head. I've been humming it constantly for months.
13. I was born a geek. In my baby book, it says one of my favorite songs was the theme song to Star Trek.
14. I would go back to Paris in a heartbeat.
15. I am fascinated by body oddities.
16. Mushrooms and seafood of any kind make me sick.
So, if I had to re-do the list, I would add the following:
1. Lily rocks. There's no re-do on that.
2. My parents and my sister rock, too.
3. Divorce really sucks, but it has its benefits. I found out I am stronger than I thought I was. I know who my friends are, and that I've been blessed with many. And, I know that all is not lost in love - that it was right around the corner. LITERALLY. (Manfriend is really cute and sweet and located within a stone's throw from my house...)
4. Miscarriages suck. There are zero benefits associated with this event. I secretly named the first child Abby Rose and the second one Michael. I have no idea what their genders actually were, but in my heart I knew their names.
5. I want a tattoo, but I don't think I'm going to wait until I'm 40 to get one. I'd like to either get an anklet tattoo, or angel wings on my right shoulder. With either one, I don't believe there will be any sagging skin issues when I get older.
6. I want to be a mom, and want to have the experience of giving birth, but I am terrified of having another miscarriage.
7. I want to get my doctorate in I/O psychology.
8. I don't feel guilty about forgiving my ex-husband, nor do I feel guilty about sending him a Christmas card (because it's the season and that's what Jesus would freakin' do). Nor do I feel guilty about not wanting to talk to him.
9. I worry about too much and I tend to overprocess stuff in my head. I'm okay with that.
10. I want to make a difference in the world. In what section of the world, I have no idea.
11. I am ticked off at myself for procrastinating on the book I've been wanting to write.
12. When I was little, I loved watching Abbott and Costello movies and Creature Double Feature with my Dad. Channel 48 rocked my world, until I discovered MTV.
13. I love to cook. Baking is another story.
14. I can make people laugh, and I cherish that talent. Granted, I'm no Robin Williams, but I can still put smiles on faces.
15. I hear Tuscany is pretty. I want to go visit and eat pasta with the peeps there.
16. The orginal "16 things about me" still apply.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
And So The Christmas Season Begins...
Three men died on Christmas Eve and were met by Saint Peter at the pearly gates.
"In honor of this holy season," Saint Peter said, "you must each possess something that symbolizes Christmas to get into heaven."
The first man fumbled through his pockets and pulled out a lighter. He flicked it on. "It represents a candle," he said.
"You may pass through the pearly gates," Saint Peter said.
The second man reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys. He shook them and said, "They're bells."
Saint Peter said, "You may pass through the pearly gates."
The third man started searching desperately through his pockets and finally pulled out a pair of women's panties.
St. Peter looked at the man with a raised eyebrow and asked, "And just what do those symbolize?"
The man replied, "These are Carols."
And So The Christmas Season Begins . . .
"In honor of this holy season," Saint Peter said, "you must each possess something that symbolizes Christmas to get into heaven."
The first man fumbled through his pockets and pulled out a lighter. He flicked it on. "It represents a candle," he said.
"You may pass through the pearly gates," Saint Peter said.
The second man reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys. He shook them and said, "They're bells."
Saint Peter said, "You may pass through the pearly gates."
The third man started searching desperately through his pockets and finally pulled out a pair of women's panties.
St. Peter looked at the man with a raised eyebrow and asked, "And just what do those symbolize?"
The man replied, "These are Carols."
And So The Christmas Season Begins . . .
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Epiphany by Way of Lilly Pulitzer
This week, I had an e-mail exchange with my ex-sister-in-law. She and I get along very well, so it wasn't a 'grrrowl' kind of conversation. It was more of a 'hey - haven't talked to you in a while and wanted to see how you're doing' type of conversation. Admittedly, I haven't reached out in a while. I've been somewhat happily distracted with trying to restrain myself from buying every baby item in sight for my niece Lily (and failing miserably), and with the growing relationship I have with Manfriend.
During this pleasant e-mail exchange, I found out that the ex will be hosting Thanksgiving at his house. This elicited three reactions from me: surprise, laughter (because I can't imagine the ex getting together any sort of holiday feast) and a lot of hurt feelings. The third reaction caught me off-guard. It was a very 'when Harry met Sally' moment. I sat there and stared at the words in the e-mail and thought to myself in all the years we were married, I can't really remember a time where he actively wanted a family gathering at our house. Then I realized - that's because he didn't want holidays at our house. He wanted them at his house. With his family.For every moment I feel like I'm on track and that I am past all of the heartache, something like this surfaces. And, peeps, I gotta tell you: It sucks.
I needed something to pull me out of the funk, and as fate would have it, retail therapy helped me. On Saturday, I went with my cousin's wife and her friend to the Lilly Pulitzer warehouse sale. I've never owned a single piece of Lilly Pulitzer clothing. The line is very bright, and laden with pinks and greens. Very girly-meets-golfpro. I'm feminine, and very much like being a girl, but I wouldn't describe my style as preppy in the least.
The warehouse sale opened my eyes to a new perspective. Sure, there were the pink-and-green-paisley-flowery-overloaded pieces, but there were also bold, feminine solids and prints, too. I was pleasantly surprised, and managed to walk away with some really nice pieces for myself, as well as for my niece (yep - failed to restrain myself) and for my friend's five year old daughter.
I also walked away realizing it's okay to be sad. It's okay for me to be irritated. But it's also time to turn over a new leaf. Why wallow in the past, when the past wasn't that great? Why live there and get angry over things I can't change?
I can't say I was instantly 100% yippie-skippy happy, but I know the last five years did not look good on me. Sure, this new time in my life isn't what I expected. But...it's looking pretty good.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
It's That Time of the Year Again!
WOW! It's cold outside. Of course, it is late November. (Seriously, where did this year go?)Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner. While we'll be enjoying many holiday feasts, there are many who won't be as lucky, which is why I love WMMR's Preston and Steve. For the past several years they have hosted the Campout For Hunger campaign. All donations benefit Philabundance, a terrific organization.
Click here for further details: http://www.wmmr.com/pages/pages.php?page=97.
There are two ways to donate this year:
- Donations will be accepted Monday through Thursday from 6am to about 9pm, and Friday, December 5th from 6am to 10am, at the Metroplex Shopping Center in Plymouth Meeting, PA.
- You can also donate throughout November if you can't make it to the Plymouth Meeting location with the Camp Out Head Start Program.
For the past three years, I've gone and dropped off bags of food. The Giant in the Metroplex makes it easy, too, by making up $10 bags you can purchase and drop off at the Camp Out site.
If you're in the area, I hope you'll stop by and make a donation. Not only is it for a good cause, but it's great big fun, too. Last year: I saw Jedi Knights.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Surviving the Talky-Talk
I know, dear readers, you may not be able to understand this, but I am not so good with expressing my emotions and feelings in person. Not good with the talky-talk at all.
On this blog, it's easy. There's no human face I have to confront. It's merely a computer screen. I can get as angry, silly or expressive as I want, and feel safe. Words flow through my fingers onto the screen. I can take it all out on the keyboard. Ahhh. There is relief.
In person I have Talker's Block, especially when I feel upset. When I'm feeling hurt - even if I know the issue is minimal or completely stupid - it means there is an opportunity for me to lose control. There's also that fear I will lose the other person's love, respect, or friendship. I don't like being out of control, or being vulnerable. So when I am upset, I shut down.
I did that during the last five years of my marriage, and being unhappy took a physical and emotional toll on me. I swore I would not allow that to happen again, and speak up if I was upset about anything.
Embracing the talky-talk requires a lot of bravery. It's a challenge, with the Talker's Block. The talky-talk gets stuck in my throat, and fear takes over.
I am trying not to do that with Manfriend. I find it to be difficult, to have that voice, to say things like "I'm disappointed" for fear the person to whom I say it won't give a shit. Or that I'm not worth it to finish the conversation.
Right now, my talky-talk voice sounds more like me being short and wanting to pick a fight, when the last thing I want to do is pick a fight. Because I hate fighting. Because fighting requires talky-talk. Combine the Talker's Block with Auntie Flow, and I become downright moronic.
Luckily for me, Manfriend is a smart boy. He is intuitive. He's also kind-hearted and patient. I got called out of line when God was handing out intuition and patience, so I'm fascinated when I see it in other people.
As I said in the previous post, I slurped down a great big giant bowl of Brain Fart during Auntie Flow's last visit. I was moody. Over nothing. Well - that's not true. I built something up in my head (and, damn it was fantastic) and when it didn't happen I took it out on Manfriend by being short on the phone, in instant messaging and by being snarky in general.
Cynicism has been in my arsenal of tools when building emotional walls, so it's readily available 24 by 7.
Smart boy that he is, he called me on it. And we talked. And he had the words for all the things I had difficulty in expressing.
You know what? It was like a mini flood gate. I actually was able to form words, and get out all the emotional stuff.
You know what else? It felt good.
You wanna know what else?
Huh?
No one got hurt in the making of this discussion.
I survived the conversation. I found out things about us, too, that were all good things. I found out that as much as I was disappointed, he was, too. That as much as I had looked forward to the thing in my head that I wanted to be reality, he did, too. That he's a talker, and I need to talk more. (Ok, that wasn't much of a revelation.)
So, I made it through my first foray into the talky-talk. And, God! Am I happy. Who knew talking could make things better?
Yeah, yeah - you all did. I know.
Shut it.
On this blog, it's easy. There's no human face I have to confront. It's merely a computer screen. I can get as angry, silly or expressive as I want, and feel safe. Words flow through my fingers onto the screen. I can take it all out on the keyboard. Ahhh. There is relief.
In person I have Talker's Block, especially when I feel upset. When I'm feeling hurt - even if I know the issue is minimal or completely stupid - it means there is an opportunity for me to lose control. There's also that fear I will lose the other person's love, respect, or friendship. I don't like being out of control, or being vulnerable. So when I am upset, I shut down.
I did that during the last five years of my marriage, and being unhappy took a physical and emotional toll on me. I swore I would not allow that to happen again, and speak up if I was upset about anything.
Embracing the talky-talk requires a lot of bravery. It's a challenge, with the Talker's Block. The talky-talk gets stuck in my throat, and fear takes over.
I am trying not to do that with Manfriend. I find it to be difficult, to have that voice, to say things like "I'm disappointed" for fear the person to whom I say it won't give a shit. Or that I'm not worth it to finish the conversation.
Right now, my talky-talk voice sounds more like me being short and wanting to pick a fight, when the last thing I want to do is pick a fight. Because I hate fighting. Because fighting requires talky-talk. Combine the Talker's Block with Auntie Flow, and I become downright moronic.
Luckily for me, Manfriend is a smart boy. He is intuitive. He's also kind-hearted and patient. I got called out of line when God was handing out intuition and patience, so I'm fascinated when I see it in other people.
As I said in the previous post, I slurped down a great big giant bowl of Brain Fart during Auntie Flow's last visit. I was moody. Over nothing. Well - that's not true. I built something up in my head (and, damn it was fantastic) and when it didn't happen I took it out on Manfriend by being short on the phone, in instant messaging and by being snarky in general.
Cynicism has been in my arsenal of tools when building emotional walls, so it's readily available 24 by 7.
Smart boy that he is, he called me on it. And we talked. And he had the words for all the things I had difficulty in expressing.
You know what? It was like a mini flood gate. I actually was able to form words, and get out all the emotional stuff.
You know what else? It felt good.
You wanna know what else?
Huh?
No one got hurt in the making of this discussion.
I survived the conversation. I found out things about us, too, that were all good things. I found out that as much as I was disappointed, he was, too. That as much as I had looked forward to the thing in my head that I wanted to be reality, he did, too. That he's a talker, and I need to talk more. (Ok, that wasn't much of a revelation.)
So, I made it through my first foray into the talky-talk. And, God! Am I happy. Who knew talking could make things better?
Yeah, yeah - you all did. I know.
Shut it.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Attack of the Brain Fart...
Auntie Flo sometimes brings many visitors with her, as I've explained before in this blog. Remember Uncle Cranky? Eat Everything in Sight?Yeah, well...I forgot to mention one other item that accompanies her: Brain Fart.
Brain Fart makes me either forgetful or stupid. This month, it made me a big bowlful of stupid. And I slurped it up.
I warned Manfriend I would have my crazy moments, and I unleashed a whole bunch of it tonight on him. And now...he wants to talk about it. Oy. I'm good at putting words to paper. Sometimes a little too good. And I made a mountain out of a molehill tonight. Actually, I made a mountain out of an imaginary molehill. Not so good with the talky-talk. I'm grateful he is, and I'm sure I'll be listening most of the time and trying to beg out of the conversation with offering all the food I have in my house to him.
How about coffee?
Diet coke?
Pepperoni?
Provolone?
Pickles?
American cheese wrapped in plastic?
All I can say is...it was a weird night. I was feeling a little insecure, and thanks to my big bowl of stupid, I unleashed a by-product worse than any fart either of my dogs could produce, the green-eyed monster:
O, beware, my lord, of jealousy!
It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock
The meat it feeds on.
I am happily smitten with Manfriend. He knows this. I know this. And then...Auntie Flo plants the Brain Fart bowl in front of me. Slurp.
So, Manfriend...you were warned I would have my moments of insanity. Thank goodness you are level-headed.
I'm glad Auntie has packed the last of her tricks for this month and is on her way out, because I need a break from the Brain Fart. It has made me a bit addle-brained, and I'd like to be the intelligent, reasonable human being I normally am most days.
Wife Moved On...with Cake and Friends...
I had a nice time on Saturday with girlfriends and family in officially saying goodbye to my previous life. And I did it with cake! Mmmmmm...chocolate chip...
Doesn't this cake look awesome? Well...it was. Despite my best efforts of sending large chunks of it home with guests, I still had a bit left. I just finished eating the rest of it last night. And I loved every sugar-coma bit of it.
The moment of being with friends and saying goodbye to the bad part of my marriage (especially the end) was just as sweet as the cake. There was nothing bitter about the moment. No angry moments. I think it's because I'm reaching happy.
Well...yay, me!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Two Rights and a Weft
As always, I had fun with my girls on Saturday. We've decided to make an annual tradition out of going to Eastern State Penitentiary's Terror Behind the Walls. It's never a dull moment, and we're all equally impressed with how well it is run.
As I've said in previous posts, Saturday was what would have been my 11th wedding anniversary. My sister sent me a text saying she was thinking of me on Friday, which was really nice of her.
Be proud of me: I only broke down twice.
At the vet's as I was waiting for her to come in to check on my poor dog Pep who broke into hives, I started to think about what the day was, and had myself a good cry.
I also broke down after Manfriend came over, picked me up, went grocery shopping with me, bought me red roses, carried in my groceries and took out my trash as I put stuff away. I stood there at one point in amazement. We went to the grocery store, and we didn't get huffy or pissy with one another. We had our lists. We grabbed what was on our lists. We paid for our groceries. We packed his car. No incidents. None. Huh. No kidding. It was a fabulous domestic date.
I know this looks like a no-brainer. Uh, hello? Cheryl? It's food shopping. But, my ex-husband and I were not good co-grocery shoppers. We were fine individually, but put us together to shop for food - forget it.
Before Manfriend left, he gave me a bear hug and a kiss, and told me if I needed anything to call him. He's a total sweetheart. I love he's so willing to be available. And I don't mean like a taxi-cab kind of available. I mean, mentally available.
Yes, I'm gushing. I'm okay with that. But, it was again overwhelming, and as soon as he walked out the door, I cried. I cry at his kindness, because it is simply wonderful. Eventually I will get over the crying phase, but for now, it's what I do in reaction to what he does.
Back to girls night out: The girls arrived at 6:00, and we had dinner which consisted of lasagna (not mine, restaurant-purchased) and garlic bread, and dessert, which consisted of munching down a bunch of halloween candy and chatting it up in my kitchen. I was having such a good time I threw it out there we could ditch Terror Behind the Walls and just drink and chat. But, I had purchased the tickets, and the girls looked like they wanted to go out, so we piled into my car and drove to Broad and Spring Garden Streets to take the Ghost Bus to Eastern State Penitentiary.
As we were waiting to board the Ghost Bus, J told us a story, and it made me laugh so hard I snort-laughed. The two guys in front of us whipped their heads around, saw that I was the one snort-laughing, and said that the noise eminating from me was "impressive." When we entered the attraction, J got the attention of one of the zombies who followed her to two parts of the prison. This happened last year, too, as a zombie dressed in a zoot suit followed her through a room. Creepy and funny all at once. I 'laugh-screamed' every five minutes. T actually screamed a few times, too, which was terrific. It was so worth it.
When we left the Terror Behind the Walls and walked back to our parking, an Escalade drove by us, and all of a sudden we heard from the SUV: "Hey! Heeeey! I remember YOU!" and with that, we heard, "SNORT!" The guy actually made a pig snort noise.
Nice that my snort-laugh makes a lasting impression.
My jaw dropped. I waved, and told the guy to rock on as he and his group sped away. I thought T was going to wet her pants from laughing. J just stood there and shook her head. Ah, Philly. Yet another place of weirdo magnetism.
We get to the parking lot, and since I had forgotten to print out reverse directions, I asked the parking attendant for directions to 76 West. As he's explaining, he says, "Ok, so you go down this road, make a right. Go up two lights, make a right. Go to this light, and make a weft. So, basically, it's two rights and a weft."
Weft?
"Girls," as we pull out of the parking lot, "Did he say weft?" "Yep, weft."
Ookeedokee. Thank you. For a moment, I thought that I misheard him because I had a full bladder and couldn't concentrate on anything else other than getting home to pee .
Nope. Weft.
As we sat in traffic on 76, I thought about all the great stories of the day, and not one of them involved me in the fetal position in my bed being devastated by this milestone.
I survived.
I had a great day.
All of this is just the start of great days ahead.
As I've said in previous posts, Saturday was what would have been my 11th wedding anniversary. My sister sent me a text saying she was thinking of me on Friday, which was really nice of her.
Be proud of me: I only broke down twice.
At the vet's as I was waiting for her to come in to check on my poor dog Pep who broke into hives, I started to think about what the day was, and had myself a good cry.
I also broke down after Manfriend came over, picked me up, went grocery shopping with me, bought me red roses, carried in my groceries and took out my trash as I put stuff away. I stood there at one point in amazement. We went to the grocery store, and we didn't get huffy or pissy with one another. We had our lists. We grabbed what was on our lists. We paid for our groceries. We packed his car. No incidents. None. Huh. No kidding. It was a fabulous domestic date.
I know this looks like a no-brainer. Uh, hello? Cheryl? It's food shopping. But, my ex-husband and I were not good co-grocery shoppers. We were fine individually, but put us together to shop for food - forget it.
Before Manfriend left, he gave me a bear hug and a kiss, and told me if I needed anything to call him. He's a total sweetheart. I love he's so willing to be available. And I don't mean like a taxi-cab kind of available. I mean, mentally available.
Yes, I'm gushing. I'm okay with that. But, it was again overwhelming, and as soon as he walked out the door, I cried. I cry at his kindness, because it is simply wonderful. Eventually I will get over the crying phase, but for now, it's what I do in reaction to what he does.
Back to girls night out: The girls arrived at 6:00, and we had dinner which consisted of lasagna (not mine, restaurant-purchased) and garlic bread, and dessert, which consisted of munching down a bunch of halloween candy and chatting it up in my kitchen. I was having such a good time I threw it out there we could ditch Terror Behind the Walls and just drink and chat. But, I had purchased the tickets, and the girls looked like they wanted to go out, so we piled into my car and drove to Broad and Spring Garden Streets to take the Ghost Bus to Eastern State Penitentiary.
As we were waiting to board the Ghost Bus, J told us a story, and it made me laugh so hard I snort-laughed. The two guys in front of us whipped their heads around, saw that I was the one snort-laughing, and said that the noise eminating from me was "impressive." When we entered the attraction, J got the attention of one of the zombies who followed her to two parts of the prison. This happened last year, too, as a zombie dressed in a zoot suit followed her through a room. Creepy and funny all at once. I 'laugh-screamed' every five minutes. T actually screamed a few times, too, which was terrific. It was so worth it.
When we left the Terror Behind the Walls and walked back to our parking, an Escalade drove by us, and all of a sudden we heard from the SUV: "Hey! Heeeey! I remember YOU!" and with that, we heard, "SNORT!" The guy actually made a pig snort noise.
Nice that my snort-laugh makes a lasting impression.
My jaw dropped. I waved, and told the guy to rock on as he and his group sped away. I thought T was going to wet her pants from laughing. J just stood there and shook her head. Ah, Philly. Yet another place of weirdo magnetism.
We get to the parking lot, and since I had forgotten to print out reverse directions, I asked the parking attendant for directions to 76 West. As he's explaining, he says, "Ok, so you go down this road, make a right. Go up two lights, make a right. Go to this light, and make a weft. So, basically, it's two rights and a weft."
Weft?
"Girls," as we pull out of the parking lot, "Did he say weft?" "Yep, weft."
Ookeedokee. Thank you. For a moment, I thought that I misheard him because I had a full bladder and couldn't concentrate on anything else other than getting home to pee .
Nope. Weft.
As we sat in traffic on 76, I thought about all the great stories of the day, and not one of them involved me in the fetal position in my bed being devastated by this milestone.
I survived.
I had a great day.
All of this is just the start of great days ahead.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Thank Goodness! I Thought The B*tch Would Never Leave...
Yeah, the title's a little harsh, but I'm talking about all of womankind's least favorite relative: Auntie Flow.While I appreciate her monthly visits, lemme tell you what. She came with house guests this month: Uncle Cranky, Cousin Panic Attack, and her kid Eat Everything In Sight.
Uncle Cranky was pretty fierce this month. I grumbled about everything - my work, my house, my laundry, my job, other people's jobs, and other people's lives. Uncle Cranky also comes with permanently furrowed brow. I seriously consider Botox when I look in the mirror and see my brow lines emblazoned in my forehead. Then I think what Botox is made of - ahem, botulism (ew) - and I'm perfectly happy with permanently furrowed brow, which I'm now referring to as my character lines.
So Uncle Cranky can suck it...
Cousin Panic Attack hit me last night, and was kind enough to bring intensive chest pains and uncontrollable tears for no apparent reason. She knows how much I enjoy uncontrollable tears during PMS so she brought extra. Luckily for me, manfriend has lovely arms and great bear hugs to squeeze all the rest of the tears out of me.
Finally, my favorite Auntie Flow relative, Eat Everything In Sight, did not disappoint. I think I scared the manfriend this week as I chomped down on things like pancakes the size of our heads, practically swallowed whole a Tasty Kakes Junior in about two minutes, and menacingly slurped my Egg Drop Soup from PF Chang's in his presence.
I have no shame in my game, so I'll just say it: I love Eat Everything In Sight, the fattening bastard.
What I learned this month: I was at my worst these past two weeks (I count in PMS time - I would have to be locked up if my menstrual cycle lasted for two weeks) and it was okay. It's okay to have days like this. It's okay to be sad, angry, bloated, panicked, scared, cranky, miserable and blubbery.
And now that I've said it's okay to be sad, angry, bloated, panicked, scared, cranky, miserable and blubbery, all of these have to leave with Auntie Flow and her entourage.
Go away. Now. Buh-bye. Even Eat Everything In Sight. Pack your things. Get!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The Romantic Road
I find myself in a very interesting place in life:Divorced.
What would have been my 11th wedding anniversary coming up in a few days.
And...smitten.
Yeah. Didn't see smitten happening. Didn't see it coming at all. But, now that it's here, it's quite lovely.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
House Beautiful
My Dad, bless his heart, has completed painting the rooms in my house! Yay, me! He did such a fabulous job that I had to share. The following are pictures of my living room, dining room, family room, guest room and laundry room. As you can see, I like color!!!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
The Steel Anniversary
My wedding anniversary date is just around the corner. It would have been our 11th year. The traditional anniversary gift for 11 years is steel. I would have most likely figured out a way to incorporate that into the gift I would have purchased.
Now I'm steeling myself for all of the emotional crap.
A few months ago - even a few weeks ago - I thought to myself: I don't want to see anyone on that day. I just want to be alone with my thoughts. It's the first of many milestones I'll have to deal with this year, and I don't want anyone seeing me. I'll probably be a mess.
Well, dear friends, I've decided not to be in mourning on that day. But I will be surrounded by steel! My two partners in fun, shopping and friendship and I are going to the Eastern State Penitentiary's Terror Behind The Walls attraction. It's the remains of the prison - just a bit jazzed up and scary as all get out during the Fall.
From the Eastern State Penitentiary web site:
Opened in 1829 as part of a controversial movement to change the behavior of inmates through "confinement in solitude with labor," Eastern State Penitentiary quickly became one of the most expensive and most copied buildings in the young United States. It is estimated that more than 300 prisons worldwide are based on the Penitentiary's wagon-wheel, or "radial" floor plan.
Some of America's most notorious criminals were held in the Penitentiary's vaulted, sky-lit cells, including bank robber Willie Sutton and Al Capone. After 142 years of consecutive use, Eastern State Penitentiary was completely abandoned in 1971, and now stands, a lost world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers.
Yeah, okay...maybe that description isn't exactly appealing, but we had such a blast last year. I screamed-laughed my head off as the other two girls led the way through the one-hour tour. As is custom, we'll also most likely be shivering from the pouring rain that also occurs every single time we go out. I'm not kidding! Most times, we have to go and get towels and wring our clothes out. Maybe in our previous lives we were rain makers.
I have a picture of the three of us from last year. We are freezing our butts off, and soaked to the bone, and yet you'd never know it. We're smiling ear to ear in the shot.
This year, I'm especially looking forward to it. The girls will be coming to my house, kicking a frozen margarita bucket, and staying over for girl talk and some fun time away from regular responsibilities as moms and wives.
For every memory that makes me sad, there are two that make me realize I'm going to be okay.
Now, if I can just figure out a good hangover remedy...
Now I'm steeling myself for all of the emotional crap.
A few months ago - even a few weeks ago - I thought to myself: I don't want to see anyone on that day. I just want to be alone with my thoughts. It's the first of many milestones I'll have to deal with this year, and I don't want anyone seeing me. I'll probably be a mess.
Well, dear friends, I've decided not to be in mourning on that day. But I will be surrounded by steel! My two partners in fun, shopping and friendship and I are going to the Eastern State Penitentiary's Terror Behind The Walls attraction. It's the remains of the prison - just a bit jazzed up and scary as all get out during the Fall.
From the Eastern State Penitentiary web site:
Opened in 1829 as part of a controversial movement to change the behavior of inmates through "confinement in solitude with labor," Eastern State Penitentiary quickly became one of the most expensive and most copied buildings in the young United States. It is estimated that more than 300 prisons worldwide are based on the Penitentiary's wagon-wheel, or "radial" floor plan.Some of America's most notorious criminals were held in the Penitentiary's vaulted, sky-lit cells, including bank robber Willie Sutton and Al Capone. After 142 years of consecutive use, Eastern State Penitentiary was completely abandoned in 1971, and now stands, a lost world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers.
Yeah, okay...maybe that description isn't exactly appealing, but we had such a blast last year. I screamed-laughed my head off as the other two girls led the way through the one-hour tour. As is custom, we'll also most likely be shivering from the pouring rain that also occurs every single time we go out. I'm not kidding! Most times, we have to go and get towels and wring our clothes out. Maybe in our previous lives we were rain makers.
I have a picture of the three of us from last year. We are freezing our butts off, and soaked to the bone, and yet you'd never know it. We're smiling ear to ear in the shot.
This year, I'm especially looking forward to it. The girls will be coming to my house, kicking a frozen margarita bucket, and staying over for girl talk and some fun time away from regular responsibilities as moms and wives.
For every memory that makes me sad, there are two that make me realize I'm going to be okay.
Now, if I can just figure out a good hangover remedy...
Kickin' It Circa 1980s...
Best Buy is awesome. I went there with my manfriend and perused the music aisles. I left with about $60 worth of music (5 CDs).
While I did buy Feist, The Killers and Apocalyptica...I also went old school (meaning pre-iPod days...sigh...). I bought Michael Jackson's Number Ones CD and a compilation Def Leppard CD, too.
It's October. It's Halloween season. What better way to rock out but to Thriller? As I was dancing in my car, I thought of the scene from 13 Going on 30. Yeah, Michael Jackson's more than a bit odd, but man could he make some great dance music. I don't care who you are - how do you not want to get up and dance?
Enjoy the video, thanks to YouTube:
While I did buy Feist, The Killers and Apocalyptica...I also went old school (meaning pre-iPod days...sigh...). I bought Michael Jackson's Number Ones CD and a compilation Def Leppard CD, too.
It's October. It's Halloween season. What better way to rock out but to Thriller? As I was dancing in my car, I thought of the scene from 13 Going on 30. Yeah, Michael Jackson's more than a bit odd, but man could he make some great dance music. I don't care who you are - how do you not want to get up and dance?
Enjoy the video, thanks to YouTube:
Sunday, October 5, 2008
The Happiest Place on Earth
I had the best vacation a couple of weeks ago. I could not have asked for more, even when I had the opportunity to do so.For the first time in the bazillion times I've been to Disney World in Orlando, I met the Fairy Godmother. It was a pretty cool moment, standing there with her.
I think if I had met her seven months ago, I would have given her a laundry list of wishes:
- I would have wanted February 18, 2008 - the day my then-husband of 10 plus years told me he didn't want to be married anymore - to have been erased
- I would have wanted a second chance at children
- I would have wanted purpose to my life
- I would have wanted lipo. (Hey, I didn't say the list would be completely without superficial wishes!)
Life isn't always perfect, but I am so grateful for what I have in mine. Granted, I cry now and again, but I smile more than I did a number of months ago.
So, when I saw the Fairy Godmother, I gave her a hug and smiled.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Back On Track for HealthyQuest 2008
I've been moving away from my Healthy Choice regimen, and as a result, I put back on some weight. Granted, it's not a lot of weight, but...I was down to 40 pounds of weight lost, and now it's back up to 37 pounds.Grr.
(This picture does not represent my actual weight, by the way. Or my feet. Ew.)
So, it's back to Healthy Choice meals and some quality time at the gym starting this week. Now, while today I'll be treating myself to some yummyness at the Texas Roadhouse (their sweet potatoes are out of this world), and I will be on vacation at the end of this week in Florida, I will be re-vamping my goals so that I lose another 10 pounds by the end of this year.
I simply won't go back to where I was six months ago. I had junk in the trunk, front and side to side. While I totally dig my curves, the lumps in between the curves simply weren't healthy.
So, if any of you out there have any tips for losing the last 10 pounds and maintaining the weight loss...I'm all ears...
Re-Emerging Into the Universe With Social Networks
I am finding the world of social networks to be rather interesting. I thought this would be a very solitary time in my life, to be honest. Not lonely, but alone. I don't know if that makes much sense, but in my head it does. I mean, not to get all pathethic, but I really expected to be "that woman in the house with 12 dogs" people would talk about and wonder what her story is. I was prepared for it. I accepted it, and was almost happy about it. Almost. :-)Any-hoo...
A friend of mine sent me a request to join Facebook, something I thought was for the teeny-boppers. I've reconnected to friends I had in high school, college and even my grade school. For as many "requests to connect" I've sent out, I've received equal amounts of "Remember me?" postings. It's really been quite wonderful to catch up with people. I'm not a person that generally would entertain going to a high school reunion...EVER...so this way to say hello and talk to people I remember fondly has been a real hoot!
There's also a professional network site which I've been a member of for years. It's called LinkedIn. According to its About Us section, LinkedIn is an online network of more than 25 million experienced professionals from around the world, representing 150 industries. It's terrific for expanding your professional connections and opportunities. (Plaxo Pulse is, too, by the way.) When you register, you post your work experience and education on-line, and then it's smart enough to send you a list of "People You Might Know."
As per each week, I sign onto LinkedIn, and it gives me this list. This particular time around, they gave me a person I actually did know from college. I met him when I was a freshman at college; he was dating a good friend of mine from high school, and I briefly dated his roommate. As is typical, we all went our separate ways. Generally speaking, when I request to connect in LinkedIn with professional contacts who were also friends, the response I get is an Accept and a simple "Hello! How are you?" comment and that's about the end of it, and vice versa when people connect to me. So, I was pleasantly surprised when this contact said "Hello! How are you?" and then proceeded to send me a detailed e-mail on the events of his life. I caught him up on what's been new (you know, for the past 15 years), and then followed up with an Instant Message thanking him for sending me such a nice e-mail. We wound up continuing the conversation on IM for about an hour and a half. As much as I like IM, I'm a listener, so not being able to read a person's body language or facial responses in response to what they are saying doesn't always give me enough information.
So...I was brave. I asked this person if they'd like to meet me after work and get caught up. I thought of him as a friend then, and it appears 15 years didn't change that opinion.
We met, had drinks and dinner, and wound up talking for five and a half hours. Over the course of two weeks, we've had more conversations, more dinner, and more laughter than either one of us has had in a while.
It's...nice...in a very "huh? what just happened?" kind of way.
While I may never see the majority of the people to whom I've reconnected, it's interesting that when people post comments and messages, it's still in their voices that I remember from many years ago.
I'm An Auntie!
On September 6, 2008, I became an aunt!My sister and her husband are proud parents to Miss Lily Isabel. She's a tiny, feisty girl, and doing well. She's a preemie, so she'll be in the NICU for a little while, but all indications are she's more of a Tiger Lily than a shy flower.
If I do say so myself, she's the most beautiful baby I've ever seen.
The Beginning of Cheryl's Next Chapter
It's been a while since I've posted anything here, mostly because it had been quiet on this western front.
Then, blam-o!
My divorce is final. The Court issued the divorce decree on August 20, 2008. I found out August 28, 2008, via my BlackBerry device. My attorney's office issued their final bill via e-mail on the 28th, for which I was extremely grateful. My attorney was totally kick-ass, but I paid for kick-ass. During the e-mail exchange, I asked the paralegal if she had heard anything about the status of the Decree, and she replied generally the Decree takes about 4 - 6 weeks from the time the Praecipe is delivered to the Court. We had submitted the Praecipe about three weeks from August 28th, so I thought, ok, a few more weeks, and I can get closure. I had been told in other cases it may take as long as 3 months for this to occur, too, so I was relatively happy about the 4 - 6 week estimate. Not more than five minutes after the paralegal's e-mail, I received an e-mail from my attorney, saying she actually had the paper copy of my Divorce Decree, and I've been divorced since August 20th.
Huh. Interesting.
I stared at my BlackBerry screen for about five minutes. In my head, the Divorce Decree issuance would be documentation with a gold seal in a bulky package. Nope. Not in my county. A simple e-mail, followed by a single sheet of paper from the Court saying the marriage is dissolved.
Over ten years of marriage dissolved with a single piece of paper.
Poof.
Done.
What I thought would be an emotional breakdown was a shrug of the shoulders. Please understand: I am sad this had to be the way it was. But, as people told me, I knew it was coming, so I probably had enough time to process it, over-process it, and get the closure I needed by the time I received the official Decree.
So, August 20th marks the beginning of the next chapter of my life. Wife. Goes. On.
Monday, August 18, 2008
My Warm, Fuzzy, Scratchy Weekend
(Art source: http://jenspin.blogspot.com)
I took a vacation day last Friday and visited friends from work during the long weekend.
Huh. Ironic.
Thursday night, I drove to Long Beach Island to stay with one friend, who also had her (ex) sister-in-law (she was married to the sister-in-law's brother for 25 years before he lost his ever-lovin' mind and had an affair) and (ex) brother-in-law staying with her. Her house is a gorgeous six-bedroom guest and party house approximately 1.5 blocks from the beach. Sweeeeeeet!
The next day, we walked around LBI and they talked about their favorite restaurants, amusement park, miniature golf place, memories with their kids...and restaurants. (We are Italian-American. We like our food. )
We made it to the beach, and when her sister-in-law and brother-in-law went into the ocean for a dip, my friend explained to me they were childhood sweethearts. He loved her from the very moment he saw her, and even when she broke up with him during high school at one point and dated other guys, he never stopped loving her.
Ok, look. I've been somewhat cynical over the past few months, especially when conversation wanders to romance and relationships. But, for whatever reason, their story pulled at my heartstrings, and I got that warm and fuzzy feeling for the first time during the weekend.
I have to say, they were sweet to one another. She would get him plums - or anything else he wanted to eat (I envy his metabolism); he would wait for her patiently as she stopped at yard sale tables during our walk. The sister-in-law said to me at one point marriage is a crapshoot, and that she and her husband felt blessed to have the kind of relationship they have. Indeed. They seemed genuinely happy. How great is that?
I left LBI with a sunburnt tummy on Friday night, and then called my other friend who had been asking me to come visit him and his wife on their boat in Bayville, NJ since the beginning of the summer. I told him I would be there Saturday morning. I was thinking 11; he said "Great! See you at 9:30!"
Oy.
I managed to get up at 6am, shower and whimper as the water hit particularly sunburnt parts, and drive there with 10 minutes to spare. As he prepared the boat (which was an immaculate 32-ft Chris Craft - it looks similar to the picture here) his wife showed me to the facilities and happily told me about their dock. When all was ready, he and his wife worked as a team to steer out into the bay, read maps, and anchor the boat when they found an ideal spot.
As I roasted on the front of the boat - you know, so I was pan-seared front and back - I caught glimpses of them cozying up together and looking at pictures on their digital camera. My friend likes to play it up and say sarcastic things about being married for 22 years and dating for 30, but it was clear they care for one another. Again, gave me the warm and fuzzies.
As I drove home that night, swearing to myself I didn't need that much 'color' ever again as I looked at my poor, red and burning skin, I thought about those two moments of kindness, friendship and love.
They gave me hope.
I wish that hope had come with common sense. I woke up this morning, my back sore from the section of it where I missed placing sunscreen, and my arms itchy as all get out.
Lessons learned here: True love and happiness is attainable. Sunscreen higher than SPF 4 will get you the tan you want and protect your skin at the same time. *whimper*
I took a vacation day last Friday and visited friends from work during the long weekend.Huh. Ironic.
Thursday night, I drove to Long Beach Island to stay with one friend, who also had her (ex) sister-in-law (she was married to the sister-in-law's brother for 25 years before he lost his ever-lovin' mind and had an affair) and (ex) brother-in-law staying with her. Her house is a gorgeous six-bedroom guest and party house approximately 1.5 blocks from the beach. Sweeeeeeet!
The next day, we walked around LBI and they talked about their favorite restaurants, amusement park, miniature golf place, memories with their kids...and restaurants. (We are Italian-American. We like our food. )
We made it to the beach, and when her sister-in-law and brother-in-law went into the ocean for a dip, my friend explained to me they were childhood sweethearts. He loved her from the very moment he saw her, and even when she broke up with him during high school at one point and dated other guys, he never stopped loving her.
Ok, look. I've been somewhat cynical over the past few months, especially when conversation wanders to romance and relationships. But, for whatever reason, their story pulled at my heartstrings, and I got that warm and fuzzy feeling for the first time during the weekend.
I have to say, they were sweet to one another. She would get him plums - or anything else he wanted to eat (I envy his metabolism); he would wait for her patiently as she stopped at yard sale tables during our walk. The sister-in-law said to me at one point marriage is a crapshoot, and that she and her husband felt blessed to have the kind of relationship they have. Indeed. They seemed genuinely happy. How great is that?
I left LBI with a sunburnt tummy on Friday night, and then called my other friend who had been asking me to come visit him and his wife on their boat in Bayville, NJ since the beginning of the summer. I told him I would be there Saturday morning. I was thinking 11; he said "Great! See you at 9:30!"
Oy.
I managed to get up at 6am, shower and whimper as the water hit particularly sunburnt parts, and drive there with 10 minutes to spare. As he prepared the boat (which was an immaculate 32-ft Chris Craft - it looks similar to the picture here) his wife showed me to the facilities and happily told me about their dock. When all was ready, he and his wife worked as a team to steer out into the bay, read maps, and anchor the boat when they found an ideal spot.As I roasted on the front of the boat - you know, so I was pan-seared front and back - I caught glimpses of them cozying up together and looking at pictures on their digital camera. My friend likes to play it up and say sarcastic things about being married for 22 years and dating for 30, but it was clear they care for one another. Again, gave me the warm and fuzzies.
As I drove home that night, swearing to myself I didn't need that much 'color' ever again as I looked at my poor, red and burning skin, I thought about those two moments of kindness, friendship and love.
They gave me hope.
I wish that hope had come with common sense. I woke up this morning, my back sore from the section of it where I missed placing sunscreen, and my arms itchy as all get out.
Lessons learned here: True love and happiness is attainable. Sunscreen higher than SPF 4 will get you the tan you want and protect your skin at the same time. *whimper*
Cake Wrecks
Ok, this is just funny: http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/
I want to know who ordered the cake shaped like a foot with rotted toenails.
Seriously?
I want to know who ordered the cake shaped like a foot with rotted toenails.
Seriously?
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Daydreaming Dilbert Style
There are days where I am totally feeling Alice's vibe. She's a character from Scott Adams' Dilbert cartoons. With all the change going on in my life, it's made me think about what I really want to do: hobbies, career, etc. I'd like to have a change where I decided to make it happen, not where factors outside of my control forced me into a change I didn't necessarily want for myself.
So, I'm thinking the book I've been meaning to write has to become the book I will write. I think the dream job is out there somewhere, but I have to create it. I may go back to school or take a few art classes. Who knows.
So, I'm thinking the book I've been meaning to write has to become the book I will write. I think the dream job is out there somewhere, but I have to create it. I may go back to school or take a few art classes. Who knows.
Monday, August 11, 2008
My WTF? Moment...
So, today was weird.
I had a very disturbing weirdo magnet moment at my local home improvement store this morning.
I went there to pick up paint for the house (my Dad is motoring with the paint jobs – he’s doing the hallways this week). There was a grandpop-esque gentleman at the counter. He was a really nice guy. Called me hon. You know, the usual you would expect at a local home improvement store.
He prepared the paint, put the top on the can, and put a little dot of paint on top so I could see what it looked like. I thanked him and picked up the paint can.
The dot wasn’t dried, and I got paint on the sleeve of the long-sleeved shirt I was wearing. Instinctively, as a grandpop, he grabbed my sleeve, licked his two fingers, and proceeded to try to rub the paint out of my shirt.
I had no words.
I’m pretty sure putting spittle on a customer’s shirt is not in the customer code of conduct.
Ewwwwwwwwwwwwww.
He meant no harm. In a way, it was sweet...you know, other than smudging his spit on my shirt. I know it was Pop-Pop instinct. I know it was. But, at the same time...
*heebie jeebies*
I had a very disturbing weirdo magnet moment at my local home improvement store this morning.
I went there to pick up paint for the house (my Dad is motoring with the paint jobs – he’s doing the hallways this week). There was a grandpop-esque gentleman at the counter. He was a really nice guy. Called me hon. You know, the usual you would expect at a local home improvement store.
He prepared the paint, put the top on the can, and put a little dot of paint on top so I could see what it looked like. I thanked him and picked up the paint can.
The dot wasn’t dried, and I got paint on the sleeve of the long-sleeved shirt I was wearing. Instinctively, as a grandpop, he grabbed my sleeve, licked his two fingers, and proceeded to try to rub the paint out of my shirt.
I had no words.
I’m pretty sure putting spittle on a customer’s shirt is not in the customer code of conduct.
Ewwwwwwwwwwwwww.
He meant no harm. In a way, it was sweet...you know, other than smudging his spit on my shirt. I know it was Pop-Pop instinct. I know it was. But, at the same time...
*heebie jeebies*
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Can I Get a Halleluiah?
It finally happened. Finally, finally, finally!I took my normal "Dead Man Walking" approach to the scale this morning, and to my great joy I've hit my initial goal of 30-pound weight loss!
Yeeeeeeeee-haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
Now it's crunch time for the remaining 10 pounds for the rest of the year. I'm so happy!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Ooooo! Pretty...
I am so beyond excited!Dad painted the family room. I picked this fun, warm red. The room looks completely different, and I LOVE IT! He did a fantastic job. I also found pretty paisley curtain panels for $9.99 each for the family room windows, and they complete the look of the room.
Mom finished the curtains, and Dad and she hung them in the guest room on Sunday. They are so lovely. I can't wait to add the art work in the room, as well as get a day bed and desk in there.Next, I will buy the paint for the other guest room. Friends are coming over Friday morning to put the magic mover things underneath some heavy furniture and move it to the center of the room so the room can be painted.
Summer Television Guilty Pleasures
Season 5 of Project Runway is underway, and I have to say at first, ick. Wasn't happy. Wasn't impressed. This week changed my mind.One of the designers, Leanne, was in the bottom two last week. This week - my personal opinion - she should have won the challenge. I would venture to say the judges tossed a coin to pick the winner. The skirt she created for her challenge was extraordinary. I would buy it tomorrow.
The winner, Kenley, designed something out of my 1980s closet, but there was something whimsical about it (see the picture below Leanne's design). So, while I don't blame the judges for picking it, the workmanship on Leanne's skirt - the scalloping - was just exquisite.
What I love about Project Runway is that it's like looking at living art. It's just amazing the talent they find each year. I'm getting over my gripe that some of these folks have been doing this for quite some time. What makes me nuts this season: Suede. Suede is one of the designers, and don't get me wrong - he's got talent. But...
He talks about himself in the third person. As in "Suede likes what Suede did. Suede thinks Suede rocked this challenge out. Suede likes his model and Suede would never give her up."
Cheryl wants to throttle Suede. That's all Cheryl is saying.
My other guilty pleasure: Wipeout. Wipeout is a game show where people try to conquer ridiculous obstacle courses for $50,000. It's not so much what they do - it's what the commentators say about their efforts. I was at the gym last week when it was on, and I damn near fell off the treadmill laughing. One of the contestants was 19, weighed about 90 pounds, and was a self-proclaimed geek. He rocked the qualifying round. The commentator said it wasn't bad...for his first time outside. These guys KILL me! Love it. This game, while completely juvenile (the commentators talk about the 'big red balls' obstacle course with great glee), is a riot!I totally dig game shows. Not so much reality shows (even though I do watch Project Runway), but I love a good game show. I find myself rooting for all the contestants, because they really put themselves out there. Good for them. I might need to add "Participating in a Game Show" to my goals!
The Mayor of the DMV
On Tuesday, I had to go to the DMV to get my name change card. I can't remember the last time I've gone to the DMV for anything other than getting my driver's license photo taken.
I will say the people at the DMV could not have been nicer. All two of them.
Now, ask me how many people were waiting in line? Go ahead. Ask.
There were about 40 people when I arrived. Oh, and the building is about the size of a small happy meal box, and the line of people was wrapped around the building. Oh, and it was over 90 degrees outside. And there was no place to stand in the shade.
Oh, and it's the DMV, which means it's Wacko Central. Which means it's a beacon for my weirdo magnetism. The guy in front of me went into great detail about how his blood pressure was 117/172 (so I'm not sure how he's still alive), and how he got into a horrible car accident earlier in the year - which was a terrible shame. But, then, to add to the story - he had show 'n tell. Apparently the accident knocked out all his teeth, because he demonstrated to the woman in the unfortunate position of being directly behind him in line how he could drop out his top and bottom dentures. Blamo. One set of teeth drops, and then the other. Ta-da!
Ewwwwwwwww.
In addition, he was trying to make friends with everyone in line. Let me be clear: it was 90+ degrees, and it took me a total of two hours to get a name change card. I was in no mood for this guy. I managed to avoid eye contact. He did try to inform me how to do what I needed to get done - as with all the other people in the crowd. I later figured out why he was being so friendly with everyone: He needed a lift. He kept saying how he wasn't sure how he was going to get to the next town. The woman directly behind him started to give him directions, and he said, "Oh, I know how to get there. I just don't know how I'm going to get there. I hitchhiked here, and I need to hitchhike there." The guy in front of him subtlely moved as far away as he possibly could. Oy.
The woman in back of me was about the size of a Hobbit. She was just as interesting - and twice as annoying. Did I mention the heat? Well, she thought the best place to stand was right next to me. And I mean right. next. to. me. Grrr.
At one point, we were right outside the door, and the couple in front of me was kind enough to open the door so that we could get some air.
This is what happened next:
Hobbit: "Scuze meeeeeeeeee. Shut ze dooooor. Shut ze doooooooor. Hello? Scuze meeee."
Me: "Lady, we're getting air!"
Hobbit: "No, ju dun't understaaand. If dey leave ze door open, we will have no air for oos when we get in dere. Shut ze doooooor. (Repeat Shut ze doooor about 50 times.)"
I finally crawl inside, with the Hobbit attached to me.
Then:
Hobbit: "Ooo. I dun't know if I am in ze riiight line."
Me: "What are you here for?" (Obviously there were two meanings to my question...)
Hobbit: "My license expired."
Me: "You're in the right line."
Hobbit: "Are ju shure?"
Me: death glare
Then:
Hobbit: "Hey. Heeeey. Do ju know who I make ze check out to?"
Me: death glare "No, I don't."
Hobbit: "Ooooh. Cuz I dun't know who to make ze check out toooo. Ooohhh." whining ensues
Me: Ignores Hobbit for rest of the time in line.
I don't know how it happened, but I became the information center for the Hobbit. It was too darn hot for this much concentrated weirdo magnetism.
The good news is I have a new story for the book I'm writing. The better news is that I am one step closer to making my name change public. Woo-hoo!
I will say the people at the DMV could not have been nicer. All two of them.
Now, ask me how many people were waiting in line? Go ahead. Ask.
There were about 40 people when I arrived. Oh, and the building is about the size of a small happy meal box, and the line of people was wrapped around the building. Oh, and it was over 90 degrees outside. And there was no place to stand in the shade.
Oh, and it's the DMV, which means it's Wacko Central. Which means it's a beacon for my weirdo magnetism. The guy in front of me went into great detail about how his blood pressure was 117/172 (so I'm not sure how he's still alive), and how he got into a horrible car accident earlier in the year - which was a terrible shame. But, then, to add to the story - he had show 'n tell. Apparently the accident knocked out all his teeth, because he demonstrated to the woman in the unfortunate position of being directly behind him in line how he could drop out his top and bottom dentures. Blamo. One set of teeth drops, and then the other. Ta-da!
Ewwwwwwwww.
In addition, he was trying to make friends with everyone in line. Let me be clear: it was 90+ degrees, and it took me a total of two hours to get a name change card. I was in no mood for this guy. I managed to avoid eye contact. He did try to inform me how to do what I needed to get done - as with all the other people in the crowd. I later figured out why he was being so friendly with everyone: He needed a lift. He kept saying how he wasn't sure how he was going to get to the next town. The woman directly behind him started to give him directions, and he said, "Oh, I know how to get there. I just don't know how I'm going to get there. I hitchhiked here, and I need to hitchhike there." The guy in front of him subtlely moved as far away as he possibly could. Oy.
The woman in back of me was about the size of a Hobbit. She was just as interesting - and twice as annoying. Did I mention the heat? Well, she thought the best place to stand was right next to me. And I mean right. next. to. me. Grrr.
At one point, we were right outside the door, and the couple in front of me was kind enough to open the door so that we could get some air.
This is what happened next:
Hobbit: "Scuze meeeeeeeeee. Shut ze dooooor. Shut ze doooooooor. Hello? Scuze meeee."
Me: "Lady, we're getting air!"
Hobbit: "No, ju dun't understaaand. If dey leave ze door open, we will have no air for oos when we get in dere. Shut ze doooooor. (Repeat Shut ze doooor about 50 times.)"
I finally crawl inside, with the Hobbit attached to me.
Then:
Hobbit: "Ooo. I dun't know if I am in ze riiight line."
Me: "What are you here for?" (Obviously there were two meanings to my question...)
Hobbit: "My license expired."
Me: "You're in the right line."
Hobbit: "Are ju shure?"
Me: death glare
Then:
Hobbit: "Hey. Heeeey. Do ju know who I make ze check out to?"
Me: death glare "No, I don't."
Hobbit: "Ooooh. Cuz I dun't know who to make ze check out toooo. Ooohhh." whining ensues
Me: Ignores Hobbit for rest of the time in line.
I don't know how it happened, but I became the information center for the Hobbit. It was too darn hot for this much concentrated weirdo magnetism.
The good news is I have a new story for the book I'm writing. The better news is that I am one step closer to making my name change public. Woo-hoo!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Random Weekend Musings...
- The Stair Master is still evil. But, manageable. I was able to grunt, heave and stumble through a 15-minute session on the automated machine at my gym.
- One. Frakin. LB. I am so close to 30lbs of weight loss, I can taste it. Unfortunately, it didn't taste quite as good as the Dairy Queen chocolate milk shake I had Saturday night. Hence relegating myself to said evil Stair Master on Sunday.
- Viggo Mortensen is hot. And a total badass. I watched Eastern Promises on Saturday night. Not only is he a good actor, but he is ripped. There is not one ounce of fat on the man's body. Everyone who has seen this movie knows the scene I am referencing.
- Mosquitoes suck. Literally and figuratively. I've been bitten twice this weekend. Bugs are really beginning to ruin my sense of calm.
Friday, July 18, 2008
The Stair Master is Evil
During this time in my life, I needed a healthy distraction. I rediscovered the gym, primarily the treadmill.
About three weeks ago, I hit a weight-loss plateau. My friend suggested I try a different machine. I think they call it muscle confusion.
So, I tried the StairMaster. Once. The Stair Master, after two minutes, kicked my butt. I sent a text message to my friend informing him switching up the exercise routine SUCKED.
I loathe that machine.
However, if I expect to continue to break the plateau, I must return to it.
Here's the thing I don't get. The machine emulates walking up stairs. I walk up stairs all the time. I don't hate normal stairs! Seriously - not digging the Stair Master. It's evil. Evil!
Oh, and the eliptical machine is no treat, either.
Can you tell I'm cranky?
About three weeks ago, I hit a weight-loss plateau. My friend suggested I try a different machine. I think they call it muscle confusion.
So, I tried the StairMaster. Once. The Stair Master, after two minutes, kicked my butt. I sent a text message to my friend informing him switching up the exercise routine SUCKED.
I loathe that machine.
However, if I expect to continue to break the plateau, I must return to it.
Here's the thing I don't get. The machine emulates walking up stairs. I walk up stairs all the time. I don't hate normal stairs! Seriously - not digging the Stair Master. It's evil. Evil!
Oh, and the eliptical machine is no treat, either.
Can you tell I'm cranky?
Funniest Man on the Planet (or on E!)
I can't get enough of Joel McHale, the host of The Soup on E!
The guy is a frakin' riot. I remember John Henson, the original host from Talk Soup, and that show was funny. But Joel - Joel is pure evil. And really enjoys his role being completely devilish.
If you need a good laugh, this is the show. Just watch this collection of clips from the show:
The guy is a frakin' riot. I remember John Henson, the original host from Talk Soup, and that show was funny. But Joel - Joel is pure evil. And really enjoys his role being completely devilish.
If you need a good laugh, this is the show. Just watch this collection of clips from the show:
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Room, Interrupted
My poor Dad. He's immersed in making the house my sort of beautiful. I wonder if all the 'pretty' stuff is making him nuts.
I found this beautiful blue-violet color to paint one of the guest bedrooms. It's called Aphrodite. It's the first time ever I've had a wall in the house that isn't painted white. Sure, the living room has a stenciled chair rail, but the primary wall color is white. And now - I have a room that is this magnificent shade of blue. Dad has put up a few strokes of the color, and I already find the room tranquil, warm and friendly. A place you'd want to stay for a while!
In addition, Mom has offered to sew curtains for the room. I found a very pretty fabric. It was on sale to boot! It reminds me of a print I saw on the cover of a Pottery Barn catalog. While the background is a pale shade of lime, there are vibrant colors - blues, violets, reds, greens - that are going to make the window pop.
It's going to be such a transformation from the room that housed all of my husband's computer equipment. It was all white and metal.
Pretty soon it will pop with color and light and texture.
I'll be honest. I wish my soon to be ex could see this room. I really think he would have liked it, despite the floral curtains that are about to cover the windows. In a way, it's such a surreal thing. That was always his room. His office. His.
Now it's mine. When it's done hopefully it will feel like mine. Right now, I feel like I'm walking into a hotel room renovation and admiring what's being done to the place. I'm not even sure what that room will become. Perhaps it will be a home office. Or maybe a guest room. Or maybe a combination home office and gym.
In any case, it will be the first room that welcomes me home. That's such a great feeling.
I found this beautiful blue-violet color to paint one of the guest bedrooms. It's called Aphrodite. It's the first time ever I've had a wall in the house that isn't painted white. Sure, the living room has a stenciled chair rail, but the primary wall color is white. And now - I have a room that is this magnificent shade of blue. Dad has put up a few strokes of the color, and I already find the room tranquil, warm and friendly. A place you'd want to stay for a while!
In addition, Mom has offered to sew curtains for the room. I found a very pretty fabric. It was on sale to boot! It reminds me of a print I saw on the cover of a Pottery Barn catalog. While the background is a pale shade of lime, there are vibrant colors - blues, violets, reds, greens - that are going to make the window pop.It's going to be such a transformation from the room that housed all of my husband's computer equipment. It was all white and metal.
Pretty soon it will pop with color and light and texture.
I'll be honest. I wish my soon to be ex could see this room. I really think he would have liked it, despite the floral curtains that are about to cover the windows. In a way, it's such a surreal thing. That was always his room. His office. His.
Now it's mine. When it's done hopefully it will feel like mine. Right now, I feel like I'm walking into a hotel room renovation and admiring what's being done to the place. I'm not even sure what that room will become. Perhaps it will be a home office. Or maybe a guest room. Or maybe a combination home office and gym.
In any case, it will be the first room that welcomes me home. That's such a great feeling.
Monday, July 14, 2008
I. Can't. Breathe.
*snort laughing*
Yes, admittedly - these 'motivational posters' are unkind. But, you've got to appreciate the bravery. Viva la difference!
Yes, admittedly - these 'motivational posters' are unkind. But, you've got to appreciate the bravery. Viva la difference!
Cooking Again!
Sunday, my parents came over for dinner. I cooked a real meal. Not a Healthy Choice in the plastic bowl meal. A real, honest-to-goodness meal.
I could not even look at another piece of chicken, and red meat would not be kind to my stomach, so I went searching for the recipe for the other white meat - pork.
A while ago, someone recommended to me I purchase a cookbook from this place in Rochester, NY called the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. The recipes in this book are simply amazing, and for mere mortals like me, easy to follow.
The following is the meal I made for my parents. It is from the cookbook called Dinosaur Bar B Que: An American Roadhouse. I used two substitutions, mostly out of necessity. The sauce, by the way, is so delicious, I believe it could be used for to snazzy up chicken breasts, too.
Apple-Maple Roasted Pork Loin
Ingredients
The Pork
1 pork loin with the rib bones attached, 3 1/2 to 4 pounds (I had to get a pork loin without the rib bones - my local store said they don't do the cut until the holidays)
The Rub
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper
Pinch of cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
The Sauce (this is wonderful)
1/4 cup butter
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
Pinch each of kosher salt and black pepper
1 pound McIntosh apples, peeled, cored, and diced
3/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
3/4 cup Mutha Sauce (I didn't have the time to make this, so I used 3/4 cup of A1's Chicago Steakhouse Marinade)
1/4 cup water
The Garnish
3 tablespoons sliced scallion (I didn't use this)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F. Get the butcher to cut the chine bone from the roast for easy carving later. Mix up all the ingredients for the rub, and massage it all over the roast. Place the roast, rib side down, in a roasting pan and pop it in the oven. Cook for 30 to 40 minutes to caramelize the outside, then lower the heat to 350 degrees F and continue roasting slowly for another 25 - 30 minutes, til the internal temperature registers 150 degrees F.
Throw together the sauce while the pork is roasting. Melt the butter in a saucepan. Toss in the garlic and jalapenos with a pinch of salt and pepper, cooking til soft. Dump in the apples and give then a stir. Cook til soft but not mushy, 8 - 10 minutes. Add the maple syrup, cinnamon, allspice, Mutha Sauce (or in my case A1), and water, and simmer gently for 15 minutes. Keep warm.
Take the roast out of the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. Slice the meat between the ribs into chops. Pour any meat juices that ooze out while carving into the sauce and stir it up a bit. Ladle some sauce onto each chop and sprinkle with scallions. Serve 'em up and pass the remaining sauce at the table. Feeds 6.
I could not even look at another piece of chicken, and red meat would not be kind to my stomach, so I went searching for the recipe for the other white meat - pork.
A while ago, someone recommended to me I purchase a cookbook from this place in Rochester, NY called the Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. The recipes in this book are simply amazing, and for mere mortals like me, easy to follow.
The following is the meal I made for my parents. It is from the cookbook called Dinosaur Bar B Que: An American Roadhouse. I used two substitutions, mostly out of necessity. The sauce, by the way, is so delicious, I believe it could be used for to snazzy up chicken breasts, too.
Apple-Maple Roasted Pork Loin
Ingredients
The Pork
1 pork loin with the rib bones attached, 3 1/2 to 4 pounds (I had to get a pork loin without the rib bones - my local store said they don't do the cut until the holidays)
The Rub
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper
Pinch of cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
The Sauce (this is wonderful)
1/4 cup butter
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
Pinch each of kosher salt and black pepper
1 pound McIntosh apples, peeled, cored, and diced
3/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
3/4 cup Mutha Sauce (I didn't have the time to make this, so I used 3/4 cup of A1's Chicago Steakhouse Marinade)
1/4 cup water
The Garnish
3 tablespoons sliced scallion (I didn't use this)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F. Get the butcher to cut the chine bone from the roast for easy carving later. Mix up all the ingredients for the rub, and massage it all over the roast. Place the roast, rib side down, in a roasting pan and pop it in the oven. Cook for 30 to 40 minutes to caramelize the outside, then lower the heat to 350 degrees F and continue roasting slowly for another 25 - 30 minutes, til the internal temperature registers 150 degrees F.
Throw together the sauce while the pork is roasting. Melt the butter in a saucepan. Toss in the garlic and jalapenos with a pinch of salt and pepper, cooking til soft. Dump in the apples and give then a stir. Cook til soft but not mushy, 8 - 10 minutes. Add the maple syrup, cinnamon, allspice, Mutha Sauce (or in my case A1), and water, and simmer gently for 15 minutes. Keep warm.
Take the roast out of the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. Slice the meat between the ribs into chops. Pour any meat juices that ooze out while carving into the sauce and stir it up a bit. Ladle some sauce onto each chop and sprinkle with scallions. Serve 'em up and pass the remaining sauce at the table. Feeds 6.
Friday, July 11, 2008
I'm Thinking Disney
So, where do you go when your marriage will begin its end in approximately 13 days?
Disney World!
In the Fall, I will be heading to Disney World for the first time without my husband. I should be sad about it. But, I'm excited. I'm excited because two of my dear friends from college will be going with me, one of whom has never been to Disney - or to Florida for that matter.
There is nothing in the world, to me, as exciting as seeing Disney through someone who has never been there before. It's pure joy. I can't wait to see her face when she sees Cinderella's castle for the first time, or when she sees Mickey. I can't wait for my other friend to see the 'new' Disney World, as she hasn't been there since she was in the eighth grade.
I wish others could go with us this time around, too. But, it's not always easy to just escape. I'm one of the lucky ones.
Disney World!
In the Fall, I will be heading to Disney World for the first time without my husband. I should be sad about it. But, I'm excited. I'm excited because two of my dear friends from college will be going with me, one of whom has never been to Disney - or to Florida for that matter.
There is nothing in the world, to me, as exciting as seeing Disney through someone who has never been there before. It's pure joy. I can't wait to see her face when she sees Cinderella's castle for the first time, or when she sees Mickey. I can't wait for my other friend to see the 'new' Disney World, as she hasn't been there since she was in the eighth grade.
I wish others could go with us this time around, too. But, it's not always easy to just escape. I'm one of the lucky ones.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
My Food Cheat Week
My aunt and uncle sent me a card a while back for my birthday. On the front, there was a happy-looking cupcake with a face made of candy. The tagline was:
"Life is so much better with a sugar buzz on."
No truer words have ever been recorded, especially this week for me.
Since March, I've been on the 'Diet-Divorce-Exercise' program, and have remained relatively consistent on eating healthy. Then the Fourth of July hit, and the above-mentioned aunt made this killer chocolate chip cake. Since there's no shame in my game any more, I ate two pieces, and they were gooooood. But, I did exercise that morning. I rely heavily on the concept of the 36-hour afterburn of calories that supposedly takes place. It's my nice little piece of denial heaven I visit regularly.
Don't judge me, dammit!
The next day, I attended a graduation party for my friend's daughter. And guess what? There was cake there, too. I had a sliver. It was chocolate chip cake, too. It was goooooooood.
Sunday, I had a hankering for something called Buffalo Chicken Dip. This concoction is just pure heaven, if eaten in moderation. If. Did I eat it in moderation? Noooooooooooo. And I paid for it - big time on Monday. All day. And yet, still went to the gym.
Tuesday, I was good with the food, bad with the no exercise.
Wednesday, I broke down again food-wise, went to the store and fed my candy Swedish fish and Heartland Cheddar veggie chips addictions and purchased both, and proceeded to eat both - for dinner.
Today, I swore to myself I would be good. Of course, that's before I remembered I was meeting a friend at P.F. Chang's today. I had soup, a appetizer-sized portion for lunch and had a dessert shot (it's a dessert they smush into a shot glass) they said was based on s'mores. I think they achieved sugar nirvana with that thing!
But, I did go to the gym! A-ha!
Despite all of this, I have managed to maintain my current weight loss of 26.5 pounds, which was no small feat on the DDE regimen. But I feel so much better, because life is so much better with a smile on!
"Life is so much better with a sugar buzz on."
No truer words have ever been recorded, especially this week for me.
Since March, I've been on the 'Diet-Divorce-Exercise' program, and have remained relatively consistent on eating healthy. Then the Fourth of July hit, and the above-mentioned aunt made this killer chocolate chip cake. Since there's no shame in my game any more, I ate two pieces, and they were gooooood. But, I did exercise that morning. I rely heavily on the concept of the 36-hour afterburn of calories that supposedly takes place. It's my nice little piece of denial heaven I visit regularly.
Don't judge me, dammit!
The next day, I attended a graduation party for my friend's daughter. And guess what? There was cake there, too. I had a sliver. It was chocolate chip cake, too. It was goooooooood.
Sunday, I had a hankering for something called Buffalo Chicken Dip. This concoction is just pure heaven, if eaten in moderation. If. Did I eat it in moderation? Noooooooooooo. And I paid for it - big time on Monday. All day. And yet, still went to the gym.
Tuesday, I was good with the food, bad with the no exercise.
Wednesday, I broke down again food-wise, went to the store and fed my candy Swedish fish and Heartland Cheddar veggie chips addictions and purchased both, and proceeded to eat both - for dinner.
Today, I swore to myself I would be good. Of course, that's before I remembered I was meeting a friend at P.F. Chang's today. I had soup, a appetizer-sized portion for lunch and had a dessert shot (it's a dessert they smush into a shot glass) they said was based on s'mores. I think they achieved sugar nirvana with that thing!
But, I did go to the gym! A-ha!
Despite all of this, I have managed to maintain my current weight loss of 26.5 pounds, which was no small feat on the DDE regimen. But I feel so much better, because life is so much better with a smile on!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Fitting into the New Old Name...
I reclaimed my maiden name. My friends have been saying things like "that's so great you've gone back to it! Good for you!" I'm not sure how I feel about it.
How do I explain this?
It’s like rediscovering your skinny jeans in the back of your closet, putting them on, and determining if they fit again. That’s how I feel. I feel like I put my maiden name in the back of the proverbial closet, thinking I’d never wear the name again, because I was a happily married ‘married last name’. Then, when this happened, ‘married last name’ became a series of scarlet letters emblazoned on everything.
It would be different if I had children. It would have been a no-brainer, actually, for me. But, since we didn't have any, I changed my name. Or reclaimed it. Or embraced it. Or whatever.
While I haven’t had the name in such a long time, it’s wonderful and uncomfortable all at once that I have an option other than my married name.
Is that weird? To me, it’s weird. Wonderful, but weird. Because, my maiden name fits...I'm just not quite comfortable with it being comfortable.
How do I explain this?
It’s like rediscovering your skinny jeans in the back of your closet, putting them on, and determining if they fit again. That’s how I feel. I feel like I put my maiden name in the back of the proverbial closet, thinking I’d never wear the name again, because I was a happily married ‘married last name’. Then, when this happened, ‘married last name’ became a series of scarlet letters emblazoned on everything.
It would be different if I had children. It would have been a no-brainer, actually, for me. But, since we didn't have any, I changed my name. Or reclaimed it. Or embraced it. Or whatever.
While I haven’t had the name in such a long time, it’s wonderful and uncomfortable all at once that I have an option other than my married name.
Is that weird? To me, it’s weird. Wonderful, but weird. Because, my maiden name fits...I'm just not quite comfortable with it being comfortable.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
100 Goals in 100 Weeks
Perhaps you've seen him on television or heard something about the guy that sold his life. I kind of admire Ian Usher. Not only did he pick himself up after having his heart broken, but he allowed himself a do-over. How cool is that?
His original website, ALife4Sale, highlighted his belongings, life, work and friends - all so he could sell his life on eBay, walk out of his house, and start new.
As of June 29th, he's sold his house and furnishings, car, etc. Now what? He decided to set 100 goals for himself.
Check out his new site.
If you had the opportunity for a life do-over, what goals would you set for yourself? I've been thinking about that a lot lately.
Here's my list:
His original website, ALife4Sale, highlighted his belongings, life, work and friends - all so he could sell his life on eBay, walk out of his house, and start new.
As of June 29th, he's sold his house and furnishings, car, etc. Now what? He decided to set 100 goals for himself.
Check out his new site.
If you had the opportunity for a life do-over, what goals would you set for yourself? I've been thinking about that a lot lately.
Here's my list:
- Reconnect to the world. I don't know where I went, but I'm ready to return. I want to start inviting family and friends over for things like dinner and movie night and margarita night.
- Forgive myself. In this process, I've beaten the hell out of myself. I need to say 'enough.' Time to move forward. Not as easy as it looks...
- Figure out what I want to be when I grow up. I know what I can do. Now I need to figure out what I want to do, and how to do it with some sense of job security.
- Lose the weight, Tubby. Yeah, yeah. I know. Typical chick thing to say. But, while I really love my curves, my curves have had some lumps in between over the past few years. One of the by-products of the divorce process has been weight loss. I want to keep it up, and lose 40 pounds by the end of the year.
- Go to the gym. See the above goal...
- Write a book. Again this won't be a bitter broad story. I have a unique talent. Let's just say I'm a weirdo-whisperer. I don't mean 'weirdo' in a cruel way. I just find it fascinating that complete strangers will walk up to me and just start telling me stuff about their lives. It's never a dull moment, and I love every minute of it. But, before I start forgetting the stories, I want to write them down and share with all of the other weirdo-whisperers out there that they are not alone!
- Go to Paris. Again. For the first time ever, I got to go to Paris this year. So, in the midst of the divorce nightmare, I went with my sister-in-law and got to see Versailles, the Eiffel Tower, Disneyland Paris, Notre Dame, and stroll down the Champs d'Elysees. I want to go again and make sure the experience really sinks in. Contrary to popular belief, the Parisians could not have been nicer. I can't wait to go back!
- Bahston is Wicked-Haad Core. I've got to make up for lost time and make some trips to Boston to see my friends from college. I've made a point of seeing them once a year. I hope to do more visits.
- Make the house my own. There will be color on the walls. None of them white.
- Splurge and Purge. Ok, I will freely admit one of my favorite hobbies is to shop. I totally dig it. It's a complete rush. I get the greatest pleasure from buying other people gifts. I've decided that, as I purge the things I don't need, I'm going to buy myself gifts. For everything I purge, I will splurge. Now - does this mean I'm going to break the bank? No. It just means if I see a shirt and think it will look good on me, I'm buying it. So there.
- Vegas, Baby! Never been there, but it looks like a lot of fun!
- What's the rest of Europe like? I need to, before I die, see Italy, Scotland, England, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, and anything else that peaks my interest.
- Go to a NFL game. In all my years in Philly - the greatest football town in America! - I have not been to a game at the Vet or the Linc. Ever. What's up with that?
- Meet Oprah. Why not, right?
- Go skydiving. Anyone who knows me knows I am snort-laughing in my chair right now. It just seems better than saying getting some sleep...
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