29 December 2006

blink... blink... blink...

There are days when I actually sit here and stare at the blank screen all day long. The little cursor flashing and mocking me, knowing the words are there, yet not knowing which ones to type.

And, although I'm completely sure you don't want to sit here and read about how I have nothing to write about, I'm equally sure you don't want to read about how Terran is trying to sell me on PJ Harvey (yes! I promise to go listen tonight!).

Its funny, I honestly started out laughing at him, but then he brought up the idea of how "it seems to be universal to try to "share/push" our interests and tastes." I think its a little more than that though. Our commonalities tend to bring us together in the first place, then we continue to explore our similarities and differences within the context of what we already know we have in common. After a certain point in any relationship, it becomes "safe" to discover that we do indeed have differences, and we know that those differences aren't going to drive a wedge between us. So we share our quirks, our eccentricities, and we know (or we think we do) that the other person has already formed an opinion of us, and that one small difference isn't going to matter much in the whole scheme of things. Though, it would be nice if that difference actually ended up being yet another commonality. And, if that difference is something big enough that it actually does end up being a road block to friendship, isn't it better to get that out of the way and move on? I think so.

Still though, it is taking a chance. It is looking for even more common bonds, sharing the things we are interested in with the people we care about, and hoping that we know each other well enough that one isn't going to judge the other. I know, it seems frivolous to think that something as simple as music might change a relationship, I know I wouldn't discontinue a friendship with someone because they dislike Rush, but is that really what this boils down to?

I mean, take one of your "issues" ... we all have 'em.... those things that we feel so passionately about that its hard to even debate them without it getting heated. Could you be friends with someone who maintains the opposite opinion as you on one of those issues? Me personally, yes, I could be friends with them as long as we decided not to discuss those issues. Though, I'm not entirely sure I could have an actual "serious relationship" with someone who was diametrically opposed to me on certain issues.

blink... blink... blink....

26 December 2006

Official Doneness.

Finally. Actually done. It is over.

I really think my very favorite part of christmas these days (besides the spending time with family... of course, there's a whole other story there too), is my post-christmas champagne.

Yes, several years ago I started my own little tradition.... Christmas night is MINE. Everyone goes to bed "early" and I open a nice bottle of champagne... something I pick out for myself every year while shopping. The bottle goes into the fridge around December 15, and sits mocking me until December 25.

Then, Christmas night... everyone is passed out in their present/sugar/ham/booze induced stupor, and the mocking is NO MORE! muahaha! No more shopping, no more wrapping, no more fake smiles, no more holly jolly crap, I get to sit back and bask in the glow of presents (given and received). Just me, my new toys, and a bottle of decent champagne.

What more could a girl want? (yeah fine, I could think of at least one thing, but then we're just getting dirty.... and who wants dirty on christmas? *teehee*)

Love you all. Happy Christmas.

19 December 2006

I eat danger for lunch.

Radar Magazine has released its list of Top 10 Most Dangerous Toys of All Time. I'm so excited I just thought I'd share...

10. Fisher-Price Power Wheels Motorcycle
Apparently, the throttle was a little sticky, but ya know, you'll stop at some point... won't you?

9. Battlestar Galactica Missile Launcher
Now! With missiles measured exactly to your child's esophagus!

8. Johnny Reb Cannon
This was a 30" "authentic" Civil War cannon, it actually shoots little projectiles about 35 feet. Its all fun and games until...

7. Creepy Crawlers
(1964) Basically an open hot plate where you could melt plastic and make your own critters... oh, and apparently, the plastic critters were toxic too. I love the smell of melting toxic plastic on Christmas morning, don't you?

6. Bat Masterson Derringer Belt Gun
A cap gun for your belt buckle designed so that when you pushed your stomach against it, a little gun would pop out and fire a cap. Perfect to keep at your crotch.

5. Sky Dancers
1994) Yes, we should all give our children miniature helicopters to shoot at one another. As long as they are pink and frilly no one will get hurt... right?

4. Snacktime Cabbage Patch Dolls
(1996) Yay for fun with cannibals! The article said that 35 fingers & ponytails were 'bitten' by this little beast.

3. Mini-Hammocks from EZ Sales
(1984-1995) Responsible for 12 hangings. Really, there is nothing funny about the stupidity behind hammocks for children.

2. Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Lab
(1951) Only sold for one year. Wonder why?

1. Lawn Darts
Removed from the market in 1988, and yeah, I do remember enjoying throwing them at my little brother... that little bugger was quick too. Lucky kid.

So, if you still have a special little someone you really want off your list (forever), these are some great shopping tips! Enjoy the festivities, and Happy Holidays!

15 December 2006

My Friends...

You are all nuts. And, I love you for it.

Thanks for making me laugh. I love those two minute phone calls that usually start with something along the lines of, "hey, you know what's funny right now?" and end with, "I knew YOU would appreciate that."

You are all terribly silly, and I appreciate every one of you for bringing your own special flavor of crazy into my life.

11 December 2006

Really Disgusting

I have been able to eliminate about 99% of the processed and canned foods from our diet. But, every once in a great while, its nice to open a can of soup and throw it in the microwave while grilling a cheese sandwich (I have an addiction to Mac & Cheese and Tater Tots too...).

Tonight was one of those 'soup & sammies' kinds of nights. I did all the prep work, and opened a can of creamy potato garlic soup.... well, at least, that's what the label said. Even without the smell and odd coloring I would have known something was wrong based on the texture.

I am relatively sensitive to texture, its one of the many reasons I won't go near watermelon or guacamole, also the reason I have a hard time wearing corduroy. But to see something that is called "soup" slide out of a can in a solid log (think cranberry sauce), then hit the bowl and literally crack in two.... well, yeah, you can imagine my reaction. The clencher though? The tablespoon of brownish black liquid that dribbled out of the bottom of the can to garnish the soup log.

Its just too bad no one was around... I always love a good opportunity to pull the old,"hey, does this smell bad to you?" And this opportunity, classic.

By the way, I will never be eating canned soup again.

07 December 2006

"A date which will live in infamy"

Really?

Yes, I haven't watched the news today. And, we all know that I gave up on newspapers long ago. But... really? Why is it that that Pearl Harbor Day isn't even on my calendar?

"The two-hour aerial raid began just before 8 a.m. and destroyed or heavily damaged 21 ships and 175 aircraft, killed 2,390 people and wounded 1,178 others. It plunged the United States into World War II and set in motion the events that led to atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan." (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061207/NEWS03/612070379/-1/BUSINESS07)

This is not important enough in our history to put on the calendar?

Totally calling the calendar company tomorrow. Sheesh.

Christmas Spirits

I'm having hot butter rum for dinner.... nothing like christmas spirits to perk up the mood of the season... I'll come back and drunk blog later.

06 December 2006

Its all about me

When I was a kid I had all kinds of dreams and plans. I can remember wanting to grow up to be many things: lawyer, doctor, president, astronaut, musician, actor. Kind of high hopes for a little girl in the 80's, but in the end I always felt I was destined to be somewhat famous. Ok, who am I kidding... REALLY famous.

I've always been the type to enjoy being the center of attention, to this day, I still enjoy a bit of the spotlight on occasion. But, these days, I also enjoy handing someone else up into the light, then sitting back and watching. I've learned how to be next to the spotlight, and to enjoy the subtlety of the shadows. Which is a good thing since I seem to surround myself with people who also have 'big' personalities.

So, now here I sit... big personality, big dreams... and here I sit. Not that I don't enjoy who I am or my life, because generally I do, its just not quite what I had in mind.

05 December 2006

W(h)ine Anyone?

"I've read there is no such thing as a single tear, that old poetic trope.
And perhaps there isn't, since hers was simply a companion to my own."
-Elizabeth Kostova in The Historian

That's it! I've resigned myself to wine and comfort food. Its really all I can think of that will (momentarily) make me feel better.

A bottle of Camelot Cab., and a huge bowl of home-made chili (extra tabasco), and a couple of cornbread muffins (extra butter... the real stuff).

In the last week, I've been affected (either directly or indirectly) by five deaths. FIVE in a WEEK! Not to mention the three car accidents, which involved four of my friends, in the last month. Yeah, feeling a little stressed... a little worried... a little overwhelmed.

Like Glen said (at tribe), we need a time-out. I kinda feel like things are falling apart all around me, and I know there are others who are feeling even worse.

All I can do is send out my love and hugs, offer my support, and be here for them, and myself. This calls for a refill... and a toast to us all.

04 December 2006

'Tis The Season (or: x-mas rant #1)

I have to say, Christmas is NOT my favorite holiday. This decoration is totally my favorite though:
I'm always kind of torn. On one hand, I love winter, the twinkling lights, the baking of yummy goodies, the fires, and hot buttered rum. I love spending time with my family and friends, I love giving gifts, and watching people open gifts... I will even admit that I love to receive gifts as well.

I hate the crowds, the commercials (and commercialism), the songs played ad nauseum, the stress (admittedly, self-imposed) of finding 'just the right gift,' the hurry up and go-go-go, shop-shop-shop, spend-spend-spend, of the season just makes me want to start slap-slap-slapping people.

People in general become even more self-centered and rude this time of year, as if there aren't tens of thousands of other people trying to do the exact same shopping they are doing. Everyone seems to be so tired and cranky, and so insanely self-centered. Can you explain to me how people can be so self-absorbed when they are out shopping for gifts for other people?

Seriously, if you are in a store buying a gift for me, and you are being an asshole, and you are cranky and tired and pissed off... PLEASE, I beg of you, put the gift down, go home, have some egg nog and spend some time enjoying your family and/or friends. That would be the greatest gift you could give me. I don't want a bottle of wine splattered with your gooey grumpyness, and the grumpyness of the 25 people that had to stand near you in line. I want a bottle of wine that is covered in love and smiles.

01 December 2006

As it turns out...

...Drew did it. I thought for sure it would be posting on the weekends that would end my month long posting spree. Darn that Drew. (Trust me, he would totally laugh at that, then tell me to get my blog-posting helmet for next time.)

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

The service was nice. It was so great to hear stories about Drew's childhood, and to hear other friends say the words I had been thinking (and wanting to say, but was not able to).

Thank you to everyone who hugged me, held my hand, handed me a tissue, put a hand on my shoulder, tackled me and held me until I stopped crying, made and/or got me coffee, bought me a beer (or other frosty beverage), and flashed me a great smile from across the room.

I also would like to thank Tom and Patrick, just for being Tom and Patrick. You guys have no idea how much I appreciate you both. (and by the way... I just realized you each win awards for telling me the most twisted story about a feline. AND, both stories originate with Drew. Nice.)

We have an amazing family. We say "faire family" for clarification purposes, but we are a family in every sense of the word. I am so very proud to be a part of this family, and for as many times as people have thanked me in the last 72 hours, I feel like "you're welcome" is nowhere near enough, especially after all you've been and done for me.

And, one last thank you to Drew. I'm so thankful you are a part of my family.