Something old Something new

Sorry dear readers, but I have been lost recently. Not literally lost, though there is a literary twist, but I have been up to my deepest brain cells in LOST – Season 5. It was so long ago that it aired and I just had to catch up. Now that I have, I feel more at ease with watching the Season 6 premiere on Tuesday. I just hope Sayid doesn’t die.

To also take up my time, I have gotten lost in a book: The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. Just 3 months ago I was number 775 on the waiting list at the library and now I am already past page 200. I have been enveloped in this tome to the point of only taking the dogs for walks and the occasional shower. I even gave up a Saturday Date Night to read.

But this didn’t stop me from eating. I didn’t want to leave the house, so I recycled food in a way, making something new from something old (or almost old). Remember the beans I made last week?  I mixed them in with a couple cups of chicken broth and some orzo and Voila- Soup! Really good soup too. Perfect for the cold weather we are having. It was only about a cup and a half of beans, but perfect and now I have 3 meals (budget friendly too).

How have you transformed leftovers???

Brotherly Love … My Ass!

"A man's soul can be judged by the way he treats his dog."
-Charles Doran

This post is a bit different that my others which encompass my generally optimistic and appreciation of diversity. I ask, what the fuck is wrong with the people of Philadelphia?

With Michael Vick now an Eagle, they have the right to rally and refuse to accept this decision of the team’s management, even refuse to attend or support their home team. But instead, they rally behind the man and show their appreciation of his disturbing behavior. I have been angered for weeks and pushed the thoughts of my disappointment in Philly behind me, but I can’t any more.

I watched Dog Town’s rehabilitation of these poor creatures and must share my two cents. I know I am preaching to the converted since my readers are all animal lovers. But I have to get it out along with the tears. My anger gives me headaches and my heart pulses and points not just to the perpetrator of these horrible atrocities, but to the city that supports him and his deeds.

If Vick was up for being a Tampa Bay Buc, I would be out in full protest, and I believe that there would be such an outroar that the team would make a better decision. We may be seen as backwards and a bit hickish, but the unkind nature of Philly is now more apparent than ever. I once met a bigoted woman who thought Philly was the best town on earth. I had heard about riots and massive racial discrimination, but figured that may only be hype. After getting to know her, and choosing to move on since she lacked any sense of true personality and regard for other humans, (she was cruel to her husband, child and those who came in contact with her) I realized that the negative documentations about this city could be real.

Guy is from Pittsburgh and he agrees that Philly is considered a bit of the heart of darkness. Now I know it is true. How could these people accept this judgment and back it up by backing their team? How could team mates not want to kill this man who is so unkind to those who need our love?

It is atrocious and I am so angry and so sad and bless that this could not, and would not, happen in my town. I may be wrong … but from what I have seen people do to help the disadvantaged locally, I know there would be a show of solidarity and true brotherly and canine love.

I will get off my soapbox now. Love You.

Resurrection Time - Day 7

Recently I came back to the world and got cable. I spent 4 years really not missing the abundance of crap to be found on the line, but bit the bullet when I reorganized my life. Now I am back to cable. My favorite thing is I have a DVR so I can record shows. My DVR list consists of Oprah, Anthony Bourdain, RENO 911, South Park, Knitty Gritty, Uncommon Threads, Creative Juice and Dr Who. Pretty much that is all I watch. I have scanned through the channels and appreciate the free on-demand of BBCAmerica with Coupling and BBC Reveals, but they show the same 4 episodes for an entire month and though I love it, I don’t love it that much.
My rejuvenation with South Park has been a real upper. Mich and I used to watch the show religiously about 10 years ago singing the songs and using the lines – “Screw you guys, I’m out of here.” But it fell to the side. Ronn discovered it recently and this lead to a resurgence of my own blasphemous love of those rotten kids. RENO 911 was soon to follow since it really is so wrong, that’s what makes it so good. All the craft shows are at O’dark thirty during the week, but with the DVR I can watch them when I get home and further stress myself out with more input on what to craft than I could ever have time for. So far I want to make bears for children in Africa, resin jewelry that I can also knit, garden signs, pillows and purses plus a straw hat. Dangerous stuff.
Oprah is in reruns, but since I didn’t see them the first time, it’s all new to me and I can skip over the commercials and the boring stuff in the last 10 minutes of the show. And Dr. Who. My beloved Dr. Who. I shall miss him next season since apparently he is taking some time off. I got hooked on the new Dr when I was visiting Patrick a couple years ago. After a day of shopping at IKEA, pomegranate margaritas at Rosa Mexicana and dinner at Paloma, we settled in and he turned me on to the Dr. I was not happy at first, but figured it was his house and there were martinis so all was well. And it sure was. I went crazy for it. And Patrick, being so smart and up on pop culture filled me in on all the little tidbits. Now I am hooked. It drives Ronn crazy, but I figure it is in balance with his enthusiasm in gardening.

Getting cable back was one of the best things I have done in a while. Now when the bill comes I may rethink this exploit, but as long as I do freelance I can pay for it.

So what’s on your DVR????

Disco, Disco Mouse - Day 34

Ronn gave me a present the other day – a new mouse for my laptop. I was having one hell of a time adapting to the thumb pad on the damn thing, so he solved the problem. Now it makes my life so much easier. I can sit back on the couch, with my ankle elevated and watch TV while I work.

As soon as I plugged it in, the damn thing started flashing and in my head so many of those dance favorites started to sing. I just stared at it for a while, mesmerized and trying to follow the pattern (that's one of my personality traits - pattern finding). It feels fine in the hand and is actually a bit soothing with all the faux gemstone bumps against my palm. It is a true jewel in my book.

I stayed up pretty late last night watching Primeval-a BBC sci-fi show. Last week it was Jekyll. Primeval is Ok, it is better than anything I can get on my lonely 6 analog channels, but Jekyll was great. I loved everything about it from the actors, the story, the action and the way it was shot. James Nesbitt was great in both roles as Mr Hyde (otherwise called Mr. Sexy Pants) and Dr. Jackman (not related to another mixed-up mutant, Hugh Jackman growl.)

The only problem is I stay up late and I love sleep so when the next morning arrives, and after I say thanks for being alive another day, I feel the pain, like now. This computer screen is too bright. Funny how when I wasn’t working, I loved getting up early and having a full day of it, but of course it was all about me. I am a selfish lass.

So now disco mouse and I shall wobble and finish up some minor touches, pack ourselves away for the work day before us (so many things, lets hope it goes by fast) and then to book club this evening. I get even more tired just thinking about it. I need more coffee Salut.

Escaping the Mundane – Day 19

A false title for a rather mundane day. But I seem to find pleasure in some of the most simple things – things that carry me away from boredom.
Today was mostly about work and with that a new book I am listening to. I find that listening to books while I work on this Web stuff keeps my mind occupied enough to make it so I don’t go stir-crazy. Today’s book is Escape by Carolyn Jessup. She was a woman involved in a polygamous relationship with the FLDS (Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints) or something like that. A woman in my book club suggested it and it was available through the on-line library so why not. This project is going to take a hell of a lot of hours and I need to keep myself entertained.
I was so drawn in that I pushed through my task at lightning speed. So far I am at her being a newlywed in a marriage to an older man that she never chose. It is a life so foreign to me that the interest is detailed enough to make me stay up late. I wanted to stay latched to my computer instead of spending the day with Ronn.
This is not as bad as it sounds. Ronn and I spend plenty of time doing our own thing. I think it has to do with the fact we are both very independent people. But today was his golf day and I had to hear the gruesome details of cult life. Now I am not very familiar with cults, though I did grow up near Clearwater, the hub of Scientology. I don’t really care to much for religion, cult or otherwise. Yet I do like to attend the Unity Church from time to time, but they are very different, very accepting and a bit of an intellectual experience in their hour-long service. So far I noticed that other religions, Scientology and such, don’t like people to think for themselves so I have never been too inspired.
This book is a wonder however. The strength of the author alone to leave with her kids into a world she knew nothing about and one that had been banged into her psyche as one of evil is overcoming almost impossible odds. Plus I wouldn’t want to be married and share my man.
After watching Real Sex on HBO, I could see the draw to the swinging lifestyle, but not the 24/7 “who’s in charge with another wife” one. Plus the whole baby-making thing puts me off. Sex (at least for me) isn’t about pro-creation.
Thank you all for reading and please don’t trip over my soap-box on your way out.

But the day wasn’t all work and polygamy. This morning I got to sleep-in and then watch the latest American episode of Dr Who. (Rose is coming back, I think). Yes I am a geek, because I rewound it to make sure that was Rose and I barely stopped myself from calling Patrick to say, “OMG did you see it, Rose????” No I had some restraint.

The evening was quiet, as well as I visited my Dad at his condo on the beach. It’s one of those time-share things and he loves it. He gets one week a year to be a beach bum. Last year he had to miss it since the day before he was supposed to leave he had a stroke. Of course he was more concerned about missing his week than his health. It was OK since I worried enough for both of us. He is doing great and got his week this year so all is well. Since he retired, my dad has been the cultivator and grows a plethora of vegetables all year round. It’s always a delight to visit him since I have no idea what I will come home with – a fig tree, cucumbers, oranges, tomatoes, an avocado tree. It rocks.

So now I am back at work, taking a break from the book and the cigars, and soon to return to my tasks so I can get my check.
BTW – Did you see Rose???

A Private Tour of My Sex and The City – Day 17

No this is not a guided tour of all the places I have had sex in this town. Though that would be fun, but I have friends who have even more exciting tours to tell about. No, this is about my night out with Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha.

Last night was the opening of Sex and the City movie. Since this was, and is, one of my favorite TV shows I just had to be there first night. I went with Renee and some of her friends, all fans. No spoilers here, but I loved it. I feel like I can identify with each woman on screen. Carrie, the writer and a contemporary woman who falls madly in love and learns a bit from it each time; Charlotte with her pristine sensibilities and craving for nice things; Miranda, workaholic, yet woman who appreciates a night just watching TV, though feels most comfortable doing it all; and Samantha, well I remember the slut days of years ago.

One of the main reasons I am so drawn to this show is the friendship factor more than the fashion. To have close friends that would do anything for you at a drop of a hat. Of course, like Movie Romance, their friendship has never fully played out in my life, but I have been blessed with great comradeship. I only speak of sad feelings to a couple friends, either not wanting to burden others or not wanting to leave an open for them to take hold and redirect the misery towards their own lives. Real mothers don’t have time to make a brunch date or want to go out partying anymore. Dressing up is for first dates, which has long passed for some. And to be promiscuous only draws a downward glance from the married folks.

Yet there is a nice feeling of hominess when it is just a couple girls hanging out at home watching TV or out for a simple dinner. I do get some fill with nights out with Guy, but we usually just sip martinis and enjoy people watching instead of making ourselves the center of attention. My clothes are from Target and Dots, with a faux Prada bag to set everything off, yet Payless Shoes never seem to match it.

Watching this film only brought me closer to buying the box set so I can waste away hours watching these women over and over again. I have cried with them, laughed with them, and enjoyed listening in on their girl talk. They are like friends that I only see rarely, but I get their private jokes and appreciate their mistakes.

And then there are the men. Mr. Big. I am not much into Chris Noth (Law and Order), but as Big he is my knight. Her complete love for him and his unacknowledgment. When he realized at the end of the show that he loved her and went to Paris to bring her back, I felt a hope.


So though I may not have the shoes, the wardrobe, the realistic NY apartment, the corral of fabulous and always available friends or the financier lover, what I do have is priceless. I am grateful every day for the gift of friends who are real, a man who I love dearly, clothes that not only keep me from being naked, but fashionable in my own mind, a home that is entirely my own, and a DVD player to keep up with my city girls.
I am so lucky. Absofuckinlutely!!!!